Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 432
June 10, 2010
Casual Tabletop
When you're throwing together a simple, no-fuss dinner, it's tempting to avoid setting the table all together. But, just as you wouldn't go naked to dinner, neither should your table. Why not jazz up the table in a casual way, adding a bit of whimsy? Here's a snapshot of my dining table earlier this evening. Mom and Sister came over for BLTs and Sweet Potato Fries - doesn't get more low-key than that. It was delicious, fun, and best of all: I used it as an excuse to trot out my new glasses
Key To Uncluttering? Change Your Mindset.
My friend and professional organizer Lorie Marrero recently wrote the article "The Organized Mindset: 7 Fundamental Beliefs That Can Change Everything" for her website, and I wanted to share some of it with you:
People always ask me this question: "If there were just one small step I could take to get more organized that would have the most impact, what would it be?"
Often people are looking for a "tip" or some kind of expert trick, but my most authentic and accurate answer is to change your...
So, Bookies: What's the Scariest Book You've Ever Read?
Below, tell us the name of the book, the author, and why it made you want to jump out of your skin. Your answer may appear in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
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The Perils of the Last-Minute Invitation
Last Friday I was talking to a friend abouther plans for the weekend. She mentioned, with clear irritation, that she'dbeen invited to a friend's birthday party that was happening the very next day.I asked her why she sounded so annoyed, and she said there's nothing ruder thanbeing invited to a party the day before it's supposed to occur. Obviously, shereasoned, she wasn't really wanted at the party to begin with, or she wouldhave been invited long before. "It's so clearly a B-List...
The perfect backup system?
Upon startup the display would show teal plaid, until switching to fuchsia plaid and crashing. The issue would fix itself upon restart, but it was clear that the laptop was heading to permanent plaid-dom. Fortunately, before the final crash, I was able to cobble together a quick backup to protect all the valuable datas (photos) stored on the hard drive. (For those who are interested, the plaid problem was due to a f...
June 9, 2010
It's Time to Vote for July. Seriously.
Yes, Bookies: July. Staff editor Ashley Tate will lead the discussion of the winning book from the four below. Make your pick by Sunday, June 27.
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 Carolina.
Await Your Reply, by Dan Chaon
Three strangers walk away from their lives in an attempt to reinvent themselves in a trio of seemingly random story lines—or are they?
How To Know When Eggs Go Bad
Last night, while I was fast asleep, my first farm share delivery of the season arrived. I was so excited this morning to see the box of fresh produce at my door. I quickly opened it to see what was inside, and, to my surprise, there was a dozen eggs on top of the leafy greens, radishes, and garlic scape. It was a pleasant surprise, naturally, but then I grew concerned. These eggs had sat at room temperature in my apartment building for 6+ hours. Did I now have a carton of rotten eggs on my h...
Round Up: Adorable Aprons
I love aprons. They have the perfect mix of functionality and style, and there's something very 1950s about the ones with full skirts. And whenever I'm doing more than just making pasta or heating up leftovers I make sure to wear one. I don't think I'm that messy, but I prefer not to take the risk when it comes to staining my clothes.
Here are a few of my faves available right now:
Those of you that have seen Sex and the City 2 might recognize...
Olioboard: Moodboard App
Do you feel inspired when you see (or create) interior moodboards? Are you interested in creating your own for your next decorating project or simply to have fun and connect with others online? Olioboard may just be the site for you. This interior design focused moodboard web-app is an interactive tool that you can use to experiment with the style and mood of a space. You can also connect with others and share your boards and see where products are from online so you can shop for something...
Easy Summer-Ready Skin
I don't know about you, but with bathing suit season seriously (and scarily) right around the corner, I, for one, need to take immediate action and get in beach-ready shape.
Now, that doesn't mean going on a diet or developing a kick-butt workout routine that will, most undoubtedly, leave me crippled. Nor does it mean hiding in an over-sized t-shirt buried underneath a towel.
My summer body prep is quick, easy, and totally painless. All I do is slather on Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body...
