Morning all! Or Good Evening if, where you are, you are settling down to bed.
It's good here, I've been for my first run on the beach for two weeks, I needed it, not particularly for the fitness factor (not that I'm particularly fit), but certainly to get my mind cleared and ready for the start of the week. Ahhhh. Definitely a bit wobbly in the old legs when I got back here, but brain nice and steady
Now, less then about the state of my legs – have you all noticed lately, everywhere, little labels? On pegs, on baskets, numbers stenciled on shelving. Little words here and there?
Well when I went to that frenchy shop the other day, everything was labelled oh-so-deliciously, even one tied around a napkin (which gave me the idea to stick one on curtain tie-back). I thought I might have a go at making one my own and now there seems to be a lot of labels all around us because once I started I couldn't stop…
…on the mirror in the hall…I wanted numbers…but what numbers to choose?…so I went with…first there were 2 of us, now there are 5…
on the new curtain on the doorway from the Sitting Room (& find more on that 4 dollar door dressing, should you want to, here) I decided laugh because firstly that's been seriously lacking 'round here of late and secondly I didn't want what 'dream' or 'live' or all of those I seem to see around…but then again I think they'll crop up soon somewhere *smile
Any ideas for some more please? I wanted something like 'get your backside up off that computer chair and work!' but didn't think that had quite the errrm, same impact….so I'd love it if you wouldn't mind leaving me your suggestions…I really do seem to have had a brain freeze…
on the old thrifted cupboard where I keep things for the blog
on the box that holds those things I should be dealing with…but prefer, rather to procrastinate…
Rather than buy these and of course keeping to my mantra, re-use, recycle, save our planet I scrabbled around the craft cupboard in the study for leftover burlap and some old white cotton...just cut the burlap and pulled it a bit to fray the edges and then ripped the white fabric a bit smaller and frayed it…then wrote on it with a permanent marker…it bled a bit…hey ho
I posted pictures of my cousin’s house in Martha’s Vineyard, and I thought you might enjoy it. His living room is done in white linen. He used a khaki color on the walls, but he has a lot of white in the house.
Move, clean, work, sort, swim, surfs up, man’s stuff, chic’s bits, bits and bobs, techno gear, cheer up, happy days. I love labels and yours are super cute. Maybe try the thesaurus? Cherrie
Love your labels Sarah – here’s one that I have in my house – Celebrate.
Life is oh so good and I think we should celebrate it daily.
Have a happy day.
Vicki
My favourite is “chillax” because things get crazy hectic around here. We also “rock and roll” if we’ve been chillaxing too long! Anyway love the blog. Cheers Anita
how about …… Kindness! If your house is anything like mine with three kids , they need to be reminded all the time! O, and my favorite all time answer is Whatever.
O, I am so into NUMBERS right now. Have a little project in mind using numbers. I am so not crafty and it always scares the pee out of me when I start thinking “I can do that!” because I NEVER can!! Gonna try it anyway.
Your little labels are cute…everything you do is cute!!
xo bj
There’s a beautiful vintage garden shop by the sea in Whitstable and all the price tags are written in white chalk on bits of slate – so simple but looks amazing! Keep up the good work!
hmmm, these look great in your place. I think my place would just be too cluttered with labels–but who knows, I might give it a try!! Although I think a shop in my downtown might have some cute wooden ones ( I know, I know, not the same!). I like the suggestion of “Dance” that someone gave–it denotes happiness, love, excitement, romance, a life of vibrancy–man, there is a lot in that word–could even denote worship. I am not sure what words I would use in my home….let me seeeeeeee… perhaps some of these–encourage, positive, contentment, clean, serenity, Live in the moment, seize the day, walk in Him, ….I just don’t know!!
Oh words. I keep BOWLS of words laying about – cut out phrases from magazine ads, quotes from calendars, aha moments that come to me. On the table next to the computer and my messy stacks of painting/art ideas and bits I keep a Buckminster Fuller quote – “Dare to be Naive”. Keep your eyes open, as you always do, and the right words will call to you. In another spot I have “Empty, empty. Happy, happy.” I hang them from drawer knobs, prop them against plants. I like finding them when I’ve forgotten they were there.
Very fun post Sarah. I love to see each and every detail you add to your lovely beach cottage. You are unique in your creations and the thriftiness makes it doable for anyone. Thanks again for sharing your beach cottage with the world.
Gretchen
I have framed several pieces of burlap with stenciled words on them. The ones I have made so far are: LOVE right beside a photo of me and my hubby, LAUGH and HOME. I also made a burlap window cover for a little cupboard in my kitchen that says BLESSING. Some of my favorite inspirational words are Create, Design, Be Still, Enjoy & Inspire. Loved this post!
Love the burlap labels, how about hugs for a curtain, since it is hugging!! LOL!! Shells, colors, magic, sun, serene, calm, joy and of course something for the kitchen….CLOSED!!!
Love this idea! I was going to shop for tiebacks for some new window treatments I made, but not anymore! I’m doing something along this line and save my money!! I’ll let you know how it turns out.
HI Sarah,
I guess I am about the only one who doesn’t want my house talking to me!! I have enough chatter going on in my head…
But your tags are cute, and they suit you in your cottage by the sea.
As always it’s fun to see what you’re up to.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
I love words! I have French phonics cards on my fridge, letters, and numbers all around. Ideas? Maybe idea, or maybe, or now, only. Your little burlap backed labels are sweet.
How DELIGHTFUL! I love it! How about just “BREATHE” On one of my chalkboards, I have “BREATHE…Life is good!” Because sometimes in the hussle and bustle of life with 3 kids, 3 dogs and a hubby…we forget that life is GOOD!
Not sure if anyone has already suggested this but I like ‘Celebrate’. It means so much – celebrate your move to Australia, celebrate life, family, health, happiness etc.
Thankful is another goodie too.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
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
but didn't think that had quite the errrm, same impact….so I'd love it if you wouldn't mind leaving me your suggestions…I really do seem to have had a brain freeze…
Very cute, Sarah. Love these.
I posted pictures of my cousin’s house in Martha’s Vineyard, and I thought you might enjoy it. His living room is done in white linen. He used a khaki color on the walls, but he has a lot of white in the house.
XO,
Sheila
Great idea, how about Create or Rest?
Am I the only one that is not so keen on this idea? Everything else I just LOVE but that’s just my view.
Sorry.
Move, clean, work, sort, swim, surfs up, man’s stuff, chic’s bits, bits and bobs, techno gear, cheer up, happy days. I love labels and yours are super cute. Maybe try the thesaurus? Cherrie
my labels would say “grade” and I really should put them around the house because I seem to prefer the other labels you have like “laugh” and “blog”
very cute idea, I might seriously start posting some labels to motivate me.
Does labels look wonderful! I can imagine them taking over the house.
Love your labels Sarah – here’s one that I have in my house – Celebrate.
Life is oh so good and I think we should celebrate it daily.
Have a happy day.
Vicki
Damn site nicer than the yellow post-it notes all over my house!!!!
I like Cherries suggestions, I feel a project with the kids coming on……….
Sarah–how about “Simplify”, “Breathe” or “Gratitude”? I’ve also seen metal or enamel tags attached to objects, maybe you could find a 2 and a 5?
I loved seeing the country you filmed while on your camping adventure
Beautiful!
My favourite is “chillax” because things get crazy hectic around here. We also “rock and roll” if we’ve been chillaxing too long! Anyway love the blog. Cheers Anita
how about …… Kindness! If your house is anything like mine with three kids , they need to be reminded all the time! O, and my favorite all time answer is Whatever.
To remind you of what matters: “Home”, “Family” & “Fun”
O, I am so into NUMBERS right now. Have a little project in mind using numbers. I am so not crafty and it always scares the pee out of me when I start thinking “I can do that!” because I NEVER can!! Gonna try it anyway.
Your little labels are cute…everything you do is cute!!
xo bj
Words are great fun, was taken by some in laundry rooms saying
Wash
Clean
but my favorite is always
Smile……….
It may be corny, but I love “dance” because it brings a smile to my face and a spring to my step.
Those labels are adorable!
There’s a beautiful vintage garden shop by the sea in Whitstable and all the price tags are written in white chalk on bits of slate – so simple but looks amazing! Keep up the good work!
Ah labels. I suffer from label-itis because of my OCD. I should have a label around that says laugh or relax or even breathe! : )
hmmm, these look great in your place. I think my place would just be too cluttered with labels–but who knows, I might give it a try!! Although I think a shop in my downtown might have some cute wooden ones ( I know, I know, not the same!). I like the suggestion of “Dance” that someone gave–it denotes happiness, love, excitement, romance, a life of vibrancy–man, there is a lot in that word–could even denote worship. I am not sure what words I would use in my home….let me seeeeeeee… perhaps some of these–encourage, positive, contentment, clean, serenity, Live in the moment, seize the day, walk in Him, ….I just don’t know!!
Oh words. I keep BOWLS of words laying about – cut out phrases from magazine ads, quotes from calendars, aha moments that come to me. On the table next to the computer and my messy stacks of painting/art ideas and bits I keep a Buckminster Fuller quote – “Dare to be Naive”. Keep your eyes open, as you always do, and the right words will call to you. In another spot I have “Empty, empty. Happy, happy.” I hang them from drawer knobs, prop them against plants. I like finding them when I’ve forgotten they were there.
Such a great idea, Sarah. We all need subtle little reminders sometime, and I think they mean even more if you write them yourself.
To cute!!!
m ^..^
Very fun post Sarah. I love to see each and every detail you add to your lovely beach cottage. You are unique in your creations and the thriftiness makes it doable for anyone. Thanks again for sharing your beach cottage with the world.
Gretchen
I have framed several pieces of burlap with stenciled words on them. The ones I have made so far are: LOVE right beside a photo of me and my hubby, LAUGH and HOME. I also made a burlap window cover for a little cupboard in my kitchen that says BLESSING. Some of my favorite inspirational words are Create, Design, Be Still, Enjoy & Inspire. Loved this post!
-Grace
You’ve been invited! Come celebrate your home/cottage with us!
Cielo
Lately I need “DON’T” on my fridge.
These are cute. Love the fabrics. I use a plain label maker, or write on metal-rimmed tags. Your method has much more personality!
I’m lovin’ these! Thatnks for the idea! And I received the placemats and napkins in the post on Saturday. Thank you again! They are lovely.
adorable! I love the one that says, do it…
maybe one for a wine rack or wine bottle?
Love the burlap labels, how about hugs for a curtain, since it is hugging!! LOL!! Shells, colors, magic, sun, serene, calm, joy and of course something for the kitchen….CLOSED!!!
Have a great day….Susan
How about “inspire”? That’s one of my faves.
Thoroughly enjoy your blogging/site!
How about:
sea
nice
ideas
sing
jog
run
sprint
hop
skip
jump
breathe – ahhhhh
faith, joy, giggles, believe, enjoy, savor, experiment, fly, waves, splash, sand… you are a creative gal.
I love words. Tags won’t fly at my place, but there’s always room for words on paper, computer, pictures, doodles, etc.
Love this idea! I was going to shop for tiebacks for some new window treatments I made, but not anymore! I’m doing something along this line and save my money!! I’ll let you know how it turns out.
SIMPLIFY is my mantra, because that is what I am doing with my house! Also NICE MATTERS, because we need more of that!
HI Sarah,
I guess I am about the only one who doesn’t want my house talking to me!! I have enough chatter going on in my head…
But your tags are cute, and they suit you in your cottage by the sea.
As always it’s fun to see what you’re up to.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
I love words! I have French phonics cards on my fridge, letters, and numbers all around. Ideas? Maybe idea, or maybe, or now, only. Your little burlap backed labels are sweet.
Soooo cute…love your idea…how about “Relax”? Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a fun week.
Blessings,
Linda
I love it! Your site and your photos of ideas are all very peaceful. I feel like I could jump in your blog and have a personal retreat. Awesome!
Michelle
http://www.TrashToTreasureDecorating.com
How DELIGHTFUL! I love it! How about just “BREATHE” On one of my chalkboards, I have “BREATHE…Life is good!” Because sometimes in the hussle and bustle of life with 3 kids, 3 dogs and a hubby…we forget that life is GOOD!
This is adorable and so fun! good job and what a fun idea for me to copy.
Thank you for sharing.
Happy Met Monday!
http://www.mooreminutes.com/2009/10/walls-wrapped-in-charm.html
What a fun idea – I do like the idea of ‘get your backside up off that computer chair and work! – but it really might be directed at me!!LOL
Alison
Unique creation with excellent designs which really suits a beach cottage. The white color makes it more exclusive.
Not sure if anyone has already suggested this but I like ‘Celebrate’. It means so much – celebrate your move to Australia, celebrate life, family, health, happiness etc.
Thankful is another goodie too.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
All these little name tags will help me as I age, to remember what things are. I may mark everything in my house.
Hugs, Gretchen
I am all about signs. How about “Sleep” next to the bed?
And, I cannot believe you only have ONE procrastinate box. Mine is more like a procrastinate room(s)!
Love your labels.