Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 107

Wednesday Trivia: Happy Belated Birthday, Pay Phones!

The first public pay phone was installed 124 years ago, on August 13, 1889, at a bank in Hartford, Connecticut. (We’re one day late, but hey, yesterday wasn’t Wednesday!) Before the pay phone, there were pay stations—booths manned by employees of the telephone company who would take your money in exchange for your call. Alas, pay phones are a dying […]

Drink Prosecco Instead of Champagne

Have something to celebrate? Plan festivities that don’t take a bite out of your budget (but are just as fun!) by opting for Prosecco or Cava over Champagne. Serving either Prosecco or Cava can save you about $20 to $30 per bottle. To stretch your dollar even further, don’t fill each glass with bubbly. Instead, add cranberry juice to make a […]

How to Remove Mildew Smell From Towels

There's nothing worse than stepping out of a refreshing shower and drying off with a musty towel.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com How to Stop Being Helicopter Parents 5 Ways to Reverse a Bad Impression 10 Recipe Ideas for Mozzarella Cheese Filed under: Daily Thought

How to Take Better Cell Phone Pictures

Since my phone is always at the ready, I’ve taken to capturing nearly all my photographs with my iPhone’s camera. Though there are obvious limitations in terms of picture quality, the technology is getting progressively better and many of us are using our smartphones to capture life’s precious moments. Here, Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, the authors of A Beautiful Mess Photo […]

10 Mistakes You’re Making as a Party Host via HuffPost Taste

I love this list of the top mistakes you’re making as a party host from our friends at HuffPost Taste. My personal favorites (and a few that I may have committed) are freaking out, making dishes that you’ve never made before, and making things too complicated. Here’s what the HuffPost Taste editors say: “We’ve compiled a list of some of […]

Clean Bathroom Tiles, Walls and Ceilings

The pedestal sink, the tub and the toilet are old hat. But do you really know how to clean the rest of the bathroom—namely the tiles all over the walls, the paint around the tiles—and yes, the ceiling? Here’s what to do: Every few months, spray tile, counter-tops, walls, and the ceiling with all-purpose cleaner and turn on the shower, […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com How to Repair a Water Damaged Ceiling 3 Social Media Mistakes 4 Low-Maintenance Pets Filed under: Daily Thought

How to Make Your Beauty Products Last Longer

To get the most bang for your buck on those expensive beauty products--think foundation or face cream--just use less. Sounds easy enough, right?

Creative Wedding Program Idea from Loverly

[Photo by Alexandra Meseke Photography] A summer celebration means playing with all sorts of sea-inspired details: anchors, shells, starfish, and more. This couple took the nautical route (navy + white palette, anchor) with a creative (and double-sided!) ceremony program. Find even more summer wedding inspiration. Filed under: Simple Tip