Most of the time I am quite happy to count my chickens that I have a fantastic new life, an old beach house near the sea, that I can spend my days avoiding housework and rather spend time decorating, treasure hunting and looking after my kiddos.
But life has it difficulties, does it not? And today I find an underlying layer of stress prickling away amidst the goings on of the day.
I don't believe there are endless blue skies at the Beach Cottage even when most of the time, life here, is pretty good. Though, I have to say, that that ideal is certainly one I pertain to - moi lazing around surrounded with white & coastal breezes. But I do believe that in economic times like these, and I know from my very full Inbox that other people are in the same boat for sure, it's home that I want to escape to and forget about the troubles…
So a short post dear bloggers to tell you tonight I am glad to come home and doing the two things that make me feel better when I'm blue – reading outside on the deck in the quiet of the evening and then heading to the tub. I have a friend who goes out on the town when she is in this fug of bluedom, I can't ever imagine doing that, can you?
And this is the before shot of the deck, euuhhh – for those of you who've told me that I've inspired you to quit whining which is quite unbelievable really – I truly never thought anyone would say that to me, I am tellin ya baby I can whinge for England…but I'm showing you this just so you know that it is attainable to make a comfortable home on a budget, it's not just for those stylists in the magazines or those with the best houses to have a cozy area for the end of the day…and that getting away from our crazy modern lives can be done by re-purposing and making over and more that it's not imperative that we have the budget to flock to the shops to have a nice home, sometimes making do works…
And if you wanna see what it's really like out here tonight and plus commentary, ahuh, come join me…it's oh-so-amateur, but oh-so-good-for-a-laugh…
See you all tomorrow? Haven't drawn the giveaway winner yet, sorry but I'll have the WC makeover in progress to show you. Sheesh it was bad, but it's getting there…
blogged for Outdoor Wednesday
Congratualtions Sarah on making that deck looks so comfy and inviting… even on a winters evening. Looove the use of candles. I happen to think we all look better in candle light – LOL.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Loved the little video! Your deck is very inviting now.
Sarah what a fabulous makeover. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous winter time deck with us. I love all the candles flickering around. Mmmmm… I am so jealous of that yummy desert and I could do with that hot water bottle right now
Alison
I……LOVE……IT! And your accent doing the little documentary is just the perfect touch to this charming little secret of how to escape to one’s own secluded hideaway. One’s own little corner in the world to slip away and get recharged, rested, and renewed. I also love your take on it, yes…that it doesn’t take a lot of money, just the desire to create your own special nook. Inspiring! Thanks for sharing. We all need a place such as yours. {hot water bottle,
..like it! }
I was amazed at what a difference painting your deck made in how it looks. I enjoyed your video and the sound of the water. Since I live in a desert, I don’t hear that. LOL. Love you sweet accent. When I’m blue, I try to get alone and pray and that helps me.
Looks so wonderfully cozy. I’d love to sit there and drink tea and chat with you
Hugs!
Hi Sarah
I’m hearing you!!
Can’t watch your little clip cause my computer is playing up, along with my camera, my car etc. etc…
anyway will count my blessings!
xo
I enjoyed your video of your little evening escape. Thanks for sharing your passion for creating spaces for living with all of us. Always an inspiring visit to the Beach Cottage.
Blessings
Tina
It looks so cozy out there! It was so great to hear your voice (and your beautiful accent) too!
Very cozy, indeed.
I am just like you…If I’m blue, I like to retreat with a good book, and I’m A BATH GIRL for sure, except my ever so cozy bathroom needs a makeover……………..that will be my fall project !
You are just what I needed to read this morning! I woke up feeling a little blue(husband gone for 2weeks). Why does it make you feel better when you know you are not alone. Loved the video.
Smiles to you.
Sue-Orlando,Fl
It must all hit us at the same time ~ I only wish I had such a cozy place to run to!
I loved the video. You could almost feel how cozy and warm your patio is – you have done such an amazing job on your home. Although there are tough times and the blues creep in, you have to know what an inspiration you are to all of us and how lucky you are to have your little slice of beach heaven ~ hope your day is fabulous!
Sarah
Fabulous little video there!
I love lurking through other peoples things…and i certainly love a good pav.
It’s a lovely post and beautiful retreat, Sarah. I’ll have a look at the video, after my comment.
Your post reminds me of those days when it was necessary to put together a home, on a budget, when my children were growing up and again, after J and I married, there in our little house, in the back pasture of J’s family’s farm. It was a very strict budget in both instances.
Happy memories of those days and gratitude for the experience and lessons learned. It gave me a true appreciation for those little things, often found at bargain prices and made over.
When we had that golden opportunity to have the home of our dreams, I continued to look for those extra special castaways to make this house our home.
Now, we long to sell our “dream home” and exchange it for a little place on the water. Hope to have it, one day. We never stop dreaming.
Your video is precious Sarah and your patio is so warm, cozy, and inviting! A fabulous post- thanks for sharing your home with us.
Loved the vidio of your cosy deck. Looks a nice place to unwind.
I’m back to tell you, I love the video. It is wonderful to hear your voice! Seeing your retreat, reminds me of our Back Porch! Love the hot water bottle!:-)
Such a pretty little spot, absolute proof that simplicity & comfort go hand in hand. Expensive things are nice to look at, but to live with? I much prefer a cozy corner like you have there. The blues get us all, it’s inevitable… just remember, every little ting’s gonna be alright. ((hugs))
Love the video! The commentary was perfectly charming!! You could host your own tv show!
Amy
As usual I love this blog, it’s one of my favorites to check out each day! The porch looks wonderful, makes me want to hop on a plane so I can curl up with all those pillows, candlelight, a great old book and a spot of tea! I’ll have to go work harder on my own I guess!!
I love your deck video & the play-by-play commentary
And wow, you have the greatest accent!!!
I have one of those Ikea-special lanterns too
Hope you’re feeling a bit less blue today
Kelly
Hi Sarah
I hope the sunshine comes out for you tomorrow!
I have my fair shares of the blues but usually from work stress which Is why I love my blogging friends so much.. helps me switch off. But I must say when I am feeling blue I just lock the doors and take the phone off the hook and maybe get lost in a movie. Sometimes it is necessary. Things look beautiful here as always. I love that you can ‘whinge’ for England. Me too!! haha
such a snuggly corner to tuck into pavlova with your feet on a ‘hottie’!
You clever girl! So nice to put that “accented so beautifully” voice to my “now Aussie” friend. You shall have something else in the evenings to scan soon.
Brenda
Oh, Sarah, you have made that outside area, beautiful….. you are so good at this interior design thing!!!!!AND you always do it so economically. You are one very clever girl, and ,of course, English. Hurrah.I’m sure that you are feeling a lot better now, it’s amazing what a good nights sleep can do…..keep your pecker up !!!! Oh and by the way…I’m loads older than you and I have now become a Grumpy Old Woman, so you have competition on the whinging front !!!!
Well, I’m much like you, my home is my haven.
Your deck looks very warm and inviting. No need to roam far from home. That’s how I feel about my home too.
Cute accent!
That beach cottage porch reminds me of the sun porch my aunt had at her beach place, she did it so fun and cozy. They don’t have that place anymore, sniff. I love the hot water bottle- I think those must be more of a European thing (?), I remember using them as a kid at times, but mostly I hear about them when my British co-worker isn’t feel well and talks about going home and curling up with the hot water bottle! 
I just loved that! And the hot water bottle at the end…too funny!
xo Lynn
what a beautiful before and after! love it!
Take care and feel better… bubble baths can help a lot!!
Sarah, fun video on life as it is on the deck complete with the trusty hot water bottle.
Wouldn’t it be nice if blue days came in coordinated shades of Wedgwood with matching saucers?
Making comfy nests has got to be one of the nicest things you can do for yourself and family. Reading blogs like yours for nifty thrifty ideas is a good fix too.
Thanks for brightening our day, hope you are having a good one there on the beach.
Oh I LOVE the video. You are so nonchalant about your amazing transformation. I would be on that gorgeous deck every night too! It looks so cosy. Go the videos! More please! A-M xx
Loved your video and hearing your voice. Thanks for showing us that and I just love reading your blog.
Chrissie
You are the cutest ever!!! Love your video and hearing your voice!
and your patio setting was just devine! When I am feeling blue i like to curl up with loads of magazines and a blanket!!
have a lovely evening in your precious beach cottage,
LuLu
Oh, Sarah…you are too cute! Loved your video….and your accent!
Your deck is absolutely lovely…wish my patio looked half as good as your deck looks. 
When I’m feeling down, I love to sit with my fav mags or paint something…shopping is great therapy as well!
Hope you feel better soon!
Hugs,
Rachel
This is bizarre…I knew you were English but in my head you had a faint American accent, the reality, you sound just like me, the South of England with a bit of Antipodean thrown in on occasion. Haha! Where you from? x
Sarah,
This was such a perfect post. I think I am having the same sort of day.
I love what you have done with your deck. It is exactly how I would have done mine (if I had one, mind you!). Pure simplicity to keep distraction at bay.
Have a version of a water bottle~an herb filled pillow that you can heat up in the micro. In the winter I keep it near my cold feel under mountains of quilts!!
xoxo
Jane
Thank you for the tour. It was such fun.
Lorraine
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sarah:
I’ll let you in on a little secret. If I am feeling a bit down, I visit my favourite blogs and look at their archives of prettiness.
And your is one of them…
Lisa xoxo
Oh I hear you Sarah, nothing a good strong cup of tea and a hot bath won;t cure….and no I can not imagine going out on the town to cure my blues!! All the best,Chrissy
Loved the video and hearing your voice as well. You should make more videos for sure. I love having a tour and hearing about your ideas and where you found your treasures. Your blog also helped lift my spirits. Thank you Karin
Loved the video….. I love the putty looking throw… where oh where did you get it ? Your voice is so relaxing .
Indeed, I did enjoy your lil YOutube…giggle…I love your voice, it makes you all the more darling! Such a cute, girlie voice. Your place of serenity is enchanting. I just got that UK Country Living June issue in the mail from a bloggie friend. Can’t wait to sit in bed and read it. The cover itself is beautiful covered in roses.
And about the blues…there is a time for everything…it can’t always be rosey, can it…the blues have their purpose too and bring about beauty, I believe. Just look at the beauty you’ve shared with us today in your blue state. Lovely.
All I can say is that it is wonderful to see you as a real person and to see what you can do to create a sanctuary in your own little nest. I do hope you have had some rest.
I like your video and hearing your nice voice.
And a beautiful before and after!
Thanks for showing us!
Have a nice day!
Hugs
Esther
Hi Sarah, first time here for me (from Outdoor Wednesday), what a thrill to hear your accent when I clicked on your video. I’m from Sunderland UK, (live in Texas now and it is SO HOT right now) so I instantly wondered where you were from, and where you are now? You said it’s winter, so are you in Australia or NZ? I’ll have to take a look around your blog see if I can see any clues
Loved seeing your little ‘retreat’, and your running commentary. Had to laugh at the hot water bottle!
Hope to visit again soon. Pop on over to my blog if you get a chance and say hello.
Hugs Denise
This is my favorite post today! I love seeing your make over of the deck and it’s so much fun to hear you giving us a personal tour. Well done! Everything is lovely.
Happy Outdoor Wednesday!
Robin
I loved the video. Home can be a retreat and yours looks so inviting. Sometimes, when I’m blue, a nice shopping trip to my favorite junkin shop or lingerie shop helps. Of course, I spend a lot of time at home. I’m not out and about in the world of commerce as some are. I definitely do not want to see depressing news or read a depressing book.
Thanks for sharing.
Mama Bear
What a pretty deck you are making! Enjoyed your little video..Thanks!!
Happy ODW.
xo bj
You’ve made your deck look so inviting. You’ve done a marvelous job with your furnishings and the video. I enjoyed being a visitor in your home.
Sarah, Have been reading your posts for monthes now and could not figure out how to comment. LOL The old gray cells must have been on vacation. I absolutely love your blog and look forward to it everyday. I love what you have done with everything. Your video was great especially the hot water bottle.LOL Sharon
I hope you’re not still feeling blue.
I know what you mean…I count my blessings, but some days I just gets the blahs and we’ve had quite a bit to be blah about this summer. Some days…are just harder than others.
But then I take some time to visit with folks like you, and even if it’s just over the internet (though I’m still itching to go on a thrifty boom boom with you in person!), it takes me away. And makes me feel GOOD, and happy. I hope the beauty you bring into our lives comes back to you many times over. xo, Laura
Hi Sarah,
Don’t we all have days when we’re blue…but good for you to recognize your blue days and retreat to your “safe” place to feel better. It’s ok to have a downer day and it’s even better to take care of ourselves the way that we know will help.
I just adore your decorating style and taste. Your home is beautiful and I enjoy following along your blog!
Nancy