Inhaltsverzeichnis für September 2022 in Real Simple

GATHER ’ROUND Silicone doughnuts are the cuter way to add weight to your workout. TO BUY: The Power Ring Set, $99 for 3; shopbala.com. HOME STRETCH Reach for a cheerful and 100 percent recyclable strap to nail some of the tougher yoga poses. TO BUY: Yoga Strap Mexicana, $18; yogadesignlab.com. WITH THE BAND The colors of these resistance bands correspond to strength level, so you can build slowly and safely. TO BUY: Resistance Bands 5 Set, $16; kikkerland.com. THE ALL-IN-ONE Need accountability? This modular weight set, cheaper than a personal trainer, is housed in a sleek, incognito side table. Link it to Tempo, an online platform, for virtual workouts and interactive coaching. TO BUY: Tempo Move, $495, and subscription, $59 per month; tempo.fit. ON THE BALL This textured foam roller helps massage away soreness for a faster recovery. Plus, at just three…

ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 6 HOURS, 45 MINUTES (INCLUDES FREEZING) SERVES 10 1 Tbsp. instant espresso granules8 oz. mascarpone cheese⅓ cup granulated sugar1 cup heavy cream1 Tbsp. dark rum or 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract2 oz. 70% cacao bittersweet chocolate WHISK ⅓ cup boiling water and espresso granules in a large bowl until granules dissolve. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. BEAT cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add cream, beating until sugar dissolves and soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Transfer 1 ½ cups of cheese mixture to espresso mixture in bowl; fold in rum using a rubber spatula. TRANSFER espresso-cheese mixture to a large zip-top plastic bag. Transfer plain cheese mixture to a separate large zip-top…

HOME IMPROVEMENT Danielle Guerrero @OURNESTONPOWELL Danielle is a self-taught power tool pro. She and her husband bought a builder-grade house in 2019, and she’s been posting their projects ever since. BOX CUTTER Opening boxes—fun. Slicing your finger—not fun. “This tool is awesome,” Danielle says. “The ceramic blade prevents anything but the tape from getting cut.” TO BUY: Slice Ceramic Box Cutter, $19; amazon.com. PAINTER’S TOOL This unassuming gadget is actually a chisel, scraper, paint can opener, bottle opener, nail puller, roller cleaner, nut driver, and more! TO BUY: Husky 15-in-1 Painter’s Tool, $7.50; homedepot.com. ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER Danielle says this compact and easy-to-maneuver screwdriver makes assembling Ikea furniture a breeze. TO BUY: Ryobi 4V Lithium Screwdriver, $20; homedepot.com. PICTURE HANGER This damage-free hanger doesn’t require any tools and hangs art like…

BANKING Save up for Big Purchases Accrue Savings COST: $0 Throwing down a card for something you think you need ASAP—like a new guest room mattress before the in-laws visit—can seem like a good idea…until the bill comes. When you’re itching for a spendy item, Accrue holds you accountable. Choose your splurge from one of its partner brands (Casper, Smile Direct Club, fine jewelry companies, and more) and make a savings plan. Get cash rewards (like $120 off a mattress) as you hit your goals. WHY IT’S A WINNER: Accrue rewards you for being patient. “Linking the act of saving with its purpose—what you’re saving for—is a powerful motivator for those who struggle with debt,” says judge Kiersten Saunders (see page 59 for more info on our experts). “I’m also…

IF YOUR MORNINGS are mayhem, and “breakfast” is often a hurriedly grabbed granola bar as you and your family rush out the door, steal a classic dinner strategy and do some meal prep. Just a few minutes on the weekend will give you a huge head start for healthy, satisfying breakfasts all week. “Breakfasts are often all carbs and no fat or protein,” says Marisa Moore, RDN, author of the cookbook The Plant Love Kitchen, out next year. “While I love a good carby meal, without a balance of nutrients, you might be hungry before you get through your first meeting.” Each of these options takes less than five minutes of prep in the morning and offers sustained energy to carry you and your crew to lunchtime, no sugar crash…

Food When it comes to kibble, price doesn’t necessarily correspond to quality. Ask your vet which food they recommend for your fur baby and how much to feed them—getting it right could save money and prevent obesity (a major possible cause of hefty vet bills). You can also go to petnutritionalliance.org to determine exactly how many calories your little fella needs. Another smart saving idea: Ask your pet store about frequent-buyer programs—some give incentives, such as the 10th bag free. Or buy online and enable auto shipping, which can save you around 5 percent. Meds You can cut costs by buying from an online pharmacy instead of your vet, but you’ll need to do your homework. First, type in the URL at safe.pharmacy (no “.com”) to make sure the…

To Keep Things Cold BEST COOLER BAG Business & Pleasure The Premium Cooler Bag Available in 16 colors and prints, it helps about 20 cans stay frosty from morning till night—and just looks so darn cute! TO BUY: $79; businessandpleasureco.com. BEST OLD-SCHOOL JUG Igloo Retro Barrel of Fun 2 Gallon Jug You might get déjà vu when filling this 1990s-style cooler with a spiked punch like old times. The difference: better colors and eco-friendly insulation. TO BUY: $45; igloocoolers.com. BEST FOR A SIX-PACK Hydro Flask 12 L Carry Out Soft Cooler Lightweight, durable, and keeps drinks cold even if you leave it in your car all day? In. TO BUY: $70; hydroflask.com. To Stay Warm & Clean BEST WATER-RESISTANT BLANKET ChappyWrap Casco Bay Striped Water Resistant Blanket When the weather…

LAUREN IANNOTTI: During your first 18 months as First Lady, you traveled to roughly 40 states, 75 cities, and 10 countries. You’ve crisscrossed the U.S., rallying support for the administration’s priorities, and visited an active war zone. As the first First Lady to keep a job outside the East Wing, you maintained a full teaching schedule and “showed up,” as you put it, for your family. So I guess my question is: Do you sleep? DR. JILL BIDEN: I do! There are things that keep me up at night, like every woman. There are a thousand things going through your mind when you have a lot in your life. But most nights I get my 7½ hours. I’ve also mastered the art of the catnap. If I’m teaching and…

Dazzling Debut In these connected short stories, author Jonathan Escoffery follows a Jamaican family from the 1970s, when they settle in Miami after fleeing political upheaval in their home country, to the modern day. Both outrageously funny and a piercing look at life in America, If I Survive You is the kind of book you’ll think about long after you finish it. Modern-Day Hero How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz is about a woman who’s been tossed around by life but refuses to surrender. Cara Romero is in her mid-50s when she loses her job and has to find work for the first time in decades. Told through Cara’s sessions with a job counselor, this relatable story shows what true resilience looks like.…

AFTER A FEW YEARS spent, initially, taking in the exotic vistas of your own backyard, and then taking whatever road trip you could muster, you may be gearing up for a long-overdue getaway—and you have company: According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global travel and tourism are projected to exceed prepandemic levels this year, contributing nearly $2 trillion to the U.S. economy. Whether you’re finally planning a couple’s trip, rescheduling Disney, or organizing that beach vacation with your friends, here’s how to plan it right so you can focus on the serious business of R&R. Fly Frugally The more flexible your dates and destination, the better the deals you can score. To stay updated on the latest bargains, sign up for alerts on the website Scott’s Cheap…

BEST SAUCE Saucy Lips Tacos Al Pastor Give Taco Tuesday an upgrade by skipping the spice packet and seasoning your meat with a simmer sauce instead. A hint of pineapple in this bright option adds a tropical twist to your tacos without being cloying. You’ll also get mild heat from chipotle peppers and chili powder, plus plenty of herby freshness from cilantro and oregano. This sauce is a bit thinner than others we tried, but it thickens as it cooks to coat your protein beautifully. Try brushing it on grilled or sautéed pork, beef, or chicken. It’s also delicate and fruity enough to pair with fish, shrimp, or beans. TO BUY: $3.70 for 8 oz.; at grocery stores. BEST GUAC Herdez Traditional Guacamole Big, meaty chunks of fresh avocado and…

1 Grab a chain belt for an edgy way to cinch a loose dress or shift. TO BUY: 1 Athens Dress, $310; mirthcaftans.com. Always Linked Black and Gold Chain Belt, $24; lulus.com. Phoebe Crossbody Bag, $228; dkny.com. Violet Boots, $149; andreassous.com. 2 We (still) love a curve-celebrating peplum top. Add instant polish—and hide the seam—with a wide belt. TO BUY: 2 Scalloped Ruffle Wrap Top, $84.50; anntaylor.com. Faux Suede Waist Belt, $45; nordstrom.com. 3 Break up a denim jumpsuit with a cool pop of color. TO BUY: 3 Women’s Vintage Modern Union-Alls, $148; lee.com. Free Assembly Women’s Ribbed Turtleneck Top, $14; walmart.com. Woven Vegan Leather Belt, $38; shopburu.com. Vicky Sunglasses, $125; feroceeyewear.com. Loraine Bit Loafer, $150; samedelman.com. 4 For classic subtlety, wear a belt that’s the same color as your favorite pants or cords. TO BUY: 4 Mock Neck Sweater, $59; stories.com. Hepburn Wide Leg High Rise Vintage, $199; dl1961.com. Brown Suede Prong Belt,…

1 My psychic predicted major betrayals. Growing up, I had a friend whose mother was a psychic, so I was comfortable with—but not necessarily interested in—esoterica. Years later, when I encountered an astrologer, he looked at me and said, “I’m getting hair. What’s going on with your hair?” It wasn’t obvious then, but I’d recently recovered from a traumatic hair disaster—an extensions mishap I still don’t want to discuss. I was shocked. How did he know? He went on to tell me a number of upsetting things: My business partner would betray me, my romantic partner was cheating on me, and I was going to lose a lot of money. Did I want to believe him? Absolutely not. Did it all happen? To my dismay, yes. Maybe you’ll think…

Gleaming plums steal the show in late summer. You know the classic round varieties, sweet and juicy at their peak, but look out for oblong Italian (or prune) plums, with yellow flesh and a tarter taste we love. SHOP for shiny fruit that’s firm, smooth, and heavy with juice. STORE on the counter until ripe, then stash in your fridge’s crisper drawer for up to five days. SERVE in nearly any baked dessert, from cobblers and crisps to tortes and tarts. Combine with a salty hard cheese and bitter greens in a salad, or stir slices into oats for a brilliant purple breakfast. For dinner, grill or sear halved plums, then chop and serve over pork or chicken. —Lizzy Briskin 5 Easy Dinners #1 / Slows Cooker Birria Bowls ACTIVE…

1 PALETTE PLEASER I’ve used hundreds of palettes, but this one wins for practicality—it both elevates your look and lightens your bag. Three matte shadows define your crease, beef up brows, and double as liner; highlighter lifts brow bones and brightens inner corners; and two shimmers enhance lids. TO BUY: Contour Eyeshadow Palette, $36 each; kevynaucoinbeauty.com. 2 BROWS THAT WOW This pencil acts kinda like dry shampoo for your eyebrows. Unlike wax-based formulas, which can stick to the skin, it has fibers and powder particles that attach to the hairs for fluffy fullness that doesn’t look fake. I lay the tip on its side to draw flicks, then smooth with the built-in spoolie. TO BUY: Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil, $25; benefitcosmetics.com. 3 SLICK STICK From my kids’ dry skin to my chapped lips…

Meet the Designer REBECCA GIBBS It’s all about color in the kitchen right now, and this one in Abilene, Texas, is as saturated as they come. Catering to the homeowner’s funky, cool tastes, Rebecca went all in with a green palette built around emerald tiles. “I didn’t want the space to be overly bright. I wanted it to feel cozy and warm,” she says. She chose a soft sage for the cupboards, which coordinates with the tile’s grout, and wood floors and marble counters to balance out the green. Get the Look JUST BEAMING Install wooden ceiling beams to add warmth and natural texture. Rebecca chose a super-pale shade of pink paint with brown undertones for the ceiling, as a surprising and softening touch. COLOR THEORY An all-green room might…

BEST FOR SUDSING UP Hey Humans Body Wash With a recycled-aluminum bottle and six fun scents, it delivers a lush lather, rinses clean, and leaves skin feeling smooth for hours post-shower. TO BUY: $8 each; heyhumans.com. BEST LOTION Honest Beauty Refresh Face + Body Lotion Forget fussing with a bunch of bottles: Streamline your routine and hydrate everyone from face to feet with this multitasking moisturizer. Nourishing jojoba, shea, and safflower oils sink quickly into skin, so the whole team can be dressed and out the door right away. Choose from three subtle scents, or opt for the fragrance-free version for sensitive skin. TO BUY: $11; honest.com. BEST MULTITASKER Hello Bello Everywhere Balm This coconut-and-chamomile balm soothes and softens irritated skin, from cradle cap to cracked heels. TO BUY: $11;…

BLACK TEA comes from the same plant as green tea, but its longer drying time means a stronger and smokier taste. BEYOND THE CUP: That deep flavor enhances meat and mushroom dishes. “Soak dried fruit, such as prunes or apricots, in brewed tea until soft. Then add some of the liquid and fruit to a meaty stew, like Moroccan tagine,” says Mariëlla Erkens, an Amsterdam-based tea sommelier. The tea also shines alongside dark fruits in baked goods. Add a sprinkle of dry leaves to a blueberry pie or blackberry crisp for complexity. To make a special topper for toast or ice cream, simmer fresh or frozen stone fruit with sugar and a scoop of black tea until jammy. GREEN TEA, processed soon after harvest, is bright, verdant, and full…

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! We’ve heard it all our lives, a pithy reminder that a good diet is crucial to physical health. But emerging evidence shows just how intertwined food is with mental health as well. So a more accurate line might be: You feel what you eat. “There’s no question that the gut and brain share a special connection,” says Jay Pasricha, MD, professor of medicine and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and director of the university’s Center for Neurogastroenterology. Your noggin responds strongly to what you put in your belly, Pasricha says, in part because your brain needs energy to function, and your gut helps turn food into energy. But the connection goes beyond that, because like the brain, the human gut (a.k.a. the…

DIY Painted “Wallpaper” PRICEY PAPER IS AVOIDABLE WITH SOME BRUSHSTROKES AND A STEADY HAND. When it comes to accent walls, Carmeon understands the assignment. Forgoing wallpaper, she hand-painted a patterned mural using an artist brush. The entire thing took about an hour and cost less than $75, and the imperfect lines give it an artisan look. “I always opt for custom touches to truly reflect me and set my home apart,” Carmeon says. Carmeon Hamilton MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE @carmeonhamilton DIY Decorative Mirror AN OVERSIZE VINTAGE-INSPIRED MIRROR FEELS JUST GRAND. How do you take a basic mirror and turn it into a statement piece worthy of the mantel? Ask Krista, who upcycled a builder-grade vanity mirror by applying self-adhesive faux lead lines (Gallery Glass Instant Lead Lines, $18; amazon.com) in a symmetrical pattern near the frame.…

Flares They may be reminiscent of Woodstock, but today’s flares have a high waist and clean, modern silhouette that lengthens the legs. Pair them with a cropped sweater or blazer for everyday style, or lean into their rock-and-roll vibe with a denim-on-denim-on-denim combo. Either way, keep accessories simple and let your jeans do the talking. TO BUY: Tamara Dark Distressed True Blue Shirt, $118; mavi.com. Rachel Flare Ultra High Rise Instasculpt Jeans, $199; dl1961.com. Loran Deep Hemp Jacket, $128; mavi.com. Infinite Necklace, $195; maisonmiru.com. Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sneakers, $65; converse.com. Rings, models own. High-waisted The beauty of jeans that “come up to here” is that they’re essentially two pairs in one. Go casual with a front-tucked sweater and ballet flats, or add a great pair of heels…

IF YOU DUSTED OFF your old board games (or found yourself in the market for new ones) at some point in the past 2½ years, you’re not alone. In March 2020, Google searches about board games increased 85 percent worldwide. While board games are clearly having a moment right now, they are also part of ancient history. One of the first is thousands of years old, from Egypt. Called Senet, the game was associated with the journey to the afterlife and enjoyed by royalty. You’ll only find original Senet boards in museums, but other historic games have made it into modern-day living rooms. Snakes and Ladders, renamed the friendlier Chutes and Ladders, originated in ancient India, while dominoes could date back as far as 10th-century China. Arguably the biggest…