Daily Skimm

You worked hard enough this week. Let us plan your weekend…

No, we still don’t have Taylor Swift’s wedding photos, but Wendy’s dog mom just threw Swifties a bone — sorry, an extended version of The Life of a Showgirl. The Encore adds four new songs: “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon,” “Cleveland!” (wonder who that’s about), and “Patient Zero,” whose music video, starring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson (she didn’t lie about loving musicians), premieres at Sunday’s VMAs. What else might Swift have up her sequined sleeve? A surprise performance? The long-awaited debut album (Taylor’s Version)? Either way, our clown noses are firmly on.

Plaid? For fall? Groundbreaking. But hear us out, because the trendiest ways to wear the pattern have nothing to do with your grandpa’s old flannel — and everything to do with Cool Girl closet staples.

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Say goodbye to risking your teeth for a caramel apple. This viral caramel apple chocolate bark requires four or five ingredients and zero homemade caramel. Name something sweeter. We’ll wait.

If you also think The Great British Bake Off is the only version that matters, brace yourself: The new season of the most calming reality-competition show is on Netflix — and it’s in its Nigella Lawson era. As for what to expect from the Patron Saint of the Chocolate Guinness Cake? Her signature warmth, helpful advice, and a hefty serving of innuendo, which may explain why she’s already being called the “icing on the cake.” Fingers crossed no one asks her to pronounce microwave.

Look, we can’t make a sauna magically appear in your home. What we can do? Introduce you to a Finnish wellness ritual that works equally well using a long, hot shower. We’re feeling relaxed just thinking about it.

Psst... See what else is happening this weekend so you never miss a moment.

Let’s settle this once and for all: Which slice is superior?

New York-style pizza

Chicago deep-dish pizza

Detroit-style pizza

Neapolitan pizza

Happy (almost) weekend. My husband and I are headed to Portugal in two weeks, and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. With all the necessary details out of the way (flights, hotels, the rental car to get us from Porto to the Algarve), I’m focused on the fun ones, like what I’ll wear when we’re there. Here’s what’s on my list in the meantime:

Sure, I need comfortable walking shoes, but we can all agree that I need these chocolate-brown faux-suede mules even more. Are they practical for strolling around Europe? No. But are they perfect for fall? Yes.
I’m about a year late to Fredrik Backman’s My Friends, but I’ll solve that by bringing it in my carry-on. The book was an instant bestseller, with reviews calling it a “masterpiece” and “absolutely brilliant and beautiful.” I’ll pack extra tissues just in case.
I’ve made this NYT Cooking Thai-Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup so many times that I’ve lost count, and with a nor’easter on the way, there’s never been a better time to prepare it. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and ready in 30 minutes.
I’ll rewatch the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility before I see the 2026 remake. Emma Thompson, the late Alan Rickman, and Kate Winslet? Hard to argue with that level of casting perfection.

— Kylie McConville / VP, Editorial / Astoria, NY

Weekend: Plaid, but Make It Cool Girl 😍