Shutters
Another new-to-me aspect of living in France is using shutters. In America, if there are shutters on the building at all, they are generally non-functioning. But in France, shutters are real working parts of the house and they are typically opened and closed daily.
In fact, one of my favorite mornings in Paris was spent watching the buildings on the street come alive as each window shutter was opened and folded in for the day.
At our house, opening the bedroom shutters has become a part of my morning routine. And closing them at night has become part of my evening one.
At first, I wasn’t sure what I thought of it — opening the window to get the shutters in the middle of winter is cold! But we’re four months in and I’ve come to love the shutters. Especially now that it’s staying light until 10:00pm or later. The shutters are so helpful in getting the kids’ rooms nice and dark at bedtime.
… Tulip Fields
On our way to Amsterdam, we stopped to see the world famous tulip fields. But oh dear, we were late! We searched the whole area and there were only a handful of fields still blooming. At first we were shocked. Just five days before our trip, Jordan had visited Holland and dozens of tulips fields were still in bloom. How could they have disappeared in such a short time?
But then, it was sort of hilarious — all the tourists were crowded in front of these few remaining fields, trying to get photos to document their visit.
Next to the still blooming fields you could see other fields where all the flower heads had been cut off. The flowers aren’t harvested to sell, instead, the flower heads are cut off at full bloom, which apparently makes the bulbs grow their biggest. Then weeks later, the bulbs are harvested and sold. I found it so interesting!
Luckily, the few remaining fields made for some great photos anyway.
… Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day, Friends! We are back from Paris. The kids are in school today (it’s not a holiday here in France), but Ben Blair has the day off so we’re going to lunch.
My mother snapped these photos when we stopped at an American Military Cemetery after our visit to Mont St. Michel.
I find military cemeteries to be peaceful and sobering. So many graves it always makes my heart break. Most graves were marked with names and dates, but some had only the inscription above. Which makes my heart break even more.
I hope you’re enjoying your day off and I hope you get a chance to honor your military loved ones today.
Paris
image by Jordan Ferney
Hello, Friends! How are you? I want to thank you for the really lovely comments about weaning June. They are such a comfort!
I’m actually sneaking out early today because there are fun plans in the works. I’m taking the train to Paris this morning to hang out with my friend Megan — one of my favorite people in the whole world. Then, later tonight, Ben Blair and the kids will meet me in the city and we’ll spend the long weekend playing tourist.
We’re planning a picnic at the Rodin Museum, and hoping to see a match at the French Open. (Did I tell you Ben Blair is a huge tennis fan?) I wonder if there will still be huge piles of peonies at the flower shops…
How about you? Any fun plans for the 3-day break? Memorial Day weekend always feels like the start of summer to me!
kisses,
Gabrielle
P.S. — Here are this week’s Babble posts:
– Am I the only person who still laughs when I hear ‘woot!’?
– Possibly, I am turning into a cat person.
– Over $1000 for an indoor playhouse?
– Vive la Macarons! Weaning June
Not long ago, June said goodbye to nursing.
This was the 6th baby I’ve weaned, so it wasn’t too shocking to me. My body stops producing a lot of milk around the baby’s first birthday and my babies have each let me know — in subtle and not-so-subtle ways — that nursing was no longer as compelling as other food sources. : )
I’m not a very sentimental person. My sister said she think my brain works like a man’s, more practical and problem-solving. And I think she’s right. But I felt very emotional when I realized June was giving up on nursing. (I’m starting to cry right this minute as I think about it.)
I kept trying to really pay attention during those last few nursing sessions — not knowing which would be the final one. I watched her little curling fingers and felt her little tummy against mine. I kept thinking I should ask Ben Blair to take a picture so I would have a record of it — but then I couldn’t bring myself to interrupt the sweet moment. (Dang! I wish I had a photo.)
It’s hard to imagine I won’t nurse a baby again. So strange. And the funny thing is, nursing isn’t even something I adore. I’ve nursed all my babies, but if I hadn’t been able to, I don’t think I would have minded much at all. I guess that’s why I’ve been thrown off by this emotional reaction to weaning June.
Maybe it’s something about feeling like it’s the end of an era for me.
What do you think? What is weaning like for you?
P.S. — I snapped these photos of June on her first birthday, right after we cleaned all the lemon tart from her hair. Shooting With Film
images by Sarah Wert
I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday. And it was such a downer when I realized it wasn’t. So dumb! Do you ever do that?
I love these behind the scenes shots from our photoshoot last weekend. The photographer was Sarah, of Modern Kids, which is based in San Francisco. Sarah was on a vacation here in Normandy and when she realized how close we were, she offered to come by.
I didn’t know this until Sarah started taking pictures, but she’s currently shooting only with film. And she uses a giant old camera (which she let Ralph try out). Isn’t that the coolest? She’s getting the rolls developed next week. I can’t wait to see the results.
I don’t think I’ve bought a roll of film in 10 years. Do you ever shoot with film? Or even have a film camera?
P.S. — Sarah is fabulous! She’s lived everywhere and knows all sorts of interesting things. My kids fell in love with her instantly. As she was leaving Oscar called out, “I love you Sarah! You can come stay with us anytime. Just skype us and we’ll tell you where we live!!” Polarn O. Pyret
We talked about Sweden yesterday and how serious the Swedes are about their outdoor gear (loving all the fantastic comments, by the way!). Today, let’s talk more about the gear itself. How they layer, what pieces they invest in, and how they get their money’s worth.
From what I understand, it’s a layering process. A specific one. You start with a first layer of 100% wool, or a synthetic material that will wick away moisture from the skin.
Next up, you add a warming layer, like fleece. And finally, you add weatherproof outerwear.
That’s it in a nutshell, but there’s a really helpful layering guide if you have a million questions and want more details (I did!).
Once they are properly layered, you send your kids off to school. When they get to school, if they’re going to be indoors, they take off the outer layers and spend their indoor time in that first wool/synthetic layer. They basically walk around school in their long underwear! I love that!! (Apparently, when they get older, they bring jeans to change into. : )
… Sweden
A couple of weeks ago, I took a short trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Polarn O. Pyret knew I was a fan, so they invited me and Jordan to visit their headquarters and get a behind-the-scenes look. I was impressed. And I want to tell you all about it. But before I do, we need to talk about Sweden.
First off: Gorgeous. The city was gorgeous. The people were gorgeous. Super model gorgeous.
Second. My impression is that the entire country is like one big Waldorf school. Very wholesome, with lots of time spent outdoors. People work hard and enjoy their leisure time. The Swedes we chatted with joked about raising their kids like Pippi Longstocking — with lots of play and independence.
Third. They do childhood differently than we do in the states. So different. Every single day, children spend hours outside. Every single day without exception. Rain, snow, below zero temperatures. This is not me exaggerating. It’s the real deal. Every. Single. Day.
There are preschools that don’t even have a building! They are held entirely out of doors. From drop-off to pick-up. Snack time, play time, learning time all happen outside. And these preschools are not for the fringe thinkers, these are one of several regular options that parents pick from. Are you dying?!
Also. Babies in Sweden nap outside. All naps are outside. The babies are bundled up, put in the stroller and rolled out to the porch where they nap for hours at a time — in every kind of weather. Now are you dying?!!!
Let’s also remember, that Sweden is super far north. Like moose north. It’s cold up there!
So how do they do it? Well, every person I talked to said it was all about the gear. In fact, they have a Swedish saying that roughly translates to: There is no bad weather, just bad clothing. They are super serious about their cold weather wear.
This is getting long, so I’ll follow up with a post about the actual visit to the Polarn O. Pyret headquarters later on. In the meantime, I’d love your thoughts. What’s your take on outdoor time every day? Would you be up for it? Would your kids?
P.S. — How can you not love a country that came up with H&M, Ikea and Hasbeens? I love the Swedish appreciation for design! I snapped these photos at stores, hotels — even the airport. Geraniums
We’ve been trying to adopt French traditions where possible. One of our favorites is growing potted geraniums in the windows. We’ve seen them brightening homes all over France. They look so cheery!
This was an easy tradition for us to adopt, because I’ve always favored geraniums to greet visitors.
Do you keep potted flowers? Do you have a favorite flower to grow?
La Cressonnière: Ralph’s Bedroom
Would you like to see what Ralph’s bedroom here in France looks like? I’ve got lots of photos to share!
When you come in the room, the first thing you see is his bed. It’s a beautiful antique piece with turned wooden spindles. The side folds down so that you can climb in easily. It’s actually intended to be for a child in the 5 to 11 range — much bigger than a crib, but a bit shorter than a twin. Ralph isn’t the tallest kid his age, so he actually fits just fine. Although. He’s totally had a growth spurt since we arrived here — his pants are floods all of a sudden! So I think he may need to move out of this bed soon. : )
The second thing you see is the desk. It’s in a quiet corner next to some bookshelves. A great place to study his French conjugations. : )
… Strings on Jars
My collection of yogurt cups is getting out of hand. But these string-covered jars might have me inspired. If I figure out something lovely to make, I’ll let you know. : ) Wild Poppies
The little daffodils are long gone, but in their place wild poppies have sprung up everywhere. I’m told they’re considered by some residents to be a weed, but I adore them! I think poppies are gorgeous and I spend time every year making sure they’re a part of my flower garden.
Here in the countryside, they grow along the roads and on the edges of plowed fields. Every so often, there are is a big hill full of them and I feel compelled to stop and take pictures.
Oh, France. Even your weeds are pretty!
P.S. — Have you ever received a red crepe-paper poppy from the American Legion Auxiliary? I still have one from when I attended Girls State in high school. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make a paper poppy. Memorial Day is coming — I think I’ll look up instructions and make them with my kids.
DIY Balloon Banner
As promised, here are instructions for the Balloon Banner we made for June’s 1st birthday celebration. I hope you find the perfect excuse to make one too!
… Amsterdam
I woke up today thinking about our visit to Amsterdam. I talked about wonderful Vondelpark here, but I wanted to have a record of other parts of our trip that stuck with me. So please forgive the rambling nature of this post. : )
I have to say, I fell in love with Amsterdam immediately. Our hotel was in a great location and we could wander the streets and find interesting spots in every direction. The Palace. The Nine Streets shopping district. Museums. Charming side streets. And canals everywhere you look!
…Laundry & Ironing
In France, everything is ironed. Every sweater, every t-shirt, every pair of pajamas. Every dishtowel, every sheet, every tablecloth. I’m not exaggerating even a little bit. Friends, this is a big change for me!
Not that I’m any stranger to ironing — it’s actually a task I enjoy. But in both New York and Colorado, ironing was done more selectively. A special skirt might get ironed, or a particularly wrinkly cotton pillowcase. But in general, t-shirts are not ironed, jeans are not ironed, dishtowels are not ironed.
I think the difference is because of line-drying. There are people with tumble dryers here, but they’re not used very often. Line-drying is the norm. Even in Paris, people keep a clothes horse to dry their laundry.
But line-drying leaves clothes and sheets quite stiff. Running everything under the iron gets out wrinkles and softens the fabric.
How does laundry work in your neck of the woods? Is ironing a part of your every day chores?
P.S. — Honestly, I’d be drowning in ironing without Sharon.
Sharon is English, but she’s lived here for the last 6 years. She’s is amazing! She plays with Baby June for a few hours each day so that I can get my work done. During June’s nap, she helps with laundry and ironing. Or bakes things like Tart Plum Crumble. But that’s not all! Sharon also keeps chickens and ducks and brings us gorgeous eggs, gives us gardening advice, and shares her stash of Interior Design magazines. She’s like Mary Poppins made especially for the Blair Family.
The stack of ironed laundry you see above? That’s all thanks to Sharon. Travel Tips: Spend A Day With Kids In Vondelpark Amsterdam
One of the best places to take kids in Amsterdam is Vondelpark, a huge park right near the center of the city.
It has everything you want in a good city park. Big green spaces. Bike and walking paths. Ponds. Cafés. And 2 of the coolest playground structures I have ever seen.
The first was like a treehouse/fort sort of structure that was really big. It kept reminding me of the Swiss Family Robinson house. It was built from huge logs and was half hidden in the trees. So neat!
The second one was super cool and super modern — I’ve never seen a play structure like it. It was next to a good lunch spot and a giant sandy play area, so my kids were in heaven.
Vondelpark is big, and we would never have known either play area existed without Lotte. Lotte is Dutch and lives in Amsterdam. She read that we were headed her way and offered to be our tour guide for a day. Local tour guides are the best!
Lotte is a mother, so she knew exactly where all the best kid spots in the park were. And she helped us decipher the menu when we stopped for lunch. (Lotte also helped us find some of the best shopping spots in the city, but I’ll report on that another day.)
We loved Vondelpark so much that we rented bikes and went back the next day!
Since we live in the French countryside, we don’t have access to nearby playgrounds, so I think we especially enjoyed our park time.
How about you? Do you live near a park? Are play structures all over the world getting cooler, or is it just in Amsterdam?
P.S. — 5 Tips for planning your trip to Amsterdam and more travel reports from The Netherlands. Buying Eggs
photos by Paul Ferney
Remember when I wondered if we could buy eggs from our neighbor? Well it turns out that yes, we most certainly can. And it’s an errand my kids are always delighted to volunteer for.
We start with an empty basket.
… Do You Have The Entrepreneurial Gene?
I love small businesses! Every single day, I get dozens of emails from entrepreneurs. They tell me their stories, share their products and exchange ideas with me. It makes me happy to read their emails — there’s such a neat energy surrounding people who are building and creating.
Small businesses are a part of my earliest memories. My father taught 5th grade at our local public school, but in his spare time he was always starting businesses. A few of the many he attempted: He started a restaurant called Hungry Hut. He built a custom picture framing studio in our basement. And he started a long-running community newspaper for senior citizens.
I’m pretty sure me and my siblings (see the whole family above — don’t miss #10!) inherited his entrepreneurial genes — we’ve all started businesses. Snowcones, language classes, a triathlon, a magnet business… and many more. Some failed, some succeeded. As for this blog, Design Mom is one of several businesses I’ve attempted — and funnily enough, it started as a hobby. I didn’t realize it was even going to turn into a business. : )
My father died over a decade ago, long before I’d ever even heard of blogging. But I think he would be proud of the company I’m building. Yay for small businesses!
How about you? Do you have the entrepreneur gene or the entrepreneur bug? Do you dream of owning a storefront or launching a website? Friendship Bracelet DIY
My daughter Maude/Mimi prepared this Friendship Bracelet How-to for you. Here’s what she says:
I love making these for my friends — both boys and girls like to wear them. Sometimes I wear just one, and other times I like wearing a whole bunch. I like wearing them as anklets in the summertime.
Once you get the hang of it, this is a really good activity to do while you’re watching a not very good movie. Grown ups can make them too, but I think this is an awesome activity for kids age 8 to 14.
… Marqueyssac Gardens
Hello, Friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day. And I hope your kids spoiled you with drawings and handmade cards and coupons for free hugs.
Did I tell you we opted to celebrate on the French Mother’s Day (May 29th) instead of yesterday? We had a birthday Saturday and have another birthday today — squeezing Mother’s Day right in the middle felt like too much. So I’ll be eagerly awaiting my own coupon books in a few weeks. : )
I thought I’d start off the posts this week with some photos from the Marqueyssac Gardens which we visited on our trip south to the Dordogne region of France. The gardens are vast and beautiful, but the views from the garden might be even better. They look like a fairytale. I couldn’t stop taking pictures!
And to make it even more unbelievable, these gardens are just a few minutes from where we went canoeing. That’s a whole lot of beauty for one little region.
Our visit to the gardens was scheduled right during June’s nap, so she snuggled up on her Daddy’s shoulder.
Near the end of our visit, the clouds rolled in and there was a major rainstorm. The weather here changes so quickly that throughout the gardens, there are little stone structures created as a place to wait out storms. Convenient and charming.
It really was a lovely trip. I kept using words like magical and amazing every time a new vista opened before me. The whole family felt super lucky we were there, and grateful to Stephanie and family for being tour guides and making sure we made the most of the area.
