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Ciera Design Studio

Brand identity and design solutions for creative businesses and passionate entrepreneurs

Nexa Rust Font by Fontfabric

December 5, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I love a good, thick, script font, don’t you? What’s even better is that Nexa Rust from Fontfabric Type Foundry is SO versatile and has SO many variations. It’s multifaceted font system consisting of sub-families of sans, slab, script, handmade AND extras. Each of these sub-families contains a number of font weights which have a characteristic warm, rough look. Nexa Rust is a rough version of the already popular Nexa and Nexa Slab families with added new matching Nexa Script and Nexa Handmade fonts. Along with all of this, you will also discover added groups of extras which could serve as a foundation or add that extra “cherry on the top” to your designs.

Nexa Rust Font by Fontfabric

Some other current font favorites are Adorn (a modern and sometimes quirky script perfect for invitations) and Harman (includes seven fonts and their inline forms that have different styles from each other but at the same time compatible when used together).

 

 

My Favorite Gift Ideas for the Hostess

December 3, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I find that right after Thanksgiving the holiday party invites start rolling in, so I decided to tackle the host/hostess gift guide first this year. If you’ve ever hosted a dinner or party of any kind, you know how much work it takes. Here are a few good gift ideas to let the host know that you appreciate their efforts!

My Favorite Gift Ideas for the Hostess:

Favorite Gifts for the Hostess

salt and pepper grinder set | boxes gold ornament | wood server | paz trees | joya composition no. 1 white soap | measuring spoons | golden triangle pillow | chick candleholder | bud vases

Is there anything you’d like to receive as a party host/hostess? See all of my gift guides here!

DIY Marshmallow S’more Pops

December 1, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

DIY Smore Pops Recipe



I’m always looking for easy, yummy, and festive party treats when the holidays roll around and s’more pops are just that! While regular s’mores are delicious, they are quite messy, so these are a perfect individual serving alternative!

Recipe

Marshmallows
1 package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Graham cracker crumbs (or make your own)
Lollipop sticks
Wax Paper
Styrofoam

insert the lollipop sticks into the marshmallows

Steps

1) First, insert the lollipop sticks into the marshmallows. Make sure not to go all the way through or the marshmallow will fall off into the chocolate when dipping.

melting chocolate on the stove

2) Melt your chocolate  – either in a microwave or a double boiler (a makeshift one in my case). Have your graham cracker crumbs in a bowl nearby.

Festive S'more Pops

3) Gently dip each marshmallow into the chocolate and rotate until all sides are covered then dip directly into the graham cracker crumbs while the chocolate is still wet. 

Ciera-Design-Smore-Pop-Recipe-4

4) Place on wax paper, or stick into your styrofoam, to let cool and dry. I placed my piece of styrofoam directly into the decorative box I was using to display them in, and covered it with crinkled paper to be more presentable.

Ciera-Design-Smore-Pop-Recipe-5

These s’more pops were a huge hit at the party I brought them to and I’ll definitely be making them for future holiday events!

*Affiliate links used.

Ciera Design Holiday Cards + Black Friday Sales

November 28, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

For those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a wonderful day with family and friends! I’m up in Maine for the week and while I’m skipping out on the Black Friday madness I wanted to share some special deals with y’all! The Ciera Design 2014 holiday collection is now up in my Etsy shop and I’m offering my lovely readers 30% off through cyber monday with code “CYBER14”! Also get 50% off my ebook, The Meetup Guide!

Holiday Card Prep

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales

  • AMAZON: Special lightning deals updated every 10 minutes at Amazon.com (11/26-11/28)
  • BLURB: 20% off print book orders with code: CYBER20
  • CREATIVE MARKET: 20% off of everything!
  • CRICUT: $5 Off Orders $50+ with code: CRICUTBF5
  • EXPRESS: 50% off of everything.
  • FOSSIL: $25 off of $150, $50 off of $200, plus free shipping and returns on all orders
  • FREE PEOPLE: Free shipping on all orders
  • GAP: Take 50% off sitewide at the Gap with code BLKFRIDAY
  • HONEST: 25% off sitewide
  • J.CREW: Take 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum, with code HOLIDAY (11/26-11/30).
  • KATE SPADE SATURDAY: Take 30% off sitewide + free shipping with code DEALME (11/26-11/30).
  • LORD & TAYLOR: Take an extra 20% off everything + 25% off jewelry with code THANKS (11/25-11/30).
  • MADEWELL: Take 25% off site wide with code GIFTON (11/25-11/30).
  • MODCLOTH: 50% off hundred of new arrivals (11/26-11/30).
  • MINTED: 25% off your order (excludes holiday cards). 20% off your holiday card order of $150+ or 15% off your holiday card order of $100+
  • MY FONTS: Tons of fonts on sale up to 90% off
  • NINE WEST: 20% off of purchase of $125 or more
  • POPPIN: $10 off $85 with the code POPHOLIDAY1085 and $25 off $100 with the code POPHOLIDAY25
  • RUCHE: Take 30% off sitewide with code BLKFRDY (11/27-11/28). Take 30% off full-priced items – plus, an extra 50% off will automatically be applied at check out with code BLKFRDY (12/1-12/2).
  • SHOES.COM: Black Friday sale, 30% off of all sale items with the code BLACK
  • SHOPBOP: Tiered promotion:15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000 with code GOBIG14 (11/26-12/1)
  • SKILL SHARE: 40% off an entire year with discount code BLACK14
  • TARGET: Women’s Boots BOGO 50% off and hundreds of deals site wide (11/27-12/1)
  • TINYPRINTS: 30% off any order using the code BLACKFRIDAY plus an extra 10% off using the code 1128DEAL at checkout
  • URBAN OUTFITTERS: Take an additional 25% off all sale online and an additional 50% off all sale in-stores (11/28)
  • WARBY PARKER: buying glasses is a cinch with the FREE Home-Try-On program, 5 Days, 5 Pairs, 100% FREE!
  • WEST ELM: Take up to 25% off with code SUPERSALE (11/26-12/1)
  • WP ENGINE: sign up for an annual plan and get 4 months of free hosting with code “CyberHosting14” when signing up.

I hope this list saves you all a little time and money this weekend! I’m trying to keep this list as up to date as possible, but I can’t gaurantee any of these deals. xoxo

Design Portfolio: White Swan Personal Training Website

November 24, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Personal Trainer Photo Based Web Design

Happy Monday! I’m trying to get better at sharing completed projects on a more steady basis around here, so here we go! The first time I worked with Vesta was in 2010 on the Race + Religious rebranding and website. I’ve worked with Vesta on a few different things over the years and I’m so excited to be able to help with her latest venture.  I just launched Vesta’s site for White Swan Personal Training, her new personal training company! Vesta knew she wanted a very simple and clean look. I knew that I wanted to showcase the true passion that she has for exercise and ballet! I wanted the gorgeous photographs to shine so I kept the color palette and design elements to a minimum. What do you think?

P.S. I’ve just about wrapped up all of my 2014 client projects and I’m now booking for 2015. If you need anything design related, get in touch!

Moodboard: Rose Gold

November 19, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I’m so excited to show y’all this moodboard I designed inspired by Brian Gavin Diamonds’s new Rose Gold Collection. The collection is so romantic and soft I wanted the moodboard to express the same feelings. I am adoring this color combo so much, I feel like I need to throw a party using it! Hmmm, wedding colors?

Rose Gold Inspired Moodboard

Diamond / Sequins / Glitter / Champagne / Make It Count / Girl In Hat

Introducing the Italian Rose Gold Collection from Brian Gavin Diamonds. Each unique piece of jewelry is crafted from 14k Italian Rose Gold with white gold, diamond cut beads. Available in earrings, necklaces and bracelets – this affordable collection provides ultra romantic accessories for the fall.

With five generations of diamond expertise, artistry and integrity, Brian Gavin Diamonds sells exquisite loose diamonds and hand-crafted, customized diamond engagement rings and jewelry. Since 1999, thousands of satisfied local, national and global clients have enjoyed Brian Gavin Diamonds’ personalized diamond experience — both online and off. Follow Brian Gavin Diamonds on Twitter, Pinterest and don’t miss them on Instagram, they have some really awesome videos! Thanks to Brian Gavin Diamonds for sponsoring this post!

Upcycled + Restyled Home Office Bookshelf

November 17, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Upcycled-Home-Office-Bookshelf-6

Who has a to-do list a mile long of home projects and updates? I know I do! My dad is a bit of a dumpster diver so there’s never a shortage of furniture in our family, while abundant, it’s not always pretty. A while back he gave me a bookshelf that’s been really useful, but an eyesore in my office, see below. I just shoved a bunch of stuff on it and that was that. I’ve been meaning to give it an upgrade but just couldn’t get around to it.

Upcycled-Home-Office-Bookshelf-1

Well, BLACK+DECKER contacted me with a challenge to finish a project that I had been putting off as part of their Your Big Finish campaign. Through this campaign, they are encouraging homeowners and renters to finish neglected projects around their homes for a chance to win $10,000 and other prize packages. I knew immediately I wanted to tackle this bookshelf!

Upcycled-Home-Office-Bookshelf-2

Lucky for me it was easy to deconstruct. I cleared off the junk, took it apart, taped up the ends of the legs and got out my white spray paint! I needed to do a few coats since the original color was so dark. Once the paint was dry I reassembled the shelf. When I was putting items back on the shelf I kept it to a minimum instead of just cramming everything back on. I moved some of the extra books and boxes to a shelf that wasn’t so front and center in my office and focused on making this shelf both pretty and functional. It was so easy, I can’t believe I procrastinated for so long! It’s amazing that a little white spray paint can make such a huge difference.

A little white spray paint can make a huge difference!

Now it’s your turn to finish a project! BLACK+DECKER has launched this movement to get all the unfinished home projects moving again. Join them for the opportunity to win $10,000 cash and products. Plus, they might put you and your finished project on a billboard right in the middle of Times Square. So while your family may never notice that you finished hanging the crown molding, millions of others will! Click Here To Enter Your Project

Many thanks to BLACK+DECKER for sponsoring today’s story and inspiring me to FINALLY finish this project!

Hammitt Handbags Giveaway

November 13, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Hammitt Handbags Giveaway

I’m so excited to be able to share this Hammitt Handbags Giveaway (closed) with y’all today! For those of you who aren’t familiar, Hammitt is an American maker of designer handbags. Every Hammitt bag is made by hand in Los Angeles, California by skilled artisans with years of experience working with some of the biggest handbag names in the world of fashion. Skilled leather artisans curate every detail, from suede lining and polished rivets, to discreet cell-phone pockets and smart reversible straps. Hammitt embodies youthfulness, self-confidence, and effortless style. Every made-to-order piece is a timeless staple with each bag becoming a personal reflection of its individual collector. Here are some of my favorite bags from them:

Now for the fun part – the Hammitt Handbags Giveaway!

I’ve teamed up with Hammit Handbags to help spread the word about an amazing giveaway. You can enter for a chance to win a limited edition handbag by Hammitt worth $760, courtesy of Stearns & Foster. One lucky winner will also receive their very own hand-stitched Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress. Hammitt has created this exclusive bag for Stearns & Foster, one which embodies their values of American-made, timeless styling, superior craftsmanship and the world’s finest materials. Called, “The Lockland” after the birthplace of Stearns & Foster, the bag is a highly versatile, go-anywhere, carryall satchel handcrafted in a timeless silhouette with Hammitt signature rivets and rough-edge. Enter To Win the Hammitt Handbags Giveaway By Clicking Here (Closed)

Abbreviated Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal US residents (incl. DC), 18 years or older (19 years old in AL and NE, 21 in MS) at start of Sweepstakes. Promotion consists of 4 separate Sweepstakes the first of which begins at 12:00 a.m. ET on 8/13/14, and the last of which ends on 12/14/14, at 11:59 p.m. ET. To enter, click here, “like” the page, and complete and submit the registration form. 20 prize winners will receive a limited edition Hammitt® Handbag. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of each: $760. One winner will receive a Stearns & Foster® mattress set (ARV: $1499). Limit one (1) prize per person/per household. Odds of winning are based on the number of eligible entries received per sweepstakes. For complete rules and eligibility requirements, visit www.stearnsandfoster.com Sponsor: Tempur Sealy International, Inc. Thank you for supporting this blog by allowing me to post occasional sponsored content. Photo via Hammitt.

Selfie Font by Lian Types

November 7, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Selfie: it’s the word of the year. Never were so many silly self portraits taken and posted across the globe as in 2014. So what about Maximiliano Sproviero’s typeface named after this crazy phenomenon? Was it called Selfie because there’s something narcissistic about it? Maybe just because it is such a perfectly eclectic product of its time. That sums it up pretty well: geometric construction combined with neon tube lines, penstroke connections and abundant swashes. Based on vintage signage scripts as seen in Buenos Aires’ Galerías, Selfie combines vintage charm with digital versatility. Check out the rugged Printed version for that popular letterpress look, and the attractive construction set of banners in Selfie Flags. And y’all know I like to share a good font deal – Selfie is 25% off until November 18th, so if you like it, grab it now!

Selfie Font by Lian Types

 Type samples from MyFonts.com. Affiliate links used.

4 Signs That Your Visual Branding Needs A Facelift

November 5, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Does your visual branding need a refresh or maybe even a total overhaul? Is your brand identity making a good first impression on your potential clients? Not sure, here are four signs that your identity design may need a facelift.
As we head into November full speed ahead, now is a great time to pause for a moment, step back and take a look at your business. Does your visual branding need a refresh or maybe even a total overhaul? Is your brand identity making a good first impression on your potential clients? Not sure, here are four signs that your identity design may need a facelift:

1. It no longer represents your business

Maybe you’ve decided to offer different services, have expanded or maybe you have done a complete 180. Sometimes your businesses can slowly evolve over time and you don’t even realize it’s happening!

2. You don’t feel proud

Your branding conveys the quality of your business and should reflect your values. Your website, business card, and printed materials are often the first interface that a potential client has with your business. You have a few seconds to make a good impression and you should be proud to hand out cards and send people to your site.

3. You are attracting the wrong client or your target audience has changed

Your visual identity should accurately represent your brand’s personality. If people keep contacting you looking for a style or services that you don’t offer, then it might be time to revisit your brand identity to focus on attracting your target audience.

4. Your current look is dated, poor-quality or non-existent

Your visual branding should be timeless, not trendy. With so many platforms these days, clients should be able to recognize you at a glance through your brand identity. Are your website, printed materials and social sites cohesive? They should be.

Still not sure if you are ready? Read Sprucing Up Your Branding and download the free Questions For Rebranding Worksheet to help you figure it out. Still confused about what is right for your business? A consultation is a great place to start. Sometimes you just need to talk it out!

P.S. Helping people is my passion and I’d love to help you create a successful brand identity for your business so get in touch as there are limited bookings available before the end of the year!

That’s A Wrap: October

October 29, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I’m a few days early to wrap up October, but I know everyone is going to be distracted by Halloween and wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on my festive recipes and freebies from the month! In other news, my sister is coming to visit for the first time since she moved to New York earlier this year, SO excited! AND lot’s of great stuff happened in the studio, on the blog and around the web:

Ciera Design Blog Posts OCT

 

On The Blog

– One of my favorite Made In Mind events to date, The Garden Party and Floral Demo
– Worn Stories had been such a fun book to flip through and read
– A Fall recipe round-up!
– A Halloween twist on a favorite snack: Eyeball Caprese Salad
– Dress up your water bottles for Halloween with these free printables
– An inside look to the Marseille France markets
– I picked a winner for my 5 year blogiversary giveaway, is it you?! Thanks again to everyone who entered!
– Why personal cloud storage is a MUST for any home or small office

 

In The Studio

– I actually designed this Rock Band and Converse themed invitation last year but am just getting around to publishing it!
– I created a fiesta version to my black and gold safari invite, so happy with how it tuned out
– Sent a few things to press including BIZ Issue 2 and an invitation for the BA Rudolph Foundation!
– Got my personal cloud storage all set up and working out some new systems and processes for 2015
– My Gold Animal Toppers DIY kit is still available!

 

Elsewhere

– Decor Fix threw an amazing modern gold safari baby shower inspired by my invites!
– Thanks to Kory for sharing my stock photo site roundup
– Thanks to Homemade By You and Mother for featuring my paint and glitter dipped pumpkins

 

Sponsor Love

I’ve introduced them here on the blog before but I’ve been dying to tell y’all about Brian Gavin Diamonds new rose gold collection. Maybe I’m getting all lovey dovey from wedding planning but I just think these are SO romantic!

Brian-Gavin-Diamonds

Adorned by many. Loved by all just like you! Introducing the Italian Rose Gold Collection from Brian Gavin Diamonds. Each unique piece of jewelry is crafted from 14k Italian Rose Gold with white gold, diamond cut beads. Available in earrings, necklaces and bracelets – this affordable collection provides ultra romantic accessories for the fall.

Brian Gavin Diamonds is the leading authority in precision diamond cutting and exquisite, hand-crafted jewelry design. They are committed to providing customers with an enriching, life-changing experience with every custom piece. Follow Brian Gavin Diamonds on Twitter, Pinterest and don’t miss them on Instagram, they have some really awesome videos!

 

Favorite Font of October

Harmon-Font

Sponsor the Ciera Design Blog

Rock Band & Converse Themed Event and Invitation Design

October 28, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I just realized I updated my portfolio with this design but never posted it here on the blog, oopsies! For this special party, the client was inspired by Rock Band and Converse and it was my job to merge those ideas into a cohesive invitation suite, it was super fun to work on! I started out by designing an emblem for the event and then worked that into the invitation design. I really wanted the invitation to be memorable for this special occasion. They had quite a bit of information for different aspects of the event that we split up onto multiple cards then pulled everything together with the die cut, foil stamped belly band. The emblem really helped tie the whole event together from the invitation suite to t-shirts, cups and even gobo lighting on the dance floor!

Rock Band Bat Mitzvah Invitation Suite Ciera Design Rock Band Bat Mitzvah Invite Ciera Design Bat Mitzvah Invite Lined Envelopes Ciera Design Black Pink Gold Bat Mitzvah Invite Ciera Design Rock Band Converse Bat Mitzvah Invite Ciera Design Rock Band Converse Bat Mitzvah Invite Ciera Design Rock Band Converse Bat Mitzvah Belly Band Detail

 

 

Why Small Businesses and Bloggers Need Private Cloud Storage

October 21, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Today I want to tell you about why you should set up your own private cloud for your home office or creative business, but first a story.

Why Small Businesses and Bloggers Need Private Cloud Storage

My business has been going through quite a bit lately. Some good, some bad. Let’s get the bad out-of-the-way. I have been having some serious computer issues. I limped it along for months but finally had to send it off for repairs. As y’all know, my computer is a major part of how I make a living and it’s really not possible for me to get much done without it. Luckily I was able to borrow a computer but it still hasn’t been easy. I had to save all my files to a drive making sure I didn’t forget any fonts, graphics, working files, estimates, etc. Not fun.

Ciera-Design-Studio-Desk

Another challenge is that I’ve always worked from a laptop. I like the versatility but it’s not ideal as my only computer. I have been contemplating getting a desktop but I wasn’t sure how I’d work on both without constantly sending files back and forth.

Ciera-Design-Studio-Details

Now the good! Something else going on behind the scenes right now is that I’m bringing on some part-time help in the design studio, exciting but scary! I’m so used to working alone. Everything is organized in my head but having employees means that everyone needs to be on the same page. So I’m working on some new processes and implementing some new technology. We all need access to the same files, otherwise, things will get very confusing.

Ciera-Design-Studio-Computer

I wasn’t really sure how to achieve all of this seamlessness that I was after. Then with absolutely perfect timing WD, a Western Digital Company saved the day by providing me with a My Cloud EX2 to use and review… serious dream come true. This is what I was looking for and I didn’t even know it. Personal cloud storage! Basically, it is a physical hard drive connected to your Internet that you can access from anywhere. Totally ideal for small office and home office businesses.

Ciera-Design-Studio-Workspace

Why I Love Private Cloud Storage

  • one-time cost – unlike many public cloud options, the drive just has a one-time cost, purchase the drive and you’re done. You can also add as many users as you need!
  • easy setup – plug it in and go through the simple setup and you’re up and running with an intuitive interface
  • security – allows you to set up permissions-based folders so you can give an employee or family member limited access to access or upload files
  • peace of mind – knowing your data is backed up and secure with cloud storage for small businesses makes it easier to focus on other things to make your business successful
  • wireless backups – the drive gets plugged into a power source and your internet during setup but never directly to your computer so your backups happen without you even thinking about it
  • file sharing – easily generate email links for files or folders. When a client clicks on the link they are given a zip of the files you selected. This allows you to send files that are too large for email.
  • anytime, anywhere access – with mobile and desktop apps you are not limited to what you can fit on your phone – if you download the app you can view all files from your drive at home. You can connect multiple computers and devices for seamless integration.
  • automatic transfer via camera – you can connect your camera directly to the drive and it copies files automatically
  • storage space – photos from my blog take up a lot of space and I NEVER delete client projects. Luckily the My Cloud EX2 provides several capacity options, up to 8TB, to choose from.
  • speed – files load much faster to the EX2 than they do to a remote cloud.
  • working remotely – I want to be able to travel and I want employees to work from anywhere. A drive like this is such a huge benefit when working in multiple offices, computers or on the road.
  • streaming – stream videos and photos to connected TVs, media players, gaming consoles

If you have a small business, you really need to get one of these systems! I can’t believe I’m only now setting one up!

Many thanks to WD for letting me try the private cloud with the EX2. Thank you for supporting this blog by allowing me to post occasional sponsored content. All sponsored posts feature products or services that I truly feel would be of interest to you and all opinions are my own. The two photos of me are by Hannah Hudson Photography.


Why Small Businesses and Bloggers Need Private Cloud Storage

Halloween Caprese Salad

October 20, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Halloween Eyeball Caprese Salad

I’m back with more Halloween fun for y’all today! I have a TON of basil growing in my yard right now and I absolutely love caprese salads so I wanted to make a yummy recipe with a spooky twist. I know that olives are not typically included in a caprese salad but I also LOVE black olives and needed the pop of black for my food art creation. They are the perfect option for creating tasty and creative food art for Halloween. This recipe is super easy and a great healthy alternative to all of the candy at Halloween parties.



Ingredients mozzarella tomatoes olives basil

Ingredients

Basil Leaves
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
California Black Ripe Olives
Grape Tomatoes
Balsamic Reduction

Halloween Table Setup with Caprese Salad

Directions

First, slice your tomatoes and olives. Next, using a spoon, mash your mozzarella pearls (this gives them a little more texture and makes them a little larger). Then place your basil leaves out on a tray and layer the tomatoes, mozzarella and olives on top. The final step is to drizzle the balsamic reduction on top before serving. You can serve them plain with toothpicks or have some chips or crackers on the side. Enjoy!

Eyeball Caprese Salad in Bat Glasses

Don’t forget to download the water bottle labels that I designed as well, they add a special touch to your Halloween table setting.

Halloween Caprese Salad on Platter

Worn Stories

October 17, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

How cool is Emily Spivack’s new book, Worn Stories? She’s collected over sixty sartorial memoirs from fashion designers, artists, actors, and other cultural figures. First-person accounts range from the everyday to the extraordinary, such as artist Marina Abramovic on the boots she wore to walk the Great Wall of China; musician Rosanne Cash on the purple shirt that belonged to her father; and fashion designer Cynthia Rowley on the Girl Scout sash (below) that informed her business acumen. Other contributors include actress Greta Gerwig, Heidi Julavits, John Hodgman, Brandi Chastain, Marcus Samuelsson, Orange is the New Black author Piper Kerman, Maira Kalman, Sasha Frere-Jones, Simon Doonan, Susan Orlean, Andy Spade, Paola Antonelli, David Carr, Andrew Kuo and more. I love the photography and the book is so much fun to flip through and read all the stories behind the articles of clothing.

WornStories_CynthiaRowley_p90 WornStories_DapperDan_p124  WornStories_DustinYellin_p88 WornStories_JamesJohnson_p86 WornStories_SashaFrereJones_p128 WornStories_DebbieMillman_p66WornStories_SimonDoonan_p12

Marseille Markets

October 15, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

While we were in Marseille France, we kept coming across some awesome markets, a few with a variety of items like soap, olives, tea and espadrilles, a plant market and an amazing fish market. Here are some photos from those markets while I wrap up the full Marseille city guide!

Marseille-Fish-Market-1 Marseille-Fish-Market-2 Marseille-Fish-Market-3 Marseille-Fish-Market-4 Marseille-Fish-Market-5 Marseille-Fish-Market-6 Marseille-Fish-Market-7 Marseille-Fish-Market-8 Marseille-France-Outdoor-Market-1 Marseille-France-Outdoor-Market-2 Marseille-France-Outdoor-Market-3 Marseille-France-Outdoor-Market-4 Marseille-France-Outdoor-Market-5

5 Years of Blogging – $400 Giveaway!

October 13, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Ciera Design 5 Year Blogiversary Giveaway

This month marks my 5 year blogiversary, wow, I can hardly believe it! When I started blogging, I could have never imagined where it would be today! Whether you’re a new reader or have been around since day one, I want to thank you for following me on this journey. Thank you so much for encouraging me, challenging me to keep creating unique content and for all of your comments, emails, tweets, pins, and Facebook messages. Each one means so much to me!

I’m so grateful for everyone who has shown support over the years so to show my appreciation, I’ve put together a huge giveaway in conjunction with 21 other fabulous bloggers! What better way to celebrate right? One lucky person will receive a $400 gift card that can be spent anywhere in the world that accepts prepaid MasterCards. Yep, this isn’t a dream! Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to the lovely sponsors who made this possible!
Ciera Design | Kory Woodard | Yellow Heart Art | Rebecca Lately
Patti Murphy Designs | Anna Delores | Cocorrina | Rachel The Hat | Fashiony Fab
Sugar and Type | Squirrelly Minds | High Walls | The Nectar Collective
The Proper Pinwheel | Ex Vitae | Fry Sauce & Grits | A Ruffled Life
Pinegate Road | Buckets & Spades | A Girl Named PJ | Sarah Hearts | Tara Victoria

This giveaway will be running until October 27th, 2014 and is opened to international readers! Please note that your entry will be removed if you do not complete it correctly.

Halloween Water Bottle Printables

October 6, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

Free Halloween Water Bottle Labels

I love Halloween y’all and I can’t believe it’s sneaking up on us already. It’s one of my favorite holidays and it’s pretty huge in New Orleans, we love any excuse to dress up and party in the street! I need to start on my costume, but in the meantime, I wanted to create something easy to use and versatile for y’all. I designed some fun printables to dress up water bottles as Bat’s Blood, Magic Potion, Witches Brew, Zombie Juice and Snake Venom. You can use these for parties to go along with your Halloween snacks, bring them to work or your child’s classroom to get in the Halloween spirit or even hand them out to trick-or-treaters to wash down all that candy. I also did a bonus larger label to wrap around a 1 liter Fanta bottle, I love that the soda is orange and already in the Halloween spirit! I wanted to have a spooky theme but also use some fun bright colors! Water bottle labels are such a simple thing but can make a huge difference in the look of your party!

Directions

  • purchase your favorite beverages (I got 12 oz Dasani and 1 liter Fanta bottles from Walmart. I picked the smaller 12 oz bottles for the water, they just felt more festive and I liked the pop of green that the lids have.)
  • remove the labels (scissors or an Exacto knife make this super easy)
  • download, print and trim the labels (I went to Kinkos to print my labels, the colors are more vibrant than my home printer)
  • use double stick tape to attach the new labels to the bottles (one small piece on the back is enough)

[download id=”66″ format=”10″]

I’d love to hear your Halloween plans and see pictures if you use these labels!

Looking for something to do with all that leftover candy, try these Candy Bar Surprise Cookies.
Looking for a non-carve pumpkin option, check out my paint dipped pumpkins!

Halloween Bottle Printables Ciera DesignFree Halloween Water Bottle LabelsFree Halloween Water Bottle LabelsHalloween Water & Soda Bottle PrintablesFree Halloween Water Bottle Labels Fanta and Dasani Free Halloween Labels

This design is © Ciera Holzenthal. All rights reserved. It may not be copied, resold, made available for download, given away or redistributed elsewhere without my written permission. Please link directly to this page if you would like to share these downloads with others.

Fall Recipe Roundup

October 3, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

I was browsing through my archives and realized I have a ton of great Fall inspired recipes so I decided to gather up my favorites for you today! I’d love to hear if you make any of them.

Maple & Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies
maple brown sugar shortbread cookies

Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois Recipe

Peanut Butter Scotcheroos
peanut butter scotcheroos recipe

Candy Bar Surprise Cookies
halloween candy bar surprise cookies

Caramel Apple Cider
Caramel Apple Cider with Whipped Cream in Mason Jar


Cinnamon Apple Chips
Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

BONUS: 16 unique and delicious grilled cheese recipes

Floral Workshop and Garden Party Recap

October 1, 2014 by Ciera Holzenthal

While the weather is so nice here in New Orleans, we didn’t want to miss the chance for an outdoor Made In Mind Social event. Two weeks ago we partnered up with fellow entrepreneurs and two of the most passionate gardeners we know, Megan and Denise of Pistil + Stamen, a flower farm and studio that grows their own flowers and designs unique arrangements for weddings and events.

MIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-chalkboardMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-pistil-stamen-new-orleansfloral workshop meet up arrangementMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-exploringMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-locally-preserved  MIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-presentationfloral workshop meet up flowersMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-ladiesMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-picking-flowersfloral workshop meet up bandMIM-floral-workshop-meet-up-night-candles

Head over to Made In Mind for the full recap and more photos! Photos by Sarah Becker Photography | Furniture provided by Pret a Fete | Canvas totes courtesy of Tiny Buffalo Clothing | Simple syrup gifts by Locally Preserved

The Made in Mind Social is a local group of creative types that gather every other month to meet other like minded creatives, learn about other local businesses and collaborate on future projects. If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to come to our next event in November. Interested in sponsoring an event? Find details here. Not in New Orleans but want to hold awesome events like this one? Start a Made In Mind chapter in your city!

 

 

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