Daily Skimm

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. I’m heading to the Bronx today for some hiking, followed by classic red-sauce Italian food on Arthur Avenue. If that’s not Octobering at its finest, I don’t know what is. Here’s what else I plan to get up to…

Copy my new favorite (and deeply unexpected) style icon: the Scooby Gang’s No. 1 diva. If you catch me rocking purple and chartreuse all fall, well, jinkies.
Order the hand cream I discovered at a hotel last weekend. It’s perfectly velvety, smells like an expensive candle, and absorbs immediately. I’m kicking myself for not snagging extra from the housekeeping cart.
Tear through this unsettling, atmospheric novel about a woman raised on an isolated Iowa compound by her brutal, Viking-obsessed father. A murder mystery slash family drama is always going to do it for me.
Hit “add to cart” on just about everything my all-time favorite food blogger recommends. The cinnamon is already a nonnegotiable in my kitchen, but I’m dying to try the French grocery-store mustard.
Go down yet another Depop spiral, thanks to this vintage-inspired bag trend. I’m betting I can find one secondhand, so if anyone’s grandma is cleaning out her closet, let me know ASAP.

— Julia Reinstein / Writer, Culture & Leisure / Brooklyn, NY

Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Beef Broth Bowls

Try Not to Be Startled by How Good These Viral Beef Broth Bowls Are

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In the words of the prophet George Costanza, “I’m shifting into soup mode.” First order of business? Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Beef Broth Bowls, which likely have an iron grip on your feeds right now — and for good reason. At the base of this hearty-but-not-heavy dish is a rich coconut curry broth spiked with red curry paste, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime that’s honestly drinkable on its own. Add crispy, caramelized ground beef, fluffy basmati rice (ideal for soaking up every last drop), and whatever toppings you can think of (cucumbers, green onions, sesame oil, chili crunch). No wonder one fan described the capital-C comfort food as, “10/10, no notes.”

The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes.

Key Tips: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. And the secret to gloriously browned ground beef? Chelsea Lords (aka Chelsea’s Messy Apron) says to let it sit largely undisturbed in the skillet, so it has “contact with the hot pan long enough to really caramelize.” Bonus: all those browned bits left behind make the broth even more flavorful.

Other Takes: Another reason the broth bowl trend lives up to the hype? It’s endlessly riffable. Case in point…

Lemongrass Broth Bowls with Yellow Curry Chicken. This brighter, Thai-inspired take is topped with juicy chicken thighs and fried shallots (TJ’s has them). Plus, it’s so easy, the creator says her 7-year-old could probably make it.
Coconut Curry Salmon and Rice. Say a prayer for your favorite takeout spot. In just 25 minutes, you can have this restaurant-worthy dinner on the table, with hardly any chopping involved.
Spicy Short Rib Coconut Curry Brothy Rice Bowls. Short ribs sound intimidating — until you realize your slow cooker (or Dutch oven) does most of the work. You just take credit for the fall-apart tender results.

What’s new in food & home:

😌 If you can’t remember the last time you saw your countertops, the “one surface rule” might save you from yourself — and it doesn’t mean keeping everything spotless.

🍝 Think pasta can’t be improved? Stanley Tucci’s favorite brand launched three new shapes, including a fusilli glow-up that makes the old spiral look like a rough draft. Mamma mia.

🍗 Move over, sumo oranges. Whole Foods just dropped a new potato variety in select stores that apparently tastes like — wait for it — roast chicken. Science, we love you.

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus

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Lessons in Chemistry fans, we come bearing good news — and (our best attempt at) a haiku: New Bonnie Garmus / There is no chemistry here / Poetry instead. Set in 1980s New York, Peck & Peck tells the story of Batter Gray (named after a heroic family dog, for those wondering), a recent college grad with an ear for poetry who lands a job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry journal in the world. The catch? Once inside, he’s relegated to the dingy basement, tasked with manning three copy machines, and caught in the crossfire of the two feuding editors in chief — who also happen to be twin brothers. As Batter navigates 39 snobbish editors and one exceptionally dysfunctional workplace, expect literary rabbit holes, a charming cast of characters (including Batter’s typeface-designer mother), and Garmus at her most delightful.

Meanwhile, on the internet…

If TikTok has you second-guessing your under-eye patch placement, rest easy: Dermatologists have weighed in on the viral debate. Cue our victory lap to the bathroom mirror.
Already hobbymaxxing to the fullest? Not unless you’ve gone on a “skillcation.” Excuse us while we abscond to a pottery retreat in the Greek isles.
And now, for a PSA: Check the bag policy before your next concert, lest you end up like one of these poor souls. We’re anxious just seeing these stories.

Someone in your life could probably use a pick-me-up (or just a night off from cooking dinner). Send them this customizable care package with soup, rolls, cookies, and more cozy essentials.

If you know a man who could dress a little better, add these nice-looking boots to their holiday gifting list.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

Charleston, Who? Greenville Is South Carolina’s New It City

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We probably don’t have to tell you that Charleston is great — you’ve likely already been there for a bachelorette party… or four. But for a dose of Southern charm without all the large groups in matching T-shirts, allow us to suggest Greenville, South Carolina. Situated against the foothills of the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is quickly becoming one of the South’s worst-kept secrets — and it’s easy to see why. Think: a walkable downtown (stay at the Grand Bohemian Lodge for rustic luxury vibes), a flourishing arts community, big-city cultural offerings (catch a performance at the Peace Center), a buzzy restaurant around every corner, and easy access to sweeping lakes, forested mountains, and rushing waterfalls. Just don’t tell your engaged friends about it, OK?

🌿 You don’t have to look too hard to find outdoor activities in Greenville. In fact, Falls Park is located right in the middle of downtown, with beautifully landscaped grounds and an impressive suspension bridge that overlooks the cascading Reedy River Falls. Feeling more ambitious? Rent a bike and cruise the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile path that connects Greenville to the nearby town of Travelers Rest (for fuel along the way, stop at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery). Or, head to one of the surrounding state parks, like Paris Mountain, which includes 17 miles of biking and hiking trails (the scenic Lake Placid Trail is one of the most popular), or Devils Fork State Park, home to the blissfully unspoiled Lake Jocassee, where you can fish, canoe, paddleboard, and swim (if you dare) in the pristine waters.

🖼️ Greenville boasts one of the South’s most vibrant art scenes, thanks in large part to West Greenville (dubbed “The Village”). There, you’ll find the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, which showcases the work of both on-site artists and fellows as well as regional and national talents, and dozens of studios and galleries: Pop into Spoonbill to admire Amy Shekhter’s glittery portraits of Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Grace Kelly; stop by Joseph Bradley for colorful paintings of birds, bears, and other wildlife; and pick up some pieces of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Korean-inspired pottery at Darin R. Gehrke Ceramics. To continue your art crawl downtown, check out the top-notch watercolor collection at the Greenville County Museum of Art and take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s dozens of statues, murals, and sculptures — including Dale Chihuly’s striking Rose Crystal Tower.

🍴 Greenville takes its food seriously, so come hungry. Start your day on a sweet note with a cinnamon sugar-kissed morning bun, a flaky butter croissant, and at least one sourdough chocolate chip cookie at Rise Bakery. For lunch, swing by Gather, a bustling food hall made from repurposed shipping containers (HenDough’s artisan donuts and fried chicken sandwiches are a local favorite). Feeling fancy? Make a dinner reservation at The Anchorage, a James Beard semifinalist where the surprisingly affordable tasting menu features inventive seasonal small plates, like butternut squash carpaccio or tricolor grits. Or, check out Jianna to feast on homemade pastas and freshly shucked oysters with a view of Falls Park.

From after-school activities to weekends packed with plans and busier-than-normal work schedules — fall routines are in full swing. Thankfully, this fish oil supplement helps support joint mobility, heart health, and your immune system,^† so your body can keep up with your calendar. It's sustainably sourced, non-GMO, and doesn't leave a fishy aftertaste. Plus, Skimm’rs get 10% off with code SKIMM10 to help your body function at its best.*

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And now, something for you: the perfect pair of straight-leg jeans. They're under $150 and look good with pretty much any shoe.

Yes, it's a splurge, but this luxe moisturizer also works as a face mask, depending on how long you leave it on. Use it for special occasions in lieu of getting a facial.

PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.

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

My in-laws plan parties and family gatherings without clearing the dates with us first. I get that it’s their call — but we’re always expected to attend, and when we can’t make it, they guilt us. I don’t want to start drama, but how do we get them to check in with us before locking in a date?

“If the expectation is for you to attend and you weren’t consulted on the date, a polite conversation should happen before the next gathering. Ideally, have the son or daughter whose family is hosting speak to whoever is organizing directly. They can say, ‘We would love to be part of these gatherings and will do our best to make it work — but it would help to have some advance notice. Would it be possible to check with us on dates before locking anything in?’

Even with advance notice, you won’t be able to make every event — and you shouldn’t feel guilty if you have a legitimate conflict. A family member’s disappointment is not your burden when you weren’t consulted in the first place.”

When In-Laws Always Assume You’re Free 🫠