Image and text by Gabrielle.
Hello, Friends. How are you doing? We had an interesting week around here. Our internet line was accidentally cut and we went most of the week without it. Which is tricky when your job is internet-based. : ) We ended up at McDonalds twice — it has the most reliable wifi in our little town! I think I only managed to get through half of my list this week, but today felt productive. In fact, we reapplied for our French visas this morning. And the appointment was smooth and easy! Feels good to mark that off my list.
Last weekend was all about getting outside and searching out signs of spring. (Signs were indeed spotted as evidenced by the bouquet above, given to me by Betty.) But the temperature dropped all of sudden last night, and it’s supposed to get even colder tomorrow. It’s so cold that I’m predicting frozen pipes! So I think this weekend will be all about cozy fires and baking cookies and eating stick-to-your-bones sorts of meals. How about you? Any fun plans?
While I stoke the fire, here are a few things I’ve wanted to share with you:
– We all went nuts over Erin’s Nairobi house tour, and now Erin is generously offering a 20% discount on adorable Toto Knits with the code designmom. Yay!
– You know I’ve got a thing for Caldecotts, so of course I love this infographic. Thanks, Annie.
– A nursery that is as sweet as it is unusual.
– If it’s cold outside, you might as well have some fun!
– Remember Swiss Stacked Wood? And the Olive Us Stacking Wood episode? You might also enjoy this NYTimes article about a surprisingly divisive Norwegian television program. Thanks, Carrie.
– Polarn O. Pyret just launched a fun new blog.
– Wow. Just wow.
– A sweet way to save lives.
– Oscar worthy poster for Best Picture fans.
– And don’t miss the Clementine Giveaway I’m hosting. (I want one of everything.)
I hope you have a terrific weekend! I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already.
kisses,
Gabrielle
P.S. — Today is the last day of school before our kids have a 2-week winter break. I feel a roadtrip coming on!
The New Diplomats Wife
February 22, 2013 at 10:36 amhopefully this oncoming road trip involves the alps -the last big chance to see them in their full winter glory – have a great trip!
Design Mom
February 25, 2013 at 7:59 amThe Alps is on our wish list — but finding a place to stay has been super frustrating. We might have to be content with the visit we had in the summer.
caroline
February 22, 2013 at 11:02 amI suggest a “boat and road” trip ;)
Rebecca Alexis
February 22, 2013 at 12:28 pmOhhh thanks for all the link-ys. Adore. Where will you go on your road trip? Places I would suggest is the South of France to the Provence and the Luberon if you haven’t already been down there. It is so so lovely this time of year. You might have missed all the blossoms, but there is still a chance to see them! They are something that will be etched on your heart forever. Also, the olive trees down there are beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, you can feel Van Gogh’s inspiration throughout the villages and rolling hills. While you are still in France you should really try to go to the Isle de Batz, It is gorgeous and so very quaint. But that is only if you don’t go to Provence. thanks again for the links! xo
Design Mom
February 25, 2013 at 8:01 amI’m keep being surprised when I realize how much of France we haven’t seen. We’ve done so much exploring here, but we still haven’t made it to Provence!
Joy | Frock Files
February 22, 2013 at 2:54 pmYes, I am totally in love with Erin’s house — in so many ways it reminds me of houses in the country in Hawaii (where I’m from), and in other ways it’s so extraordinarily different. I love the sense of whimsy it holds. Same for the nursery! What I wouldn’t do for a teepee of my own.
Have a wonderful road trip! xo
Dianne
February 22, 2013 at 5:29 pmI just stumbled upon your blog. Beautiful. Enjoy your road trip.
Heidi
February 23, 2013 at 2:09 pmShane Koyczan made this video last year with our local high school after a string of suicides. It’s also very powerful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lI38nGmurs
Design Mom
February 25, 2013 at 8:01 amThank you so much for the link, Heidi.
Birgit
February 24, 2013 at 2:16 amReapplied for visas – does that mean you are staying longer?
Design Mom
February 25, 2013 at 8:02 amStill staying until July. But our visas expire each year and we just hit our 2 year mark. So we’re reapplying in order to have permission to live here 6 more months.
Meg
February 24, 2013 at 7:24 amPlease tell, are you going to stay in France? I recommend a vist to Mont Blanc,Chamonix(host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924). Also, be sure to check out Annecy. Happy road trip!
April Louise
February 24, 2013 at 12:32 pmNot long until spring, I have been searching for the signs too. The chicken’s water got frozen over this weekend so not getting my hopes up!
Design Mom
February 25, 2013 at 8:03 amPoor chickens. Stay warm!
Christa the BabbyMama
February 24, 2013 at 1:42 pmHave a great weekend!
Erin
February 25, 2013 at 2:47 pmI loved Erin’s house tour so much and was all set to buy a few sweaters. The extra discount just pushed me into action! Thanks!
catherine
February 27, 2013 at 9:01 amHi Gabrielle,
We finally made it. We are trying to set ourselves up in Angers. Hubbies put his paper work in for his visa. The kids aren’t in school yet as you said school holidays, but we are staying in a gite for now till we find a more permanent address. Saw your story about the cottage what a great idea. Our future plans are to similar but we were thinking of running a Gite for extra income. anyway thats a longtime away, i just want to get an adress and start exploring – its so beautiful here.
Cheers
carrie
February 27, 2013 at 2:56 pmOrdered a sweater for my son from Erin. How nice she was to deal with, and the sweater has already shipped too.