Weekend: Do I Really Need to Tip My Pet Sitter? 🐶

But first: it's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 19, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm_weekend] Header Image But first: [it's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Saturday. I’ve been waiting all week for [Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date]( to drop — and it did not disappoint (even I was blushing). Two other things that made my week? Further indications that [Meryl Streep and Martin Short might be dating](. And this iconic GQ photoshoot in which [King of Short Shorts Paul Mescal donned a mini skirt and combat boots](. Feeling inspired, I’m also going to take some fashion risks, with [baggy barrel-leg jeans]( (there’s no escaping the divisive trend) and my own versions of [Gigi Hadid’s cool leopard loafers]( and [Sabrina Carpenter’s elevated take on ‘90s “dadcore.”]( And while TikTok makes a compelling case for [“fairy-core” nails](...I think I’ll sit that one out. — Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY [EAT Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake] Who Gave This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake the Right to Be This Good? theSkimm According to Instagram, apple picking season is here — which, in our experience, brings out two types of people: those who know how to behave in an orchard and those who become, hmm, possessed, bringing home *checks tote bag* approximately 75 pounds of apples. If you’re also the latter, meet [Pinch of Yum’s Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake](. Besides being exceptionally simple to make (case in point: no peeling necessary), the light and fluffy cake features subtle spicing, a stick-to-your-fork moist crumb, and soft pockets of fruit — all topped with a crispy cinnamon-sugar layer. And while, yes, this is technically a dessert, it’d be a crime not to eat the leftovers (should any survive) for breakfast. The Time Commitment: Just 15 minutes of prep — and 45 minutes of baking — are all that stands between you and this dream of a cake. Key Tips: While almost any apple variety will work for this recipe (use the “[brown stem rule](” to pick the sweetest ones), Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are ideal. Also, if you’re not in a cake mood, follow [Jennifer Garner’s lead and make muffins instead](. Either way, it’s the perfect vehicle for a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of honey butter. Other Takes: As for the rest of your haul, start with these [Spiced Apple Pecan Blondies](, which are perfectly soft, extremely chewy, and smothered in an apple syrup glaze. Equally decadent? This no-bake [Caramel Apple Éclair Cake](, featuring layers of apple pie filling, vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and caramel. For another twist on the classic, consider these [Salted Caramel Apple Cookies]( — basically, the love child of a caramel apple and a snickerdoodle. Last but not least, these [Mini Apple Hand Pies]( are made with store-bought pie dough and a simple filling, so they taste “as delicious as homemade apple pie, without all the work.” What’s new in food & home: - Paging Austin Powers: [Round beds are apparently making a big comeback](. But are they groovy, baby? - The “Strega Nona Fall” trend is [taking over kitchens everywhere]( — and, trust us, it’s much chicer than whatever cauldron you’re envisioning. - What’s terrifying parents this Halloween? [Boo baskets](. Because trick-or-treating apparently isn’t enough… [READ "Women’s Hotel" by Daniel M. Lavery] Women’s Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery theSkimm It’s 1960s New York City and the Beidermeier hotel is on the verge of shutting down. Rooms at this last-of-its-kind women’s residence (essentially, a fictional, shabbier version of [the real-life Barbizon Hotel]() are unoccupied. Breakfast service stopped. And the colorful cast of women who remain — from newly sober floor manager Katherine to party girl Lucianne — wonder if their days at the hotel are dwindling. But in the meantime, they’ll make do with what they have…and each other. Deeply funny and keenly observant, Daniel M. Lavery’s [Women’s Hotel]( would make for a great streaming series (your move, Netflix) or, at the very least, your next book club read. We asked Lavery a few questions. Here’s what he had to say… Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence? Lavery: Getting three kinds of coffee because none of us drink the same one at home. I like the really awful flavored kinds, and I have to do half-decaf because I’m very sensitive to caffeine. Q: What’s your most prized possession? Lavery: My glasses, which I almost never wear, but amaze me whenever I remember to put them on. Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have? Lavery: That [my] two dogs should not lick the baby. This opinion polls absolutely rock-bottom with both dogs and baby. Meanwhile, on the internet... - Wicked fans are making their own versions of the new movie poster — and [Cynthia Erivo is not happy about it](. - Ever wonder what “[America’s Best Restroom](” looks like? Wonder no longer. - Thanks to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, [“Utah curls” are bigger than ever](. [the best gifts unwrapped]( The Holidays Are Coming to Town theSkimm We know, we know. It probably feels early. ’Tis almost the season though, and we want to help you do it right. Luckily, our shopping elves have been hard at work building [our annual gift guide](. Below we’ve got a little preview, but watch this space for even more great gift ideas for all the friends, family, coworkers, and dog walker’s girlfriends on your list. 💤 [Avocado’s eco-friendly pillows]( come with extra fill, so your giftee can adjust the firmness to their liking. Good night’s rest, here they come.* ⌛ A [clinically proven serum]( that targets skin cells to boost resilience and firmness and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. So basically the gift of aging backwards.* 💭 [Vuori’s Performance Joggers]( are made from their signature DreamKnit™ fabric, which is somehow both moisture-wicking and ultra soft. They’re a great gift for anyone looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing style.* 💎 [This professional-grade jewelry and glasses cleaner]( that uses tap water and 42,000 hertz of ultrasonic sound waves to scrub and shine-ify valuables without damaging them. [GO Stowe, Vermont] This Charming Vermont Town Is Basically a Hallmark Movie, IRL theSkimm Let’s get this out of the way: Vermont is an idyllic winter wonderland. But fall — with its striking foliage and maple syrup galore — is when the picturesque state really shines. For proof, look no further than [Stowe](. Located near Burlington, the tiny town has a charming Main Street ([Stowe Mercantile]( is a must-visit), a vibrant food scene, plenty of folksy attractions (see: the “haunted” [Gold Brook Covered Bridge](), and over 45 hiking trails for taking in the magical views. Oh, and did we mention it’s just a short drive from the iconic [Ben & Jerry’s factory]( and the [Cabot Creamery Store](? 🛏 While Sound of Music fans will want to stay at the [Trapp Family Lodge]( (owned by that Trapp family), we’re partial to newly opened [Outbound Stowe](. Not only do the accommodations — ranging from cozy queen rooms to private wood cabins — give contemporary-mountain-motel vibes (think: plaid carpets and headboards, vintage-inspired light fixtures, a cool blue-and-green color palette), but the nine-acre property also includes direct access to the [Stowe Recreation Path](, a 5.3-mile paved trail for walking, running, and biking. Plus, two words: [Maple Hour](. 🍂 Alright, back to the reason you’re here: the foliage. Some 4,000 feet above sea level, [Mount Mansfield]( is Vermont’s tallest peak — and the best spot for taking in the striking sea of orange, yellow, and red. To get there, drive up the twisty [Auto Toll Road]( or hitch a ride on the [famous Gondola SkyRide]( (at the top, enjoy lunch at [Cliff House](). Of course, you could also summit it the old-fashioned way, courtesy of the [Sunset Ridge Trail](, a six-mile loop with lush woodland and rock scrambles. For an equally scenic yet less challenging hike, head to [Moss Glen Falls](, where you’ll find Vermont’s tallest waterfall. 🍴 There’s no sweeter way to start the day than digging into a plate of fluffy, buttery pancakes at [Butlers Pantry](. For dinner, check out [Plate](, known for its seasonal, California-meets-Vermont menu featuring dishes like Lobster Cobb Salad. Looking for something more casual? The popular après-ski hangout [Doc Ponds]( offers top-notch pub grub (see: Vermont Cheddar Fritters), while [Nocturnal]( is a buzzy new BBQ spot that’s conveniently located next to acclaimed brewery [The Alchemist]( (try the Wild Child Blueberry). And since it’s practically state law to enjoy a [maple creemee](, make sure to stop at [Red Barn Ice Cream]( before leaving town. [Ask An Expert Etiquette Edition] We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was: Q: My pet sitter dropped a hint that I should be giving a tip on top of my regular payment. Is tipping for animal care really necessary? [Woman walking two dogs] “Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s something you should do as a generous way to say thank you … if the pet sitter has provided exceptional service or has gone above and beyond [in some way]. Plus, it’ll help build a positive relationship … [In many cases], 10 to 20% is [included in the] service fee, but if they’re going the extra mile, you should definitely offer that additional tip.” [Karene A. Putney] Featured Expert Karene A. Putney [Business etiquette consultant]( and intercultural etiquette trainer [tell us] Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? [I was happy to recommend my beloved babysitter to my friend. Now every time I need her, she’s unavailable. Do I say something to my friend?]( [My sister doesn’t earn a lot, so my parents always pay for her flights home for the holidays. While I can afford my flight, is it wrong to ask my parents to cover the cost of my plane ticket too?]( [My mother-in-law is an egregious backseat driver, and it really gets on my nerves. How should I address this?]( [skimm picks] Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently. A perfectly-fitting bra that’s built to last? It does exist. [Understance’s]( bras are made for every shape, from sizes A to N. [Buy three or more and get 20% off](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- If you're looking for a [unique gift](, check out [The Wander Club travel tokens](. You can choose from hundreds of tokens representing countries, landmarks, cities, and more that hang off a chic holder for their keys. They'll think of their favorite place — and you — every time they're on the move. --------------------------------------------------------------- Your stash of [pumpkin-scented candles]( go best with one other thing: a good book. [Here are the books]( our Skimm Reads editors are diving into this fall, from [vampire romances]( to [cozy mysteries](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Pinch of Yum, HarperVia, BackyardProduction via iStock, John Greim via Getty Images, Luis Alvarez via Getty Images, courtesy of Karene A. Putney, 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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