Indice dei contenuti per June 2020 in Real Simple

PURPLE IS my favorite color. It’s not an easy one to have. They don’t make purple cars. I can’t pull off a grape suit. And my husband won’t agree to painting our house eggplant. I can occasionally count on nature for my fix—spring wildflowers, western sunsets, the jacaranda trees in L.A. But lately I’ve had to make do with the lavender walls of my home office, a room in which I’ve spent more time in the past three months than the last 12 years. The room makes me happy. With its white carpet and black desk and bookcase, it’s a perfect replica of my teenage bedroom, as my mother pointed out. (Twice in my life I have had sole control over the color scheme of a room. Both times…

At Meredith, publisher of Real Simple and other well-known magazines, our mission has always been to inform, inspire, and entertain our readers. In this extraordinary and uncertain period, we are, more than ever, dedicated to providing you with honest information, stories of inspiration, and the advice and guidance to help you navigate these turbulent times — and to make your life a little easier. We recognize the sacrifices and challenges you face, and we want you to know that all of us at Meredith, through each of our magazines and digital properties, are committed to serving your needs at this critical time and beyond. We are especially grateful for the dedication and bravery of the first-responders and the everyday heroes on the front lines of this crisis. We wish them,…

FOR THE Hosts 1 STIR THINGS UP When you go to the neighborhood mixer, bring these colorful spoons. TO BUY: Five Two Silicone Spoons, $49 for 5; food52.com. 2 THIRD-DATE RULE A Medjool date is the closest nature comes to making caramel. Get the three-pack of one-pound boxes, give two away, and enjoy one yourself. TO BUY: Gift Pack, $42 for 3 lb.; ranchomeladuco.com. 3 SOMETHING FISHY The four separate dishes can stay assembled as a whole or be spread around the room. TO BUY: Celebrate Summer Together 4-Piece Fish Serving Set, $50; kohls.com. 4 CHALK IT UP These wildly shaped chunks of chalk are a great gift for kids—and parents, since little ones will be kept busy for hours decorating the driveway. TO BUY: Moon Chalk Color Set, $34…

1 STORE SPRAY PAINT SIDEWAYS Place spray cans on their sides in stacked water bottle holders: Their caps will face you, so you can see the colors and grab what you need. TO BUY: 3-Bottle Water Bottle Holder Storage Organizer Racks, $25 for 2; mdesignhomedecor.com. 2 POUR PAINT INTO SMALLER CONTAINERS If you used most of a gallon, decant the remainder into a small mason jar. Tightly seal the lid and label the jar with the paint info. 3 STASH SUPPLIES NEARBY Hang your brushes, rollers, tape, and painter’s tool on S hooks along the edge of a shelf. Corral stir sticks and roller covers in magazine holders. TO BUY: iDesign Classico Chrome Metal S-Hook, $4, and Sage Poppin Magazine Holders, $17 each; containerstore.com. 4 GET SPECIFIC Whenever you put…

1 Tell Your Manager About Your Goals. Sometimes your current job is the one that holds the most promise. If there’s a particular area of the business you’d like to learn more about (like web design) or you want to improve certain talents (like public speaking), ask your boss if you can take on an additional challenge or project to expand your skill set. “Most managers want their team to learn and grow, but if yours is hesitant, position the ask as a benefit to the company,” says Samantha Ettus, author of The Pie Life: A Guilt-Free Recipe for Success and Satisfaction. For instance, if you work in marketing, ask to contribute what you know about social media engagement to your company’s user-experience design team and, in return, better understand…

Rest your gaze on this photo and let your eyes explore the color, light, and shadow. Allow your mind to wander, noticing the shapes, patterns, and sense of movement. Notice if any emotions arise—like calm, warmth, or joy. Notice your breathing; for a few moments, let it be natural and relaxed as you enjoy the image. Now imagine that you are in the middle of a big, beautiful rain forest. Look up at the trees above you, seeing the dense forest of wet branches and leaves. Notice the different shapes and colors of the leaves and flowers with the sun streaming through. Look down and see a bubbling stream flowing past your feet. Notice the floating leaves and smooth, glistening rocks. Listen to the sounds of birds and rain…

TREND TO TRY TIES Skinny little straps dress up standard silhouettes, and adjustable bows customize the fit. TREND TO TRY WRAP Crisscross styles offer all-day comfort and support, whether you’re lounging on the deck or swimming underwater. TREND TO TRY RUCHING A bit of gathered fabric is instantly flattering. Look for strategically placed scrunching to play up your bust or waist (or both!). TREND TO TRY RUFFLES Frills add a playful, feminine touch to any cut—from a deep-V one-piece to a floaty floral halter to the bikinis in between. TREND TO TRY TEXTURE Even the most minimalist silhouette takes on a new dimension thanks to ribbed, ridged, or seersucker fabric. The Personal Dare of a White Suit Last summer, I wanted to buy a new suit for a trip to…

ACTIVE TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 2 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other nondairy milk5 Medjool dates, pitted and halved1 cup ice¼ cup hemp seeds1 pinch ground cinnamon, plus more for serving PROCESS milk, dates, ice, hemp seeds, and cinnamon in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Dust with cinnamon. Try more of our healthy vegetarian dishes at realsimple.com/plantpowered. HEMP SEEDS This superfood is truly deserving of the title. Often labeled “hemp hearts,” the seeds are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and have more than 6 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving. Mild and a touch nutty, they add a nutritional punch to smoothies, salads, grain bowls, and energy balls. Store in the fridge or freezer for a longer shelf life.…

1 Ouai Daily Care Fine, Medium, and Thick Shampoos If you’re overwhelmed by shampoo options, you’ll love these. The three unique blends were formulated with different hair types and goals in mind. Think: volumizing for fine, shine-boosting for medium, and smoothing for thick. Nothing but good hair days ahead! TO BUY: $28 each; theouai.com. 2 PORE PERFECTOR Philosophy the Microdelivery Dream Peel Apply the fuchsia formula before bed (don’t worry—it dries clear) and wake up to glowier skin, thanks to alpha and beta hydroxy acids. TO BUY: $60; philosophy.com. 3 PART PROTECTION Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Defense Spray SPF 30 If you’ve ever fallen victim to a burned scalp, you know the discomfort and flaking that come with it. This lightweight shield protects skin without greasy residue. TO BUY:…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST MINT CHIP Trader Joe’s While other brands tasted like toothpaste (no, thanks!), this one stood out with its cool zing and satisfying chocolate chunks. TO BUY: $4 for 32 oz.; at Trader Joe’s. BEST ROCKY ROAD Tillamook We swooned over the velvety chocolate base studded with crunchy almonds and gooey (in a good way) mini marshmallows. TO BUY: $7 for 56 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST VANILLA Maxine’s Sometimes—make that often—a pint is not enough. This pure, creamy, organic option comes in a family-size tub. TO BUY: $6.40 for 48 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST STRAWBERRY Häagen-Dazs Bright and fruity, this one won us over with its minimal ingredient list and generous number of real strawberries. TO BUY: $5.50 for 14 oz.; at grocery stores.…

CHICKPEA SALAD SANDWICHES ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 6 2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained1 cup finely chopped carrots1 cup finely chopped celery1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper¾ cup finely chopped cucumber⅔ cup finely chopped zucchini½ cup finely chopped red onion½ cup finely chopped green onion¼ cup Italian salad dressing3 cloves garlic, finely chopped2 Tbsp. capers, with liquid¼ tsp. paprika¼ tsp. kosher salt⅛ tsp. freshly ground black pepper⅛ tsp. cayenne1–2 Tbsp. olive oil, or as needed12 slices whole-wheat or Italian bread MASH chickpeas with a fork in a very large bowl. Stir in carrots, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, zucchini, onion, salad dressing, garlic, capers, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. BRUSH oil on 1 side of each bread slice. Spoon chickpea mixture onto 6…

1 We Have the Means to Halt Climate Change. Teen climate activists, like Greta Thunberg, are creating excitement and concern. If we work hard to increase solar, wind, and electric energy rates, we could fulfill the planet’s energy needs by about 2037. It’s time to spread that message, pushing governments and the financial sector to seize opportunity the way we did during World War II. We’ve forgotten how good America has been at dealing with emergencies. The first step is treating the climate crisis like one. SAUL GRIFFITH, PHD, IS AN INVENTOR, ENGINEER, AND AUTHOR. 2 The Homeless Are Getting Homes. Cities and countries are adopting the Housing First model, which grants access to homes as the first step, reversing the conventional wisdom that homelessness is solved by giving…

If Your Parents Are Well-off Wealthy parents probably already have an estate-planning and financial team in place. Even so, you should get an update. Use your ages as a guideline for when to broach the subject. “I have a 40/70 rule, meaning if you’re 40 or your parents are 70,” says Jody Gastfriend, vice president of senior care at Care.com and author of My Parent’s Keeper. “But the sooner the better. When my dad got dementia, I realized you can never start too early.” To make the conversation feel less threatening and intrusive, open by saying you need their advice. Then segue into your questions: What do they believe are best practices for handling finances? What paperwork have they completed (long- term-care insurance, living will, financial power of attorney)?…

Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Patties ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 PATTIES 1 ½ lb. ground chicken6 scallions, finely chopped (about ½ cup)½ cup panko⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro2 tsp. fish sauce1 tsp. kosher saltCooking spray VINAIGRETTE ⅓ cup rice vinegar3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)1 Tbsp. fish sauce1 Tbsp. sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste) or sriracha1 ½ tsp. soy sauce2 Tbsp. canola oil1 tsp. sugar3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro1 medium red Fresno chile, seeded and finely chopped (1 ½ Tbsp.) ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles Butter lettuce leaves MAKE THE PATTIES: Stir chicken, scallions, panko, cilantro, fish sauce, and salt in a large bowl until combined. Shape into 8 patties. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high; coat with…

1 PITCHER PERFECT Keep a quart of your favorite beverage icy cold for hours with this sculptural insulated carafe. TO BUY: Geo Insulated Carafe, $85; store.moma.org. 2 SUPER SLEEVES Graphic cozies help you avoid two party fouls: lukewarm drinks and sipping from the wrong bottle or can. TO BUY: The Sip Sip Hooray Can Coolies, $10 for 4; minnidip.com. 3 CHEERS TO THIS Festive and functional, this birchwood platter is coated in melamine. TO BUY: Jamida Word Rectangular Tray, $32; gretelhome.com. 4 JUST ADD WATER Try a sophisticated take on the inflatable kiddie pool. This jumbo version fits three adults—but kids are welcome too! TO BUY: The Soak in Some (Water)Color Luxe Inflatable Pool, $45; minnidip.com. 5 BLUE SEAT This comfy resin-wicker chair is made for hours of lounging…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST MIST Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Waters Longtime favorites of our beauty team, these color-correcting sprays are goofproof. Each pastel mist has active ingredients to both balance and darken your complexion. Peach brightens your skin tone, green neutralizes redness, and violet counteracts sallowness—while giving a light, medium, and dark tan, respectively. The best part: They go on clear and develop throughout the day. All you have to do is spray and go. TO BUY: $28 each; sephora.com. BEST SERUM St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Face Serum A beach vacation in a bottle, this citrus-scented serum offers a subtle tan as well as vitamins C and D. TO BUY: $30; sephora.com. BEST SPF Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield Bronze SPF 50 It’s a sunscreen that lends a…

Sun Damage Is Cumulative “I grew up in the ’70s in Bakersfield, California. Our summers were very hot, and we all sunbathed poolside with baby oil and spent hours baking in the sun. I had plenty of bad burns in my childhood and remember my nose, back, and shoulders peeling. I’m now 51 and haven’t had any cancerous or precancerous skin issues yet. I wear sunscreen—but my arms and legs are showing signs of skin damage, with brown spots.” JOAN, DATE FARMER IN NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA The derm says: “Using SPF 50 or higher is fantastic, but you are all your exposures that occur over your lifetime—increasing your risk of premature aging and brown spots.” DORIS DAY, MD, DERMATOLOGIST IN NEW YORK CITY AND COHOST OF THE GIST ON YOUTUBE…

I’M NOT WELL-SCHOOLED in the ways of cannabis. Until recently I didn’t know my hemp from my weed. THC, CBD…IDK. It’s like trying to get the square root of a number: If I concentrate for a minute, I can figure it out, but really I just don’t care, you know? Then my friend started selling CBD oil. She’s a stay-at-home mom turned yoga instructor and a total straitlaced health nut. I thought, if she was into it, maybe I should learn more. So I found out CBD stands for cannabidiol, a natural extract from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It’s not the chemical in marijuana that brings the high—that’s the THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. There are still plenty of studies to be done, but so far science…

A sharp chef’s knife makes cooking faster, easier, and—perhaps counterintuitively—safer, since a dull blade can be harder to control. But at-home sharpening requires supplies and practice, and dropping off your set is just one more errand on that endless to-do list. Now, though, your blades can regain their edge by mail, thanks to California-based Knife Aid. Pack up your knives (most types, and even scissors!) in a prepaid envelope and they’ll travel, fully insured, to a pro. In about a week, your knives will be back in your kitchen, ready to chop, mince, and dice. TO BUY: $59 for 4 knives; knifeaid.com. Easy Dinner 1 Summer Squash Farro Bowl ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Whole-Grain ✓ Vegetarian 1 15-oz. can low-sodium…