Uncategorized – Francois et Moi https://francoisetmoi.com Making a Handmade Modern Home one DIY project at a time. Mon, 21 Oct 2019 02:56:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://i0.wp.com/francoisetmoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Untitled-2-2.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Uncategorized – Francois et Moi https://francoisetmoi.com 32 32 76357554 The Ultimate Guide to Flying with a Toddler https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/the-ultimate-guide-to-flying-with-a-toddler/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/the-ultimate-guide-to-flying-with-a-toddler/#comments Mon, 21 Oct 2019 11:00:04 +0000 https://francoisetmoi.com/?p=18510 Over 50 moms weigh in with their best ideas on how to rock flying with a toddler. Get their top tips with specific toy and snack recommendations! The countdown to our first family trip + Sylvie’s first plane ride is on, and I realized OMG, I have absolutely no idea how these three hours in airplane captivity are going to go with a very active 2.5 yr old. So I reached out to my fellow moms on Instagram for advice on flying with a toddler, and more than 50 moms and grandmothers weighed in. The general consensus seemed to be: Bring LOTS of snacks, compact but interactive toys, and don’t–for one second–feel guilty about iPad screen time! There were such great tips and words of encouragement that I want to share them with all of you. If you have a trip planned in the near future or just hope to travel at some point with your little one, read up and pin this one for later. Below are some of the advice highlights, and you can see the original IG post here. Also, make sure to check out the toy and snack recommendations for flying with a toddler at the […]

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/the-ultimate-guide-to-flying-with-a-toddler/feed/ 2 18510 12 Books to Empower Girls https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/12-books-to-empower-girls/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/12-books-to-empower-girls/#comments Wed, 04 Sep 2019 18:20:41 +0000 https://francoisetmoi.com/?p=18308 As the mom of a two year old daughter, I think it’s important to be mindful of ways Ken and I can help her develop strength of character, encourage her to embrace her individuality, and create a positive self images as she grows. At the toddler stage we’re in, I like using books as a tool to help simplify and explain these ideas in fun, yet powerful ways. Many of these books we’ve discovered at the public library, ended up falling in love with, and purchased for our home library, and others we’ve received as gifts.* *Shout out to my sister who is an expert Girl Power Book Scout! So if you’re looking for books for your kids, or as a gift for a special girl or mom-to-be, I hope you enjoy this feel-good list of titles the way our family has.  teach our girls that with hard work they can be or do anything they set their mind to. I Am Enough, By Grace Byers ABC What Can She Be?, By Sugar Snap Studio She Persisted, By Chelsea Clinton She Persisted Around the World, By Chelsea Clinton Shark Lady, By Jess Keating My Strong Mind, By Niels Van Hove […]

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/12-books-to-empower-girls/feed/ 1 18308 Top 40 Toddler Toys https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/top-40-toddler-toys/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/top-40-toddler-toys/#comments Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:00:30 +0000 https://francoisetmoi.com/?p=18200 Need ideas for kids? Come check out the ultimate list of toddler toys! Let’s talk toys. There are SO many different one there, so where does one even begin to start? I’ve pulled together this ultimate toddler toys list  of our family’s favorites, as well as the favorites of my trusted mom blogger friends. So whether you’re reading this post as a mom-to-be, new mom, or as a gift guide, you’ve come to the right place! Jen at Paisley & Sparrow Taylor at Greens-N-Chocolate Ana at Primp and Prime Jena at A Spoon Full of Faith Morgan at construction2style This list of toys is compiled around four major toy criteria: Fun Factor Educational Good Design Parent-friendly: Easy set-up/clean-up, convenient, etc. And I’ve broken down this massive list into categories: Puzzles, Budding Artists, Forts, Outdoor Toys, ‘Let’s Play House!’ Toys, Musical Toys, Books, and Under 12 Mo. Toys.  So without further ado, let’s get down to the good stuff! Puzzles   1. Magna-Tiles Magna-Tiles are a fan favorite around here, and it’s not hard to see why! The tiles are magnetized around the edges so you can connect them to build anything. They are a blast and help develop math, science, and […]

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/top-40-toddler-toys/feed/ 6 18200 10 Time-Saving Mom Hacks That Will Streamline Your Life https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/mom-hacks/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/mom-hacks/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:15:56 +0000 https://francoisetmoi.com/?p=17950 Busy Parents Unite! Get in on these 10 time-saving mom hacks to help make your routine a tiny bit more efficient and streamlined! This post is sponsored by Cascade Pure Essentials. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Since becoming a mom, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so perpetually short on time—time for my family, myself, friendships, housework, etc. Moms (and dads) out there I’m sure can attest that there are seemingly never enough hours in the day. Needless to say, this time-saving mom hacks post is more than two years in the making. It’s a master list of ideas from fellow new mom friends, as well as tips I’ve learned out of personal necessity. Many are about saving time, and others are about putting systems in place so we have less swimming around in our heads at any given moment, a.k.a less to remember at the drop of a hat. I’m coming at this post as the mom of a two-year-old who’s trying to keep all her plates simultaneously spinning, but these hacks are really for anyone looking for ways to spend as little time as possible doing mundane weekly tasks. So, without further ado, let’s dish, eh? […]

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/mom-hacks/feed/ 4 17950 Holiday Gift Guide: The Minimalist https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/holiday-gift-guide-the-minimalist/ Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:19:06 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=12755 Need last minute gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for, design-savvy minimalist in your life? Here are a few ideas to run with. Though it’s late in the game, expedited shipping or a good old fashioned visit to the brick and mortar will ensure you’ll be all set for the big day. Merry Crunch Time! Wooden Circle Trivet La Superb Sweatshirt Socks Gold & Marble Barware Set Wick Trimmer Suede Elbows Top Olle Eksell Print Studs Madame Pouch Follow

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]]> 12755 Spring Style in the Loop https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/spring-style-in-the-loop/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/spring-style-in-the-loop/#comments Mon, 18 May 2015 13:19:45 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=10789 Typically you’ll find me behind the lens, rather than in front of it, but every once in awhile it’s fun to mix up the handmade posts with a lifestyle one here and there. I LOVE making things, but now that the weather is warming up, I just want to get outside and explore Minneapolis. We moved to the North Loop in October last year, just as Winter was also moving in, so I’m excited to explore the Neighborhood in all its warm-weather glory. On Saturday we moseyed over to the Farmer’s Market, so I’m sharing my spring style weekend wear with you guys. I hope you had a fantastic weekend–they always go too fast, don’t they? First and foremost, I’m really digging espadrilles for spring and summer. Often I don’t like ankle ties because they can cut into your ankles, but the ties on these babies (find them here!) are a twill cotton and they’re actually quite comfortable, so they’re great for strolling around the farmer’s market. If your mission is to stock up on fresh, local produce for the week, then a big bag to corral it all is essential. Otherwise, the vendors give you plastic bags for each […]

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/spring-style-in-the-loop/feed/ 6 10789 Summer Scheming: The Patio https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/summer-scheming-the-patio/ Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:58:26 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=10292 When we moved out of our old apartment last October, we donated our tired, mismatched outdoor furniture, and now are starting from scratch with our new outdoor space this year (Yay!). With summer so close we can almost taste it, I want to get our patio furnished so that we can enjoy it to the max all season long. I think our 620 sf apartment will really feel the spacial boost, once the 70 sf patio is ready to go! One of the schemes I came up with is inspired by the vibrant, summery color and mid-century charm of Palm Springs. Would it not be fun to hang out here this summer? Here are the sources for this look. Does anyone have a favorite outdoor furniture source? Please share! 1. Black and White Zigzag Pillow // 2. Black and White Stripe Pillow // 3. Pink Pillow // 4. Sun Shade // 5. Rattan Loveseat // 6. Potted Palms // 7. Gilded Planter // 8. Watering Can // 9. Palm Lumbar Pillow with Pink Piping // 10. Round Bistro Table // 11. Cafe Dining Chairs

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]]> 10292 Instagram Lately https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/instagram-lately-5/ Thu, 19 Mar 2015 17:54:15 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=10085 Instagram is quickly becoming my favorite of the social media family. I love the daily challenge in photography & photo-styling, and also getting to see behind the scene, more casual shots of my favorite bloggers/designers/creatives. Here’s a little snap shot of what’s been happening in Insta-land as of late. If you too are an Instagram lover, we should be friends! My handle is @francoisetmoiblog.

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]]> 10085 Instagram Lately https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/instagram-lately-4/ Fri, 13 Feb 2015 19:52:08 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=9664 Happy Glorious Friday and Valentine’s Day Weekend to you! We’re heading up to Lutsen, MN for a weekend on the slopes with friends, so last night Ken and I celebrated Valentine’s Day a little ahead of schedule. We ordered take out from our mutually favorite restaurant, Bar La Grassa, picked up a good bottle of red, and ate by candlelight over French gypsy jazz–a low key night at home together. I hope you have something fun planned with your Valentine too! Here’s a snapshot of what’s been shakin’ on Instagram lately! A Beautiful Mess | An Ice-Kissed Duluth, MN | Vintage Sewing Patterns | Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread | Art et Manufacture Espresso Cups | HouseBeautiful.com Project Feature! | DIY Valentine’s Flower Wall | Oversized Sheet Music in Minneapolis | 24kt Tea Time | Fresh Tulips from Ken!

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]]> 9664 A Mid-Winter’s Hideaway https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/a-mid-winters-hideaway/ https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/a-mid-winters-hideaway/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2015 14:15:52 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=9354 This weekend we hid away in Wisconsin’s north woods for sledding and skating by day and log fires and cribbage by night. Here are a few shots captured on our northern jaunt. Thank you Heltne and Bresnahan Families for hosting! Have a great week everybody!

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]]> https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/a-mid-winters-hideaway/feed/ 1 9354 Nordic Inspired Paper Star Lantern for Homedit https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/nordic-inspired-paper-star-lantern-for-homedit/ Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:43:43 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=8987 Growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, my parents had an ornately carved wooden star lantern that they’d hang in our big dining room window around the Holidays, as a nod to our Scandinavian heritage. Now that my husband and I are starting our own Holiday traditions, I’d been coveting a similar star for our home. The trouble is, hand-carved wooden star lanterns like the one my parents have run with a big price tag, so I re-created the look and general function of the star lantern out of paper. And I kind of love the way it turned out, so this little love might become more of a winter tradition at our home, rather than a strictly Holiday one. Head on over to Homedit for the full “how-to”.

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]]> 8987 Top Posts of 2014 https://francoisetmoi.com/uncategorized/top-posts-of-2014/ Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:24:05 +0000 http://francoisetmoi.com/?p=9041 I hope you had a wonderful Holiday surrounded by your favorite people! Ken and I most certainly did–I’m infinitely thankful for such extraordinary [loving, warm, supportive] people in our lives that we’re lucky enough to call our family and friends. As 2014 comes to a close, it’s fun to look back and analyze the blogging year, particularly, in terms of page views. I love looking at the individual posts stats to see which posts took hold and which ones faded to the background throughout the year. When I’m creating content for Francois et Moi, there are posts that I think will do really well over others. However, once they go live, I usually end up being wrong! It’s tough to predict, but attempting to understand it all is part of what makes blogging so much fun for me. Thanks for a great 1st full year, and your continued readership. You guys are my motivation! Here were Francois et Moi’s top posts this year as selected by you! I hope to create more fun, DIY projects like these in 2015: DIY Striped Drink Perch DIY Gilded Accordion Sconce [Make Your Own] Patterned Leggings DIY Danish Modern Coffee Table Is there something […]

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