Hollywood California is iconic for its famous movie stars, film industry and major movie studios. But did you know this region of Los Angeles is an inspiration for creativity an innovation? No wonder why so many aspiring actors and film makers want move here. This place is truly magical, from the phenomenal views of the Hollywood sign, to the gorgeous landscape of Griffith Park, or any of California’s beautiful beaches.
An Exiting New Opportunity
One the best things about living in California is not just the great food, weather, and easygoing culture, but also the fact is you never know who you are going to meet. When I decided to make the bold move to Los Angeles, it wasn’t all about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. I wanted to be as far away from that world as possible, because I am shy, introverted, and I don’t quite fit the mold movie star mold. lol
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Well it just so happens that I moved to the media capital of the world. I had no idea that I live close to just about every famous movie studio in LA. I also had no idea that this huge move would change my destiny! You see growing up on the East Coast meant that Tinseltown was just a land far, far away where dreams, movies and magic were made. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I could ever become part of that world.
One thing that I never expected is that recently, I met an extraordinary actor! He just so happened to be looking for a new manager and he thought I would be a great addition to his team. “Me? A Hollywood Manager?!” I thought to myself as turned to look behind just incase he was talking to someone else! I was floored and he gave me some time to think about this bold new business venture. I had already taken a leap of faith moving here, so of course I said yes!
Introducing My Amazing New Client
I am so excited to introduce Mr. Ty Pruitt! Upon meeting this extraordinary human, I discovered that he is not only an actor, but articulate, well spoken, and very passionate about his work and projects that are close to his heart. I have had the opportunity to read his some of his screenplays and his brilliant writing style and diverse characters will always leave the audience wanting more! I would compare him to the next John Singleton who has passed on but was well loved in Hollywood.
Ty Pruitt is hardworking, has a strong work ethic and integrity, but most what I admire about him most, is that he is very humble. The amazing thing that we have in common is that he is also passionate about a cause that is very close to my heart. He made a phenomenal decision to spend a week in one of the most dangerous places in Los Angeles. In doing so, he exposes what it’s really like to live on the streets of LA’s crime ridden Skid Row as a homeless person.
A Must See Powerful Documentary
A Week On Skid Row, is one of the most powerful and truthful documentaries ever made about LA’s rising homeless crisis. Many of you already know, this is something that I personally experienced at one point in my life a very short time ago. You can read more about it here in my article; How The Beach Saved My Life, but more importantly I want you to watch his award winning documentary because it can happen to anyone. We are often so quick to judge other people, but the truth is that some people fall into situations that are beyond their control.
Watch A Week On Skid Row
The Harsh Truth About LA
As you can see in this video, Ty Pruitt has a heart of gold! He is unlike any of the other video creators out there making mockumentaries about the homeless crisis and putting them down. What I love most is how he relates to anyone, treating them with dignity and respect. He does not judge, but rather tries to understand the situation, and for that I am honored to be his new manager.
The reality is that Hollywood is an exceptionally wonderful and weird place to live. It’s where magic happens for some, and for others it can be tragic. It is very easy to get lost in the world of money, fame, glamour and celebrities, but then again that’s not why I am here. The most important thing is I am grateful to be able to live in Los Angeles, and hope to make a difference in lives of the less fortunate.
Thanks for reading! Please take some time to remember the less fortunate during this Holiday Season! Happy Holidays!
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!
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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! It’s my favorite time of year! A time to reflect on the past year and make exciting new memories with family and friends. I have also included a free printable Christmas Bucket List to help create those special events!
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Here is a quick and easy Eggnog Cocktail recipe. There is nothing more comforting than the smells and tastes of the holiday season. Add this festive recipe to your holiday menu! Eggnog is a special treat that we don’t have often, so we want it to taste rich and luxurious! Best of all the prep time is only three minutes so you can whip this up last minute to serve guests dropping by.
Festive Christmas Eggnog Cocktail
Ingredients:
Italian Amaretto Liqueur Such As Disaronno
Store Bought Eggnog Of Your Choice
Cinnamon Sticks & Topping (optional)
Gingerbread cookies (optional)
The best Eggnog should be well spiced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Choose a good Eggnog that is thick, buttery, and slightly sweet. I recommend Southern Comfort because it’s not too sweet but also has the right amount of spice.
Instructions:
Dip the glasses in Eggnog, then the cinnamon to rim the glass. (optional) Allow to dry.
Pour Eggnog into the glass, then add a shot of or 1 ounce Amaretto Liqueur
You can also add whip cream and sprinkle with cinnamon for a festive look.
Stir, chill, or add ice, then enjoy!
Free Printable Christmas Bucket List
Pin Me!
Use this list to complete your Holiday plans with family and friends!
Happy Holidays! Tis the season to eat drink and be merry! Instead of traditional Green Bean Casserole try this quick delicious recipe for Sautéed Green Beans with garlic. This simple yet savory Green Bean Dish is packed with flavor and will leave your guests wanting more! Best of all, you only need five ingredients!
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Easy Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic
Ingredients:
2 Pounds of fresh Green Beans
3-4 fresh finely chopped garlic cloves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil- keeps the flavor of the dish light
2 tablespoons Kerry Gold Irish Butter- or any butter of your choice
Sea Salt to taste
Instructions:
Start with a large saute pan on low heat, then add olive oil and finely chopped garlic and stir spreading out the garlic all over the pan.
Add fresh green beans to the pan and then sprinkle with sea salt.
Turn the heat up to medium high constantly, sautéing the green beans for about 10-12 minutes until they slightly begin to caramelize.
Turn off the heat and then add the 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter has melted transfer to a beautiful dish to display on your Thanksgiving Table.
Note: This method keeps the green bean bright and crisp so there is no need to boil them first. Also use fresh chopped garlic no garlic in a jar or any substitute garlic. Remember, always use the best ingredients. This simple recipe is so good once you try it, you’ll want to make this dish anytime.
If you are a garlic lover you always add more garlic to taste. The best thing about this dish is that once the garlic starts to brown it adds a subtle garlic flavor that is not too over powering even for non garlic lovers!
This dish also pairs well with chicken and seafood.
I make this dish all throughout the year, especially when I’m craving something savory. I hope you enjoyed this post! Also see my recipe for Buttery Sweet Potato Souffle.
Season’s Greetings! Whether you’re spending Christmas vacation at the Beach or you simply enjoy coastal style, here are a few ideas to decorate your home for Christmas.
You don’t need to have a beach house to enjoy these Coastal Christmas Decorating Ideas. I have listed fifteen beautiful coastal Christmas ideas below such as trees, ornaments, festive signs, and beachy aqua decor from my favorite places like Amazon and Etsy.
1. Start With A Beachy Aqua Christmas Tree
This gorgeous tree also come in several colors including white.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you love to bake, see my favorite recipe for Buttery Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies! Thanks for reading and Have A Very Merry Beachy Christmas!
Hello everyone, it’s been a while since I have posted but today I’m so excited to share that I bought my very first Jeep Wrangler! She’s a 2024 4WD Sport, and yes I said she, because she’s like a whole person with attitude! lol
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A Funny Story
One of my favorite things to do since I moved to Los Angeles, is to drive around early in the morning to get a view of the scenic mountains in San Fernando Valley. It’s so pretty here that I love to go out and explore, just because LA is huge and I am still learning my way around.
One morning about three weeks ago while exploring, I somehow ended up at the Jeep Dealer. It was closed so I thought there is no harm in looking around. Well let me tell you there are so many models and colors that by the time I finished looking it was time to open. I wanted all the Jeeps so I came to my senses and got back in my car to leave.
As I was leaving, a salesman walked up to me and says “Hi there, I saw you looking. Would you like to test drive one?” I was stunned because it was like he appeared out of no where! haha “I was just leaving, and I don’t see the color I want on the lot” I replied thinking that I had outsmarted him.
Then he says “Come inside and have some coffee and I’ll go get you whatever you want.” He was so nice, How could I say no? Besides a little test drive would be fun and then I will leave I thought to myself.
What got me to the dealer was this commercial!
The Best Salesman
My salesman let me pick out the model I wanted on the computer and then he had to go pick it up on another lot about twenty minutes away. As I waited patiently inside the dealership, I still had the thought in my mind that I would only be going on a fun little test drive.
I looked outside as he suddenly drove right up to the window with the most beautiful White Jeep Wrangler I had ever seen!
Immediately he started laughing because he saw my face as my jaw dropped. I was in love! I somehow knew that from that moment she was mine!
“Come on lets go for a ride!” he said. The funny thing is that he was just as exited as me! It turns out that he was already on his third Jeep and being a Jeep Salesman was his dream job. There was never any pressure from him to buy, just pure fun! It was like hanging out with one of my best buddies, and that’s how they get you! lol
That’s why I called him the best salesman, but the truth is that Jeeps sell themselves!
My Dream Come True
If you are a little older, you may remember the movie Clueless from 1995! If you have never seen it, it’s a great comedy! I was obsessed with that movie back then. The California lifestyle, the clothes, the cars, and you guessed it.. The Jeep! I have only been dreaming of owning one for almost thirty years!!
This movie is still Iconic and so are Jeeps! I feel like a teenager again because I every time I drive it I have the most fun!
Cher’s Jeep
From The Movie
“Clueless”
Introducing “Snow White”
The whole day that I got her is still a blur, and the next thing you know I was signing the paperwork. The last thing the finance manager asked me was “What are you going to name her?” I laughed and said “I don’t know yet! “He says I know, name her Snow White!” And that’s how she got her name! Then my salesman said “Now take her home and play with her!” haha
Beach
Santa Monica
Jeep Wranglers are common here in Los Angeles, and one of the best things to do is take it to the beach. This was her first trip to Santa Monica. These Jeeps sit really high up so you can see California’s amazing coastal views even better!
Oceano Dunes Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach Image Credit californiathroughmylens.com
Another cool thing to do is to visit the sand dunes at Pismo Beach. I plan on taking her on my next free weekend.
There are so many great ideas on how to decorate your Jeep for Halloween in the Facebook Jeep groups! It’s a whole lifestyle, and some of the ideas are outrageous but I wanted to keep it simple! I ordered the Cute Ghost, Skeleton and Broom stickers from Amazon!
Follow Your Dreams!
I always encourage people to live their best life, set goals and follow their dreams! If you have a big dream such as moving to a big city, starting a business or something as simple as buying your dream car, just do it!
Even if you are afraid. It may take years, but nothing feels better than having a long awaited dream come true! My favorite quote is “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” That’s because it’s true!
I speak from experience because I was truly terrified to move three thousand mile away from a small town to a big city such as Lost Angeles. It took some adjusting but I have no regrets! Not only am I having a great time but I’m learning and growing wiser with each new life experience! I hope you will do the same!
I hope you enjoyed this post! Thank you for reading!
Are you planning a vacation to California? If so here are 10 beautiful beaches you must see. California has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. With over 420 public beaches and 840 miles of scenic coastline, no wonder it’s a top destination for nature lovers. Along the California Coast, you will find the tallest palm trees and Sherbert sunset skies that create the most dreamy ocean views.
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1. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is home to McWay Falls located in Big Sur California. McWay Falls pictured below, is an 80-foot waterfall that flows year around. Unfortunately, there is no longer any access to the beach because of dangerous conditions due to trail erosion. You can still see McWay Falls from the west side of California Highway 1.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Art Urbo
2. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a coastal city in Southern California known for its stunning coastline and beautiful sandy beaches. Located in Orange County, it’s also known for its two piers, Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. The most popular attractions are Newport Pier, Balboa Fun Zone, and The Ferry to Balboa Islands which takes you to local shops and restaurants.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Trace Rouda
3. Glass Beach
Glass Beach in Mendocino County is located in Fort Bragg California. Glass Beach is one of the most unique beaches in California because it was once abundant in layers of colorful sea glass.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Moni Hogue
4. Santa Monica
Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is famous for the Santa Monica State Beach Pier. Santa Monica is known for its soft sandy beaches and has a variety of activities and attractions such as scenic bike trails, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Ziga Plahutar
5. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is located in Orange County and is known as one of Southern California’s premier coastal destinations. Laguna Beach is known for its picturesque beaches, hiking trails and is nestled between seven miles of hidden coves and majestic canyons.
The California coastline is about 840 miles long and has about 420 public beaches.
10 Most Beautiful California Beaches
6. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a city southeast of Los Angeles known as Surf City. Its famous attractions include the Huntington Beach Pier, International Surf Museum, and Huntington Central Park.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Mdesigner125
7. Malibu Coastline
Malibu is located west of Los Angeles known for its celebrity homes, beautiful beaches, and surfing. The Malibu Coastline stretches over 21 miles along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Some of the most beautiful beaches located in Malibu are Zuma, Matador, Leo Carillo State Beach, and the Malibu Pier.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Rachel Lodin
8. Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach located in Monterey County is known for its white sandy beach, cypress trees, and surfing. Known as Carmel By The Sea, it’s rated as one of America’s top iconic beach towns.
Image Credit: Getty Images-William Reagan
9. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is famous for the beautiful Manhattan Beach Pier which stretches 928 feet. The pier is the perfect place to view spectacular colorful sunsets or enjoy drinking your morning coffee while viewing the most gorgeous sunrise.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Cody Spence
10. Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is located in Montecito and is a favorite among the Santa Barbara locals. Known for its great views, small calm waves, and nice breezes it’s the perfect place to spend a nice lazy day seaside.
Image Credit: Getty Images-Joseph Tointon
I hope you found this post helpful in planning your trip to California! Be sure to add at least one of these beaches to your bucket list. Thanks for reading!
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Welcome Fall! Get inspired with these ten coastal fall-themed decor ideas. If you are searching for the perfect coastal fall decor items, look no further. This season’s fall home decorating trends consist of using earth tones such as honey, natural wood, and woven elements such as soft textured throws and textiles.
Also mixing modern and vintage, and coastal grandmother styles.
Fall is my favorite time of year! I am completely obsessed with aqua pumpkins! I have chosen items that have beautiful soft aqua and neutral hues that blend perfectly with your coastal-themed home. These fall finds are not only beautiful but affordable.
10 Bright & Beachy Coastal Fall Ideas
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1. Start with this Blue Painted Pumpkin with Starfish & Seashells
10. These Real Decorative Seashells with Blue & Green Starfish & Aqua & Blue Sea Glass can be added to your existing fall decor & be used all year around.
Aqua is a serene color reminiscent of the beautiful blue-green waves of the sea. Aqua, Latin for water inspires a feeling of peace, and tranquility, and calms the senses. This breezy color is a great choice for decorating your home because it’s bright and cheery, and brings feelings of happiness and well-being.
Shades of aqua blues and greens are known to have a relaxing effect conjuring up tranquil ocean vibes that make any space feel instantly calm. No wonder this paint color is used in so many coastal-style homes.
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Light and airy blues and greens are natural colors that are easy on the eyes. They remind us of the colors in nature such as sitting and looking up at the trees or looking out over the ocean on a beautiful day. There are many shades of aqua from light to deep that pair well with neutral tones such as whites, creams, greys, wheat, and yellow which make it a great choice for interior design.
15 Coastal Aqua Blue & Green Paint Colors You’ll Love
Aqua Blue
How To Use Aqua Throughout Your Home
Drawing inspiration from the sand, sea, and sky, coastal paint colors help you bring the serenity of the beach into your home. I have picked fifteen of my favorite timeless aqua blue and green paint colors from Sherwin Williams. It’s my favorite paint because I used it to transform my entire home.
Did you know that choosing the right paint colors for your walls can have a positive effect on your mood and reduce stress and anxiety? Studies have shown that watery blues can slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Subtle shades of green are soothing and comforting. These shades are mostly used in bathrooms to create a spa-like feel and in bedrooms to create a cozy feeling of zen.
You want to choose interior paint colors that give your home a rich personality. Remember to create a color scheme that matches your home’s furniture. Use these bold, bright blues and soothing green colors to refresh your home.
Aqua Blue/Green
The key to using coastal aqua paint colors is that they should blend seamlessly from the outdoors to the interior. You can use aqua to paint the entire room. kitchen cabinets, or paint a feature wall to add a fresh pop of color to any room in your home. Remember to choose a color based on how the room will be used and the mood you want to establish.
For example, choose dreamy coastal colors for the bedroom to help you sleep and brighter aqua colors for accent walls, smaller rooms, or children’s play spaces. If you are going to use any of these colors to paint the entire room, I recommend using Sherwin Williams Extra White or Highly Reflective white on the ceiling, trim, and molding.
Aqua Green
Aqua has always been my favorite color ever since I was a child because it reminds me of the beach. It’s what inspired me to create this blog and it just makes me so happy! I hope you enjoyed this post and these colors do the same for you! For more coastal decor ideas see: How To Decorate With Aqua
Breezy, natural, light-colored furniture inspired by the sea.
Imagine an airy home inspired by the coastal lifestyle. A home filled with natural light, soft tones, and natural elements meant to evoke the breeziness of the beach. We travel to the coastline to relax, take in the breathtaking ocean views, and sink our toes into the warm sand. Even if you don’t live on the coast you may be wondering what are some of the most popular furniture pieces found in most beach homes.
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One of the most critical aspects of creating a coastal-style home is selecting the right coastal furniture for the space. In this post, you will find traditional pieces like white slip-covered sofas, rattan bistro chairs, and modern coastal furniture. I have also added stylish accessories and beach decor that basically make it feel like summer all year round inside your house. There is no need to browse furniture stores because these items are all on Amazon.
White Slipcovered & Linen Sofas
People that live along the coast love white slipcovered sofas because they are bright, clean, and give the appearance of a relaxed coastal look. If you have children or animals, don’t worry because the covers are easy to care for. They can be removed and tossed into the wash and then they are good as new.
A plush white sectional is the perfect look for a modern coastal-style living room. It provides spacious seating and high-end details that deliver fashion and function.
Rattan, seagrass and wicker chairs are timeless coastal pieces that naturally blend in with any furniture. They also work well in any room in the home from the living room to the bedroom.
A large console table not only provides additional storage but is perfect for displaying your seashell collection, large coral pieces, and nautical decor such as starfish and seahorse statues.
French bistro chairs provide elegant indoor/outdoor seating. They add a fresh look to any space and are a perfect addition to your coastal furniture collection.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Don’t forget to share, save, or pin it to use for your future room designs! For the best coastal home color scheme, also see: Sherwin Williams Serenely Paint Color
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.
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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.
Night View Of The Valley
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.
Santa Monica
8 Things You Should Know Before Moving To California
If you have never been to California, here are some things that may surprise you.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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
Plan Ahead.
Hire a trusted realtor.
Make sure the market and timing are right.
Prepare your home and start packing.
Prepare for the home inspection by making necessary improvements beforehand.
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
Before
After
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.
Before
After
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!
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.
Before
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)
Before
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.
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.
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!
Are you planning a beach vacation to California? These tee-shirt designs are inspired by California’s colorful sunsets and picture-perfect palm trees. Whether surfing in Malibu or relaxing on the white sandy beaches, these cool tees are perfect for those who love the beach, sand, and surf!
There are many styles, colors, and sizes available for purchase via the blog Shop on Amazon! Pick any of your favorite cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco!
These tees aren’t just for travelers! Take pride in your city or get one as a gift for friends and loved ones! Just click on the Buy on Amazon icon under the images in the Shop. It will take you straight to Amazon where you can choose your Tee style, size, Popsockets, iPhone covers, Raglan Tees, Long-sleeve Tees, Tank Tops, Sweatshirts & Hoodies.
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.
Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament , A Day at The Beach Sea Shell Wreath
***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!
Everyone loves chocolate and peanut butter together! So here is another deliciously easy cookie recipe using a box of yellow cake mix. The cake mix is used for the cookie dough base, so you don’t have to make them from scratch!
What I love about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy, and there is hardly no measuring which means anyone can make them. Best of all these cookies will be ready to eat in 20 minutes.
***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.***
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a holiday cookie staple. I can remember having these along with Sugar Cookies every year at Christmastime. Why not whip up a batch and give them as a gift?
Beat the ingredients together until completely mixed.
Scoop and shape the cookie dough into 1 inch balls.
Roll each dough ball into the granulated sugar.
Place the dough balls onto a an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and immediately insert Hershey’s Kiss into the center.
Let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then place on a cooling rack to finish.
Enjoy!
This recipe yields about 30 cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week to remain fresh. You can also freeze cookies for up to 3 months and they will taste delicious once thawed.
I love to play around in the kitchen with boxed cake mix recipes. I’m not a professional baker, but every recipe in this blog is something that I have learned to perfect over the years so they will always taste amazing!
Season’s Greetings! Are you looking for the perfect gift for beach lovers? Finding the perfect present is never easy no matter who you are shopping for. Year after year, you’re shopping for the same people and it get’s harder but it doesn’t have to be. Use this hand gift guide before you start your holiday shopping.
While making this list, I only chose the best items from Amazon. Everything is either a best seller, a five star item, or some of my personal favorites. There are thoughtful, yet affordable and unique gifts for everyone on this list. Just click on the image to find the item.
***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.***
2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Find unique gifts for beach lovers that will impress everyone on your list!
This beautiful handmade sea glass earrings and necklace set is the perfect gift for jewelry lovers! Check out the Sea Stamped Store to see all beach glass designs. You can also create your own gift set.
2. These set of 2 stemless wine glasses are hand painted and the perfect unique gift for both wine and mermaid lovers!
3. This hand blown glass conch sea shell figurine is the perfect gift for your loved ones that collect seashells.
4. Here is a great gift for those that love sea turtles! This cute collectible statue has a beautiful crushed glass mosaic shell.
5. This set of 3 nautical aromatherapy candle set is the perfect gift for candle and beach lovers alike. Once the candles are burned, the jars can be re-used and home decor.
6. This beautiful mother of pearl photo frame also comes in pink and natural white. Present this gift with your favorite beach photo memories.
7. Seahorse candle holders are a great gift for beach lovers! This set o 2 beautiful pillar candle holders also comes in gold.
8. Lanterns are the perfect gift for beach lovers! This gorgeous set of 2 silver lantern set can also be filled with candles or seashells for the perfect beachy look!
2022 Holiday Gift Guide
9. Yankee candles are always a great gift idea! Give this Christmas at The Beach scented candle as a reminder of your favorite beach vacation! See all scents from the Yankee Candle Store here.
10. Another great gift idea for mermaid lovers! This warm and cozy mermaids tail crochet blanket comes in 4 colors, perfect for teens!
11. Nautical iron anchor candle holders are the perfect rustic decor gift. It comes as a set of 2 for pillar candles.
12. Here is another great nautical anchor gift idea. Give this warm cozy beach style throw to anyone who loves a nautical theme!
13. These set of 4 coastal mugs are the perfect beachy gift for coffee lovers!
14. Here is a gorgeous starfish serving platter for your favorite hostess who enjoys the finer things in life.
15. Everyone loves beach Gnomes! These set of 3 cuties are a perfect year around decoration for beach lovers!
16. Bella Wind Chimes are the Boho-Beachy gift! They are made of sea glass and come in several colors.
17. This beautiful resin starfish bowl comes in 2 beachy blue colors and is the perfect accent piece for any room in the home.
18. Remind your favorite beach lover to take a moment and just Breathe with this beautiful framed ocean art print!
I hope you found something you love on this list. Why not get a little something for yourself while you’re browsing. You can get any of these items shipped within 2 days if you have a Prime Membership!
Give this membership as a gift or try it free for 30 days, plus you can cancel at anytime. I have been a Prime Member for 3 years and I absolutely love the convenience!
Happy Fall beach lovers! Keep the relaxed beach feeling all year by incorporating neutral fall colors into your coastal themed home. Beachy colors such as blues, greens, creams and tan are timeless and will never go out of style.
When it comes to fall decorating, it doesn’t have to be all about traditional crimson, yellow, orange and brown. It’s easy to stick to a beachy color scheme by using natural colors such as pastel blues, light aquas, beige, turquoise, sage green and cream. These colors also work beautifully with orange and warm browns.
***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 love the beach, but Fall is my favorite time of year, simply because it’s the start of the holiday season. This season, I decided to add keep it simple by adding some new pumpkins to my collection in aqua and white. What’s great about this color scheme, is that it also works for Thanksgiving decor as well. As for Halloween, I just fill the orange pumpkin pictured above with candy.
I also tried to DIY and paint pumpkins and I must admit…(it was a total disaster!) The colors did not match once the paint dried and I ended up with hideous bright teal instead of pale aqua. So naturally I threw them away and headed straight to TjMaxx!
Luckily they had just stocked a fresh collection of beautiful ceramic pumpkins! I grabbed five and happily headed to checkout knowing that my Fall decor would be saved from my DIY disaster.
I have noticed that some stores are not able to keep up with the demand for Fall and Halloween decor. People are starting to decorate earlier or months before the season begins.
I’m including some pics from my home and also some of my favorite DIY ideas from around the web for those who are good at this sort of thing. Then, there is me who is just better at shopping! Haha!
Simple Coastal Fall Decorating Ideas
Decorate With Beachy Colors
Keep the beach theme by adding Fall neutrals and pastels to your home decor.
Style Your Kitchen Island
The island is the center of your kitchen. Make it the focal point of your Fall decor too. Add a colorful table runner and a couple of decorative pumpkins and candleholders to the center of the island to keep if beautiful, yet functional.
Create A Cozy Display
Add fall candles, a cozy blanket and some cute pumpkins to you tray table decor.
Create A Unique Mantle
Here I added some Eucalyptus Garland that I purchased on Amazon. Then added the aqua and white ceramic pumpkins that I found at TjMaxx.
Use What You Have
I keep this display all year around and change out the candles and photo decor with each season.
Keep It Simple
Create a Festive DIY
I love this gorgeous Mermaid Corn idea From Breezy Designs!
DIY Painted Pumpkins
These chalk painted pumpkins are absolutely beautiful, from ANDERSON+GRANT.
This easy apple crisp or apple crumble recipe (depending on what part of the country you live in) Is perfect for chilly fall mornings! It can be made sweet or tart depending on the type of apples used.
It’s near the end of a long hot summer here in New England, but I am yearning for an early fall. Lately I have been craving one of my favorite fall dishes: Apple Crisp!
I love the beach, but there is nothing like fall in Connecticut! We get the best of both worlds with endless views of beautiful fall foliage along the coastline.
One of my favorite breakfast recipes is apple crisp! The smell of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the morning while I have my morning coffee is heavenly. Fresh sliced apples are topped with a buttery cinnamon oat crumble topping that slightly crisps while baking.
***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.***
Easy Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
6 Golden Delicious Apples (peeled and sliced)
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
Topping:
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 stick salted butter cut in small pieces
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup Bisquick or all purpose baking flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
*Use any apple variety that you like, just remember to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness or tart of the apples. I like to use Bisquick because it gives the crumbled topping a richer flavor. You can make many variations by adding your favorite berries, raisins, or chopped nuts into the topping.
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl add apples, then pour lemon juice over and mix
Add butter, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, nutmeg and flour, then mix
Place sliced apple mixture into a 8×8 inch baking dish and set aside
In a smaller bowl add butter, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking soda and Bisquick or flour
Mix together with a fork until all ingredients are combined or appears crumbled
Spread topping all over apples
Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees
*This recipe serves 6 people and takes less than 1 hour to prepare. Apple crisp is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Top with your favorite vanilla ice-cream for a delicious fall dessert.
Welcome to The Aqua Cottage where we dream in colors borrowed from the sea! I’m so excited to share my new Etsy Shop! Here you can find your favorite beach cottage quotes and printable wall art in all shades of aqua.
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.
These prints make a great gift for beach lovers. Just click the images or quotes link to find the items on Etsy!
My Heart Will Always Be In A Little Cottage By The Sea
Sweet Dreams Little One
Make A Wish Upon A Starfish
My favorite beach quote has always been “My heart will always be in a little cottage by the sea! These cute beach quotes will surely brighten your day and remind you of your dreams of living by the sea.
Soothe your soul and create a spa like atmosphere with these beautiful beachy bathroom decor ideas! Browse these coastal style bathroom ideas.
***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.***
It’s no secret that I love coastal decor. Growing up in New England surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches is probably why. When I started renovating my home, I knew that I wanted coastal themed decor. I want to feel as if I wake up at the beach everyday! The colors of the sky, sea and sand make me so happy.
Adding beach themed or coastal style decor to your home is a wonderful way to express your love for the ocean and nature itself. Bring a little beach into your home with this list of ten of my favorite bathroom decor items from Amazon. These classic styles, colors and natural elements never go out of style.
Thank you for reading! I hope you are inspired by to create a cozy home you love. Just click on the links above to find the items in the photo. Also see: Coastal Fall Ideas & Inspiration 2022
Have a spooky sweet Halloween with these fun and festive sugar cookies! They are my all time favorite holiday recipe for buttery soft and delicious cut out cookies.
I love to bake Sugar Cookies! The possibilities are endless especially for spooky season. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. This recipe yields about 4 dozen cookies.
Halloween Sugar Cookies
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:
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup softened butter (not melted)
1 1/2 cups of granulated white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. You can find all kinds of cute and funny Halloween cookie cutters here.
Time To Bake!
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Allow cookies to cool for on the cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes. Then move from cookie sheets onto wire racks to finish cooling. Once cooled decorate using your favorite royal icing colors and flavors. You can also use buttercream frosting for an fun and easy decorating idea for children.
These cookies will keep their shape nicely and remain soft and chewy long after being cooled. They will be a big hit at parties! They remain fresh for 2-3 weeks if kept in an airtight container.
Bake ahead and store in the freezer. They will remain fresh for 3-6 months as long as they are wrapped tightly in plastic and kept in an airtight container. I honestly don’t know who would wait that long to eat them. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy making this recipe, if so share it and also see my classic recipe for Easy Royal Icing!
Prepare your home for autumn with fall decor from Amazon.
It’s never too early to get ready for fall, and if your are currently experiencing a heat wave you may be looking forward to it. You can start decorating as early as August all the way up until the holiday season. It’s no surprise that retail stores like Target And Walmart already have their fall decor and Halloween candy on display!
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.
Coastal Fall Ideas & Inspiration On Amazon
Fall is all about using natural materials. When decorating for fall in a coastal themed home, the usage of pastel blues, neutral fabrics and light shades of turquoise and teal keep things coastal, while adding a nod to the coming holidays. Muted color pumpkins in cream and aqua blue blend perfectly into the coastal aesthetic.
Click to purchase Blue Pumpkin Fall Table Runner on Amazon
Here are five ways to add coastal fall to your home decor.
Use cream, white, and aqua muted color pumpkins.
Fill spaces with coastal style candles in neutral colors.
Use white, blue or driftwood lanterns filled with pumpkins.
Fill seagrass or woven baskets with cozy blankets and pillows.
Decorate with seaglass, starfish, and seashells in glass jars.
Fall decorating does not have to be expensive. To keep costs down, I like to stick to staple pieces that transition from season to season using my same color palette.
Want to know how to choose the best paint colors for your home? Start with the colors you love, and then create a whole house color scheme that matches your furniture and makes your happy!
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.
Sherwin Williams Serenely
I recently discovered the most beautiful beachy blue paint color! It is a perfect coastal blue-gray with a hint of green. It’s a calming paint color you will want to use in a bedroom to create a tranquil atmosphere, or use it in a bathroom for a soothing spa effect.
Image Credit: Sherwin Williams
I have always been obsessed with Sherwin Williams paint colors! My most favorite place in the world is the beach. It just naturally makes me happy, so I knew when I bought my home I wanted to surround myself with my favorite beachy colors. I wanted to keep that serene, calm coastal atmosphere and also make my home feel warm and inviting. I’m still renovating my home, so I will add more before and after pics later.
Aqua is my all-time favorite color, so I chose a breezy relaxing color scheme in several shades of Aqua that remind me of my favorite beaches. It’s really that simple. Below is The Aqua Cottage’s whole house color scheme. As you can see these colors work well together because they are different shades of aqua blues with green and gray undertones. I always recommend using a crisp clean white for the ceilings and trim. These colors also work well together in Coastal Farmhouse and Lake House interiors.
My Coastal Paint Color Palette
Topsail–Kitchen & Bathrooms- A pretty beachy light blue-green that has slight gray undertones.
Sea Salt-Guest Bedroom/Laundry Room- A cool green color with gray undertones that will brighten with daylight then appear soft and muted during the evening.
Greek Villa– Hallways- This warm white has deep beige undertones that remind you of a sandy beach.
Watery -Living Room–The most beautiful, almost tropical cool watery aqua blue with green undertones.
Serenely-Main Bedroom- The perfect neutral blue gray that reminds you of a cloudy day at the beach.
Extra-White-Family Room- A bright, breezy cool coastal white perfect for painting beadboard or shiplap.
Pure White- Ceilings/Trim– A warm white that ties all of the colors together, perfect for doors and trim.
How To Create A Coastal Whole House Paint Color Palette
These are the guides I use to create a matching color scheme. One of the best compliments I receive is how well the different colors flow and transition throughout the rooms into each other.
Start by picking your favorite color.
Choose a clean white trim.
Pick 3 more colors in your favorite color family to create a cohesive look. Repeat these colors throughout your home to avoid getting overwhelmed with color.
When picking several different colors the center of your home for example, the hallways should be neutral as I illustrated with SW Greek Villa in the center of the picture.
Consider your furniture and fixtures.
Get at least 2-3 paint chips in your favorite colors so you can play with the colors against your main color and the white trim color. That way you understand color theory and see how well the colors work together,
Test the color during the daylight and compare the difference shades in the evening.
Image Credit: Sherwin Williams
Most important, remember to have fun! You can always use Pinterest, store paint guides, and the color wheel to find inspiration! There are tons of color palettes available to help you choose the best colors for your home! I want you to know I am not a Sherwin Williams affiliate, I have just been a huge fan of their paint for years!
Also I don’t recommend getting color mixes and taking them to get a cheaper product elsewhere. It’s not the same. Your home is your biggest investment. You want to choose a quality paint that will transform your home and last for years to come. See my blog post Before & After Guest Bedroom Makeover to see what cheap paint does to your walls.You can also sign up for an account to get paint coupons and discounts at the sherwin-williams.com I just got an awesome $20 coupon in my email!
I hope you found this post helpful, thanks for reading!
Who’s ready for the beach? I know I am! With the temperatures rising thoughts of beach getaways fill my mind. If you are heading to the beach this year, be sure you have all of the beach essentials for a fantastic trip! I can’t tell you how many beach tote’s I have collected over the years! I just love them!
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.
Check out this list of cute and trendy beach bags and totes to help you get ready for vacation and stay organized at the beach or pool. Here you will find some of the best summer bags from Amazon rounded up for you!
2. KUAK Extra Large Beach Bag– This waterproof beach tote comes in 6 tropical colors, has a top zipper, waterproof phone case, bottle opener, and key holder.
3. Jessie Women’s Summer Beach Bag– Make a statement with this gorgeous straw tote bag. This versatile bag can be used for the beach, as a travel purse, or evening tote bag.
4. TOP Design Canvas Tote Bag– Love the classy black beach lettering! This affordable canvas tote is perfect for a weekend getaway, short trips, or a day at the beach.
6. NovForth Beach Bag Extra Large Tote- This fun, festive beach tote comes in 8 bright colors. Also comes in 2 sizes.
7. Ubestpak XXL Beach Tote Bag- This roomy XXL large tote is perfect for mom’s on the go and comes in 4 gorgeous colors!
8. Swig Life Loopi Waterproof Tote Bag– With 16 colors to choose from you can’t go wrong with this waterproof beach utility bag. I love the easy to carry cushioned handles!
9. Columbia Unisex Lightweight Packable Tote– This classic unisex nylon tote from Columbia comes in 5 fun and bright colors, has reflective zipper pulls and a water bottle holder. It also folds into a tiny packable square perfect for travel.
10. CAMTOP Beach Bag Sandproof Canvas Beach Tote- This versatile beach tote is lightweight and durable which is perfect for travel, gym, sport, carry-on, luggage and more. Plus it comes in 10 fun colors!
10 Best Beach Bags Summer 2022
I hope you found this list helpful! if so leave me a comment and let me know what you like! All of these gorgeous bags are available on Amazon. Just click the link or image to find the items. Also don’t forget that Prime Day is July 12th and 13th. If you don’t have a Prime Membership you can sign up here for the 30 day free trial! Thanks for reading and have a great summer! Also see 10 Summer Beach Beauty Essentials 2022.
Make your 4th of July celebration a hit with this easy, beautiful and delicious flag cake! There are 2 different variations, one for strawberry lovers or raspberry lovers. This cakes tastes home made and is best made with fresh ingredients!
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.
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:
2 boxes Pillsbury Moist Yellow cake mix
6 eggs
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup olive oil, canola, or corn oil
2 sticks melted butter
1 pint or 1 cup of fresh blueberries
2 pints or 2 cups of fresh strawberries
2 pints or 2 cups of fresh raspberries
2 packages of cool whip
1 can of whip cream
Directions:
Prepare a large nonstick 13×9 baking dish orsheet pan by lightly coating bottom of pan with butter.
Add flour to dust the pan then place into the freezer.
In a large bowl add cake mix, eggs, butter, milk, and oil.
Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
Remove baking dish from freezer, then fill 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 or leave in pan to decorate.
Once cooled, add cool whip topping and decorate with fresh blueberries, strawberries or raspberries in the shape of the American flag.
Pipe cool whip or whip cream in the can on top of blueberries and in between the lines of the strawberries or raspberries.
Keep cake refrigerated until served. Serves 15-20, enjoy!
Invited to a 4th of July barbecue? Bring this delicious home made tasting cake with you! I have been making this cake for years and it’s always a hit! Also see my recipe for Coconut Malibu Rum Cake. Happy Fourth!
Smell good all day with this list of beauty must haves! Hello everyone, it’s officially summer 2022 and I have gathered all of my favorite essentials for summer time that I wanted to share with 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.
Hitting the beach this summer? These are 10 beach bag beauty essentials you need to smell amazing all day! These products are available for purchase on Amazon, just click the image to shop.
Shield yourself from the sun with this foldable straw sun hat. It comes in 5 gorgeous colors and has excellent UPF 50+ protection.
Adrinfly Women Foldable Floppy Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat
Stay stylish with these Coach Sunglasses, they also come with the case to keep them protected.
Coach Sunglasses – Caroline / Frame: Silver Lens: Grey Gradient
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub-Moroccan Rose. Use this exfoliating scrub to prep your way to smoother skin before you hit the beach! It has moisturizing shea butter and smells amazing! It also comes in wonderful summer fragrances like Coconut Lime, Tropical Mango, Watermelon, and Island Mist.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Moroccan Rose
4. After your shower, layer on Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream. This amazing gel formula instantly absorbs into your skin without that greasy lotion feeling, and the smell lasts all day! I am in love with this product!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream
5. Next layer on Native natural deodorant in Sea Salt. What I love about this product is that it goes on easy, it’s cruelty free, and aluminum free. I love the beachy scent, plus it also comes in Ocean, and Coconut Vanilla.
Native Deodorant Natural Deodorant for Women and Men
6. Escape to a tropical island while adding another layer of fragrance with Tommy Bahama Set Sail Martinique Body Spray for Women.
Tommy Bahama Set Sail Martinique Women
7. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer comes in 8 gorgeous shades, smells amazing, and gives a natural sun kissed glow!
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
8. Keep your lips soft and moisturized with Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm. This lip balm comes in over 6 yummy flavors such as Banana, Coconut, Key Lime, and Mango.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Care with Aloe and Vitamin E
9. Your hair will smell amazing with L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Spray Texture Hairspray for Bouncy Beachy Waves
L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Spray for Hair Salt and Séa Hair Texturizing Spray
10. Pack all of your beach essentials in this roomy Beach Please 100% Cotton Canvas Tote Bag! Great for a weekend getaway or day at the beach!
Santa Barbara Design Studio Beach Please Tote Bag with Leather Handles
I hope you found this list helpful, don’t forget to save this list and shop Prime Day July 12-13th! If you don’t have an Amazon Prime Membership sign up for the free 30 day trial here. Have a wonderful Summer 2022!
Coastal Grandmother Style is making waves everywhere and ironically you don’t need to live near the coast or be a grandmother. This new trend blends blue and white color palettes with linen and cozy cable knits. This decorating style is quite similar to the recent grand-millenial trend that favors florals, chintz and soft pastel palettes. Click on the image below to see this amazing beach house!
Image credit Home Bunch Magazine
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.
Think Martha Stewart cozy interiors meets Ina Garten’s stylish Hampton’s beach house. The coastal grandmother decor style embraces all the little things that make a house feel like home such as cozy throw pillows, oversized slip-covered furniture and lots of natural light. In a nutshell, the coastal grandmother look draws inspiration from the aesthetic seen in Nancy Meyers’ movies—specifically. Think of the beach house in the movie Something’s Gotta Give which is one of my favorite movies. I loved Diane Keaton’s beach house!
Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give
Coastal Grandmother Style is about utilizing what you have available to you in the form of heirlooms and mixing it with classic elements that evoke relaxation and calm. We could all use use a little more peace and calm after the last two years.
Are you wondering how to incorporate the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic into your space? It’s all about using neutral color palettes, breezy white linen curtains, a mix of antiques and modern pieces, overstuffed slip-covered sofas and handmade ceramics.
Below are 15 Coastal Grandmother home decor finds, you can click the link or the image to find the items. Click here to see all on Coastal Grandmother finds on Amazon.
