Blog Posts by Real Simple Magazine

Amazon.comThe critics have spoken! The REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. makeover star and her 10-year-old, Lauren, picked the flicks they can't get enough of watching together. Pop one in the next time you're craving some QT.

The Princess Bride (1987)

The enduring appeal of this goofy fairytale? "It has everything -- sword fights, giants, pirates, and a princess," explains Sue. "We've seen it so many times that we quote it back to one another."

Ever After (1998)

Drew Barrymore stars in this Cinderella revamp about a fiery, fiercely independent heroine. "We consider this to be a classic!" says Sue.

From Real Simple: The 8 Best Books for Kids

Best in Show (2000)

Proof that you're never too young to start exercising your funny bone. "This is Lauren's introduction to Christopher Guest films," says Sue of the mockumentary about a group of obsessed pooch owners competing at a national dog show.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Seventy years after its release, the tale of Dorothy's

Jonny ValiantMattress shops, hotels -- and the U.S. Marines -- offer expert how-to's

Bed-Making Tips from … a Mattress Shop
Hästens, a high-end retailer, takes a minimalist approach when dressing beds. Its stores feature beds dressed in only mattress covers, fitted sheets, and down comforters. It's what's inside that counts: The Vividus mattress, at $59,750 (yes, you read that right), contains braided, permed horsehair to provide extra bounce.

Shown from top:

• Queen Plush Innerspring mattress by Room & Board, $499. To Buy: 800-301-9720.
• SpringFree by Sealy Posturepedic box spring, $1,899 to $3,199 for queen (includes mattress). To Buy: www.sealy.com for retailers.

Learn How to Create the Ideal Bed at Real Simple.

Jonny ValiantBed-Making Tips from … the U.S. Marines
To pull sheets as tightly as possible on their "racks," or beds, Marines create hospital corners on all sides of the bottom sheet, then align the top sheet and the blanket with the head of the bed and make

Jason WalzSix ways to keep the numbers down while keeping the peace

Start with Percentages
After you determine the venue and the number of guests you can afford, assign 50 percent of that number to the bride and groom and 25 percent to each set of parents (or, with multiple sets of parents, 25 percent to each side altogether), suggests Anna Post, author of the forthcoming Do I Have to Wear White? Emily Post Answers America's Top Wedding Questions (Collins, $15). If your parents are paying for the wedding, you may want to give them a higher percentage. If it turns out that one of you doesn't need all your allotted spots, you can redistribute them to whoever has requested more.

From Real Simple: 5 Bridesmaid Gifts Under $50

Give Parents Their Number Early
To save embarrassment later, give them specific guidelines as soon as possible -- before they start making phone calls inviting friends and family, suggests Sharon Naylor, author of 1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still

Debra McClintonBrides come in all shapes and sizes -- and so should their dresses. Here's how to make sense of all the different styles and determine which gown will fit and flatter you best

If You're Pear-Shaped
Look For: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

Keep in Mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.

Stress-Saving Tip: Use a digital camera to snap photos of yourself in serious-contender dresses, then review them again later. And don't hyperventilate: There's a perfectly good reason why you aren't fitting into your usual

Sang AnHate to clean? These quick tricks make even the most irksome chores easier, from the coffeemaker in the kitchen to the grout in the bathroom

Behind every shiny surface lies a nettlesome problem. Or two. Or three. When polled on what you loathe most about spring-cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, Real Simple readers came back with a compelling hate-to-do list (ovens, bad; toilets, worse).

But take heart! In this easy guide, you'll find time-saving techniques, simple shortcuts, and a bucketful of hard-charging, expert-recommended, staff-tested products to help make the dreadful a little more doable.

Cleaning Small Appliances
Germs breeding in your microwave? Gunk stuck in your toaster? Give your kitchen workhorses a much deserved spa treatment.

Microwaves
Cheese meltdowns, syrup spills, and butter tsunamis: Readers said this indispensable machine takes a beating -- inside and out. To soften up grease and calcified oatmeal (or whatever that crud is),

AnthropologieThey've agreed to stand by your side and help you with wedding duties. Show your appreciation with a creative, personal gift

Alliterative Alphabet Necklace, $38
These mother-of-pearl and gold monogram necklaces can make any outfit classy (maybe they can even wear them with their bridesmaid dresses?). Available in letters A to Z for a personal touch.
To Buy: anthropologie.com

Stirrings Cocktail of the Month, 3-Month Subscription, $45
Continue the celebratory vibe with an of-the-month club that's actually cool. Each monthly shipment includes a 32-oz. mixer, a garnish, and recipe card perfect for throwing together amazing drinks (think Bellinis, Wild Blueberry Martinis, and more).
To Buy: stirrings.com

From Real Simple: 5 Groomsman Gifts Under $50

Bird Flat Cards, $47 for 50 cards
One can never have enough personalized stationery. Simple yet elegant, these cards with a cute bird design are printed on high-quality paper with matching envelopes. Choose a

KitchenAidWant to try your hand at sating sweet tooths, like bakery owner Petal San Gabriel? REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. foodie Nathan Lyon recommends the tools you'll need to get your just desserts.

KitchenAid Classics Series Mixer
This 10-speed mixer has a 4½-quart stainless steel bowl and three versatile attachments (a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip).
$200, shopkitchenaid.com

Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat
This flexible mat -- oven safe up to 480Ëš F -- slips onto your baking sheet or pan and acts as butter or cooking spray. Can be stored flat or rolled and secured with a rubber band.
$25, amazon.com

From Real Simple: Give Your Pantry a Healthy Makeover

Microplane Grater-Zester
Use this dishwasher-safe stainless steel perforated blade to grate fluffy mounds of chocolate and zest citrus.
$16, crateandbarrel.com

CuisiproCuisipro Stainless-Steel Measuring Cups and Spoon Set
A tad of this and a dash of that don't cut it when it comes to the

Matt BandsuchCreative new designs for dessert, from sweet and simple to bold and bright

Monochromatic Flowers

Fondant flowers with an embroidered texture create a lace effect, while the gray tint turns a simple cake chic.











Matt BandsuchEye-Catching Stripes

Can a cake produce an optical illusion? A combination of geometry and shading adds dimension to an all-white cake.












Matt Bandsuch3-D Doilies

Inspired by layers of lace, doily shapes create a modern romantic look.













Matt BandsuchBold Lace

A black-and-white color palette is immediately striking. Add delicate yet chunky textural lace details and you have one stylish cake.





From Real Simple: A Guide to Wedding Tipping

Matt BandsuchSignature Stamp

An update on the classic monogram, the couple's names are embossed on a white plaque. Thin red stripes complete the preppy vibe.












Matt BandsuchTrendy Topper

Single-tier cakes are all the rage. Give yours equal drama with an arch of petit flowers and a bride and groom topper made of white chocolate.

Matt BandsuchGreat Shape

Perfect for a