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A Few Things

February 15, 2013

Text and image by Gabrielle.

Hello, Friends! How has your week been? Now that Valentine’s Day has come and gone, I really start to yearn for Spring in earnest. You too? We’ve had buckets and buckets of rain this winter and the ground is absolutely soaked — puddles everywhere that don’t disappear, even when the rain stops. What I want to do most this weekend, is pull on my wellies and take a long walk through the countryside. How about you? Any weekend plans you’re looking forward to?

While I muddy up my boots, here are a few things I’ve wanted to share with you:

- A new minimalist mentality. Thanks, Katherine.

- This tote turns into a picnic blanket.

- Wow! What a fabulous family photo shoot.

- Instead of buying your next car, 3D print one instead!

- Or, have your head made in 3D chocolate. Thanks, Alexandra.

- Illustrated zip-lock bags.

- If you like recycled, you’ll love bicycled.

- Like the balloon door idea? Here are 13 more great ways to use balloons!

- At your request, here’s a bit about how Ben Blair and I fell in love — it’s an interview from 2010.

- The Light That Shines. It’s 15 minutes long, so you might want to bookmark it for later. But it’s worth it.

I hope you have a marvelous weekend. I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already.

kisses,
Gabrielle

P.S. — I’ve noticed that about 10-15 comments per week are going straight to the spam folder on my blog. I’ve been checking the folder and restoring the comments, but if I’ve missed yours, please drop me a line. I’d hate to lose any of your words!

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Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2013

Text and image by Gabrielle.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Dear Readers! Are you doing anything fun to celebrate?

St. Valentine’s Day isn’t really a thing here in France. I mean, you can see it on the calendar. And there are a few stores with hearts in the windows. But there are no Valentine exchanges at school. No restaurants offering a sweetheart’s menu. No crazily-priced bouquets of roses.

Our family tradition is a Valentine Breakfast with pancakes, raspberry milk and a little gift on each child’s plate. Something small — a token really. But today’s morning schedule happened to be unusual, so we decided to turn our Valentine Breakfast into a Valentine-After-School-Snack instead. We’ll skip the pancakes, enjoy a tarte from the patisserie (plus the traditional raspberry milk, of course!), and open our little valentine gifts.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re offering an extra dose of love to the people in your life today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

P.S. — One of the girls received the glass heart necklace above. I picked it up on our Venice trip when we visited the island of Murano — famous for it’s colored glass — and have been saving it for Valentine’s Day. Pretty!

Raspberry Milk directions ahead.

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Consider the Oyster

February 12, 2013

By Raleigh-Elizabeth. Image by Todd Coleman.

We have a little fishmonger whose ramshackle shop, just down the street from our house, is situated in one of the Intracoastal Waterway inlets that creep through our village. It’s called Grant’s Oyster House, and although I hear Grant hasn’t been around for a few generations, it’s as authentic a coastal establishment as you’ll ever find.

The distinctly fishy smell greets you the minute you turn into the drive, which is always full of fishermen and their trucks. Grant’s is the place to find local celebrities, crabs, clams, profound amounts of shrimp, a small population of cats on the prowl, and a sign that warns you not to feed the alligators. But mostly, Grant’s has oysters.

Romantic recipe ahead. Keep reading!

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10 Great Books For Valentine’s Day

February 11, 2013

By Carter.

Looking for a special book for that special someone? These books should satisfy that longing to express love in words and pictures, whether your Valentine is a tiny tot, a partner, or one of life’s dearest friends.

1) Oh, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams might be the most gorgeous rendering of love in all of literature. Remember these beautiful words of wisdom? It’s harder to find a more fitting description of the side effects of being loved. May this be true in your lives, February 14th and every day after!

2) Eve Bunting and Jan Brett have a Valentine’s Day gem in The Valentine Bears. Because bears are usually deep in a winter slumber in the middle of February, Mr. and Mrs. Bear have never celebrated a Valentine’s Day together. So this season, Mrs. Bear sets an alarm clock for the special day, and prepares the best of parties for Mr. Bear. Their love is so romantic and real, and chocolate covered ants have never sounded so delicious.

3) Ever wondered what would happen if you really did plant a kiss? In Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter Reynold’s Plant a Kiss, our Little Miss plants one in the ground and carefully tends to it. Soon it blossoms and blooms into something delightfully shareable. The words are spare and lovely, and the tenderness is hypnotizing. (And it truly sparkles thanks to glitter in the illustrations!)

4) Is anything more lovable than the monkey on the cover of Jez Alborough’s Hug? His banana-shaped grin on the sunshine colored cover makes me smile every time I see it. All he wants is a hug – a perfect monkey-sized mama hug made extra special and just for him.

5) Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to roll around to enjoy I Like You, but it seems especially sweet this time of year. I toasted my sister and her husband with words from this one on their wedding day, because the sentiment of a love story or a beautiful friendship are stuffed into this little book. It might be the most perfect gift you ever leave with someone you love.

Click here for 5 more books!

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Louise Fili Postage Stamp

February 11, 2013

Louise Fili stamp

By Koseli.

The newest Love stamp from revered designer, Louise Fili, is so lovely. It’s available in post offices just in time for Valentine’s Day. You can see Louise’s food packaging and gorgeous lettering here.

P.S.—Louise is one of Gabrielle’s design idols. Is she one of yours, too? Find an audio interview of her here.

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See a Heart, Share a Heart

February 8, 2013

By Gabrielle.

Remember Boy Sees Hearts? Artist Eric Telchin sees hearts everywhere and captures them with his iPhone. He tells the story of each heart he finds on his website. And now the images are collected in a book, See a Heart, Share a Heart.

A nice pick for a Valentine’s Day! It’s not sappy or lovey-dovey, so it would even be cute for a friend or your child.

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You’re Wild, Valentine

February 7, 2013

By Gabrielle.

These clever and great-looking camp-themed valentines by Good Voyage caught my eye. The wolf card says: You’re Wild. The Swiss Army Knife says: You’re All I Need. The compass says: I’m lost without you. Adorable, right?

Instead of gifts, Ben Blair and I used to exchange love letters on Valentine’s Day — written on a hand-picked card. But somewhere along the line we let the tradition fade. Maybe this is the year to start it up again!

How about you? Ever written a love letter?

P.S. — Some DIY wild valentines for kids.

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The Perfect Gift: Dip-Dyed Treat Bags

February 6, 2013

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.

Click here for the full tutorial.

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The Perfect Gift: LOVE Valentine Gift Bag

February 1, 2013

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.

Click here for the full tutorial and free printable.

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The Day Of Lovers

April 23, 2012

I hope I’m the first one to wish you a happy La Diada de Sant Jordi! Or maybe better for you, the second!

If you’re in Barcelona today, you’re probably celebrating this sweet holiday inspired by Saint George,  patron saint of Catalonia and lover of all things romantic. As the tradition has gone since medieval times, lovers exchange gifts every April 23rd: men give flowers, while women give books. By the end of the day, over four million roses and 400,000 books will be purchased. Amazing!

I just heard about this celebration and I think it’s fantastic. I want to join in, don’t you? I’d love to give Ben Blair a gorgeous edition of Don Quixote and make these paper roses — crafted from a Spanish children’s book, of course — for our kids. It would be nice to treat this Monday with a little more amor than usual!

P.S. — Do be sure to tell me if you celebrate La Diada de Sant Jordi or any other alternative Valentine’s Day! I’d love to hear your traditions!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2012

Hello, Friends! Have you had your fill of hearts and pink today? We started the morning with a special breakfast for the kids — pancakes + raspberry milk + a little gift too. Happily, they don’t have school today, so breakfast was leisurely and late. My very favorite kind! And tonight, perhaps a little come-hither haiku. : )

I hope you get a chance to show someone a little love today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

P.S. — Image from Hearts in Nature.

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Design Mom Asks

February 13, 2012

Love is in the air this week, so I’m hoping to take in more than a few deep breaths of it! I’m sure we all want Valentine’s Day to be as near to perfect as it can possibly be, and I was wondering what three things would make it exactly that? A few blogging lovelies were lovely enough to answer. Enjoy them, Friends!

Jane of simple + pretty:
…a pretty pink libation, like the rose sherbet from Australia’s Belinda Black Catering, would make the perfect Valentine’s drink. I definitely have a sweet tooth, and so to go with the rose sherbet, I’d love an assortment of heart-shaped shortbreads and homemade marshmallows from Stewart & Clark. Valentine’s Day is all about pink for me. This pretty pink tee shirt from Tuss doesn’t come in my size, but I hope to find something similar to wear this spring.

Click for more Valentine’s Day inspiration.

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A Few Things

February 10, 2012

Hello, Friends! How are you? My kids have a two-week school break starting today, so we are hatching plans to make the most of it. I think we’ll hang out locally for the first week — do things like visit the indoor tennis courts and swimming pool. Then hit the road during week two. We’d love to see Stonehenge. Or more of the Loire Valley. Or maybe both! What are your plans for the weekend? Will you be making Valentines?

While we fill out our calendar, here are a few things I’ve been wanting to share with you:
- A gorgeous berry heart. Is it cold enough to make one where you live?
- A little essay about hand-written valentines — and it’s fun to see all those LOVE stamps from my childhood!
- This week I’m digging patterns in the nursery.
- DIY mugs with romantic quotes.
- This video will make you smile. And feel valentines-y. Via Mara.
- Cute (and cheap!) printables for Valentine’s Day.
- Happy rainbow heart banner.

I also write for Babble. Here are this week’s posts:
- Bring on the patterns!
- This is what I want for Valentine’s Day.
- Designed in Finland. Coveted by me.
- For the next birthday party.
- Baby June wears these every day.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm! I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already.

kisses,
Gabrielle

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Love Letters

February 9, 2012

Here’s an idea for Valentine’s Day — or any old time you’re feeling romantic.

If you happen to have exquisite thoughts to share with your love, but not-so-exquisite handwriting, Bryn Chernoff is your girl. For a few hundred dollars, she’ll transform your most heartfelt words into a drop dead gorgeous letter, inked on Italian stationery and sealed with wax. Totally confidential and totally lovely, don’t you think?

It takes Bryn a few weeks, so if you don’t have time to wait, you could also find a friend with gorgeous penmanship. : )

P.S. Get to know the talented Bryn even better in this Felt & Wire interview.

Love letter photograph by StudioAlex.

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Pretties for Your Girlies

February 8, 2012


When I was growing up, my father would always give flowers to his four daughters on Valentine’s Day (flowers for Mom too, of course!). Nothing fancy. Often just a single rose or carnation. But I loved it! It made me feel loved and acknowledged — especially during those years when I was longing for, but not receiving, a love note from a particular boy at school.

I really like the idea of small, simple tokens of affection and I thought this series of 24 pretty projects would be perfect for anyone who wants to give a sweet nothing to her daughter this year.

How about you? Did your parents ever give you Valentine gifts?

P.S. — In case you’re curious, the brothers weren’t left out. My Mom would have a little box of chocolates or other tiny treat for each of them. : )


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Welcome February!

February 1, 2012

Happy February, Dear Readers! I’m so glad we have Valentine’s Day this month to distract me from how cold it is. : )

I think I’ve posted about these wax paper, melted crayon hearts at least 5 times since I started this blog. They are so pretty! And they look so easy. And still, I’ve yet to actually ever make any. Do you think this is the year?!

How about you? Are you putting up any Valentine’s decorations?

P.S. — I’ve got some fun Valentines-y ideas I’ll be sharing over the next week or so. Stay tuned!

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Little Paris Paintings

January 27, 2012

Remember when you traveled to Paris and fell in love? With the city, with your husband, with the croissants — or all of the above?

Well, my brother-in-law, Paul Ferney, painted a series of little Paris store fronts. They would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift to remind you of your romantic trip. Grab one before they’re completely sold out. I think they’d make the perfect souvenir!

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Mignon Kitchen

January 25, 2012

Jordan introduced me to these little pots of heaven, and I think they’re one of the sweetest savor-a-moment-together gifts I’ve seen — just perfect for Valentine’s Day next month! But if you’re not ready to be reminded about another holiday just yet, don’t worry; there’s a entire shop full of kitchen goodies over which to drool. All equally lovely.

It’s called Mignon (pronounced “min-yawn” and meaning “cute” in French), owned and operated by Rachel, the superb curator, writer, and photographer behind Elephantine. She also shoots videos of some of the treats she makes, and if you’ve never dreamed of making an upside-down pineapple cake, then you must never have watched this:

Cute? Oui.

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A Few Things

January 13, 2012

Hello Friends. How are you? I am really looking forward to the weekend. Olive gets home from her big ski-trip tonight. And Oscar has invited a few friends over for a birthday party tomorrow. (His 7th birthday. Impossible!) Birthday parties seem to be very simple here, so I’m trying to tone down my instincts for themes-and-extras-and-big-big-big. Wish me luck! While we come up with a list of party games, here are a few things I’ve wanted to share you:

- Stunning ABC posters by Yoni Alter
- My sis-in-law relaunched Say Yes to Hoboken. Looks amazing + a big contest!
- Ralph sent me this and it made me laugh.
- 5 Ways to freshen up your house this year.
- Wire guy.
- I’ve only read the part about House Hunters, but it’s hilarious!
- This jar of lemon curd makes me want to lick the screen.
- Cute! They send Valentines instead of holiday cards.
- Is anyone else obsessed with Downton Abbey?

I also write for Babble. Here are this week’s posts:
- 30 of my favorite picture books.
- Double-duty robots.
- What I want for Valentine’s Day.
- A neat way to start your abstract art collection.
- A new app just for Moms (apparently Rachel Zoe is involved!).

I hope you have a terrific weekend! If you have any fun plans I’d love to hear about them. I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already.

kisses,
Gabrielle

P.S. — I put some of my favorite Valentine projects in the right sidebar if you’d like to see.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2011

felt heart DIY

We woke up to a fun surprise this morning. Eleven year old Maude set her alarm super early, so she could get up and play cupid. She set a fancy table for breakfast (with napkins folded into hearts) and sprinkled heart confetti around the house. So sweet! She also left a little gift at each place setting — a friendship bracelet that she made herself.

Breakfast was pancakes with raspberries and whip cream, and raspberry milk to drink. Fun France Fact: out of season fruit isn’t really done here. We were looking for strawberries for breakfast — fresh or frozen — but they don’t seem to exist. Luckily, we were able to find frozen raspberries and they did the trick nicely.

What about you? Do you have any fun traditions for Valentine’s Day?

P.S. — Did you see the cute little felt hearts by Yeri Yun?

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