The Tipping Point

The new rules of gratuities. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 12, 2023 If you're headed out to a restaurant this weekend, you'll definitely want to read about [the etiquette question that's baffling everyone]( these days. (Or you could just stay in and try [this perfect one-pot recipe](.) We're also investigating [a question about hormone replacement therapy](, sharing advice about [how to get better sleep](, and helping you find [your new favorite swimsuit](. Happy Saturday!   The Tipping Point [Stacks of $100 bills between a hamburger bun]( Getty Images How many dollars does it take to properly thank your waiter these days? Your barista? The person delivering your pizza? Growing expectations about gratuities are on everyone's mind, given the "tipflation" that's proliferated since the pandemic. We're unpacking [the new rules of tipping]( in an effort to better understand what the heck we should do when that dreaded iPad turns our way. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Flifestyle%2Ffinance%2Ftipping-culture-debate%2F   More Stories [Illustration of the silhouette of a woman in the fetal position, surrounded by clouds]( Getty Images Ask a doctor: Hormone replacement therapy has been mitigating the unpleasant side effects of menopause for decades, but now we're facing a complicated question: [Is there a connection between HRT and Alzheimer's?]( We spoke to an expert to learn more. Breaking his silence: Two years after sexual assault allegations effectively brought his career to a halt, Sex and the City star Chris Noth finally shared his side of the story this week. [Here's his long-awaited statement](. Safety check: We're all for cutting corners when it comes to post-meal cleanup, but is one of our favorite hacks actually bad for us? We investigated [whether there's any danger to cooking with aluminum foil](. Between the sheets: Sick of tossing and turning on sweltering summer nights? We spoke to a sleep expert about [why the thermostat affects the quality of your shut-eye]( — and how the innovative mattress covers from our partners at Eight Sleep (which you can currently get for [$150 off with code KCM]() regulate your temperature to promote deeper dozing.   In This Together Next Saturday, Stand Up To Cancer celebrates its 15th anniversary with a star-studded telecast (you can find out where to tune in [right here](), and we'll be raising money for a deeply important cause. Just $5 from all you Wake-Up Callers can make a gigantic difference in supporting groundbreaking, life-saving science. [Chip in anything you can right here](, and stay tuned throughout the next week for a few sneak peaks at what we've got in store.   I'm Obsessed! [Katie Couric and her daughters Ellie and Carrie]( Gearing up for Taylor Swift with Ellie and Carrie! (KCM) Yep, I'm still on a Taylor Swift high — but she's just one of the fabulous things on [this week's list of everything I'm loving right now](. From the book I can't put down to the boots that have become my gardening go-to, I've got so much to share with you all! [READ MORE](   Saturday Spotlight [Katie Couric cooking pasta]( On My Menu Dinner doesn't get much easier than this delicious one-pot lemon pasta. Get the full recipe and follow along as I give it a try! [Read More »]( [Multicolored combs for hair with flowers next to them]( Maintain Your Mane Thinning hair actually doesn't have to be an unavoidable part of aging. We looked into a promising solution that can keep your strands strong. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a brain lifting a barbell]( The Biggest Brainiacs Measuring intelligence is a fickle game, but we're still riveted by what ranked highest on this list of the smartest states in the U.S. [Read More »](   Calling All Channel Surfers Because we know what great taste Wake-Up Callers have, we're always over the moon when you share your recommendations with us! Today, we're interested in life-changing TV shows that everyone must see. [Drop us a line right here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Life-changing%20TV%20shows&body=Tells%20us%20about%20the%20show%20and%20why%20you%20love%20it!) to tell us about the series you can't stop thinking about and why you love it so much.   Suit Up [Swimsuits for women]( KCM There's still plenty of summer fun to be had this year, and you can enjoy it in the chicest way possible with our list of [the most stylish and sophisticated swimsuits]( on the market right now. We're especially excited about [this fabulous brand that we just discovered](, which uses discreet, absorbent layers in the gusset for leak-proof protection. [LET'S GET SHOPPING](   A Moment of Zen [Gif of a hydrangea plant blowing in the wind] Say it with me: Ahhh. Few things clear a cloudy head faster than simply appreciating nature, and the calming sight of a beautiful flower blowing in the wind feels downright medicinal. Putting that same flower into a special vase in your home can be just as healing, but florals have a habit of wilting before we're ready. I was thrilled to discover [this miraculous hack for longer-lasting hydrangeas](, and I know you'll appreciate it just as much as I do. [HERE'S THE SECRET](   One More Thing There really is a day for everything: Tomorrow marks International Left Handers Day, and while they only make up about 10% of the population, we celebrate each and every one of them. To that end, we investigated [whether there are any advantages to not being a righty](.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.