Featured in December 2009
See what was in this issue of Real Simple.
Thoughts, p. 10
The Simple List, p. 12
Editor’s Note, p. 33
Your Words
- This Month’s Question, p. 35
How do you stay on budget during the holidays? - No-Obligation Book Club, p. 40
What book makes a great gift?
Trends Worth Trying
- Destined to Be a Classic, p. 45
Booties―the perfect pump/boot hybrid - One Pick Fits All, p. 46
Decorative bobby pins - Two Women, One Look, p. 48
Leather skirts - Five-Minute Wow, p. 50
Making poinsettias prettier - Everyday Indulgence, p. 52
Artful salt and pepper shakers - 10 Seasonal Essentials, p. 54
50 Gifts Under $50
- Everyone, p. 59
Universal crowd-pleasers - Women, p. 71
For mothers, sisters, and best friends - Men, p. 80
For fathers, brothers, and husbands - Kids, p. 91
For tots, teens, and everyone in between - Stocking Stuffers, p. 98
21 mini gifts for $15 and under
Life Lessons
- Good Read, p. 107
Karen Joy Fowler on watching her daughter grieve―and feeling helpless - Modern Manners, p. 113
Julie Rottenberg on dinner-table texters. Plus, your holiday etiquette questions answered - Expertise, p. 117
Amy Bloom on 10 truths she wishes she had known sooner
The Guide
Beauty
- Instant Improvements, p. 123
Skin-fixing gels, creams, and cover-ups that can give you great results in seconds - Road Test, p. 132
Bar soap - Beauty With Brains, p. 135
What exactly are free radicals?
- The Decoder, p. 141
Determining the multivitamin that’s right for you - You, Improved, p. 144
How to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Plus, winter sunscreen tips and a permission slip to eat chocolate - 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 149
Toned shoulders in a flash
- True Velvet, p. 155
Four feel-good pieces you can dress up or down - Fit Lab, p. 165
Find the best tuxedo pants for your body type - Real Steals, p. 171
Party accessories: 17 dazzling finds for $90 or under - The Guide to Ironing Ruffles..., p. 179
Expert tips for taking care of delicately detailed garments
- Happy Wrapping, p. 189
21 inventive ideas to festoon your presents - Road Test, p. 199
Holiday lights - Decorating With Brown, p. 205
Use this earthy neutral to add warmth or provide a base for brights - Make Over My..., p. 217
Real Simple clears out and cleans up one reader’s jam-packed refrigerator
- Moneywise, p. 223
How to save on seasonal decorations and avoid a holiday–air-travel charge. Plus, the price tag to purchase every gift in “The 12 Days of Christmas” - Need Cash?, p. 229
Five kinds of loans and how they can help you come up with money―fast
Features
- What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 235
- What Goes Around Comes Around, p. 236
Take a style lesson from the past to find your look for tomorrow - Homemade for the Holidays, p. 244
Nine easy, handcrafted gifts to delight friends and family - Stealth Strategies for Better Skin, p. 256
How less-expected elements (air quality, what you eat) can affect your complexion―and what to do about it - The Day After, p. 262
Flat club soda, cheese rinds, and sore feet: dealing with what’s left after the holiday party
Food
- Recipes for a Good Time, p. 266
Make-ahead hors d’oeuvres perfect for any party - Secretly Simple, p. 279
Quick hollandaise - Quick Takes, p. 280
One sugar cookie dough, 10 ways to use it - Road Test, p. 282
Pancake mix - Five Easy Dinners, p. 285
- Nutritional Index, p. 296
Credits, p. 302
Where to buy the products featured in this issue
Discounts & Deals, p. 308
Exclusive discounts on entertaining pieces
Real Simple to Go, p. 310