{beadboard flag}

May
31
22
beadboard flag

I {love} the 4th of July.  From the parades, to the flags, to the fireworks, to the BBQs, to the decor, to the very reason for its existence, I love it. I'm always looking for fun ideas to decorate my home for the holiday--- something cute and simple.I made this darling flag out of beadboard--one of my favorite things--and I am in love! It's so cute, it can be left up all year long if you like. Beadboard was perfect for this project because of the lines--easy to paint, and totally straight! This is a really simple project, but the outcome is fabulous.  It's pretty inexpensive too, especially if you go in on it with a friend and split the cost of the beadboard. You can also make it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4th of July, All Crafts, Crafts, DIY Decor, For the Home, Holiday Projects |


{garage sale tips}

May
30
6
lemonade stand

Do you have a pile of unused stuff in your basement?  In your closets?  In your garage?  Are your drawers overflowing with items you no longer use or need? Have a garage sale!   It's a great way to clean out your house and garage, plus make a little extra money at the same time.  My friend and I just had our 3rd annual garage sale, which we hold every spring.  It's one of our favorite things to do, and after a few years, we've definitely learned a few things--several the hard way. Okay, so it will take a little work, but don't be scared!  It really can be a fun and profitable way to get organized. Since this is the height of garage sale season, I thought I would pass on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cleaning, For the Home, Home & Family, Organization, Outdoor Projects |


{where i’ve been, and a giveaway winner}

May
29
21

It's been a few days since I've posted, but for very good reason.  This weekend was like no other...I RAN A MARATHON!!!It was my first one, and if it wasn't for my shiny medal, 3 lost toenails, and aching feet, it would almost seem like a dream.  I ran it with my best girlfriend, and we MADE IT.  My husband also ran it, and my parents came out to help with the kids and give their support--we couldn't have done it without them. My best friends all were there for the race (some ran their own races too), and met us at the 19 mile mark for moral support, food, and dry socks. Brook ran with us for a little ways, which was exactly what we needed--a huge boost to my morale. Seeing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{piano practice points system}

May
26
12

I'm a piano teacher.I'm also a mom with kids taking lessons, and I understand how hard it can be trying to help motivate kids to practice. I started playing when I was 4 years old, and though I loved it, I remember having a hard time sitting down to practice when it was nice outside, or when I had a good book calling my name.I totally get it...on all levels. Years ago I created a piano points chart--a system to give kids a little extra motivation to practice, and small rewards for working hard and doing well. It works for everyone, because you can adjust the requirements and rewards not only for age levels, but for individual needs as well. Giving them a reachable goal has been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{photograpy q&a with Lei}

May
25
3

Hey guys!  Thanks for all the great questions that came in!  Let's jump right in, shall we?Marcia asks:I have a point and shoot camera (Sony Cybershot) and want to know how to make my landscape pics "pop" and look gorgeous and different without simply using the landscape setting.Have you heard of actions?  They run in both Photoshop and Elements. Although, most are available for Photoshop only.  Boo.  Anyway, actions put a whole new spin on your image with just one click.  Or if you are really PS saavy, you can go in and make finer adjustments with layer masks and all that good stuff.  I use the Totally Rad Actions, Kubota Actions, Itty Bitty Actions, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{crockpot green enchilada tostadas}

May
21
7
Crockpot Green Enchiladas | simplykierste.com

WHAT a crazy week!  I'm sure you can all relate to the feeling of a list so long you need a list for your lists, lol.  Part of the craziness is due to it being garage sale weekend--my friend and I have one every spring, and I LOVE it.  It's a lot of work, but totally worth it (more on that later). Dinners have had to be quick and easy this week, and I tried a new crockpot recipe that was a huge hit by the voting majority (which is a miracle in and of itself).  It started out as a green enchilada recipe from my friend Erica that I had been wanting to try, but needed to cut out some time.  Enter in the crockpot, and a new family favorite... Green Enchilada Tostadas 4 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Recipes |


{ice pop holders}

May
18
11
ice pop sideways-1

I have had ice pop holders on my list forever. I don't know why I haven't done it before now, because my kids are obsessed with frozen Gogurts and are always asking for a rag to wrap around it. Well, now that ice pop season is here (anyone else call them Otter Pops?), it was time to get them done. The Silhouette promo for the this month is heat transfer material, and it was perfect timing, since they sent me a really fun pink color that I have been wanting to try. This is SO EASY. Like the easiest project ever.  And SO cute! ITEMS YOU NEED: felt hot glue heat transfer material OR fabric & heat 'n bond DIRECTIONS: I used felt, because it's easy to cut out, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Babies & Children, Crafts, Holiday Projects, Home & Family, Silhouette, Summer Fun |


{beadboard tags}

May
17
11

My husband was out of town on Mother's Day, so we celebrated this past Sunday. I {love} Mother's Day, because it means no cooking, my favorite meals, and reading in bed all afternoon. This year I was also surprised with something else...My husband got all crafty on me, and made these DARLING tags cut out of beadboard.  He had the kids draw/write on 3 labels (address labels) each, then applied them to the backside of the beadboard.  He even mod podged them on for a clear protective coat!  After drilling holes in the top of each tag, he used ribbon to tie each tag on to a piece of jute.It is one of my favorite things.  I absolutely love it.Other ideas?  *I think … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{friday favorites}

May
14
8

Okay, so I know it's Saturday, but since blogger has been doing crazy things over the past few days, I'm just now able to get this posted! I have a few favorite things right now...Let's start with food, lol.Chobani Pineapple Greek YogurtOut of all the flavors, this is definitely my most favorite.  It tastes like a creamy Pina Colada, and I eat it almost every morning.  With 14 grams of protein, it's perfect for breakfast, after a run, or just when you're wanting something yummy. Oh,and I'm pretty sure I break all the yogurt rules by stirring my yogurt and fruit together, but I think it's much better that way. :)..... Edy's Key Lime Pie Frozen YogurtIf you're a key lime pie lover … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{DIY framed corkboard}

May
11
9

When I made these coat hooks for my mudroom, I knew I needed something to go above them to fill that empty space. I thought it would be nice to have a place where I could leave messages to my kids on their way out the door, or a note for my husband to see on his way in or out.I thought a cork board would be perfect, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I came up with an answer...a DIY cork board made from an old frame, including the glass! I {LOVE} it!  I spent less than $8, and it's exactly what I wanted! DIY Framed CorkboardITEMS YOU NEED: frame with glass intact (or piece of cardboard cut to fit frame)roll of cork, or cork squaresE-6000 liquid adhesiveDIRECTIONS: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |