Table of contents for August 2018 in Real Simple

Great for Book Club Crystal Hana Kim’s If You Leave Me tells the story of Haemi, a girl living in a refugee camp in war-torn Korea. Though she is expected to marry Jisoo, a wealthy soldier, she sneaks out with his cousin, her childhood friend Kyunghwan. The man she chooses will determine her and her family’s fate. Kim’s heartrending saga—told from the perspectives of five characters—examines how difficult choices can test even our closest relationships. Travel Memoir Kate Harris grew up itching for adventure but frustrated by how few untouched places were left in the world to explore. In her 20s, desperate to make a discovery, she set out with a friend to bike the former Silk Road—a journey that took her through Tibet, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and other countries.…

Slowly simmered in milk or cream and finished with butter, a good pinch of salt, and a handful of grated Cheddar, grits are one of our favorite ways to round out a meal. In fact, they can stand in for flour or another grain just about anywhere. Cooked in coconut milk with a cinnamon stick and topped with dried fruit and chopped nuts, they make a luxurious dessert. Blend them with savory grated onion for lighter-than-air dumplings, perfect for soaking up your favorite chicken soup. They even add welcome texture to an easy herb-and-goat-cheese soufflé. For grits with big corn flavor, look for heirloom varieties from the likes of Anson Mills. But the ideas on this page work just as well with the quick-cooking kind. Quick Ideas 1 GRITS…

UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PROBLEMS HOW TO CRACK OPEN A COCONUT Pick a coconut that’s heavy for its size and makes a sloshing sound when shaken. To open it, find the three dark indentations, or “eyes,” on the bottom of the fruit and press each with the tip of a wine key until you find the softest one. Screw the wine key into the eye and then remove it, creating a hole. Drain the water into a cup, then taste it. It should be lightly sweet; if it’s sour at all, the fruit is past its prime. Place the coconut on a bed of towels and strike near its equator with a hammer or mallet, turning the coconut slowly with your other hand. After the shell cracks, place the…

TANGLE TEEZER PINEAPPLE COMPACT STYLER Detangling pool or ocean hair has never been less painful. The long teeth slide through knots without pulling, while the short teeth smooth the cuticle so hair looks shiny despite chlorine or salt water. TO BUY: $16; ulta.com. NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST PLUMPING MASCARA Water-, smudge-, and flake-proof, this formula contains vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and keratin, resulting in glossy, defined lashes when it’s on and healthy lashes when it’s not. TO BUY: $10; at drugstores. LEONOR GREYL HUILE SECRET DE BEAUTÉ Detangle your hair or turn scaly legs sexy with a shot of this multiuse organic oil. It leaves a pretty sheen and smells of lemongrass and gardenia. TO BUY: $66; leonorgreyl-usa.com. HAWAIIAN TROPIC ANTIOXIDANT PLUS SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 50 This lightweight SPF contains…

1 ARRANGE STRATEGICALLY Stash books you want to keep but may not reread on high shelves, leaving the space at eye level open for in-use items. Heavy or large volumes should be kept on the bottom shelf to prevent the ledge from sagging under their weight. 2 CATEGORIZE The easiest way to find exactly what you’re looking for is to divide each shelf by category (nonfiction, fiction, biography) and arrange books accordingly. Enforce the “one in, one out” rule: Every time you purchase a new book, donate an old one so you can keep the shelves’ airy look. 3 CREATE BOUNDARIES Use magazine file holders to corral kids’ keepsakes or crossword puzzle books and prevent the shelves from looking messy. TO BUY: Magazine file box, $15; poppin.com. 4 ADD…

START WITH THE TEE… TO BUY: Uniqlo Supima Cotton Jersey Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-shirt, $10; uniqlo.com. …ADD A PRETTY SKIRT AND A SCARF Ladylike extras—slingback kitten heels, a straw hat—give a unisex tee a retro, feminine vibe that feels unfussy but fancy enough for brunch or a baby shower. TO BUY: Oak + Fort skirt, $78; oakandfort.com. Joules Square neckerchief, $20; joulesusa.com. Lizzie Fortunato Reversible Skinny Georgia belt, $195; ofakind.com. Kin The Label Lucy hat, $130; kinlabel.com. Jessica Simpson Double Stone Post Drop earrings, $10; amazon.com. Aldo Creranna slingback heels, $80; aldoshoes.com. …ADD A SUIT A T-shirt can look downright professional. Just keep your accessories as polished as you would if you were wearing a silk blouse. A statement necklace disguises the telltale cotton-rib collar. TO BUY: Alex Marie…

When you peek at your kid’s conversations, you’re also invading the privacy of the friend on the other side. “A friend who is gay just came out to me, and he never would have if he thought my parents were listening,” says Michael, 15, from New York. Michael also points out that kids talk in a more candid way when they’re alone than when adults are around, using language parents might find alarming. “If a parent is snooping, they can cherry-pick one text where a kid says an inappropriate thing, and they’ll think he’s a bad kid,” says Michael, even if he’s actually a positive presence in your child’s life. Also, you have to ask yourself: If you find out something truly bad about your child’s friend, what are…

SALMOREJO WITH PROSCIUT TO AND HARDBOILED EGG ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES SERVES 6 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar1 Tbsp. double-concentrated tomato paste (from tube)6 medium ripe tomatoes (2 ½ lb.), cored and chopped4 slices sourdough bread (about 6 oz.), torn into pieces2 cloves garlic, smashed2 tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish½ cup olive oil¼ lb. thinly sliced serrano ham or prosciutto, torn into pieces1 small serrano chile, seeded and very finely chopped2 hard-boiled eggs WHISK together vinegar and tomato paste in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in tomatoes, bread, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill mixture, covered, until bread is soggy, about 15 minutes. LADLE half of the tomato-bread mixture into a blender and…

Shocking exactly no one, researchers at Harvard Business School found that people who spent more money on time-saving services, like house cleaners, were more satisfied in their relationships. It doesn’t have to be a ton of dough: The researchers found that spending even $100 to $200 a month increased happiness. Thanks to digital marketplaces like TaskRabbit, it’s easier than you might think to find helping hands in a pinch. We asked TaskRabbit for average hourly rates for the top 10 most popular tasks across the United States. (TaskRabbit workers set their own rates.) ORGANIZATION $22–$50 CLEANING $35–$58 MINOR HOME REPAIRS $38–$60 HEAVY LIFTING $41–$70 ELECTRICAL WORK $50–$80 FURNITURE ASSEMBLY $31–$55 YARD WORK & REMOVAL $35–$70 PAINTING $41–$68 MOUNTING $45–$65…

When you’re ready for a discussion, tear out this page, make a copy (or visit realsimple.com/choreworksheet to print an extra), and fill it out with the person you share most of the household chores with. Then talk through each item together and figure out whether your approach needs to shift. PRO TIP Do this when you aren’t fuming about chores, says Galinsky.…

I WAS BUILT FOR endurance: My constitution runs solid instead of athletic. This makes me a hardy hiker. Ever since I moved to the mountains along Colorado’s Front Range nearly 25 years ago, I’ve roamed the hills, at first because my way-too-fast husky, Elvis, needed to run off-leash, and later because I needed to feel the earth beneath my feet. Hiking grounds me in the present—in the ocean-wave sound of wind rushing through pines and the changing patterns of light scattered across a meadow. And although I absorb it all, there’s always a moment on steep terrain when my brain kicks in, demanding, “How much farther?” I’ve learned, over the years, to stubbornly focus on the little details—the soft clump of my hiking boots and the loamy scent of…

MEET BROOKE SCHULDT ASSOCIATE SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR AT REALSIMPLE.COM Morning routine: I usually do 30 minutes of yoga, then listen to podcasts while I eat breakfast. Going to bed early versus waking up early: Going to bed early. There is nothing I love more than sleeping in. How to use social media to relax: I am constantly searching for puppy pictures on Instagram. Nothing turns a day around like cute animals! @BABBLINGBROOKEBLOG ON INSTAGRAM Reimagine Back-to-school Lunches Instead of that slightly squished PB&J, send the kiddos off with one of our creative lunch ideas. Go to realsimple.com/schoollunches. Streamline Busy Days You want to make the most of every minute, so we rounded up the best ways to get your emails answered, messes cleaned, and meals prepped. Plus, how to…

EVERY THING OUR EDITORS ARE BUZZING ABOUT THIS MONTH Bold Gear for Beachgoers GAME ON THE GO This ingenious traveling game set has a backgammon board printed on one side and a checkerboard on the other. Once the game is over, the “board”—actually a lightweight drawstring backpack—holds all the set’s wooden, made-in-Maine pieces. TO BUY: Backpack Backgammon & Checkers, $50; asummershop.nyc. 1 BYO RAINBOW Fly the coolest kite on the beach thanks to this kaleidoscopic number, made of durable nylon for months of aerial fun. TO BUY: Delta Kite, $44; areaware.com. 2 SCENIC SOUVENIR Artist Heather Landis’s nostalgic print is a colorful reminder of the fleeting joys of summer. TO BUY: Play the Day Away limited-edition art, from $23; minted.com. 3 CIRCLE UP When it comes to beach blankets,…

1 CHECK CONDITIONS Not all days are good campfire days. “Dry vegetation, heat, wind, and thunderstorms increase the chance of a fire getting out of control,” says Deborah Macres, a Girl Scout troop leader and High Adventure Girl Scout leader in Granite Bay, California. “Reviewing conditions beforehand will help you assess dangers and alert you to any current burn bans.” Campgrounds will post information on such bans. But if you’re planning a fire in a less regulated area—or even your own backyard—you can consult the National Weather Service (weather.gov) as well as a local ranger station or land management office. If there’s a warning, skip the fire. 2 GATHER MATERIALS You will need tinder, kindling, and logs, says Brenda Lo-Griffin, a Raleigh, North Carolina–based instructor for REI Outdoor School.…

SPA-LIKE TREAT Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Shower Steamers in Sleep When you don’t have time to take a bath to unwind, grab one of these essential oil–packed pods to fake the feeling. Place the quarter-size tablet on the shower floor. As it dissolves in the water, its calming lavender and cedarwood formula transforms your shower into a steamy, tranquil oasis so you can shake off a stressful day. TO BUY: $14.50 for 6; bathandbodyworks.com. BAR Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Beauty Bar This dermatologist-recommended face and body cleanser now contains micelles (molecules that draw out dirt and oil) for a deep yet gentle clean. TO BUY: $3.50 for 2; at drugstores. WASH Nivea Vanilla Caramel Foaming Silk Mousse Body Wash This whipped formula is laced with silk extract,…

If you’re a fan of vibrant color but still recovering from a regretful choice to paint your entire college living room turquoise, this story is for you. Consider adding an unexpected accent shade to the interior of a cabinet (seen here), along your staircase risers, or on a piece of furniture. “Choose a color that relates to something else in the room and fits in with the style of the space,” says Patrick Sutton, an interior designer in Baltimore. Here, he went with a bold orange tone that complements the warm wood of the cabinetry. Shelf Brackets For metal surfaces, Sherry Petersik, author and DIY blogger at younghouselove.com, recommends Rust-Oleum Universal spray paint because of its comfortable trigger mechanism and built-in primer. Lay the brackets outside on a tarp…

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD 1 Grow by Gardening. Community food gardens automatically give people two things to rejoice or complain about together: food and the weather. And many of our members (young families, seniors, church groups, veterans, and others) become friends in our gardening or cooking classes, or during our garden socials or all-garden workdays. New members get a Welcome sign on their plots so the other gardeners know they may need help. One woman told us she’s lived here for 14 years, and after joining one of our gardens, she finally felt at home. LAMANDA JOY IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHICAGO NONPROFIT PETERSON GARDEN PROJECT, WHICH SHE FOUNDED IN 2010. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF START A COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN: THE ESSENTIAL HANDBOOK. 2 Sing…

E.D. ASKS… Our in-laws want to throw us an anniversary party, and while their home is lovely and very clean, they recently got two young dogs who run everywhere and jump on people when they come in. I didn’t grow up with pets, and I find this behavior just plain annoying. I think if this party is really for me, it should be the way I’d want it: animal-free. Is it rude to ask that their dogs not be present at the party? On the one hand, the party is “really for you” insofar as your in-laws have generously offered to host a celebration on your behalf. On the other hand, the suggestion that it should be exactly how you want it made me smile—the same way I smiled…

WORK, MONEY, AND HEALTH ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE YOU HOPE FOR SUNSHINE and rainbows, so when something difficult happens and you end up feeling more dark and stormy, you may think your day is destroyed. But guess what: “It’s normal to experience negative emotions. They’re not bad or wrong; they’re giving you important information,” says Rachel Hershenberg, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University and author of Activating Happiness. Listening to what your feelings are telling you—that you need to give yourself a break, enjoy quality time with a loved one, or be heard and appreciated—can help you take action to mentally feel much lighter. That’s why having a set of lift-yourself-up tactics in your tool belt is key for tackling problems big and small.…

I’m really shy at first during networking events. It’s scary, but you just have to force yourself to go up to people and start a conversation. To open, I introduce myself and say where I work—I don’t assume they know who I am. I ask questions about them. A good opener is just “Tell me your story. What brings you here today?” I never start out talking about how busy or stressed I am, because I think that can be off-putting. It’s uncomfortable, but knowing that everybody else is in the same boat makes a huge difference. I have a hard time doing happy hours—they tend to be a younger person’s game or for someone who doesn’t have kids to pick up after school. Instead, I try to…

The Divide & Conquer Couple EMERIE, 32 / PHOTOGRAPHER / OHIO / LIVES WITH HER WIFE “My wife and I agreed early on to do the chores the other hated most. For me, that was floors (the worst!), and for her, that’s the bathroom. As we’ve lived together, we’ve discovered that things simply get done more effectively if one person is the go-to. But when we get busy or caught up in life and the housework piles up, we offer to pitch in for the other.” WORDS OF WISDOM: “A fresh and sincere thank-you is the foundation of a good partnership, no matter how many times you’ve said it before.” The Seasonal Workers MARIA, 43 / WEB CONTENT EDITOR / QUEBEC / LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND “My husband is…

BURGUNDY LASHES + CORAL LIPS Swapping black mascara for burgundy adds a subtle sparkle to your eyes, so you don’t need to worry about applying shadow or liner. Pair it with a coral balm to brighten your whole look. BRONZED SKIN + COPPER LIDS For a fuss-free glow, dust bronzer along your cheekbones and jawline, across your forehead, and down your nose with a big, fluffy brush. Sweep copper shadow over your lids and along your bottom lash lines for definition. FULL BROWS + FUCHSIA LIPS Beefing up brows doesn’t have to be a process. Brush on tinted gel in an upward motion to add oomph, then comb hairs toward the natural arch. Tap on a fuchsia lip color and go. ROSY GLOW + PEACH LIPS Make your skin…

FOR AS LONG AS I have had an imagination, it has carried me places meaningful and frightening, snagging always on potential catastrophe. There has only ever been one cure for this anxiety, and it is to walk at sunset. Watching the light go through the windows gives me the terrible feeling that I’ve missed something, but feeling it fade, out in the weather, makes me feel I’ve been a part of it. I remember the first time I noticed this fear in myself: I was about 6, and my father had taken me to a matinee. Aswe emerged into the darkened parking lot, I started to bawl, having the strange feeling the world as I knew it had shifted unalterably without my knowing. The next day, as the sun…

Before carpool starts and bookbags get packed, we’re squeezing out every last ounce of summer. That means laidback nights with chicken on the grill and lemony zucchini salad (page 143) or juicy BLTs with homemade mayo (page 152). Too many tomatoes (as if there were such a thing)? Toss them into a pot with some colorful eggplant for a ratatouille you can eat now or freeze for the months to come (page 154). When school starts, as it must, toss one of our nut-free snack picks (page 150) into the lunch boxes and trust that this year will be the best one yet. Easy Dinner 1 Blackened Tilapia With Peach-tomato Salad ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free 2 tsp. celery…

ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES 1 CUP 2 large egg yolks1½ tsp. Dijon mustard1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)½ tsp. kosher salt½ cup vegetable oil¼ cup olive oil COMBINE egg yolks, 1 tablespoon cold water, mustard, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Process until frothy, about 20 seconds. While blender is running, slowly drizzle in vegetable oil through lid opening, followed by olive oil; process until smooth and thick, about 1 minute. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. PER SERVING (1 TBSP.): 97 CALORIES, 11G FAT (1G SAT.), 23MG CHOL., 0G FIBER, 0G PRO., 0G CARB., 47MG SOD., 0G SUGAR Enjoy your mayo in one of our favorite sandwiches. Go to realsimple.com/roastbeef.…

Summer’s End Ratatouille ACTIVE TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES MAKES 16 CUPS 10 Tbsp. olive oil, divided4 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped2 yellow onions, chopped2 heads garlic, cloves peeled2¼ tsp. kosher salt, divided2 eggplants, chopped4 zucchini, chopped¼ cup loosely packed fresh oregano leaves2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved (quartered if large)2 tsp. red wine vinegar1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper HEAT 3 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. ADD 4 tablespoons oil to pot. When oil is shimmering, add eggplants and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to bowl…

BEAUTYBLENDER BOUNCE LIQUID WHIP LONG WEAR FOUNDATION In 32 shades, with a light feel but providing full coverage, this formula will impress even foundation haters. Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants plump skin so the foundation never settles into fine lines. Plus, the bottle has a reservoir to pump product into and sponge out onto skin. TO BUY: $40 each; sephora.com. JULEP PERK IT A real-life retoucher, this sponge-tipped pen (in four shades) brightens dark circles, cuts redness, and calms skin with turmeric extract and camellia seed oil. Dot onto skin and blend with your fingers. TO BUY: $26; ulta.com. SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS PEPPERMINT HALO HEADACHE REMEDY During a rough day (at work, in traffic), trace this rollerball along the back of your neck. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender offer a…

Ready to turn up the heat? Our guide to chiles and peppers—in peak season now—will help you distinguish your poblanos from your serranos. THE BASICS 1 POBLANO Relatively mild, these thick-skinned, heart-shaped peppers are ideal for stuffing (think chiles rellenos). 2 HABANERO Super-spicy and distinctively fruity, habaneros range in color from green to red. Their robust heat stands up well to grilled meats. 3 SHISHITO Wrinkled, sweet, and delicate, these Japanese peppers are best when blistered in a hot pan. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of flaky salt. 4 JALAPEÑO Commonly used in salsas and hot sauce (sriracha is made from red ones), these are your gateway chile. For less heat, remove the seeds and pith. 5 SERRANO Just up the Scoville scale (that’s…

Kathy Benghanem Known as the master of natural-looking microbonded hair extensions (she uses the brand Great Lengths), Benghanem is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, and Valerie Bertinelli. She’s the owner of Gemini 14 Salon in New York City. Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer “This dryer has dual voltage—ideal for travel—and folds so it can be easily packed. Its ionic technology keeps hair smooth.” TO BUY: $30; at drugstores. The Original Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo and Conditioner “Believe it or not, these were made for horses but cleansed hair so well without stripping that people started using them!” TO BUY: $6 each; at drugstores. Old Spice Pomade “This offers definition without giving you that slick look—perfect for piecey layers or short hair. It smells…

The Key Pieces J. CREW JACKET Classic Denim jacket, $110; jcrew.com. KATE SPADE NEW YORK SKIRT Vintage Denim Wrap skirt, $198; katespade.com. KENNETH COLE HEELS Lex Ankle Strap heels, $140; nordstrom.com. MODA LUXE CROSSBODY Aurelia bag, $65; modaluxe.com. KEDS SNEAKERS Ace Leather sneakers, $65; keds.com. HABITUAL TOP Clio Sleeveless blouse, $258; habitual.com. GERARD DAREL DRESS Daphne dress, $395; gerarddarel.com. J.JILL JEANS Versatile 5 Pocket Denim leggings, $99; jjill.com. GAP SHIRT Denim Fitted Boyfriend shirt, $60; gap.com. MARK AND GRAHAM BRACELETS Stella Valle Birthstone bracelets, $45 each; markand graham.com. SHIRT + SKIRT The similar indigo tones make these separates feel like a one-piece. Add a necklace and crisp white sneakers for an instant modern finish. WINK OF PINK SHOP EARRINGS Zoe Lucite Hoop earrings, $24; winkofpink shop.com. JACKET + BLOUSE…

SNOOPING ON YOUR KIDS used to be so much easier. When I was a teen, the phone was in the kitchen. Notes from camp friends came through the mail. In those days, if parents wanted to know what their kid was up to, they didn’t have to try hard at all. For the most part, my parents respected my privacy—except, occasionally, when they didn’t. One day I was confronted by my mom, who was holding my diary open to a page on which I mentioned that a friend had smoked a cigarette in the bathroom at a bat mitzvah and offered me a puff. (For the record, I coughed so much I never tried one again.) I was outraged that she had snooped and vowed that when I had…

1 Kitchen Knives Rather than buying a cheap but clunky set of 12 knives, put that money toward one good chef’s knife, says Sam Goldbroch, a chef at the Chopping Block, a recreational cooking school in Chicago. A chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen, and a high-quality one with a comfortable handle can make your cooking safer and speedier. Aside from an eight-inch chef’s knife, Goldbroch recommends that every home cook have a bread knife and a paring knife. Keep blades in good condition by swapping stone or glass cutting boards for wood or plastic ones, and never use a chef’s knife to cut frozen foods, bones, or bread. 2 Safety Gear It may be tempting to snag that garage-sale bike helmet, but unless you’re absolutely certain…

The fast pace of life can cause us to lose touch with ourselves and our inner rhythm. Have you noticed? By slowing down the breath first, you can find the freedom of your own pace and inner spaciousness. Inhale slowly to a count of four, then exhale to the same slow count of four. This pace will calm your nerves and synchronize your heart, lungs, and brain. Continue breathing this way for at least a minute, more if it feels good. Next, let go of the counting and just allow the inhale to come, and when it comes to you, receive it. Allow the exhale to fall out like a gentle waterfall until it is finished. As you stay with this for another minute or longer, your breath will…

The Imaginary Delegator You’re annoyed your partner didn’t wash the windows—even though you’ve never had a discussion about it. THE FIX: Next time you’re grumbling, bring it up (kindly). They might be happy to do it if asked. The Drill Sergeant You bark orders every time you notice a dirty plate sitting in the sink. THE FIX: Surprise attacks foster resentment. It’s OK if you have a handful of issues to chat about with your housemate—just address them all at once, when things don’t feel heated. The DIYer You take care of pretty much everything because it’s just easier that way. Maybe you do a better job too. THE FIX: Using the worksheet on page 127, discuss the tasks you’d like some help with. Then let yourself be helped.…

BURGUNDY LASHES + CORAL LIPS SAVE Lashes L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep Burgundy TO BUY: $8; lorealparisusa.com. Lips Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! Oil Tint in Orange Mode TO BUY: $6; walgreens.com. SPLURGE Lashes YSL The Shock Volumizing Mascara in N.3 Rough Burgundy TO BUY: $29; yslbeautyus.com. Lips Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Oversized Orange TO BUY: $17.50; clinique.com. FULL BROWS + FUCHSIA LIPS SAVE Brows Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Waterproof Brow Gel in Deep Brown TO BUY: $13; maybelline.com. Lips ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint in Flaunt It Fuchsia TO BUY: $5; amazon.com. SPLURGE Brows MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Brown Ebony TO BUY: $19; maccosmetics.com. Lips Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Dragonfruit TO…

1 MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY. Instead of a simple hello, Sarah Schwallier, 33, who leads walking groups in Westminster, Colorado, offers compliments to those she passes. She’ll say something like “Your bright shirt makes me happy.” The smiles motivate her to keep going. 2 JOURNAL YOUR WALKS. People who track their workout intentions are more likely to follow through with them, says David Sabgir, MD, 48, a cardiologist in Westerville, Ohio, who started Walk with a Doc, a network of doctor-led walking groups across the U.S. and abroad. “It’s fun to go back and look at all the miles you’ve logged,” he says. Try Penzu (penzu.com) if you prefer a digital diary. 3 FIND YOUR CREW. We’ve all heard that exercising with others can keep you more accountable. But you…

BEST SNACK BAR MadeGood Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Processed in a facility free from the eight most common allergens, this sweetly spiced vegan option is 100 percent school-safe. We love the plump raisins and full serving of vegetables packed into every bar. TO BUY: $5 for 6; at grocery stores. BEST CHEDDAR CRACKER Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies Real aged Cheddar flavor comes through in every bite. Baked with organic wheat flour, they’re a wholesome choice. TO BUY: $3.50 for 7.5 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST YOGURT POUCH Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Strawberry Beet Berry Pouch Thick and creamy yogurt gets blended with strawberries, raspberries, and beets for a gut-healthy snack loaded with the good stuff. TO BUY: $5.70 for 4; at grocery stores. BEST GRAHAM CRACKER Nabisco…

You’ve tried to achieve hygge like the Danes, to find what “sparks joy” with the Japanese art of decluttering, and to parent your bébés like the French. But why keep turning to other cultures for tips on how to live when there’s a guide closer to home? Try living the Feline Way! Enjoy your life more by looking to your cat for inspiration (just not directly at your cat, because that would really freak him out). Home Maintenance Clutter: It’s everywhere! But that won’t matter to you from now on. With the Feline Way, you can simply ignore everything around your house most of the day, then, when everyone else is trying to watch a crucial scene in their favorite show, race around at high speed knocking down stacks…