66 In Life

Like a Kid in a Candy Store {take 1}

It’s almost been a year since we dropped in Bill’s Hardware/Simply Unique and just for fun I thought I’d take you to a few more of my favorite local spots that should also have WARNING SIGNS! Our first stop will be a place that not only I love, but the kids too. Bellamia is a children’s shop owned by a dear friend, Katie {& her husband too}. Katie is a mother to 3 precious girls who are never far from her side. Her youngest and Morgan are closest in age and remind me a lot of each other; bug collectors and fearless nature lover-extraordinaires! 🙂

A few weeks ago Katie put together an art contest through the shop… we were game!

ART1

ART2

You can imagine Morgan’s excitement when the judge selected her rainbow as the winner for her age group! So off we went to redeem our prize and Katie graciously let me bring my camera in so I could bring you along!

Paige has on the same dress in these pictures below {as she has on above} and it’s likely that she only took it off to bathe and it’s also very likely that she slept in it every night between the time she painted her picture and last week when I took the pictures below. Her favorite way to sport it is with her daddy’s boots from his childhood! She’s three and I select my battles wisely {remember the pancakes?} and I can think of bigger battles… so we roll with it! I can already see her wearing it as a shirt in kindergarten. 🙂

B2

As the mother to a rover my favorite thing about her shop is the pint-sized room in the back just for little rovers.

B1

He was happy in his little corner until he realized there was a guitar like daddy’s up front.

B6

B8

The kids were more into the toys but Katie has a fabulous inventory of the most beautiful children’s clothes you’ve ever seen. Her tastes are impeccable and I always want everything I see, I left without this for Sloaney Bologna and am now having regrets.

B9

I will also be back for these chopsticks… for Easter baskets, shhh! They come in an assortment of “farm animals”.

B3

And these… Giddy Giddy barrettes make me wonder if I could pull off an owl in my own hair… I’d only try it while wearing my capri yoga pants and knee socks.

B13

She also carries one of our favorite books, Tim & Sally’s Vegetable Garden!!

B11

B14

B15

B16
Basically it’s one of the happiest little shops in town and I’m thankful to call Katie a friend!! She doesn’t have a website but she has a BLOG and keeps it well stocked with great coupons and new arrivals… just in case you are local!

This picture was one of my favorites… because it looks like Paige is doing some serious negotiating with Katie…

B7

… and I can only imagine it was for a new toy, not a new dress!

Here’s a teaser for my next local “candy shop”…

MW1

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  • Christy
    March 19, 2010 at 7:13 am

    Whoa, that shop looks awesome! Wish I was closer..

  • hannah
    March 19, 2010 at 7:28 am

    i love bellamia!… and the butcher block next door to it too! happy spring!!!!!

  • natalie @ this old southern house
    March 19, 2010 at 7:29 am

    i saw those chopsticks on jon&kate plus 8 a few seasons ago. so cute. and those barettes? darby, you *must* get the owl! 🙂 what a fabulous little shop. here in atlanta my favorite is the green pomegranate, but if i’m ever in dothan i’ll be checking out katie’s shop!

  • Jennifer
    March 19, 2010 at 7:43 am

    pure delight! i could wander forever in a shop like that! and those girls…what fantastic artists. 🙂 tell them their rainbows just made my morning!!

  • Summers
    March 19, 2010 at 7:44 am

    We love Bellamia too! Go ahead and rock that owl. I found myself wearing mismatched Giddy Giddy Flowers yesterday during laundry time.

  • Laura Leigh
    March 19, 2010 at 7:44 am

    Hey Darby, i love your blog!!! i have a 3 year old daughter and a 20 month old son, so i love seeing and hearing about your kids. we go through so many of the same battles with our children, and it makes me feel so much better to hear your stories. i had to comment on this post b/c my daughter had the little pink polka dot jumper you wanted to get Sloan…it was my favorite outfit!!! and i wanted to tell you that as crafty as you are i know you can make those barettes. i have a friend who makes them by getting everything at micheals. i know you could do it!!!! thanks for sharing your life with my family!!! Laura Leigh

  • Marla
    March 19, 2010 at 7:53 am

    OHHHHH NOOOOOOOO. Did you already go to the next “local candy shop”? I need more cups and have been meaning to call you. Guess E and I will have to come visit one weekend. We love out giant cups!

  • Jess Putnam
    March 19, 2010 at 8:07 am

    The store in your blog is PRECIOUS!!!! Your children always look cute…even if it is in a dress they have had on for a week and cowboy boots!

  • Megan
    March 19, 2010 at 8:10 am

    Oh! I have seen the blog but didn’t know the store looked THAT fun on the inside! As soon as we are out of our “preemie quarantine” I will be all over that place. Thanks 😀

  • Sarah M.
    March 19, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Ok – we need an address to this shop! I’m two hours away…but think of Dothan almost as a second home. I will NEED to go by next time I’m there.

  • Alison
    March 19, 2010 at 8:16 am

    Oh wow! I live near Dothan so I am SOOO gonna take a trip up there and completely raid this store!!! Thanks so much for introducing me to a fabulous children’s shop 🙂

  • Lexi
    March 19, 2010 at 8:18 am

    Your friend’s store is great! I can’t wait to see the next “candy store” you are going to share!

  • Tam
    March 19, 2010 at 8:21 am

    Oh that store looks like so much fun. I can’t wait to see what “candy shop” is next! My boys have those chopsticks and I just bought them last weekend for my niece and nephew. They are so fun! I hope your kids enjoy them too.

  • kat
    March 19, 2010 at 8:40 am

    That children’s shop is too cute for words. I would love to own a shop like that. It’s like a little slice of happiness!

  • Jill Cribb
    March 19, 2010 at 8:42 am

    Thanks for sharing! I love to see what other towns have and I have found they are usually nice enough to ship if you shop through their blogs/photos (like Elosie & Henry). Cute children’s shop! I think you should definatly go back and get that adorable bubble for Sloane – it is beautiful! I going to visit Katie’s blog now! The kids art work is awesome & so is Paige’s outfit!

  • Katie
    March 19, 2010 at 8:46 am

    OH, that pink and white dotty romper… I always have fun when someone posts pictures of great stores like this!

  • elizabeth
    March 19, 2010 at 8:47 am

    what a fun shop! you must go back and get the outfit for sloaney. it’s adorable…..congrats on morgan for her winning art.

  • kristen
    March 19, 2010 at 8:59 am

    so fun! first – i know the wearing the dress day and night thing all too well. my oldest did it for 6 months straight and we still deal with obsessive dress issues off and on with my middle one, well for that matter the older one too. AND i have another baby girl yet to hit the stage, so i’ve definitely thrown in the towel on that battle! secondly – i have a cute little bubble that is almost identical to the one you almost got sloane! My mom bought it for my almost one year old. she is welcome to the hand me down, although it won’t be for another year that it would fit her! love the store..wish we had one like it around here!

    p.s. i’m in love with my rose bud earrings 🙂

  • Cate O'Malley
    March 19, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Love the chopsticks!

  • alison g. (brazil)
    March 19, 2010 at 9:06 am

    I think if I lived in your town, I’d be in big trouble! The children’s store looks impeccable, and your hint at the next stop is like crack for a kitchen-gadget junkie like me!

  • Tara
    March 19, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Congrats on your girls big win, it’s very cute you should frame it for their room. My Chlo-Clo is 4, she wants to wear her church dresses to bed and also the next day and night…fun.

  • Laura
    March 19, 2010 at 9:27 am

    That Paige is a little fasionista! LOVE the boots!

  • Hillary @ The Other Mama
    March 19, 2010 at 9:43 am

    OOhh!! I’m in D-town right now and need to find this shop! I’ll ask my mom! Thanks for the tip!

  • Natalie
    March 19, 2010 at 9:45 am

    what a lovely store!!! ps love your blog layout!

  • Mandy
    March 19, 2010 at 9:54 am

    Love, love, love the chopsticks!! I love quirky little things like that.

    There aren’t enough stores like Katie’s left these days. I hope all the local readers go there! … and she should get a website!

  • Jennifer Morena
    March 19, 2010 at 10:34 am

    I loooove children’s clothing stores…they are a HUGE weakness of mine! Your friend’s shop looks adorable and I only wish I lived close enough to stop in!

    So glad John Martin got to wear that little shirt for St. Patty’s – he’s as cute as ever! I just noticed I’m using a lot of exclamation points today…I think I’m extra happy that it’s Friday, sunny and warm!!!!!

  • Karen
    March 19, 2010 at 11:51 am

    Wish we lived closer, but probably better we don’t for my pocket book. 😉 That store looks delicious & Katie should have a sign that warns customers it could be addictive! :)) Love all the colors & sweet things! Love the rainbow paintings-so cute!

  • Jenni @ Daily Luminary
    March 19, 2010 at 11:51 am

    Love, love, love Tim and Sally’s Vegtable Garden!

  • Katie
    March 19, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    So cute! I love that Paige wears her daddy’s boots.

  • Tara Verdigets
    March 19, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    YES! You must go back and get that precious bubble for Sloaney bolongna! Blair had it last summer. We put her name on the front of it, and it was to die for! Hurry, get it fast!

  • Sibi
    March 19, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    Hi Darcy!

    I am a friend of Southern Butters and she introduced me to your blog!

    I am a bit of a clotheshorse so I absolutely LOVED this post! Simply BEAUTIFUL in every way!

    I see we share a love for family, faith and photography!!

    So nice to meet you!

    Many Blessings,

    Sibi

  • the domestic fringe
    March 19, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    That looks like the cutest little shop ever. I’d love to go! AND, I love your daughters dress with the boots…so adorable.

    Also, congrats on the rainbow.

    -FringeGirl

  • Meg
    March 19, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Thanks for the response back via fb. I love the post. I am have been checking your blog to see all about this store. I may be calling them about Easter outfits for my boys. If not I am getting these for them https://www.feltmaninternational.com/p-108/96392T/96392t.html. Do you think them too plain??? There was some site you mentioned awhile back though that has patterns for children’s clothes and I think you used a pattern from them for a pair of pants for JM. Am I making this up? Does this ring a bell? My brain regularly fails me. Apologies if this does not apply to you. I am in search of any easy shorts pattern for boys. And cute fabric??? Where does one go to look? I think I am in a round about way trying to ask you make all of this into a post, to share all your resources pertaining to making children’s clothes. What do ya think?? Hehe.

    P.S. Can I come visit in Dothan? How is that you live in rural, lower Alabama and I do to, but there are ZERO places like Bellamia to shop in and only MickeyD’s to eat at. Your rural, lower Alabama looks like an Alabama I could really enjoy.

    Ciao,

    Meg

  • Chrissy
    March 19, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    So the kids’ shop?? LOOKS AMAZING! But the teaser for the other shop … my heart skipped a beat! I can’t WAIT to hear about that toy store (it would totally be MY toy store!). :o)

  • Sarah @ Picture Window
    March 19, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I love places that have unique kids’ stuff! Those barrettes are adorable.

  • Amanda @ Serenity Now
    March 19, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    That is the sweetest little shop! I love that they have a “rover room.” That would give me such peace of mind while shopping. 🙂 I am going to admit that I too would try to pull off that owl barrette, but only at home by myself. 😉

  • Yevette
    March 19, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    What an enjoyable trip to the shop you gave all of us readers!

  • Julie
    March 19, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    Bellamia looks absolutely wonderful!! I’ve mentioned before that I love your blog because we have a 5 yr old girl, 3.5 yr old girl, and a 23mo old boy so there are so many times I can relate… The fit over the pancakes and wearing the same dress, totally our 3.5 yr old as well. We wear our red Christmas dress, with blue princess gloves, and a tiara every day! We looked for a spring replacement dress today, but there is some high criteria, it has to look like a princess dress and go up when she spins. 🙂
    Love your blog.
    Julie

  • Julie
    March 19, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    I love Bellamia too! I would get into major trouble if I stayed in there too long!

  • Lee-Anne Fenwick
    March 19, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    OK, let’s talk about the dress and cowboy boots….up here in Louisville, SOOOO in style. I mean, adorable!!!! The girl has fashion in her blood!!! :):)
    LOVE that little shop!! SO stinkin sweet!!! I’d go broke in no time 🙂

  • Anne
    March 19, 2010 at 8:49 pm

    I remember a certain green gingham dress that I wore as often as my mother let me….and Megan wore Brenna’s recital costume EVERY day until it self destructed…….I used to wonder what people thought…..haha

  • Melise
    March 19, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    Simply adorable! I’ll have to stop by when I go through next time and most likely spend too much money! ;0)

  • Whitney Adams Mastin
    March 19, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    Cute store! And by the way, I love Paige’s dress {especially with the boots}. Definitely not worth worrying about! Your children are beautiful!

  • Joy
    March 19, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    The chopsticks are a must. We have them and my kids will eat ANYTHING I put on their plates with them. They are glorious. Love the shots of Tim and Sally books, new classics!

  • Renee Hargrove
    March 20, 2010 at 12:27 am

    Adorable! Looks like she has a lot of cute inventory.

  • Jen
    March 20, 2010 at 1:52 am

    i am inspired @ the very site of your blog. i love art. can you tell me what kind of paint you used to paint those bright rainbows? thanks heaps.

  • pve
    March 20, 2010 at 6:57 am

    I like when we get out of the house and go places.
    (even if we are in day old clothes) I mean who is going to know, really?
    Just like colonial times, they usually had one outfit, so I kinda like that idea. Sure simplifies the morning of the dreaded “what to wear?”
    pve

  • Lisa @ lists in my pocket
    March 20, 2010 at 8:38 am

    Every time I read your posts I’m struck by how gorgeous your kids are! I love that you are a flexible Mommy. Kids don’t have a whole lot of gray in their lives yet, so of course it makes sense to wear something you love every day. 🙂 Thanks for the eye candy at the store too!

  • Christie
    March 20, 2010 at 9:28 am

    What a cute store! I am not a local, but that store makes me want to be! 😉

  • Holly
    March 20, 2010 at 10:09 am

    I love the store! I have boys and spotted cute boy things…smocking and jon jons..swoon!

    your girl is rocking the dress and daddy boot thing..they look like mini frye boots!

  • Abbie
    March 20, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    What a cute shop! Paige wearing her daddy’s boots is just too adorable.

  • Nanny
    March 21, 2010 at 9:33 am

    I think that great store could cause some serious damage to the pocket book!!!!! Everything in it looks precious!

  • MB
    March 21, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Everything in the store looks so delightful! I can’t wait to see the next store…

  • Sarah
    March 21, 2010 at 11:52 am

    What a fun shop for moms and kids alike.

  • Kelly@TearingUpHouses
    March 21, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    Ohmygoodness, what a wonderful boutique! The chopsticks and the Sloaney Bologna bits were my favorites.

    AAAND that little dress with the cowboy boots. WHAT A CUTIE.

    Kelly

  • Kathryn
    March 21, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    That store is precious and full of such sweet, beautiful things! However did Morgan choose her prize? And what did she come home with?? I couldn’t stop “awwwing” thru this whole post! 🙂

  • Melanie Gore
    March 21, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    You babies are so cute. 🙂

  • Linley
    March 21, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Dang, I wish we had a shop like that here in Tally. Did you hear that Grammy and Gee is closing? Somehow Tallahassee can’t support cute little boutiques. Guess I’ll have to make a trip to Dothan sometime soon!!
    Miss y’all!
    LP

  • holly
    March 22, 2010 at 8:53 am

    what a beautiful store!
    https://mommyoffaith19.blogspot.com/2010/03/rainbow-cupcakes.html

  • angela
    March 22, 2010 at 11:54 am

    If I am ever in Dothan I will stop in for a visit!! LOVE little shops like this!! Thanks for sharing…..and your girls have some artistic talent! Their rainbows are really good!

  • Ruth
    March 22, 2010 at 11:55 am

    I adore Paige’s fashion sense! I think she could be quite a fashion diva as she gets older…..

  • Kelly
    March 22, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    What a fun idea to dye the pancakes green!
    ~Kelly

  • sarah
    March 22, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Never have commented on your blog before… follower for some time now though. But I have to ask you this:
    where did you get your daughter’s boots?
    so great and fun!
    thanks
    sarah
    colorado

  • Emily L.
    March 26, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    I went through the same faze when I was little. I had a dress I wore all the time for years, and it eventually became a long shirt 🙂
    That store looks amazing! I could splurge easily on friends kids there. I will be waiting patiently {I’ll try!} for the next store!! Cooking stores are my candy shops.

  • Like a Kid in a Candy Store {take 2} - Fly Through Our Window
    April 8, 2010 at 9:57 am

    […] such “secret agent” I would have posted these back to back! A few weeks ago we went to Bellamia and today we’re going to Moore Warren Restaurant Equipment {I interrupt this message to tell […]

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