Ten Things: Volume 03

On my mind lately (June 2023)

This is a monthly feature with some of the random things on my mind lately. 

1 // In-home photo session

We recently invested in an in-home photo shoot with a film photographer (she shoots film and digital), and y’all, they are the most beautiful photos that I know we’ll treasure forever (here are some of the photos!)

Not only are Lex’s photography skills beautiful, but the fact that this was an unposed photo shoot in our first home as a family gives it so much meaning - we tried to do the activities we do on a daily basis around the house so that we can capture on camera this sweet season as a family of three in Indiana. I highly recommend this for everyone! 

2 // Coffee Dates

I had a week off between jobs and my husband was traveling for work, so I took advantage of having childcare and time off to set up coffee dates almost every day of the week.

Being a working mom means I rarely make time for social events, but taking this time to catch up with other women locally reminded me just how good this is for me.

Note to self: go on coffee dates more often!

3 // Women in tax

My mind has been a buzz with content ideas for my newsletter for female accountants, lawyers, and consultants in tax.

The most recent issues were about networking without having to leave your office (or home, if you work from home!) and five articles you need to read. I could literally talk about these topics for days and I’m so excited to grow that community! 

By the way, you don’t have to be a tax professional to join - any woman working in the professional world is hopefully going to enjoy being a part of this community.

4 // Nap schedules

We’ve been transitioning Levi to one nap and weaning this month. He’s also been teething. So, it’s been a rough few weeks on this front.

I feel like every time we find a rhythm as a family since Levi was born, Levi either gets sick or goes through a developmental leap and everything changes. And then it’s back to square one trying to find a new rhythm as we all mentally and emotionally adjust to the shifts in our home and schedules.

But also, Levi grows by the day and some days, I can’t even process how big he is! 

5 // My new favorite shirt

A few weeks ago I shared this white summer shirt I bought and loved (I wear it like 1-2 times a week!). Now, I have a black top to recommend from Ann Taylor. The sleeves make it a statement top while still being comfy (but also appropriate for work!). I got it on sale for 40% off in store, but I’m going to monitor the website for another sale to maybe also get this top in white. 

6 // Oh, be careful little eyes

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have just as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” -Philippians 3:17-18.

I read this passage recently and it’s been on my mind a lot lately. A few weeks ago, I talked about how many of us are too influenced by the woman we follow on social media, and this passage was another confirmation for me about being careful about what I view online and who I follow on social media.

Because even though I may think it doesn’t have an impact on me, we often try to achieve (or at least compare ourselves to) what we constantly focus our attention on.

And as Christians, our gaze should definitely not be focused on scrolling through the feeds of accounts that don’t promote the kind of lifestyle that doesn’t align with the Bible. 

7 // Working mom book

I just finished reading You Don’t Have to Carry It All: Ditch the Mom Guilt and Find a Better Way Forward by Paula Faris. I saw it at the library on the new books shelf and finished the book within a week - it’s an easy read, but also, working motherhood is something I am passionate about and continually studying, so it was right up my alley.

If this is a topic of interest to you, this book is an interesting read. Note, it’s written from a Christian perspective, but there are some thoughts and language that I personally did not find theologically sound. Nonetheless, it has some fascinating theories and data on working motherhood! 

If you’re trying to figure out your calling and God’s will for your life, I highly recommend Paul’s first book, Called Out.  

8 // Raising independent kids

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how to not be a helicopter parent.

Paula’s book talks about how other cultures and countries parent and raise their kids and how different it is from the U.S. and it built on what I was already talking about often with my husband: there’s a lot of pressure today about “emotional attachment” with your baby and how as moms, our primary focus should be on our children 24/7.

But is that making kids less independent? 

The thing is, I am naturally prone to be a helicopter parent. Maybe it is a mother-son thing, but I want to protect Levi and give him everything he wants and needs, and sometimes, that can result in me hindering his growth and potential be being a bit too immediate to respond and worrying about every little thing.

My husband has been a good accountability partner for me to give Levi room and margin to experiment and grow, but it is still a shifting balance of stepping in and stepping away, depending on the situation.  

I’m still praying and learning, but this is something on my mind right now, so thought I’d include it in this list!

Until next time,

YPS

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On my radar lately

A.I. seems to think only men can be wealthy & successful investors…

If you ask a generative A.I. tool to create an image of a wealthy person, a successful investor, or someone who makes smart decisions about money, there’s a good chance the result is going to show a man.

SoFi, a personal finance company, tested this theory with four top A.I. tools: Out of thousands of images of rich people that were generated, less than 2% were of women.

Is it Better to Pay Down Your Mortgage or Invest?

My husband and I were discussing recently whether, in light of rising interest rates, if it’s better to invest or pay down our mortgage. This article has some interesting insights (and this really helpful chart!) if you’re wondering about this too.