Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 173
January 28, 2013
Why Dimmer Switches are Your Best Friends
If you’re struggling to find the perfect lighting options for a room in your home, consider the difference installing a dimmer switch might make. For rooms that need overhead light, say the kitchen, it can be incredibly helpful to have the lights on full blast while you’re preparing a meal, but lower them when you’re eating dinner at the kitchen [...]
One Kitchen Item You Should Always Hand Wash
The dishwasher will certainly save time and energy (if you’re lucky enough to have one!), but that convenience can come at a price for your good knives. A dishwasher’s high-pressure water jets can cause knife blades to knock against other utensils in the silverware basket, dulling and damaging them more quickly. Additionally, the heat of the drying cycle can [...]
To Get Over a Fear, Start by Speaking Up About It
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 19.2 million American adults suffer from a specific phobia—such as fear of flying, heights, spiders, or public speaking. (The other day, Real Simple’s own etiquette columnist, Catherine Newman, wrote a great essay about her phobia in The New York Times. Confession: I have the same one!). Happily, there’s hope for fearful folks. [...]
Today’s Thought
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January 25, 2013
Winter Skin-Care Tips
Though I know it's important all year long, sunscreen isn't something I typically think to use during the winter months but, as I hit the slopes this past weekend, I did remember to dig out my sun block. Why?
How to Store Magazines You Want to Keep
I remember taking study breaks at the public library when I was in middle school to read through the old bound copies of Seventeen magazine from the 1970s and 1980s that the main branch kept. Each year was bound into a green hardcover book, and I could have spent hours procrastinating that way. Thankfully, there is a company called Denver [...]
How Do You Really Feel About Mother’s Day?
May seems like eons away, but we want to know: How does your family celebrate Mother’s Day? What would you love to give this year—or get? Do any moms out there secretly hate carnations? We’d love to hear how you feel about the holiday, so please take our survey! We’ll run the results in an upcoming issue. (And we may [...]
Entertainment News for Kids from EW’s the Family Room
Now that I have a little one, I am starting to tune-in to more tevelevision series for children. And, I am quickly realizing that the Smurfs and Care Bears have been replaced with Dora and Diego and those colorful animal-children called the Backyardigans. Our colleagues over at Entertainment Weekly have a wonderful blog, the Family Room, that provides the low-down on television shows for [...]
Use Lift to Help New Habits Stick
I didn’t make big resolutions this year. Instead I focused more on creating good habits. (My three main ones were: drink more water, floss, and moisturize every day.) To keep myself motivated and to keep track of whether or not I’m meeting my goals, I’ve been using the Lift app. (I’m a total sucker for a progress bar.) Basically, once [...]
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 6 Easy Baby Shower Themes Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes Haircut Ideas for Any Age Filed under: Daily Thought
