Kansas City, I'm In Love.

Fifteen months ago, I moved into an Overland Park apartment that I thought I would be perfectly content in. Don't get me wrong, the apartment was very nice, close to friends and family, and let's be real...had an amazing pool.  But, something was missing.  As my lease was nearing the end, I confided in a good friend about living somewhere downtown and mentioned a loft.  Thinking I couldn't afford that kind of lifestyle, I let it go.  She sent me an email with more websites than I could handle about living downtown.  I decided to do some research and walk-throughs to get an idea of what it would be like moving from the suburbs of Johnson County.  I looked at two places...one downtown and one in the River Market...and two days later, I put down a deposit on a loft at Cold Storage.  I wasn't even able to see the loft I would be moving into just a short 3 months later...but took the chance that I would love it anyway.  And even though I have been here only two weeks, I know it was one of the best moves I could have made.  Close to one of my favorite coffee joints and Harrys; and then there is this Diner...home cooking...almost like Gma Janes.

Did I have to make sacrifices, yes.  One of the biggest was the choice I made to have a family adopt my 10 year old four-legged furry ball, Melly.  Without going into it too much, that day, the day she went to be with her new family, was one of the hardest days of my life.  I cried...alot.  My great friend Shannon was by my side...crying too...we went for ice cream.  Moving on. 

I have never felt more at home than I do now...I have less space, no storage and share a garage with a few other cars, but I feel like this is the place I am supposed to be. I think this 5th-floor loft life with concrete floors, high ceilings, brick walls, walking everywhere, river market living is a part of my life that was missing.  It.is.amazing.

Here is to a new chapter...one where with every turn of the page, it gets better and better.
Shona

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