City Market Coffee

I am always on the hunt for a good coffee house and let me tell you, Kansas City has an abundance of them!  I recently ventured to the River Market to try out City Market Coffee. The reviews were great and I loved how the owner and employees had bio's on their website telling their favorite coffee, juice, and food.  It's located right inside the River Market, perfect for a Saturday when you are shopping at the local antique stores or hitting the booming farmers market for fresh fruits, veggies, or flowers.

Not only do they have amazing coffee but their fresh pressed juices, breakfast burritos and homemade pop-tarts are to die for...you heard me, homemade pop-tarts.  We were greeted by the owner, Nikole, instantly and she was kind enough tell us a little bit about the shop. I mentioned reading her bio online as she was telling us her most favorite coffee, which of course I tried and it was spot on!

The shop has a fantastic winding staircase that leads upstairs where you can enjoy your coffee or sit in the main area which will give you a sense of how busy this place can get...I was there on a weekday and it was hopping! Their current coffee grinder which they use for roasting sits in the corner and adds to the cool atmosphere. A definite must for those who want to try a great local coffee shop! By the way, I had the Lavender Latte, Citrus Sunrise Juice, and the Breakfast Burrito!

 For those wanting to know about the outfit that day; Jeans by Paige Denim, Nude Leather Pumps by Jessica Simpson (super comfy), and Pocket Tee by 14th & Union from Nordstrom Rack. 

xoxo,
Shona

This Guy and His Guitar

Music...I love it. Anywhere, anytime. And listening to this guy play guitar is probably one of my most favorite things to do.  I swear, he can play anything...he listens to an original and recreates it in the most beautiful way.  Then there is me, wishing I could play guitar or piano and most of all, sing. But I do sing, all of the time. In the car is where I like to practice mostly, I mean...don't we all?  I am learning to step out of my comfort zone because if someone handed me the mic one year ago and said ok, sing...the look on my face would have told them they were crazy.

Recently, I decided I wanted to give it a shot.  So I called the one person who I knew would and could help me out...the guitar guy, his name is Phil, aka my wonderful step-dad. I would call this guy a musical genius actually and did I mention, he and his band produced a record in his younger years. Not only can he play guitar, but then there is the piano and his voice.

The reason behind this crazy idea...well, I wanted to do something original for someone who recently came into my life and made me see myself differently, look at life differently, someone like me who believes no one should ever eat chicken off of the bone, someone who loves adventure as much as I do....and this was definitely an adventure...and match.

Ok, back to this song.  It's was an acoustic version of a song by Foo Fighters, Everlong. I don't need to explain the meaning, if you don't know already, refer to my friend "google".  A few days of practice, recording, re-recording...just my voice, a mic, this guy and his guitar.  He would tell you, this is not his typical genre of music either, and I would say he.nailed.it. Follow the youtube link below to listen.

Since then,  he has recruited me to sing with him and his guitar for residents of a local Nursing Home, different music of course, but the most rewarding experience. Stay tuned, I heard a little rumor that Phil has been approached to sing out and about in the community!

https://youtu.be/7TKEVPhJf_M

To new adventures...

xoxo
Shona

Kansas City Fashion Week

Kansas City Fashion Week! Really, that's all I have to say! This year was a bit different...I have always had a "date" as in a bestie going with me but this year, a man date! And this guy loves fashion about as much as I do.  Front row, VIP seats and an awesome show made this year very exciting. Friday night included some amazing designs and although I wasn't able to attend the show Saturday night, I was invited to an after-party by one of the designers.  His name, Christian Micheal, a local KC guy, who designs a line of men's wear that is runway stunning.  I was fortunate to meet Christian pre-fashion week to purchase one of his amazing ties for my date...I thought it was pretty genius and the perfect accessory.

Let the outfit planning begin, it had to be on point...let's be real...have you met me? So over coffee and many discussions on colors, we decided I needed to find my attire first.  I found the perfect Navy Blue dress with side and back cut-outs...so I asked Christian, what shoe color? I was struggling with that. Black, definitely black.  Perfect. I found a classic black pair of Calvin Klein pumps.  The tie was chosen based on the dress color and then his outfit went from there.  Typing about this still makes me so happy, because, not to brag or anything, but I had the best looking date there.  Someone who I once told, "You are the first person to challenge my wardrobe"....challenge accepted.  Did I mention, CM is working a women's line? I just died and went to heaven!

Friday night meant staying close to Union Station where Fashion Week is held, so Hotel Sorella on the Plaza it was. Modern, Bright, Cheery and the perfect place to stay overnight...they have an amazing bar and happy hour and let's not forget breakfast the next morning.  Best calamari ever.

KCFW never disappoints and this year was amazing.  I ran into a lot of people I know from other events and it was nice to mingle with local friends of the Fashion World in fantastic Kansas City! I am already looking for forward to the Fall show which will include Spring Fashion...and you can bet it'll be front row all the way!

Hotel Sorella

KCFW

 My friend and local KC blogger, Sarah. 

 The man behind the tie, Christian Micheal, at his after-party. 

Until the next show!
xoxo,
Shona