Hello all you Sprout fans (Sprout is one of my FAVE children's stores in Atlanta), there's a new kid in town...Seed Factory. Located behind Sprout via bridge access is the latest creation from the Sprout family. The Seed Factory is where Sprout leaves off, carrying toys, clothing, and more for the older set (children up to age 12). There is also a 1,000 ft activity space featuring everything from yoga classes and story time to cooking classes. Enjoy!
source: Sprout's blog
© copyright homemade grits
Well, Sam, Matilda, and I just got back from I.C.E. (Indie Craft Experience) and it was fantastic!!! I wanted everything, but one cannot have everything. I did manage to stick to my wishes of having a handmade Christmas by making a few secret purchases. Why would I let you all in on that?!
Sam being the genius that he is, had the foresight to bring the Bjorn. Seriously, the stroller would have been a disaster. The event was held in an old photography studio in the middle of nowhere Atlanta.
Here is Jordan, aka fattycakes, and her adorable booth. I can tell you that we purchased a fabulous toast ornament for our tree!
This is the pin version, ours will hang on a tree.
We also had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Dana from Plum Tree Studio and her husband.
I thought the dressing room was hilarious:
They also had a station set up to make your own shirts:
Some of my favorite booths were...
Ministry of Tiny Hats
Blue eyed freckle
Here are Matilda and I wearing our fancy purchases. I love love them and so did everyone who walked by!
Similar to my green headband, $15
Matilda's baby headband, $10
Avie designs
Beautiful stationary!
We also got to see some folks we know!
There were tons more wonderful vendors and I could go on and on about how great it is to shop and buy handmade!
© copyright homemade grits
Some of my favorite shopping and dining can be done on Howell Mill Rd. This semi-industrial area in Atlanta is home to such stores as Bungalow Classic and Forsyth Fabrics as well as popular eateries like Taqueria Del Sol and Bacchanalia (one of Atlanta's top rated).
My perfect day would be spent having breakfast at The West Egg. The West Egg serves breakfast all day long and it is delicious! They have the most amazing honey butter for their homemade biscuits and the coffee is always fresh. They also have a bakery with award-winning cupcakes and their lunch menu is full of quirky sandwiches and side items. the atmosphere is perfect during the week, a little crazy on the weekends! The large ceilings and concrete floors resemble an old school house and the staff is always a pleasure. Insider tip:there is valet parking so bring a few bucks with you
West Egg is located on Howell Mill Road immediately south of the intersection at 14th Street.
Next I like to go to my favorite store for small people, Sprout. Sprout has the most charming window displays and collection of children's books I've found. They carry a lot of the popular children's brands such as Tea Collection, Zutano, and Petit Bateau. They also carry Bla Bla, which is an Atlanta based company! The familiar faces are always happy to assist and very knowledgeable about their products and their furniture line they carry by Ouef.
Next it's a few steps to Star Provisions, an upscale gourmet store that is completely intoxicating. They have a lovely bakery, where you can also eat lunch. They also carry whimsical home goods, meats, cheeses, picnic supplies, coffee, and gifts. They have one of the largest Orla Kiely collections around. I love looking at the displays and breathing in the smell that can not even be described.
Across the street is a collection of great home and outdoor stores that I love to peruse.
Then it's lunch at either Figo Pasta or Taqueria. Taqueria del Sol has the best tacos in town. I love the fried chicken and the veggie. I also always get the salsa trio which comes with..you guessed it three different kinds of salsa. It's a perfect place to sit outside and drink a Margarita.
Figo is also a great place to eat with a pick your own pasta of sorts and perfect Tiramisu.
So, those are my reccomendations. If you have any other favorite spots in that area, please let me know!
© copyright homemade grits
