Do you love vintage French cafe chairs, do you love coastal style, do you love some serious vintage treasure hunting stories, do you love beach decor, do you love painting in the back garden under the shade of an old camellia tree?
Come on in!
So this is the first of the vintage French cafe chairs that I received last week and about keeled over in delight, I cannot tell you how long I have been thrifting for these, probs about the same amount of time as I have have been hunting down vintage Christmas decorations…that would be a long time.
Oh and the resisting buying reproduction ones….that was hard…and when as I said before on this post, I was messaged by lovely Beach Cottage readers about 8 of these for a bargain price, I did not hesitate…even though they weren’t all perfect….imperfect is is pretty good for me though ‘cos I think beach decor is all about shabby and imperfect with a coastal twist…
quite nice before, though this photo makes them look less orangey brown than they actually are…
after with some beach cottage white
So I started off with the basic chair and I was just going to whitewash them with a mix of water and paint, for a whitewashed look to mix in with all the other stuff and I thought white would make French cafe chair more you know, like beach decor
… I have used that method a lot here in this old cottage, for various pieces of furniture but here it wasn’t working…the depth of the rusty leg colour and the orangey/brown of the old paint were too much…and with a watery paint whitewash over the top it just looked somehow wrong…
So I just lightly sanded down the chairs and gave them a clean up…
and then painted them with a ‘thick’ whitewash…I just used regular white paint and then sloshed in some H2o to tone it down a bit so that the chair wasn’t too matte and perfect, if you see what I mean…
I did the legs a bit more watery, so that they looked patchy…
I was undecided as to whether or not to distress the edges with sandpaper or not, so I left it like this for these photos, thinking some regular distressing would probably take place anyway with the Beach Cottage Crew…but actually I will be sanding these a little bit for a touch of vintage, worn, by the sea, beach decor a la Francais, if you know what I mean
The hydrangeas are from the garden, woot woot…do you think I lurve ‘em????
You’d be right, these make my heart sing all bunched up and picked by me….in floaty long skirt with a basket over my arm
The rest of these cafe chairs are still yet to be touched, I will be leaving some without paint and just sanding back heavily…after inspecting these, the paint is worn enough on some to sand it off more and make them rustic, au natrel…love that for the coastal beach decor look…yum!
I am loving this project, and can’t wait to see what the rest of these turn out like and more, fill this old cottage with them…there are little things in life that are worth so much more than money and finding these, in this condition, like this, for oh about six dollars each was pretty magnificent…
That my lil’ Beach Cottage friends is why I am a vintage treasure hunting addict….
Catch ya later, get ready to get sparkly Beach Cottage Christmas always rolls on in December 1 and this year I am throwing sparkle on anything that doesn’t move..
yes they’re lovely Brandi…but stuff the hydtrangeas.i loved the chairs in their original state, but I knew exactly what you were going to do with them Sarah! Even more jealous that you’ve got eight….
So I have been thinking about Hydrangeas on my balcony in pots for a little while now…today is the day!! I walk past them on my walk every day, have always loved them so it’s time to visit that local nursery So inspired by how beautiful they look in your home and on your fabulous french vintage chair!! What an absolutely fantastic find. xo
Sarah, you are living in heaven there. French bistro chairs and hydrangeas, you lucky thing. I am so glad you painted them white, they look perfect.
I think you have inspired me to get the paint brush out. Oh and to hit the nursery for some hydrangeas.
Whoa! You lucky lucky girl!!!! I can’t believe that you nabbed those beauties!!! Those are to die for, Sarah! I would have gladly given my firstborn for them. (Well….I don’t have any kids, but I’d gladly give up a step-grandkiddo….lol!). LUV LUV LUV them!!! And your hydrangeas make me miss my garden so very much…… ♥
So beautiful Sarah! The chair and the flowers! I really want hydrangeas but I think it’s just not shady enough for them in our garden and I am awful at keeping potted ones alive. Do you have any hydrangea-car tips for black-fingered types like myself?
I’d love to have a few bushes for flower picking! x K
This is fantabulous! Our garden chairs are similar but we remember, once we got them in and we had visible scratches on the linoleum flooring. But apart from that, they are our favorites.
Obviously, swoon hydrangeas!!! I love the colors. Seriously Sarah, tell me I’m invited!
Wow, that white just spiffed those chairs right up. I can see why you are so tickled about them, they are quite charming sitting there with all of their history and stories tucked away… Can’t wait for the sparkle posts… bring it on. ❈
Oh, and twinkle lights – Did you see those little battery operated white match stick ones they had at Ikea. I wish I had bought more, they are awesome for places where you don’t want a cord hanging down or there is no outlet. Have them tucked into some silver garland on the mantle. Love em!
Hi Sarah,
I love the makeover! I think you are inspring me to go french cafe chairs instead of wooden benches around my dining room table! Do you do consultations??
Love the hydrangeas, they make me want do a pink & mauve christmas table!
Blimey $6 each- that’s amazing- betcha love those BCFB gals that pointed you towards these!
Sarah- they look gorgeous white- sitting under that lovely big old Aussie tree…glad you leaving some natural- it’s nice to have a mix like they truly do in french cafe’s
No need to distress the painted ones. It didn’t take long for mine to do that naturally. My son thinks they are THE most uncomfortable chairs ever but he’s young and not so crazy about the shabby look…lol I adore mine and wouldn’t take anything for them. Do put some little felt tips on the feet to prevent scratches, though. Your photos are lovely, as always!
Holy Moly what a difference…I love it white but reckon with your golden midas touch the ones you leave au natural will look just as good.
And don’t even get me started on the hydrangeas….they are magnificent!!!
Hello Sarah. What a beautiful, beautiful haven you’ve created. I just love your blog. When I first started Sequins and Sand (eternally summer) I saw it morphing to include beach house creations and inspirations, my other passion. In you I feel I’ve found a kindred spirit. Well done Sarah. I’m so glad I found you!
Rejuvenating our old french cafe chairs and metal table is my project for January. Thanks for the great tips. You’ve set me on my way and I’ve bookmarked it!
Have a wonderful summer.
Anita
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
Beautiful Makeover on your chair, Sarah! Your hydrangeas are just as beautiful!
thanks Brandi, I love the colours this year!
They are perfect!
Those flowers make me think I need to grow some hydrangeas.
Cute stripey shoes. Big W?
yep
yes they’re lovely Brandi…but stuff the hydtrangeas.i loved the chairs in their original state, but I knew exactly what you were going to do with them Sarah! Even more jealous that you’ve got eight….
Sarah, I love these chairs and I sell them in my antiques shop when I can get them. However, they can really scratch your floor!
thanks for the headsup Sue…I noticed they are a bit scratchy already!
So I have been thinking about Hydrangeas on my balcony in pots for a little while now…today is the day!! I walk past them on my walk every day, have always loved them so it’s time to visit that local nursery
So inspired by how beautiful they look in your home and on your fabulous french vintage chair!! What an absolutely fantastic find. xo
Nel, Bunnings has quite a good assortment as does Harris Farm…I got some lovely big ones in there for a great price xo
Sarah, you are living in heaven there. French bistro chairs and hydrangeas, you lucky thing. I am so glad you painted them white, they look perfect.
I think you have inspired me to get the paint brush out. Oh and to hit the nursery for some hydrangeas.
well it’s white paint and hydrangeas have been good for me Deb! x
Gorgeous chairs! I feel like going on vacation…to your house
I also love those chairs, I found 2 at a garage sale for $10!
http://btweenblueandyellow.blogspot.com/2011/04/updated-bistro-chairs.html
Whoa! You lucky lucky girl!!!! I can’t believe that you nabbed those beauties!!! Those are to die for, Sarah! I would have gladly given my firstborn for them. (Well….I don’t have any kids, but I’d gladly give up a step-grandkiddo….lol!). LUV LUV LUV them!!! And your hydrangeas make me miss my garden so very much…… ♥
xoxo laurie
haha too funny Laurie, a chair for a kid lol x
So beautiful Sarah! The chair and the flowers! I really want hydrangeas but I think it’s just not shady enough for them in our garden and I am awful at keeping potted ones alive. Do you have any hydrangea-car tips for black-fingered types like myself?
I’d love to have a few bushes for flower picking! x K
I have a post coming up about hydrangea care Kirsty x
Ooh fab! I can’t wait to read it *looks over at hydrangea wilting slowly in pot* I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with mine!
x K
Your chairs look lovely. What a bargain!!! And your hydrangeas, just tooooo gorgeous!! Leahx
They look amazing. I was totally green when you found these chairs! Score! Amy x
I absolutely love the chairs, and I can’t wait to see a sanded down version! Congrats on the deal!
I love the Chairs and flowers!
Your photography is a sheer delight!! Beautiful Hydrangeas do you have any tips on keeping them fresh longer once cut from the garden??
love the old cafe chairs!! love the redo!
BEAUTIFUL hydrangeas!
It feels so strange that while you are photographing vibrant hydrangeas, I am photographing fall fields!
Thank you for hosting!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Fantastic post and stunning shots as always
Divine, loving the flowers too….
Oh! Your photos always get me! It is so grey here.
well I love to brighten your day!
This is fantabulous! Our garden chairs are similar but we remember, once we got them in and we had visible scratches on the linoleum flooring. But apart from that, they are our favorites.
Obviously, swoon hydrangeas!!! I love the colors. Seriously Sarah, tell me I’m invited!
Thanks so much for hosting…LOVE the chairs!!!!
Blessings,
Linda
Wow, that white just spiffed those chairs right up. I can see why you are so tickled about them, they are quite charming sitting there with all of their history and stories tucked away… Can’t wait for the sparkle posts… bring it on. ❈
Oh, and twinkle lights – Did you see those little battery operated white match stick ones they had at Ikea. I wish I had bought more, they are awesome for places where you don’t want a cord hanging down or there is no outlet. Have them tucked into some silver garland on the mantle. Love em!
yes I did Jen, and no I didn’t buy them either…sigh!
Just found you via Centsational Girl and I’m so glad I did! Your site is just gorgeous… I’m your newest follower!
Hi Sarah,
I love the makeover! I think you are inspring me to go french cafe chairs instead of wooden benches around my dining room table! Do you do consultations??
Love the hydrangeas, they make me want do a pink & mauve christmas table!
haha no I don’t do consultations Kirsten…but for you send me an email
xo
Thanks Thanks X
Blimey $6 each- that’s amazing- betcha love those BCFB gals that pointed you towards these!
Sarah- they look gorgeous white- sitting under that lovely big old Aussie tree…glad you leaving some natural- it’s nice to have a mix like they truly do in french cafe’s
Hydrangeas divine!
Stripey plimsolls divine- Big W?
Blue & white floral tote- cuuuute!
Melissa x
PS- thanks for the skirt direction yesterday- Ally! Lovely xx
Don’t know what I’m in love with more, the chairs, the hydrangeas or the shoes!
x
Thanks for hosting! I love the idea of using a chair as a table! Very cute!
No need to distress the painted ones. It didn’t take long for mine to do that naturally. My son thinks they are THE most uncomfortable chairs ever but he’s young and not so crazy about the shabby look…lol I adore mine and wouldn’t take anything for them. Do put some little felt tips on the feet to prevent scratches, though. Your photos are lovely, as always!
felt feet…thanks for the tip Candy!
Beautiful!
They look so pretty in white! Are they comfy though?
well I thought they are not bad…will bet getting some little puffy striped seat cushions though!
Holy Moly what a difference…I love it white but reckon with your golden midas touch the ones you leave au natural will look just as good.
And don’t even get me started on the hydrangeas….they are magnificent!!!
thanks Tammi, they feel magnificent to me too!!!!!!!!! xx
$6 each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
alison
adorable chair! I wish I could find one to paint!
Hello Sarah. What a beautiful, beautiful haven you’ve created. I just love your blog. When I first started Sequins and Sand (eternally summer) I saw it morphing to include beach house creations and inspirations, my other passion. In you I feel I’ve found a kindred spirit. Well done Sarah. I’m so glad I found you!
Rejuvenating our old french cafe chairs and metal table is my project for January. Thanks for the great tips. You’ve set me on my way and I’ve bookmarked it!
Have a wonderful summer.
Anita