Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 139

Cotton Sheets, Decoded

When it comes to sheets, cotton is king (and queen and full and twin). In other words: It’s the best. But how do the various types of cotton differ? Here’s your answer. Top-of-the-line sheets are 100 percent Egyptian cotton. Second best is 100 percent pima cotton, also known by the trademarked name Supima. If a label says simply, “100 percent cotton,” [...]

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 Use Kitchen Accessories 10 Oatmeal Recipe Ideas for Breakfast How to Feel Better Every Day Filed under: Daily Thought

Smart Product: Tide To Go Stain Eraser

I started out my day by spilling coffee on my blouse. Not exactly what I was hoping for in a Thursday, but thankfully we have home editors who know about the latest and greatest in stain removal tools. Thanks to Stephanie Sisco, our wonderful assistant editor, I now know about Tide To Go Stain Erasers. They are pretty much the [...]

1 Way to Make Your Lunch Better

I came across this post on TheKitchn this morning. And my immediate reaction (unlike several of their commenters): How great is this dad? Every day David LaFerriere, a graphic designer and illustrator in Massachusetts, hand draws something amazing and creative on his kids’ sandwich bags for their lunch. I’m completely blown away by his creativity and his dedication. Take a look [...]

How To: Wear White Shoes (Without Looking Like A Bride)

Once again, the fashion powers that be have introduced a trend that leaves even the most style-conscious wondering if it’s possible to pull off. This spring that have-to-have-but-how-do-I-wear-it trend is white shoes. Here are three quick shopping guidelines to keep you from looking like you robbed a bridal shop. 1. Mix In Neutrals. White mixed with neutral tones is a [...]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com The Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas How to Decorate a Lampshade Colored Jeans for Every Shape Filed under: Daily Thought

Listen to My Mom, and Help Save a Life

I can’t tell you how many times during my childhood, when I was in the middle of a late-day meltdown, or identity crisis, or dramatic, my-heart-is-breaking crying jag, my mother would say to me, “Everything will be better in the morning.” And you know what?  She was right. As the mother of three strong daughters, my mother consistently broadcast the [...]

Store Cleaning Supplies in a Shoe Organizer

If you’re a fan of Real Simple you know we love storing things other than shoes in a hanging shoe organizer. Those pockets are perfectly sized for so many things, including cleaning supplies! Here’s the trick for making it work in your utility closet, garage, basement or laundry room: you can actually cut a fabric shoe organizer in half to make it fit [...]

Wednesday Trivia: Managing Stress

According to the “Stress in America” report released by the American Psychological Association, one in four women say they are not doing enough to manage their stress. April is Stress Awareness Month, so here’s one thing you can do to diminish anxiety: Put away the newspaper. A recent study by researchers from the University of Montreal showed that reading negative stories [...]

Smart Product: The Post-It Big Pad (aka Giant Sticky Notes)

For as much as I rely on digital technology (I am a web editor, after all) I still do some of my best brainstorming with a pen and piece of paper. So, Post-It must have been reading my mind to have just announced their new product, the “Big Pad.” It’s exactly what it sounds like—a giant Post-It note. Available in [...]