Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 392

Meghan Guthrie Prop Stylist (with an etsy shop!)

I follow lots of prop stylists, I find them so inspirational and innovative -- I love seeing how they arrange things and often re-purpose items in fresh, new ways. One stylist that I like is Meghan Guthrie, who is based in NYC, and found out just today that she has an Etsy shop, The Marshmallow Guild, where she makes and sells bunting and alphabet pillows for kiddies. This is a sweet discovery! Here are some of her products below.

And of course, Meghan's online portfolio is a lovely space to see her work and find many great ideas from this talented lady. Here are some of my favorites below...

I hope that when you see these beautiful images and crafty things that you are able to imagine doing similar work in your own home -- for a party, when decorating a room, whatever the scenario, it's great to look at images, identify exactly what you like about each image and why, and then start to think of ways you can bring a similar look or feeling into your home.

Sometimes, it's not the image at all as much as the feeling that the image brings -- for instance you may not find anything in the photograph interesting enough to use in your home but it may be a feeling that you have when looking at a photo - that is the vibe you want to capture and think about... and figure out exactly how to bring that feeling into a room in your house. I do this all of the time, I really LOOK at photographs and consider each detail, it really trains your eye and helps you to tap into your senses and also the world around you.

(images: meghan guthrie)

Beware Bait-and-Switch Pricing in Holiday Shopping

I started my holiday shopping today because a lot of stores were advertising "pre-Black Friday sales" and because I hate crowds. (I lived in Manhattan for 15 years and never once went to Times Square on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop. But then I hate freezing cold almost as much as crowds.) In any case, I caught a retailer in a pricing bait-and-switch that I thought I would pass on to you.

 

My 13-year-old is a big fan of Delia's. We received the catalog in the mail, so she chose a few things and we headed over to the mall to check sizes. (While this takes the surprise out of holiday gift giving, she'd rather have stuff that fits so she can wear it immediately, and I'd rather not stand in a returns line after the holidays. It's that crowd thing again.) In the catalog and online, the Addison sweater was on sale for $19.50. In the store, it was still the original price, $39.50 -- which I didn't catch until the clerk rang up the items.

 

I showed the clerk the item in the catalog (there were a stack of them near the register). Her reply: "Sometimes the prices are different in the store and online." She didn't offer to match her own price.

 

I had her immediately refund the sweater, went home, hopped online and bought the exact same item for $20 less -- with free shipping. (I searched retailmenot.com and found a free shipping code.) Surfing the Web site did make me spend a little more -- I picked out a few cute bikinis for my daugher at 80 percent off for a trip we have planned to Mexico in February. I don't mind, they'll be a nice surprise item under the tree.

 

Lesson here: Surf first, shop the mall later. Compare prices online to those in-store because some retailers apparently think we're not paying attention. Type your favorite retailer's name and the word "coupon" into a search engine as well as Twitter before you leave for the mall to catch last-minute deals and discounts. If you find something you love in-store and have a web-enabled cell phone, jump on the retailer's site and do a quick comparison.

 

Have you found prices vary for the same retailer when you shop online vs. in store?

 

Beware for Bait-and-Switch Pricing in Holiday Shopping

I started my holiday shopping today because a lot of stores were advertising "pre-Black Friday sales" and because I hate crowds. (I lived in Manhattan for 15 years and never once went to Times Square on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop. But then I hate freezing cold almost as much as crowds.) In any case, I caught a retailer in a pricing bait-and-switch that I thought I would pass on to you.

 

My 13-year-old is a big fan of Delia's. We received the catalog in the mail, so she chose a few things and we headed over to the mall to check sizes. (While this takes the surprise out of holiday gift giving, she'd rather have stuff that fits so she can wear it immediately, and I'd rather not stand in a returns line after the holidays. It's that crowd thing again.) In the catalog and online, the Addison sweater was on sale for $19.50. In the store, it was still the original price, $39.50 -- which I didn't catch until the clerk rang up the items.

 

I showed the clerk the item in the catalog (there were a stack of them near the register). Her reply: "Sometimes the prices are different in the store and online." She didn't offer to match her own price.

 

I had her immediately refund the sweater, went home, hopped online and bought the exact same item for $20 less -- with free shipping. (I searched retailmenot.com and found a free shipping code.) Surfing the Web site did make me spend a little more -- I picked out a few cute bikinis for my daugher at 80 percent off for a trip we have planned to Mexico in February. I don't mind, they'll be a nice surprise item under the tree.

 

Lesson here: Surf first, shop the mall later. Compare prices online to those in-store because some retailers apparently think we're not paying attention. Type your favorite retailer's name and the word "coupon" into a search engine as well as Twitter before you leave for the mall to catch last-minute deals and discounts. If you find something you love in-store and have a web-enabled cell phone, jump on the retailer's site and do a quick comparison.

 

Have you found prices vary for the same retailer when you shop online vs. in store?

 

Jewelry For Your Boots: Yea or Nay?

I'm definitely a gal that loves accessories! But, never has it crossed my mind to accessorize my BOOTS!

 

Well, thanks to the company Bandals and their new product "Boot Hugs," I can do just that.

 

 

They only retail for $20, which isn't bad for the potential of giving an old pair of boots new life.

 

The company advertises them on their website for Ugg and other shearling boots.

 

But I tried them on a pair of black leather boots and let them dangle around the ankle. I'm not loving them....

 

But what do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must-Have Thanksgiving Dish: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Fluff from Not Without Salt

For the month of November, we have asked some of our favorite food bloggers to share recipes for their must-have Thanksgiving dishes. Join us to see what will be on their tables this year and for years to come.

 

  Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Fluff Casserole by Ashley from Not Without Salt

 

 

My mom's Sweet Potato Casserole has nearly caused rifts in our family. We rush to get to the front of the buffet line so we won't miss out on the crispy marshmallow top that covers the buttery and sweet inside.
Those that are too slow call out from the back of the line, "Save some crispy marshmallows for me!"

 

My version of this traditional dish includes crispy bacon bits and the residual bacon grease mixed in with the sweet potatoes making the inside just as sought after as the homemade marshmallow fluff that is piled on top.

 

While this dish doesn't eliminate the fight at least it creates more of a chance for everyone to be happy.

 

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Fluff Casserole

3 lbs yams*
4 slices bacon
2 T butter, melted
2 T dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
pepper

1. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place the yams on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until very tender, about an hour.
3. Let cool, then remove skin with a pairing knife. Cut yams in 1-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
4. Cut up the bacon in 1/4-inch strips and cook until very crispy. Add the bacon and the grease to the yams.
5. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.

 

This can be made and refrigerated up to a day ahead at this point. If making ahead, place the dish in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes before you add the marshmallow fluff. This will ensure that they will be warmed all the way through before serving.

 

Marshmallow Fluff

3 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400*
2. Make a double boiler by bringing a small pot of water to a simmer, then place the bowl of your stand mixer or another large stainless steel bowl atop the water.
3. Add the egg whites, sugar and salt and whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is warm to the touch.
4. Transfer the bowl from the stovetop to your stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to whip the whites on medium-high speed until it turns glossy with stiff peaks, about 5-8 minutes. Use a hand-held
mixer if you do not have a stand mixer.
5. With a rubber spatula cover the yam mixture with the fluff. Using the back of the spatula create dramatic peaks. This will give you a nice variation in color and texture once the dish is baked.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the marshmallow fluff starts to turn golden and the fluffy peaks are a deep golden color.
7. Serve immediately.

 

*I know that this dish is title "Sweet Potato Casserole" yet there are no sweet potatoes in it. I also know that sweet potatoes and yams are a completely different vegetable but somewhere along the way they became one in the same for some. So, rather than messing with tradition, I decided to go with the majority and keep the name the same. "Yam Casserole" doesn't quite have the same ring. Just look for the potato-like creatures that have a pinkish, orange interior and a red skin.

 

Ashley Rodriguez is the blogger behind Not Without Salt. She has been a pastry chef and wedding cake baker, and now focuses on blogging and teaching classes in Seattle where she lives with her husband and two boys.

(recipe and image courtesy of Ashley Rodriguez)

 

How do you serve sweet potatoes or yams on Thanksgiving? Are marshmallows part of the dish?

 

Looking for a deal? Try foursquare.

After writing about location-based social networking tools such as Gowalla, foursquare and Yelp, I promptly stopped using them.



The fact was I didn't really see the point of using these new tools. I wasn't interested in badges, dukedoms, mayorships or virtual gifts. I didn't need to add one more thing to complicate getting errands done (Kids, slow down! Mommy's checking in!). And, only checking into the four or five places I visit on a daily, or weekly basis, (work, coffee shop, lunch place and Target), was just a little depressing.



But recently I was "forced" to take another look at foursquare and discovered something new – deals and discounts.



Actually, specials deals within foursquare are nothing knew, but they were largely reserved for the Mayor of a location (Mayor: A user who has checked in to a place more than anyone else). Now there appeared to be more deals available, and there were no special requirements other than to check in to a venue.



Here's how it works:

 

Step 1: Using the foursquare application on your mobile device (click here for a full list, but I'll tell you now that if you have a 10 year old flip phone it will not work with foursquare), review the nearby venues. Notice in the illustration below that some of the venues have an orange "Special" graphic in their listing.

Step 2: Select the specific venue and click "CHECK-IN HERE".

 

 

Step 3: Click the "SPECIAL HERE" graphic to see what you've won! (You can also view the special before you check in, but it won't appear as unlocked).

A quick search of my local area revealed the following deals for foursquare users:

Rugby by Ralph Lauren (Natick, MA)

Show this screen at the register to receive a FREE Rugby Ball! While supplies last (1/person). Offer ends 10/10/10. Be sure to check out our Give In Style promo 9/30-10/11. Register code FSQ01.
Payless ShoeSource (Natick, MA)

Welcome to Payless! For 1st Time Check-ins: Take $5 off of any $25 purchase now! Show coupon code 38257 to a Payless associate or use on payless.com (valid thru 11/30). Not@Shopko
lululemon athletica Natick (Natick, MA)

Do yoga. Show an educator this screen in store and receive a local yoga studio pass on us.
Data Doctors (Natick, Ma)

Save $24 off Any Computer Service when you check-in!

Since discovering this new resource for deals, I do try to open the foursquare app whenever I'm near a shopping center, just to see if something new pops up.



Have you tried foursquare? Will you if you can find a good deal?

Anne-Claire Petit for Kids

Do you know the Dutch brand Anne-Claire Petit? "Anne-Claire Petit studied industrial design in Eindhoven and began her career as a designer for Esprit. After four successful years at the international label it was time to bring her inspiration and creativity to a higher level. The designer began her own label under the name anne-claire petit accessories."

 

 

This collection is primarily for children with colorful handmade accessories sold in 36 countries in Europe, Asia and in the United States. Whenever I buy something from them for friends, they light up when they unwrap the package and then lots of oooohs and ahhhhs folow.

If you'd like to purchase something from this adorable line, you may visit Little Zebra, a dear online shop that I bet you'll love.

(images: anne-claire petit)

Lanvin For H&M: Saturday, Nov.20th!!

The wait is finally over. Can you feel how EXCITED I am through the computer?!!!! I'm in a fashion frenzy!

 

I can't tell you how long I have been waiting for Lanvin to collaborate with H&M. Ok, maybe I can....since November 2004 when the first designer collaboration collection launched.

 

 

H&M has given us some amazing--and most importantly affordable--collections from the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson,Jimmy Choo and Stella McCartney just to name a few.

 

However, this is H&M's most highly anticipated partnerships yet---and for good reason. Lanvin is the oldest fashion house still in operation (since 1909) and is designed by the talented Alber Elbaz who consistently delivers impeccable, elegant and to-die-for collections.

 

Sadly, most people can't afford a $2,000 blouse or a $4,000 dress. Sigh.

 

But, we might be able to invest in a $200 dress that looks just like the $4,000 one! Which is why I'm so excited about the Lanvin for H&M collection. The dresses range from $149 to $249, all women's shoes are $99, and women's coats are $149 to $349. Still a bit pricey, but well worth the dough if you've been coveting Lanvin.

 

I won't be able to afford all of these...but here are my favorites from the collection:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sale begins this Saturday, Nov. 20th at select stores nationwide (check HERE to see where). And here is evdience of just how crazy it might be to get your hands on one of these pieces...

 

The H&M website has issued these "How To Shop" rules on their website:

 

"H&M is launching Lanvin for H&M November 20th. Since the collection is in very high demand, we're expecting a crowd.

What do I do if I arrive before opening hours?

If there is a line, please wait in line, and H&M store staff will inform you on how to shop.

How does the queuing system work?

The first 320 in line will receive one of 16 different colored bracelets, 20 people for each bracelet color; on the bracelet you will be given a specific time for shopping in our designated area. The bracelets are only needed for the women's collection. Customers buying the men's collection will not require a bracelet.

When your time slot arrives, you will enter the designated area to shop for 15 minutes.  Our goal is to create a better shopping experience for our customers.

If you are not one of the first 320 in line, you will of course have the opportunity to shop from the rest of the collection or within H&M.  When the 16 groups have finished their shopping, we will also open up a designated area for all our customers.

To make sure as many customers as possible are able to buy the collection, we have a shopping limit. Every customer can buy from the entire collection, but with a limit of purchasing two pieces per product i.e. not more than two sizes (shoes/garments) or pieces (accessories) per product per customer. The shopping limit covers the entire Lanvin for H&M collection. Your place in line does not guarantee any items from the Lanvin for H&M collection."

Happy Shopping! Oy!

 

 

Is Jell-O Salad Really a Salad?

At lunch with a few of my co-workers today, talk inevitably turned to Thanksgiving…and side dishes…and Jell-O salad. Now, I always thought crazy Jell-O concoctions died out in the early '80s, but apparently in some parts of the country—specifically the Midwest (and no, I'm not being an East Coast snob, my lovely co-worker from Kansas City is the one who brought this to our attention)—Jell-O salad is a staple on the Thanksgiving table.

 

 

But is Jell-O salad really a salad? It's a cold, solid mold/block/sculpture/wondrous thing of gelatin with random (and often eyebrow-raising) ingredients in it—cranberries, crushed pineapple, nuts, cottage cheese, marshmallows, cinnamon candies, carrots, onions (??!)…the list goes on and on (just Google "jello salad" and you'll see what I mean).  Most people at the lunch table agreed—Jell-O "salad" did not really qualify as a salad. Salads should be a gathering of separate ingredients tied together with some kind of dressing, not a mass of disparate things solidified into one quivering object.

 

However, Merriam-Webster defines a "salad" as this:

1 : any of various usually cold dishes: as 
    a : raw greens (as lettuce) often combined with other vegetables and toppings and served especially with dressing 
    b : small pieces of food (as pasta, meat, fruit, or vegetables) usually mixed with a dressing (as mayonnaise) or set in gelatin

 

Notice "or set in gelatin." So I guess, technically, a Jell-O mold qualifies as a salad. The same goes for Ambrosia Salad, which also came up at lunchtime. (Naturally.) In case you were wondering.

 

Is Jell-O salad part of your Thanksgiving tradition? And do you think it should be called a "salad" or does it fall into its own unique category of food?

 

(image: Brad Wenner/Getty Images)

Take My Apology, Please

I will come clean. I was terrified, when I became Real Simple's etiquette columnist, because I feared being judged by a new standard when it came to manners. Specifically, people would expect me to have good ones. 

Not to whine (whining is never polite!), but in the etiquette business, you see the world as a minefield of potential rudeness. Step gingerly. But even if you try, really really try, to be polite all the time, there will be slips. One day you will forget to answer a Facebook message. Or not remember to make a thank-you phone call to a host the day after a party. Or fail to realize, when your little dogs who you consider sooooo adorable are capering in the park, that some strangers don't appreciate ankle sniffing.

I'm trying to head off problems, though. These days, I say sorry so quickly and frequently that often the person to whom I'm speaking hasn't yet had time to notice I was rude. I make drive-by apologies: I reflexively mumble "sorry" like an incantation whenever I fumble for coins and hold up the checkout line, or brush another pedestrian's elbow at a street corner, or rush onto an elevator as the doors close.

Apologizing so often is not normal (most people apologize, on average, four times a week, according to a recent study from the University of Waterloo). But there's a certain comfort to it. People look at you with kind(er) eyes. And even if what you are apologizing for isn't truly a transgression—if say, your need to exit the subway will force another rider to momentarily shift position to allow you to pass—a willingness to express regret that your behavior may have a fleetingly negative impact on someone's quality of life is generally appreciated.

On one condition: You have to mean it.  "An apology has to come from the heart," says Karina Schumann, a researcher at the University of Waterloo, where she has helped compile a searchable database of public apologies. Reading the best ones can provide inspiration for one's own apologies (consider how remorseful JetBlue sounded after providing customers with poor service: "You deserved better—a lot better—from us last week"). An apology San Diego school officials made to folk singer Pete Seeger last year, nearly 50 years after demanding that he swear a loyalty oath to use an auditorium, is a reminder it's never too late to try to make amends.

Do you find yourself apologizing all the time? Or not enough? Do you think it's rude that I'm asking? If so, sorry!

(image courtesy of Real Simple)