Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 363
March 2, 2011
Smart Combo: Hand Cream and Lip Balm in One Package
Hand lotion and lip balm, two products you can never have to many of and ones that are easy to lose. Luckily there's a new 2-in-1 product from Votre Vu that will keep your chapstick from disappearing into the bottom of your handbag.
It looks like a normal tube of hand lotion, right? But there's actually an extra cap on the end that opens to reveal a pot of lip balm and a mirror. Take a look:
Not only will this make your lip balm easier to find in your purse. It can also save space on your bedside table or in your gym bag. Votre Vu Duette, $39 at votrevu.com
What do you think? Would you use this combo-product?
Related:
The Best Multipurpose Beauty Products
18 Cult-Classic Beauty Products
Really Gotta Go? Use the Urge to Your Advantage!
I get a big kick out of health/science news like the following item released today:
Apparently, you make better decisions when you've got a full bladder. A new report in the journal Psychological Science states that being near-to-bursting actually reduces your "impulsive choices." Researchers say that the need to hit the loo is similar to other primal bodily desires like hunger, thirst and even sexual desire—and that activation of any one of these urges makes you want OTHER "rewards" even more.
In the experiment, waterlogged study participants (they'd drunk five cups' worth!) were better at choosing later, but larger, hypothetical monetary rewards. (The rewards were not tied to when they'd be allowed to hit the head—they were purely theoretical.)
And in another test, just being instructed to think about words related to urination triggered the same effect.
Bottom line: If you're wavering between a few options, faced with an impulse purchase, or perhaps just want help choosing a wiser, healthier meal, consider turning on the tap and taking a few swigs.
Photo from Flickr
March 1, 2011
A New Use for a Toilet Paper Tube
You know how much we love new uses for old things here at Real Simple. And this one from You Grow Girl (found via Re-Nest) is right up our alley. Take a look:
It's an easy seed starter for your spring planting. Here's the quick, photo tutorial on how to make it.
And the best part? You can plant the whole package (toilet paper tube and all) in the ground once it's warm enough because the paper will just breakdown in the soil.
Visit You Grow Girl's blog for the full details.
(all photos from YouGrowGirl.com)
Related:
Readers' Gardening New Uses for Old Things
A Vegetarian Chili (With Chocolate?) for Dinner
Since I'm all about meatless meals and simmering big pots of warm, comforting stews on my stove these days, naturally I made another vegetarian chili recipe recently. This one was very rich and hearty, thanks to two kinds of beans (kidney and chickpeas) and the "secret" ingredient—chocolate.
The Vegetarian Chili With Chocolate recipe takes a bit longer to make than most of our recipes, but there's only 15 minutes of hands-on work. The longer simmering time allows the liquid to thicken and gives the flavors time to meld. A small piece of bittersweet chocolate stirred in at the end adds a surprising depth and just the barest hint of sweetness to the final dish—a tiny bit goes a long way. It definitely gives the chili a little something extra to intrigue your dinner guests. I served this with quinoa on the side to soak up all the stew and a bottle of Tabasco—a must, in my opinion. The extra layer of heat from the hot sauce brightens up all those heavy, rich flavors and adds an exciting kick; toss in as much spice as you can handle, and enjoy.
(image: Susie Cushner)
New Balance Minimus Collection: Run Light, Run Right
I know many of us have resolved to workout more this year. I've fallen off track a few times, but I'm back in business (thanks to my pending wedding, I have been trying to up my cardio--and I need all the help I can get). I hope all of you are doing better then I am!
With all that said, it's nice to know that there are athletic-wear/gear companies that are working hard to provide a better workout experience for us all. Case in point, my favorite active-wear innovators: New Balance. They are yet again, revolutionizing our running and workout experiences. Yipee!
Through extensive research on their feet and off, the company has is pushing to highlight the benefits of free-running or "barefoot" running, which you may have heard of over the past few years (like the FiveFinger shoes from Vibram)--but New Balance has improved upon this idea and will launch their Minimus running shoes on March 15th.
No, it's not about running less and achieving the perfect physique (although, I would love that to be their next project). The idea is to provide runners with the lightest and most natural running experience. The shoes are almost 50% lighter than traditional lightweight shoes. Amazing! And they are pretty good looking too :o) Read more here.
Note: If you aren't ready to jump straight to a Minimus shoe, NB offers styles that gradually go down in insole thickness to prepare you for the expereince of minimal-running.
Along with wearing the right footwear New Balance is always concerned with running technique. I had the opportunity to try out the new Minimus sneakers and get a crash course on good-form-running. Did you know that we should be taking 180 steps per min? Fascinating. Check it out...
For a more detailed (and elegant) demonstration click here.
Happy running!
We're Already Thinking About Our July Question for You
Hi, Bookies:
Yes, out in the world it's March 1, but here at Real Simple we're already into July—or, at least, our friends on the print side are deep into planning the July issue. So here's what they would like to know: What is your favorite beach read? Tell us below—be sure to include the book's title, its author, and a line or two about why you love it—and you may see your answer in print. Thanks, Bookies!
Are you reading this via an e-mail or RSS feed? If you wish to comment, please click here.
February 28, 2011
Choosing the Best Neckline for Your Face Shape
There are some shirts that just look better on than others. And while you might not think about it, it probably has something to do with the neckline and the shape of your face. The new book Wear This, Toss That! by Amy E. Goodman breaks down which necklines flatter each face shape.
Here's what Goodman recommends:
If your face is oval or heart-shaped: Try wearing boat neck tops. The higher neckline brings attention to your shoulders and complements longer face shapes. Avoid wearing cowl necks which can elongate your face.
If your face is round: Wear scoop or shawl neck or shawl collared tops which opens up space and draws the eye up and down. Avoid crew necks which simply mimic a round face shape.
If your face is square: Opt for ruffled necklines. The softness balances a defined bone structure. Avoid pointed collars which emphasize a square jaw.
Check out Goodman's book for more helpful tips on building your wardrobe.
Related:
10 Fashion Trends with Staying Power
The Right Clothes for your Body Type
Sheath Dresses for Every Shape
Object Of Desire: The Kristin Collection by Coach
The beautiful weather this weekend might have been a tease, since it's currently cold and rainy here in NYC. Yuck!
However, those few brief days of warmth and sunshine have got me thinking about spring! I can't wait to break out a pair of open-toed shoes, throw on a brightly colored dress AND switch out the dark black leather handbags I have been carrying since October. And (of course) I definitely have a bag (err, bags) in mind....
Take a look at these beauties! They are from Coach's The Kristin Collection. I have been salivating since I first laid eyes on them several months back at Coach's spring preview.
The Kristin Collection was inspired by a vintage 1930's purse with a distinctive Art Deco clasp. The bags are elegant, pretty and feminine with no hard lines. I love the soft and subtle color palette of pastels (the sorbet pink is so delicious) with a few pops of color like grassy green.
They are big and durable enough to be used as an everyday bag AND elegant enough to for those important lunch/dinner dates. Don't you think?
The collection retails between $138 and $1,000 (this pricey bag is made completely of woven leather...wowza!) So there is something at every price point and the quality of a Coach bags is undeniable--they are classics.
What about Spring are you most looking forward to?
Sacred & Profane Designs
Sissy Gavrilaki lives in Greece and is the founder/designer behind newly created Etsy shop, Sacred & Profane Designs. It is here that she sells her own line of handcrafted organic pillow covers, art and photo prints on high quality, heavyweight paper, and wooden and decoupaged clothespins. Each item is digitally printed and I like her clean, minimalist modern sensibility.
Her shop name symbolizes the divided nature of identity: Sacred & Profane. Sissy says, "We are all able to see in ourselves both the sacred and profane nature of our character, of our taste and sometimes of our actions. For my shop, the title symbolizes the distinct nature of my products: some are sacred - clean, sweet and sensible, while others are profane - eccentric, bizarre, weird and sometimes creepy." I like her pillows best, what do you think?
(images: sacred and profane)
February 25, 2011
Get a Song Out of Your Head with Unhearit
Earworms, those tunes that you just can't seem to get out of your head, are definitely on the list of top modern annoyances. Now there's a site that will help you get rid of them.
Unhearit works by replacing the song in your head with a new catchy tune.
As you can see, they do play catchy tunes (hello, video game jingles!), but you can always switch to a different song if the first option they serve up isn't working.
What's your strategy for getting rid of a song that's stuck in your head?
Related:
How to Make Positive Changes in Your Life
25 Easy Instant Energy Boosters
Create a Dinner-Party Playlist
