Table of contents for November 2022 in Real Simple

IF YOU ASKED ME to describe my aesthetic, I’d probably go with “updated classic.” I love something with timeless appeal, and I’m even more smitten when it gets a tweak—a little zhuzh that puts it in the moment. I have a neutral cream-and-gray living room that could exist in several decades. But plop in a colorful jazz concert poster, a mustard chair, and some neonish throw pillows, and you bring it squarely into 2022. I have a sleeveless sweater-dress with a mock neck straight from the current ’90s craze, cordovan stovepipe boots with studs up the sides, an L.L.Bean tote in camo with a blazing orange monogram, and on and on. To me, the tweaks enhance the original with great ideas from right now. That’s how we approached refreshing…

Calories! No one should have to think or feel guilty about the number of calories they consume on Thanksgiving, or ever!SHEILA KAPLAN, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND Memaw won’t let us talk about politics. We ain’t getting none of her homemade sweet potato pie if we do! @ANAMARIATURNER611 There are a lot of exes in our family, and even though most of the splits were amicable, I try to keep the focus on the current family members and our future together. Negativity from the past detracts from the positive vibe of gathering as a family. TERESA VAN YSSELDYK SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA Recipes! Especially when the group is large. Everyone seems to have their own variations on all the essentials. It can get hostile! ANGELA JOHNSON KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON Our family lake cottage. Otherwise…

1 DRESS UP If your long dresses are essentially dusters for your closet floor (yikes!), this two-piece hanger will be a nice, um, upgrade. See what we did there? Garment Hanger, $28; createyourcove.com 2 ONE FOR ALL No more rummaging through your cabinet for the right lid. This one fits snugly on most pots and pans. Saves space? Check! Saves time? Check! Stainless Steel Universal Lid, $35; zwilling.com/us 3 PIE TIME Alt idea for extra pie dough: Send guests home with professional-looking mini hand pies (sweet or savory!) assembled with this easy-to-use mold. Pocket Pie Press, $9; nordicware.com 4 READY FOR ANYTHING For the serial worrier: This waterproof emergency kit includes 50-plus items you’ll need during a natural disaster or evacuation. Buh-bye, panic. Oh hey, peace of mind! The Mover…

IDEAS, DIYS & REALLY GOOD TIPS They Have a Loving Gaze Dogs are the only animals who make sustained eye contact with us. “When a human and a dog gaze at each other, their brains release a flood of oxytocin,” says Anne M. Burrows, PhD, professor of anatomy at Duquesne University, who studies facial expressions in animals. Oxytocin, a.k.a. the love hormone, is also responsible for facilitating the attachment between parents and infants. Now it makes sense why we call our dogs our fur babies! They’re Expressive While chimps can make 14 facial expressions, domesticated dogs can make more than 20. In fact, their facial muscles evolved specifically to communicate with humans, according to a study in the journal PNAS. They can raise their inner eyebrows—something wolves can’t do—which causes…

THE SPEND Extra Legroom on a Flight IS IT WORTH IT? Sometimes! HERE’S WHY: The person in front of you reclines their seat, and it seems like their head is mere millimeters from your face. The “pitch” (airline speak for the distance from one seatback to the next) in economy is around 29 to 32 inches before reclining. (To find out the pitch before your next trip, enter your flight number on seatguru.com, or check with the airline.) Booking a spot in premium economy, tucked between business and coach, may score you some extra inches, which generally translates to more legroom too, says Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, a deal-hunting service. “On some flights, you could probably get a roomier seat with at least three extra inches for…

COFFEE MAKER Cleaning it regularly can make your morning cup taste better. Wash the reusable filter, brew basket, and carafe with warm, soapy water after each use. You’ll also need to deep-clean and descale the machine monthly. Wipe the exterior of the whole thing, including the cord, with a damp microfiber cloth, and use a cotton swab to scrape out any grit or goo from crevices. Plug it in, fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and brew. Then run at least one cycle with just water so your next pot doesn’t taste like vinegar. SLOT TOASTER Did you know that your toaster has a crumb tray? If not, it likely hasn’t been emptied since…ever. Remove the tray, dump the crumbs, and wipe it with a microfiber…

CAROL ASKS… A friend told me she had no plans for her birthday, so I invited her over. The next day, she said her son and other friends would be joining her. She added more people the next day. The day of our get-together, she texted that she was adding four more. I told her I’d had a busy week and I wasn’t up for that many people. We had a nice time with six guests, some of whom I didn’t know. A few days later, she told me I’d put her in a terrible position by having her disinvite her friends. I was taught never to invite people to someone else’s house. What do the rules of etiquette say? Oh my goodness, Carol! You are such a good friend…

Rosemary Roasted Turkey Legs ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 25 MINUTES SERVES 8 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)3 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary1 ½ Tbsp. kosher salt4 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 4 tsp.)2 tsp. dried thyme2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper8 turkey drumsticks (about 12 oz. each)½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth PREHEAT oven to 400°F with rack in top third of oven. MELT butter in microwave or on stove. Stir in lemon juice, rosemary, salt, garlic, thyme, and pepper. DRY drumsticks well with paper towels and place in a high-sided roasting pan. Brush all over with butter mixture. Add wine to pan. COVER and roast for 15 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 450°F, uncover, and continue to roast until juices run clear, skin…

In the Entryway • Give the people some space! Clear out what you can from the coat closet or hall tree so guests have room to hang their hats, scarves, and puffy sleeping bags—er, jackets. • Make your shoe stance clear. Shoes on or off? (Up to you, but maybe read the story on page 120 before you decide.) If you want them off, tell guests and offer them socks or slippers for their comfort. Make sure you have a nearby bench or seat for easy perching. • Take drink orders. Travel makes everyone thirsty. Water, wine, or a cocktail can help. Ask your guests if you can get them anything as you welcome them in and they take off their coats. • Get a spare key made. If your…

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 6 1 Tbsp. olive oil1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)2 tsp. kosher salt, divided3 Tbsp. red curry paste2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 3-in. piece)3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp.)4 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth1 ½ lb. ½-in. cubes butternut squash (from 2 [20-oz.] pkg.)1 15.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk, well stirred1 12-oz. pkg. silken tofu, drained2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 or 2 limes)6 Tbsp. crushed salted peanutsChopped fresh cilantro and crushed red pepper (optional), for serving HEAT oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until onion starts to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. ADD curry paste, ginger, and garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant,…

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 12 ½ cup all-purpose flour¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted¼ cup salted roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice¼ tsp. kosher salt¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar, divided8 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided2 cups heavy cream2 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened12 cups 1-in. cubes pumpkin bread (from 1 large loaf) PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Stir together flour, butter, pepitas, pumpkin pie spice, salt, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir to break up any large pieces. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. BEAT cream in a medium bowl with an electric…

COLOR OF THE MONTH In Love With Olive Sage, mint, lime, and other greens are about to be, well, green with envy: Olive is making a huge comeback. In the ’70s, the color was all the rage and often paired with mustard or bright orange. Today it’s returning in midcentury modern pieces. And in a fun new twist, it’s showing up with blues and black. ON TREND Kooky Candles These quirky tapers will add a bright spot to any table. HOT TIP! You can turn typical tapers into funky ones at home. Just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then gently bend and twist them into shape. MISTAKES YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE MAKING Hanging Art Interior designer Rozit Arditi (@arditidesign) has the tips you need to…

TikTok creators and makeup artists are raving about the healthy-looking, cheekbone-chiseling results of the W blush technique. Good news: It’s a breeze to re-create IRL. 1 DO THE W Just as the name implies, the goal is to draw the letter W across your face. Use a big, fluffy brush. Start at the top of one cheekbone and trace your brush down to the apple, then up to and across the bridge of the nose; mirror the V shape on the other side to complete the look, says celebrity makeup artist Mariela Bagnato. The higher-than-usual blush lifts your face, while the color on your nose gives a convincing faux glow because that’s where the sun would add color (if you weren’t slathered in SPF). 2 FIND YOUR FORMULA Whether you…

IN YOUR KITCHEN 10 Of the Best Heart-Healthy Foods Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart…you know the rest. What other foods can improve heart health? We made a list! Check it out at realsimple.com/hearthealthy and start boosting your diet. ON YOUR BOOKSHELF The REAL SIMPLE Anti-Inflammation Bookazine That pesky bodily function that makes your nose stuffy and your skin red is crucial for helping you physically heal. But when it’s chronic, inflammation is a whole other story! Learn how to prevent and treat this condition in our special edition. ON THE WEB 5 Habits to Break for a More Organized Home It’s one thing to keep your place clean, and another to keep it organized. If you struggle with clutter, we have a few mindful changes that lean…

1 EYEBROW RAISER So you weren’t born with Lily Collins’s brows? Me neither. This clear gel neatly separates hairs and bulks them up with biotin, for immediate and long-game results. Brow Growing Serum, $42; ryebeauty.com 2 HELP FOR BAD HAIR DAYS Sometimes my hair feels dry; other times, it looks dull. These vitamin-packed ampoules soup up regular conditioner (mix in a quarter-size blob) to customize your hair care. Pantene Boosters, $4 each; walmart.com 3 PUFF-FREE POWDER This silky powder nixes nose shine and helps concealer last without caking. And get this: You twist the ring to dispense the proper dose into the well, so there’s no exploding cloud of dust when you open the lid! Trippin Smooth Powder, $29.50; uomabeauty.com 4 STRESSED SKIN SOS Scientists studied the skin of more…

WORTH THE SPLURGE The Perfect Black Blazer Some jackets are just for the office. This one is for business meetings, Sunday brunch, nights out, and everything else on your calendar. It’s got a slightly over-size fit that hits just below the hips, with notched lapels for a polished touch. The fabric, though, is what really gets us. Made from a supersoft ponte knit that’s wrinkle- and pill-resistant, quick drying, UV protective, and machine washable, the blazer needs zero attention, but will get you a ton. THEY’RE BAAACK! Boho Bags The classic, comfortable carryall happens to be the It bag this season. TREND TO TRY Chocolate Brown Those in the know are covering themselves—head to toe—in this very ’90s statement color.…

IT’S YEAR THREE of Covid, monkeypox is in the headlines, and we’re heading into cold and flu season. Though you may be so over the steady stream of (literally) viral news, you don’t want to let your guard down now. Rest up! And study up! This quiz could help you stay well this winter. True or false: Flu rates have been down since the start of Covid, so skipping your flu shot is OK. False. While the overall number of flu cases has been unusually low since the beginning of the pandemic (thanks to all the mask wearing, social distancing, and handwashing we’ve been doing), infectious disease experts are fairly certain that won’t be the case this year. Why? Two reasons! First, with pandemic-level protocols no longer in place at…

1 TAKE OUT THE TRASH Now is the time to toss your collection of stale, moldering, and languishing food. It’s eating up valuable real estate! Go through the fridge and freezer and toss anything that looks or smells funky. Don’t forget the stuff on the doors! 2 LABEL LIKE A PRO Fact: Future You is not going to remember what Today You wraps in foil. No matter how many times you promise yourself you will. Take a minute to label food in the freezer and leftovers in the fridge. Just use a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker to note what’s inside and today’s date. 3 LEAVE ROOM FOR NEW STUFF What if a guest brings an ambrosia for later? (Ooh, thanks?) What if you need a spot…

MEET THE DESIGNERS Breeze Giannasio and Carmel Greer Architect Carmel Greer (bottom) built a modern farmhouse in D.C. for a family of four, then enlisted Los Angeles–based designer Breeze Giannasio to lend a cool factor to the interior. Reminiscent of a French bistro, the breakfast nook features a café-style dining set and a one-of-a-kind abstract painting (the clients are art lovers). The real standout? The upholstered banquette that’s both an elegant moment and a casual dining spot for the family. Get the Look SKIP BULKY FURNITURE Open space in tight zones is key for ease of movement. A pedestal-base dining table leaves plenty of legroom for sliding in and out, while bistro chairs (with their slender, armless frames) tuck right under the table. Plus, they make you feel like you’re…

“We Launched an Ice Cream Brand That’s Disrupting the Industry”TRUE SCOOPS KELLY WILLIAMSON AND SHELLY MARSHALL met as students at Penn State, but if you’re picturing two teens giggling in a dorm room or gossiping their way through sorority rush, think again. “It was ice cream college!” Kelly (pictured far left) says with a laugh. “Isn’t that the best thing ever?” For more than a century, she explains, the university has hosted a weeklong intensive course in January for professionals interested in learning about commercial ice cream production. In 2015, both women enrolled and checked in at the same hotel. “We met at the breakfast buffet,” Kelly says. “And we ended up sitting together in class and sharing rides to campus all week.” In the years that followed, Shelly, who…

A Sweet Start My family is a mix of Alaska Native (Inupiaq) and Native American (Waccamaw Siouan), and for as long as I can remember, we’ve had a saying: “Native Americans eat pie for breakfast.” We have no idea where it came from, but it’s a good enough excuse for us. We bake the day before and eat pie in the morning before we cook. HANNAH DOROUGH, REAL SIMPLE’S ASSISTANT EDITOR Out on a High Note Our Thanksgivings have always been raucous affairs. We cook in my mother’s tiny New York City kitchen, with my dad taking up the counter to pour a round of martinis and my sister trying to sneak apples into the stuffing. At the end of the meal, after my grandfather performs his traditional amateur magic…