February 2013 - Simply Kierste

{silhouette promo and PORTRAIT giveaway!!!}

Feb
28

This is a great day, because I get to giveaway one of my favorite and most used products ever!!! I seriously get so excited about it! There is also a really fabulous promotion going on starting today, through March 8th. It's featuring one of the products that I love the most--the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition Software. One of the biggest differences between the regular Silhouette software and the Designer Edition is also my most favorite--the built-in ruler and guidelines for precise alignment and sizing. Let me show you! On the screenshot below, you can see I'm typing the letter C. Usually when I'm typing text, the dimensions are really important--I need them to fit in a … [Read more...]

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{cake mix cookies}

Feb
27

There are certain "mom" moments in life, ones that we all experience at point or another. Moments like... "I need to take 4 dozen cookies to school tomorrow morning" (said at 9pm), or "What's for our Family Night treat?" (asked at 4pm, while you're trying to help with homework, make dinner, supervise piano practice, all with little ones hanging from your leg and most likely to occur when you're a few weeks from having a baby and you waddle more than you walk.) Well, we're moms, and we find a way to figure it out. Sometimes it means a late trip to the store to buy cookies, or staying up late to make them (which is what I usually do). When that happens, or any other time you want a yummy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Recipes | 1 Comment

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{freezer meal labels} free printables!

Feb
25

There have been lots of new babies born around here, and just this past week I took a meal to a friend who had a beautiful baby boy. I decided to create a fun label for the freezer meal that I brought her cute little family--perfect for all the information she would need to thaw and bake. I loved it so much, I decided to make several different versions, and share them with you! Whether you are taking a freezer meal or someone else, or stocking your own freezer, these are a darling way to document the directions. They are blank labels, so you could use them for treat plates, or even a ready-to-go meal you might be delivering. They'll work on aluminum foil, large plastic bags, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Babies & Children, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Home & Family, Organization, Packaging, Printables | 4 Comments

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{introducing…the hopper from dish network}

Feb
24

This post brought to you by DISH. All opinions are 100% mine. DVR is one of those things that once you have it, you can't imagine living without it. As a mom of small children, it's perfect for me--I can tape my favorite shows and movies, and then watch them after my kids go to bed at night. My nightly chore of folding laundry, or morning run on the treadmill is made so much better when I have something I love to watch. I also haven't watched many commercials since, and I'm a BIG fan of that! One conversation we've had consistently over the time we've had DVR, is which shows we're going to record, and who gets priority. With sports, kids' shows, my favorite shows, and movies we … [Read more...]

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{mint pretzel bites}

Feb
22

One of my favorite treats to make around the holidays is Rolo Pretzel Bites. They are just about the easiest things EVER to make--seriously 4 minutes, people!!! I love to experiment with the same basic recipe, and I've tried quite a few different variations. I first made them using Mint M&M's during the Christmas holiday, and I fell in {love} with them. I knew then that they would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day! Mint Pretzel Bites are my new favorite treat. :) The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible, and the chewy caramel with the crunch of the mint M&Ms is perfection. You might want to make these when you're going to give some away, otherwise you will want … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holiday Projects, Recipes, St. Patrick's Day | 7 Comments

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{over the rainbow} st. patrick’s day fun & free printable!

Feb
20

Skittles are perfect for St. Patrick's Day...all those rainbow colors! I paired them with one of my personal favorites, gold-wrapped Rolos for a super fun gift...for friends, neighbors, teachers, and more! I also created a fun tag, and free printable, just for you!!! I save all of my Crystal Light containers, which I LOVE to re-use for all sorts of gifting and organizational purposes. I love the lids, how easy the wrappers are to take off, their size & shape, and that they are see-through! If you don't have any, or want something smaller, try a jelly jar, other small mason jar, or a baby food jar/container. I layered the candy starting with the Skittles first--in rainbow … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Crafts, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Printables, St. Patrick's Day, Teachers, Thinking of You | 8 Comments

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{DIY shutters clipboard & monogrammed clothespins}

Feb
18

We have lived in this house for a little more than 6 months, and I FINALLY put something up on my girls' wall! When we found out we were expecting this baby, it put all of my decorating on hold, as we tried to decide where kids would go, and if rooms or bedrooms would be switched around. I didn't want to do anything to any room, until I knew it was staying put! Just this past week we made final decisions, and I was able to start with some darling shutters that I refinished, and turned into a clipboard for my girls' bedroom wall. It turned out to be the perfect thing for that wall, and they are so excited to be able to clip up their favorite pictures and artwork. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY Decor, For the Home, Re-purpose & Refinish, Silhouette | 14 Comments

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{it’s about time!}

Feb
16

Well, I'm finally starting to catch up with the times. I guess I can't put off progress any longer, and I've joined the ranks! I'd love to have you join me on both Twitter & Instagram, and you'll see even more of my crazy life. :) Just click on the pictures below!! {kierste} … [Read more...]

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{fit friday with erica} healthy reads!

Feb
15

I don't know about you and where you live but here in Michigan we are in the dead of winter. I've been bombarded lately with freezing temperatures, piles of snow, and absolutely no desire to leave the house. Instead of giving in to my oh so strong desires to bake up warm cookies everyday and not dare venture outside to go for a run - I'm trying to beat the odds and remain healthy till spring arrives and it gets easier - hopefully sooner rather than later! One of my favorite things to do - especially in the winter time - is curl up on the couch with a huge fuzzy blanket and a good book. My favorite books to read are those that are recommended by friends - so here are a few that some … [Read more...]

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{shamrock glitter block} st. patrick’s day decor!

Feb
13

With the current Silhouette promo going on right now, I was sent some double-sided adhesive to try. I haven't worked a lot with glitter, and I'd never used the double-side adhesive, so I was excited to use it. With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, and Valentine's Day decor coming down soon, I decided something with a shamrock would be fun. :) I've seen quite a few projects using the adhesive with paper, and other decor, such as candles, but since I love working with wood so much, I was curious to see how it would work. I LOVE the end result! It was really easy to do, and FAST! (which I always love...) {supplies} -2x8 wood block (mine was 12 inches wide) -spray … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Crafts, DIY Decor, Holiday Projects, Silhouette, St. Patrick's Day | 1 Comment

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