RS - June 2022 by Lawrence Ambrocio

LIFE MADE EASIER

We Love

H OW TO FAKE A GRE AT NI G H T’S SLEEP PA G E 7 1

COLOR! 109 Ways to Go Bold in Your Home, Wardrobe & Life

B R I N G YO U R COLOR TO LIFE Brought to You by Sherwin-Williams

JUNE 2022

Clean Effortlessly Like a Pro

Carmen Renee ••• Carmen is a busy mom, wife, content creator at @carmenreneeblog and entrepreneur. She enjoys maintaining a beautiful home but keeping things as simple as possible. And like many households today, her spaces are working harder than ever, but that doesn’t mean she has to. See how she equips her home with smart, hardworking Pledge® products and solutions that help make her everyday cleaning a breeze.

The Pledge® Multisurface Cleaner Trigger is my go-to for keeping my routine easy and quick. Messes don’t stand a chance, it removes three times more dust than a dry cloth, and can be safely used on 101 surfaces.

To learn more, visit pledge.com

The Pledge® Multisurface Cleaner Aerosol ensures a glistening clean, removes messes, and it doesn’t damage surfaces. Even better—it leaves behind a fresh rainshower fragrance which is perfect for any space within the home and can be safely used on 101 surfaces.

One of the hardest working spaces in our home is the kitchen, and whether I’m using it as a home office or cooking with my family, the Pledge® Multisurface Wipes are incredible to have on hand. While tough on messes, the wipes’ gentle pH-balanced formula cleans without causing damage and can be safely used on 101 surfaces. Just grab, wipe and go!

Gentle daily cleaning for 101 surfaces

ON SKIN*

RETINOL PRO+ SERUM

W R I N K L E R E S U LT S I N O N E W E E K * *

FOR PEOPLE WITH SKIN

*Recommended for retinol users and not for beginners **See improved look of wrinkles © J&JCI 2022

GENTLE

P R O P ST Y L I N G B Y C AT D A S H . ST R I P E D VA S E B Y I N D I G O R O A D ST U D I O ; I N D I G O R O A D ST U D I O. C O M F O R S I M I L A R . M U ST I Q U E D O U B L E T U B E VA S E , $ 9 5 , A N D F L E U R C O A ST E R S , $ 8 5 F O R 4 ; J O N AT H A N A D L E R . C O M . D AY D R E A M E R A R T P R I N T, F R O M $ 2 4 ; M I N T E D. C O M . M I N I B O W L M AT T E L E A F G R E E N G L A Z E , $ 3 4 ; M I C H E L E VA R I A N . C O M . K A R T E L L C O L O N N A STO O L S I N P I N K A N D V I O L E T, $ 4 3 0 E A C H ; D W R . C O M

WE LOVE COLOR!

JUNE

“Believe in your imagination and your ability to transform your world.”

A L E X A N D R A STO D DA R D, D A R I N G T O B E YO U R S E L F

P h o t o g r a p h b y Ke l l y M a r s h a l l

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

JUNE

WE LOVE COLOR!

CONTENTS

O N T H E C OV E R 67, 8 8, 96 , 1 1 0, and throughout the issue 109 Ways to Go Bold in Your Home, Wardrobe & Life 7 1 How to Fake a Great Night’s Sleep Spring Rising Art Print, from $24; minted.com. Kartell Colonna Stools in Pink and Violet, $430 each; dwr.com. Raawii Omar Vase, $125; store.moma.org. Cluster of Grapes Candle, $38, and Pear Candle, $28; michele varian.com. Antigua Pillow in Emerald Stripe, $160, and Cantel Pillow in Orchid & Mustard, $125; archivenewyork.com. Tufted Stripe Illusion Rug, from $178; anthropologie.com.

TO BUY:

Thermal Spring SW 6761 Poseidon SW 6762

102

Presented by Sherwin-Williams Test out these colors in your home with color chips and Twist-n-Pour Color to Go® paint samples.

102

110

C O L O R YO U R WORLD

W H AT M A K E S YO U YO U

S U M M E R S TA R S

THE BOLD & T H E B E AU T I F U L

How to play with bold clothes, decor, and makeup to spice up your style

Seven women highlight the physical attribute they love most

These bright dishes feature the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables

A designer revived an old home with a profusion of colorful paint

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y Ke l l y M a r s h a l l 4 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Prop St yling by Cat Dash

PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT

FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT

• FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT • LOVE IT • FIND IT • TRY IT • PAINT IT •

SCAN TO SEE HOW

JUNE

WE LOVE COLOR!

CONTENTS delights

lives

1 7 We’re Loving

Grilling gear with serious flair

guides

20 Clever Items

37 Simple Twist

Little things to make your life a lot easier

Keep pesky birds away from your tomato plants

2 2 The Books List

3 8 Things

New releases for every literary taste

Cooks Know Make almost anything yummier with umami

75 5 Perspectives

2 4 Sweet Stuff 41 Healthy at Home

Whip up a no-fuss rainbow sprinkle cake

Micro workouts with major fitness benefits

2 7 Space of the Month Rich blue paint gives this home office its deeply cool vibe

52 Room Rx

30 Genius Beauty

Enjoy the grime-busting thrills of pressure washing!

An outdated wood-paneled den gets a refresh

5 4 Spotless

A self-tanner that nourishes skin, and other brilliant buys

35 Life 101

Listing the memories she wanted to keep helped one woman say goodbye to her beloved home

58 2022 REAL SIMPLE Home Preview A peek at our design plans for a Florida beach house

62 Pets

Close friendships make life better—here’s how to strengthen those bonds

78 Family Packing a “go” bag can help you feel prepared for an emergency

82 Gift Guide A kaleidoscope of presents for Father’s Day, graduations, weddings, and more

food 1 1 7 In Season Make the most of summer’s juicy red strawberries

1 1 8 5 Easy Dinners Fresh, family-friendly meals to simplify your weeknights

Tips for traveling with your animals

67 Style Three summer dresses that are up for anything

7 1 Beauty Road Test The best products to brighten tired eyes

1 0 Editor ’s Note

1 2 REAL SIMPLE Everywhere

1 4 Your Words

6 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

1 26 Who Knew?

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (JUNE 2022) (VOLUME 23/ISSUE 6) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT FOR COMBINED ISSUES IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY AND JULY/AUGUST BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE. COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. FOR SYNDICATION OR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REQUESTS OR REPRINT AND REUSE PERMISSION, EMAIL SYNDICATION@MEREDITH.COM.

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How do you add color to your world?

Lauren Iannotti EDITOR IN CHIEF

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

E D I TO R I A L

“I love an all-black outfit, so I tend to throw on a pop of color with my socks.”

FE ATURES DIRECTOR Amy Maclin FE ATURES EDITOR Brandi Broxson SENIOR EDITOR Rachel Sylvester

Tiffany Ehasz VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLISHER

Kristin Guinan A SSO CIATE CI ATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S E A ST C OA ST E A STERN ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lizzie Meier Utt INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Susan Schwartzman BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Alexia Vicario ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, NEW ENGL AND

Jennifer Palmer (WNP Media)

“Lipstick— every day!”

ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Hayley Solomon

A SSISTANT EDITOR Teddy Willson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Kristyn Kusek Lewis (books), Catherine Newman

FO OD FO OD DIRECTOR Jenna Helwig

M I D W E ST VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Mindy Provenzano INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Margaret Graff, Jennifer Latwis ADVERTISING SALES A SSISTANT Teri Dasbach

W E ST C OA ST INTEGR ATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Janet Yano

FO OD EDITOR Lizzy Briskin

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

“I only let myself buy clothes with color—no more black or gray!”

MARKETING DIRECTOR Allison Kelly ART DIRECTOR Sarah Massimo SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Misty Chandler MARKETING CO ORDINATOR Lindsey Weiss ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Katie Holzman

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

C O N T E N T, S T R AT EGY & I N S I G H T S

“Bright nail polish— adds a burst of color to each day!”

VICE PRESIDENT Andy Borinstein DIRECTORS Karen Bakos, Emily Fleishman SENIOR MANAGER Kseniya Ivnitskaya

FA S H I O N

MANAGER Maura Ruane

A SSO CIATE FA SHION EDITOR Flavia Nunez

P RO D U C T I O N , C I RC U L AT I O N & F I N A N C E A RT & P H OTO DESIGN DIRECTOR Deanna Lowe DEPUT Y PHOTO EDITOR Lawrence J. Whritenour Jr. SENIOR DESIGNER Lina LeGare

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

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

Filomena Guzzardi

Lynn Bolinger NEWSSTAND RETAIL Rose Cirrincione EXECUTIVE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Janice Croat A SSO CIATE BUSINESS DIRECTOR Bryce Rockers

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

D I G I TA L

Mélanie Berliet SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP GENER AL MANAGER, HOME & DESIGN

“Every week, I wear something purple because it’s the favorite color of the second grader I volunteer to read with. She said it’s pret ty cool!”

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENER AL MANAGER

Melissa Inman VICE PRESIDENT, GENER AL MANAGER Amanda Wolfe SENIOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mickey O’Connor A SSO CIATE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jennifer Davidson SENIOR EDITOR, HOME Katie Holdefehr SENIOR EDITOR, FO OD Samantha Leffler HE ALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR Maggie Seaver BE AUT Y & FA SHION EDITOR Hana Hong A SSO CIATE EDITOR Morgan Noll SO CIAL MEDIA EDITOR Hali Potters PHOTO MANAGER Olivia Barr EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Allie Merriam SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Jennifer Lomeli

8 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

“I buy fresh flowers.”

Alysia Borsa PRESIDENT, LIFEST YLE

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

“I collect bot tles of sprinkles and display them in my kitchen. It’s a fun way to add color to my baked goods and my space.”

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Zena Norbont

EDITOR’S NOTE

Color Me Happy

Here’s me in a chartreuse shirt! Will wonders never cease?

10 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

L E T’ S M E E T AT THE BE ACH!

We’re hosting our inaugural REAL SIMPLE Time for You Weekend from September 15 to 18 at the Rosemary Beach community in Inlet Beach, Florida. Join us for seminars, house tours, yoga, bike rides, and more. For registration details and pricing, go to realsimple weekend.com.

Lauren Iannotti E D I TO R I N C H I E F LET’S CONNECT!

Follow me on Instagram at @laureniannotti.

P h o t o g r a p h b y F e l i x Wo n g

S T Y L I N G B Y L I Z Z Y R O S E N B E R G ; H A I R B Y C L AY N I E L S E N U S I N G L E O N O R G R E Y L ; M A K E U P B Y D E B O R A H A LT I Z I O F O R C R E AT I V E M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G G L O S S I E R ; M A K E U P A S S I S T E D B Y A LY S S A Z A B A W A

a little color? Plenty of people, myself included. Whenever I try to use some—in my wardrobe, my decor, my makeup—it’s a trialand-error exercise that results in a lot of errors. When it comes to clothing especially, my ﬂailing reﬂects my introvert-extrovert personality: I swing wildly between wanting others’ attention (hello, loud-print jumpsuit!) and hiding in terror from it (back to the cream sweater and black pants—whew). One theory on why: I spent some of my most formative years in the ’80s. For anyone who survived that neons-versus-neutrals decade, color can seem an all-or-nothing proposition, and a lot of us go with nothing. (Meaning: black, gray, beige, variations on white—and dark brown HO’S AFRAID OF

when we’re feeling really daring.) It’s kind of a bummer that, considering color comes in a literal rainbow of options, so many of us restrict ourselves to what feels correct, permitted, current, age appropriate, and whatever other standards we decide matter. (What will our neighbors think? Our colleagues? Our mothers?!) It’s funny how closely our stuff is tied to our sense of self, and how much color is wrapped up in that. This month’s issue explores that connection and pushes you out of your own color comfort zone in all aspects of your life. Our hunch: Colors evoke feelings, and if you’re limiting your palette, you just might be limiting your joy. As for me, from the comfort of my greige sofa during New York’s second or third Covid wave (lost track), I did my own color correction. I ordered pink reading glasses, some very loudprint blouses, a “jasper green” car to replace the silver one we lost in a ﬂood, a mustard (mustard!) upholstered chair, and one of those rainbow rugs braided from recycled fabrics in about a thousand colors. It was all a bit of an overcorrection, but it worked; it made me happy! The rug, in particular. I put it in the dining room, where it power-clashes nicely with the corkboard wall of my kids’ artwork—a collage of portraits, landscapes, illustrations, and still lifes created by a 6- and 15-year-old, so full of joyful color it can barely contain itself.

LIMITED E DI T I ON ART PR I N TS

©Minted, 2022 AS SHOWN: “Hemlock & Henna“ by Keren Toledano. 48” x 70”, printed on canvas with a premium ash wood frame. Recolored and Rotated.

SOURCE D F ROM I N DE PE N DE N T A RTISTS

BEFORE

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

IN YOUR KITCHEN

30 Healthy Foods to Add to Your Grocery List Grab everything you need to cook fast, nutritious meals at home. Our online list includes the pantry staples (lentils, oatmeal) and crisper drawer all-stars (kale, broccoli) you’ll want to fill your cart (and belly) with. Find it at realsimple.com/healthy-eats.

BEHIND THE SCENES

IN YOUR WALLE T

CO N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R P O RT L A N D, O R E G O N

REAL SIMPLE readers score 20 percent off the True Places folding chair on page 86. Use the code REALSIMPLE20 at trueplaces.com. Offer valid sitewide from 5/17/22 through 6/14/22.

@junodemelo Next big purchase: Probably solar panels. My husband’s on a mission to electrify our whole home. Personal mantra: I’m constantly reminding myself to “be here now” because I’m almost never actually doing that. Describe your happy place: At a picnic table near the beach on the north shore of Kauai, eating a shaved ice. Read Juno’s Pets column on page 62.

SPECIAL EDITION

The Power of ON THE WEB

Father’s Day Gifts He’ll Appreciate Our guide on page 82 has 44 gift ideas for the season’s many affairs and occasions. And the dad swag keeps coming on the site, with another 25-plus curated presents for Father’s Day. Go to realsimple.com/dad-swag.

12 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Sleep

Sleep Better. Feel Better. Live Better. Get More out of Your Waking Hours

ON NE WSSTANDS

The Power of Sleep REAL SIMPLE Bookazine You know you feel better taking on the day with a good night’s rest behind you. And sleep boosts not just your productivity but also your mental and physical health. Discover how to reap the rewards in our special edition.

F R O M L E F T: H E A D S H O T C O U R T E S Y O F J U N O D E M E L O ; V I C T O R P R O TA S I O ; C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R

Take a Load Off (the Price)

Juno DeMelo

YOUR WORDS

What Are You Nostalgic For?

“The first warm spring day in college. Everyone was outside, skipping class and in a great mood.” @ TAY LO R R E N AU D

“Bear hugs from my toddlers, and their soft, chubby cheeks. Now they’re working and living in New York City. Seriously, the blink of an eye.” @DOWNHOME UPVALLEY

#RSLOVE “Long summer days with my siblings and cousins: swimming, playing cards, and running wild. It’s such a joy to relive these memories with my own children and their cousins.” @ELIZ ABETHEV

“I know how crazy it sounds, but disco! Getting dressed up for an evening out, styled hair, five-inch heels, and a night of dancing and socializing in glamorous clubs.” SANDRE’ MOORE, PLEASANTON, TEXAS

“The days of getting more sleep.” @EBULLEE

“Living at home with my sister. I’ve bumbled through the past 20 years without her nearby. What I’d give to sit and watch TV after school, fight over clothes, and even make some bad decisions together.” EMILY SABLE, COLUMBUS, OHIO

“Slow walks home from grade school, taking the time to think, breathe, and look around.” @LEMONSALTY

“My dad’s hugs. He passed away seven years ago, and I’d give anything to have one of his hugs—warm, safe, and full of love.” @JJGREINER

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

14 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

“Concerts, albums, and music videos from groups like Duran Duran, Culture Club, Eurythmics, and so many other artists. For my friends and me, life revolved around our music and fashion.” @GRAY.PEARLS

“Snow days when the office was closed and we didn’t have laptops!” @CVAUGHN777

“Driving out to the Everglades to go fishing with my dad and brother when I was a kid. Seeing alligators on a regular basis was just part of growing up in Florida!” @BUNNYBEATS7

“Wrapping the telephone cord around my hand during my hour-long phone conversations with my best friend, who lived down the street.”

O P P O S I T E PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F E L I Z A B E T H E VA N S D ’A S C E N S A O . T H I S PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F R I C H A R D M O R T I M E R

@LEELA_BD

“Jell-O Pudding Pops on the patio at my grandma’s after a long day of swimming with the cousins.” @JMCLARK08

“The days when I could eat anything I wanted and not gain weight.” AMY HIRSCHBERG, BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

“Middle school pajama parties, recording mixtapes from the radio, YM magazine, leg warmers, friendship bracelets, and Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.” @WESTCOAST PAMTAYLOR

“Riding my bike to the library. I felt so independent, and I loved the possibilities of what I would read, and where that would take me.”

“Crickets chirping on a warm summer night while all the neighborhood kids played tag.” @CELLOCHICA

@ALICEAB1013

“Spending time with my grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles, especially in the summer, when the biggest concern was what time we were going to the pool or lake. I would love to relive those days.” @JENNYBROCK WELLBAKER

READER OF THE MONTH

Kelly Hoffman, 22 PA R A L EGA L ST U D E N T A N D DA N C E T E AC H E R SAN FR ANCISCO

What are you nostalgic for? My college experience! Fun times with my roommates, like late-night trips to the doughnut shop before an exam. Home is where… I recharge my introverted batteries. And where my cat is. Least organized part of your life: My dance bag. I try to keep it organized, but there’s inevitably a tornado of bobby pins, socks, and Band-Aids flying around in there by the end of the day. What’s your favorite tradition? Christmas Eve dinner with my mom’s side of the family. Given our Chinese American heritage, we have the most deliciously random assortment of entrées every year: short ribs and rice in Chinese black bean sauce, fresh crab, and gluten-free lasagna! Cleanest thing in your house: I’m a neat freak by nature, but definitely my espresso machine. I religiously clean it after each use so it’s ready to go for the next oat milk cappuccino.

NEXT QUESTION

What fictional character do you identify with? Send an email to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer. Your response could appear on these pages!

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

LESS SUGAR NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

20 CALORIES

5G OF SUGAR

SCAN IT. TRY IT.

SNACKING CAKE

COZY HOME OFFICE

MAKEUP WITH SKIN PERKS

DELIGHTS WE’RE LOVING

Fire Up the Barbie G et yo u r g r i l l o n w i th s u m m e r ’s h ot te st c o o ko u t g e a r. BY C AT DA S H

BBQ TO GO

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

When you head to the beach, grab this mini grill: At 21 pounds, it packs down to the size of a grocery basket, with a cutting board cover. TO BUY: Cuisinart Venture Portable Gas Grill, $230; williams-sonoma.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

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

DELIGHTS

3 Pick from flavor boosters like hickory, mesquite, and cherry-maple.

The ends nestle together for safe keeping in your utensil drawer.

8 7

5 K E T C H U P C AT C H A L L

Extra-long handles on these steel tools keep your arms away from screaminghot temps. TO BUY: Barebones BBQ Set, $53; goodeeworld.com.

Transport allll the sauces and allll the utensils in a single trip. TO BUY: Risatorp Wire Basket, $15; ikea-usa.com.

2 B O O K S M A RT

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday, and this gorgeous cookbook is loaded with recipes inspired by the celebration. TO BUY: Watermelon & Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor, $30; simonandschuster.com.

18 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

3 GET A GRIP

The prongs pierce deeply into the cob for a secure, butterfingers-proof hold. TO BUY: Rainbow Corn Holder Set, $10 for 6; kikkerland.com. 4 C U T E C OV E R- U P

You’ll love the style of this chic chambray apron and its big pocket, but best of all is the bargain price. TO BUY: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Apron, $13; target.com.

6 FINAL TOUCHES

Toss hot-off-the-grill wings in a mouthwatering salt-and-vinegar spice rub for a double dose of tastiness. TO BUY: Wing Finish, $15; fireandflavor.com.

7 N I C E S E RV E

Heap this durable tray with slices from an entire watermelon—it’s that roomy. (Then toss it into the dishwasher.) TO BUY: Otomi Dinnerware Platter, $52; katiekime.com. 8 SMOKE SHOW

Pour these wood chips into your charcoal or smoker box to get bold pitmaster flavor. TO BUY: Smoking Chips Sampler, $21 for 3; wildwoodgrilling.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

1 F L I P P I N G AW E S O M E

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DELIGHTS

2 E C O - F R I E N D LY W I P E S

B O T T L E S E RV I C E

Dry your bottles and caps on one side of this adjustable over-the-sink rack; air out dishcloths and sponges on the other. It also pinchhits as a trivet. TO BUY: Drip.it Bottle Drainer & Cloth Drying Rail, $30; thegrommet.com.

Clever Items Little Things to Make Your Life a Lot Easier

3 LIT TER REFRESHER

You love the cat—but hate litter box duty. Just spritz on this plant-based solution to eke out a few more days before scooping. TO BUY: Litter Box Deodorizer, $15; skoutshonor.com.

BY B R A N D I B ROXS O N

4 HOT MIC HELPER

Midspeech, you realize you’re muted. (Or midsneeze, you notice you aren’t.) Never again, thanks to this USB plug-in that glows when your laptop mic is on and has its own mute button. TO BUY: Video Conference Mute Button, $49; uncommongoods.com.

20 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

5 FO G-FREE REFLECTION

Upgrade your in-shower natural hair-care routine with this light, shatterproof mirror that never mists up. A strong suction cup keeps it firmly mounted to even the sleekest tiles. TO BUY: XL Shower Mirror, $22; melaninhaircare.com.

SMILE T WOFER

After you grab lunch, give your teeth a quick zhuzh with floss from one end of the tube. Then flip it and slather on some organic lip balm. In three flavors. TO BUY: Floss & Gloss, $20; mylewie.com.

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

These machine-washable cloths are about the size of paper towels. Stuff the dispenser with a pack of 40, then use to sop up spills. Launder and repeat up to 4,000 times! TO BUY: Countertop Model, $55; yowel.com.

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*100 hours more proven quality sleep based on internal analysis of sleep sessions assessing sleepers who use multiple features of Sleep Number® products. Claim based on sleepers achieving over 15 more minutes of restful sleep per sleep session. †Limited warranty available at sleepnumber.com. ‡Restrictions and exclusions apply. Does not apply to adjustable bases, upholstered furniture, closeout/clearance or demo/floor model purchases or mattresses already exchanged under another In-Home Trial period. You pay return shipping. Refunds will be made to the original method of payment less original shipping/delivery fees. Visit sleepnumber.com for complete details. SLEEP NUMBER, SLEEPIQ, SLEEP NUMBER 360, the Double Arrow Design, and SELECT COMFORT are registered trademarks of Sleep Number Corporation. ©2022 Sleep Number Corporation

DELIGHTS

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

Modern Romance

Riveting Memoir As a child, actor Selma Blair was known as a troublemaker, a reputation she carried into adulthood. In Mean Baby, her raw, beautifully written autobiography, Blair recounts her difficult road—involving an addiction to alcohol and a complicated relationship with her mother—and shares how her multiple sclerosis diagnosis four years ago was, in many ways, what ultimately saved her.

Absorbing Page-Turner

In Tracy Flick Can’t Win, Tom Perrotta revisits the main character in Election, his bestseller about an overachieving high school student, played to perky, type A perfection by Reese Witherspoon in 1999. This sequel, set in 2017, takes a sympathetic view of now middle-aged Tracy, an assistant principal and single mom, as she reconciles her past ambitions with her current dissatisfaction in life. Perrotta brings his trademark dark humor and insights into suburbia to the story, along with some sweet observations about friendship.

Written by How I Met Your Mother cocreator Carter Bays, The Mutual Friend hopscotches across various characters’ points of view: adrift, 28-year-old Alice; her wild roommate; her brother, a former tech CEO who became a monk; the nurse who served jury duty with him; even a robot and a canary. But it all comes back to Alice, who seriously needs to study for the MCAT to fulfill a promise to her late mother. Funny, sad, and deeply wise, this one-of-a-kind book will renew your faith in humanity—and make you really want to put down your phone.

Historical Fiction The Foundling by Ann Leary takes place in 1927, as 18-year-old Mary starts work at the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. When she recognizes one of the patients, a childhood friend raised in the same orphanage she was, Mary begins to wonder what’s actually going on at the facility, and whether women are being held against their will. This eyeopening novel, based in part on Leary’s family history, looks at the outrageous ways our society has sought to control women.

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

Feyi Adekola is trying to move on. After five years of mourning the love of her life, she embarks on a summer romance with a new friend, who whisks her away to the tropical island where he was raised. After they arrive, his father, a worldrenowned chef, reignites a passion she thought was lost forever. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi is a steamy and sexy read (as in, shut the book if your kids walk into the room) that also has tremendous heart.

Long-Awaited Sequel

22 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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

THE FIRST SURVIVOR OF

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS They’re out there, and they’re going to hold on to everything the disease steals away. And the Alzheimer’s Association is going to make it happen by funding research, advancing public policy and spurring scientific breakthroughs. And by providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers, we’re easing the burden for all those facing it until we accomplish our goal. But we won’t get there without you. Visit alz.org to join the fight.

OUT THERE.

DELIGHTS

R AINBOW SPRINKLE SNACKING C AKE

CAKE Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar

N o b u t te r, n o e g g s , n o m i xe r ? N o p ro b l e m ! ( A n d ye s , yo u ’re re a d i n g th a t r i g ht . ) BY J E SS I E S H E E H A N

3 Tbsp. rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating 1 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1 Tbsp. white vinegar GLAZE 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/8 tsp. kosher salt 1 Tbsp. whole milk, or as needed 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and line bottom of pan with parchment paper. MAKE THE CAKE:

flour, granulated sugar, sprinkles, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add 1 cup cold water, oil, vanilla, and vinegar, whisking until smooth. Pour into prepared cake pan. WHISK

rotating pan halfway through cooking time, until a wooden pick comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 45 minutes. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack, remove parchment, and invert again to face right side up. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. BAKE,

From the new cookbook Snackable Bakes!

Whisk cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. Whisk in vanilla. Spread glaze over top of cooled cake. Decorate with sprinkles. MAKE THE GLAZE:

cake, uncovered, until glaze is set, about 15 minutes. REFRIGERATE

24 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Photograph by Greg DuPree

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 C L A I R E S P O L L E N . E X C E R P T E D F R O M S N A C K A B L E B A K E S : 1 0 0 E A SY- P E A SY R E C I P E S F O R E X C E P T I O N A L LY S C R U M P T I O U S S W E E T S A N D T R E AT S C O P Y R I G H T © 2 0 2 2 B Y J E S S I E S H E E H A N . U S E D W I T H P E R M I S S I O N O F T H E P U B L I S H E R , C O U N T R Y M A N P R E S S , A N I M P R I N T O F W.W. N O R T O N & C O M PA N Y I N C . A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D

SWEET STUFF

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SERVES 8

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

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

CELISA, REAL PATIENT Individual results may vary.

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

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

The most common side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it’s recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children under 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver. Please see Brief Summary on next page.

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

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

C O U RT ESY O F D UST I N P EC K

DELIGHTS

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

Once in a Blue Room This home of fice use s rich tone s and tons of tex ture to set the mo o d. BY T E D DY W I L L S O N

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

DELIGHTS

Color-blocked, natural-material accents add a sense of depth.

Meet the Designers

When the best friends behind House of Nomad, a design firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, were tapped to transform a blank-slate room, they went all in on a single color—a moody blue. They installed floorto-ceiling shelves to act as a backdrop for some favorite vessels, and hung a geometric wallpaper to frame out a luxe and intimate workstation.

Dark Night SW 6237

Presented by Sherwin-Williams

A neutral area rug makes the blue pop.

28 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Want a seamless transition between your paint and wallpaper? Bring a wallpaper swatch to your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams, and they can create an exact color match.

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

BERKELEY MINKHOR ST (lef t) A N D KELLEY LENTINI @houseofnomaddesign

Get the Look COMMIT TO COLOR

Painting the walls, shelving, ladder, and ceiling the same color made the snug space feel bigger. Berkeley and Kelley used a custom graphic wallpaper by Jill Seale to complement the blue and draw attention to the desk niche. KEEP A SIMPLE SETUP

The pair left the desk area sparse for a focused work space. The drawers hide supplies, while baskets on the shelves provide additional storage. H AV E F U N W I T H S T Y L I N G

When decorating the shelves, the designers placed large items— like the white ceramic vases and handwoven baskets—first, then balanced them out with other shapes and colors, like the brass figurine and bright art books. Play around with sizes, materials, and shapes until you create a visual balance. Styling is a game of trial and error, and even small adjustments can make a big difference. TO B U Y: Compass Armchair,

$615; industrywest.com. Modern Minimalist Woven Deep Bowl, $58, and Modern Minimalist Wall Plate, $135; kazigoods.com. Vetiver Pot Vase, $90; shophouseofnomad.com. Marisa Burl Wood Desk, $999; cb2.com. Safavieh Handmade Casablanca Shag Audry Tribal Wool Rug, from $57; overstock.com. Block Party Custom Color Wallpaper, from $3.50 per sq. ft.; lovevsdesign.com. Lachlin Brass Table Lamp, $249; crateand barrel.com. Paint: Dark Night; sherwin-williams.com for info.

DELIGHTS

GENIUS BE AUT Y

The New Simplifiers

M a ke l o o k i n g g re a t l o o k e a s y w i th th e s e s i x p i c ks

VA C AT I O N I N A B OT T L E

BY L I S A DES A N T I S

Self-tanners can be drying and feel sticky, but not this one. The weightless formula is packed with nourishing hydrators (glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid) that help prolong your faux glow for up to seven days. So in addition to a vacay-worthy bronze, you get healthy, hydrated skin. TO BUY: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Oil Mist, $32; sephora.com.

30 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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

Shake well to blend, then spritz. The mister is perfect for hardto-reach spots.

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

Every city has its own personality. No place is that truer than Atlanta. Discover what the South’s cultural capital has to offer as you immerse yourself in North America’s largest aquarium. Explore the wonders of the deep as you make friends with African Penguins, get a kiss from Harbor Seals at an exclusive animal encounter, and marvel as giant Whale Sharks glide overhead. Then journey along the 22-mile-long Atlanta BeltLine Trail to discover vibrant street art and some of the city’s most eclectic restaurants. But no matter what type of adventure you’re looking to have, the energy and character of Atlanta will take you someplace new. You’re ready for a Georgia getaway. Start your planning at ExploreGeorgia.org. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta |

@hesamusicman

DELIGHTS

3 J U S T A D D WAT E R

2 B R E A KO U T B U S T E R

Zit creams and makeup don’t always play well together, but skipping either isn’t an option when you have a flare-up. This derm-formulated salicylic acid treatment and primer does both jobs: It creates the ideal canvas while reducing and preventing blemishes. TO BUY: Acne & Oil Control Primer, $70; joriskincare.com.

Looking for travel-friendly cleansers? These lightweight powders deliver a satisfying head-to-toe wash when you mix them with H2O. TO BUY: Balancing Shampoo Powder, $24, Exfoliating Body Cleansing Powder, $24, and Purifying Facial Cleansing Powder, $28; seedphytonutrients.com.

4 SKIN SMO OTHER

For plumper skin from the neck down, I slather on this yummy body cream. It’s loaded with cacay oil, a plant-based retinol alternative that helps boost collagen production. My décolletage was the first spot to reap the benefits, with a noticeable reduction in crepiness. TO BUY: Beija Flor Elasti-Cream, $48; soldejaneiro.com.

5 M A K E U P M U LT I TA S K E R

This dreamy whipped formula in a cute pink tube harnesses the powers of a primer, concealer, BB cream, and powder. Even more impressive are its self-adjusting pigments that match and even out your complexion. Choose from six mattifying shades—each adjusts to cover a range of four skin tones. TO BUY: Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Matte Makeup, $15; maybelline.com.

32 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

If you want to bulk up wimpy strands, you’re going to love this in-shower treatment. Rice proteins volumize while oils condition and smooth for thicker-looking hair. TO BUY: Thickening Plumping Mask, $43; bumbleandbumble.com.

Apply root to tip post-shampoo, rinse, then airor blow-dry.

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

VA -VA -VO LU M I Z E R

thinking e r e r a is s ia r o s laque p p h it w g in v li le p Peo , like e k a m y e h t s e ic the cho

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

The ﬁrst and only pill approved by the FDA to treat all severities of plaque psoriasis

APPROVED USE Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION You must not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla. Otezla can cause allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Stop using Otezla and call your healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, raised bumps (hives), rash or itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Otezla can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially within the ﬁrst few weeks of treatment. Use in elderly patients and the use of certain medications with Otezla appears to increase the risk of complications from having severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if any of these conditions occur. Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression, or suicidal behavior while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla.

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

Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue taking Otezla. Some medicines may make Otezla less effective and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines. The most common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or planning to breastfeed. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088. Please see Brief Summary of Prescribing Information on the next page. *Only for eligible commercially insured patients. Subject to restrictions and limitations. © 2022 Amgen Inc. All rights reserved. 11/21 USA-407-81793

0 Co-Pay Program otezla.com/copay

See Before and After photos of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis patients.

Brief Summary of Prescribing Information Rx Only OTEZLA® (oh-TEZ-lah) (apremilast) Tablets This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. If you have any questions about OTEZLA® (apremilast), ask your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if OTEZLA is right for you. What is OTEZLA? OTEZLA is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. It is not known if OTEZLA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age. Who should not take OTEZLA? You must not take OTEZLA if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in OTEZLA. What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA? OTEZLA may cause serious side effects: Allergic Reactions, sometimes severe, occurred in some patients taking OTEZLA. Stop using Otezla and call your healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, raised bumps (hives), rash or itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms.

><:864482/,*468(6'&%$(8#",(/&<%(! 6448-+)&$! + $ 6/ *'% ' - 78 <%5630>:&5638 -:<+8 8) 8/<8 8 8

Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting have been reported in some patients taking OTEZLA and in some cases, patients required hospitalization. Most events happened within the first few weeks of starting OTEZLA and occurred more in patients taking medications to reduce blood pressure or in those patients 65 years of age or older. Tell your doctor if any of these occur. Depression was reported by some patients taking OTEZLA. Before taking OTEZLA, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior. You, your caregivers, and family members should be alert for the development or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, contact your doctor. Your doctor will determine whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. Weight loss occurred in some patients taking OTEZLA. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will consider whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. Some medicines should not be taken with OTEZLA as they may make OTEZLA less effective. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications. What should I tell my doctor before taking OTEZLA? Tell your doctor if you: • have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior • have any kidney problems • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OTEZLA can harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OTEZLA passes into your breast milk. What are the side effects of OTEZLA? • OTEZLA may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA?” • Common side effects of OTEZLA are: – diarrhea – nausea – headache – upper respiratory tract infection – tension headache These are not all the possible side effects with OTEZLA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General Information about OTEZLA Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in their package inserts. This is a Brief Summary of important information about OTEZLA. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more complete product information, or visit otezla.com, or call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952). © 2014-2021 Amgen Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DELIGHTS

LIFE 101

“A List of Memories Helped Me Move On” Af te r s e l l i n g h e r d re a m h o m e , T A R A W I N F I E L D p u t p e n to p a p e r a n d fo u n d p e rs p e c t i ve .

took a new job in a new city, we had no choice but to sell our house—a place I absolutely loved— in Naples, Florida. It had only been five years since we’d approved blueprints and selected our piece of land and our countertops and the clay tiles that would adorn our roof. It hadn’t been that long since we’d unloaded our dishes into our brandnew cabinets and hung pictures on our pristine walls. Within a few months of living there, we’d put in a pool, designed to our exact specifications. We had palm trees in our yard. Palm trees! I cried when we signed the contract to sell, and again when the movers packed up our things. I cried when I cleaned the house one last time before handing over the keys to our real estate agent. And then I made a list. I didn’t want to forget a single aspect of the house I loved so much. The amazing water pressure in the shower. The variegated ginger plants under the dining room

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

W H E N M Y H U S BA N D

window. The way the light fixture over our kitchen table reflected off the pool at night. I filled two pages in my journal, and like magic, I felt a little better. Then I took it one step further, listing all the less-than-perfect things about our “perfect” house. To my surprise, that list was even longer than the first. The way our spare-room-turned-home-office was always a little colder than the rest of the house. The relentless weeds in the front yard. The creepy neighbor with all the security cameras. The snake that routinely found its way into the garage. Despite the house’s flaws, my eyes still get a little watery when I think about the front doors where I’d stand and watch afternoon storms roll in. But while I might not live in that house anymore, I’ve captured it on a few pieces of paper. I can look at my lists anytime I want and remember— the good, the bad, the palm trees. TARA WINFIELD IS A FREELANCE COPYWRITER AND EDITOR. SHE LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND AND PUG, PEARL, IN CENTRAL FLORIDA (WHERE OAKS OUTNUMBER PALM TREES).

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

A ONE-MINUTE WORKOUT

HOW TO TR AVEL WITH PETS

DRESSING IN COLOR

GUIDES

SIMPLE TWIST

Tomatoes Aren’t Real (Birds Are)

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

You grow fruits and veggies to feed yourself, not a flock of ravenous birds. But you can bamboozle the little buggers—and save your tomatoes from ruin—by hanging a red ornament on your plant just as it begins to flower. Certain birds are drawn to tomatoes because they essentially see them as water fountains in the summer heat. The ornament mimics the juicy fruit, so they try to peck it for a drink, says Christina Reid, a gardening expert at Texas A&M University. “After making several visits without quenching their thirst, the birds will likely avoid your tomatoes,” Reid says. (Don’t worry—they’ll find another water source.) So long, suckers! —Brandi Broxson

Photograph by Greg DuPree

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

GUIDES

THINGS COOKS KNOW

Anchovies

All About Umami Sto c k u p o n a few k i tc h e n sta p l e s to wo r k th e “ f i f th ta ste” i nto yo u r fa vo r i te d i s h e s a n d t u r b o - b o o st th e i r y u m ! BY L I Z Z Y B R I S K I N

Aged Cheeses Firm, mature cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, and Cheddar, are full of glutamate. “A sharp taste is a sure sign of umami in cheese,” says Nik Sharma, author of The Flavor Equation. Keep adding Parm to pasta and Cheddar to grilled cheese, but don’t stop there. “Enrich tomato sauce with a few spoonfuls of grated Parm. Simmer rinds in soups for extra depth,” Sharma suggests. Fold Cheddar into piecrusts and waffle batter, make cheese-stuffed meatballs, or stir Parm into guacamole for a flavor bomb of a dip. USE THEM:

Miso Paste and Soy Sauce Fermented soybeans are another glutamate powerhouse. They’re the key ingredient in toasty, savory soy sauce and thick, nutty miso paste. Reach for them instead of salt to add complexity. “A bit of miso can upgrade nearly any bland dish,” says Namiko Hirasawa Chen, creator of the blog Just One Cookbook. Whisk a teaspoon or two into dressing, make flavored mayo for sandwiches, mix into baked goods, or add a dollop to oatmeal topped with a jammy egg. (Fun fact: Yolks are also high in umami!) USE THEM:

Umami can be hard to describe. Often called the fifth taste (after sweet, sour, salty, and bitter), the concept hails from Japan, where it roughly translates to “essence of deliciousness.” And that’s a great place to start! Umami adds savoriness to your cooking thanks to glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid that, when it hits receptors on your tongue, alerts your brain that something very tasty is going on. Here’s what to buy and how to use it.

38 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Salting, aging, and canning these tiny fish makes them more flavorful. Worcestershire and Asian fish sauces get their wow factor from anchovies, so grab those too. Boost salad dressings (especially Caesar), marinades for meat and vegetables, pasta sauces, and fresh salsas. “Balance the flavor of fish sauce with a little sugar and a splash of acid, like vinegar or lime juice,” Sharma says. USE THEM:

Fermented Vegetables Kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented veggies capture tart, punchy flavors in a jar. During fermentation, yeast and bacteria can increase glutamate levels to give these condiments major umami. “Add chopped kimchi to marinades, fried rice, and stir-fries, or fold a cup or two of fermented vegetables into soups and stews,” Sharma says. Just remember that fermented foods are often preserved in salt, so go lighter with that shaker. USE THEM:

Mushrooms In general, darker mushrooms, like shiitakes, portobellos, and creminis, are higher in umami. Dried versions have an even more concentrated flavor. Cooking amps up umami, so for the most oomph, go beyond raw. “Make a simple broth by soaking dried shiitake mushrooms in cold water overnight. Use it to cook grains, simmer vegetables, or make savory custards,” Chen suggests. Or sauté a medley of fresh shrooms to top tacos, pasta, or pizza. USE THEM:

Stir Parm into guacamole for a flavor bomb of a dip!

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GUIDES

H E A LT H Y AT H O M E

Bite-Size Workouts I f yo u ’re c o n sta nt l y st re ss e d a n d t i m e p re ss e d , wo r r y n ot ! Yo u c a n g et h e a l th a n d e n e rg y - b o o st i n g b e n ef i t s fro m a ste a d y d i et of exe rc i s e “ s n a c ks .” BY JE SSIC A MIGAL A

to start a running routine or that thrice-weekly cycling class, but you currently can’t find the time, or the motivation, or the will to put on spandex. So why not have a snack instead? A workout snack, that is—a brief bout of exercise, as short as a minute, that, done consistently, can yield surprising health perks. “The number one barrier to working out is lack of time,” says Martin Gibala, PhD, professor of kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Exercise snacks help you grab movement opportunities whenever you can. Many can be done in a small space in your home or office, don’t require equipment, and may not even make you sweat. Emerging research shows that exercise snacks target two important components of fitness: cardiovascular health and metabolic health, both of which are linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Gibala says. Official guidelines still recommend moderate exercise, but—good news!— experts now say every minute counts, and they add up: Three 10-minute spurts are as good as one 30-minute session. And since the first minute can be the hardest, once you get started, you might just find you’re ready for a full “meal.” So whether you have one minute or 10, here’s how to sneak in activity. (Just check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise program.)

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

S O M E DAY YO U ’ R E G O I N G

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JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

GUIDES

1 Minute Stair Climbing

I F YO U H AV E T RY

Take 20 seconds to go up and down a flight of stairs, and repeat three times. “Doing this regimen three times a week improves cardiorespiratory fitness by 5 to 10 percent over six weeks— the same improvement you’d see if you walked for 30 minutes three times a week,” says Jonathan Little, PhD, associate professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Move as fast as is safe for you: If you feel like bounding right up, great, but if a determined plod is what you can manage, that works too.

3 Minutes T RY Hourly Metabolism Boosters I F YO U H AV E

This will get your blood pumping— literally. Set a reminder for every hour of the workday to do squats, lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, or step-ups (step up and down one stair) for 20 seconds. Repeat up to eight times throughout the day. Little’s research has shown that these brief spurts improve insulin response (and as a result, blood sugar control) and blood flow in the legs, especially compared with sitting on your duff all day. Make your effort a 7 on a 1-to-10 scale. Meaning, go for as many squats as your tush can take without exhausting yourself.

42 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Good news! Experts now say every minute of exercise counts, and they add up: Three 10-minute spurts are as good as one 30-minute session.

5 to 7 Minutes A Circuit Workout

I F YO U H AV E T RY

Here are three full-body, warp-speed options from Chris Ryan, a personal trainer in New York City. Warning: You will get sweaty, so make sure you’re not hopping on a Zoom call right away.

4 Minutes Beginner Intervals

I F YO U H AV E

W O R KO U T # 1

T RY

Hold a high plank (a push-up position with elbows straight) for 30 seconds.

While watching TV, get up every 10 minutes and walk in place (or march, or run!) at a moderate to vigorous pace for one minute, Gibala suggests. Or do a series of modified squats onto a chair— put a pillow on the chair if dropping down into the squat is really challenging. You can also do beginner burpees: Place your hands on the floor, step back with one foot, then the other, and then step in toward your hands and stand up. Repeat for a total of four intervals.

5 Minutes Gentle Walking

I F YO U H AV E T RY

Walk around your office, your home, or outside for five minutes. Do this as many times as you can throughout the day. Sedentary adults who took walk breaks six times during the workday boosted their mood, decreased fatigue, and had fewer food cravings than those who walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes in the morning or sat for six hours straight, a study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found. Movement enhances circulation and can increase hormones and chemicals that stimulate your brain, helping you feel more alert and energetic.

Do modified push-ups (from your knees) for 30 seconds. Do squats for 30 seconds. Repeat for five to seven minutes.

W O R KO U T # 2

March in place with high knees for 20 seconds. Hold a high plank and do shoulder taps (touch each hand to the opposite shoulder) for 20 seconds. Repeat for five to seven minutes.

W O R KO U T # 3

Warm up by marching in place, driving knees and arms high, for 60 seconds. Do burpees for one minute, then rest for 60 seconds. Do sumo squats (feet slightly wider than hip width, toes pointed out) while holding dumbbells for one minute, then rest for 60 seconds. Do shoulder presses with weights for one minute, then rest for 60 seconds.

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GUIDES

A N D D O N ’ T F O RG E T T H E AC T U A L S N A C K S

10 Minutes 30-Second Sprints

I F YO U H AV E T RY

Alternate short bursts of intense activity with longer bursts of moderate activity. Walk for one to two minutes, then jog for 30 seconds, and repeat. Or do 30-second sprints on a bike, followed by leisurely one-to-two-minute cruises. Interval training boosts fitness and burns more calories than steadypaced movement. Researchers at the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin found that four seconds of a “super sprint” (in a lab environment with special bikes, so don’t try it at home!) can improve lean body mass and respiratory fitness.

44 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Smart snacking helps you stay energized for mini workouts and other challenges the day may bring. The best formula, says Amy Goodson, RD, a certified strength and conditioning specialist in Frisco, Texas, is a combo of high-fiber carbs and protein every few hours. A few of her favorite ideas: · Whole-grain crackers and cheese · Greek yogurt and fruit · Fruit and string cheese · Whole-grain granola bar and almonds · Fruit and a hard-boiled egg · Whole-grain toast with peanut butter · Apple with peanut butter

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GUIDES

RO OM Rx

Brighten Up a Dark Den I nte r i o r d e s i g n e r C A N D A C E G R I F F I N s h ows h ow to m o d e r n i ze a wo o d - p a n e l e d ro o m . BY E R I C A F I N A M O R E

My den is covered in wood paneling, which makes it dark and seem like a relic of the ’80s. How can I freshen up the room without removing the paneling? —Jean Clark, homeowner in Azle, Texas

BEFORE

FA K E A B I G G E R S PA C E

LET THERE BE LIGHTS

BRING IN COLOR

Paint over the panels with a neutral color (and a good layer of primer). The lighter shade will open up the room and turn the fireplace into a focal point. TO BUY: Valspar Gilded Linen Interior Paint, $40 per gallon; lowes.com.

Dress up the fireplace by flanking it with sconces. You don’t even have to hire an electrician—just shop for battery-operated options you can add anywhere, sans wiring. TO BUY: Emily Cordless Wall Sconce, $225; modern lantern.com.

Incorporate throw pillows in cool patterns and unexpected textures. Potted plants instantly enliven any room. Choose ones that thrive in lower light, like ZZ and snake plants. TO BUY: ZZ Plant, $52; thesill.com.

RO U N D I T O U T W I T H A M I R RO R

52 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

A mirror will make the room seem larger; a rounded frame is fun and on trend. TO BUY: Project 62 Over the Mantel Mirror, $70; target.com. 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

FEELS LIKE A SUMMER DREAM. From the first furniture piece to the fresh finishing touches, The Home Depot® has endless options to define your style and complete your room. Shop at homedepot.com/decor to get free and flexible delivery* with easy returns. *Free delivery on select items over $45

GUIDES

SPOTLESS

S P R AY T H E D I R T A W AY Yo u ’ ve s e e n i t o n T i k To k . N ow t r y i t o n th e d e c k . H o o k u p th e h o s e a n d c l e a n th e g r i m i e st o u td o o r st u f f w i th th e s e t i p s fo r p re ss u re wa s h i n g .

G E T T Y I M AG ES

BY E R I C A F I N A M O R E

54 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

“

It looks so beautiful, I can’t believe it’s not real wood! And I love that it will last forever*. Bobby Berk Design Expert and Emmy-nominated host of Queer Eye

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GUIDES

Water Works That thing that blasts out water like a canon? It’s a pressure washer, and it delivers some of the most satisfying grungy-to-gleaming results. This machine can be as small as a canister vacuum or as large as a lawn mower, and it attaches to your garden hose. Water gets pressurized in the drum and shoots out of your chosen attachment—a brush, disk, or nozzle— with enough force to remove stains, dirt, mildew, moss, and [choose your own scourge of homeownership]. B L A S T F RO M T H E P S I

Pressure washers are classified by strength—the pounds per square inch, or PSI, of water pressure. Light-duty models run from 1,200 to 1,900 PSI and are best for projects like washing your car. (By comparison, the average garden hose hooked up to a nozzle will probably max out at around 250 PSI.) Medium-strength models deliver about 2,000 to 2,500 PSI and are great for cleaning the garage floor, driveway, and patio furniture. Those above 2,500 PSI can remove paint, rust, and graffiti—and are pretty hard-core.

Water alone can clean quite a bit, but for extra oomph, add some white vinegar to the tank.

storage shed, getting the slime off your paver patio—call for an electric or lower-powered gas version. Both Craftsman and Ryobi have models for less than $300; you can also rent one from a home improvement store like Lowe’s or the Home Depot.

the smaller the angle, the stronger the pressure. A 40-degree nozzle is usually the gentlest, ideal for windows and patio furniture. A zerodegree nozzle has a direct, forceful stream that can eradicate grime between concrete slabs but would damage the paint on your car. Other attachments, like a surface cleaner for driveways, can be bundled with certain units or bought separately.

Don’t… F I N D A S O LU T I O N

Pressurized water alone can clean quite a bit, but for extra oomph, add a cleanser like white vinegar or Krud Kutter to the machine’s tank. If you’re using the proper cleaning agents and the stain still won’t budge, leave it to a professional.

OV E R E S T I M AT E P O W E R N E E D E D

Bigger isn’t always better. Really heavy pressure can strip paint, dent vinyl siding, or splinter wood. M I X WAT E R A N D H E I G H T S

If a job requires getting on your roof or a high ladder, call a pro.

Do… TEST IT OUT

P LU G A N D P L AY ( A N D S P R AY )

Gas-powered options are generally very strong and noisy and offer more pressure than your li’l ol’ weekend chore requires. Most home projects— cleaning the clapboards on your

Wash a small, discreet area and let it dry fully before tackling the entire project. This way you can be sure you’re not using too much pressure or cleaning solution. O U R E X P E RT S K N O W YO U R N O Z Z L E S

Most pressure washers come with a set of nozzles that determine the angle of the water spray. In general,

JENNA BYRNE, ASSOCIATE PRODUCT MANAGER AT RYOBI TOOLS AUSTIN JOYNER, COMMERCIAL POWER WASHER (@GOTDATPRESSURE ON TIKTOK) GARY McCOY, LOWE’S STORE MANAGER IN MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

56 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

High blood pressure * minor joint pain ? Pain relievers may affect blood pressure. TYLENOL® is the #1 doctor recommended pain relief brand for those with high blood pressure.

If you have questions on whether TYLENOL® is right for you, talk to your doctor. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED.

*TYLENOL® is indicated for the temporary relief of minor pain of arthritis. Do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor. ©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2022

GUIDES

2022 REAL SIMPLE HOME PREVIEW

Beach House Dreams Eve r y ye a r, we a s k o u r fa vo r i te d e s i g n e rs to b r i n g th e i r i d e a s a n d c re a t i v i t y to th e R E A L S I M P L E H o m e . T h i s t i m e , we’re sta r t i n g w i th a 20 05 h o u s e i n Ro s e m a r y B e a c h , F l o r i d a , th a t ’s re a d y fo r a f u n c t i o n a l a n d i nv i t i n g re f re s h . Two of th e d e s i g n e rs s h a re th e i r m o o d b o a rd s fo r t ra n sfo r m i n g th i s s p a c e . BY L E S L I E CO RO N A A N D E R I C A F I N A M O R E

“The tile reminds me of a crane. It nods to the beach but isn’t too on the nose.” Gina’s Plan

Gina Gutierrez G I N A R AC H E L L E D E S I G N @ginarachelledesign

Navy paint on the wood trim will unify the kitchen and dining area. SPL ASHY TILE

Gina would like the kitchen’s white subway tile replaced with handmade clay pieces. THE GOAL

A Relaxing Kitchen and Dining Area The challenge, Gina says, is to embrace the home’s beach vibes—it’s a few minutes’ walk from the stove to the sand—without creating a coastal cliché. So she’s going with subtle references and a calm palette of mint and navy, evoking the ocean.

M U LT I TA S K I N G S I N K

A customizable workstation sink will simplify meal prep— chop veggies on the board, then swoosh stems, peels, and pits into the sink. LIGHT HOUSE

Gina plans to add nauticalinspired brass fixtures over the island and swing-arm sconces by the stove. Leaf Tiles, $57 per sq. ft.; tesstile.com. Fern Kitchen Island, $3,498; anthropologie.com. Valspar Paint in Pitch Cobalt, from $26 per gallon; lowes.com. Princeton Long Sconce, from $368; schoolhouse.com. Elkay Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Workstation Sink Kit, $1,643; elkay.com for info. Cobb Counter Stool with Back, $389; rejuvenation.com. TO BUY:

58 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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

Gina, based in Sebastopol, California, began designing in 2012, after 15 years as a trainer and gym business partner. Her style is traditional with a twist: She mixes sleek contemporary decor with vintage pieces and gravitates toward bright colors.

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GUIDES

Clara Jung B A N N E R DAY I N T E R I O R S @bannerdayinteriors

Clara started her career in corporate law before launching her firm in 2014. The Berkeley, California– based designer favors a slightly mismatched aesthetic. She rounds out a few new pieces with vintage finds and art, so a room looks like it’s been decorated over time— not overnight.

Clara’s Plan WA L L-TO -WA L L I N S P O

The forest mural (top) will cover one wall in the suite, setting the tone and the palette. SOFT L ANDING

The pale cream color of the bed will pop against the darker tones of the wall mural behind it.

THE GOAL

A Bedroom with the Feel of a Boutique Hotel

Clara wants artwork that connects to the room’s color scheme of green, gold, and rust. S I D E P I EC E This modern take on a Windsor chair is small enough to tuck under the desk when not in use.

Clara plans to use a desk as a nightstand, so it can serve double duty in the small space. S TA I N P O W E R

No need to be matchy-matchy with wood tones. An ebonystained chair at an oak desk brings character. TO BUY: Imaginarium Mystic

Mural, from $1,148; fineanddandy company.com. Camilla Bed, from $699; westelm.com. Cade Upholstered Wood Bench, $795; interiordefine.com. Season’s Echo by Jennifer Daily, from $24; minted.com. Fallon 48" Writing Desk, $1,999; potterybarn.com. Millbrook Dining Chair, $998; serenaandlily.com.

60 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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

Clara loves rooms that are packed with vibrant colors, fun prints, and layers of textiles and textures. She always starts the process by choosing inspirational images, then she builds from there. For the primary suite, she’s designing around a mural that reminds her of trees in the Florida Panhandle.

C O LO R FO R M S

DON’T JUST PAINT IT. PROTECT IT. Made with advanced water-beading technology, Valspar Defense does more than just look great. It’s made for exceptional moisture protection.

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GUIDES

PETS

Traveling with Your Fur Babies O f c o u rs e yo u wa nt to ta ke th e m w i th yo u w h e n yo u h e a d o u t of tow n . Bu t th e re a re a few th i n g s to c o n s i d e r f i rst .

If You’re Flying

If You’re Driving

Once You Arrive

Think you’re uncomfortable on a plane? It’s even less fun for animals. When you can, leave your pets at home. If you must bring them, you can either carry them into the cabin with you or place them in cargo. (Trained service animals fly free with passengers; notably, in late 2020, the Department of Transportation stopped considering emotional support animals to be service animals.) In the cabin, your pet needs to be in a ventilated carrier that both fits under the seat in front of you and lets your pet stand up and turn around comfortably. So yes, this is truly only an option for very small animals. You’ll likely have to pay a pet fee around $100 each way, and the carrier may count as a carry-on or personal item. A few airlines— including Alaska, American, and Hawaiian— offer cargo transport, but not on every flight. If you have to use cargo, book a direct flight, and travel on that same flight.

On a road trip, secure your pets to keep them from distracting you while you drive and to prevent injury in an accident. Use gear designed for travel, like a carrier that belts into the backseat, a crate that connects to anchor points in the cargo area, or a harness that attaches to a seatbelt, such as the Clickit Sport Plus (from $103.50; sleepypod.com). To avoid a different kind of accident, don’t feed your pet a full meal for 6 to 12 hours before departing (you can sneak in a few snacks), and offer small amounts of water frequently. If your dogs like to sing along to the radio—i.e., bark for the entire trip—talk with your vet about training methods or, in severe cases, sedatives that can help relax them.

At your destination, close cats in the bathroom with food, water, and a litter box for about an hour so they have a chance to eat and relieve themselves. It’s natural for dogs to urine mark inside a new place, so take them on a walk before check-in. Then set up their beds, bowls, and any toys you’ve brought to make your temporary digs feel more familiar. Keep dogs leashed as you lead them through the new space for the first time, then treat them like puppies who aren’t fully potty-trained until you head home. If your hotel or rental allows pets to be left alone (and yours don’t suffer from separation anxiety), close the curtains, turn on a lamp and the TV, and crate them—away from the front door, so they’re not bothered by outside noise. If space is an issue, look for a collapsible crate, like the Love’s Cabin Portable Pop-Up Dog Kennel ($20; amazon.com).

O U R E X P E RT S ANDREA ARDEN, FOUNDER AND CEO OF ANDREA ARDEN DOG TRAINING IN NEW YORK CITY ANGELICA DIMOCK, DVM, SHELTER VETERINARIAN AT THE ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY IN GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA LINDSEY A. WOLKO, FOUNDER OF THE CENTER FOR PET SAFETY

62 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

G E T T Y I M AG ES

BY J U N O DEM E LO

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OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for short-term and non-continuous treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised people 12 and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended.

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INDICATION AND USAGE OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for short-term and non-continuous treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised people 12 and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended. The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics for atopic dermatitis, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION OPZELURA cream is for use on the skin only. Do not use OPZELURA cream, in your eyes, mouth or vagina. OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: Serious Infections: OPZELURA cream contains ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are medicines that affect your immune system. JAK inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to ﬁght infections. Some people have had serious infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died from these infections. Some people have had serious infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with OPZELURA. OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. You should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA. Increased risk of death from all causes, including sudden cardiac death, has happened in people taking JAK inhibitors by mouth. Cancer and immune system problems: OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Some people have had lymphoma and other cancers while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, especially if they are a current or past smoker. Some people have had skin cancers while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your skin during your treatment with OPZELURA. There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or cardiac death in people with cardiovascular risk factors and who are current or past smokers while using JAK inhibitors to treat inﬂammatory conditions. Blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking OPZELURA. This may be life-threatening. Low blood cell counts: OPZELURA may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), and low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). If needed, your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your blood cell counts during your treatment with OPZELURA and may stop your treatment if signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts happen. Cholesterol increases: Cholesterol increase has happened in people when ruxolitinib is taken by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides. Before starting OPZELURA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have an infection, are being treated for one, or have an infection that keeps coming back • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system • have or had TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB • have had shingles (herpes zoster) or hepatitis B or C • live, have lived in, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or become more severe if you use OPZELURA. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common. • think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:

◦ blood in your phlegm ◦ diarrhea or stomach pain ◦ weight loss ◦ warm, red, or painful ◦ burning when you skin or sores on your urinate or urinating more often than body usual ◦ feeling very tired • have ever had any type of cancer, or are a current or past smoker • have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past • have high cholesterol or triglycerides • have or have had low white or red blood cell counts • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OPZELURA will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for individuals who use OPZELURA during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should report exposure to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPZELURA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about 4 weeks after the last dose. After starting OPZELURA: • Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. OPZELURA can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infections that you have. • Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while using OPZELURA, including: ◦ fever, sweating, or chills ◦ muscle aches ◦ cough or shortness of breath

◦ discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back ◦ severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw ◦ pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach ◦ shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort ◦ breaking out in a cold sweat ◦ nausea or vomiting ◦ feeling lightheaded ◦ weakness in one part or on one side of your body ◦ slurred speech • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots during treatment with OPZELURA, including: swelling, pain or tenderness in one or both legs, sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain, or shortness of breath or difﬁculty breathing. • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening of any symptoms of low blood cell counts, such as: unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, shortness of breath or fever. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most common side effects of OPZELURA include: pain or swelling in your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis), diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) count, hives, inﬂamed hair pores (folliculitis), swelling of the tonsils (tonsillitis), and runny nose (rhinorrhea). These are not all of the possible side effects of OPZELURA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. Please see the Brief Summary of the Medication Guide for OPZELURA on the next page. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

ELIGIBLE PATIENTS MAY

COPAY SAVINGS CARD

PAY AS LITTLE AS

PER TUBE FOR OPZELURA* *Terms & Conditions apply

Brief Summary of Medication Guide for OPZELURA™ (ruxolitinib) Cream After starting OPZELURA, call your healthcare provider What is OPZELURA? right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin OPZELURA can make you more likely to get infections (topical) for short-term and non-continuous treatment or make worse any infections that you have. of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised people 12 and older whose • Increased risk of death from all causes, including sudden cardiac death, has happened disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended. in people taking JAK inhibitors by mouth. • Cancer and immune system problems. The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers biologics for atopic dermatitis, other JAK inhibitors, or by changing the way your immune system works. strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or Some people have had lymphoma and other cancers cyclosporine is not recommended. while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, especially if they It is not known if OPZELURA is safe or effective in are a current or past smoker. Some people have had children less than 12 years of age. skin cancers while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare Important: OPZELURA cream is for use on the skin provider will regularly check your skin during your only. Do not use OPZELURA cream, in your eyes, treatment with OPZELURA. Tell your healthcare mouth or vagina. provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. What is the most important information I should • Increased risk of major cardiovascular events know about OPZELURA? such as heart attack, stroke or death has happened OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: in people with cardiovascular risk factors and who are current or past smokers while using JAK • Serious Infections. OPZELURA contains ruxolitinib. inhibitors to treat inflammatory conditions. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Get emergency help right away if you have any Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while using medicines that affect your immune system. JAK OPZELURA, including: inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious ○ shortness of breath ○ discomfort in the infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, with or without center of your chest including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by chest discomfort that lasts for more bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout than a few minutes, ○ breaking out in a the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died cold sweat or that goes away from these infections. Some people have had serious ○ nausea or vomiting and comes back infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. ○ feeling lightheaded ○ severe tightness, ○ weakness in one part or pain, pressure, or ○ Your healthcare provider should watch you closely on one side of your body heaviness in your for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment chest, throat, neck, ○ slurred speech with OPZELURA. or jaw OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, ○ pain or discomfort in serious infection, including localized infections. You your arms, back, neck, should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind jaw, or stomach of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing • Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA. (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary Before starting OPZELURA, tell your healthcare embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking provider if you: OPZELURA. This may be life-threatening. • are being treated for an infection ○ Tell your healthcare provider if you have had blood • have had an infection that does not go away or that clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past. keeps coming back ○ Tell your healthcare provider right away if you • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak have any signs and symptoms of blood clots during immune system treatment with OPZELURA, including: • have TB or have been in close contact with • swelling, pain or tenderness in one or both legs someone with TB • sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain • have had shingles (herpes zoster) • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • have had hepatitis B or C • live in an area, or have lived in an area, or have traveled See “What are the possible side effects of to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and OPZELURA?” for more information about side effects. Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where Before using OPZELURA, tell your healthcare there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds provider about all of your medical conditions, of fungal infections. These infections may happen or including if you: become more severe if you use OPZELURA. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived • have an infection • have or had tuberculosis (TB), or have been in close in an area where these infections are common. contact with someone who has TB • think you have an infection or have symptoms of • have had shingles (herpes zoster) an infection such as: • have or had hepatitis B or C ○ fever, sweating, ○ weight loss ○ warm, red, or painful skin • have had skin cancer in the past or chills • are a current or past smoker or sores on your body ○ muscle aches ○ cough or shortness ○ diarrhea or stomach pain • have or have had low white or red blood cell counts ○ burning when you urinate • have high levels of fat in your blood (high cholesterol of breath or triglycerides) or urinating more often ○ blood in • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not than usual your phlegm known if OPZELURA will harm your unborn baby. ○ feeling very tired

• Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for individuals who use OPZELURA during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should report exposure to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPZELURA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about 4 weeks after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. What are the possible side effects of OPZELURA? OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPZELURA?” • Low blood cell counts. OPZELURA may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), and low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). If needed, your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your blood cell counts during your treatment with OPZELURA and may stop your treatment if signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts happen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening of any of these symptoms: ○ unusual bleeding ○ bruising ○ tiredness ○ shortness of breath ○ fever • Cholesterol increases. Cholesterol increase has happened in people when ruxolitinib is taken by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high levels of fat in your blood (high cholesterol or triglycerides). The most common side effects of OPZELURA include: • pain or swelling in your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis) • diarrhea • bronchitis • ear infection • increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) counts • hives • inflamed hair pores (folliculitis) • swelling of the tonsils (tonsillitis) • runny nose (rhinorrhea) These are not all of the possible side effects of OPZELURA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. Manufactured for: Incyte Corporation, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803 Issued: September 2021 PLR-OPZ-00011 OPZELURA is a trademark of Incyte. All rights reserved. U.S. Patent Nos. 7598257; 8415362; 8722693; 8822481; 9079912; 9974790; 10610530; 10639310; 10758543; 10869870 For more information go to www.Opzelura.com or call 1-855-463-3463

GUIDES

STYLE

C E L E B R AT E A N Y T H I N G !

If you’ve got places to go, grab a chameleon dress and style it up or down for a summer’s worth of social occasions. BY F L AV I A N U N E Z

WE AR THIS COLORFUL WR AP DRESS…

…T O A C O O KO U T

ST Y L I N G BY SA B R I N A G RA N D E

…O N A DAT E

So what if it’s a bright print? This comfortable wrap can be as dressy as an LBD. Pair it with classic neutral accessories, like pearl earrings and black heels. TO BUY: Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Georgette Dress, $145; ralphlauren.com. Double Drop Earrings, $75; mahrukhakulyjewelry.com. The Magnolia Bucket Bag, $148; victoriadunndesign.com. Tonika Heeled Sandal, $33; shoedazzle.com.

P h o t o g r a p h s b y Ke v i n S w e e n e y

A jean jacket and sandals are your best friends when you want a more casual look. TO BUY: Cinch Waist Denim Crop Jacket, $55; maurices.com. Big Mood Ring, $60; studiocult.co. Izzy Medium Shoulder Bag, $94; meliebianco.com. The Medio Woven Sandal, $198; mgemi.com.

… F O R A G R A D UAT I O N

The creamy cardi, earrings, and sandals play off the dress’s white flowers, and the teal bag adds an eye-catching contrast. TO BUY: Philippe Jumper, $125; sezane.com. Liana Stacked Disc Earrings, $98; katespade.com. Nanette Lepore Regina Convertible Shrunken Satchel, $25; marshalls.com. Mollie Sandal, $170; us.frankie4.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

GUIDES

WEAR THIS BUT TON-UP MIDI DRESS…

…W H I L E S I G H T S E E I N G

…T O A P O O L PA RT Y

The cool cotton is flowy and lightweight enough to wear as a cover-up. Plus: It’s machine washable! TO BUY: Ines de la Fressange Cotton Pintuck Long-Sleeve Dress, $60; uniqlo.com. Jude Packable Hat, $98, and Fabric Band, $28; gigipip.com. Trap Sunglasses, $88; mvmt.com. Glass Crystal Monogram Straw Market Bag, $150; rebeccaderavenel.com. Lilu Sandals, $95; tkees.com.

68 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Wearing the dress unbuttoned over pants turns plain old khakis and a tee into a cool daytime look. TO BUY: Sleeveless Supima Classic Top, $65; goodlifeclothing.com. Kellin Pleated Trouser, $128; pistoladenim.com. Sunny Rise Medium Drawstring Cross Body, $280; radleylondon.com. Women’s Champion Originals Sneakers, $50; keds.com.

…FOR A SHOWER

No tailor needed for this one—just cinch the waist with a bold belt. If it’s an outdoor party, opt for wedges, which won’t sink into the grass. TO BUY: Fairy Garden Earrings, $110; wedreamincolour.com. Square Marbled Buckle Stretch Belt, $48.50; shopburu.com. Jen Clutch with White Stone, $280; kayudesign.com. Castañer Chiara 80mm Espadrille Wedges, $115; farfetch.com.

E S PA D R I L L E W E D G E S , M O R N I N G G L O R Y M I N I T O T E , A N D H E D I H A N D B A G C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

WE AR THIS FLOR AL MA XI DRESS…

… AT A W E E K E N D B RU N C H

…T O A S U M M E R W E D D I N G

The key to making a sundress feel formal? Sleek gold heels, statement earrings, and a clutch. TO BUY: Nadira Dress, $278; thereformation.com. Navy Magenta Brass Half Circle with Stripe Long Fringe Earrings, $40; inkalloy.com. Kimora Clutch, $88; ninashoes.com. Tiff Dress Sandal, $125; naturalizer.com.

Accessorize with shoes, sunnies, and a bag that picks up the hues of the floral print. Throw a wrap blouse on top and—ta-da!—you’ve got a whole new outfit. TO BUY: Ivy Eyelet Top, $98; guess.com. Rhea Sunglasses, from $145; warbyparker.com. Morning Glory Mini Tote, $32; dippindaisys .com. Marc Fisher LTD Olgalia Slide, $150; marcfisherfootwear.com.

…FOR A WORK MEETING

A double-breasted blazer gives the tie shoulders and sweetheart neckline a promotion to office-appropriate attire. The structured bag and slingback heels don’t hurt either! TO BUY: Celsa Blazer, $169; heartloom.com. Ravello Hoops, $55; tenwilde.com. Hedi Handbag, $70; petaandjain.com. Nine West Hurry Pump, $95; dsw.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

S T Y L I N G B Y L I Z Z Y R O S E N B E R G ; M A K E U P B Y H O L LY G O W E R S U S I N G L A M E R AT T H E W A L L G R O U P ; H A I R B Y Y U K I K O TA J I M A U S I N G O R I B E AT S E E M A N A G E M E N T; M A N I C U R E B Y S H I R L E Y C H E N G U S I N G Z OYA AT S E E M A N A G E M E N T

GUIDES

BE AUT Y ROAD TEST

Feast for the Eyes D a r k c i rc l e s a n d p u f f i n e ss w i l l b e g o n e i n a w i n k . T h e s e s i x w i n n i n g t re a t m e nt s b r i g hte n , t i g hte n , s o oth e — a n d m a ke i t l o o k l i ke yo u s l e pt we l l ( eve n i f yo u d i d n’t ) . BY A N N E K E K N OT

P h o t o g r a p h b y F e l i x Wo n g

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

GUIDES

BEST FOR L A SHES

Twenty/Twenty Clean Sweep Mascara If you have sensitive eyes, go with this mascara: An ophthalmologist developed it to nourish and deﬁne lashes sans irritation. TO BUY: $28; trytwentytwenty.com.

ROAD TE ST B E S T DA R K C I RC L E T R E AT M E N T

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

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream This one lifts, ﬁrms, and smooths crepiness. It’s even gentle enough to slather on your lids. TO BUY: $55; kiehls.com.

StriVectin Super-C Dark Circle Eye Serum Send dark circles packing with this lightweight, potent blend of vitamin C and soothing botanicals. TO BUY: $65; strivectin.com.

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream Light-reﬂecting pigments and caﬀeine in this luscious, peptide-rich cream will help you look awake. TO BUY: $42; sephora.com.

B E S T PAT C H E S

Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask Eye patches are the ultimate for giving active ingredients a chance to sink in—but the single-use stickies get a bad rap because they’re not sustainable. Enter these reusable babies. Apply your favorite serum or cream under your eyes, then press these strips on top. When your me time is over, rinse the patches with soap and warm water, then return them to their travel-friendly tin. TO BUY: $25; dieuxskin.com.

B E S T A N T I -A G E R

Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick The lip-balm-like applicator makes for a mess-free (and more sanitary!) application, and retinol and peptides ﬁght ﬁne lines. TO BUY: $28; sephora.com.

72 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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 BRIGHTENER

HOW TO BUILD A BUG-OUT BAG

GIFTS FOR SUMMER CELEBR ATIONS

LIVES 5 PERSPECTIVES

Benefits with Friends D e e p p l a to n i c b o n d s a re fu n d a m e nta l to o u r s o c i a l l i ve s ( o bv i ! ) b u t a l s o o u r g row th a n d h e a l th .

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

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

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

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

LIVES

1 2

Fill your heart—and better your health.

Consider how friends fit into your life story. “I met one of my closest friends, Linda, at work 20 years ago. Deep friendships can help cushion difficulties and remind us we aren’t alone in our problems. Research suggests that friends are essential to our health, just like exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep. The benefits include reduced heart rate and lower risks of diabetes and depression. It’s a great comfort knowing that Linda is always there and keeping me healthy too.”

“When a friend asked me to write the obituary for his father, George, his family told me, ‘You have to talk about George’s friend Lenny.’ As I began writing, it became evident that much of George’s life was defined by this lifelong best friendship, and his obituary would’ve been incomplete without a mention of Lenny. Since then, I’ve always asked families, ‘What was it like to be this person’s friend?’ Their answers open another dimension to their memories. It’s inspired me to tell the people in my life how important they are to me. I want them to hear it from me now—not read about it in the newspaper.” KITTY SHEEHAN, COFOUNDER OF THE HEALING OBITUARY, A WRITING SERVICE AND TRAINING COMPANY

IRENE S. LEVINE, PHD, PSYCHOLOGIST AND CREATOR OF THE FRIENDSHIP BLOG

Research suggests that friends are essential to our health, just like exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep.

3 Verbalize your commitment.

“People tend to think of friendships as being easy all the time, but you have to continually opt in to get the most out of it. Since there’s nothing that legally or culturally binds platonic friends, the two of you must decide how to navigate big shifts, like moving, marriage, and children. Something as simple as saying, ‘I recognize that our routine is about to change, and I don’t want it to create any distance between us,’ is huge and can deepen friendships.”

Dare to be vulnerable.

AMINATOU SOW, COAUTHOR OF BIG FRIENDSHIP: HOW WE KEEP EACH OTHER CLOSE

“When I was a teenager, I started flying planes for an air service and heard of another young man, Larry, doing the same thing, 14 miles away. Our paths finally crossed at a party, and we formed a siblinglike friendship that’s lasted more than 60 years. Two decades ago, Larry’s wife called to say he was undergoing heart surgery. The pain of knowing that my wingman was down was unbearable. I was so grateful when he woke up from surgery that I bent down and kissed him on the forehead.” MIKE TRAHAN, RETIRED AIRLINE PILOT IN ARGYLE, TEXAS

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

5 Learn how to fight (and make up). “Eight years after I met my friend Erica, we founded an e-commerce site together. People like to say friends and business don’t mix, but we acknowledged our fears and practiced having arguments. If you’re considering a business partnership with a friend, first plan a complicated vacation or—as someone suggested—go white water rafting together. That way you’ll know how the other reacts when things go awry. If you both struggle to communicate when the stakes are low, that’s a sign that a professional relationship isn’t in the cards.” CLAIRE MAZUR, COHOST OF THE PODCAST A THING OR TWO

C R E AT E Y O U R S PAC E .

C RE ATE YO U R M O M E N T S. belgard.com/rooms

When Mom turned a babysitter cancellation into a peaceful night under the stars — these are the moments that we remember. And these moments are why we created Belgard Rooms to help inspire your next hardscape project.

LIVES

asleep at the wheel not to be thrown by news about all the catastrophes in the world, in our country, maybe in your state. And while disaster won’t affect everyone, superstorms, wildﬁres, and unrest hitting your news alerts on the regular is enough to ensure you don’t sleep at all. Being prepared can ease your worried mind, even if there’s the slimmest chance the worst will happen. Nearly half of us don’t have a stash of supplies—food, water, ﬁrst aid kits— according to the CDC. So consider packing an emergency, or “bug-out,” bag to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable if you ever need to stay with friends or family or at a relief center. YO U ’ D H AV E T O B E

Start with These Essentials T H E A C T UA L B A G O R B I N

FA M I LY

Got Your Go Bag? Le a r n exa c t l y w h a t to p a c k j u u u st i n c a s e yo u h a ve to l e a ve th e h o u s e q u i c k l y. BY K AT E RO C K W O O D

78 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

“A basic backpack, a duffel bag, or even a plastic storage container will serve you just fine,” says Jessica Kellogg, public information officer for the Emergency Management Department of the City of Los Angeles. If you have a car, keep your supplies in one or two oversize plastic tubs you can toss into your trunk. Bags should be sturdy, lightweight, and preferably waterproof. If you opt for one with wheels, make sure it also has handles for maximum portability. Check your items twice a year for expiration dates and outgrown kids’ clothes and diapers. Do it on the ﬁrst day of fall and spring, or set a calendar reminder.

Illustrations by Joel Holland

C O L D, H A R D C A S H

Be ready to go old-school and pay with paper. If the power or internet is down, then stores, hotels, and gas stations might only accept cash, and ATMs may be drained. If you can keep $100 per person in your bag, great—but even $5 a head is worthwhile. Have smaller bills, since “nobody is making change during a disaster,” says Soraya Sutherlin, a certified emergency manager and the safety director at the emergency prep company Judy. FO OD

Aim for at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food per person. Go with shelf-stable, high-protein options: jerky, energy bars, nut butter, nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, canned tuna and soups (look for pop-top lids). WAT E R

“Water is the liquid of life,” Sutherlin says. It also happens to be wicked heavy—a gallon weighs more than eight pounds. Emergency organizations, including FEMA, recommend at least one gallon per person for at least three days. That’s doable for a car trunk, but “no one is going to carry a gallon per day in their backpack,” says Pat Henry, editor of The Prepper Journal, a survival blog. He suggests sticking to what you can reasonably tote. Not to get too apocalyptic, but if you buy a singlewall, stainless-steel bottle (like the

Nearly half of Americans don’t have a stash of supplies (things like food, water, and first aid kits).

Preparedness for Women. “Having diarrhea when you’re sharing a bathroom with 500 people at a shelter is not fun.” 38-ounce Wide Mouth Steel Backpacker, $30; nalgene.com), you could boil water in it. And a portable water-filter system, like the 4-Liter GravityWorks (from $120; platy.com), can render water safe for drinking. FIRST AID KIT

Build your own (for a list of the CDC’s must-haves, visit cdc.gov) or grab a premade kit, like the ones from Adventure Medical Kits. The Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit ($30; adventuremedicalkits.com) weighs less than half a pound. Supplement your kit based on likely scenarios: For wildfires, you may need eye drops and inhalers. For flooding, you may need an antifungal cream to treat wet, itchy feet. Include a 7-to-10-day supply of any over-the-counter or prescription meds you use. Don’t forget antidiarrheal medication: “One cause of hospitalization after a disaster is diarrhea and other intestinal problems, because people are drinking dirty water and sharing bathrooms,” says Diane Vuković, author of Disaster

SLEEPING BAG

Odds are slim you’ll be roughing it in the wilderness. But a sleeping bag or a lightweight first aid blanket (SOL Emergency Blanket, from $5; rei.com) could come in handy at a shelter or in your car (remember that crazy 50-mile traffic jam on I-95 during a storm last winter?). “Hotels tend to book up all along the evacuation route, even several states away,” Vuković notes. CLOTHES

Throw in a few pairs of socks and underwear, plus some base layers for warmth. Bandanas can help with first aid and flagging down assistance, or serve as impromptu face masks. P E R S O N A L H YG I E N E P RO D U C T S

Hit the drugstore for travel toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, and shampoo. Since you might skip showers for a few days, grab baby wipes and hand sanitizer as well. Store menstrual products in a waterproof bag. M U LT I T O O L

YO U R C A R K I T Keep your trunk stocked with basics, like a spare tire in good condition, a tire iron, and a car jack. A tire inflator and foam tire sealant (for small holes) can also help in a pinch. If you have the space, toss in two quarts of oil and extra windshield wiper fluid. If not, keep them in the garage. A collection of area maps will be useful if GPS is a no-go.

This essential (from $35; leatherman .com, and the Camping Tool Card on page 84) can squeeze tools like a screwdriver, scissors, bottle opener, can opener, and knife into just a few inches, and weighs less than a pound.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

LIVES

Even the tiniest backpack can hold a list of family names and numbers, health issues or allergies, and doctors’ numbers.

a no-brainer. Just to be safe, pack your child’s regular size as well as the next size up, and update as your kid grows. C ARDS AND COLORED PENCIL S

Unlike crayons, colored pencils won’t melt (pack a small sharpener too). And in your downtime, you’ll be glad you have that deck of cards.

FL ASHLIGHT

Skip the rechargeable ones and pack extra batteries instead. Another convenient, hands-free option is a lightweight headlamp, like the GearLight ($22 for 2; amazon.com), if you can spring for one per person. S O L A R P H O N E C H A RG E R

Keep a portable charger for times when you can’t access an outlet. The Solar Charger Power Bank ($30; blavor.com) has a compass and flashlight and can handle light rain. F I R E S TA RT E R

Pack a couple of lighters—the ordinary, gas station variety will do. D O CUMENT BAG

Stash copies of essential paperwork, like passports, insurance policies, birth certificates, and social security cards, in a waterproof, fireproof document bag. Fullive sells multiple sizes (from $20; amazon.com).

80 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

C O M F O RT I T E M S

If You Have Kids, Add… FA M I LY P H O T O S

Not to say this will happen, but on the off chance you get split up and have to conduct a search, recent photos will be best.

If your child is a bookworm or can’t sleep without her stuffed animal, having spares can “add a huge layer of comfort,” Sutherlin says.

If You Have a Pet, Add… PET FO OD

E M E RG E N C Y L I S T

Even the tiniest backpack can hold a list of family names and numbers, health issues or allergies, and doctors’ numbers, along with details of your evacuation plan. If you’re worried about being separated in a crowd, you can write your number and other info on your child’s arm with a permanent marker, so bring one of those too. I N FA N T E S S E N T I A L S

If you’re nursing, pack formula and bottles so you won’t always have to be the one feeding the baby. Vuković likes disposable bottle inserts and nipples, “which are really good when you can’t clean anything.” Diapers are

Keep a few days’ worth in a zip-top bag. Also stash a collapsible water bowl and extra water, if you can. CARRIER AND LEASH

Consider a collapsible, lightweight crate. Label it with your contact info, and store a leash or harness inside. S A N I TAT I O N N E E D S

Pack a roll of poop bags or a small litter box and bag of litter. FA M I L I A R I T E M S

Favorite treats and toys can soothe your pet’s stress—and your own.

With the largest freshwater coastline and thousands o f i n l a n d l a k e s , i t ’s e a s y t o s e t y o u r c a r e s a d r i f t .

GIFT GUIDE

UNWR AP THE R AINBOW

For the full spectrum of summer occasions—graduations, weddings, parties, housewarmings, and Father’s Day— we’ve got colorful gifts that keep on Roy G. Biv-ing.

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

BY L E S L I E CO RO N A

MADE IN ALL THE SHADES

Your fave host can entertain with this colorfully revamped classic game, then use it as coffee table decor between gatherings. TO BUY: Colorful Backgammon Set, $99; store.moma.org.

82 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

P h o t o g r a p h b y J e f f r e y We s t b r o o k

1 T I DY- U P K I T

Great housewarming present alert: These brushes, bottles, and ecofriendly solutions clean deeply and look cute. TO BUY: Cleaning Kits, from $20; clothandbristle.com. 2 H A I R H E RO

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

An update on ye olde rag curls, this soft, squishy, and satin-wrapped styler creates waves while you sleep. Perfect for time-strapped moms. TO BUY: Curling Ribbon Kit, $42; heatlesshair.com.

2 1

3 G RO W T H O P P O RT U N I T Y

Now for a rhyme: An acorn nestles in the spout so you can watch an oak tree sprout. TO BUY: Acorn Vase, $45; store.moma.org.

4 TUNE D OWN SNIFFLES

Workforce newbies can style their desk with an old-school-radio tissue box. TO BUY: Retro Radio Inspired Tissue Box, $33; theapollobox.com.

5 B E S T F O O T F O RWA R D

Cool-kid teens will love scuﬄing around campus in these berrycolored sandals. TO BUY: Fig ReSlide, $58; girlfriend.com. 6 F L A S H I N T H E PA N S

A set of hardworking baking sheets—but make it fashion! TO BUY: Sheet Show, $85 for 3; greatjones.com.

7 H O T TA K E

Just a few drops of this Sichuan chili oil give a spicy kick to pizza and bland dorm food. TO BUY: Chili Pepper Oil, $18; ﬂybyjing.com.

A gift for the planet too: They’re made with old shoes and soybased plastics.

8 A P O U C H T H AT PA C K S D O W N

Honeymooners can head off with a tote for all their toiletries that collapses into a ﬂat, wallet-size pack. TO BUY: Fold-Up Wash Kit, $35; tourparavel.com. 9 SOUNDS OF SUMMER

This four-inch-tall Bluetooth speaker is waterproof (and ﬂoats!), so the fun won’t stop if it falls into the pool. TO BUY: Wonderboom 2, $100; ultimateears.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

1 P RO D U C E S E C T I O N

Keep pens, pencils, and sticky notes tidy and out of sight in a delightful plastic pear. TO BUY: Pear Pod Desktop Organizer, $20; store.moma.org. 2 G O L D S TA N DA R D

A special finish prevents this customizable gold necklace from tarnishing. Great for gym rats. TO BUY: Bar Necklace, $56; shopoxb.com. 3 JA R O F J OY

Mix this smooth mango treat into Indian-inspired dishes, or slather it on toast. TO BUY: Alphonso Mango Purée, $9; pureindianfoods.com.

4 B R I G H T YO U N G T H I N G

A new mom can destress with a quick face massage using this luxe oil. TO BUY: Have a Chill Day Face Oil, $48; chillhouse.com. 4 5 T I M E LY FA S H I O N

Dress up that Apple watch for the new job with an acetate band. TO BUY: Apple Watch Bands, $65 each; shopmachete.com. 6 M U LT I TA S K I N G C H A M P

Give the MacGyver in your life this card-size tool that starts fires, drives screws, and opens bottles and cans. TO BUY: Camping Tool Card, $35; tacticagear.com.

5 6

7 CRINGE-FREE ZO OMS

Welcome a grad to the workforce with pointers on the new way to meet (or interview). TO BUY: You’re On Mute by Jo Hoare, $10; quarto.com.

8 C U LT U R E D C O O K WA R E But wait, there’s more! It’s a ruler, sundial, and rope cutter.

This handmade Moroccan clay pot will impress meat lovers—its conical lid evenly distributes moisture to cook up delicious proteins. TO BUY: Hand-Painted Tagine, $70; bespokepost.com. 9 STICK SHIF T

9 7

84 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

One tip is soaked in whiskey, so these toothpicks are perfect for the pitmaster or mixologist in the fam. TO BUY: Single Malt No. 16 & Bourbon No. 22 2-Bottle Pack, $18 for 24; daneson.com.

1 CLEAN SWEEP

This leakproof bottle keeps drinks warm for hours, and the lid comes apart in seconds so you can degunk it. TO BUY: Good Grips Thermal Mug with SimplyClean Lid, $30; oxo.com.

3 2 HAPPY HOUR S

This does all the smartwatch things—texts, calls, tracks vitals— behind a chic analog face. TO BUY: Vivomove Sport, $180; garmin.com.

3 B A BY S H O W E R B A S I C

This bib morphs into an apron as baby grows up. TO BUY: Catch & Cover Bib, $18; miniware.com. P E A R O R G A N I Z E R A N D C A M P I N G T O O L C A R D : J E F F R E Y W E S T B R O O K ; P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y M I A K O K AT O H . 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

4 4 G E T YO U R G R E E N S

Oversize felt leaves serve as trivets, placemats, or, for the botanically challenged, wilt-resistant decor. TO BUY: Felt Monstera Leaf Trivet, from $16; graf-lantz.com. 5 TA B L E T O P P E R

A minimalist candleholder looks like modern art on a newlywed’s table. TO BUY: Landscape Candle Holder, $48; store.moma.org. 6 HAPPIER CAMPER

From the “What took ’em so long?” ﬁle: a lighter that works upside down, even in a stiff wind. TO BUY: Dissim Inverted Lighter, $48; bespokepost.com.

A dial adjusts the height of the flame.

7 S O L E M AT E S

A dad in your life will breeze through TSA PDQ with these hyper-comfy slide-on sneaks. TO BUY: Men’s Madrid Eco-Knit, $99; kizik.com.

8 DUTCH ON A DIME

The new couple will love the tilldeath-do-you-part durability of this enameled cast-iron pot. You’ll be enamored with the price. TO BUY: Our Table 6-Quart Dutch Oven, $75; bedbathandbeyond.com.

9 H AV E A S E AT

Gardeners can save their knees and perch on this portable stool, which includes a snap-off supply bag. TO BUY: Canvas Garden Stool, $48; shopterrain.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

1 MAKE IT A DOUBLE

New dog owners can pull their hair back in the scrunchie and treat their four-legged babies to the bandana. TO BUY: Scrunchie and Bandana Set, $37; thefoggydog.com.

2 BREAD WINNER The crumb tray slides out for easy cleaning.

It’s slim enough to fit on a dorm room desk, but big enough to toast bagels (a.k.a. dinner). TO BUY: Sowden Toaster, $95; us.hay.com. 3 P I E C E O N E A RT H

Give them the world…in the form of an engaging 1,000-piece puzzle made from a NASA image. TO BUY: The Earth Puzzle, $28; fourpointpuzzles.com. 4 HOLD TIGHT

This silicone-coated set has baking enthusiasts—and their hands and wrists—covered. TO BUY: Five Two Oven Mitts & Pot Holders, $60; food52.com.

3 4

5 A S C E N D T H E T H RO N E

Dad will be the king of the tailgate thanks to a camp chair with both cup holder and bottle opener. TO BUY: Emmett Folding Chair, from $189; trueplaces.com. 6 C AT C H S O M E R AY S

Teens can have screen-free fun with this sun-print kit. Place objects on the paper, expose to sunlight, and rinse with water for graphic cobalt art. TO BUY: Solar Photography Kit, $15; uncommongoods.com.

7 HANG OUT

This sturdy yet lightweight hammock bundles down to the size of a football, so honeymooners can swing and snooze wherever they trek. TO BUY: Travel Hammock, $42; gentlemenshardware.com. 7 8 DA D ’ S T O - D O L I S T

86 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Choose from dozens of activities— pick berries, watch fireworks, dance in the rain—and when you’re done with each, scratch away the silver coating. TO BUY: 100 Things to Do with Dad Bucket List Scratch Book, $35; blueribbongeneralstore.com.

1 C U T E C A R RYA L L

The early ’90s classic is back in a compact size for keeping cosmetics tidy in bookbags. TO BUY: Caboodles Take It Touch Up Tote, $13; claires.com.

2 PUPPY BOWL

Dog and design lovers will lap up the idea of a customized bowl. TO BUY: Color Duo Dog Bowl, $36; shouldwego.etsy.com. 3 C AT C H T H E WAV E

This rich cream deﬁnes curls (despite humidity) and smells like yummy candy. TO BUY: Hair Cream, $28; breadbeautysupply.com.

4 A BET TY LIFE

What we all need: a century’s worth of wisdom from the inimitable Betty White. TO BUY: Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Betty White by Juliana Sharaf, $15; alwaysﬁts.com. C A N D L E S : J E F F R E Y W E S T B R O O K ; P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y M I A K O K AT O H . P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

5 5 PA S S T H E B A R

Slide a gift certiﬁcate into this hybrid chocolate bar and card to make it extra sweet. TO BUY: Eat the Damn Chocolate, $9; sweetercards.com. 6 S O F T S OA P

Eco-friendly ingredients, like guava and red algae, will nourish an expectant mom’s skin. TO BUY: Island Orchid Body Wash, $12; saltair.com.

7 P U R E E J OY

Smoothie fans (and other home cooks) will love this powerful blender with all the bells and whistles of higher-end models. TO BUY: K400 Blender in Beetroot, $300; kitchenaid.com.

7 Luxury candles for less than $40? Sign us up!

8 LIGHT SHOW

Once the wax runs out, these candles’ ceramic canisters double as objets. TO BUY: Candles, $32 each; lordeseraphine.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

R O L R O U C O Y D L R O W

G — N I Y R O B J Y D L S N S A E — L R R E O A F I L E L F O R C O T U E LIN C R O A W Y O F Y M M HO M O A RG Y A E B B E N R A FEI L Y L HE ER C V T I E M O T S BY H P N I GRA OTO PH

Neutrals may be classic, but color is magic: When Dorothy opens her farmhouse door in Oz, that brilliant Technicolor makes it clear we’re not in Kansas anymore. What would The Wizard of Oz be without the Yellow Brick Road, the ruby slippers, the Emerald City? (Fun fact: L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz books books,, was also a windowdressing expert. Fun rumor: He chose green for the decadent city because it’s the color of money.) Color enchants our lives too. It can evoke memories and affect our moods. When people fall in love, or their depression lifts, they often say the world went from black-and-white to color. Yet so many of us play it safe, sitting in our black pants on our beige couches, because we don’t know where to start. Sound familiar? Don’t be blue. We’ve consulted a colorful roundup of experts to help you discover your ideal shades, if you’re stuck in neutral but ready to color outside the lines.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

E R B U O R YO D R WA You may not think twice about what the shade of your sweater does for your complexion, yet the right palette can turn you from Dickensian orphan to Disney princess. “A color is always affected by the color you put next to it, and that includes your face,” says Manina Weldon, founder of the London-based colorand-style consultancy Red Leopard. “When you know your best colors, you look healthy and energetic, and you’re more likely to feel that way too.” CO LO R YO U B E AU T I F U L At a Red Leopard consultation, you sit, makeup-free, in front of a mirror illuminated by natural light, while a series of swatches are placed under your chin, first to determine whether warm or cool shades (see “Color Theory 101,” below) suit you best, then to compare bright colors with soft. As in that 1980s favorite guidebook Color Me Beautiful, shades are keyed to the seasons. The Red Leopard palette includes autumn (warm, soft colors, such as rust), winter (cool, bright

COLOR THEORY 101: WARM VS. COOL As you may remember from your kindergarten color wheel, every color is some combo of the three primary hues—red, yellow, and blue. And any color can be cool or warm: A warm shade has more yellow in the blend, and a cool shade has more blue. On the right are a few colors to kick off your journey. A note on skin tone: If you’re lighter-skinned with yellow undertones or darker-skinned with golden undertones, you’re probably warm. If you have lighter skin with pink undertones or darker skin with red undertones, you’re likely cool.

90 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

WA R M

COOL

TOMATO

CHERRY

BUTTER

LEMON

AVOCADO

SHAMROCK

AQUAMARINE

SAPPHIRE

colors, such as jewel tones), spring (warm, bright colors, such as coral), and summer (cool, soft colors, such as pastels). To re-create the experience at home, gather “swatches” (they can be anything–scarves, T-shirts, dinner napkins) and hold first a warm, then a cool version of the same color against your face. It’s easier to see the difference when you’re comparing shades of the same color (for instance, a tomato red and a burgundy), as opposed to apple green and orange. Finding your palette does not limit you to wearing two or three colors for eternity, Weldon hastens to add. “You can wear every color—there’s a red or a green out there for everybody. If Kelly green is not for you, try jade.” There’s just one color, she says, that doesn’t have a shade for everyone…

BREAK UP WITH BLACK If you live in black, you might want to sit down for this one: “Black is really only for winters,” says Rachel Saunders, a stylist at Red Leopard. (A typical winter has high-contrast coloring, such as fair skin with dark hair.) If you think you have to stick to black because it’s figure-flattering, cast off that notion like a dirty shirt, says Katie Sturino, a style blogger and the author of Body Talk: How to Embrace Your Body and Start Living Your Best Life. “Bright colors and loud prints are what I feel most confident in. Fashion is for everyone. We shouldn’t have to follow rules that have been set by society.”

A C C E S S O R I Z E S T R A T E G I C A L LY You may look smashing in chartreuse, but that doesn’t mean you need a jumpsuit. Instead, ease in with accessories. And if you love baby blue but it doesn’t complement you, “do a scarf or earrings in one of your colors to balance it out,” says Carla Rockmore, a jewelry designer and content creator who offers outfit inspiration on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. “I love nudes, but I look like death in them. If I wear a strong lip and a lot of blush, though, I can get away with it.”

C O M B I N E C R E A T I V E LY You’re probably used to pairing every top in your closet with basic black pants. “But it’s a richer, more harmonious look to combine two colors in your palette,” Saunders says. “Just make sure both shades are the same intensity—you wouldn’t want to pair a vivid electric blue with a soft rosewood.”

W E A R C O U R A G E O U S LY

VIOLET

L AVENDER

Want to don head-to-toe green on St. Patrick’s Day? The secret to making it chic is to consider it a confidence game, Rockmore says: “Don’t stand there with a face that says, ‘What do you think?’ Walk out and think, ‘I could run the world.’”

Y T U A E E N I B T R U U O RO Y The rows of pink and purple powders at the makeup store can be as tempting as a candy counter. Yet you walk on by, fearing they’ll make you seem garish and delusional, as if you were hoping to land a role on Euphoria. But color can be your best friend if you choose wisely and apply judiciously—and it has no expiration date, says New York City makeup artist Todd Harris: “I think some people have been told that after 45, color ages you, but I don’t think that’s true. Color on older women can really bring life to the face.” W H E N I N D O U B T, S H E E R I T O U T

F L I P YO U R L I D S When you’re ready to get crazy and explore the more unconventional shades in that 16-pan eye palette you got for the holidays, “put the shadow on your lids only, just above the lash line,” Harris says. On the lids, a vivid hue can be eyecatching, but taking it into the crease could look a little, shall we say, clownish. If you’re intrigued by shimmer but don’t want to overdazzle your colleagues at the Wednesday staff meeting, choose a formula that gives you some sheen with a subtle wash of color. (Harris likes the Caviar Stick Eye Color, $32; lauramercier.com.)

For the novice, wearing a bold lip color may feel like shouting, “Hey, look at my lips!” So try turning a vivid shade more subtle. First hydrate your lips with a moisturizing balm, then dab on the color (instead of swiping) or use a small, fluffy brush to lightly paint it on, says Kelli Bartlett, a makeup artist in New York City. “You can also look for products that have a gel texture, which are almost like hydrating balms,” she says. “They give color, but it’s translucent, so your natural lips show through.”

For a more low-key effect, emphasize one feature at a time, Kassajikian says. If you’re doing bold lips, take it easy on the eyes. If you’re playing up the eyes, keep the mouth in neutral. To amp things up for a night out, consider contrasting shades, like a blue eyeliner and a red lip. “It’s the opposite of removing one accessory before leaving the house,” Bartlett says. (To keep it chic, not cheap, go with matte textures for both.)

P U M P U P YO U R FAV O R I T E S

DY E H A PP Y

If you want to stick to your beloved pinky-brown lipstick, intensify it. Apply a bright lip liner all over your lips (like Lip Pencil in Magenta, $19; maccosmetics.com), then layer your lipstick on top, Bartlett says. If you consider red lipstick old hat, try a statement pink, which is on trend for summer. For the most natural effect, says Harris, “choose a shade that has a little more red in it, which tends to be more flattering for all skin tones.”

Unconventional hair color—blues, purples, pinks, roses, in highlights or all over the head—has been a popular way to look edgy for a while, but months of lockdown brought it to the mainstream. “A lot more people started experimenting with DIY dyeing and having fun with their hair,” says Alex Brownsell, cofounder and creative director of Bleach London, which makes at-home coloring kits in shades like Awkward Peach and Rosé. “I think people who’d always wanted to try it finally felt like they had the time and freedom to give it a go, and then realized it wasn’t a big deal.” (It was also a convenient way to cover any pandemic grays and lift the spirits at the same time.) To play around with an offbeat shade, start as you would when testing any new hair color at home: Snip some strands of hair underneath, color them, then hold them against your face to assess the effect. “If you’re still nervous, there are ways to try colors without doing a full head of bleach and dye,” Brownsell says. “You can do a few face-framing pieces, or if you want something more hidden, secret slices in the underlayer of the hair are really fun. Just choose a bit of hair—I like pulling out the section above the ear—bleach it, then add toner and color for a little portal into a secret dimension. A dye-mension, as it were.”

L AY I T O N T H E L I N E Colored eye shadow can be daunting and tricky to pull off, but colored liner is simple and subtle. “Look for shades that have a little black or brown in the undertone, like a navy or a bordeaux, which will appear more muted while still giving a blink of color,” Bartlett says. Feeling more adventurous? “You can also do a pop of color—purples and blues are flattering on most skin tones—on the lower lash line or your waterline,” says Steve Kassajikian, global makeup artist for Urban Decay. And for balance, he adds, “try a brighter blush.”

S T AY I N B A L A N C E

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

R U E YO M HO If your decor palette consists of blah, blush, and bashful, paint and color expert Annie Sloan, creator of Chalk Paint, isn’t throwing shade. But as a color lover, she wants you to choose neutrals because you love them, not because they’re safe. “I think grays and beiges can be dangerous,” she says. “Done wrong, they promote boredom, restrict creativity, and can drain us.” S E E K I N S P I R AT I O N E V E RY W H E R E “I worked with one family who loved the colors of their Yorkshire terrier, so we incorporated those into their home,” says Amy Wax, a color consultant and the creator of the app Color911. To choose a shade you won’t get sick of, follow the advice you’d use when finding a life partner. “Go with something you’ve loved for a long time,” advises Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color, a consultancy in Alexandria, Virginia. “If you choose one you suddenly find attractive, you may just be satisfying a passing need for something different. The love is more likely to last when you go with a favorite.”

C H A N G E YO U R A CC E N T You already know that an accent wall is an option: “Pick one that anchors the room, like the wall behind your headboard or your mantel,” Wax says. “It could be a rich plum or a cobalt blue—something that makes a statement but isn’t too bright.” And what about even smaller accents? Try painting a lamp or a piece of furniture, Sloan advises, and don’t be afraid to go bold: “I recently used this hot, passionate Schiaparelliinspired pink to paint a desk, even though I’d never dream of using it somewhere else. Color is about context.”

PICK A COLORFUL FO CAL POINT A major piece of furniture in an eye-candy shade, like a teal or navy sofa, can add drama but also be surprisingly versatile. “Blue is a gateway drug for color,” Wax says. “It’s not too out there, and with a teal or navy, there are so many colors you could choose for accents: corals, lavenders, lime greens.”

T RY A B O L D E R N E U T R A L “Green is often called nature’s neutral,” Smith says. Several paint brands, including Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Benjamin Moore, and Behr, named a variation of a soft, pale green the color of the year: It’s refreshing but also soothing.

E XERCISE RE STR AINT “Too much saturated color can be visually tiring,” Wax says. “For a whole room, maybe you don’t go with a fire-engine red but a beautiful burgundy.” Like many delicious and intoxicating things, superintense colors are best enjoyed in limited quantities. Bon appétit!

94 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

CHOOSING A COLOR IS LIKE CHOOSING A LIFE PARTNER: THE LOVE IS MORE LIKELY TO LAST WHEN YOU GO WITH A FAVORITE.

what makes you

you

Some of us are lucky enough to have a unique feature that inspires all kinds of compliments in all kinds of places (from the grocery store to Zoom meetings). Here’s how seven women embrace the attribute that helps them feel like themselves. by

Lisa DeSantis

photographs by

96 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Felix Wong

people always compliment

my unibrow For years, Shari Siadat overtweezed her brows to fit in. “As a child of Iranian immigrants, I was bullied for not looking like the other kids,” Shari recalls. But in 2017, inspired by her young daughters, she decided to let her brows grow in full and natural. Now she adorns her arches with glitter to make them more striking. To help people “embrace, not erase, their truest selves,” she founded TooD, a beauty brand that creates colorful makeup, including the glitter she paints on her brows.

“The gap in my

sign of confidence,

teeth is a

and I refuse to let anyone shake that,” Náosha says.

people always compliment

my smile Náosha Gregg was 15 years old when she first smiled with her teeth. Growing up, she “was always embarrassed and felt ugly” because of a gap in the front, says the now 23-year-old. But one day, at her mom’s insistence, she truly beamed for a photo— and she realized how unique her smile is. These days, she plays up her grin with a statement lip shade. TO BUY:

Matte Lip Whip in Cranberry Stiletto, $20; beautybakerie.com.

people always compliment

my lip color Joell Bajoras Deer has loved bold lip color for as long as she can remember. “In sixth grade, Clinique Black Honey was my everything,” she jokes. Over time, she graduated to even more daring hues, and the look has become her signature. She’s also mastered the application: First, she dabs concealer on her lips using a makeup sponge, then she draws all over with a berry liner, finishing with lipstick in whatever bright tone suits her mood that day. TO BUY: Quickliner for Lips in Intense Jam, $20; clinique.com.

“I joke that my baby wouldn’t

without my lipstick on,” Joell says.

S T Y L I N G B Y L I Z Z Y R O S E N B E R G ; H A I R B Y C L AY N I E L S E N U S I N G L E O N O R G R E Y L ; M A K E U P B Y D E B O R A H A LT I Z I O F O R C R E AT I V E M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G G L O S S I E R ; M A K E U P A S S I S T E D B Y A LY S S A Z A B A W A . T H I S PA G E : I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F S U B J E C T S

recognize me

people always compliment

my skin As a dermatologist, Melissa K. Levin, MD, had her skin-care protocol down to a science, literally. But between battling hormonal melasma and breastfeeding a newborn, she’s been forced to rethink her approach. The new go-tos: gentle yet effective products that are safe for nursing mothers. “Even as a busy mom, I still prioritize 30 seconds for my regimen,” Melissa says. To recapture her signature glow, she relies on one-and-done products, like a moisturizing serum that’s loaded with brightening peptides. TO BUY:

Restorative Skin Complex, $199; alastin.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

people always compliment

my locs

“I love wearing my locs free-flowing and swooped to the side. They make me

feel like a goddess when they’re draped over my shoulder,” Phyllicia says.

people always compliment

my haircut Laura Needle’s stacked bob looks like the handiwork of a seasoned stylist. And it is, in a way: Laura’s been cutting it herself for nearly 40 years. It all started when, on a whim one night, she took scissors to her shoulder-length strands to experiment with layers and bangs. (After some trial and error, she chose Diane by Fromm as her favorite drugstore shears.) “People always ask where I get my haircut— a few have even asked if I would cut theirs!”

100 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

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

“The best part about my hairstyle is that I can wake up and go,” Phyllicia Bonanno says about her faux locs, which she put in herself after watching a few YouTube videos. The yoga instructor likes a lowmaintenance look, and she can easily tie the locs back in a bundle, so no loose strands. To care for the protective style, she washes her whole head with conditioner weekly and pays special attention to her natural hair at the roots. For extra moisture, she applies almond oil plus peppermint, rose, or lavender oil to her scalp.

people always compliment

my hair color Kayla Bibeau’s long, fiery mane makes people stop and stare, then ask questions like “Is that your real color?” or “What dye do you use?” She responds that the crimson hue is naturally hers. “It’s my favorite trait,” she says. “I’ll never change it.” To protect her hair from damage caused by styling, she swears by a heat-protectant spray, and to boost shine, she loves a deep-conditioning mask. Kenra Platinum BlowDry Spray, from $25.50; ulta .com. Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $38; briogeohair.com. TO BUY:

VietnameseInspired Peach Salad

This colorful salad hits every note: sweet, salty, savory, sour, and a bit spicy. Adorable donut peaches, which are smoother and less acidic than their more common cousins, balance out bold Southeast Asian flavors, but any ripe peach will do the trick.

Summer STARS G ORGEOUS FRUIT S AND VEG GIE S ARE THE MVPs IN THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES YOU’LL MAKE ALL SE A SON LONG. R EC I P E S BY

Anna Theoktisto P H OTO G R A P H S BY

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY

Heami Lee

Emily Nabors Hall

P RO P ST Y L I N G BY

Audrey Davis

Pluots are stone fruit hybrids with the crimson color of plums, the tartsweetness of apricots, and just the juiciness you crave in baked goods, like this cinnamon streusel treat.

Pluot Crumble

No pluots? Swap in a mix of plums and apricots.

Vietnamese-Inspired Peach Salad ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

If you can’t find husk cherries, use 3 cups of cherry tomatoes.

1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. canola oil, divided

Pluot Crumble ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 4

Cooking spray 3 lb. pluots (about 10), thinly sliced 1/4 cup cornstarch

1 large shallot (about 5 oz.), thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 3 limes) 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar 1 clove garlic, grated (1 tsp.) 1/2 red Fresno chile, thinly sliced (about 1 Tbsp.), optional 1 7-oz. head butter lettuce, separated into leaves (about 6 cups)

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 cup fresh mint leaves

3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup finely chopped raw pistachios 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-in. pieces Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional) oven to 350°F with rack in bottom. Spray a 2 1/2-to-3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. PREHEAT

together pluots, cornstarch, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl. STIR

together flour, pistachios, salt, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a medium bowl until combined. Add butter; using your fingers, rub butter into mixture until you can form mixture into clumps. STIR

pluot mixture to prepared baking dish. Gently squeeze pistachio mixture to form large clumps; sprinkle over pluot mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 50 to 55 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, if desired. TRANSFER

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

3 donut peaches

1 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon) 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar, divided

Halibut with Husk Cherry Salsa

2 Tbsp. fish sauce

1/4 cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts

2 cups husk cherries (9 oz.), husked and rinsed 1 cup cherry tomatoes (51/2 oz.), halved

1 cup oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallot to a towel-lined plate. PLACE

combine lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and chile (if using) in a small bowl, whisking until sugar is dissolved. MEANWHILE,

peaches into thin rounds; start at the bottom and cut around pit to remove. Place slices on a plate and top with 3 tablespoons lime juice mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes. S LICE

lettuce leaves, peach slices, and mint on a platter. Sprinkle with fried shallots and peanuts. Drizzle with remaining lime juice mixture. Serve immediately.

1/3 cup chopped shallot (from 1 medium shallot) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves (from 1 bunch) 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 or 3 limes) 1 tsp. honey 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 small serrano chile, minced 4 6-oz. skinless halibut fillets

LAYER

or halve husk cherries and place in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, shallot, cilantro, lime juice, honey, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and chile, stirring gently to combine. Let stand at room temperature until juices have released, about 20 minutes. QUARTER

remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over mediumhigh. Pat halibut dry and sprinkle both sides with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add fillets to skillet; cook until golden brown and just opaque in the center, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve topped with husk cherry salsa. HEAT

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

105

Halibut with Husk Cherry Salsa

A simple fish dish gets a major flavor boost from a zesty topping made with husk cherries. These juicy tomato lookalikes lend a bright, tart flavor to anything they touch.

Photograph by Greg DuPree

The tomato table at the farmers market can look like a rainbow during the summertime, with golden Brandywines, Black Cherries, and striped Green Zebras (just to name a few!). Choose heavy, taut-skinned fruit in any color for this satisfying sandwich that gets an extra layer of freshness from an easy herby mayo.

Heirloom Tomato & Herb BLTs ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

8 slices thick-cut bacon 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, divided 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, divided 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, grated (1/4 tsp.) 8 1/2-in.-thick slices crusty bread, lightly toasted 4 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-in.-thick slices 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 4 cups loosely packed mixed greens

oven to 450°F. Arrange bacon in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake, flipping once halfway through, until browned and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a towel-lined plate. PREHEAT

chop half of basil and 1 tablespoon dill; place in a small bowl. Stir in mayonnaise and garlic. FINELY

about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise mixture on 1 side of each bread slice. Top 4 bread slices with 2 or 3 tomato slices each and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Top with mixed greens, remaining basil leaves and dill, and 2 bacon slices each. Top with remaining 4 bread slices, mayonnaise side down. Cut sandwiches in half with a serrated knife and serve. SPREAD

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107

Squash Blossom Tacos ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

2 medium poblano chiles 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-in.-thick sticks (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 clove garlic, grated (1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 20 squash blossoms, stamens and stems removed, halved lengthwise, divided 12 6-in. corn tortillas 6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 avocado, thinly sliced Sour cream, roasted salted pepitas, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, for serving broiler with rack about 6 inches from heat. Place chiles on a rimmed baking sheet; broil, turning occasionally, until evenly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let stand for 10 minutes, then scrape off charred skin using a towel. Discard skin, stems, and seeds. Slice chiles into 1/4-inch-thick strips.

PREHEAT

Celebrate cucumber season with a duet of sunny lemon cukes and sweet Kirbys in this refreshing make-ahead side dish. Persian, English, or other firm, seedless options will work too.

Quick-Pickled Lemon & Kirby Cucumber Salad ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 4 HOURS, 10 MINUTES SERVES 4

2 cups lemon cucumber wedges (from 2 cucumbers) 2 cups 1-to-2-in. chunks Kirby cucumber (from 4 cucumbers) 1 cup 1/4-in.-thick slices red onion (from 1 onion) 1 cup quartered radishes (from 1 bunch) 1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced 6 sprigs thyme 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. olive oil

108 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

cucumbers, onion, radishes, garlic, and thyme in a large bowl. COMBINE

3/4 cup water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan over high. Pour over cucumber mixture and drizzle with oil. Cover and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for at least 4 hours and up to 3 days. BRING

heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add zucchini; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add chiles, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup squash blossoms. Cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant and blossoms are wilted, about 45 seconds.

MEANWHILE,

tortillas between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Top each tortilla with 2 tablespoons cheese. Place 1 baking sheet in oven; broil until cheese is melted and tortilla is slightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven and repeat with other baking sheet. DIVIDE

zucchini mixture among tortillas. Top with remaining squash blossoms, sliced avocado, sour cream, pepitas, and cilantro. Serve with a squeeze of lime. DIVIDE

Squash Blossom Tacos

Delicate squash blossoms (also called zucchini flowers) have a mild, peppery flavor. They’re especially tasty wrapped in a tortilla with melty mozzarella and smoky charred poblanos.

the bold & the beautiful A DESIGNER USES LOTS O F C O L O R T O B R E AT H E N E W LIFE INTO AN OLD HO USE. by ERICA FINAMORE

Jessica Milburn surrounded the stone fireplace in her 9- and 10-year-old daughters’ room with a dreamy cottoncandy pink. TO BU Y: Emerald Interior

Acrylic Latex Paint in Oleander (for similar), $81.50 per gallon; sherwin-williams.com.

110 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

Photographs by Margaret Rajic

The cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, emphasizing the room’s height.

E SS I C A M I L B U R N does not

shy away from color. In fact, the cofounder of the design firm North and Madison in Bellwood, Illinois, believes every room needs it. When she and her family moved into their early 19th-century Chicago-area home in June 2020, she (and her design partner, Robin Flaherty) aimed to find a balance between her love of bold hues and the house’s character. “I wanted to capture the home’s old soul but put a spin on it,” Jessica says. She kept the architectural details, antique windows, and period fireplaces but gave the rooms vivid color treatments. “Don’t be afraid of embracing color in an old home,” she says. “It will make it come to life.”

kitchen The coffered ceiling made the kitchen (previous page) feel fussy, so Jessica modernized the look with a satiny black island and hood, plus clean white cabinets with sleek hardware. An up-to-the-ceiling backsplash of powder blue tiles captures light from around the room to offset the adorable, but small, antique window. Inspiration for the color trio came from the veining in the island’s dolomite countertop. “I like things to feel vibrant, but I also want them to feel calming,” she says. “Blue is one of my calming colors.” TO BUY: Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint in Caviar (for similar),

$81.50 per gallon; sherwin-williams.com. Seaport Tapacio 2" x 10" Polished Ceramic Wall Tile, $9 per sq. ft.; tilebar.com.

POWDER RO OM “A powder room should always have a bit of unexpectedness,” Jessica says. Here, it’s the oversize, graphic wallpaper print. TO BU Y: Cranes Wallpaper, $273 for 2 rolls;

miltonandking.com.

dining room Jessica faced that same coffered ceiling in the dining room, so she used color to turn the stately vibe into a playful one. Every inch from the baseboards to the ceiling got a high-gloss seafoam paint job. “It’s definitely an experience when you walk in here with all this color,” she says. “But the shade is still calming and approachable.” Since the dining room is next to the living room, Jessica spent a lot of time comparing swatches to make sure this green and the blue in the living room looked good together. She limited the dining furniture and accessories to a palette of pink and white for a colorblocked effect. “The pink and green just harmonize so well together,” she says. “By keeping the other colors subtle, it lets that green really stand out.” TO BU Y: Valspar Signature Paint in Valley Haze (for

similar), from $41 per gallon; lowes.com.

TO BUY: Emerald

LIVING RO OM Martin Van Buren was likely president when this house was built, and though the living room had been updated several times, it still felt stodgy thanks to well-worn textured wallpaper. To save time and money, Jessica decided against tearing down the paper and instead painted right over it, using a gray-blue in a satin finish. The texture stays visible through the paint, and the windows are naked (no shades, no blinds) to let in lots of light. The trim and baseboards are the same blue but in a high-gloss finish. And everything above the picture rail was painted white, to contrast with the door and window frames.

Interior Acrylic Latex Paint in Secure Blue (for similar), $83.50 per gallon; sherwin -williams.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

113

KIDS’ RO OM A coat of green paint makes the sloped ceiling in Jessica’s 4- and 6-yearold daughters’ bedroom feel higher, while a floral wallpaper emphasizes the room’s cool dormer window. The ochre bedding matches tiny flowers in the wall print and nicely contrasts with the paint.

114 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

primar y bedroom & bathroom The transformation of this room started at the top: “What’s the point of having beams if they’re not going to pop?” Jessica says. So she painted them black and brought in an ornate spindle bed frame to echo those dark tones. Jessica leaned into the odd shape of the room by creating two statement walls— one with Moroccan-inspired wallpaper, the other with jade green paint. The same paint, along with matching green subway tiles (set vertically), adorns an en suite bathroom.

TO BU Y: Emerald

Interior Acrylic Latex Paint in Kendal Green (for similar), $83.50 per gallon; sherwin-williams .com. Sarah Sherman Samuel Moroccan Wallpaper Mural, $188; luluandgeorgia.com.

TO BUY: Valspar Signature

Paint in Aquatic Mist (for similar), $44 per gallon; lowes.com. Charlie Wallpaper, $118 per roll; anthropologie.com.

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

115

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Total Heartthrobs Fresh, juicy strawberries are a sure sign of summer—and your cue to start whipping up the shortcakes and cream. S H O P for bright red, shiny fruit with FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

stems intact. Don’t be fooled by those clementine-size monsters: Smaller berries are often sweeter. S TO R E unwashed in an open container

in the crisper drawer for a few days. Or chill in a single layer in a towel-lined bin for up to a week. Rinse just before eating. S E RV E sprinkled with sugar for dessert.

Bake into muffins, cakes, and crisps. Toss onto salads, or simmer with sugar and lemon to make a compote for yogurt or grilled cheese. —Lizzy Briskin

Photograph by Greg DuPree

REAL SIMPLE

117

FOOD

1 lb. linguine

5 Easy Dinners

3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup (4 1∕2 oz.) Castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped 1∕2 cup pine nuts 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp.) 1∕2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for water 1∕2 tsp. crushed red pepper, plus more for serving 1∕2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp. lemon zest, divided, plus 1∕4 cup fresh juice (from 2 lemons) 1∕4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz.) 1∕4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 1 oz.) a large pot of salted water to a boil over high. Cook linguine according to package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. BRING

oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium. Add olives and pine nuts; cook, stirring often, until pine nuts are lightly golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.

HEAT

linguine and 1∕2 cup reserved cooking water. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring constantly. Add more cooking water as needed to make a smooth, glossy sauce.

ADD

sprinkled with feta and remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Top with more crushed red pepper.

SERVE

PER SERVING: 719 Calories, 31g Fat (5g Saturated), 13mg Cholesterol, 4g Fiber, 22g Protein, 90g Carbs, 941mg Sodium, 6g Sugar

118 REAL SIMPLE

1 / Lemony Linguine with Olives and Feta #

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES

✓ Quick Cooking

TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES

✓ Vegetarian

SERVES 4

✓ Family Friendly

bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until couscous is al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain couscous and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil to prevent sticking. 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for grill 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 1/2 lb. 85% lean ground beef

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

1/4 cup grated yellow onion 2 tsp. shawarma spice blend (such as McCormick)

2 / Beef Koftas with Toasted Couscous ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking

✓ Family Friendly

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh tender herbs (such as parsley and mint), divided 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 4 scallions, sliced 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add couscous; cook, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Fill saucepan with hot water; add 1/2 teaspoon salt and HEAT

beef, onion, spice blend, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Using your hands, mix and knead mixture until smooth. Shape into 12 cylinders (about 2 ounces each); thread a skewer through center of each cylinder. Gently squeeze meat onto skewer to elongate slightly. COMBINE

grates and preheat grill to high (450°F to 500°F). Grill koftas, uncovered, turning often, until browned and cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. OIL

tomatoes, scallions, and remaining 2 tablespoons chopped herbs, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to couscous; stir to combine. Serve with kofta. ADD

PER SERVING: 656 Calories, 28g Fat (8g Saturated), 111mg Cholesterol, 2g Fiber, 43g Protein, 54g Carbs, 962mg Sodium, 3g Sugar

Recipes by Nicole Hopper Photographs by Greg DuPree

JUNE 2022 REAL SIMPLE

119

FOOD

3 / Grilled Asparagus and Hot Honey Flatbreads ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Vegetarian

grill to medium-high (400°F to 450°F). Toss asparagus with 1/2 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Grill asparagus, uncovered, turning often, until lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Cut into 2-inch pieces. PREHEAT

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for serving 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 4 naan flatbreads (such as Stonefire) 1 1/3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese 2 tsp. lemon zest (from 1 lemon) 1 cup baby arugula 2 Tbsp. hot honey 1/4 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped

naan on both sides with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Grill naan, uncovered, until lightly charred, about 1 minute per side.

BRUSH

together ricotta, lemon zest, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread each naan with 1/3 cup ricotta mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with asparagus and arugula. Drizzle with oil and hot honey; sprinkle with pistachios. STIR

PER SERVING: 502 Calories, 21g Fat (8g Saturated), 34mg Cholesterol, 8g Fiber, 22g Protein, 62g Carbs, 942mg Sodium, 19g Sugar

120 REAL SIMPLE

Make their

DAY

OONI.COM OVENS • TOOLS • INGREDIENTS • KNOW-HOW

FOOD

1 cup short-grain white rice 1/2 cup dried apricots (3 1/2 oz.), finely chopped 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce 2 Tbsp. honey 4 4-oz. boneless pork loin chops (about 1/2 in. thick) 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 cup sesame seeds (black and/or toasted white sesame seeds) 2 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 1-in. piece) 20 oz. fresh spinach rice according to package directions.

COOK

apricots in a small saucepan with 3/4 cup water, tamari, and honey. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, 8 to 10 minutes. PLACE

pork chops dry and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Working with 1 pork chop at a time, dredge in sesame seeds, pressing firmly to adhere. PAT

2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium until shimmering. Add pork; cook until seeds are golden and pork is cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a towel-lined plate. HEAT

4 / SesameCoated Pork with Apricot Sauce #

ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Gluten-Free

skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add spinach in batches; cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes.

WIPE

rice with pork chops and spinach. Spoon sauce over pork. SERVE

PER SERVING: 618 Calories, 22g Fat (3g Saturated), 64mg Cholesterol, 8g Fiber, 40g Protein, 69g Carbs, 1,155mg Sodium, 18g Sugar

122 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

FOOD

5 / Salad with Pretzel-Crusted Chicken #

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES

2 cups miniature pretzel twists (2 1/2 oz.) 1 large egg 2 8-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 3 Tbsp. canola oil 2 8-oz. romaine lettuce hearts, trimmed and chopped 2 cups strawberries (10 oz.), quartered 1 large avocado, diced 1/3 cup sliced red onion (from 1 onion) 1/2 cup store-bought honeymustard vinaigrette pretzels in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush into fine crumbs. (Or pulse in a food processor.) Transfer crumbs to a shallow dish. Beat egg in a separate shallow dish. PLACE

chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Season with salt. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dip into egg, let excess drip off, and coat in pretzels, pressing gently to adhere. CUT

oil in a large skillet over medium. Add chicken; cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 165°F, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a towellined plate. HEAT

lettuce, strawberries, avocado, and onion in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently. Slice chicken and serve on top of salad.

COMBINE

PER SERVING: 602 Calories, 34g Fat (4g Saturated), 129mg Cholesterol, 8g Fiber, 32g Protein, 43g Carbs, 956mg Sodium, 11g Sugar

124 RE AL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES

✓ Quick Cooking

✓ Family Friendly

SERVES 4

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Buoyancy resuscitates fragile, dehydrated, aging, and fatigued eyes with living oxygen. Rejuvenates and revives with every application. A nationwide best-seller. See our Buoyancy sets for face and eyes.

20% OFF SITEWIDE at ilona.com with code BUOYANCY (offer ends 7/01/22)

To advertise: Contact Devin at MI Integrated Media, 860-265-8585 or devin@mi-ms.com

AIR SUPPLY Breathe new life into your eyes.

WHO KNEW?

Smells Like Deep Space stargazing season, when the Milky Way is visible high in the night sky. It’s the perfect time to gaze upward and ponder the big questions, such as “What does space smell like?” Luckily, science has answers. SUMMER IS PRIME

Rum and raspberries. Astronomers have found ethyl formate in two dust clouds—one deep in the center of the Milky Way and one in the Orion constellation. That chemical, also abundant on earth, has the sharp, sweet aroma of rum and taste of raspberries.

Seared steak and burning metal. Humans can’t actually smell anything (or breathe, for that matter) in the vacuum of space, but astronauts have noted a strange odor clinging to their spacesuits. Their descriptions sound like a barbecue gone seriously awry. One theory: It’s the smell of dying stars, which release a compound found in, among other things, gas and coal.

Rotten eggs. Unfortunately, planets close to home—including Venus, Mars, and yes, Uranus—would likely smell pretty funky, thanks to the sulfur compounds in their atmospheres.

choose a cloudless, moonless night and head out when the sky is darkest (wait about one to two hours after sunset). If the conditions are right, you could see it appear to move across the sky—diffusing its peculiar potpourri. —Jenny Brown

126 REAL SIMPLE JUNE 2022

G E T T Y I M AG ES

To best view the Milky Way,

it just fits!

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M A D E F O R P L A C E S T H AT M A K E Y O U F E E L S M A L L .

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