C'ville Entremom

You may have been hearing the buzz about Retail Relay as you pick your kids up from piano, yoga and swim lessons. Fellow mommies are shouting about the joys of online shopping at book clubs (like you have time for reading…) and exercise classes. Are you wondering what, exactly, this whole “Relay” thing is?

As an Entremom, you know what a tough balancing act career and family can be. Yes, you’re driven, but you also care about your family – especially putting quality food on the table. That’s where RetailRelay.com comes in. We’re an online marketplace for 30 of C-ville’s best grocery stores, eclectic restaurants, and local farms on one website! You can shop for your staples — bread, milk, diapers from Reid’s, chewable vitamins from Rebecca’s, local produce from Meadow Run Farm, local free-range chicken from Davis Creek in Lovingston, heat-and-serve soup from Rev. Soup, quick ravioli from Mona Lisa Pasta, and great deals on that rare weekend “date-night” wine from Rio Hill Wine and Gourmet!

Order by midnight and the following day you can pick up your full week’s worth of groceries from one of our conveniently located pick-up spots around town. It’s really that easy. Pick the food YOU want while you’re sitting in your PJs with the kids, we’ll load them straight into your car, you go home, put those PJs back on…that’s it. Sounds too good to be true? Must be exorbitantly expensive…not SO my motivated mommy! The retailers pay US to provide YOU with this convenient service…that means your pack of paper towels is the same price through Relay as it in Reids.

Retail Relay is here to make the life of an Entremom just a little bit easier by providing busy families with quality local food that doesn’t require five trips around town and fights with strollers, buggies and Gushers. Moms often tell us that they actually really enjoy shopping on our site with their kids because they can all sit down together when everyone’s calm and learn about healthy food while planning their meals for the week. Some turn shopping into a learning experience—for the older kids–where exactly does that hamburger come from, for the munchkins—what is a healthy snack?

Relay saves you time, hassle, gas and lets you shop smarter, all while supporting the environment (ah yes, our trucks are bio-fuel powered) and our own community! Ready to give us a try? Type entremom in the coupon box when you check out and get $10 off orders over $50! Thanks for all you high-powered, super moms do!!

~ Cecilia Laseter

Marketing Associate
Retail Relay
www.retailrelay.com
434 242 7979

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In this economy, who doesn’t love a bargain?  Pair it with the opportunity to support a great cause and local businesses and it’s practically a no brainer.  Right now, there is one such great shopping opportunity going on in Charlottesville.  CBI Preschool is in the midst of hosting its annual auction.  Up for auction are hundreds of items donated by local businesses, including some of Charlottesville’s favorite Entremoms!  Click on the link below and check out the great selection of items up for bid.  Items include gift certificates from local restaurants and stores, spa days, sporting, theatre and other event tickets and all sorts of other neat items and unique experiences.  Items will be online until March 9th, after which all remaining items will go up for bid at CBI Preschool’s Annual Wine Tasting & Auction on March 13^th at McGuffy Art Center.  Click on the link below.  You may find a bargain or something you just “can’t live without.”  Happy Bidding!

Click here to start your bidding!!

If you’d like to make a donation to CBI’s auction, they would love to accept it.  Tickets are also available to the Wine Tasting & Auction.  Contact Leza DiBella at leza.dibella@gmail or Sonnia Kesser at sonniakesser@gmail.com to make a donation or for ticket information.

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Are you planning a Summer escape to Italy?? A romantic escapade to France?? Are you finding that you could use a cultural makeover?? Luckily, we have just what you need here in Charlottesville (Entremom-owned, of course!).

Speak! Language Center is a full-service language and culture center offering a variety of foreign language classes (Italian, Spanish, French, etc.) for adults and children as well as many cultural or food/wine events and even study abroad opportunities.  Speak! Language Center is known for offering fun, dynamic, culturally based small group (maximum eight) language classes in a beautiful setting. They offer morning and evening classes, custom courses (get a few friends together and start a class of your own), cultural events and enrichment courses, language/culture camps for children, custom after-school programs for area schools and also translation/interpretation services.

Christina Ball, mother of Mila (8), originally started her business in 2004 as Ecco Italy (specializing in Italian language and culture classes). In 2005, she added Spanish to her offering and in 2009 she expanded, moved and opened her newest center, Speak! Christina has a Ph.D. in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University and has been teaching Italian for 20 years. When she moved to Charlottesville, she began teaching a continuing education class in Italian for Travelers. It was during this class that she realized how many people out there were in need of inspiring, effective language and culture courses, so in 2004, she began her “dream school.”

So, how does Christina juggle raising Mila and running her own business? Christina says that she will usually work at Speak! in the morning so that she can be with her daughter in the afternoons. She also has 10 language teachers who teach her many class offerings so she can also work at home if needed. Now that she offers after-school classes for children, her daughter can even be with her at Speak! while she learns Spanish or practices her near-fluent Italian.

Speak! Language Center is located in the Glass Building (Downtown – 313 2^nd St. SE, Ste. 109). Prices start at $15/hour for small group lessons.

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Those of us who have been brides know how crazy the wedding planning can make you. Having to make 1,000 choices about colors, dresses, cakes, photographers, venues, music, food, invitations, guests, etc. in a matter of what sometimes is only a few months can just be completely overwhelming. There’s a reason behind the term “Bridezilla.”

So, new brides-to-be in the area – count your blessings. Because unlike when I was married eight years ago, you all have everything you need for a blissful wedding planning experience right at your fingertips – thanks to Elisa and Jennifer of The Bridal Ring.

The Bridal Ring is the genius brainchild of local photographer Elisa Bricker (www.elisabphotography.com), who, together with local event planner Jennifer Hamlin (www.eventswithpanache.com), created a community for brides-to-be to share best practices and connect with vendors in the area. Monthly gatherings give these ladies a chance to learn tips and tricks of the wedding-planning process, share new ideas and meet other brides-to-be who are at the same stage in life. Jennifer and Elisa also co-write a blog, which features advice, upcoming events and other bits of information that will help make your wedding an affair to remember.

And, here’s one item that will fit your wedding budget; the membership fee is a mere $25 for a year’s worth of networking, the opportunity to be spotlighted on the blog and one free guest pass to an event. If you’re late in the stages of planning and just want to attend 1-2 of their meetings, you also can do that for $8 per event.

Upcoming events include:

• The Bridal Ring Launch Party!

Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Greencroft Country Club

This is a chance to meet premiere vendors and other brides-to-be in the area while enjoying champagne and cupcakes.

• Paper Presentation by Katie with Good Paper

Tuesday, March 30 at Veritas Winery

Learn about the latest in invitations, save-the-dates and writing etiquette.

Since Jennifer and Elisa are both former brides in the wedding business, they saw an opportunity for women to learn from each other and connect with seasoned vendors who could share their knowledge. Having their own businesses and trying to manage mommyhood all while launching this third business, they divide and conquer to help make The Bridal Ring a success, with Jennifer focusing more on marketing and Elisa on the web site/blog and promotional materials. At only 8 weeks old, The Bridal Ring is quickly becoming a huge success, so kudos to you ladies!!

Follow them on Twitter: @BridalRing

Become a fan on Facebook: The Bridal Ring

~Mary Beth Bowen

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I recently had the pleasure of attending the 1st birthday party of a close friend’s little girl.  She asked me to take some pictures of the event while I was there.  When I arrived, I had the pleasure of finding 2 of our very own Entremoms there setting up for the event, Jennifer Hamlin of Events with Panache and Anita Gupta (”cake-maker extraordinaire”) of Maliha Creations.  This great event for little Ava Katheryn’s 1st Birthday was held at the Paramount Theater on the downtown mall and had over 100 guests.  Who knew that we had such a gem of a location for parties here in Charlottesville?  Actually, I can answer that.. C’Ville Entremom, Jennifer Hamlin, knew all about this great spot!

Events with Panache is Charlottesville’s premier event service.  Planned to the minute detail, an event planned by Panache will be one to remember and talked about for years to come. Social and extraordinary events are their specialty and a signature service at Panache. Whether a small dinner for six planned at an exclusive restaurant or a wedding with a 500 person guest list, Panache will make the event extraordinary. Panache is tapped into the hottest trends and has strong relationships with event vendors and venues.  Jennifer, owner of Panache, specializes in designing and orchestrating intimate and large-scale events. She has directed and facilitated programs throughout the United States and Internationally in Hong Kong, London, Lisbon, Brussels, Madrid and Toronto. Jennifer has extensive experience with high-level government officials, corporate clients and celebrities in the corporate, non-profit, association and private social sectors. She is a graduate of Indiana University and earned her designation of Certified Meeting Professional through CMA (Certified Meeting Association) and has a diverse career history in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, D.C. She relocated to Charlottesville in 2008 where she resides with her husband and daughter.

Jennifer, true to form, left no detail untouched.  She helped mix the Wolfe family’s Indian heritage with standard childhood birthday party fun to put on a terrific event for both adults and children alike.

Anita created a piece of art in the birthday cake that she made.  As I walked through the halls, I kept hearing repeated murmurs of “Wow.. Have you seen the cake?”

Charlottesville, below is just a taste of the talent and creativity of our local Entremoms!  You never know what we are going to do next!

There was even a puppet show!

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Here is the video from the November Social Media Club of Charlottesville/C’Ville Entremom Event.  Marijean Jaggers of Standing PR spoke on “6 Ways To Use Social Media to Market Your Brand and Business.”  You can follow along with her slideshow here.  (My apologies in advance that the video ran out at 25 minutes…)

Six Ways to Use Social Media – Marijean Jaggers from Business Bullpen on Vimeo.

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Looking for the perfect gift to give your loved ones?  Tired of running into the masses of people in the big box stores??  Well, look no further!!  Your local C’Ville Entremoms are here to help.  Here are a few gift ideas (w/savings) for your Holiday shopping pleasure:

Ivan and Mary — Ivan and Mary offers unique belts, handbags and more!  Email Mindy at sales@ivanandmary.com with the code Entremom and recieve 10% off your order.  Visit www.ivanandmary.com for more information.

By Betsy — One of a kind personalized stationary suited to your taste.  Receive 15% off any personalize stationary when you mention Entremom.  Visit www.bybetsy.com to browse her selection.

novel. — At novel., you will find something for every stylish woman on your gift list…  jewels, bags, bath, candles, frames, books, wearables and paper along with a special order personalized gift department and a baby section.  novel is located on the North Wing of Barracks Road Shopping Center.  Mention Entremom and get 15% off any in stock item at novel.

Explorations Play Studio — Explorations is a play studio that is aesthetically and purposefully designed to entice children to explore and discover.  Explorations is located in the Village Green Shopping Center off Hydraulic Road.    Mention Entremom and receive 20% off merchandise and gift certificates.

Leslie Chisholm Jewelry — Leslie creates unconventional classic jewelry.  Leslie is offering 20% off anything on her website if you mention Entremom.  She is also offering free gift wrap and free shipping within the continental U.S.  Contact Leslie at 434-971-2900 or email her (leslie.chisholm@gmail.com) to receive the discount.

And Moms while you are at it.. take a break and pamper yourself.  DCLIMAGE is offering their holiday special ’TIME REWIND FACIAL’ Professional Protocol for all skin types. This facial will uncover a more vibrant, youthful complexion, as it restores clarity, softness and smoothness.

Happy Shopping Ladies!

PS.  All coupons good through 12/31/2009.

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“Before you speak a word, your clothes and body language have already spoken volumes. Are you currently speaking volumes with your wardrobe?”

I have been so excited about featuring this week’s C’Ville Entremom. A former client of hers emailed me about a month ago and was so eager to tell me about this business I’m very pleased to share it with you, Charlottesville.

D.L. Crosby Image Consultants provide various services to their clients: wardrobe consultation, personal styling, personal shopping, make-up services and image/public speaking consultations. Debbie Crosby-Louis, owner of D.L Crosby Image Consultants, says that her business runs the gamut… From working with breast cancer survivors to improving one’s self-esteem to full-scale closet make-overs to personal make-overs, all working with your lifestyle. Debbie works on establishing a clean sense of YOUR style (and not just fashion). Debbie states that she dresses “not only the person, but the lifestyle.” She works with both men and women in the business community and college students, helping them prepare for interviews and life outside of college. Debbie also offers her clients a private label skin care and product line. These products are mineral based and have great benefits (like anti-aging).  Debbie also houses Peptide skincare to sustain benefits in between visits to the dermatologist.

Debbie always had a passion for the image/style/color/modeling industry, but didn’t get to use it while working on Wall Street in NYC for 7 years. When she moved here and started a family, she thought, “Why not? If I can put so many hours into a Wall Street company, why not let that company be mine?”

So how does Debbie juggle running her business and raising a family? Prioritize! The children and their activities come first, everything else falls into place.

For more information about D.L. Crosby Image Consultants, visit their website (http://www.dlcimage.com) . Prices start at 13.50 for skin care products. Applications and consultations start at $75.00.

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Can’t live with us….can’t make a decision without us.  At least that’s what the current research is showing.  Are you talking to us?  You should be!

Research has shown that 83% of all consumer purchases are made by women.  We now make up 50% of the work force.  From 1970 to 1998, men’s median income grew .06% while women’s grew 63%!! 

When it comes to buying power, consider these numbers;  women make 80% of the household spending decisions, 53% of the investment decisions, 80% of home improvement purchase decisions, 60+% of new car purchase decisions.  And guess this one, women make 80% of the buying decision when it comes to?   RIDING LAWNMOWERS! 

 Women are the most intriguing creatures.  Most men would say just say frustrating!  We are so difficult to reach, incredibly loyal, slow to trust and unbelieving of clichés! We have hundreds of things on our mind in a given minute.  We are thinking hours, days..even weeks ahead!  Getting a message to us, let alone convincing us that we should do business with you is nearly impossible.  So why try? 

Well, if you earn our loyalty, we will rarely change it!  If you earn our trust, we are a client/customer for life.  If you tell the truth and stop using clichés, we will tell our woman friends about you!  Not to mention since we now make up half the workforce and make most of the buying decisions…you really have no choice.

Earning a woman as a customer is worth its weight in gold…but you have to be creative!  As women we are on the go constantly.  And when we are at home theoretically relaxing, we aren’t!  We are making dinner, helping with homework, making lists…  You must not only reach us, but connect with us.  If utilizing mass media, think about our habits.  Where can you GUARANTEE we will be?  Me?  I’m in my car 70% of the day!  I rarely have time to read a magazine or watch an entire TV program.  But I’m also on the internet throughout much the day….but that’s just me.                                                                                                 

When using mass marketing, it is the message that is crucial!  Use EMOTION to get my attention.  Whether it’s humor or fear….Woman make the majority of buying decision based on emotion! Social marketing is the new wave to really connect with us!  Just imagine….talking one on one with the “power of the purse”?  You can so easily create a personal connection, get to know me and tell me why I should do business with you.  Over 74% of women feel companies do not understand the challenges of being a Mother!  Twitter, Facebook and others give you the opportunity not only to connect personally, but to initiate proactive conversations about what women want!  If your business isn’t exploring these opportunities you will miss out. 

Talk to us…connect with us…..earn our trust! 

Women make 89% of the decision on which bank account to use!  So if you’re a guy wondering what which bank to choose?  Check with your wife.

 Catherine Maino (an Entremom)  is co-owner of Mosaic , Innovations in Marketing.  To find out more visit her website:  www.mosaicinnovations.com.  Catherine can also be found on Twitter (MosaicCatherine) or contacted via email:  cathy.mg@hotmail.com.

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As the Holiday season approaches, my photography business goes into full swing as families begin to call for both family pictures and Holiday Cards.  I have to say I’ve spent countless hours lately looking for the perfect Holiday Cards to offer my clients… believe me.. it’s an overwhelming experience.  I’m also finding more and more that with the price of digital SLR cameras as low as they are now (You can get an entry level DSLR for under $500 – WOW), clients and friends are opting to take their own Christmas pictures.  Anyway, I thought that this week, I would share some tips with you to take better pictures this Holiday Season.  Just and FYI, I am gearing this towards those of you with a DSLR, but if you don’t have one, the same principles apply to point and shoot cameras.

Get your subject out from the middle of the picture. You will often notice in the pictures that I take a child is off to the left or right of the picture or if it is a headshot/portrait the subject’s face will take up most of the picture.  Make sure that your eyes are drawn to the focal point of your subject.. for me that is always eyes.

Avoid Full Sunlight. Full sun creates really harsh shadows & what I like to refer to as “raccoon eyes.”  Find a spot with open shade or take your pictures and hour before sunset.  Another option (and my personal favorite) is to take your pictures on a cloudy day!

Forget the flash. Although I sometimes use it.. I loathe flash!  Find a nice spot by a window and use that to light your subject.  If you have a speedlight, don’t aim it directly at your subject.. bounce off the ceiling, a window, bounce card or use a diffuser.

Check out the background. Is there clutter or garbage?   Find a new location.  Another option is to zoom in on your subject so that the background doesn’t matter as much.  The best idea.. go take pictures this weekend w/beautiful leaves as a backdrop.

Don’t always pose or ask your subject to smile. Kids are kids and they don’t like to take time out to stop and smile.  Create memories of what they are really like on a day to day basis.  Enjoy the moments of them just being them.  Also, if they have a favorite toy, incorporate that into your picture.

Learn Photoshop. Seriously.. it’s a must.

Angie Brement is a portrait photographer and owner of Angie Brement Photography.  She is also the founder of C’Ville Entremom. If you would like to find out more about Angie Brement Photography please visit her website:  www.angiebrementphotography.com.

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