Table of contents for May 2017 in Real Simple

Great for book club At the start of Lisa Ko's The Leavers, Deming Guo's mother, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, goes to her job at a nail salon as usual but never comes back. Two white college professors then adopt Deming and rename him Daniel, but he never forgets his former life. Poignant and timely, this novel is ripe for discussion. Gripping whodunit Paula Hawkins returns with another psychological thriller. Set in a small English town, Into the Water centers on a deadly river that has claimed the lives of women for centuries, including, most recently, a single mom and a teenage girl. Did they jump, or were they pushed? Hawkins keeps you guessing until the final page. Mental-health memoir Wall Street Journal reporter Andrea Petersen was 20 years old when…

1 DEVACURL BUILDUP BUSTER This low-lather shampoo removes buildup—its needle-nose applicator targets the scalp—without stripping moisture, so your curls have bounce and shine. TO BUY: $28; devacurl.com. 2 STILA MAGNIFICENT METALS GLITTER & GLOW LIQUID EYE SHADOW IN SUNSET COVE The one product you need to take you from office to out. Dab the pinky-gold shadow over lids or along lash lines for a grown-up take on glitter. In 10 shades. TO BUY: $24; sephora.com. 3 L'ORÉAL PARIS HYDRA GENIUS OILY SKIN Using a light moisturizer on oily skin actually prevents oil glands from overproducing. This dries matte so you won't look greasy. TO BUY: $18; lorealparisusa.com. 4 HOURGLASS IMMACULATE LIQUID POWDER FOUNDATION In 22 shades, this mousse blends like a dream, then dries to a powder so you don't…

SERVING TIP Wrapping burgers in parchment keeps them piping hot and helps them retain their juices. A HEFTY BUN For a firm foundation, choose a potato bun—it's essential for supporting juicy beef and its accoutrements. (Or opt for a buttery brioche bun like the one shown here.) ONLY CLASSIC TOPPINGS Optional but approved: a piece of lettuce, a slice of tomato, a bit of onion. But leave the fried egg or avocado dollop for breakfast. AMERICAN CHEESE It's engineered to melt perfectly and quickly. If you use a fancy cheese, you run the risk of overcooking the burger while waiting for the slice to melt. 80 PERCENT LEAN BEEF You need that 20 percent fat to ensure the juiciest, most flavorful burger. Make patties of about a quarter pound, store…

1 BEST CLEANSER Belif Problem Solution Cleansing Foam Harsh washes are tempting but strip the skin, making oil production worse. This foam gently unclogs pores with soothing tea-tree oil. TO BUY: $24; sephora.com. 2 BEST SERUM iS Clinical Active Serum Need anti-aging and antiblemish? This worth-it splurge treats acne, brown spots, and fine lines. TO BUY: $130; dermstore.com. 3 BEST MOISTURIZER Ole Henriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator This multitasker hydrates all over while also mattifying an oily T-zone. Plus, it contains acids to clear skin. TO BUY: $34; sephora.com. 4 BEST SPOT SHRINKER Renée Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment At the first sign of a painful, under-the-skin whopper, dot on this lactic-and-citric-acid gel to speed healing. TO BUY: $45.50; reneerouleau.com. 5 BEST MASK Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Peel-Off Mask…

1 Deer have eaten my hosta plants and pear and apple trees. What can I grow that they won't go after? J.H. The bad news: Fully deer-proof plants don't exist. But there are some they're less likely to eat, including fuzzy plants, like lamb's ears; prickly ones (Echinops, juniper); and those with a scent, like lavender and rosemary. Since deer are able to jump most fences, "you'll need a rotating arsenal of deterrents so they never get a chance to catch on and adapt," says landscape architect Mark Tessier. Some tried-and-true options: a motion sensor attached to a garden hose (ScareCrow Motion Activated Water Repellent, $70; amazon.com); a wind chime; a scented repellent spray (Deer Out, $16; deerout.com); and a solar-powered laser device that spooks deer by "blinking" every few…

LACOSTE There's no need to sacrifice form for function. Case in point: this chic flat leather sandal. TO BUY: Pirle sandals, $130; zappos.com. SLIP-ONS Not just for the skater set, slide-on sneakers get an upgrade with glittery details and shimmering finishes. 1 BADGLEY MISCHKA The cluster of crystals makes a laid-back look (jeans or shorts) a tiny bit fancy. TO BUY: Barre sneakers, $175; amazon.com. 2 VANS Rose gold gives this iconic shoe a modern makeover. TO BUY: Classic slip-ons, $60; zappos.com. 3 KAANAS Swap out your basic flats for this flexible, croc-embossed pair. TO BUY: Kilimanjaro sneakers, $129; kaanas.com. 4 STUART WEITZMAN Sleek mirrored silver looks smashing with skinny jeans or a summery skirt. TO BUY: Boyband slip-ons, $398; zappos.com. SANDALS Track soles and graphic, black-and-white styling effortlessly balance…

1 Laysha Ward, 49, executive vice president and chief external engagement officer for Target "I find listening to music after work to be a great way for me to stay present and unwind. Right now I'm really into the Hamilton soundtrack. I also take breaks during the day to be active. I'll step away for 5 to 15 minutes. When I was more junior, this was something I would not give myself permission to do. But if you're not taking care of yourself, it's difficult to go home and take care of others." 2 Viet Thanh Nguyen, 46, professor and author of Pulitzer Prize–winning novel The Sympathizer "It's always been a real struggle for me to balance work and home life. After being away on a book tour for several…

Quick Cooking (161, 162, 164, 168, 172, 175) Healthy Pick (164, 172) Freezable (175) Make Ahead (149, 150, 172, 175) Big Batch (149, 150, 175) One Pot (166, 168, 172) Whole-Grain (150) Vegetarian (149, 150, 161, 172, 175) Gluten-Free (164, 168, 172, 175) Family Friendly (149, 150, 161, 162, 172, 175) FEEL THE BEET Don't throw away the leafy tops. Sauté with butter and garlic for a chard-like side. GRAB A HUNK Parmesan near the rind has the nuttiest flavor and most crystals, so choose pieces with the rind attached. DIGEST THIS One medium artichoke has more fiber than ½ cup of prunes (that's a lot!). DAILY TASTE Go to realsimple.com/dailyrecipe to have new favorite recipes delivered to your inbox every day. COOK WITH COZI Get Real Simple's easy weeknight-dinner…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free [] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 lb. hanger steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided ¾ tsp. black pepper, divided 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 medium golden beets, peeled and cut into wedges 1½ Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar 2 tsp. honey 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 5 oz. baby lettuces 1½ oz. aged white Cheddar cheese, broken into pieces ¼ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped SEASON steak with ¾ teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon of the pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high.…

How to buy You can find fresh lemongrass at Asian markets and at some well-stocked grocery stores, too. Look for firm, light green stalks with a faint lemony scent. Store in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 2 weeks, or stash prepped pieces in a plastic bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. How to prep First, trim off the dry ends. Make a slit down the length of the stalk with your chef's knife and peel away the tough outer layers as you would with a scallion. 1 Fruit salad with ginger and lemongrass Simmer 4 3-in. pieces bruised LEMONGRASS, 4 ¼-in.-thick slices GINGER, ¼ cup SUGAR, and 2 Tbsp. FRESH LIME JUICE in a saucepan over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool…

1 BEST APRICOT D'Arbo All Natural Rose Apricot Fruit Spread Made with only apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and fruit pectin (a thickener), this puree tastes exactly like fresh apricots—so you can enjoy this fleeting fruit all year long, not just during its short season. TO BUY: $4.50 for 16 oz.; at grocery stores. 2 BEST GRAPE JELLY Smucker's Natural Concord Grape Fruit Spread Sometimes classic is best; that's certainly the case when it comes to grape jelly. Tasters preferred this one's familiar, robust grape flavor. Nothing beats its smooth texture in a PB&J. TO BUY: $3 for 17.25 oz.; at grocery stores. 3 BEST BLACKBERRY JAM American Spoon Fruit Perfect Blackberries This category ran the gamut from chunky to syrupy. With a texture like the inside of a cobbler, this…

LOTTOLOVE Imagine a scratch-off game in which every card is a winner—and every win means support for one of four nonprofit partners that deliver clean water, nutritious meals, literacy tools, or solar light to those in need. TO BUY: $10 each; givelottolove.com. SNATCHED If their performance at the Golden Globes was any indication, Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer's new comedy (in theaters May 12) is set to garner a mother lode of laughs. #WHYIREAD In May, in celebration of its bicentennial, HarperCollins Publishers is inviting authors (and you!) to share why books are so important. The company will also distribute a total of $200,000 to an assortment of charities to promote literacy for future generations. Visit hc.com/200 to read all about it. ANIMAL LIVE CAMS Tigers and bears and owls—oh…

HAIRSTYLIST KRISTIN ESS Los Angeles–based Ess has a celebrity roster that includes Lauren Conrad, Jenna Dewan Tatum, and Lucy Hale—but her website, TheBeautyDepartment.com, lets everyone in on her secrets (you can see hundreds of tutorials). And she just launched a hair collection with Target. Score! 1 MILANI BROW FIX KIT "I actually use the neutral powders in this eyebrow palette to help fill in inconsistent hairlines when I do updos—especially tight ponytails. No one has a perfectly even hairline, so sometimes you've gotta fill in the gaps!" TO BUY: $8; at CVS. 2 NATURE'S BOUNTY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS GUMMIES "Some people need a boost to grow strong hair, and these strawberry-flavored biotin gummies are an easy way to get it." TO BUY: $10; at drugstores. 3 KRISTIN ESS DRY…

CORD CORRALLER Bundle wires in this genius little piece of leather and you'll never again face that annoying task of detangling earbuds or cables from your umbrella. TO BUY: Cord taco, $30 for 5; cb2.com. EYE-CATCHING KEY CHAIN A holder that's a substantial size keeps keys from getting buried in the bottom of your bag. TO BUY: Leather tassel key chain, $49; markandgraham.com for similar styles. PORTABLE POUCH Stash makeup and jewelry in a lined, dual-compartment case for quick, no-thinking-required bag swaps when racing from the gym to the office to an evening out. TO BUY: Stackers travel case, $40; containerstore.com. MINI COIN PURSE If an overstuffed wallet is always weighing down your bag, put a cap on all that change you're hauling around. This little guy sets the limit…

1 CHRISTIANA MILLS, SOCIAL WORKER Do some reconnaissance. If you're going to be with a child you haven't seen in a while, a little preparation can help lay the groundwork for a good conversation. Before the visit, ask the parents about what's going on in their child's life. That way you aren't starting with "What are you learning in school?" when the kid is, say, having a difficult year. Instead, you can engage her on a specific topic—soccer, for example, or horses or lacrosse. Knowing a few tidbits in advance might lead you to say, "I heard you saw a great movie last weekend. Can you tell me about it?" The same strategy may work for your own kids if they are young or tend to be shy, or if…

CHANCES ARE YOU'RE fairly comfortable in your role as patient: You come prepared with questions, downplay the hours you spent Googling symptoms, and listen carefully to any next steps. But how practiced are you at questioning doctor's orders when it comes to tests and procedures? Not only are some tests unnecessary, but they can point a physician toward the wrong diagnosis, cause undue stress and cost, lead to further unnecessary testing, and even make your health condition worse. "Almost every test has some degree of risk," cautions Joshua Kosowsky, MD, coauthor of When Doctors Don't Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests. Quite often, a diagnosis can be made based solely on a physical examination and a patient's history, says Brandon Combs, MD, associate professor of medicine at the…

DETERMINE WHAT TO DELEGATE Zero in on tasks that help your career. First, take 15 minutes to write an exhaustive to-do list. "This allows you to clear your mind and shift your focus to action," says Tiffany Dufu, author of Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less. Assess each task against the bigger picture: Which will truly drive the success of a project or help you secure a promotion? "Switch your outlook from "What needs to happen today?" to "What am I trying to achieve?"" advises Dufu. Schedule your time. There are only 24 hours in a day—and you need to sleep. Seeing your full to-do list will make you think, "When am I actually going to do all this?" says Mary Jane Nirdlinger, assistant town manager of Chapel…

rum-raisin apple Bundt cake ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS, 10 MINUTES SERVES 12 1 cup raisins ¾ cup plus 6 Tbsp. spiced rum, divided 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. table salt 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 medium Golden Delicious apple, peeled and grated (1 cup) 1¼ cups (2½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. ground cardamom 2 cups powdered sugar, divided 1 Tbsp. whole milk PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 15-cup Bundt pan. Combine raisins and ¾ cup of the rum in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Drain raisins; reserve rum. WHISK baking powder, salt, and 3½ cups of the flour in…

[x] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [x] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [x] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 12 oz. bucatini Kosher salt 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces ¼ cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about ¼ cup) 1/3 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ¼ tsp. black pepper ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted 1 cup ricotta cheese Lemon zest, for serving COOK pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until almost al dente, 6 to 7 minutes, adding kale during last 10 seconds. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of the pasta water. HEAT oil and garlic…

[] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [x] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 small yellow onions, halved ½ cup dry shrimp-and-crab boil seasoning, such as Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seafood Boil 1 lemon, halved, plus wedges for serving 1 head garlic, halved crosswise 2 Tbsp. kosher salt 8 oz. small red potatoes, halved 8 oz. andouille sausage, cut into 8 pieces 1 globe artichoke 1½ lb. large unpeeled shrimp 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut into thirds BRING 4 quarts water, onions, seasoning, halved lemon, garlic, and salt to a boil in a large stockpot. Add potatoes, sausage, and artichoke and boil…

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES MAKES 2½ CUPS 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for blanching herbs 8 packed cups mixed fresh tender herbs or greens, such as basil, parsley, arugula, kale, or spinach ½ cup nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds 3 cloves garlic 1½ cups olive oil 2 cups freshly grated hard aged cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino BRING a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set nearby. Add herbs to boiling water and cook until bright green, about 10 seconds. Transfer to ice bath with a slotted spoon. When cool, drain and squeeze dry. COMBINE herbs, nuts or seeds, garlic, and 2 teaspoons salt in a food…

LISTEN, THIS IS HARD FOR ME. But I've got to be straight: We're over. It's not me…it's you. For so long, I was fooling myself, thinking things would change next week, next month, next year. But your hold on me is too tight. You can't give me the space I need. I admit we had some good times. Well, come to think of it, there was just that one time. I'd had a root canal and hadn't eaten for days. I was light-headed—you could call it hungry—when you caught my eye. You were just hangin'…so sleek and slender. Right away I knew I wanted you. I'd almost forgotten what happened that night. Remember? I wanted to show you off to my friends, but I overdid it. I think I ate…

A. I would add a second Sunday midweek. It would consist of sleeping in, having coffee, doing the crossword, reading a good book, and then ending the day with a really great dinner. What better way to spend the day than to keep it simple and peaceful? THOMAS MORTON, Long Branch, New Jersey Giving back. I'd spend the extra day pouring time into my community. @MRSBMACKEN Crafting. Calm creativity is what helps me through the storm that is my life right now. KATHY GALLAGHER, Deltona, Florida Playing board games. WHETHER IT'S SCRABBLE, SCATTERGORIES, SETTLERS OF CATAN, OR THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS MONOPOLY (ONE RECENT GAME LASTED SEVEN HOURS!), OUR FAMILY IS NEVER CLOSER THAN WHEN WE'RE SITTING AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE PLAYING A BELOVED GAME. ALENA BERENBLATT, Babylon, New…

1 PLAYFUL PET CAMERA Keep an eye on your beloved canine (or feline) with this genius device. It syncs with an app to show you real-time video with two-way audio. There's even a laser so you can play with Fifi from afar. Petcube Play, $199; petcube.com. 2 COLD BREW TO GO Make and take a 10-ounce serving of coffee in just 2½ hours (a fraction of the time needed for regular cold brews) with this two-in-one iced-drip coffee maker and portable tumbler. BPA-free. Dripo, $35; getdripo.com. 3 PERFECT POACHED EGGS The delicate breakfast dish can sometimes be a pain to pull off. No longer, thanks to this silicone contraption. A five-minute gondola ride over boiling water yields an expertly poached egg. Eggondola, $14; animicausa.com. 4 EDIBLE DESSERT STICKERS Elevate your…

1 STATEMENT NECKLACE Bold black blossoms make this a standout piece against a white tee. Chico's, $55; chicos.com. 2 RUFFLED BLOUSE In unexpected tones, a rosy print reads as almost edgy. Ann Taylor, $60; anntaylor.com. 3 ENVELOPE CLUTCH Live in solids? Up your game with a high-octane accessory. Sondra Roberts, $65; nordstrom.com. 4 CROPPED PANTS Pair the striking pattern with a white silk blouse and you're done. PT Pantaloni Torino, $425; at The Porcupine (843-785-2779). 5 EMBELLISHED SANDAL Heels in pale pink with petals go with nearly everything. Daya by Zendaya "Mariana," $90; nordstrom.com. 6 SEASONLESS DRESS Wear this muted beauty now with suede boots and later with flat sandals. Massimo Dutti, $180; massimodutti.com. FRESH PICKS Head to realsimple.com/floral for even more fashionably flowery options.…

During my commute this morning, I noticed the guy sitting next to me take a picture of my bag and text it to someone. I realize I am probably breaking some etiquette rule by even glancing at his phone activity (very tight train quarters), but the whole thing really irked me. Am I overreacting? Or can I ask someone not to take a photo without my permission? C.M. How strange! Your minor etiquette breach notwithstanding, you wouldn't have been out of line had you said, "I'm sorry, but did you just send someone a picture of my bag? And why?" There are so many possible texts that could accompany such a photograph, from alarming to humiliating to flattering to benign: "This is the purse you should snatch when we get…

Richer Red Wake up watered-down red hair with a jolt of shiny copper. Brighter Black Lighten just the ends to keep dark hair from falling flat. Honey-Kissed Brown Break up blah brunette with tinsel-like gold and amber highlights throughout. Moodier Blonde Go back to your roots—having some depth at the base actually looks more natural and youthful. Yesss. ACHIEVE A Richer Red How to get it Redheads have a lot going for them—it's scientifically proven that seeing the color red increases metabolism and heart rate. The downside: It's the shade that can fade the fastest (even if you're a natural!). "Red hair tends to dull as we age," explains Los Angeles–based colorist George Papanikolas. To make yours more vibrant, ask for an even, single process using a warm copper. Then…

[x] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [X] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 ¾ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. black pepper 1¼ tsp. kosher salt, divided ¼ head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 oz.) ½ cup canola oil ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 lb. chicken breast tenders ½ cup buttermilk 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar ½ tsp. paprika 1–4 tsp. cayenne pepper 8 6-in. flour tortillas, warmed Dill pickle chips, for serving WHISK together mayonnaise, vinegar, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl. Set aside ½ cup of the white sauce for serving. Toss…

[x] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [x] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free [] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 tsp. chile powder, preferably ancho 1 tsp. ground cumin 1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided 4 8- to 10-oz. bone-in pork chops (about 1 in. thick) 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 small red bell pepper, chopped 1 small red onion, sliced 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, plus leaves and tender stems for serving 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Combine chile powder, cumin, and 1 teaspoon of the…