The Making of Sarah by the Sea: Sharing My Vision

The decision to launch Sarah by the Sea was part timing, part personal need, part wishful thinking. And once I made the decision, I initially only told my friend Cate, who has been with me through many big decisions over the last half decade (or is it longer?). She’s the one who actually thought up the name for the site when I was tongue-tied and unable to get beyond the initial “I need to do this.” But slowly I let others in too … my husband, several other dear friends, my mother. It was nerve racking to share with them since I have branched out before and met with mixed success.

But this site? When I shared the name and the plan, there wasn’t a skeptic among them. Instead, I was met with nods, smiles and encouragement. There was no questioning why I might want to do this, as there was when I launched a style site two years ago (I should have listened then …). They got it right away. This — the beach love, the need to be close to the water, the strong pull of the shore — is me.

Much like the food I share on Sarah’s Cucina Bella, the beach and coastal living is something I am wildly passionate about. That’s why I’ve been filling a Dream Home pin board on Pinterest with images of coastal homes and beachy New England decorating for months — long before I even thought about turning this passion into a project. And when I dig deep inside and am completely honest with myself, my mental picture of a home has always been on the beach. Yes, I adore New York and would love a home there. But living by the beach is where I want to spend most of my time.

Sarah by the Sea will be the place for me to share images from our frequent trips to beaches around New England. It will be where I talk about living, vacationing and styling homes and selves by the beach. It will be an inspiring place where I also share our journey to make this dream a reality.

Lest you think this is all about me, it’s not. My husband shares in my desire to live on the coast. And my kids? They adore the beach too. It’s for all of us.

So, where are we now? Well, it’s complicated. The simple answer is that we live inland about 35 minutes from the shoreline in a country town. Our home is a humble ranch with a backyard garden where we try to grow some of our own food. But there’s more to it than that. For two months out of the year, the kids and I live by the beach spending our days in the sand. It’s a yearly tradition that began when I was a very young child, and that I’ve continued with my children. Those are a glorious two months but someday soon, I want it to be an all year round thing.

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Category: Sarah by the Sea, The Making of Sarah by the Sea