Featured in September 2008

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

On the Cover

• Modern classics: wardrobe upgrades for every budget, p. 220
• Easy skillet dinners everyone will love, p. 240
• Add value to any home: 10 proven ideas, p. 169
• Etiquette in the age of technology, p. 153
• Granola Bars , p. 205
• Energy-saving bulbs, p. 201
• Exfoliators, p. 209

 

In This Issue

Thoughts, p. 10
 
 The Simple List, p. 18
 
 Editor's Note, p. 39
 
 Contributors, p. 40
 
 Everyday Celebrations
Making tomato sauce? Turn it into a party and invite a few friends, p. 43
 
 Your Words
What is the best book your book club has read?, p.53
 
 Solutions
 

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 65
• Either…Or?: convection baking, p. 68
• Products of the Month, p. 70
• The Primer: mascots, p. 74
• Easy Upgrade: framing digital photos, p. 77
• Tech Decoder: computer ports, p. 78
• Uncommon Knowledge: food expiration dates, p. 80
• Ask Real Simple: squeaky shoes, p. 82

Life Lessons
Noelle Howey on the surprising virtues of being a quitter, p. 85
 
 The Quiz
Are you fashionable?, p. 92
 
 The Motivator
Take the sting out of criticism. Life coach Gail Blanke offers suggestions for both giving and receiving feedback, p. 213
 
 Credits, p. 284
 
 Reality Check
Directions for dinner, thanks to Google Moms, p. 288
 
 Real Simple To Go, p. 290
 
 
 

The Guide

Style
 

• Black-tie, festive, or casual? Deciphering dress codes for any event, p. 99
• Add a touch of gray to your wardrobe. It’s your foolproof autumn neutral, p. 111
• What a steal! Well-priced pieces to smooth your closet’s transition from summer to fall, p. 123
• Channel Queen Victoria or Jackie O. with a classic charm bracelet, p. 127

Beauty
 

• Hold on to your summer glow with one of these 12 products, p. 135
• To dye or not to dye? All your hair-color questions answered, p. 143

Life
 

• With new technology comes new social protocols. Navigate today’s rules with ease, p. 153

Body
 

• Reduce stress in two weeks with daily tips that will take you from frazzled to free as a bird, p. 163

Home 
 

• Thinking about home improvement? Ten projects to add value to your investment, p. 169
• From aerosol cans to mirrors, how to recycle anything. The first installment of a two-part guide, p. 177

Moneywise
 

• Real Simple’s monthly pages on saving money: how to create a flexible investment plan, ways to cut down on clothing expenses, and the average kid’s allowance, p. 191

Road Tests

• Compact fluorescent bulbs, p. 201
• Granola bars, p. 205
• Body exfoliators, p. 209

Features

• Trend-a-phobic? Just learn to choose ones with staying power, p. 220
• Five women who have (creatively) salvaged the family dinner, p. 230
• How to cope with losses large and small, p. 236
• Easy meals ― with even easier cleanup. Six one-skillet dishes, p. 240
• Designers from Real Simple’s Design on a Dime event share their decorating tips, p. 248

Cooking

• Five Easy Dinners, p. 259
• Make-Ahead Meal: End-of-Summer Vegetable Soup, p. 271
• Good-for-you grains and easy recipes to enjoy them, p. 273
• Shopping List/Recipe Index, p. 282