I had this idea that Microsoft Paint would be a capable background image creator. I am sure it is, but I didn’t have much success with it today. During my semi-failed attempt, which I will still share, I found a new site and rediscovered an old favorite.
Take Root Photo Art
It was part of my “Things I May Do” post where I first shared my desire to add to the plethora of photo + word art. When I discovered that Adobe Photoshop CS2 was released as freeware, it was my Carpe Diem moment. I promptly downloaded, installed, and set to work on my “Take Root” idea. First I started with a photograph of a shed engulfed by vines that I took on my way to my sister’s house (hence the “Take Root” theme). Next, I consulted the following tutorials at various points during my editing: “How to Unlock Layers“, “How to Add Spotlights“, and “How to Edit Sky“. I am not a complete noob to Photoshop, so I didn’t have to look every step. If you are looking to completely replicate what I did, you’ll need to do some research. I am completely self taught in Photoshop by all my internet searching glory and you can be too. Here are my creations.
Jewelry Box Makeover: Personalized Gift
For my niece’s 6th birthday I wanted to make her something special. Because she is glamorous, I figured anything related to jewelry would be a good fit. At the GW Boutique (ahem, Goodwill), I found the perfect starting point- a child sized jewelry box for $4. Score! With a little bit of paint and time, I ended up with a gift she really loved.
Teach Your Spouse (Or Yourself) to Cook – Lesson 1: Chicken Parmigiana
Originally this post was going to be “Teach Your Hubby to Cook” but I didn’t want to add to a stereotype – I know many husbands that are the primary users of the kitchen in their household. In my case, this isn’t true and not because I am a great cook, it is just that I have more kitchen experience than my husband. After being together for over 10 years, I just now came to the realization that if my husband had some easy go to recipes, he would volunteer to make dinner more often because he wouldn’t have to ask me what to do each step of the way. I think this idea is so perfect it has spawned a new series: “Teach Your Spouse (Or Yourself) to Cook”. Recently my husband ordered Chicken Parmigiana at one of our favorite restaurants (that we were able to frequent much thanks to a Christmas gift card – Thank you Grandma Betty!). While there he proclaimed, “I bet I can make this myself!”. Of course I encouraged my husbands proclamation, and this is what he came up with. Random spousal cooking lesson tip – start with a meal your significant other loves. Of course, you can make this meal too!
Repticon Revisited
I might be a bit more loving of reptiles than the average person. I have a pet leopard gecko and sand boa who I affectionately call Gizmo and Mr. Snake respectively. Adam and I have been to Repticon in the past and were excited to visit again. If it comes to your area, I suggest going even if you are not in the business of buying a new pet. It is like a cool reptile zoo and is perfect for the kiddos. Here are some highlights of the visit.