Featured in November 2012

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

Thoughts, p. 12

The Simple List, p. 14

Editor’s Note, p. 27

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 30
  What matters to you most in a leader?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 34
  What book should be on the president’s nightstand?

Trends Worth Trying

• Color of the Season, p. 37
  Oxblood
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 38
  Elegant polka dots
• Forever Find, p. 40
  Patchwork dresser
• Object of Desire, p. 42
  Eye-shadow gallery
• 10 Finds for $50 or Less, p. 44

 

Solutions

• New Uses for Thanksgiving Gadgets, p. 47
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 48
• Ask Real Simple, p. 50
  Refresh my memory: What is the electoral college again?
• Start With, p. 52
  Stuffing mix
• 4 Ways to Jazz Up a Napkin, p. 54

 

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 57
  Writer Alysia Abbott on the challenges of raising an autistic son—and how she learned patience from a surprising source
• Modern Manners, p. 63
  Real Simple’s new etiquette expert, Catherine Newman, on holidays with divorced parents and more
• Expertise, p. 69
  Five ways to focus on what people are saying

 

The Guide

Fashion

• The Long and the Short of It, p. 77
  The best skirt hemlines for your body type, plus styling tips from the experts
• Real Steals, p. 89
  Chic, minimalist pieces for less than $100

Beauty

• Pretty Smart, p. 101
  The latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• Beauty With Brains, p. 109 
  Can I fade my dark spots?
• Road Test, p. 114
  Perfume

Home

• Oops, I Did It Again, p. 123
  Solutions for every holiday stain—from cranberry sauce to tree sap
• Road Test, p. 134 
  Dish soap

Health 

• 15 Minutes and You ’re Done, p. 137
  Triceps
• Gut Check, p. 141
  How your gut functions as your “second brain,” and tips for keeping it healthy

Money

• How to Pay Off Your Mortgage, p. 153
  Five smart strategies for eliminating mortgage debt (the last in a four-part debt series)
• Moneywise, p. 159
  Ways to save on furniture; apps and websites that help you dine out for less; tips to spot fake online product reviews

 

Features

• Secrets to a Spectacular Centerpiece, p. 166
  Inventive Thanksgiving table displays (dreamed up by three pros) that mere mortals can replicate
• How to Say Grace, p. 174
  Minister Kate Braestrup reveals that the most powerful way to express gratitude is also the simplest
• Ain’t Life Grand?, p. 176
  Glamorous, Jazz Age-inspired styles that translate beautifully to modern-day
• She Runs This Town, p. 184
  Four inspiring mayors who are bringing real change close to home

 

Food

• From Our Table to Yours, p. 194 
  Real Simple’s food department shares beloved Thanksgiving recipes destined to become your own family favorites
• Road Test, p. 205 
  Potluck supplies
• Start Here, p. 207
  Delicious, make-ahead appetizers to give your guests a taste of what’s to come
• Quick Takes, p. 214
  10 ideas for pie
• Best Cellars, p. 217
  A dozen popular wines worthy of your holiday toast
• Things Cooks Know, p. 221
  Thanksgiving strategies, techniques, and tips, from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 223
• Nutritional Index, p. 234 

 

 

Credits, p. 236
Where to buy products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals, p. 246 
Exclusive savings on personalized gifts

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 248