Well, you'll probably be glad to know I am feeling better today, and really not because of any miracles, or anything other than the fact that I have been busying around with the things that life brings. You know that, yeah? Teenagers going to the movies, 7 yr olds playing Lego, sharing gossip with neighbours, taxi driving…reading blog comments…
Had a very nice coffee with a very nice girl this morning (yep that'd be you lg) and did afterwards manage a very nice walk by the ocean, I'm having to admit that I have been letting this slip lately which is probably what led to yesterday's blueness. But boy it was cool out there this morning, big old waves and what I was told were 'bombers' – will report back on that soon…
Anyway let us move on to tablescapes. I haven't done one in a while and for no other reason than that we have been enjoying the flip side of entertaining recently – being invited back to other's…I've enjoyed the best part of a month of the best hostess skills on the Beaches.
So this table was one that I did after a long day of kids' sporting activities – you know that feeling when you get home and suddenly realise with a sinking heart that you have people coming over and why oh why did you not clean up the cottage the day before. You know like organised people do.
Well I've worked on a video for this too (just lurve my dulcet tones, I am d a n g e r o u s with that Moviemaker I'm telling ya) but unfortunately the internet decided it would be extremely slow tonight to upload it and after all the effort I decided to say poke it and go to bed, maybe I'll post it tomorrow anyway…It's a funny old world…I guess one day I'll work it out…
so signing off from the sunny Australia, copy you tomorrow, with a winner and hopefully with a video or two
Look forward to seeing the video.
Who wants to be super organised and cleanhouse. Much more fun to just run around in a panic and get ready. Organised – no way – too boring!!
Alison
A simple jar with a candle… a candle in a jar lid… reminds me so much of casual childhood dinners. The young Beach Cottagers will think fondly on little things like this someday, a memory to cherish. Wishing you a wonderful day.
Gatherings are always much more fun when thrown together at the last minute. Your table looks beautiful, I can almost hear the sound of waves crashing just looking at your serene setup.
Hi again, ok so the clue wasn’t very far away… just read your profile and I was right you are in Australia…. long way from home for you! Now I wonder how long you’ve been there, do you ever get ‘home’ for a visit. Sorry to be so inquisitive, I’m just curious like that. Love your blog by the way, I grew up on the East coast so I love seeing ‘Beachy blogs’ I hope you don’t mind if I come back often. Off to get a cuppa coffee right now, it’s only Wednesday morning here
xxxx
Well that is just lovely. And I am TOTALLY envious of the thought of waling along the beach and watching the ocean roar, even if it was chilly! Thanks for sharing this lovely tablescape with us!
I’m with Julie-love the candle with herbs in a simple jar and the lid for a holder! I throw those away..I won’t do that again.
I’m glad you feel better today. Isn’t it funny what a new day can do.
Have a happy day.
I love your blog, and I just adore seeing the tablescapes. My question, though, is what happens with all those lovely layered plates as food is actually being consumed? Photos or an explanation of how the plates are “gone through” would be really useful.
Glad you are feeling better. What a lovely tablescape, simple things made to look spectacular.
I love it all!
Hmmm a beach walk, sounds just what I need….maybe I will get the clan together & do something like that on Sunday.
~S~
Love the lid candle idea – simple and rustic
Amazing how the healing the beach is – i live near the beach too – I count my lucky stars
Gratitude to you and your creations. I share your blog with everyone I know with always the same response – OOOHHHH I love this!!
Enjoy todays sunshine
x Justine
O, I wish I had a beach close by to walk on. Well, I walk around our little lake at the park and I am thankful for that.
Your tablescap is very pretty!
That’s “Bombie” as in waves set off from the bombora which is like a hidden group of rocks or reef. It only goes off in big surf (I sound like an expert!)
Glad you’re not feeling blue today Sarah. Speaking of, I finally managed to load your video from your previous post – it was good to hear your lovely soft English voice, you so remind me of my “Pommy” friend, I know I keep telling you that.
Nothing like a walk along the beach to put things right – I did the same today myself.
Your table is as usual SPECTACULAR! simple, elegant and loads of beach cottage character
Fun way to end your video clip with a beer and cheers. Always enjoy your attitude to that’ll do.
It is almost Friday and the weekend is coming soon, no time for feeling blue with spring on the doorstep and the promise of weekend adventures on the beach.
When we return from the lake, I’m going to look in the storage downstairs. I think I might have an old jar or two, stored away. Beautiful table, as usual, Sarah.
Sarah, my Aussie friend, you have such a knack for decorating that no one is going to notice you didn’t clean! (You kick things underneath the kids’ beds, is what you do!!!) Blow some dust off and you’re good to go. Get to walking on that beach, girl. If I had a pretty beach, I might be more motivated once the boot is history!
Brenda
You’re too cute! Just enjoyed your video and when you said “this is not a real tv show, people!”
Your tables are always very elegantly simple. What a clean style you have…love it. Thanks for your reply today. Glad you enjoyed the idea on the photo.
You must share some of your simple meal ideas with us. I have no problem decorating for a dinner party, it’s the food that boggles my mind!
Well, Howdy from Texas! I didn’t realize you are in Australia…how cool is that?!!!
I love your table with the light colors and simple elegance. And I’m a bit jealous of your day. It sounds like heaven to be able to walk everyday along your glorious beaches.
Thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous table setting. I love the jar with the bit of greenery in it! It’s all so refreshing! Glad I found your blog and thank you for your comments about my art!
Have no a lot of money to buy a house? Worry not, just because this is achievable to get the home loans to resolve all the problems. So get a financial loan to buy all you need.
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
I like the tall pillar candle in the tall jar with the greenery…smooth.
Look forward to seeing the video.
Who wants to be super organised and cleanhouse. Much more fun to just run around in a panic and get ready. Organised – no way – too boring!!
Alison
Candle, jar, greenery – very nice! I also like the mirror. Glad to hear you’re feeling more cheerful today.
A simple jar with a candle… a candle in a jar lid… reminds me so much of casual childhood dinners. The young Beach Cottagers will think fondly on little things like this someday, a memory to cherish. Wishing you a wonderful day.
Gatherings are always much more fun when thrown together at the last minute. Your table looks beautiful, I can almost hear the sound of waves crashing just looking at your serene setup.
Hi again, ok so the clue wasn’t very far away… just read your profile and I was right you are in Australia…. long way from home for you! Now I wonder how long you’ve been there, do you ever get ‘home’ for a visit. Sorry to be so inquisitive, I’m just curious like that. Love your blog by the way, I grew up on the East coast so I love seeing ‘Beachy blogs’
I hope you don’t mind if I come back often. Off to get a cuppa coffee right now, it’s only Wednesday morning here
xxxx
Well that is just lovely. And I am TOTALLY envious of the thought of waling along the beach and watching the ocean roar, even if it was chilly!
Thanks for sharing this lovely tablescape with us!
Ooo, I love the note in the jar! A truly gorgeous and welcoming setting.
I’m with Julie-love the candle with herbs in a simple jar and the lid for a holder! I throw those away..I won’t do that again.
I’m glad you feel better today. Isn’t it funny what a new day can do.
Have a happy day.
LOve the candle & herbs!
Always lovely!
Good day mate!
I love your blog, and I just adore seeing the tablescapes. My question, though, is what happens with all those lovely layered plates as food is actually being consumed? Photos or an explanation of how the plates are “gone through” would be really useful.
Good on you ,you went to the sea
Me myself finally after 2 summers went to the sea last week Hurrah 
Glad you are feeling better. What a lovely tablescape, simple things made to look spectacular.
I love it all!
Hmmm a beach walk, sounds just what I need….maybe I will get the clan together & do something like that on Sunday.
~S~
Love the lid candle idea – simple and rustic
Amazing how the healing the beach is – i live near the beach too – I count my lucky stars
Gratitude to you and your creations. I share your blog with everyone I know with always the same response – OOOHHHH I love this!!
Enjoy todays sunshine
x Justine
everything is just so sparkly!
O, I wish I had a beach close by to walk on. Well, I walk around our little lake at the park and I am thankful for that.
Your tablescap is very pretty!
Sarah, love the simplicity. Like the burlap too!
Sarah, just love your ideas – you are so inspiring!! Shame I live on a farm and not near the beach like lucky you!!! Suzyq
Hi Sarah!
So glad you feeling better today and the tablescape really shows it! It is so lovely, simple and did I mention lovely
Enjoy your day!
Sharon
I love it Sarah ! You always have such a crisp display !
Kammy
That’s “Bombie” as in waves set off from the bombora which is like a hidden group of rocks or reef. It only goes off in big surf (I sound like an expert!)
More! More! More! I lurved the video immensely.
so fresh and fabulous!
Hi Sarah -
Great table setting – love everything!
Always inspiring -
Marsha – Chandelier Magic
Oh Sarah – I wonder why my name is not just a click away…some others are like me…do you have any idea?
Marsha – Chandelier Magic
Beautiful as always. Love and hugs!
so crisp and clean!! Love your video too, made me smile you are very charming.
So very refreshing for the summer time heat.
I wasnt able to get my table up and running this week.. but stop on by and say hi if you have a moment
TTFN~~ Claudia
Glad you’re not feeling blue today Sarah. Speaking of, I finally managed to load your video from your previous post – it was good to hear your lovely soft English voice, you so remind me of my “Pommy” friend, I know I keep telling you that.
Nothing like a walk along the beach to put things right – I did the same today myself.
Your table is as usual SPECTACULAR! simple, elegant and loads of beach cottage character
xo
Fun way to end your video clip with a beer and cheers. Always enjoy your attitude to that’ll do.
It is almost Friday and the weekend is coming soon, no time for feeling blue with spring on the doorstep and the promise of weekend adventures on the beach.
When we return from the lake, I’m going to look in the storage downstairs. I think I might have an old jar or two, stored away. Beautiful table, as usual, Sarah.
Thanks for the cold beer at the end of your tour:)
Joyce
I love all your photo and could just move into your house and be happy forever! I hope to someday live near the beach too.
Susan
Very lovely and oh so clever. I love the greenery in the candle, just the right touch. Sharon
Such a lovely tale setting. It looks so calm and relaxing. Everything is perfect!
Sarah, my Aussie friend, you have such a knack for decorating that no one is going to notice you didn’t clean! (You kick things underneath the kids’ beds, is what you do!!!) Blow some dust off and you’re good to go. Get to walking on that beach, girl. If I had a pretty beach, I might be more motivated once the boot is history!
Brenda
Love the tablescape but REALLY LOVE hearing your voice!
Happy day,
Melissa
Sarah….lovely tablescape…I know your guest loved it! So great watching you tablescape and hearing your voice.
Really enjoyed the video!
What a fabulous tablescape!!! I LOVE LOVE LUUUV your style!!!
I hope you’ll stop by my blog and say hello
Jenny
You’re too cute! Just enjoyed your video and when you said “this is not a real tv show, people!”
Your tables are always very elegantly simple. What a clean style you have…love it. Thanks for your reply today. Glad you enjoyed the idea on the photo.
You must share some of your simple meal ideas with us. I have no problem decorating for a dinner party, it’s the food that boggles my mind!
Oh that is just lovely! I love all the white! Something so simple and yet so fresh and beautiful.
This is my first time to your blog. I’m so glad I came to be inspired.
It’s very nice to meet you.
Lynnette
Well, Howdy from Texas! I didn’t realize you are in Australia…how cool is that?!!!
I love your table with the light colors and simple elegance. And I’m a bit jealous of your day. It sounds like heaven to be able to walk everyday along your glorious beaches.
Thanks for sharing!
Everything is just beautiful! How inspiring your blog is!
What a gorgeous table setting. I love the jar with the bit of greenery in it! It’s all so refreshing! Glad I found your blog and thank you for your comments about my art!
Hi–I am catching up on some of the tablescapes I have missed. This is very serene! I love the soft hues and simplicity.
Have no a lot of money to buy a house? Worry not, just because this is achievable to get the home loans to resolve all the problems. So get a financial loan to buy all you need.