Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 416
August 22, 2010
For the Die-Hard Napper, a New Option Noses Its Way to Market
I've spent way too much time roaming the aisles of Bed, Bath and Beyond looking for juuuust the right blanket for curling up on the couch (not too hot, not too cold, not too small, not too large, etc....), ...
August 20, 2010
Design & Make Your Own Lampshade Kit
Looking to match your shade to the drapes? Or the wallpaper? Or are you simply looking to have a lampshade that no one else has? Well you're in luck. I was on the Duffy website earlier and noticed a clever and affordable DIY self assembly lampshade kit that I have to share because It's fantastic. The kit is called Stick It (great name!) and it allows you to create your own lampshade design in minutes. You can stick your own designs onto the sticky outside layer using wallpaper, papers...
August 19, 2010
Money, Relationships & Your Turn to Weigh In
Men are more likely to cheat on women who earn a much bigger salary, according to a new study from Cornell University. Graduate student Christin Munsch looked at national survey data tracking 9,000 people, beginning in 1997 when they were children. She examined the survey period from 2001-2007, when the participants were age 17 to 27.
Munsch found that almost 7 percent of the men reported having sex outside their relationships between 2002 and 2007, while about 3 percent of women did. But...
Are Your Belongings Stored in Their Best Place
When organizing your home, there are two effective strategies for where you should store items:
Where you use
In a central location.
Objects like coffee cups should follow rule #1 and be stored where you use them, which is likely an area near your coffee maker. Objects like vacuums usually follow rule #2 and should be stored in a central location that is easily accessible to the rooms in your home with carpeting.
You might choose to have multiple pairs of scissors so you can keep them...
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: Conclusion
Hello, bookies. The time has come to discuss Parts Three and Four of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. (SPOILER ALERT!)
Some of you pointed out that Part One and Part Two felt disconnected from one another. In the remainder of the book, the author marries the two earlier parts and ties up a lot of loose ends. While still leaving the character of Joseph a bit ambiguous! How maddening! Happily, author Aimee Bender has said she'll answer our questions. So, by August 26th--a week from...
Is it rude to be rude to a rude person?
The other day, I was waiting in line at Trader Joe's in the "12 items or less" lane. As anyone knows who's been to Trader Joe's, the lines tend to be long, but they move fast, and everyone there—register attendants and customers—tends to be friendly. In fact, it's almost guaranteed that the person standing in front of me will at some point turn and ask if I'd mind if they darted back to grab something they forgot. I always say, "Sure," since I've certainly done the same thing, and it's...
August 18, 2010
Ralph Lauren Launches An All-In-One Storybook and Virtual Shopping Experience
Looking for a way to shed a few hours at the Mall shopping for your kids' back-to-school clothing--while adding valuable time with your children AND making sure they look smashing come the first day of school?
No magic wand needed. The clever and oh-so-classic minds over at Polo Ralph Lauren have created exactly what you need...
The All-American clothing line is introducing its Childrenswear Fall 2010 collection with the launch of The RL Gang, an interactive virtual storybook that allows you...
August 17, 2010
Am I where I am?
At their most basic, each of these services allows you to check in to a location (restaurant, store, theater or other business), using your mobile device. Because the phone knows where you are through it's internal GPS, you can only check in to a location when you are within a certain distance, and cannot check in from your computer.
Why, you may ask, would you...
Part 2: Does humidity make your hair frizzy?
My last post, which addressed hair that goes flat and lifeless in humidity, elicited numerous reader and staffer questions. Primarily, they all wanted to know how to control hair that gets frizzy in humid weather.
To all of you, I have an answer!
Avon just came out with a frizz-busting solution. It's called Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment.
The Claim: Supposedly, this sucker leaves a water resistant veil over your hair toprevent porous strands from...
Looking for Uncluttering and Organizing Motivation? Focus on What Makes You Happy
After reading this paragraph, set a timer for two minutes, close your eyes, and think about what makes you perpetually happy. If your mind starts to drift toward things that disappoint or upset you, gently remind yourself to focus on happy things and let the good thoughts flow. Ready?
Start now.
Did you last the full two minutes? No? Try again.
Congratulations! Focusing on good things for two minutes can be difficult. Now, pull up a blank document on your computer or grab a sheet of paper and a ...
