SpringfieldMoms.orgLogo
Springfield Moms E-update
In This Issue
Dynamic Deals Page
Grocery Cart Alert
Ask the Speech Pathologist
Life Happens
Facebook Group
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.  She received a Family Fun Pack, courtesy of State Farm Agent Daton Kaisner. 
 
 
Become  a  
Registered Reader
Join Our Mailing List
September 22, 2008
Dear Readers,

www  Help us out and VOTE today for SpringfieldMoms.org!The Illinois Times is taking ballots online for their annual Best of Springfield 2008 awards.  Just type in www.springfieldmoms.org in the category for Local Business Website.    Also, we work hard to make Kim's Blog a frequent stop for our readers, providing the latest tips and timely community info at your fingertips.  If you like it, there is also an Illinois Times category for Best Local Blog.  Feel free to enter Kim's Blog (SpringfieldMoms) there.
 
The Best Local Website and Best Local Blog entries are on the LAST page of the online ballot, titled under "This and That." You are only required to enter your valid email address and complete at least 10 categories of entries from your favorite foods, restaurants, bands, recreation, people and "this and that!"  Log on today and enter by Wednesday September 24th at 5:00 p.m.  Thanks for your support!  Enter here: www.illinoistimes.com.

Enjoy this E-Update with timely articles, upcoming events and the launch of our new "Dynamic Deals" Page!
  Save Money -  New "Dynamic Deals"  Page
dynamicdeals_icon
The Springfield Moms Advisory Board started brainstorming our new "Dynamic Deals" page over the summer, coming up with savings on everything from books to bowling, greeting cards to wine with food and dessert savings as well.  More than 30 local businesses are covered on the page with more being added every day.  Birthday freebies and frequent buyer punch cards all covered!  Check it out here
Grocery Cart Alert
 
shopping cartIf you are the parent of a young child, you probably spend time being careful around the most commonly known dangers in your child's daily life.  An often overlooked danger remains the grocery shopping cart.  In 1999, nearly 23,600 children were hurt and treated in hospital emergency rooms for shopping cart injuries.  Patti Faughn from the University of Illinois Extension offers helpful tips for keeping your child safe at the store.  Read more on Child Safety here.
Ask the Speech Pathologist
 cellphone
 
Concerned about your children's frequent MP3-player use? The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports that "roughly 13 out of every 100" children have some degree of hearing loss.  Cases of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss are on the rise, due to the advances and availability of technology, from listening to headphones at increased volumes for extended periods of time.  Speech therapist Jennifer Pollock offers her advice here.  Read more.
Life Happens
  
September is Life Insurance Month.  If you were no longer there to provide for them, would your family be able to keep their home? Could your children attend college? If you answered 'no' to either of these questions, it may be time to look at your life insurance coverage.  Read More from Daton Kaisner.  
New! Facebook Group for SpringfieldMoms.org
 facebook
For those of you on facebook, we have a new SpringfieldMoms.org group for you to connect in real-time with area parents.  Share advice, tips or just plain funny stories.  You'll also stay connected to the latest on our main website.  Thanks to Christina Robinson-Race, our Moderator, for her time and postings to start the ball rolling!  Not a member of facebook?  Join today; it's a fun way to connect with friends old and new!  Join our group here
What's Happening!  Upcoming Events
 
    Parenting Seminar Coming Soon!
Heartoutline 
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:  
Ticket info here. For Adults, don't miss the Lincolnesque, a comedy-drama. October 2nd -4th and 9th -11th.
 
A-MAZE-ing Corn Maze at Auburn Methodist Church
Auburn Corn Maze 
Down on the Farm Festival   Sept. 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 
 
Dad_son
Next meeting will be 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.  Park across the street at CMT.
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.  Leave the kids at home and connect with other women. Have your photo taken as a memento to benefit the new Southwind Park.  Call 217-698-6000 to RSVP to this event.
 
pumpkins
Our 3rd Annual Fall Guide to Area Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Halloween Fun is up and ready for your enjoyment!  More here.
 
 abes_corn_mazeAbe's Corn Maze
every weekend in October!  Don't miss out!  Coupon and details here. 
 
Last chance for ShoeTopia's giveaway contestRegister online or enter at the store. Don't forget your $5 off coupon! 
 
kidzeum
Treasure!  Courtesy of The Kidzeum of Health and Science.
From October 2- December 31, 2008.
Treasure! will be on exhibit at the old Osco building at 9 South Old Capitol Plaza, Downtown Springfield. Tuesdays and Thursday 1 - 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 - 6pm; Sundays 1 - 4 p.m.  Details here.

 
BuddyWalkphoto
LincolnLand Down Syndrome Society's 8th Annual Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 25, 2008 atWashington Park.
Grab a Buddy and join the FUN!  Registration form here. 
 
SAVE the Date! 
 
Family Halloween  Halloween at the Market 4th Annual Kids Costume Contest 
Saturday, October 25.   Downtown Springfield on Adams between 4th & 5th streets.
10:00 a.m. Kids Area open with free crafts and entertainment.
11:00 a.m. Contest for ages 0-2, 3-6, 7-12.  Winners in all three age groups.
Noon  Dog Costume Contest sponsored by Illinois Humane.
 
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:
 
Calhoun Carpet Warehouse
Go Green with your flooring.  Numerous styles and options to choose from.
Enjoy your Calhoun Cash Coupon on our website!  Saves $50-$250.
Calhoun_Carpet
 
PLATINUM:
 
Enjoy this Indian Summer.  We'll return in October 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