Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 87
October 24, 2013
A Simple DIY Ring Cleaner
To make a diamond ring shine without visiting a jeweler or breaking the bank, try this thrifty, unexpected solution. Celebrity stylist Kimmy Erin, who’s “dubious of harsh chemicals,” rubs toothpaste onto her ring, and then gently scrubs it off in a circular motion with a hand towel and a little bit of water, effectively wiping away the dirt from the […]
Pumpkin Bread Recipes from CookingLight.com
Bring on the pumpkin recipes! Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin biscuits…I’ll take one of each, pretty please. Our colleagues at CookingLight.com say it best: “Pumpkin is one of those defining fall flavors that many of us have come to associate with the season. These recipes will have all the warm and comforting aromas of autumn wafting from your […]
Today’s Thought
Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com A Guide to Microwave Buttons Easy Party Foods 32 Ways to Split the Wedding Tab Filed under: Daily Thought
October 23, 2013
Wednesday Trivia: Happy Mole Day!
October 23—often written as 10/23, here in the U.S.—is Mole Day. No, not the kind of mole seen above (save those for your dermatologist), nor do I mean the fuzzy little creature that can burrow and ruin a perfectly good lawn; today’s honorary mole is a number used in chemistry to measure the numbers of molecules or atoms in a […]
A New Way to Keep Jeans From Fading
Hate when your vibrant jeans start to fade in the wash? Try this smart DIY tip: Just add salt! While it’s wise to follow the care instructions for fabrics, Catherine Ryu, creative director of jean outfitter Citizens of Humanity, recommends, “If you want to go a step further with dark indigo, black, and colored jeans, add two tablespoons of salt to your […]
How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Room?
Don't know how much paint to buy for your next project? Generally, you'll need one gallon of paint for every 350 square feet of surface area. 
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 Kids’ Closet Organizers and Accessories Best Beauty Buys for $20 or Less How to Buy Major Appliances Filed under: Daily Thought
October 22, 2013
A Product for Neck Skin That Actually Works
On any given day, any given number of beauty-product publicists stop by my office, pitching me “must-have” products that I don’t really believe will ever be my must-haves. I try everything, with an open mind, of course, but my snap-judgments are generally spot-on (yes, in fact, I’ve carried on just fine without the bikini-line soothing underwear for pre/post waxing). But […]
How Healthy Are Nutrition Bars, Really from Fox News Magazine
Did you know that some “nutritional” bars contain more calories and sugar than candy bars? According to our friends at Fox News Magazine, it’s hard to know which bars are actually good for you. In this article, the Fox editors provide helpful tips on what to look out for in certain nutrition bars. To read the full article, click here. […]
An Easy Way to Boost Your Toner
Toner isn’t for everyone, but if you have extremely oily skin, you’re probably reliant on the miracle worker—and adding a squeeze of lemon juice when you apply it will kick your skincare up a notch. Jasmina Aganovic, an MIT-trained chemist and the CEO of Bona Clara, an all natural skincare and wellness company based in Boston, says that the enzyme-packed […]
