What is that?

I received this same question multiple times after posting a video of Leo enjoying this experience on Facebook. I had planned a post on a different homemade play experience, but given the reaction on FB, I thought I would document this topic right away.



So what is it?



They are tapioca pearls—giant (well, relatively speaking compared to what's normally in tapioca pudding), beads of tapioca that are commonly found in a beverage called bubble tea. Yes, I have heard of that. No, I've never tried it.



As is true of many of my crafty endeavors lately, I stumbled upon this idea on Pinterest. I immediately went to Amazon to purchase some Tapioca Pearls. It was important to get the quick cook type, which require boiling for only 5 minutes to be ready. I prepared them while Leo was eating his lunch. And then we let them cool while we took a nap!



When we got up from our nap, I scooped the pearls out of the pot, and put them into a cookie sheet. As you can see, some of them come colored, and I couldn't help myself but to sort them accordingly. I then added two drops of food coloring to each pile. I didn't want to add too much color since we were planning to play with with our hands. I wasn't sure how well the color would stick, and I wanted to avoid having too much get on our hands. They would be just as fun to play with if you skipped the food coloring if you are concerned about the mess.



When the pearls were ready to go, I got Leo settled at the table with a tray full of containers, spoons, a bit of water, etc. and started scooping out our new toy. They are a little bit sticky, which is kind of fun in it's own right, but when they wet, the stickiness seems to go away, and they are a little easier to handle.



Leo played with these for about an hour. He picked them up and put them in containers, he scooped them and dumped them. He put them one at a time into the spout of the cup, and then used a straw or whisk to shove them through when they got stuck. He did taste a few, but elected not to eat them, which I thought was a wise choice, even though they are technically edible.



When we were done, Leo was soaking wet, but his hands were not stained a rainbow of color. The color stayed put on the pearls, and slowly rinsed away in the water. And what's a change of clothes for an hour of fun?



The best part is that we only used half of them. I saved the other half in the fridge to play with later this weekend. I'm not sure how long they will keep, they are food based after all, but I'm sure we will get at least one more session out of them.

What to do with a giant window?

Ever since we moved into this house five months ago, I have been struggling with what to do with our amazing (and amazingly large) living room window. It’s a beautiful feature, that until last weekend, we had covered with temporary paper blinds for privacy. Last weekend, we took them down to add some shrink wrap to help with the drafts. Now we live in a fish bowl, and I refuse to put up more paper. 

Why is this window such a challenge, you ask? Above, you can see what it looks like now. It’s over 10 feet wide. And it’s divided into 6 equal sections, as opposed to a more typical set up with 3 double hung windows in a row, it’s not as easy to hang three sets of blinds or shades here, because the mullions that divide each section vertically AND horizontally are on the same plane. This means that any type of tradition blinds have to be mounted to pass in front of the trim, instead of fitting between the two verticals. Do you follow? Therefore, our front runner solution at the moment, is the first picture, with the series of vertical panels that fit into a triple track. They can slide next to or in front of each other to create different layered effects. 

Other considerations are natural woven shades with a top-down option. Unless we went with one extremely long shade (so long, the dimension requires a special phone call to customer service) I think we need the accent drape at each division. It’s actually a beautiful look...one I like a lot. But, it’s more traditional solution, and disguises the fact that the window is so unique to begin with. I could just as easily be those three double hung windows I mentioned before. 

I’ve looked at different types of natural materials as well. And, I’m experimenting with the paint and drape colors of course. 

Lastly, I looked at traditional blinds. See what I mean about covering the gaps between them with a drape? So, I continue to ponder, although I’m leaning toward the first image. I would love to hear what you all have to say!

Comments transferred from previous Blog:

ALICIA DOOLEY

I like the first one, too. Would you lose too much light, though? I love light. Are there any sheers these days that don't look too dated? That with the panels in the middle would give you privacy and light. But, looks-wise, I love the first. And now I want you to come to my house and redesign everything!

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 09:42 AM

MICHELLE BENNETT

I like the first and last looks.  The gaps in the last look add an interesting element.  I don't think you should cover them.

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 09:51 AM

DOUG

Could you differentiate the horizontal vs. vertical mullions with color? and/or emphasize/de-emphasize them?  Looking at the last picture if you painted the horizontal mullions the same color as the wide wood blinds they'd not exactly disappear but be less noticeable with the blinds open. I'm not really understanding what you're saying in the first picture but I'd be concerned if you can't totally open the blinds you'll lose a lot of light when you want it.

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 10:01 AM

JEN

I think the reason I like the first option is that although the panels are sheer, the are flat vertical panels, as opposed to sheer drapes, which, Alicia, I agree, feel dated these days. The flatness feels more modern to me. The idea with this system is to always let the light in, and control the level of privacy by either opening or closing the panels. When they are totally open, the would still overlap the sides of the window by a few inches, but hopefully the fact that they are transluscent would minimize any potential light loss. Not to mention, we could probably to this with about $200 vs the more traditional shades for around $1000!

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 10:22 AM

VP

All fantastic looks, but I think the vertical panels are really you. I do like top down option, too, but perhaps in a few years, you will need a change (knowing you) and could reserve that option. Those sheer panels are really pretty. Are they complicated to install or to open and close?

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 03:35 PM

CHRISTINE

This probably won't surprise you... but I'm all over that first option! I love it! And, I'm a big fan of having as much natural light in the house as possible...

Monday, January 17, 2011 - 10:03 PM

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