Kate Oczypok Kate Oczypok is a freelance writer based in the Washington, DC area. She has experience writing personal essays and is well-versed in the DC scene, having written for publications like The Georgetowner and Northern Virginia Magazine. She has been writing professionally for 15 years and counting. About Real Simple Real Simple, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning, trusted online resource for smart, authentic solutions to simplify your life. We reach 11 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact-checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.