SpringfieldMoms.org 
 Local Events, Info and Savings for Grown-ups and Their Kids
Springfield Moms E-Update        November 5, 2009            
In This Issue
Give Back This Season
Coping With Family Traditions
One Mom's Story: Infertility
Thanksgiving "Book Nook" Picks
Fill Out Our Annual Reader Survey and Be Entered to Win!
Fun Links and News You Can Use
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
Share Your Tips  and Win!
Share Your Tips and Win

The holidays are on their way. Send us your favorite recipe for Holiday Appetizers and/or Side Dishes, and be entered to win prizes!

Email us and be entered to win our prize drawing!

Become  a  
Registered Reader
Join Our Mailing List
ask_the_professional_icon
 
Print or Email a Friend.  Here's a preview...

ENJOY THESE COUPONS!

Bob Evans Restaurant: $2 off.

Roberts Seafood: 10% off.

Piper Glen Party Room: 50% off Holiday Party Rooms.

Midtown Tire & Auto Services: promo $20.95 oil change and FREE tire rotation.

Corkscrew Wine Emporium:  New Text Club for special savings.

Dance Creations Dance Studio: Free T-shirt with new registration.

Free Orthodontic Exam at McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman.

20% off Canvas Art and Photo Stretching at Capitol Blue Print, Inc.

Sprout Fitters: $15 off and more.

L.Chic: $5 off any sale item.

Bella Milano: $5 off coupon.

25% off Eyeglasses at Vision Care Associates.

John M. Piershale, CFP, 2 Hours FREE Retirement Planning.

Cara Mongolian Authentic Stir Fry. Buy one, get one half off.
 
10% off at Food Fantasies.

$20 Off New Patient at Optimal Chiropractic & Wellness.

$3 off at Koke's Kid Zone
or $5 off at The Kid's Closet.



Access all our business sponsors on the Mom's Choice Directory.

shopping cartNEW! Mom's Choice Picks  favorite online retailers with product picks you'll love. Browse & Buy
Greetings!

Annual Reader Survey 2009We have so much to be thankful for. Springfield Moms celebrates our 5th Anniversary this month, and we have fabulous prizes for survey participants.  It only takes 5 minutes to complete our Annual Reader Survey, and your feedback is so important as we make plans for the next 5 years and beyond!

Thanks to our generous local sponsors who donated prize packs.  Check out these amazing prizes! 
For you early birds, I will draw one prize winner on November 15th for the Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast to Go (just in time for Thanksgiving!).  The rest of the prize entries will be drawn on November 30th.  Winners will be notified by email and also published in our December E-Updates.

Take Survey Here.

Also, it was wonderful to meet so many families at Halloween at the Market last weekend.  Be sure to visit our Snapshot Gallery for photos of the creative costumes!

Best of Illinois Times 2009A huge thanks to our readers for our Illinois Times Best Local Blog/Website award for the second year in a row.  We couldn't do it without you!

Please forward this E-Update to your friends, family or co-workers.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Kim Leistner Little
Founder and President of Springfield Moms
GIVE BACK THIS SEASON: Tips for Organizing a Food or Collection Drive With Your Kids
families helping othersThere are many wonderful organizations in the Springfield area in need of items this fall and winter.  Organizing a collection can be a great family project whether you decide to collect cereal for a food pantry, cat or dog toys for a humane society, diapers for a crisis nursery, books for a family homeless shelter or anything else needed by a local nonprofit.  Read this article by Jenny Friedman for easy ways to get started.
 
KEEP YOUR SANITY IN THE "LAND OF SACRED TRADITION:" Advice from a Grandma Who's Been There
grandparentsWith just the turn of a calendar page, you can find yourself in "The Land of Sacred Tradition," otherwise known as The Holidays.  Knowing how to navigate that territory can make the difference between a holiday season of joy and peace and one that leaves you with a headache all through January.  Read Holly Schurter's tips in her article here.
ONE MOM'S STORY: The Challenges of Infertility
Jennifer Pollock kids"A light in the dark. A tiny blip. A pinprick of light, blinking in the darkness of a sonogram screen. The sight of a child's heartbeat is special to most parents, but for us, it was a moment of terror and a flood of emotion, unbridled."  

Read about Jennifer Pollock's journey here.
BOOK NOOK:  Thanksgiving Picks


This month is a time to give thanks, and there are many wonderful books that will inspire you and your children to be grateful for the many blessings we enjoy. Make time to snuggle up and read together.  Find Thanksgiving titles here.
DON'T FORGET OUR ANNUAL READER SURVEY: Enter to Win Fabulous Prizes!
Annual Reader Survey

Take 5 minutes to complete our Annual Reader Survey, and be entered to win exciting prizes from our sponsors! 


TAKE SURVEY HERE.

  • Grand Prize:  Photo Family Shoot package from Kimberly Smoot Photography. Valued at $500.00.
  • 2 Tickets to Ralph's World Family Series at UIS/Sangamon Auditorium.  January 23, 2010.
  • 2 Tickets to Junie B. Jones Family Series at UIS/Sangamon Auditorium on February 26, 2010.
  • The Farmhouse Feast TO GO Meal, courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant.  Valued at $75.00.
  • 4 One-day passes to Knight's Action Park. Valued at $100.
  • 2 packs of 4 day-passes to Children's Discovery Museum in Normal.  Valued at $24 per pack.
  • $25 certificate to ShoeTopia (for a minimum purchase of $100).
  • $25 certificate to L.Chic (for a minimum purchase of $100).
  • Adorable Baby Onesie from Babble Babywear.
One prize winner will be drawn on November 15th for the Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast to Go (just in time for Thanksgiving!).  The rest of the prize entries will be drawn on November 30th.  Winners will be notified by email and published in our December E-Updates.

Fun Links and News You Can Use! Check It Out.
What's Happening!  Upcoming Events 
 


Zara's Think First eventZara's logoFREE carseat check
, appointment only.  Zara's Collision Center is hosting a "Think First" safety seat checkpoint tomorrow, Friday, November 6, at their 3117 Wide Track Drive facility in Springfield from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Call now to set up your free appointment. Details here.



ShoeTopiaShoetopia Big PictureThe Big Picture Photo Contest  Friday, November 6th
(5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, November 7th (10:00 a.m.)Children 12 and under.  Details here.







My Friends Open HouseThis Weekend!
Grand Opening Celebration for My Friends Discovery Center on Saturday, November 7th. Learn more here!





CMN_logoKids Closet will donate 10% of the day's sales to Children's Miracle Network on November 7th. Stop by and do some early Christmas shopping!



Food Fantasies

Give Your Tastebuds a Tasty Treat!  Holiday Tastings at Food Fantasies this Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.



Girls Night OutGirls Night Out! 
Shop, Pamper and Win at Carol's Attic for Upscale Resale on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30 p.m.  Take a night off for yourself and bring the girlfriends!





Children's Discovery Museum logo"Thankful Families" classes at Children's Discovery Museum on Friday mornings, November 13 and 20th for babies, toddlers and their parents.  Learn more here!


India Night FundraiserIndia Night Ronald McDonald Fundraiser  on Friday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m. at  Secret Recipes Reception Center, Springfield.  Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event featuring all things from Indian culture, including entertainment, couture and the exciting tastes of India! Those attending will also have the opportunity to bid on jewelry, catered Indian dinners, vacations and more!  Hosted by the Asian Indian Women's Organization.


circus clownsAnsar Shrine Circus November 13, 14 and 15th.  Details here.





Festival of TreesSave the Date!  Memorial's Festival of Trees November 21 - 29th
A holiday tradition featuring more than 100 decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces, talented local entertainment, delicious gingerbread cookies and tasty treats. The Festival offers a children's craft area, a chance to get your picture taken with Santa, an opportunity to ride the Candy Cane Express train and a market filled with holiday gift items. 
Phone: 217-788-4301



IL State Fair 2009
Every Sunday at Central Baptist Church.  Kids 2:52 is a family-oriented, kid focused, value driven program geared for kids ages pre-K through 5th grade.  Come join us!




ConnectED PairsConnectED Pairs has their 2010 schedule online.  Invest in your relationship today and sign up for a weekend retreat or a half day workshop for next year. Read about a Springfield Mom's helpful workshop experience here.



sale_icon


ACE: The Helpful Place Stop by Ace for the "Day After Thanksgiving!" Sale on Friday, November 27.




L Chic
ShoeTopiaDon't miss the "Day After Thanksgiving" Sale at L Chic and Shoetopia on Friday, November 27th. 






Whats_Happening_IconWhat's Happening is updated every week with the latest fun for you and your family!  Bookmark this page.  

Thank you to all of our Premium Sponsors.
 
Children's Discovery Museum
Featured Premium Sponsor:  Children's Discovery Museum.
Learn more about CDM's "Thankful Families" classes for babies and toddlers here.


PLATINUM SPONSOR

 
SJCH-1SJCH-2

Kids Health Check courtesy of
 
SILVER SPONSORS 
 

Best,
Kim

Help us reach more busy parents by clicking on the Forward email link.  We remain a permission-based email newsletter and do not sell your email address to any third parties.  If you need to update your email address, click on Update my Profile at the link below.  

Kim Leistner Little
Founder and President
Springfield Moms
[email protected]