Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 439

House Rules: Sections Four through Six

Hello there, Bookies. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I had my toes dug deep into the sand (once again) as I dove into sections four through six (pages 147 - 292) of House Rules. I had to practically place the book under lock and key to stop myself from plowing through to the end. And you?

The end of section three left us hanging with confirmation of Jess's death and Jacob's knowledge of the location of her body. He's just directed the authorities to find it (via a 911 call placed from h...

Would You Ever Get A Facial For Your Butt??

You should!

One of my favorite skincare companies, Mama Mio, has developed several spa treatments that focus on different areas of your body...including the butt (*blushing), called Bootcamp For Butts (there is also one for the tummy and boobs). 

I know it sounds weird and believe me, I had my reservations as well ("I don't want anyone exfoliating my bottom"). However, after one look at my butt and another look at my spring/summer calendar filled with destination weddings that will...

Quick Rainy Day Hair Fix

Hello Simply Stated readers. Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Sarah Smith, Real Simple Beauty & Health Assistant, now turned beauty blogger, too. I can't wait to share all sorts of current beauty news, quick tips, expert picks, and more with you. Post any questions and comments you might have and I'll try to address them, lickety split.

Now that formalities are over and done with...let's talk beauty.

For a girl who covets light, bouncy strands, rainy days are a thorn in my side--no m...

When Is a Workout Worth Every Penny?

After a long time of avoiding the gym and sticking mostly to walking, running, and the occasional yoga class, I've recently become a bit of a regular at a indoor cycling studio, Soul Cycle. The studio has garnered nothing less than a cult following in New York City; there are several branches all over the city (and in the Hamptons, come summertime) and the crowd who attends tends to be rather intimidating, to me.

For one thing, celebrities and other well-known persons abound: Chelsea Clinton,...

Joining My First CSA

Five minutes into the movie Food, Inc. I decided for certain that this would be the year I'd join a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I had thought about joining one last year, but with two picky eaters at home and the closest CSA many miles away, I decided against it. Instead, I frequented local farm stands and a weekly farmer's market that despite its small size, still offered an abundance of fresh summer staples like juicy peaches and sweet corn.

With our move to Western...

CB2: Fresh Finds

CB2 has some great new products for spring - fresh, fresh, fresh! Would you like to see 8 of my picks for outside and in? I can guess that you'll find at least one that fits your taste and budget.  

OUTSIDE: I think one of my favorites has to be the igloo chair for the patio -- at $149 in white you really can't go wrong, and I just love the retro lines. The mainsail orange umbrella (also available in white) is another nice touch for the outdoors, I particularly like that it is mobile and no...

Why Thank You

I came across this article on NYTimes.com and had to share. It's an interesting examination of the various ways in which we say "thank you" (or fail to!) in these times of rapidly evolving forms of communication. 

 

image by Leanne Shapton for T Magazine (via NYTimes.com ) 

I especially enjoyed this bit: 

I was horrified the first time my husband and I were thanked on Facebook by someone we'd had over for a multicourse dinner. (Actually it was only my husband who received the thanks — I refuse...

The Perfect Pavlova

What's a Pavlova? It's just a little bit of heaven, masquerading as a simple dessert. 

My mother whipped up this beauty for a random Tuesday night dinner, and I had to share: 

 

How yum is that? It's amazing I was able to snap this photo before it was totally devoured. 

Check out this recipe from Nigella and impress your friends at your next dinner party. 
 

Happy Friday! 

House Rules: A Note on the Reading Schedule

Hi Bookies! Just a quick note of clarification about our reading schedule for House Rules. Some readers have commented about the difficulty in figuring out the "sections" - as I'm calling them here - based on the way Picoult structures the book (and possibly the version you're reading). The chapters aren't numbered but instead headed by the narrating character's name, and they seem to live within larger sections. 

Each section begins with a brief forensic case study. In my book, the sections a...

How do you manage your family calendar?

I am a mom with a calendar crisis. I  seem to be managing too many calendars, while feeling like I don't have control over all the meetings, birthday parties, events and open houses which fill our days.



As a Macintosh user with an iPhone, I use iCal to manage my appointments, as well as anything involving the children. At home I have a beautiful paper calendar hanging in the kitchen, on which I write all the family events, as well as any work items which may impact that schedule. And my husba...