Weekender #139

💵 Money: Financial therapist helped me learn why I can’t save.

🏆 Development: Understand how to evaluate success.

💔 Relationships: Discover what fearful avoidant attachment is and its impact.

👗 Fashion: Explore the boob subreddits for bra size advice.

🏡 Home: Things every homeowner should know how to do.

Balancing work and parenting during your kids’ summer break can be daunting but is achievable with the right strategies.

Here’s a guide inspired by insights from various experts on how to maintain your productivity while ensuring your children have an enjoyable summer.

1. Establish a Dedicated Workspace: Having a specific area designated for work can help create a physical boundary between your professional and personal life. If space allows, use a room with a door to minimize interruptions. For smaller spaces, setting up a distinct work zone can also signal to your family when you’re in work mode.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Take advantage of your home’s proximity to weave in quality time with your kids. Plan your breaks around their activities; for instance, align your lunch break with their playtime. This can help you spend quality time with them without compromising your work responsibilities.
3. Set Ground Rules: Clear communication about when and how you can be approached during work hours can help manage expectations. Simple signals like a stop sign on your office door or a specific lamp that is turned on when you’re not to be disturbed can be effective.
4. Utilize Childcare Options: If possible, share childcare responsibilities with other parents, arrange playdates, or consider part-time childcare solutions. This can provide you with uninterrupted work time and ensure your children are engaged and supervised.
5. Encourage Independence: Older children can be encouraged to engage in self-directed play or to take on small responsibilities. Prepare activities or tasks for them to accomplish during your work hours, which can help reduce the number of interruptions you face.
6. Prioritize Health and Well-being: Regular exercise and healthy eating are crucial for maintaining your energy and managing stress. Incorporate physical activities that you can do with your children, like a morning walk or bike ride, which benefits everyone’s health.
7. Prepare for the Unexpected: Despite the best plans, interruptions can happen. Have a backup plan for urgent work calls or deadlines. This might include setting aside a ‘quiet zone’ in your home or having activities ready that can keep your children occupied for longer periods when needed.
8. Stay Connected and Communicative: Keep open lines of communication with your employer and colleagues about your situation. Transparency about your work-from-home arrangement can help set realistic expectations and foster a supportive work environment.

By integrating these strategies, you can create a balanced summer schedule that supports both your professional goals and your children’s well-being. Remember, the key is flexibility and open communication, both at home and with your workplace.

When the pandemic hit, I switched to working from home full time. Sweat pants and pullovers became my norm. Makeup? Forget about it.

Pre-pandemic, though, I was all about the cute work outfits. Even if I was dressing more casually, I still put in a little effort.

It made me feel confident—and that confidence translated into so many other parts of my day.

I’ve been making more of an effort again to dress up like I’m going into an office, even if it’s only down the stairs from my bedroom.

And something that’s been helping me keep my wardrobe fresh is Armoire, a woman-founded clothing rental service.

A few things I’m loving so far:

• The style quiz is quick and the initial recommendations are better than most; plus, it gets better the more you use it.
• If you get overwhelmed by too many choices, they have some great collections.
  • I liked starting with their office essentials and top member picks.
• Shipping is free and speedy; I placed my order on a Tues, it shipped the next day, and I received it Fri.
• You can swap single items out if you don’t love the fit or style on the unlimited plan.
• I look like I’m wearing something new all the time, but I’m actually saving money (goodbye wedding guest dresses I’ll only ever wear once).
• If you’re really obsessed with a piece, you can buy it for a steep discount off retail value.
• The entire experience is hassle-free and you can pause or cancel any time.

Choose from three monthly plans starting at $89/mo. Use code theassist for up to 50% off your first month.

Take the style quiz today and see if it fits.

P.S. Here are the items pictured above (left to right):

• Black Eliza J Cap Sleeve Top – adds some edge to your look; can easily dress up or down
• Sophie Rue White Charlie Trouser – these, I would buy; true to size, hangs well, material feels nice
• Navy Quince Silk Button Down – solid silk blouse that would level up any look
• Black Scotch & Soda Wide Leg Pants – a classic black wide leg look; if you’re in between sizes I’d size up
• Equipment Signature Button Down – not my usual look but like that I’m playing with new styles
• ASTR the Label Cut Out Dress – fun dress for summer occasions

If you’re planning to entertain for the 4th, why not welcome your guests with a little patriotic flair?

From flags to festive wreaths, these decorations will make your entryway pop with holiday spirit.

Patriotic picks:

• Wall decor
• Hanging signs
• American flag banners
• Red, white, and blue wreath
• Yard signs
• Garland
• Ribbons

Bridgerton S3 part 2 came out yesterday and you know the TA team is currently glued to the couch in anticipation of what’s to come. Get ready for more swoon-worthy moments, intricate social drama, and of course, a cascade of gossip.

For fans of: Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Harlots.

Watch it with: Your sisters, besties, or mom.

Pair it with: A cup of Early Grey tea and fancy finger sandwiches—perfect for a binge-worthy afternoon of high society scandal.

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I celebrate my identity in my everyday life by embracing the very qualities and strengths that society once tried to suppress.

Growing up, I was told countless diabolical lies about what I could and couldn’t do simply because I was a woman.

From being told that I couldn’t play sports with my brothers to being discouraged from pursuing firefighting and military careers, I faced constant barriers. But I did it anyway.

Every day, I celebrate my identity by living authentically and unapologetically. I take pride in my accomplishments, like earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, completing the candidate physical abilities test for firefighting on my first try, and leading over 227 military police officers as one of the few women in my unit.

I refuse to let societal expectations define me.

In my professional life, I strive to be a role model and a beacon of strength for other women and LGBTQ+ individuals, showing that we can achieve greatness despite the odds.

I celebrate my identity by continuously pushing boundaries, proving that our worth is not dictated by gender but by our character and perseverance.

Nikki Freiberg, connect with her on TikTok

Hi, my name is Miguel, I am a bengal cat.

My favorite hobbies are zoomies, chasing toy mice, napping, chasing my cat brother (he hates it) and cuddling with my sister dog (she once tried to put my head inside her mouth).

To keep fit, I do parkour and chase lasers. I have a sophisticated palate, although mom says it’s because I am spaz and don’t eat unless she hand feeds me, but isn’t that her job as my mom?

I’m cute, deal with it.

💌 We’re huge pet lovers at The Assist—submit this form if you’d like us to feature your fur baby in a future issue!

• EVONA is hiring for a Staff Embedded Software Engineer (Santa Barbara, CA/Hybrid).
• Konica Minolta Business Solutions is hiring for a Sr. Accountant (Ramsey, NJ).
• GROM Consulting is hiring for a IT Project Manager (Philadelphia, PA/Hybrid).
• The Company (confidential) is hiring for a Vice President of Accounting Policy, Financial Reporting and Controls (New York City, NY)