Featured in November 2011

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Thoughts, p. 8

The Simple List, p. 12

Editor’s Note, p. 29

 

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 31
  What cutback has saved you the most money and changed your life least?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 36
  What fictional family would you like to join?

Trends Worth Trying

• Five-Minute Wow, p.39
  Ringlets master
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 40
  Foxy faux fur
• Better Than Basic, p. 42
  Leather T-shirts
• Objects of Desire, p.44
  Claw-foot candlesticks
• Style Revival, p. 46
  Collar necklaces
• 10 Finds for $50 or Less, p. 48

Solutions

• New Uses for Hair Spray, p. 51
• Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 52
• Ask Real Simple, p. 54
  After exercising, I often notice that my hands are swollen. Should I be worried?
• Start With, p. 56
  Leftover turkey
• Step-by-Step, p. 59
  Thanksgiving place cards
• Fresh Pick, p. 60
  Parsnips

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 63
  Karen Russell recalls her wildest (and most wonderful) family Thanksgiving
• Modern Manners, p. 69
  Michelle Slatalla on how to host a religiously inclusive holiday gathering
• Expertise, p. 72
  Five ways to be an effective squeaky wheel

The Guide

Beauty

• Pretty Smart, p. 81
  A new monthly column featuring the latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• Beauty With Brains, p. 89
  How can I cover my stubborn grays?
• Road Test, p. 93
  Mascaras
• Winter Nail Care, p. 99
  Advice on keeping fingertips strong and healthy despite the cold

Health

• The Decoder, p. 107
  Tea
• Your Dental Health, Examined, p. 111
  A no-nonsense guide to maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout your life
• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 119
  Partner workout

Fashion

• Penny-Pinching Secrets to Looking Like a Million Bucks, p. 123
  From fabric selection to styling tricks, these strategies upgrade whatever you’re wearing
• Fit Lab, p. 133
  Cardigans
• Real Steals, p. 141
  Chic and cozy weekend pieces for under $100

Home

• Doable Decorating, p. 153
  Simple lampshade swaps that will transform a standard base (and your space, too)
• Make Over My Mudroom, p. 167
  See how Real Simple revamped one family’s entryway—and learn how you can do the same
• Road Test, p. 179
  Space heaters

Money

• Moneywise, p. 183
  How to save on your food bills; a buying guide to tablet computers; the truth about extended warranties

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 191
• Your Holiday-Spending Survival Guide, p. 192
  A comprehensive plan to help you save big, shop more efficiently, stay on budget, and have more fun this season
• All the Trimmings, p. 202
  Grace your Thanksgiving table with elegant serving pieces—from platters to tureens to tablecloths
• Lace Notes, p. 210
  Why this trendy-yet-timeless fabric is just right for dressing up
• Sometimes an Object Is Just an Object…, p. 216
  Five writers pay tribute to the ordinary items that have become their prized possessions

Food

• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Thanksgiving, p. 226
  Prep early (and relax later) with this easy-to-follow game plan
• Road Test, p. 237
  Prefeast nibbles
• Wine and Dine, p. 241
  The best bottles to pair with your Thanksgiving dishes
• All Rise, p. 245
  Upgrade a standard bread basket with these crowd-pleasing bake-ahead recipes
• Secretly Simple, p. 254
  Chicken stock
• Break the Mold, p. 257
  Homemade cranberry sauces that are almost as effortless as the canned kind
• Quick Takes, p. 260
  10 ideas for mashed potatoes
• Things Cooks Know, p. 263
  Thanksgiving strategies, techniques, and tips from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Four Reasons to Save Room, p. 265
  Fancy but foolproof Thanksgiving desserts
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 275
• Nutritional Index, p. 286

Credits, p. 290
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals, p. 302
Exclusive savings on road-trip essentials

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 304