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Best of 2007 Part III

December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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In case you missed the posts from May and June of 2007, here are a few of my favorites.  Click on the highlighted text to read the original posts.  I have not included any events (as they have already passed).

May

In May, I highlighted another local home based monogramming business, Cotton Hill Designs as well as two excellent (and kid friendly) restaurants in Fayetteville, Mama Dean’s Soul Food Kitchen and the Red Palace (Vietnamese).

For outdoor activities, I recommended Fayetteville’s Mud Creek Trail and the Interactive Nature Center in Fort Smith

Finally, I gathered responses to a reader question on things for her grandkids to do while visiting during the summer.

June

June was a very eclectic month with postings on Ruby and Myrtle (they make adorable hair accessories) and DDP Gallery (my favorite local art gallery) as well as the Little Bread Company (in the old Arsaga’s Block Street building) and the Mothers of Preschoolers group.

Tomorrow:  July and August 2007.  Thanks for reading Life+Kids!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Best of 2007, Blog 

Family Time at Crystal Bridges at the Massey

December 28, 2007 | 1 Comment

Crystal Bridges at the Massey’s special exhibition, America’s Wildlife and Wildlands: The Journeys of Susan Morrison, is a moving backdrop to reflect on the heritage of inspired ideas that is the legacy of Martin Luther King.  Families will have the opportunity to meet and work with Susan Morrison on a variety of Family Time fun activities that explore how inspired ideas can help all us do heroic things.

  • Community Paper Quilt Project
  • Hands-on Artworks
  • Poetry Wall
  • Storytelling
  • Gallery Scavenger Hunt

This is a free drop-in program for the entire family. 

Check out the Crystal Bridges website, www.crystalbridges.org for more information.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Past Events 

Bead Crazy! at the Springdale Public Library

December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Beaded jewelry is the main event at this special program! Learn tips and techniques for making jewelry, and have fun making your own piece of jewelry with a local artisan. Go Bead Crazy!

Ages 6 and up.  Registration Required

  • What:  Bead Crazy!
  • Where:  Children’s Auditorium/Craft Area of the Springdale Public Library
  • When:  Sat., Jan. 19, 2007 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

To register for this event call the Springdale Public Library at 479-750-8180 and ask for the Children’s Department.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Past Events 

Learn to Ice Skate at the It’s Great to Skate Event

December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Your family can learn the fundamentals of ice skating from professionally trained instructors at the Ozark Figure Skating Club’s It’s Great to Skate event at the Jones Center for Families. 

This annual event is carried out nationally by US Figure Skating at participating rinks throughout the country where people are encouraged to take to the ice this winter to learn to skate. 

The event will include skating and hockey exhibitions, free skating sessions, free lessons and games.  Aspiring skaters of all ages are welcome!

What:  It’s Great to Skate
When:  January 19, 2008
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where:  Joel Carver Ice Arena, Jones Center for Families in Springdale

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Reoccuring Events 

Creative Writing Workshops for Kids (Advance Registration Required)

December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville Public Library will offer six-week creative writing workshops for students this fall.

The Youth Writing Workshop, for students in 3rd through 5th grade, will be taught by Youth Librarian Caitlyn Spaulding.

The group meets every Tuesday, Jan. 15 through Feb. 19, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the Wal-Mart Storytime Room.

Registration is required.

Sign up at the children’s desk or by calling 571.2222 x 4370.

The Teen Creative Fiction Workshop, for students in 6th through 12th grade, will be taught by Youth Librarian Alyson Low.

The group meets every Wednesday, Jan. 16 to Feb. 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Wal-Mart Storytime Room.

Registration is required.

Sign up at the reference desk or by calling 571.2222 x 4450.

The workshops will provide tips for both beginning and advanced writers in a fun and relaxed setting.

Students will explore writing poetry, creative fiction and nonfiction and plays through activities designed to stretch their imaginations.

The workshops are free.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Past Events 

Ratatouille at the Fayetteville Public Library

December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville Public Library will screen the animated film, Ratatouille, on Friday, Jan. 4 at 10 am. The movie is rated G and will be shown in the Walker Community Room.

The event is for children and families.

For more information, contact the Children’s Desk at 571.2222 x 4340.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Reoccuring Events 

Favorite Posts of 2007, Part II

December 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Here’s a recap of posts from March and April 2007.  If you missed any of these, just click on the highlighted links to get to the original posts. 

March

March was filled with posts on Spring Break activities (which I will be posting about again in 2008), but I also posted on several local favorites like Chuck’s Cake Shoppe in Fayetteville, and the Education Station in Springdale.

I also mentioned several outdoor activities like exploring the War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake and visiting the Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari in Gentry or the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs.

I pointed readers to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism travel blog as well as a website called Fair Play for Recess dedicated to increasing recess time in the Fayetteville public schools.

March also included several posts about local parenting related groups like Mothers of Multiples, and the Northwest Arkansas International Families (for families who have adopted internationally).

April

In April I featured a locally owned online monogramming business called Appledoodles and recommended an old fashioned train ride on the The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad.

I told readers about the opportunity for free eye exams for children under a year old and featured a site where you can find local pick-your-own farms when the weather improves.

April also focused on kid friendly restaurants like the Boston Mountain Grill and Hogwild Pizzeria.

Tomorrow — May and June 2007!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Best of 2007, Blog 

Favorite Posts of 2007

December 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Many of you have only recently started reading Life+Kids (formerly known as All Sides of Life).  So, I thought it would be fun to take a look back and highlight my favorite posts from 2007.  (You can click on the highlighted links to go to the original posts). 

January

I started the blog with an essay from the Smithsonian Magazine by author Ellen Gilchrist about why she loves Fayetteville and an article in the New York Times on Fayetteville.

Then, I went right to the local kid friendly favorites like the Wilson Park Castle and the kid sized grocery carts at Ozark Natural Foods; the Skate Station (an indoor skateboarding park) and the Arkansas Air Museum; the Dickson Street Bookshop, the Flying Burrito, and the War Eagle Mill. 

I also recommended local stores like Best Sports, various bead shops, and Flora; as well as local venues like the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club and the Walton Arts Center.

I included some frugal recommendations like places to find previously owned kids stuff, and a link to the Washington County Freecycle website.

February

February was full of local favorites like Jamin Java and Richards Meat Market, Different Strokes (paint your own pottery) and Tuesday Morning, the Venesian Inn , and Herman’s.

That month also included the Bead Queens, information on Fayetteville’s two open enrollment elementary schools and the Swim Ranch.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more favorite posts, and thanks for reading Life+Kids!

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Best of 2007, Blog 

Terra Tots — Fayetteville’s New Eco Friendly Parenting Store

December 22, 2007 | 1 Comment

onsie1.jpgHave you been to Terra Tots yet?  It’s the new eco friendly parenting store in Fayetteville, and I love it.  Everything there is calming and soothing and warm and cozy.  Just the way a baby store should be. 

And, if you think that “eco friendly” means “not stylish,” think again.  Terra Tots has a great selection of baby gear, including cloth diapers, clothing, carriers, home products and eco friendly toys that even the most trendy of moms would love (click here to see a sampling of the products they carry).  

Be a little greener - shop at Terra Tots.

  • What:  Terra Tots Natural Parenting Store
  • Where:  21 West Mountain, Fayetteville AR (on the South side of the Fayetteville Square, next to Jamin Java, behind Tim’s Pizza)
  • Hours:  M-Th:  10am-6pm; Fri-Sat 12-9pm (through the holidays)

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Shopping 

Using Art in Kid Friendly Spaces in Your Home

December 19, 2007 | 3 Comments

nunn07.jpg

The idea of using real art to decorate a children’s room or nursery is very appealing to me.  But to be honest, I do not know where to start, and am a bit intimated by the idea of purchasing art.

  So, I asked Dede Peters at DDP Gallery in Fayetteville for some hints.  Here’s what she said: 

If you type in the search “art for children’s room”, you realize that you have indeed entered a niche retail market. The great thing about picking art for the room is that it doesn’t have to match the couch (in fact, it doesn’t have to match anything)!  Here are a few thoughts:

• Sustainability. Not just the “green” kind, but will it hold interest? Think about choosing art to last a lifetime or to pass down to future generations. (Remember to properly care for the piece – keep out of direct sunlight, frame archivally, etc.)

• Originality. Here’s a chance to teach and learn. Teach your children the importance of being an individual through your selection of an original piece of art. Learn about your child’s imagination by asking him or her how they experience the art. Keep asking. As they mature, the piece may take on a different meaning.

• Resourcefulness. Buying local would be terrific - there are several galleries and recurring art events in Northwest Arkansas. Don’t be afraid to ask gallery folks to see their stock. Seek out artists. Ask around for recommendations. And of course there is the Internet….

snunn1.jpgWhile in DDP Gallery, I saw several pieces that are afordable and would work well in children’s spaces.  For example, this piece by Sarah Nunn (botanist, artist and local mom to Charlie and Pete) is 16″x12″ and priced at $70, would be a great addition to a little boy’s nursery.

By the way, I purchased a felt bag made by Sarah Nunn for a friend who is a new mom.  I think it will make a great alternate diaper bag and eventually a fun overnight bag for her daughter.

Stencil Painting by Mark TraughberAs your child grows, you may want to go towards a more funky feel.  What about this stencil painting on pine wood?  The collection includes many different images at $40 each.  I think a grouping of several of these would be great for a playroom wall or above a child’s bed.

I am considering purchasing a few of these for my nieces for Christmas. I think they would make great gifts that could be displayed as easily in a first apartment or dorm room. How great would it be to have my nieces remember years from now that their Aunt T started a mini art collection for them? I would be the coolest aunt ever!

plushie doll by Nicole SharpOr, you may want to add a little bit of humor to the space.  Ever heard of ugly dolls?  This is a similar concept by local artist Nicole Sharp.

These, and works by other artists are on display at DDP Gallery through January 19th, 2008. 

Address:  DDP Gallery, 7 East Mountain Street in Fayetteville (just off the east side of the Fayetteville Square); Hours:  Wed.-Fri. 12-7pm, Sat. 10am-5pm.; Phone:  479.442.0001; Web:  http://www.ddpgallery.com/

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Featured Furniture and Accessory Stores 

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