Well I've had a quite beautiful morning…sshhh don't tell Mr Beach Cottage but after the school run, I took it upon myself to go and sit quietly with a new copy of Australian Country Style (more on that soon…a great Australian Magazine I know a lot of my readers would love to read but can't get a hold of…) and treat myself to some Sourdough and a nice Cappuccino, at a very sweet water's edge cafe.
And as I sat there musing, I have to say I had to pinch myself. It really is very good here. With this as a little antidote to everyday life, I surely feel equipped to tackle many a thing.
One of my New Year's Resolutions (along with something else I'll be asking for your help on soon) is to do a little bit of Sarah Pampering. In fact I may actually change my last name to Pamper. Just to make it a little more authentic.
And not because I am hard done by, I most definitely am not. But like many women, I seem to have this idea that sitting alone in a coffee shop is extravagantly self-indulgent, at the very least I should be sharing coffee, phoning a friend or making a list…
And without wanting to go down that heinous route of those who are of the School of Love-Oneself, I have decided that this year I need to get out and enjoy my life more. Just for me.
I will sit alone and enjoy simply N O T H I N G whenever I can. Pleasure itself.
I embrace the spontaneity of occasions such as this…just because…because I could do it …and no-one else knows…you know?
And don't get me wrong here, there is nothing worse, I believe, than the Me Time Movement but this proposition to live life a bit more fully is not because I am following some voodoo notion that I must take time to massage my inner woman but more because I wanna bend down and smell the roses…or the coffee…or the sea…
Actually, I am looking for a new coffee…I've been drinking Cappuccino since I first tried it in Malta nearly 25 years ago, scooping off that haze of fluff on the top, or if it's after dinner downing an Espresso in one…but I'm broadening my horizons baby, lured by names such as Espresso Macchiato, Caffe Mocha ….and those who order something along the lines this that I overheard yesterday 'a double- skinny- extra-hot-triple-shot-long-flat-white-with-a-blast-of-froth-on-top'….phew….made me feel most inadequate when I ordered a 'c a p p u c c i n o p l e a s e.'
I have to say that if I had a vintage-loving, treasure-hunting, white-paint adoring accomplice such as yourself to share a coffee and some by-the-sea therapy with it would be great…but that, my dear Watson, is the beauty of technology.
If you tell me your beverage of choice to widen my horizons, I will enter you in the giveawy for a giftcard so you can treat yourself to a week or so's worth of delights from Starbucks or if you live in the Lucky Country like me, I'll find a way to hook you up with your local Gloria Jean's.
So, I'll catch ya later. Have a cup of coffee for me…you can find more pictures of my morning here
you can find more Beach Cottage Life Stuff here and waterside goings-on here
{ giveaway closes 04/02/10, all comments til then }
and stop by tomorrow, I've a very nice piece of furniture to show you!
I am a coffee junkie, but I admit I haven’t been to a Gloria Jeans in years.
At Starbucks I enjoy A Venti Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha No-Fat No-Whip. I like this both hot and cold. I also enjoy a Venti Caramel Macchiato.
At Caribou I enjoy their Macchiato, but it is different than Starbucks – still delightful though. I never get a cappuccino though. But on an off day I will add an extra shot of espresso to any and all my drinks. In the fall, A Pumpkin Spice Latte is delicious too. I could go on and on and then begin listing the teas I order, but let’s leave it at this. Don’t want to seem obsessive. LOL
hello there .. well I get Aust Country Style up here in whoop whoop … so really if I can get it thru flood and cyclone then most anyone in Aust can get their hands on a delighful copy.
As to coffees … well try a long black with a slice of lemon – I don’t drink this all the time but with a dark choc flourless torte it is fabbo ! best le
Sarah,
I am not a hard-core coffee drinker, so when I tell you my faves, you’ll probably not take me seriously, but……
Starbuck’s Cafe Mocha for morning – it is like espresso mixed with chocolate and cream topped with whipped cream
AND
Iced Passion tea from Starbuck’s or any other shop for afternoon!
Hi Sarah…How sad am I? I only ever order a “hot WARM chocolate” Some rare occasions I’ll have a half strength mocha….I’m hesitant to try anything else LOL….however you quite possibly might have persuaded me to venture out of my comfort zone into the coffee world…but yikes, what would i have and after reading “that” order i wouldn’t even know how to ask for it, perhaps i could just go with the line “I’ll have what she’s having thanks” and smile like im a pro coffee drinker PMSL….
Oh and Sarah, Whats the diff between a cappo and reg cuppa coffee? See i told ya, I am a coffee virgin still at 31
Now I am the one who is sad, stuck out here in the burbs dreaming of a life by the sea….sigh…once again thanks for letting me live thru you LOL
OK don’t everybody groan at once but my coffee of choice is McDonalds, yes the one with Ronald the clown and happy meals. I’m a senior on a budget and it’s a good dependable cup of coffee for under .50! At home I drink Folgers 1/2 Caff. Delicious splurges would be Green Mountain, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, nothing flavored. I like my coffee to taste like coffee! Love your blog! Live the dream!
I am hooked on caffiene so usually I just order 4 shots of espresso and a splash of non-fat milk. But when I want a treat I get a thai cafe. It is two shots of espresso and condensed milk. So decadent and so good!
I have to drive my son to school every afternoon and I do enjoy stopping in at Starbucks some days as a treat. Unfortunately I usually have my laptop with me to work but at least it’s a change of scenery. My drink of choice is a skinny vanilla latte – or Pike’s Place if I feel like a plain old coffee. My favourite is a Chai latte but I looked up the calories online (yikes) and had to stop those.
there are a lot of favorites, but to narrow it down, pumpkin frapaccino, brownie frap., caramel frap. and a good ole mocha with whip cream on top with those chocolate shavings…and a snickerdoodle or vanilla scone. Ok, so that is more than you asked, but its Starbucks, I mean seriously, I can’t pick just one.
lovely photos…wish i was there having my morning 4 shot vanilla latte skinny. a few years ago i bucked up for a latte machine for my husband. LOVE IT and love that we save money every morning by brewing up our own. the down side to it…my daily shots have increased! AND sometimes i have another in the afternoon. started off sharing the 4 shots that it makes at a time and now i have them all to myself. oooh, think i’m addited?!
i also still hit the local coffee shops for my ‘peace and quiet’ so would love to win your giveaway!
thanks for a lovely post today.
kathi
Hello Sarah
Kathleen H from Indiana here. Oh the lovely seaside cafe….I am soooo jealous! I drink plain old coffee with cream. Actually I love hot tea. My new favorite is Mate De Coca Coca Tea which I discovered while in Lima Peru. (pisco sours ain’t bad either) Yum! Anyway I agree on the “me” time. Everyone needs it to recharge. We are scheduled for another snow storm on Friday. Groundhog says 6 more weeks of winter. I painted my dining room Monday, guess the color….a light grey. Beautiful. My 60 year old home was all white when we moved in 6 years ago. Slowly adding color here and there. Have a fantastic day.
Your morning sounds absolutely wonderful, after reading, I quickly made my cafe mocha. So yummy. I usually order iced mochas, but after my 3rd baby my taste buds changed, so everything is too sweet. So now my iced mocha is requested with half the chocolate.
I hope you have a beautiful rest of your day.
Julie
Sitting by the water, sun shining on your shoulders, hot drink in hand, the smell of fresh bread wafting AND a good magazine to boot – sheer bliss! My drink of choice is…sorry, not a coffee drinker here, hot tea hits the spot but I do indulge with an occasional hot chocolate and, if I am feeling especially naughty, top it with whipped cream…
Taking time to relax and renew yourself makes you a better wife, mom and all round woman – good for you!
I am enjoying reading all the comments almost as much as I enjoyed the post! My mouth is watering at all the suggestions and I can only think of a couple to add……a regular vanilla latte and since someone mentioned hot chocolate, Starbucks made a hot chocolate last year that had caramel and salt…..can’t remember the name, but it was so rich and delish……I digress.
The post is beautiful and the pictures are marvelous! Thank you for sharing. My imagination is in overdrive as to think of what my day would hold if I were in fact sitting next to the water enjoying such a peaceful morning.
When I want a treat at Starbucks, I love a skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but I have an itty bitty espresso machine here at home, so most of the time I make my own. My current fave is a latte with the froth, sweetened with a bit of stevia (natural sweetener), and about half a peppermint candy cane. I just break the candy cane into a few pieces, and let the hot liquid melt it. Yummy!
What was that lovely bread like(toast?) you were having? That looked so good sitting out on the table near the water in the sun.
I love non fat hot chocolate from starbucks with whipped cream of course and a squeeze of chocolate syrup. mmm.
As for your time for yourself, it’s really so important, I’m glad to hear you will be doing more of it.
Hi Sarah,
According to my Beloved I am uncililized as I don’t drink coffee – ever. I am a hot tea gal. I fix his coffee all the time, and love how it smells. My favorite smell is hazelnut, but give me my black tea any time. Tea is also a lovely way to stop and smell the roses, or the sea and I say bravo to you for taking time to be still. I am with you all the way on that. It seems to me that we need to find the rhythms of life again. There is high tide and low tide at the water, and my garden has times of fruit and times of rest and I find people need that too.
Ill come join you in a cup o coffee, make mine a Mocha coffee, with extra froth and cocoa powder on top!
I always enjoy sitting and having a cup on my own, usually people watching, afraid the weather isn’t very good here to sit outside at the moment so I envy your beach side cafe, my idea of heaven.
I had trouble posting yesterday so if you have two of me that’s why I LOVE Chai Tea Latte with a splash of vanilla. I take them hot or cold but my favorite is a chai tea latte accompanied with a slice of pumpkin loaf from Starbucks…. ahhhhhh. heavenly divine! Happy Day, The Lady
My coffee choices go in cycles. Currently I am on a Tall Nonfat No Whip White Chocolate Mocha, please, cycle. You can always ask them to adjust flavors if you prefer less sweet (or more in the case of my husband!).
At Starbucks I like a double tall soy latte with one pump of cinnamon dolce. At the locally owned coffee shop, I go with either a one pump soy mocha (just a hint of chocolate!), or a soy latte to which I add a bit of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. And if I am in the Pacific Northwest, a completely unadulterated soy latte. Oh, and have you ever had an affogato? That is, a scoop of gelato drowned in a shot of espresso? Oh my, is that good!
geesh! if i wasnt already begging my husband to move back to melbourne, i would be now. just looking at that delicious cap at an outdoor seaside cafe… be still my heart. i dont have any speciality drinks to offer, as when i go back, i purely enjoy the taste of a good cappachino or latte. starbucks doesnt compare!!
I could sit in a place like that for hours! So lovely! I like a skinny vanilla latte with a tiny bit of nutmeg. Starbucks has a shaker of it next to the sugar and cream. At home, I almost always drink tea. Jasmine green tea is my favorite at the moment. I could drink gallons of that stuff!
I just love the way you write ~ how you see things and the way you are able to engage us all just as if we were there with you.
You have a beautiful home that just oozes with character and charm. Everything from painting furniture to coffee by the sea seems so peaceful there. Enjoy your Sarah time.
Sarah
G’Day Mrs. Sarah~ My Coffee of choice for the morning is a White Mocha Breve yep that’s cream 1/2 & 1/2 the real stuff.It doesn’t seem to do anything for my diet if I have it or have a skinny, seems to be all the same.I do add a lil dash of cinnamon as well.I have my Coffee with you most morning to check-in and well ya be a creeper and see what’s up.Enjoy!
I’ve read every single comment hoping to learn the secret language of Starbucks! I have to admit I still don’t get it. All I do know is that I prefer Dunkin Donuts. Starbucks for me is a little strong and I find myself spilling half out to get more milk in. I also don’t love the flavors and like my coffee to taste like coffee. So for me it’s large coffee milk and sugar please!
As for your me time why not if you can steal a few minutes. It was a lot harder when the kids were little but now woo hoo I find some time peeking in here and there.The funny thing is even when I’m alone I’m still always thinking of them. And if I’m even luckier to shop alone it’s usually one of them that I buy something for. Ha, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Love your spot and that giant piece of bread is right up my alley too.Enjoy your moments I’m sure they’ll inspire you somehow and then we will reap the benefits.See your alone time isn’t for you after all. Hows that for rationalizing your time alone! <3
Oh my gosh…what beautiful pictures of the water. I love the water. I live at the water, but it is winter here. You are killing me
Ok…my favorite flavor of coffee is Pumpkin Spice. It comes out of hybernation around October {I believe} and only stays around for a short time at Starbucks. However, I have found a source for it and keep it year round. I drink it as more of a dessert coffee or afternoon “pick me up” as I do with most of my flavored coffees.
I have to say that I don’t really like coffee, of any sort. I just don’t like the taste! But oh how I adore a good cup of tea, I would definitely take that anytime. Especially if it has a nice, large, scone with it. One of the things I love about Australia is you can get Devonshire tea at a lot of places. You try to order that here and people just look at you like you are a wack-job. Silly America, why can’t I order a yummy scone with Devonshire cream and jam with my tea?! Oh well, I guess I will just have to settle for the tea part (and make my own scones, which I do!)
ha ha – I know what you mean – all those long fancy names when all I want is a latte!!! I don’t drink coffee otherwise as I find it too strong, but a good latte is just right for me!!
Hi Sarah,
I’m really a plain sort of coffee drinker, but I do enjoy pumpkin spice flavored coffee the best. When on a shopping trip to the city, I make sure to stop by Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte (light). Not much longer will I be able to enjoy that seasonal flavor, tho!
Hi Sarah,
what a lovely location – thanks for sharing your morning with us. You’ve inspired me to pop down to the beach in my lunch break today for a bit of quiet time.
Have you tried a spicy chai latte? It I need the caffine hit, it’s a double shot trim latte for me.
My favorite is a peppermint mocha from Seattle’s Best! (GASP–not a Starbucks fan!) ; ) Did you know that Hooked on Houses linked to you the other day in her post about a beach house?
Your morning looked delightful!! As a mother of a two year old, I dream of when I can drop my kids off at school and find a cozy place to enjoy my morning cup like you did! My drink of choice right now is a Carmel Macchiato with Whip
Oh Sarah, reading what you write and seeing your photos is the best “magazine” ever. It is almost like those Discovery reality shows which are most interesting and from which you learn so much, and realize (in a very conscious way) something that has always been within you. You are inspirational for sure!
I am definitely with you on the “rose smelling” subject! Way to go! )
Hugs, Erika
I don;t coffee-love the smell-HATE the taste. So my anytime bev of choice is Icy Cold Diet Coke But since we have had such a chilly winter (for Florida) I am beginiing to appreciate a nice mug of Hot Chocolate in the am.
Good on you Sarah! I have decided that this year I am going to get myself a hobby and one that doesn’t include picking up stuff off the side of the road and scouring Vinnie’s for stuff I don’t need but a hobby that includes learning a new skill. I havn’t worked out what its going to be yet but I will let you know when I do! In the mean time I can also think of nothing better than sitting quietly and drinking a coffee (I am a weak Latte girl, sorry a bit boring I know) and reading a book or a magazine with no one to nag me…..bliss!
I do this all of the time. In the mornings I prefer coffee, but in the afternoons I love tea. In the evening one of my favorite cuppas is decaf Earl Grey tea with a tablespoon of brown sugar and some vanilla almond milk. YUM
My favorite drink is definitely a Coconut White Chocolate Mocha. Mint or Raspberry WCM’s are great too. Ahhh, looks like such a relaxing, WARM, morning. (It’s the middle of winter round here).
I love your photos by the sea, just right for enjoying a coffee. My coffee of choice is a Mochachino, I can’t go past the combining of coffee and chocolate, that is bliss to me.
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
Never a truer word spoken;-)
Oh and me? Flat white…in a mug…
Boring I know:-(
This lurker has finally come out of the woodwork to say “I simply adore your blog”
I would definitely want one as I haven’t had one in years. I would drink it in a place that is peaceful and relaxing.
I am a coffee junkie, but I admit I haven’t been to a Gloria Jeans in years.
At Starbucks I enjoy A Venti Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha No-Fat No-Whip. I like this both hot and cold. I also enjoy a Venti Caramel Macchiato.
At Caribou I enjoy their Macchiato, but it is different than Starbucks – still delightful though. I never get a cappuccino though. But on an off day I will add an extra shot of espresso to any and all my drinks. In the fall, A Pumpkin Spice Latte is delicious too. I could go on and on and then begin listing the teas I order, but let’s leave it at this. Don’t want to seem obsessive. LOL
it’s coffee for me with vanilla caramel creamer. if i’m near a starbuck’s i love their chai latte. have a wonderful day!
hello there .. well I get Aust Country Style up here in whoop whoop … so really if I can get it thru flood and cyclone then most anyone in Aust can get their hands on a delighful copy.
As to coffees … well try a long black with a slice of lemon – I don’t drink this all the time but with a dark choc flourless torte it is fabbo ! best le
I start the morning with a chai latte (hot in the cool weather, iced in the summer!). Tazo brand is my favourite!
Sarah,
I am not a hard-core coffee drinker, so when I tell you my faves, you’ll probably not take me seriously, but……
Starbuck’s Cafe Mocha for morning – it is like espresso mixed with chocolate and cream topped with whipped cream
AND
Iced Passion tea from Starbuck’s or any other shop for afternoon!
Hi Sarah…How sad am I? I only ever order a “hot WARM chocolate” Some rare occasions I’ll have a half strength mocha….I’m hesitant to try anything else LOL….however you quite possibly might have persuaded me to venture out of my comfort zone into the coffee world…but yikes, what would i have and after reading “that” order i wouldn’t even know how to ask for it, perhaps i could just go with the line “I’ll have what she’s having thanks” and smile like im a pro coffee drinker PMSL….
Oh and Sarah, Whats the diff between a cappo and reg cuppa coffee? See i told ya, I am a coffee virgin still at 31
Now I am the one who is sad, stuck out here in the burbs dreaming of a life by the sea….sigh…once again thanks for letting me live thru you LOL
OK don’t everybody groan at once but my coffee of choice is McDonalds, yes the one with Ronald the clown and happy meals. I’m a senior on a budget and it’s a good dependable cup of coffee for under .50! At home I drink Folgers 1/2 Caff. Delicious splurges would be Green Mountain, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, nothing flavored. I like my coffee to taste like coffee! Love your blog! Live the dream!
What a gorgeous, glorious way to start your day!
I am hooked on caffiene so usually I just order 4 shots of espresso and a splash of non-fat milk. But when I want a treat I get a thai cafe. It is two shots of espresso and condensed milk. So decadent and so good!
I have to drive my son to school every afternoon and I do enjoy stopping in at Starbucks some days as a treat. Unfortunately I usually have my laptop with me to work but at least it’s a change of scenery. My drink of choice is a skinny vanilla latte – or Pike’s Place if I feel like a plain old coffee. My favourite is a Chai latte but I looked up the calories online (yikes) and had to stop those.
there are a lot of favorites, but to narrow it down, pumpkin frapaccino, brownie frap., caramel frap. and a good ole mocha with whip cream on top with those chocolate shavings…and a snickerdoodle or vanilla scone. Ok, so that is more than you asked, but its Starbucks, I mean seriously, I can’t pick just one.
lovely photos…wish i was there having my morning 4 shot vanilla latte skinny. a few years ago i bucked up for a latte machine for my husband. LOVE IT and love that we save money every morning by brewing up our own. the down side to it…my daily shots have increased! AND sometimes i have another in the afternoon. started off sharing the 4 shots that it makes at a time and now i have them all to myself. oooh, think i’m addited?!
i also still hit the local coffee shops for my ‘peace and quiet’ so would love to win your giveaway!
thanks for a lovely post today.
kathi
Hello Sarah
Kathleen H from Indiana here. Oh the lovely seaside cafe….I am soooo jealous! I drink plain old coffee with cream. Actually I love hot tea. My new favorite is Mate De Coca Coca Tea which I discovered while in Lima Peru. (pisco sours ain’t bad either) Yum! Anyway I agree on the “me” time. Everyone needs it to recharge. We are scheduled for another snow storm on Friday. Groundhog says 6 more weeks of winter. I painted my dining room Monday, guess the color….a light grey. Beautiful. My 60 year old home was all white when we moved in 6 years ago. Slowly adding color here and there. Have a fantastic day.
Your morning sounds absolutely wonderful, after reading, I quickly made my cafe mocha. So yummy. I usually order iced mochas, but after my 3rd baby my taste buds changed, so everything is too sweet. So now my iced mocha is requested with half the chocolate.
I hope you have a beautiful rest of your day.
Julie
Sitting by the water, sun shining on your shoulders, hot drink in hand, the smell of fresh bread wafting AND a good magazine to boot – sheer bliss! My drink of choice is…sorry, not a coffee drinker here, hot tea hits the spot but I do indulge with an occasional hot chocolate and, if I am feeling especially naughty, top it with whipped cream…
Taking time to relax and renew yourself makes you a better wife, mom and all round woman – good for you!
what great pictures! wish i could wake up every morning and enjoy a cup of coffee in that setting. enjoy!
I am enjoying reading all the comments almost as much as I enjoyed the post! My mouth is watering at all the suggestions and I can only think of a couple to add……a regular vanilla latte and since someone mentioned hot chocolate, Starbucks made a hot chocolate last year that had caramel and salt…..can’t remember the name, but it was so rich and delish……I digress.
The post is beautiful and the pictures are marvelous! Thank you for sharing. My imagination is in overdrive as to think of what my day would hold if I were in fact sitting next to the water enjoying such a peaceful morning.
When I want a treat at Starbucks, I love a skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but I have an itty bitty espresso machine here at home, so most of the time I make my own. My current fave is a latte with the froth, sweetened with a bit of stevia (natural sweetener), and about half a peppermint candy cane. I just break the candy cane into a few pieces, and let the hot liquid melt it. Yummy!
mmmmmm, i wanted to climb right into the those pictures. i could almost feel the breeze and the warmth of the sun.
my drink of choice is iced coffee with a splash of toffee nut. never get tired of it!
Every morning, winter and summer, I have an iced vanilla latte. I used to go to Starbucks, then bought myself an espresso machine to save the $$!
Your pictures remind me to take the time in the summer to eat by the water once in a while!
Joanne
I love living vicariously through you! I could so be sitting at that table smelling the ocean and taking pictures…ah, dreams!
You take such great photos. What kind of a camera do you use?
I can’t do caffeine but on Sunday mornings I like to have a big cup of decaf laced with Bailey’s Irish Creme. Heavenly!
What was that lovely bread like(toast?) you were having? That looked so good sitting out on the table near the water in the sun.
I love non fat hot chocolate from starbucks with whipped cream of course and a squeeze of chocolate syrup. mmm.
As for your time for yourself, it’s really so important, I’m glad to hear you will be doing more of it.
No sweet with the coffee for me…just an Americano with some milk in it. But that sweet view of sea to sip it by…now that I would love!
Hi Sarah,
but give me my black tea any time. Tea is also a lovely way to stop and smell the roses, or the sea and I say bravo to you for taking time to be still. I am with you all the way on that. It seems to me that we need to find the rhythms of life again. There is high tide and low tide at the water, and my garden has times of fruit and times of rest and I find people need that too.
According to my Beloved I am uncililized as I don’t drink coffee – ever. I am a hot tea gal. I fix his coffee all the time, and love how it smells. My favorite smell is hazelnut,
Ill come join you in a cup o coffee, make mine a Mocha coffee, with extra froth and cocoa powder on top!
I always enjoy sitting and having a cup on my own, usually people watching, afraid the weather isn’t very good here to sit outside at the moment so I envy your beach side cafe, my idea of heaven.
I had trouble posting yesterday so if you have two of me that’s why
I LOVE Chai Tea Latte with a splash of vanilla. I take them hot or cold but my favorite is a chai tea latte accompanied with a slice of pumpkin loaf from Starbucks…. ahhhhhh. heavenly divine! Happy Day, The Lady
My coffee choices go in cycles. Currently I am on a Tall Nonfat No Whip White Chocolate Mocha, please, cycle. You can always ask them to adjust flavors if you prefer less sweet (or more in the case of my husband!).
At Starbucks I like a double tall soy latte with one pump of cinnamon dolce. At the locally owned coffee shop, I go with either a one pump soy mocha (just a hint of chocolate!), or a soy latte to which I add a bit of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. And if I am in the Pacific Northwest, a completely unadulterated soy latte. Oh, and have you ever had an affogato? That is, a scoop of gelato drowned in a shot of espresso? Oh my, is that good!
geesh! if i wasnt already begging my husband to move back to melbourne, i would be now. just looking at that delicious cap at an outdoor seaside cafe… be still my heart. i dont have any speciality drinks to offer, as when i go back, i purely enjoy the taste of a good cappachino or latte. starbucks doesnt compare!!
I could sit in a place like that for hours! So lovely! I like a skinny vanilla latte with a tiny bit of nutmeg. Starbucks has a shaker of it next to the sugar and cream. At home, I almost always drink tea. Jasmine green tea is my favorite at the moment. I could drink gallons of that stuff!
I just love the way you write ~ how you see things and the way you are able to engage us all just as if we were there with you.
You have a beautiful home that just oozes with character and charm. Everything from painting furniture to coffee by the sea seems so peaceful there. Enjoy your Sarah time.
Sarah
Beautiful views! How nice that you took the time to enjoy it…………….my coffee of choice is a nonfat latte……….makes me feel warm and comfy!
G’Day Mrs. Sarah~ My Coffee of choice for the morning is a White Mocha Breve yep that’s cream 1/2 & 1/2 the real stuff.It doesn’t seem to do anything for my diet if I have it or have a skinny, seems to be all the same.I do add a lil dash of cinnamon as well.I have my Coffee with you most morning to check-in and well ya be a creeper and see what’s up.Enjoy!
I’ve read every single comment hoping to learn the secret language of Starbucks! I have to admit I still don’t get it. All I do know is that I prefer Dunkin Donuts. Starbucks for me is a little strong and I find myself spilling half out to get more milk in. I also don’t love the flavors and like my coffee to taste like coffee. So for me it’s large coffee milk and sugar please!
As for your me time why not if you can steal a few minutes. It was a lot harder when the kids were little but now woo hoo I find some time peeking in here and there.The funny thing is even when I’m alone I’m still always thinking of them. And if I’m even luckier to shop alone it’s usually one of them that I buy something for. Ha, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Love your spot and that giant piece of bread is right up my alley too.Enjoy your moments I’m sure they’ll inspire you somehow and then we will reap the benefits.See your alone time isn’t for you after all. Hows that for rationalizing your time alone! <3
Oh my gosh…what beautiful pictures of the water. I love the water. I live at the water, but it is winter here. You are killing me
Ok…my favorite flavor of coffee is Pumpkin Spice. It comes out of hybernation around October {I believe} and only stays around for a short time at Starbucks. However, I have found a source for it and keep it year round. I drink it as more of a dessert coffee or afternoon “pick me up” as I do with most of my flavored coffees.
Jan
BellaCasa
I have to say that I don’t really like coffee, of any sort. I just don’t like the taste! But oh how I adore a good cup of tea, I would definitely take that anytime. Especially if it has a nice, large, scone with it. One of the things I love about Australia is you can get Devonshire tea at a lot of places. You try to order that here and people just look at you like you are a wack-job. Silly America, why can’t I order a yummy scone with Devonshire cream and jam with my tea?! Oh well, I guess I will just have to settle for the tea part (and make my own scones, which I do!)
ha ha – I know what you mean – all those long fancy names when all I want is a latte!!! I don’t drink coffee otherwise as I find it too strong, but a good latte is just right for me!!
Ahhh I wish I could sit down there with you!!! What a great location! I would have a “Tall non-fat no-whip mocha!
it’s americano everytime for me i’m afraid
i hate anything frothy or even anything with a silly name!!
gill
Hi Sarah,
I’m really a plain sort of coffee drinker, but I do enjoy pumpkin spice flavored coffee the best. When on a shopping trip to the city, I make sure to stop by Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte (light). Not much longer will I be able to enjoy that seasonal flavor, tho!
Nancy
Hi Sarah,
what a lovely location – thanks for sharing your morning with us. You’ve inspired me to pop down to the beach in my lunch break today for a bit of quiet time.
Have you tried a spicy chai latte? It I need the caffine hit, it’s a double shot trim latte for me.
Have a fantastic day
My favorite is a peppermint mocha from Seattle’s Best! (GASP–not a Starbucks fan!) ; ) Did you know that Hooked on Houses linked to you the other day in her post about a beach house?
Your morning looked delightful!! As a mother of a two year old, I dream of when I can drop my kids off at school and find a cozy place to enjoy my morning cup like you did! My drink of choice right now is a Carmel Macchiato with Whip
Have a blessed day!
-Amy
Oh Sarah, reading what you write and seeing your photos is the best “magazine” ever. It is almost like those Discovery reality shows which are most interesting and from which you learn so much, and realize (in a very conscious way) something that has always been within you. You are inspirational for sure!
)
I am definitely with you on the “rose smelling” subject! Way to go!
Hugs, Erika
I don;t coffee-love the smell-HATE the taste. So my anytime bev of choice is Icy Cold Diet Coke
But since we have had such a chilly winter (for Florida) I am beginiing to appreciate a nice mug of Hot Chocolate in the am.
Good on you Sarah! I have decided that this year I am going to get myself a hobby and one that doesn’t include picking up stuff off the side of the road and scouring Vinnie’s for stuff I don’t need but a hobby that includes learning a new skill. I havn’t worked out what its going to be yet but I will let you know when I do! In the mean time I can also think of nothing better than sitting quietly and drinking a coffee (I am a weak Latte girl, sorry a bit boring I know) and reading a book or a magazine with no one to nag me…..bliss!
I do this all of the time. In the mornings I prefer coffee, but in the afternoons I love tea. In the evening one of my favorite cuppas is decaf Earl Grey tea with a tablespoon of brown sugar and some vanilla almond milk. YUM
My favorite drink is definitely a Coconut White Chocolate Mocha. Mint or Raspberry WCM’s are great too. Ahhh, looks like such a relaxing, WARM, morning. (It’s the middle of winter round here).
Hi Sarah
I love your photos by the sea, just right for enjoying a coffee. My coffee of choice is a Mochachino, I can’t go past the combining of coffee and chocolate, that is bliss to me.
Hope you get to enjoy more days like that
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