ChambanaMoms.com » Giveaways

‘Girl Talk’: Advice From Mom, Teen Daughters

From The Editors — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:49:31 +0000

By Nicole O’Dell

It’s great to be back on this awesome blog to share some fun news with you. I’ve recently had the incredible privilege of compiling an advice Q&A book, “Girl Talk,” with my two daughters and blogging partners, Natalie (14) and Emily (11). And we want to invite you out to the Champaign Family Christian Store on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where the three of us will be sharing some treats and signing copies of our new book. Come visit!

First, check out some of the issues we cover in our book:

"Girl Talk," written by Nicole O'Dell and her daughters, is a question-and-answer style book for teens. Credit: Nicole O'Dell

Q: My mom is always on me about what I wear. I just don’t see why it should matter to her. I mean, she got to wear the things she wanted to wear when she was young. The styles are different now, though. She won’t let me wear any shirts that show even a fraction of my stomach, and I have to actually bend over in jeans to prove to her that nothing shows in the back, if you know what I mean. She even says there’s stuff in the Bible about the way to dress right. Is that true? What should I do to change her mind?

Q: I have a friend who is pretty skinny, but she thinks she’s fat. … I actually heard her make herself throw up in the school bathroom a couple of times. What should I do about it? Or is it none of my business?

Q: I recently lost a lot of weight and started high school at the same time. I’m getting all sorts of attention from boys, and I just don’t know what to do about it because it’s so new to me. I kind of like it … but I’m nervous. What should I do?

That last one is a question I would have asked if I’d written to “Girl Talk” at the start of my freshman year of high school. But, I didn’t know to ask. I didn’t know I was facing a challenge. I simply reacted to things as I faced them. And I made mistakes. Many of them.

Each of us has a set of experiences and circumstances — some within our control and some not — that shapes the way we look at choices, temptation, peer pressure, and everything that comes up along the way. If we can help prepare girls before they find themselves staring peer pressure in the face, they’ll feel more equipped to stand strong. To say NO to whatever life throws at them.

And bad decisions are one thing, but there’s also the stuff girls deal with that they have no control over: divorce, abuse, loss, grief, illness, financial strain, and more. Those life-altering circumstances make it even more difficult for girls to stand against the pressure when all they want is friendship, acceptance and love.

It takes pro-active, intentional effort to make the necessary preparations to help teens combat peer pressure.

That’s why my daughters and I started the Girl Talk Column on my blog. We wanted to give girls a place they could go with those tough questions about life. The column grew, and the questions built up to the point when we, along with Barbour Publishing, decided to put 180 questions from readers and our answers into a book. But it’s not just any book; the vibrant, trendy format has a scrapbook-y feel as each page is full color with graphics galore.

Nat, Em, and I hope you’ll pass this resource along to the teens in your life. Also, the Girl Talk column is ongoing. You can write to us with your questions anytime!

Remember, it’s all about choices!

And if you’d like to win a copy of Girl Talk, signed by all three of us, leave a comment here. Tweeting about this post will earn you another entry if you let us know you did. I’d also love it if you signed up for my Choices e-Zine/newsletter, too — that will earn you a third entry!

Nicole O’Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Teen Talk Radio, is a mom of six, ranging from 20 all the way down to a set of toddler triplets. She writes fiction for teens including the popular “Scenarios for Girls” interactive fiction series and the “Diamond Estates Series.” Emily is a straight-A fifth grader at Eastlawn School in Paxton, Ill.; Natalie is an honor student in the eighth grade at Paxton-Buckley-Loda Middle School.

Mom-to-Mom: A Book Review (and Giveaway!)

From The Editors — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:43:58 +0000

by Jennifer Newell

Editor’s Note: Marianne Malone will appear at a book signing Friday, Jan. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m at Bella Bambini. See below for giveaway info!

Stealing Magic takes off right where Marianne Malone left her reader in The Sixty Eight Rooms- a magical adventure! Ruthie and Jack, sixth graders in Chicago, have just found missing artwork from Edmund Bell, local artist/legend. The people of Chicago just surmise these children to be lucky and crafty, while Ruthie and Jack know the real secret. These two curious youngsters have a magical key that allows them to shrink into miniature versions of themselves and travel through the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute.

From the Art Institute’s website: “The 68 Thorne Miniature Rooms enable one to glimpse elements of European interiors from the late 13th century to the 1930s and American furnishings from the 17th century to the 1930s. Painstakingly constructed on a scale of one inch to one foot, these fascinating models were conceived by Mrs. James Ward Thorne of Chicago and constructed between 1932 and 1940 by master craftsmen according to her specifications.”

During the first novel, Ruthie and Jack learned the in’s and out’s of this magical secret, where in the second novel Malone shares with us historical facts that readers might be able to relate to. One main theme throughout the book is how to effectively deal with what life brings in terms of circumstances beyond our control. Throughout Ruthie and Jack’s adventures they meet several different characters with real life dilemmas. One character is a Jewish girl living in France during the Holocaust. Another is a slave girl living in the South pre-Civil War. In both situations, Ruthie and Jack want to help these characters and as readers we are intrigued by what the possibilities might be.

I think for the target reader- 8 to 12 years old- this book could open a dialogue between children and their teachers, parents and peers. Reading the book and discussing the historical facts help us all to never forget and learn from the past.

Overall, once again- I’m honored that I had the opportunity to read Stealing Magic before it hit shelves this week! Marianne is a wonderful author and inspiring woman. I was left wanting more at the end of this book and can’t wait for the next in the series.

Want to get your hands on these wonderful books by a local author?

One lucky Chambanamoms.com reader will receive copies of both Stealing Magic and The Sixty Eight Rooms. To be eligible, leave us a comment and tell us: What book from your childhood do you enjoy — or do you look forward to sharing – with your kids (or any other kids too)?

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 1. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Monday, Feb. 6, or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older.

Giveaway: All Things Kids

From The Editors — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:29:27 +0000

Born and raised in the Champaign/Mahomet area, Reagan Merkle-Litteken and her husband, Eric, wanted a business that would help the community as well as provide the flexibility to spend time with their children, now 8 and 4. They found it in All Things Kids Inc., a babies, kids, and maternity consignment shop in Champaign.

The Merkle-Litteken family includs All Things Kids owners Reagan and Eric, and their two children. Credit: Reagan Merkle-Litteken

All Things Kids boasts 5,000-square feet of must-have items for all ages, from infants to teenagers, as well as for new or seasoned parents. The store is unique because it consigns and sells all seasons, all year. The clothing selection consists of sizes preemie up to juniors and maternity. The store also consigns toys, books, games, equipment and furniture.

It is kind of like an indoor garage sale, year round.

Back in early 2008, when the Merkle-Litteken family was exploring the kids consignment shop options, they were shocked that there was only one kids consignment shop in the Champaign area. The store opened in August 2008 in a small location with 33 consignors.

“We were amazed at the awesome response right away,” Reagan Merkle-Litteken said.

Shortly after opening, the store was expanded, eventually tripling in size. In May 2010, the Merkle-Litteken family moved the store to just west of North Prospect on Mattis Avenue to better accommodate the ever-expanding inventory.

“[We] are now where we never dreamed we would be in three short years,” Merkle-Litteken said. “We are still dreaming of more.”

All Things Kids is full of gently used clothes, books, toys and games for all ages and sizes. Credit: Reagan Merkle-Litteken

The store’s owners love the idea of helping moms, dads and caregivers by offering a place where they can consign outgrown items and shop for the next size. Merkle-Litteken believes consignors can find peace of mind knowing they will buy quality clothing and toys at affordable prices. (Consignors also have the option to using their credit for in-store purchases or request the money in their account.)

The owners are proud of their dedicated staff, “who put their hearts into making [All Things Kids] what it is today,” Merkle-Litteken said. “We are always striving to make things better for our customers.”

“The store is definitely more work than I ever imagined, but worth it when you hear and see the excitement when someone checks their credit and/or sees the amazing amount of stuff bought for far less than a real store.”

All Things Kids is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8 p.m. for the working parents. Also like them on Facebook to get updates and pictures of what’s new in the store.

Want to find out what All Things Kids is all about? Can’t wait to get back to the store and see what they’ll have next?

All Things Kids is giving one lucky Chambanamoms.com reader a $50 gift certificate. To be eligible, leave us a comment and tell us: What items would you like to find in a consignment shop like All Things Kids OR what’s the best deal you’ve ever nabbed at a consignment shop?

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Monday, Jan. 30, or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older.

Giveaway: Meet Mompreneur Rebecca Seymour, Shaklee Distributor

From The Editors — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:10:25 +0000

Busy working mom Rebecca Seymour knows what it’s like to try and balance a full plate. Rebecca is employed full-time at the University of Illinois (where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees) and also works part-time as an independent distributor for Shaklee Corporation. Mom to Jerad, 7, Owen, 3, and infant Claire, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and running in her precious spare time. She lives with her family in Mahomet. Interested in her prducts? You can reach her through her website or her blog.

Q: Why did you decide to work with Shaklee?

Rebecca Seymour is a working mom of three who also distributes Shaklee products in her spare time. Photo provided

I started buying Shaklee products as a favor to a friend and fellow mom who was distributing them around Chicago where I am originally from. I expected it to be a one-time purchase, but the more I learned about and used the products, the more items I kept buying. I never thought I would be a distributor or salesperson for anything, but I really believe in and love the products and wanted to share them with others.

Q: I’m guessing many of our readers haven’t heard of your brand before. What should we know about it?
Shaklee has been around for over 50 years and has thrived through all economic conditions. All of their products are completely natural, nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Shaklee performs years of clinical testing on their products, and they are honestly more effective than the majority of name-brand products I used to buy in the store. They also offer a money-back guarantee if a customer is unhappy for any reason.

Q: How have you incorporated these products into your lifestyle?
Where haven’t I?! Let’s see….my whole family uses the vitamin and nutritional supplements. All of our cleaning products including hand soap, dish, and laundry detergents are from Shaklee. The Cinch shakes and snack bars helped me naturally lose some of my baby weight, and I continue to use them for energy and health on a regular basis. I have also fallen in love with their anti-aging skin care line – one of my best discoveries ever!

Q: What are your favorite items that you are selling?
Definitely the Get Clean Household Kit – These products work wonderfully and I can clean everything in my house safely without worrying whether my baby is crawling or eating on a chemically treated surface. These products have also helped my friends who have kids with severe allergies breath in cleaner air in their homes.

And the Shakleekids Incredivites chewable Multivitamin/Multimineral – the first children’s chewable multivitamin in the U.S. with lactoferrin, which helps kids’ immune systems stay supercharged. Packed with 23 essential nutrients, it’s the world’s best kids’ supplement-with 600 IU of Vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C. It is gluten-free with no artificial colors or sweeteners and unlike a lot of the vitamins on the shelves, these are designed so your child actually absorbs every vitamin and mineral listed on the label.

Q: You work full-time as well – how are you balancing everything?
That is the million dollar question! Some days I feel like I am balancing better than others. As cliché as it sounds, I try to take one day at a time. There are times when cleaning and work can wait, and taking the kids to the park or to a museum or just hanging out is most important. And there are other times when I need to finish something at work and I just try to make the best of my time at home. I sympathize with moms all over – it is the hardest job, and it is difficult to feel like you are doing anything well even though you are doing a quadrillion things at once! Above all I know that my no matter how many directions I am pulled in, my family is my #1 priority.

Q: How have your kids influenced the business?
I am definitely more aware of children’s nutritional needs now and how harmful chemicals, toxins and artificial ingredients can be to their overall health. Before I used to buy whatever was cheapest on the shelf without even thinking….

Q: What have you learned since you started down this entrepreneurial path?
Being successful at anything takes time and effort. And as in any business, knowledge is definitely key – a lot of potential customers don’t already use Shaklee products simply because they are not informed, or because it is something different they have never thought about before. I am living proof!

We’ve made it simple to enter this great giveaway — start the New Year off right with a new vitamin supply. Get a 120-count bottle of Chewable Incredivites – a $34.95 retail value.

Just leave us a comment and tell us: what are you most looking forward to in 2012?

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Monday, Jan. 16 or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Prize is valued at $34.95.

Birthday Bash Giveaway: I.D.E.A Store Gift Certificates

From The Editors — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:20 +0000

All this week we celebrated our birthday by giving away a fantastic prize from one of our chambanamoms.com sponsors each day. Don’t forget to buy tickets for our Birthday Bash, and many thanks to sponsor Christie Clinic for helping us throw this party. Click here for all the information about the party and to buy your tickets online today!

On the last day of our weeklong series of Birthday Bash Giveaways, we have a great prize from a true Champaign-Urbana original: The I.D.E.A Store.

The I.D.E.A Store, a chambanamoms sponsor, accepts a myriad of donations of all kinds of items, and then resells those materials to artists, crafters or anyone looking for some creative inspiration. Proceeds from those sales go to benefit the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation.

The I.D.E.A Store has generously donated three, $10 gift certificates–that means three winners!

All you need to do to win is leave us a comment telling us what makes Champaign-Urbana unique. Comments will close at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Winners will be notified on Monday, Dec. 5.

Ready, set … go!

Birthday Bash Giveaway: Fashion Designer Gift Set From Mudpies ‘N’ Fireflies

From The Editors — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

All this week we’ll be celebrating our birthday by giving away a fantastic prize from one of our chambanamoms.com sponsors each day. Don’t forget to buy tickets for our Birthday Bash, and many thanks to sponsor Christie Clinic for helping us throw this party. Click here for all the information about the party and to buy your tickets online today!

Today we’re giving away a gift set that any aspiring Project Runway contestant will love. Give it to your favorite creative kid as a holiday gift…or keep it for yourself!

Chambanamoms sponsor Mudpies ‘n’ Fireflies children’s consignment boutique in Homer is generously offering a “Mommy And Me” Fashion pack, which includes: a boutique clutch for mommy filled with a $20 gift certificate and a locally made flower pin, plus Melissa & Doug Fashion Plates, Sticker Pad and Stencil set for daughter!

This fantastic prize is valued at $100.

We are thrilled to partner with Mudpies ‘n’ Fireflies owner Kimbery Keniley-Ashbrook, who not only runs her own business and is a mom of four–she also is a member of the Heritage School District Board of Education! She is one busy lady, and she’s super nice, to boot. Stop by her shop and see for yourself!

All you need to do to win the “Mommy And Me” Fashion Pack, leave us a comment telling us which of our neighboring towns is your favorite place to visit and why! Comments will close at 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2.

The winner will be notified on Monday, Dec. 5.

Ready, set…go!

Birthday Bash Giveaway: Illini Outfit From Bella Bambini

From The Editors — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:34 +0000

Today we’re giving away a special outfit for the little girl in your life from chambanamoms sponsor Bella Bambini: An Illini tutu, shirt and matching bow! This terrific prize is valued at $100!

We love Bella Bambini for lots of reasons–first of all, owner Jennifer Newell was our very first advertiser! Her shop has so many beautiful clothes, shoes accessories and gifts for children that it’s hard for us to stay away. Plus, Jennifer is a mom just like us, working hard to make her dreams come true and running her own business.

All you need to do to win this adorable prize is leave us a comment telling us why you love to shop local in Champaign-Urbana. Comments will close at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1.

A winner will be chosen at random and will be notified on Dec. 5.

Ready, set…comment!

Birthday Bash Giveaway: Village Wardrobe Gift Certificate

From The Editors — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:39 +0000

Today we’re giving away a $25 gift certificate to Village Wardrobe, the children’s consignment boutique. Village Wardrobe, located in Monticello, is a sponsor of chambanamoms and is owned by mom of five Kate Boyer — who also homeschools all of her kids! We just don’t know how she does it.

Village Wardrobe offers gently used clothing in sizes infant through 14, as well as toys, books, baby gear and more. The shop also offers new merchandise, including a wide selection of Melissa & Doug toys.

All you need to do to win this great prize is leave us a comment below, telling us why Champaign-Urbana is such a great place to raise a family. Comments will close on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 a.m.

A winner will be chosen at random and will be notified on Monday, Dec. 5.

Ready, set…go!

Birthday Bash Giveaway: Babyland Gift Certificate

From The Editors — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:30:51 +0000

Today we’re giving away a $100 gift card from chambanamoms sponsor Babyland! Babyland is Champaign-Urbana’s best local source for all the gear your growing child needs. From car seats to strollers, from cribs to big-kid beds and from swaddling blankets to toys, you can get it all at Babyland.

All you need to do to win is leave a comment below telling us something you love about Champaign-Urbana. Comments will close at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified on Monday, Dec. 5.

Ready, set…go!

Meet the Wellness Coach — And a Giveaway!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:37:52 +0000

Editor’s Note: 6 Dimensions Wellness Coaching and Personal Training is a sponsor of chambanamoms.com.

You’ve heard of personal training, but have you heard of a wellness coach? That’s Melanie Pridemore’s passion. She has over 10 years of professional experience in the health and wellness field including current certifications in wellness coaching, fitness coaching, and personal training. She owns and operates 6 Dimensions Wellness Coaching & Personal Training in addition to holding positions as a health educator, lifestyle coach, and weight management group facilitator. Melanie grew up in Monticello and holds two degrees from the University of Illinois. She currently lives in Champaign with her wife, Jennifer, and their dog, Libby.

Why did you start your business in this field?

Around the time that I turned 30, I found myself at a professional crossroads where I was attempting to decide what I wanted my next career move to be. One of my mentors challenged me to use the time to figure out what I truly wanted to be doing or as she put it “what do you want to be when you grow up?” For years I have felt like the health and wellness field can sometimes be a confusing place, full of mixed messages and people who are looking to capitalize on the fact that people want to be well. After thinking about my passion for listening to people and helping them pursue health related change, I realized that I had the opportunity to create a business dedicated to the success of each and every client.

What is wellness coaching and how do your clients benefit from it?

Wellness coaching is centered on providing structure, accountability, and inspiration through a supportive partnership between the coach and client. In my experience, one the most powerful things about wellness coaching is that it provides a positive connection to keep your motivation high as you pursue your goals. As a wellness coach, I provide guidance and support to my clients as they create a mind and body that increase their life satisfaction. Ultimately, wellness coaching is a great catalyst to create and sustain lasting change.

How do you help your clients achieve their goals?

Each and every one of my clients has different interests, needs, and goals so I do my best to use individualize my services to whatever is going to make each client successful. I value providing a positive environment where I listen to my clients and take the time to help them explore their best experiences with the past and their future desires. Many people I work with have previously pursued personal change without success so what I do is help them create a support system, prepare for potential road blocks, and identify the strengths they possess that they can draw upon so that they have the tools they need to be successful. My clients goals are my priority so I am always checking in and making sure they are getting what they need out of our professional relationship.

How do you tailor your services for moms?

First of all I have to say that I am a big fan of moms. That may sound funny, but some of my favorite people are mothers and throughout my life I have been inspired by women that serve in what I think must be one of the most challenging and rewarding roles there is. When I created my business, one of the most important things was making sure my services were high quality while also being convenient. My services are tailored for moms by maximizing the valuable time we have together to give them the best experience in an accommodating setting. I work with busy moms at a time and location of their choice so that not a minute of their valuable time is wasted.

How do you motivate your clients?

Motivation is always something that comes up whenever I talk with someone about their wellness related desires and the gap between where they are and where they want to be. For that reason, I always begin my work with any client by asking them “why is this important now?” This question elicits a lot of information about reasons for change and can help my clients discover powerful motivators that will keep them engaged and inspired. Additionally, I always encourage my clients to celebrate accomplishments (big and small) as a way of keeping their motivation high and rewarding themselves for their dedication and hard work.

Do you have any practical tips for how busy moms can fit wellness and
fitness into their routines?

One of the most important principles is the simple reminder that something is better than nothing. Taking a short walk if you can’t get to the gym, replacing one sugary snack with a piece of fruit if you have indulged, getting 15 minutes of complete silence if you have been with your kids all day, these are all examples of small things that can make a big difference. Another tip would be to use your children in your quest to get active. Playing a game of tag or challenging them to race in the backyard are fun ways to interact and play with your kids while also burning some calories! One last and important tip would be to identify and use your support system. Friends, co-workers, spouses, significant others, family members, even social networks (Facebook) are all people you can verbalize your goals to and ask for support and encouragement along the way.

You don’t have to wait to make a New Year’s resolution to get improve your overall wellness. Melanie is offering one lucky reader a complimentary wellness coaching session and two one-hour personal training sessions — a $125 value!

To enter, just leave a comment below with your favorite thing to do when you get a few minutes (or more) to yourself. Me time is important for wellness!

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Thursday, Dec. 1 or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Prize is valued at $125.