California is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and I’m so grateful to be here! I sold my dream house on the East Coast and relocated here, although it was pretty scary it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! I had never visited California before, not even for vacation. I have always dreamed of visiting here ever since I was a child, and so far life on the West Coast has been pretty amazing!

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

Weekends are for exploring here in sunny California and I just wanted to take time to share some of the most amazing pictures of places that I have visited since I moved to Los Angeles. So here are four beautiful places you must visit!

Sunrise In Santa Monica

The beach in Santa Monica is of my favorite places to sit and watch the sunrise. In the early morning you can find a perfect spot along the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s often where you will see other people or tourists also trying to capture the perfect shot.

 

Malibu

Right next door to Santa Monica is Malibu. Malibu stretches about thirty miles along the Pacific and Highway one, and offers some of the most spectacular ocean views! I caught this little guy gazing into the ocean after he flew over to see what I was up to.

There are stunning views of many mansions along the Malibu coastline.

Four Places You Must Visit In California!

Magical Views Of The Hollywood Sign

Here is a pic of the famous tree lined street featuring the Hollywood Sign. This famous street is lined with stunning mansions, so I could not block it to get a closer view of the sign. You can capture the best unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory.

Visiting Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in California simply because this place is magical! It is described as the gateway to the cosmos! Visitors can explore inside the Observatory and view live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. I was mesmerized with the views that I did not take the time to explore inside due to the crowds. My best advice is to arrive early with lots of energy! I cannot wait to return at night to see the stars!

Views From The Top Of The Observatory

At the top of the Observatory you can capture the most breathtaking views of Downtown Los Angeles, gaze at the suns rays during the sunset, or explore one of the most amazing hiking trails. Looking out of the Observatory, the feeling is surreal as you look up to see the clouds in the sky or look down the mountains.

If you are planning a vacation to California, Griffith Observatory is a must see! I promise you will have a memorable time, get the best pictures, and have a great time with friends and family. Just remember to wear your most comfortable shoes just incase you have to park down the mountain. People often do so to take pictures and then hike up to the Observatory.

I hope you enjoyed this post. In the future I will be sharing more wonderful places to explore here in California! Thanks for reading!

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

I Moved To Southern California!

Hello and welcome back!  I’m so excited to share about my move to Los Angeles! It all happened so fast that I honestly can’t believe that I live here now! It’s been about two months and I’m all settled into my new place. As you know from the last post I sold my dream house, but I kept my plans to move across the country a secret. Only my realtor and my neighbors knew.

The reason is I have always dreamed of moving to the West Coast. This was the biggest and boldest move I have ever made, so I wanted to be sure that I was making the right decision. I didn’t want the opinions of others to affect my decision. I had never been to California, not even for vacation! I know it sounds crazy to up and move to a place you have never been, but I needed to be brave and believe that I could do it.

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

The main reason I moved here is the weather. I love it! I was tired of shoveling snow and winter storms altogether. Connecticut (famous for its Nor’easter storms) is beautiful but it’s generally cold and gloomy for most of the year. As a beach lover, the weather situation was no longer working for me. I could only enjoy the beach for about three to four months out of the year.

On many nights while I was snowed in, I watched countless YouTube videos about California and began planning my move. There is a lot of helpful information on there about how to find a place to live, how to choose the best neighborhood, the best beaches, and things to do.

 

My Journey Across The Country

Flying was not an option for me because of my anxiety and the possibility of being stuck in an airport forever. I wanted to go on an adventure and do some soul-searching. I considered driving, but after watching many videos about taking the Amtrak Scenic Trip Cross Country, I booked a ticket! My first train was from New London CT To New York’s Moynihan Train Station.

 

The next train was from New York to Chicago’s Union Station, but the best trip view was the scenic Amtrak Southwest Chief from Chicago to LAX’s Union Station. The sheer size of this train is breathtaking! The entire trip took three days, but I wanted to see the most beautiful parts of the Midwest such as the deserts, canyons, and stunning mountain views that you won’t see on interstate highways.

 

The ride was very peaceful because you could just sit back and take in the views. I was lucky that my train attendant spoiled me the whole time by bringing their amazing lunch and dinner to my room instead of having to go up to the crowded dining car. I really just wanted to enjoy my trip in solitude. Here are some pics that I snapped along the way from my Amtrak Roomette.

 

Finally Arriving In Los Angeles

The minute we arrived and I saw California’s stunning palm trees, I knew I had made the right decision! It was a long journey to make solo, but it was also really fun. I met so many nice people during our station stops along the way!

California Is Still Absolutely Beautiful

Despite the negative media attention, Southern California is absolutely beautiful. There is so much to do here and you will never get bored. There are so many natural sights, beaches, scenic destinations, and weekend getaways that will make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation. I chose to live in the San Fernando Valley. “The Valley” has great weather and gorgeous mountain views.

I love waking up here! There are nice cool breezes in the mornings which is great for exercising but by the afternoon it gets pretty hot.

 

I Love The Beaches!

Weekends are for exploring different parts of California and I absolutely love the beaches. I’m slightly obsessed with Santa Monica because it’s the closest to me being only thirty minutes away. The PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) has some of the most stunning coastline views I have ever seen.

 

8 Things You Should Know Before Moving To California

 

If you have never been to California, here are some things that may surprise you.

1. The culture is different. People here are very relaxed and laid back. You don’t see many people rushing or walking fast like on the east coast. Most stores and restaurants open up around nine or ten am.
2. The food is different. California is very strict when it comes to food regulations. Most of the food here is clean and minimally processed, even in fast-food restaurants. Everything even tastes better!
3. You will naturally lose weight. The first month that I lived here, I magically lost twenty-one pounds. I’m not sure if it was the heat, the change in environment, or the fact that California’s food has fewer chemical additives. I swear I wasn’t dieting at all!
4. People mostly eat outside. The weather and views are so amazing that you’ll want to eat outside! If it’s too hot there’s also plenty of air conditioning inside. On a chilly night, there are heaters outside to warm you up.
5. People bring their dogs to restaurants. I was really surprised to find a dog sitting under the table at the restaurant but lots of places here allow this.
6. The cost of living is high. You can expect to pay around $2000 for a very small but decent one-bedroom apartment. Also, most landlords are really strict and want you to make 3-4 times the rent and have a 700 credit score! Which probably explains why there is a housing problem.
7. There is a huge homeless crisis. It’s hard to see people living on the streets in any state, but it’s more common here. There are dangerous areas that we are told to avoid by the news media. I rarely see any homeless people in my city, however when I do, I always try to help. This is frowned upon by Californians because of the safety risk, plus many have mental health issues. As someone who has been temporarily homeless before, I can’t just walk by and ignore someone asking for food or help. I always help, keeping my safety in mind. Besides, homelessness can happen to anyone! See: How The Beach Saved My Life
8. The traffic is insane. I have never seen so many cars and lanes on one highway! It can become very overwhelming and the roads are sometimes confusing. Eventually, you will get used to it but be very careful driving here.

Follow Your Dreams!

If you are thinking of making a life-changing decision or moving to your favorite place, make a plan and do it! Life is too short to have any regrets!

There are so many adventures on my bucket list. I’m so happy that I moved here because I’m having the time of my life seeing, exploring, and discovering new things. My chronic illness has taught me to live a fearless life and try new things.

I know God lead me here because I have a mission to complete. I’m pretty sure that it’s to help the homeless. Even if it’s one person at a time. That’s how we change the world! Visit my shop if would like to help, all proceeds go towards helping those in need.

I hope you enjoyed this post and that I have inspired you to follow your dreams! Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

Hello! It’s been a while since I have posted. That’s because I have been swamped. My last post shows the completed renovation of my home, but in May of this year, I sold it!

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

Buying my first home was a dream come true. I always wanted to buy a fixer-upper and turn it into something of my very own.  I bought my home at a low-interest rate in April 2020 just before the pandemic home prices skyrocketed.

See the Before & After Renovation.

The first month I started working on the home immediately doing most of the painting and some demolition myself. Then I hired several contractors and left the hard work to the professionals. It took almost three years to completely transform my house into the dream I always wanted. I remember back then I was sure it would be my forever home.

The pandemic definitely affected my decision to buy and with a low-interest rate you must be wondering ‘Why would I ever sell?” The truth is that houses require lots of time, energy, maintenance, and money. Although money wasn’t an issue, the truth is it’s not easy to live through a renovation. If you are planning on buying a fixer-upper, just know that it takes lots of planning and patience. It’s much easier to dream of renovating a house than to actually live thru the stress, noise, and chaos of contractors.

Everyone has different experiences, and I don’t mean to be negative, my house was one of the best investments I have ever made! But I just want to share the reality of living in a home while renovating. Home improvement projects can be fun, and a little sweat equity goes a long way. There is no greater feeling of pride and achievement than seeing that special DIY project completed with great results! Plus the added value to your home.

The Cost Of Home Maintenance Skyrocketed

Although I had a low mortgage, the costs of maintaining my home skyrocketed due to climate change, frequent snow storms, and landscaping. Owning a home in the woods surrounded by hundreds of trees meant the constant worry of one falling down on your house.

I’m a city girl and although I loved the peace and quiet that comes with living in the woods, the location was just wrong. Many rain and wind storms would cause the trees to fall blocking the main roads and causing power outages for up to eight days. Having no power meant no heat or water, but also no access until the roads are cleared of fallen trees.

I Almost Froze To Death

In December of 2022, we had a deep freeze and the temperature dropped from sixty degrees to negative twenty-five degrees in one day. Dangerously cold weather caused the power to go out for two days. Everything literally froze including my house, car, and trees. My neighbors, whom I miss dearly saved my life.

My neighbors helped me get my car started and I went to check into a hotel. I spent two nights there and was able to return to my home on Christmas Eve when the power was restored. This was not how I planned to spend the holidays! The temperature in my home dropped to thirty-five degrees. I imagined myself in the future as a little old lady being trapped in my home and possibly freezing to death. That was my wake-up call!!

Without my neighbor’s help, I would have frozen to death in my home. I had no idea how to use a generator so I never bought one. (I know that’s not smart) but the truth is that I wasn’t willing to spend thousands of dollars on one either. Lesson Learned! The whole experience caused me to re-evaluate my home and my future. On Christmas morning, I woke up and decided that this would be my last winter in Connecticut and started packing!

Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Home

• Location-Your home’s location is everything! Do you love the city, beach, desert, or the woods? Is the area prone to floods, frequent storms, or natural disasters? Are there frequent power outages?
• Size- A bigger home means higher heating and cooling costs. Think about the size of the home you will buy and consider how much living space you will actually need. Will you and your family be comfortable in a larger or smaller home?
• Money- Always be prepared for emergencies. Keep a huge cash reserve just for those types of expenses. It may prevent you from becoming house poor.
• Health- If you suffer from any type of health challenges or disability, you may need to hire out for maintenance such as landscaping, housekeeping, and snow shoveling. I have RA, so my disability sometimes prevented me from being able to take care of such simple tasks that could easily be done by a healthy person. But this also makes owning more expensive.
• Status- Are you a single man or woman, or a couple? I can tell you from experience that it’s much harder to hire contractors as a single woman. I don’t want to deter you, but the reality is that some contractors will think that you don’t know anything because you’re a woman. Those types will often try to overcharge, so be sure to get at least three estimates for your projects. In my experience, I was often asked if my husband was home because they would rather speak to him. (haha) It gets to be annoying pretty fast!
• Resale- Should you decide that you may have chosen the wrong house, are you able to sell it in a year? If this is the case try to improve the home as much as possible and then sell it and make a profit!

See: 9 Reasons to Consider Selling Your Home

In March of 2023, I put the house on the market, and within three days I had twelve offers. I was stunned and very emotional. I thought that I had more time or that it would sell by the end of summer. Before I know it I was packing my Pod Rental and preparing to close.

I have no regrets, I absolutely loved my house and am proud of the hard work that went into it. I know that I was meant to transform that house, but not meant to stay forever. It was my starter home and In just three years I doubled the value after completing the renovation.

I’m very grateful for the experience of home ownership. Will I buy another home? Yes! This time I will put more time and thought into the next house and it will be in the right location. Somewhere warm and sunny. It will also be low maintenance and move-in ready.

Housing Needs May Change Over Time

As you age, your lifestyle and housing needs may change. I realized that I was only using three rooms in the home and that I didn’t need that much space. At times I felt as if the house owned me with all of the care that was required. Sure I could have invested in a generator, but that’s just one more thing I would need to maintain.

I also thought about my future and how I wanted to retire, and that’s when I realized I wanted my freedom.  The first night I moved out I was nervous and wondered if I had made the right decision. That night I checked into a hotel and got the best sleep ever! When I woke up the next morning I felt as if a heavy weight was lifted.

Do I miss my house? Absolutely! But I’m ready for the next big exciting chapter because I moved to California!

 

Helpful Tips To Consider When Selling Your Home

1. Plan Ahead.
2. Hire a trusted realtor.
3. Make sure the market and timing are right.
4. Prepare your home and start packing.
5. Prepare for the home inspection by making necessary improvements beforehand.
6. Set a realistic price.
7. Consider the closing costs and taxes.

See: 21 Essential Things To Do Before Selling Your Home

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this post and that you found something helpful. In my next post, I will share with you my experience of moving across the county three thousand miles away! I wish you the best!

 

 

 

Welcome to The Aqua Cottage where we dream in colors borrowed from the sea!

Purchasing My First Fixer Upper

I purchased my first home in April 2020, a 1947 ranch that needed a huge renovation. I always knew I wanted a fixer-upper. After years of dreaming and watching my favorite HGTV home improvement shows, I was ready for the challenge. Fixer-uppers are not for everyone, but I loved the idea that I could transform my ugly house into something that I would love and be proud of. Keep in mind this was a three-year renovation project, so there will be lots of pictures.

As a single woman who battles chronic illness daily, (Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis) I am used to facing life’s challenges. My realtor showed me several move-in ready homes, but when I chose this one my realtor was shocked. I believe she was afraid, in fact, my neighbors admitted that they were also afraid for me! (HaHa)

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

The Beach Inspires Me

I absolutely love coastal colors and anything that reminds me of the beach! It is my happy place and my favorite color is Aqua. Aqua is Latin for water, which reminds me of the water in the Caribbean sea. The color Aqua soothes your soul and creates an instant sense of home and belonging, so I knew I wanted to use several shades of Aqua throughout my home.

The biggest challenge of them all was staying on budget. I’m a dreamer who constantly compared myself to the gorgeous home renovations that you see on Instagram. I also wanted to prove that with the right paint colors, a little DIY, and a budget you can achieve creating the home of your dreams.

The Best Paint

I always recommend Sherwin Williams paint because My home has some older plaster walls and new drywall. Their paint and primer smooth the walls and hide tiny imperfections making the walls look cohesive so that you can’t see the difference between the two. It is a little more expensive, but totally worth it when you see the transformation of your walls, plus you won’t have to paint for another fifteen-twenty years.

Here Are The Colors I Chose For My Home

My Before & After Realistic Home Renovation With Photos

My First Project

The first thing I replaced was the front entry door. It was the original door from 1947 and had lead paint, so it absolutely had to be removed. Once the new door was installed I painted it in Sherwin Williams Festoon Aqua. See the full door renovation post here: New Front Door Makeover

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the first room you see when you walk through the front door, so I knew it had to be filled with bright & welcoming colors.

 

The hideous pink and brown colors made the kitchen feel dark, dirty, and cramped. As you can see in the before photos there was mold, so all of the walls and cabinets were ripped out down to the studs to create a fresh clean canvas. Then new mold-resistant drywall was installed along with new plumbing to prevent any leaks.

The ceiling fan was also too large and heavy for the beam to support it and it wobbled.  I replaced it with a compact white ceiling fan.

The upper kitchen cabinets are Pottery Barn beadboard cottage-style cabinets and the lower cabinets are from Home Depot. There were no upper white kitchen cabinets in stock within a one-hundred-mile radius in any home improvement store in my area so I needed to improvise. I also ordered nickel cabinet pulls from Amazon.

 

I purchased all new appliances and only used the refrigerator. The rest of the appliances remained in their boxes for one year because I could not get a decent contractor in my area thanks to the pandemic. I relied on my local Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon for home improvement supplies. There were many shipping delays and many items were completely out of stock for months.

I hired a handyman, contractor, plumber, and electrician to do the scary work.  Then took my time and installed the kitchen cabinets myself to save money. Once the cabinets were in place I had granite countertops installed, and then new flooring. Unfortunately, I did not save those pictures.

The kitchen is painted Sherwin Willams Topsail, and then I built these cute wall shelves to display my favorite aqua coffee mug collection. I purchased the corbels online, then bought the shelves from Home Depot and had them cut to the right size.

My Dream Kitchen Completed

 

Living Room

The living room was dark, painted with a Pepto Bismol Pink color and brown trim. Even the baseboards were painted the same color!

I had lots of fun decorating the living room once painted. I added this decorative wrought iron metal wall plaque above the tv, then hung the lanterns on the side. The white table, lantern wall hooks,  beachy aqua lamp, and wicker storage trunk were all ordered on Amazon.

The first thing I did was prime the walls white and then paint them Sherwin William Watery. Next, I applied paintable Beadboard Wallpaper to the bottom half of the wall. Then I primed and painted the baseboard heaters with Rustoleum Enamel Paint in Gloss White.

The next project was to build the TV mantle. I purchased the same corbels online that I used in the kitchen but bigger. I wanted them to match. I had the shelf cut to 60 inches from wood purchased at Home Depot. Then I painted the shelf white and hung the TV by myself almost dropping it a couple of times!

I had new carpet installed recently in a sandy dark color to match the kitchen floor pattern.

 

My Before & After Realistic Home Renovation

Main Bedroom

The main bedroom almost made me run away from the house when I came to see it with my realtor! (HaHa)

Once the new walls and closet were built it wasn’t so scary, it was just a blank white canvas. I painted the bedroom Sherwin Williams Serenely and added carpet to make it feel warm and cozy. Then I removed the closet doors and added curtains instead for a dreamy feel. Read more on the amazing color here: Sherwin Williams Serenely Paint Color

Completed Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

This was the biggest challenge of them all because it took me more than three months to complete this room. It was lots of work because the baseboard heater was also painted the same purple-ish blue! You can see the full post here: Before & After Guest Bedroom Makeover

 

Bathroom

The bathroom color is painted also painted in Sherwin Williams Topsail same as the kitchen. I removed the hideous brown sink and luckily found the exact same one at Home Depot!

I added a new toilet, and all new plumbing. The old bathroom floors were ripped out and color flooring was added to match the kitchen. I bought this cute Cottage Style Bathroom Cabinet and hung it myself. I hot-glued starfish to the baskets for a beachy look.

I also replaced the original bathroom door with a new one that I hung myself.

Hallway Transformation

My amazing neighbors were also updating their home and gave me their old (real wood) closet doors.  I painted them Sherwin Williams Watery to match the living room and family room custom-painted table. Then added the same carpet from the bedroom to match. I am obsessed with everything matching because I wanted all of the colors in my home to flow well together.

Then I had this amazing Caged Lighting installed to brighten up the space replacing the old-fashioned boob-style lighting.

Family Room

The family room was a huge challenge because it was covered in old 70’s brown paneling. The walls took two days to clean, then I applied the paintable beadboard wallpaper over the panels which instantly brightened the space making it appear larger.

There were so many ideas on what to do with the fireplace and wood stove. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to paint the brick surface white and remove the wood stove, or have built-in shelves attached to the stand-alone Ikea shelves. My wonderful neighbor advised me not to remove it because it was a very valuable part of the home, and the next homeowner may want to use it.

The truth is I was afraid of it and never used it at all!

I took a total of three years to renovate my home and there are many more projects that I would love to complete. Much of my home is DIY from painting to installing the shelves. I left the scary things like plumbing, flooring, and electricity to the hired professionals. My home is also a labor of love because it taught me so much about myself and my capabilities.

I wanted to keep some of the home’s original features and flooring in neutral colors because I wanted to be able to sell it. There are lots of people who don’t like the beach theme, but this post isn’t for them!

I knew in my heart that this wasn’t my forever home, but more of an investment. I totally gave up on the fireplace as you can see! (lol)

Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes

There were many mistakes made along the way as this is my first home. For example, when I first purchased the new front door, I didn’t realize that the old door was two inches shorter despite measuring it several times. The good thing is that I had it installed in the garage and it fit perfectly so I didn’t completely waste the money spent on the door.

The garage only had one dull light fixture so I bought this industrial pendant light to brighten up the space. I added also matching semi-flush pendant lights all throughout the home.

Ten Home Renovation Tips To Save Money

• Create a vision board and make a list of items you will need.
• Create a budget and stick to it. If you come in under budget, apply those finances to the next project.
• Shop sales and clearance for big purchases.
• Shop Habitat-Restore for materials if you have one in your area.
• DIY as many simple projects as you can. There is tons of information on Youtube.
• Hire experts for plumbing, electrical, and appliance installations.
• Be smart about hiring help and always get at least three estimates. Also, make sure they are licensed.
• Reuse some of the material of the home that can be cleaned, painted, and restored.
• Pay cash when you can.
• Take your time.

Also see: How To Save On Renovation Costs

 Would I buy another fixer-upper and do it all again? No way! Once is enough and my achy joints probably won’t allow it. (HaHa) I learned lots of information about home ownership and maintenance. My next home will be move-in ready.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Thank you for reading, you can find any of the items mentioned by clicking on the highlighted words & links. Have fun during your home improvement projects and remember that if you make mistakes, everything is fixable!

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays! Create the most gorgeous coastal Christmas tree ever with this list of 25 Beachy Christmas Ornaments!

Not only are they the cutest, but they also make great gifts! There is something for everyone on this list, from mermaids to seahorses or starfish and sand dollars.

There are actually 26 items on this list! I kept finding so many gorgeous ornaments it was hard to choose, but I hope you love them all! Just click the link or image to find the item on Amazon.

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

I just can’t believe how fast the Holidays are approaching. I created this handy list because I’m all about saving time and money by shopping online. Every year, I get new ornaments for my Christmas trees to add to my coastal collection.

You can find the perfect last minute gift for your favorite beach lover that will remind them of their best beach day or summer vacation!

25 Beachy Christmas Ornaments

 

1. C&F Home Coastal Blue Seahorse

    

2. Have A Very Beachy Christmas Tree Ornament

3. December Diamonds Blue Mermaid Holding a Pearl

4. Old World Christmas Sand Dollar Glass Blown Ornament

5. Beacon Design Coastal Lantern Ornament with Starfish Shell

6. Delton Beach Set of 3 Starfish, Clam Shell, Seahorse Ornaments

7. Old World Christmas House Ornament

8. Kurt Adler Mermaid with Blue Glitter Tail Christmas Ornament

 

9. Santa Sea Life Coastal Tropical Beach Glass Holiday Christmas Ornament

10. Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament 2022 Sunshiny Smiles Beach Vacation Picture Frame

11. Country Marketplaces Starfish On Disc Ornament

25 Beachy Christmas Ornaments

 

12. Midwest Sand Beach Christmas Tree Hanging Resin Christmas Ornament

13. Kurt Adler Starfish Couple Decorative Holiday Christmas Tree Ornament Set

14. Jellyfish Seashell Set of 4 Coastal Ornaments for Christmas Tree

15. Rengöra Blue Sea Turtle, Hand-Painted Ceramic Sea Turtle Christmas Ornament

16. Kurt Adler Set of 2 Blue Starfish and Sand Dollar Shells Christmas Holiday Ornaments

 

17. Kurt Adler Beach Snowman Ornament Pair

18. Old World Christmas Scallop Shell Glass Blown Ornament

19. Old World Christmas Golden Seashell Glass Blown Ornament

20. Midwest Beach Pail with Shells and Shovel Christmas Ornament

21. Cape Shore Tropical Beach Lifeguard Santa Claus Ornament

22. I Love The Beach Sandals Sunglasses Shells Christmas Ornament

23. Mermaid Christmas Ornament, Silver Tone Glitter Holiday Decoration

24. Old World Christmas Beach Bag Glass Blown Ornament

25. Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament 2022, Beach Bliss Adirondack Chair 

These are just some of my favorites but you can see all coastal style ornaments and decorations from Amazon here.

I hope you enjoyed this list! Happy Holidays & Have a very Beachy Christmas!

Also see: The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Beach Lovers

It’s no secret that I absolutely love coastal home decor. I’m currently renovating my own kitchen coastal style, so I thought I would share some of my favorite beach house kitchen designs. The beach always gives you the feeling of being calm and relaxed. The tranquil colors of the beach such as the light aqua sky, beautiful sunsets and deep blues of the ocean evoke the feeling of the beach throughout your home. Below are my top 10 favorite beachy kitchen designs, check out the links to their sites for more coastal inspiration.

This post contains affiliate links, see my full disclosure here.

10 Beautiful Beach Inspired Kitchen Ideas

1. You can never go wrong with a classic white kitchen. I love the clear crystal pendant lights, and touch of green and aqua added to the backsplash that also matches the island chairs.

 

2. I love the clean look of this kitchen, the pendant lights and navy striped counter chairs.

 

3. Teal, turquoise and light aqua bring the colors of the ocean into this home creating a light and breezy feel to this kitchen.

 

4. The light beachy sand painted walls,  dark navy island, and pendant lights remind you of deep ocean blues.

 

5. Painted teal cabinets and natural wood uppers give this kitchen a beachy feel, note the rattan pendant lights.

 

6. I love everything about this deep blue coastal design from Pottery Barn.

 

7. Love the crisp white, natural wood and light greenish-gray backsplash in this subtle coastal kitchen design.

 

8. This modern coastal style kitchen features beautiful aqua, crisp white and beachy grey hues.

 

9. I love the light and dark blues in this nautical inspired kitchen design.

 

10. Love the look of this coastal chic modern kitchen design featuring white cabinets, black countertops and  dark backsplash.

 

I hope these looks inspired you. You don’t have to live at the beach to bring seaside style into your home. For more coastal decor inspiration see my blog post 25 Beachy Knobs & Pulls On Amazon.

 

 

 

Do you love the look of Beach Cottage Style? Bring the beach into your home with these 25 coastal style furniture finds on Amazon.

When it comes to coastal style, these affordable furniture finds will look gorgeous in any home including cottage, farmhouse, lake or beach house. For more seaside style inspiration, see my blog post 10 Dreamy Beach Cottage Rooms.

 

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

 

25 Beach Cottage Home Decor Finds on Amazon

This Beach Cottage Style collection brings together cozy and casual elements to reflect an easy going way of coastal life. The use of bright whites, tans and neutrals create a clean aesthetic meant to evoke the breeziness of the beach. (click on image to find item)

 

1. Elk Lighting Springtide Table Lamp, Aqua, Polished Nickel – Create a warm and welcoming home with this beautiful Aqua lamp.

 

2. Nearly Natural Zebra Silk Plant, 3 feet – Add a warm tropical touch to any room in your home with this gorgeous plant.

 

 

3. Kenroy Home Rustic Wall Mirror with Natural Rope Finish- Place this nautical rope mirror above the sofa or any wall to ass more natural light into your home.

4. Nearly Natural 5289 6.5ft. Golden Cane Palm Silk Tree, Green – Bring the coast in with this gorgeous palm tree.

 

5. JONATHAN Y 19″ Seashell LED Table Lamp – Use this transitional coastal cottage lamp in any room to complete your coastal decor.

6. Baxton Studio Chavanon Wood and Linen Traditional French Accent Chair – This beautiful cottage style chair will add coastal charm to any room.

7. Sunset Trading Horizon Slipcovered Sofa – This bright beachy white sofa comes in 2 colors.

8. OSP Home Furnishings Kaylee Spindle Accent Chair, This beautiful white framed chair with linen fabric will elevate your living room style, comes in 3 colored fabrics, white, grey and navy.

 

9. Coaster Home Furnishings Rectangular 2-Drawer White Coffee Table – This coffee table is the perfect piece for decorating a coastal style beach cottage living room. 

10. Coaster Home Furnishings Johansson 3-Drawer Writing Desk with X-Shaped Braces Antique White – another beautiful furniture piece perfect for a decorating coastal office.

11. Ashley Furniture Signature Design Ceramic Table Lamps – This set of 2 taupe lamps add soft neutral hues and textural beauty to your home.

12. Signature Design by Ashley – Havalance Flip Top Sofa Table in Whitewash/Brown Wood comes in 2 styles: A sofa table or a coffee table.

 

13. BIRDROCK HOME Round Pouf Foot Stool Ottoman – This Knit Bean Bag Floor Chair in Sage Green is Great for The Living Room, Bedroom and Kids Room

14. These Rattan Back French Country Cottage Dining Room Chairs are perfect for a coastal style dining room and comes in 4 colors and sets of 2-8.

15. This Seaside Lodge White End Table by Home Styles adds a rustic coastal feel to any room in your home, 3 styles available: end table, sofa table and coffee table.

16. Decorative Accent Chair with Studded Details – Light Blue come in 6 colors to complete your coastal decor.

17. Signature Design by Ashley Mirimyn Cottage Vintage Hand-Finished Round Accent Table comes in 3 colors, distressed white (shown) teal and brown or grey and brown.

18. Safavieh American Homes Collection Charlotte Distressed Light Blue Sideboard come in 8 gorgeous colors, click image to see all.

19. Renditions Gallery Abstract Seascape Wall Art Framed Beach Painting

20. Powell Furniture Sadie Long Console Table come in 2 colors, Teal and Cream

21. Safavieh Home Collection Ebo Coastal 4 Tier Etagere come in White and Grey. Use this shelving to display all of your coastal decor.

22. Safavieh Home Collection Mina Modern Coastal 3 Drawer 25″ Bamboo Nightstand, White also comes in 2 other colors.

23. This Liberty Furniture Summer House Queen Panel Bed in Oyster White is a perfect addition to any coastal cottage style bedroom.

24. Progressive Furniture Willow Nightstand in Distressed White also comes in 2 more colors.

25. Safavieh American Homes Collection 5 Wicker Basket Storage Tower, bring the beach into your bedroom with this gorgeous tower of seagrass baskets, comes in 5 colors.

 

I hope you enjoyed these coastal beach house finds! For more inspiration see my blog post 25 Beachy Knobs & Pulls On Amazon.

 

 

My Favorite Banana Pancakes

 

There is nothing like waking up in the morning to the smell of these homemade Banana Pancakes. The optional shredded coconut added to the batter gives the pancake flavor a tropical twist, but they still taste delicious without it. This recipe serves 4-6.

***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups butter milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 ripe bananas thinly sliced
• 1/4 shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans to garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vanilla extract, egg, butter, and coconut. Then add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients.

Add pancake mixture to lightly buttered skillet or griddle. Top each pancake with 4-5 pieces of banana and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges appear dry. Turn with a wide spatula and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey.

This recipe serves 4-6.

 

Note: You can also add sliced bananas in between layers pancakes once they are cooked if you do not wish to add them while they’re cooking.

You can serve these pancakes immediately or stack on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven at 200 degrees.

If you love this recipe please share it, Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays! Are you looking to feel happier in the year 2022? The secret is practicing the art of gratitude!

What are you grateful for? The 2022 New Year is upon us and I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Let’s face it, for some this has been a tough year. For others the holidays can be a very sad time of year. You may be dealing with loss, loneliness, grief, anxiety or depression. If you are then this post is for you. Even with the current state of events going on in the world; There is always something to be grateful for. I felt the need to share a little bit about myself and my past struggles because I want to you to understand why your first thought in the morning should be Thank You!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If you are having a tough time right, now here are some tips to help you through. Remember..

• Look for something positive in each day.
• As your life changes, so will your circle.
• Make yourself a priority again.
• Your presence matters here.
• Always believe in yourself.
• Keep faith that you will make it through.
• Start each day with a grateful heart.

I remember when I wished for all of the things I have today. You see, I used to be a person who complained a lot. I used to see the bad in every situation and I wasn’t even grateful for my life. I was diagnosed with chronic illness at a young age, so just being able to do ordinary things was a challenge. I thought my life was over. I had so many hopes and dreams I still wanted to accomplish; but how could I now? I became very depressed because my future was so uncertain and guess what? I lost everything!

Not only did I lose my health but my job, friends, family, and the place I lived in. I hit rock bottom. Until I learned to practice gratitude there was no way I could even begin to try and rebuild my life again. Even though you may lose everything at some point, or you may be having a tough time in life; the point is it may be really hard but you will get through it. I might not feel that way, but I can honestly speak for someone who has been through more that I ever thought I could handle. Rock bottom became the solid foundation from which I rebuilt my life!

 

I am Grateful for:

• Being alive! – Despite all of my health challenges, I’m still here.
• All of my life experiences, good and bad. I learned how to become a survivor.
• My wonderful loving friends and the family who truly cares.
• Buying my 1st home. Something I thought I would never be able to accomplish.
• My blog. I am able to help and reach many people.
• Never losing hope or faith in God and myself.
• All of the people along the way who helped me on this journey of life.

 

 

 

You see there is always something to be grateful for. We may not always realize it, but it’s true. Each day that you are able to wake up and take a breath is a gift!

 

The more you focus on gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for! I know it’s not easy, but slowly start practicing an attitude of gratitude and you will soon see your life begin to change for the better. You will not only begin to feel better, buy you will feel more positive about your situation. You will begin to feel as if you can accomplish anything.

With the new year upon us, another helpful thing I like to do is to set goals instead of new years resolutions. Maybe you want to start a business or a new hobby. Remember most people break their resolutions within the first 1-2 months of new year. Try writing down your goals instead. By writing them down, you begin to manifest them into reality. That way when reflect on the past year, you can look back at your list of goals and you will feel better about the past years accomplishments. Also don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t achieve everything on your list. There is always the next year.

I hope you find this post helpful, is so share it with friends and family or anyone who is having a tough time in life right now. Have a very Happy New Year!

 

Happy Holidays! Are you looking forward to the New Year? Are you tired of baking Christmas cookies yet? I know I am, lol. Why don’t you bake this deliciously easy Funfetti cake for New Year’s Eve? It’s actually a great cake recipe for any occasion such as birthdays, July 4th (think red & blue sprinkles) or Halloween (think Orange & black sprinkles).

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What makes this cake easy is that it’s made from a box mix. What makes it taste home made is the altered ingredients. I never use water in any of my box cake recipes because water does not add any flavor. I also like to add butter to the recipe because butter just tastes better.

You Will Need:

• 1 box Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 stick melted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• extra sprinkles
• cake frosting

Note: You can substitute corn or canola oil (you won’t taste the olive oil at all).

Directions:

• Set your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Prepare 2 or 3 8-inch round pans to keep cake from sticking by lightly coating bottom of pan with butter.
• Add  flour to dust the pan then place into the freezer.
• Blend Funfetti cake mix, melted butter, oil, eggs, almond and vanilla extract in a large bowl until moistened.
• Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Note: Should you choose not to use Funfetti cake mix, use a white box cake mix and add your own sprinkles to the batter at this step.

• Remove cake pans from freezer, fill each equally with mix.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 29 to 33 min.
• Insert toothpick in the center of the cake to check and see if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
• Cool 10-15 minutes before removing cakes from the pan.
• Choose your favorite frosting, add between layers and then on top of the cake.
• Decorate top and sides with the extra sprinkles, Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe! If so share it with family and friends. Also see my recipe for Coconut Malibu Rum Cake.

Have a Very Happy New Year!

Having guests over for the Holidays? This savory easy breakfast quiche is a fast delicious & filling recipe your guests will enjoy; plus it will make your whole house smell amazing! This quiche can be prepared the night before, refrigerated then simply pop into the oven 1st thing in the morning. The touch of Bisquick adds a light and fluffy interior.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

 

Ingredients:

• 10-12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled or 1 cup
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen broccoli crowns, chopped & thawed
• 1/4 cup Bisquick baking mix
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-2 ready to bake deep dish pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pre-bake pie crust on a cookie sheet for 10-12 min or until slightly golden brown
3. While crust is baking, take a large bowl and add eggs, milk, 1/2 cup cheese, Bisquick, salt & pepper. Whisk lightly until thoroughly mixed.
4. Remove pie crust from the oven, let cool slightly for about 2 minutes.
5. Layer cooked bacon, broccoli and the rest of the 1/2 cup cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted in the middle of the quiche comes out clean.
8. Let stand 5 minutes out of the oven before cutting, then Enjoy!

This quiche can be enjoyed anytime besides breakfast. I have often made this quiche as a go to recipe when I can’t figure out what to cook for dinner. You can also double this recipe by doubling the ingredients and use 2 deep dish pie crusts. Pop one into the freezer and bake it at a later time. Your family will love this, besides what’s not to love about cheese & bacon?

What I love about quiche is that there are so many different variations that you can make. For example try swapping out the broccoli and add sautéed mushrooms. You can also add chopped onions, or if you have roasted red potatoes left over you can add then into the quiche and it will still be delicious! I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Happy Holidays! Baking season is here and this is another on of my favorite easy box cake mix recipes. I use Pillsbury Moist Supreme White Cake Mix. The easy vanilla cupcakes are light and fluffy. They will stay moist and fresh for 4 days. These cupcakes are fun to make and the icing is made from rolled fondant. Just click on the link to see the recipe instructions for the fondant. This recipe yields 24 cupcakes.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Ingredients:

• 1 box Pillsbury Moist vanilla cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk or water
• 1 stick of melted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

About the ingredients: I like to save time by altering box cake mix until it tastes home made. I never use water because it takes away from the flavor.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat your nonstick bakeware with cooking spray or simply use cupcake liners. Blend cake mix, butter, milk, oil, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake pans 2/3rd of the way, then bake at 350 degrees for 29-34 minutes. Insert toothpick in center and if it come clean cupcakes are done.  Let them cool 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan and then cool completely before decorating. This recipe yields 24 cupcakes.

You can prepare fondant while cupcakes are baking. See the instructions/ingredients here @ Allrecipes.com 

If you don’t with to use fondant you try other creative ideas like piping icing instead or decorate with your favorite vanilla frosting and sprinkles. They will still look and taste amazing. The important thing to remember is have fun and create wonderful memories with your family! For easy decorating with kids you can add mini Christmas trees on top or their favorite colorful Christmas candy! You can also try decorating with Royal Icing. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!  December is finally here and that means it’s time for some serious cookie baking! Here is my mom’s classic Royal Icing recipe that so many of you have requested. It’s easy to work with, sets quickly and will  have a nice texture when it dries.  Use this classic royal icing recipe for both flooding and outlining your Christmas cookies.

***This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

Royal Icing Ingredients:

• 4 cups (Domino confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 3 Tablespoons meringue powder (not plain egg white powder)
• 9–10 Tablespoons room temperature light cream (water is optional but it cream adds a richer flavor
• 1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract (you can also add your own flavor variations instead of vanilla) but make sure it does not have oil because it will break down the icing.
• food coloring

How To Make Royal Icing:

1. Combine all of your ingredients into a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat icing ingredients together on high speed for 1.5 – 2 minutes. The icing on the whisk should have stiff peaks as shown in the photo below, if not keep going but keep in mind the long you whisk the icing the thicker it will become.
2. If icing becomes too thick, just add a little more cream to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Divide your frosting into 2 bowls, color as desired. One will be your outline icing, the other will be your flooding icing.
4. Add a bit of cream or water until the icing achieves a drizzle effect off your spoon.
5. Decorate your cookies! Use your stiff icing for outlining and your thinner icing for flooding and filling.

 

Once applied to cookies the icing will dry in about 2 hours at room temperature. Enjoy! I hope you found this recipe helpful, if so share it and also see my recipe for Buttery Soft Sugar Cookies! 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays beach lovers! Thanksgiving is less than a week away and that means it’s time to start thinking of holiday gift giving. It’s a good idea to start your holiday shopping early given all of the issues with the supply chain. This year I have compiled this list of affordable gift ideas for beach lovers from my personal favorite online store, Amazon. There is something for everyone on this list including Mom, Dad, Teenagers, and even the Little Ones. There are also items for those that love dolphins, mermaids and starfish. Just click on the images below to find the items.

***This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

Shopping for anyone who is not a fan of the beach? You can check out all of the Amazon Early Black Friday Deals here!

1. This beautiful Hallmark faux seashell & seaglass ornament is a great gift idea to remember a special beach vacation. It comes prepackaged in a keepsake box and ready to wrap.

 

2. It’s true what they say that beach days are the best days! This gorgeous photo frame make a great gift for any occasion!

 

3. Another awesome beach day gift, this Hallmark Keepsake Ornament is a Christmas gift for anyone who has just purchased a beach house!

 

4. These wine glasses are a perfect gift for those who love wine and the beach!

 

5. The Keurig Coffee maker in Oasis is a great gift for anyone with a Coastal style kitchen or someone who’s favorite color is Aqua! It has unique slim design and fits perfectly on a office desktop.

 

6.These beautiful tea light votives adorned with seashell print make beautiful home decoration gift or décor for any beach themed event.

 

7. Attention Seahorse lovers! This cute tote bag is a cool beachy gift idea and perfect for summertime or all year around.

 

8. Do you know someone who love Sea Turtles? This cute sweatshirt comes in many colors and is a great gift idea for your favorite teenager!

 

8. What a an awesome tote bag for you favorite Beach Bum! This canvas tote can be used for just about anything and was created by The Aqua Cottage’s Amazon Curated collection. See all totes & gift ideas by visiting the shop page here.

 

9. This beautiful hand blown glass seashell figurine is a great gift and fits any beach decor!

 

10. Do you know someone who loves Apothecary Jars? This amazing set comes with lids and are a great storage gift idea.

 

11. This beautiful turquoise Stemless Wine Glass is a perfect gift for those that love Dolphins! The creators are Veterans and are handblown, sandblasted and etched to create this tribal design.

 

12. This beach bag says it all! A perfectly stylish carry-all for Mom’s, Teens, or anyone who loves the beach.  Also  comes “Weekend  Vibes” style.  

 

13. This resin seashell wreath makes a great gift for your neighbor, friends, family or anyone who loves coastal crafted wreaths.

 

14. This delicate Willow Tree Angel is hold a conch shell in her hand listening to the sounds of the ocean. A very peaceful gift idea!

 

15. Yankee Candles make some of the best gifts! Give this coconut scented candle to those who love the beach!

 

16. This beautiful blue Seashorse  pillar candle holder fits perfectly into any space for beach decor.

 

17. Your special person can wish apon a starfish this holiday season with this beautiful glass jar gift idea.

 

18. These nautical silver ornaments are great for that special man in your life or friends and family’s first Christmas in their new home!

 

19. Decorate your teenager or little ones room with this cute beach design, also make a great gift for flip flop lovers!

 

20. Do you know a special little one who loves beach gnomes! These soft cuddly gnomes are great gifts for all ages!

 

21. Know someone who needs a beach day but can’t escape? This mini Sandbox is a perfect gift for Dad, a fellow co-worker or anyone who needs a little reminder of a beach vacation!

 

22. This travel mug comes in three beachy cool colors and is perfect for those on the go!

 

23. Give this tee to your favorite Beach Bum! It comes in men’s, women’s and several colors!

 

I hope you found this holiday gift guide helpful, if so share it and if you are looking for more beachy gift and home decor ideas I invite you to join my new Facebook Group AMAZON BEACH DECOR FINDS. As a 10 year veteran Amazon shopper and affiliate I have access to early sales and discounts! Thank you for reading and Have A Very Beachy Christmas!

 

 

 

Seas & greetings! Can you believe the Holidays are here? It’s my favorite time of year and I get so excited to decorate my new home! For Christmas this year I’m decorating in a Beachy Coastal Christmas theme again! Christmas does not have to be has to be all evergreens and red bows, besides I like a minimum decor style.

 If you love coastal themed decor, Aqua can be a stunning yet beachy accent color for your Christmas Decor style. I hope the The Aqua Cottage inspires fun creative ideas that will provide you with lots of inspiration for Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Decorations. Also see my Pinterest Christmas board for more coastal ideas.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Bring the beach into your home this Holiday Season starting with the front door by adding a festive wreath, a bright & cheery welcome mat, and some mini trees!

 

Welcome the holidays inside with coastal mantel displays, impressing your guests and adding beachy cheer to your home throughout the Christmas season.

Welcome in the holiday spirit with a gorgeous Coastal Tree!

These aqua Christmas ornaments are sure to add a beachy feel to your home and create long lasting memories with your loved ones! I love adding starfish all around my home for the holidays, they’re especially appropriate, as their star shape fits in both Christmas and beach motifs.

Thank you for viewing this post, if you have not put up your Christmas Tree yet I hope I have inspired some Holiday Cheer and you will get started soon! Also for see my post; Have Yourself A Very Beachy Christmas!  Merry Christmas & Warm Wishes from The Aqua Cottage where we dream in colors borrowed from the sea!

It’s finally autumn, & I’m so pumped for sweater weather, hayrides, & all things pumpkin! I have set the fall scene on my front porch this year with mums, pumpkins, and lanterns. I wanted to create a cozy welcoming space for family, friends, and neighbors.

Fall Diy Front Porch Reveal

Orange and Aqua work well together for a beachy fall look. This amazing door color is called Sherwin Williams Festoon Aqua. I painted this door in the spring time, you can see the before & after here: New Front Door Makeover

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

 

I found this awesome wreath, doormat, pumpkins & scarecrow at my one of my favorite stores, Christmas Tree Shops. If you are ever in Connecticut you should visit. Notice his shirt matches the door color and ties in nicely with the green pumpkins. The pop of orange seating is two candy buckets turned upside down for Mr. Scarecrow to sit on.

 

This season I wanted real mums & my local Home Depot had a great selection! I hope I can keep them alive as I don’t have a green thumb. lol

This little scarecrow and “Hello Pumpkin” sign I bought at Dollar Tree. I also found burlap ribbons, flower and leaf garland at Dollar Tree to create the large bow on the lantern. Okay so I admit many of the items were purchased and not so much DIY, but I had fun decorating and putting it all together! I hope I have inspired you to get exited about autumn and spruce up your home! Check out my new fall collection in the blogs shop page or click on the image below!

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season!

 

 

Are you looking for affordable nautical and coastal lighting? If so then look no further. I have searched for days trying to find the most elegant coastal style lighting at a fraction of the price of the big box stores. After updating all of the lighting in my home, I decided to compile this list as a go to guide for beach lovers looking to update their home. Did you know Amazon has some of the best nautical pendants, beachy lamps, ceiling fans and coastal style lighting at amazing prices?

 

This summer, I decided to update all of the light fixtures in my home. I replaced all of the outdated fixtures and replaced the  hideous “boob lights” from the 1900’s. Honestly it was one of the best investments I have made so far. There was a previous fire and some of those wires were scorched and needed replacing anyways. Also there was a lot of the old knob and tube wiring that needed to be removed which could cause a future fire. Updating the lighting is one of the best investments you can make in your home and it does not have to be expensive.

***This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

In this list below, you can find everything from nautical pendants and light fixtures for any room in your home suitable for any price range. Just click on the image to find the item on Amazon. You can also use this list to search affordable lighting ideas to add value to your home.

 

25 Nautical & Coastal Lighting Ideas to Bring The Beach Into Your Home on Amazon

Lighting

This classic hanging metal pendant light is a timeless look for any coastal home.

 

Add class to you beach house with this elegant Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light & it comes in 3 finishes.

 

Update your foyer or kitchen with this beautiful hanging pendant light.

 

Bring the island in with this Rope Ball Chandelier Hanging Pendant Light Fixture.

 

Add a custom Design to your child’s room with this Nautical Style Flush mount Pendant Light.

Lamps

This Set of 2 Nautical Ivory Shell 22-inch looks great in a Bedroom, Living Room, or Home Office. 

 

This Nautical Table Lamp is an Industrial-inspired lantern style with a galvanized finish metal cage.

Bring the beach in with these modern set of 2 glass lamps, comes in 4 colors!

This set of 2 Candlestick Lamps are a perfect addition to a coastal farmhouse or beach cottage.

This Tropical Seagrass Lamp is a perfect addition to any Beach house.

Coastal Pendants

Bring the coast in with this Seafoam Pendant light.

 

This Set of 3 Single Light Metal Wire Cage Lighting Fixture looks amazing over a kitchen island in a modern beach house.

Update your bathroom with this classic nautical 3-Light Bathroom Vanity in Brushed Nickel Finish.

 

Update your hallway with these Vintage Ceiling Light Fixtures.

 

Update a modern beach house dining room with this Rustic Chandelier.

 

 

Ceiling Fans

This gorgeous Tropical Ceiling Fan with Light Kit is a steal under $100.

 

This Metal Hanging Ceiling Fan is perfect for a beachy kids room.

 

This ceiling fan is perfect for a modern coastal farmhouse.

 

This indoor/outdoor fan is will amazing on a porch or any room in the house.

 

This Modern Contemporary Industrial Indoor Ceiling Fan is a perfect addition to a modern beach house.

Beachy Aqua Hues

Add the beach to any room in the home with this gorgeous Aqua Pendant.

This pendant adds a subtle hint of the beach in light aqua.

 

This traditional Mini Pendant Ceiling Light would look amazing over a kitchen island.

 

Bring the coast in with Nautical Ceiling Light Pendant.

 

Decorate your living or bedroom with this Modern Table Lamp in Light Aqua.

I hope you find this list to be helpful, if so share with anyone you know that is renovating or updating their home. Thank you so much for reading and the best of luck with your new home makeover!

 

 

Happy Fall Y’all. It’s almost “Pumpkin Spice” season and the cooler weather calls for this delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte to warm you up!  This is one of my favorite recipes!  Best of all, you won’t need to leave your home to enjoy this recipe, or spend money at one of those expensive coffee chains. All you need are a few ingredients and about 10 minutes and you’ll have a warm & cozy beverage ready to enjoy.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk or almond milk
• 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice puree, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hot espresso or hot brewed coffee
• Sweetened whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Combine the milk, pure pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin spice puree, and vanilla in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and vent with a small hole.
2. Microwave until the milk is hot. It should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is foamy, for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour the hot espresso or hot brewed coffee into a large mug. Add the foamed milk. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
5. Enjoy!

Decorative Thankful Wood Tray with 3 Mason Jars

 

Welcome Fall or as I call it “Pumpkin Spice Season!” Soon the leaves will be falling and there will be a slight chill in the air, but that doesn’t mean that we have to forget about the beach! It’s time to start decorating for Fall, so I’ve rounded up some of the best coastal Halloween decor ideas from Pinterest to help you get started. These looks blend well in a coastal farmhouse, beach house, or any home cozy home inspired by the sun, sand, and sea. These unique ideas can be used throughout the fall season and year after year.

***This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***

15 of the Best Coastal Halloween & Fall Decor Ideas Trending on Pinterest

 

1. Create a tiered tray lined with beautiful aqua and mint green pumpkins for a beachy feel.

 

2. Decorate you mantel in beautiful neutral colors, Fall decor doesn’t have to be orange.

 

 

5. Create a festive Thanksgiving table with pumpkins and seashells.

 

6. Check out these beautiful crafty Modge Podge Pumpkins

 

7. Add subtle touches of fall all round your home with a tray of pumpkins.

 

8. Check out these crafty DIY sea creature pumpkins!

 

9. No time to DIY? Check out this Handmade Coastal Pumpkin from Esty.

 

10. Create an Easy Coastal Fall Dough Bowl that you can switch up any season.

 

11. Don’t forget your front porch, aqua and orange pair beautifully together.

 

12. Check out these beachy blue painted pumpkins from Completely Coastal.

13. The Nautical DIY pumpkins are perfect for a beach house porch.

 

14. Create a multicolored centerpiece with with beautiful blue and grey pumpkins.

 

15. This coastal farmhouse entryway is warm and inviting.

 

I hope you enjoyed viewing this list. Just click on the photos to view the site. For more Fall inspiration see my blog post Fall Decorating Ideas for a Beautiful Autumn Season. Have a Happy Fall!!