Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 418

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: Part Two

  So much for light summer reading, huh?  Part Two of  

The author sums up some key themes when she talksabout spring: "It seemed to happen in springs, the revealing of things. Withfresher air, and jasmine blooms, something else new: There was the spring of myfood discovery. The spring of my first interactions with my father, andJoseph's disappearances, and my mother's...

Who pays for the theater ticket?

A good friend and I bought theater tickets a while back, but sadly, when the morning of our show rolled around, I woke up with a mean flu. I called to break the news to my friend, hoping she'd be able to find a replacement for me given the short notice.    

        

A few hours later she called back, saying she had one friend who might be able to take my ticket, but who would be paying for it? I'll admit I was so sick and hopped-up on Advil that I hadn't even thought about who would pay. And...

Can I listen to music while riding my bike?

Since beginning my new workout routine of riding my bike to work, there are some things – sweating in silence next to strangers; riding a spin bike in the semi-dark for an hour and not getting anywhere; communal showers and questionably clean workout equipment – that I just don't miss about the gym environment.


That being said, there is one thing missing from my workout – a soundtrack. Whether it's the spin instructor's music, timed to the minute to get the maximum out of our ride, or the...

Survey: Best Bridesmaid Gift You've Ever Received?

I'm a big fan of the custom of giving your bridesmaids a special gift before the wedding - something to thank them for being a part of your special day. With my October wedding fast approaching, I'm in the process of whittling down a list of potential bridesmaid gifts. 

I want to give the girls something they'll actually use and love. A few of the front runners are: my favorite beach tunics (wedding is in Florida), some custom made earrings from a young designer, or one of a number of...

It's Polling Time, Bookies

Hi, everyone:

After our last nail-biter of a poll, we're back with four new books to choose from for September—including near-winner The Big Love. Heidi Schoembs, Real Simple's executive producer who just got promoted (we're proud to say) to director of social media for Time Inc.'s Lifestyle Division, will lead the discussion of the book you choose from the four below. Vote by Sunday, August 29!

Super Sad True Love Story, by Gary Shteyngart

Shteyngart, author of the acclaimed Absurdistan,

Does humidity make your hair go flat?

Oscar Blandi, celebrity stylist and owner of Oscar Blandi salon in New York City, has the answer for you.

His Helping Hair Tips

1. After blow-drying your hair, mist an aerosol dry shampoo lightly through styled strands, holding the can about eight inches from your head.

(Note: Make sure to shake the bottle of dry shampoo until you hear the metal ball rolling around--ensuring the powder and liquid are thoroughly mixed). 

2. Then, set the style and powder with a flexible hold hair spray.

Dry...

As "Stylish" As A Baby's Bottom: Pampers by Cynthia Rowley

Leave it to the ingenious and fabulous mind of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley to bring all those fashion fanatic babies out there "fashion" diapers by Pampers.

There are 11 whimsical designs for both boys and girls (including a super cute madras print). The diapers are only sold in sizes 3 (26 count) and 4 (23 count) for $15. That's about $4 more expensive than the regular packs. Not too bad! Plus what you give out in money you are gaining in style and that big smile that will be on your...

Seven Ways to Save on Back-to-School Clothes

Parents are cutting back on back-to-school clothing – recycling last year's duds and wresting back control of spending decisions from their kids. The survey firm America's Research Group (ARG) spoke with consumers in May and virtually no one was thinking about spending less for back-to-school. Now that figure is 24.2 percent. Over half of parents say they will try to get their children to wear last year's clothes, and only 9 percent of parents expect to spend more on shoes this year – the...

3-Ingredient Treat: Mango Tango from So Good and Tasty

Today's 3-ingredient recipe comes from Jacqui Savisky the recipe blogger behind So Good and Tasty. Jacqui started So Good and Tasty as a way to channel her extreme love of food. When she's not whipping up something fantastic in the kitchen, she runs a graphic design business and Etsy shop called Slide Sideways with her husband. Here's her favorite simple recipe:

Summer is the one season I find myself eating food in its simplest form. A peach eaten fresh from the tree, and warmed by the sun...

Home Is Where You Restore Your Sanity

By now, most of the news-following world has heard about the airline steward who flipped out and exited the plane via a yellow emergency slide. In similar news, the Harvard Business Journal is reporting that at least 20 percent of men at work want to punch their coworkers (and, the younger the demographic, the higher that percentage climbs). I think it's safe to say that people are feeling frustrated in the workplace, whether it is because of the economic downturn and feeling trapped in a...