{ tara frey }:: typing out loud

Mural Mural on the wall...

     When we were building the house I knew I wanted a "secret" door that led into the kids playroom.  I don't know why, I just thought it would be cool.  I found inspiration from an old article in Romantic Homes and kept in my overflowing inspiration binder pictured above.

     When the workers were buidling the house they referred to it as the "doggie door"  I guess they didn't see my vision?  Although they did have enough sense to tell me that the kids won't be small enough to fit through the tiny door forever and I should prepare myself.  I remember holding on to my giant belly at the time, since I was 9 months preggers, and thought to myself how could they be saying this to me?!  They went ahead and framed a normal size door around the "doggie door" so that it could easily be transformed.  Neither of the kids fit through that door now (and haven't for a while.)  Kids do grow up, I found out.  The builder was right.

     The little door leads into my son's bedroom.  He now has it barricaded with his bed in front of it blocking the little door from the inside and then tied with rope and a slingshot (like a soldier waiting for his enemy in battle.) No one can get in and if you do make it through, you'll get hit in the head with a rubber ball from the slingshot. The charm is lost.  But at least I have photos to reminisce?  It was featured in Romantic Homes magazine many moons ago (see here ) , which I'm grateful for since I can see a few years from now, the little door will be a big door, the mural will be gone and replaced with some sort of skateboarding posters, and stickers all over the walls from my daughters Miley Cirus collection...I'll walk past and see teenage boys hanging out playing video games, music blaring, and my daughter and her friends crank calling boys in their class...oh god.. the builder didn't prepare me for all of that.

 

Sort of a Hansel and Gretel house?

This photo is looking into our son's bedroom (before the preparations of enemy intruders):

This view is from our son's room looking back into the playroom:

Friends on TV...

     My close friend Shighla will be on Rachael Ray this week, Wednesday July 16th !  Her segment is "mommy tricks"  She had a film crew come to her home here in Pennsylvania a while back and she demonstrated some tricks to the producers with her twins in tow.  Hope you can catch the episode!  Here is a link to Rachael Ray's official website to check your local listings.  Rachael Ray Official Site .

We don't know how long her taped segment will be, so try not to blink! ~xo

At Your Fingertips...

   I was so honored to be featured in the newest issue of Artful Blogging!  Available here.  To be listed along side of creative and inspiring women is always an honor.  I'm not sure if my blog falls into the "artful" category?  I do like to take photos and blab on about nothing, and sometimes something.  I was asked recently to explain what I write about for magazines and also what I write about on my blog.  My answer was, "I write about other women who blog and inspire us with their creative blogs, then I blog about the article when it comes out on my own blog"... (how many times can you put the word 'blog' into one sentence? seriously!)  Still loving that word "Crogs"  Hail to all you croggers out there!  I don't know how you do it...from making beautiful creations and then having the time to photo them, write about them and post them on your blogs.  I am in awe daily of your talents, gracious sharing, inspirational posts and your creative spirit that awakens our own creative soul...and it's all right at our fingertips!  I bow before you. (just picture me doing a curtsey!) and please, by all means, keep on crogging!~xo

Blog on...

   

     I just received the June 2008 issue of Romantic Homes magazine and so happy to see my column received a new name... "Blog On", thanks to the lovely editor, Jacqueline.  I hope you enjoy the picks this issue for creative blogs (or "crogs" as I call them).  I love to write about blogs that inspire, are funny and creative...and I think I found 3 you will love and may already know.  The issue itself is chock full of inspiration and it's always a treat when Elizabeth Maxson drops by with her "Tada" article.  This one is exceptional, I just love her style.

    I hope you enjoy.  Please drop me a line by way of comment and I would love to visit your creative and inspiring 'crog' and remember...crog blog on !~xo

The Romantics...

      If I died tomorrow, it would be alright (ok..I'm exaggerating, but only a little) I just received the new February issue of Romantic Homes.  Besides being a blow out issue with dreamy eye candy on every page, they have chosen their "Top Romantics" for the year and yours truly is named.  ACK!  Can you believe?  I'm so honored!  As a long time admirer of this magazine for many years, drooling over every page, each issue... words can't express what this means to me.  I'm in unbelievable company with 10 fabulous women.  Just to name a few, there is Tanya , Annette , Claudia , and Shelly .  If you are a romantic (which I know you all are!) go get a copy today, you will love this issue!

     My "Junk Drawer" photo accidentally got placed into Heather Lee's page.  These things happen and it's cool just to see it in print, so I am not complaining!

    Sneak peek of things to come next issue!  It will be eye popping, very OOH LA LA, I promise!  Thank you for sharing in my excitement! I wish you all a safe, healthy, happy, prosperous and most of all "Romantic" new year! ~xo

Sneak Peek Friday

Just a little sneak peek of some FABULOUS things to come!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Holiday Happenings...

I received the new December issue of Romantic Homes and I really love the layout this time of my column "Scout It"...this month it's "Holiday Blogging"  it looks yummy, thanks to the bloggers pretty pictures!  It's wonderful to see the article come to life within the pages of the magazine.  The blog picks this issue are some top choices.  Go get your copy and let me know what you think!  Here's a sneak peek inside:

Now onto today's holiday!  Hope you all have a Happy Halloween with the ghosts and goblins tonight and don't eat too much candy!~ xo

Romantic Homes October 2007 Issue...

     Ok, I know I said I was taking a mini blog break, BUT I finally saw the issue of Romantic Homes, thanks to a sweet friend's special delivery!  The cover is fantastic and you just might enjoy the article on pages 18 & 19 written by someone you may be familiar with!  For the people who already received the issue, thank you to all of your lovely emails of congrats, I'm honored and humbled...really...your words mean so much to me.  I am having so much fun with this project (one of many!)  My assignment each article?....write about inspiring blogs and artists!  How cool is that?  So if you think you have a creative blog or know someone that does...please just shoot me an email .  We have some great ones coming up in future issues.  So go to your newstands and take a peek, it's an eye candy issue if I do say so myself!  Be back soon~ xo

Friday Eye Candy & other stuff...

     Here is a Friday Fab Favorite to kick off the weekend.  I just love putting these together, so many talented people!

     On a sad note, we attended my sister in law's father's funeral this week.  He died 10 days after walking her down the aisle at the wedding that I wrote about here on the blog.  I even posted a sweet picture of her and her Dad lighting a candle in memory of her Mom.  He died suddenly of a heart attack and unfortunately my brother was the one who found him.  His funeral was lovely, he was an avid painter/artist...handpainting every birthday card and Chistmas card every year.  He would paint houses, cottages, horses...whatever tickled his fancy.  All of his beautiful artwork was displayed at the funeral.  I hope to share with you some of his paintings here on the blog.  So talented, he will be sadly missed.  I know my brother and sister in law treasure those wedding photos even more now.

    On a lighter note, we will be going to our annual family reunion this weekend.  It's a blast every year.  My Dad's side of the family is huge and it became a tradition that we all look forward to.  This year, my sister and I are in charge of bringing the sweets...she is working on one of her fancy desserts...but I am bringing the traditional homemade brownies and chocolate covered strawberries.  Who doesn't love them?!

     Also, I heard (and thank you to the many emails!) that the October issue of Romantic Homes is out and my new column is in there where I get to talk about my favorite subject...BLOGS!  How fun is that?  I didn't get to see it yet, hopefully soon.  I will be taking some time off to work on some deadlines, new projects and re-stock the shelves in the boutique.  Enjoy your weekend! ~xo

Fabulous Fifi

     Had to make a quick post (although it shouldn't be so quick since the subject matter is great!) BUT I have a gazillion things on my never ending "to-do" list today.  So here goes...my friend and author, Francoise O'Neill (fifi), whom I mentioned here has started a blog.  Can I just say that the new blog "Chez Fifi" is as fabulous as fifi herself?!  With the help of a VERY talented gal named Shawn, she created the perfect blog for fifi.  I have to thank Shabby Miss Jenn for connecting us with Shawn, she was a godsend!  If you need an awesome banner or any digi scrap *dazzle* (Shawn; that word suits you perfectly!) go see Shawn at her blog Auntie Pea.  I had a lot of emails asking for the blog link when it was ready, so be sure to stop by and see Fifi's blog and say hello, I know she would love to hear from you all, tell her Tara sent you! lol! xo  Visit Chez Fifi Blog

Say Hello To My Friend

     I just realized that title sounds a little like the famous quote from the movie "Scarface" lol.. Anyway, I'm excited to share that my dear friend and author, Barbara Jacksier, has taken the plunge into the blogging world!  She is the Editor of Romantic Country and Cottage Style Magazines and is now taking some time off to write books.  The first book is about Cozy Waterside Cottages and her new blog will take us along on her book journey.  I had the pleasure of working with her on some fun projects in the past and look forward to more in the future, it's going to be exciting!  Take a moment to stop by and say hello, I know she would love to hear from you! Barbara Jacksier- The Book Blog   And if you have a cozy waterside cottage, you may just end up in her book...give her a shout!

                                   All photos courtesy of Barbara Jacksier and are copyrighted.

Romantic Country Magazine

     The Summer issue is out soon.  Can't wait to see it, here is a sneak peek at the cover!  I'm sure it will be jam packed with everything we love and a few surprises along the way.

UPDATE JUNE 12th :  It's officially "OUT" !  Look on your newstands.  Thank you for all of your emails, I have had many questions regarding subscriptions to the magazine.  At this time, it is only available on the newstands, there is no subscription.  ENJOY!

Romantic Country Magazine

  It's here!  Romantic Country Magazine. What a lovely issue...jam packed with all things romantic and chic.  Love seeing my friends at Make Mine Pink featured.  I am EXTRA fond of a little blurb on Page 4....little old me made it into the magazine as a listed contributor, for which I feel so honored.  It's a wonderful magazine and I enjoy working with the editor, Barbara Jacksier, and tickled pink she surprised me with this!  I look forward to contributing more products, homes, people & places in the upcoming issues, stay tuned!

*Sorry there is no subscription to this magazine, it is available at your local newstands

Home Companion

The new issue of Home Companion is out, love it!  Lots of great articles to get you in the Spring mood.  My favorite page, however, is page 89...  Bella Pink's boutique along with my friends at Make Mine Pink! Also love the party featured on page 46 "Paper Swoon"

Joyce did a great job on the ad. I'm sure it will bring lots of traffic to our boutiques!

 

Hey, that's us!

   

Wait let me check again...Yep! That IS us!

I can't explain the feeling of opening a magazine and seeing your own home inside, not to mention your children as well!

It was like an out of body experience when the October issue of Romantic Homes hit the newstands in 2006. Staring back at me was a four page article spread featuring our childrens playroom, entitled "A Storybook Idea" I'm still a bit shaky in the knees over it!  The article is about how we transformed our bare and very plain room into a cool space for the kids.  The before shot is really hideous!LOL!

It was a wonderful experience that I hope to be able to re-live again in other publications! Stay tuned!