Weekend: When Your Partner’s a Picky Eater 🍤

But first: this viral Reformation dress is finally on sale — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today August 31, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm_weekend] Header Image But first: [this viral Reformation dress is finally on sale]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. There’s nothing like a relaxing long weekend. During my extra time off, I plan on lots of lounging ([Nike’s very fluffy Dr. Seuss-esque slip-ons]( were made for this), snacking (I’ll be making a Sam’s Club trip for these [bottled Capri Suns](), and swapping out my warm-weather clothes in favor of [Angelina Jolie-approved trench coats](, [Diane Keaton-coded trousers](, and [Bella Hadid-endorsed bootcut mid-rise jeans](. (“[Horseshoe jeans](,” on the other hand, I’m not sold on.) I might even treat myself to an end-of-summer “[lip gloss pedicure](,” which happens to pair perfectly with the “[syrup nails](” trend that’s seemingly taking over social media. If only pancakes were included… — Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY [Read "By Any Other Name" by Jodi Picoult] By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult theSkimm Jodi Picoult’s new historical fiction novel explores an infamous Shakespearean theory — whether the playwright used a ghostwriter. [By Any Other Name]( tells the story of two female playwrights: Emilia Bassano, who is based on a real woman, and in 1581, manages to get her play on stage with the help of William Shakespeare. (Reminder: Women writers weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms back then.) And Melina Green, her fictional descendant, who centuries later, also finds success as a playwright using a male pseudonym. We asked Picoult a few questions. Here’s what she had to say… Q: What’s the last social media post you sent to friends? Picoult: I sent a [People article]( to my friend, who is a closet conspiracy theorist, about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s weekend in Rhode Island. She’s convinced they actually got married. Q: What’s an unpopular opinion you stand by? Picoult: Jukebox musicals aren’t really musicals and should not be made. Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make? Picoult: No-knead bread. I keep a vat of dough in my fridge all winter, so I can pull off a grapefruit-sized chunk and bake it fresh whenever I want some. We're also reading: - In relationships: “[One Husband Is Enough: Women in Their 60s See No Need to Remarry](” (WSJ) - In culture: “[How to Publish a Divorce Book When You’re Happily Married](” (Elle) - In fashion: “[I Got Dumped in a Dress. Can I Still Wear It?](” (Harper’s Bazaar) [EAT pasta primavera ] This Pasta Primavera Is the Perfect Summer Send-Off theSkimm Excuse the hot take, but while Starbucks would have you think otherwise, September is summer month. That’s exactly why we’ll be making [Once Upon a Chef’s Pasta Primavera]( from now until September 22. In the simple yet satisfying recipe, almost end-of-the-season veggies (including sweet cherry tomatoes, crispy zucchini slices, and crunchy corn kernels) are roasted until they’re slightly jammy, then the juices are combined with butter and cheese, creating a luscious sauce that coats each bite of pasta. Add in herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, pine nuts, and basil, and you’ve got a recipe that can shine at a Labor Day BBQ or be thrown together for a busy weeknight dinner. The Time Commitment: Just 45 minutes are all that stands between you and this seriously easy pasta. Key Tips: No herbes de Provence? No problem. Dried thyme is a fine substitute. And while the recipe calls for fusilli, feel free to use penne, farfalle, gemelli, or campanelle instead. Other Takes: Your summer days might be numbered, but there’s no shortage of end-of-season pasta recipes. Consider this [Summer Corn Tomato Pasta](, which, as the name implies, consists of barely-cooked corn and tomatoes, plus melty globs of mozzarella. Two other great options if you went overboard on corn? This [Creamy Sweet Corn & Brown Butter Ricotta Pasta]( and this deeply comforting [Easy Creamy Corn Pasta]( — essentially a grown-up mac and cheese. Meanwhile, if too many tomatoes are the problem, check out [this Bon Appetit recipe](, which (a) accurately describes cherry tomatoes as “nature’s Gushers” and (b) takes about 15 minutes. What's new in food & home: - If you get anxious before leaving for a big trip, [this brilliant hack]( will help put you at ease. - Feeling overwhelmed by constant clutter? Try the “[1-3-5 rule](.” (You can thank us later.) - How good are [Emily Blunt’s crispy potatoes](? So good they apparently crashed Ina Garten’s website. [GO Edinburgh, Scotland] This Majestic Scottish City Is Straight Out of a Fairytale theSkimm Whoever came up with the phrase “something old, something new” definitely wasn’t talking about [Edinburgh]( — but perhaps they should have been. Sure, Scotland’s capital has both an Old Town (which [famously inspired Harry Potter]() and a New Town, which is slightly misleading given it was built in the 18th and 19th centuries. But while its storybook-like castles, beautiful Gothic buildings, and twisty cobblestone streets might look ancient, the city is also vibrant (thanks to a world-famous arts scene) and trendy (thanks to its wealth of [buzzy bars and restaurants](). And, if you’re still not convinced, Edinburgh is also home to the [world’s only knighted penguin](. Seriously. 🛏 Any hotel that welcomes guests with a “wee nip of whisky” is one we can get on board with — as is the case at the [Scotsman Hotel](. Housed in the former headquarters of Scotland’s national newspaper, the boutique hotel pays tribute to its history with accommodations ranging from Reporter Rooms to Headline and Publisher Suites — most of which boast light and airy color palettes, high ceilings, and fantastic views of historical attractions. That’s in addition to a brasserie-style restaurant, a [gorgeous Art Deco cinema](, and two bars (including [The Press Bar](). 🏰 At the heart of Edinburgh is the [Royal Mile](, a historic street (technically, 1.13 miles) that runs through Old Town. Start at the 12th-century [Edinburgh Castle]( to see the country’s crown jewels and the firing of the [One O’Clock Gun](. Then meander down the bustling cobblestone stretch, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions (don’t miss [Advocate’s Close]( and [St. Giles’ Cathedral](), before ending at the [Palace of Holyroodhouse]( (aka, the official residence of King Charles III). If you still have time after all that, it’s worth the short climb to the top of [Arthur’s Seat](, an extinct volcano with unparalleled panoramic views. [The Royal Mile] 🎨 The annual [Fringe Festival]( — which claims to be “one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet” — may have just ended, but Edinburgh is bursting with culture all year. Art lovers should visit the [Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art](, which is housed within two grand Georgian mansions and divided by a lush sculpture park. Theater and dance fans can catch the Scottish Opera or Scottish Ballet at the historic [Festival Theatre](. And film enthusiasts should see a movie at the century-old [Cameo Cinema](. Plus, don’t skip [Summerhall](, which hosts musical performances, theater productions, art exhibitions, and more. 🍴 If you’re looking for a full Scottish breakfast, you can’t go wrong at the newly-opened (and very buzzy) [Ardfern](. Prefer something lighter? Pick up [the cult-favorite crème brûlée danish]( at [Lannan Bakery](. Later, for a contemporary take on famous Scottish dishes (like haggis bon bons), grab a reservation at [The Bon Vivant](. Or, try [Baba](, which whips up inventive Middle Eastern dishes using Scottish ingredients. And when in Scotland, you must drink whisky (we don’t make the rules), so stop by the Balmoral Hotel’s [SCOTCH]( to sip one of its 500-plus bottles. [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: My partner is a picky eater. When friends and family cook for us, he often won’t eat his meal. I think it’s rude and worry he’s offending them. What’s the best way to handle this? [Friends at an outdoor dinner party] “If your partner isn’t eating because of a medical or lifestyle situation, you could talk to your family [or friends] and [make them aware of your partner’s dietary restrictions]. Generally, the host will be more than happy to make changes to the menu the next time. But if it’s simply picky eating, the best course [of action] would be to have a conversation with your partner to explain that not eating the food served [could be] seen as rude and offensive. Encourage them to at least try the food that’s on their plate … Depending on how informal the gathering is, you could also offer to bring a dish your partner will eat. Just be sure to bring enough to share with everyone.” [Courtney Opalko] Featured Expert Courtney Opalko Founder of [Courtney Opalko Etiquette]( [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [My mother-in-law is a bad driver, and whenever I’ve offered to drive, she insists on doing so. What’s a polite way to tell her I don’t feel comfortable riding with her?]( [On a recent flight, a man asked me to swap seats so he could sit with his wife and child. I declined because it felt like a downgrade. Was I in the wrong?]( [My partner has terrible table manners. I don’t want to make them feel bad, but it’s embarrassing when we dine out or eat with people we know. How can I bring this up?]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. This [cute mini razor]( won't take up space in your shower, but five precision blades give you the close shave of a regular-sized one. And what can we say? We never can resist Barbie pink. --------------------------------------------------------------- Don't let anyone tell you coffee isn't good for you. This [Bulletproof Coffee]( is enhanced with functional ingredients like vitamin B, lion's mane, and collagen to help you reap additional benefits out of those extra cups. --------------------------------------------------------------- Meet [SAYN](, an online luxury skincare store that also offers consultations with estheticians to curate a personalized routine. Interested? [Get 15% off your first order]( with code SAYNXOSKIMM. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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]( Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your 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 Ballantine Books, Johnny Miller for Once Upon a Chef, ewg3D via iStock, Guven Ozdemir via iStock, Drazen_ via Getty Images, courtesy of Courtney Opalko, 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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