whistle while you work

Terra Tots is moving today.

Yesterday we moved the entire store to our new location in Fayetteville.  Don’t worry, it’s just a few blocks from our long time loved location on the square.  New address: 557 S School Ave (previously Nightbird Books).

It is shocking how we’ve doubled our space, yet it is filled up already!
NEW PRODUCTS:  we are bringing in several new product lines, so be on the lookout.  Ask next time you come in and we’ll give you the intro.  A few to mention:  LolliDoo diapers, Seed Organic cradle/pod, Bravado nursing bras, Under the Nile organics, Kate Quinn organics, and more…. (too early for that file of my brain – we were working til 1am last night!)

See you soon at the new place.  We open Tuesday, November 3rd – tomorrow!

BPA in SIGG

Well, I have to admit.  I’m feeling proud for keeping our customers safe.

Terrra Tots has long refused to carry the SIGG line of bottles due to the mysterious chemical lining on the inside.  We choose to go the safe and smart route and carry stainless steel only.  Our gut decisions have paid off.

A report released recently stated that BPA is found in the lining of SIGG bottles.
I hope none of our customers ran out to get a SIGG just because they were “cuter”.

Klean Kanteens are at Terra Tots for those who want to rid themselves of SIGG.  come and get em’.

vaccination…

I learned something new today.

Did you know that Arkansas is one in only 20 states that allows philosophical exemptions from vaccinations?
I am impressed.  Texas and Arkansas are the most recent states to adopt this exemption.  One more reason to be a proud citizen of the Natural State of Arkansas.

For all others without this exemption it is mandatory without a medical or religious reason.  Some states, like West Virginia, require vaccinations unless you have a written medical reason – no religious reason is taken into consideration.  And to take it a step further, it only exempts you from the one vaccine of which you have a medical conflict. 

The vaccination debate will continue on WAY into the future.  But, for those who make the informed decision to refuse or at least choose which vaccines they receive, the state of Arkansas is making it easier.

Below is a link with some more info:

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/how-to-get-a-philosophical-exemption-for-vaccinations/

fayetteville business

Fayetteville is a groovy place.  I mean that in the true sense of the word – we have a great groove going on here in our little  Arkansas mountain town.  Travels have taken me to many places – many fun and top notch towns.  Each time I return, Fayetteville seems better.    It is an honor to call Fayetteville my home.

Fayetteville is fortunate to have smart-minded people that know how to get things done.  I am always awed by the ingenuity of our local mamas.  Two mamas that I’ve been thinking about recently are Fran Free and Angie Coleman.  These ladies are doing great business in Fayetteville.

Boston Mountain Baby (http://www.bostonmountainbaby.com)
is the creation of Angie Coleman.  Angie keeps things nice and simple – just like our babies like it.  A couple favorites already are Bunny’s Banquet and Spinach Patch.  
This company just started doing business and the products can already be found at local store, including Ozark Natural Foods.  You can also contact Angie directly for purchases and good food ideas.

Oh Baby Foods (http://www.ohbabyfoods.com)
is the creation of Fran Free.  Fran’s take on baby food is tasty!  She adds a bit more flavor by adding simple herbs.  Oh Baby is sure to make your mouth water.  I hear Blue Plate Special is in the works as I type.  It will be ready soon.  Oh Baby will be in our local grocery stores as well.  

TIP:  parents can use these great foods as well.  When making smoothies, just toss a cube of spinach patch into whatever your making.  It is sure to add good flavor and nutrition.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to scratch your head trying to decide which to grab first.  Get one of each.  These ladies are on the same track, but they are cooking things up in their own train car.  There is room for both Oh Baby Foods and Boston Mountain Baby.  I am proud of both of them and know success is coming their way.

Support your local mamas.  Buy local.

hot weather – hot mama

It is hot.

And summer has just begun!

I’ve seen many hot mamas today.  Especially those carrying hot bodied babies around Farmer’s Market.  TIP:  dress lightly when babywearing.  Dress baby in a cool top – maybe even diaper only.  Wear a sun hat with a brim large enough to shade the babe.   AND – for those nursing mamas:  drink plenty of water.  It keeps you hydrated when the heat is making you sweat.  Then, you can nurse that hot baby more which keeps baby hydrated.  We all know that hydrated babies make happy babies.

Keep it cool and breezy.

bernice

focus on Fayetteville

It is with much thought and reflection that I have decided the Bentonville Terra Tots location will close effective May 1st 2009.  The original Terra Tots location in Fayetteville will remain open and all my energy will be focused on making it the best it can be.   My commitment to offering unique products to all of Northwest
Arkansas, and spreading the word about the benefits of natural parenting and cloth diapering remains unchanged.

Operating two Terra Tots locations was a financial success, but of course we all know there is more to life than money.  I have been splitting time between the two stores since January.  It has become very apparent that I have not been giving all areas of my life the attention needed – most importantly, family and friends.
 The lifestyle we strive to live has become very challenging with both locations.  When Bergen was born, I made the very important decision to leave my career to stay home with her.  It was the best decision I have made.   In the same way, choosing to operate only one store will allow me to share valuable time with Bergen as she
grows.   I want to be more available to ensure we are eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of fresh air, and appreciating the world we live in.  After all, not only am I a business owner but also a mother.

Simply put, I choose to value a simple life that is easily taken for granted.  I choose to spend more time with my family and friends.  I know Terra Tots customers will understand.   I trust that Benton County customers will make the short trip to Fayetteville to shop Terra Tots.   We are one community of parents (and grandparents)
that care about the way we raise our children.  For those that prefer to shop online, a web-store (based out of the Fayetteville store) has been in the works for sometime and will launch late summer.  We have always and will continue to ship our products to anyone who needs them.  Until then, please feel free to call if you need something.  I am always happy to help over the phone.

Please know the Fayetteville store will continue to provide the best natural parenting products available.  Thank you for your continued support of local family-owned business.  It means the world to us.
With much appreciation,
Bernice Hembree
Terra Tots natural parenting

Arkansas leaders visit Terra Tots

Congressman Boozman is visiting Terra Tots this afternoon.  We will be talking about small business in Arkansas and other fun topics related to Terra Tots.  We are honored that state leaders are taking an interest in Terra Tots and wanting to learn more about what we do.

Senator Mark Pryor responded to an email I sent a couple months ago.  The email was voicing concern over the CPSIA (consumer product safety act) and how it could effect small business and artisans alike.  Mr. Pryor sent a detailed email with thoughtful and intelligent ideas.  I am glad that we have state leaders listening to us and taking notice of pressing matters.

fayetteville charm

Another crafty lady is featured at Terra Tots.  Sage Billings, creator of CUDDLEFISH, just dropped off a batch of terrific onesies and shirts.  Each one is handmade with love and displays unique finesse.

I’d take a snapshot and attach it here, BUT, my trusty iphone just died (the battery).  So, pics to come soon.

Come support local business – two birds one stone.  local merchant, local artist.  ahhh: fayetteville charm.

ERGO baby carriers are here

ERGO carriers are in stock Terra Tots.  Both locations.
Prices range from $100 – $120.  Come in to see the variety of carriers!

 

Terra Tots is proud to offer bloom baby gear!

We have a few floor models that you can take a look at, but we can order anything from bloom.  They have a couple new products that will be out soon.  Terrific products that we cannot wait to offer to our terrific Terra Tots customers.

Above is the coco baby lounger.  Below is the fresco chair.  The baby chair is fantastic.  It holds up to 80lbs.  The chair will last for years!
Check the products out and let us know if you have any questions.  Any of the bloom products can be added to a registry.