Featured in May 2011

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Thoughts, p. 6

The Simple List, p. 14

Editor’s Note, p. 40

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 44 
  How do you snap out of a bad mood?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 50
  Which fictional character would you like to befriend?

Trends Worth Trying

• Destined to Be a Classic, p. 53 
  Shoe-storage ottoman
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 54 
  Bold color blocking
• Everyday Indulgence, p. 56
  Take-anywhere solid perfumes
• Style Revival, p. 58 
  Jack Rogers sandals
• 10 Finds for $50 or Less, p. 60 

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 65 
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 66 
• Fresh Pick, p. 68 
  Artichokes
• Ask Real Simple, p. 70 
  Why does a paper cut hurt so much?
• Foolproof Mother’s Day, p. 72 
  Breakfast in Bed 101
• Speed-Clean, p. 74 
  Your freezer, done in 20 minutes

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 77 
  Anne Roiphe on the life and death of a beloved companion—her cat Joey
• Modern Manners, p. 83 
  Michelle Slatalla on keeping the guest list small—without offending anyone
• Expertise, p. 87 
  Five things never to say to a recent college graduate

The Guide

Beauty 

• Summer Skin Savers, p. 95 
  Routines, products, and advice to protect you all season long
• Road Test, p. 106 
  Primers
• Beauty With Brains, p. 111 
  The best ways to treat—and prevent—varicose leg veins

Fashion

• Real Steals, p. 119 
  Laid-back light-colored denim pieces for under $100
• Never Buy the Wrong Thing Again, p. 131 
  Say good-bye to ill-advised purchases—and hello to a versatile and enduring wardrobe
• Fashion Fit Lab, p. 147 
  Shirtdresses for every figure

Home

• Instant Expert: Curtains, p. 161
  Everything you need to know about selecting, buying, and hanging curtains
• Road Test, p. 169 
  Fans

Health

• The Doctor Is In, p. 175 
  Mini medical clinics are everywhere, but should you really see a doctor at the airport? A quick examination
• The Decoder, p. 187
  Breath fresheners
• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 191
  An effective and fun hula-hoop workout

Money

• Moneywise, p. 197 
  How to find a loyal-shopper program that fits your life; clever ways to save on your next cup of coffee; lower your expenses on everyday staples

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 205
• Your Renewable Energy Plan, p. 206
  Want to feel more alert and alive right now? This invigorating game plan will show you how
• Perfectly Imperfect, p. 216
  A decorating pro shows you how to make your home look more beautiful and feel more like you
• The Mom Book, p. 224 
  No mugs or scented candles in this house. One mom reflects on the glorious (homemade) gift that she receives every Mother’s Day
• Adult Swim, p. 228
  Fabulous and flattering suits made for grown-up figures

Food

• The Only Cake Story You’ll Ever Need, p. 242
  Essential recipes and easy decorating ideas that you can combine in thousands—yes, thousands—of ways
• Use Your Noodles, p. 255
  Six surprising pasta recipes the whole family will love
• Road Test, p. 263
  Salsa
• Quick Takes, p. 266
  10 ideas for tilapia
• Things Cooks Know, p. 269
  Strategies, techniques, and tips from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 271 
• Secretly Simple, p. 283
  Croutons
• Nutritional Index, p. 284

Credits, p. 285 
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals, p. 290
Exclusive savings for music fans—a satellite radio, a keyboard, headphones, and more

Clip and Save: Real Simple   to Go, p. 291