Indice dei contenuti per June 2019 in Real Simple

THAT RELAXING BEDROOM you see on the cover of this month’s issue? Well, it’s not my bedroom. Boy, do I wish it were. I love the contrast of white and blue, the vintage look of the nightstand, the simple striped rug, the classic bed frame, and those three slim volumes balanced on the windowsill. (My bedroom window ledge is crammed with a row of 11 books to read—overwhelming both visually and emotionally.) This bedroom is actually in a Portland, Oregon, home renovated by the wonderful designer Emily Henderson, and it seemed the perfect topper for an issue that includes a guide to making your rooms just the way you’ve always wanted them (“Get Ready to Renovate,” page 108). What I like about Emily is that she openly shares her design…

THE SIGN TRIBE REMOVE AND CHILL NAIL POLISH ERASER CREAM At-home nail polish removal just got dramatically less annoying. Dab this cream onto nails, wait one minute for each layer of polish, base, or top coat, massage with your fingers, and tissue off—no stink or spills. Plus, almond oil leaves nails shiny. TO BUY: $15; ulta.com. YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTÉ TOUCHE ÉCLAT HIGH COVER RADIANT CONCEALER A solution for tired eyes: caffeine to firm, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin E to soothe, and a brush-on liquid (in 16 shades) that disguises lines without creasing. TO BUY: $35; yslbeautyus.com. VERSED MASKS IN LOOK ALIVE, FIND CLARITY, AND PHOTOS, PLEASE These icon-marked face-mask packs—which you don’t have to dip your fingers into!—contain 12 uses each and make skin care simple. TO…

1 WIPE IT DOWN Remove any debris from the bike. Then fill a spray bottle with one part water and one part household degreaser, like Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner ($5 for 32 oz.; homedepot.com). Spritz the frame and wheel spokes and wipe with a rag or old T-shirt. This step could spare you future repairs. “Salt from roads can rust the frame, and car oil picked up on routes can splash through the wheels and keep the brakes from working properly,” says Arleigh Greenwald, founder of the Bike Shop Girl Family Cyclery in Aurora, Colorado. Adjust the seat if needed: Sit on the bike and push the pedal all the way down; your leg should be very slightly bent, says Justin Roberts, product manager at Pacific Cycle in Madison,…

Perfect Crispy Bacon ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 TO 6 1 lb. bacon PREHEAT oven to 400°F with rack in middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange bacon in a single layer and bake until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Ranch Mayo ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 4 TO 6 ½ cup mayonnaise½ cup sour cream or full-fat yogurt2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano leaves2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves½ tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. onion powder¼ tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper MIX ingredients in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days. How the Kids Can Help…

How to Buy SHOP NOW. Many linen pieces hit the stores in late spring or early summer, so you’ll have a wider selection to choose from. CHECK THE TAG. Pure linen has a more relaxed, natural feel, while linen blends are less likely to wrinkle. A cotton-linen blend is softer and best for sensitive skin. CONSIDER A COLOR. If you’re worried about stains, a colored linen dress is harder to ruin (think: when you’re sitting on grass or a dirty seat). While white and cream are classic linen colors, green and brown are popular this season. How to Care USE COLD WATER. Always check the tag before washing. Most linen items should be washed on a cold setting. If it’s not overly soiled, you can skip washing and just use…

UNLESS YOU’RE WORKING all by yourself (lucky, lonely you), human interactions are required, and occasional flare-ups are inevitable. “Part of your job is building relationships,” says workplace consultant Lindsey Pollak, author of The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace. “And when those relationships go awry, part of your job is repairing them.” Ideally, we are always bringing our most compassionate, flexible, and improvisational selves to these situations. “You’re so passionate about cucumbers!” I once told an editor after she flew into a rage about a cookbook sidebar. Another time I said, “It makes sense we’re all so stressed, being ER doctors,” to make a room full of deadline-cranky publishing folks laugh. And yes, sometimes it feels like I’m doing more diplomatic untangling than actual work,…

It’s easier to respond to whatever the day may bring in a more balanced and open-minded way if you spend a moment centering yourself. Let your belly soften, and take three gentle breaths into it. Then put your hands on the center of your chest. Inhale slowly and imagine breathing in from the bottom of your feet through the top of your head and into your heart. Exhale and feel your ribs soften downward under your hands. After a few repetitions, ask yourself, “How do I want to respond to people and situations today?” Keep breathing this way for one to three minutes and notice a feeling of centeredness, clarity, or ease. Sometimes, after an intense day, sleep just doesn’t come. Unwinding mental tension involves unwinding physical tension. Begin…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST ROSÉ Una Lou Rosé Bursting with the luscious flavors of white peach, jasmine, and wild strawberries, this watermelon-colored rosé captures the essence of summer in a can. TO BUY: $40 for 4; unalourose.com. BEST BUBBLY Union Wine Company Underwood the Bubbles Pop the tab for toasts on the go. The taste is clean and dry, with hints of tropical fruit. TO BUY: $7 each; at liquor stores. BEST RED Bollicini Lambrusco Try this slightly effervescent red alongside pizza. Best served chilled, it proves red wine isn’t just for winter. TO BUY: $13 for 4; at liquor stores. BEST SPRITZER Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Organic Wine Spritz Unlike the sticky-sweet bottles of yesteryear, this refreshing winner is naturally flavored with grapefruit—no sugar added. TO BUY: $20…

MEET RACHEL SYLVESTER LIFESTYLE EDITOR AT REALSIMPLE.COM Favorite item in my apartment: My bookshelves instantly make me feel at home. Currently listening to: Alie Ward’s comedic science podcast, Ologies, gets me through my morning commute. Most recent purchase: A yearlong membership to the meditation app Headspace. I’m hooked. @RACHELSYLVESTER ON INSTAGRAM Hit or Myth Our food editors debunk common cooking myths in our new IGTV video series. Watch on our Instagram feed (@real_simple). Father’s Day Gifts He’ll Adore Not quite sure how to choose the best gift for Dad? Our editor-approved presents will suit even the toughest pops to shop for. Shop every thoughtful gift at realsimple.com/fathersdaygifts. Open and tap for DIY projects. WE’RE CALLING IT: ORANGE WINE IS THE NEW ROSÉ As much as we love…

EVERYTHING OUR EDITORS ARE BUZZING ABOUT THIS MONTH 1 SWEET SETTING These BPA-free melamine plates are lightweight and durable—perfect for a picnic. TO BUY: Citrus Twist Stripe Dinner Plate, $14, and Citrus Twist Accent Plate, $12; katespade.com. 2 PLAY TIME Game night gets vibrant with these oversize wood dominos. TO BUY: Giant Dominos, $50; sunnylife.com. 3 RETRO CHARM This vintage-looking—but actually quite modern—battery-powered LED lantern is the best of both worlds. TO BUY: LED Camp Lantern, $26; shopterrain.com. 4 CHIC REPELLENT Keep bugs at bay with these long-lasting scented candles set in graphic ceramic vessels. TO BUY: Geometric Citronella Candles, $39 for 3; worldmarket.com. 5 COLORFUL CARRYALL This hand-printed wood tray is made in Los Angeles using sustainably sourced Baltic birch. TO BUY: Preppy Stripe Serving Tray, $68; wolfum.com.…

UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY P ROBLEMS TRY A FAN Ceiling fans can help make a room feel 10 degrees cooler while using just 10 percent of the energy an air conditioner would, says Lauren Urbanek, senior energy policy advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Ensure the fan is running on high and counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down and creates a breeze. CHANGE YOUR AC FILTERS A clean filter can reduce your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. In summer, if you run your unit daily, change or wash the filter once a month. OPTIMIZE THE WASH CYCLE Ditch hot water—today’s washing machines (and detergents) clean clothing just as well on the cold or warm setting, says Urbanek. You’ll cut energy use by 50 percent…

My Dog Always Barks When Someone Knocks or Rings the Bell. Your dog may be letting you know that someone is at the door, he could be excited to see who’s there, or he could be anxious, says Mikkel Becker, a senior animal trainer at Fear Free Pets in Lake Stevens, Washington. To help stop the barking, Becker suggests mat training. Knock softly on the inside of the door, say “mat,” and offer multiple treats when your dog sits or lies down on the mat (or any nonslip surface), which should be placed in view of the door. Then reset him by tossing a treat off the mat. Repeat the process until he doesn’t bark. The second or third time around, see if he’ll immediately go to the mat,…

REAL SIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST TOUCH-UP Paula’s Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30 Applying sunscreen daily is half the battle. Reapplying it every two hours is the other half. Enter this take-anywhere silky mineral powder, which protects skin, minimizes shine, and won’t mess with your makeup. Slide the sleeve down, tilt the brush, and tap to apply. The brush comes off for easy washing. TO BUY: $29; paulaschoice.com. BEST COMPACT Amorepacific Resort Collection Cushion SPF 30+ Don’t like the feeling of rubbing sunscreen on your face? Try this antioxidant-laced formula with an anti-microbial puff. It’s untinted; use alone or as a base for makeup. TO BUY: $40; sephora.com. BEST STICK Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ Suitable for face and body and water-resistant for…

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD 1 Get inspired by Mother Nature. A beautifully packaged map of and gift card to a nearby attraction can be a gentle reminder to take a moment or two of well-deserved me time. Consider places like a botanical garden, butterfly garden, or planetarium. Also, a mint plant is a thoughtful, healthy, easy-to-grow gift that keeps on giving and is unisex to boot. There’s something magical about the scent and taste of mint. Hot mint tea soothes the mind, body, and soul; if that cup of tea comes from a plant grown at home on a sunny windowsill, it’s even more meaningful. ARLINDA McINTOSH IS THE FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOFISTAFUNK, A SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING COMPANY. SHE LIVES IN ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. 2…

What works best for me is to schedule my outfits for the week. On Sundays, I take about 20 minutes to glance through my schedule and through my wardrobe. Then I make notes in my phone for each day. I’ve made an extra space in my closet to hang those clothes. I attached a valet bar, which is like a pullout rod, and I use it to hang my outfits for the week. It saves a lot of space and time. Looking polished and professional is important for a real estate executive. For me, getting dressed for work is about having lots of separates that can go together in many different ways. When I shop, I always ask myself, “What does this go with in my wardrobe?” I gravitate…

After months (or years!) of saving and dreaming, you’re ready to embark on a renovation that will put Chip and Jo to shame. You’ve taken your “before” pictures and you’re eager for the improvements to begin. And yet you know you’re committing to a long, expensive project that will disrupt your normal routine. There’s so much to manage, and the process can be full of unknowns. While there’s no way to avoid every single bump in the remodeling road, having the right guidance can improve the trip. We asked top design and construction pros to share their best insights into every stage of the process. REAL RENO HARDWORKING KITCHEN Cassandra LaValle, founder of the lifestyle site Coco Kelley, recently updated the kitchen of her Seattle home. Her biggest takeaway…

JUNE Whether the kids are off to camp or you’re all heading to the beach, the start of summer can mean a wild new routine. As usual, we’ve got you covered. Take dinner outside with grilled pork chops and peaches (page 132) or a sophisticated egg salad toast (page 133). Make a big batch of chocolaty date bars (page 140), perfect for care packages or lengthy car trips. Don’t feel like cooking? Then mash up a bowl of the easiest-ever guacamole (page 139) and crack open one of our favorite canned wines (page 138). Bring it on, summer.…

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES 2 ½ CUPS 4 ripe avocados, halved and pitted¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)1 jalapeño, finely chopped, seeded for less heat1¾ tsp. kosher salt Tortilla chips, for serving SCOOP avocado flesh into a bowl. Add cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt. Mash with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency. Serve with chips.…

Be kind. This world is so harsh. Smile. It can make a big difference in a person’s day. @VEITCH.SHEILA #RSLOVE “ CHARLESTON IS STARTING TO SHOW OFF A BIT!” @HOMESWEETRUBY Never return a dish empty. Including something as simple as a few pieces of candy along with a thank-you card is a nice way to say thanks for whatever was in the dish when you received it. MICHELLE JAMES, BOISE, IDAHO Don’t put your phone on the table during a meal. Your phone is not a guest, nor should it be a participant. LISA STILES LOFLAND Never pass the salt without the pepper. VICKI ROSENBURGH, PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA No texting people before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. That’s family time! @DA_NOU Respond quickly to an invitation. There’s…

HOME Sand and Refinish a Piece of Furniture Looking to give that credenza a face-lift or update an old set of chairs? Follow these refinishing tips from Sherry Petersik, author and DIY blogger at younghouselove.com. You’ll need a drop cloth, risers, 80- and 150-grit sandpaper, foam rollers, primer, paint, and a two-inch angled brush. SET UP YOUR STATION. Spread out a drop cloth in a covered, well-ventilated space. Place the furniture on top. If you’re painting legs, elevate the piece with plastic risers (like HDX Painter’s Tripods, $5 for 10; homedepot.com), which will let you access the legs from all angles. Remove doors and drawers and set them atop risers as well. PREP THE MATERIAL. Roughing up the previous finish with sandpaper is key. “Paint is only as strong as…

Quick Ideas 1 CRISPY EGGPLANT WITH MINTY YOGURT Combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. each mint jelly and lime juice, and ½ tsp. kosher salt. Slice 1 eggplant into ¼-in. rounds. Dredge in ¾ cup flour. Dip in 3 beaten eggs, then 2 cups panko. Fry in batches in 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high, flipping once, until golden brown, 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with minty yogurt. 2 PEACH-MINT CHUTNEY Cook 2 chopped fresh peaches, 1 chopped jalapeño, 2 Tbsp. each mint jelly and rice vinegar, and 2 tsp. light brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring often, until thick and syrupy, 4 minutes. Serve with grilled pork or chicken. 3 WATERMELON MOJITO GRANITA Blend 7 cups…

1 ELEVATE ESSENTIALS An organizer that hangs from a backseat headrest can store jumper cables and cleaning supplies, leaving the trunk floor free for larger cargo, such as sporting equipment or suitcases. TO BUY: YoGi Prime Trunk and Backseat Car Organizer, $25; amazon.com. 2 KEEP IT CONTAINED A structured bin holds grocery bags, beach towels, and backpacks and keeps them from sliding around. Use the attached straps to secure it in place in the trunk or on an empty seat up front. TO BUY: Drive Auto Products Car Trunk Organizer, $24; amazon.com. 3 GO GREEN Place a smaller container within your trunk organizer to house reusable shopping bags. Once you’ve unpacked your groceries, return the bags to this spot so they’re always within reach when you need them. TO…

IN MIDLIFE, NEWLY SINGLE, I decided to transform my backyard into a perfect garden. Why I thought myself capable of such an endeavor, I do not know. I’d barely tinkered with the flower beds outside the home I’d shared with my ex-husband, and to mediocre results. I had a woeful history with houseplants. This didn’t stop me as I walked outside that first April, shovel in hand. Since signing the deed to the house, I’d gone to sleep with visions of peonies and sunflowers and sweet, shady nooks in my head. I believed I could learn what I needed to know to make these visions come true. I recognized my impulsive determination from my life as a fiction writer. I wanted the garden to exist, but more importantly, the…

EVERY WEEK, it seems, there’s a new diet, superfood, or remedy that a dewy-skinned celebrity promises will make you feel and look amazing. We can (mostly) thank Facebook and Instagram for causing wellness trends to spread like wildfire these days; the problem is that the science often lags far behind the hype. We talked to experts to find out if some of today’s hottest trends are worth trying— or if you’d be wise to stick with what’s tried-and-true. CBD WHY IT’S A TREND: Short for “cannabidiol,” CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis that has become über-popular because it won’t get you high but will, supposedly, help alleviate pain, anxiety, insomnia, PMS, and hangovers. Though CBD is in a legal gray area (check your state and local laws…

Toasted Garlic-Butter Shrimp ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided1½ lb. peeled and deveined tail-on large shrimp, divided1 tsp. kosher salt, divided Freshly ground black pepper½ lemon HEAT 2 tablespoons each butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high until butter melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring, until garlic just starts to turn golden, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic to a small bowl. ADD half the shrimp to skillet in a single layer; season with ½ teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, undisturbed, until bottoms of shrimp turn pale golden brown, about 2 minutes.…

Easy Dinner 1 Summer Pork Chops ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free ¼ cup balsamic vinegar1 Tbsp. honey1 clove garlic, finely chopped1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for grill grates4 ½-in.-thick bone-in pork chops (about 2 lb.)4 cups arugula (about 4 oz.)1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, torn4 ripe peaches, nectarines, or apricots, pitted and sliced PREHEAT grill to high (450°F to 500°F) and lightly oil grates. Whisk vinegar, honey, garlic, teaspoon each salt and pepper, and 5 tablespoons oil. PAT pork chops dry and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season both sides with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Grill, uncovered, flipping once,…

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 50 MINUTES MAKES 2 DOZEN BARS Cooking spray, for baking dish 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup granulated sugar 1¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 lb. pitted dates ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 cup (6 oz.) chopped semisweet chocolate PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides. WHISK flour, oats, sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Add butter and stir until evenly moistened. (Dough should look like wet sand.) Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, press remaining two-thirds…