Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 424

Questions To Ask Before You Buy

I don't buy and own many things. It's not because I think simple living is for everyone, it's just that I know it's best for me. I dislike cleaning, and I know that the fewer things I have, the less I have to clean -- the smaller my place, the less space I have to maintain.

An unfortunate side effect of not owning many things is I spend more time thinking about my purchases than the average person. If something is going to come into my home, I want it to be the "right" thing, the "best...

'Await Your Reply': Part Two

Hi, everyone,

Thanks to everyone for all your postings—they were fascinating to read. I have to say that I agree with many of you on several key points: I was pretty confused throughout the first part since we were skipping around to various characters; I do wonder if George Orson is Hayden (and could he be Jay, too?); and why did the book start with Ryan's hand if we don't go back to that story line? Luckily, things are becoming (somewhat) less muddy in Part Two, so let's jump right into the...

"Await Your Reply": Part Two

Hi, everyone,

Thanks to everyone for all your postings—they were fascinating to read. I have to say that I agree with many of you on several key points: I was pretty confused throughout the first part since we were skipping around to various characters; I do wonder if George Orson is Hayden (and could he be Jay, too?); and why did the book start with Ryan's hand if we don't go back to that story line? Luckily, things are becoming (somewhat) less muddy in Part Two, so let's jump right into the...

Fan of the Frittata

I'm having a bit of a Frittata Moment these days. In my opinion, a delicious frittata makes for the perfect "anytime" meal. It couldn't be easier to throw together, and seems perfectly appropriate for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It's a great way to use up all those random leftover veggies you're not sure what to do with at the end of the week, and requires very little effort to make. 

I recently tried this recipe from Giada and loved it. I added mushrooms and fresh basil (because I...

Will I keep my iPhone 4?

As I write this I'm watching coverage of Apple's iPhone-related press conference on TWiT Live and engadget while contemplating the question - Should I keep my new iPhone 4?



Having upgraded from my iPhone 3G just over a week ago, I've been getting settled into my new phone and have ultimately decided that I will be keeping my phone. Here's why:



* Cameras – The phone has two cameras – one on the back of the phone and one on the front which I can us for "self portraits" with the kids. The camera ...

3-Ingredient Dessert: Tangy Lime Mousse with Toasted Coconut

Have you tried any of our 3-ingredient recipes from the August issue yet? We only had room for 26 in the issue, but our fabulous food department has whipped up some additional recipes, plus we've asked some of our favorite food bloggers to share their best 3-ingredient combinations for the next few weeks.

So stay tuned for several more easy summer recipes. To kick things off, try this 15-minute dessert:

Tangy Lime Mousse
hands-on time: 5 minutes
total time: 15 minutes
serves 4

Toast 1/4 cup...

Being Organized and Uncluttered for the Benefit of Others

My grandmother, who turns 101 next month, has eight great-grandchildren and a ninth on the way. Her oldest great-grandchild is just seven years old, and most of the rest were born in the last two years. There is close to a century between her and all of her great-grandchildren, which makes my mind spin.

She chastised me for getting married so young (I was 27) and insisted I wait until I was at least 35 to start having children (which I did, and so did most of my cousins). She didn't get...

To Renew or Not to Renew?

Some people are especially talented at gift giving. You know the type: She's the one who always has the perfect gift idea at her fingertips for everyone in her universe, without ever repeating a past present. Then there's me. Gift giving gives me anxiety to no end. Even for the people I'm closest to (maybe especially with those people), there's something about the pressure of a looming birthday that causes my otherwise over-stuffed brain to empty out completely.

But one of my favorite gifts...

Held Hostage by "The Help"

There's a new, exciting pattern that has taken hold in my bedroom. (Sorry, not that kind of exciting.)

Here's how it goes. My husband walks into our bedroom at 10:45 to find me reading The Help. Still. He looks at me disapprovingly.

"You've got to stop reading and go to sleep," he says.

"I know, I know," I answer. "I'll just finish this chapter." And then I read maybe two more chapters, and suddenly it's 11:45.

You see, I'm being held hostage by The Help, because it does not make me sleepy...

Do You Separate or Merge Finances with Your Partner?

I've always been fascinated by the psychology of money: what it means for people; how it shape-shifts into power, security, love or status; how that complicates relationships and can translate into wildly irrational (and mostly secretive) financial behavior. That's why I couldn't put down "The Secret Currency of Love: The Unabashed Truth About Women, Money and Relationships," an anthology edited by Hilary Black and just issued in paperback.

Twenty-seven essayists contributed to "The Secret...