Your 5-min read: We still shine like we used to

Skimm’d while browsing baby registry retailers — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today June 17, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm WEEKEND Skimm’d while [browsing baby registry retailers]( “Brought to you by Pinterest fails and the Dollar Store” — One mom’s refreshingly honest [birthday party]( invite for her twins. Takes the cake. theSkimm With Victoria Arlen In the past year, there’s been lots of talk about [diversity and inclusion]( in sports. And while much of the focus has been on [race and gender identity](, there’s also been progress for people with disabilities. See: The [Special Olympics World Games]( (aka “the world’s largest inclusive sports event”), which [starts today]( and includes 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. To learn more, we spoke with the Games’ Champion Ambassador and ESPN SportsCenter host [Victoria Arlen](, who’s been deeply involved in the inclusion movement, both personally and professionally. Here’s what she had to say… Q: You spent [four years]( “locked” inside your own body, unable to move or speak. What did you learn from that experience? When I was 11, I developed two incredibly rare neurological conditions that shut my body down. I wasn’t expected to make it — let alone come out of a vegetative state and be here speaking, walking, and living the life I live today … I learned that the world is not built or designed for individuals who have mobility challenges. You have to find your voice and use it to make a difference, not only for yourself, but for others too. Q: Has that influenced your involvement with the Special Olympics? Absolutely. I’m determined to make sure that every athlete feels heard and seen and never on the sidelines, whether that individual has a physical or intellectual disability or anything that makes them different. I feel blessed to be able to be a part of the “[Inclusion Revolution](” ... the Special Olympics is the truest, strongest, and purest example of what sport is ... and what happens when no one’s on the sideline, when everyone gets to be an athlete. Q: Why should more people tune in to the Special Olympics? Because the power of sport is incredible. We all want something to believe in. We all want to be inspired. We all want to feel something. And the Special Olympics gives you all of that … It’s athletes who have overcome insurmountable odds, who have traveled over thousands and thousands of miles to get here … And these athletes, they’re the first ones that would cheer for you. So let’s cheer for them. Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=ESPN's Victoria Arlen on the Special Olympics World Games #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening 🎧 In culture… Spotify [wrapped]( Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s podcast deal. [Doja Cat](’s new single is catching people’s attention. And [Olivia Rodrigo]( fans won’t have to be sour for much longer. Also, turns out, Elizabeth Gilbert couldn’t eat, pray, love her way out of a storm of controversy, putting “[The Snow Forest](” on ice. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🙃 In adulting... Brides-to-be are saying ‘I do’ to [something new](, including a [not-so-sexy wedding night](. For those of us still single: While being ‘[back pocketed](’ may leave you with questions, [personality quizzes]( may not have all the answers. Oh and if you forgot about Father’s Day, there’s still time to get [something special](, whether that’s [a women’s watch]( (yes, you read that right), [Bath & Body Works goodies](, or a [brand deal](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🍝 In food... To celebrate the return of “[The Bear](,” say ‘yes, chef’ to [pasta salad summer](. Or, if you prefer something sweet, stop [shaving your eggs]( because [frozen fruit]( is even grater, err, greater. Also unconventional? [Drinks]( made with sriracha, kimchi, or salmon. Don’t knock it ’til you try it. Forward this to a friend. [Click here](mailto:?&subject=Check out this Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter&body=Check it out . Skimm Reads “[You Were Always Mine](” by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza…34-year-old Cinnamon Haynes is finally living a quiet, settled life. After a difficult start as a Black child in the foster care system, a steady job, good relationship, and cozy house feels like more than enough. Then she meets Daisy, a 19-year old white woman who’s pregnant and wants Cinnamon to raise her daughter. This high-stakes novel asks big questions about race, family, and what it means to be a “good” mother. Scoop it up. WEEKEND GETAWAY [Together with the Ford Escape]([Ford]( We’re just four days away from the *official* start of summer, and we’re looking for the first little ways to get away. Want to kick off the good vibes just a liiiittle bit early? Try throwing a pre-solstice party to celebrate the extra sunlight. We know you’ll want to keep the celebrations going all season long, so allow us to introduce [the 2023 Ford Escape SUV®](. Consider the Escape your adventure accomplice, an everyday getaway, and the perfect space for…whatever you need. [Solstice party venue very much included](. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. Our favorite athletic dresses. We’ve rounded up the [best styles]( so you’ll feel cool, comfortable, and collected. [Let’s serve]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Things moms deserve for the best summer yet. Make sure you have [what you need]( for a season full of adventures with and without your littlest dependents. [Grab them]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Our review of the celebrity beauty line, Rhode. For reactive skin, this dewy, lightweight [essence]( is a must. Plus, we tried the rest of [the line]( too. [Get glowing]( Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes [here](. Weekend Escape *Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape. Not sure where to go on your next vacay? Here’s a thought: Your dream getaway could be written in the stars. That’s because a growing number of people are apparently using astrology as [a sign for where to head next](. Not so surprising, given astrology’s [meteoric rise](. Here’s how to have your own star trek… - Pick a destination that aligns with your horoscope. If you’re a Gemini, that could mean Berlin or the Florida Keys. But if you're a Scorpio, you might prefer Dublin or North Carolina’s Outer Banks. And Leos should consider Guadalajara, Mexico or Las Vegas. For more signs — and more recs — click [here](. - Stay somewhere with stellar amenities. At Miami’s [Standard Spa](, you can indulge in a sound shower, then have a reading of your natal chart by the hotel’s resident “[Good Witch](.” Meanwhile, The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia offers personalized massages for fire, earth, water, and air signs. And Mexico’s [Grand Velas Riviera Maya]( serves up[cocktails]( inspired by Mayan astrological signs. - Plan a trip around a bright, shiny moment. That could mean your life-changing [solar return](. Or it could be a [major astronomical event](, like the next [total solar eclipse](. (If that’s the case, experts say [book now](.) Or, it could just be somewhere where you can [stare at the stars](. News Quiz Let’s see how well you kept up with the Daily Skimm this week. Which game show host recently announced his retirement? A. Steve Harvey B. Pat Sajak C. Wayne Brady D. Drew Carey Check back tomorrow for the answer. But if you just need to know, you’ll find what you’re looking for [here](. Skimm'd by: Macy Alcido, Rasheeda Campbell, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Joe Faroni/ESPN Images, Atria Books, Thavorn Chaisuwannakorn via Getty Images Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? 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