Daily Skimm

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. It’s supposed to rain in New York this weekend, so I’ll take the excuse to stay inside and finally tackle my to-do list. Can I think of about 100 other things I’d rather do instead? Of course. But am I actually excited to try this genius trick to expertly declutter in just 30 minutes? Yes. Once my space is clear, here’s how I plan to celebrate:

Now that this iconic millennial-coded spring jacket is back on everyone’s fashion wish list, I’ll wear mine everywhere — and pair it with my favorite jeans. It’s classic, nostalgic, and completely chic.
Since these limited-edition French-inspired sweet treats are all my group chat can talk about, I’ll make the trek to Trader Joe’s for some. Think: a custardy center, crisp, caramelized exterior, and — best of all — zero cleanup. Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Joe.
You know how it goes: If fashion’s it girls say it’s time to ditch the burgundy bag trend for this brilliantly basic spring style instead, then I’m going to listen. Best of all, it works with everything I own.
Go all in on Kaia Gerber’s favorite chunky sneakers, which are a 10/10 for being high fashion and highly wearable. They’re stylish enough to elevate a low-key look — yes, even paired with leggings.
Stock up on a few of these Western-inspired prints before the trend truly takes off. Dare I say they're better than cowboy boots?

— Kylie McConville / VP, Editorial / Queens, New York

Carrot Cake Is Good — Carrot Cake Covered in Caramel Is Better

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Look, we get it: Carrot cake for spring isn’t exactly revolutionary. But Justine Snacks’s Carrot Cake Covered in Caramel actually is. Inspired by the heavenly sounding Québécois maple-soaked cake, spiced carrot-cake batter gets dolloped into a baking dish and smothered in a rich maple caramel. As it bakes, some sort of culinary magic (scientific term) occurs, causing the cake to rise while the caramel sinks to the bottom — so you end up with moist, fluffy cake sitting on a sticky, syrupy puddle of caramel. Serve it with a big scoop of ice cream, which isn’t optional. Or, if you’re like us, just a spoon and eat it straight from the pan. Free will, right?

The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes.

Key Tips: If making your own caramel sounds like a job better suited for literally anyone but you, we understand. But it’s not nearly as intimidating as it seems. Not only does it come together in three easy-to-follow steps with zero fancy equipment, but as Justine Doiron (aka Justine Snacks) points out: “All the ingredients go into the pot at the same time, so you aren't at risk of burning any sugar.”

Other Takes: For more recipes that’ll make you see carrot cake in a whole new light, try…

Carrot Cake Cookies. Soft, chewy, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, consider this your answer to a very important question: Why make one cake when you can have a dozen cookies?
Carrot Cake Blondies. Cross the fudginess of blondies with the spice of carrot cake — and you get, according to one commenter, “the MOST addictive things I've ever eaten.”
Carrot Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting — better known as your permission to eat carrot cake for breakfast. You’re welcome.

What's new in food & home:

👗 If you never know which pieces in your closet you should keep or give away, the reverse hanger method is the answer — as long as you remember these two very important details.

🍪 Not to be dramatic, but this new, “10/10, no notes” Trader Joe’s dessert takes the cake, or, rather, the cookie dough..

💦 Step away from the all-purpose spray. According to professional cleaners, the two simple things you need to remove kitchen stains are already hiding in your pantry. Hint: One of them is water.

Kin by Tayari Jones

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What makes a family? Is it the one you’re born into or the one you build? Those are the questions at the heart of Tayari Jones’s latest novel, Kin — the second pick for our Off the Page book club. The follow-up to her 2018 hit, An American Marriage, is a sweeping coming-of-age story that chronicles the lives of Annie and Vernice, two “cradle friends” growing up side by side in the 1950s South, both without their moms, and bound together by that shared absence. But as they get older, their paths diverge: Vernice attends Spelman and marries into an affluent family, while Annie’s eternal quest to find her mother leads her down a tumultuous and at times dangerous road. When a devastating tragedy reunites them, what unfolds is a story about friendship, class, identity, and the unexpected ways our past shapes what’s possible for us. Before Jones joins us for our second Off the Page book club event, on June 17 (sign up here), we asked her a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What should be required reading for every human being?

Jones: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison.

Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?

Jones: Exquisite stationery.

Q: What’s a corner of the internet you recently discovered?

Jones: Nature noises. My fave is the Sounds Southern podcast.

Off the Page reads four books a year — all by female authors who join for virtual events and discussions, like the one with Jones on June 17. RSVP for our second event here.

Meanwhile, on the internet…

Project Hail Mary’s biggest star isn’t Ryan Gosling. It’s his unreasonably cute sweater. You can even get one for yourself — but there’s a major catch.
It’s not just you: It seems almost everyone is engaging in this Extremely Annoying™ Instagram story behavior.
If you were the first person to raise your hand in English class, this delightfully unconventional book retreat is for you. Just don’t forget to bring lozenges.

This Coastal South Carolina Town Is Basically a Nicholas Sparks Novel IRL

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Yes, Beaufort may be Charleston’s sleepy cousin — but that’s precisely what makes South Carolina’s second-oldest city so charming. The quaint, quiet “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands” feels straight out of The Notebook, thanks to narrow streets shaded by oak trees and Spanish moss, centuries-old homes and architecture, wide driftwood beaches, and a downtown area that’s somehow retained much of its original character. But, best of all, if you make the trip now, you’ll experience all of Beaufort’s magic — without the worst of the oppressive heat and humidity.

👟 Beaufort is a treasure trove of history — so much so that a good chunk of downtown was designated a historic district. After wandering the oak-lined streets filled with stunning Victorian, Greek Revival, and Federal-style homes (pro tip: the well-preserved John Mark Verdier House is now a museum that’s open to the public), stop by the Pat Conroy Literary Center (the late Prince of Tides author called Beaufort home); the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, which brings the experiences of newly freed African Americans to life; and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park (Forrest Gump fans will enjoy views of the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge).

🗺️ Given its location on Port Royal Island, it should come as no surprise that one of the best ways to see Beaufort (and the Lowcountry) is from the water — via a boat, kayak, or paddleboard tour. But if you prefer to stay on land, consider a stroll along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile greenway that winds through serene marshes and Spanish moss-draped trees. Or, take a short drive to Hunting Island State Park, where you’ll find several gloriously untouched hiking trails, five miles of pristine beaches, a saltwater lagoon, a maritime forest, and a more than 150-year-old lighthouse.

🍴 If you’re not feasting on Lowcountry fare, are you even in South Carolina? Obviously, the answer is no — so swing by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe (do not leave without a po’boy) and hop just out of town to Gullah Grub Restaurant, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and is famous for its shrimp gumbo. For dinner, nab a reservation at Old Bull Tavern, a local fave known for elevated comfort food (like wasabi deviled eggs) and fun cocktails (hello, Snoop Juice). Or, head to Breakwater Restaurant & Bar for she-crab soup, blackened mahi, and more locally sourced seafood.

Hotels are fine, but sometimes you just want a full kitchen and no neighbors on the other side of the wall. We’re currently eyeing Whimstay for vacation rentals because the prices are actually competitive, even for last-minute bookings. Go get your privacy.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

I’ve grown apart from a friend who still considers me one of her closest — and she frequently gets angry when I don’t meet her expectations for the friendship. How do I manage this gap without hurting her feelings?

“Friendships aren’t static — some deepen, some lighten, and some simply need tending to after seasons of distance. Before assuming the connection is gone, it’s worth asking: Is there something here worth protecting? Often, the answer is yes. In which case, the relationship doesn’t need to end — it just needs to be renegotiated. You might ask your friend, ‘What does a good version of our friendship look like for you at this stage of life?’ or ‘Here’s what I realistically have space for. How would that feel for you?’

On the other hand, if the relationship has truly changed for you, it’s OK to say so with kindness. The goal isn’t to avoid every uncomfortable feeling — it’s to be honest while honoring the history between you. You can say something like, ‘Our friendship has meant a lot to me, and I really value the experiences we’ve shared. I’ve realized my capacity for friendship looks a little different right now, and I’m not able to show up the same way I used to. I may not always be as available as I once was, but I still care about you.’”

So You're Drifting Apart From a Friend 😬