This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

My heart was fighting to rejoice through this hard parenting week. This tween stage is serious business and I’m starting to feel the weight of it. I need to be more loving and patient, and learn how to listen well. This is just the beginning for me.

I want a sushi party and make a platter that looks fabulous like this.

Been inspired by white and natural wood palettes lately. But knowing me, I’d put a lot of plants, so then green would be added to that palette.

Earrings added to the etsy shop.

Stock up on goodies for Valentine’s or Easter because Kinoko Kids is having a really good sale right now.

Love the new style of pants that Everlane will be releasing soon.

Thankful for my mom’s delicious cooking! We had such a feast at their house on Wednesday night.

Totally been listening to 90s R&B. Loving Monica, Aaliyah, TLC, Bone Thugs, and Blackstreet.

We planted asparagus this week! Can’t wait to see them shoot up. Have a post coming this week on this.

Beautiful earrings by Eglord. Definitely would love those dangling off my ears.

Hope your weekend is a restful one friends!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Thankful for parenting and all the joys and trials that come with it. There’s been an abundance of both this week.

The house is clean and under control, especially the girls’ rooms, and that’s definitely something to be grateful for and celebrate. Soul walks around saying, “It’s clean. Ahhhh!” She’s a neat freak and loves everything in its place like me.

Obsessed with the Ed Sheeran and Beyonce “Perfect” duet. And this Stevie Wonder tribute by the two mentioned and Gary Clark Jr.

Made this Korean Japchae, but with tofu instead. Bomb dot com. So good!

I’m looking for velvet ribbons similar to this and this because my girls love to put bows in their hair, especially True.

Wovenfolk etsy shop updated with a few pairs of large gold tone hoops earrings.

Adorable vintage mules via Ms. Tips.

My BFF got her sis this karaoke microphone and I’m itching to get the girls one. It looks like so much fun and I know the kids would absolutely go nuts for it! This one could even do disco lights!

Excited for an engagement shoot I’m doing on Sunday!

This week I’ve been realizing I’ve been lacking joy, so I’m praying and asking God to help me seek joy in Him.

Happy weekending, friends!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

When we were all sick, I made this Cantonese wonton noodle soup and it was delicious. It hit the right spot. I really want to make this beef noodle soup next.

I’m an auntie and my kids have a cousin! Everyone is excited that my sister had a baby and that he shares a birthday with my dad.

We loved that Ben had Thursday-Friday off this week with his new schedule. It allows for family adventures to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi on a Thursday morning. And the my little Stars Wars geek loved the movie!

I love the simplicity in this home tour.

Tried this hand cream and it’s magic (even for dry, cracked heels).

If you need a wedding planner, I highly recommend Planning Cloud Nine. My friend Nina is top notch in making things run smoothly. She was also my maid of honor, so I know personally how she can help make everything as stress free as possible for the bride. Fill out the contact form and mention “CAKIES” and get $200 off services.

Gorgeous tortoise shell hoop earrings; I may have picked up a pair.

WOVENFOLK had a small update this week.

It’s been a busy week getting back into the swing of things and helping Brave prepare for her first audition for a local theater show. She had part 1 last night, and part 2 of the audition is today. We’ve prepped her that you have to get a lot of NOs before you actually get a yes, so each step is for sure a learning experience for all of us.

Happy first official weekend of 2018!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

YAY! We are on Christmas vacation!

Besides this felt ball tree, we have no Christmas decorations up yet. I’m feeling a little behind in life lately.

Waayyyy out of my price range, but this is a beautiful rug.

I wouldn’t mind getting this candle for Christmas. I usually stock up when they go on sale, but I’m all out now.

Gorgeous vintage silk kimono on super sale. Such a great piece to lounge around in.

This article “My Biggest Mistakes as a Mother” encouraged my weary soul.

How cute is this vintage little girl dress from Kinoko Kids.

I’m glad even though we’re behind in the Christmas decorating, my girls know that Christmas is more than all the glitz and ribbon. We’ve still been doing family worship with Ben, so that’s much more important than all the decor we can get up.

Also, Star Wars came out and the girls are soooo excited! We won’t be seeing it until after Christmas, but it’s something we’re looking forward to.

Love the Gwen Stefani’s Christmas album; it’s so fun and catchy!

Well, one week left and we’ve got lots to do over here. Here’s to hoping we actually get our tree up this weekend. Happy last weekend before Christmas!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

God’s really been teaching me to trust him and let go of my need for comfort and control. It’s not a comfortable place to be and I’m struggling with it, but it’s always for my good and His glory. It’s just that my vision is just so small right now and I need to repent from that.

I need to make dumplings next week. And also, vegan garlic pasta with roasted cajun cauliflower.

This article, on the NY Times, “The Adopted Black Baby, and the White One that Replaced her” is worth a read.

Thankful and excited to have one week of school left and then Christmas break!

I praise the Lord for open and honest friendships where you can share your hearts and struggles.

Loving all the vintage outerwear from Rawson Chicago.

New basket update this week on WOVENFOLK.

Seriously so thrilled to have found this vintage, white jumpsuit that fit me perfectly at the thrift!

We don’t have our tree up yet, and I don’t think we will have time this weekend to get it up, so maybe it will just have to wait until Christmas vacation. Anyone else feel like Christmas snuck up too fast this year?

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Thankful True is finally feeling better. She spent most of the week on a liquid diet because of a stomach bug. Also, I’m very glad no one else got it.

Excited we were way under our grocery budget for the month of November. Ben uses Mint to keep track of every dollar and it’s been sort of a game lately to see if we can go under budget. We ended up spending $330 for November and part of it was because we were gone for Thanksgiving week.

I wish it got cold enough to warrant getting a cozy jacket like this. I’ve seen some at the thrift store, but it just wouldn’t get enough use in my closet.

Such good sales going on at Ms. Tips right now.

Our front yard garden renovations are finally coming along and we will be getting ready to plant soon. YAY!

Going on vacation threw off our Christmas decorating schedule. Hopefully, we are able to get it up soon, but this weekend was busy prepping for Soul’s birthday, and next weekend, it’s Ben’s birthday.

Everlane Day Heel’s are back. If you’ve been eyeing a pair, snag one before they sell out again. I have ballet pink and they’re so comfy.

Did you read my review on the cup and Thinx?

Soul turns 8 this weekend, so we are taking off on a little getaway!

Happy weekend!