Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 158
March 11, 2013
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Easy Weeknight Dinners for March Creative Ideas for Wedding Place Cards 14 Hidden Airline Fees Filed under: Daily Thought







Published on March 11, 2013 04:30
March 9, 2013
Don’t Forget to Spring Forward!
It’s that time of the year again! Time to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed tonight for the start of Daylight Savings Time. The bad news: You’re going to lose an hour of sleep, unless you get under the covers earlier than normal. The good news: You’ll still have some daylight left once you leave [...]







Published on March 09, 2013 12:15
March 8, 2013
2 Important Rules When Pairing Wine
If you’re ready to be a bit more of a connoisseur when it comes to you wine selection, follow these two tips for pairing a bottle with your dinner menu. 1. Match the level of acidity: If you’re serving a salad with a strong vinaigrette, match it with an equally acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It will help balance the meal. 2. [...]







Published on March 08, 2013 19:20
Does Your Phone’s Battery Last All Day?
Since I upgraded my phone last fall, I no longer have problems with the battery lasting all day—on a normal day that is. But on a day when I’m attending a conference or just using Instagram or Twitter a lot, my battery drains quickly. So, testing out the Mophie Juice Pack has been life-changing for me. It’s only slightly larger [...]







Published on March 08, 2013 16:15
How to Rid Your Manicure of Air Bubbles
Have you ever had a polish job marred by tiny bubbles? Here’s how to achieve a smoother finish, courtesy of celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp: Before you apply color, roll the bottle between your palms rather than shaking it, which can introduce air into the formula. Then, after you apply the first coat, let it dry for a full five minutes. [...]







Published on March 08, 2013 13:45
How to Organize Extra Buttons
Last week on Facebook, Lisa wrote in asking how she could organize all the extra buttons that come with her clothes. I have this same problem, or I did until I came up with this organizing solution. I spent the last couple of days rounding up all of those extra button packets. (Can you tell what my favorite store is/where [...]







Published on March 08, 2013 10:30
How To Wear Prints This Spring
Spring 2013 is all about prints—from patterned pants quirky kaleidoscope prints. So much color can be intimidating, but it’s easy to make it work to your advantage. 1. Slim Down: A centered print with strategically placed black panels has a slenderizing effect. 2. Balance a Bust: If you’re top heavy, try a printed trouser—not only are they on-trend, when paired [...]







Published on March 08, 2013 07:20
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 Include Your Dog In Your Wedding Day How to Apply Makeup Well How to Create a Well-Balanced Room Filed under: Daily Thought







Published on March 08, 2013 04:30
March 7, 2013
Stash In-Flight Essentials in a Separate Bag
If you looked inside my handbag right now, you’d see several smaller bags. Like a true organizer, I like to keep things clustered together so I can find things more easily and switch purses without leaving something behind. I’m also going to start using this strategy when I pack my carry-on. Instead of having to reach into my purse or [...]







Published on March 07, 2013 19:10
How to Grate Soft Cheeses
If you have a recipe that calls for grated mozzarella, fontina, havarti, or another soft cheese, and you weren’t able to buy it pre-grated, use this trick to make shredding it a bit easier on yourself. Pop the block of cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until it’s firm. This will keep it from squishing through your [...]







Published on March 07, 2013 16:00