Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 433

Letting Go of Clutter Can Be Emotionally Difficult

Earlier in 2010, I was hurt in an accident and ended up in a wheelchair, then crutches, then a special orthopedic shoe, and now I've finally made it to store-bought comfortable shoes. I like telling people that my accident involved ninjas, a cliff, and an extreme sport -- which would be true if you replace ninjas with "my son's stroller," a cliff with "a curb," and the extreme sport with "crossing the street."

One of the unfortunate side effects of my injury is that I can no longer wear snug s...

Jodi Picoult Talks House Rules

Hello, Bookies:

As we settle into our June book, here's a nice way to finish off May's: We were lucky enough to have House Rules author Jodi Picoult answer a selection of your questions.

My question for the author is what other possible endings did she consider and/or did she have this end in mind all along?

Posted by: Chris H| Tuesday, June 01, 2010 at 02:24 PM

Did the jury come back with a verdict? Guilty or not guilty? What happens to Jacob? What about Theo? Legally?

Posted by: Marilyn...

What Is Your Recurring Dream?

I don't think mine is what it's supposed to be.

Last weekend my husband's family came to visit, and one night over dinner we got to talking about recurring dreams. You know: Like the one where you show up for a final exam and it turns out that you didn't go to class all semester. According to our very small research sample (five adults and three kids), everyone in the entire world has this recurring, not-prepared-for-the-exam dream. Well, maybe not Baby; after all, he's only 3. But Eldest...

Do You Use A Purse Organizer?

You know....those interchangeable caddies that can be moved from one bag to another and have various compartments that hold on your purse essentials.

I can't tell you how many times I've been standing at the register with a least 10 people behind me and I can't find my wallet...or standing outside the front door to my apartment because I can't find my keys. It's exhausting!

Is the solution one of these "purse organizers?" Apparently they are great for someone like myself--who's items are...

More Consumers Sue Law-Breaking Debt Collectors

Consumers are mad as hell about debt collectors and they're not going to take it anymore. The simple solution: Sue! Some 12,000 lawsuits are expected to be filed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) this year, up from 9,000 in 2009, according to John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for Credit.com, who spent 14 years at the major credit bureaus. "Last year was 4,000 more than previous year, so the acceleration continues," he says.

The FDCPA prevents debt collectors...

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: To Page 96

Hi, everyone!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and are enjoying Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet so far. The story definitely grew more exciting—and suspenseful—over the last 20 pages or so. I really like how Jamie Ford has organized the story; alternating chapters of Henry's life in 1942 and then 44 years later, in 1986, works really nicely with the story line.

Young Henry clearly has a strange, almost militant relationship with his father, huh? I feel his embarrassment when he...

Your Best Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Even though it's not quite summer according to the calendar, this weekend it sure felt like it. So in my estimation it is now officially picnic and grilling season. I'm lucky that the apartment I moved into in April has access to a massive roof deck, which we share with our downstairs neighbors.

I'm excited to be able to have people over and have the option of expanding the party outside. But since I'm new at this (I haven't had outdoor space since college), I'm looking to you all for your...

Moving? Read These Packing Survival Tips

My big move is about 10 days away and I am feeling surprisingly good about the state of my house. I went through a few rough patches in the beginning—when I was completely overwhelmed by the whole process—but since then my husband and I have been working hard to divide and conquer while still maintaining some sense of normalcy for the kids. Sure, I've made a few mistakes along the way, but I've also had some success that might help you if a move is in your future.

Let's face it, packing is n...

Krista Keltanen Photography

I just arrived home from Copenhagen where I spent a week and from there I traveled around Denmark and also over to Sweden by ferry which was absolutely beautiful. Being in Scandinavia for a week was such an inspiration to me and I came home with loads of decorating ideas! If you ever have a chance to travel to Denmark I highly recommend it. You will come home refreshed and inspired for sure!

When Finnish photographer Krista Keltanen connected with me on Facebook this morning and I saw her...

Wedding Shoes Survey: High Heels vs. Flats

Item number 172 on the Wedding Planning To Do List: find a special pair of shoes for the big day! The dilemma I'm currently struggling with: heels vs. flats. I know, I know - pretty minor issue in the grand scheme of life, but my fellow brides-to-be out there can probably empathize, and maybe you married gals can chime in with some helpful advice. 

 

Part of me wants to go with a pair of sensible flats - no one's going to see the shoes anyways, and I'll be comfortable dancing the night away. ...