Table of contents for February 2017 in Real Simple

THE OTHER WEEK, while my husband and I were getting ready for work, he casually said, "Hey, could you keep an eye out for my wedding ring?" Notice how he sidestepped the word "misplaced" or "lost." Also notice the timing: a busy weekday morning that left little time for discussion. Clearly this is a man who has learned a few things over our 10 years of marriage. Because while I'm calm and cool about many issues, misplacing or losing things makes me a little nuts. It just seems so preventable. This is why we have a holder for keys in our entryway, a basket for bills in the office, and, ahem, a nifty ring holder that I bought my husband for his dresser (below; it's from CB2 if you're curious).…

Popular science In The Perpetual Now, journalist Michael D. Lemonick introduces Lonni Sue Johnson, an artist who was left severely amnesiac after encephalitis. She now lives permanently in the present: Her memories are wiped clean about every 15 minutes. Through sharing Johnson's compelling story, Lemonick delivers a fascinating lesson that deepens our appreciation for our own memories. Great for book club Inspired by Andrew Wyeth's 1948 painting Christina's World, novelist Christina Baker Kline's A Piece of the World paints an imagined portrait of the real woman whose image is so widely known. It's a gorgeous read. Literary fiction At the start of Katie Kitamura's spellbinding novel A Separation, a couple has split up. But when the husband disappears in Greece, the wife reluctantly agrees to look for him. As her…

THE COLOR PURPLE Brighten even the drabbest winter skin with a swirl of Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Limelight ($58; kevynaucoin.com) on cheekbones and brow bones. This pigmented highlighter goes on like iridescent pixie dust, so you look refreshed—not like you had a run-in with your kid's glittery craft project. MAGIC EYE MAKING BRILLIANT USE OF SCHOOL-SUPPLY TECHNOLOGY, CLARINS 4-COLOUR ALL-IN-ONE PEN ($30; CLARINS.COM) HOUSES FOUR CREAMY LINERS. JUST CLICK THE COLOR-CODED TABS TO DISPENSE NUDE FOR LIPS OR BLACK, BROWN, OR BLUE FOR EYES. Extra foam, please First there was the beloved Dove beauty bar. Then the cult-favorite creamy body wash. And now the frothy magic that is Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam ($6; at drugstores). One pump delivers a puff of foam that hydrates skin and rinses clean. Have…

Not just a pretty detail, the scalloped edge on this bra gives it a seamless finish—and a smooth line under any top. TO BUY: Allegra bra, $74; journelle.com. THE STYLE Demi cup Cut low, demi styles are inherently sexy and create a natural, smooth shape that works well with tees and lower necklines. 1 Stretchy lace moves with you for the ultimate comfort and fit. TO BUY: Zelia bra, $65; eberjey.com. 2 The straps on this very affordable option convert six different ways, for nearly any neckline. TO BUY: Second Take multiway bra, $16; yandy.com. 3 Genius! Thirdlove offers bras in traditional and half-letter sizes, like 32B½. TO BUY: 24/7 Lace Balconette, $76; thirdlove.com. THE STYLE Bralette Free of padding and underwires, bralettes offer light support that's perfect for lounging—no…

MARÍA CRISTINA "MC" GONZÁLEZ NOGUERA • Senior vice president of global public affairs at Estée Lauder Companies • Based in New York City You've been adapting to new environments since you were little. When I was 5, my mother and I moved from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New London, Connecticut, where she was recruited to be a social worker. I spoke very limited English. I remember getting to kindergarten and the teacher speaking to me. I had absolutely no idea what she was saying. Looking back, I see I was very lucky. My mother instilled in me a sense of flexibility—geographic flexibility and flexibility in terms of how you relate to people. How has that affected your career philosophy? If something isn't working for you, you should do something…

Here's a sound meditation you can do anytime to feel less stressed and more open: Sit quietly and relax your jaw, face, and tongue. Close your eyes; imagine your ears opening. Begin to notice the sounds around you. Now pick just one of those—a ticking clock, say, or your dog's snoring—and follow it for a minute or so. Then let it go and focus on a different sound—the wind blowing outside, for example. Give that a few moments' attention. Do the same with a third sound. Finally, take a deep, easy breath and let all the sounds around you come into your ears at once. The result: You might appreciate that all sounds come and go—those you like and those you find annoying—and that you can be stable and relaxed…

ROASTED BONE-IN PORK RACK WITH THYME ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 25 MINUTES SERVES 8 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 5½-lb. bone-in pork loin rack (8 ribs), frenched 4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 3 tsp. black pepper, divided 12 oz. small multicolored carrots with tops, trimmed 3 cups bite-size cauliflower florets 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into wedges 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves Flat-leaf parsley leaves, for serving POUR 3 tablespoons oil into a heavy roasting pan. Transfer pan to oven and preheat to 400°F. SEASON pork all over with 3 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons pepper. Remove roasting pan from oven and carefully place pork, fat side down, in hot oil. Return to oven and roast for 15 minutes. TOSS carrots, cauliflower, and fennel…

[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 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 medium red grapefruit 2 medium ripe avocados, diced 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced ¼ cup roasted, salted pepitas ¼ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems ¼ cup olive oil, divided 1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 tsp. black pepper, divided 4 6-oz. boneless, skinless tilapia fillets PEEL and segment grapefruit over a bowl, reserving juice. Gently combine grapefruit segments, avocados, shallot, pepitas, cilantro, 2 tablespoons reserved grapefruit juice, 2 tablespoons oil, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. HEAT 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick…

[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 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 large eggs 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, divided 2 cups panko 4 4-oz. chicken cutlets 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste ¾ tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste ½ cup olive oil, divided 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 carrot, peeled and shaved into ribbons 5 oz. lacinato kale, torn WHISK together eggs and 1 tablespoon mustard in a shallow dish. Place panko in another shallow dish. SEASON chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Dip cutlets in egg mixture, then dredge in panko, pressing to…

Every Monday on Instagram Stories, we're sharing powerful quotes to start your week off right. Find us at @real_simple. MONDAY MOTIVATION "It always seems impossible until it's done." —NELSON MANDELA MEET REBECCA HART DIGITAL ART DIRECTOR AT REAL SIMPLE Designer who inspires me: Lotta Nieminen My favorite pattern: Who doesn't love a fun banana-leaf print or stripes? My secret skill: Weaving! FIND MORE @REBECCAHARTDESIGN ON INSTAGRAM Here: Rebecca's midcentury-influenced living room. Her favorite item? The pouf from Land of Nod! TUNE IN LIVE ON FACEBOOK The best part of Facebook Live: We can answer your questions in real time. Whether you need us to switch out an ingredient or offer a decorating trick for your bedroom, get answers immediately when you watch our daily live streams. Video director BRIAN MADIGAN…

3 QUICK IDEAS Tahini roast chicken Combine ½ cup tahini, ¼ cup honey, 2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1 tsp. black pepper. Rub half under the skin of 1 3½-lb. whole chicken and the remaining mixture over the skin. Roast at 375°F until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh registers 165°F, about 1 hour. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh oregano leaves. Horseradish hummus Process 1 15-oz. can drained and rinsed cannellini beans, ½ cup tahini, 3 Tbsp. each fresh lemon juice and water, 2 Tbsp. creamy prepared horseradish, and 1 tsp. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth. Top with black sesame seeds; serve with crudités or pita chips. Tahini blondies Combine 1¾ cups packed light brown sugar, 1 cup tahini, ¼ cup melted…

DOUGH CUTTER Use the ring of a lid to press circles for biscuits or sugar cookies with ease. PHOTO MAGNET For a quick fridge frame, trim photo to size, using the flat lid piece as a template. Glue the photo to the inside of the flat plate and place inside the ring. Then glue a small magnet to the back of the plate. Voilà! MAKESHIFT MUFFIN TINS Can't find the muffin pan? No problem. Place six jar rings (wide side down) on a cookie sheet. Set a paper baking cup in each, fill with batter, and bake according to the recipe. VOTIVE HOLDER For a charming base that protects surfaces from wax drips, apply glue to the edge of the flat piece and place inside the ring; let dry. FIND…

1 FRINGED WRAP Tassels add a touch of whimsy to this cashmere serape. $248; jmclaughlin.com. 2 SLEEVELESS SWEATER A mock-neck top is great for layering—this one will light up your wardrobe well into spring. $70; talbots.com. 3 BEADED NECKLACE Pair this piece with everything from a plain white tee to a dressy silk top. $70; anntaylor.com. 4 BLUE SUEDE SHOES Great with jeans now; add to a poplin dress for a relaxed, pulled-together look come warmer weather. $70; carlosshoes.com. 5 CROCHET DRESS This figure-flattering frock works year-round—layer it with a blazer while temps are low; for summer weddings, try metallic sandals. Kobi Halperin, $598; neimanmarcus.com. 6 COCKTAIL RING Made of actual lapis (a gold-flecked variety), this beautiful bauble elevates even the most basic outfit. $225; pippasmall.com. 7 BUCKET BAG Swap…

TO HELP YOU SPEND LESS Be frank about finances. Money-related social situations (expensive meals out, chipping in on a pricey gift) are tricky, but when you're forthcoming about your goal to spend less, you may be pleasantly surprised by how peers react, says Rachel Cruze, author of Love Your Life, Not Theirs. Remember, others are probably feeling the same pinch. Create customized lists of needs and wants. "Budgets often fail because they're not personalized," says Anna Newell Jones, author of The Spender's Guide to Debt-Free Living. Beyond groceries, housing, electricity, and transportation, there's a lot of leeway. If frequent travel or elaborate family parties are key to your happiness, put those on your "needs" list. "Move something of equal scale and value—premium movie channels, landscaping services—to "wants," and make cuts…

YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO to lose weight: Eat a little less, move a little more, and figure out what works for your body. "No more chocolate," you declare. "I'll take up Cross Fit," you promise. "I can live without chips for a while," you vow. But then one day you're tired. Or grumpy. Or that lethal combo: hangry. So you figure you deserve the raspberry truffle ball, dammit. And before you've polished off that leftover holiday candy, you've begun spiraling down a slippery slope that ends with ice cream on the couch at midnight. All the science in the world won't help you lose weight if your heart isn't in the game. It's not enough to know what to do—the secret is under standing how to make yourself do…

OMBRÉ THE ORDINARY Basic Ikea bookshelves in an entryway or other open space look luxe when you push them together for a gradient display. "Put the lightest books up top for an airy look," says Mauri. Group the rest by color, but resist the urge to go strictly lightest to darkest. "Mixing it up makes the effect more sophisticated," she says. Fill out the spot with some greenery and pretty vessels. POUF PERFECT "Ottomans are my must-have," says Mauri. "They're such functional little pieces—you can move them around for extra seating, then tuck them away. I chose two different ones for this room because I already had a pair of matching chairs. I found the wall lamp at workstead.com PALETTE PARTICULARS It's easy to pick out accent pieces if you…

[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 6 slices bacon, cut crosswise into ½-in. pieces 1 small baguette, torn into bite-size pieces 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 large eggs 3 Tbsp. buttermilk 2 Tbsp. sour cream 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. kosher salt 5 oz. baby spinach COOK bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate; reserve drippings in skillet. ADD baguette pieces to drippings and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden…

[x] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [x] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [] Family Friendly ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced 4 Tbsp. cold, unsalted butter, divided 3 cloves garlic, sliced 1 Tbsp. small, fresh sage leaves 1 16-oz. pkg. potato gnocchi ½ cup dry sherry 1 cup vegetable stock ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. black pepper ⅓ cup toasted, chopped hazelnuts BRING a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. MELT 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic and sage; cook until golden and fragrant, about…

Adorable cleaning tool Disinfect your microwave in a flash with this five-inch, dishwasher-safe doodad. Just fill with vinegar and water, place on the microwave tray, and set the oven timer for five minutes. The heated water steams up the inside of the oven, softening stuck-on gunk so you can wipe clean. Angry Mama, $10; bulbhead.com. Works with iPhone 7 when plugged into a Lightning headphone jack adapter. Earbud enhancer Improve the sound quality of earbuds (without upgrading to bulky headphones) with this handy rechargeable gadget—the Boomstick. Plug headphones into it and you get better volume, bass, and clarity. BoomCloud 360 Boomstick, $80; sprint.com. Sweetening the deal at the finish line is a special spot for dessert. Mealtime game Replace the "One more bite, please" conversation with this playful plate, which…

TREATING YOURSELF to a bunch of roses this month? Make them last by cutting stems flat and pulling off leaves that will sit below the water, says John M. Dole, professor of floriculture at North Carolina State University. And definitely add that little packet of flower food. No packet? Dole says that roses thrive in a vase filled with equal parts water and (wait for it) lemon-lime soda—the sugar, citric acid, and preservatives do the trick. ROSES ON YOUR PLATE For five delicious (and romantic) infused recipes, go to realsimple.com/roses.…

1 BEST SPRAY L'Oréal Paris Root Cover Up This quick-drying spray is highly pigmented, so you can hide grays in one shot. The pointed nozzle offers a precise application, and the sweatproof formula lasts until your next shampoo. In six shades. TO BUY: $11; at drugstores. 2 BEST POWDER Color Wow Root Cover Up Available in seven subtly shimmery hues to mimic hair's shine, this compact is makeup for your hair. The dual-tip brush makes it easy to hit large or small sections, and the bristles are densely packed, so the powder won't fall onto your forehead. "I love that there's no dry time," said a tester. TO BUY: $35; colorwowhair.com. 3 BEST LONG-TERM FIX dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit Too busy for the salon? Extend the life of your dye…

1 MILANI BAKED BRONZER "Apply it all over for a warm glow or as a highlighter on the tops of cheeks. I like to use a stippling brush to ensure I don't overdo it." TO BUY: $10; milanicosmetics.com. 2 OLAY MAKEUP REMOVER WET CLOTHS "These remove all traces of makeup— even waterproof mascara—without irritation." TO BUY: $6; olay.com. 3 REVLON BALM STAIN "I always use this when a model or an actress needs a natural look. It's just enough color, and it's super hydrating." TO BUY: $9; ulta.com. 4 No7 STAY PERFECT FOUNDATION "This gives light coverage—just enough to conceal redness and even out skin tone. Using a foundation brush, blend out from the center for a natural finish." TO BUY: $16; target.com. 5 MAYBELLINE MASTER PRECISE INK PEN LINER…

1 NOAH GALLOWAY, VETERAN AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER Say nothing at all. A good friend of mine recently lost his mother. Everybody was reaching out to him, concerned. I texted him, "If you just want to hang out and not talk, I'm here." He took me up on it. He came over, and we ended up talking about college football, life, our kids—everything but his loss. At times we just sat there and didn't say a word; guys have that ability. Guys could learn from women about opening up and sharing feelings, but there's a happy medium. Sometimes we need a moment that feels normal and reminds us that there are still things in life that have always made us happy, like time with friends. Noah Galloway lost two limbs as…

At a child's birthday party I went to recently, there were preprinted thank-you notes in each goody bag. I always thought thank-you notes should include a nice mention of the gift, which obviously isn't possible with a generic card. My own child's party is coming up, and I'm tempted to take the easy route with the preprinted cards, but is it proper? C.L. Generic, preprinted thank-you notes are not proper from an etiquette standpoint. And from a gratitude-building one, they're not right either. I say this as a person who has shepherded my children through the writing of hundreds of thank-you notes during their gift-getting lives. In other words, I understand that you'd rather be getting a root canal than trying to extract gratitude (18 times over) from your son.…

WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT YOUR MOM LIKELY didn't discuss it much, and it's not exactly brunch conversation for women in their 30s and 40s. Researchers haven't paid a lot of attention either. But perimenopause—the time when your body gradually stops producing its usual mix of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and starts shutting down baby-making operations—could last 4 to 10 years, with symptoms that give you flashbacks to junior high (acne! cramps!) plus a slew of havoc-wreaking new ones (hot flashes! vaginal dryness!). Perimenopause is finally having its moment in the spotlight. Experts now recognize it as a unique life stage (menopause itself is marked by going one year without a period) and are developing better treatments for it, thanks in part to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation…

Corliss Elizabeth Williams + Amani Olu HAPPY FAMILY: Corliss and Amani, both 36, and baby Amelia Elizabeth live in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where Corliss grew up. FOURTH TIME'S A CHARM ONCE UPON A TIME, in 2009, there was a woman named Corliss and a guy named Amani, two artsy types in Brooklyn— and a friend who tried to fix them up. Facebook activity ensued. Corliss, then an art director for a magazine (she now runs a vintage-clothing boutique), sent Amani a message. Amani says he never got it (ahem). But he saw her picture. And six months later, lo and behold, he stepped into a singles party in her neighborhood, and there she was. "She was talking to some tall guy," recalls Amani, who runs his own marketing and public…

Quick Cooking (114, 131, 132, 134, 136, 137) Healthy Pick (118, 131) Freezable (139) Make Ahead (118, 139) Big Batch (114, 118, 139) Slow Cooker (118) One Pot (114) Vegetarian (137) Gluten-Free (114, 118, 131) Family Friendly (114, 118, 132, 134, 136) COOK WITH COZI Get this month's easy dinners and other recipes in Cozi, a free meal-planning and organizing app from Time Inc., available on iTunes and Google Play.…

[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 1 cup long-grain white rice 3 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided 1¼ lb. flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain 1 lb. Broccolini, trimmed and cut into 2-in. pieces 1 small Fresno chile, thinly sliced crosswise, optional 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 cup beef broth 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1½ Tbsp. light brown sugar 2 tsp. cornstarch COOK rice according to package directions. MEANWHILE, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Add beef and cook, tossing often, until only slightly pink, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a…

ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR SERVES 8 2 Tbsp. olive oil 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 lb.) 2½ tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 tsp. black pepper, divided 2 medium onions, chopped 1 fresh chile (such as Fresno or jalapeño), sliced, plus more for serving 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided 4 6-oz. cans whole green chiles, drained 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving 4 15-oz. cans hominy, rinsed Tortilla chips and lime wedges, for serving HEAT oil in a large pot over medium-high. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Working in batches, add chicken and cook until browned, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. REDUCE heat to…

OUT OF THE BOX TRANSFER GRANOLA TO AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER TO KEEP IT FRESH LONGER. 1 BEST OATS AND HONEY Cascadian Farm Oats and Honey Bite-size clusters of organic oats stay crunchy in milk, even at the bottom of the cereal bowl. Unlike some overly sweet competitors, this pick has a honey-vanilla flavor balanced by sea salt. TO BUY: $4 for 16 ounces; at grocery stores. 2 BEST FOR HEALTH NUTS Nature's Path Chia Plus Coconut An organic cereal that's packed with omega-3–rich chia seeds and dried coconut. Plus, the oat base is mixed with airy puffed rice, so it won't leave you feeling weighed down. TO BUY: $3.30 for 12.3 ounces; at grocery stores. 3 BEST TO BUY IN BULK Early Bird Foods & Co. Gets the Worm This…