Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 454

Cole Haan Gives Us "The Inspired Life"

You've heard me say it before and I'll say it again....I love a Cole Haan shoe! I'm never disappointed and I most definitely love their new Spring styles and fabulous campaign.

I attended a party this week to celebrate the campaign entitled "The Inspired Life," which was shot by Todd Selby. The images are fresh, beautiful, and yes...inspiring!

It's nice to see a campaign that isn't overly sexual or trying to shove the product into your face. It's a breath of fresh air. And don't you just...

Why my old iPhone can now take video

There is no question that I, the woman who describes herself as having too much junk jewelry and old electronics, regularly suffer from technology-related envy. I always want the latest, greatest, shiniest, fastest – please don't judge me.



So, of course, I was totally bummed when I found out the newest iPhones would have video capability, while my 1 year old phone was only capable of taking photos. Of course the truth is that I don't take videos very often (which explains why my flip is feelin...

What Are Your Go-To Health and Medical References?

A friend called me recently with a health/medical question. And while I was able to give her my hunch as to what was wrong and what to do, as usual, I gave the disclaimer that "Don't forget: I am NOT a doctor, so you might want to fact check me!"

Of course, I'm always flattered when friends deem my years editing and writing about health issues as sufficient expertise to help handle their minor health issues. But when I am not sure about something—which is often—I just end up telling them I'll...

From Germany: Functional and Beautiful Sliding Shelves

I recently learned about these Sliding Shelves and fell in love:




As a home or office organizing tool, they're brilliant. You can move books or whatever supplies you store on the shelves closer or further from you based on when you need them. They're like file drawers, except for the wall.

From the designer's website:

A wooden board is fixed on the wall and supports a number of boxes. They can be hanged, removed, slid freely, always changing the layout of the shelves.

The back of the boxes are...

Leah Duncan Makes Me Happy

Why yes, Leah Duncan makes me happy.... how can she not? Her style is original and fresh and the #1 reason why I've decided to share her work with you today! Leah is a self-taught illustrator, surface pattern, and stationery designer in Texas with a degree in commercial printing. Here's a peek inside of her portfolio.

Leah is originally from my home state of South Carolina but relocated to Austin where she lives and works from her studio as a full-time graphic designer/artist. With a modern...

One Thing That Is Definitely Not Like Childbirth

My book officially comes out two weeks from today, which means that (a) you can actually get it now, if you are so inclined, and (b) I have spent the last year and a half hearing countless people tell me that writing a book is like childbirth. I personally don't think writing a book is anything at all like childbirth. Here is what childbirth was like, at least with my last two children:

STAGE 1

Doctor: "Kristin, because of [fill in the blank reason:], I'd like to induce you."

Me: "Doctor, I...

Productive Failures

I believe that if you don't succeed at something but ultimately end up benefiting from that misstep, you haven't failed. Sure, not succeeding hurts and you likely feel humiliated in those initial moments, but if you gain from the experience in a positive way it transforms from a failure into a valuable lesson or simply an unproductive attempt.

The Wright brothers didn't get their plane off the ground at Kitty Hawk each time they tried on that fateful day, but they did get it off the ground...

Truth & Beauty: Chapters 5 to 9

It's official: I love these girls and this book! I've accepted Lucy and Ann's shortcomings—they are human, after all—and I'm finding them truly fascinating, especially Lucy. I mean really—living with a tissue expander the size of Rhode Island in your face for months on end in dreary, rainy Scotland amid the brutally harassing mobs of townsfolk?! Lucy is allowed to be as desperately needy as she wants to be and Ann has full permission to be the one who will endlessly (and literally) give her t...

Z Gallerie: 8 Favorites

I visited the Z Gallerie website this weekend and found some great new products for Spring and instantly thought about you -- Real Simple readers. After reviewing page after page of items, I narrowed down my favorites to 8 finds for Spring split into two sets of four. I found a gorgeous sofa, a quirky umbrella stand, some lanterns and lamps, a Keep Calm and Carry On candle (of all things!), the perfect round mirror, a bold pillow in black and white and the perfect faux leather storage...

Rainy Day Etsy.com Finds

I hope everyone is having a wonderful...and dry Sunday afternoon. It's been a nasty rainy and windy weekend here in New York City.Yuck!

Soooo, of course I'm curled up on the couch, watching bad reality TV and surfing the web for fabulous things (one of the best rainy day activities ever). Paying homage to the wet weather and howling wind here are some gloomy yet GREAT Etsy.com finds!

Art By Winona etched cooper and silver necklace, $35

Golly Bard's watercolor painting, $48

Jennifer Moss...