RS - November 2020

realsimple LIFE MADE EASIER

FIND C ALM THIS SE A SON

Served with Love (and Butter)

Simplify the Holidays with Favorite Comfort Foods, Gravy Shortcuts & Easy, Elegant Table Settings

NOVEMBER 2020

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Thoughts

“In November, the smell of food is different. It is an orange smell. A squash and a pumpkin smell. It tastes like cinnamon and can fill up a house in the morning, can pull everyone from bed in a fog. Food is better in November than any other time of the year.”

STO C KSY

— C Y N T H I A RY L A N T, I n N o v e m b e r

2 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Photograph by Jill Chen

THE JOY IS IN THE GIVING

MADE WITH MILK FROM GRASS-FED COWS T H AT G R A Z E O N T H E LUS H PA ST U RES O F I RE L A N D.

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

ago, Libbie, a concerned reader from Southern California, wrote me a thoughtful letter asking why she hadn’t seen more articles in Real Simple addressing the pandemic, social justice, civic duty, or climate change.

It struck a particularly strong chord with me. My job as editor in chief is to find the right voice for the brand and a balance of content that pleases our readers. In August, I wrote my editor’s column on books I’ve been reading, and on how that endeavor related, for me, to the social justice reckoning brought about

by George Floyd’s death. Many readers responded enthusiastically to my feelings (and were happy to see that my views aligned with their own), while many others expressed dismay that there was any mention of current events in Real Simple, which they regard as an escape from the chaos, anxiety, anger, and partisanism in the world.

A

FEW WEEKS

4 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

I believe that these times call for difficult discussions—and that to be quiet is to be complicit.

I seek out challenging conversations and learning experiences in my own life. In Real Simple, I intend to keep our content practical, inspiring, and positive, while at the same time relevant to the current culture.

In the next few issues, you’ll see stories about telemedicine, sustainable living, and fashion that includes masks. We’ll also feature more mental health, home cooking, and family coverage. All these topics reflect the reality of our country today.

Meanwhile, our editors compiled the uplifting article “17 Reasons for Optimism” (page 118), which spotlights people who’ve made concrete, hopeful, and helpful change in their communities. The team wanted to focus on the resilience, generosity, and ingenuity across our country, in small towns and big cities alike.

Each story reveals an authentic instinct to simply do something. The article is part of a program running across our parent company, Meredith Corporation, so if you subscribe to, say, Better Homes & Gardens, People, InStyle, or Parents, you might notice similar stories and the logo above.

We’ll always give advice on organizing your closets, getting a delicious meal on the table, and finding the perfect multitasking moisturizer. But Libbie was right, and I’m glad she wrote. A magazine as trusted as ours, as welcomed into homes as Real Simple has been for 20 years, should also pivot to stay in touch with reality. I hope you’ll all continue to read carefully and let me know how we’re doing.

Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram at @LizVaccariello.

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

S T Y L I N G B Y J E N N I F E R S M I T H F O R E LY S E C O N N O L LY; H A I R B Y L I N H N G U Y E N F O R S E E M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G O R I B E ; C U T B Y N U N Z I O S AV I A N O ; M A K E U P B Y L I N D S E Y W I L L I A M S F O R L O W E & C 0 . U S I N G R E A L H E R M A K E U P. G A N N I D R E S S ; P I L G R I M E A R R I N G S

A Thoughtful Letter from Libbie

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Contents November 2020

O N T H E C OV E R

Stoneware Kitchen Bowl in Sienna, $115; sheldonceramics.com.

20 oz. Gravy Boat, $45; noritakechina .com. Dot Block Print Napkin, $38 for 2; kesslyrdean.com. Michelangelo Vintage Bronzo Flatware, from $24; theluxuryartmepra.com. Vinum Gourmet Glass, $29.50 for 2; riedel.com.

TO BUY:

Favorite Comfort Foods 34, 110, 126 54

Gravy Shortcuts Easy, Elegant Table Settings

130 Assemble your own full, vibrant bouquets

19, 130 71

Find Calm This Season

1 10

118

1 26

This year, we’re grateful for potatoes

These Americans uplift us with small acts

Go-to cookbooks to learn from

Cover Photograph by Victor Protasio Food St yling by Margaret Dickey

Prop St yling by Claire Spollen

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

7

Contents

62

42

1 36

A simple routine for radiant skin

Inspiring home office ideas

Colorful autumn dinners

Thoughts

2

Road Test: Food

Beauty Coach

Editor’s Note

4

Delicious pancake mixes for cozy mornings 34

Three steps to dewy skin 62

Clever Items

Soft, versatile, and flattering leggings

Real Simple 24 /7

12

Your Words

14

My Simple Realization

16

Little helpers to make your life easier

Tasteful Table

Fix Your Shrunken Sweaters

Festive dining accessories

19

An everyday ingredient could undo the damage

22

Spaces That Work from Home

The Short List New books to read next

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 25

Set up a stylish and comfortable WFH spot

relating

41

Trim away the excesses for a more meaningful holiday season

42

Good Read

Road Test: Beauty

No more tangled cords

The best eye products for lines and dark circles 28

Real Simplifier

Christine Grillo throws in the towel on her dishwasher

The Staple Creative ways to cook with walnuts

50

52

30

How to save gravy that didn’t come out right

54

Smart Snacks for a Season of Indulging

71

Stay energized and focused with satisfying noshes 56

96

Overcome obstacles on your career path

78

Take a breather

Bouquets That Make Your Day Four gorgeous and easy DIY arrangements 130

food No Skin Off Your Back!

Peel a big batch of produce fast

105

5 Easy Dinners

109

Fresh meals for weeknights

Ahhh

135

136

Plant Powered

features 81

84

5 Ways to Simplify Your To-Do List Be productive, not overwhelmed

Put your emotions to your financial advantage 91

4 Moments When You Need a Mentor

Pet Tricks Help make mealtime happy and healthy

Things Cooks Know

Beloved cookbooks that fill our hearts and bellies 126

Your Most Complicated Money Feelings, Resolved

Train yourself to look on the bright side

Modern Manners Unstinting advice from Catherine Newman

The Books We Cook

In Pursuit of Positivity

Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas

Organizing Challenge

Think like a designer when planning a room

68

38

the realist

what we love

Road Test: Fashion

balance

88

Mash Notes

Vegan coconut-creamed greens 144

Potatoes star in six yummy Thanksgiving recipes 110

who knew?

17 Reasons for Optimism

The Queen Is a Real Simple Lady

Across America, neighbors and strangers are lending a helping hand 118

Elizabeth II embodies our smart-living ideals 148

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (NOVEMBER 2020) (VOLUME 21/ISSUE 11) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE.COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. FOR SYNDICATION OR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REQUESTS OR REPRINT AND REUSE PERMISSION, EMAIL SYNDICATION@MEREDITH.COM.

8 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

“ We used to celebrate with a big group of friends. One year, someone forgot to defrost the turkey.

Everyone was starving, so we ate pie first.

It became a tradition.”

Emily Kehe CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rory Evans EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Lavinel Savu PHOTO DIRECTOR Muzam Agha

E D I TO R I A L SENIOR EDITORS Brandi Broxson,

Rachel Sylvester A SSISTANT EDITOR Martha Upton CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Kristyn Kusek Lewis (books), Catherine Newman, Courtenay Smith

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

B E AU T Y BE AUT Y DIRECTOR Heather Muir Maffei DEPUT Y BE AUT Y DIRECTOR Lisa DeSantis A SSISTANT BE AUT Y EDITOR Anneke Knot

“I scoured the markets in Buenos Aires for sweet potatoes so I could make my family the quintessential casserole with marshmallows (I packed those).”

HOME HOME DIRECTOR Stephanie Sisco SENIOR A SSO CIATE HOME EDITOR

Leslie Corona CONTRIBUTING HOME EDITOR

Cat Dash

FA S H I O N A SSO CIATE FA SHION EDITOR Flavia Nunez

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

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

Filomena Guzzardi

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

Maya Kukes

“My Aunt Sue printed out childhood pictures of all the guests and at tached them to our place cards. It was so cool to see our older relatives as kids.”

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

Daren Mazzucca

Describe your most memorable Thanksgiving.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan A SSO CIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S E A ST COA ST E A STERN ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lizzie Meier Utt INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Haley Carter, Kerry Dunne A SSO CIATE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Alexia Vicario ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, NEW ENGL AND Jennifer Palmer (WNP Media) ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Lindsey Weiss

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

WEST COA ST INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Janet Yano

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

C O N T E N T, S T R AT EGY & I N S I G H T S VICE PRESIDENT Andy Borinstein DIRECTORS Karen Bakos, Emily Fleishman SENIOR MANAGER Kseniya Ivnitskaya MANAGER Maura Ruane

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

“My grandmother insisted on making a salad with romaine let tuce, even though romaine had been recalled.”

D I G I TA L VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT STR ATEGY & OPER ATIONS Melissa Inman SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT STR ATEGY Heather Morgan Shott GENER AL MANAGER, HOME Angelique Jurgill CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Hart E-COMMERCE EDITORIAL LE AD Chloe Reznikov SENIOR AUDIENCE RETENTION MANAGER Kelly Lage

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

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

“The year I graduated from the kiddie table to the grown-up table—then realized it was way more fun in the kitchen.”

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

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

10 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

“I got married!”

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

VICE PRESIDENTS

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

MEET

LINA LEGARE D E S I G N E R AT R E A L S I M P L E

P R E P YO U R H O M E FOR GUESTS

Coziest thing in your home: Everything! I’m a selfproclaimed cozy minimalist.

These simple touches will make your friends feel so relaxed, they’ll want to move in.

Most recent purchase: A Great Jones Dutch oven.

I’m a big believer in having the right tools for the job. My job: delicious chicken stock.

Best trip to date: Spain, because of all the food and sunshine.

Favorite seasonal dish: My mom’s lebkuchen cookies taste like the holidays. @LINALEGARE ON INSTAGRAM

Memorable Host Gifts

Find something special at realsimple.com/hostgifts.

How to Carve a Turkey

12 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Start your weekend right.

Friday at 5, our weekly Instagram series, puts modern spins on classic cocktail recipes.

Follow @real_simple.

P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

Our step-by-step video guarantees everyone gets the cut they crave.

See how easy it can be at realsimple.com/carveturkey.

CHEERS!

A candle is always nice, but an agate cheese board or velvet slippers will really stand out.

Open

and tap

for fall fashions.

TWITTER @REALSIMPLE

FAC E B O O K @REALSIMPLE

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

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

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

Get ideas at realsimple .com/guestroom.

REAL RESULTS. BACKED BY NATURE AND SCIENCE.

© J&JCI2019

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Yo u r W o r d s

Describe Your Fall Mood Board This Year.

Chunky sweaters + big books + hygge vibes. @ T R AV E L M E P R E T T Y

Cozy-cottage chic from the Covid-19 collection.

The color of falling leaves and the smell of homemade soups. Today I got a teal slow cooker for vegetable soups after brisk walks outside.

PAT SMITH, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

“ T H I S Y E A R , I ’ M I N S P I R E D BY SO F T, N EU T RA L CO LO RS, COZ Y T E XT I L ES, A L L T H E WA R M S P I C ES, A N D A TO U C H O F W H I M SY.” @ E M I LYJ E A N N E A N D CO

# R S L OV E

Planting surprises for spring, planning trips for next year, manifesting big changes in this country in 2021, and praying for all those who have suffered.

@JUDYSCARP

Soft colors, cuddly fabrics.

Everything smooth and flowing. Maybe bread pudding.

KATHY KOEHLER

Cautiously optimistic. @ITSBENTHOMPSON

@JENNIBERGIRL

Third-day hair. @THE.MEGAN.SHOW

Face masks, hand sanitizer, recipes for pumpkin spice lattes, cozy pajamas, and crafting with my children.

MARCIE KAUFMAN, LARCHMONT, NEW YORK

With no high school football, I’m visualizing cozy fires, scrumptious soups, homemade breads, and lots of family game nights.

KRISTA CATES, SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

My fall mood board is filled with hope.

Families together, rich colors, the elderly holding babies’ hands to show life continues no matter what.

ANNE SKALITZA, SPRING LAKE, NEW JERSEY

Sitting alone in the pumpkin patch, waiting for the great vaccine to appear. @TENDANDTILL

Going with the flow.

Because of so much uncertainty, I’m taking a day-to-day attitude toward planning and living.

DONNA WILLIAMS TURNER, SEWELL, NEW JERSEY

For sharing this photo, @emilyjeanneandco will receive our new special edition, The Power of Less. If you want your picture to be considered, tag photos on Instagram with #rslove.

14 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Hopeful. Kids in Halloween costumes. Pictures of family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Photos of vacation spots.

I can’t wait to gather, hug, and vacation as we once did.

Books, cats, mugs of tea, trees, songbirds, autumn leaves, maxi skirts, glitter, fleece blankets, black-andwhite photos of favorite musicians.

JANA HADLEY BAILEY, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Glowy and soft, harvesting our garden, finding a way to make Halloween fun while also safe and socially distant. @UNABASHEDLY BLUSHING

Cozy as ever. If I’ve learned anything, it’s how to be comfortable at home.

DEANNA DYER, OCEAN VIEW, DELAWARE

LESLIE BOKOSKI, DOWNINGTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

Perpetually my wedding colors: mustard, carrot, cocoa, and pine. @MEMYALL

Flannel, candles, a mug of apple cider, and sleeping pups at our feet in the crisp, fresh air.

ALLIE SONSTHAGEN, SHERWOOD, WISCONSIN

Refinishing our 31-year-old kitchen table with love and chalk paint, apple butter simmering on the stove, laptop on the porch in the morning quiet.

Up in the air.

Will we be traveling, back to the office, or still hibernating to avoid Covid-19?

I’m a planner, so this may be my most spontaneous autumn in all my life. And I’m looking forward to that!

SUSAN WILLARD, ASHBURN, VIRGINIA

Orange and yellow and chipmunks and squirrels. @FRANNIECANARY

H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F A M A N D A C A S A DY

@MAUREENDENFELD

Reader of the Month

A M A N DA C A S A DY, 28 H E A LT H E D U C AT O R A N D B I RT H D O U L A T W O H A R B O R S, M I N N E S O TA

First off, describe the fall mood board.

We’re welcoming our first baby, so simple, cozy, and full of love!

Home is where…

I wear my “comfies”— usually flowy Target pajama pants and an oversize T-shirt.

The last book you loved: Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist—so much so that I listen to the audio over and over.

What’s your pet’s name?

We have an 8-year-old red fox Lab named Mich and four chickens I call my girlies.

What’s always in your bag?

Peppermint Altoids.

Favorite chore: I really enjoy doing dishes, much to my childhood self’s surprise.

Most organized part of your life: My home, which is a tiny, updated cabin. I don’t like clutter or excess items.

Next Question W H AT D O YO U A D M I R E A B O U T YO U R PA R E N T S ’ R E L AT I O N S H I P ?

Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and share your answer—along with a photograph of you and your parents. Your response could appear on these pages.

Least organized: My morning routine. And since I’m pregnant, something tells me it’s about to get a shake-up!

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

15

My Simple Realization

“We’re Still Lucky in a Million Ways” AT RU M A A N A L A M’ S T H A N K S G I V I N G, L I N G E R I N G A RO U N D T H E TA B L E — W H E T H E R I T ’ S C R O W D E D O R S O C I A L LY D I S T A N C E D — I S I T S O W N K I N D O F P R AY E R .

is pretty much always the same. Maybe that’s the whole point: familiar comfort (bourbon-infused cranberry sauce, corn pudding, Brussels sprouts with bacon) even as, over the years, the guest list swells, the babies somehow turning into teens.

Some years, our celebration is huge, with everyone crowded into the living room, plates on laps and infants drinking bottles. Other years, we set the table with our inherited china for adults and kids alike.

Regardless, what I love most about Thanksgiving is there’s no giving of gifts, and at our house there’s no forced recitation of what we’re grateful for. We all know we’re lucky in a million ways. We have more than we need, we’re always fed, and we’re surrounded by our people. Maybe the dinner conversation itself—catching up, lamenting the state of politics, laughing, recalling previous Thanksgivings— becomes a kind of prayer.

16 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

This year, I’ll make the cranberry sauce, the pudding, the Brussels sprouts with bacon. I’ll lay the table with those gilt-edged plates I love, the wineglasses that are so fragile they crack if you look at them wrong. If we’re still living under quarantine, the guest list will be just me, my husband, and our two kids. A chicken, instead of a turkey, will more than suffice.

We’ll video chat with family—the cousins in California, the uncle and aunt in North Carolina—and no, it won’t be the same. I’ll miss squeezing past the guests who congregate in the closet-size kitchen. I’ll miss seeing my brother, and I’ll miss eating too many of the deviled eggs he always brings. I’ll miss the delirious rhythm of those couple of days of preparation then celebration, the way it all ends with the house restored to order, with the dishwasher’s companionable hum.

I won’t be able to comfort myself by looking at photos of Thanksgivings past. Because though I always mean to take photos, I almost never do. Those Thursday nights, after we have bundled the tablecloths into the washing machine and are lying in bed, too tired to even watch a movie, I love scrolling through social media to see other people’s picture-perfect pies and smiles.

But I can remember so much— the year our little one, mischievous toddler, grabbed the gravy boat and waved it over his head; the time we made specialty cocktails of cassis and champagne; the meals we improvised in our former, even smaller home. The point isn’t a bunch of lovely photos, nor is it the turkey and stuffing (we prefer the boxed mix). Thanksgiving isn’t product but process. It might be different this year, but it will still be joyous.

RUMAAN ALAM’S LATEST NOVEL IS LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND.

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

THANKSGIVING

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

Tasteful Table W H E T H E R YO U ’R E H O ST I N G 10 G U E ST S O R T W O , T H E S E H O L I D AY E N T E R T A I N I N G ESSENTIAL S WILL COMPLEMENT YO U R F E ST I V E G AT H E R I N G.

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S I P, S I P, H O O R AY

During cocktail hour, you’ll love this coupe’s vintage-inspired etchings. At the end of the night, you’ll love that it’s dishwasher safe.

TO BUY: Agnes Etched Coupes, $13 each; crateandbarrel.com.

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

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

19

W H AT W E LO V E

Use this dish to hold a small portion of your favorite side.

2

4

3

1

8

5 7

1 A F R E S H PA I R

Sleek and minimal, these hand-forged serving utensils modernize a holiday tablescape. TO BUY: Streamlined Serving Set, $28; anthropologie.com.

2 GO OD GOURD!

This classically autumnal ceramic dish, perfect for a mini potpie or stew, goes from oven to table.

TO BUY: Staub Stoneware Pumpkin Cocotte, $30; williams-sonoma.com.

20 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

5 TEXTILE TUNE-UP 3 POSH POUR

This matte gold vessel has the elegant look and timeless silhouette of a family heirloom. TO BUY: Mepra Italian Aladino Gravy Boat, from $138; food52.com.

4 G O L D P L AT I N G

Mismatched dinnerware, inspired by place settings in bygone hotels and diners, ups the retro factor.

TO BUY: Fishs Eddy Gilded Dinnerware, from $10.50; westelm.com.

Swap your standard linen napkins for a set stitched with poppy borders.

TO BUY: Contrast Trim Napkins, $49 for 4; ballarddesigns.com.

6 CHECK ’N’ CHEESE

A wood cutting board with checkered engraving on one side doubles as an eyecatching platter for your cheese spread. TO BUY: Plaid Cutting Board, from $55; aheirloom.com.

7 A NEW FL AME

Candles don’t have to feel dated—drip-free tapers in nine earthy shades and two sizes are anything but.

TO BUY: Taper Candles, from $13; thefloral society.com.

8 ’TIS THE SEASONING

These metallic porcelain shakers give new meaning to the term “pumpkin spice.” TO BUY: Pumpkin Salt & Pepper Shakers, $20; neimanmarcus.com.

G R AV Y B O AT: T Y M E C H A M / F O O D 5 2 ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

6

W H AT W E LO V E

The Short List

What Should I Read Next?

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

By Krist yn Kusek Lewis

Exhilarating Page-Turner

Danielle Evans’s The Office of Historical Corrections is a powerful novella and shortstory collection that zeroes in on transformative moments for various characters—like when a white college student discovers that a photo of herself in a Confederate-flag bikini has gone viral. The result is a piercing look at race and culture, revealing how we all must reckon with our personal and shared histories.

Ivy Lin knows how she’s perceived: She’s a quiet, obedient Chinese American teen. Nobody would suspect her of shoplifting, much less harboring a crush on Gideon Speyer, the son of a wealthy political family.

When fate brings them together years later, her obsession with having him—and everything that comes with his privilege—grows dark and all-consuming.

Susie Yang’s White Ivy cleverly overturns the “model minority” stereotype with a deliciously twisty story that will leave you breathless.

Love for the Ages I’ll Be Seeing You is Elizabeth Berg’s memoir of moving her parents out of their home and into assisted living due to her father’s Alzheimer’s. It beautifully recounts her mom and dad’s final years while sharing the story of their seven-decade romance. This is Berg’s loving portrait of her family over time, and a bracingly honest exploration of the emotions that arise when caring for aging parents.

Witty Escape A school nurse, a boy band alum, a mom who fakes an illness so she can stay in bed all day, and a husband who refuses to remove his noise-canceling headphones are just a few of the wacky, lovable characters in Cobble Hill

by Cecily von Ziegesar, author of the Gossip Girl series. The novel reads like literary peoplewatching, chronicling the lives of four families in a Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood where the picture-perfect brownstones belie what’s really going on.

Tender Family Tale In Memorial, the debut novel by Bryan Washington (whose story collection, Lot, was a favorite of President Obama’s), Mike and Benson are in a withering relationship they’re not sure is worth saving.

When Mike suddenly leaves for Japan to be with his dying father, the separation forces both men to wonder whether the people they’re becoming are meant to be together. This sensitive novel illustrates the deeply individual ways we search for a sense of home.

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

Addictive Short Stories

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

22 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

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

Trademarks owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

W H AT W E LO V E

Prett y Smar t

A Personal Trainer for Your Teeth PLUS SE VEN OTHER BE AUT Y BU YS TO S I M P L I F Y YO U R RO U T I N E

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

By Heather Muir Maffei

Hum by Colgate Electric Toothbrush So cute you won’t mind it on your sink, this brush pairs with an app that tells you when to tweak your speed and angle, plus which teeth need TLC. Good habits earn you points you can cash in for brush heads. TO BUY: $50 (battery powered) and $70 (rechargeable); humbycolgate.com.

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

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

25

W H AT W E LO V E

1 4 DREAM CREAM

4

Scünci Color Match Ponytailers Dress up a ho-hum braid or bun by securing it with this strong spandex tie. You’ll mimic the look of wrapping hair around the base but eliminate the need for pins.

TO BUY: $5 each; walgreens.com.

5

5 B U T T E RY B A L M S

Billie Super Salve In cool flavors—like Minty, Rhubarb, and Sorbet—these clear or tinted sticks deliver natural oils to prevent winter from wreaking havoc on your lips.

TO BUY: $9 each; mybillie.com.

2

2 HANDIER H A I R R E M OVA L

Conair Magnifying Mirror Your rogue chin hair has met its match.

With 12x magnification, the mirror holds angled tweezers in its side—just pull them out and pluck.

TO BUY: $8; cvs.com.

3 L ASH LIFTER

L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara Typically, to get big lashes you need a heavy formula and a dozen coats, which can weigh down hairs (droop, droop). This air-whipped mascara builds up lashes and keeps them lifted.

TO BUY: $14; loreal parisusa.com.

6 MANE MAGIC 7 6

Tweeze with ease thanks to hidden pluckers.

Gisou by Negin Mirsalehi Honey Infused Hair Oil Want shiny strands without the gooeyness of DIY honey masks?

This blend comes with a dropper, so you can neatly tame flyaways or protect hair from heat. TO BUY: $46 for 1.7 oz.; us.gisou.com.

7 C AT C H A L L C A S E

3

26 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Spatty x Palette + The Original High Fiver Set Transporting your beauty routine just got easier. Leakresistant wells carry liquids and creams; the flexible spatula helps you fill them.

TO BUY: $45; palettebypak.com.

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

1 E L E VAT E D EL ASTICS

These come in Brunette, Blonde, and Black.

Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Moisturizer Along with smoothing niacinamide and firming peptides, this updated formula has shea butter for drier skin. It feels velvety, not greasy. TO BUY: $28; olay.com.

5X

MORE RETINOL

*

THAN THE #1 RETINOL SERUM

**

FORMULATED TO BE GENTLE ON THE SKIN NEW

Harnessing the combined power of retinol, Matrixyl 3000+™ peptide, and a chamomile skin soother, No7 Advanced Retinol Night Concentrate is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles & hyperpigmentation.

Skin looks firmer and tone looks more even.† Experience the power of retinol while minimizing irritation with this skin-transforming night treatment.

BEAUTY .COM *Based on retinol concentration and does not necessarily reflect product or ingredient performance. **Based on IRI data for $ sales in food, drug, mass & major discount retailers at latest 52wks. Ended 5/2/20. † Based on consumer perception study on UK women.

W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

W H E N YO U ’ R E F I G H T I N G F I N E L I N E S O R H I D I N G DA R K C I RC L E S, THESE SIX GENIUS PICKS (OUT OF 20 T E ST E D ) O F F E R J U ST W H AT YO U N E E D F O R B R I G H T, B A G - F R E E E Y E S .

By Anneke Knot

BEST DEPUFFER

BeautyBio Cryo Dual Roller Sweep the wide end over cheeks; use the baby tip to depuff around your eyes. The stainless-steel rollers feel like a face massage. TO BUY: $85; nordstrom.com.

BEST BRIGHTENER BEST QUICK FIX

Tula Skincare x Courtney Shields Glow Hour Brightening & Neutralizing Eye Balm Jumping on a video call in five?

This cooling stick pulls you together in one swipe—the golden sheen counteracts bluish tones on contact. When you use it longterm, the grapefruit and algae help brighten dark circles, and the hyaluronic acid softens the look of fine lines. TO BUY: $32; tula.com.

ROAD TE ST

28 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

B E S T B A RG A I N

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum Hyaluronic acid plumps thin skin, but the star is a silicone tip that applies gentle pressure to depuff.

TO BUY: $15; amazon.com.

Saint Jane Bright Repair Eye Cream The hefty dose of vitamin C (10 percent!) erases circles while CBD soothes. It’s a dream under makeup.

TO BUY: $65; sephora.com.

BEST CONCE ALER

B E S T A L L- I N - O N E

StriVectin Peptight 360º Tightening Eye Serum Peptides firm, kakadu plum brightens, and the metal tip is cool and calming on lids. TO BUY: $69; strivectin.com.

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer One coat covers dark circles, zits, you name it.

Plus, the hydrating formula won’t settle into creases. In 16 shades.

TO BUY: $28; dermablend.com.

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

Eyes on the Prize

GET FASTER SYMPTOM RELIEF THAN THE LEADING PRESCRIPTION DRY EYE DROP†

FAST HYDRATION

EVAPORATION PROTECTION

LONG-LASTING RELIEF

Venus Williams Tennis champion & dry eye sufferer

From the #1 Doctor Recommended brand, SYSTANE® COMPLETE relieves symptoms of all major types of dry eye. With advanced nano-droplet technology, this soothing eye drop provides outstanding coverage.

The Relief is RealTM

Save $3 at SystaneComplete.com †The leading prescription eye drop for dry eye is indicated to increase tear production and not dry eye symptom relief. © 2019 Alcon Inc. 05/19 US-SYS-18-E-0063(4)

W H AT W E LO V E

The Staple

Walnuts

PROPS BY SARAH ELIZABETH CLEVELAND

Delicious, heart-healthy, and astonishingly versatile— all hail this queen of nuts. Chop some up and stir them with herbs and lemon for a bright topper on meats and veggies. Mix them with dates and tahini for no-bake energy bars. Or blend them into a silky sauce perfect for tossing with pasta.

30 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Photographs by Caitlin Bensel

Whoever said “easy as pie” never made cheesecake.

It’s a Piece of (Cheese)cake

Visit creamcheese.com for simple cheesecake recipes.

©2020 Kraft Foods

W H AT W E LO V E

Great taste.

Heart * Healthy.

1 WA L N U T G R E M O L ATA

Stir together 1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts, 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 2 Tbsp. extravirgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. lemon zest, 1 tsp. finely chopped garlic, and 1/2 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Serve on roasted vegetables, meats, or fish.

2 WA L N U T E N E RGY B A R S

Process 2 cups dried, pitted Medjool dates, 1/3 cup tahini, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1/2 tsp. each ground cardamom and cinnamon in a food processor until mixture clumps together. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger; knead until combined.

Press into an 8-in. square dish lined with parchment paper. Chill until firm. Cut into 8 rectangles.

For the best ways to buy and store nuts, visit realsimple.com/nutstorage.

32 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

3 WA L N U T PA S TA S AU C E

Remove crust from 1 slice white bread. Tear bread into pieces and soak in 1/2 cup milk for 15 minutes.

Cook 12 oz. tagliatelle according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

Process 1 cup toasted walnuts, 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper, 1 clove garlic, milk-bread mixture, and 3/4 cup reserved cooking water in a food processor until smooth.

Toss together pasta, sauce, and 1 tsp. thyme. Add remaining cooking water 1 Tbsp. at a time until desired consistency. Top with finely chopped toasted walnuts and more thyme.

Recipes by Jasmine Smith

Great tasting and heart healthy.

Now, that’s real simple.

*Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Honey Nut Cheerios™ cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Honey Nut Cheerios cereal provides .75 grams per serving.

W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

Batter Up W E W H I S K E D, P O U R E D, A N D F L I P P E D M O R E T H A N 35 B AT C H E S O F PA N C A K E S T O F I N D T H E B E S T M I X E S O N T H E M A R K E T.

By Phoebe Fr y

34 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

ROAD TE ST BEST WHOLE-GR AIN

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

Bob’s Red Mill 10 Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix We love this nourishing pick for an everyday, familyfriendly breakfast. Wholewheat flour and flaxseed meal deliver deep flavor and a healthy hit of fiber to help keep you full until lunchtime.

TO BUY: $4 for 24 oz.; at grocery stores.

B E S T B LU E B E R RY

King Arthur Baking Company Blueberry Sour Cream Pancake Mix Blueberries add sweetness, and sour cream brings tang to these tender treats. The buttery flavor will remind you of eating at your favorite diner.

TO BUY: $7 for 16 oz.; kingarthurflour.com.

B E S T G LU T E N - F R E E

BEST BASIC

Birch Benders Organic Classic Pancake & Waffle Mix This just-add-water mix makes mornings effortless.

The flapjacks rise like magic, and while the tasty batter is delightful without any doctoring, it’s also a great base for fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.

TO BUY: $5 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores.

Make a fluffy, buttery pancake big enough for the whole family with the recipe at realsimple.com/sheetpanpancake.

Stonewall Kitchen Gluten-Free Pancake & Waffle Mix Yes, this one is a splurge, but it fluffs up like traditional versions, and you can thank corn flour for the pleasantly hearty texture.

TO BUY: $10 for 16 oz.; stonewallkitchen.com.

B E S T P RO T E I N

Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Protein + Collagen Pancake Mix Spiked with protein-rich collagen and satiating almond and tigernut flours, this is not your average stack. It’s fragrant with coconut and cinnamon and has a subtle bite from chia seeds. TO BUY: $7 for 10 oz.; at grocery stores.

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

35

For certain adults with newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that tests positive for PD-L1

= A CHANCE FOR MORE GAME DAYS

A Chance to Live Longer™ THE 1ST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED CHEMO-FREE COMBINATION OF 2 IMMUNOTHERAPIES THAT WORKS DIFFERENTLY In a study of newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC patients, half of those on OPDIVO + YERVOY were alive at 17.1 months versus 14.9 months on platinum-based chemotherapy.

Results may vary.

Indication & Important Safety Information for OPDIVO (nivolumab) + YERVOY (ipilimumab) Only your healthcare professional knows the specifics of your condition and how OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY may fit into your overall therapy. The information below does not take the place of talking with your healthcare professional, so talk to them if you have any questions.

What are OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are prescription medicines used to treat people with a type of advanced stage lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO may be used in combination with YERVOY as your first treatment for NSCLC when your lung cancer has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic), and your tumors are positive for PD-L1, but do not have an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene.

It is not known if OPDIVO and YERVOY are safe and effective when used in children younger than 18 years of age.

What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death and may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with YERVOY. YERVOY can cause serious side effects in many parts of your body which can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment with YERVOY or after you have completed treatment.

Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse. Do not try to treat symptoms yourself.

• Lung problems (pneumonitis). Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; shortness of breath

• Intestinal problems (colitis) that can lead to tears or holes in your intestine. Signs and symptoms of colitis may include: diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual; mucus or blood in your stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools; stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness; you may or may not have fever • Liver problems (hepatitis) that can lead to liver failure. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); drowsiness; dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal; feeling less hungry than usual; decreased energy • Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands; and pancreas). Signs and symptoms that your hormone glands are not working properly may include: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; extreme tiredness or unusual sluggishness; weight gain or weight loss; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; voice gets deeper; excessive thirst or lots of urine • Kidney problems, including nephritis and kidney failure. Signs of kidney problems may include: decrease in the amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite • Skin problems. Signs of these problems may include: skin rash with or without itching; itching; skin blistering or peeling; sores or ulcers in mouth or other mucous membranes • Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Signs and symptoms of encephalitis may include: headache; fever; tiredness or weakness; confusion; memory problems; sleepiness; seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations); seizures; stiff neck • Problems in other organs. Signs of these problems may include: changes in eyesight; severe or persistent muscle or joint pains; severe muscle weakness; chest pain Additional serious side effects observed during a separate study of YERVOY alone include: • Nerve problems that can lead to paralysis. Symptoms of nerve problems may include: unusual weakness of legs, arms, or face; numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Talk to your doctor about OPDIVO + YERVOY www.OPDIVOYERVOY.com 1-855-OPDIVOYERVOY • Eye problems. Symptoms may include: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness Get medical help immediately if you develop any of these symptoms or they get worse. It may keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for side effects during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. If you have a serious side effect, your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment with OPDIVO and YERVOY. What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY? Before you receive OPDIVO and YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider if you: have immune system problems (autoimmune disease) such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or sarcoidosis; have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have any other medical conditions; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY. - You should use an effective method of birth control during and for at least 5 months after the last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.

- Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 as soon as you become aware of the pregnancy.

- Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study: Females who become pregnant during treatment with YERVOY are encouraged to enroll in a Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study. The purpose of this study is to collect information about the health of you and your baby.

You or your healthcare provider can enroll in the Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study by calling 1-844-593-7869.

If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed: It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.

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

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare providers and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO and YERVOY?” • Severe infusion reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; difficulty breathing; dizziness; fever; feeling like passing out The most common side effects of OPDIVO when used in combination with YERVOY include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); decreased weight; dizziness.

These are not all the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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

OPDIVO (10 mg/mL) and YERVOY (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous (IV) use.

This is a brief summary of the most important information about OPDIVO and YERVOY. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider, call 1-855-673-4861, or go to www.OPDIVO.com.

©2020 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All rights reserved. OPDIVO®, YERVOY®, and the related logos are trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

7356US2002302-01-01 08/20

W H AT W E LO V E

2 E ASY ON THE ICE

1 P OT TING SCO OP

Unlike a trowel, this beechwood-handled steel tool has high sides to keep soil from spilling out when you repot your beloved snake plant. TO BUY: Sophie Conran Potting Scoop, $35; williams-sonoma.com.

Make and store up to 132 hexagonal ice cubes with this cool container.

The silicone tray doubles as a lid to shut out odors.

TO BUY: Ice Box with Reversible Lid, $35; food52.com.

3 S TAY- P U T P L AY M AT

Prevent small hands from tipping over paints or beads: This divided tray suctions to the table.

TO BUY: Ezpz Mini Play Mat, $20; ezpzfun.com.

Clever Items LIT TLE HELPERS TO M A K E YO U R L I F E E A S I E R

Keeps ever y element of your look ready to roll

4

6

N E X T- L E V E L L I T T E R

O N -T H E - G O O RG A N I Z E R

A litter box that smells laundry-fresh? We’re in.

This dust-free formula has activated charcoal to fight stench. TO BUY: Fresh Step with Febreze Freshness and Gain Scent Clumping Clay Litter, $15 for 25 lb.; target.com.

38 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

5 BRILLIANT BOW

Skip the gift tag or card and write your message on this untearable ribbon instead. TO BUY: Write on Ribbon, $5; suck.uk.com.

Drape it over a specialoccasion dress, then put all the coordinating accessories in the pockets.

TO BUY: The Hanger Valet, $40; thehangervalet.com.

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

By Brandi Broxson

48

%

OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS DON’T LEAVE BECAUSE THEY CAN’T BRING THEIR PETS

We’re changing that.

Through the Purple Leash Project, Purina and RedRover are raising awareness of this critical issue and are working to create more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in every state. To see how you can help people and pets stay together and heal together, visit

+

PurpleLeashProject.com.

Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

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

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

FIX YO U R S H RU N KE N S W E ATE R S Someone failed to notice the “Cashmere in Here” magnet on the washer, and your favorite sweater shrank to doll-size in the dryer. But you may be able to undo this disaster. Natural knits, like wool and cashmere, can regain their shape after a dunk in a sink filled with warm water and a tablespoon of olive oil, says Patric Richardson, coauthor of the upcoming Laundry Love. (You could also try baby shampoo or fabric softener instead of oil.) Swirl the solution for a few seconds, then submerge your sweater for two to three hours. Remove it, lay it on a flat surface, and slowly, gently tug it back to its original size.

“Once the sweater is dry, its shape should be restored,” Richardson says. See? Laundry miracles do exist.

By Rachel Sylvester

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

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

41

THE REALIST

Spaces That Work from Home W H E T H E R YO U H AV E A D E D I C AT E D RO O M ( W I T H A D O O R T H AT A C T U A L LY C L O S E S ! ) O R C A N O N LY S N A G T H E C O R N E R O F T H E C O U C H , M A K E Y O U R H O M E O F F I C E F U N C T I O N W E L L F O R Y O U.

By Stephanie Sisco

A slate blue shade (like Winter Way

by Behr) is calming and can help improve focus.

Simply shut the closet doors when the business day is done to avoid the visual distraction of work.

Ursula Carmona, founder of the lifestyle site Home Made by Carmona, created this “cloffice” (closet turned office) in a weekend. She repurposed old kitchen cabinets for the base and installed painted plywood upper shelves. She hid her computer tower in a lower cabinet, after cutting a hole in the side to allow for cords and ventilation.

42 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

C O U RT ESY O F U R SU L A CA R M O N A

R E A L- L I F E W O R K S TAT I O N

C O U R T E S Y O F M A R V I N ; D E S I G N B Y E M I LY H E N D E R S O N ; P H O T O G R A P H B Y S A R A L I G O R R I A -T R A M P. S E N O O A K D I N I N G TA B L E , $ 8 9 9 ; A R T I C L E . C O M . C I T R A G R E Y H A N D K N O T T E D W O O L R U G , F R O M $ 1 9 8 ; A N N I E S E L K E . C O M . D I N I N G C H A I R 4 7 8 6 B Y G U I D O FA L E S C H I N I ; M I D C E N T U R Y L A . C O M F O R S I M I L A R . B L A C K T U B U L A R C H A I R ; P O P U P H O M E . C O M F O R S I M I L A R

With a large desktop, keep office essentials close at hand and contained on a tray.

Get (Sustainably) Comfortable No matter where you’re sitting, you can set up a pleasant workstation and protect your back. Try these tips from Lindsay Newitter, founder of the Posture Police in New York City.

S E E K S U P P O RT

Newitter is not picky about the type of seating, but she notes you should avoid a position that forces you to lean away from your laptop.

If you need to boost yourself upright, place a cushion or rolled towel behind your back.

R E A L- L I F E W O R K S TAT I O N

P L A N T YO U R F E E T

“You lose so much support for your torso if your feet don’t touch the ground,” Newitter says. Put a footrest or box beneath your feet if they’re dangling. If you work from the sofa, feel free to kick your paws up on the coffee table occasionally. Just don’t sit that way all day, as it may make your lower back sore.

C R E AT E A N A R M R E S T

Keep your laptop or work surface at a height that lets you hold your wrists in line with your elbows or slightly lower. When you have to reach up to type or move the mouse, it can cause tension in your shoulders.

PREVENT NECK STR AIN

Place your screen on a laptop stand or stack of books so it sits at about eye level.

Try not to move your head down or toward the screen every time you look at it. When you drop your head, your posture (and back) suffers.

Lots of sunlight, a neutral palette, and clutter-free surfaces were key for designer Emily Henderson when she was creating the office loft in her mountain house. She opted to use a dining table instead of a desk to give herself space to spread out. Positioning the desk near the window lets the calming effects of nature permeate the space.

S TAY M O B I L E

Identify a few workstations throughout your home.

Move from a seat at the dining table to a standing position at the kitchen island, for example, to keep loose.

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Identif y a style spot as your backdrop for video calls. No matter the chaos happening elsewhere, your colleagues will only see the calm collection behind you, projecting professionalism.

Lighting Lessons If the lighting isn’t quite right, you might be struggling to see. “When we strain our eyes, we usually strain our necks, which ultimately affects posture,” Newitter says. Consider these bright ideas.

When you can, work near a window for positive stimulation. Plus, seeing the goings-on outdoors (a neighbor raking or walking the dog) makes the WFH lifestyle a little less isolating.

K E E P I T N AT U R A L

Add fixtures at different levels for an inviting feel. Task lamps create focused illumination on your work surface; table lamps and sconces give off diffused, ambient light. Overhead lighting brightens the entire space, but it can be a bit harsh, so don’t let it be your only light source.

L AY E R I T O N

Avoid using a window as your video call backdrop, as it can make your image hard to see. Instead, face the window to allow the even, natural light to illuminate you.

R E A L- L I F E W O R K S TAT I O N The dramatic home office of Kristin Van Ness, founder of the handbag line Gloss Game, mixes old (shiplap walls) and new (gilded bookcase) to represent her style. Her biggest piece of advice: Try to maintain a healthy work-life balance—even when work and life happen in the same space.

Set office hours, take a lunch break, and call it quits at quittin’ time.

“It takes effort and intention,” she says, “but it’s so important.”

44 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

C O U R T E S Y O F K R I S T I N VA N N E S S

CONSIDER VIDEO C ALL S

Pretty baskets can house the most mundane work stuff, and you’d never guess by looking at it on a Friday night.

R E A L- L I F E W O R K S TAT I O N

6 Essential Elements for Any Home Office The goal is to make your space enjoyable as well as functional.

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YO U R V E RY O W N P E R S O N A L C H A RG E R

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

Sharing with your kid’s always-on, perpetually drained iPad is no fun.

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SOMETHING TO

Incorporate a memento, a favorite candle, or even your go-to pen to give your spot some work-life balance.

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6

FLEXIBILITY

Avoid squinting (and subsequent headaches) by installing simple blinds or curtains.

M A K E YO U S M I L E

A D O S E O F G R E E N E RY

A fuss-free houseplant or fresh flowers will liven up the space (literally).

5

W I N D O W C OV E R I N G S

A RU G O R RU N N E R

Cozy up the space and add aesthetic appeal.

If your chair is on wheels, just make sure the carpet’s pile is low enough to allow for easy rolling.

For many of us, “more of our waking hours are spent working than doing anything else,” says Tiffany DeLangie, founder of the blog Pretty Real. A family photo, a drawing by your kids, or a trophy from a hobby can help keep you motivated—and remind you of what really matters.

Sometimes the intangible is the most impactful.

As you build your setup, use what you’ve got on hand until you determine what you can repurpose and what you need to buy.

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5 of the Least Officey Home Office Chairs Your sense of style gives a hard pass to an office chair, even as your lower back cries out, “Yes, please!,” because nothing kills cozy-home vibes faster than a swiveling monstrosity. Thankfully, these five options are easy on the spine and the eyes.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

In a shared space, easyto-clean fabric is a savior in the event of craft- or snacktime spills. TO BUY: Racer Dining Chair, $349; bludot.com.

B R A S S B E AU T Y

Steer clear of black plastic and chrome bases to elevate the look of your work space. TO BUY: OSP Home Furnishings Layton Office Chair, $168; amazon.com.

This L-shaped desk isn’t deep, so Yokota minimized surface clutter by hanging a memo board.

S TAT I O N A RY S U P P O RT

Not all office chairs need wheels. If you have thick carpet or a small space, go for something static.

TO BUY: Gaff Metal Frame Chair Brown, $399; cb2.com.

WA L L E T F R I E N D LY

Molded plastic seating can be inexpensive and versatile. Add a cushion for daylong comfort.

TO BUY: Svelti Navy Blue Dining Chair, $59; article.com.

46 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

CHIC CUSHION

A sturdy accent chair can be a stylish perch. TO BUY: Lyon Dining Chair, $599; crateandbarrel.com.

When interior designer Anita Yokota’s two daughters started schooling from home, the once spacious-enough home office became a hot commodity.

The key to a functional shared space, Yokota says, is sticking to a schedule: The girls have the morning shift, and Yokota and her partner, Travis, take turns in the afternoon and evening.

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

R E A L- L I F E W O R K S TAT I O N

THE REALIST

Organizing Challenge

Down to the Wires D E TA N G L I N G A J U M B L E O F C O R D S C A N B E H E A DAC H E I N D U C I N G. O RGA N I Z E T H E M WITH THESE TRICKS AND TO OL S.

By Leslie Corona

WR AP THEM

Keep that one set of wired earbuds you rely on all the time handy and untangled by wrapping them in a “burrito.” In a pinch, you can use a binder clip.

TO BUY: The Cord Burrito, $6; andarwallets.com.

C H A RG E T H E M

STR AP THEM

If you prefer to stash your tablet with its cord and other accessories, corral them in this all-in-one padded case with a customizable grid. It’s slim enough to slide in and out of a backpack or briefcase. TO BUY: 11-Inch Accessory Organizer with Tablet Storage Pocket, $30; cocooninnovations.com.

O U R E X P E RT S JULIE BESTRY, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER AND PRESIDENT OF BEST RESULTS ORGANIZING IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE SCOTT ROEWER, FOUNDER OF THE ORGANIZING AGENCY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. KENDALL WILSON, FOUNDER OF PUT TOGETHER PLACE IN SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA

50 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

RO L L T H E M

When you travel, you have to bring along all the charging cords.

Tuck them into a compartmentalized mat that rolls up easily.

Identify which cord goes with your kid’s tablet and which goes with your cell by wrapping them in distinct colors or patterns of washi tape, then sticking a piece on the corresponding device.

TO BUY: Travel Cord Roll, $20; uncommongoods.com.

Photographs by Brian Henn

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

No more turf wars over the single accessible outlet in a room: Plug in and power up with a fourport USB wall charger. TO BUY: 360 Electrical 6-Feet Habitat 4-Port USB Extension Cable, $30; containerstore.com.

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TYLENOL® won’t raise your blood pressure or interfere with certain blood pressure medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can.

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Real Simplifier

Plan Your Space Like a Designer T H E P RO S H AV E A K N A C K F O R P I C T U R I N G H O W A RO O M W I L L C O M E T O G E T H E R .

T RY S O M E O F T H E I R B E S T S PA C E - E N V I S I O N I N G T I P S T O A V O I D A N E X P E N S I V E M I S T A K E .

By Leslie Corona

SEE IT IN YO U R RO O M

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FURNITURE

A R E A RU G S

LIGHTING

You can determine the right size and placement without doing too much math. In the dining area, there should be enough space to comfortably walk around—not shimmy sideways—when the chairs are occupied. That means the table belongs at least three feet from the walls or other furniture. The sofa you select may fit through the door, but don’t add it to your cart until you have a grasp of its bulkiness.

Mark the width, height, and depth with painter’s tape on the floor and wall, then fill in the outline with furniture or boxes so you get a sense of volume. (Use this trick with other potential pieces, like armoires and desks, too.)

If you plan to cover most of the floor, the edges of the rug should land about two feet away from the walls. If you absolutely love a vintage or off-the-rack rug that’s just too small, consider placing it over a larger, natural-fiber rug for a layered look. And if you have a big, open-concept space, delineate cozy conversation areas by using a few rugs instead of a single huge one.

When choosing pendants and chandeliers, start with an easy calculation: Add together the length and width of your room in feet. The diameter of your light fixture should match that number in inches. So if your room is 10 by 12 feet, find a fixture that’s about 22 inches in diameter. In most rooms, the bottom of the light should be about 71/2 feet off the floor. (Imagine basketball players are coming over—you want them to feel comfy!) In the dining room, though, aim for about three feet between the bottom of the fixture and the tabletop.

K I TC H E N F I X T U R E S AND APPLIANCES

52 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

These built-in (and often pricey) elements call for more preparation. To create the ideal workflow, follow the fundamental rule of kitchen design: Your sink, fridge, and stove should form a triangle, and each side of this triangle should not exceed nine feet. Filling out your cook space with an island? Be conscious of how close it is to your counters—placing it three to four feet away should do the job. That will let you open doors and use appliances and still have room to walk.

Some big-box retailers, like Wayfair, Target, and Ikea, now offer a free augmented reality function on their apps so you can try before you buy. Scan the room with your phone’s camera, and in seconds the product you’re interested in will appear on your screen. Other digital platforms, like Roomle and Homestyler, let you create 3-D mock-ups using blank templates and floor plans along with images of furniture from a variety of sellers.

O U R E X P E RT S GINNY MACDONALD, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL OF GINNY MACDONALD DESIGN IN LOS ANGELES EMILIE MUNROE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT STUDIO MUNROE IN SAN FRANCISCO TANIYA NAYAK, TV PERSONALITY AND INTERIOR DESIGNER AT TANIYA NAYAK DESIGN IN BOSTON

Illustrations by Queenbe Monyei

THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know

Everything’s Gravy W H E N T H E S A U C E I S G O O D , I T ’ S V E RY, V E RY G O O D .

W H E N I T ’ S N O T, H E R E ’ S H O W T O F I X I T.

By Jenna Helwig

I F YO U R G R AV Y I S TO O THIN…

To thicken gravy just a bit, let it simmer for a few minutes, uncovered, so some liquid evaporates. In more severe situations, Holland stirs a tablespoon of flour and a tablespoon of softened butter into a paste. “Whisk it into the simmering gravy a little at a time over medium heat until the sauce is thickened to your liking,” she says. “If you add flour without the butter, the gravy will get lumpy.”

I F YO U R G R AV Y IS TO O THICK…

I F YO U R G R AV Y I S T O O S A LT Y…

I F YO U R G R AV Y I S K I N D O F TA S T E L E S S …

Add some dairy, like a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter or heavy cream, says Tanya Holland, chef and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, California, and host of the podcast Tanya’s Table.

“You could also simmer a potato in the gravy,” she says, “which may absorb some salt.” Just remove the potato before serving.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to perk up gravy. First, consider whether it needs salt and pepper, and sprinkle in more if so. A splash of white wine, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce can also deepen flavor. Tara Bench, founder of the blog Tara Teaspoon and author of Live Life Deliciously, shares one of her favorite fixes: “Whisk in some finely grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried herbs, such as thyme or sage.” Whatever you add, start with a little and increase the amount gradually, tasting as you go.

54 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Heat some chicken or turkey broth on the stove or in the microwave, then whisk it in a few tablespoons at a time.

Taste and reseason if necessary. A couple of dollops of half-and-half or heavy cream will also do the trick—and add delicious richness.

IF IT’S TO O MUCH T O D O AT T H E L AST MINUTE…

Follow the lead of Julia Turshen, author of the forthcoming cookbook Simply Julia, and make the gravy up to two days in advance—and don’t worry about deglazing the pan with the bird in it.

“Cook some finely chopped onions and minced sage in butter until the onions are soft,” Turshen says. “Add a little flour, then whisk in some hot stock—chicken, vegetable, turkey, whatever you have.” Simmer the gravy for a few minutes until it’s thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate until Turkey Day. Just before eating, warm it over low heat in a saucepan. For extra culinary cred, whisk in some turkey drippings.

I F YO U R G R AV Y I S LU M P Y…

“For the speediest solution and a silky result, blitz the gravy in a blender,” Bench suggests. If you can’t handle the idea of cleaning the blender and all its parts (not today!), you can push the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.

IF IT’S ALL JUST TO O MUCH…

Grab some gravy from your supermarket’s prepared food section. To give it dimension, Turshen suggests dropping in a few fresh sage stems as you warm the gravy on the stove. Discard the sage before serving, and enjoy the feast!

Illustration by Adam Cruft

GIVE THANKS NO MATTER HOW YOU SHARE IT.

© 2020 Reynolds Consumer Products, LLC.

THE REALIST

Smart Snacks for a Season of Indulging T H E S E N O U R I S H I N G , T A S T Y N O S H E S H E L P Y O U S T AY B A L A N C E D , E N E R G I Z E D , A N D F O C U S E D W H E N YO U ’ R E S U R RO U N D E D BY T E M P T I N G T R E AT S.

By Rachael Schultz

56 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Illustrations by Asia Pietrzyk

THIS IS THE SWEETNESS REVOLUTION COMPLETELY SWEET. TRULY REVOLUTIONARY.

SWEETNESS WITHOUT THE SUGAR.

THE REALIST

to pass on the treat tray. You should nibble: “Sometimes resisting sets up a cycle of deprivation, overindulgence, and guilt that can be avoided if you just savor a couple of the cookies your sister makes once a year,” says Marisa Moore, RDN, a nutritionist in Atlanta.

But to combat seasonal stress, you need your energy up and your head clear. So on those days you know you’ll be enjoying a warm slice of pie or big family dinner, snack strategically. Munching with intention can fortify your resolve to opt only for the sweets that are really worth it. Here’s how to have your pumpkin-spice cake and stamina too.

W E ’ L L N E V E R T E L L YO U

When you’re racing against a 5 p.m. deadline…

Healthy carbs, ideally paired with filling protein, help you mentally sprint to the workday’s finish line. Go for minimally processed snacks to avoid the energy crash that can come after eating added sugars, says Melissa Nieves, RD, a dietitian in Puerto Rico.

Q U E VO S S E A S A LT & CR ACKED PEPPER CHIPS

Made from egg whites instead of wheat, these airy, gluten-free chips pack five grams each of protein and fiber for long-lasting fullness. Munch them solo (one bag clocks in at 130 calories), or pair with a slice of cheese for extra protein and energy.

TO BUY: $15 for 6 (1.1 oz.) bags; quevos.com.

H A R M L E S S H A RV E S T C O C O N U T WAT E R

Proper hydration helps you stay alert.

Sip water throughout the day, and score a naturally sweet pick-me-up from coconut’s electrolytes. This brand uses only non-GMO, pesticidefree coconuts. TO BUY: $5 for 16 oz.; harmlessharvest.com for stores.

58 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

REBLEND SMO OTHIE P OPS

With zero added sugars, these frozen smoothie blends taste remarkably like sweet fruit leather—in a good way! They’re made with “ugly” fruits and veggies that would otherwise go to waste, and they come in fun flavors, like Frosé All Day. TO BUY: $15 for 5 (1.6 oz.) pops; reblend.co.

D I Y T H R E E - I N G R E D I E N T G UA C

For a quick hit of healthy fat and carbs, mash 1/2 avocado with 11/2 tsp. fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Use as dip for high-fiber, whole-grain tortilla chips.

When you overdid it on the treats…

Sugar, alcohol, and refined deliciousness wreak havoc on the digestive system. Help offset the damage the day after with anti-inflammatory, probioticrich snacks.

FO R A G E R P ROJ EC T P RO B I OT I C C A S H E W M I L K YO G U RT

Whipped up from cashews and coconut cream, this dairy-free beverage (containing 120 to 170 calories per cup) is loaded with nine live, active cultures for a happy microbiome. TO BUY: $6 for 28 oz.; foragerproject.com for stores.

THE REALIST

When you’re headed to a holiday gathering…

N AT U R E ’ S PAT H O R I G I N A L I N S TA N T OAT M E A L

High-fiber foods take time to digest, helping you feel fuller longer, Nieves says. Grab no-added-sugar oatmeal, then toss in a little honey and fruit.

This pick boasts six grams of fiber and eight grams of protein in a 190calorie packet. TO BUY: $4.70 for 8 packets; naturespath.com.

Bring a healthier option to the potluck to help everyone feel their best. If you put in the legwork to provide it, you may be more invested in eating it, Nieves says.

D I Y G R E E K YO G U RT S U N DA E

Strapped for time? This deliciously smoky spread is ready to impress as soon as it defrosts. The organic cream-cheese-based dip is made with wild-caught, sustainably harvested Alaskan salmon—which tends to be richer in nutrients than less expensive spreads. The dip delivers lean protein, healthy omega-3s, and few preservatives. The package size is small, so savor it yourself as a preparty snack, or reserve it for a more intimate gathering. TO BUY: $11.25 for 8 oz.; wildforsalmon.com.

WILD FOR SALMON SMOKED SALMON SPREAD

Help lower inflammation by topping 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt with 1 Tbsp. peanut butter and 1/2 cup low-sugar granola (look for a variety with at least two grams of fiber).

When you’re running errands…

These sturdy snacks travel well, are low in added sugar, and contain fiber to stave off hanger.

J O O L I E S M E DJ O O L DAT E S S N A C K PA C K

Medjool dates are nature’s candy.

We love these pitted packs of three.

One box has 110 calories, 25 grams of sugar (none added), and three grams of fiber for a long-lasting, all-natural energy boost. TO BUY: $20 for 8 packs; joolies.com.

SPLIT PEANUT BUT TER & F RU I T S P R E A D

This mess-free pouch of half peanut butter, half grape or strawberry spread is perfect for parents and kids. Just rip and squeeze for a satiating six grams of protein and 15 grams of carbs, with no artificial preservatives or added oils. TO BUY: $25 for 10 pouches; splitnutrition.com.

60 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

G I M M E O RG A N I C ROA S T E D S E AW E E D S N A C K S

Seaweed is full of immune-revving vitamins and minerals (hi, flu season) and fiber (bye, hunger). GimMe offers minimal ingredients, all certified organic and non-GMO, plus a recyclable tray and mouthwatering flavors. TO BUY: $2 for 10 g; gimmesnacks.com for stores.

D I Y S W E E T-A N D - S P I C Y P E C A N S

This protein-rich nut mix is an easy-to-eat snack for the car, says cookbook author Nealy Fischer: Mix 2 cups raw pecans or walnuts with 3 Tbsp. maple syrup, 1 tsp. melted coconut oil (or any oil you have on hand), 1/2 tsp. sea salt, and 1/4 tsp. cayenne. Bake at 350°F until browned, 10 to 20 minutes.

A quarter cup has 200 calories and stays good in your bag for a few days; refrigerate the rest in a tightly sealed container for up to three months.

D I Y B U F FA L O C AU L I F L O W E R B I T E S

Fischer’s plant-based spin on crowdpleasing hot wings is a budgetfriendly way to feed the masses and serve everyone a dose of vitamin C: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut 1 head cauliflower into bite-size florets.

Stir together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp. each baking powder and kosher salt in a bowl, then mix in 1 cup cold water. Dip each floret into batter, letting excess drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd.

Bake, flipping halfway through, for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make buffalo sauce: Whisk 2/3 cup hot sauce, 2 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp. honey in a saucepan over low. (Don’t like it hot? Substitute half the hot sauce with ketchup.) Toss cauliflower bites with sauce. Serve with celery and your favorite wing dressing.

hummus

Beauty Coach

Just Dew It

E M B R AC E A YO U - B U T- B E T T E R LO OK WITH THREE E A SY M OV E S T H AT B O O ST YO U R S K I N ’ S N AT U R A L R A D I A N C E .

B L A U B L U T- E D I T I O N . C O M

By Lisa D eSantis

Photograph by Carina Jahn

THE REALIST

2 G E T EV E N

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

CLEANSE AND PREP

First, wash with a gentle cleanser, then use an alcoholfree toner. If you have oily skin, try a toner with alpha hydroxy acids to help unclog pores. If your skin is sensitive, go for one with calming botanicals. Ditch the cotton pad; just press the liquid into your skin with the heels of your hands—doing so helps rev up circulation. Since damp skin is more permeable than dry skin, apply serum before your toner is absorbed to help enhance its benefits.

We love Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum ($32; us.laneige.com), which locks in moisture and imparts a glow. If you have an extra 10 seconds, run a gua sha stone (a facial tool, usually made of jade or quartz, that relieves tension) over your cheekbones, jaw, forehead, and undereye area, says Gita Bass, a celebrity makeup artist in New York City. This will help depuff and create a rosy flush.

Skip foundation—with this look, less is more. Use tinted moisturizer to even out discoloration. To make the coverage even more sheer, add a drop of face oil to the moisturizer, Bass says. As you apply the mixture, focus on rednessprone areas, like your chin, under your eyes, and around your nose, then blend. Now it’s time to bring some color: Bass likes to put Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer ($20; tower28beauty.com) on spots the sun would naturally hit, like the forehead and cheekbones. Apply with your fingers; because the bronzer is a cream, the warmth from your fingertips will help it melt into skin. Follow with a cream blush, like Iconic London Sheer Blush ($25; sephora .com) in Fearless Flush (for darker skin tones) or Cheeky Coral (for fairer ones). Dab it onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend out for a natural, diffused finish.

3 S H I N E A N D S P RAY

Grab highlighter, but not the sparkly kind. We’re talking about a shimmer-free sheen, brought to you by new balm and gloss formulas. Patrick Ta Major Glow All-Over Glow Balm ($50; sephora.com) is a gel-like formula that catches the light.

Try it in She’s Glossy for a translucent glow, or She’s on Vacation for a sun-kissed look.

Concentrate it on the high points of your face: your brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and your chin. For extra oomph, apply it to your collarbones.

Finish with a spritz of Maybelline New York Glass Spray ($12; at drugstores) to keep everything in place. And to prevent looking greasy, Bass recommends oil-blotting sheets for T-zone touch-ups.

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R o a d Te s t

Long Live the Legging I T ’ S O F F I C I A L : L E G G I N G S A R E T H E N E W J E A N S. W E L O U N G E D, R O A D - T R I P P E D , A N D N A M A S T E ’ D I N M O R E T H A N 4 0 PA I R S T O F I N D T H E S E S E V E N Q UA R A N T I N E M U S T- H AV E S .

By Flavia Nunez

ROAD TE ST B E S T DAY-T O - N I G H T

BEST EXTENDED SIZES

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings These are an editor favorite for good reason. The textured faux-leather finish resembles the real deal; the waistband smooths and shapes (in that Spanx way) while staying comfortable enough for all-day wear. TO BUY: $98; dillards.com.

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight These universally flattering leggings are available in regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes. The supple fabric withstands everyday wear, and the pockets will come in handy when you’re running errands.

TO BUY: $98; athleta.gap.com.

BEST COLOR OP TIONS

Tentree inMotion High Rise Legging Do good while looking great in this sleek pick made from recycled plastic bottles.

For every item sold, Tentree plants 10 trees (get it?).

TO BUY: $58; tentree.com.

B E S T F O R S W E AT I N G

Champion Sport 7/8 Pocket Tights Compression pants like these are a dream for fitness fanatics. With roomy side pockets and UPF 50+ sun protection, they’ll see you through jump squats, lunges, and lengthy outdoor runs.

TO BUY: $50; champion.com.

68 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

B E S T F O R AC T UA L YO G A

B E S T B U D G E T F R I E N D LY

UpWest The Legging These high-rise pants (pictured above in Casual New Olive, Cedar Wood, and Pitch Black) look like leggings yet feel like your most cherished pajama bottoms—they’re made from an ultra-soft brushed fabric. Slip the extra-long hems over your heels or attach them to the buttons at the ankle for a ruched look. TO BUY: $38 each; upwest.com.

Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Flow Legging These stretchy, moisturewicking pants won’t budge during Downward Dog or even Child’s Pose, thanks to a thin waistband that stays put.

TO BUY: $88; aloyoga.com.

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

90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex High Waist 7/8 Ankle Legging Available in seven eye-catching shades, these tummy-control leggings are as functional as they are stylish. Throw them on before workouts— or whenever your basic black leggings need a break.

TO BUY: $88; 90degreebyreflex.com.

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ST Y L I N G BY C H R I ST I N A L A N E

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas AU T H O R M EG N O R D M A N N E X P L A I N S H OW S E T T I N G YO U R I N T E N T I O N S N O W C A N H E L P Y O U F U L LY E N J O Y C A L M A N D C O Z Y FA M I LY T I M E .

Photographs by Nicole Franzen

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Christmas was absurd. My excitement over “playing Santa” for a child of my own got way out of hand. Of course, she’ll never remember that “magical” morning with a living room overflowing with toys—including a miniature car, a three-story dollhouse, an antique wicker pram, and a rocking horse.

Right afterward, I started making massive changes to my mindset.

I was already overwhelmed by the duties of being a mom—cleaning on a perpetual loop, picking up toys, scrubbing dishes, organizing so much stuff—all while wishing I could spend more time with my child. I began exploring minimalism, a lifestyle that embraces having less and keeping only the items you use, need, and love so you can attain a more peaceful and joyful existence.

Every Christmas since has gotten smaller and simpler as I continue to whittle it down, become more intentional, and take more control. You can do it too. These tips can help you achieve in one season the cozy, meaningful family holiday you’ll actually enjoy—simply by stripping away the excesses that stress you out.

M Y DAU G H T E R ’ S F I R S T

1

Declutter the kids’ rooms.

If you only have time to tidy one area right now, make it this one.

Pare down the toys to those your kids truly love and play with.

(Hopefully, you can cut back 25 to 50 percent of their stuff.)

You’ll find gift-giving cleanup less stressful knowing the new items have space waiting for them.

Set up a box for donations, another for trash, a small one for sentimental keepsakes, and a pile of “keepers” that will remain in the room in a new, more organized way. As you sort the toys, pay attention to your thoughts: You may resist discarding the objects you purchased yourself, or the ones that are aesthetically pleasing and match the room’s decor. Has your child ever shown interest in these items? Really?

Or could you be holding on to them because of sunk-cost bias (i.e., you can’t stand to admit you wasted money on them)? If the item doesn’t serve your child, it should not remain in the room.

To declutter the kids’ rooms, consider bribes.

Yes, bribes. Remove all toys except a few keepers. Give your child $20 and tell them every toy they retrieve will cost $1.

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The clutter adds to your kid’s mental overwhelm and means more stuff for you all to clean up.

Notice when you rationalize certain gifts. Just because an aunt or grandmother gave a toy does not mean it has to stick around forever. Mentally thank loved ones for their contributions that once created smiles, then bag up the toys for donations or trash.

If you’re strategizing how to include your children in the process, consider bribes. Yes, bribes. One mom shared her successful idea with me: Remove all the toys from the room except a few obvious keepers. Give your child $20 and tell them every toy they retrieve will cost them $1. They can spend any remaining money on the treat of their choice. Assigning value encourages kids to assess their toys on a deeper level.

H O W T O S AY N O (WITHOUT FEELING L I K E S C RO O G E ) “Thank you, but I can’t right now.” Just say this short sentence in a genuine, apologetic tone to decline last-minute invitations. Most people have the urge to explain why they can’t go and start detailing their busy lives. Keep it simple!

Note: Say this even if you really can. If your “plans” are lying on the couch watching movies in your pajamas, that’s your business.

R E L AT I N G

3

Simplify decorating.

2

Set up the kitchen for success.

Don’t do a deep decluttering— that’s a huge project best saved for the new year. But do ask this question: What is the intent of this room for the holidays? Then you can quickly reorganize the supplies you need the most.

For me, sugar admittedly takes center stage this time of year.

That means the coffee station, fruit bowls, and pots of fresh herbs make way for a hot cocoa bar, a mulled apple cider station, and baking supplies. I bake all season, so I take inventory of my pans, flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and leftover sprinkles, then I create space to store them on an easily accessible shelf. This helps reduce stress and also the amount of money I spend, since I know exactly what needs to be restocked.

Focus on making sure your counters are as clear as possible and any holiday-related setups are ready for action.

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A minimalist holiday does not mean your house will be bereft of festive trimmings. The point is to decorate with more intention and determine what things add to your overwhelm. So pull out your holiday boxes and ask these questions to decide what to get rid of.

Are there decorating tasks you dread? Are certain decorations difficult to take down and pack up?

Was there something you set out last year that got no attention or use? And is there anything that looks worn out? (Are the embedded bulbs in the faux greenery not lighting up on one side? Are there faded ribbons on the wreath?)

If an item is too shabby or just not making you brim with joy, go ahead and toss it. If you’re regretting how expensive it was, sit with the emotions, because that will help guide future purchases (you might either stop buying stuff like this altogether or be more demanding about quality).

Now do the same with tree ornaments: Were they a gift? Did the kids make them? Were you

following a certain color scheme one year? If they are not your absolute favorite ornaments, you don’t need to give them the honor of hanging on your tree. Release them!

If the decor is still in decent shape, donate it to a local thrift shop or charity. By doing this process early in the season, you’ll get rid of items when others are actually looking for them—which will help you feel good instead of guilty.

At this point, you should be left with the decorations you intend to set out. It doesn’t matter how much there is. These are the pieces you’ve decided you can admire with pride all season.

IT’S OK TO GIVE UP THE OUTD O OR LIGHTS Even after scaling back my interior decorations by a third one year, I still felt compelled to decorate the front of my house with lights. But my children were both very little, so it wasn’t the memory-making family event I imagined. My husband is frugal with electricity, and let’s just say he wasn’t feeling the magic. Despite all the time I spent hanging the outdoor lights, I only turned them on maybe three times. Then the lights remained hanging on the house (turned off) until Valentine’s Day! This year, I plan to donate the entire box of outdoor lights. They just don’t fit my family.

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R E L AT I N G

4

Be intentional with your time.

I carefully manage my family’s holiday schedule by mapping out what I call “hard plans” and “loose plans” on a paper calendar, which I hang in the kitchen. I do this in early November, since events begin the week after Thanksgiving.

To make hard plans, I hop on a search engine or Facebook’s Events page to find local holiday happenings—for example, the town’s annual tree lighting, photos with Santa, the community orchestra’s seasonal concert, or a performance of The Nutcracker.

Once you’ve located dates and times, pencil each event into your calendar to get an idea of the pacing. If you notice several events happening one after another, pick your favorite and erase the others.

You don’t want to overdo it and exhaust everyone. The spaced-out events you’ve chosen to keep are now your hard plans. If a hard plan is a ticketed event, jot the price down on the calendar as well.

This system helps you decide far in advance if an event looks worthwhile and fits in your budget.

Now you’re ready to pencil in your loose plans—usually family traditions that can be easily moved or skipped. Spot possible weekends

ADAPTED FROM HAVE YOURSELF A MINIMALIST CHRISTMAS

BY MEG NORDMANN. COPYRIGHT © 2020

BY MEG NORDMANN. AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN AUDIOBOOK, E-BOOK, AND PRINT FORMATS AT MEGNORDMANN.COM OR ON AMAZON. CONNECT ON TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM AT @MEGNORDMANN.

76 R E A L S I M P L E N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

“LO OSE PL ANS” TO PENCIL IN

for baking and cookie decorating, chopping down your own tree at a nearby farm, or driving around the neighborhood to look at the light displays. (See more ideas at right.)

It may seem silly to pencil in “bake sugar cookies,” but I have found this system to be an extremely helpful way to avoid doing All The Things the last week of the holidays. It’s easier to sprinkle in idyllic moments if you write them down ahead of time. If you are not in control of the pacing, then there’s a high chance you’ll find yourself cramming in as much as humanly possible right before the big day— and cramming does not make for festive memories.

• Make a favorite recipe, be it cookies or latkes • Pick out the Christmas tree or put out the menorah • Enjoy hot cocoa or mulled cider • Decorate your home • Watch holiday movies • Read holiday books • Go for a winter hike • Play in the snow • Volunteer for a charity • Create cards or gifts

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R E L AT I N G

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

G. B . A S K S …

I’m not really a big drinker; I occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner. My in-laws drink a lot, and I get tired of dealing with silly, obnoxious behavior. My husband feels awkward leaving early. How do we head out politely without being told that “the party’s just getting started”?

78 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Our new next-door neighbors asked if they could “share” our trash service. They only have a bag or two each week and wanted to avoid the trouble of hauling a bin to the curb. I was so dumbfounded by the request that I said yes.

But now I’m having a big problem with it: I go to great lengths to keep our trash from being smelly, and there’s no way to control the type of trash they put in our bins. How can I renege?

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

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

Wow, you really put the “collection” in trash collection! I might not be curating my garbage very well (it sometimes smells)—even though I am the daughter of people who freeze their chicken bones until the dump run. You could probably solve the problem fairly simply with something like odorblocking trash bags, which would be less awkward than taping up a list that says, “No banana peels! No cat litter!” Or tell your neighbors that the arrangement isn’t working for you: “I loved the idea of sharing a collection service with you! But maybe you should ask a different neighbor. I turn out to be kind of particular about my trash.” As a side note, it’s good to have a strategy for dealing with dumbfounding requests. “Interesting idea! Let me think about that and get back to you” is always a fine thing to say.

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

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

You are not alone. Everyone we know who doesn’t (really) drink feels this way: The boozier an evening gets, the more tedious it becomes. You can always figure out an exit plan with your husband for those times when you want to leave and he feels he should stay. Try, “Honey, can you grab an Uber? I have that work thing tomorrow.”

(Or to quote an old friend of ours, “I gotta go home…and lie around for a while before bed.”) You might also consider extricating yourself entirely from some of the gatherings, which would enable your husband to enjoy his family without seeing their sloppy selves through your eyes.

L . D. A S K S …

J.R. ASKS…

My mother-in-law visits about once a week.

She always brings something (papers, mail, a gift) in a zip-top bag. I’m not an all-out sustainable person, but the excessive use of plastic bags when they’re not necessary drives me nuts. Is there a nice way to let her know that we don’t need everything in a bag—and that it’s not good for the earth?

By contrast, my grandmother seemed to reuse the same piece of foil for 50 years—a practice I’m starting to look back on fondly. Can you simply save the bags and return them to your mother-in-law? “Thank you so much for those magazine clippings! And here are your bags from last time. I don’t want you to have to keep using new ones.” This would directly accomplish one goal (using fewer bags) and indirectly accomplish the other (cuing her about waste and reuse). Such a gentle approach might be the most skillful way to change her behavior with the lowest risk of offending her.

A .W. S . A S K S …

I’ve been making an effort to maintain closer contact with my friends by texting more regularly. But often the only time I have to myself is very early in the morning, before the kids get up. Is it rude to text so early?

As a chronic insomniac, I’ve wondered the same thing. You could always email in the dead of night or at the crack of dawn, and you’d never call then. But texting is a gray area. Lots of folks silence their phones at night, but some of us—especially if we have newly driving teenagers or aging parents—keep them on in case of emergency, and a text ding might wake or alarm us. My kids explained that your friends can mute you if your crowing-rooster texts are a nuisance, or they can tailor their settings to allow calls from people they want to be woken by. But I think it’s better to clarify preferences with individual friends: “I’m often up early.

Can I text then, or will it wake you?”

A . D. A S K S …

How late can I send a sympathy card after someone dies? Is it ever too late?

It is never too late. Plus, it’s comforting to receive condolences even long after the initial rush of sympathy notes has abated—when you’re still grieving, but the cards have stopped coming. And don’t worry that you’re reminding your mourner of a loss they’ve forgotten.

They haven’t.

H AV E A N E T I Q U E T T E Q U E S T I O N ?

Hover your phone’s camera here to submit your question for Catherine, or email her at modernmanners@realsimple.com.

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Good Read

Rage Against the Machines I N A H O U S E F U L L O F F I N I C K Y, B E E P I N G A P P L I A N C E S ,

P I X E L STO R I ES/STO C KSY

C H R I S T I N E G R I L L O F I N A L LY D E C I D E D T O L I B E R A T E H E R S E L F F R O M T H E A L L E G E D T I M E - S A V E R S . H E Y, K I D S , G R A B A S P O N G E !

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kill my dishwasher? It’s possible. When the lockdowns began, my three teenagers were suddenly at home for every single meal, and we know it doesn’t occur to teenagers to reuse a glass. She—my dishwasher—was getting quite a workout.

She’d been a little off for a while, and I’d wondered whether it would soon be time to put her down. To be honest, I’d fantasized a bit about her demise. My kitchen is tiny, big enough for one person to fit and maneuver comfortably.

When the dishwasher door is open, the kitchen shrinks considerably, and in order to put clean dishes into the cabinets, I have to unload everything onto the counter, then close the dishwasher door. Whatever possessed the previous owners to saddle this kitchen with a dishwasher is one of the many mysteries I’ll never solve. They only had one child, for Pete’s sake!

I’d thought ahead and fleshed out a vision of a modest kitchen redo. I’d remove the dishwasher and build some simple shelves to hold pots and pans. I’d retain the dishwasher hookups for the next owners, if they had a yen for such a machine, but I’d go old-school on the dirty dishes.

There would be handwashing and rack-drying in my kitchen.

My kids protested, anticipating my grouchiness, especially around big meals like Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving only happens once a year, I told them. I can’t let one day of feasting govern the other 364 days of shin bruises from walking into the dishwasher door.

Plus, I hate machines. This is something I’ve learned over the decades, as I’ve tried to live in harmony with them. I’m the person who dreads getting a new phone because of how many hours it takes to set up. I love my yard, but I hate lawn mowers, and I’m slowly replacing the grass with clover because of it. I think I started to really consider how much we need—or don’t need—our machines when I went shopping for a mower. I sought guidance from the guy on the sales floor, and we talked about the cons of the various kinds: The gas-powered ones are fussy, the corded electric ones have those damn cords, and the battery-powered ones are too expensive. “What kind of lawn mower do you have?”

I asked him. He smiled, stroked his chin, and said, “I pay the kid down the block to mow my lawn.”

When I was married, coexistence with machines was easier because my husband mostly tended to them. Five years into divorce, the détente between me and machines is on fragile ground. A couple of years ago, my dryer stopped working, and if I could have afforded to pay someone to repair it, I would have done so gladly. Instead, I relied upon the nice people of YouTube to guide me through diagnosD I D T H E G L O B A L PA N D E M I C

82 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

ing and fixing the problem. At first, when I thought the problem was a fuse, I nearly lost my mind. No ordinary human with ordinary tools can change the fuses. I suspect most machines these days are assembled by robots, which makes DIY repairs nearly impossible. Then I discovered that the problem was the valve coil, which didn’t require fancy tools or extra-human strength.

I pondered how much simpler my life might feel if I got rid of the accursed machine and dried my clothes the way my grandmothers did, on clotheslines out back. It’s a triedand-true method used all over the world, after all! One of my girlfriends, also a single mom, went classic in this way, and it seemed to work for her. In the winter, when it was too cold to dry clothes outside, she strung them up indoors.

Everyone adjusted.

Last year, my coffee grinder—it may have been an anniversary gift, actually—stopped working, and I returned to the nice people of YouTube for help. A tidy man walked me through how to take it apart, and about 10 minutes into the video, I realized that one Phillips screwdriver would not be enough. Apparently, I needed a super-short screwdriver to open a hard-to-reach part, and I needed a superlong screwdriver to disassemble another section. Is it too much to ask that average homeowners be able to repair

C A R O LY N L A G AT T U TA / S T O C K S Y

Disposing of the coffee grinder was cathartic. I’d begun to free myself from the tyranny of machines, and my counter was liberated.

H E A D S H OT C O U RT ESY O F C H R I ST I N E G R I L LO

their own appliances? My daughter watched as I wrapped that sucker up in plastic bags and smashed it to smithereens with my rubber mallet (which, by the way, is a versatile tool, useful for many things, such as resealing paint cans, tenderizing chicken breasts, and other pounding tasks). In the moment, my rage at the machine was outsize, but disposing of the grinder shards was cathartic. I felt as if I’d begun to free myself from the tyranny of unnecessary machines, and my counter was liberated.

Life without a coffee grinder is great. I buy ground coffee from the supermarket. Or if I’m feeling flush, I buy beans from a coffee shop and get them ground on-site, in the café’s industrial, well-maintained grinders.

I’ve started giving serious thought to the necessity of every machine in my home. I keep a mental list of appliances I consider indispensable and would definitely repair or replace: the refrigerator, the furnace, the water heater, the oven, the electric kettle. But there are appliances that fall into a gray area, that I might feel relieved to ditch. The printer was one such machine, which I let go of years ago.

The convenience of at-home printing will never be worth the hours of agitation required to keep a printer up and running.

These days, my favorite appliances are the simplest, demanding a level of maintenance I’m OK with: my French press for coffee, my hori-hori knife for gardening, and a paint roller extension pole. They perform well, and I don’t even need to oil them.

As for that dishwasher, I finally ponied up for someone to come to my house and tell me what was wrong with it (and causing it to beep incessantly). Two friendly men wearing masks spent some time with the old girl, and then they told me her electric board was busted. They could replace it for many hundreds of dollars—or I could buy a new dishwasher for just a little bit more. The truth is, I was happy to hear them quote such a high price. It made my decision easy. The dishwasher would go, and I’d gain some storage space. I emptied my cabinets of everything except six plates, six glasses, six mugs, and six bowls. My teenagers would have to reuse or, even better, wash as they go.

There’s a certain zen to handwashing dishes. It warms me up in the cold, when nothing else will. It forces me to stand at the sink and look out the window into the backyard, where there are birds and butterflies, or maybe only moonlight. And in a world full of potential novel viruses, handwashing is not a bad thing. Come Thanksgiving, I’ll figure something out. Until then, I’ve got one tiny slice of appliance freedom.

WHEN YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN YOUR CLOTHES CAN TURN ON YOU

ABOUT THE AU T H O R Christine Grillo is a science writer in Baltimore.

Her work has appeared in the Atlantic, the New York Times, and Audubon. Her shins are recovering nicely now that she doesn’t bonk them on the dishwasher.

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R E L AT I N G

Pe t Tr i c k s

Happy Eaters M A K E O V E R Y O U R P E T ’ S M E A LT I M E F O R B E T T E R H E A LT H .

By Juno DeMelo

Speed-eating is mainly a dog thing—and it’s a problem because it increases the risk of gagging, vomiting, and bloat (which can actually be lifethreatening). To slow dogs down, try a kibble-dispensing puzzle, a slow-feeder bowl with grooves or soft spikes, or a foraging mat that hides kibble under shag. If you have multiple dogs, feeding them in separate places can eliminate competition, which sometimes motivates scarfing.

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If They’re Picky…

Try rotating between dry, wet, and semimoist food for your cat. Make sure her food bowl is in a quiet area too, since busy environments may stress cats out when they eat. If your dog isn’t eating, treats and table scraps might be to blame. No more than 10 percent of your pet’s calories should come from your hand or plate—and definitely don’t toss Fido a treat after he’s turned up his nose at his bowl. In any case, if your pet is losing weight and not eating, see the vet.

If They’re Putting on Weight…

Obesity can be linked to serious conditions, like heart disease, so if you can’t feel your dog’s or cat’s ribs easily, talk to your vet about what your pet’s ideal weight should be and how to lower it, if necessary. The solution might simply be reducing food portions. But if you need to trim major calories, ask about a vet-prescribed diet so you don’t restrict necessary nutrients.

It’s OK to leave out dry food for normal-weight cats, but feed dogs twice a day on a schedule.

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R E L AT I N G

The Gear

• High-quality meat is the first ingredient • Protein-rich formulas support each life stage and breed-size need

If You’re Trying to Decide on a Food…

Whether you’re shopping for food for a new pet or just looking to change up Fluffy’s diet, check the packaging for a statement that the food meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards for your pet’s life stage. Keep in mind that just because an ingredient is unfamiliar doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, some chemicalsounding terms, like “copper sulfate,” are actually vitamins and minerals. And certain byproducts may offer more minerals than meat does. If you have questions, talk to your vet.

If you’re switching your dog to a new food, do so over a sevenday transition period, in which you mix the new food with the old to minimize stomach stress.

O U R E X P E RT S MARTHA G. CLINE, DVM, VETERINARY NUTRITIONIST AT RED BANK VETERINARY HOSPITALS IN NEW JERSEY

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For expert advice on choosing the best reward for your pet, go to dailypaws.com/ pettreats.

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86 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

WOBBLE FEEDER

Extend mealtime while providing mental stimulation and exercise. This puzzle toy dispenses food when your pup nudges it with his nose or paws.

TO BUY: Kong Wobbler, from $15; petsmart.com.

E L E VAT E D D I S H

This dishwasher-safe bowl is raised, bringing food closer to your pet’s mouth, which could encourage a finicky cat to eat.

TO BUY: Mesa Bowl, $40; catperson.com.

P R EC I S E S C O O P

Weighing your pet’s food ensures she’s getting exactly as much as the bag (or your vet) recommends. TO BUY: PetFusion Digital Food Scale and Scoop, from $15; chewy.com.

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5 Ways to Simplify Your To-Do List M A X I M U M P R O D U C T I V I T Y, M I N I M U M I N S A N I T Y : C R E A T E A R E A L I S T I C AGENDA DURING THE BUSIEST TIME OF YE AR.

By Gina Hamadey

88 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Illustration by Andrea Mongia

R E L AT I N G

1

Commit to writing it down.

3

In a recent study, we found that people who create formal to-do lists—whether on paper or digitally— procrastinate less than those who use random or mental to-do lists.

If you’re already conscientious enough to maintain a to-do list, you’re steps ahead. The good news is anyone can learn this habit. Attitude matters. You have to set the intention to make the list and take timely action on the tasks. Through this, you learn how to prioritize and keep the list manageable.

Have separate lists for personal life and work.

I keep my personal and work to-dos separate, and I make sure there are fewer than a dozen items combined. That normally breaks out to six or seven work tasks and three or four personal tasks a day. Any more than that and I’m likely to get overwhelmed.

I write my list on one sheet of notebook paper, with my work tasks first and my personal tasks second, separated by a space.

I consult my list every hour or so, and I bracket a task if it becomes lower priority or not feasible for the day. It’s important to be flexible.

PHYLLIS KORKKI IS THE AUTHOR OF THE BIG THING: HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR CREATIVE PROJECT EVEN IF YOU’RE A LAZY, SELF-DOUBTING PROCRASTINATOR LIKE ME.

SHAMARUKH CHOWDHURY IS A SENIOR DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT IN THE PROCRASTINATION RESEARCH GROUP AT CARLETON UNIVERSITY IN OTTAWA.

4

Turn meeting notes into instant action items.

2

Give yourself fake deadlines.

Think through all the logistics on the front end of a big project so you can be efficient and relaxed. Pull in other people and delegate. Then give yourself two- or three-day false deadlines. When you have a couple of hours free, batch tasks together and tackle them to see what you accomplish. That way you’ll be able to estimate how much you’ll get done each day.

DAVID ALLEN IS A PRODUCTIVITY EXPERT AND THE AUTHOR OF GETTING THINGS DONE: THE ART OF STRESS-FREE PRODUCTIVITY.

My professional life forever changed when my friend showed me her notebook trick: The minute you leave a meeting, skim your notes and draw an empty box in the margin next to any concrete follow-up tasks. It’s easy to see to-dos at a glance and check them off when completed—no transfer to a formal list needed. When I work from home on my laptop, I keep meeting notes on Google Docs. I press Option+8 to bullet out tasks, then I copy and paste them into the Stickies app, which functions as my stream-of-consciousness work to-do list. I look at it daily and put my five most important tasks on top. My boss thinks I have the memory of an elephant, but I just take good notes.

COURTENAY SMITH IS A CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AT REAL SIMPLE.

5

Pause what you can pause.

Ask yourself, “What’s under my control?” The season is so stressful because the holidays compete with the end of the year, when people are trying to wrap up every task they assigned themselves that year.

They’re striving to close the deal and paint the house in addition to hosting 47 people and trying to outdo themselves. Remember that December 31 is an artificial deadline.

Let go of projects that don’t need to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

RYDER CARROLL IS THE INVENTOR OF THE BULLET JOURNAL.

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

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

Your Most Complicated Money Feelings, Resolved MONEY CAN BE EMOTIONAL. E X P E R T S S AY T H E F I R S T S T E P I N S O RT I N G O U T YO U R F I N A N C E S I S S O RT I N G O U T YO U R F E E L I N G S. P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

By Kristin Wong

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

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us a long list of reasons to be anxious.

Money is—no surprise—at the top of that list for many people. A full 88 percent of Americans say the pandemic is causing financial stress, a recent survey found. And stress isn’t the only emotion triggered by finances. Feelings like fear, insecurity, and shame can all bubble up when we think about our bank accounts.

“Money is emotional because it touches every aspect of our lives,” says Amanda Clayman, a financial therapist and the financial wellness advocate for Prudential. “It shows up in our relationships, in how we take care of ourselves, in our identities, and in what we do for a living.”

We asked experts to share solutions for five common—and tricky— feelings people have about money. The good news is you can use those feelings to your advantage. Here’s how.

THE YEAR 2020 HAS GIVEN

“Money stresses me out, so I never think about it.

Then that stresses me out.”

You likely avoid dealing with money because budgeting, tracking expenses, and getting finances in order feels overwhelming, Clayman says. If you’ve had a particularly spendy month, you might dread logging into your bank account. (If you don’t look, maybe it didn’t happen, right?)

But not facing your finances will only end up causing more stress.

Aim to get to a place where money feels like something to embrace, not avoid.

W H Y YO U F E E L T H I S WAY:

Try making a vision board—they actually work. When people tied their savings to a meaningful symbol and got excited about their money goals, their savings rate increased by 73 percent, according to a study led by Brad Klontz, PsyD, a certified financial planner and cofounder of the Financial Psychology Institute. “It’s easier to confront H O W T O F I X I T:

92 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

your budget when you have a vision you’re working toward,” he says.

Start a Pinterest board, or grab your collage supplies and create an image that relates to your goal, whether it’s a backyard-patio scene that motivates you to save for a deck reno or a turquoise ocean that inspires you to save for a big vacation.

Khalia Deborah, a business coach in Philadelphia, tweaked her vision board to be even more actionable: “At the top of the board, I wrote a dream, like ‘Buying a house,’ and added cut-out photos. Then, below, I wrote the financial goal that would get me there, like ‘Save $500 a month to put toward a down payment.’ Finally, I listed the tasks to help me reach that goal, like reducing expenses, starting up a side gig, and asking for a raise at work. Having this action plan in one place has made me more successful.”

“I’m anxious because I don’t think I’ll ever have enough money.”

Much of our anxiety comes from a sense of scarcity—that constant feeling that our needs are not being met and we’ll never have enough, Clayman says. Scarcity also makes us feel insecure, which may lead to impulsive spending…but not on luxury handbags or other big-ticket items, as you might think. Instead, according to one study, we overbuy utilitarian products, like household tools and cleaners, because we associate them with problem-solving.

W H Y YO U F E E L T H I S WAY:

You need savings, even if it’s just a little bit. Studies show that having cash on hand is a better predictor of life satisfaction than income. Just make sure the money is readily accessible, researchers say, because that feels more tangible than having funds socked away in an investment account.

Get started by automating your savings so money goes directly from your paycheck into a high-yield account. Even if you save just $20 a week, the emotional payoff could help your confidence, Clayman says.

When you get your savings account statement, take a minute to celebrate your “win” with a loved one and revel in this feeling of control, she adds.

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BAL ANCE

“I’ve made some financial mistakes, and I’m ashamed of them.”

It’s hard to get over that high-interest credit card you maxed out or the time you racked up $300 in overdraft fees, but you’re hardly alone. Our past money mistakes create a lot of shame, but embarrassment isn’t always a bad thing. “Think of it as your own weird, subconscious way of making sure history doesn’t repeat itself,” Clayman says. “The problem is, we often internalize shame. So instead of thinking, ‘That behavior is bad,’ we might think, ‘I’m bad because I do that,’ which can sour your relationship with finances.”

W H Y YO U F E E L T H I S WAY:

To overcome shame, you need to detach your identity from past mistakes or bad habits. Consider talking openly with a financial coach or counselor (find one at afcpe.org), who can help you navigate deep-rooted issues.

Your financial identity as an adult might be influenced by how your parents and even grandparents dealt with money when you were a kid.

Explore what Clayman calls your “family money story”: Write down your earliest childhood experiences related to finances, paying attention to the beliefs and emotions that come up. Was money something your parents argued about? Or maybe it’s a topic that was never discussed?

Reflecting on your history might make it easier to unpack and ultimately let go of those feelings on your own or with a therapist, Clayman says.

H O W T O F I X I T:

94 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

“Money makes me resentful.

It seems like everyone is better off than I am.”

FOMO is real— and real expensive—so limit how much time you spend on social media, where you might scroll upon pictures of a friend’s new car or hip new apartment. (You can go to your phone’s settings to program timers for specific apps.) Check in with yourself after a month to see if you notice a shift in your feelings.

Also, pick a financial muse.

A small study found that when people compared themselves with a role model, they felt more determined to reach financial goals, even if that person outearned them.

Browse money websites, podcasts, and books to find an expert whose financial decisions you admire.

Or talk to close friends and family.

Maybe your sister seems to always keep her spending in check and has strategies worth borrowing.

H O W T O F I X I T:

W H Y YO U F E E L T H I S WAY:

It’s common to feel like no matter how far you get, you’ll never be far enough ahead. “People always say, ‘If I just had 25 percent more money, I would be more secure.’ That seems to be the magic number,” says Amy Zehnder, PhD, a wealth psychologist with U.S. Bank. When you see your peers splashing out on big, fancy purchases (were you the only person who didn’t get a Peloton during quarantine?), it might make you envious. And that envy might make you more willing to take on debt to level up your lifestyle, according to a report from the American Institute of CPAs.

“I saw a third of my retirement funds disappear. I got some money back, but I’m worried it will happen again.”

During the pandemic, many of our 401(k)s sank, rebounded, then cratered again. We can’t control the stock market, and that’s scary, says Leslie Geller, a wealth strategist at Capital Group in Los Angeles. “Watching your retirement account go down in such an extreme and sudden way hurts, especially during a time of so much uncertainty.”

W H Y YO U F E E L T H I S WAY:

Remember that the value on your last statement was just that: a value, not actual money, Geller says. Focus on your retirement goal instead of getting lost in daily fluctuations. Consider checking your accounts less frequently—generally, once a quarter is enough, Geller says.

Roger Ma, a certified financial planner at LifeLaidOut and the author of Work Your Money, Not Your Life, suggests this exercise to clients: “Pull up the S&P 500 chart and look at its prices over time.

H O W T O F I X I T:

Start small and see how it moved over the past day, then the past five days. Continue to longer periods until you’ve reached the maximum time frame,” he says. “Then zoom out, and often you won’t see the current drop. You’ll see how the index and market have performed in the long run—usually the graph goes up and to the right.” If you’ve aligned your investments with your goal, there’s no need to look at the daily stock market swings, he says.

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In Pursuit of Positivity T H E S E O P T I M I S M T E C H N I Q U E S W I L L H E L P Y O U C U LT I V A T E A S U N N I E R O U T LO O K—A N D K E E P YO U R I N N E R E E YO R E I N C H EC K.

By Rachel Sylvester

96 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Illustrations by Lauren Semmer

Curate a Positivity Playlist

pessimist, I admit rose-tinted glasses aren’t my accessory of choice.

I’d argue my wineglass is indeed half-empty, and while I strive to look on the bright side, my mindset naturally skews a little negative (especially during selfisolation and a less-than-stellar news cycle). Fortunately, optimism is very much a learned emotion, and one that grows stronger with regular cognitive flexing, according to Martin E.P. Seligman, PhD, author of Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life.

In today’s climate of ceaseless uncertainty, optimism offers crucial mental and physical perks.

A happier outlook helps you form more connected relationships and stick to feel-good habits, like exercise and a nutritious diet. It could even make you live longer: A 2019 meta-analysis found that optimism may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack and death. Other research has linked optimism to a reduction in chronic disease and stress. So we asked positivity pros to share tactics to develop a more upbeat attitude.

A S A S E L F- P R O C L A I M E D

“Music is one of the quickest, easiest ways to give yourself a mood boost,” says Gretchen Rubin, host of the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin and author of Better Than Before. Songs are often evocative of memorable life events (hello, father-daughter wedding dance!), helping you connect directly to a happy time.

According to Dutch psychologist Jacob Jolij, who developed the Feel Good Index to measure music’s uplifting effects, the most emotionally invigorating tunes have positive lyrics and a tempo of about 150 beats per minute. Seek out a playlist on Spotify (search “good vibes” for options), or compile a list of 10 to 20 songs to throw on when you’re stuck in traffic, on a brisk walk, or typing away on your laptop. (“Alexa, play ‘Walking on Sunshine.’ ”)

Visualize the Negative Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Inspired by the ancient Stoics, this practice calls for taking a few minutes each day to catastrophize: Imagine losing everything that’s valuable in your life (job, house, spouse).

“The goal is to become a bit more grateful for the things you do have,” says Laurie Santos, PhD, professor of psychology at Yale University and host of the podcast The Happiness Lab. This means stopping to wonder, “What if?”

What if you had never met your partner? What if you were forced to move out of your home? The key is not to dwell on the negative possibilities.

Simply identifying the people and possessions you could easily lose is enough to bolster your appreciation for them.

Identify Your Hopeful Heroes We all know someone who never fails to see the silver lining, whether it’s a buoyant BFF or a cheerful sister-in-law. (For me, it’s my mother, a hospice director who somehow remains in a perpetual state of positivity.) “Emulate the people who look on the bright side,” Santos says.

When you need a spot of hope, picture the face of your optimism icon (use their photo as your phone wallpaper, if it helps). Better yet, reach out to them for advice. During the height of my pandemic-induced pessimism, I called my mom to ask how she remains so...well, ridiculously optimistic. Her answer was simple but helpful: Savor the small details each day.

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WHY OPTIMISTS L I V E LO N G E R

Schedule Time to Fret

Practice Password Therapy Sprinkle positivity into your daily life by changing your passwords (LIf3_Is_G00d!). Small acts of self-affirmation have been shown to activate reward centers in the brain. So choose passwords that include a morale-boosting mantra (YouGotThis2021, BeKind24/7) or a word with happy associations, like the name of a loved one.

You could increase your sense of sunniness every time you log into your email or bank account.

If you often fall down a rabbit hole of angst (“Will my family get Covid? What if I lose my job? Am I the only parent who didn’t sign up for a pod?”), use this trick: “Pick a set time every day to allow yourself to worry for 10 minutes,” Rubin says.

“If you find yourself ruminating on a fresh anxiety, remind yourself that now is not the time, and you’ll stress about it at 3 p.m.” At the designated hour, put your anxieties on paper. Leaning into fears and writing them down often provides people with a sense of control. You may see ways to quiet your inner dialogue.

A 2019 study found that people who measured higher in optimism had a much better chance of living to age 85 or older. Why? Research is ongoing, but it may be because positive thinkers are more likely to exercise and eat healthy, and they tend to sleep better. Being able to handle life’s pressures has another biological benefit: Chronic stress can result in inflammation that shortens telomeres, the caps on the ends of our chromosomes that indicate how well we’re aging, says Elissa Epel, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco and director of the school’s Aging, Metabolism & Emotion Lab. “When the telomeres are short, the cell has less ability to keep replicating into fresh new cells.” That can set the stage for heart disease and other lifelimiting diseases.

—Jennifer King Lindley

List Thankfulness in Threes Experts in positive psychology encourage people to count their blessings—three of them, to be exact. Developed by Seligman, this exercise helps you identify and express gratitude regularly: At the end of a long day, write down three good things that happened to you, big or small. Spread the thankfulness by asking your family to verbalize their daily wins around the dinner table. “Our patterns of thinking are catchy, so cultivating optimism in yourself can help your family members be a bit more positive too,” Santos says.

98 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

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BAL ANCE

4 Moments When You Need a Mentor T H E S E C R E T T O A M O R E S U C C E S S F U L C A R E E R M AY L I E I N T H E C O M PA N Y Y O U K E E P.

By Ronnie Koenig

to crush career goals, we take courses, go for advanced degrees, scour job listings, and curate our online presence (raise your hand if you’ve sifted through more than a few options before choosing your LinkedIn profile pic). But many of us neglect to find a mentor—63 percent of women in one study said they’d never had one.

F R E N C H A N D E R S O N LT D/ S T O C K S Y

WHEN WE SET OUT

“The payoffs of having a mentor can be career altering,” says Anne Devereux-Mills, author of The Parlay Effect: How Female Connection Can Change the World. “They’re safe people to ask for advice, you’ll have a guide to talk about uncertainties with, and they can help you practice tricky conversations.”

The proof is in the promotions: Employees with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without one, according to research. Here, we share expert advice on choosing a mentor and building a rewarding relationship, no matter where you are in your career.

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If you’re just starting out…

T H E M E N T O R YO U N E E D

The caring cheerleader If you’re trying to pinpoint your passion… not go too granular in one direction so you develop a well-rounded set of skills,” Devereux-Mills says.

To connect with a possible mentor—while also building your résumé—ask to help with a project or event. When Pavni Diwanji, 52, senior vice president at Intuit, was starting out almost 30 years ago, she volunteered to help organize a conference. That led to a mentorship with the late computer scientist and women’s advocate Anita Borg.

“Anita taught me not only how to put together an event and work as a woman in tech, but also how to inspire other women to take on STEM roles,” Diwanji says.

T H E M E N T O R YO U N E E D

The inspiring founder Maybe you’re comfortably coasting in your current job but feel like you should be doing something else.

A mentor can help you plot your next move–and give you the confidence to take the leap. Search LinkedIn or attend industry events to find people who are leading causes you care about, DevereuxMills says: “Ask people to talk about their path and it will give you guidance on how to uncover yours.”

Write the person and ask if they’d be willing to share, via email or a short phone call, how they got started. “Be flexible about your ask to make it easier for potential mentors to say yes,” advises Wendy Axelrod, PhD, an executive coach and the author of 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring.

Ask people to talk about their path and it will give you guidance on how to uncover yours.

106 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

F R O M L E F T: A D O B E S T O C K ; G E T T Y I M A G E S

At the beginning of your career, it can often feel like you have to pick a lane before you’re even sure where the road goes (or how long it will take to get there). For insight on what a particular career looks like— whether a year or a decade from now—reach out to a person in your department, a member of your professional organization, or even someone in a different industry who can advise you of pitfalls and direct you toward opportunities. “Your goal is to stay in a learning mindset and

If you had a major life event…

T H E M E N T O R YO U N E E D

The experienced colleague

If you’ve been downsized…

T H E M E N T O R YO U N E E D

The staunch supporter After you’re laid off, your knee-jerk reaction might be to look for a job like the one you just lost. But Devereux-Mills suggests taking a minute to think about what you really want to do next. Then ask an admired former boss or senior colleague for their take—and get a boost of optimism from their encouragement and faith in you.

Bouncing ideas off someone who knows your strengths could yield better results than starting from square one, Devereux-Mills says.

“They can coach you on how your skills and interests transfer to opportunities you hadn’t thought of before.”

If you recently became a parent or are reentering the workforce after time away, it can help to talk to someone who’s been there. “Connecting with a person who’s made it through the gauntlet of working parenthood will show you that much of this transition is finite, and it’s ultimately sustainable,” says Lauren Smith Brody, author of The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Success After Baby. “They’re deeply empathetic, but they’re no longer in the thick of it, and that can be really helpful,” she says.

You often don’t need to look far for this person. Ask a colleague who had a baby in the past year or two to share how they transitioned back to work, negotiated availability, and enforced boundaries, Brody says.

Look beyond your immediate circle too. “If there’s a working mom you admire in your friend circle, don’t be afraid to integrate work talk into your friendship,” she says. You’ll be exposed to great ideas outside your workplace bubble and can implement them at your own job.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTOR G R E AT E R W O R K S AT I S FA C T I O N

The most immediate benefit is the gratification you get from sharing knowledge and giving back to others, says Tammy D. Allen, PhD, a mentoring researcher and Distinguished University Professor in the psychology department at University of South Florida. “Mentoring others can also have a rejuvenating effect on individuals who have plateaued in their career,” she says.

A S A L A RY B O O S T

Talk about a win-win situation. There’s evidence that mentoring is associated with career benefits, like a higher salary and more promotions, Allen says.

“Being recognized as an effective mentor can get you noticed and enhance your reputation at work,” she says.

SHARPENED SKILL S

For more expert tips on how to find (and keep!) a mentor, go to realsimple.com/mentor.

Mentors gain a lot of practice in listening, asking thought-provoking questions, facilitating change, influencing, and overcoming obstacles, Axelrod says. These are the same skills required to be an exceptional leader.

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LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS ®

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Vibrant Leaf Look, really look, at the details of this leaf.

Let your eyes move across the image, noticing the textures and colors. Observe how the deep pink vein fades as it fans outward. Now bring your attention to the rhythm of your breath.

Be aware that we breathe to survive, inhaling oxygen, exhaling carbon dioxide. Just like us, our planet breathes. Every breath you take is connected to the living ecosystem of the forests and oceans. Allow yourself to appreciate all the ways you’re connected to the earth. Think, “I care about the sun, giving plants light to live. I care about trees, providing oxygen to breathe. I care about the rain, which waters the plants. I care about the animals I share the planet with.” Open your heart, truly feeling the appreciation.

A D D I C T I V E C R E AT I V E /O F F S E T

—JAMIE PRICE, MyLife, a personalized mindfulness app

Photograph by Philippe Degroote

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A LOT TO LOVE

The top layer of this showstopper is nice and crisp, while the center is soft and creamy.

It’s like two side dishes in one.

Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes

Mash Notes

Dear potatoes, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways— roasted, layered, all but tered up, and pureed into pies.

H e re a re s i x re c i p e s t h a t s p ot l i g ht w hy yo u ’re eve r yo n e ’s Thanksgiving sweethear t (vegetarians included).

BY

A n a n d a E i d e l ste i n

PHOTO GR APHS BY

V i c to r P ro ta s i o

A LOT TO LOVE

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

These spuds offer the punchy appeal of a bag of chips in a gorgeous, feast-ready form.

Use curly parsley for extra texture.

Salt-andVinegar Roasted Potatoes

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Cheesy Potato and Pancetta Bake

A LOT TO LOVE

This casserole is much easier to make than a gratin but delivers the same gooey decadence.

Cheesy Potato and Pancetta Bake Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 45 MINUTES SERVES 6

ACTIVE TIME 45 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 8

2 lb. waxy potatoes (such as small red potatoes)

6 sprigs thyme, plus leaves for serving

2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, smashed 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb. total) 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb. total) thyme between fingers to release oils; place in a saucepan. Add butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium, stirring often, until butter melts, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes.

RUB

preheat oven to 400°F. Thinly slice Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes into 1/16-inch-thick slices (preferably using a mandoline).

MEANWHILE,

thyme from butter and discard.

Reserve 1 tablespoon herb butter in a small bowl; set aside. Brush bottom of a large ovenproof or cast-iron skillet with some remaining herb butter. Cover bottom of skillet with a layer of sliced Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes; start from center and work outward in concentric circles, overlapping slices. Generously brush top with more herb butter. Repeat layering with remaining potato slices, brushing with herb butter after each layer.

(You will have about 6 layers.)

REMOVE

skillet over medium-high until mixture is sizzling, 2 to 4 minutes. Carefully cover with aluminum foil. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil. Continue baking, rotating skillet halfway through, until center is tender when pierced with a wooden pick and some potato slices on top curl and darken, about 45 minutes. Brush with reserved 1 tablespoon herb butter and continue baking for 5 minutes. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Run a rubber spatula around edges of skillet to loosen, gently sliding spatula underneath. Slice into wedges while in skillet; top with thyme leaves.

HEAT

Freshly ground black pepper 8 oz. chopped pancetta (1 1/2 cups) 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1-in. pieces 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 8 oz. fontina cheese, cut into 1/2-in. pieces (about 1 1/2 cups) potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 2 tablespoons salt and bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer potatoes until just tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; let cool for 15 minutes. Cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with melted butter, several grinds of pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

PLACE

oven to 400°F. Place pancetta in a medium skillet. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy and fat has rendered, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt to skillet; cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

PREHEAT

pancetta to skillet and add wine.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high; cook until liquid is mostly absorbed, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

RETURN

half of potatoes in a broiler-safe 8-inch square baking dish. Top with half of pancetta-onion mixture and half of cheese. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, pancetta-onion mixture, and cheese.

ARRANGE

Salt-and-Vinegar Roasted Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 6

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, divided 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 lb. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise 1/2 cup fresh curly parsley leaves 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill Flaky sea salt, for serving oven to 425°F. Whisk 3 tablespoons each vinegar and oil in a large bowl until well combined. Season with kosher salt and several grinds of pepper.

Add potatoes and toss to coat.

PREHEAT

potatoes, cut sides down, in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden on bottoms and tender when pierced with a fork, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes.

ARRANGE

potatoes with remaining 1 tablespoon each vinegar and oil on baking sheet. Fold in parsley, oregano, and dill just before serving. Top with flaky sea salt.

TOSS

The finished dish can stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour.

MAKE AHEAD:

until cheese has melted, about 15 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil (do not remove casserole from oven).

Broil until browned in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.

BAKE

Assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance; cover and chill. Let come to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

MAKE AHEAD:

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A LOT TO LOVE

Come for the zesty citrus-candied topping— stay for the tender glazed taters.

Maple Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Pecan Praline

Maple Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Pecan Praline ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 6

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped 1/4 tsp. cayenne Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, divided 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 tsp. lime zest (from 2 limes), divided 2 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes (8 to 10 small potatoes), scrubbed and quartered lengthwise 5 large shallots, quartered

A LOT TO LOVE

3 Tbsp. olive oil

A touch of soft cheese is the secret ingredient in this luscious mash.

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stir together pecans, cayenne, several grinds of pepper, 1/4 cup syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon lime zest and stir, spreading mixture into an even layer. Let cool for about 15 minutes (pecans will be sticky).

Wipe saucepan clean; set aside.

LINE

oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potatoes, shallots, oil, several grinds of pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Turn potatoes so 1 cut side faces down. Bake until almost tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

PREHEAT

make glaze: Cook butter, several grinds of pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup syrup and 1/2 teaspoon salt in cleaned saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until mixture is foaming and butter melts, 3 to 5 minutes.

MEANWHILE,

glaze over potato-shallot mixture and gently stir to coat. Return to oven and bake until potatoes are glazed and tender when pierced with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes.

Top with pecans and remaining 1 teaspoon lime zest before serving.

DRIZZLE

Prepare pecans up to 1 day in advance and store at room temperature, loosely wrapped in parchment paper.

MAKE AHEAD:

Creamy MascarponeMashed Potatoes

heat milk, cream, butter, and remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt in a small saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter melts, about 4 minutes.

Keep warm over low until ready to use.

MEANWHILE,

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 8

4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-in. pieces 3 Tbsp. plus 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 cup whole milk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more (melted) for serving 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese Finely chopped fresh chives, for serving potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 3 tablespoons salt and bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer potatoes until very tender when pierced with a fork, 18 to 20 minutes.

PLACE

potatoes well and return to pot. Heat potatoes over medium, stirring occasionally, until moisture has mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Working in batches, press potatoes through a potato ricer into a large bowl, or mash potatoes with a potato masher.

DRAIN

milk mixture over mashed potatoes in 3 additions, stirring gently until smooth and combined after each addition. Fold in cheese until evenly incorporated. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with melted butter and chives.

POUR

Mashed potatoes can be made up to 2 days in advance. Reserve and refrigerate 1 cup cooking water. Let mashed potatoes cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in a pot over medium-low, stirring often and gradually stirring in some reserved cooking water, until creamy and warmed through, about 10 minutes.

MAKE AHEAD:

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Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 4 HOURS, 25 MINUTES SERVES 8

1 medium sweet potato (about 10 oz.)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pie plate 15 graham cracker sheets (from a 14.4-oz. pkg.)

1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided 2 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and scraped, or 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs Store-bought caramel sauce, at room temperature oven to 400°F. Place sweet potato on a rimmed baking sheet; poke all over with a fork. Bake until tender when pierced with a fork, 40 to 45 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave in a microwavesafe bowl on high until tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop flesh into a bowl; discard skin. Mash until smooth (you should have about 1 cup); set aside.

PREHEAT

oven temperature to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter. Set aside a small heatproof bowl.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium, swirling pan occasionally, until butter is lightly browned and smells nutty, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer to small bowl, scraping out all of butter with a rubber spatula. Let cool for 10 minutes.

REDUCE

graham crackers in a food processor until coarse crumbs form, 15 to 20 pulses.

(You should have about 2 1/2 cups.) Add cooled brown butter, salt, and 3 tablespoons sugar; process until fine crumbs form, about 15 seconds. Using your fingers, press mixture into bottom and up sides of prepared pie plate, making crust thicker on bottom than sides. Using bottom of a measuring cup, tightly pack crust in plate. Bake until crust is set and slightly darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325°F. PULSE

beat cream cheese with vanilla bean seeds or extract in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add remaining 5 tablespoons sugar; beat until well combined, about 1 minute. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until well combined.

Add mashed potato, beating until incorporated, about 1 minute.

MEANWHILE,

filling into crust, smoothing top.

Bake at 325°F until cheesecake is puffed and center jiggles only slightly, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 90 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

POUR

Prepare cheesecake up to 1 day in advance. Cover and chill.

MAKE AHEAD:

116 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake

A LOT TO LOVE

A press-in crust makes this dessert easy; cream cheese and vanilla make it downright delicious. Store-bought caramel sauce adds a festive, no-fuss touch.

17 REASONS FOR OPTIMISM It’s been a bummer of a year, but there’s still plenty of proof that kindness is an everyday occurrence. Draw inspiration from these stories of kids, neighbors, and friendly strangers.

BY R ACHEL SYLVE STER

Photograph by Saroyan Humphrey

One person’s busted laptop is another person’s treasure.

C.J. Willis restores computers for kids.

Opposite page: Kindergarten teacher Sam Thomas makes garden bouquets for her neighbors.

Photograph by Nick Simonite

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BEC AUSE T HIS NE IG HB OR PAID IT FORWAR D WIT H FLOWE RS

BEC AUS E BALLO ON S ARE FILLED WITH HOP E

M O U N TA I N V I E W, CALIFORNIA

BRO OKLYN, NEW YORK

BECAUSE THIS TEEN MAKES COMPUTERS MORE ACCESSIBLE KILLEEN, TEXAS

Computer engineering student C.J. Willis, 19, is putting his tech talents to good use.

Wanting to help increase access to computers— especially in the days of remote learning—C.J. (pictured on page 119) began restoring donated laptops and giving them to central Texans in need.

So far he has refurbished 15 computers for students and families in his community. “I’ll continue as long as old laptops and monitors make their way into my hands,” he says.

In the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown, balloon artist Christina Cartagena was crushed to see so many small businesses in her neighborhood shuttered. So she installed rainbow-colored balloon sculptures in front of seven temporarily closed shops.

The feedback for the eye-catching “balloon bombs” was both immediate and appreciative.

“People reached out to thank me, and it brought me to tears,” she says.

“One person emailed me simply to say, ‘Thank you for the light in a time of darkness.’”

BEC AUSE TOM ORROW ’S L AW YERS STEPPED UP ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Less than a month into the pandemic, law students at the University of Michigan were witnessing unemployment and evictions in their community. “Health impacts were top of mind, but we also knew the legal fallout would be huge,” says Maiya Moncino, cofounder of MLaw COVID Corps. She and her team of 13 classmates (with an additional 250 on-call volunteers) started advocating for housing, voting, and workers’ rights across the state. They are fighting to ensure that people who lose their jobs don’t also lose their homes: “Until we know that Detroit families are safe in their homes, we’ll provide support to as many tenants as possible,” Maiya says.

120 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

L E F T: C O U R T E S Y O F C H R I S T I N A C A R TA G E N A / B R O O K LY N B A L L O O N G I R L S . R I G H T: C O U R T E S Y O F J E N N I F E R M A R T I N

Kindergarten teacher and floral designer Sam Thomas lifted her neighbors’ spirits by building bouquets from their gardens. Inspired by the beautiful blooms she saw on her frequent walks, Sam (pictured on page 118) floated the idea of a community flower swap on the social network Nextdoor: “I asked neighbors if they’d leave their cut flowers on their doorsteps so I could create arrangements,” she says. Almost instantly, she received 20 responses—and got to work designing bouquets, or “rearrangements,” as she calls them, and returning them to the participants. “The swap gave me the opportunity to get to know my neighbors while bringing them a bit of sunshine.”

BEC AUSE SO URD O U GH BRINGS AB O UT SOMETHI NG SWEET SAN FRANCISCO

Baking is the new book club for a group of strangers turned internet comrades in the Bay Area. Jennifer Martin posted on Nextdoor asking neighbors if they’d be interested in a virtual baking club.

The response was a resounding yes. Now numbering 591 members, the community of cooks post links to salted caramel cakes, share photos of homemade macarons, and help track down sourdough starter. “One young man even rode over on his bike to bring me two bags of bread flour,” Jennifer says. She admits that sourdough production seems to have stalled over the summer: “I partially blame it on the quarantine 15,” she jokes.

Because I Pushed a Double Stroller in a Peaceful, Prayerful March

W

spring’s marches began, I was deep in quarantine with my husband, babies, and dog—making meals, cleaning the kitchen, baking bread.

It was pretty Amish. I hadn’t been home full-time with my twins since they were born in early 2019, and I felt like I was snorkeling: At first it was like, “This is so beautiful!” But also? Overwhelming!

As people started to march in memory of George, Breonna, Ahmaud, and too many others, I was sad and happy and frightened all at once.

It’s frustrating when you want to get out there but, oh yeah, there’s that little virus that’s killing everyone. When I found out there’d be a march on City Island, the Bronx neighborhood where I live, I knew we had to go. It was being led by a priest, and it would be peaceful and prayerful.

HEN LAST

I marched while pushing the kids in their stroller—we’re fighting for our families; we should be able to bring them. Luckily for me, it was nap time, so my little chicken nuggets were dreaming, hopefully for a better America. My husband is Dutch and didn’t know what to expect at a protest. I couldn’t quite explain it to him—how essential it is to scream for justice with perfect strangers in a public place. You feel less alone, knowing you all want change. It’s bigger and more important than a hashtag. This time around, I saw more white people out there than ever, and I am so here for that.

We need allies.

If you feel like you don’t know how to march, let me help: Go with a friend. Go on the early side (things might get turnt up later on). Make a sign to get your message across.

And if marching isn’t your thing, because of social anxiety or, um, Covid? Yeah, girl—that’s OK. Donate your time and money and volunteer to do cleanup the morning after.

During our march, I took a lot of pictures so my family could remember it—that time we hunkered down together in the abyss of the unknown and got to know one another on a deeper level. That time my babies went to a protest while napping and woke up because their parents and neighbors were chanting, “No justice, no peace!” I hope these photos will inspire them to show up, stand up, and stomp for what’s right in the world.

MICHELLE BUTEAU IS AN ACTOR AND COMEDIAN. HER MEMOIR, SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER.

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BECAUSE SHE GRIEVED BY GIVING DETROIT

Earlier this year, Kaylan Waterman realized a “sharing table” belonged in her hometown: She started offering toiletries, food, and cleaning supplies on a folding table in her front yard to anyone who wanted them.

“There was definitely a lot of confusion and suspicion in the beginning,” she says of the “take what you need and leave what you can, if you can” sustainable-giving approach. But neighbors soon embraced having a communal spot to grab a box of granola bars or just greet a familiar face. The table, which Kaylan now runs with the assistance of two neighbors, also helped her mourn and mobilize during the protests for racial justice: “I wanted to grieve actively and nontraditionally for the innocent lives of my people,” she says. “The sharing table has been my way to do that.”

122 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Photograph by Justin Milhouse

BEC AUSE SHE’S HA PPY TO GIVE YO U A LI FT D U N L A P, T E N N E S S E E

For years, Vandy Gibson has made it her mission to run errands for people in need. “It started when I picked up groceries and medication for a homebound neighbor,” she says. That single good deed led to another, then another— quickly cementing Vandy’s status as her neighborhood’s unofficial aide. “I help others almost daily,” she says. The mom of four has pitched in with yard work, grocery runs, and cleaning. She once even drove a woman struggling with drug addiction to a recovery center two hours away. “She’s now 20 months clean, with her own home and a job,” Vandy says.

BECAUSE A HAIRSTYLIST BRINGS BEAUT Y TO THE STREETS LOS ANGELES

After the death of her 2-year-old son, Shirley Raines suffered from depression for decades. In an attempt to recover, she founded Beauty 2 the Streetz, an organization that provides haircuts, hot meals, showers, tents, and sleeping bags to homeless and trans people in L.A.’s Skid Row neighborhood. “I needed to give my pain some purpose,” she says. “We offer anything we can to make our community feel loved, valued, beautiful, and seen.”

Because My Neighbor Is My Lifeline Right Now

B

AC K I N T H E S P R I N G ,

I met with a local fence builder. Masks on, six feet apart, we walked the perimeter of the backyard and discussed what sections needed replacing and how to guard against the deer who regularly leap over five-foot-high walls if there is even a single hosta to be eaten on the other side. When we got to a stretch on the south side where only a short, sloping wall divides the patio from our neighbor’s porch, he asked if I wanted to close the gap with fencing.

“You’d have more privacy,” he said.

We live in a neighborhood in suburban New York where the houses are right on top of one another; it was a big reason we were so charmed by the area 17 years ago, and we accepted that it came with some compromises.

I told the well-meaning fence guy no way.

That fenceless stretch is the spot where, over the years, my neighbor Lori and I have exchanged the day-

to-day necessities of living: flour, a roll of packing tape, a quarter cup of chicken broth, and more parenting advice than I can recount. I was seven months pregnant with my second daughter when Lori first leaned over that fence to introduce herself. She was a mother of four— three girls, one boy—and spoke with authority about the things that worried me, like the age when girls need their moms the most. She seemed to know things I didn’t.

During quarantine, our exchanges kicked into a higher gear, this time with Lori’s 24-year-old daughter, Logan, who was 7 when I first met her across the fence. Everyone was limiting their trips to the supermarket, and most local businesses were closed. Over the wall went lemons, soccer ball pumps, logs for the firepit, baking soda (we joked that we hoped the DEA wasn’t monitoring us), and tomato plant seedlings for our victory gardens. It was a symbiotic relationship: In April, when I needed to borrow vanilla extract to make a birthday cake, it arrived with a beribboned bottle and card; the next day, what remained of the birthday cake went right back over the wall.

Was it about the food? Sure. (Isn’t everything?) But mostly it was nice to know that we were, as always, in it together, looking out for each other.

JENNY ROSENSTRACH IS A NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING COOKBOOK AUTHOR. THE WEEKDAY VEGETARIANS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN 2021.

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BEC AUSE PL A STI C HA S A NEW P URP OSE FLINT, MICHIGAN

Soon after Flint’s contaminatedwater crisis started making headlines, Ali Rose VanOverbeke began passing out cases of bottled water to the city’s residents. Granted, she didn’t feel great about adding so much single-use plastic to the waste stream. So in April 2018, she founded Genusee, an eyewear company that upcycles plastic bottles into glasses. “Once you see a problem like that, it’s hard to look away,” Ali says of the excess bottles—15 of which go into making a pair of specs.

Genusee has so far kept more than 60,000 water bottles out of landfills.

BECAUSE THIS MOM HAS H U G S T O S PA R E OKLAHOMA CITY

Unconditional love is the main mission of Free Mom Hugs, founded by Sara Cunningham. After her son Parker came out to her in 2014, Sara started offering embraces at local pride parades.

“My first hug went to a young woman who said it had been four years since her own mother had hugged her,” she says.

Couples soon began asking Sara to officiate at their weddings, and she was shocked by how many of them shared similar stories of alienation. “Hearing that some families refuse to attend gay weddings inspired me to offer myself up as a stand-in mom,” she says.

124 RE AL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Because My Fourth-Grade Teacher Became My Pen Pal

L

A S T Y E A R , M Y PA R E N T S

handed me a box of my memorabilia, unearthed from their basement. As I idly shuffled through it, I came across my fourth-grade report card— and froze when I read a comment from my teacher, Mrs. Manley.

“Jancee writes so well,” she had inscribed in beautiful cursive. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she grows up to be a writer.”

Mrs. Manley called it! A flood of memories overwhelmed me—feeling so pleased when my parents read what she’d written, her gentle support and firm belief that I had a talent that might take me places.

It was certainly not obvious. I was a middling student, and too shy to speak up. But she could see in my fourth-grade writing the person I was trying hard to be: someone confident and quick-witted, someone with potential. Back then, I didn’t even know a person could write for

a living. As I held that faded report card, I realized she had instilled the idea in me.

I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

She had undoubtedly retired, but was she still alive?

She was! I tracked her down and sent her a long letter, thanking her for her faith in me. I told her I had written seven books, my latest a picture book for kids, about a teddy bear and his stuffed-animal friends who make mischief in a school.

Within days, I received a card featuring a kitten sniffing a daisy. “How wonderful to hear from you!” Mrs. Manley replied in her same elegant handwriting. She was in her 80s, lively as ever, active in the church and her SilverSneakers fitness class.

She had lost her husband a few years earlier but was determined, she wrote, to stay upbeat.

I wrote back right away, and now Mrs. Manley is my pen pal. Recently, I sent her a package—a brand-new copy of the children’s book I had told her about, I’m Afraid Your Teddy Is in the Principal’s Office.

I had dedicated it to her.

A few days later, a card arrived in the mail. “You have made my day— my week—my year!” she wrote. “Of course, I’m thrilled with your book’s dedication, but I truly love the story of Teddy and his fun-loving friends.”

I am firmly in midlife, but I felt a surge of pride, as if Mrs. Manley had given me an A. JANCEE DUNN IS A NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF SEVEN BOOKS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN.

BEC AUSE PHON E PA LS ARE TALKIN G PL ANO, TEXAS

B E C A U S E W E F O U N D A B I R T H D AY FA I RY EDEN PR AIRIE, MINNESOTA

Disappointed that the pandemic prevented her from celebrating her grandmother’s 67th birthday at a nearby nursing home, 10-year-old Eleanor Johnson began leaving personalized presents for seniors and children on porches throughout their Twin Cities suburb and beyond. “Birthdays are very special in our family, so I wanted to make them feel special for others too,” Eleanor says of her self-appointed role of birthday fairy. “Seeing people smile inspires me to give more and more.”

Quarantined seniors now have a social outlet, thanks to Plano’s Senior Care Calls initiative.

The program connects isolated elders with city staffers through biweekly 15-minute phone calls.

Though once the calls get going— and friendships form—many gabfests extend well beyond 15 minutes. “The seniors I talk to are very concerned with how I’m doing,” says library support supervisor Holly Ryckman.

“That’s been an unexpected development of these calls—how much they care about us.”

BECAUSE FUTURE EDUC ATOR S HELPED WITH HOMEWORK AKRON, OHIO

C O U R T E S Y O F J O E W R I G H T ( @ S U P. G A R B A G E . M A N )

BEC AUSE A D UDE ON A PA DDLEB OA RD IS C LE ANING RIVERS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

While plying the Potomac River on his stand-up paddleboard in 2019, Joe Wright spotted a takeout container in a plastic bag floating in the water. The next morning, he returned to paddle—and brought a milk crate to corral such trash. “I was tired of seeing garbage and thinking someone else should do something about it,” says Joe, who documents his trash collection efforts at @sup.garbage.man. To date, he’s removed 1,841 cubic feet of trash from the waterways, he says. But don’t call him an environmentalist: “I clean up for the simple fact that trash doesn’t belong in a river,” he says. “I’m just a dude with a paddleboard doing my part.”

When Covid-19 forced public school classes to move online, Cheyenne Oechsle and Matthew Derksen, education majors at the University of Akron, quickly rallied. The student teachers are no strangers to the struggles of remote learning, so they recruited 22 undergrad volunteers to create a K-12 homework hotline. The team offered 30minute tutoring sessions to more than 100 schoolkids in Ohio. “One father was a medical worker who had little time to help his children with their schoolwork,” Matthew says. “He logged into the video session to thank us for our work, which was humbling coming from someone who was literally out there saving lives.”

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The Books We Cook A G R E AT C O O K B O O K G E T S D E L I C I O U S N E SS O N T H E TA B L E A N D T O U C H E S T H E H E A RT. T H E S E S TA F F FAV O R I T E S D E L I V E R O N B O T H C O U N T S .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

C H R I STO P H E R T E STA N I

THE HOT BRE AD KITCHEN COOKBOOK

By Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez and the bakers of Hot Bread Kitchen

FR ANNY’S: SIMPLE SEASONAL I TA L I A N

By Andrew Feinberg, Francine Stephens, and Melissa Clark

“Franny’s was my first favorite restaurant in New York City, and it became a place I celebrated birthdays with family and friends. The cookbook is my go-to for special meals. The pizza dough recipe is the best, and my family begs for the Bucatini Fra Diavolo.

Don’t get me started on the House-Cured Pancetta and Ramp Butter, or the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Ricotta.

Franny’s closed three years ago, and I’m still so sad about it. But cooking from the book evokes the feeling of sitting in their dining room and all the great memories we made there.”

“It was the m’smen that hooked me—a flaky, buttery Moroccan flatbread I often bought at the Hot Bread Kitchen stall at the farmers market near my office in Manhattan. When I discovered that the bakery employs immigrant women and women of color, trains them for culinary careers, and sells their traditional breads around the city, I became an even more dedicated customer.

Thanks to the cookbook, I can make the recipes for my family, plus read about the women who work there. I am always moved by their stories of perseverance and the ways baking has transformed their lives.”

Beloved by Jenna Helwig, food director

Beloved by Emily Kehe, creative director

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MOOSEWOOD COOKBOOK SEASONS OF PA S T A

By Nancy Harmon Jenkins and Sara Jenkins

JUBILEE

By Toni Tipton-Martin

“This book is like a warm hug! It honors 200 years of African American cooking, including desserts, like the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

Stories about the recipes’ creators run beside beautiful photos. It’s impossible to choose a favorite, but I adore the Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp—my culinary love language is

shrimp plus spices plus herbs. Even better, the recipe leaves a little leftover garlicky sauce in the pan that you can sop up with a baguette. When I make it, I feel like I’m on vacation in New Orleans. I think the mark of a good cookbook is that it inspires you to actually cook, not just dogear a page or two. Jubilee does that for me.”

Beloved by Brandi Broxson, senior editor

“My husband and I have very different palates, so the fact that we both devour the recipes in this book is impressive.

I find that it can be challenging to make pasta exciting, but these recipes reignite our noodle cravings with very simple, inexpensive ingredients. One mainstay is the Fusilli with Spinach and Ricotta. It’s basically the definition of quick and easy. Even after cooking from this book for a few years, I still see recipes that make me think, ‘Mmm, I need to try that!’ ”

By Mollie Katzen

“The cold, rainy falls and winters of my Pacific Northwest childhood were made for stews and casseroles. I grew up on these hippie-inspired comfort food recipes, like the Zucchini-Crusted Pizza (not really a pizza!) and Creamy Rice Pudding. Of course my mom doubled all the recipes so there’d be constant leftovers, whether I wanted them or not. Now I make some of the same meals for my family. They are a cozy reminder of my late mom, who firmly believed—as the original version of the cookbook affirms—that almost everything is better with cheese.”

Beloved by Maya Kukes, contributing senior research editor

Beloved by Leslie Corona, senior associate home editor

Whether it’s a family heirloom or a more recent purchase, a treasured cookbook is like having a chatty best friend by your side in the kitchen.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY CA R L A G O N Z A L E Z- H A RT

THE FOUR

Some of the best books offer more than recipes— a glimpse into lives different from our own and inspiration to gather with loved ones around the table.

PLENTY

By Yotam Ottolenghi

M Y N E W RO OT S

By Sarah Britton

“I started reading the My New Roots blog in 2013 and became enamored with Britton’s down-toearth, friendly voice and dedication to cooking with wholesome, seasonal ingredients, all backed up by her holistic nutrition training. It was so similar to how I felt about food! Like a total fangirl, I went to her book launch two years later and snapped up the book. I love the nutritional info sprinkled among the recipes—how much fiber you need, the health perks of chia seeds, or how a certain vegetable benefits the body. Anytime a friend is trying to eat more plantbased meals or ditch refined sugars, it’s the first book I recommend.”

“This is where I turn for vibrant, veggie-centric recipes that always work.

If you thought vegetarian cooking couldn’t be as flavorful or satisfying as meat-heavy dishes, every single one of these recipes will prove you wrong. My favorites include the beautiful but unfussy Eggplant with

Buttermilk Sauce and the Baked Eggs with Yogurt and Chile—the stuff dinner (or breakfast) dreams are made of!

I love to prepare these meals for the vegetarians in my life. They’re always honored not to have plain pasta or a veggie burger pushed in front of them.”

Beloved by Betty Gold, senior digital food editor

Beloved by Ananda Eidelstein, food editor

Check out the best ways to store your favorite recipes at realsimple.com/cookbooks.

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B O U Q U E T S T H AT M A K E Y O U R D AY A N D B R I G H T E N Y O U R TA B L E , A N D B R I N G C O L O R T O T H E S I D E B O A R D .

L I V I A C E T T I S H O W S H O W T O C R E AT E E A S Y, L O N G - L A S T I N G , AND GORGEOUS ARRANGEMENTS. PHOTO GR APHS BY

ADDIE JUELL

PRETTY LITTLE TRIO A collection of low bouquets is charming, whether spaced evenly on a long dining table or divided between the adults’ and kids’ tables. You can use any short vessels, even drinking glasses, and the arrangements can look like siblings or cousins—not identical triplets. Go for an autumnal palette that’s vibrant (lots of orange) rather than moody (no browns). Try zinnias, garden roses, chrysanthemums, phlox, and viburnum berries.

TO BUY: (From left) Ceramic Vase; caitlinprinceceramics.com for info. Almond Ceramic Vase;

summerschoolshop.com for info. Tumbler, $38; kati-vonlehman.com.

130 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

HIGH AND MIGHTY Add some drama to the mantel with an assortment of tall grasses and peegee hydrangeas (these dried on the bush before being picked). You can create a natural anchor to replace green florist foam: Submerge a thin branch in water and bunch it up at the bottom of the vessel.

Then push in the grass and flower stems—the bent branch will pinch them in place.

TO BUY: Vase Round Large, $189; mudaustralia.com.

THE MORE THE MERRIER Multiples have major impact: These are all dahlias, but in a range of colors and types (including pompom and dinnerplate). To build a bouquet with varying heights, place the shorter blooms first, crisscrossing their stems in the vessel. Position the tallest flowers last, being sure to remove excess leaves from the stems so they slide in easily.

TO BUY: Conserve Large Vase; astierdevillatte.com for info.

EVER GREEN Make this a few days before Thanksgiving, not just to lighten your load on the big day, but also so the eucalyptus fragrance mellows and doesn’t overpower the aromas of the meal. Mix in heavier seeded eucalyptus and arrowwood viburnum, which droop under their own weight and add dimension. Best of all, this bouquet will still look nice on New Year’s: As it dries, eucalyptus keeps its color and shape.

TO BUY: Speckled Blue Ceramic Vase, $155; coteacoast.com.

Make your arrangement last with our tips for bloom longevity at realsimple.com/flowers.

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

133

5 EASY DINNERS P L A N T P O W E R E D : C O C O N U T- C R E A M E D G R E E N S

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y M A R G A R E T D I C K E Y; P R O P S B Y K AY C L A R K E A N D P R I S S Y L E E

N O S KIN O FF YOU R BACK! Prepping a big batch of fall fruit for pie or sauce seems like a wonderful idea—until you come face-to-face with your peeler and a mountain of produce. But this retro tool makes the job practically effortless and, dare we say it, kind of fun. It peels, cores, and slices apples and pears in one go, saving time (and your sanity).

Bonus points: A quick adjustment lets you peel and slice potatoes too, something you’re sure to be grateful for on Mashed Potato Day (a.k.a. Thanksgiving).

TO BUY: Apple Peeler/Corer, $35; williams-sonoma.com.

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

135

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. neutral oil, such as canola

beef, chili powder, cumin, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Using your hands, gently mix together to combine.

Shape into 4 (1 inch thick) patties.

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

ADD

PLACE

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Easy Dinner 1

Fajita Burgers

1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 1 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 avocado

ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

5 Tbsp. store-bought tomatillo salsa or salsa verde

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

4 hamburger buns 1/3 cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional) oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and lightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe skillet clean.

beef patties to skillet over medium-high. Cook, flipping once, until desired level of doneness, 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium. avocado in a small bowl; stir in 1 tablespoon salsa. Divide avocado mixture among bottom halves of buns. Top with burgers, onion mixture, remaining salsa, and, if desired, pickled jalapeños.

MASH

PER SERVING: 587 Calories, 31g Fat (9g Saturated), 111mg Cholesterol, 6g Fiber, 40g Protein, 36g Carbs, 1,127mg Sodium, 8g Sugar

HEAT

Recipes by Ali Ramee Photographs by Caitlin Bensel 136 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Farro Salad with Tuna ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Whole-Grain

2 tsp. fennel seeds 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp. olive oil, divided 1 head radicchio, quartered 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 3 cups cooked farro 1 Bosc pear, thinly sliced 4 cups baby arugula (from a 5-oz. container) 1 6.7-oz. jar high-quality tuna in oil, drained and broken into chunks a medium skillet over medium. Add fennel seeds and cook, stirring often, until toasted and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or bowl, lightly crush seeds.

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y M A R G A R E T D I C K E Y; P R O P S B Y K AY C L A R K E A N D P R I S S Y L E E

HEAT

1 teaspoon oil in same skillet over high. Add radicchio wedges and cook, flipping once, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard core; chop radicchio into 1-inch pieces.

HEAT

crushed fennel, vinegar, mustard, and salt in a large bowl.

Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil.

WHISK

farro, pear, arugula, and radicchio to bowl and toss to coat. Divide salad among plates and top with tuna.

ADD

PER SERVING: 412 Calories, 20g Fat (3g Saturated), 15mg Cholesterol, 7g Fiber, 19g Protein, 47g Carbs, 1,000mg Sodium, 5g Sugar

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 lb. total)

scallions to pot; increase heat to high and cook until charred, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.

1 tsp. kosher salt

HEAT

ADD

1 tsp. neutral oil, such as canola

Easy Dinner 3

5 scallions, trimmed and cut in half crosswise 1 1/2 cups basmati rice

Crispy Chicken and Rice with Charred Scallion Sauce ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 4

✓ One Pot ✓ Gluten-Free ✓ Family Friendly

4 heads baby bok choy, halved 2 Tbsp. soy sauce or tamari 1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1 Tbsp. fish sauce 1 jalapeño, stemmed and seeds removed, finely diced chicken dry and season with salt. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid over medium-high. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook, undisturbed, until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.

Transfer chicken, skin side up, to a plate. (Chicken will not be cooked through.) Drain all but 1 teaspoon drippings from pot, reserving drained drippings in a small bowl.

PAT

1 tablespoon reserved drippings over medium-high.

Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and place bok choy on top of rice. Nestle chicken, skin side up, in rice. Cover and cook until rice has absorbed most of water and chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Turn off heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. finely chop charred scallions; stir with soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, and jalapeño in a small bowl.

MEANWHILE,

chicken and bok choy from pot. Fluff rice with a fork.

Serve with scallion sauce, chicken, and bok choy.

REMOVE

PER SERVING: 403 Calories, 5g Fat (1g Saturated), 96mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 28g Protein, 59g Carbs, 1,478mg Sodium, 2g Sugar

CO OK WITH COZI Get Real Simple’s easy weeknightdinner recipes in Cozi, a meal-planning and organizing app from Meredith Corporation (free; iOS and Android).

FOOD

Kosher salt, for water 12 oz. rigatoni pasta 8 oz. sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed 1 tsp. olive oil 10 oz. Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced 1 1/2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 cups whole milk 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 10 oz. Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups), divided 1 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup) a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.

Drain, reserving 1 1/4 cups cooking water. Return pasta to pot.

Preheat broiler with rack in middle position.

BRING

a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium-high. Add sausage; cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to pot with pasta.

HEAT

oil in skillet. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until wilted and charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup cooking water and whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.

HEAT

heat to medium. Stir in milk, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining 1 cup cooking water; bring to a simmer. Cook until liquid has reduced by a quarter, 6 to 7 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups Gruyère.

Stir in pasta and sausage.

REDUCE

pasta with Parmesan and remaining 3/4 cup Gruyère. Broil until golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

TOP

PER SERVING: 688 Calories, 37g Fat (19g Saturated), 116mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 45g Protein, 46g Carbs, 1,144mg Sodium, 8g Sugar

Easy Dinner 4

Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Freezable ✓ Family Friendly

NOVEMBER 2020 REAL SIMPLE

139

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Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Braised in Marinara THIS SHOWSTOPPER COMES TOGETHER QUICKLY WITH HELP FROM THE FLAVORFUL TASTE OF TUSCAN-STYLE BERTOLLI® SAUCE.

Sourdough cooks to moist perfection in this dish of butterflied pork tenderloin lined with salty prosciutto.

INGREDIENTS

4 servings (serving size: 2 pork slices and about 1∕2 cup sauce) PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 28 minutes SAUCE TYPE: Bertolli Parmesan and Romano with Cracked Black Pepper Sauce ®

1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (about 4 slices)

DIRECTIONS

3 ounces sourdough bread, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°F.

1∕₄ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

LAY the tenderloin on a cutting

1 tsp. grated lemon zest 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 medium garlic clove, grated 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cups Bertolli Parmesan and Romano with Cracked Black Pepper Sauce ®

board and butterfly it with a slice lengthwise down the center, cutting down to about 1/2 inch from the bottom.

Open the tenderloin halves like a book. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and pound it to a 1/3-inch thickness, using a meat mallet or small, heavy skillet. Discard plastic wrap and arrange the prosciutto evenly over the tenderloin.

In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, rosemary, and garlic. Pat the mixture on top of the prosciutto, pressing down to help it adhere.

Starting at a long side, roll up the tenderloin tightly, pressing filling down to keep it in place.

(If some falls out, simply tuck it back in.) Secure the seam with toothpicks or tie the tenderloin with kitchen twine. Season the pork roll surface with salt and pepper, if desired.

PLACE BREAD in a food proces-

HEAT A LARGE (12- to 14-inch)

sor and pulse to form medium-coarse breadcrumbs; you should have about 1 1/2 cups.

ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat.

Add the pork and brown it on all sides, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove pork from pan. Carefully add the Bertolli® sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Nestle the pork into the sauce.

CAREFULLY COVER pan with foil.

Place it in the oven and bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in the center of the pork registers 145°F to 150°F. Remove pan from oven and place pork on a clean cutting board. Remove toothpicks or twine from the pork and cut it into 8 slices. Arrange the slices in pan and serve with sauce.

IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS AND MAKE DINNER THE TUSCAN WAY, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM BERTOLLI® SAUCE.

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

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

©2020 Mizkan America, Inc.

FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

2 heads broccoli with stems (about 1 lb. total) 2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving 2 large leeks, cut into 1/4-in. slices (about 2 cups) 1 Tbsp. kosher salt, divided 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-in. cubes 2 cups baby spinach 1/4 cup sour cream 5 oz. sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups), divided 3/4 baguette (from an 81/2-oz. loaf), cut into 12 (1/4 in.) slices Freshly ground black pepper, for serving broccoli florets off stems; chop into 1-inch pieces. Peel stems and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

CUT

oil in a large, heavybottomed pot over medium-high.

Add broccoli stem slices, leeks, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.

HEAT

oven to 375°F. Add 4 cups water, potatoes, spinach, broccoli florets, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt to pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

PREHEAT

soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup cheese.

BLEND

baguette slices with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Bake until cheese is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Top soup with croutons, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.

TOP

PER SERVING: 545 Calories, 23g Fat (10g Saturated), 48mg Cholesterol, 9g Fiber, 19g Protein, 67g Carbs, 1,956mg Sodium, 11g Sugar

142 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Croutons ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Vegetarian ✓ Family Friendly

PRESENTED BY

FOOD

Plant Powered

Coconut-Creamed Greens S E E YA , D A I RY. T H I S V E G A N V E R S I O N O F A T R A D I T I O N A L T U R K E Y D AY S I D E I S J U S T A S L U S C I O U S A N D F L A V O R F U L A S Y O U R G R A N D M A’ S R E C I P E .

By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

1 10-oz. bunch curly kale 1 10-oz. bunch rainbow chard 3 cups packed fresh baby spinach 3 Tbsp. unrefined coconut oil, divided 1 large shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg Freshly ground black pepper, for serving greens and pat dry. Remove and discard kale stems. Remove chard stems; trim stems, finely slice, and set aside. Stack kale and chard leaves; roll into a cigar shape and finely slice. Place sliced leaves and spinach in a large bowl.

WASH

1 tablespoon oil in a saucepan over medium. Add shallot, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer over medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and liquid is reduced by about half, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg.

HEAT

heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add sliced chard stems and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until softened, MEANWHILE,

144 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

about 4 minutes. Add mixed greens in 4 batches, letting leaves wilt before next addition. Cook, stirring constantly, until leaves are bright green and liquid in bottom of pot is mostly evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. coconut milk mixture to greens; stir until well combined.

Remove from heat and season with several grinds of pepper.

ADD

Try more of our healthy vegetarian dishes at realsimple.com/plantpowered.

CO CONUT MILK

Made from the white flesh of coconuts, this culinary multitasker lends creamy richness to more than just curries. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent swap for cow’s milk in smoothies, soups, and baked goods.

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y M A R G A R E T D I C K E Y; P R O P S B Y K AY C L A R K E A N D P R I S S Y L E E ; E V E M I L L A /G E T T Y I M A G E S

1 13.66-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk, well shaken and stirred

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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only) 1.

2.

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Publication Title: REAL SIMPLE Publication Number: 0001-9143 Filing date: October 1, 2020 Issue Frequency: Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: $18 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Daren Mazzucca, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 Editor: Liz Vaccariello, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 Managing Editor: Lavinel Savu, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 10. Owner: Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 The names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock: • BlackRock Fund Advisors, Attn: Spencer Fleming, 400 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105 • The Vanguard Group Inc., Attn: Christine M. Buchanan, PO Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482 • Ariel Investments LLC, Attn: Jim Prescott, 200 E. Randolph St., Ste. 2900, Chicago, IL 60601 • Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Attn: Christopher Crossan, 6300 Bee Cave Rd., Building One, Austin, TX 78746 • Royce & Associates LP, Attn: John E. Denneen, 745 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10151 • Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, Attn: David Miller, 1 York St., Ste. 1900, Toronto, ON M5J 06B • Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (Private Banking), Attn: Terry Mosher, 200 West St., New York, NY 10282 • State Street Global Advisors (SSgA), Attn: Christopher Micah Baker, 770 Sherbrooke St. W., Ste. 1200, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1 • Fairpointe Capital LLC, Attn: Tony Smith, 1 N. Franklin St., Ste. 3300, Chicago, IL 60606 • Northern Trust Investments Inc. (Investment Management), Attn: Robert P. Browne, 50 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603 • Invesco Capital Management LLC, Attn: Melanie H. Zimdars, 3500 Lacey Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515 • ProShare Advisors LLC, Attn: Todd B. Johnson, 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 1000E, Bethesda, MD 20814 • Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC, Attn: Lorena Cardenas, 1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 • GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Attn: Douglas R. Jamieson, 1 Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580 • Geode Capital Management LLC, Attn: Jeffery Miller, 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 • Mellon Investments Corp., Attn: Andrew Weiser, 201 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108 • Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc., Attn: Michael F. Hogan, 211 Main St., San Francisco, CA 94105 • PPM America Inc., Attn: Thomas Barrus, 225 Wacker Dr., Ste. 1200, Chicago, IL 60606 • Norges Bank Investment Management, Attn: Stanislav Boiadjiev, Bankplassen 2, PO Box 1179 Sentrum, Oslo, NO Q8 0107 Through some of the nominees listed above, the E.T. Meredith and Bohen families and family foundations own, directly or beneficially, approximately 12 percent of the issued and outstanding stock of the corporation. Each nominee listed above holds stock for one or more stockholders.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Securities: None 12. Tax Status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Check one: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: __ Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months __ Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) Not applicable 13. Publication Title: REAL SIMPLE 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2020 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average Number of Copies of Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 2,173,012 b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1,651,300 2. In-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside the USPS: 122,794 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: 0 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1,774,094 d. Nonrequested Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: 103,799 2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0 3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 5,670 e. Total Nonrequested Distribution: 109,469 f. Total Distribution: 1,883,563 g. Copies Not Distributed: 289,449 h. Total: 2,173,012 i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 94.19% Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 213,000 b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1,642,561 2. In-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside the USPS: 106,019 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: 0 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1,748,580 d. Nonrequested Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: 96,363 2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0 3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 6,431 e. Total Nonrequested Distribution: 102,794 f. Total Distribution: 1,851,374 g. Copies Not Distributed: 261,626 h. Total: 2,113,000 i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 94.45% 16. Not applicable 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2020 issue of this publication.

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Who Knew?

The Queen Is a Real Simple Lady F RO M D I N I N G T O T I DY I N G, T H E H A B I T S O F G R E AT B R I TA I N ’ S M O N A RC H A R E S U R P R I S I N G LY S I M I L A R T O W H A T W E R E C O M M E N D E V E RY M O N T H .

By Br yan Kozlowski

Guests at Elizabeth II’s Balmoral estate in Scotland may expect banquets but are often greeted with barbecues.

Watching the royals grill—and wash up afterward—was among the “surreal and freaky” aspects of visiting the queen, according to former British prime minister Tony Blair.

SHE PUTS ORDER TO CHAOS

Even as a child, she was tidy. On Christmas, rather than strew the gift wrap and ribbons on the floor, she neatly stored them for another use. At night, she’d precisely arrange her clothes and shoes, sometimes jumping out of bed to make sure her shoes were parallel, her governess recalled.

HER POSTURE IS L EG E N DA RY

Biographer Ingrid Seward claimed that the queen has sat up straight her whole life, “during even the dullest of speeches.” After seven long sessions, Australian painter Sir William Dargie was reportedly amazed that her back never slumped.

Proper English table etiquette mostly consists of two simple rules: Slow down and take smaller bites. Both are religiously observed by Her Majesty, even when eating a banana. She cuts off the ends with a fork and knife, makes a slit down the middle of the peel, and slices the fruit into small rounds, which she eats slowly with a fork.

SHE HAS A P L AY F U L S P I R I T

When she sailed from Bermuda to the U.S. on rough seas, the queen relished the experience, reported biographer Sally Bedell Smith. Her scarf flying, she grabbed hold of a sliding door and, as a large swell lifted the ship, let out a long “whee!” while the door slid shut.

ADAPTED FROM LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! 23 RULES FOR LIVING FROM BRITAIN’S LONGEST-REIGNING MONARCH BY BRYAN KOZLOWSKI. PUBLISHED BY TURNER PUBLISHING COMPANY, COPYRIGHT © 2020 BY BRYAN KOZLOWSKI. AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT AMZN.TO/2CYX6JW AND WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD.

148 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2020

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

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

SHE PREFERS UNFUSSY FO OD

SHE DINES WITH INTENTION

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They’re more than just words on our packaging. Our farmer-owners are everything to us. And being farmer-owned is just the start.

We’re Farmer-Built. Our foundation is strong. Our purpose is clear.

We care for our animals and land as we make dairy products people love.

We’re Farmer-Inspired. Our farmer-owners’ work ethic drives us, and their enduring optimism fuels us.

We’re Farmer-United. As a co-op, we know the power of working together. Sharing. And each of us doing what’s best for all.

Our more than 1,700 farmers don’t just own the company — they make everything we do better.

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Meet some of our farmer-owners at www.landolakes.com/our-farmers

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

IDEALISK Flour sifter

4

$ 99

NORDVIKEN Extendable table

499

$ ©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2020

Joy is priceless.

The rest is really affordable.

The joy of the holidays is in how we celebrate together, even if it isn’t how we had planned. You can still enjoy the holidays, at a price you love, in the comfort of a place that’s always been home.