Real Simple December 2021

YEAR’S END BEING a period of reflection, I thought I’d share some ideas, time-savers, and new uses for old things I picked up from 2021 issues of REAL SIMPLE. Thanks, team, for bringing ease and brightness into my life. • Sprinkle a handful of flour into a freshly cleaned, dry sink and buff to make it truly shine. (February)• Breathe through your nose while wearing a mask to prevent dry mouth. (March)• Make a significant dent in your carbon footprint by replacing gas-powered appliances (and cars!) with electric ones. (April)• Spend 10-minute chunks—like when you’re waiting in line or on hold—editing your phone’s camera roll. (May)• It’s possible to order peel-and-stick paint swatches—better to hang and test colors in different rooms and lighting scenarios. (June)• Slice a carton of ice cream…

BEHIND THE SCENES Cat Dash STYLIST @catdash My Dream Day: One with no commitments and no rushing—I’d move through the world at my own pace. Next Big Purchase: A king-size bed, mattress, and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been sleeping on a queen for far too long! Favorite Family Recipe: During the holidays, my mom makes pepparkakor, a Swedish ginger cookie that’s super thin and crispy. See Cat’s picks for the season’s best party supplies on page 17. IN YOUR CART REAL SIMPLE 2021 Holiday Gift Guide Whether you’re shopping for your partner, parents, or picky sister, we have hundreds of genius gift ideas beyond the 138 featured in this issue. Scroll through this year’s presents at realsimple.com/ultimategiftguide. ON YOUR BOOKSHELF The Best Books of the Past Year Drumroll, please: Our definitive list of the top reads of 2021 has arrived. Curl up…

“Joy is not made to be a crumb,” from a poem by Mary Oliver. It’s my new mantra! @SANPEDROCHICA “Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” This proverb reminded me that there’s value in going at your own pace. When the pressure to hustle comes, I return to this—and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. SANDRA DELUCA, NEW YORK CITY The article in REAL SIMPLE by novelist Meg Cabot that asked, “Isn’t it better to be happy for a little while than unhappy forever?” SUZANNE CONSTANCE, HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY I vowed to read the dusty classics on the shelf. The most memorable was John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley. His observations are relevant 60 years later and assure me of the cyclical nature of life. LINDA MERLINO, WILMINGTON,…

1 SIP IN STYLE Make a toast with these sculptural handblown glasses that feel like art.TO BUY: Ramona Coupe Glasses, $56 for 4; anthropologie.com. 2 YES, QUEEN Nothing says “life of the party” like a tiered, glittery hair accessory. TO BUY: Sparkling Stars Headband, $10; papersource.com. 3 GLOW UP These giant balloons are filled with confetti, so you can enjoy a colorful spectacle—and not spend the next week vacuuming. TO BUY: Confetti Balloon Kit, $22; merimeri.com. 4 MIX MASTERS The handles are long enough for a highball, and the bowls are perfect for all your olive-scooping needs. TO BUY: Laurel Cocktail Stirring Spoons, $14 for 4; teaandlinen.com. 5 SET THE SCENE Celebrate the holidays with poppy hues (teal and neon green) and any-season motifs, like gold dots. TO BUY: Assorted Tableware, from $4; shop.ohhappyday.com. 6 DRINK TO THIS The women who…

Historical Fiction An epic set in the 20th century during the Korean independence movement, Juhea Kim’s Beasts of a Little Land zooms in on several characters—a girl sold to a courtesan school, a boy living as a street orphan, a rich publisher—all searching for identity. Unrequited love, class warfare, scandal…this novel has it all. Satisfying Suspense Dutiful Molly Gray is a hotel maid who takes tremendous pride in her work at the Regency Grand. But when she finds a wealthy guest murdered in his bed, she becomes the prime suspect. The Maid by Nita Prose is a heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center. Fascinating Fairy Tale Chouette by Claire Oshetsky is a modern fable about a new mother, Tiny, who’s convinced that her infant daughter is actually a baby owl. Tiny feels…

Dibs Beauty Status Sticks Toss this vanilla-scented highlighter (in pink, gold, and bronze) into your bag and you’ll be a split second away from looking good on the go. With mango seed butter, it glides onto skin and creates a sheen that brightens lids, brow bones, cheeks, collarbones, arms, and legs. TO BUY: $32 each; dibsbeauty.com. 1 MAGIC WANDS Kaja Wink Lash Trio Mascara Save space with this trio of mascaras. You get a clear lash primer and brow gel, a volumizing mascara, and a lengthening mascara. Wear alone, or mix them for a custom lash look. TO BUY: $28; sephora.com. 2 LOVELY LOTION Method Body Soothing Lotion in Pure Peace Sure, the murumuru and jojoba oils soften skin nicely, but we really like the chic packaging: The bottle is pretty enough to leave on the counter…