Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 74

Fun Maid of Honor Idea from Loverly

[Photo by Brandi Welles on Inspired By This] When it comes to picking your bridal party, chances are you’ve chosen your MOH for countless reasons. Sister? Cousin? BFF? Woman who will throw (or help your mom throw) a fabulous bridal shower? And in our opinion, it’s the small and unique touches that take a shower from typical to untoppable. At […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 8 Holiday Storage Solutions How to Save Money on Groceries 9 Healthy Predinner SnacksFiled under: Daily Thought

Pricey Alterations That Aren’t Worth the Money

Whether you found a great deal on a slightly irregular coat, or if you’ve got your eye on a beautiful vintage dress, keep in mind that not all alternations are equal. These tailoring fixes are typically not worth the money, as they often require a total overhaul of the whole garment: • Oversized shoulders • A droopy crotch area • […]

The Ultimate Layer

With the weather still waffling between freezing temps and unexpectedly warm days, it’s time to get creative with layering. The must-have? A vest. When it’s truly frigid, the right vest adds an extra shot of warmth beneath a coat. More temperate? Vests become an outer later that still lets your ensemble underneath shine. Look for options with a bit of […]

Top 10 Hiding Spots for Holiday Gifts

You've made your list and checked it twice, now you need to find a place to hide the presents! According to The National Retail Foundation, shoppers started buying gifts earlier than ever this year. Since all those gifts have to stay under wraps for longer, parents have come up with some very creative hiding spots to outwit wandering eyes and keep the surprise alive. Need some ideas?

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 20 Little Ways to Drop Pounds 6 Symptoms of Stress, Plus How to Treat Them Etiquette Help for the HolidaysFiled under: Daily Thought

Holiday Gift Ideas: More New Cookbooks

If these three cookbooks don’t fit anyone on your list, try these new options for holiday gift-giving: For the Baker Payard Desserts, Francois Payard with Tish Boyle World-famous pastry chef Francois Payard  offers up this mouthwatering collection of sophisticated sweets, including tarts, pastries, custards, ice creams, and more. Along the way, you’ll get his expert tips gleaned from years spent […]

Real Simple in Watercolor

The “Thoughts” page of our November 2013 issue featured a Henry David Thoreau quote, accompanied by a beautiful photograph by Allison V. Smith. We found it inspiring, and clearly, we weren’t alone—reader Juliana Morse of San Diego, CA, shared this lovely water rendition of the page on her Instagram: Thank you, Juliana! We’re honored. Feeling festive? Get DIY ideas for decorating […]

14 Holiday Dresses You’ll Love Under $100 from InStyle.com

What to wear? This is my latest dilemma (I know, I know… not such a big dilemma in the grand scheme of things): I am slightly stressed about what to wear to a few quickly approaching holiday parties (as in this weekend). This year is a little more challenging with the pregnancy belly and all, but I’d love to find […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 14 Simple Homemade Holiday Gifts 6 Heartburn Remedies How to Save on Baggage FeesFiled under: Daily Thought