Daily Skimm

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Maybe it’s because I just put my first piece of pottery in the kiln (don’t ask me if it’s a bowl, a cup, or something else entirely) or because we’ve had nearly a week of Perfect Fall Weather, but I’m feeling… alright? OK, better than that. Here are a few more reasons why:

Did you also join the Easy Pants Fan Club this summer? The fall versions have arrived — and they’re at a store my mom (and probably your mom) has long sworn by. Karen, I’m sorry I ever questioned you.
Madewell just dropped a new collab, and if you love books, libraries, and NYC (in no particular order), check out the tees and hoodies that will be your entire personality. I’m still kicking myself for sleeping on that tote.
After returning more outfits than I care to admit, I found something for the opening of my future brother-in-law’s first Broadway musical (!!). Sorry, black, but this is the only fall dress color I’ll wear from now on.
At Whole Foods, I picked up The Most Underrated Grocery Store Cookie, which, as a self-described Cookie Expert, is high praise. They’re chewy, packed with spiced apples, and somehow just as delicious on Day 5.
I’m about 10 pages from finishing my current book, which means by this time tomorrow, I’ll finally be able to start the darkly funny debut novel that The Atlantic called “Like Yesteryear, But Better.” Honestly, say less.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

Jeanine Donofrio’s Broccoli Sheet Pan Caesar

Make This Broccoli Sheet Pan Caesar Salad for the Cheese Crisps Alone

theSkimm

We have many skills. Emulsifying egg yolks for a classic Caesar is not one of them. Enter: Jeanine Donofrio’s Broccoli Sheet Pan Caesar — no yolks required, and completely within our wheelhouse. From her new cookbook, Love & Lemons Pop of Flavor, the “totally not traditional” take features a capery “Caesar-ish” dressing that’s anchovy-free (purists, we won’t stop you from adding some). Plus, chickpeas and broccoli roast on a single sheet pan for maximum ease. But here’s the real revelation: Parm and panko breadcrumbs fill the pan’s empty areas, melting into golden cheese crisps you’ll want to devour straight from the oven (we would know). Serve it as a vegetarian main or pair with your favorite protein — and either way, a Diet Coke is nonnegotiable. It’s the law.

The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes.

Key Tips: For the crispiest chickpeas, make sure to dry them thoroughly after draining. And while the recipe calls for romaine, Donofrio says any crunchy lettuce or massaged kale works just as well.

Other Takes: For more evidence that broccoli goes with everything, try…

Crispy Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Roasting gnocchi on a sheet pan > boiling gnocchi. Don’t believe us? Just look at the 15,000+ five-star ratings.
Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Salad. Crunchy apples, chewy dates, toasted almonds, and a sweet honey-mustard dressing make this a flavor and texture bomb of a salad — and it’s even better for lunch the next day.
Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta. Loaded with store-bought pesto, hot sauce, and plenty of seasoning, this half-hour dinner is basically the Fancy Adult Version™ of mac and cheese.

What’s new in food & home:

👵🏻 Apparently, if you’re over 30, you’re too old to have these items in your kitchen. We don’t know if No. 7 or No. 12 hurts more.

🛍️ If you have more reusable shopping bags than any one person could ever use, here’s how professional organizers keep them from taking over every closet and drawer. RIP, 17th TJ’s tote.

🍰 The Queen of Store-Bought Is Fine just revealed the sneaky trick she uses to turn a premade cheesecake into her own creation. Ina Garten, we owe you our lives.

The Tulip Poplars by Silas House

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Shakespeare walked so Silas House could run — or something like that. Inspired partly by one of his ancestors, House’s new novel, The Tulip Poplars, kicks off in the early 1900s, when Tom, a religious farm boy, falls for Amos as they work Kentucky’s tobacco fields. Meanwhile, Tom’s childhood friend Maeve finds herself in love with a Black aspiring biologist named Paschal — a relationship that, in their world, is just as forbidden. As Paschal flees to Lexington amid race riots and Amos pursues a more open life in New York City, Tom and Maeve marry, setting the stage for a decades-long saga about four people fighting to find happiness in a world that tells them they are wrong to love who they love. Fair warning: One Goodreads reviewer “had to ask a flight attendant for a napkin to sob into.” Plan accordingly.

PS: Six more fall books our editors haven’t stopped talking about? Find out here.

Meanwhile, on the internet…

Calling all millennials who have ever owned — or even used — a label maker: Drop everything and read The World’s Greatest Thread. No need to thank us.
If you refuse to DNF a book, you’re probably guilty of hate-watching’s literary cousin. Your next book club pick just got a lot more interesting.
The signature print of Burberry’s latest Highgrove collab? A watercolor by King Charles III. Meghan, your move.

There are so many hair growth supplements on the market, but this one's still the OG.

Get early access to Baggallini's 30% off sale (plus free shipping) with code SKIMMBB. We like the utilitarian vibe of this convertible crescent bag.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

This Charming Sonoma County Town Is Napa’s Rustic, More Affordable Neighbor

theSkimm

It’s no secret: Everyone (except Carrie Bradshaw) loves Napa. But what if you could drink more wine, for less money, in a more laid-back setting? Enter Healdsburg, the crown jewel of California’s Sonoma County. Nestled at the intersection of three separate wine regions, this charming town offers endless tasting opportunities, without Napa’s stuffiness or crowds. And when you’re ready to pretend this isn’t just a wine trip, there’s plenty else to do: Wander the picturesque town square, browse cute boutiques (don’t miss A/Muse’s vibrant home decor or Christy Lynn’s chic clothes), eat your way through farm-to-table spots like Barndiva, hike or bike amid stunning scenery, and relax at a historic mansion turned hotel. Oh, and did we mention it’s basically always sunny?

🍷 Whether you have an encyclopedic knowledge of wine or are still Googling “what are tannins?” prepare to spend at least a day swirling, sniffing, and sipping at local wineries. A few must-visits: Reeve Wines, a husband-and-wife-run operation popular for its small-batch rieslings and pinot noirs; Jordan Vineyard & Winery, where you can tour the 1,200-acre French-inspired château and taste award-winning chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons with a side of downward dog; and Flowers Vineyards & Winery, which, as the name suggests, is nestled among tranquil gardens and majestic redwood trees. Want to skip the driving? Head to Healdsburg’s Plaza, home to dozens of tasting rooms, including Marine Layer, known for its cool-climate, mineral-driven pours.

⛰️ We fully support a vacation dedicated entirely to eating and drinking — but at some point, you’re going to need to touch grass. When you do, Healdsburg’s outdoor activities won’t disappoint. Kayakers can paddle down the Russian River on a guided tour, bikers will love winding past renowned vineyards, and hikers should hit Foothill Regional Park for nearly seven miles of trails featuring oak woodlands, rolling hillsides, and ridgetop views. Prefer something gentler? The 155-acre Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve offers spectacular vistas and a potential wildlife sighting or two. And if you want to go full wine country, book a horseback riding tour that overlooks Dry Creek Valley’s lush vineyards — and thankfully, keeps the drinking and riding separate.

🍴 If you’re visiting while the Healdsburg Farmers Market is in season, make a beeline to stock up on cheese, bread, and charcuterie — aka the holy trinity of wine-tasting provisions. For the perfect picnic sandwich, swing by Troubadour and order a jambon au beurre or turkey pesto, both of which come on exceptional house-made sourdough. In the evening, snag a reservation at The Matheson, known for inventive seasonal dishes (think: beef-cheek lumaconi, roasted celeriac soup) paired with an impressive 80-plus wines by the glass. Or, for something more casual, try Lo & Behold, a local favorite serving Almost Famous Chicken Tendies, matcha fries, and other elevated comfort food.

Some of the best weekend plans don't require leaving the house. Case in point: Indulging in a moment of self-care with a midday bath with a good book. Enter: Hunter Douglas' motorized shades, which can help create the ideal ambience with a simple tap. All that’s left to do is settle in, enjoy the soft glow of the sun with plenty of privacy, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself.*

A nice wool-and-cashmere cardigan for your Meg Ryan Fall wardrobe. Wear it with knee-high boots and a midi skirt.

Abercrombie is taking up to 25% off almost everything until Monday. Our shopping team is collectively obsessed with this sweatshirt-cardigan hybrid.

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:

Some of my friends can’t get through a conversation without glancing at their Apple Watch every time it buzzes, and it’s hard not to feel like I’m only getting half their attention. How do I say something without starting a confrontation?

“Tell your friend how it makes you feel. You can say, ‘When we’re together, I notice you check your watch every time you get a notification, and it makes me feel a little disconnected. Maybe while we’re together, we can stay focused on each other?’ Then stop talking, let the awkward moment seep in, and allow your friend to respond. If the conversation turns into a request for compromise — maybe they’re on call at work or need to be reachable for a childcare provider — be open to giving a bit of grace.”

When the Apple Watch Ruins Your Hang ⌚