I loved the casual feel to her unique handmade designs as soon as I set eyes on them and so when she was kind enough to send me this bracelet, custom made for me here at the Beach Cottage all the way from the coast of California I couldn't get it on my wrist quick enough.
She's a girl after my own heart – she started her business by 'jumping in and having a go' errm just like I do all the time and she has a wonderful blog where you can read all about her…
I don't know about you but I love jeans and t-shirts and since we moved here to the sea wear them mostly every day of my life and Lisa's jewellery works beautifully with that look…inspired by 'nature – the sky, the sea, the green hills' her jewellery is just right for a laid-back look…
And how fantastic that she's offering Beach Cottage readers the chance to win $100 to spend on her site. Simply leave a comment on this post to enter…
Comments will be closed Friday 11th at midnight.
stop by tomorrow I've another Horror Reveal for you (and you thought the sitting roomwas bad )
hi Sarah, just found your lovely blog from ASPTL…
love how your cottage is turning out. you have a beautiful clean/ocean touch in your decorating. A Lisa Leonard piece would be a beautiful way to celebrate my 50th that just passed.
Peace,Love & Joy…Kelly}NYC
This is one of the reasons I love visiting your blog Sarah. There is always something new and fun to see. I love the simplicity of this jewelry, and it so fits the beach cottage lifestyle.
Hi Sarah, I really enjoy your blog, I would luv to pick up and move to a cottage by the sea………… but I just can not. So I will live vicariously through you. You have wonderful taste and imagination, but you have to remember that some of us do not. It is not a matter of hard work or money, we are just not able to come up with the ideas that you do. Sooooooooooo that said thank-you for sharing yours.
Lovely jewelry, very unique. Thanks for the great give-away!
I LOVE everything she does…and I almost never wear anything more dressy than jeans and a t-shirt (and flip flops, of course)! Her jewelry would make me look much more fashionable
Hi Sarah,
Lovely jewelry pieces, they really seem to suite you…
would love to win!!!
Am really enjoying your latest reveals, you have a strong ability to visualize your “after”,or you would have walked right out of that open house!!
Take care, friend,
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Love, love, love Lisa’s jewelry. Would love to wear it. I don’t miss any of your posts Sarah. You have such a great sense of humor and I love your style. Sharon
your inspiration has given me idea’s to decorate my own home, I wish you could see how much I have done in a short time, we are out of money so no more garage sales for now, but I want to tahnk you for your site, your free information to help others, and for just being you, as a woman who is disabled with limited income and a husband unemployed, garage sales have decorated my home with your idea’s thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Kindly, Janice Power
so beautiful. absolutely love this jewelry. my sis was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer so have been wanting to get her one of these amazing necklaces to wear each day of her battle.
I just discovered your lovely blog while reading my issue of Artful Blogging…your article and blog are lovely…I can almost smell the sea air . I am also thrilled to have a chance to own a piece of Lisa Leonard’s gorgeous jewelry. Thank you!
I absolutely love the simplicity of Lisa Leonard’s jewelry and the inspirational messages and images. Sure hope I get the opportunity to wear one of them.
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 …]
Beach Cottage ladies, we have some vintage linen and some wood/twig washed up on the beach today here in Beach Cottage Land….don’t say I don’t keep you entertained now will you . Come on in. So, yep I have posted about colanders on this blog, about things sourced from the side of the road, about [...]
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
and she has a wonderful blog where you can read all about her…
What amazing jewelry! So beautiful
hi Sarah, just found your lovely blog from ASPTL…
love how your cottage is turning out. you have a beautiful clean/ocean touch in your decorating. A Lisa Leonard piece would be a beautiful way to celebrate my 50th that just passed.
Peace,Love & Joy…Kelly}NYC
This is one of the reasons I love visiting your blog Sarah. There is always something new and fun to see. I love the simplicity of this jewelry, and it so fits the beach cottage lifestyle.
Simply beautiful!
For REAL? How amazing!! Enter moi, please!
LOve her jewelry line, simple and classy. Great brushed metal pieces! Hope I win!
Gorgeous stuff. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Her jewelry is simple and artistic…something I would wear…enter me please.
loving the jewlery, Hope I Win!!!
Hi Sarah, I really enjoy your blog, I would luv to pick up and move to a cottage by the sea………… but I just can not. So I will live vicariously through you. You have wonderful taste and imagination, but you have to remember that some of us do not. It is not a matter of hard work or money, we are just not able to come up with the ideas that you do. Sooooooooooo that said thank-you for sharing yours.
Lovely jewelry, very unique. Thanks for the great give-away!
Beautiful designs
but how is a girl to pick when they are all so nice?
Oh it must be so wonderful decorating a beach cottage. I’ve decorated one so many times (only in my mind!). Love your style and love those whites!
The jewelry awesome, would love to own a piece!
Here’s to sand in your toes!
Susie
I love her jewelry. Please let the winner be ME
I have always loved this jewellery and I really enjoy reading your blog too. Very inspiring.
from Mel in Sunny Queensland
Oh So Lovely! I would Love one!
So cute! I think her charms would look cute hanging on a lamp shade or for a zipper pull! Count me in! Thanks!
Amazing Amazing jewellery! Absolutely love it!
Am slightly obssessed with your blog, i am seeing my house in whole new potential way!!! Thanks
I LOVE Lisa Leonard’s jewelry. Thanks for the opportunity to win one of her fabulous items.
Sarah, just recently found your blog, and have been immensly inspired.
Love it.
Thanks,
Michelle
i just ran across her work & its so lovely!
so fun that you’re doing a giveaway.
always so inspired when i visit
xo
You have an absolutely LOVELY blog!
This giveaway is AWESOME!! I would love anything from Lisa Leonard’s designs. Count me in for sure.
Have a great day!
Good day to you as well. It’s so fun watching how you transformed your cottage.
I love the circle necklace, pretty!
Love, love, love it all.
Beautiful jewelry! Must go cruise around her shops and blog! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah,
I love your site and you’ve given me some great ideas. I would love to be entered in your drawing.
Hugs,
Gretchen
I LOVE everything she does…and I almost never wear anything more dressy than jeans and a t-shirt (and flip flops, of course)! Her jewelry would make me look much more fashionable
Thanks for the opportunity!!!
-Heather
http://www.crafteegyrl.wordpress.com
http://www.crafteegyrl.etsy.com
Beautiful jewelry! It would be wonderful to win!
Love, love, love your blog and Lisa’s jewelery.
Hi Sarah,
Lovely jewelry pieces, they really seem to suite you…
would love to win!!!
Am really enjoying your latest reveals, you have a strong ability to visualize your “after”,or you would have walked right out of that open house!!
Take care, friend,
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Her works is very inspiring!
Love, love, love Lisa’s jewelry. Would love to wear it. I don’t miss any of your posts Sarah. You have such a great sense of humor and I love your style. Sharon
Her jewelry is almost as beautiful as your beach cottage.
Beautiful jewelry
just loverly, as usual!
Ah! How gracious of you! I have been seeing her work, I love the personalised and elegant feel. Please count me in!
Fantasic looking jewellery.
So nice of you to tell us about the giveaway!
Thanks for the chance to win, beautiful jewelry!
love the jewelry!! And your site is fabulous as usual!! I love your writing style, it makes me feel as though I’m talking to an old friend!
Dear Sarah,
your inspiration has given me idea’s to decorate my own home, I wish you could see how much I have done in a short time, we are out of money so no more garage sales for now, but I want to tahnk you for your site, your free information to help others, and for just being you, as a woman who is disabled with limited income and a husband unemployed, garage sales have decorated my home with your idea’s thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Kindly, Janice Power
I bought the petite original necklace for a 1st birthday gift for my niece–so precious! And something she’ll have always.
I love Lisa’s work! Thanks for the giveaway and for such pretties to look at on your blog every day
so beautiful. absolutely love this jewelry. my sis was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer so have been wanting to get her one of these amazing necklaces to wear each day of her battle.
I just discovered your lovely blog while reading my issue of Artful Blogging…your article and blog are lovely…I can almost smell the sea air
. I am also thrilled to have a chance to own a piece of Lisa Leonard’s gorgeous jewelry. Thank you!
Ooh, ooh! Pick me! Pick me! I’ve admired Lisa’s jewelry for so long…
I would love to win!!! jaegerjl@msn.com
I absolutely love the simplicity of Lisa Leonard’s jewelry and the inspirational messages and images. Sure hope I get the opportunity to wear one of them.
These pieces are wonderful. I would love to have her talent but instead, I will go visit her site.
Thank you for this giveaway.
I love her stuff too! I have the initial necklace and love it! Would welcome another piece of her jewelry!
Rochelle