Bronze Local: Spray Sunless Boutique

Check out a Special Offer from Spray Sunless Boutique at the end of this post!

It's October which means here in Wichita it is officially the most wonderful time of the year; fall. 

We do fall right here in Wichita. The weather reaches the perfect temperature for outdoor activities and the leaves just turn all shades of awesome orange and yellow. Yep, no reason not to love a Wichita fall.

Except maybe... are you loosing that nice summer tan? Sure, you didn't overdo it. Always wore your sunscreen. But you still had a nice summer glow. Now it's fall, and maybe you're feeling a little washed out? I mean... not me... I'm a man. Men don't think about such things... But if I did, I would make a trip to Spray Sunless Boutique at 8338 E. 21st, suite 311.

Prepare Local: Not Just a Cop Shop

Are you aware that September is National Preparedness Month? No? How could you forget? I guess I won't be expecting a Happy National Preparedness Month greeting card from you...

Just to cover all my bases, I should probably inform you that it is also National Yoga Month, but since we already did this post, we'll be focusing on "preparedness" today.

To honor this month of preparedness, I took a little trip to Not Just a Cop Shop at 2817 East Central Avenue. Here they can help you make sure you are prepared for whatever comes your way. Whether it be self defense, home security, your next camping trip or a zombie attack, they've got you covered.

Not Just a Cop Shop is a husband and wife owned business right here in Wichita, KS. They offer "a wide selection of self-protection products and emergency gear for the private citizen." 

Shop Local: Earth & Shawn of Rock Star Boxer

When I stopped off at Starbucks the other day I learned three things...

The first, always compliment the barista on his red suspenders. Second, Starbucks baristas who wear red suspenders know all the coolest places in town. And finally, Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift is one of those places.

Yes, when the local Starbucks employee recommended that I stop by Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a local shop owned by two sisters, brimming with unique vintage finds, in an atmosphere more likely to be found on the eclectic streets of New York City's West Village than the Kansas plains.

Sweat Local: Nickki Head of Firefly Yoga Studio

When it comes to fitness, it seems people can't get enough of the "yoga glow" that comes after a Hot Yoga Class. That's 45 minutes, 75 minutes or 90 minutes of yoga in a 99 degree room. 

Leading that Hot Yoga charge here in Wichita is Nickki Head, yoga instructor and owner of Firelfy Yoga Studio, located in the Shops at Tallgrass on the northeast corner of 21st and Rock Road.

Nickki's booming business and the swarms of sweaty women and men leaving Firefly Yoga Studio hourly is a testament to one fact; Wichitans like their yoga hot. 

Shop Local / Eat Local: Farmers' Markets

Kansas may be known for the wheat fields, but in Wichita there seems to be quite a market for fresh, locally grown produce of all kinds.

Enter our weekly parade of Farmers' Markets. They're the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday morning, get a break from the evening commute with a stop and sample of a fresh peach, or just to people watch. 

But let's be honest, if you come just to people watch, you know you're leaving with a loaf of fresh bread and maybe some preserves to go with it.

TUESDAY

On Tuesdays, you may not have to go any farther than the Green Acres Market parking lot to get your fresh produce and local goods fix. 

Guest Post: Dad's Movie Night Kit

Today I have a guest post from Bianca over at A Little White Mouse. She's sharing her idea for a fun Father's Day gift on a budget. 

This Dad's Movie Night Kit is perfect if your looking for something creative, inexpensive and local. Not to mention, you still have time to get this together before Sunday! 

The Cottage Collective Giveaway Winner

And the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate from The Cottage Collective is...

Shanna768!!!

Congratulations Shanna! Email me at JRamstack@plazare.com to find out how to collect your prize!

Shop Local: Abbe Doll of The Cottage Collective

Check out the end of this post for a giveaway from The Cottage Collective!

 

Our home is a perfect example of what Abbe Doll can do with old pieces of furniture. It is filled with custom pieces that have been given new "French Country" (or so my wife tells me) lives thanks to Abbe's hard work and creativity.

Now with the opening of her own shop, The Cottage Collective, all Wichitans have the chance to fill their homes with her unique style. Located in what locals know as the Green Elephant Village, this shop is the perfect stop for those who love vintage, handmade and unique items. Most importantly, by supporting her boutique, shoppers also support several local, women-owned businesses.

Shop Local: Bungalow 26

Take a walk down in the Delano district and you will come across a cool and unique shop called Bungalow 26. Filled with awesome bath products, quirky gifts, and home decor. 

Healthy Baby Boutique

Another branch of Healthy Baby Boutique opened up in Wichita, this time on the East side of town located by Central and Rock. They started in Newton, opened a west side location, and now on to the east. 

Come check out the boutique with me, and at the end of the post - a giveaway!

Cocoa Dolce: Part Two

We are back for another close look at Wichita chocolatier, Cocoa Dolce. 

Cocoa Dolce: Part One

I had the pleasure of stopping by local chocolate artisan shop, Cocoa Dolce the other day. Not only was the chocolate tasting amazing... but we got a behind the scenes tour for you all. Take a walk with me through the famous chocolate shop in Bradley Fair, Cocoa Dolce. 

Pink Saloon

 Pink Saloon is the hip and trendy spot to shop for women's clothes and accessories in Wichita. Or, as they say, "Wichita's style headquarters for the fashion conscious."

Cero's: Homemade candy and sweet treats

The other day I stopped by Cero's Candies in downtown Wichita. The candy shop that has been around for many generations, ok around 125 years! Still making the wonderful confections from back in the day, and some new creations also. 

The Spice Merchant

If you haven't been to the Spice Merchant in Wichita, you are missing out. Whether you are a coffee, tea or spice lover... there is something for everyone here. 

All things about: All Things BBQ

All Things BBQ, is the only place to go to get anything BBQ or grilling related. They are the store of all stores when it comes to cookin' out.

Last minute gift idea: Nifty Nut House

After going into Nifty Nut House and taking this picture, I was told I couldn't take anymore... so this is all you get.

Nifty Nut House is a crazy place to get any kind of candy you could want, and all the nut mixtures possible. You can purchase in bulk, everything is weighed right in front of you, or you buy pre-packaged. They will also ship to you.

Jake's Gift Guide to keeping it local.

1. A box of mixed nuts in the red box from the Nifty Nut House. You know it's Christmas time when you see these floating around town. 

2. Tickets to a night out at the Warren Theatre.

3. A box of specialty chocolates including the Pumpkin Spice Truffle from Cocoa Dolce.

4. A flower arrangement from Beard’s Floral.  – Or a silk arrangement that could last forever.

5. Shooting Range gift certificate from Michael Murphy & Son's gun range. 

6. For the coffee lover, a bag of High Voltage Coffee from the Fresh Roast Coffee Co.

7. Carmel Corn from Glori's Popcorn Express, downtown by I-35. 224 N Kansas St, Wichita, KS 67214

8. A funny gift from Lucinda's in uptown. 

9. A flat screen T.V. from Hephner Electronics, local and better than Best Buy. 

10. A Healing Waters massage for the lady.

Guest Post with Arcadian Lighting: DIY updates for your home

Today I am happy to introduce to you Susi, from Arcadian Lighting. She's going to share with us a few DIY ways to update your home lighting.

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer over at Arcadian Lighting, where I focus on lighting fixtures and decor ideas for the home. I'm excited to be visiting I've Gotta Guy today to share some easy ways to update your lighting. I've pulled together eight DIY projects for easy updates that can transform an existing light or create a stunning new lighting fixture without breaking the budget. Enjoy!

Book it to Eighth Day Books

When looking for a nice quaint bookstore, don't forget about the Wichita treasure, Eighth Day Books. A great place to find new and used books, with most categories available, but focused on religion, philosophy and the classics.