Featured in April 2011

See what was in this issue of Real Simple. Click here to subscribe.

Thoughts, p. 10

The Simple List, p. 16

Editor’s Note, p. 37

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 41
  What is your favorite cleaning product and why?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 44
  What is the last book that made you cry?

Trends Worth Trying

• Destined to Be a Classic, p. 49
  Grown-up galoshes
• Everyday Indulgence, p. 50
  Multicolored blushes
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 52
  Cheerful stripes
• Style Revival, p. 54
  Display cloches
• 10 Finds for $50 or Less, p. 56

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 59
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 62
• Ask Real Simple, p. 64
  Do dried and fresh fruits have the same health benefits?
• Start With, p. 66
  Rice
• Speed-Clean,  p. 68
  Your refrigerator, done in 20 minutes

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 71
  Real Simple essay-contest winner Dorothy Fortenberry on the thing she never thought she would do
• Modern Manners, p. 77
  Michelle Slatalla on how to confront strangers in public
• Expertise, p. 81
  Five ways to make a great first impression

The Guide

Fashion

• 7 Pieces, 5 Outfits, p. 87
  Essential spring items you can combine in all sorts of ways
• Fashion Fit Lab, p. 95
  Full skirts for every figure
• Real Steals, p. 103
  Brightly colored clothes and accessories—all under $100

Home

• Personal Shopper, p. 111
  The quickest way to spruce up any room? One of these eye-popping, affordable area rugs
• Road Test, p. 119
  Dusters
• Decorate Your Doorway, p. 123
  Front-door accoutrements that complement your home’s style

Beauty

• Beauty Regrets, p. 135
  Fix mishaps with these expert tips and tricks
• Road Test, p. 141
  Scrubs

Health

• The Decoder, p. 145
  Headache relief
• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 149
  Work your core and tone your abs

Money

• Your Road Map to Saving Money, p. 153
  A six-step strategy to help you achieve your financial goals
• Moneywise, p. 161
  Clever ways to reduce your April expenses; how to avoid falling for an auto-repair scam; why it pays to file your taxes early

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 173
• Spring-Cleaning Shortcuts, p. 174 
  From windows to carpets, the top-to-bottom guide to making your home sparkle—fast
• In Full Bloom, p. 184 
  Anything but garden-variety style: the season’s prettiest florals
• This Is Your Brain on Procrastination, p. 192 
  Why we all do it—and how to stop. Really. Right now
• This Boy’s Life, p. 200 
  An intimate look at a family whose son struggles with ADHD

Food

• Rush-Hour Dinners, p. 210 
  Delicious weeknight meals you can prep in 15 minutes or less
• Road Test, p. 219 
  Chocolate bars
• Six Fresh Sides, p. 223 
  Easy recipes using spring’s tastiest flavors
• Secretly Simple, p. 231 
  Bloody Mary
• Things Cooks Know, p. 233 
  Strategies, techniques, and tips from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 237 
• Quick Takes, p. 248 
  10 ideas for eggs
• Nutritional Index, p. 250 

Credits, p. 255 
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals, p. 258 
Exclusive savings on items to cheer up your workplace

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 259