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Springtime in the Cottage on Easter Sunday

It's been a minute hasn't it? {2 years} That's what all the young people say, right? And I ain't young, just turned 58 last month. But my head says I'm 20 something, but my body says something else. Well, anyhow....I pretty much let this blog go since I post on my Home Instagram most of the time, over at elliemader but even over there I'm not very consistent with posting all things home decor and lifestyle. I have a Teacher Instagram {{the heart of a fourth grade teacher}} and that's pretty much were I spend my time posting, I guess all things teaching consumes me, probably in an unhealthy way at times. I think that's why I should spend more time with enjoying the beauty of my home and fixing that all up since that brings me so much joy, but there is only so much time in the day, am I right? I wish there was more. Maybe I'll notch out more time to post on here more consistently since that will give the balance I need. 

The why, when I was blogging before I was taking pictures on my camera and then uploading to my home computer and now I only take pictures on my phone and that is why if was easier to post on Instagram but I just realized I could easily add pictures, edit them on Snapseed APP then upload them from my phone and BOOM I could create a blog post!  I know...took me awhile to figure that one out. So here we are and I'm sharing my Easter tablescape with you all. Nothing really new, all stuff I already had except I did get some faux twisted candles at Christmas from Amazon.  I fell in love with Danielle's at Finding Silver Pennies, {hers are real} so I bought some I'm really happy with them with a click of a remote they all light up! All I had are pillar candlesticks, so I was on the hunt for some unique taper candlesticks holders, the brass ones were my husbands' grandmothers. I saw a beautiful pair over at Toni's Instagram that she thrifted, I'm still on the lookout for something similar, I absolutely fell in love with hers. I'm also so inspired by all her floral arrangements {which I tried to channel here with mine} she makes it looks so effortlessly with her florals. I got these from Trader Joes and I can't remember what they were called.  I added some Eucalyptus, white Rosehips, and a snipped a blue Hydrangea from my garden. I made my traditional Carrot Cake with chocolate nest and I added some milk chocolate golden eggs I got from Homegoods.  

                                                                Finding Silver Pennies Thanksgiving Table

                                                                                                    Toni Marianna

Now that my daughters are adults the Easter Baskets sure don't resemble the ones when they were little, do they? One thing though is Chocolate!  One of my daughters is Vegan so she can only eat the dark chocolate bars but they sure love their "sparkling wine". 

All color coordinated of course!  Most of the items came from Sprouts and a few from Trader Joe's. 

It feels good to be posting again.  I'm sure it won't be so much a drought next time. Happy springtime!   

Succulent Yumminess

Hi, It has been a really, really, I mean really long time!  A few reasons for that is it has been so much easier for me to post on Instagram than to have the pressure to write a blog post or create content for my blog. I'm sorry for that and I really do miss having fresh content on my blog, it was a journal for me to share and a place where my life memories where all together, it sort of took the place of my scrapbooking.  Instagram has made it so easy to snap a picture on your iphone or a screenshot of beautiful images from all over the internet.  Another reason is that my desktop computer has some issues and I'm not able to access my pictures and I've been lagging on getting that resolved( so I use my work laptop instead). Third, is that I started a full time teaching job and I'm in my second year of teaching 4th grade.  That has consumed my time.  Fourth, is that the lifestyle blogging has changed so much since when I first started blogging and my blog really has not kept up with all the high quality pictures, the staging of photos, witty commentary, and my blog is quite old fashioned. I spend my time learning the new curriculum instead of blogging on the Heart of the Sea blog.  But today, I'd like to share a couple of images that have caught my eye on Instagram.  THIS CAKE!!  Is it the most beautiful cake?  

When I saw it pop up on country living I screenshot it and it's been in my phone forever.  I wish I had the baking skills to create such a masterpiece.  I also saw these succulent cupcakes that look a bit more easier than the cake.  If you are up to the challenge. 

Check out Shaun Teo Creations on Instagram, he has some beautiful and artistic cupcakes and cakes.  If you are cooped up inside due to the Coronavirus today might be your day to stretch your culinary skills and attempt one of these sweet treats and maybe, just maybe I'll join you .  I can remember one time I was quite into making extraordinary birthday cakes for my daughters, now the table has turned and my daughters ( who are all grown up) have taken over the baking for special occasions.  I'm excited to see what they will create today......

Laguna Beach, a Tour of this Quaint Li'l Town

 
There are many reasons why I love to go to Laguna Beach, this little artist community in Southern California. The architecture of the shops and restaurants pulls at my heart strings.  There is quite a few Tudor Cottage Style buildings as well as Spanish architecture, it's eye candy for the home décor stalker like me.

I mean look at that brick work!!  Artistry and creativity....and a whole lot of patience put that together.

So many of the shops have a unique brick pattern on the façade.

There is a lot of brickwork, even if it is not all fancy there are other elements in the nooks and crannies of Laguna to feast your eyes upon.

This is looking back at the opening of this little hallway.

I loved these doors in this building that was built in 1934. 

So very charming, eh?

This was the staircase over the little shop in the above picture.

It smelt so good as we walked by the Chocolate Store and a Ice Cream Store, the waffle cones smelled heavenly.  I'm sure this kids could attest as they devour their ice cream.

There are so many great restaurants to choose from when dying in Laguna.  The Watermarc is a famous one even though we didn't eat there we went to a little place over looking the water a favorite of our friend who treated us to lunch at The Cliff.

 

I had the Ahi with a glass of wine...I love a good Ahi sandwich and chocolate cake for dessert.

We did a little bit of shopping.  I would love to have this vintage bathtub in my garden.

Now, look at this Seashell outfit...man.....oh man I'd love to have that as a décor piece in my home...

So unique and beautiful for the Beach Lover.  Yes, Laguna is know for the artsy fartsy types and for the yearly Sawdust Festival.  You can pick up some neat artwork for your home.  I usually head into Tuvalu when I'm there.

It's rather expensive but I love to see all the beach style décor and I really, really liked this nautical lamp.  I'm not in the market for one but if I was this would be on my wish list.

This cute little café with the vintage bathing suits was in the Tommy Bahama store where I did mange to pick up some flip flops in coral with a seashell on it. 

My 2017 summer flip flops.  I don't think you can ever have to many of them.  My go to shoe in the summertime. 

Now like I said at the beginning of my post there is also quite a few buildings that are done with a Spanish flair.  In fact most of California has the mission influence in it's architecture. 

Beautiful white adobe buildings with red tile roofs and black wrought iron railings can be seen all over little towns in Southern California including Laguna Beach.  Yep the Spanish influence is strong all over.  Now it was this garden that really caught my eye.  Look at all the California Native species planted in this courtyard.

 

If you ever come to Southern California and visit this darlin' little town, you need to meander of the beaten path there are lots of little jewels in the nooks and crannies, a try feast for the eyes.   Hope you are having a wonderful summer so far, because I know it won't be long until going back to school will be here.  Enjoy! 

 

Fourth of July Cottage on Cullen Tour

Oh Boy!!  I can't believe I did not post at all in the month of June!!!  Yikes!!  Instagram is so much easier so that's where I spend most of my sharing of my daily life.  We had a great Fourth of July visiting with family and watching fireworks at the local park.

As you can see I'm loving my new door...I've been playing around with different types of décor pieces.  We finally painted the trim around it and it made such a difference.  Isn't this flag tote... the cutest?  I have a thing for flags, I've always been attracted to Old Glory.  I'm thinking I would like to get a regular sized one with an anchor on it for the front of the cottage to tie into my beachy vibe cottage and because I have too many pillows with red, white and blue......I've gone a little pillow crazy and may need to rent a storage shed soon to hold them all in.  No joke.

The sea life wreath I've had for quite awhile and this year I added a couple of mini flags to it to make it more festive for the 4th. It has some soft colors in red and white already and I think looks perfect for the front door, very summery and festive.  I got the welcome mat from Amazon, I don't think the bunnies mat was looking very summery.  The stars and stripes mat is a bit smaller than I would like but it works.

What says summer more than some sunflowers? Just plopped them in my rain boots for a quick picture.  We had a lot of rain in the winter and spring so they came in handy.  The weather here in Southern California has been perfect....not too hot yet!  It usually gets really hot in August and September. So my red and navy blue boots can be used for it's "not" original purpose.

 Come on in....

 

I brought out my melamine plates and my Mother's antique silverware and picked a few flowers from the garden to add to the Trader Joe's bunch.  I love how the thistle looks like fireworks and the red Hipericum berries add some fun color. 

I had this black chalkboard paper from the holidays and it was good to write a message for our Independence Day.  To add a little bit of farmhouse flair to the mix I put some white daisies in some milk jugs with some frayed linen ribbon. 

I had this stars light garland from Christmas time too and I added some stars and stripes burlap ribbon to create a banner over my ruffle curtain.  Boy, do they need to be washed, so very dirty.  If it is too hot to eat in here....we can take it outside {I'm probably the only one who in the State of California without air conditioning}.  So I spend a lot of time outside on the front porch or the back patio usually with a cool glass of water.  Don't you be calling me out....Ok I'll confess....it's usually grape juice.......ok ok ok it's wine!!

But if you are not into wine you can't be my friend...only kidding. I have some American { I mean French} Lemonade for you.  Hey it fit with my color scheme.  My daughter said, "Mom, why do you have French Lemonade on the table when we are celebrating an American Holiday?" 

The blue and white runners {from Homegoods} I cut in half to fit the table going across instead of the length of the table. I have an umbrella that goes through the middle of the table so this works.  They just put in a Homegoods about 3 minutes away, a bit dangerous for the ol' pocketbook. 

 
And as you can see in the background our vegetable garden is doing great!  We have had an amazing crop so far this summer. We are growing tomatoes, corn, all kinds of peppers, cucumbers, watermelon, onions, herbs and the biggest pumpkin in the whole state of California.  I'll be back with a tour of the garden and a picture of Goliath, the enormous pumpkin and some projects I've been working on to spruce up the back patio.  I know, I know I keep promising pictures of the painted kitchen cabinets...soon.  I clean up the kitchen and it then it's a mess again and the cycle starts over.  I'm sure you don't want to see the mess....Hope you had a wonderful holiday and your summer is off to a great start.  We have had weekly trips to the beach and I have some fun quaint pictures of downtown Laguna Beach, which is where we will be going tomorrow.  Go HERE , HERE or HERE to see other posts of Laguna.  Must see if you come visit Southern California. 

 

 

 

 

That's a Wrap on Vday 2017

In my last post on my Valentine's Day ideas,  some came to fruition and others did not.  I did manage to add a bit of the gold and silver in my décor.   This little ball bar is dipped in gold glitter and holds the most beautiful red tulips.  Their black and yellow centers are exquisite. 

Sorry for the low light picture.  I've been working a lot and the only time I've been able to take the pictures is late in the afternoon.  I was able to finish up this LOVE banner. It is made of scalloped cardboard with tissue paper I mod podeged on it, tied with some red satin ribbon. 

Another banner I was able to complete was the pink doily with gold cupcake foil on jute seen on the hutch.  This was very simple to make.  I think my chandelier needed a little something in it but never got around to fixing it up.  I used to have this beautiful pink berry garland that was in the girls room which would of been perfect but maybe I'm not such a big hoarder after all because I think it got sold at a yard sale.  I know this tablecloth does not really fit this table but I LOVE this tablecloth, the embroidery on it is so beautiful, I have some napkins to match.  I got it at an estate sale years ago.  I imagine some sweet little ladies playing bridge on it and drinking some cocktails around it in the 50's, a bygone era. 

The girls' Longaberger Valentines's Day Baskets with a few little treats in them; Chocolate Recess' Hearts, red gummy hearts in a handstamped hemp bag, Popsicle Soap by Zoella, nail polish and a rosebud in a vase.

For dinner I made Filet Mignon, baked potatoes and Spinach Salad with cranberries.  It was very good but the not to be outdone was the dessert.

In heart shaped ramekins Pots de Crème.  I had this dessert years ago when I lived in Hawai'i, my teaching partner's husband made them for the students when we had a fancy luncheon and they were so decadent that I've always wanted to try making it.  Well, I don't know why I waited so long?  It was so easy and so delicious!!! There are so many adaptations to this recipe too!  White chocolate or Peanut butter and chocolate which I'll have to try one of these days but I'll share the basic recipe here.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Pots de Crème~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ingredients needed:

1 1/2 cups of Heavy Cream

1 1/2 cups of whole milk, but I used 1% and it tasted just as rich

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

10 oz. bag of Semi-sweet chocolate chips

5 tablespoons of granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of confectioners sugar

1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

Here is what you do:

1.} Put the chocolate chips in a blender

2.} In a saucepan put in the cream, milk, egg yolks, sugars and salt.  Put on a medium heat and stir constantly until mixture just comes to a boil.  The spoon should be coated and not run off. 

3.} Pour the mixture into a blender, cover with lid and dishcloth.  Blend until all chocolate has melted.

4.} Pour into ramekins or any cute little glass jars you have around.  I put some of mine in some old glass yogurt jars and some in Weck jars, even some demi teacups would look so pretty. 

5.} Chill for about 3 hours. 

6.}  Top with homemade whip cream and sprinkles.  I'll share my home made whip cream recipe with you next.  It's so easy too! 

 

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day with your lovey doveys.  

 

 

           

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Valentine's Day 2015

Have you ever been BOOed?

No no, not that kind of booing where the audience boos you for a bad stage performance.  This is the good kind of BOOing were you give or get treats..that kind of  BOOing. I'll tell you how...right now.

Well it has been around for about 20 years according to this BEEN BOOed website  and there are so many versions of it, office BOOing, neighborhood BOOing and school BOOing.  The school I work at has been BOOing for the last several years now.  One teacher starts it and leaves a bag or a bucket of treats for a class at the school and maybe a little something for the teacher too {wine is always nice, Oh I didn't just say that} by the door. They put the "We've Been BOOed" sign out by their door and they in turn find another classroom who has not been BOOed by seeing if they have the sign out or not.  It's also very popular in neighborhoods across the country and I'll share a couple of versions with you if you want to start this fun Halloween tradition in your neighborhood.  This poem is probably one of the originals where I found at the above website which had quite a bit of info on the subject of BOOing. A ghost or phantom usually accompanies the Boo Bucket and that's where the whole "booing" thing came from. Here is the poem but their are lots of other versions floating around the internet.

                                                              Here to Download this version

You are supposed to put together a few treats in a container of your choice; a bucket, a seasonal decorated bag anything that will add to the spirit of Halloween and contain all your treats you've made or bought.  I've seen cones you can hang on  doorknobs, I've seen decorated boxes, anything that will hold some goodies will do.  There is also an adult beverage version, where you drop off a bottle of alcohol or wine, NOW that's right up my alley.  Then the sign says "We've been BOOZED"...Haha!!  World Market and Trader Joe's have so many Halloween themed labeled wines you'd have a great selection to choose from to do the "We've been BOOZEd version here. But out of all the printables out there this BOO printable for my neighbors was just perfect.  It had the cutest graphics of Frankie and the li'l red haired witch and I really liked all the detail that when into it, perfect for a family with small children.

 I have some "littles" who live across the street that I  have gotten to know quite well and they are also fellow teachers too.  I've written about them on my blog several times. Once when I gave them a "Welcome to the Neighborhood Gift" and several birthday parties that our family have been invited to. Recently, I shared the Country Living's Blue Truck Pumpkin I carved for them for their son's birthday in September on my Instagram.  It came out really cute and I love looking out my kitchen window seeing it on their porch as I do the dishes.  That's WIN WIN in my book!

Their children LOVE to read books and this little Apples and Pumpkins book by Anne Rockwell is one of my favorites to read to small children, I read it every year to the students at school.  I have quite the collection of Halloween books, my newest one is Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson.  Yes, I have a thing for Witches, some people Mackenzie who will remain nameless feel that my Witch obsession is becoming disturbing. Humph...I say to that!

Did I tell you how cute this  little "We've Been BOOed" Free Printable is?  Oh I did, I found it on Pinterest but go here if you want more of a selection to choose from.   Pinterest is loaded with great ideas, there are now "We've Been Elfed" and "We've Been Pinched" for St. Patrick's Day and a "We've Been Egged" for Easter.    Anyways...this FREE printable was perfect for my need especially since it matched the Frankie cookie I found at Homegoods. Next time I think I'd like to make some homemade sugar cookies for the BOO baskets instead of store bought.  I saw this cute Owl Sugar Cookie I've been wanting to bake and decorate.

Here is the breakdown of items I used to put together for the "We've Been BOOed" Jack O'Lantern Bucket.....

I had this Jack O'Lantern bucket already from the last time we got BOOed in our old neighborhood and it fit all of our chosen treats perfectly, so free is always good. 

The Apples and Pumpkins book I found at the my local bookstore, since they are 2 and 3 this cardboard version is very sturdy for little hands.

The sugar cookie Frankenstein and Jack O'Lanterns I got at Homegoods.  Like I said, I'll have to make my own sugar cookies next year or take on another BOO recipient in the "hood" in the next couple of weeks. Halloween is just two weeks away! But isn't Frankie cute?  Oh how I love his sweet face.  One year my eldest daughter was The Bride of Frankenstein, it was homemade costume and was one of my favorite costumes to date...I think she should do it again this year, her boyfriend is 6'5", he would make a great Frankenstein, it would make a great couple costume in my opinion but they never ask for my opinion.

The Glow in the Dark Saucer Flyer, the Vampire Gummies, and the Dia De Los Muertos measuring spoons { a li'l something for the cook in the house} I got at Cost Plus World Market.  They have a great selection of Halloween treats and décor, my go to store for all seasonal items. 

Don't you want to start this tradition in your neighborhood or school or even your office, it brings out the kid in all of us.  It can fit any budget or your creativity as you see fit.   Just make sure you ring the doorbell and leave your li'l surprise and run like a Bat out of Hell!!  Happy BOOing everyone!!  BWWWHAAAAA!!!!

 

Pineapple Lemonade

I love lemonade, straight up or pink and now this recipe for Pineapple Lemonade.  I would say Pineapple is my favorite fruit and if you have ever had a fresh cut pineapple from Hawai'i, there is nothing sweeter. NOTHING!  I love pineapple so much I bought a Hula Strawberry plant this summer and the strawberry is supposed to taste like a cross between a pineapple and a strawberry, YUM!! It hasn't produced any fruit yet so I can't attest to that but I'm hoping soon.  They are white so I'm excited to see when it does.

Well since it is National Lemonade day I have a twist on your classic lemonade...Pineapple Lemonade. 

 Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

Fresh or canned pineapple, but fresh is always better in my book

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of sugar

1.} heat sugar and water in a pot until sugar is dissolved

2.} put pineapple and water-sugar mixture in blender and blend until smooth

3.} add fresh squeezed lemon juice and taste until you are satisfied with the flavor.

4.} Poor in a glass with ice and enjoy

 

S'mores Galore at World Market

This past Saturday I hosted a S'mores Galore demonstration at my local World Market in Brea, California. I'm sure you know I'm a big fan of their products, if it's for my house or in a recipe,  I love World Market! You can't go in one room in my Cottage and not see a World Market product, that's why I wanted to be an Ambassador.  It was funny when Mr. Incredible and I were first married he said,  "I want to take you to this store", thinking I've never been to World Market...I'm like I'm a shopper of course I've been to World Market.  He was so cute thinking he was turning me on to something.  I bet he is sorry now.  Well, anyhow...back to this post. 

S'mores, S'mores, S'mores!!! Since we are smack dab in the middle of summer, what could be better than a S'more?  How about 3 of them and no campfire needed!  That's right, you don't need to fire up the pit.  It's S'mores Galore and World Market!

I created three different types of S'mores for the many different types of taste buds out there, all were yummy in their own way.  Pictures below.

                                  {pictures and recipes by Jennifer Robins of Predominantly Paleo}

I think they are enjoying them, some happy customers, I've heard through the grapevine this was the best S'more they ever had!  So if you want to whip up a little summer goodness for your friends or family this summer, here are the yum in your tum recipes.  Thanks Robin from Predominantly Paleo for your AWESOMENESS!

Kidsational S'more

Ingredients:

~2 Walker Animal Shortbreads

~2 teaspoons of marshmallow fluff

~Multi-colored sprinkles, as needed

~2 squares of Milka Dragees chocolate bar

Directions:

1.} Spread marshmallow fluff on one shortbread cookie.

2.} Shake sprinkles onto the marshmallow fluff

3.} Place chocolate on the sprinkles so the sprinkles push down into fluff

4.} Top with other shortbread cookie and your done!

 

You're Bacon Me Hungry S'more

Ingredients:

~1 chocolate-coated World Market Lacey

~1 tablespoon marshmallow fluff

~2 squares Vosges Mo's Bacon Chocolate Bar

~1 tablespoon Sahale Snacks Maple Pecans, or Valdosta Pecans or Honey Almonds

Directions:

1.} Spread the marshmallow fluff on one Lacey

2.}Place nuts on the fluff and top with chocolate

3.} Serve open faced or if your really CRAZY put on another Lacey

 

Sea Salt & Dulce de Luscious S'more

Ingredients:

~2 Reko Pizelles

~1 tablespoon of marshmallow fluff

~2 squares of Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate Bar

~1 teaspoon of Gaucho Dulce de Leche

Directions:

1.} Spread the marshmallow fluff on one Pizelle cookie, careful not to press too hard

2.} Place 1 chocolate square on fluff

3.} Top with Dulce de Leche

4.} Repeat step 1 and put Pizelle on top of Dulce de Leche.

This one has to be my favorite one!  I love anything with sea salt and dulce de leche, my daughters' favorite was the Kidsational S'more, she loved the shortbread cookie flavor and what kid or teenage doesn't love sprinkles.  All above ingredients can be found at World Market. 

******I'm a World Market Ambassador and all opinions are 100% my own and I have been compensated for this post by World Market. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you a safe and Happy 4th from the Cottage on Cullen

I wanted to pop in and wish you a Happy Fourth and share a few bits and pieces of the Cottage on Cullen decorated for  Independence Day.  The front porch with the colors of RED, WHITE and BLUE and lots of little flags planted here and there and everywhere.

The living room got into the action too, with some fresh flowers and stars and stripes and as a nod to my Nautical heart,  the navy blue whale pillow.

When I saw it at Homegoods it swam into my cart with a swish of it's fluke.  I'm loving Homegoods' pillows and I think I may be needing  a 12 step program because I could be boarding on a pillow obsession.  The worst thing or NOT is they are building a Homegoods about 2 blocks from my house and an OSH.  That won't be good or not for my flowers/plant addition.  I guess there could be worse things to be addicted to.  {am I in denial?}

I don't get manicures or pedicures so I think I'm justified.

 

 The mantel also has some fresh flowers in a little blue rimmed enamel pitcher.

  

Sorry for the bad photo, it's hard to block out the light coming in from the window.  This little webbing banner I've used for other seasonal holidays, this time I added the glittered letters to it to spell out 4th of July. 

Have a great and safe 4th of July celebration!  I love my country!  I'm off to decorate an American Flag Cake.

 

 

Their Daddy, My Mr. Incredible

 
This picture was taken in Alabama, where my husband's father lives, Their Papa.  I loved Alabama and took a TON and I mean a TON of pictures so I think my camera shy girl and hubby had enough of me. 

 

I had to get them when they were not looking.  Anywho...this trip was several years ago.   It was not very easy to find just pictures of Mr. Incredible and just the girls..{note to self, take more of them}.

I wanted to say a BIG Thank you to Mr. Incredible, who always puts US first!  He works harder than anyone I know to provide for his family.  Yes, he does! His need are last on the list, give him a cold beer after work and a tasty burrito and he is happy.  I love him and I know I drive him crazy and he drives me crazy too but he is the most loving, husband and father.  Happy Father's Day Daddy!!  Ok, I'm off to light up the BBQ put on the Carne Asada and put the Blue Moon on ice!