Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 31
May 12, 2014
How to Get Rid of Nail Polish
Even “eco-friendly” nail polishes (the ones labeled 3-FREE or 5-FREE) aren’t safe for the environment, says Enesta Jones, a spokesperson for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So, ideally, you should bring all your polishes to a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. While you’re there you can also unload everything from hair dye to paint cans and pesticides. To find a […]







Published on May 12, 2014 06:00
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com A Spotless Fridge in 20 Minutes White Jeans For Every Shape How to Fake a Clean HouseFiled under: Daily Thought







Published on May 12, 2014 04:30
May 9, 2014
Easy Outfit Idea: T-Shirt Dress
Ditch that denim! For a casual warm-weather look that’s comfortable and pulled-together and that will help you keep your cool, skip the jeans and instead opt for a t-shirt dress and a cute pair of sneakers—perfect for running to the grocery store (or to the beach). Add a cardigan or blazer for cooler days or overly-amped AC. See more spring outfit ideas.Filed under: […]







Published on May 09, 2014 15:00
Easy Cake Decorating Ideas: Flower Toppers
As an avid cake-baker, I’m always looking for ways to make my cake look spectacular. One gorgeous yet surprisingly easy method I love is using flowers as decoration. This is a great way to make your cake colorful without professional-level skills. It doesn’t have to be an entire bouquet, even just one outstanding peony can make a cake look special. […]







Published on May 09, 2014 10:00
A Spillproof Breakfast in Bed
If mom’s always up and at ‘em making breakfast for the family, surprise her by bringing breakfast to her on her special day (That’s right: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11). Though bacon and eggs would certainly be a treat, a lap full of orange juice… not so much. To avoid a spill, use the fancy-hotel trick: Fill the […]







Published on May 09, 2014 07:00
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Gardening New Uses for Old Things The Best Bras For Your Shape 17 Surprising Home Office IdeasFiled under: Daily Thought







Published on May 09, 2014 04:30
May 8, 2014
How to Make a Manicure Last Longer
Gel nails are the latest in manicure trends because they last an impressive two or even three weeks. That said, they’re not for everyone. If you prefer a “classic” manicure, try these tips from Deborah Lippmann, creator of the Deborah Lippmann nail-care line. (Hint: Patience is your friend.) • Polish needs a smooth surface for the longest-lasting results, so gently […]







Published on May 08, 2014 13:00
A Quick and Easy Way to Halve Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes can be a delicious addition to any dish or shine alone as a main ingredient. And although they’re super tasty, cutting up large amounts of them up can be a time-consuming affair… That is, until now. With this easy trick, you’ll be able to slice and dice your way through cartons of cherry tomatoes in no time. Just […]







Published on May 08, 2014 10:00
U.S. Cities that Spend the Most on Fast Food from Fox News Magazine
Can you guess the top 10 U.S. cities that spend the most on fast food? Our friends at Fox News Magazine found that the folks of Plano, Texas were at the top of the list. According to the article, “The study — which utilized data collected through the U.S. Government, third-party data providers, and anonymous aggregated spending transactions from Citi […]







Published on May 08, 2014 06:00
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Month-by-Month Guide to Vegetable Gardening 5 Creative Weekend Getaway Ideas 40 Simple Spring Produce RecipesFiled under: Daily Thought







Published on May 08, 2014 04:30