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8 Healthy Habits & 16 You Can Skip

LIFE MADE EASIER

Easy Home Makeovers For a More Inviting & Organized Space PLUS

The 36 Top Bargains Our Editors Tried It All No More Clutter! Recycle Almost Anything Quick Dinners That Feel Like a Party

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Which Renovations Are Really Worth It? Best Beauty Buys Starting at $1 Teach Yourself To Be an Optimist

ADVERTISEMEN T

home is where the hub is It takes a lot more than coﬀee to get a busy household going in the morning. From keeping track of groceries to coordinating schedules, the SAMSUNG FAMILY HUB™ refrigerator makes the kitchen the center of your home—and the key to a more organized, beautiful life. With a connected touchscreen, interior cameras, and all your apps in one place, you can plan meals, share calendars, and even entertain. Get inspired by the Family Hub refrigerator to jumpstart your routine and make each day better than the last.

Set a proper table and set an organized tone for the day

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The 21.5'' Wi-Fi enabled touchscreen connects to the Family Hub app on your device so you can keep up with the family schedule, food inventory, and more!

1 / An easy breakfast like overnight oats or yogurt should always be ready to go. With the Family Hub you can create and share shopping lists, send real-time updates, and peek inside your refrigerator from anywhere to ensure everyone has what they need for a smart start. 2 / Find a fun excuse to gather together in the AM, like a trivia question of the day. Once you have everyone’s attention, review the

daily schedule and other important to-dos. The Family Hub can help by syncing calendars and memos between your refrigerator and your family’s smartphones. 3 / Use musical motivation to keep sleepyheads moving through their routine. Stream their favorite playlists through the Family Hub and challenge them to be downstairs by the end of one song and dressed before another.

SEE WHAT ELSE THE FAMILY HUB CAN DO AT SAMSUNG.COM/FAMILYHUB.

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“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.” — M A RY O L I V E R , “ E v i d e n c e ”

6 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

G A L L E RY STO C K

Thoughts

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find your light

5 Ways to Harness Light to Enhance Your Home Decor Meg Lonergan is one of Houston’s most in-demand interior designers, and whether her motif is farmhouse chic or seaside in the city, she always prioritizes one fundamental design element: light. “Light creates emotion and a feeling of a space,” Lonergan says, “and it’s a really important thing to get right.” Here, she shares her tips for illuminating your home.

4 location, location, location

2 turndown service “Make everything dimmable, whether it’s a chandelier or a pendant,” Lonergan says. Dimmers are easy to install and allow you to highlight art, adjust for rainy days, or even set a mood for mealtime.

For wall sconces, it’s important to consider placement in proportion to wall length. For hanging ﬁxtures, make sure they rest above eye level. “Exposed bulbs are a cool trend, but they don’t function if they’re glaring in your eye,” Lonergan says.

5 3 reduce overhead

1 sheer brilliance New LEVOLOR® Sheer Shadings feature delicate fabrics that diﬀuse and soften light. According to Lonergan, “They ﬁlter harsh, bright light and make the room feel warm and soft.” Since sun tends to stream in during the morning hours, she especially likes the way LEVOLOR Shadings look in the breakfast room and kitchen.

“I use ambient light instead of overhead light as much as I can,” Lonergan says. Rather than having light come from the ceiling, maximize the light sources in a room with wall sconces, ﬂoor lamps, and mirrored accents to reﬂect sunlight.

DISCOVER FRESH INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WINDOWS AND YOUR HOME AT LEVOLOR.COM

screen time LEVOLOR’s Hampton Collection combines the best of beauty and function. This Sheer Shading is designed to reduce brightness and create a soft glow, making it ideal for media rooms and spaces where it’s important to have less glare. “Shades like these are the perfect option to help with a glare problem because they ﬁlter light without eliminating it completely,” Lonergan says.

Quality time, anytime.

E d i t o r ’s N o t e

O YO U E V E R have this experience? It goes like this: I’m in the supermarket or drugstore aisle and realize it doesn’t have my usual brand of bread/ketchup/mascara. My hand pauses in midair, and my shopping pace grinds to a halt. Now I’m checking labels for…what exactly? Fiber content? Will my daughter like this ketchup? The packaging on this mascara is pretty, but will it be clumpy? And, of course, how much does it cost? We all have our favorite go-to products, perhaps from childhood—I still reach for Clabber Girl baking powder just like Mom did—or because we tried brand after brand until we found the one that worked best. But that process can be frustrating and pricey (don’t get me started on the face serum quest of 2012 ). That’s why the Real Simple editors road test hundreds of products each year to find the ones worthy of the Real Simple Road Test Winner seal. This month we bring you something new: We pit past winners against one another for the Best of Road Test seal. See page 83 for our story “The Best of Everything.” While testing tons of products can be a blast (the mountain-size pile of every variety of tortilla chips!), our food director, Dawn Perry, reminds me that some categories can be physically and mentally challenging to assess. “Butter was tough,” she says, noting that the staff was very regular after that. Beer had to be spread across many sessions to keep staffers from making decisions based on, ahem, enthusiasm. Beauty director Heather Muir Maffei and her team, who tested upwards of 500 products for this month’s story alone, got some odd looks at the gym, where they worked out for days in full makeup to see which products were truly sweatproof. And home editor Stephanie Sisco recalls the time she had only a week to test space heaters…in the middle of a record-hot New York City summer. This year the home department washed 500 dishes to vet various sponges, rubber gloves, and dish soaps and smeared condiments and fruits across their countertops for side-by-side surface cleaner tests. After taking all these products out of their packaging to test, we had a lot of recycling to do. Luckily, we have experts on staff who created our guide on page 158, “How to Recycle Almost Anything,” to help you discard your throwaways quickly and responsibly. Happy decluttering!

Follow me on Twitter @lyazel

and Instagram @leslieyazel

10 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Photograph by Rob Howard

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

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Contents October 2017

O N T H E C OV E R

Easy home makeovers for a more inviting and organized space 47, 55 The 36 top bargains: Our editors tried it all

No more clutter! Recycle almost anything 158 Quick dinners that feel like a party

142

8 healthy habits and 16 you can skip

131

Which renovations are really worth it?

122

Best beauty buys starting at $1 Teach yourself to be an optimist

142 Meals that get the whole family involved

150

Bridging the generation gap

Bundle up in style

Time-saving beauty buys

Cover Photograph by Johnny Miller K i t c h e n D e s i g n b y M e a g a n C a m p S e t D e s i g n b y Ta d d K r o n e c k

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

Contents

167

Dream up a better kitchen

Gorgeous-hair tutorial

Simple seasonal recipes

Thoughts

Editor’s Note

Real Simple 24 /7

Your Words

The Short List

The Nine Choices That Can Transform Your Kitchen Remodeling your cooking space? Start here 47

what we love

Organize This Streamline your entryway

Seven things to do, see, and enjoy this month 31

Now What?!? Solutions for life’s mini disasters 59

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to save your sanity 34

Real Simplifier Meet the pineapple jack-o’-lantern

The Staple Baking soda

Food for Thought Readers reveal their no-fail dinners 64

Little Helpers Clever items that make every day better 40

the realist

One Short Cut, Four Ways New styles for the versatile lob

How to Rake Leaves with Ease 43 Things Cooks Know Weeknight hacks 44

Drugstore Insider Shop with makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes 74 Is It Sensitive Skin… or Something More? ID the culprits behind redness and irritation 76 Trend to Try Vintage plaid

The Vets Will See You Now Your dog difficulties, solved 110 Good Read Tova Mirvis on learning to create beauty the messy way 113

features Make Dinner…Fun! Themed meal ideas to jazz up weeknights 142 Find Your New Favorite Coat Look chic as the temperature drops

150

Best of Road Test The top grocery, home, and beauty picks 83

balance How to Win at Working from Home 119

relating

Find the Funds for Home Upgrades 122

5 Ways to Connect with Other Generations

Making It Work VIPs share secrets to logging enough z’s 128

The Power of a Story Tweak your personal narrative to find more happiness 99

What Really Helps Keep You Cancer-Free? The health habits that make a difference 131

Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice 106

Ahhh

How to Recycle Almost Anything Toss your trickiestto-get-rid-of junk 158

food 5 Easy Dinners

167

Make It Yourself Slow-roasted chicken

176

Big Batch Coconut-cashew granola

180

141

The Struggle Is Real

184

Rituals

186

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14 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

After Hours with Jamie Greenberg Celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert, Jamie Greenberg gives us a glimpse into how she unwinds at the end of a busy day.

FIRST I REMOVE MY “DAY,” AKA MY MAKEUP. I spend all day looking at other people’s faces, so I’m pretty familiar with the ways anything from makeup to a stressful day can show on the skin. At the end of the day, I make it a priority to remove my makeup in a way that’s gentle on my skin, especially now that Fall is upon us and my skin is a little more sensitive than usual. Whether I’m removing my own waterproof makeup or the face paint from my daughter’s adorable Halloween costume, I love using Garnier Micellar Water because it’s an all-in-one cleanser and makeup remover that leaves my skin looking great.

I WILL READ FOR A LITTLE BEFORE I CLOSE MY EYES. I love to wind down by cuddling up with a good book. Lately, I’ve been loving a collection of essays by one of my favorite actresses. It’s a great escape and the best way to distract my mind from the busy day that lies ahead. Not going to lie, though, I love to ‘TV and chill’ just as much. I’m currently catching up on a few of my favorite TV dramas and sitcoms. Sometimes while I watch, I’ll use one of Garnier’s Sheet Masks to indulge a little.

I LIKE TO SPEND 20 MINUTES A NIGHT MEDITATING! I studied transcendental meditation originally but sometimes, with the kids, I don’t have the time. Now I use an app that makes meditation easy for any amount of time I have.

AFTER I’M CALM AND CLEAR, I LOVE TO KEEP TRACK OF GREAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED. I write them down in a cute little notebook with my favorite pen. I write down the great things, the challenges and also what I need to focus on. I set my intentions. I also keep track of what adorable things my kids have done that day. It’s always fun to have these to look back on.

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16 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

FOR HEALTHIER-LOOKING SKIN, LOOK FOR EUCERIN, NOW IN THE RED CAP. Eucerin Advanced Repair, formerly Smoothing Repair, is a breakthrough to repair dry, itchy, rough, flaky skin.

Learn more at www.EucerinUS.com

NEW LOOK

BEFORE

Real Simple 24/7 FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR E XCLUSIVE IDE A S, TIP S, A N D W AY S T O M A K E L I F E E A S I E R — E V E RY D AY.

MEET

K AT I E H O L D E F E H R S E N I O R E D I TO R AT R E A L S I M P L E . C O M

Favorite DIY project: I never get tired of marbleizing. So far I’ve done it with paper, leather, and even wood. Next is canvas!

The best fall dish to make: Apple crumble, hands down. My secret: Always make a double batch of crumb topping. @GIRLKAT T ON INSTAGRAM

Visit realsimple.com/ funnycostumes.

Artful gourds Pumpkin carving can be messy. Grab a paintbrush instead and get creative. See more at realsimple .com/paintedpumpkins.

#R SEDITOR S Want to know what it’s like behind the scenes at Real Simple? This fall, follow us on Instagram as our editors give an inside look. You might even get a sneak peek at upcoming issues.

Spooky treats These truffles are incredibly easy to make. Start with two ingredients for the base and have fun turning them into bats, mummies, and more. This one is great for kids, too. Check out the recipe at realsimple.com/truffles.

18 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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

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

Most memorable Halloween costume: I went all out on an arctic fox costume. I spent an hour copying makeupcontouring videos to get an angular jawline.

BEST DRESSED

Trick or treat! Our costume ideas for kids and adults have clever twists— think Social (Media) Butterfly and I Got Slimed!

Introducing the New King of the Concrete Jungle. The all-new Tiguan. Here we see the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan in its natural habitat. The completely redesigned exterior, bold lines, and aggressive stance are a double take waiting to happen. Inside, the Tiguan is a different kind of majestic. With available premium leather seating surfaces and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit that makes navigating so instinctive, you can get lost without ever getting lost. And available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive means you can conquer almost any road, concrete or otherwise.

Dramatization. Do not attempt. Always wear proper seat restraints in a moving safari vehicle. Optional accessories shown. Always ensure that your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires and equipment and always adjust your speed and driving style to the road, terrain, trafﬁc, and weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and important limitations. *MY2018 Tiguan 6 years/72,000 miles (whichever occurs ﬁrst) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Based on manufacturers’ published data on transferable Bumper-to-bumper/Basic warranty only. Not based on other separate warranties. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty limitations. ©2017 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Yo u r W o r d s

If you could invent something to make your life easier, what would it be?

An inflatable hot tub! After all, children have kiddie pools. J U L I A C O M F O RT, K I R K W O O D, M I SS O U R I

A machine that sews pockets into dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts that don’t have them. MALL ARIE ZIMMER, ST. LOUIS

A drive-through grocery store where moms with small kids wouldn’t have to get out of the car for diapers, wipes, formula, or medicine. TASHA GAMBLE, SAN DIEGO

# W O M E N I R L “ T H AT F E E L I N G W H E N YO U R H OT E L R O O M H A S A M A S S I V E T U B A N D YO U M A K E T H E B U B B L E B AT H O F YO U R D R E A M S . ” @ C ATA L I N AO N A I R

A sunscreen pill. Imagine simply swallowing a little magical medicine instead of slathering SPF on every exposed crevice, fold, and earlobe. And of course there would be a bubble gum–flavored toddler version.

Is a self-cleaning tub/shower too much to ask? I would invent an app that would sporadically send me words of encouragement. As a working mom, sometimes I just need someone to tell me that I’m doing all right and that I’m enough. JES SICA BLINKEY, LIBERT Y, SOUTH CAROLINA

A small projector from my phone or cookbook that would project recipes onto a wall. Bonus if it could somehow scroll hands-free.

LISA WEBER INDEPENDENCE, K ANSAS

I would love to invent a tiny sensor that could easily be placed in clothing items I don’t wish to dry in the dryer. The sensor would alert me if I accidentally placed that item in the dryer, saving my clothing from damage and shrinkage. L AURIE D OYLE, JOPLIN, MIS SOURI

A self-buckling car seat, and while we’re at it, how about a self-installing one, too?

ALISON KING, DRE XEL HILL , PENNSYLVANIA

ELIZ ABE TH DINUZ ZO, SARATO GA SPRINGS, NE W YORK

ANGEL A DICORLE TO, SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO

Triangle-shaped plastic bags for pizza slices. A L E X I S FATO L I T I S B E V E R , TA M PA , F LO R I DA

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

Yo u r W o r d s

If you could invent something to make your life easier, what would it be?

A robot to pick up after my husband. (Whom I love dearly!)

A small conveyor belt for my spice and vinegar cabinet.

VIVIANNE R. COSTA , SOMERSE T, MAS SACHUSE T TS

With the touch of a button, I could access any item without having to reach into the thicket of bottles and containers. And I would no longer have to wonder what lurks at the back.

A clothing copier. Insert an article of clothing that you like and that fits well, select a color or textile, and presto! JULIE JACOB S, HAMILTON, NE W JERSEY

A translation collar so I can understand my dog. JENNIFER MINNICK , SOUTHAMPTON, PENNSYLVANIA

I would invent something that would stop afternoon caffeine from affecting my sleep when I’m ready for bed. I always get punished for that 2:30 p.m. splurge. AMANDA JONES LEDBE T TER, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

I would invent a way to permanently curl my eyelashes. It would save precious minutes every morning.

#WOMENIRL

“ T H O U G H TS F O R A M O N DAY. ”

@ A L I L A B EL L E

KRISTA MAHER, DENVER

A spot in your car that holds your purse within reach. @THEVANES SATM

A voice-activated memory jogger.

NEXT QUESTION... What is your go-to small-talk topic? Visit realsimple .com/yourwords and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

G.S.

M.J.

A spray I could mist over my eyes that would stop me from crying at moments when my emotions get away from me. This would be particularly helpful at work. KELLIE HESLIN, DEFIANCE, MIS SOURI

The women who shared the photos in this column will receive a Real Simple closet organization set from Bed Bath and Beyond. Get your own at bedbathandbeyond.com/realsimple and tag Instagram posts with #WOMENIRL to be considered for future columns.

22 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Cough drops on lollipop sticks for toddlers! Won’t someone please produce these? N A N C Y M I C K L E W R I G H T, S I LV E R S P R I N G, M A RY L A N D

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

Relationship insight As long as there has been monogamy, there has also been infidelity. Yet honest conversations about it remain taboo, writes renowned couples therapist Esther Perel in her new book, The State of Affairs. Perel tackles all sides of adultery—why we do it, how we react to it—and offers nuanced guidance for couples to transform their marriage for the better after infidelity.

Ode to friendship Transporting historical read Jennifer Egan, a Pulitzer Prize winner for A Visit from the Goon Squad, immerses readers in 20th-century Brooklyn in Manhattan Beach. With striking detail, Egan follows Anna Kerrigan as she grows up during the Depression, becomes the naval yard’s first female diver, and untangles her father’s disappearance.

Fans of Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot, Jane Austen, and Virginia Woolf will love A Secret Sisterhood. Emma Claire Sweeney and Emily Midorikawa uncover these novelists’ complex, surprising friendships—from Eliot’s correspondence with Harriet Beecher Stowe to Austen’s bond with a governess—and how they influenced our favorite novels.

Great for book club What if women were suddenly more physically powerful than men? In Naomi Alderman’s The Power, teenage girls snap their fingers to put their enemies in excruciating pain. Told through the eyes of four characters, this thoughtprovoking book explores violence against women by imagining an alternative world where women use their dominance to control society.

Story collection Jeffrey Eugenides (author of the Pulitzer Prize– winning Middlesex) tells 10 witty tales of plans gone awry in Fresh Complaint, his first book of stories. Relatable characters— a woman grappling with a friend’s dementia, an artistic couple with money woes— remind readers that the one thing you can count on is having a wrench thrown into your plans.

PROP ST YLING BY MEGAN HEDGPETH

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

RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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

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All campfired up. Whatever the weather, it’s always better together. Gather round for fall with our super-soft, 100% Portuguese cotton flannel shirts, available in all of autumn’s colors. Pair them with Performance Stretch Jeans, and you’ll be moving and grooving all season long. Find fall flannels at llbean.com | FREE SHIPPING

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

PROP ST YLING BY MEGAN HEDGPETH

Feel relaxed Fashion designer Rebecca Taylor partnered with lingerie brand Eberjey to create a capsule collection of vintage-inspired silk nighties adorned with lace detailing and floral prints. TO BUY: From $68; eberjey.com and rebeccataylor.com.

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

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

W H AT W E LO V E

to love

Feel hopeful While undergoing cancer treatment, beauty editor Caitlin Kiernan used her connections to compile “easy and effective tips to help offset the side effects of treatment.” Honest and encouraging, Pretty Sick: The Beauty Guide for Women with Cancer will be an invaluable resource for many. TO BUY: $20; amazon.com.

4 3

No need to go indoors to admire this artwork. BLINK, a free public art installation, will take up 20 city blocks in Cincinnati, featuring murals, light shows, interactive art, and projections. It’s open October 12 to 15. Follow along at @blinkcincy or facebook.com/ blinkcincinnati.

Get motivated If you’re dropping off canned goods at your local food bank or homeless shelter, consider donating tampons and pads, too. In the United States, millions of women and girls lack access to these basic products, writes author and activist Jennifer Weiss-Wolf in her eye-opening book, Periods Gone Public. TO BUY: $25; arcadepub.com for info.

6 Turn nostalgic Julius, Paul Frank’s iconic ’90s monkey, and his animal pals are making a comeback this fall, thanks to a collaboration with the Land of Nod. Kids and adults alike will delight in the cheeky collection of 30 pieces, which include bedding, art, accessories, and furniture. TO BUY: From $34; landofnod.com.

32 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Just for fun

October 4 to 8, enjoy sheepdog trials, wool workshops, and a parade of 1,500 livestock down Main Street at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho. Visit trailingofthesheep.org to find (adorable) photos from past festivals and a schedule of this year’s events.

7 Become spellbound Wonderstruck, the film adaptation of the illustrated book for tweens, hits theaters October 20. Director Todd Haynes switches between blackand-white and 1970s cinematography as he follows two lonely children— growing up 50 years apart—to see how their paths eventually intertwine.

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S M A S H B OX COSMETICS B E L EG E N DA RY T R I P L E TO N E LIPSTICK

PROP ST YLING BY MEGAN HEDGPETH

Each bullet houses three shade gradients so you get an ombrÃ© lip in one swipe. The darkest color acts as lip liner, the center is your main hue, and the lightest one makes lips look fuller. Trace top lip, then flip to apply on bottom. TO BUY: $24 each; smashbox.com.

34 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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

W H AT W E LO V E

DIY metallic nails at home with this kit. Apply nail color, dip sponge in powder, and rub over dry polish. Seal with topcoat, dry, and apply final coat. TO BUY: $20; target.com. POUR MOI RÉPONSE DU C L I M AT DAY C R E A M

Rather than formulating creams based on skin type, Pour Moi created lotions to match certain climates (polar, desert, tropical, and temperate) so your skin looks great no matter where you live. TO BUY: $35; pourmoibeauty.com. J O LOV E S FR AGR ANCE PA I N T B RU S H I N P O M E LO

Click the pen to dispense a refreshing gel, then brush onto your skin. It’s more fun to apply than a rollerball and less likely to leak in your purse. TO BUY: $55; joloves.com. O UA I H A I RC A R E M E M O RY M I S T

This double-duty hair pick is both a heat protectant (shielding strands from temps up to 450 degrees) and a holding spray. Mist onto damp or dry hair before heat styling. TO BUY: $28; theouai.com.

36 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

A OA S T U D I O B RU S H CLE ANING EGG

A clever way to wash your makeup brushes: Slide the silicone egg onto your fingers, squirt a drop of soap onto it, then wet your brush and run it over the grooves, rinsing away debris. TO BUY: $1; shopmissa.com. DIOR DIOR SHOW P U M P ‘ N ’ VO LU M E MASCAR A

Do you wipe off your mascara brush on the rim before each use? Instead, squeeze this flexible tube to remove excess mascara for clump-free lashes and a neater tube. TO BUY: $29.50; dior.com. G LO S S I E R WOWDER DUO

Loose powder often puffs into a cloud of dust when you open it. Wowder’s mesh top prevents that from happening. Sweep onto skin for a shine-free, airy glow. TO BUY: $35; glossier.com.

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W H AT W E LO V E

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The Staple Not just for cookies or freshening the fridge, B A K I N G S O D A is powerful stuff. It helps soft pretzels get their signature dark brown crust. You can add a pinch with the dry ingredients to enhance your baked goods’ golden brown color. Oven-baked wings tossed in baking soda achieve a crackly fried effect (exactly what we were after), and a Southern friend taught us to add a smidgen to our iced tea to cut bitterness and clear up a cloudy pitcher. Who knew?

1 SOFT PRETZEL BITES

Cut 1 lb. roomtemperature pizza dough into 1 -in. pieces. Combine 10 cups water and cup baking soda; bring to a boil. Add dough in batches; boil 20 seconds. Remove; brush with beaten egg and tsp. sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake at 450°F until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. 2 OV E N - B A K E D B U F FA LO W I N G S

Stir together 1 tsp. each salt, baking soda, and water; toss with 2 lb. chicken wings and place on a lightly greased rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Chill, uncovered, 8 hours or overnight. Bake at 450°F, turning halfway, 35 minutes. Stir together cup each buffalo-style hot sauce and melted butter; toss with wings.

Bring 8 cups water to a boil; remove from heat. Add 8 black tea bags and steep 5 minutes; strain and stir in cup sugar and tsp. baking soda until dissolved. Chill 2 hours. Serve over ice.

By Ananda Eidelstein Recipes by Paige Grandjean

38 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Photograph by Corey Olsen

PROP ST YLING BY CHLOE DALEY

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W H AT W E LO V E

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Easily dispense medicine through this pacifier angled to send liquid to the side of the cheek, bypassing babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste buds. TO BUY: FridaBaby Accu-Dose Pacifier, $13; target.com. SPO OKY STEAM RELEASER

Stewing up a delicious potion (or soup)? This silicone witch will keep your spoon in place and allow moisture to escape. TO BUY: Agatha Spoon Holder, $14; animicausa.com. B A C K- S AV I N G B RO O M

Little Helpers

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On the go, use this rechargeable, lightweight battery to juice your phone up to three times. In three color combos. TO BUY: Grace Powerbank, $50; stmgoods.com.

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D I S H WA S H I N G C A D DY

This sink essential features a perforated base to help keep everything dry and a folddown arm that holds soapy sponges in use. TO BUY: Good Grips FlipDown Sinkware Organizer, $10; oxo.com.

LUX E L E AT H E R K E Y R I N G

Slip this four-inch-diameter hoop over your wrist or forearm when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the move and need to be hands-free. Stain-resistant leather comes in more than 50 colors. TO BUY: Big O Key Ring, $55; shop.o-venture.com.

40 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

O X O S I N K WA R E O R G A N I Z E R , P H I L I P F R I E D M A N ; R E M A I N I N G P R O D U C T S I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U F A C T U R E R S

This first-of-its-kind sweeper has a retractable plastic scraper, which means no more bending over to clean gunk off the floor. Metal scraping attachment also available. TO BUY: Sweep Easy, $20, and metal scraper, $4; sweepeasy.com.

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LINK IMAGE

Mow ﬁrst, says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Compost Gardening Guide. “Crunched leaves are less likely to ﬂy away than whole ones, making the job easier,” she says. Then grab a lightweight 19-inch metal rake and pull leaves toward you, using small motions. This method reduces dust and can help prevent fatigue, says Pleasant. Rake leaves into a windrow—a pile shaped like a line—and then onto a tarp or old sheet for transport. Use the mulched leaves to insulate garden beds for winter.

Find out why leaves change color at realsimple.com/foliage.

Photograph by Stefan Andersson

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

Things Cooks Know ST R AT E G I E S, T E C H N I Q U E S, A N D T I P S A B O U T E A S Y W E E K N I G H T D I N N E R S — F RO M T H E R E A L S I M P L E T E ST K I TC H E N TO YO U R S By Grace Elkus

Sheet Pan Dinner Formula When cleanup is as easy as the prep, you know you’ve made a winning dinner. Plus, sheet pan meals are endlessly customizable. Follow our formula for success every time. S TA RT W I T H . . .

2 pounds protein (such as chicken thighs, flank steak, fish fillets, or tofu)

2 cups chopped veggies (such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or fennel)

1 THE FIRST STEP of any pizza-making venture: Bring the (fresh or frozen) dough to room temperature. That makes it easier to work with and keeps it from shrinking back on itself as you stretch it.

2 PORTION the dough before shaping it. Opt for four to six ounces for individual pizzas, 10 to 12 ounces for a two-person pie, and one pound for family size. Any extra dough can be frozen for up to three months.

The Easiest Way to Peel Potatoes

44 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

3 STRETCH the dough with your hands, not a rolling pin, which can crush air pockets and prevent the dough from rising and bubbling in the oven. Flour your hands and the dough as you go to prevent sticking.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Season protein and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Add vegetables and toss everything with oil. Veggies with longer cooking times, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, and winter squash, can be added to the pan alongside longercooking proteins. More-delicate veggies and leafy greens should be thrown on toward the end of the cooking process. Roast until protein is cooked through. Top with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a shower of Parmesan cheese. For our guide to every type of tater, head to realsimple .com/potato.

2 tablespoons fat (such as olive oil or canola oil)

Whether you’re making creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy potato salad, this hack will cut down on prep. Boil baby red or baby Yukon Golds with their skins on. When the potatoes are tender, plunge them into a bowl of ice water until cool to the touch. Tug wherever the skin has begun to peel away from the potato. The rest should slip right off.

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

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THE REALIST

This or That?

OT TO

The Nine Choices That Can Transform Your Kitchen R E A D Y T O S P I C E U P Y O U R C O O K I N G S PA C E B U T N O T S U R E W H E R E T O B E G I N ? O U R PA N E L O F P R O S N A R R O W S T H I N G S D O W N T O T H E M O S T C R U C I A L D E C I S I O N S YO U â&#x20AC;&#x2122; L L H AV E T O M A K E D U R I N G A R E N O VAT I O N . By Jessica D o dd

Photograph by Lisa Romerein

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

2 WOOD VS. L ACQUER CABINETS You want a flexible option that can be restained, refinished, and repainted. Wood holds up best to daily traffic, says Amity Worrel, a designer in Austin, Texas. It gives a kitchen a warm, cozy feel and works equally well in rustic, country, modern, and retro kitchens— making it an ideal choice for homeowners who may want to change up their style or those looking to sell in the near future. CHOOSE L ACQUER IF: You have a contemporary kitchen and want a sleek, high-end look. Lacquer cabinets are easy to clean but less forgiving than wood. If the finish gets chipped or damaged, the entire door will likely need to be replaced.

Rosa wallpaper by Rifle Paper Co., $190 per roll; hyggeandwest.com. Bluesy Note paint, $67 per gallon; sherwinwilliams.com for info.

CENTER ISL AND VS. PENINSUL A CHOOSE A CENTER ISL AND IF: You want your kitchen to become hangout central. “An island lets you cook and talk to people at the same time,” says Rebekah Zaveloff, a kitchen designer in Chicago. Generally, there should be at least 3 feet between the island and opposing cabinetry to ensure all doors, drawers, and appliances can be opened completely. CHOOSE A PENINSUL A IF: You have a smaller kitchen. An L- or U-shaped peninsula can serve the same role as an island, offering just enough extra prep room in a tighter space. To amp up its charm, treat a peninsula like you would an island—paint the base or add architectural details, like corbels.

48 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

PAINT VS. WALLPAPER You have a small kitchen that could become overwhelmed by a busy pattern. Paint is generally a foolproof way to add character to a kitchen, as long as you get a formula that can resist moisture and has a wipeable sheen— eggshell and satin are best for walls. CHOOSE WALLPAPER IF: You want a trendier look or you live in an older home that has walls with imperfections, like hairline cracks, as wallpaper will help hide them. Just make sure to use a vinyl-based wall covering, which will withstand steam and splashes better than a paper-based one. If your kitchen feels bland, says designer Vern Yip, author of Design Wise, “wallpaper is a great way to inject pattern into a space that usually doesn’t have much visual interest.” CHOOSE PAINT IF:

C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T : E R I C P I A S E C K I / O T T O ( I N T E R I O R D E S I G N B Y K AT I E R I D D E R ) ; C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U F A C T U R E R ; N I K M E R K U L O V / G E T T Y I M A G E S

CHOOSE WOOD IF:

THE REALIST

4 CABINETS VS. OPEN SHELVES You don’t want to spend a ton of time neatly stacking dishes after dinner. “In a kitchen, you’re dealing with a lot of components that can create visual clutter, so some closed storage is a must,” says Yip. To give cabinets a bit of the airy feel of open shelves, paint them a color that matches or is a tonal variation of your countertops. CHOOSE OPEN SHELVES IF: You are very neat and have pretty kitchenware you want to show off. Open shelves can also make a space appear bigger by eliminating the bulk of upper cabinetry. If you love the look of open shelves but need the storage that cabinets offer, mix in a few of each to get the best of both worlds. CHOOSE CABINETS IF:

5 QUARTZ VS. GR ANITE VS. MARBLE COUNTERS You need a tough-wearing surface that can handle hot pots and spills. Because it’s an engineered surface, quartz tends to cost less than marble or granite (about $20 to $90 per square foot installed, compared with $20 to $150 for granite and $25 to $150 for marble). And since quartz never needs to be resealed, you’ll pay even less in the long run. CHOOSE GRANITE IF: You want a solid stone that has a variety of color and pattern options and is heat-resistant. But you will typically need to reseal this porous surface annually to help prevent staining. CHOOSE MARBLE IF: You want a high-end look with beautiful veining. “Marble, especially white varieties like Carrara and Calacatta, has such an elegance about it,” says Seattle-based kitchen designer Candace Nordquist. But be prepared: The delicate surface is susceptible to scratches and stains and will need to be resealed every 6 to 12 months.

STAINLESS STEEL VS. WHITE APPLIANCES You want a timeless look and modern amenities. Some brands now offer stainless models with new technology, such as a built-in screen that lets users play music or manage the family calendar. The silver finish does attract smudges and fingerprints, so be prepared to wipe it down often. CHOOSE WHITE IF: You want a less expensive, fingerprint-proof appliance option. “White cabinets look great with white appliances— especially if you have a small kitchen—because they help visually expand the space,” says Los Angeles–based designer and contractor Karl Champley. You can also strike a happy medium between the two choices with a white and stainless combination (like the White Ice collection by Whirlpool). CHOOSE STAINLES S STEEL IF:

To learn how to clean the germiest spots in your kitchen, visit real simple.com/cleankitchen.

50 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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

CHOOSE QUARTZ IF:

Little black dress.

plain wh ite tee.

Fancy. BUT NOT TOO Fancy. TM

THE REALIST

UNDERMOUNT VS. APRON-FRONT SINK Your style skews more modern. “It’s a little sleeker-looking than an apron-front,” says Zaveloff. Some manufacturers offer a variety of basins and accessories to make prep and washing up easier: Think sliding cutting boards and built-in drain boards. CHOOSE AN APRON-FRONT SINK IF: You gravitate toward a vintage, country, or cottage style. Because the lip sticks out slightly past your cabinets, there’s a deeper ledge behind the sink, which is handy if you have a big faucet or the sink is on an island, since you get more surface area. CHOOSE AN UNDERMOUNT SINK IF:

8 CHOOSE HARDWOOD IF: You’re looking for something timeless that can withstand a ton of wear and tear and be refinished many times over. But wood floors are not cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the variety of wood. Champley likes engineered hardwood, which has a plywood base topped with a thick veneer of solid wood. Some can be refinished several times and are slightly cheaper than solid hardwood. CHOOSE L AMINATE OR TILE IF: You want a durable and scratch-resistant floor covering. Laminate can cost as little as $3 per square foot. “Although you can’t restain and reseal it like wood, laminate is very durable,” says Champley. Some laminate and ceramic tile options can look nearly indistinguishable from real wood.

9 BANQUET TE SEATING VS. CHAIRS CHOOSE A BANQUET TE IF: You have a lot of kids to squeeze in or a limited amount of space for chairs. Banquettes make use of what’s often empty wall space and can contain hidden storage. But as Worrel notes, unless they’re well designed—which means the back has the right pitch, the seat is cushioned, and the length is just right for your table—they can become a literal pain in the butt. CHOOSE CHAIRS IF: You want comfortable options for everyone. Chairs will always allow you to fit more people around a table.

52 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Marlow II wood dining chair, $319; crateandbarrel.com.

C LO C K W I S E F R O M B OT TO M L E F T : L I S A R O M E R E I N / OT TO ; P H O N L A M A P H OTO / G E T T Y I M AG E S ; C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R

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Organize This M O L LY G R A V E S A N D A S H L E Y M U R P H Y, C O F O U N D E R S O F T H E N E AT M E T H O D, O F F E R T H E I R T I P S F O R C R E AT I N G

1 P E R S O N A L S PA C E

Assign each family member a hook or basket for their belongings. When their spot is filled up, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their cue itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to clear out some things.

A N U LT R A F U N C T I O N A L E N T RY W AY.

2 A P L A C E FO R ESSENTIAL S

Since this is the first point of contact with the home, designate a spot, such as a shelf, for keys and mail to land. Keep a bin nearby with grab-and-go items like umbrellas for rainy days or flashlights for nighttime dog walks.

3 D RO P Z O N E S

Short on space in your entryway? Under the wall hooks for coats and bags, place a sturdy bench, hamper, or cubby shelf to corral shoes (and eliminate the tripping hazard). TO BUY: Seagrass Basket, from $88; serenaandlily .com. ClosetMaid 15 cube organizer, $37; closetmaid.com. 4 M A I L B OX 4 2

Stash a recycling bin or basket near your entryway. That makes it easy to discard junk mail and prevent it from piling up in the kitchen or office. 5 C LO S E T CU R E

E R I C P I A S EC K I / OT TO

If you have an entry closet, opt for a single type of hanger to keep things streamlined. Choose a sturdy style that will hold up against heavier winter coats. TO BUY: Superior acrylic coat hanger, $30; containerstore.com.

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

Tips for a

TIDY HOUSE You love your kids, but their messes can be a challenge. With these simple organization hacks, you can stop clutter and stains before they happen by giving everything a home.

1 C LI PS A N D H O O KS Make a good ﬁrst impression with an uncluttered entryway. Adhesive hooks and clips keep brooms, mops, and other items off the coat closet ﬂoor.

2 STO R AG E OT TO M A N A storage ottoman or bench does double duty as a footrest and toy-holder. Give messy games and toys a home post-playtime when it’s your turn to put your feet up.

3 S H OW E R CA D D I E S Personalized shower caddies make bath time fun and organized. Suction cups enable caddies to stick on shower walls, keeping bath products and toys neat.

4 KI TC H E N LAU N DRY Baking with your kids is a great way to create memories… and messes. Place a laundry bag or basket under the sink for soiled dishcloths and aprons so you don’t spread the mess on your way to the laundry room, and keep ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Liquid Laundry Detergent on hand to help get out tough stains.

For more tips that make life easier, visit realsimple.com/armandhammer

SMART SOLVES Hidden Treasures Flip the page for must-know tips that will help keep your house organized from entryway to playroom— even when the kids are around

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Now What?!? S M A RT F I X E S F O R L I F E ’ S L I T T L E D I S A ST E R S By Blake B akkila

I ate something really spicy!

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

F.G., VIA EMAIL

There’s candy corn melted on my car’s back seat. K .D., VIA EMAIL

For fabric seats, first freeze any bits of candy until they’re hard by placing a bag of ice directly on the area. Remove any candy you can, then blot what’s left with a damp white towel to soften. Cover the area with a fragrance-free shaving cream and leave on for five minutes. “It’s a great stain remover and can help dissolve residue,” says Mary Findley, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning. Spray a cloth with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and rinse until the stain is gone. For leather-like seats, blot with a damp cloth, then place a bag of ice directly on the area. Once the candy hardens, gently scrape with the back side of a knife. Dab on shaving cream, leave it on for one to two minutes, and rinse with the vinegarand-water solution. THE FIX:

My son gets a rash after he takes his bath. B.G., VIA EMAIL THE FIX: It could be that leftover residue is irritating your child’s delicate skin. Ensure that any bathtub cleaning products are thoroughly rinsed from the tub before he bathes. Then try switching to an unscented cleanser, such as Dove or Cetaphil, says Gregory Young, MD, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital. Some kids are sensitive to fragrances and other chemicals found in bath products. It’s also possible that the temperature of the water is the problem. Young recommends using lukewarm bathwater and limiting the bath to just a few minutes for younger children and 10 to 15 for older ones. Soaking in the tub may remove natural oils that protect the skin, so apply a moisturizer with hydrated petrolatum (like Hydrolatum, $24; amazon.com) after bath time.

Reach for ice cream, says Chris Gulgas, PhD, a chemistry professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Blue Ash College. Obviously its cooling temperature is soothing, but that’s not all: Capsaicin—the chemical usually found in chile peppers that makes you feel a painful sensation when eating spicy foods— is best neutralized by fats and sugars, says Gulgas. That’s why water and similar beverages don’t stop the burn. No ice cream on hand? Marshmallows and peanut butter work well, too. Avoid fizzy drinks, adds Young—their acidity can increase the pain response to capsaicin and make things even worse.

THE FIX:

Have a crisis that needs solving? Email your problem to askrealsimple@ realsimple.com.

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

Introducing the new fall collection from Real Simple Style, a beautifully designed line of leather handbags and jewlery that will update any outfit - this season and beyond. E X C L U S I V E LY AT R E A L S I M P L E S T Y L E .C O M

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THE REALIST

Real Simplifier

How to Carve a Pineapple Jack-o’-Lantern GIVE GOURDS A NIGHT OFF AND T RY Y O U R H A N D A T T H I S Q U I R K Y A N D T R O P I C A L A LT E R N A T I V E . By D awn Perr y

1 P R E P T H E F RU I T

Select a slightly underripe pineapple for carving. Look for a firm fruit with green skin and a perky top. Using a sharp knife with a thin and flexible blade, cut off the top 1 inches of the pineapple, leaving the leaves attached. Set aside.

2 SCORE THE FLESH

Use the knife to cut around the inside of the pineapple skin, leaving about a half inch of yellow flesh intact around the sides. Score the fruit through the core to make it easier to remove.

3 SCO OP IT OUT

I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y A D A M C R U F T

Use a large, thin spoon or an ice cream scoop to scrape out the insides and transfer to a bowl. Continue cutting around the edge to loosen the flesh and scooping with the spoon until you get to the bottom inch or so of the pineapple (it will become a lot harder to scoop out when you reach the bottom). Save the insides for piña coladas, pineapple soft serve, or even a topping for pork tacos— see our recipe on page 144.

For more DIY Halloween decor, go to realsimple.com/ halloweendiy.

Photograph by Philip Friedman

4 C A RV E T H E FA C E

Cut out triangles for eyes— you can use the pineapple “eyes” as a guide—and use the tip of the knife to push the cutouts through to the inside. Cut another triangle for a nose and a scary grin. Keep the carved pineapple in the fridge until darkness falls. Illuminate with a tea light placed in a small jam jar or a flameless candle.

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

Fo o d fo r T h o u g ht

What go-to dinner is always a hit at your table? B R E A K FA S T F O R DINNER

CRYSTAL OWENSBY, LUMBERTON, NE W JERSEY

R E T RO F E A S T

I serve creamed chipped beef over toast and a vegetable as a quick and “real simple” dinner. It’s always tasty and filling. Last month we turned it into a party for 40 neighbors and friends. Many had never eaten this old standby. The party was “the first annual” and a big hit. Already looking forward to the second annual and may even have to rent a place to hold everyone! PEGGY NEDWICK SPRINGER, GEORGE TOWN, TE XAS

A N U P DAT E D C L A S S I C

My mother-in-law called it United Way Spaghetti. My kids renamed it Grandma’s Spaghetti. A one-pot wonder that cooks the noodles in the sauce. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve cooked this recipe: Brown a pound of hamburger with a chopped onion. Add 4 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon each dried basil, rosemary, and oregano; about 3 cans of water; and 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles. (My only omission is 1 tablespoon of salt.) Simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Although my kids are all grown, they still ask for it when they come home, and they even make it themselves now. JODI HART WELL NYLIN, PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON

Blueberry muffins, bacon (for the rest of the family—I’m a vegetarian), sliced berries, orange juice, and yogurt are considered the best “dinner” ever by my kids. TORI TAYLOR ROS S, ST. CHARLES, MIS SOURI

LO W A N D S LO W

During winter months, Guinness stew with homemade crusty bread. Not only is it amazing, but the house smells cozy and delicious all day long. Win-win! PAM HARTSO CH, SP OK ANE, WASHINGTON

RICHARD JUNG/GET T Y IMAGES

TEENAGE DREAM

Homemade oven-fried chicken tenders. I get frequent requests from my teens to make them, and I can only hope a couple of tenders are left for my dinner!

Polished Waves When you’ve got an extra 10 minutes, side-parted waves will have you looking pulled together for a meeting or night out. Hairstylist Carmel Bianco, who created these styles, suggests applying mousse to damp hair, then rough-drying (lift strands with your fingers and blast the blow-dryer a few inches away). Holding a one-inch curling iron vertically, wrap sections around the barrel toward your face, wait a few seconds, and release. Repeat, then gently brush waves before misting with hairspray, like Kenra Shaping Spray 21 ($19; ulta.com).

One Short Cut, Four Ways

THAT LOB YOU’VE BEEN DEBATING IS SURPRISINGLY VERSATILE. MIX IT U P W I T H T H E S E F O U R S T Y L E S T H A T D O N ’ T R E Q U I R E A P R O ( O R A T H I R D A R M ). By C h e l s e a Tra b e r B u r n s

66 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

P h o t o g r a p h s b y Pa t r i c S h a w

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

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THE REALIST

Boho Braids Consider this easy tweak to upgrade your “running errands” look: Part hair down the middle. Then, one inch back from the hairline, grab a one-inch section on either side of the part. Braid each section and secure with a clear elastic. Pull everything back into a low ponytail using a colormatching tie. If you have any short pieces that won’t reach, slip in pins. Undo the elastics holding the braids and pull out some face-framing pieces.

68 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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THE REALIST

Sleek Blowout Go for smooth and chic with this style. Apply a mousse, like Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse ($39; oribe.com), to damp hair from roots to ends for hold and volume. Pull the top half of hair up with a clip so you can start on the bottom section and work your way up to ensure an even blowdry. Using a two-inch round brush, dry each section, turning the hair under at the ends. If your hair is super straight or unruly, Bianco suggests using a curling iron to go over the ends. Finish with a shot of shine spray.

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A DAILY DETOX CLAY-TO-MOUSSE CLEANSER [ SKIN LOOKS INSTANTLY CLEAR, PERFECTLY CLEAN ]

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THE REALIST

Modern Twist This romantic updo is ideal for special occasions. For extra grip, spritz damp hair with a curl spray, like Ouai Wave Spray ($26; sephora .com), and rough-dry to create texture. Starting at your crown, begin French braiding. Never learned? Simply grab three sections of hair at the top back of your head. Start braiding and add in loose strands to each section as you go so that when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done, all your hair is woven together. Secure tightly with an elastic, then tuck the tail up underneath the braid so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden. Hold it in place by crisscrossing bobby pins through the elastic. Secure any other loose pieces with pins, leaving a few to hang around the face, and finish with a light veil of hairspray.

72 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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THE REALIST

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

Learn how to DIY a smoky eye at realsimple.com/ smokyeye.

The British-born, Brooklyn-based makeup artist is known for her fresh, unfiltered skin and brow tutorials. Follow @katiejanehughes on IG for major makeup inspo.

M AY B E L L I N E T H E C I T Y M I N I E Y E S H A D O W PA L E T T E “These come in a bunch of colors, and the formula is super blendable. Plus, you get six really wearable shades— matte and shimmer—for under $10. The tiny compact is easily portable.” (Shown in Chill Brunch Neutrals.) TO BUY: $8; target.com.

N I V E A B O DY E S S E N T I A L LY ENRICHED LOT I O N

“I use this as a body highlighter—it leaves a gorgeous gleam on shoulders and legs.” TO BUY: $6; walmart.com.

74 R E A L S I M P L E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

R E V LO N U LT R A H D M AT T E L I P C O LO R

P I X I B E AU T Y G LO W TO N I C

N Ü G G B E AU T Y E X F O L I AT I N G M A S K

“I love how comfortable—not dry—this is. I like to put it on, blot, then reapply for a velvety finish that lasts.” TO BUY: $9; target.com.

“Dry skin prevents makeup from sitting right. This toner has glycolic acid to gently lift flakes away for a smooth canvas.” TO BUY: $15; target.com.

“These single-use pods are perfect for travel. Jojoba beads and lactic acid help exfoliate and hydrate skin.” TO BUY: $18 for 5; target.com.

L’ O R É A L PA R I S VO LU M I N O U S ORIGINAL MASCAR A

“This is my jam! It creates the best naturally fluffy lashes—no clumps or smudges.” TO BUY: $7.50; at drugstores.

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THE REALIST

Is It Sensitive Skin...or Something More? H A L F O F W O M E N T H I N K T H E Y H AV E S E N S I T I V E S K I N , B U T O F T E N T H E I R S K I N I S B U R N I N G FO R T H E M TO A D D R E SS A M U C H M O R E S P EC I F I C P RO B L E M. By Petra Guglielmetti

I F YO U T H I N K YO U H AV E sensitive skin, you’re in good company. But dermatologists say the term is a big, unwieldy umbrella—one that can prevent us from addressing the true reasons we’re red. “There’s a good chance you’re undertreating your skin when you put yourself in this broad category,” says Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York. She estimates that only about 10 percent of people have sensitive skin. Here’s how to ID what’s really going on. S K I N S Y M P T O M : Your moisturizer suddenly makes your face feel like it’s on fire.

An exfoliation OD. If your skin suddenly freaks out in response to a product you’ve used without issue in the past, the problem is likely something else on your vanity. “We’re so obsessed with anti-aging, but it can actually turn our skin sensitive,” says Elizabeth Hale, a dermatologist in New York City. “People load up on retinoids, glycolic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids to get back into their skin-care routine after summer, and they overdo it.” Overexfoliating disrupts your skin’s barrier, its main defense against irritants. If you use a retinoid, apply only a pea-size amount, topped with moisturizer. Stick to one exfoliating ingredient or tool per day or go down to once a week until you’re less sensitive. Build your barrier back up with a ceramide-rich cream, like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($14; at drugstores) or SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($127; skinceuticals.com).

LIKELY SUSPECT:

76 R E A L S I M P L E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Illustration by Hsiao-Ron Cheng

Your eczema may be hiding something. You may think you know eczema, but what you might not know is that it’s a term used to describe a variety of skin conditions. The most common form of eczema is actually a chronic disease called atopic dermatitis. You can see the signs of atopic dermatitis on the surface, but a key underlying cause remains hidden. Inflammation beneath the skin can lead to the red, itchy rashes that you try to manage, but just keep coming back. This underlying inflammation is always active, meaning your next flare-up is just waiting to return.

Learn more about what’s happening at EczemaExposed.com

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THE REALIST

Do More with Your Meals!

You think you’re red because it’s fall and you’re dry, so you add moisturizer. But that’s not what your skin craves. S K I N S Y M P T O M : Every fall, you get red and flaky around your eyebrows, nose, and/or mouth. LIKELY SUSPECT: Seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema that involves an overgrowth of yeast in areas where skin is oily and often pops up when the seasons change. You think you’re red because it’s fall and you’re dry, so you add moisturizer. But that’s not what your skin craves, says Mariwalla: “What you really need to address is the imbalance of your skin’s flora—the normal, healthy organisms that live on everyone’s skin.” It’s best to see a derm, who will likely suggest a wash with sulfur and a topical antifungal, like ketoconazole.

S K I N S Y M P T O M : Your face glows like a stoplight after you shower.

Rosacea, a chronic disorder involving the dilation of blood vessels. “It’s extremely common and underdiagnosed,” says Hale. “As you age, the redness progresses because the capillaries tire out and burst.” That redness flares in response to extreme temperatures, spicy foods, alcohol, sun exposure, and stress. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is the best way to keep rosacea in check. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Avoid using cortisone to reduce redness; instead, try a rednessreducing cream, like Neocutis Pêche Redness Control Cream ($79; derm store.com). A dermatologist may prescribe a topical cream, like Rhofade or Soolantra, or a low-dose oral antibiotic, like Oracea. Or she may recommend pulsed-dye laser treatments to erase red surface capillaries, though you’ll need touch-ups every year or two.

LIKELY SUSPECT:

S K I N S Y M P T O M : Your skin feels prickly when you sweat and itchy when you sleep.

Atopic dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, it affects 10 percent of people and in some cases can be so uncomfortable

LIKELY SUSPECT:

that it interferes with sleep and regular activities. “The entire skin surface area is affected—all of the skin’s barrier and immune system is not working as well as it should,” says Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. That makes it harder for the skin to retain moisture and fight off bacterial and viral infections, leaving you prone to dryness, irritation, and rashes. Products made for sensitive skin should help; avoid harsh soaps and anything scented, and moisturize often. “You may also need a prescription cream to address the underlying inflammation,” notes Zeichner. S K I N S Y M P T O M : The corners of your eyes and eyelids are permanently pink and irritable. LIKELY SUSPECT: Contact dermatitis, in which your skin reacts to a surface irritant or allergen. You might assume the eye area is just ultrasensitive, but often there are irritating substances on your fingers when you rub your eye area. Common culprits include formaldehyde in nail polish and nickel via jewelry, car keys, zippers, jeans buttons, and coins. “Rashes that occur in specific locations and have distinct borders usually come from an outside source,” says Zeichner. A dermatologist can do a patch test to pinpoint what you’re reacting to.

S K I N S Y M P T O M : It’s hard to find a new product that doesn’t make your skin burst into flames. LIKELY SUSPECT: Sensitive skin. If every product you try causes irritation—and you don’t have rosacea or eczema— you may have inherently reactive skin. Be cautious with fragrance, lanolin, and wound creams with neomycin (try Vaseline Jelly Original, $3.50; target.com). Opt for mineral sunscreens. Mariwalla’s rule of thumb: Stick to products with fewer than 10 ingredients and you’ll be giving your skin the light touch it deserves.

7 cooking functions in one appliance – including AirFry Introducing a healthier way to fry, and so much more! The Cuisinart® AirFryer Toaster Oven is actually a premium full-size toaster oven with a built-in air fryer. That means it not only bakes, broils, and toasts, it also lets you air fry right inside the oven. Air frying, which uses powerful ultra-hot air and 98% less oil than deep-frying, is a healthier way to cook, allowing you to prepare delicious fried favorites, from wings and fritters to fries and shrimp, using little or no fat in the cooking process! Enjoy the crunch without the calories and messy cleanup, with the AirFryer Toaster Oven from Cuisinart!

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THE REALIST

Tre n d t o Tr y

Vintage Plaid

UNEXPECTED COLOR COMBOS GIVE THESE PRINTS

1 FRINGED SCARF

4 C OZ Y S W E AT E R

Pops of magenta turn even a ho-hum coat into an instant outfit. TO BUY: Windowpane Square, $39; echonewyork.com.

Pair this undone woolmohair knit with more pulled-together pieces, like dark skinny jeans. TO BUY: Eden sweater, $448; toryburch.com.

2 S T R I K I N G S H E AT H An eye-catching but easy-to-wear mix of textures and patterns needs only simple accessories. TO BUY: Innovation dress, $595; carlisle collection.com.

5 F L E EC E - L I N E D G LOV E S

3 PRET T Y PUMPS

6 TA I LO R E D T RO U S E R S

Classic, ladylike appeal courtesy of glittering stones and a pointed toe. TO BUY: Embellished plaid pumps, $328; jcrew.com.

The slim cut makes these pants a polished pick. TO BUY: Navy Glen-Plaid pants, $98; banana republic.com.

80 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got touch-screen fingertips and slight stretch for a snug fit. TO BUY: $20; topitoff accessories.com.

Mad for plaid? See even more affordable picks at realsimple.com/ vintageplaid.

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R o a d Te s t

The Best of Everything In a world of endless choice, sometimes you just want a friend to tell you the one thing to buy. Let us be that friend! Real Simple editors gamely tested hundreds of grocery, home, and beauty buys to find those worthy of our Best of Road Test seal.

BEST SNACK FO O D S

B E S T B LO C K C H E E S E

Cabot Alpine Cheddar Smooth like Cheddar but nutty like Parmesan, this pick is just as suitable for a kid’s grilled cheese as it is for a gourmet party platter. TO BUY: $3 for 6 oz.; at grocery stores.

BEST CR ACKER

Beer Flats Pilsner Crackers Beer is baked right into these sturdy multigrain flats, giving them a subtle malty flavor. Enjoy with prosciutto. TO BUY: $8.50 for 5.5 oz.; mouth.com.

BEST CANNED BEER

Sixpoint Brewery The Crisp This beer lives up to its name: It’s refreshingly crisp, with a floral aroma— pleasing light-beer drinkers and India pale ale diehards alike. Plus, the cans chill quickly, so you’ll be ready for lastminute company. TO BUY: $12 for 6 12-oz. cans; at grocery stores.

PROP ST YLING BY CHANEL KENNEBREW

BEST POPCORN

Quinn Parmesan & Rosemary Popcorn A savory organic snack that offers the texture of stovetop corn with the convenience of the microwave. TO BUY: $5 for 2 3.5-oz. bags; at grocery stores.

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B E S T C O C K TA I L M I X E R

Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary Mixer We love the fresh tomato flavor and spicy horseradish kick in this mixer. Just add vodka, tequila, or a lager for micheladas. TO BUY: $8 for 25.36 oz.; at grocery stores.

Claussen Kosher Dill Spears These reign supreme thanks to a superb balance of vinegar, salt, and spices. TO BUY: $4.40 for 24 oz.; at grocery stores.

O CTOBER 2017 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST BEST MEASURING SPO ONS

Prepworks by Progressive Magnetic Measuring Spoons Each doublesided spoon has a narrow bowl for reaching into spice jars and a wide one for liquids; a flat, nontip base; and a built-in magnet to keep the spoons together without an awkward ring. TO BUY: $14; amazon.com.

R o a d Te s t

BEST K I TC H E N ESSENTIAL S

B E S T S I L I C O N E S PAT U L A

OXO Good Grips Medium Silicone Spatula Whether you’re scraping Alfredo sauce from the side of a pot, scrambling eggs, or getting the last smidgen of cookie dough out of the bowl, this easy-to-clean, heatresistant spatula gets the job done right. TO BUY: $9; oxo.com.

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BEST Y PEELER

MIU France 7-Piece Measuring Cup Set Made from heavyduty stainless steel, with long, sturdy handles for easy scooping, this collection provides precise measurements in sizes cup. down to TO BUY: $36; amazon.com.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler This inexpensive, lightweight peeler mixes sharpness with exact control, making it as handy for skinning tough winter squash as for cutting pithfree citrus twists. TO BUY: $12 for 3; kuhnrikonshop.com.

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OXO Good Grips 12-inch Tongs with Silicone Heads Angled, gently scalloped tips and just enough spring in the handles help these tongs pick up even small and slippery foods— without shredding delicate surfaces or melting in high heat. TO BUY: $15; oxo.com.

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Littledear Serving Scoop With a curved, thin-lipped bowl, this spoon is ideal for stirring, scraping, and tasting. The tapered handle fits easily in a smaller hand. Pretty enough for serving. TO BUY: $30; williams-sonoma.com.

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BEST PA N T RY S TA P L E S

BEST BAKING C H O C O L AT E

Trader Joe’s Pound Plus 72% Dark Chocolate This massive bar offers the most bang (complex notes of coffee and cherry) for your buck. TO BUY: $5 for 17.6 oz.; at Trader Joe’s.

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Fage Total Plain Competitors were pasty or chalky, but this fullfat carton was exceptionally rich and creamy—great for dolloping. TO BUY: $1.60 for 7 oz.; at grocery stores.

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Santa Cruz Organic Dark Roasted Creamy Peanut Butter Roasting the peanuts until dark and toasty erases the need for added sugar. TO BUY: $4.50 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores.

BEST BUT TER

Land O’Lakes Unsalted Butter Out of 78 (!) tasted, this lush stick came out on top. Spread it on toast or use it for baking. We recommend a batch of flaky biscuits smothered in more butter. TO BUY: $4.50 for 1 lb.; at grocery stores.

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B E S T B RO T H

365 Everyday Value Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth A versatile choice with a full-bodied, but not overpowering, flavor. TO BUY: $2.30 for 32 oz.; at Whole Foods Market.

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BEST CANNED BEANS

Cento Cannellini Beans Firm yet creamy, with a mild, nutty flavor, these fiber-rich beans hold their shape in stews and salads. TO BUY: $2 for 19 oz.; at grocery stores.

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B E S T RU B B E R G LOV E S

Playtex Living Reusable Gloves With a drip-resistant cuff and nonslip texture, these thin but durable gloves mean no more wet hands (and broken glassware). Testers loved the soft, comfortable lining. TO BUY: $3; walmart.com.

BEST DISH LIQUID

Ajax Ultra Super Degreaser Impressive greasecutting performance gets a sinkful of dirty dishes sparkling in minutes. The fresh, lemony scent and super-low price are pretty nice, too. TO BUY: $2; target.com.

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Method Glass + Surface Cleaner Wipe away greasy fingerprints, dried toothpaste, and even sticky hairspray with one freshscented, eco-friendly spray, leaving windows and mirrors with a streak-free shine. TO BUY: $3; target.com.

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Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser It cuts through the worst dirt (think cooking grease, smeared chocolate, stovetop crust, crayon marks, and soap scum) with a single spritz. Contains biodegradable cleaning agents. TO BUY: $2; walmart.com.

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Method Bathroom Cleaner The naturally derived formula takes shower tiles and toilet bowls from scummy and stained to sparkling without bleach or ammoniaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so no fumes to breathe in. TO BUY: $4; target.com.

Libman Clean & Shine Microfiber Cloth A finely ribbed, dust-attracting texture and spill-sucking absorbency make it ideal for shining stainless steel, scrubbing countertops, and wiping shelves. Machine washable. TO BUY: $6; amazon.com.

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BEST HAIR ESSENTIAL S

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Strong Hold Satin Hair Spray The one can you’ll find in every stylist’s kit: Its fine, floralscented mist locks in your style without creating helmet hair. TO BUY: $15; lorealparisusa.com.

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Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo Instead of simply absorbing dirt and oil like most formulas, this one actually removes them. Spray at arm’s length, wait five minutes, then brush out. TO BUY: $22; livingproof.com. BEST MASK

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Smooth Even unruly strands will behave after three minutes in this jojoba oil–laced mask, which is equivalent to a fancy salon treatment but without the hefty price tag. Slather on damp hair once a week. TO BUY: $3; target.com.

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Suave Professionals Sea Mineral Infusion Moisturizing Body They hydrate strands without weighing down even fine hair. Then they rinse clean. TO BUY: $3 each; walmart.com.

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Oribe Balm d’Or Heat Styling Shield Your hair’s must-have multitasker, this light serum shields strands from heat damage, fights frizz, and adds shine with a trio of oils. TO BUY: $45; oribe.com.

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CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara The chubby plastic bristle brush deposits loads of product in a few coats, sans clumps. TO BUY: $9; at drugstores.

B E S T B RO W G RO O M E R

Lancôme Sourcils Styler In four shades, this tinted gel fills in brows and conditions hair. Start at the brow tail and work toward the front for a natural look. TO BUY: $26.50; lancome-usa.com.

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Urban Decay Vice Lipstick With more than 100 shades and six finishes (including matte, sheer, and metallic), there’s a match for everyone. Each swipe has tons of color, lasts for hours, and goes on like butter, thanks to avocado oil. TO BUY: $17; urbandecay.com.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation This filter in a bottle offers full coverage without feeling (or looking) like a mask. In 40 shades. TO BUY: $43; sephora.com.

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Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow In glitter, shimmer, and matte finishes, these blendable shadows don’t cause fallout (a.k.a. crumbs on your cheeks) or crease on oily lids. TO BUY: $10; sephora.com.

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MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

Engage in friendly competition.

5 WAYS TO CO NNECT W ITH OTH E R G E N E R ATI O N S By Paige Por ter Fischer

Photograph by M a n f r e d Ko h Cross- stitch by Steff Morrison, SewCross Handmade

Our modern, marketing-driven lifestyles have us carefully sectioned out. We get names like boomers, Xers, millennials, and Gen Y, and then the world offers us products and services geared to our specific demographic. But what is lost as we try to experience life and all its joys and sorrows with only the company of others in our age group? Connection. Perspective. And wisdom. These are the gifts of multigenerational relationships. There are ways to prevent this loss, though. One is to play games— anything that can become ritualistic, from chess to cards to charades. Every Wednesday in the summer, my family goes to a community track meet at the University of Richmond. There’s something about my preteen running alongside 70-year-olds that builds community and respect. There are good athletes and people who can barely finish a race, but everyone is cheering one another on. COURTNEY PAGE FERRELL IS A CRE ATIVE CONSULTANT FOR FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES AND A TEDx SPE AKER.

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Partner up at work.

Learn their language.

Swap your skills. Many communities today don’t look like they used to, with people of all ages and walks of life commingling regularly. Our company is creating living environments that reunite generations. In one of our apartment communities, we connected a retired schoolteacher with teenagers who wanted to learn French. Through these tutoring sessions, she gained a greater sense of purpose, and the girls, whose grandparents live far away, gained a grandmother-like figure in their lives. Proximity matters when you’re trying to build intergenerational relationships. Find ways to volunteer at retirement communities that are located close enough to commit to visiting regularly. That’s how relationships are built. If a place is too hard to get to and from, the connection just doesn’t happen, and everyone loses. RYAN FREDERICK IS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF SMART LIVING 360, A RE AL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOCUSED ON WELL-BEING.

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We need a peace treaty between the generations. For example, many older people are filled with scorn about social media. A woman I interviewed derided young people for posting what they ate for dinner: “All that stuff nobody needs to know!” But snapping pictures of what you’re doing is a lot like telling a close friend how you spent your day. It’s a way of saying, “I’m thinking about you; don’t forget me.” It goes both ways. A student of mine complained that when she posted photos on Facebook, her mother would post a comment on every single one. But her mother was probably using the model of what she knows. If the daughter were showing physical photos and the mother sat there silently, it would be weird. Start from a position of respect, as if those of another generation were speaking a different native language. Ask them why they do what they do. My students love having an older person take a genuine interest in how they use social media, trying to understand their perspective. And they enjoy being the experts who have so much to teach me. DEBORAH TANNEN IS A PROFESSOR OF LINGUISTIC S AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY AND THE AUTHOR OF, MOST RECENTLY, YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE I CAN TELL: INSIDE THE LANGUAGE OF WOMEN’S FRIENDSHIPS.

When we think about mentoring, we often think about children or teenagers. But some of the folks who need mentoring the most are millennials. They aren’t always inclined to tap into the wisdom of elders, so elders often need to be the ones to reach out. Our organization, which works with young black entrepreneurs, calls our mentors “accountability partners.” The goal is to give millennials someone to speak with when life gets in the way of their mission. The person aiding their process can feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in return. Being an ear to someone who needs it is what mentoring is all about, really—just showing up and listening. HENRY ROCK IS THE FOUNDER AND E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CITY STARTUP L AB S IN CHARLOT TE, NORTH CAROLINA .

Invite a crowd to dinner. I love the “family table” concept developed by All Our Kids, a Generation to Generation campaign partner. Simply invite people of different generations over for a meal—they could be neighbors or people from your place of worship. Everyone helps prep the meal and set the table, and conversation is sparked by questions everyone can answer: “What are you grateful for?” “What’s something about yourself others might not know?” Everybody is invited back, and over time, the group naturally becomes like extended family. In a time when people, young and old, increasingly feel socially isolated, we could all use a little extra family. EUNICE LIN NICHOLS IS THE CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR OF GENERATION TO GENERATION, A CAMPAIGN BY ENCORE .ORG TO MOBILIZE OLDER ADULTS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE.

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The Power of a Story W E N A T U R A L LY T H I N K O F O U R O W N L I V E S A S S T O R I E S , P S Y C H O L O G I S T S S AY. C H A N G I N G T H E W AY Y O U T E L L YO U R S C A N H E L P YO U H A N D L E W H AT E V E R P L O T T W I S T S C O M E Y O U R W AY. By Jennifer King Lindley

Illustrations by Gracia Lam

H U M A N S A R E transfixed by stories. We freeze—popcorn handful in midair—when the movie hero finally comes face-to-face with the villain. We stay up way too late to see how a potboiler ends even though we’re too grown-up to hide a flashlight under the covers. We get lost in the experiences of strangers through podcasts like The Moth and StoryCorps and of our friends via Instagram and Snapchat. Stories are how we naturally conceive of our own lives as well. “Our lives are so complex that we need some way to make sense of them,” says Jonathan Adler, PhD, a professor of psychology at Olin

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College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts. “When we construct a narrative, it allows us to hold on to the important parts, filter out the trivial, and find a meaningful pattern in it all.” Day-to-day life is a mash-up, after all: What you had for breakfast. The traffic jam. The birth of a child. Like an editor, our brains pull out significant conflicts, important characters, and turning points to shape our sense of who we are. You might share with a new friend your “journey” with an eating disorder, your “battle” with cancer. We’re living through events while also interpreting them as we go along, says Adler. “You are both the main character and the narra-

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tor of your life,” he says. “You may not have control over all your circumstances, but you can choose how to tell the story.” The problem, say experts: You’re not the most reliable narrator. You might give yourself the most deflating interpretation of your circumstances (“I got downsized: Decades of work have added up to nothing!”). Or you lose the plot entirely when life throws an unexpected twist (“How can I be struggling to get pregnant? I am meant to be a mom!”). Then you go around in circles instead of moving forward. To study how we create our personal stories, researchers at Northwestern University have interviewed hundreds of people to elicit their life narratives. Their findings: Those who tend to weave “contamination stories” in which key points in life are described as tainted (“The promotion was my career goal, but now I’m stressed by the responsibility”) measure lower on levels of well-being than those who naturally tell “redemption stories” that emphasize the silver lining (“Our bankruptcy was hard, but it brought our family closer”). It all may sound a bit too Joseph Campbell. But as this emerging field of “narrative psychology” grows, researchers and therapists are finding practical, do-right-now ways you can tweak your own inner stories. Such edits can help you become more resilient, have better relationships, and—happily ever after!—make better decisions.

Give yourself a more positive “story prompt.” In one influential study, Tim Wilson, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, gathered first-year college students who were floundering academically. “Many were telling themselves pessimistic stories like, ‘College is a harder place than I thought. Maybe I don’t belong here,’” says Wilson, author of Redirect: Changing the Stories We Live By. “If that’s your story, it can really spiral downward. You think it’s hopeless, so you don’t try.” To get them out of this selfdefeating mind-set, researchers showed some of the students videotapes of older students who shared that they too had struggled at first, but once they learned the ropes, their grades climbed. Students who were exposed to this brief, one-time intervention got better grades and were more likely to stay in college than those who weren’t exposed to it. “Perhaps this new prompt made them think, ‘Maybe my negative story wasn’t right. Maybe I just need new study skills,’” says Wilson. The mental revise spurred them to action. You can try this kind of story edit yourself. Totally lost it with your kids after the third Popsicle accident of the day? Instead of thinking, “I’m a terrible mother for making my kids cry,” try a more charitable interpretation: “Parenting little kids is a tough job for everyone.” Now, who wants to play with the hose!

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T RY I T If you’ve had a setback, give your current predicament a title, suggests Schneiderman, like “1,000 Résumés: Adventures in Unemployment.” Thinking of your life in chapters helps you realize your hardship likely has a finite beginning and end, so it feels less overwhelming. “This is just one twist in the long story of your life.”

View difficult people as characters meant to teach you something. Not many enduring classics have this plotline: Everyone got along great! We grabbed lattes, did some shopping, and went home happy! Instead, the most treasured tales have antagonists—enemies our hero must use his inner strength to overcome. Where would Harry Potter be without Voldemort? Rather than just steaming away, think of your difficult in-law or unreasonable boss as an antagonist in your story, suggests Kim Schneiderman, a licensed clinical social worker in New York City and the author of Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life. “Just like good ﬁction, life is about character development,” she says. “These people push you to discover your strengths and your resources by presenting you with challenges. Ask yourself, ‘What are they here to teach me?’ ” To gird yourself for battle (e.g.,Thanksgiving dinner with your overbearing mother-in-law), imagine yourself as the hero in a novel. “Ask yourself, ‘What do I

hope the main character would do in these circumstances? What would I root for the outcome to be? How might she grow from this experience?’ ” says Schneiderman. She suggests you even sketch out the scene in writing using the third-person voice. Be as literal or as imaginative as you like. You don’t have to be Shakespeare here: Simple sentences are ﬁne. (“Jen took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Leveling a cool glance at the older woman, she at last said out loud what she had been thinking for years: ‘Thank you for the parenting advice. But I do things differently.’ ”) You are not trying to script the encounter in advance, she says. “Instead, the idea is to gain some distance and recognize you have control over how you react to conﬂicts. This exercise kicks you out of victim mode and lets you see these kinds of small, daily challenges as a way to grow.” That type of attitude shift can make you feel—and therefore act—more empowered in real life.

T RY I T Hash out conflicts in writing. In a study published in the journal Psychological Science, researchers asked couples to write about a minor conflict in their marriage (say, dirty dishes left all over) for seven minutes at a time every few months for one year. The twist: They had to adopt the perspective of a third person who had everyone’s best interests at heart (in other words, channel a marriage counselor). Taking this fair-minded approach helped defuse everyday clashes and bolster marital satisfaction.

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Observe yourself with some distance, as if you were a character in a book. We often feel paralyzed when facing a big decision—a career move, a breakup. Yet we have no trouble doling out brilliant advice to a friend in the same situation. Adopting a narrator’s fly-on-thewall stance can cool your emotions and let you approach your problems with the same wise detachment, says Ethan Kross, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In one of his studies, subjects were given five minutes to prepare a speech—a classic stress inducer. He asked one group to talk to themselves using “I” words (“OMG! What if I faint dead away?!”). Members of another group were told to refer to themselves as they would another person (“Jen just needs to take a deep breath and smile”). The result: Subjects who adopted the thirdperson perspective were calmer and more confident and performed better than the “I” sayers. You can try this whenever you face a stressful situation, says Kross (“What should Jen do to make sure she doesn’t blow her deadline?”). Or visualize a daunting event in advance, observing yourself as if from a distance: Envision this cool customer’s actions, acing the presentation and modestly accepting applause.

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R E L AT I N G

Write about a painful time to make peace with it. We want our lives to make as much sense as a well-plotted novel, with no strange turns or loose threads. That’s why big setbacks are so disorienting. “No one anticipates their story will be, You graduate, get married, have kids, get cancer,” says Adler. “When bad things happen, you have to ﬁnd a way to ﬁt them into the story you thought you were telling.” One well-documented way to do so is through expressive writing, a technique pioneered by James Pennebaker, a professor of psychology at the University of

Texas at Austin. In studies, Pennebaker asked people to spend 15 minutes a day for four days writing about their most painful experience—a loss, an estrangement, an illness. They were asked to pour out their emotions and reflect on how the experience connected with their past, relationships, and work. Those who did this kind of writing showed a host of benefits, from less depression to fewer doctor’s visits. “Writing may help you reframe the event in a more meaningful way and figure out a way to make sense of it,” says Wilson. Just wait a few weeks, he advises, so you have some distance.

T RY I T Hearing real-life stories in which relatives, past and present, faced adversity but triumphed boosts kids’ own resilience, according to research from the Family Narratives Project at Emory University. So share family victories. Regale your kids with tales of how Grandpa dug his way out of bankruptcy and started the family business, or how Aunt Jodie survived a grave childhood illness and—joy!—grew up to become mom to their favorite cousins.

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Swap stories with loved ones. “We connect around stories. When we share a story, we are offering a piece of ourselves,” says Anna Osborn, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Sacramento, California. When you first met your spouse, for example, you might have stayed up till the wee hours telling tales about your past. Alas, over the years, your talk often dwindles to composing the shopping list for your next Target run. “You may be constantly interacting, but you’re not connecting,” says Osborn. Her prescription for such disconnection: sharing your stories again. Instead of asking, “How was your day?” (answer: “Fine! Yours?”) ask, “What was your biggest success today? What was your biggest challenge?” These prompts make you explain the why and share the emotions behind the highs and lows, she says. Stash the iPhone and really listen. “Think about how you are supposed to act at story hour at the library. Your job is to be truly attentive,” says Osborn. You can narrate shared memories or describe in detail something surprising that happened. Good feelings will flow. You can do the same with other relationships, says Osborn: a states-away sister, a dear but drifting friend. If the other person is game, find a distraction-free time to ask such ponderables as “What was the biggest turning point in your life?” or “What is one memory that always brings you joy?” These kinds of questions, she says, “ask us to search deep into who we really are, what makes us tick, which allows for real connection.” How’s that for a happy ending?

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

M.B. A SKS...

I would like to build a relationship with my aunt (my father’s sister), uncle, and cousin, whom I have hardly seen because of a falling out between my aunt and father. One recent barrier, I feel, is that my parents were invited to my cousin’s wedding, but we didn’t invite my aunt and uncle to mine. I feel guilty and regret that I didn’t insist they be invited. I’d like to reach out but am unsure of the right approach. I respect my father; however, I am sad to be personally cut off from this side of my family.

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

Since it’s clear that writing the checks is not a hardship for you, and since there’s still a pair who aren’t yet ﬁnancially thriving, go ahead and send the money to all four. Imagine if you didn’t and the cousins got to talking— “Too bad we don’t get those checks anymore!” or “I’m glad those checks go to charity now!”— and two of them discovered they’d been (cringe alert!) pegged as the unsuccessful ones.

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y U L I K N Ö R Z E R ; C A R D , L E E Z S N O W / G E T T Y I M A G E S

Life is too short to hold a grudge—and it’s really too short to hold someone else’s grudge. Leave the wedding aside for now, give your father a heads-up about your plans, and reach out to your family. If, after you’ve established a relationship, you want to share your regret about the missed invitation, feel free, but more important for now is your desire to reciprocate and reconnect. I want to say that if your father is put out, you should explain that you’re determined to repair this bond with or without his blessing— but I don’t know how I would feel if it were me and if it were my aggrieved dad. It would be hard to do something that hurt him, even something with value, and even if he was wrong to try to stop me—but I think I would. And maybe your father’s love for you will translate into respect for your decision and (a girl can dream) an interest in reconciling with your aunt himself.

S.J. A SKS...

My partner and I have always sent birthday checks to our four nieces and nephews, who are well into their 20s. Two of them now have very lucrative careers. Would it be gauche to start sending just cards to these two while giving monetary gifts to the other two, who truly need the money? Or to make donations in the wealthy ones’ names to causes we know they support?

R E LAT I N G

J .C . A S K S . . .

The mother of my childhood best friend, who was like a second mother to me, is dying of breast cancer and heading to hospice to live out her final days in peace. My heart is telling me to make a trip home so I can see her, but I know that when the time comes, I will also be flying back to attend services. Do you think a phone call to her would be enough? I am afraid I will regret not saying goodbye in person, but to be honest, I simply don’t know that I could afford two trips. Also, if I fly back now, I would love to take our old family albums to share photos of us all growing up and having fun. Do you think sharing the old photos would bring a sense of peace or more heartache?

C . D. A S K S . . .

L I O R A N D LO N E / STO C K SY

I was invited to the 50th birthday party of a very close friend. One of her other friends, whom I don’t know, sent out a registry soliciting donations for a gift card to a mall. I think my friend will be mortified that someone is soliciting donations for a group gift and would prefer more thoughtful and personal gifts. Should I tell that to the woman who set up the registry? I don’t doubt that you’re right about your friend’s preferences, but I’m guessing she might be more mortiﬁed by any brouhaha around the gift than by the particulars of the gift itself. So don’t shut down the gift card idea. For people who aren’t super close to the birthday friend, a group gift will be a stress-free way to give a present without having to come up with the perfect thing. But for people who are? Participation isn’t mandatory. Simply “reply all” that you’re going rogue: “I actually have a gift already, so I’m not going to participate, but thank you so much for including me!” If other folks have a personal gift in mind, your message might give them the encouragement they need to opt out, too. Surely your friend will ﬁnd something at the mall that she wants, and she’ll also get your personal gift and (unbeknownst to her) the gift of your not having undermined her other friends.

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

Oh, I’m so sorry. Your question is a heartbreaking one. If it’s at all financially feasible to make the trip twice, then do. You’ll never regret it. But if you can go only once, then go while she is still alive— to thank her one last time for those years of love and care and to say your goodbyes in person. Your presence will mean so much to her, of course, but it will also be a great and lasting comfort to the family, who are doubtless already grieving their loss, even now. Plenty of other people will be at the funeral to offer community and consolation when it is needed later, and you can send a card or letter to add your voice to the mix, even in your absence. In a case where someone dies suddenly, people don’t have an opportunity like this—but you do, so go ahead and seize it. And definitely bring the photo album. She’s probably in a nostalgic, reflective mood and will relish the chance to reminisce with you. If she’s not, or she’s too tired, or it’s too sad? You can leave it in your suitcase and look at it yourself on the trip home, when you’re counting your blessings.

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– Dog Edition –

A N SW E R S TO YO U R HAIRIEST PET QUESTIONS By Sarah Grossbar t

®/TM trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2016

SILENCE, PLEASE We have a boxer rescue who barks when he needs to go out, when he’s excited, or for seemingly no reason at all. We’ve tried a number of products and tricks, but nothing has worked. Can you help us find a little quiet? To get some peace, you need to invoke the silent treatment. Yelling or letting him outside when he barks doesn’t give him any instruction about what to do, says veterinary behaviorist Lisa Radosta. Instead of yelling, she says, ignore him, then heap on praise when he’s quiet. You’ll have to teach him a new way to communicate when he needs to go out, says Radosta, who suggests training him to use bells (try PoochieBells, $15; chewy.com). To be sure he’s not yapping out of boredom or excess energy, exercise him at least 30 minutes daily.

DOG, JORGE GONZ ALE Z/GET T Y IMAGES; PRODUCT IMAGE C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R

The Vets Will See You Now

R E L AT I N G

O D O R E AT E R My Lab was recently sprayed by a skunk. What should I bathe her with to remove the smell? Ditch the stench with this recipe from veterinarian Donna Solomon: Mix one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, half a cup of baking soda, and two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap. “Lather the solution on your pet, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse her off,” instructs Solomon. The soap helps pull off the oil in the skunk’s spray, while the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda work to eliminate the odor. To guard against any peroxide splashing in your dog’s eyes, veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus advises coating them with eye-safe sterile ophthalmic petrolatum ($8; drfostersmith .com). You might have to repeat the bath several times in a row, but eventually all you’ll smell is doggy breath.

T H E P E T E X P E RT S

A N A P P L E A DAY Are there natural treats I can give my dog instead of the boxed offerings? Most boxed treats aren’t bad for your dog, but some may be high in calories and processed ingredients. Veterinarian Gayle O’Konski suggests seeking out the versions that are made with oats and fruit. You can swap in fresh snacks like green beans, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, watermelon, or strawberries two or three times a week to give your dog the nutrients she may not get in packaged treats. On the do-not-feed list: grapes, raisins, and onions—all are toxic to dogs. Even with fresh options, cautions Hohenhaus, it can’t be an all-she-can-gobble situation. Snacks should make up only 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Just like with your diet, says Hohenhaus, “it’s about portion control.”

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R E L AT I N G

PROP ST YLING BY MEGAN HEDGPETH

Good Read

Made by Hand L O G I C T O L D H E R T H E R E W A S N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; T T I M E T O D O T H E P R O J E C T T H E W AY S H E WA N T E D. T O VA M I RV I S D E C I D E D N O T T O L I S T E N .

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

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U R E LY A N E -V I T E

would have been easier. But I was transfixed by the array of card stock and the delicate sheets of shimmering, speckled, and floral-printed paper displayed in the stationery store. My son’s bar mitzvah was a few months away, and an idea had seized me: I needed to make 200 invitations by hand. The practical side of me stepped up first in protest: so much unnecessary work. Why do this? And then, not far behind, the critical side: You don’t know how to do this. These were valid points. As a mother of three and a novelist, I had little time to spare. I didn’t think of myself as the artsy type, at least not the kind that used paper, glue, and paint. With my children, I could do projects that were fun and messy, projects you would hang on the fridge. But not something that would come close to looking perfect. There was another reason that an unnecessary project wasn’t a good idea right now. Until recently, I’d had what appeared to be an orderly life—married for 17 years with three children and a house in a tight-knit community. I’d gotten engaged when I was 22, to my first serious boyfriend, after just a few months of dating. The story we told ourselves of our courtship was of an innocent, young love: no struggles, no complications. We were perfect for each other, we’d believed. Yet over the years that version of our marriage had ceased to match the way I actually felt. Quietly, I harbored the concern that my husband and I couldn’t navigate any difficult issue together. The growing differences between us, my discontent and loneliness—these issues needed to be kept out of sight for fear of unraveling the story we were intent on upholding. I thought of myself as the kind of person who would stay in her marriage no matter what. I didn’t know what a person who would upend her life looked like, but I was certain she didn’t look like me. Yet just shy of my 40th birthday—and a few months before my son’s bar mitzvah—I made the agonizing decision to leave my marriage. Roiled by guilt and uncertainty, I was as scared as I’d ever been: afraid of the pain and upheaval for my children, afraid that I was taking the sheets of paper on which our lives were written and tearing them to shreds. But I realized that as scared as I was, I felt a loosening inside me, a recognition that I could force my way past the internal voices that had always held me back. Before my divorce, a reproachful inner voice emerged whenever I felt the urge to take a risk. As soon as an idea reared in my mind—become a runner, learn to knit—I saw a wishful, idealized image of how it might turn out. (Those marathons I would run! Those beautiful hats I would make!) Then, just as swiftly, I heard that naysaying voice. (Those hours I would have to spend training.

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From each mistake, I learned to work slowly, to be precise and patient. Beauty, I learned, takes time. That long-ago failed attempt to learn to crochet.) I often remembered the time, a decade earlier, when I hadn’t heeded my naysaying voice, and my younger sister and I had impulsively decided to paint the walls of her bedroom purple. In the wake of a bad breakup, she had moved to a new apartment. I had never really painted before, but we plunged in, as though we could paint over her sadness about this relationship that hadn’t worked out. It turned out we hadn’t adequately prepped the walls. Soon a large wrinkle appeared. As the paint-soaked plaster peeled away, we stood there agape. We called a professional to fix the mess, but the peeling wall seemed like a warning: It’s better not to try something new. But as I stood in that stationery store, staring at the sheets of paper, a single thought went through my head. I want to make something beautiful. I bought card stock, craft knives, rolls of double-sided tape, ink pads, embossing powder, and an embossing heat tool. I planned a design that involved layers of paper in different shades of blue. I decided to make enclosure cards, too, on which I would handstamp swirling lines. The divorce might have marked the closing of one part of my life, but these invitations were a much-needed reminder that happy occasions still lay ahead. Every day I set up my art supplies at the dining room table. So much of my time now was spent fighting with lawyers. My mind was overtaken by the endless tasks necessary to unravel and reconfigure our lives.

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EVENTS

FINDS

IDEAS

GIVEAWAYS

MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE Lee Woodruff is an author, an advocate for injured veterans, a public speaker, a wife, and a mother of four. Her favorite thing about her fifties is being completely comfortable in her own skin. “I’ve learned that I need to take control of my own style, and you can only have somebody else tell you what works for you to a certain degree. It’s about what I feel good in. Style My Way means getting dressed every morning and feeling comfortable, but still very much like a woman.”

SAY IT IN PRINT Tonya Pittman is the host of the web series, “New York City Girl,” and also a mom and a wife. At forty-something, she’s never felt happier, healthier, or more confident. “When I’m shopping, I look for something that makes me feel good when I put it on and that stands out. I love wearing prints. A beautiful print tells a story. Style My Way is fun, sexy, sassy, funky, and comfortable.” Tonya gets her print fix from Chico’s Cheetah Festival Ruana.

Lee loves the style and comfort of the Juliet Ankle Pant from Chico’s.

For more style inspiration and stories, visit chicos.com/stylemyway.

R E L AT I N G

But when I concentrated on making the invitations, the buzz of worry quieted. My thoughts slowed. My mind was still. All I had to do was concentrate on the work of my hands. I stamped rows of swirling lines. I dusted wet ink with embossing powder. I turned on the heat embosser and watched the colors become brighter, bolder. I ran my hands over the raised lines as though I’d performed a miracle. There were, of course, moments of overwhelm and regret. I cut uneven lines because I didn’t always take the time to measure. I smudged ink because I hadn’t waited for the stamping to dry. I spilled a container of embossing powder on the rug. From each mistake, I learned to work slowly, to be precise and patient. Beauty, I learned, takes time. My final products didn’t quite match the image in my head. I still saw all the ways my work looked handmade, and not necessarily in the good kind of way. But my friends and family marveled at how well my project had turned out. Their admiration was only a small part of the satisfaction I felt at realizing that I could still take myself by surprise. A year later, as my divorce was being finalized, my sister, who was almost 40 then, got engaged. I remembered that failed attempt to paint her walls, her heartbreak then and her happiness now. “I’ll make the invitations,” I offered. As I embossed green leaves across the top of taupe cards, I was reminded that our lives rarely end up exactly the way we imagined. We reach the important moments in our own ways, at our own times. Three years later, I was back at the stationery store, this time to make invitations for my own wedding. Now, embarking on a second marriage, there was no idyllic story of young, unvarnished love. Between the two of us, my fiancé and I had six children ranging in age from 6 to 23. There would surely be complications to navigate as we blended our families, but I’d learned that in life, too, there were mess-ups and smudges and do-overs, that we learn by trial and error, by taking risks and starting over. With patience and time and love, we could create something of beauty. I had planned to keep my wedding invitations simple— printed white paper mounted on dark purple card stock— when I saw, in a nearby display, sheets of glittery silver paper. My hands, not my mind, made the decision. Using a template, I cut triangular-topped squares of silver paper that I used to line the purple envelopes. I made glittery bands to go around each invitation. I designed a program for our ceremony that I decorated with strips of silver. When I studied my work closely, I could see where I hadn’t trimmed the bands evenly, where the paper lining the envelopes was slightly off-center. The silver paper shed all over my house and across the front of the envelopes. They may not have been perfect, but they were beautiful. For days my hands were flecked with glitter.

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ABOUT T H E AU T H O R Tova Mirvis wrote the novels The Ladies Auxiliary, The Outside World, and Visible City. Her memoir, The Book of Separation, was released in September.

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

H OW TO W I N AT WO R KIN G FRO M H O M E By Kathleen Murray Harris

F R A N PA R E N T E / O T T O

The ďŹ&#x201A;exibility of working remotely is blissfulâ&#x20AC;Śthat is, until your kid pops up during a video call and the laundry starts giving you the stare-down. Whether working from home is your norm or just a sometime thing, experts share their best strategies to eliminate distractions and be your most productive self. What commute?

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Set Up a System with Your Family

Stick to a Schedule One of the pitfalls of working from home: working too much. Create a set schedule of total working hours that match your typical workday. “When you have a structure, you become more efficient,” says Julie Morgenstern, an organizing expert and the author of Organizing from the Inside Out. Your start and stop times—and breaks—can be more fluid, but always finish at a designated time. “When there isn’t a specific cutoff time, it can be hard for people to step away from their work,” says Katharine Zaleski, cofounder and president of PowerToFly, a recruiting platform for remote and tech jobs for women.

Avoid the Couch... With wireless, you can work anywhere—but just because you can doesn’t mean you should, says Morgenstern. “Designate a specific room or area so there’s a mental boundary between working and relaxing,” she suggests. If you don’t have a home office, figure out a space that has enough surface area for the nature of your work and that won’t lead to laptop neck and back strain. The dining room table is fine. Just make sure you clean up your work at the end of the day, with no stacks of papers around. “That way, work won’t bleed into family time,” says Morgenstern.

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...and Make Your Work Space Inviting Once you’ve designated a space, keep it tidy. A cluttered work area can lead to cluttered thoughts, and at home, distractions are everywhere. A pile of unopened mail will subconsciously nag you the whole day, so move it to a separate bin off your work space. “You don’t want your space to drain you—you want it to energize you,” says Morgenstern. “That doesn’t mean you need to be a neat worker. Just file papers away in boxes so you’re not staring at them.” Limit the stuff on your desk to whatever you’re working on at the moment and a few things that inspire you, like a piece of art or a plant that brings life into your space.

Don’t Do the Laundry Doing chores, filing away bills, getting dinner ready—taking on household tasks throughout the day can eat up a ton of time and hurt your productivity. “Working from home doesn’t mean that you should be working on your home, and just because you’re home, you shouldn’t feel responsible to do these things throughout the day,” says Zaleski. If you do need a break to take care of some personal to-dos or cook dinner, schedule it on your calendar as you would any work appointment.

Have a Close-Out Ritual The one benefit of a commute is that it gives you time to mentally switch gears from work to home life. When you only have a staircase separating you, you need a transition routine. Close out your to-do list, noting what you did and what to accomplish tomorrow. Then change your clothes. “We behave differently based on what we’re wearing,” says Morgenstern. When you work from home, you should get dressed into work clothes (not a suit but not yoga pants, she says). Then, once work is done, change into lounge clothes. “Your body will relax and know you’re in a different mode,” she says. Finally, have a plan for what you’re going to do once you’re finished with work. “You can only compete with the lure of sending one more email if you have a compelling alternative,” says Morgenstern, “whether it’s going for a walk, cooking dinner, or hanging with your kids.”

A K E M A ST E R / S H U T T E R STO C K

“Working from home doesn’t mean that you should be working on your home.”

“Don’t kid yourself and think you don’t need a babysitter for young children if you’re working at home,” says Maura Thomas, a productivity expert and the author of Work Without Walls. With older kids, who can better understand boundaries while you’re working, come up with a signal that lets them know you really can’t be disturbed: a closed door, a sign that says HARD WORK HAPPENING, or one of those business time clocks that say WILL RETURN AT 5 P.M. It can be difficult for kids to fight the urge to interrupt you. One idea, says Morgenstern, is to leave a chalkboard outside your door so your kids can write down what they need to talk to you about. “It removes the burden from them to remember later and lets you know what your kids need so you’re not blindsided when you’re done with work,” she says.

BAL ANCE

Find the Funds for Home Upgrades 1

Determine whether the project is a good investment.

Daydreaming about swapping that little-used closet for the extra bathroom your family desperately needs? To spruce up your space—without sledgehammering your pocketbook—read this. By Kate Rockwood

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Some renos start paying off right away: Outﬁtting your house with Energy Star appliances (washer, dryer, water heater) can cut your energy use by 35 percent—and slash your bills signiﬁcantly. Other upgrades might not save you money in the near future but will help you fetch a higher price when you eventually sell. “Anything that gives your house more curb appeal can really boost its value—and help you enjoy your home more while you’re living there,” says Sarah Feezor, a real estate agent with Dream Town Realty in Chicago. Buyers searching online might scroll past a listing with peeling paint or a dilapidated porch before looking at interior photos. In fact, the latest Cost vs. Value Report by Hanley Wood, a residential data provider, found that curb-appeal projects, including changes to siding, doors, and windows, had an average payback of 75 percent, compared with 64 percent for interior upgrades. Inside, kitchen and bathroom renos get the most return on investment. Even so, you’ll want your spending to be compatible with the house’s total worth—a $90,000 kitchen remodel doesn’t make much sense for a $200,000 property. “One of the worst things people can do is overimprove their homes,” says Feezor. “If the upgrade means you’re now the best house on the block, you’re never going to get as much of your money back when you sell.” Checking out comparable listings in your area can help you keep pace with—but not exceed—the local market.

Illustrations by Andrea Mongia

BAL ANCE

Make a budget before borrowing. You probably have a gut sense of whether you want to spend $5,000 or $50,000 on that kitchen renovation. To turn your ballpark estimate into a budget, ﬁrst browse home improvement stores and sites for an idea of which materials and ﬁxtures you like and how much they’ll cost. For smaller projects, lean on sales associates to walk you through your options and answer questions. For larger upgrades, spending a bit up front for a design consultation can get you valuable info about your options and help ensure every necessary item makes it into your budget. A good rule of thumb is to pad contractor estimates by 10 percent. With a DIY project, pad the estimate by 20 to 30 percent, because hiccups happen—especially when you’re not a pro. For city-bycity estimates on typical costs, go to houzz.com/remodeling-costs.

Use promotions to float smaller projects… If you don’t want to tap your savings for smaller projects, you might qualify for a credit card with 0 percent interest for 12 months or longer. Citi’s Simplicity card, for instance, offers 0 percent interest for 21 months. “Store credit cards tend to offer less ﬂexibility, but if you know you’re going to always shop there, they do have perks, like special promotions and higher cash-back rewards on purchases,” says Kimberly Palmer, a credit card expert at NerdWallet. Just make the minimum payment each month and pay off the balance in full before the promotional period is over or you’ll wind up spending a pretty penny for that new patio.

…or foot the bill with equity. If you want to use your home equity to pay for upgrades, you’ve got a few options. The most ﬂexible may be a home equity line of credit, “which is like a credit card attached to your house,” says Alex Margulis, vice president of mortgage lending at Perl Mortgage in Chicago. The upside: You can take out funds and repay them as often as you like for the duration of the draw period of the credit line (usually 10 years)—and you pay interest only on the money you’ve drawn. But the interest rate is variable, which could burn you if it climbs while you’re in payback mode. If you prefer the security of a ﬁxed rate, choose a home equity loan. You get a lump sum and pay interest on the entire amount until it’s paid back. Run the numbers carefully before borrowing, says Margulis: “Sometimes moving makes more sense, and sometimes staying put—minus the renovation—is the smarter choice.”

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M a k i n g I t Wo r k

What’s your secret to getting enough sleep?

“I have a gettingready-for-sleep ritual. I like to come home, put my pajamas on, take my makeup off, and put on a meditative CD. (I also have meditation apps on my phone, but I try to keep my devices, laptop, and television out of the bedroom.) This routine prepares my mind and body for a good night’s sleep and stops me from getting home and continuing to work into the night.”

CHRISTINE DUFFY, 55, PRESIDENT OF CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

“Before I had kids, I would sleep in, but I often felt unproductive. Now that I’m a workat-home dad, I have a set eight-hour sleep schedule. I go to bed at 9 or 9:30 p.m. and wake up at 5 or 5:30 a.m. seven days a week. I don’t even need an alarm anymore; my body does this naturally. No matter what is happening, I really try to stay true to that schedule. Otherwise I lose productivity during the day.”

“I gave up caffeine. My mind was continually working as I was trying to sleep, and I’d wake up in the middle of the night, putting lists together in my head. It’s made such a difference in my energy during the day and my sleep at night. I wake up rejuvenated. If I need a hot drink, I’ll have hot water with lemon in it.”

DOYIN RICHARDS, 42, AUTHOR OF I WONDER: CELEBRAT ING DADDIES D OIN’ WORK

TARA SORENSEN, 45, HE AD OF KIDS PRO GRAMMING AT AMA ZON STUDIOS

“I prioritize sex. When you’re tired, that’s one thing that falls by the wayside. But studies show that when you orgasm, your body releases this cocktail of hormones that are conducive to sleep. One is oxytocin, which counteracts cortisol, a hormone that keeps you amped up and awake. Your body also releases prolactin, which promotes deeper sleep.”

CINDY WHITEHE AD, 4 4, COFOUNDER OF SPROUT PHARMACEUTICAL S AND FOUNDER OF THE PINK CEILING

“There are two things: The first is making time for exercise. If I add a run, even if it’s just 25 minutes in the morning, that really contributes to better sleep. And second, I don’t drink too much during the week. One glass of wine is fine, but once I go beyond that, it really affects my quality of sleep, and I wake up not feeling as rested.”

JENNIFER CUE, 53, CEO OF THE JONES SODA CRAF T BEVERAGE COMPANY

For five things you shouldn’t do before bed, visit realsimple.com/bedtime.

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Illustration by Shout

F R O M L E F T : C O U R T E S Y O F C A R N I VA L C R U I S E L I N E ; C O U R T E S Y O F D O Y I N R I C H A R D S . C O M ; C O U R T E S Y O F A M A Z O N ; COURTESY OF THE PINK CEILING; COURTESY OF JONES SODA CO.

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BAL ANCE

What Really Helps Keep You Cancer-Free? S O M E H E A LT H H A B I T S L O W E R Y O U R R I S K FA R M O R E T H A N O T H E R S . W E A S K E D D O C S T O S O RT T H E M U ST- D O S F RO M T H E D O N ’ T- B O T H E R S. By Melinda Beck A d d i t i o n a l r e p o r t i n g b y M o l l y M. G i n t y

Every week, your Facebook feed touts a headline that lands something from day-to-day life on the list of possible human carcinogens: a charred burger, office life, basement mold. But you’re probably not about to quit your desk job or never eat a bite of food off the grill—so how do you live? “You can drive yourself crazy trying to avoid carcinogens,” says Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society (ACS). “But we’re exposed to them all day long, starting when we wake up each morning with radiation from the sun.” We all know a super-healthy person who still got cancer. That said, there is concrete evidence that a few key lifestyle choices can dramatically lower your odds. Other steps, however, are merely speculative or rooted in unfounded fears. We asked top medical pros to wade into the murky research and misinformation so you can protect your health the smart (and sane) way.

Illustrations by Amy van Lujik

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The Musts Nothing is sure to prevent cancer—the disease is linked to genetics, environmental factors,

N OT S M O K I N G

“The worst thing you can do from a cancer perspective is smoke,” says Jennifer Ligibel, MD, a medical oncologist with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. If you smoked in the past, your risk of cancer drops dramatically if you quit, according to the ACS. Visit quitnow.net or smoke free.gov for free help with kicking the habit.

KEEPING WEIGHT I N C H EC K

Obesity puts your body under stress that gets in the way of its ability to repair damaged cells, says Linda Nebeling, PhD, deputy associate director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s Behavior Research Program in Rockville, Maryland. Experts emphasize trying not to accumulate fat around the abdomen. Women should aim for a waist size of 31 inches or less, men for 37 inches or less.

E X E RC I S I N G R EG U L A R LY

C H A N G I N G YO U R D I E T

A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast and endometrial cancers and tumors of the bladder, bone marrow, colon, kidney, liver, and lung. Government authorities recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, such as walking or slow biking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or tennis.

Studies linking fruits and vegetables to reduced cancer risk are mixed, but produce provides nutrients that help repair the cell damage that leads to cancer. Aim to eat at least five servings daily. Meanwhile, adults should limit consumption of red meat to 18 ounces per week, recommends the American Institute for Cancer Research. Eat small amounts of processed types (like hot dogs and bacon) at the occasional brunch or cookout.

C H EC K I N G F O R HOME HAZ ARDS

DRINKING LESS

AVO I D I N G T H E S U N

GET TING IMMUNIZED

The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of certain cancers. The ACS recommends women have no more than one drink daily, and men no more than two. It’s a compromise, says Marisa Weiss, MD, founder and chief medical officer of Breastcancer.org: “Alcohol is part of every fun occasion, and red wine is good for the heart.” She says if women stick to three glasses or less weekly, they can avoid spiking their breast cancer risk. And a few drinks a week is enough to reap any heart benefits.

Skin cancers are the most common cancers. Wear multi- or broad-spectrum SPF daily to fend off both UVB and UVA rays. “But don’t use it as a way to stay out longer,” says Brawley. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and if you have to be outside for hours, wear a hat, long sleeves, and pants. Steer clear of tanning beds, which are linked to melanoma.

Vaccination against two common cancer-causing viruses virtually eliminates infection. Adults at risk for hepatitis B (those who have had more than one sexual partner in a year, work in the health care field, use IV drugs, travel frequently to Africa or other high-risk regions, or have other risk factors) should be vaccinated against hep B, which can lead to liver cancer. Make sure your kids are vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical and some oral cancers.

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Cancer-causing asbestos can lurk in the walls and pipes of homes built before 1980. Doing renovations? Hire a professional to test for it and remove it. About 1 in 15 U.S. homes contains elevated levels of radon, a gas linked to lung cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Local officials can tell if you’re in an at-risk zone, and home test kits cost about $20.

S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O D AV I D S A M P S O N , D I R E C T O R O F M E D I A R E L AT I O N S F O R T H E A M E R I C A N C A N C E R S O C I E T Y

age, and plain luck. Still, there’s strong evidence these habits can lower your risk.

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BAL ANCE

PA S S I N G O N PA R A B E N S A N D P H T H A L AT E S

K E E P I N G YO U R C E L L P H O N E AT A R M ’ S L E N G T H

The Maybes These actions might lower cancer risk. But doctors aren’t sure, mainly because there hasn’t been enough research to prove or disprove a link. Until the verdict is in, take up these habits if the reassurance they bring outweighs the inconvenience.

The idea that radio frequency waves emitted by cell phones might penetrate users’ skulls, damage brain cells, and cause brain tumors has worried some people for decades. But there’s very little evidence that this occurs. “There’s a greater risk of physical harm from not paying attention to where you’re walking or driving while using a cell phone,” argues Nebeling. That said, other experts suggest playing it safe until more is known. “I frequently tell patients to use a wired earpiece if they’re worried,” says Brawley. (Children may be more vulnerable to cell phone radiation than adults, who have thicker skull bones.) And if you store your phone in a T-shirt pocket or bra, break the habit, advises Weiss. “Even if you’re not using it, the antenna is still active, and breast tissue is highly sensitive,” she explains. L I M I T I N G C H A R B RO I L I N G

Cooking meat over high heat for a long time creates chemicals known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may cause DNA changes in the body that might lead to cancer. Just how much charred meat you need to eat to raise your risk isn’t known, but experts say having a well-done burger once in a while should be fine. Cutting meat into smaller pieces to reduce overall grilling time and turning meat frequently while cooking may reduce exposure to these chemicals.

Parabens, used as preservatives in personal-care products, can act like weak estrogens in humans, and phthalates, which make scents longer-lasting and nail polish less brittle, can disrupt the balance of hormones that interact with estrogen. Studies have suggested these chemicals could stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. The science is far from definitive, but more paraben- and phthalate-free products are appearing for people who want to avoid them. “It’s true that what goes on you goes in you,” says Weiss, but “these are areas of concern, not known risk factors.” BY PA S S I N G B PA

A chemical known as bisphenol A, found in many rigid plastics, can linings, and cashier receipts, is also a potential hormone disrupter. How much risk it poses to humans isn’t clear, but you can minimize exposure by transferring food from plasticware to glass or ceramic dishes for cooking, buying fresh rather than canned foods, and washing your hands after handling register receipts, says Weiss. Plastic containers that have the number 7 in the recycling symbol may contain BPA. TO S S I N G TA LC U M P O W D E R

A Los Angeles jury recently awarded $417 million in damages to a woman who charged that talcum powder caused her ovarian cancer. Research has been mixed, but one theory is that talc particles used for feminine hygiene travel up the vagina and cause inflammation, which could increase cancer risk. While the scientific jury is still out, some experts say it makes sense to avoid using talcum powder in the genital area or substitute cornstarch.

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DR. SOENGAS

DR. PATTON

DR. WEERARATNA

THESE WOMEN WANT TO SAVE YOUR LIFE. BY SAVING YOUR SKIN. Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Most cases are related to sun UV-induced damage to the skin. And nearly 10,000 people in the U.S. are expected to die of melanoma in 2017. But these five scientists are working to change all that. MRA, the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, has granted these women a Team Science Award for Women in Scientific Research to advance melanoma detection and treatment. The three-year research project is powered by the brilliance of five female scientists and funded by L’Oréal Paris.

DR. SOSA

Since 2013, L’Oréal Paris has committed a total of $1.5 million to MRA research. With your help we will defeat melanoma. Learn more about melanoma prevention and support life-saving research by visiting itsthatworthit.org. And make every day an SPF day — rain or shine. DR. SCHUCHTER

BAL ANCE

The Mistakes Not only will these habits not lower your cancer risk, but they might end up harming your health instead.

The Myths You may have solid reasons (environmental, ethical, or otherwise) to take these steps. But they don’t do much to lower cancer risk.

AVO I D I N G G M O S

Critics worry that crops grown from seeds that were genetically modified to increase yields and resist pests could be fueling a rise in cancer. But a 2016 report from the National Academy of Sciences found there is no evidence that GMO foods on the market affect cancer risk. ABAND ONING BR AS AND ANTIPERSPIR ANTS

Concerns that bras raise breast cancer risk by preventing lymph fluid from circulating are not backed up by any solid evidence, says Weiss. There’s also little proof that antiperspirants leach harmful aluminum particles into the body or block sweat from carrying cancer-causing toxins out. P I TC H I N G N O N S T I C K PA N S

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical once used in the making of Teflon, raised the risk of tumors in animals exposed to high levels. But it was phased out in 2015, and there are no known cancer risks to humans from using nonstick cookware, according to the ACS.

S K I P P I N G A RT I F I C I A L SWEETENERS

AVO I D I N G F LU O R I DAT E D WAT E R

Critics remain wary of them, but the NCI and other health agencies say there is no clear evidence that sugar substitutes cause cancer in humans. “Experts have looked at this over and over again,” says Brawley. “The only artificial sweetener that has been linked to cancer in mice is saccharin, but that was later disproven.”

Worries stem in part from a 1990 study suggesting a link between bone tumors in rats and fluoridated water. But health authorities say there is no strong evidence of this—and there is evidence of the huge benefits of staving off cavities.

S K I P P I N G N EC E S S A RY MEDICAL SCANS

Tests that use ionizing radiation (like X-rays and CTs) are potentially carcinogenic: CT scans alone cause an estimated 1.5 percent of cancers in the U.S. Ask if scans are truly needed. But women who skip recommended mammograms because they fear that the radiation could cause breast cancer put themselves at greater risk by not detecting it early, says Ligibel.

S H O P P I N G O RGA N I C O N LY

Foods grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers may seem healthier, but the ACS reports that at this time there is no evidence that subsisting only on organic foods will pose fewer cancer risks than eating conventionally farmed foods. Some experts worry that the higher costs of organic foods may discourage people from eating more fruits and vegetables.

P O P P I N G LOT S O F SUPPLEMENTS

TURNING D OWN D E N TA L S E A L A N T S

Traces of BPA have been found in the substances painted on children’s molars to prevent decay, but the American Dental Association says the traces are so small that it’s not worth sacrificing the oral health protection sealants provide.

“Supplements are not a quick fix to prevent cancer,” cautions Nebeling. Randomized trials have found that taking vitamins B6, B12, C, and E, beta-carotene, folic acid, or selenium in pill form generally does not lower cancer risks and in certain cases may even increase them.

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THOSE PUMPS

WON’T PAY

FOR THEMSELVES. Switch to GEICO and save money for the things you love. Maybe it’s those Parisian pumps you just had to own. Or that oh-so-amazing handbag. Fashion is what you love – and it doesn’t come cheap. So switch to GEICO, because you could save 15% or more on car insurance. And that would help make the things you love that much easier to get.

Auto • Home • Rent • Cycle • Boat geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) | local office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners and renters coverages are written through non-afﬁliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO

Ahhh... We all have moments when we realize our mind is spinning in place. You might have writer’s block, or you can’t find a solution to a problem, or you are spending time and effort on what should be an easy task. This is when you need to give your brain a break. Lift your head up out of your work. Look straight ahead. Take a few breaths in and out through your nose to clear your mind palate. Then, with gaze at eye level, very slowly turn your head to the right. See everything along the way— the wall, the furniture, the light from the window, the other people. Only move your head, not your eyes. This allows your brain to relax. When you get to the right, slowly scan the horizon back to the left. Finally, turn your head back to center. Take a few deep breaths and register that you are here in this place, right now. Take one or two minutes to do this entire process. Grounding yourself in your environment will help clear your mind’s spin cycle.

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Make Dinnerâ&#x20AC;Ś Photograph by Tktktk Nametk

G e t eve r y b o d y i nvo l ve d a n d wa t c h yo u r a ve ra g e we e k n i g h t t u r n into the highlight of the month. R EC I P E S BY

D awn Perr y

P H OTO G R A P H S BY

Jennifer Causey 143

Co ca-Cola Carnitas AC T I V E T I M E : 3 0 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E : 6 H O U R S , 30 MINUTES SERVES: 6

lb. boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-in. pieces 1 cup Coca-Cola 1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. dried oregano

COMBINE pork, Coke, onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin, and oregano in a 5to 6-quart slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on high, covered, until meat is tender and shreds easily, 5 to 6 hours. TRANSFER pork and liquid to a large saucepan and bring to a vigorous simmer over high. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until liquid is reduced and coats meat, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve pork in warm tortillas with fixings on the side.

For serving: Corn or flour tortillas Cilantro Avocado Lime wedges Pico de gallo Pickled red onions Sliced radishes Cotija cheese

TO M ATO S AU C E MAKES ENOUGH FOR 4 4 - OZ . P I Z Z A S

1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, drained Kosher salt

Pizza Night S auces AC T I V E T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S E AC H TOTA L T I M E : 3 5 M I N U T E S SERVES: 4

W H I T E S AU C E MAKES ENOUGH FOR 4 4 - OZ . P I Z Z A S

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 cups milk cup grated Parmesan cup grated pecorino tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper MELT butter in a medium saucepan over medium. Add flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until golden, nutty smelling, and beginning to bubble, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk in 4 additions. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until mixture is thickened and coats a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, pecorino, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Freshly ground black pepper Olive oil, for brushing your hands, crush tomatoes over a colander set inside a large bowl. Discard tomato juices (or set aside for another use, like soup or Bloody Marys). Season tomatoes with teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper. USING

PREHEAT oven to 500Â°F with racks in uppermost and lowest positions. Divide dough into 4-ounce portions. Stretch each portion to a 6-inch circle and place on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Brush each round on both sides with oil. Season dough with more salt and pepper and top as desired. BAKE pizzas, rotating from top to bottom halfway through, until cheese is melted and undersides of crusts are golden, 15 to 18 minutes.

For building/serving: Prepared pizza dough (4 oz. per person) Mozzarella, fresh and torn or part-skim and shredded (2 oz. per pizza) Pepperoni Sliced mushrooms Sliced red onion Sliced bell peppers Crushed red pepper Grated Parmesan Fresh basil Dried oregano

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Chicken Curr y AC T I V E T I M E : 3 0 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E : 3 0 M I N U T E S SERVES: 4

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-in. pieces 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour tsp. freshly ground black pepper tsp. kosher salt, divided

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. mild curry powder 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth PL ACE chicken in a medium bowl; toss with flour, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.

oil in a large skillet over medium. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add butter to skillet and swirl to melt. Add onion, apple, garlic, and remaining teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, until sticky, about 2 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to skillet and simmer rapidly, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and liquid is reduced and saucy, 6 to 10 minutes.

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 ; I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y J O E L H O L L A N D

HEAT

with rice or naan with toppings on the side.

SERVE

Per fect B aked Potatoes AC T I V E T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E : 1 H O U R , 10 MINUTES SERVES: 6

3 lb. russet potatoes (about 6 medium), scrubbed 1 Tbsp. olive oil tsp. kosher salt

For serving: Steamed basmati rice Naan Toasted coconut Salted peanuts Raisins Yogurt Cilantro

Freshly ground black pepper

and prick several times with the tip of a sharp knife. Season with salt and several grinds of pepper and place on rack. Bake until tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly. potatoes and gently fluff insides with a fork. Divide butter and Cheddar among potatoes and return to oven. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

SPLIT

SERVE potatoes with fixings on the side.

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 4 oz. grated sharp yellow Cheddar PREHEAT oven to 350Â°F and set a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Working over rack, rub potatoes with oil

For serving: Sour cream Chives Cooked bacon Steamed broccoli

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S andwich Night Spre ads AC T I V E T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S E AC H TOTA L T I M E : 3 0 M I N U T E S SERVES: 6

TO M ATO - H O R S E R A D I S H M AYO MAKES ABOUT

CUP

cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 2 tsp. tomato paste tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper COMBINE mayonnaise, horseradish, tomato paste, salt, and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl and stir until smooth.

F E TA -YO G U RT SPREAD MAKES ABOUT

CUP

cup full-fat Greek yogurt 4 oz. crumbled feta Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper COMBINE yogurt and feta in a medium bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth; season to taste with salt and pepper (feta can vary greatly in saltiness).

Antipasti Frittata

GREEN HUMMUS MAKES ABOUT

AC T I V E T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S TOTA L T I M E : 2 5 M I N U T E S

cup prepared hummus

SERVES: 6

Nonstick cooking spray 2 oz. baby spinach (2 cups, packed) 8 oz. marinated bocconcini, halved 4 oz. sliced salami 24 large eggs 1 tsp. kosher salt tsp. freshly ground black pepper

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CUP

2 Tbsp. prepared pesto PREHEAT oven to 400Â°F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray, line with parchment, and spray again. Scatter spinach, bocconcini, and salami evenly over sheet.

eggs, salt, and pepper in a blender and process until evenly combined. Pour eggs over baking sheet and carefully transfer to oven. Bake, rotating halfway through, until just set in the center, 15 to 18 minutes. LET cool slightly before slicing. PL ACE

For serving: Sun-dried tomatoes Olives

COMBINE hummus and pesto in a small bowl and stir to combine.

Focaccia Giardiniera

For serving: Assorted sliced bread Sliced deli meats and cheeses or hard-boiled eggs Bibb lettuce leaves Sliced tomatoes Sliced red onion Pickles

THE CLASSIC With its clean, minimalist lines, this slim topper makes for the perfect layering piece. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let its thinness fool youâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the light wool will keep you warm and toasty. TO B U Y Boden coat, $370; bodenusa.com. Sachin & Babi dress, $850; sachinandbabi.com. LD Tuttle boots, $780; ldtuttle.com. Mignonne Gavigan earrings, $195; mignonnegavigan.com.

find your new favorite coat FROM A LIGHT WEIGHT WR AP TO THE WA R M E S T P U F F E R , T H E S E S T Y L I S H P I C K S W I L L H AV E Y O U C O V E R E D A L L S E A S O N L O N G . F a s h i o n E d i t o r R E B E C C A D A LY

P h o to g ra p h s b y M E I TAO

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THE M I L I T A RY OV E RC OAT Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the details (bright silver buttons, epaulets) that make this a versatile option, adding polish to casual outfits and a little edge to office wear. TO B U Y

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY AMY CHIN

Nautica coat, $99; nautica .com. Garnet Hill sweater, $178; garnethill.com. PT Pantaloni Torino pants, $395; 646-307-9070. Mignonne Gavigan scarf necklace, $425; mignonnegavigan.com.

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THE BARN C OAT Rugged good looks aside, this pick is full of practical details, like extra-deep pockets and a smooth lining to help it slip on easily, even over chunky sweaters. TO B U Y DKNY coat, $460; dkny.com. Chicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top, $89; chicos.com. Draper James button-down, $125; draperjames.com. Lee jeans, $58; lee.com. Franco Sarto booties, $159; francosarto.com.

THE CAPE This cozy wool-blend pick has clever toggle closures that hold it securely in place against chilly drafts. TO B U Y Veronica Beard cape, $650; veronicabeard .com. Zara turtleneck sweater, $50; zara.com. Loft leggings, $70; loft.com. Toms booties, $139; toms.com.

T H E PA R K A Done up in a tweedy texture and unexpectedly pretty maroon hue, this puffer is filled with down to keep you warm, even in arctic temps. TO B U Y Soia & Kyo puffer, $650; soiakyo.com. Scanlan Theodore skirt, $400; us.scanlantheodore.com. SEY Collection by Seychelles boots, $160; revolve.com. Peruvian Connection beanie, $59; peruvianconnection.com. DKNY tights, $22; nordstrom.com.

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T H E T O P C OAT A boldly colored coat can perk up even the dreariest of days. It pairs just as beautifully with subdued neutrals as with deeply saturated shades. TO B U Y NY & Company coat, $200; nyandcompany .com. Banana Republic x Olivia Palermo skirt, $78; bananarepublic.com. Ugg booties, $225; ugg.com. Old Navy fedora, $23; oldnavy.com.

156 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

THE SHEARLING This sophisticated but budget-friendly take on (faux) shearling stands up to the real thing, in terms of both looks and warmth. TO B U Y Zara jacket, $129; zara.com. Equipment sweater, $318; equipmentfr.com. Banana Republic dress, $148; bananarepublic .com. Report boots, $80; reportshoes.com. Per Se Carlisle belt, $195; carlislecollection.com.

how to recycle almost any thing I T ’ S T H E M O ST S O U L- S AT IS F Y I N G WAY TO D EC LU T T E R . B U T R EC YC L I N G I S A L S O P R E T T Y C O N F US I N G — W H I C H IS O N E R E A S O N A M E R I C A N S R EC YC L E O N LY A B O U T 3 5 P E R C E N T OF THE TR ASH WE COULD BE K E E P I N G O U T O F L A N D F I L L S. OUR GUIDE EXPL AINS THE RU L E S S O YO U C A N C L E A R O U T YO U R J U N K A N D M AY B E S AV E T H E P L A N E T W H I L E YO U ’ R E AT I T. By Virginia Sole-Smith

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Illustrations by Helen Musselwhite

what to put in your bin “We’re constantly surprised at how much curbside rules vary,” says Darby Hoover, a recycling expert with the Natural Resources Defense Council. So your first stop is the instructions on your city’s municipal website (see the Department of Sanitation or Public Works). If trash is handled privately, ask your waste disposal company. Almost every area will want you to recycle these materials.

ME TAL

C ARDB OARD

Into the bin go shipping packages, cereal boxes, and the sleeves of disposable coffee cups. Flatten boxes and stack them together to save on space between pickups. GL A SS

Glass containers go in the bin, but not all lids should. For larger jam jars, you can often recycle the accompanying metal lids (though not all communities accept them, because they typically have a plastic lining). In some cities, you have to toss small metal bottle caps into the trash, since they’re too small to recycle and can clog the center’s equipment.

Steel food cans can be recycled with their labels still attached. So can aluminum beverage cans and food-free tinfoil. Just rinse off the foil and wad it up before putting it in the bin. PAPER

Loose printer, notebook, and glossy paper can be recycled along with newspapers and advertising inserts. Even colored wrapping paper and envelopes with cellophane address windows can be tossed in. Telephone books and paperbacks are recyclable, but you may need to cut off the books’ bindings first; some municipalities can’t process the heavy glue. PL A STIC

Turn over each container and check for the small triangle with a number inside, and recycle those with numbers your city takes. Leave plastic bottle caps screwed on tight. (They’ll be separated later in the recycling process.)

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how to recycle… ever y thing else You can recycle many of the items gathering dust in your garage or attic—you might just have to make an extra trip or two. Here’s the best way to deal with the recyclables that don’t fit in the bin.

STUFFED ANIMAL S

you can use them again. If not, take them to a Staples or Office Depot. Both take back used cartridges and give you customer rewards. LIGHTBULBS

APPLIANCE S (SMALL)

C AR S

If your old microwave or blender still works, donate it to a homeless shelter or other charity that can put it to good use. If not, check with your municipality; many take small appliances at certain drop-off locations.

If it’s too far gone for a dealer trade-in, you can donate your car to a charity like Vehicles for Veterans (vehiclesforveterans.org), which will pick it up for free and sell the parts to fund programs for vets around the country. (They also take boats, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs.)

APPLIANCE S (L ARGE)

If it’s still in working order, your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore will likely pick up your old refrigerator or washing machine for free (habitat.org/restores). If not, some cities have bulkywaste drop-off sites where you can take it to be broken down into recyclable parts. Some also offer curbside pickup days by appointment or at certain times of the year. Check with your municipality for details. BAT TERIE S

They can usually be recycled through your area’s Hazardous Household Waste program. If not, check the manufacturer’s website; many now have take-back programs and will let you mail them in or drop them off at a participating retailer. B O OK S

Many libraries accept book donations year-round; what they don’t need for their own stock, they sell at an annual fundraiser.

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CDS AND DVDS

Some recycling drop-off centers will accept these items. Check with your municipality for details. ELECTRONIC S

Have an obsolete camera, cell phone, computer, DVD player, tablet, or television? Ask if you can trade in your old device when buying a new one—it may even net you a small discount on the purchase. Your city may also have a drop-off location. Before you make the drop, remove batteries, delete all personal data, and check that the recycler has been certified by the e-Stewards Standard, says Hoover. “Electronics contain many hazardous materials. This certification ensures that they’re taking them apart in a safe, responsible manner and not putting worker health at risk,” she explains. INK C ARTRID GE S

Check with your local Costco; some locations will refill your ink cartridges in the photo department so

Many Ikea and some Home Depot stores take back CFL bulbs. Check with your local store for details. Many cities will accept bulbs at hazard waste drop-off sites as well. MAT TRE SSE S

The Mattress Recycling Council has hundreds of drop-off locations in certain parts of the U.S. Go to byebyemattress.com to see if there’s one near you. PAINT AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD CHEMIC AL S

They are too toxic to go in your regular bin. Check with your municipality to find a drop-off location.

Large charities generally don’t take them for hygiene reasons. But your local fire department or animal rescue shelter may collect gently loved toys— firefighters hand them out to kids in need of comfort; animal shelters may use them as pet toys. For stuffed animals that are truly past their prime, check to see if your area has a textile dropoff location (where you can likely also unload old clothing). WINE CORK S

They’re too small for your recycling bin, but genuine cork can be recycled into new corks and products like flooring or bulletin boards. Check recork.org to find a drop-off location.

what to do with things you can’t re cycle curbside When we try to recycle the unrecyclable, we gum up the whole process. “It’s a waste of time, money, and other resources when recycling centers have to deal with things they don’t accept,” explains Hoover. These items can’t go in your recycling bin—but you can still get rid of them responsibly.

COFFEE P ODS

MAKE IT EASIER “CONTAINERS NO LONGER NEED TO BE SPOTLESS TO BE RECYCLED,” SAYS HOOVER. USE A RUBBER SCRAPER TO GET OUT THE WORST OF THE RESIDUE OR GIVE THEM A QUICK RINSE BEFORE PUTTING THEM IN THE BIN. “DON’T BOTHER SOAKING THEM OR RUNNING THEM THROUGH THE DISHWASHER,” SHE ADDS. “IT’S A WASTE OF WATER.”

Most coffee pods are not recyclable through curbside pickup. Consider buying a Break Room Zero Waste Box ($110; terracycle.com) to collect used coffee pods, plastic packaging, and disposable utensils, then ship it back for free and everything will be recycled.

PL A STIC BAGS, WR AP, OR PACK AGING FILM

Some grocery stores will let you return plastic bags (including shopping bags, zip-top bags, bread bags, and dry cleaning bags) to be recycled by a special handler, notes Sarah Womer, founder of Zero to Go. SHREDDED PAPER

GL A SS KITCHENWARE

Most of the glass cookware in your kitchen (like Pyrex) either has been treated or is too thick for the recycling plant to handle. Donate anything in decent shape and toss the rest. GRE A SY PIZ Z A B OXE S

The oil can contaminate the sorting and pulping processes at the recycling plant. If your community accepts food waste for curbside pickup, it may take pizza boxes in the compost bin. MIRROR S

Because the glass has been treated, old mirrors should be donated to charity. Broken ones will have to be put in your regular trash. PACKING MATERIAL S

Take foam peanuts and other packing materials to a local shipping store or small business that ships items often and can reuse them.

Once paper has been shredded, it’s too small for most recyclers to handle. Check with your municipality about how to package it for pickup or ask if there is a local drop-off location that will accept it. TAKEOUT FO OD CONTAINER S

MAKE IT SAFER SINCE WIRE HANGERS POSE A HAZARD TO WORKERS AT THE RECYCLING PL ANTS, RETURN THEM TO YOUR DRY CLEANER TO REUSE.

If you can tear a cardboard container, it is typically safe to put in your curbside compost bin. Otherwise it goes in the trash. Wash and reuse plastic ones—they aren’t safe for long-term food storage but can be put to good use organizing odds and ends in your junk drawer or basement. WATER FILTER S

These are made from composite materials that municipal recycling centers aren’t able to handle. Check with your filter manufacturer for a take-back program.

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the beaut y of upcycling ALISSA HESSLER C A R R I E S O N H E R FA M I LY ’ S WA ST E - N OT T R A D I T I O N . WHEN I WAS GROWING UP in Arcata, a hippie town in the isolated coastal reaches of Northern California, recycling was part of my life from the start. Founded in 1971, the Arcata Community Recycling Center was an early nonprofit recycling center. Every month, from age 3 on, I would help my mother sort our glass by color and our plastics by number, load up our Ford Taurus station wagon, and head to the recycling center. It was a loud, busy, and exhilarating trip; we sought out the correct bins for our items and watched the conveyor belts pull them up to be spewed out into mountainous categorized piles. My mother rewarded us for helping by splitting up the returnable profit and giving us 30 minutes to peruse the on-site reuse shop for secondhand treasures. I would proudly return home with things that needed a little reinvention and TLC, like a porcelain doll with a broken leg. I sculpted a new foot for her using plastic shopping bags and masking tape. She became one of my favorite toys. By turning recycling into a fun family activity, my mother helped shape my sisters and me into mindful stewards of the earth. While this simple monthly outing taught us early development skills, like sorting by color and number, it also connected us to the life span of things, making us able to envision unique ways to repurpose and repair objects that would otherwise end up in a landfill. I’ve carried these sensibilities with me into my adult life. In the winter of 2012, I moved from metropolitan Seattle to a farmhouse in coastal Maine. In Seattle, I had tossed my refuse

162 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

into giant labeled Dumpsters that were taken away, never to be seen again. Although I applaud the newfound ease of waste removal in urban environments—like having to use only one bin for all recyclable items—I’ve found that being separated from the final destination of our discards makes it hard to fully realize the impact of our consumption. Living rurally, we have to bring our trash and recycling to our town waste-removal center. The trash is dumped into a long quarry that runs along a main county road. Whenever I drive that road, I can see and smell the impact of our garbage, and it makes me even more motivated to create the least amount of waste possible. I consider every item’s future before putting it in the trash: Is it something someone else could use and enjoy? Can it be repurposed into something new and useful? Can it be fixed? Can it be composted? Can it be used to create art? That’s what I asked myself in the nesting phase of my pregnancy last year, when I went a little Pinterest crazy dreaming up my daughter’s future nursery. I became obsessed with the popular painted, felted, and porcelain animal heads I found in boutique children’s stores. But instead of spending $100 on one, I got crafty and constructed my own versions using the leftover packaging from our baby shower presents. I molded Styrofoam peanuts, plastic bags, Bubble Wrap, and cardboard into different head shapes. I made papier-mâché with a flour-and-water mixture and coated strips of brown paper stuffing from Amazon boxes. I finished them with acrylic paint. Now some of the first things my daughter sees each morning are these nine heads— giraffe, koala, penguin, deer, fox, rabbit, badger, slow loris, and elephant. To me, they hold a greater meaning than the animals they represent. I hope they help teach my daughter to see the potential in everything. ALIS SA HES SLER IS THE AUTHOR OF DI TCH THE CI T Y AND GO C OUNTRY AND CRE ATOR OF THE BLO G URBAN E XODUS.

brands that let you send stuff back Some manufacturers are launching their own take-back programs for items that municipalities aren’t set up to handle. These are some of our favorites.

BRITA

Collect at least five pounds’ worth of used water filters and the company will send you a free shipping label to return them. From there, TerraCycle breaks down the filters and recycles the useful parts into outdoor furniture, bike racks, and watering cans. (Click on “Recycling Filters” at brita.com.) NIKE

More than 1.5 million pairs of worn-out athletic shoes are collected each year through Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program, which recycles them into playgrounds, tracks, and materials for new products. You can take up to 10 pairs of any brand to a participating Nike or Converse retail store. (Click on “Find a Store” at nike.com.)

PATAG ONIA

The Worn Wear program lets you trade in your used fleeces and yoga pants for store credit. The clothes are then sold at a discount on wornwear.com, which also features tips on simple repairs you can make yourself to keep your Patagonia gear working even longer. (Go to wornwear.patagonia.com.) PRE SERVE

If you buy a toothbrush, razor, or food storage container from Preserve, they’ll let you mail it back when you’re finished so they can turn it into a new product. You can also send any type of clean, rigid plastic stamped with the number 5 (think yogurt containers), plastic caps, and plastic utensils. (Click on “Recycle Gimme 5” at preserveproducts.com.)

Learn how to decode recycling symbols at realsimple.com/symbols.

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Life gets plain if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add f lavor. Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tasty. Crunch on.

O CTO B E R

STO C K SY

There’s no shame in pumpkin spice. But this is also a great time to experiment with versatile fall produce. Fennel (dressing up salmon on page 167), beets (in a cozy soup on page 171), and cabbage (in the Japanese pancake on page 174) all mellow and sweeten as they cook. Fill your home with the scent of lemon and herbs as you slow-roast a chicken (page 176). Then make a coconut-mango granola (page 180)—the most sophisticated treat you’ll have this month.

CO OK WITH COZI Get Real Simple’s easy weeknight-dinner recipes in Cozi, a free meal-planning and organizing app from Time Inc. (available for iOS and Android).

Photograph by Adam Nixon

165

FOOD

Easy Dinner 1

Crispy salmon with farro and pecan gremolata ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES

SERVES 4

Healthy Pick Family Friendly

cup olive oil, divided 1 medium fennel bulb, chopped, fronds reserved 2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup farro cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 tsp. lemon zest, plus 2 tsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon) tsp. kosher salt, divided

4 6-oz. skin-on salmon fillets, about 1 in. thick tsp. freshly ground black pepper Lemon wedges, for serving 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add chopped fennel; cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add broth and farro; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed, 30 to 35 minutes.

FOOD ST YLING BY CHEL SE A ZIMMER; PROP ST YLING BY CL AIRE SPOLLEN

HEAT

MEANWHILE, make gremolata: Mix parsley, pecans, lemon zest and juice, 2 tablespoons oil, and teaspoon salt. Set aside.

remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle both sides of salmon with pepper and remaining 1 teaspoons salt. Cook, skin side down, until crispy and browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Flip and cook to desired doneness, about 1 minute for medium. Chop fennel fronds. Serve salmon with farro and lemon wedges; top with gremolata and fennel fronds. HEAT

P E R S E RV I N G : 608 CALORIES, 31G FAT (4G SAT.), 107MG CHOL., 6G FIBER, 46G PRO., 37G CARB., 1,140MG SOD., 4G SUGAR

R e c i p e s b y Pa i g e G r a n d j e a n

Photograph by Jennifer Causey

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 2

Slow-cooker puttanesca with roasted Broccolini ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 6 HOURS, 20 MINUTES

SERVES 4

Freezable Make Ahead Slow Cooker Family Friendly

1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed lb. spicy Italian sausage (about 2 links), casings removed, broken into small pieces cup pitted kalamata olives, halved 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 2 Tbsp. drained capers 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about cup) 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1

tsp. kosher salt, divided tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 bunches Broccolini (about 1 lb.), trimmed 2 Tbsp. olive oil 8 oz. pappardelle pasta Shaved Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil, for serving

tomatoes, sausage, olives, tomato paste, capers, onion, anchovy, garlic, teaspoon salt, and pepper in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until sausage is cooked through, about 6 hours. MIX

PREHEAT oven to 425Â°F. Toss together Broccolini, oil, and remaining teaspoon salt. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Top pasta with sauce, cheese, and basil. Serve with Broccolini. P E R S E RV I N G : 648 CALORIES, 34G FAT (8G SAT.), 38MG CHOL., 10G FIBER, 17G PRO., 67G CARB., 2,240MG SOD., 13G SUGAR

168 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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Easy Dinner 3

Roasted beet and leek soup ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR

That’s why we’ve partnered with No Kid Hungry — to make sure every child is given the chance to succeed.

SERVES 4

Healthy Pick Freezable Make Ahead Vegetarian Gluten-Free

2 lb. red beets, peeled and chopped 1 large russet potato, peeled and chopped 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1

tsp. kosher salt, divided tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 medium leek, chopped (about 1 cups) 4 cups vegetable broth 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Toss together beets, potato, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until beets and potato are tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add leek and remaining teaspoon each salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add broth, beets, potato, and thyme; bring to a simmer and cook, mashing occasionally with a potato masher, for 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Garnish with crème fraîche and pumpkin seeds. Serve with bread on the side, if desired. HEAT

To join Smithfield in supporting No Kid Hungry, visit smithfield.com/nokidhungry

Crème fraîche and toasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish Toasted bread, for serving (optional)

P E R S E RV I N G : 271 CALORIES, 11G FAT (2G SAT.), 0MG CHOL., 7G FIBER, 5G PRO., 41G CARB., 1,384MG SOD., 14G SUGAR

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 4

Chicken gyro salad with tzatziki dressing ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES

SERVES 4

Healthy Pick Family Friendly Quick Cooking

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb.) 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1

tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 8 oz. multicolored baby bell peppers 2 Persian cucumbers cup buttermilk cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill, divided 2 romaine lettuce hearts, leaves separated 1 cup pita chips, crumbled

HEAT a grill pan over medium-high. Rub chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss baby bell peppers with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Grill chicken and peppers in hot grill pan, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; slice chicken.

1 cucumber and mix with buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dill, and remaining teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Divide lettuce among 4 plates; top evenly with grilled chicken and peppers. Slice remaining cucumber and add to salads. Drizzle with dressing, top with pita chips, and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon dill. CHOP

P E R S E RV I N G : 463 CALORIES, 22G FAT (5G SAT.), 224MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 49G PRO., 17G CARB., 1,350MG SOD., 5G SUGAR

172 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Japanese cabbage pancake ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES

Quick Cooking Family Friendly

3 scallions 4 cups shredded green small head) cabbage (from cup all-purpose flour tsp. grated fresh ginger 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 Tbsp. tamari, divided 2 Tbsp. canola oil cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. sriracha cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce scallions, separating white and green parts. Stir together cabbage, sliced white scallion, flour, ginger, eggs, and 1 tablespoon tamari in a large bowl until well combined.

SLICE

oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cabbage mixture; press to flatten and cover bottom of pan. Cover and cook until bottom is golden, about 8 minutes. Carefully flip pancake; cook, uncovered, until bottom is golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.

HEAT

MIX mayonnaise, sriracha, and 2 teaspoons water in a small bowl. Stir together ketchup, Worcestershire, and remaining 1 tablespoon tamari in a separate small bowl. Drizzle sauces over pancake and sprinkle with sliced green scallion. P E R S E RV I N G : 361 CALORIES, 23G FAT (4G SAT.), 192MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 11G PRO., 30G CARB., 874MG SOD., 7G SUGAR

1 74 R E A L S I M P L E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

SERVES 4

MASHED POTATOES WITHOUT THE PAIN

Fresh made taste in minutes NEW ORE-IDA Mashed Potatoes Now in the freezer aisle

FOOD

Make It Yourself A D E L I C I O U S E SS E N T I A L T H AT’ S B E T T E R H O M E M A D E T H A N S T O R E - B O U G H T. W E ’ L L P RO V E I T. THIS MONTH: SLOW-ROA STED LEMON & HERB CHICKEN By D awn Perr y

Rotisserie chicken is one of the true heroes of the weeknight dinner. Whether it’s carved and served in one sitting or repurposed throughout the week for salads, wraps, or stir-fries, few proteins are as satisfying and versatile. We came up with an easy (and almost entirely hands-off) homemade version that yields the same tender, pull-apart results as supermarket birds—no basting or special equipment necessary. Roast one on Sunday and you’ll be ready to tackle mealtime emergencies for days to come.

1 76 R E A L S I M P L E O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Photographs by Jennifer Causey

FOOD

TIP Kitchen twine can be used to tie the legs together, which makes for a nicer presentation.

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 10 MINUTES SERVES 4

1 Tbsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or thyme 1 lemon, zested tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 3

- to 4-lb. chicken

1 Tbsp. olive oil oven to 300Â°F. Combine salt, rosemary, oregano, 1 teaspoons lemon zest, and pepper in a small bowl. Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and rub all over with oil. Season with herb mixture, inside and out. Halve lemon and place inside cavity.

PREHEAT

until chicken is pull-apart tender (grab a leg and wiggle it; it should easily come away from the bird), 2 to 3 hours.

Use it: Go to realsimple.com/ rotisserie for 10 tasty ways to use roasted chicken.

178 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

FOOD ST YLING BY CHEL SE A ZIMMER; PROP ST YLING BY CL AIRE SPOLLEN

ROAST

Packed

BUT LIVE UNPROCESSED

FOOD

Big Batch

Coconut-cashew granola with mango & pistachios ACT I V E T I M E 1 5 M I N U T E S

TOTA L T I M E 5 0 M I N U T E S

SERVES 14

Gluten-Free Family Friendly

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking) 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips cup raw cashews cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted tsp. kosher salt 1 cup chopped dried mango cup roasted and salted shelled pistachios oven to 350°F. Stir together oats, coconut chips, cashews, syrup, oil, and salt in a large bowl. Spread mixture evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring halfway through, until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Add dried mango and pistachios and toss to combine. Let cool completely, 15 to 20 minutes.

P E R S E RV I N G : 237 CALORIES, 8G FAT (3G SAT.), 0MG CHOL., 4G FIBER, 5G PRO., 37G CARB., 121MG SOD., 18G SUGAR

TIP

Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts for the cashews. Just be sure they’re unsalted.

180 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Recipe by Mark Driskill Photograph by Jennifer Causey

FOOD ST YLING BY CHEL SE A ZIMMER; PROP ST YLING BY CL AIRE SPOLLEN

PREHEAT

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The Struggle Is Real

Clothes: We Have a Few Complaints By Ashley Lefrak Grider

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Rituals

An Autumn Picnic in the Park

STO C K SY

On the ďŹ rst day the summer heat has faded and the fall weather is here, my husband and I head to a park near our house to spend the day. Our two rescue dogs tag along and nap in the sun. Relaxing in the park (sans phones!) is our way of tuning out in the middle of our big city. My husband got me into boccie when we started dating, so we bring the balls, along with magazines and books, to keep us entertained. Other essentials include wine, cheese, no-crust peanut butter sandwiches, and a comfy blanket. It has become a happy city tradition. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Heather Sharpe, Atlanta

186 RE AL SIMPLE O CTOBER 2017

Photograph by Kirstin Mckee

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