Featured in February 2003

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

Features

Ready for Anything, pg. 92
What to do if you lose the electricity, oversalt the soup, have a surprise guest―or face 21 other dilemmas, big and small.
 
 Lost and Found, pg. 102
Meet five couples who fell in love when they were young, drifted apart, and years later found happiness together as adults.
 
 Natural Beauty, pg. 108
Flowers, herbs, and oils have been used since ancient times to rejuvenate skin, hair, and minds. Here are 10 time-tested botanicals worth trying today.
 
 Objects of Affection, pg. 114
Your grandmother's locket, your mother's antique watch―you value these pieces of jewelry as much for their history as their beauty. Here are five women's precious objects, plus 20 suggestions for future heirlooms.
 
 A Month of Dinners, pg. 122
You'll know what's cooking every night―for a whole month―with this easy, varied meal plan. Even better, there are only six basic recipes to learn, and we've already jotted down the shopping list for you.
 

In Every Issue

Thoughts, pg. 10
Beauty
 
 Why Not..., pg. 14
 
 Editor's Note, pg. 22
 
 Contributors, pg. 26
 
 Your Words, pg. 29
If you had an extra $100 to spend on yourself, how would you spend it?
 
 Credits, pg. 157
 
 Real Hard, pg. 158
Love
 

Solutions

New Uses for Old Things, pg. 37
Recycled gift tags and multitasking household products
 
 Easy Upgrades, pg. 42
Oatmeal, tomato soup, yogurt and coffee with a twist
 
 Cleaning Up, pg. 44
Fabric care: leather, cashmere, silk, wool, suede
 
 Fake It, Don't Make It, pg. 47
Caramel-Chocolate Cream Puffs
 

Life Guide

Style 

• Layered looks for work, workouts, and weekends, pg. 53

Beauty 

• Best hair dryers, pg. 65

Body 

• Stronger abs, quick, pg. 69
• Getting the most out of a cardiovascular workout, pg. 135

Food 

• New ways to use rice, pg. 147

The Organizer 

• Paper or PDA: picking a system, pg. 85

 

Soul

Life Lessons, pg. 141
For author Ellen Gilchrist, discovering why she drank was a crucial first step toward a sober, fulfilling life.
 
 Priorities, pg. 147
A young couple with a one-year-old and another baby on the way get expert advice on building a college fund.
 
 Life Coach, pg. 152
Do you want a raise? Of course you do. Sheila Heen tells you how to get one―by not asking.