Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i Real Simple

Let us really show you around our ideal home. Click Here for how-to videos and a 360-degree stoppable view of the Real Simple Home. DID YOU KNOW that 32 to 36 inches is a good guideline for the distance between a light fixture and a dining table? That adding a simple tray for those small things that accumulate on the nightstand is an instant decluttering solution? That installing your own picture-frame molding doesn’t have to be intimidating—and that sometimes wallpaper on the ceiling isn’t such a crazy idea? I learned these tips and more from the designers and organizers who created the 2019 Real Simple Home (page 114), a family townhouse in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Again this year, the home is filled with decor and…

FARMERS’ MARKET BAG This canvas bag has a roomy interior perfect for toting apples and six exterior pockets for eggs, baguettes, and wine. There’s even a spot on the side to cinch a fresh bouquet. TO BUY: The Market Tote by Tote+able, $50; capabunga.com. SMART DOORBELL Keep an eye on your front door, even when you’re not home. This video doorbell detects people, motion, or sound and sends you an alert. You can also view HD video live and reply to visitors with recorded messages. TO BUY: Nest Hello Doorbell, $229; store.google.com. WATERPROOF SNEAKERS Perfect for between-seasons weather, these 100 percent waterproof sneakers are breathable and super comfortable whether you’re walking in sun, rain, or slush. TO BUY: Vessi Everyday Sneakers, $135; vessifootwear.com. WALL-MOUNTED NOTE ROLL Jot down a…

SPAGHETTI For the longest spaghettilike strands, halve the squash crosswise (rather than lengthwise), since strands form a circular pattern. Remove seeds and roast. Serve the “spaghetti” with Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (page 144), toss with red sauce and grated cheese, or use instead of rice noodles in Asian-style dishes. HONEYNUT This newer squash variety might look like a mini butternut, but the flesh has a honeyed, more concentrated flavor and a darker orange color. The seeded halves (brushed with oil and seasoned with salt) roast much faster too—and the skin is deliciously edible. ACORN You can cut this buttery squash into wedges for roasting, but it’s also ideal for grain bowls. Halve it, remove the seeds, brush cut sides with oil, and season. Roast, cut sides down, on a baking sheet…

1 BOOK DIRECTLY Check an aggregator site, like Kayak or Skyscanner, for a sense of rates, says Justin Zackham, who wrote the film The Bucket List and is traveling the globe with his wife and kids. Then book directly through the rental company. In some cases, doing so can give you more flexibility to cancel your reservation or change dates or vehicles. You can often find coupon codes online for a specific company. Contrary to popular belief, airport pickup locations can be budget-friendly because competition and inventory are often higher, says Jonathan Weinberg, founder of the consumer website AutoSlash. Join the loyalty program, which may help you skip lines at pickup. 2 TRY TO UPGRADE YOUR RIDE Unless you have specific needs (third-row seats, extra cargo space), reserve the…

How to Buy SELECT YOUR SUEDE. Cow suede (pictured) is generally more casual and often heavier, while goat or sheep suede is usually lighter and dressier. CHECK THE HEEL. Stacked leather heels tend to last longer than suede-covered heels, which may tear more easily. CHOOSE A TONE. Earthy taupe and olive are on trend this season; black and dark brown are timeless and less prone to staining. How to Care PRETREAT. Apply a water-resistant spray, like Kiwi Suede Protector ($8; target.com), before wearing. If boots get wet prior to treatment, water stains may be sealed in. BRUSH UP. Sweep boots weekly in one direction using a suede brush to remove dirt and imperfections. STORE PROPERLY. During the off-season, keep your boots in dust bags in a cool, dark area…

HEALTH CARE IS PRACTICALLY a language of its own. In fact, it’s so complex that more than half of U.S. consumers don’t understand the basics, according to a 2017 survey from the research firm Accenture. For those folks, it’s a struggle to manage doctor’s appointments, decode bills, choose insurance, and maximize benefits. “There’s definitely a skill set to managing our health care. Problem is, it’s something we’re never taught how to do,” says Sana Goldberg, RN, author of How to Be a Patient. The system has grown increasingly complicated and overburdened. Most of the time, she adds, we interact with doctors and insurance companies when there’s a problem—even an emergency—which can lead to making rushed decisions. Add kids or loved ones you’re caring for and it’s enough to make your…

Ahhh… If you become caught up in the chaos of city living, it’s easy to lose connection with your ability to remain calm. To slow things down, sit comfortably with your hands on your thighs. Feel the warm contact of your hands. Feel the solidness of the ground under your feet and the weight of your body on the seat. Now tap each hand on each thigh, starting with the right and alternating as you count to four—one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four. Breathe as you count, inhaling for four counts and exhaling for four counts. Repeat for at least two minutes or as long as it feels good. Then rest and enjoy this moment of stillness within the busyness of your life. —MARGARET…

LIVING ROOM When combined with white walls and plenty of natural light, dark furniture doesn’t feel heavy or overbearing. Organic pottery, interesting textiles, and raw wood elements soften the sleek lines of the furniture and frames. BACK PATIO Make your outdoor area extra inviting with comfy cushions that can be swapped out as styles change. Weather-resistant furniture is key. Anita Yokota Interior Design @anitayokota The licensed therapist turned interior designer is mindful of how our living spaces affect our well-being. When designing the living room and adjacent back patio, the Los Angeles–based designer created spots for private time (like reading or morning coffee) and areas for social moments. ENTRYWAY Make a compact entrance work better with an all-in-one organizational unit that has slots for shoes, hooks for coats, and…

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES 1 CUP 8 oz. silken tofu (about ¾ cup)½ tsp. tamari1 small clove garlic½ tsp. plus 1 pinch fine sea salt, divided2 scallions, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)½ tsp. freshly ground black pepperCrudités or baby lettuce heads (such as Little Gem), cut into wedges, for serving PROCESS tofu and tamari in a blender until smooth, about 20 seconds. Transfer to a bowl. FINELY chop garlic on a cutting board and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Gather garlic mixture into a pile and drag the flat side of knife back and forth along garlic until a paste…

BEST FOR BEEF Williams Sonoma Braising Sauce, Black Truffle Short Rib Subtle truffle adds earthiness to this luscious sauce infused with red wine and caramelized onions. Simply brown seasoned short ribs before pouring the sauce on top. Then braise away for an impressive dish. TO BUY: $19 for 1 lb., 9.5 oz.; at Williams Sonoma. BEST THAI SAUCE Saffron Road Lemongrass Basil Simmer Sauce Smooth and fragrant, this sauce pairs as deliciously with chicken as it does with tofu. Add mixed vegetables and this mild curry will become a dinnertime favorite. TO BUY: $3 for 7 oz.;at grocery stores. BEST TACO SAUCE Williams Sonoma Taco Starter Sauce Your new secret sauce for taco night. Slightly smoky thanks to fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle, it’s the perfect mix-in for cooked…

CHIC SPECS Avoid straining your eyes while reading with these pink-and-tortoiseshell magnifying glasses that pair well with just about any outfit. TO BUY: Surrey Lane Reading Glasses, $90; scojo.com. BRIGHT IDEA Not a plain old clothespin, this ingenious placeholder has a built-in LED so you can continue turning pages in the dark. TO BUY: Booklight Clothespin, $10; kikkerland.com. 1 MAKE YOUR MARK Flag meaningful passages with these paper-thin and easy-to-remove metal markers. TO BUY: Book Darts Metal Line Marker, $15 for 125; thegrommet.com. 2 LENDING LEDGER Attach this old-school library card to your favorite novel to ensure borrowers return it in due course. TO BUY: Library Card & Pocket, $1.50; presentandcorrect.com. 3 ALL-TIME FAVORITES Immortalize your most beloved books with a custom archival print. TO BUY: Custom Print by Jane…

Younger Years 1 KEEP IT CONTAINED Only hang items that fit right now. Label baskets for clothes that are too big (to grow into) or too small (to donate) so it’s easy to adjust when a growth spurt hits. TO BUY: Spectrum Medium Storage Basket, $17; bedbathandbeyond.com. 2 DOUBLE UP Hang an additional closet rod from your existing one to maximize storage and make it easier for children to choose their own outfits. Keep everyday clothes on the lower rack and less frequently used items above. TO BUY: Dublet Adjustable Closet Rod Expander, $15; containerstore.com. 3 INCORPORATE CUBBIES Store essentials (like underwear, socks, and pj’s) in cubbies. Kids can start grabbing their own necessities as early as the toddler years. TO BUY: Stripes Away Cube, $44; shoppehr.com. 4 STORE…

1 Red lips don’t have to be complicated. But, full disclosure, they do require a little effort. First buff your lips in a circular motion with a sugar scrub, like Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub ($11; lushusa.com). This gently removes dry skin that will look worse coated in color. Tissue off, then apply a dot of foundation with a sponge to make sure the lipstick’s true color shines through. 2 Trace your lips with a liner; a freshly sharpened pencil makes this easier and helps lips appear cleaner. Berry reds are great for fair complexions, orange-based reds suit medium skin, and wine and brick reds complement dark skin. Marc Jacobs Beauty (P)outliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Currant Mood 308 ($25; sephora.com) has universally flattering blue undertones. 3…

1 Adrenaline Is the New Yoga. We measured brain waves of people before and after they navigated ScareHouse, Pittsburgh’s haunted attraction, and found their moods had improved significantly when they came out. The fear made them ignore real-life worries—grocery lists, bills, the future. As long as we choose to do something scary, it can ground us in the moment, similar to the way meditation does. These challenges make us more confident: We can call up those memories when something nerve-racking arises, like a public speaking gig. It’s like your own superhero highlight reel. MARGEE KERR, PHD, IS A SOCIOLOGIST AND THE AUTHOR OF SCREAM: CHILLING ADVENTURES IN THE SCIENCE OF FEAR. WHEN SHE’S NOT TEACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, SHE LIVES IN DENVER WITH HER WIFE. 2 When…

GHOSTS (NO, WE’RE NOT talking about those who’ve gone beyond the grave) move silently among us, but they make their presence known just the same. The unreturned texts. The promising interview that results in radio silence. A close friend who suddenly drops off the face of the earth. When confronted by sticky situations and awkward endings, more and more of us are simply going poof. Ghosting—cutting off contact with no explanation, even after someone repeatedly attempts to connect—is fast becoming the new “No, thank you.” The term seems to have originated in the online dating world: One in four people have been ghosted by a partner, and almost as many confess to ghosting other people, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. But it…

Ginger-Coconut Pork With Butternut Squash ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 HOURS, 30 MINUTES (SLOW COOKER) 1 HOUR (INSTANT POT) SERVES 8 6 lb. boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and quartered1 medium butternut squash (2½ lb.), peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-in. chunks1 large yellow onion, cut into ½-in. wedges1 ½ cups coconut water (12 oz.)3 Tbsp. fish sauce3 Tbsp. soy sauce or tamari2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 4-in. piece)3 cloves garlic, grated2 tsp. kosher salt½ tsp. freshly ground black pepperSteamed white rice, sliced scallions, and sliced red Fresno chile (optional), for serving FOR THE SLOW COOKER: Line a 6-quart slow cooker with a slow cooker liner, if desired. Add pork, squash, onion, coconut water, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Cover…

When the wind picks up and the leaves start to rustle, it’s time for cozier fare. Pear-and-prosciutto quesadillas (page 140) or chicken meatballs with spaghetti squash (page 144) are just what the weather calls for. Serve either dish alongside a simple salad dressed with an I-can’t-believe-it’s-vegan ranch (page 146). Our weeknight dinners are always quick, but for an even faster solution, try one of the dynamite shortcut sauces that topped our road test (page 150). On the weekend, bake big batches of pumpkin spice bread (page 148). Eat one, gift one, and stash one in the freezer for next month.…

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES MAKES 3 LOAVES Batter Nonstick spray3 cups all-purpose flour1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. baking powder1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon1 ½ tsp. ground ginger½ tsp. ground cloves1 ½ tsp. kosher salt2 cups packed light brown sugar1 cup granulated sugar1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree1 cup vegetable oil5 large eggs1 Tbsp. vanilla extract Streusel ¾ cup all-purpose flour⅓ cup packed light brown sugar⅓ cup raw pumpkin seed kernels (pepitas)½ tsp. kosher salt6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted MAKE THE BATTER: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 3 8-by-4-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a separate large bowl until smooth. Make a…

MEET FLAVIA NUNEZ ASSOCIATE FASHION EDITOR AT REAL SIMPLE My Happy Place: A tennis court. I’ve played since I was 6, and every time I step onto the court, my stress goes away. Everyday Uniform: There’s nothing like putting on a good pair of jeans, a plain T-shirt, and a blazer. One Item I Can’t Live Without: Sneakers! I wear them all day, every day. @FLAVIACNUNEZON INSTAGRAM 7 Ways to Sneak More Storage Clever tidy-up tips for tucking items into even the smallest of spaces. Read more at realsimple.com/extrastorage. Tour the 2019 Real Simple Home Explore the townhouse in Brooklyn, New York—full of design ideas and organization secrets—in a 360-degree video tour. Watch the video at realsimple.com/rshometour. Open and tap for Halloween tricks. 35 FAST DINNER IDEAS…

BENEFIT BOI-ING CAKELESS CONCEALER Offering serious help for dark circles, zits, and brown spots, this waterproof liquid concealer covers without looking cakey or creasing throughout the day. Use the curved side for small areas (like blemishes) and the flat side for larger real estate (say, red cheeks). A thin swipe is all you need. In 12 shades. TO BUY: $22; benefitcosmetics.com. OLIVIA GARDEN OG BRUSH COLLECTION STYLER AND FINE-TO-MEDIUM DETANGLER The cushion hugs your scalp to help all 162 ballpoint tips massage wet or dry hair; it’s also removable for easy cleaning and recycling. TO BUY: $15 each; oliviagarden.com. KISS ROUGE CORDLESS FLAT IRON No plug? No problem. This lightweight straightener lasts 50 minutes per charge so you can touch up anywhere. Our short-haired tester loved how it perfectly targeted…

Quick Ideas 1 CHEESY CHILE PULL-APART BREAD Slice a crosshatch pattern at 1-in. intervals in a 1-lb. loaf of crusty bread (don’t cut through bottom). Melt 1 stick butter with a 4.5-oz. can chopped green chiles (drained), 4 chopped cloves garlic, and ¼ tsp. kosher salt. Spoon in and around cuts in loaf. Press 8 oz. shredded pepper Jack into openings. Bake on a foil-lined sheet at 350°F until cheese melts, 20 minutes. Top with sliced scallions. 2 CHILE CORN FRITTERS Whisk 1 ¼ cups each yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and 1 ½ tsp. each baking powder and kosher salt. Whisk in 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 Tbsp. melted butter; fold in 2 cups corn kernels, 2 4.5-oz. cans chopped green chiles…

I changed my business model to better suit my life. I used to work 16-hour days and never had time with my kids. I took some time to reflect and found I was really good with people and strategy but not as good at implementing projects, which ate up so much of my time. I started to offer two-hour interior design consultations. This played up my strengths, kept my hours in check, and was a success. What’s key is having confidence in yourself and working smarter, not harder. When I was 25, I was working for a company, and a couple of people above me left. I knew I needed to negotiate for a new job title and salary, but first I spent two months taking on the departed…

EXOTIC SKINS Whether leather or faux, embossed bags and shoes lend a surprising element to your office ensemble. CHAIN-STRAP BAGS Simple, roomy leather bags get a lot more interesting when you add a silver chain and unexpected silhouette. LOAFERS In a rainbow of colors and in materials from suede to leather to velvet, loafers are the shoe of the season. Look for details like metallic piping or a unique heel. SHEARLING Even on a handbag, fuzzy fleece just makes everything cozier. Pair these with tights and a dress for work or a T-shirt and jeans on the weekend. For the healthiest feet, pair comfy footwear with the foot-strengthening stretches at realsimple.com/happyfeet.…