Hello, darlings! Welcome to Old Salt Farm!
I’m a wife and mom to six kids, including two sets of twins! Our home is busy and lively, as you can well imagine. We love to create and finish projects for our home and family, and I love sharing them with you.
Our most recent project, and biggest one to date, is Old Salt Farm, our farmhouse in upstate in New York, on nine wooded acres. We started building in spring of 2016, and moved in that same fall. We are busy with lots of projects here, making this house our home.
In addition to farmhouse style, it’s also a place where I can post about all of my favorite things–and the list is long! I love to create, organize, make my home warm and inviting, enjoy the holidays to the fullest, do fun things with my kids, make old things new again, and add simple touches that make all the difference.
Thanks for joining me!
Find me on Instagram…
Old Salt Farm (farmhouse style +DIY)
Simply Kierste (recipes, organization, holidays, and more!)
Mrs. Pancakes says
great intro to your family….wow six kids…what a blessing and a busy household!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much for stopping by!! Definitely a blessing, and definitely busy. :) xoxo
Stephanie Kirby says
So glad I found your blog! I cannot wait to read more! And your kids are absolutely beautiful!
Stephanie @ meetwithasmile.blogspot.com
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much!!!! I’m so glad you stopped by and said hello!!!
Nicolle Carlin says
I just want to say how much I enjoy your blog! You are such an inspiration! I am a former political reporter, turned stay at home mom, and I have been meaning to start a blog of my own for about two years. I think it will finally be ready to go this week and I have had an overwhelming urge to say thank you. Every time I read one of your entries, or try one of your projects, my drive to get my own little project going is renewed. Keep up the great work!
Nicolle
simply {kierste} says
Nicolle, I am so thrilled for you! A new blog is so exciting, and I wish you the very best. You’ll have to send me the link! Thank you for your kind words–I so appreciate them! xoxo
Joanne says
Just found your blog via some friends on facebook. Now I know why they’re addicted to your wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing with all of us, and best to you and your wonderful family!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much!!! I’m so glad you found me, and stopped by to say hello! So happy you’re here!!! xoxo
Jo Zhou says
Super love the website you manufactured, and your family, your six kids are god’s best gift to you.
simply {kierste} says
Thank you!
Amy Andrews says
Your cinnamon ornaments are adorable – and the recipe I will use for our first time making these (2 kiddos, 10 & 8). Thanks for posting! Inspired blog, can’t wait to read more. Well done!
simply {kierste} says
Hello there! I’m so glad you found me, and I’m excited for you to try these ornaments! They are a favorite!!! You’ll have to stop by and let me know how they turned out! Merry Christmas!
Lara says
I am so excited I found your blog! Lots of great info!! I can not wait to try some of your crafts! I just started blogging three months ago and if you have any great advice I would be so grateful! I have a large family too! We have seven kids, aren’t big families so wonderful!! Have a great day!
simply {kierste} says
Hello Lara! Yes, big families are wonderful!! How old are your children? Congrats on the new blog…I’d be happy to help answer any questions you have! Just e-mail me simplykierste@yahoo.com. Thanks for stopping by!! I’m so glad you found me! xoxo
Jenn @ Foodess says
Just discovered your blog and I’m so inspired to see a mom of SIX be able to keep up with running and work and lots of DIY projects. I’ve got (just one!) 10 month old and it’s a whirlwind. You’re a role model!
Simply Kierste says
Jenn, I’m so glad you found me!! When I had a 10 month old, it was a whirlwind for me too. All the running and projects just keep me sane. ☺ Hope to see you around, thanks for dropping by!! xo
Lisa says
Kierste……
I have a sincere question for you…..As I age, I’m finding it harder to keep those extra pounds off. I’ve always envied people that find joy in running….bc I never have. My lungs burn and I literally feel like I’m going to die!….lol Do you have any tips for someone that would love to be able to say that I find joy in running and would some day love to accomplish a small race…..like a 5k. What is the best way to “become” a runner? (May be a silly question but to this point I have been unsuccessful.) Thanks for your time and your lovely site.
Sincerely, Lisa
Simply Kierste says
I actually HATED running for a long time, lol. I’ve played sports my whole life, and thought it was so pointless to run without a ball. :) After my second set of twins were born, I really needed a way to keep in shape that I could do from home, that wasn’t expensive, and that would be a good workout. So…I started running. It helped that I had friends that also started running, and we did our Saturday runs together, which made it fun. Start slow—start with a mile, do that for a couple of weeks, then slowly add on after that–a mile at a time. You body will get used to it, and so will your lungs, I promise!!! I also really started enjoying running after I hit 4-5 miles. My body got into a groove, and I felt like I could just keep going. Still today, the hardest part of my run is the first mile or two. Look up at couch to 5k program online–there are quite a few out there–and they are really great for getting into a schedule, and knowing what to do, and how to do it. I say go for it! I know you can do it! When I started, I could run about 3 miles, and within 3 months I ran a half marathon, and within 9 months I had run a full marathon. It’s totally possible, and it’s really made a difference in my life. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Ruth Tacoma says
Gorgeous family!!!
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Ruth!!! xoxo
Sue says
Kierste,
THANK YOU for this blog and for all the printables. I’m also a busy mom of 9 and live in upstate NY. I had a check list much like this one a number of years ago (it was actually a whole program) and lent it to a friend and never got it back. I can’t wait to get going and get back to a lovely clean and organized house!! I too love lists, my problem is getting them done or the lack thereof and becoming frustrated that it didn’t happen. Thanks again for the simplicity, this is one mom who is very grateful!
Simply Kierste says
Oh my goodness, you are so welcome!! We also live in upstate New York (just moved here last month!), and love it. So glad you found me, and are going to start this cleaning schedule. Let me know how it goes!! xoxo
Virginia Ramlan says
Kierste Mommy, im learn so much from your web about design, family, and handcraft. Everyday i come to see your page, really like.
OH MY GOD so lucky me to find this. Im just a student in a University, not yet married. But i see you child i wanna go married soon. So charming and cute, really im not lying. I wanna be a mom like you, so inspiring. and the point i wanna have cute and photogenic child like your have. So thankyou and succes for you. Thankyou so much
Sarah says
I’ve enjoyed checking out your website!
Simply Kierste says
Thank you, Sarah! So glad you’re here! xoxo
Sharon says
Just discovered your website after seeing a post on facebook. As a grandmother I am always looking for new ideas and you have so many great ones. Thank you so much.
Simply Kierste says
I’m so glad you found me! Thank you so much for stopping by–hope to see you again soon!! xoxo
carole says
Hi there! found your website from the “how to have a clean house everyday” post on fb- SO happy to have found this site! I don’t know how you do what you do, but you sure are inspiring and i can’t wait to read more and put some of your tips into practice :-) thanks for the free downloads, too!!
many blessings to you and your family :-)
Simply Kierste says
Carole, thank you so much! I’m so glad you found me, and I appreciate your kind words. I hope to “see” you again!!! xoxo
Shauna says
hi!
I just have to say hi when I “meet” someone like you! I also have 6 kids and just one set of twins! And I also love Pride and prejudice and the Bourne series, which I thought to be a unique combination of favorites!!! What a fun site you have. ;) love it ;)
Simply Kierste says
Hello! Yes, we certainly do have a lot in common! I love that you love both P&P and the Bourne series too–I haven’t met too many people that favorite combination of movies. :) So glad you found me, and that you took the time to say hello!! xoxo
Jennifer says
Hi Kierste!! I love everything about your blog!! The baking, snacks & all the DIY stuff! It’s great! I’ve made some of things you’ve posted! My question is have you put on a fireman themed party or do you have any ideas? Thanks!!
Francine says
Hi Kierste! You surely have a beautiful family. I am really interested in the Apron you made with the hand prints. When I had a cottage I used to bring my two granddaughters with us all the time. Jayde was born on March 6 and Kassandra on March 28th of the same year. When we were at the cottage I used to trace their hands and feet on a piece of bristol board every year to check on their growth. I was wondering if you could tell me the best way to use those cutouts to transfer as paintings to the apron. I think this would make a great Christmas gift to both of them as they are now going on 20 years old. Thank you.
Simply Kierste says
Hmmmm…I’m not sure how to transfer it. Maybe take a picture of them? There are lots of places (like Walmart) that will add photos to different things. I’ll keep thinking!
Tiffany says
I love your site…but I’ve been seeing some less than savory ads here…like Russian Senior Dating for Men…join at russiawomendate.com?? And the picture is of 4 bimbos with some eye-popping cleavage? I didn’t know how else to contact you, but I know that this doesn’t represent your values…just wanted to make you aware of it as you may have not seen it. Best Wishes, Tiffany
Simply Kierste says
Thank you again for letting me know about this. I spoke with my ad network, and though they are a family-friendly network (as am I), sometimes some will sneak through. If you see it again, will you take a screenshot of it and send to me? They can block it from that point. Again, I’m so sorry!!!
Becky Strahan says
Hi there…I made the pumpkins and they turned out ADORABLE! I couldn’t believe how easy it was. When I first did them they weren’t that cute…drippy paint, too bright..and then I touched everything up and started sanding to give an aged look. They are perfect! I put a finishing wax on them after and I LOVE THEM!!!!! Keep the cute ideas coming!
Simply Kierste says
Hi, Becky! I’m so glad you made them and love them!!! I agree–everything is always cuter when you distress it. :) I always like it SO much better when I do! Happy Fall! Thanks for reading!! xoxo
Brittany says
Persuasion! One of my favorites :) I love Pride & Prejudice, too, but Persuasion has it beat by just a bit. And I’m with you on baking over cooking. It’s so satisfying to pull off a delicious cheesecake :)
Simply Kierste says
I’m totally with you! How about Persuasion WITH a cheesecake? :) Sounds like we have a lot in common! Thanks so much for stopping by!! xoxo
Bree says
Thank you for sharing your skills with us.
Congratulations for the beautiful family and for the example of simple living, which, makes a big difference in our daily and busy lives.
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much for your kind words, and for reading!!! xoxo
Kim says
Thank you so much for all of your great ideas and great insight on things! Very helpful! Love your sight <3
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Kim!!! xoxo
Michaela says
Hey Kierste!
This is going to sound like an odd question, but what font do you use on the logo for your website?
Simply Kierste says
It’s True North: the top is the script style, the bottom is the plain style!
Ellen Moore says
Please stop these emails.
Thank you,
Ellen Moore
Simply Kierste says
I’m sorry you’d like to discontinue receiving emails, but all you need to do is scroll down to the very bottom of the email, and there is an unsubscribe button. Click on it, and follow the directions, and the emails will stop. Have a great day!!! xoxo
Charlotte says
May I first say God bless you and your family! You are very talented and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing all your special ideas with us. Please continue to do so as we really enjoy it!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Charlotte, thank you so much for your very kind words–I really appreciate it! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!!! xoxo
Laurie says
Hi Kierste! I just found your blog via your Instagram via another blog! There are a million “home” blogs out there, but yours has truly touched me for a number of reasons: 1)It is beautiful and yet simple 2)You are cost conscious and simple 3)Your comments on doing things best for your family needs (like having a smaller Master Bath) just speaks to me instead of doing what is most showy. We are in the process of moving from NM back home to MN and will be building our own home. Your site will definitely be an inspiration! Thank you!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Laurie, thank you so much! I think that’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever gotten. Seriously. You totally made my day! Good luck with your move and home building…I’m so excited for you!!! xoxo
Déo says
Hi there! I found the instruction to make the swing so easy! The hard part was to find a 4x6x12 of PT wood. I am from Quebec (Canada) and this is not an easy piece to find so have to notch a 6×6 x12 at the ends to make it fit into the A shaped metal frame. I can’t wait for the temperature to be a bit warmer so I can start the project. Not sure how to cement the legs how that works but I’m learning as I go! loll
You are quite the inspiration! Hugs! :)
Old Salt Farm says
Hi, Déo! I’m actually not too far from you–we love Quebec!! Hands down our favorite place to ski is Mont Tremblant. You have a beautiful country and province. I’m so excited that you were able to find what you needed, and then make it work for you! You’ll have to let me know how it goes, especially when you get to the cement part. I’d love to hear!