Weekend: An Awkward Mother-in-Law Convo 😅

But first: score epic summer deals with Apple Pay through July 31 — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today July 27, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm_weekend] [Header Image]( [Sponsored by]( [apple pay]( But first: [score epic summer deals with Apple Pay through July 31]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. [Thanks to Beyoncé](, I’m ready for the Olympics. While I’m in no position to judge the world’s greatest athletes, that won’t stop me from judging celebrity fashion. On this week’s docket: Megan Thee Stallion showed off her[cowgirl-inspired mani]( (a refreshing departure from this summer’s “[Aperol spritz](” nail trend), Zendaya gave “[fresh-from-the-shower](” mermaid glam, and Camila Cabello stepped out wearing the controversial “[naked shoe](,” which honestly looks pretty chic. Though all of this pales in comparison to Rihanna’s [matching-thong-and-shoes combo]( (leave it to her to simultaneously promote her brands and start a new trend) and [extremely baggy jeans]( that are long enough to mop my kitchen floor. At least they have some added utility? — Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY [READ "Catalina" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio] Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio theSkimm Like most college seniors, Catalina faces that looming question, What’s next? But for her, this question is especially loaded. Because while the “[blue-collar brainiac](” from Queens may be getting an Ivy League degree, she’s also undocumented. In this magnetic debut novel, aptly named [Catalina](, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s protagonist must navigate an uncertain future — for both herself and her undocumented grandparents — along with Harvard’s elite social circles, which she observes with skepticism. And of course, it wouldn’t be a coming of age story without a budding romance. We asked Cornejo Villavicencio a few questions. Here’s what she had to say… Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make? Cornejo Villavicencio: I think lemon makes everything delicious. I put lemon or lime on basically all food. Try it for a week and then let me know how you like it. Q: What's one thing that’s made you 10% happier? Cornejo Villavicencio: The life and times of Jennifer Lopez. Q: What’s the one thing that makes your AM or PM routine complete? Cornejo Villavicencio: Washing my face — even though I hate washing my face. The water. Drips down. My arms. We're also reading: - “[How Love Island USA Became This Summer’s Most Exquisite Trash](”...turns out, watching drama unfold between hot people on TV is fun no matter what continent you live on. - “[Meet the Queen of the ‘Trad Wives’ (and Her Eight Children)](”...she milks cows, makes Rocky Road ice cream from scratch, and competes in beauty pageants 12 days after giving birth — and we can’t look away. - “[How a California Momfluencer Became a Shoplifting Queenpin](”...a multimillion-dollar crime ring plus stolen luxury makeup? Your move, Netflix. [EAT Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake] This No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake Is (Almost) Too Pretty to Eat theSkimm If you’re not eating blueberries by the fistful right now, is it even summer? Whether you’re picking them by hand (we applaud you) or picking them up at the farmers market, it doesn’t matter how you get them so long as you’re consuming them in every form possible. Which, should include dessert. Specifically, this [Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake by Sally’s Baking Addiction](. Filled with layers of lemon-y whipped cream, fresh blueberries, and graham crackers, this no-bake cake may look fancy, but requires only seven ingredients. Meaning, it’s so easy, you may never go back to actually baking again. The Time Commitment: Five hours. But before you panic, there’s only 25 minutes of combined prep and active cooking time — the rest is for chilling your cake. Key Tips: Soft whipped cream is what we’re aiming for. To avoid curdling your cream or it forming “super stiff peaks,” Sally says it’s important not to over-beat it. Instead, you’ll want the texture to be “on the soft side where it’s thick like pudding, not like mousse.” Other Takes: Got extra blueberries? Start with this [Sheet Pan Blueberry Shortcake](, guaranteed to impress dinner party guests. There’s also this jammy [Blueberry Coffee Cake]( with a vanilla glaze that, in our opinion, doubles as breakfast. Not a cake person? Try this sweet, slightly tart [Skillet Blueberry Cobbler]( (worth noting: you can also use a 8x8 baking dish) or these “buttery, shortbread-like” [Blueberry Crumb Bars](. Finally, you can go the cookie route with these supersoft [Blueberry Cookies](, topped with cream cheese frosting. What's new in food & home: - “[Bikini Bottomcore](” florals? For summer? Groundbreaking. - Snackers, this is not a drill: [Japan-style 7-Elevens]( are coming to the US. - Never choose a bad watermelon again with [this brilliant “two-finger” hack](. [Mystic, Connecticut] Looking for a Weekend Escape? Don’t Sleep on This New England Gem theSkimm You may have heard of Mystic because of [Mystic Pizza](, but the ‘80s rom-com only shows a slice (don’t hate us) of the quaint, coastal Connecticut village. Before Julia Roberts stepped foot in town, Mystic was a major shipbuilding hub between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, it makes for the ideal seaside respite from the city, or really, just everyday life. In addition to its [rich maritime history](, this New England treasure continues to attract visitors for its bustling downtown area, vibrant artistic community, and [buzzy dining scene]( — that extends well beyond pizza. 🛏 Located in the heart of downtown, [The Whaler’s Inn]( has been welcoming guests for over 125 years and houses five main buildings, each with its own history and nautical charm. Not to mention, the hotel is steps away from restaurants, galleries, and the [Mystic Museum of Art](. Come for the freshly baked cookies every afternoon and stay for the sublime sunset river views. ⚓ While you’ll want to drive to [Olde Mistick Village]( — a popular open-air shopping center designed as a 1720-style colonial village — the best way to take in downtown Mystic is by foot. Begin with the [Mystic Seaport Museum](, which boasts a recreated New England whaling village, a working shipyard, and more than [2 million artifacts](, including the last existing wooden whaleship in the world. Afterwards, pop into [Mystic Knotwork]( — the first and oldest knot shop in the country — and walk over the 102-year-old [Mystic Drawbridge]( for some shopping and [homemade ice cream](. [Ocean House in Rhode Island] ⛱️ Just a 25-minute drive over the Connecticut state line are the beaches of [Watch Hill, Rhode Island](. If you’re going to spend the day at one, make it [East Beach]( (pro tip: go early to find parking) where you’ll be able to spot [Taylor Swift’s famous summer house](. After, stroll down Bay Street where you’ll find charming shops (check out [The Candy Box]() and the [Flying Horse Carousel](, claimed to be the oldest operating carousel in the country. If you’re feeling fancy, stop by the [iconic Ocean House]( (where [Olivia Culpo recently celebrated]( her nuptials) for a cocktail. 🍴 In recent years, Mystic’s food scene has [made headlines](. Start your morning with [mouth-watering pastries]( at [Sift Bake Shop]( and then midday, head over to [Red 36]( for fresh seafood while overlooking the water. For dinner, make a reservation at James Beard Award-winning restaurant [The Shipwright’s Daughter]( or the [Oyster Club]( (grab drinks at the [Treehouse]( before), whose locally sourced menu changes daily. Finally, stop at the nautical-themed cocktail lounge [The Port of Call]( — which Esquire has called [one of the best bars]( in America. [shop apple pay get exlusive summer offers online only ends 7/31 terms apply]( You deserve exclusive deals on everything you need to make this summer your best one yet. And you shouldn’t have to work hard to get them. [Apple Pay]( makes it easy to check out online in seconds — there’s no need to dig for the right card, create any accounts, or fill out any lengthy forms. Did we mention you can enjoy special offers at [select retailers]( when you shop online with Apple Pay now through July 31, 2024? Because you can.†* †Additional terms and conditions may apply. See the applicable partner app or website for details. Partner offers are available in the US only. [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: My partner’s mother generously gives us home decor, but it’s not my taste. When she last visited, I could tell she was upset her gifts weren’t displayed. How do I approach this? “It’s not your job to satisfy the gift giver, but it is your job to care for the relationship. Just like you’d rotate blankets, throw pillows, or decor, think about incorporating your mother-in-law’s gift when you know she’s going to be visiting. [It’s not about the gift, but rather], making your mother-in-law feel respected. [Which] in the long-run, is more important. [Another idea is] to include her. You could say, ‘I saw this article on modern design, and I’m thinking about adding some of these pieces to my room.’ Involving her in the conversation and the design gives her ideas for her next gift. Or if she knows you love a [certain] shop, then she's thinking, ‘Maybe I can get her a gift card’ ... It’s about preserving the relationship and keeping communications open.” [Jennifer Porter] Featured Expert Jennifer Porter Etiquette expert [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [When greeting them, my partner always kisses his parents on the lips. This makes me uncomfortable — it's not something we do in my family. How do I bring this up without hurting his feelings?]( [I never know when it’s acceptable to send an email thank you note instead of a handwritten one. Does it still matter in 2024 as long as you’re expressing your appreciation?]( [My friend and I agreed to trade pet-watching responsibilities for each other when we’re out of town. I’ve watched my friend’s pup several times, but every time I ask her to watch mine, she has an excuse. What should I say the next time I’m asked?]( [Listen to our new podcast Well Played]( Let the games begin. We invited 11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix onto our new sports podcast, [Well Played](, to talk about her work to get the Olympic Village’s first nursery up and running and who she has her eye on in the women’s 200-meter. Olympic bronze medalist and former member of the USWNT Sam Mewis also stopped by to share her takes on the steepest soccer competition in this year’s Games and how to watch the matches like a pro. For smart, entertaining sports commentary by women for women, [give it a listen]( (and a follow). Merci. [well played olympics preview swimming the seine]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. These [stable earbuds]( are so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing them. And their open-ear design makes it easy to hear the world around you — [without pressing pause](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- This weekend, you can get an extra 40% off [sale items at Madewell]( with code SUMMER40. We're getting this [cashmere sweater]( for the moment Brat Summer transitions into [Good Girl Autumn](. --------------------------------------------------------------- These are [the products that've reached cult status]( for our editors. We've gatekept them long enough. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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]( Skimm Well [brat girl summer]( Honestly, same — but there’s something else that can help: the Skimm Well newsletter. When you sign up, you’ll get expert-backed advice and info in your inbox every week, so you can take control of your mental and physical health. [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 One World, Sally McKenney, Sanghwan Kim via iStock, Allard1 via iStock, courtesy of Jennifer Porter, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? 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