Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 62
January 24, 2014
How To Wear a Cropped Sweater (Even in the Winter)
Kind of into the crop top look, but not ready to dare to bare? Give it a spin in a way that doesn’t show any midriff. Try layering a cropped sweater over a longer tee, or, for a look with a sleek modern feel, pull one on over a fitted dress. It’s a great way to work the trend (even […]
Tell-Tale Areas to Check Before You Buy New Clothes
Just because a store is selling something new, it doesn’t mean that the item is in perfect condition. Sometimes clothing start to fall apart from the wear-and-tear of being tried on over and over again by other shoppers. The next time you’re about to purchase a garment, check these high-stress points that often get damaged: • Holes in underarms • […]
A Cooking Trick to Help Remove Excess Fat
You made a delicious slow-cooked meal--like Soy-Braised Short Ribs With Sugar Snap Peas--and the instructions say to skim and discard the excess fat, but it takes time to remove the fat without tossing too much of the tasty sauce. 
Today’s Thought
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January 23, 2014
Happy National Handwriting Day!
Since 1977, January 23—which also happened to be John Hancock’s birthday—has been coined National Handwriting Day by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) to fight the loss of penmanship. Much as we love the printed word, we’ve very much for handwriting for a variety of reasons. Looking to celebrate? People around the country are showing off their penmanship with the hashtag #handwritingday on Twitter and […]
Tips for Walking in the Cold
If you need to be out in cold weather, remember these tips from the American Massage Therapy Association for your own safety: • Your arms help you balance, so be sure to keep them and your hands as free as possible. Avoid heavy purses, drinks, or using your phone when walking on icy or snow-covered surfaces. • Be aware of […]
21 Reasons Why You’re Losing Your Hair from Health.com
Have you ever looked at the shower drain or your hairbrush and had that moment of panic that you’re losing too much hair? As someone who already has baby-fine hair, I sure have. (The last thing I want is for my hair to get even thinner!) While it’s usually just paranoia, according to Health.com, there are several reasons your hair […]
January 22, 2014
Wednesday Trivia: The Polar Vortex Diet
Hate the cold? There may be a positive side to the polar vortex that’s currently sweeping the nation: Chilly conditions could lead to weight loss. Time.com points to a study recently published in medical journal Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that being exposed to indoor temperatures a bit lower than you’re used to may actually burn fat. For young- […]
A Simple Budgeting Tip
Don’t know where to start when creating a budget? Alexa von Tobel, Founder/CEO of LearnVest.com and author of Financially Fearless, suggests using a 50/20/30 ratio when looking at your take-home pay. When thinking of your finances, von Tobel says that 50 percent of your earnings should go to essentials (rent/mortgage, groceries, bills, etc.), 20 percent goes to your future (like […]
3 Tricks to Help Manage Your E-mail
If your inbox has morphed into more of a digital junk drawer than an easy way to communicate, tame the chaos with a few little-known tools suggested by IT specialists at three of the top e-mail providers. 
