Thoughts, p. 8
The Simple List, p. 10
Editor’s Note, p. 28
Your Words
- This Month’s Question, p. 31
How do you make dinnertime easier in your house? - No-Obligation Book Club, p. 37
What book makes you laugh out loud?
Trends Worth Trying
- Objects of Desire, p. 39
Edgy veggies - Singular Sensations, p. 40
Jewelry on the fringe - Five-Minute Wow, p. 42
Fishtail braid - The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 44
Native Americana - Style Revival, p. 46
Shearling reboot - New and Improved, p. 48
Clever packaging - 10 Finds for $50 or Less, p. 50
Solutions
- New Uses for Sandpaper, p. 53
- Problem-Solvers of the Month, p. 54
- Fresh Pick, p. 58
Cauliflower - Start With, p. 60
A frozen cheese pizza - Ask Real Simple, p. 62
I can eat prewashed lettuce straight from the bag, right? - Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas, p. 65
Life Lessons
- Good Read, p. 69
Judith Newman on her aversion to being a houseguest - Modern Manners, p. 75
Michelle Slatalla on how to get through Halloween if you’re not wild about it - Expertise, p. 81
Five quick rituals that will improve your day
The Guide
Fashion
- 7 Pieces, 7 Outfits, p. 89
Smart fall staples that you can endlessly mix and match - Real Steals, p. 105
Crisp plaid pieces for under $100 - Fit Lab, p. 117
Puffy coats
Beauty
- Beauty With Brains, p. 127
Is a juice cleanse good for me? - Anti-aging Made Easy, p. 135
A straightforward guide to the right regimen for you - Road Test, p. 145
Lip glosses
Home
- Down-to-Earth Bulbs, p. 151
Just in time for planting season, a primer on the most foolproof and beautiful varieties - Decorating With Orange, p. 163
Bright ideas to make any space pop - Road Test, p. 173
Step stools - Personal Shopper, p. 179
Dozens of room-improving throw pillows, from the graphic to the whimsical - Aroma Therapy, p. 195
Sweeten the air with one of these standout home scents
Health
- 15 Minutes and You’re Done, p. 201
Take a break from weights with a resistance-band workout - The Right Birth Control for You, p. 205
The best options for your age and life stage - The Decoder, p. 215
Essential oils
Money
- Easy Relief From Everyday Money Worries, p. 221
Quick fixes to help ease your financial stress - Moneywise, p. 229
How to save on dry-cleaning; ways to spot a penny-auction scam; steps for getting a credit card more easily
Features
- What Makes My Life Real Simple, p. 237
- A Month of Easy Dinners, p. 238
Your stress-free four-week meal plan - The Best and the Brightest, p. 250
Colorful, affordable fall accessories that will recharge your existing wardrobe - My Year With Breast Cancer, p. 258
An intimate diary by writer (and patient) Rebecca Webber - Micro-organizing, p. 266
Big solutions for corralling your smallest stuff - Stay a Little Longer, p. 274
How to make your looks last
Food
- Revolutionizing Dinner (One Table at a Time), p. 283
Meet the winners of our Take Back Dinnertime contest—and learn how to conquer your own mealtime struggles - Squash Champions, p. 301
Everything you need to know about preparing this fall all-star - Road Test, p. 311
Single-serve coffeemakers - Quick Takes, p. 312
10 ideas for tortillas - Secretly Simple, p. 314
Caramel Corn - Nutritional Index, p. 317
Credits, p. 325
Where to buy the products featured in this issue
Discounts & Deals, p. 332
Exclusive savings on lively wall decorations
Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 334
