Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 79

Thanksgiving Soups from Food & Wine

This year my husband’s family and mine are getting together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I am not sure if it’s becoming a tradition or not, but we’ve enjoyed getting both sides of the family together for a few years now and I feel very fortunate to spend time with such a wonderful “blended” group. We usually divvy up the […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 7 Feel-Good Body Washes 10 Unexpected Natural Cleaners 4 Jobs Worth DelegatingFiled under: Daily Thought

Wednesday Trivia: Holiday Parties

When it comes to the holiday social season, do party invites make you jolly, or turn you into a Grinch? Online ticketing service Eventbrite just released a Holiday Celebration Trends which includes some interesting (and very merry) information: Over 60% of people plan to attend as many or even more holiday events in 2013 as they did last year. The […]

How to Listen to Christmas Music (That You Actually Want To Hear)

It’s that time of year again—when you want to enjoy holiday music on your own terms, and no longer be at the mercy of radio stations to play your favorite songs. Fortunately, you’ve got many options. A few of our cost-free picks: If you know exactly what you want to hear: Spotify Love a very specific version of “The Christmas […]

Ditch Black Suitcases to Avoid Luggage Mix-Ups

If you're travelling this holiday season, it might be time to rethink your luggage choice. According to a recent study conducted by T.J. Maxx and and Marshalls, the majority of travelers own black luggage, making it easy to confuse your bag for someone else's at baggage claim.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 6 Cute Jeweled Hair Accessories 6 Kitchen Sink Accessories Easy Ways to UnwindFiled under: Daily Thought

A Good Reason to Not Wear Heels

Going to a holiday party in someone’s home who you know has hardwood floors? Here’s a reason to opt for flats instead of heels: You could potentially damage your friend’s floors. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, walking on a wood floor in high heels can cause dents. In fact, a 125-pound woman in heels creates an impact of […]

The One Thing Your Holiday Houseguests Won’t Tell You from Apartment Therapy

This past weekend we hosted our first houseguests since moving (which was back in late September). One of my good friends from college came to visit with her two children, one of whom I’d never met (and may get the best behaved baby award—she was the easiest one-year-old… ever). We had a great weekend and picked right up where we […]

A Beauty Gift for Your Friend Who Lives for Facials

Usually, I’d wait until after Thanksgiving to even mention the December holidays, but seeing as stores are already trotting out their good deals, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this great beauty gift should you be inclined to start shopping early. Glamglow’s Gift Sexy Box (available exclusively at Sephora for $69 while supplies last) not only contains two awesomely […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 9 Sneaky Ways Retailers Get You to Spend More Your Fashion Questions, Answered The Best BroomsFiled under: Daily Thought