Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 422

The Search for the Perfect Ceiling Fans

It seems like the most consistent advice I've gotten when trying to figure out how to make my window air conditioners more effective is to invest in ceiling fans. It makes sense: they help cool in the summer, warm in the winter (with just a flip of a switch). And they help prevent stale air (one of my biggest pet peeves about not having a central heating/cooling system).

So, now the problem is finding the right fans for my apartment—and finding someone to install them. (I'm now accepting...

Victorinox Brings Us "Genius" Travel Accessories

We are in the thick of summer--literally (with all of this heat and humidity) and figuratively (with trying to fit in all those vacations before the season comes to an end). I literally have FOUR destination weddings this summer (Atlanta, San Diego, Dominican Republic and China). 

Thankfully there are companies like Victorinox that are helping both you and I prepare and enjoy our vacations in new and innovative ways.

Victorinox is known the world over for their 1897-developed "Swiss Army...

Buying a Car: The Upshot

First of all, many thanks to those of you who offered advice to get me through the hideous car buying journey of last week. The bad news is that Immature Kristin (IK) is still mad at the first dealer, despite the efforts of Mature Kristin (MK) to get her to forgive, let it go, release the anger, drop that rock, because life's too short, etc. etc. etc. But MK will keep trying until she prevails.

The very good news is that I followed the excellent advice of many of you and decided to try to...

Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan is the founder of Apartment Therapy, a popular network of blogs that reaches millions monthly -- all that grew from his passion for decorating and his interior design business. He is also an author with several books under his belt, his most recent happens to be my favorite one from his batch and it's called Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces published by Potter.

 

I'd like to briefly review it now though bottom line: Whether you live small, large or...

The Easiest Invites Ever

Sending invitations just got a whole lot easier. Thanks to the iPhone App POST by Gadabout, impromptu parties and last-minute plans can still come together in style. Hanna Brooks Nation has designed dozens of adorable backgrounds upon which you can type personalized notes, then send to friends right from your phone via text or email. Because, let's face it, not every occasion necessitates a trip to the post office...

 

I downloaded POST to my iPhone recently, and can't get enough. I created a...

How Credit Score Affects A Job Search

I recently interviewed a number of people about unique job search tactics they used that resulted in an offer -- everything from attention-getting mailers to extreme networking techniques. But one area that can trip up the creative job seeker is a poor credit history.

Companies are increasingly using credit reports as a method of vetting candidates, according to CreditCards.com, the informational and card search Web site. "Some companies think that checking a person's credit is more reliable t...

Quick Tips from the M.A.C. Runway Pros

Loved by makeup artists and beauty aficionados alike, M.A.C. Cosmetics is known for its rich pigments, great textures, and trend-setting shades.

Therefore, come New York Fashion Week, it was no surprise that some of the most prestigious designers wanted only M.A.C. makeup artists to enhance their models' faces. Here, some tips (and recommended products) garnered from those in charge of creating the most bold and beautiful looks on the runway.

Diane Kendal, makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics

Sh...

`Await Your Reply': The Conclusion (Spoiler Alert! And Some Exciting News!)

Hi, everyone,

I just finished the book on my commute to work this morning, and my mind is still whirling, just thinking about it. How are you all feeling about the ending? I'm also quite excited to share a secret with you, but you'll have to read all the way to the bottom of this posting.

So when we rejoin Miles and Lydia, we find out that they've spent the night together in her hotel room. Personally, I'm a bit bothered by this—it felt so unnatural and forced and simply for the sake of...

St. Jude's Prints

You may or may not have heard, but I'm writing a book for Chronicle Books (to also be published in the UK by Jacqui Small) about decorating. My job was to scout and book locations, conduct interviews, write portions of the book, choose a photographer, travel to locations, style homes and build out the resource section in the book as well. No small feat for a first time author! Along with my work, there is a fabulous co-author who has written 12+ books in England for Tricia Guild, Stephanie...

168 Hours: Do You Have More Time Than You Think?

A few weeks ago I interviewed Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think, for my weekly podcast. I was eager to chat with her despite the fact that she takes a jab at Real Simple in the first chapter of her book. Vanderkam's premise is that we are not as "time-starved" as we think we are. To prove this, she interviews several successful people like Theresa Daytner, who in addition to being the CEO of a large construction group bearing her name, is the mother of...