Table of contents for January 2017 in Real Simple

1 DICKINSON'S WITCH HAZEL ON THE GO TOWELETTES "I use these little wipes to clean a scrape, take the itch out of a bug bite, or remove makeup. Witch hazel is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Just a dab does the trick." TO BUY: $6, cvs.com. 2 SALLY HANSEN AIRBRUSH SUN "I tell patients to use this self-tanning mousse all over their bodies, not just on legs. It's great for covering up scars, veins, redness, or other imperfections." TO BUY: $12, target.com. 3 FLOWER GLISTEN UP! HIGHLIGHTER CHUBBY "On early mornings, I swipe this stick on my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose to help me look well rested, even when I'm not. It gives you a glowy look." TO BUY: $10, walmart.com. 4 ROC RETINOL CORREXION SENSITIVE…

3 QUICK IDEAS Cocoa and espresso steak rub Combine 1 Tbsp. each natural unsweetened cocoa powder, finely ground espresso powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub 1 to 2 tsp. of the cocoa mixture on each side of a 12 oz. steak before grilling or searing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Makes ¼ cup. Easy mole sauce Heat 1 Tbsp. canola oil in a skillet over high. Add 1 small sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened. Add 1 (28-oz.) can drained plum toma toes, 2 Tbsp. natural unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tsp. each kosher salt and chipotle chile powder. Bring to a simmer, then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Serve over roast pork or grilled chicken. Makes about 2½…

I recently had some friends over for a roast chicken dinner. Everything was delicious, but after they left, I began to feel quite ill. I was so sick that night that I had to miss work the next day. I wondered if my guests had also gotten sick. Did I have an obligation to check on them? Conversely, if the guests had gotten sick, should they have contacted me? How do guests and hosts broach this subject delicately? C. K. I would try to err on the side of kindness and concern over the stricter rules of etiquette. If you fear that someone might have gotten sick at your house, call and ask. "This is so awkward, but I'm calling to make sure you're feeling OK. I was sick after…

JUST PLAIN FUN Grin and bear it This Korean import is a fast-absorbing, nondrying hand sanitizer with citrus extracts to help brighten brown spots. The Skinfood Gummy Bear Jelly Clean Gel ($8 each, theskinfood.us) comes in kiwi, pineapple, apple, raspberry, and orange. Fighting germs fast has never been sweeter. FACE THE DAY BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50 THAT WON'T LEAVE YOU LOOKING PASTY PLUS AN SPF 30 LIP BALM HOUSED IN THE LID MAKE PRACTICING SAFE SUN EASY. POP SUPERGOOP PERFECT DAY 2-IN-1 FACE + LIP SPF ($19, SEPHORA.COM) IN YOUR BEACH, SKI, AND EVERYDAY BAGS. FLIP THE CAP TO USE THE BUILT-IN MIRROR FOR TOUCH-UPS. A stroke of good pluck A fix for tiny rogue brow hairs that you can see but can't pluck: Bbrowbar Brow Exfoliator ($25, net-a-porter.com). Massage it…

fitness: Maybe you don't need another reason to hit the gym, but if you do… Did you know that exercising three times a week can lower your chance of depression? And that getting the recommended 150 minutes of weekly activity (even just energetic walking) can cut your risk of heart disease by 25 percent? We've gathered research on the lesser-known payoffs of all types of workouts so you can pat yourself on the back for the perks that you didn't realize you were getting—or tweak your regimen to reap extra rewards! THE WORKOUT lifting light weights ADDED BENEFIT BUILDS BONE DENSITY Feel like you're being a bit lazy when you reach for those five-pounders? Let that go. Lighter weights may be more effective than heavy ones at strengthening bones, says…

"ARE YOU MY MOTHER?" CONSIDER THIS Perhaps you're already acquainted with your pet proclivities. If not, these vet-inspired starter questions (discuss!) will put you on the path toward your new nonhuman housemate. 1 WHAT'S YOUR SCHEDULE? Independent animals, like cats and reptiles, may be fine on their own for long periods. But a dog needs to be let out at least every eight hours; otherwise you'll need to outsource the job. (A walker generally costs $15 to $30 per walk.) 2 WHAT'S YOUR GQ (GROSSNESS QUOTIENT)? Poop scooping, tank or cage cleaning—no matter the animal, you'll need to be comfortable with some level of mess. But only certain folks can handle feeding a reptile whose preferred cuisine is live cockroaches, meal worms, or small rodents (ick). 3 Are allergies an…

When your energy is low, chances are your breath is shallow. Sometimes your body will yawn as a natural response. And it feels good. A yawn is just a big inhale that opens the throat and brings in more oxygen, and it leaves the body feeling relaxed as you exhale. You can actually conjure a series of yawns to get this sense of release and renewal anytime. It's a great practice for relieving stress and sparking energy. Start by taking a few natural breaths with your hands resting in your lap (so you're not doing anything but breathing). Now think about that place in the back of your throat that opens when you yawn. Inhale through your mouth, and open your jaw really wide. Let that stretch go all the…

…AND HOW TO CURE IT Nearly everyone experiences some form of this silent epidemic, which may express itself in overspending, questionable styling, premature destruction of wardrobe items, and extreme eye-rolling by loved ones. Don't despair! This condition is totally treatable. Here, our guide to understanding its manifestations-and expert advice on how to make a full recovery. DESPERATION SHOPPING THE SYMPTOMS: A big event-a wedding, a Bar Mitzvah, a special birthday-looms on the calendar. Instead of heading to a store you can count on, with plenty of lead time, you refine a list of reasons not to shop: I don't know what to get. I don't have the time/money/energy. Maybe there's something in my closet I can wear! At the last minute, you panic and race to make a purchase, perhaps…

[] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free [] Family-Friendly ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4 3 cups water 1 cup whole milk 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 cup grits 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 poblano chile, seeded and sliced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced ¾ lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 14-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 oz. queso fresco (fresh Mexican cheese), crumbled (about ¼ cup) 1 lime, cut into wedges BRING the water, milk, and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the grits and cook, whisking constantly, until the…

[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 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters (about 2 lb.) 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-in. wedges 1 tsp. chopped fresh sage ¾ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste ½ tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 3 slices bacon 3 cups baby watercress 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice PREHEAT oven to 450°F. Arrange the chicken and sweet potatoes side by side in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with the sage, salt, and pepper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons…

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 8 3 cups short pasta (such as macaroni or cavatelli) 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) unsalted butter 2 (12-oz.) cans evaporated milk ⅓ cup skim milk 2 large eggs 1 tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg Pinch cayenne pepper 8 oz. processed American cheese slices, torn (about 2 cups) 8 oz. Gruyère, grated (about 2 cups) 8 oz. sharp Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups) PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return the hot pasta to the pot. Add the butter, tossing until melted. WHISK together the evaporated milk, skim milk, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the American cheese, Gruyère, and Cheddar. SPREAD ½ of…

20 MILLION Approximate number of bubbles in a glass of Champagne, according to a study published in American Scientist. Like so many of the good things in life, raising a glass in tribute goes back to the ancient Greeks (and probably before that), who often offered up goblets to the gods. (Odysseus drinks to Achilles in The Odyssey.) But, says Paul Dickson, the author of Toasts: Over 1,500 of the Best Toasts, Sentiments, Blessings and Graces, back then the custom wasn't called toasting. That word came to be in the 17th century and was, believe it or not, a reference to actual browned bread. What's the connection? Around that time, people dropped toasted bread into vats as a flavor enhancer—and to provide a little nosh. (Really!) The practice of drinking…

1 HAT TRICK Hidden openings in this cozy wool hat keep a ponytail in place. Peekaboos hat, $37, ponytailhats.com. THIS QUILTED CASE CARTS LENSES AND CAMERAS OF ALL SIZES, FROM SMALL POINT-AND-SHOOTS TO DSLRS. 2 CAMERA CUSHION Swaddle your device in this down-padded shell to protect it from bumps and inclement weather on the go. Matador base layer, $60, matadorup.com. A sleek stopper that keeps Champagne fresh and fizzy for up to a week. 3 CHAMPAGNE SET The opener grips and frees the cork, and the stopper seals snugly for storage. Rabbit, $30, crateandbarrel.com. THIS COVER SAFEGUARDS YOUR WIPER BLADES, TOO! 4 WINDSHIELD BLANKET Place this polyester cover over your windshield on a winter night and simply shake snow off in the morning—no scraping. A security flap (closed in the…

1 BEST FOR HAIR Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm Packed with organic safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils, this formula treats dull, overprocessed hair. Slather on damp strands, let sit for five minutes, then rinse. Bonus: A pea-size drop on wiry ends fights frizz. TO BUY: $26.50, davines.com. 2 BEST FOR EYES Boscia Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm Peptides help reduce bags and circles, while menthol helps you fake that wide-awake look. The lightweight formula dries quickly, letting makeup go on smoothly. "I store it in the fridge so it's extra refreshing," one tester said. TO BUY: $26, sephora.com. 3 BEST FOR BODY Josie Maran Divine Drip Honey Butter Balm Arguably the most decadent body moisturizer, this balm—with argan oil, clover honey, and mango butter—melts into skin (even scruffy elbows and knees) for…

HOW TO Unclog a sink WHAT YOU NEED • bucket • rubber gloves • adjustable pliers or pipe wrench WHAT TO DO 1. Place the bucket under the curved part of the pipe, known as the P-trap. Wearing rubber gloves, grip the round, ridged metal parts on either end of the trap (called slip nuts) and turn to loosen. If these don't come loose easily, use the pliers. Wiggle the P-trap free. 2. Hold the trap over the bucket to catch any spills. Clean out the trap by hand. Warning: This will be gross! 3. Reattach the trap. Tighten the slip nuts by hand. (Don't use the pliers, which could overtighten and crack the pipe.) Tackle this task twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall, when…

1 See it, name it Normalize self-doubt by calling it out. "When you're vocal about the phenomenon, that makes it less personal and takes the power out of the feelings," says Young. Telling a trusted coworker something like "I felt like such an impostor in that room" in a normal, no-big-deal tone creates a sense of relief. It also opens up a dialogue. When you see that those close to you have aspects of the same insecurity, your perspective begins to change. 2 Have postgame debriefs You're entitled to make a mistake at work. Take time to learn from it rather than berating yourself. Young says to think like an athlete: "When a team loses a game, they don't drop out of the league. Instead, they'll say, "We weren't at…

A REQUEST TO HOST the swim-team party. Coffee with a young colleague who wants to "pick your brain." Drinks with the new neighbors. Every day, we are peppered with requests—for our help, for our time, for a caterer's quantity of our famous meatballs. They fill our brimming in-boxes and arrive through our bleating phones, and our usually knee-jerk response to the deluge? Yes! Yes! You got it! Yes! Of course, there's much to be said for saying yes. We want to help friends in need, to put ourselves out there. (Television producer Shonda Rhimes's 2015 best seller, Year of Yes, was a celebration of this open-arms approach to life.) But too often we agree without thinking, take on way too much, or, when cornered by a coworker in the break…

DESH Gradient Puzzle, by Bryce Wilner, areaware.com. IN MY BACKYARD is a beautiful green Moroccan tile table. I bought it 15 years ago, when my husband and I moved into our first tiny New York City apartment. Later, when we had kids and moved into a larger, ground-floor space, we put it in our garden. It looked great but was exposed to the elements. "Hey, can you regrout and seal the table?" my husband asked two summers ago. "Sure!" I said. (I'm relatively crafty, and this task is not difficult.) I regrouted it, but, uh, I did not seal it. And I continued to not seal it. Then, over the winter, most of the new grout washed out, taking a bunch of tiles with it. I found them one by…

[x] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free [] Family-Friendly ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1¼ lb. hanger steak 1¼ tsp. kosher salt ¾ tsp. black pepper ½ head green cabbage, cut into 4 (2-in.) wedges 8 oz. cherry tomatoes ⅓ cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. buttermilk 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced HEAT the oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high. Season the steak with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add to skillet and cook, turning once, until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and…

[] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [x] Make Ahead [x] Big Batch [x] Slow Cooker [x] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [x] Family-Friendly ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 8 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SERVES 6 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 cup chicken stock 1 tsp. orange zest plus 1 tsp. fresh orange juice 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 limes) 6 6-in. sub rolls ⅓ cup Dijon mustard 3 oz. thinly sliced deli ham 3 oz. thinly sliced Swiss cheese 1 whole dill pickle, thinly sliced crosswise RUB the pork with the garlic and salt and place in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken…

I RECENTLY REFUSED to bake a pie for a fund-raiser at my daughter's school. And it felt great. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for helping the school raise money. But I also want to read with my daughter, hang out with my husband, and have some quality me time. (Sheet masks and Netflix, I hear you calling my name.) Really, the best way, perhaps the only way, for a busy woman to spend her free time as meaningfully as possible is to keep a no or two in her pocket. Easier said than done. It wasn't always this way. I come from a long line of chronic yes-sayers. On her way to take a roast out of the oven, my mother would stop to admire my weird Play-Doh sculpture,…

FURNITURE GUARDS Glue short pieces of cord to the bottoms of decorative bowls, lamps, and vases to prevent scraping or slippage. The cord curves to accommodate any shape base. CHUNKY NECKLACE For custom statement jewelry, snip off the headphones and jack, slip on beautiful beads, and fasten the ends with a bit of matching electrical tape. SLIP-PROOF TIE Need to bundle slippery items, like curtain rods or wooden pencils, for storage? Wrap three times with these cords. The rubber coating holds everything tight and secure. HANGING WIRE A length of earbud cord works as well as wire on the back of a frame or piece of art. Cut the cord to the approximate length, then adjust as you tie the ends to D-rings on the artwork's back.…

1 SHIFT DRESS Better than basic. Think of this frock as a high-impact LBD. $73, asos.com. 2 BOMBER JACKET As chic with jeans and a tee as it is with an (unexpected) pencil skirt. Press, $120, nordstrom.com. 3 ADHESIVE FLOWER PATCHES Add these removable, reusable stickers to anything from white sneakers to a minimalist leather bag for an instant update. $20 for two, trendbar.com. 4 BEDECKED BAG Both whimsical (butterflies, flowers, and stars, oh my!) and functional (fits phone, keys, and wallet), it can skew formal or brunch casual. $44, us.accessorize.com. 5 V-NECK TOP Perfect for layering. Imagine this pretty pattern peeking out from beneath a blazer. $50, nyandcompany.com. 6 ANKLE STRAPS Thanks to chunky heels and rounded toes, these embroidered pumps are full of retro appeal. $425, lkbennett.com. 7…

HOME + PICK THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR FAMILY 78 + ASK THE ORGANIZER 75 7 HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS YOU CAN TACKLE YOURSELF 68 BEAUTY + PRETTY SMART 51 + ROAD TEST: BEST BALMS FOR DRY WEATHER 55 FASHION + GYM CLOTHES SO STYLISH, THEY'RE INSTANT MOTIVATION 57 FAMILY + THE MORNING AFTER Carrying on after a whopper of a day (good or bad) 86 HEALTH 5 EXTRA PERKS OF WORKING OUT 65 WORK & MONEY + AMERICAN VOICES: TIFFANY SMITH-ANOA'I 95 + HOW TO BEAT IMPOSTOR SYNDROME 99 + ASK BUCKY 96 + MASTERING THE JOURNEY: A CRISIS, THEN A MISSION 100…

RUNNING Whether you're a morning jogger or you're training for your next marathon, these new gadgets and gear will help improve your routine. 1 SMART WATCH This watch tracks it all, including heart rate and how far you run. TO BUY: Garmin Forerunner 35 watch, $200, garmin.com. 2 PULLOVER Fully reflective fabric is a must for outdoor jaunts. The flattering color blocking is a bonus. TO BUY: Lands' End speed-running pullover, $75, lands end.com; shown with Lite-Show Winter tights, $80, asicsamerica.com. 3 GLOVES Tuck LEDs into the specialized pockets for safer night runs. TO BUY: RunLites, $20 (lights sold separately), gorunlites.com. SWITCH BACK THESE STRAPS CONVERT FROM RACER-BACK TO OPEN BACK FOR A CUSTOMIZED RANGE OF MOTION. 4 SPORTS BRA Designed for high impact, with a flawless fit by cup…

Kid-lounge layout What's a neat way to set up a playroom for a boy and a girl who are close in age but who have different interests? S. S., via Facebook Section off the space: His stuff goes on one wall, hers on another, and shared toys, games, and craft supplies on a third one. Use the fourth wall for a sofa. To give the room a cohesive look, choose a uniform storage system. I like shelves filled with clear plastic tubs (translucent medium drawers, $17 each, containerstore.com). Skip the lids to make cleanup easier. Don't have the wall space for this setup? Consider storing shared items in the center of the room on an open-shelf divider that's accessible from both sides (Kallax shelf unit, $65, ikea.com—turned on its side…

5 MINUTES • unsubscribe from one e-mail list that drives you nuts • jot down a fix-it list • post on Facebook for a handyman/dog walker/Saturday-night sitter • book a date with that friend you never see enough of • change or clean at least one household filter (central air/Brita/stove vent) • order new socks for everyone! • clean under the oven or behind the refrigerator • order batteries online • set up mail-order delivery for regular prescriptions • write that thank-you note you've been meaning to get to • book hair-color appointments for the year • download a meditation app UNDER AN HOUR • make doctor and dentist appointments for the family for the whole year • clean out the freezer • set a timer and delete e-mails that…

ROSALIZ JIMENEZ is at an event hall in downtown New York City, about to walk the runway for the plus-size shopping site Full Beauty. She takes a last look at her outfit—black jumpsuit, turquoise platforms, citron jacket—draws a deep breath, and struts onstage, in step with the music (the Robert Palmer tune "Simply Irresistible," blasting from the sound system). The lights are incredibly bright, and the crowd—celebs, stylists, models, and media folk—enthusiastic. Rosaliz reaches the end of the runway, strikes a pose, pivots gracefully, and strides offstage. The thrill is intense. "I felt like a superstar," recalls Rosaliz, 42, the photo director at the celebrity fashion magazine StyleWatch (a Time Inc. publication). She was one of only three non-pro models in that April 2015 show—a far cry from the shy…

NIX THE PRESERVATIVES This (easy!) DIY crust is made from whole-wheat flour plus flaxseed, so it is packed with omega-3's and has none of the additives in many store-bought doughs and crusts. GO LEAN Cut the fat in half by using sirloin instead of ground chuck. A bit of bacon in the mix adds flavor with a fraction of the calories. PILE IT ON This gooey homemade queso is rich and melty, but it's made with low-fat milk. UP YOUR VEG It's not all zucchini noodles—just half. You get the comfort of spaghetti with a healthy dose of green. USE WHOLE GRAINS White whole-wheat flour has the texture and the flavor of all-purpose and four times the fiber. SKIP SYRUPS The ice cream is healthier and so are the toppings:…

Quick Cooking (118, 119, 135, 136, 138, 141) Healthy Pick (118, 135, 137, 141) Freezable (119, 141, 142) Make Ahead (118, 119, 139, 141, 142) Big Batch (118, 119, 139, 142) Slow Cooker (139) One Pot (138, 139, 141) Whole-Grain (118, 119, 141) Vegetarian (118, 119, 135, 141, 142) Gluten-Free (118, 135, 136, 137, 138, 141) Family-Friendly (118, 119, 139, 141, 142) HEAD START There's no need to wash a head of cabbage thoroughly. Just remove the outermost leaves before chopping or shredding. A head will keep for up to 2 weeks in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. BEYOND STUFFING Have leftover sage from Thanksgiving? Its piney flavor pairs well with any type of roasted poultry or root vegetable, such as Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (page 138).…

[x] Quick Cooking [x] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [x] Vegetarian [x] Gluten-Free [] Family-Friendly ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 medium butternut squash, diced (about 4 cups) 4 Tbsp. red curry paste 3 cups vegetable stock 1 cup coconut milk 8 oz. extra-firm tofu ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 head baby bok choy, thinly sliced 1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) COMBINE the squash, curry paste, and vegetable stock in a large saucepan over high. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.…

Save some green Don't toss the leaves if they're still attached. They are delicious sautéed with garlic or chopped raw and sprinkled over dishes as a garnish. Separate the leaves from the roots and store them on their own, loosely wrapped in barely damp paper towels in a plastic bag. They'll keep in the crisper for up to 2 days. Root, root, root… …for the young, small (about 1-inch-long) turnips that show up in early winter. This is the sweetest and crispiest crop of the year. Look for turnips that are firm and unblemished and feel heavy for their size. Store them unwashed in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Trim the roots and peel right before using. 1 Pan-seared turnips Cook 1 lb.…