the county line

(tote: Two Tickets, everything else is either vintage or thrifted.) 

   I welcomed Labor Day weekend in a very cliche way, with a little once-a-year carnival. I could not pass up stopping by Santa-Cali-Gon Days in the Independence Square, even though it was well over 100 degrees and I was just at a fair last weekend. There were so many hand-made crafts, food tents, antique stores open, and gift shops. I love this festival because it is by far the largest in the Kansas City suburban area, or so I have discovered yet. 

   I was jumping with joy when we discovered a old fashioned soda fountain on the square while browsing craft tents. I ordered a cream soda from Clinton's and it did the trick for the warm weather. My favorite antique store I visited was Serendipity and bought a few vintage photographs, although I really wanted this Victorian top hat, but of course out of my spending range. This afternoon was a wonderful start to my three-day weekend, which I am indeed deserving of needing after all of my back-to-school shenanigans and lack of sleep. Here's to the end of summer, and the few days of relaxation ahead of me.  

poison oak

(finding a little bakery inside Reading Reptile, a children's bookstore.) 

(owl purse c/o: oasap, everything else is either vintage or thrifted) 

   Today was possibly one of those rare instances that, even though despite the heat, makes me want summer to continue. The Kauffman Memorial Garden looked as beautiful as ever this Wednesday afternoon, and there were so many English Roses and other favorite flowers of mine to see. I will be sad to see the cold weather come and take them for awhile. The garden was absolutely breath taking today, I did not even notice that sticky and uncomfortably hot feeling in the 95 degree weather. 

   The Nelson Aktin's Museum was quite perfect after roaming through the flowers and fountains. I mostly remained in the European and 18th/19th Century American sections, being inspired by the women in their beautiful gowns and decorative dishware in their collections. My best friend and I talked about how we were born in the wrong century, dreams of being princesses, and the feeling we get when we look at Monet's Water Lilies. Maybe we are not your normal 20/21 year olds.

made at home: apple juice & sauce

Apple Juice and Sauce 

• 5 lbs of apples (about 12) 
• Cinnamon (optional, to taste)
• Sugar (optional, to taste)
• Water

   (First Step) Juice: Start with coring and slicing all of the apples. After finishing, place the apples into a large pot and cover with water (until just covered, the less water the better). Boil the apple slices for 25-30 minutes on the stove-top. After boiling, press the soft apples through a filter into a large bowl. Can add cinnamon and sugar for optional sweetness. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. 

   (Second Step) Sauce: After preparing the juice, take the remainders of the pressed apples and place into a bowl. Remove the skins of the apple pieces and place into a blender. Add sugar and cinnamon to taste and refrigerate for up to one week. 

   I had thoughts about placing this recipe on my blog, because everyone knows how to make simple juices and applesauce, but I am always looking for recipes that create two dishes within them. I mean, maybe I just never thought about making juice and sauce out of the leftovers and everyone else already does that?! I hope this is some new information. With the fall session right ahead, I would suggest using this recipe to get the fullest of your apples and have a delicious afternoon snack. It's a great feeling when you use everything you are cooking with.

sponsorship: september

   Hello readers! The month of September is right around the bin, which means there will be more spaces open for sponsors! This month of September will bring the start of a new season, many festivals and activities, and time for many adventures. I have a large size for $20 (which can include a collaboration* and is at the top of the ad section) and a small size for $10, which both will be purchased through Adproval, which I have just recently switched to.

   I am also open for ad swaps on small size ads, and ideas of collaboration. I do ad swaps on a month-by-month basis, so make sure to re-apply! 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.

*collaborations for the Large Ad Size can include (but not limited to) a giveaway, a review and/or feature of a product/service, or other ideas that can be consulted.  For an actual "sponsored" post, please contact me for payment details and more information. 

Some numbers:

• Over 850 followers on gfc, bloglovin', and email subscribers.
• Over 2,400 followers on social media websites: including instagram, facebook, tumblr and twitter. 
• Post 4-5 days a week.
• Over 9,000 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 at "hellomrrabbitblog (at) gmail (dot) com" for an unanswered questions or anything else regarding advertising! 

on a carousel

   You know you've out of the city limits when you are surrounded by ferris wheels, funnel cake stands, and balloon dart games. Also, extreme summer heat from the lack of buildings, and today was a warm one. Yes, I'm talking about a town festival. A little town festival, Parkville to be exact, that my boyfriend found by asking Google what events were happening in Kansas City this Sunday afternoon. I love those afternoons when we find these unexpected adventures. The little carnival was a great almost end to August, I even got a little stuffed elephant... that he won from a shooting Budweiser cans game (they have the funniest games, right?!) 

   While the festival did not take us the whole afternoon to explore, we also went to Cowtown Ballroom and Bitterman's Eye Candy and Vintage Shop for some vintage browsing. The second store is also a candy shop, which now has all of my favorite things in one location. Can you say dream part-time job?! If only. 

amber waves of grain

(picked up some blue potatoes and a squash from the Brookside Farmer's Market.) 

(a few dishes, a rug, and a print (not featured) from a yard sale today for $4.) 

(fedora: folk & fables, everything else is either vintage or thrifted) 

   I am seeing just how great it is to (almost) always have my Saturdays free. Free of working random part-time jobs, alarm clocks buzzing, homework due, or anything. Just time to be. I have been so lucky that for the past year, all of my work has never been on Saturdays.  It's really a lovely thing knowing you have that one day a week that is usually completely yours. 

   Kansas City was extremely warm today, with temperatures in the mid-90's throughout the whole morning through evening. I browsed a new farmer's market, went to a church yard sale, grocery shopping, and had my car's air conditioning fixed. The last of the list is by far the happiest thing that happened today, I do not dread getting into my tiny vehicle anymore! Now that I have it, and haven't for over a year, it feels like some strange luxury I am possessed with. It's funny how you live without something for awhile and always get that feeling.