Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 386
December 14, 2010
Books for Women Starting a Small Business
"Why am I so upset about this?" she asked. "I just assumed someone at my level would be in an office. I haven't had to sit in a cubicle since I was in my 20s."
"Maybe so," I said. "But you are a freelance consultant now. You have to start looking at this as your first assignment and consider this company your client. Instead on focusing on the negative, think about the benefits of being in charge of your own situation. Sure you're in a cubicle today, but six months down the road you'll be moving on to something else."
And that's when I suggested she read one of my all-time favorite books for any woman thinking about going out on her own or starting a new business.
Will 2011 finally be your year to launch? Whether you want to live the freelance life, consult with major companies, open your own paper store or bake cookies out of your home kitchen, starting your own business can be exhilarating, scary and expensive. Before you start writing your business plan, drop by your local library and pick up these five books:
The Girl's Guide to Starting Your Own Business by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio
The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
Live it. Love it. Earn It. by Marianna Olszewski
168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam
The Martha Rules by Martha Stewart
The reason I'm suggesting The Martha Rules is because I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who does a better job of defining her brand than Martha. The fact that she worked on the book while she was in prison just makes it more interesting (or perhaps ironic).
Are you thinking of starting your own business in 2011? What will it take for you to make the leap?
Swimming in Surplus Linens
Towels, washcloths, bed sheets, pillow cases, and blankets can move into your linen closet and take up permanent residency. I once believed that these fabrics had the ability to reproduce, because how else could there be so many of them? The reality is that you hold onto them for those just-in case moments -- What if, one day, you need old towels to clean the car or you get a twin bed or you have a houseful of guests and need all the contents of the linen closet at once? What then?!
I agree holding onto one or two old towels might be a good idea and maybe a single flat sheet, but these ratty towels and sheet should be stored with cleaning supplies or home repair items and not in your linen closet. However, I don't agree with keeping a closet full of just-in case items when you wouldn't even use the just-in case items in those situations.
For example, if you have a home full of house guests, you're not going to put sheets with holes and stains on guest beds and inflatable mattresses. Be honest, you will buy new or borrow good sheets from friends before you feel comfortable displaying your shoddy linens. The same is true for frayed towels and washcloths.
To clear the clutter from your linen closet, donate the following items to your local animal shelter:
All damaged and/or worn linens.
Sheets that do not fit any mattresses in your home.
Any linen you don't feel represents the life you desire.
Before donating your cluttered linens to your local animal shelter, give the shelter a call to determine that they have a need for your gift. Local stables, animal rescues, and kennels might also be interested in your cast-off linens.
December 13, 2010
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas
Christmas is less than two weeks away and for some reason this year I feel WAY behind. Aside from not having any decor up yet, not one item has been checked off of my gift shopping list. It's all one big mess, but I'm determined to get it all together within the next few days. Aside from having my halls decked in time for the holidays I want to actually spend an equal amount of time enjoying the decor as I did putting it together. So, for my fellow last minute decorators, here's a roundup of quick decor ideas for anyone else who is in the same late decorating boat that I'm in.
Easy Wreath
Wrap a foam circle in festive yarn and hide the loose end with pretty ribbon for easy, shed-free door decor.
Unconventional Trees
Turn scrap-booking paper into table top decor by folding each sheet into a cone and taping it closed on the inside. At night, try sliding a little tea light candle under each for pretty illumination.
Bottle Fillers
Of course one of my all time favorite quick decor options are jar fillers. Pile brightly colored ornaments into retro apothecary jars and stage them around the house.
Tree Trim
If digging up your tree ornaments String spools of ribbon on thread and use the strands as tree trimmings. Jewel toned ribbons words well for the holidays.
Freeze Frame
Gather up simple or ornate frames (gold is great for the season) and stick a piece of holiday wrapping paper in each. Place the frames on mantels, console tables, or hang them in an entryway. When the seasons over you can always swap out the paper with seasonal fabric.
Red Lipstick: So Many Shades! How Do You Choose?
Hi, ladies!
As the latest addition to the Real Simple editorial team, I am very excited to have this amazing opportunity to share our beauty triumphs and woes! Although I'll be giving you insights on trends and how-tos, I want to hear about your regimes and personal tips, too. I'm looking forward to reading your feedback today (and in future posts). If your intersted in learning a little more about me, check out my bio!
With all these holiday parties, sometimes I find it fun to experiment when it comes to make up. If you're anything like me, my daily routine includes lip balm and (sometimes, but rarely) a lip stain. But when I feel like dressing up or adding something snazzy to my little black dress combo, a bold lipstick is my perfect accessory.
We've covered the easy how-tos for actually wearing red lips, but there are so many shades to pick from—do you ever feel overwhelmed? I know I do! I did some research and tried to break it down for all of us....
Fair Complexions: If your skin has pink undertones, find a true red color. You don't need to lean on the berry or tangerine shades. Try L'Oréal Paris's (appropriately named) Real Red.
To buy: $8.49, Target.com
Olive Complexions: If you have yellow undertones or olive coloring, pick more orangey or tangerine colors. This slight tint difference, which might seem minimal, will complement your skin tone better. One to try is Urban Decay Lipstick in Palest Peach.
To buy: $22, UrbanDecay.com
Darker Complexions: With dark tones, steer toward burgundy or berry pigments. Don't go too dark—the color shouldn't blend—but stay reddish enough so it will give a pop of color. Try Tarte's Revive lipstick shade.
To buy: $22, Sephora.com
What do you like to wear daily? I know when I was growing up, my mom never left the house without lipstick on (she still doesn't!). Tell me about your lip color habits.
Until next time!
P.S.: For tips on application, take a look at this video for the perfect way to apply your lip color, smudge-free every time!
Real Simple's Pop-Up Shop Holiday Fashion Show: LBDs and Festive Trends
From December 1 through 6, Real Simple put up our very first Pop-Up Shop in Rockefeller Center—and it was a HUGE success!
One of the many exciting events that took place was a holiday dressing fashion show. Our fashion director, Victoria Sanchez-Lincoln, put on a dazzling show with Real Simple staffers that showcased the holiday season's best LBD's (little black dresses) and festive trends, all provided by Lord & Taylor.
Victoria shared helpful tips on what to wear for specific body types, how to elongate your legs, ways to wear certain accessories, how to give a small busts some "oomph," tricks on how to turn daytime looks into party-ready ensembles, and much, much more!
If you weren't in NYC and didn't have the chance to visit the Shop or catch the fashion show—no worries, because I've got you covered.
And just so you have all the information on all the outfits, here is a quick rundown.
I apologize in advace for the poor quality of some of the pictures. The set was "mood-lit" (ooo-la-la) so they are not as clear as I would have liked—but you can see them really well in the video!
Jennica Johnstone (Art Assistant)
LBD: Cynthia Steffe tiered ruffle strapless dress, $295, and Badgley Mishka jeweled strappy sandal.
Holiday Trend (lace and '50s silhouette): Tracy Reese lace frock, $325, and Badgley Mishka peep-toe slingback.
Elinor Smith (Assistant Fashion Editor)
LBD: BCBG one-shoulder dress, $298, and Charles Jourdan booties.
Holiday Trend (sequins): French Connection turtleneck, $78; Calvin Klein sequin skirt, $79; and Via Spiga boots.
Kelley Holecheck (Food Department Intern)
LBD: DKNY silk crepe de chine and feather dress, $395, and Cole Haan peep-toe slingback heels.
Holiday Trend (bold color and ruffles): Laundry ruffle front ruched dress, $195, and Cole Haan peep-toe slingback heels.
Bethany Cleventine (Integrated Marketing Manager)
LBD: Cyan by Shoshanna dress, $198, and Badgley Mishka platform sandals.
Holiday Trend (gold and sequins): Elie Tahari sequined sheath dress, $598, and Guess nude patent peep-toe heels.
Allegra Miele (Fashion Department Intern)
LBD: Laundry 3/4-sleeve lace shift dress, $195, and Badgley Mishka peep-toe heels.
Holiday Trend (winter floral): DKNY gold and black jacquard strapless dress, $395, and Cole Haan black patent peep-toe heels.
And here are some fun behind-the-scenes pics....
Victoria is ready with her fabulous Zara dress, lots of bling and high-tech head mic.
Jennica and Elinor practicing their smiles :o)
Kelley and Elinor get accessorized!
Victoria and the Lord & Taylor team (Abigail Rogado, Amy Alecci, Ali Flack and Danielle Calabrese)
Happy holiday-dressing!
How To Make Paper Moons and Stars from Paper + Craft Event
Happy Monday, everyone!
Last week, I posted about the Paper + Craft event thrown by Minhee & Truman Cho of Paper + Cup in Brooklyn over the weekend, and I'm happy to report that I have a full step by step to share with you on the craft that they were demonstrating.
First things first, I owe a huge thank you to my friend and co-worker Amy Feezor (whom you might remember from our Holiday Pop-Up Shop blog) for coming along and taking all the fantastic photos for this post.
Here's what we were making:
And without further ado, the steps:
1. Start with 4 to 8 pieces of tissue paper. If you're making a multi-colored one like I did, stack your paper in alternating colors, with the right side facing up.
2. Accordion fold the paper. Each fold should be about 1 1/4 inches wide.
3. & 4. Gather the folded paper in the middle and loosely tie a length of string around it. We used baker's twine similar to this. Leave just a little bit of a tail on one end, and long one on the other. Then slide the knot to the folded edge.
5. Trim both ends of your folded paper. I chose to make mine rounded, but you can do pointed, or V-shaped—whatever suits your fancy.
6. Fan out the two sides of folded paper. Trim anything that looks messy. You might also have to trim between the folds depending on how deep your designs are.
7. Now it's time to open up your tissue paper ball. Carefully take each piece and pull it away from the stack, fluffing it up as you go along. Try not to crumple the paper, but just separate it from the stack.
8. Minhee gave me a hand getting everything separated and fluffed.
9. Here's my final product! It's not quite as pretty as the ones that Minhee and Randi Brookman Harris (who was the stylist for the book and the event) made for display, but this was my first one. I have faith I'll only get better.
Find this project and 24 other fun paper crafts in the new book, Paper + Craft!
(all photos by Amy Feezor)
Candles That Crackle By DayNa Decker
If you are still looking for fab gift ideas, and you need something special for a friend who seems to have everything, I'm willing to bet that a DayNa Decker luxury candle will do the trick! I was gifted by one from my friend and "Travel Stylist" blog author Natalie who lives in NYC, she brought one with her to Marrakesh when I taught there (she was one of the students and now a friend) and I fell in love with her great personality and her present right away.
What sold me, beyond the amazing scent and pretty, emerald green thick glass holder, was the crackle sound of the candle. My husband actually loved it so much that it ended up on his nightstand and we have been burning it for about 15-20 minutes each night before bed for 2 months -- the crackle, the scent, the flickering of light around the room and on the ceiling, it's magic. Everyone needs a DayNa Decker candle in their home.
"A mesmerizing flame dances and flickers, as compelling infusions of aroma lusciously adorns the organic EcoWood Wick™ radiating a soft, crackling effervescence captivating your every sense. Indulge yourself in the splendor of simplicity, sensation, style and serenity."
I'm disappointed that mine just ran out -- my husband and I want to find them here in Germany but it seems they are only sold in the US, Japan and London so I think I'll wait until I'm in London this Spring for my book launch and I'll visit Liberty to put some in my luggage. :)
Do you have a DayNa Decker candle? We have Bardou (medium 6 oz) from the Botanika Collection -- you have to try one for yourself or to gift a friend. You can find candles and more from the DayNa Decker collection here.
Which makes me wonder... What is YOUR favorite candle in the world?! I love Jo Malone's Grapefruit, Bardou from DayNa Decker and Candied Fruit from L'Occitane.
(images: dayna decker)
December 10, 2010
How to Outsmart Your Pet
Let's start with a definition:
OUTSMART
-verb (used with object)
1. to get the better of (someone); outwit.
-- From Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary © Random House, Inc. 2010.
I'm not a fan of playing games, but when it comes to my dog's health, sometimes I have to resort to a trick or two of my own. Case in point: he was under the weather and needed to take a pill. I've learned from past experience just how crafty he can be at eating everything but the pill, in spite of my most valiant efforts. I direct your attention to Exhibit A, where I concocted something I have termed "dog sushi." As you can see, it's an elaborate mixture of wet w/d dog food, chicken, and rice (the non-dog food components are bland, good for upset tummies). I kid you not -- he ate every last morsel and left behind the pill. Foiled again!
Exhibit A: My "Dog Sushi" Invention
What was I to do? I decided to try out a product I'd heard about called "pill pockets." And it worked beautifully, not once, not twice, but every time he had to take a pill. Perhaps it was the beef flavor? Or the Play-Doh-like consistency which allows one to mold and shape the treat into a delectable ball so that the overpowering scent masks the medicine inside? Ladies and gentlemen, I direct you to Exhibit B, the powerful pill pocket, photographed by me to look heroic, perched at the center of a colorful cutting board from The Museum of Modern Art.
Exhibit B: Pill Pocket
I decided to find out what fellow pet owners resort to when trying to outsmart their pets. Here, a sampling of the choicest morsels they had to share:
CAT TIP: "He doesn't like me to clip his nails, so I've learned to use two separate actions: one to get the clipper out and then another to get him next to the clipper. There has to be a space of time in between."
-- Lucy L.
DOG TIP: "I closed my eyes tightly when the sun came up and they gave me another hour before the morning walk."
-- Maureen K.
DOG TIP: "Given that our dog gets upset when he sees our luggage out of the closet as we prepare for a trip (that he is sadly) not going on, we tend to do our final packing in the guest room and then on the day of our departure, we slip our luggage into the back service hallway so that he does not see us leave through the front door with our bags in tow."
-- Abigail and Ludmil P.
CAT TIP: "He was a big cat, built like a football player, powerful and crafty. I'm small and could never outmaneuver him, so when we had to return to the city from the country, I had to get him into the car, which he didn't like. He was 15 pounds of pure muscle and I might as well have been carrying Mike Tyson. He wriggled out of my arms like Houdini and he was gone, vanishing somewhere on to the property. He might as well have disappeared into Grand Central. Well, I finally outsmarted him. I rattled a small portion of his beloved hard food in a plastic container so loudly that he could hear it anywhere. He quickly came trotting out of the bushes, I grabbed him, held on for dear life, delivered him into the car, and with a treat of his food, thank heavens we could be on our way."
-- Lynn G.
DOG TIP: "A coworker of mine tricks her dog into doing her business fast by putting out a bowl of cat food (her dog's favorite). Then, as her dog smells the food, she puts on her dog's leash, and takes her out. Her dog doesn't waste time, and gets down to business pronto, and then hightails it back home to the food."
-- Wendy H.
Two different takes, from a wife and husband:
DOG TIP: "Sometimes she does not like to eat her breakfast. In order to get her to eat, I get down on all fours and stick my head in her bowl, pretending to eat her food. Works like a charm. Within minutes, all that remains is an empty bowl."
-- Lisa S.
DOG TIP: "She hides under the bed. To get her to come out, we head to the front door and say, "Lucy, Mommy and Daddy are leaving." This only works 20 percent of the time. So sometimes we close the bedroom door so she thinks she will be locked in the room away from her food and water...after 5 minutes with the door closed, she will come scratch the door to get out of the room. This works 50 percent of the time. If all else fails (30 percent of the time), we use the vacuum under the bed which causes her to come running out."
-- Gregg S.
Exhibit C: Operation Success (= nearly empty dog bowl)
Pets Outsmarting Us?
And then there's my brother's cat, who learned all too quickly not to fall for the old trick of treats hidden away in the pet carrier.
This same cat has learned to pretend to eat a pill, then two minutes later, proudly spit it out, as if channeling a French wine taster. With this cat, the tables are turned.
Come to think of it, Monkey has sometimes done the same, hiding the pill in his jowl so that I can cherish at least a fleeting victory. But he's never pulled this stunt with the pill pocket...at least, not yet.
Paper + Cup Event in Brooklyn this Weekend
For any of our Simply Stated readers in the NYC Metro area, the brand-spanking new Paper Source on Smith Street in Brooklyn is hosting a book signing and demo this weekend with Minhee & Truman Cho of Paper + Cup. They just released a book, Paper + Craft, in October, and it's fantastic.
If you can make it, I highly recommend coming. If not, I will be sure to take photos and post next week.
Do you have any paper crafts (or crafts/D.I.Y.s in general) planned this weekend?
Pantone Spring Color Forecast 2011
I know it's barely Christmas and I'm already in the mood for Spring! Each and every December I geek out a bit and crawl the Pantone website to see what their color of the year is scheduled to be for the new year. For 2011 it is Honeysuckle Pink which is fresh, energetic, young and works with so many different colors. Pink is the blush on your face, the flowers in your garden, the berries in your bowl. It's what you get when you mix a dot of red with tons of white paint. And it's hot for 2011. Here are the colors that you can expect to see in stores for Spring...
If you are not familiar with Pantone, they are the global color authority for the fashion and home industry so when they say a color or palette will be hot, it's not a guess -- it's a promise.
What do you think of Honeysuckle Pink as the color of the year for 2011? Last year was turquoise, which was a strong, solid color that was indeed a popular color trend. I'm happy to see this shade of pink chosen because I've already started to decorate my living room with hints of it, starting with the over-dyed vintage patchwork rug that I purchased in Istanbul last month and a Designers Guild pillow made from the Nabucco pattern in rose (both shown below).
If you'd like to learn more about their color palette for 2011, download this PDF -- it is filled with color inspiration from some of today's top fashion designers and why these colors inspired them for the upcoming Spring.
Have a nice weekend!
(images: pantone)
