Featured in January 2010

Photo by James Wojcik

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 24
  What will you do differently this year?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 26
  Who is your favorite fictional character?

Trends Worth Trying

• Destined to Be a Classic, p. 31
  An artful alarm clock
• One For All, p. 32
  Wide belts
• Two Women, One Look, p. 34
  Boyfriend cardigans
• Everyday Indulgence, p. 36
  Dressed-up makeup bags
• 10 Finds Under $50, p. 38

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things, p. 41
• Problem Solvers of the Month, p. 44
• Shortcut, p. 46
  How to get better Google search results

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 49
  Elizabeth Berg on her difficult yet comforting talk with an old friend
• Modern Manners, p. 55
  Julie Rottenberg on the protocol for returning gifts. Plus, your etiquette questions, answered
• Expertise, p. 58
  Lee Eisenberg on 10 ways to spend smarter this year

The Guide

• Healthy Hair With Less Hassle, p. 62
  The low-key, low-cost way to get great hair
• Road Test, p. 64
  Blush

• 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 67
  A stronger lower back in just a few moves
• You, Improved, p. 74
  How to reboot your body after the holidays; plus, surprising superfoods that pack a nutritional punch

• Real Steals, p. 77
  Update a wardrobe essential―white shirts under $60
• Fit Lab, p. 85
  Find a T-shirt bra to fit your frame perfectly

• Decorating With, p. 91
  Purple. Soothe your senses with lavender walls, or be bold with regal plum accents
• Make Over My…, p. 97
  Real Simple creates a made-to-order information center for a busy family of six
• Road Test, p. 102
  Pet brushes

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 105
• How to Save $5,000 This Year, p. 106
  Your money manual for 2010. Cut costs on food, clothing, health care, and more
• Reimagine Your Bedroom, p. 116
  Update it to reflect your favorite style with just a few easy tweaks
• Nine Secrets of Motivated People, p. 122
  Achieve your goals this year: effective tricks to help you stay the course

Food

• You’re Getting Warmer, p. 128
  Six hearty soups and stews to warm you inside and out
• Road Test, p. 137
  Chopping gadgets
• Quick Takes, p. 140
  Ten fast (and delicious) recipes for ground beef
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 143
• Nutritional Index, p. 148