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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5 Things You Can Spend Less Time Cleaning This Year
January 06, 2020 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.27 MBBy Katie Holdefehr At the beginning of a new year, your to-do list is typically long. There are the looming New Year's resolutions to tackle, new holiday presents to organize, decorations to stuff back into storage. Well, here's some good news: on your long list of home chores, there are at least a few things you can cross off right now. Here are five items you can spend less time cleaning in the year ahead. Some don't need to be cleaned at all, while others will suffice with a quick r...
If Your Balsamic Vinegar Contains This Ingredient, You’re Not Getting the Real Deal (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
January 03, 2020 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.54 MBBy Kelly Vaughan Whether you drizzle it on a classic Caprese salad, over ricotta and dried fig crostini, or whip up a light vinaigrette, a little bit of balsamic vinegar goes a long way. Before picking up any bottle on the shelf of your local grocery store, follow these tips to make sure that you’re getting a rich, high-quality balsamic vinegar.
5 Decor Trends That Will Be Huge in 2020, According to Real Simple Editors(Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
January 02, 2020 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.43 MBBy Katie Holdefehr As we look ahead to the year to come, us Real Simple home editors have one thing on our minds: How will we be decorating our homes in 2020? We put our heads together to predict the paint colors, the materials, and the styles we'll soon all be obsessed with. We've spotted them on Instagram and peeped them on Pinterest—but we bet we'll be seeing even more of these five trends over the next 12 months.
5 Decor Trends That Will Be Huge in 2020, According to Real Simple Editors
January 02, 2020 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.53 MBBy Katie Holdefehr As we look ahead to the year to come, us Real Simple home editors have one thing on our minds: How will we be decorating our homes in 2020? We put our heads together to predict the paint colors, the materials, and the styles we'll soon all be obsessed with. We've spotted them on Instagram and peeped them on Pinterest—but we bet we'll be seeing even more of these five trends over the next 12 months.
How to Start Working Out (If You Basically Haven’t Moved Since Halloween)(Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
January 02, 2020 02:33 - 7 minutes - 3.28 MBIf the only working out you’ve done over the past few weeks is beating yourself up for being lazy, it’s time to forgive and move on. We asked fitness experts and personal trainers for their best advice on how to start working out again after a lull, whether it’s a morning workout or an afternoon round of stretching exercises.
How to Start Working Out (If You Basically Haven’t Moved Since Halloween)
January 02, 2020 02:33 - 7 minutes - 3.39 MBIf the only working out you’ve done over the past few weeks is beating yourself up for being lazy, it’s time to forgive and move on. We asked fitness experts and personal trainers for their best advice on how to start working out again after a lull, whether it’s a morning workout or an afternoon round of stretching exercises.
11 Easy Ways to Make 2020 Your Best Year Yet(Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
December 31, 2019 11:15 - 5 minutes - 2.33 MBIf you're sick of the word "resolution," keep listening. By Ariel Klein Sure, you can pledge to eat more greens or log additional hours on the elliptical, but what about some personal growth goals you’re actually excited to tackle? Achieve a better you in the new year with these easy life hacks that’ll have you eating, looking, and feeling better by February. 1.
11 Easy Ways to Make 2020 Your Best Year Yet
December 31, 2019 11:15 - 5 minutes - 2.33 MBIf you're sick of the word "resolution," keep listening. By Ariel Klein Sure, you can pledge to eat more greens or log additional hours on the elliptical, but what about some personal growth goals you’re actually excited to tackle? Achieve a better you in the new year with these easy life hacks that’ll have you eating, looking, and feeling better by February. 1.
5 Life-Changing Cleaning Tricks We Learned This Year(Real Simple Tips, Monday)
December 30, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.67 MBBy Katie Holdefehr At Real Simple, we're constantly testing out new cleaning products and methods. While some are worth trying once, others earn themselves a reoccurring role in our cleaning routines. In 2019, we discovered several new cleaning tricks worthy of incorporating into our lives, including the secret to cleaning a grimy shower curtain and the best way to clean a reusable water bottle.
Is Dark Chocolate Really Better for You Than Milk Chocolate? (Real Simple Tips. Friday)
December 27, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.1 MBBy Betty Gold Chocolate is delicious in any form, from cakes and cookies to brownies, bars, and even boozy hot cocoa. But healthy? Sure—in ways. “If you’re looking for a small health benefit from eating chocolate, the type you choose is important,” says registered dietitian Ali Webster, the associate director of nutrition communications for the International Food Information Council Foundation.
5 Decorating Mistakes You’re Making (and How to Fix Them) (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
December 26, 2019 19:54 - 4 minutes - 1.99 MBBy Emily Hsieh Not sure why your room doesn’t look quite right? If you’re pairing your standard seven-foot sofa with a teeny three-by-five-foot rug, the small rug could be throwing off the balance in your living room. Or, if you’re lining furniture along the walls in an attempt to maximize space, it could be making the room look more cramped than it is.
Is Hand Sanitizer Actually Bad for You? (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
December 25, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.77 MBBy Morgan Noll Hand sanitizer is commonplace in schools, hospitals, and purses everywhere. In the early 2000s, travel-sized hand sanitizers were even one of the hottest back-to-school accessories, thanks to Bath and Body Works and its amazing scents. Hand sanitizer has long been seen as a quick fix to help prevent the spreading of germs during cold and flu season.
7 Travel Destinations With Awesome Exchange Rates (Real Simple Tips, Tues)
December 24, 2019 11:02 - 6 minutes - 2.85 MBBy Stacey Leasca Traveling is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Exploring the world allows you to learn new skills, meet new people, try new things, and eat all the tasty foods you’ve never heard of before. But all that experience comes with one major downside: It can be crazy-expensive. Between flights, accommodations, activities, and all that aforementioned tasty food, the cost of travel can add up quickly. However, that’s no reason to avoid travel.
This is the secret to fluffy, fresh-smelling bath towels (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
December 23, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.42 MBBy Caylin Harris Consider matching bath towels that feel like they came straight from the spa a new status symbol—or at least a sign that you’re finally an adult. But here’s a secret: You don’t have to spend money constantly replacing your bath towels—just treat them right the first time.
5 Genius Tricks to Transform Cheap Wine Into “Finer” Wine (Real Simple Tips, Friday)
December 20, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.49 MBNot that there's anything wrong with Two-Buck Chuck, but... By Maki Yazawa No need to run to the store to purchase an expensive bottle of wine that may be out of your budget. Instead, transform your stash of affordable bottles you already have at home into great-tasting wines you’ll be excited to imbibe. Here are five genius tips to salvage an inexpensive bottle of wine that’ll impress your guests. (That is, of course, if they’re not a professional sommelier.) 1.
Hold on to Your Hardwoods Because Carpeting Is Making a Comeback (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
December 19, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.69 MBThe 1990s wants its floors back. By Lauren Phillips It may be 2019—nearly 2020, the start of a whole new decade—but, looking at some homes, you wouldn’t guess it. Home trends in recent years take one of two paths: Either they look very pared-down and futuristic, with clean lines and minimalist color palettes, or they look like trends of years past (with a few fresh twists, of course).
Is It Better to Drink Coffee Before or After You Exercise? The Answer Might Surprise You (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
December 18, 2019 11:02 - 3 minutes - 1.64 MBFile under: pressing questions you wonder about while you're on the elliptical. By Betty Gold Whatever way you slice it, coffee is packed with promising health benefits. It’s been shown to increase your energy levels and metabolic rate, lower your risk of depression, and decrease your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Speaking of energy levels, many of us (myself included) cannot leave the house without a cup—or two—of coffee.
4 Things to Do With Your Money Before the Year Ends (Real Simple Tips, Tuesday)
December 17, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 1.83 MBBy Maggie Puniewska Set yourself up for a wealthier new year by following these time-sensitive tips from financial experts. Fully fund your retirement account. Put as much as you can into a traditional 401(k) or IRA before the end of the year. A higher contribution can lower your taxable income, so you could pay less in taxes in April, says certified financial planner Misty Lynch, head of planning at John Hancock in Boston.
4 Low-Effort Ways to Keep Your Shower Cleaner (Real Simple Tips, Monday)
December 16, 2019 11:02 - 2 minutes - 1.05 MBKeep those grout lines sparkling—no elbow grease necessary. By Katie Holdefehr We probably all wish our shower was a little cleaner, but carefully scrubbing grout lines with a toothbrush is no one's idea of a good time. The solution: start incorporating low-effort mini cleaning moves into your daily shower routine. Instead of procrastinating until your shower stall is a mess of mildew you shudder at the thought of scouring, make these easy cleaning tips a natural part of your morning r...
This is The Best Time of Day to Grocery-Shop (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
December 13, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.19 MBKnow when to go to save time, money, and your sanity. By Laura Fisher I am one of those people who absolutely love going to the grocery store. Growing up, my dad and I had a father-daughter Sunday ritual of hitting up our local market together. We would each take a cart and go our separate ways, meeting up at the registers 30 minutes later eager to share our finds. It might sound strange, but those Sundays at the grocery store were one of the highlights of my childhood.
7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Painting Their Home (Real Simple Tips, Thursday)
December 12, 2019 11:01 - 5 minutes - 2.3 MBAvoid these common painting pitfalls with these expert painting tips, and everyone will think you hired a professional. By Marla Christiansen There’s nothing like a brand new coat of paint to completely transform a room. But with an overwhelming selection of paint options out there and so many ways to make a little misstep, even the most prepared painter is bound to make a mistake.
10 Foods That Are Sabotaging Your Sleep (Real Simple Tips, Wednesday)
December 11, 2019 11:02 - 4 minutes - 1.97 MBBy Betty Gold With so many aspects of daily life battling for our attention—endless emails, social obligations, work, kids, cute puppies on Instagram—it’s hard enough to get a good night’s rest. Food shouldn’t be one more contributing factor hurting our sleep.
Want Everyone to Love Your Presents? Stop Wrapping Them So Perfectly (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
December 10, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 1.84 MBScience has spoken: A new study uncovers the unexpected merits of a sloppy gift-wrapping job. By Maggie Seaver When it comes to wrapping presents, there are two kinds of people: the ones who designate an entire weekend (or two) to measuring, trimming, curling, tying, and folding the sharpest folds imaginable; and those who inevitably scramble to find paper—any kind of paper—to bundle their gifts haphazardly at the 11th hour.
How to Clean the Grossest Spots in Your Bathroom (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
December 09, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.74 MBYes, including behind the toilet. (Yuck!) By Katie Holdefehr Make a mental list of your least favorite places to clean in your house. There's a good chance at least a couple of them are found in your bathroom.
Is Loose Leaf Tea Actually Better Than Using Tea Bags? We Asked an Expert (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
December 06, 2019 11:01 - 5 minutes - 2.34 MBBy Laura Fisher If I’m being totally honest, I’ve never been much of a tea person. I’ve always liked the idea of it: picture an instagram-worthy scene of me wrapped in a blanket on the couch, curled up with a steaming mug of tea, decompressing from the day. But somehow, I skip straight from coffee to wine and miss everything in between.
Simple Ways to Prep Your Home for Overnight Guests (Real Simple Tips: Thursday)
December 05, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.33 MBThey'll feel right at home while you feel totally at ease. By Emily Hsieh and Maggie Seaver Whether you're expecting company for a few hours or a whole week, these pro tips, tweaks, and details will make your house guests perfectly comfortable—without making you feel like a concierge. Hosting guests definitely takes some prep, but don't drive yourself crazy.
Yes, Apples Really Are as Good for You as You've Always Been Told (Real Simple Tips: Wednesday)
December 04, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.36 MBBy Betty Gold There are so many things we look forward to in the fall: cozy sweaters, scenic seasonal foliage, tailgating, and all things apple. Indeed, there are over 750 varieties of apples in the world, and more than 100 types of apples that exist in the United States alone—and come fall (let’s be honest, August), we’re here for every single one of them. Why? Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as the first bite into a sweet, juicy, freshly picked apple.
Buying Toys Online This Holiday Season? Here's How to Make Sure They're Kid-Safe—Not Counterfeit (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
December 03, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 1.85 MBMake sure every holiday toy you buy online is worth your money *and* safe for your family. By Maggie Seaver You’d be surprised how hard it is to know the difference between real toys and counterfeit toys—especially when you’re shopping online from an unfamiliar retailer.
6 Genius Cleaning Hacks Even Monica Geller Hasn’t Heard of Yet (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
December 02, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 1.84 MBCould your home *be* any cleaner?! By Katie Holdefehr Attention, Monica Gellers of the world: take a break from vacuuming your vacuum and reorganizing your ribbon drawer—here are some clever cleaning hacks even you may not have heard before. We scoured the Real Simple archives to find some brilliant nuggets of cleaning wisdom we should be incorporating into our cleaning routines.
What Is an Ube and Why Is It So Trendy Right Now? (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
November 29, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.19 MBEverything you need to know about the purple veggie that's taking the hipster food scene by storm. By Laura Fisher Right now, it seems that violet-colored desserts are all the rage on Instagram. Purple ice cream, brownies, and macarons (and sometimes all three combined!) have become the star of many a food photo shoot. The gorgeous hue is due to one ingredient: ube (pronounced ooh-beh).
6 Ways to Help Your Houseplants Survive (And Thrive!) This Winter (Real Simple Tips: Thursday)
November 28, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.74 MBYes, your fiddle fig can make it through the polar vortex. By Katie Holdefehr As the temperature drops and snowstorms roll in, you're not the only one feeling the affects—your houseplants are likely struggling to make it through the winter, too. But if you choose hardy houseplants that are most likely to survive and follow the easy tips below, your ferns and philodendrons will continue looking green and lush all year long.
7 Mistakes That Could Make Your Cold Worse Than It Already Is (Real Simple Tips: Wednesday)
November 27, 2019 11:01 - 6 minutes - 3.03 MBCold got a hold of you? Make sure you’re working with—not against—your sickness by avoiding these seven things. By Karen Asp Try as you might, it’s not always easy to dodge colds. The average American, after all, gets two to three colds a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to Dr. Tina Q. Tan, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the International Patient Services Program at Ann & Robert H.
6 Little Things You Can Do Right Now for a Calmer Holiday Season Later (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
November 26, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.5 MBFuture-You will be so grateful. By Katie Holdefehr Between the parties, the gifts, the travel, and the cooking, the most wonderful time of the year can quickly become the most hectic. To give Future-You the best chance at being able to actually enjoy the best parts of the season without all the stress, you can start preparing in little ways right now.
The Ultimate Holiday Cleaning Countdown (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
November 25, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.79 MBMake your cleaning checklist—and check it twice. By Katie Holdefehr If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the cleaning you want to do before the holidays, let this cleaning countdown be your guide. Rather than worry about getting it all done on time, we've broken down the long list of potential to-dos into little tasks you can tackle one at a time over the next three weeks.
6 Easy Ingredient Swaps That'll Make Your Thanksgiving Dinner Healthier (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
November 22, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.3 MBWith no mention of Tofurky. By Betty Gold The only thing more intimidating than cooking a Thanksgiving feast for a crowd? Making it a healthy-ish one. No longer. We’ve rounded up a few simple ingredient swaps and tips that’ll make your Turkey Day dinner more plant-based...because, balance.
9 Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home (Real Simple Tips: Thursday)
November 21, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.47 MBThese mini moves will turn your home into a warm and inviting winter retreat. By Ayn-Monique Klahre When it’s hot outside, you want your home to be minimalist and breezy, with no extra layers to capture the humidity or hold in heat. But once it gets chilly, you want those layers back to make the house feel warm and cozy. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to make your space inviting and comfortable for winter.
7 Habits of People Who Don’t Stress Over the Little Things (Real Simple Tips: Wednesday)
November 20, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 2.21 MBSome lucky people are actually born with personalities that make them worry less, but what about the rest of us? The good news is there are proven ways to combat too much stress and its harmful effects on our bodies and minds. Don’t sweat it! You can adopt some of these simple stress busters, too. By Abigail Wise They meditate. Taking a few minutes each day to meditate may help lower your stress levels.
Genius Hostess Tricks to Make This the Easiest Thanksgiving Ever (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
November 19, 2019 13:36 - 3 minutes - 1.52 MBAfter years of navigating Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve picked up a few sanity-saving secrets. By Betty Gold Make Your Grocery List Early Don’t wait until the week before Thanksgiving to figure out what you’re making—and resist feeling pressure to experiment with fancy recipes. Find a few recipes you can trust and put every ingredient on a shopping list.
7 Two-Minute Habits That Will Keep Your Home Cleaner All Week (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
November 18, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.65 MBAdopt a few new habits to keep your home tidy without a full cleaning spree. By Marla Christiansen Keeping up with household chores can be a drag, but it doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as you think. So, what’s the secret? Perpetually tidy homes are often the product of a few good habits. Life gets messy, that’s why it’s important to remember that cleaning is an ongoing process—it's a marathon, not a sprint.
How to Choose Wines That Pair Well With Everything (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
November 15, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.23 MBEntertaining just got a lot easier. By Betty Gold Here’s a hostess hack we can get on board with: stop stressing about which wines pair perfectly with the food you’re serving. How? According to Jamie McLennan, the wine and beverage director at Café Marie-Jeanne in Chicago, wine pairing is a lot less intimidating than many assume. The easiest way to pair wine with food is to think about the region that your food—or wine—comes from.
There’s More to Watering Plants Than Just Adding Water. Here Are 7 Rules to Follow Every Time (Real Simple Tips: Thursday)
November 14, 2019 11:01 - 4 minutes - 2.01 MBKeep those greens thriving with these must-know watering tips. By Lauren Phillips Bringing home new house plants can be a huge rush. It’s a little like bringing home a new puppy or kitten, but with much, much less work. That isn’t to say that plants don’t need a little TLC, though. Sure, there are plants that don’t need sunlight and some greens that basically take care of themselves, but all plants need a little water now and then.
5 Foods That Help You Sleep (Real Simple Tips: Wednesday)
November 13, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.75 MBBy registered dietician Samantha Cassetty Shortchanging your sleep makes you feel pretty crummy (as you likely know!), but the impact is even worse than you may think: Poor sleep can weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to viruses; it ups your risk of injury during intense workouts; and it can alter your appetite-regulating hormones, making you feel hungrier while simultaneously intensifying cravings.
How to Shop, Clean, and Care for a Cashmere Sweater So It'll Last for Years (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
November 12, 2019 11:00 - 2 minutes - 1.23 MBWith our experts’ insights, you can keep your quality sweater cozy through countless winters. By Mary Honkus Yes, a quality sweater can be expensive—but cashmere is (and will always be) a wardrobe staple for its long-lasting composition and comfort-inducing qualities. But tracking down the ultimate cashmere pullover requires a bit of shopping research before adding a must-buy sweater to your cart.
7 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Cleaner Than It Is (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
November 11, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.59 MBLearn how to fake a clean home in less than 15 minutes. By Katie Holdefehr If you want to get your home truly clean, you'll have to get down and dirty with the best cleaning tools and a time-saving cleaning routine. But regardless of how clean your home actually is, there are some mini moves you can make right now to create a home that at least feels clean.
The Best Way to Roast Butternut Squash Is Also the Easiest, Here's How (Real Simple Tips: Friday)
November 08, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.63 MBThe key is keeping the skin on. By Chris Malloy The season for roasting butternut squash has arrived. Before opening your oven, you may want to rethink your method for roasting this great fall vegetable. Maybe you cube squash. Maybe you start by removing the skin. There are many approaches, and many add extra time and work. Luckily, the best way to roast butternut squash might be the simplest. First, keep that skin on. Removing it creates unnecessary work.
The One Rule to Follow When Picking Exterior Paint Colors (Real Simple Tips: Thursday)
November 07, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.08 MBFiguring out which exterior paint colors to use just got a whole lot easier. By Lauren Phillips Exterior paint colors may not be the most glamorous—they tend to stick to neutrals, with a limited range of options for front doors, shutters, and more—but they’re incredibly important. A good exterior paint color selection, along with well-implemented landscape design and routine home maintenance, can make or break your home’s curb appeal.
All Nuts Are Good for You, But These 8 Are the Healthiest (Real Simple Tips: Wednesday)
November 06, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.73 MBWe cut through the fat so you don't have to. By Betty Gold If you ask us, we’d say all nuts deserve love. They’re the perfect snack: nuts are crunchy, easy to pack and take on the go, and super tasty. Pairing well with chocolate never hurts, either. But when it comes to nutrition, not all nuts are created equal. We spoke with registered dietician Malena Perdomo about the health benefits of nuts and which ones we should be reaching for first. The good news? All nuts are healthy. ...
11 Smart Money-Saving Ideas From the Experts (Real Simple Tips: Tuesday)
November 05, 2019 11:01 - 3 minutes - 1.63 MBLooking to build more savings for the future but feeling like there aren’t any more corners to cut? Keep listening. By Maggie Puniewska 1. Invest a month’s paycheck without feeling it Many people are paid over 26 pay periods. That means, twice a year, you could receive three paychecks a month instead of the typical two. Mark these extra paychecks on your calendar and arrange to put them in an investment, retirement, or high-interest savings account. 2.
6 Daily Clutter-Busting Habits for a Tidier Home (Real Simple Tips: Monday)
November 04, 2019 11:01 - 2 minutes - 1.33 MBNo home is perfect—but with these simple, everyday habits, yours can come pretty darn close. By Lauren Phillips Instead of devoting whole weekends to decluttering, try sticking to these daily habits. They’re small changes, but they can derail any clutter build-ups and all but guarantee that everything can be found easily, even on rushed mornings. Before you know it, your house will look neater and fresher every day—no cleaning rag, sweeping, or designated clean-up time required. ...