In September I came across a divine old Hungarian Sea Trunk at a garage sale (that caused the Beach Cottage Mailbox to get very full for fear I would cover her in white paint lol), I researched her history, cleaned her up and Mr BC and I spent ages figuring out a way we could keep her in the Sitting Room with us every night . You can read the full story here.
Looking back now, I think it was meant to be - it was a very unusual day the day I found her, in that no-one else was awake that Saturday morning at the Beach Cottage and I had snuck out early for a coffee and some treasure hunting…
and came back with a new member of the Beach Cottage Family…but I tell you I had to work on Mr BC to swing this one…including favours, ahem (If you're new 'round here you can read the full Makeover Post here)
It was quite a find for me, full of meaning and left me a bit emotional about the journey we've taken to move our family to the other side of the world and a better life.
Not only is she a great statement piece (I say that as if I know what I am talking about, I really don't, but it sounds good, *wink), her top is the perfect place to display treasures, flowers and things washed up from the sea.
I love how there are glimpses of her dark vintage patina with all the white, in the corner through the old doorway…
I don't know if I'll ever find anything like this again, one thing I do know, if I do, is there will be simply no hesitation about bringing one home, even if I have to lose a small child's bed to keep it!
Here's to amazing treasure, saving our planet and vintage lovin' in 2010!
You can watch an Episode of Beach Cottage TV on me cleaning up this old trunk and the full story on her history and immigration journey from Hungary on an old American troop ship right here
blogged for Southern Hospitality's Party, thanks Rhoda
That truly is a special trunk. It has patina, character, and history!! And it looks perfectly at home in the beach cottage. Best wishes to you and your family in 2010, Sarah.
Hello friend! That is my favories story from the year back at Beach Cottage. It was meant to be. What a treasure! In so many ways. Glad it found a home in your charming abode!
Happy New year!
hello there – how symbolic that this is your fav piece. when I read your profile background bit I knew the feeling you have when you said on arrival in Aust you felt like you had arrived home …
For me that place is the south island of NZ … lived there for two years and should be back there within the next two all things crossed.
Have you done a post on your exit from the mother land and what you bought with you (besides the Mr BC and the babes) … if yes point me in the right direction.
Before we came to Burketown I exited some significant pieces from our lives and it was a challenge … I wonder how you managed that side of the big move … best le
Gosh, I just love historical treasures like that – they really do make me think of who the person was and why they decided to go to Australia. Did they have a good life in Australia – where are the descendants? and on and on and on!!
Isn’t it lovely when special things like this seem to just find you. Hope New Years was good for you and the family and 2010 kicks off fun new trends and new treasures to find.
I just came across your blog and wanted to stop by and say hi. We have just moved to Australia from the UK so I am really enjoying reading. Happy New Year!
I’ve been following your blog for a while (from Minnesota!) and enjoying the simplicity and beauty of your life, but your trunk story touches me on a more personal level. It’s an amazing story and I am glad you recognize the treasure you have. When I was just out of college (nearly 30 years ago), I was able to acquire a HUGE trunk from my grandfather’s garage. His best recollection was that it had come from his mother’s family when then had come to the U.S. from Hungary in the early 1900s. It has traveled with me to nearly half a dozen homes, waiting for me to find the right place for it – not an easy thing to do with LARGE trunks. Reading your post (and then going back to watch your video clip), I realize I must take the time now to honor my past and find that home for her this year!
I love that trunk–what a great and unusual piece! And I’m glad you didn’t paint it white. Ha. Here’s to many more creative adventures at the Beach Cottage in 2010!
YAY, Sarah! I just love that piece. You have truly found some treasures for your beach cottage this past year & it’s been fun to see the journey & transformations of them all. Thanks for being a friend! And yes, we are glad you didn’t paint it white. Some things are just meant to stay the same.
Happy new year. May there be many more great finds in your future. And that trunk is beautiful and I am so happy you didn’t paint it white Although I love all your other with touches.
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
. You can read the full story here.
as long as you don;t loose one of the children you are OK LOL
Happy new year!
wow…what an amazing journey for you both !!! love it.
Happy New Year, Dear One! I wish you the best for 2010!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Thanks for sharing the amazing fireworks display – how about all the fabulous WHITE ones for the grand finale!!!
Looking forward to following your new projects at the Beach Cottage this year.
Happy New Year Sarah – hope this is a great one for you and the family.
“saving our planet” indeed!! love your “find” AND blog!
happy new year!
erin
That truly is a special trunk. It has patina, character, and history!! And it looks perfectly at home in the beach cottage. Best wishes to you and your family in 2010, Sarah.
Amy
Hello friend! That is my favories story from the year back at Beach Cottage. It was meant to be. What a treasure! In so many ways. Glad it found a home in your charming abode!
Happy New year!
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com
I was hoping that beauty would make the year’s best list. She’s such a sweet find!
Have a great day,
Gina
hello there – how symbolic that this is your fav piece. when I read your profile background bit I knew the feeling you have when you said on arrival in Aust you felt like you had arrived home …
For me that place is the south island of NZ … lived there for two years and should be back there within the next two all things crossed.
Have you done a post on your exit from the mother land and what you bought with you (besides the Mr BC and the babes) … if yes point me in the right direction.
Before we came to Burketown I exited some significant pieces from our lives and it was a challenge … I wonder how you managed that side of the big move … best le
Tried to leave a comment on your New Year’s post but couldn’t!
Happy New Year from our irish cottage to yours!
I saw the Sydney fireworks on the news and wondered if you would be there!!!
I’m in love with that trunk and the fact that you refer to the trunk as her/she.
Gosh, I just love historical treasures like that – they really do make me think of who the person was and why they decided to go to Australia. Did they have a good life in Australia – where are the descendants? and on and on and on!!
Isn’t it lovely when special things like this seem to just find you. Hope New Years was good for you and the family and 2010 kicks off fun new trends and new treasures to find.
I just came across your blog and wanted to stop by and say hi. We have just moved to Australia from the UK so I am really enjoying reading. Happy New Year!
Was truly a great find Sarah – lucky you.
May 2010 be filled with many more great finds too.
Happy New Year!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Lucky girl! That trunk is fab!! Happy New Year. cheers, -susan
Hi Sarah,
I’ve been following your blog for a while (from Minnesota!) and enjoying the simplicity and beauty of your life, but your trunk story touches me on a more personal level. It’s an amazing story and I am glad you recognize the treasure you have. When I was just out of college (nearly 30 years ago), I was able to acquire a HUGE trunk from my grandfather’s garage. His best recollection was that it had come from his mother’s family when then had come to the U.S. from Hungary in the early 1900s. It has traveled with me to nearly half a dozen homes, waiting for me to find the right place for it – not an easy thing to do with LARGE trunks. Reading your post (and then going back to watch your video clip), I realize I must take the time now to honor my past and find that home for her this year!
Cyndi
I love that trunk–what a great and unusual piece! And I’m glad you didn’t paint it white. Ha. Here’s to many more creative adventures at the Beach Cottage in 2010!
YAY, Sarah! I just love that piece. You have truly found some treasures for your beach cottage this past year & it’s been fun to see the journey & transformations of them all. Thanks for being a friend! And yes, we are glad you didn’t paint it white.
Some things are just meant to stay the same.
Happy new year. May there be many more great finds in your future. And that trunk is beautiful and I am so happy you didn’t paint it white
Although I love all your other with touches.
Oh… I just love pieces with history! What a beautiful treasure!!
rue
It is a treasure, indeed. A very beautiful one that adds that spark of personality to any room it ends up in . I love it in your living room!!