Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 343
May 11, 2011
Get Creative With The Granimator App!
If you love art and have an iPad or iPhone you're going to love me in about 5 seconds! Maybe this should be over in the Technology blog on Simply Stated but I cannot resist talking about the Granimator here because I figure creatives read decorating blogs and naturally are interested in anything that even remotely has to do with artistic things, am I right? But yes, the Granimator. The huh? No, this isn't something that you expect to see for $19.99 on a late night infomercial. It's actually a graphic wallpaper creator where you select from a choice of shapes, styles and backgrounds, then draw them -- then erase, move, scale and rotate to create compositions.
(Work above is from Australian artist Kareena Zerefos and the pack is called Raindrops on roses.)
Each shape represents a sound that can be manipulated and played – adding another creative and interactive level to the app. If you think that is cool, there is more. The makers of this app have collaborated with creatives all over the work to make packs that can populate and transform the app into a new experience for the user and are available within the app to download at no charge.
In this app there are over 40 'artist packs' to download for free with more to come! Collaborators include: James Joyce, Jon Burgerman, Kate Moross, Airside, Moving Brands, Non Format, Buro Destruct, Power Graphixx, Groovisions, Ten do Ten, Hoxue Que, Hidehito Shinnou, Frankenstyles, Mike Perry, Manhattan Born, Yker Moreno to name a few.
You can also have fun and post your compositions via flickr, Facebook, Twitter, email and the Granimator website. Have fun!
(images: granimator)
May 10, 2011
New Use for Bread Clips
You know those frustrating little pieces of plastic used to keep the bread sack closed? And how the never really seem to work? Well, turns out there's another way to put them to good use. Check out this idea from The Photographer's Life. They make perfect labels for all of your TV and computer wires.
The second part of this tip is to label all of your cord twice—once near the device and once near the power strip or electrical outlet. That way if you need to move one of your electronics, you can easily identify which cord needs to be unplugged at both ends.
Do you have any great new uses to share?
[via Unplggd]
Related:
6 Simple Energy Saving Home Fixes
May 9, 2011
Assemble Your Smoothie at Night to Save Time
Make your mornings easier by doing a little bit of prep work at night. After dinner, put all of the ingredients for your morning smoothie in the jar of your blender and store it in the refrigerator. Then in the morning just pull it out of the fridge, push a button, and breakfast is done.
Not sure what to put in your smoothie? Try any of these delicious recipes:
Gingery Berry and Oat Smoothie
Keep reading for 6 more smoothie recipes.
What's your best time-saving tip to make mornings less stressful?
Related:
9 Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Day-at-the-Beach (or Pool) Accessories for Under $50
Before you hit the beach or the pool this season, remember your essentials: cover-up, sandals, beach bag, sunglasses, hat, and a wrap/scarf.
These picks are all under $50—which means you may be able to indulge in a few options!
Roxy beach blanket cover-up, $46
Victoria's Secret off-the-shoulder cover-up, $29.50
Coldwater Creek ombre flip-flops, $6
Havaianas slim flip-flops, $24
L.L. Bean custom boat tote, from $32
Aldo transluscent sunglasses, $12
Arden B cutout sunglasses, $24
Adidas organic cotton visor, $30
Croft & Barrow metallic tweed straw hat, $13
Echo polka-dot and floral wrap, $42
Happy frolicking in the sun!
Bronzer Tips From a Celebrity Makeup Artist
The minute summer is here, all I wish for is glowing, bronzed skin. Of course, I'm not about to lie outside, because I still want healthy skin. My weapon of choice: bronzer. My only issue is how to apply it so it looks natural. Do you have that same problem? Well, last week I met celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman at an Elizabeth Arden press event, where he shared his tips on how to apply bronzer and what you should look for when shopping for one. Here's what he had to say....
Brett's Bronzer Tips
• When applying bronzer, begin at the bottom of your face and work your way up. Start at the jawline and finish by applying a little to your neck and décolleté, which are generally paler than your face. This will give you a natural-looking glow.
• Finding the right bronzer can be tricky. Opt for one with just a little bit of shimmer. A bronzer that is too matte causes skin to lose its depth, and one with too much shimmer can reflect light (or a camera flash) too much.
In addition, I asked around the office to find our staff picks for favorite bronzers.
These were the top three:
Guerlian's Terracotta Bronzing Powder
To buy: $50, sephora.com
Elizabeth Arden's Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder
To buy: $35, shop.elizabetharden.com
Benefit Cosmetics' Hoola Bronzing Powder
To buy: $28,
Do you use bronzer? What is your favorite brand and why? Share below!
Related Links:
7 Ways to Get Beachy and Bronzed
InStyle's How to Pick the Right Bronzer
7 Ways to Get (Your Skin) Glowing
May 7, 2011
Do or Don't: Hair Extensions
Up until a few months ago, my hair was almost to my waist, and I loved the long wavy locks. Then I got a new job and decided to chop it (more than 7 inches). Since then I've been battling my now shoulder length hair. I was hoping all of you would give me your thoughts on a possible solution to my blasé attitude towards my hair.
My solution: extensions. Yes, I admitted it. I am thinking about getting extensions until my hair grows out at least 4 or 5 inches. Would you get extensions if you didn't like your hair cut?
The way I see it, if you got a color you didn't like you would immediately re-color it. So why can't I do the same thing with the length? I would love your feedback because I am on the fence about this. I have multiple weddings for close family and friends this summer (my amazing big brother being one of them), so I don't want to completely hate the pictures.
What would you do? Get extensions or just wait for it to grow out? Weigh in below!
Would you try hair extensions?survey software
Related:
InStyle's Low-Stress Hair Extensions
7 Skin and Beauty Problems, Solved
May 6, 2011
Fun Website: Is it Warm Enough for Iced Coffee?
The annoying part about Spring: one day it's nice out they next day it's a little bit chilly. Not only does it make it tricky to get dressed, but also to choose between hot and iced coffee. Thankfully, that choice has been made easier with the site: Is it iced coffee weather?
Simply input your zip code and the site will tell you whether or not you should be drinking your coffee hot or on the rocks.
Do you have any other favorite "single serving" websites? Share them in the comments below.
[photo by thebittenword.com via Flickr]
Related:
Make Iced Coffee in a Cocktail Shaker
Friday Find: Style Firm
Finding the motivation to workout is one of my daily challenges. Can I get a witness?
However, as cheesy as it may sound, I've found that a cute (and functional) gym outfit helps! So, I was especially excited when a friend told me about Style Firm.
This innovative athletic-wear line was created by two highly successful and busy women--Marissa Mills and Lisa Present--who wanted a collection of clothing that was comfortable, performance-ready and stylish.
The ladies were determined to create "a magic pant" that would slim the thighs, lift the butt, and flatten the tummy, while still being comfortable and technologically sound workout wear. They worked with a team of designers and experts to fuse the perfect fabrication with the perfect cut. One pair of pants grew into a capsule collection of five pieces: a bootleg pant, a capri legging, a running tight, and two jackets.
In a nutshell: The amazing compression mesh they use allows you to look good, while you're trying to look good. Genius!
The collection ranges from $92-$119--so it's a bit pricey. But if you need that extra motivation to get your body moving and to take care of your health, then its priceless.
Plus, thanks to the sleek design and black, grey or midnight blue color offerings...these pieces could go from the gym to a nice brunch (or running errands) easily.
D.I.Y. Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
If you can't head "off to the races," you might as well bring the races to your living room. Whether you plan to have friends over for an informal get-together or have a quiet afternoon enjoying the derby with your family, these festive D.I.Y. projects will make your derby experience even better.
Hat
If you admired the sea of beautiful hats at Royal Wedding, you're in luck because the Kentucky Derby continues that tradition. Big, bold sunhats are a Derby essential. Women's hats are typically wide-brimmed and embellished with flowers, bows and ribbon. While store-bought hats are lovely, they can be pricey! Luckily, DailyCandy has an easy tutorial to create your own less expensive headpiece. I love their simple hat, but I'd opt to hot glue a few flowers on to the ribbon as well.
Here's some inspiration for your hat making:
$125 at hat-a-tude.com.
Flowers
The Kentucky Derby is also known as the "Run for the Roses" because the winning horse and jockey are adorned with hundreds of red roses and given a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses. So its a great excuse to spruce up your counter space or table with some gorgeous roses.
If you're hosting a small gathering, a centerpiece certainly isn't necessary but I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful (and easy) idea from Jennifer Sbranti of Hostess with the Mostess.
(Check out the how-to for this Derby Party Centerpiece.)
Food
While Derby Pie is typically the dessert of choice on derby day, I've fallen in love with Sweet Cheek's rose-shaped cake pops. These yummy desserts seem to be the new cupcake—even Starbuck's has them in their bakery case. At first glance these rose-shaped cake pops look incredibly intricate, but the steps don't seem too intimidating.
Drink
What would a derby party be without Mint Juleps? The classic Kentucky Derby drink is a blend of mint, sugar, and Bourbon.
Mint Juleps were once served in silver or pewter cups, but not all of us have extra silver lying around the house. Personally, I prefer something more fun and festive like these D.I.Y. drink cozys by Fresh Home Ideas. With just a few inexpensive materials, you'll add a bit of personality to any glass and it makes a great favor for your guests to take home with them.
What are your Kentucky Derby watching plans?
How To: Really Easy Mood Board Idea
It's May and as summer draws near it's a great time to freshen up your mood board with things that will inspire your life with a summer theme. On a mood board you can pin ideas for your next patio cocktail party or a few decorsting ideas for the balcony. I refer to my mood board constantly and find that freshening it also helps to freshen my perspective and to get me out of creative ruts. Lots of you like the idea of a mood board but not everyone has one and I'd like to encourage you to start working on a board pronto! I thought I'd share speedy DIY so you can have a mood board up within 5 minutes - no lie - and for under $10 or even free if you have a spare piece of linen laying around. Here is my office with the mood board that I'd like to tell you how to make in minutes.
First, you'll need 2 yards of lightweight linen if you want one that is like mine (above).
Then, cut it to fill a space on your wall where you'd like to look to for inspiration. Mine (shown) is above my desk. I frayed the edges and then trimmed it to be neat but to still look homemade.
Nail it to the wall, letting it drape slightly between the nails. Not kidding! Nail it! I nailed mine in 5 places, eventually spaced, along the top only.
Conceal the nails by wrapping 3/4 width ribbon around them in a simple loop casually letting them drape down in different lengths.
Using Japanese washi craft tape (it sticks but doesn't ruin stuff and you can easily remove it later on), tape up your inspirations - from tear sheets in magazines to art from etsy and postcards, wrappers, train tickets, maps -- anything and everything paper that inspires you. You can even tape up more ribbon or fabric cuts or paint swatches. Go to town!
Edit your board every few days to keep it fresh or commit to removing everything and taping up new inspirations every week or two.
How easy was that!? Go ahead, try it at home and have fun!
(image: holly becker)
