beachcomber

blue and white

2013-05-17T07:30:00.000+10:00

Blue and white decorating with a touch of nautical. Clean, fresh and always in style.

Have a great weekend!

via 1. www.completely-coastal.com 3.onlinecurtaindesign.co.uk 4.www.toast.co.uk 5.www.lexington.com

creative storage ideas

2013-05-15T07:30:00.000+10:00

Is your place overflowing with stuff?
Here are some creative storage ideas to help you get organised. Functional and good looking at the same time.

I love this cubby shelving. It's on my list of things to make or maybe I'll find something like this to paint. Just putting the idea out there.

A set of old lockers painted blue would be great in a kid's room or entry.

Paper or craft storage

You can never have enough drawers. I'm sure these would fill up fast if they were mine.

Love the labelling on this rustic old filing cabinet

Sibella Court's creatively arranged natural finds

Drawers with numbers.. love it!

via 1.paperplayne.com 2.savvycityfarmer.com 3.meandalice.blogspot.com 4.decordots.com 5.ellaelaine.blogspot.com 6.thesocietyinc.com.au 7.petershamnurseries.com

gone fishing

2013-05-13T07:30:00.000+10:00

Remember when I was inspired to make some nautical buoys?

Brightly coloured numbered buoys are used by lobster fishermen to mark where their lobster traps are located.
I like the nautical feeling they add to a seaside balcony.

A job for the carpenter of the family, he measured some off cuts of timber to size and used a drop saw to cut the angles.
I used a white primer / undercoat, when it was dry I taped them with masking tape where I wanted the stripes and colour to be and later stencilled on some numbers. I sanded them with an electric sander for a weathered look and also because some of the paint seeped through the tape ;) Next time I'll use thinner coats of colour.

I wanted to photograph them somewhere near the harbour. I thought this sailing club with the lovely old charcoal weatherboard building would make the perfect backdrop.. and wasn't it nice of them to hang the striped bunting for me?

My daughter and I are heading up to Byron Bay on Wednesday. Thought it was a good idea to have a break from technology, so I've scheduled some posts for later in the week. I look forward to sharing some of the beauty of Byron Bay next week.
I'll no doubt be sharing some pics on instagram though @beachcomber26.

See you later!

Cheryl

it's a cat's life

2013-05-10T07:30:00.000+10:00

This was going to be a post just about flowers and Mothers' Day until someone decided they liked that spot on a hessian bag in the last of the afternoon sun.

Can you believe the hydrangeas are still flowering? It's a lovely spring, I mean Autumn we're having.

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Love Bella

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beach art

2013-05-08T07:30:00.000+10:00

A hazy day at a beach near me and an artist at work. He told me he liked the light and haze in sky that day. The painting was called 'Into the Light'. I stayed and watched for a while.
I've had a few attempts at painting and art classes. I can draw a bit but haven't had any success with painting. He told me it's because I didn't persist and that's true.
I love the way he captures the light, the colours of the water and the laid back feeling of the coast.

Read more about the artist Michael Braden here.

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cavallini sealife and pottery barn

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000+10:00

After some requests via etsy I framed the rest of the Cavallini sealife prints I made from a calendar. You might remember the post I did about it a few years back here. It took a while to measure and cut them to size. I used simple white wooden frames with a perspex front that look like glass. It makes them a lot safer for posting.

Excuse the not so great photography. We live in a south facing apartment where it's not easy to get a good indoor shot at this time of year. Nice and cool in summer though.

The mercury glass mason jar and candle holders were a purchase from the new Pottery Barn in Bondi Junction, which is on one of my regular shopping tracks close to where we live. I recognised the style from lots of American blogs I admire.
It's great to have some exciting new stores in the area but I worry about the effect on small business. Let's all make sure we get behind them and help stop the world being taken over by large corporations.

I love the mix of silver, shells and candlelight with the French antique prints on our mantel.

The prints will be listed in my shop in the next few days if anyone is interested.

A few overdue thankyous to make..

Thanks so much Carol Art and Sand blog, for the gorgeous handpainted pillow I won in a giveaway

Leana shared some of my photos and shop on her amazing blog Coconut Lemon and Lime Thanks!

& thanks Cas from the lovely
Peaches and Maple blog for a blog award

Cheryl

magic beach

2013-05-03T07:30:00.000+10:00

This is the kind of weather we've been enjoying for about 2 weeks. I think we're in for a change so I'm glad I made the most of it while it lasted.

How many cities in the world can you be in a National Park at a beach just around the corner from the CBD?

The only sound the rhythmic movement of water, wind through the trees and birdlife.

Gum blossoms

The joy of a beach and the sparkling sea

The cafe

Historic sandstone homes

Giant magnolia trees

Hibiscus

Magic!

See more of Neilsen Park and Sydney Harbour here & here.

Have a great weekend!

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paper 2

2013-05-01T07:30:00.000+10:00

A change of scenery.. When I'm not relaxing in a deckchair on the beach I like to visit some of the shops in the inner city suburbs, not far from here.
I always love a shop filled with craft supplies, paper, cards, creative ideas, stamps, string and this vintage style paperie never disappoints.
I feel like a kid in a candy store!

I could spend hours in here.

How about you?

Paper2

477 Crown St

Surry Hills

this is the life

2013-04-29T07:30:00.000+10:00

This is a story about the adventures of a deckchair. From the side of the road to the beautiful shores of Sydney Harbour.

On a magic day..

Brought back to life with white paint and grey and white striped canvas from Spotlight. I was thinking the usual blue and white here, but really glad I chose this fabric.

Before... Sad and abandoned.

It wasn't all smooth sailing. When I was painting this one on our deck, I knocked over half a tin of paint that proceeded to drip through the timbers onto the neighbours garden below. The next hour was spent cleaning paint off palm fronds and pavers. Fun. Not!

This is the life for me.

The End

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rustic coast

2013-04-26T07:30:00.000+10:00

As the days grow cooler I'm drawn to these rustic coastal escapes with the down to earth feeling of a boatshed or waterside shack. Warm and welcoming with weather beaten recycled timber, the patina of aged surfaces and warm vintage woollen blankets, where nothing's too precious.

Have a relaxing weekend!

via
1.vi-sualise.tumblr 2. thebeachstudios.com 3. caribbeantravelmag.com 4. countryliving.com 5. brookegianetti.typepad.com 6. mysigaheestrand.com 7. kararosenlund.com

on a clear day

2013-04-24T07:30:00.000+10:00

wordless wednesday

see more Bondi

here

shelter from the storm

2013-04-22T07:30:00.000+10:00

Goodbye Indian summer.. A wet and wild start to the weekend and a drop in temperatures reminds us autumn is here and winter isn't too far away .. it's kind of nice to be bunkered down inside.

Getting cosy with candles, a warm rug, some favourite magazines, the colour turquoise and dried blue green hydrangeas.

boatshed inspiration

couldn't agree more!

dried hydrangeas

Have a great week wherever you are!

Cheryl

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mothers day & a winner!

2013-04-19T07:30:00.000+10:00

Looking for some gift ideas for Mothers' Day? Look no further than my sponsors in the top sidebar of my blog for something special.

How about treating your mum (or yourself) to a weekend for 2 at Atlantic Guesthouses in beautiful Byron Bay.. Sound good?
Choose from a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, and take advantage of their off season rates.

The Beach House has lots of lovely gift ideas.. beautiful Palm Beach candles, Essence of Noosa bath and body range, gorgeous coastal cushions. Sue and Louise are offering a Mothers' Day special, spend $50 and receive a voucher for $10 off your next purchase.

The girls at West Indies Wear have great style. Casual, comfortable beach or everyday wear in a gorgeous range of coastal colours that any Mum would love. Free worldwide postage makes it even more affordable.
Head over to their FACEBOOK giveaway for a chance to win a palm leaf sarong.

Donna at Hamptons Style has a large range of classic, stylish homewares and gifts to choose from.
Why not drop a hint that you'd love a Hampton's Style gift certificate and choose your own present ;) I'm looking forward to seeing some photos of Donna's new shop at Sanctuary Cove.

and the winner is..

Tiffany ArtSea Chic

Congratulations!

Thanks so much for all your entries and shares!

I've sold out of the silver heart charm bracelet pictured above.. more on the way very soon.

Cheryl

simply healthy living

2013-04-17T07:30:00.000+10:00

I've been finding some beautiful recipes on pinterest that I wanted to share with you today. Super healthy ideas, with all natural ingredients, that look delicious and sound simple to make. Most are sugar, dairy, gluten and grain free. The colour and photography are a feast for the eyes!
Follow the links below the image for the recipes.

The best guacomole you'll ever have..

via A Cup of Jo

Late summer oat milk smoothie

for a gluten free alternative try almond milk
available at the supermarket

Golubka food that takes love

Chickpea Zataar Salad

via Green Kitchen Stories

Viva la Fiesta Taco Salad

via Yummy Mummy Kitchen

Blueberry Lemon Almond Cake

Green Kitchen Stories

What's your favourite?

succulent beach shells

2013-04-15T07:33:00.000+10:00

Don't you love succulents? I love how they're so easy to grow from cuttings and seem to thrive on neglect. I have some that have been happily growing in a shell without any soil and just a bit of rain water.
They come in so many beautiful shapes and shades of green and don't take up much space, which makes them great for a deck or balcony. Combined with shells, sand, seaglass and driftwood they make an easy care coastal garden.

Most of my succulents are growing in ordinary potting mix. I'm not planning on leaving these here permanently, so for now they are just planted in sand. According to my research on google.. correct me if it's wrong, the best soil for succulents is one that drains well - 2 parts potting mix, one part perlite, one part sand.

See some older posts on succulents here & here.

Remember to enter the jewellery GIVEAWAY drawn this Friday

Happy gardening!

Cheryl

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Frankie does Sydney

2013-04-14T08:00:00.000+10:00

It's not like me to be here on Saturday night. I wanted to share these pics and remind those of you in Sydney that Kara Rosenlund's travelling homewares and Frankie the caravan are here. Frankie is travelling down the east coast from Brisbane, in Sydney this weekend and then heading on to Melbourne.

I treated myself to one of these linen tea towels and Frankie banner.

I love Kara's vintage homewares and natural collections, so beautifully arranged and of course Frankie is just the cutest thing I've ever seen!

The School

85 Dunning Ave

Rosebery

next to Kitchen by Mike

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giveaway

2013-04-12T07:30:00.000+10:00

I thought it was time for another giveaway.. just in time for Mothers' Day or a treat for yourself.

The winner will receive a $30 jewellery voucher to spend in my Etsy shop.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment
Become a follower on Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Instagram if you're not already
Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest and / or Instagram
Every follow and share is an extra entry
Overseas entries most welcome
The winner will be drawn by Random Org same time next week

GOOD LUCK!

Cheryl

sea air

2013-04-10T07:30:00.000+10:00

wordless wednesday

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lighthouse location

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000+10:00

A dreamy location and house to start the week.. This one's in South Africa. It's available for holiday rental as well as a film and photo location. Simple, minimal and white to match the tranquil surroundings.

I love everything about it, the limewashed floorboards, simple furnishings, mostly bare walls and stripes. Isn't the fireplace beautiful with the pale stonework? I can imagine snuggling up here in front of a fire in winter.

Waking up to a 180 degree ocean view wouldn't be bad either.

So what do you think?

Would you like a holiday here?

www.lighthouselocation.com

country in the city

2013-04-05T07:53:00.000+11:00

It's so good to see so much of the inner city here in Sydney being rejuvenated. This is a great example of that. What used to be a large pie factory in what was a heavy industrial area is now like a country escape.
The Grounds cafe / restaurant is set amongst rambling gardens complete with free range chooks, fresh produce and herbs. I love the huge warehouse building decorated in a mix of industrial and country styles and the covered outdoor area.
Known for it's coffee, it's a thriving business buzzing with people whatever time of day you go. I've been a few times for brunch with friends and family and have enjoyed good food in a great atmosphere.
These photos were a bit rushed and don't really do it justice. The inside is so beautifully done with white timber glassed in kitchens and vintage bits and pieces all over the place.. a good excuse to go back!

Enjoy your weekend!

The Grounds

7A/2 Huntley St

Alexandria

drift away

2013-04-03T07:53:00.000+11:00

Drifting away with all natural coastal colours and textures today..

I love cowrie shells. They remind me of the shell decorated baskets of the Pacific Islands. Apparently cowrie shells have been used as money, jewellery and religious accessories in many parts of the world and symbolise prosperity, fertility and longevity.

Inspired by the shell design on one of my baskets I decorated these IKEA storage baskets I use for jewellery.

I sewed the shells onto the larger basket, until I realised it was much easier and quicker to glue them on.

See you later
:)

Cheryl
x

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beach shack

2013-04-01T07:53:00.000+11:00

With everyone in holiday mode this long weekend I thought I'd share some inspiration for laid back beach shack living..
a little weekender or something permanent up or down the coast, somewhere quiet and unspoilt where there's not much else to do but take it easy and relax.

Hope you're all having a relaxing weekend.

via

1. ralphlauren.com 2. ideas.homelife.com.au 3. blissfulbblog.com

4. daydreamsonvinyl.com.au 5. coconutlemonandlime.blogspot.com.au

6. oceaniaislandliving.com.au

happy easter

2013-03-29T07:53:00.000+11:00

In the spirit of recycling and using what you have, apart from a $6 bunch of Easter daisies from the supermarket... here's an easy Easter decoration to make that takes about 5 minutes.

Have a lovely break!

Cheryl

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minimal

2013-03-27T07:53:00.000+11:00

wordless wednesday

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simple style

2013-03-25T08:08:00.002+11:00

Summer goes on and on in this part of the world. Surely this is the last of the hydrangeas.. It's nice to see them still flowering.

I've been keeping an eye out for some metal tins and was lucky to be given these beauties from my mum's garage. Something I think I'd given to her a long time ago..

I pictured these with numbers stencilled on the front and had seen something like this on pinterest. The stencils I have didn't bend around the shape, so I drew them with pencil and painted them white with a small brush. The numbers could be printed out and traced onto the tins instead.

This little folding table is one I found on the side of the road. Painted white it looks a whole lot better and is useful inside and out with the revamped IKEA chair.

Hope you had a good weekend wherever in the world you are!

Cheryl

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