Weekend: This is about more than just football

Skimm’d while saving time — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today September 30, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm WEEKEND Skimm’d while [saving time]( “Toughness doesn’t have to come in a pinstripe suit” — The late California Sen. [Dianne Feinstein](. theSkimm With The Mother of All ‘Moms for Hire’ Mother knows best, right? Well, [some families]( are giving that new meaning — by hiring “bonus” moms for their college kids. That includes Mindy Horwitz of [mindyKnows](, a concierge service that helps students at four colleges and universities. To learn more, we spoke to Horwitz and director of marketing Shari Brooks… Q: When did you first realize there was a need for a “moms for hire” business? Horwitz: [In 2018], my son [started school] at a local college in St. Louis, and I joined the parent Facebook page. I would see all the things that the out-of-town parents needed. [The next year], we launched mindyKnows. Q: What sorts of things are you asked to help with? Horwitz: Parents often want to celebrate their children’s special occasions — birthdays, finishing a test, getting into a sorority, having a big game — or send them treats ... but searching the internet for local resources is hard, because there’s so many options ... We’re local parents, and we’ve raised our kids here … so the biggest thing that we do is to provide advice for the parents ... We’ll [also] put together special packages and deliver them ... [But] last week, I got a text from a mom who was on a flight to Mexico when she found out her son needed to have his appendix removed. She felt so helpless ... but she knew she had me, and I was able to help answer some questions for her. Brooks: Mindy’s like a jack of all trades. She’s gotten everything from ‘My grad student’s moving into an apartment, and we just found out there’s bed bugs’ ... to ‘My kids are home for the holiday, and we see the weather at school is below freezing — can you start their car a couple times so the battery doesn’t die?’ She’s even helped new graduates sell their cars ... When that phone rings, you never know what the request is going to be. Q: Is there anything you won’t do? Horwitz: Our favorite thing is to be able to say yes. We’re problem solvers ... [But] we don’t iron sheets … We don’t really go into dorms, and we don’t take students to appointments. Q: College is where many students learn to be independent. Do you ever worry you’re somehow limiting that growth? Brooks: We’re not trying to step in, stunt their independence, and infantilize them. We realize they’re off to college, they’re likely 18 [years] or older — they should be independent. What we’re trying to do is fill in any holes on behalf of the parents when needed, because they’re far away and they can’t, for whatever reason, be helpful. Horwitz: Our students are independent thinkers, and they navigate their own college experiences. We’re really there for the parents … We think of ourselves like an extended family [member], so they have support when they need it. Q: College is already expensive for many students, and this is obviously an added cost. Why do parents find it so valuable? Brooks: Peace of mind is priceless. If you can have someone that’s a local mom, who’s on the ground [and] there to help you when you need it, that’s well worth the spend. My daughter started school during the pandemic in St. Louis, and I’m in New York. I can’t tell you how challenging it was to not be nearby. I’m not a helicopter or snowplow parent, but knowing there was someone like Mindy who could be of help, I don’t think you can put any value on that. Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Mindy Horwitz knows best in the "moms for hire" biz #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening 🏠In home... Feeling bold? Think [(dusky) pink](. Or, [greige](, depending on who you ask. Meanwhile, as [clamshells]( are making waves, [yeehaw core]( is galloping in. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🍔 In food… From lab-grown lion burgers to tiger steaks, meet the [meats]( that could end up on your plate. Too wild? Perhaps you’d prefer Panera’s “[Roman Empire](” menu. Or, [stuffed cabbage](, which is on a roll. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🙃 In adulting… Turns out, [texting before calling]( is usually the right call. Speaking of phones, love does cost a thing — at least, on [Tinder](. And there’s more proof that [four-day workweeks]( can get the job done. We’ll raise a “[thirsty girl mocktail](” to that. Forward this to a friend. [Click here](mailto:?&subject=Check out this Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter&body=Check it out . Skimm Reads “[Bright Young Women](” by Jessica Knoll...She’s baaack (one of our favorite authors, that is). And better than ever. The killings of Ted Bundy get a new look in this nuanced, smart take on a true crime novel. First we first meet Pamela, a Florida State University student who witnesses the attack of her sorority sisters in 1978. Her narrative is interspersed with the story of Ruth, an earlier victim of the same killer, and Ruth’s friend Tina. Expect a page-turner with plenty of plot twists, minus the exploitative lens that’s so common in this genre. Must. Read. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. The most dramatic season of “Bachelor in Paradise” yet. We’re talking love triangles, former Bachelorettes, a surprise wedding, and so. much. more. [Stream the premiere]( on Hulu now and watch new episodes Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.* [Start watching]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. A fan-heater hybrid for anyone who’s always cold (but also sweats). [This Dyson device]( is the stuff of temperature-controlled dreams. It’s got a chic, minimalist design and two quiet-but-powerful airflow modes. Even better? Skimm’rs can get $100 off right now.* [Don’t wait]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Savings on super soft, sustainably made socks. [This woman-founded brand](’s socks are made with an Earth-friendly blend of organic and recycled materials. They come in tons of styles and fun, bold colors, in gender-neutral, inclusive sizing. Plus, Skimm’rs get 30% off with code SKIMM.* [S(t)ock up]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. A luggage set with everything you need to get there in style. Wherever ‘there’ is. [This brand](’s all-in-one bundle has you covered whether you’re a new traveler or frequent flier. PS: It’s on serious sale for a limited time only.* [Go, go, go]( Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Weekend Escape *Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape. Another weekend, another stacked lineup of [NFL]( and [college football]( games. Whether you never miss your team’s game or you’re just looking to see if a [certain celeb]( is on the bleachers, there are plenty of ways to get in a state of play. Here’s the game plan… - Assemble a [watch party](. Today’s roster consists of all things [college football](: Expect eyes (and [sunglasses]() to be on coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes as they take on USC. Later, don’t miss LSU vs. Ole Miss and Notre Dame vs. Duke. Tomorrow, tune into the NFL’s [must-see matchups](, including the Miami Dolphins vs. the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the New York Jets. - Huddle up for [flag football](. If the goal is to get in on the competition, grab your friends and head to your backyard or local park. Appoint two captains, pick a clever team name, and run for the end zone. - Score big with [tailgating games](. [Kan Jam]( and [Spikeball]( are worth adding to the play-by-play. But if you prefer something less active, consider [cornhole](, [giant Jenga](, and other [lawn games](. Or, pour one out for beer pong or flip cup — safely, of course. - Don’t pass on the [snacks](. Kick things off with some touchdown-worthy treats, including [caprese salad kabobs](, [baked mozzarella sticks](, [buffalo chicken deviled eggs](, and [loaded nachos](. To take it to the next level, whip up some [homemade guac](, [cowboy caviar](, or [queso fundido](. You could also make it a team effort with a potluck. News Quiz Let’s see how well you kept up with the Daily Skimm this week. Which actress teamed up with e.l.f. Cosmetics to create a limited-edition lip kit? A. Jamie Lee Curtis B. Jennifer Coolidge C. Jane Lynch D. Julia Louis-Dreyfus 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, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by svetikd via Getty Images, courtesy of Mindy Horwitz, S&S/Marysue Rucci Books, Icon Sportswire / Contributor via Getty Images Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to the Daily Skimm](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Update Your Preferences or Unsubscribe](esource=syl&date=20230930) --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2023 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 53 West 23rd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010