RS - April 2020

realsimple

BRIGHT & HAPPY R AIN GE AR

LIFE MADE EASIER

Spring Clean Your Life Green Cleaners That Work Organize Your Freezer A MoodBoosting Checkup Storage Tips from People in Tiny Houses

APRIL 2020

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Thoughts

“That’s the only thing you can do with a mess.

Start cleaning it up, a little at a time.”

STO C KSY

— L I S A W I N G AT E , T h e S e a G l a s s S i s t e r s

2 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Photograph by Audrey Shtecinjo

“A fresh perspective on California’s great varietals.

Our Chardonnay is made with a crisp touch of Chenin Blanc.”

Jamie Benziger 2nd Generation Winemaker

imagerywinery.com ©2020 Imagery Estate Winery, Glen Ellen, CA. All rights reserved.

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

the dishes. Sure, it can be a grind. And I’m more than happy to let things pile up in the sink for a day or three. But after a Friday night family dinner, I find nothing as satisfying as taking my time to rinse plates, then stacking the dishwasher just so. I wipe the stove and counters until nary a crumb can be found. When I shut off the light (I will have also scrubbed the switch plate), I get a glimmer of delight knowing that when I flick it back on the next morning, I’ll start my day in a clean, orderly space.

Perhaps my job at Real Simple has awakened my compulsive neatness, a side of myself I forced to lie dormant when my daughters were small. It also occurs to me that washing the dinner dishes was my first childhood chore. My mother taught my sister, Sara, and me how to set and clear the table—a task we did until we left

I

L I K E T O WA S H

4 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

for college. (Dad took over from there and remained on kitchen-cleanup duty the rest of his life.)

The scene of my sister, parents, and me sitting around that table, often for an hour or two after dinner ended, is my mental family portrait. Sara and I would eventually rise to clean, but my parents stayed seated and enjoyed their coffee.

Dish duty signaled the end to the only part of the day when we were reliably all together. I realize there must be a connecting thread from my upbringing to the satisfaction the chore brings me now.

Routines carve our consciousness.

Recently I walked my 15-year-old daughters through the task (yes, I know it’s a bit overdue). I hope they will also linger with us, relishing the satisfying beforeand-after of a shared meal, then joining in the caretaking of the family space. Will they consider it a ritual to cherish? Time will tell. But I do know I’m finding it hard to give up the cleanup (and to hold my tongue when they do it their way).

I hope you’ve been enjoying our new column, My Simple Realization (page 16). It’s where writers work out meaningful connections of their own. Sometimes a new way to think about something can make life easier. In my case, it was that one person’s chore can be another person’s peace.

Read, Reuse, Recycle Good news! If you receive your copy of Real Simple in a plastic polybag, you can recycle it wherever number 4 plastic is accepted. To find a convenient collection spot near you, visit plasticfilmrecycling.org.

(Though we’ve found it also comes in handy as a trash bag in the car.)

I invite you to connect with me on Instagram: @LizVaccariello.

P h o t o g r a p h b y Ta w n i B a n n i s t e r

H A I R B Y L I N H N G U Y E N F O R S E E M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G O R I B E ; C U T B Y N U N Z I O S AV I A N O ; M A K E U P B Y L I N D S E Y W I L L I A M S F O R L O W E & C O . U S I N G R E A L H E R M A K E U P. T O P ; N A N U S H K A . C O M F O R S I M I L A R . E A R R I N G S ; J C R E W. C O M F O R S I M I L A R

Something Occurred to Me About Doing the Dishes

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Contents April 2020

O N T H E C OV E R

These sparkly pink and metallic sponges ( RS editor favorites ) are great for routine washing and safe on nonstick surfaces.

Like an accessory for a clean sink, this is the one you break out before guests come over.

Perfect for glassware.

Sparkle Scrub Sponge, $11.50 for 6, and Sparkle 2 Scrub Sponge, $7 for 4; casabella.com.

Neon Sponge, $5 for 2; us.hay.com. JAWM Colorful Sponges, $7 for 7; amazon.com.

TO BUY:

Spring Clean Your Life Green Cleaners That Work

Use these scratch-free and quickdrying ones for scrubbing pots and pans.

59 102

Organize Your Freezer

46

A Mood-Boosting Checkup

95

Storage Tips from People in Tiny Houses

124

Bright and Happy Rain Gear

110

1 02

Sustainable ways to make your house shine

1 24

1 16

110

Decluttering strategies for small homes

Fresh herbs bring big flavors to dinner

Stylish cover for rainy days

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h Prop St yling by Heather Greene

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

7

Contents

65

87

142

Group decisions to make with your clan

Get the most out of your credit card

A frittata perfect for dinner parties

Thoughts Editor’s Note

2

The Staple

4

Almond flour

Real Simple 24 /7

12

Your Words

14

My Simple Realization

16

what we love

New Uses for Old Things Pillowcase

The Easy Trick for a Showstopper Cake 43 Things Cooks Know

What Should I Read Next?

How to shop for sustainable fish

22

Clever Items Little helpers that make life easier

24

Road Test: Beauty Plant-based formulas

28

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine

31

Olive oil

35

44

Organize This Find what you need in your freezer

46

Beauty at Any Age With time (and a few go-to products), you can learn to love your features

51

Real Simplifier Prep for a long car ride

Road Test: Food

40

the realist

Front Door Refresh 19

Books for every taste

38

54

Trend to Try Statement sleeves

56

relating

balance

5 Things to Clean This Spring (No Elbow Grease Required)

Smart Advice About Using Credit Cards in 2020

Spruce up your wallet, your relationship, and more

From paying down debt to using up rewards, here’s what to know 87

59

4 Family Meetings Everyone Should Have Come together and talk it out

65

Hobbies can help you be better at your job

Good Read Fanny Singer’s chef mom, Alice Waters, digs into life with both hands 73

Explore the health benefits of emotional check-ins

Modern Manners

Ahhh

Catherine Newman offers unstinting advice 76

Take a breather

Pet Tricks

features 78

15 Efforts That Make Most Libraries Even Cooler Than You Knew The offerings go well beyond books

81

Wet-weather looks to suit any style

Making It Work

But How Do You Really Feel?

Keep fur off your furniture

Rain Supreme

92

95 101

When You Want Your Clean to Be More Green Spring cleaning is ecofriendlier with these tips, tricks, and products 102

110

The Freshest Way to Flavor Aromatic herbs perk up these delicious dishes 116

Tips from People Who Live in Tiny Houses Save space and stay organized

124

food 5 Easy Dinners

132

Better for You Lentil salad

140

Big Batch Cheesy potato frittata

142

for fun How to Be a Person

144

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (APRIL 2020) (VOLUME 21/ISSUE 4) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. STANDARD MAIL ENCLOSED IN EDITION RC. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE.COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. FOR SYNDICATION OR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REQUESTS OR REPRINT AND REUSE PERMISSION, EMAIL SYNDICATION@MEREDITH.COM.

8 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

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What do you find most satisfying to clean?

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

Emily Kehe CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

“My eyeglasses.

I wipe them roughly 25 times an hour.”

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rory Evans EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Lavinel Savu PHOTO DIRECTOR Muzam Agha DEPUT Y EDITOR Anna Maltby

E D I TO R I A L FE ATURES EDITOR Elizabeth Sile SENIOR EDITORS Brandi Broxson,

Rachel Sylvester A SSISTANT EDITOR Martha Upton CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Melanie Mannarino, Catherine Newman

Daren Mazzucca SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan

“My car. It’s a reflection of me, and I can’t have Cheetos spilled everywhere.”

A SSO CIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S E A ST COA ST E A STERN ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lizzie Meier Utt INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Donna Lindskog INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Haley Carter, Kerry Dunne ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Lindsey Weiss

MIDWEST VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Mindy Provenzano INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Margaret Graff, Jennifer Latwis ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Teri Dasbach

WEST COA ST INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Janet Yano

MARKETING FO OD FO OD DIRECTOR Jenna Helwig FO OD EDITOR Ananda Eidelstein

B E AU T Y

“My makeup brushes, hands down. Nothing makes me feel more like a fully capable adult than giving my blush brushes a good scrub.”

BE AUT Y DIRECTOR Heather Muir Maffei

C O N T E N T, S T R AT EGY & I N S I G H T S

A SSISTANT BE AUT Y EDITOR Anneke Knot

VICE PRESIDENT Andy Borinstein DIRECTORS Karen Bakos, Emily Fleishman SENIOR MANAGER Kseniya Ivnitskaya MANAGER Maura Ruane

HOME DIRECTOR Stephanie Sisco SENIOR A SSO CIATE HOME EDITOR Leslie Corona CONTRIBUTING HOME EDITORS

Cat Dash, Julie Vadnal

FA S H I O N A SSO CIATE FA SHION EDITOR Flavia Nunez CONTRIBUTING FA SHION A SSISTANT Belle Bakst

A RT & P H O T O DESIGN DIRECTOR Deanna Lowe DEPUT Y PHOTO EDITOR Lawrence J. Whritenour Jr. DESIGNER Lina LeGare

“Using sanitizing wipes on my doorknobs gives me deep satisfaction.”

A SSO CIATE MARKETING DIRECTOR Michael Texier SENIOR MARKETING MANAGERS Misty Chandler, Chanel Rivers MARKETING CO ORDINATOR Genevieve Herdegen ART DIRECTOR Sarah Massimo SENIOR PUBLICIT Y MANAGER Kari Stephenson PR CO ORDINATOR Katie Holzman

DEPUT Y BE AUT Y DIRECTOR Lisa DeSantis

HOME

P RO D U C T I O N EDITORIAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Filomena Guzzardi

C O P Y & R E S E A RC H COPY & RESE ARCH CHIEF Jenny Brown

“The fridge. I empty it out, scrub it down, toss expired goods, and put everything back, all organized. Ahhh!”

P RO D U C T I O N , C I RC U L AT I O N & F I N A N C E PRODUCTION DIRECTOR John Beard SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Courtney Thompson PRODUCTION TR AFFIC SUPERVISOR Matthew Fischels DIRECTOR OF QUALIT Y Joseph Kohler COLOR QUALIT Y ANALYST Pamela Powers A SSO CIATE CONSUMER MARKETING DIRECTOR Lynn Bolinger NEWSSTAND RETAIL Rose Cirrincione EXECUTIVE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Janice Croat A SSO CIATE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Bryce Rockers ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Zena Norbont

D I G I TA L VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT STR ATEGY & OPER ATIONS Melissa Inman

“The bed, by far.

Put ting fresh sheets on and climbing in is heaven.”

“I do a monthly deep clean of my Roomba. I love to clean what does my cleaning.”

SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT STR ATEGY Heather Morgan Shott GENER AL MANAGER, HOME Angelique Jurgill DIRECTOR, GROW TH MARKETING Beth Ifcher CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Hart E-COMMERCE EDITORIAL LE AD Chloe Reznikov SENIOR AUDIENCE RETENTION MANAGER Kelly Lage

CONTRIBUTING SENIOR RESE ARCH EDITOR

R E A L S I M P L E .C O M EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mickey O’Connor DEPUT Y EDITOR Jennifer Davidson SENIOR EDITOR, HOME Katie Holdefehr SENIOR EDITOR, FO OD Betty Gold SEO EDITOR Lauren Phillips A SSO CIATE EDITOR Maggie Seaver PHOTO MANAGER Olivia Barr A SSISTANT PRODUCER Taylor Eisenhauer EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Karen Berner SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Christopher Smith VIDEO PRODUCER Alex Frank NEWS VIDEO PRODUCER Amy Frank

M E R E D I T H N AT I O N A L M E D I A G RO U P PRESIDENT, MEREDITH MAGA ZINES Doug Olson PRESIDENT, CONSUMER PRODUCTS Tom Witschi PRESIDENT, CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Catherine Levene CHIEF BUSINESS & DATA OFFICER Alysia Borsa CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Michael Brownstein MARKETING & INTEGR ATED COMMUNIC ATIONS Nancy Weber

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS CONSUMER REVENUE Andy Wilson CORP OR ATE SALES Brian Kightlinger DIRECT MEDIA Patti Follo RESE ARCH SOLUTIONS Britta Cleveland STR ATEGIC SOURCING, NEWSSTAND, PRODUCTION Chuck Howell DIGITAL SALES Marla Newman THE FOUNDRY Matt Petersen PRODUCT & TECHNOLO GY Justin Law

VICE PRESIDENTS

“Oh, girl. I love to squeegee my shower tiles.”

FINANCE Chris Susil BUSINESS PL ANNING & ANALYSIS Rob Silverstone CONSUMER MARKETING Steve Crowe BR AND LICENSING Steve Grune CORP OR ATE BE AUT Y Ahu Terzi CORP OR ATE COMMUNIC ATIONS Jill Davison VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Liz Vaccariello DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL OPER ATIONS & FINANCE Alexandra Brez

M E R E D I T H C O R P O R AT I O N PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Tom Harty CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER John Zieser CHIEF STR ATEGY OFFICER Daphne Kwon PRESIDENT, MEREDITH LO C AL MEDIA GROUP Patrick McCreery SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Dina Nathanson CHAIRMAN Stephen M. Lacy VICE CHAIRMAN Mell Meredith Frazier

10 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

“I’m addicted to my power washer.

I can’t wait to break it out every spring and clean my deck, my stairs, the siding on my house. If you can use a power washer on it, I’m there.”

I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y C L A R E O W E N

Maya Kukes

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

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SHOP THE SCENTS OF SPRING

Real Simple 24/7 FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR E XCLUSIVE IDE A S, TIP S, A N D W AY S T O M A K E L I F E E A S I E R — E V E RY D AY.

MEET

DE ANNA LOWE DESIGN DIRECTOR AT R E A L S I M P L E

15 UNIQUE E A STER EGG DESIGNS

You don’t need a dye kit to make Easter eggs.

Just grab a Sharpie, nail polish, some washi tape—or so many other creative options—and get decorating.

Currently binge-watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

I love the color and the costumes.

My happy place: Working at a pottery wheel helps me focus on the process of making something.

It’s the perfect antidote to looking at a computer screen all day.

Daily uniform: Black on black with a scarf, so I stay cozy.

Waste Less, Live Better Every day can be Earth Day, thanks to our guide on sustainable living. It shows easy ways to recycle, use less plastic, and extend the life of clothing.

Find it at realsimple.com/wasteless.

SPOTLESS ON IGT V Go ahead and spill it!

Our new weekly stain-removal video series shows fail-safe methods to erase any wineor coffee-related mishap.

35 Fast Dinner Ideas Short on time? Our filling, affordable, and (almost) entirely homemade meals take just 25 minutes or less.

P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

TWITTER @REALSIMPLE

S N A P C H AT @ R E A L S I M P L E M AG

Get the recipes at realsimple .com/fastmeals.

Open

12 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

and tap

over this Pincode for helpful hacks.

FAC E B O O K @REALSIMPLE

I N STAG R A M @ R E A L _S I M P L E

C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T: P E T E R A R D I T O ; M I T C H E L L F E I N B E R G ; G E T T Y I M A G E S ; C O R E Y O L S E N ; G R E G D U P R E E

See the ideas at realsimple.com/eastereggs.

SO SMOOTH IT WILL MAKE YOU FORGET ABOUT YOUR AWKWARD YEARS.

ALL 27 OF THEM. © 2020 MARS OR AFFILIATES

Yo u r W o r d s

What’s your favorite way to reuse or recycle items in your home?

An extra-large pickle jar is great for compost.

I haven’t had a fruit fly problem since using it! @ LU LU M A R I E M AYO R

I repurpose lonely Tupperware containers without lids as drawer organizers.

Hair elastics, paper clips, and other small items have a home, and my Tupperware cabinet contains only matching sets. @SARAHGROTENHUIS

“ H O L D O N TO E M PT Y JA RS TO F I L L W I T H WAT E R A N D A T E A L I G H T FO R D ECO RAT I O N ! ” @ E J FASS

# R S L OV E

I turn old clothes into dog toys.

Just cut strips of fabric, knot one end, braid, and knot the other end. @KIKAMERIKA

You can use empty cereal bags as you would waxed paper.

JANET SCHERMAN, WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS

I plant succulents in old candle jars. @LAURA_TRAP21

For years we lined our trash cans with grocery bags, but then our city banned plastic bags, and we had to get creative.

So far we’ve used shipping envelopes, rice bags, and cereal boxes for trash.

It’s become a fun challenge for our family to look for potential trash bags from any large package.

PATTY LUI, ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA

I save all my glass jars to reuse. My favorites are the little pimento jars.

They’re perfect for packing salad dressing in your lunch. @GLENDANDAVID

The Instagrammer who shared this photo will receive our new special edition, The Power of Less. Want to be considered for this column? Tag photos on Instagram with #rslove.

14 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

After I’m done with my favorite magazines (Real Simple!), I give the issues to my girlfriends who are teachers.

They are always looking for pictures or words for their elementary school students to use in projects.

IRENE SOTIRIOU, WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Mini M&M’s tubes keep a few crayons contained in a purse. @KEEKLIVINGSTON

Reader of the Month

We have a compost heap for our gardens, and we keep chickens. Between a hungry husband, Mother Nature, and chickens who like food scraps (their favorites are rice, spaghetti, and vegetables from salad and soup), no food goes to waste.

SANDRE MOORE, PLEASANTON, TEXAS

I use a mop with washable pads, swap kids’ clothes with other moms, and, of course, keep all the cardboard for forts and spaceships. @MASON_DIXIES

Each season, I save all my Amazon cardboard boxes and use them to line my flower beds before mulching. They provide fantastic weed control and naturally break down.

When I need something, I “shop my house” first. If I take the time to consider alternative uses for them, I find that my otherwise ordinary items can be reinvented. One example: I attached a bookcase headboard to a work bench and added a coat of paint.

Now it’s an amazing potting bench!

GWEN JORGENSON, PHOENIX

@JENNCOLLINS311

I wear contacts, so I end up with a lot of screw-top lens cases. These cases double as containers for small amounts of lotion, cream, foundation, toothpaste, and hair gel when I want to travel light.

H E A D S H OT C O U RT ESY O F S H E L BY S P E N C E R

MARY RUOF, AUSTIN, TEXAS

K A R E N B OY E R , 26 B RO O K LY N , N E W YO R K C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

What’s your favorite way to reuse or recycle items in your home?

I’m a big water drinker.

I use GT’s Living Foods glass bottles or pickle jars as water bottles.

What’s your pet’s name?

Mila.

What do you really call her?

Baby.

Favorite room My living room. I’ve spent more than four years collecting and curating some of the best high-end thrifted and vintage furniture. I’d say about 80 percent of my home is vintage.

“Reduce, reuse” is an understatement in this household!

Favorite chore I love vacuuming my wool rug.

I’m surprised every time by how much stuff comes out.

Most organized part of your life Workwise, I journal and keep up with my extremely organized to-do list.

Personally, my dresser!

Least organized part of your life My small kitchen sink.

Next Question W H O I S YO U R D R E A M D I N N E R- PA RT Y G U E S T, A N D W H Y ?

Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

15

My Simple Realization

“Running Pauses the World” A R E L U C TA N T AT H L E T E , H O L LY RO B I N S O N S TA RT E D J O G G I N G T O G E T I N S H A P E — A N D A L O N G T H E W AY, S H E F O U N D T H E C A L M N E S S A N D C L A R I T Y S H E C R AV E D.

are you?” My husband nodded toward the bruised rain clouds.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I’ll be fine.” I laced up my sneakers and set off.

We were in England, staying near the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The last time we’d been there, many years before, we’d explored the canal. Back then, watching a woman jog by, ponytail bouncing, I thought, “It must be nice to be able to run like that.” Now here I was, running that same path.

My ponytail days are over, but I wore a bright headband and tights.

I almost couldn’t believe it was me.

Ever since I’d started juggling motherhood and a job, I had little time for workouts. I wheezed like a bulldog when I climbed stairs.

Shortly before my 60th birthday, I saw an ad for a Couch to 5K program. I assumed it was too expensive but emailed the coach anyway.

“It’s free!” she wrote back.

“I’m 59. Isn’t that too old?” I responded.

“I’m 70,” she replied.

16 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Good Lord. So I dug out a pair of sweats and drove to practice.

To my relief, most of the other participants couldn’t run a lap around the track either. Despite my legs and lungs begging me to quit, I stuck it out. And after eight weeks, I ran a 5K. Two years later, I ran my first 10K. This was an achievement—but it wasn’t as important as the discovery that running pauses the world around me. I began running trails instead of roads. Occasionally I startle wild turkeys and deer. Once I spotted an owl watching me from a branch. One route leads me into salt marshes, where egrets and herons feed.

Running has also been the best salve for emotional turmoil. It got me through my grief after my father-in-law died, and my sorrow after my youngest child left for college. In Virginia Woolf’s Moments of Being, she describes nonbeing as “a kind of nondescript cotton wool.” We’re on autopilot. Being happens during those rare times when we’re fully conscious of our

surroundings and feel connected to them. We’re all guilty of too many hours of nonbeing. Various tasks fracture our time, tech fills our heads with noise, and we stop paying attention to anything beyond ourselves. When I run, I have to pay attention. Running lets me be completely in the world, noticing small details, experiencing the joy of moving through snowflakes so big, it’s like floating through lace.

Along the English towpath that recent morning, I flushed pheasants out of bushes and passed brightly painted boats. After five miles, it started to rain as I ran by a man in a tweed cap and rubber boots. He smiled and waved.

I waved back, and I thought about how we were sharing this moment. To him, I was a woman in a bright headband, admiring the dizzying patterns of early morning rain on the river.

HOLLY ROBINSON IS THE AUTHOR OF SIX NOVELS AND THE GERBIL FARMER’S DAUGHTER: A MEMOIR. SHE LIVES IN ROWLEY, MASSACHUSETTS.

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y S A N N Y VA N L O O N / S H O P A R O U N D

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P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y C A R O L L I N N A N /O N E D E S I G N I N G W O M A N . K W I K S E T S A N C L E M E N T E S I N G L E C Y L I N D E R L O W P R O F I L E D O O R H A N D L E S E T I N I R O N B L A C K , $ 1 3 9 ; H O M E D E P O T. C O M

E V E RY T H I N G O U R E D I T O R S A R E B U Z Z I N G A B O U T T H I S M O N T H

Front Door Refresh I T’S YO U R H O M E’S M O S T V I E W E D S PA C E , S O WHY NOT GIVE IT A LIT TLE LOVE? THESE EIGHT E N T RY W AY A C C E S S O R I E S DELIVER.

By Cat Dash

Photograph by Jacob Fox

W H AT W E LO V E

2 1 3

It comes with 150 tiles for customization (see “Hey” on previous page).

4

5

6 7

8

5 TA K E A N U M B E R

This frosted-glass sconce is a balance of contemporary and vintage-inspired.

TO BUY: Latitude Run Needham 2-Light Outdoor Sconce, from $170; allmodern.com.

Switch up the vinyl “tiles” whenever the mood strikes so guests see a new greeting every time they visit.

TO BUY: Tile Mat, $75; letterfolk.com.

These sleek, designforward digits are hand-cast from recycled aluminum. TO BUY: Montague Metal Products Modern House Numbers, from $17; homedepot.com.

2 S TA N D O U T

4 B E AU T Y B OX

6 PRET TY IN PEACH

Rest a stick umbrella against the rim and hang collapsible models from the hidden hooks.

TO BUY: Hub Umbrella Stand, $50; umbra.com.

You’ll no longer forget to check the snail mail once you install this pretty box— it’s like jewelry for your house. TO BUY: Bow Angled Wall-Mounted Mailbox, $80; cb2.com.

A pinky-orange paint color will give your front door the cheery face-lift you’re after.

TO BUY: Ravishing Coral

by Sherwin-Williams, from $39 per gallon; sherwin -williams.com for info.

20 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

3 GET THE MESSAGE

7 BELL S AND WHISTLES

Go for the midcentury modern star or the classic, Downton-ish rectangle doorbell plate. TO BUY: Mid-Century Star Doorbell, $30, and “Please Ring” Doorbell, $25; rejuvenation.com.

8 ON THE RISE

Elevate your plants with this sturdy frostproof pedestal pot. TO BUY: Bishop Pedestal Planter, $129; westelm.com.

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

1 SEE THE LIGHT

COLOR MATCH Similar

Best Match

Similar

FIND THE COLOR IN ANY MOMENT. EASY.

With the redesigned ProjectColor™ app from The Home Depot, finding the perfect color is easier than ever. Just upload a photo and find the paint to match, it’s a colorful new experience at homedepot.com/projectcolor.

ProjectColor™

© 2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved.

W H AT W E LO V E

The Short List

What Should I Read Next?

T O P P I C K S F O R E V E RY T A S T E

By Elizabeth Sile

Arresting debut

Moving memoir

Elizabeth Wetmore’s powerful first novel, Valentine, recounts the aftermath of a brutal rape in a Texas oil town in 1976. Via shifting perspectives— including those of Gloria, the survivor, and Mary Rose, the housewife who finds her the morning after— Valentine explores the women’s connections and traces the gossip and blame that follow the crime.

In This Is Big, journalist Marisa Meltzer interweaves her personal dieting history with a compelling biography of Jean Nidetch, the woman who founded Weight Watchers. As the author chronicles her own journey through the popular program, she describes how Nidetch—despite getting and staying thin—struggled at home and at work.

In the end, Meltzer learns and grows in unexpected ways.

Twisty thriller

Historical fiction In Karin Tanabe’s A Hundred Suns, Jessie has left 1930s Paris for Hanoi so her Michelin-heir husband can join the family business. She falls in with expats who tell her about workers’ deplorable conditions on Michelin’s plantations— and indulge her with opium. While confronting the source of her wealth, Jessie must parse what’s real and what’s not.

Ana, a whip-smart woman who wants to be a scholar and writer, meets and marries Jesus (yes, that Jesus) in The Book of Longings.

Sue Monk Kidd skips historians’ 2,000year-old “Did Jesus marry?” debate, imagines he did, and asks, “So what would his wife have been like?”

Inserting Ana into biblical stories, Kidd crafts a surprising, absorbing narrative.

For more book recommendations, visit realsimple.com/ newbooks.

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

Janelle Brown’s Pretty Things is a pageturner about scammers and social media. Swindler Nina needs to score big— her mom’s medical bills are looming, and she’s still waiting on $72,000 from her last con job. She and her partner decide to target their riskiest mark yet: Vanessa, a woman from Nina’s past who is now an Instagram influencer.

But there’s far more to Vanessa than what appears on her feed.

Imaginative tale

22 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

2 CHIC DOG BED

1 S M A RT P H O N E C L E A N E R

This waterproof memoryfoam dog bed looks just like a luxe shearling rug.

The snuggly cover zips off and can be machine washed. TO BUY: Faux Fur Curve PupRug, from $119; paw.com.

Spritz your screen with the cleaning solution, then wipe it with the microfibercovered side of the bottle.

In five colors. TO BUY: PhoneSoap Shine, $8; phonesoap.com.

Clever Items

3 PUR SE NECESSIT Y

This superstrong magnet clips to your purse and comes to the rescue when you find yourself in a bathroom stall with no bag hook.

Holds up to eight pounds.

TO BUY: Bagnet, from $19; bagnetcompany.com.

LIT TLE HELPERS TO

By Brandi Broxson

These handy bins fold flat when not in use.

4

6

COMPOST BIN

GL ASS RINSER

This roomy 1 3/4-gallon bin has a lid that stays open while you’re filling it, a handle, and an internal bucket you can put through the dishwasher.

TO BUY: Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, $30; oxo.com.

24 RE AL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

5 P O RTA B L E C R AT E

Stow these 46-liter bins in your garage or trunk and pop them open to transport up to 75 pounds of tools, sports gear, or groceries.

TO BUY: Collapsible Bin with Lid, $60 for 3; clevermade.com.

This genius gadget is easy to install on your kitchen sink. Its high-pressure water jets quickly rinse hard-to-clean drinkware, like baby bottles and delicate wineglasses. TO BUY: Delta Glass Rinser, from $89; homedepot.com.

B A G N E T S : P E T E R A R D I T O ; C R AT E : B R I A N H E N N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

M A K E YO U R L I F E E A S I E R

From the moment you paddle still blue waters, to the night you stargaze under big open skies, Montana is full of amazing adventures. Discover your #MontanaMoment at VISITMT.COM.

W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

Plant-Based Beauty W E T E ST E D 35 B O TA N I C A L F O R M U L A S T O F I N D T H E B E S T W AY T O G R E E N O U R R O U T I N E .

By Anneke Knot

B E S T H A I R PA I R

Herbal Essences Potent Aloe and Eucalyptus Shampoo and Conditioner The sulfate- and parabenfree duo nourishes your scalp and cleans strands without stripping away natural oils. TO BUY: $6; target.com.

BEST DEOD OR ANT

Hint Eucalyptus + Lemon Deodorant Say goodbye to stinky sweat (and bacteria) and hello to this freshly scented aluminum-free, easy-glide formula.

TO BUY: $11; drinkhint.com.

B E S T F O R B O DY

BEST FR AGR ANCE

Esscentials Scent Mist in Happy Hour

By Scent Beauty Notes of grapefruit and lime create a light, zesty fragrance that lasts.

TO BUY: $50; amazon.com.

BEST LIP COLOR

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Malibu Your purse and makeup bag just got a whole lot roomier, thanks to this go-to twofer. It’s a treatment and gloss in one: Peptides plump lips, and evening primrose oil makes them shiny. All it takes is a few swipes for the hyaluronic acid to work its magic and soothe dry lips. Our favorite part—it keeps lips slick, not sticky.

TO BUY: $27; sephora.com.

28 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

BEST MOISTURIZER

Codex Beauty Bia Day Cream Don’t let the lightweight texture fool you—this calendula-rich moisturizer quenches even the thirstiest skin. TO BUY: $70; codexbeauty.com.

K O S A S : B R I A N H E N N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

realsimple ROAD TE ST

Plant Apothecary Calm Down Body Wash This organic formula goes from a honeylike gel to a gentle foamy lather and offers a relaxing hit of aromatherapy. TO BUY: $18; thedetoxmarket.com.

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL.

SO ROLL UP THOSE SLEEVES. DUPIXENT is a breakthrough in the treatment of uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) for ages 12 and up.

RACHEL, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary.

DUPIXENT helps restore the look and feel of skin. And it’s not a cream or steroid. It’s a biologic that continuously treats eczema over time–even between flare-ups. See and feel a significant difference with:

Clearer skin

•

Fast itch relief

• In clinical trials at 16 weeks, 37% of adults and 24% of teens (ages 12-17) saw clear or almost clear skin vs 9% and 2% not on DUPIXENT. • And 38% of adults and 37% of teens (ages 12-17) had significantly less itch vs 11% and 5% not on DUPIXENT.

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat people 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies.

DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: have eye problems; have a parasitic (helminth) infection; are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless

instructed by your healthcare provider. and tell your healthcare provider or This may cause other symptoms that get emergency help right away if you were controlled by the corticosteroid get any of the following symptoms: medicine to come back; are scheduled breathing problems, fever, general to receive any vaccinations. You should ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, not receive a “live vaccine” if you are swelling of the face, mouth and treated with DUPIXENT; are pregnant tongue, hives, itching, fainting, or plan to become pregnant. It is not dizziness, feeling lightheaded known whether DUPIXENT will harm (low blood pressure), joint pain, your unborn baby; are breastfeeding or skin rash. or plan to breastfeed. It is not known • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare whether DUPIXENT passes into your provider if you have any new or breast milk. worsening eye problems, including Tell your healthcare provider about eye pain or changes in vision. all the medicines you take, including The most common side effects in prescription and over-the-counter patients with atopic dermatitis medicines, vitamins and herbal include injection site reactions, eye supplements. If you are taking asthma and eyelid inflammation, including medicines, do not change or stop your redness, swelling and itching, and cold asthma medicine without talking to sores in your mouth or on your lips. your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider if you DUPIXENT can cause serious side have any side effect that bothers you or effects, including: that does not go away. These are not all • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. including a severe reaction known Call your doctor for medical advice as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT about side effects. You are encouraged

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY*

to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed.

DUPIXENT is an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give DUPIXENT injections, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult.

Please see Brief Summary on next page.

© 2019 Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DUP.19.09.0035

*Limitations apply. Visit DUPIXENT.com for full program terms.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) Rx Only (DU-pix’-ent) injection, for subcutaneous use What is DUPIXENT? • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: – to treat people aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.

• DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis.

• It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

Who should not use DUPIXENT? Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of ingredients in DUPIXENT. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back.

• are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You can talk to your healthcare provider or contact 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/ dupixent/ to enroll in this registry or get more information.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

If you have asthma and are taking asthma medicines, do not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

How should I use DUPIXENT? • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes.

• Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield.

• DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

• If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult.

• If you miss a dose of DUPIXENT, give the injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with the original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection.

• If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away.

• Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT. Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash.

• Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision.

The most common side effects of DUPIXENT include: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching have been seen in patients who have atopic dermatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This is a summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT for this use.

If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals.

For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT? Active ingredient: dupilumab Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, (Bridgewater, NJ 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591) DUPIXENT is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2019 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved.

Issue Date: June 2019

DUP.19.08.0101

W H AT W E LO V E

Prett y Smar t

Smell Great, Do Good E I G H T B E AU T Y B U YS TO S I M P L I F Y YO U R RO U T I N E— A N D M A K E I T M O R E S U STA I N A B L E

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

By Lisa D eSantis

1 Floral Street Eau de Parfum

The vibrant glass bottles will look gorgeous on your vanity, and the nine modern, bloom-inspired scents come in biodegradable cartons you can use as seed trays—to grow flowers of your own. TO BUY: $78 for 1.7 oz.; sephora.com.

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

31

W H AT W E LO V E

6 SHOWER S M A RT E R

Love Beauty and Planet Concentrated Shampoo and Conditioner These products take up minimal space on your tub ledge and are made with less water and 30 percent less plastic than the original versions. Win, win, win! TO BUY: $7 each; at drugstores.

2

2 B LU S H A N D G O

Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek The handy metal compact swivels to reveal a flattering multiuse cream (in 10 shades).

Plus, the brand will recycle any beauty product you send them. TO BUY: $46; lilahbbeauty.com.

6

3 P ORE PERFECTOR

7 GLOW GET TER 3

7

The pods pop in and out, so keep the tub and refill as needed.

4 GREEN CLEANSER

Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil Papaya and pineapple enzymes combine with moringa and chia seed oils to exfoliate skin and melt away makeup. You can toss the glass bottle into your recycling bin. TO BUY: $58; themarabeauty.com.

Hear Me Raw The Brightener It’s not easy being green, but getting a brightening boost from this emerald mask is a breeze.

Nutrient-rich ingredients, like chlorophyll, matcha, and spirulina, help speed skin cell turnover. TO BUY: $42; hearmeraw.com.

8 COLOR C ARE

4

Fekkai Technician Color Treatment Mask After shampooing, quench thirsty, color-treated hair with this lightweight but potent blend.

Your strands will love it—and so will the environment, thanks to the recycled-plastic tube. TO BUY: $20; target.com.

5

5 SKIN SMO OTHER

Seed Phytonutrients Body Moisturizer This sage-and-cedarscented lotion comes in packaging made of water-resistant (yet compostable) paper.

TO BUY: $18; seed phytonutrients.com.

32 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

8

S M E A R S : B R I A N H E N N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Kinship Insta Swipe These biodegradable wipes are infused with honey and alpha hydroxy acid, and the pot is crafted from recycled ocean-waste plastic. TO BUY: $22; lovekinship.com.

© J&JCI 2020

W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

Liquid Gold WE TRIED MORE THAN 50 BOT TLES OF OLIVE OIL TO FIND THE BEST OP TIONS, N O M A T T E R H O W Y O U U S E I T.

A D O B E STO C K

By Phoebe Fr y

Photograph by Naypong

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

35

W H AT W E LO V E

BEST BUD GET CO OKING

365 Everyday Value Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mediterranean Blend With its bright flavor and unbeatable price, it’s ideal for all your sautéing needs.

TO BUY: $7 for 1 L; at Whole Foods.

BEST BUD GET DRIZZLE

Iliada Kalamata PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil The robust flavor of this Greek import makes grilled fish or roasted vegetables pop.

TO BUY: $10 for 16.9 oz.; amazon.com.

BEST DRIZZLE UPGR ADE

BEST CO OKING UPGR ADE

California Olive Ranch Destination Series Extra Virgin Olive Oil We always have a bottle (or five!) of this smooth pick in the test kitchen. Whether we’re roasting a chicken or baking an olive oil cake, it never lets us down.

TO BUY: $14 for 1 L; at grocery stores.

36 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

O-Live & Co. Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil This one begins with a fruity burst and ends with a refreshing peppery kick. Try it by itself as the easiest salad dressing.

TO BUY: $13 for 16.9 oz.; at grocery stores.

B E S T S P LU RG E

Laudemio Frescobaldi Extra Virgin Olive Oil The olives are pressed just a few hours after they’re picked, which makes for a striking oil that balances spiciness and fruitiness.

Use it to finish pasta or a creamy ball of burrata.

TO BUY: $48 for 16.9 oz.; amazon.com.

I L I A D A : B R I A N H E N N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

realsimple ROAD TE ST

the tastes that shape E V ERY JA R OF BER TOL L I SAU CE ®

The deliciously sweet Tuscan flavor of plump, sun-kissed, vine-ripened tomatoes blended with Parmesan and Romano cheeses and finished with a kick of cracked black pepper is what shapes Bertolli . And that’s truly the Tuscan Difference. ®

©2020 Mizkan America, Inc.

W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas 1 C A R ROT M U F F I N S

The Staple

Almond Flour It’s the ultimate go-to for cooks avoiding gluten, but this wonder ingredient— which really is just finely ground blanched almonds—belongs in everyone’s pantry.

As a replacement for all-purpose flour, it adds a subtle nuttiness and a hit of fiber to muffins and pancakes. If you pair it with coconut (in a macaroon cake, for example), it becomes irresistibly chewy. It’s also a creative coating for fish fillets and chicken. Store it in the fridge—that is, during those rare moments you’re not using it.

Stir 2 cups almond flour, 1 1/2 cups grated carrot, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1 tsp. baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. each baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in 3 Tbsp. melted butter, 1/2 cup honey, and 2 eggs. Fill greased muffin pan; bake at 350°F until set, 18 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Remove from pan; let cool on a wire rack.

2 M A C A RO O N C A K E

Beat 3 eggs and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl. Set over a pot of simmering water and whisk until warm, 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove from heat; beat on high until tripled in volume, 5 minutes. Fold in 1 1/2 cups each unsweetened shredded coconut and almond flour and 1/2 tsp. salt. Spread in greased, parchment-lined 9-inch cake pan. Top with 1/4 cup sliced almonds. Bake at 350°F until firm, 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Mix 1 cup almond flour and 1 tsp. each chili powder and salt in a large bowl. Dip 4 white fish fillets (1 1/2 lb.) in 1 beaten egg. Dredge in flour mixture; press to adhere.

Heat 1/2 inch canola oil in a skillet over medium-high.

Cook fish until browned and cooked through, 3 minutes per side. Stir 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 3 Tbsp. pickle relish in a small bowl; serve with fish.

By Ananda Eidelstein Recipes by Anna Theoktisto

38 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Photograph by Corey Olsen

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y M I A K O K AT O H

3 CRISPY FISH FILLETS

Browned Butter Ravioli. Get the recipe at landolakes.com

ALL TOGETHER BETTER

™

© 2020 Land O’Lakes, Inc. LAND O LAKES, the LAND O LAKES Logo, and ALL TOGETHER BETTER are trademarks of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

W H AT W E LO V E

New Uses for Old Things

Pillowcase I F Y O U F I N D Y O U R S E L F W I T H A S PA R E , D O N ’ T S L E E P O N I T S P O T E N T I A L .

TR ANSFORM IT WITH ONE OF THE SE FOUR HANDY HACKS.

By Brandi Broxson

SHEET STOR AGE

FA N D U S T E R

Neatly remove grime by sliding a pillowcase over a blade, clamping it between your hands, and slowly sliding it off. No dust showers for you!

40 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

CHILD’S SMO CK

Snip holes for head and arms in the seamed end. Your kid can slip it on when finger painting, playing with slime, or generally making a mess.

D E L I C AT E S WA S H B A G

Place undergarments in a pillowcase and knot the end before washing to minimize pilling, snags, and damaged hooks and eyes.

P h o t o g r a p h s b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

Stack folded bedsheets inside a pillowcase so you can retrieve whole sets easily. Also— voilà!—you’ll have a tidier closet.

WHEN YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN YOUR CLOTHES CAN TURN ON YOU

Try ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Skin Free & Clear detergent–no dyes, no perfumes, just clean. Because every wash counts.

PERFECT SOLUTIONS

— for happily ever after — Build a registry with these Real Simple items from the Bed Bath & Beyond Registry— and find even more smart ideas in stores and online.

SEE THE WHOLE LINE AT BEDBATHANDBEYOND.COM / REALSIMPLE

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY R I S H O N H A N N E R S ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

U N C O M M O N S O L U T I O N S T O E V E RY D AY P R O B L E M S

TH E E A SY TR I CK FO R A S H OWSTO PPE R C A KE The real surprise of those surpriseinside cakes: They’re actually simple to create—especially when you start with a store-bought layer cake. First, remove half of the top layer and set it aside. (Use a piece of unflavored dental floss for a clean, even cut.) Next, gently press the top of a tall, slender drinking glass through the center of the rest to create a cavity. Fill the core with candy or other sweets, then carefully replace the top layer. Smooth the frosting with a spatula as needed. All that’s left to do is slice into the cake—and make it rain rainbow.

By Brandi Broxson

Photograph by Victor Protasio

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know

Here’s the Catch S E A F O O D I S H E A L T H Y, B U T N O T A L L P I C K S A R E S U S T A I N A B L E . F O L L O W T H E S E T I P S F O R B R I N G I N G H O M E F I S H T H A T Y O U — A N D T H E O C E A N S — C A N F E E L G O O D A B O U T.

By Jenna Helwig

When You’re Shopping the Freezer Aisle

When You’re Shopping at the Fish Counter

THE PERKS

THE PERK

Lots of variety; low prices; less chance of waste, since the fish won’t go bad in your fridge (not sustainable!); and the ability to learn about the product’s origins on the label

The opportunity to talk with an expert and buy the fish that’s the freshest and most abundant that day

HOW TO CHO OSE THE GO OD STUFF

• Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) logo on the packaging (see “Sustainability Shortcut,” opposite page). These organizations vet fisheries, and their stamps of approval indicate that the seafood came from a sustainable source.

HOW TO CHO OSE THE GO OD STUFF

• The beauty of shopping at the fish counter— at a supermarket, seafood shop, or farmers market—is that there’s usually a person there to answer questions about the fish. Start with a simple “Do you sell sustainable seafood?”

Then ask, “What do you recommend?”

• Store brands are often a smart bet. Chains like Safeway, Whole Foods, and Stop & Shop have effective sustainability programs.

• Download the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch app (free; iOS and Android), which groups species into the categories “Best Choices,” “Good Alternatives,” and “Avoid,” and look up the fish you see at the counter.

(This app also comes in handy at restaurants.)

Some grocery store chains, including Whole Foods, work with Seafood Watch, so the fish for sale will already be labeled.

B U Y F RO Z E N S H R I M P

F O R A V I RT UA L LY G UA R A N T E E D

Most “fresh” shrimp is actually thawed from frozen, giving it a much shorter fridge life.

Look for U.S. wild shrimp or any bag with one of the sustainability logos.

S U S TA I N A B L E P I C K

• If you can’t find a logo, default to domestic seafood. American fisheries and aquaculture have made good strides toward sustainability.

44 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Take home farmed mussels, clams, oysters, or scallops, which help balance the nutrients in our waterways. Translation: Just by existing, they make the ocean healthier. They’re also quick to cook and delicious over pasta.

MONTEREY B AY AQ UA R I U M SE AFO OD WAT C H A P P Hover your phone’s camera here to download the app.

O U R E X P E RT S RYAN BIGELOW, SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER FOR MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM’S SEAFOOD WATCH BARTON SEAVER, CHEF, AUTHOR OF THE JOY OF SEAFOOD, AND LEAD INSTRUCTOR FOR SEAFOODLITERACY.COM

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y S H O RTCU T

When You’re Shopping for Canned Goods THE PERKS

Great prices, wide availability, shelf stability, and (often) clearly labeled cans HOW TO CHO OSE TUNA

• Scout out how the tuna was harvested.

Check the label for the terms “pole caught,” “troll caught,” or “pole-and-line caught.”

These methods result in less bycatch—the unintentional capture of other fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and birds—than longline and purse-seine fishing.

• Sustainable tuna brands include Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Mind Fish Co., Ocean Naturals, Safe Catch, Wild Planet, and American Tuna.

Look for these logos on the packaging of frozen fish and canned or tinned fish for instant assurance that you’re making an environmentally friendly choice.

Marine Stewardship Council

MORE DELISH FISH

Don’t overlook the other tinned seafood, especially anchovies. Because these little swimmers are lower on the food chain, they’re thought to be more abundant. And, from a culinary perspective, they’re invaluable—even just a fillet or two can add big flavor to a dish.

Smoked oysters and trout can be another smart and tasty choice. Again, check for an MSC, ASC, or BAP logo on the packaging.

¨

GET A

Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Best Aquaculture Practices

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THE REALIST

Organize This

Find What You Need in Your Freezer P RO O RGA N I Z E R S G I V E T H E I R B E ST T I P S FO R K E E P I N G YO U R I C E B O X I N O R D E R , N O M AT T E R W H AT M O D E L Y O U H AV E .

F O R B O T T O M F R E E Z E R S A N D D R AW E R S

FO R S I D E - BY- S I D E R E F R I G E R ATO R S

It’s a pain to bend over and rummage through messy stacks, so label and date frozen food on the side of the package that’s visible, whether you stack boxes or “file” them. You can write directly on glass containers with a permanent marker (rubbing alcohol erases the ink). For plastic containers, scribble the info on clear tape, then adhere it. Use stackable bins to keep similar items together. Just measure the freezer interior first to make sure the bins will fit—and look for ones with handles so they’re easy to pull out.

TO BUY: iDesign Linus Divided Freezer Bins, from $15; containerstore.com.

Since this type of freezer is narrow (typically only 14 to 23 inches wide), you’ll need to be strategic.

Remove store-bought frozen foods from their cardboard boxes, which eat up valuable real estate, and store them in a slim bin. (Snip off the cooking instructions and keep them in the bin as well.) Freeze soups and sauces flat in ziplock bags; once they’re frozen solid, stash them vertically.

This method speeds up thaw time too—simply place the bag under lukewarm running water.

TO BUY: Rezip Reusable Zip Seal Gallon Bags, $15 for 2; thrivemarket.com.

Find a handy list of how long you should keep (almost) every type of food in the freezer at realsimple.com/foodlongevity.

46 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Photographs by Brian Henn

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M A I T R A N

By Leslie Corona

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THE REALIST

KEEP IT UP

Set a reminder on your phone calendar to do a quick clean-out of your freezer once a month.

FO R C H E S T F R E E Z E R S

You use this type of freezer with the best of intentions…but then that value pack of chicken thighs gets lost in a frosty black hole and goes to waste. To avoid frustration, sort food by type— all veggies in one bag, all meat in another—so you can lift the entire thing up and out. Since a chest can hold much more food than a traditional freezer, keep track of items by jotting your inventory on the door with a dry-erase marker.

TO BUY: Simply Green Solutions Reusable Grocery Tote Bags, $20 for 10; amazon.com.

FO R TO P F R E E Z E R S

O U R E X P E RT S JAMIE HORD, FOUNDER OF HORDERLY PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING ANN LIGHTFOOT AND KATE PAWLOWKSI, FOUNDERS OF DONE & DONE HOME KATRINA TEEPLE, FOUNDER OF OPERATION ORGANIZATION KENDALL WILSON, FOUNDER OF PUT TOGETHER PLACE

48 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

These freezers usually come with a horizontal shelf dividing the space in half. Use that visual separation to help you create zones, and be diligent about maintaining them. Don’t go overboard—stick to a few easy-to-remember categories, like leftovers and premade meals, frozen fruits and veggies, and meats. If your freezer doesn’t have a shelf, add your own to prevent teetering towers of frozen goods.

TO BUY: Large Shelf, $11; closetmaid.com.

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It Grows on You WITH YEARS COMES CONFIDENCE. F O R T H E R E S A , T H AT M E A N T E M B R AC I N G T H E F E AT U R E T H AT BUGGED HER THE MOST—HER NOSE. H E R E , T H E S T O RY O F H O W S H E A C C E P T E D H E R S E L F.

By Lisa D eSantis

P h o t o g r a p h b y Ta w n i B a n n i s t e r

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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THE REALIST

Our hairstylist cut Theresa’s bangs on a whim and applauded her for being “brave.” Her response: “When you’re my age, you just go with it.”

Theresa Elvera, now 58, became acutely aware that her nose wasn’t like everyone else’s. “I remember thinking, ‘Man, your face is so long, and your nose is kind of long too,’ ” she says. That was when her comparison spiral began, lasting through her 20s. She recalls spending time with a good friend during those years: “She was blond, absolutely adorable, and she and I were just kind of polar opposites.

We would go out together—we called it ‘clubbing’ even though we were in a small town in Minnesota—and the heads really turned for her.

I felt as though I was just along for the ride.”

One of eight children, Theresa had siblings with similar features, but she felt alone in being self-conscious about her nose. She started experimenting with haircuts and using more makeup to try to detract from what she thought was unattractive—but in time, she learned that no one else saw quite what she saw.

In her early 30s, Theresa had her daughter, Emily, and decided to choose confidence. (Emily, now 27, had no idea her mom ever disliked her nose until we began writing this story.) Five years ago, when her father passed away, Theresa had another epiphany. She realized that her nose was the very feature that made her look so much like him, and his grandmother before him. What once made her insecure has become something she celebrates, she says: “I look at myself now and think, ‘How could I have ever thought my nose wasn’t a good thing?’ ”

52 RE AL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 “Sunscreen has become my friend big-time,” Theresa says. “When I wear sunglasses, the sun reflects onto my nose.

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SKIN SMO OTHER

Eminence Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzfoliant “I have the oily skin of a 17-year-old, but that means fewer wrinkles,” she jokes. This resurfacing treatment removes dead skin and sebum buildup.

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THE REALIST

Real Simplifier

Prep for a Long Car Ride W H E T H E R YO U ’R E E M BA R K I N G O N A S P R I N G B R E A K ROA D T R I P O R JUST HE ADING OUT FOR AN AF TERNO ON DRIVE, THESE TIP S WILL MAKE T H E J O U R N E Y M O R E J O Y F U L A N D L E S S “A R E W E T H E R E Y E T ? ” B y To v e D a n o v i c h

1

2

3

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5

G I V E YO U R C A R A C H EC KU P

P L A N YO U R RO U T E

PA C K I T R I G H T

S E T U P YO U R S E AT

MA XIMIZE MILEAGE

Aim to find a single spot where you can take a break, get gas, eat, use the bathroom, and spend time outside, Murphy says. Apps like GasBuddy and iExit (free; iOS and Android) can help you locate the cheapest gas stations; iExit also shows places to eat. The Roadtrippers app (free; iOS and Android) is a great way to discover fun locales that can turn a break into a quick, family-friendly diversion. On a longer trip, take a break every two hours or 100 miles.

It’s good for your body and will make you a more alert driver, says Jeanette Casselano, a spokesperson for AAA.

Look up your vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) in the manual to find out how much total weight your car can hold. Subtract the car’s curb weight and passenger weight to calculate how many pounds of cargo you can add. Don’t overload your car, which is bad for gas mileage, tires, and safety.

When you pack, stow heavy items low and toward the car’s center, putting progressively lighter items on top, Murphy says. This method limits the danger from projectiles in a sudden stop and, by keeping the car’s center of gravity low, can help prevent rollover.

Adjust the seat height to keep your hips slightly higher than your knees.

If you have bucket seats, you may want to place a cushion or rolled towel behind the small of your back, says Robert Gillanders, a doctor of physical therapy in Bethesda, Maryland. The steering wheel should be close enough that you can grip it without locking your elbows. The ol’ “10 and 2” hand position is no longer considered the safest, due to steering wheel airbags. Instead, try 9 and 3. Once you’re comfortable, adjust your mirrors so you can see out of them without craning your neck.

Frequent braking and accelerating can put a dent in your gas budget (and annoy passengers!), so use cruise control on highways to maintain speeds. The way you pack can also affect mileage, especially when you stow things on the roof: Reserve that spot for light but bulky items, like sleeping bags and skis, and consider getting a RackSack ($230; weathertech .com) or an aerodynamic, hard-case roof carrier to help your fuel economy.

Check your fluids (oil, brake, transmission, and wiper), tire pressure, and treads, says Finn Murphy, a trucker and the author of The Long Haul. Assess the wear on your tires with a penny: Press the “In God We Trust” edge of the coin inside the tire groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacing.

If wiper blades make noises or leave streaks, get new ones before you hit the road. “You don’t want to find out your wipers don’t work while you’re on the highway in a deluge of rain,” Murphy says. Make sure your first aid kit is stocked, and program a roadside service number into your phone to save yourself the harried wallet ransack if a tire goes flat.

54 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

1 1 S U R P R I S I N G G O O G L E M A P S F E AT U R E S Hover your phone’s camera here to read smart ways to use the app for an even easier trip.

I l l u s t r a t i o n s b y S a m Ka l d a

Dust wasn’t meant to settle.

Wit h e v e r y tu r n of t h e c r a n k , t h e v a s t Wy om i n g l a n d s c ap e c h a l l e n g e s y ou t o v e ntu re f u r t h e r. A n d w it h 9 8 , 0 0 0 s qu a re m i l e s of p o s s i bi l it y, t h e re’s n o re a s on t o h o l d b a c k . T h e b e s t w ay t o b e c om e on e w it h t h e l a n d ? G e t c ov e re d i n it .

THE REALIST

Tre n d Wo r t h Tr y i n g

Arm Candy S T A T E M E N T S L E E V E S A R E F U N , S T Y L I S H , A N D S U R P R I S I N G LY E A S Y T O W E A R .

By Flavia Nunez

5 2

4

1

3

1 FLIT TY FLOR AL

2 PREPPY SHIFT

3 BL ACK B E AU T Y

4 S P R I N GY JUMPSUIT

5 SILKY AND SIMPLE

6 PAT T E R N A N D PIN TUCKS

The V-neck and sweet row of buttons are ultrafeminine, while the kneeskimming length and puffy sleeves feel modern. TO BUY: Ashley Dress, $400; chelseaand walker.com.

It has everything you expect from a Lilly dress (fun pattern, crisp cotton) plus on-trend puffy sleeves. TO BUY: Daniela Stretch Dress, $198; lillypulitzer.com.

It’s as soft as your everyday black T-shirt but much more special, thanks to the stitched floral pattern on the roomy, elbow-length sleeves. TO BUY: Tai Embroidery Jersey, $275; rebecca taylor.com.

Puffy, gathered shoulders make this jumpsuit dressy; the loose, wide legs make it comfy.

TO BUY: Tie Waist Jumpsuit, $179; anntaylor.com.

If your usual style is minimalist chic, try this sleek silhouette with understated bell sleeves. TO BUY: Pleated Cuff Blouse, $79; whbm.com.

The watercolor pattern and micropleated ruffle cuffs look great with a skirt during the week and skinny jeans for a night out. TO BUY: Pleated Georgette Blouse, $170; shopbop.com.

56 RE AL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

6

MIND EVERY MOMENT Check in with how you’re feeling with short mindfulness activities tuned to your emotions. stopbreathethink.com

DOWNLOAD STOP, BREATHE & THINK® FOR FREE Hover your phone’s camera over this smart code to download now. © 2019 Stop, Breathe & Think®. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. © 2018 Google LLC. All rights reserved. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

5 Things to Clean This Spring (No Elbow Grease Required) G E T T H A T S PA R K LY- F R E S H F E E L I N G I N A L L A S P EC T S O F YO U R L I F E.

By Sharlene Breakey

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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R E L AT I N G

1

Your conversations 3

One way we can “clean up” our conversations, especially with kids, is by talking about people as individuals rather than as part of a group. You might think telling your daughter that girls like math is good because you’re countering a nefarious stereotype. But in fact, when you talk about girls as a category, you set up a structure that allows other stereotypes to seep in. Get in the habit of talking about individual strengths; describe one woman as great at math, another as great at something else.

KATHERINE D. KINZLER, PHD, IS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY AND THE AUTHOR OF HOW YOU SAY IT: WHY YOU TALK THE WAY YOU DO—AND WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT YOU (OUT IN JUNE).

2

Your schedule Look for commitments in your schedule that fill you with dread— those things you’ve been doing the same way for years, like a weekly staff meeting—and create new, less time-consuming ways to handle them. Try walking-and-talking meetings. Instead of sitting face-toface, you can circle the block, which sets a natural time limit. You’ll also be moving and in the sun, and discussing hard things can seem easier. It works with kids and family too! Revamping how we fulfill our responsibilities can make them less onerous, and it carves out more time to do things we want to do.

SAM HORN IS THE CEO OF THE INTRIGUE AGENCY AND AUTHOR OF SOMEDAY IS NOT A DAY IN THE WEEK.

60 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Your wallet Keep it simple. I carry a debit card for an account that holds my allowance for discretionary spending (yes, I give myself an allowance!), a credit card for household expenses, a business credit card, and my license. The best way to avoid debt is to take out all other credit cards. Leave hard-to-replace things, like your Social Security card, at home. I store rewards cards in my iPhone wallet and send photos of business receipts to my email.

PACO DE LEON IS A WRITER, A COHOST OF THE MONEY DIARIES PODCAST, AND THE FOUNDER OF THE HELL YEAH GROUP, A BOOKKEEPING COMPANY FOR CREATIVE AGENCIES.

4

Your wellness routine Whatever you’re doing, ask how it affects your body, mind (in terms of mental health and interest level), and heart (in terms of passion). If it doesn’t serve at least two of these elements, let it go. I live where the London Marathon begins, and every year I’d get running fever—all I’d talk about with my peers was times, routes, and how great running was.

But I realized running was causing shin splints and backaches, and my heart would sink when it was time to go. Yoga, on the other hand, always energizes me, supports my mental health, and gives me joy. So I hung up my sneakers! Every mind, body, and heart is different. Only you can decide what to make space for.

ALI ROFF FARRAR IS A YOGA INSTRUCTOR AND THE AUTHOR OF THE WELLFULNESS PROJECT: A MANUAL FOR MINDFUL LIVING.

5

Your relationship Is there something that bothers you but that you stay quiet about to avoid making waves? That’s a “silent agreement.” Maybe you always go camping because your partner loves it. Now is the time to bring up what you want. It might be uncomfortable, but you and your partner will get closer once you acknowledge it. Don’t begin in frustration: “You never do what I want to do.” Instead, focus on your experience: “Camping isn’t as fun for me as it is for you.

I’d love to try an adventure vacation.”

Most of us have partners who want us to be happy. Working out silent agreements helps you get to know each other better and makes life more joyful for both of you.

MICHELE L. OWENS, PHD, IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND COAUTHOR OF SILENT AGREEMENTS: HOW TO FREE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS OF UNSPOKEN EXPECTATIONS.

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R E L AT I N G

4 Family Meetings Everyone Should Have G E T T I N G B U Y- I N O N B O T H S E R I O U S S T U F F ( Y O U R PA R E N T S ’ H E A LT H C A R E ) A N D F U N S T U F F ( YO U R B E A C H VA C AT I O N ) C A N M A K E L I F E S O M U C H E A S I E R .

By Anna Davies

Illustrations by Anne Bentley

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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what the queen first thought when Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from official obligations, allegedly blindsiding Her Royal Highness. But the couple may have avoided a lot of heartache—and international headlines—if the royals had had more consistent and clarifying communication. It’s a lesson we should all take to heart.

“Often we reserve family meetings for crisis moments, when emotions and tensions run high,” says Linda Miles, PhD, a psychotherapist in Tallahassee, Florida, and the author of Change Your Story: Change Your Brain. “Regular check-ins will help you and your family align, and it will be easier to get on the same page if a crisis does occur.” Miles suggests having group talks about key issues, such as aging parents, health concerns, and holiday traditions.

But the topics don’t always have to be so serious. Discussions of all kinds can help your family become stronger, happier, and more harmonious than ever. Here, some regular meetings every family should consider.

W E H AV E N O I D E A

The FamilyVacation Forum Nuclear or extended family AT T E N D E E S :

R ECU R R I N G : LO C AT I O N :

As needed

Dinner table

You want a beach chair and books.

Your 12-year-old wants to Instagram her way through New York City. And your 7-year-old can’t stop hinting how “educational” a trip to Epcot could be.

How do you align?

First, sit down and talk about what vacation means to each of you, says Gabe Saglie, a senior editor at the website Travelzoo. Is it spending time together? Trying new things? Reminisce about the best vacations you’ve taken, either as a family or before the kids were born. This shifts planning from “where we want to go” to “how we want to feel.”

Your kids—and you—can also make mood boards, online or on paper.

As the collages of amusement parks, beaches, and monuments form, you may see a common thread. A seaside

66 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

vacation with boardwalk rides and games plus scenic views of dunes, surf, and sunsets could tick the boxes for everyone. When the trip gets closer, try the “top pick” strategy: Everyone chooses the one thing they really want to do on vacation. Maybe your husband wants a surf lesson, your son wants mini golf, and you want a few hours on the sand with your book. Fill the itinerary with these highly desired activities.

If you’re planning a larger family vacation, put a leaf in the table and discuss budget expectations early.

Accept that compromise and alternative plans may be in order. For example, if your brother-in-law has sent you several links to sprawling Tuscan villas, let him know your family is budgeting x for lodging and y for transportation. The more concrete you are about what you can spend, the less chance of misunderstandings and confusion, Saglie says. Who knows? Your brother-in-law might offer to cover the difference, be open to the Sonoma trip you suggest, or decide to go his separate way. Once the budget is nailed down, touch base weekly. Share itinerary ideas via Pinterest boards, then employ the “top pick” strategy.

N E X T S T E P S : For an extended-family trip, imagine the worst-case scenarios (messy rental house, whiny kids) and proactively set up systems to combat them, Miles says. Creating a cleaning chart or planning a few breaks (screen time for everyone!) can make the trip more restful and fun.

R E L AT I N G

The GiftingGuidelines Gathering AT T E N D E E S :

Extended family

R EC U R R I N G :

Yearly

Existing family get-together LO C AT I O N :

The Senior-Care Summit AT T E N D E E S :

Siblings

R EC U R R I N G :

As needed

LO C AT I O N :

Conference call or text

Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger—or sprightlier, or less forgetful. But before you pass Dad a brochure for an assisted-living community while he’s serving you his world-famous lasagna, reach out to your siblings, Miles says. “Aligning can help you approach your parents as a unified front.” This meeting should include siblings and their spouses only, and it can be virtual—text, email, and video chats all work. The point is to make sure everyone is operating with the same info. Have Mom and Dad written a will, appointed an executor, and created an advance directive? Do you know where important documents are or whether a lawyer has helped draft them? Do any siblings—especially the ones who see parents in person most often— have any concerns about health or safety, or about the expense of their care?

This check-in will help you assess what info you need from your parents. It’s also a good time for you and your siblings to share how you can step up as Mom and Dad start to need more help, Miles says.

“Local siblings often take on a large portion of caretaking, so it can be helpful to offer practical assistance options now, before there’s a crisis,” she explains. Maybe out-of-town siblings can contribute financially, research estate planners or senior communities, or do some repairs or cleaning during their visits home.

N E X T S T E P S : If your parents are currently undergoing a health crisis, it may help to create an information hub. Use Google Docs or a taskbased board, like Trello, to keep everyone in the loop about doctor talks and updates. If your family is far-flung, an ongoing to-do list can help you divvy tasks. “You don’t need to live nearby to research physical therapists or place a standing grocery order,” Miles notes.

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This is the year, you vow, to stop the deluge of things from well-meaning family members on birthdays and other holidays. Rather than cringing when a package with your in-laws’ return address arrives, make your wishes known in a low-key way, Miles says. Bring up the topic in person toward the end of a visit. Mention how much you and the kids enjoyed everyone’s company and that you’re looking forward to making even more memories, Miles says. Then drive home your point.

Instead of saying, “Please don’t give us the five-foot-tall pink plastic kitchen,” focus on what they can give.

For example: “As we come up on Ellie’s birthday, we’ve been thinking

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R E L AT I N G

of shifting to more experienced-based gifts. We’re wondering if you’d be interested in joining us. If you gifted us a zoo membership, it would be a great place for us all to go as a family.”

Another idea is to skip presents altogether: “The holidays are so hectic, and the cousins love connecting with each other. Instead of a gift exchange, how about we use the money we would have spent on presents to take them to that Marriott for a night?”

(Seriously, all kids need is an indoor pool. And their cousins!)

N E X T S T E P S : Miles warns that you can’t make anyone gift your way. “If your parents love giving gifts, it can be tough to take that away from them,” she says. But you can set boundaries.

If Grandma insists she wants to give toys, let her know those toys can stay at her house, to make visits there even more special.

Rather than cringing when a package with your in-laws’ return address arrives, make your wishes known in a low-key way.

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The Safety-First Stand-Up AT T E N D E E S :

Nuclear family

R ECU R R I N G :

Twice yearly

LO C AT I O N :

At home

It’s a good idea to regularly touch base about safety. You’ll want to create (and then review) a what-if plan for home emergencies, like fires, and make sure everyone knows what to do if you’re separated during a weather event or other natural disaster, says Maureen Vogel of the National Safety Council.

Start with your home: Your kids may be years past babyproofing age, but it’s important to point out hazards to tweens and teens, Vogel says. For instance, do they know that charging their phones while watching YouTube videos in the tub is a bad idea?

Do they know what gas smells like?

“Just as you might have done when they were younger, consider household dangers, then discuss them,” Vogel says, adding that a warning about social media pranks might also be needed—kids may unwittingly take risks based on the latest nonsense they’ve seen on TikTok.

Older kids can be great problemsolvers. Ask them what they’d do if you had a medical emergency or they accidentally started a fire while home alone. Come up with a disaster plan together so you can feel reassured about their own safety smarts. “The point is not to scare your kids but to help empower them to make smart decisions,” Vogel says. Load emergency contact numbers onto everyone’s phones and post them on the fridge, and introduce yourselves to neighbors who could be helpful in an emergency.

Another item on this meeting agenda: a safety plan for an emergency outside the home. Do your kids and spouse know your phone numbers— mobile and work—by heart? Memorizing phone numbers is no longer a habit in our contact-list world, but it’s an important step. So is offering a disaster plan, even if it’s as simple as reminding kids to listen to a teacher, police officer, or other adult in charge if something scary happens and you’re not right there, Vogel says.

N E X T S T E P S : Have a similar safety conversation with your extended family. If your brother’s home is lost in a fire, would he be able to stay with you? If you can’t reach your sister or her husband, is there a neighbor or friend to call? Making a plan, even if it’s likely you’ll never use it, can give you peace of mind.

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R E L AT I N G

Good Read

Manual Transmission L E G E N D A RY C H E F A L I C E W AT E R S E X P E R I E N C E S F O O D — A N D H E R L I F E , A N D T H E W O R L D — W I T H H E R H A N D S D U G R I G H T I N . S H E PA S S E D T H A T U N B R I D L E D E N T H U S I A S M D O W N T O H E R D A U G H T E R , FA N N Y S I N G E R .

The author (left) and her mother on a recent trip to France.

Photographs by Brigitte Lacombe

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distinctive things about my mother is her hands, though I would imagine that the hands of anyone’s mother would seem distinctive to them. Those are the hands, after all, that soothe us throughout so much of our childhood, that change our diapers and swaddle us and hold us, and comb our hair, and apply unwanted sunscreen and antiseptic and Band-Aids. But there is something about the way my mom, the chef Alice Waters, uses hers—which is to say, with total conviction and without fear—that makes them so distinctive.

What other people often notice about her hands is her battery of rings: the stacks of unshowy stone-studded Victorian bands that grace nearly every finger. Having a modest treasury on her fingers doesn’t, however, prevent her from plunging her hands into whatever she pleases: a salad that requires tossing, shrimp that needs peeling, a near-scalding broth whose bones have to be removed immediately. Needless to say, none of her rings are perfectly intact. But there is also something in the strength of her fingers—whether innate or from years of kitchen work—that I find especially unusual.

ONE OF THE MOST

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If there is a portrait of my mother’s hands that is most etched in my mind, it is the way she holds a piece of fruit as she deftly slips the skin from its flesh.

In this, her hands are a sort of mirror of her determination.

Don’t let appearances deceive you: She can pick up the largest cast-iron pan without a wince, carry a preposterously large suitcase that she’ll pretend is too heavy for her if I, her trusty porter, am anywhere in sight.

And yet I still register some horror at how brazenly she will thrust her hands into something. She also, more often than not, would at some point during a meal jettison her silverware and delve in with her fingers. I think it wasn’t so much out of a lack of concern for etiquette as it was a pri-

B O O K C OV E R C O U RT ESY O F A L F R E D A . K N O P F

Opposite page: At a friend’s house in Bolinas, California, Alice peels fruit. This page: Fanny stokes the fire in the Provençal kitchen of Lulu Peyraud, the 102-year-old winemaker and longtime family friend.

mal impulse to be closer to the thing she was eating. Her fingers told her what the mind and mouth would take longer to compute: Was a crust crunchy enough, was the fish cooked through, was the salad amply or under-dressed?

Given my model, I had little chance to develop particularly evolved table manners. I was freely permitted to consume most things with my hands. I don’t think I was ever once told, “Use your knife and fork!” A favorite finger food at Chez Panisse was what I called “inside-out sandwiches,” in which I would wrap several large, dressed lettuce leaves around a crusty crouton to pop into my mouth. Some patrons, regardless of whether they were aware that I was the proprietor’s daughter, looked upon the scene in mild disgust. When my parents and I traveled to France, where even pizza is consumed with fork and knife, I was regarded as a feral child brought up by a pair of Américains pitoyables (pitiful Americans).

The general climate of finger-eating in our household also meant that, for example, not a single paper brought home from school for my mom’s compulsory signature authorizing, say, a field trip would be returned to my school unmarred by oil stains or a swarm of greasy fingerprints. This isn’t much of a surprise, really, given that I once apprehended my mother attempting to “dye” a pair of pants in a pot of olive oil after having splattered them in an oleaginous constellation the previous evening. The washing machine has never recovered.

But if there is a portrait of my mother’s hands that is most etched in my mind, it is the way she holds a piece of fruit as she deftly slips the skin from its flesh. Our dining table, next to the fireplace, has always had a bowl placed at its center containing some variety of fruit. This constituted dessert in our house. I can hear the phrase ringing in my ears, almost incantatory: “Fan, can you get me a sharp knife and a small plate, please?” And it would propel me across the room to the knife drawer, which I knew to approach

with caution. There I would select a small wood-handled paring knife and, standing on my tippy-toes, pull a small plate down from the cabinet. The fact that she trusted me to select and carry a dangerous object even when I was quite small made this daily ritual exciting.

I would bring these things to where she was sitting in front of the fire—always, always, that same warm seat—and she would feel around the fruit bowl as if blindly feeling around in the dark, selecting only the perfect pear or the best apple or the sweetest fig. The finger-feel, the knowledge in her fingertips, strikes me as singular, though I know it is the gift of many chefs: determining the difference between lusciously yielding flesh and a fruit that is over the hill.

The best specimen would be chosen, and then a period of readying it for the mouths of family or guests would ensue. The time it took her to perform this sacrament seemed eternal, but in a pleasant way. She did (and still does) many things very quickly, but here the moment would elongate as she methodically relieved a peach of its fuzzy sheath or shimmied a ripe pear from its bitter, gritty skin. If the quality of the selection was in any way in doubt, she would sample it before giving it away. Otherwise she would slice the thing into perfect crescents and, depending on the company, ABOUT THE either directly put these fruit-moons in our AU T H O R mouths (I, her primary beneficiary) or array Fanny Singer is a writer and a them on a plate to be passed around. cofounder There is something almost outlandishly of Permanent generous about the act of offering away the Collection, an apparel and housebest of something rather than keeping it for wares line. She is yourself. And yet it was always like that with the author (with her: Whoever has the good fortune of sitting her mother, Alice Waters) of My at her side at a meal will be passed something Pantry, as well as a from her plate—but only if it’s so delectable memoir, Always that it cannot be missed. She would allow Home, from which this essay was herself only a piece of the second-best peach, excerpted. She lives the subpar pear, the plum that needed another in San Francisco. day, so that her company might taste the very best fruit. It was like that with everything, really: the perfect morsel of lobster claw slid from its pincer shell. Anything that took effort, that might be messy, but whose taste was a reward—she would do the dirty work and, turning to me, give it away.

Excerpted from the book Always Home © 2020 Fanny Singer.

Published by Knopf on March 31, 2020.

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Modern Manners R E A L S I M P L E ’ S E T I Q U E T T E E X P E R T, C AT H E R I N E N E W M A N , O F F E R S HER BEST ADVICE ON YO U R S O C I A L Q UA N DA R I E S.

I .G. A S K S …

Recently, my best friend of 30-plus years invited me on a trip with two friends I’d never met. On the trip, she asked what I thought of her new friends. I told her I felt they were boastful and competitive— mentioning the number of cars they own and all the musicals they’ve seen. My friend got offended, and the rest of the trip was very uncomfortable. It’s been a month.

I’ve texted and called but haven’t heard from her. Was I wrong to share my opinion?

76 R E A L S I M P L E A P R I L 2 0 2 0

When we host my husband’s family at our house, they have a habit of coming early and making the dish they were asked to bring, in my kitchen. They borrow ingredients, complain if the oven isn’t free, and leave a mess after I’ve already cleaned the house for company.

I have asked them nicely to bring prepared dishes; that didn’t work. Now I tell them to bring nothing. Any insight?

ABOUT C AT H E R I N E The author of How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn Before You’re Grown Up (out in May), Catherine Newman has shared her wisdom on matters ranging from family and friends to happiness and pickling in numerous publications.

She gets advice from her husband and two opinionated, largely grown children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

I think your husband’s family might be friends of ours! Did they once assemble an enormously complicated salad during a huge holiday meal, one that required every cutting board and colander and inch of counter space? Sigh. Moving forward, ask them to bring wine or ice cream. Or send an email to the whole group that says, “Thank you so much for agreeing to bring a dish! This is just a reminder that there likely won’t be much counter or oven space, so please don’t plan to make it here.” We’re so lucky to have friends and family in our lives, and generous ones at that. The least we can do is help them annoy us less.

I l l u s t r a t i o n s b y Yo c o N a g a m i y a

C AT H E R I N E N E W M A N I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y U L I K N Ö R Z E R

Oops! You mistook your friend’s question as a request for honest feedback rather than for validation. She likes her other friends; of course she felt insulted by your observations. (This is like when someone asks you about a haircut. Weigh in on the magazine picture, sure. But if the hair is already cut? Find something to like about it.) If you had a do-over, I’d say something positive: “Everybody laughs so much!” or even simply “I love that you all included me.” And now? Apologize. “I’m so sorry. I really don’t know your friends well enough to judge them.” Which is, in fact, true. Maybe they were just trying to impress you, or maybe they’re actually jerks. But either way, it’s your old friend who matters to you, and you can tell her as much.

M . D. A S K S …

R.B. ASKS…

I have a dear friend whose smell is very distracting. I don’t know what it is—maybe body odor or a food he’s been cooking. I want to say something but don’t feel it’s my place to do so. What do you think?

You’re right! There’s no way to point out odor without offending him, especially since it could be caused by illness, diet, or a number of other factors. So employ compassionate problem-solving: To mitigate the smell, try chewing strong mint gum, dousing yourself in your favorite perfume, dotting an essential oil under your nose, or meeting your friend out in the fresh air. That way you can cherish this relationship without compromising your comfort or embarrassing your friend.

K.L. ASKS…

What’s the polite way to ask to be removed from a group text? The number of messages often becomes overwhelming, and the topic stops being relevant.

I would simply mute the conversation. You don’t have to make a big production out of it, nobody will be the wiser, and you won’t be interrupted further by political GIFs or a debate over the exact meaning of “snappy casual.” On an iPhone, open the group message, tap the top of the screen, hit the Info icon, then switch on Hide Alerts.

On an Android phone, tap the three dots on the upper right of the message screen, then turn off the Notifications button. Done and dusted—and thank you for the reminder to protect our time from unwanted distractions.

L.S. ASKS…

I’d like to host neighbors for dinner, but some of them are so overweight that I’m afraid my vintage dining room chairs won’t support them. I’m worried that offering them different chairs would look obvious.

What should I do?

I shared your question with my friend Susan, who said, “Nobody fat wants to break a chair.

I’ve done it!” In other words, your guests will likely worry way more about your spindly furniture than you will. So make sure you have some better alternatives. Sturdy, armless chairs are best for both durability and comfort. Susan noted that a couch can also work, which makes a casual buffet in the family room another good option. In the end, inclusivity is most important, whatever form it takes. As Susan said, “the biggest gift is the host’s direct, matter-of-fact desire to put their fat guest at ease. If in doubt, ask, ‘Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?’ ”

H AV E A N E T I Q U E T T E QUESTION? Hover your phone’s camera here to submit your question for Catherine, or email her at modernmanners@realsimple.com.

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The Tools

M EC H A N I C A L H E L P E R

Attach this motorized brush bar to your Dyson vacuum to suck up piles of fluff from your sofa.

TO BUY: Mini Motorhead, $50; dyson.com.

Pe t Tr i c k s

Fuzz Busters K E E P C A T A N D D O G F U R F R O M D R I V I N G Y O U C R A Z Y.

By Juno DeMelo

Camouflage It

Control It

A powerful vacuum that can suction up embedded pet hair is key for tackling soft surfaces, like rugs and upholstered furniture. Use the brush attachment for stubborn patches. In a pinch, make short strokes with a damp rubber shower squeegee.

Wipe down hard surfaces with a moistened microfiber cloth, and run a lint roller over clothing. Before you wash clothes or slipcovers, give them one good, strong shake.

Repeat before transferring to the dryer. Throw in a dryer ball to help hustle any remaining strands into the lint trap.

To minimize the appearance of hair, choose rugs with a busy pattern or in a color that’s similar to your pet’s.

Vacuuming removes hair more readily from flat-weave rugs (like dhurries and sisal rugs) than from high-pile or certain looped rugs. Smooth, flat upholstery materials, like leather and microfiber, are also easier to keep fur-free.

Avoid sofas with skirts, which attract strands, as pets often rest or rub against furniture.

If you allow your pets on the couch (no judgment), cover it with a washable throw to simplify cleanup.

The best way to prevent hairy messes is to brush your pet regularly—once a week or even once a day, depending on the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. Breeds with a dense undercoat, like corgis and huskies, can benefit from a deshedding tool, like the Furminator brush at right.

Most cats groom themselves but could still use a little help from their humans. Comb short-haired cats once or twice a week; aim for a bit more often with long-haired breeds.

O U R E X P E RT S MELISSA MAKER, FOUNDER OF CLEAN MY SPACE JULIA MILLER, DVM, ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF DERMATOLOGY AT THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE LAURA OGLETHORPE, FOUNDER OF THE STATED HOME

78 RE AL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

H A I R C ATC H E R S

In the dryer, these act like magnets for pet fur.

Plus, they can cut down on drying time.

TO BUY: Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, $17 for 6; amazon.com.

PREVENTIVE DEVICE

This deshedder for dogs and cats removes loose undercoat hair, then releases it easily with an eject button.

TO BUY: Furminator deShedding Edge Brush, from $35; chewy.com.

G E T T Y I M A G E S ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Clean It Up

A STEP AHEAD FOR THEIR

BEST LIFE

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enduring and cherished childhood memories revolve around the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in Piscataway, New Jersey, a humble building just under an eightminute bike ride from my house.

I’d grab my backpack, strap on my helmet, and pedal furiously down quiet side streets and through a tangled, grassy path until I emerged in the parking lot, skidded to a halt in the designated bike space, and headed inside for hours of browsing. There was no greater satisfaction than checking out a new batch of books and stuffing my backpack full to bursting. It felt like a miracle to have a place that contained so many worlds waiting to be discovered— and all for free. (Though, full disclosure, in my case late fees were more the rule than the exception.)

For Yuyi Morales, a Caldecott Honor–winning Mexican author and illustrator of Dreamers, Viva Frida, and other children’s books, the library was an essential part of her experience after she immigrated to the United States with her infant son more than 25 years ago. Separated from her family and friends and struggling to learn English, Morales wandered into her local library in San Francisco and found a quiet refuge, free of judgment. “I was lost. I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life,” she says. “At the library SOME OF MY MOST

15 Efforts That Make Most Libraries Even Cooler Than You Knew T H E O FF E R I N G S G O W E L L B E YO N D B O O K S (THOUGH THOSE SURE ARE NICE!).

By Carla Bruce-Eddings

P h o t o g r a p h s b y Pe t e r A r d i t o

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2

Helping you find your roots

and through the books, I learned about the things I loved, I learned how you live in a place like the U.S., I learned what I wanted to do with my life.”

I didn’t realize until very recently what I was missing by only borrowing books—and how libraries have evolved with the times and adapted to their communities.

“If the traditional function of the library was providing a quiet space to read, it has already changed,” says Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist and the author of Palaces for the People. “They are centers of knowledge, but also community hubs and resilience centers. They are open to everyone and free for all in a world where nearly everything else has a price tag and a security gate.”

So yes, chances are your local library is doing so much more than lending books. Read on for innovative programs across the country, plus the unexpected roles libraries play in their communities. Use this list as inspiration to dust off your library card, visit your branch, and find out what it’s up to in your own backyard.

1

Streaming movies See if your library is one of the thousands nationwide that offer Kanopy, a movie-streaming service for adults and kids.

On most devices, it works just like Netflix—except it’s free.

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As genealogy tests and websites like 23andMe and Ancestry have exploded in popularity, libraries are ramping up their family-treebuilding services. We can’t all live near the world’s largest genealogical library—that honor goes to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Family History Library in Salt Lake City, which has 600,000 books, serials, and maps; 45 librarians; and 550 volunteers—but your local branch likely has some resources to get you started. Ask the service desk about Finding Your Roots events, and whether someone on staff can help you investigate.

3

Teaching languages

4

Looking to learn Spanish or brush up on your French? Your library might host in-person classes or provide access to Mango, an online program and app with courses in more than 70 languages.

Bringing in the dogs Stop by children’s reading rooms across the country and you might be greeted by a surprising sight: kids reading to four-legged friends. Through programs like Read with Me, Reading with Rover, and Happy Readers Library Dogs, registered therapy dogs “listen” to reluctant young readers as they practice their fluency.

5

Supporting the LGBTQ community From labeling book spines with rainbow stickers to throwing events just for teens, libraries are finding creative ways to make LGBTQ patrons feel welcome. Of course, there’s rich programming in large cities, like New York and San Francisco, especially during Pride Month in June.

But plenty of important work is happening in smaller communities too.

Katherine Cutshall, collections manager at the Pack Memorial Library in Asheville, North Carolina, has curated exhibitions for pride events and gathered oral histories, photos, and papers from her city’s civil rights organizations. She points out that libraries help preserve local LGBTQ history. “The most inspiring thing about the materials in our collection is to see the progress that’s been made,” Cutshall says. “Our community is resilient, and that’s reflected in all the material we collect.”

7

Encouraging playtime 6

Assisting the homeless Approximately 568,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness on a single night in 2019, according to a report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The demand for shelters often vastly exceeds supply—so some libraries are filling the void with comforts as simple as heat and air-conditioning.

In response to the prevalence of homelessness in its central California community, the San Luis Obispo Library joined forces with a nonprofit, Shower the People, to host a van retrofitted with three showers on Sunday afternoons.

The program was intended to run for only a few months, but it was so successful that “we decided to continue with the partnership indefinitely,” librarian Aracelli Astorga says. The library invites staff from Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) to visit once a month and meet with anyone who needs counseling. The TMHA staff also teach librarians best practices for approaching agitated library visitors. Plus, all services at the library are free—no late fees!—and people without a permanent residence can use the address of a local homeless services center to get a card. “Everyone is welcome, and we convey this message to our community,” Astorga says. By immediately addressing disruptive behavior, as well as offering compassionate care, the library is doing its best to create a safe, dignified space for those experiencing homelessness.

Children’s areas aren’t only for storytime. They’re increasingly being designed to promote play, which is important for early learning and development. You’ll find everything from interactive toys to climbing walls.

8

Opening other doors Your library card can be your, ahem, ticket to museums, zoos, botanic gardens, parks, and more. This isn’t just a major-city thing either (though a New York, Chicago, or Miami public library card can get you into many top attractions). The Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass Program gives families and adults access to museums, gardens, and a skating rink. Rochester, New York’s Very Important Places pass provides discounted tickets to the city’s philharmonic and theater.

9

Hosting your next event Need a spot for your book club or even a baby shower? Your library might have free or lowcost spaces for rent. Call or drop by the front desk.

10

Offering up the offbeat You might think you know everything your library lends out, but have you asked what unexpected treasures are available to borrow? Your library could fulfill a need you didn’t even know you had. At the public library in Keokuk, Iowa, baking aficionados can check out cake pans in many shapes and sizes (and share their creations with other patrons on a library-run Facebook page).

The Arlington Public Library in Virginia lists 15 American Girl dolls in its catalog (each doll comes with a carrying case, bed, and book).

Several libraries across the country now have programs for green thumbs to borrow, grow, and share seeds.

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R E L AT I N G

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Personalizing your reading list

Engaging the elderly

If you’re excited about a book you saw on a “most-anticipated” list, submit a purchase request online or in person at your library.

Librarians want to carry books that people want to read. Also, they’re good at recommending what to read next—so don’t be shy when you can’t decide.

More than 40 percent of seniors in a national survey reported regularly feeling lonely. Books by mail and mobile libraries can be lifelines for the elderly, especially those who are homebound. In Missouri, the Springfield-Greene County Library has implemented another way to reach out: Stories for Life, a program for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, encourages patrons to converse, share stories, and enjoy books.

Librarian Tysha Shay, manager of the Republic Branch, helped establish this program in 2012, after her grandmother died due to complications from Alzheimer’s.

“When we were going through that journey with her, there were definitely materials in the library that still resonated with her,” she says. “I read the Bible with her, and poetry. I could tell it made a difference.” More than 5,000 patrons have participated in the program since it launched. “You see brightness coming back into their eyes,” Shay says. “They’ll tell you, ‘I may not remember this, but right now, this is great.’ ”

DonÕt be surprised if the next time you stop into your local library, you see a child reading aloud to a dog.

Making music

14

Feeding kids in the summer When summer break starts, the National School Lunch Program ends for the year—leaving the 30 million children who rely on it without that daily meal. Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program or local agencies and food pantries, libraries across the country provide free meals with a side of storytime.

15

Lending books…without a visit You don’t need to physically visit the library to check out books.

Download the Libby app (free; iOS and Android), sync up your card, and start borrowing e-books and audiobooks. It’s just one more way libraries are making themselves accessible.

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I remember my childhood library in Piscataway as a quiet place, but it now hosts popular performances by jazz trios and other music groups. “If we had an unlimited budget, we would have a regular concert program,” librarian Melissa Schabel says. Some libraries even offer DIY options.

The Seattle Public Library’s central branch has two practice rooms—each equipped with a digital piano—that you can reserve for up to an hour. For those in need of an instrument, the Library of the Chathams in New Jersey lends acoustic guitars, ukuleles, flutes, trumpets, and more.

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W O R K , M O N E Y, A N D H E A L T H ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE

Smart Advice About Using Credit Cards in 2020 B E C A U S E T H E O F F E R S A N D E N T I C E M E N T S A R E E V E RY W H E R E , A N D T H E R U L E S A R E C O N S T A N T LY C H A N G I N G

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

By Kate Rockwood

P h o t o g r a p h s b y Te d + C h e s l e a C a v a n a u g h

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Q: There seem to be more credit card rewards programs than hairs on my head. How can I cut through the crazy and find one that fits me?

YO U M AY H AV E been using a credit card since your early college years, but how well do you really understand this money tool (or—in the opinion of some—trap)?

From balance transfers to travel rewards, credit protection to authorized purchasers, we tackle questions big and small to make sure your cards work for you.

Q: I have one credit card, and my sister has nearly a dozen. Who’s smarter?

Alas, we can’t predict Mensa membership by counting cards.

There’s simply no ideal number of credit cards. If your sister never carries a balance or misses a payment—and the rewards, discounts, and deals she earns outweigh annual fees and the hassle of managing multiple accounts— then good for her. If you don’t trust yourself with so much plastic (imagining creeping debts and late fees), you’re wise to keep it minimal. But even so, you might want to have at least two, says Shannah Compton Game, a certified financial planner and the host of Millennial Money Podcast.

That way, if the issuer of your go-to card tweaks the terms or unexpectedly lowers your credit limit (yes, they can do that!), you won’t feel stuck.

88 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

If you are like 37 percent of Americans and carry an ongoing balance, you want a much different card than someone who pays in full every month. Look for one perk: the lowest interest rate you can find. Anything below 15 percent is solid, Game says, but people with good to excellent credit may qualify for an APR as low as 7 percent.

If you don’t have significant debt, then you can reap some rewards. Consider the three main options: Cash rewards cards typically offer 1 to 3 percent cash back in categories like groceries and gas (some offer up to 6 percent).

Cobranded store or airline cards let you rack up freebies and discounts in exchange for brand loyalty. And travel cards, like Capital One’s Venture Rewards, allow you to redeem miles for hotel stays, cruises, ride shares, and other travel expenses.

Again, assess your habits. Cash back for groceries, for example, only kicks in if you actually buy groceries—that 6 percent reward doesn’t matter much if you’re the Queen of Takeout. Likewise, make sure you’d take advantage of redeemed miles; hotel-related rewards typically expire within a year or two, Game says.

Once you’re circling in on your final choices, check if there’s an annual fee. “If there is one, you really have to do the math,” says Linda Sherry, director of national priorities at Consumer Action, a nonprofit advocacy and education organization. “Will the rewards or cash back outweigh the annual fee? If not, don’t get it.”

Q: I’m applying for a car loan, and my credit is teetering between good and great. Is there anything I can do?

If you have good credit, you will likely be able to get a car loan— though having great credit (above 740 points) can sometimes sweeten the deal. Don’t bother using a service that promises to instantly boost your score, says Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. Credit scores take time to build and are generally based on your track record of making payments. “Improving a credit score typically happens over months and years, not overnight,” Palmer says.

You should definitely compare the amount you owe with your credit limit (a ratio known as credit card utilization), Game says.

If it’s higher than 30 percent, pay off as much as you can. If it’s still too high, call the card company and ask to up your limit. “It widens the gap between the amount of credit available and the amount you’ve used,” she says. This could give your score a modest boost within a couple of billing cycles.

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When you travel, opt for credit over debit. If your card is lost or stolen and you flag the suspicious purchases, you don’t lose money.

Q: I’m trying to chip away at my credit card debt, but it feels like I’m treading water. Any ideas?

Shop for a new card that allows for a balance transfer and includes a 0 percent interest introductory period (which usually lasts 18 months or less), Game says. During that period, every cent you pay goes toward the principal balance.

For instance, if you owe $5,000 and pay $300 a month, you could pay it off in 17 months. In comparison, depending on the interest rate and minimum monthly payment, keeping a balance could mean making 20 monthly payments to pay off the debt and foisting over $900 in interest.

Think of that 0 percent interest period as a deadline to obliterate your balance (yes, that might mean tightening the budgetary belt for a bit!). After the introductory period is over, the new interest rate may be higher than you want, says Elaine King, a certified financial planner and the CEO of the Family and Money Matters Institute.

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Q: I’m not into credit card rewards. Can I stick to just a debit card and simplify my life?

You don’t want debt, but you also don’t want to have zero credit history. Being a responsible credit card user proves you’re a reliable fiscal citizen when you go to finance a car loan or take out a mortgage. So get a card and use it for small, recurring charges—say, your monthly Hulu subscription.

Link the bill to your account so it’s automatically paid each month, without your having to lift a finger.

When you travel, opt for credit over debit, Palmer says. “If your card is lost or stolen and you flag the suspicious purchases, you don’t lose money.” Also, some hotels and car rental agencies may require a deposit from your checking account if you use debit—yet another reason to pack the credit card.

BAL ANCE

Q: What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Q: Am I nuts to consider adding my college-age kids as authorized users to my account?

Wasn’t it just yesterday that your kids were hawking lemonade for 50 cents a cup? And now they want access to a line of credit! Dry those eyes, friend, and consider this: Adding your children as authorized users could help them build their credit and learn good credit habits. Then they’ll have an easier time getting their own cards in the future. Granted, you’ll want to set spending caps and guidelines (late-night Uber rides? Flights home?) and discuss who chips in for what on the monthly bill.

Your kids could also get their own cards—but with training wheels. A “secured credit card” requires a deposit (usually about $200) that will be drawn against in the case of a missed payment.

Over time, your kids’ good habits will raise their scores, so they can qualify for traditional cards with higher limits and more rewards later. (You know, when their prefrontal cortices are fully developed.)

To protect your cards, snap photos of the front and back and save them in a folder on a passwordprotected computer, Sherry says.

“Save them on your phone too, so if your card goes missing, you have those numbers and the customer service hotline at your fingertips.” The sooner you call your card issuer and report the loss, the less likely you are to be on the hook for any fraudulent charges. Your issuer will freeze your card and send you a new one, sometimes as quickly as overnight.

THE CREDIT CARD P E R K S YO U ’ R E P RO B A B LY N O T USING No two credit cards are exactly alike (read the fine print!), but almost all offer benefits that can save you money, spare you hassle, or—hallelujah!—both. See if you can use your card in the following places.

AT T H E A I R P O RT: Free

checked luggage, lounge access, priority boarding, credit toward TSA PreCheck for faster airport screening

Q: I never max out my cards. Should I care about increasing my credit limit?

If you’re paying off your monthly balances on time, your income supports your spending, and your account is in good standing, ask for a limit increase if you regularly use more than 30 percent of your available credit, Palmer says (e.g., you have a $5,000 limit and your balance is usually more than $1,500). “You have a good chance of getting approved,” she adds.

A high limit isn’t that unusual—the U.S. average is $22,751, according to Experian. With an increase, you can charge more while staying below that ever-important 30 percent utilization threshold.

AT H OT E L S : Late checkout, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast A RO U N D T O W N : Free entrance to a variety of museums and cultural centers, ride-share credits for Uber or Lyft, presale access and priority seating for some concerts and sports events AT H O M E : Protection against cellphone theft or damage, free shipping from certain retailers, extended warranties

If you’re feeling weighed down by credit card bills, take a look at experts’ get-out-of-debt advice at realsimple.com/debtfree.

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M a k i n g I t Wo r k

How does your hobby make you better at your job?

By Caylin Harris

ELAINE GRIFFIN, INTERIOR DESIGNER ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

MARY FOX, GENERAL MANAGER AT BIC NORTH AMERICA IN SHELTON, CONNECTICUT

I collect matchbooks from restaurants and hotels. I love that many establishments go the extra mile to make these small pieces of real estate as interesting as possible. It helps me see how even the tiniest details, like color, embossing, size, shape, and wording, all play together to set the mood. In life, we often look at the bigger picture, but it’s nice to be reminded to make the mundane extra special too.

I make TV segments, books, even the hang tags on my products as meaningful as I can.

Painting and collage give my brain something to do with all the anxious energy from my high-stakes job. A lot of my work life isn’t very concrete, but going from start to finish on a painting creates a tangible outcome. I keep some of my favorite pieces in my office—just looking at them is a real mood enhancer.

The colors help me feel calm and focused, and the paintings are physical reminders that I made something beautiful out of a bunch of disparate pieces.

DANNY SEO, HOME AND LIFESTYLE EXPERT IN BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AND HOST OF NATURALLY, DANNY SEO

JESSICA HYLAND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE IOWA BIOTECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION IN DES MOINES, IOWA

For the past 10 years, I’ve been the leader of a Girl Scouts troop.

I’ve learned to give them flexibility to problem-solve on their own. Recently we were participating in a skills challenge where the girls had to work together and brainstorm. I refocused them when necessary but let them figure out much of it without micromanaging.

This has shown me the importance of empowering the team at my day job to complete tasks using their unique work styles.

It makes them happier, which leads to better performance and teamwork.

AISHA CABRER, SENIOR ANALYST AT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE IN LOS ANGELES

Finding time to read is easier than you think—see eight ways to fit in a few pages at realsimple.com/readmore.

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Illustration by Andrea Mongia

H E A D S H OTS C O U RT ESY O F SU BJ ECTS

I’ve been doing calligraphy since middle school.

Calligraphy is a very mindful act—you can’t think about anything else when you’ve got the pen in your hand.

The formation of every single letter requires me to be in the moment, and it’s strengthened my mindset when I meet with my clients.

To understand their wants, needs, and personalities, I have to be 100 percent focused on them and in tune with their vision.

During my first Class 5 white water rafting trip, I was completely convinced I couldn’t do it. But I did—and it taught me I could do anything in work or life by breaking it down into smaller parts. If you look at any complicated river, there are so many intimidating complexities, like shallow rocks or rapids to navigate around.

But when you break it down, you can strategize each piece, ride to a stopping point, and assess how to move forward. This applies to work projects— from launching a product to managing a team.

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But How Do You Really Feel?

S T AY I N G A T T U N E D T O Y O U R E M O T I O N S C A N H E L P B O O S T R E S I L I E N C E , L O W E R A N X I E T Y, A N D P O I N T Y O U T O W A R D A C T I V I T I E S T H A T B R I N G J O Y. M A K E A S E L F C H E C K- I N Y O U R N E W H E A LT H Y H A B I T.

By Dinsa Sachan

Illustrations by Federica Bordoni

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at your Fitbit stats every 10 seconds. You look for suspicious moles after every shower.

But when was the last time you checked in with your emotions? Last month? Last year? Five years ago?

Big life events, like layoffs, divorces, and deaths, can inspire you to evaluate your headspace because you know you should “feel the feelings” before moving on. But habitually getting in touch with your emotions— rather than burying them or willing them to change—can help you assess your mental state and improve overall well-being. There’s no better time to start than the present: Keep reading to learn the whys and hows of the self check-in.

YO U S N E A K A P E E K

What your emotions can do for you Regularly pausing to acknowledge the full spectrum of your feelings has a host of science-backed payoffs. People who accept their unpleasant thoughts and moods without judgment may be less affected by everyday problems than those who evade them, a 2018 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found. Ignoring your feelings can provide quick relief—but if you don’t acknowledge them, they can eventually snowball into bigger mental health problems (like depression). It’s equally important to recognize the good stuff.

In a study of older adults, those who took the time to appreciate life’s little joys were more resilient and less depressed than those who didn’t savor them, as reported in a 2017 issue of the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

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How to tune in to your feelings Think of emotional check-ins as daily “micro-introspections.” Start by doing a body scan from head to toe, advises Heather Ford, a licensed professional counselor and the director of social services at Destiny Springs Behavioral Health Hospital in Surprise, Arizona. Is your heart rate slow? Are your shoulders relaxed? Is there a lightness in your chest? “Recognize how your body is feeling,” Ford says. You’ll notice patterns in your body’s response to emotions. For example, anxiety might give you sweaty palms or, less obviously, make you play with your hair or tap your foot. “If you can learn your first signs or symptoms of anxiety, you can insert some kind of intervention—like deep breathing—that helps bring you back down,” Ford says.

You also want to direct your attention to your mind: What are you thinking or feeling in the moment? Feeling “low” or even “miserable” might be your starting point, but drill down to the exact emotion. Are you actually feeling guilt? Sadness? Jealousy? The more specific you can be, the better. In a recent study, teens who were able to describe emotions using precise language were less likely to develop increased depressive symptoms than those who used vague terms (like “upset” or “bad”) to describe their mental state.

If this sounds daunting, start slowly, suggests Jennifer Harsh Caspari, PhD, assistant professor and director of behavioral medicine for internal medicine at the University

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Putting self-reflection into practice

of Nebraska Medical Center. “When a thought or feeling comes up, take a step back and consider saying something along the lines of ‘Isn’t that interesting?’ ” she suggests. “Do that for a few days, rather than starting off by labeling your emotions— which can be a really hard first step.”

So the next time you get off the phone with Mom (or your sister or boss), Caspari says, assess your thoughts: “This is what I’m thinking, even if I don’t exactly know what I’m feeling.”

Once you can identify your feelings from day to day, you’ll start to see the benefits. It helps prevent emotional upheavals if a crisis strikes, explains Simon Rego, PsyD, chief psychologist at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. After a day of frustrations, you’ll be less likely to absolutely lose it on the poor unsuspecting stock person at the drugstore. “Once you become aware of what you’re feeling, it helps create a bit of space to diminish its intensity,” he says. “Now you are observing it rather than being overwhelmed by it.” Not convinced?

Here’s proof: People with a phobia of public speaking who voiced their fears before making a speech were more relaxed after presenting than those who didn’t acknowledge their anxiety, a study at UCLA found.

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Check-ins are like physical exercise: To get the most benefit from them, you have to do them regularly.

“These skills work best if we learn them when our emotions aren’t so intense. Then we can apply them at times that are more challenging,” Rego says. In other words, practice.

Period.

Rego suggests checking in with yourself once a day to start. “The beginning of the day or around the time you begin your bedtime routine is ideal,” he says. Fitting a check-in into your schedule should be painless, says Jason Moser, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University. Just 5 to 10 minutes is enough time to get a quick roundup of your thoughts and emotions.

Also, tailor the check-in to the moment. If you’re doing it at night, think about how your day went, Ford says: “What were some positive moments? Maybe there were things you wish had gone differently; check in on how you felt about them.” If you’re a morning person who wants to pair your check-in with your cup of coffee or meditation practice, ask yourself, “How am I feeling as I approach the day? What’s coming up? How do I feel about it?” says Maryanna D. Klatt, PhD, a professor in the department of family medicine at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start checking in during other daily activities, Rego says—for example, while taking your evening stroll or sitting behind the wheel in traffic (though we can bet what your emotions will be at that moment!).

To make this habit really stick, Klatt suggests using a physical action as your prompt. Whenever you touch your boss’s office doorknob before joining her for an important meeting, ask yourself, “Am I clear or muddled?”

If it helps you unpack your current mood, try taking notes in a journal or on your phone’s note-taking app. “Writing has the added benefit of giving you some perspective because you can see your thoughts on paper or the screen,” Moser says.

The power of knowing yourself better Check-ins can help you decide if you need to do something about your emotions or just accept them.

For instance, experiencing fleeting sadness or nostalgia isn’t always a cause for alarm; in some cases, your emotional response may make complete sense. If you’ve lost a loved one, Rego says, it’s normal to feel sad, bereft, and a bit depressed for a while. Similarly, he says, you might feel more anxious and on guard after witnessing a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a wildfire. By simply acknowledging your feelings, you can put some much-needed distance between yourself and the event.

Identifying your emotions will also help you see a connection between cause and effect—and allow you to direct your life toward happiness, Klatt explains. “If something is impacting you in a positive way, maybe you want to increase the experience,” she says. For example, if hanging out with a friend cheers you up, then that’s a signal you need to spend more time with them. Now that you know what makes you feel great, you can seek it out as needed.

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Ahhh...

When you’re anxious, try grounding yourself in the moment to restore your sense of balance. Explore the places you feel your body touching a surface—notice the grass, the bed, the hard floor, or whatever it may be. Bring all your attention to the weight of your body itself.

Now feel the sensation of gravity pulling you into the earth.

See if you can carry any of this groundedness with you through the day.

STO C KSY

—JAMIE PRICE, Stop, Breathe & Think

For more meditations like this one, download the Stop, Breathe & Think app (free; iOS and Android).

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APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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S ANITIZE VS. DISINFECT: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

THE DOWN & DIRT Y ON

No, they’re not the same thing. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level; disinfecting actually kills almost all the germs.

SUPPLIES Brush up on the powers— and limitations—of your cleaning staples.

ESSENTIAL OILS Make DIY cleaners smell great.

“Essential oils help vinegar-based cleaning solutions become a bit more pleasant, especially if you’re new to green cleaning,” says Becky Rapinchuk, a cleaning expert and the author of Clean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home. Choose oils labeled “100 percent pure” (like those from Plant Therapy), she adds, to make sure they don’t contain unnecessary additives.

D O:

VINEGAR Sanitize.

Yeah, the stuff you use for salad dressing is also great at slashing bacteria. “You can go a long way toward reducing organisms by rubbing a surface with distilled white vinegar and water,” says Philip Tierno, PhD, clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

D OES:

Disinfect.

To disinfect, an ingredient must kill nearly all the microbes on a surface, which vinegar does not do. It’s strongest (and, unfortunately, smelliest) in its undiluted form, says Jason Tetro, a microbiologist and the author of The Germ Code. The more water you add, the less effective it becomes.

D O E S N ’ T:

You can use a vinegar-and-water solution on some kitchen and bathroom countertops, on glass, and in the washing machine, but avoid using it on marble, granite, stone, and wood, because the acidity can damage the surface. To lift stuck-on grime, add baking soda to your vinegar solution and watch it bubble up.

G O O D T O K N O W:

104 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Always sanitize or disinfect.

Studies have shown that clove and cinnamon essential oils may possess antibacterial properties, but they’re not powerful enough to be the only sanitizing agent in DIY cleaning solutions. If you’re looking for an essential-oil-based product that can serve as a natural disinfectant (and not just a sanitizer), go for one with thyme oil as the active ingredient, Tierno suggests.

D O N ’ T:

CHLORINE BLE ACH Disinfect.

No DIY solution disinfects quite as well as bleach, and even some experts who clean mostly green have it on hand. “Under my sink right now, you’ll find baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and a bottle of bleach,” says Charles MacPherson, author of The Pocket Butler’s Guide to Good Housekeeping.

To properly disinfect surfaces after you or a housemate gets sick, use one-third cup of bleach per gallon of water. To disinfect after handling raw meat, use one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

D OES:

Immediately result in environmental catastrophe—at least with careful, every-once-in-a-while household use. Bleach can be harmful in high concentrations, but a bit of bleach diluted with water going down your drain is acceptable.

D O E S N ’ T:

If you want to keep your cleaning routine completely au naturel, remove the very top layer (avoiding the pith) from an orange or lemon with a vegetable peeler. Add it to your spray bottle of vinegar water for a pleasant aroma.

G O O D T O K N O W:

Nonchlorine bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach (it uses hydrogen peroxide to lift stains from clothing). However, there are no nonchlorine bleach products registered as disinfectants with the Environmental Protection Agency.

G O O D T O K N O W:

STE AM

DISPOSABLE WIPES

Sanitize without the use of chemicals.

Superheated vapor is the ultimate green cleaner because it’s just water, says Donna Smallin Kuper, a certified housecleaning technician. It can significantly reduce bacteria (the high temps essentially incinerate them), and the hot moisture loosens embedded dirt and grime, letting you use less elbow grease.

Disinfect when you’re in a pinch.

(We agree: Keeping a tub of these in your car is incredibly convenient.)

D O:

D OES:

Work everywhere.

On painted surfaces, like walls and furniture, steam can cause peeling.

On certain other surfaces, like brick, marble, and wood, it can lead to buckling or warping.

D O E S N ’ T:

Decompose.

Most cleaning wipes are not biodegradable and can clog up sewer systems. In 2017, an 820-foot-long “fatberg,” or huge mass of solid waste containing sanitary products (like wipes) and cooking grease, was discovered in a London sewer.

D O N ’ T:

M I C RO F I B E R C L O T H S Clean better than paper towels or cotton rags.

As the name implies, microfiber cloths are made up of teeny-tiny synthetic fibers, each of which helps pick up more debris than that wad of paper towels. They can also leave windows streak-free, whereas cotton rags may deposit lint.

D O:

Biodegrade.

When you wash them, they can shed microscopic strands of plastic that end up in our waterways. Consider installing a Filtrol ($140; filtrol.net) in your washing machine to catch those fibers and minimize pollution from all your laundry.

A reusable cloth without disinfectant is a fine option for routine cleaning, according to the Environmental Working Group.

G O O D T O K N O W:

D O N ’ T:

G O O D T O K N O W: You can sanitize floor tiles with a steam mop. Try a handheld version, like Bissell’s Steam Shot Handheld Hard Surface Steam Cleaner ($40; bissell.com), on sealed countertops, glass shower doors, and even mattresses. Allergy sufferers may benefit from steam cleaning, as the process helps kill dust mites.

Cotton cleaning cloths and cellulose-cotton Swedish dishcloths are sustainable and biodegradable (when they eventually wear out).

G O O D T O K N O W:

WA S T E L E S S In addition to cutting back on wipes, focus on the number of packaged cleaners you own and what you can live without or DIY instead.

Consider using up what you have, even if it’s not a product you’d purchase again, then thoroughly clean spray bottles and fill them with your homemade solutions, suggests cleaning expert Melissa Maker. If you want to immediately get rid of the packaged goods, ask a friend or neighbor if they would like to finish them. Recycle whatever you can—check with your local recycling program on how to handle different types of plastics or aerosols.

TRICLOS AN Kill microbes.

For decades, it’s been a popular additive to products like soap and toothpaste.

D OES:

Keep you safe from all dangerous strains of bacteria.

A few studies have suggested that when exposed to triclosan, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. Triclosan was banned by the FDA, but only from certain soaps.

D O E S N ’ T:

The FDA requires manufacturers to list ingredients.

Companies like Procter & Gamble and SC Johnson post ingredients online.

Rapinchuk suggests also researching items on third-party sites (such as ewg.org) or apps (Think Dirty, Shop Clean). Products with the Green Seal, Greenguard, or EPA’s SaferChoice logo have been certified safer for people and the planet.

G O O D T O K N O W:

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I O N C E S P E N T A W E E K with my neck

I CALL MY CLEANING “LIGHT GREEN” RO RY E VA N S

BY

108 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

in a brace after brushing my teeth too vigorously. I like things to be cuh-leeannn. During the mid-1990s, when in-line skating was the new thing, I got a pair of Rollerblades and the full complement of joint protectors. The skates I used for roughly 47 minutes one sunny April day in 1996, but I’ve worn the kneepads to scrub my bathroom‘s tiled floors for a satisfying two-plus decades.

Because if it’s not a scene out of Dickens, I find it hard to believe I’m really getting something clean. By extension, I’ve often looked askance at natural cleaning. How could the same yellow orbs my daughter turns into the stickiest ant trap of a pitcher of lemonade get my countertops shiny and spotless? Intellectually, I get it. But emotionally: Get Mama her Fantastik!

Lately, though, I’ve been leaning into the idea of taking my cleaning to the “light green” place—because surely every little bit counts. I now buy surface cleaners in the concentrated vials and mix a bit with water in a reusable spray bottle that (following in the carbon footprints of those kneepads) sees a good long life ahead of it. Whenever possible, I buy the products with fewer, natural ingredients. And oh glory! The limitless applications of baking soda, which I purchase in those cereal-size boxes.

I use it to scour the sinks, tubs, stovetop, and fridge shelves.

It has also made the leap into my personal-care routine. I dump handfuls of it into my shampoo as a scalp exfoliant and sprinkle it onto my Oral-B for brushing my teeth. Which, yes, of course, I still do with excessive gusto. But that’s between me, my periodontist...and my chiropractor.

E L E VAT E YO U R E C O - C L E A N E R S Spruce up your home with these grime busters—each of which has an earth-friendly spin.

WHY WE LOVE IT

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

Hailed as the world’s first bottle of glass cleaner made from 100 percent recycled ocean plastic collected in Haiti, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

When you’re cleaning mirrors, Maker suggests wiping in an S pattern to avoid streaks.

Donna Smallin Kuper raves about this electronic spray bottle, which zaps water, salt, and vinegar into a sanitizer.

The vinegar here is electrolyzed (so an electric current changes the composition of the vinegar with the other ingredients), making it safe to use on sealed stone, like granite.

A favorite brand among cleaning experts, Dawn now offers a dish soap formulated with biodegradable ingredients and essential oils.

Simply add a few drops of this gentle dish soap to water to clean marble and granite.

This baking soda paste has enough oomph to cut through hardened grease on your stove.

Think beyond your cooktop and use this cleaner to make your pots and pans, sink, and faucet sparkle.

Thyme oil is the star ingredient, so it’s safe to spritz around kids.

Use this spray whenever you need to disinfect, but allow it to sit for 10 minutes to help eliminate the bacteria.

Not only does the continuous-spray setting cover a huge surface area, but the spray nozzle is reusable. Just unscrew the empty bottle and attach a new one.

Safe for use on stainless steel too.

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner with Cedar Wood

Bona’s water-based floor cleaner is simple to use—just spray and mop. Plus, it’s Greenguard Gold certified for its low VOC emissions.

Use it with Kuper’s pick: the Libman Wonder Mop. She loves that the detachable, microfiber head is easy to wring out and throw into the wash.

L I Q U I D L AU N D RY D E T E RG E N T

One of Arm & Hammer’s newest innovations has just six ingredients.

Skip the hot water—this detergent works well in cold too, which requires less energy.

Not a fabric softener in the traditional sense, this rinse has a high concentration of vinegar that can remove years of residue and helps restore color.

If you have stubborn underarm stains on a well-worn shirt, give it a spin with this rinse.

FO R G L A S S Windex with Vinegar in 100% Ocean Bound Plastic Bottles FO R C O U N T E RTO P S Force of Nature

FO R D I S H E S Dawn Pure Essentials Dishwashing Liquid

FO R K I TC H E N S Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baking Soda Cream Cleaner FO R D O O R K N O B S Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray

FO R B AT H RO O M S Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

FO R F LO O R S

Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple FA B R I C S O F T E N E R 9 Elements Purifying Softener

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R S A U I P N R

AT S , O C ESE H T AND H , T S I G W S A ’ , BA E S R T E BOO , TH S CE A N L L A E R T CH N UMB E C D RY PER G 0 N 0 1 L Y. TAY I F S F G O KIN O O L AND

E M E BRIGHT BASICS When it comes to chic yet seriously weatherproof raincoats, Stutterheim is the leading brand.

Stand out with this color-block version and polka dot umbrella.

Fashion Editor FLAVIA NUNEZ Photographs by JONATHON KAMBOURIS Written by MARTHA UPTON

TO BUY

Stockholm Patch Raincoat, $395; stutterheim.com.

Women’s Grange Boots, $90; lacrosse footwear.com.

Signature Manual Bubble Umbrella, $26; totes.com.

POSH & PROPER Pop the collar on a polished trench that features a navy panel on the back. Add striped boots—plus a neutral bucket hat to keep frizzy tresses at bay.

TO BUY

S O F T S T Y L I N G B Y J O H N N Y M A C H A D O AT J U DYC A S E Y. C O M

Franklin Trench Coat, $240; bodenusa.com.

Women’s Waterproof Rain Boots, $70; landsend.com. Auto Open Fashion Stick Umbrella, $30; shed rain.com. Exploration UPF Reversible Bucket Hat, $35; eddiebauer.com.

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FRESH FLOR ALS Pleated in the back, this translucent pastel jacket is just what you need to make a (fashionforward) splash.

Keep feet comfortable no matter the forecast in ankle boots with memoryfoam soles.

TO BUY

Refined Part-Pleat Jacket, $225; hunter boots.com. Flower Press Chelsea Rain Boot, $65; shop chooka.com. Auto Open Holland Ditsy Bubble Umbrella, $45; verabradley.com.

S P O RT Y SLEEK Stay ready on those days of on-and-off drizzle with a lightweight utility jacket, an umbrella you can wear on your wrist, and a waterresistant backpack.

TO BUY

Original Nylon Parker, $185; hunterboots .com. Daybreaks Powered by Nina Field Boots, $120; nina shoes.com. ShedRain Hands-Free Texting Umbrella, $25; amazon.com. Waterproof Rucksack, $95; rains.com.

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ED GY O U T E RW E A R The cropped length and wide collar give the jacket moto vibes, and the umbrella closes inside out to minimize splashing.

TO BUY

Barbour Emma Casual Jacket, $500; bloomingdales.com.

Kensington Chelsea Boot, $70; cougar shoes.com. Unbelievabrella Reverse Umbrella, $30; shed rain.com. Clear Wide Brimmed Rain Hat, $40; totes.com.

CL ASSIC COOL You can weather anything in duck boots and a timeless, trend-resistant yellow slicker.

TO BUY

Shoreside Rain Coat, $150; joulesusa.com.

The Original L.L.Bean 6" Boots, $129; llbean .com. Windpro Vented Auto Open/Close Compact Unbrella, $40; amazon.com.

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the

freshest flavor way to

HERBS ARE GOOD FOR SO MUCH MORE

T H A N G A R N I S H . L E T T H O S E B R I G H T, A R O M AT I C L E AV E S A N D S P R I G S B E T H E S TA R O F YO U R D I S H .

By A D I N A S T E I M A N Photography by V I C T O R P R O TA S I O

fr i e d h e r b salsa

Serve this zippy, chimichurri-like sauce over seared steaks or chops, roasted vegetables, or cooked beans.

Add punch to a weeknight stirfry by replacing ho-hum leafy greens with a fragrant herb.

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY R I S H O N H A N N E R S ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

shrimp-and-basil st i r- fr y

Including parsley and spinach in the pesto makes it a beautiful bright green.

g re e n r i s ot to w i t h p i sta c h i o p e sto

Mediterranean chicken with herby pita salad

Za’atar is a toasty, tangy Middle Eastern spice blend made with herbs and sesame seeds. Look for it in the spice aisle.

ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 6

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

50 MINUTES SERVES 4

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

2 Tbsp. za’atar

2 cups arborio rice

1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 3 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs (4 drumsticks and 4 thighs)

green risotto with pistachio pesto

shrimp-and-basil stir-fry ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4

1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 cup dry white wine 5 cups hot chicken broth, divided, plus more as needed 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems 1 cup fresh basil leaves

6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

6 Tbsp. olive oil

2 8-in. pita rounds, torn into 1-in. pieces

1 Tbsp. fish sauce

1 clove garlic, smashed

1 Tbsp. light brown sugar

3 cups fresh baby spinach, divided

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced 2 scallions, thinly sliced 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup) 3/4 cup torn fresh dill 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, torn oven to 400°F. Stir za’atar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Toss chicken, onion wedges, and 2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet, turning chicken to coat. Season both sides of chicken with za’atar mixture. Bake on lower rack until chicken is lightly browned and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, 40 to 45 minutes. (Move to upper rack once pita croutons finish baking.)

PREHEAT

toss together pita, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons oil on a separate rimmed baking sheet; spread in an even layer. Bake on upper rack until light golden and crunchy, 10 to 12 minutes, tossing once halfway through.

MEANWHILE,

lemon juice and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add cucumbers, radishes, and scallions; toss to coat. Add cheese, dill, mint, and pita croutons; toss gently. Serve with chicken and onions.

STIR

120 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

3/4 tsp. kosher salt 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 to 3 medium red Fresno chiles or 1 jalapeño, halved and sliced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired) 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced (3/4 cup) 1 Tbsp. minced garlic (from 3 cloves) 1 1/2 lb. peeled, deveined large raw shrimp 2 cups loosely packed fresh Thai basil or regular basil leaves, plus more for serving Cooked white rice, for serving Lime wedges, for serving STIR soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet (not nonstick) over medium-high until shimmering. Add chiles, shallots, and garlic; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

ADD shrimp to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture to skillet; cook, tossing occasionally, until sauce is slightly reduced, about 1 minute.

skillet from heat. Add basil and toss until basil just starts to wilt.

Serve over rice, topped with more basil.

Serve with lime wedges.

REMOVE

3 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup), divided 3/4 cup roughly chopped unsalted roasted pistachios, divided 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Cook onion, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large oven-safe pot over medium, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 8 minutes.

Add rice; cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.

Add wine; cook, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.

ADD 4 cups hot broth to pot. Bring mixture to a simmer over high. Remove from heat; stir once and cover. Transfer to oven and bake until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes (rice won’t be cooked through).

MEANWHILE, make pesto: Process parsley, basil, oil, garlic, 2 cups spinach, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/2 cup pistachios, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor until smooth.

risotto to stove over medium.

Stir in remaining 1 cup broth; simmer, stirring often, until rice is al dente and risotto is creamy, about 6 minutes, adding more broth as needed to reach desired consistency.

RETURN

FOLD in remaining 1 cup spinach, pesto, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Top with remaining 1/4 cup each cheese and pistachios.

M e d i te r ra n e a n c h i c ke n w i t h h e r by p i ta s a l a d

Leafy herbs stand in for lettuce in this crunchy salad.

Swap the dill or mint for cilantro if you prefer.

l e m o n - t hy m e r h u b a r b b re a d pudding

lemon-thyme rhubarb bread pudding ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SERVES 10

fried herb salsa

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 8

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving 1 1/4 cups plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided 1 1/2 lb. fresh rhubarb stalks, trimmed and cut into 1-in. pieces (about 5 1/2 cups) 2 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1 loaf challah, cut into 1 1/2-in. cubes (about 16 cups) Cooking spray 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional) together lemon zest, thyme, and 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl.

Toss rhubarb and 1/4 cup lemon-thyme sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

RUB

whisk milk, cream, vanilla, salt, and 3/4 cup sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a low simmer over medium-high and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 1/4 cup lemon-thyme sugar until combined. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks.

MEANWHILE,

Herbs aren’t just for savory dishes.

Fresh thyme adds an intriguing layer of flavor to this standout dessert or entrée.

oven to 325°F. Add bread cubes and milk mixture to rhubarb mixture and gently fold together. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring twice. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish lightly greased with cooking spray. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

¾ cup pure olive oil 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, finely chopped 2 tsp. chopped drained capers 2 tsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 clove garlic, grated (preferably on a Microplane) oil in a small saucepan over medium until shimmering. Add oregano; cook, stirring often, until crisp and no longer sizzling vigorously, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon; let drain for 5 minutes. Finely crumble into a medium bowl; set aside. Repeat process using rosemary, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove oil from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

HEAT

remaining ingredients to bowl with oregano and rosemary. Stir in 1/3 cup cooled oil. Serve herb salsa over seared steaks or chops, roasted vegetables, or cooked beans.

ADD

PREHEAT

until puffed and golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving, about 10 minutes. Top with thyme leaves and serve with ice cream, if desired.

BAKE

You don’t need to wash hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme—simply brush off any visible dirt. Rinse tender herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill) under water and pat dry. Or clean them in a salad spinner as you would leafy greens.

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TIPS FROM P EO P L E W H O L I V E I N

T I N Y H O US E S

BRIGHT IDEA Letting in natural light makes a tight space feel larger, so steer clear of thick drapery.

Living with less can make you abundantly happy—especially in your home.

GO V E RT I C A L Maximize storage space by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving.

Here, a bookcase doubles as a bedside table.

B y La u ra Fe nto n Photo graphs by We ston Wells

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TUCK IN Use a Murphy bed to quickly convert a living room into a sleep space.

THE LITTLE-HOME C O M M A N D M E N TS Yo u r s m a l l s p a c e c a n b e a w h i t e - w a l l e d shrine to minimalism or a cozy den of p ersonal tre asures. Whatever your st yle, I do have a few firmly held beliefs— commandments, if you will—that apply to ever y small space.

1

YO U S H ALL H O N O R T HE S PA CE YO U H AV E

Show respect and remain grateful for what you have— even if it’s not much.

2

YO U S H ALL N OT COV E T B I G GE R H O US E S

Yes, you can keep your Pinterest “Dream Houses” board, but don’t long for more than you need. Try dreaming about the ideal tiny home instead.

3

YO U S H ALL LI V E W IT H WH AT YO U LOV E

Edit the objects in your home so only those that are useful or adored (ideally both) remain.

126 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

4

YO U SHALL USE RE S O U RC E S WI SE LY

Living small is one way to reduce your environmental impact, but it doesn’t give you a free pass to blast the AC, skip the recycling, or drive a gas-guzzler.

5

YOU SHALL VALUE Q UA L I T Y OV E R Q UANT IT Y

“Want better, not more” are words to live by in any walk of life, but especially in a small space where your possessions are edited down to a minimum.

6

YO U SHALL N OT H AVE OFF-SITE STOR AGE SPACE

The answer to your home’s clutter woes is not an auxiliary space that’s hard to access and expensive to maintain.

7

YO U SHA LL BU Y O NLY WHAT YO U NEE D

Technology has made it easier than ever to borrow many of the things we use infrequently, from books to power tools to camping gear.

8

YO U S HA LL TIDY AND O RGAN IZE DAILY

A house does not keep itself: The secret to a happy home is for everything to have a place and to do the work to put those things back in their place.

9

YO U S HA LL CHERIS H YO UR H OM E

Protect and care for the home you have. The satisfaction you’ll feel when you do will reward you daily.

Test-Drive Tiny If you’re considering downsizing, try these strategies to figure out how small is right for you.

G O S LO W. Overnight change

isn’t possible when downsizing a lifetime of stuff. As you start to feel the lightness that comes with fewer possessions, you may feel more confident about moving forward.

GIVE YO U R SELF A FAL SE SEN SE OF

KEEP T OY S T I DY

S M A L L . Close the door to infrequently used rooms and note how long you can go before entering those spaces.

If you have spare bedrooms that are empty most of the time, it may be cheaper to pay for guests’ hotel rooms twice a year than to maintain a home with a guest room.

Stash frequently used toys in bins beneath your child’s bed for easy access—and easier cleanup.

BE AN ANTHROP OLO GIST.

Observe friends and family who are living in smaller homes than yours.

Try to glean what might work—and what won’t—for you.

R E N T T I N Y. Spend your next vacation in a rental house instead of a hotel to give a small space a trial run.

C O U RT ESY O F G I B BS S M I T H

C LO C K O U T

Excerpted from The Little Book of Living Small

by Laura Fenton with photographs

by Weston Wells.

Reprinted with permission by Gibbs Smith.

Hide your home office within a closet or cabinet so work doesn’t become a visible distraction during off-hours.

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CUSTOMIZE THE KITCHEN A pull-out cutting board and built-in spice rack stretch precious counter and cabinet space.

I T ’S T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S...

BASKETS

Add a few bins to the underutilized space above your cabinets to store items you’ve bought in bulk, rarely used appliances, and party supplies.

TO BUY: Aimee Arrow Baskets, from $25; worldmarket.com.

MAGNETIC O RG A N I Z E R S

Put the side of your fridge to work with a magnetic paper towel holder, spice rack, or hooks for cooking utensils.

TO BUY: Magnetic Kitchen Storage Rack, $50; theyamazakihome.com.

A Not-QuiteMinimalist Kitchen Checklist Virtually everything you want to cook can be whipped up with these.

1 paring knife 1 chef’s knife 1 serrated knife

KNIFE R ACK

A magnetic knife rack is a space-efficient way to store cooking knives and is safer than keeping sharp knives in a drawer with other utensils. TO BUY: Schmidt Brothers Acacia 24" Magnetic Wall Bar, $60; crateandbarrel.com.

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

C U T T I N G B OA R D

If you’re pressed for counter space, a stovetop cutting board can give you a much-needed work surface (while you’re not actually cooking, that is!).

TO BUY: Over the Sink/ Stove Large Bamboo Cutting Board, $20; bedbathandbeyond.com.

F RU I T B A S K E T

A trio of hanging baskets clears the counter and provides a spot for fruit to ripen.

TO BUY: Wire Three-Tier Hanging Basket, $15; worldmarket.com.

CUP HO OKS

1 vegetable peeler

Install a few cup hooks to the underside of your cabinets or along a wall to free up cabinet space.

TO BUY: Vintage Blacksmith Wall Mug Rack, $70; potterybarn.com.

1 can opener

DISH R ACK

An over-the-sink dish rack will hold a meal’s worth of dishes. Keep a microfiber drying mat tucked away for times when you have a bigger load of pots, pans, and plates. TO BUY: ORG Aluminum Expandable Overthe-Sink Dish Rack, $30; bedbathandbeyond.com.

1 whisk 1 spatula 1 rubber spatula 1 set of spring-loaded tongs 1 set of measuring spoons 1 set of measuring cups 2-cup liquid measuring cup 2 wooden spoons 1 Microplane grater 2 cutting boards 2 half baking sheets (18 by 13 inches) 1 set of 3 nesting mixing bowls 9-inch skillet 11-inch skillet

P E G B OA R D

The pegboard has been a classic way to make use of vertical space in the kitchen ever since Julia Child used one for her batterie de cuisine.

TO BUY: White Bello Pegboard, $25; containerstore.com.

1 stockpot 6-quart Dutch oven 2-quart sauce pot (this can double as your “kettle”) 1 colander 1 hand mixer

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I A C I L BR F F O

© Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

ILLED

SE

OF

GR

EAD

THE

c i s a b t u b g n i h Anyt

E E CH

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y C H E L S E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y A U D R E Y D AV I S

S PR IN G FO RWA R D It’s that time of year when a burst of energy eggs you on to revamp your routine—including your approach in the kitchen. Make crispy chicken veggie-infused by adding asparagus and artichokes (page 136).

Assemble a salad you’ll genuinely crave, perked up with raisins and a creamy sunflower seed vinaigrette (page 140).

Treat your friends and family to a big-flavor frittata, ideal for your holiday table or any other get-together (page 142).

These are the easy, vibrant meals you’ll want to eat all season long.

Photograph by Greg DuPree

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131

FOOD

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 8 portobello mushroom caps 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 8 sourdough bread slices 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, divided 8 oz. fontina cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) 2 cups packed baby arugula Cornichons, for serving oven to 450°F. Stir paprika, pepper, 3 tablespoons oil, and salt in a small bowl. Rub mushrooms with mixture and arrange, gill sides down, on a baking sheet. Bake until tender and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

PREHEAT

heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer onion to a bowl, reserving skillet.

MEANWHILE,

1/2 tablespoon butter on 1 side of each bread slice. Divide 1 tablespoon mustard among unbuttered sides of 4 bread slices. Top each with half the cheese. Layer with arugula, onion, mushrooms, and remaining cheese. Top with remaining 4 bread slices, buttered sides up.

2 sandwiches in reserved skillet over medium, flipping once, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve with cornichons and remaining 3 tablespoons mustard.

COOK

Easy Dinner 1

Portobello Patty Melts ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Vegetarian ✓ Family Friendly

PER SERVING: 775 Calories, 47g Fat

(21g Saturated), 97mg Cholesterol, 6g Fiber, 20g Protein, 62g Carbs, 1,497mg Sodium, 14g Sugar

Recipes by Liz Mer vosh 132 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Photographs by Greg DuPree

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y C H E L S E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y A U D R E Y D AV I S

SPREAD

FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

1/3 cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. tamari or soy sauce 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. sesame oil 2 Tbsp. canola oil 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger (from a 1-in. piece) 1/4 tsp. sugar 1 1/2 lb. peeled, deveined, and cooked large shrimp 3 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped 2 avocados, cubed 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions White and/or black sesame seeds, for serving Sriracha, for serving (optional) Lime wedges, for serving mayonnaise, tamari, vinegar, oils, ginger, and sugar in a large bowl. Add shrimp and lettuce; toss to coat.

STIR

with avocados, cucumbers, and scallions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Drizzle with sriracha, if using. Serve with lime wedges.

TOP

PER SERVING: 618 Calories, 43g Fat

(6g Saturated), 329mg Cholesterol, 10g Fiber, 46g Protein, 16g Carbs, 1,117mg Sodium, 4g Sugar

APRIL 2020 REAL SIMPLE

133

FOOD

2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 thick-cut bacon slices, cut into 1-in. pieces 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

Easy Dinner 3

Stovetop Bacon Lasagna ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Freezable ✓ Make Ahead ✓ One Pot ✓ Family Friendly

1/4 tsp. kosher salt 3 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 8-oz. pkg. no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1/2 cup torn fresh basil, plus more for serving 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 4 oz. shredded Italian four-cheese blend

oil and bacon in a deep oven-safe skillet with a lid over medium-high; cook, uncovered, stirring often, until bacon is just crisp, 8 to 12 minutes. Stir in onion; cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add garlic, crushed red pepper, and salt; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir to coat.

HEAT

noodle pieces over onion mixture in skillet (do not stir). Pour crushed tomatoes and stock over mixture; sprinkle with basil (do not stir). Cover and bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, undisturbed, until noodles are al dente, about 10 minutes.

Uncover; continue simmering, gently stirring and separating any noodles that are stuck together, until noodles are tender and tomato sauce is slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.

SCATTER

broiler with rack in upper third. Dollop lasagna with ricotta and top with cheese blend. Transfer to oven and broil until cheese is browned in spots and melted, 3 to 4 minutes.

Top with basil.

PREHEAT

PER SERVING: 589 Calories, 24g Fat (9g Saturated), 50mg Cholesterol, 7g Fiber, 26g Protein, 68g Carbs, 1,133mg Sodium, 14g Sugar

134 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Chef Carolina Diaz Terzo Piano Chicago, IL

When you spend time artfully crafting your dishes, you need a pasta that’s artfully crafted.

Bronze cut for a texture that perfectly holds sauces.

FOOD

Easy Dinner 4

Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Artichoke Dressing ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

1/4 cup olive oil, divided 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups panko 4 4-oz. chicken breast cutlets 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 12-oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 1 bunch) 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 1 cup) 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon), plus wedges for serving

asparagus, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on second baking sheet; spread in an even layer.

Place asparagus on lower oven rack and chicken on upper rack.

Roast asparagus until crisptender, about 6 minutes; remove from oven. Continue roasting chicken until cooked through, about 4 minutes more. Increase oven temperature to broil. Broil chicken until golden brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven; season chicken with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

TOSS

PREHEAT

artichoke hearts, parsley, cheese, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.

Top chicken with artichoke dressing. Serve with asparagus and lemon wedges.

beaten eggs in a shallow dish. Place panko in a separate shallow dish. Dip chicken cutlets

PER SERVING: 659 Calories, 40g Fat (12g Saturated), 192mg Cholesterol, 6g Fiber, 40g Protein, 36g Carbs, 1,277mg Sodium, 4g Sugar

oven to 450°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.

Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil; coat 1 of the sheets with 2 tablespoons oil.

PLACE

136 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

in egg; shake off excess and dredge chicken in panko. Arrange on oiled baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter.

TOSS

A little bread.

A little cheese.

A lot of Wow.

FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Roasted Spiced Salmon ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Gluten-Free

1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 cup basmati rice 1/2 cup golden raisins 1 cinnamon stick 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric 1/2 tsp. coarsely chopped cumin seeds 4 6-oz. skin-on salmon fillets 4 cups packed fresh baby spinach 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium. Add rice, raisins, and cinnamon stick.

Cook, stirring often, until rice is fragrant and slightly opaque, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups PREHEAT

138 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, undisturbed, until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until rice is just tender, about 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. mash butter, turmeric, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Place salmon, skin side down, in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Spread butter mixture over salmon; cover with aluminum foil. Bake until salmon is firm when squeezed along sides, 20 to 25 minutes.

MEANWHILE,

spinach, lemon juice, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Serve salad alongside salmon and rice.

TOSS

PER SERVING: 744 Calories, 37g Fat (11g Saturated), 138mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber, 44g Protein, 58g Carbs, 1,213mg Sodium, 12g Sugar

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B e t t e r f o r Yo u

Superfood Lentil Salad T H I S N U T R I E N T - PA C K E D D I S H W I L L F R E S H E N U P YO U R LU N C H RO U T I N E.

By Ananda Eidelstein

2 large zucchini, cut into 1-in. chunks (3 cups) 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1/3 cup golden raisins 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, divided 1 cup dried beluga lentils or French green lentils, rinsed 1 clove garlic, smashed 2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated 1/2 cup unsalted roasted sunflower seeds, plus more for serving 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard Microgreens or sprouts, for serving broiler with rack in upper third. Stir zucchini, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black

pepper on a rimmed baking sheet; spread in an even layer.

Broil until charred in spots and softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Transfer to a large bowl. Add raisins, crushed red pepper, and 2 tablespoons vinegar; stir to combine. Set aside.

BRING 2 cups water, lentils, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a saucepan over mediumhigh. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Drain well; discard garlic.

Let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with zucchini.

PLACE white and light green scallion slices, sunflower seeds, mustard, and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a food processor.

Pulse until a coarse paste forms.

Scrape sides of bowl and add remaining 1/3 cup oil. Pulse until incorporated, 2 to 3 pulses.

vinaigrette into lentil mixture with sliced dark green scallion tops. Top with microgreens and sunflower seeds.

STIR

PREHEAT

140 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

Try more of our healthy vegetarian dishes at realsimple.com/betterforyou.

Photograph by Victor Protasio

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY R I S H O N H A N N E R S ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 4

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

PRESENTED BY

Make it a day ahead and refrigerate!

Big Batch

Cheesy Potato Frittata H O T F RO M T H E OV E N O R AT RO O M T E M P E R AT U R E , T H I S C R O W D - P L E A S E R I S A H I T A N Y T I M E O F D AY.

By Ananda Eidelstein

5 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (4 cups) 1 Tbsp. plus 2½ tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 large yellow onion, sliced 12 large eggs 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 12-oz. jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 8 oz. Manchego cheese, grated (2 cups), divided

142 REAL SIMPLE APRI 2020

oven to 350°F with rack in upper third. Place potatoes in a large pot and just cover with water; stir in 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over high.

Reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork, about 3 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

Set aside.

PREHEAT

oil and butter in a large cast-iron or oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium until butter foams. Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add potatoes and toss to coat. Cook, undisturbed, until potatoes are golden in spots, about 3 minutes. Gently stir; cook for 3 minutes more.

HEAT

whisk eggs, cream, bell peppers, black pepper, half the cheese, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until well combined.

MEANWHILE,

add egg mixture to potato mixture in skillet and cook, stirring gently and smoothing around edges with a rubber spatula, until eggs are scrambled in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to oven and bake until center is just set, 16 to 18 minutes.

Remove from oven and increase temperature to broil. Top frittata with remaining cheese. Return to oven and broil until cheese is bubbling and golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

S LOW LY

Photograph by Victor Protasio

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY R I S H O N H A N N E R S ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

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Fo r Fu n

How to Be a Person C A T H E R I N E N E W M A N , O U R M O D E R N M A N N E R S C O L U M N I S T, W R O T E A N E W B O O K G E A R E D T O W A R D K I D S — B U T H O N E S T LY, E V E RY O N E I N T H E H O U S E S H O U L D B RU S H U P O N T H E S E C L E A N I N G A N D L I F E S K I L L S.

snail boat

RIGHT

fairy spoon

W RO N G *

cookie spork

H O W T O VA C U U M The vacuum is noisy and scary and the mortal enemy of pets. Still, it’s useful for cleaning the floor. First pick up the floor.

No, don’t pick up the floor. You know what we mean. Move the stray Legos and Lego catalogs and slippers so you don’t have to vacuum around them and so you won’t suck them up by mistake.

HOW TO WIPE THE TA B L E A N D C O U N T E R S

*Unless there are pigeons living under your table

Move things like salt shakers and candlesticks out of the way.

Wipe up all the crumbs first by cupping your hand at the edge of the surface and sweeping the crumbs into it.

rooster wrench

H O W T O S E T T H E TA B L E If the Queen of England is coming

If it’s just regular people

tissues

gum

gold doubloons

H O W T O S O RT L AU N D RY

H O W T O P LU N G E A T O I L E T

Make two piles: “lights” and “darks,” assuming this is your house style of doing laundry (some families wash all the clothes together, which is fine too).

Go through everybody’s pants pockets and remove whatever you find.

Finders keepers! (Not really.)

It’s OK! It happens! Don’t panic.

But also? Don’t keep flushing. (Trust us on this.) Find the plunger. If you can’t find the plunger, you’ll have to awkwardly ask somebody for one. Push the plunger down and pull up until whatever was stuck gets dislodged and the water drains out with a satisfying whoosh.

Cross your fingers and flush again.

144 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2020

HOW TO FOLD A FIT TED SHEET Just kidding. Go ahead and wad it up like a normal person.

EXCERPTED FROM HOW TO BE A PERSON (MAY 2020) © BY CATHERINE NEWMAN. ILLUSTRATIONS © BY DEBBIE FONG. USED WITH PERMISSION FROM STOREY PUBLISHING.

Illustrations by Debbie Fong

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Prototype shown with options. Do not overload your vehicle. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. *2020 Highlander vs. 2020 competitors. Information from manufacturers’ websites as of 09/19/19. ©2020 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.