Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 292

Online Cookie Swap

My mom was always in charge of baking gingerbread cookies for our church's annual holiday boutique. This meant holiday baking was in full force in our house no later than the day after Thanksgiving. With hundreds of cookies to bake and decorate within just a week or two, we all pitched in to help decorate dozens of cookies.

Get Yourself Into the March Issue!

Hi, Bookies: For the March issue of Real Simple, this is what our friends down the hall on the print side would like to know: What book brightens your mood? Reply below, including the title, [...]

My Friend is Welcome Here. Her boyfriend? Not So Much.

This week's reader dilemma comes from Galpal12, who wrote, "An old friend wants to visit and has asked if she and her partner can stay with me. My friend and her boyfriend have a long [...]

Stay Healthy This Fall

Believe it or not, one way to keep from getting sick this fall is to jump-start your immune system during your daily shower. Right before you get out, alternate the water from hot (for [...]

My Favorite Childhood Cookbooks

My mom recently mailed me two of my most cherished childhood possessions—my first cookbooks. She must have been reading my mind because I have been thinking of these books a lot lately—they invoke a [...]

What Are We Reading in December?

Hi, Bookies: Every time I come across this picture on RealSimple.com, I think it must be the epitome of serenity and coziness and refuge from holiday craziness. Back in the real world, in my [...]

A New Use for Produce Netting via Re-Nest

Don't ditch that plastic mesh clementine or tomato netting just yet! Instead, use it as gift wrap for an unexpected look. It looks great paired with plain craft paper boxes, but would look just [...]

The Element of Surprise

One thing that I learned early on is how much a surprise can change everything. It takes a tiny bit more planning but the element of surprise is what makes things fun. I try [...]

How I organized my Girl Scout troop

This year, after being told that my 6-year old daughter may not be able to be a Daisy because of a lack of parental volunteers, I stepped up to lead a Girl Scout troop. [...]

Smart or Silly: Vinni Wine Bag from Flight 001

Do you ever buy wine on vacation? If so, you probably worry about ending up with vino-soaked clothing upon your return home. This new problem-solving product, the Vinni Wine Bag available at Flight 001, [...]