Weekend: Navigating the Friendship Wage Gap 💰

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. There’s something about this fall that’s making me feel wistful for high school. Not only is my teenage crush having a major comeback, but so is Gossip Girl apparently, as evidenced by Camila Cabello’s plaid mini skirt (it’s giving major Prep School Energy) and Nicola Coughlan’s extremely chic burgundy-tights-and-LBD combo. Plus, nothing screams “2010” quite like Natalie Portman’s mini dress and tights look (which, for the record, I’m a fan of). Speaking of, I’m also into Selena Gomez’s casually cool take on “cheugy” jeans that I’ll attempt to recreate, along with Megan Fox’s Twilight-esque “hot Victorian vampire” mani. But to really relive my childhood, I’ll be whipping up some copycat Cosmic Brownies this weekend. Nostalgia never tasted better.

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

Fall Hasn’t Started Until You’ve Made These Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

theSkimm

We know, we know: Pumpkin? For fall? Groundbreaking. Except that these Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from Sarah Fennel (aka Broma Bakery) kind of are. A twist on the classic cookie, this genius hybrid — which is included in Fennel’s upcoming cookbook Sweet Tooth — combines some of the best fall flavors (think: cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, and of course, pumpkin) in one delightfully chewy, perfectly puffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. And while the cookies should be enjoyed under any circumstance, we promise they taste even better when paired with an autumnal-coded rom-com and cozy candle.

The Time Commitment: Just over an hour. Though, 30 minutes of that is for chilling the dough — giving you plenty of time to whip up a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Key Tips: While a quick Google search would have you think otherwise, there really is no good substitute for cream of tartar, which creates that signature snickerdoodle taste and texture. Also, don’t worry if your cookies appear slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Other Takes: Assuming you only make one or two batches of cookies, you’ll have plenty of leftover pumpkin puree. So next up should be this extremely fluffy, aptly named Pumpkin Dream Cake or this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, which has the only respectable crumb cake ratio (read: half plush cake, half cinnamon streusel). Not a cake person? These decadent Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars are essentially the love child of pumpkin pie and cheesecake, while this sticky-sweet Pumpkin Chai-Spiced Monkey Bread uses canned cinnamon rolls, so it requires just 15 minutes of prep. And thanks to its “impossible-not-to-pick off” cinnamon-sugar crust, we’re declaring this Pumpkin Bread the GOAT (pro tip: serve it with Homemade Maple Butter).

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Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

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After delighting the internet with the most entertaining and memeable press tour in recent memory (case in point: the instantly viral dishwasher comment), Ina Garten’s memoir is finally here. And while fans may think they already know everything about the iconic chef, TV personality, and button-down devotee, Be Ready When the Luck Happens delves into the deeper, messier parts of her story — much of which took place before she became the Barefoot Contessa. From growing up in an abusive household to her early career at the White House, Garten opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way. Ina, we raise an obscenely large cosmo to you.

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We’re usually all about packing passports and taking cloud pics, but this fall, we’re staying grounded. Why? Because some of the best adventures are just waiting to be discovered by car. Instead of security lines and cramped seats, think wide-open roads and breathtaking views. And with the new 2025 Ford Explorer ^®️ SUV, your next great adventure starts the moment you hit the gas.

🍁 There’s no better time of the year to see New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway than autumn. Nicknamed “The Kanc,” this 34-mile stretch is a prime spot for leaf-peeping. Drive through the White Mountains while catching jaw-dropping views of the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage. Bonus: Sabbaday Falls and the Albany Covered Bridge make for perfect picnic pit stops.

🌊 Craving the coast? The famous 17-Mile Drive in Monterey County, CA, winds through dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline for ocean views that stretch for miles. Stop at Bird Rock Vista Point to see sea lions, harbor seals, and even (if you’re lucky) migrating gray whales, or wander among the Ghost Trees of Pescadero Point for a chance to encounter the paranormal. It is spooky season, after all.

🌋Known as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone spans over 2 million acres across three states, so, yes, it’s got something for everyone. Cruise through the park to see the famous Old Faithful geyser erupt, and keep your eyes peeled for the park’s diverse wildlife, from the free-roaming bison to the ever-elusive gray wolves.

Ready to put the pedal to the metal? The new 2025 Ford Explorer ^®️ SUV is ready to take you on your next adventure. With seating for up to seven and cutting-edge tech like available Ford BlueCruise for hands-free highway driver-assistance, it’s here to help you enjoy wherever your next trip takes you. Go ahead — take the road less traveled.*

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

Q: One of the women in my friend group earns significantly less than the rest of us, so planning trips is tricky. We want to include her, but we also want to spend what we feel comfortable with. How do we handle this?

“[A big worry for women is] missing out or being forgotten … [So] how can you address [that] in your initial ask? Perhaps you [say], ‘I know some of us really want to go to Bali. What do you guys think?’ You should also offer different [price options] … It might still be out of reach for [your friend], but the point is to acknowledge people’s different capabilities. You could say, ‘The least expensive option is to stay at this all-inclusive resort and skip excursions. [Or, another option] is to do two excursions and go to this fancy resort. Which do we want to do?’

[Ultimately], this is for her to decide if she can go … If you [end up] taking the trip and one person can’t come, [think about how to make them still feel] included. [For example], ‘We’re going to go on this trip, but I really want to do a staycation when we get back.’ [It’s all about] making her feel like she’s being thought of.”

Featured Expert

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Friendship coach and author of Fighting for Our Friendships

Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week?

My friend recently turned 40 and has dropped hints that she’s disappointed no one organized a big birthday celebration. What’s the best way to acknowledge this?

My partner is introverted and often skips large social gatherings. I’m worried friends and family think it's rude, so what’s the best way to approach this?

Whenever my partner and I go to dinner with my parents, they cover the bill. But when we go to dinner with my in-laws, they expect us to take care of it. Am I wrong for thinking they should pay?

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.

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Weekend: Navigating the Friendship Wage Gap 💰

Together with

Fall Hasn’t Started Until You’ve Made These Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

theSkimm

What's new in food & home:

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

theSkimm

Meanwhile, on the internet...

Q: One of the women in my friend group earns significantly less than the rest of us, so planning trips is tricky. We want to include her, but we also want to spend what we feel comfortable with. How do we handle this?

Featured Expert

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Shop smarter with the Skimm Shopping newsletter—your guide to curated products, books, and more to solve your everyday needs.

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Go ahead, look at your tongue

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Did Nicole Kidman make milk…sexy?

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Is it OK to hate your long-term partner?

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