Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 355
March 30, 2011
The Secret to Getting A Flawless Complexion
One of my biggest pet peeves with makeup, is making sure that everything is blended seamlessly. From my tinted moisturizer to blush, everything works better together when there are no apparent distinctions. Makeup artists, magazines, and blogs have been raving out this little secret—and I, of course, had to share it with you!
To buy: $20, shop.beautyblender.net
This little pink sponge is the ultimate makeup tool. The Beautyblender was designed by makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, who has beautified Hollywood starlets like Macy Gray, Carmen Electra, and Erin Andrews. She developed the product while on a shoot and decided to take it to the mass market, so the rest of us could enjoy having perfect skin, too. The pointed edge is perfect for right around the eyes and I've been using the sponge not just for my concealer, but cream or liquid blushes, too.
I asked Rea Ann to share some of her tips on how to use this handy tool.
5 Tips on the Beauyblender From the Expert
– Bounce beautyblender against your face when applying make up. This blends make up without creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin.
– Use the round base for foundation and blush on the larger areas of your face such as your forehead, cheeks and chin.
– Use it damp when applying wet/dry make up. When the beautyblender is wet, it is normal for it to expand to nearly twice its original size. Wash after use and place it in the insert pedestal to dry.
– If you have problem skin the beautyblender works to cover blemishes. Use the pointed end and the stipple and twist technique to work make up into depressed areas of the face. The stippling and twisting action feathers out the makeup's edges, leaving a perfect finish.
– The smaller tip end is not only the best applicator for concealer under the eyes, around the nose, but also for achieving dramatic results with your eyeshadow!
In addition, I also ask Rea Ann to share with us her top three favorite products to use with the beautyblender.
Best Luminizing Tint Best Concealer Best Mineral Tint
To buy: $38, jouercosmetics.com To buy: $65, cremedelamer.com To buy: $32, beautyaddicts.com
Have you tried this handy sponge? I love it! Tell me your thoughts, and share your make up tips.
Creative Walls by Geraldine James: Book Review
I've not done a book review here in awhile so I thought that today I'd share a recent favorite that gave me a boost of inspiration... It's called Creative Walls by Geraldine James, who also happens to be a home buying manager at Selfridges department store in London. It's eclectic, quirky and creative indeed!
When you think of a book focusing only on walls you imagine that at some point, you'd fall asleep -- am I right? I mean, how many options do you have for a wall? Wall decals, paint, wallpaper, pictures... But with Creative Walls the author and her friends show you tons of ideas and most are not at all typical. I guess that's the point of it being called "CREATIVE" walls. It almost trains you to turn them into mood boards filled with collected inspirations from everything you love! There doesn't seem to be much Geradline wouldn't place on a wall, which makes owning this book a must.
This book focuses on something you think would be so simple -- walls -- yet once you've poked around the book a bit you suddenly realize how a book on only walls can be completely amazing because this one manages to be a real page turner. Geraldine builds out the topic so thoroughly and has such a great eye for arrangement - and she's quite quirky and imaginative so the spaces she shows you really stand out as creative and personal. In fact, it is completely engaging from start to finish showing a mix of styles and periods and things - lots of things - on walls! It's fun to see all of these fabulous wall ideas rounded up in a single book, curated by a women with obvious good taste and style. I also love the cover of this book and the overall design is quite nice, as is the paper quality.
I also like some of her tips and ideas throughout that make you feel as though she is giving you permission to follow your heart and "own" your vision. For instance, if you rip down the wallpaper and discover layers of old paper beneath it, keep it that way if you like it and don't apologize. If you want to group a million portrait paintings from a flea market on your wall, go for it because it's your house. If you feel like sharing your cherished collection of insects, plates, or anything else you fancy, do it. If you want to put tons of things on your wall in the kitchen (usually not a space most people consider displaying things outside of pots, pans, a clock and maybe a picture or two), why not? There are no limits to creativity and this book really opens the mind up to the possibilities.
Creative Walls gives you hundreds of ideas to help you deck your walls with confidence and creativity. It encourages you to have fun and follow your creative vision. Bravo to the author for such a divine book!
(images Holly Becker)
March 29, 2011
Gluten-Free Recipes for Your Favorite Cookies
It seems like everyone is trying to go gluten-free these days. More and more people are diagnosed with celiac disease, have a gluten sensitivity, or just claim to feel better when they cut gluten out of their diets. Here's the latest cookbook to address the gluten-free craze: Luane Kohnke's Gluten-Free Cookies, which features 50 recipes for everything from sugar cookies to lemon squares to biscotti. Using ingredients like rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, she offers tasty alternatives for favorite baked goods that would otherwise be off-limits.
(image: bn.com)
So if you're following a gluten-free diet and craving homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies, there's no need to miss out. Try these two easy recipes for your favorite sweet treats.
(image: Stacey Cramp/Gluten-Free Cookies)
Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies
Makes 36 to 42 cookies
Bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cocoa) make these a sophisticated treat for adults. Semisweet chips are a good alternative and result in a slightly sweeter taste. Whichever you choose, everyone will love these perfect chocolate chip cookies.
2/3 cup brown rice flour
3 tablespoons potato starch
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons tapioca flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/4 cup almond flour
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups (about 12 ounces) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
In a medium bowl, sift together brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour,
baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and sea salt. Whisk in almond flour.
Set aside.
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter, vegetable shortening,
sugars, and vanilla extract. Set mixer speed to high and beat until fluffy, about 2
to 3 minutes. Add egg and beat for another 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce mixer speed
to low and add flour mixture until just incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips
and pecans. Chill in a covered bowl for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto
prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden
brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, and then
transfer cookies, still on parchment, to wire racks to cool completely.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
(image: Stacey Cramp/Gluten-Free Cookies)
Double-Chocolate Brownies with Walnuts
Makes 16 cookies
These moist brownies are extra chocolatey because of the chocolate chips that are added to the batter.
1/2 cup brown rice flour
2 1/2 tablespoons potato starch
1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon tapioca flour
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
3 tablespoons almond flour
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the sides and bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking pan
with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang of about 2-inches on each of two opposite
edges. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan. Place
parchment on top of foil.
In a medium bowl, sift together brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and
xanthan gum. Whisk in almond flour. Set aside.
In the top of a double boiler, set over simmering water, melt unsweetened chocolate
and butter. Stir constantly, until chocolate and butter are fully combined and
mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla
extract. Set mixer speed to high and beat until mixture thickens and becomes
pale in color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off mixer. Using a rubber spatula, fold
chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Take care not to deflate the batter. Fold in
flour mixture in two portions. Carefully fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Smooth top. Bake until top is slightly
cracked and just firm to touch, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cool uncut cookies in
baking pan on a wire rack. Lift uncut cookies out of pan, using foil overhang as
an aid, and cut into 16 cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days, or
refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Baker's Note: Pecans or toasted hazelnuts can be substituted for walnuts
Plus, get 30 more gluten-free desserts and try 10 gluten-free dinner recipes.
New Use for Soda Cans via The DIY Home Sweet Home Project
Buying mini cookie cutters for making things like homemade goldfish or other bite-size treats can get expensive. Luckily, you can use an empty, clean soda can to make your own shapes following the steps on The DIY Home Sweet Home Project blog.
Here's how you do it:
1. Thoroughly wash the can and let it air dry.
2. Cut off the top and bottom of the can. Then cut the can vertically and flatten it out into one strip.
3. Cut the flattened can into smaller strips, about 1-inch wide.
4. Bend your strips into the shape that you want for you cookie cutter, then glue or tape the ends together.
They might not be the sturdiest cookie cutters, but just think of all the fun shapes you can make.
Do you have a fun way to use an every day item?
Related:
Baking-Themed New Uses for Old Things
10 Ideas for Sugar Cookie Dough
(all images from The DIY Home Sweet Home Project)
A Little Bit of Organizing Can Pay Off When Speaking with Customer Service Representatives
I greatly dislike having to contact a company's customer service line. Sure, the people on the other end of the line are usually very pleasant. However, the calls always takes longer than you would expect them to, and two-thirds of the time I'm disconnected in the middle of the call.
For instance, whenever the customer service representative (CSR) says, "I need to transfer you," I know I'm about ready to be disconnected. Transfers are the black hole of customer service lines.
To save time, and to keep myself organized when talking with CSRs, I have a pen and paper handy. I also start every conversation with a CSR as follows:
CSR: "Hi, this is James, how may I help you?"
Me: "Hi, James. My name is Erin. I'm on a strange phone, so before we get too far into this conversation, can I have your number so I can call you back if we get disconnected?"
The majority of the time, the CSR will give me their direct line. If the CSR isn't allowed to give out his direct line, ask if when you call back to the main number if you can ask for him. This usually works as a decent alternative, except you probably will be disconnected at least once trying to get back to James by this method.
I also log the time a conversation begins with a CSR on the same piece of paper where I write down her name and number. This way, if there is ever any issue with a matter, I have a record of the conversation to reference and compare against the company's records (or, often, lack of records).
I use a call register for exactly this purpose.
What organized tips and tricks do you use when speaking with customer service representatives? Share your advice in the comments.
What Does Your Workspace Say About You?
How does a cluttered desk affect your reputation at work? If you think it doesn't matter, read on.
According to a survey of 500 human resource managers released this week by temporary help firm OfficeTeam, a cluttered workspace may equal a cluttered mind. Some 83 percent of respondents said the appearance of an employee's workspace at least somewhat affects their perception of that person's professionalism.
HR managers were asked, "How does the neatness of an employee's desk or office affect your perception of that person's level of professionalism?" About one in five said it "greatly affects it," two-thirds said it "somewhat affects it," and just 17 percent said it made no impression at all.
I have a binge-and-purge relationship with my office. When I'm in the middle of a project, it's a zoo -- piles of paper, boxes on the floor, garbage can overflowing -- but of course there's a method to my madness and I swear I know where everything is. When the project is over, I purge, file, straighten, and the space is spotless. Then again, I work mainly from home, so there's no one but my family and the dog passing judgment on the chaos.
"A tidy desk won't necessarily boost your career, but a messy one can leave a bad impression on colleagues," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam in a press release. "By taking simple steps to organize your workspace, you also will be able to find materials more easily and increase your productivity."
OfficeTeam polled members of the International Association of Administrative Professionals for desk organization advice. Here are five tips:
1. Sit in your visitor chair to get a perspective on what others see when entering your cubicle or office. Clean your workspace so it's visually appealing not only to you but also to your guests.
2. From the start, establish an organization system that suits your style. You can always rearrange items later, but this will prevent things from getting out of hand early on.
3. File, don't pile. Eliminate clutter by organizing paperwork in vertical or tickler files. Clearly label or color-code documents so you can find them more easily.
4. Don't touch the same piece of paper more than once without filing, recycling or tossing it, or passing it along to the next person.
5. Take a few minutes before lunch and again just before leaving the office to clear your workspace. At the end of each day, prioritize the tasks on your to-do list so you can hit the ground running the next morning.
Do you like your workspace pristine or messy -- or does it depend on what you're working on at the moment? Do you think your manager or co-workers care?
March 28, 2011
Which Should You Splurge On: Day Cream or Night Cream?
Drugstore vs. department store. Bargain bin vs. beauty counter. You can find great products that work well at both places, but sometimes it's worth spending a little bit extra for a specific product. When it comes to day and night facial moisturizers, you can afford to save on one, but it's better to splurge on another.
So which is which? The key is to save on day cream, where the most important aspect is SPF coverage, and spend a bit more on night cream, where the extra research and formulation that goes into an expensive product will make more of an impact.
Find out when to save or splurge on other daily beauty products.
Do you have a favorite day cream or nighttime moisturizer?
Related:
The Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers
Solutions to Four Common Skin Problems
Wedding Shoes Galore & More!
I want to thank everyone who weighed in on whether I should wear a short wedding dress or keep traditional with a long gown (most of you were pro-short). In the end, I decided on a long dress (thanks partly to my mother who would have died if I--her first born daughter--was given away in a "sundress").
I wish I could post a picture of it, but sadly my fiance would see it. But, I can say that the dress is being made by the extraordinarily talented Katie Ermilio. It's simple, beautiful, non-embellished, free of tulle and exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to see the finished product...especially with the addition of my SHOES!
As many of you know I am extremely excited about my wedding shoes. So much so that I will be changing them 3 or 4 times throughout the day. I can't imagine choosing just one pair for the whole day--thus there will be multiples.
I wanted to tap your fashion opinions once again--this time regarding my shoes. I have noticed a big trend in brides wearing brightly colored heels (something blue, perhaps?), sparkly rhinestone studded stilettos and even booties (one of my favorite shoe designers Charlotte Olympia wore leopard shoes to her wedding). I love the creativity, which is why I can't just pick one. Plus, I think my simple gown will lend itself perfectly to a spicy shoe or two (or three or four).
Did you wear a pair of unique or non-traditional shoes to your wedding? What do you think of these picks?
AND...for all the wedding obsessed and/or crazed readers who will be in the NYC area this Wednesday--New York Magazine is hosting a Weddings Event in conjunction with their weddings issue. The event is promised to be an extravaganza of amazing wedding service providers: caterers, photographers, bridal dress designers, venues, stylists, florists and more. Although I'm getting married in Martha's Vineyard, I will still be attending for all the fabulous ideas. I hope to see you there! (Tickets are $40 for one and $60 for two. Buy them HERE)
Another Question for You: What's the Best Toaster Oven?
Thank you all for such a great response to my question last week about the best vacuum for pet hair. The Dyson Animal was your pick (overwhelmingly), although there were some other recommendations to look into as well.
Since you have such great first-hand product knowledge, I want to throw another question out to you: Do you have a toaster oven that you love and would recommend?
Switching roommates means saying goodbye to the toaster oven. So I'm looking for a replacement. I know it's not an essential appliance, but for me it's one that's worth the space. I've read great reviews of the Compact Smart Oven from Breville (shown above), but it is one of the more expensive options on the market ($180), and I want to do some more research before I spend that kind of money.
If you have a toaster oven, or have been researching one, sound off in the comments and let me know what you recommend.
March 25, 2011
Weekend Fun: 20 Disposable Camera Projects via Photojojo
While we spend most of our time at Real Simple being practical, we also like to have a little bit of fun. Especially on Fridays. So with that in mind, here are 20 fun things you can do with a disposable camera from Photojojo. Disposable cameras cost less than $10 each and provide an afternoon of inexpensive fun.
1. Lens Filters: You can easily color your photos by coloring a piece of clear packing tape with a permanent marker and taping it over the lens. Rose-colored world, anyone?
2. Take 3D Photos: Following their tutorial you can use two disposable cameras to make 3D images.
3. Fisheye photos: If you have any of the fun lenses for your cellphone camera, they will also work on a disposable camera.
Check out the rest of the ideas on Photojojo: Top 20 Ways to Use a Disposable Camera
Related:
How to Organize Your Digital Photos
