When I first started on this Beach Cottage journey I have to admit I was rather disillusioned with things, the realities of renovating the cottage from grot to glam hit home and I was the Whining Queen of Sydney.
Now though, appreciating the little things every day that before I may have passed over as unimportant helps make me see the bigger picture. You know? Insignificant little things like the fabulous Camelia tree in the Beach Cottage garden or the fragrance from the laundry drying in the coastal breeze or how finding a piece of junk and painting it makes me happy.
Melissa at The Inspired Room continually inspires me in this journey, to stop and smell the roses, her Beautiful Life series keeping me focused on doing little things to make it all nice....I was so honoured to be asked to Guest Post over there and today you can find me blogging over there too.
And talking of nice things, do you like my new original Gail McCormack starfish painting? I love it and enjoyed foofing around with this little vignette. To me, vignetting is one of the things in life that make this tiny mind happy - a half hour here and there to pretty things up makes, for me, a beautiful life. And it doesn't take much - here a couple of vintage thrifted mirrors picked up for pennies and old jam jar, flowers from the garden and few shells...
I recently found Gail (you can find her beach inspired work here) and contacted her to ask for a very special Beach Cottage piece - I had been endlessly hunting for a picture for the cottage that was beachy but not in that yucky beach-theme way that seems to be just about everywhere I look.
In Gail's wonderful talent I saw just what I was after, a shabby laid-back interpretation of the beachy white lifestyle we have here at the cottage.
And boy did she ever deliver! You can't beat wonderful talent coupled with attention to detail and friendly service! She is a lovely and included with my package other goodies, thank you Gail (and I'll show you another one of her pieces I fell in love with soon), oh and she blogs too, check it out...
Enjoy the weekend girls, I am on a mini Beach Cottage treasure hunting tour - I'm getting up early (yep really!), I've plotted a route - starting with a local Jumble Sale that only happens a few times a year and is chock full of treasure, then moving on to garage sales, a sit on the beach and a visit to the farmers market. Sooo looking forward to it...what are you doing this weekend, remember to do something beautiful...it's the little things, right?
participating in the hooked-on event at Hooked on Houses
and a Beautiful Life at the Inspired Room
Oh, what a wonderful post! Yes, I agree...it is the little things that make life beautiful! Have fun this weekend and I can't wait to see what treasures you find! Take care, Caroline
Posted by: Caroline at Caroline's Lost and Found | July 17, 2009 at 11:52 AM
I just returned from a mini treasure hunt... when I told Handsome I was going to paint the little table either white or pale gray, he just smiled. He is slowly being converted. Must bake him a special birthday cake this weekend.
Enjoy your hunt!
Posted by: I'm Julia | July 17, 2009 at 12:11 PM
It is the little things that make life beautiful, and I know that I need to dwell on them more than I do. Instead I am always looking at the big picture and there are so many things that need doing. Thanks for the reminder. I shall go over to A Beautiful Life and see if I can join in on the fun. Btw, those paintings are tdf!!! I adore them! And, your little vignettes are PERFECTION! Hugs, ~cindy s~
Posted by: Cindy S. | July 17, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous vingnette! And a Jumble sale?? I like the sounds of that.
Posted by: Flower Patch Farmgirl | July 17, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Sounds like you will have a fabulous weekend. I think Gail's work is absolutely gorgeous - and it will look perfect in your cottage. Happy weekend.
Posted by: Shaz | July 17, 2009 at 12:41 PM
I'm spending time with family....also hitting a flea market and hopefully an antiques sale. Love the treasure hunt, so I'm excited!!
Posted by: Pony Girl | July 17, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Good luck treasure hunting!
And thanks for sharing Gail's treasures with us!
No special plans here for the weekend, which is the best kind of weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | July 17, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Nothing as fun as a treasure hunt. Happy shopping!
Posted by: Porch Days | July 17, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Hi Sarah!
I LOVE that starfish painting. It is exqusite! And so you! LOVe it! And I am so excited about your trip this weekend. Wish I could go. I hope you can join me for a thrifty thursday next week to show off some of your treasures!
Have a wonderful weekend, friend!
Posted by: leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville | July 17, 2009 at 01:41 PM
I love your vignette. So pretty and soothing.
Posted by: pk @ room remix | July 17, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Oh lucky you to have some of Gail's art. She is so talented. Have a fabulous time out there hunting for treasures
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | July 17, 2009 at 04:22 PM
So pretty. Hope you have a wonderful treasure hunting weekend, we are doing the same so hope the weather stays nice for booting ~ it is absolutely pouring down here at the mo!!!
love
Alison
x
Posted by: Alison | July 17, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Thankyou Sarah,
I've very proud to have one of my paintings in your beautiful Beach Cottage, you have been an inspiration and absolute please to work with
What am I doing this weekend? - you've got me inspired Sarah, I'm painting our Dado walls soft white, I finished two today, they're going to look fabulous!
Happy treasure hunting - I know I'll be doing the same, it's like an addiction isn't it?
xo
Posted by: Gail McCormack | July 17, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Ohhhhhhhh! Her Gail's new beachy line is just amazing...and all sold out! She is just a wonder!
m ^..^
Posted by: m | July 17, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Your blog is so fabulous! It's soothing and inspiring with so many great pictures! When I have a bit of time, Im going to look back at all the posts! I've always dreamed of having a beach cottage by the ocean some day. Your weekend of treasure hunting sounds exciting! I hope you find some great things! ~ Bonnie :)
Posted by: Bonnie | July 17, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Love your vignette Sarah, and followed you over to Melissa to read your post there, pretty pink roses. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs, Margie.
Posted by: Margie | July 17, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Hello from one cottage to another - thank you for visiting my blog, Sarah. As you will have gathered, I too like the simple things in life! I do like your blog - great pictures.
Pomona x
Posted by: Pomona | July 17, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Hello Sarah! Congratulations! Posting on that gorgeos web-site it's very nice thing! The peinting you show us are just lovely and the simple details are what make great our lives!
Your week end programm seems to be very interesting...enjoy it and have a nice time!
I'll go to the beach too...today 37°! Very hot to be at home!
Warm greetings
Vale
Posted by: Vale | July 17, 2009 at 09:58 PM
I found you..not sure how but glad I did. What a wonderful blog!
sandy toe
Posted by: Sandy Toes | July 17, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Those pictures really sum up the spirit of your cottage.......I don't think that anything else would have been as good.
Have a wondrous weekend. XXXX
Posted by: jacqueline | July 17, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Gorgeous Sarah. Loving all your pics [and your mirrors] and you have showcased Gail's paintings wonderfully! Have a great weekend. I will be trying to figure out my new camera!
Posted by: Julie | July 17, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Sarah, I love your new little painting. So pretty & your vignette is very special too. I saw you over at Melissa's, that's great too. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | July 18, 2009 at 12:06 AM
What a beautiful painting, and so n-keeping with your style. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Floss | July 18, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Sarah,
Those paintings are gorgeous. And I know you are picky about what goes in your house. They fit perfectly.
Posted by: Janet | July 18, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for coming by and visiting me. I have enjoyed my look around your blog so much. I can just imagine how wonderful it is to live there with a cool beachy breeze blowing through open windows... mmmm....nice. I look forward to me next visit!
Posted by: Karen Valentine | July 18, 2009 at 12:53 AM
I love those flowers! This makes me want to jump ship and head straight for the beach
Posted by: passthepeanutbutter | July 18, 2009 at 04:14 AM
What a lovely blog. I just found you over at Gail's and I will be back for a longer visit soon!
Posted by: Shabbyfufu | July 18, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Love the vignette, and the painting...to die for! I just found your blog and glad I did.
Roxie
Posted by: Roxie | July 18, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Sarah - you inspire me to get up early and get out to the Yard Sales in the early am. I'll be thrifting, farmers marketing and taking breaks on the beach to watch the kids play and surf this weekend too.
hope you find great stuff -
Marsha
Posted by: Marsha | July 18, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Hi again Sarah - sorry to bother you but do you know why my name isn't highlighted when I comment? http://chandeliermagic.blogspot.com
thanks for your help
Marsha
Posted by: Marsha | July 18, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Like Gilda Radner used to say...never mind -
Posted by: Marsha | July 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Hi Sarah,
Just popping in after Gail gave you the big brag.
Oh, soo sweet.
Hugs,
Anna
Posted by: Anna Rosa | July 18, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Just discovered you through SITS - what a beautiful home you have. I love the cottage look too.
Posted by: Chris | July 18, 2009 at 10:40 PM
I love your new little painting..looks as if it were painted just for YOU.
Posted by: bj | July 18, 2009 at 11:49 PM
My mom sent me the link for your blog and am so glad she did! I have enjoyed reading your story this morning. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
Posted by: Michelle | July 19, 2009 at 03:41 AM
Oh yes, the little vignettes we create make life so special, Sarah. Funny how the little things are so prominent. But it is the moments, really.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | July 19, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Hello Sarah, thanks so much for "surfing in". Love your style and your blog is beautiful. Good to hear from someone in Aussie-land. I so admire all you gals and your beach-cottage style...so refreshing!
Debra
Posted by: Common Ground | July 19, 2009 at 03:17 PM
It is the little things! This artist has captured the essence of sea shells in her paintings. They are lovely. Can't wait to see what you return with!
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | July 19, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Hello Sarah - I love that painting! I heart starfish, and wow does it look so nice in that frame. Gail is a very talented lady! Can't wait to see what treasures you found.
Blessings,
Marie
Posted by: Marie | July 20, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Beautiful. Some things are so simple yet so perfect.
Posted by: Puna | July 20, 2009 at 10:53 AM
I loooovvvve her painting. Beachy without screaming BEACHY! and such simple but striking compositions.
Posted by: Laura @ the shore house | July 21, 2009 at 03:48 PM