Weekend: How to Tell Guests to Get a Hotel 🏨

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Whenever I see another Y2K trend having a resurgence, I think, Why would I subject myself to that again? (Case in point: Super plucked brows, which are perplexingly among 2025’s top makeup trends.) But new year, new me — meaning, I’m giving a second chance to Mary-Kate Olsen’s 2000s-era long-sleeve layering look, which is apparently having a comeback. Inspired, my daring new self will also try the first big bag trend of 2025 (literally and figuratively), the effortlessly chic scarf blouse (I firmly believe it’s the easiest way to elevate any outfit), and a French comb — supposedly the hair accessory for looking rich and classy. So long, claw clips.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

EAT: Ambitious Kitchen’s Warm Roasted Vegetable Harvest Couscous Salad

This Warm, Cozy, Protein-Packed Winter Salad Is Elite

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If the words “warm salad” make you instantly suspicious, fair. But stick with us because (a) they’re essentially a bunch of roasted veggies that happen to have some greens and (b) Ambitious Kitchen’s Warm Roasted Vegetable Harvest Couscous Salad will convert any skeptic. The hearty, protein-packed bowl of chopped goodness is loaded with spiced butternut squash, crunchy chickpeas, jammy red onions, fresh kale, sweet and savory toppings (dried cranberries, salted pepitas, crumbled feta), and a creamy cider maple dressing. All of which can and should be eaten with a spoon — because, honestly, sometimes a fork and knife are just too much.

The Time Commitment: An hour. But keep in mind, it’ll stay good for days — so double the recipe and you’ll have plenty of not-so-sad desk salads.

Key Tips: This dish is wildly adaptable. Not a fan of butternut squash? Use honeynut squash or sweet potato instead. Ran out of dried cranberries? Toss in dried cherries or chopped dates. No feta to be found? Goat cheese works equally well.

Other Takes: Now that you’re on board the warm-salad train (welcome), next up should be this Baked Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette & Griddled Goat Cheese — worth making for the extra crispy cheese alone. Or, this totally craveable Sticky Cider Salmon Kale Salad, featuring perfectly golden potatoes, toasted walnuts, and an exclamation point-worthy spiced vinaigrette. Kale-ed out? This sweet-salty Roasted Fennel and Farro Salad magically gets better the longer it sits, making it ideal meal-prep material (note: the feta is optional…but not really). And this Crispy Cabbage and Cauliflower Salad admittedly doesn’t look very cute — but is “fully inhalable.” Trust us.

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Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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Life can turn upside down in an instant — something the protagonist of Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly knows all too well. The dark psychological thriller follows Grady Green, an author whose wife, Abby, goes missing the same night his book lands on the New York Times bestseller list. Fast forward a year, and Grady is still so grief-stricken that his agent suggests he travel to a remote Scottish island to try and get his life back on track. But there, he sees a woman who looks just like Abby — which is somehow only the beginning of Grady’s troubles. We asked Feeney a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

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

Feeney: I love a lot of TV shows — I can’t pick one: The Diplomat, The Penguin, and Slow Horses.

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?

Feeney: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.

Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make?

Feeney: A Sunday roast with lots of potatoes and extra gravy.

Meanwhile, on the internet…

It may only be January but the woman who planned an “epic” Timothée Chalamet-themed 12th birthday party for her daughter has already won Mom of the Year.
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This Family-Friendly Summer Destination Is Just As Fun During Winter

theSkimm

Drive two hours north of Chicago or about an hour south of Milwaukee and you’ll arrive in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin — a summer weekend hot spot that doubles as a winter wonderland. Our advice? Let the Toyota Crown Family take you there. Both vehicles have bold, elegant exteriors and premium interiors. Plus, heated seats and a heated steering wheel come standard. Just don’t forget to pack your parka.

🛏️ The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has 1,300 acres of adventures including an indoor water park, an arcade, and mini bowling — making it perfect for a family visit. If you’re leaving the kids behind, check into The Belfry House, an adults-only luxury boutique hotel with unbeatable dining experiences and a theater on-site.

⛄ Lake Geneva’s 30th Annual Winterfest runs from Jan 29 to Feb 2. Once you’ve checked out the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk and bonfires on the beach, consider riding their zipline for an aerial view of all the snow-covered scenery. And when you need to escape the cold, catch Illusionist Tristan Crist at the Magic Theater.

🏂 Attention winter adventurers: The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has 20 downhill ski runs, ski lessons, a six-acre terrain park, and night skiing. Other snowy offerings include sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

🍴 Dine in a lakeside igloo at Pier 290. They’re climate-controlled, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere for up to six people. For something more casual, try Oakfire Pizza. Their Neapolitan pies include a variety of toppings like smoked mozzarella, mini chicken meatballs, and balsamic glaze.

If you’re ready to hit the road, you can count on the Toyota Crown Family to get you there safely and in style. But don’t be alarmed if heads start to turn. The sleek, sophisticated design inevitably leaves an impression. See what we mean.*

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

Q: I live in NYC, and my friends and family are always asking to stay with me when they want to visit the city. What’s a polite way to get the message across that my apartment isn’t a free hotel?

“There’s a way to [assert your needs] without [damaging the relationship]. I call it ‘affirmative boundaries.’ Say what you don’t want by highlighting what you do want. You might say, ‘I know you value your space, and I really need mine during the week when I’m working. I’m going to send links to a couple hotels close by, so we can easily meet for dinner a few times while you’re here.’ Or, ‘It’s so close to my apartment, I can meet you twice a day.’

You’re highlighting how excited you are to spend time with them, but also that [staying at your home] is not an option … And by proactively finding options nearby, [you’re letting them know you’re looking forward to connecting], and that reassures the friendship.”

Featured Expert

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Friendship coach and author of Fighting for Our Friendships

Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week?

My mother-in-law constantly texts me during the day while I’m working, and it’s super distracting. What’s a polite way to tell her to stop?

A good friend recently got married and asked guests not to give gifts. I obeyed her request, but she’s been cold ever since. Was I in the wrong?

Whenever we go out to eat, my friend asks to try my meal. I’m happy to share, but she always takes way more than just a bite or two. How can I address it — without embarrassing her?

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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: How to Tell Guests to Get a Hotel 🏨

This Warm, Cozy, Protein-Packed Winter Salad Is Elite

theSkimm

What’s new in food & home:

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

theSkimm

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

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?

Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make?

Meanwhile, on the internet…

This Family-Friendly Summer Destination Is Just As Fun During Winter

theSkimm

Q: I live in NYC, and my friends and family are always asking to stay with me when they want to visit the city. What’s a polite way to get the message across that my apartment isn’t a free hotel?

Featured Expert

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Navigate life with confidence and clarity with Skimm+

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

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