Welcome to Our Gathered Cottage Blog!

Welcome

Ahhhh, is this real life?  I can’t believe Our Gathered Cottage is a reality, not just an Instagram username!  A year and a half ago my husband Curt and I purchased our first home, a darling 1953 cape cod in Baltimore, Maryland.  Since moving in we have not stopped fixing up our home in hopes to have it somewhat ready when we started the process to adopt.

Here’s a few photos from the day we moved in our home –

A little over 6 months ago I finally took the plunge and started an Instagram account for our home, Our Nottingham Cottage.  Within just a few weeks I started to meet the most wonderful people in the decor world that welcomed me with open arms.  I had no idea what this adventure would bring, but here I am writing my first blog post ready to hit the ground running!Shortly after we moved in our home we were matched with the cutest blonde hair, blue eyed little boy we would soon name Henry.  That was just the start of an incredible journey.  Since last June we have adopted Henry, taken in 2 long term placements, and 4 emergency weekend placements.  13 months ago we picked up a tiny 3 day old baby girl from the hospital, she goes by “sissy” in our home thanks to the boys.  In March we got a call for a 3 year old boy that was in desperate need of a place to sleep, even if it was for one night.  We couldn’t imagine going from 2 to 3 so quickly but we said yes and goodness we are glad we did!  We call him Finn and he is Henry’s best friend and such a light in our home.  For the past 6 months being parents to 3 children has been so busy but it made this crazy dream of ours come true.  In between the late night feedings, speech therapy, and weekly foster care visits; we kept on working on our home.

Here are a few photos of what our home looks like now –Until yesterday, you would have been reading this blog from Our Nottingham Cottage, so let me explain why I’ve changed my name and rebranded.  One day Curt and I plan to move closer to family and as much as I love our Nottingham home, that cute name won’t apply (especially if we build our dream home).  With that, I had a vision for this blog to include our foster and adoption journey – it’s the very reason we bought this home.  If you follow me on Instagram you know I toyed around with a few names until landing on this one.  I am a thrifter at heart, and with that am constantly gathering new and old things for our home and I truly feel like we have gathered our children through foster care and adoption.  Our Gathered Cottage is a perfect description of our home no matter where it is.  Thank you for visiting my blog today and I can’t wait to see where this goes!

P.S. If you want to receive my monthly newsletter, click HERE!

Until next time,

Amy

*If you are entering the Amazon farmhouse giveaway please leave a comment below as your entry!  The drawing will take place Thursday morning and will be announced on Instagram @ourgatheredcottage

  1. Missy Wiseman says:

    Congratulations Amy! Your site is beautiful!

  2. Jennifer @ Very Sleepy Girl says:

    Congratulations, Amy!! So excited for you!!

  3. Kait Bailey says:

    I LOVE the name you chose! It’s been so fun to watch your journey – congrats on the blog launch!

  4. April Medina says:

    Congrats on the blog launch! ♥️❤️💖

  5. Jade says:

    Love ❤️ your style!!

  6. Cynthia smith says:

    Love seeing your posts Amy!

  7. Amie Morrison says:

    Beautiful house + beautiful family! Excited to watch as you guys change and grow. Thanks for the inspiration.

  8. Amie Morrison says:

    Beautiful house + beautiful family! Thanks for the inspiration.

  9. Laura | bluehousewhiteporch says:

    Congratulations!!! So excited for you and to follow along!!im rooting for you!

  10. Brandi Garcia says:

    Amy, I know that so many will be inspired and blessed by your new blog! Congratulations on making your dream a reality!

  11. Rebekah Miller says:

    Amy I am so proud to call you my friend and I am so proud of you!!! This blog is beautiful! Love the name! It represents you well! Congratulations on all your success! This is truly your gift and I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this! Love ya!

  12. So excited for this blog!! It’s absolutely gorgeous, Amy!! 💙💙

  13. Haley says:

    SO excited about this journey for you, and your new blog!! It’s so beautiful, and you are simply a beautiful person!

  14. Kristen says:

    What a perfect first post! You nailed it Amy!!! It looks great and I’m thrilled to follow along on your amazing journey!

  15. Mary Siggers says:

    Congratulations!! So excited for your new blog!! Love following you and your sweet family❤️

  16. Stacy says:

    You did it!!! YAY!!! So excited for you!!! <3

  17. Tierra says:

    Love the new name & blog! Congratulations!

  18. Brittany Bilowus says:

    Congrats on the launch of this blog! Been following you on a Instagram for a couple months and I love every bit of it. So inspiring and real! Keep it up because I can’t get enough.

  19. Lindsey says:

    Congrats on your launch!! Your new name is perfect!!

  20. Karla says:

    Love the name!! Looking forward to following along with your blog. ❤️

  21. Michelle M says:

    Looks beautiful! Way to create your dream! Always inspired & blessed by your posts.

  22. Megan Gibson says:

    Congratulations on your blog 🖤 Love following your journey!!

  23. Chrissy says:

    Congratulations Amy, love the new name. I am so excited for you on this new journey.

  24. Kelly duhaney says:

    Been waiting forever for this to come out! Been watching the clock since 7 this morning

  25. Vanessa Moore says:

    Such refreshment for the eyes and soul this is. With so much ugliness and self-centeredness around us today, seeing your lovely home, darling kiddos and your servants heart is inspiring. May we all strive to “gather” together…

  26. Tammy says:

    I just randomly found you yesterday and I am so glad I did! Thanks for sharing your talent!

  27. Erin says:

    amyyyyyyyyyyyy! your blog is gorgeous!
    congrats! you’ve worked hard and it shows!
    xo

  28. Amy says:

    What a perfect choice for your new name! I love it and think your family is absolutely perfect! Also, your porch is my inspiration for our old ranch house eventually!!

  29. Lisa Serrano says:

    Congratulations!! So happy for you! That is exciting!!

  30. Laura says:

    Love your new name and the blog is gorgeous!!

  31. Erin says:

    amyyyyyyyyyyy! your blog looks gorgeous!
    congrats! you’ve worked hard and it shows!
    xo

  32. Kim says:

    So happy for you, Amy! Love the new name and the meaning behind it. It’s perfect for you!

  33. Katie says:

    Congrats! You’re one of my favorites on Instagram Stories. Can’t wait to follow along on your blog.

  34. Megan de Wit says:

    So excited for you girl! The site is beautiful!!

  35. Kayla says:

    Love your feed and following along with your adoption! This is going to be such a great season and journey! Congrats!

  36. Alisha Sparks says:

    Congrats on your new journey! I love the new name!

  37. Courtney says:

    Amy! My gosh 😍😍😍 as always it’s amazing you’re so talented and I’m so proud of you for following your dreams. You’re an inspiration. Good luck with everything! You go girl. 🙌🏻

  38. Nancy vega says:

    I love your style! Cant wait to see more. Congratulations on your new blog!!

  39. Canda says:

    Beautiful home! Looking forward to reading your blog 🙂

  40. Rachel says:

    Congratulations!! How exciting and can’t wait to see more!!

  41. Abby says:

    I love this! Congratulations for starting your blog. I can’t wait to read more!

  42. Abby Burken says:

    The transformation in your house is quite impressive! It’s so perfect.

  43. Michelle Szymeczek says:

    Congratulations! So excited to follow you on this new journey! I’ve loved watching you and your family the past few months. You quickly became my favorite instagrammer! We’re waiting to start our foster care adventure, and it’s so inspiring to see someone so real! ❤

  44. Rachel Chan says:

    You have an amazing job on your home!! It is incredible! I absolutely love your story on how your family became a family, it takes two strong individuals to do adoption. Congratulations!! Your family is perfect!

  45. Celine says:

    Absolutely obsessed 😍 Fantastic job hun!! I’m already inspired!!

  46. Curt says:

    I can’t believe I get to be on this journey with you hun! I’ve had a front row seat with a hammer in one hand and kid in the other haha. You are so talented and one of your best traits is your vision to see things not how they are, but what they can be. I can’t wait to see how far you go with this and to help out with all the projects. Cheers to the start of another chapter in this journey!

  47. Deanna Plebuch says:

    So so excited!!! Congratulations!!
    Love everything you do!!

  48. Klarissa Vigil says:

    Congratulations on your new blog baby. Design and house transformation are remarkable! Here’s to many more fun adventures in your Nottingham cottage, I’m truthfully gonna miss that name!

  49. Jennifer Coats says:

    Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to see more! Love the new name!

  50. Becky m says:

    So excited for your new blog!!!

  51. Aurora Mireles says:

    Congratulations on the launch of your blog!!!

  52. Rebekah says:

    Girl, I’m so happy for you and I can’t wait to read all the blitz posts to come

  53. Caitlyn says:

    I just recently started following you, so I never saw the photos of your home before all the work you put into it. What an incredible transformation – you are so very talented. I used a lot of your photos for inspiration for my new apartment. Aside from your talent, you have such compassion which the world could surely use more of. You have a really inspiring story – wish you all the best!

  54. Jessica says:

    Beautiful! I’m excited to watch your journey with those precious children❤️

  55. Stephanie says:

    Congrats on your Blog!!! Love following you and learning your thrifting ways ❤️ Looking forward to reading future blog posts!!!

  56. Joyce Stamatis says:

    Amy, I love your attention to detail and your choice in accent colors! 😉

  57. Kirah Terlip says:

    Oh my goodness!! Congratulations Amy! I LOVE the new name and this beautiful little space you’ve created. I’m excited to follow your journey!

  58. Margaret says:

    Congratulations! This is so exciting, and I love your new name 😊

  59. Ashley Hogge says:

    The new look is gorgeous! Congrats 💗

  60. Julia Parton says:

    So excited for this blog!!

  61. Rebecca Thomley says:

    Congratulations! Your home is beautiful!

  62. Kayce May says:

    Amy, it’s perfect! I love the new name!

  63. Beth Rager says:

    Congrats! Love the name change!

  64. Sophia McLaughlin says:

    Congrats on the blog launch! Your home is lovely! ❤️

  65. Emily Jacob says:

    I am so excited about your blog! It’s stunning. As a fellow thrifter and someone who aspires to create a warm and beautiful home for me and my family, I am inspired by all that you do. Thank you! Can’t wait to see what you create here…

  66. So happy for your blog launch day! Yay! Love this!

  67. Jalysia says:

    Congratulations! I’m excited to continue following your home and family as it changes and grows through the seasons! Blessings!

  68. Amanda Freiss says:

    Great job!!!
    Love your stories!!

  69. Janet says:

    Congratulations on achieving so many of your dreams in a short time! I look forward to reading more.

  70. Abby Scalia says:

    Can’t wait to see your posts!!

  71. Dawna Schraa says:

    This looks amazing and the name….ahhhhhh it’s perffect! Congrats of your launch day! Best wishes and you so got this girl! 🎉

  72. Alyssa says:

    Amazing!!! 💕

  73. Margaret says:

    Congratulations Amy!!! I am so happy for you and I love the name!!!!!

  74. Maria says:

    Congrats!! How exciting:)

  75. Lou Ann says:

    Congratulations on your blog launch Amy! I am a newish follower over on IG. Love the new name!

  76. Josette says:

    I love the meaning behind your new name. How your home has already been transformed is amazing. I look forward to continuing to be inspired!

  77. Krystal says:

    Absolutely stunning!

  78. Lou Ann says:

    Congratulations on your blog launch Amy! I am a newish follower over on IG and am excited to now follow your blog. Loving the new name!

  79. Erica says:

    Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow along!

  80. Catie Gillespie says:

    Congrats on the blog! It’s fantastic!!

  81. Sarah says:

    Girl, I don’t know how I missed that you’re an adoptive family!!! I was in love with your account already and now my heart is about to explode!! What a blessing you and your husband are!! May this journey you are embarking on be filled with joy and may the cloudy days allow you to appreciate the sun that much more!! Congrats Hun!!!

  82. Janna says:

    Love the site and the new name! Congrats!!! 😊

  83. Sami says:

    Congrats Amy! Can’t wait to read more.

  84. Rachel says:

    Your blog looks great! It’s so “Amy”!! ☺️ Nice job!

  85. Amy says:

    Love your style!!!

  86. Joanna Warren says:

    Amy, you are a beautiful and inspiring person with a home that reflects you perfectly! Thank you for letting us follow along!

  87. Angela says:

    I love your style and items you’ve chosen for the giveaway! Can’t wait to see more!

  88. krystal Millen says:

    Beautiful!!!

  89. Angela says:

    I love your style and the items you’ve chosen for the giveaway! Can’t wait to see more!

  90. krystal Millen says:

    Beautiful!

  91. Tabitha says:

    SOOOO excited for this blog! What a beautiful home you have made for your family. Those kiddos are very lucky to have you and your husband in their lives!

  92. Deanna says:

    Congratulations on your new blog! You have a lovely home!

  93. Tabitha says:

    SOOO excited for you!!! What a beautiful home you have made for your family! Those kiddos are lucky to have you and your husband in their lives! I can’t wait to see more of your home and projects!

  94. Jennifer says:

    So excited for you sweetheart! Congrats!

  95. Andrea says:

    The new name is perfect! I always enjoy your posts and stories on Insta and FB and look forward to reading the blog.

  96. Stephanie says:

    Congratulations on the blog, so excited for you Amy!! Everything looks fantastic!!💗💗

  97. Ashley Andrews says:

    I started following your story on Instagram a couple of months ago and am constantly inspired by your decor and family posts and am stoked you now have a blog, it looks great! Congratulations on this new journey!

  98. Michele Frey says:

    Congrats on the beginning of this new journey! Love the name and the meaning behind it!

  99. Raquel says:

    Congrats !

  100. Lauren says:

    Found you on IG! Love your blog!

  101. Ashley says:

    Congratulations! You are one of my favorite instagrammers and now I’m excited you get to be one of my favorite bloggers as well!! ❤️ You’re site is beautiful!!

  102. Taylor says:

    Big congrats Amy!! So proud and happy for you to have followed your passion, not only in the blogging world but also in fostering/adoption. It’s been a beautiful journey watching your sweet family grow and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and your loved ones next!

  103. Hannah Terrebonne says:

    I was so excited for the blog launch this morning! I opened it on my phone and was like Noooo I’ve got to see this full screen on my computer! It’s amazing! Congratulations…..can’t wait to read all your posts!

  104. Cathy says:

    So happy for you. What an amazing journey so far. Love following you and can’t wait to see what is next on your journey

  105. Cindy says:

    Beautiful! Look forward to following.

  106. mykayla says:

    OMG I am so excited for you and your new journey! I have loved watching your stories for months now and even though we have only messaged a couple of times, I feel a friendly connection to you and your family. I am so excited to read your blog posts and continue watching your journey. 💕

  107. Rachael says:

    Congratulations on your blog, it’s amazing! You have a beautiful home and family.

  108. Mykayla says:

    OMG congratulations sweetie! I am so excited for you! I have been watching your stories for quite some time now and I can’t wait to read more about you and your sweet family. Even though we have only messaged here and there, I feel this friendly connection with you and your family and I just love seeing that you are taking this exciting step! 💕

  109. Fallons.homestead says:

    Congrats!! What a great new venture

  110. Brandi says:

    Love your changes!!

  111. Mindy says:

    You’re inspirational, congratulations!

  112. Erica G. says:

    I so enjoy following you on Instagram, excited for you as you launch this new project! I know it will be awesome!

  113. Lori Jensen says:

    Yay!! Congratulations!! Your blog looks great!! 😁👍👏

  114. Amanda Golds says:

    Beautiful home and blog! Congrats on reaching 5K on IG!!

  115. McKenzie says:

    I LOVE your new blog!! I’m already in love with your Instagram account…I’m looking forward to following along here as well. 🖤

  116. Jenifer says:

    Congrats on your blog launch! 🎉 I love your feed & I am excited to keep up with your blog. 😊

  117. Charity says:

    Love love love watching alll your DIY videos !!

  118. Desirae says:

    Congratulations, Amy! I LOVE the new name! 💕💕

  119. April Sweet says:

    I LOVE the name! And your home is beautiful! Love following you and getting inspired by you! Congrats on the new blog! ❤️

  120. Tracy Rizzo says:

    So beautiful!

  121. Sara says:

    The blog looks fantastic! Congratulations!

  122. Jessica verry says:

    Congratulations. I love everything you do and love getting new ideas.

  123. Morgan Miller says:

    Congratulations Amy! I’m so happy I was able to meet you and curt through the Eddy’s. It has been so awesome getting to follow your life journey’s, through all your ups and downs with your beautiful family, and most of all your gift and talent in decor and DIY! I love it! Thank you for being a inspiration!

  124. Christine Aguiar says:

    Best of luck on your new journey! Website looks amazing!

  125. Kristen Luko says:

    Amy, I am so happy for you and the journey you’ve been on is incredible! You are such an inspiration!

  126. Katie Baker says:

    Amy!! This is so exciting!! Your logo is gorgeous!

  127. Callan says:

    So excited for you and so glad I found your feed on Instagram a few months ago!

  128. Pam says:

    What an awesome first post!!! I can’t wait for the next one!! Such a beautifully done blog!

  129. Lee says:

    Congratulations on your new blog! Happy for you.

  130. Pam says:

    What an awesome first post!!! Your blog is just lovely! I can’t wait to read your next post & follow along with your journey!

  131. Laysa Feagan says:

    Congratulations on your new blog!! It looks so good.

  132. Lainie says:

    Congrats Amy!! What a beautiful blog and home–I can’t wait to see more posts!

  133. Amber B says:

    Wow I love your story! People who adopt (or are able to) are very special people with amazing hearts! Also your home looks fantastiv in that short amount of time!

  134. Esther Gallarday says:

    AMY! You are amazing. I love following your page.
    Can’t wait to see what content you’ll be posting in the future. Hugs
    -Esther

  135. Jamie says:

    Congratulations! Your home is so pretty! I love looking at your Instagram for inspiration.

  136. Jenny Lockler says:

    I am so happy for you. Such a beautiful person and beautiful family. I love hearing about all your adventures and learning from you.

  137. Jill Spiker says:

    Congratulations!!!

  138. Tori Christian says:

    This is just so exciting Amy! If I could choose one instagram account that I follow that is the closest to my heart, it would be yours hands down! I love that you share your faith, your amazing decor taste, thrifting finds and your foster/adoption journey, as that is something we are hoping for in our future, God-willing. Thank you for doing what you do! ❤️

  139. Karina says:

    Congratulations on your launch! Excited for what this will become.

  140. Megan Sisson says:

    I’m so happy for this fresh start in your life! I love following your adoption stories! I hope someday you will right a book about it!

  141. Kassie says:

    Yay!!! I’m so excited to watch this grow with you!

  142. Amy Walker says:

    Wow!!!!! I’m loving your blog, you inspire in such a sweet way!!!! Super thankful to have found you through my friend Erin 💕🤗

  143. Adi Stamatis says:

    Yay! Amy, your blog looks great and I am already looking forward to more posts. 🙂 Congratulations!!

  144. Dianne says:

    Congratulations! Have been waiting for you to launch your blog for quite a while now. Loving your work💕

  145. Jade says:

    Congratulations on your new blog! It’s gorgeous. I’m so looking forward to seeing more from you on here!

  146. India Aust says:

    AMY! I stumbled upon your insta one day and man and I’m so glad. I haven’t followed you for more than two months but oh my goodness I have enjoyed it so much. Everyday after work I come home and watch your instastories. My heart hurts with you on weekends that you don’t have all your babies under one roof and I rejoice with you in your victories, no matter how small (like finally deciding on what to paint the bench. GREAT CHOICE with the green by the way. LOVE IT) you inspire me everyday and I can only hope to be as genuinely joyful as you daily. Thank you for showing love to the “least of these” as the Bible puts it. You’ve reignited the desire in my heart to foster/adopt when my husband and I are ready for kids. You, my friend, are one amazing woman. Never change! 🙂

  147. Jade says:

    Congratulations! Your blog is gorgeous. I’m so excited to see what you have planned for this page!

  148. Denise says:

    Great first blog ! I love your new name ! It’s a perfect fit ! Denise from @beebarnquilts ❤️🐝

  149. Cynthia Eells says:

    What a beautiful home to share with these lucky little babes!! I have tears in my eyes.

  150. Hayley Harder says:

    Love it girl! Congrats!

    @PINESTREETDESIGNS

  151. Caroline says:

    Hey girl I am so proud of you! This is such a beautiful site. I love it!

  152. Kate says:

    Congratulations! I first saw your photo featured on Grove collaborative page. Your home and family are beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing more!

  153. Sara says:

    I love the name you chose! I love following your journey on Instagram and all of the cute pictures of the munchkins! Congrats on this next step!:)

  154. Rachel Hockett says:

    Congratulations Amy!!! The blog looks amazing! Love the new name, suits you all perfectly!

  155. Sarah Pearson says:

    Congrats! Everything looks so cute

  156. Chelsea says:

    Congratulations Amy!!! Wishing you tons of success on your new blog! I’m excited to follow along with you on your journey. Also, I love the new name!
    ❤️

  157. Cortney Cooney says:

    Your website and blog is beautiful! So excited for you and love the meaning behind your new name ❤

  158. Janeth says:

    Congratulations! It is perfect, and so is the new name. Best wishes!❤️

  159. Tami Haney says:

    I have loved getting to know your beautiful family and following your gorgeous feed on IG! This maiden voyage blog is awesome…looking forward to more!

  160. Janine says:

    So excited for you and this new phase of your journey!!! Love your blog name and the meaning behind it! So glad I started following several months ago!

  161. Lauren says:

    Congrats girl! This is awesome!

  162. Kelsey P. says:

    I’ve loved following you on IG, you’re my favorite story feed! So excited for your new blog😊

  163. Kelly Jones says:

    What a blessing for you! You and your hubby have such a huge heart. Congrats on your launch!!

  164. Autumn says:

    Yay! So excited to follow your family & this new journey!

  165. Shannon P says:

    Congrats Amy so proud and so excited for your journey

  166. Shannon P says:

    So excited for your journey

  167. Janell W says:

    What a great start to your new blog! So happy and proud of you going out there and reaching for your dreams! I look forward to the next one!!

  168. Lara says:

    So happy for you!!!

  169. andie says:

    Hi Amy! Congrats on your blog!!! How exciting! I’ve been following you on insta for a little while now (I love me some good thrift finds too) and I have to tell you how excited I am for you on your new adventure. You seem like such a genuine person with a kind, warm heart and it shows 🙂 best of luck always!

  170. Kay says:

    Hey Amy!! I’m super happy for you and how your IG presence is growing. I’m looking forward to reading your blog!! Congrats!!

  171. Mindy Tibbs says:

    Don’t mind me while I drool and die over your before and afters! 😍 Loved being nearby to each your incredible journey…and it’s only the beginning. 💗🏡

  172. Chelsea says:

    Love this! So proud of you! 💗

  173. Melissa Zuspan says:

    It’s just perfect!!! I love every picture and every word!! Thank you for sharing your story and snippets of your life with us. Already can’t wait for the next one!

  174. Leah says:

    Congrats Amy! I’m so excited for you and your sweet family!

  175. Jenny says:

    Such a lovely home!!

  176. Erica Lowery says:

    Yay!!! I have been looking forward to this blog! So excited for you as you start this next chapter! 😊❤️

  177. Jen says:

    Congratulations on the launch of your blog! Love your family and your home and I wish you the best in this journey!❤️

  178. Misty says:

    Wow! What a beautiful story and a lovely home!!!! Congratulations on your new blog girl!!! <3

  179. Elisabeth says:

    Congrats on the new blog, Amy! It looks beautiful 💓

  180. Rachael Johnson says:

    What a gorgeous style!

  181. Sarah says:

    Congrats on the new blog. Can’t wait to see all your great ideas!

  182. Megan Wilson says:

    Your story is beautiful. Can’t wait to follow it more❤️

  183. Hey there Amy!! I love the name change. It fits and feels perfect for you all. I love your all’s home. It is beautiful.

  184. Stephanie says:

    Congratulations on the new blog! Also the new name! Cant wait to see what’s next 😍

  185. Maggie says:

    I love following along with your foster care journey! You and your husband seem like the sweetest, most genuine people. Congratulations on your blog! I can’t wait to keep reading. You give me so much inspiration for my home😊

  186. Cheyenne says:

    So excited for you! I have loved following your sweet family’s journey on instagram and can’t wait to read what you have planned on the blog!

  187. Denise says:

    Love seeing your ideas and your happy face!

  188. Robin B says:

    Would love to see a detailed post on you bathroom makeover. Thanks. Goood luck

  189. Luann says:

    I LOVE your master bedroom! Youre such a talented decorator! I’m so proud of you!! ❤️❤️❤️

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