Table of contents for January 2020 in Real Simple

I’m so Happy to Say Hi I’M LIZ, YOUR NEW EDITOR IN CHIEF. Allow me to share some relevant things about myself. • I’ve been a Real Simple reader since its very first issue 20 years ago, and it has been my favorite magazine over the years. It cares about neatly folded towels, ingenious beauty products, and the best new page-turners for book club. (Hey, I care about those things too!) • The Real Simple stories I’ve enjoyed most are the ones that have enriched me, whether they were essays that revealed a life lesson or primers on making small talk (I’m an introvert) or taking a leap (I have a chronic case of impostor syndrome). • I love clean, minimal spaces but married a man who collects things…

USE A HUMIDIFIER Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so run a humidifier when the heat is on, suggests Anne Marie Corbalis, spokesperson for Con Edison. (This will also reduce pesky static electricity.) PLUG DRAFTY SPOTS Feel for drafts around pipes, doors, windows, and electrical and cable outlets, says Corbalis. Inexpensive draft blockers and outlet sealers can fix many problem areas. DON’T FORGET THE DAMPER When your fireplace is not in use, close the damper. If it’s open, warm air can escape and cool air can come in, says Lauren Urbanek of the Natural Resources Defense Council. You can also hire a pro to make sure your chimney is properly sealed. DRAW THE BLINDS AT NIGHT On sunny days, throw open blinds and curtains. But close them at night…

Take Back Your To-Do Lists TIME-MANAGEMENT COACH ELIZABETH GRACE SAUNDERS SHARES HER TIPS FOR STAYING ON TRACK AND ON SCHEDULE. 1 COMMIT TO A CALENDAR Digital calendars work for visual thinkers, and paper planners are good for people who remember things better by writing them down. Some folks require a hybrid method: physical to-do lists for checking off tasks and an on-screen calendar for a big-picture view. Consider what hasn’t been helpful to you in the past and switch to a different approach. If you’re always reaching for your planner and forgetting to check your digital calendar, then rely on just your planner. TO BUY: Planner, from $40; fullfocusplanner.com. 2 SORT BY COLOR Whether you’re working digitally or on paper, color-code items by type of event or family member…

1 WIRELESS HEADPHONES The flexible collar keeps these long-charge earphones tangle-free. TO BUY: Ink’d+ Wireless Earbuds, $40; skullcandy.com. 2 TANK TOP A quick-dry tank stands up to your toughest workout—then lets you run errands without shvitz marks. TO BUY: Pick-Up Tank, $42; brooksrunning.com. 3 YOGA MAT This light, dual-sided mat won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go. TO BUY: The Reversible (Un) Mat Lightweight Travel, $58; lululemon.com. 4 BRA TOP It’s super supportive in the front—but sexy and strappy in the back. TO BUY: Odette Twist Back Bra Top, $72; zisebybloch.com. 5 WALKING SHOES Foot-hugging cushioning puts spring (and plenty of comfort) in your step. TO BUY: Ryka Rythma Sneakers, $35; marshalls.com. 6 HOODIE It’s cute and cozy—and gets bonus points for being water-resistant. TO BUY: Victoria Hood,…

JANUARY Tackle High-interest Debt. Paying interest is like forking over money for nothing, so your first job is to get a handle on loan repayments. For each of your debts, jot down the interest rate, the minimum monthly payment, and how much you owe, says Shannon McLay, founder and CEO of the Financial Gym in New York City. Then try what’s known as the avalanche method: Pay the minimum on all your debts each month and put any extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate. If you get a windfall—like a bonus or a tax refund—put it toward that top debt as well. Once you pay it off, move to the loan with the second-highest interest rate, and so on. FEBRUARY Prep for a Smoother Tax…

MEET JENNIFER DAVIDSON DEPUTY EDITOR AT REALSIMPLE.COM Coziest item in my home: The sectional my family snuggles up on for movie nights. Go-to recipe: I could eat my grilled shrimp tacos and Mexican street corn every night. My happy place: I got engaged and married on Martha’s Vineyard, so I love to visit every chance I get. @JENDAVIDSON__ON INSTAGRAM Adulting Made Easy Everything you need to know now that you’re on your own, from decorating your first apartment to managing your career. Get started at realsimple.com/adulting. Real Simple Tips We’re on audio! Every day, you can access a new recipe, cleaning hack, or beauty tip via your Alexa device, Google smart speaker, or favorite podcast platform. Find out how at realsimple.com/tips. Open and tap for healthy recipes.…

1 BRIGHT IDEA A powder-coated adjustable shade and brass detailing make this task lamp the perfect design-friendly desk accessory. TO BUY: Fila Table Lamp, $69; article.com. 2 CUSTOM CALENDAR Hang these fill-in-the-month gridded sheets near your desk to map out your year. TO BUY: Flora Wall Calendar, $34; wildehousepaper.com. 3 MIST MAKER Combat dry office air with this six-inch-tall humidifier, powered via your computer’s USB port. TO BUY: Portable Humidifier, $39; heydewy.com. 4 GRAB BAG Yeti coolers have earned a cult following—the brand’s lunch box is just as cool (and hot) because of the same special insulation system. TO BUY: Daytrip Lunch Bag, $80; yeti.com. 5 CUTTING EDGE Dress up your pencil cup with these seriously stylish brass-and-stainless-steel shears. TO BUY: Wildflower Scissors, $15; ubrands.com. 6 TRAY CHIC When your…

BEST CLEANSER AND CONDITIONER Aveeno Hair Kefir Probiotic Blend Shampoo and Conditioner Yes, probiotics are good for the gut. But those healthy flora can also help create a balanced environment for skin—your scalp included. This pair is loaded with probiotic-filled extracts, and the soothing oat works to rebalance the scalp’s pH. TO BUY: $9 each; at drugstores. BEST FOR BUILDUP Seed Phytonutrients Scalp & Roots Oat Mask If your home has hard water, this mask-scrub combo can help protect your hair, thanks to strengthening vitamin B and calming patchouli. TO BUY: $28; ulta.com. BEST FOR OILY HAIR Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Squeeze a dose of nourishing minerals along your part, then massage and rinse for a tingly refresh. TO BUY: $42; revolve.com. BEST FOR DRY HAIR Rahua…

How to Buy CHECK THE TOES. Tights with reinforced, opaque toes tend to be sturdier and less likely to snag on toenails. CONSULT A SIZE CHART. Sizes differ among brands, so refer to the height-weight chart on the package. When in doubt, size up. KNOW THE LINGO. Stockings are two thigh highs; tights go up to your waist. “Control top” means there’s thicker, snugger fabric on the stomach, hips, and butt. How to Care WAIT TO WASH. To keep the fibers stretchy yet snug, clean sheer tights every two wears and opaque tights every three. LAUNDER GENTLY. It’s best to hand-wash, but if you prefer the machine, place your tights inside out in a lingerie bag. Wash on a gentle cycle, then air-dry. STORE PROPERLY. Coil tights (as shown…

IT’S NO EASY feat to return to the office after an extended absence. Think of how much time you need to get back in the groove after a three-day weekend—now multiply that by…a lot! During your leave, you were likely figuring out a new role, like parent or caregiver, and it’s possible things have changed in the office too. You might have new colleagues, a different boss, an additional set of responsibilities—possibly even a work space that looks more like a coffee shop than any office you’ve worked in. Navigating all these adjustments can create a lot of uncertainty; even seasoned employees can feel like the new kid. No matter why you left or where you left off, here’s what you can do to return with confidence. Check in…

Artichoke Dip FAST, HEALTHY, AND FULL OF FLAVOR ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES MAKES 4 CUPS 1 32-oz. container plain full-fat Greek yogurt1 12-oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving1 Tbsp. olive oil1 tsp. lemon zest plus 1 tsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)1 tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepperPita, crackers, or vegetables, for serving MIX yogurt, artichoke hearts, parsley, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. TRANSFER to a serving bowl and top with parsley. Serve dip with pita, crackers, or vegetables.…

The Only Makeup Brush You Need PLUS SEVEN OTHER BEAUTY BUYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE ALLEYOOP 4-IN-1 Cut clutter by replacing your loose brushes with this multitasker. Use the sponge (replacements available) for concealer and the angled brush for blush and bronzer. Then unscrew the ends to reveal a brush for eye shadow and another for brows and liner. Pouch included. TO BUY: $24; meetalleyoop.com. SAINT JANE MICRODOSE LIP GLOSS IN ELIXIR AND BLISS This shine-boosting lip oil is infused with calming CBD. It’s rounded out with botanicals (like chamomile and aloe) to nourish dry lips. TO BUY: $28 each; saintjanebeauty.com. BUTTER LONDON LUMIMATTE BLURRING FINISHING & SETTING POWDER AND BRUSH The brush has a bull’s-eye divot design to tidily pick up the right dose of powder for locking in…

Skin Savers WE WORKED WITH A PRO TO HANDPICK THE BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS IN THE AISLES. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum “Vitamin C is a must for helping reverse skin stress and restoring radiance. Plus, I love a serum that glides on.” TO BUY: $30; lorealparisusa.com. CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 “This broad-spectrum, fragrance-free stick spreads easily and leaves a clear finish—just right for on-the-go touch-ups.” TO BUY: $10; cvs.com. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser “This foamless formula cleans my skin without stripping it.” TO BUY: $9; target.com. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré “This face and body cream is lightweight but delivers intense hydration. It leaves my skin dewy without any tacky feel.” TO BUY: $28; amazon.com. Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer “The winning combo of vitamins B5, C,…

ACCOMMODATIONS Avoid the expensive middleman. To get the lowest price on hotel rooms—and potentially have the best experience—reserve directly with a property, says Melanie Lieberman, an editor at the travel site The Points Guy: “Sometimes hotel brands will refuse to honor a status or to give points for bookings made with a third party, which can certainly affect the quality of a stay.” She adds that how you reserve can also make a difference if you have a request, such as extra pillows in your room, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Location can matter. Light sleepers should look at a map to see if the hotel they’re considering is on a main or side street and near bars or nightclubs, says Kyle Valenta, an editor at the…

1 Your Desire for Alone Time I used to think there was something wrong with me, especially as a gay man living in New York City, for not wanting to socialize all the time, meet new people, and go out a lot. But that’s just not who I am; if I put myself in those scenarios, I’m not my best self, and I don’t feel fulfilled or comfortable. You might feel the same way. It’s OK if I prefer to spend the night in, and I’ve come to terms with that. MAYUKH SEN IS A JAMES BEARD AWARD–WINNING FOOD AND CULTURE WRITER. 2 Your Personal Style Since I turned 50, three years ago, I’ve been coming into the fullest expression of myself. I’ve given myself permission to wear whatever…

FORMULA CHEAT SHEET SKIN TINT: An ultra-sheer version that brightens, evens out tone, and delivers dewy coverage. BB CREAM: A multitasker containing skin-care ingredients (like SPF) and offering sheer to medium coverage. CC CREAM: A bit heavier than BB, it also color corrects. MOUSSE: A rich, whipped formula with a matte finish, this is great for aging skin. LIQUID: Smooth, so it glides on easily, and gives medium to high coverage. BALM: Moisturizes dry or mature skin and provides max coverage. STICK: Portable and high-coverage. The low-oil formulas are ideal for acne-prone skin. POWDER: Best for touch-ups, it absorbs oil for an airbrushed finish. AN INGREDIENT FOR EVERY CHALLENGE If you want to… CLEAR ZITS: Look for salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and/or sulfur. MINIMIZE APPEARANCE OF PORES: Look…

NEW YEAR, NEW COOK This year, you’d love to try new things—and you don’t have to look very far for opportunities. Every day, every meal, offers a chance to add something to the mix. Break out of a weeknight-dinner rut with Greek-style sandwiches (page 120) or a salami-topped pizza (page 121) that, as a bonus, helps fulfill that “order less takeout” resolution. Make the switch to a plant-based milk (page 127), or simply improve on the old standby of hanging out with friends, watching the game, and eating chips with a healthier—but just as tasty—artichoke dip (page 126).…

REALSIMPLE TOP PICKS BEST OAT Oatly Full Fat Oatmilk This sustainably produced choice has a luscious oat flavor and a texture that’s so close to cow’s milk. We loved it poured over granola and as a one-to-one substitute for dairy milk when baking. TO BUY: $5 for 64 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST CHOCOLATE Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Cashew Beverage Chocolate and nuts just go together, especially in this creamy delight. Microwave it for instant hot chocolate, or blend it with banana and ice for a smoothie. TO BUY: $2.30 for 32 oz.; at Trader Joe’s. BEST VANILLA Mooala Vanilla Bean Almondmilk You know it’s good when you can see little flecks of vanilla bean. This silky and slightly sweet pick stood out from its sugary competitors. TO BUY: $7…