Daily Skimm Weekend: July Like a Firefly

…in your Twitter feed: Still more tweets from Elon Musk. But maybe no more takeover.

…in your book club: Recs for every reader, courtesy of theSkimm and #BookTok.

…in your suitcase: Very specific, very confusing wedding dress codes (hi, "South Beach Chic"). As if there isn’t enough to worry about.

...in your watchlist: Ghost hunting with Kesha. And hiding out with celebs’ lesser-known relatives.

ICYMI, President Joe Biden took some steps yesterday to protect abortion access. He blasted the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and called on voters and on Congress to do more, too. Then he signed an executive order that:

• Directs HHS to find ways to safeguard access to abortion medicine and emergency contraception nationwide.

• Tasks the same agency to educate people on potentially tricky situations with authorities — since doctors and patients in some states are afraid of being sued or charged with crimes.

• Convenes volunteer lawyers to provide free legal representation and help navigate new restrictions.

• Asks the FTC to find ways to protect the privacy of people searching for reproductive care info online.

TBD on how any of that plays out in practice. Either way, some are saying it falls short of what they had hoped for (think: setting up clinics on federal land). But Biden said lasting change would have to come from Congress. And voters.

Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

Family Recipes Etched in Stone. Gravestone, That Is…a new trend in taking cherished recipes to the grave.

The Ubiquitous Look That Took Over a Generation’s Homes…a deep dive into curvy chairs, velvet touches, and all things ‘Mid-century millennial.’

Want Closer Friendships? Move Away From Your Friends…turns out, distance can make the heart grow fonder.

Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.

Nothing screams summer more than lazy days at the shore. But most people can’t make it to the beach every weekend. So here are a few ways to recreate that feeling at home. 

First things first: Find the perfect sunny spot, whether that’s in your backyard, at your local park, or on your rooftop. Bonus points if there’s water nearby — and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Then, dress up in your easiest, breeziest beach-ready look (think: a high-waisted swimsuit, some chic sunnies, and a good sun hat). And pack everything you need for a day of fun in the sun, like a blanket, an outdoor speaker, and — of course — a picnic with your go-to snacks. Don’t forget to bring entertainment, like an outdoor game (tip: pickleball is popular for a reason) or a bingeable beach read. Because, keeping up with summer rituals can tide you over ‘til the next time your toes hit the sand.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Stuff that'll help you stay cool all summer long. We’re talking inflatable pool options for your backyard and some items under $25 that’ll make the heat more manageable. Time to chill out.

2. Bathing suits and cover-ups you'll be looking for any excuse to wear. Because no matter the temps, you should always showcase your style. PS: These swimsuits are totally worth your money and will last ya years.

3. Tons of comfortable shoes you'll wanna wear out. Stiff sandals with no arch support? Thank you, next. Here are some pairs made for walkin', plus a few more to dance in. You're welcome.

More Skimm, more knowledge. Here’s what else we covered this week…

• A guide to emergency contraception 

• The truth on how long caffeine stays in your system

• Just in time for wedding season, here’s how much you should spend on a ring

• What Megan Rapinoe and Denzel Washington have in common

Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...

Amazon Prime Day. So many deals, so little time.

Bastille Day. Vive la France.

Lizzo’s new album is released. About damn time.

PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.

Don't miss out on the latest member-only discounts. We’re saying hello to self-care staples, gifts, and more — and goodbye to full prices. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get in on the savings.