Morning Brew - 🍦 Swirl

Hi, Sidekick readers. HBO recently renewed its buzzy satire series, "The White Lotus," for a second season. We hope everyone’s least favorite character, Shane Patton, makes it past the first twenty pages of Malcolm Gladwell’s "Blink" by the time a new cast of vacationers checks in.

In today’s edition: 

• How to make homemade ice cream without bulky equipment 
• Beyoncé on turning 40, her 20+ year career, and what new projects she has up her sleeve
• The Spotify Car Thing (yup, that’s what it’s called)

—Rachel Cantor, Maliah West

We’ve all had quitting fantasies—reveries of storming out of the boss’s office, or nowadays, slamming our laptops shut after a fiery Zoom call and throwing a two-middle-fingers-up tantrum. 

As satisfying as that sounds, you’d come to regret it. When you finally sign that resignation letter, the exit interview is the perfect time to get those grievances off your chest, channeled through constructive criticism. A recent WSJ piece tackled the big question: How honest should you be during your exit interview?

WorkingNation President Jane Oates said, “You can be as honest as you care to be, but you have to be professional.” But being professional when you’re riled up is like justifying your Art History degree to your grandpa—no easy feat. Brew Managing Editor (who edits this very newsletter!) Devin learned what not to do when she gave her two weeks’ notice at her first job:

“In that role, I had to edit another editor who was much older than I was—a recipe for disaster at a magazine with big egos. I told my boss how difficult that was upon quitting, and right after, she called that editor into her office. Knowing my secret was out, I was just as honest during my exit interview with HR. You should’ve seen my face a few years later when I found out I’d be working with the older editor at another magazine. I tried to make a peace offering, but she still ripped me a new one for being so unprofessional.”

So, what should you do? Before bouncing from subsequent jobs, Devin changed her tune: “I think you should be honest during your exit interview—but there’s a way to do it a) without citing specific people, but rather decisions that create difficult work environments and b) that leaves something on the table. You may want to work for the company again one day, so don’t air your dirty laundry so candidly that you’d hesitate to reapply.”

Our very own Head of People Ops, Kate Noel, told us to keep honesty and transparency top of mind. “It’s just as important to speak truthfully to your time at the company as it is for HR to assure you that the info you share matters,” she said.

• Paris Hilton proves in her new show, Cooking with Paris, that you can cook in couture. She calls on celebrity friends Kim K and Demi Lovato to make some memorable meals.
• Dream up the perfect vision board, mood board, or floor plan with The Landing. Start from scratch or scroll through the site’s gallery for inspo.
• From a doomed scooter ride to a $3,000 tattoo, six people share the worst money they’ve ever spent in this piece from Vox.
• We’re savoring every bit of summer with this fresh fruit salad that features peaches, berries, cherries, and a zesty lemon maple thyme dressing.
• When Beyoncé talks, we listen—especially when she’s dropping hints about new music and the next Ivy Park collection.

It might not have been the summer you thought it would be (thanks a lot, Delta), but you can still squeeze a lil more sweetness out of these sweltering August days with homemade ice cream. Check out some no-churn tips here, and a few of our fave recipes:

• Beginner: Try Nigella Lawson’s one-step, foolproof coffee ice cream, which turns just four ingredients into an impressively creamy, buttery treat. Drizzle some caramel on top for a caramel macchiato flavor.
• Intermediate: Picture yourself relaxing at The White Lotus—without the drama—with strawberry ice cream and a glass of rosé. With this sweet treat, add in whatever mix-ins your heart desires. Our recs: white chocolate chips, yogurt-covered pretzels, and graham crackers.
• Advanced: Level up with tortilla chip ice cream. We have yet to test the dessert ourselves, but we’re a fan of any Courtney Kassel recipe (she writes one of our fave recipe newsletters, Sifted). We’re drooling over the thought of tortilla chip brittle—crunchy, “sweet-and-savory nirvana.”

Run—no, sprint—toward this collection.

Tracksmith’s gorgeous new Track & Field collection celebrates the all-comers’ spirit of track and field—a colorful blend of talents and personalities.

Rooted in a deep love for running, Tracksmith delivers gear inspired by the sport and built for your best.

Tracksmith’s summer gear is made with the technical craftsmanship required to keep you flying down the road, track, or trail—no matter how high the thermostat climbs.

Do your body and your wardrobe a favor. Get Tracksmith gear here.

• Spotify’s Car Thing (Spotify, if you’re reading this, we’re begging you to reconsider the name) brings your favorite playlists and podcasts into your car with a device that neatly straps onto your air vent. It’s not officially available for purchase yet, but you can sign up here to be added to the waitlist.
• Never worry about whether you were supposed to take a left or right with this phone mount that makes it easier to keep up with your Maps app.
• If you have to excuse the mess in your car every time you offer someone a ride, you need this back seat organizer with a built-in cooler, perfect for a ride with the windows down.