Barnes & Noble Gift Cards - Holiday

Support Life+Kids When you shop at Amazon.com

December 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment

If you're new here, sign up for your free daily email about all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas. Click here to subscribe to Life+Kids by Email. Thanks for visiting!

Are you an amazon.com shopper?  Everytime you shop, get there by clicking on this link to amazon.com.  When you do, a small percentage of your purchase price will go back to Life+Kids.

This is an easy way to support Life+Kids at no cost to you!

P.S.  If you get these posts by email and cannot see the link, go to www.lifepluskids.com and you can find it under New on Life+Kids!

Frustration Free Packaging from Amazon.com

November 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Finally, someone is feeling my “wrap rage” pain, and doing something about it.

Amazon.com is launching a Frustration Free Packaging initiative (link)with easy to open recyclable boxes free of excess materials such as hard plastic clamshell cases, plastic bindings, and wire ties — the bane of every parent’s existence.

It looks like they only have 10 products so far, but those include Imaginext, Matchbox, Barbie, Batman and Polly Pocket. 

So, if any of those products are on your Christmas list, GO BUY THEM with Frustration Free Packaging(link).  Show your support, so other manufacturers get rid of the excess packaging too!

Scholastic Study Jams Free Trial

September 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I received a sneak peak at Scholastic’s new Study Jams! website. This cool online learning site is geared towards grades 3-6 and explains math and science topics through animated video, karaoke songs, interactive tutorials, quizzes and more. 

I found it to be a great way to sneak in fun “bites” of learning after school and in the evening.  I especially like the focus on science, which so often gets little attention in elementary school.

For a limited time, you can try StudyJams! FREE for 14 days and then give StudyJams! to your kids for only $5.95 a month or $59 a year. (StudyJams! is normally $9.95 a month or $99 for the year). Use promo code SJCHALLENGE when ordering.

For more information about StudyJams! or to subscribe, visit www.scholastic.com/studyjams.

We Have a Winner! And a Special Discount to Life+Kids Readers

December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment

ninetimesthreeoutfitpants.jpg Congratulations to Anne, the winner of the Neunmaldrei maternity collection giveaway.  Anne said, “This collection is elegant and fashionable. It seems designed to make the difficult task of dressing well while your body is changing so much easier!  How wonderful that this designer has put her own experiences and her artistic eye to productive use for others. So many maternity collections out there seem impractical and bulky, but not this one!”

For those of you who didn’t win, I have a wonderful consolation prize.  Mira is offering a discount of $75 off to Life+Kids readers.  So, the three piece collection would be $295 plus tax. Contact Mira at info@ninetimesthree.com and let her know you heard about her collection on Life+Kids and would like the discount.  This offer expires on January 31, 2008.

Hip To Be Me

November 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Hip_to_be_me_2Some of you may know Suzanne Billings, the former Executive Director of Arts Live in Fayetteville.  She now lives in Little Rock and has opened an online store called Hip to be Me.

Suzanne has lots of fun products, including custom hand stamped sterling silver jewelry.  She describes it as an artistic, Necklaces1 contemporary take on engraving.  These necklaces stamped with children’s names would make great gifts for mothers or grandmothers.  In fact, my mom wears a similar one with the names of all her grandchildren on it, and she loves it.

You can find out more about these necklaces and the other products on the Hip to be Me website.

Crazy 8 (new sibling to Gymboree)

November 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Baby Cheapskate (love that blog) says Gymboree’s parent company has launched Crazy 8, a less expensive baby and kids clothing store along the lines of Old Navy.

No stores near here, but the online store is offering free shipping, so take a look!

Looking for Some Bling for Your Baby?

October 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Aclogo2_2Before starting this site, I had no idea how many local moms have online stores.  Just this week, Kerri Chesnutt contacted me about A&C Posh Designs, the business Kerri operates from her home in Rogers.   

From flower hair accessories to flip flops, from blankets to burp cloths — A&C Posh Designs has everything for the girly girl. 

Personally, I am partial to this hot pink tutu and matching flower hat.  I think I just found my niece’s Christmas gift.  Or should I make it a Halloween gift of the Candy Corn tutu? Hmmm . . .

Zoe & Sprout: A Locally Owned Online Store With Adorable Kids Tshirts and Onesies

September 24, 2007 | 3 Comments

I just learned about Zoe & Sprout, a locally owned online store of cute (and irreverent) t-shirts and onesies with slogans like:

  • I Can’t Read
  • Backseat Driver
  • Eat Sleep Poop
  • Hello My Name is No No
  • My Mommy is Hotter Than Your Mommy
  • Sleep All Day Party All Night

These would make great gifts for newborns and toddlers with an attitude.  Be sure not to miss Zoe & Sprout’s holiday collection.  I’m partial to the “Not an Elf” one myself.

The online shop was recently started by Amanda Zylowski of Bella Vista.

Special to All Sides of Life Readers:  use the code NWA at check out and get free shipping within Northwest Arkansas for all your Zoe&Sprout purchases!

Ruby & Myrtle Hair Accessories

June 7, 2007 | 1 Comment

Ruby_myrtle_2 Look at these adorable hair accessories by Ruby & Myrtle, a local business run by All Sides of Life readers Christina and Shanda. 

You can buy their products online at the Ruby & Myrtle Etsy shop (free delivery in Northwest Arkansas) or at Three Monkeys in Fayetteville and Rogers.Ruby_myrtle

Cotton Hill Designs

May 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment

MonogramI recently learned about Cotton Hill Designs, a local business that creates custom t-shirts, tanks, ball caps, totes, aprons, bibs, burp cloths, diaper bags and more.  You select the item, fabric, monogram, thread color, font and style, and your custom design is made to order.  This photo is an example of their work.

The business was started by two Fayetteville moms who were frustrated with paying high prices for outfits that were regularly ruined by the time their kids came home from pre-school.  So, they opened Cotton Hill Designs to create unique clothes and accessories at reasonable prices (ranging from $12-$30).

Look for Cotton Hill this weekend at the Ozark Regional Crafts Fair at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale (at the corner of I-540 and 412) from 9am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

For more information, email K.C. or Janet at cottonhill@cox.net

Appledoodles — Custom Monogramming in Northwest Arkansas

April 3, 2007 | 2 Comments

A local internet business, Appledoodles, sells cute monogrammed baby and kid gifts at affordable prices.  And, they gift wrap for free!  Go to the Appledoodles website to see the items that are offered. 

TIP:  avoid shipping charges by picking up your order directly from Christa Davis of Appledoodles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is A Diaper Bag Too Much? Try a Diaper Clutch.

January 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment

DiaperclutchWhen my kids were toddlers, I never wanted to carry around a huge diaper bag.  So, I would stuff a diaper or two and some wipes in my backpack and go.  If only I had known about this diaper clutch by Bella Fiore Couture.  It holds everything you need for a diaper change, and comes in a great selection of colors and patterns as well.  What’s more, it converts into a changing mat for quick changes on the go.  Does anyone know of stores in Northwest Arkansas that sell similar items? Thanks, Style Dash!

Ideas for Your Growing Library of Digital Photos

January 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment

If you have never visited the website Photojojo, do so today.  It is full of photo tips and DIY photo projects for the millions of digital photos every parent possesses.  The site is not focused on kid photos, but many of the projects would be perfect for pictures of kids.  Here are some of my favorites (but there are lots more at the site):

The Mom Agenda: Day Planners for Moms

January 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Green_portfolio0607_lI have tons of deadlines and appointments to keep up with at work, but I find that I have a much harder time keeping up with the schedules of my family members and what needs to be done to keep our house running smoothly.  Maybe it is because I do not have a good (and stylish) place to record all the information.  Enter Mom Agenda, a line of Day Planners and family desk calendars.  Mom Agendas come in a few different styles, colors and sizes, and are designed to organize your busy family life.  Maybe this is just the thing to get me organized in 2007! 

You can buy Mom Agendas online.  They are also sold in Fayetteville at Impressions (1856 North Crossover), Left Bank (1043 Colt Square), and So Inviting (Fiesta Square); and in Rogers at the Rabbit’s Lair @ the Gathering (114 South First Street, Suite 101).