Table of contents for November 2020 in Real Simple

A FEW WEEKS ago, Libbie, a concerned reader from Southern California, wrote me a thoughtful letter asking why she hadn’t seen more articles in Real Simple addressing the pandemic, social justice, civic duty, or climate change. It struck a particularly strong chord with me. My job as editor in chief is to find the right voice for the brand and a balance of content that pleases our readers. In August, I wrote my editor’s column on books I’ve been reading, and on how that endeavor related, for me, to the social justice reckoning brought about by George Floyd’s death. Many readers responded enthusiastically to my feelings (and were happy to see that my views aligned with their own), while many others expressed dismay that there was any mention of current…

THANKSGIVING is pretty much always the same. Maybe that’s the whole point: familiar comfort (bourbon-infused cranberry sauce, corn pudding, Brussels sprouts with bacon) even as, over the years, the guest list swells, the babies somehow turning into teens. Some years, our celebration is huge, with everyone crowded into the living room, plates on laps and infants drinking bottles. Other years, we set the table with our inherited china for adults and kids alike. Regardless, what I love most about Thanksgiving is there’s no giving of gifts, and at our house there’s no forced recitation of what we’re grateful for. We all know we’re lucky in a million ways. We have more than we need, we’re always fed, and we’re surrounded by our people. Maybe the dinner conversation itself—catching up, lamenting…

Hum by Colgate Electric Toothbrush So cute you won’t mind it on your sink, this brush pairs with an app that tells you when to tweak your speed and angle, plus which teeth need TLC. Good habits earn you points you can cash in for brush heads. TO BUY: $50 (battery powered) and $70 (rechargeable); humbycolgate.com. 1 ELEVATED ELASTICS Scünci Color Match Ponytailers Dress up a ho-hum braid or bun by securing it with this strong spandex tie. You’ll mimic the look of wrapping hair around the base but eliminate the need for pins. TO BUY: $5 each; walgreens.com. 2 HANDIER HAIR REMOVAL Conair Magnifying Mirror Your rogue chin hair has met its match. With 12x magnification, the mirror holds angled tweezers in its side—just pull them out and pluck.…

Get (Sustainably)Comfortable No matter where you’re sitting, you can set up a pleasant workstation and protect your back. Try these tips from Lindsay Newitter, founder of the Posture Police in New York City. SEEK SUPPORT Newitter is not picky about the type of seating, but she notes you should avoid a position that forces you to lean away from your laptop. If you need to boost yourself upright, place a cushion or rolled towel behind your back. PLANT YOUR FEET “You lose so much support for your torso if your feet don’t touch the ground,” Newitter says. Put a footrest or box beneath your feet if they’re dangling. If you work from the sofa, feel free to kick your paws up on the coffee table occasionally. Just don’t sit that…

IF YOUR GRAVY IS TOO SALTY… Add some dairy, like a table-spoon or two of unsalted butter or heavy cream, says Tanya Holland, chef and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, California, and host of the podcast Tanya’s Table. “You could also simmer a potato in the gravy,” she says, “which may absorb some salt.” Just remove the potato before serving. IF YOUR GRAVY IS KIND OF TASTELESS… Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to perk up gravy. First, consider whether it needs salt and pepper, and sprinkle in more if so. A splash of white wine, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce can also deepen flavor. Tara Bench, founder of the blog Tara Teaspoon and author of Live Life Deliciously, shares one of her favorite fixes: “Whisk in…

BEST DAY-TO-NIGHT Spanx Faux Leather Leggings These are an editor favorite for good reason. The textured faux-leather finish resembles the real deal; the waistband smooths and shapes (in that Spanx way) while staying comfortable enough for all-day wear. TO BUY: $98; dillards.com. BEST ECO-CONSCIOUS Tentree InMotion High Rise Legging Do good while looking great in this sleek pick made from recycled plastic bottles. For every item sold, Tentree plants 10 trees (get it?). TO BUY: $58; tentree.com. BEST FOR SWEATING Champion Sport ⅞ Pocket Tights Compression pants like these are a dream for fitness fanatics. With roomy side pockets and UPF 50+ sun protection, they’ll see you through jump squats, lunges, and lengthy outdoor runs. TO BUY: $50; champion.com. BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY UpWest the Legging These high-rise pants (pictured…

DID THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC kill my dishwasher? It’s possible. When the lockdowns began, my three teenagers were suddenly at home for every single meal, and we know it doesn’t occur to teenagers to reuse a glass. She—my dishwasher—was getting quite a workout. She’d been a little off for a while, and I’d wondered whether it would soon be time to put her down. To be honest, I’d fantasized a bit about her demise. My kitchen is tiny, big enough for one person to fit and maneuver comfortably. When the dishwasher door is open, the kitchen shrinks considerably, and in order to put clean dishes into the cabinets, I have to unload everything onto the counter, then close the dishwasher door. Whatever possessed the previous owners to saddle this kitchen with…

THE YEAR 2020 HAS GIVEN us a long list of reasons to be anxious. Money is—no surprise—at the top of that list for many people. A full 88 percent of Americans say the pandemic is causing financial stress, a recent survey found. And stress isn’t the only emotion triggered by finances. Feelings like fear, insecurity, and shame can all bubble up when we think about our bank accounts. “Money is emotional because it touches every aspect of our lives,” says Amanda Clayman, a financial therapist and the financial wellness advocate for Prudential. “It shows up in our relationships, in how we take care of ourselves, in our identities, and in what we do for a living.” We asked experts to share solutions for five common—and tricky—feelings people have about money.…

Look, really look, at the details of this leaf. Let your eyes move across the image, noticing the textures and colors. Observe how the deep pink vein fades as it fans outward. Now bring your attention to the rhythm of your breath. Be aware that we breathe to survive, inhaling oxygen, exhaling carbon dioxide. Just like us, our planet breathes. Every breath you take is connected to the living ecosystem of the forests and oceans. Allow yourself to appreciate all the ways you’re connected to the earth. Think, “I care about the sun, giving plants light to live. I care about trees, providing oxygen to breathe. I care about the rain, which waters the plants. I care about the animals I share the planet with.” Open your heart, truly…

Easy Dinner 1 Fajita Burgers ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. neutral oil, such as canola1 yellow onion, thinly sliced1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced1 ¼ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 ½ lb. ground beef1 tsp. chili powder½ tsp. ground cumin1 avocado5 Tbsp. store-bought tomatillo salsa or salsa verde4 hamburger buns⅓ cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional) HEAT oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and lightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe skillet clean. PLACE beef, chili powder, cumin, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Using your hands, gently…

1. Publication Title: REAL SIMPLE 2. Publication Number: 0001-9143 3. Filing date: October 1, 2020 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $18 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Daren Mazzucca, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 Editor: Liz Vaccariello, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 Managing Editor: Lavinel Savu, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281 10. Owner: Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 The names and addresses of all stockholders…

MEET LINA LEGARE DESIGNER AT REAL SIMPLE Coziest thing in your home: Everything! I’m a self-proclaimed cozy minimalist. Most recent purchase: A Great Jones Dutch oven. I’m a big believer in having the right tools for the job. My job: delicious chicken stock. Best trip to date: Spain, because of all the food and sunshine. Favorite seasonal dish: My mom’s lebkuchen cookies taste like the holidays. @LINALEGAREON INSTAGRAM How to Carve a Turkey Our step-by-step video guarantees everyone gets the cut they crave. See how easy it can be at realsimple.com/carveturkey. Memorable Host Gifts A candle is always nice, but an agate cheese board or velvet slippers will really stand out. Find something special at realsimple.com/hostgifts. Open and tap for fall fashions. PREP YOUR HOME FOR GUESTS These simple…

SIP, SIP, HOORAY During cocktail hour, you’ll love this coupe’s vintage-inspired etchings. At the end of the night, you’ll love that it’s dishwasher safe. TO BUY: Agnes Etched Coupes, $13 each; crateandbarrel.com. 1 A FRESH PAIR Sleek and minimal, these hand-forged serving utensils modernize a holiday tablescape. TO BUY: Streamlined Serving Set, $28; anthropologie.com. 2 GOOD GOURD! This classically autumnal ceramic dish, perfect for a mini potpie or stew, goes from oven to table. TO BUY: Staub Stoneware Pumpkin Cocotte, $30; williams-sonoma.com. 3 POSH POUR This matte gold vessel has the elegant look and timeless silhouette of a family heirloom. TO BUY: Mepra Italian Aladino Gravy Boat, from $138; food52.com. 4 GOLD PLATING Mismatched dinnerware, inspired by place settings in bygone hotels and diners, ups the retro factor. TO BUY:…

BEST QUICK FIX Tula Skincare X Courtney Shields Glow Hour Brightening &Neutralizing Eye Balm Jumping on a video call in five? This cooling stick pulls you together in one swipe—the golden sheen counteracts bluish tones on contact. When you use it long-term, the grapefruit and algae help brighten dark circles, and the hyaluronic acid softens the look of fine lines. TO BUY: $32; tula.com. BEST DEPUFFER BeautyBio Cryo Dual Roller Sweep the wide end over cheeks; use the baby tip to depuff around your eyes. The stainless-steel rollers feel like a face massage. TO BUY: $85; nordstrom.com. BEST BRIGHTENER Saint Jane Bright Repair Eye Cream The hefty dose of vitamin C (10 percent!) erases circles while CBD soothes. It’s a dream under makeup. TO BUY: $65; sephora.com. BEST ALL-IN-ONE StriVectin…

Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 45 MINUTES SERVES 6 6 sprigs thyme, plus leaves for serving7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces2 cloves garlic, smashed1 ½ tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 ½ lb. total)2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb. total) RUB thyme between fingers to release oils; place in a saucepan. Add butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium, stirring often, until butter melts, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes. MEANWHILE, preheat oven to 400°F. Thinly slice Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes into 1/16-inch-thick slices (preferably using a mandoline). REMOVE thyme from butter and discard. Reserve 1 tablespoon herb butter in a small bowl; set aside.…

1 WALNUT GREMOLATA Stir together 1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts, 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. lemon zest, 1 tsp. finely chopped garlic, and ½ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Serve on roasted vegetables, meats, or fish. 2 WALNUT ENERGY BARS Process 2 cups dried, pitted Medjool dates, ⅓ cup tahini, 1 tsp. vanilla, and ½ tsp. each ground cardamom and cinnamon in a food processor until mixture clumps together. Transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 cup chopped walnuts, ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and ⅓ cup chopped crystallized ginger; knead until combined. Press into an 8-in. square dish lined with parchment paper. Chill…

1 CLEANSE AND PREP First, wash with a gentle cleanser, then use an alcohol-free toner. If you have oily skin, try a toner with alpha hydroxy acids to help unclog pores. If your skin is sensitive, go for one with calming botanicals. Ditch the cotton pad; just press the liquid into your skin with the heels of your hands—doing so helps rev up circulation. Since damp skin is more permeable than dry skin, apply serum before your toner is absorbed to help enhance its benefits. We love Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum ($32; us.laneige.com), which locks in moisture and imparts a glow. If you have an extra 10 seconds, run a gua sha stone (a facial tool, usually made of jade or quartz, that relieves tension) over your cheekbones, jaw, forehead,…

Photograph by Nick Simonite BECAUSE THIS NEIGHBOR PAID IT FORWARD WITH FLOWERS MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA Kindergarten teacher and floral designer Sam Thomas lifted her neighbors’ spirits by building bouquets from their gardens. Inspired by the beautiful blooms she saw on her frequent walks, Sam (pictured on page 118) floated the idea of a community flower swap on the social network Nextdoor: “I asked neighbors if they’d leave their cut flowers on their doorsteps so I could create arrangements,” she says. Almost instantly, she received 20 responses—and got to work designing bouquets, or “rearrangements,” as she calls them, and returning them to the participants. “The swap gave me the opportunity to get to know my neighbors while bringing them a bit of sunshine.” BECAUSE THIS TEEN MAKES COMPUTERS MORE ACCESSIBLE KILLEEN,…

Prepping a big batch of fall fruit for pie or sauce seems like a wonderful idea—until you come face-to-face with your peeler and a mountain of produce. But this retro tool makes the job practically effortless and, dare we say it, kind of fun. It peels, cores, and slices apples and pears in one go, saving time (and your sanity). Bonus points: A quick adjustment lets you peel and slice potatoes too, something you’re sure to be grateful for on Mashed Potato Day (a.k.a. Thanksgiving). TO BUY: Apple Peeler/Corer, $35; williams-sonoma.com.…