On the Cover

More free time: realistic ways to tame your schedule, p. 146

Classic summer recipes, simplified, p. 154

Casual style: upgrades for everyday looks, p. 172

The photograph that changed one family’s life, p. 162

Barbecue sauce, p. 135

Outdoor tableware, p. 127

Skin treatments, p. 79

In This Issue

Thoughts, p. 4

The Simple List, p. 8

Contributors, p. 22

Editor's Note, p. 25

Everyday Celebrations, p. 27
How to throw a summer “dipping” party — with or without a pool

Your Words, p. 35
What are the top-three things on your lifelong to-do list?

Solutions

New Uses for Old Things, p. 43

The Primer: fireworks, p. 46

Tech Decoder: high-speed Internet, p. 48

Products of the Month, p. 50

Ask Real Simple: an all-natural way to repel mosquitoes, p. 54

Life Lessons, p. 57
Writer Erica Wagner tries to re-create one perfect childhood moment

The Quiz, p. 62
Are you overextended?

The Motivator, p. 139
Life coach Gail Blanke gives her five-prong strategy for weathering tough times

Credits, p. 214

Reality Check, p. 218
Wanted: an impersonal trainer

Real Simple To Go, p. 220

The Guide

Style

Eight ways to mix the season’s brights, p. 67

Beauty

Fixing skin flaws: what works, what doesn’t, p. 79

Body

A dental-health Q. and A., p. 89

Home

Three quick bathroom upgrades, p. 101

Life

From serving wine to taking a bath: the best temperatures for everything, p. 109

Moneywise

Save on dry cleaning and 411 calls. Plus, one woman’s money diary, p. 117

Road Tests

Outdoor tableware, p. 127

Shaving products, p. 131

Barbecue sauces, p. 135

Features

A three-step plan for more free time, p. 146

Easy takes on regional dishes, p. 154

The portrait that helped a family survive a father’s deployment, p. 162

Fresh ways to arrange flowers, p. 166

Five women escape fashion ruts, p. 172

Cooking

Fake It, Don't Make It: Easy Ice Cream Cake, p. 185

What’s in Season: summer produce, p. 189

Five Easy Dinners, p. 199

Shopping List/Recipe Index, p. 211