| Springfield Moms E-Update December 17, 2008 |
|
| Share Your Tips
and Win! |
2008 Annual Reader Survey
Congrats to all of
|
| Become a
Registered Reader |
 | |
|
| Greetings!
The official start of winter is here, and if you are like me, the "To Do" list for the holidays goes on and on. Never fear! Springfield Moms is here with the latest info to help you plan your winter activities.
Need last minute unique gifts at great prices? Our newest sponsor Design Ideas offers Springfield Moms readers an additional 15% off at their Holiday Warehouse Sale. Print coupon here.
Are holiday pounds making an unwelcome appearance? The Springfield YMCA presents the Biggest Loser Contest. Open to members and non-members. Contest runs January 19 - April 4, 2009, but you must register by January 5, 2009. (Registration includes a pass to use the YMCA including free fitness classes, nutrition classes, t-shirt, special "Last Chance" workouts every other week and group & prize motivation.) More details here.Don't forget our Local Gift Guide with all of our favorites. Remember these area businesses as you make your final holiday purchases.
We are in the final stretch of 2008. Take a deep breath and enjoy your kids and loved ones.
Happy Holidays!
Kim Little
Founder and President of Springfield Moms |
| Vote for Springfield Moms |
|
| State Journal-Register Reader's Choice Awards
 It's time to vote online for the SJ-R Reader's Choice Awards. Last year, Springfield Moms received runner-up for Best Local Website. We would love to WIN this year, and we can do so with your help!
Please take a few minutes to log on and fill out at least half of the survey. Our category is under FUN: Best Local Website. (You can also vote for Kim's Blog under LIFESTYLE: Best Local Blog.)
Thanks in advance! |
| A One Page Mothering Plan for 2009 |
|
|
Looking for a strategy to make 2009 more focused on meeting your children's needs? For the past six years, local author Mary Byers has set aside a morning in December to develop her personalized mothering plan for the upcoming year. This has focused her efforts, calmed her insecurities and ensured that her children each receive what they need from her. Learn how to do this for your own family with her tips for developing a One Page Mothering Plan.
|
| Practical Parent Pointers HoliDaze Style |
|
Make sure your traditions, new and old, focus on family rather than on money or "stuff." The special memories you create now will last your child much longer than that new Erector set. Check out a couple of unique family recipes, too. Read on for series editor Amy McFadden's holiday Parent Pointers. |
| Ask The Specialist: Allergies |
|
|
Which families are at high risk for allergies? A child with one parent who has allergies has about a 50% chance of developing allergies. This number jumps to 80% if both parents have allergies. Find answers to commonly asked questions about children's allergies in this Ask the Specialist article with Dareen D. Siri, M.D. who works in the Department of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at Springfield Clinic, LLP. Access full article. |
| A Dad's Eye View of the Family Gift Exchange |
|
|
It's the Gift Exchange to the Nnth Degree. Walk into a McAndrew household anywhere in the country and you will see the same Christmas plates, Christmas platters, Christmas refrigerator magnets, Christmas nutcrackers, Christmas snowmen, Christmas wall hangings, Christmas door hangings, Christmas pillows and/or Christmas candles. Read Springfield Dad Bill McAndrew's funny story here. |
| What Is That "DS" On My Kid's List? |
|
Is a Nintendo DS stuffing your child's stocking this year? They are small, addictive (and expensive). If you are clueless about this popular game system, we are here to help. Enjoy these Top Five DS Tips to enhance your child's gaming experience, submitted by Springfield Moms board member Lisa Whelpley (and DS addict herself). | |
|
| What's Happening! Upcoming Events |
|
|
Don't Miss the Design Ideas Store in a new location at the old CVS building on MacArthur (Town and Country Shopping Center). Open now through December 27th. Exclusive 15% off coupon on all purchases available only on Springfield Moms! All proceeds go to local charities. Stock up on Gel Gems, Office Supplies, Home Decor, Storage, Stationery and much more! Great last minute gifts for anyone on your list.
The Springfield YMCA presents the Biggest Loser Contest. Open to EVERYONE, members and non-members! Contest runs January 19 - April 4, 2009, but you must register by January 5, 2009. Registration includes a pass to use the YMCA including free fitness classes, nutrition classes, t-shirt, special "Last Chance" workouts every other week and group and prize motivation. Registration info here.  Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Holiday Pops on Saturday, December 20th at the Sangamon Auditorium. Visit www.svys.org or call 753-8000 for tickets and time.  American Ice Princess and Her Doll Holiday Skating Party will be held Sunday, December 21st from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Nelson Center. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door and include skates for the doll and hot chocolate, a trip to the nail and hair booth and skate rental for kids. There will also be a silent auction and chance to win an American Girl Doll. Call 217-753-2800 for more details.
Purchase your 2009 Illinois State Fair Holiday Mega Pass. Through December 21st. Only $50. Save $10 and receive a free lanyard. Printable Order Form here. The Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery Holiday Store is open through December 23rd at their NEW location between The Dublin Pub and Burlington Coat Factory in the Town and Country Shopping Mall. Bring your kids for their "top secret" Christmas shopping. If you and your older kids want to volunteer a shift at this fun Nursery fundraiser, call 525-6800.
Register on their website for upcoming events and specials and be entered into a prize drawing for a gift certificate. Deadline Dec 31, 2008. ENTER HERE!
Treasure! Exhibit Downtown. 9 S. Old State Capitol. Holiday Fun on Saturday, December 20th. Present Making Workshop from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Make a Rudolph Pin, Craft Frame or Jewelry (cost $1) and enjoy the exhibit (admission $3 for ages 2 on up). All proceeds benefit Kidzeum, the new children's museum coming to Springfield.
Mark Your Calendars! First Night Springfield. December 31st: Kids Area 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Springfield High School's Annex area. Look for the Springfield Moms table! Enjoy FREE kids crafts, entertainment and more. Entertainment all evening long. Thank to the Springfield Area Arts Council for this annual tradition. Learn more.
  Save The Date for Fun Time Station. WSEC/PBS Springfield Fun Time Station will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Illinois Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. There will be food, crafts, raffles, live entertainment and over 26 children's activity booths. Tickets are $5 at the door (for ages 2 through adult) or $4 in advance (ages 2 through adult) by calling the station at 800-232-3605.
 Don't Miss Real Heroes Read: A Literacy Fair for All Ages on January 31, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Library. Sponsored by The Junior League of Springfield, Inc., 93.9 ABE FM, and Springfield Moms. Enjoy stories, crafts, games and more for young kids; "The Lincoln's A-Z" author Betty Carlson Kay presents Ms. Elizabeth Edwards for upper elementary and middle school kids. Also includes writing and publishing tips from local author Mary Byers for aspiring high school writers, book sale, costume contest, reading marathon and more!
 What's Happening is updated every week with the latest fun for you and your family! Bookmark this page. |
|
Save $525 and more!
|
Access coupons on Mom's Choice. You'll find deals and complete info about these LOCAL businesses. We add new coupons weekly.
NEW! Welcome Design Ideas Warehouse Sale (15% off), Bella Milano ($5 off $25 order OR a complimentary appetizer), Cara Mongolian Bar-b-que (buy one small, medium or large bowl, get one ½ off!).
EyeCandy by Brandy (15% off), Robert's Seafood (10% off), ShoeTopia ($5 off), Sylan Learning Center (1/2 off Initial Assessment), The Back and Joint Center (free hydrotherapy trial), The Corkscrew ($1 Saturday Tastings), Prairie Heart Center for Living ($10 off any class or service), Springfield YMCA (Free week), Tamara Burris, Interiors, Florals & Ideas (Free Consultation), Adventure Dive & Travel (Free $35 Scuba Trial) and Calhoun Carpet Warehouse ($50-$250 savings).
Photography discounts from Terry Farmer Photography and Kimberly Smoot Photography. Enjoy 15% off at Food Fantasies, 20% off your first free home pick-up Dry Cleaning from Peerless Cleaners. $1 off at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. P & J Hathaway Builders, Inc. (Home Repair coupon) and John Geyston Premier Martial Arts ($29.99 starter special). More here.
Don't miss: Pet Coupons from Healing Hands Massage and Pet Sitting, The Pampered Pet Center, Nature's Select and more on Pet Corner.
|
|
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors.
Featured Premium Sponsor of the Month
Springfield Clinic, LLP Department of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Dr. Dareen D. Siri and Dr. Renu C. Govindaiah, Board Certified Specialists
Learn more about their programs and services here.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Happy Holidays! Check out our Kids Corner activity pages for ideas to keep your kids occupied over break.
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
|
|
|
