Our Cottage musings for June 2018.
Where did June go? It’s hard to believe that July is here already. Before you know it we’ll be getting ready for fall.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. We have plenty of summer to look forward to, as well as a busy June to look back on.
Projects
June started out with a quick trip out West to see our daughter but we came home to lot’s of projects on our to-do list.
With the spring pollen finally gone, we were able to work on our neglected yard. The front yard is starting to look a little more presentable (I won’t even mention the back yard) so I felt ok sharing some easy DIY curb appeal ideas.
I was so excited to finally get a bird feeder and we were able to hang it right outside our window, thanks to our super easy $5 bird feeder pole.
A quick update… We were good with the squirrels up until a few days ago. Now I have 2 juvenile delinquents that won’t leave it alone. We’re working on a solution so I’ll let you know how it goes. We tried a baffle but the little stinker found a way around. I’m not ready to admit defeat yet though. 😉
I’m still excited about my latest project, my DIY wooden garden obelisk. I made it entirely out of scrap wood (for free!) and I think it may be one of my most favorite things ever.
We also shared a much overdue progress report on Minnie, our tiny RV that we’re remodeling. We’ve come a long way since I showed you the empty box in March and I was excited to share where we are in the renovation process. It’s been exhausting but so much fun.
What We’re Working On
Our big project right now is Minnie. We still have so much to do and it doesn’t look like we’ll be done until the end of the year. I’ll try to keep the updates to a minimum and not overshare. Of course, I’ll keep posting on my IG Stories so you can keep up with what we’re working on.
Our projects were all about the outside of the cottage last month, and Minnie, but I’m doing some work inside, too. I’ve done a couple of quick and easy crafts, which I’ll be sharing in the next week or so, and I’ve been working in the bedroom. Slow and steady, but it’s moving along.
What’s Caught My Eye
I’m a huge fan of Carpool Karaoke with James Corder and his latest one is probably one of my favorites. It was with Paul McCartney and it’s not to be missed. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can see it here.
What I’m Loving
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I haven’t shared any of my favorite beauty products lately but I’ve been using a couple of great finds that I’m really loving. I’m totally into moisturizers, especially for my face, so I’m always trying new things.
My latest love is this moisturizer from Clinique. I use it both at night and in the morning and I love that it moisturizers without making me greasy. A big plus is that I can apply my makeup over it and it doesn’t pill. It’s not the cheapest stuff out there but it lasts a long time. I bought my tube in February and there’s still a lot left.
I’m also a little obsessed with moisturized lips. Ask the hubs. I won’t leave the house without a lip balm in my pocket. I don’t wear as much makeup as I used to but I do like a good lip balm for every day. Right now I’m loving this Burt’s Bees gloss. It’s not goopy and it moisturizes with a hint of color. My kind of gloss.
Giveaway
Giveaway is closed!!!
I may be a little late but I promised 2 giveaways in June and I always keep my promises.
So, to celebrate Chatfield Court’s 5th anniversary, and to thank you for all of the support you’ve given us, we’re giving away a $50 Visa gift card. You can use it for whatever you want. Pillows, towels, fruit roll-ups? Hey, I won’t judge. You can spend it any way you like.
To enter, all you need to do tell us what your favorite summer activity is. To get a second entry, you can sign up for our newsletter (just let me know in your comment). If you already follow me (yay for you!), just let me know in the comments and you’ll automatically get a second entry.
Good luck (and thanks for 5 great years)!
- Giveaway will close 7/14 at 11:59 p.m. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email.
- You can only enter one time.
- See Privacy Policy for giveaway rules
Kim
Swimming…that’s my favorite hands down! And congrats…five years is a long time.
Deborah L Pelton
Favorite summer activity? Not sure. For years when I worked I used summers off to paint and spruce. Evr n though I am now retired, I still really enjoy painting and sprucing. Since we live in NH, winters are for sitting and reading and relaxing. But summer just seems like work time. I am subscribed and enjoy your blog already-happily.
Patricia
Favorite summer thing is going out on boat with husband and our 2 Black Labs, Zeus and Venus,
Love your obelisk… great inspiration.
Patricia (Crystal Coast)
MaryJean
I think most people enjoy spending time outdoors working in their garden whether it be vegetable or flower. Especially true if you live in the northern states where we have such a short warm weather season. That would be my best thing to do in the summer. But just the fact of being able to run outside not having to put a coat on or boots is the best!
One thing you might try for the squirrels is to grease the pole. I have heard that this works because they can’t hang on to it when it is greasy. I don’t know how often you would have to do this, but it’s worth a try. I still haven’t put up my bird feeder yet. Trying to figure out a way to keep the squirrels out of it! Good luck!
Jane
My favorite thing to do all year long is to sit on my front porch and watch the cars go by. Sometimes I read or do a simple craft. Summer is the best, but too hot sometimes. I sat out there alot more before we got AC. LOL
I have been a subscriber for several months now and enjoy your blog, especially the “minnie” series. Good job!
Linda
My favorite summer activity is attending my coaching husband’s softball games and my grandbabes t-ball games.
For my second entry into the contest: I am and have been a long-time subscriber.
Mary Jones
My favorite thing in summer is my air conditioner. I already follow you.
Pat M.
I also forgot to mention my favorite summer thing. It’s working outside on my flower beds and lawn, then relaxing on my back deck, watching the dogs roll in freshly cut grass (so they can carry it inside, of course), with a glass of tea and the knowledge that it will look this good for only a day. Hard work for this old woman, but worth every minute.
Tracey A
My favorite summer thing to do is go shopping and use their air conditioning! Actually, I take my Dad on a “walk” at the mall, as it is too hot to go out to the park. San Diego will be over a 100 AGAIN! I subscribe to your newsletter and enjoy it immensely! 🙂
Pat M.
The past 5 years have just flown. I enjoy your posts so much and look forward to each time I get to catch up with whatever you’re doing. Minnie is looking great, so is your front yard, and we’re all looking forward someday to seeing the shady back yard of this beautiful cottage with what appears to be large trees .
I am a subscriber.
Pam Kaufman
I have so many things I like to do in summer. My garden and yard are #1 followed by camping and just enjoying the open windows and fresh air. I have been following, and enjoying, your blog for awhile now. Look forward to your next Minnie update!
Debbie Halcomb
I am a lip balm addict too, and my favorite is Burt’s Bee. Favorite Summer activity. I love mornings in Summer. I used to get up with my husband at dawn and head to the beach. I would read and walk while he fished. Since losing him to cancer I walk my dog, Malady in the mornings. In Florida it is the only time you can walk before the heat sets in.
I am a subscriber. 🙂
Margery vaughen
I love working on my gnome garden. Have added fairy lights this year, they blend in with the fireflies! I have a special gnome for each of my five sons! I am using different ground covers. Love the planning this provides.
Carolina
I love to putter around in my backyard– deadheading, hand watering container plants, having a coffee and my morning little piece of chocolate. Already a subscriber.
Brenda Lane
Thanks for 5 great years! Since Florida temps prevent a lot of outside activities for me, I usually work on my hand painted Christmas ornaments and other craft projects for my fall/Christmas craft shows.
I am already a subscriber to Chatfield Court. Have a great week.
Suzanne Lee
I love to sit on the back deck and watch do-it-yourself shows on my kindle, but not without my Thermacell. Florida\mosquitoes.
Lou Clifton
I really don’t have a favorite thing for summer , I wish it would be to wake up and stay at home all day and do something around the House open a window and let some fresh hot air in or just enjoy doing nothing. She
Leslie Vansant
Frankly, I love everything about summer, but my favorite is going to the beach with my extended family. I do subscribe to your blog and look forward to the notifications of new entries.
Gail TF
I rescue cats. Summer is middle of kitten season so I spend summer hours bottle feeding kittens, taking cats to the vets, or staffing adoption booths.
I’ll follow you on email
Looking forward to seeing more Minnie updates
Lisa Kissner Cooper
My favorite summer activity is curling up with a good book on our screened porch, sipping sweet tea and enjoying a breeze. Unfortunately, it’s been too hot here in Greensboro to do this often!
I subscribe to your blog.