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
I've added affiliate links for a few recommended products. If you need more info, visit my Privacy Policy.
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
Betty White says
My favorite summer activity is working in my veggie garden and seeing everything grow
Betty White says
I am a follower and enjoy your blog.
Barbara Bell says
Recently found your blog and was interested to see you live in North Carolina. I live near Charlotte, NC and wondered what city you live in? Love your style and cute projects! My favorite summer activity is dining alfresco - either at home or at a restaurant. I also am a new subscriber to your newsletter. Happy Summer!
Kristi says
Hi Barbara and welcome! It's great to hear from another North Carolinian. We are near Greensboro so we're not too far from you.
Thanks for stopping by and for signing up!
KAREN says
Just found blog and signed up for your newsletter. Lovely home. I tend to stay inside during the summer and work on projects. The heat and humidity in South Carolina is awful .Love the other 3 seasons.
Charlotte Kuehl says
Hi I am a subscriber & love your blog Only wish I could get in on your giveaways But I'm Canadian So have a great day Charlotte
Julia Grayson says
Try olive oil on your bird feeder post! The little delinquent ones won't be able to hold on. And there is a mixture for bird feeders that squirrels don't care for. You just have to look at the bag it should say that it doesn't attract squirrels.
We are having an ant problem with our humming bird feeders ?.
Kristi says
I tried olive oil and WD40. They were no match for our little Houdini. I'll definitely look for the bird seed though. Thanks for the tip!
Ugh...yeah, I've heard about the ant problem with hummingbird feeders. I'm not much help there, sorry.
Zora says
I love the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Beautiful !!
Kim H says
Congrats on 5 years, I think I have been with you for about 3 of them. Hope you continue for many more. Since we live very near a lake our favorite summer activity is going out on the boat with friends. We float and eat and drink and laugh, just what the best of life is about.
Jay says
Congratulations on 5 speedy years!......my summer passion is to wake early, and head to the the lake for a couple of hours before the sun is too high, with books in hand, and a water bottle of ice cubes. Home but 10:00 am, shower then out to lunch. Later aa siesta,,......,, then a cool drink on the deck with book or paper, thoroughly sated with inner peace, from my indulgent day. It doesn’t happen often enough, but oh the joy, when it does.
Rose says
HI Kristi, Congratulations on your anniversary! I've been following you for 2-3 years and look forward to your posts. I am always amazed at your projects even though we have different tastes. I have quit every other blog I have followed. However, not quiting you!
My favorite summer activity is working on my flower gardens and vegetable gardens. Of course, hanging out at cookouts with friends and family are high on the priority list too!
I just finished a project that I just love! I will try to email you a photo!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Rose for such a sweet comment. You definitely made my day! 🙂
Kristi says
Julie Bowden
Annette says
My favorite activity is hanging out at the beach. Since that's not always possible, my second favorite thing is to stay indoors with a good book.
Ii'm subscribed.
Casey says
My family's favorite summer activity by far is swimming! Can't keep us out of the pool. I'm also already a subscriber. 🙂
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
I'm already a subscriber to your newsletter.
Favorite thing to do in the Good Ole Summer Time is staying indoors where it's air conditioned especially when we reach the triple digits here in Texas but also enjoy a good BBQ at our son-in-laws.
Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
Amy C. says
I'm already an email subscriber. Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy C. says
I appreciate that our family's schedule slows down in the summer and we can sleep in and not have anywhere to be some days!
Kaycee says
Hi Kristi and CONGRATULATIONS on your 5th Anniversary!!! My favorite summertime activity has to be spending more time outdoors with friends and family. Beaches, picnics, flea markets, farmer's markets, concerts, it's all good to me!
I am already a subscriber and enjoy you on Facebook and Instagram!
Cheers to many more blogging years my friend!
Kathy Earp says
I love to sit on the porch, cool drink in hand watching squirrel, deer, birds, or whatever wildlife come by for a visit. Just a few days ago I watched a couple of roadrunner play in my front yard.
I am currently already subscribed to Chatfield Court.
Rita says
Grease the pole with WD-40. Previously saw squirrels get into feeder. After WD-40, they tried to climb & slide back down like firemen on a pole! Funny to watch.
Roxanna says
The summertime for me is my flower gardens and I love my early morning dog walks.
Patti Boatwright says
Going to yard sales is my favorite summer activity. You just never know what treasure is waiting to be discovereed! I am a subscriber and look forward to each post! Enjoy your summer, too!
Starla says
Oooh, I totally love the bird feeder. Thinking I am definitely going to have to check this out! I think I can accomplish this DIY... I have been known to fail at some DIY, but hey atleast I try, lol! My favorite Summer activity is definitely kayaking. Of course I am already a subscriber! 🙂
Donna Gonzalez says
My favorite summer activity is reading a good book while floating in the pool - so relaxing. I already get your newsletter and always look forward to it.
Grammy Goodwill says
My favorite thing is spending time at the pool with my grandkids. I love seeing them in the water because I’m not much of a swimmer. (I have a terrible fear of water.)
Thanks for the chance to win.
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
Kathy says
my favorite thing about summer is shedding the winter gear and wearing my flip-flops and shorts. Enjoyimg my flowers and evenings outside reading. I am already a subscriber.
Kathleen says
I love to bike ride in the summer. We live near a beautiful bike trail that’s just full of trees, birds, squirrels. It’s wonderful to exercise out in nature. Kristie, I already follow you.
Tracy says
I already follow you. Love your blog.
Makes me happy and love it. Thanks. My fav summer activity would be waking up on a cooler morning on the weekends and sitting on our front porch. Love to watch the birds and sip my coffee with my hubby.
Laura Bailey says
My favorite hobby is needlepoint I love making Christmas stockings and ornaments. Congrats on 5 years
I been following you with my email for 3 years love your projects can’t wait to see finished camper
Thanks Laura
Carla Erickson says
My favorite summer activities involve sitting on the front porch on weekends having coffee, and sitting on our deck, under the lights, enjoying a pleasant evening! I am already a subscriber. I love your cottage!! Thanks!
Marlene Stephenson says
Every summer since retiring i spend a week with my cousins and we have so much fun talking about "the good old days". We use to hate our family reunions and now we love spending time together. I already get your newsletter.
Jill Jones says
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary, Christy! I look forward to hearing more from you on Chatfield Court for another 5 years.
My favorite summertime activity is walking with my small dog on the trail through our neighborhood greenbelt. We do this each day early in the morning and before the Northern California summer heat sets in. Each day, I feel like I've been on vacation because it is so beautiful.
I am already a subscriber to your posts and newsletter 🙂 Thank you for the chance to win your generous give-away.
Jo Donaghy says
I like to go to rummage sales and just sit on the back deck reading my book.
I'm already a subscriber.
Christine Agtang says
Congrats on the 5 years! Summer is not my favorite season. So, my favorite summer activity is staying out of the heat while reading, shopping, visiting friends and projects around the house. Can't wait for Fall!! I am a current subscriber... LOVE your blog.
Pamela says
My favorite summer activity is simply living with a relaxed schedule, sleeping in a little later, lazy afternoons in the pool with the kids, and quicker, more casual meals ... often followed by a scoop of ice cream!!
Pamela says
Congrats on five years! I really enjoy reading your blog and following your latest projects! I subscribe to your newsletter and follow you on instagram.
Heidi Webb says
My favorite summer activity is to work on my gardens. Also, to keep the squirrels from climbing the pole of the bird feeder spray it with wd-40. They will slide down.
Kristi says
Thanks for sharing the squirrel tip Heidi. I tried WD40 and he went right up. Little devil. 😉
Diane C Parmigiani says
My favorite summertime activity is just lazing around and enjoying the warm weather. I like keeping up with my garden and when it isn't raining (we've had quite a lot these seasons) I enjoy keeping it looking as nice as I can. I am already subscribed to your blog and look forward to reading it.
Beth Tebaldi says
My favorite summer ( read all year) activity; my husband and I sit on the back patio when he returns from work. We have 17 trees and a full assortment of flowering bushes. It’s a certified backyard sanctuary. We watch our 11 different bird feeders full of different birds. We love watching them bathe in the fountain or the ground pond. They are only ten-15 feet away from us. I think they think we are birds too because we’re out there every night.
We sit and talk about the day, the news, or sit quietly enjoying just being together, alone and in love.
Nature you could say is our church. 🙂
I’m already signed up and following you.
Peggy Polly says
Our favorite things to do is work in our flowers and goto the beach. We only live 10 minutes from the beach and love it. I enjoy your blog so much and subscribe to the newsletter. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
Debra Schramm says
My favorite summer activity is enjoying a cold beverage out on the deck (covered by huge oak trees) while grilling dinner.
chris says
most favorite would be getting in our above ground pool with my grandsons this year the youngest just decided it was time for him to swim under water and even though he only goes three feet, we yell and cheer like he is phelps, been a subscriber since way back in the old house xx
Debra Schramm says
I’m an email subscriber!
Nancy Walden says
Congratulations on 5 years! Your posts have been arriving in my mailbox for almost that long. My favorite summer activity is reading in my air conditioned house! I'll read in the backyard if the temp is right but today is an indoor day since it was 95 at 9 a.m.
Kim says
Swimming...that's my favorite hands down! And congrats...five years is a long time.
Deborah L Pelton says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
My favorite thing in summer is my air conditioner. I already follow you.
Tracey A says
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. says
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.
Pat M. says
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.
Pam Kaufman says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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.
Hilary says
I love the summer months in western/ north western Michigan. We love to go camping (more like glamping these days...) with our 4 boys and spend time in the beautiful wonders of Michigan.
I follow you via email ♡