Featured in October 2008

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

On the Cover

• The no-cost makeover: Update your home, wardrobe, life (for free), p. 208
• Tired of the same pasta? 6 fresh ideas, p. 224
• Instant organizing: Reader-tested tips, p. 47
• Stylish, versatile fall boots, p. 133
• Streamline your skin-care routine, p. 109

In This Issue

Thoughts, p. 12
 

The Simple List, p.14
 

Editor's Note, p. 33
 

Contributors, p. 36
 

Everyday Celebrations
Celebrate fall at an orchard with a day of apple picking, p. 39
 

Your Words
What is your best easy organizing tip?, p. 47
 

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 59
• The Primer: Trick or treat, p. 62
• Garden Guide: Winterize your garden, p. 64
• Products of the Month, p. 66
• Either…Or?: Disposable vs. rechargeable batteries, p. 70
• Tech Decoder: Web cookies, p. 72
• Buying Guide: Desk chair, p. 74
• Ask Real Simple: Storing cold cuts, p. 77

Life Lessons
Mary Gordon on embracing her grandmother’s memory, p. 79
 

The Quiz
Test your eyes with junk-drawer I Spy, p. 84
 

Personal Best
Writer Gretchen Rubin shares her top-10 foolproof ways to be a happier person, p. 203
 

Credits, p. 272
 

Reality Check
Forget ghouls and goblins. These Halloween costumes are truly scary, p. 276
 

Real Simple To Go, p. 278
 

The Guide

Beauty 

Shine on ― eight simple ways to boost your hair’s gloss factor, p. 103

Take it easy: Skin-care tips so you don’t overcleanse, overexfoliate, or overmoisturize, p. 109
 

Life

Concentrate your attention span: 10 ways to regain focus, p. 119
 

Style

Chilly-weekend wardrobe pieces for $100 or less, p. 129

Add some kick to your fall footwear with 12 boot options, p. 133
 

Home

From Nike sneakers to zippered plastic bags, round two of the complete recycling guide, p. 141

Did something go bump in the night? Find out if your house is haunted or if there’s a logical explanation, p. 155
 

Body

Easy-to-understand answers to your breast cancer questions, p. 163

Adhesive bandages 101: Stock your medicine cabinet with these basics, p. 171
 

Moneywise

Save money this month by learning how to trim your electric bill and avoid overdraft-protection fees, and choose a wallet that’s right for you, p. 177
 

Special: Real Simple on TV
Get a sneak peek at Real Simple. Real Life. ― the new makeover show coming to TLC this fall, p. 89
 

Road Tests

• Photo printers, p. 187
• Makeup removers, p. 193
• Salad dressings, p. 197

Features

• Spruce up your space without spending a dime, p. 210
• Don’t drop a fortune on fall fashions; shop your closet for new looks, p. 216
• Raid your pantry for these six ways to liven up pasta night, p. 224
• Writer Steve Almond goes a week without spending money, p. 232
• It’s all in the (makeup) bag. Three women rediscover products they already own, p. 236

Cooking

• Five Easy Dinners, p. 249
• Fresh Pick: Broccoli, p. 261
• Four ways to serve chicken breasts, p. 263
• Slow-Cooker Meal: Asian Short Ribs, p. 269
• Shopping List/Recipe Index, p. 270