Table of contents for February 2019 in Real Simple

I REMEMBER YEARS AGO, when I lived in a pretty little apartment by myself, talking on the phone with a friend a few states away. “Wait, where are you?” she asked. “In the tub,” I admitted. My friend was a married working mother of two who had little time for herself. “You get to take a bath in the middle of the day uninterrupted?! I can’t remember the last time I could do that!” she intoned. “You’re so lucky you get to be alone.” And I did tell myself I was lucky—I was a single freelance writer with my own apartment, and I had so much freedom. Freedom to go to a matinee or a museum. Freedom to feel…a little lonely at times. It felt good to be out…

NEXT-LEVEL HEADPHONES These noise-canceling headphones automatically detect when you’re traveling, walking, or waiting, and then they adjust the ambient-sound settings. A single charge gets you 30 hours of battery life. TO BUY: Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones, $350, amazon.com. EASY-CLEAN BATH TOYS These adorable bath squirts twist apart when bathtime is over for cleaning or drying, which helps you fend off mildew and mold. TO BUY: Munchkin CleanSqueeze Mold-Free Bath Squirts, $9 for 4; amazon.com. FRAMING APP Get your photo framed in just a few clicks using this streamlined app, also available on desktop. There are more than 100 types of frames in various sizes, colors, and materials, like wood and metal, to choose from. TO BUY: $29 (9 by 9 in.); keepsakeframes.com. COMFY CREW This moisture-wicking tee has…

Nothing deflates a baker more than a cake stuck in its pan. Follow these guidelines to ensure an easy release for all your cakes, brownies, and Bundts. MORE FROM OUR KITCHEN Find videos, lessons, shortcuts, and strategies to help you get dinner (and breakfast, and lunch, and dessert) on the table with ease at realsimple.com/cookingschool. 9-INCH ROUND Brush a thin layer of soft butter over the bottom and sides of the pan. (Or use the butter wrapper to wipe it on.) Fold a square piece of parchment, slightly larger than the pan, into quarters, then into a skinny triangle. Line up the point with the center of the pan; cut a rounded edge from the outside. Unfold and press it into the pan. Butter the parchment. STANDARD BUNDT Brush…

1 OUTFIT THE CORNERS A tension rod is one of the best options for maximizing vertical storage space in a bathroom stall. Choose one with adjustable shelves to accommodate tall or bulk-size toiletries. TO BUY: Simplehuman stainless-steel tension shower caddy, $130; bedbathandbeyond.com. 2 CLEAR CLUTTER Reduce the number of items that actually live in the shower. Fill plastic bins with nonessential toiletries (like the hair mask you use every other week) and store them in a nearby vanity or linen closet until you need them. TO BUY: InterDesign clear grid tote, from $10; containerstore.com. 3 PUT IT ON A PEDESTAL For a shower space without a tub, prevent overflow supplies from littering the floor. A teak stool offers an elevated, water-friendly surface to stash everyday items. TO BUY: Round…

Michelle Henry, MD Specializing in treatments for high-risk skin cancer and skin of color, Harvard-trained dermatologic surgeon Henry (@drmichellehenry) is a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer With Sunscreen “This helps protect the face from UV rays while blurring fine lines and pores.” TO BUY: $40; target.com. Cantu Sensitive Hypoallergenic Shampoo “Its fragrance-free formula won’t irritate most sensitive skin and scalps.” TO BUY: $5; target.com. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Cleanser “Made specifically for dry, sensitive skin, this face wash contains soothing ingredients like redness-reducing feverfew, so it cleans gently without causing overdrying or flakiness.” TO BUY: $7; walmart.com. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum “This lightweight HA serum absorbs super quickly. Think of it…

Why not let a pro scour the stores for you? This model turned mogul will help you get ready for Valentine’s Day.  Heidi Klum She’s an Emmy Award–winning television host, a judge on America’s Got Talent, the designer of Esmara by Heidi Klum for Lidl, the creative director of Heidi Klum Intimates and Heidi Klum Swim, and a mom of four. To learn more about her life and projects, follow her at @HeidiKlum on Instagram and Twitter. Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress “Easy to wear almost everywhere. I’ll throw a denim button-down or jacket over this dress if it gets a little chilly out.” TO BUY: $173; silklaundry.com.au. Rag & Bone the Tee Shirt “A great white T-shirt is a staple that should be in every wardrobe. It…

We love cooking Indian food at home because it’s a long and loving process. We toast the spices, and it makes our home smell delicious and feel nice and cozy. Every Sunday, we go to our local farmers’ market and drop off our compost and shop for the week. —Nisha While we are chopping and cooking, we discuss our days and catch up. When we share a meal, we can have some space for ourselves each night. —Brendan The way my husband and I have made it work is to create quality family time with our hobbies. Given our work and travel schedules, we don’t have a ton of time during the week for something like a date night. But both of us love the New York Times crossword…

EXPERIMENT WITH COLOR Ingrid Fetell Lee had an easy source of inspiration for her decor: the research from her book, Joyful. Top among her findings was that pops of color energize spaces and people. So she painted an antique bench kelly green to create an immediate impact when you walk in the door. LIGHTEN UP Ingrid’s research found that seeing and feeling elevation and buoyancy—via things like hot-air balloons, skylights, and tall ceilings—make us feel good. So naturally, she and her husband love the airy nature of this room. They opted against bulky furniture and instead chose lightweight pieces to enhance the vibe. Ingrid cozied up a vintage camp cot with a fluffy duvet and piles of patterned pillows and decorated the window seat with textiles from her travels.…

The shortest month can feel like a slog. But these ideas will keep you steady from morning to midnight snack. Warm up your routine with one of our favorite oatmeal cups (page 126), then tuck homemade energy bars (page 128) in lunch boxes for an afternoon (or after-dinner) treat. Come suppertime, a skillet full of savory beef and cabbage (page 122) will satisfy the whole family. But few things cure the winter blues like a big batch of chicken soup (page 125). For best results, serve in big mugs, with socks and a blanket.…

MEET SARA AUSTIN EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT REAL SIMPLE Dream vacation: Rain forest walks and beach naps in Belize. Best gift ever: After I had my first baby, my coworkers sent over two weeks of dinners. Favorite item in my home: I installed our light fixtures, and I’ll never stop bragging about it. Ideal weekend plans: A Broadway show and a Costco run. @SARADAUSTIN ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER Protect Your Money Keep scammers off your back with our seven expert-approved money strategies. Read more at realsimple.com/moneyadvice. 40-plus Gifts Your Partner Will Actually Appreciate From stepped-up sweets to personalized mementos, these cliché-free finds make Valentine’s Day shopping a snap. Shop Valentine’s Day presents at realsimple.com/vdaygifts. Open and tap for Super Bowl snacks. ADULTING MADE EASY Just out on your…

HIGH-TECH SCENT This sculptural diffuser features a remote that lets you choose from a library of soothing sounds and lights to match your mood. TO BUY: Ellia Gather Ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, $100; bedbathandbeyond.com. 1 BATH ESSENTIAL These cotton waffle-weave towels are extra absorbent and soft yet dry quickly, so they can stay fresher longer. TO BUY: Simple waffle towels, from $35; hawkinsnewyork.com. 2 LUXE LOUNGEWEAR A machine-washable silk (yes, really) set that’s comfy in bed and doubles as chic loungewear. TO BUY: Washable silk pant set, $238; lunya.co. 3 INSPIRING PROMPTS This 50-card deck’s bite-size exercises and encouraging phrases will keep you uplifted and focused. TO BUY: Mindfulness cards, $17; chroniclebooks.com. 4 FIVE-MINUTE FACIAL Get pampered in a jiff with this fast-acting sheet-mask set, with treatments that soothe,…

MUGLER PERFUMING PEN IN ANGEL, ALIEN, AND AURA Sprays can stain; rollerballs can leak. This retractable wax stick makes it easy to apply (and reapply) fragrance on the go minus any mess. Non-oily and alcohol-free, the solid melts on contact for a hit of spicy vanilla, woodiness, or floral whenever and wherever you want it. TO BUY: $24 each; mugler.com. BLISS MINT CHIP MANIA MASK You’ll want to eat it (please don’t). Aloe vera soothes, peppermint leaf extract cools, shea butter nourishes (the chips melt as you massage), and bentonite clay sucks out oil for a facial/ice cream scoop in a jar. TO BUY: $16; target.com. NEUTROGENA MAKEUP REMOVER CLEANSING TOWELETTES SINGLES The cult-fave makeup remover now comes in individual packets. They’re handy at the gym or office and…

There’s Something in My Eye. THE FIX: Immediately flood the eye with water or artificial tears, says Assumpta Madu, MD, an ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. This will help “float” a piece of dirt or eyelash out of the lower lid area. Continue flushing the eye until the irritating item is removed. Resist the urge to rub the eye, which could scratch or injure the cornea, says Madu. And while the irritation might feel uncomfortable, know that there’s actually no way to get something stuck behind the eye. If you are experiencing extreme redness, sensitivity to light, problems with vision, or pain, see a doctor. I Left My Sweater on a Hook, and There’s a Stretched-out Spot. THE FIX: In a basin or sink, soak…

THINK ABOUT WHAT a space with-out plants feels like: clinical, sterile. Now add plants. Homey, right? Warm, designed, cared for. There’s real science behind all those fuzzy feelings; studies show that productivity goes up when there are plants in the office and that tending plants can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Yet as the owner of the Seattle-based plant store Urban Sprouts, I’ve come across too many people who have an outright fear of plants. “Can’t grow a thing,” they’ll tell me. “I can kill a plant just by looking at it.” Some people consider owning a houseplant akin to owning a dog in terms of responsibility. I must disagree there, and that’s why I wrote The Inspired Houseplant, a guidebook for even the blackest of thumbs. While…

BATH SOAK Goop G.Nite Bedtime Bath Soak It’s not an every-night kind of thing, but when you can fit it in, dim the lights and treat yourself to a warm bath spiked with a cup of this calming mixture, which includes valerian root extract, anti-inflammatory Australian sandalwood essential oil, and Epsom salts. Hop into bed as your body temperature cools—the prime time to fall asleep. TO BUY: $35; goop.com. SHEET SPRAY Sandoval Peace Interior Aromatic The only thing better than fresh linens? Fresh linens after a few spritzes of this serene patchouli and palo santo mist. TO BUY: $45 for 16 oz.; studiosandoval.com. ROLLERBALL Apothecary Co. Abracadabra Sleep Elixir Glide this coconut oil over the soles of your feet before bed (or a flight) and relax thanks to…

1 Say thank you (and mean it). An intentional act of gratitude—acknowledging and appreciating a person, whether it’s someone you know or a stranger—is one of the most effective ways to boost well-being for both the giver and the receiver of this kindness. My organization encourages and studies kindness, and a hospital administrator once told us about thanking a janitor in the middle of the hallway. The janitor teared up and said that no one had ever thanked him during his many years there. The administrator’s voice swelled with emotion as she told us the story. Gratitude goes a long way. JACLYN LINDSEY IS A COFOUNDER AND THE CEO OF KINDNESS.ORG, A NONPROFIT BASED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, THAT OFFERS RESOURCES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS, COMMUNITIES, WORKPLACES, AND SCHOOLS USE…

AH, THE VICIOUS CYCLE of feeling low on energy: You don’t sleep enough, so you wake up crabby and fatigued, with no desire to eat well or exercise. By 4 p.m., you’re so sapped that you can barely function. “All these elements are totally intertwined” when it comes to energy, says Josiane Broussard, PhD, an assistant professor of health and exercise science at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. “You’re less likely to power through your tiredness to go to the gym and make better food choices and then get better sleep.” So before you know it, the whole cycle starts again. It’s happened to nearly all of us, and it is not fun. But it is fixable—you just have to know where to start. The best way to…

FLEXIBILITY IS ONE of the benefits most coveted by all of today’s workers—whether they’re women or men, parents or not. “It’s not just a mom issue. It affects everyone,” says Sara Sutton, CEO and founder of FlexJobs, a service for remote and flexi-ble jobs. Research from Werk, a startup that champions flexible work, found that flex workers are twice as likely to be happy in their roles and half of workers plan to leave their job if they don’t have flexible options. “Smart organizations recognize that it’s crucial today to offer flexible options in order to retain and attract top talent,” says Sutton. Whether there’s a policy in place or you’re asking to set a precedent, here’s how to do it. Decide What You Need. What are the pain…

KIMCHI SOUP WITH TOFU AND BACON ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTESTOTAL TIME 25 MINUTESSERVES 4 4 oz. bacon, chopped (from 4 slices)1 yellow onion, thinly sliced2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped (from a 1-inch piece)2 cloves garlic, finely chopped16 oz. kimchi4 cups vegetable broth1 Tbsp. gochujang or kimchi paste14 oz. silken tofu, torn into pieces4 tsp. toasted sesame oil4 scallions, thinly slicedFreshly ground black pepper COOK bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium, stirring often, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in kimchi and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, about…

THERE ARE VERY FEW PLACES to have a private moment in New York City. I discovered this one afternoon as I gulped back tears on a hectic corner outside the midtown Manhattan department store where I had just gotten a job selling shoes. After a long day of demanding customers, feeling the unshakable sense that I had made a mistake moving to a new city, all I wanted was to be alone. It would take over an hour on a crowded subway train in the sticky heat to get back to my apartment in Brooklyn. I saw the small movie theater across the street and ducked in, spending two hours in the dark, completely free of human contact, watching Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader in The Skeleton Twins. It…

Easy Dinner 1 Orange Chicken Stir-fry With Rice Noodles ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Gluten-Free ✓ Family Friendly 8 oz. rice noodles3 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-in. pieces1 red onion, sliced4 oz. fresh snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise (2 cups)4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb.), cut into 1-in. pieces1 Tbsp. cornstarch¼ cup orange marmalade¼ cup rice vinegar3 Tbsp. tamari or soy sauce½ tsp. kosher salt½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper¼ cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts¼ cup sliced scallions PREPARE noodles according to package directions; set aside. HEAT 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring often, until they begin…

ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 40 MINUTES SERVES 12 1 (4-lb.) whole chicken8 cups low-sodium chicken broth2 dried bay leaves1 head garlic, halved6 tsp. kosher salt, divided3 Tbsp. unsalted butter5 carrots, thinly sliced4 stalks celery, thinly sliced1 yellow onion, chopped1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme1 lb. egg noodles3 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper COMBINE chicken, broth, bay leaves, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 8 cups water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Strain stock into a large bowl and discard solids. Remove meat from chicken and shred; discard skin and bones. WIPE the pot…

Quick Ideas 1 GRAHAM-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS Season 2 lb. chicken tenders with ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Dip in 2 beaten eggs, then dredge in a mixture of 1 cup each crushed graham crackers and pretzels. Coat tenders with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F, flipping midway, until cooked through, 18 minutes. 2 NO-BAKE GRAHAM CRACKER SQUARES Mix 2 cups each chopped graham crackers and quick-cooking oats with ½ cup each dried cranberries and roasted peanuts, ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and ¼ tsp. kosher salt. Bring ½ cup honey and ¼ cup brown sugar to a boil in a small pot. Stir in ½ cup peanut butter and ½ tsp. vanilla. Stir into oat mixture; press into a greased 8-inch square dish;…

PALM Excellent air purifiers, palms add height to any room. Their light and water needs run the spectrum, depending on the type of palm. SNAKE PLANT It will do just fine even in a dim, forgotten corner (even fluorescent light), and needs a drink only every two to six weeks. Just don’t overwater it. CACTUS Let it get bone-dry between watering, and make sure it’s planted in cactus mix. Water every three to six weeks, and give it lots of direct sun. FERN Ferns do best in dappled light and partial shade, and they love humidity. They’re great for chronic overwaterers. POTHOS This leafy trailing vine is nearly impossible to kill. It will thrive in most light conditions. Water weekly, and let it dry out between waterings.…

SHAPEWEAR From a sweet bodysuit that smooths things out to a slip with built-in shorts, there are undie options out there to make any outfit look better. AMELIA FORMING BODYSUIT Tulle isn’t just for skirts: Used here, the luxe fabric creates a streamlined layer for your clothes. It has adjustable straps and a comfortable elastic waistband for a perfect fit all around. TO BUY: $250; wolford.com. HIGH-WAISTED PANTY Lightweight mesh and embroidered details make these secure underthings nothing like your grandma’s full-coverage bottoms. TO BUY: $68; simoneperele.com. ONCORE MID-THIGH SHAPER With a high-waisted silhouette and front panels, these nylon and spandex shorts from Spanx offer maximum shaping from the waist to the thigh. TO BUY: $72; dillards.com. SIX-IN-ONE SHAPING TANK This no-show tank offers maximum versatility. Move the compression…

THE DINING ROOM REEKED of dead flowers, of pond scum and festering. A few weeks after my father’s funeral, I’d returned to my childhood home and discovered withered petals heaped around floral arrangements, their stems gray with mold, in vases long gone dry. Gagging, I shoved it all into the green waste bin. Our family had held off from cleaning up, not certain if my then-74-year-old mother was ready. As I slammed down the lid, I thought about the help she would need, not only in her mourning but in the life she would make without my father. Who would move the heavy bins down the steep driveway to the curb each week? Who would keep the house from feeling too empty? Independent as my mother was—she was a…

PLUSH PAD This cozy oasis is made of a supportive foam, and its machine-washable cover withstands most bites and scratches. TO BUY: Casper dog bed, starts at $125; casper.com. AUTO FEEDER When the timer goes off, this smart-feeder tray rotates to reveal a pie-shaped segment that holds up to a cup of kibble. TO BUY: PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder, $70; petco.com. NOISE CANCELER If your pet wakes when he hears squirrels on the roof or your neighbor’s barking dog, put this machine near his bed to help mask noise with one of 20 soothing sound settings. TO BUY: LectroFan, $50; amazon.com.…

A cup of tea is such an easy way to cleanse the palate, warming the hands and the belly. Why not elevate this simple act to a grounding meditation? Start by heating the water. A watched pot never boils, but observing the temperature gradually rise can be an effective way of slowing down the mind. When the water is ready, pour slowly, watching the tea bag begin to absorb the water. Cupping the mug with both hands, place it under your nose. Take in a deep breath, allowing the steam and the aroma to flood your nostrils. Exhale through your mouth. Repeat until the tea is cool enough to drink, and enjoy the first sip with a renewed sense of calm and alertness.…

AS WITH EVERYTHING about parenthood, I thought I knew how I’d feel about being alone post-baby, but when alone time arrived, it felt completely different. What I’d assumed: Babies are loud and difficult. The opportunity to step away and be by myself—for an hour, for a day—would always be welcome. What I learned: Babies are loud and difficult. The opportunity to step away for an hour is wonderful—and coming back to the baby is even more wonderful. More than a day is harder. Missing bedtime more than one night in a row is almost unthinkable. Doing any of this while nursing is exhausting. So I waited. Yes, I went back to work full-time. I booked the occasional manicure or yoga class. I even went away for a one-night girlfriends’…

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTESTOTAL TIME 45 MINUTESMAKES 12 BARS 1 cup walnuts¼ cup raw sunflower seeds¼ cup unsweetened flaked coconut1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats¼ tsp. kosher salt3 cups pitted prunes⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, coarsely chopped PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with 2 crisscrossed pieces of parchment paper, leaving a 4-inch overhang on all sides. SPREAD walnuts and sunflower seeds in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Add coconut to baking sheet in an even layer. Return to oven and bake until coconut is golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. MEANWHILE, process oats and salt in a food processor until finely ground; transfer to a small bowl. ADD prunes and process until a…