On Thursday, I headed to NELL HILL'S in Kansas City North with my friends Bonnie and Patty. We were soooo excited---not only because we were going to visit one of the best stores around, but also, because we were meeting up with fellow blogger, Jeanne, of BACKYARD NEIGHBOR, and her sister-in-law Shirley!!
We were so happy to have a second opportunity to see Jeanne this summer. On this trip, she and her husband had traveled from North Carolina to meet with a large group of friends who were attending a Royals game together. Jeanne's sister-in-law and her husband live in the Kansas City area, so they were spending a few days with them, too. (To read about our first visit this summer, please click HERE.)
Mary Carol Garrity is the talented owner of this store in the Briarcliff Village shopping center and also, her very first store, ( named NELL HILL'S) and GARRITY'S ENCORE, which are located in nearby Atchinson, Kansas. We we thrilled to find out she was there on the day we visited AND so was Patty's cousin, Cynthia, who is a gifted stylist for the store.
They were so gracious to pose with us for a group picture. Standing left to right are: Bonnie, owner Mary Carol Garrity, Shirley, Jeanne, Dana (me!), Patty, and Cynthia.
NOW ----- let the shopping begin!!
Of course, for you Pink Saturday folks, you KNOW we looked really, really hard for some PINKS along the way!
My eyes popped out at the sight of this beautiful black cabinet---the chair and ottoman were pretty danged wonderful, too!!
The furniture, prints, accessories, bedding and fabric displayed at NELL HILL'S are unique, beautiful and offered at a variety of styles and price points. Basically, there's something for everyone!
If you have the chance to come to the Kansas City area, a visit to this store is a must. You will love the amazing and creative vignettes that are EVERYWHERE---all designed to showcase the possibilities of the products offered for sale.
Not only was there visual inspiration galore, there was plenty of visiting going on, too!!! What fun to be in a place surrounded by great friends, wonderful decorative products and a delightful staff.
My photos certainly do not show the true loveliness of the items featured at NELL HILL'S, but I wanted you to have a glimpse of the treats that are in store for you when you visit this location.
This tablescape featured a mini cloche on a pedestal stand, positioned atop each place setting. Mary Carol's tablescapes are known for the use of layers--- with touches of surprise! The layers beneath each cloche included a wonderful framed print, a napkin, two smaller plates, a larger white plate and a square woven tray.
Mary Carol's tables often feature huge centerpieces---she makes great use of unexpected items such as concrete urns and risers. Silver candelabras, trays and pitchers are also frequently mixed in with her tablescapes and vignettes.
Shirley and Jeanne are shown in one of the many show rooms of this store---all filled with wonderful decorative and functional items.
With the amazing variety of merchandise available for sale at Nell Hill's, it would be tough to visit this place without walking out the door carrying a sack full of purchases! I know we each managed to fill up a shopping bag!
Jeanne zeroed in on this darling rabbit cake plate! She knows my fondness for bunnies!!
This photo shows another gorgeous tablescape.
We had so much fun shopping and visiting at NELL HILL's!!
Jeanne and I had already taken our bags to the cars when we decided to get a final photo at the entrance to the store---aren't those some wonderful door handles? What attention to detail Mary Carol displayed when designing her fabulous store!
After a delicious lunch at the nearby restaurant, called "The Cafe", our time together came to an end.
I really hated to leave Jeanne----I truly hope I am lucky enough to get to see her again!!
When I returned home, I showed THE STONE RABBIT the purchases I made at NELL HILL'S.
He LOVED everything---the woven tray, the two rusted cloches and the battery operated candle (WITH A TIMER!!!).
I also showed him the three books (written by Mary Carol) that I had purchased some time ago. I had intended to take them to her shop, hoping she would be there to sign them. HOWEVER, in my rush to leave that morning, I'd left them at home.
He said he would remind me to take them on my next trip to Nell Hill's.
Then he looked at me and said, "So, didn't you find anything PINK in the store?"
I said, "Yes, ........
and it made us soooo HAPPY!"
PINK Saturday also makes us sooooo happy!!!
To find many great links to other PINKS, just visit our wonderful hostess, Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND.
Have a great day!!
DANA
PS Our little Grand Boy continues to do well---we were able to visit him, his big sis, his mom and his other grandparents today! He was sleeping, but we were able to get in lots of "holding" time. Again, thank you for your comments on last Saturday's post and the prior posts. While I haven't had a lot of time to answer each and every comment, they all meant the world to me---your kindness will forever be remembered and appreciated.
Hey! Can't believe I'm the first to post. Been so long since I took the time to read any blogs. Your's, of course is my fav. Glad you had a good time and thanks for the tour of the store - it is indeed awsome. I was last there when Stan Williams had his book signing of "The Find". Mary Carol was, as always, a delightful host. Love her tablescapes - love your purchases!
Posted by: Sharleen | July 24, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Ooooohhhhhh, so much eye candy - I didn't know where to look first! I would be in heaven in this store!!! (I might break the bank too...) Great post Dana! I love your shopping tours - they're sooo much fun to read about!
So happy to hear that little grand baby is doing well. So when do we get to see another picture!!!! ☺ diane
Posted by: Diane | July 24, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Dana... Looks like you guys had a wonderful time... love your great buys... i thought you might get that little birdie in the first photo for stone rabbit... he'd probably like that!
Happy to hear that grand-boy is doing well... sending hugs and happy P.S.
Dixie
Posted by: Dixie | July 24, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Dana, I'm so happy to hear about your grandson doing better!
That is a NEAT store, and I want that black cabinet! What a fun piece. Glad you had fun with Jeanne.
Happy Pink Saturday...
XO,
Sheila (come sign up for my giveaway!)
Posted by: Sheila | July 24, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Happy Pink Saturday, dear Dana. I have to say that the pink pillow is very flattering to you and Jeanne. ;-)
That looks like just the kind of store I could leave some money in. I saw a lot of things to love.
Posted by: Beverly | July 25, 2009 at 05:24 AM
What a wonderfully fun day, Dana! Your purchases and the store look perfect. There is a store in our town which looks very similar, though not the same name. What fun to meet a fellow blogger!
xo...Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | July 25, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Wow - that looks like a fabulous shop and what a fun trip. My friend Judy has one of those pillows and it is sooo cuddly. Wonderful news about the new baby boy...so glad that he's doing good and aren't new babies (and old babies for that matter LOL) just the most wonderful thing? Have a wonderful day, Dana.
xo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | July 25, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Happy Pink Saturday! Isn't Nell Hill's just the best. The rabbit cake stand stole my heart...hugs ~lynne~
Posted by: lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart | July 25, 2009 at 07:00 AM
LOL! Of course you found something pink! Dana can always find it...
What a lovely store. Gave me some good ideas for doing our living room and I've been stuck on a paint color. Thanks, Dana!
Posted by: Jillian | July 25, 2009 at 07:41 AM
What a super idea. I wish that every area did this kind of thing. It looks as if everyone had a super time. Happy Pink Saturday.
Posted by: Sally | July 25, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Dana ~ first I am so glad your grandbaby is doing well! Thanks for showing us Nell Hill's - I think I will have to take a trip across the state and visit. It looks beautiful!
Happy PS!
Posted by: caren | July 25, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Sounds like a lovely trip! Good buys too!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Bea | July 25, 2009 at 08:01 AM
what a gorgeous store and a gorgeous friend.
Posted by: stefanie | July 25, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Happy Pink Saturday!
What a fabulous shop!
I love everything in it!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | July 25, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Good morning my wonderful friend. Your post today is up to your usual perfection. Maybe because 'we' and our friends are the stars, sort of! Nell Hill's is such a beautiful store and I can't wait to post all about it. I haven't even downloaded my pics yet. The pink pillow photo is a hoot. Maybe we should have closed our eyes. LOL. You sure captured the beauty of the stores artistic displays. I am waiting until I get home to unwrap my purchases. I just want to go home. I am homesick. keep thinking about the fun we had together and was sad when we had to say goodbye.
Love you my friend...Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | July 25, 2009 at 09:23 AM
LOL! I was wondering where the pink was! (leave it up to our men to keep us on point) Nice find!
Posted by: envoy-ette | July 25, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Oooooo, that store looks absolutely devine! I saw lots of things I would have liked just from the few pics you had! Love what you purhased though!
So glad to hear your little Grand Boy is doing well. I'll still keep him and his family in my prayers!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | July 25, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Lucky you to visit that store with Miss Jeanne! It looks like a wonderful place. I love those green walls!
Have a wonderful weekend. I am glad to hear that your sweet grand baby is doing better.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 25, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Hi!! you and Jeanne are so pretty ladys!
fantastic post!
xoxo
Posted by: Marina Capano | July 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Hi Dana, Another fun day with Jeanne. I would have gone crazy in that store, too. I love all of the things that you bought. ~ Happy Pink Saturday! ~ Robyn
Posted by: Robyn | July 25, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Hey Dana! First of all, Thank goodness that new little darling is so much better now. Yeah!! And cool that you met up with other blogger friends for a trip to that fabulous store. What fun! Happy Pink Saturday and weekend. xo Lynn
Posted by: Lynn @ TheVintageNest | July 25, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Hi Dana,
That looks like a FABULOUS store. If I am ever in the area I definitely want to go. I LOVE all of your purchases. How fun to meet Jeanne. She is sooooo sweet! I would love to meet both of you someday. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Darlene | July 25, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I love all of your purchases! I look forward to seeing them in upcoming posts :)
The tablescape with the lantern is just gorgeous...I would love to visit there one day!
So glad to hear that your grandboy is doing well. I just love to feel their little baby breath when you hold them on your chest. So precious!
Have a great week!
Posted by: Donna | July 25, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Oh like you said, nothing can be more perfect that be with lovely company and in a beautiful place. Shops/stores are really more interesting to look at when they are displayed as if they were in one's home.
I can't get over that very tall centerpiece (that resemble a lamp post).
Love those tall rustic cloches. Ok now, battery operated candle and then back at Jeane, I saw a singing candle. How unusual!
Happy pink Saturday!
Li
Posted by: MyThoughtsMyVoice | July 26, 2009 at 03:51 AM
OMG Dana, What an awesome shop, I saw about nineteen things I would love to have including your wire cloches. I know you all had a great time, I could see in your smiles and the twinkling eyes. Glad you shared.
Thanks,
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | July 26, 2009 at 04:14 AM
definitely a fun fun day! that store is amazing. love everything in it and everything you brought home, lol! it's good to see you again now that i'm back from vacation :)
Posted by: heather | July 26, 2009 at 05:59 AM
Hi Dana - what a fabulous time you all had at Nell Hill's! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I would have had a hard time resisting everything in there. Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Claudia | July 26, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Had the Grands for a few days so I am a day late and a dollar short for Pink Saturday! We just had so much fun and time got away from me☺
But, I didn't want to miss all the pinkness that brings sunshine to my weekend. And, another cool, sun-less day. My gardens look horrible this year. Nothing is growing...sigh.
Your good news about your grandbaby is bringing a little bright spot into my day.
So, your sweet blog post is cheering me up! Thanks so much for giving me something pretty to look at other than the dark clouds outside my kitchen window.
Posted by: Mimi | July 26, 2009 at 07:56 AM
Dana, I'm so sorry about the scare you and your family just went through with your grandson. I had no idea, because my computer wouldn't let me visit anyone's blogs and then it died on me. I'm so glad he's okay now! Thank God.
I'm glad you were able to meet Jeanne, but I'm so jealous I wasn't there to meet both of you and visit that wonderful store!
love to you,
rue
Posted by: rue | July 26, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Dana I see sooooo much love standing next to Jeanne. How wonderful to find such beautiful friendships through the internet.
I'm glad you all had fun.
I love your watermelon post. So glad baby is doing well.
Your the best!
Happy PS
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: claudie | July 26, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I would SOOO love to shop there in person some day! I have one of her books. Very talented lady!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | July 26, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Thanks for the tour! My blogger friend from Omaha and I are going to finally meet and make that our field trip...Nell Hill's! Can't wait to get there in person! :o)
Posted by: Kim | July 26, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Hi Dana!
I saw your photo on Jeanne's blog thsi morning and had to come by and say "Hi" and tell you how good you looked also, and how glad I was that two of my favorite bloggers had a chance to meet!! Nell Hill's looks like a fantastic store to shop in ...I would have been so tempted by many things ..that black window doored cabinet...oh wow! Loved that!
I'm so happy to read that your grandson is continuing to do well. Keeping him and your family in my prayers!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | July 27, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Hi Dana, just sent you an email!
Love ya...Jeanne
ps. I am having trouble with my comments posting again. I switched my browser, I hope this posts
Posted by: Jeanne | July 28, 2009 at 07:20 AM
wow- I am on overload from seeing all the great items! I want it all:)
So glad to hear that your new grandbaby is doing well:)
I'm off to comment on the OZ birthday party:)
Linda C
Posted by: Linda C | July 29, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Pink sure puts a smile on my face! Funny - when I began reading, for a moment I thought that the "PINK" item you found was the rabbit - I figured- "if not colored pink the "shaped" pink" - ha-ha, silly abstract me :)
Posted by: holy land tours | August 30, 2010 at 06:24 AM