Our visit to the West Bottoms today

It was a gorgeous Sat. morning and I just couldn't resist. I know the West Bottoms it more my hangout than my husband's or certainly the girls, but it has been a long hot summer and on a day like today I just couldn't resist! Besides, my friend Julie was debuing her new biz, the Painted Poppy, at Restoration Emporium, and I couldn't resist a little lookie-loo!

I didn't even think of the endless fantastic photo opportunities for taking pictures of the girls, and I just couldn't get over how much I loved the girls flower dresses up against the painted brick wall of the large warehouse buildings of the West Bottoms. I could've done an hour-long photo shoot, but again, more my thing than anyone else in the family!

I love how you can actually just see how much Gracie loves her big sister in these photos.

Then, we finally arrived at Restoration Emporium (after a few side trips to some other really great shops). One I loved was Hickory Dickory. There were some really great finds, and it seemed extra-reasonable prices.

We had to stop briefly outside of the shop for a quick tea party. How much do you love that little chair and table set. Now I am wondering why on earth I didn't get it?!

Then we found Julie in her absolutely darling little corner downstairs. She had tons of colorful pillows dangling from the ceiling, and lots of droolworthy furniture all around. And just look at her darling apron! If that doesn't say "I am the cutest creative girl ever" then maybe her tennies (sorry, not pcitured!) would. She said they were her lucky shoes and given her booming biz I think they are working! I have always loved visiting the West Bottoms for shopping but with Julie there it is just extra fun!

Sadly, the girls were pretty "done" and we scooted home without visit Good Juju, Bella Patina, or some other fun favorites. But, we'll be back!

Find of the year!

I am seriously so. in. love. with the awesome vintage flash cards I found at the flea markets on Saturday. First of all, check them out. The color is so jazzy, almost cobalt, super graphic but a little bit old school blueprint I couldn't help but snap them up! And then, just look at them. A big 'ole arrow pointing to the planet (dotted with the proper number of moons, thankyouverymuch) and whamo! Education at its finest. Of course, I am not even thinking to myself "now what planet could this be?" -- aside from the obvious, Staurn -- but all I had to do was hand them over to Natalie, and it was like a party trick in action. Watch the 6-year-old rattle off the correct planet names...and ooh and ahh in amazement! Which I did, but only because that's what I always do when it comes to my girls. And so at 50 cents each, these have got to be my best find ever. Now, what to do with them? Something with a frame, right? And a mat or a poster or maybe a mobile...hmmm....

Oh, and if you are in the Kansas City area and you've not been to the West Bottoms on the first weekend of the month, you've got to go. Good Juju is there, as well as Liberty Belle and Bottoms Up Antiques. All great opportunities for super tasty finds like this one! So get out there and explore!