Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 41
April 8, 2014
How to Extend the Life of a Blow-Out
You shell out a lot of time and good money for a blow-out—don’t let it go to waste by washing your hair the next day (or even that night!). In fact, certain hair types can keep a blow-out sleek for up to five whole days. Naeemah Carre, a former stylist at Blow NY, a salon in New York City, advises […]







Published on April 08, 2014 15:02
On Body Image
Show of hands: Who has struggled with their body image? Okay, put your hands down (I’m lowering mine). Now, who has finally grown secure in her own skin only to have her pre-teen or teenage daughter begin to question things like why she doesn’t look as thin as so-and-so and why her thighs are so “blarby”? Okay, put your hands […]







Published on April 08, 2014 10:00
Best Upholstered Fabric Headboards from Apartment Therapy
A little late to the whole upholstered headboard trend? Better late than never! Check out this post from our friends at Apartment Therapy. These top 10 headboards are gorgeous and very budget-friendly. Finally, a bed that won’t break the bank! More from RealSimple.com: 10 DIY Home Decor Tricks The Best Bedside Tables Smart Decorating Tricks for Any SpaceFiled under: Where We're Clicking







Published on April 08, 2014 07:00
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 9 Travel-Ready Clothing and Accessory Picks How to Clean Almost Anything 6 Gentle Soothers for Problem SkinFiled under: Daily Thought







Published on April 08, 2014 04:30
April 7, 2014
The “Oh Well” Method
[Note: A version of this article first appeared in the April 2014 issue of Real Simple.] Cleaning your house, if you really want it done well, is a full-time job. You could literally spend every waking hour of the day making something better, sparklier, less stained, dust-free. Yes, things fall apart, as Yeats famously explained, but things also develop a […]







Published on April 07, 2014 13:00
Home Tips 101
Have your home ec skills gotten a little rusty over the years? Never fear—The Today Show did a beginners’ crash course on tips and tricks to know around your house, featuring Real Simple‘s associate home editor Steph Sisco. See how to hem pants, fold a fitted sheet, and more in this video: Need a slower demo on folding a fitted sheet? See ours here.Filed […]







Published on April 07, 2014 10:00
What to Do With Stale Bread
Though you had grand plans for fresh garlic bread, the loaf you brought home from the bakery the day before yesterday is still sitting on the counter, untouched. Wait, wait--don't throw it away. 







Published on April 07, 2014 06:00
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 12 Flattering Plus-Size Bathing Suits All-Star Household Cleaners 6 Great New Books for SpringFiled under: Daily Thought







Published on April 07, 2014 04:30
April 4, 2014
A Better Alternative to Rain Boots
There’s nothing wrong with a galosh, but with April showers upon us it’s a good time to think about stepping up your waterproof game. Rain boots don’t have to be that classic, clunky shape; they now come in all kinds of silhouettes so you don’t have to sacrifice your outfit to the weather gods. Try out one of these options […]







Published on April 04, 2014 14:45
How to Use a Pastry Bag Without Making a Mess
Decorating cookies and cakes is a lot of fun… and time consuming… and a headache to clean up after, especially if you’re using a pastry or piping bag. Fortunately, this genius why-didn’t-I-think-of-that method from YouTuber KarensCookies at least keeps the mess part of the production to a minimum: Of course, if you have a baking project that doesn’t require a […]







Published on April 04, 2014 10:45