In this week’s Soft Focus essay, A Bowl of Buckeyes, we reflect on a full week of family milestones, studio headshots, a small kitchen remodel, and a meaningful ultrasound appointment — all through the lens of slowing down and noticing what truly matters. From an antique English bowl filled with buckeyes to the quiet art of choosing presence over productivity, this piece explores intentional living, generational traditions, and finding beauty in ordinary moments at Our Cozy Compound. Plus: a Parisian-inspired local café in Hinsdale, Anthropologie garden tools we’re loving, whimsical fashion illustration inspiration, and a simple senior photo tip that never fails.

Hello, friends,

This week arrived quickly.

After a slower, quieter start to the year, it felt a little like being dropped back into the middle of things—suddenly in motion again. The days filled fast with a cake smash session, a newborn, a maternity session, headshots for a local author, a scientist, and a literary archivist, and ended on the sweetest note with a beautiful breastfeeding mini and a studio showing for a baby shower rental.

It was full in the best way—but full all the same…