Table of contents for Aug-15 in Real Simple

330,000 POUNDS The enorme amount of tomatoes people throw at one another during the La Tomatina Festival, in Buñol, Spain, every August. (This year it's on August 26.) What started out as a playful tussle between local boys in 1945 has turned into a tradition. Now 22,000 people participate. Trucks loaded with tomatoes drive into town, where goggle-wearing food fighters pelt one another for one hour. After that, cleanup begins. Workers spray the streets with water from a natural-spring canal, leaving them cleaner than before, thanks to the tomatoes' grime-eating acidity. 50% How much more likely a child is to be left-handed if his or her mother is, says a study published in Journal of Economic Perspectives. (Sorry, dads, researchers didn't analyze your genetic connection.) In honor of National Left-Handers…

A. Fixing a leaky faucet (and a broken heart). When I became a widow in my early 60s, after 35 years of marriage, I had a steep learning curve in home maintenance. My husband was a Mr. Fix-It, so I had to prove some things to myself. For example, when the bathroom faucet started to drip, I had two choices: Call the plumber, or repair it myself. I chose the latter. After three trips to the hardware store, five hours of frustration, and at least 25 viewings of YouTube videos, I rejoiced over no more drips. Plus, I've decided that plumbing and widowhood have something in common—they both require patience and tools. ANN HUFFMAN, Rock River, Ohio Beekeeping in my own backyard. I've always been fascinated by honeybees, so I…

What causes the reactions in the first place? "Most fragrances and scented products are formulated using a cocktail of naturally derived and synthetic ingredients," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of BeautyStat.com, a cosmetics resource site. "Often people blame the overall blend for whatever reaction they are experiencing when the actual culprit could be a single ingredient, like one fragrance or a preservative that may or may not have a scent," says Pamela Dalton, Ph.D., an expert in olfactory research at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, in Philadelphia. The good news? You don't have to swear off fragrances completely. "Many people are able to find options that don't include the offending ingredient," says Dalton. The not-so-good news? It will take some trial-and-error to pinpoint what's causing your…

1 STICK-ANYWHERE IPHONE CASE For "Look, Ma, no hands!" ease, this cover has tiny suction cups so you can affix a phone to a kitchen cabinet for a cooking tutorial or on the dashboard when you're using navigation. Zero-G Anti Gravity case, $50, megatinycorp. 2 FLOATING DRINK STAND Ever fantasize that your pool had a swim-up bar? It's not so far-fetched. With five cupholders and a seven-foot UV-protective umbrella, this shady outpost is stable enough to withstand wind gusts and cannonballs. Pool Buoy, $250, mypoolbuoy.com. 3 STAIN-BLOCKING SHIRT Go ahead and dig in to the messiest barbecue on offer. This machine-washable white tee is specially treated so water- and oil-based liquids roll right off. Elizabeth & Clarke shirt, $25, unstainable.ec. 4 DIGITAL TAPE MEASURE This clever assistant goes the extra…

I recently moved to a city three hours away from my old home. It was a last-minute decision, and unfortunately I wasn't able to say goodbye to several good friends. One in particular was extremely hurt and said so via text. I texted her back a sincere apology and left voice messages with no response. I feel awful, but what else can I do? Is this a friendship I should keep pursuing if I am being ignored? S.M. I think whether or not to keep trying is a question that only you can answer. Do you want to pursue this friendship? Beyond the current awkwardness, is this a person who is truly important to you? After all, you did leave her without saying good-bye, and even if that wasn't necessarily…

HOME + ASK THE ORGANIZER 114 10 SURPRISING CLEANING HACKS 109 + SMART PET ADVICE 112 FAMILY + WHYYY MUST THEY WHINE? Learn how to end it for good—in kids and adults 99 BEAUTY + SHAMPOO ROAD TEST 72 + PRETTY SMART 67 + I'M MELTING! How to make your makeup summerproof 79 HEALTH + ALL ABOUT AROMATHERAPY 128 + THE WORKOUT THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU 119 FASHION + ULTIMATE JEANS BUYING GUIDE 87 WORK & MONEY + ASK BUCKY 132 + THE VIEW FROM HERE: RESHMA SAUJANI 131 + COMMUNICATING BETTER AT WORK: Secrets, strategies, and what not to say 134 + EPIC (WORK) FAIL: A new office carpet bites the dust 136 + DON'T LET CAR INSURANCE DRIVE YOU CRAZY 136…

HOT LIPS Makeup melted before it's even reached your face? To reconstitute, mix molten lipstick with petroleum jelly, scoop into a contact-lens case, and refrigerate until firm. Can't take the heat? Sure you can. You just need a few cool strategies and clever swap-outs to look—and feel—more chill. 1. Moisture check "The key to lasting summer makeup is starting with the right skin-care products," says Jackie Gomez, a celebrity makeup artist in New York City. If you tend to be on the shinier side, look for a mattifying moisturizer, like Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 ($20, amazon.com), to keep oil at bay. If you have drier skin, try a more hydrating formula, like Mario Badescu The Moisture Magnet SPF 15 ($24, mariobadescu.com). Both are lightweight and have SPF,…

No. 1 I CLEAN RUGS WITH A SHOWER SQUEEGEE. THE MOTIVE: With vacuuming, fur weaves its way into the rug fibers and hair can get tangled in the brush roll. Edged with rubber, a squeegee glides along a rug smoothly, creating static electricity that draws hair and fur from the carpet. THE METHOD: Run a dry squeegee across the rug in overlapping rows. Collect clumps as they form and discard. —MELISSA MAKER, FOUNDER OF THE CLEAN MY SPACE CLEANING COMPANY, YOUTUBE CHANNEL, AND BLOG No. 2 I use packing tape as a duster. THE MOTIVE: It's easy to ignore lampshades, speakers, and the insides of drawers because it's tough to get them clean with regular dusting. With its strong adhesive, packing tape is the answer—it grabs dirt from fabric and…

YOU KNOW that physical activity is good for you. What you may not realize is just how much of a game changer it can be. In a study published this year in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers looked at 10 pairs of male identical twins in their 30s who were similar in most ways, right down to their eating habits—except that one twin in each pair had stopped exercising regularly in adulthood. Despite the fact that the less active twins had the exact same DNA as their fit brothers, after just three sedentary years, they had begun to develop insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes), had more body fat and lower endurance—and, perhaps most notably, had less gray matter in the brain regions responsible for motor control…

THE FIRST STEP in strong business communication is choosing the right method. "Most people default to e-mail," says Marsha Egan, the CEO of InboxDetox.com, a workplace-productivity coaching firm in Nantucket, Massachusetts. "But when you're trying to convey something that's more feelings than fact," she says, it's better to use the phone or speak in person, so tone and body language can limit misunderstanding. Examples? Pitching a detailed idea, reprimanding poor performance, or sharing complex info. (One quick chat can equal a dozen e-mails.) Increase your odds of success with these policies. IN E-MAILS: GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT "Your message should be no more than one screen long," says communications coach Karen Friedman, the author of Shut Up and Say Something. "Put the most important info—who, what, where, when, why—in…

NO-CHURN MANGO SORBET HANDS-ON TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 HOURS, 25 MINUTES (INCLUDES FREEZING) SERVES 12 2 ripe mangoes (about 1½ pounds), chopped ½ cup sweetened cream of coconut ½ cup pineapple juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted, for serving (optional) SPREAD the mangoes in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours and up to overnight. PLACE the frozen mango, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, maple syrup, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mangoes are finely chopped. Continue to process until smooth, 6 to 8 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary. TRANSFER the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze…

Quick Cooking (176, 178, 190) Healthy Pick (156, 173, 174, 180, 190) Freezable (156, 157, 192) Make Ahead (156, 157, 192) Big Batch (156, 192) One Pot (156, 174, 180, 190) Whole-Grain (174, 180, 190, 192) Vegetarian (156, 157, 178, 190, 192) Gluten-Free (156, 157, 173, 174, 176, 180, 190) THERE ARE NEARLY 300 VARIETIES OF PEACHES (WHICH ARE PART OF THE ROSE FAMILY) GROWN IN THE UNITED STATES. SIZE MATTERS Smaller eggplants are less bitter than big ones, with skin that's tender enough to eat. Just slice and grill (page 178). GENTLE GIANT Unlike smaller, hotter jalapeños, poblano peppers are mild and fruity. Fun fact: When dried, they turn brick red and are called anchos.…

[X] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [X] Gluten-Free HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4 1¼ pounds fingerling potatoes Kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 2 teaspoons sugar 2 boneless rib-eye steaks (1 inch thick; about 2 pounds total) PLACE the potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. Reduce heat and simmer until very tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Toss in the chives, 2 tablespoons of the…

1 BEST TONIC Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic For gin or vodka, this not-too-sweet staple has Champagne-like bubbles that fizz until the final sip. TO BUY: $6.50 for four 6.8-ounce bottles, at supermarkets. 2 BEST MARGARITA Powell & Mahoney Margarita Mixer Any tequila, even a budget buy, tastes great with this blend's ideal ratio of real lime juice to salt and sugar. TO BUY: $8 for a 25.36-ounce bottle, at supermarkets. 3 BEST BLOODY MARY Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary Mixer Not too thick, not too thin, this crowd-pleaser has a fresh tomato flavor with a hit of horseradish. TO BUY: $8 for a 25.36-ounce bottle, at supermarkets. 4 BEST BELLINI Williams-Sonoma Passion Fruit Bellini Mix The peach-based cocktail gets a tropical upgrade with passion fruit. Top with Champagne or Prosecco for…

The white in white whole-wheat flour refers to the type of wheat. It's still 100 percent whole-grain, but with a milder flavor. HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES MAKES 12 3 cups white whole-wheat flour, plus more for shaping the dough 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1¼ cups fresh blueberries ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger ¾ cup milk, plus more for brushing Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling HEAT oven to 375° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. WHISK together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and blend with a pastry blender or your fingers until crumbly. Fold in…

When the temperature spikes, RS readers plunge into cool, blue waters—from the Aegean Sea to the Pacific. Share your own photos using the hashtag #rsdivein. WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY DO TOGETHER EVERY SUMMER? RS readers share their favorite warm-weather traditions. Katie Angel We are part of a CSA, and we go weekly to gather fresh fruits and veggies. We all pick together, then plan fun meals. Rhonda Meyers Christmas in July! Complete with presents, tree, and a big meal. Monica Simon One night during the summer, we have ice cream for dinner. The kids love it! It's a tradition they will continue when they become parents. Diane Spyke Sit outside at the fire pit the first night the fireflies are out. MAKE A SPLASH! For guaranteed good times this summer,…

REAL SIMPLE'S FAVORITE BRANDS Wild Planet, Crown Prince, and Bela tie for taste and texture. 3 QUICK IDEAS RECIPE Sardine spaghetti HANDS-ON TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 Cook ¾ cup panko in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden. Transfer to a bowl; stir in ½ cup chopped fresh dill. Cook 3 each anchovies and sliced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant. Toss in the sardines from 2 (4¼-ounce) cans, 12 ounces cooked spaghetti, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and salt and black pepper. Top with the panko. EASY UPGRADE Sardine banh mi Spread the bottom half of a hoagie roll with liverwurst and the top half with…

SHOULD I UNPLUG ELECTRONICS WHEN THEY'RE NOT IN USE? Focus on the electronics in your office and entertainment center (game consoles, desktop computers, printers, scanners, etc.) because they still draw power even when they're turned off. This is called standby power, which makes up almost 10 percent of electricity use in a typical American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Plug all nearby electronics into a power strip that you can easily flip off. If you do this with the specific devices mentioned above, you'll save significant energy, says Alan Meier, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in Berkeley, California. As for tracking down other standby-power vampires in your home? Here's a trick: Feel the power supply (the back of a unit or a…

1 KRISTY WALLACE Be a copycat. I have a friend who's going to travel in South America for a year. When she told me, I immediately thought, I'm so jealous. How do I get to go on a trip like that? Use that feeling, and follow your friend's example. It doesn't have to be the whole shebang. Maybe you walk into someone's house and you're jealous of her great kitchen. So you can't do a whole renovation, but you can certainly update or change something that will make you happy. I can't travel abroad for a year. But I can take a similar, smaller step. After my friend's announcement, my husband and I decided to go to Mexico. We had been talking about it, and my friend's news pushed us…

Case in point Housed in slim compacts to protect the bristles, Sephora Collection Hide and Sleek Skinny Cheek Contour and Foundation Retractable Brushes ($16 each, sephora.com) are plush, precise, and practical for travel. The angled tip makes applying bronzer foolproof; the rounded version blends base seamlessly. JUST DEW IT A DRINK OF WATER FOR THIRSTY SUMMER SKIN, WHAMISA ORGANIC FLOWERS OLIVE LEAF MIST ($38, GLOWRECIPE.COM) IS CHOCK-FULL OF POTENT BOTANICALS TO SOOTHE ALL TYPES OF COMPLEXIONS. SPRITZ IT ON AFTER CLEANSING OR APPLYING MAKEUP FOR A PRETTY SHEEN. Pickup sticks These individually wrapped cotton swabs come soaked in olive oil and act as a magic eraser for eye-makeup smudges or a spot moisturizer for ragged cuticles. DHC Olive Virgin Oil ($6 for 50 swabs, DHCcare.com). Main squeeze Engineered to curl…

Girlfriend jeans THINK OF THESE AS SCHLUMPY BOYFRIEND JEANS, ON A DIET. THEY'RE JUST AS COMFORTABLE, ONLY CUTER. This pair's contoured waistband promises there will be no gapping on top. WHO CAN WEAR THEM? Anyone. "The girlfriend jean is the answer to the question "How can I wear jeans that are relaxed but not sloppy?"" says Peggi Jewell, the vice president of merchandising and design for 7 for All Mankind. The sleeker silhouette eliminates the boxiness that's typical with boyfriend jeans (which often swallow up petite frames or make full hips and thighs appear bigger). HOW SHOULD THEY FIT? You want them to be slightly roomy, as opposed to slouchy and hanging off your hips. They look best when they follow, not cling to, the curves of your body. WHAT…

Q. Bedtime battle How can I get my cats to sleep in their baskets instead of all around the house? S. A., via Facebook A. Negotiating with felines can be a challenge. "Cats do whatever they want, wherever they want," says veterinarian Lisa Maciorakowski. But you may be able to reach a détente by moving the baskets to their go-to napping spots or to an area with similar features. (Cats gravitate toward spaces that are warm, like a sunny corner, or up high, like the top of a bookcase.) To make the sleep spot more appealing, slip an edible treat inside each basket. (Keep this up for a few nights in a row.) It may also help to spray the basket interior with a calming pheromone prior to adding the…

If you're feeling scatterbrained… SNIFF: ROSEMARY The scent of this beautiful herb can improve prospective memory—the kind that helps you remember upcoming events and tasks, according to 2012 research from Northumbria University, in the United Kingdom. In this study, subjects who inhaled rosemary essential oil had higher blood levels of 1,8-cineole, a compound in the rosemary aroma that interacts with brain chemistry and enhances memory. TRY THIS: Apply 5 drops of rosemary essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in a small glass bottle. (You'll find this and other essential oils at natural-food stores.) Inhale up to four times an hour while you're tackling a tricky project or working your way down your to-do list. Save your sniffing for your toughest tasks—too many whiffs of any odor in…

THE GROOM, Ric Wilbourn, has Stage 3 multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Ric was diagnosed in 2013 and learned he had a life expectancy of five years. Until that point, he had been the picture of health—strong, active, athletic. Then, "just like that, my life dropped out from under me," says Ric, 56. He and Renee, 43, have been together for 20 years and parents of son Tyler for nine. Their story is about joy, devotion—and what it's like to marry the love of your life not at the beginning of your relationship but near the end. love at first ride In 1995 Renee Schmitt, then 23 and working at a clothing store in Northern California, was invited by some friends on a weekend road trip to Reno. A…

Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [X] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free [X] HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1½ HOURS (INCLUDES MARINATING) SERVES 4 ½ cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons curry powder 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts Canola oil, for the grill 3 peaches, cut into wedges ½ pound green beans, trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and black pepper 1 head red leaf lettuce, leaves torn 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar COMBINE the yogurt and curry powder in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight. HEAT grill to medium. Once it's hot, clean the grill grate with a wire…

[X] Quick Cooking [] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [] One Pot [] Whole-Grain [X] Vegetarian [] Gluten-Free HANDS-ON TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 Canola oil, for the grill 4 large slices country bread (1 inch thick) 2 medium eggplants, sliced ½ inch thick ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving Kosher salt and black pepper 1 clove garlic, halved 12 ounces smoked mozzarella, cut into 8 slices 2 large tomatoes, sliced 1 cup fresh basil Green salad, for serving HEAT grill to medium. Once it's hot, clean the grill grate with a wire brush. Just before grilling, oil the grill grate with the canola oil. BRUSH the bread and eggplant with the olive oil and season…

How to use gelatin For most creamy custards, you need to cook a milk and egg base just right—without scrambling the eggs. But gelatin gives you an almost foolproof wobbly finish. It's a key ingredient in panna cotta (see recipe, page 156), a classic Italian dessert with a silky texture somewhere between mousse and Jell-O. Powdered gelatin, a nearly tasteless protein (it's made from animal tissue), can turn any liquid into a silky solid. But you have to handle it properly. First, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water so that it can hydrate. (Gelatin needs to be dissolved to set; adding it directly to hot liquid, however, will cause it to clump.) When the gelatin granules soften in the water and the mixture forms a disk, stir the disk into…

THERE ARE ABOUT 70,000 ways the Internet makes me feel bad about myself, and 69,750 of them involve DIY projects. (The other 250? Inaccurate or scary medical information I get whenever I have a weird pain.) I swear I could be extremely good at all sorts of DIY projects, if I didn't have a job, a family, dogs, or the need to eat. Then I would have all the time in the world to make amazing things out of other things that someone put out on the curb or that cost no more than $5 at Home Depot. I'm creative, right? I'm sure I could dream up a way to hack that Ikea dresser and turn it into, I don't know, a flying car. Clearly I have issues with time…

Describe the typical burglar. My research shows most are between the ages of 15 and 24 and live within a mile or two of their targets. Many scope out homes beforehand. To get intel, some even pair up with service people whose occupations can give them access to a house. The two may not work together on an ongoing basis, but they may share spoils of a job. Be aware of everyone who comes to your home—it doesn't hurt to be a little suspicious. Are certain types of houses less likely to be broken into than others? The homes that tend to be safer are the ones that are in culs-de-sac (the layout prevents an easy getaway) and those located on street corners (more visibility and passersby). And it's not…

1 UTILITY VEST Like a jean jacket, this layer can go casual (with a tank and shorts) or dressy (with a blouse and black pants). Kut From the Kloth, $68, zappos.com. 2 GIRAFFE CLUTCH More surprising than leopard print, but no less fierce—or versatile. $198, henribendel.com. 3 WAYFARER BLOUSE Great for traveling in summer heat, this flowy top is made of comfortable cotton. Corey by Corey Lynn Calter, $149, thisiscorey.com. 4 TRIBAL T-STRAPS Printed pumps ensure that you won't blend in with the herd. Maiden Lane for Gilt, $99, gilt.com. 5 WILD THINGS NECKLACE This multihorned wonder makes a basic shift look daring. $59, luckybrand.com. 6 BEADED BANGLES Evoke faraway places with an armful of desert tones. $25 each, rjgraziano.com. 7 DRESS THAT ADAPTS The exotic pattern can easily migrate…

Here's a three-minute exercise to help you start the day feeling centered and energized. Try it first thing in the morning, while you're still in your pajamas: Stand with your feet apart, a bit wider than hip-width, and imagine little springs in all your joints: ankles, knees, hips, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders—all the way up to your jaw. Bounce a bit into these "springs," then begin to shake your whole body in a comfortable but vigorous rhythm, allowing your shoulders to move up and down, your head to bob, your hands to flap, and your breath to be free. Keep this going for a whole minute. When you stop, just be still for a moment and feel the natural movement of your breath; notice how alive your body feels. Now…

1 BEST FOR SHINE Rusk Deepshine Oil Moisturizing Shampoo Loaded with nourishing argan oil, the fast-rinsing formula removes any dulling residue while imparting a glossy, luminous sheen throughout. "My hair felt squeaky clean but still surprisingly soft," said a tester. TO BUY: $15, ulta.com. TO PREVENT TANGLES, USE UP AND DOWN STROKES INSTEAD OF CIRCULAR MOTIONS WHEN WASHING YOUR SCALP. 2 BEST ALL-NATURAL Acure Triple Action Repairing Shampoo No matter your level of eco-consciousness, this blend of organic argan and pumpkin-seed oils will turn skeptics into believers—and strawlike strands into spun silk. Testers liked the sweet, almondy scent, too. TO BUY: $10, target.com. Shampoo hack from hairstylist Tippi Shorter: "Use a clarifying formula on the scalp only, where dirt and oil accumulate, and use a moisturizing one on the parch-prone…

WHINING IS THE parenting equivalent of nails on a chalkboard—the high-pitched, drawn-out pleading your three-year-old thinks is going to make you refill her juice but is actually going to make you lose your mind. Want proof it's driving you crazy? A 2011 study published in Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology found kids' whining to be more distracting than the sound of a screeching table saw to parents. (Subjects did math problems while listening to each sound and completed fewer correctly during the whining.) While most kids outgrow it, some teenagers and adults have their own versions. "It's awful to listen to, impossible to ignore, and can make you feel like you're chewing on glass," says Jack Maypole, an associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of…

accessory anarchy I keep my jewelry in multiple boxes and chests. I can't see what I have, so I resort to wearing the same pieces over and over. How can I arrange it all so that it's easy to access and I actually use it? T. F. T., via Facebook My favorite fix: House it in a roomy piece of furniture that allows you to keep all the jewelry spread out in single layers rather than clumps. Try a tall, skinny lingerie chest (Monterey six-drawer chest, $187, overstock.com). Equip the drawers with flocked divided trays (Light Blue Stacking Jewelry Tray System, from $8, containerstore.com), and limit each drawer to a single jewelry type—bracelets in one, earrings in another. If you want to give some favorites a prominent spot, arrange them…

SOME PEOPLE GIVE MONEY; others lend their time. But when Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, sisters and creators of the lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess, started thinking about how to give back to their Springfield, Missouri, community, they decided to get crafty. "We thought, What if we bought a house, used our DIY skills to give it a makeover, then handed it over it to a local charity?" says Larson. The two paid $37,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow-style fixer-upper and partnered with Habitat for Humanity for its make-a-difference mission: helping deserving families buy a home they can afford, to make a fresh start. After kicking off the six-month-long renovation with a scrappy budget of $10,000, the sisters tapped Real Simple to do the decorating. Once the main reno work…

YOU'RE HIKING in the mountains when you hit a muddy patch. Suddenly you're flat on your back and a jolt of pain shoots down your spine. You yell "Owww!" (OK, maybe a few other choice words) as you pray that the searing sensation will pass. And that unbearable feeling? It's your body's personal alarm system, and it's sending a rallying cry through your body that may help you make your way back down the mountain on your own instead of on a stretcher. If you're fortunate, your problem will be short-lived: The immediate pain will subside, and while you might be sore for a week or two, you'll heal and life will move on. But if you're not so lucky, your back may continue to hurt for weeks, months—even decades…

[] Quick Cooking [X] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [X] One Pot [X] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [X] Gluten-Free HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1½ HOURS (INCLUDES MARINATING) SERVES 4 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks in juice 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into ½-inch slices 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons canola oil 12 corn tortillas, warmed ½ red onion, sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro ½ cup crumbled Cotija, ricotta salata, or Feta (4 ounces) Lime wedges, for serving COMBINE ½ cup pineapple juice (reserving the chunks), the chili powder, pork, and half the jalapeños in a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Remove the…

[] Quick Cooking [X] Healthy Pick [] Freezable [] Make Ahead [] Big Batch [] Slow Cooker [X] One Pot [X] Whole-Grain [] Vegetarian [X] Gluten-Free HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, sliced Kosher salt and black pepper 2 small zucchini, chopped 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 pound raw medium peeled and deveined shrimp 2 cups fresh (from 4 ears) or frozen corn kernels, thawed HEAT the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the poblanos, onion, garlic, and ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the zucchini and tomatoes (and their juices). Cook, stirring, until the…

aw, shucks A medium ear will give you about ½ cup of kernels. In the off season, use frozen corn in any of these recipes. Thaw, then pat dry if it's very wet. close to home For the sweetest corn, go for just-picked from a local farm. The sugar in corn starts converting to starch the moment the ear is plucked, so freshest is always best. 1 Corn polenta with shrimp Cook 1 cup POLENTA in 1 quart simmering LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH in a large pot over medium heat, whisking, until creamy, 25 to 35 min. Stir in 1 cup fresh CORN KERNELS. Cook 1 each chopped ONION, POBLANO PEPPER, and GARLIC CLOVE in 2 Tbsp. OLIVE OIL until soft, 8 to 10 min. Stir in ¾ lb. peeled, deveined…