Read, Eat, Go: “Love, Me,” the Perfect Winter Soup, and Todos Santos

You’re not imagining things. Our vibe changed. This weekend, the Daily Skimm debuts two new weekend formats, starting with Read. Eat. Go. on Saturdays.

We know your days off are precious…and limited. So we’re giving you one book, one recipe, and one travel destination worth your time.

“Love, Me” by Jessica Saunders

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If your January is January-ing, “Love, Me” by Jessica Saunders is the perfect pick-me-up. It follows Rachel, a married, successful lawyer and mother…and the ex-girlfriend of a now-famous movie star. When their old photos and love letters are leaked to the press, Rachel’s life turns upside down — leading her to reckon with what she really wants. We asked Saunders a few questions…

Q: On the surface, “Love, Me” seems like a second-chance romance, but it’s also about a woman deciding whether the life she’s built is worth the costs. What made you go there?

Saunders: At its core, the book is about a woman confronted with memories of her past, a marriage that has lost its luster, and the struggle of managing a job, a home, and everything else us women manage daily. In writing “Love, Me” I wanted to highlight how difficult it can be to be a woman in your thirties and forties, but also show the beauty in being capable and independent, a loving and present mother, having deep female friendships, and knowing your own worth.

Q: You’re hosting your dream book club. Who’s invited, what are you reading, and what are you eating?

Saunders: The best surprise of writing this book was the community of authors who welcomed and supported me. So, authors like Annabel Monaghan, Allison Winn Scotch, and Jackie Friedland are coming, for sure. I’m also inviting Hillary Clinton, and she’s going to sit between my two best friends from college. We’re eating lots of cheese and chocolate. Maybe we do a reread of “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese, which came out over a decade ago but remains a favorite.

Q: What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why?

Saunders: I adored “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano, which is an homage to “Little Women” and about four sisters. I’m a sucker for a sweeping family saga.

The Soup Recipe You’ll Have on Repeat All Winter

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We know, we know — everyone says their soup recipe is the best. But will you find a soup more versatile, low-lift, and hearty-but-not-heavy than Smitten Kitchen’s Greens, Orzo and Meatball Soup? You will not. “This is such an easy and flavorful take on Italian wedding soup,” says Karell Roxas, our Well and Parenting editorial director. “It’s become a winter staple for me, or any time I need something quick and comforting.” Not to mention, if you have extra meatballs, you can add them to pasta the next night.

The Time Commitment: Forty minutes. But if you don’t have that kind of time you can skip chilling the meatballs, according to Karell. “I’ve found it still works if you make them and drop them right in.”

Karell’s Tip: “It works with most greens, so I use whatever I have on hand. Sometimes that’s kale, sometimes that’s spinach.”

Try It With: Extra parmesan on top, of course. But also, a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio — the bright acidity provides a satisfying contrast to the soup’s heartiness. 

Some Alternatives: Thanks to #SoupTok, there’s plenty of other recipes to dig into, like Lasagna Soup and Creamy Coconut Ramen — both of which are worth noodling on. Feeling under the weather? Meredith Hayden (aka, @wishbonekitchen) calls Green Garlic and Ginger Chicken and Rice Soup “basically a flu shot.” Or, if you’re looking for something vegetarian, cozy up to this Harira. Meanwhile, for a store-bought option, try Trader Joe’s Tomato Feta Soup.

Cabo’s Low-Key, Gorgeous Neighbor

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When it comes to vacation destinations along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, you’re probably familiar with Cabo San Lucas, but what about Todos Santos? Just an hour north, the artsy beach town shares many similar characteristics: a dreamy desert-meets-ocean landscape, chic hotels, and fresh seafood — but without the mega resorts and hordes of tourists.

🛏 With just nine thoughtfully decorated rooms (see: Otomi embroidered headboards, hand-painted Talavera tiles) and incredibly helpful staff, La Bohemia feels more like staying at someone’s home than a boutique hotel. Plus, there’s a palapa-covered patio for yoga classes, mezcal tastings, and fish taco nights.

🏄‍♀️ As with most of Baja California, there’s no shortage of surf spots in and around Todos Santos — including Playa Los Cerritos, which is beloved by both beginners and experts. Make sure to check out Mario Surf School for rental boards, wetsuits, and lessons.

🎨 The Mexican government designated Todos Santos a Pueblo Mágico — or, magical town — because of its cultural riches. That includes a vibrant art scene, which is best explored during the annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour (happening next month). Or, spend an afternoon popping into some of the city’s artisan shops and galleries, like the highly recommended Galeria Logan, Galeria de Todos Santos, and Hilo Rojo Stores.

🍴 Just before sunset, head over to The Green Room, where you can sip on a margarita with your toes in the sand. After that, dine al fresco at farm-to-table hotspot Jazamango (don’t miss the Baja oysters, chocolate clams, and wood-fired pizzas). Another great option? La Confianza, a natural wine bar featuring many Mexican women-owned labels and delicious small plates.

Same vibes, different budget. If you’re looking for a laidback beach trip within the continental US, check out Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. It’s got the very surfable waves, the unique art galleries, and the excellent local cuisine — all rolled into a more affordable, no-passport-needed package.

Q: My boyfriend wants to propose with his grandmother’s engagement ring, but it’s not my style. How can I tell him this — without insulting him and his family?

“Three core values that I always stress are respect, honesty, and consideration. A proposal is [the start] of a lifelong partnership, so you don’t want to go into that by withholding information or being untruthful. It’s important to let him know upfront ... It’s going to be awkward and you have to embrace that in the moment. Don’t allow yourself to be talked out of it because of [the awkwardness] ... or [because you’re afraid of] hurting his feelings. Yes, he may be disappointed or upset, but it’s better long term to embrace that temporary discomfort, and let him know it’s not the best fit for you. In fact, that’s one of the ways you can structure the statement itself. Say ‘I know this is very meaningful to you and has been in your family for a long time, but this design is not the best for me. And I’d prefer something else, so we can start our own tradition together.’”

FEATURED EXPERT:

Elaine Swann

Founder of The Swann School of Protocol

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