Nathaniel Reid Bakery in St. Louis

Recently, I moved to a new neighborhood and discovered a gem—Nathaniel Reid Bakery. This pastry shop is only a ten-minute walk from my home. These days, my favorite morning exercise is strolling over there, buying a warm cup of morning coffee, and bringing back my daughter’s favorite cake 🍰. Plus, getting breakfast sorted for the family—it’s just perfect! Thinking back to life in China, grabbing morning coffee on the go was almost a daily ritual in the fast-paced urban lifestyle. From the early Starbucks days to various niche specialty coffee shops, it was a routine. But after coming to St. Louis, buying coffee out every day became nearly impossible. First, places are farther apart, and you need to drive everywhere—I don’t drive here yet. Second, the coffee machine at home is just too convenient. Maybe it’s also because the mornings here are so quiet, or the slower pace of life has gradually eased me out of my previous business rhythm 🎵. Now, having moved to this new community so close to the bakery, I occasionally switch my morning exercise to walking over for coffee. Holding the warm cup, I stroll back home, greeting people I meet along the way with a simple “Hi!” 💁‍♀️. At the bakery, I might chat with other customers and ask about the Friday specials. These little interactions make for a lovely start to the day. Truth is, even though I’m an artist, I still hold onto an appreciation for efficiency and structure. I feel I’m always ready to return to a busier business tempo if needed. But for now, I’m learning to find balance and inspiration in a slower pace of life 🌿. #MorningRoutine #SlowLiving #StLouis #BakeryLove #MorningCoffee #CommunityLife #FamilyTime #WalkForHealth #LifeReflections