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Springfield Moms E-update
In This Issue
Going Green
Ask the Specialist
Pet Corner
Ask the Fitness Professional
Your Teen at College
Ask the Attorney
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
Share Your Tips & Win
 
Share your tips in September to win a Mom's Night Out Gift Basket courtesy of Springfield Moms! 
 
Congrats to Angi Resch our August winner of the  
Family Fun Pack courtesy of State Farm Agent Daton Kaisner. 

  
 
 
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September 12, 2008
pumpkins
Dear Readers,

It's officially time for Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals.  This is my favorite time of year as we move from summer to fall.  We've all transitioned to a new routine, milder weather and hopefully some scenic views in the area!  Visit our Third-Annual Fall Guide 2008, which is sure to be your online resource for where to go in the Central Illinois area.  Don't forget to email us your favorite family photos when you return. 
 
Enjoy this E-Update with useful articles from eco-friendly cleaning, to "Ask the Specialist" responses on allergies, asthma and fitness.  We also launch a new series called "Ask the Attorney" that will tackle challenging topics many families deal with daily.  And don't miss the local events right around the corner.  We've added a "Bookmark this Page" and "Set this Page as your Home Page" on What's Happening.
 
Welcome new sponsors and new coupons from Sylvan Learning Center, Studio West Fitness, Eye Candy by Brandy, P&J Hathaway Builders, ChildRite Development, LLC.  Print the pdf of all coupons here and enjoy savings today!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options  

Illinois_State_FairCarpet, Air-Duct and Dry Cleaning options are now available with eco-friendly techniques.  Check out the latest strategies that do not include harmful toxins that cloud our homes.  Learn more about the choices you can make and tips to keep your home allergen free from Peerless Cleaning & Restoration.  Read more on Going Green here.

 
Ask the Specialist about Allergies and the Environment
sjch logo 
Hear from Dr. Jefferey Lehman, Medical Director of St. John's Children's Hospital Huff & Puff Allergy & Asthma.  He provides tips on reducing environmental stimulants that can provoke allergies and asthma.   
Updated! Pet Care Directory
 
DogsWelcome and thank you to our newPet Care Directory sponsors: Doggie Day Care from the The Pampered Pet Center, Healing Hands Pet Massage and Pet Sitting Services, Animal Medical Clinic for veterinary care you can count on.  Nature's Select will provide the best quality food for your dogs and deliver to your door; Christy! Studios can paint a custom portrait of your furry loved one. 
 
Be sure to email your photo for Pet of the Week.  We love seeing your four-legged children.  More here.
Ask the Fitness Professional
 Abes_Amble_Runners
 
No More Excuses
- Take Care of YOU!
The kids are back in school, and their after-school activities have begun.  What about you?  Have you blocked any time to take care of yourself?  Learn from Tom Fisher, certified personal trainer with Studio West Fitness, how to build a consistent routine into your busy schedule.  Make the most of your time and enhance your energy overall.  Read on here.
Your Teen Away at College 
college pic 
Did Your Child Leave for College This Fall?  If you are getting used to an empty room down the hall and wondering how your freshman is doing, check out our timely article on "Your Teen Away at College" with tips and strategies for helping both parent and student adjust.  More here.
Ask the Attorney 
 
Dealing with Divorce...
This is not a topic we enjoy talking about it, but it's a very real issue for many of our readers.  Whether you have gone through divorce yourself or you are supporting a friend or family member who is, we trust this informative article from Kevin Linder will provide a helpful perspective.  

 
What's Happening!  Upcoming Events
 
 
 
Ace_Hardware_logo
THIS Saturday September 13th
Meet the ACE Helpful Riders: Thanks to our Gold Sponsor ACE HARDWARE for making a generous donation to our local children's hospital. In the 5th  Annual Ace "Tour de Kids" charity bicycle ride, 100 Ace Helpful Riders will bicycle on one leg from Oak Brook to St. Louis, MO to raise $1 million for Children's Miracle Network (CMN).  The Ace Helpful Riders will be arriving in Springfield at St. John's Children's Hospital around 2:00pm.  The Riders will present a check to CMN and then tour the hospital and visit with families.   A Live remote from WFMB  will be held at the Ace Hardware on Walnut Street with the chance to register for 3 Ace gift certificates to be given away.  The drawing will be at 4:30 p.m. and you must be present to win the $100 and $75 Ace gift certificate. The $50 Ace gift certificate does not require you to be present to win.
   
ShoeTopia
 
Enter by September 30th! Shoetopia is sponsoring a contest to win a portrait of your child in a fabulous pair of shoes!  Enter on their website today, featuring photography sessions from Amy Denney Photography and ShoeTopia Gift Certificates.  Register online here or enter at the storeDon't forget your $5 off coupon! 
 
celebrity chef
THIS Saturday, September 13, Don't miss the 14th Annual Celebrity Chef at The Hope Institute's campus on 15 East Hazel Dell Lane. Features restaurateur Kevin Boehm and renowned Chef Giuseppi Tentori.  Event includes an exquisite dinner, live music and dancing, live entertainment and live and silent auctions.  More here.
 
Art_Spectacular 
Art Spectacular at the Carillon Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair
THIS Saturday, September 13, 10-5.   Sunday, September 14,   10-4.
Art Spectacular at the Carillon continues to grow!  With 45 juried artists showing and selling their original artwork in 17 mediums this year, Art Spectacular continues to gain respect in both the artist and Springfield communities.  Washington Park is a spectacular setting to showcase beautiful artwork.   Enjoy Arts, Crafts and Entertainment for the Kids.  Details
here.
 
Illinois_State_Fair 
Saturday, September 20 & 21.
FREE The 20th Annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair will bring more than 80 artists from around the country to display and sell their fine art and crafts in Springfield.  Don't miss the used book sale featuring 100s of children's books.  Located on the grounds of beautiful Edwards Place, the Fine Art Fair is completely accessible to the community with free admission and free parking.  More here.

Parenting Seminar Coming Soon!
Are your young ones pulling your strings?  Don't miss the ever-popular Conscious Parenting Seminar on September 26th hosted by Funshop and being held at First United Methodist on Koke Mill/Wabash.  Registration has begun.  $15/person or $20 a couple.  Invest in yourself and learn practical parenting strategies.  Details and registration form here. 
 
 
 ALPLMLogo
ALPLM: 
Buy your tickets now for "Saturday Afternoon Tea" with Nancy Torgerson September 20, 2:00 p.m., Library, Lincoln Reception Room.
Pictures, reproduction toys, 19th century riddles and antiques will be used to demonstrate home life, schooling and entertainment of children living in the mid-19th Century.  Ms. Torgerson will explain the differences and similarities between the life of children then and today.  Audience participation is encouraged!  Ticket info here.
 
A-MAZE-ing Corn Maze at Auburn Methodist Church
Auburn Corn Maze 
Down on the Farm Festival   Sept. 20-21 and 27-28
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays
Noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
FREE Admission to Festival; $5 per person for maze (children under 5 free). Visit the website for $1 off coupon; free children's game area, including a straw bale maze, pumpkin painting, picture opportunities, hay rides, Jacob's Ladder, entertainment and great food.  Click here for more and a link to the coupon. 
 
Single Parent Social Network:  We had a fun launch for the new single parent network.  Next meeting September 27th at Washington Park 4:00 p.m. near the MAIN playground area.  We will be at the picnic tables near the restrooms.  Kids are welcome, but child care is not provided. Please plan to supervise your kids.  
 

Fall Colors in the Afternoon
Terry_Farmer_logo

Recruit your girlfriends and join us for Fall Colors in the Afternoon at Terry Farmer Photography  It's all about you!
Saturday, September 27.
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
  2711 West Washington
Shop items from Springfield's trendiest boutiques including ShoeTopia & Flea Market to Fabulous.  Sample tasty edibles, coffees and wines.  Relax and be pampered in the Appearances Drifting Leaves Spa.  Connect with other women - like SpringfieldMoms readers and volunteers.  Have your photo taken as a memento to benefit the new Southwind Park.  Enjoy goodie bags and prize drawings as well.

SAVE the Date! 
 
Family Halloween  Halloween at the Market 4th Annual Kids Costume Contest 
Saturday, October 25.   Downtown Springfield on Adams between 4th & 5th street.
10:00 a.m. Kids Area open with free crafts and entertainment.
11:00 a.m. Contest for ages 0-12.  Check out last year's gallery of photos
 here!
  
What's Happening is updated every week with the latest fun for you and your family!  Bookmark this page.  
NOW
 
Save $425 or more!
Coupon_scissors 
Access coupons from our Mom's Choice Directory  You'll find deals and complete info about these LOCAL businesses. 
 
NEW!   Welcome Sylvan Learning Center (1/2 off assessments), Restore for Habitat for Humanity (10-15% off), P.J. Hathaway Builders, Inc ($65 Home Service Repair coupon)  Springfield YMCA (10 FREE Fitness Classes,) EyeCandy by Brandy (15% off), ChildRite Development, LLC (Children with Special Needs). 

 
Ace Hardware (10% off new Mythic Paint), John Geyston Premier Martial Arts ($29.99 Starter Special), Robert's Seafood ($5 off), ShoeTopia ($5 off), Hale Chiropractic & Aquatic Center ($10 off massage & NEW swim lessons), Oh My Dog Online Bow Wow Boutique ($5 off first $25 purchase), The Corkscrew ($1 Saturday Tastings), Prairie Heart Center for Living ($10 off any class or service), Tamara Burris, Interiors, Florals & Ideas ($25 off), Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center (2 weeks free and $20 off a birthday party package), Indigo Restaurant, Adventure Dive & Travel (Free $35 Scuba Trial), Bryant Lawn Service (10% off) and Calhoun Carpet Warehouse ($50-$250 savings).  Photography discounts from Terry Farmer Photography and Kimberly Smoot Photography.
 
15% off at Food Fantasies, 20% off your first free home pick-up Dry Cleaning from Peerless Cleaners and more! 
 
We add new coupons weekly!
Thank you to our Charter Sponsors.
FEATURED CHARTER SPONSOR:
 
Prairie Heart Center for Living
 PrairieHeartCenterforLiving
Busy moms, take a break and schedule a massage, acupuncture or Reiki sessions.  Redeem your  $10 off coupon from our website.    
 
PLATINUM:
 
Enjoy the cooler temperatures.  We'll return later in September with more!  
 
Best, 
Kim
 
P.S.  Help us reach more busy parents by clicking on the Forward email link. As always, we remain a permission-based email newsletter and a website that does NOT sell your email address to any third parties.  If you need to update your email address, click on UPDATE my PROFILE below. 
 
Kim Leistner Little
Founder & President