The Weekly Wrap: July 6, 2025

Anyone else feel like they can never fully get sunscreen off?

In the summer, I basically drown myself (and the kid) in sunscreen. We put on a layer before we go out. We reapply every two hours, if we're staying out. By the time we end up back inside, my skin feels like it's been spackled. Between the layers of sunscreen, sweat, and whatever else random stuff has adhered to us, I feel gross until I've showered.

Problem is, many days, it feels like a shower is not enough. I do at least two rounds of soap. I gently scrub my face a few times. But it always feels like I've missed something - particularly along my hair line. Even though I know I'm clean, it still seems like there's an invisible thin layer of sunscreen hanging on.

Now, my problem might be that I prefer lotion sunscreen. I think it provides better coverage. Spray is great, but I am that person applying the recommended shot glass of sunscreen to their skin. I like being able to see it rub into my skin.

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• Companies count on us giving up. In fact, they design their support systems that way. [The Atlantic - gift link]
• Bruh. [NPR]
• Make some noise! [The Atlantic - gift link]
• Recalibrating for rest. [A Cup of Ambition]

• The changing EV landscape. [Up First]
• Tips to make your money work harder. [Life Kit]
• The problems that arise when the population falls. [The Indicator]
• Cigars, reading, and revolution. [Atlas Obscura]
• The longest conclave. [Noble Blood]

• I put on To Catch a Killer thinking it would be a pretty straight forward crime action flick. The fact that Shailene Woodley headlines should have made me realize it was more of a drama. It was quite methodical in it's storytelling. Lots of stuff happens wordlessly. My main complaint is that one character has such a gravelly voice he was impossible to understand without captions. I do appreciate that this didn't take a 100% positive view of law enforcement. It showed a lot of behind the scenes turf politics and gamesmanship. [Netflix]
• We blasted through The Decameron in less than a week. This is a romance-action-comedy set during a medieval plague in Italy. While parts were a bit slow, this one was fun. The characters and acting were a hoot. Lots of great comedic time and facial expressions. Also, gorgeous costuming and design. If you're expecting something close to the book, don't. This is only very loosely inspired. [Netflix]

• For my lunch meal prep, I brought back a personal favorite I haven't made in a long time, Spanish chickpeas and rice. The rice always takes longer to cook than the recipe says, but the end result is tasty. Use smoked paprika in this one. It make a difference. Also, I didn't bring a lemon to squeeze on the dish after I reheated it and I missed the zip of acid. [Budget Bytes]
• I tried 20-minute summer sauté for the first time. This was, indeed, a 20-minute dish - prep work included. I love things that are basically piles of vegetables with some meat thrown in. I wish I had heeded the recipe note to add feta. That salty tang would have sent this one over the top. We did use a balsamic drizzle over our bowls. That was nice, but I still wanted cheese.  [What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking]