Thistle | Kansas City

While I was in Kansas City I found a new store downtown.  We happened to drive by it right before they were closing so we popped in.  I love finding new antique stores and I will definitely be returning to Thistle.

As soon as we walked in we were offered warm, apple cider out of antique china cups.  It warded off the evening chill.  As I walked around the store, my hands started to fill with milk glass vases, embroidered linens, a depression glass urn, and postcards.  If my suitcase would have been bigger, I would have bought more!

What I loved about this shop, and I haven't seen before, was the color coding of the merchandise.  Every color had a section.  I found it really easy to shop and look at every detail because I wasn't over stimulated by color. 

I snapped these photos with my phone.  I was in a hurry to load my hands and the let the owners go home for the night.  Check out their gallery for better photos of the store.  You can also find them on facebook.

Any new finds for you recently? 

Slow Food $5 Challenge

I have long since been an advocate for the Slow Food movement.  Growing up in Nebraska where local food meant whatever was available out the back door, I found value in real food.  Long after leaving the farm in the dust, it was clear to me that local, organic food had become an anomaly in the city world I now lived in.  It was hard to find, and I quickly realized I had taken what I had for granted.  Farmers markets were often misleading and while they offered fresh produce, a lot of it was still hauled in by truck.  Local wasn't so local.  

So when I discovered not one, but two retailers in McKinney that provided not only wholesome from the earth kind of food, but local as well, I was ecstatic.  Patina Green Home & Market is a unique blend of antiques, a lunch counter, and market, and Local Yocal Farm to Market is a traditional butcher of local meats.  Robert, Kaci, & Luann, as well as Matt & Heather (owners of the aforementioned businesses) not only believe in supporting community based food, they put their words in to action recently.

Slow Food USA issued a challenge to the nation and stated that slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food.  Robert and Matt took on the challenge and put together an evening under the patio.  They invited 100 guests to share with them a delicious meal provided by local farmers and ranchers that only cost $5.

Robert, a classically trained chef, prepared a meal of wagyu brisket tacos, organic greens and tostadas with fresh salsa.  For dessert, and a small additional fee, was cantaloupe sorbet with rosemary shortbread and cinnamon sugar bunuelos with caramel milk spread.

The tables were set with flowers picked from a local farm.

The photo above does not do the food justice.  It is evidence that even though this organic, local meal cost $5, it didn't lack in portion size.

Robert & Matt

Local Yocal Counter

I walked away stuffed.  The food was delicious and easy enough to make myself, with ingredients that can be purchased in both stores.  Much to my chagrin, the only unfortunate part of the evening was the lack of attendance.  Although the advance reservation tickets were quickly sold out, many of the guests did not join us, leaving several seats empty.  Inevitably, the absence of involvement makes me want to spread the message even more.  

Buying and preparing local food is not only very good for your health, it's also very good for the community.  Long gone are the days where we are submerged in our neighborhoods filled with friends, mom and pop shops and commonality.  Patina Green & Local Yocal are trying to hold on to that past before the art of self sufficiency supported by community is lost.  A very noble 4(for) green acres effort.  
   

Both stores are located in McKinney, Texas and can be found on the web here:
Patina Green Home & Market
Local Yocal Farm to Market

Road Trip: Arnold, Nebraska

This past weekend I took a very quick trip home to see my family.  It was a surprise visit.  We were in a small town in the sandhills that holds all the rural charm of a sleepy Midwest town.  Of course I didn't get any photos of the sandhills themselves.  What my eye sees doesn't exactly replicate on camera.  They are a sight though, and one of my favorite locations to unwind.  For miles all you can see are rolling hills of prairie grasses.  An occasional oak tree and cottonwoods around the water sources.  Cattle graze through the day until the stars are exposed in the blackest sky at night.  You can hear the sound of a grasshopper chomping on a leaf, it's so quiet. 

Here are a few shots my from walk downtown.

Their movie theatre where only two movies are playing.

You can have lunch at the antique store.

I would love to see this sign in my house, but it didn't fit in my suitcase.

The owner had an old telephone booth in the corner.  Nothing fancy, but I found these neat signs when I opened the door.

I love old cash registers.  They used to be a piece of art in themselves. This one was the size of a large piece of furniture. It would take several people to move it.  The buttons were fascinating. 

There are many times I wish to be living in a small town such as this, but that would mean not living the life I have now.  I suppose that's why it's always fun to travel.  I get the best of both worlds.