Featured in November 2009

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

Thoughts, p. 10

The Simple List, p. 16

Editor’s Note, p. 31
 
 
 

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 33
  What was your most memorable holiday mishap?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 40
  What was the last book you read and loved?

 

Trends Worth Trying

• Destined to Be a Classic, p. 45
  Jewelry inspired by the Plaza Hotel
• One Pick Fits All, p. 46
  Matte nail polish
• Two Women, One Look, p. 48
  One-shoulder tops
• Five-Minute Wow, p. 50
  Metallic eyes
• Everyday Indulgence, p. 52
  Decorative cake stands
• 10 Finds Under $50, p. 54

 

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 57
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 60
• Ask Real Simple, p. 62
  How do I keep my black pants black?
• Start With, p. 64
  Sparkling wine
• Fresh Pick, p. 68
  Brussels sprouts
• Shortcut, p. 68
  The easiest way to open a clamshell package
• Essentials, p. 70
  Holiday travel

 

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 73
  Mary Karr on how an act of kindness altered her perspective
• Modern Manners, p. 79
  Julie Rottenberg on dinner-party latecomers. Plus, your etiquette questions, answered
• Expertise, p. 83
  Katherine Russell Rich on 10 ways to embrace change

 

The Guide

Beauty
 

• In Fine Order, p. 89
  The proper sequence for applying your skin care and makeup
• Beauty With Brains, p. 97
  Does drinking water hydrate skin?
• Doctor You, p. 107
  The best new beauty gadgets
• Road Test, p. 117
  Shampoo

Health
 

• Just Breathe, p. 123
  Three techniques to help you feel less stressed
• You, Improved, p. 129
  Which is better: sugar or agave? Plus, tips to avoid sickness and trainer Tracy Anderson’s playlist
• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 135
  The fastest way to stronger abs
• The Decoder, p. 141
  Eight expert remedies to soothe a sore throat

Fashion 

• The Classic, p. 145
  Timeless fall riding boots
• Fit Lab, p. 155
  How to wear a pencil skirt, whatever your body type
• Real Steals, p. 161
  Twelve cashmere finds, all $100 or less
• Style Setter, p. 169
  Lela Rose’s favorite things

Home
 

• Decorating With, p. 173
  Blue. A foolproof tutorial, plus a spectrum of ideas
• Speed Cleaning, p. 183
  Five minutes to a sparkling stovetop
• Make Over My..., p. 185
   Real Simple organizes one reader’s overstuffed entryway closet
• Transform a Corner, p. 191
  Five ways to reinvent an often neglected space
• The Secret Life of Your Dishwasher, p. 201
  How to get the most out of this everyday appliance
• Road Test, p. 210
  Corkscrews

Money 

• Moneywise, p. 213
  Ways to pay off debt while still saving, why to buy pj’s now, and a $5 vacation
• Money Conversations Everyone Should Have, p. 223
  Ten essential talks to have with your spouse, kids, and parents

 

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 231
• Gorgeous Thanksgiving Tables for Less Than $50, p. 232
  Four designers create beautiful (and inexpensive) holiday decorations
• The Most Meaningful Moment of My Day, p. 240
  Twelve writers and one photographer share the routine times they cherish the most
• The Hectic Holiday Handbook, p. 248
  A flurry of strategies and advice to survive the holiday season
• All About Lips, p. 254
  From skin care to lipstick, we’ve got you covered

 

Food

• A Simple, Splendid Potluck, p. 264
  Thanksgiving made easy: 21 recipes and tips
• Beyond Cranberry Sauce, p. 281
  Three unexpected holiday relishes
• Four Foolproof Pies, p. 285
  Tasty updates on all the classics
• Wines and Beers for the Big Feast, p. 297
  What to sip, no matter your crowd or your budget
• Quick Takes, p. 302
  Ten ideas for leftover turkey?
• Secretly Simple, p. 306
  Candied nuts
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 309
• Road Test, p. 320
  Chicken broth, p. 322
• Nutritional Index, p. 330

 Credits, p. 330
Where to buy the products featured in this issue
 
 Discounts & Deals, p. 336
Exclusive discounts on hostess gifts, p. 338
 
 Real Simple to Go, p. 368