RS - August 2019 by Lawrence Ambrocio

Thoughts

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost.”

STO C KSY

— J . R . R . TO L K I E N , T h e Fe l l ow s h i p of t h e R i n g

4 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

P h o t o g r a p h b y R o b e r t - Pa u l J a n s e n

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

“No, but it’s on the beach.” “Like too on the beach, like loud on the beach?” “No, it’s set back, and near the museum.” “But walkable to the museum?” “Here, you look,” my husband sighs, handing me the iPad. Taking a vacation is wonderful. Planning a vacation is…often something else. But it’s worth the effort. Let me repeat: It is worth the effort, even though packing is also a pain and it can be hard to get away from work and who’s going to take care of the cat? Because vacation is when we encounter new ideas, when we hit reset, when we connect with our family or friends. It often produces our most cherished memories: I’ll never forget my daughter joyfully bounding through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood; my husband snoozing, completely relaxed, on our patio at the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica; or my own bliss-chills when I pushed open the door of the Hotel Vermont in Burlington—that modern Scandinavian design always equals instant calm

6 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

O E S I T H AV E A P O O L? ”

for me. None of that would have happened if we hadn’t sat down and booked those trips. For most of us, there are three reasons to put off traveling: money, planning, and time. You’ll find a fix for the first two in “The Art of SmallCity Travel” on page 57. Your money goes further, the choices are less overwhelming, and it can be easier to relax. When it comes to the third impediment—finding time—that’s the whole purpose of Real Simple: All the tips and ideas and recipes inside are designed to give you back hours so you can do more of the things you love. Kids grow up, friends get busy, life can be hectic, but the memories you make on vacation last forever.

Follow me on Twitter @lyazel and Instagram @leslieyazel

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F L E S L I E YA Z E L

Left: Grateful to feel the chill (physically and mentally) in Vermont. Above: Enjoying family time in California. Right: On a couple’s vacation in Jamaica.

Contents August 2019

O N T H E C OV E R

Breezy Acres Malvern Porch Swing Bed, from $600, and Cushion Perfect Swing Bed Mattress, from $525; theporchswing company.com. Geo Chenille Lumbar Pillow, $20; worldmarket.com. Opalhouse Chunky Stripe Oversize Square Throw Pillow, $30; target.com. Sotholmen Cushion Cover, $15; ikea.com. Lido Pillow, $98, Perennials Lake Stripe Pillow Cover, $88, and Petaluma Basket, $178; serenaandlily.com. Melamine Tray, $8; flyingtiger.com for stores. Offset Ombré Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $299; westelm .com. Crest Side Table-Stool, $249; crateand barrel.com for similar. Trap Pitcher, $15; cb2.com. Universal Thread Elizabeth Woven Two-Strap Slide Sandals, $30; target.com. TO BUY:

No-Cook Summer Recipes

118

Affordable Vacation Spots

Feel More Everyday Joy

73, 78

Health Habits You Can Stop Worrying About

Easy Hair and Makeup Tips

110

Make your home as inviting as a chic hotel

33, 50, 52, 104

118

124

10 4

Grazing is the new dining

A multitasking manifesto

Embrace your hair’s natural texture

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y C h r i s t o p h e r Te s t a n i Prop St yling by Cat Dash

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

Contents

142

Pack a lunch the sustainable way

Take the best care of blue jeans

A summer drink with less sugar

Thoughts

Editor’s Note

Real Simple 24 /7

Your Words

The Short List

what we love

the realist

relating

How to Make a Splash-Worthy Cannonball

The Art of SmallCity Travel Easy trip ideas for every kind of traveler Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice

Little Helpers Clever items that make every day better 42 Cooking School Know your tomatoes

Think Like a Designer A sneak peek at the Real Simple Home 26

Now What?!? Solutions for life’s mini disasters

Room Rx Design a room around a sectional

Organize This Get your media cabinet in order

Green Your Lunch

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 33 Drugstore Insider Shop the aisles with a top dermatologist The Staple Hot dog buns

36 38

Beauty Coach Master a better bun

48 50

Your Less-Stress Guide to Taking a Vacation Prep at work so you’re out the door worry-free 90

Summer Casual Keep the meal prep to a minimum but still please every eater 118

How to Pay for College Make it more affordable and attainable 94

Making It Work What is your most essential item when traveling for work? 100

The Highly Haphazard Woman Taffy Brodesser-Akner would rather not be mindful, thanks very much 124

Good Read Elizabeth McCracken bonds with her daughter over a movie-filled summer 73 5 Ways to Make a Forever Memory Real-life ideas for forging happy moments 78

Road Test Melt-proof makeup

Pet Tricks Make traveling with your pets less of a hassle 80

Closet Care Keep your denim looking like new

balance Not-So-Bad Habits These “vices” might not be so terrible for you 83

Ahhh Take a breather

food 103

features Love Your Curls Tips for textures from wiry to wavy

104

Make Your Home Feel as Nice as a Hotel Take cues from some stylish spots to stay 110

5 Easy Dinners

134

Road Test Yogurt

140

Better for You Peach iced tea

142

Big Batch Salad topper

144

for fun A Field Guide to Naps

148

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SUPER STAY

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Now in 28 shades.

For a look like Emily’s, try Classic Ivory.

Before

After*

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MEET B E AU T Y E D I TO R AT R E A L S I M P L E

P L A N T S T H AT PURIF Y

Most frequently used item in my makeup bag: Charlotte Tilbury’s Sexy Lips lipstick.

Houseplants are more than a decorating staple. Breathe easier at home with these six pretty plants that act as natural air purifers.

Currently reading: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.

Shop the plants at realsimple.com/cleanair.

Most recent purchase: A bunch of summer dresses from ASOS. Best gift I’ve ever received: An engraved Cartier bracelet from my dad. @LISA_DESANTIS_ ON INSTAGRAM

6 decluttering essentials Tidy up your home in a hurry with these clever tools that will help organize your messiest piles and rooms—once and for all. Read more at realsimple.com/decluttering.

L I K E I T O R L E AV E I T In our new IGTV video series, Real Simple editors put top-rated gadgets and gizmos to the test to see what’s worth buying. Watch on our Instagram feed (@real_simple).

Easy treat P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

Our three-ingredient pineapple soft serve is delightfully dairy-free (and delicious). Get the recipe at realsimple .com/softserve.

12 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

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14 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Yo u r W o r d s

What small thing do you do before leaving for vacation for a smoother return? Turn off the main water supply so there are no wet surprises upon return. L I N DA Z A N G R I L L I , J E F F E R S O N H I L L S, P E N N SY LVA N I A

I like to clean out the fridge and do all my meal planning for the week after we return. I then set up a grocery order to be delivered the night we get home. It is such a relief to have dinner ready to go so I can relax and focus on getting us settled back into our routines. ALLISON FAHEY, LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

“ SO M E T I M ES I BU Y P RO D U C E J UST B ECAUS E I T ’S P R E T T Y ! ” @ PASS M ESO M E TAST Y

# R S L OV E

I pack laundry bags for my kids to put their dirty clothes in. Not only is everything separated by child, but it all goes straight to the laundry room for washing. PAULA NEWMAN, TENAFLY, NEW JERSEY

I make no plans for the weekend after we return. This way my family can attend to anything that came up while we were on vacation or simply have space to keep enjoying each other’s company. @JAMIEAWJ

I arrange to pick up my dogs from the kennel the day after I arrive home from vacation. Flights can change or be canceled, so I take away the stress of worrying whether I’ll make it on time to pick them up. DIANA ARNOLD, GREENSBURG, INDIANA

I make sure I have half-and-half in the refrigerator for a good cup of coffee when I get home.

I pay attention to where I put my car keys if I’ve driven to the airport so they stay safe and I’m not rooting around for them at midnight in a dark parking lot when I return. SUSAN CARLINI, MEDFORD, OREGON

I pick out an outfit for my first day back to work and hang it in my bathroom. LISA FELSMAN, ELKHART, INDIANA

KRIS BETKER, SEATTLE

Pre-kids: Clean the house. Post-toddler: Take out trash. @KILEYMNICHOL S

16 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Stop mail delivery and make the restart date a few days after I return so I’m not immediately stressing out over a mountain of mail. SARI BRINDEL, ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS

Before I leave, I write out plans for the week following vacation in my calendar. This way I can fully enjoy my time away and not worry about trying to remember what needs to get done when I return. @ONEORGANIZED MAMA

Return a day early! We used to stretch out our vacations as long as possible, coming home at the very last minute. But we had to return home early from a trip to Tahiti due to time zone difference and travel time. Since then, we’ve been giving ourselves a day at home for unpacking and laundry. THERESA BACCHI, ARMONK, NEW YORK

After a few unpleasant surprises, I now faithfully check my coffee filter basket and always run a lemon peel through the garbage disposal before I leave. ANNA IBRAHIM, FERNDALE, MICHIGAN

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

Keep snacks in the pantry and cozy throws near the TV. We’re always hungry and tired when we come home. @SHEILAMURT

I buy two of my favorite “tripscented” candle. I light one at any hotel I stay at, and then I burn the same scent when I get back. I do this for about a week after the trip. It makes me feel like the vacation has been extended. @RITAE_VA

I make sure I’ve paid all the bills so I’m not worrying while trying to relax. Yes, these days you can go online and check, but the purpose of a vacation is to try to avoid technology too. KYLE MCKENDALL, SEATTLE

“A N D J UST L I K E T H AT, O U R T I M E I N O U R G E TAWAY H AS CO M E TO A N E N D.” @ GA R R E T TA N DTA M A RA

# R S L OV E

NEXT QUESTION... What’s the secret to a happy family gathering? Send an email to yourwords@ realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

Every time I go out of town, I wash my makeup brushes. When I come back, it gives me joy to find clean, dry brushes. @ANIBLOHM

We set timers on the lights, thermostat, and Sonos so we come home to a lit, warm, inviting, music-filled home. @BETHGRUSSING

It’s always nice to come home to your own bed if you know there are fresh sheets on it. M I C H E L L E S M A L L , H A R L E Y S V I L L E , P E N N SY LVA N I A

AUGUST 2019 RE AL 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

Portrait of friendship Elizabeth Ames’s impressive debut, The Other’s Gold, follows the lives of Alice, Ji Sun, Lainey, and Margaret, who are assigned as roommates at a Harvardesque college and forge an immediate, intense friendship. As they navigate college and then parenthood, their seemingly unbreakable bond is tested by a mistake each woman makes. Ames’s well-drawn characters and startling prose will linger with you.

Unique memoir

Helpful guide Many of us probably want to buy a little more ethically and sustainably when it comes to our clothes. But it can be hard to move away from fast-fashion habits, purge closets, and distinguish between authentic and deceptive marketing. Let Elizabeth L. Cline be your guide to shopping better—whether you’re a minimalist or a fashionista—in her reassuring, resourcefilled book, The Conscious Closet.

In The Yellow House, Sarah M. Broom weaves her personal and family history with the history of New Orleans. In 1961 her mother bought a shotgun house in a burgeoning neighborhood. Broom recounts how the house began to crumble after her father’s death and as the neighborhood took a bad turn, and she interviews family members about Hurricane Katrina. She writes most movingly about the pull of home and what it means to return.

Western epic Great for book club After war breaks out in Syria, Nuri and his wife, Afra, flee Aleppo, traveling toward the United Kingdom, where they plan to apply for asylum. The trying physical and mental journey is made more so by Afra’s sudden, unexplained blindness and the recent traumas that haunt them both. In The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Christy Lefteri, who volunteered at a refugee center in Athens, tells a powerful story about the refugee experience, hope, and love.

Téa Obreht finally returns, eight years after The Tiger’s Wife, with the genre-defying Inland. Out in the bonedry Arizona Territory in 1893, Nora is waiting for her husband to come back with water. Lurie is on the run from the law and joins a camel calvary. Over the course of the novel, Obreht masterfully intertwines their seemingly unconnected stories with the rich prose, nods to history, and elements of magical realism she’s known for.

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

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

18 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

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

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

IN THE BAG

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

An upgraded version of the standard-issue brownpaper lunch sack, this reusable cotton-canvas bag is treated with waterresistant beeswax and comes in 19 colors. TO BUY: Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag, $24; waamindustries.com.

A S U S T A I N A B L E PA C K E D L U N C H I S T H I S Y E A R ’ S B A C K- T O - S C H O O L M U S T- H AV E . O U T F I T T H E K I D S O R T R E A T Y O U R S E L F. By Cat Dash

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

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E This wrap doubles as a place mat when you’re ready to eat your sandwich.

3 T H AT ’ S A W R A P

1 GO OD TO GO

This trio of dishwasher- and microwave-safe utensils nestle together for easy transport. TO BUY: Reusable Travel Flatware, $14; anthropologie.com. 5 T H E TA K E AWAY

With an insulating stainlesssteel exterior and a removable, microwave-safe interior, this leakproof vessel is super versatile. TO BUY: S’well Eats Nesting Bowl, $40; swellbottle.com.

22 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

2 DRINK UP

This well-insulated water bottle has a straw built right into the spout. Every purchase helps support water projects in developing countries. TO BUY: Ashbury Bottle, $35; avana.com. 6 T H I N K I N S I D E T H E B OX

Bamboo-fiber construction makes this compartmentalized container especially lightweight. The lid doubles as a plate. TO BUY: Ekobo Square Bento Lunch Box, $22; by-ekobo.us.

Coated in beeswax, this canvas wrapper can be used in lieu of disposable plastic wrap or sandwich baggies. TO BUY: Sandwich Wrap, $11; beeswrap.com. 7 SIPPING PRET T Y

Break your disposablestraw habit with this set of 10 silicone straws, four cleaning squeegees, and four carrying cases. TO BUY: Five Two Silicone Straws, $25; food52.com.

4 SHAPE-SHIF TER

When you’re not using this 16-ounce cup— which works for hot or cold beverages—it collapses into a two-inch disk. TO BUY: Biggie Cup, $20; stojo.co. 8 P L AY W I T H YO U R F O O D

A surefire way to amp up lunch’s fun factor: Use a kitten-shaped sandwich cutter. TO BUY: Stainless Sandwich Cutter, $7.50; potterybarnkids.com.

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

W H AT W E LO V E

Keep food chilled for up to 45 minutes with these playful fruitshaped gel packs. TO BUY: Pineapple, Watermelon, and Banana Hot/Cold Packs, $5 each; kikkerland.com. 10 A NICER NAPKIN

The more you wash and tumbledry these 100 percent linen napkins, the softer they get. TO BUY: 2-Pack Linen Napkins, $13; hm.com. 1 1 S N A C K PA C K

This sealable bag is made from food-grade silicone; it’s safe in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. TO BUY: Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag, $18; amazon.com.

1 2 C L A S S Y C A R RYA L L

The insulated lining of this linen lunch tote is removable, so you can toss the exterior into the wash. TO BUY: Linen-Cement Colour Block Lunch Poche, $39; soyoung.ca. 1 3 YO U R N A M E H E R E

Personalized stickers let you keep tabs on food containers. They’re microwave and dishwasher safe. TO BUY: Favorite Colors Custom Name Label, $20 for 30; minted.com.

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

9 S TAY C O O L

W H AT W E LO V E

Mandi Gubler Pro DIY-er and founder of the lifestyle site Vintage Revivals

START WITH CO MMU NA L ARE A S

If you want to update your space, begin wherever your household spends the most time. You’ll maximize enjoyment and get motivated to keep going. A kitchen renovation can be a big undertaking, so the living room might be a great place to start. INCORP OR ATE CO LO R STR ATEGIC A LLY

Color is like a budget: If you blow it all on a lime green wall, you have to be stingy about using color elsewhere in the room. Instead, I like to go with a neutral shade on the walls and bring in color through the accent pieces, like ceramics, artwork, and rugs. US E PL AN T S TO REFRE S H A S PA CE

MIX IN SECONDHAND ITEMS

Think Like a Designer W E ’ R E B U S Y D E C O R AT I N G A N D O RG A N I Z I N G A N I N S P I R I N G H O U S E T H A T Y O U ’ L L G E T T O S E E T H I S FA L L . H E R E , O N E O F T H E M I N D S B E H I N D T H E P ROJ EC T S H A R E S H E R T R I C K S F O R M A K I N G A N Y S PA C E F E E L L I K E H O M E . By Stephanie Sisco

26 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Incorporate vintage or thrift-store pieces alongside newer items to bring more soul into a space. The patina of age will help give the room an instantly lived-in look. GE T RE AL A B O UT OP EN S HELVIN G

Accessible, lower shelves should be full of functional items you use all the time (plates, cups, bowls). Uppers should be reserved for more decorative pieces. The reality is that open shelves will be exposed to dust and grease. Your everyday items are used often enough that they shouldn’t need to be cleaned before use, but give those pretty, less-used things on the decorative shelves a twice-yearly wipedown.

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N D I G U B L E R F O R V I N TA G E R E V I VA L S

Plants provide a relatively inexpensive way to make a statement. My favorite is the rubber plant because it can grow really tall and is not too hard to care for. Since so many people are unsure of how to take care of their greenery, I’m launching a new site this month to make it super straightforward (happyhappyhouseplant.com).

FINDING THE PERFECT SHADE OF TEAL. EASY. With curated paint palettes, our online color selection tool and a redesigned app, The Home Depot makes choosing the right shade of paint simple. Get a colorful new experience at homedepot.com/paintcolor.

BEHR Vintage Teal

W H AT W E LO V E

Room Rx N OT S U R E H O W TO W O 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 ? E R I N G AT E S , I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R A N D AU T H O R O F E L E M E N T S O F F A M I LY S T Y L E , O F F E R S H E R E X P E R T A D V I C E . By Stephanie Sisco

Q: I want to put a sectional in our family room for extra seating, but I’m not sure how to position it or design around it. Help! —Julie, homeowner in Tampa, Florida

GO WITH THE FLOW

D I V E R S I F Y YO U R D E C O R

PA I R O F F

BREAK IT UP

Choose a right- or left-facing chaise based on the layout of the room. It should sit on the far side of the entrance to prevent it from interrupting the flow of traffic. TO BUY: Dryden 2-Piece Sectional with Nailheads, $2,899; crateandbarrel.com.

When choosing additional seating, mix in a different style to keep the room from feeling one-note. So if your sectional has simple lines, try chairs with tufting or a pattern. TO BUY: Keisha Wingback Chair, $499; birchlane.com.

Place two pillows in each corner of the sofa. For a corner sectional, you’ll use six pillows total. For a chaise-style option, you’ll use just four. TO BUY: Aegean Key Throw Pillow in Navy, $44; wayfair.com.

If the sectional floats in an open-concept space, set a console table against the exposed back. That will break up the expanse of upholstery and provide storage. TO BUY: Everett Foyer Table, $330; worldmarket.com.

28 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

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

Illustration by Babeth Lafon

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

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 Adults Taking 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 can cause serious side eﬀects, including:

DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat people 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and eﬀective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

• 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

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 not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

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

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

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

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 people aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. – with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderateto-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 12 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. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You can talk to your healthcare provider or contact 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/ dupixent/ to enroll in this registry or get more information. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you have asthma and are taking asthma medicines, do not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. How should I use DUPIXENT? • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes. • Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. • DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield. • DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In adolescents 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. • If you miss a dose of DUPIXENT, give the injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with the original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection. • If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away.

Rx Only

• 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 / ©2019 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved. Issue Date: March 2019

US-DAD-14946(1)

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Pretty Smart A C L E V E R C O M PA C T W I T H A B U I LT - I N B R U S H , P L U S S E V E N OTHER BE AUT Y BU YS TO S I M P L I F Y YO U R RO U T I N E

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y H E AT H E R G R E E N E F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S

By Heather Muir Maffei

M A RC JA C O B S B E AU T Y A C C O M P L I C E I N S TA N T B LU R R I N G B E AU T Y P O W D E R

Use it to set makeup or to touch up. Pearl pigments add a soft glow and nix shine. Wow factor: The sleek magnetic brush lives inside the top of the compact, so it stays neat. Push the knob to open the compact, then pull the silver handle to release the brush. In four shades. TO BUY: $49; sephora.com.

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

REAL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

If you blow-dry, curl, or flat-iron, this will prevent your hair from frying. Mist onto wet or dry hair for 48-hour heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s silicone-free, so it doesn’t leave a film. TO BUY: $28; livingproof.com. TELETIES

Created by a former soccer player, these hair ties double as stackable bracelets and don’t slip out or cause headaches or breakage. Run them under warm water and they’ll revert to their original shape. TO BUY: $8 to $10 for 3; teleties.com. COLOR STREET NAIL STRIP IN H O T L A N TA A N D CARIBBE AN COR AL

These nail polish strips contain base, color, and topcoat in one, stretch to fit your nails (file off excess), need no dry time, last 10 days, and come off with regular remover. TO BUY: $11 each; colorstreet.com.

34 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

C OV E RG I R L T RU N A K E D QUEENSHIP SHAD OW STICKS IN MO GUL, SWEET LIFE, AND STUCK-UP

Eye makeup has never been easier. Swipe over lids, then blend with a brush or your finger for crease-proof color. TO BUY: $10 each; ulta.com. B U RT ’ S B E E S H Y D R AT I N G FA C I A L S T I C K

Excellent for travel (or your purse or gym bag), this roll-up balm contains aloe water to moisturize even sensitive skin on the go. The feeling is oh-so refreshing. TO BUY: $13; burtsbees.com. ALLEVEN LOND ON COLOUR SHIELD GLOW

Even out legs with this water- and transferresistant quick-dry tinted spray. (Wait two minutes before getting dressed.) TO BUY: $52; alleven.com. B E AU T Y B L E N D E R T H E D E TA I L E R S I N S H A DY L A DY A N D H I G H RO L L E R

The brushes are great, but the rollers on the other end really made us smile. Glide under eyes for a cooling before-makeup treat. TO BUY: $30 to $33; beautyblender.com.

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

L I V I N G P RO O F PERFECT HAIR DAY H E AT S T Y L I N G S P R AY

vs. traditional polish

#SallyMade | @sally_hansen

U DIDN’T

O-ZONE YO

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MIRACLE GEL

NO U.V. LAMP NEEDED

THE LONGER-LASTING MANICURE Two Easy Steps.

Available in 68 on-trend shades. NEBLUE-LA

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W H AT W E LO V E

Drugstore Insider T H E B E ST B E AU T Y P RO D U C T S I N T H E A I S L E S, H A N D P I C K E D BY A P RO

NEW Patricia Wexler, MD With 15,000 patients in her New York City practice and a skin-care line, the dermatologist juggles skin cancer checks and injections. Follow @wexlerdermatology on Instagram for skin-care secrets.

FIND YOUR

SHADE AT

& TRY IT ON VIRTUALLY OR

SCAN NOW

Vaseline Clinical Care Cracked Heel Rescue Foot Cream “Packed with glycerin and fatty acids, this cream penetrates the roughest of skin.” TO BUY: $4; target.com.

GarnierUSA.com

36 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème “It delivers the benefits of retinol with less irritation and without added cost.” TO BUY: $21; target.com.

Bausch + Lomb Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops “After a long day, I rely on these drops to alleviate redness within a minute.” TO BUY: $15; walgreens.com.

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

Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water “Combination skin? No problem. This gentle micellar removes all makeup, dirt, and oil without drying skin.” TO BUY: $7; walmart.com.

NO AMMONIA. IT'S IN THE OILS.

GarnierUSA.com

Permanent Hair Color. 100% Gray Coverage.

W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas 1 F R E N C H TOA S T S T I C K S

The Staple When grilling season leaves you with surplus hot dog buns, try one of these clever ideas to get through the extras. Split them apart, dip them in a simple batter, and fry them to golden perfection to make French toast sticks. Puree a couple in a savory base of onions and garlic for a light and silky soup. Or just go for it: Fill them with pudding and douse them in homemade chocolate glaze. Chances are you won’t miss the hot dog.

Whisk 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a shallow dish. Working in 3 batches, soak 6 split hot dog buns in egg mixture, turning once, for 30 seconds. Cook each batch of buns in 1 Tbsp. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until golden brown, 2 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup. 2 GA R L I C B R E A D S O U P

Cook 1 thinly sliced large onion, 1 1/2 cups peeled cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large pot over medium until golden brown, 10 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken stock; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 20 minutes. Add 2 torn hot dog buns. Puree until smooth; top with chives. 3 HOT D O G BUN ÉCL AIR S

To find the best-tasting hot dogs (we tested 60!), visit realsimple.com/hotdogs.

B y D a w n Pe r r y Recipes by Ka r e n R a n k i n

38 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 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

Hollow out 8 hot dog buns. Fill each with 2 Tbsp. vanilla pudding. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium; whisk in 3 Tbsp. each unsweetened cocoa and whole milk until smooth. Remove from heat; gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon evenly over buns.

A -

Fun for Everyone A

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

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

H OW TO M A KE A S PL A S H-WO RTHY C A N N O N BA LL There’s a bit of physics involved in the art of cannonballing, says Nicole Sharp, PhD, an aerospace engineer in Denver. First and foremost, get as much height as possible. “If you want a bigger splash, you want a higher speed,” she explains. “That means jumping off the diving board rather than the side of the pool to give gravity more time to accelerate you.” Next, hug your legs to your chest with your knees apart and elbows out, shaping your body into a loose ball. Finally, stick the landing: “You want to tear a giant hole in the water—that’s what will make the splash,” says Sharp. To do so, land on your bottom. You’ll likely soak every fellow pool-goer. By Mar y Honkus

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

C A F F E I N E AT T H E R E A DY

S T RO L L E R H A N D L E

Attach this handle to the side of your stroller or shopping cart for little ones to hold when walking on their own. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Dishwasher safe. TO BUY: The Tagalong Stroller Handle, $13; amazon.com.

Add water and coffee bags (included) to the reusable pouch— in 12 hours you’ll have cold brew for up to two weeks. Take the pouch to the beach or leave it in the fridge for guests; there’s a spigot for easy serving. TO BUY: Grady’s Cold Brew Kit, $30 for 36 cups; gradyscoldbrew.com.

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

By Brandi Broxson

S T O N E - F RU I T S AV I O R

Prep for the pie or cobbler even faster with this handy tool, which splits and pits peaches and plums. Top-rack dishwasher safe. TO BUY: Chef’n Peachster Peach Pitter, $8; chefn.com.

W I N DY- DAY ESSENTIAL

F O U R- I N - O N E T R AV E L B A G

Wear this water-resistant wonder as a shoulder bag, backpack, crossbody, or tote. Includes a luggage loop and plenty of pockets and sleeves. Also in black. TO BUY: Samsonite Encompass Women’s Convertible Brief Backpack, $168 with promo code REALSIMPLE; samsonite.com.

42 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

These reusable microweights stick to hems to prevent skirts and dresses from billowing out during a big gust. They’re recyclable too. TO BUY: DressWeights, $15 for 4; shopdress weights.com.

B R AV E RY B A D G E S

These fun bandages come in a range of prints, patterns, and colors. The flexible fabric fits around toes, fingers, and elbows, and the stackable tin makes for quick organizing. TO BUY: Welly Kids Bravery Badges, $7 for 48; target.com.

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

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

HOW DO YOU SAY,

“ THANKS FOR BEING MY FURRY BFF”?

ALL NATURAL

REAL CHICKEN

THE REALIST

Cooking School S U M M E R M E A N S A B O U N T Y O F T O M AT O E S . L E A R N Y O U R B E E F S T E A K S F R O M Y O U R B R A N D Y W I N E S W I T H T H I S S I M P L E S TA R T E R G U I D E . By D awn Perr y

BEEFSTE AK

C H E RO K E E P U R P L E

P LU M

Large and meaty, this smooth red fruit is an excellent all-purpose tomato. Layer with mozzarella for a classic caprese, or slice and sandwich with bacon and lettuce for a quintessential BLT.

This heirloom tomato is prized for its rich color and concentrated sweetness. The medium fruit is a deep reddish pink with green “shoulders” (the area around the stem). Slice, drizzle with olive oil, and top with flaky salt.

You’ll find this oblong variety in most cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Because they’re fleshy and don’t have too many seeds, they’re great for cooking. Try them slow-roasted or simmered into sauce.

GREEN ZEBR A

C H E R RY

B R A N DY W I N E

Stroll through a farmers’ market for this flashy fruit. Named for its green-on-green striped exterior, it’s slightly more acidic than other varieties, making it a nice sidekick to salty cheeses.

While all tomatoes are best in summer, cherry tomatoes can be flavorful year-round. Come August, look for supersweet varieties, like Sungold and Sweet 100, for snacking out of hand or tossing into salads.

Big and broad, this reddish pink tomato is the most recognizable of the heirlooms. With its firm texture and balanced sweet acidity, it’s ideal alongside boldly flavored grilled steaks or pork chops.

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.

44 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

SEKTION/VEDDINGE Kitchen cabinet combination

1569

For a standard 10ꞌx10ꞌ layout*

©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019

A helping hand shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Find double the storage in your drawers within drawers, multitask with cabinets that spring open to your touch, and let integrated lighting help you ﬁnd the perfect ingredients.* With designs so affordable, you don’t need to hold off on building a dream kitchen that’s made just for you. Learn more at IKEA-USA.com/kitchens

SEKTION cabinet frames in white melamine foil. VEDDINGE doors/drawer fronts in painted ﬁnish. MAXIMERA drawers in powder-coated steel and melamine foil. Shown with BAGGANÄS handles/knobs in brass-plated stainless steel. *See IKEA-USA.com/10x10kitchen for what’s included in a standard 10ꞌx10ꞌ layout. Pricing valid in US only. Tax, delivery, assembly and installation not included.

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

There’s a really squeaky spot on my wood floor. Sprinkle baby powder over the entire noisy spot (on and between the planks), wrap a small block of wood in a rag, and hammer the block over the area to tap the powder into the joints, says Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert. The powder will help lubricate the wood, and the tapping will push the nails into place, which could eliminate the squeakiness. Or try the Squeeeeek No More Kit ($24; acehardware.com). It comes with a special screw that goes through the top of the floor to pull the joints together without ruining your hardwood. After the screw is in, fill the small hole with wood filler (try Dap Plastic Wood, $6; homedepot.com).

I woke up with a crick in my neck. For immediate relief, heat a microwavesafe shoulder warmer or horseshoe-shaped neck pillow in the microwave according to the manufacturer’s instructions and wrap it around your upper back or neck for about 20 minutes. “This helps relax the muscles and increases blood flow to the affected area,” says H. Michael Guo, MD, PhD, a physiatrist at Duke Spine Center in Durham, North Carolina. Take a break for an hour and repeat as necessary. Stretch the area gently by turning your head side to side and tilting it back and down, holding each position for 15 seconds. An over-thecounter pain-relieving pill or cream, like Aspercreme, may also help. THE FIX:

My kid’s electric toy has batter y corrosion. This job is for adults only. Put on gloves, take out the batteries, and place them in a sealable plastic bag. Check with your local recycling facility on how to properly dispose of them, says Joan Lawrence, senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs at the Toy Association. Then scrub the battery compartment with an old toothbrush and white vinegar or lemon juice—the acidity breaks down the residue from battery corrosion. After you’ve removed as much residue as you can, wipe with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Let the compartment dry completely before installing new batteries. In the future, periodically examine the batteries, especially if the toy isn’t used often, and avoid storing toys in extreme temperatures, which can cause leakage. Rechargeable batteries are less likely to corrode. THE FIX:

46 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

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1 L ABEL CABLES

Quickly identify wires by labeling each with the name of the item it connects to. Snap a photo that shows how everything is connected for reference when you rearrange furniture. TO BUY: Tendril Cord Labels, $10 for 5; containerstore.com. 1 2 CONCE AL CORDS

A big part of looking organized is what you don’t see. Bundle and secure a collection of cables out of sight to keep them from creating visual chaos. TO BUY: Command Cord Bundler Kit, $4.50 for 2; homedepot.com.

4 3 D I TC H DV D S 3

Free up space by recycling DVDs you no longer watch or upgrading to a streaming service. Corral small items (exercise equipment, video game controls, the DVDs you just can’t part with) in matching baskets. TO BUY: Whitewashed Rattan Storage Bins with Handles, from $20; containerstore.com.

Place a pretty tray near the television as a home for your remotes. Family members will become accustomed to putting the clickers there so everyone knows where to find them. TO BUY: Reclaimed Wood Tray, $69 (small); westelm.com.

Organize This N E AT E N U P YO U R M E D I A C E N T E R W I T H T I P S F RO M K AT R I N A T E E P L E , F O U N D E R O F O P E R AT I O N O RG A N I Z AT I O N . By Mar y Honkus

48 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

5 MAKE A MINI GUIDE

Create a cheat sheet for guests on how to use your television. This will make visitors feel welcome and prevent them from accidentally tampering with device settings.

P h o to g ra p h b y F l o to + Wa r n e r

F O R M O R E I N F O , V I S I T O P E R AT I O N O R G A N I Z AT I O N . C O M

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A Better Bun

W H E N YO U WA N T YO U R H A I R O F F YO U R N E C K BUT ARE GOING FOR SOMETHING MORE POLISHED T H A N U S UA L , M A K E T H I S YO U R G O -T O.

Brush dry hair to create a smooth base. Make a deep side part, and then sweep hair into a ponytail, smoothing out bumps with a brush or your fingers. Ace the placement by imagining a diagonal line from your cheekbone to the top of your pony. Secure with an elastic that blends in with your hair color. Goody Ouchless Forever Hair Ties ($4 for 10; target.com) won’t stretch or snap.

Wrap the coil around the base of your ponytail, forming a messy bun. Don’t stress if pieces pop out—an imperfect shape looks more sophisticated. Slide in bobby pins to secure loose hair to your scalp, and nix flyaways by running a Tresemmé AntiFrizz Smoothing Sheet ($5 for 6; target.com) over the sides.

50 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

2 With your fingers, twist your ponytail into a coil. Hold the end with one hand and use the other to gently tug at the sides of the coil to loosen it and create a bulkier shape— the key to taking your bun from wimpy to wow. Mist on a texturizer, like Together Beauty Sugar Wave ($27; sephora.com), for hold and body.

Watch a video demo at realsimple.com/beautycoach.

H A I R B Y H E R V É F O R D AV I N E S AT S A R A H L A I R D & G O O D C O M PA N Y; M A K E U P B Y C A M P B E L L R I T C H I E ; S T Y L I N G B Y F L AV I A N U N E Z ; P R O C E S S S H O T S B Y N ATA S I A H A N R AT T Y; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S . B A N A N A R E P U B L I C D R E S S , $ 1 2 9 ; B A N A N A R E P U B L I C . C O M . K E N D R A S C O T T E A R R I N G S , $ 4 8 ; K E N D R A S C O T T. C O M . C AT B I R D B R A C E L E T, $ 9 4 ; C AT B I R D . C O M

By Heather Muir Maffei

P h o t o g r a p h b y M e i Ta o

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

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B E S T S E T T I N G S P R AY

Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Waterproof Setting Spray Once your makeup is done, set it and forget it. A fine mist will lock in your look and prevent smudges. TO BUY: $33; at Sephora.

B E S T B RO W

Maybelline New York TattooStudio Brow Pomade Brush brow hairs upward with the spoolie, then dip the angled brush into the waterproof gel and fill in sparse spots. TO BUY: $10; at drugstores.

BEST PRIMER

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B E S T LO N G - W E A R L I P S T I C K

CoverGirl Melting Pout Matte When you want a bold lip that won’t make you look like the Joker, reach for one of the 12 pigment-packed shades in this liquid lipstick collection (shown here in Coral Chronicles). The formula delivers 24 hours of wear and lasts through eating, drinking, and kissing. Exfoliate lips first for a smooth base. TO BUY: $7; target.com.

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B E S T F O U N DAT I O N

Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream to Powder Foundation Worth the splurge: It goes on like a cream and sets like a powder for staying power. Great for touchups too. TO BUY: $98; cledepeau-beaute.com.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara This gives clump-free length, doesn’t run after a dip in the pool or a workout, and washes away with cleanser. TO BUY: $10; target.com.

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THE REALIST

Closet Care

Jeans A W E L L - F I T T I N G PA I R O F J E A N S I S T H E H O LY G R A I L O F FA S H I O N . E X P E R T S S H A R E H O W T O K E E P Y O U R FA V O R I T E W A R D R O B E S T A P L E I N T I P-T O P S H A P E F O R Y E A R S T O C O M E . By Mar y Honkus

How to Buy

How to Repair

F I N D YO U R F I T. Select

R E S TO R E S T R E TC H .

jeans that fit your waist and bottom. Don’t stress if they’re too long—a tailor can adjust the length.

When your stretch jeans start to lose resilience, toss them into the dryer to regain elasticity.

T RY A T R E N D. High-waist,

FO RG E T F R E E Z I N G.

straight-leg jeans look polished and surprisingly suit many body types.

You may have heard that freezing jeans freshens them, but it doesn’t work. Spot-clean with a dot of dish soap on a clean cloth or spritz with a fabric freshener, like Febreze.

How to Care P R E V E N T C O LO R T R A N S F E R . Before wear-

ing your jeans for the first time, wash them alone in cold water. For extra protection, add a half cup of white vinegar to help seal color. Lay flat to dry. WA I T TO WA S H . Don’t

wash jeans after every wear; do it every 5 to 10 wears to help them last longer. Wash them inside out in cold water and lay flat to dry. H A N G U P. Store them on

hangers rather than folding them so fibers can recover from stretch and stress, especially in the knees.

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F I X T H E F R AY. If your

hems get distressed and you don’t love the look, trim them with scissors or have a tailor repair them. The jeans may be slightly shorter after the hems are fixed, so consult with your tailor—making a more significant crop during the repair might look even better.

O U R E X P E RTS LAURA GOODMAN, SENIOR SCIENTIST FOR P&G FABRIC CARE JILL GUENZA, VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL WOMEN’S DESIGN AT LEVI’S FABRIC CARE LARISSA NOBLE, WOMEN’S DESIGN DIRECTOR AT 7 FOR ALL MANKIND BECKY RAPINCHUK, FOUNDER OF CLEANMAMA.NET

Pick the right denim fit and wash with the guide at realsimple.com/gooddenim.

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If you love stretch, look for “comfort stretch”—it molds to your body but maintains structure. Premium denim, which is higher quality and uses a thicker weave, generally lasts longer than cheaper denim, making the price worth it over time.

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OFFSET

T Y P E S O F T R AV E L E R S .

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photograph by Garr y Belinsky

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

For History Buffs I D E A S FO R E X P LO R I N G A N Y H I S TO RY- R I C H CIT Y

C O N S I D E R : S A N TA F E

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Many cities have a cultural resources office or a branch of their planning and development commission (like the Historic Preservation Office and Commission in Kansas City, Missouri) that outlines preservation initiatives. Their websites can be useful for learning how the city reconstructs its history.

Above: Cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument, about an hour from Santa Fe. Left: Visitors at the Palace of the Governors.

MORE CITIES TO SEE For civil rights and music: Memphis, Tennessee For Civil War history: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Call the historical society for info about events and tours. Ask for recommendations for neighborhoods with preserved architecture and period-inspired bedand-breakfasts. Taking that step beyond the website almost always yields personalized ideas. See if the public library has a local-history exhibit or event. Books can also be great sources of inspiration. Read one that takes place in the city you’re visiting and retrace the characters’ steps. —Jessie Kissinger

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

our country’s founding, cities in the 13 colonies no doubt come to mind. But Santa Fe, New Mexico, should too: Spanish explorers established the city in 1610, a decade before the Mayflower reached Plymouth Rock. Santa Fe has some of our nation’s oldest buildings, as well as opportunities to explore traditionally overlooked Native American history. The Palace of the Governors is the oldest continuously operating government building in the United States. San Miguel Mission, the country’s oldest church, is an adobe structure where visitors can see flecks of straw in the original mud plaster on the exterior walls. Cross the street to the city’s longeststanding house, dating back to 1646. To dive deeper into New Mexico’s history and native people, head to Museum Hill, a small area dotted with museums, such as the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, a local favorite. For a taste of frontier life, check out living-history museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas, which features original buildings from the early 1700s and actors demonstrating daily life as villagers. Many of the area’s pueblos, tribes, and nations host public events; go to santafe.org for a schedule and tips. It’s worth the roughly one-hour drive to Bandelier National Monument to see cliff dwellings and carvings made by Pueblo people more than 1,000 years ago.—Shivani Vora TO LEARN ABOUT

R E L AT I N G

For Outdoor Seekers CONSIDER: BEND

I D E A S FO R E X P LO R I N G A N Y OUTD O OR SY CIT Y For $80, the National Park Service’s America the Beautiful annual pass will admit you, any children, and up to four adults (ages 16 and up) into more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. If you have a fourth grader, you can get a free annual pass for the student and accompanying adults.

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snowshoeing. Back in Bend, the High Desert Museum celebrates the region’s wildlife and history. South of Bend, don’t miss the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, site of the Lava River Cave, a mile-long hardened lava tube you can explore on foot. Maupin, a city to the north, is paradise for white-water rafters. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to get outdoors. Bend has more than 80 parks and 3,000 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland, as well as outdoor programming in the summer, like concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Boasting the most sunny days in the state each year, Bend gives visitors no excuse not to get out and enjoy it. —Jessica Flint

MORE CITIES TO SEE For a national park base camp: St. George, Utah For land and sea activities: Bar Harbor, Maine

The free AllTrails app will show you local trails. The website and app Hipcamp connects campers to people with land and outdoor accommodations, like vineyards and ranches. If you prefer word-ofmouth recs, visit a local outdoor store. “The people behind the desk usually own the shop or are really into the outdoors,” says Lonely Planet writer Amy C. Balfour. “They give great advice.”—J.K.

E D U C AT I O N I M A G E S /G E T T Y I M A G E S

that’s obsessed with the outdoors, it’s Bend, Oregon. With good reason: This year-round recreation hub offers everything from mountain biking to fly-fishing right in its backyard. Family-friendly adventure begins on the Deschutes River, which runs through town; tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the river is a summertime rite. West of Bend, you’ll find the Cascade Range, where mountain trails abound. When it’s warm, locals swim and camp at the alpine lakes; in the winter, they ski at Mt. Bachelor, one of the largest ski areas in the United States. Located 22 miles from Bend, it offers 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, plus cross-country skiing and I F T H E R E’S ON E C I T Y

Tubing and kayaking on the Deschutes River

To learn about the flora of the region, see if the city has a native plant society. The nonprofit Wild Ones has 56 chapters across the country, many of which offer guided walks.

R E L AT I N G

For Art & Architecture Aficionados CO N S I D E R: P I T T S B U RG H

tures either, or the interactive Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh if you’re visiting with budding creators. Onto the architecture: Pittsburgh has a significant collection of neoGothic buildings, a style dating back to 18th-century Britain. The Heinz Memorial Chapel, with its gorgeous, 73-foot-tall stained-glass windows, is an essential stop. Bridges should be part of the lineup as well—with 446 of them in the city, they’re hard to miss. Smithfield Street Bridge, built in 1881, is the oldest, while the trio known as the Three Sisters, on the Allegheny River, are the most iconic. Consider, too, some of the city’s environmentally sustainable marvels, such as the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.—S.V.

I D E A S FO R E X P LO R I N G A N Y DESIGN-CENTRIC CIT Y

MORE CITIES TO SEE For an architectural smorgasbord: Buffalo, New York For renowned museums and public art: Detroit, Michigan

If you need trip inspiration, each year, the American Planning Association recognizes neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces as Great Places in America. Recent recipients include the Guthrie Historic District in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and State Street on the state line between Tennessee and Virginia. “A lot of towns have artist-run spaces and amazing works happening at them,” says Cara Starke, director of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Think small galleries, immersive environments, and converted warehouses. Track down some of these spaces via Common Field, a country-wide network of artist-run and independent art organizations. For easy searching, the Artguide on artforum .com lists current gallery and museum shows, as well as auction previews, in 250 American cities and towns.—J.K.

The entrance to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

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C O U RT ESY O F C H I L D R E N ’S M US E U M O F P I T TS B U R G H / V I S I T P I T TS B U R G H

may be known for its industrial roots and Heinz ketchup, but today it’s a mustvisit destination for art-and-designminded travelers. Fans of modern art won’t run out of options here. Andy Warhol was a native, and the museum dedicated to his works includes approximately 900 paintings, 100 sculptures, and 4,000 photographs. For more experimental art, check out one of the frequently changing installations by artists in residence at the Mattress Factory. Then there’s the Carnegie Museum of Art, considered by many to be the world’s first contemporary-art museum, with more than 30,000 objects from around the world. Don’t skip the city’s outdoor art and sculpP I T T S B U R G H , P E N N S Y LVA N I A ,

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R E L AT I N G

For Foodies C O N S I D E R : S T. L O U I S THERE’S SO MUCH

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Wander around the farmers’ market for a true sense of the local cuisine. Connect with bakers and cheesemongers and taste in-season fruits and vegetables you might not find at home.

Above: An assortment of dishes at Balkan Treat Box. Left: The city skyline’s iconic Gateway Arch.

MORE CITIES TO SEE For biscuits and breweries: Asheville, North Carolina For everything from pierogi to fine dining: Cleveland, Ohio

Craving international food? Research the city’s immigrant communities. In recent years, small and midsize cities (like Clarkston, Georgia, and Omaha, Nebraska) have been taking in more refugees than traditional gateway cities, and many of these newcomers are importing delicious recipes. For fine-dining ideas, search for winners of the prestigious James Beard Foundation awards, which are given to chefs across the country—not just in the big cities. Before going, check the restaurant’s website to make sure the winning chef still works there. People in the industry often move around, and the food and experience at a restaurant can change when they do.—J.K.

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

to eat in St. Louis, Missouri. Bosnian cuisine, for starters. Since the 1990s, the city has become home to 70,000 Bosnian refugees, and the lunch spot Balkan Treat Box represents their heritage, with wood-fired somun (flatbread) stuffed with savory meats, cheese, and veggies. Then there’s the whole pompano, a flaky white fish, at Lona’s Lil Eats, where chef Lona Lou serves food inspired by her upbringing in China’s Yunnan Province. And there’s the fried cauliflower in the Church Basement Plate, a special at SweetArt, a vegan/vegetarian café and bakery plus gallery. These are casual, order-at-the-front places, and that’s what the city does best. Even Vicia, with its nationally recognized, vegetablefocused tasting menu, hosts counter-service lunch. Sample the bread at Union Loafers or the croissants at Comet Coffee. Stay at a hotel in the bustling Central West End or rent a house near Tower Grove Park and walk to the Saturday-morning farmers’ market, where you’ll find cured meats from Salume Beddu and goat cheese from Baetje Farms. Try one of chef Gerard Craft’s restaurants, like Pastaria. Check Urban Harvest STL’s website (urbanharveststl.org) for a schedule of happy-hour events at their rooftop farm. Head over to Bulrush for cocktails made with native Missouri botanicals, like pawpaw (imagine a combo of melon, mango, and banana).—J.K.

I D E A S FO R E X P LO R I N G A N Y FO O D I E C I T Y

I D E A S FO R E X P LO R I N G A N Y BEACH CIT Y

C O N S I D E R : S T. P E T E R S B U R G impossible to find a beachy destination that’s easy to get to, has plenty to do in case of rain, and is family friendly, St. Petersburg, Florida—or St. Pete, as the locals call it—may be the answer. This historic city is famous for its great weather and is just a 25-minute drive from the Tampa airport. After you’ve dropped off your bags in the city, take a 15-minute car ride to St. Pete Beach, the Gulf-facing barrier island just across the channel. Walk north along the beach from Pass-aGrille to the iconic pink Don CeSar hotel. If you want to beach-hop, Treasure Island, Indian Shores, and Clearwater Beach are all close by. Itching to get out on the water? Make a reservation with See Through Adventure for an easy paddle I F I T F E E L S N E A R LY

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through the bayous in a transparent canoe. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a majestic manatee. In town, stroll down the marina from St. Pete’s other pink icon, the Vinoy Hotel, to the Dalí Museum, which houses the most Salvador Dalí paintings outside Spain. Head to the Sunken Gardens, a century-old botanical explosion of palms and orchids. Explore Central Avenue, a stretch of restaurants and boutiques that starts at the bay—about a mile inland, you’ll come to the hip Edge district, near the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field. Stop by Green Bench Brewing Company, the coffee shop and cocktail bar Intermezzo, and the Imagine Museum, devoted to studio glass, with works by Dale Chihuly and Toots Zynsky.—Anna Maltby

MORE CITIES TO SEE For dogfriendly beaches: Santa Cruz, California For surfing and scuba: Rincón, Puerto Rico

Check that the water is safe for swimming with the Swim Guide app—or use its map of more than 7,000 beaches, lakes, and rivers. Then scroll through Meetup for free yoga classes, biking groups, and tours. Most importantly, help protect the waterways. Pack a no-waste picnic: Fill a lunch box with finger foods (no need for plates or plastic utensils) and bring cloth napkins. When leaving the beach, check the area carefully for all your belongings. Pick up garbage you see, even if it wasn’t yours, and toss it into a bin.—J.K.

Plan a trip to any destination with the quick tricks at realsimple.com/planning.

G E T T Y I M AG ES

For Beach Lovers

A boardwalk beach entrance in St. Petersburg

To avoid boardwalk chaos, visit a state or national park beach, like Grayton Beach State Park on Florida’s Emerald Coast west of Panama City, or First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “You’re still in Virginia Beach, but it’s a little more quiet and naturebased,” says Balfour.

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R E L AT I N G

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

M.S. ASKS…

My sister-in-law loves to send gifts to our son for almost every major holiday. We are so thankful for her thoughtfulness and generosity, but because of financial stress we’re unable to do the same for my nieces and nephews. We save our money to purchase gifts only for birthdays and Christmas (even for our own son) and don’t have much wiggle room. I am plagued with guilt when we receive these “surprises” because we can’t reciprocate. Thank-you notes don’t seem like enough. What can we do? You don’t need to clutter up your gratitude with guilt. I know the feeling—that reciprocity is required—but I don’t actually think it’s right. People have different gift-giving styles in addition to varying resources, and that’s fine. You could say something, if you like: “I hope you know we’d send more gifts if our circumstances were different.” But you really don’t need to. My guess is that your sister-in-law uses the holidays as a happy excuse to share their abundance, and that your appreciation is plenty of return on that investment. So keep sending gracious thank-you notes, mail the odd greeting card too, and let her know that, when the holidays roll around, you think of her family so fondly.

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T. M . A S K S …

I have celiac disease. Many family members offer to provide gluten-free food at family functions, though I tend to bring my own to be polite. But some family members never offer, and at bigger events where it feels awkward to bring food, I have no safe choices. Is it unreasonable to expect an option at catered events?

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.

Of course you don’t want to bring Tupperware to a wedding. But your family might expect you to manage your own meals, given that you’ve declined offers to accommodate you. I have a friend with celiac, and she sighed knowingly when I read her your question. “You can’t always trust someone to be careful enough that you won’t get sick,” she said. “But it’s still nice if they try.” Ask the host to put you in touch with the caterer, which will cue them that you have an issue that needs addressing. Or you can say, “I can’t wait for the party! Do you know if there will be safely gluten-free options, or should I bring my own?” “I’d rather someone say no than do it sloppily,” my friend said. “It sucks to have to advocate for yourself all the time. But you just kind of have to.”

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

J . P. A S K S …

We are in a restaurant enjoying our meal when a friend comes by offering a handshake. Busy eating our food, we do not wish to extend our hands. What is a polite way to resist? The handshake is a widely practiced gesture of goodwill, but there are lots of reasons people might want to avoid it: fear of germs (rational, phobic, or something in between) for one, cultural tradition for another—some Muslims and Jews, among other folks, practice ritual handwashing before meals. It’s your call. Do the benefits outweigh the costs? My dad plays bridge throughout the winter—all those sneezy cards passed from hand to hand—but finds the occasional cold a small price to pay for the fun. But if you just can’t shake hands, or don’t want to, then smile and say, “Bump elbows with me! I don’t want to put my fork down.” Or offer whatever explanation you’re comfortable with: “Oops, my hands are a little sticky. But it’s great to see you!” Someone might be mildly curious, but they’re not likely to be offended by either response.

E.M. ASKS…

My brother and his fiancé overserve themselves at family functions—to the point where they can barely walk and family members have to drive them home. They are both very insecure, so our family hasn’t addressed this issue directly, but when we try to bring it up, they give excuses: “We didn’t have dinner,” or “I wasn’t that drunk.” I worry that they drive drunk on other occasions. How can I address this? How stressful—I’m sorry. There is more at stake than their well-being: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related crashes accounted for 29 percent of traffic deaths in the U.S. in 2017. Strategize with your family, if you can, and then talk to your brother, starting with the concrete facts of what you’ve seen and felt: “I’ve seen you accept rides home from family functions, which is great, but I worry about you driving after drinking too much in other situations.” He might reassure you that they usually use Uber or that (no offense) they only drink during stressful family gatherings. You’ll have to decide what to believe, and what to do next: Offer to be an on-call ride, see if they want more support around their drinking (the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has helpful advice at niaaa.nih.gov)—or consider sharing the sobering statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (google “drunk driving state fact sheets”).

H AV E A N E T I Q U E T T E Q U E S T I O N ? Submit your social conundrums to modernmanners@realsimple.com. Selected letters will be featured on these pages every month.

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

insiders

Good Read

Screen Time L A ST SUMMER, ELIZ ABE TH McCR ACKEN AND HER DAU GHTER VOWED TO SEE A S M A N Y M O V I E S A S T H E Y C O U L D . T H E Y F O U N D A W AY T O B O N D F O R L I F E .

S O M E T I M E S I WA N T

S H U T T E R STO C K

to say to my children, “What you need to understand is that I grew up in the past.” The past, of course, is where all parents come from. In my particular past, telephones were attached to the wall, you were allowed to smoke anywhere, you had to go to the bowling alley to play a video game and even then it was Pong, and you could only see movies one of two ways. The movie could come to you via your television, possibly in black and white, chopped up with commercials, and only at the time that the TV station decided. Or you could go to the movies.

Photograph by Michelle Marsan

AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

My childhood theater was the Paramount, in Newton Corner, Massachusetts. By the time I met it, the balcony had been walled off and converted into a second screen. The Paramount was what was known in those days as a second-run theater, showing movies a few months or a few years old for cheap, with creaky seats and a dreamy concession stand. Many weekends of my childhood, my parents would hand me a few dollars for a matinee and snacks, and I would walk the two blocks to see Born Free or Clarence, the CrossEyed Lion. In the summer, I sat in shorts, shivered in the air-conditioning, and felt the round bottom rim of the popcorn bucket press into my thighs. That’s the thing about movie theaters. It’s not just the giant screen that looms over you— it’s a complicated sensual experience that you give yourself to. You submit to the schedule of the movie theater; you eat its cuisine (Milk Duds shaken onto buttered popcorn for me); you sit in your seat; you don’t wander or pause. For many years moviegoing was my solitary pleasure. Sometimes I went with friends or my older brother, but more often by myself. The Greater Boston of my childhood was full of movie theaters, first-run, second-run, revival house. I was, to say the least, not an athletic child. Hours sitting in the dark was bliss, watching double and triple features, acquainting myself with the insides of the theaters, velvet chairs or rough polyester that bounced when I fidgeted, the lit exit sign over the doors, the faded glamor of the old theaters and the catchy premovie jingles of the new. I didn’t become a cinephile or a cineaste; I had no intention of a future in the film industry, which would require working with other people when all I wanted to do was sit in a movie house with them. (I might have wanted to act, but years of auditioning for school plays had landed me a single, nonspeaking role as an oyster in a production of Alice in Wonderland.) I didn’t want to analyze movies for a magazine or newspaper. I was merely, and happily, a moviegoer. I was a grown person, I saw most movies alone. I lived by myself in an un-air-conditioned walk-up BY T H E T I M E

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apartment and didn’t always have a nine-to-five job, so I went to matinees for cool quiet. I would have said this was my ideal: I didn’t have to have the conversation afterward in which you reveal to your companions your feelings about what you’ve seen, and they agree or don’t. If somebody hates a movie I love, I don’t want to hear about it, and even more so vice versa. Then I had children. Sporty families, I have heard, strap skis onto their tiny offspring and send them down the mountain. Bridge-playing families deal in their kids as soon as their little hands can fan the cards. I have taught my children to sit in the dark. Gus, who is 12, likes movie theaters the way an ordinary person does. That is, he watches trailers ahead of time and makes judgments. He’ll only go to what interests him. But Matilda, who is 10, simply loves going to the movies, everything about it: the dark, the snacks, the all-encompassing feel of sound and light coming over you in waves. She’ll see anything—documentaries (especially if they’re about strong women), comedies both new and old, talkies and silent films, superhero movies (which her brother detests), and cartoons. She’s a game girl. We live in Austin, Texas, a good place to be a moviegoer. Alamo Drafthouse, a chain where you can get food and drinks delivered while you watch, started here. The Drafthouse has comfy stadium seats—there’s never a big, strange head blocking the view of a certain young audience member or her stumpy mother—and enforces an absolutely delightful no talking, no texting policy. (Years of solitary moviegoing has made me a maniac on the subject of other

G E T T Y I M AG ES

Hours sitting in the dark was bliss, watching double and triple features, acquainting myself with the theaters, velvet chairs or rough polyester that bounced when I fidgeted.

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people’s intramovie conversations.) There’s the Austin Film Society, founded by the writer-director Richard Linklater. That’s where we go to see documentaries and Buster Keaton and Hayao Miyazaki movies. And in the summertime, there’s the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series. Austin’s Paramount Theatre, like the Paramount of my childhood, was a vaudeville house, but it remains gloriously unmolested by updates. It has velvet curtains and murals and, legend has it, actual ghosts. Most of the year it hosts musical acts and comedians, but every summer it shows old movies. You can attend single screenings or buy a punch card or become a Film Fan, which gets you a badge and lanyard: You're given free popcorn and admission to the balcony, with its vertiginous pitch and spectacular views. Of course Matilda and I are Film Fans. The more rituals, the better. Sometimes we plan ahead, and sometimes we check the schedule, hop in the car, and go. and I decided to see as many movies as we could in as short a time as possible. This meant the occasional real double feature at the Paramount, but also double features we assembled on the fly. For instance, one day we saw Time Bandits at the Austin Film Society and then, when it was over, jumped into the car and went to see Charlie Chaplin’s Shoulder Arms at the Paramount. We saw Stormy Weather and The Bank Dick. We watched new blockbusters (Solo had recently come out) and documentaries (we kicked off our spree with RBG). Afterward we talked about the movies—characters and plot, funniest moments, what we liked and what we didn’t. The first movie I ever saw in the theater was Chaplin’s The Circus, and if I’d envisioned parenthood I might have thought, “I will take my kids to see silent comedies whenever I can.” I would have thought of it as something I was giving them. I didn’t know how much it would mean to me, to discuss Keaton versus Chaplin with my daughter. “You can tell Charlie Chaplin’s acting,” Matilda said. “But Buster Keaton looks like things are happening to him.” We both prefer Keaton. Sometimes Matilda’s father and brother would join us, but mostly this was something we’d do together. If there was a movie, we would see it. We kept up our L A S T S U M M E R , M AT I L DA

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streak for 13 days. Matilda and I were once in such a hurry to get from a birthday party in a bowling alley to an afternoon showing of My Neighbor Totoro that only when we were standing in line to buy tickets did I look down to see that Matilda was still wearing her rented bowling shoes. (We returned them after the movie.) The only failure was The Great Escape. Matilda fell in love with the characters, and then, one by one, they died. She suggested the sequel be called The Great Mistake. Every now and then another parent, upon hearing about Matilda’s love of the movies, of sitting still, unbothered by the passing hours and the loudness of the sound system and—OK, I’ll say it, I hate to brag—her spectacular attention span and cinematic curiosity, will sound a little wistful. “I wish I could get my kids to go to the movies,” they’ll say. I usually point out that their children played on soccer leagues in nursery school, whereas in my family we excel in the sedentary sports. Sometimes the wistful parent will say, “Maybe she’ll grow up to be a director!” Well, maybe, I guess, if she wants to. I’m always a little puzzled by the modern tendency to provide on-the-spot career counseling to children. I was blessed with parents who never exactly told me that one day I would have to work for a living. But what I really think is: What’s wrong with learning to be an audience member? To learn that ABOUT some essential art is available only outside T H E AU T H O R your house and best enjoyed surrounded by Elizabeth McCracken other people? The world needs more specis the author of six books, including tators than makers of spectacles. I feel this The Giant’s House, way about art in museums, and dance pera finalist for the formances, and live music, and stage musiNational Book Award, and Bowlaway, cals, and we go to all those things too. But a her most recent movie ticket is cheap, and there’s always novel. She lives in something playing, and it turns out that if Austin, Texas, with her family. you go with a fellow moviegoer, a dear one devoted to the dark, it’s even better. Soon enough she might decide that she wants sunlight or the company of friends or—this is a cinematic impossibility for me, despite my motherlove—to see horror movies. For now, we’re rapt, side by side, elbow to elbow, awash in light.

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H E R E ’ S H O W T O C R E AT E M O M E N T S S O P R EC I O U S T H E Y ’L L L I V E L A RG E I N YO U R H E A D— A N D YO U R H E A RT — F O R A L I F E T I M E . By Sharlene Breakey

Make it tactile. I’m 63 and have a young daughter, Phoebe, which has made me conscious of not being around forever. When she was born, I decided to build Phoebe a 10-foot, pale blue sailboat. Teaching her to sail will allow me to pass on my love of the sea and generate and help preserve memories. I don’t have a lot of good memories from my own childhood, but the ones I do have are linked to something sensory, tactile. When she’s older, her little blue boat will be packed to the gunwales with tactile memories. Little adventures she had with her dad will be summoned when she sees that shade of blue, or hears the sail in the wind, or holds the tiller in her hands—stuff that will make her smile before she even realizes why. JONATHAN GORNALL IS A JOURNALIST AND THE AUTHOR OF HOW TO BUILD A BOAT: A FATHER, HIS DAUGHTER, AND THE UNSAILED SEA. HE LIVES WITH HIS WIFE AND 5-YEAR-OLD PHOEBE IN EAST ANGLIA, ENGLAND.

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C AVA N I M A G E S /O F F S E T

5 Ways to Make a Forever Memory

Plan an old-fashioned visit. In Jane Austen’s day, many women would visit their girlfriends for weeks at a time. We don’t do that anymore. When we do decide to get together, many of us are more likely to plan a girls’ weekend at a spa or some other extraordinary adventure. There’s value in that, of course, but something special happens when you visit a friend in her everyday life, when you spend ordinary time with her. There’s a depth and joy in the small moments—when you learn where she sits to have her coffee in the morning or which tree in her neighborhood is her favorite—that make them linger with us.

Get down and dirty. Years ago, I was with a group of elementary- and middle-school students near a sloping bank of dirt. One of the kids decided to pour water down the bank, and everyone was so overjoyed by the mini mudslide it created that we decided to really go for it. More buckets were poured, and pretty soon we were sliding down the bank, getting mucky, and painting our faces with the mud or sculpting mud faces and creatures that we stuck to tree trunks. The kids were beaming. It was such a wonderful, memorable day. Every year since, kids have asked, “When can we do the mudslide?” or chanted, “Mudslide! Mudslide! Mudslide!” The experience was indelible partly because it was immersive, but also because everyone, even the grown-ups, felt so free—not worried about the dirt or anything—and the kids were leading the way. JANE WORROLL, AN ECOLOGIST AND FORMER PARK RANGER, IS A LEADER IN THE FOREST SCHOOL, A TEACHING PHILOSOPHY THAT FOCUSES ON CHILD-LED LEARNING IN NATURE, AND A COAUTHOR OF PLAY THE FOREST SCHOOL WAY. SHE LIVES IN LONDON.

JESSICA FRANCIS KANE IS THE AUTHOR OF RULES FOR VISITING, A NOVEL ABOUT CREATING NEW MEMORIES WITH OLD FRIENDS. SHE LIVES IN NEW YORK CITY WITH HER HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN. SHE RECENTLY RETURNED FROM HER BOOK TOUR, WHERE SHE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THREE OF HER BEST FRIENDS FROM CHILDHOOD.

5 4

Put away the camera.

Add a soundtrack.

My memories of a trek in the Himalayas are still so vivid that even now I can smell the mountain air, because I finally learned to stay still. That lesson came in part from forgetting to pick up my camera because I was so present. I started to make the choice not to reach for a device and to focus on capturing the feeling in my mind and body. Today, when I come across something special, like musicians playing, I stop to appreciate the divinity of the music. Maybe I’ll smile at someone who seems transported by it too. A connection like that only cements the feeling.

A song can transport you back to a special time. Music becomes layered with meaning each time you listen to it. You might be driving home from the pool when a song comes on the radio that gets you singing with the kids. That song may be forever linked to the joy of the day, the smell of chlorine, the games with friends. During their formative years, kids forge identities through music and choose songs that become part of their playlists. Later, that music conjures the joy of those early experiences and brings the past to the present. NOLAN GASSER, PHD, IS THE ARCHITECT OF PANDORA’S MUSIC GENOME PROJECT AND THE AUTHOR OF WHY YOU LIKE IT: THE SCIENCE AND CULTURE OF MUSICAL TASTE. HE LIVES IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA.

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R E L AT I N G

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Pet Tricks T R AV E L C A N B E S T R E S S F U L . A D D A N A N I M A L T O T H E M I X A N D I T G E T S E V E N H A I R I E R . S T AY C A L M W I T H T H I S E X P E R T A D V I C E . By Juno DeMelo

Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin, for a fee (typically $100 to $200 each way), in a carrier that fits under the seat and lets them move around comfortably inside. Some airlines transport pets in cargo, though fees can be higher and certain shortnosed breeds are sometimes excluded. Talk with your vet before booking air travel to see whether your pet is a good candidate for flying. (You can ask about sedation, but it’s generally not advised.) Prepare your pet by getting her used to her carrier and taking short car rides to fun destinations, such as the dog park.

Keep Them Comfortable Don’t feed your pet a full meal (a few treats are fine) for 6 to 12 hours before you leave to lessen the chances of an accident. If you’re flying, let her use a pet-relief area as close to boarding time as possible. On car rides, keep your dog in a safety harness, crate, or carrier. Let him out—on a leash— every four to six hours for a bathroom break and water. Cats usually use the litter box only once or twice a day so should be able to wait until you arrive. Keep your cat in a carrier at all times in the car.

Be Prepared If you’re renting a car, ask about the pet policy; many car-rental companies allow pets in the vehicle, but only in a carrier. Before you book a room in a pet-friendly hotel, ask whether you’re allowed to leave your pet unattended. If so, consider crating your dog or securing your cat in the bathroom with food, water, and a litter box, and put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door before you go. The more you can make your destination feel like home, the more comfortable your pet will be. Bring along your pet’s bed, a few favorite toys, and the food she’s used to eating.

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AUGUST 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

BAL ANCE

DOING THE “RIGHT” THING

isn’t always easy—and nowhere is this more apparent than in the wellness world. Every day, we’re bombarded by headlines warning us about the latest thing that’s slowly killing us. We’re grateful, of course, for new science. But the mixed messages can be overwhelming. The best advice? Put energy toward big-picture goals, like following a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and taking care of your mental well-being. When it comes to the following seven habits, drop the guilt and focus on what matters.

Diet Drinks Juices, sodas, and teas made with zero-calorie sweeteners were once touted as healthy, magically calorie-free alternatives to sugary beverages. Then came the backlash: Scary studies linked artificial sweeteners to cancer, heart disease, and unhealthy gut bacteria. Some studies suggested they also contribute to weight gain, even without adding calories to a drink. But findings have been inconsistent, and the truth is likely somewhere in the middle, says Adrienne Youdim, MD, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Don’t have more than one of these drinks a day, she says; recent studies have linked two or more diet sodas a day with a higher risk for stroke and heart disease among postmenopausal women, and four or more a day with a higher risk for death among women of all ages. But there’s no research showing that a few diet sodas a week will harm you, especially if they help you kick the much worse habit of drinking sugary drinks.

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Eating Carbs “Carbohydrates” has become a dirty word, with trendy diets cutting out carbs almost completely. The problem is, that’s extremely impractical. Carbs are the body’s top source of fuel, and the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that 45 to 65 percent of daily calories come from carbohydrates. “Without carbs, we’d have no energy, and we’d miss out on nutrients,” says Liz Weinandy, RD, a staff dietitian at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

A smarter strategy: Focus on reducing refined carbs and simple sugars (like white bread, pasta, and sweets) rather than cutting out all carbs—a group that, by the way, includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. “These are healthy foods that Americans need more of, not less,” says Weinandy. They contain vitamins and minerals vital to heart and brain health, and they’re high in fiber, which helps gut health and fights weight gain. And yes, there’s room in a healthy diet for the occasional muffin—as long as you’re active and eating plenty of nourishing stuff too.

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Your Afternoon Nap There are few pleasures greater than the midafternoon snooze— which may be why, according to the National Sleep Foundation, more than half of Americans have taken a nap in the last seven days. Yet society frowns upon napping: It would be taboo at most workplaces, and at home we often see it as lazy and unproductive. Certainly, needing a nap could signal that you’re sleep-deprived, and unexplained sleepiness (if you’re getting plenty of rest at night) might be a warning of an underlying health problem. But for most people, says Youdim, naps are a helpful way to catch up on lost hours of shuteye. “Sleep is like a nutrient, and getting enough of it is important. It’s better to get it while you can than not at all,” she says. Short snoozes can have immediate benefits too. Research suggests that 30-minute power naps can improve concentration and energy. Just be careful about napping for too long or too close to bedtime, which might make it hard to fall asleep at night. And if your tiredness or sleep needs seem unusual, talk to your doctor.

Skipping Your Breast Self-Exam For years, health organizations urged women to perform a monthly breast self-exam to feel for changes in breast tissue. But in 2015, the American Cancer Society updated its guidelines to state that breast self-exams are no longer recommended. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Physicians have also stopped recommending them for average-risk women. It can be difficult for women to know what they’re feeling during a self-exam, says Ana María López, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist at Jefferson University Hospitals and past president of the American College of Physicians. “In the research, we just don’t see a clear benefit—we don’t find the disease earlier or diagnose cancers in a better way,” says López. In fact, two studies found that women who did selfexams had more false positives, which led to more biopsies, than women who didn’t. A better way to screen for breast cancer: In addition to getting regular mammograms, become familiar with what’s normal for your breasts and talk with a physician if you notice something different, says López. If you still perform a self-exam every month and don’t feel comfortable ditching it, ask your doctor to help you weigh risks and benefits.

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Coffee is the average American’s top source of antioxidants.

Mindless Screen Time Sitting has been dubbed the new smoking, with links to obesity and other health problems—especially when TV is involved. And spending lots of time on social media has been associated with mental health and sleep problems. However, we all need ways to escape from the pressures of daily life, says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinic director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. Checking Facebook or watching The Bachelor can fit the bill, as long as it’s done in moderation and not causing harm to your personal or professional life. These habits may even provide emotional outlets, whether it’s laughing at a video or crying out of empathy for a TV character. Sometimes they just allow us to zone out for a minute, which can be important too. It’s all about how you feel afterward. “Some people find that TV or social media helps them unwind and recharge, which is a good thing,” says Gallagher. If you don’t feel that way, you may want to try something else, like exercising or spending time with friends.

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Your Morning Coffee Coffee has gotten a bad rap: Caffeine can disrupt sleep, make you feel jittery, and cause digestion problems for some. It’s also been linked, in older studies, to cardiovascular issues. But newer studies have debunked those heart worries, at least when caffeine is kept to reasonable amounts, and in a 2017 scientific review of more than 400 studies, scientists determined that drinking up to 400 milligrams of caffeine (about four eight-ounce cups of coffee) a day is safe for most people. Even pregnant people can have up to 300 milligrams daily, the researchers concluded, without putting themselves or their pregnancies at risk. In fact, most health experts now give coffee a thumbs-up. It’s the average American’s top source of antioxidants, which help fight aging and inflammation, says Weinandy. Studies have shown that people who drink coffee have a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and early death than those who abstain. It may even be good for your skin: Coffee drinkers have a lower risk for rosacea. There are caveats. Avoid highly sugary coffee drinks, since excess sugar is a risk factor for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. And if you have trouble sleeping, cut yourself off a few hours before bed. If coffee brings on reflux, you may want to avoid it altogether.

Wearing Antiperspirant Wellness influencers often warn against the use of conventional products harboring potentially dangerous chemicals, from cleaning supplies to cosmetics. One item that’s gotten its fair share of criticism is antiperspirant deodorant that contains aluminum salts to block sweat glands and reduce underarm odor. Fears about aluminum salts and potential health issues are exaggerated and unproven, says Gerald O’Malley, DO, director of toxicology at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “The worry is that aluminum can be absorbed by tiny cuts in the skin, and because breast cancers often arise in the underarm area, deodorant became a suspect,” he explains. “But very

smart scientists have looked at this carefully, including those at the National Cancer Institute, and they’ve found no evidence that these products are linked to cancer.” The American Cancer Society has also publicly debunked this myth, and the FDA has stated that the products are safe. The most recent scientific review, published in 2017 by German researchers, noted that the penetration rate of aluminum into the skin after applying antiperspirant is “extremely low” and that there is “no consistent data” to link aluminum to breast cancer. “At this time, there just doesn’t seem to be any scientific reason for this concern,” says O’Malley.

Venture oﬀ your grocery list and

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let your taste wander.

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Your Less-Stress Guide to Taking a Vacation Y O U W O R K E D H A R D T O E A R N T H A T PA I D T I M E O F F, S O T A K E I T. F O L L O W T H E S E S T E P S B E F O R E , D U R I N G, A N D A F T E R YO U R B R E A K TO E N S U R E A R E L A X I N G T R I P A N D E A S Y R E E N T RY. By Kathleen Murray Harris

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Your brain needs a vacation. Research shows that downtime makes you more productive, less prone to burnout, and a happier, healthier employee, says economist Caroline Webb, author of How to Have a Good Day. “People who take vacations are more effective on their return and more likely to receive promotions and raises,” she adds. Yet 52 percent of Americans don’t use all their vacation days, according to research from the U.S. Travel Association. The top reasons cited: They fear they’ll look replaceable and feel uncomfortable relying on colleagues. Here’s how to avoid that trap and actually enjoy your time away. YO U N E E D A VAC AT I O N .

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

Share your vacation schedule.

Ask for time off ASAP. The early bird gets first choice of dates. Plus, having ample time to plan for being away lets you be more strategic about delegating and organizing your work. One idea to boost vacation camaraderie: Choose your days collectively. This gives managers the chance to encourage taking vacation and covering for one another in the office. “There should be no grumbling when someone asks to take a vacation,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. Ask, “How do we split up the year so there’s always coverage? When are the busiest times of the year? When are school breaks and holidays? Who shouldn’t be out of the office at the same time?”

Choose your backup team. With your manager, decide who should cover for you while you’re gone. Assign one point person and enlist several colleagues to take on various tasks. If you run the department, look at this as an opportunity to empower people to try out new skills or train them in aspects of your job, says Vanderkam. It’s also a great trial for someone you’re considering promoting. Tap those who have been asking for additional responsibility and avoid those who might be already swamped with other projects.

A month ahead, tell your clients, vendors, and key colleagues when you’ll be gone. “Don’t try to hide your vacation time,” says Webb. Being clear about it lets everyone make a plan that minimizes stressful uncertainty. Send them a note with your vacation dates and coverage plan and ask, “What do we need to get done before then? What can we push until I’m back?”

Prioritize your to-dos. Automate what you can. You can schedule blog posts, client newsletters, and even emails. Then make a list of what you must accomplish before you leave. Kate Northrup, author of Do Less, suggests asking yourself three questions. First: Does this need to be done at all? This can help you realize what is truly essential, she says. Second: Does this need to be done by me? If the answer is no, who can you ask to do it? “We tend to overestimate how much time we have and underestimate the other players in our lives,” says Northrup. Third: Does this need to be done now, or can it wait until I’m back? Skip or delegate anything that doesn’t make the cut and tell your boss and your team the tasks you will finish before you go.

Prepare your backups. A week before your vacation, review with your backup team a detailed list of big projects and everyday tasks that will require input or execution. Store any necessary files in a central and accessible location, like Google Drive or Dropbox, says Laurie Palau, an organizational coach and the author of Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized. Show your backups the ropes—bring them to important meetings and introduce them to clients or colleagues they will work with on your behalf.

Write an out-of-office message. Don’t skip this task. Keep your autoreply short and to the point: Mention what days you’ll be gone and the person to email with inquiries. (You don’t have to be clever. “I don’t need to know that you’re ‘finally taking a muchneeded vacation,’ ” says Vanderkam.) If there are questions you’re constantly asked over email—for example, “How do I apply for a grant?”—include links to web pages with answers or create an FAQ document. Anything you can do to stave off excessive emails will make for a smoother transition later.

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Build in a buffer. If you have control over your calendar, avoid scheduling a block of meetings on your first day back. And though your inbox will be beckoning you, don’t try to catch up on email immediately. “It’s more efficient to talk to everyone you work with, either in person or on the phone, and ask them, ‘What did I miss? What needs my attention first?’ ” says Vanderkam. If someone has emailed you something urgent, chances are they will follow up with you.

Create rules for working while on vacation. While there are many benefits to completely unplugging, it’s not always realistic. Maybe your goal is to be present with your travel companions yet accessible for short windows. What will work best for your vacation? If your teens sleep in, you could check email every morning for 30 minutes. If you’re on a road trip, you might field calls during one long stretch of driving time. Before you leave, establish with your team how and when you will check in and what you want updates on. Be as specific as possible: What should they do if something goes wrong? When should they touch base? “If you set clear boundaries, people will organize around them,” says Northrup. Stick to your rules—when that window of time is up, stop working. “That will keep your family or travel companions from being unhappy and your team from feeling like you’re micromanaging from vacation,” says Vanderkam.

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Tame the email avalanche.

Pack a notebook. When your brain takes a break from work and constant decisionmaking, it processes and consolidates all the information you’ve received and begins to make connections, says Webb: “When you ‘sleep on’ something, you feel calmer and more capable of tackling a problem. Multiply that by five days and you can see how you’ll come back with a fresh approach and new motivation.” You’re likely to gain insight or uncover valuable ideas while you’re away. Have a notebook or journal with you to capture your thoughts so you can refer to them when you return.

After you’ve settled back in, tackle your inbox. Sort your emails so you first read those from VIP senders: your boss, a top client, and so on. Then sort by date received. Do a quick pass for emails that require a response so you have a clear to-do list; archive any you’ve been cc’d on. Next, batch-delete any promotions, newsletters, and junk mail (sorting by sender quickens this process). And finally, take it easy on yourself. Will answering an email tomorrow rather than today jeopardize your career? “We create a lot of drama and anxiety about having unchecked to-do items or unread emails,” says Northrup, “but you need to become comfortable with the fact that there will never be some day in the future when you get to every item.” Take it slow, pin up a souvenir, and savor your vacation glow.

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How to Pay for College A C O L L E G E D E G R E E C A N B E A F F O R DA B L E I F YO U H AT C H A S M A RT P L A N . E X T R A C R E D I T F O R STA RT I N G B E F O R E H I G H S C H O O L . By Carla Fried

college debt is now almost $1.5 trillion. Yes, trillion. (If you stacked that many dollar bills on top of one another, they would reach more than 99,000 miles into the atmosphere, which is about 40 percent of the way to the moon!) Astronomical numbers aside, there are plenty of smart ways to plan for the expense, says certified financial planner Joe Messinger, cofounder and director of college planning at Capstone Wealth Partners in Dublin, Ohio. Here’s how to help your family emerge from those college years in solid financial shape. A M E R I C A’ S C O L L E C T I V E

Save what you can. Most families pay for college through a combination of savings, monthly cash flow, and financial aid, says college-financing expert Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Savingforcollege.com. If you can start saving 10 or so years before college, put a chunk of money into a low-fee index fund. If you can start even earlier, consider opening a 529 plan, in which savings grow tax-free for qualified educational expenses. (To maximize your family’s financial aid prospects, Kantrowitz says it’s

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best for a parent to own the 529 account, not a grandparent, and to have the child as the beneficiary.) But it’s never too late to start. If you’ve got a ninth grader, tuck $250 a month into a highyield bank savings account. In four years, you could have more than $12,500.

adjusted gross income (on your federal tax return), says Kantrowitz. If the result is above 25 percent, that’s a sign the college may require you to borrow too much.

Engage kids early.

Fill out all the aid forms.

“Make it a family decision that at least 25 percent of every financial gift from grandparents or earnings from babysitting or other job goes into a savings account for college,” suggests certified financial planner Beatrice Schultz, co-owner of Westface College Planning in Vancouver, Washington. Consider upping that percentage if your kids take on regular after-school and summer jobs in high school. And make it a family project to scope out scholarships long before senior year. Go to cappex.com for a free database of scholarships.

Don’t assume you won’t qualify for need-based aid, especially if you’ll have multiple kids in college at the same time. All students can get federal loans, regardless of family income, but they must submit the FAFSA to be eligible. Martin advises clients to also fill out all other aid forms. Think of them as insurance. An illness, layoff, or divorce can drastically change a family’s needs. “Many schools won’t consider you for aid later if you don’t file the FAFSA the first year,” says Martin.

Get an estimate of what you may pay out of pocket. Colleges use a formula to figure out how much they expect your family to pay out of pocket versus how much will be covered by aid. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an estimate of the amount your family can put toward one year of college—measured by factors such as income, assets, the number of kids in college simultaneously, and possibly home equity—and is used to determine how much federal and institutional aid you’re eligible for. When your kid applies to college, you submit one or more detailed

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financial applications. The federal one is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many colleges also require the CSS Profile application for institutional aid, and some have their own financial aid application. From the information on these forms, the school will determine your EFC for freshman year. You can get a general estimate right now with the free EFC calculator on collegeboard.org. “Focus on schools where the out-of-pocket expenses make the most sense for your budget,” says Messinger.

Don’t focus on sticker price. Some good news: Private colleges often offer deep discounts for students they’re eager to have enroll. (The average discount for college freshmen in 2017 was 50 percent.) Search a school’s website for its average net price—what the typical family pays after grants and scholarships are factored in. “With a lower net price, a private college could cost less than an in-state public school,” says certified financial planner David L. Martin, president of Advanced College Planning in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Divide the estimated net price for freshman year by your

Limit borrowing to one year’s income. Once the acceptance letters arrive, stay focused on making the financially smart choice. You can always appeal for a better aid package, but if the final offer means your family’s EFC is more than you can cover from savings and cash flow, carefully consider a safe amount to borrow. Kantrowitz says that if students borrow no more than what they expect to make their first year out of school, and if parents borrow no more than a year’s gross income (to pay for all kids combined), they should be in good financial shape.

Learn about a simple debt-management method that can make paying off loans feel doable at realsimple.com/debt.

Students borrow first. Federal loans for undergraduates for the 2019-2020 academic year have an interest rate of 4.5 percent. That’s lower than the 7 percent rate for Federal Direct Plus loans, which parents can take out to pay for a child’s education. Direct Plus loans also have a loan fee (the amount deducted from each disbursement) of 4.25 percent of the loan amount. “I encourage having the student borrow first. It’s a way for them to get some skin in the game,” says Schultz. Students with needbased loans are not charged interest while they’re in school. And student loans have a fantastic built-in guardrail: The current annual borrowing limit ranges

from $5,550 for freshmen to $7,500 for juniors and seniors, so sticking to federal student loans protects against overborrowing. Avoid private loans, which often have variable interest rates (all federal loans are fixed-rate) and lack the flexible repayment options offered to federal-loan borrowers.

Stay on schedule with loan repayment. Check with your servicer; many offer a six-month grace period before you’re required to start paying back the loan. Behind on your repayment? Make it a prior-

ity. Being late with payments or defaulting could sink your credit score. Kantrowitz recommends aiming for the standard 10-year payback period for federal loans. Even though there are repayment plans that give you more time, you’ll end up paying more in interest. Enroll in autopay, which will pull your payment from your bank account each month so you stay on track. Some servicers will give you a 0.25 percent reduction on your loan interest rate for doing so. If you work full-time at a nonprofit or for the government, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which will wipe out any remaining debt after you make 120 consecutive on-time monthly payments.

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M a k i n g I t Wo r k

What is your favorite and most essential item when traveling for work? By Jane Por ter

GLENIS REDMOND, 55, POET AND TEACHING ARTIST IN GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY

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I make sure to bring my skin-care products. Working in horticulture, I’m often outside or in a dry convention center, so taking care of my skin is important. I follow a plan my aesthetician put in place for me. It includes serums, eye balms, hydrating gels, and UV protection. It forces me to slow down a bit in the morning and is a nice reminder to take care of myself. If you’re not good to yourself, it’s really hard to be out there and do what you need to do for work.

RYAN McENANEY, 33, SPOKESPERSON FOR ENDLESS SUMMER HYDRANGEAS IN ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

I always travel with a dry shampoo. My favorite one is Water Killer Dry Shampoo by Evo. I usually get a blowout before I leave, and if it’s a one- or two-day trip, I’ll put it in my hair before bed. It keeps my hair volumized and absorbs everything, which helps minimize the time I spend getting ready in the morning. I also always throw almonds or a trail mix into my purse to keep me energized.

MARINA TARASOVA, 38, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF PALOMA HEALTH, A DIGITAL MEDICAL PRACTICE FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM IN NEW YORK CITY

JESSICA HERRIN, 46, SAN FRANCISCO–BASED CEO AND FOUNDER OF STELLA & DOT, AN ACCESSORIES AND FASHION COMPANY

As a film producer, I’m on my feet a lot for work. I have a pair of leather La Canadienne boots that I always bring with me. They have a good amount of tread and are waterproof. They’re very simple black boots, but they get me through long days of standing. You can walk in them forever, and they are very sleek, so you can dress them up or down. This is my third pair of the same boots in the past 10 years. I am very much a convert.

HOLLY MEEHL, 29, FILM PRODUCER IN LOS ANGELES

Illustration by Andrea Mongia

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

If I had to pick one essential item, it would be my journal. I always carry it in my purse. I’m gone for three-week stretches for work. When I’m flying, I don’t have to worry about needing Wi-Fi, because I have the journal. It’s like home for me. I don’t think I’ve gone without it in all my 27 years of traveling for work. Every lesson plan, every workshop, every poem I write is generated from that journal. My journal is the place where I can dream and create space for myself.

As any mom knows, sitting on a plane by yourself can feel like a vacation if you’re prepared. So I bring my essential backpack, which stays well organized. (I have two teen girls at home—they’re 13 and 15, and they always take my stuff!) The cord that travels in that backpack is always in the pocket. I have a headset that is only my travel headset and sunglasses that can never come out of the travel backpack. I can always find everything in it, and I won’t have to buy an exorbitantly priced backup item at the airport.

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Ahhh... Here is a way to take an inner vacation when you can’t actually go somewhere. Think of a beautiful place where you’ve been or would like to be, a calming spot where you can just let go and relax. Imagine all the details that feel good to you. Close your eyes. What images, sensations, thoughts, and feelings arise? As you sink into this experience, begin to let your breath flow easily. Soften your belly, allow your exhale to lengthen and fall freely, and inhale slowly as your breath carries this feeling throughout your whole body. Stay with this for at least a minute. When our breath relaxes, our body and mind relax. In the same way, when our mind relaxes, our breath relaxes. You’ve just given yourself a little vacation.

STO C KSY

— M A R G A R E T T O W N S E N D, t h e l i v i n g b r e a t h . c o m

Photograph by T h a i s Ra m o s Va re l a

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love yo ur cu rls With the right techniques (here!) and a key styling product or two, maximizing your natural texture has never been easier or more fun. Nexxus celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway, who coiffed these curls, shows you how.

BY H E AT H E R M U I R M A FF E I P H OTO G R A P H S BY M E I TAO

Makeup by Moani Lee using Glossier

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CU RL T Y PE

kinky curls

( 4C )

Since curls are so personal, Redway collaborated with each model to come up with a vision. “Curls are really affected by climate, so each day is different,” says Redway. “But instead of viewing that negatively, think of it as having options.” To give Raschelle’s hair definition, Redway applied TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer ($15; target .com), finger-coiled her wet hair, and then sat her under a portable dryer (try Otovan Hooded Dryer, $14; amazon .com). Once Raschelle’s hair was dry, Redway used a few drops of MarulaOil Rare Oil Treatment ($41; paul mitchell.com) on her fingers to separate the curls.

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TO BUY:

(This page) White Brooks Brothers NonIron Fitted Shirt, $98; brooksbrothers.com. Striped Frame Pleated Clean Collar Shirt, $275; frame-store .com. Jennifer Fisher Mini Round Huggies, $75; jennifer fisherjewelry.com. Jennifer Zeuner Astrid XL Necklace, $132; jenniferzeuner.com. (Opposite page) A.P.C. Dunst Blouse, $185; apc-us.com. Levi’s Made & Crafted Cinch Barrel Trousers, $228; levi.com.

Ask your stylist to help you ID your curl type (ranging from 2A to 4C). That will help you pick the best products for your texture.

CUR L T YP E

beach waves

( 2B )

“When it comes to curly hair, cuts really matter,” says Redway. “Read reviews and seek out someone who specializes in cutting curls. If you have curly hair but also wear it straight, ask to be cut straight. But keep in mind you’ll have shrinkage once your curls spring up.” Redway scrunched Nexxus Volumizing Mousse ($14; target.com) into Grace’s damp hair, diffused it, and then wrapped frizz-prone pieces around her fingers. She gave Grace a side swoop for volume.

CUR L T Y PE

loose kink y curls ( 4A )

“Women are embracing their texture more because they are seeing more representation of what they look like in the media,” says Redway. Long layers give Emma’s thick, coarse hair some shape. Redway applied Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine Butter Cream ($12; target.com) before diffusing her hair. She wrapped a few pieces around an eighth-inch curling iron for a more uniform look.

CU R L T Y P E

lo ose curls

( 3A )

“Curls need moisture, so always look for products that call that out,” says Redway. “Avoid touching curls until they’re dry to minimize frizz.” To bring Marie’s second-day curls to life, Redway misted on Nexxus Between Washes Revived Curls Crème Spray ($12; target.com) and scrunched mousse throughout. She diffused Marie's hair upside down for volume.

TO BUY: (This page) COS Long-Sleeve Silk Blend Shirt, $175; cosstores.com. Sézane Bennie Jumpsuit, $190; sezane.com. Jennifer Fisher Stripe Ring, $200; jenniferfisher jewelry.com. (Opposite page) A.P.C. Roma Blouse, $180; apc-us.com. Levi’s Made & Crafted Union Trousers, $228; levi.com. Jennifer Zeuner Eliana Necklace, $231; jenniferzeuner.com.

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Rustic warmth meets contemporary design in this Wyoming hotel.

MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL AS NICE AS A HOTEL The pros responsible for some of t h e m o s t i nv i t i n g , c o m fo r t a b l e hotels in the world share how you c a n g e t t h e l o o k a n d fe e l a t h o m e . BY JOHN WOGAN

lose your eyes and imagine a stunning luxury hotel room—the impeccably made bed, the gorgeous flower arrangements, the way everything seems ideally placed within easy reach—and feel your mind and body instantly relax. We consulted experts from properties around the globe for advice on how to bring a bit of that hotel magic into your own home so every night can feel like a vacation.

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I N S P I R AT I O N

HALCYON HOUSE

I N S P I R AT I O N

CALDERA HOUSE

get the look

Halcyon House is a bright, beachy former motel with hints of midcentury modernism. Call it nautical nostalgia: Most rooms feature a blue-andwhite color palette accented with an assortment of furniture and artwork the designer collected while traveling.

TETON VILL AGE, W YOMING

You’ll find a fresh take on American West style at this small, eight-suite hotel near Jackson Hole. Timber wall panels, stone fireplaces, and textured rugs give the interior some outdoorsy charm.

M I X A N D M AT C H

Introduce natural elements, like a shearling rug and weathered wood furnishings, to make the space cozy. Even if the color palette remains neutral, the atmosphere is warm. TO BUY: Sheepskin Throw, from $95; the-citizenry.com.

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get the look A D D V I S UA L A P P E A L

The hotel’s designer, Sarah Kennedy, accessorized streamlined furniture with patterned textiles, including pillows, rugs, and drapery. This created a balance of sophisticated and playful. TO BUY: Plum Plaid Pillow, $88; schoolhouse.com.

K E E P I T T I DY

The simplest way to capture the serenity of a luxe, minimalist hotel room is one that’s often overlooked: Don’t leave your stuff scattered everywhere. Place a jewelry box on your dresser to collect loose items and tuck your laundry basket into a closet.

L AY E R PAT T E R N S

Atop a neutral tone-ontone wallpaper, an eclectic mix of artwork gives any space immense character. Hang a range of sizes and mediums in an assortment of frames; a tight cluster will make the mash-up feel intentional. TO BUY: Floral Cut Out Removable Wallpaper, $40 per panel; chasingpaper.com.

BRING IN ANTIQUES

Mismatched bedside tables let you add in a beautiful antique that gives the space extra charm. Just look for tables in a similar size to keep the room feeling balanced.

USE BASIC BEDDING

In a space with tons of character on the walls, keep the bedding neutral. “The simplicity provides a wonderfully flexible backdrop for the other decorative items in the room,” says Anna Spiro, the hotel’s Brisbane, Australia–based designer. TO BUY: Matelasse Coverlet in White, from $209; parachutehome.com.

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

C A B A R I TA B E AC H , AUST R A L I A

PRO TIP Art doesn’t have to cost a fortune. “It should inspire and move you” no matter the price, says Sarah Klymson, vice president of product and brand development for Hyatt. Consider incorporating children’s artwork or mementos alongside paintings and photographs. Best of all, “less expensive items give you the freedom to change things up as often as you like,” says Klymson.

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get the look

I N S P I R AT I O N

GREYDON HOUSE N A N T U C K E T, MASSACHUSETTS

Few places embody coastal Americana more than Nantucket—that tiny, hook-shaped island off Cape Cod. The 2016 opening of Greydon House brought a new perspective to the area’s old-school style. The look is classic with hints of preppy, without being kitschy or stuffy.

A D D L O C A L I N F LU E N C E

Include items that subtly reflect your location. Block-printed linens in shades of blue give this space a casual, seaside feel. TO BUY: Sedona Mixed Blues Napkins, $55 for 4; dearkeaton.com.

W E AV E I N UNIQUE FINDS

Don’t feel constrained by one theme (coastal!), which could risk becoming gimmicky (seashells everywhere!). A tasteful mix shows that the design has developed organically as you’ve collected the things you love. Here, the design firm Roman and Williams sourced unique finds, like artwork and furniture, from markets around the world.

PRO TIP “Treat the bedroom as a space dedicated to rest, and make a habit of leaving your cellphone outside that space,” says Klymson. Some hotels even offer a “cellphone sleeping bag” to encourage guests to disconnect and help promote a better night’s sleep.

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

Organic objects make you feel like you’re outside in tranquil nature. At Greydon House, wildflowers and found treasures (like driftwood and bits of coral) add hints of calm. TO BUY: Blakely Pot, $18; jaysonhome.com.

HOTEL ESENCIA

get the look

XPU-HA, MEXICO

Though the natural setting of this pristine beachside resort is stunning in itself, the hotel’s aesthetic is equally striking. The first thing you’ll notice is the brilliantly white interior that’s complemented by vibrant, locally made throws and pillows. A single palm leaf is a nod to the hotel’s lush environs near Tulum.

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D I S P L AY B O O K S

A D D V I S UA L I N T E R E S T

Liven up a white-walled space with colorful textiles. Better yet, support artisans from favorite destinations and incorporate elements that remind you of your travels. TO BUY: Margo Selby Staggered Stripe Pillow Cover, $29; westelm.com.

Coffee-table books provide inspiration and costeffective decor. In its salon, Esencia displays titles on stands; pages are turned every few days. Showcase your collection and it won’t sit stagnant. TO BUY: Walnut Cookbook Holder, $50; williams-sonoma.com.

C R E AT E S U R P R I S E

The ceilings at Esencia are vaulted brick. Achieve the effect by painting your ceiling an earthy, terra-cotta shade. It will give the illusion of a taller space and “make the air feel cooler during a warm spell,” says the hotel’s artistic director, Juan Carlos Gutiérrez. TO BUY: Decorous Amber SW 0007; sherwin-williams .com for info.

G R E Y D O N H O US E C O U RT ESY O F R O M A N A N D W I L L I A M S ; H OT E L ES E N C I A C O U RT ESY O F TA N V E E R B A D A L ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

I N S P I R AT I O N

SOHO HOUSE CHICAGO

The designers of Soho House’s 23 international locations want each branch to feel like a home away from home, with warm, welcoming flourishes such as floral textiles, rich velvets, and in-room tea sets. The Chicago location mixes it up with loftlike rooms, some of which are adorned with reclaimed-wood accents, repurposed from surrounding Midwestern barns.

get the look L AY E R L I G H T I N G

The key to ambience is offering lighting on multiple levels, says Candace Campos, Soho House’s U.S. design director. A floor lamp, ceiling light, table lamps, and sconces create plenty of varied illumination. TO BUY: Murchison 1-Light Wall Swing Arm Lamp, $115; wayfair.com.

C R E AT E D E P T H

ANCHOR THE BED

Vintage rugs provide a lived-in feel Campos loves. In a bedroom, make sure the rug extends at least 2½ feet beyond the bed on all sides so your nightstands also fit on top. TO BUY: Anatolie vintage rug, $370; revivalrugs.com for similar.

Be bold. Opt for a rich wall color paired with plush window coverings for a sophisticated effect. When mixing patterns, identify a unifying theme (like a color scheme) to keep it from feeling chaotic. TO BUY: Inchyra Blue No. 289; farrow-ball.com.

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

PRO TIP “Subtle changes in lighting can affect the look of your home as well as how you feel in it,” says Klymson. “Control the intensity of lighting with a dimmer switch to create ambience.” A motion-activated nightlight can help prevent sleep disruption, which an overhead light might cause during midnight bathroom trips.

O U R E X P E RT S

Stephen Alesch, cofounder of Roman and Williams design firm Candace Campos, U.S. design director for Soho House Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, artistic director for Hotel Esencia Sarah Kennedy, interior designer at Carney Logan Burke Architects Sarah Klymson, vice president of product and brand development for Hyatt Anna Spiro, interior designer based in Brisbane, Australia Robin Standefer, cofounder of Roman and Williams design firm

summer casual author of Ever y D ay Is Saturday, shows how to assemble four stunning platters, elegant enough for entertaining but breezy enough for a lazy weekend. p h o t o g r a p h s b y V I C T O R P RO TA S I O

everything lox lunch

CaperRaisin Vinaigrette

CilantroPickled Red Onion

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Hungarian snacking tray

everything lox lunch

Dried sausages

Bagels

Cheese

C re a m c h e e s e

Plums & cherries

C a p e r - Ra i s i n V i n a i g re t te C i l a nt ro - P i c k l e d Re d O n i o n G ra p e s

C I L A N T RO - P I C K L E D RED ONION ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 8

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 8

1/4 cup black or golden raisins, roughly chopped 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. honey 1/2 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. small brined capers, plus 1 Tbsp. caper liquid 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp. kosher salt 1 clove garlic, halved 1 large red onion, thinly sliced (2 cups) 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh cilantro 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil vinegar, 1/2 cup water, sugar, salt, and garlic in a 16-ounce jar; cover with lid. Shake until sugar is dissolved. Add onion, cover with lid, and let stand for at least 20 minutes. Onion can be pickled and refrigerated up to 2 weeks in advance. Just before serving, drain onion and toss with cilantro and oil. COMBINE

raisins in a medium bowl. Bring vinegar and honey to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low, stirring until honey is dissolved. Pour vinegar mixture over raisins and set aside to plump, about 5 minutes. PLACE

whisk in oil, about 2 tablespoons at a time, until smooth. (Or transfer raisin mixture and oil to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to emulsify.) Stir in capers, caper liquid, pepper, salt, and thyme. Serve in a small bowl; spoon over open-faced bagels and lox.

C r u n c hy ve g e ta b l e s C ra c ke r s

B E E T- P I C K L E D E G G S ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

1/2 tsp. granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 5 black peppercorns 1 dried bay leaf 1 small red beet, peeled 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar 8 large eggs Flaky sea salt, for serving BRING 4 cups water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, beet, and vinegar to a simmer in a medium pot. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool for 45 minutes.

bring a medium pot of water to a simmer. Carefully lower eggs into water and simmer for 8 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool; peel and leave whole. MEANWHILE,

S LOWLY

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B e e t - P i c k l e d Eg g s

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

C A P E R- R A I S I N VINAIGRET TE

Swe e t & s a vo r y p a st r i e s

ABOUT THE AU T H O R Sarah Copeland is an award-winning cookbook author and food media veteran. Her other books include Feast and The Newlywed Cookbook. She lives in upstate New York.

TRANSFER eggs to a clean quartsize jar. Discard beet and pour cooking liquid over eggs to cover. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight, turning jar occasionally to make sure eggs pickle evenly. SERVE eggs halved or whole, at room temperature, with flaky salt.

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

L ox

BeetPickled Eggs

Ricotta with Fennel, Olive Oil & Black Pepper

Horseradish & Herb Crème Fraîche with Chives

Sundaynight dinner Melon P ro s c i u t to Cracked Cumin & Coriander Seed Honey

Nuts C ra c ke r s O l i ve s Cheese R i c o t ta w i th Fe n n e l , O l i ve O i l & B l a c k Pe p p e r

R I COT TA W IT H F EN N EL, O LI VE OI L & BL A C K P EPP ER ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

1 Tbsp. whole fennel seeds 1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 15-oz. container fresh ricotta cheese, at room temperature 3/4 tsp. flaky sea salt fennel and peppercorns in a small, dry skillet over medium-high, stirring often, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a cutting board. Using a knife or the bottom of a skillet, crack into very small pieces. HEAT

heat to medium and add butter to skillet. Cook, swirling, until butter is melted, smells toasty, and is slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in oil and cracked fennel and peppercorns. REDUCE

ricotta into a shallow bowl, creating dips with the back of a spoon. Drizzle warm oil mixture over and top with flaky salt. SPOON

the best white-bread sandwich

HORSER ADISH & HERB CRÈME FR AÎCHE WITH CHIVES

H e i r l o o m to m a to e s

ACTIVE TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

Cucumbers C r u st y b re a d C ra c ke d C u m i n & Coriander Seed Honey H o r s e ra d i s h & H e r b C rè m e Fra î c h e w i th C h i ve s

CR ACKED CUMIN & CO RI AN DE R SE E D HO N E Y ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 8

1 tsp. whole coriander seeds 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds 1 tsp. poppy seeds 1/2 cup mild honey

coriander and cumin in a small, dry skillet over medium-high, stirring often, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a cutting board. Using a knife or the bottom of a skillet, crack into very small pieces. Place poppy seeds and honey in a small bowl; add cracked coriander and cumin and stir to combine. (If honey is too thick to stir, heat in a small saucepan over low or microwave on high until warm, about 30 seconds.) HEAT

honey to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and let stand at room temperature overnight. Store at room temperature for up to 1 month. Drizzle over tomatoes and open-faced tomato toasts. TRANSFER

1/2 cup packed mixed herbs (such as dill, rosemary, and parsley), finely chopped 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives 8 oz. crème fraîche 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 1 tsp. honey 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. black pepper herbs, chives, crème fraîche, horseradish, honey, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth. Serve at room temperature. Spread on sandwich bread before stacking with tomatoes and salt. COMBINE

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The Highly

Haphazar

Woman E V E RYO N E WA N T S W O M E N T O B E M I N D F U L , C A L M , A N D D E L I B E R AT E . B U T, A S TA F F Y B R O D E S S E R-A K N E R WRITES, SOMETIMES A LITTLE CHAOS GETS THINGS DONE.

Illustrations by Asia Pietrzyk

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My yoga t e a c h e r, w h o is 23 and b e a u t i f u l l i ke a song and who told me one day that she had gone into the yoga arts because the acting business made her feel like she was “being eaten alive,” stands over our inert bodies, and this is what she says: “We are slaves to the noise in our heads.” Then she says, “Leave your thoughts at the door. You can pick them up on your way out.” She says this twice over a full 10 minutes of a 60-minute class that could be spent exercising but is instead spent lying on the floor. She says it in addition to the six-minute speech she gave before class and the three-minute period of rest she’ll give us after class, at which point we’ll get another 90 seconds for her to remind us of these values and then invoke spiritual themes to thank us for having shown up. In the middle, she’ll comment on the fact that, by now, our thoughts, which were left at the door for us to pick up on the way out, may have crept back into the studio. She says to regard them like clouds passing by in the chyron of my brain, nothing to be addressed or absorbed. We make eye contact when she says this. I narrow my eyes slightly and purse my lips and nod thoughtfully, and I wonder what she would do if she knew what was going on in my cloudy-sky mind right now. I wonder what she would do if she knew I had no intention of stopping my thoughts. I wonder what she would do if she knew about my thoughts about my thoughts—how I was thinking these thoughts about thoughts when they were supposed to be drifting away like clouds. I think if she knew, the roof would blow off this entire purple studio. T H E YO G A T E A C H E R WA N T S me to clear my mind. She wants me to just do my yoga (though not that much yoga, if you count up her accumulated speeches). The wellness podcast I listen to wants me to have a routine. My dietitian thinks I should plan better to make better choices. The

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teachers at my kids’ school think I should slow down. My friends want to go on a meditation retreat. They all want me to become this peaceful thing, this mindful thing. They want me to be free from intrusive thoughts; they want me to streamline my life for maximal predictability with minimal stress. They are trying to make me into a new breed of woman: the Highly Regimented Woman. The Highly Regimented Woman is today’s ideal. She does one thing at a time. She doesn’t stray from her routine. She practices mindfulness. She doesn’t miss the 8 a.m. Thursday Pilates class. She leaves her phone in the other room. She is who we are supposed to strive to be, even if some of us are so far away from this ideal that we hear about women like this and think people are kidding. Meaning, I know some Highly Regimented Women. They are killing it out there. They are happy and focused and getting it done. I imagine being one of them sometimes. I imagine being someone who doesn’t, say, forget it’s band practice day or that book club was tonight, no, wait, last night? Who doesn’t— of course, all this is theoretical—show up at a different movie theater from her husband despite being told several times and having it noted in the calendar that we were going to the one near the mall. Being a Highly Regimented Woman would mean I could rid myself of my ability to multitask. She would have me finish the phone call and then cook the dinner and then really be in the moment. She would make my life great. So why does just the idea of her fill me with dread? CONSIDER: IN THE LAST YEAR,

I wrote 12 magazine stories—90,000 words that actually got printed—for my job at the New York Times. For each one, I interviewed dozens of people. I did an investigative piece that required twice the number of interviews as usual. I revised my novel, which came out in June. I wrote 40,000 words of another novel and sold that too. I missed no more than two soccer games (younger son) and two basketball games (older).

Being a Highly R e g i m e n t e d Wo m a n would help me really be in the m o m e n t a n d m a ke my life gre at. S o why do e s the idea of her fill me with dread?

They play year-round. I threw parties. I organized meals for another mom who hurt her wrist. I listened carefully to my children and tried to suss out what they’d eaten at lunch and who they were friends with. I got a dog. I trained a dog. I resented a dog. I came to love a dog. I appeared on TV and podcasts. I put my kids on a bus to camp and then went on a book tour a few hours later. I saw A Star Is Born twice. I watched the first season of Succession. I watched all of The Americans with my husband, because it is important to have a show together. I attended my book club twice, and I read the books. I attended parent-teacher conferences. (I did not buy or cook food, but my husband did, and I managed to mostly feed myself when I wasn’t home.) I was a good daughter. I was an OK sister. I was a parody of prolificness. My colleagues were in awe of me; friends asked me how I did it; people on Twitter made fun of me. I was honest with them all: I half-assed it. I did it by being a, let’s call it, Highly Haphazard Woman. I was scrappy and disorganized. I had 10,000 tabs up on my computer screen. I didn’t always

shower. I sat next to my children on the couch pretending to watch a movie while actually working. I entered soccer practices incorrectly into my calendar. I did this with games as well, and would have to weather the iciness of a car ride in which a shin-guarded 8-year-old who was promised he could play goalie had been driven an hour in the wrong direction only to find that the game was four towns away… three hours ago. Once or twice I forgot to drive the carpool. Just think about that for a minute. Once or twice, I left children waiting for me to pick them up, and I sat, unaware they were waiting. I’m not proud of any of this. And then there were the things that were in my control: I left a dinner to go to the bathroom because suddenly, over the salad course, I realized how to solve a structural problem in my novel. Most of all, I told the people who asked, I took inspiration when it struck. When the right answer sat in front of me, I didn’t swat it away. I didn’t let it be a cloud that drifted. I didn’t have much in the way of what

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a Highly Regimented Woman would call peace, but I had accomplishment, which was my own form of peace via a longer game. Nobody liked these answers. They wanted to know that I was being successful and leading a balanced life. They couldn’t bear the chaos. They wanted to know how to do it, but only if it meant slowing down, doing one thing at a time, thinking one thought at a time (but sometimes none). They wanted predictability and to never know pain in the offing. That’s fair, I would say, but then you won’t accomplish that much. This was very upsetting to the people I spoke with. They said that I wasn’t living a good life, that I was too scattered to have any meaning in it, that I wouldn’t remember my time as a parent because I was never really in the room when I was in the room. That presence is a gift. I am told that routine and structure are good for the nerves. I’m told predictability and mindfulness will give me strength and peace. I believe them, but consider this too: What if my goals have nothing to do with peace and calm? What if peace and calm are the last things I want? in the future, watching a Seth Thomas clock on a gray wall of the maximum-security prison of my religious all-girls school. High school is one of those systems that are set up to destroy a certain kind of person. From the minute you start ninth grade, you are strapped to a dart headed straight toward a bullseye, and no amount of thought and contrition can undo even the slightest stumbling as you begin your throw. Which is not to say I was ruined by ninth grade. It’s to say I didn’t think, after screwing up ninth grade, that any kind of cleanup job would have an effect. Many of my classmates thrived. They took AP classes and made speeches and tucked in their shirts and were singled out. They were the recipients of warm smiles from the teachers. I started each academic year with optimism and purpose, and then something would happen. My focus would shift. I would miss a step, or more likely, I would never have become oriented to what we were doing in the first place. I had such a deep yearning to feel success. But by October, I brought my backpack home and let it stay, a blur, another thing I didn’t focus on, in the corner of my room. And so I watched the wall. Twenty-four minutes before this class is over. Two hours till lunch. Three and a half hours till the day is over. Four days till the week is over. Three weeks till the semester is over. Four days till I never have to be in ninth grade, 10th grade, 11th grade again. I SPENT MY CHILDHOOD

I ’m t o l d p r e d i c t a b i l i t y and mindfulness will give me peace. But what if my go als have nothing to do with peace and calm? What if peace and calm are the last things I want?

I failed at school—unequivocally. Not low grades. Failure. I was put into classes and forced to think about math when I wanted to think about English. I was forced to play volleyball when I wanted to read or write. I was forced to read and write when I wanted to play basketball. Outside of school wasn’t that different. There was dinner at 6:30 and bedtime at 9. There was swimming on Sundays and a calendar of Jewish holidays. I’d sit in synagogue on Yom Kippur, which was endless. Until one day I realized I could turn pages along with everyone else. I could stand and sit and bow. But I could also think. I could make plans. I could dream up stories I wanted to write and places I wanted to go. In the quiet, I could still move forward. You could hold my body in place and obligate it to show up to all kinds of places. But if the moment sucked, I could live in the past or the future. I could live wherever I wanted to. Now, nobody can tell me when I’m done making up for lost time. Nobody can tell me how to spend my time. Nobody can tell me what I’m allowed to do inside my own skull. at me quickly: a first job, a first layoff, a next job, a boyfriend, a husband, a child. On my son’s first birthday, I got him a stuffed rhino and a babysitter. She came three times a week, for three hours each time. My friend Lisa, who had a baby the same week I did, had gone back to work months before. She asked if I was going to take a yoga class or get a manicure. I told her no. I told her I was going to get back to writing. I was going to go to the nearest quiet place and sit down and not look up until the three hours were up. I was going to produce. After all this time, I was going to produce. AFTER COLLEGE, LIFE CAME

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I had felt dead for such a long time. Working for other people, working at an internet start-up, which I knew wasn’t my calling but I worried was the best I could do. I was worried I was someone with just a few ideas, and when those ran out, I’d have nothing left to write. But I sat down to do it, so great was the fear of ever working at something soulless again, and the ideas came. And then they kept coming. The thing I don’t do is try to control when and where the ideas come. What would happen if I was in a yoga class and allowed the idea for my next novel to pass like a cloud? Or if I ignored the pang when I was supposed to be on my morning walk that told me the answers to the ending of a story were coming, if only I would sit and receive them? Here is the thing about mindfulness and routine and slowness: They are great in theory, but when they become more important than the things they were supposed to provide you, they are a danger. They can drown out the voices that are telling you how to live, and that’s what I’m afraid of. These thoughts that everyone is spending so much time trying to chase away—they’re gifts. They are blessings. They are the thing that makes us alive. There are full magazines devoted to mindfulness at Whole Foods. There are mindfulness jars; my son brought one home from first grade—a plastic bottle with glitter that works like a snow globe. You shake it and watch the glitter fall and it’s supposed to calm you down. There are goal journals and routine diaries that let you give yourself a star—Give! Yourself! A! Star!—for knowing how your day is going to go. You can now reward yourself for being predictable! The children are being taught meditation so they can bring the lessons of our folly home to us. I understand why this happened. I am even happy it happened, so now the people who suffer from overwhelm can have tools to calm themselves and a language to communicate in. But it didn’t happen just to the people who needed it. When the regimented life went mainstream, it somehow became insurrectionist to have a mind like mine: one that’s always running, one that doesn’t relent, one that races and commands my hands to do a million things at once. Somehow it has become objectionable to be someone who is winging it. It’s become subversive to be scattered. In my head, I run until I fly. In my head, the words are made out of colors and while I am flying, the sentences allow me to land gently. This is how I became a writer. The page is simply an organized manifestation of my head.

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These thoughts that ever yone is spending so much time tr ying to chase a w a y — t h e y ’r e g i f t s . They are blessings. They are the thing t h a t m a ke s u s a l i v e .

I am lauded for my pages. Despite this, I still am criticized for my head. But come at it from the other side just for a minute. Consider that the thinking is what the whole enterprise is built on—that a body is a thing that holds up a brain, that all this exists so that the thoughts can come whenever and however they like. pay for living this way. Lest I sound too confident, lest I sound like I have found a magic formula, here it is, in the interest of full disclosure: My life is a mess. My mind is a mess. But nobody has been able to convince me that the value of a mind that isn’t a mess is greater. Sometimes I can’t stop the words at night and I have to do a special kind of visualization for a minute or two to make them stop. Sometimes I hold my 8-year-old’s hand up to my face while he’s watching TV and I note that the baby pudge of it is nearly gone and I wonder if I was truly there for all of it—if I was truly there for any of it. (I also wonder if the benefit accrues to people who were, or if it doesn’t really matter at all.) When it boils over, I will do THERE IS A PRICE I

what I need to do. I’ll cry. I’ll watch TV in the middle of the day. I’ll buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke just one. I endorse none of this. Maybe by now you can see that I am not trying to live an admirable life—just mine. But sometimes I feel sun on my face for the first time in the spring. Or I notice that the dogwood tree has bloomed. Sometimes I watch my 11-year-old read, his eyes blinking every few minutes. I do this on my schedule. I do not preempt anything else for it. Sometimes, if a moment is great, I will stay in it. At other times, I will plan for better moments. I insist on the point of view that I’m not broken. That the thoughts are there to tell me how to live my life. That I can’t tame them. That I can’t be tamed. What if I don’t need more than that? What if I don’t need a lifestyle? I have made the same bet everyone has, which is that they are living the best way they know how, and one day I will have to answer for it: I will have to answer to my kids for my distraction. I will learn that something went wrong because of my focus. But I can’t live my life because I’m going to have to answer for it. I am hoping instead that I’m raising my kids to see that the pursuit of fulfillment is a better life than the pursuit of a value you don’t share. Maybe we’re both right: me, and the Highly Regimented Woman. (And whoever is writing that mindfulness magazine.) We are both staring down an abyss, trying to figure out how to live. That’s what we all want to know. And none of us knows it for sure. I begrudge nobody the right to try to figure that out, because it’s the big question. There are studies that show that meditation works, that people thrive in routine. That there is no such thing as multitasking. They never study me, though. They never ask me questions about what the cost-benefit analysis of all this living is. If they did, I’d tell them that it is none of their business. That how we live is for each of us to contend with; we have to live with our choices forever; it’s for us to try to game the future and try not to regret too much. Sometimes I come across my son’s mindfulness jar. I stop what I’m doing and I shake it. For a minute I understand. For a minute I am in the here and now. And then I wonder if I should write a story about mindfulness jars and, well, here that is. TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER IS A STAFF WRITER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE AND THE AUTHOR OF FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE.

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Earn 4% cash back on dining & entertainment So go crazy with the toppings at the ice cream bar or go wild at the water park. With the Capital One® Savor® card, when you go out, you cash in. Terms apply and credit approval required. Oﬀered by Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. © 2019 Capital One.

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

AUG UST Here’s our plan to take advantage of summer’s lazy end. Start by making a pitcher of honey-sweetened peach iced tea (page 142). Sip on a frosty glass of that while you throw together a no-cook barbecue chicken salad (page 135), easy sweet chili salmon (page 137), or black bean tostadas (page 138). Pick up one of our favorite yogurts (page 140) for dolloping over peaches and blueberries or dipping farm-stand veggies into. Add a big batch of spicy nuts and seeds (page 144) to the arsenal for snacking on or sprinkling over simple summer salads. All this you can do while barely leaving your beach chair.

Photograph by Victor Protasio

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3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for grill grates 4 8-oz., 1-in.-thick bone-in pork chops 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-in.-thick planks 1 small white onion, sliced into 1/2-in.-thick rounds 1 Tbsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3/4 tsp. black pepper, divided 1 mango, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 1 tsp. honey grill to high (450°F to 500°F) and lightly oil grates. Brush pork, zucchini, and onion with 1 tablespoon oil; season all over with cumin and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Grill pork, covered, flipping once, until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 140°F, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. PREHEAT

zucchini and onion, uncovered, flipping once, until lightly charred and tender, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut zucchini in half; chop onion and transfer to a medium bowl. together grilled onion, mango, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve pork and zucchini with mango salsa. STIR

Easy Dinner 1

Grilled pork chops and zucchini with mango salsa ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

R e c i p e s b y Ka r e n R a n k i n Photographs by Victor Protasio

PER SERVING: 633 CALORIES, 29G FAT (8G SAT.), 184MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 71G PRO., 20G CARB., 664MG SOD., 16G SUGAR (1G ADDED SUGAR)

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

GRILL

FOOD

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Easy Dinner 2

Rotisserie BBQ chicken salad

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped (6 cups) 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

1/2 English cucumber, chopped

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

✓ Family Friendly

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1/4 cup barbecue sauce 1 avocado, chopped

mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss lettuce with half the dressing in a large bowl. WHISK

lettuce on a platter and top with tomatoes, tortilla chips, cucumber, and onion. PLACE

chicken with barbecue sauce in a separate bowl; add to platter. Top salad with avocado. Serve remaining dressing on the side. TOSS

PER SERVING: 394 CALORIES, 21G FAT (3G SAT.), 70MG CHOL., 6G FIBER, 25G PRO., 30G CARB., 669MG SOD., 12G SUGAR

135

FOOD

12 oz. cavatappi or other short pasta 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

Easy Dinner 3

Farmers’ market pasta ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Family Friendly

2 cups multicolored cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 zucchini, chopped 1 red onion, cut into wedges, layers separated 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears) 2 cups packed arugula 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 1/2 cup)

pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. COOK

1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium. Add tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring often, until tomatoes begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add zucchini and onion and cook, stirring often, until tomatoes burst and zucchini is almost tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add corn and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. HEAT

tomato mixture to pasta along with arugula, basil, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil and toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with shaved Parmesan. ADD

PER SERVING: 546 CALORIES, 18G FAT (4G SAT.), 5MG CHOL., 6G FIBER, 17G PRO., 80G CARB., 601MG SOD., 9G SUGAR

136

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Easy Dinner 4

Sweet chili salmon with cucumber salad ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free

4 6-oz. skin-on salmon fillets 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 8 scallions, chopped (1/2 cup) 1 English cucumber, sliced 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves 3 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil 1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 1-in. piece) Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

PREHEAT

oven to 425°F.

salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir together sweet chili sauce and scallions in a small bowl; spoon over salmon. Bake until salmon is opaque and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. PLACE

cucumber with onion, basil, vinegar, oil, ginger, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Serve cucumber salad with salmon and rice. TOSS

PER SERVING: 532 CALORIES, 14G FAT (3G SAT.), 90MG CHOL., 1G FIBER, 40G PRO., 52G CARB., 744MG SOD., 14G SUGAR

FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Black bean tostadas with sweet potato and poblanos ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

1 sweet potato, chopped 3 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tsp. ground cumin 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 3 cups shredded red cabbage (from 1 small head) 4 radishes, thinly sliced 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 15.5-oz. can refried black beans, warmed 4 5-in. corn tostadas 1/4 cup sour cream Lime wedges, for serving oven to 400°F. Toss sweet potato and poblanos with cumin, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. PREHEAT

whisk lime juice and remaining 3 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add cabbage, radishes, and cilantro and toss to coat. MEANWHILE,

refried black beans on tostadas. Top with sweet potato mixture, slaw, and sour cream; serve with lime wedges. SPREAD

PER SERVING: 443 CALORIES, 23G FAT (4G SAT.), 10MG CHOL., 11G FIBER, 12G PRO., 52G CARB., 921MG SOD., 11G SUGAR

138 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

✓ Vegetarian ✓ Gluten-Free ✓ Family Friendly

The one with two favorites.

Try them all! OREO, the OREO Wafer Design and CHIPS AHOY! are registered trademarks of Mondeléz International group, used under license. REESE’S and REESE’S PIECES trademarks and trade dress and the orange color and crown design are used under license. HEATH trademark and trade dress are used under license. SNICKERS® and M&M’S® are trademarks of Mars or Affiliates, used under license.

FOOD

R o a d Te s t

Yogurt B E S T F L AVO R E D, TR ADITIONAL

WE DIPPED OUR SPO ONS INTO 1 8 4 C U P S ! T H E S E A R E T H E S I X T H AT

B E S T F L AVO R E D, G R E E K

Raspberry Noosa Yoghurt A tart fruit puree cuts through a top-quality wholemilk base. The raspberries taste super fresh, like you smashed them in yourself. TO BUY: $2.50 for 8 oz.; at grocery stores.

Chobani Greek Yogurt with Mango on the Bottom Chunks of tropical fruit sweeten this velvety low-fat option. It’s silky and rich without being too thick. TO BUY: $1.25 for 5.3 oz.; at grocery stores.

B E S T VA N I L L A

STA N D O U T F RO M T H E C RO W D. By Ananda Eidelstein

realsimple ROAD TE ST

Icelandic Provisions Vanilla Bean Krímí Skyr This indulgent cup is made with real vanilla beans and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Tame on tang, it’s as good with berries as it is with cake. TO BUY: $2 for 4.4 oz.; at grocery stores.

BEST PL AIN, TR ADITIONAL

Stonyfield Organic Low Fat Smooth & Creamy Plain Yogurt So smooth and luscious, tasters double-checked that it was actually low-fat. The subtle flavor and stirrable consistency make it versatile enough for sweet or savory preparations. TO BUY: $4.50 for 32 oz.; at grocery stores.

140 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

365 Everyday Value Organic Greek Whole Milk Yogurt This creamy strained yogurt is just sour enough. Swirl it into soups or blend it with herbs for an easy dip. TO BUY: $5.50 for 32 oz.; at Whole Foods.

H OT F I N D

Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt, Passionfruit For true yogurt aficionados, this stellar pick has an irresistible passion fruit swirl. It’s so good that we special-order it. TO BUY: $4 for 8 oz.; ellenos.com.

Enjoy yogurt for more than just breakfast with the recipes at realsimple.com/yogurt.

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

BEST PL AIN, GREEK

SWEET RAISINS

CRUNCHY BRAN FLAKES

PLOT TWIST WE ADDED BANANA SLICES

FOOD

Better for You FA S T, H E A LT H Y, A N D F U L L O F F L AVO R . T H I S M O N T H : PEACH ICED TEA By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES SERVES 6

1/3 cup honey 8 oz. dried peaches (1 1/3 cups) 6 bags English breakfast tea Fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and/or mint sprigs, for serving honey and 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until honey dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add dried peaches and tea bags; remove from heat and steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and remove tea bags, gently squeezing to release tea; discard bags. Cover and continue to steep dried peaches for 20 to 25 minutes. and discard dried peaches. Transfer tea mixture to a pitcher and stir in 4 cups water. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over ice with fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and/or mint. REMOVE

142 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Photograph by Victor Protasio

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

BRING

MOVING SOLUTIONS Packing and moving are made easier with these Real Simple items available exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond.

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Big Batch

Spicy almond-and-seed salad topper ACTIVE TIME 3 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES MAKES ABOUT 1 1/2 CUPS

1/2 cup sliced almonds 1/2 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional) oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. together almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, several grinds of pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a large bowl. Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden and fragrant, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet, about 10 minutes. STIR

over salads or grain bowls. SPRINKLE

PER SERVING (2 TBSP.): 97 CALORIES, 9G FAT (1G SAT.), 0MG CHOL., 1G FIBER, 4G PRO., 3G CARB., 81MG SOD., 0G SUGAR

For superb salads, pair this tasty blend with the easy homemade vinaigrette at realsimple .com/vinaigrette.

Recipe by Ananda Eidelstein 144 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

Photograph by Victor Protasio

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

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By Liz Krieger

T H E PA G E -T U R N E R S LU M B E R

You’ve been reading the same sentence over and over, and it’s just not making any sense. Because you’re half asleep, of course. This nap frequently occurs during long articles on climate change in the New Yorker or your latest attempt to read Middlemarch. (FIG. 1)

T H E “ W H Y, Y E S , I A M G O I N G TO TA K E A NAP NOW” NAP

This is a purposeful, hold-all-my-calls sort of nap. Your socks and shoes are removed. Pants unbuttoned. Bra unhooking optional but highly encouraged. Advanced practitioners even go under the covers for added decadence and commitment. (FIG. 3)

T H E M AT I N E E I DY L L THE IKEA NAP

You are spread-eagled, facedown, jet-lagged. Suitcase flung open. Shoes may remain on. (FIG. 4)

THE EYES WIDE OPEN

The bane of lecture halls, conference rooms, and computer-training sessions everywhere. This is sleep subterfuge for the truly skilled.

You’re pushing your cart through the alphabet soup of Ikea when the napping opportunities become too irresistible. Well, hellooo, Brimnes.

Once considered the province of those over 65, young folks and oldsters alike can succumb to oversize, stadium-style seats. Often coincides with subtitled art-house films.

T H E TO D D L E R BED NAP

THE “NAP WHEN THE B A BY N A P S ” N A P

Feet on the desk, papers propped on lap. Advanced level: door closed (and locked!), curled up under desk. (FIG. 5)

You’re desperate, you’re exhausted, and this tiny bed is…right here, right now. May result in leg cramps. (FIG. 2)

Mythical. BS advice from people who haven’t lived with a newborn.

T H E T H RO U G H S U N S E T S N O OZ E

T H E FA K E - O U T

This ruse can outsmart overly aggressive subway buskers, needy boyfriends, and even your small children.

148 RE AL SIMPLE AUGUST 2019

T H E H OT E L RO O M F LO P

T H E FO O D C O M A

You just stuffed your face at brunch and suddenly all you want to do is retreat to bed. You wake up with a strange sensation in your stomach that makes you go, “Am I simultaneously full and hungry?”

THE GEO RGE CO STA NZ A

What often starts out as an innocent late-afternoon quickie turns serious when you wake up and it’s pitch-black. Let’s call a spade a spade: If you go long enough, this is more sleep than nap.

Illustration by Joel Holland

KOHLER.COM

THE LURE OF THE FINISH. CHOOSE FROM A SEA OF FAUCET FINISHES—INCLUDING VIBRANT® OMBRÉ— AND DESIGN YOUR SPACE AROUND WHAT CAPTIVATES YOU.