Table of contents for May 2018 in Real Simple

THIS IS OUR MAKEOVER ISSUE—even though the word “makeover” makes me cringe a little. I worry that it suggests I’m judging other people’s furniture, or clothes, or makeup. There’s no uniform for grown-up life, no perfect way to decorate a dining room. That said, of course your appearance and surroundings matter to you—and there’s a real benefit to getting pro advice (that’s what we do at Real Simple!). After my husband and I bought a house in Washington, D.C., years ago, we arranged furniture, hung prints, added ceiling fans, and voilà—we were done. Or were we? The rooms didn’t feel pulled together. So we found an interior designer through a friend, who swept through the house with a giant wheel of paint colors and bright ideas.We learned a lot…

Great for Book Club Aja Gabel’s The Ensemble follows Brit, Daniel, Henry, and Jana—four string players who form the Van Ness Quartet—as they navigate breakups, marriages, deaths, failures, and successes over two decades. Gabel’s rich characters and melodic prose (fitting for a story about professional chamber musicians) make the novel a satisfying read. Comparisons to Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings are apt. Historical Fiction Paula McLain’s beloved The Paris Wife focused on Ernest Hemingway’s dramatic marriage with his first wife, Hadley. In Love and Ruin, McLain returns to the author’s love life—this time turning to Martha Gellhorn, his third wife. McLain’s engrossing novel dives into their relationship but also spotlights a woman ahead of her time—a fearless reporter who covered the major conflicts of the 20th century. Essay Collection In…

Humble rolled oats can be the foundation for more than just muesli and hot cereal. Cooked pilaf style, like rice, they become a hearty base for savory breakfast bowls. We take ours with spinach and eggs but won’t tell if you add a couple of slices of crispy bacon. Use oats in place of bread crumbs for a gluten-free veggie burger—just be sure to look for oats labeled “gluten-free,” as some are processed in facilities that handle wheat. Craving something with a little get-up-and-go? Whip up our caffeine-injected smoothie, a healthy warm weather breakfast we can definitely get behind. Quick Ideas 1 SAVORY OATMEAL WITH SPINACH AND POACHED EGGS Cook ½ chopped onion in 2 Tbsp. olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup rolled oats; cook…

The secret to banishing stubborn grate grease? A roll of aluminum foil, says Meathead Goldwyn, a grill expert at AmazingRibs.com and the author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. First, lay a sheet of heavy-duty foil on the grates of your gas or charcoal grill, then layer bricks (a cast-iron skillet or heat-safe heavy pan also works) on top so the foil doesn’t float up with the hot air. Heat the grill with the lid closed for five minutes. Then, while wearing heat-safe gloves, remove the foil with tongs and crumple it into a wad. Grasp the foil in the tongs and use it to scrub both sides of the grates. Repeat with new wads of foil until the grates are clean. As for the outside?…

1 SEPARATE SUPPLIES Designate a cubby, storage bin, or drawer for each type of project to keep necessary supplies together. If you have the space, a worktable with built-in storage keeps everything within reach. 2 LET IT ROLL Any room can transform into a craft room when your supplies are arranged on a go-anywhere cart. Wheel it into a corner or a closet when not in use. 3 ARRANGE VERTICALLY Hang a pegboard above your desk to hold tools and supplies. As you add to your inventory or your interests change, rearrange the shelves and pegs to suit your needs. 4 PROVIDE EASY ACCESS A spinning organizer corrals pens, pencils, and other small supplies in a reaching distance spot right on your work surface. 5 LEAVE EMPTY SPACE Half-finished…

1 STEP ONE Get a spoolie—a brush that looks like a mascara wand without the mascara. A good cheapie: E.L.F. Eyelash and Brow Wand ($1; elf cosmetics.com). Brush hairs up, then in the opposite direction of hair growth. This will add texture and expose any spots that need to be filled. 2 STEP TWO Grab a pencil, like Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil ($24; benefit cosmetics.com), in a shade that matches your brow hair. Starting at the tail, fill in any gaps with short, dash like strokes in the direction of hair growth, working your way to the front. Blend with the spoolie. 3 STEP THREE Add a healthy sheen and a light hold (to prevent wonky hairs from drooping during the day) with a…

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD IT’ S PART OF so many American childhoods—driving down the open highway with the family, everyone singing at the top of their lungs, and playing the license-plate game, and going miles out of the way to check out something wild and unexpected (World’s Largest Ball of Twine, anyone?). And even though the age of GPS means fewer serendipitous off-route meanderings, and though iPads and cell phones may mean your kids’ eyes are focused more often on the screen than the scenery, there’s still no better way to bond with your family than to take a road trip together. Whether you ramble down Route 66 in a hybrid or pack the kids and dog into a minivan for a cross-country trek to visit Grandma,…

GENTLE IS THE NEW STRONG The modern way to gently clean and condition. Lightweight Micellar formula, now paired with the power of the Prov-V Nutrient Blends to transform frgile hair into strands of strength. pantene.com REAL SIMPLE CLEAN Breathe easy with innovative cleaning solutions that tackle every type of spill and stain without the use of harsh chemicals. Our line of cleaning products keep your family (and the planet) safer. No matter the mess, we’ve got the all-natural solution to clean it. realsimpleclean.com THERATEARS® DRY EYE THERAPY Suffering from gritty, burning or dry eyes? Say goodbye to dry eye symptoms, and try TheraTears® dry eye therapy for immediate long-lasting relief. Visit theratears.com for special offers. More than eye drops, dry eye therapyTM. theratears.com UNLOCK FOOD’S POWER These are the…

Broiled Shrimp With Spicy PEA PUREE ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4 1 jalapeño 8 oz. sugar snap peas, trimmed ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more for boiling peas 10 oz. shelled fresh or frozen English peas ½ cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for serving 3 tsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 2 lemons), divided 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided Freshly ground black pepper 1 lb. peeled and deveined tail-on jumbo shrimp 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme 2 cups pea shoots (about 4 oz.) BROIL jalapeño on a foil-lined baking sheet, turning, until charred, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes; peel,…

LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ Contoured seaming and neoprene-like material hug your curves. L*SPACE Serve up style worthy of Kerri Walsh Jennings in this game-ready two-piece. MIRACLESUIT A built-in soft-cup bra, a high neckline, and a keyhole back come together in one super-supportive suit. Also available in plus sizes. SUMMERSALT Made from recycled materials, this UPF 50+ suit offers slight compression with a unique shape. MORGAN LANE It may be gym-inspired, but this sporty belted suit looks just as good when you’re lounging in the sand. CYNTHIA ROWLEY Designed with catching waves in mind, this neoprene style will never sag or stretch out—and it contains SPF 50+.…

There is perhaps no finer month than May: Spring flowers put on a colorful show, and temperatures mellow enough to eat alfresco. Now we lean toward lighter fare, like a pot of Swiss chard soup with green pesto (page 141). Homemade hummus (page 144) is perfect dolloped on our Grain Medley (page 150)—try the combination as part of a healthy lunch or as a simple side. If pure satisfaction is what you need, we rounded up the best boxed macaroni and cheese (page 148). Though summer is nearly here, comfort is always in season.…

It doesn’t take much time or effort to make a batch of fresh hummus. This thick and luscious dip doubles as a spread and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Find tahini, a classic addition, in cans or jars at the supermarket. Once you nail down the basic recipe, experiment with toppings like herby falafel, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or spiced and crispy browned ground lamb. A platter of refreshing crudités mingling with pickled vegetables is a welcome touch on the side. ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES MAKES 3 CUPS 2 15.5-oz. cans chickpeas (3 cups), drained and rinsed ½ cup tahini 1½ tsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 2 lemons) 2 tsp. kosher salt ⅛ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus…

Grain Medley ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR MAKES 11 CUPS 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and halved 6 cloves garlic, crushed 6 sprigs fresh thyme 3 dried bay leaves 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1½ cups long-grain brown rice 1½ cups semipearled farro 1½ cups white or red quinoa, rinsed and drained ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper COMBINE onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves in a large saucepan. Add 12 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil. WHEN onion mixture is boiling, remove lid and stir in rice. Return to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add farro and cook for 10 minutes. Add quinoa and cook for 8 minutes. DRAIN through a fine wire-mesh…

MEET HEATHER MORGAN SHOTT DIGITAL DIRECTOR AT REALSIMPLE.COM All I want for Mother’s Day: A shower without an audience (hey, a girl can dream). Dream design update: The bedroom my kids share! My daughter is ready to transition out of her toddler bed, so we’re looking at cute bunk beds, plus colorful new shelving and wall decor. Favorite way to unwind: Pure Barre. I’m totally obsessed. @HEATHERMORGANSHOTT ON INSTAGRAM Sweet DIY Cards Make your mom smile with a homemade Mother’s Day card. Bonus points if you toss in a spa gift certificate. Get how-tos at realsimple.com/mothersdaycards. One-dish Dinner This is healthy eating made simple—delicious salmon and cabbage roasted together on a sheet pan. Good news: The dishes are done. Go to realsimple.com/sheetpansalmon. Open and tap for Mother’s Day ideas.…

INDULGE Upgrade your home sundae bar with this sorbet inspired collection from Le Creuset. The ice cream bowls and spoons (pictured here), mugs, and ramekins are available in six sweet pastel shades. The signature Le Creuset stoneware is easy to clean, microwave and oven safe, and scratch and stain resistant, making this dishware perfect for daily use. GET SCREENED May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and the Skin Cancer Foundation is kicking off its Destination: Healthy Skin program. An RV, equipped with two exam rooms, will travel around the country providing free skin cancer information and screenings. Find out when the RV will be in your neighborhood at destinationhealthyskin.org. KEEP IN TOUCH Pixinote transforms your cell phone photos into high-quality snail-mail cards in just minutes. Simply download…

WETBRUSH GO GREEN DETANGLER Its flexible bristles bend around and over knots so you can detangle wet hair without pulling. Bonus: It’s made from a biodegradable plant starch. CLINIQUE BEYOND PERFECTING SUPER CONCEALER A creamy cover-up that hides dark circles but doesn’t settle into fine lines? Ding ding ding! The formula comes in 17 shades and is sweat resistant, so it won’t run on a hot day. BURT’S BEES MOISTURIZING LIP MASK A sheet mask…for your lips! Smooth it on while watching television, then peel it off after five minutes. Meadowfoam-seed and almond oils turn even the driest lips baby smooth. RODIAL VIT C BRIGHTENING CLEANSING PADS Laced with vitamin C and salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids, the pads gently exfoliate to brighten skin, and they help clear…

FOR YOUR BALCONY OR PATIO 1 WOVEN SEAT The vibrant pattern gives patio furniture a fresh feel. 2 HANGING CHAIR Set it up when you need a seat; tuck it away when you don’t. 3 CAFÉ TABLE The perfect perch for a.m. coffee. 4 STRING LIGHTS Give your terrace an inviting glow. 5 DIY DECKING Easy-to-install wooden tiles instantly cover not-so-pretty flooring. 6 PLANT LADDER A vertical garden keeps fresh herbs within reach. 7 DURABLE RUNNER Add warmth to a bland balcony with a colorful jute rug. 8 PALM PLATTER Serve your guests familystyle on a melamine tray. 9 FLOOR PILLOW An oversize raffia cushion provides a spare seat. FOR YOUR FRONT PORCH 1 WHIMSICAL DOORMAT Set the tone for your outdoor decor with a painterly entry mat. 2…

Want to re-create global flavors at home? The key is mixing and matching herbs you’re probably already familiar with. Clockwise from top left: MINT Twenty-five species exist, but spearmint is one of the most common. Besides using mint for pea recipes and tea, try adding fresh torn leaves to a pasta or grain salad. This herb loves zucchini and cucumbers, two summertime stars; pair lots of mint with parsley for a fresh Middle Eastern flavor. CHIVES With a mild oniony taste, this slender herb adds depth in a delicate way. Look for a bunch with lavender-colored flowers attached (you can eat those too!). Toss chives with parsley, tarragon, and chervil to make classic French fines herbes. ROSEMARY This sturdy herb is lamb’s best friend and traditional on a roast,…

WORK, MONEY, AND HEALTH ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I got a call from a local historical society. They’d found my middle school diary! At Goodwill! Might I consider donating it to the historical society? Since much of my middle school life consisted of dull bus rides, crushes on unattainable boys, and a fear of math equations involving decimals, I couldn’t believe anyone would be interested in my youthful musings. But, I learned, diaries are an important resource. They’re not just for important figures like Virginia Woolf and Anne Frank. They show historians how people lived and tell social scientists what concerns regular folks wrestled with. So I gave the society permission to hang on to the diary, as long as it remained sealed until my death.…

I’ve been biking 27 miles to work each day for about 14 years. I live in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and work in Manhattan, which is 27 miles each way. I’m getting a three-hour workout instead of sitting on a bus or a train. I was riding by myself for a few years; then one day eight or nine years ago, I saw somebody on a bike with a pack. He told me he meets with a group of people every morning and they commute together. We’ve since become a pretty close group, and I feel a sense of camaraderie and motivation from them. For eight years, I worked as an architect and commuted to downtown Seattle by bus, on average 30 minutes each way. That’s an hour every…

For those who live with chronic pain caused by conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis, repeating aspirations can serve as a reminder that you are more than your pain. Take a few slow, full breaths in and out. Let this breathing pattern create a sense of calmness and positivity. Then, on an exhale, say to yourself, “May I be happy.” After a few more breaths, continue whispering or thinking to yourself, “May I be healthy, may I be safe, and may I live with ease.” Take your time saying each line, letting yourself really imagine what it would be like to feel happier, healthier, safer, and more at ease. —CYNDI LEE, cyndilee.com…

THE NEW MOM CATHERINE 36, software engineer HER FRESH START After struggling with infertility, Catherine got pregnant with a baby girl who couldn’t wait to come into the world, making her debut five weeks early. Catherine and her husband schlepped to and from the NICU for weeks, then buckled into the roller coaster ride of first-time parenthood. With her maternity leave nearing an end, Catherine wanted a get-ready routine that didn’t suck up too much time but made her feel pulled together: “I know my old routine won’t scale well to life with a baby and work.” BEAUTY BREAKDOWN A lob with textured ends lightened her look. Mom magic: It’ll dry faster than a longer length, and she can still pull it into a ponytail. “I like that some…

GOTTEX Kid-friendly doesn’t have to mean childish. A one-shoulder shape and a cool diagonal pattern make this a sophisticated pick. AERIE Extra coverage on the bottom (thanks to a high-rise cut) is modest without being matronly. MARA HOFFMAN Fun in the sun: You can play all day in a suit with SPF 50+ fabric and a double-wrap band that keeps the top securely in place. ARAKS X TANYA LING Extra-wide straps offer comfortable support, and the high-cut leg lines feel on trend. SEEA Designed for surfing (read: ready for activity), this suit is also full of great details, like a vintage-cut bottom and a built-in belt. HIGH DIVE BY MODCLOTH The paneled, high-rise bottom smooths without squeezing for a comfy fit. Also available in plus sizes.…

Easy Dinner 1 Fettuccine With Asparagus, Leeks, and Mint ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Family Friendly ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Quick Cooking 1 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 large lemon) 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ cup olive oil, divided ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ cup torn fresh mint, divided 10 oz. fettuccine 1½ lb. thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-in. pieces 1 large leek, white and light green parts only 1½ oz. Parmesan, shaved (about ½ cup) ⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper WHISK lemon zest and juice, salt, ¼ cup oil, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in ¼ cup mint. COOK pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus during the last 3 minutes…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST SHELLS 365 Everyday Value Organic Deluxe Shells and Creamy Cheddar Sauce Thanks to a squeezable pouch of cheese sauce that gets stirred into the warm noodles, every single shell is coated in a decadently thick and creamy sauce—no clumps in sight. BEST CLASSIC Back to Nature Organic USDA Macaroni & Cheese This no-frills pick surprised us with its silky-smooth sauce and extra-long elbows. The short, organic ingredient list also gets a thumbs-up. BEST WHITE CHEDDAR Kraft White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese The mild white Cheddar flavor and the nostalgic elbow shape make this a winner for family dinners and dorm meals alike. Opt for whole milk and the suggested half stick of butter for an irresistibly gooey sauce. BEST GLUTEN-FREE LiveGfree Gluten Free…

Pacific Tidepool: This is the shade you want to see in your entryway the moment you turn your key in the lock, step onto the doormat, and immediately trip over the 14 back issues of the New Yorker you can’t recycle because you are totally going to read them as soon as you have time. I’m sorry, what are we talking about? Pacific Tidepool! Yes! This is a blue that draws the eye away from the fact that you clean your house by shoving clutter into tote bags and then hanging the tote bags on closet doorknobs. It complements the can of orange soda that has tipped over onto the boot tray, saturating a pair of socks, a Spider-Man backpack, and a permission slip you never signed because no…

WINE FILTER Get headaches or flushed skin when you drink wine? Swirl this wand in a glass of red or white to absorb histamines and sulfites that cause side effects. Works with beer too. TODDLER TOTE This canvas kids’ bag has ample space for snacks and games and can be carried as a tote or a backpack. It even expands into a back-seat organizer. Comes in a variety of prints. STAY-PUT NOTES These colorful, 100 percent recyclable memos use static electricity instead of glue to stay in place. Plus, they’re double-sided: One surface is for dry-erase markers, and the other is for pen. FOOD SLICER Neatly cut pizza, quiche, or quesadillas with these dishwasher-safe scissors. A heat-resistant base means you won’t scratch your cutting surface. POCKET HAMMOCK Relax while…

The Trampoline Is Dirty. K.M., VIA EMAIL THE FIX: Remove leaves and debris with a broom or a leaf blower, says Becky Rapinchuk, creator of the blog Clean Mama and author of Simply Clean. Then use a garden hose to wet the entire trampoline. Fill a bucket with water and add about a tablespoon of dish or Castile soap. (Both cleansers are gentle enough to remove dirt without harming the grass below.) Finally, climb onto the trampoline with clean, large sponges that you’d use for washing a car and start scrubbing—a step Rapinchuk recommends outsourcing to the kids. When the mat is scrubbed down, rinse again with the hose and let air-dry. Something Stung Me While I Was Gardening! J.Y., VIA EMAIL THE FIX: Move inside after you’re stung…

FIND ANOTHER TIME Don’t focus on the meal; focus on the time to come together. It can be breakfast, after-school snacks, dinner—find what works for your family. I did 10 p.m. snacks when my girls were in high school because that was when they’d be getting home from sports or work or hanging out with friends. We had 15 to 30 minutes to just catch up on the day and the dramas that make up teenage life. RHONDA MCCREARY-RUTLEDGE, FORT WORTH, TEXAS SERVE A BIG BATCH Make the healthiest casserole you know. Arrange whole fresh fruit on the table and call it a day. (My secret chili has a big bunch of pureed kale in the soup, and no one has yet to discover it!) PAT SATTERFIELD, CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP,…

EMBELLISHED SLIDES Like a cheeky hula skirt for your feet, these eye-catching flats add the perfect pop of summery style. TUBE STRAP SANDALS Strappy sandals are notorious for bringing on blisters, but this latest iteration comes with built-in protection, thanks to the au courant padded straps. SLINGBACK FLATS This sleek style manages to feel ladylike and laid-back at the same time. Slip them on to dress up a pair of jeans or add casual appeal to a skirt-and-blouse combo. FLATFORM SANDALS Looking for a little lift, sans teetering heels? Fashion-forward “flatforms”—which range from sporty to snazzy—are the answer. SLIP-ON SNEAKERS Details like laser-cut designs, perforation, and open basket weave make for more stylish sneaks (and provide ventilation that will keep feet happy all season long). Check out realsimple.com/summershoes for…

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BACK IN NOVEMBER, a funny thing may have happened to you: One day you were fine, and then—bam!—whether you knew it or not, you had high blood pressure. No, it wasn’t because you realized there were only six weeks left until Christmas; it was because the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association changed the medical definition of “high blood pressure.” The condition now starts at 130/80 mm Hg rather than 140/90, and close to half of all U.S. adults have it (before the new definition, a third did). Why the change? We’ve learned that people with a blood pressure of 130/80 “are already at about double the risk of heart attack or stroke,” says Paul K. Whelton, MD, the lead author of new guidelines for health…

OLD NAVY With adjustable straps (that are also removable) and optional padded cups, this style is practically custom-fit. SOLID AND STRIPED Cutout sides and a trendy belt detail lend a little sex appeal to this classic style. MELISSA ODABASH A welcome feature for fuller busts, the boned bodice offers support and shaping. HEIDI KLEIN The bandeau top enhances curves; the feminine, scalloped bottom is fully elasticized and lined for comfort. CHAPS Vintage charm (and a little extra coverage) comes courtesy of this skirted silhouette. Also available in plus sizes. VANILLA BEACH Look good coming and going. The cute neckline scallops are repeated—surprise!—around the rear.…