G’day lovely Beach Cottage friends, co-workers, neighbours, welcome to my fave beach decor finds of the year!
How you cooking?
Well I am resting up here, so glad to be home, my lovelies…looking back at the last year and looking forward to the next year…I am on a happy roll at the moment…here are my Top Five Favourite Beach Decor Coastal Things from the last year…a few thrifted, a few vintage, obviously an IKEA find, my lil’ personal Nordic boutique and a few Australian things I heart…
1. This has to be my fave addition to this old cottage this year…the IKEA Hemnes mirror, I went shopping for a few beach decor frames and came back with a new boyfriend…it’s really been great in our bedroom…it stands there all chunky and happy and white, I dance in front of it and throw shoes and clothes around it…nice…you can read the full post here and my trip to IKEA to buy it here
it offers just that splash of colour that I sometimes want to change out in my old cottage and the modern detailing I like to pair with my thrifted vintage things, for a modern coastal beach decor look….the prices are not wildly expensive and being new small business owners, I love to support and spend our hard-earned cash with other Australians working their own businesses…
I buy candles a lot, and have done for years so I consider myself an amateur candle geek… and when I am asked what I want for birthdays/Christmas, I always answer, ‘lipgloss, basket & candles’
…Ecoya candles always deliver…it’s one delicious candle-using experience with these…they are pretty expensive but it’s one of those buys where cost per wear makes it oh-so-worthwhile…these candles stink up the house beautifully, I love the chunky glass and re-use them in deocorating and for flowers, they last for like ever and they don’t leave that nasty cheap chemically black around…
4. This vase, I treated myself to, it was mine as soon as I walked in the shop..and by the look of my inbox, you liked the look of it too...you can find it here at Freedom Homewares5
one day I will go back to France and buy a real one…one day I might find one thrifting in Australia, but until then, this one is very much here to stay…
5. The find of the year though, and was very much thanks to the detective work of the Beach Cottage Facebook girls, has to go to these…
the Vintage French Cafe chairs that I bought for a song!
There were a few eyebrows from the males in this old place about the purchase of these…but they are the best beach decor find I have had for a long time, right up there with the vintage Hungarian sea trunk that sits in the corner of my old Sitting Room…you can read about how I painted a couple of them here
That’s it for my 2011 Favourite Beach Decor Coastal Things in this old cottage…I hope you liked them…there were lots to consider, but these I loved the most…
Be seeing ya
WINNER : Congrats to Kim at WhiteWhispers2U…you just won the Beach Cottage Christmas Giveaway, a KitchenAid is on the way!
What fun! I will definitely have to add shopping to the list of things I’d like to do when I finally make a trip to the land down under! I love that vase and the candles too!
oh yes Mummaducka, Ecoya candles are to die for! I love how they scent this old place….love the doors open, the breeze and one of these candles lit….divine
I spotted that throw a while back and must of, somehow, missed your post about it…HOW did THAT happen??? Love the colors as they are mine, also. The vase is to die for…thought so then and still do. Will try the candles. Love me some good candles. I only have two cafe chairs and they are repros but love them and covet yours!!! You ARE on a roll and can’t wait for the yellow!! fun, fun.
What a wonderful year it has been watching your blog grow over the past year or so Sarah, not to mention seeing the lovely transformations taking place at the BC. You are so inspirational and have a very serious talent. All the very best for 2012, in all things white, shabby vintage and oh so chic. Can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store at BC paradise. Jen
Great list Sarah!
I did good and found me an old bistro chair the other day too, only $15 yay. But alas only one so need a few more.
Loving your bloggy posts as always and wishing you a wonderful 2012 here in the Lucky Country )
alicia
love those chairs, I love that throw! I need to get me one of those! Will be getting that vase from freedom hopefully this weekend(I have been eyeing it since I first saw it at a freedom store and been wanting it since I saw your lovely Hydranges in it looking like perfection)!
I definitely need one such Ikea made boyfriend in who’s eyes I can see myself only and get lost in. On second thoughts, I also need the rest of the things that you’ve shown I need you I guess. Lol.
Beautiful Sarah. What finds. I’m trying to score some tin trunks for my living room. Love them.
Oh Sarah…….that mirror keeps appearing in my life. I went to a friends house for pre-Christmas drinks and there it was wrapped under (beside) their tree. All ready for their 12 year old daughter to look into for many years to come. Then today we moved our 14 y/old daughter into her newly renovated bedroom and we got out the IKEA catalogue to dream about that mirror. And here it is on THE BEST blog !!! We hope to visit IKEA on Monday, what a way to start 2012!! Happy New Year.
hiya Sarah – loved the recap – esp the hydrangeas everywhere best for 2012 le ps we are off to spend a month at our beach house by the sea in NZ – bliss !!
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
What fun! I will definitely have to add shopping to the list of things I’d like to do when I finally make a trip to the land down under! I love that vase and the candles too!
well I hope you make it here Susan, we are the Lucky Country
xo
Susan I found this
http://www.candleluxury.com/ecoya-candles.html
I sure do love that vase ! Dont remember seeing the throw, what a bright punch of blue !
it’s just the right blue Angie
x
I LOOOve ecoya candles too! I wish my house was as neat and tidy as yours!
oh yes Mummaducka, Ecoya candles are to die for! I love how they scent this old place….love the doors open, the breeze and one of these candles lit….divine
Happy New Year x
Just ‘visited’ eb and ive…..loved the ‘arm candy’. Very cute shop.
thanks Jacqui, Happy New Year
I spotted that throw a while back and must of, somehow, missed your post about it…HOW did THAT happen??? Love the colors as they are mine, also. The vase is to die for…thought so then and still do. Will try the candles. Love me some good candles. I only have two cafe chairs and they are repros but love them and covet yours!!! You ARE on a roll and can’t wait for the yellow!! fun, fun.
thanks Candy I am on a roll right now lol!!!
and my bathroom starts soon, woohooo
x
x
Love this post!! F.U.N.!!!!!!!!!!
What a wonderful year it has been watching your blog grow over the past year or so Sarah, not to mention seeing the lovely transformations taking place at the BC. You are so inspirational and have a very serious talent. All the very best for 2012, in all things white, shabby vintage and oh so chic. Can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store at BC paradise. Jen
oh thanks Jen, what a nice comment, too kind!
I wish you all the best for the New Year
sarahx
I need that mirror. That is all.
you do.
I love that vase. Perfect for the hydrangeas. Which reminds me, I must go and hunt some down!
Great list Sarah!
)
I did good and found me an old bistro chair the other day too, only $15 yay. But alas only one so need a few more.
Loving your bloggy posts as always and wishing you a wonderful 2012 here in the Lucky Country
alicia
oooh lucky you Alicia
thanks, wishing you a Happy New Year
x
love those chairs, I love that throw! I need to get me one of those! Will be getting that vase from freedom hopefully this weekend(I have been eyeing it since I first saw it at a freedom store and been wanting it since I saw your lovely Hydranges in it looking like perfection)!
yep I am eyeing other stuff in there too Alice…Freedom her I come, I was hoping the range might be on sale but unfortunately not!
cheers
Sarahx
They are all great finds. I do love that vase, all nice and chubby and white. It’s perfect with your hydrangeas or just sitting empty.
I love your blog! I could move right in. I’m looking forward to looking at your past posts when I have some idle time. I can’t wait!
Gorgeous finds. Thank you for your constant source of inspiration this year.
Tracie x
I definitely need one such Ikea made boyfriend in who’s eyes I can see myself only and get lost in. On second thoughts, I also need the rest of the things that you’ve shown
I need you I guess. Lol.
Beautiful Sarah. What finds. I’m trying to score some tin trunks for my living room. Love them.
Oh Sarah…….that mirror keeps appearing in my life. I went to a friends house for pre-Christmas drinks and there it was wrapped under (beside) their tree. All ready for their 12 year old daughter to look into for many years to come. Then today we moved our 14 y/old daughter into her newly renovated bedroom and we got out the IKEA catalogue to dream about that mirror. And here it is on THE BEST blog !!! We hope to visit IKEA on Monday, what a way to start 2012!! Happy New Year.
Neen, someone is telling you to buy it lol!
Happy New Year sarahx
Congratulations to Kim on winning the Kitchenaid mixer. I hope you make many yummy treats!
hiya Sarah – loved the recap – esp the hydrangeas everywhere
best for 2012 le ps we are off to spend a month at our beach house by the sea in NZ – bliss !! 
a month! wow le ENJOY, toast me please with a Pimms
see you next year!
all the best for 2012
x