Table of contents for July 2017 in Real Simple

Offbeat Memoir Tamara Shopsin spent most of her childhood at the counter of Shopsin’s, her family’s famous New York City restaurant. In Arbitrary Stupid Goal, she weaves together quirky illustrations and lively memories of the eccentric characters who shaped her unconventional youth, reminding readers that there is joy to be found in living a spontaneous life. Gripping Page-turner In Fierce Kingdom, an ordinary visit to the zoo turns into a struggle for survival for Joan and her young son Lincoln when gunmen open fire on the people inside. Gin Phillips’s heartpounding novel will have readers questioning what lengths a mother would go to in order to save her child...or someone else’s. Timely True Crime Reporter Monica Hesse heads to Virginia to cover the trial of Charlie Smith, charged with committing…

COMPACT TRIPOD Weighing just 2 pounds, this aluminum stand extends to 61 inches to support a smartphone or small camera and features a removable telescoping column and Bluetooth remote for snapping selfies. TO BUY: RoadTrip Air, $175; mefoto.com. SPACE-SAVING PACKING CUBES Organize your suitcase with these durable nylon pouches. Sharing a bag? The sets come in seven colors so you can quickly tell whose is whose. TO BUY: Mumi packing cubes, $50 for 5; mumidesign.com. ARTFUL EARPLUGS These reusable polyurethane beauties will add a bit of flair to your rest routine. And the neon colors ensure they won’t get lost at the bottom of your bag. TO BUY: HAY Be Quiet Earplugs, $4 for 2; momastore.com. TRAVEL TOOTHPASTE ADAPTER Hotels rarely provide toothpaste, so take yours to go. This set…

The secret to choosing the ripest melon for your summer barbecue lies in the color of the splotch on the fruit’s underside. “Look for a buttery yellow shade,” says Angela L. O’Neal, a watermelon grower at Coosaw Farms in Fairfax, South Carolina. “This signifies that the watermelon ripened adequately under the sun in the field.” (A white spot can denote underripeness, and a too-yellow spot could mean an overripe, grainy melon.) After you locate the mark, pick up the melon to measure juiciness—at about 92 percent water, it should feel heavy for its size.…

Freeze your building blocks I chop and sauté some vegetable blends (onions, peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes), then some chicken in small pieces, and freeze in separate small containers. During the week, I use one at a time for different recipes— omelets, pasta, quesadillas. It’s a time-saver. —TRISH SALEEBY, ST. LOUIS Ask for help The hubby takes the little ones to the park for a few hours on Sunday while I wash all the fruit and cut all the veggies for the week. Having cut carrots and already prepped salads makes for easy lunches and dinner sides, not to mention stir-fry or veggie scrambles in a pinch. —SHEILA HANSON, PORTLAND, OREGON Make just one thing I steam kale in advance and add it to meals. It stays good for four to…

1 BEST FOR HAIR Eva NYC Purse Perfect Hair Towelettes Tame flyaways and boost shine by smoothing these squares over dry hair from midshaft to ends. TO BUY: $15 for 10; ulta.com. 2 BEST FOR MAKEUP Sephora Collection Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes These tropicalscented softies take off dirt, oil, and, yes, all your waterproof mascara without a trip to the sink. TO BUY: $7.50 for 25; sephora.com. 3 BEST FOR BODY Goodwipes Body Wipes for Everyone A shower in a wipe! These jumbo biodegradable sheets clean every inch fast with tea-tree oil and peppermint. TO BUY: $8 for 10; goodwipes.com. 4 BEST FOR UNDERARMS Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes Use these aluminum-free wipes as a deodorant in the morning—or to freshen up postyoga, predinner. Witch hazel helps fight odor. TO BUY:…

1 BEDDING BINS Assign a labeled basket to each bedroom in the house and add a set of sheets or two. You’ll never have to dig through piles of mismatched pillowcases again. TO BUY: Beach house bins, $20 each (large); containerstore.com. 2 DUVET ROLL That bulky spare comforter doesn’t need to take up prime real estate. Give it a spacesaving upper-corner spot after folding it in half lengthwise, then rolling it up like a sleeping bag. 3 TOWEL STASH Stacks of washcloths and hand towels tend to topple. Instead, corral rolled ones in a wire bin. (Bonus: You can cram more in.) 4 TOILETRIES KIT A little trick with a big impact: Keep a ready-to-go grouping of soap, shampoo, and other overnight essentials so you don’t have to hunt around…

Your first grader needs to maintain her skills, your teen has a date with 1984, and you just want everyone’s brain (including your own) to not become mush by August. “The best way to keep kids deeply connected with books is to read together as a family,” says Pam Allyn, founder of LitWorld and author of What to Read When. These pages have the plan—and the book picks—you need to get started. Make It an Adventure Start the summer with a special event. The only rule: Kids get to read whatever they want (within reason). And you get snacks. CAMPOUT Books are better by flashlight, right? Pitch a tent in the backyard. (Alternative: Build a fort in the living room and turn out the lights.) Make s’mores, stay up a…

THE SUN is beaming, your Insta feed is filled with beach shots, and—cue the violins—you’re stuck at work. Productivity experts share their top tricks for staying focused and motivated when you feel really (really) distracted. SET 3 GOALS FOR THE DAY Make a must-do list, not a to-do list, of three things you have to get done. Be realistic aboutwhat you can accomplish. “Limiting your goals takes the overwhelm away and keeps you focused,” says Sarah Knight, author of Get Your Sh*t Together. There’s also a secret power in the number three, says Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project: “The three little pigs, three Olympic medals, three parts of a story—our brain iswired to think in threes.” Whenyou follow through onwhat you intended to do, you’ll end the day…

A FEW YEARS AGO, I noticed a trend among the people I socialize with. Instead of suggesting we meet for coffee, itwas, “Let’s get drinks!” Maybe this was because I was hitting a phase in my lifewhere many of my friends were also divorced and therefore had some nights “off.” Or it might have been that drinks just sound more festive than coffee...and don’twe all need more festivity? Even though I’ve never been that much of a drinker—you can always spot me at the table, the one with five ice cubes in mywhitewine—I found myself having drinks out a lot. My problem is, I tend to drink the way I shop and write: fast. Of the three, drinking fast is the only one that gives me trouble. Shopping fast gets…

Violet Lids “Purple on the eyes is fresh and unique, yet it really does look good on all skin tones,” says makeup artist Moani Lee. “Press shadow onto skin with a brush, then blend it out at the crease.” MAKE IT POP If you want the most vibrant color (see page 145 for the model’s shade, plus bonus brights), prep lids with a primer, like E.L.F. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer ($2; elfcosmetics .com), to neutralize blue or green tones on lids and prevent creasing. KEEP IT SUBTLE Bold purple lids not your thing? Ease into the trend by smudging a purple liner along the upper lash line for a soft peek of color. Coral Nails Makeup minimalist? Pair clean skin with vibrant nails. MAKE IT POP For color that looks…

MAKING YOUR OWN salad dressing is the key to becoming a stronger cook: Master it and you’ll have the confidence to improvise other dishes. Storebought dressings, even simple vinaigrettes, are often slicked with freaky stabilizers and excess sweeteners, which can overpower your greens.Once you graduate to the homemade stuff, you’ll never go back. This recipe is a combination of ingredients you almost always have on hand, and you can modify each batch to suit your mood. Try agave or maple syrup in place of the honey or add some freshly grated lemon zest for extra floral tang. Nowgo forth and emulsify. BUI L DI N G A B E T T E R SAL AD Mix Lettuces You can buy a clamshell or bagged mix, but we like varying sizes…

MEET REBECCA LONGSHORE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AT REAL SIMPLE Favorite social media platform? I love Instagram so much. Maybe a little too much. Dream vacation? I hope I get to go back to Turks and Caicos. The water there is amazing. Favorite summer activity? Hiking in Tennessee with my husband and our two dogs. @RHLONGSHORE ON INSTAGRAM WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST Rebecca’s go-to brunch dish? A delicious and easy frittata, like this one she made on a relaxing Sunday. Customize with your favorite in-season ingredients. For a similar recipe, visit realsimple.com/frittata. A JULY DIY Set your outdoor table with homemade candles. Make them in terra-cotta pots, mason jars, or teacups. Check out the how-to at realsimple.com/ diycandles. Drink of the summer Why decide between a glass of wine and a…

FROM THE TANK BOXED WINE NOW THIS IS our kind of juice box! Available in red, white, and rosé, each three-liter carton lasts up to a month after opening, since the liquid remains sealed off from oxygen. TO BUY: From $32; fromthetank.com. “HANS ZIMMER LIVE” MOVIE BUFFS WILL MARVEL AT THIS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING THE COMPOSER’S CLASSIC FILM SCORES (THINK: GLADIATOR, INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT). SNAG TICKETS FOR THE U.S. LEG OF THE TOUR STARTING JULY 13. FIND DETAILS AT HANSZIMMERLIVE.COM GOOGLE PHOTO BOOKS THE BRAND’S LATEST FEATURE ENABLES USERS TO DESIGN A HARD- OR SOFTCOVER PHOTO BOOK IN MINUTES. SEARCH YOUR PHOTOS BY PEOPLE OR PLACES AND THE APP WILL AUTOMATICALLY CURATE THE BEST-QUALITY IMAGES TO INCLUDE. TO BUY: FROM $10; PHOTOS.GOOGLE.COM. OPERATION VACATION RESEARCH SHOWS that the more…

ORIBE THE LACQUER HIGH SHINE NAIL POLISH With extra-long stems for better grip and control, these bottles make painting your nails more luxury, less drudgery. Polymers in the formula create a flexible film so the polish won’t easily chip— high five! TO BUY: $32 each; oribe.com. CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP COMFORT OIL IN CANDY Hazelnut and jojoba oils make this gloss feel smooth (not sticky), while amaranth extract reacts to your pH for the most flattering pink. TO BUY: $26; clarins.com. NARS LAGUNA BODY TINT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 Give your pale body a bronze boost—while staying protected—with this vanilla- and gardenia-scented pigmented sunscreen. TO BUY: $45; narscosmetics.com. LA ROCHEPOSAY MOUSSE FOUNDATION The beloved skin-care brand now offers makeup. This foundation melts into skin and absorbs oil. TO BUY: $30;…

OFFER WINE AND BEER YOU’LL NEED LIGHTER DRINKS, TOO. GREEK WHITES PAIR WELL WITH SUMMER FOOD. FOR BEER, CHOOSE A VARIETY WITH AN ALCOHOL CONTENT OF 4 TO 5 PERCENT; IT WILL QUENCH THIRST AND IS GOOD FOR DAY DRINKING. ADD A BUCKET OF TRENDY CANNED SPARKLING WINES—NO GLASSES TO CLEAN. TO BUY: Luau beverage tub, $100; crateandbarrel.com. KEEP TOOLS IN CLEAR VIEW Empower guests by having these: a wine opener, a bottle opener, straws, a strainer, a shaker, a bar spoon, a jigger, beverage napkins, an ice bucket with scoop, a bar towel for the inevitable spill, and a nearby trash can. Plastic cups are fine for casual gatherings. TO BUY: Copper hammered bar tool set, $80; williams-sonoma.com. SERVE A PRETTY PUNCH Use this ratio to get it…

NO7 YOUTHFUL EYE SERUM “A good eye cream is the LBD of skin care—we should all have one. This one’s hyaluronic acid erases signs of exhaustion.” TO BUY: $24; target.com. AVÈNE MINERAL ULTRA LIGHT SUNSCREEN SPF 50 “An estimated 90 percent of aging comes from unprotected UV exposure. This SPF is moisturizing and doesn’t leave skin chalky.” TO BUY: $28; cvs.com. MONA GOHARA, MD A mom of two boys, this dermatologist runs a private practice in Danbury, Connecticut, and is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine VASELINE ROSY LIPS LIP BALM “It gives my pout the perfect gloss while also doubling as a cuticle softener, heel moisturizer, and mascara remover.” TO BUY: $3.50; target.com. CREST 3D WHITE WHITESTRIPS “I don’t just use these on…

CURLY Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Orlando Pita, a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of Orlando Pita Play, suggests “a cool rinse for smoother curls.” Squeeze out water with a towel, then comb a cream, like Redken No Blow Dry Bossy Cream ($24; ulta.com), evenly from roots to tips. Wait until curls are dry before separating. REVIVE NEXT-DAY HAIR Bring back the bounce to second- or thirdday curls by scrunching in a spritz of leave-in conditioner, such as It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product ($19; ulta.com). WAVY “When air-drying wavy hair, your main hurdle is frizz, so create a smooth foundation with antifrizz shampoo and conditioner,” says celebrity hairdresser Sunnie Brook, who likes Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky ($6 each; target.com). Towel-blot to remove excess water, then mist…

@oneikathe Traveller Writer Oneika Raymond chronicles her wanderlust (she’s visited more than 95 countries!) at oneikathetraveller.com. KEY PIECES I always bring three pairs of shoes for urban exploring: sneakers for walking; a versatile, dressier option; and flip-flops for the hotel (especially if it has a pool). Another must-have: a day-to-night little black dress. PACKING STRATEGY Use a “nesting” approach. I roll my clothes, then stuff smaller things, like socks, underwear, and accessories, into larger items, like shoes. PRO TIP Don’t think in terms of individual outfits. Instead, stick to a color scheme, like black-and-white with pops of color. You can mix and match to get more out of fewer pieces.…

Big-Kid Picture Books Ideal for ages 7 to 15, these explore deeper ideas but are still engaging for prereaders Greek Myths Same stories (for the most part), different tellings based on age. Have kids compare and contrast, says Parrott. Just for Teens And with adult supervision, we add. But these timely titles will spark good discussion. Series Spin-Offs Each of these books is a new version of a best seller for a different age. Big kid reads one, little kid reads the other. Go to realsimple.com/summerreading for our adult picks and tips on how to find time for solo reading, including clever ideas if you have only short spurts of time.…

START WITH “WE” I think if you’re partners, in love or in business, it’s kind of important to speak using partner terms. That starts with “we.” “We both want a good outcome.We both have ideas about what will work.” Then it’s easier to transition to “Would it be better if one of us led the way?” (If the person is more of an interloper than a partner, you can always say, “That’s an interesting idea. Thanks. But I’ve got this covered.”) Really listening to your partner, though, means that you deliberately run the risk of having your mind changed: You might realize that you’re the one who should butt out. ALAN ALDA IS AN AWARD-WINNING ACTOR, DIRECTOR, AND SCREENWRITER AND THE AUTHOR OF IF I UNDERSTOOD YOU, WOULD I HAVE…

OFFERS EVENTS FINDS GIVEAWAYS A SIMPLE DESIGN IDEA FOR YOUR FIFTH WALL VELUX skylights complete the look of any room by opening up the ceiling— or _ifth wall—to new design horizons with natural light, fresh air, and a sky view. Add designer blinds for an unexpected color accent up above. Learn more at whyskylights.com. REAL SIMPLE CLEAN Breathe easy with innovative cleaning solutions that tackle every type of spill and stain without the use of harsh chemicals. With products for your home, hands, and dishes, realsimpleclean.com has something for everyone. DISCOVER YOUR #MONTANAMOMENT Need to get away from everyone who is looking to get away? Then your search is over. Find yourself somewhere unexpected. Montana is where you'll _ind adventures by day and modern comforts by night. Discover your #MontanaMoment…

1 BEST ICE CREAM SANDWICH 365 Everyday Value Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches This is everything the iconic sammie should be: no frills, just a thick layer of creamy vanilla ice cream between soft, chewy chocolate cookies. They were the clear winner in a very crowded category. TO BUY: $5 for 6 3.65-oz. sandwiches; at Whole Foods Market. 2 BEST CHOCOLATE-DIPPED BAR Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Bars We love the way the delicate dark chocolate shell snaps as you bite into this decadent bar. And the chocolate ice cream is velvety and intense. It even won over tasters who claimed they preferred vanilla to chocolate. TO BUY: $4.50 for 3 2.4-oz. bars; at grocery stores. 3 BEST ICE POP 365 Everyday Value Strawberry Fruit Bars Keep these kid-friendly faves…

Leave All Expectations Behind. @DURIANFAN No cell phones. Instead of capturing special moments with my phone, I’ve started to capture them with my heart and mind. Leaving the phones behind allows us to be present in the moment with those we love. NIKKI O., ARIZON Start off close to nature. Each year, my in-laws generously and graciously organize a summer family trip to a national park. Over the years, we’ve found that the most successful trips start off “rugged” and end in a fancy hotel with a delicious dinner served on white linens. One can both enjoy and endure the outdoor plumbing, bugbites, and breathtaking landscapes knowing that the lap of luxury (and a hot shower) is right around the corner. TARA O’LEARY, BEAVER, PENNSYLVANIA We always invite grandparents to…

Quick Ideas 1 SATAY SAUCE Whisk together cup each creamy peanut butter and coconut milk, cup fresh lime juice, 3 Tbsp. each light brown sugar and soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. sriracha, and tsp. peeled grated fresh ginger until smooth. Serve with grilled chicken or as a veggie dip. Serves 8. 2 GOLDEN TURMERIC ICE POPS Bring 1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk, 3 Tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. coconut oil, tsp. ground turmeric, and tsp. each ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely and pour into 5 -cup plastic ice pop molds. Insert Popsicle sticks and freeze until firm, about 8 hours. Serves 5. 3 COCONUT RICE PUDDING Bring 2 cups each whole milk and water, cup arborio rice,…

Why You Should Grill in a Cast-Iron Skillet Cooking a steak or burgers in a skillet on the grill is the best of bothworlds.You’re outside (no setting off the smoke alarm or splattering oil all over the kitchen), and you get delicious, smoky flavor. But by using the pan, you get a better crust, since it offers an even cooking surface instead of spacedout grill grates. The skillet also holds in all of a burger’s juices,which normally drip off, causing annoying flare-ups. Patties and steaks will be juicier on the inside and crisp on the outside. Don’t forget breakfast: How else can you fry eggs and hash browns over an open flame? Another Use for Your Pizza Stone Ceramic or cordierite pizza stones trap and even out heat, just like…

There’s an Oily Orange Stain on My Swimsuit Cover-up. R.J., VIA EMAIL THE FIX: Sunscreen— specifically, the ingredient avobenzone— is probably the culprit, says Kevin Tibbs, a formulation scientist and cocreator of the Better Life line of cleaning products. Pretreat the area and let it sit for 10 minutes, then put the garment in the washer on a cold cycle; use double the laundry detergent for the load size. Air-dry, as the heat from the dryer could set the stain. If the spot still won’t budge, apply a paste of lemon juice and salt (test an inconspicuous area first). Let dry in the sun, then brush away the salt and launder as usual. My Feet Are Sunburned D.D., VIA EMAIL THE FIX: Try this soothing treatment: Combine high-fat plain yogurt…

1 Choosing a Too-small Rug A rug that’s on the puny side makes a room look fragmented and feel choppy. THE FIX: Go beyond the edges of your biggest piece of furniture. If you have a standard seven-foot sofa, choose a rug that’s at least nine feet, which will extend about a foot past each side of the couch, says NewYork City designer Elaine Griffin. (Stuck with a small rug? Layer it on top of an 8-by-10-foot or 9-by-12-foot solid jute or sisal rug.) For a bedroom, choose one that’s at least 1½ feet wider than the bed (an 8-by-10-foot or 9-by-12-foot rug for a king- or queen-size bed and a 6-by-9-foot rug for a full-size bed). In a dining room, pick a rug that extends at least three feet…

@designlovefest Bri Emery, a creative director and the founder of designlovefest.com, finds frequent inspiration in tropical locales. KEY PIECES I rely on things that are dual-purpose: dresses I can toss over a swimsuit and wear to dinner, a pair of sandals that works from day to night, and a straw bag I can use as a beach tote or take into town. PACKING STRATEGY Lay everything out before it goes into your bag. Otherwise you’ll lose track and end up with too much (or forget a necessity). Remember: Less is more. Your bag will be lighter and easier to repack if you edit. PRO TIP Don’t bring too many shoes—you won’t need them at the beach!…

STEAL This rolling duffel is part of a four-piece set that includes a beachready tote and a cosmetic bag. Skyline spinner set, $70; target.com. SMART BUY Not just a pretty case, this ultralightweight carry-on is made of durable nylon that practically repels sand. Miss Plume spinner, $219; lipault-usa.com. SPLURGE Paravel’s coated Italian-cotton canvas is water- and stainproof. Make it personal with your monogram or an icon. The Grand Tour duffel, $345; tourparavel.com. Working vacation? This spinner has an outer compartment for easy access to your laptop. Wandr carry-on, $115; calpaks.com. Equipped with smart capabilities, like a phone charger and an app that lets you weigh and locate the piece. A22 Carry, $295; raden.com. Stylish and functional, this roomy, lightweight weekender glides along easily and resists scratches and…

1 NICOLE SANCHEZ, 32, FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE FINTECH START-UP ECREDITHERO “Every morning, I wake up and do the Lord’s Prayer in English and Spanish. I taught myself Spanish when I was 16 and then took advanced classes in college. I struggled with learning the language academically. I was able to master it through perseverance, and now, 15 years later, I speak it fluently. I make sure to say my prayers in both languages not just for my faith but also as a reminder of my determination.” 2 MELISSA MARKS PAPOCK, 42, FOUNDER OF THE CLOTHING BRAND CABANA LIFE “With three kids and a busy work life, I find that what keeps me grounded is a conscious attitude shift. Time is so precious when you are spread so thin.…

IT’S THE ULTIMATE work perk. When your boss is design pro Nate Berkus, you’ve got a steady stream of styling ideas at your disposal—which comes in handywhen you like the concept of having friends over but tend to stress about pulling off the party. “Timing is the trickiest part for us,” says Kelly Engstrom,Nate’s longtime assistant, who lives in LosAngeleswith husband Seth and their two children (Nora, 3, and Micaela, 9 months). “We end up throwing it all together last-minute, and then we can’t be with our guests becausewe’re stuck in the kitchen or at the grill. What I’ve learned from Nate is there are little things you can do in advance so you feel prepared.” Some prep-ahead essentials: premixed drinks, a table set with snacks, and movable seating, says…

Go to realsimple.com/ dailyrecipe to have new favorite recipes delivered to your inbox every day Easy Dinner 1 Quick Poached Shrimp and Sautéed Cucumber With Chile and Mint ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 4 Healthy Pick Whole-Grain Gluten-Free 3 cloves garlic, crushed 3 sprigs parsley 2 lemons, sliced, plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice, plus wedges for serving 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 shallots, thinly sliced 3 English cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced tsp. crushed red pepper flakes cup mint leaves Cooked brown rice, for serving BRING 3 quarts water, garlic, parsley, lemon slices, and 1 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes; remove…