G’day lovely Beach Cottage Friends!
Come on in for some white, coastal living & beach decor, you know you want to!
Ooooh I am back home in Sydney & am very pleased to be home. I had a really really lovely break (apart from the very long drive), but, with the trip to Kuala Lumpur courtesy of those peeps at Nuffnang, the weeks leading up to Christmas were pretty busy and pretty exhausting…it wasn’t until we opened the (unpainted) new front door of this old cottage after our Christmas trip, that I heaved a huge sigh, and silently thanked the Lord that I had cleaned, tidied and Dettoled this old place to within an inch of it’s life before I left so that I could walk back in to something welcoming.
Anyway, so sitting on my old sofa last night, I though I might crack a Peroni, open the Wasabi peas and sit and look at what I’ve got up to this year on the blog and open the stats (I don’t open that too often) and see what you liked…errrm there was a lot of coastal living / beach decor in here, quite a few shoes and lots of recipes…
Well, this was the numero uno post of the year…my Dump & Go Sunday Pudding…the recipe that you can make any day of the week with your eyes shut and storecupboard ingredients. I have had heaps of emails and messages about this, it seems it is pretty much no-fail…you can read the full post, recipe and more photos here.
Next up the Study Makeover…I wanted it vintage beach decor, with a bit of English Coastal Living & oilcloth thrown in for good measure…have to say it was a complete mess in there, and when I came back from holidays last year, it was my mission to create a workplace that I loved…
I didn’t spend much money at all…and covered an old IKEA desk that was certainly on its last legs...the before / after and tutorial on how I did it is here…I was so very pleased with this coastal style look and it looking pretty has given me the motivation to keep this room tidy all year long…and it was featured at DesignSponge too!
this was my Prairie Chic Phase…I thrifted the most beautiful old crochet bedspread and re-purposed it as a curtain, complete with cowboy boots….I am kinda still in that phase, even though I haven’t really showed you…it’s sorta beach decor / coastal living goes to the prairie…and ahem, it’s kinda Closet Prairie Coastal Chic for me right now…..I did something really rustic and Prairie like in the bedroom recently that never made the blog….Mr Beach Cottage had a fit & dared me to blog it, hahahaha, actually I am so blogging it soon…think major prairie lace and ruffles tucked all around and about….he’ll neve live it down
Now, interestingly, this post was extremely popular, according to those stat thingies…it seems you girls like my Real Girl fashion posts, easy, simple things to wear….for real girls on a budget…thist is what I just love about blogging, because, if you have been with me for a while, you will very much be aware that in the early year or so of this blog, I didn’t post a picture of me, ever, let alone plaster me and what I wore all over the internet…now What I Wore posts are one of my favourite things to do and has given me a whole new boost and re-newed interest, not in ‘looking good’ per se but just in taking the time to feel happy and good about what I wear even when you are forty-is-the-new-thirty….watch this space for more
there was a very good time to be had with a twenty-five dollar dresser…I thrifted her at a garage sale, painted her beach decor white and haven’t looked back, I love the therapeutic powers of white paint, and I blogged how I did it…right now she is doused in sparkly Christmas bits and bobs with for Christmas coastal living and hung with fairy lights, but back then she was a little more just coastal style
there were more than a few side of the road finds, including this old vintage Australian lemonade crate
that I paired with a vintage bike, also from the side of the road boutique
this old side unit got a beach decor makeover in the family room…..in a coastal style pebble grey! You can read more on it here
You loved these too...not as much as I did though! I love love loved getting these flowers on my deck with my vintage bottles…I love white & neutrals for a beach decor look, but I love to pop that with flower decorating and the odd bright vintage thing..that is coastal decorating to me…the crispness of white paired with a few nautical cottage things & then foofed with the gathering of things that I love….my beach decor style!
Shoes were a big thing around here this year…ummm, I am a tad embarrassed that I blogged as many shoes as I did
but then ever since I was a little girl (yes I slept with my first wedges) I have about jigged around doing the happy dance at girlie shoes…gosh, the Flicky Cloud post even made it to the shoe shop’s website
We had some serious flower therapy going on in the Sitting Room when I needed to foof around with my vintage plates and things and add them to the coastal style….sigh, you can see more of that here
there was a budget beach decor makeover to a little corner of my home that never quite fit…
it involved my fave Nordic boutique IKEA and I about loved it for months, sitting there in the evening with the crickets, the Pimms & my cooking books….I wanted a coastal style corner just for me and IKEA helped me fulfill that dream….
I found a vintage ladder on the side of the road, I had been after one for like ever to add to the beach decor…I nearly killed myself in the process of getting it and it’s been popping up ever since…here I foofed around with lemons, white furniture and pretty daisies…all for pennies…
and this was my favourite favourite post of the year I think…
It was Spring, and I had a bit of a change around, I wooshed away those dust bunnies, flung open the doors and got bright, cheery & Coastal
and that’s it I guess, if I get time I may well be back with more…this is a drop in the ocean…
plus there were a lot of Beach Cottage recipes ranking very highly in those stats ladies!!! I am so pleased I started blogging those…I have had amazing feedback, both here, on Facebook and in emails from those of you who have tried my recipes, so yes I will do a round-up post of those
Here’s to 2012 my friends, I have a lot planned…. hello Beach Cottage bathroom, hello spa on the deck, hello some serious junking in 2012….I have a junking trip planned, can’t wait to tell you more about it…
See ya around Beach Cottage kiddos, I’ll be back soon with recipes, oh and the Beach Cottage Top Five Favourite Coastal Beach Decor Finds of the Year….
find more of my ideas for beach decor and coastal living without breaking the bank here
p.s. and a big thank you to Nuffnang Australia, for taking me to KL, Malaysia for the seriously rocking red-carpet international blogging event…that was a trip I won’t forget in a hurry…I was shocked to make the finalist list out of a huge pool of very talented bloggers who were nominated from all over the Asia Pacific region…
Thanks for sharing the recap with us, each photo is beautiful and so inspiring:-)
Tracey
Such awesome thrift finds, Sarah!! And it’s so important to have a pretty work/computer space. Love all the striped shirts -am a big fan! And 2012…, sounds exciting. Happy New Year!
hey Maya! Happy New Year to you, here’s to 2012 xo
Thanks for catching me up on all the wonderful articles I missed. You are truly an inspiration to me and I appreciate all that you do.
Happy 2012!
Can’t wait for 2012 and all the things u have in store for us. Happy New Yr
it’s gonna be a good one Kate, I can feel it in the water! xo
Loved reading this recap… such a great idea! I absolutely adore anything I’ve ever read here on your blog, so it’s nice to see some favourites and even some that I’ve missed.
thanks Andrea and a very Happy New Year to you Sarahxx
I loved all these posts…could never choose a favorite but did love the ‘polky-dot’ oil cloth desk makeover, your darling outfits and the pink and purple flowers. Think those are probs my 3 favorites. It is alwats so much fun to stop by…
what a lovely comment Catherine…thank YOU for stopping by
here’s to the New Year
Cheers
Sarahx
Happy New Year to you and your family Sarah.
Thank you for giving me a great few months as well as something to look forward to in 2012!
Lots of changes made in my life thanks to you and your fresh inspiring ideas!
It’s all good as the saying goes.
Health, happiness and prosperity to you for 2012.
yeah it is all good Melody…
thanks for reading along with me…I am glad to hear you made changes!
Sarah xo
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Sarah,
I love all your posts and have been inspired to turn my little cottage into a similar beach style. I do live in FL, afterall, but am at least an hour from the nearest beach. There are lakes all throughtout the town, though, so there’s still water close by…lol Thanks for the review and look forward to a new year of even more inspiring blogs and photos! BTW, my style is met with a lot of oohs and ahhs but also ‘oh, I could never live with all the white’!!
haha Candy…the white is a secret and a lot easier than most people think…easy to re-paint and easy to bleach…
thanks for your lovely message and I hope to get back to Florida someday!
Happy New Year to you!
Sarahx
You are such a stylish talented gorgeous hoot Sarah! Love your blog truly madly dearly! Have a lovely last few days of 2011 and here’s to 2012 being a fabulous year. In my mind you won the award hands down – your blog is superb! xxx
Hello lovely Jos
Thanks, it seems a lot of people think I am a hoot…maybe I should blog my broomstick riding more!!! haha
Happy New Year
Sarah
xo
Hahahahaha! I fell off my broomstick reading this!!!!!!
too funny…well it’s locked up right now for Christmas…but I am sure it’ll come back soon !xo
Gorgeous and inspirational as always Sarah, look forward to see what 2012 brings to your lovely beach cottage xo
thanks Nel, here’s to a lovely New Year and fun in 2012 xox
Sarah – I am so glad that we connected two years ago! I’ve enjoyed every single visit here and am looking forward to another year of beautiful coastal photos from your beautiful country!
xoxo laurie
g’day lovely Laurie, ditto!
happy days in 2012
sarahxx
Wow you are so inspirational Sarah, always love to see what you have posted, such a happy and fun place this here blog, i must say the biggest recipe favourite for us was the 40 garlic chicken, seriously delicious!! Love your enthusiasm and your style!! I always enjoy your makeovers, fashion, beach, photography , posts I really could go on and on!! You are one cool gal!!
hi Suzane
oh! so pleased you liked the 40 garlic chicken…thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it!
Happy New Year
Cheers sarahx
Ooh, I love the crochet bedspread curtain idea! Brilliant!
thanks Liz…so budget friendly too if you buy a lovely thrifted one!
Sarah xo
I have so enjoyed following your blog this year! Looking forward to more lovely beach cottage goodness in 2012. You inspired me to go with coastal style in our little home and I love how everything looks now! Thanks so much for the inspiration, big hugs! xo Kirsty
you are welcome Kirsty, thanks for following along with this old place
x
Great round up! Will be watching again in 2012, from another fellow whites lover!
Great round up of the year! Hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year’s Eve to welcome 2012 in. Can’t wait to see what it brings for the beach cottage, as a fellow ‘white’ lover! Will be checking in for inspiration.
hello fellow white lover, happy new year
x
My first quiet moment since Christmas, open the computer and I find BC there, how exciting!!!!You are a motivated, busy and interesting woman. Thank you for sharing so much of you. Looking forward to what 2012 will bring. One thing, I have wondered how you son got over the dog bite? Trust all went well.
yes he did Irene…nothing the doctor couldn’t cure!
thanks for your interest & Happy New Year
x
And all this right here is why your blog is one of my favourites Sarah
such a nice eclectic mix of all that sums up life in an old beach cottage.
I can’t believe it’s been almost three years since I stumbled upon your little space here…though it took months before I delurked
Have thoroughly enjoyed sharing in your journey Sarah and look forward to seeing how 2012 unravels.
p.s…had friends over for a Chrissy Eve dinner and served up your forty garlic chicken…HUGE hit.
Xx
the fourth person that had my chicken over Christmas (that I know of!) so pleased you liked it!!
so pleased you de-lurked Tammi, loved having you here
sarah xo
Sarah – I only discovered your blog this past September or October (when you were featured in Romantic Home magazine), so I’m just a newcomer to the party, but I’ve been trying to read all your old posts, because your cottage is so pretty (and inspiring!)
I look forward to reading many more posts in 2012!
Happy New Year!
Welcome Susan & Happy New Year, glad to have you
Sarahxo
Wow, reading this post made me realise just how much you have been through and have done and shared with us! It also made me realise how long I have been religiously following your blog (and practically a daily basis too)! It has been so good that I haven’t even noticed the time go by! You know the saying, time flies when you are having fun… Reading your blog is lots of fun for me so thank you. Yes, here is to 2012… I am actually looking foward to the new year (a nice change from dread for once!)…
I am looking forward to the New Year too Alice, here’s to 2012 !!
xo
Sarah I love your blog and in particular, the shots of your home, it looks so peaceful and beachy and lovely! We have just bought a beach house in Lake Cathie, NSW, and it has lots of wood and exposed brick which I love, but I will love it even more once it is painted white! I was wondering if you would mind sharing with me your favourite paint colours and brands available here in Aussie?
thanks!
xx Karen
Hi Karen
I love any white really, the basic stuff in the big cans is great if you have a lot to paint, like we did originally…basic Dulux white is great value but good quality too…
I also like Dulux White on White and 1/4 strength Antique White USA….most brands are godd in this colour…
hope that helps & good luck with your new home
x
thanks Sarah…the chips I have narrowed down as good options include White on White. I haven’t seen a sample of 1/4 Antique White USA, but have used the full strength one a bit, and I find it quite ‘yellow’ so will check out the quarter strength..thanks
xx Karen
yes, it is yellowy, but if you have a north facing room, or want a more vintage feel, 1/4 strength is just right.
cheers x
Thank you for allowing us to share 2011 with you. i have loved your beach cottage and all of the ideas you have shared. May 2012 be even sweeter.
…and I have loved having you with me Nicole, thank you for taking the time to leave me regular comments…I appreciate that!
Happy New Year
xo
I, too, have enjoyed reading your life…giving me the inspiration to use what I have (the flowers right out my door). We as a family have fond memories of our times at the beach in a little cottage.
thanks Nancy, Happy New Year to you and using those flowers!
Xoxo
Oh, Sarah ~ those stats must speak the Truth! The first blog of yours I ever read was about the delightful “flicky cloud shoes” ~ they made the list, as did your hilarious-but-truthful post on Daily Wear. Must say, scarves are the icing to a pair of well-fitting jeans, yes? And next I wondered would the humble ladder be left behind, but Nope! He, too, was included. All of my faves, ‘cept the “Saturday Club” outings and your Lemon Vodka recipe…which may be in another category, yes? We love everything you do & are right behind you when it comes to major applause! Clap, Clap, Clap Clap ~ xoxo
With Love & Hope, Your friend Terrie in Atlanta, Georgia USA
oh thanks so much Terrie and I think yes, the humble scarf chics one up nicely
thanks for visiting, I appreciate it!
Sarahx
What a beautiful recap. Tons of white I see, not devoid of color either and those wellies in which you walk on by! *sigh*hooks me better than the guy with the thing on his eye. I’d love myself some polka dot oil cloth and a living room with floral therapy. Coming to think of it, I do have a beautiful white crochet bedspread and i am going to seep in a lil prairie style in my otherwise white minimalist-confused to genre-living room. I’m copy-catting this.
Can’t wait to see the new yellows and what you bring to us in the coming year. Oh! and I lurve your pretty pink toes as well.
thanks Rukmini, thanks for visiting this year…I think you are my newest de-lurker and I am very glad to have you out of Lurkdom
Happy New Year
xo
Hahahahaha, okay that would be me
A very happy new year to you and your BC crew
Hi Sarah,
I have to share this little story with you. I was outside seeing to the Christmas table and overheard this conversation between husband and daughter
“where’s your mum?”
“she foofing the table!”
“foofing? What’s foofing?”
“don’t know, but mum uses that word all the time!”
Yes, it’s my favourite word of 2011!
Thank you for all your lovely inspirational posts this year. Looking forward to following your adventures in 2012.
x
oh Beth, best thing I have heard this Christmas!
I like to spread the foofing love, hahaha…
thank you for visiting and making this a happy place with your lovely comments
Xo
Congrats on your Nuffnang nomination. I hope Sydney turns on some wonderful weather for you while you’re here.
I am QUICKLY falling in love with everything on your blog! Congrats to a successful year
Sarah, what a great wrap up. I am pleased to say I managed to read most of the posts first time round. I love the crochet curtain shot. Just lovely.
I loved all of your posts this year, but my favourite would have to be your gardening posts.
looking forward to reading more in 2012.
x Marnie
Love it! Feels like I’ve caught up with all I had missed out n not knowing you and his fab blog!
Thanks Nikki! So pleased to have found you too and thanks for letting me pick your brains so much…next time you are in Sydney I would LOVE to catch up for a coffee
… Not sure when I will be on the Sunshine Coast next tho!
Here’s to bloggy friends in 2012.
Sarah xxx
I am simply pleased I discovered this web page. Maybe you would like to place my banner on site? How can I contact you privately?
Thanks for the recap. I am proud to say I have enjoyed following you Sarah for almost 2 years now. You have helped me through some tough times. I too Beth and Sarah have found myself using the foofing word. My niece even uses it now. Thank you so…much for spreading all your love and inspiration year round. I look forward to 2012 with you Sarah!
Sarah…Thank you for all the great posts and inspiration this past year. I follow you daily although I’m getting ready for work at the same time here on the West Coast/USA and can’t frequently comment. Loving this recap and looking forward to the new 2012 posts about your upcoming projects. I’m especially looking forward to the “spa on deck” and “Beach Cottage Bathroom” since I really enjoy your creative adventures as well as Before and Afters. All the Best in the New Year to the BC Crew and You!
What a great recap of your year. I only found your blog recently and I love it. I’m still find something new on your pages every day so its great to see the most popular posts – a few I had missed. Keep up the good work in 2012 – I’m looking forward to it. Though I’m constantly wondering how you keep everything so white with kids milling around…….. ;D
Ellie, I tie them to trees
xo
Just catching up on my blogging friends after being away for a while. This was such a wonderful post, I have so enjoyed your Blog, looking forward to more exquisite posts xx
Happy New Year from our irish cottage to your aussie one
Loved your creative and footwear recap. I’ve done my own, but not as white and creative as yours!
Jx
Hello lovely irish cottage!
HAPPY NEW YEAR my friend…
here’s to 2012
Sarahx
I must say I just love that little purple glass bottle, especially surrounded by pink, white and purple flowers. Just gorgeous!
I just found your lovely blog a few months ago so I appreciate the recap. I know I’ve missed loads of great inspiration from you.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful and happy 2012.
G’day Sharon, welcome to BC Land, I hope you enjoy your visits
Sarah x
Thanks Sarah!
Loved the recap…….don’t always comment but always read
I grew up on the Northern Beaches and love seeing it through your eyes.
All the best for you and your family for the New Year.
Cheers,
Karen
You have had quite a year! What gorgeous pictures! I love all the whites and finds. I can’t believe you got that cool yellow crate off the side of the road…love the moving pic too!! Have you picked a winner for the mixer? I can’t seem to find the post revealing the winner. Have a wonderful 2012! You are off to a great start!
Blessings,
Cindy
Hi Sarah,
nice reading here.
Some time ago I wrote similiar post on one of my blogs (I have three), but your is much more interesting… I should learn from you
Love your style, curbside finds, recovered desk and laid back attitude – glad to have found you and now following
Kelly
Great post. Some parts are hard to understand for me, non-native english though… Do you know any good translate plugin for WordPress?
Let me ask you about one thing. Do you use any SEO plugin on this Blog, Sarah?