Real Simple Tips
1,199 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 58 ratingsReal Simple Tips is your daily news update featuring smart, practical solutions for everyday life, from cleaning and organizing to cooking and home decor.
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Episodes
7 High-Touch Surfaces You May Be Forgetting to Clean (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
May 25, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 6.96 MBBy Katie Holdefehr The coronavirus crisis has made us rethink how we clean everything in our homes—most importantly, all of the high-touch areas, like doorknobs, faucets, and light switch plates. As the name suggests, these are the items we touch most often, and for that reason, they're also the most likely spots to spread germs and bacteria. While some high-touch surfaces are obvious (yes, we're looking at you, kitchen countertop), others are easier to forget.
6 Major Mistakes You’re Making When Baking Bread, According to One of the World's Top Experts (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
May 22, 2020 10:01 - 7 minutes - 3.28 MBBy Betty Gold Among all the pastimes that have dominated during the pandemic—Zoom happy hours, puzzling, dance parties in your PJs (TikTok or it didn’t happen), guzzling wine, adopting pets, scrubbing your shower doors until they sparkle—baking bread from scratch is arguably the most popular.
This Is the Best Time of Year to Paint Your House, According to the Pros (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
May 21, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 1.99 MBBy Caylin Harris Not to burst your paint bubble, but there’s really no universal time that’s prime for adding a new coat of paint to the exterior or interior of your house. Since so much of paint application depends on the weather and humidity, it’s truly a unique process for everyone and will depend on the climate and weather where you live. What we can tell you is how to know when it’s the best time for you or a team of pros to get started on your paint project.
How to Start Meditating at Home for a Quieter Mind (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
May 20, 2020 10:01 - 6 minutes - 3.19 MBBy Maggie Seaver and Nicole Clancy Meditation may be one of the hottest self-care techniques of the moment, but it shouldn’t be considered "new" or "trendy" by any means. The practice of meditation has existed for thousands of years, takes many different forms, and holds varied significance across cultures, continents, religions, and time. In fact, only recently has meditation and its myriad benefits trickled into the mainstream vocabulary of American health and wellness.
Dealing With Quarantine Skin? Here’s Why—and What You Can Do to Fix It (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
May 19, 2020 10:01 - 6 minutes - 3.17 MBBy Hana Hong Let’s talk about quarantine skin. I’ve basically ditched my makeup entirely and hiked up my self-care routine to include a bounty of face masks—and yet my face is patchier and drier than normal. I find a bit of solace in knowing that I’m not alone; according to an unofficial poll of my friend group, a lot of us are experiencing a host of skin afflictions in quarantine.
7 Meditative Cleaning Tasks to Tackle When You're Stressed (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
May 18, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.66 MBBy Caylin Harris Some people like to do yoga, others stress bake, but might we suggest another alternative—cleaning as a form of meditation. Quiet, rhythmic cleaning tasks that keep your hands busy but let your mind wander can be an ideal form of stress relief too. But the beauty here is that stress cleaning lets you accomplish something that needs to get done while also self-soothing.
7 Simple Tips for Cooking Dried Beans (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
May 15, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.61 MBBy Chris Malloy Beans come in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and flavors. And as they cook, they move from raw to done at different rates, filling your kitchen with different delicious scents. But despite their differences, beans have things in common. They can all come out of the pantry to bring warmth, comfort, and flavor. Cooking dry beans is easy. But cooking dry beans to their full potential—meaning taking steps to maximize flavor and texture—can be tricky. ...
6 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer During Quarantine (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
May 14, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.71 MBBy Katie Holdefehr With most of us spending more time at home than ever before, quarantine is prompting many of us to not only reconsider our decor and rethink our paint choices, but also reevaluate the safety of our houses. Luckily, there are some easy ways to improve everything from the air quality to your home's fire safety—and most of these ideas take less than half an hour to complete. Here are some simple ways to make your home safer in the next 30 minutes.
What Is Elderberry and Why Is Everywhere Trying to Sell It to Me Right Now? (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
May 13, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.67 MBBy Maki Yazawa You've likely noticed an array of elderberry items lining the “featured products” shelf of your local grocery store lately, and wondered what exactly is this purple stuff and why are they trying so hard to coerce me into buying it? As the world faces a global pandemic, finding ways to boost the immune system is obviously of utmost importance. Elderberry, which comes from the Sambucus tree, boasts a variety of benefits that may potentially help boost the immune system. ...
5 Things to Spring Clean This Season Besides Your Home (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
May 12, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 2.26 MBBy Sharlene Breakey With warmer temps, budding flowers, and brighter skies on the horizon, there’s no better time than spring to hit the refresh button.
5 Surprisingly Germy Kitchen Items—and the Right Way to Disinfect Them (Real Simple Tips. Monday)
May 11, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 2.17 MBBy Katie Holdefehr Now more than ever, many of us are rethinking the cleanliness of our homes. While we've always aimed for a house that's free of dirt and grime and generally looks clean, the coronavirus outbreak has us wondering if our homes are actually clean—you know, on the microscopic level.
How to Make Restaurant-Quality Food at Home, According to a Chef (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
May 08, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.58 MBBy Laura Fisher If you’re anything like me, you’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen these days. Preparing three meals a day every day requires creativity, and I’ve been putting in endless extra effort into upping my cooking game. I’ve even been branching out into different recipes that I would normally go to restaurants for, like comforting Vietnamese Pho or steakhouse-style Parm-Butter Steak Frites.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Adopt More Plants (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
May 07, 2020 10:01 - 7 minutes - 3.44 MBBy Lindsay Tigar The hours, the days, and the weeks seem to blend together when you’re physical and social distancing inside. With ample hours and pent-up energy, many are looking for at-home projects. If adopting a pet isn’t an option or of interest to you, go green instead and try your luck at indoor or outdoor gardening. Experts agree that now, more than ever, "plant babies" can be a positive, uplifting, and healthy addition to your social distancing routine.
Is It Better to Work Out in the Morning or Evening? Experts Weigh In (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
May 06, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.36 MBBy Karen Asp You know that exercise is good for you.
How to Keep Your Glasses From Fogging Up While Wearing a Face Mask (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
May 05, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.4 MBBy Maggie Seaver You know what’s not fun? Wearing a face mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19 like a responsible citizen, and then being rewarded with totally fogged-up glasses. Yes, we’d rather get foggy glasses than catch or spread this unprecedented virus—or go against CDC recommendations to wear a face covering in public—but it’s still a nuisance.
5 Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
May 04, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.74 MBBy Katie Holdefehr With many of us still abiding by stay-at-home orders, those of us lucky enough to own a dishwasher are really putting them to work. While we might typically eat lunch at the office or enjoy a dinner out every now and then, we're now cooking at home more often than ever—which also means more dishes to wash than ever before.
How You Arrange Your Oven Racks Can Make You a Better Cook (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
May 01, 2020 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.23 MBBy Betty Gold You’ve nailed the perfect sheet-pan roasted potatoes, but when it comes to inserting a tray (or three) of chocolate chip cookies into the oven, you’re suddenly unsure which rack height you should be using for the best results. Sound familiar? No matter your culinary skill level, this is a question many cooks are confused about. Basically, there is a short and a long answer.
We Predict 7 Ways Coronavirus Will Affect Home Design Trends (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
April 30, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.32 MBBy Katie Holdefehr Over the past month or so, the novel coronavirus outbreak has altered our daily lives in ways big and small. And even once quarantines end and stay-at-home orders are lifted, some expect that the "new normal" may look a little different.
8 Household Items That Double as Workout Equipment for Your Makeshift Home Gym (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
April 29, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 1.96 MBBy Wendy Rose Gould Working out at home has plenty of perks: no commute, a bevy of online workouts to choose from, and a couch to throw yourself on after you sweat it out. Of course, there are some notable drawbacks, especially if you’re dealing with a makeshift home gym situation. Specifically, having access to all those smaller-scale gym accessories that can take your workout to the next level. Not all hope is lost, though.
Here's What Happens to Your Skin When You Sleep With Makeup on, According to Derms (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
April 28, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 2.03 MBBy Hana Hong It’s a situation that happens way more often than it should. You finish an especially draining day, collapse on your comfy bed, and realize you still have to wash your face. But sleep is already starting to sink in, the bed is beckoning, and washing your face is the last thing you want to do. Sound familiar? You don't need a degree in dermatology to deduce that going to bed with your makeup on is a bad idea.
5 Little Habits for a More Sanitary Home (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
April 27, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 1.99 MBBy Katie Holdefehr During the current coronavirus crisis, many of us have come to see cleaning our homes in a whole new light. While we've always strived for homes that feel clean, calm, and organized, we've suddenly doubled down on disinfecting, and scientific studies and CDC recommendations became our guides. Spring cleaning in the time of coronavirus isn't just about creating the appearance of clean, but it's about actually sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces.
The Smartest Way to Store Foods in the Refrigerator for Long-Lasting Freshness (Real Simple Tips - Friday)
April 24, 2020 10:00 - 3 minutes - 1.54 MBBy Betty Gold Every year, the United States throws away nearly 40 percent of its food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, that adds up to more than $160 billion wasted per year. There's nothing worse than being forced to toss (previously) perfectly good produce, dairy, or meat just because it was stored in an improper way.
Victory Gardens Are Making a Comeback—Here's How to Start Your Own Vegetable Garden (Real Simple Tips - Thursday)
April 23, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.73 MBBy Katie Holdefehr As you may recall from high school history class, "victory gardens" first started in America during World War 1. In response to food shortages during the war, Americans were encouraged to begin growing their own food, and vegetable gardens popped up in backyards and at schools and public parks across the country. "In the U.S.
5 Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation and Start Feeling Your Best (Real Simple Tips - Wednesday)
April 22, 2020 10:01 - 6 minutes - 3.01 MBBy Kelsey Ogletree Phrases like “anti-inflammatory lifestyle” are buzzy these days, but they’re not completely accurate. The truth is, trying to rid your body of all inflammation is actually impossible—you have to start by differentiating between “good” inflammation and “bad” inflammation.
Is It Safe to Spend Money Right Now? Experts Weigh In (Real Simple Tips - Tuesday)
April 21, 2020 10:01 - 6 minutes - 2.81 MBBy Kristine Gill Now that the hoarding phase of stocking up on toilet paper is over, and the realities of physical and social distancing and the coronavirus pandemic are really setting in, you might be wondering whether it’s still safe to buy those new shoes you wanted. Or maybe you’ve been contemplating an even bigger purchase: say, a new car, or even a new home. Taking the plunge on a major purchase as the pandemic unfolds is still uncharted waters, even for many finance experts. ...
5 Things to Get Rid of During Quarantine—and 2 to Keep (Real Simple Tips - Monday)
April 20, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 2.08 MBBy Katie Holdefehr As most of us are spending more time at home right now, decluttering has landed on the top of many to-do lists. In some ways, there's never been a better time to organize. When we're spending more time cooking at home, we learn exactly which kitchen tools and appliances we use—and which we will probably never touch. And taking a break from work outfits helps us focus in on which pieces we actually need in our wardrobes.
5 Foolproof Ways to Bake Even Better Banana Bread (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
April 17, 2020 10:00 - 3 minutes - 1.77 MBBy Betty Gold Is it just me, or is everyone in America baking it right now? Apparently, it’s not just me. According to Google Trends, searches for ‘banana bread’ reached an all-time high last week in the United States. And why not? Banana bread checks all the comforting baked good boxes: it’s sweet, soothing, and saves once-fresh fruit from ruin.
Is It Finally Time to Get a Bidet? (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
April 16, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 2.16 MBBy Katie Holdefehr Over the past few weeks, it's likely most of us have seen photos of—or witnessed in person—empty grocery store shelves that just a couple months ago were stocked with a seemingly endless supply of toilet paper. As history will tell us, during tough times, there's one thing Americans are bound to panic-buy: lots and lots (and lots) of toilet paper. The current coronavirus crisis isn't the first time the country has experienced a toilet paper shortage.
Do You Still Need to Wear Sunscreen If You’re Inside All Day? Derms Weigh in (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
April 15, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.39 MBBy Hana Hong At this point, the importance of applying (and reapplying) sunscreen whenever you’re outside has been drilled into your head. But now that everyone is staying inside for most—if not all—of the day, another question arises: do we really still need sunscreen? According to the experts, yes. It's equally—if not more—paramount to apply SPF even when you're inside. Here’s why: Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
5 Beauty Mistakes You’re Making That Are Terrible for the Environment—and How to Fix Them (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
April 14, 2020 10:01 - 7 minutes - 3.36 MBBy Hana Hong Scary fact #1: We dump around 2.12 billion tons of waste every year. Scary fact #2: As it stands, 75 percent of waste—including beauty products—in the U.S. is recyclable, yet only 30 percent is actually being recycled, according to the EPA. Unfortunately, your beauty routine has a major environmental impact, thanks to the overwhelming consumption of plastic and ingredients that may not be eco-friendly.
Your Reusable Grocery Bags Are Probably Loaded With Germs—Here’s How to Clean Them (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
April 13, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.54 MBBy Katie Holdefehr As we step up our hygiene routines with more frequent hand-washing and periodic disinfecting sessions, it’s making us start to question the cleanliness of everything. Yes, including our reusable shopping bags. And while we probably should have been regularly washing our reusable grocery bags all along, it’s certainly not too late to start.
10 Healthy Foods That (Practically) Never Expire (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
April 10, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.65 MBBy Betty Gold and Grace Elkus While it's true that many shelf-stable foods are often loaded with preservatives (think condiments, lunch meats, and bags of chips), there are a number of good-for-you foods that last for a long time, too—au naturel. "In general, the more processed a food, the higher its content of fat, salt, sugar, calories, and/or cholesterol and the lower its content of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber," says registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer.
6 Things You Can Do Right Now for a Gorgeous Yard This Summer (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
April 09, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.65 MBBy Caylin Harris Especially when we're all spending more time at home, if you're lucky enough to have a backyard, now is a great time to tackle the yard care tips that will get your outdoor space ready for summer. Here, lawn and garden expert, Chris Lambton, gives us a short yard care checklist that you can start working on right now to get your lawn and entire backyard ready for the warmer weather ahead. Grab your gardening gloves and a rake, then get ready to dig in! 1 Mind your plant...
The Scientific Reason Why Showing Kindness Can Help Ease Anxiety (Real Simple Tips, Wed)
April 08, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.57 MBBy Brittany Loggins During times of extreme stress and unknowns, it can be hard to know how to calm anxious thoughts. Especially if you’re self-quarantining due to COVID-19, you’ve probably found yourself reading a lot of breaking news and generally looking for ways to ease your mind. To determine the best methods for curbing anxiety, Dignity Health conducted a study on travelers, since most people (82 percent of those surveyed) consider traveling to be stressful.
4 Strategies to Keep Your Cool During Family Quarantine (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
April 07, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.54 MBBy Lisa Milbrand There was a lot of hype about the benefits of coronavirus social distancing. In addition to helping flatten the curve and avoid overwhelming our health care system, we’d have more quality time with our families, without all the rush and busyness. No more commutes, no more massive slate of extracurricular activities, no more outside social lives.
The 5 Best Things to Organize While You’re Stuck Inside (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
April 06, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.64 MBBy Katie Holdefehr Just because you're quarantined inside your house doesn't mean you should feel compelled to spend your time reorganizing every inch of it. But if you are looking for some organization projects to tackle right now, these are the five areas you might want to consider starting with. As many of us are cooking more than usual, clear kitchen counters will make the process easier. And in the effort to stop germs the second they enter our homes, a tidy entryway can help. ...
Cleanliness Is So Important Right Now—Here's How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Properly (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
April 03, 2020 10:00 - 4 minutes - 2.14 MBBy Maki Yazawa As the world battles the COVID-19 global pandemic, practicing proper food safety and handling protocol is vital. Though the FDA says that there is no evidence of food or its packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19, approximately 48 million (one in six) people are sickened by contaminated food each year.
5 Little Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Relaxed (Even Now) (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
April 02, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.63 MBBy Katie Holdefehr When we're surrounded by scary news headlines and many of us are quarantined inside our homes, it's more important than ever to carve out a safe, calm space if and where we can. The goal: turn your home into an oasis, no matter if you're inside the house 24/7 these days or are a healthcare provider working tirelessly around the clock. To make your home calmer, start by evoking all of the senses—touch, smell, and sound included.
3 Delicious Ways to Eat More Immunity-Boosting Vitamin C (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
April 01, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 1.9 MBBy Betty Gold With coronavirus on the rise and regular cold and flu season concerns in full force, you're likely thinking about ways to strengthen your immune system. And for good reason: taking proactive measures to boost your immunity is imperative. The good news is, the key to keeping your immune system strong is right in front of you: on your plate, and in your pantry or freezer. According to Dr.
Small Businesses Need Support Right Now—Here Are 10 Ways to Shop Local When You're Stuck at Home (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
March 31, 2020 10:01 - 8 minutes - 3.83 MBBy Maggie Seaver As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the U.S., public and local health authorities are encouraging citizens to avoid gathering in large groups for at least eight weeks, and urging retailers and restaurants to either close or consolidate their offerings. Hundreds of schools have closed temporarily, and companies across all industries have asked their office employees to work remotely for the foreseeable future.
Wishcycling Could Be Hurting Your Recycling Efforts—Here's How to Fix It (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
March 30, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.6 MBBy Lauren Phillips Thinking you know how to recycle properly and actually being able to do so are two very different things. (It doesn’t help that the rules of recycling seem like they’re always changing, or that they vary by location.
7 Foods to Consider Freezing Right Now (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
March 27, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.76 MBBy Maki Yazawa Though local, fresh foods are often the most sought-after, there are certain ingredients that taste great, last longer, and are equally fresh when purchased (or kept) frozen. Here are seven items worth considering freezing right now for long-lasting freshness—you'll limit food waste, too. 1 Nuts. Extend the shelf life of nuts by freezing them in airtight containers and freezer-safe bags.
5 Household Items You Should Get Rid of Immediately (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
March 26, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.71 MBBy Katie Holdefehr In the world of home maintenance and upkeep, there are some things that feel nice to replace—like when you switch out your pillow covers or buy fresh bath towels. And then there are those things that are crucial to replace (and often!). The items on this list fall under the second category. Hang onto these four household staples longer than you should, and you risk spreading germs, dirt, or dust around your entire home.
The 14 Best Strategies for Coping With Anxiety (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
March 25, 2020 10:01 - 10 minutes - 4.61 MBYou’ve been in bed for an hour now and still can’t fall asleep. You’re anxious thinking about your job or your 401(k); some problem with your kids that's setting you on edge; the unsettling state of the world or the unstoppable inertia of time. Whatever the issue, you can’t get it out of your head, but replaying the problem and trying to cope with the anxiety then and there doesn’t work. Then you start fretting about not being able to sleep.
11 Easy Ways to Protect Your Digital Privacy (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
March 24, 2020 10:01 - 7 minutes - 3.36 MBBy Trevor Wheelwright You have a skincare routine and an exercise or stretching routine, but do you have a routine for your internet privacy? Practicing good privacy hygiene can keep your digital information (and other personal details) protected, preserved, and generally in good shape—and it doesn't have to be intimidating.
5 Things You Should Spring Clean Right Now—and 2 That Can Wait Until Fall (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
March 23, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.57 MBBy Katie Holdefehr When it's time to spring clean, we may think we have to tackle every single item on the to-do list right away. But actually, there are some home maintenance tasks that it's better to wait until fall to complete. To help you sort out which things to spring clean ASAP and which can be safely put off for a few more months, we've compiled the list below. Then, you can breathe a little easier knowing that it doesn't have to all get done right away.
10 Healthy Pantry Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand, According to RDs (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
March 20, 2020 10:01 - 4 minutes - 1.91 MBBy Betty Gold Whether it’s peak summer, mid-winter, or somewhere in between, there are a few shelf-stable grocery items that chefs and health experts recommend you always have at home to stay healthy and happy in the kitchen. Each one of these pantry products is incredibly versatile, meaning they can be added to everything from breakfast smoothies and scrambled eggs to salads, sheet-pan dinners, soups, stews, or spaghetti sauce.
Here’s How to Actually Get Stuff Done While You’re Working From Home (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
March 19, 2020 10:01 - 9 minutes - 4.4 MBBy Real Simple Editors Working from home sounds like a huge perk—and it certainly has its benefits—but ushering work into your home can have some unpleasant side effects for your work and home life: Think decreased productivity, longer working hours, and decreased work-life balance. Fortunately, the right working from home tips can help you make the most of bringing the office home without any downsides.
You're Probably Making These 7 Hand-Washing Mistakes—Here's What to Do Instead (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
March 18, 2020 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.78 MBBy Katie Holdefehr This cold and flu season, amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, there's been one message we've heard time and again: Wash your hands! But if you don't know how to wash your hands the right way or aren't diligent about your technique (have you really been singing the entire "Happy Birthday" song twice?), your hands might not be as clean as you think. But don't worry, it's not too late to refresh your hand-washing skills.
How to Deal With Loneliness—One of the Trickiest Emotions to Feel (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
March 17, 2020 10:01 - 5 minutes - 2.53 MBBy Brittany Loggins When you’re in high school and college, parents, teachers, and mentors often do as much as they can to prepare you for the real world. You learn about character, and you search for a job that can awaken your passions—you even learn to build a corresponding resume that will hopefully help you land that job. But there is one part of adult life that, no matter how amazing your community is, can be hard to prepare for: loneliness.