Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 26

In Remembrance: Maya Angelou, 1928-2014

From her signature voice to her powerful words, today we celebrate the life of Dr. Maya Angelou, who passed away this morning at the age of 86. A few poignant pieces worth noting: TIME: Maya Angelou: A Hymn to Human Endurance CNN: Anderson Cooper in Conversation With Dr. Maya Angelou The New York Times: Maya Angelou, Lyrical Witness of the […]

How Emma Watson Has Changed My Life

So I was intrigued by the photo I saw online of actress Emma Watson at her Brown University graduation this past weekend. Seated next to Watson was an older woman wearing a cap and gown, who later turned out to have been packing heat, as they say in ‘70s action movies. The whole thing is so confusing and intriguing to […]

How to Dry Nails Faster

Those dry-oil body sprays (now ubiquitous at drugstores) are great for more than softening skin, says New York City-based celebrity manicurist Elle.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Yes, Everyone Can Wear White Jeans 7 Striking Paint Color Ideas 10 Delicious Coconut RecipesFiled under: Daily Thought

Keeping a House Clean With Kids from Apartment Therapy

Our friends at Apartment Therapy say it best, “You know you’re a parent when you look forward to free time…so you can clean your house.” Their editors have put together 10 posts from the archives that offer advice for keeping your house tidy with kids around, plus strategies for getting your little ones to help out with daily chores. To […]

How to Cut Your Kid’s Bangs

I once colored my son’s hair green and my daughter’s hair blue. They wanted “fun streaks,” and I thought the color was more temporary than it was. (My son was 3 at the time and my daughter was 8; I’m not vying for mother of the year anytime soon.) Oddly, when it comes to haircuts, I’m not so free wheeling. So I […]

How to Unwind Before Bed

Counting sheep isn’t nearly as adorable as it sounds, especially when you’re actually, you know, tired. If the stress of the day is keeping you up at night, try using aromatherapy to relax before you hit the pillow. Massage a dab of aromatherapeutic balm or oil into your shoulder and the back of your neck just before bed—and be sure […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 5 Signature Cocktails for Your Wedding 8 Tasty Chorizo Recipes 23 Ways to Keep Kids BusyFiled under: Daily Thought

How to do Yoga on the Go

Yoga’s a great way to release stress and relieve tension, but unrolling your yoga mat and breaking into a downward facing dog or camel pose in the middle of your office or while waiting for your flight isn’t the most practical thing. Michelle Marlahan, founder of It’s All Yoga in Sacramento, California, has an easy way to secretly get your […]

What to Do With Sentimental Clothes and Accessories

Your late grandmother’s hat. Your daughter’s first pair of shoes. An out-of-fashion necklace your wore on your wedding day. Sometimes, as impractical as a garment can be, tossing or even donating something of sentimental meaning can be a challenge. If you have one item in particular you’d love to give new life, turn it into a work of art using […]