CATEGORIES

An Artist's Palette

These longtime renters celebrate homeownership by freely bringing tons of color to their garden, porch, and home.

Dark&Moody

In a season of light and bright colors, container plantings in deep purple, red, and even black bring some welcome contrast and drama.

A Folly Original

This young couple got scrappy to score the South Carolina beach house of their dreams

The Truth About Tomatoes

Here's how to store them the right way

design rules you should definitely break

When it comes to expressing yourself at home, sometimes it's best to ignore the \"supposed tos\" and do your own darn thing instead. As proof, we offer these rule-breaking rooms from six of our favorite designers.

how we live

ADVICE, INSPIRATION A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND

The Music of the Mountains

When warm weather arrives, Brevard, North Carolina's open-air concerts and cascading waterfalls fill the town with the song of summer

No Plant Sitter Required

These hardy groupings can stand up to the heat, even while you're away

Women & Their Finances

We partnered with the brilliant minds at the finance site Investopedia to determine what’s holding women back in the money department. The findings? We’re on our way! But we’ve got some work to do.

Freedom Flavors

Chef-owners of Honeysuckle Provisions in Philadelphia, Cybille St.Aude-Tate and Omar Tate share a Juneteenth menu that celebrates a rich amalgam of traditions.

Taking the Plunge

The design star of Emily Henderson's backyard is the mini pool, a luxe little water feature her family can use year-round.

Dear Dad

The health nut didn't fall far from the tree. I learned from my father's example of an active life filled with volunteering, hobbies & friendship.

Use Your Melon

Refreshing recipes to showcase the versatile and sweet cantaloupe

She's Got the Scoop

In Richmond, Virginia, Rabia Kamara creates ice cream that celebrates Black culture and her heritage

Modern Manners Advice for Your Social Quandaries

My husband's niece is getting married in eight months. The save-the-date only had my husband's name, my name, and my husband's two kids' names (my stepkids).

BLUEBERRY SWEET CORN SHORTCAKE

Two of summer's best ingredients come together in an epic dessert just begging to be invited to a party.

MAKE YOUR JEWELRY SHINE

A treasure trove of tips to get your sparkly things ready for primetime

THE BEST

Sometimes it's not enough for our editors to be instantly impressed by a product. Sometimes we want to push it to the limits in one of our three labs, our own homes, or both to see how it holds up under pressure. We cook, we wear, we smear, we clean. We evaluate and tally. Then we give out the REAL SIMPLE Selects seal. When we put that label on something, that means it's among the 5,200-plus products we've formally evaluated according to strict protocols. On this list: some of our current faves. If you see something you like, scan the QR code and get shopping!

Mess Busters Goodbye Stains

Spots and smells come with pet ownership. Luckily, our favorite tricks to remove them might be easier than you'd expect.

Trading Places

When the heat hits, a clever late-spring swap keeps this Georgia garden feeling light and refreshing.

The FRIENDLIEST Places in the South 2024

Hospitality is a hallmark of our region, but people define it in different ways. Is it a conversation in the checkout line? A bartender who knows your order before you sit down? The way a community welcomes people who are just passing through? So we asked you, our readers, to share the places that make you feel right at home on every level. Narrowing down thousands of nominations for hotels, restaurants, stores, nonprofits, and more was no small feat, but it was very uplifting. As these 20 standouts show, Southerners go above and beyond to take care of one another.

what to COOK

RECIPES FOR REAL LIFE

Vacation MODE

Part vintage surfer pad, part tropical escape, part colorful boho paradise, this living room melds global influences into a space that evokes the joyful energy of being on holiday.

THE BEST GUY IN THE WORLD

From the very start, our rescue pup sensed what we needed from him.

YOUR BED OR MINE?

Doctors and sleep pros tackle the thorny question of where Pepper should sleep.

SPLISH, SPLASH

Before you let your pup dive into the deep end, here's how to help her get on swimmingly in the water.

EXPLORING THE EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOG

Who gives the best warm fuzzies? That little furball curled up at your feet right now.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE GETTING A DOG

She will change your world-in ways you can and can't imagine. Most important to both of you: building trust.

CHOW TIME

Make sure your dog is getting all the nutrition she needs.

THINGS PEOPLE DO THAT DOGS CAN'T STAND

Do you hug her? Dress her up? Rush through her walks? You may be getting on your pet's nerves.