The other day I was looking for a garden shop to visit. Something to inspire me to get started on making Bug’s birthday party invitations. For those not in the loop: Bug’s requested a “seed” party. It’s a bit odd but I like a challenge. I think I’m going to spin it in a garden direction.

I didn’t know where a local garden store was so I asked Twitter. Twitter is so wonderful. Within minutes I had two locations to visit. One of them was City Farmer’s Nursery. While it wasn’t all that helpful with my birthday party inspiration, it was a super fantastic adventure. This place is huge! And it’s right in the middle of the city! Talk about a secret find!

There are twisty paths everywhere and something new to discover at every turn. Everything is delightfully overgrown and decidedly unorthodox. One of their claims is that they carry the plants that big-box garden stores won’t. I believe it. I didn’t get to meet the owner but I hear from the employees that he’s quite a character. If I lived closer I could easily be inspired to buy something new and different to grow.

As you can see Bug had a great time. There were new friends to meet and a playground to play on. We could have stayed all day. Bug wanted to. She turned me into a regular nag trying to get her to go to the store so I could buy a seed packet to base my birthday-invitation design on. If I was more familiar with the place I would have just let her run wild but there were ponds to fall into and mud to be played in so I kept her close by me.

Cats, chickens, turkeys, turtles, fish, worms, twisting turning paths, a playground and a hundred places to hide…it’s a kids’ paradise!

And lots of plants too, of course.

After all that adventuring, I needed a cup of coffee. Guess what?! There’s a cafe next door. How cool is that? It’s a bit of a dive but I love dives! Coffee-shop coffee might not taste gourmet but it packs a nice caffeine punch. And get this: their credit-card machine was down and I didn’t have a lot of cash so I just ordered a cup of coffee for me and some bacon for Bug. Next thing I knew, the cook came over and gave Bug a little bowl of banana slices that he said he found in the kitchen. Five minutes after that he “found” an extra pancake with butter and syrup and gave that to Bug too. It was the sweetest thing. I’m glad I did have enough cash to give him a big tip.

Not bad for a day’s adventure. Thanks for the lead Urban Housewife!

Maisonnette did not disappoint. It was such a cute store! All my local friends should definitely check it out and let them know SAJ sent you. No, this is not a paid plug but the owner is a friend of my family and I would love to send them business.

They hardly need my plug. The whole store is filled with amazingly beautiful fabrics that you can’t find in the big box fabric stores. And the staff… well they’re wonderful of course! Not to mention the beach is just a few blocks away. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a fun outing.

As you can see the shop is very kid-friendly. Bug had a blast running around and stressing me out by throwing a fabric ball all over the place. Madeline and her mom assured me that Bug wasn’t bothering them but she sure bugged me. Maybe I just need more patience. Thankfully, the fabric ball didn’t break anything. I guess that’s the upside of everything being made of fabric.

Just look at all those pretty colors! Doesn’t it just make you want to collect it like candy? I think I could dream up a sewing project for almost every single bolt in there. There wasn’t one fabric I didn’t love. But I refrained and only bought one piece of fabric to go with some fabric I already bought at pearlsoho.

By the way, did you guys know that purlsoho has a warehouse in Irvine? It’s a top secret that Caylee shared with me. There’s no sign on the door or anything and it’s tucked away in a business park that isn’t exactly easy to find BUT it is open to the public so if you have a thing for fabric and you live in Orange County, email me and I’ll hook you up. It’s not exactly cheap but you don’t have to pay for shipping!

But before you go there make sure you visit Maisonnette first! Three cheers for fabric!

Today is your lucky day! August and September calendars are available for you to download finally!

I also have a super fun craft up at Alpha+Mom. I know, I always say they are super fun (and they are) but this one is SUPER fun and easy. I’d even venture to say it’s easier than the Snowglobe Soaps. Not much mess and you don’t need any supplies other than last night’s take-out container! Seriously.

If you make one of these, please add it to my Undercover Crafts Club. I would really love to see what other people come up with!

Personally, I’m wearing mine out tonight.