G'day all, thanks for the lovely positive comments yesterday on our oh-so-perfect outdoor campfire.
Right, I think I've mentioned, just a few times, how much I detest the windows to the back of the cottage, the new extended bit? And how, if only, I had a huge budget I might splash out and refit every window in the house and use my exquisite taste to invest, pah! in some decent ones that I'd seen on the pages of a magazine.
Sadly that was never gonna happen anytime soon.
So the one thing I've learnt on this journey is to improvise and make the best of what I've got or more appropriately not got (you can read the story here) and so I've been looking out for shutters on my rounds. Not a sausage. I have never seen a shutter while out hunting.
Then I saw a very inspiring picture of a shutter (you can see it at my Inspiration Board, here) and then I surfed on into Thrifty Decor Chick who had the brainwave of making shutters out of fence posts. I read her post in amazement, ooh yeah.
How fast do you think I headed to the DIY store? ;-)
I scooped up the fence posts, a couple of dollars each and a few tubes of Liquid Nails and baby I was on a mission to get the Beach Cottage shuttered-up.
It was easy. I mean really very easy.
All I did was, taking Sarah's lead, paint each fence post with some outdoor paint, then glued them together to make a 'panel', then cut another post to the width of the 'panel' and then glued this to the front giving the look of a shutter for about $15 a window.
paint the fence posts with two coats of exterior paint
run Liquid Nails down the sides and butt together
Cut two pieces from an additional post, the width of your glued together posts and adhere one to the top and one to the bottom of the front of the 'panel'
leave to dry and then touch up the ends
Then I used Liquid Nails to glue the shutters to either side of those b e a u t i f u l windows.
I may have the ugliest windows in the world but I do have the loveliest teenage helper in the world…
We had such a laugh doing this and as we walked away the whole thing promptly fell down so we stuck up some masking tape and kept that on overnight…
Although this is stupidly simple, there are quite a lot of windows to get dressed up in shutters here in this tatty old cottage – I thought I would start with the back and the laundry window as this is the one that annoys me the most and is about to get new roof trim and lighting and the one that is the most difficult to photograph, I'm good like that.
To be totally honest (and I tell you this after I've put written a post about putting faux shutters on the wall with Liquid Nails) I am not a lover of shutters unless they are on the windows overlooking a square deep down in Toulouse with a window box of red geraniums …not quite the same on a 1980's aluminium window on the back of an old cottage in Australia. Non.
Though my opinion is that it looks better than what I started with, which is always a bonus when you use Liquid Nails…
Well, what do you think? I'd love to know your opinion.
Sarah they look wonderful and now you don’t see the ‘lovely’LOL window but the fabulous shutters.
Another successful makeover from the Beach Cottage
Alison
I am sorry I upset you with my previous comment. My point was that one quality piece will always be visually more appealing than many thrown together with no thought pieces. Not to again be too critical but your shutters are too short for the window and that really stands out. All that time you put into something that doesn`t fit properly is a shame, point taken? Also properly prepare your surfaces for painting …. prime before painting.
Sally
Absolutely darling. I’d like to do something like that in our new addition to our house. We’re adding a master bedroom and I want it cozy and cottage like.
You have got to appreciate the talents of any gal who has masking tape in her tool box.
Thank you thank you thank you
Have been wishing for nice plantation shutters to cover similar aluminum window frames but you know that is looking like way much more fun, including the liquid nails so we don’t nick the manicure.
Absolutely gorgeous!! Love them!! Please don’t pay attention to the negativity! Believe me, I know how much it hurts. These are lovely. Do you mind if I highlight these sometime?
Hmm, okay, well you asked. I have to admit that this is the first thing ever that you’ve posted that I haven’t just loved. I admire your style and taste and ability to edit and not overdo things. This one just doesn’t work for me. I’m happy to know that you are human, like me!
Sarah, they look fab!
Sally please be kind to Sarah. We love her blog, her style and the fact that she can pull such a beautiful cottage together on a budget.
OMG LOVE!! of course having lived most of my life in France I can tell you that most natives go for automatic roll-up shutters if they can. Not as cute but a darn sight easier than having to repaint them all every couple of years and a breeze to shut all the shutters with the push of buttons all round the house at night. Oh dear, I think I burst your bubble . When I get home I’ll post a pic of my mum’s Normandy beach cottage when it still had shutters.
Oh my what a fab idea, I think they look absolutely amazing & so easy to do! Well done you what a fab job you made of them. I just love them!
love
Alison
x
I came over from Kimba’s DIY party and it looks like I’m going to have to scroll thru your other posts, you are such a talented lady! I love your homemade shutters and I love that you made without major fuss or expense. And I’m not a beachy person but I honestly swear that your porch scene would turn me into one *smiles*
Whooops, hit enter too soon. Meant to say THANK YOU for linking up to the SHUTTER POST! This is such a creative way to make a shutter!!! So happy you shared it!
Great job Sarah- such a clever idea and it really does pretty up your window.
You never cease to amaze me with your small creative details such as the twine wrapped around what looks like a soup, can as a vase- love it!! I also love your burlap wrapped candle jars. Thanks to you I have burlap and twine candles and vases too!
Hey Sarah. Yet another success story. You know what else I like about this, you are teaching your boys to think outside the square and that they can attain their dreams without the need to be flush with cash. Great work. Julie
I love love love your blog!!! I found it through ThriftDecorChick and check it every day. I also check TDC every day and when I saw her post about her shutters I was thrilled! Then I see it here and am double thrilled. Two ways to do it. Love it! *sigh* Did I say how much I love your blog?
You are a clever girl. I love shutters on windows and window boxes too. Easy way to give a house charm. I am also head over heels with your bush walk waterfall post. WOW! to have that in my back yard, what a dream. Thanks for the inspiration, I will be adding you to my blog roll. Heidi
I think it’s half and half, here in France, referring to the comment above. The roll up shutters are so blank and ruin the look of a house which used to have wide patches of colour on either side of the window. It is a nuisance having to repaint but wooden shutters have SOUL!
In my opinion, the only reason not to add shutters to a house is if the window is already a good feature, and would be spoiled by the proportions and design of a shutter. If the window is dull and the eye needs to be distracted, then go for the DIY shutters – it’s a fun idea.
If you are heading our way at Christmas, do let me know, although we may be off to Scotland ourselves…
Well, I have to agree with you! The shutters take your eyes away from the windows, and that is what Im after too! I saw the idea on Thriftdecorchick’s blog too, and loved it.It is nice to receive critisism sometimes, it keeps us on our toes! But really, for a few dollars, even if you change your mind in a few months, it has had its purpose, until something better comes along! I like them!!
Sue
I can’t believe this post! I am so nuts about shutters too and have them everywhere…look for them everywhere….need them everywhere! What a great idea! I have got to do this immediately! This is such a great post and so inspiring…thank you thank you!
Blessings,
Debbie
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. Â 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? Â 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. Â 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
Â
6. layer on top the cream combo
Â
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
Â
*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 ;-)Â
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. Â 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.Â
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. Â Oh yeah. Â 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. Â 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
outdoor campfire. 
What a great idea! I may have to try that – looks too easy not to! Love your blog, by the way! Inspirational!!
Sarah they look wonderful and now you don’t see the ‘lovely’LOL window but the fabulous shutters.
Another successful makeover from the Beach Cottage
Alison
Wonderful result. Again.
These shutters are way cool. Good job.
Rhonda
I am sorry I upset you with my previous comment. My point was that one quality piece will always be visually more appealing than many thrown together with no thought pieces. Not to again be too critical but your shutters are too short for the window and that really stands out. All that time you put into something that doesn`t fit properly is a shame, point taken? Also properly prepare your surfaces for painting …. prime before painting.
Sally
Absolutely darling. I’d like to do something like that in our new addition to our house. We’re adding a master bedroom and I want it cozy and cottage like.
Those are beautiful!
I also like the little jute vase! A great tutorial. Visiting from Kimba’s party! 
That is just the most clever idea ever! So charming and simple!
thanks Amanda, I enjoyed taking pics along the way
and yep Aimee it is ever so easy!
Sarah
It is just not fair that you are so talented! Not fair at all…
XOXO
Simply stunning!! now got to get a cottage to put them on!!!:)
You have got to appreciate the talents of any gal who has masking tape in her tool box.
Thank you thank you thank you
Have been wishing for nice plantation shutters to cover similar aluminum window frames but you know that is looking like way much more fun, including the liquid nails so we don’t nick the manicure.
Absolutely gorgeous!! Love them!! Please don’t pay attention to the negativity! Believe me, I know how much it hurts. These are lovely. Do you mind if I highlight these sometime?
Hi Sarah -
Great idea – looks like these shutters have always been there and that’s what I like. Thanks for always inspiring me -
Marsha – Chandelier Magic Beach House
Seriously adorable. And I thought they were a perfect length! What kind of shutters are longer than the winder? hmmm…..
Hmm, okay, well you asked. I have to admit that this is the first thing ever that you’ve posted that I haven’t just loved. I admire your style and taste and ability to edit and not overdo things. This one just doesn’t work for me. I’m happy to know that you are human, like me!
Sarah, they look fab!
Sally please be kind to Sarah. We love her blog, her style and the fact that she can pull such a beautiful cottage together on a budget.
Oh my gosh Sarah! I have shutter envy. This is a great idea.
Soooo beautiful…love the idea! I want a beach cottage! *pout*
Oh my goodness! That is lovely! Great job.
A perfect, cottagey accent. I like them, Miss Sarah
OMG LOVE!! of course having lived most of my life in France I can tell you that most natives go for automatic roll-up shutters if they can. Not as cute but a darn sight easier than having to repaint them all every couple of years and a breeze to shut all the shutters with the push of buttons all round the house at night. Oh dear, I think I burst your bubble
. When I get home I’ll post a pic of my mum’s Normandy beach cottage when it still had shutters.
That is just fabulous. Well done.
Oh my what a fab idea, I think they look absolutely amazing & so easy to do! Well done you what a fab job you made of them. I just love them!
love
Alison
x
What a quick and easy way to change the look of your windows Sarah. Beautiful!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Instant charm…. I love these Sarah!
Michelle
Sarah, it looks fabulous just like everything else in, and out of your home. And that lily is so pretty
Those are fantastic!
So stinkin’ cute!!!
Yaaaaaaaoooooooowwwwwwwzzzzzzzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Love that!
m ^..^
I think they are great. I am going to try it, but I am going to put it “inside” to dress up a plain window. Love the idea and yours looks perfect.
I came over from Kimba’s DIY party and it looks like I’m going to have to scroll thru your other posts, you are such a talented lady! I love your homemade shutters and I love that you made without major fuss or expense. And I’m not a beachy person but I honestly swear that your porch scene would turn me into one *smiles*
Genius! Love it!
Whooops, hit enter too soon. Meant to say THANK YOU for linking up to the SHUTTER POST! This is such a creative way to make a shutter!!! So happy you shared it!
Brilliant cottage touch for the windows, Sarah. I love it!
?, Susan
Great job Sarah- such a clever idea and it really does pretty up your window.
You never cease to amaze me with your small creative details such as the twine wrapped around what looks like a soup, can as a vase- love it!! I also love your burlap wrapped candle jars. Thanks to you I have burlap and twine candles and vases too!
oh oh oh… so so inventive… just wanted to tell you I love them. Lovely lovely site.
Hey Sarah. Yet another success story. You know what else I like about this, you are teaching your boys to think outside the square and that they can attain their dreams without the need to be flush with cash. Great work. Julie
I love love love your blog!!! I found it through ThriftDecorChick and check it every day. I also check TDC every day and when I saw her post about her shutters I was thrilled! Then I see it here and am double thrilled. Two ways to do it. Love it! *sigh* Did I say how much I love your blog?
Very cute idea Sarah! And I’m hearin’ ya! When we can’t work with all the quaint features we’d prefer, we’re left with a little, “Eh…”.
I still see no reason you can’t add that window box with red geraniums though.
Donna
You are a clever girl. I love shutters on windows and window boxes too. Easy way to give a house charm. I am also head over heels with your bush walk waterfall post. WOW! to have that in my back yard, what a dream. Thanks for the inspiration, I will be adding you to my blog roll. Heidi
I think it’s half and half, here in France, referring to the comment above. The roll up shutters are so blank and ruin the look of a house which used to have wide patches of colour on either side of the window. It is a nuisance having to repaint but wooden shutters have SOUL!
In my opinion, the only reason not to add shutters to a house is if the window is already a good feature, and would be spoiled by the proportions and design of a shutter. If the window is dull and the eye needs to be distracted, then go for the DIY shutters – it’s a fun idea.
If you are heading our way at Christmas, do let me know, although we may be off to Scotland ourselves…
This is adorable! It really adds character. Love it!
Dang girlie – that’s uber cute!
Well, I have to agree with you! The shutters take your eyes away from the windows, and that is what Im after too! I saw the idea on Thriftdecorchick’s blog too, and loved it.It is nice to receive critisism sometimes, it keeps us on our toes! But really, for a few dollars, even if you change your mind in a few months, it has had its purpose, until something better comes along! I like them!!
Sue
How clever! Love the idea. It turned out so well.
Oh my goodness, you are brillant! :O)
They look amazing! I love this idea!
I can’t believe this post! I am so nuts about shutters too and have them everywhere…look for them everywhere….need them everywhere! What a great idea! I have got to do this immediately! This is such a great post and so inspiring…thank you thank you!
Blessings,
Debbie
They look great! Smart idea and easy too. Well, except for the falling down part