Weekend: It’s Officially Lettuce Wrap Season 🥬

But first: fly roundtrip to Canada from $124 — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today [theSkimm Logo] [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( April 27, 2024 Daily Skimm [Header Image]( [Together with]( [dollar flight club]( But first: [fly roundtrip to Canada from $124]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. Just in case the never-ending [Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian feud]( wasn’t enough drama, Meghan Markle and Buckingham Palace are apparently in “[a royal jam war](.” And whatever you do, do not [send a Slack with just the word “hey.”]( Meanwhile, if [this hilarious take on a millennial fashion staple]( hits too close to home, you’ll be glad to know [the barn jacket is back](. Will you be as glad about the return of chunky, toe-caging [fisherman sandals](? TBD. Also, did anyone know they were called fisherman sandals? Speaking of names, here’s another fun fact I learned this week: Emma Stone’s real name [isn’t Emma Stone](. — Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC [READ: “Funny Story” by Emily Henry] “Funny Story” by Emily Henry theSkimm Stop what you’re doing. The [queen of romance]( is back with “[Funny Story](” — just in time for reading-in-the-park season. This time, you’ll be transported to a cozy Michigan town, where Daphne, a children’s librarian, is putting the pieces back together after her fiancé left her for his childhood best friend. The solution? Move in with that childhood friend’s ex-fiancé, Miles, and “fake date” him for jealousy’s sake. We asked Henry — whose other bestsellers include “[People We Meet on Vacation](” and “[Happy Place](” — a few questions. Here’s what she had to say… Q: For so long, reading romance novels had a certain stigma attached, but that seems to be changing. Why do you think that is? Henry: [It’s] largely readers. When I was growing up, romance novels were treated as shameful and the women who read them were mocked … I’m sure that’s why I didn’t pick one up until I was a full-blown adult. That was more or less the case for anything marketed to women, in my experience. Those things were treated as silly, superfluous, or desperate. Now romance readers, on BookTok and elsewhere, are unabashed in their love for the drama. They share their favorite love confessions and sex scene excerpts without batting an eye. The younger generation seems generally less apologetic for liking what they like, and I find that inspiring and encouraging. Also, while there’s been a ton of debate around the cutesy illustrated cover trend, I do think it’s led to a lot of new fans of the genre. I was one of them! Q: Your books feature some of romance’s most beloved tropes. Is there one that’s your favorite? Or one you’d never touch? Henry: I love writing rivals or enemies to lovers, because there’s an automatic tension, which I think is the most important thing in a romance novel. I find writing friends to lovers harder for that reason. As far as reading, I love a good marriage of convenience. I used to think I’d never write a book with the “secret baby” trope, but who knows? It might be a fun challenge to take a trope I’m not wild about and see if there’s a way that feels right, grounded, and realistic to me to write. Q: A lot of people devour your books while on vacation. What was the last great book you read on a trip? Henry: Kaliane Bradley’s “[The Ministry of Time](” and Tia Williams’s “[A Love Song for Ricki Wilde](.” They were both books that I missed for days after finishing. [EAT: Damn Delicious’s Korean Beef Bulgogi] Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Wraps? Say Less theSkimm Come spring, we’re all about things that taste light, bright, and crunchy — which probably explains our lettuce wrap obsession. With lettuce wraps, it’s all about 1) crisp-yet-soft bibb lettuce and 2) a savory filling for what’s essentially a handheld salad. One of our all-time favorite fillings? [Damn Delicious’s Korean Beef Bulgogi](. The tenderly cooked meat is soaked in a pear and brown sugar marinade with a subtle red pepper kick — so it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and like having dinner at the best Korean BBQ restaurant you know, without leaving the house. The Time Commitment: 15 minutes the night before to cut the meat, make the marinade, combine them, and refrigerate. Plus, 15 minutes the next day to actually cook the beef. To save time now or in the future, you can either replace the marinade with [this premade sauce](, or you can make a larger batch of marinade to freeze. Key Tip: To make the lettuce wraps, you’ll need a few extra ingredients. Lettuce, obviously. But also, steamed rice, kimchi (for extra spice), and sliced cucumbers or radishes (for extra crunch). You could even top the meat with [this simple scallion salad](. Other Takes: Calling all fans of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps — [this is the best dupe](. You could also consider a lettuce wrap version of a [Vietnamese summer roll](. Or, these other winners: [Thai chicken](, [Chipotle chicken](, [kimchi chicken](, and [vegan-friendly lettuce wraps](. [Go mountain scenery] The Canadian Town That’s More Than a Ski Destination theSkimm You think Canada, you usually think cold. But the town of Canmore, located next to one of North America’s most beautiful national parks, shines in summer. It’s got all the natural wonders and exciting outdoor activities of Banff, with far fewer people. Psst…[this club]( will send you emails when they find unreal airfare deals (we’re talking up to 90% off flights to bucket list destinations leaving from your home airport). Like roundtrip tickets to Canada from $124. And if you [sign up by midnight tonight](, it’ll only cost you $1 to try. Yes, really. 🛏 [The Malcolm Hotel]( is the best of both nature and luxury. It’s got fine dining onsite, a picturesque creekside location, and a rooftop heated pool with panoramic mountain views. A boutique locale more your style? Give [Paintbox Lodge]( a try. Their more intimate spaces can accommodate any group, from studio suites perfect for a duo to a private lodge that sleeps up to 21 guests. ⛰️ In the Canadian Rocky Mountains, incredible vistas are always just steps away. A [short hike]( (or even shorter drive) gets you to Grassi Lake, a glacial lake that’s outside of the national park, but no less spectacular. Don’t skip a walk down the [Policeman’s Creek boardwalk](, or a quick scenic visit to the historic Canmore Engine Bridge either. [inside a cave] 🔦 The area’s famous for its high peaks, but adventurous travelers will find just as much to see underground on a [cave tour]( — which gets bonus points for being a great rain-or-shine option. For an outdoor experience at a family-friendly pace, take a [float tour](. It has a river rafting feel but there’s very little risk of getting wet. Make a day trip into nearby [Banff National Park]( to take a [gondola]( to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, or visit [Lake Louise and Lake Moraine](, which are so blue they must be seen to be believed. 🍴 For a meal with a view (and a lovely laidback atmosphere), hit [The Wood](’s mountainside, pet-friendly patio. Or try [Crazyweed]( for what they call a “fancy, not-so-fancy Canmore dining experience.” Stop in to try a local draught at one of Canmore’s [local breweries or distilleries](, and follow it up with something sweet from family-owned [Le Chocolatier](. Get there for 90% less by…joining [this club for just $1]( before midnight tonight. They’ll keep you posted on can’t-miss travel deals like $190 round-trip flights to Banff or $500 off a summer Eurotrip. Don’t believe us? Ask their 1 million happy members.* [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: I’ve recently noticed that my friend has been making passive-aggressive comments, especially when I’m feeling good about myself or I’m excited to share something. I don’t think it’s intentional, but how can I raise this with her? [Two friends sitting on a bench in a coffee shop.] “Dealing with passive-aggressive behavior can be really challenging, but it’s better to address it directly and get to the root of the problem than let the behavior continue affecting the friendship. Approach that conversation with empathy. [You] could say, ‘I feel hurt when I hear you making sarcastic comments or backhanded compliments when I share something I’m excited about. What’s bothering you?’ If that doesn’t work, be really direct. Stay calm and use a kind, clear, and confident voice. The last thing you want to do is mirror that passive-aggressive behavior. Say something like, ‘The snide remark you just made is hurtful and passive-aggressive. Help me understand how you’re really feeling, so we can find a way to fix this and so it doesn’t hurt our friendship.’ If the friend is not responding well, it’s important to say, ‘If you continue to make these comments that hurt my feelings, then we might not be able to continue our friendship.’ You’re going to have to set those boundaries, and you’re going to have to stick to them.” [Courtney Opalko] Featured Expert Courtney Opalko Certified etiquette coach and owner of [Courtney Opalko Etiquette]( [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [My ex-best friend just reached out to catch up. She was the one that broke off the friendship, and I’m still hurt by it all. Do I have to respond?]( [My husband’s brother recently got married. I’m really excited to have a sister-in-law, but my mother-in-law clearly favors her and gives her more attention, which makes me feel jealous and sad. What should I do?]( [My best friend’s boyfriend keeps bringing up things I tell her in private — so she’s clearly telling him everything I say, which makes me really uncomfortable. What’s the best way to bring this up to her?]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. 20% off everything at Sunday Citizen. Home of the absolute softest [blankets](, [pillows](, and [robes]( we've ever felt. The sale lasts until April 30, and they're offering free two-day shipping from May 6 if you want to pick up a last minute-ish Mother's Day gift. [Shop now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Stylish cards and decor for the grads. Share your congratulations to the class of 2024 with [a card]( that's way chicer than what you'd get on your last-minute drugstore run. [Buy it]( --------------------------------------------------------------- A collaboration between two of our all-time favorite activewear brands. Spoiler alert: It's FP Movement and HOKA. Grab your limited-edition [Clifton 9s]( or [suede Clifton Ls]( before they sell out, which they definitely will. [Get your pair]( --------------------------------------------------------------- PS: Want more product recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram. [game time][Rotating Gif of Puzzmo Games]( Unleash your competitive side with [today’s games and puzzles](. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: [Try them all](. Meet Us On The Leaderboard [Flipart]( | [Spelltower]( | [Crossword]( | [Typeshift]( Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them [here](. Skimm’d by: Hannah Parker, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Berkley, courtesy of Damn Delicious, Tom Werner via Getty Images, courtesy of Courtney Opalko, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to all theSkimm has to offer](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram Icon]( [Tik Tok Icon]( [Linkedin Logo]( [Twitter icon]( [Facebook icon]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? 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