There is NO SINGLE DECISION that will have a GREATER IMPACT on your life than…

“There is no single decision that will have a greater impact on you and your family than where you choose to live.”

Never forget, your home is your retreat.

Dear Lakehouse and Cottage family,

Welcome to your first issue of Cottage and Cove, our complimentary e-letter about how to turn your house into your personal lakeside retreat, both in feel and accoutrement.

A certain billionaire philosopher, I’m sure you know who I’m referring to, recently said,

“The single most important decision you make is where you live. It drives your business opportunities, relationships, food and water supply, politics, activities and day to day quality of life.”

Good, solid, objective fact for all of us to keep in mind as we do our darndest to live our lives to their full potential.

So in this first issue of Cottage and Cove. Let me first share my core beliefs about one’s home and you can see if they match yours.

First, I believe the purpose of your home is to be your retreat, your castle, your sanctuary. Not a swamp, nor a dump. Not a pigsty, nor a warzone. This is why each issue of Cottage and Cove will share a little secret to elevate the lakeside retreat you call your own (quaint cottages are okay too). These secrets will apply directly to enhancing the rejuvenation of your time, your body and mind.

Second, I believe that you, the homeowner, are the shepherd of the home. It is your responsibility to maintain your home, creating a safe pasture for grazing and play. And to enjoy what life has to offer without succumbing to worry and self doubt. Appreciative of what life has to offer you, and willing to contend with the world when necessary with courage, belief and optimism. (This is not an opinion, but a proven fact of attaining meaning and happiness which has been communicated again and again through both science and religion where billions and billions of both dollars and lives have been spent testing.)

Third, I believe that integrity is essential to thrive. The best people and brands always tell the truth dramatically. They don’t lie, shortchange readers, sully their good name for a modicum of attention or cut corners. We treat our readers(you) by the golden rule and only wish to help you attain what you desire. We ONLY partner with people and brands that do the same.

Fourth, I believe in you. In the tremendous untapped power of your capacity to achieve anything you truly desire as long as you believe (and it doesn’t harm another.) So in these letters, I will serve up bite size secrets for manipulating your space to its perfect fit, a visual symphony of flavors topped with some magic syrup, oft-overlooked keys for unlocking your own creativity and talent to act as the driving force behind your home achieving it’s great potential.

If you share these four beliefs, I am delighted we have found each other. You and I are kindred spirits, comrades in space, partners in time. Which leads me to:

When considering your Lakehouse, never be afraid to say precisely and boldly what you believe in and what you want.

I call this Retreat Mode.

Retreat meaning….

A place of warmth. Of intimacy where you can experience the beauty of relationships. A place of memories from childhood until the last days of life.

In fact, this is much more than just a mode. It is an expression of your most strongly held core values which serve as a clarion call to ensure that you squeeze all the juice out of the fruit called life.

You’ll find that when you clearly define the parameters of your homestead, you will never be exhausted. Never tired. Indeed, actively engineering your surroundings in the current overcrowded marketplace will set you definitely apart from mindless, envious zombies who try to be everything to everybody, special to no one.

Entering Retreat Mode at home is the surest way I know to attract and bond with kindred energy, true calm, idyllic beauty and friends. As I hope I have found in you.

Humbly wishing you a bountiful life

And a beautiful cove,

Zad.

PS. If you know of any lake house or cottage folk that would enjoy this Letter, just send them an email with this link: lakehouseandcottage.com/blogs/cottageandcove