Featured in September 2003

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

Features

The Spend-Nothing Makeover, pg. 202 
Real Simple helps a Massachusetts family spruce up the whole house with pieces they already had in the garage, basement, and attic.

Stopping the Clock, pg. 212
Catching a breather in your jam-packed schedule is harder than ever. Four women reveal how they carve out time for themselves and their families. Plus 12 painless time-savers.

A Colorful Character, pg. 218
The monotone staples in your fall wardrobe (beige, black, gray) can get downright monotonous. Reenergize your wardrobe ― and yourself ― with strategic shots of color.

Healing Waters, pg. 224
Alexandra Morton's passion for whales led her to a remote island home where she has found tragedy, fulfillment, and a purity of purpose.

Hot Tomatoes, pg. 232
The end of summer has an upside: the ripest, juiciest fruits (yes, fruits) of the year. Enjoy the best of the season with these six foolproof recipes.

Meals Made Easy, pg. 243
One bird, many fall meals: Sage-Roasted Turkey Breast and Gravy today, Turkey Potpie with Biscuit Crust tomorrow, and Turkey Sandwiches, Pizza, or Pasta anytime.

Life

Home 

• Storage ottomans, pg. 85
• The best handheld vacuums, pg. 91
• Keep bright colors bright, pg. 95
• Filtering your water, pg. 98

Style 

• Straight skirts that fit, pg. 107
• Comparison clothes shopping: catalog, in-store, on-line, pg. 111
• A trip to the tailor, pg. 117

Beauty 

• Multitasking cosmetics, pg. 123
• Cleansing cloths for every skin type, pg. 127

Body 

• Relax at the office, pg. 131
• What to look for in a mental-health professional, pg. 137
• Spend less on prescriptions, pg. 141

Food 

• Reap the health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil, pg. 147
• Quick, nutritious breakfasts, pg. 153
• Mushrooms 101, pg. 159

Life 

• Save big at warehouse clubs, pg. 163
• Coping with neighbors, pg. 171
• Words we mix up, pg. 179
• Digital cameras made easy, pg. 185

The Organizer 

• Sick of stumbling over boots and backpacks? Clear up that cluttered entryway. pg. 191

Simple Solutions

Healthy Habit, pg. 64
Tea that tastes great ― and is great for you

New Uses for Old Things, pg. 67
Repurpose newspapers and salad spinners

Home Printing Press, pg. 68
Software that turns out invitations in a snap

Products of the Month, pg. 70
From a colander-lid pot to a quick gray-hair fix

Minding Your Manners, pg. 76
What to do with those olive pits and shrimp tails at parties

Garden Guide, pg. 78
A shrub for all seasons

Fake It, Don't Make It, pg. 80

Priorities

She Earns More, pg. 261 

• A San Francisco couple wants to look to the future, but one partner's career struggles are blocking the view. Our advisers help them see their way.

Life Coach: Back Off!... Please?, pg. 267 

• Are you a pushy person or a people-pleaser? Believe it or not, both personality types can coexist peacefully. Here's how.