cactus hill

(afternoon coffee breaks, complete with a french toast cupcake, from Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee.) 

(first time light grocery shopping from Natural Grocers.) 

(browsing through Vinyl Renaissance.) 

(everything worn here is either thrifted or vintage) 

   Summer in the city is feeling like early spring. The humidity following rain, still cool enough to drink your coffee without ice, and muddy sidewalks. This Tuesday was quite the springy summer day, which I spent out and around the Volker neighborhood visiting some of my favorite local spots. Any day you get a vegan cupcake is a good day, in my book.

   Speaking of books, if you follow me on instagram you might have already heard my ideas on this, I am gathering ideas to create a book of my own. It's always been my dream to write a coffee table book, and I've been doing research which led me to find that possible. I am in the process of gathering ideas to create a print-based version of my blog (with original content of course) based around columns that are normally found here. I will be making an official announcement within the new weeks, but I was too excited not to chat about it. Much planning is ahead.

second-hand shopping in kansas city: the list (part 1)

   Hello local (and those who love traveling) readers, this post is especially for you. I have comprised a list of some of my favorite thrifting and antiquing spots in my hometown of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This list focuses on selection, quantity, and inexpensive finds... because let's face it, when you go on a hunt you are always looking to snag sales and those "I purchased this for one dollar" items. With this list those stories will happen, and will not put a dent in your coin purse. 

Rainbow Thrift: 4501 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 

Why is this on the list? Rainbow Thrift is a little spot I discovered about a year ago. I was completely impressed with there variety of items in their store front; a complete section for "vintage" clothing items, a second floor of odds and ends, and a full area of furniture. Their selection seems to change so often, every time I venture in there is much to be seen. Also, the owner is as friendly as can be. 

Best find? Vintage photographs (6 for $1). 

Grandpa's Used Furniture & Stuff: 10112 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO

Why is this on the list? I found this store on a drive back from the suburbs to Kansas City, which is about ten minutes from the downtown area. There is a huge selection of thrift/second hand shops on Truman Road in this area, and I found this to be my favorite. They are connected to Mockingbird Auctions, which also serves as an auction house during Mondays. The store as more than just used furniture, there are so many odds and ends that you could spend hours here.

Best find: a 1970's National Geographic Atlas book ($4). 

Re-Run's Vintage Warehouse: 1408 W. 12th St.Kansas City, MO

Why is this on the list? If you are a frequenter of my blog, you probably have heard me rave about my love of this place. Probably about half of my wardrobe is from this warehouse, which includes most of my favorite pieces. The warehouse sells vintage clothing items, from the 1980's all the way to the 1920's, and has rooms for each decade of style. The clothing is all priced at thrift store prices. 

Best find: a 1960's collared dress ($10). 

The Salvation Army: 3013 E 9th St, Kansas City, MO

Why is this on the list? I first went to this thrift store when I lived in the Crossroads district of Kansas City, because I googled where the close thrift store was to my loft. I was expecting the typical "Salvation Army" store, when I came to realize that their clothing is 50% every single day, unlike other Salvation Armies. Yes, every day! 

Best find: a summer wrap dress ($4).  

John Knox Village Thrift Store: 400 NW Murray Rd  Lee's Summit, MO

Why is this on the list? This was my favorite thrift store since I starting thrifting in high school. Located in a suburb of Kansas City, John Knox Village Thrift Store is well worth the driving trip. If I had to rate the most inexpensive thrift store on this list, this would be number one. There assortment of socks, scarves, and books are my to-go spots in the store. 

Best find: a vintage Christain Dior sweater. ($3). 

Weird Stuff Antiques: 901 Tracy Ave  Kansas City, MO
Why is this on the list? After my extremely recent visit to his antique store, I completely fell in love. They have the wildest and largest array of items, even a entire area of prop displays you can rent. The antique store is not just a place to gaze shelves of theater props, they also have a vintage clothing section and copious amounts of wall decor. This is a great place to spend an afternoon (they are even open daily, except for Sunday). 
Best find: a fortune telling tea cup (50 cents). 

Maj-R Thrift: 2842 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS

Why is this on the list? This is the spot I believe most people who reside in Kansas City will know about and I had thoughts of not putting this on the list. I discovered this spot when I first moved to the city in 2011, and it is a great place when you need a quick thrifting adventure. They have weekly clothing discounts on the weekdays, and seasonal sales throughout the months. 

Best find: a perfect mustard cardigan ($4). 

Lee's Summit Social Services Thrift Shop: 108 4th St Lee's Summit, MO 64063

Why is this on the list? This shop may seem small, but "used-to-be" garage is the greatest treasure hunting you could wish for. On an average day, most of the items are 50% off their already extremely low price, and various other sales randomly throughout the weeks. They are fully stocked on linens, dishware, and crafting supplies. 

Best find: Mason jars/lids (10 cents a piece).

   I tried my hardest to create a list in which Kansas Citians can discover at least one new place to add to their thriving list. I have also decided I will continue with a "part two" for an addition to this post, within the next upcoming months. I hope both local, and far away, can appreciate this post and use it to explore more areas either in Kansas City or other lands. Until the next "Second-hand Shopping in Kansas City" list, happy treasure hunting! 

stroke by stroke

(morning coffee walks to Broadway Cafe.) 

(lace top/belt/watch: thrifted, dress: h&m, loafers: cole haan) 

   I can always live with the high of 78 degrees weather. I honestly can't think of a more perfect degree for summer weekends. The morning was a cool middle 60's on my walk to grab coffee, and then for my afternoon of mini golfing.  I actually managed to hit a hole-in-one and win a free game at the very end (extremely until me, being coordinated with a type of sport). I can also enjoy some porch time while writing this post... without having any sort of heat bothering me. Yes, I love cool summer weather. 

   I have also been experimenting with pickling some fresh veggies I have received  I needed to find more uses for them! I am not normally a fan of green beans, so I am hoping the sweet brine will make them a good fit for my taste buds.

made at home: chilled two berry pie

Berry Pie Filling:

• 4-5 cups of strawberries and blueberries (frozen or fresh)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch 
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons of water 
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 

*(For pie crusts, I always use this recipe. It works wonders, no reason to create my own!)

   Take 1 1/2 cup of the mixed berries (try and get close to an even amount of each kind) and place in a food processor or blender to create a puree. Whisk the sugar and cornstarch over the stove-top  then add the puree to the mixture. Continue to whisk over medium heat, then add the water and maple syrup while bringing it all to a boil. When the mixture seems to be thickened, take off the stove-top and add the lemon juice. Let it cool, then pour on the pie crust. Place the rest of the berries on top of the sauce and refrigerate for at least four hours. 

   I was craving a chilled sweet when I decided to whip up this pie, and had strawberries and blueberries that needed to be put to use. These two berries together are one of my favorite summer combination.  Baking pies from scratch can take up most of an afternoon, but creating "chilled" pies are the simplest (and the best for summer seasons) alternative. It is so effortless to create your own pie sauces, you can completely taste the difference. I ate the last pie of this pie today with my iced coffee, and this is why summer pies are the best of pies. 

sponsorship: august

 Hello readers! August is due to use shortly, which means there will be more spaces open for sponsors! This month of August will bring many wonderful things (start of a new school year and the wrapping up of summer). I have a large size for $16 (which includes a "sponsor introduction" post and the top of the ad section) and a small size for $6 (which both will be purchased through passionfruit, very easily).

   I am also open for ad swaps on small size ads, and ideas of collaboration (email me if interested). More information on sponsorship here. I would always prefer to do swaps, I love meeting new bloggers/small businesses and seeing my favorite blogs/shops posted on my site.

Some numbers:

• Over 750 followers on gfc, bloglovin', and email subscribers.
• Over 2,300 followers on social media websites: including instagram, facebook, tumblr and twitter. 
• Post 4-5 days a week.
• Over 7,000 page views last month. 
• Largely viewed from United States, Russia, and United Kingdom. 
• A growing, hometown reader following (Kansas City, MO). Featured in a local magazine publication and news television segment. 

Feel free to contact me (hellomrrabbitblog(at)gmail(dot)com) for unanswered questions/anything else! I look forward to hearing from you!

mini trip: columbia, missouri part 2

   Whenever I travel around Missouri, I always find the most interesting and unique stores along the way. You know, the millions of highway billboards with "antique store" or "historical sight", those make me want to stop at each and every exit. My favorite along the way was Nature's Cellar, which had tons of produce they sold from the nearby farmers and many antiques. Central Missouri is quite the spot. 

   My best friend took me to the farmer's market while I was there, which was quite smaller than my local one, but had many things to offer. I enjoyed some fresh iced coffee, blueberries, and potato bread while wandering around. Sometimes, smaller is better too.