Table of contents for October 2018 in Real Simple

MOVING INTO A completely bare home—empty rooms, blank walls—presents a world of possibilities. It’s also a little terrifying. I remember going on a walk-through of the first home my husband and I closed on together and thinking, “Where do we start? What furniture goes where, which paint colors, and how will we pull it together so it doesn’t look like a jumble?” I felt some of that while planning the first-ever Real Simple Home—which you can tour on page 100. We wanted to bring to life all our tips for making a stylish, well-organized home. Once again I was walking through a blank space, trying to imagine what comes next. Yet the superteam here at Real Simple, particularly our ever-upbeat home editor, Stephanie Sisco, saw the beautiful potential in…

Long reserved for lasagna and ragù, tomato paste is working its way into dishes from all over the world. Use it to make a fragrant homemade curry paste, then simmer the paste with broth for a spicy soup guaranteed to soothe seasonal sniffles. Steam tender mussels and white beans in a mixture of tomato paste and wine for a light and comforting meal, or blend it with garlic and mayonnaise to make an addictive dip for oven fries. For bigger flavor (and easier storage), swap those tiny cans of yore for tidy tubes of double-concentrated paste. Quick Ideas 1 CURRY SOUP Process 1 Fresno chile, 2 garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp. each tomato paste and canola oil, 1 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp. curry…

Dry ice vapor gives this crowd favorite an eerie effect. Purchase about five pounds of dry ice pellets a few hours before you’ll need them and store them in an insulated cooler (never the fridge or freezer). Then, wearing protective gloves, use a plastic cup to fill a large plastic or metal bowl about a quarter of the way full with pellets. (Don’t use a glass bowl, which the extreme cold can shatter.) Nestle a medium bowl into the large one and add more pellets to the space between the two bowls until it’s about three-quarters full. Prepare your punch separately before adding it to the medium bowl. When you’re ready to activate the vapor, pour a cup of room-temperature water onto the dry ice. Serve in a well-ventilated…

1 STORE STRATEGICALLY Designate a space for cookware as close to the stove as possible so you’re not running across the kitchen to retrieve supplies. Keep pots and pans in lower cabinets, saving upper areas for smaller items that will be easier to find at eye level. 2 PUT A LID ON IT If your space allows, store pots and pans with their lids to avoid spending time tracking down the proper mate. Otherwise nest small pots inside larger ones (never more than three to a stack) and use a rack to arrange lids vertically by size. TO BUY: Bamboo wood plate rack, $9; organizeit.com. 3 PROTECT THE FINISH Preserve the nonstick coating on nested cookware by placing felt or silicone pads between each pan. TO BUY: Pan and…

Umberto Medium Round Brush “This is a great, affordable alternative to traditional smoothing round brushes. The boar bristles help defuzz hair and also add shine as you blow-dry.” TO BUY: $12; target.com. Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil “This is a natural way to deep-condition your hair. I love to apply it, braid hair, and leave it in overnight. Rinse it out the next day for shinier, healthier hair.” TO BUY: $13; amazon.com. Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner “Marula oil in this pair reduces frizz and leaves a silky finish. Use the shampoo on your scalp and the conditioner on your ends.” TO BUY: $5 each; target.com. Your Good Skin Moisturizing Make-Up Remover Wipes “These wipes easily remove even the most stubborn makeup while still being…

1 GET MOVING The human body wasn’t made to sit for hours on end, says William Smith, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and coauthor of Exercises for Perfect Posture. To combat the pain, set reminders to stretch or walk every half hour for several minutes. Moving around helps blood circulate, bringing oxygen and nutrients to muscles and helping wash away some of the substances that cause soreness. This can improve mobility and strength in parts of the body that help with posture. Check with your employer about a company ergonomist, who might be able to troubleshoot your desk setup or switch you to an adjustable desk. You can also head to osha.gov and search “ergonomics” for tips. 2 PRACTICE BREATHING Posture isn’t really about forcing your shoulders back,…

When kids come to you for help, resist the urge to take over. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, a psychologist in Princeton, New Jersey, and coauthor of Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends, suggests asking questions like these to guide them toward a solution. Keep your tone kind, calm, and curious. • WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU/WE COULD DO TO SOLVE THIS? (IF YOUR CHILD OFFERS AN UNREASONABLE SUGGESTION, ASK, “WHAT ELSE COULD YOU/WE DO?”) • WHAT COULD YOU DO TO HELP THEM FEEL BETTER? • WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR GETTING THIS DONE? • HOW IS THAT STRATEGY WORKING? • WHAT HAS HAPPENED WHEN YOU’VE TRIED DOING THAT IN THE PAST? • WHAT MIGHT GET IN THE WAY OF THIS PLAN? • WHAT DO YOU WANT TO…

J.M. ASKS… I have an expensive collection of whiskey, and I only drink from it on special occasions with friends and family who truly appreciate it. Anyone who knows me knows this collection is “sacred.” But recently a guest, after having plenty of wine, asked if he could have some of my Scotch. I wanted to say no, but being a polite host, I gave him a small pour from a less expensive bottle. In the future, is it possible to gracefully turn down a guest? A visiting teen once ate an entire box of our expensive chocolates from France, so I hear you. And if you were the guest, I would recommend you stick with whatever is explicitly on offer. But you’re the host, and here’s the funny…

I get together with my 100-year-old father for dinner every Thursday night. He lives about 20 minutes away from me, and we’ve stuck to this tradition since my mom passed away eight years ago. My dad is a pastor and prepares a sermon every week, so sometimes we’ll talk about that, or we’ll discuss what life was like for him growing up. It’s important to both of us that we stay connected, and I’m trying to help make his final years happy. My mom and I have reconnected thanks to crafting. When I was growing up, she worked as a nurse and raised me on her own. Now I live in Miami and she lives in the Bay Area, and she retired recently. She’s always been a crafty person,…

You know when you walk into someone’s thoughtfully designed house and think, “Wow, this is beautiful! I want to know where that ottoman is from. I want to learn how they pulled off that wallpaper,” but you’re not comfortable actually asking for details? With that feeling in mind, we took over a four-bedroom penthouse in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and put our heads together with some of our favorite design pros. Each designer was given a room and an assist from the expert organizers at Neat Method. The result is a space full of designer secrets and organizer solutions—one we think is pretty swoon-worthy. Come on in and find answers to all your burning questions (including where that ottoman is from and how exactly to…

PICK THE RIGHT PAINT Identify an accent color in one of your room’s main elements to inspire your paint choice. The slate blue found in this vintage rug offers a serene backdrop for the patterned bed. Jessica McCarthy The interior designer and creative director at Decorist aimed to create a space that would appeal to any visitor. Blue is a particularly soothing shade for a bedroom, but if you’re wary of color, McCarthy suggests keeping “the bones of the space neutral and incorporating color through accessories.” NEAT TIP Leave drawer space and at least a portion of the closet empty so guests can unpack and feel at home during their stay.…

MAKE IT WEATHER-RESISTANT Coat outdoor upholstery with a water-repellent spray to ensure longevity against the elements. DESIGN TO LAST Treat outdoor furniture with a material-appropriate sealant at least once a year to protect it from sun or moisture damage. If you live in a four-season city, store it indoors or top it with furniture covers during the winter months to minimize exposure and slow down deterioration. Stephanie Sisco Real Simple’s home editor made this sprawling outdoor space more manageable by dividing it into smaller sections (one for lounging, one for entertaining). Potted greenery creates barriers between zones and adds extra privacy. Move the plants around to switch up your arrangement as needed. NEAT TIP Identify a weather-proof spot, like a shed or enclosed cabinet, to house grilling tools and…

POLENTA PIZZA WITH SAUSAGE, SWISS CHARD, AND RICOTTA ACTIVE TIME 45 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 cup instant polenta5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided¾ tsp. black pepper, divided3 hot Italian sausages, casings removed1 bunch Swiss chard, stems chopped and leaves torn into bite-size pieces1 14-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, drained¾ cup ricotta cheese BRING 4 cups water and 1 ¼ teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium pot over high. Slowly whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking often, until no lumps remain and polenta begins to pull away from sides of pot, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon oil and ½ teaspoon pepper. BRUSH a large rimmed baking sheet…

OCTOBER The leaves are turning, the wind is kicking up, and we’re ready to head inside for cozier fare. Creamy broccoli pasta (page 144) is weeknight-fast and satisfying. Whipping up pork dumplings (page 146) is a surprisingly simple weekend activity—eat some now, freeze the rest for later. When it’s time to don costumes, make a batch of chocolaty crunch bars (page 150) and serve them alongside our picks for an outstanding sundae bar (page 148). Be sure to save some to enjoy yourself; they’ll disappear faster than you can say, “Trick or treat!”…

BEST VANILLA ICE CREAM Maxine’s Vanilla Ice Cream This ultra-rich and creamy pick is good enough to eat alone—but go ahead and add the works. The larger size makes it more shareable than a pint. BEST RAINBOW SPRINKLES Vanilla Funfetti Hardcore Sprinkles These sprinkles stood out with their cute, irregular shapes and pretty colors. Plus, they taste like real vanilla, not just sugar. BEST CHERRIES Tillen Farms Merry Maraschino Cherries Thanks to fruit and vegetable concentrates, these cherries are magically vibrant without artificial colors or flavors. BEST WHIPPED CREAM Cabot Creamery Whipped Cream If we hadn’t held the can in our hands, we would have sworn this light and fluffy topping was homemade. BEST HOT FUDGE Williams Sonoma Hot Fudge Sauce Ooey and gooey, this…

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES MAKES 24 BARS ¼ cup chia seeds¼ cup hemp seeds12 oz. milk chocolate chips (2 cups)12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)1 ½ cups puffed rice cereal1 tsp. flaky sea salt LINE an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Mix chia and hemp seeds in a small bowl. Set aside 2 tablespoons seed mixture for topping. MICROWAVE chocolate chips on high until melted, about 90 seconds, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. Let cool slightly. Gradually add seed mixture and cereal to melted chocolate, stirring until combined. SPREAD mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Tap bottom of dish firmly on a surface a few times to release any air bubbles. TOP with salt and reserved 2 tablespoons…

MEET ELIZABETH SILE SENIOR EDITOR, FEATURES AT REAL SIMPLE, ELIZABETH OVERSEES BOOK COVERAGE, ESSAYS, AND FEATURE STORIES. Favorite recipe: Real Simple’s Sausage, Lentil, and Kale Soup. I make it as soon as the weather gets cold. Favorite book: As a once-serious flutist, I really connected with Aja Gabel’s gorgeous The Ensemble. Favorite thing about fall: My annual visits home to New York’s Finger Lakes region. @ESILE1 ON INSTAGRAM Real Simple Cooking School See Food Director Dawn Perry make the delish chicken dinners from our September issue and get her bonus tips. Watch the video at realsimple.com/chickencutlets. Ready for Halloween? It’s creeping up faster than you think. To figure out what to wear, peep our ideas for incredibly easy last-minute costumes. Go to realsimple.com/last-minute-costumes. SHOP THE ISSUE Fell in love…

As crisp temperatures set in, you’ll inevitably spend more time inside. Embrace the transition with our favorite ways to up the cozy quotient. It all starts with a good throw. From plush mohair to light-weight waffle weave, these knits go perfectly with a book and cup of tea. TO BUY: (From top) Mohair Throw, $350; jaysonhome.com. Abstract Throw, $350; minna-goods.com. Waffle Weave Throw, $39; westelm.com. Emerson Throw, $299; morrowsoftgoods.com. 1 GUIDING LIGHT The durable American-stoneware base of this enchanting candleholder is wheel-thrown in Vermont. TO BUY: Silo Taper Hurricane, $125; farmhousepottery.com. 2 FANCY FOOTWORK These super-comfy velvet slippers have a nonslip rubber sole, which means they can stay indoors or venture outside. TO BUY: The Heron Slippers, $120; birdiesslippers.com. 3 READY TO ROCK Midcentury-inspired style meets a price tag…

HILLSHIRE FARM® SMOKED SAUSAGE IS SEASONED PERFECTLY. SO IT’S EASY FOR YOU TO CREATE DINNER DELICIOUSLY. Serving Size: 4-6 Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 pkg. Hillshire Farm® smoked sausage, diagonally sliced thin2 cloves garlic, crushed¼ cup olive oil1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin1 small yellow onion, sliced thin1 pkg. frozen broccoli, thawed½ cup chicken broth (or water)½ cup tomato sauce2 cups instant rice½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese Instructions: Heat olive oil and garlic in skillet, stir in smoked sausage slices and cook until browned. Add pepper, onion, broccoli, broth and tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is absorbed. In the meantime, prepare rice according to package instructions. Stir rice into the skillet, sprinkle with cheese and serve. Visit…

1 FAKE A BIGGER SPACE You may already be using a mirror to make a space seem larger than it is, but consider repositioning the mirror to maximize the benefits. Remember: The more light a room receives, the bigger it feels. “A mirror can act as another window,” says New York City interior designer Libby Langdon, “practically doubling the natural light.” Jana Bek, an interior designer and home decor maker in Ann Arbor, Michigan, suggests hanging one opposite a window, a piece of artwork, or wallpaper to increase the impact of these elements in your space. 2 UPGRADE THE DOORS “Doorknobs are an underrated home accessory,” says Los Angeles designer Justina Blakeney. If yours are bland, you’ll barely notice them, despite touching them 100 times a day. But because…

Look inside for simple storage solutions As you hit the reset button on your wardrobe, there’s no better place to start than the closet. From seamlessly organizing bulky sweaters, to swapping out sandals for stylish boots, we teamed up with Home Depot to give you a primer on how to refresh, revive and reimagine your closet space just in time for the new season. GET THE HANG OF IT Fall wardrobes can expand when two are involved. If you’re sharing a closet, buy different shades of the same type of hanger and designate a color to each person. This color coding method serves as a visual cheat sheet, making it easier for each person to locate their items. BIN THERE, DONE THAT Store rain and snow boots in a…

BEST MICELLAR Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water Stash this no-water-needed cleanser by your bed for nights when you don’t want to walk to the sink. It contains micelles—Pac-Man-like molecules that attract dirt and oil—plus “dragon’s blood” (a soothing botanical), leaving skin clean, not stripped. Hold a cotton round over the pump and press, then sweep over skin. TO BUY: $45; rodial.co.uk. BEST WIPES Garnier SkinActive Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads These handy wipes are drenched in an aloe-laced formula that breaks down makeup without irritating skin. TO BUY: $9 for 100; garnierusa.com. MOST PORTABLE E.L.F. Makeup Remover Balm Stick Throw this nourishing green tea stick into your bag for easy, spillproof removal on the go. Run it over dry skin, massage in with damp fingertips, then rinse.…

Keep the Party Going With These Scary-good Treats. Whether the Halloween haul was unusually bountiful or the doorbell didn’t ring as much as you prepped for, these clever desserts are a delicious way to make sure no candy is left unwrapped (as if!). PEANUT BUTTER CUP FONDUE Melt 8 oz. (1 ½ cups) chopped peanut butter cups with ½ cup half-and-half over low heat, stirring constantly and pressing with a spatula to break up cups, until smooth, 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ tsp. salt and let cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, apples, or bananas. VODKA GUMMIES Mix 1 cup fruit snacks or gummy bears (about 10 0.7- to 0.9-oz. packs) with 1 cup vodka in a medium bowl. Let stand for at least…

HEADLINES ABOUT NEW technology can be downright scary these days—are you sure your phone isn’t surreptitiously recording your deepest secrets and selling them to Russia?—but there’s really good news out there too. Innovations in areas such as genetics, telemedicine, and pharmacology are changing our health for the better every single day. Here are eight trends and developments that just might change your life. 1 You Can Monitor Your Heart With Your Smartphone. You may already use your phone or Fitbit to track your steps, your sleep, or your cycle. But the next leap in digital health allows those at risk for heart disease to take a medical-grade electrocardiogram anywhere, anytime—which is possibly lifesaving, especially for the 92 million Americans living with certain forms of heart disease or the aftereffects…

TRY IT YOURSELF Bring in a burst of color with a piece of fabric or accent paint framed with an oversize nailhead trim. The quick DIY project can be completed in a day. Robin Henry Studio The New York City–based designer gave the ceiling a high-gloss paint job in a subtle blue shade “to draw the eye up and through the space,” she says. The glossy finish will highlight any irregularities in the surface, she says, so it’s best to hire a pro.…

GIVE THE WALLS WOW FACTOR Grass-cloth wallpaper is a designer favorite, but it often comes at a price. This faux version offers texture without hurting your wallet, and the calming blue shade encourages focus. ADD SOME DRAMA Floor-to-ceiling drapery completes the sophisticated look of this room. Choose curtains that are double the width of the opening. Cut them to skim the floor for an ultra-tailored effect, or leave them a few inches long for a more formal finish. Ariel Okin The premier designer for Homepolish opted for elegant finishes with a practical execution. The sisal rug, for example, has a subtle pattern and is super durable and easy to clean. NEAT TIP Feature your favorite books as a design element on open shelving, focusing on those that fit your…

Keep out of reach of children ARM & HAMMER From the maker of Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent, Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Detergent eliminates tough laundry odors from sweat and musty towels. armandhammer.com LUTRON Lutron provides a range of lighting controls with one purpose: using light to bring people together. Wireless lighting controls (Caséta), one-touch dimmers, and no-touch sensors. lutron.com/realsimple MRS. MEYER’S Basil Body Wash is a fresh and fragrant cleanser that gives your body the soothing, refreshing wash it deserves. Basil Hand Soap is an herbal delight that will give your hands a fresh start. mrsmeyers.com SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Sherwin-Williams Emerald paint and primer in one allows you to achieve stunning results that stand the test of time in fewer coats. sherwin-williams.com WHOLE BLENDS Wholesome care…

Easy Dinner 1 Hanger Steak With Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 4 ✓ Gluten-Free ✓ Family Friendly 1 1-lb. hanger steak1 ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided2 medium sweet potatoes1 ½ lb. Brussels sprouts, halved4 Tbsp. canola oil, divided1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard1 Tbsp. sherry vinegar½ tsp. honey¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley2 Tbsp. unsalted butter PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Season steak with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper; set aside. Place sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. TOSS Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Add to baking sheet with sweet potatoes and continue to roast, shaking sheet halfway…

LYRICS TO “TWO PRINCES” Tab had been left open since the subject argued with her husband about whether the Spin Doctors say, “Got some big seal upon his jacket” or “Got some boy seal up in his jackal.” Subject left tab open for fear that if she looked at it to close it, she would get “Two Princes” stuck in her head again. 6 EASY WAYS TO SOOTHE A COLICKY NEWBORN Subject opened tab after arriving home with her first-born. Child is now 14 (and somehow even fussier). “COG LIKE THE ANIMAL” Subject half remembered a cat-dog hybrid called a “cog.” She kept the search results open as a reminder to do more research, even though no initial research suggested “cog” was real. HOW TO GET A SONG OUT…

OLAY CLAY STICK MASKS These kaolin clay sticks are a less messy way to mask. Hydrating glycerin prevents the clay from cracking as it dries, so the mask doesn’t crumble when you wipe it off. In three formulas: Glow Boost sloughs off dead skin cells, Pore Detox degunks your nose, and Fresh Reset brightens skin. TO BUY: $10 each; olay.com. DIOR ROUGE DIOR INK LIP LINER A lipstick and lip liner in one, this felt pen delivers rich, matte color that lasts up to 12 hours. Trace the perimeter of your lips with the pointed tip, then turn the pen on its side to fill in. In 12 shades, from nude to burgundy. TO BUY: $32; dior.com. FATBOY HAIR SPRAY PUTTY Get lived-in, piecey texture without dirtying your…

1 If you do this: Lather your hair from roots to ends Try this: Suds your scalp only It might be fun to soap your hair into a shampoo-commercial-style turban, but sudsing the full length can dry out your hair, causing fuzzy ends and dullness. Instead, focus your effort right where you need it: your scalp. Wet your hair, apply shampoo, thoroughly massage your scalp, then rinse. You’ll reduce product buildup without stripping the rest of your hair. 2 If you do this: Rely on rinse-out treatments to define curls Try this: Upgrade to a leave-in “A rinse-out treatment is similar to a face wash—you only give it a minute to do its job,” says Melbourne, Australia–based hairstylist Kevin Murphy, who suggests applying a leave-in cream to damp…

START WITH THE CARDIGAN… TO BUY: Abercrombie & Fitch Open Front cardigan, $78; abercrombie.com. …ADD A TURTLENECK AND JEANS If you’re tossing on casual basics—sneakers, a crossbody—for weekend errands, a cardi in place of your denim jacket makes the laid-back look a bit more refined. TO BUY: Athleta Futures turtleneck, $108; athleta.com. Ella Moss Cropped Wide Leg jeans, $100; belk.com. Machete Block earrings, $36; ofakind.com. Can’t Hurt to Bask sunglasses, $22; modcloth.com. Deux Lux Annabelle crossbody, $115; deuxlux.com. Gola Bullet Cheetah sneakers, $85; golausa.com. …ADD A DRESS AND VEST Belt a sweater and faux-fur vest over a date-night dress to make a statement that’s still comfy in the cold. TO BUY: Vince Camuto Long Sleeve Floral Velvet Burnout dress, $189; vincecamuto.com. Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Furs Every-Wear Faux Fur vest,…

LAST SPRING, WHEN MY HIGH SCHOOLER DROVE to a friend’s house for a study session, I didn’t learn until later that the house was 25 miles away in an area he wasn’t familiar with. He’d never pumped gas, and the tank was empty. Had I known any of these details beforehand, I would have offered lots of advice—but my not knowing turned out to be better for both of us. Somehow he navigated a busy gas station, prepaid with his debit card, pumped gas, and headed north on the freeway to hunt down the student’s house. He was capable of figuring it out on his own, and he did just that. It was a gratifying moment. We all like to imagine a world where our kids make smart choices…

Reframe a stressful situation as a challenge instead of a threat, and use those intense feelings to energize rather than hinder you. Go into that big meeting determined to impress your boss, not worried she’ll fire you. 1 See Stress As a Good Thing. Anxiety is a form of energy you can harness to work for you, says Ian Robertson, PhD, clinical psychologist, cognitive neuroscientist, and author of The Stress Test: How Pressure Can Make You Stronger and Sharper. Reframe a stressful situation as a challenge instead of a threat, and use those intense feelings to energize rather than hinder you. In other words, go into that big meeting determined to impress your boss, not worried she’ll fire you. Stress causes the brain to release the chemical noradrenaline, says…

The force that causes you to inhale subconsciously is called prana in yoga terms. Instead of trying to control that force, just inhale and exhale and let the breath come to you all by itself. Continue breathing with awareness and ease and feel how each inhale is the way you literally receive life support and energy. Let your exhale fall freely each time. With every inhale, consciously receive what life is giving you. Let yourself take in as much as you want. We always say we “take” a breath. You don’t have to “make” a breath. It’s already here. Continue through your day, taking time to remember to receive and appreciate this life force that is supporting you.…

STREAMLINE THE JUNK DRAWER Don’t let this space become a catchall for those things you’re not sure what to do with. Instead, fill it with items you use in or near the area where that drawer lives, categorizing them within divided containers. MAP OUT THE CLOSET A modular system maximizes the storage space of a reach-in closet. Adjust the bar height seasonally to accommodate longer or shorter outerwear, and relabel storage bins for your most often used accessories. Neat Method Along with their team of pro organizers, cofounders Molly Graves (right) and Ashley Murphy gave the most challenging spots the tidy touch. Durable containers and adaptable systems offer flexibility for a family’s ever-changing needs. NEAT TIP Corralling like items in labeled baskets prevents rogue boxes and cans from getting…

MIX PATTERNS LIKE A PRO As long as you work within a cohesive color scheme and balance the print sizes, pattern-on-pattern is OK. Here, the large linear striped print doesn’t compete with the busier lemon wallpaper, giving your eyes a place to land. Sabrina Soto The designer and TV personality wanted this windowless room to feel lively and personal while still supplying smart storage. An inexpensive countertop above the appliances optimizes the usable surface area for folding. NEAT TIP Store items you need for each load of laundry within arm’s reach. Clearly label bins to separate house-cleaning products from garment-care supplies.…

HIDE THE CHAOS Tucking a desk into a slightly awkward nook maximizes square footage and helps arts-and-crafts debris stay out of sight from the home’s common areas. Jenny Komenda The interior designer and founder of Juniper Studio was inspired by her own 10-year-old daughter when planning out this kid’s space. “The trick to designing for a growing child,” she says, “is to invest in furniture you can see them using as adults. The accessories and soft goods are what make the space feel youthful.” NEAT TIP To maintain a clear countertop, place a step stool near the sink so little ones can access the medicine cabinet and put toiletries away.…

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• Say hi and be friendly. People living with a rare disease can feel very isolated. Being a friend goes a long way. • Encourage your child to befriend a child who is different. It will be a great growing experience for your kid and help the other kid feel like part of the community. • Don’t worry if you don’t feel prepared. A child’s parents will help ensure he stays safe if you invite him over for parties or playdates. • Don’t stare. But there’s no need to avoid eye contact either. Treat the child as you’d treat anyone else. • Know that it’s OK to ask questions. Most families would love to share information about their child’s condition. The more people know about a disease, the better…

ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES MAKES 48 DUMPLINGS DUMPLINGS 4 hot or sweet Italian sausages, casings removed4 scallions, finely chopped3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro1 large egg, beaten1 Tbsp. soy sauce1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 2-in. piece)1 tsp. toasted sesame oil48 round wonton wrappers (from a 14-oz. pkg.)Vegetable oil, for cooking DIPPING SAUCE 2 Tbsp. soy sauce1 Tbsp. rice vinegar1 scallion, thinly sliced1 tsp. granulated sugar1 tsp. toasted sesame oil MAKE THE DUMPLINGS: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a fork, stir together sausage, scallions, cilantro, egg, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Fill a small bowl with water. Lay 3 wonton wrappers on a work surface. Place 1 rounded teaspoon of sausage mixture in the center of…