By Gabrielle. Here’s another fun episode from Olive Us! Take a visit to a Normandy Cider Farm with Ralph, Maude, Olive, Oscar, Betty & June. See how the apples are harvested and the juice is bottled, and get a glimpse of the beautiful countryside. Fun fact: Normandy is the only region of France that doesn’t produce wine. Instead, apples and pears are so abundant here that ciders and juices are the local drink (and calvados, for those seeking something a bit harder). Apple tarts are also famous in this region. And they are hands down delicious. We filmed this episode at La Galotiere, the most picturesque little farm you’ve ever seen. We buy their apple juice by the crate! P.S. — Subscribe to Olive Us to be the first to know about new videos. In fact, a behind-the-scenes video about the Cider Farm will be posted later today. And hey, if the Cider Farm episode doesn’t show up for you here, try viewing it on Vimeo. …

Olive Us: Episode 19: Cider FarmRead More »

By Gabrielle. How many of you have bought the perfect home in the perfect location with the perfect bedroom just across the hall from the master just made for that perfect child that will someday arrive…only to be surprised by two perfect children at the same time! Two children who do not sleep well together, in fact. Life rearranges all of our perfect plans, doesn’t it? Sara knows this firsthand, and with another perfect baby on the way she is set to rearrange once again in this house she and her family — and all their firsts! — call home. Welcome, Sara! Q: Please introduce us to you! A: My name is Sara. I share my home with my husband Andy, our twin daughters, Lauren and Avery, and our dog Wrigley. My husband and I are college sweethearts and have been married for almost ten years. Lauren and Avery turn four this weekend! Wrigley is nine; we adopted him when he was a puppy a few months after we got married and bought our first house. Q: Where does your home live, and how did it come to be yours? A: Our home is in the western suburbs of Chicago, about 40 minutes from downtown. The ironic thing about this house is that at the time we were searching for it we were also working on the HGTV show, Designed to Sell, which featured our first home and talked about our desire to move back to Chicago (where we had lived prior to buying that house), but instead we moved further west, away from the city. We loved this home from the moment we walked into it. It was built in the 1950s, but was flipped just prior to our moving into it, so all the finishes have been redone and are definitely a major part of why we fell in love. We also loved that it didn’t have a traditional floor plan, but felt more modern and unique. A lot of people say it feels like a city house, which I love since I was the one who wanted to move back to Chicago before buying this house. Our home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms on two floors. Unfortunately, we do not have a basement, which is rare here. We miss it! …

Living With Kids: Sara KahlenbergRead More »

By Gabrielle. Poster by Wonchan Lee. Question: Hi Design Mom. You mentioned that your older kids watched You’ve Got Mail, and I’d love to know what movies you watch as a whole family. Are there movies that the younger kids and older kids both like? I need a list for our own movie nights. Thanks! — Joanna. Answer: Such a fun question, Joanna! As you know, we love a good movie party at our house. : ) Before I share a list of favorite titles, I feel like I should give some kind of parental guidance warning. We don’t consider ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R) super accurate at our house. School of Rock is PG-13, but we watch it as a whole family. On the other hand, Skyfall is rated PG-13, but we won’t let our kids see it — even the older two who are 13+. And The Kings Speech, which is rated R, would definitely be on my approved list for my teens. So if there’s something on our list that would offend your kids, forget my recommendation and stick to your own instincts. …

Ask Design Mom: Movies For All AgesRead More »

By Gabrielle. February 1st marked 2 years that we’ve lived in France. Two years! It’s flown by so incredibly fast. And I feel emotional every time I think about it. We hoped and suspected it would be a happy and growing experience for our family, but it has been so much more positive and life-changing than we could have imagined. Our plan is to move back to the U.S. in July, after the French schools let out for the summer. Which means we’ve got 6 months left here at La Cressionère. And we want soak up every last minute of it! So don’t be surprised if you see a heavier dose of French-themed posts in the next while. I want to give you the latest report on our children’s experience in French schools. A language learning update, too. I want to share my favorite inexpensive souvenirs. I want to recap what we’ve done, and the places we’ve visited since we arrived. And generally just reflect on what we’ve learned, and what comes next. Speaking of what comes next, I’ve mentioned it before, but we are trying really, really hard to buy a rustic cottage here in Normandy before we move. (Rustic = needs much TLC.) Lots of paperwork involved, but if we are able to make it happen, I’ll definitely report. Please wish us luck! And if there’s anything specific about our experience here in France that you’d like me to write about, let me know in the comments. P.S. — Man oh man I love this house. The image is the hallway at the top of the stairs.

By Gabrielle. I’ve got another Celebrations video to share with you today, and I hope you’ll like it! In this video, Birthday Traditions Part 2, you’ll find 3 more happy ideas to help you establish long-lasting traditions your family will treasure. If you missed it, you can find Part 1 here. As I mentioned before, I’m hoping birthday traditions can become an ongoing theme, and that I’ll make more videos as I come across good ideas. Which reminds me, thank you so much for sharing your favorite family birthday traditions — I love reading your comments! P.S. — Watch for a You Are Special Today Plate DIY coming later this week. Also, you can find my Babble Celebrations column here.

Text and images by Gabrielle. Pharmacies, and specifically pharmacists, play a different role here in France than they do in the U.S. From what I can tell, for non-emergency medical issues or questions, like colds, rashes, or congestion, pharmacists are the first stop. They’re incredibly knowledgable and they come out from behind the counter to discuss the options and recommend products. Plus they keep samples of pretty much everything they stock on hand and offer them up generously so you can find the product that’s going to work for you before you spend your money. Something else you’ll find integrated into every French pharmacy is homeopathic medicine. It seems to be as common as aspirin here! And I should note, not just at pharmacies. It’s also common for any doctor to recommend homeopathie as an option. (Where as in my experience in the U.S., typically only “alternative” practitioners might recommend it.) Essentially, homeopathie is not considered strange, alternative, quack-y or odd at all. It’s simply an additional option. And it’s readily available at even the smallest corner pharmacy. …

HomeopathieRead More »

A new Olive Us episode! And it’s a charmer. Do you have a wood-burning fireplace at your house? This little episode shows how our firewood is delivered and stacked — an event we have found delightful since this is the first house we’ve lived in with a working fireplace. And hey, if you consider yourself part of the Oscar Fan Club, this episode is especially for you! (Be sure to watch till the end of the credits for a little treat.) Have you seen Moonrise Kingdom? We really loved it and thought the matter-of-fact narrator was an especially cool aspect of the story. So we thought it would be fun to make an Olive Us episode with a narrator, too. And Oscar was picked for the job! A bit of trivia: You wouldn’t know it by watching the episode, but it was actually really challenging for Oscar to deliver his lines while looking directly into the camera. So hard! It took lots of practice and many, many (many!) takes. And ultimately, he had to concentrate so hard while doing it, that he is very, very serious throughout the episode. Which happily, turned out to be pretty darn charming (at least, in my opinion). P.S. — More Olive Us episodes. …

Olive Us: Episode 18: Stacking WoodRead More »

Text and images by Jordan of Polkadot Prints for Design Mom. Edited by Amy Christie. In Australia, where I’m from, Valentine’s Day s is celebrated more by couples and ‘grown ups’ — we give flowers, chocolates, notes, we go out for dinner, etc. Because of that, that I’ve never been a big fan of the commercial craziness that surrounds this holiday. But really, when you get down to the nuts and bolts of the day, it’s really about loving others. And that? I am totally into! Today’s Valentines DIY is a simple and easy project that your kids will love to help you with. These little bags would make a sweet little gift for your teenagers, your children’s classmates, and neighborhood friends. The ‘Love One Another’ flavour is unusual for Valentine’s Day, but I think it’s so fitting. I hope you like it! Once you have all your supplies together, it really is quite simple. …

The Perfect Gift: Dip-Dyed Treat BagsRead More »

By Gabrielle. Question: Hi Design Mom. I am wondering how the time difference from France to the U.S. affects you and your husband’s work days. I work from home, too, and dream of living abroad. Any thoughts? — Rebekah Answer: Great question, Rebekah! Before we moved, I hadn’t actually given the time change much thought, but it turns out it has affected our work — and our life! — in a big way. I have several assorted thoughts on the subject, but they feel a little disjointed in my head, so I’m going to put them in a list and see how that goes: – I love, love, love waking up 6 hours before East Coasters (and 9 hours before Californians!). When I sit down with my laptop and tackle my inbox, I can actually make progress! Because most of the people that email me are fast asleep and my inbox stays quiet while I answer emails. And it just feels like I’m getting a head start! Basically, I get my posts done for the day and scheduled — but they don’t go live until 3:00PM my time (which is 9:00AM in NY). So if we have an outing that day, or guests in town, I know I have until 3:00PM to get things going. It’s a really nice feeling. Ben Blair and I have discussed that it will be one of the things we miss the very most when we move back. …

Ask Design Mom: Working With a Time DifferenceRead More »

By Amy Christie Let’s welcome February with a sweet little project — complete with free download! Handmade Valentines are the best. Handmade Valentines that include a bag of sweets, the best ever. This little treat bag is just as simple to put together as the house gift box from last month and absolutely perfect for all your Valentines. With the free printable, scissors and double-sided tape (and a few sweets), your Valentines will feel the love for sure. …

The Perfect Gift: LOVE Valentine Gift BagRead More »

By Gabrielle. I’ve got a really beautiful new Olive Us episode to share with you today. It’s sweet and whimsical, and if you’re stuck inside with winter weather, it will be just the trick to get you up and making. The recipe is one my family has been making for decades and it comes with the misspelling of snoball. We’ve chosen to keep the misspelling because we don’t want to jinx the recipe in any way! It’s so simple and yummy — I think these are my very favorite cookie. For those of you ready to try it out, take note of the marble reference — with these cookies, bite-size is key! Find the full written recipe here. Big thanks to Tiger in a Jar for their extra-dose of creativity on this one. And thanks to Tea Collection as well — they sent Betty’s sweet outfit!

By Gabrielle. Hooray! I’ve got another Celebrations Video I made for Babble to share with you today. This one is all about easy, fun birthday traditions you can start with your family! I’m sharing 3 ideas in the Part 1 video today and next week, I’ll share the Part 2 video, with three more ideas (and a DIY!). [UPDATED: here’s the Part 2 link.] I’m hoping this can become an ongoing theme, and that I’ll make more Birthday Traditions videos as I come across good ideas. : ) Please enjoy it! P.S. — Find my Babble Celebrations column here.

By Gabrielle. You know by now that not much inspires me more than seeing how you’re all living with kids, especially when your own style and aesthetic grows up beautifully alongside them. Sure, there might be growing pains and a few awkward years and one or two horribly stained couches! But style, to me, has a lot in common with family life: it’s all about evolving and being better tomorrow than you may have been today. Iris and her family epitomize that ideal so perfectly. Not only are there five kids (I love seeing how stylishly big families are living!), but there’s also this underlying current of preparing everyone for real someday life while enjoying them so much right this very minute. Friends, I am pleased to introduce you to Iris! You’re going to love her. Q: You’re Australian, married to a Swiss man and have five kids…living in the north of France. Draw us a map how you’ve traveled to this point! A: Hello! My name is Iris but most people call me Cilla. I know, it’s weird. Eric is my Swiss husband and we have five kids, all of whom hold triple nationalities! There’s Zachary, who just turned 18, which I cannot even believe; where did my baby go? Then there’s John (16), Jessy (15), Anna (12), and Eve, who is nine. Eric and I met in Paris while working at the same place. We married about a year later and went to live in Switzerland; first, in the German speaking part where Eric is from, near Basel, and then in Geneva which is French speaking. We studied there, but our hearts pulled us back to France. Our first son Zach was born, and soon after John. At this time an opportunity for work brought us to the north of France where we still live 16 years later! Q: How would you describe your house? What makes it your home? A: Our house is an old farmhouse that we bought and renovated to the best of our tight budget. A lot of sweat on Eric’s part! He’s had enough now but it really has served our family well. It is spacious and full of light which is so important in our region. It is mostly open plan downstairs, so it really promotes family life. We like being together, even though each one can find a little space for himself when necessary. I think it’s the people that live in it that makes it my home! I actually associate my family with home. If they are there, then that’s my home. …

Living With Kids: Iris DettwilerRead More »

By Gabrielle. Alt Summit SLC has arrived. The first panels and keynotes start today. In fact, I really need to get off my computer and get dressed and get going! As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m an Alt Summit founder and owner, and my ongoing responsibilities include determining, inviting and overseeing all the panels, classes and speakers. It’s an exciting job that requires many hours over many months. I couldn’t sleep well last night, because today’s the day I get to see all that work in action. I know from experience there will be dozens of challenges that pop up, big and small, throughout the conference, and I so badly want to be able to handle them with grace under pressure. Among the many things on my mind, I want to be attentive and undistracted during my conversations, to assist the speakers with their technical setup and bring them calm and encouragement — and to make sure the Keynote Speakers are picked up from the airport on time. : ) The photo at top is one of the outfits I wore to Alt Summit last year. I felt confident and feminine and sassy in it and hope I can channel the same emotions this year. Wish me luck! P.S. — If you’ll allow me a brag, I am over-the-moon about the speaker line-up and schedule! I feel so proud of what our team has put together. This is going to be the best Alt yet!

By Gabrielle. Julie Blackmon is a photographer. Correction: Julie Blackmon is an amazing photographer. And that’s one skill that contributes to a beautiful home, don’t you think? Having a refined eye that can edit mercilessly, arrange a room so that the sunlight dances through it, and ultimately create a space where both kids and adults feel comfortable. I’ve known so many friends who routinely take photos of their home to “check” how it’s living. Is it balanced? Are the colors and textures and patterns in harmony? Julie does it all perfectly. Just take a look. Friends, welcome to the Blackmon home. Q: Please tell us who lives in this picture-perfect home. A: Well, thank you for saying that, but it’s not so picture perfect. What you don’t see is inside the drawers, closets, basement, garage, or the broken skateboard parts scattered across our front porch. And then there’s always Photoshop! Really, we do love our house. I’m an artist, living and working from home, and I live here with my husband, WD, who’s head of English at Missouri State University, and my 13 year old son, Owen. We spend a lot of time at home, so we’ve really worked at making our house a place where we want to be. But our house will never look perfect. So if it does in these photos, it’s because my genius designer sister, Sharon Taylor, can stage anything. …

Living With Kids: Julie BlackmonRead More »

By Amy Christie Winter is dark and cold — at least where I live. I can’t do much about the cold, however, I can do something about the dark! The long nights of the winter are a perfect time for luminaries. Who doesn’t love the inviting look of a walkway lined with lights? My mom sent me this product link after seeing it in a local garden store. I loved it! It reminded me of this pin and, with a little DIY-ing, I figured out a way to make them into outdoor luminaries. The light source is your choice — small click lights or candles — and with a few other simple materials, your winter can be a little less dark too. It’s so easy you’ll want to make a bunch! …

DIY: Ice LuminariesRead More »

By Carter. Lewis Carroll’s peculiar tale of nonsense, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is awfully illogical, but utterly wonderful. When the Mad Hatter declares, “It’s always tea-time!”, it really, truly is. He bickered with Time (over something silly, presumably!) and this party is stuck — forever — on tea-time. Not the worst luck in the world, right? How I would love to be at a long table, enjoying tea into infinity with you! I’m sure we would never run out of things to talk about. Until then, I’ll just stare lovingly at this print by Emily McDowell, which you can purchase in her shop here. P.S. — This series — illustrated quotes from children’s books — is a collaboration between Emily McDowell and myself. You can find the whole series here.

By Gabrielle. Instagram shot by Ben Blair. Oh my goodness you guys. This one is for all the Paris lovers and dreamers out there. I can not wait for you to see this episode! It feels magical to me. I could just watch it forever. I love seeing such a magnificent place through a child’s eyes. When we move back to the U.S., I’m positive we’ll watch this movie every time we get homesick for France. (Try it on vimeo if it’s not playing for you here.) You can find out a little backstory about this episode here, and for those who are curious, Betty’s pom pom hat and over-the-knee socks are from Tea Collection. Please tell me you love the video as much as I do! P.S. — Huge thanks to Tiger in a Jar for the gorgeous footage, to Merrilee Liddiard for the beautiful title illustration, and to our friend Caroline for helping out the entire time!

By Amy Christie When I was first driving, my key chains out-numbered the passengers I was allowed to have in the car. They were big, clunky and heavy but so very cool. : ) Nowadays, I think of my keychain as a piece of jewelry — I crave something with color and design, something that feels good in my hand — and these wooden key chains fit the bill. I think they would make such a pretty “just because” gift for a friend, and they would be perfect to celebrate someone’s new driver’s license as well! This project isn’t as detailed as you might think. Using markers instead of paint, there is less fiddling and dry-time is non-existent. Then with a little patience and strength, an ordinary blade can cut through the wood. Simple materials, simple tools, simple project. Here’s how it’s done. …

The Perfect Gift: Wooden Key ChainRead More »

By Gabrielle. Mind if I do a little show-and-tell? I finally snapped photos of these this morning and they are still making me grin. Eight antique French kitchen towels! These have been on my list as the number one souvenir I want to bring home from France so you can guess how happy I was when I spotted a basket of them at a brocante (sort of an odds and ends antique shop) for 5 euros each. I’ve shopped around and that’s a good price — and really, pretty similar to what a new dish towel might cost. I quickly went through the basket, picked out my favorite eight (4 of them have embroidered initials!), and asked Ben Blair to give them to me for Christmas. : ) They are not a matching set, but they all have a distinctive red stripe in common. And although these would still function very well as regular old useful dish towels, my intention is to use them as a set of dinner napkins. They’re not a typical square napkin shape — in fact, several are quite long, and all are definitely rectangular. But I think they’ll make wonderful napkins all the same. Some are a bit spotty, so the next step will be a good soak in the laundry to see how clean I can get them. What do you think? Do they appeal to you like they do to me? And do you think I need more? What sort of souvenirs would you bring home? P.S. — I first mentioned seeing linens like these here.