Table of contents for March 2019 in Real Simple

I HAVE A BIT of a love-hate relationship with shopping. I relish the adventure of the hunt: I still remember my dad combing the classifieds over Saturday breakfasts for promising garage sales. Then off we’d go, searching for castoffs that would become our treasures. Afterward, my dad would tally the results: “This jacket? Fiiiiive dollars!” “A sports coat with the tags still on—he threw it in for free!” I think the sellers enjoyed seeing their items go to such enthusiastic people. But the emotions involved in fraught purchases make me a little crazy sometimes. Early in our marriage, my husband asked why I was keeping a very worn pink wool sweater around. I explained that I could still hear my tenaciously frugal mom warning me in the Younkers department-store…

Magical Story Harriet Lee is raising her daughter, Perdita, and navigating the school’s parents association. Her life is pretty typical of a London mom’s except for the fact that the dolls in her apartment talk, she’s from a country that doesn’t exist, and she bakes a powerful gingerbread that connects her to home and her childhood friend Gretel. Helen Oyeyemi’s wholly original Gingerbread is a modern fairy tale about family history and legacy. Moving Memoir After the sudden death of her father, Katie Arnold starts spiraling as she reflects on his decision to leave his family when she was little. To cope, Arnold, an on-and-off runner, turns back to the trails, conquering longer and longer distances. Running Home is, as the name implies, a memoir about the sport. But…

Quick Ideas 1 BLACKBERRY-DIJON SAUCE Cook 3 cups blackberries and ¼ cup sugar in a medium pot over medium, stirring and mashing, until thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tsp. red wine vinegar, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice, ½ tsp. kosher salt, and ¼ tsp. black pepper. Serve with pork or grilled cheese sandwiches. 2 DIJON FONDUE Toss 8 oz. shredded Gouda with 2 Tbsp. cornstarch. Heat ⅔ cup white wine and 1 tsp. grated garlic in a medium pot over medium until steaming. Slowly add cheese mixture, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, until smooth and thickened, 8 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard. Serve with toasted baguette or crudités. 3 HONEY-DIJON POPCORN Melt 3 Tbsp. butter…

Look for one that’s at least 40 inches in diameter for sufficient shelter, says Mark Duffin, managing director at Blunt Umbrellas in New York City. An easy way to test: Stand under the umbrella and stick out your arm; the edge of the umbrella’s canopy should hit about where your elbow bends. When you open the umbrella, the fabric should be pulled taut—a firmly stretched canopy helps disperse wind more effectively. If you live in a windy climate, a vented umbrella is also a good idea because it allows gusts to pass through it instead of charging at it, says Jen Carfagno, a meteorologist at the Weather Channel in Atlanta. A continuous shaft and ribs with no breaks in the joints can help prevent flipping. Your umbrella may be less…

HAIR SNAG Flatness POWER PLANT: Mint—nicknamed “the perky herb” by some—offers a refreshing sensation and can be clarifying (the less buildup you have, the more bounce you’ll get). Try Herbal Essences Bio:Renew White Grapefruit & Mosa Mint Shampoo ($6; at drugstores). GO-TO TOOL: A scrunchie secures a high bun overnight without denting hair. Wake up and shake out for extra volume. Try the Mane Ivy Little Black Scrunchie ($10; maneivysalon.com). MUST-TRY TECHNIQUE: Switch your part for added oomph. HAIR SNAG Tangles POWER PLANT: Marshmallow root is hydrating and can cut through snarls like butter. Find it in SheaMoisture Silicone-Free Miracle Masque ($13.50; sheamoisture.com). GO-TO TOOL: WetBrush Detangler ($9; target.com) has flexible bristles that bend over knots, causing less breakage. MUST-TRY TECHNIQUE: Comb conditioner through your hair in the shower,…

PICK YOUR BOSS, not the job—there’s a reason career coaches say this. Who you report to has a huge impact on your growth, happiness, and success. And when you are a great boss, you’ll motivate your team to work hard, boost retention rates, and create a satisfying work environment. “Good bosses make everybody’s life better,” says Bonny Simi, president of JetBlue Technology Ventures. Leadership is a skill you can learn and practice; we asked bosses in a variety of fields to ID the habits the most raved-about managers have in common. 1 They Earn Your Trust. “Trust fuels the ability to give honest feedback, to have difficult conversations, and to partner together to build great things,” says Jennifer Hyman, cofounder and CEO of Rent the Runway. It’s a two-way…

Slowing your breathing rhythm can be a calm way to ease tension and quiet your mind. We can then be freer to have more inspired, creative thoughts. Inhale to the count of four (one thousand one, one thousand two, etc.) and then exhale to the same count of four. Feel your ribcage and belly gently expand as you inhale and soften as you exhale. Repeat four times. Now let go of the counting and allow yourself to breathe in the pace that feels good to you in this moment. As you are breathing, you might try saying to yourself, “My breath is free; my mind is free.” Notice the pace in which you move into the next moment and the rest of your day.…

ARTS & CRAFTS WHIMSICAL DETAILS LIKE EMBROIDERY, FRINGE, AND BEADING ADD A TOUCH OF CREATIVITY TO YOUR OUTFIT. PREVENT QUIRK OVERLOAD BY INCORPORATING THEM INTO AN OTHERWISE NEUTRAL OR MONO-CHROMATIC LOOK. TEA-PARTY FLORALS THE TRADITIONAL PATTERN GETS A GROWN-UP MAKE-OVER: UNDERSTATED, EARTHY BOTANICALS ARE SUBTLE ENOUGH TO WORK TOP TO BOTTOM ON A DRESS OR JUMPSUIT. OR JUST SPRINKLE A FEW BLOOMS INTO YOUR WARDROBE WITH A FLORAL-SLEEVED SHIRT OR A PAIR OF EARRINGS. UTILITARIAN PAIR YOUR FAVORITE PREPPY OFFICE STAPLES WITH LAZY-WEEKEND KHAKI PIECES FOR A COOL BUT WORK-APPROPRIATE COMBO. TIE A BASIC CARGO JACKET OVER A SKIRT AND KNIT POLO, OR TOP AN A-LINE SKIRT WITH A FRESH, STRIPY TWIST ON A CLASSIC CARDIGAN TWIN SET. WHITES WEAR THE OLD-SCHOOL NEUTRAL HEAD TO TOE FOR AN EASY,…

In like a lion, out like a lamb? Depending on where you live, this month can feel more in like a lion, out like a really hungry lion who hasn’t eaten in days. To tame cats of all kinds, try one of these ideas: Fast-track dinner with one of our favorite pasta sauces (page 136) or make crunchy pork cutlets the whole pride will devour (page 131). When all else fails, whip up a batch of whipped cream (page 138). A dollop makes just about anything better. Purr.…

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Healthy Pick ✓ Gluten-Free 1 lemon1 shallot, finely chopped2 tsp. poppy seeds1 tsp. honey¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided1 tsp. kosher salt, divided1 tsp. black pepper, divided1 fennel bulb, shaved1 large carrot, peeled and shaved into long strips½ cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves4 6-oz. skin-on arctic char fillets, patted dry CUT off and discard ends of lemon. Stand lemon upright on a work surface; slice 4 perpendicular pieces from around the lemon core, making 4 lemon “cheeks” and leaving behind a square lemon core. Finely chop lemon cheeks, including peel and pith; transfer to a small bowl. Squeeze juice from lemon core into bowl. Add shallot, poppy seeds, honey, ¼ cup oil,…

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Healthy Pick ✓ Freezable ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Gluten-Free 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided2 yellow onions, chopped1 tsp. ground cumin1 tsp. ground coriander½ cup basmati rice1 cup vegetable broth or water1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 15-oz. can lentils, rinsed and drained½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, torn¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn1½ Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. sherry or red wine vinegar, divided12 oz. baby gem lettuce, leaves separated¼ tsp. black pepper½ cup plain whole-milk yogurt HEAT 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onions and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Add cumin and coriander and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rice…

MEET LAUREN PHILLIPS ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR AT REALSIMPLE.COM Go-to recipe: A chocolate chip cookie recipe I tore from the pages of Real Simple back when I was in high school. Most recent purchase: Several pairs of fleece-lined tights. My wardrobe was not prepared for my first winter in the north. Coziest item in my home: My bed—I have eight pillows and two duvets piled on top of it. I take sleeping comfortably very seriously. @LAUREN.C.PHILLIPS ON INSTAGRAM Easy Decluttering Transform your kitchen into a stylish yet functional space with our seven low-effort organizing tips. Read the how-tos at real simple.com/kitchenhacks. Real Simple Shop In the mood to score some serious deals? Browse our Real Simple Shop for the best online finds you need to better your home, pantry, closet,…

1 IN THE BAG With its removable faux-fur lining for easy cleanup, you won’t mind toting Fido around in this carryall. TO BUY: We Are Tight bag, $198; howlpot.com. 2 WORK OF ART Upload a profile image of your pet, and Minted’s designers will turn it into a custom silhouette available in a rainbow of colors. TO BUY: Custom pet silhouette art, from $32; minted.com. 3 CHIC SLUMBER An unexpectedly stylish take on a dog bed, this version is handmade from elephant grass and comes with a plush cushion for ample support. TO BUY: Bear dog bed, from $125; designdua.com. 4 WEATHER IT OUT Protect your furry friend from rain and wind on drizzly walks with this hooded zip-up slicker. TO BUY: Nylon Rainbreaker, from $58; wagwear.com. 5 FORTUNE-TELLER This…

SUPERMARKET Your local grocery store is the place for pantry staples and basic fruits and vegetables. Join the loyalty program. “It’s free, and you’re looking at 5 to 10 percent extra savings on average,” says consumer finance expert Andrea Woroch. “Plus, some supermarkets partner with gas stations and let you redeem grocery points for fuel discounts.” Try store brands, especially for essentials such as flour, sugar, and peanut butter, and you’ll save 30 percent on average, she says. PRO TIP: Avoid the bakery; there’s often a 300 percent markup on cookies and cupcakes. The same goes for precut meats, like chicken cutlets or strips for stir-fries. Don’t forget a reusable tote: Some stores give up to 10 cents off for every bag you bring yourself. WAREHOUSE CLUB You’ll find…

1 INCREASE VISIBILITY Keep shoes that you wear most often on open shelving. Ashley Murphy and Lisa Ruff of Neat Method, a home-organizing company with locations nationwide, suggest designating a row or section for each family member so everyone in the house knows exactly where to find their favorite footwear. Make the functional piece of furniture part of your mudroom decor (and prevent it from becoming a cluttered catchall) by creating an inviting display with flowers and framed artwork. TO BUY: Manzanola shoe bench, $150; wayfair.com. 2 MAKE USE OF VERTICAL SPACE Take advantage of an empty slot in a closet and incorporate a tall hanging shoe organizer, says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers in New York City. Install a shared organizer in the coat closet or place…

…ADD A TEE AND SNEAKERS Use a simple outfit as a blank canvas for unexpected accessories, like colorful bracelets, polka dot kicks, and a basket-weave purse. TO BUY: Infinity Split Back Muscle T-shirt, $40; eddiebauer.com. Classic Trucker jacket, $189; dl1961.com. Armure Plate hoops, $140; fallonjewelry.com. Short Stretch bracelet, $35, and Tall Stretch bracelet, $48; solesociety.com. Anna satchel, $298; dillards.com. Nylite19Plus sneakers, $85; us.tretorn.com. …ADD A HIGH-NECK TOP Tuck in a dark, textured blouse and add black and brown accessories for a polished, expensive-looking combination. TO BUY: Eyelet Sleeveless top, $149; 7forallmankind.com. Nine West belt, $19; amazon.com. Flower Power earrings, $35; talbots.com. Gold Station choker, $48; accessoryconcierge.com. Lune 8 in Gold watch, $240; nacre watches.com. Resin Half Dipped cuffs, $32 each; accessoryconcierge.com. Ann Taylor mules, $128; anntaylor.com. …ADD A SCARF…

IT WAS THE EVE OF the sixth-grade science fair. Having dawdled until the deadline, my son, Ethan, had whipped together a seriously lame experiment: measuring the weight of a banana before and after it dried out. Every maternal atom in me thrummed with ideas for making “Banana Water” less bad. “How about you test several different fruits and compare? Or maybe a nice avocado?” I enthused. Ethan was unmoved: “Just bananas. It’s easier.” I watched him blow-dry the lone browning fruit and shrugged. On science fair night, at tables nearby, atoms were being split, obscure diseases cured. Ethan, looking uncomfortable under the glaring gymnasium lights, got only the thinnest, most polite grandparent traffic and—surprise!—earned a deservedly lackluster grade. “Maybe some grapes would have helped,” he admitted on the subdued…

1 Share a Family Photo Book. My husband and I love to travel, and our relatives love that we love to travel. We began to upload photos to the album we created on Google Photos so our family could join our adventure. When we had our daughter, the album became a space where we could easily keep grandparents and siblings connected, from the minute she was born, even though we are all scattered. Everyone shares photos now, especially if we visit each other. The albums foster discussion, eliciting comments and starting chats; they make a delightful repository of connection in the cloud. And the service sometimes sends reminders of posts from the past, each its own lovely visual memory. It’s the modern equivalent of a slideshow at a family…

THE SWEEPING TAX CUTS and Jobs Act, which was passed in 2017 and affects tax year 2018, was the largest tax reform in the past 30 years. How it affects what you owe Uncle Sam depends on your situation. Take, for instance, something as straightforward as the standard deduction. Each year, taxpayers have the choice of either itemizing all their deductions—say, medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable giving—or opting for a standard deduction that knocks a flat amount off their taxable income. Last tax year, that deduction was $6,350 for single filers and $12,700 for married couples filing jointly. For 2018, it has nearly doubled, to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples. “Last tax year, about 7 percent of people took the standard deduction, and this…

WHEN I MOVED INTO my first apartment, I scoured design blogs and high-end retail stores, convinced I could conjure up the perfect combination of furniture and design elements that would say, “I am a grown woman who can make smart decisions that will impress other adult-type people but in an effortless, I-barely-thought-about-this-because-I’m-doing-other-super-impressive-adult-things kind of way.” As it turns out, this combination eluded me. In fact, I learned that you can live with “furniture” made of cardboard boxes for close to a year before your friends start worrying about you. Still, everyone else seemed to have a styling superpower to create a space straight out of a West Elm catalog in a single bound. And whenever I’d ask people where they got their tasteful midcentury credenza or perfectly worn Moroccan…

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Gluten-Free 1 lb. flank steak (1 in. thick)1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided½ tsp. black pepper, divided¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar1 tsp. Dijon mustard5 oz. baby arugula (about 6 cups)1 ripe pear, thinly sliced⅓ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts1 oz. blue cheese, sliced or crumbled (about ¼ cup) SEASON steak with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Cook steak, turning once, until browned on both sides, 5 minutes per side for medium. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. STIR together vinegar, mustard, and remaining ¼ cup oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼…

ACTIVE TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Family Friendly ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)1½ tsp. ground cumin1½ tsp. paprika6 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil, divided5 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided1¼ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-in. pieces¾ cup couscous⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds1¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided1 8-oz. bunch lacinato kale STIR together lemon juice, cumin, paprika, 5 tablespoons oil, and two-thirds of the garlic in a large bowl; reserve 2 tablespoons in a small bowl and set aside. Add chicken to large bowl; toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature, tossing occasionally, for 15 minutes. MEANWHILE, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small pot over medium-high. Cook couscous with remaining garlic, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1…

REALSIMPLE ROAD TEST BEST MARINARA Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce This perfectly seasoned all-purpose sauce is made with only eight simple ingredients. It has just the right amount of texture—not too chunky and not too smooth—so you can use it for meatballs or lasagna. TO BUY: $9 for 24 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST BASIL Brandless Organic Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce Bursting with basil flavor, this sugar-free winner gets its natural sweetness from tomatoes alone. TO BUY: $3 for 24 oz.; brandless.com. BEST GARLIC Newman’s Own Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce Roasting garlic mellows its heat, so it adds rich, savory flavor, minus the bite. TO BUY: $3 for 24 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST VODKA Victoria Vodka Sauce Tasters loved the blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses in this pink…

ACTIVE TIME 4 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 4 MINUTES MAKES 3 CUPS 2 cups heavy cream (preferably organic)2–3 Tbsp. powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)½ tsp. pure vanilla extract (optional) COMBINE cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla, if using, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium until cream holds soft peaks, about 4 minutes (watch carefully, as all mixers and pints of cream are not created equal). Whipped cream can be made up to 2 hours ahead. REFRIGERATE until ready to use. Stir gently with a spatula before serving. We found that organic cream whipped lighter and fluffier and tasted purer than conventional cream. Check labels and choose cartons that contain only cream (some have added stabilizers, like carrageenan).…

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA STUNNA LIP PAINT IN UNBUTTON, UNCUFFED, AND UNVEIL This sponge-tip, long-wear liquid lipstick takes the guesswork out of finding your ideal nude. Unbutton (a peachy nude) looks gorgeous on lighter skin tones. Uncuffed (a rosy mauve) stuns on medium shades, while Unveil (chocolate brown) dazzles on darker complexions. Just swipe and smile. TO BUY: $24 each; sephora.com. L’ORÉAL PARIS UNLIMITED MASCARA IN BLACKEST BLACK The wand bends at its stem, creating the perfect angle to target tiny hairs at the inner corners without any smudging. Use it straight to lift and lengthen the rest of your lashes. TO BUY: $13; at drugstores. DYSON AIRWRAP STYLER COMPLETE With a price tag so steep, we rolled our eyes—until we tried it. It dries, smooths, and curls hair…

1 GET MOVING Long staff meeting? Take a short, brisk walk right after it to help you remember what was covered, says Terrence Sejnowski, PhD, a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a distinguished professor at the University of California, San Diego. Sejnowski’s research also suggests that regular moderate exercise (elevating your heart rate above 85 beats per minute for 20 minutes) helps maintain the health of neurons in the hippocampus, the portion of the brain responsible for forming long-term memories. Always misplacing your keys? Do an uncommon gesture (like hopping on one foot) before setting them down to help your brain mark the location, says Nelson Dellis, a four-time winner of the USA Memory Championship and the author of Remember It! 2 VISIT THE “PALACE”…

1 Choose a liquid concealer with a doe-foot applicator that’s a shade lighter than your base. If you’re in the market for a new one, Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer ($10; at mass retailers) works well. Under each eye, draw dots that form an inverted triangle with its point ending midway down your cheek. A light hand prevents cakiness. 2 For a seamless blending technique, opt for a damp sponge to ensure the product doesn’t get soaked up. Makeup artists swear by Beautyblender ($20; beautyblender.com). Using a bouncing motion, dab it over each triangle. Stop when you can no longer tell where the concealer starts or stops. Hi, bright eyes! 3 Set it and forget it. Make your concealer last all day and prevent it from settling into…

ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, at this very moment, people—maybe including you?—are starting to notice a little tickle in their noses or throats. Some have never had allergies before but are developing them out of nowhere; others thought they had their allergies under control, but they’re back with a vengeance. If allergies are taking you by surprise, you may need to revisit the basics and revamp your action plan. In medical terms, seasonal allergies are known as rhinitis. You probably know it if you have it: itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itching, a postnasal drip, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all common symptoms of seasonal rhinitis. “Seasonal allergies are basically an overreaction of the immune system for people who are allergic to pollen and…

I’ve learned that mornings are too frenetic to be balanced. Instead I try to be focused. I focus on each task in front of me and do the best I can at it. My day starts at 3:45 a.m. The shower has become my place of reflection. I take that time to think about what I’m thankful for and choose a goal for the day. I draw two little footprints on the glass wall for each of my sons because they are my everything. At 7 a.m. the show starts; during my break, when I’m not on-air, I try to FaceTime with my boys. Allowing my children to do more age-appropriate tasks has been a big help. I have 7-year-old twins and a 5-year-old. My husband works full-time an…

SCORE A DEAL ON A RUG. The trick to finding a rug that won’t eat up your whole budget is searching for a vendor who isn’t a rug dealer specifically but who has a rug among a bunch of other items. A rug dealer specializes in rare or imported carpets, while someone else may just collect random household decor. Henderson and Soria were skeptical that I could find a rug within my budget, but we eventually met a woman who was selling gorgeous brand-new rugs—for $50 each. WHEN IN DOUBT, MAKE IT A BOOK HAT. The flea is filled with cool sculptures, wooden bowls, and miniatures that don’t have a specific use. If you come across a unique item that you know will add a special touch to your…

ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4 ✓ Family Friendly 1¼ lb. pork tenderloin, cut into ¾-in.-thick medallions (about 15 slices)1½ tsp. kosher salt, divided¾ tsp. black pepper, divided2 large eggs, lightly beaten1½ cups panko1½ oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about ⅔ cup)8 Tbsp. olive oil, divided12 oz. green beans, trimmed4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced2 pints cherry tomatoes¼ cup fresh basil leaves PLACE 1 pork slice at a time between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet to about ⅓ inch thick. Repeat with remaining pork. Season pork on both sides with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. PLACE eggs in a shallow dish. Mix panko and cheese in a separate shallow dish. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dip…