G'day blogging buddies. Thanks for all the questions, interesting theme is the 350, errrm I'll be talking about that tomorrow (I'm thinking you may be thinking my butt is a lot better than it truly is here Down Under, ahem).
As I said yesterday we have had a move around and a furniture de-clutter…pre-empting my Beach Cottage Sale of the Century (which is coming soon) where I will be selling off some of the pieces that are making it hard for my kiddos to move around in this tiny old place.
So I decided this weekend to lose a few things down to the garage, First thing to go was the modern table in the breakfast room, another move towards less modern more old, being replaced with the old blue table and now working for its keep as a breakfast room 'island' and I am lurvin' it. Next was the pie safe, not working in the Sitting Room, so now sadly relegated to downstairs and eagerly awaiting a new cottage to go live in.
And after that I moved a new old table/desk in for the Family Room, to start a new life as the Beach Cottage homework table. Ask me why both of my big kids have desks in their bedrooms and I will tell you I just don't know. Neither of them use them. Ever.
Miss Beach Cottage is usually found sprawled over the Dining Room table and Mr Teenage BC is usually scrunched up and hunched over the Family Room computer (which, may I just interject, and Mr BC hope you are reading this, is about to be replaced by a WHITE MAC). With his very long arms and legs that reach my neck I think now, I decided it unfair to any longer let him cramp up on a vintage chair tucked under a tiny but lovely old desk.
So it was time for the old sewing table/desk that I had zapped with a coat of Beach White to move on and in it's place a slightly bigger table was needed. One that would comfortably fit the paraphernalia of these studious young things.
I came across this table recently whilst out on a treasure hunting jaunt and thought it might be just what I was after, I wanted something with square lines, plain, simple, to sit with the leather…and if I could possibly wangle it, a hint of school desk in the background.
You want school desk, I'll give you school desk said the Treasure Hunting Godmother and I happened upon this table…
…not in the best of shapes and truly seeking a new home and a freshen up with a tad of DIY (go see Kimba for more) and all things white. Someone had already tried to re-invent it, but made a true hash up of it, I am no professional, but, how you can paint something in a white that says 'dirty white' instead of clean, simple pure and fresh is quite beyond me.
But looking past the dodgy paint job, I liked the slightly industrial air of this one…the metal brackets on show on the legs, screws and nails randomly placed, hinting of a past life, working for a living. And you already know I just love that.
On further inspection, once getting it home and cleaning up I realised that the top was actually in pretty poor condition and was coming loose on one corner…it seems though that there were layers to this top (you can see what I mean on the side profile pics) and so I kind of peeled this top layer off…this is the only before shot I took (yep you would think I would have thought of that being the owner of a makevoer blog)…this was after the mammoth sanding and cleaning and about to start to on the legs
…underneath was a layer of thin wood, which it seemed had been painted but was a bit worse for wear but I liked the crackling and the bubbling and it seemed such a shame to paint over this, we all know it's only time, not money that gives true crackles and splits.
But it was fairly dirty and I wondered then whether it was actually suitable for my precious born lovelies. The way I work though doesn't bear much time for wondering and on the spur of the moment t thought I would just attack it with the sandpaper and see how it looked…
so I sanded heavily to get rid of the yuck (I am recommending this for the arms) for a very distressed, rustic feel…
Every time I pick up a paintbrush or see a piece of furniture I am mysteriously drawn to those underneath colour layer effects. I have been musing this for a while and wanted to try it with a sorta sea-green, but I wanted it to be very muted, just a kinda faded hint popping through…this doesn't really show in the photos but actually is quite effective in reality…not as you walk past, more as you get up close there is a nice muted mossy sea green floating around…
Let's not muck around here, this is nothing more than a found thrifted table, it is hardly a furniture feature mooching up there in the heady heights of the design world, but for me, those kiddos and this tatty old cottage it's hitting the mark for now.
{ Of course, teenagers, especially boy ones, love little pink flowers in white cups…even more they love cottage blogs on the screen, layering of frames and starfish *wink…but one thing's for sure, with a price tag like this one there sure is no harm in teenage clumsy table bashing. }
..which of course is the whole point of this lovely journey I find myself on…
and in fact…adds to the character I do believe.
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my de-cluttered old place today????
…well let me know cos commenton here & you get a chance to win the
Yes, I did enjoy my visit today!
The table sounds perfect for teenage usage. That’s something I always have to consider around here with two teenage boys and my Farmboy… the number of nerf gun bullets that go flying around this house is insane.
You prove again your adventuresome spirit and fearlessness in seizing a piece and doing whatever it takes to coax the charming beachy-ness to reveal itself!
I love this. And I love the idea of not being coped up in another room when I would need to work. I really need to do something like this because even though we have an office, it’s not fun being in there (at the back of the house).
So Cute Sarah!!! I’m starting a reno in my kitchen next week in a very tight budget and You inspired me for my own table here! Love it!!!!
Have a good one! Li
The homework/computer table looks great.
I’ve raised a few teens myself and know what bashing is all about—and sofa support breaking as well…
Nearly all the furnishings in our home have no pedigree and I like it that way—no wiling over dents, dings, and leaky radiators!!
annie
This post has inspired me to do some Spring cleaning. We finally had our first balmy day, so I opened up all the windows. I can’t wait for my internship to end so I can have time to work on projects like yours.
I thinks it looks great. I love the warm wood showing through. Usually you see that on edges, but it looks great in the middle of the table- provides a nice soft contrast. I am checking to see if I can get Real Living here in the States. Good Luck with your sale!
Character is what it is all about isnt it? Moss green is looking pretty cute and beachy from here and do like that frame within a frame idea on the wall.
The table looks like it was built for the space beside your sofa! Still laughing about your teenage boy loving the pretty pink flower in the white cup…
The new table is GORGEOUS, no matter that the gentleman may not like the pink flowers! I’d LOVE to find one similar to it on one of my occasional thrift store haunting sprees. You’re bound to get a lot of use out of it!
I love the computer desk….as a matter of fact I HEART it too!!! I’m sitting here looking at my computer space, thinking, how yucky!! I’m going to have to do something sweet friend! You can bet I’ll be talking sweetly to my DH, telling him I want my computer space to look just like this picture!!! Of course I will be referring to yours!! Do you think I should warn him ahead of time??? NOPE!!! I’ll just catch him off guard!!
Thanks for the great pictures.
Love, love, love everything. Just my kinda style.
I was flicking through magazines yesterday, and instanly thought “Hey! I know that place”. Of course it was yours! Love your house and your style. My decorating to a ‘t’….almost, but mine has a touch more pink. Just can’t seem to leave the pink.
I enjoyed reading about your paring down of things in the BC. I certainly need to do the same here, and keep only what truly works. Oh, how I wish you weren’t a world away. I’d love to have that old pie safe!
The table looks great beneath your new frame within a frame starfish creation.
Discovering beachy blogs today. What a find! Thank you for the inspiration. Note to self…check back often. Thank you for the wonderful blog. I could get lost here for hours.
Hi Sarah,
I’m not surprised that your table/desk looks so good! You are the miracle worker with that paint. I just have one question. Do you really sand the furniture in the house? That is daring!!!
Please count me in for the giveaway. I’d love to win something one more time in my life. (The last time was in third grade for my catchy slogan: Children and Fire don’t Match: get it?!!)
Take it easy Sarah!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
The table is lovely and the wood peeking through is perfect. This kind of furniture is just right for a busy household that includes children and doesn’t mind a bit if they “love” on it a bit! Once again, great job. (PS: The flowers are SO sweet!)
You have inspired me Sarah! I have an old, flaky, white wooden table outside that I have been thinking of repurposing and bringing inside for some time now. I think my new (old) shabby desk is about to take shape!
It never ceases to amaze me how in a matter of seconds …… welllll so it seems to us bloggers that you can whip up a piece of white furniture in no time at all and looking pretty amazing at that!!! just what is down in that mystery garage i wonder and what treasures are awaiting that magic touch!!! we shall wait and see…….
THAT table is FABULOUS! It’s just perfect they way you’ve done it! Parring down is hard….I don’t envy you although it does show you the things you are truly in love with!
That’s a very, very lovely nook you’ve got there! I’ve been looking for a simular idea for my computer…and, as allways, you’ve come up with the best ever idea!!…. Now, where did I leave that small table…;)
Finding your cottage was, for me, a dream come true. I’ve always wanted a little place by the sea – and now I can go there with just a mouse click! Thanks for the inspiration and for the wonderful ideas, Sarah!
Lovely to see you in print – not from one of your beach babes – instead from one of your homecountry oldies. I have taken up my brush this week albeit only to the cupboard under the stairs. Your makeover ideas are catching.
Very nice Sarah. You have done it again. I am so glad you have a new computer coming. I cant look at Dell ads anymore without thinking “Dell from Hell”
I love the desk — I wish I had the guts to pull out some sandpaper and take it to the antique vanity table that I use as my computer desk. It’s not a quality piece — I bought it from a barn sale, and it’s got various colors of model paint on the top and water dammage rings on the legs — but I love it. I’m afraid there’s not enough veneer on it to sand without destroying the surface altogether.
I love the homework desk Sara. Especially because you repurposed an old previously loved peice and who cares about the ” heady heights of the design world “? What matters is that it you like it. Apparently all us other beachy style lovers do too. I like its straight
and simple lines too. I don’t even look at new and perfect stuff. We built our own house a couple of years ago (that I wanted to look old) and love of my life being a carpenter wanted to add all the blingy arches and curlycue finishing touches but I insisted on simple
clean lines and I dont regret it at all. He even admitted the other day that I made good choices . He did get his way tho in the living room and made a tray ceiling (everyone LOVES it and I have to act like like I do too) when I wanted old beat up recycled wood
tongue and groove planks. I tell very few people what I really wanted cuz most people just don’t get it and I really am grateful to have a new home so don’t want to complain. I think he can see now after seeing the path I’ve taken decroating it (which is a work in progress ) that it woulda looked great.
Sarah I am so inspiried by your talents. You inspired me to start a major redecorating in my own beach cottage. I found a nautical inspired blue and white striped couch on amazing discount and paired it with my coastal oil paintings of lighthouses on each side with a 1930′s antique marble top end table as the coffee table. . It adds such a lovely coastal look to my own beach cottage. Now I am inspiried to look for a similar table as yours for my desktop computer. Time for the flea markets. Thanks for another great idea. G’Day! You cheered me so much as my Mum just died and my Brother is dying of cancer. I needed a project to bring me back to reality. I just feel that redecorating with inspiration from your site has given me a wonderful happy new outlook on life. Thank you.
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 …]
Well G’day Beach Cottage ladies. Of course some of you guessed correctly, no flies on Beach Cottage gals are there? A Summer House window dressing, beach vintage style. One that I got very wrong. I’ll keep this short and sweet The vintage crochet patchwork curtain? Love. Pure love. But, put it this [...]
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
adore the table. it has such character and the pink flowers are a lovely touch.
Yes, I did enjoy my visit today!
The table sounds perfect for teenage usage. That’s something I always have to consider around here with two teenage boys and my Farmboy… the number of nerf gun bullets that go flying around this house is insane.
Very nice…I’m sure all the things you have to part with will find a lovely home.
I have a few things myself that need a coat of fresh white paint… your blog is an inspiration!
You prove again your adventuresome spirit and fearlessness in seizing a piece and doing whatever it takes to coax the charming beachy-ness to reveal itself!
what a beautiful workspace! great work. i love that you keep the computer in the family room so the wee ones can’t seclude themselves.
I love this. And I love the idea of not being coped up in another room when I would need to work. I really need to do something like this because even though we have an office, it’s not fun being in there (at the back of the house).
you and i are soooo much alike… no matter how dirty… i always try to save these gems… xo
I love to declutter! Makes me happy! Is the new Mac to replace Dell?
So Cute Sarah!!! I’m starting a reno in my kitchen next week in a very tight budget and You inspired me for my own table here! Love it!!!!
Li
Have a good one!
Love the table…but I also LOVE the little chair. A match made in heaven.
I think it’s great! And it totally has a school desk feel!
The homework/computer table looks great.
I’ve raised a few teens myself and know what bashing is all about—and sofa support breaking as well…
Nearly all the furnishings in our home have no pedigree and I like it that way—no wiling over dents, dings, and leaky radiators!!
annie
This post has inspired me to do some Spring cleaning. We finally had our first balmy day, so I opened up all the windows. I can’t wait for my internship to end so I can have time to work on projects like yours.
I thinks it looks great. I love the warm wood showing through. Usually you see that on edges, but it looks great in the middle of the table- provides a nice soft contrast. I am checking to see if I can get Real Living here in the States. Good Luck with your sale!
Karen
I love that new desk. Very lovely!
-Grace
Character is what it is all about isnt it? Moss green is looking pretty cute and beachy from here and do like that frame within a frame idea on the wall.
Is it my turn to win something??? Okay, if you make me, I will take your new desk off your hands for you!!!! Tons of hugs….Susan
The table looks like it was built for the space beside your sofa! Still laughing about your teenage boy loving the pretty pink flower in the white cup…
You’ll love the mac. Wish I was getting one!!!
The new table is GORGEOUS, no matter that the gentleman may not like the pink flowers! I’d LOVE to find one similar to it on one of my occasional thrift store haunting sprees. You’re bound to get a lot of use out of it!
Congrats Sarah, such a beautiful transformation, you really are an inspiration. Love it.
I love the computer desk….as a matter of fact I HEART it too!!!
I’m sitting here looking at my computer space, thinking, how yucky!! I’m going to have to do something sweet friend! You can bet I’ll be talking sweetly to my DH, telling him I want my computer space to look just like this picture!!! Of course I will be referring to yours!! Do you think I should warn him ahead of time??? NOPE!!! I’ll just catch him off guard!!
Thanks for the great pictures.
Sally
xoxxo
You have done it again Sarah, you always pull if off. Desk is so cute and I want a White Mac!
Caught you in Real Living, go girl. I buy this mag and Country Style.
Have your ears been burning, I have been talking about you a lot lately, and your wonderful blog.
Love, love, love everything. Just my kinda style.
I was flicking through magazines yesterday, and instanly thought “Hey! I know that place”. Of course it was yours! Love your house and your style. My decorating to a ‘t’….almost, but mine has a touch more pink. Just can’t seem to leave the pink.
Lovely, lovely space!
I enjoyed reading about your paring down of things in the BC. I certainly need to do the same here, and keep only what truly works. Oh, how I wish you weren’t a world away. I’d love to have that old pie safe!
The table looks great beneath your new frame within a frame starfish creation.
Discovering beachy blogs today. What a find! Thank you for the inspiration. Note to self…check back often. Thank you for the wonderful blog. I could get lost here for hours.
Keep your toes in the sand!
Hi Sarah,
I’m not surprised that your table/desk looks so good! You are the miracle worker with that paint. I just have one question. Do you really sand the furniture in the house? That is daring!!!
Please count me in for the giveaway. I’d love to win something one more time in my life. (The last time was in third grade for my catchy slogan: Children and Fire don’t Match: get it?!!)
Take it easy Sarah!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
The table is lovely and the wood peeking through is perfect. This kind of furniture is just right for a busy household that includes children and doesn’t mind a bit if they “love” on it a bit! Once again, great job. (PS: The flowers are SO sweet!)
You have inspired me Sarah! I have an old, flaky, white wooden table outside that I have been thinking of repurposing and bringing inside for some time now. I think my new (old) shabby desk is about to take shape!
It never ceases to amaze me how in a matter of seconds …… welllll so it seems to us bloggers that you can whip up a piece of white furniture in no time at all and looking pretty amazing at that!!! just what is down in that mystery garage i wonder and what treasures are awaiting that magic touch!!! we shall wait and see…….
I actually don’t have an Anthropologie close to where I live, but I’d love to see the spread you were featured in Real Living.
I do love your make-overs, they make me want to get my paintbrush out!
THAT table is FABULOUS! It’s just perfect they way you’ve done it! Parring down is hard….I don’t envy you although it does show you the things you are truly in love with!
Hi – My first visit, very nice & interesting too! I like your little pink flowers in the white cups. Are they Gerbers?
That’s a very, very lovely nook you’ve got there! I’ve been looking for a simular idea for my computer…and, as allways, you’ve come up with the best ever idea!!…. Now, where did I leave that small table…;)
Finding your cottage was, for me, a dream come true. I’ve always wanted a little place by the sea – and now I can go there with just a mouse click! Thanks for the inspiration and for the wonderful ideas, Sarah!
Lovely to see you in print – not from one of your beach babes – instead from one of your homecountry oldies. I have taken up my brush this week albeit only to the cupboard under the stairs. Your makeover ideas are catching.
I adore that table! Gotta’ find me one!
Does commenting everyday help-I am so wanting to read that magazine, and of course, who doesn’t love the A?
I love old tables and love it even more when they get to keep their character…beautiful!!
Very nice Sarah. You have done it again. I am so glad you have a new computer coming. I cant look at Dell ads anymore without thinking “Dell from Hell”
I love the desk — I wish I had the guts to pull out some sandpaper and take it to the antique vanity table that I use as my computer desk. It’s not a quality piece — I bought it from a barn sale, and it’s got various colors of model paint on the top and water dammage rings on the legs — but I love it. I’m afraid there’s not enough veneer on it to sand without destroying the surface altogether.
Sarah, I love the hint of sea green and everything else you did with your table. thank you once again for an ispiring blog.
Eileen
I love the homework desk Sara. Especially because you repurposed an old previously loved peice and who cares about the ” heady heights of the design world “? What matters is that it you like it. Apparently all us other beachy style lovers do too. I like its straight
and simple lines too. I don’t even look at new and perfect stuff. We built our own house a couple of years ago (that I wanted to look old) and love of my life being a carpenter wanted to add all the blingy arches and curlycue finishing touches but I insisted on simple
clean lines and I dont regret it at all. He even admitted the other day that I made good choices . He did get his way tho in the living room and made a tray ceiling (everyone LOVES it and I have to act like like I do too) when I wanted old beat up recycled wood
tongue and groove planks. I tell very few people what I really wanted cuz most people just don’t get it and I really am grateful to have a new home so don’t want to complain. I think he can see now after seeing the path I’ve taken decroating it (which is a work in progress ) that it woulda looked great.
Sarah I am so inspiried by your talents. You inspired me to start a major redecorating in my own beach cottage. I found a nautical inspired blue and white striped couch on amazing discount and paired it with my coastal oil paintings of lighthouses on each side with a 1930′s antique marble top end table as the coffee table. . It adds such a lovely coastal look to my own beach cottage. Now I am inspiried to look for a similar table as yours for my desktop computer. Time for the flea markets. Thanks for another great idea. G’Day! You cheered me so much as my Mum just died and my Brother is dying of cancer. I needed a project to bring me back to reality. I just feel that redecorating with inspiration from your site has given me a wonderful happy new outlook on life. Thank you.