I spent the day yesterday clearing out…it seems I say that rather a lot…I just don’t know where all this stuff comes from…I mean it’s as if someone in this tatty old cottage goes out looking for other people’s junk or something
Anyway once I had done that, and I haven’t even started on the kitchen yet, which I might add seems to have accumulated rather a lot of vintage utensils that even I cannot justify, I sat down at the computer, guiltily, to catch up with emails…a lot of you got emails from me yesterday, so sorry for my tardiness… you know what, I have been limiting my time on the computer hence email answering came about at the bottom of the list…I don’t know about you but sometimes in my life being online needs to be monitored and I was doing far too much of it…when I should have been spending more time on other things…
Soooooooooooo, after all of that answering, I got to one email from Stacey, she sent me a picture of her patio door and her deck area that was getting a makeover and asked me if 1. I had any ideas on how to help her conceal her door, 2. what our deck was like before and 3. how my boyfriend aka the new door was doing?
And so after that mammoth clearing out I got out here on the deck, cleared away four pairs of soccer boots, picked up Mr BC’s tool box (I can complain not, he was putting up something for me) and moved the hammock out of the way because you can’t stand back far enough to take a photo if the hammock is up (yes I did try lounging in it while photographing…ahem, they were interesting shots), to take some photos of how the door works out here to show Stacey
The flowers are from my neighbour’s….we are about three weeks into Winter and her garden is rammed with them…I love her garden…I am so excited to see my tulips poking through too…
I know a lot of you are new here at the moment, so here is a before shot (don’t you love the roof and the brown…and the yellow and the doors…and yes I did live with those doors for a few years and yes now you know why the new white door is my new boyfriend)
BEFORE
AFTER
So that’s my Good Life Wednesday…my boyfriend…the deck door…
See you next time, I have got lots to show you, I have been on a mega photo experimenting binge…
Well I happen to love days like that, I feel a sense of accomplishment;) Your ahem “Boyfriend” is a real looker, Sarah:)
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that pretty cottage table cloth dressing your table. I just looked at a window shade in a similar pattern and it’s so pretty. Looks amazing with the yellow from the flowers and lemons. Thanks again for hosting such a sweet party. xxx
Wow, that’s some transformation. Our house is raised (being so close to the ocean) and we have these god awful concrete steps to the back door… I sit in my lovely English country garden (looking away from the house) and then turn around and am faced with the grim concrete wall, like something out of a prison scene. I only hope in time, I’ll be able to transform it into something as beautiful as what you have created here! Lx
I always love to see your before pics because sometimes I just need reminded that awesome spaces don’t just magically appear with the snap of a finger (at least if you’re on a budget)! I’m always so impatient to see the final product that I forget to enjoy the creative process!
~JC Jackson
I’m not new here, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before picture!
WOW! What a transformation Sarah! You have such amazing vision! I don’t think I would have been able to look at that ugly yellow and brown and see the potential that you saw! Very cool – I LOVE it!
Sarah, your deck looks fantastic. Such a wonderful retreat. Makes me wish again that mine was more than 3 ft x 10 ft. We garden out there since there really isn’t room to sit. But I’m grateful for outdoor space nonetheless. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos!
Thanks again so much for hosting. What a mid-week treat this is and your patio reveal is just what I need for finishing details on a project that I’m trying to finish.
One more thing Sarah, Maybe something is up with Blogger this morning? I couldn’t get your button to download for me. I will try again later though, sorry! Marcia
Wow. I am in complete awe! I can’t even believe that this is the same deck! It’s so fresh and vibrant, you can’t help but want to be sitting right there with a cup of coffee/glass of wine smelling the sea air and watching the sun go down! This is definitely going in my inspiration folder for my sorry-looking deck! Thanks!
I am amazed at the transformation from that grim, ugly weirdly colored deck to the lovely outdoor room you’ve created. In a small house, it’s so nice to have that extra living space. Question: what does the roof look like now? I’m assuming since you have that lovely table and all, that it’s still a covered deck? Love the photos, can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!
SQUEEE…that means I am getting a new boyfriend very soon too…we are getting rid of the window in the dining room and putting French Doors in…I think they will be done next week!!! I better get on it and take before pics quickly!
i’m crazy for your photography. do you hear me? CRAZY. thank you for consistently providing so much lovely for us to savor across the miles. and i so agree with what you’ve said about monitoring online use. it’s like crack sometimes i think. and i need to get better too.
Such a beautiful transformation! Everything looks so serene and inviting… and I love all the neutrals with pops of yellow.. loved it! Your tablecover is so pretty and I love those white adirondack chairs… they are looking so gorgeous on your deck ( I don’t know what you call those chairs down under). Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing and hosting this fun party for us each week!~Poppy
Love, love the before and after shots of the deck. I kept going back and forth between the pictures – that is quite the transformation. I love what you’ve done, and wish I had that kind of vision.
Your deck looks so great – so inspiring to see the transformation, it gives me hope for our deck. I love those cane back chairs! You’ve created such a great place to kick back and relax.
Hey Linda , thank you for hosting such beautiful parties…I really like your blog ….and have been a part of the link parties a few times…Just the other day was reading your post about 10 tips to blog ..was really helpful. Keep them coming ..
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
Your deck is just dreamy! WOW!
m ^..^
Well I happen to love days like that, I feel a sense of accomplishment;) Your ahem “Boyfriend” is a real looker, Sarah:)
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that pretty cottage table cloth dressing your table. I just looked at a window shade in a similar pattern and it’s so pretty. Looks amazing with the yellow from the flowers and lemons. Thanks again for hosting such a sweet party. xxx
What a beautiful transformation.
Thanks for hosting again.
x Marnie
Wow, that’s some transformation. Our house is raised (being so close to the ocean) and we have these god awful concrete steps to the back door… I sit in my lovely English country garden (looking away from the house) and then turn around and am faced with the grim concrete wall, like something out of a prison scene. I only hope in time, I’ll be able to transform it into something as beautiful as what you have created here! Lx
Hi, Sarah..seems so funny that, we here in West Texas, are having heat of 106-110 and you are entering into winter. Just blows my mind.
I love your pretty deck..and that ladder always makes my heart beat a little faster…:))
What a welcoming space you’ve created! I love the pops of bright yellow, so bright and Summer-y. Wonderful job!
such a great transformation! so beautiful!! thanks for hosting this blog party.
Wow! What a lovely space! Your blog is stunning.
Thank you for hosting!
Blessings! Lizette
I always love to see your before pics because sometimes I just need reminded that awesome spaces don’t just magically appear with the snap of a finger (at least if you’re on a budget)! I’m always so impatient to see the final product that I forget to enjoy the creative process!
~JC Jackson
I love it! And I love that spice box!
What a fab deck.. It looks like the best place to relax ( when you get a chance) and spend family time
A great look you got going! I do love the yellow!
I love the lemon s and the flower. The after shot looks wonderful..
Kelly
Sarah, your lovely deck has brought a smile to my face after a really tough day! Its gorgeous…
One of these is on my must-have list when we buy next year
I’m not new here, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before picture!
WOW! What a transformation Sarah! You have such amazing vision! I don’t think I would have been able to look at that ugly yellow and brown and see the potential that you saw! Very cool – I LOVE it!
WOW I forgot what it was like in the ‘beginning’! You’ve done so much to your lovely home and it all looks so inviting and gorgeous!
Gorgeous! I love everything!
Sarah, your deck looks fantastic. Such a wonderful retreat. Makes me wish again that mine was more than 3 ft x 10 ft. We garden out there since there really isn’t room to sit. But I’m grateful for outdoor space nonetheless.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos!
deck perfect!
love that blast of yellow with all your BC lovelies from over the fence!
Melissa x
I love your deck and your site is great! Question… where did you get the Adirondack chairs? Are they wood or resin? Thanks so much!
Susan
Wow… that is quite the transformation! I just LOVE the pops of yellow! Very cheery and chic!
I’d love to hang out there!
WOW!! The after is AMAZING!! You rock the white paint Sarah..
Looks great! I love the lemons with the grey on the tablecloth, a good combination.
Thanks again so much for hosting. What a mid-week treat this is and your patio reveal is just what I need for finishing details on a project that I’m trying to finish.
Lovely deck – love the patterns.
– It’s not like a Canadian winter…
I still can’t get my head around having flowers in winter
Great deck it looks so peaceful and beautiful!
Beautiful deck Sarah, love the pillows. Did you make them? Have a great day and thanks for hosting, Marcia
no I didn’t make them Marcia..I bought them from a local boutique
One more thing Sarah, Maybe something is up with Blogger this morning? I couldn’t get your button to download for me. I will try again later though, sorry! Marcia
I am not sure Marcia, I hope you got it sorted?
x
Wow. I am in complete awe! I can’t even believe that this is the same deck! It’s so fresh and vibrant, you can’t help but want to be sitting right there with a cup of coffee/glass of wine smelling the sea air and watching the sun go down! This is definitely going in my inspiration folder for my sorry-looking deck! Thanks!
I am amazed at the transformation from that grim, ugly weirdly colored deck to the lovely outdoor room you’ve created. In a small house, it’s so nice to have that extra living space. Question: what does the roof look like now? I’m assuming since you have that lovely table and all, that it’s still a covered deck? Love the photos, can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!
oh sorry the roof is not there…it’s just white and covered
x
beautiful pictures again, and love the deck transformation! thanks for hosting the party again!
SQUEEE…that means I am getting a new boyfriend very soon too…we are getting rid of the window in the dining room and putting French Doors in…I think they will be done next week!!! I better get on it and take before pics quickly!
you better had Sue
x
i’m crazy for your photography. do you hear me? CRAZY. thank you for consistently providing so much lovely for us to savor across the miles. and i so agree with what you’ve said about monitoring online use. it’s like crack sometimes i think. and i need to get better too.
p.s.
your boyfriend’s hot.
michele
my boyfriend is very hot Michele!!
wow yes it is like a drug
Wow your porch is beautiful — sorry, but how awful before!!! ha
for sure!!!!
I love th crate box with the chaulkboard and the yellow flowers. Very cheerful!
It looks great Sarah – a really nice place to hang out I’m sure! you must love it – have a great week!! :0
Such a beautiful transformation! Everything looks so serene and inviting… and I love all the neutrals with pops of yellow.. loved it! Your tablecover is so pretty and I love those white adirondack chairs… they are looking so gorgeous on your deck ( I don’t know what you call those chairs down under). Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing and hosting this fun party for us each week!~Poppy
http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/
Love, love the before and after shots of the deck. I kept going back and forth between the pictures – that is quite the transformation. I love what you’ve done, and wish I had that kind of vision.
Oh so lovely!!!! I adore the pops of yellow. And your boyfriend is a total hunk by the way….
Your deck looks so great – so inspiring to see the transformation, it gives me hope for our deck. I love those cane back chairs! You’ve created such a great place to kick back and relax.
Hey Linda , thank you for hosting such beautiful parties…I really like your blog ….and have been a part of the link parties a few times…Just the other day was reading your post about 10 tips to blog ..was really helpful. Keep them coming ..
do visit me if you have time
take care
sharkara
http://sensitivecreations.blogspot.com
It is absolutely gorgeous. I would love to sit out there and sip some coffee. Enjoying all the outdoors.
Ruth
Such an unbelievably gorgeous deck! I just love the yellow and grey…