{ tara frey }:: typing out loud

on newstands Friday...

 

shutdowns and strawberries

    I rip through laptops like post-it notes.  I've sworn them off for good.  It's an expensive habit that I just can't keep up with. (we're going on 7 laptops in 5 years). We were in a severe "shutdown" mode for about 2 weeks and I need to blame someone, so I'm going to point to my husband and say "he did it!"  He has this really weird thing going on..let me explain and perhaps you can relate and tell me this happens to you or someone you know (so I don't think I'm crazy. )  Every time he would stand near the laptop, it would freeze up.  Not just once in a while, but every single time.  It got to a point if I wanted to show him something, he would have to wait in the other room until I could download it, get it on the screen and then I yell out "ready!".  So I'm thinking maybe it's some strange electronic antibody. Or hereditary.  His mom can't wear watches, the battery stops within a day or two.  So perhaps he is the source of the great coffeepot mystery?

    Whatever it is, I hope to god it doesn't mess up the shiny new desktop we just unpacked (with a monitor that's bigger than a tv and does flips and tricks of all kinds)  I have to say it's SO beautiful to see all of your blogs in movie theater format! I can ditch my glasses and feel like I'm inside your photos (while snacking on strawberries) It's also such a relief to have my connection back!  Thankfully, I had some pre-scheduled posts (Typepad *rocks* for that most awesome and useful feature)  How lost one feels with no internet, no computer, no photos. What the heck did I do before technology?  The laptop killer is quick to  remind me that I would do insane things like, "cook, clean, go for a walk, have babies"  Ok now really, that's just all crazy stuff.  Thank goodness I'm not lost anymore.

Friday Fun

 

Just some eye candy for Friday.  dreamy things are floating around in my head.  so thankful for the talent on flickr which helps to put those thoughts into pictures.   Hope you have a creative and happy weekend doing something you love with the people you love! ~xo 

wishing right now

 

that this little chubby dimple face, scanned photo circa 2004... (who always carried an umbrella, rain or shine) was still calling me "mama" and could easily be scooped up for a squeeze.  The one who would wake up in her crib in the morning and yell "I'm done!" at the top of her lungs.   It's a great way to let everyone in the house know you're awake and finished with the previous nights sleep, didn't you know?  I highly recommend you try it out.

in sink

 

    Torn from the pages of this months Country Living Magazine, this "rip" is going into the bulging design binder I keep and filed under "laundry room re-do" dream . Right now our mud room is living up to the name.  Muddy boots litter the floor, coats strewn about, a paint stained sink in the corner and not a day goes by that I don't almost break my neck carrying laundry and tripping over something. 

In my dream,  I now trip and fall over fresh cut hydrangeas while trying to get to my beautiful sink ...

all mine, because I'm selfish like that

 

today and everyday

rockin candy...

        Need a sweet idea for Valentine's Day cards for the kids classmates?  I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the pre-made Spongebob and Barbie cards (which seem to be the size of a postage stamp?).  This year we wanted to do something different, big and fun.  I found this idea in Family Fun magazine. It's called "Rock Candy".  iPods for everyone! And you can customize the playlist. How cute? and best of all they are soooo easy to make.

Here is a list of what you will need:

 

• Tape
• 2 (14 inch) pieces of string
• 2 Hershey kisses or mini peanut butter cups
• 1 box of conversation hearts (and we need 25 for our class!)
• Aluminum foil
• 4x7 inch strip of pink paper (or color of your choice)
• Glue stick
• download printable scroll wheel here  

Directions:

• Tape each end of a piece of string to a kiss or peanut butter cup.  Tie on the other piece of string, then tape the loose end to the candy box.
• Wrap each candy in a small circle of aluminum foil (to make the earphones)
• Wrap the pink paper strip around the candy box and secure it with a glue stick (or tape)
• Cut out the scroll wheel and playlist from the download above and use a glue stick to attach them to the box.
• Finish it off by having your little one write a valentine message on the back of the iPod.  Enjoy the "music" ! ~ xo

ps:  more Knitlaces for sale, here: www.tarafrey.etsy.com   UPDATED 2/6 /09 SOLD OUT THANK YOU!

let the candy do the talking

     He asked me why the double sinks in our bathroom have to look like this.  Mine is on the right and as you can see, that sink is unusable and the products are slowly making their way over to his sink.  I really don't have an intelligent answer, except to say to him that "I can't just roll out of bed looking as good as you" Then I grab the Valentine candy dish, looking for the perfect words...

Ah yes.  perfect !