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Spring Break Workshop at the Arts Center of the Ozarks

February 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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According to the Professional Women’s Network blog, The Arts Center of the Ozarks will be hosting a Spring Break Workshop during the week of March 26th-30th, 2007.  The registration deadline is March 19.

Spring Break Art Blast

  • Students will spend the week exploring clay, fiber, mosaics, collage, and paint.
  • Kindergarten through 6th grade
  • M-F 9-3:30pm (students bring a sack lunch)
  • Cost:  $75

Arts Center of the Ozarks
479-751-5441

Note:  This program is scheduled for the Springdale schools’ spring break week.  The Fayetteville schools’ spring break is a week earlier (March 19-23).

Kindergarten Registration for Fayetteville Public Schools

February 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Thank goodness for my sister in law.  Otherwise, I would have never known that I was supposed to register my son for kindergarten five months before kindergarten started!  If you have a child who will be starting kindergarten in the Fayetteville Public Schools this fall, here is what you need to know:

  • Kindergarten registration for the Fayetteville Public Schools is Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. 
  • You will register at your school zone’s elementary school.  If you do not know your school zone, check the online zone map here.   
  • To register, you will need: (1) proof of address (such as a utility bill — not a phone bill); (2) your child’s immunization record; and (3) your child’s social security card or proof of birthday.
  • Your child will also need a physical to begin kindergarten, but that can be completed up to 30 days before school starts.
  • You can still register your child after kindergarten registration day.  However, some school’s kindergarten classes fill up that day, so it is best to register on March 29th.

If you wish to enroll your child at one of the approved open enrollment schools, you must still enroll at your home school, and then complete a transfer request.

If you have questions, call your elementary school.  You can find the phone numbers here

Meal Planning Help

February 26, 2007 | 1 Comment

I think one of the hardest things to do as a working mom is to get dinner on the table.  I rely heavily on Pass Your Plate and all the good restaurants in Northwest Arkansas that welcome to kids.  From time to time, I use other meal related websites like Kraft Food and Family and Epicurious.

Now there’s a new kid on the block.  Meals Matter is a resource from the California Dairy Council.  It includes a recipe planner, shopping list, personalized pantry and meal ideas.  Did I mention it is free?  Thanks, Lifehacker

Stephen Fite Concert for Kids

February 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

From the Education Station:

Stephen Fite’s upcoming concerts in Northwest Arkansas are worth getting excited over! Not only is Stephen a terrific performer, but he is so great with kids that he knows just how to make the whole experience a positive one for school groups and families. Here are the local concert dates:

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in Springdale, Arkansas, at the Sr. High Performing Arts center, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 8, 2008, in Alma, Arkansas, at the Alma Performing Arts Center, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Friday, May 9, 2008, in Greenwood, Arkansas, at the High School Performing Arts Center, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The price of tickets is a mere $4.50 per person, kid or adult. Get your forms to order tickets at The Education Station, in the Ozark Center Point Place, Springdale, Arkansas, or call 1(800)234-9228 to charge tickets.

Make the Most of Being a Local: Eat at Herman’s Without Fighting the Gameday Crowds

February 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I love Herman’s rib house in Fayetteville.  When you walk in to this very casual steakhouse, you know you are in a local hangout.  I recommend taking kids on week nights when there is often little or no wait.  The salsa (served with Saltines, not chips) and the salad dressings are all homemade — and you can tell.  Ordering is easy.  Everything is good.  I can never seem to pass up the fillet, but everyone raves about the ribs. 

Here’s the menu

Location:  2901 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone:  (479) 442-9671

Work at the UofA, or Prefer a Smaller Elementary School? Leverett and Washington Now Have Open Enrollment

February 23, 2007 | 1 Comment

The Fayetteville School Board voted last night to allow open enrollment for Leverett and Washington Elementary schools.  This means that students who live outside of the Washington and Leverett Elementary zones may request to attend those schools (provided that the parents provide transportation).  See today’s Democrat Gazette article here

Leverett and Washington are both located extremely close to the University of Arkansas campus, and would be a great option for parents who attend or work at the UofA.  The schools are also excellent for those who prefer a smaller elementary school. 

My oldest child attends Leverett, and we love it.  I also know lots of families with children at Washington, and they consider that school to be a "gem" as well.  If you would like to request a transfer to one of those schools, you should do so soon.  It appears that a deadline for transfer requests will be set for April.

The Swim Ranch in Fayetteville

February 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Swim Ranch is a longtime local favorite for swim lessons.  They offer classes for all ages and skill levels (in a heated pool, which is important for the early summer sessions!).  Call or email the Swim Ranch and ask for an application.  Prime sessions fill up quickly. 

Upcoming Kids Events at the Fayetteville Public Library

February 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville Public Library has several upcoming events kids:

  • Library Lions, a club for kids in the 6th through 9th grades meets at noon on Saturday, February 24th, 2007 at noon.
  • After School Workshop — Art with Leiani.  For kindergarten through 5th graders.  Meets in the Walmart Storytime room on Thursday, March 1, 2007 from 4-5pm.
  • Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party — Friday, March 2, 2007 at 4pm in the Children’s library.  For preschoolers and elementary children and their families.  The celebration will include readings from Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s books, a special visit from the Cat in the Hat and birthday cake.

Summer Camp Options: KidsWrite

February 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Northwest Arkansas Writing Project, a part of the National Writing Project, is hosting its annual Kidswrite camps on the University of Arkansas campus.  The programs include guest speakers, a walking field trip, and the publishing of daily newsletters and an anthology. 

Kidswrite - June 18-28, 2007; cost $145; (for kids who have completed the 4th through 7th grades).  The campers meet as a group in the mornings and divide into focus groups of poetry, short stories, and plays in the afternoons.  (The kids pick their focus groups.)  The last day is a performance day with the short stories read at Giffels Auditorium, the play performed at the Fayetteville Public Library, and the poems slammed at a local restaurant.  The camp is limited to approximately 40 kids with 3 teachers. 

Kidswrite II — July 16-20, 2007; cost $110; (for kids who have completed the 8th through 12th grades).  The campers do not divide into groups, as the group is usually smaller, and the last day is a celebration of the anthology which the kids completely put together themselves, not just the  writing but the designing, illustrating, editing, publishing, etc.

For more information, contact Lynette Terrell at lterrell@sdale.org

No Sew Tutu

February 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I think this no sew tutu is just adorable, and looks so easy to make.  You basically knot strips of tulle around an elastic band.  All you need is tulle, an elastic band, and scissors.  This would be perfect favor for a princess birthday party or Halloween costume.  Thanks, Kiddley!

Mommy and Me Art Classes at Art Explosions Imagination Studio in Springdale

February 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Every Wednesday morning at Art Explosions is Mommy and Me art time.  Kids ages 2-5 and their parents will enjoy this fun and creative class where they will experience art in all its messiness! 

  • When:  Wednesdays, 10-11 am 
  • Where: Art Explosions Community Imagination Studio in Springdale.  Directions to the studio are here.
  • Cost: monthly — $40 per child, $30 per child for multiple children
  • For more information:  479-927-2020

Did You Know Kids Eat Free at Grubs?

February 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Grubs is one of my favorite places to eat with kids before an event at the Walton Arts Center. The restaurant is in a big space with high ceilings and music, so if your child’s behavior is less than perfect, no one will notice.  Also, kids eat free — you can’t beat that. 

Location:  220 N. West Ave, Fayetteville, AR (just to the South of the Walton Arts Center) Map

Picnic at the Walton Arts Center

February 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Hamlet is showing at the Walton Arts Center this weekend (Feb. 23-24, 2007).  But, this is not your typical Shakespeare.  The show is adapted for young audiences, and will be a great way to expose your elementary age and older kids to Shakespeare.  When you purchase your ticket, add a picnic meal to eat before the show for only $5.  Find out more details and purchase tickets here.

Don’t forget, Discover Theater! featuring Disney’s Cinderella Kids & Disney’s The Jungle Book is also showing this week at the Walton Arts Center (Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007 at 6:30, 60 minutes, best for ages 5-11).

Teething Necklace for Mom

February 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Mommas_jewelsAs babies, my boys were always grabbing at any necklace or earrings I wore.  I was always scared that small pieces would break off, or that I would lose an earring, so I stopped wearing jewelry altogether for a while.  Then, when we were out, teething rings and other playthings inevitably were dropped (or thrown) on a dirty floor.  This clever line of necklaces called Mommas Jewels would help those problems.  The necklaces are designed to be played with and chewed on by your baby.  They are not cheap, but I think one of the necklaces would make a great gift for a new mom or grandmother.

I saw this first at Cool Moms Picks, a great site that points out cool kid related items online.

Grossology and the Race for Planet X

February 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment

If you are looking for something to do on Monday when the Fayetteville Public Schools are out, try the Race for Planet X exhibit parked on the UofA campus (see my previous post on that exhibit here),  or the Grossology exhibit at the Nadine Baum Learning Center (see my previous post on that exhibit here). 

Bebenique Sale

February 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment

According to Baby Chic 101, the online baby boutique Bebenique is going out of business and selling all of its stock at huge markdowns.  Adorable clothes, great prices.  Check out the sale here.

Syndicate Boards & Apparel

February 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Syndicate Boards & Apparel is a skateboarding shop with a great selection of apparel, including the Krew and Volcom lines in youth sizes.  While the shop included a few of the obligatory morbid T-shirt designs, it was refreshing to see mostly earth tones that even a mother could endure.

Location:  3589 North Shiloh Drive, Suite #2, Fayetteville, AR (in the Kohl’s Shopping Center, next to Petsmart)

The Bead Queens Bring the Beading Party to You

February 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Did you know that Northwest Arkansas has its very own pair of Bead Queens?  They bring the beads to you for a jewelry making party.  Beading is great for birthday parties, of course, but what about church or scout groups, or maybe a girl’s night in?  The prices range from $8-$10 per child, depending upon age, and the adult parties are priced based upon the jewelry the guest chooses to make.

Make Placemats From Holiday Cards

February 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Each Christmas we end up with a stack of beautiful photo Christmas cards of friends and family.  I never have the heart to throw them out, but I never really know what to do with them. Parent Hacks has a great post recommending that you (or your kids) make a collage out of the cards, cover it with contact paper, and voila — a place mat for your kids to use.  The post focuses on Valentine cards, but the same idea would work for Birthday or other holiday cards as well.

Recap of Recommendations in the Comments

February 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Some good recommendations have been made in the comments:

  • Alannah recommends a CD — The Bottle Let Me Down.  She bought it when her daughter was younger, and they still love it.
  • Nelson recommends the kids packs at Fuddruckers (for the whole family).  It’s the only thing his family eats there.
  • Another reader notes that kids eat free at Jose’s on Sundays and Wednesdays.  Also, Jose’s offers trans-fat-free and vegetarian foods:  The chips are now cooked in a trans-fat-free oil, and they have vegetarian items on both the kids and regular menu.  Great salsa, too!
  • Michelle recommends Nightbird Books.  Kids will love their bird habitat, and the last time she was there, the owner held an impromptu story time for her kids so she could browse.
  • Alannah reminds me that Pesto Cafe is one of the few good restaurants open on Sunday nights around here.  Matt and Micah both love Pesto Cafe.  Not the parking, though.

Thanks for reading All Sides of Life!

Razorback Gymnastics Team Gym’Backs Kids Club

February 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Gymnastics

The Lady Razorback sporting events cater to families, and provide a great opportunity for kids to get close to the action of college sports.  The Arkansas gymnastics team has formed a Gym’Backs club for kids. The cost is $15 for club and $15 for reserved season tickets.  Gym’Back members will receive:

* Official membership card
* Gym’Back Club T-shirt
* Monthly newsletter (starting in December)
* Monthly birthday parties at select home events
* Contests for official Gym’Back members
* An instructional clinics with Arkansas Gymnastics team
* A special post-event celebration with the Gym’Backs

This Friday, February 17, 2007 the Lady Razorbacks take on Alabama in Barnhill arena at 7:00pm.

Easily Find Discounts on Amazon.com

February 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Amazon always has tons of deals and discounts, but it is very difficult to find those deals without spending hours surfing around the site.  Brand-name-coupons.com allows you to search Amazon by category and percentage of discount.  For example, in one click you can search for toys and games marked 90% off, or 50% off, etc.  Check it out here.

Venesian Inn in Tontitown

February 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

People have been standing in line for spaghetti and fried chicken at the Venesian Inn in Tontitown for decades.  The place is very casual and family friendly.  In fact, most of the tables in the small, family owned restaurant will include kids.  The homemade rolls (which are best with honey) will make up for the fact that you will have to wait.   

Location:  582 West Henri De Tonti Blvd, Tontitown, AR 72770-0022.  From I-540, take Hwy 412 West to Tontitown.  The restaurant will be on your right.

Baby & Toddler Music Classes

February 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Baby & Toddler music classes based upon the Orff education theory that children of all ages are naturally musical are being offered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville.  The classes allow children and caregivers to experience music in a fun way.  Class size is limited. Fee: $84 for 12 classes.

  • Bouncing Babies (3 months-walking) Wednesdays 11:10am-11:50am
  • Tuneful Tots (walking - 3 years) Wednesdays 9:30am-10:10am
  • Melody Makers (3-4 years) Wednesday 10:30-11:00am

Contact Linda Kelly to register Lpkellyar@aol.com

What to do This Week: Celebrate Mardi Gras

February 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Weather permitting, the Mardi Gras parade around downtown Fayetteville is always a great event for families.  The Fat Saturday Parade of Fools begins 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 on Dickson Street and the Fayetteville Square. The 16th annual Mardi Gras festivities and crowning of royalty will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 2007 at Jose’s Streetside in Fayetteville. 

Or, go wild and take the kids to New Orleans.  Here’s how to find family friendly Mardi Gras activities in New Orleans.

Are You Buried in Stuffed Animals?

February 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Trio_main_1 I love this practical, modern bag for storing stuffed animals that doubles as a bean bag type chair.  The bag comes in three sizes with colors ranging from the triple sized orange for $99, a single sized pink or green for $60, and a double sized blue for $90.  From Boon.

Moms.meetup.com

February 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

If you are looking for ways to meet other moms in Northwest Arkansas, you may want to try Moms Meet Up, a website of local playgroups and other "meet ups".  The Northwest Arkansas Playgroup currently has 77 members and the Northwest Arkansas Stroller Strides currently has 9 members.  It looks like the Stroller Strides group is looking for an organizer to get that group going again. 

Creative Kids: Analog to Digital Spring Break Classes

February 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Kids ages 9-12 can learn how to create their own book and design their own web page during spring break 2007 at the New Design Center and Little Mountain Bindery studio.  Go here for more information.

The Spring series of “makeshops” has something for everyone interested in learning graphic design, bookbinding, and fundamentals of visual arts.  Who knows, maybe you will find a class for yourself, too.

La Maison de Tartes

February 9, 2007 | 1 Comment

Update:  This restaurant recently closed, but I am not deleting this post in the hopes in will reopen someday! 

Expose your kids to the joys of French cuisine at La Maison de Tartes in Fayetteville.  They can munch on chocolate brioche and sip hot chocolate (both made with handmade chocolate ganache) while you enjoy what might be the best coffee in town.

Location:  481 South School Ave., Fayetteville, Arkansas (in the Mill District) Map.

What to do This Weekend: The Tyson Invitational

February 9, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Some of the best track and field athletes in the world will be competing in the Tyson Invitational this weekend (Feb. 9-10, 2007) at the Randall Tyson Track Center on the University of Arkansas campus.  The finals are tonight (Friday) from 8-10pm and Saturday from 3-5pm.  General admission tickets are $10, but children 12 and under are free.  According to Hogwired, two world records fell at the event last year, and Tyson Foods is paying $50,000 to anyone who breaks a world record at the event this year.

Mommy and Me Yoga

February 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Update Feb. 2008: The Arkansas Yoga Center is not currently offering Mommy and Me yoga classes.  For other local Mommy and Me activities, browse the Mommy and Me category on Life+Kids.

The Arkansas Yoga Center has Mommy and Me yoga classes (for precrawlers) on Wednesday mornings at 11:00am.  You can try it out for a $15 drop-in fee.  Bring you own mat, or you can rent one for $1 per session.  The website says that the session ends on Feb. 14th, but when I asked, they said the classes were “ongoing.”  The rates are explained at the bottom of this page.

Location:  1949 Green Acres, Fayetteville, Arkansas (521-9642)
contact@aryoga.com
Map to AYC

Tuesday Morning for Birthday Gifts

February 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I always go to Tuesday Morning to buy birthday presents for kids.  Here’s why:

  • Substantial markdowns on a selection of great toys
  • Wrapping paper and gift bags too
  • Parking at the front door so you can get in and out quickly

Tuesday Morning has locations in Fayetteville (in the Shopping center on College Ave. with Hobby Lobby and Blockbuster) and Rogers (in the Frisco Station Mall).

Pesto Cafe in Fayetteville

February 7, 2007 | 3 Comments

I love the Pesto Cafe in Fayetteville.  Pesto has a great casual atmosphere with excellent food and quick service.  But, I never really think of it as kid friendly.  That changed on Friday night — at least three of the tables had kids.  This is another one of those places that gets very crowded and the tables are close together, so take that into consideration.  But, I think Pesto would be a great place for a family dinner, especially on a weeknight.  Also, the restaurant has live music on Mondays and Thursdays, which my kids love.  Of course, Pesto is always an excellent choice for a date night, so if you are not up to the challenge of dining with kids, find a sitter and go.

Hours:  11am-10pm M-Th, 11am-11pm F-Sat.

Location:  Pesto Cafe is located at 1830 N. College. Between Sycamore St. and Township Ave. on the East side of Hwy 71B. Enclosed in the Chief Motel.  click here

Different Strokes: Paint Your Own Pottery in Fayetteville

February 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Nelson Family Blog has a recent post on Different Strokes, the paint your own pottery place in Fayetteville that has recently opened in Nelson’s Crossing (Joyce St. and College Ave., behind Starbucks).  I agree that Different Strokes is a great place for an outing with little ones, and the resulting creations are always adorable.  Different Strokes is also a great birthday party venue.

Weekend Getaway: Little Rock

February 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I have some friends who are traveling to Little Rock this weekend for a conference.  I gave them a few quick recommendations on where to eat and shop, and I thought my ideas might make a good post, in case anyone is traveling to Little Rock soon. 

Little Rock has tons of great restaurants and shopping, so I narrowed my recommendations to those that are either (1) close to my friends’ downtown hotel; or (2) easy to find.  I have made a map with the spots I recommended to them here.

The River Market area is a great stretch of bars and restaurants and shops. Here are my suggestions for food in that area:

  • For lunch, try the Flying Fish restaurant (casual seafood).
  • For dinner, try Nu (trendy continental), or Sonny Williams Steakhouse (upscale steakhouse with a piano bar)
  • For brunch, try the restaurant in the Clinton Presidential Library

The Heights and Hillcrest are two of my favorite neighborhoods for shopping in Little Rock.  Kavanaugh Blvd. is the best street for shopping in both neighborhoods.  Kavanaugh curves through the Heights to the North of Cantrell Ave.  To the South of Cantrell Ave., Kavanaugh winds through Hillcrest.  All along Kavanaugh will be quaint boutique shops and restaurants.

The Midtowne Shopping Center is Little Rock’s newest upscale, outdoor shopping mall.  You can see a list of stores here.  Midtowne is located at the corner of University Ave. and Markham Blvd.

Another good place for lunch or dinner is Trios. Trios is located in the Pavilion in the Park shopping center on Cantrell Ave.  Pavilion in the Park has several wonderful (and expensive) stores.

My friends are leaving the kids at home, but if they were taking kids, I would also recommend the Museum of Discovery, the Little Rock Zoo, and the Arkansas Children’s Theatre at the Arkansas Arts Center.

Recap of Recommendations in the Comments

February 4, 2007 | 2 Comments

Here is a recap of great recommendations from the comments on All Sides of Life:

Keep the comments coming, and thanks for reading All Sides of Life.

Lullabies Getting You Down?

February 3, 2007 | 2 Comments

Several companies are now remixing classic songs as instrumental lullabies.  The resulting CDs would make great baby shower gifts or additions to your own kid-friendly music collection.

Finally, if you are looking for recommendations of good music for kids, check out (Sm)all Ages, a blog about music that everyone in the family can enjoy.  As (Sm)all Ages says:  Because No One Should Have to Listen to the Wiggles.  Ever.

Richard’s Meat Market

February 2, 2007 | 3 Comments

Richard’s Meat Market is one of Fayetteville’s best kept secrets.  They carry any type of meat imaginable, including seafood and wild game, and the quality is always outstanding.  If you are looking to pick up something for dinner, Rick’s has an amazing selection of quick to fix items.  My favorites is the Sun Dried Tomato and Basil burger.  The store contains a variety of specialty sauces, pantry items, and a small produce section.  Also, if you time it right, you can pick up a deli sandwich for lunch while you shop. 

Address: 3042 North Market Ave., Fayetteville.  Map.

Valentine’s Day Party at the Fayetteville Public Library

February 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville Public Library is hosting a Valentine’s Day party for K-5th graders on Tuesday, February 13th at 4:00pm.  There will be stories, crafts, and refreshments.  Sounds like fun! 

Registration required.  Sign up at the Children’s desk or call 571.2222 Ext. 4370

Recent Changes to the Site

February 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I have recently made several changes to the site.  Here’s a recap:

I have added a list of other Northwest Arkansas blogs on the site.  If you have a blog that you would like me to include, let me know.

Life+Kids is updated frequently.  If you would like to receive a daily email containing the previous days posts, you may enter your email address to the form at the top of the page.  Also, you can easily subscribe with your RSS reader.

Finally, I am always looking for ideas for postings.  Please give me your feedback through a comment or email.

Thanks for reading Life+Kids!

Jammin Java on the Fayetteville Square

February 1, 2007 | 1 Comment

Jammin Java is a local coffee shop and deli next to the Town Center on the Fayetteville Square (behind Tim’s Pizza).  It is a great place to stop in for a quick bite to eat or drink when you are near the Square.  The guys at Jammin Java know how to make a latte (I’ve learned the hard way that not every coffee shop does) and serve coffee from Distant Lands Coffee Roaster

The menu includes various breakfast pastries as well as desserts.  If you are looking for a tasty bite of something sweet, buy a few Chocolate Covered Cherries — they are addictive.  Jammin Java also makes excellent sandwiches from Boar’s Head meats, and the salads, such as the Berry Fields Forever and the Bella Mozzarella, are great for a light lunch.  The kids menu includes PB&J and Grilled Cheese. 

The shop has free wireless, serves beer and wine, and has live music on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Jammin Java also have several board games to keep your kids busy while you enjoy your coffee. Hours: 6am to 7pm (typically).

Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner

February 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Here are a few ideas for Valentine’s Day:

Legacy_left Do you send out Valentine’s cards?  Why not add a customized photo stamp to the envelope?  Or, Hog fans can add Razorback stamps — which are red, of course — to their cards.  One sheet with 20 stamps costs $18.  Available here.

Vincentval_2Keep your little girl in red, all the way down to her toes, with these Mary Janes from Vincent Shoes.  Available here.  Price $49.95.  Via Boutique Mom.

Caldecott_flotsam_2The 2007 Caldecott Award winner, Flotsam, would be a great addition to any child’s library.  From the Caldecott siteFlotsam is a cinematic unfolding of discovery. A vintage camera washed up on the beach provides a young boy with a surprising view of fantastical images from the bottom of the sea. From fish-eye to lens-eye, readers see a frame-by-frame narrative of lush marinescapes ebbing and flowing from the real to the surreal.  “Telling tales through imagery is what storytellers have done through the ages. Wiesner’s wordless tale resonates with visual images that tell his story with clever wit and lively humor,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Janice Del Negro.  You can purchase the book online here.  Or, go to Nightbird Books in Fayetteville to support your local independent booksellers.