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    Mid-Week Musings and My Coach Crossbody Bag

    Reflection

    “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be” – Lao Tzu

    Friends, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. Maybe it’s because the older I get, the more I find myself looking within and trying to make a more conscious effort to be self-aware and to carry an attitude of gratitude despite the situations I may find myself in. Each day, I understand a little more that the external environment is always in a continuous cycle of change and there’s only so much I can control, and each day, I also accept that I am the constant in my environment. I am also learning that we all touch each other in some way or form, and nothing is ever by chance so to be genuine and compassionate needs to be a fundamental way of life. After all, kindness in words, action, and in giving, can touch people in profound ways which then cascades into a ripple effect of love.

    In the end, what you see depends not only on what you look at, but also, on where you look from and simplicity, patience, and compassion are one of life’s greatest treasures. Yes?

    The Pretty Coach Crossbody Bag

    So moving on from reflections to a much lighter topic…..

    Has anyone come across a Coach rose print crossbody bag that’s on sale, and simply pass it by? I think not, or in my case, I couldn’t pass up a good deal :). You see, I have a few coach purses that I paid full price for and these are still some of my favorite bags since they are still in pristine condition despite the fact that they are older than my daughter! You can then imagine my little yelp of glee when I saw this pretty coated canvas featuring an artful rose print sitting on the shelf and was discounted.

    I love having versatile pieces in my wardrobe.  This bag has come in handy a few times already, especially on the weekends when I am running a quick errand and want to carry only a few essentials with me. It also has an interchangeable strap so does that count as a win-win? I’ve linked similar coach bags below. xo Louise

    Don’t over-complicate or over-think things. Life is too short and precious! Make the most of your time and always watch your thoughts.

    Shop this look and some of my favorites

    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3525885″]

    Life Lately and My Favorite Bakery

    They say life is like a cup of tea, it’s all in how you make it

    Hey guys! Hope y’all are having a good start to the month so far! Over the last few weeks, we’ve battled the flu and strep with one sick kid and managed to curb it from spreading to the rest of the family! It’s been busy at work and I cannot believe the month of January is almost over!!!!  I have to confess that apart from disinfecting my entire house, I have enjoyed some down time with the family. So, I thought I would share what I’ve been up to lately and the hidden bakery I found that will be a great spot to enjoy a Valentine’s day dessert!

    • Apart from nursing Zyanya back to health, I started a little early Spring cleaning in January and began to pack up gently used clothes and toys. I’ve got to confess that it always feel wonderful to make a donation and it is super crazy how kids quickly seem to grow out of their clothes and how rapidly stuff can accumulate! Did you know there are organizations like Metrocrest Services that will pickup your donations?
    • We revisited some home improvement tasks that we put off due to the holidays.  One of them is my formal dining room table that Alex is going to tackle in the next several weeks. I also put a wallpaper up in my study and we are halfway done with that mini project. I can’t wait to show y’all once its complete!
    • The kids pulled me into a fun project that I’m debating working with them on.  It’s something I have to stew over and will most definitely require finding time in my already busy schedule but I love the idea so much. No one put it any better regarding making time and juggling tasks than Albert Einstein’s; “life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving.” More to come on this one 😉 ……
    • I am “reflecting” (see picture of teacup below…see how i did that 🙂 with use of imagery and words) of starting my YouTube channel back up! It’s been over a year since I my last video (no joke) and I’m thinking of sharing a few of my affordable fashion hauls, recipes, and cool diy (do-it-yourself) activities with the kids in 3-5 minute videos. A little more personal perspective. What do you think?

    Eat dessert first

    Oh! I started a keto-like diet …well, not exactly! In the past week, I have been gradually cutting off carbs but I am still allowing myself the good carbs like having a sweet potato which I cannot live without! Really, I am just making a more conscious effort on what I put into my body. I also made my very first keto chocolate chip cookie using almond flour. Alex loved it but I think there’s room to tweak the recipe further. I am also thinking of trying my hands at making macarons but not sure if I should do two versions; one keto and another using regular ingredients. Decisions decisions…

    Speaking of keto and desserts, I discovered this cute little bakery (*the London Baker) that has true European style, freshly baked croissants and desserts. They’ve been featured on Cake Central, Food Network, and a few more. I recently discovered that they make keto desserts too; cookies, brownies and muffins! My kids love their oooey gooey brownies, deep dish chocolate chip cookies, and cupcakes. I’ve already had a few tea dates with Zyanya there and the ambience is always so welcoming.  The owner and staff are amazing and we’re already planning on ordering custom cakes for upcoming birthdays. If you’re in Dallas, you should check out this bakery.  They also deliver outside the DFW metroplex.

    Well, that’s all for now and thanks for stopping by. ~ xoxo Louise

    *Review of the London Baker are my own. 

    Life truly is like a cup of tea; fluid and aromatic. It depends on how you look at it, your ability to change, and how you make it. In a nutshell, it is so much more fulfilling when every experience is truly savored. Yes?

    Photography by MalloryKeePhotography
    @LOUISEMILLEN