Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 429

Natural Skincare Just Got Better

I usually slather everything that comes across my desk onto my face. I'm a guinea pig and I love it, but it's a miracle that my breakouts are minor and seem to be quickly quieted by an oil-absorbing clay mask or two. Knock on wood.

But, all this considered, when something truly great falls into my hands, I know that I've stumbled onto something special. This is the case with J.R. Watkins Natural Products face care goodies, a collection of four feel-good skincare essentials that just launched ...

Get Your Car Organized for Summer

Summer vacation starts here today for area school children, which means more time in the car for many moms and dads. Between day camps, swimming lessons, play dates, and family vacations, you might feel like a taxi before July even begins.

Get your car ready for its increased usage by taking a few simple steps now to get things organized:

Make an appointment to have your car serviced this week or next. The last thing you want is for your car to break down on the side of the road in the heat...

Can you watch 3-D movies & tv?

Last night, after taking my children to see Toy Story 3 in 3-D, I left the theater with two happy kids (see one pictured at right), a couple pairs of disposable glasses and a killer migraine.



I have always had difficulty understanding the appeal of 3-D movies – from Captain Eo at Epcot to Chuck in 3-D on NBC – the 3-D effect didn't seem very impressive. And, more often than not, left me with a significant pain in the noggin.



It wasn't until recently that I discovered why I was having a problem...

The Things We Do for Work

Last week, my family moved out of our house in the Boston area, starting our relocation to Rochester, NY. We've yet to move into our new house. That happens tomorrow. For the past week we've been sleeping in a series of hotel rooms, bunking with the in-laws and relying on the generosity of friends with a bedroom to spare.

For me, it's been even more complicated. When we put our house on the market in March we expected it to take a minimum of 90 days to sell. Instead, it sold in a single day, a...

DiggersList: A Contractor's Catchall

I'm sure we've all gotten decent mileage out of online classifieds like Craig's List and Ebay. I know I have. Especially after doing a huge renovation and many smaller DIY projects. Just when I thought I'd had enough (for now at least), I met Matt Knox who created useful site called DiggersList. Think Service Magic meets online dating. The online marketplace was designed to pair property owners not only with screened experts, but with renovation materials as well. If your last home...

This Made My Afternoon: Squibnocket Cards Available Online

I was catching up on my blog reading over lunch today and I came across a post on Shelterrific about Squibnocket Cards. The bloggers over there have finally unearthed an online retailer for these hilarious and quirky cards written and designed by Lane Walker Foard.

I've only come across these cards in person in one store in the town of Lawrence, Kansas back when I was in high school. And I've kept an eye out for them in stationery stores and online ever since. I actually have a stockpile of t...

It's a Reminder Two-fer, Bookies

Hi, everyone:

A couple of don't-forgets:

1. If you have questions for Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet author Jamie Ford, be sure to post them here by Friday, June 25.

2. Our July book poll is open only through this Sunday, June 27, so if you haven't voted yet, be sure to make your selection from the four books below:

South of Broad, by Pat Conroy

The best-selling author of The Prince of Tides returns with his first novel in 14 years, an epic tale set in Conroy country: Charleston, South...

Dwell Collaborates With Heath Ceramics

Looking for new tiles? You'll want to read this! Dwell just announced their collaboration with Heath Ceramics called Dwell Patterns which is a modular tile system soon that will debut at the upcoming Dwell on Design 2010, the West Coast's largest design show, in Los Angeles from June 25-27, 2010.

Designed by Catherine Bailey (Co-founder of Heath Ceramics along with husband Robin Petravic) and Chris Deam (designer, architect, and husband to Lara Hedberg Deam, founder of Dwell Media which is a p...

"Summer Is Here!" Essentials For Under $60

Summer is here! And what better way to celebrate then with great summer style buys? Here are just a few things I have my eye on and they all retail for under $60! Gotta love that!

O'Neill sailor coverup, $39.50

Old Navy flip flops, $3

 

Lands' End ragtop tote bag, $34.50

Freestyle water-resistant watch, $49.46

Spiegel bandeau swimsuit, $39

Sperry Top-Sider shoes, $55

 

Tommy Hilfiger beach towel, $19.99

Nantucket Knotworks bracelets, $12

 ...

What Kind of Person Forgets Her Own Anniversary?

This kind, apparently. Today I woke up and looked at the calendar and thought, Hmm, June 22nd. June 22nd.... I know that date means something. Oh!

Today is my anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 19 years. And we both forgot. For the first time ever. What does it mean!?!?

Possibilities:

A. I no longer wear a watch that shows the date.

B. I have a really bad marriage.

C. Children's sports schedules have wrecked my home life.

D. I'm trying to suppress all memories of my wedding day.

E...