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
