Summer Day Camps at the Rogers Activity Center
March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
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From the City of Rogers Website: Come join us this summer at the Rogers Activity Center for fun and excitement. Campers will go on field trips, play games, and enjoy arts and crafts while making new friends.
- Fee: $75 per week
- Hours: 6:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
- Ages: Children entering 1st through 7th grade
- One week sessions run: June 9 through August 8.
Summer Camp Options: KidsWrite
March 31, 2008 | 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.
If your child has an interest in writing, you will not want to miss this camp. Click here for a registration form.
Kidswrite - June 16-26, 2008; cost $145; (for kids who have completed the 4th through 7th grades). Students will experience nine days of writing with guest
speakers, walking field trips, daily newsletter publications, focus groups, and a huge performance day at the end of camp. If you enjoy playwriting, short story writing, and poetry, then Kidswrite is for you!
Kidswrite II — July 14-18, 2008; cost $110; (for kids who have completed the 8th through 12th grades). Description: Designed for emerging writers in grades 8-12, this five day camp from 9am-3pm will feature published writers, daily quick-writes, and published anthology of student work. Price includes t-shirt, daily snacks, writing journal, and lunch on the last day of camp.
For more information, contact Lynette Terrell at lterrell@sdale.org or 479-443-7637
Ka-Ching! Says the Metamorph
March 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I feel like it is family reunion week here at Life+Kids. Michelle, another one of the first local bloggers I met and bothered while trying to figure out this whole blogging thing, has offered her frugal post — Ka-Ching! (Click on the blue link to see what Michelle has to say. You and Santa will be glad you did).
Pinch My Penny
March 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Alannah at Sufferin’ Succotash is one of the first local bloggers I met when starting this gig. I enjoy her blog and am very excited that she offered a frugal post for us. It is called Pinch My Penny. How cute is that?!?! (click on the blue link to go to Alannah’s site at read her post).
Frugal Links of the Day
March 27, 2008 | 3 Comments
Thanks to Life+Kids reader, Tammy, for this list of budget related websites:
- www.coolsavings.com - savings made simple
- www.thebudgetfashionista.com - be fabulous for less.
- www.currentcodes.com - coupon codes
- www.frugal-families.com - support and advice for frugal families
- www.grocerygame.com - save time and money grocery shopping
- www.freecycle.org NWA edition is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NWAFreecycle/
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Guest Post by Dede Peters of DDP Gallery
March 27, 2008 | 1 Comment
You may remember Dede Peters’ excellent guest post about Using Art in Kid Friendly Places in Your Home. Dede owns DDP Gallery and has been around enough starving artists to know how to be frugal. Here are her tips:
When I’m feeling broke….I do this:
- Hit the library and enjoy the different areas - especially sitting in front of Anita Huffington’s sculpture on the 2nd floor, taking magazines out to the patio and sitting on Philllip Starck sofas.
- Dickson Street Books- just to ponder and let my mind wander. Let one topic take me to the other - just like the internet does. Barnes and Noble is good for this too.
- Art Day- ddp gallery (duh). UA art at the Library, Fine Art Building (swing in the swing), Anne Kittrell Gallery. If you walk it - it is funner. Plus you can hit Dickson Street and hope there’s a table open by the french doors at Brewski’s.
- Antiquing without buying- shops in Prairie Grove and Famous Hardware in Springdale. Stop by the Art Center of the Ozarks and Shiloh too.
- Mexican tacos - usually $1 or $1.25 each at the various restaurants in the area. For $5 - you’re stuffed!
- Makeover! at Sephora in Rogers. You don’t have to buy!
- The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market! At least 2 hours of fun.
- Hike the Mount Sequoyah trail - hard to believe it is in town. Great cell phone reception so you can play hooky and still answer the phone.
- Mud Creek Trail - great for exercise or walking the dogs.
- Day at Lake Fayetteville and the Botanical Gardens - so much to do. Pack lunch and snacks.
- Great Places for sack lunches: Fayetteville Downtown Square, Gardens around Walton Arts Center
- Canoe!
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Friendship Storytime at the Bentonville Public Library
March 27, 2008 | 2 Comments
Bentonville’s own Celeste Shally will read her children’s picture book, Since We’re Friends on Saturday, April 5th in the Children’s Department of the Bentonville Public Library. This colorfully illustrated book is a story of compassion, understanding and friendship between two boys, one who has autism spectrum disorder. Being patient and accepting change can be much easier with a friend who can help.
One in every 150 children lives with autism. Learn more about this complex developmental disability during April, Autism Awareness Month. Information from the Autism Society of America will be available as well as a display of Bentonville Public Library materials on this topic. For more information, contact the library at 479-271-6816.
Family Yoga at Terra Tots
March 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
From Bernice at Terra Tots:
Terra Tots will be hosting an upcoming yoga class here at our location on the square. The class will start in April and will be focused on family yoga (ie: mother & child, father & child, etc.). Young Master Christopher will be leading the sessions. He is youthful and full of peaceful energy. If you have questions for Christopher, please call him at 479 871 5886.
The class will be ongoing and is $25 per session. Please contact Bernice at Terra Tots if you’d like more information. Call soon to reserve a spot. 479-587-TOTS.
Frugal Exercise Tips
March 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Heather, over at A Mom Uncommon has posted about her frugal exercise choice. She also has a post (with video!) about my favorite natural parenting store, Terra Tots. So, check that out too. (click on the blue links to go to Heather’s site).
Who knew there were so many cool local blogs?!?!
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Outdoor Frugal Fun
March 26, 2008 | 3 Comments
I have only recently run across local mom Lela Davidson’s blog After the Bubbly where she focuses on the lighter side of life and motherhood.
First, read her frugal post titled Save Money: Play Outside. Then, go read Lela’s About Me page. I love it.
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Are There Any Scrapbookers Out There?
March 26, 2008 | 3 Comments
If so, you need to check out the Daily Chrysalis, a blog by local mom, Lindsay. Her contribution to the Frugal Life+Kids Week is this excellent post on how to become a frugal scrapbooker.
Confession: I keep returning to Lindsay’s other blog, Scraptacular, just to hear the Jack Johnson song, Better Together. Am I the only one who has never heard it before?
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Frugal Tips from Across the Sea
March 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I bet you didn’t expect a frugal post all the way from England (as in the United Kingdom, not England, Arkansas!). Bryan Riley and his family are missionaries living in the UK who formerly lived in Northwest Arkansas.
Bryan has kindly offered some frugal tips on his blog, Charis Shalom, including a glowing recommendation for the Growing Kids consignment sale in Fort Smith. Click here to see his frugal tips on Charis Shalom.
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Tuesday’s Frugal Tip of the Day - Cheap Cuts for a Cause
March 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
On Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 2:30-7pm you can get a $10 haircut at the Fayetteville Beauty College and 100% of the proceeds will go to Arkansas organ donor families.
This event is hosted by the Staff and Alumni of the Fayetteville Beauty College in association with the Arkansas Donor family Council and Arora.
The Fayetteville Beauty College is located in the Westwood Plaza, 2167 West 6th Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Contact Tammy Sisemore (479)442-5181 for more information.
This tip is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
33 Money Saving Tips
March 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I love that Life+Kids has led me to so many great local blogs, like Sermons in Stones by local mom, Megan.
In honor of the Frugal Life+Kids Week, Megan has posted an excellent post full of money saving tips on topics such as Shopping, Money Management, Kids, and Home. Click here to go to Megan’s blog and see what she has to say about frugal living.
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Saving Money on Childcare and Housecleaning
March 25, 2008 | 2 Comments
This is a guest post by Rhonda Duckett of Life Made Simple — the complete source for all your domestic care needs. Rhonda is the Queen of household management – from nannies to house cleaners to home managers. You can find out more about her company at www.lifemadesimple.net.
Here are 3 great ways to save money on Childcare:
- Use a mommy nanny. A mommy nanny is a nanny who brings her child to work with her. Mommy nannies work (salary or hourly charge) for 25% less and usually are more experienced. We have mommy nannies with a college degree or 2 years of nanny experience who work for $8/hour! For More Info www.LifeMadeSimple.net
- Try Sitter Social. Need a babysitter? Can’t afford the high fees associated with babysitting agencies? Try Sitter Social with Life Made Simple-it’s where moms meet sitters. For $50 you can meet up to 15 sitters and receive resumes of each sitter that includes their childcare experience and references. Then, you negotiate the hourly wages and call the sitters directly when you need them. The $50 registration fee by Sitter Social is ONE TIME. Small Fee, UNLIMITED uses.
- Hire your own nanny with a little help. Want to hire a nanny on your own but not sure how to conduct background check or “check them out”? Life Made Simple will do consulting for you starting at as low as $60. (That is a huge savings in compared to placement fees) We also can check out roommates, boyfriends etc. For more information about our consulting services go to www.LifeMadeSimple.net and click Nanny Consulting Services.
Bonus tips: Saving money on a house cleaner:
- Go Bi Monthly instead of weekly. You can save a significant chunk of change if you schedule a house cleaner every other week.
- Do the easy stuff yourself. House cleaners will estimate higher if there is a lot of “pick up” or if they have to make beds, wash dishes, etc. If you want a house cleaner to do the hard work like bathrooms or scrubbing kitchen floors, then make sure you have the “easy” stuff done. The easy stuff will usually drive the cost up 25-30% because of the time involved. For more info visit www.LifeMadeSimple.net and Click House Cleaning Services.
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find kids’ stuff with previous experience in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Frugal From Experience - Spring Break Road Trip
March 24, 2008 | 2 Comments
We’ve just returned from Breckenridge, Colorado on our first extended road trip as a family. The trip was great and did not break the bank. Here’s why.
- We drove. While I am one of the few people who still really enjoys flying, when you multiply the cost of a plane ticket by 4 and add a rental car, driving is inevitably cheaper. I dreaded the thought of 14 hours in the car, but the trip was easy, considering my husband drove the entire way and our boys were entertained with DVDs and video games in the back seat.
- We packed snacks for the road. I actually planned ahead and stocked the car with food. A few favorites included sliced apples, grapes, cheese cubes, pepperoni, trail mix, and granola bars. We also stuck water bottles and a box of Capri Suns under the seats. Aside from saving money, if you are driving to Colorado from Northwest Arkansas, a well stocked car is a necessity. Once you pass Topeka, the exits become few and far between.
- We stayed in a condo with a kitchen. Having dinner in the condo was probably the single biggest money saver of the trip. Eating out every night as a party of 11 would not be feasible or fun, so I am very glad the other families planned ahead and served dinner each night.
- We borrowed kids’ ski gear. Outfitting an entire family for a ski trip can be expensive, especially when you know the kids will outgrow the gear by next season. Used clothing and consignment stores are great places to find children’s ski gear. Or, see if any of your friends have gear you can use. We borrowed a ski bib and jacket from friends for our older son, and our younger son wore his brother’s from a previous ski trip.
How did you save money on travel this Spring Break?
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Monday’s Frugal Tip of the Day
March 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Save Money on Gas – go to www.gaspricewatch.com or www.gasbuddy.com and enter your zip code or city to find the lowest gas prices near you.
This frugal tip of the day is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Frugal Travel Tips - Vacation Home Rentals
March 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
My sister in law, Holly Bryan, has graciously agreed to include frugal travel tips on her blog this week. Holly maintains the blog Lowcounty Lowdown focused on travel to Charleston and the islands off the coast of South Carolina.
Holly and her family own a vacation home on Seabrook Island (near Kiawah Island). I have always admired Holly and her balance of frugalness and fun. The Bryan family loves to travel and Holly has worked hard at keeping expenses down in other areas of the family budget to allow for frequent family vacations. Click here to take a look the Lowcountry Lowdown and see if some of that frugalness can rub off on you, too!
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Children’s Boutique Show in Fayetteville
March 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
From K.C. Pummill at Cotton Hill Designs:
I wanted to let you know about a Children’s Boutique Show on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show will feature 17+ local merchants with unique custom items for children and their moms!
Everything is cute, handmade and boutique….. featuring children’s room decor, custom boutique clothing, personalized stationery, bows, jewelry, tutus, uniquely embellished wallets, custom crystal apparel, handmade photo albums, frames, hand-painted furniture, baby items, personalized embroidery, baby bedding, the local Junior League cookbook, distressed wood frames… and so much more!
Our one-day show will take place at The Church at Arkansas which is located at 1905 E. Mission Blvd. (behind Eureka Pizza in the old Dillon’s grocery store) in east Fayetteville. Click here for directions.
Frugal Fun in Arkansas
March 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This is a guest post by Jill Rohrbach, travel writer for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Jill and her husband Mike (of Flying Burrito fame) live in Fayetteville with their two kids. When she’s not chasing children, Jill can be found blogging at the Arkansas Travel Blog.
Tons of thrifty fun can be found in The Natural State. Free activities abound in the great outdoors. Trails, caves and waterfalls await discovery. Nature centers provide interpretive exhibits and classes.
Fifty-two state parks have no admission charge and offer free programming throughout the summer season. Learn about butterflies, bats, astronomy, mountain biking and more. Take a hayride or wildflower walk. You’ll also find hiking and biking trails, camping and fishing fun. Some parks have additional amenities like swimming pools and golf courses. Crater of Diamonds State Park is unique in that you can dig for diamonds there and keep what you find.
Some special programming will be available this year as Arkansas State Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary. These parks can be great for a day outing, weekend adventure or extended stay. Camping is cheap or if your budget allows, cabins and lodges are available too. Check out northwest Arkansas parks (Devil’s Den, Prairie Grove, Withrow Springs, Hobbs and the new Lake Fort Smith) as well as other mountain, adventure and history parks at www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
Outdoor adventures aren’t the only activities available for the frugal minded. For example, step into the magic of Terra Studios just outside of Fayetteville to find creatures from another world, a labrinyth, and to watch Bluebirds of Happiness being made. You can also visit the state’s online calendar of events for festival information. Most festivals have free admission, so other than buying some snacks, it can be cheap to spend the day watching the Championship Chuckwagon Races, World Championship Cardboard Boat Races or Great Arkansas Championship Outhouse Race.
Visit www.Arkansas.com for information on these ideas and more. Here you’ll also find a list of 101 Free Things to Do in The Natural State and Hot Deals & Packages, which give you more bang for your buck.
There’s plenty to choose from no matter what your interest. So make some memories — those are priceless.
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Welcome to the Frugal Life+Kids Week!
March 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This week on Life+Kids I will be focusing on ways to save money. Topics will include frugal food, travel, clothes, and entertainment.
Those who know me realize that I am not particularly frugal, so I need your help! Send me your ideas and tips on how to save money without sacrificing fun. Here’s how:
- If you have a blog, write a post with some type of frugal connection and email the link to terri@lifepluskids.com. I will be linking to frugal blog posts throughout the week.
- If you are a reader with any tips on how to save money, email the tips to terri@lifepluskids.com or add them to the comments of any post. I will be adding reader tips to the site as well.
I will get things started by listing 6 websites I monitor for money saving tips:
- Baby Cheapskate – Saving Big Bucks on Baby Stuff.
- The Family CEO – Thoughts on Simplicity, Organization, and Family Finances.
- Frugal Traveler – NY Times Travel Blog.
- Like Merchant Ships — Practicing Cheerful Frugality.
- Wise Bread — Living Large on a Small Budget.
- Money Saving Mom — Helping you be a Better Home Economist.
What do you do to save money?
This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.
You will not want to miss a single frugal tip, so check back daily. Or, better yet, click here to subscribe to Life+Kids and receive free email updates on all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas.
Kids Camps at the Little Mountain Book Bindery in Fayetteville
March 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
From The Little Mountain Book Bindery:
As part of our growing education program we are offering children’s camps at LMBPS for the summer of 2008. Our children’s camps are designed to not only enhance your child’s creative experience, but to compliment the state and national standards required for arts education programs. These courses are designed so that your child could attend either an individual half-day or stay for the whole day and study a complimentary topic or activity. Our spots are limited, so sign up early. Specific dates will be added soon!
- Dying, Dipping, Folding and Ripping (Paper arts) ages 5-8: Have fun learning about the properties and possibilities of paper. This camp will explore decorative techniques such as dying, stamping, marbling and paste. Students will learn many ways to use these decorated papers including origami, collage and much more.
- Little Binders at the Bindery (ages 5-8): Little binders will make books that fold out and pop up, books with secret compartments and books that are easily recreated with materials found at home.
- Printmaking/self-portraits (ages 8-12 and up): Push, pull and press your way through the world of printmaking. This is a great introduction to printmaking that is accessible to all students at any level of artistic prowess. Students who take this class will create a series of self-portraits using a variety of techniques including monotype, relief and rubber stamps. They will be taught how and encouraged to visually depict the multiple layers of the self through fun and careful introspection.
- My Family History (ages 8-12 and up): Each student will explore his/her own family history and write a memoir that will be bound into an interactive book.
- Asian Bindings (ages 9-13): Together we will explore the history and tradition of Asian bindings. Each student will make several books to take home.
- Shan Shui (ages 9-13): Shan, the character for mountain, and Shui, the character for water combine to define landscape in Chinese painting. Through a comprehensive study of balance, composition and structured practice, students study the art of Chinese landscape painting. Rigorous practice of the Shan Shui characters helps students master the correct way to hold the brush and how to control the flow of liquid. Students are exposed to many examples of Shan Shui paintings and have the opportunity to enrich their learning through further self guided explorations. While studying the Yin/Yang balance of opposites, students are challenged to create compositions in harmonious balance of positive and negative space. At the end of the week, students will create a beautiful wall hanging scroll. Drop by the shop to see an example
- da Vinci camp: Math/Science Enrichment Through Art (ages 13 and up): Students in this camp will learn to “Think Like Leonardo” while exploring the mathematical and scientific elements of the natural world through careful observation and reflection. Looking to Renaissance art as inspiration, students will learn how to visually depict observations through a rigorous study of Renaissance drawing techniques. Students will record ideas and create a bound notebook based on the famed notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci.
- Bookbinding Basics (ages 13 and up): In this camp we will learn the basic elements of traditional bookbinding. Students will become familiar with traditional materials and tools while learning to measure, cut, and sew. We will learn to make several books ranging from pamphlets and accordions to more complicated bindings such as the single-signature case binding. Each student will take home a minimum of four books when this class is completed. We will discuss various aspects of the history of bookbinding as we go.
- Visual Art Portfolio: This one-week workshop is designed for high school art students (though anyone is welcome). We will make a custom portfolio and learn the best ways to showcase our work for entrance into art school.
Click here to go to the camp webpage.
Summer Camps at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club
March 20, 2008 | 1 Comment
The Boys and Girls Club in Fayetteville has announced its 4th annual summer Zing! program for kids. This fun half-day summer program allows kids to focus on what interests them – whether it be sports, art, acting, writing, computers, or more. The program takes place during the summer months from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each weekday and the offerings include:
- Rock Climbing
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball/Softball
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Cheerleading
- Hook a Kid on Golf
- Arts & Crafts
- Pottery
- Club Tech
- Open Recreation
- Arts Live
- Spanish
- Interactive Video Gaming
- Multi-Swim
- Creative Reading & Writing
- GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training).
** Registration begins April 14th, 2008 and all classes are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, so register early. ** Class offerings are tentative and subject to change.
Here’s a link to the class description and schedule.
Posting will be Light this Week
March 18, 2008 | 2 Comments
It is Spring Break, so posting will be light this week. But, stay tuned for the Frugal Life+Kids Week which begins on Monday.
The Frugal Life+Kids Week will be filled with great tips on ways families can save money and still have fun! We will focus on the areas that take a big bite out of family budgets — from food, to clothes, to travel and home/decorating.
The Frugal Life+Kids Week is brought to you by Once Upon A Child in Fayetteville where you can buy kid stuff with previous experience!
My Kid Biz Conference for Kids Ages 10-18
March 14, 2008 | 3 Comments
I rarely include full press releases, but this event seems so unique that I want you to have all the info.
Friends of Omega Foundation, Inc. will present the Northwest Arkansas My Kid Biz Financial Literacy Conference on March 29, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sam Walton College of Business Walker Hall, located on the campus of The University of Arkansas.
The one-day conference is free for kids ages 10 to 18, and lunch will be provided. The deadline to register for the conference is March 29, 2008. We encourage parents to begin registering as slots are limited for the conference.
Conference workshops include:
- How to open Your first Checking/Savings Account (Navigating the bank)
- How to Save for College Early and Now
- How to Create a Budget
- How to turn your Great Ideas into a Profit
- How to interview for your first job (age 15 and above)
- One-on-one budget planning session with Merrill Lynch Counselor, Parent and Child
- Finance Scholarship awards
- Business plan presentation (all ages)
- How to set up an investment club from loose change
The conference this year will feature several new programs, the opportunity for attendees to create a business plan and a chance to win a grand prize financial literacy package.
The Northwest Arkansas My Kid Biz Program of The Friends of Omega Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit Arkansas Corporation founded in 2005 to help foster quality diverse programming in the Northwest Arkansas community. The goal of My Kid Biz is to provide sound, actionable educational programs with a direct focus on financial literacy. The inaugural My Kid Biz Program was launched in Memphis, Tennessee in 2001 with support from a local non-profit entity.
For more information or to register online, visit www.mykidbiz.org or call Chairman Isiah Reese Sr. Manager Walt Disney Company at 479-586-0185.
Sponsors of Friends of Omega Foundation are Wal-Mart Inc Office of Diversity, Kellogg’s, Pepsi-Co Company, University of Arkansas Sam Walton College of Business, Bentonville Chamber and Hollis Enterprises
The Friend of Omega Foundation was established in 2005 to serve as a community service arm to help bring quality diverse programming to the Northwest Arkansas area. The Friends of Omega Foundation was incorporated in the State of Arkansas on October 5, 2005. The Foundation consists of men and women throughout the region in various walks of life. The commonality that they share is the commitment to provide diverse programming to the Northwest Arkansas community.
Clean Out Your Closets!!!
March 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I was talking with Amy at Once Upon a Child today, and she mentioned they are looking for inventory. I know many of you will be Spring Cleaning this Spring Break. So, I asked her for the details. This is what she said:
Once Upon A Child in Fayetteville is looking for good quality, gently used BOYS clothing. Summer or Winter, it doesn’t matter we take all seasons all year round. Of course, we always need plenty of girls clothing as well. Right now we could especially use some more size 5 girls.
If you haven’t sold us your used kids stuff before, here is how we work. We look for things that are current styling, in like new condition with little to no wear, free from staining and alterations and that have all the buttons and snaps working. We ask that everything is FRESHLY laundered, (NO storage odors, cigarette smoke or pet hair). Then, neatly fold all items with sets together (Not Pinned, just folded) in some sort of stackable container (like a storage tote, box or laundry basket).
We sort through your items and then PAY YOU ON THE SPOT for all items that we are able to purchase and return the rest to you in your container. Our sorting is done on a first come first serve basis and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours if we have a lot of sellers at once. So, you may want to leave your items and return to pick up your payment and leftover items later.
We do also buy toys, puzzles, and games. These must have all their parts and pieces and be clean and in good working order. Many kids like to bring in their own toys and receive the money for the toys that are purchased. This seems to be a great way to encourage kids to help declutter their rooms and makes it easier for them to part with their toys.
On a side note, we DO NOT buy baby tethers, stuffed animals (except some electronic usually Fisher Price and Leap Frog), toy guns, and a select few other items.
We DO BUY strollers, high chairs, play pens (pack n plays), cribs, changing tables, walkers and saucers. We do check all these items for recalls and they have to meet current safety standards, and be of current styling.
So to all of you that are cleaning out closets, attics and garages this spring break remember to bring your gently used kids stuff to Once Upon A Child.
Celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday at the Fayetteville Public Library
March 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Fayetteville Public Library will celebrate William Shakespeare’s 444th birthday on Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m.
To celebrate, the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre will offer a performance for the entire family in addition to face painting, season ticket giveaways for the 2008 summer season of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater and dueling by members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
The celebration will also include party games and cake.
Events will take place in the library’s amphitheater at Rock Street and School Avenue.
Little Sprouts Garden Time at the Botanical Gardens
March 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Little Sprouts Garden Time is a 20-30 minute program geared to young children at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. Each program will have a story, song, or game and a hands-on garden or craft activity—all programs will take place outside in the Garden.
April Programs include:
- “Chat with the Chickens” Meet the Garden’s resident chickens, check for eggs in the henhouse, and make a chicken call to take home.
- “Sensational Seeds” Listen to a seed story, learn to dig with a trowel and plant sunflower seeds in a Garden bed, and take a seedling home.
What: Little Sprouts Garden Time
Where: Outside in the Garden
When: Wednesdays at 10:00am (weather permitting) April through September
Cost: Free with admission—free to Garden members (information on Garden admission and membership can be found at www.bgozarks.org
Living It Green Expo and Mini Grand Prix at Pinnacle Hills Promenade
March 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Don’t miss the Living It Green Expo at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers scheduled for Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, 2008.
The Living It Green Expo is a family-friendly event featuring a variety of children’s activities, entertainment and educational attractions, and over 50 exhibitors displaying and offering green, outdoor living, and sustainable and energy efficient products and services.
And while you are there, be sure to catch the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Arkansas’ Mini Grand Prix. This is a Nascar style go cart race with cars sponsored by local businesses. The Mini Grand Prix has all the “feel” of a big-time race, including local celebrities, pace cars, team uniforms, beautifully customized race cars and, of course, pit row. This is a major event that includes a full day of racing and fun for the entire family. The Mini Grand Prix will take place from 9am-3pm on Saturday, April 5, 2008 and is free for spectators.
Kids Eat Cheap or Free
March 12, 2008 | 1 Comment
Buffalo Wild Wings offers 99 cent kids meals all day Sundays. I confirmed by phone that the Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville locations are each offering the 99 cent kids meals.
Also, I have added the Texas Land and Cattle Company in Rogers to our Kids Eat Free list. They offer kids eat free on Saturday from 11am-4pm. Click here to see the entire Kids Eat Free list.
Big Sale at Terra Tots in Fayetteville
March 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
From Bernice at Terra Tots:
We are having a BIG sale at Terra Tots right now. All speesees fall/winter clothing is marked down 40%.
Also, we have been searching for another baby/toddler/kids shoe line to carry and have found it. Simple shoes has an eco-friendly line that is perfect for what we need. We are excited to introduce it in April here at Terra Tots.
It has been a tremendous opening quarter for us. We are very thankful to our loyal customers. Thanks for your continued support.
Terra Tots has changed store hours:
Closed Monday
Tues - Fri 10am to 6pm
Saturday 8am to 4pm
Closed Sunday
For more info visit our website at www.terra-tots.com
Greenweave Community Art Project at the Botanical Gardens
March 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This just looks wonderful! I am especially excited about the Night Circus scheduled in June.
Come join a merry band of local artists, architecture and landscape architecture students in creating a magical, site-specific shelter for seasonal celebrations at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. The group will weave an enormous performance space that will set the stage for theatrical and musical events later in the year. Teens and adults may participate in building the structure. Younger visitors may help weave bamboo stars and
craft colorful stars to take home.
Mark your calendar now for Sunday evening, June 22, when Greenweave and the
Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks will host the Night Circus. Come celebrate summer with artists and musicians, buskers and jugglers, sword swallowers and storytellers. Greenweave is a year-long community art celebration supported by the Nadine Baum Charitable Foundation.
What: Greenweave Community Art Project
When: 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13
Where: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N. Crossover Rd, Fayetteville
More Info: www.bgozarks.org/events or info@bgozarks.org
UofA Horse Festival
March 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If your child loves horses, you will not want to miss the annual UA Horse Festival scheduled for March 28 & 29, 2008. From the UofA website:
Friday’s events include Austin Anderson of the Texas Trick Riders. Austin will be demonstrating trick riding and will give instructions during the Friday schedule only. Following the trick riding will be a one hour Cutting Horse demonstration put on by professional clinician Darrel Wiese of Oklahoma, and a demonstration by competitor Frank DePriest. Friday evening clinics start at 7pm.
On Saturday the festival will be open 9am to 7pm. An armband will get you in the gate and will give you access to the outdoor arena exhibitions, pavilion demonstrations, ‘Meet the Breeds’, vendor booths, concessions and other outdoor fun. Two shows will be held in the indoor arena at 1:00 and 4:30, tickets will be available at arena the door. The One Arm Bandit Gang will return with buffalo this year, which he will be herding onto the TOP of his trailer. Austin Anderson and the Texas Trick Riders will perform in both shows as well.
In addition to our headlining acts, you can see mounted drill teams, mounted shooting, reining and barrel racing demonstrations, jousting and medieval games, draft horses and carriages, miniature horses and a trained zebra, dancing horses, a unicorn, traditional costumes, clinicians, a stage coach and so much more!
For more information, schedule and prices see www.horsefestival.org
What to do This Saturday, March 15, 2008
March 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Spring is here (I know it is true because a groundhog was spotted by my sister-in-law’s husband!). So, get your kids outside and play.
Enter your family in the Family 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk at the Jones Center or take your dog to the Bunny Hop and Easter Egg Hunt at Murphy Dog Park or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a bit early by watching the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Eureka Springs.
Then, go have some kidless fun at the 80’s Dance Party at the Urban Table Restaurant on the Square in Fayetteville. From 10-2 on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Sponsored by the Moxie Mamas Playgroup. $10 cover donated to the Race for the Cure.
Kite Fest at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
March 8, 2008 | 1 Comment
Kite Fest is a free family event held each year at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge near Eureka Springs on the fourth Saturday in March. Bring your kite and fly it or buy one there. This event includes vendors, contests, and fun activities.
The 2008 Kite Fest will be held on Saturday, March 22, 10 AM - 4 PM with a theme or “Art With An Altitude.” While admission to the kite festival is free, regular admission prices apply for those wishing to tour the refuge. The annual event is one of the refuge’s most attended days of the year. Proceeds help finance the rescue of and sanctuary for the tigers, lions, cougars, leopards and other animals housed there.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own kites. Kaleidokites’ experts will assist children in kite making and flying. A donation to the refuge is requested for kite making assistance. Kaleidokites has donated and Turpentine Creek will raffle off a Japanese fighting “Rokkaku” kite and a smaller tiger kite, with proceeds going to benefit the animals.
“Kite-making is a ‘green’ sport. It gets kids away from the TV and video games and it’s wind-fueled,” explained Kaleidokites co-owner Steve Rogers. He added, “It’s a great photo-op event, too. These aren’t just your mega-store mass-produced kites. These are works of art!”
Kite aficionados are expected to attend from the Kansas City Kite Club, Tulsa Wind Riders and other area clubs. Several world-class kites worth over a thousand dollars apiece will be featured.
For more information contact Kaleidokites at 479.253.6596 or kaleidokites@hotmail.com.
Boston Mountain Grill in Fayetteville Has Closed
March 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I learned yesterday that the Boston Mountain Grill in Fayetteville has closed.
I have taken them off our kids eat free list, but wanted to make sure no one ended up stranded with hungry kids hoping to go to Boston Mountain Grill.
AAO 2008 Camp of Champs
March 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Arkansas Athletes Outreach is hosting its 2008 Camp of Champs, a nondenominational sports camp led by AAO staffers and Christian Razorback athletes. My oldest attended this camp last summer and had loads of fun. For more information, or to register online, go to the AAO webpage.
- Who: Boys and Girls ages 7-13
- What: AAO Camp of Champs
- When: June 9-12; June 26-19; and June 23-26
- Where: AAO Complex, Fayetteville (directions on the AAO webpage)
- Cost: $75 per session before May 16, $85 after
Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp
March 8, 2008 | 1 Comment
I have heard great things about the Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp in Springdale. The camp is for kids ages 4-11 and is scheduled for July 7-10 from 6-7:30pm. Go here for more information about the camp and registration.
Local Easter Egg Hunts
March 7, 2008 | 1 Comment
- The Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Atalanta Park in Rogers. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 11:00am. Ages 8 and under. Click here to register for prizes online.
- 32nd Annual Old Fashioned Easter Egg Hunt at the War Eagle Mill. Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 2pm
- Easter at the Club at the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club. Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 2-4pm. 4 age divisions with the youngest hunters beginning at 2:00.
- Easter at Murphy Dog Park (pdf). Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 1-4pm. Pregistration $3 per dog $5 at gate.
Have I missed any? Let me know by email (terri@lifepluskids.com) or add them to the comments.
Summer Reading Skills Programs
March 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The University of Arkansas School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach is hosting several summer reading programs for children in Fayetteville and Bentonville. The classes are taught by professional instructors from the Institute of Reading Development, and meet once a week for five weeks.
Classes are offered for ages 4 through adult. Younger children focus on phonics, comprehension, fluency and the love of reading. Older children and adults focus on comprehension, reading speed and study skills.
You can register online, or call the School of Continuing Ed and Academic Outreach at (800)979-9151
Calling All Young Naturalists: The Arkansas Audubon Society’s Halberg Ecology Camp
March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Arkansas Audubon Society sponsors two week-long Ecology Camps at Camp Clearfork (between Hot Springs and Mount Ida) for 11-12 year olds with an interest in the natural sciences. The website does a great job of detailing all the activities, so check it out.
- What: Halberg Ecology Camp
- Who: 11-12 year old boys and girls
- When: June 15-20 or 22-27, 2008
- How much: $275
Summer Camp Options: Eureka Springs School of the Arts
March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is hosting a Youth Session of art classes for kids ages 7-11 from July 17-19, 2008. Classes last from 9am-4pm. Here are the offerings:
- Beginning Drawing and Painting
- Working with Metal Beatin’ Slashin’ and Bendin’
- From Stencil to Screen
- Air Brush Painting
I may get some friends to sign up their kids so we can spend a few days spa-ing and shopping in Eureka Springs.
Summer Camp Options: New Life Ranch
March 6, 2008 | 2 Comments
New Life Ranch is a nondenominational Christian camp located just West of Siloam Springs attended by many Northwest Arkansas kids. The camp has been in existence for 50 years and hosts 1500 campers over 8 week-long sessions. Children entering the 3rd grade through 12th grade are eligible to attend.
The list of activities offered at this camp is impressive: archery, riflery, disc golf, gym and field sports, skeet shooting, arts & crafts, weight lifting, mountain man, swimming, photography, newspaper, canoeing, tennis, drama, horsemanship, horse vaulting, high ropes, climbing and repelling, and mountain biking.
You can see a daily schedule or register online at the New Life Ranch website. While you are there, be sure to check out the family camps. Those look very cool, too.
Fayetteville’s Be Active! Summer Camps
March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The City of Fayetteville is hosting several Be Active! day camps this summer:
The 2008 Sports and Fitness Camps include four week-long sessions focusing on a specific activity each week:
- Soccer — June 16-20
- Tennis — June 23-27
- Drama — July 7-11
- Swim/Fitness — July 14-18
These half day camps (they run from 9am to noon) are for kids ages 5-12 (must have completed kindergarten). Click here to go to the camp website.
The 2008 Outdoor Adventure camp is sponsored by Lewis and Clark Outfitters and includes activities such as mountain bike riding, a climbing wall, kayaking, fishing, hiking, geocacheing, disc golf, wilderness survival, animal tracking, shelter building, and tree and plant identification. The camp concludes with an outdoor adventure race. Click here to go to the Outdoor Adventure Camp website.
The Outdoor Adventure camp runs the same weeks and times as the Sports and Fitness camp. The brochure does not specify the age range for the O