Featured in February 2012

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Thoughts, p. 2

The Simple List, p. 4

Editor’s Note, p. 17

 

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 19 
  What is the most important trait in a spouse?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 23
  Who is your favorite fictional couple?

Trends Worth Trying

• Object of Desire, p. 25
  Novel side table
• Style Revival, p. 26
  Bug baubles
• Five-Minute Wow, p. 28
  Hot pink lips
• Everyday Indulgence, p. 30
  Dolled-up hair tools
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 33
  Mod geometry
• 10 Finds for Under $50, p. 34
  

Solutions

• New Uses for Chopsticks, p. 37
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 38
• Ask Real Simple, p. 40
  Does a hot drink actually make you warmer?
• Fresh Pick, p. 42
  Turnips
• 5 Steps to Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, p. 45
  

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 49
  Jill Bialosky on packing up her childhood home (and saying good-bye)
• Modern Manners, p. 55
  Michelle Slatalla on when—and how—to correct a close friend or a relative
• Expertise, p. 59
  Five ways to be a better risk taker

The Guide

Fashion

• Real Steals, p. 67
  Romantic date-night pieces for under $100

Beauty

• Pretty Smart, p. 79
  The latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• Road Test, p. 85
  Foot creams

Home

• A Friend in the Business, p. 87
  Design-and-build specialist Matthew Haly shares his expert advice on reupholstering
• Road Test, p. 91
  Pillows

Health

• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 95
  Crunch-free abs

Money

• Moneywise, p. 99 
  Ways to save on a plumber; how to cash in unused gift cards; travel sites that help you spend less when planning a trip

Features

• Your Bright Future, p. 106 
  A rainbow of ideas for pulling off the most brilliant trend of the season: color blocking
• When Abigail Met Dwayne…, p. 114
  Five happily married couples share the funny, serendipitous, and sweet stories of how they first got together
• Decorating With Plants, p. 122
  Want to turn over a new leaf in your decor? These ideas will help you enliven any room
• Get the Hair You Want With the Hair You Have, p. 130
  Easy how-tos to achieve the springy curls or sleek, straight look you’ve always wanted

Food

• Slow. Simple. Satisfying., p. 138
  Eight savory slower-cooker meals that are easy to make and worth the wait
• Sweet Spot, p. 148
  A delicious, out-of-the-box recipe for the ultimate comfort food: chocolate pudding
• Quick Takes, p.150
  10 ideas for ground turkey
• Things Cooks Know, p. 153
  Simplifying strategies, techniques, and tips from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Road Test, p. 155
  Canned tomatoes
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 159 
• Nutritional Index, p. 170

 

Credits, p. 171
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

 

Discounts & Deals, p. 176
Exclusive savings on coffee and tea accessories

 

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 177