Featured in October 2013

Thoughts, p. 4

The Simple List, p. 10

Editor’s Note, p. 27

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 29
  What is your best tip for getting the day off to a good start?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 32
  What book is unforgettably eerie?

The Realist

• October at a Glance, p. 35
  Black cats
• Worth Sharing, p. 36
  Your monthly status update from across the Web
• New Uses for Charcoal, p. 38
• Trend Worth Trying, p. 40
  Rock and roll
• Real Simplifier, p. 42
  How to read a palm
• Beauty Boost, p. 44
  Jeweled hair accessories
• Fresh Pick, p. 46
  Swiss chard
• Now What?!?, p. 48
  Smart solutions for life’s little disasters
• Little Helpers, p. 50

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 57
  Meg Wolitzer reflects on her closest, longest friendship and all it has given her
• Modern Manners, p. 63
  Catherine Newman on how to ask a friend to pay you back
• Expertise, p. 67
  Five lessons you can learn from classic films

The Guide

Health

• Structural Support, p. 73
  The causes of back pain and how best to treat them
• Boost Your Immunity, p. 83
  Tips for fending off the cold and flu (or at least lessening the symptoms)

Fashion 

• Work Force, p. 91
  Smart, easy-to-wear dresses for the office
• Get Your Kicks, p. 103
  Fall’s best new booties
• Trend Analysis, p. 109
  Flattering ways to wear brocade

Beauty 

• Pretty Smart, p. 119
  The latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• The Truth Behind Skin-Care Myths, p. 123
  Clearing up the hype on acne, wrinkles, and more
• Road Test, p. 129
  Foundation

Home

• A Friend in the Business, p. 135
  Interior decorator Nick Olsen explains how to “redecorate” any room on the cheap
• Road Test, p. 139
  Brooms
• The Real Simple 2013 Organizing Challenge, p. 141 
  Ready to tackle your messiest spaces once and for all? Our yearlong series is here to help. This month: off-season storage

Family 

• Can I Help You?, p. 153
  How to (effectively) encourage a family member to make a health change

Money

• Moneywise, p. 161
  Avoiding medical-identity theft; buying versus leasing a car; flood insurance 101

 

Features

• Eat, Drink, and Be Scary, p. 168
  All you need to throw a frighteningly easy Halloween after-party
• The Elements of Style, p. 176
  You don’t have to lose your cool factor in brisk weather. Here are some gorgeous layering strategies
• The Missing Link, p. 184
  A working mother’s tireless other mission: helping strangers locate lost loved ones

Food

• Dinner Starts Here, p. 192
  Delicious, surprising recipes for every weeknight this month. Plus, make-ahead tips and print-and-go shopping lists
• Road Test, p. 205
  Rice
• Choosing Sides, p. 211
  Crowd-pleasing, versatile fall dishes
• Quick Takes, p. 222
  10 ideas for butternut squash
• Things Cooks Know, p. 225
  Simplifying strategies, techniques, and tips—from the Real Simple kitchen to yours
• Simply Sweet, p. 228
  Pumpkin doughnuts with sour cream icing
• Nutritional Index, p. 230

 

 

Credits, p. 232
Where to buy products featured in this issue

10 Under $50, p. 236 

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 238