Hi ladies, it's pouring with rain here and grey so I spent my day foofing around with flowers…not a bad way to spend the day, eh?
I hesitate to tell you that I very rarely come across art that I like enough to put on my walls, which is why dear bloggers, my walls are often startlingly white. I make no apology for that and though I am most definitely of the school of chuck-it-together-and-hope-for-the-best in most areas, when it comes to walls and more importantly, drilled by Frank Spencer Mr Beach Cottage holes in walls I don't like to make mistakes. Which is why I like mirrors and old doors leaning about here and there, an alternative to having to make a decision about art.
However recently on my adventures scouring the beach side for interesting finds I came across a couple of old prints that I actually quite liked the look of and for $2 each I'm hardly thinking that if I don't continue to like them it really matters.
I found these at Vinnies, the day I was crawling around in the plate undergrowth I believe and I rather loved the one with the Chinese writing, it has an incandescent quality to it up close and when I first came across it I had the intention of ripping off the quite plain, almost-horrible frame and just sticking the prints directly to the wall. But when I got it home and examined it a bit more closely I couldn't bring myself to rip apart the framers meticulous handiwork and so for now, this one stays in the frame.
Failing to find anywhere more suitable until I gather a few more of these for a grouped wall-vignette type affair I put them on the floating shelves by the dining table, which people, are floating too much for my liking and beginning to irritate me (let me know if you have had the bright idea to put up two floating shelves and what you put on them – I've tried all sorts with blah results).
And on to flowers, I probably do not need to tell you that I don't go rushing out to the florist's to buy bouquets, not quite the errrm, cash bucket available for that at the moment, but I do buy flowers from the local market often. And with the neutral backdrop it's great to use flowers for pops of colour and I don't know if you've noticed but lately I'm loving the odd drop of pale pink and zap of green to give it all a little lift.
So I decided then that I would try a spot of floristry-DIY and googled all sorts of interesting floral sites and I've been experimenting ever since. Of course, yes, I am enjoying it alot and yes of course, I should be doing much more important things than learning how to stick flowers in a vase but then there are a lot of things in my life that I should be doing. But don't.
What do you think at my attempts on this one? I was trying to get a kinda casual country feel so I bought some 'Cheer' (gotta love a flower with a name like that) and Wax and picked the rest from the garden and then started to sort of layer and fill…reckon I could get me a job in a florist? I think I could quite get used to that…
Love the casual flower arrangement. Looks like you went for a walk down a lane in the country and gathered them and stuck them in a jug – in a good way!
What a great find. I actually like pictures propped up on a shelf or on the floor, better than nailed to the wall ( don’t we all have that awful problem of drilling holes, only to find that we have drilled them in the wrong place ! )Your flower arranging skills are very good. They look beautiful. XXXX
How fabulous Sarah. I really like the idea of the shelving also. As I tend to rearrange [quite a bit]. Your vinnies finds are lovely. I found a vinnies next to my dentist on my last visit and picked up some great silverware. Will have to check out the prints next time. Once again love your photography. Favourites today are #1 & #2. x Julie
Hello from (not so sunny today) Norway. I simply LOVE your blogg, and the way you write is brilliant and sometimes hillarious keep it up! Love the flowers. You most def could get a job as a florist – no probs there.
Very pretty! I love flowers – wish I could afford them more often too. The local Tesco Metro is as far as my budget stretches LOL. Good idea to top up with greenery from the garden though. I had to laugh at the Frank Spencer reference… I don’t have much on walls either, because I daren’t let OH lose with a drill. I just have some picture hangers that I bashed in with a nail. Anything heavier is leaning against walls. So alike in our decorating efforts
Just love your style – I look forward to reading all your new posts. I have just started a new personal blog (I have had a work blog for a while which you have very kindly left a comment on) – would love it if you visited the new one. Please let me know what you think.
The flowers are so beautiful! I love those casual litte arrangements like that. Great job arranging it all. And I love the framed pictures. Very pretty. They’re gonna look so great in your home.
I’m more of a prop it up somewhere kinda gal, I love the fact that you can change things so easily when they are placed like this & I do like to change things around alot!
love
Alison
x
I think you did a great job! I used to be scared of flower arranging (some people heights, others spiders, me: flower arranging), but lately I’ve found it to be rather relaxing and satisfying. I can’t wait to see more!
Oh lucky you – you have a Frank Spencer – ooh Betty!!
I have a draftsman that has to measure everything and mark it with a fine pencil spot. LOL
Great pictures from Vinnies. The floating shelf is the perfect spot.
Flowers look perfect on the tray.
Don’t forget to enter my Giveaway.
Alison
Alison
Your home is so refreshing and peaceful–makes me long for the sea! Love your dark wood floors too. Spending a day arranging flowers sounds like a great use of time to me Thanks for stopping by my blog to say hello!
I am delighted that you came over today!!
I giggled when I read this post- I’m not sure what foofing is, but it sounds fun!!!
I do like your flowers. You did a lovely job.
Rhonda
Hi Sweet Sarah! Oh, I like your pictures and the frame holding the Chinese writing print, actually looks rather olden! Love it! I think they look nice on your floating shelves. Now, Dear One, you’re good at arranging flowers! These look so country and cozy! Can flowers look cozy? Why, they sure can!
I’ve entered your name in my giveaway!
be a sweetie,
shelia
Hi Sarah! I’m back. I just need to tell you, I’m a tad nosey and in my short time coming to visit, I’ve just read your Beach Cottage story! How amazing! I’m so glad you actually got to follow your dream! Lots of folks want to do something different in their lives but they don’t have the courage! Congratulations, Dear One, for going for it! I’m so glad I’m getting to know you!
You are a sweetie,
Shelia
Sarah thanks for much for your visit. I love love the tray table, the lovely design on the edges is awesome. The pink flower and the oriental writing on the picture is so pretty.
Your blog so peaceful and serene.
Have a fantastic rest of the day!!
Hugs, Nerina
learning how to stick flowers in a vase – well It makes other people happy, like me looking at then if you learn it very well you can start selling flowers…..
Good op-shop finds. It sounds so lovely and Victorian doesn’t it? Fiddling with flowers whilst the rain pours down outside. I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend a rainy day unless it was curled up in bed with a good book and box of chocolates. Actually it’s raining here today and I get to watch my daughter trash the house. What joy and jollies. xx
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
Love the casual flower arrangement. Looks like you went for a walk down a lane in the country and gathered them and stuck them in a jug – in a good way!
What a great find. I actually like pictures propped up on a shelf or on the floor, better than nailed to the wall ( don’t we all have that awful problem of drilling holes, only to find that we have drilled them in the wrong place ! )Your flower arranging skills are very good. They look beautiful. XXXX
How fabulous Sarah. I really like the idea of the shelving also. As I tend to rearrange [quite a bit]. Your vinnies finds are lovely. I found a vinnies next to my dentist on my last visit and picked up some great silverware. Will have to check out the prints next time. Once again love your photography. Favourites today are #1 & #2. x Julie
The flowers look great and love the prints. Is it my imagination or are you slowly adding a bit more colour to the cottage? All looks great!
Hello from (not so sunny today) Norway. I simply LOVE your blogg, and the way you write is brilliant and sometimes hillarious
keep it up! Love the flowers. You most def could get a job as a florist – no probs there.
I’ll be watching you…he he he…
Wenche (http://lobeliahjem.blogspot.com/)
Oh, I think you did a wonderful job with the flowers!! I love arranging flowers…and it adds so much to a room! Take care, Caroline
You are so talented…
What a lovely home you have made.
Your flower arrangement is divine!!! Beautiful work!
I see the white painted driftwood thingy made it into the house…. it softens the corner nicely. That would really tempt a kitty cat tho
Your arrangement is perfect. A sweet vintage feel, just like the artwork.
Have a peaceful day.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment! Your blog is very nice…very crisp and clean feeling. Love your decorating style!
~Patti
Very pretty! I love flowers – wish I could afford them more often too. The local Tesco Metro is as far as my budget stretches LOL. Good idea to top up with greenery from the garden though. I had to laugh at the Frank Spencer reference… I don’t have much on walls either, because I daren’t let OH lose with a drill. I just have some picture hangers that I bashed in with a nail. Anything heavier is leaning against walls. So alike in our decorating efforts
Lovely…every bit of it!! All the best,Chrissy
Just love your style – I look forward to reading all your new posts. I have just started a new personal blog (I have had a work blog for a while which you have very kindly left a comment on) – would love it if you visited the new one. Please let me know what you think.
I love the bouquet on that darling table!
m ^..^
I think you did a great job with that floral arrangement and I love the floral prints you found too!
I really enjoyed your floral display! Its fresh and very charming.
Tell me what that interesting “TALLL” thing is next to the table??
TTFN~~Claudia
The flowers are so beautiful! I love those casual litte arrangements like that. Great job arranging it all. And I love the framed pictures. Very pretty. They’re gonna look so great in your home.
Love the look. Love the pictures propped. The arrangement is great. Thanks for sharing your work.
Have a Great Week.
Sherry
I’m more of a prop it up somewhere kinda gal, I love the fact that you can change things so easily when they are placed like this & I do like to change things around alot!
love
Alison
x
I absolutely love these photos! My dream is to one day own a cottage by the ocean! It’s nice to meet you via SITS!
I think you did a great job! I used to be scared of flower arranging (some people heights, others spiders, me: flower arranging), but lately I’ve found it to be rather relaxing and satisfying. I can’t wait to see more!
I adore those flowers!
Lovely job with the flowers!
I’m so in love with the white little tray table! 
Hugs,
Rachel
Firstly those prints are an absolute steal and I love them. Secondly, I love the floral arrangment. Well done.
Oh lucky you – you have a Frank Spencer – ooh Betty!!
I have a draftsman that has to measure everything and mark it with a fine pencil spot. LOL
Great pictures from Vinnies. The floating shelf is the perfect spot.
Flowers look perfect on the tray.
Don’t forget to enter my Giveaway.
Alison
Alison
I agree with you about the ‘floating shelf’. I think it’s time I take mine down. Can never seem to make it work. Thanks!
Roberta
Your home is so refreshing and peaceful–makes me long for the sea! Love your dark wood floors too. Spending a day arranging flowers sounds like a great use of time to me
Thanks for stopping by my blog to say hello!
Amy
Sarah, I like it alot! I think you succeeded in getting that exact feel with the arrangment. Good job!
XO,
Sheila
Oh how I want the one with the Chinese writing!
beautiful job on the arrangement, sarah!
i love the beveled-edge mirror: on my wish list.
xo
I am delighted that you came over today!!
I giggled when I read this post- I’m not sure what foofing is, but it sounds fun!!!
I do like your flowers. You did a lovely job.
Rhonda
Hi Sweet Sarah! Oh, I like your pictures and the frame holding the Chinese writing print, actually looks rather olden! Love it! I think they look nice on your floating shelves. Now, Dear One, you’re good at arranging flowers! These look so country and cozy! Can flowers look cozy? Why, they sure can!
I’ve entered your name in my giveaway!
be a sweetie,
shelia
Hi Sarah! I’m back. I just need to tell you, I’m a tad nosey and in my short time coming to visit, I’ve just read your Beach Cottage story! How amazing! I’m so glad you actually got to follow your dream! Lots of folks want to do something different in their lives but they don’t have the courage! Congratulations, Dear One, for going for it! I’m so glad I’m getting to know you!
You are a sweetie,
Shelia
Thanks for the comment. Your blog is sooo inspiring and sweet! It’s nice to meet you
They are beautiful! You’re very talented
Sarah thanks for much for your visit. I love love the tray table, the lovely design on the edges is awesome. The pink flower and the oriental writing on the picture is so pretty.
Your blog so peaceful and serene.
Have a fantastic rest of the day!!
Hugs, Nerina
learning how to stick flowers in a vase – well It makes other people happy, like me looking at then if you learn it very well you can start selling flowers…..
/MB – with the neckless in hail.
Oh I love the reference to Frank Spencer – funny, he lives at my house too…. [giggle].
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
The Chinese art work need to be turned 90 degres left, in case you want to place it correctly.
This is ment to be a friendly hint
Good op-shop finds. It sounds so lovely and Victorian doesn’t it? Fiddling with flowers whilst the rain pours down outside. I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend a rainy day unless it was curled up in bed with a good book and box of chocolates. Actually it’s raining here today and I get to watch my daughter trash the house. What joy and jollies. xx