Unleash the strength within through the Kazoku Karate program at The Battlefield! A well-equipped facility and expert instructors cater to all levels, fostering an inclusive environment for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Led by seasoned instructors, the Karate classes emphasize fundamental techniques, proper forms, and real-world applications.
Kazoku Karate @ The Battlefield is a martial arts gym right here in Greenville, near Woodruff Road & Interstate 385. Their dojo provides a safe environment for children and adults alike to develop physical skills, mental strength and health, build character, discipline, and values through the practice of traditional Karate do Wado Ryu Style.
In addition to the offered classes, private lessons, camps, and birthday parties, Kazoku Karate is starting a homeschool karate class that will meet once a week on Fridays beginning September 13th! This class will focus on basic karate skills, self-control, respect, and other important skills.
Are you parenting kids in Upstate, SC? Parenting is hard work full of decisions. From time to time we have experts addressing your parenting questions, plus tips and tricks on parenting topics from our readers. We’re covering topics on sleep, internet safety, meal prep, and lots more! You’ll find all our parenting content right here on this hub.
Are you looking for a plant store in Greenville, SC? The Upstate area is full of local plant stores and pop-up plant stores where you can find some seriously cool plants for sale, and usually a side of instruction if you’re not so sure how to care for your new botanical bestie. We have some plant care tips for you, plus a list of local plant shops near Greenville that you’ll want to check out.
The last decade has seen a boom in the popularity of houseplants. Yes, house plants. All kinds of houseplants. They help purify the air while also adding some much-needed nature vibes to the indoors of our homes. Not to mention the many varigations and unique indoor plants available, with many that are low maintenance (I’m talking about you pothos)!
This phenomenon, spurred on by Instagram and other social media platforms, has given birth to plant boutiques that are popping up all over town. Most of these locations are multi-functional spaces that offer more than just plants! Whether it be coffee, Filipino snacks, yoga sessions, or plant workshops, this new breed of retail space deserves your attention if you have a green thumb! If not, they can help you with that too!
Tips Before You Buy That Plant
There are a few things to take into consideration before you invest in a plant. Yes. I said invest. One of the pitfalls of popularity is that things get expensive. I’ve seen clippings of one of the most popular plants being sold for $120 apiece. A clipping, with no roots, and you have to propagate it in water, and then plant it. And, yes, they were being snatched up at that price. So, before you go and spend all that money on a plant, you’ll need to make sure you can provide it the home it needs. Unfortunately, love isn’t always enough.
Figure out your sunlight situation. Plants that need a lot of light, obviously won’t thrive if your home interior doesn’t have a good source of sunlight. Make sure your plant can thrive in the lighting your home can provide.
Monstera plants and Swiss Cheese plants are the most sought-after for the trendy plant collector. They can get expensive, so a little research could help guarantee their survival. Beware, if you also have pets, as both of these are toxic to animals.
Speaking of pets, if your plant will be indoors and accessible by your pets, it’s a good idea to check and make sure you know if they are a danger to your pets. Plants Toxic to Dogs / Plants Toxic to Cats
Don’t underwater your plant, but definitely don’t overwater it! It’s confusing, I know. But it’s easier for plants to recover from slight under-watering than overwatering. Make sure you have drainage holes in your pot, and a saucer to catch the overflow. If maintaining that right moisture level for your plant is proving tricky, there are small moisture gauges you can purchase to stick in the dirt. There are also apps that will remind you when to water based on the kind of plant(s) you have!
Cool Places To Get Plants Near Greenville, SC
Savereign | 1256 Pendleton Street -Suite B, Greenville
If a unique plant-buying experience is what you are seeking, then this is the shop you NEED. Their Instagram feed looks like what would happen if Hollister and the garden department had a glorious baby.
Open since May of this year, Sun and Soil Plant Parlor has become the spot to grab some impromptu selfies, while grabbing a plant or two. This plant shop invites people to come and hang out in the space they’ve lovingly created.
Plant Stella | 651 South Main Street, Greenville & Inside Haywood Mall
Plant Stella offers locations in Downtown Greenville as well as in the Haywood Mall on the ground level, right near the Macy’s entrance. They have a variety of rare and unique indoor houseplants, gorgeous planters, and more that will elevate your current plant collection to the next level!
This amazing coffee shop/plant boutique has a loyal fan base within our readership! They are located right up the street from another local favorite of ours – Big Ben’s Desserts! So you can head to Lyman, grab a plant, coffee & some cupcakes the next time you want to cheer yourself or someone you love up.
Botanical Brew! They have great coffee and a huge assortment of plants. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask. They will order it! Owners are wonderful people. Great local spot.
Samantha Chaffin
Porchview Plants
Pop-Up and Online Plant Shops In Greenville & Spartanburg, SC
Here are popular plant vendors that frequent local farmers’ markets, open-air markets, and other vendor events. You can also arrange pick-up sales with most.
A chance encounter at a local market pop-up planted a seed of plant interest for my son. Caleb & Tiffany were so patient with him and offered tons of tips.
Based in Atlanta, this shop isn’t local, I know. I first discovered them when they did a pop-up at a local plant shop. Varnish + Vine sells beautiful cactus cuttings by the foot. They regularly come to Greenville and set up at Savereign. You can also shop the Varnish + Vine website, and have the cactus shipped to you.
Head spas are all the rage right now and Greenville, SC thankfully has a handful of options that perform such services. We tried it out and can personally give you all the details!
I love having my hair brushed so much that I’ll look up different hairstyles so my daughters can practice on me. Thankfully they love this as well so it all works out. When I began seeing head spas popping up in Greenville and in local Facebook groups, my interest was piqued. What in the world was a head spa and how soon could I try it out?
Because we love trying cool things and telling our readers about them, here I am with the lowdown on it all went.
Head spa treatment room
What is a head spa?
A head spa is basically a really long hair washing and cleansing session with a thorough scalp inspection and massage. The benefits of massage are fairly well-known – eases depression and anxiety, promotes relaxation, helps aid with sleep – and those benefits all extend to a scalp massage plus some additional ones are included. These can be things like better blood circulation, prevention of dandruff, easing of itchiness, and promotion of hair growth.
Head spas originated in Asian cultures, specifically Japan, India, and China, and exploded in popularity due to a viral TikTok video back in August of 2023 out of a head spa in Los Angeles. Ah, social media trends.
Since then, head spas have been popping up in major cities across the country, including Greenville. There are a handful of them in town and most have very good reviews. I went to the Jewel of the Orient Spa on N. Pleasantburg Road, which at the time of this writing has only been open for four months.
Scalp Analysis
A head spa will begin with a detailed scalp analysis where the technician will use a small camera apparatus with a light and shine all over your scalp. The camera comes up with photos on a tablet that you hold – at least that’s how it happened with me. It was a little – ok, a lot – strange. The pictures are very, very up close and you can see every little thing on your scalp. I could see a random flake and the hairs that were not the color I wanted them to be. I could see where my scalp was red from itching. It was weird.
My technician said my scalp looked pretty healthy and not dried out. Yay for shampooing only a few times a week! She then explained what would happen during the treatment. I honestly missed a bunch of it but I can tell you what happened next.
The Head Spa Experience
Once we analyzed my scalp, we went to the treatment area where I laid down on a massage table with a basin at one end. It was very comfortable and way better than a hair salon washing station.
I was started with a brief scalp massage with some heavenly scented oils and then my hair was rinsed and lathered with a coconut shampoo. It smelled so good. Then the technician really massaged my scalp and moved my head around so I faced my right side and then my left and did it again. She applied pressure to my temples and my neck and it felt really good.
The treatment room
That took awhile, at least 30 minutes of the hour-long treatment. Then she put a warm cloth over my eyes and broke out what I was hoping to see – the arched water rinser thing. Actually, I couldn’t see it because I had the cloth over my eyes but I could certainly feel it and I knew what it looked like because I had seen photos beforehand (see, I did my research).
You know those splash pads that have an arch and you (or your kids) run through the water that falls down from small holes on the inside of the arch? That’s what this was like except way smaller.
The arch water thing moved up the back of my head to my forehead and then back down again. The technician meanwhile was using a brush on my head and it was amazing. The strokes of the brush along with the moving water made some kind of magic.
Once she rinsed out my hair, she put it up in a towel and since I got the signature package, which included a short back and shoulder massage, my masseuse came in and gave me a delightful massage. It was honestly the perfect 90 minutes.
The After Head Spa Treatment
After the head spa treatment and massage, we went back to the room where the initial scalp analysis was done. I was given a light blow dry and then she started administering one thing after another to my hair and scalp – there were serums and oils and other things to promote hair growth and reduce frizziness. I tried to keep track of it all, I promise, but I couldn’t. This took about 20 minutes and it was lovely.
After each application, she brushed my hair and it got softer and softer and softer. I felt better leaving the Jewel of the Orient Spa than I did when get my hair done.
The scalp analysis and after treatment room
Repeat Head Spa Treatments
I was curious how often people use head spas in their hair care routines and my technician told me that for me, because I don’t have a dry scalp, once a month would be ideal. For other people who have a drier scalp or need more haircare, every two weeks is a good option.
If you color your hair, the Jewel of the Orient Spa has products that are safe for colored hair they can use.
Booking Your Head Spa Appointment
You can book your head spa appointment at the Jewel of the Orient Spa via their booking link online. I chose the Signature Treatment, which was an hour and 30 minutes long and costs $150. Their Routine Scalp Care treatment is an hour long and is $120. They have several other options to choose from as well.
Most of the other places I checked out online have similar price points. I chose the Jewel Orient Spa because not only did they have amazing reviews but they focused mainly on head spa treatments versus other spas that are more focused on nails and other beauty treatments. But even so, those places also had great reviews for their head spa treatments so it doesn’t seem like you can go wrong anywhere.
So if you’re stressed or tired or want to take better care of your hair, maybe the viral head spa treatment is just what you need. It was truly a relaxing experience and certainly one I’d do again.
Jewel of the Orient Spa 1036 N Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville 864.584.2067
When I was a little girl, my dream was to be an Olympic gymnast. I took gymnastics classes for years but I met my end when I became too tall. But my love of gymnastics hasn’t waned and I loved watching my daughter during her classes and I seriously cannot wait to watch the Olympics. If you have an aspiring gymnast in your household, there’s a great facility to check out that’s been voted the “Best Gymnastics Facility” and “Best Parent/Child Program” in the Upstate. They even have Boys Gymnastics, one of only a few in the Upstate! Plus, Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer was voted by readers as a 2024 finalist in the Kidding Around® KABOOM Awards for Best Gymnastics Program!
Thank you to Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this website post.
What Classes are Offered at Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer?
Foothills Gymnastics & Cheer is based in Easley, SC, and opened its doors in 1996. Ever since, the gym has been putting smiles on the faces of children of all ages with a variety of dynamic, age-appropriate classes.
The gym is a large 12,000 square feet and is the only gym in South Carolina that has a separate, 5,000 square foot preschool facility equipped with the finest apparatuses for smaller children. Foothills is a United States Association Gymnastics Member Club whose mission is to “further the happiness and health of our clients” by teaching gymnastics and other fitness specialties in a fun environment that supports and develops the student’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Classes Offered
Ninja Monkey
Ninja Monkey, geared towards ages four and up, consists of flips, rolls, and jumps. These are integrated into an obstacle course designed to challenge the imagination and body. Maybe kids want to be the next “American Ninja Warrior” or maybe they just want to test their own strength and agility using bars, ropes, and an obstacle course or maybe they think the skills are just really fun to learn. Whatever the reason, Ninja Monkey is one of the the gym’s most popular classes. Classes are grouped by age, with ages 4-6 year olds engaging in “Lil Ninjas”, while ages 7 and up are a part of the Ninjas classes.
Preschool Classes
Preschool classes make use of the vast array of preschool equipment in the special area of the gym specifically set aside for children of this age. The classes focus on achieving skills of listening, coordination, rhythm, imagination and promoting a healthy self-image. Classes have a low student-to-teach ratio and have changing themes and age-specific equipment.
Parent and Tot
The Parent and Tot classes (walking to 3-years-old) is also a popular class. It encourages quality time between parents and kids in an interactive and positive environment. These classes are great for fine motor and gross motor skill progression.
Basic Skills
Gymnasts start out with the Basic Skills classes. These classes help to develop skill progression and the ability to overcome cognitive challenges. Each child is placed into their age and skill appropriate class. The gymnasts will progress to the next level as they master the basic skills.
Cheernastics
Foothills focuses on also offers Cheernastics, which combines both cheerleading and gymnastics into one class, and beginner through advanced tumbling. These classes are great for kids ages 4 and older who are wanting to learn more cheer techniques.
Boys Gymnastics
Boys Gymnastics is the perfect way for your kid to get in on the action as well. They will develop athletic skills through gymnastic classes.
Birthday Parties at Foothills Gymnastics and Cheer
For a unique and fun birthday party, Foothills is the place to go. Their facility is a great place to host a birthday party! Plus, the gym has a variety of packages to choose from, including a Ninja-themed party. The parties provide fully supervised playtime, and ages 5 and under can add a bounce house to the party package.
Have you taken time for yourself at one of our spas in Greenville, SC? During busy and stressful times it becomes even more important to find time to take care of ourselves. Kidding Around’s Hope Evans reminds readers to think about setting aside that time with this list of Greenville area spas perfect for self-care.
Don’t miss our review of Drift Float & Spa for a unique spa experience!
When you think of self-care, what comes to mind? Is it massages, spas, and getting your nails done? While all of that is true, it’s so much more than that! It’s all about nourishing your mind, body and spirit. It’s about doing something for yourself that makes you feel good and refreshed.
When it comes to spas, there are plenty that will make you feel like a brand-new human being! So, if you’re looking for a day at a spa in Greenville for a little self-care, here are a few Greenville spas to try.
Airbrush tanning, lash extensions, lash lifts, waxing, and makeup are just a few of the services this spa provides! Unlike other spas, they provide a solution that’s both paraben & gluten-free for their airbrush glo techniques. Their experts will provide a streak-free tan as opposed to machine-only tanning services. Whether you want thicker and fuller lashes, waxing, or a fresh face with their makeup services, Organic Tan Face and Body products are high-quality and won’t leave you feeling leery about chemicals.
Spend the day at the Spa H at Hotel Hartness! They are a luxurious spa with 6 treatment rooms and a wide variety of spa treatments on their menu. They offer facials, massages, body wraps, and more! Book your appointment on their website.
Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle in life? This spa is the perfect place for peace and tranquility! Did I mention they have a LUNCH menu?! While you’re enjoying lunch, take advantage of their other services such as facials, body treatments, hair removal, pedicure services, massages, and chiropractic services! They also have a boutique, which offers unique gifts, candles, jewelry as well as decor! For your convenience, book an appointment with them online.
You’ll find this spa along Main Street in downtown Greenville. This hidden gem has a blissful and peaceful environment. Enjoy a facial, massage, body treatment detox, manicure/pedicure, or wax.
Looking for something to do as a couple? No problem! They offer couple massages followed by a custom blended hydrotherapy session. Additionally, they offer facials and body exfoliation treatment for men! This is the perfect gift for Mother or Father’s Day! Hey, you can even combine it if you purchase the couple’s massage, which is a win-win in my book!
Looking for a spa that prides itself on offering massages that increase your energy, improve your digestive system, and improve blood circulation? Then this perfect place to book your next massage! You can also schedule a facial or hop in their sauna or salt room. Book an appointment today!
The mission at AO-The Space is to provide guests with a service that’s free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, lanolin, and synthetic dyes. Products are vegan as well as organic at an affordable price. On their website they say they never test their products on animals, they use sustainable raw materials and sustainable practices. Their products are also biodegradable! They provide skin care, massages, waxing, airbrush tanning, hair services, eyelash extensions, reflexology, threading, and more!
If you are budget shopping, Greenville, SC has plenty of places with discounts, deals, and savings programs to help you keep more money in your pocket. Use these lists of consignment shops to help with clothes shopping, tips for saving money on food, and lots more.
Have you heard of people receiving unclaimed money and thought it was a scam? It’s not! Unclaimed cash is simply money owed to you, like refunds from overpaying utilities or doctor’s bills. Today, Jaime is sharing about her true experience finding $1000 owed to her. Not only is she sharing about it, but she also describes the steps you need to take to find money owed to you!
I’ve noticed several posts on Facebook, informing SC residents of a website to search for unclaimed money being held by the State Treasurer. I honestly thought it was a scam to steal my social security number, identity or bank account information, so I decided to do a little research and find out if it was too good to be true.
Need some time to relax? Heard of a spa called Drift in Greenville, SC? Kidding Around’s Kristina Hernandez headed to Drift Float & Spa to check out their unique spa and saltwater pods for floating. She thought it was really relaxing! Find out about her experience and what you can expect at Drift Float & Spa.
Floating by myself in the dark in a super epsom salt bath was not necessarily at the top of my list of things I thought would be relaxing. But there I was, doing that exact thing at Drift Float & Spa in Greenville recently. Honestly, it was my curiosity that got the best of me and having heard about what you do at the spa and how relaxing it was, I wanted to try it out.
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks offers much more than a haircut. Their attention to detail, inviting atmosphere, and helpful stylists remove the stress out of getting your child’s haircut. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to sit in a tiny airplane or train engine while getting their new ‘do! We were invited to the Five Forks location so you will know what to expect during your next visit to Pigtails & Crewcuts. Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for sponsoring this article!
Our Experience at Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks
We all know that getting your kid’s hair cut, especially if it is their first few times, can be overwhelming for most children. The staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks go above and beyond to ensure that each child feels safe and comfortable while in the stylist’s chair. We took our two-year-old for a trim, something that has been quite emotional for her in the past. However, our stylist Lexy, made the experience effortless!
When we arrived, Lexy had my two-year-old decide which of the awesome chairs she would like to sit in, and she b-lined to the model airplane. There are 5 unique chairs to choose from, including a train engine, fire engine, police car, racecar, and an airplane. There are also a couple of regular barber chairs to accommodate older children.
Beginning the Haircut
Lexy then engaged in conversation with her, making her feel at ease before gently spritzing her hair and beginning to cut based on what we were looking for. She even gave me some helpful tips on dealing with her fine yet curly hair texture. Lexy truly loves her job and says that her most favorite thing about working with kids is “watching them grow up. [I’ve] been here for seven years now so I have seen some go from kindergarten to middle school.”
My daughter was so distracted by the magnetic toys, Frozen playing, and the airplane chair that before we knew it, our haircut was complete! Our stylist even platted her hair in two pig tail braids before we left the chair. She was then able to pick a small toy from the treasure box.
A+ Effort While Working With Children
The staff are also comfortable working with children with sensitivities, developmental challenges, medical challenges, and children who may have difficulties getting a haircut. Lexy, who has a lot of personal experience working with children on the autism spectrum, knows all the tricks for working through the process, saying the staff “try to pull out all the tricks and all the things by gently approaching and letting them get used to the environment.”
The studio provides “tons of accommodations. Whatever we got to do to get it done” while promoting a calm and relaxing environment. Parents are even welcome to bring their child in and just spend some time there, hanging out in the playroom at the back of the studio, and getting adjusted before their first haircut.
My Personal Opinion Of Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks
Overall, our personal experience was fantastic! Their staff was so gentle and kind to my two-year-old daughter, and they took their time to ask questions from me about what I wanted to see in her haircut. Our stylist was able to do everything so seamlessly, and my daughter was happy the entire trip. The shop is super clean, is adorably decorated, and I absolutely love the chairs! I would highly recommend this haircut studio to all families.
What Types of Haircut Packages Do They Offer?
Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks offers several packages to choose from, including:
Kids Cut: This is the basic haircut package for both boys and girls. Prices start at $24.95.
1st Haircut Package: The 1st haircut is always a big deal, and Pigtails & Crewcuts will help make it a special experience. Your child will even get their picture hung on the 1st Haircut Wall, what an honor! Prices start at $29.95.
Bang Cut: Looking to shape up your child’s bangs and get them out of their eyes, then this package is for you.
Dad’s Cut or Mom’s Cut: You might as well shape up your own ‘do while your little one gets a cut. The studio offers cuts for Mom’s and Dad’s!
Detangling: In need of some TLC for your kid’s tangled hair. The stylists can help gently remove those tangles to improve hair health.
Fairyhair: Add a little sparkle to your kid’s hair with Fairyhair, we promise they will love it!
Neck Trim: Short hair shape up? Get a neck trim to keep it sleek.
Up-Do/Style: Have a special occasion where your kid needs to look a little more spiffy? The stylists can create a stylish hairstyle or up-do for your kid.
Making an Appointment With Pigtails & Crewcuts – Five Forks
To book an appointment with Pigtails & Crewcuts, you will need to make an account on the Pigtails & Crewcuts online portal. Making an account is super easy, and allows you to choose the the type of appointment your child needs and the stylist you would like to book with. Once your stylist is chosen, you are shown available times based on your preferred date. Once booked, you will receive reminder emails, so you do not have to worry about accidentally missing your appointment thanks to their built-in reminder system!
