Weekend: Becoming Your Work Friend’s Boss 😬

But first: chic flip-flops you can wear to dinner — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today July 6, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm_weekend] Header Image But first: [chic flip-flops you can wear to dinner]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. It’s been a big week for millennial nostalgia. While I’m deeply skeptical (read: horrified) of most early-aughts fashion trends (see: Katy Perry’s [footwear twist on toe rings](), Hailey Bieber managed to chic-ify this [exceptionally Y2K look]( in a way that only Hailey Bieber can. And then there was JLo, who [stepped out in satin ballet flats]( and is now making me reconsider my stance on the shoe entirely. Though nothing can compare to Aly & AJ taking selfies in — wait for it — [Limited Too apparel](. However, when it comes to Y2K resurgences, I have to draw the line somewhere, so [crocheted boho cardigans]( need to stay in 2000 where they belong. — Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY [GO: San Juan Island] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo theSkimm If you’re looking for a summer read that has substance but doesn’t skimp on entertainment value, this book is for you. Just when 57-year-old Julia has settled into middle life, a series of events threaten to upend her newfound peace — especially reconnecting with her former friend Helen, who Julia shockingly betrayed almost two decades earlier. Masterfully constructed and thoughtfully observed, [Same As It Ever Was]( clinches Claire Lombardo’s status as a master of the family drama. We asked Lombardo a few questions. Here’s what she had to say… Q: What should be required reading for every human being? Lombardo: [The Trees]( by Percival Everett. I work part-time as a bookseller, and this is the title I love to shove into the hands of our customers — it’s one of the wildest and most wonderful novels I’ve read in years. Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on? Lombardo: I’m extremely good — too good — at obsessively psychologically deconstructing, down to the punctuation and emoji usage, any text message, from anyone, about anything, no matter how short. Q: What’s one material thing you’d save if your house was on fire? Lombardo: Assuming everyone was safe, would I be the person staggering out with her KitchenAid stand mixer? We’re also reading: - “[What It’s Like to Be a Celebrity Elopement Planner in Vegas](”…how the woman behind Bennifer’s and Usher’s nuptials pulls off star-studded weddings — sometimes with only 30 minutes notice. - “[Your Boss Will Freeze Your Eggs Now](”…more companies are covering the cost of egg freezing for female employees. But the benefit doesn’t solve a bigger problem. - “[Why Some Couples Are Joining the ‘Living Apart Together’ Movement](”…if the idea of never waiting for the bathroom or fighting over the duvet sounds appealing, read this. [EAT: How Sweet Eats’s Sheet Pan Roasted Shrimp Tacos ] These Summery Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos Are a Weeknight Must theSkimm Is it even summer if you haven’t casually thrown together a build-your-own taco dinner? How Sweet Eats’s [Sheet Pan Roasted Shrimp Tacos]( combine spiced shrimp, roasted corn, a refreshing cabbage slaw, and a smattering of fancy-seeming toppings (if your taco is so loaded it barely folds, you’re doing it right), all tucked into a warm tortilla. And the best part? Everything is cooked on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. The Time Commitment: About 30 minutes, as long as you prep the slaw and any garnishes while the corn and shrimp are roasting. Key Tips: Toppings add even more texture and flavor, so don’t hold back when making this recipe. If you don’t have pickled red onions at the ready, prepare [this 5-minute recipe]( before making the tacos. By the time you’re finished, the onions will be done too. For extra zest, whip up this [Cilantro Lime Crema]( and/or this [Salsa Verde](. And for [the best way to warm your tortillas](, skip the microwave and use a skillet on the stove instead. Other Takes: Tacos are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure food. Exhibit A: These [Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa](. Or, swap the salmon for cod or halibut and make these [Easy Fish Tacos with Spicy Sauce](. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can’t go wrong with [Tacos Dorados]( — essentially, crispy tortillas filled with a mix of ground beef and potatoes. Same with these show-stopping [Birria Tacos](. And vegetarians should take note of these [Crisp Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Cabbage Slaw](, which require minimal cooking. What’s new in food & home: - Can’t decide whether to paint your walls Butter Yellow or Stormy Blue? It’s 2024, so of course there’s a [color consultant]( for that. - Avert your eyes, Nancy Meyers: “[Whimsigoth](” is the new home aesthetic. And once you’re done decorating, don’t forget to plant your [goth garden](. - Honestly, we can’t decide which is more chaotic: “[Scrambled pancakes](” (they look exactly as they sound) or [Heinz’s Every Sauce](, which combines 14 of the brand’s sauces…in one bottle. [San Juan Island, Washington] This Magical Pacific Northwest Island Should Be Your Next Getaway theSkimm The islands that dot the coast of Washington State are no tropical escape, but regulars say they offer something better. Travel 100 miles north of Seattle and you’ll reach the 172 islands in [the San Juan archipelago](, known for their tranquility and breathtaking coastal views. While each island has its distinct charms, [San Juan]( — the second largest and most populous — has something for everyone. That includes rich historical sites, peaceful beaches, lively shops and restaurants, and a wide array of outdoor activities. Not to mention, the two other main islands — [Orcas and Lopez]( — are just a short ferry ride away, for easy island hopping. 🛏 Paddleboarding, fishing, tie-dying T-shirts, playing life-size checkers, and chess — the 82-acre [Lakedale Resort]( is like a summer camp for adults, minus the musty old bunks. Instead, you can stay in a cozy lodge room, a light-filled yurt (with your own hot tub), a family- and dog-friendly log cabin, an upscale canvas cottage, or a refurbished 1978 Airstream trailer. 🐋 San Juan Island is home to a variety of wildlife (think: seals, sea lions, and [over 200 bird species](), but it’s especially known for its majestic whales. Join one of the [Western Prince Whale Watching boat tours](, and you may spot orcas, as well as humpback, minke, or gray whales. If the idea of cruising the high seas makes you queasy, head to [Lime Kiln Point State Park](, considered to be one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. While you’re there, you should also check out the century-old Lime Kiln Lighthouse. [Orcas in the water surrounding San Juan Island, Washington] 🚲 San Juan Island is only 14.5 miles long, so it’s easy to see many main attractions in one day. One of the best ways to do so? [The Scenic Byway](, which takes visitors — by bike or car — around the entire island. Stop at: the [San Juan Island National Historical Park]( (where the US and Great Britain nearly went to war), the [San Juan Islands Sculpture Park]( (which includes over 150 sculptures and art installations), and [Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm](, where you can stroll among — you guessed it — adorable alpacas. And end your trip at [Friday Harbor]( to browse local boutiques and galleries. 🍴 Start your day with a croissant, cinnamon roll, or “[outrageously delicious](” carrot muffin from [Bakery San Juan]( (fair warning: you’ll want to return for one of their [signature pizzas](). And given that there’s no shortage of local seafood, expect to find clams, oysters, and mussels on menus across town — including at [Downriggers](, where you should grab a table on the waterfront patio. Or, for something more upscale, try [Duck Soup](, a popular farm-to-table spot that’s been around for almost 50 years. [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: One of my closest work friends recently became my direct report — and she’s repeatedly missed deadlines or shrugged off tasks. How can I address this, without starting a confrontation or making things awkward? [Two female coworkers having a disagreement] “Optimally, you would have a conversation before things got [to this point, asking questions like]: How are we different in the workplace? How do you like to receive feedback? What feels comfortable given we’re friends and we have this new business relationship? … That said, I would [raise the problem] with your friend and say, ‘We have a close friendship, and now you’re my direct report. How can we best navigate this?’ It’s getting their feedback and acknowledging both sides while you work through the conflict. [You may also want to say], ‘I know we have a close friendship … but in my position as a boss, I have to give you feedback and make sure you meet those expectations.’ ...[I’d also add], there’s [research that says]( people are most likely to act to improve negative feedback when you say something like, ‘I know you can rise to this, so that’s why I’m giving you this feedback’ or ‘I really believe in you.’ [And you should make it clear that] even if you have difficult conversations at work, it’s not going to affect [how you feel about them] as a friend.” [Marisa Franco, PhD] Featured Expert Marisa Franco, PhD Psychologist and author of [Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends]( [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [I have a private Instagram account for friends and family, and my boss recently requested to follow me. I tried to ignore it, but she keeps asking why I haven’t accepted her request. How do I address this without making it awkward?]( [Every time my friends and I rent a house for vacation, there’s always competition for the “best” room. But if I planned it, shouldn’t I automatically get first dibs?]( [I’m getting married in a couple months, and a few of my guests RSVP’d with plus-ones — even though they weren’t given them. We don’t have the room for extra guests, so how should we handle this?]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. Everything you need to know about [sunscreen](, according to a board-certified dermatologist. Plus, the SPFs we don't hate applying every day. --------------------------------------------------------------- Move over, Loewe Puzzle Bag, the [Bogg]( is the new It Bag of the summer. Even better: It's sturdy, waterproof, kid-proof, and under $100. --------------------------------------------------------------- Here are some [comfortable airport outfits]( when you still want to look put-together. [Track pants]( are the new black leggings. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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] You too? Skimm Well has you covered. Every week, we’ll send you expert-backed advice and info to help you take charge of your health. What are you waiting for? [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 Doubleday, How Sweet Eats, Edmund Lowe Photography via Getty Images, Stuart Westmorland via Getty Images, SDI Productions via Getty Images, courtesy of Marisa Franco, 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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