Andy's Green Thumb

Andy is also a Pinterest fan, so I felt it's only fair to also share his pinterest tasks as well :)

He has done two for our back patio.

The first is the popular Pallet Garden.  He got 2 pallets from our friend Justin.  The first one he spray painted a greenish color and is growing different veggies and herbs.

The darn blog will only post it sideways... so from left to right (but should be bottom to top) 

• lemon cucumbers
• parsley
• sage
• parsley
• garlic chives

Eventually, on top there will be lettuce.  Before the pallet gets turned on its side and put against the fence all the plants need to take root in the soil.

His next idea (which I must add is his own original idea) is with the second pallet.

This pallet has cucumbers on the bottom, and one lemon cucumber (he thought he grabbed another normal cucumber, but being the goob that he is, that was not what he actually brought home).

His plan for the top is string beans which should grow up the chicken wire.  The chicken wire is attached to our overhang with hooks.  (Last year we had the ugly tomato baskets on the hooks and I am glad those are gone!)

He says the cucumbers are also supposed to climb up the chicken wire.

The last part of the garden that is done are the tomato plants.  He had some awesome tomatoes last year... I'm taking his word because I don't really eat tomatoes, so hopefully this year is just as good if not better :)

I will update as the plants grow and give us yummy results!

Wedding Table Numbers

So I saw a cute idea on Pinterest for using engagement photos as table numbers.  It is a great way to showcase all the awesome engagement pics and also serve a purpose.  There are plenty of websites that you can pay over $1 a pic, but thanks to Andy and playing around on the computer I am able to design them myself and then have Costco print them for .14 each  (or in my case .09 thanks to a coupon my mama has).

Now, how did I do this... with limited computer knowledge?  

What you need: Picasa... Google photo program (it's free!)

Fair warning... this is some what time consuming especially if you are working with large photos!

What you do:

You go into Picasa and find the photos you want to play with.  

You click on the first one to edit.

You will be shown different edit options.  

Click on "Edit in Picnik" ... there will be some wait time while is grabs your picture.

What I did to this photo specifically:

1. Crop the photo

2. Click on the "Effects" on the top of your options

3. Scroll down to "Focal B&W" this allows for the pop of color

4. Click on the "Text" on the top of your options

5. Enter the text in the box and have fun picking fonts!  There are SO MANY!

7. Click "Add"

8. You can make it larger or smaller with the mouse and dragging. 

Now the possibilities are endless! 

You can add hearts, bug eyes, wounds, fading, text, and so much more (under "Decorate")!