Featured in September 2001

GIRL UNINTERRUPTED, pg. 98
Emerging from the turmoil of her late 20s, Katri Sampson focused on the life she wanted ― and found it in a little red schoolhouse in Maine.

APPEALING SCHEDULES, pg. 106
A nun, a farmer, and an artist reveal three very different ― and equally successful ― approaches to mapping out their days.

WOMEN IN UNIFORM, pg. 112
When it comes to getting dressed, think inside the box. Meet six women who’ve perfected a signature style ― and learn how to create a defining look of your own.

COLOR SCHEMES, pg. 120
Real Simple field-tests an array of do-it-yourself hair-color products that make livening up your look easier and less expensive than ever.

AT HOME WITH WORK, pg. 126
Whether it’s a full-time office or a corner for doing paperwork, here’s everything you need to create a functional workspace with all the comforts of home.

FAKE IT, DON’T MAKE IT, pg. 134
Fixing home-cooked meals from scratch is nice, but you don’t always have the time, do you? Make the most of ready-made ingredients with these foolproof recipes.

A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE MODERN WOMAN, pg. 44
A good-luck plant you can’t kill…quick clean-ups… chic red lips… effortless hors d’oeuvres… comfortable shoes… well-priced wines… and more

• SYSTEM: Makeup bag, pg. 56
• HEALTH: Medical tests, pg. 66
• CLOTHES: Underpants, pg. 69
• MONEY: Bill paying, pg. 72
• GARDEN: Ornamental grasses, pg. 76
• FAMILY: Central command station, pg. 81
• KNOWLEDGE: Grammar, pg. 85
• PROJECT: Gift closet, pg. 88

• CONSCIOUSNESS RAISED ― AGAIN, pg. 150
  Anna Quindlen revisits The Feminine Mystique and reflects on its enduring influence 38 years after its publication.
• BOOK CLUB: THE SWEET STING OF SUCCESS, pg. 154
  A San Francisco book group gives Myla Goldberg’s Bee Season high grades for its depiction of an average student transformed by a remarkable gift.
• SEW SUBLIME, pg. 160
  An active mother of two discovers needlepoint and, with it, the joys of sitting still and listening.

• THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH, pg. 12 Daring
• EDITOR’S NOTE, pg. 28
• CONTRIBUTORS, pg. 32
• YOUR LETTERS, pg. 38
• YOUR WORDS, pg. 41
  The tasks you’ve let go of
• TECHNIQUE, pg. 143
  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Snackers
• CREDITS, pg. 166
• REAL HARD, pg. 168 Are you in a Fashion Prison?