Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 141

The Top 10 Questions on the Internet

You know the phrase, there are no stupid questions. I’m not sure I 100% agree—asking certain people certain questions can quickly deduct points from your hip/smart/savvy IQ. Yes, I found it endearing when my mom asked me, “What’s the Harlem Shake?” If a twenty-something coworker asked me that, I would think she has her head in the sand. But, lucky [...]

This Food Causes Majority of Foodborne Illnesses

Plenty of us are careful when handling raw meat and poultry, but will bite into an apple after a simple rub with our t-shirt. Turns out we might not be paying close enough attention to how we’re handling our fruits and vegetables. According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 percent of foodborne illnesses come from produce. Makes you think twice about eating that apple before washing it, huh?

Friday Links: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipes

I’m in the mood for some strawberry cheesecake this weekend, how about you? Here are a few recipes, I’m looking forward to trying: Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce from Cooking Light Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes from Shutterbean Cherry Blossom Strawberry Cheesecake from Tartelette And for an easy party serving option: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries from Oh My Veggies If strawberry’s [...]

Brighten Up For Spring In Yellow

Even if Frank Sinatra says differently (ahem, orange), yellow is often psychologically considered the happiest color, creating feelings of warmth and cheer. If you’re ready to shed those winter blahs in favor of a brighter outlook, consider adding a shot or two of this sunny shade to your wardrobe for an instant pick-me-up. Helpful Hint: Since yellow can be difficult [...]

A Surprising Health Benefit of Laptop Computers

If you have access to a desktop and a laptop computer, take our advice: Use the laptop more often. Why? While staring at any screen is  bad for your vision, looking at a laptop isn’t nearly as bad as looking at a desktop. (Did you know we blink half as much as we should when we’re viewing text on 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 8 Easy Scallop Recipes Quick Reviews of Notable New Books Shop for Your Shape Checklist Filed under: Daily Thought

Get the Most Out of Your Candles

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to get to attend the fall preview for Anthropologie. And as I was looking at the new products that will be in stores in a few months, I got to talking with the PR girls about all the fancy new candles. When they shared this tip with me, I had a total why-didn’t-I-think-of-that moment. Once your [...]

10 Exercises That Build Muscle Without Bulk via Health.com

I am starting to regret not sticking to my New Year’s resolution workout plan, especially now that it’s shorts and t-shirt weather! At least my summer beach trip is not for another few months—plenty of time to start these 10 excercises that build muscle without bulk, from Health.com. To see the full gallery, click here. For more on RealSimple.com: Trim Your [...]

Watch This Video: Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Have you seen this video that’s making it’s way around the Internet this week? I found it fascinating. Dove had a sketch artist create a portrait of a woman based on her description of herself and then a second portrait based on a stranger’s description of her. Then they compared the two sketches. What do you think they found? The [...]

How Do You Organize Gift Wrap?

Today Crate & Barrel is launching a new brand of organizing, cleaning, and laundry products. My favorite? The gift wrap organizer. If you, like many, don’t have a spare closet to take over, this simple cart would do the trick. What I love most is the perfectly sized space for rolls of wrapping paper and the ribbon tension rods–it just may in fact [...]