CATEGORIES

Sipping Outside My Comfort Zone

I never thought bourbon was my drink. But in the spirit of adventure, I decided to give it a shot. Here's how I learned to appreciate it, and how you can too.

movin' on up

Welcome to our annual REAL SIMPLE Home! Come in and see how seven top designers turned a blank-canvas Brooklyn, New York, penthouse into a deluxe apartment in the sky.

What to Wear Where

Whether you're headed out for a pumpkin spice latte, off to a tailgate, or being responsible and, y'know, going to work, here's how to get it right every time this fall.

The End-All-Be-All, Definitive Guide to Doing LAUNDRY

A truism of modern housekeeping: The laundry is never done. And to pile on (pun intended), certain items might require pretreatment, special care, and maybe even a mysterious washer setting. If you feel like you're perpetually tackling the job as if your clothes were on the line (they kinda are), this comprehensive manual will help you take a load off.

Goodies for Good

It's bake sale season, and these treats will rake in the dough! No fundraiser on the horizon? Then whip one up for a dinner party or potluck.

Emily Henderson Starts Fresh in a New-Old House

After a down-to-the-studs reno of her 1910 farmhouse in Oregon, the designer made the home her own using a few pieces she's had for years, lots of vintage treasures, and nearly every shade of blue that exists.

15 Little Ways to Reset Yourself This Fall

Some say September is the other January-it's just as good a time as the new year for a clean slate. Girding for school to start again, for work to pick up? We have ideas to boost your energy, shake up your routine, and get you sparkling. Ready, set, reset!

JENNIFER HUDSON'S GOT THIS

And the talk show host/singer/actor/mom/philanthropist/ lots of other things wants you to know that you do too. Our editor in chief hung out with her, and that was the big takeaway: Jennifer Hudson is not only amazing, she's also your biggest fan.

BEST FACE FORWARD

Nothing rocks your confidence quite like acne, redness, and whatnot. These women had had enough-and found the right pros to help them. The results are way beyond skin-deep.

Put More Pep in Your Step

Did we catch you midyawn? We get it. Life can be exhausting. Finish that deep breath and keep reading. These surprising tips will help you say so long to energy crashes.

SAYING FAREWELL

Our dogs (and cats and hamsters and lizards!) are part of the family. So when they head to “a farm upstate,\" the loss can hit hard. This advice may help the hurt.

Go Like the Pros

Traveling is just like anything else: The more you do it, the better you get. Which is why some people breeze through airport security while you fumble with those big gray bins. Get some practice in! And steal these tips from frequent globetrotters.

Love Your Lunch

It's time to schedule \"Eat a decent meal\" on your calendar. Yes, even if it's stacked with calls and meetings and other Very Important Business. These boss ideas will help you get the job done.

JOIN THE (WINE) CLUB

Sign up for one of these subscriptions. But only if you like having fun mail days.

Work Culture

More and more entrepreneurs are launching businesses that celebrate their heritage. These are just a few of the people helping others feel seen.

The Books List

Top Picks for Book Club & Beyond

EATING & DRINKING ITALIAN-STYLE

Italian food is ridiculously easy to love (see: grilled pizza, page 28). Happily, a bunch of new books are here to keep the spark alive.

Make Pizza on the Grill

Don't put your burger machine away just yet! Steven Raichlen, author of the Barbecue Bible books and host of the TV series Project Fire and Planet Barbecue, shares how to whip up pies under the sky.

Clever Items

Little Office Helpers to Make Your Work Life a Lot Easier

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Sunscreen Routine

Derms share the most important things we can do when it comes to saving our skin.

MINOR ISSUES, MAJOR OPINIONS BATHS OR SHOWERS?

Everybody has their two cents! We collected yours, then called on the experts to settle the debate once and for all.

BETTER FOR YOU MOCHA SMOOTHIE

It's like the beloved frosty coffee treat, but with fruit, protein, and fiber. Good morning, indeed!

what to COOK

RECIPES FOR REAL LIFE

Rest, Recharge & Reset

We're officially in the lazy, laid-back season-but in case your scurrying brain didn't understand the assignment, we've got a few ideas for mini mental breaks (sort of like vacations you don't have to plan!). Get ready to tune out the chaos and delight in the small joys of summer-for an afternoon, an hour, or even just a minute.

The Chill Host's Guide to Summer Entertaining

A cookout should be fun for everyone, including you-the lovely, thoughtful person who invited folks over for great food and company. Just read this story and pick out the bits you need. You know the rest: Keep the grill fired up and carry on.

TRAVEL PLAN THE ULTIMATE (UNCROWDED!) SUMMER TRIP

During the height of tourist season, summer vacation can feel like a full-contact sport. Here's how to bypass the hordes and take a trip that leaves you relaxed, not raggedy.

NERDING OUT PLANT POWERS

The greenery all around us is way smarter than we realize.

MONEY 5 THINGS CREDIT SCORE EXPERTS WANT YOU TO KNOW

For one, the so-called perfect target number doesn't really need to be the goal. Also: Credit card limits are kinda tricky!

HEALTH Let's Talk About Your Pelvic Floor! Again!

It supports vital organs, it stabilizes your core-and it's often misunderstood. We're giving this critical muscle group the explainer it deserves.

Modern Manners Advice for Your Social Quandaries

IDA ASKS...My neighbors' kids, ages 9 and 6, have made a habit of playing in my front yard. I let it happen for a bit, thinking it was going to be temporary, but it has become very frequent-and irritating and loud. I've talked to the kids and the parents, and they still come back. I don't want to be known as the cranky neighbor. How do I get them to stop?