Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 442

Happy Mother's Day

When it comes to Mother's Day, the tried and true gifts and/or gestures are always well-received. So if you're still stumped for what to do for the Mothers in your life this Sunday, why not go back to the basics? 

In no particular order, the top 5 simple ways to help her have a Happy Mother's Day:

1. Breakfast in Bed. Who doesn't love sleeping in and having the waffles brought to them?

2. Flowers. Whether you spend a bundle at the specialty florist or pick them from your own backyard, I've...

How do you go 'hand-free?'

 As regular readers will know, last year I signed the "Keep Your Mind on the Wheel" pledge. And, for the most part, I have successfully kept my hands off my phone and on the wheel. But, let's face it, on days when I'm on the road more than in the office, there are times when I need to talk on the phone and drive (please don't judge me).



Which is why, I've been looking at options for going hands-free:



Option 1: Corded
The iPhone comes with an set of headphones which include a microphone so you ca...

A Little Something Special For Mom From BCBGMAXAZRIA

Just wanted to share a great gift idea for all the fabulous moms out there on Mother's Day.

This timepiece box set from BCBGMAXAZRIA is just the thing for the practical...yet stylish ladies that like to switch up their looks without spending a fortune. The set comes with a beautiful watch, two additional straps and an extra face frame---allowing you to mix and match colors and looks depending on your outfit. Can't beat that!

 

 

The set retails for $185, which is extremely reasonable when...

Three Clutter-Free Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is Sunday and giving your mom flowers or consumable chocolates isn't the only clutter-free gift-giving option. Try one of these three options:
Day of relaxation. Give mom a day off from being mom. Cook all her meals, run her errands, mow her lawn, wash her car, and clean the house. Make her a crown out of paper, bring her a stack of magazines she's been meaning to read, and treat her like the queen she is!Make a donation or volunteer in her name. Is your mom passionate about a...

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea

Do you have your Mother's Day wrapped and ready to go? If not, here's a cute last minute gift idea for you. 

Artist Felix Doolittle makes these super cute hand drawn and hand painted stationary cards from his small Newton, MA (yes, the home of the Fig Newton) office. He receives hundreds of requests each day from around the world – and often times stays up till the wee hours of the morning to cater to each order. His online store has a lot to choose from, but if you want something especially...

Would You Subscribe to a Flower Delivery Service?

I love fresh flowers. Having a vase of blooms on my desk at work or on my nightstand at home makes me incredibly happy. And I've considered buying fresh flowers weekly, like my co-worker Amy does—earlier this year, she challenged herself to create a bouquet a week, and she posts the photos on her blog, M-Dashing. But I'm always put off by the cost, and by the fact that I'm not great at putting together arrangements. So, I was intrigued by a new floral subscription service that just launched i...

Alfani: Clothing, Accessories and Style for Every Woman

Just when you thought Alfani was just for your mom and friends, they surprise us with a collection that is designed for EVERY woman! Yes, even you!

I had the pleasure of previewing Alfani's Fall 2010 collection last week and fell in love. Not only were there clothes and accessories for all different styles and ages, but the prices were amazing.

I don't think I saw one item that was priced over $100! Tweed jackets are priced at $79, a printed pencil skirt for $59, a shawl collar cardigan...

What's Your Favorite Margarita Flavor?

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, let's raise a glass to the ever-refreshing margarita. Admittedly, there are good margaritas and some not-so-good, makes-you-think-you're-drinking-bug-juice ones. But the most interesting, freshest concoctions I've seen lately have one thing in common: a spicy kick. Jalapeno seems to be the most popular ingredient, but it's not alone. One recent standout: NYC restaurant Back Forty's Losaida Sling made of Cachaca (a Brazilian rum), Ginger Beer, and Chipotle. It's...

Laura Amiss Textile Art

Fiber artist Laura Amiss has the sweetest etsy shop filled with her mixed media art canvas's and illustrative prints that all originate from her photographs and drawings. Laura graduated with a degree in textiles from Goldsmiths College at the University of London in 2003 and relocated to Amsterdam where she currently works as a freelance illustrator and designer with textiles and print. Her twin passions are textiles and illustration and I think she has married the two quite nicely in her...

Guest Post + Giveaway: Vegetable Gardening Basics from Burpee Home Gardens

Each Tuesday in May we will have a guest post from Jessie Atchison, brand manager for Burpee Home Gardens, about how to start your own vegetable garden. They are also giving away eight complete garden starter kits. Check the bottom of this post for the details.

 Once a mainstay of our grandparents' summer routines, home food gardening is now being rediscovered by a new generation. Whether in backyard beds, community garden plots, or public schoolyards, millions of people are enjoying the...