Summer has come and is on its way out, so ready or not that can only mean one thing: BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING. *cue the tears*
Take a deep breath. One more. Listen, lady, YOU got this. You’re a back-to-school-shopping QUEEN and ain’t no supply list gonna hold you down. To lighten your load, we’ve made a list of where to go to tackle this busy season in style + confidence.
Before the bell rings, check these off your list:
1. Start with the essentials
The first day of school can be a little nerve-wracking, for mom and kids alike. You know what will help your kiddo strut through those doors with confidence? A killer backpack. Every kid knows your backpack is, like, the defining accessory of your school year. And now that you know, too, you can snag your little a backpack (that will have all the other kids talking) at Himalayan Mountain Shop. Through the end of August, they’re offering 10% off all backpacks, handcrafted in Nepal (a Towny app exclusive deal!).
(PS – Throughout August, you can also get 20% off all men’s cotton shirts from Nepal when you show your Towny app at Himalayan Mountain Shop. And don’t forget to save extra on ALL back-to-school items like clothes, shoes, and backpacks, during Tax-Free Weekend, August 4-5!)
2. To ‘do or not to ‘do…we say do!
Back to school means picture day is hiding just around the corner. Don’t be that mom that tries to cut her kids’ bangs the night before. (Listen, as a child victim of such an incident, I can tell you the resulting pictures will haunt your child FOR LIFE. Do you want that kind of guilt hanging over you???)
Instead, let the masters at Bodhi Tree Salon & Spa work their magic. Through the end of August, they’re running a back to school special: grab a fresh cut for yourself and your kiddo’s cut is half off! Plus they’ve got 50% off Aveda lip colors. If you’re not ready for your little girl to wear makeup yet, at least snag one for yourself!
3. Dress for success
One is never too young to start the quest for “Best Dressed.” Shop the looks at Southern Style Children’s Boutique and your mini-me will be looking sharper than Princess Charlotte at the Royal Wedding.
What to do with that young fashionista who likes to dress herself? Because let’s face it, mom, we know you have great fashion sense, but she won’t admit that. So gently nudge her towards Chatterbox and let her run wild among their shelves of funky + delightful tween clothing. But remember – it was totally all her idea.
4. Active kiddos need clothes, too!
Not every child wants to show up to school powdered and pruned. For those adventurous spirits who, much to your dismay, would rather forsake the sidewalk and crawl up boulders, the good news is, you’ve got options.
Gearhead Outfitters offers a solid selection of outerwear for youngins, as well as some of your outdoorsy clothing basics. You can also scout out the inventory at Lewis & Clark Outfitters, with plenty of brand name kids’ clothes and warmer wear for those soon-approaching autumn days.
5. Driver moms, start your engines!
Come school season, “pool” no longer means days of lounging in the sun while the kids splash to their hearts’ delight. Instead, it means cramming a load of rambunctious, hungry, LOUD kiddos into the car and praying you hang on to your sanity until you reach home.
But nothing brings on a headache quicker than a check engine light or that pesky little sticker persistently reminding you at every glance to PLEASE CHANGE YOUR OIL LIKE, YESTERDAY. Do yourself a favor: avoid the added stress and head over to C & C Automotive Services. They can change your oil, repair your A/C, rotate your tires, and even fix up your staticky speakers so you’re ready to jam out to ALL the latest Disney hits.
But why wait till something breaks? Bill’s Automotive Auto Repair in Bentonville offers full-service preventative in addition to standard auto repairs using the highest quality replacement parts, filters, oils, etc.
BECAUSE BUSY MOMS NEED SOME LOVE, TOO:
1. Grab a friend + a beverage + a break
Call up your fellow mom friends and make yourself at home in the comfy atmosphere of Trailside Coffee Co. This down-home coffee shop has an ever-changing menu that typically includes some combination of homemade ice cream (like grandma used to make), freshly baked treats, and local coffee. Read more about them here.
If you’d rather unwind with a glass of wine, set your sommelier sights on Growler USA. With more than 104 drinks on tap, they serve everything from draught wine to hard ciders to craft brews to non-alcoholic-but-still-darn-good root beers.
2. Squeeze in quiet time while you can
There’s just something about a pedicure that soothes the soul. An angelic chorus of “Hallelujah” begins to resound as you sit back in your comfy chair and slide your toes into the perfectly temperate waters below. Let the saints at Angel Nails take care of your little piggies. It’ll be the best decision you’ve made all year.
Unwind and declutter your mind at Bee Well Yoga. This hive of yogis is all about community + compassion. Pick from a range of yoga classes, and they offer a single class drop-in rate so if you’re not ready (or free enough) for a long-term commitment, you can just try it out once and breeeeathe.
3. You deserve to look as good as your little
In case you ever wondered if you need a “mamarazzi” tee, the answer is yes. You definitely do. And you can find just that over at Whimsy Woo! They’ve got all sorts of lively fashion items. Like some fab leopard print joggers that’ll leave you feeling yourself. #noshame
Look good, feel good, right? A new outfit from Vesta’s will carry you from morning school runs to that well-deserved moms’ night out. So clear out some space on your phone and take that selfie, girl. You do you.
4. Stress less about the menu
Back to School night, meet the teachers, sports orientations: evenings seem to fill up quick this time of year. If looking at the calendar is already inducing a tight feeling in your chest, give yourself a little breathing room and don’t worry about what’s for dinner. Check out Evolve Paleo for fresh, chef-prepared meals made weekly.
So let your stress melt away in the last of the summer heat waves. These local NWA stores have your back. And your backpack. And everything else you need to survive until that first bell rings. Check them out on Towny and enjoy exclusive, FREE perks JUST for you! Don’t miss them here!