RS - June 2019 by Lawrence Ambrocio

realsimple LIFE MADE EASIER

SAVE ON SUMMER ENERGY BILL S

Room to Relax

Easy Decluttering & No-Stress Renovations for the Home You Deserve

Inside designer Emily Hendersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home redo, page 108

Delicious Dinners in 30 Minutes Find Your Best Sunscreen Organize Your Closet ( Ahhh)

JUNE 2019

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BEFORE

AFTER SIMULATION OF PRODUCT RESULTS

Thoughts

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”

STO C K SY

— J E A N N E T T E WA L L S, T h e G l a s s C a s t l e

4 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Photograph by Mar tí Sans

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

cover of this month’s issue? Well, it’s not my bedroom. Boy, do I wish it were. I love the contrast of white and blue, the vintage look of the nightstand, the simple striped rug, the classic bed frame, and those three slim volumes balanced on the windowsill. (My bedroom window ledge is crammed with a row of 11 books to read— overwhelming both visually and emotionally.) This bedroom is actually in a Portland, Oregon, home renovated by the wonderful designer Emily Henderson, and it seemed the perfect topper for an issue that includes a guide to making your rooms just the way you’ve always wanted them (“Get Ready to Renovate,” page 108). What I like about Emily is that she openly shares her design strategies so those of us who weren’t born with her keen eye for style can still create rooms that feel fresh and relaxing. For example, she always chooses a nightstand that has a contrasting visual weight to the bed—in this case, the bed frame is more delicate, so she selected a chunky nightstand. On top of the nightstand, she placed items of different scale and shape—the tall lamp, the wide vintage box—which makes your eye move around. She explains, “Your eye wants variety. Eye candy is a real thing, people.” Her bedding rule: If you go all white, mix up the textures, as she did with the pom-pom blanket. For more ideas from Emily, check out her website, stylebyemilyhenderson.com. Our renovation feature also includes Emily’s tips for a bathroom makeover—a project that’s been on my to-do list for months. If you’ve got a few things like that hanging over your head, don’t miss our Get It Done guide (page 25) so you can finally finish those lingering tasks and truly enjoy the summer ahead. Cheers!

Follow me on Twitter @lyazel and Instagram @leslieyazel

6 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Photograph by Remi Pyrdol

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

H AT R E L A X I NG BE DRO OM you see on the

Now in

FRAGRANCEFREE

formula.

BetterInTheBluegrass.com

Contents June 2019

O N T H E C OV E R

TO BUY: Baxton Studio Sabine Metal

Platform Bed, from $444, Made By Design Solid Easy Care Sheet Set in White, $27 (full), and Solid Easy Care Duvet Set in White, $30 (full/queen); target.com. Ribbed Velvet Bed Bolster, $218; schoolhouse.com. Tassel pillow; cityhomepdx.com for similar. Candlewick End of Bed Blanket, $169 (full/queen); westelm.com. Classic Rug in Blue/Cream, from $245; nordicknots .com. Vintage side table and silver box; auroramills.com for similar. Bond Lamp in Opal, $379; schoolhouse.com. Black Stripe Leather Bowl, $45; alexaallenis .com. Dipped Branch Ladder, $108; cityhomepdx.com. Window by Milgard; milgard.com. Roman shades by Hunter Douglas; decorview.com. Molding by Metrie; metrie.com. Floor by Hallmark Floors; hallmarkfloors.com. Paint: Pure White SW 7005; sherwin-williams .com for stores.

Room to Relax

116

Light and refreshing fish dishes

108

Delicious Dinners in 30 Minutes 116, 132 Find Your Best Sunscreen

Organize Your Closet (Ahhh)

Save on Summer Energy Bills

108

1 24

Create a space that fits your life

Write a postcard for morning bliss

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y S a r a L i g o r r i a -Tr a m p D e s i g n e d a n d S t y l e d b y E m i l y H e n d e r s o n a n d B r a d y To l b e r t Assistant St yling by Emily Bowser

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

Contents

1 39

Make guac in 10 minutes

Cultivate some curb appeal

Give a thoughtful gift in a pinch

Thoughts

the realist

relating

Editor’s Note

3 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bill

5 Gifts to Give When You’re in a Hurry Treat dads, grads, or anyone else 71

Real Simple 24 /7

Your Words

The Short List

what we love Outdoor Entertaining Accessories Get It Done, Today Tackle your to-dos Pretty Smart Beauty buys to save your sanity

19 25

Little Helpers Clever items that make every day better 40 The Staple Mint jelly Room Rx Make a deck feel more spacious

Cooking School Learn to break down a chicken 48 Real Simplifier How to give your bike a tune-up Now What?!? Solutions for life’s mini disasters Organize This Declutter your car Mission: Dinner BLT bar Road Test Sunscreen

Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice Pet Tricks Fitness tips for your animal friends

104

5 Easy Dinners

132

Road Test Canned wine

138

Make It Yourself Guacamole

139

Big Batch Chocolate-date-oat bars 140

balance 56

food

4 Shifts That Are Changing Our Wallets Smart money fixes to adapt to the times 100 Ahhh Take a breather

Exactly What Derms Do to Protect Their Skin Insider tips for enjoying summer sunshine 62 Closet Care Keep linen like new

Good Read What Jane Delury learns from gardening fails 75

Making It Work How do you make dressing for work easier?

Are These Health Trends Worth Trying? You heard the buzz. Now get the bottom line 89 What to Say When Coworkers Stress You Out Scripts for awkward office moments 94

features

for fun

Get Ready to Renovate Real SimpleÕs guide to a painless home makeover 108

Thank You for Calling the Book Club Helpline

All the Fishes Summertime and seafood, delicious together

144

116

Postcards: A Love Story Jeff Gordinier on embracing the lost art of note writing 124

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (JUNE 2019) (VOLUME 20/ISSUE 6) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE.COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME.

10 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

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R ACHEL S Y LV E S T E R L I F EST YLE EDITOR AT R E AL S IM P LE. C O M

As much as we love a perfectly chilled glass of rosé, this season calls for a crisp new option. Orange wine is about to become your go-to summer sip.

Favorite item in my apartment: My bookshelves instantly make me feel at home. Currently listening to: Alie Ward’s comedic science podcast, Ologies, gets me through my morning commute.

Read more at realsimple .com/orangewine.

Most recent purchase: A yearlong membership to the meditation app Headspace. I’m hooked. @RACHEL SYLVESTER ON INSTAGRAM

Father’s Day gifts he’ll adore Not quite sure how to choose the best gift for Dad? Our editor-approved presents will suit even the toughest pops to shop for. Shop every thoughtful gift at realsimple .com/fathersdaygifts.

#R SBLO OMS When you’re out taking snaps of the prettiest seasonal flowers, don’t forget to share them with us. Tag #rsblooms on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed.

Hit or Myth Our food editors debunk common cooking myths in our new IGTV video series.

PINTEREST @REALSIMPLE

Watch on our Instagram feed (@real_simple). Open

12 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

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for DIY projects.

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S N A P C H AT @REALSIMPLEMAG

I N S TA G R A M @ R E A L _S I M P L E

C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T : C O U R T E S Y O F R A C H E L S Y LV E S T E R ; J E F F R E Y W E S T B R O O K ; P E T E R D A Z E L E Y / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; K AT E M AT H I S

W E ’ R E C A L L I N G I T: OR ANGE WINE I S T H E N E W RO S É

PROMOTION

HOST CHIC PARTIES ( WI TH OU T T H E G U ES SWO RK )

FOR EACH PA RTY, FI ND :

Recipes and menus Signature cocktails Invitation inspiration Tabletop décor Party-planning timeline

Yo u r W o r d s

What etiquette rule are you sure to follow?

Be kind. This world is so harsh. Smile. It can make a big difference in a person’s day. @ V E I TC H . S H E I L A

Never return a dish empty. Including something as simple as a few pieces of candy along with a thankyou card is a nice way to say thanks for whatever was in the dish when you received it. MICHELLE JAMES, BOISE, IDAHO

Don’t put your phone on the table during a meal. Your phone is not a guest, nor should it be a participant.

# R S L OV E

“ C H A R L E STO N I S STA RT I N G TO S H OW O F F A B I T ! ” @ H O M E S W E E T R U BY

LISA STILES LOFL AND

Never pass the salt without the pepper. VICKI ROSENBURGH, P ORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA

Respond quickly to an invitation. There’s nothing more frustrating to a conscientious host than not knowing how many guests to expect. So I always répondez s’il vous plaît! JOSEPHINE RAMPULL A , LONG BE ACH ISL AND, NE W JERSEY

Everyone should be considerate and wear headphones while watching a video or listening to music in a public place, such as a train, plane, or bus.

Always follow the dress code. If it’s an ’80s party, a Gatsby party, or another costume party, have fun with it. It’s respectful to the host who took the time to plan it. It also makes for fun pictures. @JENNIFERCEDILLO

Always say thank you with a handwritten card. In a digital world, it can be difficult to sound sincere, especially through a text message. That’s why I always send a handwritten thank-you note, regardless of how big or small the thank-you is. LYMARIE JIMENE Z , BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA

@MADDIEGIRL91

No texting people before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. That’s family time! @ DA _ N O U

14 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

When dropping off a friend at their house, I always wait until they unlock the door and get inside safely. This doesn’t go for bad neighborhoods only—perhaps they lost their keys and would be stranded if I drove off too early. KELLY HANSON, RO CHESTER, NE W YORK

No talking on a cellphone in public, where everyone hears your side of the conversation. @K ATHYRI7

Never go to a party empty-handed. I usually know what the host loves and bring that. Flowers or homemade milkchocolate butter pecan cookies are always welcome. TES S IAND OL A , CHICAGO

If you borrow someone’s car or truck, return it with the tank full, no matter how much gas was in it to begin with. They trusted you with an investment; show you appreciate that trust. @CBARNES FAMILYRUN

The Instagrammers who shared the photos on these pages will receive our Find Your Balance special edition, which hits newsstands June 7. Want to be considered for this column? Tag photos on Instagram with #rslove.

Whenever a friend or family member stops by to visit, I offer coffee or tea and a bite to eat. I want them to feel welcome and know I appreciate them. TANNA LOU

Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Always! Forever! If it means wearing less complicated footwear or making awkward maneuvers, do it! @SONNHB

When someone gives you a compliment, a smile and a simple thank-you beat a lengthy explanation.

# R S L OV E

“ B AG S A R E PAC K E D F O R T H E N E X T F E W W E E K S O F T R AV E L I N G ! F I R ST STO P : N A N T U C K E T, M Y H A P P Y P L AC E ! ” @ M E R H A N S O N

CHERYL DRUCK , DAVENP ORT, FLORIDA

NEXT QUESTION... If you could tell your younger self one thing about money, what would you say?

Punctuality. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable. I’ve taught this to my children. I arrive early and always have a book to read while I wait.

Send an email to yourwords@ realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

@TRISHA ALINDSEY

Reply to someone’s “How are you?” with “Great, and how are you?” I can’t count the number of times people look surprised that I’ve reciprocated and say, “Thank you for asking.” @HEYL AUR3 4

If you are with a friend and another joins your conversation, introduce them. Make the world a little less awkward! @ T H E B E C K Y B LU E S

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

The Short List F I V E B O O K S T H AT W O N ’ T D I S A P P O I N T By Elizabeth Sile

In 1953, Roya finds solace from school, family, and Tehran’s political upheaval in a stationery shop, where she meets Bahman, a striking, opinionated young man. Despite his family’s objections, they plan to marry in secret. But Bahman doesn’t show, and Roya leaves Iran. Decades later, she gets a chance to ask him what happened that day. Marjan Kamali’s The Stationery Shop is an affecting novel about first love.

Portrait of friendship A lot has changed since Geraldine, Sunny, and Rachel were working at a magazine together. In Toronto, Geraldine’s career has stalled. In New York City, Rachel is trying to write a young-adult novel while raising a baby, and everything is coming up roses as usual for Sunny. When Geraldine moves to New York, old slights and tensions bubble up. In How Could She, Lauren Mechling captures the power dynamics, competitiveness, and beauty of female friendships.

Multilayered mystery Raised by relatives in the Netherlands for the first decade of her life, Sylvie moves to the United States to live with her Chinese immigrant parents and sister. She goes back to the Netherlands years later to see her ailing grandmother for the last time—and disappears. Distraught, her sister, Amy, travels to find her. Jean Kwok’s Searching for Sylvie Lee has a mystery at its core, but it’s more an enlightening exploration of racism and the immigrant experience.

Great for book club In Nicole DennisBenn’s Patsy, the title character leaves Jamaica—and her daughter, Tru—to start a new life in the United States and reunite with her onetime girlfriend, Cicely. But she’s quickly disheartened: The only job she can get is as a bathroom cleaner, and she discovers Cicely has married a man. Alternating between Patsy’s and Tru’s perspectives, Dennis-Benn tells a brutally honest story with ample topics for discussion.

Observant debut novel Newly separated, Toby is trying to balance spending weekends with his kids; managing a schedule with his ex, Rachel; and working a demanding job as a hepatologist. Then there’s his busy life on dating apps. He’s coping until Rachel drops the kids off and doesn’t return. Piecing together her disappearance, Toby has to look back. Taffy BrodesserAkner’s Fleishman Is in Trouble is a wry novel about marriage with a fully realized protagonist.

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

Epic love story

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

16 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Photograph by Anna Williams

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

K I C K YO U R A L F R E S CO ACTIVITIES UP A NOTCH WITH THESE FUNCTIONAL AND FUN OUTDOOR E N T E R T A I N I N G A C C E S S O R I E S. By Cat Dash

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

CHILL OUT The standard-issue drink tub gets an upgrade: A woven seagrass exterior and a footed base conceal its utilitarian metal lining. (Yes, your drinks stay cold.) TO BUY: Threshold 15L Woven Seagrass Cooler, $50; target.com.

Photograph by Anna Williams

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

1 SWEET SET TING These BPA-free melamine plates are lightweight and durable—perfect for a picnic. TO BUY: Citrus Twist Stripe Dinner Plate, $14, and Citrus Twist Accent Plate, $12; katespade.com. 5 C O L O R F U L C A R RYA L L This hand-printed wood tray is made in Los Angeles using sustainably sourced Baltic birch. TO BUY: Preppy Stripe Serving Tray, $68; wolfum.com.

20 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

2 P L AY T I M E Game night gets vibrant with these oversize wood dominos. TO BUY: Giant Dominos, $50; sunnylife.com. 6 P I L L O W TA L K Bring indoor comforts outside with this weatherproof pillow cover. TO BUY: Campania Pillow Cover, $128; serenaandlily.com.

3 R E T RO C H A R M This vintage-looking—but actually quite modern— battery-powered LED lantern is the best of both worlds. TO BUY: LED Camp Lantern, $26; shopterrain.com. 7 DRINK UP Removable, handwoven rattan sleeves give simple glassware a summery look. TO BUY: Cove Double OldFashioned Glass, $9, and Cove Highball Glass, $10; crateandbarrel.com.

4 CHIC REPELLENT Keep bugs at bay with these long-lasting scented candles set in graphic ceramic vessels. TO BUY: Geometric Citronella Candles, $39 for 3; worldmarket.com. 8 COMPLETE SET This 16-piece, multicolor flatware set comes in a handy carrier that makes transporting it outside a breeze. TO BUY: Color Pop Flatware Caddy Set, $49; westelm.com.

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

Each citronella candle has 30 hours of burn time.

1Danya B Army Canvas Laundry Bag This rustic chic laundry bag is the perfect thing for hiding dirty clothes while still giving your dorm room a clean look.

2Nautica Belle Haven Towel Set in Heather-Grey Bring some of the best comforts of home to campusâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;these towels are made of 100% cotton for superior softness.

CAMPUS is calling

4Econ Home Office Computer Writing Desk in White Made for multi-tasking, this desk features different workspaces and display areas in addition to storage.

START OFF COLLEGE RIGHT WITH ST YLISH DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS FROM NIGHTSTANDS TO BEDDING THAT ARE FUN AND FUNCTIONAL.

3Liberty Modern Nightstand 2.0 in White This nightstand is hip enough to impress a roommate, but functional enough to hold all the books and knickknacks a student requires.

cotton that has a smooth, cool feel that makes it perfect for sleep all semester long. SC AN TO S EE MO RE F RO M T HE HO ME DE POT.

HOMEDEPOT.COM/DECOR

WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Now there’s more kinds of doing with decor at The Home Depot.® Get free and ﬂexible delivery* with easy in-store returns on everything you need to bring the comfort of home back to campus. *Free delivery on select items over $45

Shop homedepot.com/decor

W H AT W E LO V E

Get It Done, Today There’s your normal to-do list (pay the bills, walk the dog), and then there’s that other list: the ever-growing one full of lingerers that just. Seem. Insurmountable. Enough already! Cross off those never-done to-dos— in most cases, in one day or less.

Illustrations by Abbey Lossing

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

HOME Take control of your linen closet PULL E VERY THING OUT OF THE CLOSE T, but don’t PRIME YOUR PIECE. Using

a small foam roller, coat with a stain-blocking primer (like Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer, $15 per quart; homedepot.com). Prime both sides of doors, but only the front of drawers. Let the primer dry for a few hours.

Sand and refinish a piece of furniture Looking to give that credenza a face-lift or update an old set of chairs? Follow these refinishing tips from Sherry Petersik, author and DIY blogger at younghouselove.com. You’ll need a drop cloth, risers, 80- and 150-grit sandpaper, foam rollers, primer, paint, and a two-inch angled brush. SE T UP YOUR STATION. Spread out a drop cloth in a

covered, well-ventilated space. Place the furniture on top. If you’re painting legs, elevate the piece with plastic risers (like HDX Painter’s Tripods, $5 for 10; homedepot.com), which will let you access the legs from all angles. Remove doors and drawers and set them atop risers as well. PREP THE MATERIAL. Roughing up the previous finish

with sandpaper is key. “Paint is only as strong as the connection to whatever is beneath it,” says Petersik. You don’t need to remove all the original paint, just enough to give the new paint something to grip to. Use 80-grit sandpaper to start, followed by 150-grit. Wipe with a clean cloth to eliminate dust. Remove or tape off hardware. (If your piece is made of raw, unsealed wood, no need to sand first.)

26 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

NOW PAINT. With a fresh foam roller, add two coats of paint. Roll slowly to avoid bubbles. For recesses or detailing, paint with a two-inch angled brush and follow with the foam roller to smooth. “Let the paint dry for a week so it has time to cure,” says Petersik. If you style the piece too soon, the paint could peel off. E XTR A CREDIT: If you’ve

painted furniture with a laminate finish, consider adding a sealant over the paint to make it more durable. Petersik’s choice: Minwax Polycrilic Protective Finish ($10; lowes.com) because it won’t yellow over time. Add foot pads beneath furniture legs to let your refinished piece glide smoothly over hard surfaces. —Stephanie Sisco

edit until you’ve sorted it all into piles, says Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing in New York City. Make one pile of bath towels, another of washcloths, another of bed linens, and so on. You’ll see how many of each item you have and determine which extras should be donated. DE SIGNATE ZONE S FOR E ACH T YPE OF ITEM. Keep

the most frequently used at eye level. Place small items, like washcloths and toiletries, in bins. Bulky items are best stored directly on shelves, since a bin just adds a step to retrieving them. Label each shelf and bin. Hord suggests giving housemates a “tour” of the newly organized space so they understand the setup. AF TER T WO WEEKS, CHECK IN to see how

the linen closet looks. If needed, modify your approach and assess again later. —S.S.

Hillshire farm® turkey is slow roasted for hours. And devoured in seconds.

At Hillshire Farm , right after we carve our deliciously seasoned turkey, we double seal every slice for freshness. Which leads to the best Turkey, Arugula & Tomato sandwich you’ve ever tasted. Visit HillshireFarm.com for more sandwich inspiration.

W H AT W E LO V E

HOME

Boost your curb appeal L ANDS C APING: Consider your

DECOR: Your mailbox is often

home’s exterior colors before selecting a palette for your plants, says landscape designer Daryl Beyers, author of the forthcoming The New Gardener’s Handbook. If your house is dark, choose lighter plants for contrast. Incorporate a mix of leaf colors and a variety of shapes and sizes to create interest. “You don’t need to hug the house with plants,” says Beyers, so if you’re lining a pathway or steps, group them in odd numbers and space them out. For instant color, shop for plants that are already blooming, or choose evergreens, like Baby Blue spruce or Gold Mop cypress, for year-round curb appeal. If you’re not a big gardener, find a landscape designer through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (apld.org). Expect to pay $75 to $150 an hour for a design, plus the cost of plants and labor.

the first thing people see before pulling into your driveway, so choose one that makes a good first impression and reflects your home’s architecture, suggests Elaine Griffin, an interior designer based in New York City and coastal Georgia. The font of your house numbers should also match the style of your home. For example, choose a clean-lined font for a modernist home. To create a cozy ambience on your front porch, swap out light bulbs for vintagestyle Edison bulbs. And avoid lighting-fixture overload: Hang either one large pendant above the door or a sconce on each side for balance. Regularly look out for ripped screens, burned-out bulbs, and chipped paint to keep your exterior looking like new. —Tamara Kraus

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK. We know replacing windows can feel a bit daunting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right guidance, replacing a problem window or door can be, dare we say, enjoyable. Discover a smarter way to replace. Download our free window replacement guide at marvin.com/realsimple

W H AT W E LO V E

SECURIT Y

Improve your cybersecurity

Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Here’s how to help prevent sensitive personal information from being stolen while you’re browsing online.

T S A PRECHECK If you fly

CONNECT (AND BROWSE) S AFELY. Even if the Wi-Fi

at a café or hotel requires a password, it’s not necessarily safe. Paige Hanson, chief of identity theft education at the security brand Norton LifeLock, says that unless you’re in your home using your own Wi-Fi network, someone with the right tools could remotely track what you type and what websites you visit. It’s best to use public Wi-Fi only for websites that don’t require logging in with a username and password, like weather and news sites. “If you’re working in a café and need to check your email or another private account, it’s a good idea to use your cellular data instead of the public Wi-Fi. Or use the hotspot on your phone if you need to work on a laptop. It would be even better to use a VPN, or virtual private network, which will help protect data sent to and from your devices when you use public Wi-Fi,” says Hanson.

30 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT S SECURE. The best way

to protect your accounts is to enable multifactor authentication, which requires more than one piece of evidence that you should be allowed access to the account, says Hanson. For example, after you type in your username and password for your bank account, an automatically generated temporary PIN might be sent to your phone; you would then have to enter that PIN to confirm your identity and log in. Ideally, you should set up multifactor authentication for all your personal accounts. But if you do so for only one, make it your email, which usually contains a ton of private information. “If you think about it, when you’ve forgotten a password, that reset message goes to your email,” says Hanson. “If someone has access to your email, they could reset your passwords and gain access to your other accounts.” —Kimberly Truong

domestically a few times a year, it’s worth applying for PreCheck to get through security faster. Schedule an in-person interview at tsa .gov/precheck; bring a birth certificate and governmentissued ID. Many credit card companies reimburse the $85 fee, says Brian Kelly, founder and CEO of the website The Points Guy. If approved, you’ll receive your “known traveler number” in two to three weeks. Add it to reservations to get PreCheck where available. Renew online every five years. Kids under 13 can take the fast lane with you; older kids have to apply for their own membership. GLOBAL ENTRY If you fly

internationally even once a year, go Global Entry. You get PreCheck benefits plus expedited reentry into the U.S., says Dave Hershberger, chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors. It costs $100; apply at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. If you’re conditionally approved, schedule an interview; bring your approval letter, passport, and driver’s license. Kids need their own membership. —Mary Honkus

W H AT W E LO V E

SECURIT Y

Set up a home-security system PICK YOUR SYSTEM. If you want

everything taken care of for you, the security company ADT will install your system (installation fees are usually about $99) and monitor it for $29 to $57 per month; the monthly fee includes the cost of the equipment loan. If you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, smart systems like SimpliSafe and Nest are solid options, says Jordan Frankel, vice president of the residential and commercial security company Global Security Experts. You can tailor the system to fit your needs and monitor your home from your phone or tablet while you’re away. Smart systems tend to cost between $230 and $400. If you prefer having a security team monitor your system, that’s an option too: Fees range from about $15 to $30 per month. SE T IT UP. Smart home systems are

fairly easy to install—it takes about half an hour and mainly involves sticking sensors to the walls. If you run into trouble, most companies give you the option (for a fee) of having an expert install the system for you, assuming there’s a contractor in your area. USE IT RIGHT. Frankel says a key move

is to always leave the security system on, even while you’re at home (you can do so by bypassing the motion settings). You’ll also want to make sure you have motion sensors in every room of the house and along all your windows and doors. —K.T. Track all your tasks in one place with the ultimate to-do list at realsimple.com/todolist.

32 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

W H AT W E LO V E

H E A LT H Get your moles checked B O OK A BA SELINE E X AM.

Have a board-certified dermatologist examine your skin for anything atypical, says Ali Hendi, MD, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. Most doctors recommend that those with a personal or family history of skin cancer get checked yearly; at your baseline exam, your doctor will tell you how often to get reexamined.

STORE IT PROPERLY.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is a wonderful thing, but if you’re the only one who knows where to find it or how to use the contents, it’s not worth much. So take the time to familiarize each member of the household with the kit. Designate a spot for it where it won’t get lost or covered up, says Epstein. This could be in the laundry room, under the kitchen sink, or on a shelf in the garage.

KEEP AN E YE ON YOUR SELF.

If you have a lot of moles, see a medical photographer (your derm can suggest one) or just take photos yourself once a year to track them. “The goal isn’t to memorize every mole. It’s to learn the landscape of your skin so if something pops up, you’ll know,” says Hendi. Melanoma is more likely to show up in a new mark (a mole, freckle, or sun spot) than in one you’ve had since childhood. So look for new moles as well as existing ones that have changed shape, color, or size. —K.T.

34 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

KEEP IT UP-TO-DATE.

Assemble a first aid kit PREPARE YOUR KIT. Being prepared, understanding how to use the items in the kit, and knowing its location in the house are essential for handling a first aid emergency, says David Farcy, MD, president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. You can purchase a premade kit from the American Red Cross ($22; redcross .org/store) or a trusted health care brand, like Johnson & Johnson ($13.50; target.com). If you prefer to buy items individually, start with adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, and a chemical cold pack. You should also consider latex-free gloves, a CPR barrier device, ibuprofen, a splint (cardboard or a magazine also works), antibiotic ointment, and Benadryl and cortisone cream, since allergic reactions are common household emergencies. Add resealable bags so you can safely dispose of any contaminated materials, suggests Jonathan Epstein, senior director of science for the American Red Cross.

You should replace items in your kit as soon as you use them, says Epstein. “Every time you change the clocks for daylight saving time, make it a safety weekend. Open your first aid kit and check the expirations.” Follow the manufacturer’s label on items like medicine and ointments. Gauze and bandages should last for a few years, as long as they’re properly sealed so as to remain sterile. —Martha Upton

Hassle-free protection you can trust. First Alertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10-year sealed battery alarms provide reliable protection that lasts for a decade, without the hassle of battery replacements and late night low battery chirps. Learn more at: firstalert.com/10year ÂŠ2019 BRK Brands Inc. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc., a subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: NWL). All rights reserved.

W H AT W E LO V E

Pretty Smart A N A I L P O L I S H R E M O V E R T H A T ’ S A C T U A L LY G O O D FO R YO U R N A I L S, P LU S S E V E N O T H E R B E AU T Y B U Y S T O S AV E YO U R S A N I T Y By Heather Muir Maffei

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

THE SIGN TRIBE R E M OV E A N D CHILL NAIL POLISH ER ASER CREAM

At-home nail polish removal just got dramatically less annoying. Dab this cream onto nails, wait one minute for each layer of polish, base, or top coat, massage with your fingers, and tissue off—no stink or spills. Plus, almond oil leaves nails shiny. TO BUY: $15; ulta.com.

Photograph by Anna Williams

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

K É R A S TA S E B L O N D A B S O LU CICAPL ASME

A solution for tired eyes: caffeine to firm, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin E to soothe, and a brush-on liquid (in 16 shades) that disguises lines without creasing. TO BUY: $35; yslbeautyus.com. VERSED MASKS IN LO OK ALIVE, FIND C L A R I T Y, A N D PHOTOS, PLE A SE

These icon-marked face-mask packs— which you don’t have to dip your fingers into!—contain 12 uses each and make skin care simple. TO BUY: $10 each; target.com. G L O S S I E R P L AY BL ADE

This eyeliner sharpener neatly houses pencil shavings, but what sold us was the cleaning stick it comes with. Sharpen the stick to remove residue in the sharpener so you can swap shades without a mess. TO BUY: $4; glossier.com.

38 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

CK ONE SUMMER

With its pop art packaging and refreshing notes of tangerine, matcha tea, and driftwood (yum!), this new twist on the iconic scent will put you in a good mood all summer. TO BUY: $64; macys.com. NAIR LEG MA SK E X F O L I AT E & SMO OTH

Yep, Nair still exists, and it smells better than ever. The depilatory removes stubble and softens skin. Rub on, wait 10 minutes, and rinse. TO BUY: $9; target.com. A RT I S B RU S H CLEANSING WIPES

No time to give your brushes a bath? Grab a makeup-dissolving wipe from the resealable pouch, massage the bristles, and then run the brush over a tissue to dry. TO BUY: $18.50 for 30; artisbrush.com.

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

YVES SAINT L AU R E N T B E AU T É T O U C H E É C L AT H I G H C OV E R R ADIANT CONCE ALER

Brighten your blonde by applying this ultraviolet primer to wet hair before heat styling or air-drying. Hyaluronic acid strengthens the hair cuticle while edelweiss flower softens strands. TO BUY: $37; sephora.com.

W H AT W E LO V E

GRILL THERMOMETER

The moisture-wicking undershirt has a tapered shape to keep it tucked in (with no bunching) all day. The collar is designed to lie flat and not stretch out. Also comes in a V-neck style. TO BUY: Tommy John Cool Cotton Crew Neck Stay-Tucked Undershirt, $40 (use code REALSIMPLE for 20 percent off); tommyjohn.com.

Little Helpers S I X S M A RT P RO D U C T S TO M A K E YO U R L I F E E A S I E R By Brandi Broxson

P OTP OURRI 2.0

Formulated by a florist, this biodegradable mix is made with dried botanicals, rather than bulky artificial fillers, to scent a room for at least three months. In 15 fragrances. TO BUY: Scentanicals, $30 for a jar; scentanicals.com.

LIGHTED GRINDERS

Grind salt, pepper, or dried herbs to your desired coarseness with one touch. The built-in light lets you see exactly how much has been dispensed. In four colors. TO BUY: Russell Hobbs Electric Salt and Pepper Mills, $40 for 2; amazon.com.

D O G GY D I S T R A C T E R

M A K E U P WA S H C L O T H S

These cheeky 13-by-13-inch towels, made with low-lint organic cotton, give guests permission to remove makeup. Even better, the fabric is resistant to bleaching by benzoyl peroxide (found in some acne treatments). TO BUY: Weezie Makeup Towels, $40 for 2; weezietowels.com.

40 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

This dishwasher-safe toy is infused with mint essential oil to freshen your pet’s breath while he chews or plays fetch. It’s recyclable when the fun’s over. TO BUY: Brandless Dog Ball, $9 for 2; brandless.com.

P OT P O U R R I : P E T E R A R D I TO ; P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

S TAY S -T U C K E D S H I RT

This barbecue essential has an extra-long, 10-inch stem, so your hands are far from the heat when you check temps. Storage sleeve included. TO BUY: Taylor Long Stem Grill Thermometer, $20; walmart.com.

W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas

The Staple Think mint jelly is for lamb and lamb only? You don’t have to wait until next Easter to use up this sweet, bracing condiment. Stir it into yogurt to make a welcome dip for fried eggplant (roasted potatoes too). Simmer a couple of spoonfuls with peaches and a jalapeño for a sweet and savory chutney— ideal with grilled pork or chicken. For a refreshing finish, blend it with a splash of rum and some thirst-quenching watermelon. Freeze for an adult slushie you’ll enjoy all summer long.

1 C R I S P Y EG G P L A N T W I T H M I N T Y YO G U RT

Combine cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. each mint jelly and lime juice, and tsp. kosher salt. Slice 1 eggplant into -in. rounds. Dredge in cup flour. Dip in 3 beaten eggs, then 2 cups panko. Fry in batches in 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high, flipping once, until golden brown, 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with minty yogurt. 2 PE ACH-MINT CHUTNEY

Cook 2 chopped fresh peaches, 1 chopped jalapeño, 2 Tbsp. each mint jelly and rice vinegar, and 2 tsp. light brown sugar in a small saucepan over mediumhigh, stirring often, until thick and syrupy, 4 minutes. Serve with grilled pork or chicken.

Blend 7 cups chopped watermelon, cup each white rum and mint jelly, and cup fresh lime juice until smooth. Pour into a 3-qt. baking dish; cover and freeze for 4 hours. Uncover and scrape surface with a fork until slushy. Cover and freeze for 3 hours. Scrape again and serve.

B y D a w n Pe r r y Recipes by Ivy Odom

42 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Photograph by Corey Olsen

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N K I A N TO S

3 WAT E R M E LO N M OJ I TO G R A N I TA

W H AT W E LO V E

Room Rx N OT SU R E H OW TO WO R K A RO U N D T H O S E T R I C K Y S P OT S I N YO U R H O M E? D E S I G N E R D A B I T O , F O U N D E R O F O L D B R A N D N E W, A C R E AT I V E ST U D I O I N L O S A N G E L E S, O F F E R S H I S E X P E RT A DV I C E . B y Ta m a r a K r a u s

Q: “I want to grill and entertain on my back deck, but it’s very narrow and feels disconnected from the yard. How can I decorate it so it feels like a functional part of my home’s living space?” —Emily, homeowner in Maplewood, New Jersey

THINK DOUBLE DUTY

BRING THE INSIDE OUT

ADD AMBIENCE

M A X I M I Z E S PA C E

Opt for a sturdy two-in-one piece that provides extra seating and a space to stash grilling equipment, towels, and other outdoor accessories. TO BUY: Applaro Storage Bench, $70; ikea.com.

Create an inviting feel with decorative accents, like a rug, pillows, and woven baskets hung up as art. Choose all-weather materials that will withstand the elements. TO BUY: Gianna Indoor/ Outdoor Rug, $399 (5 by 8 ft.); potterybarn.com.

Cast a warm glow with a battery-operated lantern. Hang it from a bracket attached to the side of the house or set it directly on a table for added illumination as the sun sets. TO BUY: Bori Lantern, from $99; article.com.

No room for a table? For a DIY space-saving surface, secure a wide, finished piece of wood to your deck’s railing. Pull up barstools or use it as a prep station for the grill. TO BUY: Aramingo Teak Patio Bar Stool, $263; birchlane.com. Submit your own design dilemmas to Room.RX@realsimple.com.

44 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Illustration by Babeth Lafon

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

FOR ADULTS WITH UNCONTROLLED MODERATE-TO-SEVERE

ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)

DUPIXENT, the first eczema treatment of its kind, is not a steroid. It is a biologic treatment that helps manage the inflammation deep beneath the surface that causes the flare-ups you see and feel on your skin―and keeps working, even when your skin looks clear.

In Two Clinical Trials with DUPIXENT* • Nearly half of patients saw 75% skin improvement and some even saw 90% improvement • Almost 4 times more patients taking DUPIXENT saw clear or almost clear skin as compared with those not taking DUPIXENT – 37% taking DUPIXENT as compared with 10% not taking DUPIXENT • Patients experienced significant itch reduction, some patients as early as 2 weeks *16-week trials compared to placebo.

Jennifer W., actual DUPIXENT patient. Individual results may vary.

Learn more. Talk to your eczema specialist. Visit DUPIXENT.com, or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936). INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat adults 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 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. • are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. If you are taking asthma medicines, do

You may be eligible for a $0 copay† for DUPIXENT. †

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

not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision. The most common side effects include injection site reaction, eye and eyelid infl ammation, including redness, swelling and itching, pain in the throat (oropharyngeal pain) 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. If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give DUPIXENT injections, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider.

Please see accompanying Brief Summary on next page.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) (DU-pix’-ent) injection, for subcutaneous use What is DUPIXENT? • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: – to treat adults 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. – with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in people aged 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. • DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis and asthma. • DUPIXENT is not used to treat sudden breathing problems • It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 18 years of age. • It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with asthma under 12 years of age. Who should not use DUPIXENT? Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of ingredients in DUPIXENT. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems (if you also have atopic dermatitis) • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. • are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you have asthma and are taking asthma medicines, do not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. How should I use DUPIXENT? • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes. • Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. • DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield. • DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In adolescents with asthma 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. • If you miss a dose of DUPIXENT, give the injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with the original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection.

Rx Only

• If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away. • Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT. Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. • Eye problems. If you have atopic dermatitis, tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision. • Inflammation in your blood vessels: Rarely, this can happen in people with asthma who receive DUPIXENT. This may happen in people who also take a steroid medicine by mouth that is being stopped or the dose is being lowered. It is not known whether this is caused by DUPIXENT. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have: rash, shortness of breath, persistent fever, chest pain, or a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of your arms or legs. The most common side effects of DUPIXENT include: injection site reactions, pain in the throat (oropharyngeal pain) and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching have been seen in patients who have atopic dermatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This is a summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT? Active ingredient: dupilumab Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC,(Bridgewater, NJ 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591) / DUPIXENT is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2018 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. /sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved. Issue Date: October 2018 US-DAD-14946

B G C O L L E C T I O N / G A L L E R Y S T O C K . S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O B R I A N S A N S O N I , S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S AT T H E A M E R I C A N C L E A N I N G I N S T I T U T E

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

3 E A SY WAYS TO SAV E M O N E Y O N YOU R E N E RGY B ILL T RY A FAN

Ceiling fans can help make a room feel 10 degrees cooler while using just 10 percent of the energy an air conditioner would, says Lauren Urbanek, senior energy policy advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Ensure the fan is running on high and counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down and creates a breeze. CH AN GE YO UR AC F I LT E R S

A clean filter can reduce your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. In summer, if you run your unit daily, change or wash the filter once a month. O P T I M IZ E T HE WA S H CYCL E

Ditch hot water—today’s washing machines (and detergents) clean clothing just as well on the cold or warm setting, says Urbanek. You’ll cut energy use by 50 percent if you use warm water instead of hot, and opting for cold could save you even more. By Maggie Puniewska

THE REALIST

Cooking School BRE AKING D OWN A CHICKEN IS A SKILL ALL HOME CO OKS SHOULD MA STER. B E Y O U R O W N B U T C H E R W I T H T H E S E S T E P - B Y- S T E P I N S T R U C T I O N S . By D awn Perr y

WINGS

L EG S

Wiggle the blade of your knife between the wing and breast until you find the joint. Slice all the way through the skin and meat and cut through the joint.

Tug the leg outward and make a shallow cut through the skin between leg and body. Bend the leg outward to expose thigh joint. Cut through joint to separate thigh and drumstick from body.

R E M OV E B A C K B O N E

SPLIT BRE AST

H A LV E B R E A S T S

Stand the body of the chicken upright on your board. Cut along both sides of the backbone, through the ribs, to separate the breast from the back. (Reserve backbone for chicken stock.)

Place breast skin side down. Place the heel of your nondominant hand on the tip end of your knife and cut through the breastbone.

Cut each breast in half crosswise through the bones to create four smaller breast pieces.

Before you start, secure a cutting board to the counter by placing a damp paper towel underneath it. Grab a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife: It’s best for cutting through skin and bone.

S P L I T L EG S A N D THIGHS Find the “V” where the drumstick and thigh meet. With the skin side down, you’ll see a line of white fat running along the joint. Cut through the joint. Repeat with the other leg.

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

48 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

ÂŠ 2019 Mizkan America, Inc.

Savoring the simplicity of The Tuscan Way just got simpler with our collection of BertolliÂŽ Organic Sauces made with high-quality USDA Organic and non-GMO ingredients.

THE REALIST

Real Simplifier

How to Give Your Bike a Tune-Up T H E SU N I S S H I N I N G, T H E ROA D I S C A L L I N G, A N D YO U R B I K E I S I N N E E D O F S O M E T LC. O U R P L A N W I L L G E T YO U R E A DY TO R I D E. By Maggie Puniewska

WIPE IT D OWN

FILL THE TIRES

INSPECT THE BR AKES

LU B E T H E C H A I N

AU D I T A C C E S S O R I E S

Remove any debris from the bike. Then fill a spray bottle with one part water and one part household degreaser, like Simple Green AllPurpose Cleaner ($5 for 32 oz.; homedepot.com). Spritz the frame and wheel spokes and wipe with a rag or old T-shirt. This step could spare you future repairs. “Salt from roads can rust the frame, and car oil picked up on routes can splash through the wheels and keep the brakes from working properly,” says Arleigh Greenwald, founder of the Bike Shop Girl Family Cyclery in Aurora, Colorado. Adjust the seat if needed: Sit on the bike and push the pedal all the way down; your leg should be very slightly bent, says Justin Roberts, product manager at Pacific Cycle in Madison, Wisconsin.

An easy way to remember what comes next is to think “ABC”: air, brakes, and chain. To avoid flats and blowouts, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Look at a tire’s sidewall to find the range of numbers indicating the recommended tire pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). Then hook up a bike pump with a gauge to see if the pressure is within that range. If it’s too low, pump up the tire; if it’s too high, release some air by depressing the valve. Check the pressure again. If air keeps escaping after you pump, you likely have a leak and need to replace the tube.

Your bike has either rim brakes (rubber pads clamp the wheel) or disc brakes (pads clamp a center disc on the wheel). To test their condition, stand to one side of the bike and squeeze both brake levers. There should be at least one inch of space between the levers and the handlebar. If the levers hit the handlebar, your brake pads might need to be adjusted or replaced. “Rim brakes need to be changed when you can’t see any indents in the rubber pads,” says Greenwald. “Disc brakes should be replaced when pads are shaved down to one millimeter.” If the pads look good or the levers still hit the handlebar after you’ve had the pads changed, your brake cables might need to be adjusted at a bike shop.

A main cause of bike woes is a dry and dirty chain. To get yours sufficiently slippery, apply a few drops of chain lubricant along the entire chain. Backpedal a few times to evenly distribute it. Then wipe down the chain with an old rag. This will help remove any extra grease as well as any grime, which can lead to quicker wear. The chain should look like it’s gently sweating and leave a light oily residue on your fingers, says Greenwald. Replace rusty, orangetinted chains; take the opportunity to also tighten bolts securing handlebars and wheels. Notice a broken wheel spoke? Head to a pro.

Check that your helmet, lights, and reflectors are in good working order. The helmet should fit snugly and the straps should be taut. As kids grow, their helmets might need to be switched out annually. All helmets should be replaced if you’ve been in an accident, if the straps are frayed, or if the foam or plastic is cracked, says Roberts. If your bike is outfitted with lights, make sure they work; replace batteries or charge them up before you ride. No lights? A set (white front lights and red rear lights) costs about $10, and the glow keeps you visible to cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.

50 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Illustrations by Boyoun Kim

SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN New Banana Boat® Simply Protect Sensitive™ gives you the same strong sun protection with 25% fewer ingredients.* Made with hypoallergenic, mineral-enriched lotion and without oxybenzone, parabens, added oils or fragrances — for worry-free fun in the sun.

*by number vs. Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

THE REALIST

Now What?!? S M A RT F I X E S F O R L I F E ’ S L I T T L E D I S A ST E R S B y Ta m a r a K r a u s

My dog always barks when someone knocks or rings the bell. I’m worried my grill is almost out of propane.

I have a brain freeze! Anecdotal evidence suggests that pressing your thumb against the roof of your mouth to warm the area may help ease the pain, says Amaal Starling, MD, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. Luckily, a brain freeze is harmless and will go away in about a minute. When your body experiences a rapid temperature change, pain receptors activate in the head, neck, and mouth, resulting in a brief, intense headache (this may happen more frequently to migraine sufferers). The best way to avoid getting one is to slow down when eating cold foods.

52 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

To easily find out how much propane is left, spray the entire outside of the tank with warm water while the grill is off, says Kevin Kolman, head grill master at Weber, a grill company. Wait 15 minutes and then look for condensation, which will appear as a line above the propane level. If you have a standard midtier grill, a 20-pound tank should last about 16 hours. The life span of propane also depends on how many burners your grill has and how often you cook. If you’re shopping for a new grill, consider one with a built-in digital scale. Or you can buy a scale separately; try GasWatch Bluetooth Enabled Propane Level Indicator ($30; gaswatch.com). P I X E L STO R I E S / STO C K SY

Your dog may be letting you know that someone is at the door, he could be excited to see who’s there, or he could be anxious, says Mikkel Becker, a senior animal trainer at Fear Free Pets in Lake Stevens, Washington. To help stop the barking, Becker suggests mat training. Knock softly on the inside of the door, say “mat,” and offer multiple treats when your dog sits or lies down on the mat (or any nonslip surface), which should be placed in view of the door. Then reset him by tossing a treat off the mat. Repeat the process until he doesn’t bark. The second or third time around, see if he’ll immediately go to the mat, without the verbal command. It generally takes dogs a few days to a few weeks to learn to stay quiet.

Stay Humble. Eat Simple. Live Healthy.

BLUE Basics – A Simple Diet That Lets Your Dog Be His Best With BLUE Basics,® you always get simple ingredients you can understand, including: • A single animal protein source • NO chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs • Essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants BLUE Basics is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It’s everything your dog needs for a healthy lifestyle. And nothing he doesn’t.

Available for dogs and cats at your favorite pet specialty store.

Love them like family. Feed them like family.®

THE REALIST

1 E L E VAT E E S S E N T I A L S

An organizer that hangs from a backseat headrest can store jumper cables and cleaning supplies, leaving the trunk floor free for larger cargo, such as sporting equipment or suitcases. TO BUY: YoGi Prime Trunk and Backseat Car Organizer, $25; amazon.com. 2 K E E P I T C O N TA I N E D

A structured bin holds grocery bags, beach towels, and backpacks and keeps them from sliding around. Use the attached straps to secure it in place in the trunk or on an empty seat up front. TO BUY: Drive Auto Products Car Trunk Organizer, $24; amazon.com.

3 GO GREEN 3 2

Place a smaller container within your trunk organizer to house reusable shopping bags. Once you’ve unpacked your groceries, return the bags to this spot so they’re always within reach when you need them. TO BUY: Department Store Bags, $22 for 2; boonsupply.com.

Stackable, collapsible bins are perfect for transporting loose items from the garden center or big-box store. Fold them flat when not in use. TO BUY: Midi Collapsible Storage Bin in Orchid, $15; store.moma.org. 5 R E A S S E S S R EG U L A R LY

Organize This

Give your vehicle a onceover after lengthy trips or between seasons. Restock essentials and remove unnecessary items (like wintertime hockey gear).

F R E E U P RO O M I N YO U R V E H I C L E’S T RU N K O R C A RG O A R E A W I T H S O LU T I O N S F RO M S C OT T R O E W E R , F O U N D E R O F T H E O R G A N I Z I N G A G E N C Y. By Stephanie Sisco

54 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Get the whole car ready for your next road trip with the affordable organizers at realsimple.com/cleancar.

Photograph by Br yan Gardner

2 019 S U B A RU F O R E ST E R TO U R I N G ; S U B A RU. C O M F O R I N F O

4 BE FLEXIBLE

THE REALIST

Mission: Dinner DINNER C AN BE DAUNTING, BUT MANY (LIT TLE) HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK. G E T K I D S I N V O L V E D W I T H A D I Y B LT B A R A N D A F E W C R E AT I V E A D D I T I O N S . By D awn Perr y

Perfect crispy bacon ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 TO 6

1 lb. bacon PREHEAT oven to 400°F with rack in middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange bacon in a single layer and bake until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Ranch mayo ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 4 TO 6

cup mayonnaise cup sour cream or full-fat yogurt 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano leaves F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves tsp. garlic powder tsp. onion powder tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper ingredients in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days. MIX

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How the kids can help Have kids lay out an assembly line with all the fixings: bread, mayo, lettuce, tomato, hard-boiled eggs or other extras, cheese or avocado, salt, and pepper.

Spreads and toppings often require special serving tools. Let kids match the right spoon, knife, or fork to each ingredient.

Set up a toasting station and assign a “toast master” to take orders. That way everyone gets just as much golden brown as they desire.

Photograph by Greg DuPree

R o a d Te s t

Sunscreen S P F I S T H E M O ST C RU C I A L ST E P I N YO U R S K I N - C A R E RO U T I N E—I T H E L P S P ROT EC T AGA I N ST C A N C E R A N D WA R D O F F T H E S I G N S O F P R E M AT U R E AG I N G. O U T O F 4 0 T E ST E D, T H E S E W I N N E R S M A K E A P P LY I N G — A N D R E A P P LY I N G — E A S Y A N D F U N . By Lisa D eSantis

B E S T C O M PA C T

Amorepacific Resort Collection Cushion SPF 30+ Don’t like the feeling of rubbing sunscreen on your face? Try this antioxidantlaced formula with an antimicrobial puff. It’s untinted; use alone or as a base for makeup. TO BUY: $40; sephora.com.

realsimple ROAD TE ST

BEST STICK

BEST TOUCH-UP

Paula’s Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30 Applying sunscreen daily is half the battle. Reapplying it every two hours is the other half. Enter this take-anywhere silky mineral powder, which protects skin, minimizes shine, and won’t mess with your makeup. Slide the sleeve down, tilt the brush, and tap to apply. The brush comes off for easy washing. TO BUY: $29; paulaschoice.com.

58 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ Suitable for face and body and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this stick makes sun safety at the beach a breeze. TO BUY: $11; neutrogena.com.

B E S T M I N E R A L B O DY

Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Fragrance-Free Coral-reef-safe, this vegan and hypoallergenic formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a matte finish. TO BUY: $21 for 3.38 oz.; lovesunbody.com.

THE REALIST

B E S T M I N E R A L FA C E

EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 A derm favorite, it contains physical blockers to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as hyaluronic acid to moisturize. TO BUY: $32; dermstore.com.

B E S T S E N S I T I V E FA C E

BEST MOISTURIZER

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face Prone to irritation? The combo of zinc oxide and oat extract makes for a lotion thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Oil-free. TO BUY: $10; at drugstores.

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Great for city dwellers, this broad-spectrum formula protects against pollution and leaves skin healthy and luminous. TO BUY: $65; dermalogica.com. B E S T L I P T R E AT M E N T

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil SPF 32 Like a nonsticky gloss but better: The protective mineral formula has a nourishing trio of argan, castor, and sunflower seed oils. TO BUY: $25; brushonblock.com.

B E S T T I N T E D LO T I O N

B E S T S P R AY

Bare Republic Mineral Tinted Face SPF 30 With titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and a sheer tint, this is your put-on-and-go, perfect-for-every-day sunscreen. Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. TO BUY: $15; gobareoutside.com.

Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Made with fruit essences, this mist smells like a tropical paradise. Spritz (indoors) with the handy 360-degree applicator until skin has an even sheen. TO BUY: $10 for 3 oz.; drinkhint.com.

B E S T H E A D -TO -T O E

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion This tube offers 100 percent mineral filters plus antioxidants. The finish is soft, not greasy or chalky. TO BUY: $23; target.com.

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

Exactly What Derms Do to Protect Their Skin W E P E P P E R E D T H E C O U N T RY ’ S T O P D E R M A T O L O G I S T S W I T H Q U E S T I O N S A B O U T T H E I R FA V O R I T E S U N S C R E E N S , A P P L I C A T I O N T I P S , A N D M O R E . H E R E ’ S W H A T T H E Y D O I N R E A L L I F E T O S T AY S U N - S A F E . By Heather Muir Maffei

62 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Illustrations by Asia Pietrzyk

A P P L I C AT I O N A D V I C E TO BUY:

Ascender UPF 50+ Jacket, $118; athleta .gap.com.

Double (or triple) up “I apply two coats of mineral sunscreen to my face, ears, and neck. I apply one coat, wait five minutes, and then apply a second coat. If I’m going to be in the sun for a long time, I apply three coats to my undereye area because that’s the spot that grasps the most sun.” —Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in McLean, Virginia

Avoid a mess “I apply SPF in the shower. I towel dry, and then I start at the bottom of my neck and finish with my feet. I do my face and neck at my vanity. I use EltaMD UV Clear 46 TO BUY: EltaMD because it dries quickly, UV Clear Broaddoesn’t streak, and is Spectrum fragrance-free.” SPF 46, $35; —Patricia Wexler, MD, dermstore .com. a dermatologist in New York City

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

Protect your part “I dust a powder sunscreen along my hair part. I only wash my hair twice a week, so slathering on a creamy sunscreen does not work for me.” —Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine

Chill out “I store spray-on sunscreen in the refrigerator. The chilled lotion feels amazing during summer, plus the cold may help preserve its effectiveness.” —Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City

Get creative “My wife usually puts sunscreen on the kids. You never know what mood they will be in, so we always have a variety available for them to choose from. Whether it is the shape of the bottle, the color of the packaging, or the consistency, she gives them options so they won’t argue as much about putting it on.” —Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

Never break a sweat without SPF

TO BUY:

Supergoop 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 45, $24; super goop.com.

“I love Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen Stick for my outdoor workouts because it’s water-resistant and creates a seal on your skin. Runners have a higher risk of melanoma and atypical moles. I put a layer around my eyes so nothing drips as I perspire. I also make sure I layer it over a sunscreen lotion on my calves—one of the most common places for melanoma in women.” —Mona Gohara, MD

Apply naked “If you are going swimming, apply sunscreen to your naked body before you put on your swimsuit. If you try to put on sunscreen and not stain your suit, you often end up missing little areas.” —Heather D. Rogers, MD, founder of Doctor Rogers Restore Skin Care and Modern Dermatology in Seattle

“I use a nickel-size amount for the face and a golf-ball-size amount for the body. Reapplication is nonnegotiable. A six-ounce bottle only lasts my family a couple of days on vacation.” — D E N DY E N G E L M A N , M D , D E R M AT O L O G I C S U R G E O N AT M A N H AT TA N D E R M AT O L O GY & C O S M E T I C S U R G E RY I N N E W YO R K C I T Y

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

TO U C H - U P T R I C K S

Lucia LS One Piece Suit with Front Zip, $175; mott50.com. TO BUY:

Be prepared

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $65; dermstore .com.

Don’t miss—mist “I love using a spray-on sunscreen as a touch-up. It’s hard to be certain that you’ve applied a spray-on sunscreen evenly, so I like lotions or creams for the initial application. But sprays are excellent for fast touch-ups, especially for moms with slippery kids who won’t stay still.” —Michelle Henry, MD

Know your weaknesses

Pucker up TO BUY:

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15, $3; neutrogena .com.

“A lot of people forget their lips. I pick up the Neutrogena lip moisturizer with sunscreen from Walmart and apply it every so often when I’m in the sun.” —Lily Talakoub, MD

Keep it convenient

TO BUY:

Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50, $8; target.com.

“By the pool, we keep Coppertone Water Babies Lotion Spray for reapplication after 40 minutes in the water. That’s where I think most sunscreen fails: It isn’t reapplied. People forget about doing it on time.” —Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York

“I find it hard to reapply sunscreen, to be honest. Protective clothing and three-inch brimmed hats are two of the most important steps when it comes to safe sun practices. Heavy perspiration, water activities, and incomplete application make sunscreen rub off and lose effectiveness, resulting in inadequate sun protection. Clothing that’s labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating does the most effective job. The ratings range from UPF 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent). I love the brand Mott50.” —Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City

“If you get sunburned, get out of the sun and take an anti-inflammator y like ibuprofen as soon as possible to help with the redness and pain. Coat the sunburned areas with a healing balm to protect and heal the skin, and drink plenty of water.” — H E AT H E R D . R O G E R S , M D

64 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

TO BUY:

“I’m a big fan of Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. I keep it in my car for last-minute detours. If my kids want to go to the park and I have makeup on and don’t want to apply sunscreen, I’ll take the powder stick right over my makeup and brush on the sunscreen. It’s fantastic.” —Lily Talakoub, MD

Shine On Polarized Sunglasses, $25; peepers.com. TO BUY:

L I F E ST Y L E H AC K S Keep it handy Beat the beard

Be picky with frames “I never wear metalrimmed sunglasses, because the metal absorbs the sun and heat and can cause increased skin pigmentation around areas where the metal rim sits.” —Lily Talakoub, MD

Drive with caution “I have a black mesh screen on my back window that helps shield the sun. I wear polarized sunglasses and a widebrim Patricia Underwood or Whitworth hat even in the car.” —Patricia Wexler, MD

TO BUY:

BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen SPF 50, $10; walmart.com.

“My husband is creamaverse, and I don’t blame him. It gets stuck in his stubble and on his arms, and he looks crazy. So for him, I get BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen. It goes on easily, dries quickly, and doesn’t make him look like a purple ghost—the result of glopped-on white sunscreen and brown skin.” —Kavita Mariwalla, MD

Beach Hat UPF 50+, $49.50; coolibar.com.

TO BUY:

“All summer long, I have sunscreen by the front door so my family can easily get it on before heading outside. We also have everyone’s hats and sunglasses in the same entryway dresser. You have to make safe sun practices easy habits.” —Heather D. Rogers, MD

Sensitive? Try this “My kids are allergic to sunscreen—the irony, right? There is one brand, called Vanicream, that they can use without incident. It was formulated for people with sensitive skin and works like a charm.” —Mona Gohara, MD

Use your resources “The majority of sun damage accumulates before the age of 18, when children spend hours outside without proper coverage. Sunscreen should not just be applied before days at the beach. Many playgrounds don’t offer proper shade, and the equipment can act as a reflective surface, which increases exposure. Some cities, like my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, are installing sunscreen stations at parks and beaches, kind of like hand sanitizer dispensers. Check your local parks for info.” —Dendy Engelman, MD

TO BUY:

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $18; walgreens .com.

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

G O -TO G E A R Escalante Zip Rash Guard UPF 50+, $89; coolibar.com.

TO BUY:

“I always wear a rash guard—they can be sexy too! T-shirts provide an SPF of about 7, hardly enough. If you are not a fan of rash guards, a shirt with dark, vibrant colors offers the best protection.” —Mona Gohara, MD

Tap technology “Utilize technology to understand your UV risk and exposure. I love L’Oréal’s wearable UV sensor, called UV Sense, which helps track your sun exposure to reduce your cancer risk.” —Michelle Henry, MD

Shield rain or shine “I leave my UPF umbrellas in the trunk of my car, in my office, in my carry-on, and in the umbrella stand in my apartment. I always have a UPF umbrella with me during the months of April through October. It is common practice in Asia and more frequent in the United States now.” —Patricia Wexler, MD

TO BUY: Totes X-Large Auto Open Close Sunguard Neverwet UPF 50+ Umbrella, $34; amazon.com.

Prevent and correct

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50, $55; isdin.com/us. TO BUY:

“Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 has DNA repairsomes, which have been shown to decrease the development of pre–skin cancers, meaning this helps not only prevent future sun damage but also correct damage already done.” —Heather D. Rogers, MD

Suit up “I only buy bathing suits with sleeves for my kids. I have their entire upper body protected and blocked from the sun. J.Crew makes some nice swimwear with UPF.” —Lily Talakoub, MD

“I wash all the kids’ clothes at the beginning of each month, from May through August, with SunGuard Laundry Aid. This gives their clothes a UPF of 30. I also check their rash guards. I have a patient who designs rash guards, and she told me that the UPF wears out over time. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, why didn’t I think of that?’ Obviously it does. So now I check everything before it gets handed down. I hold it up outside, and if I can see the light through the shirt, it doesn’t get passed down.” —Kavita Mariwalla, MD

Up your number “A recent study compared SPF 100 and SPF 50. On skin treated with SPF 100 sunscreen, there were statistically significantly fewer sunburns.” —Shari Marchbein, MD, a dermatologist in New York City

“At the start of each year, I check sunscreen expiration dates; if none is listed, I toss it.” — K AV I TA M A R I WA L L A , M D

66 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

Take cover

Wash with this

“Beautiful designs and colors? This bladder protection has it all.”

Depend Silhouette

Always Discreet Boutique

THE REALIST

Closet Care

Linen Dress S U M M E R ’ S FA V O R I T E FA B R I C M AY B E E A S Y T O W E A R , B U T T H E U P K E E P C A N B E A N O T H E R S T O RY. E X P E R T S S H A R E H O W T O G I V E L I N E N S O M E T L C . By Mar y Honkus

How to Buy S H O P N O W. Many linen pieces hit the stores in late spring or early summer, so you’ll have a wider selection to choose from.

How to Repair Erase summer’s trickiest messes with these tips from Becky Rapinchuk.

C H E C K T H E TA G. Pure linen has a more relaxed, natural feel, while linen blends are less likely to wrinkle. A cottonlinen blend is softer and best for sensitive skin.

G R A S S S TA I N S : Turn the dress inside out and apply a drop of dish soap to the stained area. Gently dab the spot with a damp cotton cloth until the stain lifts from the fabric. Rinse immediately under the sink with cold water. Hang to dry.

C O N S I D E R A C O L O R . If you’re worried about stains, a colored linen dress is harder to ruin (think: when you’re sitting on grass or a dirty seat). While white and cream are classic linen colors, green and brown are popular this season.

U N D E R A R M R E S I D U E : Turn the dress inside out, dampen the area, and sprinkle a pinch of oxygen whitener onto the spot. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Work the solution into the area with a wet clothing brush. Rinse, hand-wash with a mild detergent, and hang to dry.

How to Care U S E C O L D WAT E R . Always check the tag before washing. Most linen items should be washed on a cold setting. If it’s not overly soiled, you can skip washing and just use a steamer to freshen up your dress.

I RO N I N S I D E O U T. This helps prevent shine and maintain the imperfect texture. Place a cloth between the garment and the iron to avoid burns. Iron while the dress is still slightly damp to remove stubborn crinkles.

68 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

O U R E X P E RT S TO BUY: Midi Cap

Sleeve Dress, $70; gap.com.

INKA APTER, HE AD OF FABRIC DEVELOPMENT AT EILEEN FISHER SHELLEY LIEBSCH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER AT J.JILL MARISSA M C DONALD, BRAND ST YLIST AT EILEEN FISHER BECKY RAPINCHUK, FOUNDER OF CLE ANMAMA .NE T

P R O D U CT I M AG E C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R

R E M OV E E A R LY. Going through a full cycle in the dryer isn’t ideal for linen, because it may crease. Toss it in for 10 minutes on low, and then hang to dry; the garment will feel softer.

S H I N Y I RO N S P O T: Turn the dress inside out, place a thin cloth on the spot to protect it from burns, and iron to get rid of the shiny patch.

TO MAKE WRINKLES LOOK SO LAST WEEK. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair has the fastest retinol formula available to reveal visibly younger-looking skin. ®

Because a lot will happen in 1 week. Wrinkles just won’t. Looking for powerful results? Check out neutrogena.com/rapid

ADD NEW RETINOL OIL FOR 2X THE WRINKLE FIGHTING POWER

©J&JCI 2018

THINK OF THE LEAST

SMOOTH

THING YOU'VE EVER DONE.

THESE TASTE LIKE THE OPPOSITE OF THAT. (P.S. YOU REALLY DID THAT???)

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

5 Gifts to Give When You’re in a Hurry W H E T H E R I T ’ S F O R A G R A D U A T I O N , A B I R T H D AY, A N E N G A G E M E N T PA R T Y, O R D A D ’ S D AY, YO U D O N ’ T H AV E T O S E L E C T A G I F T W E E K S I N A D VA N C E F O R I T T O B E S P E C I A L . By Carla Bruce

Photograph by Anna Williams

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

2 1

Consider giving experiences, not things. Get inspired by Mother Nature. A beautifully packaged map of and gift card to a nearby attraction can be a gentle reminder to take a moment or two of well-deserved me time. Consider places like a botanical garden, butterfly garden, or planetarium. Also, a mint plant is a thoughtful, healthy, easy-togrow gift that keeps on giving and is unisex to boot. There’s something magical about the scent and taste of mint. Hot mint tea soothes the mind, body, and soul; if that cup of tea comes from a plant grown at home on a sunny windowsill, it’s even more meaningful. ARLINDA M C INTOSH IS THE FOUNDER AND CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOFISTAFUNK , A SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING COMPANY. SHE L IVE S I N E S S E X C O U N T Y, N E W J ER S E Y.

You can never, ever go wrong with a book. Books are the perfect present for literally anyone: They always fit, they show the recipient that you think they’re smart and thoughtful, and if you miss the mark, they are regiftable. I’ve been giving down-to-earth cookbooks that won’t make anyone feel like a rube (Alison Roman’s Dining In, Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat) and poetry that proves the youth will save us all (Morgan Parker’s Magical Negro, Ocean Vuong’s Night Sky with Exit Wounds). EMMA STRAUB IS THE AUTHOR OF THE NEW YORK T IMES BEST-SELLING NOVEL S MODERN LOVERS AND THE VACAT IONERS AND THE OWNER OF BO OKS ARE MAGIC, AN INDEPENDENT BO OKSTORE IN BRO OKLYN, NE W YORK , WHERE SHE LIVES.

72 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

People tend to assume that giving is less pleasant than receiving. In fact, a lot of evidence from psychology and neuroscience suggests that doing things for other people is both healthy and rewarding. There’s also ample evidence that people enjoy purchases they make for themselves that are experiences rather than things. So if you can provide an experience for someone else, you’re doing them a great favor. Instead of buying your friend a bottle of wine, buy a tasting class or another experience you can share with them. Often the greatest present you can give is your presence. JAMIL ZAKI, PHD, IS A PROFES SOR OF P SYCHOLO GY AT STANFORD UNIVERSIT Y AND THE AUTHOR OF THE WAR FOR K INDNES S : BUILDING EMPATHY IN A FRACTURED WORLD (OUT JUNE 4). HE LIVES IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Everyone loves to feel pampered. I like giving DIY kits because the recipient and I can share an experience after they’re opened. Purchasing a kit is quick and easy, and the real gifts are the time you spend together and the final product. Etsy has an assortment of DIY kits, including kimchi, punch-needle, and even beer-brewing kits. My personal favorite is candle making. I also love creating at-home spa-day surprises for my gal pals. I fill a basket with items such as lavender pillow mist, facial steams, and hydrating facial toner—it’s the ultimate pamper package. I’ll also toss a scented candle into the mix to set a relaxing mood. DAYNA I S O M J O H N S O N I S T H E T REN D E XPERT FOR E TSY AND A JUD GE ON THE NBC SERIES MAK ING I T. SHE LIVES IN BRO OKLYN, NE W YORK .

Make a simple gift special by adding an elegant touch. I think it’s important to put as much love and care into the packaging as you put into the gift itself. My friends call me the “wrap artist.” I wrap gifts in a scarf that fits the personality of the recipient, and I tie it with a bow. Sometimes I attach silk flowers, or maybe an earring that has lost its partner. I like to punch it up a little bit. I used to run a rose-delivery service with a friend, and sometimes I’ll revive that because I need something at the last minute. I’ll wear a hat and gloves and show up during dinner to deliver a long-stemmed red rose wrapped in beautiful paper with a card. I also think the gift of time is very important—especially at my age, because time with friends or family is very treasured. JUDITH BOYD IS THE FOUNDER OF ST YLECRONE.COM AND THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @ST YLECRONE, BOTH OF WHICH FO CUS ON ST YLE, AGING, HATS, AND YO GA . SHE LIVES IN DENVER.

R E L AT I N G

Good Read

My Perfectly Imperfect Garden IN TENDING TO FLOWERS, J A N E D E L U RY R A R E LY G E T S T H E R E S U LT S S H E I M A G I N E D . A N D T H AT â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S W H E R E T H E

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JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

I decided to transform my backyard into a perfect garden. Why I thought myself capable of such an endeavor, I do not know. I’d barely tinkered with the flower beds outside the home I’d shared with my ex-husband, and to mediocre results. I had a woeful history with houseplants. This didn’t stop me as I walked outside that first April, shovel in hand. Since signing the deed to the house, I’d gone to sleep with visions of peonies and sunflowers and sweet, shady nooks in my head. I believed I could learn what I needed to know to make these visions come true. I recognized my impulsive determination from my life as a fiction writer. I wanted the garden to exist, but more importantly, the garden seemed to want to exist, as certain stories do. The backyard at the time was more yard than garden. Two ill-matched fences, one slumped forward, contained a lawn of clover that ran into a concrete parking pad. Above, power lines and cables sagged into an alley. There was a dogwood, under which the previous owner had buried her cat, and flower beds of plasticized wood, filled with knockout rosebushes and liriope—plants I considered clichés. First I pulled out the faux wood, intending to eventually replace it with cedar. I dug up the rosebushes and the liriope and I N M I D L I F E , N E W LY S I N G L E ,

76 R E A L S I M P L E J U N E 2 0 1 9

I still want that garden. Every spring, I work in compost and yank up weeds, sprinkle seeds, dig in transplants. Then I draw a map of what I’ve done, adding to it all summer, until the Baltimore heat stops me from planting. Every fall, I mark up the spring map in red pen. “Don’t put the cucumber there next time. Spotty mildew.” “Move climbing rose to fence—needs more sun.” The next year, I do it again. I have spent hundreds of dollars on dirt and seeds and plants and wooden flower boxes, clay pots, trellises, a wire corset for the Paprika yarrow that flopped ABOUT over, burying its beautiful heads in its stragT H E AU T H O R gly stems. From April to August, I start my Jane Delury’s debut novel-in-stories, day by walking outside with a cup of coffee, The Balcony, won scouting for new blooms and shoots, and I the Sue Kaufman end my day clogs-deep in the beds, pulling Prize for First Fiction from the up renegade morning glory or deadheading American Academy digitalis, my legs speckled with dirt. of Arts and Letters. The ideas sprout as fast as the radishes. She teaches creative writing at I will try growing potatoes in a burlap sack! the University What about artichokes? I will plant this lost of Baltimore. onion from the pantry and let it bolt into snowflake flowers! Would metal gutters attached to the fence work to grow spring mix? How about baskets hanging by the door and a fig tree in that patch of sun? Driving to the university where I teach, I pull over to examine a pumpkin vine trained up the side of a garage. Having coffee with a friend on a terrace, I take a picture over her shoulder of an intriguing combination of dill and S I X Y E A R S L AT E R ,

COURTESY OF JANE DELURY (2)

The author’s daughter in their family’s backyard garden in Baltimore.

gave them to a friend in a bucket of water. Then I sat down at a patio table skirted by concrete. I looked around and let my mind whirl. I wanted my garden to be a wild, free space, alive with primary colors and movement and surprises. Wisps that caught in the wind like feathers. Coiling vines and bursting blossoms. I would grow gorgeous tomatoes, beautiful basil, and plump strawberries for my two daughters and me to feast on all summer. Somewhere, wisteria would drip Englishly. (My love of 19th-century British novels and their cinematic adaptations heavily influenced my sensibility.) From brimming beds, hollyhocks would erupt near clouds of Queen Anne’s lace. Goldfinches and monarchs would dine on the wildflowers I planned to grow beside the fence.

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R E L AT I N G

goldenrod. Last year, I became obsessed with a zinc planter at the local food market, regal with a Little Lime hydrangea and sweet potato vine. It would have looked stunning next to my gate, but it cost $400. Instead I bought a metal garbage can and drilled holes in the bottom for drainage to recreate the effect. On summer mornings, shaded by an umbrella, the patio table doubles as my writing desk. My new husband calls “good luck” to me from the kitchen doorway before shutting out the mosquitoes. My daughters wave goodbye from the windows of their air-conditioned bedrooms. Barefoot, I open my laptop. Lavender and mint flavor the air. A grapevine tufts and swirls over the fence, dripping with chartreuse clusters of fruit. Cucumber vines waterfall from a planter. The wildflowers flit with butterflies and hum with bees. When I get stuck on a sentence, I refill the bird feeder for the doves or forage in a cedar bed for strawberries and peas. I watch a caterpillar nurse on the stem of a coneflower. If, as Virginia Woolf said, every woman writer needs a room of her own, I’ve found mine outside.

From April to August, I start my day by walking outside. I end my day clogs-deep in the beds, my legs speckled with dirt. T H O S E M O R N I N G S AT T H E TA B L E Ñ alone

in the company of flowers, plants, birds, and insects—remove the sting of my gardening failures. So many of my enthusiastic ideas do not pan out: The burlap-sack planter yielded two potatoes; the garbage can, crowned with a hydrangea, still looked like a garbage can. I have a tendency to overplant: The hanging baskets by the back door became deranged with creeping Jenny. I lack a good sense of proportion: The fig tree was not meant to be 50 times as big as the Texas bluestar. Sometimes I am indelicate, uprooting a watermelon

plant in an attempt to untangle its vines. Certain plants continuously elude me: The zinnias, meant to be bright and zingy, always end up looking leggy and tacky. Every year, I clear-cut the mess and fill every last vase in the house. And then there is my tortured relationship with the coy and complicated passion vine. A periwinkle merry-goround on a base of light green petals, the passionflower delights me more than any other flower, more than peonies, foxglove, chocolate cosmos, or climbing jasmine. I have planted passion vine every year since I first spotted it at the nursery, and every year it does not do what I hope— namely, spread its glossy foliage and burst with blooms from June through August. The first summer, the plant died in a pot. The second summer, moved to the ground, it grew only leaves. Last summer, with more fertilizer and another relocation, the vine crept up the fence, spurting tiny buds, then bigger buds. Each morning, I’d go outside with my cup of coffee to see what had bloomed. Each morning, the passionflowers hadn’t. June went by. July. As summer tipped toward fall, I took out the map and wrote, “Never opened!!”

Truly, is there anything more frustrating to a gardener than a passion vine cloaking your fence, covered with flowers that stay shut all summer, a world of intricate, singular magnificence, closed off to you? Despite such vexations, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never achieve my perfect garden. The actual bed will never match my vision of the bed. I’ll never be an expert. I have only so much control. I can prune the fig tree all I like, but it might grow horizontally rather than vertically. Whiteflies will come to the Brussels sprouts. The cardinals will eat the zucchini blossoms. A week of tropical rain will explode the tomatoes. The butterfly weed will take a year off from sprouting. And the passion vine will decide for itself when it wants to open, as mine finally did in the last week of August. I stood in the morning light, face-to-face with those five complex, swaggering blooms, and I felt I was part of a miracle. Although the flowers closed back up by noon and never opened again, the memory of their beauty gives me hope for next season.

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R E L AT I N G

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

V. S . A S K S …

I travel 60 miles round-trip to an upscale chain grocery store known for its fresh produce. Recently I was shopping for prepackaged green grapes and noticed a mixture of shriveled and fresh grapes in the same bag. I removed the old grapes and put them in another bag. A clerk nearby gave me a sidewise glance, which prompted this letter. Should I have purchased the bag of old and new grapes and absorbed the loss myself?

80 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

I am about to have my first baby, and I’m worried about my mother-in-law, who is very loving but a serious smoker. She knows not to smoke in my home, but I’m concerned about thirdhand smoke on her clothes or in her home or car. Can you offer advice?

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

This is tricky, as it is becoming clear that even thirdhand smoke (the residue that accumulates on surfaces) poses health risks. But then, a close relationship with loving grandparents is a beautiful thing—one that might even offer protective health benefits, studies suggest. I recommend saying to your mother-in-law, “I want you to see the baby as much as possible. Will you strategize with me about the smoking, which I’m worried about?” Share an article with her (healthy children.org has a helpful one). And then brainstorm: Limiting the baby’s time in her home or car might be one solution; wearing a jacket designated for smoking—one she takes off before washing her hands and holding the baby—might be another.

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Absolutely not! According to my local grocer, a good store would never want you to buy anything unappealing. He did recommend connecting with the store about unsatisfactory specimens; plus, to me, creating a bad bag for the next grape shopper feels like sticking your chewed gum to the underside of a desk. I also asked him about produce etiquette in general—all that mango groping and melon rapping and (my guilty habit) avocado squeezing—and he laughed. “Go ahead and knock on ’em, smell ’em, press ’em. Pull the banana bunches apart.” He has only two pet peeves: when people damage the goods (“We don’t want anyone full-on squeezing ripe peaches”) and leave the display a mess by, say, shucking corn into it. “Otherwise,” he said, “have at it. Even if you get the side-eye.”

P. A . A S K S …

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R E L AT I N G

K.B. ASKS…

I am a veterinarian, and the pet questions seem to follow me wherever I go, even when I’m away from work. Whether it’s a friend texting about their vomiting cat or someone at a party diving into the details of their dog’s new diet, I can’t seem to escape being “the vet.” I’m happy to help people with their pet problems (it’s my job!), but I’d like to be off-duty sometimes. Is there a way to tell people I’m not interested in discussing these issues outside of the clinic without sounding rude? You are not alone. My pediatrician brother, who graciously looked at our babies’ throats and ears, drew the line at examining our cat’s wart (sorry, Rob!), and my massage therapist husband is forever working on our friends at parties. My psychiatrist running buddy distinguishes between the straight-up exploitation of your time and what she calls the “equal exchange of friendship,” where, consciously or not, you are always mining each other’s skills and knowledge. Draw the line wherever you need to: “My policy is not to offer advice outside of a professional setting. Feel free to schedule an appointment for your gecko.” But if there’s easy enough help to offer, maybe go ahead and offer it.

L.R. ASKS…

My parents are very religious and brought me up in a devout household. Now that I’m an adult, I don’t feel the way they do about religion. I don’t want to keep all the icons and candles in my home, because they don’t spark joy. I would like to give them back to my parents without upsetting them. The objects aren’t doing any harm here, but I feel my parents will get more benefit from them than I do. Don’t keep the objects. But do consider that dumping a box of them at your parents’ feet might spark something like grief. Given that the return could do more harm than good— the pleasure your parents might get from the objects is not likely to outweigh their feelings of symbolic loss—what about simply boxing them up and storing them for a while before easing them more permanently out of your life, if you know what I mean? Around here we call this—forgive the pun—“purgatory”: hanging on to meaningful but unwanted stuff just long enough to know it won’t be missed. And put up a framed photo of your family so they’ll understand you treasure them and cherish your relationship, even if you no longer share their faith.

HAVE AN E TIQUE T TE QUE STION? Submit your social conundrums to modernmanners@realsimple.com. Selected letters will be featured on these pages every month.

82 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

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This tough rubber-andrope training tool lets your pup burn off energy by playing tug-of-war and fetch. TO BUY: Huck-A-Cone, $15; ruffwear.com.

Pet Tricks D I E T A N D E X E RC I S E A R E I M P O RTA N T F O R P E T S T O O. F O L L O W T H E S E S T R A T E G I E S T O H E L P T H E M M A I N T A I N A H E A LT H Y W E I G H T. By Juno DeMelo

Get Them Going

Two 20-minute walks a day may be enough exercise for some dogs, while others need up to two hours of vigorous activity (think hiking or playing fetch). Talk to your vet before beginning a new exercise routine, and start gently. Puppies shouldn’t go for strenuous runs until their joints have matured, the timing of which depends on the breed. Older or arthritic dogs may need a lower-impact activity, such as swimming or slow, on-leash walks. If you’re a cat owner, aim for two 15minute playtime sessions daily. Dangle a fishing-polelike teaser toy, throw small balls, or shine a laser beam that your cat can chase.

Most cats don’t take kindly to a leash and harness, but you can encourage solo activity by situating food at the top of the stairs or a climbing tower. Or hide treats around the house so they have to hunt for them. You can also leave out cardboard boxes, paper bags, or puzzle feeders for entertainment when you’re not around. To help hamsters and gerbils stay active in their cages, try exercise wheels; PVC pipe tunnels and ladders are good for guinea pigs. Supervised romps in a playpen can also help tucker rodents out.

Practice Portion Control Pets should be able to get all the nutrients they need from foods made for their life stage. Puppies and kittens, for example, need more calories to help them grow. Look for food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards and is made with nutrient-dense meats, like beef or chicken. In the United States, 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs are overweight, which can cause health issues such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. You should be able to see your pet’s waistline from overhead and feel, but not see, his ribs.

O U R E X P E RT S ANGELICA DIMOCK, DVM, ANIMAL HUMANE SO CIE T Y RAELYNN FARNSWORTH, DVM, CLINICAL AS SO CIATE PROFES SOR AT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSIT Y COLLEGE OF VE TERINARY MEDICINE IN PULLMAN, WASHINGTON KURT R. VENATOR, DVM, PHD, CHIEF VE TERINARY OFFICER AT PURINA

84 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

QUIET WHEEL

An enclosed spinner hub reduces noise so your hamster or gerbil can work out without working your nerves. TO BUY: Kaytee Silent Spinner Wheel, $11; petsmart.com.

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Clip this tracker to your pet’s collar to see how many calories he’s burned, the distance he’s covered, and how rested he is. TO BUY: Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor, $100 plus subscription plan; whistle.com.

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Are These Health Trends Worth Trying? LEARN THE SCIENCE (OR L ACK THEREOF) BEHIND P OPUL AR WELLNESS CR A ZES.

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

By Melinda Wenner Moyer

Photographs by Anna Williams

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

it seems, there’s a new diet, superfood, or remedy that a dewyskinned celebrity promises will make you feel and look amazing. We can (mostly) thank Facebook and Instagram for causing wellness trends to spread like wildfire these days; the problem is that the science often lags far behind the hype. We talked to experts to find out if some of today’s hottest trends are worth trying— or if you’d be wise to stick with what’s tried-and-true. E V E RY W E E K ,

CBD Short for “cannabidiol,” CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis that has become über-popular because it won’t get you high but will, supposedly, help alleviate pain, anxiety, insomnia, PMS, and hangovers. Though CBD is in a legal gray area (check your state and local laws before purchasing), many shops and online stores sell CBD oils and powders that you can rub on your skin, vape, place under your tongue, or eat. Some cafés will even add it to your coffee (or empanada—seriously). WHY IT’S A TREND:

One CBDbased drug has been FDA-approved to treat two rare forms of epilepsy. But as for pain, anxiety, and all the other ailments, scientists mainly have data from animal studies—nothing that shows it treats conditions other than epilepsy in people. Even if CBD did cure everything under the sun, it’s unlikely to be effective at the tiny doses found in most over-the-counter products today, says neurobiologist Margaret Haney, PhD, director of Columbia University’s Cannabis Research Laboratory. “You need hundreds of milligrams of real CBD to even think you’re going to see an effect,” she says. “Five milligrams in your coffee is not going to do anything.” Verdict: Don’t bother with CBD products. Higher-concentration products may work, but they’re expensive and still not guaranteed. Wait until more options and research are available. WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

90 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Prebiotics You’ve heard of probiotics: live microorganisms that have the potential to improve your gut health. Prebiotics are different. They are nondigestible types of fiber that nourish the healthy bacteria in your intestines. Celebrity nutritionists have touted prebiotics’ potential benefits. WHY IT’S A TREND:

Right now, the benefits of prebiotics are largely theoretical. “It’s a very promising field, but there have not been a lot of studies,” says Purna Kashyap, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a member of the scientific advisory board at the American Gastroenterological Association’s Center for Gut Microbiome Research & Education. We don’t know which prebiotics are best for which people and which situations. The good news, says Kashyap, is that you can get potentially helpful prebiotics by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Verdict: Don’t buy prebiotics from the store just yet. Nourish your gut bacteria with a varied, fiber-rich diet. WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

BAL ANCE

Foam rolling Many personal trainers claim that foam rollers release knots in your fascia, the bands of tissue that connect your muscles. In doing so, rollers supposedly ease muscle pain and improve muscle mobility and range of motion. Professional athletes swear by them: Emily Day, a member of the U.S. Olympic beach volleyball team, has written about how she rolls before weight lifting, after practices, and anytime her muscles feel tight. WHY IT’S A TREND:

Little research has evaluated the effects of foam rolling. For one thing, it’s difficult to study: The results may depend on the size of the roller and how much pressure is used. “Common advice I give is that it shouldn’t hurt you and may or may not help you,” says Allison Schroeder, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. One recent study did suggest that foam rolling for as little as 20 seconds at a time can improve range of motion. Verdict: Why not? Exercise is great for you, and foam rolling can make it feel even better. WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

Essential oils Who doesn’t want an all-natural, amazingsmelling health boost? According to Google Trends, interest in the aromatic plant products known as essential oils has climbed over the past five years. They’re now used as massage oils, flavor enhancers, and ingredients in foods and personal-care products. Essential oil companies claim their products relieve stress, improve sleep, and promote the health of the heart and immune system. WHY IT’S A TREND:

WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

Diets based on blood type and genes Popularized by naturopath Peter J. D’Adamo in his book Eat Right 4 Your Type, blood type diets are based on the idea that your nutritional needs are determined by your blood type. Among other things, D’Adamo says that people with different blood types have different gut bacteria, which can digest certain foods better than others—so eating according to your blood type may reduce your risk for certain diseases and conditions. Testing companies, such as 23andMe, have also begun providing health advice based on people’s DNA. WHY IT’S A TREND:

According to Google Trends, interest in the aromatic plant products known as essential oils has climbed over the past five years.

In a 2018 study in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that people who ate diets supposedly aligning with their blood type were no less at risk of cardiometabolic disease than those who didn’t. Evidence suggested that “the theory behind this diet is not valid,” they concluded. Yoni Freedhoff, MD, founder and medical director of the Bariatric Medicine Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, agrees: These custom diets are “super nonsense at this point,” he says. Verdict: Forget it. To eat healthier, focus on having more veggies and less sugar. WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

Unfortunately, few clinical trials have tested the health effects of essential oils, and the ones that have “are usually quite flimsy,” in that they are small and poorly designed, says Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, a complementary medicine researcher at the University of Exeter in England. Verdict: Enjoy their aromas all you want, but “do not expect them to cure major illnesses,” says Ernst. One possible exception: Several small trials suggest that capsules containing peppermint oil, taken at least twice a day, can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. So if you have IBS, talk to your doctor about trying them. Also, essential oil diffusers provide a more firesafe way than scented candles to add fragrance to a room.

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

BAL ANCE

Blue-light-blocking glasses Some claim that the short-wavelength blue light we’re increasingly exposed to from our devices is damaging our eyes, and that glasses that block it will keep our eyes healthier. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, research suggests that blue light may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of agerelated macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in people ages 50 and older. WHY IT’S A TREND:

Meditation In a 2017 review of three clinical trials, researchers in the U.K. and Australia analyzed whether people who wore blue-light-blocking glasses had less eye fatigue and better vision over time than people who didn’t. Their conclusion: Nope. It’s “a big urban myth,” says ophthalmologist and retina surgeon Abdhish R. Bhavsar, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Verdict: Skip the glasses. That said, some research suggests blue light can make it harder to fall asleep, so if you struggle with insomnia, avoid TV and devices right before bed, turn on nighttime settings if you have them, or consider blue-light-blocking glasses when you use devices in the evening. WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

Between 2012 and 2017, the use of meditation by Americans more than tripled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey. Gyms and yoga studios now offer it; progressive companies, such as Google and Nike, provide office meditation sessions for employees; smartphone apps can guide you through sessions at home. Many celebs, including Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Kristen Bell, say that meditation keeps them feeling great. WHY IT’S A TREND:

Intermittent fasting Intermittent fasting is exactly what it sounds like: not eating for an extended period of time, from half a day to several days. Fasters claim it’s fabulous for weight loss, slows aging, and prevents chronic diseases. Celebs like Chris Pratt, Halle Berry, and Kourtney Kardashian have reportedly been on board. WHY IT’S A TREND:

WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S:

Clinical trials suggest that meditation—which involves trying to experience the present moment and observing and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings—can help treat or ease a number of ailments, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. “The health benefits of meditation have been proven time and again,” says licensed clinical psychologist Dana Harron, PsyD, director of Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy in Washington, D.C. It’s unclear how meditation achieves these feats, but some research suggests it changes the brain over time. Verdict: If meditation can help you sleep better, keep you calmer, and make you happier, what’s not to love?

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If meditation can help you sleep better, keep you calmer, and make you happier, what’s not to love?

WHAT S CIENCE S U G GE ST S: In a 2018 clinical trial, researchers compared the 5:2 style of fasting—in which you eat normally for five days and then eat no more than 400 calories a day for two days— with a more traditional diet. After a year, the intermittent fasters lost as much weight as the traditional dieters. And no research shows that fasting prevents disease. “It appears intermittent fasting is just as good or as bad as any other diet,” says Freedhoff. Among people who are vulnerable to or have a history of disordered eating, the extreme restriction involved in this diet could pose risks. Verdict: Give intermittent fasting a shot if you want to—and your doctor gives the OK—but don’t expect miracles.

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all by yourself (lucky, lonely you), human interactions are required, and occasional flare-ups are inevitable. “Part of your job is building relationships,” says workplace consultant Lindsey Pollak, author of The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace. “And when those relationships go awry, part of your job is repairing them.” Ideally, we are always bringing our most compassionate, flexible, and improvisational selves to these situations. “You’re so passionate about cucumbers!” I once told an editor after she flew into a rage about a cookbook sidebar. Another time I said, “It makes sense we’re all so stressed, being ER doctors,” to make a room full of deadlinecranky publishing folks laugh. And yes, sometimes it feels like I’m doing more diplomatic untangling than actual work, which is why I called on some experts. Beyond following the Golden Rule—which is always a good general practice—these were their suggestions for talking your way out of common office conflicts.

What to Say When Coworkers Stress You Out E X P E R T A D V I C E F O R T A C T F U L LY H A N D L I N G A W K W A R D , A N N OY I N G S I T UAT I O N S I N T H E W O R K P L AC E By Catherine Newman

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GET T Y IMAGES

U N L E S S YO U ’ R E WO R K I N G

You had a fight with a coworker, and now it’s awkward.

You share a work area with someone who is extremely messy. Try as you might, you’re probably not going to change this person’s habits, says Pollak. So think through what your desired outcome is. Are there ways to separate the shared space better? Maybe you can place a vertical filing system between your desk area and theirs so the mess is not as much in view. Or try saying to your coworker, “I don’t want to micromanage, but I find the clutter so distracting. Could we work on this together?” A gentle nudge might be just what they need to tidy up.

Can you let it go and move on? Then do. Or as Pollak puts it, just ignore the awkward. Time (and a little compassion) heals most wounds, and it will likely heal this one as well. But if a bad vibe is lingering, try to figure out what’s unresolved—and how to resolve it. Is there an apology you need to give or get? Set up a coffee date and make whatever reparations you can: “I still can’t believe I said you were obnoxious! It came out wrong, and I’m so sorry.” The worst thing you can do, says career expert Jill Jacinto, is avoid your coworker. “You want to be mending the relationship, rebuilding it. Say simply, ‘What do you think is the best way to put this behind us?’ and let them help guide the conversation.”

A coworker often stops by your desk to chat. You don’t want to be rude, but you need to work. Try standing up when they walk over so they don’t sit down and get comfortable, suggests John Daly, PhD, a leadership consultant and professor of communication at University of Texas at Austin. Also, wearing headphones sends a clear visual cue that you don’t want to be interrupted. Have a couple of positive phrases at the ready: “I’d love to chat, but I’ve got to get these emails out,” or “I’m dying to hear more! Can we check in over lunch?” Focus on what you can offer, not on what you can’t, says Pollak. And when you do chat, think of it as an investment—five minutes a day to maintain the relationship.

One of your coworkers always interrupts you and co-opts your ideas in meetings. Raise a hand to signal “I’m not done yet,” or avoid eye contact with a likely interrupter and keep speaking, says Daly. You could also connect with a buddy before the meeting and ask them to stick up for you. “I think Clara wasn’t finished speaking yet,” your supporter might say, or “Yes, I think that’s a version of the idea Clara was sharing earlier.” If you feel the need to follow up after the meeting, try saying, “I’m not sure you’re aware, but sometimes you get so excited about ideas that I feel interrupted. Could you keep an eye on that?”

A coworker constantly complains about their job. But you like your job! How can you avoid getting sucked into the negativity? In this case (as in most others), a little courtesy and compassion can help a lot. Pollak recommends saying, “It sounds like you’re having a hard time, and I really sympathize. But I wonder if you should have a conversation with a career coach.” If the problem is the office environment—and not just the person’s attitude—you could suggest a visit with HR instead. But either way, you want to shift the burden to a third party better suited to help. “You’ve been talking to me about this for a long time—maybe you need some fresh advice” is a friendly way to redirect their complaints. Support your coworker without contributing more than a sympathetic ear to the conversation. Avoid fanning the flames or roasting in a fire of feelings you don’t share.

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

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BAL ANCE

M a k i n g I t Wo r k

How do you make dressing for work easier? By Jane Por ter

H E A D S H OTS C O U RT E SY O F S U B J ECTS

What works best for me is to schedule my outfits for the week. On Sundays, I take about 20 minutes to glance through my schedule and through my wardrobe. Then I make notes in my phone for each day. I’ve made an extra space in my closet to hang those clothes. I attached a valet bar, which is like a pullout rod, and I use it to hang my outfits for the week. It saves a lot of space and time.

MAHJUBA LEVINE, 45, PERSONAL FASHION ST YLIST IN SAN DIEGO

Illustration by Andrea Mongia

Looking polished and professional is important for a real estate executive. For me, getting dressed for work is about having lots of separates that can go together in many different ways. When I shop, I always ask myself, “What does this go with in my wardrobe?” I gravitate toward clothes with structure because I feel less polished in a looser garment. I am grateful for brands, like M.M.LaFleur, that have created women’s workwear that lets you be feminine while still looking formal.

I’m an interior designer, so what I wear is part of how people understand and judge my taste. Comfort and function must be equal to aesthetics because at the end of the day, if I’m not comfortable, I can’t possibly be presentable. I think an amazing blazer is an important piece to invest in because it can change your entire outfit. The cut is the most important part, so spend a little extra to get it tailored to fit perfectly.

As a queer woman, I’ve found confidence in my own style, which is a mix of colorful patterns and androgynous business attire. On a daily basis, I can get away with wearing black jeans and a plain button-up to work. If I have a special investor meeting, it’s stressful for me to have to think, “What am I going to wear?” I try to eliminate that stress by having just four or five outfits to choose from, usually a combination of dress pants and bright shirts. I went to a gender-neutral store and got a greenand-blue floral suit. I now have that in my rotation as something a little more fun.

KATHERINE PINKARD, 36, HE AD OF PINK ARD PROPERTIES IN BALTIMORE

LUCAS L AI, 36, PARTNER AT ALL THINGS DIRT, A DESIGN FIRM IN SHELTER ISL AND, NE W YORK

BRIANNA RADER, 27, SAN FRANCISCO– BASED FOUNDER OF THE APP JUICEBOX

One of my easiest and quickest ways to look polished at work is to put on lipstick. I stash multiples of my favorite everywhere, which means I always have one in my purse, at my desk, in my car. My schedule typically includes a fair amount of international travel, so I also rely on accessories to keep things interesting while traveling with limited luggage. Versatile pieces that can easily transition from the office to an evening event with a change of accessories are key. I also keep my travel wardrobe together to make packing easier.

SHERYL ADKINS-GREEN, 55, DALL AS-BASED CHIEF MARKE TING OFFICER AT MARY K AY

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

BAL ANCE

4 Shifts That Are Changing Our Wallets …A N D H OW TO M A K E T H E M WO R K FO R YO U By Kate Rockwood

Pay yourself first. Save for a rainy day. Some money advice has stayed pretty much the same for centuries—and will hold true for decades to come. But from the gig economy to life expectancies that would have seemed like science fiction to our forebears, “we’re living in a whole new financial world,” says Alexa von Tobel, a certified financial planner and the author of Financially Forward. Both demographic and digital shifts are reshaping how we earn, save, and spend money. Here’s how to take advantage of the biggest changes. L I V E O N L E S S T H A N YO U M A K E .

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Illustration by Gracia Lam

We’re Living (a Lot) Longer Over the past century, Americans have added roughly three decades to their lives, according to the Stanford Center on Longevity. Between 1900 and 2000, life expectancy for women jumped from 50 to 79 years. And today it’s even longer—81 years. More time alive is certainly something to celebrate, but it also requires more resources. And women, who often struggle with pernicious pay gaps, career interruptions, greater health-care costs during retirement, and less confidence around long-term financial planning, tend to be underprepared, says Maddy Dychtwald, cofounder of the aging and longevity think tank Age Wave. A 2018 Merrill Lynch study found that 42 percent of women are afraid they’ll run out of money by age 80. And those fears aren’t unfounded: Nearly half of Americans haven’t yet hit $50,000 in retirement savings, according to a survey by the financial website GOBankingRates. WORK IT: Time is an asset when it comes to investing. The longer your money is in an investment account, the more compound interest you earn. “There’s this misconception that you have to have wealth to invest. We have to get over that,” says Dychtwald. Find a financial planner who won’t mansplain the market to you, or call (for free!) the broker

“Everyone should have a will, but it’s even more important for nontraditional families.”

who manages your employersponsored retirement plan. Start investing, even if you’ve only got pocket change to put away right now. You won’t regret it. In the Merrill Lynch survey, women’s top financial regret was not investing more. Of those who do invest, 77 percent said they felt they’d be able to save enough money to last the rest of their lives. It might also be wise to rethink what your retirement will look like, says Candice McGarvey, a certified financial planner with Belpointe Wealth Management and the founder of Her Dollars Financial Coaching. “Very few of us will be able to quit work altogether for a few decades,” she says. Rather than seeing that as a failure (and any savings as futile), embrace the idea that retirement can be what you make it. “Maybe you continue working part-time or start a side business,” she says. The gig economy has certainly made it easier for people to earn on their own terms: According to a Prudential survey, nearly onethird of gig-only workers are 56 and older, and of those, 34 percent say they’re retired. On the homehosting platform Airbnb, seniors (ages 60 and older) are the fastestgrowing host demographic, with the average senior earning $7,000 annually.

Everything Is On Demand Lyft. Amazon. Instacart. DoorDash. The apps on your phone are a gateway to instant gratification, with everything from a car ride to cream cheese arriving at your door with a few taps on a screen. If you indulge in on-demand services whenever you feel like it, those conveniences can tank your budget. But with a bit of planning, you can use these tools to save rather than spend with abandon, says von Tobel. WORK IT: To juice the full value from on-demand offerings, track what you currently spend on various items and services, and then look for easy swaps that will save you money and also (ideally) time and hassle, says von Tobel. For example, if you spend $100 a week on takeout, a meal-kit subscription service might cost you less. If your cable bill is out of control, swapping cable for Hulu or Sling TV may slash that bill considerably. If, like von Tobel, you schlep to the grocery store for staples like diapers, paper towels, and toilet paper, ordering through Amazon’s Subscribe & Save service could save you 15 percent, “plus time in the store, which I’d rather spend with my kids,” says von Tobel. To ensure on-demand savings aren’t tipping into on-demand impulse buys, von Tobel recommends reviewing purchases once a month. Over budget? Try being more intentional with the service, or delete the app if you find it too easy to make quick purchases.

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BAL ANCE

Modern Families Are Delightfully Varied

HOWEVER YOU SLEEP, YOU’RE PROTECTED.

*vs. Always Ultra Thin Regular with wings © Procter & Gamble, Inc., 2019

The World Has Gone Freelance Gone are the days when “work” only meant working for someone else. Gallup estimates that 36 percent of people in the United States now do some sort of independent work, whether that’s performing various jobs as an artist or jumping from company to company as a freelancer. For more than a quarter of independent workers in the U.S., the dough they earn through these jobs is their primary means of making ends meet. WORK IT: When you’re freelance or self-employed, the only HR department to lean on is...you. “The onus is on you to be proactive and diligent about saving,” says von Tobel. When you’re an employee, the company pays half of your social security (and Medicare) taxes and might pay a portion of your health insurance premiums or offer a match on retirement savings. Those not on staff have to shoulder the planning and expenses—or risk owing a ton at tax time or coming up short for retirement. So map out a financial plan; base it on the past few years if you’ve been independent for a while, or on superconservative estimates if you’re new. A few hours with a fee-only financial planner can help you build a blueprint for cash flow and self-employment taxes, as well as short-term and long-term savings. If your independent work is just a side enterprise, put 90 percent of your earnings toward debts or savings and spend the other 10 percent however you want.

The past few decades have brought huge shifts in how Americans build and raise families. Women are marrying later, same-sex partners can now legally wed, and significantly more people are raising kids on their own or deciding not to have children. WORK IT: Customizing a financial plan is essential if your family, health status, or lifestyle doesn’t fit the standard assumptions, says financial planner Tricia Rosen, founder of Access Financial Planning. If you’re single, for instance, you can’t rely on someone else’s salary if you lose your job, so having emergency savings is a top priority. Single people are also more in need of disability insurance, which replaces part of your wages if you’re injured or sick. (The online insurance broker Policygenius has guides on how much insurance to get.) Don’t have anyone depending on you for financial support? You can probably skip life insurance. If you have a life partner but aren’t married, get legal paperwork in place so both of your wishes regarding assets are documented if something happens to one of you. “Everyone should have a will, a durable power of attorney for health care, and a durable power of attorney for finances, but these documents are even more important for nontraditional families,” says Rosen. (“Durable” just means it stays in effect even if you’re incapacitated.) Ask your accountant, financial planner, or friends to recommend an estate attorney; some charge by the hour, while others offer flat-fee services. Or try the sites LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer, which offer a range of DIY paperwork options.

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Ahhh... It’s easier to respond to whatever the day may bring in a more balanced and openminded way if you spend a moment centering yourself. Let your belly soften, and take three gentle breaths into it. Then put your hands on the center of your chest. Inhale slowly and imagine breathing in from the bottom of your feet through the top of your head and into your heart. Exhale and feel your ribs soften downward under your hands. After a few repetitions, ask yourself, “How do I want to respond to people and situations today?” Keep breathing this way for one to three minutes and notice a feeling of centeredness, clarity, or ease.

OFFSET

— M a r g a r e t To w n s e n d , t h e l i v i n g b r e a t h . c o m

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P h o t o g r a p h b y Ka r y n M i l l e t

Ahhh... Sometimes, after an intense day, sleep just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come. Unwinding mental tension involves unwinding physical tension. Begin with your feet. Take a deep breath in and hold it while you stretch your toes wide apart. Then exhale and relax. Now squeeze your toes as if you were making fists with your feet and hold, hold, hold your breath. Exhale as you relax your toes. Lift your right leg two inches off the bed and squeeze all your leg muscles; exhale and drop your leg. Move to the other leg. Then make fists with your hands, lift your arms two inches off the bed, and squeeze; exhale deeply as you drop your arms. Lift your legs and your arms and squeeze your belly, and then exhale and release. Finally, squeeze your face like a prune and, on a big exhale, let go. Feel your whole body drop into the mattress.

STO C K SY

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Cyndi Lee, cyndilee.com

Photograph by Justin Mullet

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GET RE ADY TO R E N O VAT E O F A M A J O R R E N OVAT I O N , CONSIDER THIS YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS. BY AMANDA LECKY

After months (or years!) of saving and dreaming, you’re ready to embark on a renovation that will put Chip and Jo to shame. You’ve taken your “before” pictures and you’re eager for the improvements to begin. And yet you know you’re committing to a long, expensive project that will disrupt your normal routine. There’s so much to manage, and the process can be full of unknowns.

REAL RENO

HARDWORKING KITCHEN Cassandra LaValle, founder of the lifestyle site Coco Kelley, recently updated the kitchen of her Seattle home. Her biggest takeaway from this remodel was how much of an impact delayed decisions can have on the overall timeline; each choice affects others later. One choice that was a no-brainer for her: quartz countertops. LaValle and her husband are avid bakers and entertain often, so the durable, stain-resistant surface was a must-have for them.

While there’s no way to avoid every single bump in the remodeling road, having the right guidance can improve the trip. We asked top design and construction pros to share their best insights into every stage of the process. BEFORE

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P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F E L L I E L I L L S T R O M . PA I N T : W H I T E D O V E O C - 1 7 ; B E N J A M I N M O O R E . C O M F O R I N F O . C O S E N T I N O S I L E S T O N E C O U N T E R T O P S I N L AG O O N ; C O S E N T I N O. C O M / U S A F O R I N F O. C O L L ECT I O N S BY L EG R A N D D E S I G N E R S W I TC H E S A N D O U T L E TS ; L EG R A N D. U S F O R I N F O

IF YOU’ VE BEEN DRE AMING

PRO TIP Opt for classic styles for hard-to-change elements, like cabinets and countertops. Smaller items, like faucets and hardware, are lower-stakes places to play, since you can replace them easily if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love them in a few years.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN You’ve heard the old saying “Measure twice, cut once”? Turns out it’s good advice for the renovation process: The more time you spend planning, the more smoothly the project is likely to run. So go slowly at the start, and follow these tips.

PICK THE RIGHT S TA RT I N G P O I N T Not everyone can afford to remodel their whole house at once. “Start with the room you use the most, or the one that’s stealing your happiness as soon as you walk into it,” says interior designer Emily Henderson. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually good candidates to tackle first. “They’re both really important to how the house functions,” says interior designer Lauren Behfarin. Alternatively, live in the house as is until you can afford to do all the work at one time. “You’ll save on materials by ordering them all at once, and the contractor’s bid will usually be less for one large job versus multiple smaller ones,” says interior designer Marina Hanisch. While you’re waiting, you may learn a thing or two about how you live in your house. “It takes some time to see how the spaces work for you,” says Sherry Petersik, author and DIY blogger at younghouselove.com.

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COME UP WITH A LO O K YO U LOV E Gather inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Houzz, and more. “Give yourself at least two weeks for this process—really let things percolate,” says Petersik. “Then pick out your very favorite images and move them to a new folder or pinboard. You’ll find that they are all very similar, or that there are elements repeated in each one.” Use that style to guide you. DEVELOP A BUD GET A financial planner can help you decide what you can afford. Once you have a handle on your resources, consider talking to a local real estate agent to see what renovated homes in your area are selling for (or look at listings online). Don’t invest more than you could get back, especially if you plan to sell in the next five years, says architect Suzie Mariniello. Next, make a list of your priorities, divided into must-haves and niceto-haves. How to decide which is which? The must-haves are the features that will change how you live in

REAL RENO

LIGHTENED-UP B AT H RO O M The dark and dated basement bathroom in this Portland, Oregon, home was brightened up with a combination of tiles in a peaceful palette. Designer Emily Henderson used gray grout on the shower walls, floor, and accent wall to define the shape of each tile and make cleaning easier. Though the overall style is classic, she opted for a modern mirror and lights that can be easily swapped out as tastes evolve.

BEFORE

M A K E OV E R YO U R E X P E C TAT I O N S

The experts are unanimous: Your project will likely cost more and take longer than you imagine. “Once you open up walls and get under carpets,” says Hanisch, “you uncover things you didn’t know were there. That’s not always bad—sometimes you find original wood floors or a fireplace hidden behind drywall. But I always advise cushioning the timeline and the budget by 10 to 20 percent.”

P H OTO G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F S A R A L I G O R R I A - T R A M P. K O H L E R J A C Q U A R D B AT H R O O M VA N I T Y C A B I N E T, A R T I FA C T S C O L U M N B AT H R O O M S I N K S P O U T, A R C H E R A L C O V E B AT H , C I M A R R O N TO I L E T ; U S . K O H L E R . C O M . B E V E L 2 X 8 T I L E I N PA R C H M E N T G L A Z E , FA C E T T I L E ( O N S H O W E R S U R R O U N D ) ; P R AT TA N D L A R S O N . C O M . C O N I F E R A R T I C U L AT I N G S C O N C E , M I R R O R ( F O R S I M I L A R ) , M A S S E Y D R AW E R P U L L S , M A S S E Y R O U N D C A B I N E T K N O B S ; R E J U V E N AT I O N . C O M

PHASE 1

“If we had renovated our kitchen right when we moved in, we would have added sliding doors to an existing deck—a deck we ultimately ended up removing.”

PRO TIP I f you plan to s ell in t he ne ar future , a bathroom update can help increase the resale value of your home. A major kitchen remodel, however, could be risky, since you may not recoup the full investment.

PRO TIP If you can’t move out during the work, ask your contractor to set up temporar y plastic walls to cordon off the work zone. Remember that it’s not permanent, and the results will be worth the inconvenience.

F L E X I B L E B O N U S S PA C E Homeowners Sherry and John Petersik transformed the above-garage storage space of their Richmond, Virginia–area house into a family-friendly bonus room that functions as a TV room, playroom, and occasional guest space. Rather than reframing the entire room

112 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

to eliminate the angle of the roofline, they embraced it and maximized the space with a budget-friendly built-in. The couple used Ikea kitchen cabinetry and some DIY floating shelves to turn a potentially challenging design feature into something decorative and functional.

BEFORE

P H OTO G R A P H S C O U RT E SY O F YO U N G H O U S E LOV E . C O M

REAL RENO

B U D G E T S AV E R

If you’re trying to trim your budget, it’s OK to eliminate the decor for now. But be aware that you may not love the finished remodel as much if you don’t update the furnishings. If it’s within your means, shop sales and vintage sources to help keep the budget in check while adding touches that make a home feel more “designer” and less “contractor.”

the space. These are the things you really don’t want to cut or compromise on, because they’re essential to your lifestyle or vision. In a kitchen renovation, for example, a musthave could be removing a wall to open the area to the family room, while a nice-to-have might be a potfiller faucet behind the stovetop. HIRING HELP You’d never ask a stranger to babysit without checking their references and background, so don’t rush past those steps when hiring the professionals you’ll invite into your home. “Talk to their past clients,” says Behfarin. “Ask if they were responsible, trustworthy, and punctual.” Also, contact your local Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints registered against the pro. Look for signs of professionalism. “It’s a red flag if your contractor writes the estimate on a napkin, doesn’t offer a contract, or only gives you a cellphone number as a contact,” says Petersik. “You want business cards,

ASSEMBLE YO U R T E A M Who you need on your team depends on the type and scope of your project. INTERIOR DE SIGNER :

They can help plan a space, design cabinetry and builtins, and choose materials, finishes, and furnishings. KITCHEN AND / OR BATH DE SIGNER S: They’re adept

at planning storage and choosing appliances and plumbing fixtures. They can also help with the overall look of the space. GENER AL CONTR ACTOR:

“The GC is like the conductor of the orchestra,” says Petersik. “They schedule the subcontractors, order the materials, and generally keep everything moving.”

proof of all required licenses and insurance, an official estimate, and a contract that spells out the job, the timeline, and the payment schedule.” Getting bids from at least three contractors is essential. “You’re evaluating how the contractors conduct themselves and present their estimates, but you’re also looking for confirmation of the ballpark estimate you did yourself before asking for bids,” says interior designer Tracy Morris. “If one is really high or low and the others are close together, you’ll know that the outlier is either out of whack or including different elements in the project.” Rule of thumb: Go with the bid in the middle, since it’s probably the most accurate. If you are faced with unexpectedly high bids, it’s time to return to your prioritized project wish list and start cutting items from the bottom. Or you may have to divide your project into smaller chunks and do some elements now and others in the future. You could try to negotiate with the contractor on some items, though Morris advises doing so very carefully: “If you put the screws to your contractor at the beginning of the project, they may be less likely to include freebies—like repainting a room because you decide you don’t like the color—later.” One exception: “If you’ve gotten several bids and the contractor you really want to work with is higher than one of the others, you can absolutely be open and honest about that and see if they’ll meet you halfway,” says Morris.

ARCHITECT: If you’re

moving walls or adding to the footprint of your home, you’ll need an architect (and maybe a structural engineer) to make sure the plans are structurally sound.

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PHASE 2

R E A D Y, S E T , REMODEL

PRO TIP

Your plan is in place and your team is prepped—but you can’t just sit back and watch the action. Staying involved (judiciously) can help keep the reno on track.

B E A W A R E O F T H E P I T FA L L S Altering the plan after the work begins (“changing orders,” in construction speak) almost always adds time and expense to the job. “Take the extra time to nail down all the details before the project starts rather than making changes midcourse, when it will throw off your schedule and budget,” says contractor Howard Molen. Most designers and architects will use drawings and renderings to show you what they’re planning so you can see what the space will look like—and make adjustments. Another tip for a smooth project: “Make sure all the materials arrive at the site before the work begins,” says Henderson. “You don’t want contractors to have to wait midjob. They might hop on someone else’s project during the downtime, and then it can be hard to get them back to yours.” Keep in mind that wood flooring requires extra prep. “It should be delivered to the site a minimum of two weeks before installation and stored in the room where it will be used so it can adjust to the temperature and humidity inside the home,” says Molen. Otherwise the wood could expand or contract after installation, causing buckling or gapping. C O M M U N I C AT E E F F E C T I V E LY When it comes to getting your ideas across to your team, “pictures are worth a thousand words,” says interior designer Amber Lewis. “It’s the best way to explain what you want, because designers and architects are

IN C A SE OF EMERGENCY

Being open about your wants, needs, and concerns can usually reduce or resolve personnel problems fairly easily, but what if your contractor or designer gets sick or walks off the job? “That’s a nightmare, of course, but if it happens, you’ll just have to hire someone else,” says Behfarin. “Ask for all the contacts and contracts up front, just in case you need to communicate with subcontractors and vendors directly.”

O U R E X P E RT S L AU R E N B E H FA R I N , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN NE W YORK CIT Y E R I N G AT E S , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN THE BOSTON ARE A M A N D I G U B L E R , DIY BLO GGER AT VINTAGEREVIVAL S.COM M A R I N A H A N I S C H , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN NE W YORK CIT Y E M I LY H E N D E R S O N , INTERIOR DESIGNER AND BLO GGER AT ST YLEBYEMILYHENDERSON.COM A M B E R L E W I S , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN LOS ANGELES S UZ I E M A R I N I E L LO , ARCHITECT IN NE W YORK CIT Y C H R I ST I N E M A R KATO S LOW E , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN SANTA MONICA , CALIFORNIA H OWA R D M O L E N , CONTRACTOR IN NE W YORK CIT Y T R ACY M O R R I S , INTERIOR DESIGNER IN M c LE AN, VIRGINIA S KY L A R O L S E N , DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC RESE ARCH AT ZILLOW S H E R RY P E T E R S I K , AUTHOR AND DIY BLO GGER AT YOUNGHOUSELOVE.COM

114 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

When you’re faced with a difficult decision onsite, Henderson suggests asking, “What are my options, and what will they cost?” It’s a concise way to get all the info you need to find a fix that will suit you and your budget.

so visually driven.” Plus, you can just point at something you like if you don’t know the technical term for it. “On our projects, we’ll laminate a drawing and stick it up on the wall,” says Henderson. “That way anyone working in the room can see the plan and all the measurements, and we can mark changes with a Sharpie.” HANDLE CHALLENGES WITH GRACE Structural, plumbing, and electrical issues. Bad weather. Construction mistakes. Some moments will test you. But know that there is a solution to every problem. “Trust your team— you hired them for a reason,” says Lewis. “That said, also trust your gut. If there is something that you know you 100 percent do not want, you have to speak up.”

REAL RENO

MODERNIZED FA M I LY RO O M When Elsie Larson, cofounder of the lifestyle site A Beautiful Mess, moved into her suburban Nashville home, she opted to swap the maroon carpet for hardwood floors and paint the dark stone fireplace and ceiling beams a bright white. In a neutral space, layers of texture are key, so she balanced the stone with a DIY shiplap wall opposite it.

BEFORE

PHASE 3

I T ’ S D O N E ! W H AT N O W ?

P H OTO G R A P H S C O U RT E SY O F A M B E R U L M E R

The plaster dust has settled, the crews are gone, and your rooms look amazing. But there are still a few things to do before you post those before-and-after snaps.

COMPLETE THE PUNCH LIST At the end of the project, you may still be left with nicked paint in the hallway, crooked outlets in the kitchen, and sconces that were installed upside down—in other words, with a lot of little mistakes that need fixing. Construction pros call these final items the “punch list.” Your contract should include a plan for attending to them and (typically) a provision that you will not make

W H AT T O K E E P Physical or scanned receipts for everything you purchase, from paint to appliances Purchasing info for anything pros delivered to the site Reference samples and swatches

the final payment until they’ve been completed to your satisfaction. “When a job is finished, I walk through every space with a pad of Post-it notes and stick them to anything that needs fixing,” says Hanisch. But there’s no need to wait until the end of the job to alert your contractor to any issues. THINK AHEAD Stay in touch with your renovation team if you think you might want to work with them again. Bolster your good relationship by providing referrals or writing a positive online review. Then relax and enjoy your finished renovation. Until you’re ready to start thinking about the next one.

Leftover tile in case it’s needed for repairs down the road JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

115

ALL THE FISHES Want to have more se afo o d at home? T h e s e e a s y, q u i c k - c o o k i n g r e c i p e s w i l l m a k e y o u f a l l i n l o v e ( y e s , e v e n w i t h s a r d i n e s ).

b y D AW N P E R RY photographs by GREG DuPREE

TOA STED GARLIC-BUT TER SHRIMP

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117

LEMONY S PA G H E T T I W I T H SARDINES AND B R E A D C RU M B S

118 REAL SIMPLE

CoconutCurry Sauce

SesameTu r m e r i c Butter

C R I S P YSKINNED FISH FILLETS

CeleryScallion Relish

ACT I V E T I M E 2 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 2 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 6

To aste d GarlicButter Shrimp ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 4

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling cup panko 1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 tsp. lemon zest plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)

lb. peeled and deveined tail-on large shrimp, divided 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided Freshly ground black pepper lemon

HEAT 2 tablespoons each butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high until butter melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring, until garlic just starts to turn golden, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic to a small bowl.

half the shrimp to skillet in a single layer; season with teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, undisturbed, until bottoms of shrimp turn pale golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip shrimp and cook, undisturbed, until just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a platter. ADD

with remaining butter, oil, garlic, shrimp, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lemon over shrimp and top with toasted garlic. REPEAT

tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 lb. spaghetti 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 4.35-oz. can boneless, skinless sardines in olive oil Lemon wedges, for serving 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium. Add panko and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Wipe skillet clean. HEAT

BRING a large pot of salted water

to a boil. Add spaghetti, return to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. the last few minutes of pasta cook time, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and heat over medium-high. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add sardines and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. DURING

tongs, transfer cooked pasta directly to skillet. Add 1 cup pasta water and cook, tossing constantly, until liquid reduces and coats pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and half the panko mixture and toss to combine. USING

with remaining panko mixture, drizzle with oil, and serve with lemon wedges. TOP

120 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 4

4 4- to 6-oz. skin-on fish fillets, such as striped bass, branzino, or mackerel tsp. kosher salt 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

tsp. kosher salt, plus more for cooking spaghetti

4 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

Crispy-Skinne d Fish Fillets

PAT

fish dry and season with salt.

a large skillet over mediumhigh until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil; swirl skillet to coat. Carefully add 2 fillets, skin side down (lay them away from you to avoid spattering). Shake skillet to prevent sticking. Press firmly on each fillet to help skin make contact with skillet. Cook, undisturbed, until edges are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, skin side up. Repeat with remaining oil and fish. HEAT

SERVE fish

with lemon slices, if using, or one of the sauces ahead.

S esame-Turmeric Butter cup unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1 tsp. brown mustard seeds tsp. kosher salt tsp. ground turmeric 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) butter in a medium skillet over medium-low. Add seeds, salt, and turmeric; cook, stirring constantly, until seeds are toasted and foam subsides, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; add lemon juice. Serve immediately. MELT

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

Lemony Sp aghetti with S ardines and Bre ad Crumbs

RO A S T SALMON WITH T O M AT O E S AND P E P PA D E W S

WHITE FISH SAL AD WITH QUICK DILL PICKLES

Celer y-S callion Relish 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 4 scallions, thinly sliced cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. cumin seeds 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) tsp. kosher salt tsp. black pepper celery, scallions, and cilantro in a heatproof bowl. Heat oil and cumin in a small skillet over medium-high, shaking skillet often, until cumin is sizzling and fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour cumin oil over celery mixture. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. PL ACE

Ro ast S almon with Tomato es and Pepp adews ACT I V E T I M E 10 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 4 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 4

12 oz. cherry tomatoes 1 cup Peppadew peppers, torn in half 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced cup olive oil 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided tsp. black pepper, divided tsp. caraway seeds tsp. coriander seeds, crushed with the side of a knife tsp. cumin seeds 1 1 -lb. skin-on side of salmon, pin bones removed 1 tsp. red wine vinegar Fresh mint leaves, for serving

Co conut-Curr y S auce

1 clove garlic, grated

oven to 425°F. Toss tomatoes, Peppadews, onion, and oil in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Season with teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper.

2 Tbsp. red curry paste

ROAST

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 1-in. piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (2 tsp.)

1 cup well-shaken canned coconut milk oil in a skillet over medium. Add ginger and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add curry paste; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in coconut milk; bring to a simmer over mediumhigh and cook, whisking occasionally, until smooth and heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat over low before serving. HEAT

PREHEAT

until tomatoes begin to burst and onions are softened, 18 to 20 minutes; remove from oven. Reduce oven to 275°F. together caraway, coriander, cumin, and remaining teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Season flesh side of salmon with spices. STIR

White Fish S alad with Quick Dill Pickles ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S SERVES 4

2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced cup white wine vinegar cup chopped fresh dill tsp. granulated sugar tsp. kosher salt, divided tsp. black pepper, divided 1 lb. smoked trout, flaked cup crème fraîche 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 1–2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) Unsalted butter, softened (optional) Sliced bread, toasted, for serving PL ACE cucumbers, vinegar, dill, sugar, teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl; toss to combine. STIR together trout, crème fraîche, horseradish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and remaining teaspoon each salt and pepper until evenly combined. Taste and add remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, if desired.

butter, if using, on warm toasts and top with white fish salad and cucumbers, drizzling with a little pickling liquid. SPREAD

vegetables to sides of baking dish. Nestle salmon, skin side down, in dish. Spoon some vegetables and oil over salmon. PUSH

to oven and bake until salmon is opaque, 15 to 20 minutes. Drizzle everything with vinegar and top with mint. RETURN

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We ke e p i n t o u c h v i a t e x t s a n d D M s a n d e m a i l s . B u t a s o n e w r i t e r fo u n d , a g o o d o l d - fa s h i o n e d p o s t c a rd c a n h e l p u s c o n n e c t s o m u c h m o re d e e p l y. BY JEFF G ORDINIER PHOTO GR APHS BY ANNA WILLIAMS LE T TERING BY BABE TH L AFON

that our longsimmering crushes on each other could lead to something serious, I faced a dilemma. She was moving to Los Angeles a week later. I lived north of New York City, and I needed to stay put for a few years in order to be present for my two schoolage children, who lived with their mother most of the time. How were Lauren and I going to make this last? I knew enough about my own history and the predictable trajectories of long-distance relationships to realize that a romance dependent on and nurtured by technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;texts, emails, selfies, obligatory FaceTime sessions with unfortunate close-ups of my neckâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;would probably peter out in spasms of frustration. I needed another approach. A S S O ON A S L AU R E N A N D I R E A L I Z E D

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T h e o b j e c t i v e w a s to l e t h e r k n o w s h e w a s o n my m i n d , a n d to do so in a gentle, low - impac t wa y th a t would subver t t he brain-melt ing fren zy

That’s when I started sending Lauren postcards. Hundreds of postcards, enough to fill a couple of shoeboxes, over the course of a year. (I had been a passionate postcard aficionado in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as a way of staying in touch with friends after college, but I’d let the practice lapse.) At her apartment in the Hollywood Hills, Lauren would sometimes receive four or five postcards in a single day. I concede, in retrospect, that this compulsive practice of mine ran the risk of bringing the relationship to a premature end, because it made me look a little overbearing. But postcards, as I have come to learn, have a way of disarming people. Postcards are intrinsically delightful. And they just might be the secret to deepening our connections with the people we care about. the randomness of these deliveries—well, after a period of mild concern. “At first, I thought you were coming on strong with the postcards,” she says now. “But I was charmed and had them all on display on my bookshelf. I tried to reciprocate but could not keep up. I started finding myself disappointed when there was a pause, as I became so accustomed to coming home to postcards in the mail.” Lauren never knew what she was going to get next. On any given evening, after coming back from the office, she might find a postcard bearing a portrait of Patti Smith, another graced with the cover of a vintage Italian cookbook, another with a Cézanne still life of apples, another with an image from Vogue from the Roaring Twenties. My work as a food writer can take me all over the world, so on my trips—to Oaxaca and Copenhagen and Seoul, to Houston and Seattle and Memphis—I hoarded local souvenir cards by the dozen. I created an international stockpile of serendipity so that every card Lauren received came as a surprise. L AU R E N C A M E T O R E L I S H

126 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

And what did I actually say on the cards? On plenty of them, of course, I would contort myself into fresh ways of telling Lauren that I loved her and missed her. But the objective was not to bombard my girlfriend with effusive declarations; even “I love you” can get a little monotonous if you scribble it on five postcards a day. The objective was just to stay in touch, to keep that element of surprise alive, to let her know she was on my mind, and to do so in a gentle, low-impact way that would subvert the brain-melting frenzy of 21stcentury electronic communication instead of contributing to it. So sometimes the postcards carried arbitrary or quotidian observations, two lines of a poem, a song lyric, a snippet from an essay I had just read, a comic sketch of a rude passenger on a plane, gossip, mantras, complaints, recipes, childhood memories, descriptions of weather. Through falling in love with Lauren, it turned out that I fell back in love with postcards too, and I learned that handwritten words on printed paper have a way of strengthening the bonds that social media can feel engineered to erode. I expanded my reach. I started sending out-of-the-blue postcards to my children, Margot and Toby, who are now 16 and 13, and to Ian and Jason and Rosie and Klancy and Pete and other friends. I became a Johnny Appleseed of postal caprice. Instead of seeds, my traveling sack contained stacks of fresh cards: colorful Marimekko designs, paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, the Sibley Backyard Birding postcards, the Rad American Women A-Z set, depictions of flowers and fruit from the archives of the New York Botanical Garden, psychedelic posters from the Grateful Dead. Sometimes I would bang out a quick riff referring to the art on the front. But usually I wouldn’t. The point wasn’t to say anything profound. The point was to express, in a form so compressed that it flirted

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y PA M E L A D U N C A N S I LV E R

of 2 1st-centur y elect ronic com munic ation .

with haiku, the very core of connectivity: I am thinking of you. I am here, and you are there, but I want to tell you something that just crossed my mind. People in my life started thanking me. They said they loved receiving the cards through the mail. If an email feels like a burden, a postcard ought to feel like the opposite of a choreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even an antidote. Because of its brevity, a postcard demands very little of its reader, and because the timing of its delivery to the recipient depends on the vicissitudes of the postal service, the whims of weather, and the fickle hand of fate, you can never be 100 percent sure when or even if the

card will arrive. Send enough postcards and you stop worrying about it. (I sent one card from Australia that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach Toby and Margot for a month or so. I took perverse comfort in that: Delayed gratification turns out to be sweeter, and I liked the idea that a secret clone of myself appeared to have camped out for weeks on Bondi Beach in Australia.) Doing this on a daily basis had unexpected benefits. The missives made me feel closer to loved ones, yes, but the centering quality of sitting down and shutting off the phone and scrawling a few lines of freeassociative self-analysis started to bolster my own

JUNE 2019

REAL SIMPLE

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W H AT T O W R I T E Facing a blank page can be daunting. What do you say when your friend is going through a breakup? When you’ve fallen out of touch? After losing her father to colon cancer, Ali O’Grady was inspired to launch the stationery company Thoughtful Human (thoughtfulhuman.co) to encourage others to support loved ones through difficult times. In addition to nonstandard birthday and holiday greetings, the collection offers cards on topics like depression and estrangement. O’Grady shares five tips for writing meaningful notes anytime.

R A N D O M I S G O O D.

It’s lovely to get a card on your birthday or to celebrate good news, but it’s that much more special to receive an out-of-the-blue act of kindness. Send loved ones notes when things aren’t going well—or even when there’s not much going on at all. “Your life is the occasion,” says O’Grady. SHAR E A HAPP Y ME MORY.

A birthday card or other happy message can be bulked up with recollections of fun moments you’ve had with the recipient. The same goes when you’re writing sympathy or condolence cards. Many people who are grieving will be grateful to read the details you remember from a meaningful time you shared with their loved one. O F F E R A N E A R . Written

words are an ideal way to remind someone you’re ready and waiting to help. They may screen a call

128 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

or ignore a text that says, “Call if you need me!,” but seeing those words on paper—repeatedly—might make them more inclined to respond. A D D LY R I C S , A Q U O T E , O R A F U N FA C T.

Unexpected extra content is bound to make your recipient laugh, smile, or learn something new. O’Grady, the self-described “world’s worst artist,” adds drawings to her messages. “Sometimes the most ridiculous drawing can end up being the most special keepsake,” she says. T H I N K O F A E U L O GY.

If you’re struggling to express how you feel about the person you’re writing to, consider what you might say if you lost them. It may be morbid, but it can help you gain perspective and find the right words. —Alli Hoff Kosik

emotional equilibrium too. Being on the road can get lonely, and mindlessly scrolling through your phone has a way of amplifying the feeling, but these experiments in writing with a pen seemed to settle my anxieties like shorthand (or longhand) therapy. Maybe you’ve heard of the Slow Food movement, which has in part inspired people to celebrate the patience required to grow, harvest, cook, and eat food the way nature intended. Well, postcards are like Slow Texts. You express a thought to someone you care about, and that thought doesn’t register on the other side for days, but the fact that you have forsaken the immediacy and disposability of the DM allows you to leave a more lasting imprint. In this era of broadcasting your feelings to the world via Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, there is something satisfying about the privacy of a postcard. It’s from me to you—no one else—and even when it feels tossed off, it depends on a series of steps (writing, addressing, stamping) that layer the gesture with extra meaning. As with Slow Food, though, you can’t enjoy the good stuff without putting in extra work. Sending postcards— or making a sustained practice of sending postcards—

P O S T C A R D S I N T R AY : G E T T Y I M A G E S ( 4 )

requires preparation, supplies, and an unexpected degree of ingenuity. First off, you need pens. (I love the flow you get from an ultra-fine-point Sharpie.) It helps to maintain a stash of backup implements, just as it helps to tote around a new sheet of 35-cent postcard stamps. If you geek out as utterly as I do, you’ll affix the stamps to the cards ahead of time so they’re always ready for an impulsive mail drop. Speaking of which, should you find yourself far away from a familiar neighborhood, you’ll have to track down a mailbox. Finding one in this digital era can be a more bewildering quest than you might imagine. (Pittsburgh seems to have plenty. Houston left me drenched in sweat as I walked for blocks and blocks in the summer heat hunting for a slot to slide a few notes into.) Is the effort worth it? Put it this way: Right now I am writing this essay in my daughter Margot’s room, and I see the evidence taped to her walls. There’s the Bob Marley postcard I once sent her, and the David Byrne one. Our texted exchanges have vanished forever, but these cards remain. I need no further acknowledgment than that. Writing and sending postcards to the people I love has taught me that there is much to be gained from the practice of deliberateness. Yes, you can text with anyone at any moment. But set aside a modest block of time—on a plane when the Wi-Fi doesn’t work, at a table while you wait for a less-than-punctual dining companion—and you might discover, as I have, that there is a great deal to gain from the casual but concentrated enterprise of jotting down three or four sentences by hand. How can I be sure? Well, Lauren lives with me now. We’re married and we have baby twins, Jasper and Wesley. I proposed to her at Via Carota, our favorite restaurant in New York City, by sliding a postcard across the wooden table. One side of the card had an Art Deco illustration of the Manhattan skyline. On the other side I asked her to marry me. Postcards may be small and flimsy, but don’t underestimate their power. She said yes. JEFF GORDINIER IS THE AUTHOR OF HUNGRY: E AT ING, ROADTRIPPING, AND RISK ING I T ALL W I TH THE GRE ATEST CHEF IN THE WORLD, OUT JULY 9.

NEW USES FOR OLD P OSTC ARDS Got a stack of postcards and can’t bring yourself to recycle them? Try one of these four ideas for artfully repurposing, enjoying, and displaying them at home.

C R A F T A O N E - O F-A - K I N D T R AY. Select a few post-

cards to arrange and secure on a plastic tray with a little glue or tape. Follow the directions for mixing epoxy (such as Famowood Glaze Coat, $23 per quart; tryglaze coat.com for stores), and then pour it over your postcards until the base of the tray is completely coated and smooth. Let the epoxy dry according to instructions until it completely hardens. M A K E A FA N C Y F R I D G E M A G N E T. Attach your

favorite postcard to a self-adhesive magnet (try Craftopia’s four-by-six-inch sheets, $10 for 12; amazon .com), trim as needed, and decorate your refrigerator.

M A K E A T R AV E L B O O K .

On your next trip, send yourself postcards with notes about what you enjoyed each day or at each place. Back home, bind the cards into a mini travel journal with washi tape. Lay two postcards side by side. Flip the left-hand card over so the words are showing, and leave the right-hand postcard image side up. Line the cards up like an open book and tape the middle edges together. Fold the right card on top of the left, add another postcard to the right, and tape. Once you’ve taped all your cards together on the inside, bind the outside edge with washi tape. (You may need to layer your tape, depending on its thickness.) —Mary Honkus

C R E AT E A T H O U G H TF U L D I S P L AY. Showcase a

postcard in an acrylic frame, such as Artifact Uprising’s 12-by-14 inch floating frame ($79; artifactuprising.com).

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Earn 4% cash back on dining & entertainment So check out a new ramen shop or get tickets to a new show. With the Capital One® Savor ® card, you can go out and cash in.

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

JUNE Whether the kids are off to camp or you’re all heading to the beach, the start of summer can mean a wild new routine. As usual, we’ve got you covered. Take dinner outside with grilled pork chops and peaches (page 132) or a sophisticated egg salad toast (page 133). Make a big batch of chocolaty date bars (page 140), perfect for care packages or lengthy car trips. Don’t feel like cooking? Then mash up a bowl of the easiest-ever guacamole (page 139) and crack open one of our favorite canned wines (page 138). Bring it on, summer.

Photograph by Greg DuPree

131

Easy Dinner 1

cup balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp. honey

Summer pork chops ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1

tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for grill grates 4

-in.-thick bone-in pork chops (about 2 lb.)

4 cups arugula (about 4 oz.) 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, torn 4 ripe peaches, nectarines, or apricots, pitted and sliced

grill to high (450°F to 500°F) and lightly oil grates. Whisk vinegar, honey, garlic, teaspoon each salt and pepper, and 5 tablespoons oil. PREHEAT

pork chops dry and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season both sides with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper. Grill, uncovered, flipping once, until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 145°F, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let rest for 10 minutes. PAT

toss arugula with parsley and peaches. Serve with pork, drizzled with vinaigrette. MEANWHILE,

P E R S E RV I N G : 485 CALORIES, 30G FAT (5G SAT.), 100MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 34G PRO., 21G CARB., 808MG SOD., 17G SUGAR (4G ADDED SUGAR)

Recipes by Mar y Claire Britton Photographs by Greg DuPree

FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Egg salad toast ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES

SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Vegetarian

cup Champagne or white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper cup olive oil 8 large eggs cup drained capers cup torn fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 head radicchio, cored and sliced

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

8 slices crusty bread, toasted vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in oil. WHISK

eggs in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl of ice water to cool. PL ACE

eggs and slice. Gently toss eggs, capers, parsley, and radicchio with vinaigrette. Divide among toasts and serve immediately. PEEL

P E R S E RV I N G : 472 CALORIES, 30G FAT (6G SAT.), 373MG CHOL., 2G FIBER, 14G PRO., 32G CARB., 1,206MG SOD., 3G SUGAR

JUNE 2019 REAL SIMPLE

133

FOOD

Easy Dinner 3

8 oz. lo mein noodles or spaghetti

Shrimp lo mein ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

cup soy sauce or tamari 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 1 Tbsp. sugar 1

tsp. sriracha 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 2-in. piece), divided 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided 4 Tbsp. sesame oil, divided 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 heads baby bok choy, halved lengthwise, quartered if large 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves

134 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

noodles according to package directions; drain. COOK

soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, sriracha, 1 teaspoon ginger, a third of the garlic, and 2 tablespoons oil. WHISK

remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add bell pepper, scallions, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger and two-thirds garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add shrimp to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add bok choy and cook, covered, until bright green and tender, about 2 minutes. HEAT

from heat. Add soy sauce mixture and noodles and toss to coat. REMOVE

with sesame seeds and cilantro. TOP

P E R S E RV I N G : 547 CALORIES, 23G FAT (3G SAT.), 143MG CHOL., 5G FIBER, 27G PRO., 57G CARB., 1,896MG SOD., 10G SUGAR (3G ADDED SUGAR)

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

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) tsp. za’atar tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Easy Dinner 4

Grilled Halloumi salad ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Gluten-Free

1 clove garlic, grated or finely chopped 5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 12 oz. Halloumi cheese, sliced in. thick 2 hearts romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

WHISK vinegar, lemon juice, za’atar, salt, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Whisk in 4 tablespoons oil.

a cast-iron skillet over high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. Working in batches, add cheese in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until browned, about 30 seconds per side. HEAT

ADD romaine, chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and olives to dressing and toss to combine. Divide among plates and top with cheese. P E R S E RV I N G : 682 CALORIES, 49G FAT (18G SAT.), 64MG CHOL., 9G FIBER, 28G PRO., 35G CARB., 1,770MG SOD., 7G SUGAR

cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

135

FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Chicken nachos ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

1 11-oz. pkg. tortilla chips 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cups) 1 cup prepared pico de gallo or salsa 2 radishes, thinly sliced 2 oz. cotija cheese, crumbled (about cup) 1 ripe avocado, sliced cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional) Hot sauce, for serving (optional) oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. PREHEAT

chips evenly across baking sheet and top with chicken and Cheddar. Bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. SPREAD

nachos with pico de gallo, radishes, cotija, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño and hot sauce, if using. Serve immediately. TOP

P E R S E RV I N G : 784 CALORIES, 46G FAT (15G SAT.), 110MG CHOL., 9G FIBER, 35G PRO., 63G CARB., 973MG SOD., 2G SUGAR

136 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

SERVES 4

THIS IS BIG.

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FOOD

R o a d Te s t

Canned Wine BEST SPRITZER

WE SIPPED ON MORE THAN 100 CANS

Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Organic Wine Spritz Unlike the sticky-sweet bottles of yesteryear, this refreshing winner is naturally flavored with grapefruit—no sugar added. TO BUY: $20 for 4; drinkramona.com.

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B E S T B U B B LY

Union Wine Company Underwood The Bubbles Pop the tab for toasts on the go. The taste is clean and dry, with hints of tropical fruit. TO BUY: $7 each; at liquor stores.

realsimple ROAD TE ST

Tangent Sauvignon Blanc in Can A light and crisp white with notes of green apple and grapefruit. Drink straight from the can or pour over ice (we won’t tell). TO BUY: $8 each; shop .nivenfamilywines.com. BEST RED

Bollicini Lambrusco Try this slightly effervescent red alongside pizza. Best served chilled, it proves red wine isn’t just for winter. TO BUY: $13 for 4; at liquor stores.

B E S T B U B B LY RO S É B E S T RO S É

Una Lou Rosé Bursting with the luscious flavors of white peach, jasmine, and wild strawberries, this watermelon-colored rosé captures the essence of summer in a can. TO BUY: $40 for 4; unalourose.com.

138 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

House Wine Rosé Bubbles This sparkling pink pick has just the right amount of bubbles. It offers the robust aroma of fresh berries without being overly sweet. TO BUY: $6 each; originalhousewine.com.

L A M B R U S C O : P E T E R A R D I TO ; P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S

BEST WHITE

FOOD

Make It Yourself A D E L I C I O U S E SS E N T I A L T H AT’ S B E T T E R H O M E M A D E T H A N S T O R E - B O U G H T. W E ’ L L P RO V E I T. THIS MONTH: GUAC AMOLE By D awn Perr y

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES 2 CUPS

4 ripe avocados, halved and pitted cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, seeded for less heat 1

tsp. kosher salt

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

Tortilla chips, for serving avocado flesh into a bowl. Add cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt. Mash with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency. Serve with chips. SCOOP

Photograph by Greg DuPree

FOOD

Big Batch

Chocolate-date-oat bars ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 50 MINUTES

MAKES 2 DOZEN BARS

Cooking spray, for baking dish 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup granulated sugar 1

tsp. kosher salt, divided

cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 lb. pitted dates tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 cup (6 oz.) chopped semisweet chocolate

WHISK flour, oats, sugar, and 1 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Add butter and stir until evenly moistened. (Dough should look like wet sand.) Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, press remaining two-thirds of dough firmly into bottom of prepared baking dish.

dates, cup hot water, vanilla, and remaining teaspoon salt in a food processor until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Transfer to a bowl and fold in chocolate. Spread mixture evenly over dough in baking dish, smoothing with a spatula. Crumble reserved dough over top, pressing gently to adhere.

PROCES S

until top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in pan, about 1 hour. Cut into squares. BAKE

R e c i p e b y D a w n Pe r r y Photograph by Greg DuPree

140 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

F O O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

PREHEAT oven to 350Â°F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides.

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Thank You for Calling the Book Club Helpline W E C A N H E L P YO U R E S O LV E A L L YOUR B O OK CLUB EMERGENCIE S. PLE A SE SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS. By Julie Vick

If you were supposed to bring a tray of cookies If you are the only one

shaped like tiny books

at the book club who read

but they currently look

the book for the 10th

more like one big burned

If you need a book

meeting in a row, please press 1 for a no-judgment venting session.

book, please press 4 for Pinterest fails.

selection that’s not too If you always read the

political, too literary,

book but life got chaotic

or too mainstream, has

For instructions on how to

so you just need a really

enough “symbolism” to

If you started listening

carve a wheel of Brie into

quick explanation of what

keep Ellen happy, and can

to the book on audio but

an image of Cheryl Strayed

happens at the very end

easily be found at the

really dislike the way

hiking the Pacific Crest

just this one time you

library, please press #.

the narrator is reading a

Trail, please press 5.

swear, please press 7.

character’s voice, please press 2 to download a version spoken by Emma Thompson. If it’s Ellen’s turn to choose

If you couldn’t hear all To find a book club with

For tips on how to steer

the options because you

less complicated snack

back the conversation

are currently calling

standards, please press 6.

from Annie’s latest life

from a book club that is

drama to the current

turning into more of a

book, please press 8.

fight club, please press 0 to repeat the menu.

the book and she wants to read Fifty Shades of Grey

If everyone hated the

again to “look for more

book you selected, please press 9 to be connected with some members of other book clubs who actually really liked it.

symbolism,” please press 3 for some alternative titles.

144 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2019

Illustration by Joel Holland

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