Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 373

Unclutter Your Time By Not Judging Others for Their Clutter

As a child, my parents repeatedly told me that it's not what is on the outside that matters, but what is on the inside. I was an extremely literal child, so I thought they meant that a person's organs -- like their lungs and kidneys -- were very important. The advice was wasted on me because I didn't know how I was supposed to see someone's liver to make an evaluation of a person.



As an adult, obviously, I understand the lesson my parents were trying to instill in me. I try my best to ignore a person's exterior and really see and understand their humanity instead. Some days are better than others, but overall I hope I've finally taken my parents' advice to heart.



From an uncluttering and organizing perspective, it can be easy to look at someone's space and jump to conclusions about the person. If you see someone who is messy, you might assume he or she is unreliable. If you see someone who is extremely organized, you might assume he or she is all work and no fun. Neither of these assumptions would likely be correct, but you still might come to these conclusions until you get to know the person better.



Clutter, or a lack of clutter, doesn't indicate intelligence, class, income, education level, race, one's ability to have fun, reliability, or a thousand other personal characteristics. All it does is roughly identify priorities -- either someone has made handling clutter a priority, or they haven't. And, since we all see different things as distracting us from the lives we imagine, it's even difficult to say that it identifies priorities well. Being an unclutterer means that a person has chosen to get rid of the distractions that get in the way of the life they desire. What those distractions are vary significantly from person to person, so one man's trash can certainly be another's treasure. There is not one standard for uncluttering or organizing.



Instead of worrying about someone's state of clutter or disorganization (assuming the person isn't a danger to himself or others), try to get to know the person first. What lies beneath their skin? This will help you to see the world through another's eyes, as well as unclutter your time and energy.

Is It Ever OK to Forward a Chain Letter?

A conservative estimate of the number of email chain letters I have deleted over the years is 4 zillion. I hate chain letters. I would never forward one. Ever. Until...


Not long ago, a friend—one of my oldest and most sensible friends, by the way, who also happens to be an excellent cook—sent me an email, subject line "Recipe Exchange." I read on. "I'm inviting you to be a part of a recipe exchange." she wrote. "Please send a recipe to the person whose name is in position 1 …."

And I had a weird reaction. I thought, what the hell? So what if it's a chain letter? It was, after all, a chain letter vouched for by someone I trust absolutely. I would walk through fire for this friend. I would get on a plane and fly to her if she called and said she needed help. I would keep her dog for the weekend (if she had a dog) (and it was a smallish dog). Who would it hurt if I forwarded her chain letter? And I might even get some good recipes in return.

I sent the chain letter to 20 friends and family members, including my mother.

Big mistake!

"I hate you!" one of my other most sensible friends called the next day to inform me.

"Wait, I thought you loved me," I said.

"Not after you sent me this recipe thing," she said, adding that she now felt compelled for the first time in her life to forward a chain letter because she got it from one of her trusted friends.

Before I even got off the phone with her, more negative feedback started arriving in my Inbox. In fact, my friends spent way more time writing heartfelt comments about why they wouldn't forward a chain letter than they would have spent typing up a recipe. A sampling:

"I hate these things and can't do it."

"By rule I never do chain mail - I just don't like them for some reason.  Can you resend to someone else??"

"Sorry, I'm never going to get to this — I think the stumbling block is 20 people.  I can't ask 20 people to do anything."

With the exception of my mother, who loyally forwarded the letter to 20 more people, no one I sent it to was happy to get the chain letter. I felt terrible.

And then...a few days later yet another of my most sensible friends sent me an email with the subject line "could be fun...." I read on: "You have been invited to be part of a recipe exchange. I hope you will participate."

Guess what I replied?

Have you ever forwarded a chain letter? Would you, under any circumstances? Was I wrong to do it?

(image courtesy of Real Simple)

What Do You Cook or Bake on a Snow Day?

So last night we got walloped with another huge snowstorm—19 inches in Central Park, according to the New York Times. New York City schools are closed today, JFK airport is closed, and most buses aren't running in the city. But thanks to the magic of the subway, I'm here in the office instead of frolicking outside in the park, building snowmen and drinking hot chocolate. Ok, I probably wouldn't be frolicking outside—I'd be staying warm and toasty in my cozy apartment, wearing my PJs, drinking copious amounts of tea, and cooking and baking. Here's what I would be making today—if we had a Snow Day. Which, you know, we don't.

 

 
(image: Beatriz da Costa)

Cheesy Baked Pasta Anything
Any recipe title that starts with "Cheesy Baked [Insert Type of Pasta Name Here]" has got to be good. I mean, how can you go wrong—carbs covered in warm gooey cheese? Perfect for a cold wintery day.

Cheesy Baked Pasta With Spinach and Artichokes
Cheesy Baked Shells and Broccoli
Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti
Cheesy Vegetable Pasta

Something in the Slow Cooker
Today would be a great day to finally bust out my slow cooker. Here are some recipes I've been meaning to try.

Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes
Slow-Cooker Coffee-Braised Brisket With Potatoes and Carrots
Slow-Cooker Beer-Braised Pork and Black Bean Soup

Baked Goods
Nothing's better on a snow day than something warm and sweet from the oven. I've had these yummy-looking baked treats on my radar for awhile.

Chewy Spice Cookies
Peanut Butter-Cup Cookies
Flourless Chocolate Cake

Bittersweet Chocolate Brownies

And of course, I might take a break from all that tea drinking and make myself some hot chocolate, too.



 
(image: Brian Wong)

 

Here's what the snowstorm looked like last night. Blizzardy!

 

What do you like to cook or bake on a Snow Day?

Breaking Fashion News: H&M Online Shopping Is On Its Way!

 

I woke up this morning to the glorious news that one of our favorite trends-for-a-steal store--H&M--has announced through their Twitter account that they will be offering online shopping at "the turn of the year 2011/2012!"

 

I know that's not exactly around the corner, but the thought of snagging my favorite H&M pieces from the comfort of my couch is making me feel exceptionally warm and fuzzy on this cold and snowy morning. How about you?

 

 

 

 

Kick-Start Your New Year: Clean Your Computer

 

Okay, we're not even going to get into all the things that might be living on your keyboard. Instead, we'll just provide a gentle reminder that tonight would be a good night to clean your computer, and your desk.

 

Here's how to do it quickly.

 

1. Unplug all of the cords, and remove the battery if you own a laptop. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Then using a foam-tipped swab dipped in the rubbing alcohol clean all of the ports, speaker holes.

 

2. Take your keyboard, even if there are no visible crumbs, and shake out over your trash can. Then clean your keyboard with rubbing alcohol and the foam-tipped swab like you did in step one.

 

3. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth and wipe any of the larger surfaces, including the computer screen.

 

4. For any tough stains on your computer, add a small drop of dish soap to a dry cloth, rub over the stain, then follow with the damp cloth.

 

See more tips for cleaning your computer here:

Speed-Clean Your Computer Checklist

How to Clean the Gadgets on Your Desk

 

Blake Brody Presents "In-Studio Footwear"

 

Making your yoga...pilates...and studio classes safer, more comfortable and fashionable was the goal when Blake Brody decided to design her eponymous collection of In-Studio Footwear. And boy are we glad that she did!

 

 

 

After slipping off a piece of equipment at a pilates class, Brody (a devout yoga and pilates practicer) thought it would be a good idea to come up with a line of shoes that could allow for a safer practice and provide more style then just a pair of socks.

 

The result? A lovely ballet slipper-esque design, supreme technology, and so many cute styles that you'll want to wear them out on the town (BUT sadly they are only for class/studio use...shucks).

 

 

I had the opportunity to try them out last week at an Equniox pilates class here in NYC. It was a mat pilates class so we did not use a typical Pilates Reformer-- however I got a good feel of how well the In-Studio Footwear performed. I was pleasantly surprised that the slippers didn't fall off as I pointed and flexed my feet (and the elastic band didn't dig into my feet)...and the innovative traction soles prevented me from slipping but still allowed me to move smoothly...also, everyone was raving after class about how darn adorable they are (style points)!

 

Here are some action shots (courtesy of my feet and iPhone)...

 

I would definitely recommend these to anyone that has been looking for an alternative to going barefoot or wearing socks during their classes, or anyone that would like to take their practice to a whole new comfort level. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, these shoes have amazing technology built into them that can ultimately aid you in your studio practices. The shoes retail between $98-$135.

To learn more about the footwear click HERE!

 

 

ALSO, in an effort to give you a closer look at these amazing shoes--I shot a short video for your viewing pleasure...

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think? Are these something you would consider using during your yoga, pilates or studio-based classes?

Creating Your Own Signature Scent

Have you ever made your own scent or combined different brands to create a customized scent? I was chatting with a friend who recently shared with me her latest beauty secret.

 

photo from realbeauty.com

 

Saturday night, a friend started telling me how she has been combining her Badgley Mischka fragrance with her husband's Gucci Homme to create a muskier sexier scent. The beauty obsessive in me immedialtey asked to smell her wrist and it was amazing. I loved this ingenius idea and it got me thinking. Are other women doing this?

I did a bit of research and found different sites where you can create your own scent. Scent Design allows you to make just a couple for yourself, along with the ability to create your own fragrance line. Another site I found, Create Your Own Fragrance, is a UK based site that allows you to make male or female fragrances.

 

  Do you combine fragrances? Men's and women's? Tell me what which ones!

Artist Belinda Kemp + Feeling Creative

I've been a fan of Australian mixed media artist Belinda Kemp, also known as Gretchen Mist, for quite awhile now and enjoy watching her develop her style and expand in new areas. I like the current colors she is working with -- deep blues, pale mint, sea glass green... her palette really soothes me and her paintings look gorgeous in so many different decors - from a contemporary tract home to an old farmhouse in Vermont.

I love her current body of work -- the beads and raindrops along with her fun tents make me happy. I also like her paper garlands (made by recycling print proofs - brilliant!) and mini collages. I am a huge fan of paper garlands, just having one in my own home makes each day feel a little festive. Who needs reason to celebrate? We can celebrate life everyday! I have a garland in my bedroom hanging above and around part of a large mirror that leans against my wall. Waking up to something festive makes me feel like today will be a great day.

Having little things around the home that spark joy and creativity is very important to me. I need these "touch points" as I call them -- these areas in my house that I can pass by and instantly feel lifted.

There are so many ways to inject joy into the home. Have you given this much thought? Your favorite artwork, a great iTunes playlist, something that you made (like a cushion or throw), a gorgeous print on a sofa or chair, a tactile and lush rug... What is your touch point, what are the things that help you to feel better and connect back to your real self when you sometimes feel like you're losing direction, stressed or emotionally feeling a bit down?

If you have time, please visit Belinda's beautiful blog. You can also visit her Etsy shop to purchase her garlands, mini collages, original paintings and prints. She ships all over the world and accepts PayPal so it is a breeze to shop in her store. Belinda also sells her art on an Australian online gallery store called Udessi. I love that site -- it's so inspiring!

In fact, Udessi has a lovely bio page up about Belinda and I'd like to share a little something from it that speaks of her inspiration, "Finding the internet a helpful source for creative ideas, Belinda also draws inspiration for her artworks in little details or colours from her surroundings, when she is at home or out walking. Flicking through interior design magazines and watching my two little boys create is also very inspiring to me." Isn't that nice?

Belinda Kemp's contemporary pieces of abstract art lift my spirits and make me feel more creative just by looking at them -- and feeling creative is a great way to feel. You don't always have to do something with it, but just to feel it can sometimes be enough. Have you ever thought about that? Do you have some ideas as to why the "feeling" of creativity can sometimes be enough to brighten a dreary day, even if you don't end up turning the feeling into something tangible? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

(images: belinda kemp and udessi)

Kick-Start Your New Year: Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand

Whether you're looking to lose weight or just eat healthier this year, keeping low-calorie snacks that still fill you up on hand is key.

 

Instead of hitting up the vending machine, reach for these healthy options.

 

Apple slices dipped in almond butter

1/2 cup of cottage cheese with chives and vegetables for dipping

 

A handful of almonds with dried cherries or blueberries

 

Multi-grain cracker with part skim ricotta and honey

 

1 hard-boiled egg with freshly ground pepper

 

Get 19 more delicious snack ideas. What is your go-to healthy snack?

 

An Easy, Spicy, Comforting Dinner Recipe

I'm doing well with my resolution to make a different Real Simple recipe every week. Of course, it's only January, so I'm hoping I can keep it up. My latest effort was absolutely delicious—Spicy Grits With Chorizo, Leeks, and Corn.

 

 

I had some leeks in the fridge that I wanted to use up, so I started looking for recipes that would put them to good use. I also had a bunch of corn kernels stashed in the freezer already. Perfect! My grocery store didn't have grits, so I opted for polenta, as the recipe suggests, instead.

 

One prep note: Before you add you leeks to the pot, make sure that you clean them thoroughly. Leeks are notorious for harboring a lot of dirt in between their layers, so rinse the slices carefully in a bowl of cold water get rid of every last bit of grit. 

 

The resulting meal was incredibly yummy. I loved the combination of the spicy chorizo with the sweet corn, which balanced each other perfectly. The polenta added extra body, which made this dish resemble a cross between a soup and stew. With all the spinach, leeks, and other veggies in the bowl, it was also quite healthy and fresh. A definite keeper!