RS - December 2020 by Lawrence Ambrocio

realsimple LIFE MADE EASIER

Great Gifts & MEANINGFUL WAYS TO GIVE THEM

DECEMBER 2020

S AVE $ 1,000 THIS SE A SON!

Badlands National Park

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Thoughts

“I am a simple person. Kind of. I mean,

G A L L E RY STO C K

I don’t really have any dreams beyond comfortable pants and unlimited sparkling water.” — S A M A N T H A I R B Y, W e A r e N e v e r M e e t i n g i n R e a l L i f e

2 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Photograph by Andy Grimshaw

Imaginary Hills by Weronika Sumak, We Made It by Beth Schneider, Hand Lettered Merry Christmas by Ashlee Townsend

©Minted LLC, 2020

F R E E R EC I P I E NT A D D R E S S I NG Printed in dressy white ink on a colored envelope.

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E d i t o r ’s N o t e

(Clinks glass.) Can I have your attention? (Stands on chair in corner of bar in order to see everyone.) Time for some toasts. I want to take a minute to appreciate you all as we put this delightful December issue to bed. It’s a holiday package with heart, and I’ve been honored to watch you pull it off. (Clears throat to tamp down shaky voice.) Because…what a year, huh? The kind of year none of us saw coming, and boy, did you rally. You showed up for our readers. And you showed up for one another. Most importantly, you took care of yourselves and stayed safe. I’m happy that you and your families are healthy and that the year even brought a couple of additions to the Real Simple family, with the arrival of babies for Stephanie in New York City and Courtney in Des Moines. How about a round of applause for our bottle-brush-tree wreath cover, with its simple elegance and happy colors? Great job, Deanna and Muzam! Though we were separated for most of this year, there was no hiding who each of you are, from Ananda concoctE Y, R E A L S I M P L E T E A M !

4 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

ing dreamy chocolate recipes in her apartment kitchen to Lina overseeing her very first photo shoot (without actually being allowed on set). It’s been inspiring to watch the challenges bring out the best in all of you. This month, a special toast for Leslie, who pulled together the gift guide, one of our most anticipated projects of the year. (Scans crowd for the home editor who said Real Simple was her dream job when she joined in the summer of 2019.) Cheers to Leslie, who wrestled this beast down from 397 gifts at its peak to the 102 in the final cut. Leslie started worrying about our holiday list in May, and she didn’t stop caring until the last price was checked. (Pauses for hoorays and applause.) But she didn’t do it alone. Like everything in 2020, it took twice the effort, twice the attention to detail. And Leslie was quick to let me know how much everyone helped—“especially Brandi, who sensed I was overwhelmed and wrote captions and took over all sorts of details.” Martha was our Excel elf, tracking ideas and confirming that vendors would have inventory when readers started ordering. Heather, Lisa, and Anneke pitched fabulous gifts way beyond their beauty beat, and Flavia solved an emergency situation with MIA jewelry in 30 minutes flat. Rachel was following up on her items even as her appendix nearly burst, and Ananda somehow orchestrated the delivery of a pizza—direct from Naples, Italy—to the photo studio by 9 a.m. Then, of course, Jenny and Filomena put Santa to shame in the “checking it twice” department. At next year’s holiday bash, I hope to raise a glass IRL. I’ve missed working with you, watching issues appear story by story on the art wall. I want to stand around the art table again, eating cheese from a food meeting and divvying up flowers to take home after a photo shoot. Speaking of which, you’ll be pleased to hear that someone has been watering L.J.’s cubicle-ledge plants all these months. We think it’s an unsung hero in security. Amazing and hopeful, right? The plants are alive and well and waiting for us to return when it’s safe.

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

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

S T Y L I N G B Y J E N N I F E R S M I T H F O R E LY S E C O N N O L LY; H A I R B Y L I N H N G U Y E N F O R S E E M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G O R I B E ; C U T B Y N U N Z I O S AV I A N O ; M A K E U P B Y L I N D S E Y W I L L I A M S F O R L O W E & C O . U S I N G R E A L H E R M A K E U P. D V F D I A N E V O N F U R S T E N B E R G T O P ; N E I M A N M A R C U S . C O M . L A FAY E T T E 1 4 8 N E W YO R K PA N T S ; L A FAY E T T E 1 4 8 N Y. C O M . L I Z Z I E F O R T U N AT O C U F F; L I Z Z I E F O R U N AT O . C O M

Our Holiday Party on a Page

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Contents December 2020

O N T H E C OV E R

Cody Foster Holiday Trees; codyfoster .com for info. TO BUY:

Great Gifts

108

And Meaningful Ways to Give Them

Save $1,000 This Season

Chocolate treats to celebrate

120

1 16

126

Play up basic brown wrapping paper

Ankle boots anchor a chic winter wardrobe

Relaxing and restorative beauty rituals

Cover Photograph by Br yan Gardner Wreath Design and St yling by Livia Cetti

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

Contents

142

How to keep holiday spending under control

Meat sauce with a vegetarian makeover

Charming gifts for everyone

Thoughts

The Staple

Editor’s Note

Do more with miso

Real Simple 24 /7

Your Words

the realist

Show Those Cute Cookies You Care

My Simple Realization

what we love

Store them so they stay fresh

Secrets to better bacon 40

Elevate your holiday baking experience

Drugstore Insider

The Short List Books for every taste

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 27

Road Test: Food The most soothing brewat-home warm drinks 30

Clever Items Little helpers to make your life easier

Sparkle All the Way Multicolored jewelry to brighten your look

relating

balance 20 Easy Tricks for Saving $1,000+ This Season Savvy shopping, traveling, and decorating moves 65

Making It Work How to show colleagues you value them 72

Illuminating Your Health Sunlight is key to wellbeing. Here’s how to get more this winter 78

15 Joyful Ways to Exchange Gifts Games, themes, and more ideas that will boost family fun 49

Good Read Catherine Hong on keeping the friendship flame alive

Awkward animal-related situations, resolved 62

Treat Yourself

Shop like a celebrity makeup artist

Unstinting advice from Catherine Newman

Petiquette

Things Cooks Know

gift guide

Modern Manners

A Little Something for You

2020 Holiday Gift Guide Our favorite picks for kids, grown-ups, teens, foodies, families, and even pets 85

Ahhh Pine forest meditation

food Say Cheese

107

features

What a wonderful wheel

133

5 Easy Dinners

Merry Chocolate Luscious, giftable desserts to offer your host or devour yourself 108

4 Ways to Wear Ankle Boots Style the season’s hardest-working shoe for any occasion

Get away from it all with indulgent self-care beauty routines 126

Fresh meals for weeknights

134

Big Batch Lemon-coriander roast chicken

140

Plant Powered Mushroom-walnut Bolognese

142

116

Brown Paper Packages

who knew?

Grab kraft paper and some household supplies for easy, artful gift wrapping 120

Things No One Tells You About Volunteering Facts to feel good about

144

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (DECEMBER 2020) (VOLUME 21/ISSUE 12) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE.COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. FOR SYNDICATION OR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REQUESTS OR REPRINT AND REUSE PERMISSION, EMAIL SYNDICATION@MEREDITH.COM.

8 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 2 0 Y E A R S O F

WALNUT GROVE

AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

stickley.com

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

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

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

Rachel Sylvester A SSISTANT EDITOR Martha Upton CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

FO OD FO OD DIRECTOR Jenna Helwig

“I make doctor ’s appointments—skin check, teeth cleaning— since I’ve met my deductible. It’s nice to go into a new year with my health taken care of.”

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

HOME DIRECTOR Stephanie Sisco CONTRIBUTING HOME EDITORS

Cat Dash, Laura Fenton

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

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

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

Filomena Guzzardi

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

Maya Kukes

R E A L S I M P L E .C O M DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR 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 EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Karen Berner VIDEO PRODUCER Alex Frank

“I give up something I enjoy as a resolution, like eating cheese, and as the clock hits 12 on New Year ’s Eve, I have whatever it is I’m giving up.”

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan A SSO CIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

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

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 MARKETING DIRECTOR Allison Kelly ART DIRECTOR Sarah Massimo SENIOR MARKETING MANAGERS Misty Chandler, Chanel Rivers MARKETING MANAGER Genevieve Herdegen MARKETING CO ORDINATOR Lindsey Weiss SENIOR PUBLICIT Y MANAGER Kari Stephenson PR CO ORDINATOR Katie Holzman

C O N T E N T, S T R AT EGY & I N S I G H T S HOME SENIOR A SSO CIATE HOME EDITOR Leslie Corona

“At the stroke of midnight on New Year ’s, I run around outside with suitcases. It brings on travel for the year ahead!”

Daren Mazzucca

NEWS VIDEO PRODUCER Amy Frank

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 CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Hart E-COMMERCE EDITORIAL LE AD Chloe Reznikov SENIOR AUDIENCE RETENTION MANAGER Kelly Lage

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

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

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

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

10 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

“I do a whole-house purge, room by room. To make it manageable, I tackle one room per weekend day and sort things into categories—keep, toss, donate.”

“Every New Year ’s Eve, my wife and I bring out about 10 feet of butcher paper and markers, and we spend the evening reviewing last year ’s goals and set ting new ones.”

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

“I go through all my photos from the year. It reminds me of my sweet moments, fun trips, and accomplishments.”

What do you always do at the end of the year?

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MEET

J E N N Y B RO W N C O P Y & R E S E A RC H C H I E F AT R E A L S I M P L E

Currently reading: Stone’s Fall, a British mystery novel by Iain Pears.

Support worthy causes with an array of sweet holiday purchases.

Currently binge-watching: Endeavour, a British mystery series. (I’m in a phase.)

Choose something good at realsimple.com/ giveback.

Favorite seasonal dish: Latkes with applesauce. What inspires you? Early morning light. @JENNY.S.BROWN ON INSTAGRAM

4 End-of-Year Money Tips Smart, time-sensitive moves to maximize your finances for a wealthier 2021. Get expert advice at realsimple.com/ yearendmoney.

Creative Holiday Cookie Recipes

TA K E G O O D C A R E Self-Care Sunday, our new weekly Instagram series, brings pampering to a new level. Follow @real_simple.

P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

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

Fruit, chocolate…or both? Find the best flavors for your family. See dozens of options at realsimple.com/christmascookies.

12 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Open

and tap

for holiday card ideas.

FAC E B O O K @REALSIMPLE

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

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

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Yo u r W o r d s

What’s Your Favorite Book to Give as a Gift?

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. It started my love affair with books. @ A B AG R A M

Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton belongs on every coffee table. His stunning photographs and the stories behind them will forever change the way you look at strangers. BETH MORRIS, SEATTLE

# R S L OV E

“ T H E R E ’S L I T T L E M O R E SAT I S F Y I N G O R H E A RT WA R M I N G T H A N G I F T I N G A B E LOV E D B O O K TO A LOV E D O N E .” @ ST E P H A N I ES H AU L

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. Before Covid-19, it was great, but now that we’re in a pandemic, it’s even more important. @ATYPICALFAITH

On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a beautiful gift for a new baby. @DIAMONDS ANDWHISKEY

Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist is a delightful collection of recipes and stories about life around the table. It’s a perfect host gift. The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry. I grew up with this scratch-and-sniff book, and I still love the scents of the mug of cocoa and pine tree. STACY BARBAGALLO, SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE

C.S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed. It’s an exquisite meditation on grieving. @MARYLOUISE RAYMOND

Vibrate Higher Daily by Lalah Delia is all about actively choosing the tone for your everyday life and making your dreams a reality. KAYLA MANEEN, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

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

14 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

ADAIR KREDIT, CHANDLER, ARIZONA

We’re from Boston, so I love to give Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey to welcome new babies or anyone with children to town. @PALORDI

I give Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona at baby showers. I love the idea of a magic pot that makes so much pasta it takes over the village!

Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen has stories that can heal your heart and soul.

LAURA CROW, SEATTLE

JANE PARSONS, BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. A neighbor gave us this picture book when we lost our dog, and it made us feel so much better. I’ve given it to a dozen friends. MICHELLE WENDEHOST, SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Love, life, and loyalty from a dog’s perspective. SUE SHANNON, ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

I love giving The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster to anyone who seems at a crossroads. NANCY CROSS SHIMMEL, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Matilda by Roald Dahl. Her resourcefulness, determination, and kindness make her a role model. @EMATT0426

I send All the Single Ladies by Rebecca Traister to any friend who needs a reminder of the strength women possess.

We give The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran on a myriad of occasions. This treasure speaks to so much of what we all experience in life. MAE EDWARDS, SUNAPEE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

In The Thank-You Project by Nancy Davis Kho, the author turns 50 and sends 50 thankyou letters to her loved ones. It shows that being thankful is uplifting. LIANA COLETTI, WEST ISLIP, NEW YORK

H E A D S H OT C O U RT E SY O F J E N N I F E R WA L L E R

@SPEEDYFREED

Reader of the Month

JENNIFER WA L L E R , 4 6 K I N D E RG A RT E N T E AC H E R DAY T O N , O H I O

What’s your favorite book to give as a gift? Betty Crocker Cookbook or The Martha Stewart Cookbook. I’ve had both for years and still refer to them. There’s something comforting about pages with butter splotches and sugar crumbs in the spine. What’s your pet’s name? My pug is Tucker. What do you really call him? When he’s being cute, Tuckerdupolis. When he’s bad, he gets the first-and-middle-name treatment: Tucker Lewis. Favorite chore: Dusting. Lemon furniture polish reminds me of my grandma. Most organized part of your life: Our snack cabinet. Priorities, ya know? What’s always in your car? An emergency roll of toilet paper. I’m not sure when or where I’d use it, but it’s in there.

Next Question W H AT C O M P L I M E N T W O U L D YO U G I V E YO U R S E L F ? Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

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

= A CHANCE FOR MORE SNUGGLY SUNDAYS

A Chance to Live Longer™ THE 1ST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED CHEMO-FREE COMBINATION OF 2 IMMUNOTHERAPIES THAT WORKS DIFFERENTLY In a study of newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC patients, half of those on OPDIVO + YERVOY were alive at 17.1 months versus 14.9 months on platinum-based chemotherapy. Results may vary. OPDIVO® + YERVOY® is not approved for patients younger than 18 years of age.

Indication & Important Safety Information for OPDIVO (nivolumab) + YERVOY (ipilimumab) Only your healthcare professional knows the specifics of your condition and how OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY may fit into your overall therapy. The information below does not take the place of talking with your healthcare professional, so talk to them if you have any questions. What are OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are prescription medicines used to treat people with a type of advanced stage lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO may be used in combination with YERVOY as your first treatment for NSCLC when your lung cancer has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic), and your tumors are positive for PD-L1, but do not have an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene. It is not known if OPDIVO and YERVOY are safe and effective when used in children younger than 18 years of age. What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death and may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with YERVOY. YERVOY can cause serious side effects in many parts of your body which can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment with YERVOY or after you have completed treatment. Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse. Do not try to treat symptoms yourself. • Lung problems (pneumonitis). Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; shortness of breath

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

Talk to your doctor about OPDIVO + YERVOY www.OPDIVOYERVOY.com 1-855-OPDIVOYERVOY • Eye problems. Symptoms may include: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness Get medical help immediately if you develop any of these symptoms or they get worse. It may keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for side effects during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. If you have a serious side effect, your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment with OPDIVO and YERVOY. What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY? Before you receive OPDIVO and YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider if you: have immune system problems (autoimmune disease) such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or sarcoidosis; have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have any other medical conditions; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY. - You should use an effective method of birth control during and for at least 5 months after the last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time. - Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 as soon as you become aware of the pregnancy. - Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study: Females who become pregnant during treatment with YERVOY are encouraged to enroll in a Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study. The purpose of this study is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. You or your healthcare provider can enroll in the Pregnancy Safety Surveillance Study by calling 1-844-593-7869. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed: It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare providers and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. What are the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO and YERVOY?” • Severe infusion reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; difficulty breathing; dizziness; fever; feeling like passing out The most common side effects of OPDIVO when used in combination with YERVOY include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); decreased weight; dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. OPDIVO (10 mg/mL) and YERVOY (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous (IV) use. This is a brief summary of the most important information about OPDIVO and YERVOY. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider, call 1-855-673-4861, or go to www.OPDIVO.com.

My Simple Realization

“Receive Compliments as Kind Gifts” H O DA KO T B R E F L E C T S O N T H E U N E X P E C T E D L E S S O N S H E L E A R N E D F RO M A N I N S I G H T F U L CO L L E AG U E.

as we get older, but I’ve found that there’s so much to learn from people of all ages. A page at NBC named Bridget Yassme, who is in her 20s, taught me a wonderful phrase one day as I was complimenting her work ethic and all-around grounded nature. “You’re humble and truly a bright light,” I told her, and added a few more attributes I admire about her. When I was done, Bridget looked at me and said, “I received that.” Wow. I let that sink in. “I love that,” I replied. She told me that for a long time she never knew what to say when someone shared something nice about her to her face. (I’m the same way!) “One day I just thought how kind it would be for me just to receive it.” I think Bridget is right. Her phrase is almost better than “thank you.” It says, “What you’ve said to me is inside of me now. I’m not deflecting it, I’m receiving it. I accept your kind gift.” FROM THIS JUST SPEAKS TO ME BY HODA KOTB. COPYRIGHT BY HODA KOTB. REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF PUTNAM, AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHERS.

18 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

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

T H E Y S AY W E G E T W I S E R

hummus

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

Treat Yourself A F E W O F O U R FA V O R I T E F I N D S T A K E CO OKIE BAKING AND CO COA MAKING TO THE NEXT (YUMMIER) LEVEL.

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

By Cat Dash

MA STERPIECE MUG

Sipping on hot chocolate while cozy on the couch is so much sweeter when your work-of-art cup was lovingly handmade in Los Angeles. TO BUY: Mugs, from $38; ekuaceramics.com.

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

REAL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E Not a big baker? No shame in serving a premade batch of cookies. 1

1 RED HOT

Ideal for warming milk, this enamel pot has a pour spout, a teak handle that stays cool, and a lid that doubles as a trivet. TO BUY: Kobenstyle 1 Qt. Saucepan, $85; dansk.com. 2 P E R F E C T PA I R

Fill the cup and plate and leave them out for the man in red coming down the chimney…or snacky kids. TO BUY: Milk Glass & Cookie Plate, $20; mollyhatch.com.

22 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

5 S M A RT C O O K I E 3 NO-BAKE OPTION

These ready-to-eat cookies are free of gluten and eight other food allergens, but they’re not missing flavor. TO BUY: Crunchy Vanilla Sugar Cookies, $15 for 3 boxes; partakefoods.com. 4 G R E AT G A R N I S H

Swirl a marshmallow- or peppermint-studded stick into your cocoa for an extra dose of sweetness. TO BUY: Stirrers, $24 for 12; melvillecandy.com.

Stash goodies in this utilitarian-chic canister—its lid is lined with a rubber seal that keeps contents fresh. TO BUY: Utility Stoneware Cookie Jar, $40; westelm.com.

These sleek, seven-inch spoons are designed for mixing all kinds of festive beverages—hot or cold. TO BUY: Brew Stirring Spoons, $7 each; cb2.com.

6 DA Z Z L I N G F I N I S H

8 TA S T E T H E R A I N B O W

Shake some of these glam sprinkles over frosted cookies or cakes for instant wow factor. TO BUY: Tinsel Tossing Sprinkle Medley, $12; sweetapolitashop.com.

This digital book from Insta-famous Arlos Cookies includes over 100 color formulas for icing, plus access to video tutorials. TO BUY: The Colors of Arlos Cookies, $30; arloscookies.com.

7 S T I R- C R A Z Y

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

CHANNEL YOUR INNERBARISTA

Our delicious, make-at-home chai latte mix features the boldest black teas blended with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. Just add whatever milk you’re into right now, stir, and indulge on your stoop. Or bed. Whichever one’s closer.

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

Powerful Read Gripping Page-Turner Zara Kaleel is a brilliant London attorney who left her prestigious career to be a caseworker at a sexual assault center. When she takes on a new client, a white teenage girl with facial deformities who’s accused four Muslim classmates of rape, Zara finds herself at the center of a high-profile case. A fast-paced courtroom drama, Take It Back by Kia Abdullah asks tough questions about race, class, and gender while keeping you guessing until the (truly shocking) last page.

Uplifting Charmer

The 10 stories in To Be a Man by Nicole Krauss, set in locations around the world, feature some of life’s most intimate moments—a young woman discovers her sexual power, a daughter visits her father’s home after his death. All the stories explore a central theme: What makes us who we are? They’re intriguing, familiar, and ripe for discussion. In other words, they’re book-club gold.

In teensy Merinac, Kansas, two fried chicken shacks have had a longstanding rivalry. Nobody knows it better than Amanda, who grew up in one restaurant before marrying into the other. When a reality TV competition pits the two— as well as Amanda and her sister, Mae—against each other, the sisters discover that the stakes are much higher than the $100,000 prize. The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia is a delightful look at sibling relationships and the unbreakable bonds of family.

You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry Survival of the Thickest, the new memoir by comedian and actor Michelle Buteau, is hilarious—like, snap-aphoto-of-a-page-andsend-it-to-friends funny. But this bracingly honest essay collection, in which Buteau insightfully reflects on everything from her body image to her interracial marriage to her difficult road to motherhood, is ultimately about the brave act of learning to love yourself.

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

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY AST R I D C H AST K A FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

Rest and Be Thankful, the achingly beautiful second novel by Emma Glass, is a glimpse into the innermost thoughts of Laura, a pediatric nurse teetering on the edge of burnout. While the story is brief, Glass, who’s a practicing nurse herself, convincingly details what it’s like to be pushed to exhaustion and still willing to sacrifice anything, possibly even yourself, for your patients.

ThoughtProvoking Tales

24 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

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

W H AT W E LO V E

Prett y Smar t

Happier Hair Tools PLUS SE VEN OTHER BE AUT Y BU YS TO S I M P L I F Y YO U R RO U T I N E

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY AST R I D C H AST K A FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

By Heather Muir Maffei

Flower Beauty Hair Tools Determined to infuse some fun into styling products, Drew Barrymore spent three years designing six tools—including irons, dryers, and hot brushes— that are high-functioning (her hairstylist friends tested them), affordable, and cute. Peep those colorful cords! TO BUY: From $30; walmart.com.

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

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

Apple extract helps brighten skin. 1 4 LIP TLC

1 DREAM CREAM

Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 Skin care, makeup, and SPF in one—dare we say we’ve found the most elegant mineral formula yet? This oil-free, antioxidizing tint comes in 15 shades. TO BUY: $39; supergoop.com.

5 WINTER S K I N S AV E R

Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel Prevent that flurry of flakes as you peel off your tights with this gel-to-oil moisturizer that drenches skin sans gooeyness. TO BUY: $13; ulta.com.

2 COMPLEXION REFRESHER

6 R ASH REDUCER

SLMD Super Cortisone+ When you have eczema, acne, sunburns, or poison ivy, this 1 percent hydrocortisone anti-itch cream with aloe and vitamin E calms irritation. TO BUY: $15; slmdskincare.com.

3 MANI IN A TUBE

Olive & June Hand Serum Hate hand cream? Meet this fastabsorbing alternative that leaves your mitts supple, thanks to skin-sloughing alpha hydroxy acids. It tidies up cuticles too. TO BUY: $18; oliveandjune.com.

28 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

7 S K I P-A - S T E P SKIN CARE 7

Garnier Green Labs Serum Cream These potent serum-moisturizer hybrids pair superfoods with dermatological ingredients to plump, brighten, and refine. TO BUY: $22 each; target.com.

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

InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush This bursts into a yummy liquid texture on the skin to calm, smooth, and hydrate. The recyclable pump is a plus. TO BUY: $28; innbeauty project.com.

EOS The Fixer Medicated Lip Ointment and The Hero Extra Dry Lip Treatment For relief from cold sores, slick on the minty Fixer. To soothe dryness, reach for the buttery Hero. TO BUY: $5 each; evolution ofsmooth.com.

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W H AT W E LO V E

R o a d Te s t

Warm Decadence

BEST APPLE CIDER C O N C E N T R AT E

Williams Sonoma Five Apple Cider Warm a few tablespoons with water for the comfort of hot cider in minutes. Steep with cinnamon sticks for extra spice. TO BUY: $28 for 16 servings; at Williams Sonoma.

WE SIPPED ON 52 DRINK S TO FIND THE BEST SIX TO SO OTHE Y O U F R O M T H E I N S I D E O U T. By Phoebe Fr y

B E S T H O T C H O C O L AT E

Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix with Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips A toasty, kid-friendly treat for après snowman building. Sure, you can make it with water—but go with milk for a more velvety slurp. TO BUY: $5 for 8 servings; at grocery stores.

ROAD TE ST

B E S T T U R M E R I C L AT T E C O N C E N T R AT E

Tazo Golden Turmeric Latte When added to your milk of choice, this lightly sweet, superfood-powered beverage is sunshine in a cup. TO BUY: $4 for 5 servings; at grocery stores.

B E S T C H A I C O N C E N T R AT E

Rishi Tea & Botanicals Organic Masala Chai Full-bodied black tea and punchy ginger make this sweet yet balanced blend a reliable homemade shortcut to barista-quality chai lattes. Simply mix with milk, or stir in a shot of espresso for a “dirty” version. TO BUY: $7 for 8 servings; at Whole Foods Market.

30 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Jacques Torres Classic Hot Chocolate Almost like a melted chocolate bar, this mix is so rich and decadent, you only need a little for complete satisfaction. TO BUY: $22.50 for 10 servings; mrchocolate.com.

B E S T B E D T I M E L AT T E

Blume Blue Lavender Blend Cradle a mug of this mix for a soothing end to a stressful day. The lavender hits just the right notes to get you in the mood for sleep. TO BUY: $26.50 for 35 servings; itsblume.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

B E S T S P LU RG E H O T C H O C O L AT E

The first trash bag worthy of a smile. Glad Beachside Breeze

fig. 1

Happiness

Certain trademarks used under license from the Procter & Gamble Company or its affiliates.

Time

The Happiest Trash Bag With bright colors and scents, plus dual-layer strength, it’s sure to put your trash in a better mood.

W H AT W E LO V E

2 FUN MEETS FUNCTION

Busy the kids (and adults) while you fry the latkes. These cotton napkins are printed with folding instructions. TO BUY: Foldby-Number Cloth Napkins, $42 for 6; store.moma.org.

B O W L E D OV E R

MIGHTY MASHER

Place your soup in this washable fabric cradle before microwaving to avoid burning your hands when you take it out. TO BUY: Fabric Microwave Bowl, $20; shawn sargentdesigns.com.

Press the springy coil into bananas, avocados, or boiled potatoes for a satisfying smoosh. It even has a built-in silicone edge for scraping the bowl. TO BUY: Smood, $30; dreamfarm.com.

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

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

A plastic cover protects blades not in use.

CHILL WITH A GL ASS OF WINE

L E V E L U P YO U R A P P S

Save the ice for cocktails. A freezable stainless-steel wand cools a single glass of wine in minutes with no dilution. TO BUY: WineChilling Wands, $40 for 2; williams-sonoma.com.

5 SWITCH BL ADE

Easily swap in a straight blade, julienne blade, or soft-fruit blade, depending on what you’re cutting. TO BUY: Tri-Peeler, $10; us.josephjoseph.com.

Offer charcuterie from this tiered setup, or separate the trays and place snacks around the room. Collapses flat for quick storage. TO BUY: 3-Tiered Wooden Server, $79; westelm.com.

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas 1 MISO CAESAR SAL AD

The Staple

Miso Practically the poster child for umami—or “savoriness” in Japanese—this fermented soybean paste gives a lip-smacking depth to foods. Just a dollop sends Caesar salad, a Bloody Mary, and even a simple bean soup into flavor overdrive. Don’t stop there: Melt it with butter for the drizzle of your dreams, or add it to baked goods for an unexpected edge. Look for miso near the tofu; it will keep in the fridge for up to a year.

Whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup white miso, 3 Tbsp. water, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic, 1 minced anchovy fillet, 1 tsp. white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Add 8 cups chopped romaine, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup croutons; toss together. 2 M I S O B LO O DY M A RY

Process 2/3 cup tomato juice, 1 Tbsp. white miso, 2 tsp. prepared horseradish, 1 1/2 tsp. each lemon juice and pickle juice, 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 tsp. celery salt in a blender until combined. Pour into an ice-filled glass and stir in 1/4 cup vodka. Serve with celery, stuffed olives, and pickled okra.

Sauté 1 chopped yellow onion in 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large pot over medium-high for 5 minutes. Add 3 (15 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp. kosher salt. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add 3 Tbsp. white miso, 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, and 1 Tbsp. sherry vinegar; blend until smooth. Top with 2 Tbsp. oil and 1 tsp. rosemary leaves. Take a deep dive into the world of miso at realsimple.com/miso101.

By Jenna Helwig Recipes by Marianne Williams

34 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

PROPS BY SARAH ELIZABETH CLEVELAND

3 CREAMY MISO WHITE BEAN SOUP

SWEETEN UP THE SEASON The holiday season might look a little different for all of us, but there are still ways to make it feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Below, content creator and mother-of-two Eden Passante of the lifestyle blog Sugar and Charm shares how she’s making the holidays sweeter with a little help from Truvia® sweetener.

MAKING OUR HOUSE FEEL LIKE A HOME

Our family is typically based in Los Angeles, but we’re temporarily living in a cabin in Tennessee until mid-December for my husband’s job. Since we’ll be away from our friends and family for most of the season, I want to make our cabin feel like home for the holidays. I’ll be adding festive touches around the house, such as fresh garland, wreaths, and flowers, as well as swapping out our regular pillows, throw blankets, and bedding for holiday-inspired décor.

UPHOLDING SWEET TRADITIONS

SPREADING (VIRTUAL) CHEER

Holiday baking with my boys is one of my most cherished activities: It’s a time to be together and create warm memories. We enjoy the entire baking process, from rolling and cutting dough to cookie decorating. Truvia Sweet Complete™ is a calorie-free, all-purpose sweetener that I use in my holiday desserts. It’s easy to sub into recipes—it’s a cup-for-cup replacement for sugar—and it tastes delicious! I also love adding it into my at-home morning lattes. The boost of caffeine helps to energize me for the day ahead, whether I’m doing some holiday baking or working on my website.

We normally host several events during the holiday season, from gingerbread house-making parties to cookie swaps. This year, we are still finding ways to celebrate with our loved ones, even if that means doing it virtually. One of the events we’re planning is a caroling happy hour. We can’t wait to raise a glass to seeing our friends and family all in one place!

TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T A L L T H E WAYS T R U V I A® S W E E T E N E R S C A N S W E E T E N U P YO U R L I F E , V I S I T T R U V I A .CO M .

THIS IS THE SWEETNESS REVOLUTION COMPLETELY SWEET. TRULY REVOLUTIONARY.

SWEETNESS WITHOUT THE SUGAR.

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

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY AST R I D C H AST K A FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

S H OW TH O S E CUTE CO O KIE S YO U C A R E If you like your holiday cookies soft and chewy, head to the bread box. “A slice of white or potato bread helps prevent soft cookies from drying out,” says cookbook author Jessie Sheehan. Place the cookies in an airtight plastic container, separating layers with parchment paper, and then drop in a slice of bread. The cookies will draw moisture from the bread, which will help keep them from getting stale (and harder than a lump of coal). If you’re on Team Crispy Cookie, reach for a glass container—or better yet, reheat them in a 300°F oven for no more than five minutes. And remember that cookies play by bagel rules: Store flavors separately, or they’ll all taste like everything. By Rachel Sylvester

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

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know

Bring Home the Bacon B U T M AY B E D O N ’ T F RY I T I N A PA N . O U R T E S T K I T C H E N S H A R E S T H E E A S I E S T, T A S T I E S T, A N D T I D I E S T M E T H O D F O R E V E RY S T R I P S I T U A T I O N . By Jenna Helwig and Marianne Williams

F O R A C RO W D, F I R E U P T H E OV E N

An 18-by-13-inch baking sheet will hold 8 to 10 slices. Line it with aluminum foil and then parchment paper for quick cleanup. Arrange slices 1/2 inch apart. Bake at 400°F for 14 to 15 minutes for chewy bacon or 16 to 18 minutes for crispy bacon. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

FOR A SINGLE SLICE, Z AP IT

When you just need a salad topper or breakfast side, a microwave lets you walk away while the slice cooks. Line a microwave-safe plate with 3 paper towels. Add 1 slice of bacon and top with 3 more paper towels. Invert another microwave-safe plate on top to create a spatter-catching lid. For chewier bacon, cook on medium power for 5 minutes. For a crispy slice, microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes.

FOR TURKEY BACON, S TA RT W I T H S O M E O I L

Since turkey bacon is lower in fat than its porky counterpart, a little oil makes a big difference on the crunch front. Heat 2 tsp. canola oil in a skillet over medium. Add slices in a single layer and cook, flipping occasionally, until cooked to your liking, about 6 minutes. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

40 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

FOR CANDIED BACON, USE A WIRE R ACK

“Billionaire’s bacon” or “pig candy” will be the star of your brunch spread. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with a wire rack. Combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 tsp. chili powder, and 3/4 tsp. ground ginger in a small bowl. Place 8 slices thickcut bacon on rack. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar mixture. Bake at 400°F until sugar starts to bubble, about 15 minutes. Flip slices and top with remaining sugar mixture. Continue cooking until caramelized and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.

FOR BACON BITS, FREEZE FIR ST

Use thick-cut bacon; for easier slicing, grab a package with stacked, not shingled, strips. Freeze package for 20 to 30 minutes. Once firm, cut bacon into ½-by-¼-inch pieces. Place in a deep skillet or Dutch oven and cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until fat is foaming and bacon is crispy, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Illustration by Adam Cruft

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DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

15 Joyful Ways to Exchange Gifts T H E S E F E S T I V E I D E A S W I L L C H E C K E V E RY B O X O N Y O U R G R O W N - U P W I S H L I S T — S I M P L I F Y S H O P P I N G , S T AY O N B U D G E T, F E E D Y O U R S O U L , A N D H E L P T H E P L A N E T. E V E N B E T T E R , YO U ’ L L H AV E J U S T A S M U C H F U N U N W R A P P I N G A S T H E K I D S . By Cour tenay Smith

Illustrations by Boyoun Kim

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

Cheerful Challenge Determine how low you can go (under $20? $10?), then decide on a random gift idea to add a thrill. A Real Simple staff favorite: tourist T-shirts. Buy the person whose name you pulled a T-shirt touting a local or state attraction— the more obscure the better. PRICE-CAP PRIZE

Theme It Every adult chooses a low-cost item that makes them brim with enthusiasm and purchases one for each grown-up in attendance. The gift exchange becomes a low-key, homemade infomercial, where people sing the praises of one particular item (for example, a lid that turns a mason jar into a coffee cup, a lash-boosting mascara, a pen with a built-in stylus tip). T H I S T H I N G I L OV E

Buy a gift that reflects the recipient’s childhood. Track down the gum your dad loved as a kid, or get your brother one of the ’80s games you played together (or fought over). For favorite nostalgic brands, try the Vermont Country Store and eBay. “My sister’s face when she unwrapped the set of Sweet Valley High books I found online was priceless,” says Megan Zander, a special education paraprofessional in New Haven, Connecticut. B L A S T F RO M T H E PA S T

What beverage makes your loved one smile when they raise a glass? Let that be your guiding light, suggests Zander. Get your cousin some special IPAs or your grandpa some fancy teas and a new mug.

Give your significant other a pair of comfy pajamas. The only rule? They can’t be boring pj’s they’d buy themselves, says Brandi Broxson, senior editor at Real Simple. They can be covered in iguanas, palm trees, cats dressed in holiday sweaters— go as whimsical as you can. Or start a new family tradition and get matching sets for you, your partner, and the kids. T H E FA M I LY JA M

Make It a Game Players buy a gift card for an agreed-upon amount, and at the gathering, everyone pulls one out of a hat. (Remote family can play via video call and get their gift in the mail before the new year.) Up the ante with gift card monte: Hide each card under a hat, have your shiftiest uncle give the hats a good shuffle, and see if the “mark” can pick their favorite from the bunch. G I F T C A R D RO U L E T T E

This madcap search game was all the rage during the Victorian era. Assign each gift recipient a yarn color. Tie one end of a spool of yarn to each gift—blue yarn to one player’s gift, red yarn to another’s, and so on. Unwind the yarn as you zigzag across the room or house—trail it under furniture and loop it around banisters, curtain rods, or any safe obstacles you can find. Make it as difficult as possible for the gift recipient to follow their yarn through the “cobweb” of different colors. Then hand each person their unwound spool of yarn and let the mayhem begin. C O B W E B PA RT Y

Have everyone use their holiday dollars to support an organization or community close to their heart. You might vow to shop only at local stores, or commit to buying from businesses owned by women or people of color. For ideas on where to shop, search the app Official Black Wall Street (free; iOS and Android), the websites WeBuyBlack and Bold Xchange, or the business directory at womenownedlogo.com. BUY WITH A MISSION

CHEER S TO THE NEW YE AR

50 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

GENIUS TIP K E E P T W O G I F T L I S T S To avoid the panic of a last-minute shopping

spree, keep one list of people to buy gifts for and one list of things that make great presents. Add to that second list throughout the year. When the ideas are all on a page and out of your head, you can relax, and shopping will be less frantic, says David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. (Psst! May we suggest you turn to page 85 to start your list of cool gifts?)

R E L AT I N G

Do Good “During Hanukkah, my girls give to another child one night instead of getting a gift themselves,” says Stefanie Koenig, a consultant in Brooklyn, New York. “I research charities that create Amazon wish lists for families in need, and that night we go online and the girls pick which items to send. They are only 6 and 2, but I hope to instill in them the importance of giving back.” KIDS HELP KIDS

Include Long-Distance Loved Ones Go Classic Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. That’s it! Families dig this because it reins in the rampant materialism of the season and focuses on more meaningful gifts. T H E F O U R- G I F T RU L E

S EC R E T S A N TA, T H E D I G I TA L V E R S I O N

Use the app Elfster (free; iOS and Android) to organize a Secret Santa exchange for large gatherings. Participants sign up via email, and Elfster randomly assigns each person a gift recipient (there’s an option to prevent spouses from getting each other). People can anonymously ask their recipient questions, like “What’s your favorite hobby?” Just set a budget, and it’s seriously simple and affordable.

52 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Before you all head out of town, meet up at a cozy spot, like a hot chocolate café. As you catch up, exchange sweet treats that double as snacks for road trips. “It feels really special to have that little something from loved ones while traveling in the car. Last year, my close friend gave me snowball cookies, and I gave her holiday chocolates,” says Kelsey Kloss, author of the kids’ book Malty the Blue Tiger. P R E T R AV E L F R I E N D F I E S TA

Anna Baldwin from Arlee, Montana, does this with three college friends: She fills a box with locally made, low-cost items (one for each friend), adds a personal note, and mails it off. The first friend takes out a gift, puts in her own, contributes to the note, and ships everything to the next friend. The box rotates like that until it ends up back with Anna, complete with her friends’ gifts to her. RO TAT I N G G I F T B OX

“With three girls, we get repeat gifts all the time,” says Lavinel Savu, executive managing editor at Real Simple and InStyle. “So we rewrap the new versions of the ones we already have and donate them to charities, like Toys for Tots.” R E G I F T R E P E AT S

S E C R E T S A N TA , T H E P H I L A N T H RO P I C

Instead of buying material gifts, make a $20 donation to a charity your recipient would support, suggests Jeanne Benedict, an entertaining expert. So if they’re an animal lover, donate to the ASPCA. If they’d like to help struggling families make ends meet, contribute to Feeding America. It’s a much more meaningful gift than another stocking stuffer. VERSION

If you’re visiting family for the holidays, check out our guide to staying healthy while traveling at realsimple.com/safety.

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What is Xiidra? Xiidra is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Important Safety Information Do not use Xiidra if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Seek medical care immediately if you get any symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common side effects of Xiidra include eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision when the drops are applied to the eyes, and an unusual taste sensation. To help avoid eye injury or contamination of the solution, do not touch the container tip to your eye or any surface. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Xiidra and wait for at least 15 minutes before placing them back in your eyes.

It is not known if Xiidra is safe and effective in children under 17 years of age. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800FDA-1088. For additional safety information about XIIDRA®, please refer to the brief summary of Full Prescribing Information on adjacent page. XIIDRA, the XIIDRA logo and ii are registered trademarks of Novartis AG.

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Seek medical care immediately if you get any symptoms of wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swollen tongue.

What is Xiidra? Xiidra is a prescription eye drop solution used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). It is not known if Xiidra is safe and effective in children under 17 years of age.

These are not all the possible side effects of Xiidra. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not use Xiidra: If you are allergic to lifitegrast or any of the other ingredients in Xiidra, see “What are the ingredients in Xiidra?” What should I tell my doctor before using Xiidra? Before you use Xiidra, tell your doctor if you: • are using any other eye drops • wear contact lenses • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Xiidra will harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Xiidra passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use Xiidra. How should I use Xiidra? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for additional instructions about the right way to use Xiidra. Use Xiidra exactly as your doctor tells you. • To help avoid eye injury or contamination of the solution, do not touch the container tip to your eye or any surface. • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Xiidra and wait for at least 15 minutes before placing them back in your eyes. • Use 1 drop of Xiidra in each eye, 2 times each day, about 12 hours apart. • Use Xiidra right away after opening. Throw away the single use container and any unused solution after you have applied the dose to both eyes. Do not save any unused Xiidra for later.

How should I store Xiidra? • Store Xiidra at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). • Store Xiidra in the original foil pouch to protect it from light. • Do not open the Xiidra foil pouch until you are ready to use the eye drops. • Return unused single-use containers to their original foil pouch to protect from excessive light exposure. Keep Xiidra and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of Xiidra. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Xiidra that is written for health professionals. Do not use Xiidra for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Xiidra to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. What are the ingredients in Xiidra? Active ingredient: lifitegrast Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, and water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH). Manufactured for: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation One Health Plaza East Hanover, NJ 07936 T2020-88

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R E L AT I N G

Good Read

The Art of Keeping in Touch P R O P ST Y L I N G BY AST R I D C H AST K A FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

W I T H H E R D AY S S W A L L O W E D U P B Y K I D S , W O R K , A N D A N E N D L E S S T O - D O L I S T, C AT H E R I N E H O N G M I S S E D H E R F R I E N D S — A N D T H E K I N D O F F R I E N D S H E U S E D T O B E . B U T T H E N S H E R E A L I Z E D G R O W N - U P S G E T T O P L AY I N A D I F F E R E N T W AY. ( J U S T D O N ’ T E X P E C T A H O L I D AY C A R D F R O M H E R A N Y T I M E S O O N . )

or checking my credit score, sending out holiday cards is something I know I should do, yet don’t. Finding a usable family photo—by corralling my husband and kids into a forced moment of jollity—is just the first hurdle. There’s the wading through the sea of design options, the hunting down of snail-mail addresses, and, because I’ve never figured out how to print labels, the hand-lettering of them. And since I really appreciate when LIKE CLEANING MY OVEN

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

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

street, there’s always that heartfelt promise to get together “for real,” but we’re so busy it never happens. friends take the time to personalize their cards with notes— incontrovertible evidence that the cards were not somehow processed through a bot—I’d definitely want to scribble a personal greeting on each one. Given how long that would take me on top of the aforementioned steps, you can see why I’ve scrapped the endeavor entirely. So yes, I’ve snuffed one time-consuming project out of my life. But in doing so, I’ve flung myself into a thick tangle of holiday guilt. As soon as I see dear friends’ holiday cards faithfully trickling in, I’m filled with…mortification. The faces on the cards are all smiles, but I know they’re silently saying, “Why do we even bother to keep you on our list?” They seethe: “You are a taker and not a giver!” They mutter: “We haven’t heard from you in years. This is a farce.” Who knew it would be so hard to keep up with friendships? After all, the older we get, the more opportunities we have to make them: work pals, mom friends, neighbors. Now that I’m approaching 50, with decades of school, work, and plain old living behind me, it seems I should have a rich network of friends. And yet the older I get, the more people seem to fade from my life. From what I can tell, I’m not alone in my feeling of, well, aloneness. As science writer Lydia Denworth writes in her fascinating book Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond, our 30s “are sometimes described as the decade where friendship goes to die, killed off by marriage, children, jobs, relocating.”

56 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

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When I bump into a friend on the

In our 40s, this slide continues, as “most everyone has work responsibilities, and/or houses full of school-age children who need to be fed, transported, and generally tended.” This echoes the “four burners” theory of life’s priorities, as explained in a New Yorker essay by David Sedaris: Life is like a four-burner stove, with family, friends, health, and work each represented by one burner. The stove can’t run well with all four burners going at the same time, so to be successful, you have to switch one of them off. For working women with children, it’s often the same story: The first flame to get extinguished is the friendship one. My tendency to put relationships on the (cold, unlit) back burner is reinforced by a few factors. As an introvert, I’ve never been especially proactive about initiating social events. I also have strange anxiety when it comes to cancellations. The busy person’s dance of scheduling, canceling, rescheduling, and recanceling makes me so uneasy that I sometimes avoid making plans in the first place. (Honestly, when a lunch date has been shoved back more than twice, doesn’t it feel like the fun has already been sucked out?) What’s more, in the past decade, our family moved to a new town, and I went from working in an office to freelancing from home. While I’ve stayed tight with a few of my very closest female friends (a lunch here and there, bouts of texting, a rare get-together with our families), I can’t say we’ve been foremost in one another’s lives. My other friendships—including with women I saw weekly or even daily at one point—have declined dramatically. We all have these friends circling our lives. These are the people you are sincerely fond of, the ones you love seeing on Instagram, whose children you feel like you know (even if the only time you saw them in ABOUT THE person was 10 years ago when they showed up AU T H O R at the office in diapers). I’m talking about the Catherine Hong kind of friend who, if you bumped into them writes for Parents, Martha Stewart on the sidewalk, would join you in a shriek of Living, and the joy, and you’d launch into a rapid-fire catchup New York Times Book session until—inevitably—one of you needed Review. She blogs about children’s to get to a meeting or dash to Trader Joe’s or books at mrslittle pick up a kid. There’s always that heartfelt .com and cohosts promise to get together “for real,” but it never K-Pod, a podcast about Korean happens. And before you know it, it’s time for American culture. the ol’ holiday card. “We have to stop thinking about friendship as a luxury,” Denworth told me. “It’s as essential to our health as diet and exercise.” She spent five years studying the biological, psychological, and evolutionary workings of friendship for her book, in which she lays out the overwhelming evidence that strong social ties positively affect

R E L AT I N G

everything from cardiovascular health to the immune system to stress response to susceptibility to Alzheimer’s. “If you don’t take time for friendship during the busy years, a lot of damage can be done,” she explained. Letting friendships atrophy for too long means we may not have strong bonds later, when we need them most. Weirdly enough, it took a pandemic to make many of us realize just how essential friendship is. I called linguist Deborah Tannen, who’s written several best-selling books on communication. You’re the Only One I Can Tell focuses on the language of women’s friendships. When I confessed my unease to Tannen about where I stood with my own friendships, she knew exactly what I meant. “The pandemic is a good pretext for reconnecting without awkwardness,” she told me. “You can simply send a message saying, ‘I’ve been thinking of you. How are you doing in this crazy time?’ ” She also encouraged me to put aside my calendar phobia. “Schedule the time to talk!” she urged. “These days, the divide between work and home life is so blurry, it’s

harder than ever to find time, so don’t wait until you have a free half hour to talk, because you won’t.” To reduce any chance of awkwardness, she suggested establishing an end time for the call before it begins. “Sometimes people aren’t sure how to get off without seeming rude,” she said. Even just regularly texting with or emailing a friend, she pointed out, could go a long way toward relieving a sense of isolation. “If you are connecting on an emotional level, it doesn’t matter if it’s purely digital,” she said. “You don’t have to see someone or hear their voice for it to be meaningful.” While I haven’t been making individual calls, I have been part of a standing Wednesday-night Zoom gathering with two or three of my closest friends, a ritual my pal Michelle (a habitual scheduler) initiated a few weeks into quarantine. This virtual meetup—where we discuss the usual topics of work, kids, and various brands of frozen dumplings—has turned out to be the most consistent socializing I’ve engaged in since I had kids. It’s a low-key affair, where nobody has to feel “on” or even have brushed hair. If friendship is like

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a muscle that needs exercise, it’s also like a habit-forming drug. By Tuesday morning of each week, I’m craving the sight of these familiar faces. What about my wider group of friends? Sometimes seeing all these women commenting on one another’s Instagram photos and behaving as if they were godmothers to one another’s children has made me feel like I’m being left out of something. But I’m not about to cut ties. I truly do love following friends on social media, and I know we still have a genuine relationship, just not one on full boil. It turns out I don’t have to beat myself up about not being tight with them. “There’s a vitality to having a wider circle,” Denworth assured me. “But when it comes to your health, experts say quality is more important than quantity.” In other words, having deep bonds and meaningful interactions with one or two close friends is more impactful than having a girl squad of semiclose friends. So even though most of my friendships are not going to get their own burner on the stove, I can still keep them

going—just perhaps at a low simmer, bubbling along on Instagram and other social media platforms. I’ll think of it as the Crock-Pot theory of friendship: Like slow cookers, Instagram is better for quantity than quality, but the lowmaintenance demands make it perfect for busy people. (And I can always switch back to skillets when the kids go to college.) As for those holiday cards, I mustered up my courage and called three friends who send me cards every year. “Do you think it’s rude that you never get a Christmas card in return?” I asked them, wincing. “Nah, I know you’re lazy,” one of them told me. “You’re crazy,” another said. “I’d only be pissed if I found out you were sending cards to other people,” the third explained. I felt relieved, though still like a jerk. I think this year, as cards arrive, I will send a quick text or email—even something simple like “What a great card!” Here’s looking forward to a happier year. And maybe a new slow cooker.

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R E L AT I N G

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

M.H. ASKS…

I recently began attending a virtual gathering. A young man in the group often directs advice or criticism toward me after I say something. Once, I mentioned that I like to make art and didn’t know what I wanted to draw next. He reminded me that he was an art teacher and suggested I focus on a new technique if I couldn’t think of what to draw. How can I ask him to stop commenting without ruining the vibe?

60 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

I really stepped in it. I sent a text to my brother complaining that my sister was hoarding family mementos and not being honest about it. But it was a group thread—and she saw it. She replied that she was not hoarding or being dishonest. Ever since, she’s acted like nothing happened. Should I shrug it off too?

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

Put the presumptive hoarding aside for a moment. You sent your sister a text in which you complained about her to another sibling. This must have hurt; it’s excruciating to imagine our loved ones gossiping about us, let alone have proof of it. So call your sister and apologize—and not in the “sorry you read a text you weren’t meant to read” way. Empathize and take responsibility: “I wish I’d come to you directly instead of writing our brother. I’m so sorry. I was in such a nasty mood that day, and it must have felt terrible to read that text.” Then, as courageously as you can, listen. She might have a lot to say, or nothing at all. Either way, you’ll be there as the air clears.

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

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

On the one hand, your example is slightly perplexing, since it sounds like you were asking for advice, and he offered it. We’re in a brave new world of virtual relationships, and that grid of faces and voices can be hard to interpret; it’s more important than ever to give people the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, mansplaining is often easy to spot and hard to describe. For whatever reason, and despite his age, this man has designated himself some kind of mentor to you, which is patronizing and irritating. Could you be up-front about your expectations? “I wanted to share this experience—but just to be clear, I’m not actually looking for advice.” If he persists, point out that he’s apparently interested in problem-solving, but that you don’t have (and are not yourself) a problem to solve.

H .C . A S K S …

E.S. ASKS…

I’m a teacher and had a parent conference on Zoom. They asked what my favorite store is, and I said Target. A week later, a coworker who teaches the couple’s older daughter got a Target gift card. I know I can’t ask the parents if they sent me one, but I wonder if it got lost in spam. I’d hate to not say thank you (but I also didn’t receive anything). What would you do? I wouldn’t typically recommend saying anything, but this is an exception. Unless these parents really just like talking about favorite stores, there’s evidence they intended to give you a gift card, and it’s worth asking after. Go with a full-transparency email: “This is so awkward, but you asked me about my favorite store, and I know you gave my colleague a gift card. If you sent me one too, I never got it. No pressure at all if you didn’t! I just didn’t want it to go to waste if it got lost, or for you to think I hadn’t expressed gratitude.” But check your spam folder one last time before you write.

L.B. ASKS…

My husband’s mother is a terrible gift giver. Her latest solution is to ask me to buy my four kids presents from her. I find this to be insincere and an imposition on my time. She’s retired, while I run my own business. Couldn’t she just try a little harder? This is one of those maddening mother-inlaw issues that may have a marriage question at its heart: Why isn’t your husband—her child—dealing with this (or her)? How did present buying become the world of women only, as if all gifts were located in the feminine hygiene aisle? To be actually helpful, though: My first thought was to encourage her to get the kids gift cards. But then you’d have to take them shopping. Instead, suggest she ask the kids what they’d like. She can give a cost limit, or direct them to a website or catalog. Then she can order and send the gifts. A side benefit is she’ll get to know the kids better—and you can sell it to her that way.

K .V. A S K S …

When my family gets a gift, I like to text a photo of us using it to the person who gave it— so they can see we love the new puzzle or book. But is a texted thank-you tacky? That sounds like a fabulous way to thank people. But even as the world changes, and my hard line on written thank-yous softens, you still need to consider your audience. Gratefully texting a friend a photo of your kid in the unicorn pajamas? Sure! Texting your grandma to thank her for that college account contribution? Here I might do both: Send a gushing text right away, followed by a gracious note. 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.

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

On Every Kitty’s Wish List Make your cat’s holiday dreams come true with these irresistibly tasty cat treats!

Q&A

Petiquette ENSURE HARMONY AMONG THE ANIMAL S AND PEOPLE I N YO U R L I F E W I T H T H I S E X P E RT A DV I C E . By Juno DeMelo

If you can afford it, give a cash tip equal to one week’s pay if you use the caretaker often, or 15 to 20 percent of their day rate if you use them infrequently, says Patricia Rossi, an etiquette expert in Tampa Bay, Florida. Many service professionals have taken a hit this year, so if you want to show thanks while helping your local economy, be generous. And no, a cash gift is not impersonal, especially for the self-employed: “A little extra at the holidays can go a long way,” says Sarah Covert, who owns a petsitting and dog-walking business in New Orleans.

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If someone else’s dog begs for human food, is it rude to give some? It’s not only rude, “it’s also dangerous to feed a dog, human food or otherwise, without approval from the owner,” says Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian in Boynton Beach, Florida. “Many dogs have food allergies or diseases that require a strict diet, so always ask before offering food to a pet.” The next time you’re on the receiving end of puppy-dog eyes, hold on to your food and give a belly rub or scratch behind the ears instead.

62 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

My friend’s cat is feisty with my daughter, and we visit often. How can I handle it? Your best bet is to teach your daughter how to interact with the cat, says Marilyn Krieger, a cat behavior consultant and the author of Naughty No More! Show your daughter the proper way to pet a cat: Get down to the cat’s level, extend a finger, and let him come to you. Recognize signs that the cat is done engaging—he may swish his tail quickly, twitch his fur when petted, or turn his ears. And no matter how much you trust your daughter, never leave her alone with the cat.

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

20 Easy Tricks for Saving $1,000+ This Season During the holidays, it can feel like our wallets flap open P R O P ST Y L I N G BY AST R I D C H AST K A FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

and stay that way until the New Year’s confetti has settled. There are gifts to buy, meals to prep, and unexpected expenses to cover (overnight shipping will cost how much?). Luckily, you can rein in your spending with these expert hacks. By Maggie Puniewska

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

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

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Send Gifts with Flat-Rate Shipping S AV E : About $30 per gift (compared

with regular priority shipping)

The post office’s flat-rate boxes are a great deal—they come with two-day priority shipping, tracking, and up to $50 of insurance. Mail packages by December 19 to avoid express fees. BRIANNA FIRESTONE, FOUNDER OF THE SCHOOL OF BETTY, A FINANCIAL PLATFORM

Give Money Each Night of Hanukkah S AV E : $80 per kid

Instead of gifts, we give gelt, which means “money” in Yiddish. If you give your kid $5 per night at most, you’ll spend $40, whereas a toy might cost you $15 each night. We use this experience to teach our children about being charitable—at least 10 percent of their total haul goes to a cause they choose. YAEL TRUSCH, HOST OF THE PODCAST JEWISH LATIN PRINCESS AND CREATOR OF THE JEWISH MONEY MAKEOVER, A FINANCIAL COURSE

Switch to LEDs S AV E : About $50 (if you decorate

one tree inside and four outside)

LED holiday lights last longer than incandescent lights, and they use 70 percent less electricity. It only costs 27 cents to light a six-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days with LEDs. Incandescent bulbs would total $10. MARK DAWSON, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF MISTER SPARKY, A NATIONAL ELECTRICIAN SERVICE

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Trim Your Tree Spending S AV E : $36

A six-foot quick-sprouting tree variety, like Monterey pine or cypress, could cost nearly 50 percent less than a longer-to-mature fir. To keep the tree fresh, have the trunk trimmed before you take it home, and give the tree one quart of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter. KEITH GARLOCK, CO-OWNER OF GARLOCK CHRISTMAS TREE FARM IN SEBASTOPOL, CALIFORNIA

Leverage Your Credit Card for Driving Perks S AV E : $50 a day on insurance

Before you book a car with a rental agency, see if your credit card offers any benefits. Chase’s Sapphire and Capital One’s Venture cards both provide roadside assistance and even collision insurance—all you have to do is book with the card and waive the insurance the agency offers. SARA RATHNER, TRAVEL AND CREDIT CARD EXPERT AT NERDWALLET

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Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Go Digital with Holiday Cards…

S AV E : $5 per card

Warehouse stores such as BJ’s and Sam’s Club often sell lower-priced gift cards to places like Starbucks and L.L.Bean. At press time, a twopack of $25 cards to Build-A-Bear was selling for $40 at BJ’s. Gift these cards or use them to purchase presents. JULIE RAMHOLD, CONSUMER ANALYST WITH DEALNEWS.COM

Fake a Salon Blowout at Home

S AV E : About $100 (approximate cost

of 50 higher-quality photo cards)

Hack a Hanukkah Treat S AV E : $140 (for 36 doughnuts)

Instead of splurging on sufganiyot, traditional jelly doughnuts, fry dinner rolls in oil and inject them with your favorite filling, like raspberry jam. A bag of 36 rolls costs about $4, whereas doughnuts from a kosher bakery can be about $4 each.

service) per blowout after first use

LINH NGUYEN, HAIRSTYLIST IN NEW YORK CITY

Make Dips Your New Appetizer

I whip up a big batch of baked spinach and artichoke dip and serve it with crackers and veggies. For 20 people, that’ll cost under $20, so it’s a lot cheaper than appetizers like mini quiche and cocktail shrimp, which can be 50 cents to a dollar per piece.

If you’d still like to send holiday cards, consider photo postcards, which cost less than photo greeting cards. And instead of shelling out for a professional photographer, snap holiday pics in your backyard, using a smartphone (with a camera selftimer) and tripod. Find a simple backdrop, and set up with the light behind the camera—the best light to shoot in is right before sunset.

S AV E : $90 in November and

MARK DAWSON

Cut Parking Costs

KELLE HAMPTON, LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AT KELLEHAMPTON.COM

S AV E : About $20 every time

I drive an SUV, so finding street parking can be tricky, and garages charge hefty fees. I love the SpotHero app (free; iOS and Android), which lets you book and pay for spaces in advance. It’s available in 300 cities. When I’ve parked in New York City, I’ve paid as little as $15 for a spot that might have cost me $80. BOLA SOKUNBI, FOUNDER OF CLEVER GIRL FINANCE, A WOMEN’S FINANCIAL PLATFORM

68 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

S AV E : About $35 (for 50

stamped postcards)

Tweak the Thermostat

You probably don’t need the heat so high, especially if you have family congregating or you’re running the oven a lot. Turning it down just five degrees could save you as much as $45 per month. If you can, keep your home at 68 degrees, a cost-effective temperature in winter.

…Or Opt for a Postcard and Be Your Own Photographer

S AV E : $40

CLAIRE TANSEY, AUTHOR OF DINNER, UNCOMPLICATED

December

TRINA SMALL, LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AT HEYTRINA.COM

YAEL TRUSCH

S AV E : $45 (approximate cost of the

I recommend Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer ($60; ulta.com) to my clients when they can’t make it in. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair and squeeze out as much water as possible. Spritz on a heat protectant, then wrap hair around the dryer and pull downward.

For a fun, interactive, and free card, send a family video. Ask each family member to share their favorite holiday memory or something they’re grateful for, then edit the footage in an app like iMovie or Videoshop. Share your digital card online, or text or email it to family members.

Grab Gifts on Location S AV E : $15 per gift

If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, save on shipping costs by shopping online at stores that offer curbside pickup at your destination. JULIE RAMHOLD

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Don’t Rush to Buy a Tree S AV E : $15 or more

The costliest day to buy a tree is Cyber Monday, with the average price at $84, according to a survey from Square, a business financial service. Prices generally spike again the first two weekends of December. The closer you get to Christmas, the cheaper trees will be. TIM O’CONNOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION

Skip Expensive Cuts of Meat S AV E : $48 (for an eight-pound cut)

Dress Up Your Home with Tree Trimmings S AV E : $50

Reduce Wine Costs S AV E : $40 to $100 per bottle

No need to buy pricey decorations. Ask your local tree lot for cuttings. Display them in a big vase, use them to decorate your mantel, or add them to wreaths and garlands. MEG NORDMANN, AUTHOR OF HAVE YOURSELF A MINIMALIST CHRISTMAS

Get Cheaper Gas S AV E : About 30 cents per gallon

When I take road trips to visit family, I use the GasBuddy app (free; iOS and Android), which helps me find the best price on gas along my route. BENET WILSON, CREDIT CARDS EDITOR AT THEPOINTSGUY.COM

70 R E A L S I M P L E D EC E M B E R 2020

Wine from famous regions can be expensive because the grapes come from one specific parcel of land. A little-known fact is that many winemakers also produce a second label, which blends grapes from their vineyards into wines that are just as delicious and representative of the area. Look for labels that refer to the whole region, like “Sonoma County Red,” to save money while still taking advantage of the producers’ expertise and quality. TJ DOUGLAS, OWNER OF THE URBAN GRAPE, A WINE STORE IN BOSTON

Instead of prime rib, I prefer chuck roast, which is just as flavorful and easier to cook in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Plus, it’s way more affordable, coming in at around $6 per pound, compared with about $12 for prime rib. PALAK PATEL, CHEF AT THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY EDUCATION

Score a Better Rate on a Car Rental S AV E : About $50

If you’re taking a short trip and only need to rent a car for a few hours, consider an option like Getaround, which offers hourly rentals so you don’t have to pay a day rate. Best of all, insurance is included. You just unlock a car from your phone and go. ANDREA WOROCH, FAMILY FINANCE EXPERT AT ANDREAWOROCH.COM

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M a k i n g I t Wo r k

How Do You Show Your Colleagues You Value Them?

Slack instant messaging is really helpful for publicly celebrating the small stuff in a fun way. In a group thread, I’ll thank someone for a great meeting or give them credit for an idea, and the rest of the team will add emoji or responses. It doesn’t have to be something that had a million-dollar impact on the company. It can just be setting up for an event, helping with a panel, or going out of their way to teach you something.

We put out a box so employees can nominate coworkers they’ve seen doing a random act of kindness. Every month, I have someone draw a name, and the winner gets a goody bag. Then I type up all the nominations and send them out to the whole team. The very first month, we had 66 nominations for a staff of 60 people. Over the first year, we’ve gotten more than 600. It’s a great way to encourage people.

EUGENIE FANNING, VICE PRESIDENT OF PEOPLE AT SQUAREFOOT, A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN NEW YORK CITY

CATHY NISWONGER, REGISTERED NURSE AT THE CLEVELAND CLINIC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOR REHABILITATION IN CLEVELAND

72 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Simply checking in can have a big impact. If you work with a transgender or nonbinary person, ask if there’s anything you can do as a boss or coworker to help them feel comfortable. In my experience, starting a dialogue is important and can help set people at ease. And put pronouns on your name tag or in your email signature.

We have a virtual huddle every Thursday with the global staff, where we recognize accomplishments by teams and individual employees. But some people prefer to be recognized more privately, with an email from the global head of our consumer business. With each person, we take time to analyze what would make them feel best, then craft our approach around that.

At the start of the school year, we get each staff member’s emergency contact info. During the year, I take a photo of the person teaching and mail it to their families, along with a letter telling them how hard their daughter or wife or loved one works and how much we appreciate them. And anytime a teacher appears with their kid in a video meeting, I make sure I tell the kid what a wonderful teacher their parent is and how hard they work.

MAYBE BURKE, TRAINER AT THE TRANSGENDER TRAINING INSTITUTE IN PHILADELPHIA

CHANTAL GARCIA, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR CONSUMER BUSINESS AT GOLDMAN SACHS IN NEW YORK CITY

MELINDA S. MILLER, PRINCIPAL AT WILLARD EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WILLARD, MISSOURI

Illustration by Andrea Mongia

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

By Kristine Gill

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Illuminating Your Health G E T M O R E L I G H T E V E RY D AY. A M O U N T A I N O F R E S E A R C H S H O W S I T E N H A N C E S E N E R G Y, I M M U N I T Y, AND HAPPINESS ALL WINTER. By Sharlene Breakey

ence how we produce hormones throughout the body—including the stress hormone cortisol, the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, and the appetite hormones leptin and ghrelin. In other words, everything from menstruation to fertility to metabolism to inflammation response can depend on sunlight.

Time It Right with festive lights everywhere. But it’s the sun’s rays, in vanishingly short supply this time of year, that really bring the joy. Researchers discovered years ago that not getting enough light during the day could cause a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) and that a light box—a very bright lamp minus the dangerous UV rays—was the antidote. Now a growing pile of evidence suggests we all need to be…well, better illuminated. Light is fundamental to our health and sense of well-being, says Shadab Rahman, PhD, an instructor at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine. “We need a healthy light diet as much as we need nutritious food and exercise.” Proper light exposure is essential for restorative sleep, and it’s a promising treatment for a range of conditions, including PMS, ADHD, eating disorders, and PTSD. It’s also a spectacularly easy (and fast) way to fight fatigue and feel sharper. “Light has a direct impact on our ability to focus and feel more energetic; it enters the eye and moves through neurons to the parts of the brain that coordinate memory and alertness,” Rahman says. DECEMBER TWINKLES

Illustrations by Ana Ayala

Discover Your Body on Light Light increases moodboosting serotonin while suppressing melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep. In doing so, it controls the body’s sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. If we don’t get enough light in the morning, or receive too much at night, our body clock shifts, interfering with shut-eye, especially the deep, restorative REM phase. That’s a constant threat nowadays, thanks to our modern lifestyles and ever-present LED devices. “With Covid-19, we’re staying inside more than ever. That just pushes our clocks later,” says Helen Burgess, PhD, a psychiatry professor at the University of Michigan and codirector of the school’s Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory. THE BASICS

W H AT YO U M I G H T N O T K N O W

Almost every single cell—not just those in the brain—has a biological clock affected by exposure to light and darkness. Researchers think our light-dark schedule may also influ-

The science is complicated, but the lesson is simple: “I like to say, ‘Light during the day is good; light at night is bad,’ ” says Kathy Reid, PhD, research professor of neurology at Northwestern University’s Center for Circadian Sleep Medicine. “We evolved to set our internal clock with the sun, so all we need to do is mimic that,” Rahman explains. “The predominant light used to be sunlight, and the fire and candles we once used to see at night weren’t strong enough to influence our clock. Today’s electrical lighting can be up to 1,000 times as strong as that evening fire.” Translation: Get more and brighter light when the sun is up, preferably first thing in the morning, and dim things as it goes down.

Go Outside! Nothing beats getting outdoors for at least 30 minutes to an hour, even in the colder months and especially before noon. “Activity and light together is the best of all worlds, and bright morning light will shift your clock earlier, to where it should be,

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

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white light of the sun. They’re meant to be used at the same time each morning for no more than an hour. Choose a model that provides 3,000 to 10,000 lux of white light at a distance of a couple of feet (the brighter you can tolerate, the better) and has an illuminated panel that’s at least 14 inches wide. Make sure it’s been declared safe for eyes and skin by clinical trials, Terman says. Check out the Boxelite OS by Northern Light Technologies ($180; northernlight technologies.com), which is recommended by the Center for Environmental Therapeutics. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before using a light box, Burgess notes.

Try a Wearable Alternative If you want to be able to walk around in the morning, Burgess recommends a gadget called a Re-Timer ($189; re-timer.com). Shaped like a visor, the Re-Timer indirectly floods your eyes with bright light, just as a light box does. But it allows you to unload the dishwasher or dress for work during your half-hour to hour session.

Invest in a Light Box

while boosting serotonin to enhance mood,” Burgess says. “Sleep is sounder and more restorative when you’ve spent time outdoors,” adds Michael Terman, PhD, professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry at Columbia University and president of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics. In chilly climates, put on a few layers, head outside, and just move—walk the dog, shovel, hike, or snowshoe.

80 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Let’s be real: Life (and weather) often interfere with getting out and about. But you can still enjoy a daily dose of sunshine with your morning coffee. Just flip a switch on a light box. I keep one on my desk and take a 30-minute light bath every day at 9 a.m. to kickstart my work routine. Light boxes can be 10 times brighter than even the brightest indoor light bulbs and mimic the mood-boosting, full-spectrum

Grab Quick Pick-Me-Ups Even small bursts of light—just a few minutes—have a nearly immediate effect on serotonin levels, helping us become “more enthusiastic and peppier,” Burgess says. Studies showed that short spells of light reduced fatigue and elevated well-being in cancer patients, Reid says. So get mini boosts when you can—take phone calls outside (as Burgess does), walk rather than drive to the mailbox, or scroll through social media while sitting on the front stoop.

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Find Your Inner Cat

Even small bursts of light have a nearly immediate effect on serotonin, making us more enthusiastic and peppier.

Light pouring through a window can do the trick too; a mere five minutes of basking can rev up your energy. “Studies are clear—workers with access to a window have more vitality,” Reid says.

Schedule Your Blues We hear a lot about the harm caused by blue light, commonly emitted by our devices and bright LED bulbs. But it’s not inherently bad. Timing is what really matters, Rahman says. Blue light happens to be particularly good at stimulating our brains and suppressing melatonin. So treat it as you would caffeine—get your a.m. fill and avoid it as dusk arrives. A bright LED task lamp in your work space may help you feel cheery (and make you look great on Zoom), but switch to a softer, dimmer lamp several hours before bed, Rahman says.

Be Smart About Smartphones Most phones and tablets let you control the level of blue light your screen emits. Check your settings—iPhones, for example, have a Night Shift feature, which automatically switches your display to warmer tones after dark. Hold screens as far as possible from your eyes, and try to put them away at least two hours before bedtime.

Create Your Own Sunset W H OA , T H AT’ S I N T E N S E When it comes to maintaining circadian rhythms, the intensity of light, typically measured in lux, makes a difference. The white light of daytime sun gives off anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 lux. Moonlight? Less than 1. The average indoor light emits 50 to 100 lux. A typical light therapy box offers between 1,000 and 10,000 lux.

82 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

We can manipulate our everyday lighting in new ways, thanks to LED technology. Overheads, sconces, and bulbs provide much more of a bright white hue than was standard even a decade ago. And newer LED lighting can now be found in a variety of warmer, blue-depleted tones. This means you can bask in your home office’s sunny overhead light until

I have a lamp called Bottled Sunshine ($199; sunlightinside.com), which automatically changes with the day so I can prepare for work in bright light and get ready for bed in a soft glow. the afternoon, then flip on a lamp equipped with a warmer hue. Packaging isn’t yet standard, but many products have a warm-to-cool scale to guide your purchase. The closer the light falls toward a warm yellow undertone, the more the blue has been dialed down. Only warmer bulbs should grace your bedside lamps, and choose nightlights that are bluedepleted, like the Amber Night Light ($13; lowbluelights.com) or Blue-Free, Sleep Promoting Mini Book Light ($25; lowbluelights.com). Some smart technology will even do the work for you.

Alert Yourself When you set your morning alarm, also set one for three hours or so before bedtime, as a reminder to start dimming down in a world of ubiquitous LED lighting. Don’t go crazy—just keep a balance. “I still watch TV at night,” Reid says, “but I keep the lights off, as if I’m in a movie theater.”

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These four-inch metal figurines can be used as bookends or objets. TO BUY: Freestanding Metal Letters, from $7; gaugenyc.com.

PHOTO GR APHS BY T E D + C H E L S E A C AVA N AU G H

REAL SIMPLE

G E T- B U F F B A N G L E S

These cuffs are sleek and sculpting—each is a one-pound weight that adds an extra burn to workouts. TO BUY: Wearable Weights, $49 for 2; shopbala.com.

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This customizable lucky amulet holds a beloved quote or affirmation. TO BUY: Envelope Fortune Locket, $78; fortuneandframe.com.

FOR

P I C T U R E S Q U E PA I R

Creative types will be happy to slip into these wearable works of art made of quilted satin and memory foam. TO BUY: Birdies x Minted Flats, $165; birdies.com.

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This kit details 30 science-based meditative activities to spur a meaningful life. TO BUY: Holstee Greater Good Toolkit, $46; blue ribbongeneralstore.com.

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Inspiring life stories get the infographic treatment in these stylish volumes, great for history buffs or artists. TO BUY: Biographic Collection, $15 each; jaysonhome.com.

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Sweatshirts can be workwear. This is just the one for the recent hire on your list. TO BUY: Phenomenally Soft Sweatshirt, $59; phenomenalwoman.us. 3 FOR THE FITNESS JUNKIE

Get your workout buddy passes to at-home digital classes, like yoga (glo.com), boxing (doyourumble.com), or dance cardio (forward-space.com)— the list goes on and on. Look for bodyweight-only options that don’t require equipment. TO BUY: From $15. 4 EAR CHEER

The design of these clay earrings will please minimalists, while the striking colors (from spice-made dyes) will thrill bolder folks. TO BUY: Mini Wishbone Earrings, $35; sigfusdesigns.com.

4 3

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5 P OWER TO OL

A portable charger that can juice up a device by 50 percent in just 30 minutes will be a godsend for the friend whose phone is always on the verge of death. TO BUY: Pandora Portable Power, $40; infinacore.com.

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6 G UA C ’ E D - O U T G E A R

This brightly printed collection— complete with a dish towel, pin, tote, and sticker—will delight avocado lovers (a.k.a. everyone). TO BUY: Avocado Gift Set, $42; theneighborgoods.com.

5 7

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7 A H I K E I N A S P R AY

This woodsy body mist contains forest air (phytoncides), vitamin D, and microalgae to mimic the mood and energy of the outdoors. TO BUY: I’m Outside Forest Bathing in a Bottle, $28; im-outside.com. 8 L I P S E RV I C E

Give a mega collection of moisturizing tinted lip balms to someone who is all about the pout—or break up the set and spread them out. TO BUY: The Chubbettes Set, $49.50 for 20; clinique.com.

8 9

9 B OA R D AT W O R K

This balance board makes it easy to move while working from home. The results? No more after-lunch slumps, less back pain, and sky-high productivity. TO BUY: The Level Balance Board for Standing Desk, from $249; fluidstance.com. DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 PERSONAL LIBR ARIAN

The biggest conundrum bookworms face: What to read next? Page 1’s gift subscription sends all the best books, with a human—not a bot—doing the curating, based on a questionnaire. TO BUY: Gift Subscription, $75 for 3 months; page1books.com.

GIVE A M E M O RY

CURATED BOOK SUBSCRIPTION

2 FITNESS FL ASK

A two-in-one water bottle and foam roller will keep the exercise enthusiast hydrated during workouts and limber afterward. TO BUY: Grace Foam Roller Water Bottle, $50; mobot.com.

3 T R E E S A S PA R A B L E

Give your arborist this hardcover, with 59 illustrations of tree varieties and accompanying life lessons. TO BUY: How to Be More Tree, $13; penguin randomhouse.com. 4 PA RT I C U L A R P O U C H

This accordion-style mini pouch keeps bags organized. It has four pockets and elastic bands to strap in bits and bobs. TO BUY: Plan B Basic Pouch, $42; mochithings.com. 3

5 TONES OF FUN

6 SONIC ST YLE

These pretty little jewelry pieces are imprinted with a scan code that prompts a phone to play a favorite voice message. TO BUY: Custom Soundwave Wide Classic Cuff, $220, and Ring, $190; capsuljewelry.com.

7 KIDS NOTEB O OK

It’s hard not to love anything covered in your kid’s art, so this notebook, which can be customized with their work, will delight any parent. TO BUY: Notebooks, from $36 for 3; printartkids.com.

8 T O U C H -A N D - G O T E C H

For the brain that contains too many passcodes: This lock opens with the swipe of a fingerprint—perfect for a gym locker. TO BUY: Lexon Biometric Fingerprint Padlock, $50; store.moma.org.

88 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

9 POSITIVE PUZZLE

Jigsaw puzzles from this company feature modern, uplifting scenes. A portion of proceeds go to charities handpicked by the well-traveled founder. TO BUY: Puzzle, $28; wanderpuzzleco.com.

K I D S N O T E B O O K A N D P U Z Z L 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

This palette houses a shade for every mood—like turquoise for festive flair and rust for subdued elegance. TO BUY: Makeup by Mario Master Metallics, $48; makeupbymario.com.

H I P, H I P, H O O R AY !

P U N K Y WA L L D EC O R

The fanny pack is back with a vengeance. This one is made of waterresistant wool and doesn’t look like an ’80s flashback. TO BUY: Bedford Belt Bag, $178; graf-lantz.com.

They’ve outgrown their dorm posters, but they’ll love these homages to iconic post-punk albums. TO BUY: Post-Punk Postcards, $19 for 50; penguinrandom house.com.

FOR

GROWNUPS

LO OKING SHARP C RY S TA L G A Z I N G

These one-of-a-kind vessels are hand-sculpted in a studio near Pittsburgh; the stones come from California. TO BUY: Tourmaline Geode Vessel, from $38; talandbert.com.

Every family has a Grizzly Adams who’d benefit from a folding knife with a fire starter, gutting hook, and safety whistle. TO BUY: No. 12 Explorer Outdoor Folding Knife, $49; opinel-usa.com.

BANNER KID

Choose from over 60 canvas pennants to inspire your child. TO BUY: Hanging Pennant, from $45; rayoandhoney.com.

PL ANE AND SIMPLE

Invented by a 6-year-old, this build-a-plane set helps benefit NICUs. TO BUY: DIY Plane Kit, $12; creationsby nicholas.com.

FOR

KIDS S T O RY T I M E F R I E N D

The littles can listen to stories and songs after they place a Tonie figurine on the cube. TO BUY: Toniebox Starter Set, $100; us.tonies.com.

BREAK THE MOLD

Clay that’s not a blob of strange ingredients! This has plant-based dyes and compostable glitter. TO BUY: Dough Cup, from $12; landofdough.com.

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 CURL P OWER 2

A 2020 toy-tested fave from our sister magazine Parents, this doll has hair that can be styled with real products. TO BUY: Zoe Doll, $80; healthyrootsdolls.com. 2 SASSY AND SAFE POLISH

These nail polishes are made without icky chemicals, and the bows double as rings. TO BUY: Glitter Collection Kit, $55 for 5; littleladyproducts.com.

3 WONDER S NEVER CE ASE

This visual encyclopedia is filled with mind-bending facts they’ll quote for decades. TO BUY: Britannica All New Kids’ Encyclopedia, $30; amazon.com.

PICK

4 B L A N K E T S TAT E M E N T

Of course you need to show off your baby on social media, and these crib sheet backdrops are Insta gold. TO BUY: Crib Sheet, from $35; rookiehumans.com. 5 5 U P C YC L E D C O L O R I N G

Revamp art time with easy-tohold two-inch “doughnuts” made from recycled crayons. TO BUY: Donut Crayon Set, $20 for 4; art2theextreme.etsy.com.

D O N U T C R AYO N S E T: 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

6 P L AY T I M E W I T H A P E R K

A 20-piece toy café set— because you’re sure your toddler inherited your coffee genes. Parents toy testers were obsessed! TO BUY: Zoo BarkIsta Set, $40; skiphop.com.

PICK

7 R E A C H F O R T H E S TA R S

They’ll dream of piloting a rocket while eating off custom STEMthemed plates. TO BUY: Plates, from $14; colorfullplates.com. 8 B I L I N G UA L B É B É S

Babies learn languages easily. Parents? Not so much. This translator wand and book get everyone on the same página. TO BUY: Bilingual Starter Set, $140; habbihabbi.com.

9 8

9 S M O C K S TA R

Welcome your kid to the kitchen with a monogrammed organic cotton apron. TO BUY: The Work Apron, from $38; theheygang.com.

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 MAGIC MARKERS

An update on the gel pens you hoarded in middle school, these produce mesmerizing silver doodles outlined in color. TO BUY: Crayola Signature Metallic Outline Paint Markers, $13 for 6; michaels.com.

2 O H , W H AT A N I G H T !

Commemorate their special date with an astrological map that shows how the stars aligned on that momentous occasion. TO BUY: Personalized Star Map, from $45; thenightsky.com. 3 IT’S A SIGN

MIGHT Y MOUSE

Upgrade the remote learning setup with a Bluetooth mouse. TO BUY: Design Collection Wireless Mouse, $30; logitech.com.

FOR

TWEENS TEENS

When they’re old enough to talk about Virgo in their seventh house—and not Santa in the chimney—give them a dainty necklace featuring their zodiac sign. TO BUY: Zodiac Outline Charm Necklace, $58; krisnations.com. 4 WA X I N G C R E AT I V E

Teach sustainability with a candle-making kit that comes in plant-based packaging. Kids (under supervision) can melt scented wax and pour it into any reusable vessel. TO BUY: Premium Candle Mix, $22; siblings.co.

5 BLINGED-OUT BANDS

Jewelry designer Lele Sadoughi adorns headbands with sophisticated embellishments, like pearls. TO BUY: Headband, from $65; lelesadoughi.com.

GIVE A M E M O RY 5

Pick a workshop—tapestry weaving, flower pressing—and this site will send the materials to complete it, plus a link to a step-by-step video with an artisan. TO BUY: Workshops, from $75; thecraftersbox.com.

CRAFT CLASSES

7 M OV E A L O N G

92 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Iconic brands, including Sharpie and AriZona, teamed up with Razor to create colorful new takes on the now 20-year-old kick scooter. TO BUY: Razor Scooter, $99; target.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

6 C R A F T I N G, S I M P L I F I E D

Find Your Quiet Place with MyLife.

Slay your stress, get more sleep or ﬁnd your calm, with short mindfulness activities tuned to your emotions.

Access on the web at my.life DOWNLOAD MYLIFE™ FOR FREE Hover your phone’s camera over this smart code to download now. © 2020 MyLife™. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. © 2018 Google LLC. All rights reserved. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 BR AIN GAME

A back-to-basics trivia challenge that’s just a pack of cards. No setup (or cleanup)—the perfect way to end a holiday gathering. TO BUY: I Should Have Known That Game, $20; papersource.com.

2 WA L L F L O W E R S

You can take the girl out of Florida (or Texas, or 48 other states)...and give her a print so she remembers her roots and state flower. TO BUY: Print, from $30; 50statesofbeauty.com.

P O C K E T P ROJ E C T O R

It’s a splurge for sure, but this works everywhere from the backseat to the backyard, and it plays Disney, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Ameba, and YouTube. TO BUY: Portable Movie Theater, $399; cinemood.com.

3 M E R RY- G O - RO U N D

TH R E FO

WHOLE F A M I LY

The only thing cuter than this inflatable snow tube will be the smiles on your kids’ faces when they’re barreling downhill. TO BUY: Inflatable Snow Tube, $67; thenicefleet.com. 4 G E T YO U R A C T T O G E T H E R

Watching Grandpa pantomime Saturday Night Fever is a gift in itself, so pick a stick and start charading. TO BUY: Shout Out, $12; containerstore.com.

It’s Ping-Pong but without the cumbersome table. Just attach the clamp to a doorframe and adjust the tethered ball for solo motor-skill building or partner play. TO BUY: Door Pong, $25; fatbraintoys.com.

6 RO B O - P O P

Fill this 18-inch droid with popcorn kernels. It includes a butter warmer, and the head doubles as a bowl. TO BUY: Star Wars R2-D2 Popcorn Maker, $100; williams-sonoma.com. 7 G RO U P C O N T R I B U T I O N

5 7

94 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Show the importance of giving back with a gift card that can be spent on a donation to one of 1.5 million charities. Your kids can decide which organization receives the money. TO BUY: Gift Cards, from $10; tisbest.org.

D O O R P O N G : 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

5 PA D D L E U P

VERTUO NEXT

O N E TA S T E A N D Y O U ’ L L D I S C O V E R

W H AT C O F F E E I S M E A N T T O B E N E S P R E S S O.C O M

O R N A M E N TA L ANIMALS

These porcelain creatures complement any tree. TO BUY: Ornaments, $24 each; jonathanadler.com.

O B J E T D ’A R F

These are for designminded dog lovers who wouldn’t dare bring a tacky chew toy into their home. TO BUY: Falcon Toys, $30 for 2; fablepets.com.

FOR

PETS & THEIR PEOPLE

FETCHING SET

Boost a pal’s dog walk with twin masks (one for human, one for canine). TO BUY: Face Mask and Dog Bandana Set, $49; butterbandanas.com.

P U P- I N S P I R E D P L AT E S

These dishes by Anne Bentley (her work is in Real Simple!) are just the thing for dog lovers. TO BUY: Doggie Plates, $10 each; occasionette.com.

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 C AT C A N O P Y

Your cat says yes to a kitty condo, but your aesthetic says heck no. The compromise is this bed that’s easy on the eyes and easy to clean. TO BUY: Canopy Bed, $80; catperson.com. 2 S I T. S TAY. H O P S .

These biscuits come in a beer can container and are made with leftover brewers’ grains. TO BUY: Party Pack, $36 for 4; calvinscraftcookies.com. 3 S AY M Y N A M E , S AY M Y N A M E

Never struggle to break the ice at the dog park again. TO BUY: Pet ID Tag, $21; twotailspetcompany.com.

4 2 3

4 F L I G H T M A N UA L

Identify the pretty yellow bird who visits every morning, or the ornery little guy who flutters away the second you peek out the window. TO BUY: The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible, $35; abramsbooks.com.

C A LV I N ’ S C R A F T C O O K I 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

5 F R A M E A F U R B A BY

Your BFF’s pets rule the house, so you might as well give them the royal treatment with illustrated portraits. TO BUY: Custom Framed Pet Portrait, from $60; westandwillow.com. 6 GO FISH

Amuse your feline with these wool toys, which clean kitty’s teeth as she playfully gnaws away. TO BUY: Four Sushi Cat Toys, $29; thefoggydog.com.

7 EYE, CAMER A

Your dad can spot critters with these fog- and waterproof binoculars, then shoot smartphone pics through the eyepiece. TO BUY: Standard Issue 8x25 Binoculars, $89; nocsprovisions.com. 7 8 CUSHY ARR ANGEMENT

The machine-washable cover on this pet bed is boho chic. Plus, it’s made in the U.S. by fairly paid artisans. TO BUY: Indigo Mud Cloth Dog Bed, from $65; thefoggydog.com.

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

PIZZ A PERFECT

These baked-in-Naples pies are flash-frozen and shipped with dry ice. TO BUY: Single-Flavor Packs, $82 for 6; taliadinapoli.com.

K E R N E L S T H E Y ’ L L C R AV E

Six flavors, like S’mores and Pizza, will make their popcorn ritual tastier. TO BUY: Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack, $36 for 6; spiceology.com.

FOR

FOODIES D’OUGH!

What do you get when you cross a letter board with sourdough (other than two Instagram trends)? This chic breadboard. TO BUY: Breadboard Letterboard, from $56; maderamod.com.

H O L I DAY S P I R I T

Hosts will love that they don’t need to decant this premixed cocktail into something cuter. TO BUY: Rye Old Fashioned Bottled Cocktail, $39; wiglewhiskey.com.

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 SP OT ON THE MAP OF TE A

Your travel buddy can pack their (tea) bags with international leaf options. TO BUY: Travel Tea Set, $40 each; vahdamteas.com.

2 FA N C Y S E RV E

You know those stylish friends who make boring salads look good? These leather-handled babies are for them. TO BUY: Eve Salad Servers, $52 per set; jaysonhome.com.

3 KEEP BEER ICY

Beer lovers won’t lose their cool over lukewarm brew, thanks to chilled cups. TO BUY: Freezable Glasses, $35 for 2; rabbitwine.com. 4 S H O RT- O R D E R C O O K

This camp setup switches from grill to wok to griddle to stove. TO BUY: Coleman Gas Camping Stove, $99; amazon.com.

5 G O U DA I D E A

What’s better than cheese? When Murray’s sends yummy options to your door and you log on for a tasting. TO BUY: Virtual Classes, from $75; murrayscheese.com.

GIVE A M E M O RY

6 CLE AR SHOT

Tequila infused with cucumber and jalapeño means more flavor and less time mixing fussy drinks. TO BUY: Cucumber Jalapeño Blanco Tequila, $35; 21seeds.com.

CHEESE TASTING 6

5 T R AV E L T E A S E T: 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

7 BAKING FOR BEGINNER S

Kids will lap up pastry chef Christina Tosi’s imaginative recipes (hello, PB&J Cereal Treats!). TO BUY: Milk Bar: Kids Only, $23; amazon.com.

8 SE ASONING’S GREETINGS

Dinners feel like takeout with these sauce starters. TO BUY: Southeast Asian Sampler, $29 for 6; omsom.com.

9 F I E RY F L AVO R I N G S

Bring the heat to mealtime with spicy Somali hot sauces. TO BUY: Basbaas Sauces, $10 each; basbaassauce.com. 1 0 AT- H O M E B A R I S TA

This small but mighty Nespresso machine churns out authentic espressos—delizioso. TO BUY: Vertuo Next, $159; nespresso.com.

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S PA T R E AT M E N T

CKIN O T

This teensy player actually works and comes with three records. TO BUY: World’s Smallest Turntable, $14; firebox.com.

TINY TUNES

“Decorate” a hot bath with these soothing sprinkles. TO BUY: Bath Bomb Confetti, $14; blueribbon generalstore.com.

COZY TOES

Two pairs of flashy socks are a nice change from white knee-highs. TO BUY: Happy Socks Holiday Set, $26; store.moma.org.

STUFFERS F

W H AT ’ S YO U R P I N ?

L PE AK ECO

These cloisonné pins have fresh style and ’tude. TO BUY: Pins, $7 each; stayhomeclub.com.

Go gentler on the planet with refillable aluminum bottles of hand sanitizer. TO BUY: 8-ounce Hand Sanitizer, $15; byhumankind.com.

2020 I N A K E YC H A I N

The shape lets you press elevator and ATM buttons without having to, you know, touch anything. TO BUY: Hands-Free Keychains, $12 each; thesiskiss.com.

SHADE IN

For the artist who wants to sketch people in all their true colors. TO BUY: Skin Tone Colored Pencils, $15; blueribbongeneral store.com.

M I N D YO U R M A S K

This chain attaches to a mask’s loops and keeps it around your neck. TO BUY: Mask Chains, from $13; lockwoodshop.com.

C U T A PAT H

Unroll and stick a track for toy vehicles, then peel off and sigh with relief when you see no residue. TO BUY: Road and Train Tracks Tape, $15 for 4; sohand made.com.

2 0 2 0 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 IN GOOD HANDS

Touch-screen tips let your sister tend roses and gab on a video call. TO BUY: Digz Gardener Touchscreen Gloves, from $8; homedepot.com.

2 E A R B U D S B U D DY

Teens won’t lose AirPods with a cute case that clips to their keys. TO BUY: Floyd Peach AirPod Case, $16; smokonow.com.

3 BALM D OT COM

Cruelty-free ingredients nourish dry lips. The sleek tin the set comes in is a nice bonus. TO BUY: Lip Balm Trio, $19; getjackblack.com. 4 S U G A R T H AT S H I M M E R S

Maple syrup is mixed with edible glitter for a twinkling short stack. TO BUY: Sparkle Syrup, $17; runamokmaple.com.

5 NAME BR AND

Little glamazons will love sparkly, personalized hair clips. TO BUY: Custom Hair Pins, from $28; baublebar.com.

4 6

S PA R K L E S Y R U P S M E A R A N D T H E D R A F T T O P : 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

6 NEW FL AME

This candle company was created by three boys who give homeless shelters some of the profits. Go for the Chunky Sweater scent. TO BUY: Candle, $20; fbcandle.com. 7 CALMING VIBES

A pianist and meditation teacher has designed an app that turns a simple stroll into a spiritual journey set to classical music. TO BUY: SilentWalk Expansion, $17; mindtravel.com.

8 C O C OA VA R I E T Y

The wrapping sure is pretty, but it’s the unique flavors, like Animal Cookie and Strawberry Champagne, that’ll have everyone hooked. TO BUY: Chocolate Bars, $10 each; compartes.com. 9 DA I N T Y D E C A L S

Your teen can try these white-ink temporary tattoos before committing to the real deal. TO BUY: The Ivory Pack, $12; inkedbydani.com.

GIVE A M E M O RY

GUIDED MEDITATIONS 7 10

1 0 C A R E TA K I N G K I T

A stylish little case is loaded with key first aid supplies. TO BUY: Excursion Kit, $35; getwelly.com. 1 1 C A N - D O AT T I T U D E

They’ll mix a Michelada right in their beer can, thanks to a tool that turns it into a cup. TO BUY: The Draft Top, $25; drafttop.com.

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Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Schedule a blood donation appointment today. 1-800-RED CROSS | RedCrossBlood.org Download the Blood Donor App

Ahhh...

Peaceful Pines Rest your gaze on this photo, and let your eyes explore the deep green color, the light, and the shadow. Notice the shapes and patterns of the pine needles. Allow your breathing to be natural and relaxed as you imagine yourself standing in the middle of a pine forest. Look up and see the sunlight streaming through the tall trees. Listen closely. Hear all the sounds in this calm place. Breathe in deeply, and take in the beautiful smell of pine. Reach down and touch the carpet of pine needles on the forest floor. Feel the cool air on your skin. Notice if any emotions arise, like warmth or joy. Immerse yourself in the peaceful sensations of the forest, feeling completely at ease.

STO C KSY

—JAMIE PRICE, MyLife, a personalized mindfulness app

P h o t o g r a p h b y D i m i t r i j e Ta n a s k o v i c

DECEMBER 2020 RE AL SIMPLE

107

Inspired by a flavorful cup of Mexican hot chocolate, this dessert has warming notes from cinnamon and a subtle kick from cayenne.

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W H E T H E R Y O U ’ R E H O S T I N G O R G I F T I N G , T H E S E F E S T I V E T R E AT S W I L L B R I N G A LOT M O R E J OY TO YO U R W O R L D.

HOW TO MELT CHO COL ATE ON THE STOVE

White Chocolate Salted Butter Biscotti

Place chopped chocolate or chips in a heatproof bowl (with butter, if recipe requires) set over a pot of simmering water. Stir constantly until melted.

Perfect as gifts, these irresistible cookies taste divine for up to a week.

by ANANDA EIDELSTEIN

photographs by CAITLIN BENSEL

White Chocolat

110 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

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C r e

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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

Double the ginger, double the fun: These chewy bites are shot through with ground and candied ginger.

Marshmal

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Slices

Think of this as a homemade candy bar. A cookie base is topped with cream-cheesespiked marshmallow and silky chocolate.

egg whites in a clean, large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until mixture is very glossy, whites have tripled in size, and soft peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Gently fold a quarter of egg white mixture into chocolate mixture. Gently fold in remaining egg white mixture, being careful not to deflate mixture, until just incorporated and no white streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. BEAT

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS (INCLUDES COOLING) SERVES 10

with pan on baking sheet until cake is puffed and slightly cracked around edges and no longer jiggles in center, 35 to 38 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cool completely, about 2 hours. (Cracks will become more prominent as cake cools.) BAKE

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups) 10 Tbsp. (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan 6 large eggs, separated

springform collar from pan. Lightly dust cake with cocoa powder using a small fine-mesh strainer. Top with chocolate shavings. Slice and serve with a dollop of crème fraîche.

REMOVE

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar Chocolate shavings and crème fraîche, for serving oven to 350°F with rack in middle position. Lightly coat bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform baking pan with butter; place on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Whisk cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl. chocolate chips and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted, about 90 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined. (Or melt on stove; see page 109.) Let cool for 10 minutes. beat egg yolks and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low; add cocoa powder mixture and beat until well combined, about 1 minute. Stir in melted chocolate until well combined. MEANWHILE,

White Chocolate Salted Butter Biscotti ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 40 MINUTES MAKES 36 COOKIES

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature 2 large eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup roasted unsalted pistachios, chopped 1/3 cup dried cranberries 12 oz. white chocolate chips (2 cups), divided Sparkling sugar, for decorating

112 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

dough in half on prepared baking sheet. Shape each half into a 9-inch-long log. Position logs horizontally about 3 inches apart. Pat down top of each log to slightly flatten to a 2-inch width. Bake until firm and just golden around edges, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. DIVIDE

logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife or sharp chef’s knife, cut each log diagonally into 18 (1/2 inch thick) slices. Arrange slices in a single layer on same baking sheet (it will be tight). Bake, carefully flipping slices halfway through, until almost dry and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack; let cool completely, about 45 minutes. Transfer biscotti to a large plate. TRANSFER

PREHEAT

PLACE

oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition until just combined. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture in 2 batches, beating after each addition until just combined. Stir in pistachios, cranberries, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips until just combined. PREHEAT

wire rack inside baking sheet. Place remaining 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until completely melted, about 1 minute. (Or melt on stove; see page 109.) SET

bowl at an angle, dip end of each biscotti at a diagonal into melted chocolate. Scrape against rim of bowl to remove any excess. Place on wire rack. Repeat with remaining biscotti and chocolate. Sprinkle dipped biscotti ends with sparkling sugar. Chill until set, about 10 minutes. Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze, undipped, for up to 2 months. Dip and decorate after thawing. HOLDING

oven to 350°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place turbinado sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop half of dough by rounded tablespoonfuls and roll into 24 balls. Roll balls in turbinado sugar to coat and arrange 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Return remaining dough to fridge. PREHEAT

White Chocolate Chunk Ginger Cookies ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS (INCLUDES CHILLING) MAKES 42 COOKIES

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

until cookies are puffed and some crinkles appear on top, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Balls of raw dough may be frozen for up to 1 month and baked from frozen; add 2 to 3 minutes to baking time. BAKE

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 2/3 cup unsulfured molasses 2 large eggs 2 4.4-oz. white chocolate bars, roughly chopped (about 1 3/4 cups) 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger 3/4 cup turbinado sugar flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add molasses; beat until combined, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low; add eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition until well combined. Add flour mixture in 3 batches, beating after each addition until just combined. Fold in chocolate and crystallized ginger. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Chill until dough is firm enough to roll, at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours. WHISK

Marshmallow and Chocolate Shortbread Slices ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 HOURS (INCLUDES CHILLING) MAKES 12 S LICES

2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup almond meal 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for baking sheet 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup cold apricot preserves (from a 10-oz. jar) 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 6 oz. cream cheese (from an 8-oz. pkg.), at room temperature 3 cups marshmallow fluff (from a 16-oz. jar), divided 111/2 oz. milk chocolate chips (1 3/4 cups)

oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with butter. Line with parchment paper; lightly coat with butter. Whisk flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture, beating until just combined and a soft dough forms, about 1 minute. Place dough on prepared baking sheet and press into an 11-by-10-inch rectangle. Bake until shortbread is set, dried on top, and slightly darkened around edges, about 30 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack; let cool completely, about 45 minutes. (Shortbread may be stored, loosely covered in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 1 day.) PREHEAT

preserves over shortbread to reach edges. Beat whipping cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Beat cream cheese and 1 cup fluff in a separate large bowl on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add remaining 2 cups fluff and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Fold in whipped cream until combined. Spoon over preserves on shortbread, leaving a 1-inch border around edges. Chill, uncovered, until firm enough to slice, at least 3 hours and up to 12 hours. SPREAD

chocolate chips and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until mostly melted, about 1 minute. Stir until smooth. (Or melt on stove; see page 109.) Let stand, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. PLACE

a sharp chef’s knife, cut marshmallow shortbread into 12 rectangles on baking sheet. Spoon melted chocolate over slices and top with almonds. USING

3 Tbsp. unrefined coconut oil 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted and roughly chopped

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hocolate Mo Ea s y C uss ew

C ro

iss

ant Crumbs

Whip up some “ooh la las” with this ultra-simple (and egg-free) take on the bistro classic. Topped with toasted croissant crumbs, it will remind you of a dreamy French pastry.

Easy Chocolate Mousse with Croissant Crumbs ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES (INCLUDES CHILLING) SERVES 6

1 Tbsp. granulated sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided 10 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 2 1/2-oz., 2-day-old croissant, torn into pieces (about 2 cups) Flaky sea salt, for serving sugar and 3/4 cup whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips and vanilla; stir until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. HEAT

The secret to making this playful, giftable treat look like charcuterie is blanketing it with snowy confectioners’ sugar.

whisk remaining 1 1/4 cups whipping cream in a large bowl until medium peaks form, about 2 minutes. MEANWHILE,

chocolate mixture to whipped cream in 3 batches, gently folding after each addition until just combined and no streaks remain. Spoon mixture evenly into serving dishes; cover each dish loosely with plastic wrap. Chill for 2 hours for a lighter texture or up to 8 hours for a denser, richer texture. (Mousse can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled in an airtight container; spoon into serving dishes before serving.) ADD

preheat oven to 300°F. Process croissant pieces in a food processor until fine crumbs form, about 30 seconds. Spread crumbs in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing crumbs and rotating baking sheet halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. (Croissant crumbs can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.) MEANWHILE,

serving, if mousse chilled longer than 2 hours, let come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Top with croissant crumbs and flaky sea salt. BEFORE

Chocolate “Salami” with Hazelnuts and Figs ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 45 MINUTES (INCLUDES CHILLING) MAKES 2 LARGE ROLLS OR 4 SMALL ROLLS

20 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 3 cups) 3/4 cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter 1 cup stemmed and chopped dried Mission figs (from about 18 small figs) 1 cup coarsely crushed spiced cookies, such as Biscoff (from 11 cookies) 3/4 cup roasted and skinned hazelnuts, chopped 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting chocolate chips and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until mostly melted, about 2 minutes. (Or melt on stove; see page 109.) Fold in figs, cookies, hazelnuts, and vanilla. Cover and chill, stirring halfway through, until cooled and firm but still moldable, about 1 hour. PLACE

To make 2 large rolls, lay 2 large (about 14-inch square) parchment paper sheets on work surface. Spoon half of mixture onto bottom third (closest to you) of 1 parchment sheet. Roll away from you tightly, squeezing parchment to mold mixture as you roll, to form an 8-inch-long, 2-inch-thick cylinder. Pat outer ends of parchment to shape; twist parchment ends tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining mixture and parchment sheet. To make 4 small rolls, divide mixture into 4 equal parts. Follow method using 4 pieces of parchment. Roll into 6-inch-long, 2-inch-thick cylinders. FOR MOLDING:

chocolate “salami” until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours. CHILL

and sprinkle sugar over “salami” and on parchment; roll, patting with fingertips, until coated on all sides. Chill in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. To serve, let come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to prevent cracking. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. UNROLL

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4 WAY S TO W E A R ANKLE BOOTS THIS SE A SON’S MVS (MOST VALUABLE SHOE) IS A COLD-WE ATHER STAPLE. HERE’S HOW TO ST YLE YOUR PAIR WITH EVERY ITEM IN YOUR WINTER WARDROBE. Photographs by JONATHON KAMBOURIS

BIKER BO OTS + A COZY DRESS Scrunched socks soften the tough-girl look of biker boots. A sweaterdress and cozy printed scarf will keep you toasty despite those bare calves. TO BUY: Soft Knit Mock Neck Balloon Sleeve Shift Dress, $80; express

.com. Graphic Floral Jacquard Scarf, $59; echonewyork.com. Gold Layered Dome Tree Agate Earrings, $52; vuebysek.com. Lightweight Calf Sock 4-Pack, $56; bombas.com. Veronica Bootie, $278; thefryecompany.com.

WESTERN BO OTS + JE ANS Dress up cowgirl “shooties” with skinny jeans and a feminine top. Cuff the hems— instead of tucking them into the boots—for some major ankle action. TO BUY: Belleville Top, $295;

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

thefoldlondon.com. Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Power Slim Straight Jeans, $35; oldnavy.com. Roxanne Wrapped Doorknocker Earrings, $198; toryburch .com. Sammey Booties, $120; dolcevita.com.

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SNAKE-PRINT BO OTS + BL ACK PANTS Patterned boots and chunky jewelry add a bit of edge to paperbag-waist pants and a slouchy, off-theshoulder pullover. TO BUY: Leila Pullover,

$120; enavantactive.com. Wayf x BFF Maddie Culottes, $59; nordstrom.com. Wren Statement Stud Earring with Woven Raffia, $125; akola.co. Baroque Pearl Bracelets, $156.50 each; marycaroline spanodesigns.com. Vina Boots, $140; dillards.com.

KIT TEN HEEL BO OTS + A MIDI Play with texture by mixing a jewel-tone velvet skirt with studded booties and a bucket bag. A chic high-low turtleneck streamlines the look. TO BUY: Stylus Mock Neck

Button Back Top, $44; jcp.com. Roberta Velvet Skirt, $130; bodenusa.com. Curtsy Bracelet, $48; noondayrelease .com. Mini Amelia Handbag, $395; brahmin.com. Deina Stud Bootie, $188; rebeccaminkoff.com.

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ST RO K E S O F G E N I U S Put all those nail polishes you have lying around to good use: They’re the perfect way to add color to small wrapped gifts. Simply brush on opaque colors and mica-based glitter polishes (anything sheer won’t show up). Be sure to let drops dry thoroughly before wrapping.

b row n p a p e r p a c ka g e s TIED UP WITH STRING, AND FRINGE, AND STICKERS, AND O F C O U R S E G O O G LY E Y E S A R E S O M E O F O U R FAV O R I T E T H I N G S . G R A B A R O L L O F K R A F T PA P E R A N D G E T W R A P P I N G ! CR AFTS AND ST YLING BY

RANDI BRO OKMAN HARRIS

PHOTO GR APHS BY

K E L LY M A R S H A L L

PA I N T & D R A W

Keep your wrist stiff to sketch freehand lines.

ESS I E N A I L P O L I S H ; ESS I E .CO M

E A SY MARKS Gather every black marker in the house to create these graphic gifts. The charm lies in the variety of widths and the hand-drawn quality of the lines—made with or without a ruler.

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L ABEL & STICK

BOLD TYPE Large vinyl letters make the label the star of the wrapping. For maximum graphic impact, turn letters on their sides, or break words onto different lines. TO BUY: Westcott Lettercraft

3-Inch Vinyl Helvetica Lettering in Silver, $15; amazon.com.

Use the edge of an old gift card to press letters onto the paper.

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GOOGLE IT Stick a pair of googly eyes on a gift and it instantly comes to life. Experiment with placement and size to get the expression you want. Consider having one of these gifts peek out of a stocking for an extra dose of fun. TO BUY: Creatology Assorted

Wiggle Eyes, $3; michaels.com.

A kraft paper key tag makes a cute label.

PUNCH & TRIM

Bonus points if you match the ribbon to the underlayer.

FRINGE BENEFITS Dress up your next host gift in a paper “skirt.” Cut a strip of kraft paper slightly wider than the bottle’s label and long enough to wrap around three times. Use shredding scissors to fringe along the length, then roll it around and tape in place. TO BUY: Fringe Scissors, $15;

michaels.com.

H O L E -Y M O LY First wrap your gift in bright tissue paper. Then grab an adjustable screw hole punch and a cutting mat and pierce a constellation of holes into a piece of kraft paper. When you layer the punched brown paper over the tissue paper, you’ll get a playful peekaboo effect. TO BUY: Innetoc Adjustable Japanese Screw Hole Punch, $10; amazon.com.

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11 DESIGNS T O I N S P I R E YO U We gave our editors a few supplies to dress up the same plain brown box. A G O O D YA R N

STA RT W I T H A B A S I C B OX

Wrap yarn around the short side of the box nine times; knot to secure. Repeat on the long side. Wind wire around the spot where the yarns meet and push one end into a cork.

Kraft Frame Box by Celebrate It, $3.50; michaels.com. TO BUY:

T E X T I L E T R E AT M E N T Make ribbons by cutting two strips from scraps of fabric. Band one tightly around the gift; secure at the back with tape. Layer the second on top and tie in a knot.

S PA R K L E & S H I N E Get a few packs of self-adhesive gemstones and go wild! Press down firmly to adhere.

C I T RU S S U R P R I S E

PHOTO FINISH

Use an embroidery needle and twine to string dried orange slices into a garland. Gently lay it over your box and tie at the back to secure.

To safely attach a special photo to a gift, cut triangles of washi tape to hold the corners. Add a message with white paint pen.

CUTOUT CUTIE Channel your inner Matisse and cut abstract shapes from colorful paper. Then adhere them to the box with a glue stick.

TINY TOWNHOUSE BRIGHT SPOTS

Sketch a house portrait and embellish it with snow (shimmery white nail polish), a menorah (blue glitter), string lights (stickers and thread), and evergreens.

Round labels from the office store are a fast and easy way to make a polka-dot pattern. Top it off with a bow in a contrasting color.

R AFFIA WR AP Crisscross your box with raffia ribbon for a caning-inspired look. Secure the ribbon with small pieces of tape on the back side.

B A BY B O U Q U E T

P O L L O C K- S T Y L E P R E Z Z Y

Sketch a jar on your paper with white wax pencil, then tie a few small sprigs of dried flowers and foliage to the box with a simple piece of twine.

Spatter your box with tempera paint. Create “ribbons” by painting white paper the same color, then cutting strips and taping them to the box.

Never make a mistake while gift wrapping again with our guide at realsimple.com/wrapping.

This might not be the year for the usual glitzy holiday-party looks. But you can still unwind and get in the spirit with products that feel like real treats. Now make like Santa and go slay! BY H E AT H E R M U I R M A F F E I ILLUSTR ATIONS BY B A B E T H L A F O N

D R AW Y O U R D R E A M B AT H Nothing truly compares to traveling to a favorite locale, but the new bath-and-body line Find Your Happy Place brings those warm and fuzzy feelings to you as you luxuriate in your tub. To choose your best bath bomb ($5 each; at Walmart), consider what your ideal escape is.

A cottage in the woods TRY: Under the Starlit Sky, with chamomile and sandalwood. A morning walk on the beach TRY: Catching the Sunrise, with mango and citrus. Netflix and chilling on Sunday TRY: Lazy Weekends, with almond and vanilla. Decking the halls with the fam TRY: Home for the Holidays, with nutmeg and sweet cream.

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E A S E FA C I A L T E N S I O N

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

When you use the Wthn Face Cupping Kit ($50; wthn.com), it’s almost as satisfying as having an aesthetician knead your face muscles. Rub serum on clean skin, then place the two cups near the center of your face—try either side of your nose. Squeeze the balls and press the cup rims flush against your skin; you’ll feel a light suction. Sweep the cups upward and outward, all over your face. It’s an ultra-relaxing way to rev up circulation for a lifted complexion and rosy glow.

S AY H E L L O T O H A P P I E R H A N D WA S H I N G

K I S S D RY L I P S G O O D B Y E If your mask has your pout feeling left out—or you’re just craving a little pick-me-up—slick on Honest Beauty Gloss-C Lip Gloss ($15; honest.com). The nonsticky tint comes in eight crystal-inspired shades (we especially love Pink Agate, Deep Amethyst, and Poppy Topaz). The flake-sloughing vitamin C, moisturizing coconut oil, and plumping hyaluronic acid give lips a mini facial. Swipe once for a sexy sheen, twice for juicy color.

Yes, even at the end of 2020—the year of endless hand sanitizing—you can turn the chore of washing into a delight. Simply place a bottle of MyKirei by Kao Yuzu Flower Foam Hand Wash ($18; amazon.com) by your sink, and press the dispenser to release a foam flower (!) into your palm. The frothy soap contains brightening yuzu extract and soothing rice water to prevent dry skin. When you run out, order the refill in its recyclable pouch ($12.50; amazon .com) to help save a few bucks— and the planet.

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S H E D N E G A T I V I T Y… A N D YO U R C A L LUS E S Slip out of your slippers and into Holler and Glow Purrfect Pedi Body Mask ($4; target.com). The exfoliating ankle-high booties are lined with soybean seed and camellia leaf extract to soften rough spots. Relax—er, multitask—for an hour, remove, and wipe off the excess. In a week, dead skin cells will shed, leaving your soles supersoft.

SCORE SMO OTHER SKIN It’s easy to focus on your face. But follow three easy steps to give your body some much-deserved TLC.

D RY- B RU S H B E F O R E A S H O W E R

S C RU B -A - D U B - D U B

S L AT H E R O N B O DY S E RU M

The natural bristles whisk away dry skin and can help with lymphatic drainage. Try the compact, rounded-tip Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush ($32; aromatherapyassociates.com). Brush in short strokes toward your heart.

With its scent of pistachio and salted caramel, Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub ($42; soldejaneiro.com) smells good enough to eat—but massage it on your bod instead. Crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals buff skin to make it soo smooth.

Lighter than creams, body serums have more active ingredients and absorb faster, so you can get dressed right after application. Nécessaire The Body Serum ($45; sephora.com) is fragrance-free and filled with vitamins and ceramides that nourish and revive.

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TR ANSFORM YO U R S H OW E R I N T O A S PA A bath is so nice—except when you have to wash the dang tub before drawing one. Luckily, a shower can offer the same warm, relaxing vibes. If hanging a fresh eucalyptus sprig from the showerhead feels too fussy, try spraying an essential oil into the water stream before stepping in, then taking a big inhale (ahhh). We like European Spa Source ShowerSpa Mists ($39.50 each; europeanspa .com). To wind down at night, try the Calming Lavender and Eucalyptus option. To amp up in the morning, go with Energizing Lemongrass and Eucalyptus.

B A BY YO U R S C A L P

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

Even though it hides under your hair (and Covid roots), your scalp is still skin—and showing it a little love makes your hair healthier. IF YO U ’ RE OILY

Give yourself an invigorating scalp massage. Rub a few pumps of Malin+Goetz Detox Scalp Mask ($35; malinandgoetz.com) into dry hair. The mask will foam up and feel like a tingly breath mint for your head. Wait five minutes (wash, shave, sing a holiday carol) while the exfoliating alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids do their work, then rinse and shampoo as usual. IF YO U ’ RE DRY

Stimulate your scalp with this genius gadget: The Better Not Younger Superpower Liquid Comb Massaging Serum Applicator ($25; better-not younger.com) has aluminum-ball-tipped dispensers that hug your scalp. Use alone just for the massage, or add the brand’s Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum ($47), with zesty ingredients like ginger and caffeine.

Cozi is the #1 family organizing app

5 EASY DINNERS B I G B AT C H : R O A S T T W O B I R D S I N O N E PA N P L A N T P O W E R E D : M U S H RO O M -WA L N U T B O LO G N E S E

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

SAY CH E E S E There’s no entertaining shortcut simpler than setting out fruit and crostini with a soft, silky cheese. And not just any cheese, but the cult favorite Rush Creek Reserve—so unique, it’s only available in the fall and winter. Handcrafted by Wisconsin cheesemongers, it’s aged for two months to reach rich, creamy perfection, and it comes wrapped in—o Tannenbaum!— fragrant spruce bark for a touch of piney sweetness. For maximum lusciousness, warm the wheel in a low oven before serving. TO BUY: $35 for 12 oz.; uplandscheese.com.

Photograph by Caitlin Bensel

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4 12-oz. bone-in, center-cut pork chops (1 in. thick) 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage

Easy Dinner 1

Stuffed Pork Chops and Chard ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Gluten-Free ✓ Family Friendly

4 oz. fontina cheese, cut into 1/2-in. cubes 4 slices thinly sliced prosciutto (about 2 oz.) 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced 8 cups stemmed and chopped Swiss chard (from 2 bunches) 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add 2 pork chops to skillet; cook, undisturbed, flipping once, until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 2 pork chops. Wipe skillet clean. Transfer pork chops to oven and roast until no longer pink and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 140°F, about 6 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. HEAT

add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to cleaned skillet over medium. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, until golden around edges, about 2 minutes. Add chard; cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve with pork chops. MEANWHILE,

oven to 450°F. Cut a deep slit in side of each pork chop opposite bone, about 2 inches wide, all the way to bone. Stuff pockets with sage, then cheese, then prosciutto. Season pork chops all over with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. PREHEAT

PER SERVING: 577 Calories, 33g Fat (10g Saturated), 206mg Cholesterol, 1g Fiber, 64g Protein, 5g Carbs, 1,220mg Sodium, 1g Sugar

CO OK WITH COZI Get Real Simple’s easy weeknightdinner recipes in Cozi, a meal-planning and organizing app from Meredith Corporation (free; iOS and Android).

FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Skillet Eggs in Enchilada Sauce ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

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

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 poblano chile, seeded, halved, and thinly sliced crosswise 1 tomatillo, chopped (1/2 cup) 2 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped kale 1 8-oz. pkg. green enchilada sauce 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 4 large eggs 1 avocado, thinly sliced 2 oz. cotija cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup) 8 corn tortillas, warmed Lime wedges and hot sauce, for serving oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Add onion, chile, and tomatillo; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Gradually add kale; cook, stirring occasionally, until kale is softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in enchilada sauce, 1/3 cup water, and salt. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high.

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

HEAT

the back of a spoon, create 4 indentations in kale mixture. Add 1 egg to each indentation. Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until egg whites are set, about 10 minutes. USING

with avocado and cheese. Serve with tortillas, lime wedges, and hot sauce. TOP

PER SERVING: 514 Calories, 27g Fat (6g Saturated), 200mg Cholesterol, 12g Fiber, 18g Protein, 55g Carbs, 819mg Sodium, 8g Sugar

Recipes by Liz Mer vosh Photographs by Caitlin Bensel

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FOOD

cilantro, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. STIR

remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir into cilantro mixture in bowl. HEAT

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (from 1 bunch)

Easy Dinner 3

Spiced Vegan Hummus Bowls ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Vegan ✓ Family Friendly

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 cups thinly sliced carrots (from 10 oz. carrots) 1 lb. plant-based ground “beef,” such as Beyond Beef 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. cayenne 2 10-oz. containers storebought hummus (2 cups) Pita bread, for serving

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ground “beef” to skillet over medium-high and break into crumbles. Add cinnamon, cayenne, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 8 minutes. ADD

hummus among shallow bowls. Using a spoon, create a well in hummus. Spoon “beef” mixture into wells and top with carrot mixture. Drizzle with oil. Serve with pita bread. DIVIDE

PER SERVING: 632 Calories, 44g Fat (9g Saturated), 0mg Cholesterol, 14g Fiber, 32g Protein, 33g Carbs, 1,207mg Sodium, 3g Sugar

4 6-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Easy Dinner 4

Cooking spray 3/4 cup whole buttermilk 1/2 cup mayonnaise

CornflakeCrusted Chicken with Purple Slaw ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Family Friendly

6 cups cornflakes, crushed (about 2 cups) 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 4 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage (from 1 cabbage) 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles, plus 1 Tbsp. pickle juice 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) oven to 400°F. Slice chicken breasts horizontally, cutting to, but not through, other side. Open chicken like a book. Transfer to a large bowl. PREHEAT

a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet; coat with cooking spray. Whisk buttermilk and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Pour PLACE

3/4 cup buttermilk mixture over chicken and turn chicken until evenly coated. Place cornflakes in a large, shallow dish. Working with 1 breast at a time, remove from buttermilk mixture. Let excess drip off and transfer to cornflakes in dish. Coat chicken with cornflakes, pressing to adhere. Transfer coated chicken to wire rack; top chicken with cooking spray. chicken until golden and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 165°F, 35 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. BAKE

stir cabbage, pickles and pickle juice, dill, lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt into remaining buttermilk mixture. Chill until ready to serve. Serve slaw alongside chicken. MEANWHILE,

PER SERVING: 543 Calories, 22g Fat (4g Saturated), 137mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber, 44g Protein, 43g Carbs, 1,131mg Sodium, 9g Sugar

1 cup chopped mixed citrus, such as oranges and grapefruit 3 Tbsp. coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives 1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot (from 1 small shallot) 2 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1/2 tsp. grated garlic (from 1 clove) 1/2 cup olive oil, divided 2 12-oz. pkg. frozen plain riced cauliflower 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 lb. large sea scallops, patted dry 2/3 cup chopped mixed tender fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, and cilantro citrus, olives, shallot, vinegar, garlic, and 1 tablespoon oil in a bowl. COMBINE

cauliflower rice according to package directions; transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup oil and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cover to keep warm. COOK

scallops on both sides with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add half of scallops and press gently with a spatula. Cook, undisturbed, until edges are browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip scallops; cook for 30 seconds or to desired level of doneness. Transfer to a plate. Wipe skillet clean and repeat with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and scallops. SEASON

Easy Dinner 5

Citrus Scallops and Cauliflower Rice ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

138 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

herbs into cauliflower mixture and serve with scallops. Top with citrus salsa. STIR

PER SERVING: 415 Calories, 30g Fat (4g Saturated), 27mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 17g Protein, 19g Carbs, 958mg Sodium, 9g Sugar

FOOD

Big Batch

Double Down on Dinner G O A H E A D A N D CO U N T YO U R C H I C K E N S, B EC AU S E ROA ST I N G T WO I S N O T R I C K I E R T H A N ROA ST I N G O N E . A N D YO U ’ L L B E R E WA R D E D W I T H D AY S O F E A S Y, D E L I C I O U S M E A L S . By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS MAKES 2 CHICKENS

2 lemons 1/3 cup olive oil 1 Tbsp. ground coriander 2 cloves garlic, grated Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 3 1/2-to-4-lb. whole chickens, giblets and necks removed 1 small yellow onion, halved oven to 450°F. Grate lemon zest into a small bowl; cut 1 lemon in half. Reserve remaining lemon for serving or another use. Add oil, coriander, garlic, several grinds of pepper, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt to zest in bowl; whisk to combine. PREHEAT

chickens, breast side up, on a rimmed baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Pat dry with paper towels. Using your fingertips, loosen skin from breasts, being careful not to tear. Season cavities evenly with several grinds of pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. PLACE

lemon-coriander oil all over chickens, including under loosened skin. Stuff each cavity with 1 lemon half and 1 onion half. Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wing tips under. for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue roasting until chickens are golden brown and crispy and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, 1 hour, 5 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. Let chickens rest for 10 minutes. Discard lemon and onion halves. Carve and serve. ROAST

S E RV E O N E , S AV E T H E O T H E R

Enjoy one chicken right out of the oven, with a simple side like roasted root veggies or a green salad. Remove the meat from the second bird and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Use it to make quick soups, tacos, salads, or grain bowls over the next few days.

140 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

Photograph 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

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FOOD

Plant Powered

Mushroom-Walnut Bolognese A C L A S S I C PA S T A D I S H G E T S A V E G E T A R I A N M A K E O V E R , A N D I T ’ S J U S T A S R I C H A N D C O M F O RT I N G A S T H E O R I G I N A L . By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES SERVES 6

1 lb. cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered 1 cup toasted walnuts 1 yellow onion, quartered 1 medium carrot, chopped 1 medium stalk celery, chopped 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/3 cup tomato paste 2 cups vegetable stock

1/2 cup half-and-half 1 lb. tagliatelle pasta, cooked Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving in 2 batches, pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Add walnuts to food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add onion, carrot, and celery to food processor; process until very finely chopped. WORKING

1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms in an even layer; cook, undisturbed, until browned in spots, about 8 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss, and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to bowl with walnuts. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet. Stir in onion mixture and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until mixture is golden and almost dry, 10 to 12 minHEAT

142 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2020

utes. Stir in mushrooms and walnuts. Add wine; cook until absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, until combined, about 5 minutes. Add stock; simmer over low, stirring once or twice, until sauce is very thick, 35 to 40 minutes. Add pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and half-and-half; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. pasta with desired amount of sauce. Serve with cheese. Place any remaining sauce in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. TOSS

W H Y WA L N U T S ?

When finely chopped, this buttery nut mimics ground meat in sauces and fillings. However you use walnuts, you’ll score heart-healthy omega-3s and inflammationfighting polyphenols (found only in plants!). Try more of our flavorful vegetarian dishes at realsimple.com/plantpowered.

Photograph 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 ; W A L N U T S : G E T T Y I M A G E S

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Who Knew?

Things No One Tells You About Volunteering F E E L - G O O D FA C T S T O B O O S T Y O U R S E N S E O F S E L F L E S S N E S S By Rachel Sylvester

M A N Y N O N P RO F I T S ARE NEW

T I M E I S N ’ T TA XDEDUCTIBLE, BUT T R A N S P O RTAT I O N I S

One hour of volunteering is estimated to be worth $27.20. While you can’t be compensated for your time, your mileage to and from volunteering sites is tax-deductible, at 14 cents per mile. I T PAY S T O B E U N PA I D

Giving back can increase your odds of getting a job. In fact, people without high school diplomas are 51 percent more likely to find employment if they pitch in their free time. YO U C A N D O N AT E YO U R T I M E D I S TA N T LY

Virtual volunteer opportunities are plentiful—and proof you can make a difference with little more than a reliable internet connection.

144 REAL SIMPLE

For instance, to date, 32,000 digital volunteers at the Smithsonian Institution have transcribed over 659,000 pages of diaries, ledgers, field books, and historical audio recordings without stepping foot in the museum. T H E M A P T E L L S A S T O RY

The Twin Cities have the high honor of being the most altruistic metro area, with a 46.3 percent volunteer rate. Rochester, New York, is the runner-up, at 45.6 percent. IT’S A SISTERHO OD

American women contributed roughly 3.9 billion hours of unpaid service in 2018, and 34 percent of U.S. women volunteer. They dominate the workforce too: The majority of nonprofit employees are women. YO U M I G H T B E P U T O N A WA I T I N G L I S T

Don’t be surprised if a wellknown nonprofit asks you to hold off for a while. If an outpouring of volunteers means you must wait, consider other local civic activities, like remote tutoring or youth mentoring.

C A C T U S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O/ S T O C K S Y

More than 1.3 million nonprofits exist in the United States today, and more than half have sprung up in the past 20 years. One survey found that 12.3 million Americans—that’s equal to the populations of New York City and Los Angeles combined—are employed full-time by nonprofits, while another 77 million donate their time.

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