Table of contents for March 2018 in Real Simple

For more book recommendations, visit realsimple.com/books. High-stakes Adventure After a disastrous interview and public breakup, actor Charlie Outlaw flees to an island—and gets kidnapped. When fellow actor Josie, his heartbroken ex, realizes Charlie is missing, she must find him herself. Leah Stewart’s What You Don’t Know About Charlie Outlaw is part love story, part fun mystery, and a realistic look at TV acting and fame. Historical Fiction First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok—who largely lived in the White House—has long fascinated historians, who suspect the two were lovers. In White Houses, Amy Bloom illuminates this relationship and Hickok’s tumultuous life with her usual evocative prose, making readers reflect on what they would do for true love. Case Study Nonfiction standout The Kevin Show tells the story of…

1 DEFINE THE SPACE If you like to store products out in the open, gather similar items into small containers so they don’t take over the entire dresser or vanity. Corral perfumes on a tray and cotton swabs in a jar. If a container overflows, it’s time for a quick purge. 2 TREAT BRUSHES RIGHT Tossing cosmetic brushes into a bag can damage the bristles—not great, since they can be pricey to replace. Instead, store them upright in a small vase or jar filled with beads (to prevent them from tipping over). Simple and pretty. TO BUY: Ashland Diamond Filler beads (in jar), $7; michaels.com. 3 KEEP THINGS COMPACT Stash serums and polishes in a multitiered, rotating organizer for maximum storage with minimal footprint. TO BUY: Lori Greiner spinning cosmetic…

June Ambrose Known for her fearless fashion sense, Ambrose is a styling powerhouse whose clients include Mariah Carey, Kelly Ripa, Kim Cattrall, and Gabrielle Union. You can catch her sharing her wisdom on TV shows like Today and The View. Follow @juneambrose on Instagram for serious outfit inspiration. BANANA REPUBLIC TEAL FLORAL PRINTED MAXI DRESS “A self-belted dress in a floral print is an instant classic with a flattering silhouette.” TO BUY: $158; banana republic.com. LEVI’S 501 CROP JEANS “Denim is an easy way to mix trends and tradition. These Levi’s have a tried-and-true wash with a current cut and up-to-date details.” TO BUY: $98; levi.com. J.CREW STRIPED SHIRT “With a fresh shape and structure, it puts a literal twist on standard shirting.” TO BUY: $60; jcrew.com. DOLCE VITA HALO…

“I ’M NOT REALLY LISTENING,” says Zeke, grinning at mewhile I try to impart yet another surprising stat I’ve discovered about teens and alcohol. These days my 17-year-old has been hearing a lot on the topic of drinking aswe tour college campuses and he strides more confidently away from us at each one. The thing is, he’s a great kid. Unless I’m deluding myself, I don’t think he drinks now—at least not much. Butwho really knows? And his looming birthday (not to mention memories of my own boozy college years) has let loose lurking fears about his safety. Every college brochure that hits our mailbox hits me like a Mack truck.Where he sees bucolic pictures of the grassy quad, I see a world of bingeing and beer bongs. Because no…

1 If you want to stay calm in stressful situations, practice music. Engaging in an on going creative activity, like learning to play an instrument, helps people manage negative feelings like stress, according to the American Journal of Public Health.Warren Buffett regularly plays the ukulele, Steve Martin plays the banjo, and Steven Spielberg jumped in with his clarinet on the Jawssoundtrack. Even better news: Cognitive research says that adults can learn to play a new instrument at any age. Just pick one with a sound you love and find a teacher who works with adults—ask for recommendations from your town’s Facebook group, a music school (even if it’s geared toward children), or local colleges. Or join a choir. Study after study shows the benefits of singing—from releasing endorphins to strengthening…

POACHED EGGS WITH CHILE BUTTER & YOGURT ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt2 tsp. chopped fresh dill, plus sprigs for serving1 small clove garlic, finely chopped Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper3 Tbsp. unsalted butter2 tsp. sesame seeds1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes Flaky sea salt4 pitas1 Tbsp. olive oil8 large eggs Fresh mint leaves, for serving PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix yogurt, dill, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and several grinds of pepper in a small bowl. MELT butter in a small skillet over medium-low. Add sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of flaky salt; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Place pitas on a baking sheet, brush both sides with oil, and season with a…

MEET HEATHER MUIR MAFFEI BEAUTY DIRECTOR AT REAL SIMPLE Favorite Beauty Product: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. It’s super hydrating and leaves a glowy sheen. Best Beauty Hack: I use a self-tanning wipe before bed so I wake up looking sun-kissed. Ideal Weekend Plans: After eating healthy all week, my husband and I have “cheat night” and order whatever we’re craving. Then we cuddle with our two Great Danes, Apollo and Chunk. @HMUIR ON INSTAGRAM DIY Bath Bombs Save money and customize your own. Start with ingredients like baking soda and Epsom salt. Get instructions at realsimple.com/bathbombs. The Spiralizer, Reimagined Go beyond zucchini noodles. We’ve come up with creative new dishes featuring a variety of spiralized veggies, including this vibrant beet salad. Visit realsimple.com/spiralizedrecipes. Open and tap for beauty ideas.…

DRINK THIS When you don’t want to pop open a whole bottle, enjoy these miniature options from Standard, recently launched by the founders of Vinebox. Each bottle contains 6.3 ounces of California wine, just over a standard single serving. Choose between red and white, and have a perfectly portioned pour every time. Available online now and coming to Whole Foods Market stores this year. TO BUY: From $8 per bottle; standardwines.com. SEE THIS The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., is celebrating its 91st year with a 21stcentury update: Attendees will get to experience the blossoms through augmented reality, thanks to an immersive installation from Artechouse, open from March 15 to April 15. If you can’t make it in person, follow the festival on Twitter (@CherryBlossFest). BUY THIS…

Why should peanuts have all the fun? When pureed until smooth, almonds transform into a tasty spread that’s perfect for toast and so much more. Combine with crushed pretzels and melted butter for a no-fuss salty-sweet piecrust that begs for chocolate mousse. Blend with cooked sweet potatoes to make a rich hummus with nutty undertones. Or whisk up a satay-style sauce to drizzle over vegetables or grilled chicken. Look for almond butter with no added sugar, and keep at room temperature unless the label specifies otherwise. Quick Ideas 1 CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE WITH NO-BAKE PRETZEL–ALMOND BUTTER PIECRUST Combine 1 ¼ cups finely crushed pretzels,⅓ cup each melted unsalted butter and smooth almond butter, and ¼ cup brown sugar; press into the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased…

UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PROBLEMS…

1 SECTION AND SPRAY Start with dry hair (second-day hair works just fine). Grab one-inch pieces and spritz with a styling primer, like Ouai Memory Mist ($28; theouai.com). Doing so shields strands from heat and prevents hair from falling limp. Brush through to avoid crunchiness. 2 WRAP AROUND Hold your curling wand upside down (we like DryBar Wrap Party Styling Wand, $165; sephora.com). Beginning a few inches from roots, wrap a section of hair around the barrel, away from your face. Leave an inch out at the ends. Release after 10 seconds and repeat all over. 3 TOUSLE AND TAME To break up waves and smooth flyaways, rub a dimesize dollop of finishing cream, like John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème ($7; at drugstores), between…

COMFORT WITH A TWIST My family’s favorite meal is pea-and-carrot soup with fresh herb dumplings. It’s a simple veggie soup with a potpie-like comfort factor but no chicken. All herbs are fair game for the dumplings, but we especially love dill. JESSIE BUSMANN, BUHL, IDAHO GREEN DREAM My kids (ages 9, 7, and 3) are crazy for pesto, which they call “the green sauce.” They’ll eat anything that’s served with it! A weeknight favorite is a big mix of sautéed seasonal vegetables, served with a side of quinoa or whole-grain pasta and sometimes steamed or roasted chicken—all dolloped with fresh or storebought pesto. The veggies take center stage. KIRSTEN LARSEN, PASS CHRISTIAN, MISSISSIPPI SUSHI NIGHT For our famous “sushi” bowls, we set out a bowl of cooked sushi rice and…

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WORK, MONEY, AND HEALTH ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE MAYBE YOUR HEART begins pounding and your hands go clammy just before a major presentation. Or you’re headed out for a weekend at your always critical in-laws’ and your stomach starts churning as soon as you carry your suitcase out the door. The classic advice: Just relax! Take a deep breath, picture yourself on a beach, chill out. But while you might like to cool off, it’s really freaking annoying to hear “Relax!” when your nerves are shot, your head is spinning, and you couldn’t sleep the night before. That’s because, experts say, trying to force relaxation is like showing up to a black-tie event in athleisure: There’s little you can do to switch into the right mode. “The difficulty with telling…

“I’m teaching my kids how to play golf, partly because I love golf and my friends love golf. I have two boys, who are 11 and 6. I’m friends with my kids’ friends’ parents, so when we get together, it’s like killing two birds with one stone. We plan events that include the entire family, like going to a ball game or a kid-friendly concert. We’ll also take trips with friends and their families and rent a house. Those kinds of trips really create quality time together.” MARK CHOEY, 47, COFOUNDER, PARTNER, AND CTO OF CLIMB REAL ESTATE “I have been traveling a lot this past year, so I post on Facebook where I’ll be and connect with people that way. Sometimes I’ll send calendar invites to friends about meeting…

MARCH When the morning hours begin to fill with birdsong, we know a spring thaw will soon follow. Enjoy the soundtrack over breakfast with a big batch of baked oatmeal, filled with sunny citrus zest, sweet-tart apples, and golden toasted coconut (page 134). Or try your hand at homemade ricotta (page 137) and spread it over toast with a drizzle of olive oil or honey. And as for dinner? Whip up our poblano tacos (page 130)—or, even easier, head to the freezer aisle and grab a pizza.We did the hard work for you and selected the best-tasting heatand- eat pies (page 140).…

Baked Oatmeal ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 10 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and divided, plus more for baking dish1 cup coconut flakes2 sweet-tart apples (such as Pink Lady), cut into ½-in. pieces, divided3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats1 cup raisins2 cups grated carrots (from 2 medium carrots), divided1 cup walnut pieces, coarsely chopped, divided 1 13.5- to 13.66-oz. can light coconut milk2 large eggs 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon1 ½ tsp. kosher salt1 Tbsp. orange zest (from 1 orange)½ cup packed light brown sugar, divided PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch (or other 3-quart) baking dish. Spread coconut flakes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven. ARRANGE half of the apple pieces in prepared baking dish.…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST MARGHERITA Amy’s Margherita Pizza The classic combination of slowsimmered tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil on this crispy thinner-crust pie tastes incredibly fresh. TO BUY: $9 for 13 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST PEPPERONI Freschetta Naturally Rising Crust Pepperoni The pepperoni has a mildly spicy kick that melds deliciously with the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. The crust rises as it bakes for a fluffy yet crispy bite. Bonus: It’s preservative-free. TO BUY: $7 for 27.35 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST VEGETABLE Whole Foods Market Marinated Grilled Vegetables on Wheat Flour Crust This wood-fired pizza is fully loaded with broccoli, asparagus, grilled eggplant, peppers, and zucchini. With a smoky touch from the cheese, each bite had us wanting more. TO BUY: $6 for 13.4 oz.; at grocery…

DRUGSTORE SPECIAL ISAAC MIZRAHI LOVES REVLON COLLECTION Portable, precise, and pretty, these tools look cute and get the job done. The new line includes stainlesssteel tweezers, nail essentials, and an eyelash curler that lifts without pinching. TO BUY: $2 to $12; at drugstores. SECRET FRESHIE IN LUXE LAVENDER This palm-size antiperspirant is the cleverest idea. Pop it into your handbag and use it to touch up discreetly during sweaty moments (say, after a big meeting). It goes on clear and comes in four scents. TO BUY: $5; at drugstores. PHYSICIANS FORMULA THE HEALTHY LIP VELVET LIQUID LIPSTICK The comfiest matte lipstick we’ve tested, this mousse-like formula packs hydrating avocado oil and delivers rich, long-lasting color. TO BUY: $8 each; physiciansformula.com. HERBAL ESSENCES BIO:RENEW BLUE GINGER & MICELLAR WATER SHAMPOO…

REFRIGERATOR FRESHENER Filled with bamboo charcoal, this linen bag helps banish odors and absorb moisture. Plus, it frees up shelf space by attaching to the refrigerator wall with a suction cup. Lasts up to two years. TO BUY: Moso refrigerator bag, $9; mosonatural.com. SATIN-LINED CAP This hat’s underside is finished with soft charmeuse that will reduce hair breakage and keep textured hair feeling moisturized. Best of all: The material prevents hat head! The cap comes in three colors and features an adjustable back strap. TO BUY: Satin-lined baseball hat, $31; graceeleyae.com. HEADPHONE HEADBANDS Traditional earbuds are sometimes uncomfortable for little ones. These fleece headbands contain removable flat headphones and lie smoothly over ears. Volume level is limited to protect hearing. Machine washable. TO BUY: Snuggly Rascals headphones, $18 each; snugglyrascals.com.…

Must-Haves With these essentials, you’ll be able to simmer, steam, boil, or braise just about anything. NONSTICK AND STAINLESS-STEEL SKILLETS We love a nonstick pan for delicate foods like eggs, but avoid using one at high temperatures. Instead, opt for a stainless-steel skillet to brown meats, crisp up skin-on chicken pieces, and sauté vegetables. GO-TO SIZE: 10-inch. PRO TIP: If you’re stacking nonstick pans, place a dish towel between them to help protect the coating. DEEP-SIDED SKILLET Also called a sauté pan or straight-sided skillet, this vessel is great for shallow frying, braising, and finishing a pasta dish or meatballs right in the sauce. GO-TO SIZE: 12-inch. PRO TIP: The high sides prevent oil splatter as you’re frying, but you should fill this pan no more than halfway with oil…

There’s a Cockroach on the Ceiling! L.S.,VIA EMAIL THE FIX: First, sweep the bug off the ceiling with a broom. Once it’s on the floor, use a shoe to kill it, then dispose of the remains in the garbage, says entomologist Matt Frye, PhD, of Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management Program. “Flushing the remains down the toilet may make you feel better but is a huge waste of water.” It’s a myth that the smell of a dead cockroach will attract more roaches, but it is true that seeing one often means there are others lurking, says Frye. Set up sticky traps along the wall under the sink, alongside or behind the refrigerator, and in the bathroom. Trapping a roach and identifying the species will help you figure out how…

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD 1 Give a Bright Start to School, the German Way. The kickoff to first grade is a big deal in Germany, as my American family learned while living in Berlin. The weekend before our daughter started first grade, we joined a celebration called Einschulung. Her school welcomed students with an assembly; afterward, families gave the children Schultüten—large paper or plastic cones filled with school supplies and sweets.When we moved back to the United States, we replicated Einschulung for my son. We invited our family over and asked them to bring a small school-related gift, like a notebook or pen.We made him a Schultüte, and the older kids put on a play about what school is like. It makes the children feel responsible, grown-up, and…

POP QUIZ: Are you on track for retirement? If your response is closer to head-scratching than head-nodding, we feel you. Research shows that most people (81 percent!) don’t have a handle on how much they’ll need to save for their later years. Yet there’s a pervasive sense of not having enough socked away: Less than a sixth of workers feel financially prepared for a 20-year retirement, according to a 2017 Merill Lynch report. But here’s the thing about figuring out the dollars and cents of swapping your paycheck for unlimited free time: Ignorance isn’t bliss. “The real danger in avoiding this topic is that you’ll come up short with your savings and have to work longer or miss out on the retirement you want,” says Andrea Coombes, a retirement specialist…

TIGER GRASS Soothes Irritation Native to Asia, Centella asiatica, sometimes called tiger grass, has been used for centuries to treat wounds. And the botanical does seem to have an instant calming effect on the skin. So if you struggle with rosacea, eczema, sensitive skin, or acne, try Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum ($48; sephora.com) to help reduce irritation. For a higher dose of hydration, follow with Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 ($52; sephora.com), which has a green tint to help cancel out any ruddiness. If fine lines and brown spots are your concern, consider L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream ($18; at drugstores), a lightweight lotion you apply after cleansing and before moisturizing. It packs the power of a heavy-hitting anti-ager, thanks to retinol—but not…

Gingham CHECKS, PLEASE! OF-THE-MOMENT SILHOUETTES, LIKE A STATEMENT SLEEVE OR A RUFFLED SKIRT, MAKE THIS RETRO FAVORITE FEEL MODERN. Floral SCALED-DOWN FLOWERS FEEL DELICATE AND REFINED (AND WON’T OVERWHELM PETITE FRAMES). Polka Dots WHETHER YOU PREFER BOLD ON A BAG OR SMALL AND SUBTLE ON A JUMPSUIT, THESE SPOTS ARE SURPRISINGLY VERSATILE. Stripes CRISP, LIGHTWEIGHT COTTON AND NEAT TAILORING PUT A FEMININE SPIN ON A MENSWEAR CLASSIC. Want even more? Check out realsimple.com/prettyprints.…

Easy Dinner 1 Steamed Mussels With White Wine and Tarragon ACTIVE TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Healthy Pick ✓ One Pot ✓ Gluten-Free 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter1 medium shallot, finely chopped2 lb. mussels, scrubbed and debearded½ cup dry white wine1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh tarragon½ tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. black pepper Crusty toasted bread, for serving (optional) HEAT butter in a medium saucepan over mediumhigh. Add shallot and cook until translucent, about 1 minute. Add mussels and wine; cover and cook until mussels fully open, 3 to 5 minutes (discard any that do not open). Remove from heat and stir in tarragon, salt, and pepper. USING a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to serving bowls; spoon sauce over top. Serve with crusty toasted…

THIS MONTH: FRESHR ICOTTA Once you try your hand at making this milky cheese (just four ingredients necessary!), you’ll find no shortage of ways to use it. Spoon it over bowls of pasta, spread it onto thick slices of warm toast, tuck it into omelets, fold it into dips, dollop it on top of pizza. And, of course, layer it into lasagna. This homemade version is creamier and more luscious than store-bought varieties—and it’s ready in less than an hour. ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTESTOTAL TIME 45 MINUTESMAKES 2 ¾ CUPS 8 cups (2 qt.) whole milk (not UHT pasteurized)1 ½ cups heavy cream1 tsp. kosher salt3 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar COMBINE milk, cream, and salt in a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring every few minutes to prevent scorching, until…

All those store-bought baby foods contain additives that will destroy your baby’s chances of getting into Stanford, right?! That’s why everyone is making their own baby food. Everyone! Just follow these many simple steps. 1. Decide to make your own baby food. Easy, right? 2. Pick a recipe. There are 180,000 books and 12 million blogs for baby-food recipes. Have fun reading all of them with your partner. While you do, feed your baby store-bought food. 3. Feel bad about feeding your baby the store-bought stuff. Wasn’t there a story one time about trace levels of arsenic in jarred food? You can’t remember, but you think you saw a headline about it on Facebook. Hmm. 4. Vet your recipes. You can’t be too careful, so pick your first few recipes…