Featured in January 2013

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Thoughts, p. 8

The Simple List, p. 10

Editor’s Note, p. 18

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 20
  What is the secret to a good night’s sleep?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 22
  What is your favorite short story?

Trends Worth Trying

• Better Than Basic, p. 25 
  Dip-dye housewares
• Five-Minute Wow, p. 26 
  Big bangs
• Style Revival, p. 28 
  Friendship bracelets for grown-ups
• 10 Finds Under $50, p. 30 

 

Solutions

• New Uses for Holiday Lights, p. 32 
• Ask Real Simple, p. 34 
  Does drinking milk from the container contaminate it?
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 35 
• Start With, p. 36 
  Couscous

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 39
  Writer Stephanie Booth on the heartbreak of giving up her dream home—and on gaining back her happiness
• Modern Manners, p. 45
  Catherine Newman on dealing with neighbors’ marauding dogs
• Expertise, p. 48
  5 ways to supercharge your productivity
  
  

The Guide

Beauty

• Pretty Smart, p. 52
  The latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• Road Test, p. 57
  Body moisturizers

Health

• Can I Get a Transcription for That?, p. 61
  A handy dictionary to help you understand medical jargon

Fashion

• Real Steals, p. 67
  Snuggly and stylish weekend wear for $100 or less
• Quality, Deconstructed, p. 75
  The smart shopper’s guide to buying a blazer

Home 

• Wall Calendars, p. 77
  Six display-worthy options that will keep you up-to-date
• Road Test, p. 80
  Stick vacuums

Money

• Moneywise, p. 80
  Thinking about making a charitable donation? Here’s how to vet the options. Plus, 10 organizations that Real Simple loves

 

Features

• 10 Things Your Mother Never Taught You, p. 88
  She may know best, but it’s impossible for her to know everything. This expert advice should take care of the rest
• The Real Simple 2013 Organizing Challenge, p. 96
  Ready to tackle your messiest spaces once and for all? This yearlong series is here to help. First up: the kitchen
• One Shirt Fits, Flatters, Favors All, p. 102
  Six stylish women celebrate the ultimate closet staple: a white button-down

 

Food

• The Dinner Party, Decoded , p. 110 
  A foolproof plan—complete with recipes, a shopping list, and a timeline—to keep you calm so you can party on
• Things Cooks Know, p. 118
  Strategies, techniques, and tips, from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Quick Takes, p. 120
  10 ideas for soup
• Road Test, p. 122
  Natural nut butters
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 125
• Nutritional Index, p. 136

 

 

Credits, p. 137
Where to buy products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals, p. 142 
Exclusive savings on goods for book lovers

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 144