Productopia | Davida Hogan

All posts by: Davida Hogan

Semi-DIY craft projects

By Davida Hogan on February 24, 2012 in

Editors Notes

I come from a long line of creative women. My grandmother took up sculpture in the 1950s and welded some impressive modernist pieces. Among my mom's many creative outlets are knitting (she's an expert) and water color. As for me, I can pick paint colors, find fantastic decorative accessories and arrange furniture but when it comes to the more crafty projects I have in mind (I'm talking knitted lampshades and an upholstered headboard for starters), I don't have the time. My DIY skills are used making things like Valentines for my son's classmates or coloring with my daughter. Read more

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Psst. Insider decorating sources

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on February 17, 2012 in

Editors Notes

As a home editor, I've had the privilege of interviewing some of the most influential designers and decorators in the business--and I've racked up quite a list of insider sources for fantastic home furnishings as well. Because of this, I am the go-to source for my friends when it comes to decorating advice. Recently, I've helped friends with purchases ranging from window treatments to sofas. Sure knowing what decorative items to buy requires a keen eye, but that's only half the battle. The other half is knowing where to look for unusual accents that will make your home unique and special. So, I thought I'd share some insider (AKA decorator vetted) sources for home purchases online:

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Spotted: Awesome new products at the New York Gift Fair

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on February 10, 2012 in

On Location

Twice a year, vendors, store buyers and journalists from all over the world descend on New York City to attend and exhibit at the New York International Gift Fair. I've been covering the show for over ten years and I'm always excited by the new and creative products I find. This year was no disappointment. Check out some of my favorite introductions from last week's show--I can't wait to get my hands on them. Read more

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House plants you can't kill

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on February 3, 2012 in

Editors Notes

Even with the pleasantly warm weather this week in New York City (thanks global warming), it's hard not to long for a little green right about now. With my notoriously black thumb, I typically shy away from growing houseplants and instead anxiously await the sprouting of my neighbors spring bulbs. Not this year. Intrigued by Home Depot's money back guarantee on plants--yep, they'll take them back and refund your money if your plants die--I recently tried my hand at indoor gardening. Walk into your local Home Depot or garden center and you'll be overwhelmed with plant choices. I certainly was, so I reached out to Marc Hachadourian, Manager of the Nolan Glass Houses at the New York Botanical Garden, for some advice. Read more

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A sneak peak: the International Home and Housewares Show

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on January 27, 2012 in

On Location

Last week we attended the press preview for the International Home and Housewares Show. The show, which we will be attending (stayed tuned for blogs and video coverage), takes place in Chicago from March 10th-13th. At the preview we got a sneak peak of some interesting new product launches, below are a few noteworthy ones.

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So long dingy t-shirts!

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on January 15, 2012 in

Love It or Hate It

I don't think I could get dressed in the morning if it weren't for my stash of white tanks tops. They're my wardrobe staple--perfect on their own in the summer or layered under sweaters and button downs in the winter. I have about five to ten in rotation at all times and every season I search for the perfect white tank to replace the dingy ones from the previous season (no small feat since retailers are constantly changing the cut of their basic pieces). So, when I was pitched a new product called Deo-Go that promised to remove ugly pit stains (which aren't stains at all I learned but rather deodorant build up), I had to try it. Anything to squeeze some extra wear out of my favorite articles of clothing!

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Celebrity fragrances: We put the season's newest and hottest scents to the test

Health & Beauty

By Davida Hogan on December 1, 2011 in

Editors Notes

There's no doubt about it, celebrity fragrances are big business. In fact, a recent online search for celebrity scents turned up 154 different products at one retailer alone. This makes sense, of course, since fans strive to emulate their celebrity idols. We think we know everything about our favorite stars, from what they like to wear, to where they vacation and who they date. But could we determine what scents they like? We decided to put our sniffers to the test.

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Buzz-worthy deals on coffee makers this Black Friday

Kitchen

By Davida Hogan on November 14, 2011 in

Black Friday

From basic brewers to single cup models, this year Black Friday circulars are filled with coffee makers. There are some great deals to be had on basic and programmable models and then there are some not so great deals (or at least not so great sale prices) on truly stand out coffee makers. Read more

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Vacuum away allergies

Home & Garden

By Davida Hogan on October 19, 2011 in

Report Updates

Illustration of vacuuming in the kitchen

You can blame the wetter and hotter than normal summer we had for the severe seasonal allergies you've been experiencing this fall, according to an article written by Rachael Rettner for MyHealthDaily.com. And while staying inside might keep you away from ragweed, it opens you up to whole other set of potential allergens. Dust, mold, and animal dander (three of the most common allergens), are more likely to be found indoors according to the U.S. Library of Medicine. One way to fight indoor allergens is to get rid of the surfaces that harbor them, such as carpets and upholstered furniture. But that's not terribly practical, so really your best defense is to thoroughly clean your home using a good vacuum cleaner that won't re-release the pesky irritants back into the air when it's emptied. (For tips on how to clean, check out an interview we did with HGTV's Sabrina Soto earlier this year).

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The big chill: A new problem-solving fridge

Kitchen

By Davida Hogan on October 2, 2011 in

Editors Notes

I love good design. When I was renovating my kitchen I chose white glass front appliances--they blend right in with my shiny white cabinets from Ikea. My French door refrigerator by Jenn Air, with its bottom freezer and water filter tucked inside the door, is super slick. I loved the way it looked when it was first installed and then I started using it. Who knew that 26 cubic feet would not be big enough for a young family? And I never realized how many times a day my children would open the fridge (sometimes both doors and the freezer drawer all at once) in search of juice. So last week, at the Kenmore preview, I went head over heels for a new French door fridge, which will hit stores in January 2012.

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