Gabrielle Blair

New York, Normandie

NYT best-selling author of The Kids Are All Right, and Ejaculate Responsibly. Life in France. Mother of 6. Opinions & Essays. @designmom on IG & Threads.

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Articles

Every Word for Women Eventually Becomes a Pejorative Term

2 days ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

There are some days I go about my activities without screaming about the patriarchy, but today is not one of those days. Today I'm thinking about how words that are used to refer to women, eventually (and inevitably?) become insults. For example, did you know Gossipstarted out as a very positive term? "The history of ‘gossip’ is emblematic in this context.
Two Happy Things

3 days ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

The first thing I saw when I woke up and checked my phone this morning, was a whole lot of celebrating about Zohran Mamdani winning the the Democratic nomination for the NYC mayoral election. I collected of bunch of my favorite posts and put them into Stories on my other Instagram account. Definitely go give them a read if you need a burst of joy. Another thing that’s bringing happiness to my life is Melani Sander’s We Do Not Care club.
Finding Beauty in the Cracks

4 days ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

I can tell it’s really summer, because yesterday, we welcomed guests who will be staying at the Small House, and today, we said goodbye to guests who have been staying in the Tall House guest room. Hooray for summer visitors!Summer activities are on my mind, and this is good one: Find a shady path, and bring your pastels or a pack of colorful chalk. Then look for images in the cracks along the way, and color them in.
What If We Got Adoption All Wrong?

5 days ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

Quick note: This is an essay I wrote several years ago. It’s an essay I still get asked about, so I updated it, and am republishing it today. Most of the time our opinions change gradually, but once in awhile, we read something or learn something and have a MASSIVE shift in our thinking. I’m talking a full 180 degree shift.
Getting the Urge to Leave the U.S.?

6 days ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

The world feels scary right now! I was up all night watching for updates about the U.S. bombing Iran. I mentioned on Instagram how angry I’m feeling about the whole thing. I know I’m not the only one. Ever since we moved to France the second time, in 2019, I have regularly received requests for information on how to move abroad.
Fête de la Musique

1 week ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

It’s a 11:30pm and I just walked home from our local Fête de la Musique celebration — which was still going strong, helped by the fact that it only got dark about 30 minutes ago. Fête de la Musique might be my favorite French holiday — assuming the weather is decent, it’s the day I see the most people out in the street celebrating.
Bringing Back Asbestos

1 week ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

Happy Friday! We are in the middle of a heat wave here in Normandy. It’s unusual for June, but who knows what’s actually usual anymore with a changing climate. I grew up in the desert of St. George, Utah, so I’m familiar with very hot summers. But there is a big difference with heat waves here in France: here, no one has air conditioning. We manage pretty well despite no A/C.
Saying Goodbye

1 week ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

Today, I’m thinking of my friends who are moving far away, and who are experiencing big life changes. This is a little movie we made when we moved away from France back in 2013. It’s called Saying Goodbye. We were so sad to go, while also being excited for our next adventure. (And we feel lucky that we got to return to this beautiful place.)I hope you get to a chance to say a proper goodbye to the places and things and people that you love. kisses,Gabrielle
My Mormon Thoughts About Mike Lee

1 week ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

Last week, I might have wagered that most people probably couldn’t name either senator from Utah. But things changed, and this week, an impressive number of people are rightly and understandably calling for Mike Lee’s resignation. Because I’m a Mormon, and Mike Lee is a Mormon, people who are not Mormons have been messaging me, wondering if I have any insight or thoughts on the matter.
I Like My ICE Crushed

1 week ago | designmom.substack.com | Gabrielle Blair

For many weeks now, approximately 90% of my brain has been occupied with ICE raids. I can’t stop thinking about them. I’ll go on a long walk, planning to listen to a podcast or book, and then instead, I make voice notes with thoughts about ICE raids. And I’m not even there! I’m an ocean away! I feel so useless!The ICE raids continue to escalate in frequency and intensity, and whenever I see footage, I just boil with anger.