life on churchill

a hint of summer

2013-05-15T07:22:00.000-05:00

floral romper | Isaiah 46:4
nook | neon swim

Almost a week since I last blogged! I caught an illness from our two kids and spent Mother's Day weekend recovering. It turned into a very relaxed weekend with more time to read. I started Kisses from Katie and found myself thinking often of my brother and his family who live in Kenya. It is a beautiful read that I definitely recommend (though I am not quite finished with the book!)

And wonderful news here in Minnesota! And after months of cold the trees are blooming. We even hit 90F yesterday. I live for hot weather! Summer is my favorite season and I am so excited to wear flip-flops. What do you think of summer? I know not everyone shares my excitement for warm weather!

My Grandma's Books

2013-05-09T16:32:00.002-05:00

When I traveled south in March I spent an afternoon at my grandparent's house in Hampton, South Carolina. They have a beautiful property with a pond, hammock, large garden, and chickens. And during the visit my Grandma offered me several books from her childhood.

I love how lived in the books are. This Bible Story Book (by Jane Eayre Fryer, published 1924) was signed as her favorite. It is filled with beautiful illustrations.

I also really enjoyed reading through Sharing Home Life. A Home Economics book from 1940, it highlights topics including recipes, sewing, and helping care for the house.

I found this illustration especially humorous. I'm not sure what my husband would say if I brought him a "neat and attractive tray" of food when he is sick! Especially one with flowers. I usually offer a big bowl of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.

My grandparents' 3 children surely read through these, along with their 10 grandchildren, and 26 great-grands. I love that the binders are a worn from thorough reading (I promise to take good care of them!).

Do you collect any vintage books? I have a hard time walking away from a vintage children's book, especially one with illustrations!

weekend highlights

2013-05-07T21:56:00.004-05:00

Friends we had more snow last week. It didn't accumulate much but we had several days of flurries. In May! To combat the cold, gloomy weather I bought fresh tulips from Trader Joe's (half the price of Target's tulips!). On Saturday I visited West Elm, Crate&Barrel, Home Goods, and the Room & Board Outlet in search of new bedding (Does anyone else shop several places before making design decisions?!). We finally found a new duvet cover at Ikea Saturday night. Horray for Ikea!

The sun peaked out on Sunday. We spent the afternoon cleaning our basement and garage while the kids played outside. We even added a little Etsy shop area to the basement. It is very much in progress and I enjoyed organizing.

It was a good, full weekend. Did you do anything special last weekend?

friday links

2013-05-03T08:56:00.002-05:00

backyard stargazing in Georgia

The history of Tupperware.

Pretty origami butterflies.

This Marimekko cover from Crate&Barrel.

Beautiful bedroom with painted plank walls.

An inventor box for encouraging STEM skills (science, technology, engineering + math) I am sure our lego-loving 5 year old would create for hours!

Do you have plans this weekend? We have some house projects on the list and a date night tomorrow night! Happy weekend!

new arrivals

2013-05-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wooden Hangers $9, Tupperware Jello Mold $10, Stainless Gemco Creamer $10

Each year in elementary school we sold chocolate bars wrapped in foil with white labels. I dreaded it. The thought of knocking on a neighbor's door for a fundraiser was completely daunting. And now years later I have an Etsy shop! I never would have guessed it. One of the reasons I am comfortable selling is because of my a passion for vintage collectibles. Each item is handpicked. Each piece has a history.

I would love to have you visit the shop! I plan to list more classic children's books next week. Happy Wednesday! (It is snowing here, can you believe it?)

lemon & blueberry

2013-04-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

We spent hours outdoors Friday, Saturday and Sunday and I can safely say spring is finally here in Minnesota. Going with the spring theme, here are a few lemon and blueberry recipes pulled from my Pinterest dessert + drinks board. Do you have a favorite? I plan to make the lemon bars for our kids soon!

vacation highlights

2013-04-26T15:02:00.002-05:00

A few favorite Instagram photos @juliaonchurchill

Over the past ten days we enjoyed time with cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents in South Carolina and Georgia. We soaked in the warm sunshine and pretended it was warm enough for swimsuits.

We celebrated my Mom's birthday and on Wednesday my Dad had major surgery. He is in recovery and I'm so overwhelmingly thankful for modern medicine. Please pray for his continued healing.

I look forward to blogging more next week. Until then, have a wonderful weekend! It is beautiful and warm here in Minnesota!

what to pack: travel with preschoolers

2013-04-11T21:50:00.004-05:00

We live 20 hours from both sides of our family and fly at least twice a year to visit family. I have developed a bit of process for what to pack for plane flights. Our kids are energetic and bringing a variety of things to do is important to my Mom survival!

1. A travel pillow. We pack 1 per child's backpack and they fit perfectly behind our little one's seat on the plane. Also helpful if they fall asleep.

2. Nalgene water bottle. We empty ours at security and then refill at a water fountain.

3. Leapfrog Tag Reader. We've used our tag reader for years. I love the compact size and we select a few favorite books to bring on the plane to "read."

4. Snacks. They are a life saver. We pack pretzels, crackers, fruit snacks, and applesauce. I love squeezable applesauces and can be found at most grocery stores.

5. Sticker books and coloring books are good to have on hand. I often purchase new activity books for the trip.

6. Golden books. Bring a few favorite small books to read on the plane. I find Golden books to be the perfect size for backpacks.

7. A new tv show episode. I usually download a new video to my iphone the night before the trip. It is fresh and new for the kids to watch and averages 20-30 minutes.

Do you have any other suggestions? Travel tips? I will be traveling again with the kids soon!

weekend highlights: Minnesota Arboretum + Excelsior, MN

2013-04-09T10:36:00.001-05:00

I visited the Minnesota Arboretum last weekend with a group of friends. With over 1,000 acres it is the Upper Midwest's largest public garden. Even without flowers the space was beautiful.

I am continually challenged and refined in how I see beauty. Growing up in a warm climate beauty meant golden sand with sunshine. We've lived in Minnesota for six years now. And I can honestly say God reveals beauty in the somber gray days, breaks in the clouds, and fellowship with good friends.

Later in the day we visited Excelsior Minnesota, a cute small town along Lake Minnetonka. I am continually amazed by frozen lakes. It seems time is paused, the water should be lapping against the dock and instead it is completely still.

While in Excelsior we gave my friend Kristen a baby shower at Antiquity Rose, a sweet dining room with antiques. The shop inspired me. Someday I'd love to open an vintage collectibles store, perhaps with a bakery or coffee shop.

I had a wonderful getaway with friends. It was so refreshing to enjoy quiet times and laughter with friends. I want to take Lee and the kids to the arboretum sometime soon. There are countless trails for the kids to run and explore.

How was your weekend?

a someday cottage

2013-04-02T15:36:00.001-05:00

I spotted this cottage several weeks ago and just could not get the yellow door out of my head. It is so cheerful and welcoming. Paired with the white screen door and bentwood chair it fits well with my dream of a someday cottage.

I love the scratched up tin of flowers and antique bottles on the mantle. It reminds me of spring which seems fitting the month of April. I've decided that my posts this month will have a common theme: welcome spring.

The first five years of my life I lived on a salt-water bluff. We moved more inland but I could still access the beach within an hour and visited often. The salty air that feels like home.

Photography by Sharyn Cairns via homelife

Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to this cottage. It is located in Victoria, Australia about two hours form Melbourne. It reminds me of a cottage you could discover on Tybee Island (my favorite beach growing up) Someday perhaps we will own a beach cottage. For now I'll save the photos.

Do you ever dream of owning a beach cottage? Or a lake house? I would love to hear about it!

Happy Easter!

2013-04-01T13:24:00.003-05:00

friday links

2013-03-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

aqua, my favorite | afternoon sunlight | shadows

tulips | little pirates | resurrection rolls

A few favorite links:

Printed iphone photos via Printic.A beautiful blog for antiques and collecting inspiration.Reading She Reads Truth in preparation for Easter. Individual blueberry cakes. Made a few weeks ago, so good!New things at the Etsy shop.

Meanwhile at our house spring thaw is happening! It is so encouraging. The kids love splashing in our new puddles. We have a relaxed weekend ahead and an Easter brunch with friends on Sunday. Blessings to you this weekend!

DIY Natural Lace Easter Eggs

2013-03-25T11:06:00.001-05:00

It is a family tradition to dye Easter eggs each year, and I've been interested in trying a natural food dye. So I pinned a few recipes for naturally dyed Easter eggs using cabbage, blueberries and onion skins.

Then reality set in (two hyper preschoolers at home!) So I purchased William Sonoma's eco-egg coloring kit. The kit uses red cabbage, sweet potatoes, anatto, and tumeric and it saved precious time.

I boiled a dozen eggs and then after waiting several minutes (and growing increasingly impatient) I gave the eggs an ice bath. Now for the fun part!

Inspired by Better Homes and Gardens March 2013 lace dyed eggs

I purchased a lace tablecloth and doily for a few dollars at Goodwill and then cut out large circles to cover the egg. I tightly wrapped each eggs using a hair tie and dipped the eggs according to the directions. Then gently dried the eggs and cut the band to remove lace.

Supplies

A dozen boiled eggs, cooled

Egg dye

Lace, doily, or cheesecloth

Rubber bands

Paper towels or newspaper for drying

A fun afternoon project! The kids enjoyed experimenting with colors (to make colors like brown and green required dips in multiple cups) Do you have any fun ideas for Easter eggs?

a thrifted typewriter

2013-03-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

Once a week a dear friend and I take turns watching each other's kids for an hour or two. The kids love the playtime and we get to run a few errands every other week. A few weeks ago I finished grocery shopping and stopped by a small thrift store near my friend's house.

The sale's associate welcomed me and shared that everything in the store was 90% off. The store was closing and it was only open for one more day. I scooped up a few craft supplies for the kids then headed to the back of the store. I spotted this vintage typewriter complete with the original key and hard case.

Now I am the proud owner of a vintage Olympia typewriter. Made in West Germany in 1957. Overall in good condition though likely the ribbon needs to be replaced and the keys stick a bit. And to be honest I have no idea how to use it!

Last week I visited my Grandparents. My Grandma was missing an old dress and I offered to climb in the attic to look for it. I didn't find the dress but I discovered a box of vintage books. Among them a College Typewriting book from 1941.

I am hopeful it will teach me how to type on a typewriter. I plan to start on Page One! Do you have any typewriting tips or know of any online tutorials?

instagram recap: a trip south

2013-03-18T08:09:00.000-05:00

Baby chick at my Grandparents | Moss-covered sidewalk | Mom's sweet tea
A beautiful southern thrift store | Freshly fallen Camellia petals | Hello flip-flops

Last week I traveled south to visit my family. Its always a shock to visit Georgia in spring with flowers blooming and friends in sandals. And now I am back in the midwest! It was a refreshing week and I am ready to tackle these last few weeks of winter.

Our home tour is on Design Mom! Gabrielle's readers are so kind and I enjoyed sharing our thrifty and vintage philosophies. If you are a new reader, welcome!!

Happy Monday!

headed home

2013-03-09T20:14:00.003-06:00

Ebenezer Creek, Dec 2012. photo by Lee Fain.

I am unexpectedly heading to my hometown next week. I've been busy filling the cabinets with food, washing laundry, and gathering things for the kids to do while I am away.

I have no clue what to pack for Georgia weather. I have been in snow boots everyday for the past three (four?) months. I'm planning to take a mix of layers and a few books for the plane (so strange to be packing for just myself and not for our two preschoolers!)

Any purchases from the Etsy shop will ship Monday, March 18th. I hope you all have a blessed week! I'll likely update via instagram.

friday links

2013-03-08T07:54:00.001-06:00

Pointillism for kids using pencil erasers.

The 1950s dresses at 1919 Vintage.

Sweet dress up hats.

Another great thrifted finds blog.

This rug and blanket.

Repurposed potatoes.

Happy weekend friends!

Dreaming of Spring

2013-03-05T10:50:00.001-06:00

Row 1: Janie and Jack Floral Dress. J Crew Organdy Dot Dress Hanna Andersson Feels Like Spring Dress
Row 2: J Crew Ponte Swing Dress. J Crew Carmella Dress. Forever 21 Classic Stripe Dress.

Easter is an important holiday in our family. And I think it should be. After all, we are celebrating the gospel! The resurrection of Jesus.

Easter also marks the end of winter for us in Minnesota. And I am so very ready for winter to be over. Here are a few favorite outfits I picked for Kinsey and I. Do you dress up for Easter?

new arrivals [second edition]

2013-02-28T15:06:00.002-06:00

Its been a busy week! I had a birthday on Tuesday. A big one--30! I took time off from blogging and meanwhile spent more time listing things on Etsy.

I love learning the history of each item. The pitcher is a Ernest Sohn piece from Denmark. Ann Can Fly is a 1950s early reader book about a Dad teaching his daughter to fly a floatplane. The cake carrrier is a nice Lincoln Beautyware stainless piece. (I just added a set of Lincoln Beautyware canisters to our kitchen).

Would love to have you visit the shop! And let me know if I can hunt for something special. Happy Thursday!

vintage cosco step stool

2013-02-22T13:49:00.002-06:00

Kinsey and I visited our local thrift store last Friday. I was in search of small things until I spotted this vintage cosco step stool. It looks like it was used in a garage with paint platters on the base and top, but for under $4 it was a bargain.

I gave it a good scrubbing and a new home in our dining area. I'm considering recovering the top (like this stool) and painting the base areas to match. Would you restore the piece or leave it as is?

Happy Friday!

ice fishing

2013-02-20T14:06:00.001-06:00

Sunday while Kinsey and I went thrift store shopping, Lee and Bryce headed down to our nearby lake and went ice fishing. They did not stay long (cold and windy, as you can imagine!) but it was a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I grew up in a warm climate and saw my first frozen lake in college. Now that we live in Minnesota frozen lakes are a way of life. It is common to see ice fish houses on the lakes in winter. I am glad Bryce got the chance to try it! Have you ever been ice fishing?

indoor kids craft ideas

2013-02-18T12:06:00.001-06:00

1. I'd like to try these cookie cutter apple slices!

2. Tracing favorite characters onto ziploc bags.

3. Naturally dyed Easter eggs by Kayley Ann Photography.

4. Purchased the jello packets and ready to try this Play Dough recipe!

5. An easy art symmetry lesson.

6. Embroidery with kids using burlap.

How was your weekend? Good I hope! It is mid-winter here in Minnesota. Our high tomorrow is 10F while my family in Georgia will enjoy highs in the 60s. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts...!

I've stocked up on craft supplies this month. Painting, coloring, play dough...its all so fun and entertaining on a long winter day. And an added bonus, these projects help with fine motor skills and sensory integration. I'd like to try all of these! Do you have a favorite?

Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T08:04:00.003-06:00

I like Valentine's Day. But I recognize that this is a hard day for many. And with instagram, facebook, and blogs Valentine's Day is everywhere.

Flowers, dinners, heart shaped valentines are great. But love isn't perfect. It isn't always easy. And I fail every day. In our family our foundation is Christ. And daily I praise God for His grace that enables me to try again. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

We have a simple day planned. The kids and I plan to bake cupcakes, we'll make a nice dinner, and watch a movie after the kids head to bed.

Do you have any special plans today?

new etsy arrivals

2013-02-12T13:53:00.005-06:00

I enjoyed adding a few new things to the Etsy shop this week!

My friend Jeran of Oleandar and Palm recently interviewed me regarding the new etsy shop. Would love to have you visit (she shares an etsy discount code valid through Valentine's Day!)

friday inspiration: the tiny house

2013-02-07T17:43:00.003-06:00

Last year my husband Lee brought home a book: Compact Cabins: Simple Living in 1,000 square feet or less. We admired the floor plans and I created a cottage dreams pinboard. Our current home is a modest size (around 1300sq ft) and its fun to dream about someday going smaller.

The Tiny House is my favorite small house to date. I first spotted the space on Poppytalk and had to read more. At 540 square feet it was remodeled without adding to the existing footprint.

I admire the details. The sofas double as twin beds for guests and drawers under the sofas hold toys. I love the built in bunkbed next to the narrow pull-out closet.

Lincoln Barbour || Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Ever dream about remodeling or building a tiny house?

Happy Friday!