RS - July 2017

realsimple LIFE MADE EASIER

PRETTY HAIR & MAKEUP FOR BUSY PEOPLE

Your Summer Refresh 17 IDEAS FOR CALMER DAYS + LOW-TECH FAMILY FUN

PRO TIPS TO MAKE ANY HOME MORE STYLISH

EASY, BREEZY MEALS THAT FEED A CROWD

FEEL FOCUSED ALL DAY LONG JULY 2017

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6

Thoughts

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”

G A L L E RY STO C K

―L AURA INGALLS WILDER, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks

J U LY 2 0 1 7

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8

Editor ’s Note

the mostest, but more often I’ve been the opposite of that. There was the Super Bowl chili party of 1998 at which I ran out of bowls. The dinner party where I underestimated the prep time and ended up greeting prompt guests in a bathrobe. The cold pancake brunch (I thought I’d turned on the warming oven, but alas). There’s no excuse for this. I have many great hosting role models.

My friend Sharyn in Texas is calm and breezy while hosting a dozen people at the holidays.

Geoff in New York can perfectly grill swordfish while leading an engaging discussion about the best new novels. And there’s Real Simple friend Nate Berkus—on page 130, the entertainment guru proves it’s possible to throw a sophisticated outdoor party for adults and keep the kids happy, too.

I know my challenge: I assign too much emotional weight to the event. Inviting people over to break bread or sip margaritas shows them how much you value their company, I think, so how will they feel if things don’t go well? Then worry gives way to panic, which, cruelly, increases the chances that I will bungle things. The truth, of course, is that my guests will be fine. The point of hosting is the conversation and the community, not the flawless execution.

Knowing that intellectually and internalizing it are different things. So I’ve developed some hosting-coping rules over the years.

Deep breath: It’s dinner, not open heart surgery.

Don’t throw someone else’s party. Your friend’s cold poached salmon was great, but if you like bratwurst on the grill (I do!), do bratwurst on the grill.

Create a timeline and read every recipe in its entirety in advance. A glass of cava or a lemon bar makes this more relaxing.

Imagine the worst thing that could happen— you’ll realize the consequences are probably not as catastrophic as you think.

Declutter. Even if your turn as hostess isn’t perfect, you can kick back later in your calm space. Then think how nice it will be when your guests return the invitation.

Follow me on Twitter @lyazel

and Instagram @leslieyazel

J U LY 2 0 1 7

P H OTO G R A P H BY J E S S ICA A N TO L A ; FA S H IO N ST Y L I N G BY A LYS S A DI N E EN ; H A I R A N D M A K EU P BY M EL PA L DI N O W I T H N A R S F O R EN N I S I N C.

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Contents July 2017

ON THE COVER Your summer refresh: 17 ideas for calmer days and low-tech family fun 89, 146 Pro tips to make any home more stylish 65 Easy, breezy meals that feed a crowd 130 Feel focused all day long 113

130

Pretty hair and makeup for busy people 59, 140

How to throw a fabulous party

140

79

155

Make your makeup count

Pack right for every destination

Quick and light dinners

COVER PHOTO GRAPH BY CORE Y OL SEN PROP ST YL ING BY MEGUMI EMOTO

J U LY 2 0 1 7

©2017 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

F I N D

YO U R

TRUE NORTH YO U R A L L N E W 2 0 1 7 C O M PA S S

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52

Contents

77

65

153

59

Decor solutions

The best July recipes

Low-maintenance hair

Thoughts Editor’s Note Real Simple 24/7 Your Words The Short List

6 8 16 19 26

What We Love Beachfront Beanbag And more cool stuff to enjoy this summer 29 The Staple Coconut milk

32

Little Helpers Travel essentials

34

The Realist How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon 43 Real Simplifier Bartending hacks

46

Thinks Cooks Know All about grilling

48

Food for Thought Prep-ahead tips from our readers 50 Drugstore Insider Shop the beauty aisle with dermatologist Mona Gohara 52

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 36

Now What?!?

Smart fixes for life’s mini disasters

New Uses for…

Party hats

Road Test Beauty wipes

40

54 56

Air-Dry and Look Amazing Go heat-free, no matter your hair texture 59

Features

Instant Design Intervention The pros weigh in

65

5 (Nice!) Ways to Get a Loved One to Butt Out

Organize This Linen closet

73

The Vets Will See You Now A’s to your pet Q’s 110

Trend to Try Statement earrings

77

Balance

What to Put in Your Weekend Bag Pack light and still have everything you need 79

Relating

106

Be Productive When You’d Rather Be Playing Cure summeritis 113 How to Be a Good Boss at Home Keep your household employees happy 116

Get the Whole House Reading This Summer Family book club and more 89

How They Do It Five VIPs on habits that keep them grounded

Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice

The Art of Mindful Drinking Trending: a conscious approach to booze 121

97

Good Read J. Courtney Sullivan on learning to embrace a road trip 101

Ahhh

It’s a Pool Party, and You’re Invited Steal ideas from this gorgeous, all-ages backyard bash 130 Splash of Color When it comes to makeup this season, let one feature shine 140 Summer the Way It Should Be Lifestyle lessons from the 1970s 146

Food 119

5 Easy Dinners

155

Make It Yourself Go-To Vinaigrette

165

Road Test Frozen treats

169

129 The Struggle Is Real 172 Rituals 176

REAL SIMPLE® (ISSN 1528-1701) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TIME INC. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10281. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, P.O. BOX 62120, TAMPA, FL 33662-2120. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40110178. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADA ADDRESSES TO: POSTAL STN. A, P.O. BOX 4015, TORONTO, ON M5W 2T2. GST#888381621RT0001. SUBSCRIBERS: IF THE POSTAL SERVICE ALERTS US THAT YOUR MAGAZINE IS UNDELIVERABLE, WE HAVE NO FURTHER OBLIGATION UNLESS WE RECEIVE A CORRECTED ADDRESS WITHIN TWO YEARS. U.S. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $28.95 FOR ONE YEAR. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. MAILING LIST: WE MAKE A PORTION OF OUR MAILING LIST AVAILABLE TO REPUTABLE FIRMS. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE, REALSIMPLE.COM/CUSTOMERSERVICE. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE TO REAL SIMPLE AT P.O. BOX 62120, TAMPA, FL 336622120. © 2017 TIME INC. FOR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING AND SYNDICATION REQUESTS, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.TIMEINC.COM/SYNDICATION OR CALL 1-212-522-5868. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. REAL SIMPLE® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF TIME INC. VOLUME 18, ISSUE 7. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

G o

T me o a Q R n y

Run and Done

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p

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Real Simple 24/ 7 Follow us online F O R E XC LU S I V E

I D E A S , T I P S , A N D WAY S T O M A K E L I F E E A S I E R — E V E R Y D AY. Set your outdoor table with homemade candles.

Make them in terra-cotta pots, mason jars, or teacups. Check out the how-to at realsimple.com/ diycandles.

MEET

R EB EC CA LO N G SH O RE S O CI AL M EDI A MANAG ER AT R E AL S I M P L E

Favorite social media platform?

I love Instagram so much. Maybe a little too much.

W H AT ’ S F O R B R E A K FA ST Rebecca’s go-to brunch dish? A delicious and easy frittata, like this one she made on a relaxing Sunday.

Customize with your favorite in-season ingredients.

For a similar recipe, visit realsimple.com/frittata.

Dream vacation?

I hope I get to go back to Turks and Caicos.

The water there is amazing.

Favorite summer activity?

Hiking in Tennessee with my husband and our two dogs.

#

@RHLONGSHORE ON INSTAGRAM

#RSROADTRIP

Drink of the summer Why decide between a glass of wine and a frozen beverage when you can have both?

Meet Frosé, a.k.a. frozen rosé, your new favorite cocktail. For the recipe, watch our video at realsimple.com/frose.

It’s been viewed more than 50 million times!

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile this summer, share your favorite travel snaps on Instagram with #rsroadtrip and we might regram it.

PINTEREST @REALSIMPLE

TWITTER @REALSIMPLE

FAC E B O O K @REALSIMPLE

J U LY 2 0 1 7

S N A P C H AT @REALSIMPLEMAG

I N S TA G R A M @ R E A L _S I M P L E

C A N D L E S , P H I L I P F R I E D M A N ( S T Y L I N G B Y B L A K E R A M S E Y ) ; F R O S É , C O U R T E S Y O F R E A L S I M P L E . C O M ; R E B E C C A L O N G S H O R E , J E N C A U S E Y ; F R I T TATA , C O U R T E S Y O F R E B E C C A L O N G S H O R E

A J U LY DI Y

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19

Yo u r Wo r d s

What’s your secret to ensuring a relaxing family vacation?

Leave all ex p e c t a t i o n s behind. @ D U R I A N FA N

No cell phones.

Instead of capturing special moments with my phone, I’ve started to capture them with my heart and mind. Leaving the phones behind allows us to be present in the moment with those we love.

NIKKI O., ARIZONA

Start off close to nature.

Each year, my in-laws generously and graciously organize a summer family trip to a national park. Over the years, we’ve found that the most successful trips start off “rugged” and end in a fancy hotel with a delicious dinner served on white linens.

One can both enjoy and endure the outdoor plumbing, bugbites, and breathtaking landscapes knowing that the lap of luxury (and a hot shower) is right around the corner.

TARA O’LE ARY, BE AVER, PENNSYLVANIA

# W O M E N I R L “ THE L AUGHTER COMING F R O M T H I S H A M M O C K WA S T H E H A P P I E S T PA R T O F M Y D AY. ” @ J E N N Y M Y E R S P H O T O

We always invite grandparents to join us.

Everyone gets a chance to catch up, but the best part is that we have double the adults to keep an eye on the kids!

LESLEY POULTON, RIDGEFIELD, CONNECTICUT

For a road trip, lots of snacks and children’s audiobooks.

Matilda, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and all the Ramona books. Everyone is entertained, and no one is crabby from car sickness or hunger.

DARCI JABLONSKI, WEST BEND, WISCONSIN

I bring my own pillows.

If I don’t sleep well, then nothing else on the trip is going to go right.

TORI LYLE, HUGHES SPRINGS, TE XAS

Make the journey just as much fun as the destination.

We’ve listened to The Secret Garden,

Connecting hotel rooms.

Parents on one side and k i d s o n t h e o t h e r. A n d I make i t a point to never look in their room. (I’ll only want to clean it up!)

K A R E N S TA H L

J U LY 2017

20

Yo u r Wo r d s

What’s your secret to ensuring a relaxing family vacation?

A date night!

Before we go, I clean out the fridge and make a list of what will be needed when we return.

Then, on the drive to the airport, I place an order for grocery delivery and schedule the house to be cleaned while we’re gone. This cuts down on anxiety when we return, since I know we’ll have a tidy home— and food arriving an hour after we’re back.

JODI REYNOLDS, AUSTIN, TEXAS

My husband and I always make sure we pick one evening during the week when we can sneak off and have fun.

NAOMI GILL , COLUMBIA , SOUTH CAROLINA

Allow plenty of space.

I can almost always find a rental property for less than or equal to the price of hotel rooms.

The extra space lets us sprawl out, prepare meals or snacks as desired, and even get away from one another once in a while to decompress.

LEE ANN NICCOLINI, ELLICOT T CITY, MARYL AND

Take the first nonstop flight out.

Dinner Made Simple 35 Everyday Ingredients, 350 Easy Recipes by the Editors of

It almost always leaves on time.

With two small children, I can’t be stressed about making a connection or dealing with an increased risk of lost luggage!

ANNE P., CHARLOT TE,

The women who shared the photos in this column will receive our book Dinner Made Simple.

Tag Instagram posts with #WOMENIRL to be considered for future columns.

J U LY 2017

NORTH CAROLINA

Commit to less.

We took our five kids to South Dakota for a week with only one must-do on the itinerary: Mount Rush-

more. We got up when the kids awoke, spent lots of time at the pool, and took in the Badlands at our own pace. It was our favorite vacation yet reminded me that time together is better than rushing around to check off everything from the travel brochure.

# W O M E N I R L “ D O E S I N S TA G R A M H AV E A F I LT E R T O M A K E N I N E H O U R S O F F LY I N G W I T H A N I N F A N T A N D N O B AT H R O O M B R E A K S L O O K L E S S T E R R I F Y I N G ? ” @ M Y R I A H Z AY T O U N

TAWNDA ANDREWS, MANKATO, MINNESOTA

Plan the packing.

I make lists of what to bring in my list app from Cozi [owned by Time Inc., which also owns Real Simple] and modify it for each vacation.

I even label what everyone will bring in their suitcase or carry-on. This helps keep us from leaving items behind.

EMILY KRIECH, BROWNSBURG, INDIANA

Know when to let go.

As our daughters embarked on careers, it became too difficult to find vacation dates that worked for us all, and I put an end to our annual family vacation to Hawaii.

Fortunately, “aloha” means hello and goodbye, so last fall my husband and I went by ourselves and had a blast!

UPCOMING QUEST ION If you could invent something to make your life easier, what would it be?

Go to realsimple .com/yourwords and let us know your answer to this question.

Your response could appear on these pages.

SUSAN KERR, SAN FRANCISCO

The promise of happy hour eve r y l a t e a f t e r n o o n .

S h i r l e y Te m p l e s f o r t h e k i d s , b o o z e f o r t h e adults, snacks and chill-out time for all.

M A R I S A O P P E N H E I M E R , S I O U X F A L L S , S O U T H D A K O TA

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The Short List F I V E B O O K S T H AT W O N ’ T D I S A P P O I N T Offbeat memoir Tamara Shopsin spent most of her childhood at the counter of Shopsin’s, her family’s famous New York City restaurant. In Arbitrary Stupid Goal, she weaves together quirky illustrations and lively memories of the eccentric characters who shaped her unconventional youth, reminding readers that there is joy to be found in living a spontaneous life.

Gripping page-turner

Timely true crime

In Fierce Kingdom, an ordinary visit to the zoo turns into a struggle for survival for Joan and her young son Lincoln when gunmen open fire on the people inside. Gin Phillips’s heartpounding novel will have readers questioning what lengths a mother would go to in order to save her child...or someone else’s.

Reporter Monica Hesse heads to Virginia to cover the trial of Charlie Smith, charged with committing arson dozens of times in a fivemonth spree, with a lover and accomplice by his side.

American Fire is not only a twisted love story but also a portrait of Accomack County, Virginia, a once-wealthy farming community crumbling from economic hardship.

Great for book club

Foodie biographies

In this tender debut novel from Rachel Khong, Ruth, 30 years old and freshly disengaged from her fiancé, moves home to take care of her father, a noted history professor recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Goodbye, Vitamin follows Ruth as she learns to find humor, and new life, while caring for her aging dad.

In What She Ate, Laura Shapiro dives into the diets of six famous women, including Eleanor Roosevelt, notorious for serving the worst food in modern White House history, and Helen Gurley Brown, whose version of a splurge was sugar-free Jell-O. Shapiro makes the case that our food stories—what we eat (or don’t eat) and whom we eat with—can reveal the most intimate details of our lives.

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

J U LY 2 0 1 7

W R I T T E N BY N O R A H O R VAT H

P H O T O G R A P H B Y B R YA N E D W A R D S

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EVERYTHING OUR EDI TORS ARE BUZ Z ING AB OUT THIS MONTH

what we love

29

Beachfront Beanbag Upgrade your basic beach towel to this practical lounger. Fill the 60-inch sand- and water-resistant sack with beans (sold separately) and be the envy of the shore.

Sandusa Bean Bag Boss, $100; sandusa.com. Polystyrene beans, from $30; amazon.com.

COURTESY OF SANDUSA

TO BUY:

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE SISCO

J U LY 2 0 1 7

30

W H AT W E L O V E

“HANS ZIMMER LIVE”

MOVIE BUFFS WILL MARVEL AT THIS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING THE COMPOSER’S CLASSIC FILM SCORES (THINK: GLADIATOR, INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT). SNAG TICKETS FOR THE U.S. LEG OF THE TOUR STARTING JULY 13.

FIND DETAILS AT HANSZIMMERLIVE.COM.

F R O M T H E TA N K B OX E D W I N E NOW THIS IS our kind of juice box! Available in red, white, and rosé, each three-liter carton lasts up to a month after opening, since the liquid remains sealed off from oxygen. TO BUY: From $32; fromthetank.com.

RESEARCH SHOWS that the more regularly you take time off to travel, the greater your wellbeing. Travel + Leisure (a sibling brand of Real Simple) is encouraging everyone to use their paid time off by providing a daily list of the best travel deals. Visit travelandleisure.com/ operation-vacation to plan your next trip.

GOOGLE P H OTO B O O K S

THE BRAND’S LATEST FEATURE ENABLES USERS TO DESIGN A HARD- OR SOFTCOVER PHOTO BOOK IN MINUTES. SEARCH YOUR PHOTOS BY PEOPLE OR PLACES AND THE APP WILL AUTOMATICALLY CURATE THE BEST-QUALITY IMAGES TO INCLUDE. TO BUY: FROM $10; PHOTOS.GOOGLE.COM.

P O L L I N AT O R P U S H G A R D E N S ATT A TRACT BUTTERFLIES, bees, a d hummingbirds to your yard and w th the help of these no-fail wit f wer packs. Simply break up flow foot of soil, sprinkle out a square s e container’s contents, and the water. In two to three weeks, wa of wildflowers will begin a variety v to bloom—and should continue to do so each spring, summer, a d fall. TO BUY: $18 for 3; mod and prout.com. spr ro

J U LY 2 0 1 7

M E T H O D + C R E AT I V E G R O W T H BELOVED CLEANING brand Method has teamed up with Creative Growth Art Center—a nonprofit in Oakland, California, that serves artists with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities—to put artists’ work on its latest collection of bottles. The pretty designs roll out in Target stores mid-July.

W I N E , J A M E S R O B I N S O N ; O P E R AT I O N VA C AT I O N , S P O O H / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; M E T H O D B O T T L E , P U S H G A R D E N S , C O U R T E S Y O F V E N D O R S ; B U T T E R F L I E S , L I L I B O A S / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; P I N K F L O W E R S , WA L LY E B E R H A R T / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; Y E L L O W F L O W E R , I S T O C K P H O T O / G E T T Y I M A G E S

O P E R AT I O N VA C AT I O N

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Eyelove is not letting dry, itchy, gritty eyes or occasional blurry vision get in your way. And it’s talking to your eye doctor, because it could be Chronic Dry Eye. The things you do every day, like hitting the open road, reading, or working, can be affected by Chronic Dry Eye. And it may get worse over time. If you think your eyes are feeling different than they should, it’s important to find out what’s really going on with them.

Chat with your eye doctor and feel the love at myeyelove.com

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W H AT W E L O V E

Quick ideas 1 SATAY SAUC E

The Staple It’s a thickener that makes sauces creamy and a secret ingredient in ice pops. So if you’ve bought c o c o n u t m i l k only for an occasional curry, it’s time to expand your horizons; the flavor works in sweet and savory dishes, like fudge or even braised vegetables. Open a can and there’s a layer of coconut cream on top. That’s because the milk is an emulsion of coconut cream and coconut water, and the two separate at cooler temperatures. Just dump out the contents and whisk to recombine.

Whisk together cup each creamy peanut butter and coconut milk, cup fresh lime juice, 3 Tbsp. each light brown sugar and soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. sriracha, and tsp. peeled grated fresh ginger until smooth. Serve with grilled chicken or as a veggie dip. Serves 8.

2 GOLDEN T U R M E R IC IC E P O P S

Bring 1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk, 3 Tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. coconut oil, tsp. ground turmeric, and tsp. each ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely and pour into 5 -cup plastic ice pop molds. Insert Popsicle sticks and freeze until firm, about 8 hours. Serves 5.

Bring 2 cups each whole milk and water, cup arborio rice, and cup sugar to a simmer over medium.

Cook, stirring often, until thickened, 20 to 22 minutes. Stir in 1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk and tsp. each ground cinnamon and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve topped with chopped fresh mango and toasted coconut.

Serves 4.

RECIPES BY PA IGE GR ANDJE AN

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W R I T T E N B Y H E AT H G O L D M A N

P H O T O G R A P H B Y B R YA N E D W A R D S

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y E LY S E R E M E N O W S K Y

3 C O C O N U T R IC E P U D DI N G

Beet, Goat Cheese & Walnut Salad

Arugula, Strawberry & Walnut Salad

FOR THE BEST SIMPLE SALADS EVER

Per one ounce serving.

So Simple. So Good.™

Heart-Check food certification does not apply to recipes unless expressly stated. See heartcheckmark.org/guidelines.

Garden Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette

walnuts.org

Wilted Spinach Salad with Grilled Onions, Walnuts, Avocado & Apples

*Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant based omega-3.

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W H AT W E L O V E

- Travel

Edition -

Little Helpers 6 SMART PRODUCTS TO M A K E YO U R T R I P E A S I E R

4 T RAV E L TO OT H PA ST E A DA PT E R

Hotels rarely provide toothpaste, so take yours to go. This set includes a handy adapter that connects your full-size tube with a travel-size one for easy filling.

TO BUY: Toothpaste 2 Go starter pack, $7; toothpaste2go.com.

1 C O M PACT T R I P O D

Weighing just 2 pounds, this aluminum stand extends to 61 inches to support a smartphone or small camera and features a removable telescoping column and Bluetooth remote for snapping selfies.

TO BUY: RoadTrip Air, $175; mefoto.com.

2 S PAC E - SAV I N G PAC K I N G C U B E S

Organize your suitcase with these durable nylon pouches.

Sharing a bag? The sets come in seven colors so you can quickly tell whose is whose.

TO BUY: Mumi packing cubes, $50 for 5; mumidesign.com.

5 T WO - I N - O N E TOI L E T RY B AG

Streamline essentials with this case, which holds cosmetics in the zippered top compartment and jewelry in the softly lined lower one.

TO BUY: Stackers travel case, $40; container store.com.

3

These reusable polyurethane beauties will add a bit of flair to your rest routine. And the neon colors ensure they won’t get lost at the bottom of your bag.

TO BUY: HAY Be Quiet Earplugs, $4 for 2; momastore.com.

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POP-UP BRUSH

Style your ’do on the road with this full-size, foldable travel brush.

Its supersoft bristles gently detangle wet or dry hair without pulling.

TO BUY: Wet Brush Pop Fold Brush, $10; thewetbrush.com.

WRITTEN BY BRANDI BROXSON

P H OTO G R A P H S BY J E F F W E ST B R O O K

6 A RT F U L E A R P LU G S

WELCOME TO THE TEA HOUSE. PREMIUM ORGANIC TEA. EXQUISITE INGREDIENTS. EXTRAORDINARY TASTE. Also available in these flavors: Fuji Apple & Ginger

• Valencia Orange Peel • Wild Blackberry & Sage

© 2017 PURE LEAF and TEA HOUSE COLLECTION are trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies used under license.

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W H AT W E L O V E

ORIBE THE L AC Q U E R H I G H SHINE NAIL POLISH

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y E LY S E R E M E N O W S K Y

With extra-long stems for better grip and control, these bottles make painting your nails more luxury, less drudgery.

Polymers in the formula create a flexible film so the polish won’t easily chip— high five!

TO BUY: $32 each; oribe.com.

Pretty Smart This Month T H E L AT E S T B E A U T Y P R O D U C T S A N D T I P S T H AT S AV E T I M E , M O N E Y, A N D — B E S T O F A L L — Y O U R S A N I T Y

J U LY 2 0 1 7

W R I T T E N B Y H E AT H E R M U I R M A F F E I

P H O T O G R A P H B Y B R YA N E D W A R D S

©2016 P&G

EYES THAT WON’T SHOW YOUR AGE Olay Eyes. A collection to fight the look of every eye concern: Brighten, Depuff, Li , Smooth, or Ultimately, all of it. #AGELESS

38

W H AT W E L O V E G LO S S I E R INVISIBLE SHIELD Leaving no greasy residue or cast, this ghostly c l b oad-spectrum clear bro el makes SPF 35 ge i sunscreen wearing s y kind of fun. every day T BUY:: $34; glossier TO ..com. m.

MENTED CO SMETIC S L I P ST I C K I N PRETTY IN PINK A N D DA R K N I G H T

CLARINS I N STA N T L I G H T L I P C O M F O RT O I L I N CA N DY Hazelnut and jojoba oils make this gloss feel smooth (not sticky), while amaranth extract reacts to your pH for the most flattering pink.

TO BUY: $26; clarins.com.

N A R S L AG U N A B O DY T I N T B R OA D S P ECT R U M S P F 3 0 Give your pale body a bronze boost—while staying protected—with this vanilla- and gardenia-scented pigmented sunscreen.

TO BUY: $45; narscosmetics.com.

LA ROCHEP O SAY M O U S S E F O U N DAT I O N The beloved skin-care brand now offers makeup.

This foundation melts into skin and absorbs oil.

TO BUY: $30; amazon.com.

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Made for a range of darker skin tones—Indian, Hispanic, black, and others—these nude lipsticks contain more pigment to avoid a frosted look.

TO BUY: $16.50 each; mentedcosmetics .com.

C O M P L E T E LY BA R E E A SY O F F FO OA M I N G H A I R OVA L S P RAY R EM O The busy b woman’s et to stubblesecre free skin. Before wering, spray show l underarms, legs, area; and bikini b i five minutes, wait then rinse.

TO BU UY: $11; ulta m. .com DR DENNIS GROSS CT RA L I T E S P EC CA R E P R O E YEC This s device has f spectrum LED full-s i s that penelights e the dermis trate mooth crow’sto sm feet. Wear it on clean skin for three minutes a day.

TO BUY: $159; h sephora.com.

PHOTO GRAPHS BY JEFF WESTBRO OK

Your eczema may be hiding something.

You may think you know eczema, but what you might not know is that it’s a term used to describe a variety of skin conditions. The most common form of eczema is actually a chronic disease called atopic dermatitis.

You can see the signs of atopic dermatitis on the surface, but a key underlying cause remains hidden. Inflammation beneath the skin can lead to the red, itchy rashes that you try to manage, but just keep coming back. This underlying inflammation is always active, meaning your next flare-up is just waiting to return.

Don’t just focus on the symptoms; learn more about what may be happening beneath the skin’s surface at EczemaExposed.com.

US.DUP.16.11.119

US-ILF-12140h

© 2017 Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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W H AT W E L O V E

N e w U s e s f o r. . .

Party Hats

IT’S JUST NOT A BIRTHDAY B AY PARTY WITHOUT THESE CONE-SHAPED HATS. -SHA WHEN YOUR GUESTS GO HOME, PUT THE LEFTOVERS TO GOOD USE WITH OUR HOUSEHOLD HACKS.

B O OT H E L P E R

Keep floppy rain boots upright and in shape by placing a hat (point side down) in each boot opening.

S N AC K H O L D E R

Rather than dirtying a dish, pour popcorn or pretzels into the underside of a party hat. The shape makes it easy for little hands to hold while watching a movie. Also: portion control!

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For even more new uses for old things, visit realsimple.com/ nuotfamily.

WRI T TEN BY BRANDI BROXSON

P H O T O G R A P H S B Y B R YA N E D W A R D S

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y E LY S E R E M E N O W S K Y

MAKESHIFT FUNNEL

Misplaced your plastic version?

No worries—a party hat works well in a pinch. First cut off the hat’s point, then place over an opening to guide dry goods like salt.

Load what you want, how you want.

The quietest dishwasher brand* in the U.S. now features the MyWay™ rack, offering the industry’s largest 3rd rack loading capacity.**

Based on an average of sound ratings of 24” Full Size Stainless Steel Tub dishwashers contained in major brands websites. Major brands defind as TraQline Top 5 Market Share December 2016.

Vs. major brands with 3rd rack. Major brands defined as TraQline Top 5 Market Share March 2017.

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

How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon

the realist

43

The secret to choosing the ripest melon for your summer barbecue lies in the color of the splotch on the fruit’s underside. “Look for a buttery yellow shade,” says Angela L. O’Neal, a watermelon grower at Coosaw Farms in Fairfax, South Carolina. “This signifies that the watermelon ripened adequately under the sun in the field.” (A white spot can denote underripeness, and a too-yellow spot could mean an overripe, grainy melon.) After you locate the mark, pick up the melon to measure juiciness—at about 92 percent water, it should feel heavy for its size.

OFFSET

For 16 tasty ways to use up an entire watermelon, head to realsimple .com/watermelon.

WRITTEN BY BRANDI BROXSON

PHOTOGRAPH BY CON POULOS

A little separation goes a long way.

Elite shown. ©2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The all-new Odyssey with available Magic Slide™ seats.

Sometimes your kids feel more like natural-born enemies than siblings. So when they do get out of hand, easily separate them with available Magic Slide™ seats. Because sometimes, saying “break it up, you two” isn’t enough. It’s just one of the many ways to keep the peace in the all-new Honda Odyssey.

46

THE REALIST

Real Simplifier

Your Guide to Party Bartending Cocktail veteran Julie Reiner, author of The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion, shares her secrets for easy summer sips.

K E E P TO O L S I N CLEAR VIEW Empower guests by having these: a wine opener, a bottle opener, straws, a strainer, a shaker, a bar spoon, a jigger, beverage napkins, an ice bucket with scoop, a bar towel for the inevitable spill, and a nearby trash can. Plastic cups are fine for casual gatherings.

TO BUY: Copper hammered bar tool set, $80; williams-sonoma.com.

Recuse yourself from bar duty with makeahead, big-batch drinks (stirred ones, like margaritas, negronis, and sangria, are easiest). For simplest batching, change the ounce amount in your cocktails to cups to increase the servings from one to eight.

TO BUY: Cold drink dispenser, $60; crateandbarrel.com.

BUI L D A DI Y STAT IO N S E RV E A P R E T T Y P U N C H

OFFER WINE AND BEER

YOU’LL NEED LIGHTER DRINKS, TOO. GREEK WHITES PAIR WELL WITH SUMMER FOOD. FOR BEER, CHOOSE A VARIETY WITH AN ALCOHOL CONTENT OF 4 TO 5 PERCENT; IT WILL QUENCH THIRST AND IS GOOD FOR DAY DRINKING. ADD A BUCKET OF TRENDY CANNED SPARKLING WINES—NO GLASSES TO CLEAN. TO BUY: Luau beverage tub, $100; crateandbarrel.com.

J U LY 2017

Use this ratio to get it right: one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak. For a simple rum punch, that would be one part lime juice, two parts simple syrup, three parts rum, and four parts water. Fill a Bundt pan with water and put it in the freezer 24 hours ahead of time for a beautiful ring of ice that will keep the mix chilled.

TO BUY: Punch bowl with ladle, $50; cb2.com.

Don’t feel obligated to stock a full bar of liquor or make drinks to order.

Put out standby spirits like vodka and gin with basic mixers (club soda, ginger ale, tonic) and garnishes (slices of lemons, limes, oranges) and let guests whip up their own cocktails.

TO BUY: Copper hammered cocktail shaker, $70; williams-sonoma.com.

For 40 refreshing drink recipes, go to realsimple .com/outdoorbar.

W R I T T E N B Y K AT H L E E N M U R R AY H A R R I S

S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O M A R C PA S S E R , B E V E R A G E D I R E C T O R O F Q U A L I T Y E AT S I N N E W Y O R K C I T Y. A L L I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U F A C T U R E R S

BATC H YO U R D R I N KS

© 2017 The Coca-Cola Company. GOLD PEAK and THE TASTE THAT BRINGS YOU HOME are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

It’s not just a backyard.

It’s a memory maker.

48

THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know S T R AT E G I E S , T E C H N I Q U E S , A N D TIPS all about grilling—FROM THE REAL SIMPLE T E ST K I TC H EN TO YO U R S

Why You Should Grill in a Cast-Iron Skillet Cooking a steak or burgers in a skillet on the grill is the best of both worlds. You’re outside (no setting off the smoke alarm or splattering oil all over the kitchen), and you get delicious, smoky flavor.

But by using the pan, you get a better crust, since it offers an even cooking surface instead of spacedout grill grates. The skillet also holds in all of a burger’s juices, which normally drip off, causing annoying flare-ups. Patties and steaks will be juicier on the inside and H OT T I P crisp on the outside.

You can cook any Don’t forget breakfast: regular stove-top cast-iron recipe on How else can you fry the grill. If a recipe eggs and hash browns calls for oven time, over an open flame? just close the lid.

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3 Foods tto Cook a la Plancha Spanish for “gridS dle,” a plancha is a sheet of metal you place on your grill, giving you a flat surface for searing small or delicate foods that might otherwise fall through the grates.

Our favorites?

Shrimp, squid, and small, whole fish like fresh sardines or snapper. You can make your own plancha with any food-safe piece of steel (the flat side of a grill pan works) or buy a cast-iron one ($34; homedepot.com).

Preheat it to scorching hot (flick water on it; drops should evaporate immediately) and brush with oil right before cooking.

For a primer on how to grill anything, go to realsimple.com/cookout.

W R I T T E N B Y H E AT H G O L D M A N

PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG DUPREE

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E L S E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I RE S P O L L EN ; I L LU ST R AT IO N S BY J O E M C K EN D RY

Another Use for Your Pizza Stone Ceramic or cordierite pizza stones trap and even out heat, just like the surface of professional pizza ovens. When you set one on your grill—and let it get very, very hot—it gives everything from raw dough to thick tortillas a charred, crispy crust. For pizza, top it and close the lid to let it cook through, no flipping necessary. (Build your pizza on a wooden pizza peel, then slide it onto the hot stone. The whole pie will be done in a matter of minutes.)

Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2017 Meiomi Wines, Acampo, CA

Ripe apple aromas.

Smooth, creamy texture.

All lead to the great taste of Meiomi Chardonnay.

Discover more at Meiomi.com

THE REALIST

Food for Thought

What’s your prep-ahead secret for getting weeknight meals on the table faster?

Ask for help

Freeze your building blocks I chop and sauté some vegetable blends (onions, peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes), then some chicken in small pieces, and freeze in separate small containers. During the week, I use one at a time for different recipes— omelets, pasta, quesadillas. It’s a time-saver.

—TRISH SALEEBY, ST. LOUIS

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARCUS NILSSON

The hubby takes the little ones to the park for a few hours on Sunday while I wash all the fruit and cut all the veggies for the week. Having cut carrots and already prepped salads makes for easy lunches and dinner sides, not to mention stir-fry or veggie scrambles in a pinch.

Defrost by day

Use smar t tools Crock-Pot + InstaPot + meal planning = #weeknightsuccess.

I steam kale in advance and add it to meals. It stays good for four to five days.

I freeze dough for rotis and defrost them in the refrigerator while I’m at work. When I get home, I roll out the dough and cook it in a hot castiron pan. It literally takes 10 minutes.

Anyone can have a traditional meal for a weeknight. Very comforting!

—ZENOBIA RIVERA , L AKEWOOD, COLORADO

—ZERENA KHAN, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

—SHE IL A HANSON, PORTL AND, OREGON

Make just one thing

Get ahead on the weekend I’m all about cooking meat on the weekend, then dividing it up into recipeready portions.

—JERI REDMON, STOW, OHIO

—KRYSTLE BROWN, SAN DIEGO

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y M A G G I E R U G G I E R O ; S E T D E S I G N B Y J E F F R E Y W. M I L L E R

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THE REAL IST

Drugstore Insider

C R E ST 3 D W H I T E W H I T E ST R I P S “I don’t just use these on my teeth; I lay them on shaving nicks, and the gel helps stop the bleeding!”

TO BUY: $40; walmart.com.

THE BEST BE AUT Y PRODUCTS IN THE AISLES, HANDPICKED BY A PRO

M O N A G O H A RA , M D A mom of two boys, this dermatologist runs a private practice in Danbury, Connecticut, and is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

N O 7 YO U T H F U L EYE SERUM

D OV E B E AU T Y BA R

VICHY THERMAL S PA WAT E R

AV È N E M I N E RA L U LT RA L I G H T SUNSCREEN SPF 50 “An estimated 90 percent of aging comes from unprotected UV exposure.

This SPF is moisturizing and doesn’t leave skin chalky.”

TO BUY: $28; cvs.com.

VA S E L I N E R O SY L I P S L I P B A L M “It gives my pout the perfect gloss while also doubling as a cuticle softener, heel moisturizer, and mascara remover.”

TO BUY: $3.50; target.com.

“A spritz of this natural mineral water nixes a facial flush, whether post-run or post–run-in.”

TO BUY: $14; target.com.

For more skin secrets from people who know, visit realsimple.com/flawless.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

PHOTO GRAPHS BY JEFF WESTBRO OK

VA S E L I N E S M E A R , B R I A N H E N N ; M O N A G O H A R A , A B I G A I L T O W N S E N D / V E N T U R E P H O T O G R A P H Y

“It cleanses, moisturizes, and replenishes skin’s lipids so your face is clean and comfortable.”

TO BUY: $3; at drugstores.

“A good eye cream is the LBD of skin care—we should all have one. This one’s hyaluronic acid erases signs of exhaustion.”

TO BUY: $24; target.com.

PRETTY & PROTECTED

Our multi-tasking foundations love your skin with long-lasting, weightless coverage, protective antioxidants and powerful sun protection.

All of our SPF products are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as effective broad-spectrum sunscreens.

the original skincare makeup HYPOALLERGENIC & DERMATOLOGIST TESTED. #BEAUTYWITHBRILLIANCE JANEIREDALE.COM

54

THE REALIST

Now What?!?

S m a r t f ixe s F O R L I F E ’ S L I T T L E DI S A ST E R S

Fruit flies have invaded my kitchen!

Y.K ., V I A EMA IL

R.J., V I A EMA IL THE FIX: Sunscreen— specifically, the ingredient avobenzone— is probably the culprit, says Kevin Tibbs, a formulation scientist and cocreator of the Better Life line of cleaning products. Pretreat the area and let it sit for 10 minutes, then put the garment in the washer on a cold cycle; use double the laundry detergent for the load size. Air-dry, as the heat from the dryer could set the stain. If the spot still won’t budge, apply a paste of lemon juice and salt (test an inconspicuous area first).

Let dry in the sun, then brush away the salt and launder as usual.

J U LY 2017

My feet are sunburned.

D.D., V I A EMA IL

Try this soothing treatment: Combine high-fat plain yogurt with a bit of honey and apply to tops of feet. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. “The honey is an antimicrobial agent, which is good for wound healing, and the yogurt’s lactic acid will gently exfoliate the dead skin,” says Sharyn Laughlin, a dermatologist in Ottawa and cocreator of The Sunscreen Company. Take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen to relieve redness and discomfort, and apply a hydrocortisone cream (0.5 to 1 percent) every four to six hours. Wear cotton socks and avoid sandals and products with fragrance, which could cause further irritation. See your doctor if red streaks begin to radiate from the area or if you have a fever or chills.

THE FIX:

Have a crisis that needs solving? Email your problem to askrealsimple@ realsimple.com.

GET T Y IMAGES

There’s an oily orange stain on my swimsuit cover-up.

THE FIX: First, toss any damaged produce, empty trash bins, and give the garbage disposal a good cleaning (dip a dish brush in bleach, scrub the chamber, and flush with hot water), says Tim Husen, an entomologist at Orkin in Atlanta.

Those areas are fruit fly breeding (and feeding) grounds. Then make a trap by filling a glass with a half cup of apple cider vinegar.

Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it with a toothpick.

Place the trap near the area with the most fly activity. Adult flies will be attracted to the vinegar smell and crawl in through the holes.

WRITTEN BY BRANDI BROXSON

©2016 P&G

A safety message from

It only takes a second Keep laundry pacs away from children

56

THE REAL IST

R o a d Te s t

Wipes G OT A B E AU T Y P R O B L E M ( F R I Z Z Y HAIR, CHIPPED NAILS)?

T H E R E ’ S A W I P E F O R T H AT. 1 B E ST F O R H A I R 1

2

Eva NYC Purse Perfect Hair Towelettes Tame flyaways and boost shine by smoothing these squares over dry hair from midshaft to ends.

TO BUY: $15 for 10; ulta.com.

2 B E ST F O R M A K EU P Sephora Collection Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes These tropicalscented softies take off dirt, oil, and, yes, all your waterproof mascara without a trip to the sink.

TO BUY: $7.50 for 25; sephora.com.

6

3 B E ST F O R B O DY Goodwipes Body Wipes for Everyone

5 B E ST F O R N A I L S Cutex Swipe & Go Remover Pads One acetonesaturated square removes even the darkest shade on both hands (its textured pad buffs away stubborn color and glitter, too).

TO BUY: $3.50 for 10; target.com.

3

6 B E ST F O R D OW N T H E R E Simply Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths in Mandarin Blossom Freshen on the fly with these hypoallergenic, soapfree sheets.

TO BUY: $5 for 24; at mass retailers.

A shower in a wipe!

These jumbo biodegradable sheets clean every inch fast with tea-tree oil and peppermint.

TO BUY: $8 for 10; goodwipes.com.

4

4 B E ST F O R U N D E RA R M S

5

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Use these aluminum-free wipes as a deodorant in the morning—or to freshen up postyoga, predinner.

Witch hazel helps fight odor.

TO BUY: $9 for 30; ulta.com.

realsimple

ROAD TE ST

WRITTEN BY L ISA DESANT IS

PHOTO GRAPH BY JEFF WESTBRO OK

MARBLE, GET T Y IMAGES

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

Our cork footbeds are “PURE NATURE“!

Made by our own cork footbed company in Portugal, the cork Oaks required for their production grow in the immediate area. Because the working process is very short, no chemicals are required – which is why MEPHISTO cork footbeds are extremely well tolerated by the skin.

So opt for Pure nature!

When you wear our cork footbed sandals, you walk on anatomically shaped footbeds with SOFT-AIR padding and a leather cover. Most styles feature massaging nodules. ALL are unbelievably comfortable and promote natural, healthy walking. MEPHISTO is the only shoe manufacturer to have been officially named France‘s best shoe brand. MEPHISTO - Pure nature!

Available in 900 MEPHISTO shops around the world and other fine shoe stores.

To find your local MEPHISTO dealers, click on the MEPHISTO Shop Finder at: www.mephisto.com/us

THE REAL IST

59

C U R LY Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Orlando Pita, a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of Orlando Pita Play, suggests “a cool rinse for smoother curls.” Squeeze out water with a towel, then comb a cream, like Redken No Blow Dry Bossy Cream ($24; ulta.com), evenly from roots to tips.

Wait until curls are dry before separating.

REVIVE N E XT - DAY H A I R Bring back the bounce to second- or thirdday curls by scrunching in a spritz of leave-in conditioner, such as It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product ($19; ulta.com).

How to

Air-Dry & Look Amazing S AV E T I M E A N D E N E R G Y I N T H E A . M .

W I T H T H E S E P R O T R I C K S F O R G E T T I N G A H E AT - F R E E S T Y L E T H AT M A X I M I Z E S Y O U R N AT U R A L T E X T U R E .

WRITTEN BY CHELSEA TRABER BURNS

PHOTO GRAPH BY RICHARD PHIBB S

J U LY 2 0 1 7

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THE REAL IST

STRAIGHT

WAV Y “When air-drying wavy hair, your main hurdle is frizz, so create a smooth foundation with antifrizz shampoo and conditioner,” says celebrity hairdresser Sunnie Brook, who likes Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky ($6 each; target.com).

Towel-blot to remove excess water, then mist a texture spray “on areas where your waves need encouragement,” says Sunnie Brook. Unlike traditional salt sprays, which can be drying, Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion ($29; bumbleand bumble.com) has salt plus hydrating oils so

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you get texture sans crunch. If some sections are curlier than others, Sunnie Brook suggests gently tugging on them while they dry for a more uniform texture. Scrunch a serum into hair, starting at the ends, to define waves without adding weight.

Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum ($10; ulta.com).

ST Y L E O N T H E G O If you don’t want to run out with wet hair, pull it into a loose braid to help set the wave and prevent frizz, then undo and shake out.

school scrunching,” she says. Once hair is semidry, mist on sea salt spray, like Pacifica Salty Waves Texture Spray ($14; ulta.com), and continue scrunching until hair is dry to form a soft, sexy bend.

M A K E I T L A ST Before hitting the sack, spritz dry shampoo at the roots and loosely twist hair into a topknot, securing with a scrunchie to prevent creasing. Undo in the morning and you’ll have volume and even better beach waves.

WAV Y, K I M M Y E R S R O B E R T S O N / T R U N K A R C H I V E ; S T R A I G H T, T I L L B E C K E R / B L A U B L U T - E D I T I O N . C O M

Clarifying shampoo is key to preventing hair from falling flat. Try Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo ($24; sephora .com), focusing on the roots to get rid of product buildup, which can weigh down hair.

Apply conditioner from midshaft to ends only. Regardless of your texture, Sunnie Brook recommends combing out tangles in the shower while conditioning. “Towelblot hair and push in a wave with your fingers—think old-

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KINKY Instead of traditional shampoo, opt for a cowash (a cleansing conditioner), like Renpure Coconut Mint Cowash Cleansing Conditioner ($10; ulta .com), to prevent thirsty strands from drying out.

Once a week, follow with a rich mask, such as DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Intense Moisture Treatment ($28; deva curl.com). Leave it on for 15 minutes (wash your face, shave, sing!), then rinse. Blot hair in one motion from roots to tips with a microfiber towel, then apply a serum, like Dove Regenerative Nourishment Serum-inOil ($6; target.com), onto ends. To set curls, Sunnie Brook suggests dividing hair into four sections and pulling them into Zulu knots.

Once they’re 90 percent dry, undo knots and dab oil on the ends.

D A N I E L G A B B AY / T R U N K A R C H I V E

K I N KY - H A I R H AC K Pita likes to hang his head upside down and “karate chop” through hair (he’s a naturally curly guy).

“It loosens the curls without messing them up,” he says.

For six reasons you should fall in love with your curls, go to realsimple.com/curly.

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Instant Design Interventions Not sure why your room doesn’t look quite right? You may have committed one of these 10 decorating offenses. Not to worry: We got top pros to bail you out with some easy-to-follow fixes.

GET T Y IMAGES

1

QUICK TIP Pick a rug that extends beyond the furniture it’s paired with.

W R I T T E N B Y E M I LY H S I E H

1

Choosing a too-small rug A rug that’s on the puny side makes a room look fragmented and feel choppy.

T H E F I X : Go beyond the edges of your biggest piece of furniture. If you have a standard seven-foot sofa, choose a rug that’s at least nine feet, which will extend about a foot past each side of the couch, says New York City designer Elaine Griffin. (Stuck with a small rug? Layer it on top of an 8-by-10-foot or 9-by-12-foot solid jute or sisal rug.) For a bedroom, choose one that’s at least 1½ feet wider than the bed (an 8-by-10-foot or 9-by-12-foot rug for a king- or queen-size bed and a 6-by-9-foot rug for a full-size bed).

In a dining room, pick a rug that extends at least three feet beyond the table on all sides, says Los Angeles designer Timothy Corrigan.

“No one likes pushing back from the table and having the chair legs fall off the rug.”

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2

Blocking natural light Thick drapery can be beautiful, but if it’s keeping outside light from streaming in, your room will be a lot less inviting.

T H E F I X : Hang sheers made of neutralcolored linen, suggests Los Angeles–based designer Shannon Wollack. “They bring texture and warmth, and they’re also gauzy enough to let light filter through,” she says.

“To maximize natural light when you have only small windows in a room, avoid placing any pieces of furniture in front of those windows if they are taller than the sill.”

3

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Hanging artwork too high Craning your neck to see a piece of art: awkward. “You want your eyes to move around a room in a fluid way, which only happens if you’re eye to eye with the art,” says New York City designer Suysel dePedro Cunningham.

T H E F I X : Try Cunningham’s hanging trick: “Visually divide the room into four sections horizontally and hang your art in the one that’s second from the top. To make sure you get the layout right, trace the frames onto paper, cut those pieces out, and tape them to the walls before you hang the art.”

4

Lining the walls with furniture When you have a tight space, your instinct might be to push every piece against the walls.

(It opens up room in the middle, right?) A stick-to-the-perimeter plan actually makes a small space feel even smaller, says Tracy Morris, a designer in Washington, D.C. “Breathing room near the walls makes a space feel more expansive,” she explains.

T H E F I X : “Float” a few pieces instead, says Morris. In a living room, set up a conversation area with slipper chairs on a small rug a foot from the wall. “It gives the illusion of a room that’s airier and less crammed,” she says.

GET T Y IMAGES

QUICK TIP Bolster sheers with a blackout lining if you want complete darkness at night.

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5

Defaulting to white walls in every room A common misconception is that painting any room white will make it feel bigger and more beautiful. “Sometimes that works,” says Los Angeles designer Emily Henderson, “but if the room has very little natural light, white walls can look flat and boring.”

T H E F I X : Try a medium-tone neutral to add depth. “Two of my favorites are Portland Gray

by Benjamin Moore and Aloof Gray by Sherwin-Williams,” she says. “They have soft bluish undertones that change the wall color slightly throughout the day, bringing more life to a space than plain white paint would.”

6

Choosing the brightest bulbs every time Brighter isn’t always better, says Morris.

“High-watt bulbs tend to ‘blow out’ a space, so it ends up feeling cold and stark instead of warm and cozy.”

T H E F I X: Go with 60- to 75-watt-equivalent bulbs in common areas to give off task-level lighting that isn’t too intense. In personal spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms), a 40- to 60-watt-equivalent bulb is your best bet—it provides a softer, more atmospheric light that’s still bright enough for reading, says Morris. Another common misstep: sticking with a single overhead light. For functionality, that might provide the right amount of light, but aesthetically it falls short. “An overhead can be glaring and feel overbearing in a room,” says Mat Sanders of Consort Design in New York City. “To balance it and make the space more inviting, you need a mix of table, floor, or wall lights.” Some good guidelines: In a living room with a standard-size sofa (about six to eight feet long), use at least two table lamps, suggests designer Melissa Warner Rothblum. If there’s more than one seating area in the room, anchor each with a floor lamp beside a bench or a pair of chairs. In a dining room, opt for a pair of table lamps on a sideboard or floor lamps flanking a console.

7 QUICK TIP If you’re hanging multiple pieces, space the art 1 to 2 inches apart for a cohesive look.

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When you choose artwork that’s too small, it looks like it’s awkwardly floating on the wall instead of anchoring the space, which is distracting.

T H E F I X : There’s an easy rule of thumb for hanging art above a sofa or bed.

“It should fill at least two-thirds of the wall space above that piece of furniture to look and feel balanced. If you go smaller than that, even if you can’t articulate why, your eye understands something is amiss,” says Griffin. But that doesn’t always mean you need giant framed prints. “You can ‘cheat’ by hanging multiples either salon-style or in a grid to get that wall coverage,” says Griffin. If the pieces are uniform in size, leave an equal amount of space between them; if they vary in size, you can mix it up.

GET T Y IMAGES

Decorating a big wall with a single piece of teensy art

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QUICK TIP A solid plus a pattern is a pretty foolproof two-pillow formula.

8

Overdoing the sofa pillows It’s easy to feel like you need a whole bunch of throw pillows to make your couch feel cushy. But a big mix usually just ends up looking messy, says Los Angeles–based designer Vanessa De Vargas.

THE FIX: Stick with a more streamlined setup. “Two pillows on each end are really all you need for a sofa that looks chic but not stuffy,” says De Vargas. “I prefer one big pillow and one small one on both ends, but you could also use pillows that are all the same size.”

9

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Blocking the flow of a room with your seating setup It’s tempting to arrange a sofa facing a window or fireplace, but if that means you’re seeing the back of the couch when you walk into the room, it’s generally a bad move. “Being greeted by the back of your sofa—and the backs of anyone sitting on it—feels unwelcoming,” says Andrew Howard, a designer in Jacksonville, Florida.

T H E F I X : “Whenever you’ve got a large wall, use it to ground your sofa,” says Howard. It’s less jarring to look at the backs of accent chairs because they aren’t as bulky. No way around exposing the sofa’s back? You can soften the look with a console table in front, styled with low stacks of books or decorative objects.

Hanging wimpy curtains too low Hanging curtains just above a window’s trim, or halfway between the trim and the ceiling, used to be the norm. But the pros say that’s a missed opportunity.

T H E F I X : Hang curtains as close as you can to the ceiling line. “It makes even teensy windows look gargantuan,” says Griffin. Width-wise, extend the curtains five inches to a foot past the outer edge of the window trim. “That way you can see most of your window when the curtains are open,” she explains. If you’re picking out new ones, choose curtains that are about twice the width of the windows. “That fullness helps them drape well and look expertly styled,” says Griffin.

GET T Y IMAGES

10

Banquet

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BUT NOT TOO Fancy.

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THE REALIST

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Organize This 1 B E D DI N G B I N S

F E W T H I N G S A R E A S S AT I S F Y I N G A S A N E AT linen closet. (RIGHT?) PRO ORGANI ZER BETH PENN

S H A R E S H E R B E S T S H E L F - H E L P S T R AT E G I E S .

Assign a labeled basket to each bedroom in the house and add a set of sheets or two. You’ll never have to dig through piles of mismatched pillowcases again.

TO BUY: Beach house bins, $20 each (large); containerstore.com.

2 DUVET ROLL That bulky spare comforter doesn’t need to take up prime real estate. Give it a spacesaving upper-corner spot after folding it in half lengthwise, then rolling it up like a sleeping bag.

1

2

3 TOW EL STA S H Stacks of washcloths and hand towels tend to topple. Instead, corral rolled ones in a wire bin. (Bonus: You can cram more in.)

4 TOI L E T R I E S K I T

3

4

A little trick with a big impact: Keep a ready-to-go grouping of soap, shampoo, and other overnight essentials so you don’t have to hunt around for them every time you have weekend guests.

TO BUY: Stackable wire basket, $15; containerstore.com.

ST YL ING BY REBECCA PURCELL

5 S U P P LY STAT IO N 5

You need access to bulk goods (toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes), but who wants to look at that stuff? A tall tote keeps them handy yet hidden.

TO BUY: Mini hamper, $40; thelaundress.com.

Find 31 clever ways to store your clothes at realsimple.com/closets.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y M AT T H E W W I L L I A M S

J U LY 2017

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What to Put in Your Weekend Bag

G E T T Y I M AG E S ( 3 ) ; T R A I L , K E V I N RU S S / STO C K SY

T H R E E S T Y L E - S AV V Y G L O B E - T R O T T E R S S H A R E T H E I R T R AV E L E S S E N T I A L S — A N D T H E B E S T WAY T O PA C K T H E M .

W R I T T E N B Y R E B E C C A D A LY

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M A RYS I A Victoria dress, $649; marysiaswim .com.

Beach Vacation

@designlovefest Bri Emery, a creative director and the founder of designlovefest.com, finds frequent inspiration in tropical locales.

T H I N K S W E E T, S W I N G Y D R E S S E S A N D K E Y P I EC E S

M U LT I TA S K I N G A C C E S S O R I E S .

MAR Y SOL Sahara tote, $139; shop marysol.com.

I rely on things that are dual-purpose: dresses I can toss over a swimsuit and wear to dinner, a pair of sandals that works from day to night, and a straw bag I can use as a beach tote or take into town.

PAC K I N G ST RAT EGY

Lay everything out before it goes into your bag. Otherwise you’ll lose track and end up with too much (or forget a necessity).

Remember: Less is more. Your bag will be lighter and easier to repack if you edit.

SHOSHANNA Dahlia Lattice Ruffle one-piece, $230; shoshanna.com.

PRO TIP

S E N S I ST U D I O Sensi Studio Lady Majorca hat, $150; moda operandi.com.

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COCOBELLE Tanzania sandals, $104; cocobelle designs.com.

Don’t bring too many shoes—you won’t need them at the beach!

B E A C H : T O P L E F T, P R E A P P Y / S T O C K S Y ; T O P R I G H T, C O U R T E S Y O F @ D E S I G N L O V E F E S T / I N S TA G R A M ; P R O D U C T S , C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U F A C T U R E R S

ST EL L A & D OT Tulum Tassel necklace, $98; stelladot.com.

Who says it takes more to satisfy us these days?

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Parted streams over polished rocks.

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T M 19 8 5 Roll Top backpack, $410; tm1985.com.

HOWEVER YOU SLEEP, YOU’RE PROTECTED.

Rustic Retreat P I C K C A S U A L - C H I C P I E C E S T H AT

WILFRED FOR ARITZIA Eleta skirt, $98; aritzia.com.

EVERLANE The Wide Leg crop pant, $68; everlane.com.

@andnor th An N.Y.C. resident, Emma Tuccillo started her travel guide andnorth.com after being inspired by her weekend escapes to rural upstate New York.

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A staple skirt or pants that work with different tops, depending on the weather, are important, plus a pair of Keds—you can wear them with anything, and if they get wet, they’ll dry quickly.

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PRO TIP

F RA M E Accordian sweater, $325; net-a -porter.com for similar styles.

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Dirt paths can be tricky to navigate with a suitcase, but you can take a backpack anywhere.

KEDS Champion Originals sneakers, $40; keds.com.

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City Sightseeing H I T T H E T O W N I N S M A R T, S T Y L I S H S TA P L E S — A N D C O M F Y S H O E S .

@oneikathe traveller Writer Oneika Raymond chronicles her wanderlust (she’s visited more than 95 countries!) at oneikathetraveller.com.

K E Y P I EC E S EC H O D E S I G N Medallion Silk Triangle scarf, $59; echodesign.com.

I always bring three pairs of shoes for urban exploring: sneakers for walking; a versatile, dressier option; and flip-flops for the hotel (especially if it has a pool). Another must-have: a day-to-night little black dress.

PAC K I N G ST RAT EGY

I PA N E M A Philippe Starck Thing M flip-flop, $30; ipanema usa.com.

A D I DA S Gazelle sneakers, $85; adidas.com.

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Use a “nesting” approach.

I roll my clothes, then stuff smaller things, like socks, underwear, and accessories, into larger items, like shoes.

Z A RA Rotating Hoop earrings, $20; zara.com.

PRO TIP

Don’t think in terms of individual outfits. Instead, stick to a color scheme, like black-and-white with pops of color. You can mix and match to get more out of fewer pieces.

J. C R E W Ruffle Eyelet dress, $110; jcrew.com.

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MARC FISHER Magali heel, $89; marcfisherfoot wear.com.

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Weekend Warriors W E ’ V E F O U N D T H E R IG H T CAR RY - O N F O R YO U — N O M AT T E R W H E R E Y O U P L A N T O R O A M .

STEAL

SMART BUY

SPLURGE

This rolling duffel is part of a four-piece set that includes a beachready tote and a cosmetic bag.

Skyline spinner set, $70; target.com.

Not just a pretty case, this ultralightweight carry-on is made of durable nylon that practically repels sand. Miss Plume spinner, $219; lipault-usa.com.

Paravel’s coated Italian-cotton canvas is water- and stainproof. Make it personal with your monogram or an icon. The Grand Tour duffel, $345; tourparavel.com.

Working vacation? This spinner has an outer compartment for easy access to your laptop. Wandr carry-on, $115; calpaks.com.

Equipped with smart capabilities, like a phone charger and an app that lets you weigh and locate the piece.

A22 Carry, $295; raden.com.

Stylish and functional, this roomy, lightweight weekender glides along easily and resists scratches and dings. Short Trip Packing case, $655; tumi.com.

Herschel’s ingenious duffel has a separate bottom compartment (great for muddy shoes). Novel duffel, $85; shop.herschelsupply.com.

With three interior compartments and no fewer than seven exterior pockets, this bag has a place for everything. Grey weekender, $225; birdling.com.

Rugged good looks aside, a wide base and ball-bearing wheels make it a snap to navigate any terrain. Large Rolling duffel, $675; filson.com.

CITY

RUSTIC

Head to realsimple.com/editortips to see our editors’ best vacation advice.

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

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89 ME ANINGF UL CONNECT IONS IN A MODERN WORLD

Get the Whole House Reading This Summer 3 steps to make books fun without forcing things

LU M I N A / STO C K SY

Your first grader needs to maintain her skills, your teen has a date with 1984, and you just want everyone’s brain (including your own) to not become mush by August. “The best way to keep kids deeply connected with books is to read together as a family,” says Pam Allyn, founder of LitWorld and author of What to Read When. These pages have the plan—and the book picks—you need to get started.

WRITTEN BY JANE BORDEN

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R E L AT I N G

2 Set Up a Family Book Club There are plenty of books that work for multiple ages (see our list on page 92).

And you get kids talking! About reading!

Here’s how to ensure success.

1 Make It an Adventure

T H I N K PA R T Y— not homework. “There has to be food,” says Kari Riedel, founder of the website Bookopolis, which helps kids discover new books recommended by peers (like Yelp for reading). Maybe it’s pizza night, a cookie-tasting event, or a doughnutsand-hot-chocolate affair. As with any good party, consider your guest list. “Include grandparents or cousins, even over Skype,” says Allyn.

Start the summer with a special event.

The only rule: Kids get to read whatever they want (within reason). And you get snacks.

CAMP OUT

Books are better by flashlight, right? Pitch a tent in the backyard.

(Alternative: Build a fort in the living room and turn out the lights.)

Make s’mores, stay up a little past bedtime, and include some age-appropriate scary stories. Big kids can read to little siblings.

PICNIC

SLUMBER PARTY

Pack a blanket, a picnic basket, and lemonade, and head to the park. (Stop at the library on the way.) Or make it a hike and read at the destination point with trail mix. Add a sense of mystery, Allyn suggests, by saying, “Let’s not tell one another what we’re reading until we get there.”

Put on PJs and let everyone in your bed just this once. Keep it silly—no frozen-undies pranks, “but maybe a basket full of joke or riddle books, nothing too serious,” says Allyn. Or have a theme: Cook a French dinner and then read Madeline or The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

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I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y P I N G Z H U

R E L AT I N G

creating a map of a book's setting, says Kiera Parrott, reviews director at School Library Journal.

DO IT IN THE AFTERNOON,

says Jen Robinson, a blogger at growingbookworms.com.

“Aim for when more energetic pursuits, such as day camp or sports, are finished. And do it toward the beginning of the summer. If it goes well, you could plan another one later—or, optimistically, every week.”

G I V E T H E M P O S T- I T NO T E S to place in the text before they start reading. “Tell them to draw a surprise face when something surprises them, a question mark if there’s something they don’t get, and a star if they just love a part,” says Allyn. “My kids loved that. They felt so grown up with their books full of sticky notes.”

I NC LU DE A H A N D S- ON AC T I V I T Y.

Riedel’s ideas: Write a letter to the author, write a book review, Google to see if you can watch a Q&A with the author online. Or make a blockbuster-style trailer summarizing the book with iMovie. “My kids love to act out scenes—the climax or their favorite part— and as they re-create it, they come to understand it better,” says Riedel.

S H A R E T H E C ONC H . We’re referencing Lord of the Flies here.

The point: Everyone gets to talk; no parents hog the discussion.

“Tell your kids that everyone has to come up with one question or thought to share so it’s not just Mom or Dad directing the conversation,” says Riedel.

Prompts you can offer: Do you share any traits with the characters? How did the characters grow? What is the moral? What is the author trying to teach us?

3 Keep Them Motivated At some point, most kids will have to go solo. Encourage a reluctant reader to knock out those required pages with these tips.

SCHEDULE IT “My kids don’t always want to go to the grocery store with me, but they know it happens every week,” says Riedel. “We set aside time for soccer practice. Why not to read?”

DON’T COMPETE W I T H E L ECT R O N I C S You’ll never win.

Incorporate them instead. Try apps such as Epic!, Reading Rainbow Skybrary Family, and Newsomatic. Download books onto your phone so the kids find them there, too.

A DVO CAT E F O R O P T I O N S An article in School Library Journal noted that teachers estimated a 30 percent jump in reading when children chose books themselves.

“Talk to teachers.

Advocate for summer reading lists that are broad, allow choice, and include modern books,” says Robinson. For younger kids who have to complete reading logs, ask teachers to allow alternative journaling, such as illustrating a new cover, writing a letter to the author, or

B E A N EG OT I ATO R Riedel used this tactic on her middle schooler: “I tell him, ‘You want me to drive you to baseball three times a week. I want you to read for 20 minutes a day.’ It’s quid pro quo—and a little bit of guilt—but it sometimes works.”

K N OW W H E N TO Q U I T “Sometimes it’s OK to skip hard parts.

And sometimes it’s OK to abandon a book,” says Allyn.

“If it’s a mandatory book, say to your kid, ‘You read a page, and then I’ll read a page.’ Be an ally. He won’t remember that hard book. What he’ll remember is you advocating for him to be a reader.”

I T ' S TOTA L LY F I N E TO G E T T H E AU D I O B O O K When all else fails, Riedel suggests letting your kid listen to the first chapters, to hook her, and then transitioning to the text. Or swap chapter by chapter.

Says Allyn, “I’m a big advocate for reading aloud, whether it’s you or the audio version.”

AU D I O B O O K S F O R R O A D T R I P S Check your local library's website, where you can usually access audiobooks for free. Then try our experts’ family favorites. ● The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary ● Matilda, Roald Dahl ● The Inquisitor’s Tale, Adam Gidwitz ● Chomp, Carl Hiaasen ● Skulduggery Pleasant, Derek Landy ● Gooney Bird Collection, Lois Lowry ● The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots, Beatrix Potter (tip: Grab the picture book so young kids can read along) ● The Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett

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Family Book Club: What to Read These picks from librarians, editors, and parents work for a mix of ages.

Big-Kid Picture Books

Greek My ths

Just for Teens

Series Spin-Of fs

Ideal for ages 7 to 15, these explore deeper ideas but are still engaging for prereaders.

Same stories (for the most part), different tellings based on age. Have kids compare and contrast, says Parrott.

And with adult supervision, we add.

But these timely titles will spark good discussion.

Each of these books is a new version of a best seller for a different age. Big kid reads one, little kid reads the other.

THE ORIGINAL

THE SPIN-OFF

JOURNEY

GREEK MYTHS

by Aaron Becker

(first grade and up)

by Marcia Williams

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN

IVAN

by Katherine Applegate

by Katherine Applegate

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

THE ORIGINAL

THE SPIN-OFF

TIBET: THROUGH THE RED BOX

TREASURY OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY

by Peter Sis

(third grade and up)

by Diana Jo Napoli

JULIET TAKES A BREATH

FANCY NANCY SERIES

NANCY CLANCY SERIES

by Gabby Rivera

by Jane O’Connor

by Jane O’Connor

THE ORIGINAL

THE SPIN-OFF

THE ARRIVAL

OLYMPIANS SERIES

HOW DARE THE SUN RISE

WONDER

WE’RE ALL WONDERS

by Shaun Tan

(fourth grade and up)

by George O’Connor

by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

by R.J. Palacio

by R.J. Palacio

THE ORIGINAL

THE SPIN-OFF

THE OTHER SIDE

GODS BEHAVING BADLY

by Jacqueline Woodson

(teens and adults)

by Marie Phillips

J U LY 2 0 1 7

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING

AMELIA BEDELIA SERIES

AMELIA BEDELIA SERIES

by Peggy Parish

by Herman Parish

by Nicola Yoon

Go to realsimple.com/summerreading for our adult picks and tips on how to find time for solo reading, including clever ideas if you have only short spurts of time.

Coconut Dreams, Fudge Stripes and E.L. Fudge—three ways to delight in rich, chocolatey fudge straight from the Hollow Tree.

Uncommonly Good ®

R E L AT I N G

97

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, Catherine Newman, OFFERS HER BEST ADV ICE

O N YO U R S O CI A L Q UA N DA R I E S .

A . G . A S KS . . .

When someone brings me a gift, should I open it right away? I have friends from different cultures, and that leaves me extra confused, not wanting to seem unappreciative to anyone. I’m especially curious about hostess gifts and baby gifts for my upcoming arrival (not including those at a baby shower). I feel like I should wait to open some of these gifts with my husband. Please help!

A . S . A S KS . . .

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y U L I K N Ö R Z E R ; T E D D Y B E A R , I S T O C K P H O T O / G E T T Y I M A G E S

Our younger daughter recently had a bone marrow transplant. The grandparents, who are out of state, keep calling us about how she is doing. We understand their pain, but we don’t have answers right now, and my husband, my older daughter, and I need space and peace. How can we politely ask them not to call 10 times a day?

I A M S O sorry for the agony of worry you are experiencing.

It’s already too much, without trying to manage others’ anxiety.

Tell your family what you need (email is probably best): “Your concern means the world to us.

Thank you. But please know that we are focusing all our energy on taking care of our daughter and each other. Leave a message if you like, but understand that we may not call back unless there’s news to share.” Ask a friend to set up an account for you at Lotsa Helping Hands or CaringBridge; both websites are useful for sending updates. It will ease the pressure on you to constantly check in with friends and family. In the meantime, I am sending good wishes for your daughter’s recovery.

ABOUT CAT H E R I N E The author of Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, 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 children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

G E N E R A L LY, I ’ D S AY go ahead and open presents when you get them. The giver gets to enjoy the immediate gratification of witnessing your reaction, and—in the case of hostess gifts—you spare yourself the follow-up note, text, or email, which you should send if you don’t say thanks in person. (Baby gifts require a note in either case.)

As for when not to: any situation where it would be awkward, like a big crowd arriving all at once or a gathering where only one or two people brought a gift. In those cases, either find a quiet moment to take the giver aside and open the gift or wait until everyone has left. If you’re ever in doubt, simply ask, “Can I open this now? Or would you prefer that I wait until later?” As a rule, though, I’d worry more about the gift giver than about your husband—I got confirmation from my own, who assured me he would have been happy enough to miss the unwrapping.

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A . R . A S KS . . .

I have a group of friends I’ve known for 20 years. All of us have children but one, and I know this one friend is trying and struggling to have a baby. However, we haven’t talked about it, and she doesn’t know that I know. I’m sensitive to the fact that we all have something she wants, and I make an effort to ask her questions about other aspects of her life, but am I being rude by not broaching the baby topic with her?

How can I show I’m there for her?

N . S . A S KS . . .

Is it OK to refuse to g i ve u p a p r i o r i t y s e a t o n p u b l i c t ra n s p o r t a t i o n ? A wo m a n a s ke d m e t o m ove , a n d I d i d — b u t d i d n’ t wa n t t o .

Bear in mind that just because someone l o o ks c o nve n t i o n a l l y a b l e d o e s n’ t m e a n s h e i s . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , yo u a r e .

S o g i ve u p yo u r s e a t f o r t h e d i s a b l e d , p r e g n a n t , o r e l d e r l y. I t ’ s t h e o n l y e t h i c a l l y a c c e p t a b l e option. Really, i t ’s not an option—i t ’ s the r u le.

R . W. A S KS . . .

At a dinner party recently, I tried to help clear the dishes after the meal. Another guest told me that you don’t remove dishes until the last person has finished her food. Is this an actual rule of etiquette?

J U LY 2017

I F YO U A R E still eating while the dishes are being cleared, the message you can’t help getting is, “You’re too slow.” Or, worse, “You’re eating too much.” I’m not usually a stickler about the complexities of traditional table etiquette; however, I stand by this rule because it affects how other diners feel about themselves. Helping clean up is a fabulous impulse, but there’s no rush.

caring and compassionate friend, and that’s going to be evident regardless of the specific way you handle this situation.

Oh, but it is such a delicate one.

My own instinct is always to reach out, even if it’s potentially awkward. Often it’s shame that keeps women secretive about their reproductive ordeals, and that shame can keep them from getting the grief support they need.

Your friend may not so much be choosing privacy as unhappily silencing herself. Let her know you know. She’s probably wondering who knows what anyway, and you can reassure her that you’re there as an ally, not gossiping behind her back. Don’t betray the confidence of whoever told you in the first place; just say, “I know you’ve been trying to have a baby.

Please tell me how I can be supportive of you and what we can do as a group to make this easier instead of harder.” She may tell you she doesn’t want to talk about it, and that’s OK, of course. More likely, she will feel freer to be who she is, which right now is a person struggling. And she won’t have to feel so alone, because she’s not.

H AV E A N E T IQ U E T T E Q U E ST IO N ?

Submit your social conundrums to Catherine at realsimple.com/ modernmanners. Selected letters will be featured on these pages every month.

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YO U A R E A

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R E L AT I N G

101

Good Read

Notes from a Road Trip TRUNK ARCHIVE

O N A C R O S S - C O U N T R Y D R I V E , T H E D AY S A R E L O N G , T H E P L E A S U R E S A R E S I M P L E , A N D YO U R M I N D E X PA N D S TO C O N S I D E R I N F I N I T E P O S S I B I L I T I E S , W R I T E S J. Cour tney Sullivan.

J U LY 2017

R E L AT I N G

T

H E F I R S T T I M E , we made the journey for the love of the dog.

Six years ago, my husband, Kevin, and I (not yet married then) had recently adopted a retriever mix named Landon. With plans to visit Kevin’s family in Iowa and no one to watch the dog, we decided to drive the 18 hours from our home in Brooklyn, New York, so we could bring him. Ever since, three or four times a year, we’ve traveled halfway across the country by car. Our family and friends think we are slightly nuts to do so. But we like having the dog along once we reach our destination, and really, I think there’s a lot we like about the journey itself.

We usually do it in two days, taking turns driving, staying somewhere along I-80. There is no need for GPS. The route is basically 1,100 miles in a straight line. But we leave the GPS on anyway, for the sense of accomplishment as we watch our destination draw near.

The beginning is always exciting. The snacks uneaten, the audiobooks queued up. Before we even make it to the end of our block, Landon will migrate from his bed in the back to my lap in the passenger seat, where he’ll remain for several hours. Once we get through the Holland Tunnel and leave the New Jersey traffic behind, a sense of freedom washes over us.

There is so much to behold. The food alone! On the road, we abandon our organic sensibilities. We eat Dairy Queen and Jimmy John’s and whatever else we want. May I recommend the J. Zapata food truck, across from a gas station

J U LY 2017

O ve r t h e t wo - d ay d r i ve , o u r exp e c t a t i o n s s h i f t . O u r o n l y g o a l o f t h e d ay i s t o c a r r y o n , a s o p p o s e d t o m o s t d ay s , w h i c h a r e f u l l o f e r ra n d s a n d m e e t i n g s a n d t o - d o l i s t s t h a t n eve r, eve r g e t c o m p l e t e d .

in Drums, Pennsylvania? (On our last visit, the sign boasted MEXICAN FOOD SO AUTHENTIC, TRUMP WILL BUILD WALL AROUND IT.) I am 35 years old. Kevin is 40. But we still feel a childlike sense of excitement at the sight of grazing cows. And Landon is always good for a happiness infusion. When the first winter snow falls, a dog will roll in it and be joyful whether he’s in the middle of a bucolic meadow or in the Wawa parking lot off exit 277.

The singular mission to get from A to B is meditative. It’s impossible not to be taken up by it—and to let go of whatever small things were troubling you back home. Passing by trailer parks, truck stops, abandoned farms, cornfields and wheat fields, malls and mega churches, you get a sense that you yourself are pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

There are lives being led everywhere that have nothing to do with us. I love peering in on them. Coming across Amish women in long skirts, playing volleyball at the side of the road. Or the teenage girls behind the counter at McDonald’s, deep into romantic gossip, unaware that I even exist as I pass by to use the bathroom.

On these drives, we’ve come up with ideas for screenplays and solved thorny family problems. I once plotted an entire novel while Kevin slept, though unfortunately, the fact that I was driving prohibited me from writing anything down, and I forgot most of it.

Of course, there are downsides to every road trip. Once, the dog rolled around in roadkill, and the smell stayed with us for the next seven hours. I get annoyed when Kevin is driving and bored and starts treating me like Siri, asking me to Google whatever strikes his fancy: Soccer A B O U T T H E AU T H O R scores. Book reviews. The retail price J. Courtney Sullivan of humidifiers. For his part, Kevin wrote the New York would prefer that I not drive 15 miles Times best-selling novels Commenceover the speed limit at all times. ment, Maine, and The One night, in a snowstorm, we Engagements. Her made it only as far as Newark, New newest novel, Saints Jersey, before our windshield wipers for All Occasions, was broke. But that was actually kind of published in May.

M O T E L S I G N , K AY L A S N E L L / S T O C K S Y ; A U T H O R P H O T O G R A P H , M I C H A E L L I O N S TA R

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Tito’s

TEXAS

SIPPER

INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice Soda water DIRECTIONS Combine Tito’s Handmade Vodka, elderflower liqueur, and juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain over fresh ice.

Top with soda water. Garnish with mint sprig.

TitosVodka.com

Handcrafted to be savored responsibly.

DISTILLED & BOTTLED BY FIFTH GENERATION INC. 40% ALC./VOL. © 2017 TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA.

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fun. When I tweeted that the dodgy garage we’d ended up in reminded me of the one in Adventures in Babysitting, superhero/mayor Cory Booker himself replied with his cell phone number and an offer to help.

Most dog-friendly hotels on the interstate are underwhelming at best. But I still have my favorites. There’s one behind a truck stop in Pennsylvania with a secret Irish bar inside.

The La Quinta Inn in Toledo, Ohio, has a school field out back, where the dog runs while we sip coffee in the dugout.

Wherever we land, we generally find that there are few problems with a room that can’t be solved by delivery pizza.

Over the two-day drive, our usual high expectations shift.

Our only goal of the day is to carry on, as opposed to most days, which are full of errands and meetings and to-do lists that never, ever get completed. On the road, there is no rush. We can breathe. We appreciate the small things. Humor need not be sophisticated to make us double over laughing.

(I’m looking at you, sign for Fangboner Road at the overpass in Fremont, Ohio.)

I’ll confess that no matter how well the trip is going, somewhere around the WELCOME TO INDIANA sign, I begin to lose it. While listening to the fifth episode of the Men in Blazers podcast, I remind myself that we could have flown direct from LaGuardia to Des Moines International in three hours. But too bad. There are more miles behind us than ahead. The only thing to do is keep going.

If we flew, we would not have in our possession photographs of our dog in front of Michael Jackson’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana, or at Niagara Falls, where we stopped the one time we drove to Iowa not from New York but from Maine. We would never have seen so many magnificent Ohio sunsets.

Your perspective changes on the road, and when does that ever happen? A four-hour drive to see my family in

+RZ WR VSRLO \RXUVHOI«LQ XQVSRLOHG SODFHV

R E L AT I N G

Boston feels like an eternity. But when we are four hours from our Des Moines destination, it feels like we’re practically there. After motel sheets so stiff and thin they may as well be construction paper, the bed in my mother-inlaw’s guest room feels like a cloud.

Once you’ve made the journey as often as we have (around 20 times at last count), you begin to feel like you’ve laid down tracks. You find that you’ve left pieces of yourself all across this country. In an otherwise nondescript place, something reminds you: I’ve been here before. Take the Quality Inn in Milesburg, Pennsylvania. It’s where, a year and a half ago, I decided, while my husband and dog were sleeping, that I really wanted to have children someday.

Back again last month, I remembered this. Kevin and Landon were outside running in the snowy parking lot just beyond the window. I was inside, three months pregnant, waiting for the pizza to arrive. Q

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GOOD R E A D ES SAY C O N T E ST

What was the happiest moment of your life? Enter Real Simple’s 10th annual Good Read Essay Contest and you could have your essay published in Real Simple and receive a prize of $3,000.

S U B M I T YO U R T YP E D, D O U B L E - S PAC E D S U B M I S S IO N ( 1 , 5 0 0 WO R D S M AX I M U M I N A M IC R O S O F T WO R D D O C U M E N T ) AT R E A L S I M P L E . C O M / G O O D R E A D C O N T E ST. T H I S C O N T E ST B EG I N S AT 1 2 : 01 A . M .

EASTERN TIME (ET) ON MAY 22, 2017, AND ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ET ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2017. ALL SUBMITTED ES SAYS MUST BE NONFICTION. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES AGE 19 OR OLDER AT TIME OF ENTRY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED

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5 ( Nice! ) Ways to Get a Loved One to Butt Out B E C A U S E “ M I N D Y O U R O W N B E E S WA X ” E XPI R ED W H EN YO U W ER E 1 2 .

STA RT W I T H “ W E ”

R AY M O N D F O R B E S / S T O C K S Y

I think if you’re partners, in love or in business, it’s kind of important to speak using partner terms. That starts with “we.” “We both want a good outcome. We both have ideas about what will work.” Then it’s easier to transition to “Would it be better if one of us led the way?” (If the person is more of an interloper than a partner, you can always say, “That’s an interesting idea. Thanks.

But I’ve got this covered.”) Really listening to your partner, though, means that you deliberately run the risk of having your mind changed: You might realize that you’re the one who should butt out.

ALAN ALDA IS AN AWARD-WINNING ACTOR, DIRECTOR, AND SCREENWRITER AND THE AUTHOR OF IF I UNDERSTOOD YOU, WOULD I HAVE THIS LOOK ON MY FACE? HE L IVES IN NEW YORK CITY.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

WRITTEN BY SARAH J. ROBBINS

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A S K YO U R S E L F W H Y

When we ask someone to butt out, we’re putting up a spiritual wall.

There’s something you don’t trust that person to be a part of—there’s a disconnect. Before you say, “Butt out,” consider what’s happening with you: Ask yourself what it is about the input that makes you uncomfortable. When you ask for space from someone you love dearly, like your mom or best friend, knowing why helps you communicate it in a healthier way. Maybe she wasn’t able to show up for you in a way that you needed in the past. If that’s the case, then don’t tell her to butt out with criticism or shame.

Just be real: “I know you care and want to help. That means a lot to me. Right now I need you to just listen and be there without advice unless I ask for it.”

KAILEN ROSENBERG IS THE FOUNDER OF THE RE AL REVE AL COMPATIBIL ITY TEST ON THELODGESOCIALCLUB.COM AND AUTHOR OF REAL LOVE, RIGHT NOW. SHE L IVES IN MINNE APOL IS.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

Avoid arguing about who did what.

Be specific about your request and say, for example, “Mom, from now on, can you please not comment on my clothes in front of other people?”

If she says, “But when do I ever do that?” don’t take the bait: “I can give you examples, but the point is, from now on...” You are laying a foundation so the next time you can say, “This is what I’m talking about, Mom.” It may take a few rounds, but it’s an investment in a relationship that’s important. And remember: The other person is (probably) not trying to drive you crazy. Have compassion.

RICK HANSON, PHD, IS A PSYCHOLOGIST AND SENIOR FELLOW AT THE GRE ATER GOOD SCIENCE CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAL IFORNI A , BERKELEY.

W h e n l ove d o n e s i n s e r t t h e m s e l ve s i n t o o u r b u s i n e s s , t h e r e’ s a n a t u ra l i n s t i n c t t o g e t d e f e n s i ve . B u t s o m e t i m e s t h ey ’ r e p u s h i n g u s t o b e b rave r.

O R J U ST L E T ’ E M BU T T I N

TURN ON THE CHARM

I use an unsolicited-advice formula I call CHARM: Compliment, Honesty, Action, Redirect, Mannerly. Compliment the person or say something nice to soften the reaction (she is trying to help you, after all). Be honest and tell her in a kind yet direct way that you don’t need her input.

State the action that is the next step so it’s clear you don’t need advice.

Redirect the conversation. And always use your manners! End on a positive note. So if, for example, your sister Sarah is trying to give you relationship advice that you didn’t ask for, you could say: “Sarah, I truly value your opinion; however, at the moment, I need this to remain between Jack and me. If I need your advice, I’ll be sure to ask. Let’s talk about our beach plans instead, but I do thank you for caring.”

MYKA MEIER IS THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE BE AUMONT ETIQUET TE SCHOOL IN NEW YORK CITY.

Many years ago, I learned that Neil, the Prince of Middle School, had a crush on me. Me! With my big hair, gangly limbs, and love for purple plastic glasses. Alas, my mom found out. “We should take something over to his house and meet his parents,” she said. I begged her to butt out. I pleaded when she pulled the extra mac and cheese out of the oven. I cried when she picked up the landline to dial Neil’s parents. It nearly got physical when she ushered me into the car to drive to Neil’s house.

His parents greeted us and invited us in for dinner. I was mortified. But as I stepped through the front door with my shoulders hunched, I noticed something: Neil had the exact same embarrassed look of horror on his face that I did. This was just as painful for him! We got through dinner, and Neil and I talked that night—and many nights after. We’ve now been dear friends for a long time. When loved ones insert themselves into our business, there’s a natural instinct to get defensive. But sometimes they’re pushing us to be braver. So, in gratitude to my overly involved mother and on behalf of my friendship with Neil, I offer the anti-advice: Don’t be so quick to ask someone to butt out. You never know what could come of meddling.

KAY OYEGUN IS A WRITER FOR NBC’S THIS IS US. SHE L IVES IN LOS ANGELES.

Oops! Offended someone? Get apology tips at realsimple.com/apologize.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

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The Vets Will See You Now M E A LT I M E M A L A I S E

MOUTHING OFF

KITTY CONUNDRUM

Our turtle doesn’t eat much on days when his tank doesn’t get much sunlight. Is there a correlation between basking and appetite? —B.G.

What’s the best way to clean our dog’s teeth? Our plastic finger brushes don’t seem to do anything. —S.S.

One of our cats has horrible gas. Help! —M.C.

There is! When the lighting or environmental temperature range is not correct for a species, it can have trouble digesting and not want to eat, says exotic-animal veterinarian Alicia McLaughlin. All indoor turtles should have access to full-spectrum (UVA-UVB) lighting during the day: The source should be 8 to 12 inches from your turtle and not shine through glass or plastic.

Ask your vet for the ideal tank temperature and type of lightbulb or heater for your species. Some reptiles do fast seasonally, but loss of appetite can also be a sign of illness—so if the hunger strike lasts longer than a few days, have your turtle checked by a vet.

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Successful doggy dental care really is in your hands.

“If you’re brushing three times a week, finger brushes should work well,” says veterinarian Gayle O’Konski, whose favorites come with toothpaste made for dogs (try Vetoquinol’s Enzadent Toothbrush kit, $12; chewy.com).

Spend a minute on each side of the mouth and the front, using circular or back-and-forth motions and paying special attention to the gum line. The key is to slip the guard between your pup’s lips and teeth.

“If you try prying his mouth open, you’ll end up in a wrestling match,” says veterinarian Nancy Kay. Still, only pro cleanings can fully conquer plaque. “Some dogs need a few visits a year, and others can skip many years in between,” says veterinarian Andy Roark. “It depends on the teeth and how they’re set.”

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The fix may be as simple as changing up your feline’s dinner. “Gas is produced by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract,” says O’Konski. “If there’s a lot, your cat is having a hard time digesting food.” Try a higher-fiber formula, such as Iams Proactive Health Healthy Digestion with chicken cat food ($13; iams.com for stores), says O’Konski. “Or trade in the usual chicken kibble for a prescription version made with rabbit or fish. A different protein may be easier for your cat to tolerate.” If your kitty also has diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, the issue could be more serious, so see a vet.

THE PET EXPERTS NANCY KAY, DVM, AUTHOR OF SPEAKING FOR SPOT ALICIA M C LAUGHLIN, DVM, THE CENTER FOR BIRD & EXOTIC ANIMAL MEDICINE, BOTHELL , WASHINGTON GAYLE O’KONSKI, DVM, MORRIS ANIMAL HOSPITAL , GRANGER, INDIANA ANDY ROARK, DVM, CLEVEL AND PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL , GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROL INA

WRITTEN BY SARAH GROSSBART

D O G , I STO C K P H OTO / G E T T Y I M AG E S ; WO O B A M B O O P E T TO OT H B R U S H , WO O B A M B O O. C O M ; B OW L , C O U RT E SY O F P E T N E T

A N S W ER S TO YO U R H A I R I E ST pet questions

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

B E P R O D U CT I V E W H E N YO U ’ D R AT H E R B E P L AY I N G THE SUN

D AV I D L E E S / G E T T Y I M A G E S

is beaming, your Insta feed is filled with beach shots, and—cue the violins—you’re stuck at work. Productivity experts share their top tricks for staying focused and motivated when you feel really (really) distracted.

W R I T T E N B Y K AT H L E E N M U R R AY H A R R I S

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SET 3 GOAL S FOR THE DAY

Make a must-do list, not a to-do list, of three things you have to get done. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. “Limiting your goals takes the overwhelm away and keeps you focused,” says Sarah Knight, author of Get Your Sh*t Together. There’s also a secret power in the number three, says Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project: “The three little pigs, three Olympic medals, three parts of a story—our brain is wired to think in threes.”

Whenyou follow through onwhat you intended to do, you’ll end the day feeling great and motivated for tomorrow. And if you finish early enough, you can get a jump start on tomorrow’s tasks or spend some time outside.

CURB DISTRACTIONS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN

The enticement of checking social media can peak in the summer, when half your office is on vacation and your energy (and motivation) naturally dips, says Bailey. “Whenever we bounce around on apps, our brain releases a hit of dopamine, which makes our phone more tempting than our actual work,” he says. Don’t fight it; instead, check social media with intention. Do a feed sweep to see what’s going on, then put your phone on airplane mode for the next hour. When you fight through distraction and get tasks done, reward yourself with a little time to chill out.

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A D M I T YO U ’ R E J E A LO U S

START A PRO CRAST INAT ION JOURNAL

It’s natural to zone out from work, but mindless procrastinating reduces productivity. To figure out when procrastination strikes, Knight recommends starting a time journal. As with a food diary, you write down how you spent every minute of your day to see when distraction creeps in (e.g., you research dinner recipes at 3 p.m.). Don’t ignore it—plan for it. Tailor your schedule to when you’re most focused (and when you’re not) by scheduling grace periods for free mind time.

Maybe you just don’t feel like working, or you’re resentful that you’re not at the beach. That’s OK, says Sue Rasmussen, author of My Desk Is Driving Me Crazy.

Own those emotions so they don’t consume you. “Most people ignore what they’re feeling and think if they buckle down and muscle through the workday, they’ll be fine,” she says. “But if you admit how you’re feeling, you’ll move past it more quickly.”

St. John recommends that you try reversing your thoughts from negative to positive. For example, if you wish you were someplace else, say, “I am so glad I am right here working on this project.” Even if you don’t mean it, says St. John, “by saying it out loud, it shifts your energy, flips a switch in your brain, and tricks you into pushing your emotions in a new direction.”

PL AN A VACATION DAY ENERGI ZE YOUR BRAIN

You know that drinking water and exercising are good for your body, but they may also boost brainpower. Research cited in Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism suggests even minor dehydration can affect cognition, alertness, and concentration. Studies also show that small bursts of exercise—say, 10 to 20 minutes—can make you feel sharper. “A quick walk improves memory and increases ability to generate ideas and make better connections,” says Bonnie St. John, coauthor of Micro-Resilience: Minor Shifts for Major Boosts in Focus, Drive, and Energy.

Having a little something to look forward to—maybe a girls’ weekend or a day off to yourself—can increase your happiness right now, says Knight. “Setting a goal, even if it’s just to get to the beach on Friday, can bring you peace in all the weeks and days leading up to that trip,” she says. Keep your sights set on that goal, and before you know it, you too will be sharing sunset photos with all your stuck-at-work friends.

ASK BUCKY Time Inc.’s* all-knowing, straightshooting senior vice president of talent management , Bucky Keady, tackles your workplace conundrums.

My coworker wears perfume that I find far too strong, and it gives me headaches. How can I politely tell her that it bothers me?

I don’t think there’s any skirting the issue here— you have to say something. Confronting your colleague might be easier if you put it a little on yourself rather than all on her. You can go to her and say, “I’m so embarrassed that I have to do this, but I’m one of those people who are supersensitive to smells, and your perfume is giving me a headache. Is there any chance you could not wear perfume at work?” I’ve known people in situations like this who have gone to their boss and asked to change desks because they don’t want to offend the overfragranced person. You can do that, but I always prefer dealing directly with people.

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DETERMINE A FA I R WAG E

L AY A ST R O N G F O U N DAT I O N

Moneywise

How to Be a Good Boss at Home Hiring someone to look after your kids, do the cleaning, or take care of an aging relative gives you freedom and peace of mind, but the intimate nature of the relationship can make things tricky. Here, a concise guide to getting it right.

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Whether you hired someone this year or five years ago, creating a work agreement together sets the stage for a respectful partnership, says Ilana Berger, executive director of Hand in Hand, the Domestic Employers Network (domesticemployers .org), a national group of people who employ nannies, housecleaners, and home attendants. The agreement should cover expectations and how you’ll handle things such as sick days, time off, payment, and benefits.

Contractsfornannies .com makes the agreement process easy and offers a free template.

There are no set wages for domestic workers, but Berger says the number should take into account the cost of living in your area (for exact figures, check out livingwage.mit.edu).

On average, housecleaners, who work relatively short hours and travel more between jobs, should be paid at least $20 an hour; caregivers should get at least $15 an hour. If responsibilities change—you have another child, say, or ask your caregiver to start cooking dinner once a week—the wage should be updated to reflect that. A year-end bonus (usually one to two weeks’ pay) should be covered in your work agreement and reported as taxable income.

PAY O N T H E B O O KS

When you pay legally—meaning you withhold and pay taxes on your employee’s wages—your trusted nanny or cleaner may be able to get benefits she can’t get any other way, including Social Security, Medicare, unemployment, and disability. Paying legally also qualifies you for tax breaks, including the Dependent Care Account, which is like a flexible spending account for childcare, and the Child and Dependent Care

W R I T T E N B Y D E B S C H WA R T Z

tax credit, which can save most people $600 with one child and $1,200 with two or more.

FACTO R I N TAX E S

You’re responsible for paying federal unemployment tax if you pay workers $1,000 or more per calendar quarter. If you’re paying workers $2,000 or more for the year, then you need to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Sorting through tax rules and abiding by state regulations can be challenging. Consider a payroll and tax service that offers consultations and resources, like HomePay or HomeWork Solutions.

D O R EGU L A R C H EC K - I N S

Domestic work is fraught. “You’re hiring someone to take care of the people you love the most in the place you love the most,” says Berger. “A lot of it is figured out as you go, which is why we recommend regular check-ins, weekly or monthly.”

Also key: addressing concerns as they arise, before they boil over, and periodically revising your work agreement together so you’re sure you, your partner (if you have one), and your employee are on the same page. Just keep work conversations with your nanny away from little ears.

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y A L E X A N D E R M O S T O V

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1 N IC O L E SA N C H E Z , 32, FOUNDER A N D C EO O F T H E F I N T EC H STA RT - U P EC R E DI T H E R O

1

How They Do It

N I C O L E S A N C H E Z , C O U R T E S Y O F N I C O L E S A N C H E Z ; M E L I S S A M A R K S PA P O C K , R O B E R T F E N N ; R O S E K I R K , COURTESY OF VERI ZON; JOHN W ISE, MADELE INE KOB OLD; MA I A HA AG, ALL AN HA AG

What daily or weekly ritual keeps you grounded?

“Every morning, I wake up and do the Lord’s Prayer in English and Spanish. I taught myself Spanish when I was 16 and then took advanced classes in college.

I struggled with learning the language academically.

I was able to master it through perseverance, and now, 15 years later, I speak it fluently.

I make sure to say my prayers in both languages not just for my faith but also as a reminder of my determination.”

2 M E L I S SA M A R KS PA P O C K , 4 2 , FOUNDER OF THE C LOT H I N G B RA N D CA B A N A L I F E

2

WRITTEN BY JANE PORTER

“With three kids and a busy work life, I find that what keeps me grounded is a conscious attitude shift. Time is so precious when you are spread so thin.

It’s important to quiet your brain and turn off those racing thoughts. One way I do that is by getting up early each morning with my oldest daughter, who’s 12. Having time with her before anybody else is up is a ritual I’m coming to cherish.”

ROSE KIRK, 55, CHIEF C O R P O RAT E S O CI AL RESPONSIBILITY O F F IC E R AT V ER I ZO N

“I hold on to Saturday mornings as a time to reconnect with myself. I write in a journal I started when my son was born that I’ve framed as a conversation with him. (He’s 17 now, and he’s never read it.) There is something so wonderful and grounding about slowing down enough to put effort into something tangible. It’s when I have my moments of clarity.”

4 JOHN WISE, 29, COFOUNDER OF T H E CA R D COMPANY LOV EP O P

“My team and I try to run every Thursday after work. We run a very exact route—around Boston Common from the office, through downtown, and back. I get to have my own time to clear my head and also be with people I work with in a different capacity.

It helps me regain my energy and makes Friday more of a success.”

3

5 M A I A H A AG , 5 0 , C O F O U N D ER A N D PRESIDENT OF THE PERSONALIZED CHILDREN’S BOOK COMPANY I SEE ME! “Every Wednesday night for the past six years, I’ve taken hip-hop and tap classes. It’s a fun break from my week to do something entirely new, liberating, and creative while getting some exercise. It’s helpful for me to use a different part of my brain.”

4

5

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J I L L C H E N / STO C K SY

The Ar t of Mindful Drinking B E T W E E N D AT E N I G H T, G I R L S ’ N I G H T, W O R K D R I N K S , A N D S U N D AY F U N D AY, I T ’ S E A S I E R T H A N E V E R T O G O A C C I D E N TA L LY O V E R B O A R D .

J u l i e K l a m S I T S I N O N A U N I Q U E M E D I TAT I O N C L A S S

T H AT T E A C H E S A M O R E T H O U G H T F U L A P P R O A C H .

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A

FEW YEARS AGO,

I noticed a trend among the people I socialize with.

Instead of suggesting we meet for coffee, itwas, “Let’s get drinks!”

Maybe this was because I was hitting a phase in my life where many of my friends were also divorced and therefore had some nights “off.” Or it might have been that drinks just sound more festive than coffee...and don’t we all need more festivity? Even though I’ve never been that much of a drinker—you can always spot me at the table, the one with five ice cubes in my white wine—I found myself having drinks out a lot.

My problem is, I tend to drink the way I shop and write: fast.

Of the three, drinking fast is the only one that gives me trouble.

Shopping fast gets you a good white shirt in under 20 minutes, but swigging drinks gets you a following morning filled with

and hosts mindful-drinking pub crawls; this summer, the organization will produce its first Mindful Drinking Festival.

Research shows there has been a rapid decline in drinking among young people across Britain.

Though it sounds trendy, like mindful eating and mindful breathing, mindful drinking has long been practiced by Buddhists, says Lodro Rinzler, author of the millennial life guidebook The Buddha Walks into a Bar. Buddhist monks usually can’t have alcohol or other intoxicants, he explains, “but lay practitioners today are not expected to cut out those things in the same way. In fact, in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, there’s an emphasis on taking things normally viewed as obstacles as part of the spiritual path, which happens to include alcohol in some ceremonies.”

And many Americans in 2017 seem to prefer an all-or-nothing

We we r e t o l d t o t a ke a s i p a n d s avo r i t— r e a l l y c o n c e n t ra t e o n h o w i t f e l t , h o w i t t a s t e d , w h a t m e m o r i e s o r s e n s a t i o n s i t evo ke d .

regrets. It makes it harder to realize when your slight buzz is turning into an “Oops, I’m drunk.”

I don’t abuse alcohol, but I have had vague thoughts about whether I should reframe my relationship with it.

Enter the theory of mindful drinking. It is, as its name indicates, a conscious approach to consuming alcohol. The technique has become popular in the U.K., where a group called Club Soda teaches the approach

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approach to alcohol. “All”—well, we know what that is. Drinking to excess increases your risk of certain diseases, such as breast cancer and dementia, as well as dependence. And the number of women who say they’ve had a heavy-drinking day at least once in the past year is at an all-time high, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Only 30 percent of women who drink stay within what NIAAA defines as “low-risk”

limits, which in women is no more than three drinks on any given day and no more than seven per week. The Mad Men era brought us men swigging boilermakers at noon; in the current era, women are equally comfortable with their cocktail intake, and females’ patterns of alcohol use and abuse have grown to look more like men’s, according to NIAAA research. Look to the myriad Facebook posts of “Boozy brunch!” and “Wine o’clock!” Or to the philosopher of our time, the Pinterest board, bulging with cocktail-centric memes (“Sorry I’m late…I like to arrive fashionably drunk”).

As for the “nothing,” it comes in forms like Whole30, in which people eliminate sugar, dairy, grains, legumes, and alcohol in an effort to scour their system, or #DryJanuary, where the goal is abstention for one month (January being the month after #DrinkandEatEverythingInSight December). Post-cleanse, enthusiasts report how great they feel: clearer-headed and with looser jeans. But for so many women, the results of such drastic change are short-lived. If you enjoy drinking and aren’t addicted but do want to approach it in a healthy way, cleansing isn’t usually a long-term fix.

Rinzler promises a middle path to lasting change. First stop: his MNDFL meditation studio in Brooklyn, New York, where he teaches mindful-drinking classes.

T H E M N D F L S T U D I O felt more like a spa than the meditation centers I’d been to in the past.

No incense-mixed-with-ramen

MINT IMAGES/OFFSET

smell, but there were indoor trees and super-flattering lighting. As we settled in on our assigned cushions, I looked around at the other attendees, who were easily 15 to 20 years younger than I am, and wondered where the 40- to 55-year-olds were. Did they not want to drink mindfully, or were they just not up for leaving the house on a Monday night?

Rinzler began with a brief history of mindful drinking. Nonmonastic Buddhists wanted to be able to drink comfortably, he said, so they developed the methods that morphed into mindful drinking. “In our newly conscious

world, we feel a need for help to drink more responsibly, for ourselves and those we drink with,” he said. “Anyone here ever have an awful next-day feeling after a night of overimbibing?” Quickly he was greeted with a chorus of sympathetic groans. “Come back to me when you’ve been hungover on a class trip to the Bronx Zoo with 40 second graders,” I thought. But I mindfully opted to remain silent.

He then began the practice, showing us how to take a moment to center ourselves before we went to drink. This could be done in the car on the way to a

party or in your apartment while getting ready to go to a bar. The idea was to clear your mind as much as possible of the stress of the day.

Consider the specifics of the night ahead of you, he encouraged. Who are you going to meet?

What do you want to do? If you’re going to meet friends, think about how you will talk and listen, and be present for the company, and enjoy your drink.

By visualizing how you want to be mindful ahead of time, you’re more likely to experience mindfulness when the lights are down, the music is soothing, and the alcohol is flowing.

Rinzler then gave us an opportunity to test his approach, directing us to file into the kitchen reception area to get a rye whiskey with ice and an orange peel. The amber tinge reminded me of whatever Lou Grant had in his desk drawer.

Of course, in real life, Rinzler pointed out, you don’t walk into a bar and get handed a drink.

You would mindfully consider the choices before you. I’ve always been wary of anything new, but I decided that the next time I went to a bar I would try something with subtle flavors and unusual accoutrements.

Nothing crazy, but maybe mint!

We returned to our cushions, drinks in hand, and Rinzler instructed us to first feel the drink. How did the glass feel?

How about the ice? Then we sniffed the drink and thought about how it smelled. We were told to take a sip and savor it— really concentrate on how it felt, how it tasted, what memories

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or sensations it evoked.

Right off the bat, I hated this drink. I’m not a whiskey gal, so I didn’t feel like it was a fair test of my self-control. But it was OK: Not loving it helped me pay attention.

Next, we were teamed up to simulate a bar or party scene, because the real challenge comes when you’re in a group. I was matched with two other women, one from South Africa and one from Italy. We told stories of the first drinks we’d ever had (mine was a screwdriver—total baby drink), all the while taking mindful sips. We were instructed to really listen, not listen while thinking of what you’re going to say when the person stops talking. It was hard, but no one said consciousness is easy.

It occurred to me that when I’m in a drinking situation, I’m very aware of “the next drink” and whether I’m going to have it or not. I tend to speed up the one I’m drinking if another round is possible. When I’m drinking this way, I’m not fully present in the conversation and not being courteous to the person I’m with.

I felt great relief at this epiphany and more than anything looked forward to being more aware of this with my friends.

We repeated the exercise, this time paired with a new person.

We were given the option of having a second drink; I was surprised to realize I still had most of my first one in my glass.

But after only a couple of sips, I did notice I was tired and tuning out. Mindfulness requires a lot of mental energy. I felt very ready to go home.

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OV E R T H E N E X T W E E K , I practiced Rinzler’s teachings at home.

I enjoyed a single beer with my boyfriend one night. The next night, at my monthly potluck dinner, I poured myself a glass of wine and carefully sipped... until a friend came in with pitchers of cosmos and insisted I have one. I had my mindful glass of wine in one hand and my crazygals’-night-out cosmo in the other. (Side note: Cosmos are tasty but strong, so if you chug them like Gatorade, you will be drunk, and if you’re drunk, you can’t be mindful.)

I mentioned my experiment to my friend Rosie Schaap, a bartender and author who has written about cocktail culture.

“As a server,” she told me, “I’m aware that it’s our responsibility to be mindful as well. Look cus-

first. Schaap pointed out that with the popularity of craft cocktails, with their fragrant, interesting ingredients and pleasing presentation, mindful drinking is even more satisfying.

All of this is well and good if you’re able to do it. If you have concerns about alcoholism, then any drinking, whether mindful or not, is ill-advised. Mindful drinking, says Rinzler, “is for people who want to have a healthy relationship with alcohol, but it’s no substitute for a recovery program. It’s born of a more pedestrian desire to change our relationship to something in our life, in the same way we might want to reevaluate our relationship to technology.”

As someone who’s been through a mindless drinking phase and now Rinzler’s session,

I n o n e l e s s o n , b a r t e n d e r s a r e t o l d t o m a ke a n e g r o n i , f i r s t w h i l e t h i n k i n g a b o u t s o m e o n e t h ey d i s l i ke , t h e n w h i l e t h i n k i n g a b o u t s o m e o n e t h ey l ove . T h e s e c o n d d r i n k i s s a i d t o t a s t e i m m e a s u ra b l y b e t t e r t h a n t h e f i r s t .

tomers in the eye, ask them how they are, and really mean it. Take an interest in what they are saying.” Rosie told me about Gary (a.k.a. “Gaz”) Regan, also a bartender, who cofounded the global Institute for Mindful Bartending.

In one lesson, bartenders are told to make a negroni, first while thinking about someone they dislike, then with the exact same ingredients but while thinking about someone they love. The second drink is said to taste immeasurably better than the

I realize my evenings are vastly improved with these new tools.

More than once after an evening out, I’ve felt a twinge of guilt— not for drinking too much but for forgetting to feel my drink or smell it or something. But there’s no question I feel physically better the next morning.

It’s lovely to slow down and savor our drinks and our precious time with friends. And to realize that this mindful approach just might help me make more of life’s other pleasures as well. Q

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Karina Lopez is the founder of kcyouthere.com, an entertaining and lifestyle blog. As a Long Island native now living between Manhattan and Buffalo, NY, Lopez embodies a NYC fashion sense with a small-town sensibility and charm, which together have led her to features in Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, The Every Girl, and E! Online. Since 2010, Lopez has provided fun and functional ideas gleaned from organizing events for brands like Shoedazzle and Tiziano Wine. Her styling expertise has put her in front of the camera for on-air segments on both NBC and The CW. Partnering with brands like Glade, Lavazza, Lowes, and RetailMeNot have secured Lopez as a trusted brand of her own.

Lopez is also the co-founder of a communications agency, KC Public Relations, with offices in both Manhattan and Buffalo, NY with her partner, Curtis Rogers.

FACEBOOK: kcyouthere INSTAGRAM: @kcyouthere TWITTER: @kcyouthere PINTEREST: kcyouthere

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Ahhh...

One reason the breath is such a powerful relaxation tool is that deep breathing invites letting go in parts of the body where strong emotions are held. Take a moment to breathe normally through your nose and notice what parts of you move. Once you have a sense of where the breath moves freely, consider any parts that feel closed off. Could you relax your shoulders and let the breath spread across your collarbones? Try softening your jaw and letting your teeth separate a little. Imagine the breath moving through your face.

Tension in your shoulders may mean you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world. A tight jaw could signal that you’re having a hard time expressing yourself. Noticing these sensations is the first step in acknowledging our feelings, and breathing into them allows us to soften and open up.

S A R A H M A I N G OT / T RU N K A R C H I V E . C O M

B Y E DWA R D J O N E S , W H E E L A N DA X L E . N E T

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it’s a pool party, & you’re invited Real Simple and interior designer N a t e B e r k u s k n o w w h a t m a ke s a backyard bash as memorable for grown-ups as it is for the kids: delicious finger foods, a gorgeous table, and one giant , inflatable pineapple.

WRITTEN BY

BETSY GOLDBERG PHOTOGRAPHS BY

ANNA WOLF RECIPES BY

D AW N P E R R Y

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Clockwise from left: Nate chats with party host Kelly (far left) and guest Gretchen; a ginger-lime margarita in a chic acrylic glass (realsimple.com/party recipes); two pals— Sydney and Waker, both 3—test the waters; pitcher plus palm leaves equals fuss-free “florals.”

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TO BUY: Nate Berkus stoneware stools, $70 each; target.com. Pop clear acrylic drink glasses, $4 each; crateandbarrel .com. Harbour Island floor pillow, $188; serenaandlily.com. Opposite page: Nate Berkus triangle geo decorative bath towel, $10; target.com.

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P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y J O N I N O E ; F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y C A R O L I N E K . H WA N G ; H A I R B Y B E T H A N Y B R I L L U S I N G A R R O J O ; M A K E U P B Y M I C H A L C O H E N F O R N A R S C O S M E T I C S AT M I C H A L M A K E U P. C O M ; F A S H I O N S T Y L I N G B Y S T E P H A S H M O R E ; G R O O M I N G ( B E R K U S A N D E N G S T R O M ) B Y S T E V E B E R G

T ’ S T H E U LT I M AT E work perk. When your boss is design pro Nate Berkus, you’ve got a steady stream of styling ideas at your disposal—which comes in handy when you like the concept of having friends over but tend to stress about pulling off the party. “Timing is the trickiest part for us,” says Kelly Engstrom, Nate’s longtime assistant, who lives in Los Angeles with husband Seth and their two children (Nora, 3, and Micaela, 9 months). “We end up throwing it all together last-minute, and then we can’t be with our guests because we’re stuck in the kitchen or at the grill. What I’ve learned from Nate is there are little things you can do in advance so you feel prepared.”

Some prep-ahead essentials: premixed drinks, a table set with snacks, and movable seating, says Nate. “Make it easy by taking stools, rugs, and pillows from inside and throwing them down on the grass.

You can shake them out at the end of the day.” To bring you more of Nate’s entertaining tricks, Real Simple tagged along on a backyard bash he helped Kelly host. Try his high-style, low-effort ideas to elevate your own summer parties.

Kelly and Seth look on as Nate elicits a giggle from their daughter Nora. “She likes to call him Uncle Nate,” says Kelly.

Sweet daddydaughter moment: Kelly’s friend Chris shares Italian ice with Sydney.

set up a self-serve drink station Nate likes to load a bar cart with boxed water and pitchers of cocktails.

“It’s effortless,” says Kelly.

“People can help themselves, so you don’t have to keep asking what they want to drink.”

LEMON-HIBISCUS I TA L I A N I C E ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 4 H O U R S , 1 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 12

1

cups sugar

1

cups fresh lemon juice (from about 8 lemons) 3 hibiscus tea bags, such as Red Zinger

sugar and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and add lemon juice.

COMBINE

Homemade Italian ices are

p e r f e c t f o r a p o o l p a r t y.

“When the kids get sticky, just send them in for a swim,” says Kelly.

half of the lemon mixture into an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Place tea bags in remaining syrup and let steep until bright pink, about 5 minutes.

Remove tea bags and transfer hibiscus mixture to a separate 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

POUR

lemon mixture into pieces using a spoon and transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth but still frozen. Scoop mixture into Dixie or other serving cups. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve.

BREAK

with hibiscus mixture and keep in the freezer until ready to serve.

REPEAT

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135

Clockwise from left: It’s all fun and games for Kelly’s friend Vaughn and his son Waker; another guest, Todd, passes a platter; a well-stocked party-supply spot.

cater to your crowd Set out pretty bins or baskets to corral used pool towels and a stash of extra sun hats and flip-flops (see right). Have some lawn games available to keep little ones busy. “Vintage games are more charming and less cartoony than the usual ones,” says Nate. “These types of extras aren’t a necessity, but they make a get-together feel more special and not just your average ‘Hey, why don’t you guys swing by?’ kind of thing.”

TO BUY: Vintage wicker bar cart; nickeykehoe.com for similar styles. Tiny ripple cups in Kraft, $5 for 10, and Tiny taster spoons, $3 for 20; shopsweetlulu .com. Pineapple pool float, $60; sunnylife .com. Nate Berkus diamond dot stool, $70, and Nate Berkus painted decorative baskets, $20 each; target.com. Flea market wire ball bin, $39; landofnod.com.

Sydney beach towel in Black, $78, and Fouta beach towel in Midnight, $48; serenaandlily.com.

the par ty menu Ginger-Lime Sodas (or Margaritas) Creamy Spinach Scallion Dip Tomato and Olive Panzanella Fried Chicken Biscuits Frozen Fruit Skewers Lemon-Hibiscus Italian Ice Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Strips For buying info and recipes, see page 139.

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mix the high and the low Pair melamine plates and plastic flatware with linen napkins, suggests Nate: “It’s a low-cost luxury that steps up your table.”

top your table with neutrals “People often wear bright colors in the summer, and the food is colorful, too,” says Nate. “A table in a neutral palette is a nice, sophisticated counterpoint to that.”

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FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH RED P E P P E R J E L LY SERVES 12

FRIED CHICKEN

BISCUITS

ACT I V E T I M E 4 0 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 1 H O U R , 10 M I N U T E S ( I N C LU D E S M A R I N AT I N G )

ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 4 0 M I N U T E S

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups buttermilk 1 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar

cups buttermilk 1 large egg, lightly beaten Red pepper jelly, for serving

Grab-and-go foods like fried chicken sliders are a hit when kids are in attendance. “Not every parent is able to sit down and savor a sandwich,” says Nate, “so you keep guests happy if you serve things they can eat on a swing set or during pool duty.”

Fried chicken (recipe at right)

CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA STRIPS ACT I V E T I M E 10 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 3 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 12

1 cup sugar TO BUY: Nate Berkus fringe

table runner, $25, Nate Berkus patterned ceramic bowl, $20, and Spritz gold cutlery, $5 for 60; target .com. Napkins made from Nate Berkus upholstery fabric in Calixto Paramount, $25 per yard; joann.com.

Black Creek Mercantile ebonized cutting board, $235; nickeykehoe.com for similar styles. Caprice stone melamine plates, $7 (8 in.) and $8 (10 in.), Bambu dinner plates, $15 for 8, Caprice stone melamine bowl, $7, Lunea melamine white serving bowl, $15, and Burke salad servers, $25; crateand barrel.com.

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon Pinch of kosher salt 4 burrito-size flour tortillas cup vegetable oil oven to 350°F. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Dividing evenly, brush tortillas on both sides with oil and sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar (you should use all of it). Cut into 1-inch strips and arrange in a single layer on 2 baking sheets.

PREHEAT

BAKE ,

flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Strips can be made, cooled, and stored in an airtight container up to 4 days ahead.

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp. sugar cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, plus more, softened, for serving

choose menu items that are mobile

lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. kosher salt

1

1

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Grate butter on the large holes of a box grater directly over flour mixture, tossing to coat in flour as you go. Add buttermilk and use a fork to stir to combine (dough will be shaggy).

TURN dough onto a work surface and fold dough on top of itself until it just comes together, about 5 times. (It’s OK if a few stray pieces don’t make it in.)

Pat out dough to 1-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a floured 2-inch cutter and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gather scraps together and repeat 2 more times. (At this point, biscuits can be tightly wrapped on sheets and frozen for up to 3 weeks.)

biscuits with beaten egg and bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until golden and risen, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly before splitting. Spread biscuits with softened butter and red pepper jelly and top with a piece of fried chicken.

BRUSH

For more recipes from this party, visit realsimple.com/partyrecipes.

1 tsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 cups all-purpose flour tsp. freshly ground black pepper Vegetable oil, for frying chicken breasts in half lengthwise into cutlets, then cut into 20 2-inch pieces. Place chicken in a large bowl and add onion, buttermilk, sugar, paprika, and 1 tablespoon salt; stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.

SPLIT

COMBINE flour, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish. Working with a few pieces at a time, remove chicken from buttermilk mixture and dredge in flour (do not shake off excess). Return chicken to buttermilk, turn to coat, and dip back in flour, turning to coat and pressing to help flour adhere (it should look shaggy). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

HEAT 1 inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high.

Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and place nearby.

When oil is hot, add a few pieces of chicken, being sure not to overcrowd the pan, and fry, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to rack and repeat. Serve chicken warm, cold, or at room temperature on biscuits. Chicken can be reheated on a rack in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

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140

Now is not the time to fuss with a full face of makeup. Go bright on one feature— V I O L E T L I D S , T A N G E R I N E L I P S , or C O B A L T L A S H E S —and keep the rest of your face bare to look your most gorgeous with the least effort.

Splash of Color Written by

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Chelsea Traber Burns

Photographs by

KINYA

Violet Lids “Purple on the eyes is fresh and unique, yet it really does look good on all skin tones,” says makeup artist Moani Lee. “Press shadow onto skin with a brush, then blend it out at the crease.”

MAKE IT POP If you want the most vibrant color (see page 145 for the model’s shade, plus bonus brights), prep lids with a primer, like E.L.F. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer ($2; elfcosmetics .com), to neutralize blue or green tones on lids and prevent creasing.

KEEP IT SUBTLE Bold purple lids not your thing?

Ease into the trend by smudging a purple liner along the upper lash line for a soft peek of color.

Coral Nails Makeup minimalist? Pair clean skin with vibrant nails.

MAKE IT POP For color that looks as bright on your nails as it does in the bottle, slick on a layer of white polish after your base coat (before the coral).

This will cover your nail’s natural shade, which makes the polish appear darker.

KEEP IT SUBTLE Paint nails with a neutral hue (nude or greige), then use coral as an accent. Draw a half-moon or small dot at the bottom of each nail.

143

Cobalt Lashes

M A K E U P B Y M O A N I L E E ; H A I R B Y E L O I S E C H E U N G AT K AT E R YA N I N C . F O R P H Y T O PA R I S ; R E T O U C H I N G B Y R Y O S H I M U R A AT V I TA I N C . H A R P E R D O U B L E V TA N K , $ 8 8 ; C O O P E R A N D E L L A . C O M

For starters, it’s fun. And blue mascara also makes the whites of your eyes look brighter.

MAKE IT POP “With any colored mascara, it’s best to use a white primer first to seal the application and intensify the color,” explains Lee. A good one: NYX Big & Loud Lash Primer ($7; ulta.com).

KEEP IT SUBTLE Brush on black mascara first, then swipe the blue over the tips.

The color will catch the light when you move, but it won’t be in-your-face. Skip lower lashes.

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Tangerine Lips “Orange lips are refreshing and unexpected, plus they warm up the skin for summer,” says Lee. MAKE IT POP “Brights highlight dry flakes and cracks, so exfoliate lips first. DIY a scrub with a pinch of sugar and some honey,” says Lee. Wipe it off with a tissue, then dab a tiny bit of foundation over your lips to cancel out pink tones that can alter the color.

KEEP IT SUBTLE Opt for a sheer formula, like a crayon or a tinted balm (shown on model), instead of a pigmented one.

Dab it onto lips for a softer finish.

145

More Bright Ideas to Try

E Y E S H A D OW SHOWN ON MODEL

Morphe eye shadow in Life in The City, $2.50; morphebrushes.com.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow in Matte Purple, $25; sephora.com.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Chrome in Sharp Purple, $8; target.com.

Urban Decay eye shadow in Psychedelic Sister, $19; sephora.com.

Zoya Nail Polish in Zahara, $10; zoya.com.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Dutch Tulips, $10; macys.com.

Essie Nail Polish in Meet Me at Sunset, $9; essie.com.

Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Navy Blue, $29.50; sephora.com.

Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in Violet Incredible, $26; sephora.com.

Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Mascara in Deep Blue, $14; ulta.com.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Spicy, $20; sephora.com.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick in Tangerine, $38; sephora.com.

Sephora Collection Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color in Magenta Luster, $16; sephora.com.

NAILS SHOWN ON MODEL

E YE S H A D OW, F R O M L EF T: B R I A N H EN N ; LU CA S V I S S ER ; B RI A N H EN N ; G R EG M A R I N O. N A IL S : B R I A N H EN N . L A S H E S , F R O M L EF T: J O N PAT ER S O N ; B RI A N H EN N ( 3 ) . L I P S , F RO M L EF T: B R I A N H EN N ; K E V I N SW EEN E Y; B RI A N H EN N ( 2 )

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Espadrilles, $28; chanel.com.

LASHES SHOWN ON MODEL

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara in Cobalt Blue, $8; at drugstores.

LIPS

SHOWN ON MODEL

Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Rendezvous, $5; target.com.

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147

Summer the Way It Should Be A d a C a l h o u n A S K S : W H AT I S I T A B O U T L I F E I N

T H E 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y T H AT M A K E S U S L O N G FOR K ICK THE CAN, MARSHMALLOW SAL AD, AND A PHONE WITH A CORD?

I

I ’ D B E E N O N M Y computer all day. I stood in my kitchen waiting for the second batch of healthy, if bland, chicken with tahini and asparagus to be done. I refilled our dinner guests’ drinks. There were no fewer than five children underfoot—my 10-year-old son plus several friends ages 6 to 12.

One came in complaining of a sore throat. I put on a movie for the kids and reminded them not to share cups.

“What’s new?” my friend asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Well,” I said, pausing to think for the first time all week. “I spent all of yesterday helping my grandmother move. We’ve had houseguests nonstop.

I have endless work projects lined up but still feel broke. Whenever I’m not working, I’m cooking and cleaning.

This is the first time I’ve had a conversation in days without being interrup—”

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Granted, the decade was far from idyllic: There was Watergate, lines at the gas pump, a stagnant economy— not to mention fashion’s overreliance on fabrics not found in nature. Katherine Spillar, executive editor of Ms. magazine, notes that women are better off now by just about every metric. In the ’70s, women made up less than 5 percent of Congress, there were no women on the Supreme Court, and unmarried women could be denied everything from birth control to credit cards.

Yet I find myself fondly remembering sugared bread.

How can we give ourselves a ’70s makeover, minus the bad stuff? For me, it all begins with hot dogs and watermelon.

F

F I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T: I have to stop with the laborintensive meals. When women started working in large numbers, the Crock-Pot was hailed as a solution. Parents could throw meat and vegetables into the machine when they left for work and arrive home to serve the family a hot meal.

I locate the slow cooker I was given years ago but never use. One morning, I put a pork shoulder in it with onions, garlic, a bunch of spices, and other vegetables.

Five hours later, the house smells fantastic. That night, friends come over for dinner, and my low-labor carnitas tacos are a hit. Better still, in the predinner hour, I’m able to sit in the living room and talk to people.

So this, I think, is why my mom and others of her generation were so partial to convenience foods like Banquet boiling bags, Rice-A-Roni, Pasta-Roni, Manwich, and Hamburger Helper. They might not have been the healthiest or most delicious options, but they were fast and let you more quickly move on to what made family dinners enjoyable in the first place: spending time together.

Anna Pallai of the 70s Dinner Party Twitter account (@70s_party) admits that a lot of ’70s food was pretty gross—particularly the salads, which “aren’t really salads at all but often vegetables in lime gelatin and lots of mayonnaise.” What the era got right, she notes, was convenience and fun. She points to some of its ridiculous yet endearing trends: Roast hot dogs and shape them into a crown with toothpicks; put something in the middle! Want to have a fancy party with no plates to wash? Get a fondue pot and have everyone dip their own food. Want a silverware-free side? Slice a watermelon. Err on the side of sweetness and ease. “When in doubt,” says Pallai, “add marshmallows.”

P R E V I O U S S P R E A D A N D T H I S S P R E A D : F A M I LY, C L A S S I C S T O C K / A L A M Y ; P O L A R O I D S , G E T T Y I M A G E S

“Can I have some water?” a 6-year-old yelled from the other room.

“You need a break,” my friend said.

“I tried!” I said. “I went to visit my best friend last weekend when I was in her town for a conference.

Within hours, she got called away for work and left me alone to dog-sit.”

The whole time we were talking, both of us had phones vibrating; behind our eyes was a swirl of stress.

Mostly, I like my 2017 life. I’m happy to cut up cucumbers for kids and have a career, go to parties and Pilates and…and yet I’ve started to wonder whether it hasn’t gone a little far, all this doing. I consider the similar plight of my son and his friends, scheduled like little Olympians in training: chess, soccer, band, science camp, theater camp, 4-H camp.

When I was a kid, my cousin and I would climb the hill behind my aunt and uncle’s house. We never remembered to bring a compass, sunscreen, or water. If memory serves, we subsisted for weeks on Pop-Tarts carried in our pockets. We swam and climbed and sometimes rounded out the day by throwing leeches or shooting bottle rockets at each other. We returned hours later, usually covered in mud and scratched by brambles. If we didn’t feel like going outside, we watched ungodly amounts of television (whatever was on, we didn’t care—Woody Woodpecker, The Incredible Hulk, Jeopardy) and ate white bread with butter and sugar. All the while, our moms, in their wedges and flowy wrap skirts, mostly left us alone. That was the 1970s and early ’80s in a nutshell: parents off…somewhere, kids wild and free. The busier I get, the more appealing it seems.

Judging by the ongoing ’70s fashion revival (even Forever 21 now stocks terry cloth rompers) and the way the era keeps popping up in movies (American Hustle), books (City on Fire), songs (check out the viral video “We Didn’t Own an iPad” if you aren’t among the millions who have watched it already), and blog posts (Melissa Fenton penned a tribute to ’70s parenting that went viral a few summers back), I’m not the only one feeling nostalgic. I wasn’t surprised to see the mildest-mannered PTA moms doing shots and dancing like crazy to “I Will Survive” in gold lamé and glitter eye shadow at the recent 1970s-themed fundraising gala at my son’s school.

I wonder if ’70s nostalgia might have something to do with a desire to relax about what we eat, how much TV we watch, and how quickly we respond when summoned by our devices. Maybe we’re weary of living our best lives and longing to embrace the good-enough life—that more laid-back approach to food, fashion, and parenting that America perfected in the 1970s.

That was the 1970s and early ’80s in a nutshell: parents off...somewhere, kids wild and free. The busier I get, the more appealing it seems.

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I

I N 1975 , Elia Parsons and Marguerite Kelly published The Mother’s Almanac, seeking to “de-escalate the idea that you have to be an expert to raise a child,” as Parsons once said. They advocated relaxing and enjoying one another’s company. That means more unstructured time. My mother, who was working as a young actress in the 1970s, is not nostalgic for much about the decade (she still has flashbacks to sexist bosses), but she has long encouraged more downtime for her grandson. “It’s good for him,” she says when I fret about his getting too much screen time or sugar. “It didn’t kill you.”

F A M I LY, T O M K E L L E Y A R C H I V E / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; P O L A R O I D S , G E T T Y I M A G E S

One way to have convenience with somewhat less processing and added sugar: Create your own fast food.

“I’m seeing some people make their own TV dinners,” says Jenn Matheson, PhD, a marriage and family therapist who practices in Colorado and Wyoming. “On weekends they go to the grocery store with their kids, buy all the stuff they’re going to need for the week, cook it, package it up, stick it in the freezer. During the week, take it out, microwave it, and you’ve got nutritious food that you’ve made together. And you have time to run outside before the sun goes down and play catch or hide-and-go-seek before the fireflies come out.”

151

When I look back at my own abundant screen time, though, I do see one key difference: Whereas today my son is on his iPad and my husband and I are on our individual phones, back then vegging out was a group activity.

“In the ’70s, a lot of middle- to working-class families had only one TV,” says Matheson. “What did we do? We planned our time so we would gather around it to watch something in common. Binge-watching series is mind-numbing. The old way was better: Pick an episode one evening every week, usually after dinner. Pop some popcorn, sit down, and watch together.”

My husband and son and I try this. We become addicted to The Voice. We chatter through the whole show, mostly about how we all like Alicia Keys best. I realize that what’s important is being around one another and sharing activities, whether that’s watching the same show or playing Clue. We start going outside together more.

I teach my son to play tennis, and he quickly outstrips my abilities. Badminton is more my speed, so we start playing that every day. I buy glow-in-the-dark shuttlecocks so we can keep playing even after dark.

we didn’t have to think about it 24/7. Cable news fills our heads with nonstop negativity.” Cable services usually come with parental controls that let you temporarily block certain channels, like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. I find that reading the news once in the morning and once in the evening doesn’t make me any less well-informed.

I also start to leave my phone in one place when I’m home, with notifications off. I twitch for the first few days. Then, one afternoon, I walk several blocks and realize I’ve forgotten my phone at home, something that hasn’t happened in years. I feel free, like I did when I headed out with my cousin to spend the day no one knew where. I stay with my son for a couple of hours at the park without my phone. The world doesn’t end.

I T T H E R E ’ S S T I L L a major enemy to my inner peace, and it’s located in my pocket. I tend to feel I must reply the second an email comes into my phone. It’s as if I’m playing a full-time game of Whac-A-Mole, with no prizes. It’s draining. I can be perfectly happy, and then I see a few stress-inducing work requests, or friends fighting on Facebook, or some scary news on Twitter or CNN, and I’m plunged straight into a bad mood.

Back in the ’70s, phones hung sensibly on the wall.

You could take them off the hook if you didn’t want to be disturbed. I can’t remember the last time I turned my phone all the way off during the day.

Matheson says we should attempt to liberate ourselves from our phones. “Always turn your phone to ‘do not disturb’ or ‘silent,’ if you can,” she says. “If your kids are at school and you have to be available, then maybe don’t do that. But if your kids are with you, perhaps try turning your phone off for a couple of hours.”

She also recommends limiting apps: “You don’t have to delete your Facebook account; just delete the app from your devices. Try it for a week. While you’re at it, take off whatever other apps you’re addicted to: Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat.”

Ditto cable news. “When I think of the ’70s, I think of the discontent in terms of our government,” says Matheson. “These are divisive times, too, but back then

I H AV E ON E F I NA L ’70s-inspired project: to wear more wrappy, stretchy, washable clothes. I’ve always liked dressing up, but lately it’s gotten to the point where I don’t feel professional without heels and full makeup, and shaped eyebrows, and shaved legs. Feminist activist and writer Carol Hanisch says, “How much better women have it now is debatable. Certainly, there are more women in professional jobs, but on the other hand, we weren’t pressured in the ’70s to shave our genital area and wear spike heels.” As sexy and dressy as women got in that era, there was an ease and comfort: flowy wrap dresses, clunky shoes, terry cloth, wash-and-wear double-knit polyester.

Not all the ’70s styles are for me. My hairdresser gave me bangs and a middle part and fluffed it up, and, eh, I certainly would never be mistaken for Cheryl Tiegs.

But Dansko clogs or Famolare shoes with the wavy soles? And party dresses that you can throw in the washing machine? And jean skirts? All yes.

I find some things that fit the bill at the back of my closet and more at Zara, H&M, and secondhand stores.

It’s awfully relaxing, walking around on platforms instead of spike heels, wearing a wrap dress so going up or down a few pounds isn’t a big deal, and wearing nothing that requires the services of a dry cleaner.

Time I once spent on food prep, clothing care, and instantly responding to email is now mine again. And I find I want to use it on badminton and family movie night. There’s Cheetos dust in the air. Summer feels like summer again. Q A DA C A L H O U N I S T H E AU T H O R O F T H E N E W M E M O I R W E D D I N G T OA S T S I ’ L L N E V E R G I V E .

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food

FOOD ST YL ING BY CHEL SE A Z IMMER; PROP ST YL ING BY CL A IRE SPOLLEN

July This time of year, you don’t have to work hard for big flavor. You have bushels of ripe-and-ready produce at your fingertips; all it needs is a pat of melting butter—or Go-To Vinaigrette (page 165)—and dinner is done. We’re craving the Chickpea, Roasted Pepper, and Tomato Salad for dinner (page 158). And a spread of the tastiest grocery-store frozen treats (page 169) means you can keep your cool through dessert.

C O O K W I T H C OZ I Get Real Simple’s easy weeknight-dinner recipes in Cozi, a free meal-planning and organizing app from Time Inc. (available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play).

PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG DUPREE

Go to realsimple.com/ dailyrecipe to have new favorite recipes delivered to your inbox every day.

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Easy Dinner 1

Quick poached shrimp and sautéed cucumber with chile and mint ACT I V E T I M E 3 0 M I N U T E S

Healthy Pick

TOTA L T I M E 4 5 M I N U T E S

Whole-Grain

SERVES 4

Gluten-Free

3 cloves garlic, crushed 3 sprigs parsley 2 lemons, sliced, plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice, plus wedges for serving 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1

lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 shallots, thinly sliced 3 English cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced tsp. crushed red pepper flakes cup mint leaves Cooked brown rice, for serving

3 quarts water, garlic, parsley, lemon slices, and 1 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes; remove from heat and discard solids. Add shrimp, cover, and let stand until shrimp curl and turn pink, about 3 minutes.

FOOD ST YL ING BY CHEL SE A Z IMMER; PROP ST YL ING BY CL A IRE SPOLLEN

BRING

MEANWHILE, heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add shallots and remaining teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add cucumbers and red pepper flakes, tossing until cucumbers just begin to soften, about 4 minutes.

Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in mint, lemon juice, and shrimp.

SERVE

over brown rice with lemon wedges.

PER SERVING: 414 CALORIES, 11G FAT (1G SAT.), 229MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 34G PRO., 3G CARB., 275MG SOD., 3G SUGAR

R E C I P E S B Y R O B B Y M E LV I N

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREG DUPREE

J U LY 2017

156

FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Grilled skirt steak with squash ratatouille ACT I V E T I M E 3 0 M I N U T E S

Quick Cooking

TOTA L T I M E 3 0 M I N U T E S

Gluten-Free

SERVES 4

Family Friendly

1

lb. skirt steak, cut into 4 pieces

2

Tbsp. olive oil, divided

1

tsp. kosher salt, divided

1

tsp. black pepper, divided 1 large yellow squash, halved lengthwise 1 large zucchini, halved lengthwise 1 small eggplant, halved lengthwise 1 red onion, sliced

in. thick

2 Tbsp. parsley leaves 1

Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

PREHEAT a large grill pan over high.

Rub steak with 1 tablespoon oil and teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Grill, turning once, until lightly charred, about 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.

TOSS squash, zucchini, eggplant, and onion with remaining 1 tablespoons oil and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, 5 to 6 minutes. Chop vegetables, toss with parsley and vinegar, and serve with steak.

PER SERVING: 443 CALORIES, 26G FAT (7G SAT.), 114MG CHOL., 5G FIBER, 40G PRO., 16G CARB., 812MG SOD., 9G SUGAR

J U LY 2017

I FOUND THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO MAKING GREAT ICED TEA. I’ve spent years learning about tea, and all I know and love is in Pure Leaf.

Real tea leaves, carefully dried to coax out all the subtle tea flavors.

Then I taste and fine-tune the blend for a delicious, smooth iced tea.

I want people to experience the same amazing taste of iced tea that I do.

Alex White,

Pure Leaf Tea Master

Pure Leaf.

Our Thing is Tea.

Find out more at pureleaf.com

©2017 PURE LEAF is a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies used under license.

158

FOOD

Easy Dinner 3

Chickpea, roasted pepper, and tomato salad ACT I V E T I M E 3 0 M I N U T E S

Healthy Pick

cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped tsp. kosher salt, divided

1

4 slices country bread 1 small Vidalia onion, thinly sliced cup white wine vinegar 1 cup sliced roasted red peppers 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced, leaves reserved for serving 1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 cups torn radicchio (about 4 oz.)

4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into bite-size pieces together oil, garlic, and teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Brush mixture onto both sides of each slice of bread.

Heat a grill pan over medium and toast bread until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.

STIR

onion and vinegar to bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in peppers, celery, chickpeas, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Add radicchio and toss to coat.

Top with cheese and celery leaves and serve with grilled bread.

ADD

PER SERVING: 493 CALORIES, 24G FAT (6G SAT.), 16MG CHOL., 10G FIBER, 19G PRO., 55G CARB., 1360MG SOD., 10G SUGAR

J U LY 2017

TOTA L T I M E 3 0 M I N U T E S

Quick Cooking

Vegetarian

SERVES 4

Family Friendly

DINNER GE T S A WAKE-UP CALL.

For all-day breakfast inspiration, visit smithfield.com

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160

FOOD

Easy Dinner 4

Gnocchi with brown butter, pecans, and basil ACT I V E T I M E 2 5 M I N U T E S

Quick Cooking

TOTA L T I M E 2 5 M I N U T E S

Vegetarian

SERVES 4

Family Friendly

2 16-oz. pkg. potato gnocchi 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, crushed cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 tsp. lemon zest, plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice 1 tsp. kosher salt tsp. black pepper 3 cups packed torn basil leaves, divided 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about cup) gnocchi according to package directions.

COOK

melt butter in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add pecans and cook, stirring often, until nuts are toasted and butter begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add gnocchi and cook, tossing, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

MEANWHILE,

in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and almost all the basil. Serve topped with remaining basil and cheese.

STIR

PER SERVING: 737 CALORIES, 31G FAT (14G SAT.), 64MG CHOL., 7G FIBER, 20G PRO., 96G CARB., 1584MG SOD., 14G SUGAR

J U LY 2017

GRILL IT

TO

Find us in the freezer aisle.

BELIEVE IT

162

FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Pan-seared chicken cutlets with summer corn succotash ACT I V E T I M E 3 5 M I N U T E S

Healthy Pick

TOTA L T I M E 3 5 M I N U T E S

Gluten-Free

SERVES 4

Family Friendly

4 thick-cut slices bacon, chopped 4 6-oz. chicken cutlets 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided tsp. black pepper, divided 5 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts separated 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 ears) 2 cups frozen lima beans, thawed cup chicken stock 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar Parsley leaves, for serving bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet.

COOK

SEASON chicken with teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper and cook in drippings over medium-high until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

scallion whites to skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, 1 minute. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in lima beans and stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced and nearly dry, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in vinegar, scallion greens, bacon, and remaining teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper. Serve with chicken and top with parsley.

ADD

PER SERVING: 430 CALORIES, 8G FAT (2G SAT.), 107MG CHOL., 8G FIBER, 47G PRO., 44G CARB., 840MG SOD., 8G SUGAR

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J U LY 2017

POWER LUNCH BETTER. alfrescoallnatural.com.

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T H E T I M E L E S S TA S T E O F I TA LY

FOOD

165

Make It Yourself A D E L I C I O U S E S S E N T I A L T H AT ’ S F O O D ST Y L I N G BY C H EL S E A Z I M M ER ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I RE S P O L L EN

B E T T E R H O M E M A D E T H A N S T O R E - B O U G H T. W E ’ L L P R O V E I T. T H I S M O N T H : G o - To V i n a i g r e t t e

M A K I N G Y O U R O W N salad dressing is the key to becoming a stronger cook: Master it and you’ll have the confidence to improvise other dishes. Storebought dressings, even simple vinaigrettes, are often slicked with freaky stabilizers and excess sweeteners, which can overpower your greens. Once you

RECIPE BY DAWN PERRY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREG DUPREE

graduate to the homemade stuff, you’ll never go back. This recipe is a combination of ingredients you almost always have on hand, and you can modify each batch to suit your mood. Try agave or maple syrup in place of the honey or add some freshly grated lemon zest for extra floral tang. Now go forth and emulsify.

J U LY 2017

166

FOOD

BUILDING A BETTER SALAD

Dress for success

Mix lettuces You can buy a clamshell or bagged mix, but we like varying sizes of greens, from butter leaves to small mâche or even leftover herbs.

Make it a main Turn a side salad into a meal with savory, satiating toppings—bacon, toasted nuts, avocado, feta—that add flavor and fill you up.

J U LY 2017

F ELT + FAT S A L A D P L AT E I N T E A L M A RB L E G L A Z E , F R O M $ 4 4 ; F ELTA N D FAT. C O M

Add dressing a tablespoon at a time, tossing until everything is lightly coated. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

ACT I V E T I M E 10 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 10 M I N U T E S CUP MAKES ABOUT

1 shallot, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. Dijon or whole-grain mustard 1 tsp. honey 2 Tbsp. lemon juice cup red or white wine vinegar tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper cup olive oil WHISK together shallot, mustard, honey, lemon juice, and vinegar in a medium bowl or shake in a pint-size jar; season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until evenly combined.

(If using a jar, add oil, tightly seal lid, and shake until emulsified.) Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. Store vinaigrette in an airtight container or glass jar with lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

#SNACKINGCHOCOLATE

FOOD

169

R o a d Te s t

Frozen Treats We risked brain freeze to try more than 200 treats, from ice cream truck classics to trendy cold-brew pops. Say hello to our six summer-ready favorites.

1 B E ST IC E C R E A M SA N DW IC H

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y S U S A N O T TAV I A N O F O R H A L L E Y R E S O U R C E S

365 Everyday Value Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches

This is everything the iconic sammie should be: no frills, just a thick layer of creamy vanilla ice cream between soft, chewy chocolate cookies. They were the clear winner in a very crowded category.

TO BUY: $5 for 6 3.65-oz. sandwiches; at Whole Foods Market.

realsimple

ROAD TE ST

WRITTEN BY GRACE ELKUS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFF WESTBROOK

J U LY 2017

170

FOOD

2 B E ST C H O C O L AT E - DI P P E D BA R Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

We love the way the delicate dark chocolate shell snaps as you bite into this decadent bar. And the chocolate ice cream is velvety and intense.

It even won over tasters who claimed they preferred vanilla to chocolate.

TO BUY: $4.50 for 3 2.4-oz. bars; at grocery stores.

realsimple

ROAD TE ST

3 B E ST IC E P O P

4 B E ST N O N DI P P E D B A R

365 Everyday Value Strawberry Fruit Bars

Trader Joe’s Raspberry & Vanilla Cream Bars

Keep these kid-friendly faves on hand for blazing-hot days. Unlike many competitors, they’re loaded with fresh fruit and aren’t overly sweet.

(They’re made with cane sugar, not corn syrup.) Try the Lime and Caribbean flavors, too.

TO BUY: $2.70 for 4 4-oz. bars; at Whole Foods Market.

The petite size of these twolayer cuties makes them an ideal afternoon snack. The tart fruit complements the rich vanilla, and we love that there’s no stick (less waste and more dessert for us). Each bar has just 80 calories.

TO BUY: $3.50 for 8 1.4-oz. bars; at Trader Joe’s.

5 B E ST C O N E

6 B E ST N OV E LT Y

Three Twins Ice Cream Organic Sundae Cones

Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Peanut Butter Cup Pint Slices

This picture-perfect treat— the first organic sundae cone on the market—hits all the right notes: ice cream with pure vanilla flavor, a semisweet chocolate topping, and a sprinkling of crunchy roasted peanuts. The crispy cone is lined with chocolate, too.

TO BUY: $6 for 3 4-oz. cones; at grocery stores.

You get all the deliciousness of a Ben & Jerry’s pint packed into a handheld (and dark chocolate–dipped) treat. The fully intact mini peanut butter cups, which are swirled into vanilla and peanut butter ice cream, had us hooked.

TO BUY: $5 for 3 3-oz. slices; at grocery stores.

Want dairy-free treats? Find our favorites at realsimple.com/ nondairy.

J U LY 2017

© McNeil Nutritionals, LLC 2017

Actually, your ice cream shouldn’t make you

Milk messes with more people than you think.

That’s why there’s lactose-free LACTAID®.

It’s real milk, just without that annoying lactose.

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172

No Mug Left Behind I have a lot of mugs. Some part of me knows that mugs aren’t really the same as adorable abandoned animals, to which I am also partial, but some part of me does not know that at all. Luckily, mugs are our greatest teachers.

And what they teach us, mostly, is how we feel about other mugs.

J U LY 2017

T H E M U G : World Market mug with red and blue flowers.

THE LESSON: A mug may be cute and still not good enough for you.

I purchased this mug for use while reading Agatha Christie novels during rainstorms.

Then, one day, at the home of a person I don’t really like who never reads at all, I saw this very mug. It dawned on me that indeed this mug had not been specifically manufactured for me

T H E M U G : California mug from Starbucks.

T H E L E S S O N : The best mugs stand up to the worst ridicule.

People laugh. “Your mug is from Starbucks? Do you drink pumpkin spice lattes out of it while watching Friends?” It saddens me that people don’t really see this mug. They don’t take in its perfect shape.

Their spirits are unmoved by the optimistic blue lining, full of wondrous possibility. Hear me now, haters. You will pry my Starbucks mug from my cold, dead, basic hands.

THE MUG: Inspirationalmessage mug.

T H E L E S S O N : If you hate message mugs, you just haven’t found the right message.

I always thought message mugs were stupid because they said stupid things like DREAM BIG! and MOMMY FUEL. Then I found a mug that said I LOVE MY BLUE HEELER and realized that message mugs are actually the best.

T H E M U G : Vintage ruffed grouse mug.

T H E L E S S O N : All mugs are for someone, but someone is not always you.

I bought this mug at a thrift store. While I have nothing against the ruffed grouse, it is no blue heeler. My

friend Lisa, a birdwatcher, not only loves ruffed grouses but actually knows what they are. It cost $12 to ship this 25-cent mug to her, but it’s no longer owned by someone who calls it “the duck mug,” and you can’t put a price on that.

T H E M U G : Pauline Wolstencroft stoneware mug.

T H E L E S S O N : There is no such thing as “the one” mug.

I saw this mug and whispered, “I love you.” The mug replied, “I am handmade and cost $50.”

“But if I purchase you, I shall never want another mug,” I promised. When it comes to mugs, I will never stop learning my lesson.

WRITTEN BY SARAH MILLER

SAM KAPLAN/TRUNK ARCHIVE

The Struggle Is Real

but instead massproduced for anyone who likes flowered porcelain, which is to say anyone. To Goodwill it went.

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176

Rituals

Each summer, we have a build-it-yourself model-boat competition on the creek at my parents’ house in North Carolina. Chaos ensues as we fight for materials for our masterpieces (twigs, playing cards, wood—your imagination is your only limitation).

Once time is called, we gather at the starting point and launch our boats. We do before-and-after interviews about our vessels with my dad, who records the whole thing and puts it together in a movie-style format for us to watch later. My mom makes prizes for the winners (flower crowns were a hit one year). Great memories are made, and we always look forward to this tradition. —Vicki Alford, Melbourne, Florida

J U LY 2 0 1 7

E YEEM / G E T T Y I M AG E S

A Joyfully Competitive Backyard Boat Race

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