Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 101

When Is the “Real” First Day of Fall?

According to the calendar, autumn officially begins on September 22—but many of us start transitioning into the season before (or after) then. We asked Real Simple Facebook fans to share what they consider the first day of fall. Read the fascinating results: • The 700+ answers involved everything from changes in nature (see: the first frost and leaves turning color) to the first […]

Real Simple Is Hot!

  We’re thrilled to say that Real Simple has been nominated as one of the year’s Hottest Women’s Magazines in a new poll by Adweek. Cheeky as it may be, we think we’re hot too—do you agree? If so, you can vote for Real Simple: The Adweek poll is open to all. Click here to vote. Thank you for your support! Filed under: Announcements

19 Easy Party Appetizers from Sunset.com

With football season kicking into high gear in my neck of the woods, I know that I’m in need of a few good dip and appetizer recipes to take to tailgating events. Our colleagues at Sunset.com have put together their all-time favorite no-hassle party bites. To see the full list, click here. I have my eye set on  the sausage […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 3 Myths About Learning 4 Recommended Dental Health Products for Children How to Look Good in Pictures Filed under: Daily Thought

Wednesday Trivia: Sleeping During a Full Moon

You’ve heard crazy things about full moons; that they send werewolves on the prowl and induce labor in pregnant women. There’s no truth to those myths, of course, but that doesn’t mean the full moon is powerless. The proof: According to a study published in the July 2013 issue of Current Biology, we don’t sleep as well during full-moon phases. […]

Last-Minute Recipes for Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, comes early this year, starting tonight at sundown and ending Friday evening. If you’re looking to ring in the holiday, try these quick, easy, and festive fall foods and drinks: Bagel With Cream Cheese, Apple, and Honey Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins Honey-Soaked Feta
 Apple Blintz Pancakes Ginger and Honey Iced Tea Apple […]

How to Banish Bad Breath

If you're running to an afternoon meeting, but you're self conscious about the impact that tuna sandwich you had for lunch had on your breath, just wash it down with a cup of green tea.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Ideas for a Zestier Homemade Sandwich Spread How to Care for Hardwood Floors How to Find a Mentor Filed under: Daily Thought

The Best Way to Clean a Coffeemaker

Efficiently cleaning your coffeemaker once a week is important to keeping your caffeine courier in top shape. Many glass or thermal carafes are dishwasher-safe, but some “have plastic handles and lids that may degrade faster in a dishwasher than if they were washed by hand,” says Ted Stachura, who currently manages the coffee program at Equator Coffees and Teas in […]

11 Fall Trends That You Hate Now – But Will Be Wearing Next Month via SHEFINDS

I’ve always been interested in current fashion trends, even though I am rarely following the latest and greatest. In my mind, if I at least know what’s hip then I feel much more “with it,” and it encourages me to make use of my fashion knowledge at least once or twice a season (and glam-up the tired toddler-Mom look when […]