Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 75
December 4, 2013
Wednesday Trivia: The Most Courteous States
Do you seldom hear the phrases “please” or “thank you?” Any chance you live in Wisconsin? No, seriously: Some fun research from Marchex Institute reveals the most polite states (Hello, South Carolina!) and the most foul-mouthed states (*$#&, Ohio!), and more. The data was collected from other 600,000 phone calls placed by consumers to business across 30 industries, including cable […]
Self-Inflicted To-Do Listosis
[Note: A version of this article first appeared in the December 2013 issue of Real Simple.] You would think that I’d know this about myself by now, but it recently hit me that I have self-destructive tendencies. Does this ever happen to you? You find an ambitious home-improvement job and think, I can do that! Then a friend asks you […]
Get Help With Your Holiday Shopping List
Fresh out of creative ideas for your mother-in-law? If your ever-growing holiday shopping list is overwhelming, don't stress just yet. 
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com How to Get Great Job References How to Save on Holiday Decorations 8 Health Shortcuts That WorkFiled under: Daily Thought
December 3, 2013
Is Your Nail Polish Expired?
Notice your nail color isn’t as shiny and bright as it used to be? There’s a good chance that your polish is expired, which can happen over time. If a simple shake of your nail polish doesn’t solve discoloration and color separation, it’s probably time to toss the bottle. Says John McCook, a cosmetics chemist and the CEO of Discovery […]
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Chocolate Lovers from Fox News Magazine
Our friends at Fox News Magazine say it best, “So many chocolates, so little time.” My thoughts exactly. So, what do you get for the chocolate lovers in your life? The editors over at Fox have put together the ultimate gift guide for those sweet lovers. I hope that someone in my family is reading this…wink, wink, hint hint… See […]
Multicultural Makeup and More
When I met with the founders of Doobop.com—Jodie Patterson and Benjamin Bernet—I was struck by how different they were. Female and male; French and American; dark skinned and light skinned, respectively. However, as we all know, beauty is more than skin (and hair!) deep. ”We are not so different, Jodie and me,” Bernet told me in his tres charming French accent. […]
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 12 Easy Recipes for Homemade Holiday Gifts 20 Medicine Cabinet Essentials The Best Kitchen Sponges and BrushesFiled under: Daily Thought
December 2, 2013
Don’t Throw Away the Cheese Rind!
After you finish a wedge of hard grating cheese--like Parmesan or pecorino--freeze the rind to use in soups, stews, tomato sauce, and other dishes.
Do You Have Combination Skin?
You may have noticed how many beauty brands have started labeling products “for combination skin.” So what does that mean, and how do you know if those products are right for you? Unless your face is constantly shiny or perpetually parched, chances are you have combination skin, says Real Simple Beauty Assistant Jenny Jin. One quick way to test if […]
