RS - January 2020

THE #1 SECRET TO PERFECT SKIN

LIFE MADE EASIER

Calm & Relaxed 57 Ways to Start Fresh in 2020

Control Your Closet A Year of Money Savers One-Pot Dinners JANUARY 2020

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Thoughts

“What good is warmth without cold to give it sweetness?”

G E T T Y I M AG ES

—JOHN STEINBECK, Travels with Charley in Search of America

2 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

FROM KICKING OFF THE SEASON with Holiday Blend to sipping Veranda Blend while baking your famous cookies, there’s a Starbucks® coffee to make every holiday moment feel even more special.

Starbucks® and the Starbucks logo are registered trademarks of Starbucks Corporation used under license by Nestlé.

Keurig and K-Cup are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used with permission.

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

I’m So Happy to Say Hi

Pressure Cookers

• I love clean, minimal spaces but married a man who collects things and spreads them out. Thankfully, Steve keeps his piles tidy and never met a bin or box he didn’t take a label maker to.

• My life is a zoo. (You’ll meet our many pets in future issues.)

• Reading alone, exercising in a group, driving anywhere with my family, and sharing home-cooked meals with people I like are, to me, life’s biggest pleasures. They encourage me to see life not as a slog to endure but as a collection of moments to savor (a perspective I work hard to maintain).

I

’ M L I Z , YO U R N E W E D I T O R I N C H I E F. Allow me to share some

relevant things about myself.

• I’ve been a Real Simple reader since its very first issue 20 years ago, and it has been my favorite magazine over the years. It cares about neatly folded towels, ingenious beauty products, and the best new page-turners for book club. (Hey, I care about those things too!)

• The Real Simple stories I’ve enjoyed most are the ones that have enriched me, whether they were essays that revealed a life lesson or primers on making small talk (I’m an introvert) or taking a leap (I have a chronic case of impostor syndrome).

4 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

• I’ve run several magazines in a career I’m grateful for. I’ve left pieces of my heart at Cleveland Magazine, Fitness, Reader’s Digest, and Parents—and my flat belly at Prevention (ping me if you find it!). I take on Real Simple with humility, high expectations, and a hope that our work will make your life better.

The vibe in the high school’s Facebook group did not inspire enthusiasm for Freshman Parent Night: There would be no curriculum info, no get-’em-into-college pep talk, no principal taking questions.

“Not worth it,” one mom wrote.

I’d been flirting with the idea of sitting it out all day—a day that started with an 8 a.m. board meeting in Iowa. My flights home had been delayed and my head ached from having bumped into Delta’s overhead bins twice. But, I figured, maybe I could catch up on email during the slow parts.

Taking my seat in the back of the auditorium, I overheard this: “They need to turn the pressure off, not up.” He was the interim head of guidance, and he planned to show a news segment about an outwardly sunny star studentathlete who had killed herself.

He knew our very own ninth graders, and all of them (all!) were anxious, depressed, or reaching out for relief.

It was early November.

“Kids are dying from the pressure. Literally,” he said.

I tossed my phone into my purse, gathered my things, and moved to the second row.

—@ L I Z VAC C A R I E L LO

I wrote the first one!

Let’s look for meaningful moments in our lives and share them here.

Tag your Instagram posts with #simplestory and @LizVaccariello to get them to me.

Photograph by Ari Michelson

H A I R BY R H E A N N E W H I T E FO R T R AC E Y M AT T I N G LY; M A K E U P BY L I N D S E Y W I L L I A M S ; WA R D R O B E ST Y L I N G BY J E N S M I T H FO R E LYS E C O N N O L LY I N C ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A R T I STS

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Contents January 2020

O N T H E C OV E R

Artisan 4-Piece Multi-Colored Soup Bowl Set, $40; homedepot.com.

Wide Belly Vessel, $75; summerschool shop.com for similar. Silo Espresso Cup, $45; farmhousepottery.com for similar.

FLORALS: Lisianthus, fennel (yellow), Queen Anne’s lace.

TO BUY:

96

57 Ways to Start Fresh in 2020 33, 34, 36, 40, 77, 110, 120 Control Your Closet

110

A Year of Money Savers

84

One-Pot Dinners The #1 Secret to Perfect Skin

The new foundation formulas nourish your skin

102 96

84

102

110

A month-by-month money plan for 2020

Stay in and warm up with delicious soups

Reconsider your closet and donate your stuff

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y C h r i s t o p h e r Te s t a n i 6 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Floral Arrangement by Livia Cetti

*Sale ends February 25th. ©2019 The Container Store Inc. 45464

Custom Closets For Every Size, Style & Budget.

Starting December 18th,* save 30% on our best-selling Elfa® closet system.

Contents

40

77

120

Tips for a manageable to-do list

Take a kinder approach to dieting

Yes, you can whip up pizza on a weeknight

Thoughts

2

Editor’s Note

4

the realist

relating

balance

Reduce Your Heating Bill

33 34

Book the Best Seat, Room, and More on Your Next Trip Insider travel secrets 55

A Happier Way to Eat Intuitive eating might be the method we’ve been looking for 77

The Start of Something One woman goes out for waffles every morning and finds a community 58

Have Your Best Financial Year Yet A calendar of tips to help you save more and spend better

Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice

How to Jump Back into Work After a Leave Strategies to make it less overwhelming

91

Ahhh Take a breather

95

Real Simple 24 /7

12

Your Words

16

The Short List

18

Cooking School Kitchen time-savers

21

Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Sofa Give new life to the one you love to lie on 36

what we love Office Upgrades

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 24 The Staple Nutritional yeast

26

Little Helpers Clever items that make every day better 28 Room Rx Design around your exercise machine

31

Organize This Revamp your to-do list 40 Road Test: Beauty Scalp soothers Drugstore Insider Shop the aisles with a leading dermatologist Your Strong Suit Cute fitness wear (for $75 or less!) to motivate you Closet Care Treat your tights right so they last

43

44

46

53

62

5 Things You Don’t Need to Change Appreciate what you’re already doing right 64 How to Teach Boys and Girls to Get Along for Life Bonding with the opposite gender makes for well-rounded kids 66 Pet Tricks Keep dogs and cats from running away—and bring them home if they do 74

84

Loving Spoonfuls These six soup recipes will carry you through the coldest days of winter 102 Adventures in Organizing Her closets were immaculate—or so she thought. Then a pro helped maximize her space

110

food

features Find Your Foundation The newest formulas offer great coverage and bonus skin-care ingredients 96

5 Easy Dinners

120

Better for You Artichoke dip

126

Road Test: Food Plant-based milks

127

for fun The Big Questions (Children’s Book Edition!)

128

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (JANUARY 2020) (VOLUME 21/ISSUE 1) 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 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

Emily Kehe CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rory Evans EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Lavinel Savu PHOTO DIRECTOR Muzam Agha DEPUT Y EDITOR Anna Maltby

E D I TO R I A L FE ATURES EDITOR Elizabeth Sile SENIOR EDITOR Brandi Broxson A SSISTANT EDITOR Martha Upton CONTRIBUTING EDITORIAL A SSISTANT

Mary Honkus CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Melanie Mannarino, Catherine Newman, Adina Steiman

FO OD FO OD DIRECTOR Dawn Perry FO OD EDITOR Ananda Eidelstein

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

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

Cat Dash, Julie Vadnal

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

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

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

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 LIFEST YLE EDITOR Rachel Sylvester SEO EDITOR Lauren Phillips A SSO CIATE EDITOR Maggie Seaver PHOTO MANAGER Olivia Barr A SSISTANT PRODUCER Taylor Eisenhauer EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Karen Berner SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Christopher Smith VIDEO PRODUCER Alex Frank NEWS VIDEO PRODUCER Amy Frank

Daren Mazzucca 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 DIRECTOR Donna Lindskog INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Haley Carter, Kerry Dunne ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Lindsey Weiss

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

WEST COA ST INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Janet Yano

MARKETING A SSO CIATE MARKETING DIRECTOR Michael Texier SENIOR MARKETING MANAGERS Misty Chandler, Chanel Rivers MARKETING CO ORDINATOR Genevieve Herdegen ART DIRECTOR Sarah Massimo

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 SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER Kimberly Cordray ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Zena Norbont

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 DIRECTOR, GROW TH MARKETING Beth Ifcher 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 DIRECT MEDIA Patti Follo RESE ARCH SOLUTIONS Britta Cleveland STR ATEGIC SOURCING, NEWSSTAND, PRODUCTION Chuck Howell DIGITAL SALES Marla Newman THE FOUNDRY Matt Petersen PRODUCT & TECHNOLO GY Justin Law

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

M E R E D I T H C O R P O R AT I O N PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Tom Harty CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Joseph Ceryanec 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 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

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I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E I N 2020

D E P U T Y E D I TO R AT R E A L S I M P L E .C O M

Achieve a better you in the new year. These easy life hacks will have you eating, looking, and feeling better

by February.

Coziest item in my home: The sectional my family snuggles up on for movie nights.

Read more at realsimple .com/resolutions.

Go-to recipe: I could eat my grilled shrimp tacos and Mexican street corn every night.

My happy place: I got engaged and married on Martha’s Vineyard, so I love to visit every chance I get. @JENDAVIDSON__ ON INSTAGRAM

Real Simple Tips We’re on audio! Every day, you can access a new recipe, cleaning hack, or beauty tip via your Alexa device, Google smart speaker, or favorite podcast platform.

Find out how at realsimple.com/tips.

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Follow @real_simple to watch.

Adulting Made Easy Everything you need to know now that you’re on your own, from decorating your first apartment to managing your career.

Get started at realsimple.com/adulting.

12 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

Open

and tap

for healthy recipes.

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

MEET

Yo u r W o r d s

What item on your bucket list would you like to check off this year?

Dogsledding.

I live in Minnesota, and every winter I think, “This is it—do it.” And I still haven’t! @ JA N N A H O P E

My husband and I have a lifetime goal to camp in every national park.

This year we hope to cross off some of the ones in Alaska (trying to get the tough ones done before we have kids). @MDELUREY

Accept that I am enough just the way I am.

CASSANDRA HARRIER, PEORIA, ARIZONA

“ M O M , N O P H OTOS, P L E AS E ! ” @ SAW I SS I N G E R

# R S L OV E

Learn to do a crown braid. I have two daughters, so I think it’s about time. @OLIVESANDLILIES

Celebrate our 50th anniversary by renewing our vows at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Elvis will be in the house!

MARTHA SOJA, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Swim or kayak with manatees.

GABRIELLE ROSE, OSWEGO, KANSAS

Visiting Louisa May Alcott’s home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts, has been on my list for years.

Apparently I visited it as a child, but I have no memories of it, so I’ll consider the next time to be my first. I love all things Little Women, and I’m definitely doing it this year.

I have a gift certificate for skydiving that I’m finally ready to redeem. @OHHEYELLEKAY

Skinny-dipping!

I somehow missed this quintessential life experience in my youth. But it’s never too late to decide to be free and a little wild.

NELLIE OGNACEVIC, CHICAGO

Purchase and restore a vintage camper. @JMEYERCAMP

DONNA FOLEY, NASHVILLE

Go to Maine in the fall and eat fresh fish right there on the piers. @MARIE1466

16 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

See a great white shark.

ELIZABETH CULLEN, WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

Experience a huge autumn flea market somewhere in an eastern or midwestern state.

Apple butters and cider, pumpkin everything, and acres of treasure!

TINA DRIGGERS, EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO

Eight hours of deep, peaceful sleep. @RFKJ50

Organize baby and kid photos. My boys are 21 and 23, and I’d love to show them I took photos of their lives. And they can have them in their homes, organized— not in one big box. @KELLER_MISSY

After a serious accident and long recovery, I’ve relearned how to stand, walk, and drive a car.

Next is learning to dance again!

RUCY SMITH, LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA

I want to surprise a deserving family with something totally extravagant and change their life for the better. @LINDSAYCOLLEY

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

Lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery in remembrance of all those who have given so much for our freedoms.

MICHAEL KELLEY, LAS VEGAS

DIY redo of my powder room. @MEREDITH0202

I have always regretted not pursuing a career in health care after college. I’m now 42, and my kids are in school full-time, so I’m going to start the journey toward the career I’ve always wanted.

MARGARET GILDNER, EDINA, MINNESOTA

Design and construct my dream kitchen. We are finally in our forever home, but our kitchen is from the 1970s. We’re looking to gut renovate in the spring or summer. I’ve been dreaming of this kitchen for probably 10 or 15 years.

“ SU N R I S E I N T H E VA L L EY A N D M T. RA I N I E R WA K I N G U P I N T H E D I STA N C E .” @ CA L L AT I N I

# R S L OV E

NEXT Q U E S T I O N ...

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

Send an email to yourwords@ realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question.

Your response could appear on these pages.

@JKLS917

My bucket list has changed. It’s now to see my husband’s CT scan reveal no evidence of disease.

New Zealand will just have to wait!

JANE LONEY, LOCKEFORD, CALIFORNIA

I want to read 100 books in one year. @NICOLLEY Y Y__

JA N UA RY 2020 R E A L S I M P L E

17

The Short List F I V E B O O K S YO U ’L L LOV E

By Elizabeth Sile

Historical novel Isabel Allende’s A Long Petal of the Sea is an immersive read about love and survival. The story follows Victor and Roser, who flee Spain as the Spanish Civil War ends in 1939. He was a soldier; she’s pregnant with his late brother’s baby. Slowly they fall in love and build a stable life in Santiago, Chile, only to be cast into upheaval again 34 years later, when Chile’s democracy ends with a coup.

Popular science Friendship takes a fascinating deep dive into the societal, emotional, and health benefits of our everyday relationships. Science journalist Lydia Denworth investigates the crucible of teenage friendships, observes a social network of rhesus monkeys, and inspires readers to nurture their inner circles and reconnect with old pals.

Juicy drama

Dual narrative

Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age tackles big issues—race, class, employer-caregiver tensions—through a riveting story: Emira is confronted by a security guard who doesn’t believe that she, a black woman holding a white toddler, is babysitting. Horrified on Emira’s behalf, the toddler’s mom, Alix, a wannabe momfluencer, sets out to offer help where it isn’t wanted. So begins a tale of cringey overstepping and terrible secrets.

A cookbook connects two women, decades apart, in Karma Brown’s Recipe for a Perfect Wife. In 2018, Alice has left her job as a publicist and is feeling aimless in a new house when she finds a cookbook that belonged to Nellie in the 1950s. Paging through, she learns more about Nellie’s marriage, which doesn’t seem so different from her own.

Switching between Alice’s and Nellie’s worlds, Brown deftly unravels their stories.

Great for book club After a drug cartel kills her husband and 15 family members, Lydia takes her young son, Luca, on the dangerous journey from Acapulco, Mexico, to the U.S. border— trailed the whole way by the head of the cartel. From the explosive first chapter to the last, Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt unfolds at a breakneck pace to tell a stunning, heartwrenching story.

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

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

18 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

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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

B R I N G YO U R ST Y L E TO WORK WITH THESE PRET TY OFFICE UP GR ADE 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 Leslie Corona

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + Chelsea Cavanaugh

21

W H AT W E LO V E

Get up to 10 straight hours of moisture before refilling this humidifier.

1

4

3

2

5

8 6

7

3 MIST MAKER

A powder-coated adjustable shade and brass detailing make this task lamp the perfect design-friendly desk accessory. TO BUY: Fila Table Lamp, $69; article.com.

Combat dry office air with this six-inch-tall humidifier, powered via your computer’s USB port.

TO BUY: Portable Humidifier, $39; heydewy.com.

2 C U S T O M C A L E N DA R

4 GR AB BAG

Hang these fill-in-themonth gridded sheets near your desk to map out your year. TO BUY: Flora Wall Calendar, $34; wildehouse paper.com.

22 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Yeti coolers have earned a cult following—the brand’s lunch box is just as cool (and hot) because of the same special insulation system. TO BUY: Daytrip Lunch Bag, $80; yeti.com.

5 CUT TING ED GE

Dress up your pencil cup with these seriously stylish brass-and-stainlesssteel shears. TO BUY: Wildflower Scissors, $15; ubrands.com.

6 T R AY C H I C

When your stack of documents reaches the wooden dowel, you know it’s time to sort and file.

TO BUY: Arc Paper Tray, $20; ubrands.com.

7 R E L ATA B L E R E A D

If decisions feel daunting, refer to this book of amusingly overwrought charts and diagrams.

TO BUY: Am I Overthinking This? by Michelle Rial, $14; barnesandnoble.com.

8 KEEP CO OL

A cute but mighty fan will come in handy when the office heat inevitably kicks into overdrive. TO BUY: Mini Vornado V-Fan, $50; rejuvenation.com.

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

1 BRIGHT IDEA

The Toyota Prius with available AWD-e

1

Prett y Smar t

The Only Makeup Brush You Need 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

By Heather Muir Maffei

A L L E YO O P 4 - I N - 1

Cut clutter by replacing your loose brushes with this multitasker. Use the sponge (replacements available) for concealer and the angled brush for blush and bronzer.

Then unscrew the ends to reveal a brush for eye shadow and another for brows and liner. Pouch included. TO BUY: $24; meetalleyoop.com.

24 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 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

W H AT W E LO V E

WILDIST PA S T E PA RT Y

S A I N T JA N E M I C RO D O S E LIP GLOSS IN ELIXIR AND BLISS

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 ; 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

This shine-boosting lip oil is infused with calming CBD. It’s rounded out with botanicals (like chamomile and aloe) to nourish dry lips.

TO BUY: $28 each; saintjanebeauty.com.

BUT TER LOND ON LU M I M AT T E B LU R R I N G FINISHING & SET TING POWDER A N D B RU S H

The brush has a bull’s-eye divot design to tidily pick up the right dose of powder for locking in makeup and creating a luminous sheen.

TO BUY: $28 (powder) and $24 (brush); butterlondon.com.

N E U T RO G E N A BRIGHT BO OST I L LU M I N AT I N G S E RU M

No need to spend big bucks to nix brown spots and discoloration! Just smooth on this brightening blend morning and night for a glow-up.

TO BUY: $20; neutrogena.com.

Consider this set a toothpaste trifecta.

The all-natural formula comes in mint, chamomile, and ginger; the tubes look pretty on the counter; and the packaging is recyclable, BPA-free aluminum. TO BUY: $21 for 3; thewildist.com.

J O H N F R I E DA D E T OX & R E PA I R C A R E & P RO T E C T S P R AY

Green tea extract and avocado oil leave hair shiny, hydrated, and resistant to the breakage and split ends caused by heat styling. TO BUY: $9.50; at drugstores.

N Y X P RO F E S S I O N A L MAKEUP B ORN TO GLOW R ADIANT CONCE ALER

Covering zits and dark circles is fun, thanks to the built-in blender and your-skin-but-better texture. In 24 shades.

TO BUY: $9; nyxcosmetics.com.

D RU N K E L E P H A N T F- B A L M E L E C T RO LY T E WAT E R FA C I A L

Vitamin F is a potent blend of essential fatty acids—and this sheer, nourishing overnight skin soother is loaded with it.

TO BUY: $52; sephora.com.

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W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas 1 CU R R I E D C AU L I F LO W E R S O U P

The Staple

Nutritional Yeast These savory, cheesy-yet-dairy-free flakes pack a lot of flavor and nutrients (like protein and B vitamins). Sure, “nooch” is an addictive topping for popcorn or pasta, but it can do so much more.

Add a few tablespoons to a creamy cauliflower soup for richness, or make crunchy, umami-loaded kale chips. And for your next salad, bake chunks of crusty bread with a generous shake of these golden flakes to make croutons—everyone will think they’re coated in Parmesan.

Toss 4 cups cauliflower florets with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 tsp. curry powder on a baking sheet; roast at 375°F, stirring once, until golden, 45 minutes. Cook 1 cup chopped onion in 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a saucepan over medium until soft, 6 minutes. Add cauliflower, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk, 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast, and 1 tsp. kosher salt; bring to a boil. Blend until smooth.

2 SMOKY K ALE CHIPS

Stem 2 (8-oz.) bunches curly kale; tear leaves into pieces and pat dry. Toss kale, 3 Tbsp. canola oil, 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and 1 tsp. smoked paprika in a bowl.

Spread on 2 baking sheets.

Bake at 250°F until crisp, 50 minutes. Let cool.

Cook 6 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 smashed cloves garlic in a small pot over medium until fragrant, 1 minute.

Discard garlic; pour oil into a large bowl. Toss with a 9-oz. crusty bread loaf torn into pieces, 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast, and ¼ tsp. kosher salt. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until crisp, 20 minutes.

Learn more about the ingredient’s health benefits at real simple.com/nutritionalyeast.

By Ananda Eidelstein Recipes by Ivy Odom

26 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 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

3 “ C H E E S Y ” C RO U TO N S

W H AT W E LO V E

SPICE SET

Possible news flash: Spices have expiration dates. This spacesaving set of 24 halfcup packets lets you update all the go-tos— garlic powder, dill, turmeric—at once.

TO BUY: Essential Spices Collection, $90; thespicehouse.com.

L AU N D RY B A G T O G O

Little Helpers

YO G A M AT CLEANER

S I X S M A RT P RO D U C T S

After a sweaty Bikram class, spritz your mat with this essential oil spray to naturally disinfect it and keep it nice and grippy. In seven scents. TO BUY: Yoga Mat Spray, $11; asutra.com.

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

By Brandi Broxson

Just right for cold and flu season, these tablets release aromatic, sinus-clearing vapors as they dissolve in a warm, relaxing shower.

TO BUY: Shower Vapor Tabs, $4.70 for 3; cvs.com.

D O - I T-A L L W O R K G L OV E S

Wear these handstitched leather gloves now for toting firewood— and all spring and summer while you garden.

TO BUY: The Vermonter Glove, $100; vermontglove.com.

PR ACTIC AL PITCHER

This pitcher-filter duo has style (minimalist-chic silhouette, bamboo handle) and eco-friendly cred (BPA-free plastic, plant-based filters). TO BUY: Soma 10-Cup Pitcher, $39; drinksoma.com.

28 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

S T U F F Y- N O S E SO OTHER

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

When you pack, toss in the tiny pouch. At the hotel, take out the laundry bag and attach the collapsible hanger—you have yourself a moistureand odor-resistant hamper in the closet. In eight colors.

TO BUY: Travel Laundry Bag, $20; mumidesign.com.

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL. SO ROLL UP THOSE SLEEVES. moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) for people 12 and up.

RHONDA, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary.

DUPIXENT is not a cream or steroid. It’s a biologic that continuously treats eczema over time—even between flare-ups when skin looks clear. See and feel the difference with:

Clearer skin

¥

Significantly less itch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed.

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

Please see Brief Summary on next page.

© 2019 Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DUP.19.07.0597

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issue Date: June 2019

DUP.19.08.0101

W H AT W E LO V E

Room Rx

Design Around Your Exercise Machine Y O U U S E I T A F E W H O U R S A W E E K B U T H A V E T O L O O K A T I T 2 4 / 7.

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R T A N I YA N AYA K O F F E R S H E R A D V I C E .

By Stephanie Sisco

Q: We have a small multipurpose room with a lot of books and exercise equipment. How can we arrange the furniture and refresh the space so our workout gear isn’t an eyesore and the room feels useful and inviting?

—Dawn, homeowner in Winter Haven, Florida

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

2

3

4

DEFINE ZONES

L E T I T G RO W

LIGHTEN UP

TIE IT TO GETHER

Position a bookcase to create a nook for your bike or treadmill. An area rug under the machine will further distinguish the exercise zone; pick a durable indoor/outdoor one that can handle sweat from a hard-core session. TO BUY: Anette Indoor/Outdoor Rug, from $36; wayfair.com.

A tall plant will help partition the room and add dimension.

Plus, research has shown that plants can improve productivity—useful in a space where you work out.

TO BUY: Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush, $165; thesill.com.

Go with crisp white paint on the walls to make the room feel bigger (and less cramped by the large piece of gym equipment). Sheer white curtains will also give the impression of spaciousness.

TO BUY: Vivan Curtains, $15 for 2 panels; ikea.com.

On one side of the room, place decorative throw pillows that complement the rug on the other side. This will make a divided space feel cohesive. TO BUY: Margo Selby Mix Geo Lumbar Pillow Cover, $29; westelm.com.

Illustration by Babeth Lafon

Submit your own design dilemmas to room.rx@realsimple.com.

JA N UA RY 2020 R E A L S I M P L E

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With NEW Depend® FIT-FLEX® Underwear, you can enjoy wherever the moment takes you.

TRUSTED PROTECTION

ULTRA SOFT FABRIC

BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS

GET A FREE SAMPLE AT DEPEND.COM

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

E A SY WAYS TO R E D UCE YOU R H E ATIN G B ILL U S E A H U M I D I F I E R Moist air feels warmer than dry

air, so run a humidifier when the heat is on, suggests Anne Marie Corbalis, spokesperson for Con Edison.

(This will also reduce pesky static electricity.)

P LU G D R A F T Y S P OT S Feel for drafts around

pipes, doors, windows, and electrical and cable outlets, says Corbalis. Inexpensive draft blockers and outlet sealers can fix many problem areas.

D O N ’ T F O RG E T T H E DA M P E R When your fireplace

is not in use, close the damper. If it’s open, warm air can escape and cool air can come in, says Lauren Urbanek of the Natural Resources Defense Council. You can also hire a pro to make sure your chimney is properly sealed.

D R AW T H E B L I N D S AT N I G H T On sunny days, throw

open blinds and curtains. But close them at night to prevent up to a 10 percent loss in the room’s heat.

By Mar y Honkus

OFFSET

Certain decorating choices can help your space feel warmer too. Learn all about them at realsimple.com/ warmcolors.

Photograph by Burcu Avsar

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THE REALIST

Cooking School

Kitchen Shortcuts We Swear By O U R T I M E - S AV I N G T I P S W I L L H E L P YO U S P E E D U P D I N N E R .

By Ananda Eidelstein

SHOP

PREP

CO OK

Order dry staples online.

Keep your pantry stocked and you can bypass entire aisles at the grocery store. Load up your virtual shopping cart with the items you reach for often—pasta, snack bars, canned tomatoes, beans. Choose a service that offers free or flat-rate delivery (like FreshDirect, Brandless, or Amazon Prime) so this time-saver doesn’t become cost prohibitive.

Grate instead of mincing.

Rather than finely chopping garlic and ginger, slide them along a Microplane. This must-have tool is also essential for quickly zesting citrus or grating Parmesan.

Make all-in-one foil packets.

Place a handful of leafy greens on a large piece of foil (like Reynolds Wrap Standard Aluminum Foil, $3 for 50 sq. ft.; target.com). Top with peeled shrimp or fish fillets and lemon slices. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and fold foil to seal. Bake on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes.

Buy precut fresh or frozen produce. Not all chopped veggies are worth the added expense, but in a pinch, go for vegetable mixes (great for soups!), peeled garlic, and cubed butternut squash.

Grab the roasted unsalted nuts. Find them in the bulk or baking section. When a recipe calls for toasting nuts in the skillet or oven, you can skip that step.

34 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

To ss s c ra p s i nto a bowl.

Trips to the trash can waste more time than you think. Put those scraps, peels, and wrappers in a bowl next to the cutting board, then dump them into the garbage or compost all at once.

Freeze meat in a marinade.

Stash meal-size portions in freezer bags with a simple marinade (we like grated ginger with some toasted sesame oil and soy sauce). Thaw in the fridge in the a.m. so dinner is ready to cook when you get home.

For an easy meal, roast with vegetables on a baking sheet at 400°F.

Roast double, every time.

There’s no need to fire up the oven more than once a week when leftovers from a roasted vegetable side dish can bulk up a salad. To really caramelize the veggies, use two baking sheets and two oven racks. (Crowding them on one pan will simply steam them.)

S k i p th e ex t ra p ot . Add torn kale to a pot of grains and cover to steam, or stir broccoli florets into a pot of pasta in the last few minutes of cooking.

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

S T O C K T H E S E F L AVO R B O O S T E R S TO PERK UP ANY ME AL

CLEAN L a b e l leftovers. Have masking tape and a marker nearby when storing food. Jot down the name and date of the dish and stick the label to the container. You’ll avoid the “What is this frozen thing?” guessing game later. (You can also transfer leftovers directly to lunch containers.)

Clean as you go. This habit makes after-meal cleanup a lot quicker. Wipe down the counter, cutting board, and stove while things cook, and wash tools or load the dishwasher between recipe steps.

F O R A S AVO RY B A S E

FO R A Q U I C K S AU C E

• Save the thick rind of a block of Parmesan.

Throw it into a pot of simmering beans or a brothy soup for richness.

• Stir harissa or gochujang into yogurt for a creamy companion to roasted meats or crispy-skinned fish.

• Finely chop a couple of fillets of anchovies packed in olive oil. Melt in hot olive oil, then sauté with kale or Swiss chard leaves.

• Whisk together Dijon mustard, lime juice, and olive oil to serve with shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Mix white miso into creamy soup or mashed potatoes to add depth, or puree with herbs and nuts to make a plant-based pesto.

• Combine apple cider vinegar with maple syrup and cayenne; brush onto pork chops.

Pro tip: Season every sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground

black pepper.

FOR A FINISHING TOUCH

• Wake up any dish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Jarred Calabrian chiles add bright heat to eggs and pasta. Giardiniera gives vibrant crunch to grain bowls and salads.

L i n e p a n s w i th parchment.

This nonstick, heat-resistant, reusable standby puts an end to baked-on bits of brownies or chicken. To save even more time, use precut sheets.

M O R E F RO M O U R K I T C H E N Find videos, lessons, shortcuts, and strategies to help you get dinner (and breakfast, and lunch, and dessert) on the table with ease at realsimple.com/cookingschool.

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Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Sofa B E F O R E YO U K I C K T H AT W E L L- W O R N C O U C H T O T H E C U R B , T RY T H E S E W A L L E T - F R I E N D LY U P D A T E S T O A D D C O M F O R T, C O L O R , A N D S T Y L E .

By Leslie Corona

36 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Photograph by Johnny Miller

ST Y L I N G BY J E F F R E Y M I L L E R

THE REALIST

Plump Up Saggy Cushions

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S . C R O S S M I A O T H R O W P I L L O W, $ 1 6 5 ; S T F R A N K . C O M . E S T E L L E S L I M 1 7 0 L E G S I N W A L N U T, $ 9 2 F O R 4 ; P R E T T Y P E G S . C O M

Refresh the Fabric Sometimes all a dingy couch needs is a little extra attention. You can hire a service to steam-clean and sanitize dirty upholstery (including leather); prices start at about $50.

If pilling is your primary concern, try giving the cushions a face-lift with an electric sweater shaver, says Ashley Poskin, a home blogger in Chicago. (We like the Evercare Giant Fabric Shaver, $13; bedbathand beyond.com.) Using a very light hand—pressing too hard risks damaging the fabric—move the device in circles to trim off the thin layer of fuzz. If you have light-colored upholstery, a sweater shaver can also help fade dye-transfer spots from dark jeans.

Refresh deflated back cushions with some fiber fill (try Fairfield Poly-Fil Premium Fiber Fill Box, $33 for 80 oz.; joann.com). Unzip the slipcover and stuff layers of fill behind the insert—this keeps the cushion from looking lumpy in the front. Use a towel-wrapped ruler to shove the fill deep into the corners of the slipcover. The cushions may initially appear overstuffed but will flatten over time.

For the seat cushions, remove each foam insert, wrap it in layers of batting (like Mountain Mist Polyester Craft Quilt Batting, $9; amazon.com), and replace. It might be a tight fit, so enlist a helper to pull the fabric together as you zip. If you want a quicker fix, Poskin suggests adding thin, inexpensive pillow inserts between the sofa frame and cushions.

Erase Scratches from Wood Rub away nicks on sofa legs and other exposed wood with the Tibet Almond Stick ($10; amazon.com).

Los Angeles–based designer Amy Sklar swears by it. She says it’s like a Magic Eraser for wood.

Change the Legs Switching out the sofa legs can upgrade the whole look. Prettypegs.com has a great selection of shapes and finishes for many furniture brands, including Ikea. While you’re at it, says Sklar, consider adjusting the height of your sofa. Take the style of furniture into account, though: Most modern sofas look best lower to the ground. Sklar suggests stacking some books underneath to experiment with proportions.

If your sofa’s legs are permanently attached, you can paint them a different color. Poskin recommends chalk paint for this project because it usually doesn’t require sanding or priming. (Try Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, $35 per liter; anniesloan.com for stores.) When the paint is completely dry, coat the legs with Clear Chalk Paint Wax ($23 for 500 ml; anniesloan.com for stores) to seal the surface.

Swap Out Pillows A couple of nice throw pillows can give new life—and a new vibe—to your sofa. Best of all, pillows cost a fraction of reupholstering, says Albert Nakash, a salesperson at Bettertex, an upholstery business in New York City. The most budgetfriendly move is buying off-the-shelf options at a store like HomeGoods, but you could order custom pillow covers from an upholsterer or tailor.

Prices start at about $45 per cover— not including the fabric. To save some money, use decorative fabric on one side and a more affordable neutral fabric on the other.

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THE REALIST

Reuphostering a sofa can be almost as expensive as buying a new one. For a more affordable makeover, try a slipcover. It protects your sofa from messes and wear—you can take it off and wash it!— and lets you easily vary the look of your space throughout the year.

(Megan Pflug, a designer in Brooklyn, New York, has a client who adds a white slipcover to her dark velvet sofa in the summer for a breezier feel.) Check out comfort-works.com or bemz.com for options that fit models from many retailers, including Ikea and Pottery Barn. Otherwise, consider a custom slipcover. It can be expensive, but it might be worth it if you love the feel (just not the look) of your sofa. Go for a performance fabric, like Crypton, or a durable material, like Sunbrella, if you have kids or pets. Remember to request swatches first.

Add Tufting If you’re feeling ambitious, you can embellish lackluster cushions with tufting (indented buttons placed at regular intervals). Fluff the filling to make sure it’s evenly distributed within the cover. Then measure out where you want the buttons and mark those spots with chalk or pins. Thread a long upholstery needle with at least 18 inches of twine.

Push it into each spot and all the way through the back of the cushion. Make a small diagonal stitch, then pull the twine toward the front and loop it through a shank-back upholstery button. Push the needle through the back of the cushion once again, tie off the twine, and trim the excess.

In addition to protecting your sofa from spills, slipcovers let you switch up the look of your space.

Paint a Sofa For leather sofas, Pflug recommends this technique, noting that leather paint is very forgiving and durable: Thoroughly clean the surface with Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer ($4 for 5 oz.; angelusdirect.com).

Apply at least three thin coats of acrylic leather paint ($25 per quart; angelusdirect.com) with a one- to two-inch soft-bristle brush. Let each coat dry for at least 45 minutes before adding the next layer. When done, seal with an acrylic finisher ($18 per quart; angelusdirect.com) and let it dry for at least 24 hours.

If you have a fabric sofa, you can update the piping with an accent color. Line the piping with painter’s tape, dilute chalk paint with water until it’s somewhat transparent, and carefully paint with a fine detail brush. Remove the tape and dry the paint with a blow-dryer on low heat.

Apply Nailhead Trim Nailhead trim can add a sophisticated touch to a contemporary piece. Stick on a dotted line of painter’s tape where you want the nails—along the base of the sofa, say. Use a spacer (like Dritz Home Space & Set Tool, $12; joann.com) to ensure the spacing is even. With a rubber mallet or a hammer wrapped in a towel, tap each upholstery nail about halfway into the fabric. Check that the nails are straight, then remove the tape and tap them all the way in.

If there’s just no saving your sofa, shopping for a new one is your next step.

See our guide for picking the right piece at realsimple.com/newcouch.

38 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

B U T T O N : P E T E R A R D I T O ; 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 . L A C Q U E R E D N AT U R A L L E AT H E R B U T T O N , $ 1 ; M O O D FA B R I C S . C O M . H I L L M A N B R A S S F U R N I T U R E N A I L S , $ 1 . 5 0 F O R 2 5 ; L O W E S . C O M

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THE REALIST

3 PICTURE IT

1 COMMIT TO A C A L E N DA R

Organize This

Take Back Your To-Do Lists TIME-MANAGEMENT COACH ELIZ ABETH GR ACE S AUNDER S SHARE S HER TIP S FOR S T AY I N G O N T R A C K A N D O N S C H E D U L E .

By Leslie Corona

40 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Digital calendars work for visual thinkers, and paper planners are good for people who remember things better by writing them down. Some folks require a hybrid method: physical to-do lists for checking off tasks and an on-screen calendar for a big-picture view. Consider what hasn’t been helpful to you in the past and switch to a different approach.

If you’re always reaching for your planner and forgetting to check your digital calendar, then rely on just your planner. TO BUY: Planner, from $40; fullfocusplanner.com.

2 S O RT BY C O L O R Whether you’re working digitally or on paper, color-code items by type of event or family member so you can quickly see what’s what. Aim to use just a handful of colors— any more make the system too confusing.

Each morning, envision the day or week ahead, then set alarms or reminders on your phone as needed. (“2 p.m.: Leave for dentist,” for example, if you know the day will get away from you, or “7 a.m.: Bring high heels,” if you’re apt to space on a networking event after work.) Put even minor tasks on your list if they’re the kind that consistently slip through the cracks.

4 BUILD IN A BUFFER Don’t plan just for the event. Block off time for travel so you’re not constantly rushing or fielding calendar invites that push up against start times.

Pencil in free time to avoid feeling overwhelmed—the bare minimum should be one weeknight and half a day on weekends.

5 L E A R N F RO M YO U R C A N C E L L AT I O N S If you’re always snoozing phone reminders or ditching plans, be honest with yourself about whether you’ll really follow through on something. (Stop scheduling 5 a.m. workout classes if you blow them off half the time!) This will keep only relevant tasks in your calendar and save time for what matters.

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

THE REALIST

R o a d Te s t

Scalp Solutions T H E F O R M U L A I S S I M P L E : A H E A LT H Y S C A L P E Q U A L S H E A LT H I E R H A I R . W E T E S T E D 3 5 T R E AT M E N T S T O F I N D T H E B E ST F O R B U ST I N G FL AKES, RELIEVING ITCH, AND KEEPING HEADS COOL. THE WINNERS ARE...

By Anneke Knot

BEST FOR BUILDUP

Seed Phytonutrients Scalp & Roots Oat Mask If your home has hard water, this mask-scrub combo can help protect your hair, thanks to strengthening vitamin B and calming patchouli.

TO BUY: $28; ulta.com.

BEST FOR THINNING

Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray Mist onto sparse patches after washing to pump up hair with fortifying biotin. TO BUY: $76; oribe.com.

realsimple TO P P I C K S B E S T F O R O I LY H A I R

Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Squeeze a dose of nourishing minerals along your part, then massage and rinse for a tingly refresh. TO BUY: $42; revolve.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

BEST FOR FL AKES

B E S T F O R D RY H A I R BEST CLE ANSER AND CONDITIONER

Aveeno Hair Kefir Probiotic Blend Shampoo and Conditioner Yes, probiotics are good for the gut. But those healthy flora can also help create a balanced environment for skin—your scalp included. This pair is loaded with probiotic-filled extracts, and the soothing oat works to rebalance the scalp’s pH. TO BUY: $9 each; at drugstores.

Rahua Founder’s Blend Scalp & Hair Treatment If your scalp is thirsty, this omega 9–packed serum will moisturize and soothe. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.

TO BUY: $40; rahua.com.

Head & Shoulders Supreme Leave On Scalp Cream The zinc pyrithione in this rich cream helps nix dandruff—no rinsing required.

TO BUY: $10; target.com.

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THE REALIST

Drugstore Insider

Skin Savers W E WO R K E D W I T H A P RO TO H A N D P I C K T H E B E ST B E AU T Y P RO D U C T S I N T H E A I S L E S.

Known for her #pillowtalkderm sessions on Instagram stories, the New York City dermatologist and mom of two makes sciencey skin info easy to understand. Follow @shereeneidriss for free skin-care advice.

Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer “The winning combo of vitamins B5, C, and E makes this lotion great for healing and nourishing extremely dry skin.” TO BUY: $7; walgreens.com.

CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 “This broad-spectrum, fragrance-free stick spreads easily and leaves a clear finish— just right for on-the-go touch-ups.” TO BUY: $10; cvs.com.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser “This foamless formula cleans my skin without stripping it.”

TO BUY: $9; target.com.

44 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Embryolisse LaitCrème Concentré “This face and body cream is lightweight but delivers intense hydration. It leaves my skin dewy without any tacky feel.” TO BUY: $28; amazon.com.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum “Vitamin C is a must for helping reverse skin stress and restoring radiance. Plus, I love a serum that glides on.”

TO BUY: $30; loreal parisusa.com.

Garnier Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water “Perfect for even the most sensitive skin, this water takes the day off without any rubbing.” TO BUY: $9; cvs.com.

H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F S H E R E E N E I D R I S S ; 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

Shereene Idriss, MD

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W E ’ V E G O T A L O O K B O O K O F O P T I O N S — E V E RY T H I N G $ 7 5 O R L E S S .

By Flavia Nunez and Mar tha Upton

1 WIRELESS HEADPHONES

3 1

2

The flexible collar keeps these long-charge earphones tangle-free. TO BUY: Ink’d+ Wireless Earbuds, $40; skullcandy.com.

2 TA N K T O P

A quick-dry tank stands up to your toughest workout— then lets you run errands without shvitz marks.

TO BUY: Pick-Up Tank, $42; brooksrunning.com.

Stop rummaging in your bag for earbuds.

These attach to a band.

3 YO G A M AT

4

This light, dual-sided mat won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go. TO BUY: The Reversible (Un) Mat Lightweight Travel, $58; lululemon.com.

4 BR A TOP

It’s super supportive in the front—but sexy and strappy in the back. TO BUY: Odette Twist Back Bra Top, $72; zisebybloch.com.

5

The hidden pocket is roomy enough for your phone.

Foot-hugging cushioning puts spring (and plenty of comfort) in your step.

TO BUY: Ryka Rythma Sneakers, $35; marshalls.com.

6 HOODIE

It’s cute and cozy—and gets bonus points for being waterresistant. TO BUY: Victoria Hood, $60; karitraa.com.

7

46 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

7 S KO RT

The bottom layer is shorts, the top layer breezy polyester, the overall look chic.

TO BUY: Hudson Skort, $55; outdoorvoices.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

5 WA L K I N G S H O E S

6

THE REALIST

1 Available in sizes 00 to 40

1 TR AINING SHOES

4 The leggings are available in sizes XS to 3X.

2

These slip on like socks so you can head right out the door. No procrastinating!

TO BUY: Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Shoes, $70; dicks sporting.com.

2 LEGGINGS

The high waist is so flattering, you might want to live— not just exercise—in these.

TO BUY: JoyLab Perseids Leggings, $35; target.com.

3 S M A RT WAT C H

3

Track all your activities— even swimming and sleeping.

TO BUY: iTouch Sport Smartwatch, $60; itouch wearables.com.

5

4 LONG-SLEEVE TOP

No matter how often you wash this, the fabric stays smooth and pill-free.

TO BUY: Erika Mesh Top, $65; universalstandard.com.

There’s a flattering slight shimmer to this light pink fabric.

5 TA N K T O P

This tank is all about the details, like waist-flattering stripes and reflective bits on the back. TO BUY: Racer Tank, $44; 2xist.com.

6

6 S P O RT S B R A

The stretchy outer mesh breathes—but offers plenty of support. TO BUY: Sweeper Shiny Netz Sports Bra, $75; koral.com.

7 JA C K E T 7 8

Wear it black-side out as you hustle to the gym, then floralside out the rest of the day.

TO BUY: Ink Floral Reversible Bomber, $69; skechers.com.

8 SOCKS

If you need that extra squeeze of arch support, these socks have it.

TO BUY: Warm Up Crew, $18; stance.com.

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THE REALIST

2 Thumbs-up for these phonefriendly gloves 1 TOTE BAG

Durable and water-resistant, this bag fits your gear and can handle being dragged all over. TO BUY: Essentials Zip Tote, $35; underarmour.com.

1

2 G L OV E S

Swipe, zoom, and text, all while keeping your hands toasty. TO BUY: Manzella Ultra Touchtip Gloves, $25; duluthtrading.com.

3

4

This vest is available in petite, tall, and plus.

3 D OWN VEST

Warm and cozy, and the feminine cut makes it easy to wear under a heavier layer.

TO BUY: Winter Down Puffer Vest, $70; landsend.com.

4 SHOES

These are lightweight and offer great traction—a rare combo. TO BUY: Flex Appeal 3.0, $70; skechers.com.

5 6 7

5 B I K E R S H O RT S

The butt-lifting magic of your favorite shapewear comes to biker shorts. TO BUY: Look At Me Now Bike Short, $58; spanx.com.

6 TA N K

Tie the back for a bodyskimming fit or leave it open for a looser look. TO BUY: Foothill Heather Tank, $49; athleta.gap.com.

7 TIGHTS

The stripes down the sides make your legs look a mile long. TO BUY: GapFit High Rise Side-Stripe Leggings, $70; gap.com.

8

8 S P O RT S B R A Fashionable color blocking pairs with performance fabric.

48 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

If even a bra can make you overheat, try this one: The wide straps and band give tons of support without too much coverage.

TO BUY: Moments Crop, $48; dplusk.com.au.

2

1 SLIDES

After pounding the pavement, your feet deserve to recover in these cushiony slides. TO BUY: Ora Recovery Slide, $50; hokaoneone.com.

3

1

2 TIGHTS

Stretchy nylon-blend fabric hugs your legs and flattens your belly. TO BUY: HighWaisted Seamless Turbo Legging, $50; fabletics.com.

The ultra-thick sole is like a massage bed for your feet.

3 TA N K T O P

A classic cut gets fashionforward chevron stripes.

TO BUY: Performance Chevron Tank, $58; torysport.com.

4

4 P U L L OV E R

A hip-length, zip-neck pullover has deep kangaroo pockets and a snug, flattering fit. TO BUY: Motivation Fleece Mock Neck Pullover, $70; thenorthface.com.

5 S H O RT S 5

Kick it old-school in these soft and swishy leg-baring shorts with a built-in liner.

TO BUY: Twilight Split Shorts, $52; tracksmith.com.

6 BAG

In this roomy bag, the interior pocket is key. It’s designed for water bottles (and prevents accidental floods).

TO BUY: Mini Zen Tote, $72; eddiebauer.com.

7

6

7 S P O RT S B R A

Spice up your asanas with a strappy bra in a bright color.

TO BUY: JoyLab Wylie Bra, $20; target.com.

8 WAT E R B O T T L E Wear this to hit your best pose in the studio—and later on the street.

8

The spout pours easily and the cap snaps tight. No more coffee dribbles on your white shirts! TO BUY: Hydra 34 oz., $40; orcacoolers.com.

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insiders

THE REALIST

Closet Care

Make Your Tights Last T H E Y S H O U L D N ’ T B E A W E E K LY P U R C H A S E . H E R E ’ S W H A T T O L O O K F O R W H E N B U Y I N G T H E M , T H E B E S T W AY T O W A S H T H E M , A N D T I P S T O AV O I D S N A G S A N D R U N S .

By Mar y Honkus

How to Buy C H EC K T H E TO E S . Tights with reinforced, opaque toes tend to be sturdier and less likely to snag on toenails.

CONS U LT A SI ZE C H A RT. Sizes

differ among brands, so refer to the height-weight chart on the package. When in doubt, size up.

K N O W T H E L I N G O. Stockings

are two thigh highs; tights go up to your waist. “Control top” means there’s thicker, snugger fabric on the stomach, hips, and butt.

How to Care WA I T TO WA S H . To keep the fibers stretchy yet snug, clean sheer tights every two wears and opaque tights every three.

L AU N D E R G E N T LY. It’s best to

How to Protect F R E E Z E B E FO R E F I R S T W E A R .

It may sound crazy, but some experts say putting tights in the freezer for 24 hours before wearing them for the first time can strengthen the fabric.

P U T O N C O R R EC T LY.

Remove any jewelry from your hands and feet to prevent snags.

With both hands, scrunch one of the legs, then gently pull it over your foot and up your thigh.

Repeat with the other leg.

Don’t yank the waistband—it puts stress on the fabric.

S TO P RU N S . You can’t reverse

a run, but for an in-themoment fix to keep one from getting bigger, dab the spot with clear nail polish.

hand-wash, but if you prefer the machine, place your tights inside out in a lingerie bag. Wash on a gentle cycle, then air-dry.

S TO R E P RO P E R LY. Coil tights

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

(as shown here) and put them in a drawer away from pointy objects.

(From top) Velvet de Luxe Tights in Liana Green, $49; wolford shop.com. Coloured Tights in Navy Blue and Ice Blue, $38 each; heist-studios.com. Super Opaque Tights with Cashmere in Burgundy, $20, and Soft Touch Semi Opaque Tights in Senape, $9; us.calzedonia.com.

TO BUY:

Photograph by Brian Henn

O U R E X P E RT S FIONA FAIRHURST, VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION AT THE BODYWEAR BRAND HEIST STUDIOS MÉLANIE HEYBERGER, COFOUNDER AND CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT RACHEL, A TIGHTS COMPANY CATHLEEN MOXHAM, DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING LEGWEAR LEAD AT HANES CAROLYNE PARENT, COFOUNDER AND CEO OF RACHEL

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holiday decor that goes beyond

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MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

Tra v e l

Book the Best Seat, Room, and More on Your Next Trip A S YO U P L A N YO U R VA C AT I O N , F O L L O W T H I S A D V I C E F RO M T R AV E L I N S I D E R S T O G E T YO U R T I M E A N D M O N E Y ’ S W O RT H .

OFFSET

B y S h i va n i Vo ra

Photograph by Seth Mourra

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R E L AT I N G

A C C O M M O DAT I O N S Avoid the expensive middleman. To get the lowest price on hotel rooms—and potentially have the best experience— reserve directly with a property, says Melanie Lieberman, an editor at the travel site The Points Guy: “Sometimes hotel brands will refuse to honor a status or to give points for bookings made with a third party, which can certainly affect the quality of a stay.” She adds that how you reserve can also make a difference if you have a request, such as extra pillows in your room, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Location can matter.

Your host should help.

To make sure you won’t be disappointed with an apartment or house rental, know exactly what you’re getting into, says Ashley Rossi, an editor at the site SmarterTravel. Read house rules carefully—and contact the host with questions before booking.

Ask about checkout procedures (will you need to sweep up or strip beds?) and must-need items (how well-stocked is the kitchen, really?).

56 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

P L A N E S E AT S A N D A I R FA R E Time your purchase.

Scout the ship. If you’re not using a travel agent to book a cruise, the reviews site Cruise Critic compares ships and cabins.

The reviews get really granular about buffet wait times, shoreexcursion hits and misses, even the size of the closets. Prone to seasickness? Ashley Les, a travel agent with Protravel International, recommends a cabin on a lower level near the center of the ship, where it’s most stable.

The biggest mistake travelers make when it comes to airfare is procrastinating—though buying too far in advance doesn’t necessarily help, says Rick Seaney, founder of the site FareCompare.

For the lowest prices, he says, buy five months out for international destinations and three months out for domestic trips.

Comparison shop. If your dates are flexible, go to google.com/ flights or skyscanner.com to see the cheapest time to fly. Adjusting your dates by even one day can save you hundreds. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights tend to be cheapest, says Seaney.

G E T T Y I M AG ES

Light sleepers should look at a map to see if the hotel they’re considering is on a main or side street and near bars or nightclubs, says Kyle Valenta, an editor at the review site Oyster. If noise is a concern, request a room at the back of the building, where it’s often quieter.

Save on skiing. Ski packages If you’re locked into dates, go to the flight-aggregator sites Momondo and Kayak to compare rates from third-party booking sites and airlines.

Study the seats. If you don’t want to sit near the bathrooms or be among the last to deplane, visit SeatGuru, a site that curates airplane seat maps. Its color-coded system distinguishes between good and bad (e.g., nonreclining) seats. If you need a particular configuration—say, two aisle seats, a center seat, and a window seat— book directly with the airline.

Third-party sites don’t always allow you to pick.

S P E C I A LT Y I T E M S

are least expensive just before the start of ski season and in the spring, says Rossi. Check out liftopia.com for discounted packages and lift tickets. If you’ll be skiing all winter and like to try more than one place, invest in a multimountain experience, like the Mountain Collective Pass or the New England Pass.

LO C AL FO OD AND ACTIVITIES Use the concierge. Get in touch before you arrive at the hotel, says Kenneth Abisror, chief concierge at Mandarin Oriental, New York.

The more they know about you and your preferences, the more they can tailor recommendations.

Many are happy to reserve tickets to attractions on your behalf.

Prebook famous attractions.

Save time and disappointment by getting tickets to popular locations even before your trip, if possible. Some sites with multiple lines, like the Eiffel Tower, sell e-tickets that let you bypass the ticket office and go straight to security. Others, like the Empire State Building, offer skip-the-line express passes.

Avoid lines at Disney. Your park ticket includes FastPass+ service, which lets you book three attractions within the same park per day. If you stay at one of Disney’s official resorts or hotels, you can reserve them 60 days in advance. If you stay elsewhere, you can book 30 days in advance (though you may find choices have dwindled). Either way, as soon as you buy tickets, put the rides on your calendar.

Spring for a good guide.

“Experienced guides are passionate about showing off where they live and go out of their way to share insider information,” says Les. Consider booking a tour through ToursByLocals, and check out Airbnb Experiences, which offers activities hosted by locals (you’ll find everything from animal encounters to cooking classes).

Reserve tables you covet.

Plan your restaurant wish list ahead of time—to a point, says Lesley Suter, travel editor at the food site Eater. Nab a reservation for that splurgy tasting menu early: Some spots, like those with Michelin stars or a World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking, can require reservations six months out. To research other food options, Suter likes to browse city magazines, local blogs, and Instagram. (On the Instagram search page, type in a word like “eats” or “food” and the city name, then click on the Tags tab.) Once in town, she asks locals, including taxi drivers and guides, for favorites.

Be open.

Alas, the best travel experiences often can’t be planned. Suter’s favorite tip for having memorable meals: Welcome serendipity. “Wander the city, look for a table on a plaza that beckons, and sit down,” she says. “See a crowd of people around a steaming food cart? Join them. You won’t regret it.”

Save time and disappointment by getting tickets to popular locations even before your trip.

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Good Read

The Start of Something F RO M A RWA N D A N M O T E L T O A H A RVA R D D O R M ( W I T H A N E W B O R N I N T O W ! ) , E L I Z A B E T H A M E S F O U N D M O T I V A T I O N , C O M F O R T,

habit began in Rwanda. I was living with my husband in a motel in Butare, Rwanda’s college town. He was in the midst of fieldwork for his PhD (in African and African American studies) and would leave most mornings with the 6 a.m. sunrise to spend the day collecting folktales and talking with people, speaking Kinyarwanda, some Swahili, and a smattering of French.

We were already weird, living in a motel mostly frequented by tourists on short stays, but I was perhaps more of a novelty due to my lack of purpose. There are plenty of forM Y DA I LY WA F F L E

58 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 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 ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

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

C O U RT ESY O F E L I Z A B E T H A M ES

The author’s daughter enjoys one of Harvard University’s “veritaffles” in a dining hall.

eigners and expats in Rwanda doing research, starting NGOs, or working for governments. But what was I doing? In academic circles, people call wives like me the “trailing spouses,” and, bristling at this, I joked that I was the “soaring spouse.”

But a few months into our time in Rwanda, I was decidedly not soaring. “What does she do in there?” I knew the motel staff wondered, and I wondered it too, as I puttered around inside the room, checking my email via a dial-up dongle and figuring out what to eat.

I had none of my husband’s language acumen, nor any of the work that structured his days. An aspiring novelist, I might not leave the house until the hottest part of the day had passed. My inertia was reinforced by how conspicuous I was, a white foreigner made neon with her zinc sunscreen.

I didn’t even speak French (the language most Rwandans tried on white foreigners first, having learned it in school), let alone Kinyarwanda, a complex language I hadn’t encountered before moving there. Greeting people is incredibly important in Rwanda—expected of everyone, whenever eyes meet. I was trying to learn the hellos appropriate for morning, afternoon, evening, and night—three of them beginning with mw, a sound I couldn’t get quite right. Often I simply didn’t want to start my day feeling like a dope, bumbling along to the market, wishing people a nice evening as the roosters still crowed.

But then I discovered them: the waffles at the small grocery store a few blocks from our motel. These gaufrettes were precooked, resting in a wooden bin alongside other daily breads—small baguettes, chapati, and mandazi (doughnuts). The waffles were rectangular rather than square or round, varied slightly in texture depending on how recently they’d been cooked, and, most crucially, occasionally sold out. But they were perfect, with a secret ingredient that made them taste somehow both light and substantial, wholesome and deliciously sweet. The first time I had one, with a hard-boiled egg and cold brew made from fresher-thanI’d-known-possible Rwandan coffee beans, I knew there was no going back to breakfast without this waffle. So I began to get dressed and leave the house earlier than I would have. By the time I made it to the store a couple of dozen garbled exchanges later, I’d have righted my mwaramutses (good mornings) and gained the confidence to place my

In Rwanda, these waffles brought me out, into the day and into the rhythms that surrounded me. order in Kinyarwanda and walk back home through the second round of volleyed greetings.

I’d eat breakfast on the porch off our room and write until lunch, chatting with the motel staff. I’d been nervous to be outside in this way, thinking I needed to be alone and guard my writing time. But the waffles brought me out, into the day and into the rhythms that surrounded me. I learned the nicknames the staff had given a troop of vervet monkeys that alighted with regularity on the motel grounds. The cooks taught me the difference between eggs for foreigners (big eggs, with less flavor) and eggs for Rwandans (the most beautiful eggs I’d ever eaten, from free-range chickens who eat mostly bugs), which paired perfectly with my morning waffles. And, counter to my instinct, my work improved because of these daily interactions, because I felt more at home in this space. I finished a novel on that motel porch, buoyed by the chitchat that had once felt too laborious to attempt. we returned to Massachusetts, where I tried to re-create the waffle, researching waffle irons and even using the vanilla sugar I’d purchased in small sachets in Rwanda and brought home. I selected the perfect iron, tried a dozen recipes, bought boxed mixes and pearl sugar, added seltzer to the batter to achieve the elusive texture I was after. But it wasn’t the same, and the waffle iron wasn’t worth the counter space in our pocket-size Cambridge kitchen. I put the iron away, having realized that what I longed for was more than the crisp edges of a Rwandan gaufrette. I wanted from this waffle something I would never find alone in my kitchen. The perfect waffles were a product of that special time in my life, best to recollect rather than try to re-create.

A F T E R A Y E A R I N RWA N DA ,

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R E L AT I N G

A tasty treat you’ll feel good about giving

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ABOUT THE AU T H O R Elizabeth Ames is the author of The Other’s Gold. She lives with her husband, her two children, and a few hundred undergraduates in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F A D R I A N N E M AT H I O W E T Z

Give your dog a yummy crunch!

Three years later, when my husband took a job as a resident tutor, we moved into one of Harvard’s dorms—with our 6-month-old baby. Here again I stood out: a bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived new mom, wearing her baby in a carrier alongside bright-eyed, brilliant, and ambitious college students. I felt nervous and shy, unsure of what I was doing there. My family was allowed and encouraged to take meals in the dorm’s dining hall, but the thought of attempting conversation at breakfast lacked appeal when some mornings were still barely distinguishable from nights.

But then, there they were: industrial-grade waffle irons, embossed with the Harvard seal. The promise of this “veritaffle,” as it is known, its crisp edges, its soft, golden center, got me to brave the bustle of the dining hall when I most certainly would have otherwise stayed home, the effort of making small talk compounded by the effort of getting out the door with a new baby. As I stood there, squeezing spigots of batter (whole-wheat, plain, and, later, vegan) into a mug and then pouring the batter into the piping-hot iron, I gained more than the sustenance provided by these waffles, though that was not insignificant. (Few people appreciate having access to a dining hall more than new parents.) You could leave your waffle for two minutes until it was done, but you got better results if you stayed during that time to take the extra step of flipping over the iron.

So again I had to face the world before I was fully prepared, and speak to people who might have reason to wonder what I was doing there. And just like those studies suggest, that smiling at strangers on the street can actually improve our mood, my mornings were made better by my attempts at small talk. My sheepish smiles grew more sincere as the dining hall workers came to know my baby, and as students shared with me their waffle hacks.

Even when the pleasantries feel difficult, those small, kind exchanges can knit us together, give us courage, and, yes, even allow us to soar. I wrote another novel while living in the dorm, and I was nourished in a way that went beyond that beautiful blueberry-studded batter.

Students and staff cooed as the baby grew. “Waffle” was one of her earliest words, not far behind “hi,” her very first, used with abandon in a college dorm, among people she had never considered strangers.

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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.

V. A . A S K S …

My college friends and I take an annual girls’ trip. One of the women tends to drain the life out of conversations by making them all about her, and she generally changes the dynamic of our trips. The group discussed delicately removing her from the invite.

We don’t get to see one another much and want to ensure the time we spend together is enjoyable. Is there a better or more direct way to handle this than excluding her from the planning discussions?

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I was invited to my second cousin’s daughter’s wedding three states away. I have not seen this part of the family in 20 years. Am I obligated to send a gift even though I told the bride’s mother I could not travel?

ABOUT C AT H E R I N E The author of One Mixed-Up Night, Catastrophic Happiness, and Waiting for Birdy, Catherine Newman has shared her wisdom on matters ranging from family and friends to happiness and pickling in numerous publications. She gets advice from her husband and two opinionated children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

In my ongoing quest to change the meaning of etiquette from “What would wealthy snoots do?” to “How can we best live in community?,” I would say this: You are not obligated to send a gift. But you might want to. What if you assume the best in this situation? Not that the bride-to-be is casting a wide net to maximize her haul of kitchenware, but that she’s reaching out to bridge whatever distance separates your family.

That is, you could choose to feel included, rather than taxed, by the invitation to celebrate a joyful milestone. So go ahead and send the couple a little something—even if it’s just a heartfelt card to wish them well and thank them for thinking of you.

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

I can imagine nothing more devastating than being the one person excluded from a gathering of friends. I get how pleasure wrecking it can be to have a narcissist in the mix, but maybe there are enough people around to dilute her self-focus. Or maybe you could find a complicated cocktail recipe and assign her bartending duties. Because if you exercise your empathy—What would it feel like if it were me?—I think you’ll find it unacceptable to exclude her. It’s the hardest thing, this pull between our own happiness and that of other people. I’m still trying to figure it out. But then, you aren’t asking if you should exclude her—you’re asking if there’s a better way to do it. She will likely know the trip is still on, and no, there’s no good way to tell her you don’t want her along.

M.R. ASKS…

S.M. ASKS…

I often get lost in thought when I’m out and about, to the point where strangers come up to me and say, “Smile, lady.” Is there a gracious but firm way to address what I consider a rude and intrusive demand?

I read your question to my teenage daughter, who responded by pushing up the sides of her mouth with her middle fingers. You could try that! An unsolicited demand to be cheerful (and pretty) is not only rude and intrusive but sexist. You’re under no obligation to please entitled strangers with your appearance—to be ornamental to the world at large—and I would say as much. Here are a few responses we came up with: “If I’m looking for advice, I’ll let you know.” “I smile when I want to, and now I don’t want to.”

“I’ll control my face; you control yours.” “I’m not here to be decorative.” Or, more simply, “I don’t feel like smiling right now,” or even just “No.” Alternatively, you could offer a bizarre and disturbing grimace-grin that makes the person sorry they asked.

T. M . A S K S …

When we walk our dog, my husband and son think it’s perfectly fine to throw the bag of droppings into anyone’s garbage container. Granted, the container is on the sidewalk (it’s usually the night before garbage pickup), but I find this extremely disrespectful and don’t let them do it when I’m with them. What’s your opinion?

Bless you for bagging your pup’s output in the first place—and for not leaving the bags along wooded trails, which is where I see loads of them (sigh). Is it strictly right to put your waste in someone else’s trash? It’s not— and, depending on where you live, it may not be lawful either. But garbage is garbage.

There’s a Yiddish expression, nisht geferlekh, which basically means “no big deal” (literally “not dangerous”). I think we’re in nisht geferlekh territory. If you’re sure the trash is going out, and you’re sure the garbage collectors will unload the whole can (rather than removing the large trash bag and leaving behind your stinking little doggy bag), then I’d look the other way while your husband and son toss the dung. Of course, all that is a lot to be sure of, so maybe tote it home anyway.

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

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

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5 Things You Don’t Need to Change I T ’ S T H E T I M E O F Y E A R T O TA K E ST O C K O F W H A T Y O U ’ R E A L R E A D Y D O I N G R I G H T.

OFFSET

By Natalie Pattillo

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Photograph by Olha Afanasieva

R E L AT I N G

2

Your personal style Since I turned 50, three years ago, I’ve been coming into the fullest expression of myself. I’ve given myself permission to wear whatever I like, regardless of what’s in fashion. I love bright colors. I like anything shiny. I love sequins. I believe there’s no such thing as too much embellishment. Bring on the tassels and pom-poms! Life is too short not to wear the things we love.

Don’t squander the daily opportunity to celebrate yourself and show the world who you are.

1

Your desire for alone time I used to think there was something wrong with me, especially as a gay man living in New York City, for not wanting to socialize all the time, meet new people, and go out a lot.

But that’s just not who I am; if I put myself in those scenarios, I’m not my best self, and I don’t feel fulfilled or comfortable. You might feel the same way. It’s OK if I prefer to spend the night in, and I’ve come to terms with that.

4

MAYUKH SEN IS A JAMES BEARD AWARD– WINNING FOOD AND CULTURE WRITER.

Your pleasures

3

Your craving for genuine connection Research consistently shows that spending time with people you care about correlates with life satisfaction. People with close ties tend to have a reduced risk for common chronic diseases and are in better physical and mental health overall.

So don’t feel guilty about prioritizing those connections over submitting one more report at work or tackling another thing on your to-do list.

Hang out with your kids or have a heart-to-heart with a buddy.

JULIA K. BOEHM, PHD, IS AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY WHO RESEARCHES HAPPINESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION.

SARAH GREAVES-GABBADON IS A TRAVEL WRITER AND ON-CAMERA PERSONALITY WHO SHARES HER GLOBE-TROTTING ADVENTURES ON SOCIAL MEDIA (@JETSETSARAH).

I believe in letting your freak flag fly.

You might dress eccentrically, take up a strange and specific hobby, or get extremely obsessed with some niche corner of art. It’s especially useful to do things for yourself that make you happy and result in nothing except your own pleasure. I’ll watch just about any horror movie, no matter how terrible. I put on headphones and dance from one end of the house to the other while imagining myself in an elaborate music video. Sometimes I pick the most complicated recipe I can find so my cooking hobby becomes extravagant instead of practical.

If it feels good, great.

CARMEN MARIA MACHADO IS THE AUTHOR OF IN THE DREAM HOUSE AND HER BODY AND OTHER PARTIES, A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD.

5

Anything, really You don’t have to change anything about yourself—and not because you’re perfect. The truth is, change is our natural state of being. I’m working on a book about bodies.

On a very biological level, our bodies are dynamic and changing every second: We’re sloughing off dead skin, we’re creating new blood cells, our hair is growing. Trying to force change makes life so much harder.

ANGELA GARBES IS THE AUTHOR OF LIKE A MOTHER: A FEMINIST JOURNEY THROUGH THE SCIENCE AND CULTURE OF PREGNANCY.

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Fa m i l y

How to Teach Boys and Girls to Get Along for Life KIDS TO BEFRIEND THE OPPOSITE SEX, NOW AND FOREVER.

By Jennifer Chen

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LU M I N A /STO C KSY

W E H A V E E V E RY T H I N G T O G A I N A N D N O T H I N G T O L O S E B Y E N C O U R A G I N G

CHALLENGE THE STEREOT YPES

both boys and girls can make your child a better, happier person and help them grow into an adult who has positive relationships with all sorts of people. In a Canadian study, kids in elementary and secondary school with platonic (boy-girl) relationships developed empathy and were better communicators. But even as Target removes gender references from the toy and bedding aisles and girls join Boy Scouts of America, it can be hard to shed our ideas of social norms when raising our kids. Help break down the old-school barriers between boys and girls and they’ll likely see they’re more similar than different.

Here’s how to nurture these important friendships at every age.

BEING FRIENDS WITH

When Michelle Kennedy, CEO and cofounder of Peanut, a matchmaking app for mom friends, watched a music video with her 4-year-old son, he asked a question about a scene. She replied, “Maybe the director wanted it to be moody, or he had a point to make about this part of the music.” Her son (bless him!) asked, “Can’t girls be directors?” Let those words—from the mouth of a pre-K kid—be a reminder to pay attention to pronouns as you describe jobs, leadership, and people.

If an adult or child says something that divides boys and girls into separate camps (“Boys don’t wear pink!”), quickly redirect the conversation in a matter-of-fact, positive manner, says Michele Borba, EdD, author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World.

You could say, “Oh, wow. That looks nice! You like that color, huh?”

K E E P I T P L AT O N I C

Babies and Little Kids M I X U P P L AY DAT E S

Children start to form friendships as early as age 1, says Mike Monsour, PhD, author of Women and Men as Friends. Invite boys and girls for group playdates to make socializing with both genders routine for your children from an early age. “Younger kids want to understand what it means to be a boy or a girl,” says Andrei Cimpian, PhD, lab director of the Cognitive Development Lab at New York University. “They’re on the lookout for any information they can glean from their social world about what boys are like and what girls are like.”

Intentionally or not, adults often romanticize even the littlest kids’ relationships—cooing that a baby girl and baby boy are “girlfriend and boyfriend,” for example. If you hear something like this, model the language you’d prefer be used in front

of your kids, suggests Borba, like “Isn’t it cool that they’re friends?” And if you catch yourself making a comment like “He’s going to be a heartbreaker,” or “She’ll be beating the boys off with a stick,” take a step back: These comments may seem harmless, but they can make kids think of the opposite gender in a romantic way.

S T O P BY T H E L I B R A RY

Books (and plays and movies and art in general) can help kids understand that other people are, in many ways, just like them. To demonstrate that boys and girls can find common ground and see different points of view, says Borba, choose books that feature protagonists of both genders, as well as ones that show boys and girls having great friendships. She recommends approaching a children’s librarian with a simple request: “I have a 5-year-old son. I’m looking for books with little girls in them that are fun.” For ideas, see our list of recommended books on page 70.

C om m e nt s like “ He’s g oing to b e a he a r t bre a ker ” m ay se e m h ar mle ss, bu t they ca n m a ke kid s th in k of th e o pp os ite g end er in a roma nt ic wa y.

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R E L AT I N G

Tweens and Teens When k id s grow u p in hom e s wh ere p a rents sha re hou sewor k , th ey b e come a d u lts who sha re m ore fai r ly to o.

Big Kids S E T U P G RO U P A C T I V I T I E S

The best way to encourage boys and girls to hang out is to give them something to do that they all find fun, says Cimpian. Cooking classes, a board game club, a group hike, or a shared project on Minecraft or Bitsbox are fantastic gender-neutral options.

They can also bond through helping others, volunteering together, or organizing a charity garage sale. If your kids are into sleepovers, you could consider a coed one when they’re 7 or 8, says Monsour, who has studied male-female platonic friendships for more than 25 years. “Staying over at someone’s house can make you closer to that person in a different way,” he says. You could also host a backyard movie night or a book club at your house.

T E A C H T H E VA LU E O F T E A M W O R K

Whether or not you grew up in a family in which boys always took out the garbage and girls always set the table, show your kids that housework doesn’t have to be gendered. It’s an important step toward fostering equality and respect. It’s even better if you and your partner work collaboratively to demonstrate that the best person for the job is—lo and behold!—

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the person who will actually get the job done. Call BS on a household where Dad deals with anything in the garage and Mom’s domain is the kitchen. The kids can and should be part of tasks. Divvy them up so everyone is doing a bit of everything.

A study from Western Washington University found that when kids grow up in homes where parents share housework, they become adults who share more fairly too.

E N C O U R A G E C O L L A B O R AT I V E P ROJ E C T S

Group activities, such as coed soccer or a music program like School of Rock, are good for this age group, says John Duffy, PsyD, author of Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety.

Learning side-by-side and working toward a common goal help build respect and give kids a chance to see their male and female peers in a different light, explains Borba. She recommends a national creative competition program called Odyssey of the Mind, which brings kids together to solve open-ended problems. (Check odysseyofthemind.com to find a chapter in your area.)

H O S T A V I E W I N G PA RT Y D O N ’ T S T R E S S A B O U T R E S I S TA N C E

Around middle school, your kid might start to cringe when you suggest hanging out with boys (or girls) or inviting a mixed group to a party. No need to force interaction, but keep an eye out for fun, informal opportunities, like joining a youth group. “You don’t have to say anything,” advises Borba: Just continue to provide casual ways to interact with diverse groups. Your neighborhood is key here, given how easy it is for your kid to walk next door, ring the bell, and ask if Lorenzo (or Lauren) can play. All the better if kids organically form a multihouse, mixed-gender, all-ages game of capture the flag or kick the can before dinner.

If your kid’s friends are obsessed with a certain show (hello, Stranger Things), offer to hold a binge night at your house.

Order pizza and then make yourself scarce (i.e., stop hovering and eavesmomming). A group hang in front of a screen is a low-stakes way to encourage coed conversations. The kids can sit alongside each other and talk, which may feel less overwhelmingly intimate than looking someone in the eye.

P R E P T H E M F O R T R I C K Y S I T UAT I O N S

Of course, no matter how empathetic and open-minded your own kids are, they’ll probably encounter inappropriate or offensive conversations or hear peers make sexist comments.

Talk about these kinds of remarks, why people make them, and good ways to respond. Help your kids practice a few brief but assertive comebacks. Duffy recommends neutral statements, like “Let’s not go there,” or “That’s not cool.” If the situation continues, they can say something like “I’m not going to be part of this,” and walk away.

R E L AT I N G

B O O K S T H AT F O S T E R F R I E N D S H I P S These titles prove to kids we’re actually all from the same planet. (What a concept!)

Lulu and Sam are having trouble deciding what to do at the playground. When they adopt their alter egos, a ladybug and a bumblebee, they find a game that includes both heroes.

For ages 3 to 5

S A KU R A’ S C H E R RY B LO S S O M S

by Robert Paul Weston and Misa Saburi

Sakura is homesick for her grandmother and cherry blossom trees.

Her new friend, Luke, helps her settle in and plants a special tree for her.

For ages 3 to 7

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A N OT H E R

by Christian Robinson

A SWIRL OF O CE AN

by Melissa Sarno

ODD ONE OUT

by Nic Stone

A wordless picture book about a little girl who discovers another world and meets boys and girls of different races and abilities.

With her best friend, Jeremiah, 12-year-old Summer searches for answers about why she was left on the beach as a baby.

For ages 8 to 12

This book deals with boygirl friendships, sexuality, and first love.

For ages 14 and up

L A DY PA N C A K E & SIR FRENCH TOAST

by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney

BRID GE TO TER ABITHIA

by Katherine Paterson

Two breakfast foods resolve their fight over the last drop of syrup in the fridge.

For ages 5 to 8

Best friends Leslie Burke and Jess Aarons invent an imaginary world to defeat their bullies.

For ages 9 and up

T RU & N E L L E

by G. Neri

T R AC K S E R I E S

by Jason Reynolds

A fictionalized account of Truman Capote and Harper Lee’s childhood friendship.

For ages 8 to 10

Four books about a group of spirited kids from diverse backgrounds competing on an elite track team. For tweens

YO U A S K E D F O R P E R F EC T

by Laura Silverman

When overachiever Ariel needs a calculus tutor, he falls for his tutor, Amir, while his female best friend, Sook, wants him to join her band.

For ages 14 and up

WA N T by Cindy Pon

Jason Zhou and his friends live in a smog-filled, sci-fi Taipei, where the wealthy can buy pollutionprotection suits. They decide to infiltrate the corporation that manufactures the gear.

For ages 14 and up

C O U RT ESY O F PU B L I S H E R S

L A DY B U G G I R L A N D B U M B L E B E E B OY

by David Soman and Jacky Davis

R E L AT I N G

The Tools

H I G H -V I S I B I L I T Y COLL AR

Pe t Tr i c k s

Safe at Home

The embroidered name and number won’t fade, and the reflective backing makes your dog easier to see at night. TO BUY: Personalized Reflective Collar, $30; orvis.com.

K E E P YO U R D O G O R C AT F RO M G O I N G M I S S I N G — A N D K N O W W H AT T O D O I F T H E Y D O.

By Juno DeMelo

Act Immediately

Expand Your Search

Even indoor cats should wear a collar with a tag that displays a phone number and other relevant contact info. Get your pet microchipped by a vet too—that way, if his collar comes off, anyone can have his chip scanned at a vet’s office or shelter. (Remember to keep your contact details up-to-date in the microchip registry.) If you allow your dog in the yard, make sure your fence is secure. And if your pet is prone to bolting when guests come over, keep him in his crate or in a room with the door closed.

If your pup is loose, canvass the area with treats in hand, calling his name. Show his picture to neighbors and post on your social media accounts or local Listserv. Your dog may take off when chased, so if you spot him, run away while shouting his name excitedly to get him to follow you. Entice a skittish dog to approach by sitting down, looking away, and making lip-smacking noises. Most outdoor cats are found within a one-block radius, and indoor cats tend not to stray past a few houses, so ask neighbors if you can search their sheds or porches.

Broaden your reach by posting publicly on Nextdoor or Facebook (some towns have a special page for lost pets). Make big, legible signs on neon paper to hang around your area. Include a photo, any distinctive features or behaviors (“scares easily,” “loves cheese”), and your contact info. Consider offering a reward. Alert your microchip service and file lost-pet reports at your local animal-services agency and nearby shelters. If possible, visit the closest shelter daily.

O U R E X P E RT S KAT ALBRECHT, PET DETECTIVE AND FOUNDER OF MISSING ANIMAL RESPONSE NETWORK IN BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON MIKKEL BECKER, LEAD ANIMAL TRAINER AT FEAR FREE PETS IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON HYUNMIN KIM, DVM, VETERINARY STAFF MANAGER FOR COMMUNITY MEDICINE AT ASPCA IN NEW YORK CITY

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C AT T R A C K E R

The lightweight handset and collar tag use radiofrequency technology (like a walkietalkie) to let you know you’re close to your kitty.

TO BUY: Tabcat Pack, $100; tabcat.com.

A RO M AT I C T R E AT S

Wave one of these meaty treats in the air and the scent will help lure your scaredy-cat dog toward you. TO BUY: Stewart ProTreat Beef Liver FreezeDried Dog Treats, $20 for 14 oz.; chewy.com.

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

Practice Prevention

HOW DO YOU SAY,

“ THANKS FOR BEING MY FURRY BFF”?

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ALL NATURAL

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REAL CHICKEN

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

Health

A Happier Way to Eat E X P E R T S S AY T H E P R A C T I C E O F I N T U I T I V E E A T I N G C A N R E PA I R O U R G U I LT - R I D D E N R E L AT I O N S H I P S W I T H F O O D A N D O U R B O D I E S. H E R E ’ S H O W T O B E G I N .

By Sharon Holbrook

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

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W H AT I F W E

told you that you can eat whatever you want and still be healthy? That there are no “good” or “bad” foods? That you never have to feel guilty about enjoying ice cream on a hot summer day or a slice of pie at a family gathering? You might think we were reporting on a new fad diet, but happily, the opposite is true. It was 25 years ago that two nutritionists unveiled a radical approach to food and health called intuitive eating—and it’s now finally being embraced by the mainstream.

“People are tired of feeling at war with their own bodies,” says Evelyn Tribole, RDN, who, with Elyse Resch, RDN, coauthored Intuitive Eating, a 10-principle approach that includes back-toseriously-basic stuff: Pay attention to signals of hunger and fullness, reject diet mentality and food rules, and adopt body-positive behaviors, like exercising and eating food that makes you feel good.

The time is right for this approach to take hold. Only about 20 percent of women feel “very” or “extremely” satisfied with their weight, according to recent research in the journal Body Image. But even as the focus on dieting to be thin has given way to an emphasis on eating “clean” to be healthy, the obesity levels in our country have risen. Restricting food doesn’t seem to be working.

Exercising without changing our diets isn’t effective either. Intuitive eating just might be the answer.

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“There’s been a backlash to all the rules about eating clean, which has created a space for intuitive eating,” says Virginia Sole-Smith, author of The Eating Instinct: Food Culture, Body Image, and Guilt in America.

“It’s less work, you give yourself permission to eat a range of foods, and you free yourself from weightloss expectations.”

How It Works Intuitive eating separates the idea of “healthy weight” from overall health. Research finds that people who engage in four habits—doing regular physical activity, eating at least five fruits and vegetables a day, not smoking, and consuming alcohol moderately—experience

similar mortality rates, regardless of how much they weigh, says Kristen Murray, a registered dietitian in Cleveland, Ohio, who specializes in intuitive eating. Unlike dieting, which tends to be about restricting ourselves and trying to override our bodies’ instincts, intuitive eating is about selfcompassion and trusting our bodies, she says.

“I help people learn how to move away from the external cues telling them what, when, and how much to eat,” she explains, “and get in touch with their internal cues telling them what, when, and how much to eat.”

While it might sound too good to be true—permission to indulge in sugar whenever we feel like it?—there’s evidence that intuitive eating works. As people reject restrictive food rules, they find that junk-food binges lose their rebellious appeal, and that nutritious foods (proteins, whole grains, vegetables) are satisfying and make their bodies feel better.

“More than 100 studies show that intuitive eating offers a multitude of health benefits,” says Tribole.

People who scored high on an Intuitive Eating Scale had higher body and life satisfaction and better coping skills. (People with low scores reported more eating disorder symptoms and less satisfaction with their bodies.) Intuitive eating is also associated with increased optimism, psychological hardiness, and greater motivation to exercise for pleasure, a recent review of 24 studies found. “We tend to think, ‘Health is physical, and it’s about your weight,’ ” says Rebecca Scritchfield, RDN, author of Body Kindness. “But health is really about well-being.”

This approach could not be more natural, but it might take time and patience to fully get the hang of it. Or get the hang of it again. Babies are born knowing to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full—but our culture distorts these cues. “They get drowned out by diet messages and food marketing messages and guilt and relationships and access and so many other reasons,” says Sole-Smith. “I don’t think it’s easy, but I do believe it’s possible to reconnect with your instincts.” The following pillars of intuitive eating offer a few expertbacked ways to begin.

We tend to think, “Health is physical, and it’s about your weight.”

But health is really about well-being.

Be kind to your body.

It can be challenging to treat yourself well (and feel good about doing so) if you’ve long considered your weight to be the first and best measure of your health, says Scritchfield. “Well-being is a blend of physical and mental health, and we’re better off when we don’t use weight as a measure,” she says. It’s normal to doubt that you will ever let go of weight ideals and accept your body. But if you succeed, an afternoon walk becomes about taking a break to clear your head and reboot your energy, rather than about burning a certain number of calories.

TRY THIS: Scritchfield suggests focusing on three aspects of body kindness: love, connection, and care. Love means choosing to love yourself even if you wish your body were different. Connection means being on the same team as your body; like a friend, you pay attention to what your body needs. Care means making choices based on that love and connection. For example, you

can think about exercise in the following way: “I love my body, and while I may feel out of shape, I appreciate that it carries me through each day.” Or “I connect with my body when I hear it tell me that it’s hard to get up from the floor and that exercise might make me stronger, more flexible, and energized.” Or “I care for my body by trying a YouTube yoga flow. Not because I need to whip my body into shape, but because I want to give it what it needs to feel good.” By starting with body kindness, says Scritchfield, you’ll reach a point when you make healthy physical and emotional choices that align with your goals.

Listen to your body’s signals.

The next step is noticing and responding to hunger and feelings of fullness—which are truly at the heart of intuitive eating.

Many of us are used to suppressing our bodies’ messages, and not just about food. We work through lunchtime because we need to get a task done or want to lose weight. We watch yet another show on Netflix, not acknowledging that our bodies and brains are exhausted and it’s time to sleep.

We don’t take a walk after sitting for hours at our desks, because we haven’t stopped to think about how stiff and sluggish we are from a sedentary day.

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First give yourself permission to enjoy a variety of foods without guilt. Let this be your mantra: “There are no good or bad foods. I can eat whatever I want.

If I listen to my body’s signals, I will eat the right foods for me.”

When you have a couple of bites of pie and realize there will always be more pie, you don’t feel the need to eat until you’re stuffed. “One of the most beautiful things I see with people who go through the intuitive eating process is that they don’t crave the thing they once binged on, because now it’s always allowed,” says Stefani Reinold, MD, MPH, a psychiatrist and the host of the podcast It’s Not About the Food.

Second, make meals sensory events. Practice eating with a chef’s mindset, suggests Murray.

“Chefs would be devastated if they spent hours preparing a meal and knew that as you sat down to eat it, you overanalyzed every single calorie and milligram of salt or just scarfed it down—didn’t even savor it,” she says. “Sit down, taste it, and enjoy it.”

Consider adding treats for your other senses: Set out flowers and put on relaxing music, says Scritchfield. Not every meal has to be candlelit, of course. A pit stop for a mediocre burger and fries is just one meal of thousands you’ll eat in your lifetime, so you don’t have to feel bad about it. Mindful, enjoyable eating is a goal, not a guilt trap.

TRY THIS:

Set an alarm for every few hours and check in with your body. Give yourself credit for easy wins, like noticing whether you are warm or cold or need to use the restroom. This is what Tribole and Resch call “cultivating attunement.” When you eat, remove distractions (turn off the TV, put away your phone) so you free up mental space to stay connected to your body, says Anna Lutz, a registered dietitian in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mindful eating— listening, without judgment, to your body’s hunger, fullness, and satisfaction signals—is an important part of the intuitive eating approach. Consider, “Did that last bite of steak taste as good as the first, or am I getting full?” “Would I find this broccoli more satisfying with a little salt or butter, or am I choking it down to check veggies off my list?”

TRY THIS:

Eat joyfully.

Eating is meant to feel good. Food is comforting, it’s communal, and it’s delicious. “Taking unapologetic joy in food, especially in the foods we’ve been socialized to think are bad, is absolutely countercultural, radical—and really freaking fun,” says Sole-Smith. When we freely allow ourselves to eat certain foods, they become more satiating than when we sneak them in during the trip home from work. Eating shouldn’t just be about filling our bellies. Ideally, we should be able to say, “Mmm, I’m satisfied!”

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Take a gentle approach to nutrition.

With intuitive eating, nutrition is important, but don’t think of it as a scolding taskmaster—merely a guide to what will keep your body feeling good. As you grow accustomed to intuitive eating, you can decide whether it’s time for carrots…or carrot cake, says Scritchfield. During a relaxing dinner out with her daughters, she explains, she might savor that piece of cake. But between client appointments during the workday, she might choose energy-boosting carrots and hummus. The key: While there is a nutritional difference to these carrot foods, there is not a moral difference.

To boost nutrition, think about what foods you can add rather than subtract, says Murray.

Increasing your intake of water, fruit, or vegetables is good for your health and doesn’t require banning anything. And feel free to prepare vegetables however you like—yes, even with butter or oil or ranch dressing. Nutrientpacked foods should satisfy the palate too.

TRY THIS:

To take the power (or panic) out of weight fluctuations, stop weighing yourself. Focus on more meaningful measures of health. For example, do you feel more energetic? Are you having fewer uncontrollable cravings?

“I encourage people to try intuitive eating for three months just to get acquainted with it,” says Murray. “It can definitely take a year to feel truly comfortable practicing it. It is very hard to move from the dieting mindset to the intuitive eating mindset.”

Be kind to yourself, no matter how long it takes. As Scritchfield puts it, “how much time do you think you’re worth?”

TRY THIS:

Be patient with yourself.

Don’t expect to drop all your food and weight baggage right away; the timing is different for everyone who explores intuitive eating.

Many people fear that without food rules, they’ll immediately gain weight. And you might, if you were seriously restrictive before, says Reinold—but you may lose weight if you habitually kept eating after you were full. Either way, it’s OK: Weight fluctuates, and pregnancies, age, and menopause will affect your body as well.

“Acknowledging that can be uncomfortable at first,” says Reinold.

“But the result is freedom.”

THE SKEP TIC’S GUIDE TO I N T U I T I V E E AT I N G

Q

Will intuitive eating really help me think about food less? It sounds like I’d need to think about food and eating more to listen to my body.

It may seem like that at first, but learning to eat intuitively means devoting more thought to your body and less to food. The real shift is moving away from external cues (weight, looks, dietary restrictions) and toward internal cues (hunger, fullness, satisfaction, emotion, energy). It’s about transitioning from an attitude of negativity and restriction to one of kindness and care for your body.

A

Q

If I’m supposed to eat only when I’m hungry, how can I stick to my work hours or regular family meals?

Rational thought is part of intuitive eating. If you’re hungry at 5 and dinner isn’t until 7, you could have a snack to take the edge off or just eat dinner earlier. The choice depends on your thoughts and values. Similarly, if you know you’ll be starving after a two-hour midday work meeting, have a bigger breakfast, eat lunch earlier, or bring a snack to avoid becoming ravenous.

A

Q A

Is intuitive eating for kids too? I worry they’d just eat snacks all day.

Intuitive eating dietitians often suggest parents be responsible for the “what,” “when,” and “where” of eating (for example, when it’s time to eat dinner and what is served).

Kids can be responsible for the “which” and “how much” (which part of their lunch to eat first, how much to leave on their plate).

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F E B RUA RY

Prep for a smoother tax season.

JA N UA RY

Tackle high-interest debt.

Paying interest is like forking over money for nothing, so your first job is to get a handle on loan repayments. For each of your debts, jot down the interest rate, the minimum monthly payment, and how much you owe, says Shannon McLay, founder and CEO of the Financial Gym in New York City. Then try what’s known as the avalanche method: Pay the minimum on all your debts each month and put any extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate. If you get a windfall— like a bonus or a tax refund—put it toward that top debt as well. Once you pay it off, move to the loan with the second-highest interest rate, and so on.

Prevent a last-minute document dive when filing your taxes. This month, as tax documents come in (via email or snail mail), store them in a folder along with your receipts for deductible expenses, says Lisa Greene-Lewis, CPA, a tax expert for TurboTax. Think about the previous year: Did you have any big life moments—you bought a house, say—that might affect what you’ll owe? Make note of them. And as basic as it sounds, triple-check all personal information that you’ll put on your tax forms or give to your accountant. One of the most common filing errors taxpayers make is entering incorrect Social Security numbers for their spouses or children— and these numbers are critical for receiving valuable tax benefits.

M A RC H

Build emergency savings.

You don’t want to go to bed worried that a blown-out water heater could be your undoing. Yet a recent Bankrate survey found that only about 40 percent of Americans would be able to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense.

“The point of money is to feel secure,” says Suze Orman, host of the podcast Women & Money. “The goal is to have eight months’ worth of living expenses in savings.” You can pace yourself, of course—Orman advises socking the money away over 12 to 64 months.

“Stick to a plan that gets you to save a little more than what feels easy,” she says. Set up automatic deposits—right out of your paycheck—to an interest-yielding account.

Name the account something like Save Yourself: Experts say personalizing an account with a name that calls out its purpose can motivate you to keep saving.

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APRIL

Tidy up financial documents.

Sure, disorganization can cost you time. But it can also cost you money, if you have to replace an original document, like the title to your car. Gather important papers and sort them by type and date, says Julie Morgenstern, author of Organizing from the Inside Out. Store them in a document box near where you pay your bills: “It’s easier to find and file information as you use it,” she notes.

Also think about the information you’re constantly looking for, she says. Scan the relevant documents and save them in a digital file— then stand in awe of yourself when you find your most recent W-2 with a few swipes of your phone rather than the usual ransacking of your home.

M AY

J U LY

Check your credit report.

JUNE

Earn more on your savings.

You’d never stockpile cash under a mattress. Stashing money in an account that barely earns interest isn’t much better. Nevertheless, nearly half of women surveyed in a recent Fidelity study said they keep $20,000 or more in a lowinterest account. Let this be the month you calculate what your savings account yields every year.

Look into low-fee, high-interest accounts offered by online banks; many have rates around 2 percent.

It’s easier to secure a loan for a big-ticket item, like a car or house, when you have good credit. Go to annualcreditreport.com and order a free report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. “Rather than getting them all at once, request one report from a different bureau every four months to keep tabs on things throughout the year,” says McLay. Read your payment history carefully to make sure it’s correct—and report any activity you don’t recognize. If you notice recurring suspicious activity, you might want to freeze your credit.

And keep in mind that child identify theft can go undetected for years. To help prevent it, consider freezing your kids’ credit.

Maximize your investments.

With tax stress out of the way— and possibly even a little refund money to play with—give some thought to your retirement account. Aim to contribute 15 percent of your income (take advantage of employer matching, if your company offers it). Make sure the investment mix still suits your long-term goals. “Your 401(k) plan likely has an online tool that can help you realign your balances in a way that’s right for you, based on your age and when you plan to retire,” says Katie Taylor, vice president of thought leadership at Fidelity Investments.

AU G U S T

Save on school costs.

Your child doesn’t need a raft of new school supplies when you have a junk drawer full of pencils, pens, and notebooks. Be resourceful and reuse, says Kelsey Sheehy, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. She also suggests teaming up with other parents to buy supplies in bulk. If you go back-to-school shopping online, try a browser extension like Honey, which automatically applies the latest coupons or promo codes. And if your kid is applying to college—deep breaths!—gather the paperwork you need for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid now so you’re ready when the application becomes available October 1. Aim to submit the FAFSA by November 1, since need-based aid is first come, first served.

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O CTOBER

Snip bills and subscriptions.

SEPTEMBER

Prioritize advanceplanning documents.

Not to be doom and gloom, but you need a will and other end-oflife documents. “People don’t like thinking about death,” says Orman, who developed the MustHave Documents program ($63; suzeorman.com/realsimple) with her estate attorney. “Everyone assumes they only need a will, but that just says where your assets will go when you die,” she points out. You also need a revocable trust with an incapacity clause (which appoints someone to handle certain assets for you if you’re unable); an advance directive (which states what medical care you want in an emergency); a durable power of attorney for health care (which names a trusted person to make medical decisions for you); and a durable financial power of attorney (which names someone to make financial decisions for you). Once you have these documents in place, hold a family meeting to inform loved ones of your plans.

Every month, we’ll offer even more advice to help you get these tasks done. Check out realsimple.com/bestyear.

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You have a Spotify account and so does your husband…and so does your kid. Get rid of redundancies and recurring payments and it’s like finding free money. Print out a few months of bank statements and highlight your regular payments, or use an app like Clarity Money, which breaks down spending. You can also try bargaining with your providers, says McLay: For cable, cellphone, and internet service, look into the introductory plans competitors offer and ask your provider to match the lowest one. Or download the Trim app, which negotiates lower rates with providers on your behalf. (It’s free to use, but you’ll split the savings with Trim.)

Get rid of redundancies and recurring payments and it’s like finding free money.

N OV E M B E R

Reduce health costs.

Create a binder for your medical forms, or go virtual with Apple’s Health app, which has a Health Records feature. This might help you avoid costly diagnostic testing, since many diagnoses can be made based just on your medical history, says Carolyn McClanahan, a doctor turned financial adviser. Save money at the pharmacy too: Ask how much a drug would cost if you paid without going through insurance and you may get a lower price, says McClanahan. Download GoodRx, a free app that compares drug costs and offers scannable coupons. And remember to use up flexible spending account funds, which usually expire on December 31. Not sure what’s covered? Go to fsastore.com for eligible products.

DECEMBER

Have a money conversation.

Death. Politics. Religion. Forty-four percent of Americans find it easier to talk about these subjects than to discuss their finances, according to a 2014 Wells Fargo survey.

Break the taboo by holding a quick weekly check-in with your partner, says Cameron Huddleston, a personal finance journalist. Discuss what you value most—that can help you get on the same page and create shared financial goals, says Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, a wealth psychology expert and host of the podcast Breaking Money Silence. Then look at your spending over the past month or two and see if it aligns with your values. For example, if quality family time is important to you but most of your extra money goes toward material items, you may want to reevaluate your budget.

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How to Jump Back into Work After a Leave W H E T H E R Y O U T O O K T I M E T O H A V E A B A B Y O R C A R E F O R A PA R E N T, THE TR ANSITION C AN BE STRESSFUL. HERE’S HOW TO E A SE IN.

By Maggie Puniewska

Illustration by Andrea Mongia

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feat to return to the office after an extended absence.

Think of how much time you need to get back in the groove after a three-day weekend—now multiply that by...a lot! During your leave, you were likely figuring out a new role, like parent or caregiver, and it’s possible things have changed in the office too. You might have new colleagues, a different boss, an additional set of responsibilities—possibly even a work space that looks more like a coffee shop than any office you’ve worked in. Navigating all these adjustments can create a lot of uncertainty; even seasoned employees can feel like the new kid. No matter why you left or where you left off, here’s what you can do to return with confidence.

IT’S NO EASY

Check in before you return.

A week or two in advance, if your company allows it, call or meet with your supervisor and any coworkers who covered for you. What changed while you were away? What is your boss’s vision of your role now? “Setting clear expectations about your priorities for the first day, week, and month back can ease the pressure of thinking you need to tackle everything you missed right away,” says Jenna Hess, a career coach in Chicago.

Alert your boss to any non-workrelated responsibilities you’ll have (like pumping or taking an ailing parent to doctor’s appointments) and ask how best to handle them.

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Let your partner, kids, and new caregivers pitch in.

Remember you don’t have to do it all yourself.

Work out a new routine—early.

Prep for questions about your absence.

Coworkers might be curious about your time off. If you were on family or medical leave, consider what you’re comfortable sharing so you’re not caught off guard by questions, says Hess. Practice a polite and concise response, such as a friendly “Thank you so much for asking, but I’m just not ready to talk about that right now.” Fill in closer work friends during coffee breaks to minimize deskside check-ins those first few days, and ask for their discretion around other colleagues.

If you’re reentering the workforce after years away, don’t feel pressured to overexplain—whether you are interviewing or have landed the job.

Just say you were gone for x number of years to do y, then pivot to what you’ve done to prepare yourself and how your previous experience relates to the new role, says Jennifer Gefsky, cofounder of Après, a company that helps women return to the workforce, and coauthor of Your Turn: Careers, Kids, and Comebacks.

A few weeks before your restart date, get the family together to discuss how things will change for them and for you, says Hess. Tell everyone your work hours, the best times to reach you, the best way to get in touch (text or call or email?), and how you prefer to handle both nonurgent and emergency situations. “Let your partner, kids, and new caregivers pitch in.

Remember you don’t have to do it all yourself,” says Henna Pryor, an executive coach in Philadelphia.

Ideally, your first day back won’t be the first time your elderly parent stays with an aide or your kid goes to daycare. Book good, reliable caregivers as early as possible and do a few trial runs. Practice getting ready, commuting, and leaving the house for longer stretches. (It’s the perfect excuse to meet a friend or squeeze in an exercise class.) Follow up with family and caregivers after the first week of the new routine, and then a month later, to see how everyone—including you— is doing.

Brush up on news and technology.

Things can change around the office in just a few weeks—new rules or regulations might kick in, the software you’ve mastered might be phased out. Build confidence by getting up-to-date on industry news and trends, says Pryor. Check out your company’s website, professional

organizations, and trade journals for the latest info. Find out about office tech too: New employees should review any tools they’ll regularly use; returnees can ask about changes to the ones they’re familiar with.

Online tutorials or a close coworker can bring you up to speed.

Make it a short week.

Try to return on a Wednesday or Thursday. Working only a few days (with the promise of a weekend) feels less daunting than committing to a five-day stretch. “Midweek is typically slower, so colleagues may be able to

carve out more time to answer questions,” says Regan Walsh, an executive coach in Columbus, Ohio.

Avoid scheduling big meetings or presentations your first few days back.

An important event can mean more things to prep for, and the transition to work already puts a lot on your plate.

Stick to a flex-time schedule.

schedule is. When Dana Hundley, cofounder of Career Cooperative, a career consulting firm based in Oakland, California, returned from maternity leave, she clocked out at 3 p.m. every day. At 2 p.m., she would check in with colleagues, remind them she was leaving soon, and ask if she needed to address anything urgent. “I didn’t make any exceptions to this rule,” she says. “This helped everyone adjust to the new schedule more quickly than they might have if it was sporadic.”

Returning employees may be able to work part-time or remotely their first few weeks or months back. If that’s you, set clear boundaries with your team so they know what your

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Ahhh...

Try this simple breathing technique for a pick-me-up when you feel your energy is low. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth three times.

As you do so, tap your sternum with your fingers. Next, rub the sides of your rib cage vigorously with your palms for three more deep breaths.

Rest and notice how you feel different, like the flow of energy has opened throughout your body and mind.

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Photographs by TROY COVEY

Makeup by MOANI LEE

H A I R B Y D A N A B OY E R F O R R + C O . AT A R T D E PA R T M E N T; M A N I C U R E B Y G I N A E D W A R D S U S I N G D E B O R A H L I P P M A N AT S E E M A N A G E M E N T. T H I S PA G E : C A S H M E R E Z I P - U P H O O D I E , $ 3 9 5 ; T H E O R Y. C O M . S A M I R A H U G G I E S , $ 2 6 5 ; J E N N I F E R F I S H E R J E W E L R Y. C O M . O P P O S I T E PA G E : B L O U S E K 0 2 1 , $ 4 8 ; O A K A N D F O R T. C O M . T H E C A S H M E R E C R E W, $ 1 0 0 ; E V E R L A N E . C O M . C I R C L E E A R R I N G S W I T H D I A M O N D B A R , $ 4 8 0 ; A U R AT E N E W YO R K . C O M

better textures, and bonus skin-care ingredients— by LISA D e SANTIS

PROBLEM (left)

hyperpigmentation SOLUTION

orange correcting stick + medium-coverage liquid foundation “The color corrector, applied as a spot treatment, helps counteract hyperpigmentation,” explains celebrity makeup artist Moani Lee. “I feel like a more vibrant version of myself!” said Denise, 51. TRY: E.L.F. Cosmetics Color Correcting Stick in Deep, $4; elfcosmetics.com. Lorac Pro Soft Focus Longwear Foundation in 23 Deep, $38; lorac.com.

PROBLEM

fine lines SOLUTION

primer + liquid foundation Since powder tended to settle into Jo’s crow’s-feet, Lee swapped it for a primer, applied around the outer corners of the eyes. She paired it with a natural-finish liquid foundation.

Jo, 43, said, “My makeup looks much better with minimal foundation, just on the areas that need it.” TRY: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing, $37; sephora.com. Tarte Foundcealer in 29H Light Medium Honey, $39; tarte.com.

acne scarring SOLUTION

orange correcting stick + high-coverage balm Lee pressed corrector into Ashley’s scar depressions with a precision-tip brush. Next, she used a damp sponge to build layers of the balm. Ashley, 31, said, “This experience made me more knowledgeable and confident!” TRY: IT Cosmetics Airbrush Ultra-Fine Liner Brush #130, $12; ulta.com. Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm in Deep FB 13, $52; sephora.com.

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F O R M U L A C H E AT S H E E T S K I N T I N T: An ultra-sheer version that brightens, evens out tone, and delivers

dewy coverage. B B C R E A M : A multitasker containing skin-care ingredients (like SPF) and offering sheer to medium coverage. C C C R E A M : A bit heavier than BB, it also color corrects. M O U S S E : A rich, whipped formula with a matte finish, this is great for aging skin. L I Q U I D : Smooth, so it glides on easily, and gives medium to high coverage. B A L M : Moisturizes dry or mature skin and provides max coverage.

S T I C K: Portable and high-coverage. The low-oil formulas are ideal for acne-prone skin. P O W D E R : Best for touch-ups, it absorbs oil for an airbrushed finish.

T H I S PA G E : R A G P O E T S A J A S W E AT E R , $ 8 9 ; E V E R E V E . C O M . TA N E R B A R C H A I N E A R R I N G S , $ 5 5 ; G O R J A N A . C O M F O R S I M I L A R . O P P O S I T E PA G E : C U D D L E W E AT H E R T U R T L E N E C K S W E AT E R , $ 6 4 ; L U L U S . C O M

PROBLEM

PROBLEM

makeup feels too masklike SOLUTION

concealer as foundation Instead of applying foundation all over Meaghan’s face, Lee dabbed just concealer onto key areas, like under the eyes.

She used her fingertips for the most natural-looking application. “Finding a formula that reflects my commitment to clean ingredients was such a surprise! I love how light it feels and how natural it looks,” said Meaghan, 46.

TRY: Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer in Lotus SC 2.5, $30; iliabeauty.com.

PROBLEM

redness SOLUTION

green primer + long-wear liquid foundation Because of her red cheeks and broken capillaries, Andrea, 38, feels naked without foundation— but her makeup has always faded by midday. Lee used a very small amount of green-tinted primer to neutralize redness, then applied a long-lasting liquid foundation. TRY: Indeed Labs Nanoblur Colour Corrector in Green, $17; ulta.com. Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation in 340 Oak, $47; shiseido.com.

T H I S PA G E : M A R L A W Y N N E P O P O V E R S W E AT E R , $ 7 2 . 5 0 ; H S N . C O M . B A S I C C O I N N E C K L A C E , $ 1 5 4 ; A S T R I D A N D M I Y U . C O M . O S I R I S E A R R I N G S , $ 1 1 0 ; U N O D E 5 0 . C O M . O P P O S I T E PA G E : B A S K E T W E AV E P U L L O V E R , $ 3 5 0 ; R E B E C C ATAY L O R . C O M

PROBLEM

dryness & a skin cancer scar SOLUTION

SPF + moisturizing liquid foundation Lee smoothed a sheer but high-SPF sunscreen onto Annie’s face, then added a lightweight foundation to disguise redness around her nose and hide her basal cell scar. “It was valuable to learn I could show off my freckles,” said Annie, 38. TRY: Anthelios 50 Mineral Gentle Lotion Sunscreen with Cell-Ox Shield, $30; laroche-posay.us.

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Moisture Glow Anti-Pollution Foundation in 320 Tawny, $11; revlon.com.

A N I N G R E D I E N T F O R E V E RY C H A L L E N G E

If you want to...

C L E A R Z I T S : Look for salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and/or sulfur. M I N I M I Z E A P P E A R A N C E O F P O R E S : Look for kaolin clay. S M O OT H L I N E S : Look for glycerin, avocado oil,

babassu oil, and/or hyaluronic acid. B R I G H T E N : Look for vitamin C, goji berry, and/or daisy flower. S O OT H E R E D N E S S : Look for jojoba oil and/or centella asiatica.

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LOVING SPO ONFUL S

by SAR AH K ARNASIEWICZ photographs by C AITLIN BENSEL

I t ’s j u s t t h e c o m f o r t you want on cold nights—a hot bowl of hearty soup loaded with irresistible flavors.

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A drizzle of olive oil and a dash of pepper turn yogurt into a luscious dip that goes per fectly with crispy pita and creamy soup.

Red Lentil

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heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in up to 3 cups water if soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper. sprinkle cheese in an even layer in a medium nonstick skillet to form a large round. Cook, without stirring, over medium, until melted and browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool in skillet for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool briefly; break into pieces.

MEANWHILE,

WHOLE-GRAIN MINESTRONE WITH PA R M E S A N C R I S P S ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 6

kale into soup and cook until just wilted, about 5 minutes. Garnish each serving with Parmesan crisps and drizzle with pesto, if using.

STIR

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until tender and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add ginger, harissa, spices, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

ADD

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 qt. vegetable broth 1 28-oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed 1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes, undrained, coarsely crushed 1 cup farro

RED LENTIL SQUA SH SOUP WITH LEMON ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 6

1 fresh rosemary sprig

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY R I S H O N H A N N E R S ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY SA R A H E L I Z A B E T H C L E V E L A N D

¾ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 oz. baby kale (about 2 cups)

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Store-bought pesto, for serving (optional)

2 tsp. finely chopped ginger (from a 1-in. piece)

HEAT

broth, squash, lentils, and carrots; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in 2 batches, transfer mixture to a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid to allow steam to escape. Secure lid on blender and place a clean towel over lid.

Process until smooth, about 1 minute. (You can also use an immersion blender.) Return soup to pot and stir in lemon juice. each serving with oil and top with almonds and parsley. Serve with toasted pita and yogurt for dipping.

DRIZZLE

2 tsp. harissa oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomato paste has darkened and vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in broth, beans, tomatoes with juices, farro, and rosemary; bring to a boil. Reduce HEAT

1 tsp. ground coriander 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. ground turmeric 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 qt. vegetable broth 2 cups cubed butternut squash 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils 3 medium carrots, chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) Chopped roasted almonds and chopped parsley, for serving Toasted pita and plain yogurt, for serving

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pork, eggs, pepper, half the sliced scallions, half the ginger, 1½ tablespoons soy sauce, and 1½ tablespoons sesame oil in a medium bowl. Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Heat canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high.

Working in 2 batches, cook meatballs, turning often, until browned and almost cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate; set aside.

STIR

G I N G E R M E AT B A L L RAMEN WITH GREENS AND SCALLIONS ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 6

remaining 1½ tablespoons sesame oil in pot over medium. Add remaining sliced scallions and ginger.

Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, 4 cups water, mirin, and remaining 1½ tablespoons soy sauce; bring to a simmer.

HEAT

1½ lb. ground pork 2 large eggs ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 4 scallions, thinly sliced, divided, plus more for serving 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 3-in. piece), divided 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, divided 3 Tbsp. sesame oil, divided 2 Tbsp. canola oil 1 qt. vegetable broth 2 Tbsp. mirin ¼ cup white miso

a ladleful of warm broth with miso in a small bowl until smooth; stir into soup. Add noodles and meatballs and bring to a simmer. Cook until noodles are just tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add bok choy and simmer until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Top each serving with nori and scallions.

WHISK

4 3-oz. pkg. instant ramen noodles or 3 (10-oz.) pkg. fresh ramen noodles

RED CABBAGE AND BEET BORSCHT ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 6

1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4 medium beets, peeled and diced 1 small head red cabbage, cut into 1/2-in. pieces 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 parsnips, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, divided 6 cups low-sodium beef broth

6 heads baby bok choy, trimmed and halved

1½ tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Nori, cut into strips, for serving

Sour cream and fresh dill, for serving Buttered rye bread, for serving

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HEAT oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add caraway seeds and cook, stirring often, until they sizzle and pop, about 1 minute.

Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 12 minutes.

broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until beets are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and dill. Serve with buttered rye bread.

ADD

Cabbage and Bee d e t B R or sc

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No need to pick up your knife to make this dill garnish—just tear a few fronds by hand.

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To p r e p t h e c l a m s , soak them in cold water for 20 m i n u te s , then use a scrub brush to remove any grit on the shells.

COD AND CLAM CHOWDER WITH SMOKY OYSTER CR ACKER S

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ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 6

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CRACKERS

Lime

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika 2 cups oyster crackers CHOWDER

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced 1 1-lb. fennel bulb, cored and finely chopped 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth 24 oz. bottled clam juice 12 oz. red potatoes, diced 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1¼ lb. cod fillets, cut into 3-in. pieces 14 littleneck clams, scrubbed

PERUVIAN-ST YLE CHICKEN SOUP WITH CIL ANTRO AND LIME

1¼ cups heavy cream 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives the crackers: Preheat oven to 275°F. Whisk butter, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl. Add crackers; toss well.

Spread in an even layer on a parchmentlined baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 18 minutes. Let cool on sheet.

MAKE

make the soup: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over mediumhigh. Add leeks, fennel, onion, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 8 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring to loosen browned bits, for 2 minutes. Add clam juice, potatoes, and thyme; bring to a boil.

MEANWHILE,

heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in cod and clams. Cover and cook until fish is opaque and clams have opened, 4 to 5 minutes (discard any clams that do not open). Stir in cream. Top each serving with chives and crackers.

REDUCE

cilantro, scallions, lime juice, garlic, and 2 tablespoons oil in a blender until smooth, about 45 seconds. Set aside.

PUREE

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 6

1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves 3 scallions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes) 2 cloves garlic 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 red or orange bell pepper, chopped 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper 1 1/2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 1 1/2 qt. chicken broth

remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over mediumhigh. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent and bell pepper begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Stir in cumin and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

HEAT

chicken, broth, potatoes, carrots, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Skim off and discard any foam from soup.

ADD

chicken to a cutting board.

Discard skin and use 2 forks to shred meat off bones (discard bones).

Return chicken to pot and add peas.

Cook over medium-low until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cilantro puree. Serve with tortilla chips.

TRANSFER

12 baby Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1½ lb.), halved 3 medium carrots, finely chopped 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 1/4 cups frozen green peas Tortilla chips, for serving

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adventures in organizing She thought she had her closets under control—until a professional showed her how it’s really done.

by Anne T. Donahue Illustrations by Anne Bentley

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it’s not that i’m more organized than everybody I know. It’s that I like to think of myself as the most organized person on the planet.

I like arranging, rearranging, and getting rid of anything I’m not completely obsessed with. And if we’re close enough, I’ll come over to your place to do the same. Tidying is my love language: If I care about you, I’ll show you the best way to fold a sweater.

But given the way my closets look, I might care about myself a little too much. I display my sweaters as though I still worked in retail, my dresses are hung according to color, and my shoes live in their original boxes—arranged by season, shade, and frequency of wear. Organizing has become my express route to feeling productive and in control.

So when Real Simple asked if professional organizer Lisa Zaslow could lend her expertise to my already organized apartment, I said yes—mainly because I was convinced that Lisa would end up learning from me, and that this would somehow turn into a piece about how perfect I was and how, while hugging and crying, Lisa and I decided to start our own business.

Alas, here’s how it actually went down.

N A M E YO U R G OA L S

Lisa and I don’t live in the same city (she’s in New York; I’m outside Toronto), but that didn’t hinder us. I shared photos of my apartment, we exchanged emails, and we had a number of phone calls that eventually forced me to answer the question “Anne, why is there a pile of folded sweatshirts on the closet floor?” (Because...I don’t know?!)

But before we even got started, I had to fill out three worksheets for her. All were simple and straightforward. Lisa asks questions to help you pinpoint the challenges of your space (what is disorganization

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costing you in time or money?) and articulate your more emotional goals (what mood do you want to create?). Upon such introspection, even I had to acknowledge the drawbacks of my closet organization system. It wasted space, stripped away personality, and made me feel stuck.

BE RE ALISTIC AB OUT THE APPROACH

Storage space is limited in my apartment, so I’d been keeping my miniature Christmas tree on the floor of my bedroom closet. Boxes of ornaments, two snow globes, and a light-up ceramic figurine were on the shelf above my clothes. Ideal? Absolutely not. But storing these things anywhere else felt like a hassle.

If I put them in the hall closet, I’d have to transfer my purses, hats, gloves, and lint roller to my bedroom. And what if I didn’t like them there? (Moving items onto a shelf seemed oddly permanent—don’t ask me why.) Feeling overwhelmed is evidently normal when you reorganize: Your belongings trigger an avalanche of emotions, Lisa told me. Fortunately, professional organizers like her don’t have that connection to other people’s stuff. For them, it’s all logic.

So I took Lisa’s suggestion to swap Christmas with purses and found more space in the process.

H AT C H A N A C T I O N P L A N

That swap was only one of Lisa’s many suggestions for making my space more functional. She asked if I’d be willing to take the robe I regularly slung over a mirror and relocate it to my closet door. (I was!)

She recommended I purge my perfumes and keep my folded sweatshirts on that shelf instead. (Admittedly, it didn’t make sense to have perfumes sitting so high up that I regularly forgot to use them.)

Generally, Lisa suggests nurturing positive vibes in your space. When she spotted the Nobody Cares sign hanging in my bedroom, she said, “It can’t be good to

see that every day.” But then I sprang to its defense— a friend made it for me because it’s the title of my memoir. Lisa and I both started laughing, and then we agreed: It absolutely must stay. Despite the words, the item held positive associations. (Plus, I argued, couldn’t it be seen as a liberating message?)

Lisa emailed me a detailed action plan, noting I should reach out if I started to worry about shaking up my routine. “I don’t want to say it’s a marathon, because that sounds daunting, but it’s not a sprint,” she warned. The trick is breaking the process down into steps: Identify your concerns, then find the tools that make sense for you. Shoe racks; clear, drop-front shoe boxes; and shelf dividers can clean up a front closet. Lidded boxes keep dust out of seasonal gear.

Swing-arm pant hangers are perfect for scarves.

Closet rod dividers can separate your outerwear (or any-wear) by style and season.

I plucked the floral robe off the standing mirror and placed it on the hook on my closet door, certain I wouldn’t notice a difference. But I did! Suddenly my room felt brighter and more aesthetically intentional. I liked being in it. Quietly accepting that I didn’t have it all figured out, I wanted to see what effect her other suggestions would have.

All of which was part of Lisa’s plan. Start small, with an area you see daily, so you earn a quick win and feel motivated to keep going. Embrace that feeling and come up with a few positive mantras: “I can do this,” “A little bit at a time,” “Fifteen minutes a day.”

C AT E G O R I Z E YO U R C LU T T E R

Anyone who’s seen TV shows about organizing knows that most people complain about visual clutter. “It could be papers, it could be a crammed closet,” Lisa says. That’s the stuff her clients confront first. Then it’s time to face the other type—the emotional clutter— which may have led to the problem in the first place.

Working with Lisa made me realize I’d been a hyperorganizer since I was little. I grew up in a tiny bungalow with my parents. Almost monthly, my mom and I would go through my toys and decide what to keep and what to donate. Whenever I won back enough shelf space to display a favorite Troll or Barbie, I felt like I’d achieved something—and I’d also

I began using organizing to wield power over the parts of my life that made me feel powerless. earn a little extra allowance money for my efforts.

Organization was ultimately my shortcut to freedom: I’d be rewarded for parting with things I didn’t use, and I’d be in charge of my little world as I did so.

Everything in my room had a purpose, and I could donate the stuff that reminded me of anything I’d outgrown. My emotional clutter was the belief that the joy I got from purging my room as a kid could be replicated as an adult.

My parents never insisted I get rid of things I really liked or wanted to keep. But the older I got, the more I began using organizing to wield power over the parts of my life that made me feel powerless. And in my (admittedly warped) way of thinking, I believed banishing something meant I’d “won” my imaginary battle with it. I micromanaged my living space affectionately, but it made me less likely to ask for help.

COMMIT TO THE SYSTEM

Living in an entirely new arrangement hasn’t been too difficult—thanks to my previous obsessive organizing behavior. But that doesn’t mean I won’t backslide. This week, pressed for time and stressed about work, I want desperately to sort through my belongings and send anything I possibly can to the thrift store. That routine is comforting and familiar. Then I remember what Lisa told me: This is a process, and setbacks will happen. But I now have the tools, ability, and information to get myself back on track.

I still like to organize, but maybe I don’t always have to be so ruthless. Because—contrary to what I initially thought—I don’t know everything. (And no, Lisa hasn’t reached out about starting a new business.) It turns out that letting somebody into your space every once in a while means you’ll learn something about who you are and why that is. Also, everybody needs help sometimes. Even one of the most organized people on the planet.

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the giving is good (and easy)

BY LE SLIE GOLDMAN

which things get a second act?

When sorting through clothes to give away, ask yourself, “Would I feel proud to wear this?” If the answer is no, then “we most likely wouldn’t give it to one of our guests,” says Jill Ghassemi, client apparel specialist with the Bowery Mission in New York City.

“We want to dignify people struggling with homelessness, so think of donating as more than just a way to make room in your closet.”

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Ghassemi says overnight guests at her shelter often want “flexible clothing”— leggings, sweatpants, and T-shirts. Layering tanks are also sought after, since they can be worn as undergarments. Cardigans and blazers can help people in job-training programs dress up more casual pieces.

Also in demand: kids’ seasonal (and quickly outgrown) items, like winter coats and snowboots,

says Bernard Cherkasov, Chicago-based chief operating officer of Cradles to Crayons, which provides children’s items and clothing to families in need.

After surveying your closets, consider where to send your castoffs. Read on to figure out how to give your stuff a second act.

If you’d rather not show up at the thrift store with a minivan of stuff, consider a resource that lets you resell or barter from home.

what and where to donate GENERAL GOODS If you’re tempted to throw your stuff into one of those curbside donation bins, be aware they often benefit for-profit groups, not charities. Look for a recognizable logo or organization name, says Ashley Post, spokesperson for Charity Navigator. If you can’t find one, check for contact details or a website where you can get more info.

(Keep in mind that if you go the bin route, you won’t get a receipt for tax-deduction purposes.) Donating directly to Goodwill might be a better bet (goodwill.org/ locator). The revenue from Goodwill retail stores helps various people, including those with disabilities and limited work histories.

Plus, the stores themselves create jobs.

BUSINESS CLOTHES If your suits have been gathering dust since your long-ago job interview, put them to good use with Dress for Success (dressforsuccess.org) or Career Gear (careergear .org). These organizations provide clothes and career training to women and men.

STUFFED ANIMALS A N D TOYS Some communities organize stuffed-animal collection drives for first responders to give to kids after fires or other traumas. Animal shelters may be able to use them to comfort pets awaiting adoption (call your local shelter first to make sure it accepts them).

If you’ve got games or toys to give away, don’t donate if they’re missing pieces.

Crossroadstrading.com: They’ll send you a prepaid label and bag to mail in your on-trend clothing, accessories, and shoes.

where to sell or trade

Freecycle.org: This free message board helps folks offload items to neighbors and locals so usable products stay out of landfills.

Mercari: Sell clothing, toys, electronics, and even beauty products on this app. (You get charged a 10 percent selling fee.)

W I N T E R C OAT S No need to trash that coat just because it could use a little TLC. Small repairs— replacing missing buttons, patching a small hole—or a quick trip to the dry cleaner can give a garment new life.

Burlington, a nationwide retailer, collects new and gently used coats every winter and offers a discount on your purchase in return.

If you’re feeling ambitious, organize your own coat drive. The nonprofit One Warm Coat (onewarmcoat .org) will help you plan it, promote it, and pull it off.

have them come to you Enter your zip code at donationtown.org and you’ll get a list of local organizations happy to pick up your clothing, toys, and household goods.

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Earn 4% cash back on dining & entertainment So go crazy with the toppings at the ice cream bar or go wild at the water park. With the Capital One® Savor® card, when you go out, you cash in.

Terms apply and credit approval required. Offered by Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. © 2019 Capital One.

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

N E W YE A R , N E W CO O K This year, you’d love to try new things—and you don’t have to look very far for opportunities.

Every day, every meal, offers a chance to add something to the mix. Break out of a weeknightdinner rut with Greek-style sandwiches (page 120) or a salami-topped pizza (page 121) that, as a bonus, helps fulfill that “order less takeout” resolution.

Make the switch to a plantbased milk (page 127), or simply improve on the old standby of hanging out with friends, watching the game, and eating chips with a healthier—but just as tasty—artichoke dip (page 126).

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 1

Greek Meatball Pitas with Feta ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Family Friendly

1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint, divided 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 small red onion 1 1/2 lb. ground lamb 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp. ground cumin Cooking spray, for grill pan 4 6-in. pitas, warmed 1 Persian cucumber, sliced

120 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

1 tomato, sliced 2 oz. feta cheese, broken into pieces 2 Tbsp. olive oil yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon mint, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; set aside.

STIR

onion in half lengthwise. Finely chop 1 onion half and thinly slice remaining onion half; set aside.

CUT

a large grill pan over mediumhigh. Mix lamb, finely chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and remaining 2 tablespoons mint and 1 teaspoon HEAT

salt in a large bowl until well combined. Form into 20 small, oblong meatballs. Coat grill pan with cooking spray. Cook meatballs until browned and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 160°F, 7 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through. yogurt mixture on warm pitas. Top with meatballs, thinly sliced onion, cucumber, tomato, and cheese. Drizzle with oil.

SPREAD

PER SERVING: 649 CALORIES, 35G FAT (13G SAT.), 129MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 40G PRO., 41G CARB., 1,102MG SOD., 4G SUGAR

Easy Dinner 2

Honey-Drizzled Soppressata Pizza ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

3 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup) 3 oz. fontina cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup) 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 oz. thinly sliced soppressata, torn into large pieces 1 cup baby arugula 1 tsp. honey Crushed red pepper, for serving oven to 450°F with rack in lowest position. Mix mozzarella and fontina in a bowl; set aside. Coat a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon oil.

PREHEAT

dough gently into a 12-inch circle and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and spread with sauce, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Season with salt. Spread half of the cheese mixture over sauce. Top with soppressata and remaining cheese mixture.

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

STRETCH

until cheese is melted and crust is puffed and browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Top with arugula, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.

BAKE

PER SERVING: 526 CALORIES, 20G FAT (9G SAT.), 48MG CHOL., 2G FIBER, 25G PRO., 54G CARB., 1,339MG SOD., 5G SUGAR (1G ADDED SUGAR)

Recipes by Marianne Williams Photographs by Caitlin Bensel

Easy Dinner 3

Barley Risotto and Purple Slaw ACTIVE TIME 45 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Vegetarian ✓ Family Friendly

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 8 cups vegetable broth 1 1/2 cups pearl barley 1 small yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus shaved Parmesan for serving 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced radicchio (from 1 small head) 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1/3 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts balsamic, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; set aside.

WHISK

broth and 3 1/2 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Keep at a low simmer.

BRING

remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add barley, onion, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Cook, stirring often, until barley is toasted and onion softens, about 6 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring often, for 30 seconds. Ladle 1 cup broth mixture into skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Ladle in remaining broth mixture, 1/2 to 3/4 cup at a time, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed between additions, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in grated cheese. Add up to 1/2 cup water to loosen consistency, if needed.

HEAT

radicchio, parsley, and hazelnuts with balsamic mixture.

Serve with risotto. Top with shaved cheese.

TOSS

PER SERVING: 527 CALORIES, 21G FAT (4G SAT.), 12MG CHOL., 14G FIBER, 14G PRO., 72G CARB., 1,688MG SOD., 8G SUGAR

FOOD

Easy Dinner 4

Broiled Snapper with Smashed Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Gluten-Free

1/4 cup salted butter, softened 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives 1 1/4 lb. red baby potatoes 1 8-oz. bunch fresh Broccolini, trimmed 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 6-oz. skin-on red snapper fillets 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided Cooking spray, for baking sheet broiler with rack about 6 inches from heat. Stir butter, tarragon, and chives in a small bowl; set aside.

PREHEAT

potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water.

Bring to a boil over high and cook until just tender, 12 to 13 minutes.

Add Broccolini and cook until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

Drain; transfer potatoes to a cutting board and set Broccolini aside. Smash potatoes, 1 at a time, with the bottom of a bowl until flattened slightly.

PLACE

2 tablespoons oil over both sides of fish fillets; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place fish, skin side up, on baking sheet and broil until skin is crispy and fish flakes with a fork, about 10 minutes.

DRIZZLE

heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add potatoes and cook, undisturbed, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, flip potatoes, and cook, undisturbed, until golden, about 2 minutes.

Add Broccolini; cover and cook until warmed, about 1 minute.

Add 2 tablespoons herb butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss to coat. Serve with fish and remaining herb butter.

MEANWHILE,

PER SERVING: 508 CALORIES, 28G FAT (10G SAT.), 90MG CHOL., 4G FIBER, 37G PRO., 25G CARB., 674MG SOD., 2G SUGAR

JA N UA RY 2020 R E A L S I M P L E

123

FOOD

until crispy and fat has rendered, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker using a slotted spoon; reserve drippings in skillet.

Increase heat to medium-high. chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Cook chicken, skin side down, until skin is golden brown and crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; reserve drippings in skillet. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes. Add wine and cook, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet, until reduced by half, about 6 minutes.

Pour into slow cooker.

SEASON

1 1/2 cups frozen pearl onions

Easy Dinner 5

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 6 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SERVES 6

✓ Freezable ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Big Batch ✓ Slow Cooker

8 oz. fresh cremini mushrooms, halved 1 3/4 cups chopped carrots (from 2 large carrots) 4 cloves garlic, smashed 5 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped 6 6- to 8-oz. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 5 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups dry white wine 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 3 fresh thyme sprigs, plus leaves for serving Cooked egg noodles, for serving

broth, thyme sprigs, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt into slow cooker. Arrange chicken, skin side up, on top of mixture.

Cover and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 5 1/2 hours. Top with thyme leaves and serve with egg noodles.

STIR

PER SERVING: 344 CALORIES, 19G FAT (6G SAT.), 145MG CHOL., 2G FIBER, 28G PRO., 14G CARB., 661MG SOD., 4G SUGAR

onions, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker.

PLACE

bacon in a large skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, COOK

CO OK WITH COZI Get Real Simple’s easy weeknight-dinner recipes in Cozi, a free meal-planning and organizing app from Meredith Corporation (available on iTunes and Google Play).

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FOOD

B e t t e r f o r Yo u

Artichoke Dip FA S T, H E A LT H Y, A N D F U L L O F F L AVO R

By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES MAKES 4 CUPS

1 32-oz. container plain full-fat Greek yogurt 1 12-oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. lemon zest plus 1 tsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon) 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Pita, crackers, or vegetables, for serving yogurt, artichoke hearts, parsley, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.

MIX

to a serving bowl and top with parsley. Serve dip with pita, crackers, or vegetables.

TRANSFER

126 REAL SIMPLE

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

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

1 tsp. kosher salt

FOOD

R o a d Te s t

Plant-Based Milks

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Silk Original Soy Creamer This extra-rich creamer lightens but doesn’t overly sweeten your coffee: It has just one gram of sugar per serving. TO BUY: $3.80 for 32 oz.; at grocery stores.

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W E TA ST E D 1 2 4 B R A N D S T O F I N D T H E C R E A M O F T H E C R O P. B E S T C H O C O L AT E

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By Mar y Honkus

Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Cashew Beverage Chocolate and nuts just go together, especially in this creamy delight. Microwave it for instant hot chocolate, or blend it with banana and ice for a smoothie. TO BUY: $2.30 for 32 oz.; at Trader Joe’s.

B E S T A LT E R N AT I V E N U T

Elmhurst 1925 Milked Walnuts This subtle, earthy nut milk is made with just five ingredients (and no gums or emulsifiers).

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JA N UA RY 2020 R E A L S I M P L E

127

B y R a q u e l D ’A p i c e

Where’s Spot?

• How is it that Spot’s mother appears unbothered by the number of dangerous wild animals hidden inside pieces of furniture? Why is a lion in the house barely worth mentioning here but cause for panic in Jumanji?

• Does it seem realistic that a hippo fits inside a piano without breaking it? State your reasons.

• While he’s eventually revealed to be in the basket, where is Spot emotionally throughout this book?

128 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2020

Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? • Is it acceptable to title a book What Do People Do All Day? when Scarry’s book contains literally zero “people” and features a worm in a Tyrolean hat driving an apple car?

Green Eggs and Ham • Despite the book’s message of “You should try new things,” should you under any circumstances eat deli meat that is green in color?

• The Seussian character is famous for his repetition: “Not in a box. Not with a fox.

Not in a house. Not with a mouse.” Do you think he likes having to say things over and over again, or does he wish Sam-I-Am would listen to him the first time?

Where the Wild Things Are • When his mother calls him “wild thing,” Max yells, “I’ll eat you up!” Is this an appropriate way for Max to talk to his mother? Please think about and phrase your answer very carefully.

• Given that they’re described as rolling their terrible eyes, are any of the wild things adolescents?

Goodnight Moon • While a tiger-skin rug might make sense in a billionaire’s library or Teddy Roosevelt’s mansion, it seems a bit much for a child’s bedroom, particularly when the child is an animal that’s traditionally afraid of everything from dalmatians to large birds.

Is it a bold decor choice or a terrifying way to keep the kid from getting out of bed?

The Giving Tree • The tree tells the boy, “Take my [apples, branches, trunk] and you will be happy.”

What’s more striking—the tree’s gross oversimplification of happiness or her complete lack of boundaries?

• Sure, there’s a tree that gives, but considering that our insatiable demands led to the climate crisis, might a better title be The Taking Boy? Why or why not?

• Did the trees killed to make the paper for this book let out frustrated sighs of irony as they were cut down?

Everyone Poops • So just to go over this again—who poops?

Illustration by Joel Holland