Well it really is time to look back, sum it all up and review our first year in our first Australian home. It's certainly had some tough moments, especially the few months when the interest rate just kept creeping up in both countries, for both our homes.
But it taught me yet another lesson. And of everything the last year, lessons seem to be what I've come out of it all with. In a strange way, being on a budget has made me re-evaluate nearly everything my life was hinged on and in the process I realised I was kidding myself about the values that I thought I held. I'm still learning and wondering where I fit in…but I'm getting there.
And it really does feel like a home – coming away for Christmas has made me homesick, not for my house in England but for my Beach Cottage, the un-perfect one, the one with wet swimmers dropped on the deck, the one with sand in the hall, the one with the made-over bathroom with the dodgy paint & wetsuits slung over the shower door…
Here's to 2009, cheers to another year filled to the brim – I'm sure I'll be learning much more – wanna hop on for the ride?
Hi, thanks for stopping by my blog, I love all the gorgeous pics of your house, it’s stunning. Will let you know what the book’s like when it arrives
Mel x
Oh my – now that was so relaxing, looking at the pictures and reading this post.
Your home is so beautiful. I didn’t realise you had been in Australia such a short time – you have done a wonderful job at settling in!! I look forward to 2009 at A Beach Cottage!
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday too!!
Looking at your pictures is like reading a wonderful home magazine. So stylish!! I wish I had a home like yours!!!
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS!!!!
Sabine
I’ll be her in 2009- no doubt. Not only because your cottage is my fantasy cottage
but also for your lessons in value. I must admit I’m a tad keep up with the Joneses without even realizing in. Seeing what you have done- and how lovely it all is!- on a budget is inspiring. Your lifestyle- even more so. Here’s to me finding my inner “beach cottage” in 2009 ~ with lots of glittery , white help from your blog. 
I feel more rested and relaxed just looking at these beautiful photos of your serene home! Thanks for joining in on my Year in Review party!
You bet!
Your pictures are very inspiring and so serene, just plain lovely to look at! Thanks for posting them.
Oh, I need a visit here to relax a few days!
Sarah, your photos are truly magazine worthy! Just beautiful. Have a very Happy New Year, so glad we met this year, looking forward to more fun in 2009. Hope you’ll come by my party on Jan. 7th. You’ve got some good projects to share.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful beach cottage photos in one post-you should feel very proud of what you have created, even on a budget…I look forward to more inspiration from your blog in 2009
when are you going to start a biz with all of your decorating ideas? ? ? love the pix!
I am so glad you are settling in! Longing for home and realizing where home is can be surprising some times…but there is no place like home!
Your home is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for always welcoming us into your cottage!
Thanks for sharing all that you have this past year. Your photos are lovely, and your humorous writing style always puts a smile on my face. People pay big bucks to achieve what you have accomplished for just pennies on the dollar! Kudos!
what a precious post. i, too, am re-learning who i am and my place in this world…knowing that other’s share the same…makes me NOT feel so crazy at times. we’re all on the journey. Happy New Year!
Sarah-
I love your beach cottage style of decorating, the clean look of it, consistency with keeping true to your colors, and the thriftiness of it all. You are my mentor. I need to do some serious sifting through mindless stuff through out my house and only keep what I truly love.
Your photographs are excellent as well.
Thanks for opening up your home to ours.
Gretchen
As always great pics. love the one with the striped bag on the beach! Absolutely fabulous!
sorry i mean floral….interrupted by kids and my brain went bonk!
I say you’ve had a beautiful year! And no doubt lessons will be learned every year, without fail!
Sarah~Thanks for giving me such awesome decorating inspiration each and everyday!
I’ll be tagging along for the ride in 2009! 
Thanks for sharing your life and home with us! 
Rachel
I love it, Sarah! It just speaks, “HOME.”
XO,
Sheila
I stumbled across your blog by accident one day and I love it !! Your home is truly beautiful and it has given me inspiration on where I want to be … I too am a brit living over here. Have been here nearly 9 years .., where has that time gone ! We have just moved to the Central Coast and will be looking to buy a house soon .. or I should say, I will be looking to buy a beach cottage
)
Best wishes and happiness for 2009
Karen x
PS where is the auction house, that you use ?
I saw your comment on my blog and can’t believe you’ve only been in your place for a year, too! You’ve gotten sooooo much done. And seeing all of your pictures together. Wow. WOW!
Congratulations, and I’m chuffed to hear you long for your beach cottage when you’re away. Home is where the heart (and the sand) is.
I’m looking forward to many more thrifty boom booms with you in 2009!
xo, Laura
Sarah~ I very seldom comment but I enjoy your blog daily and have enjoyed watching your Beach Cottage evolve this year. I have always wanted to live near a beach but am very land-locked! So I’m looking forward to 2009 with you in your beautiful home.
What a wonderful post and I loved seeing the photos too.
I so enjoy your blog and your beautiful home. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Sarah I just have to tell you that you have impeccable taste. Everything you do looks so classy. You really have great style. Happy New Year.
Hugs,
LeAnn:)
Hi Sarah,
What a great post! This year has been a roller coaster ride for us as well, hubby decided to have mini mid life crisis & go back to uni (only to find out that this is near impossible on my wage alone). So whilst we only rent, money was extremely tight & bills still had to get paid. Add 2 beautiful children to the equation & you soon realise that ‘keeping up with the Jones’s’ is sooo not worth it….
I love your honesty, wit & humour & will be back to visit you in 2009.
Have a fabulous New Years, Cheers!
Sarah
Heres to you and the rest of the beach family having a great 2009. Am looking forward to many more of your stories and pics of your beautiful house. A huge inspiration to me….i still think you should be in a magazine or have your own book ! Mel xxx
Happy New Year to you and your cottage family! Can’t wait to follow you and see all the wonderful things you will do!
Much blessings,
LuLu
Your beach cottage is my dream home. Beautiful pictures!! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful New Year! I hope to spend at least one weekend at the beach in 2009!!
Sure do want to jump on for the ride, my very creative and frugal blogging friend!
Brenda
oH, yes..I want a year just like you described…with all of us healthy,safe and having fun….that’s what it’s all about..we only pass this way one time and it should be filled with laughter and not tears…
Your photos are just stunning…
I must say your style of writing and your home decor is so wonderful.It is always a pleasure to see what you have done.I am finding your taste is evolving into something quite pretty and appealing to all.I am looking forward to more visits in the upcoming year.Just keep doing what you are doing.You are GREAT!!! Kathysue
Sarah,
Happy New Year! And thank you for infusing my 2008 with such beauty!
Love,
Dawn
Thank you for your blog, I look forward to your posts everyday! Have a Happy New Year!
Sue
Well that was a WONDERFUL ride! Beautiful pictures that really capture the mood and feel of your beach cottage. What a joy to watch this progress! Tremendous work!!
To a healthy and beautiful 2009!!
Beautiful photos. Your home is lovely. I love the purity of the color scheme. Your photos are amazing. Well done.
Kris
Beautifully done such an inspiration – keep up the good work. Blessed new year……
When I got to the beach picture I really teared up…I tell everyone “If you cut me, I bleed salt water!”. I was raised on the rivers, beaches and lakes of Florida. Now it has changed so much, sometimes when I go “home” I get lost. I am loving your blog and I hope you do realize how much everyone is enjoying it. Keep on keeping on!
Forgot. What are those flowers next to the Chair with the brown and white striped cover? Looks like a kind of Ginger Maybe?
Thanks
Beautiful photographs as always. Happy New Year! X
Just discovered your blog and wanted to say hi. You have such lovely photos…I’ve really enjoyed looking around!
looks so warm and inviting! love it!!
Wow! I am in LOVE with your cottage. If this roundup of 2008 is any indication, I guess I’ve missed a lot of fantastic posting here. I’m going to have to sit down with a cup of tea, when I have more time, so I can pore over your previous posts.
That mirror (the top one) is gorgeous!!!!
kayceewilliams at gmail dot com
This makes me what to join you for a day on the beach!! I just love all that you’ve done to your house-looks beautiful!!