It’s REAL SIMPLE’s 25th Birthday! Celebrate With Our All-Time Favorite Tips, Recipes, and More

Dream job. I’ve never been one to use the phrase. I’ve loved my career (who knew an English major could even have one?!), and I’ve worked at some pretty awesome places with some pretty amazing people. But dream job? Not a thing. Then, three years ago, I landed mine. 

I love what I do—no, I mean I really love it. First and foremost because I get to work with the most brilliant team of creative minds in the media. And because I truly believe in our mission. REAL SIMPLE has brought me and countless others a sense of peace and calm, of beauty and balance, of (relative) control over our corner of the chaotic world. It has improved our physical and mental health. And it has, of course, provided endless ingenious tips for cleaning, organizing, and making life easier. The reason people loved it 25 years ago and still love it today is that it covers what we need to know, does real reporting and trusted vetting, and meets the audience (hey, that’s you!) where they are. The editors see you and get you, because we are you. Please join us in celebrating by continuing to scroll. Happy birthday, indeed!

Month after month, our easy dinners are some of the most beloved stories in the magazine. Because they’re easy (just 10-ish ingredients in each) and delicious! Here, the recipes that get made over and over again.

We’ve been coming up with them since before TikTok even existed. In fact, we’re sorta known for them—those little hacks that we all wish we knew earlier. It’s never too late! So we rounded up our all-time favorites.

A straw that filters out microplastics, a waste-free lint roller, and other all-star helpers that are still making our lives easier.

The Food Network star made us a Lemon Poppy Seed Birthday Cake—and then she shared her top baking tips, sweet birthday traditions, and controversial cake opinions.

Do you want your candles in an ice cream cake, a chocolate cake, or something else? What would you make if you were in charge of dessert for a potluck? How do you feel about whipped cream? We can guess how old you are based on your penchant for sweets. Take our quiz and see if we can accurately guess your age. Plus, you’ll get a sweet recipe to make for your next birthday. You know, in addition to our cover star Lemon Poppy Seed Birthday Cake, above.