Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 361
March 8, 2011
Check How Eco-Friendly That Product is with GoodGuide
If you're trying to be more eco-friendly, there's an easy way to check to see if the products you purchase are as green as they say they are. Using the GoodGuide website or iPhone app it's as easy as searching the product name or scanning the barcode.
Each product that's rated on GoodGuide is given a numeric score from 0 to 10. They are rated in terms of how green they are for your health, the environment, and society. (You can find information on how the ratings are determined here.)
You can search for items by the product name or brand, or you can browse by category (personal care, food, apparel, etc.) But maybe the best thing is part of their mobile app. You can use your iPhone's camera to scan an product's barcode and if GoodGuide has rated it, the app will pull up the rating as easy as that.
Have you used the GoodGuide website or app before? Do you have other strategies for finding out if a product is eco-friendly?
Related:
25 Easy Ways to Help Save the Planet
What Do You Think Of Short Wedding Dresses?
So, I'm in the thick of wedding planning (I'm 199 days away) and one would think that my wedding dress was the first thing I took care of, right? No ma'am.
As a fashion editor, it's no secret that I love clothes...but I also know that one of the most unflattering things that you could ever put on is something big and white (especially when you have more then a few pounds to shed). Ugh.
But, I digress.
Needless to say, the pressure is on to "Wow" my family and friends with this oh-so-important frock. However, I have ONLY been interested in what my shoes will look like. And yes--that was plural. I'm thinking of changing my shoes 2 or 3 times. Too much? Naaaaa.
With that said, I have been giving serious thought to wearing a short dress. This way I could show off my best feature--my legs AND display all my fabulous shoe picks. Of course there is the alternative of wearing a long dress during the ceremony and changing into a shorter cocktail/party dress for the reception (the perfect excuse for more shopping). Plus, I don't see my wedding being super fancy.
In the end, I thought I would run the idea of an all-day-short-wedding-dress by my lovely readers...YOU.
So, what do you think?
Here I am posing in my favorite version thus far--the Nanette dress by the Morgane Le Fay. Isn't it dreamy? (I would probably add a sparkly belt to make it a bit more formal though)
Vote for April!
Hi, Bookies:
Making a back-to-back appearance in our book poll—very much by public demand—is last month's almost-winner, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It's joined this month by three other books chosen by our April discussion leader, Assistant Editor/Producer Erin Henry: two well-reviewed current works and an indisputable classic of literature. The poll is now open—cast your vote by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, March 21.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
The fascinating true story of a poor Virginia migrant worker whose cancerous tissue yielded cells that became the catalysts for stunning medical breakthroughs.
The Invisible Bridge, by Julie Orringer
Hungarian-Jewish architecture student Andras Levi falls in love while studying in Paris in 1937, then returns to Budapest and struggles to keep his family safe amid the Nazis' rise to power. A haunting debut novel.
Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell
A declining alligator-wresting theme park serves as the fantastical setting for Russell's first novel, in which a young girl struggles to keep her family together in the face of threats both real (her Floridian family's impending bankruptcy) and otherworldly (her sister's elopement with a ghost).
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
Bronte creates a heroine for the ages in Jane, an orphan raised by her loveless aunt who matures into the strong-willed governess of a manor with a terrible secret.
What Book Should We Read in April?survey software
March 7, 2011
Broom Groomer Dustpan from Quirky
Another "why didn't I think of that?" product from Quirky: the Broom Groomer is a dustpan that cleans your broom as you sweep.
The idea is that as you sweep, the spikes in the dustpan remove all the gunk and dust bunnies that normally stick to the bottom of your broom.
The best part? It only costs $12. Check it out on Quirky: Broom Groomer.
What do you think of this product? Would you use it?
Related:
Product We Love: UnHampered Laundry Basket
The Worst Cleaning Jobs Made Easy
Readers' Best Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Broom Groomer Broom and Dustpan Set from Quirky
Another "why didn't I think of that?" product from Quirky: the Broom Groomer is a broom and dustpan set that cleans your broom as you sweep.
The idea is that as you sweep, the spikes in the dustpan remove all the gunk and dust bunnies that normally stick to the bottom of your broom.
The best part? The set only costs $12, about what you would pay for a normal broom and dustpan set. Check it out on Quirky: Broom Groomer.
What do you think of this product? Would you use it?
Related:
Product We Love: UnHampered Laundry Basket
The Worst Cleaning Jobs Made Easy
Readers' Best Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Jeannette Walls Addresses Your Questions and Comments
Hi, Bookies:
No surprise, a number of you took advantage of the opportunity to ask Jeannette Walls the questions you had for her at the conclusion of our Half Broke Horses discussion. Read on as she reveals a little more about the two women who loomed large in her life—her grandmother Lily; and her mother, Rosemary—plus some plans for the future.
From Maggie Shi, RealSimple.com deputy editor and the discussion leader:
I would love to hear a favorite story about Lily that Jeannette remembers from her own childhood. And I'd also love to know: What was the most surprising or shocking thing Jeannette discovered about her grandmother while researching this book? Was there anything that was particularly difficult to write about?
The most surprising story for me was Helen's suicide. I had never heard about it until I interviewed Mom. She said her mother didn't like to talk about it and that she had to pull the details out of Lily.
My favorite story regarding Lily was once when she took us to a cafeteria and let us heap our trays with everything we wanted. When we sat down, I started discussing a book I'd read. Grandma stood and hollered for the entire place to hush the hell up because she had an important announcement to make. She pointed at me and shouted, "My little granddaughter Jeannette is a natural redhead and is double-jointed and is reading at a fifth grade level. She is a g-------d genius, so remember her because you'll be hearing from her again. And she has damned fine table manners, too."
My question for Jeanette Walls is how does she feel about the character she created compared with the one she knew? And how does her mother (Rosemary) feel about this part fictional/real person, Lily?
Posted by: Chris H| Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Oh, the Lily I wrote about is very much the Lily I remember. She was one of those people who caused a stir everywhere she went. She was always cussing and shouting orders or singing and pounding away on the piano and grabbing sailors up out of their chairs and jitterbugging with them. Half Broke Horses includes stories that I heard from Lily—including her favorites, climbing the tree to get away from the flash flood (the story I opened with) and the time she had to ride the Red Devil to get her first paycheck—as well as a lot of stories that I'd never heard until I interviewed Mom, such as the fact that Lily had a first husband. I didn't change Lily a bit because I couldn't possibly make up or improve on the character that she was.
One question I had for Jeannette is…
Did researching this book give her a better understanding of her own mother and how did that affect her relationship with her mom?
Wonderful book, wonderful read-along. Thanks again!
Posted by: Melissa| Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 02:51 PM
Absolutely. There were so many times while interviewing Mom when I thought, "Wow. That really explains a lot." I had always found my mother somewhat frustrating and slightly maddening—I think she has felt the same about me. I am, for better or worse, a lot like Lily and that's one of the reasons Mom and I have always butted heads, but now I understand her story so much more. I believe that increased knowledge always leads to increased compassion and Mom and I have developed a really interesting friendship.
I actually listened to this book on CD and the one thing I would like to say to Jeannette is that I loved the author's comments at the end. I hope she picks another fun person to do a fictional biography on!
Posted by: Teresa| Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Well, thank you, Teresa. Recording the book was a hoot.
I think Jeannette is a wonderful storyteller and I hope she writes another book. I guess that would be my question—is there another book in her future?
Posted by: Lulu| Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Thank you for the kind comments! I sort of thought that Half Broke Horses would be my last, but I've found myself taking notes on a new book. So there probably is one in the works, but I don't yet know what it is.
I enjoyed Half Broke Horses but found it difficult to discern between fact and fiction. Since these events happened so long ago, I'm not sure how much was accurate. But the author did acknowledge this by saying it's a true life NOVEL.
So my question for the author would be: How did you go about researching these events that took place so long ago?
Posted by: Kelly| Friday, February 25, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Half Broke Horses is a collection of family stories, handed down to my mother by her mother and father, and their parents—and sometimes their parents as well. I interviewed Mom for about an hour every day for a year. I was stunned by her recall. Sometimes I thought, she couldn't possibly know all this stuff about Arizona history and the geology of the Grand Canyon and the distinction between Native American tribes, but I was able to double-check it on the computer, and she usually nailed it. I've come to understand that I've always underestimated Mom's intelligence.
There were also a number of times when I was able to research something about Mom's family and again, she was completely accurate. On the other hand, on a few occasions, her version of events conflicted with the research. When I asked her about those, her response was usually something like, "That's a lie that was put out to cover up what really happened." And she'd tell me how Lily had explained the real version and the cover-up.
So I had a couple of choices about how to tell the story. One was writing the book as a serious history, researching and double-checking what Mom had told me, presenting conflicting stories, weighing in on which is the more credible, and using qualifiers on details that were missing or unclear (i.e. "evidence suggests…" or "it is likely she took the same route back that she took there…").
Another approach was to tell it more from my mother's and Lily's point of view, using Grandma's voice and to use some of the liberties of the storytelling tradition, filling in gaps and stating as fact something that has merely been handed down anecdotally for generations. I chose the latter one and because I couldn't very well swear that it was all true, I called Half Broke Horses a novel.
I just wonder how Jeannette Walls feels having written this story and comparing to her upbringing. I almost wonder if Walls would be resentful to Rosemary having written about how Rosemary had a solid upbringing with a super strong mother (Lily) and faithful hardworking father (Jim) who would go to any length for the benefit of their children. Whereas, Rosemary (unwilling to work when needed) and Rex (drunk) were so selfish in so many ways! WOW, I would love to hear Jeannette Wall's perspective!... I would also like to ask: Is Rosemary still living the "homeless" lifestyle? After you wrote Half Broke Horses, did you wish you had a mother like Lily? Did you wonder if your life would have been different if Lily was your mother??
Posted by: Bella| Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 10:30 AM
When I was growing up I used to sometimes wish that I had a more traditional mother, but I'm completely thrilled with the way my life has turned out. I think I'm one of the luckiest human beings on the planet. And if you're happy with where you are, why regret how you got there?
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New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 Roundup
Another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has come and gone here in New York City—and it has left us with sweet and stylish ideas of what we will be wearing AND wanting come fall.
The Real Simple fashion department took in a total of about 50 shows. Wowza! From ADAM to Vivienne Tam, we ran to and from each show absorbing all the amazing designs.
Sooooooo, I'm sure you're wondering: "What did you love?"
Well, I won't keep you in suspense. Here is a rundown of our favorite drool-worthy looks for fall 2011.
VICTORIA SANCHEZ-LINCOLN (Fashion Director)
Diane von Furstenberg ADAM
Lela Rose Rebecca Taylor
RANDI PACKARD (Fashion Market Director)
Chris Benz Jenni Kayne
ADAM Michael Kors
ELINOR SMITH (Assistant Fashion Editor)
Rodarte Tommy Hilfiger
Marc by Marc Jacobs Tibi
ALLISON CHESKY (Fashion Assistant)
Jill Stuart Elie Tahari
Michael Kors Tibi
JULEE WILSON aka Me (Staff Fashion Editor)
Chris Benz Proenza Schouler
A Dermatologist Answers Your Questions (Part 1)
A few weeks ago I asked all of you to write in and share your most pressing questions for a dermatologist. Your comments were great! The most frequently asked questions were sent to Omaha-based dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger, an expert in his field. His practice employs more than 40 people, and includes an extensive research clinic as well as a day spa.
Since I want to get in as many answers as possible, the responses have been split up into two parts. This first section focuses on sunscreens and moisturizers. Enjoy!
Real Simple: Lots of our readers were wondering, what can they do to reduce the appearance of darker spots on middle-aged skin?
Dr. Schlessinger: Sunscreen and Retin-A (or its equivalent) can do a great job, along with a form of hydroquinone. I like Obagi Clear for this, but the Obagi system works even better if used together.
To buy: $70, Elitedepot.com
RS: One of our readers heard that olive oil is good for dry skin, as well as for eyelashes. She has been using some on her face and lashes at night and it seems to be working. What is your professional opinion on this?
Dr. Schlessinger: I wouldn't recommend it, as there are possible issues with getting it in the eyes and irritation. There are many different products out there for moisturizing the eyes, such as Nia24 Eye Repair Complex. In which case, it doesn't make sense to use another product. As for eyelashes, there are numerous new products, both over-the-counter and prescription. For example, Jan Marini's Marini Lash is a great over-the-counter product that works very well.
To buy: $65, Dermstore.com
To buy: $125, Dermstore.com
RS: What is the best moisturizing solution or product for dry skin, especially during the harsh winter months?
Dr. Schlessinger: I recommend something that is both inexpensive and plentiful—meaning they should have a tube or jar that is big enough to supply them for a month or so and not go broke purchasing it. I recommend the Vanicream line or the CeraVe line, both of which are fabulous moisturizers at a great price point and available in most drugstores.
It is important to use these products more often than what you may usually think is necessary. If you have serious skin issues, try something that is thicker, rather than lighter in consistency. The mistake that most of my patients make is to reach for a product that is very light when they have serious skin issues and cracking skin. That is the worst thing they can do, as the lighter products often contain alcohol, which burns when it comes in contact with open cracks in the skin. Thicker products contain petrolatum/petroleum jelly in various forms, which doesn't sting.
RS: We have all heard how important it is to moisturize. But what about people who have oily skin, for whom moisturizing just seems to add to the oiliness—or, worse, cause breakouts. What do you suggest?
Dr. Schlessinger: Moisturizing isn't as necessary if you have oily skin. If you can't find one that keeps your skin clear, don't sweat it. Using an oily product on top of already adequately moisturized skin will probably lead to breakouts, so don't use [moisturizer] unless you truly need to or you will be overdoing it.
RS: Can you recommend a moisturizer with SPF that won't aggravate sensitive skin or cause breakouts?
Dr. Schlessinger: Vanicream has a fantastic SPF 30 sunscreen with little or no irritation, but it is first and foremost a sunscreen and then a moisturizer. I tell my patients that they can either get a great sunscreen or a great (fill in the blank), but they can't generally have both. Sunscreens are very difficult to create and if you want the best, it has to be designed for that task. While I love sunscreens that do double duty—such as makeups or insect repellents, etc.—they usually suffer when it comes to sun protection.
To buy: $7, lovelyskin.com
As for breakouts, the best sunscreen on the market, in my opinion, for the acne sufferer is La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid for Face. While some people are definitely sensitive to it, as it is a chemical-based sunscreen, it is hands-down my go-to sunscreen when I have an acne-prone patient who needs protection. It is very portable and can easily fit in a pocket.
To buy: $30, laroche-posay.us
RS: With multiple layers of skin-care products being recommended, some of our readers wondered what happens once they put on a layer of cream, serum, and ointment? How do subsequent layers affect the skin? Does the first layer provide a barrier?
Dr. Schlessinger: Great point! I tell my patients that skin-care products should be applied from "thin to thick." By this, I mean patients should put on the thinnest products first and then progress to the thicker products. This way, the barrier is on top.
I hope this advice is helpful. Part 2 will be up within the week, so look out for your questions!
A Different Sip This St. Patrick's Day
Come March 17th, you'll probably see plenty of green bagels, green doughnut holes, green beer, and even a suddenly, startingly green Chicago river. All fun—but not totally unoriginal!
This St. Patrick's Day, I am going to raise a glass with an interesting history, an Irish link, and a really vibrant taste. While I'm hardly an oenophile, I recently learned about a kind of wine from an area of Spain known as "Green Spain"—the Northwest region of Galicia.
Visitors to this region will find it oddly reminiscent of Ireland, complete with craggy cliffs plunging deep into the sea, Celtic traditions like bagpipes and kilts, and their signature grape: the Albariño! Surrounded by rolling green hills, fjords, and cliffs plunging directly into the sea, the Galicia region of northwest Spain is where Martin Codax Albariño Rias Biaxas wine comes from—a crsip, fruity wine that's sort of hard not to love! (It goes well with all kinds of seafood, in particular.)
Fascinating side facts: More than half of the Rias Biaxas winemakers in the region are women! And Martin Codax himself was actually a late 13th or early 14th century troubadour, which is why the wine's label features a lute, a much-storied stringed instrument.
So while everyone else raises a glass of some, murky dubious-looking green beer next Thursday, consider the Albariño—a subtle, classy (and delicious!) way of giving a toast to the Irish this holiday! Salud!
Pom Pom Factory
Karen Hsu is a freelance window designer from Hong Kong who lives in London and is the founder/designer behind Pom Pom Factory. Have you heard of it? My mother always made these pom poms from fabric or tissue paper and she made tons for my bridal shower so I've always had a soft spot for pom poms as decor. Karen makes beautiful ones in all shapes, sizes and materials and I love how she hangs them from the ceiling to create a festive atmosphere for parties, store windows and fashion shoots. Aren't they lovely?
These fluffy decorations make me happy today, I love them! Have you ever decorated using pom poms before? If so, how and when and where? Do tell!
(Image 1 + 2: Beinta á Torkilsheyggi. 3+4+5: Pom Pom Factory. 6+7: Beinta á Torkilsheygg, 8+9+10: Sarah Tomczak)
