G'day cherry pies. How ya cookin'? All is well here, though my legs are sore, nothing like 250 squats, overlooking the sea, perched on top a dirty great Australian rock to get one's muscles working.
Now, before we start, let me issue a Beach Cottage Warning, this sure is one of those posts, where I ramble, type, ramble, type…you may like to skip right on through
So, I often get messages from people asking me how I 'do it all', how I keep up with everything *and spend copious amounts of time painting things white…and comments along the lines of where does my motivation come from.
And I've been musing these comments recently on my morning walks on the beach, headphones in, head down, legs pumping, brain ticking…or not.
You know, I sat down to write this post with an answer, but it didn't happen, because I don't know what the answer is.
It's just, for me, that painting, nesting in this home, making the best of things and trying to take time to smell the roses is the way to keep me outta trouble.
And that is how this started - that night a few years ago now, in the study I surfed a few homey blogs… and there and then decided to quit whining (about the cottage on Sydney's Beaches, hello!)and start doing with a place that mighn't be totally what I wanted but had the potential for us to live a pretty good life right here and now.
What remains constant with me, it seems, is not the latest fad or fashion in homes but what links my projects, scheming, blogging and treasure hunting is purely and simply, at the bottom line, about me creating the best comfy, simple place that I can, out of what I have now.
I think, there is though, if you look at blogs and wonder about things such as motivation, an undeniably Superwoman-Who-Decorates feel to things that can make one feel somewhat inferior…and I think the only answer to that is, all images aside, to unwittingly acknowledge that we are all beating to the same drum, with messy kids rooms behind the scenes, overflowing laundry, bathrooms to clean and dinner to cook.
But even with all those life things floating around threatening to stop me from getting on with it, what keeps *me doing this is it makes me happy and fulfilled…most of the time…I love decorating, I am more than addicted to the thrill of the Vintage Thrifting Chase and I am moved by the soothing power of white paint.
And so as I sit here, towels on the floor, washing to hang, dinner to think about, kids to collect, I will not think about Superwomen, but rather I will share with you a little nugget that, in all probability, you may well have already seen from Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick whose Investment Post inspired me to write this in the first place and I hope that if you want to get started on a project you've seen on a blog, in a magazine or heaven forbid on one of those TV makeover shows, these few words from the famous Thrifty Decor Gal, (which are right up my alley), may give you the oomph you perhaps need to get it started baby…
'I am woman.
Hear me roar.
I am ROCKIN’ it.
I LOVE what I just did.
PROUD'
(I mean, c'mon, 'I am rocking it'? This is so *my new phrase !)
Oh and if all else fails, you, most powerful Superwoman, leader of your domain, creator of comfortable Beach Cottages, must get yourself a dirty great vintage door, paint it with chalkboard paint, attack it with sandpaper and swiftly command your troops to set to work
I'm outta here
and take a look at Kate at Centsational Girl's take on how she doesn't always do it all here and Beach Cottage Inspiration here, where you'll find Superwoman very much in residence )
see, told ya I'd ramble and leave you at cherry pies
That’s what I like best about “the beach cottage”. Your cottage doesn’t look all glossy magazine perfect-it’s homey, creative and looks like a family might actually live there. And I love how you change old rough finds into treasures with your white paint.
Keep on ‘rocking it baby’!!!
most excellent post Sarah! You have got me inspired (again) to go through our old stables out the front and see if I can find a door to chalkboard paint (caue I am rockin it too lol)
alicia
Funny that. I know we all have things to contend with, like teenagers laundry and where all the socks have gon, but I also like to be motivated for good by seeing the good sides of real homes (not plastic ones). That’s why I like your blog. It is real and affordable and beautiful as well. Maybe I need to be shamed just a little to work to be supermum. Anyway, just thought I’d let you know I painted my bookshelf today with a little bit of help from my daughter. Not sanded, just painted, so I’ve got a lovely bleeding through of the original stain. Cherrie
love your door! what a super idea. i have to say i can relate to everything you’ve said. thanks for the smile and inspiration to get moving! have a great day! susan
Oh if I had to show you my laundry situation today, I would die. The clothes are clean and even folded, but put away, not today! I just love the idea of doors leaning casually against the wall, just set here and there to take up that expanse of wall space. Unfortunatley, my babe is 5 months and soon to be crawling/walking and I fear he would clunk himself….I think I will have to figure out a way to attach it to the wall without it looking…well, attached to the wall.
Sarah! That is one great idea! I do have a wall painted with chalk paint but it’s mostly used to wirte random thoughts on it… I should definitely start making a list of to do’s and get everything done! Have a great day! Vanessa
I *magnetic* chalkboard painted a wall that was outside the kids’ rooms – it’s brilliant – when they have parties they draw a picture up on the wall and play “pin the tail” or whatever on it using magnets. The last birthday party was an alien party, so given we have bulk-loads of Doctor Who magnets courtesy of Doctor Who Adventures mag, what else to play but “stick the Doctor in the TARDIS”?
Thanks for the post, I think you put into words how a lot of us women feel. I saw a t-shirt on a little girl yesterday at the preschool where I work, she was only about 4 years old, but I thought “her mom is training her early” go mom! The t-shirt read “Girls Rock”. Oh so true! marcia
I am obsessed with Chalkboards and I think there are some many creative ways to use them! Using a glass door is brilliant! As always, I love love love it! Thanks for having the urge to nest, create, and share!
I found an old window similar to your door – attached hooks on the bottom for market bags and a pad of paper/pen so I can keep a running market list and tear it off when I go shopping. It’s in the laundry room next to the door by the driveway so there’s no forgetting.
Now, I’ll add a “cuddle mum” note on it – love that!
Couldn’t have said it better–Great post and I do feel a little more empowered to tackle some of the overwhelming (ie.laundry) jobs that bring me down! Love the chalk board door…does the “pick a job” system work in your home? I need a new system to perk up my troops.
I am so going to look for a door like that! Love it! I have a non-decorating question to ask: you said that when you do your beach walks, that you have your headphones in. I walk the beach on weekends and part of me wants to take my ipod, but the other part wants to just hear the waves. But, when I have the ‘pod, I usually walk longer and get more exercise. So, do you still hear the waves? I know, silly question, but just curious!
What a fantastic idea with the chalkboard paint and a list of chores, I love it. I will definitely try to incorporate that. It is so important to do something that you love, and your efforts are always gorgeous.
Loving the door – alas it wouldn’t be big enough for my list of to-do’s! I found what you said about your place quite ironic, because there are hundreds of us who would lurve a house like yours! Keep on rockin’ it! x
Well put Sarah Do you have ESP? because I have been thinking a lot lately how does she do it all? A very real and as always inspiring blog. Love the door.
The door is such a cool idea Sarah, I was thinking of getting an old coffee table for the kids room and painting the top with chalkboard paint so they could draw on it….probably just another project to add to the list! Oh yes also wanted to tell you (and you probably already know this) but Anthropologie are shipping to Australia….Yay yay yay!!!!
Who was the lucky one that cleaned the oven?? Great “to do list” door – looks great. I don’t think I could have one though – a constant reminder of our domestic failures!
I love your perspective. It’s very refreshing. I’ll have to go over and read your about me post because I’m interested now. I often feel like I don’t have what I want to work with (house wise), but you’re right. I need to be happy with what I have and make the best of it. It’s a very inspiring and refreshing way of looking at it.
Love it Sarah!!!
I’m just going to have to find some treasure shops in my area.
You’re posts are an absolute delight!!
You are at the top of my blog favorites!!
Thank you for this post. Over the past few weeks, I have stopped reading some of my favourite blogs because I just can’t live up to their perfection. Ironically, they make me feel much like fashion magazines used to.
G’day Sarah! Great post. I feel that way sometimes, glad to hear others have piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, etc. Yes, this cherry pie feels like the pits occasionally. Love your chalkboard and lists. Keep on inspiring me!!!
Sarah, You most certainly are “Rockin’ It!”, you have come up with another gorgeous project. I LoVe that door. I have an old unused door, I shall have to think about that one.
Keep on Rockin It!
Cindy S.
250 squats? I had to stop there and rest…apparently we now have nothing in common any more (‘cepting Batman maybe LOL)
Good bye my friend..I am off to your side of the world again.
I’m going to have to poach this idea from you. I am currently doing a massive renovation of my gorgeous beach house in Noosa….. I have a staircase that leads into my kitchen. I was tossing around painting the wall at the top of the stairs with chalkboard paint… but the door idea suits me best. then it’s mobile.
You are SO rocking it! And brave for putting your list for all in the cottage (and world!) to see. My list remain in a constant state of “undoneness” but since I keep my list to myself no one knows. Yup…I’m pathetic like that!
thanks for sharing your heart, sarah! well said. (o: we’re all so blessed & just need to open our eyes to see it! i just HAD to show my 16-yr-old your chalkboard door. too cool. he gives me a ROUGH time for ‘collecting’ old doors. they make me happy! who can throw them away?! i have them stored in the basement where he’d like to work on motorcycles (there’s enough room for both ‘collections’!). i don’t have any doors just like yours (for a chalkboard) but will definitely keep it in mind. your post (& project) is so inspiring. (o: thanks, sarah! have a great day!
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 . Â 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? Â 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. Â 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
Â
6. layer on top the cream combo
Â
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
Â
*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 ;-)Â
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. Â 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.Â
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. Â Oh yeah. Â 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. Â 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
Thanks Sarah, I love how you put everything into perspective, it’s great. I love your door chalkboard list.
Nellie xx
You definately are ‘rocking it’. Well put! Happy Tuesday
x
That’s what I like best about “the beach cottage”. Your cottage doesn’t look all glossy magazine perfect-it’s homey, creative and looks like a family might actually live there. And I love how you change old rough finds into treasures with your white paint.
Keep on ‘rocking it baby’!!!
Great post sarah.
Love how you ‘tell it as it is’
Alison
most excellent post Sarah! You have got me inspired (again) to go through our old stables out the front and see if I can find a door to chalkboard paint (caue I am rockin it too lol)
alicia
Funny that. I know we all have things to contend with, like teenagers laundry and where all the socks have gon, but I also like to be motivated for good by seeing the good sides of real homes (not plastic ones). That’s why I like your blog. It is real and affordable and beautiful as well. Maybe I need to be shamed just a little to work to be supermum. Anyway, just thought I’d let you know I painted my bookshelf today with a little bit of help from my daughter. Not sanded, just painted, so I’ve got a lovely bleeding through of the original stain. Cherrie
love your door! what a super idea. i have to say i can relate to everything you’ve said. thanks for the smile and inspiration to get moving! have a great day! susan
Brilliant post! Loving the door as well!
Oh if I had to show you my laundry situation today, I would die. The clothes are clean and even folded, but put away, not today! I just love the idea of doors leaning casually against the wall, just set here and there to take up that expanse of wall space. Unfortunatley, my babe is 5 months and soon to be crawling/walking and I fear he would clunk himself….I think I will have to figure out a way to attach it to the wall without it looking…well, attached to the wall.
Sarah! That is one great idea! I do have a wall painted with chalk paint but it’s mostly used to wirte random thoughts on it… I should definitely start making a list of to do’s and get everything done! Have a great day! Vanessa
I *magnetic* chalkboard painted a wall that was outside the kids’ rooms – it’s brilliant – when they have parties they draw a picture up on the wall and play “pin the tail” or whatever on it using magnets. The last birthday party was an alien party, so given we have bulk-loads of Doctor Who magnets courtesy of Doctor Who Adventures mag, what else to play but “stick the Doctor in the TARDIS”?
Thanks for the post, I think you put into words how a lot of us women feel. I saw a t-shirt on a little girl yesterday at the preschool where I work, she was only about 4 years old, but I thought “her mom is training her early” go mom! The t-shirt read “Girls Rock”. Oh so true! marcia
I am obsessed with Chalkboards and I think there are some many creative ways to use them! Using a glass door is brilliant! As always, I love love love it! Thanks for having the urge to nest, create, and share!
JUST what I needed to “hear” today. Thanks for the perspective!
Great – Rockin Super Woman.
I found an old window similar to your door – attached hooks on the bottom for market bags and a pad of paper/pen so I can keep a running market list and tear it off when I go shopping. It’s in the laundry room next to the door by the driveway so there’s no forgetting.
Now, I’ll add a “cuddle mum” note on it – love that!
Marsha
love, love, love this idea! i need a whole door for my to do.
Couldn’t have said it better–Great post and I do feel a little more empowered to tackle some of the overwhelming (ie.laundry) jobs that bring me down! Love the chalk board door…does the “pick a job” system work in your home? I need a new system to perk up my troops.
I am so going to look for a door like that! Love it! I have a non-decorating question to ask: you said that when you do your beach walks, that you have your headphones in. I walk the beach on weekends and part of me wants to take my ipod, but the other part wants to just hear the waves. But, when I have the ‘pod, I usually walk longer and get more exercise. So, do you still hear the waves? I know, silly question, but just curious!
What a fantastic idea with the chalkboard paint and a list of chores, I love it. I will definitely try to incorporate that. It is so important to do something that you love, and your efforts are always gorgeous.
Love your perspective. I needed this today. Now I am off to do something – anything – on my long list of to do’s.
Love love it!.. besides the fact i love big chalkboards.. Can’t wait til my little ones can read.. and clean ovens
Loving the door – alas it wouldn’t be big enough for my list of to-do’s! I found what you said about your place quite ironic, because there are hundreds of us who would lurve a house like yours! Keep on rockin’ it! x
Well put Sarah Do you have ESP? because I have been thinking a lot lately how does she do it all? A very real and as always inspiring blog. Love the door.
Really cute idea. I’m glad that works for you.
I think the door is a great idea, though I would pick mopping the laundry before a lot of the others
I am so with you on getting things for the house that you can have NOW, I have zero patience to save up for things.
Mel xxx
wauw .. Life IS as simple as you want to make it
The door is such a cool idea Sarah, I was thinking of getting an old coffee table for the kids room and painting the top with chalkboard paint so they could draw on it….probably just another project to add to the list! Oh yes also wanted to tell you (and you probably already know this) but Anthropologie are shipping to Australia….Yay yay yay!!!!
Who was the lucky one that cleaned the oven?? Great “to do list” door – looks great. I don’t think I could have one though – a constant reminder of our domestic failures!
I love your perspective. It’s very refreshing. I’ll have to go over and read your about me post because I’m interested now. I often feel like I don’t have what I want to work with (house wise), but you’re right. I need to be happy with what I have and make the best of it. It’s a very inspiring and refreshing way of looking at it.
Love it Sarah!!!
I’m just going to have to find some treasure shops in my area.
You’re posts are an absolute delight!!
You are at the top of my blog favorites!!
I hear the roar from “down under” Wonderful post! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR lol
Thank you for this post. Over the past few weeks, I have stopped reading some of my favourite blogs because I just can’t live up to their perfection. Ironically, they make me feel much like fashion magazines used to.
G’day Sarah! Great post. I feel that way sometimes, glad to hear others have piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, etc. Yes, this cherry pie feels like the pits occasionally. Love your chalkboard and lists. Keep on inspiring me!!!
Sarah, You most certainly are “Rockin’ It!”, you have come up with another gorgeous project. I LoVe that door. I have an old unused door, I shall have to think about that one.
Keep on Rockin It!
Cindy S.
250 squats? I had to stop there and rest…apparently we now have nothing in common any more (‘cepting Batman maybe LOL)
Good bye my friend..I am off to your side of the world again.
oh too funny, I am rockin’ it
we could all do with a bit of that kind of spark
it is amazing how refreshing it is to paint your whole place white
Hi Sarah…sorry been a bit remiss re leaving messages on your blog…(always read them)..
BUT you have a way with your words/english…it is wonderful…
& me?? oh ME…with my law degree … am quite pathetic re expressing myself…
But here goes…
HEY girl…you ROCK..!! your BLOG is awesome..
Lovin white…Lovin beachy CHIC…
Lovin it all…
Flea/junk market finds make me SOO HAPPY…
SOO i have been a busy 52 yo “CHICKY BABE”??? paintin’ hat boxes/cases…frames…chest of drawers…
in between my 4 x tennis lessons..the OLD girl is rockin with white paint..& stuff N that!!
(sounds quite pathetic when I read it back…BUT what the heck……??!!)
xx andrea
Nice to know you are not all quite as intimidatingly perfect as I first thought! Thanks Sarah nice rambling with you!
I’m going to have to poach this idea from you. I am currently doing a massive renovation of my gorgeous beach house in Noosa….. I have a staircase that leads into my kitchen. I was tossing around painting the wall at the top of the stairs with chalkboard paint… but the door idea suits me best. then it’s mobile.
Love it thanks. Did you ever get onto Redbubble??
Susan
:)
I love the chalk board idea!
It is beautiful and so everyday!
I love that combo!
cove visit
http://www.dlynyesterday.blogspot.com/
so….. when do we get to see whats in the bags????don’t you just love ikea ?? is yours right in town or is it a trip for you too?
You are SO rocking it! And brave for putting your list for all in the cottage (and world!) to see. My list remain in a constant state of “undoneness” but since I keep my list to myself no one knows.
Yup…I’m pathetic like that!
how much are you paying? love to take an assignment off of a door with a chalk board in it!!
thanks for sharing your heart, sarah! well said. (o: we’re all so blessed & just need to open our eyes to see it! i just HAD to show my 16-yr-old your chalkboard door. too cool. he gives me a ROUGH time for ‘collecting’ old doors. they make me happy! who can throw them away?! i have them stored in the basement where he’d like to work on motorcycles (there’s enough room for both ‘collections’!). i don’t have any doors just like yours (for a chalkboard) but will definitely keep it in mind. your post (& project) is so inspiring. (o: thanks, sarah! have a great day!
Ha! Sweet project. That is just like the front door to my wee porch! I’m fixing to replace it soon, though, with a sturdier antique french door.
I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend,
: )
Julie M.