Bexley Cottage

My husband and I have stayed a couple of times at Bexley Cottage, a quaint one-bedroom cottage set amongst lovely gardens in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.  

As we are doing up a cottage of our own, we really enjoyed staying in a cottage that had already been restored.  It gave us so much inspiration and we hope that one day soon we will be able to enjoy at romantic getaway like this in our own home.  

The furnishing of the cottage is kept very original, and I am in love with the couch!  We would love to find something like this for our own place.

If anyone from New Zealand is in need of a holiday, you can check out Bexley Cottage here, the price is very reasonable.

Summerhouses and Garden Parties

Here in New Zealand, winter has most certainly introduced itself, and made itself right at home.  It doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving for a fair while. 

So while I'm miserable at home by the fire, I've been dreaming of summerhouses and garden parties.  

Here are some beautiful ideas, which may help me get through the dreaded winter.  

All pictures came from House to Home

Baking Wednesday

Today I made a delicious caramel and cranberry slice.  For any caramel lovers out there, I must say this may become an addiction.  The caramel is so lovely and so sweet, but the cranberry balances it out.

Here is the recipe:

CARAMEL AND CRANBERRY SLICE 

Base: 
1½ cups flour 
1 tsp baking powder 
½ cup brown sugar 
125g butter, melted 

Combine the dry ingredients, then add the melted butter and mix well. Press the mixture into a greased small slice tin.

Filling: 
75g butter 
¼ cup (85g) golden syrup 
1 x 397g can sweetened condensed milk 
¼ cup coarsely chopped cranberries

Place the butter and golden syrup in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring.Remove from heat, stir in the condensed milk and cranberries. Pour the filling over the base.

Bake at 180ºC for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and decorate with chocolate drops and extra chopped cranberries, then cut into pieces.

Makes 24 pieces. 

Vintage finds

I love browsing through antique and second-hand stores to find some forgotten treasures that would look good in my house, and some things that need a little freshening up.  These are some of the things I have bought lately..

This lovely wooden frame will feature in a DIY post in the next couple of days..

Welcome to The Cottage Diaries

Welcome to The Cottage Diaries.


My name is Molly and I love making things for my cottage, baking, fashion, cats, drinking tea, and all things vintage and feminine. 


I intend to fill this blog with vintage finds, DIY projects, upcycling, baking and the odd style and beauty post.


I hope you all enjoy, and feel free to comment :)