Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 34

Trivia: Firstborn is Number One

Good news for all of the eldest children out there: A new study reported by The Guardian appears to show that if you’re the firstborn child in your family and female, you are statistically more likely to be the most ambitious and well-qualified of your whole clan. As for the magic number between ages for kids, the study found that […]

Get More Out of Your Workout

You’re going to the gym and pumping that iron, but you still aren’t getting the results you’ve been hoping for. The boost your workout needs just might lie within your own mind. No, it isn’t simply a positive, can-do attitude—although that never hurts. Instead, you need to pay as much attention to your rests as you do to your reps. […]

Where to Find Free Moving Boxes

When planning a move for a couple or a small family, you can expect to spend close to $250 or more on what’s needed to move your belongings. In addition to boxes, you'll want to have tape, tape guns, packing paper, bubble wrap, box cutters, permanent markers, mattress bags, furniture pads, dollies, and hand carts on hand. With all that needs to be purchased, it's no surprise people are always on the hunt for free moving boxes.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Surprising Cleaning New Uses How to Quickly Chill Wine 5 Creative Weekend Getaway IdeasFiled under: Daily Thought

How to Untangle a Round Brush From Your Hair

Having short hair, I had no idea this was even a thing, but apparently it is very common to get a round brush stuck in your hair. It occurs most often if you are using too small of a round brush for all your hair (my hair stylist Kevin Mancuso advises using a round brush that has a diameter equal […]

Bookmark This Blog: Reasons My Son is Crying

As awful as it can be when your kid is throwing a fit, turns out, when other people’s kids are having a meltdown, it’s actually pretty funny. Reasons My Son is Crying posts parents’ photos of their children mid-tantrum, along with the hilariously trivial reason for each blowup (presented deadpan). Our favorite post: The sobbing toddler above, captioned, “I broke […]

The Top 10 Biggest Wedding Guest Complaints from SHEfinds.com

Springtime marks the start warmer temperatures (let’s hope) and the kick off to wedding season! Whether it’s your own, a family member’s, friend’s, or coworker’s, there is no doubt that you’ll be attending one or two of these celebrations over the next few months. Our friends at SHEfinds.com have put together a list of the top 10 biggest wedding guest […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 15 Simple Dinner Party Ideas How to Save on Garden Supplies Easy DIY Hair and Face Mask RecipesFiled under: Daily Thought

Open Letter to Coaches Everywhere from a Busy Working Mom

Dear _________ Coach, First, thank you for coaching my son’s ________ team.  I have never been a coach myself, but imagine the job involves long hours, recalcitrant/sleepy/hormonal/dim-witted kids and weather that is too cold/hot/rainy/windy to make your ________ team as effective as it can be. And the parents!  Let me just say we mean well.  And when we are making a lot of […]

How to Buy Clothes You’ll Actually Wear

The absolute best shopping tip of all time? Be picky. Yes, this one seems like a no-brainer.  But just about everyone is guilty of under-employing it. That dress that you were sure you’d find an occasion for? Those shoes that pinched just a little but they were on sale so you thought you could live with it? The pile of […]