Indice dei contenuti per May 2019 in Real Simple

I’M SORRY,” “I’m so sorry,” “Oh geez, sorry!” I am an overapologizer. It’s a reflex, like stepping back from a hot stove or oohing at fireworks. “I’m sorry” is automatic when I bump into someone on New York City’s crowded streets and even when someone hurtles into me. Or when I walk into a conference room I’ve booked and say to the people overstaying their time: “Sorry, I believe I have this booked.” I realize these “sorries” undermine my ability to come across as confident and capable. My mom autoapologized a lot, and now I hear my young daughter do it too. That bums me out. But I’m working on it. Sometimes I can stifle it, but it’s a constant struggle. So I give myself credit when I make…

Great for Book Club Magazine editor Justine is surprised when she bumps into her childhood crush, Nick. While they’re catching up, he reveals his obsession with horoscopes—specifically the ones in her publication. When Justine begins editing the astrology column, she gets a little creative with her rewrites to sway Nick into realizing they’re meant for each other. Minnie Darke’s Star-Crossed is a charming love story with deeper points about belief and consequences. Caregiver Memoir In Ladysitting, Lorene Cary recounts her grandmother’s rich life—one that spanned a century, from the Great Migration to the election of the first black president—and her final year, at age 100, when she moved in with Cary. The author movingly portrays what it’s like caring for a loved one—bureaucratic frustrations, angry outbursts, and all—and reckons…

UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PROBLEMS Cooking School CAN’T TELL YOUR CREAM FROM YOUR QUARK? USE THIS DAIRY EXPLAINER TO NAVIGATE THAT TRICKY BIT OF THE DAIRY AISLE. FARMER CHEESE This tangy cheese is made by draining and pressing cottage cheese. It’s firm and crumbly but still spreadable. Roll it up in crepes or spread it on a bagel and top with lox. CREAM CHEESE This dense and salty American staple is required by law to contain at least 33 percent milk fat and no more than 55 percent moisture. Add a dollop to macaroni and cheese for extra creaminess, or spread some on sliced banana bread. COTTAGE CHEESE This mild cheese is made by draining whey from curds but not pressing, leaving some loose curds and whey behind. It’s…

I Just Sent an Email That I Wasn’t Ready to Send. THE FIX: If you sent the email through Gmail or Microsoft Outlook, you may be able to unsend it, says Jason R. Rich, a consumer technologies expert in Foxboro, Massachusetts. In Gmail, go to your settings and find the Undo Send option, which gives you a brief chance to cancel a message after sending. Each time you send an email, an Undo button will appear at the bottom corner of your inbox. Outlook lets you recall email only from other Office 365 or Microsoft Exchange users in the same organization (if that feature is enabled). Double-click the email from the Sent Items folder to open it, select the Message tab, click on Actions, and then click on Recall…

…ADD A PRINTED SKIRT AND A BELT A structured accessory, like an asymmetrical wrap belt, brings a touch of surprise and texture to a ladylike outfit. TO BUY: Jerome Silk Midi skirt, $218; thecausecollection.com. Leather Wrap belt, $185; cuyana.com. Warp bracelets, $48 for 5; uncommonjames.com. Dororyth Bucket bag, $55; aldoshoes.com. Green Caged Flat mules, $50; zara.com. …ADD JEANS AND MULES Layer the unbuttoned top like a light jacket over a tank. Complete the laid-back look with artisan-inspired accessories. TO BUY: Brooklyn Jersey U-Neck tank, $58; michaelstars.com. Cristin Baby Blue Denim jeans, $118; us.mavi.com. Golden Butterfly Wing earrings, $16; whitestainless.com. Maison sunglasses, $294; hazecollection.com. ASOS Design Rattan Structured Basket bag, $56; us.asos.com. Bettina Mid heels, $148; jackrogersusa.com. …ADD WIDE-LEG PANTS AND A LIGHT JACKET A statement pant doesn’t have to…

I have one dog, who’s 6 and very demanding. Last September, I changed jobs, and my commute went from two minutes long to 45 minutes long. My solution to being away for longer periods was having somebody else come over and take her for a walk and spend time with her. I also put on an audiobook to play for her at home when I’m gone. I play a lot of Mary Poppins because it’s a four-hour book. For all I know, she hates it, but she can’t tell me! I have two kids and four pets—two cats, a dog, and a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. My husband and I are huge animal lovers, and we treat our pets as family members. Having pets has been a great way to…

Is there any spot more glorious than the garden center in fully blooming spring? The parking lot, empty throughout the winter months, teems with cars, soon to be brimming with flowers and optimistic visions of the perfect garden. This is the year to bring your vision to life. The fastest route to a satisfying garden experience is container gardening. You can brighten up a patio, deck, or porch with no backbreaking labor required. Just shop for plants, pots, and soil; assemble your design; and watch your greenery grow. Whether you want to dress up the front of your home or create a kitchen garden packed with fresh ingredients, we have a container plan to set you in the right direction. LUSH WINDOW BOXES THE FORMULA: Two reblooming annuals in…

Desert Colors Earthy shades are a fresh alternative to old-school neutrals. They’re still toned-down but offer more pizzazz than a typical black or white piece. Retro If you want more support and coverage, choose a vintage-inspired piece with an underwire top, high-waisted bottoms, or ruching. Avoid a costumey, pinup look by sticking to solid colors or micro prints, and keep embellishments simple (think a subtle belt at the waist). Cutouts Give a standard suit an edge with peekaboo detailing. Cutouts in unexpected places (like the waistline and shoulders) let you show a little extra skin without feeling naked. Pastels For a sweet, playful look, opt for pieces with bows, pom-poms, polka dots, or floral prints. Surprising pops of color (neon yellow, deep mustard, black) keep things current.…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST BALSAMIC Drew’s Organics Rosemary Balsamic Dressing Elevated by the subtle flavors of rosemary and garlic, this slightly sweet (it’s made with honey instead of sugar) yet bright dressing is more interesting than one you’d shake up in a jar yourself. Try marinating vegetables in it before grilling or roasting. TO BUY: $4 for 12 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST CAESAR Marzetti Simply Dressed Caesar Dressing A blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses makes this pick ultra-luscious. A little goes a long way; it clings to greens without being gloppy. TO BUY: $3.50 for 12 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST RANCH Cindy’s Kitchen Buttermilk Ranch This winner stood out among the too-sweet competition. Nicely seasoned with spices and garlic, it makes a welcome dip for veggies…

MEET TAYLOR EISENHAUER ASSISTANT PRODUCER AT REALSIMPLE.COM Favorite item in my apartment: My postcard collection. I grab one everywhere I go, so I started making a gallery wall out of them. Dream vacation: It would involve beach-hopping across Thailand, hiking Balinese jungles, and eating my way through Singapore. Most recent purchase: Satin pillowcases—they’re a game changer for avoiding frizz. @TAYLOREISENHAUER ON INSTAGRAM 5 Plants Every Home Should Have Transform your interior into a lush indoor oasis. Read more at realsimple.com/indoorplants. 40-plus Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Wrap one of these thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts in a pretty bow and watch as Mom opens it with awe. (You can thank us later.) Shop the gifts at realsimple.com/momgifts. 10 BRILLIANT SPRING CLEANING SHORTCUTS Do spring cleaning right with our tidying tricks, stain…

EVERYTHING OUR EDITORS ARE BUZZING ABOUT THIS MONTH…

SHAVING AID Suction this holder to the wall and tap your razor on the unclogging brush throughout your shave for smoother results. It also sharpens the blades for extended use. In three colors. TO BUY: Bladetap, $25; bladetap.com. 360-DEGREE CLEANING SET The ball-and-socket design makes for an easier clean, whether you’re mopping floors or clearing cobwebs from ceilings. Includes machine-washable microfiber pads, which you can use up to 100 times. TO BUY: Duop All-in-One Set, $50; theduop.com. CLEVER JIGGER Measuring spoons, step aside. This handy glass accurately marks milliliters, ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons. TO BUY: Stonewall Kitchen Mini Measure, $3.50; stonewallkitchen.com. HEALTH-MONITORING CAT LITTER It’s lightweight, it lasts a whole month, and it changes color to alert you to a possible health issue, like a urinary tract infection. TO…

COLOR IS POWERFUL. It’s often the first thing people notice when they walk through a space, and it’s one of the most important building blocks of your home’s personal style. But when faced with a thick book of paint chips, most people gravitate toward their favorite colors or play it safe with neutrals. Instead, consider the mood you’d like to inspire in each room. “Colors elicit feelings, jog your memory, and function as a form of self-expression,” says textile designer Lori Weitzner, author of Ode to Color: The Ten Essential Palettes of Living and Design. We asked designers and color experts for their favorite paint colors to achieve a certain vibe. Of course, this isn’t an exact science, but use these ideas as a starting point. Relax With Gray…

SARAH 39, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK Her Story An education lawyer, Sarah started her own practice after her second child was born, in order to have a more flexible schedule. “I used to have an active nightlife and always wore lipstick. But now I never do, because the kids grab at my lips, and I focus on work or the kids. I forgot that part of myself.” Her Glam Hairstylist David Lopez cut off about four inches to fake fullness and sprayed Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray ($25; rita hazan.com) on her grays. Makeup artist Summer Tran gave her smoky eyes and soft lips. Her Reveal “I feel awesome! I didn’t realize I could put in effort and look so glamorous, and it’s worth the time to make…

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD 1 Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas Decades later, I’m still not over my first visit to the Amon Carter Museum. I was a junior in high school, and it was my first time seeing the work of my favorite artist, Mary Cassatt, in person. The women she depicted felt real to me; Cassatt captured moments of exquisite tenderness between mothers and children. She saw what the men around her couldn’t, and she put what she saw on canvas. She earned her place in what was widely considered a man’s sphere—and once she was there, she won the deep respect and admiration of her peers. The day I first saw her work in person, she won mine too. MELINDA GATES…

Lilacs are blooming and tulips are reaching toward the sun. It’s time to enjoy the fresh air. Grab some friends and take a nature walk with a big batch of trail mix (page 152). Then whip up an easy shrimp cocktail (page 150) and open a bottle of rosé. Toss crunchy greens with one of our favorite salad dressings (page 151) and serve them alongside lemony lentil soup (page 146) or smoked sardine toasts (page 147). This is exactly how we want to eat right now, out on the deck or with the windows wide open. Easy Dinner 1 Chicken Thighs With Chorizo, Spring Onions, and Rice Pilaf ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly 4 oz. dry-cured Spanish chorizo,…

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES MAKES ABOUT 5½ CUPS 2 large egg whites½ cup black or white sesame seeds, or a mixture4 tsp. light brown sugar½ tsp. kosher salt2 cups crisp rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies1 cup roasted salted cashews1 cup roasted salted peanuts1 cup shelled roasted salted pistachios½ cup golden raisins PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Whisk egg whites in a large bowl until frothy and almost doubled in size, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Fold in cereal and stir gently to coat. USING a rubber spatula, spread mixture in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until mixture is golden and dry to the touch, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely on sheet; break into…

TULA GLOW & GET IT COOLING & BRIGHTENING EYE BALM Because you don’t have time to lay cold spoons over your eyes and sliced cucumbers can be slimy, try this handy stick, which soothes in seconds. Tap on the balm for an early-morning wake-up call or a 3 p.m. pick-me-up. Caffeine tightens; aloe, apple, and watermelon hydrate; and brighteners add a subtle glow. Ahhh. TO BUY: $28; ulta.com. ALMAY VELVET FOIL CREAM SHADOW IN PARADISE FOUND Squeeze a tiny dab onto your fingertip and swipe over lids for eye makeup that looks way more involved than it was. The cream doesn’t crease (even on oily lids), and the metallic sheen gives eyes a pretty twinkle. TO BUY: $8; ulta.com. OLIVE AND JUNE THE POPPY With this genius tool, your DIY…

Quick Ideas 1 CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA Cook 12 oz. sliced andouille and 1 chopped onion in 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large pot over medium-high until onion is soft, 8 minutes. Stir in 2 cups each white rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, and chunky salsa, 1½ cups chicken stock, and 1½ tsp. Creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until rice is tender, 15 minutes. 2 SALSA BUTTER Stir together 2 sticks softened unsalted butter, ½ cup chunky salsa, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, the zest and juice of 2 limes, ½ tsp. ground cumin, and 1 clove grated garlic until evenly combined. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic, and freeze at least 15 minutes and up to 1 month. 3…

1 EXHIBIT ART PROJECTS Hang a cable or clothesline on one wall (above climbing height) to showcase current masterpieces. It provides a set amount of space for artwork to live, so have your child choose their favorite pieces to display. TO BUY: Clothespin Photo & Memo Holder, $15; containerstore.com. 2 REORIENT BOOKS Arrange books facing outward so youngsters can see the cover images. It will be easier for them to find the volume they want, especially if they’re not quite reading yet. TO BUY: Sloan Bookrack, $199; potterybarnkids.com. 3 CREATE ADAPTABLE STORAGE Cubby shelves offer flexibility as children grow. First use them to stash categorized toy bins; then transition them into book or clothing storage spots. Help kids keep shelves neat by attaching a label or a photo of…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST VOLUME Dior Diorshow Pump ’N’ Volume HD #090 Black Pump This cult favorite got a mini makeover. Housed in a flexible tube (squeeze the sides to remove excess mascara—you’ll never have to wipe the brush along the lid again), the formula contains lighter waxes and polymers to give more volume. Cotton nectar strengthens, so lashes look healthy even after you take off your makeup. TO BUY: $29.50; dior.com. BEST NATURAL W3ll People Volumizing Mascara An organic formula that really delivers: Plant fibers thicken and lengthen while castor seed oil nourishes. TO BUY: $18; target.com. BEST DOES-IT-ALL Physicians Formula Lash Mixologist Use one brush for length and the other for volume—or layer for ooh-la-la lashes. The hypoallergenic formula is easy on sensitive eyes. TO…

FOR MANY YEARS, my husband dreamed of owning a house in the countryside for weekend getaways. He’s from North Carolina, and I grew up in Wisconsin—and while we both love living in New York City, we often long for the renewal of the outdoors. Over the decade and a half of our marriage, my husband and I have rented an assortment of temporary refuges in rural New York and Connecticut: houses next to lakes, cabins in the woods, modern constructions of cement and glass, and a plum-colored Victorian that smelled of cat litter and incense. Every so often, over the years, my husband has approached me, trying to mask his excitement: “I found a house for sale in our budget and—” Before he could continue, my jaws would clench,…

WORK, MONEY, AND HEALTH ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE Give Feedback Quickly but Not Immediately. Don’t wait for an annual review to call out areas of improvement. Bring attention to issues swiftly so the details are fresh in your minds. A day after an incident is the sweet spot; having a bit of time quells too-hot emotions and lets you prepare and be more thoughtful with your words. “In the moment, both parties will have a stronger, less helpful reaction,” says Jennifer Porter, managing partner of the Boda Group, a leadership- and team-development firm. Annual or quarterly reviews should cover goals and focus on future-looking feedback—for example, what someone needs to do more or less of to advance their career (“If you were to become more proficient in data analytics,…

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ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4 COCKTAIL SAUCE ½ cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 2 tsp. tomato paste 1½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. black pepper STIR together all ingredients. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. Serve with shrimp. EASY POACHED SHRIMP 1 lemon, halved, plus wedges for serving 2 dried bay leaves 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 1 Tbsp. black peppercorns 1 head garlic, halved crosswise 1 lb. raw jumbo shrimp (16/20 count), unpeeled ADD 10 cups water to a large pot. Squeeze lemon halves into water and add to pot with bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil; reduce…