Tabla de contenidos para July 2016 en Real Simple

A. They make themselves at home. They're comfortable getting their own beverages, looking around the kitchen for what they need, and even jumping right in to help with cooking and clean up. They become immediate members of the family instead of just being guests. AIMEE SARVER, Lyons, Kansas They don't judge. Great houseguests are lifelong friends who have seen your house looking like a tornado hit it and love you anyway. LINDA CROSSETT, Bartlett, Tennessee DOES THIS HOME SOUND LIKE YOURS? GET A JUMP-START ON SUMMER CLEANING ON PAGE 66. Someone who is part of the routine. I have little kids. I love it when my houseguests are willing to participate in their daily schedule (like during our very involved bedtime routine). It makes the visit so much easier, and…

RS PICK: Goya cannellini beans are plump, firm, and never mushy toward the bottom of the can. TIP: Always rinse and drain before using. 3 QUICK IDEAS RECIPE Cannellini salsa Stir together 1 (15-oz.) can cannellini beans; ¼ cup each chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and sliced red onion; 3 Tbsp. each red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil; and 1 tsp. each kosher salt and crushed red pepper. Serve over grilled fish fillets. Serves 4. EASY UPGRADE White bean horseradish hummus Process 2 (15-oz.) cans cannellini beans, ¼ cup each extra virgin olive oil and prepared horseradish, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and 1½ tsp. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and serve with crudités. Serves 12. EASY UPGRADE Tuscan cannellini-and-kale salad Whisk…

SWIMMING POOLS For greater energy efficiency and less exposure to chemicals, try one (or all) of these ideas. COVER THE POOL. This is the most effective way to lower heating costs, particularly if you opt for a solar cover, which transfers the heat of the sun to the water. And because a cover lessens evaporation, it can reduce the amount of replacement water needed by 30 to 50 percent and lower the pool's chemical consumption by 35 to 60 percent, says the U.S. Department of Energy. REPLACE A SINGLE-SPEED PUMP. A variable-speed pump costs about 40 percent more, but you'll get that back in energy-bill savings over time, says Allan Curtis, a pool designer for Legendary Escapes, in Brighton, Michigan. Set a variable-speed pump at a third of the speed…

1 EMILY BAZELON Tell a personal story. I was raised in a family that argued a lot about politics, and I still do, both on my podcast and in life. A personal story can take the hot air out of the conversation. People start paying attention with their hearts as well as their minds. I was a guest recently on a conservative podcast, and we were going back and forth on whether it's wrong or not to prevent Muslims from entering the country in order to prevent terrorism. I finally said something like "I'm Jewish, and the idea of passing laws that treat people differently on the basis of religion makes me very, very nervous." When someone brings a personal narrative into the argument, it's harder for the other person…

1 BEST TREATMENT John Frieda Frizz Ease 10-Day Tamer Saturate dry hair with this gel, then wait 10 minutes before shampooing. Smoothers form an invisible shield over hair to block out humidity for up to five washes. "One day of a lengthier routine was worth a week of fuss-free hair," said a tester. TO BUY: $13, target.com. 2 BEST SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER Ouai Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner Stylists say good hair starts in the shower. The keratin and amino acids in this color-preserving, paraben-free formula strengthen and smooth hair so it's less likely to fuzz up later. TO BUY: $26 to $28, theouai.com. 3 BEST HAIR SPRAY Rusk Anti-Frizz Spray Weatherproof your style by misting this spray onto dry hair. It will lock it in place without giving you helmet…

Q. Kitty jitters We have older cats and are moving in a few months. How can we make the transition easier for them? K. J., via Facebook A. Cats are creatures of habit(at), so it helps to bring some of your old furniture and their favorite toys and climbing trees to make the new place feel familiar. While the movers are working, shield the cats from the chaos by setting them up in a room with food, their toys, and the litter box; keep the door closed until the movers go, then let the cats come out when they're ready, says veterinarian Jim Lowe. "At first they may show signs of anxiety, like hiding or decreased activity," says veterinarian and animal behaviorist Lisa Radosta. But if you keep them on…

MAYBE YOU'RE MISERABLE in your marriage and the D-word has been on the tip of your tongue for months. Maybe you loathe the career that you've spent the past two decades cultivating. Or maybe the excitement you anticipated after moving to a new city turned out to feel a lot more like disappointment. You could turn to a friend for advice. But you may want to keep your secret thoughts, well, secret. You could try talking to your doctor, but you might not feel comfortable unloading your emotions during a 20-minute office visit. Or you could try therapy. Just 3 percent of Americans seek the help of a therapist, according to a 2010 study published in American Journal of Psychiatry. But far more could benefit from it, say the experts.…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [x] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 tsp. ancho or chipotle chile powder ¾ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. black pepper 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1½ lb. pork tenderloin 8 (6-in.) corn tortillas 3 to 4 Tbsp. boiling water 1 (20-oz.) can refried black beans 2 oz. Cotija or Feta cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup) ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup thinly sliced radishes 1 ripe avocado, diced Lime wedges PREHEAT the broiler with the oven rack 6 inches from the heat. Stir together the chile powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the oil; rub over…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 1½ lb. hanger steak, center membrane removed and cut into 4 pieces ¾ tsp. black pepper 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 ears fresh corn, shucked 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise 1 bunch scallions, trimmed 2 cups loosely packed baby arugula 2 Tbsp. fresh oregano leaves 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. water 1 tsp. kosher salt HEAT the grill to medium. Season the steak with the pepper and coat with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Grill, turning once, until a thermometer inserted in the center of…

Like the adult version of sand art, these pots are rolled in sand for subtle south-of-the-border style. TERRA-COTTA TRANSFORMED Burnt orange, be gone! Whether you need a creative hostess gift or pretty porch decor, you can easily DIY these pots over a weekend. Visit realsimple.com/terracottapots to see how we made these gorgeous planters. YOUR FAVORITE SOUND OF SUMMER IS… The tune of the ice cream truck! We know—you have to stop yourself from running down the driveway. We asked, and these are your favorite summer treats. Rebecca Schwei Choco Taco. Always and forever. Jill Stewart It was always the banana pops from the truck, in Southern California. What a great memory. Stephanie Pellegrino Firecracker Popsicle—loved the red, white, and blue colors. It meant summer was here. Jen Goering Conner Mine…

THERE'S A REASON lemonade continues its reign as Ultimate Summertime Refreshment, and it has nothing to do with the irresistibly cute kids selling it down the block (though that helps). Scientifically speaking, what makes lemonade so satisfying on a sweltering day is its combo of cold (duh) and tart. Sour flavors stimulate salivation better than do other taste sensations, like sweet, bitter, salty, or umami, says Cordelia Running, an assistant professor of food science at Purdue University, in Lafayette, Indiana. At the first swig, the mouth turns on its sprinklers to wash away the citric acid and neutralize it, says Running. Also, research shows that the cooling of the mouth by cold drinks satiates thirst and is perceived as refreshing. A similar response occurs with other acidic liquids, like grapefruit…

STUFFED-ANIMAL HAMMOCK Fold a fitted sheet in half and tie the ends to bedposts to create a tidy toy menagerie. TABLECLOTH A twin size fits neatly over a park picnic table; the elastic edges keep it from getting picked up by gusts of wind. It can also cover a dining table for craft projects. BACKSEAT COVER To shield the seat from sandy, SPF'd children or dirty pet paws, lay down a fitted sheet first. Make sure to cut out openings for the seat belts. FINALLY FOLD A FITTED SHEET THE RIGHT WAY This video will show you how. Go to realsimple.com/fittedsheet.…

1 SILVER COLLAR Slick and minimalist, this open-front design would make a graphic statement against a black boatneck. $128, sequin-nyc.com. 2 TINY CRYSTALS A delicate beauty like this would be lovely layered with a long pendant necklace and worn with a silky V-neck dress. $48, bananarepublic.com. 3 SPARKLY LUCITE A crystal-encrusted clear band is a natural with an evening gown, but it can have fun with a T-shirt, too. $495, alexisbittar.com. 4 PEARLESCENT INLAYS Wear this style with an off-the-shoulder top to show off the intricate design. $58, povertyflatsbyrian.com. 5 DOUBLE STRAND Layer this stone necklace over a buttoned-up shirt, or let it peek out from under an open-collared one. $325, flacajewelry.com. 6 TWO-TONE MOD Whether your pair it with a strapless dress or a turtleneck, keep the look simple…

Instead of an afternoon coffee, try a walking meditation: Just walk slightly slower than your normal pace but not so slow that anyone would notice. What makes it a meditation is that you're paying attention to the experience. As you move along, really see what's in front of you and notice the sensation of your feet against the ground. Whenever you realize that your mind has strayed, in a friendly but firm way, return it to the experience. Integrating mind and body with a conscious walk lets you cultivate concentration, engage your muscles, bring fresh air into your lungs, and take your brain off your worries. Remember—you don't have to walk super-slow, like a zombie. But take your time. You're not trying to go anywhere but inward. THIS MONTH'S EXPERT…

POOL TOYS Inflatables and other water gear can become moldy or degrade if moisture and chlorine linger. SEASON KICKOFF: Give all your toys a once-over, tossing any with cracks or air leaks. Lay the rest on a deck for a quick cleaning. Using a 16-ounce spray bottle filled with ½ cup white vinegar and ½ cup water, spritz the toys and rinse with a hose. If you see mold, spritz the spots and scrub them off with a nylon-bristle brush. AFTER EVERY USE: Squeeze water from the squishy toys, then rinse everything with a hose. Let the toys dry fully in the sun. Store in a mesh cart or bag. SEASON WRAP-UP: Clean with the vinegar-water mixture. When they're fully dry, release the air from the inflatables and push out…

Psst! You have to hear this… Everyone gossips, even if it's like eating cake for breakfast—temporarily thrilling, totally delicious, leaves you feeling kind of icky. (Think about how many times you start a conversation with "I don't want to gossip, but…" or "I love Ann! But can you believe she…") The reason is that gossip, by definition, involves talking about someone who is not present, often with a moral judgment. It can be harmless chatter around the watercooler, but it can also, at its worst, hurt feelings and damage reputations. Here's how you— and your kids—can stay attached to the grapevine without turning sour. WHY WE DO IT "Gossiping together strengthens bonds," says Frank McAndrew, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois. "It's a sign of…

KIM KOVEL • Senior material and color innovator, Nike • Portland, Oregon Did you always want to work in design? When I was little, I wanted to live in a ski town and be an orthopedic surgeon, fixing broken legs. Then, when I was in middle school, my parents built a house. I would sit with the architect. That opened my eyes up to design thinking. I hung pictures of furniture cut out from magazines in my locker. What was your childhood like? I grew up right outside New York City. I have a brother and a sister. My mom was a teacher, and my dad had a textile business. One of their big clients was Wrangler, and we'd get to go to the art department and work on plaids…

BILLY MEGARGEL is halfway through his morning yoga practice when he decides that he would like his teacher, Hannah Gould, to add a boat pose to the sequence. He finishes a sun salutation, steps off his purple mat in the sunny barn behind his family's home in Weston, Massachusetts, and chooses one of many Velcro-backed photos hanging on the wall. Billy, 26, hands the picture, which shows boat pose, to Hannah. She points at the picture, looks directly at Billy, and gives him a thumbs-up. Billy treads his feet in a pleased jig, reclines on his mat, then lifts his body into the challenging V-shape—seat down, legs up, torso angled back, arms stretching forward. "The harder something is, the more interested Billy is in doing it," says Eve Megargel of…

Quick Cooking (104, 107, 108, 135, 136, 137, 138, 140, 145, 148) Healthy Pick (104, 135, 136, 137, 138, 140, 145, 148) Make Ahead (104, 138, 145, 148) One Pot (104, 108, 138, 148) Whole-Grain (136) Vegetarian (138, 145, 148) Gluten-Free (104, 108, 135, 136, 137, 140, 145, 148) KERNEL KNOWLEDGE At last, corn season! Here's how to find the best ears and make them last. BUY Look for tightly wrapped husks and glossy silks. Feel the ear for firm kernels instead of peeling back the husk, which dries out the corn and ruins it for other shoppers. Opt for organic—a guarantee that it's not genetically modified. STORE Corn tastes best within 2 days of picking. But unshucked ears last for up to 3 days in an open plastic bag…

Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [x] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [x] ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 small shallots, thinly sliced 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tsp. chopped fresh mint ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. black pepper 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 whole chicken legs (quarters), fat trimmed 1 ripe peach, cut into wedges 1 cup diced English cucumber 4 oz. watercress PREHEAT the oven to 450°F. Combine the shallots, lime juice, mint, salt, pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the oil in a small bowl. Coat the chicken with 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette, reserving the rest. HEAT the remaining oil in a large ovenproof skillet…

IN A PICKLE? Don't confuse Persians with pickling cucumbers, commonly known as Kirbys, which are similar in size but have seeds and a tough, bumpy skin. Kirbys are traditionally used for pickles, but we like to pickle Persians, too. EXCUUUSE ME! Persian cucumbers are part of the "burpless" category, so-called because they're considered less bitter than other types. English cucumbers, also burpless, are skinny and long (about 14 inches) and otherwise similar to Persians. You can use both varieties interchangeably. 1 Melon, cucumber, and Burrata salad Toss together 2 cups each sliced PERSIAN CUCUMBERS and chopped CANTALOUPE, 4 oz. torn PROSCIUTTO slices, 2 Tbsp. torn FRESH MINT, and 1½ Tbsp. WHITE BALSAMIC VINEGAR or WHITE WINE VINEGAR in a bowl. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with 8 oz. torn…

I'VE BEEN THINKING about hair shirts lately. As in: Why? Why was a clothing item designed to express atonement or penance—basically, to punish the wearer—made of hair? Animal hair has always been plentiful, but the same can be said about bark and straw and lots of other things that would irritate the skin if made into a weird, punishing shirt. And then it came to me. It makes complete sense. Just think about the primal link between hair and happiness (or unhappiness, as it were)! I would even venture to guess that the first person who said, "I'm having a bad hair day," was probably wearing a hair shirt. OK, people, raise your hands if your hair makes you feel bad. It's a fraught relationship, right? Full of betrayal and…

RUNWAY INSPIRATION Models at the Diane von Furstenberg spring 2016 show gave a nod to 70s glamour with dramatic powder blue eye shadow. 1 Powder play Choose a shimmery aquamarine eye shadow, like Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Turquoise Glow ($4 at drugstores), and pat a sheer veil over each lid. Focus the color along the lash line, softening it as you reach the crease. Leave a strip of bare skin between crease and brow. 2 A fine line Using a creamy blue pencil, like NYC New York Color City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner in Sky High ($4 at drugstores), line the top lids from corner to corner. Don't stress over drawing a straight line—just make small dashes. The blue defines and brightens (even tired) eyes. 3 Clean…

We get a happiness boost just from planning a trip, right? Yes. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life showed that the joyful anticipation provides happiness in and of itself. I say, milk it and start planning three months in advance. Does the destination matter? Yes. If your goal is rest, then something low-key, like a lake house, is in order. But renting a house may involve cooking and cleaning duties, which can put a damper on relaxation. And a week of sightseeing is recharging only if you get restless sitting around. How can you schedule sightseeing so it won't wear you out? Plan downtime. In my family, we do activities in the mornings, then have afternoons free. Or you can slot sightseeing every other…

My mother-in-law prefers two of my children over my third, and her favoritism shows. She calls two of them on their birthdays but not the other. He notices that Grandma treats him differently, and it's hard for me to see. My mother-in-law is offended by suggestions that she does this. Is there a way to talk about it with her? If not, how do I take care of it with my child? M. J. I was the unfavorite child of my own divisive grandmother, and it was a huge relief to me when my parents finally acknowledged this fact, rather than ignoring it or trying to explain it away. I was probably 10 or so, and the conversation inaugurated my passage into the happily transparent world of uncomfortable truths spoken…

Glow sticks Applying lip balm has never been this fun. Korean import Chosungah 22 Flavorful Lipstick—in Golden Peach Tea, Guava Tint Jello, and Chai Tea ($18 each, sephora.com)—is a vegetable oil–based, argan oil–infused balm that delivers a post- Popsicle sheen. GOOD VIBRATIONS PALM-SIZE AND PORTABLE (NO CHARGER NEEDED), LUNA PLAY BY FOREO CLEANSING BRUSHES ($39 EACH, FOREO.COM) HAVE SILICONE NUBS THAT PULSATE 8,000 TIMES A MINUTE TO GIVE A DEEP CLEAN. APPLY FACE WASH, THEN GLIDE THE DEVICE OVER SKIN. FOCUS THE BIGGER NUBS ON OILY OR HARD-TO-REACH AREAS, THE SMALLER ONES ON SENSITIVE SPOTS, LIKE CHEEKS. Clean scent Perfume ever stained your blouse? Get a whiff of this: Unisex Byredo Toile Textile Perfume ($62, byredo.com) is made with a low concentration of oil, so its fresh cotton scent can…

Paper trail My husband works from home, and his files end up in the car, in our bedroom, everywhere. Help! J. W., via Facebook Bring up the issue when you're in a good mood (not angrily tripping over a file), and describe how the mess affects you both. Maybe you're aggravated by having to clear piles to set the dinner table and he's at risk of losing documents. If you can agree to tackle it together, straightening up will go more smoothly. This problem often stems from file-cabinet neglect. If his is overstuffed (less than two inches of breathing room per drawer), wedging in files can become so difficult that it may deter him from putting them away. Help him toss old projects or move them to archival boxes in…

RETRO COOL Complement the high-waisted fit of these mid-length shorts with a white button-up tied in the front and vintage-inspired accents. Shorts, $40, zara.com. Lauren Ralph Lauren top, $70, bloomingdales.com. Sunglasses, $55, quayaustralia.com. Clutch, $150, draper james.com. Shoes, $108, bodenusa.com. 1 FIT TIP Shorts with a wide waist-band can help a tummy look flatter. 2 STYLE UPGRADE Sneakers have become stylish in their own right. Don't hesitate to slip on a cool pair with a dressier look. 3 NICE EXTRA Breathe easy: The waist-band has an elastic panel in the back. SHORTER SHORTS 3- TO 4-INCH INSEAMS This not-too-daring length is great for elongating petite frames or showing off nice legs. (Flats will keep you from looking racy.) "Those with full thighs might have trouble with this cut, as it…

1 SEARCH AND DESTROY "Don't let your e-mail box become a to-do list," something that you work your way through from top to bottom, says Duhigg. "It's the worst to-do list possible, because literally everyone can add items to it." On the way to work, spend 10 minutes thinking through your priorities for the day and setting a realistic start and end time to a morning e-mail session. Then seek out important e-mails that require immediate responses—those about priority projects and those from your boss. Open those messages only. One strategy: Hit reply on each important message, and let the responses sit on your desktop. There's your to-do list: this stack of replies. Use your prescribed e-mail time to write thoughtful, cogent responses, rather than attempting to tear through a…

Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [x] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [x] ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 lb. new potatoes 12 oz. fresh green beans 7 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons) 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. black pepper 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ½ cup pitted Niçoise or kalamata olives, halved COOK the potatoes in salted water until just tender, about 6 minutes. Add the green beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse to cool. Cut the potatoes in half. HEAT 2…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [x] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [x] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [x] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 12 oz. orecchiette pasta, uncooked 2 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved 1 yellow onion, sliced 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 4 garlic cloves, sliced 1 tsp. lemon zest 1 tsp. kosher salt 4½ cups water ½ bunch Swiss chard, chopped 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 oz. shaved ricotta salata or crumbled Feta cheese ½ tsp. black pepper COMBINE the pasta, tomatoes, onion, tomato paste, garlic, lemon zest, and salt in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Add the water and bring to a boil over medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly, until most of…