Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 43
April 1, 2014
An April Fools’ Day Prank from Real Simple
Happy April Fools’ Day! We got in on the pranking fun this year (and even tricked a few readers) with this Instagram video on new uses for a whoopee cushion: Looking for a way to pull a prank tonight? You’ve still got time! Try serving our Mashed Potato and Gravy “Sundae.”Filed under: Conversation Starters
Top 11 Beauty Products I’d Take to a Desert Island
This weekend, as I was spring cleaning, I did a fun experiment (well, fun by beauty editor standards, anyway). I tried to pare my cosmetics down to 10 items. I did it to clear clutter, of course, but also because I think it’s a good way to determine which products are really working for me. Hopefully the 11 (in the end, […]
How to Make a Super Small Closet Feel HUGE from SHEFINDS.com
As the season changes from winter to spring, it’s a great time to purge your closet. Personally, it’s the first (and most important) part of my annual spring cleaning routine. My rule is, if I haven’t worn it in over a year, it goes in the donation pile. But what do you do when you finish your purge, haul those […]
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 41 Easy Vegetarian Recipes 8 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress 10 Life Skills It’s Time to LearnFiled under: Daily Thought
March 31, 2014
Happy 125th Birthday, Eiffel Tower!
The Eiffel Tower first opened in March 31, 1889—exactly 125 years ago today. Interested in the history of the iconic symbol of Paris? TIME has a lovely write up here. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate, check out these easy (and in many cases, last-minute) French recipes. And of course, you can always celebrate […]
How to Make Old Bay Seasoning
If you're set on making a seafood dinner, like the Sheet-Pan Clambake from our May issue, but you're out of seafood seasoning, leave your keys where they are. You can avoid a last-minute trip to the grocery store by quickly making an easy spice blend similar to Old Bay. 
Cheap Ways to Make an Outfit Look Expensive
The biggest fashion trends need not drain your budget—in fact, subtle touches like zippers, small sequins, and beating with a matte finish usually pass for good quality even when made inexpensively. “A button covered in fabric looks more couture,” says Phillip Bloch, a Los Angeles–based stylist and the author of The Shopping Diet. Another embellishment that looks fancy, not tacky: […]
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com Are You Being Tracked Online? 4 Ways to Serve Ice Cream to a Crowd How to Treat Puffy EyesFiled under: Daily Thought
March 28, 2014
A Super Simple Tip For Tailoring Jeans
Bringing your new boot-cuts (or skinnies, or wide-legs…) to the tailor for a hem job? Make sure you toss those jeans into the laundry first. Denim shrinks a bit when you wash it, which can cause the length of the inseam to shorten slightly. Putting your new jeans through two wash-and-dry cycles before you get them hemmed will spare you the grief […]
Need More Willpower? Eat a Turkey Sandwich
Let’s say your day started with trying to remain calm despite rush hour traffic. When you finally arrive at work, you dutifully start responding to e-mails (without signing into Facebook). Then, when it’s time to head out to lunch, you walk right past a window display featuring those must-have sandals. That means that you’ve resisted losing your temper, procrastinating, and […]
