G'day lovelies, hope you all enjoyed the weekend, if youFacebook with me you'll know I spent 12 hours on Saturday spectating or playing sport of some kind which left every single muscle in my body sore on Saturday night and yesterday I had to hit the mall for little Mr BC's birthday gifts. I just about survived it without turning into the Beach Cottage Mall Witch. Always a bonus for those unfortunate enough to 1. be in my company whilst mall-shopping or 2. serving me.
Most of Sunday arvo I spent foofing around in the cottage, getting ready for the party and getting my bags thought about for my upcoming trip to the Old Country.
And Miss BC and I tried out three new-to-us recipes from Jamie Oliver. Funny really I feel like I know Jamie, it's weird how you get that with a celebrity isn't it?? I kinda feel like I've grown up with him…he is a similar age to me and when I was first at home with the BC littlies and experimenting with cooking he led me down a path that opened my eyes to a love of simple unpretentious home-style fare.
I distinctly remember the first time we saw his first TV program which aired on BBC2…long before the days of his full on fame. I still think the first two of his books, The Naked Chef ones are the best and I still refer to them a whole lot…some of the newer ones I think have become a bit too, um you know, part of the Jamie Machine…anyway, the recipes we tried this weekend were a pear pavlova (from start to finish by Miss BC, I am soo not a dessert cook) and a chicken and all-in-one potato dish.
So now I've rambled on about my weekend I thought today I'd show you how that old thrifted watering can from my recent garage sale adventure looks in the Sitting Room (and for more garage sale treasures see Rhoda's blog).
And I've noticed lately that there's a lot of flowers going on on this here blog, I am well aware that you may, by now, be finding this somewhat repetitive and I cannot apologise for that…I find myself more and more plonking them down in every little corner of the cottage that I can..
I think there is a reason for this, I am at a transition point in my life…and without wanting to get all over-the-top emotional with you 'cos you sure don't come here for that…I feel that my life has very much changed into a different gear over the last six months or so – our children are no longer little, we have finally become very settled in our new life in Australia and I can see everything just tinkering along quite nicely. And with that comes an odd kinda sadness? Do not ask me why that would be. Tell me, have you been through something similar…when all is good with your life, but it moves on and there is a tinge of I don't know what?
And so with that transition-type feeling going on I find that I beg, steal, borrow and buy flowers (you can read about what I did with a bunch of dahlias here) because they lift the spirits and the heart and everyone loves them…even the BC Crew love them tucked here and there.
I love how they gently almost softly scent the air and I think they just make for a warm and comfortable home…dotted around they layer up a perception of wellbeing…which is what I need and want…
And of course flowers, branches, single stems in jugs, vintage bottles, old Mason jars, vintage watering cans…they wrap you up in a home that feels loved…a welcoming sight when you fly through the door with bags of groceries after another endless round of kids' activities, picking up husbands from bus stops and well you know all that other stuff…
Anyway, these are flowers that I bought, I wanted white and I wanted to use the old watering can, I love that thing, I wondered if it might leak…it didn't…I had visions of me dreamily pottering around with the can and arranging the flowers whistling as I worked but what in fact happened is I bought the flowers on the way home from my morning walk, rushed in and then realised I was late for a school thing, so I ripped off the cello, grabbed the can, filled it with water, stuffed the flowers in and headed out the door, intending on coming back home to foof.
I wondered if when I got back the old vintage trunk may be swimming it water and I would be on clear-up duty but in fact as I walked in and viewed my handiwork there was no water seepage and more I kinda liked the rammed-in look and left it just like that.
The moral of this story is go get yourself a vintage watering can.
Haha.
So long gals, I am off to iron clothes and pack my bags…and find my passport!
Great photo! I collect watering cans. My favorites are old English Conservatory water cans with very long spouts and really neat roses – usually made by Haws. (Roses are the sprinkle head on the end, in case you don’t know. . . lol) I love all things gardeny. When do you leave?
Impossible to have too many flowers… and you are keeping them grounded, in touch with their root by putting them in a watering can. Very well-adjusted flowers!
I love your vintage watering can. I had one of these from a yard sale and I think it is gone to the dump. The only regrets I have ever had is the vintage things I have let go of. I will have find another one!
I think you are so on the money with flowers and the magic they work in a home – they just say love, fun, free, caring, nature and joy all at once to me best le
It’s a strange sadness isn’t it? Even though you are happy with the way things are right now, there is a poignancy in the knowledge that even when life is chugging along nicely, change will eventually happen again. It makes you cherish what you have now.
I know that feeling Sarah – for me it was when I realised that my girls didn’t need me in quite the same way anymore. They had become semi-independent and my role as mother changed slightly. It’s all about change and most of us don’t like it.
Keeping buying the flowers. We can never have too many blooms to cheer up the house.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Your blog and flowers are helping me transition through some major stuff (does that sound corny)?
So perusing abeachcottage, rearranging flowers and foofing are helping me keep calm as my family move through yet more ever eventful life changes.
Sarah are you going to blog while away and send us English country-side eye candy photos?
Flowers are the best for giving that home feeling. I find my flowers and the wild birds that feed at my window and visit the bird bath so integral to feeling at home. Of course all the birds are busy nesting here, so they ignore my feeders, but soon they will be back with their young. I think the sadness is definitely a part of transition, a bitter sweetness to see a chapter end. It is part of life by the sea, too. The tides change and you find treasures at low tides that aren’t there in the frantic hurry of high tides. Have a marvelous trip to the old country – and hurry home to the beach cottage!
Love your stuff. I have quite a few watering cans–they need companionship too! The thing with the flowers, they emanate good vibes besides sight & scent.Your instincts are good. I’m semi-old and I’ve never gotten rid of that no reason to feel rotten thing creeping up (there’s always a reason of course), but you keep learning ways to fool it. Flowers is DEFINITELY one. Bon Voyage!
I have a similar watering can, I found it in a garbage can at church one day – it was used for tar by a road crew. The outside is fine but the inside has dried tar stuck to it- so definitely an outdoor item, but sits nicely in my garden near a garden bench made from recycled fence palings.
I know exactly how you feel Sarah – my kids are all teenagers now, and I think I would describe it as bittersweet nostalgia for the days when they were little tackers. When my kids were about 5 and under, mum told me to enjoy this age, it would be the best time of our lives, and now that I look back I think she was right. Yes it was hard, and they needed me more, but it was uncomplicated and I loved it. But time marches on, and we need to adjust to this new stage in our lives. Maybe some more ‘me’ time – heaven forbid! K xx
After living in the middle of the desert for over 31 years and feeling like life was passing me by we have bought our house by the ocean…but, I get “those feelings” too…I know nobody here…(and, everyone already has their friends here) and I’m leaving all my friends behind…yeah, they say they’ll come visit and some have and some will be but still….its all different, this remodel is costing us alot of money (trying hard not to though) and what will I do when I need a shoulder to cry on? (my dh will be there yet, but sometimes you need a girlfriend…and I won’t have one here)…so, going through some scary changes too…I totally understand!!
gorgeous Sarah, I gave away my old can cause I was sick of it leaking.
Hope to find a non-leaker.
I haven’t commented for an age, it feels nice to reconnect with you warm home
And Jamie..oh Jamie….what can I say….Just luvly jubly
I know what you mean re the settled feeling and the sadness….but I think we’ll be on the move again soon and now can’t seem to motivate to get lists finished….
aahhh one step at a time hey…..
loving your flickr photos too
your a natural with that camera
x
Hmmm I guess this is what I have to look forward to. I have a 4 year old daughter who is my little shadow, so I’m not quite there yet. But I guess what this post has reminded me is I should cherish these times……except I would really like to be able to go to the bathroom WITHOUT my “fan club” but I guess one day I will look back at even that with a little tear and a big chuckle!
I hope you have a great trip, and a wonderful time catching up with friends and family. Dont worry about us poor souls desperately trying to get through the day without our “beach cottage fix” we’ll be okay……sniff……sniff ;o) xx
You have captured the beauty and simplicity of the watering can and flowers, the jar of candles compliments it all….You are one very clever little chicken.
Love your posts flowers and all.
Life takes so many twists and turns, our role as mother/wife constantly changing and not feeling comfortable in the changed roles. Such a weird feeling. Now as a Grandma my role is changing every day, doing lots for everyne and somehow forgetting about myself – a feeling of melancholy overcomes me….
Alison
I am also at a transition with my oldest child starting middle school next year and no more babies or toddlers around the house. It seems like it all went so fast now that I’m here, but when you are in the thick of it you just don’t seem to notice.
I love old watering cans, I just started a collection of them. In the meantime I have 3! Wow!
Have a lovely day,
all the best from Germany,
Silke
PS: See the good sights of life, if the children grow up, you have more time for yourself again.
Oh Sarah, you hit the nail on the proverbial head. I have spent the last 5 year renovating my ‘fibro majestic’ home and garden and now I have that transition feeling you are talking about. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what I have been feeling but that’s it; all is now good with my home and garden and I have to move along to other things, it’s kinda like loss … kinda.
Love this vignette. And yeah I totally understand the healing power of flowers. They can comfort the body and sooth the spirit.
And just in case the watering can starts to leak you can always hide a waterproof container inside.
I have three old watering cans..some are worse for the wear and I love them all…years spent in gardens of past
I hide a house key in one of them for any unfortunate lockouts!
Amy
Hi Sarah, here we go again in fact in sync I even called my hubby out to read your blog. I have just said to him before reading this post I’m in a weird, sad mood Yep my boys are no longer little and after a year I wish never to repeat.. we are settled but yet there is a tinge of the “I dont know whats” so you are NOT alone in that. Also last week end I found my husband had a vintage watering can just lying in the shed down the back well you can guess that soon made its way up to the house |LOL) anyway have a great week. Love the flowers in the can!x
A happy birthday to little Mr BC!
I first got hooked on Jamie a long time ago when I saw an episode of him cooking a whole fish right there on the beach wrapped in newspaper! Yep, love his simplistic recipes where you can taste everything in it.
The flowers are lovely and they always give a boost to the soul. Yes, the settled thing can sometime be a bit unsettling. I get it too. Especially with only having one of my kids still at home Your trip sounds like it’s coming at a good time. When do you leave?
It’s always a bit sad when your children go through that transition period…they need you less…they become little people in their own right..It’s a letting go and it is emotional but then they need you in a different way and it all starts again until it’s finally time for them to leave the nest and that just damn near breaks your heart as you help them fly!
Love the shoved in look!
I have old watering cans collected from garage sales, love them. Yours looks wonderful with flowers. Tweeks of sadness are normal. I used to wonder how I could ever get along without the little ones running around and dreading every new stage. I found out though when they move on somehow you adjust and are ready for it. Just relish each step of the way. I have one in Australia and another in Lima Peru. I did a great job of instilling independence in them yet they still come home when possible. Have a great trip and keep us posted.
Kathleen in Indiana
I think human life follows cycles much like the seasons…and you can feel when you are going from one season to another..the melancholy, the unrest, the concentration on things that bring you comfort as you make the transition to the next phase. You seem to be in that place right now, Sarah…we all go through it, but especially mothers. The most brutal phase is the ‘empty nest’, which I’ve been experiencing for 5 years now and am still not entirely comfortable with. But – c’est la vie!
Oh no, don’t worry about the flowers–one can never have too much of those!
The sadness could perhaps be nostalgia for the old country? Even though you’re happy in Australia, there’s now the realization that you’re there to stay, and that can bring a sense of loss. One always misses the original homeplace.
The poster above is so right about the empty nest–it’s really hard to go through.
Jamie Oliver is adorable–and love his recipes! Great watering can. I inherited an old watering can when we bought our home. I’ve saved it but had no idea what to do with it–but now I think it will be a perfect vase for my front porch.
::sigh:: I need to find an old galvanized metal watering can… So lovely!!! And I’ll never get tired of your flower photos. I still think you ought to sell your prints!
Five more years and the tinge of sadness mixed with happiness will be even greater…those kiddos growing up does that to a mama…I have it big time. I think I’m about 5yrs. ahead of you carrying a heart bursting with happiness but tears too. It’s bittersweet I say…mostly sweet, with a trim of bitter.
On the other hand…have a wonderful journey back to the old Country. Can’t wait to see your life snapshots there.
Gorgeous. I remember, years ago, trying to buy one of these watering cans at Bunnings, or wherever. A nice, shiny new one. I asked the fella serving me if it would rust. ‘Oh, no’, he said. ‘Don’t worry about that, these ones will never rust’. And I put it back on the shelf, and left him, a very, very confused man.
Sarah….Love you photos. Have I mentioned lately what an inspiration you are to me? I have an old watering can that I can maybe work with to try and do something similiar to yours. And I just love to have fresh flowers in my home! They are my joy just by having them on the table! Daisys are my all time favorite. Have a wonderful and delightful trip to the Old Country. Can’t wait to see your posts and pictures!! Happy Birthday Mr. BC!!!!
Sarah, Your garden inspired vignette in white is oh so pretty. I finally found my watering can last summer. It took me forever to find a reasonably priced one that had an intact spout. I took it out of the attic today for its summer home- on display on a garden bench. Sue
Hi Sarah, I love the watering can and the flowers look perfect just the way they are. I wouldn’t have changed a thing either. Thank you for sharing.
Hugz,
Kim
It’s sort of like the feeling you get at the end of a semester at school. You spend so many hours on projects, papers and studying, when it’s over, you feel a bit empty and lonely. Of course that feeling passes soon and you are left with all the projects you neglected for months!
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
Beach Cottage ladies, we have some vintage linen and some wood/twig washed up on the beach today here in Beach Cottage Land….don’t say I don’t keep you entertained now will you . Come on in. So, yep I have posted about colanders on this blog, about things sourced from the side of the road, about [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
but what in fact happened is I bought the flowers on the way home from my morning walk, rushed in and then realised I was late for a school thing, so I ripped off the cello, grabbed the can, filled it with water, stuffed the flowers in and headed out the door, intending on coming back home to foof. 
Great photo! I collect watering cans. My favorites are old English Conservatory water cans with very long spouts and really neat roses – usually made by Haws. (Roses are the sprinkle head on the end, in case you don’t know. . . lol) I love all things gardeny. When do you leave?
I love your photos, and I just never get tired of adoring them!!!
LOVE Jamie Olliver… I’m addicted to his show, “Food Revolution”… he’s brilliant!
Impossible to have too many flowers… and you are keeping them grounded, in touch with their root by putting them in a watering can. Very well-adjusted flowers!
I love your vintage watering can. I had one of these from a yard sale and I think it is gone to the dump. The only regrets I have ever had is the vintage things I have let go of. I will have find another one!
I think you are so on the money with flowers and the magic they work in a home – they just say love, fun, free, caring, nature and joy all at once to me
best le
ps safe travels
It looks awesome. I definitely have to follow the moral and get myself one of those. Haha =D
It’s a strange sadness isn’t it? Even though you are happy with the way things are right now, there is a poignancy in the knowledge that even when life is chugging along nicely, change will eventually happen again. It makes you cherish what you have now.
I know that feeling Sarah – for me it was when I realised that my girls didn’t need me in quite the same way anymore. They had become semi-independent and my role as mother changed slightly. It’s all about change and most of us don’t like it.
Keeping buying the flowers. We can never have too many blooms to cheer up the house.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Your blog and flowers are helping me transition through some major stuff (does that sound corny)?
So perusing abeachcottage, rearranging flowers and foofing are helping me keep calm as my family move through yet more ever eventful life changes.
Sarah are you going to blog while away and send us English country-side eye candy photos?
Flowers are the best for giving that home feeling. I find my flowers and the wild birds that feed at my window and visit the bird bath so integral to feeling at home. Of course all the birds are busy nesting here, so they ignore my feeders, but soon they will be back with their young. I think the sadness is definitely a part of transition, a bitter sweetness to see a chapter end. It is part of life by the sea, too. The tides change and you find treasures at low tides that aren’t there in the frantic hurry of high tides. Have a marvelous trip to the old country – and hurry home to the beach cottage!
Love your stuff. I have quite a few watering cans–they need companionship too! The thing with the flowers, they emanate good vibes besides sight & scent.Your instincts are good. I’m semi-old and I’ve never gotten rid of that no reason to feel rotten thing creeping up (there’s always a reason of course), but you keep learning ways to fool it. Flowers is DEFINITELY one. Bon Voyage!
I have a similar watering can, I found it in a garbage can at church one day – it was used for tar by a road crew. The outside is fine but the inside has dried tar stuck to it- so definitely an outdoor item, but sits nicely in my garden near a garden bench made from recycled fence palings.
I know exactly how you feel Sarah – my kids are all teenagers now, and I think I would describe it as bittersweet nostalgia for the days when they were little tackers. When my kids were about 5 and under, mum told me to enjoy this age, it would be the best time of our lives, and now that I look back I think she was right. Yes it was hard, and they needed me more, but it was uncomplicated and I loved it. But time marches on, and we need to adjust to this new stage in our lives. Maybe some more ‘me’ time – heaven forbid! K xx
After living in the middle of the desert for over 31 years and feeling like life was passing me by we have bought our house by the ocean…but, I get “those feelings” too…I know nobody here…(and, everyone already has their friends here) and I’m leaving all my friends behind…yeah, they say they’ll come visit and some have and some will be but still….its all different, this remodel is costing us alot of money (trying hard not to though) and what will I do when I need a shoulder to cry on? (my dh will be there yet, but sometimes you need a girlfriend…and I won’t have one here)…so, going through some scary changes too…I totally understand!!
gorgeous Sarah, I gave away my old can cause I was sick of it leaking.
Hope to find a non-leaker.
I haven’t commented for an age, it feels nice to reconnect with you warm home
And Jamie..oh Jamie….what can I say….Just luvly jubly
I know what you mean re the settled feeling and the sadness….but I think we’ll be on the move again soon and now can’t seem to motivate to get lists finished….
aahhh one step at a time hey…..
loving your flickr photos too
your a natural with that camera
x
Hmmm I guess this is what I have to look forward to. I have a 4 year old daughter who is my little shadow, so I’m not quite there yet. But I guess what this post has reminded me is I should cherish these times……except I would really like to be able to go to the bathroom WITHOUT my “fan club” but I guess one day I will look back at even that with a little tear and a big chuckle!
I hope you have a great trip, and a wonderful time catching up with friends and family. Dont worry about us poor souls desperately trying to get through the day without our “beach cottage fix” we’ll be okay……sniff……sniff ;o) xx
You have captured the beauty and simplicity of the watering can and flowers, the jar of candles compliments it all….You are one very clever little chicken.
Love your posts flowers and all.
Life takes so many twists and turns, our role as mother/wife constantly changing and not feeling comfortable in the changed roles. Such a weird feeling. Now as a Grandma my role is changing every day, doing lots for everyne and somehow forgetting about myself – a feeling of melancholy overcomes me….
Alison
I am also at a transition with my oldest child starting middle school next year and no more babies or toddlers around the house. It seems like it all went so fast now that I’m here, but when you are in the thick of it you just don’t seem to notice.
I love old watering cans, I just started a collection of them. In the meantime I have 3! Wow!
Have a lovely day,
all the best from Germany,
Silke
PS: See the good sights of life, if the children grow up, you have more time for yourself again.
Oh Sarah, you hit the nail on the proverbial head. I have spent the last 5 year renovating my ‘fibro majestic’ home and garden and now I have that transition feeling you are talking about. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what I have been feeling but that’s it; all is now good with my home and garden and I have to move along to other things, it’s kinda like loss … kinda.
Love this vignette. And yeah I totally understand the healing power of flowers. They can comfort the body and sooth the spirit.
And just in case the watering can starts to leak you can always hide a waterproof container inside.
I have three old watering cans..some are worse for the wear and I love them all…years spent in gardens of past
I hide a house key in one of them for any unfortunate lockouts!
Amy
Hi Sarah, here we go again in fact in sync I even called my hubby out to read your blog. I have just said to him before reading this post I’m in a weird, sad mood Yep my boys are no longer little and after a year I wish never to repeat.. we are settled but yet there is a tinge of the “I dont know whats” so you are NOT alone in that. Also last week end I found my husband had a vintage watering can just lying in the shed down the back well you can guess that soon made its way up to the house |LOL) anyway have a great week. Love the flowers in the can!x
as always the photos are beautiful! all my favorite things!
A happy birthday to little Mr BC!
Your trip sounds like it’s coming at a good time. When do you leave?
I first got hooked on Jamie a long time ago when I saw an episode of him cooking a whole fish right there on the beach wrapped in newspaper! Yep, love his simplistic recipes where you can taste everything in it.
The flowers are lovely and they always give a boost to the soul. Yes, the settled thing can sometime be a bit unsettling. I get it too. Especially with only having one of my kids still at home
It’s always a bit sad when your children go through that transition period…they need you less…they become little people in their own right..It’s a letting go and it is emotional but then they need you in a different way and it all starts again until it’s finally time for them to leave the nest and that just damn near breaks your heart as you help them fly!
Love the shoved in look!
I have old watering cans collected from garage sales, love them. Yours looks wonderful with flowers. Tweeks of sadness are normal. I used to wonder how I could ever get along without the little ones running around and dreading every new stage. I found out though when they move on somehow you adjust and are ready for it. Just relish each step of the way. I have one in Australia and another in Lima Peru. I did a great job of instilling independence in them yet they still come home when possible. Have a great trip and keep us posted.
Kathleen in Indiana
I think human life follows cycles much like the seasons…and you can feel when you are going from one season to another..the melancholy, the unrest, the concentration on things that bring you comfort as you make the transition to the next phase. You seem to be in that place right now, Sarah…we all go through it, but especially mothers. The most brutal phase is the ‘empty nest’, which I’ve been experiencing for 5 years now and am still not entirely comfortable with. But – c’est la vie!
Oh no, don’t worry about the flowers–one can never have too much of those!
The sadness could perhaps be nostalgia for the old country? Even though you’re happy in Australia, there’s now the realization that you’re there to stay, and that can bring a sense of loss. One always misses the original homeplace.
The poster above is so right about the empty nest–it’s really hard to go through.
Jamie Oliver is adorable–and love his recipes! Great watering can. I inherited an old watering can when we bought our home. I’ve saved it but had no idea what to do with it–but now I think it will be a perfect vase for my front porch.
::sigh:: I need to find an old galvanized metal watering can… So lovely!!! And I’ll never get tired of your flower photos. I still think you ought to sell your prints!
loved the moral of the story
that was cute. Happy Day, The Lady of the House
Five more years and the tinge of sadness mixed with happiness will be even greater…those kiddos growing up does that to a mama…I have it big time. I think I’m about 5yrs. ahead of you carrying a heart bursting with happiness but tears too. It’s bittersweet I say…mostly sweet, with a trim of bitter.
On the other hand…have a wonderful journey back to the old Country. Can’t wait to see your life snapshots there.
Gorgeous. I remember, years ago, trying to buy one of these watering cans at Bunnings, or wherever. A nice, shiny new one. I asked the fella serving me if it would rust. ‘Oh, no’, he said. ‘Don’t worry about that, these ones will never rust’. And I put it back on the shelf, and left him, a very, very confused man.
Those lovely flowers look awesome in the old watering can!
Sarah….Love you photos. Have I mentioned lately what an inspiration you are to me? I have an old watering can that I can maybe work with to try and do something similiar to yours. And I just love to have fresh flowers in my home! They are my joy just by having them on the table! Daisys are my all time favorite. Have a wonderful and delightful trip to the Old Country. Can’t wait to see your posts and pictures!! Happy Birthday Mr. BC!!!!
Sally
xxxxxx
Sarah, Your garden inspired vignette in white is oh so pretty. I finally found my watering can last summer. It took me forever to find a reasonably priced one that had an intact spout. I took it out of the attic today for its summer home- on display on a garden bench.
Sue
I have this “thing” for galvanized steel. That watering can is amazing and I love it as a vase. Simple perfection.
Lovely photos. I also have several watering cans I fill with flowers. Nice to find vintage ones that don’t leak! Dropping by from BNOTP.
Allison
Atticmag
Hi Sarah, I love the watering can and the flowers look perfect just the way they are. I wouldn’t have changed a thing either. Thank you for sharing.
Hugz,
Kim
It’s sort of like the feeling you get at the end of a semester at school. You spend so many hours on projects, papers and studying, when it’s over, you feel a bit empty and lonely. Of course that feeling passes soon and you are left with all the projects you neglected for months!
Love the table you used too!
Beautiful post. Photos and all!
Very pretty stilllife. I love the flowers and the watering can. The whites and greys are so elegant!