Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 282
December 21, 2011
Hi, Everyone!
Hello, fellow No-Obligation Book Clubbers and Simply Stated enthusiasts! My name is Jamie McNamara, and I am elated to be hosting this club as 2012 kicks off! As an avid Real Simple fan who happens to be fortunate enough [...]
15-Minute Gift Idea: Easy Fudge Sauce
If you find out there will be extra guests at a holiday dinner this year, and you have 15 minutes, you can whip up a quick batch of this fudge sauce and then store [...]
Christmas Decorating Ideas: Flowers
When coming up with Christmas decorating ideas, I often focus on the tree and the mantle, but flower-filled vases can also have tremendous visual impact. For a truly captivating display, think beyond the traditional [...]
Helping spread Cheer to military families
As readers know, I recently took on the role of Girl Scout leader for my daughter's Daisy troop. Each week, one parent takes responsibility for helping the girls earn a patch by running an [...]
December 20, 2011
Natural Flu Remedies
The holidays are no time to get sick. So keep that scratchy throat at bay with this natural remedy. First, gargle with salt water. Then, if your throat is scratchy, soothe it with caffeine-free [...]
Christmas Decorating Ideas: The Tree
There is something special about trees decked with all sorts of family mementos and ornaments from Christmases past, but sometimes a mishmash of ornaments can get overwhelming. So instead, think about coming up with [...]
What is Parsley Root?
I live in a very ethnically diverse neighborhood—Jackson Heights, Queens. Within 20 blocks we have at least five Indian grocery stores, three Asian markets, and many, many Latin bodegas. So on most trips to [...]
December 19, 2011
And the January Winner Is. . .
Hi, Bookies: Here's how we'll be starting off the New Year: with Mindy Kaling's fresh and funny Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Jamie McNamara, our January discussion leader, will say hi a little later this [...]
Keep Clothes Racks in the Guest Rooms
If you're hosting for the holidays this year. You'll likely be experiencing an influx of guests in the next week. To make guests feel more at home, pick up an inexpensive clothes rack (like [...]
Fashionably Foolproof Gift-Giving
Years ago for Christmas I received, from my boss at the time, what I still think is one of the best gifts both to give and to get. Normally I don't suggest buying clothing [...]
