Weekend: Should You Pay for Friends’ Drinks? 🍷

But first: make today a pool day — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today June 8, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm_weekend] [Header Image]( [Together with]( [resortpass]( But first: [make today a pool day]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about GQ’s list of [2024’s most overrated things](. While I strongly agree with most of it (hello, natural wine), I’d add two things: [Wearing sneakers to your wedding]( and the “ugly” shoe trend. Just see [Balenciaga’s new and hideously chonky platform sneaker](. As someone who’s only 5 feet 2 inches tall, I’ve always been a fan of platform anything — but even that’s going to be a hard pass. Instead, I’ll be adding [Nicola Coughlan’s go-to facial spray](, which is just $9, to my cart this weekend. That’s in addition to considering an [ice cream-style manicure](, scheming up ways to get on [Tom Cruise’s coveted gift list](, and sending [this adorable video]( to every millennial I know. Spoiler: It’s Whitney Port’s son’s kindergarten class singing “Unwritten” at their graduation. *[Wipes away mascara tear](* — Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY [READ: “Summer Romance” by Annabel Monaghan] “Summer Romance” by Annabel Monaghan theSkimm “[Summer Romance](,” the latest from Annabel Monaghan — author of the cult-favorite “[Nora Goes Off Script](” — follows Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is decidedly…unorganized. She’s raising three young kids, dealing with a messy divorce, and is still grieving the loss of her own mom two years prior. That’s when she unexpectedly meets a charming, floppy-haired lawyer-slash-skateboarder and decides to embark on a summer fling. But, in a turn of events that’ll be deeply satisfying for romance fans, their connection turns out to be a lot more than just a fling. We asked Monaghan a few questions. Here’s what she had to say… Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence? Monaghan: I like to watch “[Dr. Pimple Popper](.” I find it totally relaxing. Q: What’s an unpopular opinion you stand by? Monaghan: We should bring back “you’re welcome.” Why do people keep telling me “of course” when I thank them? I find it confusing. Q: What’s one thing that’s made you 10% happier? Monaghan: Being over 50. I feel as if I’ve stepped into this second half as an easier, more authentic version of myself. We’re also reading: - [The Queen of the Beach Read Hangs Up Her Bikini](…Elin Hilderbrand might be done with her signature beach reads — but don’t worry, Hilderbabes, she’s still planning to write. - [Why Can’t We Stop Making “Doorknob Confessions”](…Nope, you’re not the only one who drops big news on your way out the door. - [The Last Inappropriate Man on Television](…It wasn’t long ago that a “reality reckoning” threatened to rock the Bravosphere. But Andy Cohen is still the most popular guy in town. [EAT: Brooklyn Supper’s Strawberry Spoon Cake] This Strawberry Spoon Cake Has No Business Being So Good — And So Easy theSkimm What would you get if you crossed strawberry cake with strawberry cobbler? [Brooklyn Supper’s Strawberry Spoon Cake](. Perfect for peak strawberry season, this unfussy, impossible-to-mess-up dessert includes a little bit of simple cake batter and a lot of freshly muddled strawberries on top. When baked, the two meld together, creating a dessert that contains multitudes — tender cake, crisp golden edges, a jammy, pudding-like center — and, as the name implies, is best served with a spoon. The Time Commitment: About 35 minutes. At which point, you can enjoy it immediately, or let it set for 30 minutes. Either way, you must serve it with a monster scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you must try (emphasis on try) to save some for the next day — when it magically tastes even better. Key Tips: While fresh strawberries are ideal (here’s [the secret for picking the sweetest ones](), frozen strawberries will also work — just be sure to thaw them first. You can also swap in any berry or stone fruit, according to Brooklyn Supper, especially those that are “edging toward overripe.” Other Takes: Did you also impulse purchase too many cartons of strawberries? Consider making these [Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bars](, which taste just like the classic Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars. Or, if you’re more of a cookie person, whip up these [Salted Strawberry Cookies]( for the perfect salty-sweet treat. Two more easy and crowd-pleasing options? [Strawberry Shortcake Cake]( and [Strawberry Bread](. Not to mention, if you never got around to making that viral [Strawberry Peanut Butter Bark](, the time is…ripe. What’s new in food & home: - We regret to inform you that you’ve probably been [using your spice jars wrong]( this entire time. - Can’t pick just one dessert? [TikTok’s dessert bowls]( just solved that problem. - A [fancy toilet seat]( can change your bathroom...and maybe your life. [Stay two women in a pool] How to Embrace Vacation Vibes Without Going Far theSkimm If you’re a devoted reader of our Saturday send, we imagine you’ve got quite the travel bucket list by now. And your PTO reserve (and getaway budget) miiight be dwindling. So today, we’re sharing some ideas that can help you feel like you’re taking a dream vacation…[without leaving your zip code](. 🌄 See the sun(rise). There’s no better way to gain perspective on a familiar place than by watching it wake up. Do a quick search to find the best local viewing spot, set an early alarm, then make your way over. PS: Once the sun is up, a mid-morning nap is highly encouraged. 🍦 Be liberal with little treats that bring you joy, like an iced coffee, a muffin, or an ice cream cone (or all three). Just like you would on vacation, try hitting up new local spots and ordering whatever calls your name. [pool cabana] 💦 This one is crucial: Lie by a pool. [This service]( offers exclusive day passes to luxury hotel pools, cabanas, and spas — no overnight stay necessary. That means you can get a taste of resort life, minus the hassle and expense of traveling (and without typical resort prices). [Use code 20RPTS24 to snag $20 off](. But don’t wait. The deal ends Wednesday.†✨ Go guilt-free. Weekends at home are so often filled with to-do lists that it can feel wrong when you’re not checking something off. During these precious two days, let yourself finish your book, watch another episode, or putter around aimlessly without stressing about all of life’s logistics. After all, you’re on vacation.* [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: “Every time my friends and I go out to dinner, we split the bill evenly. I recently stopped drinking — which my friends know about. Am I still expected to pay the same amount as them?” [Group of friends having dinner at a restaurant.] “How much of a problem is this going to cause in your friendships? Are these relationships worth pitching in an extra [$10 or $15]? If it’s an occasional meal, I say just split it, because it’s easier. [You could even] order an extra dessert or appetizer [for yourself] and call it even. If you are going to say something, you need to say it confidently and matter-of-factly ... [Before everyone starts placing orders], you can say, ‘Since I’m not ordering from the bar, I’m going to run a separate check.’ [You can also say], ‘My [portion of the bill] is less, so here’s what I owe’ and bring cash with you. Or, if one person is paying for everything, you can say, ‘I’ll Venmo you my portion since I didn’t drink’ … [Finally], if your friends always go out to dinner, you could suggest breakfast or lunch, or just join them for dessert. You’re going to miss a lot of the chit-chat that happens [during the meal] but at least the pricey items from the bar will have been ordered.” [Rosalinda Randall] Featured Expert Rosalinda Randall [Etiquette expert]( and author of “[Don’t Burp in the Boardroom: Your Guide to Handling Uncommonly Common Workplace Dilemmas](” [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [I have no problem covering the bill when my friend and I go out to dinner, with the understanding they’ll pay me back. But they always “forget” to Venmo me. I don’t want to nag or start a confrontation, so how can I address this with them?]( [I totally spaced on texting a good friend for her birthday — and she’s someone who cares a lot about her birthday. Do I fess up, or should I come up with an excuse?]( [My boyfriend’s parents have covered our expenses when we’ve vacationed with them, and now we’re taking our first trip with my parents, who are asking us to contribute. I hate asking my boyfriend to pay, but I also can’t cover his portion. What should I do?]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. A top-tier credit card for anyone trying to pay down debt. Getting [a new 0% intro APR card]( could help ease the pressure of outstanding credit card debt while you pay down your balances, and [this is the one credit card experts recommend](.* [Peep their pick]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Cool sh*t we've recently purchased from Amazon. Do you need this [avocado masher](, [microwave popcorn maker](, and [ice cube tray]( that makes hollow ice cubes to fit inside Stanley cups? [We say yes](. [Check it out]( --------------------------------------------------------------- A fresh set of bamboo sheets we love. The [400-thread count]( is softer than Egyptian cotton, and it’s naturally temperature-regulating to suit cold and [hot sleepers]( alike. [Treat yourself]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Here's how to win a free vibrator. Spend over $95 at [VUSH](, and they'll throw in a [Shine G-spot vibe]( just because you deserve it. The promo only lasts until Monday, so get going now. [Get yours]( --------------------------------------------------------------- PS: Want more product recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram. [game time][Puzzmo games animation]( 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]( | [Pile-Up Poker]( Subscribe to Skimm Well [women wait 29% longer than men in us emergency rooms to be evaluated for chest pain.]( Stand up for your health Gender bias plays a large role in how health care is treated in the US — especially when it comes to women’s pain. To get the care they need, women have no choice but to become their own best advocates. We can help. Every week Skimm Well, our health and wellness newsletter, gives you scripts (when you’re not sure what to say at the doctor’s office), expert-backed advice, and a round-up of the headlines most relevant to your wellbeing. Because your health can’t wait — so neither should you. [Subscribe now]( Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them [here](. Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by G.P. Putnam's Sons, Elizabeth Stark via Brooklyn Supper, SolStock via Getty Images, courtesy of Rosalinda Randall, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. †$20 off ResortPass valid on purchases of $100 or more. Limit one per customer. 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