G'day fellow table-dressing-lovers. Call me an obsessive, if you must, but I lurve it – such a great thing to do when I get a bit of time, to busy myself quietly at the table, gathering up a few simple things that I already have from around the cottage…and just fiddling (well I did do a lot of laundry yesterday I earned like heaps of time to myself).
And people there is BLUE in the cottage, rock on, get the hooters out, the white police may be called but I wanted to add some beachy blue. It all started with a visit to Jill at Bailiwick Designs who featured a lovely post on blues and aquas and then Cindy's vintage blue, sigh and so when I surfed on into the beach shop the other day to banish the Recession Blues and spied the blue with no less, the putty I was so having it!
I thought it would go pretty nicely with a simple white tablecloth and regular old white dishes and plain glasses – the best thing about casual beach decor is it's sooo easy to team it with basics that cost you nothing and it still looks pretty good, no cut glass crystal on that table for sure.
So I bought a few sets of the placemats, napkin rings (a cluster of pale shells, love them) and the napkins – one set to giveaway right here on the blog.
Dressing the table is a great, easy and economical way to add alittle smile to your weekend and make life beautiful (for more ways to pretty up your life, go see Melissa at The Inspired Room)
You'll find lots more wonderful tablescapes at Susan's Between Naps on the Porch and if ya need, a little bit of errrrm, help in the old entertaining department, hook up with Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer, she'll whip you into shape for sure…
And yep I will ship ANYWHERE in the world, it's good here ya know, old Australia Post…
All you have to do is comment on any post all this week – you can leave one comment, two or 102. The more you leave the more times I'll enter you.
Quite simple and it'll make me smile which is what this is all about. You don't need a blog just make sure you leave me your email.
If you want to link to me I'll scoop up those comments and double em up baby (you can use the code below) – and go see Brenda's blog Cozy Little Home, where she conquered the html witch and slotted my badge right there in the sidelines *smile (just copy the code and pop it in the html section)
<href=http://abeachcottage.com><img alt="swing by the Beach Cottage Giveaway" src=http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo10/abeachcottage/beachbutton.jpg border="0" />
Or you can…
Follow me on Twitter and give my giveaway a little tweet tweet….
Sign up to my feed, let me know (there's a code word) and I'll add your name soooo many times
That is it. Done deal. Nice and Easy.
I've decided that I am the Recession Misery Buster, (is it just me or are you, too, sick and tired to the back teeth of the doom and gloom everywhere) so for every week in May I'll be giving away a little something, ooh and I have a treat for you next week…so make sure ya come back (and no it's not from a sponsor, no back-handers here – it is of course via my wonderful good taste and natural style hahaha!…and from the grueling work of these fair hands and cash in this back pocket)
If you fancy joining in, my next fantabulous Beach Cottage Recession Buster May Giveaway will be on Monday – just let me know in the comments on this post, or send me a message at abeachcottage@gmail.com if you're interested in joining in and I'll get a linky going or stick your giveaway in my sidebar.
And now…sorry I can't go without talking about the washing...
Firstly thank you for commenting, I am frantically writing names on bits of paper…secondly I am quite taken aback about areas not allowing washing, how terribly awful, does that mean you have to keep your washing inside, as in by law?
I mean I grew up in a place where people compete to get their laundry out first, my mum, like Jo has Washing Line OCD, she hangs things in themes by garment, in height order…she texts me from England for God's sake and tells me it's a good washing day!
I just cannot get my head round clotheslines not being mainstream…but ain't that the beauty of blogging?
oh and p.s. yup those white chairs are looking a little grubby, a real little person likes to sit there and do his homework every night, calling to his mum for the answers, wiping boy-gunge all around… spose I'll be washing some more this weekend…
I love your blog – found it through Beach Vinatge and I am really intrigued by which part of Australia you live? Because we too left the UK in 2005 but sadly it didn’t work out for us and we back to England a year later. Part of me always wonders what life would be like if we stayed and now I have found your blog it is like you are living some little dream of mine. It’s really lovely. I loved your post aboout picking up wetsuits and brushing sand out…sigh.
What a beautiful arrangement! New visitor here! Happy to meet you- I bring greetings from California. I dream of the day I move from inland to coast- thanks for all the inspiration!
I love the laundry stuff and the place mats – very casual beach house…
There is nothing I like better than having a sunny day that means I get ALL the washing done before midday, out on the line and dried by late afternoon so that it ALL smells fresh and like sunshine and I can put it ALL away in the same day!!!
You all know what its like with a few grubby boys and a smelly/grubby by the end of the day husband….leave it for a day or two and theres LOADS to do! And ALL the towels is even better!!!
Winter is indoors on clothes horses to trip over as they stand over the heating vents (for a couple of days) of our central heating that needs the ducting replaced
Irene x
ps. why not make a short slip cover to go over just the top of your slip covered dining chairs so that there is less to launder. Maybe 10 inches long or so. Just remove the tops and wash as needed while the rest stays clean for those photo shoots.
Oooh, it’s lovely! I’ve been waiting to see what you’d chosen… And you know blue is my favourite, I suspect! (It doesn’t take many visits to my blog to work that out.) Thanks for your adopted role of recession buster! My giveaway can only be days away, so together maybe we can cheer up a good few people!
what a great table setting…very relaxing.
{but not boring! huge difference }
I am totally in the giveaway mood right now…we are having a monthly giveaway right now and we are 10 posts away from our century celebration!!! excited for that one.
great stuff.
chasity
Loving the shades of blue for the little beach cottage, they add another earthy dimension to the scene. Congrats on deciding to burst through the recession misery, there are lots of good things in life worth celebrating.
Luv your table setting! Would you have a clue as to why when I put your button code in html it doesn’t show or if it does it doesn’t work?
Heres my email for drawing if you will please: thepurplesquirrelsalon@yahoo.com
Thanks loving your blog.
I love your table! It is so soothing, relaxing & inviting. Your beach house seems to be quite the tranquil place. I love how your simple tablescapes are so wonderful. Thanks for visiting my tablescape & leaving me a comment.
P.S. I haven’t seen clothes on a line to dry since I was a kid (and that was probably like 40 years ago). It just isn’t done here in the states anymore. At least not in California (I can hear you gasping).
This is such a beautiful tablescape. I love the beach theme, plus it is so clean and calm. I just love Tablescape Thursday and seeing what people come up with!
I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Those blues and putty and white would be perfect with my new tablecoth!
lovely table. not stuffy but has all the elements! and i love shells. they are all over my house. and sometimes around my neck. i even have one tied to the car shifter from my 50th b’day (celebrated by a walk on the beach). my d.h. hates line dried clothes and i LUV them. he’s not here all day long, sooooo … do you plan on returning to eng. at any time? how very brave to move to such a different place. jkj
Well, your adding shades of blue just adds to the beachy feel of things, Sarah. Blue is just tranquility for me. Like gazing into the sky and letting the floating clouds just drift you away like Calgon baths. Getting rather carried away here now. Thanks for linking to me. Like a present in itself!
Brenda
Oh Sarah, please enter me into the drawing! That blue and putty table scape would look lovely on my boring little kitchen table. It needs a bit of foofing from down under.
You are already on my blogroll and I put your Beach Cottage button on my blog sidebar a few days ago.
Thanks for the giveaway! I found your blog last year at the Bloggy Carnival (now discontinued) and I’ve been coming by since. The white resort style that you promote is so peaceful and whole, I wish I could stick to one style like that.
Sarah, this is just beautiful! You really know how to make a table look beautiful no matter what ingredients you use! Beautiful photos!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Love the addition of that pale blue and putty to your table. It’s still such a beachy and calm look. Love your idea of a recession busting giveaway. I’m always amazed by your creativity. laurie
omgosh! the comment you made about coming from a place where people compete to get their laundry out first CRACKED ME UP!!!! when we were in Newfoundland a few summers ago, my husband (who is from NFLD) joked that i would be the talk of GULL ISLAND because I HAD MY LAUNDRY OUT FIRST! LOL must be a northern hemisphere-thing!
btw… love the blue and putty thing… i have that going on in my house so i hope i win!!!
Darling girl…your sea blue looks FABULOUS in among the whites…I love it all…
Since I was so lucky to win one of your fabulous giveaways, which I am so enjoying…I won’t ask you to include me in your giveaways. Some of the others will be able to enjoy your good style and taste..I am using “your” placemats and napkins in an upcoming Tablescape…will let you know.
And, SOME grunge from little boys makes it all seem real !!
hugs, bj
Soo pretty with the blue in it. I’ve mentioned to hubby several times that I’d like a clothesline this year…at least for sheets…I do dislike towels on the line…dryer for me every time for those..and underwear..ouch.
Lots of homeowner associations do not allow clotheslines. Shoot, they even dictate the type of fence you may have, landscaping, paint colors, etc and you PAY for the privilege of having them boss you around. Lived in an HOA neighborhood…once for 3 yrs and never again. When my MIL bought her home, my BIL tried to tell her that there was an HOA and she’d hate it…and she does and the fees keep going up.
As usual Sarah your table looks beautiful! I have the cushions in that fabric on my lounge. When I get sick of the putty and white stripe I change them to the blue,white and putty to add a bit of colour in the room…thus the idea of the blue chairs….bad bad bad idea!!
Also, although I love the placemats don’t enter me in your giveaway. I have these gorgeous placemats with shells around the edges that I almost never use so your beautiful placemats would be wasted on me! There are loads of people on here who from reading their comments I know would use them and treasure them every time they set the table where as my family are lucky they even get a knife and fork!!
As always, your tablescape looks fantastic. As I have mentioned before, I think you have a real knack for making everything in your cottage just right. I really enjoy your cheery blog.
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
G’day ladies, oooh have I got a good Beach Cottage recipe for you or have I got a good recipe for you. Well it’s actually not Beach Cottage, I cannot claim that… So, a couple of months ago I met up with a couple of blogging friends, AllConsuming and Mrs W for a lil [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
Love the candles on the wicker base. How exciting a giveaway is! I have subscribed with joy!
I love your blog – found it through Beach Vinatge and I am really intrigued by which part of Australia you live? Because we too left the UK in 2005 but sadly it didn’t work out for us and we back to England a year later. Part of me always wonders what life would be like if we stayed and now I have found your blog it is like you are living some little dream of mine. It’s really lovely. I loved your post aboout picking up wetsuits and brushing sand out…sigh.
I loved the very simple yet classy table arrangement…absolutely loved the candles in wicker basket arrangement…
What a beautiful arrangement! New visitor here! Happy to meet you- I bring greetings from California. I dream of the day I move from inland to coast- thanks for all the inspiration!
I love your table arrangements.
You are so creative.
I love the laundry stuff and the place mats – very casual beach house…
There is nothing I like better than having a sunny day that means I get ALL the washing done before midday, out on the line and dried by late afternoon so that it ALL smells fresh and like sunshine and I can put it ALL away in the same day!!!
You all know what its like with a few grubby boys and a smelly/grubby by the end of the day husband….leave it for a day or two and theres LOADS to do! And ALL the towels is even better!!!
Winter is indoors on clothes horses to trip over as they stand over the heating vents (for a couple of days) of our central heating that needs the ducting replaced
Irene x
ps. why not make a short slip cover to go over just the top of your slip covered dining chairs so that there is less to launder. Maybe 10 inches long or so. Just remove the tops and wash as needed while the rest stays clean for those photo shoots.
Oooh, it’s lovely! I’ve been waiting to see what you’d chosen… And you know blue is my favourite, I suspect! (It doesn’t take many visits to my blog to work that out.) Thanks for your adopted role of recession buster! My giveaway can only be days away, so together maybe we can cheer up a good few people!
what a great table setting…very relaxing.
}
{but not boring! huge difference
I am totally in the giveaway mood right now…we are having a monthly giveaway right now and we are 10 posts away from our century celebration!!! excited for that one.
great stuff.
chasity
As always your pictures are so soothing to the eye.It just takes me away.Thank you.
Loving the shades of blue for the little beach cottage, they add another earthy dimension to the scene. Congrats on deciding to burst through the recession misery, there are lots of good things in life worth celebrating.
Sweet and serene touches of blue! Love….
And yes – be gone gloom and doom!
We have a life to live!!!
xo,
Kim
The tablescape looks fabulous. Love the napkins and placemats. Happy to see the blue as I am addicted to it.
Renee
I love this tablescape. It just makes me want to go to the beach!
Love the colors, and a g’day to you from Ankeny, Iowa
Pure eye candy!
Scribbler
I love anything beachy. Don’t live near the beach but sure do love it. Count me in.
very pretty…crisp and airy.. I love it! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan
Your tablescape is just beachy. I love it!!!!
Your table setting is so serene and welcoming!
I love it!!
Terri
Luv your table setting! Would you have a clue as to why when I put your button code in html it doesn’t show or if it does it doesn’t work?
Heres my email for drawing if you will please: thepurplesquirrelsalon@yahoo.com
Thanks loving your blog.
Mmmmm! the soft blue and candlelight is to die for…lovely!
Love the touches of blue! The placemats are great!
I love your table! It is so soothing, relaxing & inviting. Your beach house seems to be quite the tranquil place. I love how your simple tablescapes are so wonderful. Thanks for visiting my tablescape & leaving me a comment.
P.S. I haven’t seen clothes on a line to dry since I was a kid (and that was probably like 40 years ago). It just isn’t done here in the states anymore. At least not in California (I can hear you gasping).
This is such a beautiful tablescape. I love the beach theme, plus it is so clean and calm. I just love Tablescape Thursday and seeing what people come up with!
I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Those blues and putty and white would be perfect with my new tablecoth!
Kady
Life on the Edge
So pretty! I know I haven’t commented much lately…I’m using the Google Reader now, and am too lazy to click over. But I’m still following you…
lovely table. not stuffy but has all the elements! and i love shells. they are all over my house. and sometimes around my neck. i even have one tied to the car shifter from my 50th b’day (celebrated by a walk on the beach). my d.h. hates line dried clothes and i LUV them. he’s not here all day long, sooooo … do you plan on returning to eng. at any time? how very brave to move to such a different place. jkj
What a great giveaway! I love it all! Thanks for linking to my blog…that was a nice little surprise when I came to visit you today!
Well, your adding shades of blue just adds to the beachy feel of things, Sarah. Blue is just tranquility for me. Like gazing into the sky and letting the floating clouds just drift you away like Calgon baths. Getting rather carried away here now. Thanks for linking to me. Like a present in itself!
Brenda
Oh! Your tablescape is so soothing,calm and serene! I can almost hear the waves crashing on the beach!! Beautiful job!!
Oh Sarah, please enter me into the drawing! That blue and putty table scape would look lovely on my boring little kitchen table. It needs a bit of foofing from down under.
You are already on my blogroll and I put your Beach Cottage button on my blog sidebar a few days ago.
Thanks!
Brenda from San Diego
Beautiful beachy tablescape!! Love the blue, putty, and cream combination
I’ve added a picture of the prize to the sidebar on our blog, to go along with your beach cottage badge
Thanks for busting the recession misery
Have a great weekend!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
Those would so cute with my new table center piece that I just finished today!!
Love it!!
Hugs~T
I love this table setting.Subscribed of course.Would love to win this.
sweethollycottage(at)charter(dot)net
Another lovely tablescape. Someday I’ll have to pop over to Australia for a bite to eat and to admire your handy work.
Blessing,
Rachel
Thanks for the giveaway! I found your blog last year at the Bloggy Carnival (now discontinued) and I’ve been coming by since. The white resort style that you promote is so peaceful and whole, I wish I could stick to one style like that.
I love the place mats and napkins, the blue looks really nice! :O)
Your table setting is perfect…crisp, clean, inviting and not fussy! I LOVE it!
Kimberly
Your blog is dreamy, just like your home. Left to my own devices, everything would be pale. We’re workin’ on it
Lovely giveaway!
Sarah, this is just beautiful! You really know how to make a table look beautiful no matter what ingredients you use! Beautiful photos!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Love the addition of that pale blue and putty to your table. It’s still such a beachy and calm look. Love your idea of a recession busting giveaway. I’m always amazed by your creativity. laurie
I’m following, but I don’t see any secret words… ?? Send me a hint
The touch of blue is so peaceful. Love the giveaway !
beva
And your sweet button is now on my sidebar, Sarah
omgosh! the comment you made about coming from a place where people compete to get their laundry out first CRACKED ME UP!!!! when we were in Newfoundland a few summers ago, my husband (who is from NFLD) joked that i would be the talk of GULL ISLAND because I HAD MY LAUNDRY OUT FIRST! LOL must be a northern hemisphere-thing!
btw… love the blue and putty thing… i have that going on in my house so i hope i win!!!
Darling girl…your sea blue looks FABULOUS in among the whites…I love it all…
Since I was so lucky to win one of your fabulous giveaways, which I am so enjoying…I won’t ask you to include me in your giveaways. Some of the others will be able to enjoy your good style and taste..I am using “your” placemats and napkins in an upcoming Tablescape…will let you know.
And, SOME grunge from little boys makes it all seem real !!
hugs, bj
Soo pretty with the blue in it. I’ve mentioned to hubby several times that I’d like a clothesline this year…at least for sheets…I do dislike towels on the line…dryer for me every time for those..and underwear..ouch.
Lots of homeowner associations do not allow clotheslines. Shoot, they even dictate the type of fence you may have, landscaping, paint colors, etc and you PAY for the privilege of having them boss you around. Lived in an HOA neighborhood…once for 3 yrs and never again. When my MIL bought her home, my BIL tried to tell her that there was an HOA and she’d hate it…and she does and the fees keep going up.
As usual Sarah your table looks beautiful! I have the cushions in that fabric on my lounge. When I get sick of the putty and white stripe I change them to the blue,white and putty to add a bit of colour in the room…thus the idea of the blue chairs….bad bad bad idea!!
Also, although I love the placemats don’t enter me in your giveaway. I have these gorgeous placemats with shells around the edges that I almost never use so your beautiful placemats would be wasted on me! There are loads of people on here who from reading their comments I know would use them and treasure them every time they set the table where as my family are lucky they even get a knife and fork!!
As always, your tablescape looks fantastic. As I have mentioned before, I think you have a real knack for making everything in your cottage just right. I really enjoy your cheery blog.
Chrissie
Now…if I could just afford a cottage at teh beach
Marilyn xoxo
Oh Pick me Pick Me!!!
I won’t ever live by the beach, so I have to pretend.