summer – Francois et Moi

10 Outdoor Toy Storage Ideas

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 16:17:46 +0000

Tame the toy chaos and take back your outdoor space with our 10 outdoor toy storage ideas that are also easy on the eyes. Summer is here which for us (and our small house) means we have a whole untapped family play area…the backyard! I’m not saying we don’t use the backyard in the Winter–but our Winters are fah-reezing here in the Minne-snow-ta, so it’s not always a reliable or long term place to play. With summer backyard play comes toys. And with outdoor toys comes the question of where to we store them, while still keeping them close at hand? I’ve done the research and found 10 outdoor toy storage ideas. Many of these storage pieces also do double duty as benches and coffee tables. Others, like the wood slat planter and bar carts, are ones we’re thinking outside the box for creative and good-looking storage ideas. Please note, while some pieces here are rated for 24/7, balls-to-the-wall, outdoor use, others are recommended for covered porch or awning use (no direct exposure to mother nature), so make sure to review product spec’s before purchasing. And with that, let’s cut to the chase! 1. These tall powder coated iron baskets […]

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Keep the Bugs at Bay with DIY Citronella Candles

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:15:12 +0000

Summer is in full swing which means the skeeters (that’s Minnesotan talk for mosquitos) are too. Not one to want to load up with bug dope for dinner on the patio, I’ve made up some DIY citronella candles for our outdoor dining area. They’re made with soy wax so the clean-up is easy, and citronella essential oil means no perfum-y chemicals, only naturally extracted goodness! Oh and the pop of color around the glass vessels? Those are just your average vinyl balloons added for color. Want to make a set of DIY citronella candles for your outdoor space? Find my full tutorial over at Sugar & Cloth! Looking for more fun DIY projects? Check out other tutorials I’ve created for Sugar & Cloth here! Follow Save Save Save Save Save

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25 Killer Backyard Projects for Summer

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:34:54 +0000

Right now Ken and I are heavy into a backyard renovation diary with Apartment Therapy (which will go live towards the end of June–stay tuned!), so I’ve been Pinterest-ing all things ‘backyard’ over last few months and along the way, have discovered tons of crazy good al fresco DIY projects. I’ve rounded up all the projects here, so you can spend more time in your backyard enjoying summer and less time inside researching backyard projects. Color-blocked Food Dome from Sugar & Cloth Pallet Plant Bench from Monsters Circus West Elm Inspired Wooden Plant Stand from Hey There Home Candle Stakes from A Subtle Revelry Iron-On Picnic Blanket from Lovely Indeed Otomi Outdoor Table from Hi Sugar Plum! Timber Side Table from F&M Giant Embroidery Picnic Blanket from Lovely Indeed Giant Connect Four Backyard Game from Home Depot French Mattress Style Cushions from DIY Joy Monstera Leaf Door Mat from Enthralling Gumption DIY Tiki Torches from Sugar & Charm Pillow Bed from This Heart of Mine DIY Frozen Wine Bucket from Sugar & Cloth Stenciled Concrete Rug from The House of Wood DIY Roasting Forks from A Bubbly Life Swedish Flame Log from ManMadeDIY DIY Rope Ottomans […]

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DIY du Jour: Bike Baskets to Pimp Your Summer Ride

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 13:50:08 +0000

It’s supposed to get into the 70’s tomorrow, and here in Minneapolis that’s kind of a big deal, considering it was just in the 20’s earlier this week. Yikes! This warmer weather has me thinking one thing: SUMMER! And though we still have a few more months of Spring ahead of us, what’s the harm in planning ahead? I’m not the sportiest girl on the block, but I do love biking around town in the summer. We’re lucky to live in a super bike-friendly city, so as soon as the weather warms up, Ken and I do our best to take full advantage. Some of our favorite rides are to Minnehaha Falls, around the Chain of Lakes, over to the farmer’s market and Northeast Breweries, and yes even to the grocery store. If you also use your bike as a primary mode of warm-weather weekend transportation, check out this pretty (yet purposeful!) round-up of bike baskets and carry-alls to cart home your farmer’s market bounty this summer! Floral Bike Basket | Wooden Slat Rack Kit | Easter Basket Up-Cycle | Woven Bike Basket | Vintage Picnic Basket Bike Crate For more inspiration, check out the other posts in the DIY […]

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Printable Temporary Tattoos

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 12:32:18 +0000

Happy Monday! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Today I’m talking tattoos here on F&M. I’ve never made the plunge into the world of real ink, because I haven’t been able to find THE tattoo that I know I’ll love for. ev. er. But I’m all about tatting up with temporary tattoos, especially for summer, as they make great accessories to sundresses and sandals, and are a fun, commitment-free way to celebrate summer in style! #nostringsattached These little numbers are as easy as printing on tattoo paper and applying with a damp cloth. Head on over to SheKnows for the printable and all the details. Happy Tatting! Follow

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Pink Grapefruit Sno Cones

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:31:45 +0000

It’s been HOT HOT HOT here the past few days, so I’ve been doing all I can to embrace the heat and not shut all the windows and screen doors to pump the A/C. Afterall, isn’t this the season we wait all year to arrive? In an effort to stay cool, I decided to juice and freeze the citrus we had in the house, and make grapefruit sno cones. Essentially it’s granita, a flavored frozen juice, but in the dead of summer why not serve it as sno cones? Two ingredients and you’re on your way to a cool summer treat! Ingredients: 4 ripe red grapefruit at room temperature 2 tablespoons honey (more or less to taste). Juicer (optional) Shallow glass dish with cover. Plastic wrap will also do. Cone-shaped water cups Prismacolor markers (for the watercolor effect) 1. Cut grapefruit in half, and juice all four either with a juicer or simply by squeezing the heck out of the grapefruit. Grapefruit is easiest to juice when it’s at room temperature. 2. Run the juice through a strainer to remove most of the seeds, pulp and pith from the juice. It’s difficult to remove everything–just do your best. 3. Thoroughly […]

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5 DIYs to Try // No. 15

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:25:48 +0000

Truth be told, Ken and I are a couple of homebodies at heart, but the moment summer hits, our weekend calendar seems to fill up like the apocalypse is imminent and we’ve got to squeeze everything summer related in before September 1st! It might be a cold climate thing, but here in Minnesota we’re just so darn excited boot season is over and the hot summer sun has come out to play that we can’t help but make plans! Whether you’re hosting friends or planning a barbeque picnic at the park, here’s a fun spread of summer-happy diys to help you make the most of this glorious season! Take a cue from Clo by Clau, and next time you’re serving up pineapple, be strategic with your cuts and use the shell as a Vase! I so love these Pattern Kimonos from Sugar & Cloth as a pool or lakeside cover up! Keep everyone hydrated and look like a pro while doing it with this Citrus Coconut Soda garnished with citrus slices via Le Zoe Musings. Hit the picnic scene with a graphic embroidered blanket to relax on brought to you by Lovely Indeed! While it’s steamy outside, stay cool with an Ice Cream Social! Via designlovefest

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5 DIY’s to Try // No. 15

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 12:57:35 +0000

Ahhh….summer, glorious summer. The sun-filled season us Northerners wait year round for is finally here, so let the good times roll with these 5 fun things to try in June. Happy summering to you and yours! Style Me Pretty’s Grapefruit Sorbet Bowls are a playfully summery way to serve sorbet or ice cream this season. Not to mention less dishes to do afterwards! Win! Create a low maintenance cactus garden to keep things bright and cheerful around the homestead, inside or out! I’m loving Oh Happy Dane’s clever Father’s Day Shadow Photo for Daddio. June 21st will be here before we know it! Lovely Indeed’s colorfully modern backgammon game makes me want to spread out a blanket at the park and play boardgames all. after. noon. Camille Style’s femininely boho DIY Hammock is PERFECT for those upcoming lazy days of summer. Pairs well with a good book + strawberry lemonade + peace and quiet.

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Spring Style in the Loop

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:19:45 +0000

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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DIY Patio Serving Tray

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:59:55 +0000

Hello Hump Day! The weather in Minneapolis has been sunny, warm and downright fantastico so far this week, so naturally it’s not hard to be in a good mood. Today I’m sharing this super fun, and oh-so-summery DIY patio serving tray that I created for Homedit. Use this dual-handled and colorblocked (scroll down and you’ll see!) number to serve summer fruit al fresco, or create one as a housewarming gift for your friends who just moved digs. Either way, you can’t lose! Find all the project deets here!

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DIY Bike Basket

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 12:17:29 +0000

I love a good bike basket. There’s just something nostalgic and downright picture-perfect about them–don’t you think? I’d been wanting to get one last summer for trips to the farmer’s market and carting picnic fixing to the park, but I never quite found the right one. So this year, I wasn’t going to let another summer pass without one and got to work turning my leftover Easter basket into bike caddy. I mean, why not?! I love how it turned out–bring it on picnic season! Materials: Oval or rectangle shaped basket. I used the Easter basket I had on hand from this year, but thrift stores usually have tons this time of year. Painter’s tape Outdoor craft paint Paint brush For the Buckle Straps: A scrap of faux leather or leather at least 8.5″ long. Two – 1/2″ buckles Rotary cutter Ruler Pen 1/8″ hole punch Waxed thread Sewing needle 1. Remove the basket handle (if applicable) by cutting the rattan straps that hold it in place. 2. Apply painter’s tape to create a design. I taped 4 horizontal rows, so that I’d end up with 3 painted stripes. 3. Paint in between tape lines with outdoor craft paint. Allow […]

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Spring Fever Faux Leather Keychains

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 13:24:04 +0000

It’s always so exciting when “Spring Ahead” Daylight Savings rolls around. Not only is Spring so imminently close you can feel it, but our days become noticeably longer. That means more daylight for blogging and less of a race against the clock to get everything done before the sun sets. (Can I get an amen?!) Along with this bout of spring fever comes an urge to hit the reset button: spring cleaning, switching over to summer clothes, and updating a few everyday use things that get beat up over the winter. So I started small this weekend and gave my keyring a fresh facelift with these spring-y faux leather keychains. So long Winter, good to see you Spring! Materials: Gold keychain clasp ($2 each at Menards!) Faux leather Gold metallic thread Sewing needle Cutting mat Rotary cutter T-square or ruler Scissors Clear spray sealer (totally optional) 1. Cut a 5/8″ wide x 7-1/2″ long strip of faux leather or leather. 2. Fold one end of the strip lengthwise. 3. Cut the strip at 45 degree angle upward towards the middle of the strip to create the notch. 4. Repeat with the other end of the strip. 5. Thread the strip through the closed […]

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