We are sunny and bright and blue skies and loving it where I am on the beaches…
I have been Spring Cleaning…
I love it as Winter draws to an end…here in Sydney, even though the Winter is pretty mild, the warming up of the Earth and the sea is the best time for me…and it seems to come all of a sudden…
We go from 3 layers of doonas on the bed and shuffling around in the evenings pretty chilly to suddenly realising ‘oh it’s not so cold’
Since living in this old cottage, I know when Spring has arrived by opening the front door…this is a little sheltered sun spot and in the Winter mornings it’s cool…as soon as Spring hits when we open the door warmth hits you…and when everyone has left for school, I sit out there with a cup of tea on the Adirondack watching the world go by…
So yesterday I threw open the windows and all the doors and did some cleaning…I started off in the Sitting Room.
To be very honest this room is in need of a proper freshen up…in other words it needs a paint job…
I haven’t got time for that right now so looking around I decided to just go with a bucket, elbow grease and Dettol…it did wonders…
I washed all the windows too, yikes it seems I should be doing that more often…ahem a lot brighter now….
I won’t even mention dust bunnies lol!
I tidied away a lot of things that just happened to have accumulated in here…funny how flutes, soccer balls, afl jerseys and other strange objects seem to walk out of the kiddos bedrooms and just land on the floor of the Sitting Room…never mind the Cleaning Fairy is always on hand to sort those little devils out
I cleaned the old trunk too…errm I am not sure how this seemed to accumulate so much sand…I have had a big old iron bowl on here displaying shells and driftwood and things from the beach…a few times my littlest kiddo has found things and brought them home…I can only assume that as he did that he threw in a handful of sand for posterity
Anyway once everything was Dettoled within an inch of its life (Dettol by the way is a disinfectant…I always get emails about it when I mention it on here so I thought I’d let you know…it is an English product, by Appointment to Her Majesty, no less, and has been my trusty friend since the day I moved in with Mr BC…its multi-purpose, cleaning, vintage sprucer-upping and medicinal too…there has sure been a few Dettol baths with those injury-prone boys of mine), I spent a very enjoyable time dotting around a few flowers, actually rather a lot of flowers and finding some vintage glass to display…
Ahhh….clean, bright and flowers…
The curtains will be coming down soon…I am liking just the bare window look at the moment for summer…but for the other months I usually layer up with soft drapes…yesterday they were blowing in the breeze, I tried to capture that for one of those moving pictures…it didn’t work
At the mo’ I have three drapes layered up…all are from IKEA…natural linen, white and the patterned one…
And the mirrors? oh baby they are shining now!
I was pretty darn pleased with myself after this…I love this Sitting Room…I love how it is small and quaint and old-fashioned and the opposite to how the McMansions are built nowadays…I love collapsing down here in this little room at the end of the day with a pile of books and a drink…
There has been much discussion, during our talks about the next lot of renos (starting soon) from Mr BC about making this room open-plan, knocking out the walls and it being ‘more modern’…
As I did this cleaning and foofing I thought that is exactly how I don’t want this room…modern…not in decor or in architecture…come to think of it, not in anything really…
I quite like my old fashioned Sitting Room thank-you-very-much…
As I was taking photos I thought about the journey the sofa has been on with us…she’s been with us a long time now…she’s looking pretty saggy round the edges…but I puffed her up and fluffed her…
…the old table too is one of the first things we bought together…ahhh
About everything else though is from my vintage treasure hunting travels around these fair parts….picked up for pennies and I love that gathering…
Apart from the Adirondack…and I waited long enough for that little spot of coastal chic delight to come into my life
Anyhoo lovelies, get your buckets out and have a Spring Clean…amazing what blowing those cobwebs away can do… I know a lot of you that come here are heading into Fall…but make the most of the sunshine while you can…and let that fresh air breeze on in…
I’ll show you the other side tomorrow, I have run out of time here this morning…my internet seems to be running at a snails pace this morning, plus I have a littlie here with me today home from school and I have a meeting at another school to get to this arvo…
So more pretty dreamy and white stuff to show you tomorrow…
Oh the energy it sounds like you have A+ for that!
Once again – your photos take me away to a (currently in my house “lost land”)
Absolute gorg – and I feel myself plopping down on that sofa as you said too.
have a wonderful day and hope little one gets better soon – I have a little – little one sick today too.
Sarah, once again you have inspired me. This time it was to drag all of the clothes I have been ‘storing’ in our roof to de-clutter and do a big Spring clean up and toss out. Already I feel the house is breathing a bit easier and so to will we once the Dettol fumes die down that is…
Thanks for the gift you give of sharing’. It’s appreciated.
Well, when a place is white like yours, it sure sparkles when cleaned. Nothing better than throwing open the windows on a spring day! We moved into our house 3 1/2 years ago and I couldn’t open 70% of our windows, because they just slid back down again (danger for the kiddies)… anyhoo, this past month we had them all replaced, so next spring I’ll finally be able to air the house after the long cold winter! Yay! This house rennovation is a long drawn out process, but it sure makes you appreciate the little things in life. Lx
Beautiful photos Sarah! I’m spending today trying to beautify our living room. Can I please ask where you got your rug from ? Iit’s exactly what I’m after.
You have been busy, and your room is beautiful! So bright and welcoming. Just today, I was thinking Fall isn’t that far off around here….we’ll be pulling out “the cozy” pretty soon. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics!
The smell of dettol brings back so many childhood memories for me, especially the memories of grazed knees which was far to often! Somehow I still quite love the smell. You have inspired me to pick up a bottle and start wiping things!
We started spring cleaning the week before last. We started of with the kitchen, took down the old mouldy (shudder) blinds and cleaned the windows, cabinets, walls (we now just need to do the back of the fridge and pantry (an old book case with a mesh door made to measure by hubby) and inside the cabinets and that’s it with the kitchen. I’m loving having all the windows and doors open so much better. I’m loving spring (though I’m a sitting duck waiting for the hayfever to hit me like a sledge hammer) and I can’t wait to tackle the rest of the house too. It really needs a new coat of paint and the half arse renos to be finished… Can’t wait!!!!Looking foward to Saturday club though I have the kiddos birthday party to prepare for the following day so I don’t know how I’ll manage… lol I’ll just have to find a way sigh…As if that’s going to be a problem!!!
……..end of rant…… Take care! Cheers…
We’ve had some perfect weather over the last few days here in Melb’s, but the clouds have come over again now! However, we are also starting to feel that it’s deffo warmer around here. Heating at night hasn’t been on for sometime and I stripped all beds today and also put away the extra blankets and duvets (I still can’t bring myself to call them doona’s).
I’m gearing up for Spring cleaning too with some shiny new spray bottles and home-made cleaning agents. Might do a blog series on that actually!
What’s the story behind that wooden “cupboard” with words printed on the side? I’m sure you have probably featured that in a past post but I can’t recall.
I had unsuccessful Tarjay and thrifting expeditions today. Oh well, it makes the successful ones that more exhilarating
I have this theory that a lot of people who have created open plan living in their homes are one day going to crave separate rooms and put all the walls back in. And I also think that one day there will be company’s chipping off the cement render on the outside of houses to expose the “charming” brick underneath.
it is an old sea trunk from a Hungarian couple who came here as refugess…I bought it for a song at a garage sale their son was having…it was quite sad really..but good for me! …at the time we had just started our own business and I couldn’t really justify buying it…so glad I did
I like your theory…I wonder the same thing…will everyone be building walls again…will open plan be so terribly looked down upon anytime soon…
No, don’t open up your sitting room….it’s so nice and intimate just the way it is and it’s so nice to be able to shut yourself off from the rest of the hustle and bustle in the home (in my humble opinion)
There’s a bit of spring cleaning in the air at the moment…I’ve been up to my ears in cleaning and rearranging the last few days and boy it feels good.
Did you grow all these flowers? and where oh where did you get that glass ball?
Perfect, as usual, I have always loved your sitting room, the collection of mirrors, the old wooden packing crate with the lovely story, and your homemade busboard, no don’t change a thing Sarah, love it! x
We are heading for fall in Europe, but this week we finally have a nicer, rainless weather. I love fall too, crisp mornings and evenings and often still quite warm during the day. Good cleaning gives you that sense of accomplishment and you can sit with a cup of tea and a book without a guilty conscience .
Gorgeous photos and styling as usual Sarah!!! I quick question about using Dettol, do you just dilute it in water to wipe over surfaces and roughly what ratio or does it not really matter??
Thanks for being so inspiring
It depends..when I use it to mop the floors I dilute it..I just sling some in the bucket with hot water….when I use it on surfaces I don’t dilute it…when I use it in the bath I follow the instructions on the back….hth
x
So beautiful, I am loving the Adirondack chair. I have a true love of them…well I might be over using love. But the Adirondack chair especially in white always makes me feel like relaxing on the beach. How can a chair do that? Doesn’t matter, it just does.giggle I think your home is absolutely lovely. Big Hugs!
Hey Sarah, I love your blog and so envious of your life by the sea in beautiful Oz. One day I will be out there living my life too, I had an amazing year in that awesome country so now I’ve just got to figure out how to get back there!! England just don’t cut it anymore!
Where did you get the black and white sign with all the Sydney landmarks on? I’ve seen one on a blog ages ago that listed all the Perth landmarks and I would love one in our little pad. (I love Perth and WA as it’s where I spent most of my time… I daydream about Cottesloe beach on a daily basis)
I have been end of summer cleaning if you may….something I’ve been putting off for weeks now. Funny how things just accumulate. I’m sure you understand because you are a thifter yourself. I think what happened is I just kept piling my finds up after the weekend. I still have a ways to go but I’ve finally got a little start. Don’t knock down your walls….everyone needs a place just to be by themselves for a while. Love your post and as usual you have given me so much inspiration to go white. I do have a decorating question for you today. I moved back in my parents home my sister before I even asked says no! to whitewashing the brown panelled walls in the den. The paneling is a tan color. What can I do to brighten up the walls without painting? Most of my pictures that I have placed on the wall already have black of white frames should I go all white? Thanks for any input. Love ya Sarah!
Ahhh, Sarah. I have been wanting to do some fall cleaning but with temps yesterday of 108 F, I just can’t seem to get up the energy. Your room looks amazing. I am so envious of the open windows and cool breezes. Hopefully fall will come soon!!
So busy! Right now we’re waiting to see what Hurricane Irene is going to do to Connecticut this weekend! I think I’ll save my Fall cleaning for after the storm! Is there a way to do a “cozy open” sitting area?
bless you, sarah, for mentioning the curtains–they look absolutely stunning, and i would have never guessed ikea! you have such a lovely touch and way with words.
I want to have a flower garden so that I can always have fresh flowers/greenery in the house. I love how serene the all white rooms are with a little splash of color. It simply looks HAPPY.
Hi Sarah, I follow you religiously in your gorgeous house, which leads to my question. Is the bus blind new? I know you have a tutorial on the one in your kitchen, but haven’t seen the one in the sitting room before? Am hankering for one myself, but they are so expensive!!
thanks for your inspiration
Helen
Something that’s Aussie and nice to use to wash the floors is eucalyptus oil and hot water. You can buy eucalyptus oil in the supermarkets and pharmacies, it’s environmentally friendly and smells great.
I have to tell you a story about my friend’s aunty who had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This aunty used Pine O Clean, an Australian disinfectant which can be used in similar ways to Dettol. My friend’s aunty Pine O Cleaned everything including the husband and kids, even the bottoms of stool legs and the stool top if you stood up and moved. Poor thing went through gallons of the stuff.
Your photos are so gorgeous, such pretty whites and brights. How funny to think that you are moving into the warm months and we are moving into the cool months. I think I will move there for the winter. Enjoy airing everything out! Your home looks gorgeous already.
Love your sitting room. I too have gone back to pre McMansion days and love the intimacy of the smaller rooms. I love shushing about the house in the spring and fall, one to clear out the cobwebs and one to settle in for the upcoming cold.. great job.. it looks wonderful. xo marlis
Hi, Sarah! Cleaning is SO relaxing and SO much fun and SUCH a release!!! Glad you were able to enjoy that with the Dettol. I have never heard of it, so I’m glad you explaind what it is. Not sure what the American equivalent might be. With all the beautiful white pieces in your room and the reflective mirrors, it’s already quite calming. The addition of brightly colored blooms and a spiffing up made it just that much better! Have a great week!
You’ve done such a beautiful job of creating a perfect…timeless…spot to soak in the clean ocean air…and your Spring cleaned sitting room…absolutely beautiful! Thank you for letting us share your stepping into Spring and Summer as we prepare to step away, into Autumn. Cherry Kay
Wow all that wonderful white has my sighing. You have a beautiful blog with wonderful pictures. I’ll be stopping by often. I love those flowers too, those in the second and third photos, what are they?
I love your room! I want to sit down, talk with youand have a glass of wine….comfy, clean and cozy! What is it about spring that we want to clean? I get that way in the fall too! Thank you for sharing. Blessings My Friend,
Your room represents the essence of summer! I wouldn’t change a thing either! It’s hard to feel cozy in an open-concept space. And your flowers are delightful!
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
hello Sarah
Boy – you have been busy.
Oh the energy it sounds like you have A+ for that!
Once again – your photos take me away to a (currently in my house “lost land”)
Absolute gorg – and I feel myself plopping down on that sofa as you said too.
have a wonderful day and hope little one gets better soon – I have a little – little one sick today too.
thank you for the journey
x
Loulou
Sarah, once again you have inspired me. This time it was to drag all of the clothes I have been ‘storing’ in our roof to de-clutter and do a big Spring clean up and toss out. Already I feel the house is breathing a bit easier and so to will we once the Dettol fumes die down that is…
Thanks for the gift you give of sharing’. It’s appreciated.
Em x
Sounds so great. Wanting to kick the workmen out and scrub everything. Lobe the idea of a bowl where kiddos can put ‘treasures’.
Well, when a place is white like yours, it sure sparkles when cleaned. Nothing better than throwing open the windows on a spring day! We moved into our house 3 1/2 years ago and I couldn’t open 70% of our windows, because they just slid back down again (danger for the kiddies)… anyhoo, this past month we had them all replaced, so next spring I’ll finally be able to air the house after the long cold winter! Yay! This house rennovation is a long drawn out process, but it sure makes you appreciate the little things in life. Lx
Beautiful photos Sarah! I’m spending today trying to beautify our living room. Can I please ask where you got your rug from ? Iit’s exactly what I’m after.
Hi Jacqui
It’s from IKEA…and it needs replacing
)
but it’s done very very well
x
You have been busy, and your room is beautiful! So bright and welcoming. Just today, I was thinking Fall isn’t that far off around here….we’ll be pulling out “the cozy” pretty soon. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics!
The smell of dettol brings back so many childhood memories for me, especially the memories of grazed knees which was far to often! Somehow I still quite love the smell. You have inspired me to pick up a bottle and start wiping things!
I am in the mood for a bit of spring cleaning too, must be that time of year, your sitting room looks great, so fresh!
Beautiful Sarah.
We started spring cleaning the week before last. We started of with the kitchen, took down the old mouldy (shudder) blinds and cleaned the windows, cabinets, walls (we now just need to do the back of the fridge and pantry (an old book case with a mesh door made to measure by hubby) and inside the cabinets and that’s it with the kitchen. I’m loving having all the windows and doors open so much better. I’m loving spring (though I’m a sitting duck waiting for the hayfever to hit me like a sledge hammer) and I can’t wait to tackle the rest of the house too. It really needs a new coat of paint and the half arse renos to be finished… Can’t wait!!!!Looking foward to Saturday club though I have the kiddos birthday party to prepare for the following day so I don’t know how I’ll manage… lol I’ll just have to find a way sigh…As if that’s going to be a problem!!!
……..end of rant…… Take care! Cheers…
Very pretty! Love your stripes, and lovely colors. It’s nice to travel over to your coming spring.
Oh how you do imspire!
We’ve had some perfect weather over the last few days here in Melb’s, but the clouds have come over again now! However, we are also starting to feel that it’s deffo warmer around here. Heating at night hasn’t been on for sometime and I stripped all beds today and also put away the extra blankets and duvets (I still can’t bring myself to call them doona’s).
I’m gearing up for Spring cleaning too with some shiny new spray bottles and home-made cleaning agents. Might do a blog series on that actually!
Sarh
What’s the story behind that wooden “cupboard” with words printed on the side? I’m sure you have probably featured that in a past post but I can’t recall.
I had unsuccessful Tarjay and thrifting expeditions today. Oh well, it makes the successful ones that more exhilarating
I have this theory that a lot of people who have created open plan living in their homes are one day going to crave separate rooms and put all the walls back in. And I also think that one day there will be company’s chipping off the cement render on the outside of houses to expose the “charming” brick underneath.
alison
it is an old sea trunk from a Hungarian couple who came here as refugess…I bought it for a song at a garage sale their son was having…it was quite sad really..but good for me! …at the time we had just started our own business and I couldn’t really justify buying it…so glad I did
I like your theory…I wonder the same thing…will everyone be building walls again…will open plan be so terribly looked down upon anytime soon…
x
Your pictures are always a delight! I love it! Thank you for sharing again!
No, don’t open up your sitting room….it’s so nice and intimate just the way it is and it’s so nice to be able to shut yourself off from the rest of the hustle and bustle in the home
(in my humble opinion)
There’s a bit of spring cleaning in the air at the moment…I’ve been up to my ears in cleaning and rearranging the last few days and boy it feels good.
Did you grow all these flowers? and where oh where did you get that glass ball?
x
I got the glass ball from a shop that has now closed down…it was my go-to shop when on my walks
I didn’t grow all the flowers, the pink ones came from next door
x
I love your blog.
Perfect, as usual, I have always loved your sitting room, the collection of mirrors, the old wooden packing crate with the lovely story, and your homemade busboard, no don’t change a thing Sarah, love it! x
We are heading for fall in Europe, but this week we finally have a nicer, rainless weather. I love fall too, crisp mornings and evenings and often still quite warm during the day. Good cleaning gives you that sense of accomplishment and you can sit with a cup of tea and a book without a guilty conscience
.
Gorgeous photos and styling as usual Sarah!!! I quick question about using Dettol, do you just dilute it in water to wipe over surfaces and roughly what ratio or does it not really matter??
Thanks for being so inspiring
It depends..when I use it to mop the floors I dilute it..I just sling some in the bucket with hot water….when I use it on surfaces I don’t dilute it…when I use it in the bath I follow the instructions on the back….hth
x
Thanks Sarah I am off to buy some today and start spring cleaning. Have a great Friday.
Uaaaaaaauuuu!
Your room is so beautiful! I’m totally inspired to rush home and clean…………and maybe look for a new house on the beach
So beautiful, I am loving the Adirondack chair. I have a true love of them…well I might be over using love. But the Adirondack chair especially in white always makes me feel like relaxing on the beach. How can a chair do that? Doesn’t matter, it just does.giggle I think your home is absolutely lovely. Big Hugs!
Ohh I just love my Dettol !! I use it all the time … it is fabulous on windows too … I also use the Lavender Dettol – divine! xx
Hey Sarah, I love your blog and so envious of your life by the sea in beautiful Oz. One day I will be out there living my life too, I had an amazing year in that awesome country so now I’ve just got to figure out how to get back there!! England just don’t cut it anymore!
Where did you get the black and white sign with all the Sydney landmarks on? I’ve seen one on a blog ages ago that listed all the Perth landmarks and I would love one in our little pad. (I love Perth and WA as it’s where I spent most of my time… I daydream about Cottesloe beach on a daily basis)
Lucy x
I have been end of summer cleaning if you may….something I’ve been putting off for weeks now. Funny how things just accumulate. I’m sure you understand because you are a thifter yourself. I think what happened is I just kept piling my finds up after the weekend. I still have a ways to go but I’ve finally got a little start. Don’t knock down your walls….everyone needs a place just to be by themselves for a while. Love your post and as usual you have given me so much inspiration to go white. I do have a decorating question for you today. I moved back in my parents home my sister before I even asked says no! to whitewashing the brown panelled walls in the den. The paneling is a tan color. What can I do to brighten up the walls without painting? Most of my pictures that I have placed on the wall already have black of white frames should I go all white? Thanks for any input. Love ya Sarah!
meant to say black OR white frames. Also wanted to add ALOT of my decor is beachy chic.
Ahhh, Sarah. I have been wanting to do some fall cleaning but with temps yesterday of 108 F, I just can’t seem to get up the energy. Your room looks amazing. I am so envious of the open windows and cool breezes. Hopefully fall will come soon!!
I LOVE your white coffee table so much. And the suitcase under it!
Stacy
So busy! Right now we’re waiting to see what Hurricane Irene is going to do to Connecticut this weekend! I think I’ll save my Fall cleaning for after the storm! Is there a way to do a “cozy open” sitting area?
Loving the spring flowers, its a great feeling spring cleaning. I’ve earmarked next week to start. Have a good weekend. jojo3b
bless you, sarah, for mentioning the curtains–they look absolutely stunning, and i would have never guessed ikea! you have such a lovely touch and way with words.
thanks for sharing so much lovely.
michele
I want to have a flower garden so that I can always have fresh flowers/greenery in the house. I love how serene the all white rooms are with a little splash of color. It simply looks HAPPY.
So so pretty!
and just as OUR summer is drawing to a close
tiny little sob
Hi Sarah, I follow you religiously in your gorgeous house, which leads to my question. Is the bus blind new? I know you have a tutorial on the one in your kitchen, but haven’t seen the one in the sitting room before? Am hankering for one myself, but they are so expensive!!
thanks for your inspiration
Helen
Hi Helen
It is not new…it used to be in the study and I fancied it in the sitting room…
It is from Poulier and Poulier but you can easily make your own
x
Sarah
Something that’s Aussie and nice to use to wash the floors is eucalyptus oil and hot water. You can buy eucalyptus oil in the supermarkets and pharmacies, it’s environmentally friendly and smells great.
I have to tell you a story about my friend’s aunty who had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This aunty used Pine O Clean, an Australian disinfectant which can be used in similar ways to Dettol. My friend’s aunty Pine O Cleaned everything including the husband and kids, even the bottoms of stool legs and the stool top if you stood up and moved. Poor thing went through gallons of the stuff.
alison
i don’t have that disorder Alison lol!
That room is sensational! I love the all your “penny finds”
Love your blog and everything about your house, although the old suitcase under the table looked better in the original colour…
Nothing better than the satisfaction of a sparkling clean cottage!
Your photos are so gorgeous, such pretty whites and brights. How funny to think that you are moving into the warm months and we are moving into the cool months. I think I will move there for the winter. Enjoy airing everything out! Your home looks gorgeous already.
Love your sitting room. I too have gone back to pre McMansion days and love the intimacy of the smaller rooms. I love shushing about the house in the spring and fall, one to clear out the cobwebs and one to settle in for the upcoming cold.. great job.. it looks wonderful. xo marlis
Hi, Sarah! Cleaning is SO relaxing and SO much fun and SUCH a release!!! Glad you were able to enjoy that with the Dettol. I have never heard of it, so I’m glad you explaind what it is. Not sure what the American equivalent might be. With all the beautiful white pieces in your room and the reflective mirrors, it’s already quite calming. The addition of brightly colored blooms and a spiffing up made it just that much better! Have a great week!
Holy gorgeous, batgirl! From the whites to the beachy light to the fresh flowers- love.ev.er.y.bit.of.it!
Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com
Calming, beautiful and peaceful. Just delightful!
You’ve done such a beautiful job of creating a perfect…timeless…spot to soak in the clean ocean air…and your Spring cleaned sitting room…absolutely beautiful! Thank you for letting us share your stepping into Spring and Summer as we prepare to step away, into Autumn. Cherry Kay
So clean and crisp.
- The Tablescaper
Wow all that wonderful white has my sighing. You have a beautiful blog with wonderful pictures. I’ll be stopping by often. I love those flowers too, those in the second and third photos, what are they?
I love your room! I want to sit down, talk with youand have a glass of wine….comfy, clean and cozy! What is it about spring that we want to clean? I get that way in the fall too! Thank you for sharing. Blessings My Friend,
Your room represents the essence of summer! I wouldn’t change a thing either! It’s hard to feel cozy in an open-concept space. And your flowers are delightful!
Just loved it just inspiring pictures taken.
love,
Karin Şen Cankan
karinsfairytale.blogspot.com
Your blog is one of my favorites, you always have such brilliant ideas!