G'day boys and girls, how you going? Enjoy the weekend?
Well I had a fabulous weekend, my very own mini Beach Cottage Treasure Hunting Tour.
Remember I've been talking about how I have become somewhat obsessed about going on a proper junkin' tour with a ute?
Well I decided that I would spend a day doing it in my own back yard a little pre-tour practice and prompted by a Jumble Sale held on the beaches a few suburbs away from me and only a few times a year. My route started with that, moved onto a garage sale, the farmers market, the secondhand market held once a month at a local school and then to a couple of my favourite shops for vintage loot.
travelling with a basket to fill with goodies…
Arrived at the sale just after it opened and had to park a mile away it was so popular
Filled a bag with vintage things and my basket with lovely old linens.
Next stop this garage sale where I toyed with the dresser and the table and chairs but decided I really needed neither
but I came away with the mirror and wished like crazy I'd bought the wood for an idea I'm planning for the sitting room…
Strolling through the Farmer's Market and tasting the best happy Saturday apple…
Wandering along between the trendies at the secondhand market
Snapping the goings on down the beach as we sat and ate hot sausage rolls leaning up against the breaker
It was a great day for me and while it made me think how lucky I am to do this in a pretty fantastic back yard, which included lunch on the beach with the family to recuperate, it has also got me to start plotting a real tour – before it was more a fleeting pass across my brain, now it is becoming more a reality as I think just where I'll go.
Here's what I came home with
old wooden rolling pin
selection of Tupperware including jelly mould
a boat
a bench
shabby old mirror
vintage hand whisk
old Salter kitchen scales
tablecloth and napkins
throw
vintage food covers & matching napkins
couple of old Pyrex dishes
rattan napkin rings
old wooden fishing box
old wooden fishing rod (cos I fish a whole lot *wink)
I'll show you the boat and such later this week hopefully, but for now I'll show you my favourite find…the Beach Cottage Summer Tablecloth, woot woot! I don't know about you but every year I scour round to try and find a new favourite vintage tablecloth to sit happily in the huge old picnic basket – last year it was a fifties style white linen one with red roses faded shabbily over years of use.
And this year it's this one, I was seriously trying not to do the thrifters dance when I found it, it was just what I was looking for, I had visions in the back of my head of something white and blue, a bit, you know, country…it was the first thing I spotted on my Tour, at the Jumble Sale, I clung onto it for dear life being a little too close for comfort to grown women fighting over kids' toys (I have to tell you people this was not treasure hunting for the light-hearted, there were some serial thrifters in there after serious toys). I asked a lovely old lady, who was 90 if a day, whose name I learned was Dot (love that), she said a couple of dollars. Done. Done. Done.
Then I found the matching napkins and then one of those old gauze food throw overs and she proceeded to tell me how in her day every girl had these to take out to their picnics. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of Dot. Though she assured me she'll be there again, in control of the linen table, in October.
So Sunday, after the kids went for a surf and I went for a long walk, I spent some time with my tablecloth, read the papers and Country Living, mused my day of treasure hunting and basked in the winter sun.
What a fabulous day…..don’t you just love talking to older people ( mind you, I’m heading that way !! ) They are full of the most wonderful stories, aren’t they ….and was it the best apple that you have ever tasted ? XXXX
At least you found some fab buys, I didn’t find anything yesterday although husband found a couple of things which I blogged about.
Sounds like you had a fab day
love
Alison
x
Hi Sarah
I love your finds! I’m busting to see the boat.
I didn’t have as much luck as you at my treasure hunting, although went to a local Surf Life Saving Club Jumble Sale and found some newish large frames which maybe I can do something with…? we’ll see
You are so lucky to have such an assortment of sales and markets to take in all in one day (plus a beautiful beach!). I love all of your vintage finds and that mirror is great!
Oh wow, that tablecloth – with matching napkins to boot! – is perfect! It even matches your chair cushions! Thrifting really is a delight like no other.
What a great mirror you found! I love the pictures of the beach. It brought back wonderful memories of our vacation in Australia when we were sitting on the sand watching the waves in Noosa Heads and eating meat pies and Lamingtons. I wanna go back right now!
What lovely things you found! This weekend I found an old dresser on the side of the road, and I thought of you while shoving into the back of the van. I thought, “Sarah would be so proud of me!”
Stop by and see it, and gimme some idea about what to do with it, please.
Hi Sarah,
Your tablecloth is lovely! Was that one of Kate Merrickville’s best tasting apples? How could you possibly not have enjoyed your day with the amazing visual paradise you have surrounded yourself in?
Thank you!
Nola
The Bloom Girls
Nashville, TN
Sarah, the linens are wonderful, especially the tablecloth! You scored some great bargains but even if you didn’t buy a thing, it looks like it was a beautiful day with lots of interesting things to see.
It sounds like you had lots of fun and founds some great bargains. I love th tablecloth, it looks so good with that pillow and those lovely flowers. You are amazing! Hugs, Cindy s
sarah, that jan 09 issue of Brit. Country Living is my fav…I still have it in a basket by my bedroom.
You got some great finds. Can’t wait to see the boat!!! I found some great things at IKEA this weekend. Just had to share because I know how much you love IKEA too.
xo ~fairmaiden
Woot, woot indeed!! This is a boom boom day for sure!
I’ve really enjoyed “venturing out of the cottage” with you in your recent posts…it’s so great to “meet” your area. Between the junking opportunities, the lovely shops and outdoor markets…you may have to add a room onto the cottage for me to move in!
Sarah that sounds like a perfect day! The apple looked gorgeous and that beach!! Some great finds and Dot sounds a wonderful character. I love the name Dorothy, Dot or Dottie. I agree with you on the magazines (re your comment on my Blog) Country Style has slipped a little. I didn’t buy the last two issues but Country Living is mostly fantastic! Glad to see we both share a similar taste in mags! xx
ps in the middle of reading Noddy to Daisy but will come back and read the interview with you on your site. Always so much to read here, I can’t do it in one hit!
Got to love Dot and her tablecloth!!! Great finds Sarah and a fabulous day you had. You really have a talent for turning the ordinary into adventure and beauty!!! Thanks for taking us along too! Julie
I so wish I was walking along with you as you visited the Jumble Sale and the Market!! It looked like so much fun. And relaxing on the beach afterward~Heaven!!
I am in love with your tablecloth as much as you. It looks beautiful on your table. I also adore the chippy mirror…
I went to Gail’s link because I really like the paintings you bought. She must be VERY popular because her paintings were sold out!!
Thanks for the Great Met Monday post. Have a fabulous week!!
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 …]
Well G’day Beach Cottage ladies. Of course some of you guessed correctly, no flies on Beach Cottage gals are there? A Summer House window dressing, beach vintage style. One that I got very wrong. I’ll keep this short and sweet The vintage crochet patchwork curtain? Love. Pure love. But, put it this [...]
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
Wow – great finds and I totally agree with you about it being entertainment!
I don’t think I could have left that wicker table/chair set behind! So cute!! That sale looks like it was fun!
What a fabulous day…..don’t you just love talking to older people ( mind you, I’m heading that way !! ) They are full of the most wonderful stories, aren’t they ….and was it the best apple that you have ever tasted ? XXXX
Agree there, what a wonderful time you are having.
Wow – you did some serious shopping.
Glenda
Sarah what fabulous bargains. That cloth looks sensational. How wonderful that it was all in ‘your own back yard’
Alison
The tablecloth is great and the mirror is so your style
Sounds like a really good day!
Mel xx
At least you found some fab buys, I didn’t find anything yesterday although husband found a couple of things which I blogged about.
Sounds like you had a fab day
love
Alison
x
No not bad at all and what scenery to do it all in. Can’t wait to see the boat. Love the tablecloth and napkins.
What wonderful pictures! Everything is so beautiful! Save me a seat, pour me a cool drink, and pass me one of those mags, huh?
Hi Sarah
I love your finds! I’m busting to see the boat.
I didn’t have as much luck as you at my treasure hunting, although went to a local Surf Life Saving Club Jumble Sale and found some newish large frames which maybe I can do something with…? we’ll see
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxo
I am jealous ..love the dresser.
Great job and what a great day !
Hugs ~ Kammy
p.s. I love love Gail McCormick – I have been visiting her for months !!!
Sarah!!! I love that first photo! Well, they are all wonderful, but that first one is amazing. I enjoyed your wonderful day!
What a great weekend…thanks for taking me along!!!
Send that mirror my way! And could you go back and pick up those architectural pieces, too? Fabulous finds!!!
Fabulous! This is my kind of place . . . with the market, beach and favorite outdoor landings. Love the tall shabby mirror! cheers, -susan
Charming sale but I could have done w/out seeing the bald guy in the speedo! ;o)
Those architectural pieces would have come home w/ me!
Thank you for stopping by my blog.
You are so lucky to have such an assortment of sales and markets to take in all in one day (plus a beautiful beach!). I love all of your vintage finds and that mirror is great!
I loved following your day of shopping… thanks for sharing. I love the table cloth!
You bought a boat?!! I can’t wait to see this! Love that tablecloth, so summery, and thank you for the pic of the men in their swimming trunks!
Great finds!
I have to shop like that more often!
Those are just the best kinda days, especially when you find beautiful treasures that you love and the weather cooperates.
Oh wow, that tablecloth – with matching napkins to boot! – is perfect! It even matches your chair cushions! Thrifting really is a delight like no other.
What a great mirror you found! I love the pictures of the beach. It brought back wonderful memories of our vacation in Australia when we were sitting on the sand watching the waves in Noosa Heads and eating meat pies and Lamingtons. I wanna go back right now!
What great finds! I adore the patina on the mirror.
It looks like you had a truly lovely day!
Have a wonderful week!
*Tricia
Sounds like you had fun and your new tablecloth is fantastic! Your photos are great too (as usual).
What lovely things you found! This weekend I found an old dresser on the side of the road, and I thought of you while shoving into the back of the van. I thought, “Sarah would be so proud of me!”
Stop by and see it, and gimme some idea about what to do with it, please.
Lovely finds and smashing photos, but that is enough – no more photographs of the beach please I am feeling homesick and jealous!
Hi Sarah,
Your tablecloth is lovely! Was that one of Kate Merrickville’s best tasting apples? How could you possibly not have enjoyed your day with the amazing visual paradise you have surrounded yourself in?
Thank you!
Nola
The Bloom Girls
Nashville, TN
Lovely tablecloth, I’d have grabbed it too. It’s an uplifting, spirited blue… will make for some nice tablescaping.
WOW Sarah…fab finds! I heart the mirror and the tablecloth is gorgeous!
Hugs,
Rachel
Fantastic entertainment for under $40 with a pretty nice looking apple and new friend named Dot thrown in for good measure.
Your first junk’n tour has resulted in all kinds of great new finds.
Looks like a fun, fun day…love your new tablecloth and napkins! Bet we’ll see those in an upcoming tablescape!
Hi!! *waves* I absolutely adore your blog! so fresh and fun! I especially loved those linens! quite beautiful.
Great finds! Really love the tablecloth, it reminds me of the ones my husband’s family sends from Sweden. Very pretty!
Sarah, the linens are wonderful, especially the tablecloth! You scored some great bargains but even if you didn’t buy a thing, it looks like it was a beautiful day with lots of interesting things to see.
It sounds like you had lots of fun and founds some great bargains. I love th tablecloth, it looks so good with that pillow and those lovely flowers. You are amazing! Hugs, Cindy s
sarah, that jan 09 issue of Brit. Country Living is my fav…I still have it in a basket by my bedroom.
You got some great finds. Can’t wait to see the boat!!! I found some great things at IKEA this weekend. Just had to share because I know how much you love IKEA too.
xo ~fairmaiden
Woot, woot indeed!! This is a boom boom day for sure!
I’ve really enjoyed “venturing out of the cottage” with you in your recent posts…it’s so great to “meet” your area. Between the junking opportunities, the lovely shops and outdoor markets…you may have to add a room onto the cottage for me to move in!
Laura
xoxox
Sarah that sounds like a perfect day! The apple looked gorgeous and that beach!! Some great finds and Dot sounds a wonderful character. I love the name Dorothy, Dot or Dottie. I agree with you on the magazines (re your comment on my Blog) Country Style has slipped a little. I didn’t buy the last two issues but Country Living is mostly fantastic! Glad to see we both share a similar taste in mags! xx
ps in the middle of reading Noddy to Daisy but will come back and read the interview with you on your site. Always so much to read here, I can’t do it in one hit!
Got to love Dot and her tablecloth!!! Great finds Sarah and a fabulous day you had. You really have a talent for turning the ordinary into adventure and beauty!!! Thanks for taking us along too! Julie
Such lovely linen. Gorgeous finds Sarah… Need to take a leaf out of your clever book!
Sarah,
Just between you and me I think you are the “Yard Sale Superstar”. What great things!
Gretchen
Sounds like a glorious day you had! Wonderful pictures and it’s impressive that you got all those great items for under $40!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving the nice comment. Hope your week’s going well!
bye for now,
Bill
Wow…lovin’ that mirror…I think I would have walked away with that dresser, though!
We dream of finding things like you did. All beautiful. I especially love that tablecloth and think of all the work that went into it!
?, Susan
Sarah,
I so wish I was walking along with you as you visited the Jumble Sale and the Market!! It looked like so much fun. And relaxing on the beach afterward~Heaven!!
I am in love with your tablecloth as much as you. It looks beautiful on your table. I also adore the chippy mirror…
I went to Gail’s link because I really like the paintings you bought. She must be VERY popular because her paintings were sold out!!
Thanks for the Great Met Monday post. Have a fabulous week!!
xoxo
Jane
I absolutely enjoyed your article. Never been here before, but I’ll be back for more inspiration. Cheers for sharing your great ideas.