RS - March 2022 by Lawrence Ambrocio

LIFE MADE EASIER

DELICIOUS ONE-DISH DINNERS

Smart Beauty Top Multitasking Products That Cost Under $25

MARCH 2022

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SMART BEAUTY

“I am a woman and a warrior…If you think I can’t be both, you’ve been lied to.” ZEYN JOUKHADAR,

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M A R I N A B E V I L AC Q UA

T H E M A P O F S A LT A N D S TA R S

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

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

MARCH

SMART BEAUTY

CONTENTS O N T H E C OV E R

76 Top Multitasking Products That Cost Under $25 90 Delicious One-Dish Dinners

THE 10 MOST B E AU T I F U L BUYS

OOH DE TOILET TE!

MODERN C A S S E RO L E S

THE FRIENDS NEXT DOOR

Dazzling design ideas to make your powder room feel big, bright, and bold

The old-school favorite gets a makeover with unexpected ingredients

Around the country, neighbors are helping neighbors live happier lives

Stock your vanity with affordable products that really work

C o v e r 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 2 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Prop St yling by Marina Bevilacqua

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MARCH

SMART BEAUTY

CONTENTS lives

delights

57 5 Perspectives

Cleaning is more fun with stylish supplies

2 9 Simple Twist Fix a crumbly makeup compact

1 8 The Books List

116

Some favorite new releases for every literary taste

30 Things Cooks Know Surprisingly easy ways to beautify a cake

20 Clever Items

3 3 Healthy at Home

Little helpers to make your life easier

Hone your physical balance for lifelong benefits

2 2 Sweet Stuff Crispy treats with potato chips and macadamia nuts

2 4 Space of the Month A design-savvy mom turned a hallway into a playroom

4 0 Money The faulty financial thinking that could be holding you back

4 4 Road Test Pillows to soothe and support any kind of sleeper

26 My Simple Realization Through music, a young woman connects with her Chinese ancestry

Why we should embrace the passage of time

guides

1 5 We’re Loving

4 6 Room Rx

62 Family Group texts may be the bonding tool we need

67 The Helpful Mind Languishing at home? Try these strategies to shake off the blahs

70 We Did It Three women remade their careers on their own terms

74 First Person Jami Attenberg revels in her 50th birthday

49 Spotless

food

Get those mirrors streakfree and shiny

1 0 9 In Season

52 Pet Puzzler

5 4 Fashion Take your pick of our favorite everyday sneakers

6 Editor ’s Note

Tips to clean and cook leeks

1 1 0 Easy Dinners Fresh, family-friendly meals

1 1 6 Better for You Feta-and-chard breakfast rolls

1 0 REAL SIMPLE Everywhere

1 2 Your Words

4 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Unstinting etiquette advice from Catherine Newman

How to make an overly bright space more cozy

Yes, you can train a cat not to shred your furniture

6 0 Modern Manners

1 20 Who Knew?

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (MARCH 2022) (VOLUME 23/ISSUE 3) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT FOR A COMBINED ISSUE IN JANUARY/ FEBRUARY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH OPERATIONS 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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

in the therapeutic value of writing. At a very early age, I realized that I think better with a pen in my hand. I’m not a journal keeper, but for most of my life I’ve been a champion notetaker, documenting everything from seventh-grade English to this morning’s editorial meeting. Whenever I need to make a speech or do a TV segment, I solidify my thoughts by writing what I plan to say, over and over. The scratch of a Pilot Precise V5 rollerball pen feels pleasingly analog in a relentlessly digital world, as if I were knitting something—and in a way, I am. The physical act knits concepts together in my memory and makes them part of a whole. The cool thing is, research backs this up: Studies reveal that when we write things down by hand, we’re better able to recall that info ’V E A LWAYS BE L I EV E D

6 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

later. And as both devoted diary keepers and brilliant novelists know, writing helps us knit ourselves back together too. Fascinating fact: Writing down your feelings about upsetting experiences can help physical wounds heal faster, one study found. If we read (another of my favorite pastimes) to know the world, we write to know ourselves. When we put our experiences down on paper, we make meaning out of them, and when we share them, we invite others to not only feel what we felt but find themselves in our stories. Which is why I’m so proud of my team’s commitment to Girls Write Now, a New York City–based nonprofit that pairs teens and young adults with mentors to help them express themselves through writing. And I’m especially pleased to announce the winner of REAL SIMPLE’s first-ever Girls Write Now essay contest, on page 26. Winner Chelsea Lin’s story is both captivatingly specific—if you have not heard the lovely traditional Chinese instrument that is the guzheng, please google it—and beautifully universal. It’s about loss, courage, treasuring old memories, and making fresh starts. It made me want to put a new writing project at the top of my to-do list, and I hope it will inspire you too. Write someone you love a note—right now, this very day—and tell them everything they mean to you.

T RU E TO H E R W O R D

We’re delighted to share that Chelsea Lin (below), a freshman at the USC Marshall School of Business, is the winner of our My Simple Realization essay contest, cosponsored with the nonprofit Girls Write Now, which encourages young women and gender-expansive youth to express themselves through writing. For more creations from the members of Girls Write Now—graphic novels, fiction, personal essays, and more— visit girlswritenow.org.

LET’S CONNECT!

Follow me on Instagram at @LizVaccariello.

Photograph by Mackenzie Stroh

S T Y L E D B Y L I Z Z Y R O S E N B E R G ; M A K E U P B Y T O D D H A R R I S U S I N G M A C C O S M E T I C S AT H O N E Y A R T I S T S ; H A I R B Y N E A L P I T M A N N U S I N G R + C O F O R S E E M A N A G E M E N T. J A C K E T B Y K A R E N M I L L E N , S W E AT E R B Y A N N TAY L O R , E A R R I N G S B Y D I N O S A U R D E S I G N S . H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F C H E L S E A L I N

When I Want to Get It, I Write

Make your second home dreams a reality

pacaso.com

Liz Vaccariello EDITOR IN CHIEF

“Concert earplugs. You never know when a movie, skate park, or even salon will be too loud and anxiety inducing.”

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 FE ATURES DIRECTOR Amy Maclin FE ATURES EDITOR Brandi Broxson SENIOR EDITOR Rachel Sylvester A SSO CIATE EDITOR Martha Upton EDITORIAL A SSISTANT Teddy Willson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Kristyn Kusek Lewis (books), Catherine Newman

“I have a lit tle black rock in the pocket of my jean jacket that one of my kids found on a beach in Hawaii. It’s been there for two years now, and every time I put my hand in my pocket, it brings me back to that beach.”

FO OD

What’s the most unusual thing you carry around with you every where?

Daren Mazzucca SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan A SSO CIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

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

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

FO OD DIRECTOR Jenna Helwig FO OD EDITOR Lizzy Briskin

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 HOME DIRECTOR Erica Finamore SENIOR HOME EDITOR Leslie Corona CONTRIBUTING HOME EDITOR Cat Dash

MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR Allison Kelly ART DIRECTOR Sarah Massimo SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Misty Chandler MARKETING CO ORDINATOR Lindsey Weiss SENIOR PUBLICITY MANAGER Kari Stephenson PR COORDINATOR Katie Holzman

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

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

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

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

“A penny. My grandfather always said it was good luck to have a penny in your purse or wallet.”

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR John Beard SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Courtney Thompson DIRECTOR OF QUALIT Y Joseph Kohler COLOR QUALIT Y ANALYST Pamela Powers A SSO CIATE CONSUMER MARKETING DIRECTOR Lynn Bolinger

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

Filomena Guzzardi

NEWSSTAND RETAIL Rose Cirrincione EXECUTIVE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Janice Croat A SSO CIATE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Bryce Rockers ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Zena Norbont

C O P Y & R E S E A RC H

“A measuring tape. Is that weird? I have a very compact one, so it’s not annoying to lug around.”

COPY & RESE ARCH CHIEF Jenny Brown CONTRIBUTING SENIOR RESE ARCH EDITOR

Maya Kukes

D I G I TA L SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP GENER AL MANAGER, HOME & DESIGN Mélanie Berliet SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENER AL MANAGER

R E A L S I M P L E .C O M SENIOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mickey O’Connor A SSO CIATE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jennifer Davidson

Melissa Inman VICE PRESIDENT, GENER AL MANAGER Amanda Wolfe SENIOR AUDIENCE RETENTION MANAGER Kelly Lage

SENIOR EDITOR, HOME Katie Holdefehr SENIOR EDITOR, FO OD Samantha Leffler HE ALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR Maggie Seaver BE AUT Y & FA SHION EDITOR Hana Hong A SSO CIATE EDITOR Morgan Noll SO CIAL MEDIA EDITOR Hali Potters PHOTO MANAGER Olivia Barr EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Allie Merriam NEWS VIDEO PRODUCER Amy Frank

“A bag of but terscotch Dum Dums! They relax me when my mind is running overtime, and a craving can hit whenever.”

8 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

“Cuticle nippers. Hangnails drive me nuts, so I have a pair in every room. I don’t actually take them out with me. I just don’t really leave the house much anymore.“

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

SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Jennifer Lomeli

Backyard BBQ. Dad’s recipe. Weekend bliss.

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EXPLORE NOW

Comfortable | Long-Lasting | Weather Resistant | Fade Proof

REAL SIMPLE Everywhere Find Exclusive Ideas, Tips, and Ways to Make Life Easier—Every Day

BEHIND THE SCENES

Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh @tedandchelsea

ON THE WEB

10 Healthy Ways to Show Up for Yourself Every Day You don’t need to go to extremes to adopt better-for-you lifestyle habits. These expert-backed tweaks will leave you feeling energized and fabulous, even if consistency isn’t your strong suit. Find them at realsimple.com/daily-habits.

IN YOUR E ARBUDS

Smart Advice About Finances Our weekly Money Confidential podcast explores the many aspects of money—making it, investing it, and more. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

10 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Our motto: Whenever we’re faced with an unexpected challenge, we jokingly tell each other, “We love surprises!” It lightens the mood and allows us to focus on the task at hand. What we’re looking forward to: Our little boy is a few months old, and he’s just starting to smile. We can’t wait to hear his first delightful laugh. See Ted + Chelsea’s photography throughout this issue (including the cover!).

G E T T Y I M A G E S ( 5 ) ; C O U R T E S Y O F T E D + C H E L S E A C AVA N A U G H

Pour your heart into every morning.

Breakfast with a whole lotta heart.

*Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios™ cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cheerios cereal provides 1.5 grams per serving. Honey Nut Cheerios™ and other flavors shown provide 0.75 grams per serving.

YOUR WORDS

What’s the First Thing You Notice About a Person?

A sense of humor— especially if it’s dark or dry. @ J M J O H N S O N 3 31

I always enjoy watching people smile. It’s a natural response to their joy. Even with our masks on, I look for the crinkle and twinkle in the eyes that a smile produces. Smile, y’all! MARA-LEA COSTON, KERNERSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

#RSLOVE

Their boundaries—or lack thereof! @ M A RG OT B L A I R

Hands! No idea why, but if I’ve met you, I remember what your hands look like. @ALISHA.HUTCH .GIBSON

Their earrings. I think people choose earrings to express who they are. MARIANNE LOURICK, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Whether they’re left- or righthanded. I did my master’s thesis on left-handed learners, and I’m interested in how many lefties are out there (I’m one of them!). SHANNON ELQUEST, COLVILLE, WASHINGTON

My mom always picked on me for noticing others’ shoes first. I’m a sucker for some awesome kicks. @PAISLEYNINJA

Their attitude. They don’t always need to smile, but someone who complains right away throws red flags. DONNA LEFTWICH, NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA

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

12 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

My husband thinks it’s odd that I know offhand the eye colors of all our friends, but it’s something I pay attention to. The expressiveness of eyes tells so much about a person. CORTNEY CASEY, AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN

Eyebrows. Am I weird? @VOU1A

Where their eyes go. Is their attention on me, their phone, someone else? The eyes reveal what’s important to a person. MICHAEL HAINZ, BUFFALO, NEW YORK

Their handshake. I taught my sons that a firm handshake shows strength and confidence. Now they tell me how many people compliment them on theirs.

How they say hello. @EARTHMOONDESIGN

How they treat others. Are they kind and patient with waitstaff and cashiers, or are they rude? That shows their character, the most important aspect of being human and humane.

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

JEANNE GRACE SANDERS, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND

MARY JO MLAKAR, LYNDHURST, OHIO

Their expression. If someone looks a little down, why not take a second to ask if they’re all right, or to compliment their shirt, ring, glasses, or haircut? It could jolt them out of their funk. Happiness is contagious.

How they made me feel. I won’t remember what they wore or the color of their eyes, but I will remember their personality. @HONEYSCONE

TONI MATTURRI, WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA

Their teeth. I was a dental assistant for 32 years! @AMYLYNN_5271

Whether they have a sense of humor, and how they react to mine. GERIANNE DOWNS, PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK

READER OF THE MONTH

Katie Kulp, 26 STAY-AT- H O M E M O M BIRMINGHAM, AL ABAMA

What’s the first thing you notice about a person? Whether they say my name after I introduce myself. “Nice to meet you, Katie!” seems small, but it means they’re listening. Most organized part of your life: My reading schedule. I set a goal every January to read a certain number of books, and I track my progress on Goodreads. Simplest part of your life: My faith. Is it easy? No way. But simple, yes. The instructions are straightforward enough for me: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Your favorite family recipe: It’s a tie between my mom’s chicken potpie and our annual Christmas sugar cookies. I come from a Pennsylvania Dutch family, so cooking has always been an integral part of my life. What’s on your bucket list? To become a published author. I don’t know what I’d like to publish, but it’s always been a goal. Does this column count?

NEXT QUESTION

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

Find Your Way Here

Call 877.287.7488 for information or for your free visitor’s guide

Visit us online at CorollaNC.com

EXCITING NEW BOOKS

SALT Y-SWEE T BARS

AN INGENIOUS PL AYRO OM

DELIGHTS

WE’RE LOVING

You Clean Up Pretty Nice! We’ ve fo u n d th e m o st ef fe c t i ve to o l s fo r t i d y i n g , a n d th ey ’re e a s y o n th e eye s .

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M A R I N A B E V I L AC Q UA

BY C AT DA S H

KNIT PICK

These cheery nylon dish scrubbers are crocheted by hand and can last six months—just throw them into the dishwasher or washing machine when they need a deodorizing refresh. TO BUY: Dish Scrubbies, $28 for 4; dotandarmy.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

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

DELIGHTS

The copper vessel can be refilled— or reused to hold small trinkets.

3 1

5 CLOTHES C ALL

1 SINKSIDE SPECIAL

Nope, you don’t need liquid soap to clean dishes. Just swipe a sponge across this solid bar in its pretty pot. TO BUY: Dish Soap in Copper Bowl, $24; ardentgoods.co. 2 B O W L E D OV E R

A stylish toilet brush does exist. This set is made of wood and glazed stoneware—ooh la la! TO BUY: Ivory Mason Toilet Bowl Brush and Holder, $39; potterybarn.com.

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Gentle ingredients and a heavenly citrus fragrance are a win.

3 FA C E T I M E

Sweep up crumbs with a dustpan that’s adorned with a smiley face. TO BUY: Metal Upright Smiley Dustpan and Broom Set, $40; worldmarket.com. 4 S U S TA I N A B L E S WA P

This dish brush’s bristles are compostable. When they’re frayed and frazzled, pop the head off the handle and replace it. TO BUY: Dish Brush, $9; plentymercantile.com.

Inside this handsome bottle is a plant-based detergent that’s so powerful, 20 ounces is enough for 75 loads. TO BUY: Signature Bio Laundry Detergent, $19; dirtylabs.com. 6 COLORFUL CLE ANUP

This thirsty cotton towel wipes up a ton—and the pattern cleverly disguises stains. TO BUY: Checked Cotton “Pit” Towel, $12; flotsamandfork.com.

7 LU G, A C T UA L LY

This baby-blue baby has movable dividers, so you can customize it to fit your supplies. TO BUY: Large Multi-Purpose Cleaning Caddy, $17; grove.co. 8 WONDER ONE

This paste cleans almost everything, from bathroom and kitchen surfaces to jewelry and produce. TO BUY: Scour Cleaning Paste, $12; humblesuds.com.

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

DELIGHTS

The Books List Top Picks for Every Taste BY K R I ST Y N KU S E K L E W I S

Spellbinding Novel

Riveting Nonfiction

Thrilling Suspense

The poetic prose in Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s debut novel captivates from the start, when Yejide is grappling with her dying mother’s difficult legacy. In the cemetery, she meets Darwin, a gravedigger who’s abandoned his Rastafarian upbringing for the sake of earning a living, and the two find hope and comfort in the least expected of places. When We Were Birds is a unique love story whose magical setting in Trinidad takes center stage.

Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation is an engrossing memoir about how author Erika Krouse broke open the case of a college student who was attacked and raped by football players at a party. Reluctant to investigate the incident because of her own history of abuse, Krouse soon became deeply involved in the case, which eventually made national headlines. Her personal account reads like addictive true crime, and the emotional ending makes this an unforgettable read.

Nell Young’s father, an acclaimed cartographer, sidelined her promising career in the field when they had a falling out over a worthless old highway map. When he turns up dead in his office and Nell discovers the very same map hidden among his things, she discovers that it may actually be quite coveted and valuable— dangerously so. The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd is a wildly entertaining, imaginative ride, with a cinematic plot that keeps the pages turning.

Moving Memoir

Historical Fiction Karen Joy Fowler’s Booth is about the family of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin. This family drama (emphasis on the drama) is set in the Maryland wilderness, where Booth’s parents and many siblings lived. An epic novel, it’s both the story of an eccentric household and a historical saga, zooming in on the tumultuous life of each family member as the country catapults into civil war.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M A R I N A B E V I L AC Q UA

Bestselling author Amy Bloom’s In Love is the heartbreaking, intimate story of how she and her late husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, made the wrenching decision to end his life with the help of Dignitas, an assisteddying nonprofit in Switzerland. From her point of view as caregiver and partner, Bloom writes candidly about the husband she adored, their transformative marriage, and the choices they made during an impossible time.

18 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

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

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DELIGHTS

2 A C U T A B OV E

1 M O R E P O W E R T O YO U

Stash this thin gadget among the credit cards in your wallet, and you can juice up your phone on the go. It has a tiny charging cable built in. TO BUY: Clutch, $50; clutchcharger.com.

This eco-friendly cutting board is crafted from recycled plastic and sugarcane (yes, the sweet stuff ), which makes it durable and scratch resistant. Dishwasher safe. TO BUY: The Mini reBoard, $25; materialkitchen.com.

Clever Items Little Helpers to Make Your Life Easier

3 PUFFER TO PILLOW

What you’ll like: This slim jacket is made with recycled fabric and filling. What you’ll love: It stuffs down and packs into a handy neck pillow. TO BUY: Addition Quilted Packable Puffer Jacket, $138; madewell.com.

4 B RU N C H I N A B A G

Just add water to this shelf-stable mix and dip in slices to make speedy French toast. One package transforms an entire loaf of bread. TO BUY: Nellie’s Free Range Eggs French Toast Mix, $13; amazon.com.

20 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

6 5 FUR GR ABBER

This roller uses static to remove hair and fur from clothes and furniture—no tape or refills needed. A tidy receptacle catches all the fuzz (two long-haired cats’ worth for our tester!). TO BUY: ChomChom Roller, $25; amazon.com.

SPIN BIKE BFF

This absorbent cover fits over your stationary bike’s handlebars so you can keep a firm grip and prevent grime. (It also comes with a clip-on towel.) TO BUY: Spintowel, from $38; dripaccessory.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

BY B R A N D I B ROXS O N

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DELIGHTS

SWEET STUFF

P O TAT O C H I P C R I S P Y T R E AT S A c h i l d h o o d fa vo r i te i s a l l g row n u p th a n ks to s a l t y - swe et a d d - i n s . B Y PA M L O L L E Y

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES SERVES 16

Cooking spray 4 cups crisp rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies) 2 cups coarsely crushed wavy potato chips 3/4 cup coarsely chopped sea salt macadamia nuts 1 1/3 cups white baking chips, divided 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1 10-oz. pkg. miniature marshmallows 1 tsp. vanilla extract a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Gently stir together cereal, potato chips, macadamia nuts, and 1 cup white baking chips in a large bowl.

COAT

butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add marshmallows; cook, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately pour over cereal mixture and gently stir until thoroughly combined. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and smooth top. remaining 1/3 cup white baking chips in a small microwaveable bowl. Microwave chips on medium (50 percent) power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total. Drizzle over cereal mixture. Let stand until completely cool and set, about 1 hour. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. PLACE

22 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

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

MELT

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24 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

DELIGHTS

S PA C E O F T H E M O N T H

Play and Display A n a r row s p a c e t ra n sfo r m s i nto a n u n ex p e c te d k i d s ’ zo n e . BY T E D DY W I L L S O N

Get the Look EMBR ACE THE WHIMSY

Mismatched art looks effortless and cool. Use decorative washi tape to hang—and quickly swap out—artwork and photos on the walls. Sprinkle in a few framed pieces and prop canvases against the wall for an eclectic vibe.

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

F I N D V E R S AT I L E I T E M S

Meet the Designer J E S S I C A DAV I S As the founder of the design firm Atelier Davis, Jessica was thrilled to find an authentic midcentury home in Atlanta for her family of four. As a mom, she was less enthused that the open-concept layout lacked a separate play space for her kids. So she rejiggered the floor plan to make a hallway creativity zone. Sunlight, lots of art, child-size work spaces, and plenty of storage make it just the spot to spark their imaginations.

The bookcases block the white walls from tiny hands, keeping them fingerprint-free.

Jessica arranged four low bookcases to look like a built-in. Combined, the units do triple duty: Create a seating area, provide storage, and form a kid-height surface for crafting. A D D D E P T H W I T H PA I N T

White walls are a neutral backdrop for the kids’ colorful creations. To make the hallway appear longer and taller, Jessica painted a dark border along the upper trim—try Valspar’s Fait Accompli. Green storage bins echo the landscaping outside the window. Kallax Shelf Unit, $50, and Knipsa Seagrass Basket, $15; ikea-usa.com. Metal Stackable Storage, $15; target.com. Matteo Kasa Ceiling Light Fixture, $55; brilliantoutdoors.com. Anthracite Floating Bookshelf, $230; containerstore .com. Tapestry Washi Tape Set, $15; papersource.com. Lennon Grey Molded Kids Play Chair, $50; crateand barrel.com. TO BUY:

A hardshell chair is durable and easy to clean.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

DELIGHTS

MY SIMPLE RE ALIZ ATION

“Music Transcends Time and Distance” P l u c k i n g a z i th e r fo r a c rowd o f st ra n g e r s o n a c i t y s i d e wa l k , C H E L S E A L I N fe e l s t i e d to h e r ro ot s n e a r l y 8 , 0 0 0 m i l e s a wa y.

I wasn’t interested in sci-ﬁ or supernatural powers. I was a fan of “The Monkey King” and “Cavalier with White Eyebrows,” the ballads Waigong performed in his rattan chair. My waigong (“maternal grandfather” in Mandarin) was a musical storyteller who played the erhu and guzheng, Chinese instruments that supplemented his folktales about mischievous animals and noble heroes. As his assistant, I learned guzheng techniques and performed alongside him. However, when I was 12, Mama and I moved to New York City from Xiamen, China, and things changed. My interest in Chinese arts faded as my classes and extracurricular activities monopolized my time. In 2020, Waigong passed away abruptly. I hadn’t seen him in more than ﬁve years, and Mama and I couldn’t even attend his funeral in China due to our immigration status at the time. The 7,900 miles between us numbed the realization that Waigong was gone forever, and I buried my grief under piles of homework.

26 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

When I found my guzheng gathering dust in the attic, guilt tapped me on the shoulder. Waigong loved traditional instruments and how each note communicated centuries of Chinese history. It was now up to me to continue his legacy, and so I do. I set up the guzheng at a park in Queens, a crowd had gathered, intrigued by the elegance of the hanfu, the embroidered silk garment I wore for the performance. With an awkward grin behind my mask, I wrapped the bamboo plectra, the guzheng’s picks, around my sweaty fingers. Instead of performing to the friendly faces of neighbors like I had as a child back in China, I was in front of a crowd of strangers, who might be hearing traditional Chinese music for the first time. I took a deep breath, letting my fingers run smoothly down the 21 strings. Waigong used to say music transcends time and distance. At that moment, I finally understood what he meant. With BY T H E T I M E

every note, I was transported to his backyard—it was as if Waigong were still sitting next to me, singing stories and occasionally giving me a smile and nod. Applause for my performances cannot ease my regret about not spending more time with Waigong, but my audience’s respect for Chinese culture gives me hope that misconceptions toward Asians can be overcome. In light of the rise of antiAsian hate crimes during the pandemic, I hope my music provides some comfort to fellow Asian Americans, while creating a cozy corner for cultural appreciation on the streets and in the parks of New York City. Though the pandemic took away my chance of seeing Waigong again, performing the guzheng lets me keep his stories alive. In a country unfamiliar with classic Chinese instruments, I own a momentous stage. CHELSEA LIN IS A FRESHMAN AT USC MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, A THIRDYEAR MENTEE AT GIRLS WRITE NOW, AND A LOVER OF INSTANT NOODLES.

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EASY CAKE DECOR ATING

MAKE MIRRORS SPARKLE

THE BEST SNEAKERS

SIMPLE TWIST

Put the Pieces Back Together Thanks to an unfortunate tumble, your pressed powder has turned into crumbs. But in a pinch, you can Humpty Dumpty it with a little 70 percent rubbing alcohol. Break up the largest chunks, then add a few drops of alcohol to the compact’s pan. Gently press the loose powder with plastic wrap to smooth. Let the makeup sit overnight, and wait until it’s completely dry before you use it. The alcohol will help bind the pieces together and then evaporate, says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics. When we tested, the makeup sometimes became less pigmented, but only slightly. Your favorite powder lives to see another day. Now press on. —Martha Upton

Photograph by Brian Henn

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

GUIDES

THINGS COOKS KNOW

Cake It Easy W h e th e r y o u ’re sta r t i n g f ro m s c ra tc h o r a m i x , h e re a re s i m p l e i d e a s to e l e va te a l a y e r c a ke , n o fo n d a nt o r s p e c i a l p i p i n g b a g s re q u i re d . BY J E N N A H E LW I G

WHIP IT

ADD SOME FLOWER P OWER

GIVE IT A LIFT

Perch your cake on a stand or other raised surface (even an empty box!) to make it easier to frost and embellish the sides. You can manually turn the cake plate as you decorate, but a rotating stand gives you more control—and lets you pretend you’re on a baking competition show. (We like Kootek Revolving Cake Stand, $40; amazon.com.) Once your cake is in place, slide four strips of parchment paper underneath it to capture drips.

C OAT T H E S I D E S

Gently press your ingredients—finely chopped nuts, toasted shredded coconut, crushed cookies, colorful cereal, whole mini pretzels—all around the cake’s frosted sides. Leave the top plain for a fun yet sophisticated design. Or flip the script and cover just the top.

30 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Let Mother Nature work her magic and decorate with edible flowers, like pansies, roses, lilacs, or strawberry blooms, suggests Rebecca Ffrench, a wedding-cake baker and the owner of the Upstate Table in Kingston, New York. “For a modern, minimal look, I may use just one beautiful bloom. For a more elaborate effect, I might use up to 20 flowers on an 8-inch cake,” she says. Look for organically grown blooms to help avoid potentially harmful pesticide residue.

Whipped cream is a cake-decorating standout, says Yossy Arefi, author of Snacking Cakes. “Its neutral flavor goes with just about anything,” she says. “Or you can flavor or color it with crushed freeze-dried berries, dulce de leche, Dutch-process cocoa powder, or vanilla.” Use a small offset spatula (Offset Icing Spatula, $10; surlatable.com) to make pretty swirls with the cream.

MAKE IT SEMINAKED

You’ve likely seen this rustic-chic decorating style on Instagram or Pinterest. Instead of fully covering the sides with frosting, spread it very thinly to allow some of the cake to peek through. A metal bench scraper (also called a bench knife) makes this job a snap: “Just apply some frosting to the side of the cake, hold the scraper perpendicular, and rotate the cake,” Ffrench says. “The scraper smooths the frosting into a thin, even layer.” (Try the Bench Knife, $23; kingarthurbaking.com.) Alternatively, go naked: Spread buttercream between the layers and keep the sides frostingfree. Top either version with a thin layer of buttercream or dollops of whipped cream and berries.

GET DRIPPY

Bring drama to a thinly frosted cake with drips that run down the sides. Put chocolate ganache or storebought caramel sauce in a sturdy ziptop bag and make a small snip at a bottom corner. Squeeze around the edge of the cake to create drips. Then fill in the top with the ganache or sauce. For controlled drips, let the sauce cool and chill the cake first.

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

plaque e r e v e s o t e t a r h mode it w g in v li le e, like p k o a e m P y e h t s e ic o g the ch in k in h t e r e r a is psorias

e t a i t i n i y e h t n i p s e h t

APPROVED USE

Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla. Otezla can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially within the first few weeks of treatment. Use in elderly patients and the use of certain medications with Otezla appears to increase the risk of having diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if any of these conditions occur. Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression and suicidal behavior while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla. Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue taking Otezla. Some medicines may make Otezla less effective, and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines. Side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or planning to breastfeed. Otezla has not been studied in pregnant women or in women who are breastfeeding. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088. Please see Brief Summary of Prescribing Information on the next page. *Certain restrictions apply; eligibility not based on income. © 2021 Amgen Inc. All rights reserved. 6/21 USA-407-80660

Otezla is a different choice It’s a pill—not an injection, biologic, or cream.

0 co-pay program otezla.com/copay

To see before and after results, please scan the QR code.

Brief Summary of Prescribing Information Rx Only OTEZLA® (oh-TEZ-lah) (apremilast) Tablets This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. If you have any questions about OTEZLA® (apremilast), ask your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if OTEZLA is right for you. What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA? OTEZLA may cause serious side effects:

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Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting have been reported in some patients taking OTEZLA and in some cases, patients required hospitalization. Most events happened within the first few weeks of starting OTEZLA and occurred more in patients taking medications to reduce blood pressure or in those patients 65 years of age or older. Tell your doctor if any of these occur. Depression was reported by some patients taking OTEZLA. Before taking OTEZLA, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior. You, your caregivers, and family members should be alert for the development or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, contact your doctor. Your doctor will determine whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. Weight loss occurred in some patients taking OTEZLA. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will consider whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. Some medicines should not be taken with OTEZLA as they may make OTEZLA less effective. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications. What is OTEZLA? OTEZLA is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. It is not known if OTEZLA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.

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Who should not take OTEZLA? You must not take OTEZLA if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in OTEZLA. What should I tell my doctor before taking OTEZLA? Tell your doctor if you: • have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior • have any kidney problems • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OTEZLA can harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OTEZLA passes into your breast milk. What are the side effects of OTEZLA? • OTEZLA may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA?” • Common side effects of OTEZLA are: – diarrhea – nausea – headache – vomiting – upper respiratory tract infection – tension headache These are not all the possible side effects with OTEZLA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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General Information about OTEZLA Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in their package inserts. This is a Brief Summary of important information about OTEZLA. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more complete product information, or visit otezla.com, or call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952). © 2014-2020 Amgen Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GUIDES

H E A LT H Y AT H O M E

Balancing Act H ow to d eve l o p o n e of th e m o st c r i t i c a l s k i l l s fo r sta y i n g i n j u r y - fre e BY N AO M I BA R R

Illustrations by Asia Pietrzyk

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

GUIDES

The Great High Wire

We’re at it on the regular. Strength training? We fit it in a few times a week. Balance exercises? Er…probably not so much. Most of us don’t give a lot of thought to staying upright because we’ve been doing it so long it’s second nature, like riding a bike. Then one day we start to feel the tiniest bit wobbly and realize that, though riding a bike may still come easily, falling off has gotten a lot harder. In our younger days, we could bounce right back up, dust off our knees (and pride), and carry on. But as we age, a tumble or fall can leave us with lasting physical damage that goes way beyond any loss of dignity. Our underappreciated ability to balance is a key part of what allows us to do everyday tasks, like walking, running, and getting up from a chair. Studies show that how well (or poorly) you perform these mobility skills strongly predicts how likely it is you’ll experience more serious events in the future, like falls, hip fractures, and hospitalizations, says Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. Accidental injuries are the eighth leading cause of death (right behind diabetes) for people 65 and older—but our balance can be compromised long before we’re eligible for Social Security. Here’s how we can preemptively stay steady on our feet. C A R DIO ?

34 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Balancing as we walk, run, jump, or stand requires muscle mass. In addition to giving us strength, our muscles help keep our bones and joints aligned so we remain upright. But balancing also calls for the interaction of three primary sensory systems: One is the visual, what we see—easy enough. Another is the somatosensory, which includes nerve receptors that enable us to feel and touch things and to have a sense of our body in space (known as proprioception). The third is the vestibular, a tiny but complex inner ear system that responds to gravity. Input comes from all three systems, but for most of us, the dominant one is the visual. Seeing what’s in front of

and around us triggers a series of neural messages that act as an immediate, reassuring fact-check: Everything in your environment is erect, pointing in the right direction, and therefore you are too. “This is why so many people find it challenging to stand on one foot with their eyes closed,” says Fabio Comana, a lecturer at San Diego State University’s School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. “But that’s also why we’ll tell someone to close their eyes in balance training. If you take away the visual, the other two sensory systems can become stronger.” We may think of age-related balance challenges as the concern of sweetly unsteady grandmas waiting to cross the street on the arm of a helpful Cub

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GUIDES

Technology is working against our balance, whatever our age: Blame it on the all-too-common habit of constantly staring into our phones. Scout, but as early as our 30s, we begin to lose that all-important muscle mass, as well as experience age-related deterioration in the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems. “The decline is very gradual at the beginning, but by the time you hit 65, the curve drops steeply,” says Tanvi Bhatt, PhD, associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Applied Health Sciences. Our visual acuity, including our depth perception and peripheral vision, begins to diminish, and “the proprioceptors embedded throughout the body become less sensitive,” Comana says, “so you’re not picking up information as quickly or as accurately, and you react more slowly to things that could make you fall.” Sensing our own slowness can make us apprehensive, which may be another reason the youthful spring in our step turns into a Sophia Petrillo shuffle. Also, vestibular nerve endings in the inner ear tend to degenerate over time. To further complicate matters, technology is working against our balance, whatever our age. Blame it on the alltoo-common habit of constantly staring into our phones. “One way we maintain balance is by looking at the horizon,” Comana says. “Typically in older adults, as their thoracic spine tends to hunch over, their field of vision changes.”

36 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Work It Out

A crooked neck could make someone go from looking 300 feet ahead to 50. Plus, the physical misalignment weakens muscles and stability. But now, thanks to phones and computers, “these effects are becoming more evident in younger people—even the college students I teach,” Comana says.

Check Your Balance Experts agree that the first order of business is to make sure you can maintain a properly aligned spine so you move effectively and without injury. To tell whether your spine is aligned, “stand close to a wall, heels touching it. If you’re aligned, your tailbone, your shoulder blades, and the back of your head should all touch the wall in a neutral position, not tilted up or down,” Comana says. If, like most of us, you don’t touch the wall in all three spots, worry not: Try the Spine Alignment exercise on the next page until you’re comfortably touching.

No matter how old you are, “with repeated practice, you can maintain or enhance your balance,” Bhatt says. The exercises on the next page will help you get started. For an extra boost (and if you feel comfortable), do them barefoot, says Makeba Edwards, a certified personal trainer and health coach in Tampa, Florida. “We lose sensory awareness in our feet because we wear shoes all the time—and women often wear shoes that damage the feet,” she says. “Doing the exercises barefoot can help improve your receptor sensitivity and challenge your feet to remain stable.” When the exercises begin to feel too easy, consider incorporating hand weights; use the lightest you have at first, then move up. Start with 8 to 10 reps of each at least twice a week. (If you have any injuries or health concerns, check with your doctor before doing these exercises.)

Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Spine Alignment For this one, you’ll need a 36-inch foam roller or a rolled-up beach towel. Place it on the floor, then lie on it lengthwise so your head, spine, and tailbone all rest on top. (Your head should not tilt backward; if it does, place a firm pillow or second towel underneath it.) Bend your knees and rest your arms by your sides. Lie there for five minutes, allowing gravity to pull your shoulder blades down on either side. Try to practice this twice a day and repeat the wall check once a week until all the three points can touch.

Start with feet hip-width apart. If you can, balance on one foot. If you feel unsteady, begin by placing one foot about two foot-lengths behind the other. The knee of the supporting (or front) leg should be slightly bent. Maintain a straight back and hinge from the hips while reaching forward with both arms extended toward the floor. Return to standing position and repeat on the other foot.

Multidirectional Reach

Stationary Lunges Start with feet hip-width apart. Step forward into a lunge, keeping your back heel off the floor. Bend both knees and lower your back knee toward the floor while keeping your spine straight. Repeat on the other side.

Standing with feet hip-width apart, shift to balance on one foot (or use the deadlift modification above). Extend both arms in front of you, then hinge forward from the hips, making sure to keep your neck and spine in a straight line. Bending as low as you can, reach your hands to the outside of the supporting knee, then extend your arms to the front again, then reach your hands to the inside of the supporting knee. Repeat the entire exercise on the other side. (Each side counts as a repetition.)

G O S T E A DY WITH A TR AINER Regardless of your ability level, if you really want to double down on your balancing skills, find a trainer who does what’s called “perturbation-based balance training,” in which you perform exercises that mimic real-world challenges. Your trainer may have you try to replicate standing on a bus as it suddenly lurches forward. By practicing catching yourself, you fine-tune your motor control. Hopefully, the next time you slip on black ice, you won’t wind up tail over teakettle on the sidewalk. Stroke survivors who did perturbation training for only six weeks were still better balancers a year later, one study found.

continued on page 38

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

GUIDES

E X T R A C R E D I T FO R U P R I G H T C I T I Z E N S If you’re into group fitness, these classes can help you build your balance (and make stabilizing social connections too).

Beginner Try tai chi. This practice, rooted in Chinese martial arts, involves a series of slow, flowing motions in which you gradually shift your weight and extend your limbs to challenge your balance. Tai chi can reduce falls in seniors by up to 45 percent, studies have shown. To give it a go at home, check out Paul Lam’s beginner videos or Leia Cohen’s Taiflow on YouTube.

Intermediate Add yoga. A 2014 University of Miami study of elderly adults who had a history of falling found that yoga was as effective as tai chi, improving stability and balance after 12 weeks of twice-weekly classes. For beginners, tree pose is especially helpful: Standing with feet together, spread your toes, press your feet into the floor, and * Survey of 1038 consumers 50+ who drank 1 Ensure Max Protein shake per day for 14 days and reported feeling more energy vs water as control group. Ensure Max Protein has 150 calories, 30g protein, and 8 B vitamins for energy metabolism. Use as part of a healthy diet. ©2021 Abbott 20217501/April 2021

38 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

contract your leg muscles. Inhale and draw your right foot up your leg to rest on your left thigh or shin. Hold for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side. Tree pose strengthens your core and promotes equal weight distribution and good posture.

Advanced Hit a Bosu class. These half-orbs are designed to help improve balance and core strength by providing an unstable surface for exercising. A 2016 study found that after four weeks of supervised balance training with a Bosu ball, people saw improvements in both static and dynamic balance. Note: For safety, use them only in a class or with a trainer.

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GUIDES

4 Mistakes That Can Make It Harder to Build Wealth Sm a r t f i xe s fo r ta c k l i n g f i n a n c i a l p i t fa l l s BY MAG GIE PUNIE WSK A

40 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Prenups. Retirement. We’ve addressed your toughest personal finance problems on REAL SIMPLE’s Money Confidential podcast, which celebrates its first anniversary this month. And as host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez points out, money issues are almost never about the numbers. The math is basic. “What’s hard is everything else: your circumstances, your feelings, how you were raised to think about money, and structural inequalities that may exist,” she says. Here, we look back at some of the most surprising and impactful lessons from the episodes. C R E D I T C A R D D E B T.

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GUIDES

1 T H E M I S TA K E : THE FIX:

Thinking Rent Is a Waste of Money

Pay Your Landlord—and Your IRA

Owning a home has long been viewed as the smarter, more “adult” option for building wealth. But today we’re facing a very different (and often more difficult) financial landscape than our parents and grandparents did. We also tend to be a lot more mobile. If you don’t stay in a house for at least a couple of years, you won’t build much equity, since most of your mortgage payments will go toward interest, says Shang Saavedra, a personal finance expert and the founder of the blog Save My Cents. So it might make more sense for some people to rent, while investing extra money in the stock market or a retirement account. “The return on a stock investment has averaged about 10 percent per year, while the average annual growth in home prices has been 4 percent a year,” Saavedra points out. “If owning a home prevents you from contributing to your retirement, that’s not adulting.”

2 Getting Bogged Down by the Word “Budget” T H E M I S TA K E :

THE FIX:

If owning a home prevents you from contributing to your retirement, that’s not adulting.

Call It a “Say Yes” Plan

The b-word brings to mind everything we can’t have. Budgets are a prime example of how your mindset, rather than the numbers, can shape your financial decisions. “If you approach money within the framework of ‘no’ and deprivation, you’re not going to want to stick to a plan,” Rodriguez says. Instead, Tiffany Aliche, a financial educator and the author of Get Good with Money, suggests making it more about what you can have. “I look at my budget as my ‘say yes’ plan,” Aliche says. “Can I go on vacation? Yes, when you save this amount of money. Budget, can I buy this car? Yes, if you ask your boss for that raise.” View your budget as a course of action—in a way that won’t harm your overall finances.

Listen to M O N E Y C O N F I D E N T I A L wherever you get your podcasts. Have a money question? Shoot us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com.

42 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

3 T H E M I S TA K E :

Only Paying

Off Debt Pay Bills and Save for the Future THE FIX:

Should you get rid of debt, or contribute to retirement and emergency funds? “The answer is you really have to do it all— they’re not mutually exclusive,” says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal finance expert and the author of Zero Debt. Chipping away at debt first might feel like the wiser choice, but you’d miss out on the compound interest (a.k.a. free money) that’s earned in retirement accounts. Working toward your savings goals also stops you from feeling trapped in debt. It helps you build what Khalfani-Cox calls your “savings muscle,” and can help you afford experiences that bring happiness, as well as develop a sense of security that makes you feel financially empowered.

4 Procrastinating Estate Planning T H E M I S TA K E :

Write It Like a Love Letter THE FIX:

Like budgeting, estate planning can stir up a host of uncomfortable emotions. Because really, who wants to think about buying the farm (figuratively)? It’s often hard to get started on grim money matters like wills, powers of attorney, and life insurance. That’s why financial activist Dasha Kennedy says to think of end-of-life documents as “the last love letter” you write. See them as a way to give your loved ones financial security, peace of mind, and a road map of your wishes, says Cameron Huddleston, a financial journalist and the author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk. “With these documents in place, it’s not a probate judge deciding who gets what, or your family guessing. It just makes life so much easier for everyone.”

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NOW

GUIDES

ROAD TEST

P I L L O W TA L K

It’s the plush key to beauty sleep, so we snoozed on dozens to find the most comfortable options, whatever your slumbering style. BY R AC H E L SY LV E ST E R

ROAD TE ST

BEST FOR STOMACH SLEEPER S

Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow SOFT AND BREATHABLE

Support your neck with this cooling pillow (go for the soft/ medium firmness option). Not only is it comfy and easy to launder—just throw it into the wash—but it’s also made from a (NASA-approved!) temperature-regulating material. TO BUY: $59; slumbercloud.com.

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BEST FOR HOT SLEEPER S

The Purple Harmony Pillow SQUISHY AND HUGGABLE

Sweaty folks, rejoice! This moisture-wicking pillow allows for continuous airflow. No matter how hot you run, the gel-like material doesn’t retain body heat, so it feels cool—no flipping necessary. TO BUY: $159; purple.com.

BEST FOR BACK SLEEPER S

Parachute Down Pillow LOFTY AND CLOUDLIKE

BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPER S

Casper Hybrid Pillow

L E F T: C O U R T E S Y O F S L U M B E R C L O U D . 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

SUPPORTIVE YET FLEXIBLE

Available in soft, medium, and firm densities, this is the Goldilocks of down pillows. Back dozers will find their just-right match in the medium style, which gives you fluff without neck strain. TO BUY: From $109; parachutehome.com.

Equal parts spongy and firm, this marshmallowy foam pillow maintains its shape throughout thousands of tosses and turns. It comes in two different heights, so you can choose your thickness. TO BUY: $99; casper.com. BEST KNEE PILLOW

Sleep Number Knee Pillow FIRM AND COMPACT

BEST FOR SNORER S

Help keep your back and hips aligned when you lie on your side by sliding this pill-shaped foam cushion between your knees. TO BUY: $30; sleepnumber.com.

Helix Wedge Pillow LIFTING AND COOLING

Drift off atop this gel-foam support that’s designed to cut down on snoring by elevating the head. The sloped style works best for back and side sleepers. TO BUY: $95; helixsleep.com.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

GUIDES

RO OM Rx

Bright Done Right I nte r i o r d e s i g n e r A P R I L T O M L I N s h ows h ow to d e s i g n a ro u n d n a t u ra l l i g ht to l i m i t th e g l a re a n d a m p u p th e a m b i e n c e . BY T E D DY W I L L S O N

Q: Our window seat gets too sunny in the mornings. How can we decorate this area so the light isn’t as intense? —Mariah, homeowner in Illinois

G O F O R PA L E D E C O R

S W I T C H YO U R L I G H T

C OV E R U P

PA I N T BY N U M B E R S

Choose light tones and natural textures, like wood and grass cloth. For upholstery, pick a fade-resistant fabric. Incorporate sun-loving greenery to take advantage of the infusion of sunlight. TO BUY: Sunbrella Solana Seagull Outdoor Pillow, $46; crateandbarrel.com.

To keep the lighting warm and cozy after sunset, install a shaded overhead fixture that emits a soft glow. Look for a lamp with a long arm that extends over your seating area so you can read. TO BUY: Harriet Pleated Floor Lamp, $328; anthropologie.com.

Hang blackout shades in a natural material. If you want more flexibility, use a sheer panel in the back and a linen curtain in front. Consider buying an adhesive film to tint the glass. TO BUY: Bali Custom Cordless Blackout Natural Shade, from $251; pbteen.com.

Instead of a reflective white, paint the walls a warm neutral. Before selecting a color, check the swatch or manufacturer’s site for the light reflectance value. The lower the number, the more light the paint will absorb. TO BUY: Oatbran 6006-1B, from $25 per gallon; valspar.com for info. Submit your own design dilemmas to room.rx@realsimple.com.

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Illustration by Babeth Lafon

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

GET AHEAD OF ECZEMA AND SHOW MORE SKIN DUPIXENT is a breakthrough eczema treatment that targets a key source of inflammation that can lead to uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). Approved for ages 6 years and up.

Fast itch relief* Clearer skin that lasts* Not an immunosuppressant Not a cream or steroid *In a clinical trial at week 16, 59% of adults taking DUPIXENT + topical corticosteroids (TCS) had significantly less itch vs 20% on TCS only; 39% saw clear or almost clear skin vs 12% on TCS only. 36% saw clear or almost clear skin at week 52 vs 13% on TCS only.

CELISA, REAL PATIENT Individual results may vary.

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND GO TO DUPIXENT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 6 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 6 years of age. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: have eye problems; have a parasitic (helminth) infection; are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” right before and during treatment with DUPIXENT; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby. A pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy collects information about the health of you and your baby. To enroll or get more information call 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby. org/ongoing-study/dupixent/; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical or inhaled corticosteroid medicines or if you have atopic dermatitis and asthma and use an asthma medicine. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back. DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fast pulse, fever, hives, joint pain, general ill feeling, itching, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, or cramps in your stomach-area. Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurred vision. Your healthcare provider may send you to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam if needed. Joint aches and pain. Some people who use DUPIXENT have had trouble walking or moving due to their joint symptoms, and in some cases needed to be hospitalized. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening joint symptoms. Your healthcare provider may stop DUPIXENT if you develop joint symptoms.

The most common side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. 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. Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it’s recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children under 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver. Please see Brief Summary on next page.

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY.* CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) *THIS IS NOT INSURANCE. Not valid for prescriptions paid, in whole or in part, by Medicaid, Medicare, VA, DOD, TRICARE, or other federal or state

programs, including any state pharmaceutical assistance programs. Program has an annual maximum of $13,000. Additional terms and conditions apply.

GUIDES

SPOTLESS

MIRROR S

Take a shine to these tips for streak-free glass.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY SA R A H S M A RT

BY L E S L I E CO RO N A

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

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

GUIDES

F O R B AT H RO O M M I R RO R S

Remove schmutz like hardened toothpaste and hairspray residue by pressing on the bumps, drips, and stains with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help soften them so you can wipe them off more easily. Then spritz cleaning solution onto a ﬂat-weave microﬁber cloth and wipe the entire mirror. Spraying cleaning solution directly onto the mirror may lead to drippage that can damage the frame.

F L AT- W E AV E M I C RO F I B E R C L O T H

The Glass and Polishing Cloth ($8; worldmarket.com) will help prevent streaks. M I C RO F I B E R D U S T E R

The Muppet-like Kikkerland Blue Extendable Duster ($5; kohls.com) is perfect if your mirror just needs a quick, dry dusting.

F O R F I R E P L A C E M I R RO R S

A mirror over a mantel can often look cloudy from soot. Pass a microfiber duster over it—an extendable one will save your arms and back. To get rid of the filmy, dull appearance, add a drop of dish soap to a damp nonabrasive sponge and rub off grime. After you remove the soap, finish with a spritz of cleaning solution.

…With These

F O R S P E C K L E D M I R RO R S

C L E A N I N G S O LU T I O N

Those stubborn black spots that have appeared over time may not be ﬂecks of dirt. The mirror may be “foxed”—meaning the silver coating behind the glass has worn away or been damaged. To make spots less noticeable, you can tape a piece of aluminum foil to the back of the mirror (for a small spot) or coat the back with a metallic silver spray paint (for a larger area). If these tricks don’t work, bring the mirror to a glass shop to get it resilvered.

A vinegar-based, ammonia-free glass cleaner, like Windex Vinegar Glass Cleaner ($4; target.com), will do the job gently but effectively. M E TA L L I C S I LV E R S P R AY PA I N T

Revitalize a speckled mirror with Krylon Looking Glass Silver-Like Aerosol Spray Paint ($10; lowes.com).

MAKE IT L AST When you clean a room, the mirror should be one of the last items you tackle. Dusting and vacuuming kick up tiny particles that can cling to and cloud up the glass.

O U R E X P E RT S TOM BARBER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT CASABELLA, A CLEANING-TOOL BRAND LAURA GUMMERMAN, WRITER AND DIY EXPERT AT THE LIFESTYLE BLOG A BEAUTIFUL MESS CHARLES MACPHERSON, AUTHOR OF THE POCKET BUTLER’S GUIDE TO GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

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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

Do This…

Spraying cleaning solution directly onto the mirror can lead to drippage, which may run into and damage the frame.

Even when all your garbage is all gross. Glad® with Clorox bags eliminate TM

food and bacterial odors to keep all your trash all under control. This product is bleach-free.

GUIDES

Pet Puzzler A Trainer Helps Fix Your Peskiest Issues BY J U N O DE M E LO

“My cat shreds the furniture!” T H E P RO

Mieshelle Nagelschneider is a cat behaviorist and the author of The Cat Whisperer. T H E E X P L A N AT I O N

Scratching (a.k.a. claw marking) is instinctual: Cats do it to keep their claws sharp, to destress, and to mark territory.

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THE FIX

You can’t—and shouldn’t try to— stop cats from scratching. And you definitely shouldn’t declaw them, which involves a painful amputation of the last bone of each toe. But you can train cats to tear up something other than your settee. First, trim your pet’s nails. Cats claw mark partly to remove worn outer claws and expose the sharper ones underneath. Monthly trimming helps reduce damage to furniture and speeds up the sharpening process, which can lessen their need to scratch. (If your cat seems stressed and is suddenly claw marking more, consult your vet.) Next, bring in a satisfying replacement for their preferred scratching spot. Cats who shred

G E T T Y I M AG ES

THE ISSUE

upholstery may like a nubby sisal post; those who dig their claws into the kitchen table might like something made of wood. A tall post makes sense for cats who climb drapes, and a flat scratching board or mat might be better for carpet shredders. Experiment with a few options to find the right fit for your own Cat the Ripper. Place the scratcher next to your cat’s usual attack spot, and give him a treat whenever you notice him near it. (If he has multiple spots—or you have multiple cats— get multiple scratchers.) Put catnip on or around the scratcher as an enticement. Keep that up for two weeks, then wait to treat your cat until he finally claw marks the scratcher. Eventually, the claw marking should become self-rewarding, and you won’t have to dole out treats. Meanwhile, make your furniture less desirable. The simplest way is to affix a product like Sticky Paws, a see-through adhesive strip cats don’t like the feel of, to upholstery. Whatever you do, don’t punish your cat if you catch him in the act, as this can stress him out and make him claw mark even more— just not when you’re around.

making healthy taste this good

Every bowl of Hill’s is science-led, for a balanced meal that’s equal parts nutritious and delicious.

GUIDES

FA S H I O N

All Day, Every Day Sneakers Yo u r k i c ks c a n d ete r m i n e w h eth e r yo u r d a y i s b l i ssfu l … o r b l i ste r- fu l l . We s l i p p e d i nto 4 0 p a i rs to f i n d th e s e e i g ht w i n n e rs . BY F L AV I A N U N E Z

ROAD TE ST

BEST S U S TA I N A B L E

Greats The Royale Knit Seven recycled plastic bottles—and a dose or two of magic?— go into making these stylish, deeply comfy sneaks. TO BUY: $119; greats.com.

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Photograph by Brian Henn

BEST LIGHT WEIGHT

Frankie4 Dimity These oxford-inspired sneaks deliver the seemingly impossible: good looks, arch support (thanks to customizable layered insoles), and out-of-the-box comfort. Oh, while also feeling as light and free as bare feet. TO BUY: $115; us.frankie4.com. B E S T W E A R- W I T H E V E RY T H I N G

B E S T P L AT F O R M

Reebok Club C Double GEO When you want just a little lift—and not full-on, ankletwisting height—these durable platforms are easy to walk in and offer all-around support. TO BUY: $95; reebok.com.

B E S T S L I P- O N

Splendid Liberty Crisp white with a minimalist look, these will be the most versatile shoes in your closet. The snug knit material molds to your feet for daylong comfort. TO BUY: $99; splendid.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

Birdies The Swift The whole point of slip-ons is to get out the door in seconds—and this chic pair is so supple, you can skip socks without risking blisters. TO BUY: $120; birdies.com.

B E S T M A C H I N E WA S H A B L E

B E S T DA D S N E A K E R

Cariuma IBI You can be a real diva about even the tiniest smudges when you know how simple it is to throw these lightweight lace-ups into the wash. Available in 15 solid colors, and as high-tops too. TO BUY: $98; cariuma.com.

Veja Venturi Normcore doesn’t have to be a bore. Colorful accents (pick from 14 hues!) bring personality to this sustainably and humanely made update on the cushiony classic. TO BUY: $180; veja-store.com.

BEST OLD-SCHO OL

On The Roger Clubhouse Wear these when you stroll down memory lane. The color blocking, paneling, and stitching are cute with pants, shorts, and skirts. TO BUY: $150; on-running.com.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

THE PERKS OF GROUP TEXTS

AVOIDING BURNOUT

TIPS TO CHANGE CAREERS

LIVES

5 PERSPECTIVES

Saying Yes to the Years How to gracefully accept all the changes

B O N N I N S T U D I O/ S T O C K S Y

BY C H R I S C A N D E R

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

LIVES

1 Shed the “shoulds.” Aging is about letting go of the idea that I need to look a certain way to please others. I’m not trying to draw the male gaze or meet society’s expectations. Age-related changes in skin texture, weight, and hair thickness can be jarring, but I’m working on acceptance. I’m shedding the “shoulds”—how I should look or feel or act—and focusing on the joys in life. Getting older means I get to watch my son grow up. That puts everything in perspective.

2 Become gracious toward gray. When I started to go gray at around 50, I began coloring my hair. Years later, when the pandemic hit, we moved far from my salon, and that inconvenience became an opportunity. Covid had taken charge of my life, but I could at least take charge of my hair. I let it grow out. At first, I was afraid, but today I love it. I see a lot more women with gray hair now than before the pandemic, and I notice how it shifts attention to their faces. Those who have the glow of lived experience, with complicated and rich expressions framed by natural hair color, are fascinating to me.

DOREE SHAFRIR IS A WRITER AND COHOST OF THE PODCAST FOREVER35.

ROXANA ROBINSON IS THE AUTHOR OF 10 BOOKS, INCLUDING DAWSON’S FALL.

Getting older means I get to watch my son grow up. That puts everything in perspective.

3 Remove “anti-aging” from your vernacular.

4 Honor your body.

I don’t believe in terms like “antiaging” and “wrinkle defense.” Getting older shouldn’t be a fight. I prefer being age aware, meaning I acknowledge where I am right now, bring that attention to my makeup and beauty routines, and do whatever I want to do to feel good. My routine includes exfoliation, a vitamin C serum, sunscreen, foundation, and mascara. Makeup, as with most things, doesn’t need to be as complicated as we think. JENNY PATINKIN IS A BEAUTY EXPERT, ENTREPRENEUR, AND MAKEUP ARTIST.

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When I was growing up, my mom would remind me not to compare myself, a Black girl with Southern roots, with the tall, white fashion models. Her acceptance made me feel comfortable trying new things, like yoga. I’ve been practicing for 50 years now, and I get aches and pains just like everyone else. As I’ve aged, I’ve put on weight—but whatever body I’m in, I take care of it. I enjoy the pleasures of food, movement, and all this planet has to offer. JANA LONG IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND COFOUNDER OF THE BLACK YOGA TEACHERS ALLIANCE.

5 Share your wisdom. Decades after my son passed away, I turned my angst outward. I went to the streets of Skid Row, where most people won’t share a sidewalk with others because of the stench and stain. I showed up with my colored hair and big hoop earrings to offer food. I noticed a trans woman with sticky eyelashes, and the next time I went out, I brought her a new set. Even though I don’t have professional training, I was soon doing makeovers for women on the streets. Like everyone else, they want to feel beautiful. To me, aging isn’t just about taking care of the body. It’s about taking care of the spirit—mine and others’. SHIRLEY RAINES IS THE FOUNDER OF BEAUTY 2 THE STREETZ.

Modern Manners Advice for Your Social Quandaries BY C AT H E R I N E N E W M A N

Z . D. A S K S…

As I’ve gotten older (I’m 38, married, with a 5-year-old), I’ve realized that a lot of my past behavior hurt others. I’ve struggled with how to rectify this. I debated writing a general apology letter—for being a bad friend, a drunk idiot, a drama queen. But this would place my ego at the center of the apology, and I’m afraid the letter would seem dramatic and unnecessary, since these people are still dear friends and have (hopefully) forgiven me. What do I do?

M . I . A S K S…

We live in a tourist area. When family visited, we offered them our RV in the driveway, saving them about $1,200 in hotels. We hooked up water, electricity, and gas. At the end, all they did was strip the beds. They didn’t wash the sheets, sweep, empty the trash, or try to pay (we wouldn’t have accepted). If they come back, how can I say the trailer isn’t available?

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

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

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Simply tell them your trailer won’t be set up for guests. But you might want to recalibrate your expectations—or communicate them more explicitly. It’s too bad your guests weren’t more gracious, but they did follow the usual conventions: stripping the sheets (but not laundering them) and neither making a mess nor doing any actual cleaning. If your expectations differ from these norms, try posting a list: “Before you leave, please…” Or ask them to chip in for a cleaning service. Will it undermine their experience as guests? Maybe—but it’s better than your stewing in resentment. “Read my mind” is an unrewarding approach to just about everything; if there are invisible strings attached, people tend to get tangled up in them.

One lovely thing about showing gratitude is that it acknowledges your friends’ patience without requiring a response, the way an apology can. My best guess is that being grateful now is, in fact, enough. But if there are specific people you hurt or immaturities you want to own up to, go ahead and apologize—but individually. Don’t worry too much about seeming dramatic. Even if it’s awkward for your friends, I hope they respond however they need to. “Thank you,” they might say. “I was hurt back then, and I appreciate that you’re reflecting on it now.” And then I hope they forgive you as generously and extravagantly as they possibly can.

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

LIVES

T.G. A S K S…

How do I decline when our neighbors ask us to take care of their cats while they’re away? They haven’t ever reciprocated (our adult son pet sits for us), and they don’t even bring us a token thank-you gift. Plus, they ask the night before they leave.

You can say no, as often as you like: “Sorry, we won’t be able to.” No need to elaborate. Of course, in my dream world, we do favors without expecting thank-you gifts. But you probably don’t crave that box of saltwater taffy as much as respect for your time. Can you clarify this? “We’re happy to feed your cats,” you might say, “but we’d like advance notice.” Other questions to ask yourself: Would your son be relieved if your neighbors took over pet sitting? Are there things these folks do for you that you take for granted? Does the relatively minimal task of cat sitting help smooth over any rough edges in your relationship? But if you still don’t want to, don’t.

K . B . A S K S…

S.G. A S K S…

I recently realized that the silver decanter labels in my bar area are missing. They were my grandparents’ and are worth about $500. Nobody has been in my house except friends, for a few dinner parties. Do I mention the missing labels to them?

Hosting is all about making guests feel comfortable, and friendship is all about trust. There’s zero chance your friends, once accused of stealing, would feel comfortable or trusted in your home. And if the worst-case scenario is wrongly blaming your friends, what’s the best case? Rightly blaming one of them? What then? It’s not a Pink Panther movie. (Plus, how would you feel if you brought it up, then found the tags tucked in a cloth near the silver polish?) Things are just things. Assume you lost them, and let them go.

My dad constantly sends me articles containing career advice, many with a pessimistic tone (“Will Remote Work Derail Your Career?”). Our interactions outside these messages are limited. I’m in my mid-30s, with a stable job. My dad probably means well, but I can’t help being insulted. How can I ask him to stop sharing unsolicited advice and focus on uplifting content?

As a parent, I work to keep my worries from undermining my grown children’s confidence. And as a child to older parents, I resent suggestions from them, however loving, that I don’t know what I’m doing. Lead with the goodness of your dad’s intentions: “I know you’re just worried.” Then describe the effect his behavior has on you: “But these articles really stress me out” or “I feel like you don’t trust my judgment.” You could also respectfully remind him that you’re on the same page. As my own son has said, “I promise I want me to be happy and successful too.” And suggest a different type of interaction to take the place of his nerve-racking emails: “Let’s try to talk more, Dad. I’d love that.”

A B O U T 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 gets advice from her husband and two opinionated, largely grown children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

STO C KSY

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P h o t o g r a p h b y M a r c Tr a n

LIVES

FA M I LY

OUR GROUP TE XT S!

Sure, our phones can be distractions—but they can also help us connect (and crack each other up) in surprising ways. BY RO RY E VA N S

I effectively end my daughter’s childhood? Is that how it works now?” I asked the Verizon sales rep as she slid the iPhone box across the counter. I was only partly joking. I had tried to impose the Wait Until 8th (grade) doctrine for Evan, clinging to my quite possibly outdated principles until they were more ragged than a well-loved security blanket. But even I could see that Evan, as an only child living through a pandemic in her ﬁrst year of middle school (which was remote to boot), was suffering socially, simply because she didn’t have iMessage like all her friends did. So if you’ll follow me on this soft pretzel of logic: I got her the phone so she could text with her friends, become a snarky teenager, and start hating her parents. But then something unexpected happened: I began texting with Evan too. We looped in my husband and her dad, Jamie, and the three of us embarked on a group text that, on an hour-by-hour basis, keeps our household humming (“What should we make for dinner?” and “Sweets, can you pick up a can of chickpeas on your way home from school?”) and on a larger, week-in-week“A N D W I T H T H I S ,

out basis, brings me happiness and laughter and joy and warmas-toast Little Fur Family cozy vibes. Jamie sends us his favorite Bitmoji stickers (dancing under a disco ball, holding up a hockey stick) when he’s on his way home from work; I send GIFs from old Tom and Jerry cartoons or The Carol Burnett Show; Evan sends us snapshots of our Chihuahua rescue, Yooks, draped in a shawl like Shprintze from Fiddler on the Roof. Again and again, Evan drops in her “haha” or the ROFL emoji, showing us her lighthearted, popculture-savvy, funny side that Jamie and I don’t always get to see as she becomes more independent at school and in her social life. “Memes, inside jokes, and sweet and funny things are low-effort ways to feel deeply in touch,” says Lisa Damour, PhD, a psychologist and the author of bestselling books about parenting. While I despaired about Evan’s adoption of a phone (and by extension, her abandonment of toys, books, and the notebooks she used to endlessly scribble and 2D daydream in), Damour, who cohosts the Ask Lisa podcast, has a broader perspective: “Phones allow for

spontaneous, asynchronous communication, and a playfulness that may not be readily accessible in the analog world,” she says. “Our children need good working relationships with the adults who love them, and we should welcome any form of communication that lets us stay connected and have fun with them.” Indeed, it is fun. The larger family text I have going with my parents, three sisters, and three adult nieces sparks some of the most fun we ever have as a group, arguably because it doesn’t require travel or scheduling (and rescheduling, then rescheduling again). Catherine Price, author of The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again, defines fun as “the confluence of playfulness, connection, and flow.” And that sounds just like the green, blue, and gray bubbles popping up all over my screen. In Price’s previous book, How to Break Up with Your Phone, she doesn’t necessarily take a dim view of devices—it’s more about how we use them, she notes. And family texting, if done with intention, “can be an easy

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LIVES

entry point into how to make tech a force for good in your life instead of a portal into despair. It reminds you of your shared humanity,” she says. “I don’t mean to be woowoo here, but your energy can get stuck in your phone, with social media and comparison and shopping for things you don’t need. But you can free your energy when you use your phone to connect to people and things you care about. They can be playgrounds for fun.” Of course, as with actual playgrounds, some general rules are required. “It should be the same as in life—everyone needs to be civil,” Damour says. So it’s probably best if your group text is a politics-free zone. Price suggests experimenting with sharing “delights” (you simply haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone walk a potbelly pig on a leash

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through a New York City park). “The more you focus on delights, the more delights reveal themselves to you,” she says. When she sees something she loves, she points at it and actually says, “Delight.” “You feel a little silly at first, but it makes an impact on your mood. Having that accompanying gesture validates it,” she explains. Sometimes she snaps a picture, sometimes she just writes a text, but when she sends a delight out to her group, they send more back. “This delight text chain boosts our moods. Family dynamics can be complicated, but this pulls people together.” Family texts can also come in handy for exes, Damour notes: “The rise of digital technology is the best thing that’s happened to

divorced couples and their kids.” Just as you want to avoid fighting in front of your kids, you shouldn’t snipe at each other in a group text. Adopting a respectful tone goes a long way. “A lot of communication comes with coparenting,” Damour says. “And it’s incredible when your kids see you text to coordinate seamlessly about their care.” If you’re dating someone new, texting can help kids get to know the person. “The nice thing about the group texts between my partner, me, and my kids is that it connects us, and has brought my daughters closer to my partner,” says Alyssa Dineen, author of The Art of Online Dating: Style Your Most Authentic Self and Cultivate a Mindful Dating Life. There can be too much of a good thing sometimes—like when your phone explodes with the pings and whistles of notifications and reactions and “hahas.” (My mom recently downsized from 3,100 square feet to 800, and she texted some hilarious doozies, like the school project in which my then 7-year-old sister wrote about what a monster my mom was. The ensuing activity made my phone radiate heat.) So before you head into the important appointment or meeting, mute the conversations. But then be sure to pick up right where you left off.

YA R O S L AV D A N Y L C H E N K O/ S T O C K S Y

Family dynamics can be complicated, but delightful texts pull people together.

LIVES

THE HELPFUL MIND

Overcome the Overwhelm If h o m e li fe ha s yo u t ire d an d w i re d, h e re’s h ow to ste p away from the stre ss. BY R AC H E L SY LV E ST E R

Illustrations by Abbey Lossing

I S I T T H E C U LT U R A L

moment? (How long will this pandemic stretch on?) Is it the time of year? Is this real life, or is it Groundhog Day? These are the kinds of questions that may be running through your brain on a loop, and the effect can be a feeling of listlessness. Sociologist Corey L. M. Keyes coined the term “languishing” for the space that exists between depression and flourishing. It’s a nebulous middle (and “meh”) ground, a draining blend of stagnation, exhaustion, and anxiety that can take hold of us no matter our occupation—parents, caregivers, and nine-to-fivers can all begin to short-circuit. But with these insights from professionals, you can set the mental reset button for your home life.

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LIVES

Rule Out Professional Burnout A lot of us interchange terms like “burnout” and “exhaustion,” but there’s an important difference between them. Technically, burnout usually pertains to work (see our We Did It column on page 70 for ways to handle that). Ordinary tiredness, boredom, and stress may result from limited time and energy. “It’s easy to equate burnout and exhaustion,” says Jonathan Malesic, author of The End of Burnout. “But if you can take a break from a task and come back feeling energized, then what you had wasn’t burnout.” Once you identify whether you’re burned out at work or overwhelmed at home (or—quite possibly–both), pinpoint the tasks that sap your energy or inspire the most dread. Being aware of your personal stressors helps you determine what needs to change on your to-do list.

Audit Your To-Do List Sometimes those frazzled feelings are a byproduct of good luck. You have everything your heart desired— spouse, kids, home, a car not held together with duct tape—but now you also have to take care of them on a daily, hourly, and minute-byminute basis. But here’s the thing: You can do less. Step away from the idea that everything can be accomplished, says Cal Newport, author of Deep Work. Take laundry. Do you really need to tackle three loads, or can you wash one and save the folding for the following morning? Granted, some home tasks— especially those involving caring for and feeding kids—are nonnegotiable, but you can still make them less

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stressful. For instance, if packing lunches feels like your daily dose of torment, let your kids buy school lunch if your budget allows, or have them pack it on their own. Try breaking down your to-do list into what you can (and maybe even want to) do, what you can delegate, and what doesn’t need to get done at all.

Invest in Your Social Life When you’re wiped out, your social life is often the first thing to go. But receiving support from others is the very thing that will replenish you. Social connection is a highly effective—and often underused— tool to help combat burnout and stagnation. When you’re fatigued,

consider carving out time for a quick video chat or coffee break with a neighbor. “Regular connection and laughter remind you you’re not alone,” says Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler, PhD, a therapist and the author of Mommy Burnout. Research shows that when you expand your inner circle of friends, you can combat anxiety better. Having a trusted crew of confidants boosts your overall mental health, strengthens your immune system, and helps alleviate the effects of emotional distress, studies have found. “Insert yourself into a community, like a book club or a place of worship,” Ziegler says. “If one doesn’t exist locally, create your own community with like-minded friends, and more connections will come.”

Commit to 20 Minutes of Daily Movement Yes, it may be the last thing you want to do. But a walk or bike ride can help you snap out of a funk, and you will feel so good when it’s over. Sleep, water, and nutrition are important, but you have to get outside and away from whatever is zapping your energy, says Ziegler, who argues that very few weather conditions truly inhibit you from grabbing a little fresh air. Stop telling yourself you’ll exercise as soon as you catch up on work. Just get up and move for 5 or 10 minutes, five days per week. If you’re already

active, don’t rely solely on your sweat sessions at the gym. It’s important to move throughout the day, no matter how many minutes you clock in during a single fitness class, Ziegler says.

Avoid the Social Media Numb-Out Those quick TikTok hits—a dance routine, three cat videos, and a viral pasta recipe—might feel like a necessary brain break, but they can be quite the opposite. We often walk away from a social media binge feeling frustrated, knowing

that those well-intentioned “breaks” led to wasted time. Rather than always scrolling during moments of boredom, Ziegler suggests giving your mind a tiny vacation in the form of a silent rest far from your smartphone. The silence will help you feel focused, and quiet time helps you cope with mental fatigue. “I set my phone’s timer, turn off tech distractions, and sit down for a passive break,” Ziegler says of her own at-home reset ritual. “Mental rest is part of the productivity equation.” Start small by carving out two five-minute breaks in your daily schedule.

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WE DID IT

MADE OUR JOBS WORK FOR US

The “great resignation” has inspired a lot of us to reevaluate our careers. Meet three women who hit a better work-life balance.

C O U RT ESY O F A N G E L E N E C O R O N E L

BY S A R A G AY N E S L E V Y

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“I Insist on Mental Health Support” Britney Turner FOUNDER AND CEO OF A SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTING FIRM NEW YORK CITY

in the beauty industry a few months after grad school, and her job soon transitioned into social media and marketing. The high-throttle position was exhilarating but draining, with long hours and a restrictive corporate culture. For example, she was once reprimanded for using too many exclamation points in an email (she thought they reflected her enthusiasm for the project). Hankering to strike out on her own, in the summer of 2020 she launched the Boss Up, a social media consultancy. Her first order of business? Creating the company culture she wanted to be a part of. Weekly check-ins with her team of four are “not only to see that they’re doing their work, but also to see how they’re feeling,” she says. On Wellness Fridays, meetings and Slack messages are forbidden, and employees are encouraged to “get some fresh air and do things that really spark joy,” she says. She intervenes if she sees anyone pushing too hard. “If my team is working into the night or sending late messages, I tell them to log off,” she says. “I don’t want them overextended.” And yes, they’re free to use as many exclamation points as their hearts desire (!!!). B R I T N E Y S TA R T E D WO R K I N G

Britney says this supportive company culture has helped her business thrive right out of the gate. It has also helped Britney, as the young founder of a startup, take care of herself too. “Doing something creative or spiritual, like meditating, really helps me feel more productive when I am working,” she says. “Self-care is such a priority.” M A K E I T W O R K F O R YO U

The 2021 Women in the Workplace survey found that employees at companies with supportive cultures are “happier, less burned out, and less likely to consider leaving their jobs.” If your workplace doesn’t focus on well-being, “search for companies that have structures in place to support work-life balance,” says Anne Helen Petersen, coauthor of Out of Office: The Big Problem and Bigger Promise of Working from Home. Britney’s Wellness Fridays—with their clear parameters and permissions—are a good example, Petersen says, while generic “wellness seminars” that provide no real value are not. To find companies that walk the walk, ask questions about culture during the interview, says Melody Wilding, a licensed social worker and the author of Trust Yourself:

If my team is working into the night or sending late messages, I tell them to log off.

Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work. Try: How would you describe the work-life balance here? Why do people stay at the company? Why have they left? “And I always suggest talking to someone who has been on the team in the past,” Wilding adds. “You can have a pretty candid conversation with them.” Check reviews of the company on Glassdoor, or reach out to a previous employee via LinkedIn. If your current employer is lacking in the compassion arena but you like other things about your job—your colleagues, say—talk to your boss about why work culture matters, Wilding says. “You want to come from a place of care and concern but also make it about the business. Tell your boss, ‘Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground. Many of my coworkers and I are feeling burned out.’ ” Then explain the consequences, like that it’s leading to longer lead times on projects. “Say, ‘I’m sharing this because I know it affects our bottom line, and I’m concerned that members of our team are at risk of leaving. I want to make sure we get ahead of it,’ ” Wilding suggests. Offering a solution-oriented perspective shows you’re a committed member of the team…but that something’s gotta change.

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“I Found a New Match for My Skills and Capacity” Miriam Pokharel-Wood INTERNATIONAL BOARD-CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT SAN FRANCISCO

I was burned out from my job,” says Miriam, who stepped back from her role as a therapist for highrisk kids following her son’s birth in October 2018. “I loved the work, but it was heartbreaking. I couldn’t handle it and the extra pressure of having a baby at home.” Things were fine for a few years, but then the pandemic hit. “The isolation of being a stayat-home parent got so much harder. I was like, ‘I can’t have the same conversation about ducks again!’ ” she says, laughing. With the help of her therapist, Miriam realized she needed to reach some middle ground: Find childcare for her son and get back to work, ideally part-time. “How do I find a career like that?” she recalls wondering. Luckily, she had an option in her back pocket. Women’s health and breastfeeding had always been interests of hers, and when she was pregnant, she’d become a board-certified lactation consultant. So in July of last year, she found a job at a hospital that let her see patients two or three days a week. The role has been a perfect fit. For one thing, she says, it offers a work-life balance she

“A F T E R I H A D M Y S O N ,

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was unable to strike as a therapist or full-time parent. And finding a fulfilling job has benefited her mental health too. “After the first month, I realized my mind felt clearer. Being around adults meant I could finally talk in complete sentences and have a conversation without feeling distracted,” she says. But perhaps the best part? Restarting her career made her a better parent. “I felt so much more alert, awake, and present. And I had much more energy and patience to help my son.” One in three women considered leaving or downshifting their role in 2021, so you’re not alone if you’re questioning your career. Chatting with a mentor, career coach, or therapist like Miriam did can help you hone in on your goals, both personal and professional, to make sure you’re in a job that aligns with them. If you prefer mulling it over on your own, “do a ‘career audit,’ ” Wilding recommends. “Go through all your past roles, back to your internships, and think about what M A K E I T W O R K F O R YO U

you loved about them, what made you feel the most engaged, and what the nature of the responsibilities was,” she says. “On the flip side, what would you never do again? What do you hate doing?” From there, she says, you can start to see patterns. Maybe you loved helping customers or managing complex projects. Then look through your personal network: Is anyone you know doing something that might line up with what you enjoyed? Schedule a chat with them. But most crucially, Wilding says, really give yourself space to think. “Take some time to rest if you can,” she suggests, even if you need to use a few vacation days. “Maybe take a course, or volunteer somewhere, or read some books—just allow your brain and body to reset. If you try to force yourself to find an answer, you’ll likely come up with nothing.” Figuring out what to do with your life is a big decision. You deserve to have a clear head.

One in three women considered leaving or downshifting their role in 2021.

LIVES

“I Fine-Tuned the Work-fromHome Life” Mallery Ingmire DIRECTOR OF APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT AT SAFELITE AUTOGLASS UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO

working from home since 2016, after she and her family moved to the Columbus, Ohio, area for a slower pace of life. Her job at a global consulting firm was based in Chicago. “Working from home was fine for me because I had other outlets,” Mallery says, like a CrossFit habit. But when lockdown hit, she couldn’t spend time at her gym, and work began to fill her every waking hour. “The pandemic really exaggerated the fact that when you work from home, you’re always available,” she says. “It would be 10 p.m., and I’d think I should try to talk to this person in India. ‘I’ll just pop on before I go to bed and catch them.’ ” Suddenly, she’d put in another hour—or more—of work. Once her opportunities for socializing were gone, Mallery had another epiphany: As a shy person,

“I’d always mistaken myself for an introvert,” she says. “The pandemic made me realize I enjoy being around people.” So Mallery set out looking for a new job—specifically, a local one where she could work on-site. When she started in her current, office-based role, her whole mindset shifted. It was possible to call it a day when there was a physical space, outside her home, where work belonged. “Before, my laptop was always on my desk,” she says. “It’s so much easier to shut down now. I don’t check email in the middle of the night anymore.” The change improved her home life too. The time she spends with her family is truly high-quality. “Having an office to go to makes me more in the moment with my kids. I’m no longer taking a conference call while simultaneously feeding them breakfast,” she says.

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

M A L L E RY H A D B E E N

Even if you enjoy the flexibility that working from home provides, the “always on” part of it can dial up stress. One in three women say they feel burned out at work—an increase from one in four in 2020— and nearly two-thirds say their manager has not helped them navigate work-life challenges, according to the 2021 Women in the Workplace survey. Finding an in-person role ended up being the right move for Mallery. If you like your remote job but feel M A K E I T W O R K F O R YO U

overextended, talk to your manager, says Tiffany Burns, a partner at the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company and coauthor of the Women in the Workplace survey. “Maybe you’re thinking, ‘I want to be more present at home, I want to keep my job, but I want to do it with some guardrails.’ ” Burns, for example, lets her team and clients know she’s not available from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or on Monday mornings before 10. After setting those parameters, Burns found that people she worked with tried to embrace similar norms. It might be scary to set boundaries like this, but you’ve never had more leverage than you do now, when awareness of the issue is at an all-time high. Once you’ve decided which hours you’ll block off, ask your manager, “What concerns do you have about that?” Wilding suggests. “Make it more of a dialogue.” With the mass resignation going on, good managers should be concerned that a poor work-life balance will drive away talent. “I think you’ll find that people are more amenable than ever to boundaries,” Wilding says. Also, try creating an end-of-theday ritual to clearly distinguish between work time and home time, Wilding advises. “You could take a shower, change your clothes— for me, it’s turning on the TV,” she says. An act to close out the day can prevent that accidental returnto-the-desk.

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FIRST PERSON

S I N G U L A R S E N S AT I O N

When Jami Attenberg was jonesing for a big birthday party, she decided to throw one for herself. On that magical night on the occasion of her 50th, she had the time of her life.

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Illustration by Anna Ivanir

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

when I was 47, I decided I wanted a big 50th birthday party. I’d hosted birthday parties, going-away parties, book launches, and baby showers for my friends. Here was one more good time to invent out of thin air. I had lived through a lot as a woman on my own, and I was amazed to see myself still standing. Wasn’t that something worth marking? I envisioned everyone flying to my adopted home city of New Orleans, easy-peasy, and checking into a beautiful hotel. We would drink and dine and talk and laugh. The whole weekend would be like one giant embrace. I almost talked myself out of it a few times. It would take me two years to save money for it. It was not like a wedding, where you have a partner to plan with and maybe financial support from parents. It was just me, figuring it all out. It felt outrageous to throw a celebration entirely for myself. Was it self-centered to host something on such a grand scale? In this world, even after all this time, the value is still placed on celebrating the pairing of two, rather than the individual. Yet wasn’t I part of something bigger than myself by having an expansive group of friends? Then, of course, came the pandemic. I watched as everything around the world was canceled and thought, “Who am I to carry on with such trivial matters as a birthday party?” But November 2021 seemed far enough away that the world might change again. Surely, we would have a vaccine by then. Still, I fretted about the audaciousness of the act. Nevertheless, the very first thing I did in 2021, on January 1, was send out invitations to friends from all over the world. Overwhelmingly, the response was: “Oh my God, please give me something to look forward to.” I dived into the planning: a party in three parts, all within walking distance of each other in my neighborhood, in the city I loved so much. Champagne in a public park while a calypso band played. Dinner of Basque tapas across the street, outdoors at an event space in a restored 1830s Creole corner store. Cake and whiskey punch around the corner, in my friend Anne’s backyard. I got my cake from the grocery store, because sheet cake is better than any fancy cake I have ever tasted. In the middle of planning, a hurricane hit. Ida came through New Orleans on August 29, and again I asked, “Is it appropriate to throw this party?” But I knew there would be lights and food and booze in two months, and no matter what, we could all still be together. A solid 22 people were coming from out of town. That, mixed with my beloved New Orleans friends, was enough to make a party. I plowed ahead. N 2018,

A few times I would say to a guest, “Is this as good as I think it is?”

After a while, the only thing left was the outfit. I bought a dress and stalked a pair of black-embossed, crocodilemotif Mary Janes online, waiting for them to go on sale, even just a little bit. (The brand didn’t even offer the 10 percent off you get for signing up for a mailing list! I cursed them.) I texted with my friend Priyanka about the shoes, agonizing over the splurge. A week before the party—behind my back—she emailed the guests, and a group of them bought me the shoes, which arrived in the mail the next day. I felt like Cinderella, only my friends were my prince. I am happy to report that the party was perfect. A few times I would say to a guest, “Is this as good as I think it is?” When something you have been dreaming of for so long is just as you wanted. To watch the sun setting in the park as the musicians played, as all these smart and funny and talented people said hello and hugged and admired one another’s outfits. Seeing my friends eat and laugh and make new friendships. The toasts where everyone talked about how we had met (and it was true—I had introduced myself to all of them and made them my friends). My friend Jason, in his toast, called it the 37th anniversary of my bat mitzvah. People got drunk. Then after dinner, to wander over and see the chandeliers in the citrus trees in Anne’s yard. Not one bite remained of the birthday cake. One of the most satisfying things about the party was that I did it on my own terms. I’m not sure why single people–particularly women–are ABOUT THE made to feel less important for navigating this AU T H O R world on their own. But it’s simply not true. Jami Attenberg is We exist. We’re here. And we deserve a party. the bestselling author of eight Ultimately, I felt like I had won something— books, including all these people in my life who were willing to her memoir, travel to see me, and meet each other. These I Came All This Way to Meet You, were friends I had acquired in different places released in over the years, and they all meshed together. I January. felt we formed a new kind of community that night. It was not a selfish act, to throw myself this party; it was an act of joy. It was an expression of the life I carved out for myself. It took me 50 years to find everyone I needed. And if I wanted them to show up, I just had to invite them over.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

The 10 Most Beautiful Buys At REAL SIMPLE, we worship economy and efficiency. These winners simplify your routine and cost less than $25.

Lisa DeSantis

PHOTO GR APHS BY

Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh ST YLING BY

Marina Bevilacqua

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UNDEREYE BRIGHTENER

Benefit Boi-ing Bright On Concealer Your prayers have been answered, and those dark circles will disappear. These color-correcting pigments reduce hyperpigmentation brought on by sleepless nights, as well as the undereye hollows that genetics may have graced you with (thanks, Dad!). The formula has a light texture, like a serum—and hydrates like one too. Choose from 12 buildable, lightreflecting shades. TO BUY: $24; benefitcosmetics.com.

S U S TA I N A B L E S K I N S M O O T H E R

MyKirei by Kao Soothing Peony Milky Lotion We love products that perform like champions and are ecofriendly—like this peony-extractinfused body lotion with its reusable dispenser (available in two cute patterns). The quickabsorbing formula is sheer and silky yet super moisturizing, thanks to vitamin-rich rice water. And the genius packaging uses 75 percent less plastic than standard bottles, since the lotion comes in a pouch that pops right into the chic shell. TO BUY: $18 for lotion and holder, $14 for refill pouch; amazon.com.

3 BOUNCE BO OSTER

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

L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray Emollients are a curl’s best friend. If your coils and waves have lost luster and bounce, just spray this nourishing formula from root to tip. It delivers the moisturizing benefits of castor oil and hyaluronic acid, creating definition, springiness, and shine. And you can spritz as often as you wish, without making hair feel crunchy or weighed down. TO BUY: $7; lorealparisusa.com.

E X F O L I AT I N G C L E A N S E R

Cocokind AHA Jelly Cleanser “Acids” may sound harsh, but they’re actually well tolerated by most skin types, and derms love them. This yummy gel cleanser taps alpha hydroxy acids from hibiscus flowers and grapes to break down dirt and oils for bright, smooth, and clear skin. With a subtle floral scent, this gel offers a thorough cleanse but won’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry, so you can use it daily. TO BUY: $18; cocokind.com.

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D O - I T-A L L M A S C A R A

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara This mascara lets you skip the lash curler, because it yields the same lifted results. Yes, really! The ingredients of this long-lasting formula were inspired by hair care products that feel weightless but hold a style all day. And the true secret to its success is the spoolie, which has double the usual number of bristles to really grab and lift every last lash—even the nubby ones. TO BUY: $10; target.com.

E Y E A N T I -A G E R

After hours of staring (and let’s be honest, squinting and scowling) at screens, your delicate eye area deserves some pampering from this powerhouse gel. Hyaluronic acid decreases crepiness and smooths fine lines, peptides firm and lift, and caffeine perks up any dullness around your peepers. To sneak in a little more soothing and depuffing, stash it in the fridge and gently dab it on first thing in the morning. TO BUY: $18.25; walmart.com.

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

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream

SHAMPO O AND CONDITIONER DUO

Generation Beauty by Pantene Full & Vibrant The look and feel of hair change with age—just like skin—and that’s where these new shampoos and conditioners come in. In each of the line’s three options, the ingredients are tailored to a specific state of hair: greasy and damaged, gray and white, and thinning and colored, which the Full & Vibrant option targets. In this duo, hyaluronic acid acts as the heavy hitter, infusing wimpy strands with a nourishing wallop of moisture. TO BUY: $12.50 each; cvs.com.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

8 O N E -A N D - D O N E NIGHT CREAM

Garnier Labs Retinol-Berry Serum Cream Retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging, with an ability to combat breakouts, fade spots, and boost collagen. The catch, alas, is that this vitamin A– derived miracle worker can be harsh on skin, especially sensitive types. But this calming berry blend tempers the retinol and prevents dryness and irritation. Since it’s so gentle, you can use it as a nighttime eye cream, serum, and moisturizer in one. Multitasking for the win! TO BUY: $17; target.com.

L I P- L OV I N G C O L O R

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

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip It’s a gloss. It’s a lipstick. It’s a treatment. It’s the “tri-brid” that replaces half the clutter in your cosmetics case. You can get by with just one (OK, maybe two) of these sleek tubes, which are available in 14 shades, including clear. As the formula imparts a subtle wash of color, it moisturizes lips with superfruit oils, giving you the ideal dose of hydration and pigment, sans stickiness. TO BUY: $21; tartecosmetics.com.

P E R F E C T- B A L A N C E S P F

Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 Finding a moisturizer-sunscreen combo that doesn’t separate in the package or pill on your skin can be a tall order. But this lightweight gel far exceeds expectations, delivering plenty of hydration and sun-protection benefits. To further sweeten the pot, it completely sheers out as you rub it in, so you’re not left with the ghostly white cast so many SPF formulas are known (and avoided) for. TO BUY: $18; walmart.com.

When shopping for beauty products, look for this seal on some of our favorites.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

T O M A K E A RO O M L O O K L E S S B OX Y

wea ve i n tex t u r e

Kate Spade Prescott Sconce, $489; circalighting.com. Olivia & May Modern Wall Mirror, $303; target.com for similar.

TO B U Y:

o oh de to i l ette! A well-designed powder room has us flush with excitement. Here’s how experts bring big style to these little spaces. by E R I C A F I N A M O R E

84 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

T H I S PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F N AT H A N S H R O D E R . O P P O S I T E PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F J O N F R I E D R I C H

A small, square space can be a little cookie-cutter, so Janelle Burns of Maestri Studio thought outside the box. Ridged cabinet doors, a penny-tile backsplash, and organic shapes—the imperfectly oval mirror and swooping floral sconces— create a more dynamic feel.

T O A M P U P WA L L PA P E R

ad d a m i r r o r If you’re splurging on wallpaper, you want to make it count. Lauren N. White of Ellen W. Interior Concepts doubled the impact of this pink design by installing a mirror on one of the walls. The reflection gives the look of wallto-wall paper without the costly extra rolls. Copacabana Wallpaper, $163 per roll; miltonandking.com for similar. Raisin Interior Paint, $40 per gallon; sherwin-williams.com. TO B U Y:

T O W O R K A N O D D L AYO U T

l ea n i nto th e a n g l e s Designer Katie Rosenfeld accentuated the quirky shape of this under-thestairway space by wallpapering the ceiling and walls, giving it a jewelbox vibe. A tiny corner sink and a brightly hued gallery wall are other fun touches. Kinnicutt Wallpaper, $239 per roll; sisterparishdesign.com. Valspar Signature Satin Blue Burst Paint, $40 per gallon; lowes.com for similar.

TO B U Y:

TO MAKE A N A R RO W S PAC E SEEM GR AND

t i l e th e c e i l i n g Look up! Sara Malek Barney of Bandd Design installed stone tiles from the counter all the way onto the ceiling to emphasize the height of the room. The zigzag edge (see inset, below) creates the optical illusion of a soaring ceiling. Made Shapes Swiss Cross Tile, from $40 per sq. ft.; annsacks.com for info. Aerin Sarnen Small Pendant, $489; circalighting.com.

T H I S PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F R YA N N F O R D ( 2 ) . O P P O S I T E PA G E : R E A D M C K E N D R E E /J B S A

TO B U Y:

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

TO BRIGHTEN A W I N D O W L E S S RO O M

b r i n g i n l i g ht i n g & lacquer To compensate for the lack of natural light, Ashley Hoskins and Katie Swift of Haven Homes 615 went with a duo of statement sconces, lots of warm gold accents, and a highgloss finish on the vanity. TO B U Y:

Sutton Grand Linear Sconce, $435;

rh.com. Bassett Mirror Co. Sophia Wall Mirror, $281; houzz.com for similar.

T O E N L A RG E A S M A L L FLO OR PL AN

i n s ta l l a n o p e n va n i t y A postage-stamp space can feel expansive if you skip the sink cabinet and get creative with storage. Designer Zoë Feldman chose a console with brass legs, added a floating glass shelf that blends in with the wallpaper, and placed a small, light basket on the floor. Linden Handcrafted Shelf, $89; potterybarn.com. Cole & Son Palm Leaves Wallpaper, $147 per roll; decoratorsbest.com. TO B U Y:

4 wa y s to d r e ss u p a p o wd e r r o o m

T H I S PA G E : S TA C Y Z A R I N G O L D B E R G . O P P O S I T E PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F M A D I S O N A N N E P H O T O G R PA H Y

FIND A FR AGR ANCE

Even unlit candles can smell heavenly, thanks to what’s known as “cold throw.” We like the Cinderose Candle ($32; boysmells.com). H A N G S O M E A RT

The powder room can be a low-risk place to experiment with a gallery wall. Try the Fiskbo Frames (from $1.50; ikea-usa.com). CLE AR THE FLO OR

Toss old mags and catalogs (no one likes a doctor’s office vibe) and try a hybrid toilet paper holder and magazine rack. D E C A N T YO U R S OA P

Pour hand soaps and sanitizer into matching dispensers for a more uniform look. A good one: Kaloh Soap Pump Set ($50; westelm.com).

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

FRENCH ONION C A SSEROLE

Take all the creaminess of mac and cheese, add the complexity of French onion soup, et voilà! You’ve got a party.

CRISPY RICE BAKE WITH SHRIMP AND PEAS

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

This spin on paella is caramelized around the edges and tender in the center—just the spot for juicy shrimp.

MODERN CAS S E ROL E S Make ahead? Check. Leftover friendly? Check. Easy cleanup? Check! There’s a lot to love about these simple and satisfying updates to classic, cozy meals. RECIPES BY MARIANNE WILLIAMS

•

BY LIZZY BRISKIN

•

P H OTO G R A P H S BY ANTONIS ACHILLEOS

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

CHICKEN FRICASSEE POTPIE

C H I C K E N F R I CAS S E E P OT P I E : FO O D ST Y L I N G BY A L I R A M E E

A comfort food all-star becomes worthy of a fete when you give it a French twist with a buttery herb sauce and puff pastry topping.

PULLED PORK AND POBLANO BAKE

Cheesy stuffed peppers get gentle heat from poblano chiles and pops of sweetness from corn.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

sauce, nutmeg, garlic, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat. Add 21/2 cups Gruyère and 1/2 cup Cheddar, a handful at a time, stirring until melted between additions. half of caramelized onions into pasta mixture. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with remaining caramelized onions. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup each Gruyère and Cheddar. Bake on center rack until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Transfer baking dish to top rack and increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until cheese is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with thyme. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. STIR

FRENCH ONION CASSEROLE ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 8

Cooking spray 3 Tbsp. olive oil 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 7 cups)

together mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar 2 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 cups unsalted vegetable stock 1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 medium clove garlic, grated

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves oven to 350°F with 1 rack in center of oven and 1 rack 6 inches from heat. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray.

CRISPY RICE BAKE WITH SHRIMP AND PEAS ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 6

PREHEAT

oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and jammy, 15 to 18 minutes (add 1/4 cup water at a time if onions start to burn). Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. HEAT

add cream and stock to a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high. Add pasta; simmer, stirring occasionally, until just al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire MEANWHILE,

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 tsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon), plus wedges for serving 1 tsp. garlic powder, divided 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 onion) 2 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 1/2 cups uncooked arborio rice 1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 2 1/2 cups seafood or chicken stock, divided, plus more if needed 2/3 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed 1 lb. peeled, deveined large raw tail-on shrimp 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

94 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

oven to 350°F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add remaining 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, chili powder, turmeric, and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted and beginning to turn golden, 2 to 3 minutes. PREHEAT

1 16-oz. pkg. penne rigate or ziti pasta

4 oz. sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), divided

These casseroles can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated overnight (except the Crispy Rice Bake). Bring to room temperature for a half hour before baking; you may need to add a few minutes to the bake time.

STIR

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

12 oz. aged Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 3 cups), divided

G E T A H E A D S TA RT

tomatoes and 11/2 cups stock. Spread rice in an even layer in skillet. Bake until all liquid is absorbed and some rice is crusted around edges of pan, about 20 minutes. ADD

skillet from oven and add remaining 1 cup stock. Stir rice in center of skillet, leaving rice on perimeter stuck to edges. Return to oven. Bake until rice is mostly tender and continues to crisp around edges, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven. (If rice is not yet mostly tender, add up to 1/2 cup more stock.) Stirring only in center of skillet, stir in peas and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Nestle shrimp in rice; return to oven.

REMOVE

until shrimp are just cooked through and peas are bright green and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with mayonnaise mixture and lemon wedges. BAKE

flour; cook, stirring constantly, until flour coats vegetables and turns golden brown, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup wine; cook, stirring constantly, until reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in broth; bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken, mustard, tarragon, kosher salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. Stir in cream and remaining 1/4 cup wine and 1 tablespoon butter. ADD

CHICKEN FRICASSEE POTPIE ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTES SERVES 6

2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 4-oz. boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 12 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms, such as oyster, shiitake, or cremini 2 large carrots, cut into 3/4-in. chunks 2 spring onions or scallions, thinly sliced

puff pastry into 12 (11/2-inch) squares. Arrange on top of chicken mixture. Whisk egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush egg wash over puff pastry. Bake until puffed and deep golden brown, about 40 minutes. Top with flaky sea salt. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. CUT

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup dry white wine, divided 3 cups unsalted chicken broth 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard 2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon

Frozen puff pastry will thaw at room temperature in about 40 minutes.

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup heavy cream

1 large egg, lightly beaten Flaky sea salt, for serving

2 tablespoons butter to skillet and melt over medium-high. Add mushrooms; cook, undisturbed, until deeply browned on 1 side, about 4 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and fully browned, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. ADD

remaining 1 tablespoon oil over bottom of an 11-by-7-inch baking dish. Combine 2/3 cup corn, beans, pork, salt, cumin, 1 1/2 cups cheese, and 1/2 cup salsa in a large bowl. Working with 1 chile at a time, spoon 2/3 cup pork mixture into each chile, pressing lightly to compact filling; fold other side of chile over filling to close. Place chiles in baking dish.

DRIZZLE

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-oz. pkg.), thawed

oven to 425°F. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add chicken; cook, flipping once, until beginning to turn golden brown, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and shred. (Chicken will not be cooked through.)

chiles to a large heatproof bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set aside until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Slip charred skins off chiles. Cut 1 side of each chile lengthwise and unfold to open, keeping chile intact. Remove and discard seeds and stems. TRANSFER

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

PREHEAT

broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place chiles and corn on baking sheet, turning to fully coat with oil. Broil, turning chiles and stirring corn every 3 to 4 minutes, until chiles are charred on all sides, about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. PREHEAT

PULLED PORK AND POBL ANO BAKE ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 6

2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 6 large poblano chiles (about 1 lb., 3 oz. total)

chiles with remaining 1/4 cup salsa, 1/2 cup cheese, and corn. Bake until chiles are heated through and cheese is melted and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. TOP

1 1/4 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed 8 oz. shredded smoked pork 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), divided 3/4 cup salsa, divided 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro leaves Lime wedges, for serving

Pick up smoked pulled pork (without the sauce) at your fave barbecue joint, or find packaged options near the bacon when you grocery shop. We like the brands Bishop’s and Kirkland Signature.

MARCH 2022 RE AL SIMPLE

SPINACHA RT I C H O K E Q U I N OA C A SSEROLE

Now presenting your favorite dip, reimagined as a hearty casserole that’s—wait for it— vegan to boot.

CRO QUE MADAME AND TOT CASSEROLE ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 8

SPINACH-ARTICHOKE QUINOA CASSEROLE ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 6

1 cup cashew or almond milk 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cashew butter 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. white miso 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, divided 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided Cooking spray 16 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cup coarsely chopped marinated artichoke hearts (from a 12-oz. jar), drained

Cooking spray 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 cups half-and-half 8 oz. fontina cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), divided 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, until flour is golden brown, about 1 minute. Slowly add halfand-half, whisking constantly, until incorporated and thickened, about 1 minute. Add 11/2 cups cheese, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until melted between additions. Add mustard, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. PREHEAT

8 large eggs

together 4 cups potato tots and ham in a large bowl. Add cheese sauce and toss to combine (mixture will be thick). Spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and 11/2 cups potato tots.

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

BAKE

5 1/2 cups frozen potato tots (from a 32-oz. pkg.), divided 6 oz. thick-cut sliced ham, torn or cut into 1 1/2-in. pieces (about 3/4 cup)

Feel free to swap in Swiss or Gruyère for the fontina.

TOSS

until potato tots are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Crack eggs into larger crevices among potato tots. Return to oven and bake until egg whites are set and yolks are still runny, 18 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chives.

1 cup coarsely crushed kettle-cooked potato chips (about 1 1/2 oz.) milk, cashew butter, vinegar, miso, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. (Cashew cream can be prepared and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days in advance.) C R O Q U E M A DA M E A N D TOT CAS S E R O L E : FO O D ST Y L I N G BY A L I R A M E E

ADD

oven to 375°F with 1 rack in center of oven and 1 rack 6 inches from heat. Coat a 9-inch square (or 6-to-8-cup) broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray. Place cashew cream, spinach, quinoa, artichokes, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; fold to combine. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Bake on center rack until heated through and set, about 20 minutes. PREHEAT

combine chips and remaining 1 tablespoon each nutritional yeast and oil in a medium bowl. MEANWHILE,

casserole with chip mixture. Place on top rack and increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until chips are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. TOP

CRO QUE MADAME AND TOT C A SSEROLE

Tater tots graduate from the kids’ menu in this brunch dish inspired by the indulgent egg-andcheese sandwich.

a neighb or i n n eed of… THE BIGGER PICTURE DENVER

The Friends Next Door I T ’ S A G R E AT B I G W O R L D O U T T H E R E — FO RT U N AT E LY, YO U R N E I G H B O R S H AV E YO U R BAC K. W E C H O S E 1 1 I N S P I R I N G STO R I E S A B O U T P EO P L E BA N D I N G TO G E T H E R . BY A M Y M A C L I N A N D R A C H E L SY LV E S T E R

98 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

When Charlo Garcia moved to the Colorado capital with his husband in the fall of 2019, he was looking forward to meeting new friends—but the pandemic had other plans. “I’m very outgoing, and I thought, ‘Oh no, this is not gonna be good,’ ” says the artist, who began searching for a project to channel his energy. He was captivated by the idea of mural painting, which would free him from the limits of a canvas and also dress up the underappreciated corners of his new neighborhood. “In Mexico, where I’m from, we don’t really have alleyways,” he says. “When I moved to the U.S., I noticed people would just put their trash there. Why not beautify those spaces?” On Nextdoor, the social network for neighborhoods, Charlo asked whether anyone would want a custom mural, and his neighbor Clay took him up on it. “It was a beautiful experience meeting him and his girlfriend, chatting six feet apart,” Charlo says. “Like a mini block party.” When Clay posted pictures of the results, requests rolled in, and Charlo set to work sprucing up his neighbors’ formerly unloved alleys. He asks his clients about everything from their favorite colors to the things they hold dear (“One family asked me to make it all about their dog”) and often hides names or special words in the design. Now he’s painted 46 murals and would love to get to 100: “The city has become my gallery.”

Photograph by Jeff Minton

Charlo Garcia with one of his creations: “People will contact me for a list of addresses of the murals so they can see them all. It’s amazing, going to alleys to see art.”

a n eighb or i n n eed of… A B U S I N E SS R E B O OT D AY T O N , O H I O

Last summer, when he was 8 years old, Colby Mitchell spent his days slinging ice-cold lemonade to his community. But his hustle came to a sudden halt when his stand went missing one August afternoon. “Colby came inside to grab something, and when he went back, his stand was gone,” says his mother, Hannah. (In Colby’s glass-half-full interpretation, someone must have mistaken the unattended stand for a giveaway item and driven off with it.) Hannah immediately posted on Nextdoor to plead for its safe return, and her message was met with dozens of donations from concerned community members wanting to help Colby rebuild his business. The most generous offer came later that week, when local handyperson Ron Siegel pulled into the Mitchells’ driveway with a custom-made, hand-painted lemonade stand he’d built. “We were blown away by the support from complete strangers,” Hannah says. Ever the enterprising businessperson, this year Colby pivoted his focus for winter weather, and turned his stand into a hot chocolate outpost.

Colby Mitchell proudly poses behind his aptly named drink stand.

a neighb or i n n eed of… HELPING HANDS Soon after an early-morning tornado took Marlene Reedy and her husband by surprise, the couple realized they were dealing with more than just a power outage. A titanic downed tree had completely blocked their driveway, and they worried about how they’d get their car out. Fortunately, neighbors sprang into action: “Five people showed up, then 10, then 20,” Marlene recalls. Some had chainsaws, others rode up on mowers, and within an hour, the Reedys’ driveway was clear. “I knew some of the helpers, and others I had never seen before,” Marlene says. “As I watched everyone work together, I was reminded of the goodness in people.”

100 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

ABOUT NEXTD O OR Download the app or go to nextdoor.com to connect with your neighbors.

C O U RT ESY O F H A N N A H M I TC H E L L

NASHVILLE

a neighb or i n need of… F R E S H P RO D U C E B R O O K LY N , N E W Y O R K

When residents noticed an uptick in food insecurity among neighbors, Adriene Thorne, a local reverend, put out the call on Nextdoor for a fresh-food pantry. Several months later, the Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge was born. Designed to blend in with the block’s brownstones, the shared fridge is open 24/7 (like a Little Free Library) and is powered by an industrial-strength outdoor extension cord. Groups commit to refilling the fridge with fresh vegetables, snacks, and soups, and locals routinely pitch in to clean it. There’s just one rule: Take only what you need. “The fridge is an act of faith, since there’s no lock or code to access it,” says Caroline Koster, one of its founders. “The project has shown me that you can’t assume anyone’s food circumstances—you just never know.”

Fresh food, full stomachs, can’t lose. Caroline Koster (left) and Reverend Adriene Thorne spent months bringing their idea of a 24/7 fridge to life.

P h o t o g r a p h b y A n d r e L . Pe r r y

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101

Photograph by Jeff Minton

a neighb or i n n eed of… A H E RO C A STA I C , C A L I F O R N I A

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

When a friend’s young son developed a brain tumor three years ago, former police officer and longtime Spider-Man superfan Jiten Pandya used his powers for good. “I dressed up in my costume and sent him a video message to cheer him up,” says Jiten, who leans into his alter ego with a custom motorcycle painted with spiderwebs. As the comic books say, with great power comes great responsibility, so Jiten’s wife, Lindsay, suggested he start making regular visits to other children in need. News of Jiten’s house calls spread on Nextdoor, and he’s so far visited nearly 200 kids across the state of California in need of a morale boost. But he’s not the only superhero—Lindsay has accepted the role of Spider-Woman, and the couple’s 23-year-old son, Noah, rounds out the squad as Superman. “It’s my turn to give back to the country that has given me so much,” says the London native. “My goal is to empower kids and remind them that a little kindness and compassion go a long way.”

Look out! Here comes Spider-Man. To his Southern California neighbors, Jiten Pandya is a true marvel.

a n eighb or i n n eed of… A S U P P O RT I V E AU D I E N C E

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, activist Ashlyn So rallied in support of her AAPI community.

S A N M AT E O, C A L I F O R N I A

Following a spate of recent attacks against Asians, 14-year-old Ashlyn So was compelled to speak out. The fledgling teen activist took to Nextdoor, where she planned her first peaceful rally in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. In just under a week, Ashlyn, who until then had no experience with activism, spread the word, secured a permit, and organized a Stand for Asians rally at San Mateo Central Park. Her hard work paid off—hundreds of friends, fellow students, and neighbors showed up with signs in hand. “I wanted people to gather and freely share stories of how they deal with racism,” she says. The resulting march taught Ashlyn a thing or two about the power of community—and herself. “I didn’t know I was capable of raising my voice in front of so many strangers,” she says.

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a n eighb or i n n eed of… A W O R K WA R D RO B E WA S H I N G T O N , D.C .

Though Jamal Alsoffi has never had a big clothing budget, he’s always had an eye for style. He still owns one of the watches he tinkered with as a kid, an old-fashioned pocket style with a chain, and has been known to rock a fedora. “I got that from my brother,” he says. “Dress for success, because you never know when you might meet your next boss.” Jamal looked sharp for customers at Starbucks, where the army veteran worked as a barista while going to school for IT support, wearing his best shoes even though he spent long shifts on his feet. (He invested in a lot of inserts.) When he landed a position at the consulting firm Accenture, it was more important than ever to look the part, but his shoes were the worse for wear. Since he lacked the funds to replace them right away, he did what he’s always done best: hustle. “I posted on Nextdoor asking whether anyone needed help—cleaning out the garage, running errands—that I could do in exchange for shoes or belts,” he says. By the next morning, his neighbors, some of whom recognized him from their morning latte runs, had filled his inbox with offers not only for accessories but also for suits, store credit, and gift cards. Jamal headed into his job with a surge of confidence—and a very snappy shoe collection. “I was at a loss for words,” he says. “I promised the community I’d pay it forward and never forget their support.”

a n eighb or i n n eed of… FO U R- L EG G E D F R I E N D S H I P The staff at Noble Hospice and Palliative Care went above and beyond to grant a wish to one of their long-term patients, 77-year-old Diane McKay. While making rounds, Nadine Hartman, the hospice’s director of social services, found out that Diane had loved growing up around horses. Back at her desk, Nadine posted on Nextdoor looking for a local rancher who could offer the services of a horse gentle enough to interact with a woman in hospice care. Deb Ricketts of the Wildhorse Ranch Rescue—and her mount, Duke—were ready to help. Nadine brought Diane to the stables, and “it was like her muscle memory kicked in,” she says. She and Deb witnessed a childlike joy in Diane as she spent a few hours petting, feeding, and brushing the horse. When “our sweet Diane” passed away last December, Nadine remembered that heartwarming day. “I know how much joy Diane felt in that moment,” she says. “I’m glad people can see the happiness in hospice, because there’s a lot of it to be had.” Horse lover Diane McKay (left, with rancher Deb Ricketts) was brought up surrounded by Arabians.

104 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

C O U RT ESY O F N A D I N E H A RT M A N

MESA, ARIZONA

Janae Avera with part of her snow globe collection. “They’re all her favorites,” says her aunt Stefanny. “She holds them to her chest.”

a neighb or in need of… TINY TRE A SURES B RO O M F I E L D, C O L O R A D O

Janae Avera was 9 years old when she was mesmerized by her first snow globe, a souvenir from her grandparents’ vacation. Her fascination was unusual for someone who, like Janae, has Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition. “Many kids with Williams syndrome don’t gravitate to toys or objects,” says Stefanny Avera, Janae’s aunt. “They’d rather engage with other people.” The family added to her collection, until her bedroom shelf held more than three dozen snow globes. But then one night last January, the now 16-year-old awakened to a crash. The shelf had fallen, leaving her spheres in shards. “Janae was devastated,” says Stefanny, who decided to post on Nextdoor, hoping to buy a few secondhand replacements. What she received was a universe of donated snow globes, many with notes

Photograph by Jeff Minton

explaining what they meant to the giver. “One couple sent one they’d gotten after losing a baby—giving it to Janae was their way of moving on,” Steffany says. “A woman who had lost her sister to cancer brought her sister’s entire collection. We both stood crying on the front porch.” Janae has now received 86 globes from around the world. “One little girl sent one from Australia,” Steffany says. “Her mom told us she wanted to do it for the same reason I believe a lot of people did—to be part of something bigger than herself.”

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“It’s been good to get to know each other’s cultures,” says Heidi Henkel (seated, second from right), pictured here with son Connor (far left), husband Scott (second from left), daughter Emee (center), and the Siddiqis: Ahmad, his wife Horia, and their children.

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a n eighb or i n n eed of… A S A F E H AV E N B RO O M F I E L D, C O L O R A D O

This time last year, translator Ahmad Siddiqi, his wife, and their four children lived in a five-bedroom house in Afghanistan. By late August, after U.S. forces left the country and Kabul fell to the Taliban, the family was wading through sewage canals, desperate to reach the airport where they hoped Special Forces could put them on a flight out. About 7,000 miles away in Broomfield (yes, the same town where Janae Avera lives), Scott and Heidi Henkel were relieved when they learned the Siddiqis had left Kabul safely. As an army

Photograph by Jeff Minton

a n eighb or i n n eed of… MAD SCIENCE

C O U RT ESY O F A H M E D M O H A M M E D

OA K L A N D, C A L I F O R N I A

captain stationed in Afghanistan, Scott had depended on Ahmad, “the best translator in the country,” he says. They’d gone on more than 400 missions in active-duty combat zones, and had kept in touch over the 14 years since Scott returned to the United States. Now the Henkels were about to conduct what felt like a military-scale operation: helping the Siddiqis create a new home. “We wanted to alleviate as much trauma as we could, so we wanted to have everything ready when they arrived,” Heidi says—and the family did need everything, right down to knives and forks. When she put out a plea on Nextdoor, neighbors stepped up to offer a car, reduced rent in a home around the corner, bikes, computers, and school supplies, and some even donated their frequent flyer miles. A Colorado public agency saw Heidi’s Nextdoor post and reached out to offer Ahmad a job. People signed up to bring meals. When the Siddiqis set foot in their new home, it was fully stocked with supplies purchased with neighborly donations and via a GoFundMe fundraiser. “The community here opened their arms like my parents,” Ahmad says. “I will appreciate Colorado forever.” In a time when hope is in short supply, the collective project was welcome, Scott adds. “It brought people together in a way that I hadn’t seen in quite a few years in this polarized world.”

When Ahmed Mohammed suggested to his young niece and nephew that they try a science experiment, he was greeted with the enthusiasm kids usually reserve for dentists or liver buffets. “They said they hated science, which was shocking,” Ahmed says. “Science was a huge part of my childhood.” In what world, he wondered, could kids be uninterested in making a battery out of a potato? He grabbed a spud, and the rest was history. To convert other science haters, particularly those in underresourced school districts, he founded Kits Cubed, which offers fun, interactive projects (a plant maze, pop rocks). With the support of his Nextdoor neighbors, who have been as excited as kids with electrified potatoes, he’s donated almost 10,000 kits and sold about 5,000. “I want to show kids that science isn’t mystical,” says Ahmed, a Stanford University freshman. “You can make science in the kitchen and drink it in the backyard.”

Unicorns may be mystical, but Ahmed Mohammed—pictured here with two of his young protégées—believes science shouldn’t be.

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HEIGHTEN YOUR SENSES

Make moments that matter in hip & historic Frederick County, Maryland. Wander historic downtowns with locally-owned specialty shops, galleries, and theaters. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Indulge in world-class restaurants and unwind at dozens of tasting rooms.

visitfrederick.org • 800-999-3613

SHEET PAN FA JITAS

EASY CORNED BEEF

SAVORY BRE AKFAST BUNS

FOOD

IN SEASON

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

Sweeter than their scallion cousins, these ombré roots give dishes an instant depth of flavor. S H O P for firm leeks at least

an inch in diameter with plenty of white and light green parts. P R E P by trimming the roots and dark

green tops. A hack for washing this notoriously gritty veggie: Slice before you clean, then simply soak in cold water and scoop out into a colander. S E RV E roasted or braised, whole

or halved lengthwise. Caramelize halfmoon slices for frittatas, dips, or pasta. Frizzle thin strips in an inch of oil for a crispy salad or soup topper. —Lizzy Briskin

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

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1 1/4 lb. pork tenderloin

EASY DINNER 1

Pork Tenderloin with Gnocchi Ragù ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES

✓ Family Friendly

SERVES 4

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 12-oz. pkg. refrigerated potato gnocchi 1 pt. grape tomatoes 1 bulb fennel, trimmed and thinly sliced, fronds reserved 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion (from 1 small onion) 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Sprinkle pork with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. PREHEAT

2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook pork, turning, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of tenderloin registers 140°F, 15 to 20 minutes.

HEAT

add gnocchi to skillet. Cook over medium-high until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Add tomatoes, fennel, onion, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes burst and fennel and onion soften, 6 to 7 minutes. broth, stirring to release any browned bits from skillet. Cook until reduced, about 1 minute. Add butter and gnocchi; stir until butter melts and gnocchi is coated with sauce, about 1 minute. ADD

pork rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with gnocchi and sauce. Top with fennel fronds and pepper. LET

PER SERVING: 478 Calories, 27g Fat (11g Saturated), 129mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 34g Protein, 24g Carbs, 838mg Sodium, 6g Sugar

110 REAL SIMPLE

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

MEANWHILE,

FOOD

2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over mediumhigh. Add white and light green scallions; cook until slightly softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add orzo; stir until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook, undisturbed, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. HEAT

4 6-to-7-oz. mahi-mahi fillets or other white fish 2 tsp. ground coriander 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3 scallions, divided 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for serving

EASY DINNER 2

Lemony Fish with Orzotto ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking

1 1/2 cups orzo 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon) fillets with coriander and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Thinly slice scallions, separating white and light green parts from dark green parts; reserve dark green parts.

COAT

heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add fillets; cook until deeply browned on 1 side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. MEANWHILE,

cheese, peas, cream, and lemon zest and juice into orzo. Cook, stirring often, until peas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Serve with fish, topped with oil and dark green scallions. STIR

PER SERVING: 603 Calories, 21g Fat (8g Saturated), 94mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 41g Protein, 61g Carbs, 910mg Sodium, 5g Sugar

R e c i p e s b y Ka r e n R a n k i n Photographs by Antonis Achilleos

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FOOD

EASY DINNER 3

Tortellini-Mushroom Soup ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES

SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ One Pot ✓ Family Friendly ✓ Vegetarian

1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving 1 8-oz. pkg. sliced cremini mushrooms 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced (about 2 cups) 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 10-oz. pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini 4 cups baby arugula 1/4 cup refrigerated basil pesto Freshly ground black pepper, for serving oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring often, until mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly, 5 to 6 minutes. Add leeks; cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are browned and leeks are tender, about 4 minutes. HEAT

broth and beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Add tortellini; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions or until pasta is tender, about 3 minutes. ADD

1 cup arugula in each of 4 shallow bowls. Ladle soup over arugula. Top with pesto, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. PLACE

PER SERVING: 401 Calories, 16g Fat (4g Saturated), 34mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 15g Protein, 51g Carbs, 961mg Sodium, 7g Sugar

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8 small flour tortillas 1 1/4 lb. peeled and deveined medium raw shrimp 2 large bell peppers, sliced (about 3 cups) 1 red onion, sliced (about 2 cups) 3 Tbsp. canola oil 2 Tbsp. fajita seasoning 2 limes 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (from 1 bunch) 3/4 cup refrigerated pico de gallo 1/2 cup sour cream 2 avocados, sliced oven to 450°F with racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Place a rimmed baking sheet in oven. Wrap tortillas together in aluminum foil.

PREHEAT

together shrimp, peppers, onion, oil, and fajita seasoning in a large bowl. Carefully remove hot baking sheet from oven; spread shrimp mixture in a single layer. Place on top rack of oven for 6 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven and stir shrimp mixture. Increase oven temperature to broil. Place wrapped tortillas on bottom rack. TOSS

baking sheet to top rack and broil until shrimp and vegetables are slightly charred and shrimp are cooked through, about 4 minutes. Squeeze 1 lime over shrimp mixture; stir. Sprinkle with cilantro. RETURN

remaining lime into wedges. Serve shrimp and vegetables with warmed tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced avocados, and lime wedges.

CUT

PER SERVING: 691 Calories, 40g Fat (10g Saturated), 200mg Cholesterol, 15g Fiber, 31g Protein, 58g Carbs, 1,133mg Sodium, 7g Sugar

EASY DINNER 4

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES

SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ One Pan ✓ Family Friendly

FOOD

1 3 1∕2-lb. pkg. uncooked corned beef brisket with spice packet 1 cup unsalted beef broth 1 1∕2 lb. yellow baby potatoes

EASY DINNER 5

Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

4 carrots, sliced into 2-in. pieces (about 2 1∕2 cups) 1 head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges, core intact 2∕3 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 1 tsp. lemon zest plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

✓ Make Ahead ✓ Pressure Cooker ✓ Big Batch ✓ One Pot ✓ Gluten-Free

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided

brisket, fat side down, in cooker; cook for 2 minutes. Flip and add broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Lock lid and turn steam-release handle to sealing position. Cook at high pressure for 30 minutes. PLACE

QUICK -release the pressure.

Remove lid and add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in layers on top of brisket. Lock lid and turn steam-release handle to sealing position. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes. stir together sour cream, horseradish, lemon zest and juice, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 1∕2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.

MEANWHILE,

sauté setting on a multicooker (such as an Instant Pot). Remove brisket from package, reserving spice packet; rinse brisket in cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides of brisket with contents of spice packet.

SELECT

QUICK -release the pressure.

Remove brisket from pot and thinly slice against the grain. Serve with vegetables, topped with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley and 1∕2 teaspoon pepper. Serve with sour cream sauce. PER SERVING: 442 Calories, 25g Fat (9g Saturated), 90mg Cholesterol, 8g Fiber, 26g Protein, 29g Carbs, 1,817mg Sodium, 10g Sugar

CO OK WITH COZI Get REAL SIMPLE’s easy weeknight-dinner recipes in Cozi, a free meal-planning and organizing app from Dotdash Meredith. Hover your phone’s camera over the code to download.

FOOD

BET TER FOR YOU

Savory Breakfast Rolls I n s p i re d by s p a n a ko p i ta , th e s e feta - a n d - c h a rd - f i l l e d p i nw h e e l s b r i n g G re e k f l a vo rs to yo u r m o r n i n g m e a l .

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

BY A N A N DA E I D E L ST E I N

116 RE AL SIMPLE MARCH 2022

Photographs by Antonis Achilleos

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 5 MINUTES SERVES 8

2 bunches Swiss chard, stemmed 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup) 1∕2 cup loosely packed fresh dill, chopped 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for water 1∕8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs 1 lb. fresh prepared pizza dough, at room temperature All-purpose flour, for work surface 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 1∕2 tsp. sesame seeds oven to 425°F. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chard leaves to pot; cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and run under cold water. Squeeze to remove excess water. Chop and transfer to a large bowl.

PREHEAT

feta, dill, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 egg into chard. STIR

dough into a 17-by-15-inch rectangle on a generously floured work surface, using more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

ROLL

spread chard mixture over dough. Roll dough into a tight log, rolling away from you, and place seam side down. Trim 1 inch off each end of log; discard. Cut log into 8 equal pieces. Brush parchment paper in baking dish with oil. Place rolls in dish, cut side up and evenly spaced. GENTLY

remaining egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush tops and sides of rolls with egg mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until golden and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes (tent rolls with foil for the last 5 minutes if they brown too quickly). Let cool for 10 minutes. BEAT

KEEN ON GREEN

Like beet greens, Swiss chard is hearty and earthy raw, and far milder cooked. Finely slice the greens for salad; save the stems for a stir-fry, hash, or soup. Chard is full of vitamins A, C, and K, plus magnesium and potassium to help promote a healthy heart and glowing skin.

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WHO KNEW?

Help Your Fragrance Last your mom or nana put on perfume, chances are she dabbed it on her wrist and rubbed it in. Little did she know, rubbing your wrists together can actually ruin the top notes, the scents that dominate right after you spritz. Instead, try lightly pressing the perfume to help preserve the integrity of the aroma. I F YO U E V E R WAT C H E D

One of the best places to diffuse fragrance is your hair, thanks to its movement and natural moisture. Spray perfume onto a brush, then apply to your locks. Fragrance tends to fizzle on dry skin, so prime your application spots with an unscented moisturizer or body lotion. If you put fragrance on your skin and then pile on a few layers of clothes, it may be harder to catch wind of it. Instead, spray your sleeves or collar. As long as you launder the clothing regularly, a little perfume shouldn’t damage it.

Never leave your bottles in direct sunlight. They may look cute next to your succulents, but sun and heat can degrade fragrance. Keep your scents in a cool place, like a vanity drawer or cabinet, and they could last for years. —Martha Upton

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M A R C T R A N /STO C KSY

Parfum and eau de parfum contain more concentrated fragrance. Bottles marked “eau de toilette” are more diluted with alcohol, so you can spray more liberally.

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