bought myself some flowers and then some…hadn't realised there were blooms in the front garden & then received a gift from a friend, can never have enough flowers though I suppose
I'm quiet today allover, so just a few snaps from my sitting room this morning in the winter sunshine…loving my old plates, dreaming of the old days when we used to pop over to Lille (France) for lunch and lusting over vintage crochet
I'm off to my inspiration blog with a coffee and to do some blog surfing…see ya
Oh my oh my oh MY! I think this is a Top 10 post…it just showcases all of your style and talent so well. I think all the pink flowers are trying to tell you something about the pink dresser, by the way.
theres just something about sunshine inside on a winters day, has been cold in my home today – old fibro cottages seem to keep the heat out in winter & the heat in in summer so have spent most of the day out the back in the sun… Great post as always oh sorry I hadn’t get back to u bout the shelf, bought the darlin’ from Bunnings a real bargain, $78 down to $20 in their chuck out bin, just wish Id bought more now, always the way huh….
Hi Sarah
My Pommy friend, well realy more Aussie as she’s lived over here now for….hmmm? about 20 years – she came from Marlow, is that anywhere near where you once lived?, anyway getting back on track, she often told me of her lil’ visits over to France, it must be even easier now to pop over for a shopping trip and yummy lunch. How wonderful!
Loved your sunny winter photos – goodness it’s cold down South here in Australia – top temps of 11 deg. both days!
I have a physical reaction every time I visit you…it’s a mixture of giddiness and relaxation…ahhhh~
As usual I love every little thing~
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
Aaahh… winter sunshine.
I’d like to curl up with a good book on your pretty couch and soak up some of that winter sunshine. Looks perfect!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
PS – I got great news from the surgeon on Wednesday. Thanks for your support. K xx
I just found your blog and added it to my favorites. I just wanted you to know I have a GIVE AWAY that ends today.
Cheri http://www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
Hi, found you on sits! I love your style! You are doing an awesome job on your cottage. Sorry to hear about the skate park accident- they’re inevitable!
I just happened upon your lovely blog.. its wonderful! I dream of traveling to Australia.. ever since i was 8…
Thanks for sharing.. hope you dont mind if i pop back in and see what else you have to share!
some great pictures .. so sunny and light It’s a joy to look at them…. BUT what I really love is the wooden deck from your previous post! It is an amazing atmosphere you create,
I just discovered your blog after looking through ratemyspace.
Im going to bookmark you so i have plenty of ideas for when we actually our extension and i can go with my long awaited beach theme….ah only about 10 yrs LOL.
I sort of came close when we did up our sons surf room. I love it in there, but your space and blog shall keep me out of his room now lol
Sarah – pretty coffee table arrangement! I love the flowers on it and the plates are fabulous. Just asking – have you decided what to do with your vintage pink dresser yet? There were so many great suggestions from fellow bloggers!
Love your photos, Sarah. Your touches of pink here and there are wonderful, they are so lovely. Is that a pink wall peaking out there? Love it!! hugs ~cindy s~
Sarah,
Just wanted to let you know that we’re having a party and a giveaway over at my place next Thursday. When you get a minute, head on over to get more info…there something you have to do to be entered in the giveaway (don’t worry, it’s super easy) and if you’re not interested in a gift, then join in on the party next week and grab the button so we can spread the word…it’s a JUNK party! whoo, hoo! I KNOW you’ve got some good stuff to share. I always enjoy coming to your spot and looking at the transformation your home is going through…absolutely yummy and amazing! Have a great weekend…
Sun rays come inside the house, for me is blessing of a lucky life.
I always open all the doors & windows when sun shine show us. Living in a cold country like Sweden, sun shows only for awhile. So, we make the best of it.
Hello! I just bounced onto your blog from another, from another….and I just adore your style! So fresh, light and lovely! You have definitely inspired me! Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely checking back in!
Thanks for visiting me Sarah. Your cottage is looking wonderful as usual. I really like the image of your lounge with the coffee table in the foreground. Beautiful winter sunshine. Have a great weekend. Julie
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
Fantastic pictures, GREAT HOUSE!!! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful, as always my friend!
Blessings,
Rachel
Just beautiful! I love the cast of sunlight…
I’m still waiting to see what the final decision is for the pink dresser? I think you will paint it white…
Thanks for visiting my blog—your blog is gorgeous!! Love it!
Will have to come back soon!
Oh my oh my oh MY! I think this is a Top 10 post…it just showcases all of your style and talent so well. I think all the pink flowers are trying to tell you something about the pink dresser, by the way.
theres just something about sunshine inside on a winters day, has been cold in my home today – old fibro cottages seem to keep the heat out in winter & the heat in in summer so have spent most of the day out the back in the sun… Great post as always oh sorry I hadn’t get back to u bout the shelf, bought the darlin’ from Bunnings a real bargain, $78 down to $20 in their chuck out bin, just wish Id bought more now, always the way huh….
Lyn xxx
forgot to say hope your son is getting better & there’s no more trips to the ER this year..
Lyn xxx
Ahhh you finally found somewhere to hang your driftwood thingamy jig…..it looks good!
Love the look of the winter sun streaming into your home.
How gorgeous the flowers look
Alison
Hi Sarah
My Pommy friend, well realy more Aussie as she’s lived over here now for….hmmm? about 20 years – she came from Marlow, is that anywhere near where you once lived?, anyway getting back on track, she often told me of her lil’ visits over to France, it must be even easier now to pop over for a shopping trip and yummy lunch. How wonderful!
Loved your sunny winter photos – goodness it’s cold down South here in Australia – top temps of 11 deg. both days!
I have a physical reaction every time I visit you…it’s a mixture of giddiness and relaxation…ahhhh~
As usual I love every little thing~
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
it looks so relaxing… I would love a place like that! Hi from SITS
Aaahh… winter sunshine.
I’d like to curl up with a good book on your pretty couch and soak up some of that winter sunshine. Looks perfect!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
PS – I got great news from the surgeon on Wednesday. Thanks for your support. K xx
What a beautiful restful cottage. I could stay awhile and sit and read on the couch with the sun coming thru the windows.
I am so glad I came to visit.
Barbara
You are such a clever cookie – love your home and your photography skills – thanks for sharing x
Lovely photos. So much beauty in this post, it’s difficult to take in all at once, so i’ll have to come back.
Enjoy your day!
I do love a flower or two! Off to the flower markets this weekend (dragging my lucky husband along to join in on the fun)!
Love your beautiful use of light to accentuate the flowers.
Someone recently told me having cut flowers was bad for the environment!? Still trying to work that one out!!!
Kellie x
I just found your blog and added it to my favorites. I just wanted you to know I have a GIVE AWAY that ends today.
Cheri
http://www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
Your cottage has so much charm, and you seem to be in love with it!
What a lovely and cozy table for one! I love how the sun streams in! Your sitting room is very calming, welcoming, and beautiful.
Thank you for sharing
Tina
Hi, found you on sits! I love your style! You are doing an awesome job on your cottage. Sorry to hear about the skate park accident- they’re inevitable!
I simply love the fresh flowers, especially the pale pink blooms. Your photos are so lovely; it looks like a beautiful summer day inside.
Is this your house?? Sooo very beautiful!
Simply stunning.
The color palette is devine.
So yummy.
TTFN~~Claudia
Love your blog… so fresh! Where did you find your white suitcase in the top photo? I have been searching for some!
Michelle
I just happened upon your lovely blog.. its wonderful! I dream of traveling to Australia.. ever since i was 8…
Thanks for sharing.. hope you dont mind if i pop back in and see what else you have to share!
Always inspired by YOU and your lovely photos. Hugs!
what beautiful sunshine!
some great pictures .. so sunny and light It’s a joy to look at them…. BUT what I really love is the wooden deck from your previous post! It is an amazing atmosphere you create,
I really like the stripes of sun and shadow across the furniture. Nice touch, Sarah!
Brenda
I love the splash of pale pink, very grown up! jusx
Oh, you do have such an adorable beach house, Sarah…and the table, the flowers, the winter sun…just fabulous..
Thanks for visiting me!!
LOVE your home…it’s all lovely and looks so peaceful.
Deb
I just discovered your blog after looking through ratemyspace.
Im going to bookmark you so i have plenty of ideas for when we actually our extension and i can go with my long awaited beach theme….ah only about 10 yrs LOL.
I sort of came close when we did up our sons surf room. I love it in there, but your space and blog shall keep me out of his room now lol
The sunshine looks delicious, and your couch is begging to be snuggeled into…Lovely, inviting, memorable… xoxo~Kathy@ Sweet Up-North Mornings…
Sarah – pretty coffee table arrangement! I love the flowers on it and the plates are fabulous. Just asking – have you decided what to do with your vintage pink dresser yet? There were so many great suggestions from fellow bloggers!
Blessings,
Marie
As per usual wonderful images to finish my week off. Have a great weekend.Many thanks – Simone xx
Love your photos, Sarah. Your touches of pink here and there are wonderful, they are so lovely. Is that a pink wall peaking out there? Love it!! hugs ~cindy s~
Wow!! Beautiful photos!! And wonderful decorating! I suck at that! I found your blog through SITS!
Sarah,
Just wanted to let you know that we’re having a party and a giveaway over at my place next Thursday. When you get a minute, head on over to get more info…there something you have to do to be entered in the giveaway (don’t worry, it’s super easy) and if you’re not interested in a gift, then join in on the party next week and grab the button so we can spread the word…it’s a JUNK party! whoo, hoo! I KNOW you’ve got some good stuff to share. I always enjoy coming to your spot and looking at the transformation your home is going through…absolutely yummy and amazing! Have a great weekend…
-Kennesha
http://www.menmyhouseblog.blogspot.com
Just saw you this morning at SITS – absolutely stunning pictures and love the design of your blog. Greetings from South Africa.
These pictures are beautiful! I love buying myself flowers!
PS stopping by bc you were first sits commenter!
Sun rays come inside the house, for me is blessing of a lucky life.
I always open all the doors & windows when sun shine show us. Living in a cold country like Sweden, sun shows only for awhile. So, we make the best of it.
Have a blissful w/end.
SOLD! I am on my way over RIGHT NOW!!!
STock up the bar……..
from SITS
Hello! I just bounced onto your blog from another, from another….and I just adore your style! So fresh, light and lovely! You have definitely inspired me! Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely checking back in!
Thanks for visiting me Sarah. Your cottage is looking wonderful as usual. I really like the image of your lounge with the coffee table in the foreground. Beautiful winter sunshine. Have a great weekend. Julie
g’mornin’, Sarah…just came over from SITS..see that you were No. 1 signing in this morning..good for you!
xo bj
I love how you captured the sunlight in your pictures. You really should be a photographer!!
You know, turquoise IS a happy & beachy colour…. a few turquoise pieces would look great in your beach cottage!!
Have a great weekend!!
Kelly