Weekend: When Being the Host Becomes a Burden 😒

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Between Bennifer’s split (I'll never get over that engraved engagement ring) and the arrival of Justin Bieber’s baby, this week has truly been a rollercoaster of emotions. To help process my feelings, I’ll be indulging in some retail therapy. Specifically, I’ve got my eye on Emily Ratajkowski’s Carrie Bradshaw-inspired dress (although I remain skeptical of her “naked ballet flats” and extremely cheugy yoga pants), Sydney Sweeney’s knee-high brown boots (they’re giving major Rich Mom energy), and a squishy bag, which is allegedly the hottest office accessory. Unfortunately, I don’t think these deeply divisive wedge sneakers (yes, wedge) or ridiculously baggy JNCO jeans are in the cards for me — no matter how cool Gen Z thinks they are. Then again, there’s always next year…

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY

This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

theSkimm

For all the overachievers out there who’ve plowed through their summer reading lists, we have one more to add to your stack. Karin Slaughter’s This Is Why We Lied follows GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton on their honeymoon at the romantic McAlpine Lodge. The serene mountain resort seems like an ideal spot to unwind — until a blood-curdling scream interrupts. Filled with gruesome secrets and unexpected twists, you won’t be able to put down this engrossing crime thriller. We asked Slaughter a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

Slaughter: Currently, it’s flip phones from the early 2000s because I’m doing research for my next book.

Q: What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?

Slaughter: For All Mankind is one of the best shows streaming right now.

Q: What’s the one thing you can’t leave the house without?

Slaughter: Pants. Boy, that was a hard lesson.

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If You Bake One Last Thing This Summer, Make It This Purple Plum Torte

theSkimm

We’re deep into August, which means we’re attempting to cook with all of summer’s best produce one last time — especially stone fruit. But if you only have time to make one dish, make it Smitten Kitchen’s Purple Plum Torte, a riff on the famous 1983 New York Times recipe. The star of the show is, of course, juicy, perfectly ripe plums that are covered in cinnamon sugar and baked in a pancake-like batter, resulting in deliciously jammy goodness. And if you manage to have leftovers, this wildly popular dessert — which only requires one bowl and nine ingredients — magically tastes even better on the second day.

The Time Commitment: An hour — but your torte spends most of that time (45 minutes) baking in the oven.

Key Tips: While the recipe calls for purple Italian prune plums, any ripe plums will do the job. Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy your torte with a generous scoop (or two) of ice cream.

Other Takes: There are endless ways to celebrate the final days of summer stone fruits. Some of the best? This Plum Graham Cracker Crumble — aka, an “upside-down graham cracker-crusted pie” — or this flaky, lemon-infused Spiced Plum Galette. But for something even easier, consider these two-step Plum Puff Dumplings or these two-ingredient Plum Tarts with Honey and Black Pepper. Finally, if you don’t feel like sharing — and we don’t we blame you — this Simple Fruit Crisp for One tastes just like pie, yet requires a fraction of the effort.

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Come for the Lobster Rolls, Stay for the Small Town Charm in This New England Coastal City

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While some may refer to it as the “other Portland,” we like to think that Maine’s biggest city stands out in its own right. Known for buttery lobster rolls and postcard-worthy lighthouses, Portland is also home to a thriving artistic community, award-winning restaurants, and bustling downtown area. (If you’re driving, be sure to swing by this century-old general store.) And did we mention it has more microbreweries per capita than any other city in the world? Bottoms up.

🛏 Housed in the former headquarters of the Portland Press Herald, Maine’s biggest newspaper, the Press Hotel is a contemporary tribute to its historic journalism roots. Not only does the luxury boutique hotel boast a two-story typewriter installation and walls covered with old news copy, each of the 110 guest rooms are inspired by 1920s writers’ offices and feature a vintage-style writer’s desk, wood floors, and local artwork. Speaking of, don’t forget to check out the hotel’s impressive art gallery, which is open to the public and spotlights major artists from the area.

⚓ Spend an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of historic Old Port. Lined with salty wharves and fishing piers, the district is packed with art galleries, restaurants, breweries, and funky shops. (Pop into Portland Trading Co. for unique homegoods, Portland Dry Goods for high-end clothing brands, and the 138-year-old Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop for, well, books.) Afterwards, walk over to the vibrant Arts District to see pieces by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol — in addition to over 19,000 works — at the Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s oldest and largest public art institution.

🌅 Portland is known for its stunning waterfront views. For some of the best, stroll the Eastern Promenade — a two-mile trail that’s part of a 78-acre historic public park — to get a 180-degree snapshot of Casco Bay. (If you get hungry watching the boats in the harbor, grab a bite from a nearby food truck.) And if you feel like getting in some extra steps, the promenade also connects to Back Cove Trail (tip: go at low tide for the best views of Portland’s skyline). Or, head 15 minutes south of the city to Fort Williams Park, where, in addition to breathtaking coastline scenery, you’ll also find the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse.

🍴 If you don’t eat a lobster roll did you really even go to Maine? There’s plenty of spots to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with local fave The Highroller Lobster Company (order the lobby pop — that’d be lobster on a stick) or Eventide Oyster Co., the buzzy James Beard Award-winning joint (warning: get there early to beat the line). If you need a break from seafood, try The Honey Paw for flavorful Asian-meets-New England dishes or Duckfat for their superb sandwiches and signature hand-cut Belgian fries (fried, of course, in duck fat). For fancier fare, nab a dinner reservation at Twelve — the same chef who headed up New York’s Eleven Madison Park — for elevated American cuisine.

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

Q: I'm the only one of my friends with a home big enough for gatherings, so I’m constantly hosting girls nights and other parties. I don't mind, but my friends never offer to bring anything or chip in. How can I tell them I feel taken advantage of?

Woman hosting dinner at home with friends

“If you’re feeling taken for granted, consider having a friendly conversation with your friends. Frame it in a fun, positive way: ‘You know ladies, I’m always the one to host. I’m happy to do it, but let’s all chip in.’ [Suggest] splitting up responsibilities. Whoever hosts the party usually does the main course, but everyone else can bring the sides.

… People can be weird when it comes to costs and chipping in expenses. It’s [usually] more comfortable to tell people [to bring something specific]. [That way], your time together can be more relaxed and it’s just easier for everyone … If you set that expectation from the get-go, then there’s no disappointment because everyone is contributing.”

Featured Expert

Lisa Mirza Grotts

Etiquette expert

Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week?

I’m very allergic to cats, which makes being at my in-laws’ home uncomfortable. They complain our family never visits them and now there’s tension. How do I approach this?

My friend got engaged and is having an engagement party, bridal shower, and of course, a wedding. Am I expected to bring a gift to all three events?

My partner is a picky eater. When friends and family cook for us, he often won’t eat his meal. I think it’s rude and worry he’s offending them. What’s the best way to handle this?

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Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.

Weekend: When Being the Host Becomes a Burden 😒

This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

theSkimm

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

Q: What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?

Q: What’s the one thing you can’t leave the house without?

We're also reading:

If You Bake One Last Thing This Summer, Make It This Purple Plum Torte

theSkimm

What's new in food & home:

Come for the Lobster Rolls, Stay for the Small Town Charm in This New England Coastal City

theSkimm

Q: I'm the only one of my friends with a home big enough for gatherings, so I’m constantly hosting girls nights and other parties. I don't mind, but my friends never offer to bring anything or chip in. How can I tell them I feel taken advantage of?

Featured Expert

Lisa Mirza Grotts

Stay ahead with the Skimm Money newsletter—your go-to for the top financial headlines and trends that impact your wallet.

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