Barnes & Noble Gift Cards - Holiday

Ka-Ching! Says the Metamorph

March 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment

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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).

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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).

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

Frugal Links of the Day

March 27, 2008 | 3 Comments

Thanks to Life+Kids reader, Tammy, for this list of budget related websites:

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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: 

  1. Go Bi Monthly instead of weekly.  You can save a significant chunk of change if you schedule a house cleaner every other week.
  2. 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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Baby Cheapskate – Saving Big Bucks on Baby Stuff.
  2. The Family CEO –  Thoughts on Simplicity, Organization, and Family Finances. 
  3. Frugal Traveler – NY Times Travel Blog.
  4. Like Merchant Ships — Practicing Cheerful Frugality. 
  5. Wise Bread — Living Large on a Small Budget.
  6. 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.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week