RS - May 2020 by Lawrence Ambrocio

realsimple LIFE MADE EASIER

Get It Done!

ANYONE C AN MEDITATE PAGE 107

Little Projects That Feel Like Major Accomplishments

Secrets for Great Sleep Life Advice from Moms

MAY 2020

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Thoughts

“Most big transformations come about from the hundreds of tiny, almost imperceptible, steps we take along the way.”

STO C KSY

— L O R I G O T T L I E B , M a y b e Yo u S h o u l d Ta l k t o S o m e o n e

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P h o t o g r a p h b y N a b i Ta n g

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

Things I Will Get to Always, Never, and “Someday”

on myself. I will never blow off a workout, forget to brush my teeth, or fail to make my bed. These are my bare-minimum commitments to selfcare. But when I start to look at my broader life, I can see things fall into different categories.

C A N U S UA L LY C O U N T

ALWAYS: ¥ Balance my checkbook every 30 days— old-school-style, in the check register, just like my dad taught me. • My job. Easy because I love it and need it (and my boss will read this). NE VER: • Sift through the files of “important presentations” that I brought home from work two jobs ago, and that gather dust in a basket. • Read Crime and Punishment, which my husband gifted me the first year we were dating because he knew I “liked to read.”

6 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

The list is absurd. I’m a capable, productive, and conscientious human. Last year, in a BuzzFeed article, Anne Helen Petersen used the term “errand paralysis” to describe this problem of ignoring mundane tasks that seem to be high-effort, low-reward, and ultimately unimportant. So I have a condition. That’s a relief. And it’s common enough that we were inspired to create our “Get It Done!” package (page 53), which is loaded with the simplest, as-pain-free-as-possible approaches for checking off all those items that linger on your own “someday” to-do list. I know that one weekend very soon I’ll get irritated (er, motivated) enough to find a box for the books, bring the Windex out to the driveway, and drop off the ottoman for repair (proper tradesperson TBD). That night, I shall have a beer on the deck and expect many compliments on my productivity from my husband and kids. I might even boast about it on Instagram. But please know: I will not be getting any of these things done for the ’gram. I’m gonna get them done for me. And my peace of mind.

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

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

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

“S OMEDAY ”: • Stitch up the ottoman whose stuffing puffs out of a gaping seam. (Do I call a seamstress or an upholsterer? Do they come to me or do I schlep it to them?) • Wipe the inside of my windshield. • Box up some novels to surprise a bookloving friend. (This one involves a trip to the post office, which I’m told every town has.)

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Let art bring personality to all your spaces

Contents May 2020

O N T H E C OV E R

Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink, from $922, and Bar Faucet in Lustrous Steel, $246; elkay.com. Acrylic Backsplash in Geometry, from $13 per sq. ft.; wilsonart .com for info. The Tilikum Leather Handles in Natural (4 in.), $26 each; walnutstudiolo .com. Prisma Slate Blue Rug, from $139; ruggable.com. Laundry Basket, $30; hay .com. Five Two Wool Dryer Balls, from $20; food52.com. Polkadot Willow Laundry Room Instant-Download Prints, $12 for 3; etsy .com. Terrazzo Pot, $28; shoppigment.com. Paint: Secure Blue SW 6508 (on cabinets) and Moonmist SW 9144 (on walls), from $39 per gallon; sherwin-williams.com for info. TO BUY:

Get It Done! Secrets for Great Sleep Life Advice from Moms Anyone Can Meditate

87 68 107

1 24

108

Find your perfect relaxing getaway

Easy-to-prep brunches boast full flavor

A good night’s rest awaits you

Cover Photograph by Johnny Miller

Prop St yling by Cat Dash

Architectural Design by Matthew Miller Custom Designs

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

Contents

13 4

Choose the right rosé for your preferences

Pack healthy snacks, wherever you go

Whip up fast, fresh, family-friendly meals

Thoughts Editor’s Note Real Simple 24 /7 Your Words My Simple Realization

Pretty Smart

Beauty buys to simplify your routine

12 16 18

Mother ’s Day Presents 21

What Should I Read Next? Books for every taste

A designer’s remedies for an outdated kitchen 30

Road Test: Food 33

The Staple Steel-cut oats, three ways

Portable sticks that don’t make a mess

The Easy Way to Pick a Rosé

A Breton shirt adds a touch of the French gamine to your look

Tackle those tasks you’ve put off forever

The Mother of All Wisdom 68

Ease separation anxiety in cats and dogs 74 By pristine Lake Geneva, Pooja Makhijani sheds painful memories 77

Modern Manners 46

Catherine Newman offers unstinting advice 80

balance 49

Get It Done! 37

Good Read

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

Hint: Communication is a major theme

Pet Tricks

You can predict the flavor with one glance 43 Bake biscuits and shortcakes like a pro

Play, learn, and find peace in the fresh air

The Sleep Commandments Ten rules for better shut-eye

food

Money Secrets of Happy Couples

5 Ways to Connect with Nature

A compendium of life lessons from moms

The Essential

Room Rx

The tastiest packaged pastas

Road Test: Beauty

Things Cooks Know

Clever Items Little helpers that make life easier

the realist

what we love Indulge her without spending over $35

relating

A Versatile Vegetable 94

Smarter Snacking on the Go Fortifying options for the car, the airport, and more

5 Easy Dinners Pork banh mi in 30 minutes? Yes, please 98

Ahhh Take a breather

Why the humble radish is this month’s star 133

107

134

Plant Powered Veggie-packed spring crepes

140

Big Batch

features A Bright Start Wake up to a sweet and savory spread of luscious brunch dishes 108

Let’s Hang! The everything guide to buying art, arranging it, and actually putting it up on your walls 116

Zesty chicken salad

142

for fun Welcome to the Limp-Succulent Support Group A safe space for the botanically inept

144

25 Places to Get Your Chill On 87

From mountains to beaches to city oases, America is full of relaxing vacation locales 124

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S E I G R E L L A H G U O R H T E L D D U M U O Y WHE N E S R U O C F F O E N O Y R E V E I T T HROWS

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SO MANY SPRING H A I RC U T S

Pick out a new ’do for a new you with our gallery of fresh cuts to try this season.

MEET

Get the looks at realsimple.com/ springhair.

HANA HONG A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R AT R E A L S I M P L E .C O M

Podcast of choice: Asian Boss Girl has been a longtime favorite.

Most-used item in my makeup bag: My lips couldn’t survive a day without Smith’s Rosebud Salve—that tub comes with me everywhere. @HANAHONG42 ON INSTAGRAM

“Alexa, Open Real Simple Relax” Whether you’re a beginner or advanced meditator, unlock a series of one-minute guided meditations from Stop, Breathe & Think. Just enable the skill and say, “Alexa, open Real Simple Relax.”

WA T C H O U R CLEANING SHOW! Our new Instagram TV series, Spotless, features easy stain-removal solutions for everyday mishaps, like coffee and wine spills. Find all the episodes at realsimple.com/spotless.

26 Useful Gifts for Every Grad These trusty, practical presents will help your college grads thrive, wherever their paths may lead. Find them at realsimple.com/ gradgifts.

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

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

Everyday uniform: A girly dress and some chunky heels.

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

“Buy a plate from a local artist.”

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

Emily Kehe CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

“Drink full-sugar Coca-Cola. Every other week of the year, I’m a seltzer person, but on vacation, all I want is a frosty red can. When my daughter was lit tle, she saw it in our local grocery store and actually exclaimed, ‘Oh, Mumma, it’s your vacation drink!’”

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rory Evans EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Lavinel Savu PHOTO DIRECTOR Muzam Agha

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

Rachel Sylvester A SSISTANT EDITOR Martha Upton CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Catherine Newman, Courtenay Smith

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

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

“I visit a cemetery in every country I visit. They ’re all so different and beautiful, and the rituals are fascinating.”

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

“Buy a unique coaster— just a small something that can be used regularly to remember a great trip.”

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

Daren Mazzucca

Travel rituals: What do you always do?

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan A SSO CIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

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

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

WEST COA ST INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Janet Yano

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

“Take photos with people we became friendly with. When looking back at the pictures, I find that the people make the memories.”

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

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

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

“Overpack! I’ll never learn my lesson that I don’t need to bring every pair of shoes I own.”

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 SEO EDITOR Lauren Phillips A SSO CIATE EDITORS Hana Hong, Maggie Seaver SO CIAL MEDIA EDITOR Lauren Zaser PHOTO MANAGER Olivia Barr A SSO CIATE PRODUCER Taylor Eisenhauer EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Karen Berner SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Christopher Smith VIDEO PRODUCER Alex Frank NEWS VIDEO PRODUCER Amy Frank

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

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

“I always unpack as soon as I get set tled. It takes just a few minutes, and it’s so much nicer than living out of a suitcase.”

VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Liz Vaccariello DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL OPER ATIONS & FINANCE Alexandra Brez

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

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

VICE PRESIDENTS FINANCE Chris Susil BUSINESS PL ANNING & ANALYSIS Rob Silverstone CONSUMER MARKETING Steve Crowe BR AND LICENSING Toye Cody, Sondra Newkirk CORP OR ATE BE AUT Y Ahu Terzi CORP OR ATE COMMUNIC ATIONS Jill Davison

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Yo u r W o r d s

What travel destination makes you nostalgic for your childhood?

Anyplace you go in a station wagon. @ D E B B I E T H O M SS

“ W H E N I WAS 1 2 , W E D ROV E F RO M M ASSAC H US E T TS TO D O L LY WO O D, L I ST E N I N G TO A S I N G L E CASS E T T E O F D O L LY PA RTO N T H E E N T I R E WAY. N OW, W H E N I TA K E ROA D T R I PS W I T H M Y K I DS, I A LWAYS A D D SO M E D O L LY TO O U R P L AY L I ST.” @ K AT H L E E N F I T Z

# R S L OV E

Los Angeles International Airport. When I was young, we lived close by. My dad worked for Pan Am, and my sister and I spent a lot of time hanging out with him at LAX. We would lie on the hood of his car, and the planes taking off would fly right over our heads. LESLIE GUTZEIT, HIGHLAND, MICHIGAN

Summers on Cape Cod. The memories are so dear to my heart that during a bike ride on the Cape, while celebrating my first anniversary with my husband, I was brought to tears by the sights and sounds of that special place by the sea. MEGAN CARROLL, WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA

Downtown Chicago, especially Michigan Avenue. We’d look in the windows of the glittery shops and dream about how we’d grow up and own it all. Las Vegas, of all places. I grew up on the air force base there. Heat, the ding of slot machines, and the roar of fighter jets take me back to being 10. ROBIN EIDEN, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Wildwood, New Jersey. We didn’t have much money when I was growing up, but we went to Wildwood. My sister and I were on a beach for the first time; it was the only vacation we ever took with our parents. ALAYNE KOLLER, DOUGLASSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Scottsdale, Arizona. Every Easter, the Easter Bunny found us there, and it was perfection in the desert! @MARGARET_HINO

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

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KELLY O’NEILL, BATTLE GROUND, WASHINGTON

Lake Lure, North Carolina. I was obsessed with Dirty Dancing. @MEREDITHGK

The Appalachian Mountains. Growing up, I spent every summer there with my grandparents. I was raised in Chicago, and that juxtaposition of lifestyles made me a more empathetic and open person. REBECCA HATFIELD, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

Reader of the Month Beautiful New Hampshire. My parents raised their five daughters to enjoy camping, simple delights, and togetherness. Campfires, s’mores, and my dad playing guitar fill my heart with love. WENDY STURTEVANT, PEPPERELL, MASSACHUSETTS

Fort Myers, Florida. We went almost every year for my birthday to see my grandparents. We’d feed the seagulls at the beach, and I would sit on my grandpa’s lap and eat ice cream. I miss them both.

The Jersey Shore. I remember going there every summer for a week with my parents in the late ’70s and early ’80s. We would eat Apple Jacks for breakfast (sugar cereal was normally off-limits) and come home every afternoon with pink cheeks and shoulders. It was the one week a year my dad didn’t work and our family was together. LISA PRATT, KENNEBUNK, MAINE

@AMANDA.HOUZE

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

Yellowstone National Park. I remember taking a family car ride, hoping to see a bear or two. Just a perfect memory of togetherness.

L’Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, is my mom’s hometown. It’s where my family resides and where I spent many summers as a child. I go there when I need some serious soul regeneration. The mountain soil energizes my spirit. CHRISTINA DEBLER, NEW YORK CITY

The Iowa Great Lakes. My parents would rent a summer home on Big Spirit Lake. Dad would wake us up at 7 a.m. so he could take us waterskiing before he left for work. We’d be the only boat on the lake. Our time with Dad was priceless. BILLIE WILLE, ALGONA, IOWA

@CYNDI219

Next Question W H AT ’ S A L I T T L E T H I N G YO U D O T O S H O W YO U R S E L F S O M E L OV E ? Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

S A N DY C H A S E , 3 4 SAN DIEGO YO U T H S E RV I C E S L I B R A R I A N

What destination makes you nostalgic for your childhood? The Grand Canyon. My mom and I watched the sunrise from her 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon. Home is where… The assortment of musical instruments go unplayed, except for the odd trombone rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The last book you loved My fiancée, Jae, recommended Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi to me. Incredible novel! Favorite room My living room, with a lime green couch and matching midcentury clock. Most organized part of your life My collection of concert tickets, beginning with the Spice Girls in 1997. What’s always in your car? No fewer than three tins of mints and five pairs of sunglasses I no longer use, because I’m nearsighted. You really need to... Clean out my car!

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

My Simple Realization

“Optimism Is the More Helpful Emotion” D U R I N G T H E D I F F I C U LT I E S O F H E R D I V O R C E , M AG G I E S M I T H WA S S H O C K E D BY H E R P E R S P E C T I V E .

frankly, life-altering—happened when my marriage ended: I realized that I could no longer afford to be a pessimist. I could no longer allow my worst thoughts to gather twigs and ribbons, and make a permanent home in my mind. I realized that pessimism wasn’t going to get me out of bed, or get the coffee made, or pack the kids’ lunches, or do the laundry, or make any deadlines. Pessimism wasn’t going to help me or my children. And so, in a very dark time, it occurred to me that being optimistic moment by moment was a gift I could give myself. Even if whatever I’m hoping for doesn’t materialize, I am feeding

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my spirit in the meantime. I am not poisoning the present with worry or despair or defeatist thinking. Today I think of myself as a “recovering pessimist.” I know that optimism is not at odds with wisdom. It’s quite the opposite. I think of cynicism as cool but lazy, while hope is desperately uncool—it has sweaty palms and an earnest smile on its face. What I know to be true is that one hopeful person will accomplish more than a hundred cynics. Why? Because the hopeful person will try. MAGGIE SMITH IS AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR WHO WROTE THE VIRAL POEM “GOOD BONES.” THIS ESSAY IS EXCERPTED FROM KEEP MOVING: NOTES ON LOSS, CREATIVITY, AND CHANGE, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER BY ONE SIGNAL, AN IMPRINT OF SIMON & SCHUSTER. COPYRIGHT © 2020 BY MAGGIE SMITH.

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

S O M E T H I N G U N E X P E C T E D —and,

The world is your launchpad in the all-new Toyota Highlander. Wherever you’re going, go boldly. Go with an available all-wheel-drive system built to help handle whatever comes your way and an extraordinarily stylish interior with the available, best-in-class 12.3-in. touch-screen display.* Don’t just go—go above and beyond. Let’s Go Places. toyota.com/highlander

Prototype shown with options. Do not overload your vehicle. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. *2020 Highlander vs. 2020 competitors. Information from manufacturers’ websites as of 09/19/19. ©2020 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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

CUSTOMIZED CHARM

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N H E D G P E T H

Personalize this cotton-and-leather tote (available in multiple patterns) with your mom’s name, initials, or go-to phrase (“Call home”) that’s up to 12 characters. TO BUY: Snap Tote, $30; minted.com.

Just What She Wants YO U R M O M W O U L D N E V E R G U E S S T H AT T H E S E S T Y L I S H M O T H E R ’ S D AY P R E S E N T S ARE ALL UNDER $35. By Cat Dash

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

1 3 4 2

Hook this floral case onto a bag or keychain.

1 RO L E M O D E L S

This hardcover honors some of the world’s most admired women, from Michelle Obama to Dolly Parton. TO BUY: Icons: 50 Heroines Who Shaped Contemporary Culture, $25; chroniclebooks.com. 2 T E AT I M E

When she makes a cuppa with this heart-shaped strainer, she’ll think of you. TO BUY: Brass Heart Tea Strainer, $10; lockwoodshop.com.

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

5 SCENTS OF O CCASION

Your mom will always remember where her specs are with a monogrammed, ceramic eyeglass rest. TO BUY: Iris Catchall Tray, $31; markandgraham.com.

Give her a flower that’s always aromatic: The lavender essential oil in this vase emanates through the petals. TO BUY: Floral Lavender Diffuser, $30; papersource.com.

4 FR AGR ANT FL AME

6 BUDS IN BLO OM

Whenever she strikes a match, it will subtly perfume the air with amber, lemongrass, and citrus. TO BUY: Lemon & Oak Scented Matches, $24 for 60; skeemshop.com.

She’ll stash her AirPods in style—and keep them handy—with this pretty little case. TO BUY: AirPods Pro Case, $25; riflepaperco.com.

3 A PRET TY SIGHT

7 S M A RT S T O R A G E

She won’t leave the house without doing her ’do. And this zippered neoprene pouch lets her travel with her curling iron. TO BUY: Hair Tools Caddy, $16; mytagalongs.com. 8 D E C O R AT I V E G I F T I N G

A graphic raffia trivet, naturally dyed and handwoven in Uganda, can double as easy wall art. TO BUY: Maze Raffia Trivet, $28; leifshop.com.

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

W H AT W E LO V E

The Short List

What Should I Read Next? T O P P I C K S F O R E V E RY T A S T E By Krist yn Kusek Lewis

Moving memoir

A big what-if

Dan Mathews knew he was in for an adventure when he relocated his 78-yearold mother across the country to live with him. What he didn’t know was that her often unpredictable behavior was due to an undiagnosed disorder: schizophrenia. Like Crazy is a deeply compassionate and occasionally hilarious look at what it means to care for a parent as they enter the last phase of life.

Imagine if Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton had broken up after law school. That’s what bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld does in her novel Rodham. Weaving together real-life events and coulda-shoulda moments, Sittenfeld spins a compelling tale about women in politics, compromise, and the fateful pull that unites Bill and Hillary.

Poolside read

Tender debut All My Mother’s Lovers by Ilana Masad explores how wrong we can be about those we love. After the death of her mother, Iris, Maggie returns home to discover that Iris has left five sealed envelopes for mysterious men. As Maggie embarks on a road trip to deliver the letters and cope with her grief, she finds that Iris, never comfortable with her daughter’s sexuality, had a secret life all her own.

In this unique tale, Anna Solomon interweaves the stories of three women negotiating their places in the world: Esther, a young tribeswoman in ancient Persia; Vivian, a political wife hurt by sexism in Watergate-era D.C.; and Lily, a dissatisfied modern-day stay-athome mom. The Book of V. asks complicated questions about power, desire, and the evolution of women’s roles.

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

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N H E D G P E T H

Plus-size Instagrammer Daphne Berg has worked hard to love herself just as she is, and it’s paid off with a devoted tribe of followers. But when her former best friend— the very one who humiliated her in high school—shows up with a favor to ask for her Cape Cod wedding, Daphne is forced to decide whether she’s ready to forgive. Jennifer Weiner’s Big Summer is an insightful page-turner about the power of old friendships.

Thoughtprovoking fiction

2 4 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

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

misses ’ . pe ti te . wome n’s . ta ll JJ I LL .CO M

W H AT W E LO V E

2 T H AT ’ S D E E P !

1 PR ACTICAL PIG

You can strain and store bacon fat in this heatproof cup for future use. Or freeze it, plunk it out, and toss it. Dishwasher safe. TO BUY: Bacon Bin, $14; bedbathandbeyond.com.

Layer in more lasagna (or any casserole) without fear of overflow thanks to these deep glass dishes with lids. TO BUY: Pyrex Deep Glass Baking Dish Set, $40 for 6 pieces; pyrexhome.com.

Clever Items

3 THE NO-BR A SECRET

When a dress requires going braless but you still want a little coverage, try these reusable silicone nipple pads that come with their own compact. In three skin tones. TO BUY: Luxe Nipcos and Travel Compact, $36; brainabox.com.

LIT TLE HELPERS TO

By Brandi Broxson

Mark a pill bottle to help you remember.

E A S Y TA H I N I

DOSE REMINDER

No more goopy jar. Just shake this bottle, then squeeze out organic sesame seed paste for hummus or salad dressing. TO BUY: Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini, $9; amazon.com.

2 6 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

5 C O M F Y K E Y B OA R D

This wrist-supporting wonder has a split layout to promote more natural, ergonomic typing. TO BUY: Logitech Ergo K860, $130; logitech.com.

Stick this hourly dosage label on a bottle of pain meds or cough syrup to keep track of when you (or a loved one) should take it. TO BUY: Tooktake Hourly Dosage Labels, $5 for 4; tooktake.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

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

These Aren’t Your Mother’s Cookies. They Just Taste Like it. PEPPERIDGE FARM FARMHOUSE

THERE’S NO TASTE LIKE HOME ™

Meet Shea McGee, designer and stylist of Studio McGee. She’s now partnering with Threshold in a new collection for inspired homes, everywhere.

W H AT W E LO V E

Room Rx

Kitchen Refresh Without a Reno W H E N D E C A D E - O L D F I N I S H E S S T A R T T O L O O K PA S S É , I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R B R I A H A M M E L H E L P S G I V E T H E R O O M A FA C E - L I F T. By Stephanie Sisco

Q: My cabinets are cream with yellow undertones, and my island is espresso brown. Great 10 years ago—not so great now. I’m hoping to get the clean, crisp look I love without changing everything. How can I do that? —Kristin, New City, New York

S WA P T H E C O U N T E RT O P

S W I T C H T H E S E AT I N G

PA I N T T H E WA L L S

LIGHTEN THINGS UP

To make the largest impact without even touching the cabinets, consider installing a counter with gray and beige veining. These colors will pair well with the warm cabinetry. TO BUY: Brittanicca Warm Quartz, from $110 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com for info.

Barstools are often the only furniture in a kitchen—and they can help set the tone for the whole room. Try a light woven option to give a brighter feel to the dark island. TO BUY: Parisian Woven Counter Stool, $299; potterybarn.com.

Rather than refinishing the cabinets, simply paint the surrounding walls. Go with a pale, subtle gray to get just enough contrast from white molding and trim. TO BUY: Classic Gray, from $43 per gallon; benjamin moore.com for info.

Ceramic light fixtures over the island will bring more light into the space. The bronze hardware will work nicely with the dark wood of the island. TO BUY: Bloom Pendant, $280; brookeandlou.com.

3 0 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

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

Illustration by Babeth Lafon

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

The beauty is in the

Balance.

It starts with a slow sauté and finishes with a long simmer. Carefully created with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 100% Italian tomatoes, and Genovese Basil for a taste like no other. Learn more at verogustosauce.com N O P R E S E R VAT I V E S

NO ADDED SUGAR

N O A D D E D W AT E R

W H AT W E LO V E

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

R o a d Te s t

Pasta Picks W E B O I L E D T H E WAT E R , P O U R E D I N T H E N O O D L E S, A N D TA ST E D 47 T Y P E S T O F I N D T H E STA N D O U T S T O ST O C K U P O N . By Phoebe Fr y

Photograph by Greg DuPree

W H AT W E LO V E

BEST LONG

De Cecco Spaghetti No. 12 Get ready to twirl. This long noodle has a mild flavor and perfect texture when cooked al dente. Pair with a batch of saucy meatballs. TO BUY: $2.30 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores.

B E S T S P LU RG E

ROAD TE ST

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

Brown Rice Pasta Fusilli Gluten-free pastas can be tricky (that’s a nice way of saying gloppy and chewy). But this rice-based option has a firm bite and mellow taste. TO BUY: $2 for 16 oz.; at Trader Joe’s. BEST STUFFED B E S T S H O RT

Barilla Collezione Penne A little longer than usual, this tube surprised us with its deep, sauce-capturing ridges and artisanal-quality texture. TO BUY: $2.40 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores.

3 4 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

B E S T W H O L E - W H E AT

Garofalo Whole Wheat Spaghetti This nutty pick holds up well to bold flavors, like garlic, anchovies, and chiles. It also packs ample fiber and protein. TO BUY: $3 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores.

Giovanni Rana Cheese Lovers Tortelloni Lots of stuffed pastas boast three cheeses, but this irresistible option has five, including creamy mascarpone. TO BUY: $8 for 10 oz.; at grocery stores.

T R A D E R J O E ’ S , G A R O FA L O , A N D G I O VA N N I R A N A : 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

Faella Mezzi Paccheri These elegant rings are dinner-party showstoppers— and worth every penny. Chunky sauces nestle in the hollows, adding flavor to each forkful. TO BUY: $11 for 1.1 lb.; gustiamo.com.

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL.

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

RHONDA, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary.

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

Clearer skin

•

Fast itch relief

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

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat people 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

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

Tell your healthcare provider about IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION all the medicines you take, including Do not use if you are allergic to prescription and over-the-counter dupilumab or to any of the ingredients medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. If you are taking asthma in DUPIXENT. medicines, do not change or stop your Before using DUPIXENT, tell your asthma medicine without talking to healthcare provider about all your your healthcare provider. medical conditions, including if you: have eye problems; have a parasitic DUPIXENT can cause serious side (helminth) infection; are taking oral, effects, including: topical, or inhaled corticosteroid • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), medicines. Do not stop taking your including a severe reaction known corticosteroid medicines unless 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.

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.

The most common side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching, and cold Please see Brief Summary on next sores in your mouth or on your lips. page. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. © 2019 Sanofi and Regeneron Call your doctor for medical advice Pharmaceuticals, Inc. about side effects. You are encouraged All Rights Reserved. DUP.19.09.0036

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

*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

Quick Ideas The Staple

Steel-Cut Oats As the name suggests, these are grains that have been chopped into two or three pieces. The minimal processing makes for a chewy bite—no mushiness here! Yes, Irish oats (as they’re often called) are perfect for a filling, high-fiber breakfast, but they’re versatile all day long. Try them baked into a crispy oatcake, an irresistible cross between a cracker and a cookie. Pulsed in a food processor, they can stand in for flour in a gluten-free crumble or serve as a binder in seafood patties.

1 S A LT E D OATC A K E S

Mix 2 cups steel-cut oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp. baking soda in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup melted salted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Press into a rectangle and wrap in plastic; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Roll to 1/4 inch thick; cut into 12 rectangles. Bake on a greased baking sheet at 375°F until golden brown, 15 minutes. 2 B E R RY- OAT C RU M B L E

Pulse 1 cup steel-cut oats in a food processor until floury. Mix with 1 cup each brown sugar and chopped walnuts, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. allspice, and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt in a bowl. Stir 3 1/2 cups blueberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 3 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract in an 8-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with oat mixture and drizzle with 2 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes. 3 S A L M O N PAT T I E S

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

Pulse 1 cup steel-cut oats in a food processor until coarsely ground. Mix with 2 (14.5 oz.) cans drained salmon, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup chopped scallions, 2 Tbsp. each grainy Dijon mustard and chopped parsley, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper in a bowl. Form into 8 patties. Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook 4 patties until browned, 3 minutes per side. Repeat with more butter and remaining patties. By Ananda Eidelstein Recipes by Robby Melvin

Photograph by Corey Olsen

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

Prett y Smar t

Take Your Toiletries To Go 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 Lisa D eSantis

1 Kitsch Ultimate Travel Set in Blush For your next trip, skip travel-size products and decant your everyday favorites into these handy refillable containers. The 11-piece set comes with pouches, bottles, a baby funnel, and more. TO BUY: $12; mykitsch.com.

Photograph by Br yan Gardner

W H AT W E LO V E

2 5 2 SKIN SMO OTHER

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

StriVectin Cloudberry Moisture Plumping Cream Mask From the maker of the miracle stretch-markturned-antiwrinkle cream, this mask taps superfruits to plump, hydrate, and soften aging skin. TO BUY: $48; strivectin.com.

6 R E L A X I N G S OA K

J.R. Watkins Detox Bath Elixir Think of it as your bath bomb’s chicer older sister. The elegant alternative offers the same aromatherapy and skin-nourishing benefits sans mess, and it comes in three mood-boosting scents. Pour two to three capfuls into the tub and enjoy. TO BUY: $15; ulta.com.

3 L E S S - WA S T E M O U T H WA S H

By Humankind Mouthwash in Green The little tub holds 60 alcohol-free tablets. Choose from three flavors, drop one into the glass, add water—and gargle. TO BUY: $10; byhumankind.com.

7 HAIR HELPER

Dove Go Active Dry Shampoo Wipes These tapiocastarch-packed sheets absorb grease and sweat, leaving behind a fresh scent. Stash them in your gym locker, bag, or desk drawer, and swipe from roots to ends as needed. TO BUY: $5 for 5; target.com.

4 SHAD OW S TA C K E R

Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette Your bag is about to get roomier. These compact palettes click together so you can create your own combos. TO BUY: $25 each; sephora.com. 5 L ASH LENGTHENER

L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara You know the doeeyed look that comes with full fringe? That’s the inspo for this volumizing formula. TO BUY: $11; lorealparisusa.com.

8 SC ALP SO OTHER

TPH by Taraji Mint Condition Scalp Conditioner This tingly solution calms irritation and boosts moisture without residue. After shampooing, glide the three-pronged tip—a game changer for full coverage—over your scalp, then rinse. TO BUY: $12; target.com.

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

W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

On-the-Go Sticks S AY B O N V O YA G E T O L I Q U I D S T H AT S P I L L A N D L E AV E A G O O E Y M E S S. WE TE STED 32 FORMUL A S—THE SE ARE THE M A K E U P A N D S K I N P RO D U C T S W O R T H Y O F S PA C E I N Y O U R B A G .

BEST LIP OIL

Almay Lip Oil in Sweet Escape Dry lips will be gone with the help of natural oils that condition and soothe. Just one swipe delivers the perfect subtle wash of color. TO BUY: $8; ulta.com.

By Anneke Knot

BEST SPF

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick This tropical-scented solid was made for face and body, so it’s all you need for a day in the sun. TO BUY: $9; target.com.

realsimple ROAD TE ST

Bella Spirit by Chaz Dean Body Treatment Balm Glide over dry patches (elbows) to add moisture, or over spots that chafe in hot weather (thighs). TO BUY: $50; chazdean.com.

B E S T S E RU M

BEST CLE ANSER

Tula Skincare Makeup Melt Makeup Removing Balm Let’s have a moment of silence for all the full-size cleansers confiscated by the TSA. With this oilbased remover, you’ll breeze through security. Use it to whisk away tiny smudges or remove every last bit of makeup. And thanks to the combo of probiotics and shea butter, your skin will feel soft and supple, not greasy. TO BUY: $28; tula.com.

4 0 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

B E S T M U LT I TA S K E R

Stila Complete Harmony Lip & Cheek Stick in Sheer Lilium Dab onto cheeks, lips, or eyelids and gently rub with your finger to blend. Choose from six creamy shades. TO BUY: $26; stilacosmetics.com.

Tatcha The Serum Stick The key to plumping fine lines: Keeping skin hydrated. So this moisturizing booster is your anti-aging magic wand. TO BUY: $48; sephora.com.

T U L A 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

B E S T A L L OV E R B A L M

Nourish your skin with our moisturizing solid* while you shave in one hassle-free step.

*Moisturizes during shaving

VISIBLY PLUMP SKIN IN 1 WEEK & REDUCE WRINKLES

BUILT ON DECADES OF L’ORÉAL RESEARCH Revitalift Derm Intensives Serums were validated in partnership with an advisory panel of dermatologists who performed a: • Thorough review of independent clinical testing protocols and results • Comprehensive screening of ingredients to uphold strict formulation standards *Based on units sold in full year 2019. Source: Serum format category, Nielsen Mass Market Data. ©2020 L’Oréal USA, Inc.

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

TH E E A SY WAY TO PI CK A RO S É

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N H E D G P E T H

This Instagram darling is perfect for warmer weather. Made from red grapes, rosé has a lighter color and milder taste than red wine because the grape juice soaks with the skins for less time. As with all wines, there’s a wide range in flavors. To choose, consider the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the color, says Michelle Erland, a certified sommelier in New York City. If you want something sweet, go with a 12 percent ABV or less and a blush to deep pink shade; try a white zinfandel or pink Moscato. If you prefer dry, look for an ABV of at least 12.5 percent and a pale pink hue; try a pinot noir rosé or Provençal rosé. And always serve chilled, Erland says. By Phoebe Fr y

Photograph by Br yan Gardner

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

THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know

About Biscuits & Shortcakes A L L YO U WA N T T O D O I S C O M F O RT B A K E . T H E S E T R I C K S W I L L TA K E YO U R S K I L L S T O T H E N E X T L E V E L . By Jenna Helwig

What’s the Difference? Biscuits and shortcakes are close cousins, so if you ask three bakers, you’ll likely get three different answers! That said, biscuits are usually made with buttermilk, while shortcakes use whole milk or cream for richness and often contain sugar.

RO L L I T R I G H T

MASTER THE MIXING

After combining the flour and other dry ingredients, it’s time to add the fat. Start with cold butter cut into pats, not cubes, says Martin Philip, a baker at King Arthur Flour in Norwich, Vermont, and the author of Breaking Bread. “Using your hands, quickly smoosh the butter into the flour mixture, making flat leaves. This helps keep the butter pieces larger, almost like for a piecrust, which makes the biscuit more flaky.”

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You can simply roll out biscuit dough, but for extra flakiness, pat out the dough and fold it over on itself twice, like a letter. Philip says, “This little trick will give the biscuits a head start on forming layers.” While some bakers suggest using a drinking glass to cut biscuits, Carrie Morey, owner of Callie’s Biscuits in Charleston, South Carolina, recommends a sharp biscuit cutter. “Don’t twist and turn—just cut and lift.”

BAKE THEM UP

Make sure your oven is fully preheated before sliding in the baking sheet. The sudden blast of heat triggers the initial rise and puffiness. As for removing the biscuits from the oven, “don’t take them out too soon,” Philip cautions. “The more golden they get on top, the more flavor they’ll have.” Use the timing in the recipe as a guide, but trust your eyes.

MAKE THEM AHEAD

A biscuit hot from the oven is magical; a day-old biscuit is barely worth eating. But, Morey says, biscuits freeze well. “They can be reheated straight from the freezer, wrapped in foil, at 350 degrees for about a half hour.”

S H O RT C A K E S WA P S

In summer, Philip is partial to classic strawberry shortcakes. Out of season, he fills them with frozen blueberries sautéed with butter and brown sugar. “Chill before assembling with freshly whipped cream,” he says. Perfectly ripe peaches and blackberries are also delicious fillings.

Our Favorite Biscuit Recipe Combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and ¼ tsp. baking soda in a large bowl. Add ¾ cup (1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pats. Work butter in with your hands until flour is crumbly. Stir in ¾ cup cold buttermilk. Fold dough on a work surface until it just comes together, then shape or roll into a rectangle. Stamp out 8 biscuits or cut into squares. Brush biscuits with a beaten egg, if desired. Bake at 375°F until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

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shoulders of cotton knits. Instead, neatly fold your tees, store them on a shelf where you can see them, and keep stacks tidy with acrylic shelf dividers.

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

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“As you get older, you fully become who you are,” says Ondine, who encourages friends—and total strangers— to go gray too.

started turning gray when she was just 15. “They call it ‘shock gray,’ ” Ondine, now 54, says—which is fitting, given that it happened when her adoptive father died. The grays came in “as a whole chunk,” she says. “I actually used mascara to cover it.” Around that time, she was scouted by a top modeling agency, and—in the interest of looking like the young woman she was—she began dyeing her hair. But then, at age 20, she was diagnosed with lupus, and she underwent nearly three years of chemotherapy. When she was hairless, she experimented with various wigs, but when her hair grew back, she reverted to trying to “fit in” by dyeing it dark brown. Then she got pregnant at 37, and her habits changed: After two decades of using treatments to manage her curls and cover her grays, she decided to avoid chemicals completely. “I thought, ‘Well, they’ll probably think I’m her grandmother,’ ” she says, laughing. (So far, no one has made that mistake.) Her daughter, Ella, is now 16, and if family history is anything to go by, her brown hair will someday bear a telltale stripe. The day Ondine met her birth family, eight years ago, her aunt looked at her and said, “You’re definitely a Fitzgerald.” She understood what that meant when they showed her an old photo of another aunt with the same gray streak: “Finally, my hair made sense,” Ondine says. “It’s who I am.” Ella too—her own grays have started poking through. ONDINE’S HAIR

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Get It Done! We’re here to lighten the ultimate mental load: those “you know you should” tasks that weigh down your to-do list and your mind. We start with Marie Kondo sharing how to clear out paper clutter at work. Then—if you have a little more time at home than you’re used to—why not tackle your medicine cabinets, lint vent, and so much more?

Illustrations by Boyoun Kim

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

THE REALIST

Clean Your Paper Clutter for Good W I T H A TO - D O T H I S DAU N T I N G, W E W E N T ST R A I G H T TO T H E G U RU S : M A R I E KO N D O A N D S C O T T S O N E N S H E I N, W H O S E N E W B O O K , J OY AT W O R K , H E L P S Y O U T I D Y Y O U R W O R K S P A C E ( A T H O M E , I N T H E O FF I C E, O N T H E ROA D) FO R R E A L T H I S T I M E.

Put Paper in Its Place The general rule for papers is to discard everything. My clients always look dumbfounded when I say this. Of course, I don’t mean that we should eliminate papers entirely. I’m just trying to get across how much resolve we need in order to choose only those that are absolutely necessary and to discard the rest. Sheets of paper seem so slim; we often hang on to them without really thinking. The more papers we accumulate, the more time it takes to find particular documents, and the harder they are to put in order. Start by gathering all your papers together in one spot and looking at each one. Even papers that are in envelopes should be taken out and checked page by page in case advertising leaflets or other unwanted material is mixed in with them. It can be helpful to sort papers into categories while you are skimming through the content. This makes filing them when you’re done quicker and easier. Papers can be broadly divided into three categories: pending, save because you have to, and save because you want to.

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The pending category includes papers that need some kind of action, such as outstanding bills. I recommend storing all of them in one upright filing box until you’ve dealt with them. That way they won’t become jumbled up with papers in other categories. Next, let’s look at papers we’re required to save. Sort them by category and file them in a cabinet or in folders on a shelf. If you don’t need to keep the originals, you can scan them and store them electronically. In this case, rather than scanning them as you sort, it’s more efficient to put them in a “to-bescanned-later” pile and do the scanning all in one go. The last category is papers you want to save for other reasons. These might include documents you want to keep as a reference or ones that actually spark joy for you. But because rebound is a common problem when people hang on to things “just because,” keep in mind that the basic rule for papers is to discard them all. In my tidying lessons, when a client has trouble deciding which papers to keep and which to discard, I fire off questions about each one—things like “When do you need this?,” “How long have you had it?,” “How often do you go back and look at it?,” “Can you find the same content on the internet?,” “Have you already saved it on your computer?,” “How much of a problem would it be if you didn’t have this?,” and “Does it really spark joy?” If you balk at the premise that you should discard them all, try imagining that I have just walked into your office and announced that I’m going to shred all your papers. What would you do? Which ones would you scramble to save from the shredder?

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I TO OK A SCANNER APP TO MY PILES

How to Store Papers So You Never Rebound As long as you follow my three rules of storage, you’ll never return to paper clutter. RU L E 1 : C AT E G O R I Z E E V E RY PA P E R

Start by sorting your papers into clear categories, such as presentations, project proposals, reports, and invoices. Use whatever system works best for you. Now is the time to categorize your papers in a way that makes your life easier. D O W N T O T H E L A S T S H E E T.

RU L E 2 : S T O R E YO U R PA P E R S

For optimal efficiency, it’s crucial to store papers in a hanging-file system. Put each category of papers in a separate folder and store them in a filing cabinet or upright in a filing box placed on a shelf. Storing them this way makes it easy for you to see how many papers you have. It also looks neat and tidy. U P R I G H T.

RU L E 3 : M A K E A P E N D I N G B OX .

Keep only those papers that you need to deal with that day. When you’ve processed pending papers, discard those that don’t need to be kept. Once you have sorted your papers and decided where each category belongs, look at your work space and determine the maximum amount of space you have available for storing them. When you exceed this storage capacity, papers will begin to overflow. That’s a signal that you need to reexamine what’s there. By checking regularly like this, you can keep your papers tidy at all times.

“After 15 years in one place, my husband, daughter, and I recently moved. Confronting all the paper I’d amassed was brutal, until I realized I had room for a scanner in my back pocket! Since getting the TurboScan app (free; iOS and Android), I’ve snapped copies of important docs and accessed them easily. (I forwarded a refinance affidavit from the bleachers at my kid’s hockey game.) And I finally felt empowered to shred reams of random documents—after a quick scan, just in case.” RORY EVANS, REAL SIMPLE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

T H I S I S W H AT I DO WITH MY KIDS’ A RT W O R K

“I save the best and recycle the rest. I display the pieces I save as much as possible. There’s a drawing my child drew at age 5 (nine years ago!) that still hangs on the inside of my closet door, where I can see it every day.” JENNA HELWIG, REAL SIMPLE FOOD DIRECTOR

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

THE REALIST

A best seller you hoped to read someday, a how-to book about accounting you bought to improve your skills, a book received from a client…what kinds of books do you have in your work space? Books are filled with valuable knowledge that can help us do our jobs. When kept at our desks or on our bookshelves, they can give us inspiration or a sense of security. Reading them can boost our motivation, and just displaying them can add a personal touch to our space. In reality, however, we often keep books at work for the wrong reasons. One of my clients had a bookcase in her office filled with unread books. When we counted them, there were over 50, and more than half had been sitting on the shelf for two years or more. “I’ll read as many as I can during my next vacation,” she declared. When we met again, however, I wasn’t surprised to hear that she had given up partway through. Most of the books that she had managed to read were her most recent purchases. “To leave them unread seemed such a waste that I decided to speed-read to get through them,” she said.

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Testimonials

HOW I CAN BEAR T O PA R T W I T H FAV O R I T E B O O K S

“In anticipation of a kitchen renovation, I had to seriously trim down my cookbook collection for space—and ended up getting rid of 100 books. I was sad to see them go, but I felt better remembering the delicious recipes I’d made from them and knowing that someone else would soon have the same pleasure.” MELANIE MANNARINO, REAL SIMPLE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ABOUT THE AU T H O R S Marie Kondo is the author of the international best seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the star of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. Scott Sonenshein is a professor at Rice University and the best-selling author of Stretch.

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“But I began to feel like I was just doing it out of a sense of duty. It wasn’t bringing me any joy. This seemed even more of a waste, so I decided to let a lot of them go.” In the end, she decided to keep only a carefully selected 15 in her office. When tidying up your books, begin by gathering them all in one spot. Perhaps you’re thinking it would be better to just choose them by looking at the titles while they’re still in your bookcase, but please don’t skip this step. Books that have stayed too long on the shelf have become part of the scenery. Your mind doesn’t register them, even when they are directly in your line of sight, and that makes it hard to decide which ones spark joy. Only by taking each one in your hands can you actually see them as separate entities. If you find it hard to judge whether or not a particular book sparks joy, try asking yourself certain questions. For example, when did you buy it? How many times have you read it? Do you want to read it again? Another question to ask yourself is what role that book plays in your life. Books that spark joy are those that motivate and energize you when you read and reread them, those that make you happy just knowing they’re there, those that bring you up to date on the latest information, and those that help you perform your work better, such as manuals. One last question to ask is whether you would still buy that book now if you saw it in a bookstore or if it has passed its prime in terms of your interest in it. Just because you paid for them doesn’t mean that you must finish reading every book. The purpose of asking such questions isn’t to force yourself to mindlessly purge your books. Rather, it’s to help you explore your relationship with each one you possess. If books spark joy for you, then the correct choice is to keep as many as you want with confidence.

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Refresh Your Medicine Cabinet

G E T YO U R R E A L I D Starting October 1, when you go to board a plane (even for domestic travel), TSA checkpoints will require you to present a Real ID, a stateissued card or driver’s license that meets enhanced security requirements (if you don’t have one, you’ll need to show your passport or another acceptable form of ID). Don’t delay in getting yours; only an estimated 34 percent of driver’s license holders have upgraded to a Real ID, and—in a time of social distancing and avoiding any kind of waiting in line—the easiest way to get it done is to make an advance appointment at your local DMV if possible. Time slots fill up fast, but see if your state can notify you when entries open up...then make a reservation ASAP. (Even if your appointment is four weeks out, it’s more efficient than just dropping by.) Gather and bring your essential documents (usually a passport, social security card, and proof of address, but check your state’s DMV website). For faster services, see if your state lets you submit your documents online, which means they won’t have to be scanned and saved during your in-person appointment. ÑRachel Sylvester

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If you don’t purge every six months, you may ingest or slather on products that have lost effectiveness or even expired, says Julie Bestry, a certified professional organizer in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pull everything out, clean the interiors with disinfecting spray, and put “forever supplies” (things that don’t go bad, like your thermometer, first aid kit, tweezers, floss, and cotton balls) back. Then check the expiration date on the remaining items. (Can’t find it? See our list below.) If you don’t remember how long ago you bought or opened something, or if you notice a change in texture or odor, toss it. • Contact lens cases and opened eye drops: 3 months • Anti-aging creams (face, eyes): 3 months to 1 year • Liquid makeup: 3 months to 1 year • Powder makeup: 1 to 2 years • Nail polish: 1 year

• Insect repellent: 1 1/2 to 3 years • Sunscreen, body lotion, and moisturizer: 3 years • Hydrogen peroxide: 3 years, or 6 months after opening • Medications and contact lenses: These should have an expiration date. Keep looking!

To dispose of medications: Drop off unused or expired meds at a “take back” facility registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. To find a facility, type “drug disposal near me” into Google Maps (double-check with the facility before heading there), or call the DEA at 800882-9539. You can also dispose of most pills and liquids in the trash: Mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed bag first. Just check fda.gov to make sure it’s safe to toss your particular medication this way. —Leslie Corona

THE REALIST

Make an Emergency Prep Kit Worldwide pandemics and extreme weather events—floods, storms, and fires—are a sad fact of life these days, which is why every household should have a “ready” kit. Here are the essentials to have on hand, whether you are stuck at home, are without power, or need to evacuate, says Lea Crager, director of the Ready campaign at FEMA. Wrap these items in airtight plastic bags and store them in a few plastic containers or duffel bags (whatever you find easiest to carry). For a budget-friendly approach, snap a photo of this list and buy a few items each time you shop.

Here’s a game plan to gather these over time.

• Nonlatex gloves NONPERISHABLE FO OD

Plan for several days’ worth for each member of the household. • Water (one gallon per person per day) • Grains (crackers, oatmeal, multigrain cereals, granola or energy bars)

• Dust mask • First aid kit (bandages, gauze and tape, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antidiarrhea medicine, antacids, laxatives, thermometer, tweezers, diaper rash cream) • Prescription medication (several days’ worth)

• Proteins (canned tuna, chicken, salmon, or turkey; nut butters; protein bars; canned legumes; canned soups or chili)

• One change of clothes per person, including sturdy walking shoes

• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas)

• One warm blanket or sleeping bag per person

• Canned or dried fruits (apricots, raisins)

• Books, games, puzzles, and other family activities

• Powdered milk

C L O T H I N G & C O M F O RT S

• Baby formula

CASH & KEY

• Pet food

D OCUMENTS

TO OL S

Store any rarely used spares with your emergency supplies now. • Manual can opener • Flashlight • Radio (battery or hand-crank)

These prepare you for an evacuation—and any insurance or FEMA aid claims you’ll need to file later. Scan and save key docs to the cloud, and carry copies in a waterproof container.

• Batteries

• Cash (about $300 in small bills)—to cover gas or a hotel

• Cellphone chargers and charged backup battery

• Photo ID or birth certificate for each person

• Whistle (to signal for help)

• Bank account records (ideally showing proof of mortgage payments)

• Wrench or pliers (to turn utilities on or off) MEDICAL & S A N I TAT I O N S U P P L I E S

• Medical insurance cards, hard copies of prescriptions, medical records, and physician contact info

• Toilet paper and paper towels

• Pet ID tags and immunization records

• Paper plates and utensils

• Copies of insurance documents (renter or homeowner)

• Moist towelettes and garbage bags (for personal sanitation)

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• Diapers, baby wipes, and feminine supplies

ÑStephanie Sisco

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CLEAN T H E D RY E R

Freeze Your Credit It’s come to this: Since 2013, even trusted companies such as Target, Equifax, and Capital One have announced massive data breaches, in which hackers gained access to the sensitive personal info of up to 147 million Americans. If that makes you worried (and rightfully so) about identity theft, experts say placing a freeze on your credit is your best option. “It helps prevent credit cards, loans, and services like cellphones from being approved in your name without your consent,” says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. In fact, to help deter identity theft, Congress passed a law in 2018 that makes a credit freeze free for you and your kids. (Since children under 16 are prime targets for identity theft—there were 1 million cases in 2019—experts urge you to freeze their credit.) To request a freeze, call the three reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or visit their websites. You’ll need to provide documents, such as your driver’s license and social security card. The downside: You have to “thaw” the freeze anytime you need a credit check, like when you buy a car, apply for a loan, or sign a lease. When you freeze your credit, save your PIN, which is required to thaw (and then reinstate) the credit freeze. After the request, it takes up to two hours for the thaw to go into effect. —Brandi Broxson

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Not to scare you, but dryers start 2,900 fires each year, due to a buildup of lint inside the ventilation ductwork. To clean it, unplug the dryer (turn off the gas valve if it’s gas powered). Carefully move the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent pipe from the back of the dryer—you may need to remove a duct clamp or duct tape. Clear away lint with an extendable dryer vent pipe brush (available at home-goods stores). Move the brush back and forth in a circular motion (it feels like snaking a bathroom drain to unclog it) through the detached vent pipe, wall piping, and dryer opening. If possible, remove the vent cover on the outside of your home and clean from that direction. —Katie Holdefehr

R EC YC L E O L D APPLIANCES If you have an old countertop appliance (or two or three) cluttering your cupboard or closet, dispose of it responsibly and take back your storage space. Anything with a cord or battery doesn’t belong in curbside recycling. To find out where to bring it, visit earth911.com, click “Where to Recycle” in the top bar, and enter your item type and zip code. The listings often include municipal programs, secondhand stores, and big-box stores (like Best Buy) that accept outdated appliances. —Stephanie Sisco

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

5 Ways to Connect with Nature W E L C O M E WA R M W E AT H E R W I T H T H E S E E A S Y I D E A S F O R R E V E L I N G I N T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S. OFFSET

By Sharlene Breakey

Photograph by Cavan Images

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

R E L AT I N G

Stop and smell the wildflowers.

Wildflowers are everywhere. Simply head to a state park, local field, or grove of trees and hunt for spots of color. One spring, I was walking through a woodland area flooded with sunlight. The whole forest glowed pink because the redbud trees were in bloom. I couldn’t stop grinning. Just be respectful: If you pick a flower, it won’t be available to produce seed for the next generation. And don’t trample the flowers on your way to a selfie. Consider zooming in on a petal or seed pod and focusing on its unique markings. ANDREA DeLONG-AMAYA IS THE DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE AT THE LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER IN AUSTIN, TEXAS.

Climb into a kayak. Kayaking always recenters me. Even in hard white water, I find calm and serenity. Worries and stress fade away, and I inhabit the moment—breathing fresh air and using my muscles. Every time I feel a splash on my face or maneuver my kayak down a chaotic set of rapids, I sink deeper into nature, deeper into peace. Gliding on a lake or a lazy river is also an awesome way to get outside and out of your head. DARCY GAECHTER RUNS SMALL WORLD ADVENTURES, A WHITE WATER KAYAKING BUSINESS. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF AMAZON WOMAN: FACING FEARS, CHASING DREAMS, AND A QUEST TO KAYAK THE WORLD’S LARGEST RIVER FROM SOURCE TO SEA.

Forage for food (safely). 2

Find feathered or furry friends. It’s amazing to watch animals do what they do. Creatures are going about their lives all over the place, which makes being outdoors endlessly fascinating. Walk reeeeally slowly and look for areas of motion. That’s going to be a squirrel catching an acorn, a blue jay building a nest, or a mother deer walking with her babies. Sit still, don’t stare straight at them, and animals will often come close. If you find a bird that has fallen from its nest? Assuming it’s not injured, carefully scoop it up and put it back if you can. Contrary to what we’re taught, the mother bird will welcome it back. ALISON HERMANCE IS THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AT WILDCARE, A WILDLIFE HOSPITAL AND NATURE EDUCATION CENTER IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA.

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Foraging is the original multigenerational activity—ancient families gathered food together. It’s better than hiking because you stop seeing the forest as a solid green wall and start seeing its details: morels, ramps, edible flowers, asparagus, berries, nuts. But don’t pick without permission— or try anything until a professional guide (there are many offering tours across the country) has told you it’s safe. Painting or drawing your discoveries is cool too, and kids often love making spore prints with mushrooms. ALAN MUSKAT IS THE FOUNDER OF NO TASTE LIKE HOME, A FORAGING ECO-TOUR COMPANY IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA.

People-watch at the park. Every morning, my wife, Caroline, and I walk in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which my firm designed. I enjoy seeing people use it in ways I never imagined. There’s a garden enclosed by the remains of a warehouse, and people take photos by the frame of its now missing window—couples kissing, girls dressed up for their quinceañeras. I love watching runners flash by, or parents tend to little ones in strollers, or teenagers playing soccer and basketball. You feel a sense of connectedness when you’re surrounded by every stage of life. That’s community. MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH IS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT WHOSE FIRM DESIGNS PARKS, PLAZAS, AND OTHER PUBLIC OUTDOOR SPACES.

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R E A L S I M P L E A S K E D 32 I N F LU E N C E R S, J OY M A K E R S, A N D B A L A N C E S E E K E R S T H E B E ST L E S S O N T H E I R M O M E V E R TAU G H T T H E M — A N D H O W T H E Y A R E PA S S I N G I T D O W N T O T H E I R O W N K I D S .

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Illustrations by Janice Wu

BEAUTY RUNS DEEP The Best Advice My Kid Ever Gave Me

Mom Said… “Live every day as if it were your last.” My mother was diagnosed with cancer before I turned 1, and they gave her six months to live. By the grace of God, she lived until I was 17. Every day, I watched her faith, power, strong will, and passion for life. She was super glam too: I remember watching her get ready. She taught me how to do makeup. She’s my muse to this day.

“ Wear more makeup.”

MALLY RONCAL, CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST, FOUNDER OF MALLY BEAUTY, AND MOM OF THREE

Mom Said… She believed in being yourself and saw beauty as a way of enhancing who you naturally are. I make sure I have plenty of times in my life without makeup. I love a good glam session, but I love the natural me just as much.

Mom Said… “It’s not about how you look— it’s how you feel about how you look.” For me, this plays a huge role. Skin-care and beauty rituals give me joy. I absolutely love baths, serums, and makeup. Were it not for her teaching, I might feel bad about it or deny myself such indulgences. But because of her, I recognize it as part of who I am and deem it an integral part of my self-care. DENDY ENGELMAN, MD, SURGEON AT MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY & COSMETIC SURGERY IN NEW YORK CITY AND MOM OF TWO

I Tell My Kids… “Don’t get mired in comparing yourself with others.” I want my kids to laugh and play and to open their minds to this incredible world we live in and make it a better place. ELLEN MARMUR, MD, FOUNDER OF MMSKINCARE AND MARMUR MEDICAL IN NEW YORK CITY AND MOM OF FOUR

Mom Said… My mom did not directly speak these words to me, but her actions resonated: Every Sunday, she would have me wash my hair and moisturize my scalp immediately afterward. I try to continue to maintain a healthy scalp. Our skin is often a telltale sign of when we are not hydrating enough. LACY REDWAY, CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST IN NEW YORK CITY AND MOM OF ONE

LISA PRICE, FOUNDER OF CAROL’S DAUGHTER BEAUTY BRAND AND MOM OF THREE

When I was growing up, it was a badge of honor among my jock friends and me to not wear makeup. In my provincial little world, not wearing it felt like the truest way to live my feminist ideals. Fast-forward a few decades and the joke is on me, when I beg my 16-year-old daughter, Abby, to educate me on the finer points of highlighters and primers. Somehow I’ve raised a kid who knows when Milk releases a new face mask and walks through Ulta like she’s the mayor. She loves all things cosmetics, obsessing over YouTube lash-lengthening tutorials, outfitting me with essentials (Deuces lipstick from Milk, Smudge Stick Eyeliner from Stila), and stockpiling Sephora gift cards to treat herself to a rice exfoliant from Tatcha. I want to be outraged by the betrayal of my feminism, but it’s somehow the opposite. Abby’s enthusiasm for mascara doesn’t supplant other parts of her life. She’s a STEM kid who marches for climate change, plays two varsity sports—and sets her alarm to the exact second Kylie Skin will release a new product. Makeup for her isn’t something to apologize for. It’s definitely not something she overthinks, the way I did as a kid. It’s just one more part of herself to love and embrace, and I’m all for it. JENNY ROSENSTRACH, AUTHOR OF DINNER: A LOVE STORY AND MOM OF TWO

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The Best Advice My Kid Ever Gave Me

COMFORT IN THE KITCHEN

“ Listen to this music.”

Mom Said… “Cooking is about nourishment, both physical and spiritual.” We cook for people because we want to feed them, so don’t worry about being perfect. Your time is better spent in their company than in the kitchen, fretting over every detail. PADMA LAKSHMI, HOST OF TOP CHEF, CREATOR OF HULU’S TASTE THE NATION, AND MOM OF ONE

Mom Said…

“Never order lobster or chicken on a first date—too messy.”

I Tell My Kid… “What’s most important about cooking is sharing.” I love having meals with friends and family, at home or out, and I wanted my son, Josh, to have that love. Mission accomplished. DORIE GREENSPAN, JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR OF EVERYDAY DORIE: THE WAY I COOK, AND MOM OF ONE

Mom Said… “If you dissolve anchovies in oil before sautéing something, no one will know they’re in the pan, but they add so much flavor.”

I Tell My Kid… Mom Said… “A good chef always cleans up after himself.” She told me this over and over when I was a teenager. Granted, she likely gave me this advice because she didn’t want to clean up after me, but it has served me remarkably well in my career. JAMES BRISCIONE, CHEF, RESTAURANT OWNER, AUTHOR OF THE FLAVOR MATRIX, AND DAD OF TWO

“Eat what you like and don’t eat what you don’t like, but be open to trying things.” MELISSA CLARK, NEW YORK TIMES FOOD COLUMNIST, AUTHOR OF DINNER IN FRENCH, AND MOM OF ONE

I Tell My Kids… “Appreciate the ordinary joy of gathering around a table with people you love.” JESSICA BATTILANA, AUTHOR OF REPERTOIRE: ALL THE RECIPES YOU NEED AND MOM OF TWO

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I grew up in Tijuana, and her rules always pertained to Mexican food. When you come home with fresh tortillas, separate them until cool—to prevent sticking— then restack. The entire kitchen would be filled with tortilla disks.

I Tell My Kids… “No food is bad or good. What’s made with love is good for you and your soul.” MARCELA VALLADOLID, CHEF, AUTHOR OF CASA MARCELA AND FIESTAS: TIDBITS, MARGARITAS & MORE, AND MOM OF THREE

Because we’re both thrifty, my 21-year-old son, Joe, and I share a music-streaming account— even though I’m in Massachusetts and he’s in college in Texas. Alas, only one of us can listen at a time, so he kicks me off when he needs bright techno for his morning bus ride and I’m at home writing to “Deep Focus Trance,” or when he feels like partying to “Candy Noise” during my soothing evening groove. I’ve come to love these disruptions because they give me a tiny portal into his life. Exploring his playlists has also taught me a lot about new music: When someone mentions lo-fi pop, microhouse, or bootgaze, I actually know what they’re talking about. (Bootgaze: moody, vaguely country-andwestern ambient sounds for blue moments spent staring at your dusty old boots.) Connecting through streaming music has helped smooth the transition from full-spectrum momhood to a role that’s still attentive but more circumspect, more of an avid fan and friend, cheering from afar and offering consolation when needed (and when the “Bootgaze” list is in heavy rotation, I know it is). In some ways, sharing Joe’s music has helped me find new footing. We’ll always be mother and child, but cued by his digital beats, I’m easing into a different rhythm—deep yet chilled out— for my endless love. DEBRA JO IMMERGUT, AUTHOR OF YOU AGAIN (OUT IN JULY) AND MOM OF ONE

HOW YOU LO OK & FEEL

Mom Said…

Mom Said... “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.” She always says that work of any kind is a privilege, and the most important thing is to have a sense of humor about yourself. RACHAEL RAY, CELEBRITY COOK, TELEVISION PERSONALITY, AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF RACHAEL RAY IN SEASON

I Tell Other Moms… “Ask for help when you need it.” There may be natural mothers out there, supermoms who always know the right thing to do, but I’m not one of them. MEGAN McARTHUR, NASA ASTRONAUT; DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE ASTRONAUT OFFICE, INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION OPERATIONS BRANCH; AND MOM OF ONE

Mom Said… “Surround yourself with people who are loving and supportive.” My daughter is 4 and already comes home feeling left out, so I encourage her to look for the friends who treat her well and want to spend time with her. HANNAH SKVARLA, COFOUNDER OF THE LITTLE MARKET AND MOM OF TWO

I Tell My Kid… “Treat every day as if it’s special.” I tell my daughter that she should wear her favorite piece—an oversize leopard-print cardigan—as often as possible and not to save it for a special occasion. Beautiful clothing should be worn often because of the magical way it makes you feel. VERONICA SHEAFFER, FASHION DESIGNER AND MOM OF ONE

“It’s about how your clothes fit—forget the number!” Every August, we went back-to-school shopping, and she encouraged me to choose anything to express myself (color on color on color!) and to bring those items into the fitting room in multiple sizes. I not only tried all sizes but also followed my mom’s commands to sit, squat, and walk to make sure the fit was spot-on. These departmentstore calisthenics were deeply embarrassing, but my clothes sure did fit right. Remember—no one sees the number but you, and a great-fitting garment will always be more figure-flattering than a size 6 you have to squeeze into. KATHRYN SUKEY, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN AT DRAPER JAMES AND MOM OF TWO

Mom Said… “Remember that not everyone will love your children like you will—so make the extra effort to raise them in a way that the world will love. Raise good humans.” SARAH FREY, FARMER AND AUTHOR OF THE GROWING SEASON: HOW I SAVED AN AMERICAN FARM—AND BUILT A NEW LIFE (OUT IN JUNE). SHE IS THE YOUNGEST OF 21 KIDS AND A MOM OF TWO.

Mom Said… “Don’t dream your life; live your life.” She said it so many times when I was growing up that I even wrote it down on a vision board I keep on my desk. I repeat it to myself when I’m getting ready for a big event. MÉLANIE HEYBERGER, COFOUNDER OF RACHEL, A HOSIERY BRAND

Best Dressed My mother always dressed in clean, classic pieces, and that influences the way I dress today. I take chances now and then, but I always feel most puttogether in simple, well-fitting garments in neutral colors. LAUREN CONRAD, FASHION DESIGNER, COFOUNDER OF THE LITTLE MARKET, AND MOM OF TWO

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R E L AT I N G

Mom Said… “Be environmentally friendly.” She made it important to our family before it was a hot topic. We recycled, shut lights off when not in use, and were mindful of not overconsuming and creating a ton of waste. MELISSA MAKER, FOUNDER OF CLEAN MY SPACE AND MOM OF ONE

FEELING HOMEY

Mom Said... My mom taught me to always use the good stuff. That meant using nice china and real silver on a daily basis. Why have it if it sits in a cabinet most of the year? REBECCA ATWOOD, DESIGNER, AUTHOR OF LIVING WITH COLOR, AND MOM OF ONE

I Tell My Kids... “We value you.” To show them, we have family photos everywhere: a big gallery in the living room, snapshots taped up in the kitchen, and framed pictures in our bedrooms.

Mom Said... Mom Said...

JOANNA GODDARD, CREATOR OF THE SITE A CUP OF JO AND MOM OF TWO

“Sweep the kitchen floor every night after doing dishes. Then turn off the lights and ‘close’ the kitchen. Not only can you go longer between moppings, it’s good for your waistline.”

Mom Said…

DONNA SMALLIN KUPER, CERTIFIED HOUSECLEANING TECHNICIAN, AUTHOR OF CLEAR THE CLUTTER, FIND THE HAPPINESS, AND MOM OF THREE

“Store like with like.” When I was small, my mother found my shoes in the middle of the floor, so she picked them up and proceeded to have a onesided conversation, soothing the “crying” shoes and apologizing for my “abandoning” them so far from their shoe “families” in the closet. Certainly, the lesson was vivid! JULIE BESTRY, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER AND FOUNDER OF BEST RESULTS ORGANIZING

“Great design doesn’t need to cost a fortune, as long as it reflects who you are.” That’s what makes it special. Oh, and make your bed every day! TANIYA NAYAK, DESIGNER, FOUNDER OF TANIYA NAYAK DESIGN, AND FEATURED DESIGNER ON FOOD NETWORK’S RESTAURANT: IMPOSSIBLE

Mom Said… My mom and dad publicly praised each other every day and taught us to do the same. “Doesn’t your mother make the best stroganoff?” Or “Kids, I love your mother so much.” And Mom would always say, “You have the best dad in the world.” My husband and I absolutely do this. I think it makes the kids feel really safe and creates such a positive vibe in our home. EMILY HENDERSON, DESIGNER AND MOM OF TWO

Mom Said... “Never buy anything full-price.” My mom will find a coupon for anything under the sun to avoid paying full-price. LESLIE CORONA, SENIOR ASSOCIATE HOME EDITOR AT REAL SIMPLE

Mom Said… My mother has always celebrated and taught me about the beauty of different cultures. Because of her, I love to incorporate things from diverse cultures into my spaces. JUSTINA BLAKENEY, DESIGNER, AUTHOR OF THE NEW BOHEMIANS: COOL & COLLECTED HOMES, AND MOM OF ONE

I Tell My Kids… I Tell My Kids… “Every day, do a little something.” I teach them we have to clean up after ourselves daily. Then they aren’t overwhelmed by disaster bedrooms. BECKY RAPINCHUK, FOUNDER OF CLEAN MAMA, AUTHOR OF CLEAN MAMA’S GUIDE TO A HEALTHY HOME, AND MOM OF THREE

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I like to teach my young children to always be financially curious. I want to communicate to them that being interested in money and wanting to talk about it is both normal and healthy. FARNOOSH TORABI, HOST OF SO MONEY, AUTHOR OF WHEN SHE MAKES MORE, AND MOM OF TWO

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R E L AT I N G

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Some adult dogs can be left alone for six to eight hours, depending on how chill they are (high-strung dogs may need more attention). If you’ll be gone longer than that, consider a walker or doggy daycare. Even if your pup can go all day without urinating, don’t always expect it of him: When a dog consistently holds it in for more than eight hours, he can be at risk of health issues, like urinary tract infections. Indoor potty pads are an option, but dogs need to be trained to use them (and they may become their own kind of bad habit).

Your absence can make your pets anxious: Dogs with separation anxiety may howl, pace, or become destructive. Cats may meow loudly or soil outside their litter boxes. Don’t scold them if you arrive home to a pee-stained rug, as this may worsen their anxiety. When they’re alone, play soothing music or try a pheromone diffuser (like Adaptil) to help ease their distress. Before you leave, give them plenty of exercise so they’re relaxed and sleepy. If these measures don’t help after a few weeks, you may want to speak with your vet.

If pets are bored, they may get themselves into trouble. Leave treat-filled toys and puzzles so they stay entertained. They should also have a comfy place to sleep and access to fresh water. An anxious dog may benefit from a quiet or dark place, while a social, interactive dog may want to look out the window. (Cats also like to observe the outdoors.) If you don’t crate your pets, close doors to bedrooms and bathrooms, or use baby gates to block off trash, food, plants, and anything else they might eat or destroy.

O U R E X P E RT S KELLY C. BALLANTYNE, DVM, VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST AT INSIGHT ANIMAL BEHAVIOR SERVICES IN CHICAGO ANGELICA DIMOCK, DVM, MANAGING SHELTER VETERINARIAN AT THE ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY IN GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA SHOSHI PARKS, PHD, OWNER AND HEAD TRAINER AT MODERN HOUND IN SAN FRANCISCO

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R E L AT I N G

Good Read

Reclaiming a Place A S H E R M A R R I AG E WA S C RU M B L I N G, P O OJA M A K H I JA N I R E V I S I T E D T H E S P O T W H E R E S H E H O N E Y M O O N E D, I N T E N T O N M A K I N G N E W M E M O R I E S.

I muttered as I packed our bags. My mother tucked a stray curl behind my ear. “Do you not want to go?” she asked. “You haven’t smiled in two days.” My parents had invited my daughter and me to accompany them on my father’s last business trip before retiring. As an engineer, he traveled frequently to Europe—“Tough life, Dad,” I would tease him—and this trip would include several days in Switzerland, where my mom, a Bollywood aficionado, had longed to visit ever since seeing the country’s famed trains and glaciers on the screen. She wanted to ride a panoramic train to Montreux. I just don’t think she or my dad remembered that my soon-to-be ex-husband, J., and I had spent time in that resort town 13 years prior—on our honeymoon, no less.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N H E D G P E T H

“ T H I S I S S O A B S U R D,”

Photograph by Br yan Gardner

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My then 5-year-old daughter, Krishna, and I had been living with my parents for seven months, after her father and I separated and I moved back to New Jersey from Singapore. Krishna spent half her nights in a nest of blankets near my bed and the other half wedged between her grandparents in theirs. During this time, I had hardly stepped out, except to do preschool drop-off and pickup or the occasional jog. I hadn’t seen friends. Clearly, I needed to go to Switzerland, for my mental health. Still, I showed my mom my phone—and the string of cryptic texts from J. hinting at reconciliation. Since I’d left Singapore, we’d communicated mostly through lawyers. He had initiated our separation, and I’d been unsure about our split at first, terrified of the unknown. But after months of recovering from the initial shock—after rekindling an appetite, buying health insurance, navigating the family court system—I became resolved: A divorce was the right decision. I had nothing to be scared of. But his texts unmoored me. Why did he want to hold on now, when I was ready to let go? I stared at my phone and sobbed. “Do you want to get back together?” my mom asked. “No,” I said. “And I want to go to Switzerland.” While the trip would unearth memories I was loath to revisit, I needed to sit with my discomfort, both in the shadow of my previous life and in the light of this new one. I flipped from channel to channel and reread the same paragraph in my book. I was preoccupied with thoughts of that post-wedding trip. J. had surprised me with tickets to the Montreux Jazz Festival, a raucous two weeks of music on the banks of Lake Geneva. Though we’d been together for nearly eight years—we met when we were college freshmen, both barely 18 years old—this was our first big trip together, and my first time to Europe; I was thrilled. In Montreux, we wandered about the city’s dazzling casino. We bought warm falafel from a stand and ate them on the rocky shoreline, amid pines, cypresses, and palms. I watched swimmers dive into the lake, sending ripples across its deep blue water. I felt connected to J., to this place, and to what our marriage might hold. Our concert tickets were for a German reggae band, and I relaxed into the music. Despite the blue laser lights and loud, danceable music, I was overcome by jet lag and fell asleep with my head on his shoulder, the music becoming the soundtrack to my dreams. Four years later, for our anniversary, I gave him four vintage poster prints from Montreux festivals in the 1960s and 1970s. They hung on the walls of our first New York City apartment and then traveled with us to Singapore, where we relocated for his job, and where our daughter was born. Slowly, over the years, our marriage fell into disrepair. We

While the trip would unearth memories I was loath to revisit, I needed to sit with my discomfort, both in the shadow of my previous life and in the light of this new one.

had married far too young. Our interactions had become mostly transactional. We exchanged pleasantries in the morning and managed household tasks. We even slept in separate rooms. Therapy was futile. We had grown apart in our two decades together; by the end of our marriage, we had few mutual friends, no common interests, and differing needs and wants. When J. blindsided me—but not really; I knew it was inevitable, even if I hadn’t yet admitted it to myself—with a request to separate, I decided to bring Krishna home to my parents.

O N O U R F L I G H T,

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and I spent three nights in Zurich and Interlaken before taking the touristy GoldenPass train—the one of my mom’s cinematic visions—to Montreux. Along the way, we saw glacier-fed lakes, snowy peaks, and mountain villages, until the train skirted along pristine Lake Geneva toward Montreux. Once there, we visited the Chillon ABOUT THE AU T H O R Castle, a medieval fortress on a rocky isle, Pooja Makhijani where my daughter darted in and out of edited the anthology courtyards. By the Montreux waterfront, she Under Her Skin: counted the bouquets left around the base How Girls Experience Race in America and of the statue of Freddie Mercury—the Queen wrote the children’s frontman who had adopted the town as his book Mama’s Saris. own. “Smile,” my mom reminded me as we She lives in New Jersey with her took a lake cruise. She was right: I hadn’t daughter and too smiled, and I realized it was ruining the trip many books. for everyone. I faked a grin—but vowed to sulk less and be in the moment for my parents, who had shown me so much love during this transition. As I steadied myself against the boat’s rail, I recalled the five words they’d offered when I’d called, in hysterics, to tell them my marriage was over: “Come home; we got this.” They had made my and Krishna’s happiness a priority.

H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F S Y LV I E R O S O K O F F

M Y PA R E N T S, DAUG H T E R ,

This visit to Montreux was longer than my first—and slower, as travel with a young child and older parents often is. I watched while Krishna traversed a wooden playground and danced among lakeside water jets. In the loving and protective arms of her grandparents, she was thriving. We bought fresh strawberries and figs in a covered market and ice cream from a street vendor. We rode a tram through the city’s Old Town, navigated its narrow cobblestone lanes, and ate the most luscious dark truffles at a chocolaterie that was about to close for the afternoon. I reveled in the fact that I was reclaiming a place that had, at first, triggered such bitterness and sadness. Montreux was taking on a new significance: a stop on the first holiday I took with my daughter and my parents, together. hand in hand, knee-deep, into the lake. She kicked and splashed, pirouetted and giggled. I sat on the rocks, my camera focused first on them and then on the Alps in the distance. The day’s last rays of sunshine cast a warm golden glow on the mountains, the K R I S H NA A N D M Y DA D WA D E D,

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trees, the water, her face. We were leaving Montreux in the morning, on another, less spectacular train. I checked my email, only for the second time on this trip. My and J.’s lawyers had exchanged a flurry of messages, and our divorce was on track to be finalized in the next few months. The stilted, lawyerly language effectively ended a romance that had been nurtured in this very place, but it also illuminated a path and put to rest weeks of confusion and sadness. I smiled. I kicked off my sandals and plunged my feet into the crisp, clear water. I walked toward my daughter, and then farther and farther from the shore, ankle-deep, waistdeep, camera still dangling around my neck. Krishna found this—my near-swimming, fully clothed—amusing, and I sprinkled water on her upturned nose and cheeks. I cupped water in my palms and washed my face and then grabbed her hand from my father’s. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the city’s lights began to twinkle. We retreated to the rocky shore and ran along the promenade back to our hotel.

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.

M .T. A S K S . . .

Our family has two great dogs, both from breeders. They provide us with joy, happiness, and love daily. As therapy dogs who visit hospital patients, they also comfort others. Our choice to have purebred dogs has driven a wedge between us and my in-laws. They’re very involved with a rescue, fostering puppies and finding them good homes. We admire their volunteerism, but they’re extremely critical on social media about breeders. They’ve even stated that they wince every time they see a nonrescue purebred. We’ve never confronted them about the posts, but we’re tired of the dog shaming. Please help.

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At social gatherings, someone will often walk up and jump into my one-on-one conversation, almost as if I weren’t there. I find it rude and intrusive, especially if they begin talking mostly (or entirely) to the person I was chatting with, or even setting up a coffee date that doesn’t include me. I tend to step back or quietly turn away. What’s the best way to handle it?

ABOUT C AT H E R I N E The author of How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn Before You’re Grown Up (out this month), Catherine Newman has shared her wisdom on matters ranging from family and friends to happiness and pickling in numerous publications. She gets advice from her husband and two opinionated, largely grown children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

It is rude to join a conversation and then dominate it or exclude one of its participants; you have every right to assert your place. But it’s also helpful to remember that social gatherings entail fluid groupings and don’t lend themselves well to private heart-tohearts. Your goal should be to welcome others into your exchange as inclusively as possible. Cluing them in to the topic—“We were just talking about that new cooking series on Netflix. Have you seen it?”—will encourage them to participate in, rather than derail, the conversation. If you’re discussing something more private or particular (marriage woes, say, or a work grievance), then shift to a broader subject when a third person joins you.

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You value your in-laws’ efforts to better the world they live in, and it would be wonderful if they did the same—if they saw past their own judgment to appreciate your dogs and all they offer. (Sigh. In-laws.) That said, they do get to champion their cause, and you can recognize its merit, even if you’ve made a different decision. You could confront them about the perceived aggression or remind them of the service work your dogs perform. But neither option is likely to bring satisfaction, and you’d probably do better to breathe deeply and let this difference go. Mute your in-laws on social media, love them in the tangled way of humans, and love your dogs in the uncomplicated way of animals.

D.W. A S K S . . .

C.M. A SKS...

Someone I know (we aren’t super close) gave me two tickets to a play for my birthday. It was a bit awkward because we don’t normally exchange gifts. Do I have to take her with me? If the giver were your bestie, the assumption would be clear: “It’s that play we wanted to see! I’m your plus-one!” But as it is, no, you don’t have to invite your acquaintance. If joining you is her assumption, that would make the tickets less a gift and more a strange, sideways obligation. If she wants to spend time with you, she can invite you for coffee rather than coercing you to the theater. As for the tickets, she can expect only your gratitude, which I’m sure you’ve already offered.

M .W. A S K S . . .

When we invite new visitors to our house, do we have to give them a full tour? Do you live in Buckingham Palace? Then yes. Definitely. Otherwise? Not at all. Certainly, you want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome, but they can feel that way in the main living area of your home. If anyone asks, by all means show them the rest of the house— though, in my case, inevitably guests will peek into the bedroom where I have shut up our cats along with the five stages of laundry. Depending on your perspective, people can seem either delightfully curious or disturbingly nosy. Give them the benefit of the doubt and indulge their interest as you like.

R.S. A SKS...

We just moved into a townhome and have met our (friendly!) neighbors. The people directly next door have a dog who barks for hours in their absence. When they get home, the dog stops. How do we approach them about the barking? Assume in good faith that your neighbors don’t know about the barking, since that poor pup only complains when they’re gone. You might knock on their door and say as much: “You probably have no idea, but your dog barks a lot while you’re away from home. We were hoping you’d problem-solve with us about the noise.” They will likely express their sincere ignorance, and you can proceed from there. If you sense that the remedy (for example, training sessions) would be a financial hardship, it might be in your best interest to chip in. And until they get the barking under control, perhaps they’d consider keeping the dog in a more remote part of the house.

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

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

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

The Sleep Commandments T H O U S H A LT N O T T O S S A N D T U R N A N D B L I N K A T T H E C E I L I N G A L L N I G H T. E V E N W I T H E V E RY T H I N G T H E R E I S T O W O R RY A B O U T T H E S E D AY S , H E R E A R E T H E B E S T W AY S T O G E T T R U LY R E S T O R A T I V E R E S T.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N H E D G P E T H

By Jenny Comita

Photographs by Br yan Gardner

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may be a common refrain, but scientists know that the opposite is true. “The quantity and quality of sleep are the best predictors of how long you’re going to live,” says James Maas, PhD, a sleep expert and former Cornell University professor. Skimping on shut-eye lowers immunity and increases the risk of a host of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and early-onset Alzheimer’s. And yet more than a third of American adults sleep less than seven hours a night. The good news: Thanks to decades of research and a new wave of sleep technology, getting the recommended eight hours a night doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Here, 10 ways to rest easy. “ YO U S N O O Z E , YO U L O S E ”

Do the Light Right

Keep Your Cool Turn down the heat before heading to bed. “Our circadian rhythm works best with night temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Ellen Wermter, a nurse practitioner at Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Virginia. Cooler temps signal the brain to produce more of the sleep hormone melatonin, and— bonus!—recent findings suggest that chilling out at night also encourages the body to expand “brown fat,” a type of tissue that boosts metabolism. Get a tech assist: Stuffy pajamas or an overly toasty bed can sabotage your snooze. Moisture-wicking sleepwear (like Cool-jams) or thermal-regulating

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The quantity and quality of sleep are the best predictors of how long you’re going to live.

mattress pads (like the ChiliPad) help control body temperature. New mattresses (like ones from Tempur-Pedic) often have cooling technology, and the bed of the future may well look like Sleep Number’s Climate360, due out sometime in 2021. This “smart bed” adjusts the temperature on each side of the mattress throughout the night, warming you when you first tuck in and then cooling down to keep your sleep going strong until morning.

“In terms of light exposure, it’s not just what you do at night that matters. It’s also what you do in the daytime,” says Camilo Ruiz, DO, an internist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who specializes in sleep medicine. “Make sure you get bright light in the morning and avoid it in the evening.” As bedtime approaches, dim the lights to tell your brain that you’re getting ready to sleep. Get a tech assist: “Blue light, which is emitted by phones, tablets, and other screens, has the largest effect on melatonin suppression,” says Michael Breus, PhD, a psychologist specializing in sleep disorders. The simplest solution—putting your phone and tablet away at least an hour before bed—is easier said than done. So Breus recommends using blue-lightblocking glasses and screen covers in the hours before bedtime, as well as putting warm-light bulbs in your bedside lamp (try Lighting Science’s GoodNight Sleep-Enhancing Bulb).

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Maas’s pillow collection, Sleep for Success, includes an option for back and stomach sleepers (it’s designed to reduce snoring by positioning the head so the airway remains open) and an option for side sleepers. The key for side sleepers is this, Maas says: A pillow needs to fill the area between the outer ear and the outer shoulder to help maintain alignment in the neck and spine.

Wake Up Smart If you’re starting your day groggy, foggy, and irritable, forget about the “wrong side of the bed.” You likely woke up in the wrong phase of your sleep cycle. Our brains are designed to be roused from light sleep, not the more active REM stage, which occurs throughout the night and, for most people, becomes longer and deeper toward morning. Get a tech assist: Cutting-edge sleep headbands use electrodes to read your brain waves and wake you at the optimal moment of your sleep cycle. Maas recommends the Dreem headband, which costs about $500; similar models, like the $400 SmartSleep Deep Sleep from Philips, are also available. A more affordable option: So-called “sunrise” alarms gently return you to consciousness with a combination of pleasant sounds (think birdsong and classical music) and light that mimics the morning sun.

Channel Goldilocks As anyone acquainted with the three bears can tell you, the best bed is one that’s not too hard and not too soft, but just right. What does “just right” mean for you? According to Breus, the answer depends on your weight, your preferred sleep position, and even your age. “As we get older, the layer of fat just below our skin diminishes, so we have less natural cushioning,” he explains. “As a result, we need a softer bed.” The ideal mattress provides enough support to prevent sinking at the hips and to let your muscles (especially the ones in your back) relax. You’re not going to find it standing up or shopping online: “I often watch customers

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Sleep Seasonally

in the mattress store, and they look like they’re shopping for pianos, poking at beds with their fingers,” Breus says. “That’s not going to tell you anything. Lie down for at least 20 minutes and see how it feels.” If you don’t sleep alone, you shouldn’t shop alone, Wermter points out: “Take your partner, try out a mattress together, and know the return policy.”

Perfect Your Pillows Does your pillow pass the fold test? “Fold it in half,” Breus says. “If it just lies there rather than springing back, it’s dead.” In less dramatic terms, that means it’s no longer offering you good support. Most pillows have a life span of about 18 months, while memoryfoam options last about three years, Breus notes. When it’s time to replace yours, you’ll find endless options crowding the bedding-store shelves: L-shaped models let you wrap your arms around one side and rest your head on the other, which is meant to improve spinal alignment. Pillows with arm tunnels are for people who like to sleep with an arm under their head and are tired of waking up with numb fingers. Breus is a fan of the Everpillow by InfiniteMoon, which zips open so you can add or remove fill.

Just as you wouldn’t rock a snowsuit in July, sleeping under a heavy down comforter in midsummer doesn’t make a lot of sense. “Your bedroom is like your wardrobe,” says home designer Kerry Cassill. “It needs to shift a little with the weather.” Trade your comforter for a linen blanket in the summer. During spring and fall, when temperatures vary, Cassill likes to use a cozy comforter that’s one size smaller than her bed. “It sits on top, and when you sleep, it’s easy to poke out an arm or a leg,” she says. “You can be in it and out of it at the same time.”

Cut Your Cortisol “An evening drop in cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—is part of the body’s natural progression toward sleep,” Breus says. “But anxiety can interfere with the drop, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep.” One simple antidote to middle-ofthe-night monkey mind is a weighted blanket, which provides what scientists call deep pressure stimulation (DPS). “Research shows that DPS can decrease activity of the sympathetic nervous

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Sound Off

system, which promotes alertness in the face of stress, while increasing activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers heart rate and blood pressure,” Breus explains. “These changes result in decreased cortisol.” A 12-pound blanket works best for most people. Get a tech assist: Consistent mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep. If you’ve tried and failed at the “sit and watch your thoughts” approach, you might want to check out the Muse S, a high-tech headband that gives feedback on your brain activity, breathing, and heart rate to encourage effective meditation. The band also offers guided meditations to help you drift off to sleep.

Anyone who’s had an infant in the past few decades is probably familiar with white noise, a fanlike whirring sound that can block out barking dogs, siblings’ tantrums, and other baby-waking household cacophony. But have you heard of pink noise? In a 2017 study, researchers found that this combination of frequencies—which sounds flatter than the more staticky white noise—increased deep sleep and improved memory in older adults. Companies like Yogasleep (one of Maas’s favorites) are thinking pink when designing their noise machines. If pink isn’t your sound, you might try Brahms. A number of studies have revealed that listening to relaxing music before bed can improve sleep quality. As Breus points out, “soothing music can slow heart rate and breathing and lower blood pressure. All these physiological changes can help us fall asleep.”

Use Good Scents Lavender has long been a sleepinducing staple, and for good reason: Studies have shown that using lavender oil for aromatherapy can enhance sleep quality, even for people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. “The scent interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness,” Breus explains. Just make it part of a routine. “Sleep is a ritual behavior,” Ruiz says. Many habits you perform before bed—diffusing essential oil, taking a bath—can cue your brain to start winding down.

Choose Your Colors When painting your bedroom, or even replacing your pillowcases, select tones that are ever so slightly boring. “Typically, colors that are most relaxing fall into the cool and neutral color palettes,” Wermter says. “Choose something that makes you happy but isn’t too stimulating.” And remember: “High gloss reflects light, which can make it much more difficult to sleep,” Breus says. Stick with matte or eggshell and save that shiny wallpaper for the living room.

Have trouble getting a good night’s rest? Read about the seven common signs of sleep deprivation—and what to do about them— at realsimple.com/sleepbetter.

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Money Secrets of Happy Couples H O W YO U S P E N D, H O W YO U S AV E , A N D H O W YO U SHARE AND MANAGE THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME C AN I N F L U E N C E A L O T M O R E T H A N J U S T PAY I N G T H E B I L L S . By Maggie Puniewska

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you and your partner pay for the things that make your life nice. Unfortunately, it can also cause some serious clashes. In a survey by Ally Bank, 36 percent of couples reported that money was the biggest source of stress in their relationship. Luckily, it is possible for partners to come together. Here are nine ways to have a more harmonious financial partnership. MONEY CAN HELP

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They open joint accounts. 1

They get to know each other’s money habits. Before you discuss a day-to-day budget or long-term dreams, identify your big, overarching money values. Talk openly about your experience with money growing up: What did you like about your parents’ habits? What did you turn against? Couples who understand where their partner is coming from tend to have fewer conflicts, says Megan Ford, a financial therapy researcher at the University of Georgia. And studies show that understanding values helps foster more acceptance and empathy in relationships. If you want to use a structured questionnaire, try NerdWallet’s free online money-personality quiz, which is based on a Kansas State University study. If the conversation leads to more questions—or arguments, or headbutting—or you’re dealing with an issue like chronic overspending, consider speaking to a financial therapist.

They appoint a CFO of the relationship. With so many money matters to keep tabs on in a household, it’s helpful when one person takes the lead. “Having a chief financial officer makes for more efficient operations—it’s not a battle each month to decide who keeps track of spending or who’ll do the taxes,” says Molly Stanifer, a certified financial planner at Old Peak Finance in Traverse City, Michigan. That doesn’t mean the money manager has to do everything: “I am the CFO of our relationship, tracking the budget, credit cards, and debt, but my husband handles a lot of the decisions related to our house and cars,” says Irina Gonzalez, a writer in Fort Myers, Florida. If you need an outside opinion on thornier concerns, a financial adviser can assist with drafting a budget or getting on track with retirement. Apps like Mint and Quicken can also help organize spending trends.

Fair is a feeling, not a fact. As long as both people are comfortable with the arrangement, it’s fair.

Shared accounts may not be as common as they once were. Today, 28 percent of married millennials keep their finances separate, compared with 13 percent of boomers, a Bank of America survey found. But advisers recommend a joint account for shared expenses, like rent, utilities, and vacations. If that feels daunting, try a joint credit card first, says Whitney Ditlow, a financial adviser at Northwestern Mutual in Miami, Florida. “It builds trust and gives you full disclosure, since you can see everything being charged.” (Split the bill via your separate checking accounts.) Six months is a good trial period; if things are going well, a joint bank account can be the next step.

They decide the fairest way to split the bills. No, it doesn’t have to be 50/50. “Fair is a feeling, not a fact,” says Ashley Agnew of Centerpoint Advisors in Needham, Massachusetts. “As long as both people are comfortable with the arrangement, it’s fair.” Many financial advisers suggest splitting proportionally based on income. For instance, two people making $150,000 and $50,000 would cover 75 percent and 25 percent of shared bills, respectively. Deposit your portion of each paycheck into a joint account and you won’t have to do math every time you get a bill, Ford says. You may want to factor in unpaid work, like childcare or housework. If one person does far more, perhaps they don’t pay as much, Ford says.

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They discuss lopsided debt. In 86 percent of marriages, at least one person has debt, according to a survey from SoFi, a personal finance company. While you’re not legally responsible for the debt your partner racked up before you got together, you should plan how to pay it off as a team so you can reach your shared financial goals, Ditlow says. You might have to make some sacrifices, like trimming vacation costs or swapping a few pricey dinners out for homecooked meals, she notes. You might even adjust how much each person contributes to shared expenses. “My partner makes a lot more than I do but also has more personal debt, so we split household expenses equally rather than proportionally by income,” says Erin Garcia, a communications specialist in Chicago. “We want to buy a home soon, so it made sense for us to do it this way so he can pay off his loans more quickly.” If you want to contribute money toward your partner’s debt, take stock of your own finances first. “You should be in an A-plus financial situation, without any debts of your own and with an emergency fund, and you should have maxed out your retirement contributions for that year,” Ditlow says.

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They have a monthly money talk. Start a standing monthly meeting— say, every first Thursday at 8 p.m.— so it’s not forgotten or delayed. (If you have separate accounts, meet more often, since you don’t have the transparency of a joint statement.) During this check-in, review your bills, budget, and progress on any debts and goals, noting what went well and what needs to be shaped up, Stanifer says. To feel more engaged, the non-CFO partner should be in charge of setting the meeting agenda. Add an incentive to keep you from dreading the chat: “We order our favorite pizza, which makes meetings feel a little more fun,” Gonzalez says. Also, set a timer. “My husband and I have a hard stop of one hour, which helps us maintain focus,” Agnew says.

They know how they’ll spend a windfall. Of course you’ve idly imagined what you’d do if you won the lottery. But what about the more likely instances of a bonus, inheritance, or property sale? Manisha Thakor, vice president of financial well-being at Brighton Jones in Seattle, recommends deciding how you’ll parcel out the money before you get it. Don’t spend in advance—Thakor has seen inheritances fall through, leaving couples with huge debt. Once the cash flows in, Ditlow suggests putting 70 percent toward savings or investments, using 20 percent to pay off debt, and taking what’s left for lifestyle upgrades. For windfalls of $50,000 or more, consider getting insight from a financial planner. Give your children a head start on financial basics. Find our tips for teaching kids about money at realsimple.com/kidspending.

They plan for doomsday scenarios. Prioritize writing a will, authorizing financial and health care powers of attorney, updating beneficiaries on your accounts, and making other end-of-life arrangements. Tackling these things may feel scary, but it can be relatively painless. As long as you know your beneficiaries’ social security numbers, you can simply fill in template forms, says Thakor, who recommends LegalZoom. If you have a more complex financial situation (for example, you have a business, trusts, or assets of $2 million or more), hire an estate attorney to draft the appropriate documents. The cost generally starts around $2,000.

They consider a prenup. Prenuptial agreements shouldn’t be seen as an omen of a doomed relationship. A MassMutual survey found that among millennial married couples, 14 percent have one—that’s significantly more than the 3 percent of boomers who do. Suggesting a prenup convo isn’t always easy, so Thakor recommends framing it as a financial checkup. Try saying, “I am a huge fan of prenups because you have to lay everything on the table, so it’s a great opportunity to do a full financial physical and then create a road map for the future.” Attorneys can help any couple draft one, but legal help is especially valuable for partners with kids from a previous marriage and people with assets of $250,000 or more.

3 ESSENTIAL APPS FOR SHARED FINANCES Split bills, track spending, and negotiate cheaper household expenses with these clever tools. Z E TA : Ditch the mental gymnas-

tics of monthly bill splitting— this app can automatically divvy up transactions. It’s handy even if you don’t have a joint account; you can share financial information with each other and set up goals with personalized names, like New Baby Savings and Island Getaway. (Free; iOS and Android) H O N E Y F I : Link separate bank

accounts to track spending and bills in one place. The app lets you choose which transactions to share with your partner (ensuring a surprise birthday gift won’t be given away!). A recently launched Spending Challenges feature turns saving into a mini competition: Pick a category you both want to cut back on, then see who can spend less. Stash savings toward a common goal. ($10 a month per couple; iOS and Android)

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worth following, it’s to never be caught without a snack. Aside from the obvious reason (snacks are fun!), consider this science: When you become ravenous, you often shovel down your food, eating much faster than your stomach can signal to your brain that it’s full, explains Alex Caspero, RD, a nutritionist in St. Louis. If your only choice is a vending machine or drive-through, that can be bad news for your energy level, digestion, and nutrition goals. Picking the right supplies for your emergency kit can be tricky. “Packaged snacks are often loaded with sugar and salt and low in fiber, which may leave you hungry again sooner,” Caspero says. The solution isn’t to stop snacking. You just need to snack smarter. Generally, each snack should contain roughly 200 calories and be a combo of at least two macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbs. Most importantly, look for “whole-food-based choices,” Caspero says—bars made from real fruit, crunchy treats with just a few (real!) ingredients. The following suggestions will help you stay satisfied no matter what your day brings.

Smarter Snacking on the Go S O M E T I M E S H U N G E R C A N F E E L L I K E A N AC T UA L E M E RG E N C Y — E V E N T H O U G H I T ’ S U S U A L LY N O T. T H E K E Y T O S U RV I VA L I S T H E S A M E A S I N A N Y C R I S I S : B E I N G P R E PA R E D. By Rachael Schultz

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

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IF THERE’S ONE RULE

RU N N I N G E R R A N D S

O N T H E ROA D Whether you’re road-tripping across states or enduring a long commute, you need food that will fill your stomach and keep your energy up. To avoid mindless eating, Alix Turoff, RD, advises choosing preportioned sizes of mess-free fare. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chili Roasted Pistachios, along with almonds and cashews, are among the lowestcalorie nuts. A snack pack will keep your portion size in check and provide a protein-fiber-fat trio to help you stay fuller longer, Caspero says. She loves the ease of this preshelled variety and the satisfying spicy flavor. TO BUY: $3 for 2.25 oz.; getcrackin .com for stores. Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame Crunchy, salty, and packed with protein, edamame is a great plantbased snack. This brand has no hidden ingredients—just soybeans and salt. Half a bag nets you about 250 calories, along with 28 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber (that’s over 40 percent of your daily fiber needs). TO BUY: $1.80 for 4 oz.; iherb.com. Chomp’s Turkey Jerky Approved for Whole30, keto, and paleo diets, these free-range turkey sticks deliver 10 grams of protein, 60 calories, and zero carbs. Slightly smoky and spicy, each stick is flavorful enough to entertain your taste buds while you’re idling in traffic. TO BUY: $22.50 for 10; chomps.com.

The best way to avoid popping into a drive-through as you do the old big-box-store shuffle is to keep a zillion snacks in your purse (or car). The problem with most nonperishable picks: They’re often sugar bombs that are loaded with processed ingredients, Caspero says. In addition to protein, fiber, and fat, look for whole ingredients and limited added sugar. Sahale Snacks Trail mix is worthy of its reputation as the ideal snack. It has just the right balance of protein, fiber, and fat to keep you full and energized. With Sahale’s gourmet blends, you can add “satisfied” to that list. Offered in exciting all-natural flavors like tangerine vanilla cashew and banana rum pecan, the snack packs are small enough to stash in every bag you own. TO BUY: $1.80 for 1.5 oz.; sahalesnacks.com for stores. RXBar Kids Portable and shelf-stable, bars are perhaps the most convenient purse snack. RXBars are one of the rare wrapped gems made entirely from real ingredients—fruit, nuts, and egg whites

(all of which are listed on the label). Plus, there’s no gluten or added sugar, and there’s enough protein to hold you over till the next meal…whenever that is. The full-size bars are perfectly healthy, but the slightly smaller variety can be a preportioned snack for the kids or a tasty pick-me-up for you—whoever gets to it first. TO BUY: $5 for 4; rxbar.com for stores. Noka Smoothie Pouches Blended from “ugly” fruits and veggies that would otherwise go to waste, these purees have fiber and plantbased protein to keep you full between to-dos, says Maggie Moon, RD, author of The Mind Diet. And don’t worry: The pouch is easy to manage while carrying a bunch of bags. TO BUY: $15 for 6; nokaorganics.com. Late July Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers Hearken back to your childhood with higher-quality cracker snacks. One pack of these organic mini sandwiches provides just over 16 grams of carbs and enough fat to satiate you. The buttery, salty gems will appeal to moms and kids alike. TO BUY: $8 for 8 (1 oz.) bags; latejuly.com for stores.

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T H AT 2 :30 F E E L I N G When post-lunch hunger hits, your goal is to fill up without slowing down—which means staying away from simple carbs and sugary treats. Opt for a balance of protein and either carbs or fat to help keep your blood sugar stable and prevent cravings before dinner, Turoff advises.

Mamma Chia Chia Squeeze These squeezable snacks, made from fruits, veggies, and chia seeds, are a great way to score vitamins and minerals. They’re packed with fiber for digestive health and omega-3s for immunity. And, at only 70 to 80 calories (depending on the flavor), they can supplement that local pastry tasting or give you an energy boost as you walk around the city. TO BUY: $6 for 4; mammachia.com for stores.

Peckish Eggs With a nearly equal ratio of fat to protein, hard-boiled eggs are stomachfilling, muscle-building powerhouses. This brand jazzes up the snack by including delicious dips, like everything seasoning and pumpkin seeds. TO BUY: $5.50 for 2; perfectlypeckish .com for stores. Wissotzky Nana Mint Green Tea Afternoon coffee can disrupt your sleep, but green tea has just one-third the caffeine, so it delivers an energy boost without late-night consequences, Turoff says. The mint helps with alertness, and it cuts the bitter taste that turns many people off from straight green tea. TO BUY: $3.50 for 20 bags; wteashop.com. Pipcorn Sea Salt Popcorn Pipcorn is made from a smaller kernel, so you can munch on more before you hit a healthy serving size. With only oil and salt added, the clean ingredients and filling fiber make this a smart snack for the office. TO BUY: $16 for 4 (4.5 oz.) bags; pipcorn.com. Lily’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Real talk: Ignore that deskside chocolate craving and it will take over your brain. Instead, feed it smarter, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, author of The Superfood Swap. Made from 70 percent cacao and sweetened with stevia, one serving has five grams each of protein and fiber, so you’re getting more than just empty calories. TO BUY: $2 for 2; lilys.com for stores.

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T R AV E L I N G When you’re in the airport for long stretches or adjusting to a different time zone, it’s easy to snack all day. This can make you feel sluggish and worsen the digestive woes that already come with traveling, Caspero points out. Combat both by stocking your carry-on with protein and healthy fiber. The Good Bean Crunchy Chickpeas Easy to carry and hard to crush, these roasted chickpeas travel well and offer a healthier crunch than the airline’s processed pretzels. They also bring along filling plant protein (six grams) and fiber (five grams). Eat straight out of the package or add some to that sad airport salad. TO BUY: $4.50 for 6 oz.; thegoodbean.com for stores. Pique Ginger Digestion Elixir Long hours, subpar hydration, unfamiliar foods—traveling can seriously mess with digestion. Battle the bloat with tummy-soothing ginger, mint, and licorice root. We love that this powder blends into both hot and cold water so you’re not limited by what’s available. TO BUY: $16 for 14 packets; piquetea.com.

Wild Friends Classic Creamy Almond Butter Packets Make airport finds like bananas, Greek yogurt, and crackers more filling by topping them with a squeeze of healthy fats. Wild Friends contains nothing but blended nuts and sea salt—no palm oil or added sugar—and delivers a drizzle so creamy and delicious, we won’t judge you for squirting it right into your mouth. TO BUY: $14 for 10; wildfriendsfoods.com. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Classic Oatmeal Cup Just add hot water from an airport coffee shop for an energizing snack that surpasses anything available in the terminal, including sugar-laden oatmeal. This cup (in packaging that won’t get squished in your carry-on) has seven grams of protein. The fiber acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria and help keep your digestion regular while traveling, Caspero says. TO BUY: $2.90 for 1.8 oz.; bobsredmill.com.

Time stands still. but you’re free to walk around. Ev e r y t h i n g c h a n g e s . O r s o w e’v e h e a r d . Ye t h e r e i n Wy o m i n g y o u c a n e x p e r i e n c e t h e w o n d e r o f v i s t a s u n a l t e r e d . C u r i o s i t i e s t h at s t a n d d e f i a nt l y a s t h e y h av e f o r m i l l e n n i a . P l a c e s t h at i nv i t e y o u t o p au s e a n d r e f l e c t . W hy n o t s l ow d ow n a n d t a k e i t a l l i n . Fo r a c h a n g e .

Ahhh...

Appreciation Walk You can do this anywhere, but we recommend getting outside if you can, especially in nature. As you walk, take a few deep breaths, allowing the rhythm of your breathing to be slow and relaxed. Notice how your body feels. Bring your attention to how your legs, feet, and arms feel with each step you take. Feel the contact of your feet as they touch the ground, and the movement of your body as you take each step. If you become lost in thought as you continue to walk, use the next step as an opportunity to start over.

OFFSET

—JAMIE PRICE, Stop, Breathe & Think

Photograph by M & J Photography

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Lem o n Cu rd a n d B er r y Pa r fa i t s

Make a double batch of the crumble so you’ll have extra for topping ice cream or oatmeal.

recipe, page 115

A B R I G H T S TA RT

Mix and match recipes for an irresistible— yet simple—brunch spread you don’t have to b e an e arly bird to prep. By A N A N D A E I D E L S T E I N Photographs by G R E G D U P R E E

Sweet or savor y? Let guests choose their own adventure.

Wh ipp e d Ri cot ta To a sts

Su n ny Si d e - Up Sh e et Pa n Bre a k fa st

Whipped R i c o t t a To a s t s ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 6

Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast

2 1/4 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 6

1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 13-oz. crusty bread loaf, cut into 6 (1-in.-thick) slices 1 Tbsp. olive oil Lemon Pepper, Strawberry Basil, or Sweet-and-Sour Pepper Topping broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Beat ricotta, cream, and salt with an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. PREHEAT

bread slices on 1 side with oil. Arrange on a baking sheet. Broil until golden brown, about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through and watching carefully to avoid burning. Let cool for 5 minutes.

BRUSH

ricotta mixture onto oiled sides of toast. Add topping of choice. SPOON

LEMON PEPPER TOPPING

Olive oil 3 tsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons) Freshly ground black pepper 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

Flaky sea salt ricotta-topped toasts with oil. Top with lemon zest, several grinds of pepper, and flaky salt.

STRAWBERRY BASIL TOPPING

1 lb. fresh strawberries, trimmed and quartered 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar Torn fresh basil leaves strawberries and sugar in a large bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperature until juices are released, 1 to 2 hours. (Alternatively, place in refrigerator overnight.) Spoon over ricotta-topped toasts and top with basil. TOSS

1 1/2 lb. fingerling potatoes, quartered 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 3/4 tsp. kosher salt 3 fresh thyme sprigs 8 oz. fresh spinach, trimmed 6 large eggs Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, for serving oven to 400°F. Arrange prosciutto on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until darkened, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate using tongs. (Prosciutto will continue to crisp as it cools.) PREHEAT

SWEET-AND-SOUR PEPPER TOPPING

2 Tbsp. olive oil 3 medium bell peppers, thinly sliced (3 cups) 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 anchovy, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar Toasted pine nuts

DRIZZLE

A hot oven turns melty prosciutto into crispy chips— you’ll want them on your future cheese boards.

3 oz. prosciutto (about 6 slices), torn into pieces

oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add bell peppers and salt. Cook, stirring often, until darkened in spots and crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Add anchovy and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add vinegar and sugar. Cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened, about 5 minutes. Spoon over ricotta-topped toasts and top with pine nuts. HEAT

potatoes, onion, 2 tablespoons oil, and kosher salt on same baking sheet; spread evenly and add thyme. Bake until mixture is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and discard thyme. TOSS

spinach to potato mixture and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Toss to coat using tongs. Make 6 evenly spaced wells in mixture; crack 1 egg into each. ADD

until egg whites are set and spinach is wilted, 6 to 8 minutes. Season eggs with flaky salt and several grinds of pepper. Break crispy prosciutto into pieces and scatter over hash. BAKE

Impress your brunch guests (even if they’re just your kids!) with a well-set table. Find casual and formal ideas at realsimple.com/placesettings.

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Hibiscus Lemon I c e d Te a ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES (INCLUDES CHILLING) SERVES 6

6 hibiscus tea bags 2 medium lemons 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high. Add tea bags; let steep for 30 minutes. Gently squeeze tea bags to release any excess liquid and discard. Pour tea into a pitcher. BRING

WHILE tea steeps, peel lemon zest into strips. Squeeze lemons to yield 1/4 cup juice; set aside.

lemon syrup: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high. Cook, stirring often, until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add lemon strips. Let cool for 30 minutes. Remove and discard lemon strips.

MAKE

lemon syrup, lemon juice, and 4 cups water into tea. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. Serve over ice. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

STIR

Turn the tea into a spritz by topping it off with sparkling wine.

Sh o r tcu t Sh a l l ot a n d Le e k Q u i ch e

Puff pastr y is the secret, no-fuss ingredient that takes this dish to new heights.

Skil let B a na na Panc ake

Skip the flipping and make one big pancake.

Skillet Banana Pancake Shor tcut Shallot and Leek Quiche ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 25 MINUTES SERVES 6

3 large shallots, quartered 1 large leek, white and light green parts quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-in. pieces (1 1/4 cups) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 frozen puff pastry sheet (from a 17.3-oz. pkg.), thawed 5 large eggs 6 oz. Cheddar or Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/2 cup half-and-half 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Chopped fresh chives, for serving oven to 400°F with racks in upper and lower thirds and a rimmed baking sheet on lower rack. PREHEAT

shallots, leek, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a separate rimmed baking sheet. Bake on upper rack until mixture is golden brown in spots, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing halfway through. TOSS

roll pastry sheet into an 11-inch square. Drape over a 9-inch pie dish; press to fit inside dish. Poke holes all over bottom with a fork. Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl; brush over pastry edges. Fold pastry corners over (just to the lip of the dish); press to seal and brush with more beaten egg. Place a large piece of parchment paper on dough and fill with pie weights. Place on preheated baking sheet and bake until light golden around edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove parchment and weights and continue baking until bottom is golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Press down puffed areas with the back of a spoon. Immediately brush bottom and sides with remaining beaten egg. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. MEANWHILE,

cheese, half-and-half, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 eggs in a large bowl. Stir in shallot mixture. Pour into crust and cover edges with foil. Bake on lower rack until just set, about 30 minutes. Top with chives. WHISK

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 6

3 medium bananas 5 Tbsp. melted coconut oil, divided 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. kosher salt

Scrape batter into skillet, gently spreading to edges with a rubber spatula. Reduce heat to medium; cook, shaking skillet back and forth to distribute batter, until pancake bubbles around edges, 5 to 6 minutes. Arrange broiled bananas on top, cut sides up. Bake until pancake is puffed and set, 10 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through. coconut chips on a baking sheet and bake until just golden, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle pancake evenly with coconut and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve with whipped cream. SPREAD

3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 cup coconut chips Pure maple syrup, for serving

Lemon Curd and Berr y Par faits

Whipped heavy cream, for serving PREHEAT broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Slice 2 bananas in half lengthwise and place, cut sides up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Broil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside. Set oven temperature to 400°F.

remaining banana in a large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons oil; whisk until combined. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a separate large bowl. Add mashed banana mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix). MASH

remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium-high. HEAT

If you don’t have pie weights, use a pound of dried beans or uncooked rice. Weighing down the dough ensures the crust holds its shape.

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 6

3/4 cup chopped walnuts 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 graham crackers, crumbled 3 6-oz. pkg. fresh blackberries 3 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 1 1/2 cups lemon curd (from 2 [10 oz.] jars) PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Stir walnuts, oats, oil, sugar, salt, and cinnamon on a rimmed baking sheet, pressing together with your fingers to combine. Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes.

crumbled graham crackers into walnut mixture; set aside. (Crumble mixture can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.) STIR

PLACE a few blackberries on bottom of each of 6 glasses; layer each with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon curd, 2 tablespoons crumble mixture, 1/4 cup yogurt, and 2 tablespoons crumble mixture. Top with remaining blackberries.

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Let’s Hang! A R T C A N H E L P A S PA C E T E L L Y O U R S T O RY. L E A R N H O W T O B U Y I T, W H E R E T O F I N D I T, A N D H O W T O A R R A N G E I T F O R A RO O M T H AT P E R F E C T LY R E F L E C T S Y O U A N D Y O U R FA M I LY.

B y L E S L I E C O R O N A & ST E P H A N I E S I S C O P h o t o g r a p h s b y B RYA N G A R D N E R Set a color palette to tie your ar t and frame collection together, no matter the mix of mediums or materials.

Artwork brings so much good energy to a room. But getting from a blank wall to that happy place can feel daunting— even for the most confident DIYer. (If you’ve ever left a frame leaning against a wall in the den, you’re not alone!) Whether you want to curate a mix that encapsulates your family’s style or you’re an avid collector who simply needs a nudge to finally populate that big bare wall, here’s a guide through the process.

Layer only t wo frames deep. More will lo ok bulk y.

LEAN IT ON A LEDGE If you have ever-changing tastes and an always-expanding collection, a shallow shelf lets you rearrange your display on a whim (without leaving holes in the wall).

Gold Rising II Wall Art by Bobby Berk (far left), from $424; luluand georgia.com. Holman Ledges in Seadrift, from $69; potterybarn.com. (Top ledge, from left) Confetti II Print, $40; juniperprintshop.com. Nielsen Alpha Brushed Bronze Aluminum Matted Frame, $75; michaels .com. La Poste by Lulu and Isabel, $48; minted .com. In Bloom by Sylvia Takken, $102; artfully walls.com. (Bottom ledge, from left) Line Rainbow Print, $15 (digital download); bffprint shop.com. Gather Print, $20 (digital download); juniperprintshop.com. White Belmont Frame with Mat by Studio Décor, $17; michaels.com. Fine Feathered I by Debra Pruskowski, $89; minted .com. Peep Hole by Polly Mann, $102; artfullywalls .com. Blobby Calm by Svitlana Martynjuk, $254; minted.com. Project 62 Esters Wood Arm Chair (left), $300; target.com. Carson Carrington Yppersbyn Upholstered Velvet Accent Chair in Linen, $323; overstock.com. TO B U Y:

The center of the composition should be at eye level.

This the-more-themerrier approach also works in other clearly constrained areas, like the walls of a powder room.

In high-traffic areas like the stair way, pieces can easily get bumped askew. To keep ar t even and level, anchor the corners of each frame with removable adhesive strips.

Make the mix feel unique by including custom pieces, either kiddrawn or professionally commissioned— like this por trait of a first home.

STO C K A STA I RC A S E An assortment of large posters and smaller prints brings color and personality to a staircase wall. Stagger the frames parallel to the steps, and use the railing as a guide for the lower edge of the arrangement.

We want to see how you display art and personal mementos. Post a photo of your arrangement on Instagram using #realsimplememories and it could appear in an upcoming issue.

As you gather a collection, consider this advice from a few professionals. BUYING

FRAMING

HANGING

Art should complement, not compete with, your room’s focal point. Look at your rug, for example. If it has a busy pattern, stick with one large piece instead of a gallery wall.

Frames can get expensive (especially custom ones), but they’re worth the investment because quality options elevate the look of the entire room and last longer than bargain versions.

Even the pros can have a hard time getting different frames to line up evenly. That’s why they swear by this trick: Stick painter’s tape across the back of the frame and mark or poke a hole where the hook or nail should go. Then transfer the tape to the wall and attach the hardware in the right spot on your first try.

Incorporating sentimental ephemera (like cherished kids’ drawings or ticket stubs) instantly brings character to a collection. In your display, aim to have one out of every five pieces feel homemade or autobiographical.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY K A R I N O LS E N

If you like the look of paintings but are on a print budget, search for words like “giclée” or “artist enhanced” in the description. These techniques give a suggestion of brushstrokes.

Aside from your local framer, the pros also recommend Framebridge, Michaels, and Simply Framed for custom jobs. If you plan to hang something across from a window, consider matte paper without glass or a canvas print to prevent glare. Alternatively, museum glass is relatively glare-free.

If there’s an architectural element in your space (like a fireplace), display one large piece of artwork above it and hang a gallery-style arrangement on the opposite wall.

TO BU Y: (Top row, from left) Lawrence Slater Peace Art Print, $49; urbanoutfitters.com. Wow, That Is Bright! by Lisa Travis, $147; minted.com. (Second row) A Splash of Magique by Milou Neelen, $252; artfullywalls.com. Keep Going 1 by Jessica Poundstone, $178; artfullywalls.com. Red Sun by Jennifer Morehead, $31; minted.com. Einstein by Kate Gattey, $124; artfullywalls .com. (Third row) Fine Art Print, Abstract, from $48; joreyhurley.etsy.com. The Wild Ones by Ophelia Pang, $124; artfullywalls.com. Fox Trot by Holly Royval, $44; minted.com. Roses Are Red by Mark & Suumin–Fox & Velvet, $130; artfullywalls.com. (Bottom row) Ok, Now Ladies V1, $45; chasingpaper.com. Custom Home Portrait, from $90; alenabergerart.etsy.com. White Belmont Frame with Mat by Studio Décor, $12; michaels.com.

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ECLECTIC ARRANGEMENT The secret to a cohesive gallery wall is patience—and a strong focal point. Start by hanging an anchor piece and build out from there over time. Aim to have at least one unifying principle (color scheme, frame material, art style ) among everything you hang.

Art Appreciation If you’d like to start a collection beyond family photos and kids’ art, check out these sellers. E T S Y.C O M : Consider this your go-to

for options in a variety of styles and price points. You can even request customized pieces from the many talented artists. 20 X 200.C O M : The affordable,

limited-edition artworks mean you likely won’t find the same piece hanging above your best friend’s sofa. J U N I P E R P R I N T S H O P.C O M A N D B F F P R I N T S H O P.C O M : These sites

Test out your arrangement with kraft paper and painter ’s tape.

offer art on demand—they’ll email you a digital file to print at home in whatever size you like. Plus, they curate a relatively small collection of art, which is great if you find yourself easily overwhelmed by endless options. M I N T E D.C O M : With thousands of

fine-art prints, starting at $31, this site lets you pick from multiple sizes, frame styles, glass types, and matting to personalize your selection. T H R I F T S TO R E S A N D F L E A M A R K E T S : The beauty of shopping TO B U Y: (Opposite page, clockwise from top left) Orange Tree by Rachel Roe, $198; minted.com.

Girl Reading, $15 (digital download); bffprintshop.com. Gold Pompeii Frame, $33; michaels.com. City of Paris Canvas, $249; potterybarn.com. Light Rods LED Art Sconce, $179; westelm.com. Golden Girl Print, $110; teilduncan.com. Float Frame by Studio Decor, $40; michaels.com. Flowers in a Glass Bowl by Rachel Ruysch, $260; 20x200.com. Black Thin Float Frame, $18; michaels.com. Ship at Sea Vintage Art, $325; brookeandlou.com. Plate 431: American Flamingo by John James Audubon, $250; 20x200.com. Formulations 11 in vintage frame, $350; skleinstudio.com for info. Vintage Astronomical, from $99; potterybarn.com. Paint: Revere Pewter (HC-172) in Regal Select, from $59 per gallon; benjaminmoore.com for info.

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secondhand is twofold—you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces to make your home feel extra special and you’re upcycling.

Shine a light on a favorite or meaningful piece with a librar yst yle sconce.

Add cur ved elements and sculptural objects to give the assor tment dimension.

When thrifting, search for high-qualit y frames. If the ar t was special enough for someone to frame nicely, it’s wor th a careful look.

To unify your collection, convert photos to black and white and use identical frames.

A gridded layout fills a wall without appearing too busy.

If you’re placing ar t over a piece of furniture—be it a sofa or sideboard— the arrangement should span t wothirds its width, with the lowest frame edge at least four inches above it.

Tools of the Trade

GRID OF FA M I LY P H OTO S Give meaningful pictures (and people!) a special spot in your home within a clean-lined arrangement.

A grouping of smaller pieces creates an intimate collection that invites guests to come in for a closer peek.

PA I N T E R ’ S TA P E

H A R D - WA L L H A N G E R

Use it to map out your arrangement before putting a hole in the wall. TO BUY: 3M Safe-Release MultiSurface Edge-Lock Painters Tape, $6 for 2; lowes.com.

Perfect for brick or concrete surfaces, this hardware holds up to 25 pounds. TO BUY: OOK 25-lb. Plastic Hard Wall Hangers, $2.50 for 3; homedepot.com.

D RY WA L L A N C H O R S

LEVEL

When you’re not drilling into a stud, anchors expand behind the drywall to securely hang heavy frames. TO BUY: Arrow Drywall Drill Bit Screw and Anchor Kit, $8; target.com.

Some have a center magnet for hands-free straightening of metal frames. TO BUY: Johnson Level 9-in. Magnetic Torpedo Level, $11; lowes.com.

STUD FINDER

DUST OFF

Hanging heavy pieces from a wooden stud can provide added support. TO BUY: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder, $10; homedepot.com.

When framing artwork at home, use this to help keep tiny particles from getting caught between the print and the glass. TO BUY: Falcon Dust-Off Air Duster, $13; staples.com.

COMMAND STRIPS

MONKEY HOOK

Put these Velcro-style strips on the wall and frame corners to prevent them from shifting. TO BUY: Command Picture Hanging Strips, $9 for 3; target.com.

Push and thread this through drywall to hold up to 50 pounds. TO BUY: Hillman Gorilla Hook Picture Hanger, from $5 for 2; acehardware.com.

O U R E X P E RT S BOBBY BERK, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND STAR OF NETFLIX’S QUEER EYE BARRETT BRYNESTAD, DESIGN DIRECTOR AT ARTIFACT UPRISING DAYNA ISOM JOHNSON, ETSY’S TREND EXPERT AND JUDGE ON NBC’S MAKING IT JENNY KOMENDA, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF JUNIPER STUDIO SHEA McGEE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF STUDIO McGEE MARIAM NAFICY, CEO AND FOUNDER OF MINTED LIZA PRUITT, FOUNDER OF LIZA PRUITT ART COLLECTIVE

(Opposite page) Modern Metal Frames in Graphite, from $69; artifactuprising.com. HomeGoods Cane Console, $499; homegoods.com for stores. TO BU Y:

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AMERICA THE BE AUTIFUL, SURE. BUT ALSO? AMERICA T H E R E L A X I N G. A S YO U D R E A M O F T H E T I M E E V E RYO N E C A N T R AV E L A G A I N , P L A N A T R I P TO A N Y O F T H E S E S P OTS FO R JAW-D RO P P I N G V I E WS, F R E S H A I R , C R E A T I V E I N S P I R A T I O N , O R — M AY B E M O S T I M P O R T A N T — C L E A R H E A D S PA C E . By Katie Jame s Watkinson Illustrations by Babeth Lafon

White Sands National Park, New Mexico White Sands is just as it sounds—a vast, 275-square-mile terrain that’s home to otherworldly sand dunes unlike anything you’ve ever seen. (Rent a sled at the gift shop and fire up your Instagram story.) STAY: Pitch a tent at Oliver Lee State Park, or book a room in nearby Las Cruces.

San Juan Mountains, Colorado Awe-inspiring landscapes and healing hot springs are just two reasons to make the trek to southwestern Colorado, a five-hour drive from Aspen. Whether you’re hiking the streamside trails, fly-fishing on the Dolores, or rafting on the Animas, you’ll unleash the mountain woman within—even if you never knew she existed. STAY: Book a couple’s retreat at Dunton Hot Springs (from $730 per night), an abandoned mining town turned luxury resort that’s deliciously remote and well worth the splurge.

O P P O S I T E PA G E : C AVA N I M A G E S /O F F S E T. T H I S PA G E , C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P R I G H T: M O M O V U Y I S I C H /G A L L E R Y S T O C K ; T E T R A I M A G E S /O F F S E T ( 2 )

Gre at Smok y Mountains National Park, Tennessee One of the country’s most visited national parks, with trees-asfar-as-the-eye-cansee scenery, is made for meandering drives—but be sure to actually get out of the car to commune with wildlife and hit miles of scenic hiking trails. STAY: Sleep at the Swag (from $520 per night), a remote mountaintop inn with 14 cozy rooms and cabins.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Moab, Utah

Get your kicks skiing in winter or mountain biking in summer—and catch the best stargazing all year long, thanks to the clear weather and dark skies. STAY: Recharge at Hotel Ketchum (from $199 per night), a boutique hotel seven miles from Bald Mountain.

This mellow hippie mecca is all about mind-bending red-rock mesas and plateaus you can hike in Arches or Canyonlands National Park. STAY: Get your glamp on at Under Canvas campsite (from $254 per night), where you’ll find spacious, safariinspired tents equipped with modern amenities, like private bathrooms with real, live plumbing (hallelujah!).

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Block Island, Rho de Island

Big Sur, California There’s a lot more to Big Sur than the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge (hello, Big Little Lies). Hit the picturesque state parks and towering beachfront cliffs. After completing the scenic Highway 1 drive, get your cardio fix on a hike to McWay Falls, a waterfall that empties right into the beach. STAY: Truly unplug at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn (from $95 per night)—the rustic rooms are devoid of televisions, telephones, and internet access.

Kauai, Hawaii Known as the Garden Island, Kauai forgoes the resort vibe of some of the other islands and lets you reconnect with nature—and your family. With about 50 miles of white-sand beaches and the 3,000-foot-tall sea cliffs of the Napali Coast, there are plenty of beach options and hiking opportunities. STAY: Book a room at the newly renovated Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (from $279 per night), which has a poolside bar.

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Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan Though just a five-hour car ride from Detroit, the dunebeach-filled Leelanau is a world away from the industrial cool of the city. Alternate between swimming in the blue waters of Lake Michigan and enjoying wine tastings in the vineyards. STAY: Sip red, white, or rosé at the Inn at Black Star Farms (from $195 per night), a 160-acre bed-and-breakfast and winery overlooking rolling hills.

Outer B anks, Nor th Carolina North Carolina’s sandspit coast is known for its unspoiled beaches and chill little towns. But to really unwind, head to Carova, a tucked-away beach community where wild horses roam free. STAY: Sanderling Resort (from $119 per night) offers dune hang gliding for the adrenaline junkies and sunset kayaking for the more laid-back.

T H I S PA G E , F R O M T O P : J U L I A C R I M /O F F S E T; A L I C E G A O/O F F S E T. O P P O S I T E PA G E : L E S L E E M I T C H E L L /O F F S E T

Famous for its clay cliffs, seafood, and family-friendly beaches, Block Island is just 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast. After you get off the ferry, explore the island’s 200-foot-tall Mohegan Bluffs, or lounge on the sugar-soft shores of secluded Crescent Beach. STAY: The renovated Block Island Beach House (from about $329 per night) has a retro-nautical vibe but with all the modern amenities you could ever need.

Alys B each, Florida Squint and the beaches at this seaside Gulf Coast community could be the Maldives. Book a luxury rental for your next family retreat and you can live the dream (a.k.a. a multimaster villa) for a week. STAY: Vacation rentals (from $425 per night) are the only option, and many properties feature private pools.

Finger Lakes, New York The central swath of the state is full of distilleries, breweries, and about 100 wineries, where the pours are generous and the renowned Rieslings are as cold as the region’s winters. STAY: The newly restored Zabriskie House at Inns of Aurora (from $160 per night) has 11 homey guest rooms near the shores of Cayuga Lake.

Texas Hill Countr y S anta Ynez Valley, California Head north from Santa Barbara to find hillsides dotted with more than 120 wineries, then stay in Los Alamos—a frontier town turned off-duty hangout for L.A. creatives. STAY: Skyview Los Alamos (from $179 per night) is a fresh take on a retro motel that begs to be Instagrammed. 1 2 8 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

One of the nation’s most visited wine regions offers so much more than just grapes. The area around Fredericksburg has hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, dude ranches, and scenic roads perfectly suited for long, calm, nearly meditative drives. STAY: Relax at country music icon George Strait’s newly remodeled Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort (from $119 per night). For an adults-only option, try the 16-room Sage Hill Inn & Spa (from $299 per night).

Virginia Wine Countr y Surprise: There’s a legit wine country just south of the Mason-Dixon line. Virginia’s bucolic viticulture is booming, thanks to nearly 300 wineries spread across 10 regions. Designated wine trails allow vino novices and aficionados alike to sip their way through the Commonwealth. STAY: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant (from $249 per night) is a farm-to-table hideaway surrounded by lush gardens.

St. Michaels, Mar yland This idyllic Chesapeake Bay town offers maritime activities and historic architecture. By day, tool around and follow your bliss on bikes, then catch a sunset cruise on the bay. STAY: Settle into the Inn at Perry Cabin (from $450 per night), made famous when Wedding Crashers filmed there.

Hana, Maui, Hawaii

T H I S PA G E A N D O P P O S I T E : G E T T Y I M A G E S ( 2 ) . H A N A , M A U I : C O U R T E S Y O F L I Z VA C C A R I E L L O

Camden, Maine

Carmel-by-the-Se a, California With its soaring pines and adorable gingerbread cottages, Carmel-by-theSea feels straight out of a storybook. Enjoy sun lounging, picnic lunches, and strolls along the beachfront paths. STAY: Drive 20 minutes inland to the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains and you’ll land at Carmel Valley Ranch (from $300 per night), a summer-camp-inspired resort spread across 500 acres.

Camden is a postcard sprung to life, with sleepy streets and deep blue ocean panoramas that bring serious calm. Plan your days around hikes in Acadia National Park and winery tours, or just grab a book, take a seat in an Adirondack chair, and stare at the rugged Maine coast. STAY: The boutique Camden Harbour Inn (from $225 per night) provides unmatched views of the nearby harbor.

Part cowboy country, part nature preserve, Hana is an antidote to Hawaii’s hopping resort scene. Prepare for black-sand beaches, bamboo forests, and many, many ono tacos. STAY: Travaasa Hana (from $475 per night) is a beachfront wellness resort set amid palm trees and grassy fields.

Gateway, Colorado Located on the Utah border, this is a way less bustling alternative to Sedona. Hike, mountain bike, and rock climb in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Palisade formation. STAY: Reserve a room for your next girls’ weekend at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa (from $279 per night) and take in the scenery by horseback or helicopter.

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Palm Springs, California Yes, flock to this Mojave Desert spot to escape winter weather. But the mercury level isn’t the only perk: Palm Springs is big enough to keep you entertained—with hot springs, spas, and architecture tours—but small enough to conquer in a weekend. STAY: Great for couples and groups, the bohemianinspired Ace Hotel & Swim Club (from $189 per night) is equally decadent and cozy.

Savannah, Georgia Beyond the hush puppies, manicured parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah radiates creative energy, thanks to its abundance of galleries and artisanal shops. STAY: Experience Savannah’s charm at Perry Lane Hotel (from $220 per night), a 167-room space that features a sweeping rooftop pool and bar.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Think of it as the overlooked—but way more lovable—middle sibling of N.Y.C. and D.C. Philly has outstanding museums, trendy chef-driven restaurants, and riverfront streets you’ll happily wander aimlessly. STAY: Stop over at Fitler Club (from $400 per night) or head to Lokal Fishtown (from $269 per night), where apartmentstyle rooms let you live like the locals.

The sun shines on Santa Fe a reported 325 days a year. If you need further encouragement: The oldest capital city in the U.S. has crazy-cool sunsets, crisp air, great food, and lots of outdoor music (relax outside while listening to worldclass opera). STAY: Rest your head at the Inn of the Five Graces (from $395 per night), a colorful, 25-room retreat that has lantern-lit gardens and courtyards.

New Orleans, Louisiana While NOLA is renowned for its raging festivals and Bourbon Street buzz, head to the Big Easy’s charming Garden District for quieter, more relaxed moments of walking, shopping, and porchside rocking. STAY: Henry Howard Hotel (from $239 per night) has a peaceful courtyard and sprawling porch for the aforementioned rocking.

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I A C I L BR F F O

ILLED

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

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5 EASY DINNERS P L A N T P O W E R E D : S AV O RY S P R I N G C R E P E S B I G B ATC H : Z E ST Y C H I C K E N S A L A D

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

A V E R SATILE V EG ETA B LE If you have a garden, you know that radishes are one of the first plants to sprout their tender green leaves through the soil. Of course they add snap to salads and color to a crudités platter—but their uses don’t end there. Vibrant pink watermelon radishes are a great addition to grain bowls. Oval French Breakfast radishes make for a light yet luxurious appetizer when spread with butter and sprinkled with sea salt. And the common red variety turn mellow when roasted, as in the crispychicken recipe on page 134.

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 1

Crispy Chicken with Roasted Radishes ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ One Pot

1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges 2 cloves garlic, crushed 12 oz. red radishes, quartered 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives 4 baguette slices, toasted oven to 400°F. Season chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper. PREHEAT

2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet (not nonstick) over medium-high. Add 4 chicken thighs, skin side down; cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, about 8 minutes. Flip and cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. HEAT

Pour fat out of skillet. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 4 chicken thighs; do not wipe skillet clean after second batch. onion and garlic to skillet. Cook over medium-high, stirring often, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in radishes and nestle chicken into mixture. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 15 to 17 minutes. ADD

chicken and radish mixture to a platter. Return skillet to medium-high. Add broth and cook, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet to loosen browned bits, until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter, lemon juice, chives, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon sauce over chicken and radish mixture. Serve with baguette slices. TRANSFER

PER SERVING: 712 Calories, 50g Fat (14g Saturated), 285mg Cholesterol, 2g Fiber, 48g Protein, 19g Carbs, 1,092mg Sodium, 3g Sugar

Recipes by Robby Melvin 1 3 4 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

Photographs by Caitlin Bensel

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

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lb. total)

oven to 450°F. Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet; spread in a single layer, cut sides down. Bake until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. PREHEAT

rub cod with 1 tablespoon oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. MEANWHILE,

1 lb. small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved 1/2 cup olive oil, divided

Easy Dinner 2

Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 4 6-oz. cod fillets 2 bunches Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped 1/2 cup pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), halved 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons) 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

potatoes and move to outer edges of baking sheet. Place chard and olives in center of baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, and top with cod. Bake until potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes. Increase oven temperature to high broil and broil until cod is golden and chard is wilted and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. FLIP

lemon juice, parsley, shallot, mustard, and remaining 1/4 cup oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; drizzle over cod mixture. WHISK

PER SERVING: 490 Calories, 31g Fat (4g Saturated), 65mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber, 30g Protein, 23g Carbs, 1,137mg Sodium, 2g Sugar

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 3

Speedy Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

1/4 cup toasted sesame oil 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 limes) 2 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. sriracha, divided 1 1 1/4-lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed Nonstick cooking spray 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup thinly sliced English cucumber 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1-lb. baguette, split, hollowed, and cut into 4 pieces 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro oven to 400°F. Whisk oil, lime juice, honey, vinegar, pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon sriracha. Pat pork dry; brush evenly with 1/4 cup lime juice mixture. Place pork on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and coated with cooking spray. PREHEAT

pork until lightly browned on top and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 145°F, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven; let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. ROAST

toss carrots and cucumber with remaining lime juice mixture. Stir together mayonnaise and remaining 1/2 tablespoon sriracha; spread on cut sides of bread. Build sandwiches with pork, carrot mixture, and cilantro. MEANWHILE,

PER SERVING: 718 Calories, 28g Fat (4g Saturated), 92mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber, 42g Protein, 74g Carbs, 1,061mg Sodium, 15g Sugar (11g Added)

Easy Dinner 4

Cheesy One-Pot Pasta ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

heat 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium. Add panko and 1/4 cup Parmesan; toast, stirring constantly, until panko is golden, 3 to 4 minutes.

MEANWHILE,

2 cups cherry tomatoes 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 cup panko 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 3/4 oz.), divided 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 tsp. minced garlic 2 1/2 cups whole milk 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 12 oz. uncooked penne rigate 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.) oven to 475°F. Toss tomatoes with pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a rimmed baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Bake until soft and bursting, about 10 minutes. PREHEAT

HEAT remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add milk and broth; bring to a boil. STIR in pasta, partially cover, and cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 3 minutes. Slowly stir in remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan, Cheddar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently fold in roasted tomatoes and top with toasted panko and pepper. PER SERVING: 795 Calories, 35g Fat (13g Saturated), 56mg Cholesterol, 5g Fiber, 31g Protein, 87g Carbs, 1,073mg Sodium, 15g Sugar

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FOOD

5 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided 8 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic 3 cups cold cooked white rice 2 cups sugar snap peas, halved crosswise 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce or tamari 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 4 large eggs 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; transfer to a plate. HEAT

1 1/2 tablespoons oil to skillet. Add white parts of scallions, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is crisp, about 4 minutes. Stir in snap peas, sweet peas, soy sauce, vinegar, and mushrooms; cook for 2 minutes. Divide among serving bowls. Wipe skillet clean. ADD

Easy Dinner 5

remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in skillet over medium. Crack eggs into hot oil and cook until whites are set and edges are crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve eggs over rice. Top with scallion greens. HEAT

Veggie Fried Rice with Frizzled Eggs ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ One Pot ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Gluten-Free

PER SERVING: 459 Calories, 23g Fat (4g Saturated), 186mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 13g Protein, 51g Carbs, 722mg Sodium, 4g Sugar

1 3 8 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

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FOOD

Plant Powered

Savory Spring Crepes T R E N DY C H I C K P E A F LO U R B ECO M E S A D E L I C I O U S BA S E F O R TA N GY F E TA A N D L O T S O F G R E E N V E G G I E S. By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 2

1 cup chickpea flour 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup) 1/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-in. pieces (about 3 cups) 1 tsp. cumin seeds Watercress, sliced avocado, and lemon wedges, for serving broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Whisk flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons oil into flour until smooth. Set aside for 10 minutes. process feta, yogurt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Set aside. MEANWHILE,

asparagus, 1 tablespoon oil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cumin seeds and cook, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; wipe skillet. TOSS

1 1/2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium-high. Pour in half of batter (about 3/4 cup) and swirl skillet HEAT

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to cover bottom. Cook until bubbles form on surface and top looks slightly dry, 4 to 5 minutes. Loosen edges with a spatula and flip crepe. Cook, undisturbed, until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Slide onto a large plate. Repeat with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and 3/4 cup batter. with whipped feta, asparagus, watercress, and avocado. Squeeze 1 lemon wedge over each crepe and drizzle with cumin oil. TOP

A DV E RT I S E M E N T Avocado is good for you inside and out. In shampoo and conditioner, its nourishing benefits help keep frizz under control for soft, touchable hair.

Photograph by Greg DuPree

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

PREHEAT

©P&G 2020

FOOD

Big Batch

Zesty Chicken Salad T H E B E LOV E D C L A SS I C G E T S A N U P G R A D E F RO M A SURPRISING INGREDIENT: PICKLES. By Adina Steiman

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 8

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 5 lb. total) 1 bay leaf 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3 kosher dill pickles, chopped (about 3/4 cup) 1 large shallot, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup) 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons) 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for water 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper chicken and bay leaf in a wide, shallow saucepan with a lid and add enough water to cover. Lightly salt water. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 165°F, about 25 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let cool for 30 minutes. whisk mayonnaise, pickles, shallot, lemon juice, tarragon, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. MEANWHILE,

and discard skin and bones from chicken. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to mayonnaise mixture and gently fold to combine. REMOVE

S E RV I N G A N D S T O R I N G

Make your sandwich open-faced on toasted rye for a Scandinavian twist. Top it with a small handful of watercress or a slice or two of crispy bacon. Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

1 4 2 R E A L S I M P L E M AY 2 0 2 0

Photograph by Greg DuPree

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

PLACE

S I M P LY S H O P P I N G

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Made in the USA WITH GLOBALLY SOURCED MATERIALS

By Lillian Stone

Hi, everybody. Welcome to Succulent Executioners Expressing Despair—a.k.a. SEED. Whether you’re mourning a wrinkly echeveria (whose leaves fell off after, like, three days) or wringing your hands over a stunted aloe (which literally grows in sidewalk cracks in some parts of the world, but OK), we’re here for you. At SEED, we share our hopes, fears, and irrational attraction to plants that look like little green cat toes.

Before we get started, I want to remind everyone that this meeting is only for individuals with struggling succulents. If your succulents are vibrant, this is not a safe space for you. Keep in mind that what you share at SEED stays at SEED. This ensures that none of my Instagram followers find out that I upload photos of my jade plant with the droopy bits cropped out, or that I prop up the leaves and then cover my finger with a text box that reads, “Don’t hate—propagate.” I have never successfully propagated.

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Now, to begin our discussion, let’s recite our mission statement: SEED is a place for healing. A place for growth. Even if that growth is impeded by the fact that your spray bottle is a little too cold or a little too warm. Or the fact that you sometimes cough in the succulent’s general direction. Or the fact that the hole in the bottom of your planter is slightly too small, too large, too round—maybe even too square. We honestly have no idea, and that’s why we’re here.

Above all, SEED is a place to ask questions. Like: Misting—are we still doing that? And what is the deal with pebbles? Do they go on the bottom of the pot? The top? Do you spread them around strategically like a tiny Stonehenge? Most importantly, if my succulent dies and no one is around to see me toss it, did that actually happen? After tonight’s discussion, I invite you to stick around for coffee and bagels. This is also a great opportunity to pick up some spare coffee grounds you can use to fertilize your succulent. Maybe?

Illustration by Joel Holland

ADVENTURE IS ON THE HORIZON Wander through a calm forest, explore ancient ruins, or journey to a view that goes on for miles. Whatever you decide, there’s just something about Colorado that makes you feel alive.

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