Table of contents for May 2016 in Real Simple

A. An over-the-door shoe organizer. My husband and I had our first two sons in a tiny two-bedroom condo in Chicago. With two cribs in one small bedroom, there was hardly room for one dresser—certainly not two! So I bought the organizer and used it for diapers, wipes, blankets, burp cloths, and more. Five years later, we now have three sons and live in the suburbs. I still use it, but now for shin guards, lightbulbs, bulky socks, goggles, and flashlights. It has been so useful for our family, and it cost me less than $20! MOLLY BROWN, Northbrook, Illinois Vertical storage. A hanging wall basket for fruit, ladder-style shelves for towels in the bathroom, and high shelves in the closet. Display mementos with everyday items to break it up.…

Pick a muted shade (top) at the store to complement lighter skin or a brighter version (bottom) that will pop on darker tones. 1 ALBA BOTANICA VERY EMOLLIENT MINERAL SPORT SUNSCREEN SPF 45 "Sunscreen should be worn by everyone, every day. This one is light-reflective, so it helps hide imperfections. Tap a little extra on cheekbones as a highlighter." TO BUY: $11 at drugstores. 2 ARDELL DURALASH NATURALS INDIVIDUAL LASHES "Adding a few false lashes to the center of the eyes has an opening effect. Apply a dab of glue, wait until tacky, then place a segment onto the base of your lashes." TO BUY: $5, cvs.com. 3 L'ORÉAL PARIS TRUE MATCH LUMI CUSHION FOUNDATION "Dab the applicator onto the makeup-soaked sponge, then just press it onto skin to create…

1. Woven wedges offer stiletto height without pressure on the balls of the feet. TO BUY: $89, marcfisher footwear.com. 2. With snakeskin-printed leather and lug soles, this pair has lots to show for itself. TO BUY: $448, agl.com. POINTY-TOE PUMPS As every stylish woman knows, pumps + anything = everything. Their strong silhouette sharpens even the most basic look. 1 Amp up your work staples with highlighter yellow suede. TO BUY: Ivanka Trump, $135, nordstrom.com. 2 The cool wooden heel offers stable footing. TO BUY: $325, etienne aigner.com. 3 These metallic stripes look right any time of year. TO BUY: $475, us.lk bennett.com. 4 With heels barely three inches high, these simple two-tone beauties will be your every-day go-to. TO BUY: $50, zara.com. THE QUEST FOR NON-PINCHY POINTY TOES TIP…

LILY OF THE VALLEY Thought of as a symbol of good luck and well wishes, this clean, sweet-smelling flower is often carried by brides and royalty. Although it's impossible to extract scent from the flower through distillation, perfumers re-create it. 1 SWEET Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Sparkling tops its lily of the valley note with blackberry and cotton candy (yum). But it isn't too cloying, thanks to a warm, musky finish. TO BUY: $59 for 1.6 ounces, kohls.com. 2 FRESH If you want some Zen with your scent, try Marc Jacobs Cucumber Splash, which has a relaxing effect. The floral note feminizes the crisp cucumber. TO BUY: $62 for 3.4 ounces, saksfifthavenue.com. 3 WOODY Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise Eau de Toilette is…

IF SPRING'S TREE POLLENS are making your eyes water, you're in good (if miserable) company. "Up to 30 percent of Americans have allergies, compared to 10 percent in 1970," says Leo Galland, an internist in New York City and the author of The Allergy Solution. Numerous studies connect the increase to climate change (extended growing seasons mean more pollens), air pollution (people in high-traffic areas have a higher incidence of respiratory allergies), and everyday substances in our homes, like antibacterial products and formaldehyde. Here are some smart ways to minimize the effects of these stealth triggers and shore up your immunity so you can feel healthy year-round. 1 REMEMBER YOUR PROBIOTIC A daily dose of good bacteria for four to eight weeks can lessen allergic reactions to dust mites and…

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT? Someone (real, not a robot) who works remotely to do the things that a small-business owner (or a freelancer or a would-be entrepreneur) doesn't have time for or doesn't know how to do, says business coach Elaine Quinn of smartsolos.com, a resource for "solopreneurs." That can mean handling social media, booking travel, processing invoices, and more. WHAT DOES IT COST? It depends on skills and experience. Some VAs (that's what they're called) can do specialized work, like writing and editing, transcribing, and accounting. Rates range widely, from about $15 to $75 an hour. HOW DO YOU FIND A VA? PowerToFly.com and MommyAdmin.com will connect you with VAs and also take care of payments and W-9s. And there's a large, searchable directory at ivaa.org, the site…

WE'RE TALKING 900 SQUARE FEET. 01 Metals are magical Metal objects—in this case, shelving—bounce light around a room, making it airier. For extra reflectiveness in this family/guest room, Beth replaced the top and bottom shelves with mirrored glass. 02 Get a tall coffee table Look for one that's 28 inches or so (the average table is more like 16) to draw the eye upward and make the space feel more spacious. An open base and a glass top help the cause, too. 03 Got a wall? There's your office You don't need a spare room to set up an organized work space. Beth carved out hers along one side of the family/guest room, lining the wall with a slim DIY desk: an 11-inch-deep sustainable-pine plank (from timelinewood.com) mounted with brackets.…

FOOD Quick Cooking (176, 184) Healthy Pick (171, 172, 174, 176, 184) Freezable (166, 167, 178) Make Ahead (166, 167, 172, 174, 178, 184, 190) Big Batch (166, 167, 174, 184) One Pot (174, 184) Whole-Grain (176, 190) Vegetarian (166, 167, 172, 184, 190) Gluten-Free (171, 176, 184, 190) BABY LOVE Baby bok choy is more tender than regular bok choy and softens quickly in dishes like Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl (page 174). ALPHA OMEGA WILD ALASKAN SALMON IS THE CLEANEST (LOW- MERCURY) VARIETY OF SALMON. BEFORE SEARING A FILLET, PAT VERY DRY WITH PAPER TOWELS TO AVOID STICKING. USE A SERRATED KNIFE TO SLICE THESE GUYS. UP TO 12 HOW MANY MONTHS MISO WILL KEEP IN THE REFRIGERATOR. (SOME SOURCES SAY YEARS.) USE A CLEAN SPOON FOR EACH DIP.…

[] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [x] Make Ahead [x] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [x] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 6 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 lb. chicken cutlets, cut into ½-inch-wide strips 4 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger 6 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced 3 Tbsp. white miso 4 cups chicken broth 8 oz. uncooked wide rice noodles 12 oz. baby bok choy, quartered 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar HEAT the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until just opaque but not brown, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add the mushrooms,…

HOW MUCH? Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of table salt (which covers more surface area than chunky kosher salt) per pound of cut vegetables. Salt (then eat) your vegetables Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms release water when they cook. Fine for pasta sauce, bad for pizza crust. To keep things from getting soggy (like on the Tomato-and-Bacon Flatbread on page 178), extract excess moisture from these vegetables before cooking by salting and resting them. (Bonus: The salt seasons at the same time.) Sprinkle cut vegetables with salt and drain on paper towels or in a colander while you prep the rest of the meal, at least 30 minutes. ASIAN NOODLE PRIMER Whether you're ordering your favorite takeout or making a Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl (page 174) at home, it's helpful…

AN EXTRA-SWEET MOTHER'S DAY In celebration of (1) Mother's Day and (2) strawberry season,we developed some elegant and delicious berry desserts to serve at a Mother's Day brunch—or anytime, really. Visit realsimple.com/strawberrydesserts for the recipes. And if you're shopping for Mom but aren't sure what to get her, browse our unique gift ideas for all moms—from new ones to mothers-in-law. Visit realsimple.com/giftguide for our favorite finds. FORGET "ROCK-A-BYE BABY" We asked for the non-traditional lullabies you sing (or used to sing) at night. These soothing tunes are bedtime classics in their own right. Suzanne Strickland Stern "Under the Boardwalk," by the Drifters Lisa Chick "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," from The Wizard of Oz Michelle B. Valencia-Stark "Good Night," by the Beatles Miranda Call "Three Little Birds," by Bob Marley @MOONSTONEANDMOSS…

RS PICK: McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract is one of the best affordable options around. 3 SWEET IDEAS RECIPE Quick applesauce Combine 4 peeled, diced Granny Smith apples with ⅓ cup sugar, ¼ cup water, 1 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the water has evaporated and the apples are tender, about 10 minutes. Makes 2½ cups. EASY UPGRADE Vanilla-roasted acorn squash Melt 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter with 1 tsp. vanilla extract and a pinch of chile flakes in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, halve an acorn squash, discard the seeds, and slice into 1-in. wedges. Toss the squash with half the butter and season with ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Roast at 375°F, basting twice with the remaining…

Over the course of a day, set your phone alarm to ding (or vibrate) every 30 minutes. No matter what you're doing when the ding comes, drop that activity and sit quietly for a minute. Creating gaps like this offers many rewards. It brings a sense of spaciousness. It imprints an understanding that nothing is so important that you can't let go for a moment. And it shows you how refreshing it is to dive up and out of your dense mind thicket (or computer screen) now and then. If every 30 minutes is too much, how about four times, spread out over the day? With each ding, notice where you are and whom you're with, and allow yourself to integrate more fully into your life as it's happening—now, rather…

MY MOTHER once gave me some valuable advice on housekeeping: "You want to feel better about your home? Take your glasses off." (This was actually her advice for many things, including men.) For years her wise words contributed to my happiness. And growing up in the 70s in a suburb where many wives devoted themselves to ensuring that the nap of their shag rugs ran in the same direction, I got a certain perverse enjoyment out of having a mother who (a) had a career and (b) was a terrible housekeeper. I inherited her lax M.O., which, while fine for me, is a source of frustration for my fastidious husband. This can all be summed up in a little story I like to call "Hair Ball": Years ago, when we…

APPLY ALL OVER FACE OR SPOT-TREAT. THE FORMULA CONTAINS MICA TO BLUR IMPERFECTIONS. How stellar Swipe these creamy, marbleized Marc Jacobs Beauty Cover(t) Stick Color Correctors ($42 each, sephora.com) over skin, then blend with fingertips to brighten dullness, neutralize redness, or even out hyperpigmentation. SCENT OF A WINDOW WOMAN FOR ALL THOSE CLEAN FREAKS OUT THERE, MOSCHINO FRESH COUTURE ($82 FOR 3.4 OUNCES, BLOOMINGDALES.COM) LOOKS LIKE A PALM-SIZE BOTTLE OF WINDOW SPRAY BUT SMELLS LIKE MANDARIN, BERGAMOT, AND PATCHOULI. SURE TO MAKE A SPOTLESS IMPRESSION. JUST PLAIN FUN. A little lamb Petrolatum- and fragrance-free, Lano 101 Ointment ($19, net-a-porter.com) is 100 percent natural and contains medical-grade lanolin (a cruelty-free by-product of wool). The Australian import helps heal dry lips, cuts, and ragged cuticles. Fuller hair(brush) Travel brushes tend to have…

1 THE LAY-YOUR-CARDS-ON-THE-TABLE CONVERSATION "The summer before ninth grade, talk about what college, both state and private, is going to cost. And then—brace yourself—disclose your finances as they relate to college. Explain what you've saved and what you're willing or able to spend. Tell the truth. Kids should know what it takes to provide the lifestyle they enjoy, so they can make informed choices about school and a career that will allow them to replicate that lifestyle, or exceed it, or live smaller—whatever their goal is. This is also a good time to explain the impact of grades on merit-based financial aid. You don't want to put insane pressure on your kids, but you want them to know early on that good grades can lead to more merit aid and…

GABBY DOUGLAS, MOM NATALIE HAWKINS ALYSIA MONTAÑO, MOM YVONNE JOHNSON AMY COZAD, MOM DONNA COZAD TATYANA MCFADDEN, MOMS DEBORAH MCFADDEN AND BRIDGET O'SHAUGHNESSEY GABBY DOUGLAS SPORT GYMNASTICS MOM NATALIE HAWKINS At the 2012 London Olympics, Gabby Douglas, then 16, became the first African-American woman in history to win gold for the individual all-around in gymnastics. Two years earlier, at 14, Gabby had moved from her family home in Virginia to West Des Moines, Iowa, to train with renowned coach Liang Chow after having lobbied her mom, Natalie, for months to allow her to go. Natalie stayed back in Virginia with Gabby's three siblings. In Iowa, Gabby became so intensely homesick that, months before the 2012 Olympics, she nearly quit. Her mom convinced her to follow through, offering a deal that…

Quick Cooking [] 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 ⅓ cup Greek yogurt 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill, divided 1¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided ½ tsp. black pepper, divided 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 (6-oz.) salmon fillets 1 (5-oz.) pkg. baby spring greens mix 1 (15-oz.) can white beans, rinsed and drained 1 small shallot, thinly sliced ½ English cucumber, sliced STIR together the yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of the dill, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper. HEAT 1 tablespoon of the oil in a…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [x] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 ¼ cup cider vinegar ½ tsp. granulated sugar 2½ tsp. kosher salt, divided ¾ tsp. black pepper, divided 6 cups shredded red cabbage (about 1 head) ¼ cup sliced scallions, divided 1 lb. flank steak 1 large ripe plantain, peeled ¼ tsp. ground chipotle chile pepper 2 tsp. canola oil 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed Sour cream and sliced avocado, for garnish MICROWAVE the vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper in a microwave-safe bowl until hot, about 30 seconds. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the cabbage…

prep-y handbook The watermelon radishes shown here have a green exterior and a fuchsia interior. Other varieties are fully red, pink, purple, or even black. Although different colors correspond to slightly different shapes and sizes, they all share a crisp texture and a spicy flavor and can be used interchangeably. wrinkle-free Radishes that feel soft or look wrinkly will probably be spongy inside. Choose bulbs that are smooth, with perky leaves. Store radishes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week with the leaves removed. (Otherwise they will draw moisture from the roots.) 1 Radishes with caraway-avocado aïoli Pulse 1 ripe, peeled, and pitted AVOCADO, 1 Tbsp. MAYONNAISE, and 1 Tbsp. FRESH LEMON JUICE in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a shallow bowl; sprinkle…

BACK WHEN I WAS in my 20s, there was cheap and there was chic, but as far as I could tell, there was no cheap chic. In other words: Where was Beth Zeigler Penn when I was living with my sister in a two-room, fourth-floor walk-up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan? Valerie and I had no real money to speak of, and we slept on a rickety loft platform that had been made by someone I no longer remember. Our "clothes closet" was a rod under the platform. You could hear the clip-clop of hooves as horses walked from Central Park to their stable down the street, and that may have been the only charming thing about the place. The kitchen sink was right outside the (miniscule) bathroom,…

ELIMINATING WEEDS How to keep your lawn care easy on the earth BULK UP YOUR GRASS. Thick turf with deep roots is naturally resistant to weeds. To make yours more resilient, use a mulching lawn mower—the clippings return nutrients to the soil. It's also important to water, fertilize, and mow according to your turfgrass species and region. The folks at your local U.S. Department of Agriculture office can help you determine this info. (To find yours, go to www.outreach.usda.gov.) ELIMINATE WEEDS MORE EFFICIENTLY. Use a stirrup (a.k.a. hula) hoe. It cuts weeds off just below the soil and won't bring up new weed seeds, says Cheryl Wilen, Ph.D., an integrated-pest-management adviser at the University of California Cooperative Extension, in San Diego. IF YOU MUST, BUY A KIND WEED KILLER. Look…

In my mind, BYOB means bring as much as I—or my husband and I—will be drinking. But I've noticed recently that it is now a looser term meaning, "Bring enough to share." Am I a Scrooge for showing up with one bottle of beer (or the like) that I plan on consuming instead of a six-pack to share with everyone at the party? M. H. You're right that it's a confusing expression, and you definitely don't need to spring for the Dom Pérignon, but I would never bring less than a six-pack of beer or a full bottle of wine to a party. (I'm trying to imagine what the wine version of a single beer would be. A to-go cup?) The host is creating a festive and convivial atmosphere, and…

BEAUTY + PRETTY SMART 100 + GET A WHIFF OF THIS: Spring's prettiest new perfumes 89 HEALTH + A DEEP DIVE INTO EYE HEALTH 121 + PROTECT AGAINST ALLERGIES (WITHOUT SEALING YOURSELF IN A BUBBLE) 116 FAMILY I'M SORRY, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO APOLOGIZING, YOU MIGHT BE DOING IT ALL WRONG 107 HOME + THE VETS WILL SEE YOU NOW 86 + ONE WOMAN ATTENDS CLEANING BOOT CAMP—AND BRINGS BACK THE BEST ADVICE 81 FASHION + SUMMER SHOE EXTRAVAGANZA: SANDALS, HEELS, AND WEDGES 69 WORK & MONEY + DO YOU NEED A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT? 133 + THE VIEW FROM HERE: JODI ARNOLD 129 + ASK BUCKY 130 + TALKING ABOUT COLLEGE COSTS WITH YOUR KIDS 134…

I'm sorry. These two little words can act as the superglue of relationships, repairing everything from stealing the last brownie to, in the most hopeful scenario, painful betrayals. "None of us are perfect. You have to be able to apologize when you mess up. Otherwise you'll scatter bad feelings wherever you go," says Lauren Bloom, an interfaith minister, an attorney, and the author of The Art of the Apology. So why does everyone from that red-faced kid on the baseball field to your brooding spouse have such a hard time spitting out the words? And when it's your turn to make amends, how do you offer a truly meaningful apology that doesn't sound as if you're just fishing for a quick get-out-of-jail-free card? (Hint: "Mistakes were made" doesn't cut it.)…

JODI ARNOLD • Creative/design director of Eloquii, a plus-size clothing line launched by the Limited and now independently owned • New York City Tell us about your childhood. I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and my parents were very strict Southern Baptists. I found myself questioning the norms in the South and liking different ways of dressing. With red hair and freckles, I was already different from everyone around me. I couldn't wait to get to New York and be a fashion designer. Did you sew as a kid? I made a lot of my own clothes. One of my early memories is of an elderly woman across the street who passed away and her daughter coming over to say she had all this fabric. I remember going…

RETRO 1 SPERRY Scalloped edging and a sweet daisy print add to this suit's girlish appeal. TO BUY: $106 (use the code REALSIMPLE for 20 percent off sitewide), houseofswim.com. 2 AERIE Molded cups give support and guarantee that this maillot will stay up, even if you remove the accompanying halter strap. TO BUY: $50, aerie.com. 3 LAUNDRY BY SHELLI SEGAL Create a curvaceous effect on a straight figure with strategically placed stripes that visually contour your torso. TO BUY: $128, lordand taylor.com. 4 GAP This classic cut looks just as good going as coming—adjustable straps tie into a cute bow over an open back. TO BUY: $60, gap.com. 5 TORY BURCH It's full of design details (and we don't mean just the pretty pattern): The inside edges of this suit…

[] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [x] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [x] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4 TO 6 1½ Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided ½ lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups chopped broccoli 1 cup cherry tomatoes 8 large eggs 1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided ¾ tsp. black pepper, divided 2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled 1 tsp. sherry vinegar 6 cups watercress Crusty bread, for serving PREHEAT the oven to 400°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the broccoli and tomatoes; cover and cook, stirring…

[] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [x] Freezable [x] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 large tomatoes, sliced ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 lb. fresh pizza dough 1 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal 4 slices thick-cut bacon ½ small shallot, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped ¼ tsp. black pepper 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 oz.) 2 cups mixed baby greens PREHEAT the oven to 450°F. Lay the tomato slices on a paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Top with more paper towels and set aside. STRETCH the dough into a 16-by-10-inch oval on a clean surface sprinkled…

REAL SIMPLE ROAD TEST OUT, DAMN SPOT! Making chocolate sauce in a white apron? Soaking overnight in a basin with OxiClean will remove most stains. 1 MOST STAIN-RESISTANT Stanley & Sons Cloth Strap Apron The best for messy tasks (or if homemade marinara is on weekly rotation), this apron has a heavy-duty, waxy canvas surface that's easy to wipe down. Falls below the knee for full coverage. TO BUY: $97, apronandbag.com. 2 BEST SPLURGE Original Blunt Roll in Grey Denim Sharp and practical, this denim smock, designed for professional chefs, will last for a lifetime of pancake flipping. The leather pocket has sections to hold knives or transport tools to the grill. TO BUY: $150, thebluntroll.com. 3 MOST FLATTERING Heirloomed Rollings of Cinnamon Full Sash Apron With a billowy linen…