This is where the journey began—before I fully knew where this blog was headed. These posts come from earlier seasons of Simple Not Simple Mom, and while my focus has shifted, I’ve left these here as a reminder that growth is part of the story. You’ll find simple DIY home hacks, easy style tips, and everything in-between. If you’re looking for my current writing on faith, missionary life, or cross-cultural motherhood, head back to the homepage. Otherwise, feel free to explore here—to get creative and to get inspired. —Kitty
How To DIY Chinese Jackstones from Orphan Socks
Remember playing Chinese jackstones? Nope, not the one with the rubber ball and pointy jacks, but the pillow ones, those 5 velvet-y mini bean bags of delight that you and your friends used to play after school. Find out how to make your own DIY set from orphan socks — yes, the ones whose matching pairs magically disappeared after your last load of laundry…and turn back the clock to your childhood (and bring the kiddies with you)!
DIY Yummy (and healthy) Dog Treats
Are you a dog lover who’s tired of guessing what kind of preservatives (and other unhealthy ingredients) are in their fur babies’ commercial treats? Try this simple homemade recipe from fellow dog mama, Ria, for an easy-to-make doggy treat that is not just delicious but good-for-them too. Plus, it’s safe for humans!
DIY Cheese and Pepper Pasta Your Kids Will Love
Have you ever found yourself looking at an empty pantry at the end of a very busy week and wondering how you’re going to prepare a quick, satisfying meal for the kiddos before your next grocery run? Find out how to make a well-loved, simple, two-ingredient pasta dish your kids will love to have during mealtime.
DIY Cardboard Vending Machine
A cardboard box transforms into a vending machine your child will enjoy creating! An engaging DIY project that will surely get your child’s creative juices flowing. Encourage fine motor skills, scissor skills, resourcefulness and coordination with simple materials you can find in your home.
My DIY Batik-Inspired Desk
Do you want a new look for your children’s work stations? This simple, DIY Batik-inspired design will inspire you to liven up their workspaces! All you need are leftover paint, school supplies, a steady hand and a little creativity. Personalizing their own desks and allowing them to give design input will encourage them to get excited to use their “new” desks this coming schoolyear!
DIY 5-Ingredient Veggie Dip
A simple 5-ingredient vegetable dip you can try at home. All you need are mayo, salt and pepper, vinegar and minced garlic. Enjoy a creamy, savory pairing for your Crudité of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, or any raw vegetable of your choice.
DIY Wooden Cat. For kids by kids.
Simple DIY kids’ activities to do at home. Thinking of an easy do-it-yourself project your child can do this summer? Why not come up with their own DIY tutorial using what’s at hand?
Generation X: A Brief Photo Essay
Generation X, the middle generation (hence the X) born between Baby Boomers and Millennials, teetered on the fence between the analog and digital eras. Growing
HOW TO WEAR: The Mutton Sleeve
Flashes of old-school Disney princesses come to mind whenever a pic of this playful trend pops up on my feed. (That and my sister’s prom dress in the 80s.) As they say, it all just goes around and here we are in the year 2021 and the dramatic puff sleeve, formally known as the Leg-of-Mutton sleeve, has exploded onto the arms and shoulders of influencers on FB and IG feeds.
THE SLANG DICTIONARY (2020): What Are They Really Saying? Decoding this generation’s slang
Admit it. Newsfeeds nowadays are like reading hieroglyphics especially if you’ve already crossed over to the tito/tita realm. Chances are if you were born before 1980, this
How To DIY Chinese Jackstones from Orphan Socks
Remember playing Chinese jackstones? Nope, not the one with the rubber ball and pointy jacks, but the pillow ones, those 5 velvet-y mini bean bags of delight that you and your friends used to play after school. Find out how to make your own DIY set from orphan socks — yes, the ones whose matching pairs magically disappeared after your last load of laundry…and turn back the clock to your childhood (and bring the kiddies with you)!
DIY Yummy (and healthy) Dog Treats
Are you a dog lover who’s tired of guessing what kind of preservatives (and other unhealthy ingredients) are in their fur babies’ commercial treats? Try this simple homemade recipe from fellow dog mama, Ria, for an easy-to-make doggy treat that is not just delicious but good-for-them too. Plus, it’s safe for humans!
DIY Cheese and Pepper Pasta Your Kids Will Love
Have you ever found yourself looking at an empty pantry at the end of a very busy week and wondering how you’re going to prepare a quick, satisfying meal for the kiddos before your next grocery run? Find out how to make a well-loved, simple, two-ingredient pasta dish your kids will love to have during mealtime.
DIY Cardboard Vending Machine
A cardboard box transforms into a vending machine your child will enjoy creating! An engaging DIY project that will surely get your child’s creative juices flowing. Encourage fine motor skills, scissor skills, resourcefulness and coordination with simple materials you can find in your home.
My DIY Batik-Inspired Desk
Do you want a new look for your children’s work stations? This simple, DIY Batik-inspired design will inspire you to liven up their workspaces! All you need are leftover paint, school supplies, a steady hand and a little creativity. Personalizing their own desks and allowing them to give design input will encourage them to get excited to use their “new” desks this coming schoolyear!
DIY 5-Ingredient Veggie Dip
A simple 5-ingredient vegetable dip you can try at home. All you need are mayo, salt and pepper, vinegar and minced garlic. Enjoy a creamy, savory pairing for your Crudité of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, or any raw vegetable of your choice.
DIY Wooden Cat. For kids by kids.
Simple DIY kids’ activities to do at home. Thinking of an easy do-it-yourself project your child can do this summer? Why not come up with their own DIY tutorial using what’s at hand?
Generation X: A Brief Photo Essay
Generation X, the middle generation (hence the X) born between Baby Boomers and Millennials, teetered on the fence between the analog and digital eras. Growing
HOW TO WEAR: The Mutton Sleeve
Flashes of old-school Disney princesses come to mind whenever a pic of this playful trend pops up on my feed. (That and my sister’s prom dress in the 80s.) As they say, it all just goes around and here we are in the year 2021 and the dramatic puff sleeve, formally known as the Leg-of-Mutton sleeve, has exploded onto the arms and shoulders of influencers on FB and IG feeds.
THE SLANG DICTIONARY (2020): What Are They Really Saying? Decoding this generation’s slang
Admit it. Newsfeeds nowadays are like reading hieroglyphics especially if you’ve already crossed over to the tito/tita realm. Chances are if you were born before 1980, this
