Fit4Mom Arlington Heights–Mom Around Town Chicago Area

♥ 4.10.2015 ♥

 

Welcome back to our Mom Around Town Blog Series! Today I’m here to introduce a special local business called Fit4Mom, which offer fitness classes for moms at all different stages! Remember to check out our last Mom Around Town post with The Storybook Mom if you haven’t seen it already!

Business Name: Fit4Mom

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Year Established: 2007

Fit4Mom offers fitness classes for moms at all different stages. Stroller Strides classes offer cardio, strength and core to give moms a total body workout- all while their little one is along for the ride in the stroller. Instructors also weave songs and activities throughout the class to keep it interactive for the little ones- fitness for mom, fun for baby! Their mission is to help moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life. Not only do they offer amazing fitness classes, but each location provides a free “Our Village” playgroup that is a great community feel for the moms in the classes. According to Jackie Dorris, the owner of Fit4Mom, “Being a mom is hard work and it takes a village, and that is really what our classes provide.”

Do you want to hear a little more from the owner of Fit4Mom, Jackie Dorris? Just Peachy Photography interviewed her and would love to share with you.

Interview with Jackie Dorris of Fit4Mom:

Erika: How did you get the idea to start your business?

Jackie: I was a new mom without a single other friend who had a baby and I wanted to get back in shape. I didn’t want to leave my daughter in the gym daycare, and I needed to meet some other moms! I looked in to taking a stroller fitness class with her and there was not one that I could find so I decided to start it myself. I needed my Village.

Erika: I think we all need a village sometimes! I wish I had a class like this when my twins were born since it was hard to get out of the house or even find time for fitness. I’m curious, what did you do before you started your business?

Jackie: I worked for a kitchen design firm.

Erika: That sounds like fun but definitely something that would be hard to continue with a baby at home. I’m sure now you meet a lot of wonderful mothers and make friends with them too! Can you share one memorable story from an experience you had related to your business?

Jackie: There are so many! But I will never forget our Grand Opening almost 8 years ago. Back then we didn’t have online registration, or social media. I hung up flyers everywhere, and had my friends tell their friends- but I had no idea if anyone was going to come. 35 moms came! It was amazing. And the rest is history.

Erika: How fun! Yes, what would we do without social media now, right? How do you think you provide a quality service or product for local moms?

Jackie: Fit4Mom is a leader in the pre/postnatal fitness world and I know that our instructors have gone through specific training so that they know how to work with postnatal women. Your body goes through more changes in the 9 months of pregnancy than a man’s will his entire life. It’s important that you see a trainer/instructor who knows what those changes are and how to correct them so that you can have the strength for motherhood.

Erika: Very true on those changes! Do you have anything you would like to tell us that is new for your business in 2015?

Jackie: We are going to be launching Body Back and Fit4Baby in the Arlington Heights area.

Erika: Are there any upcoming events or promotions that you would like to share?

Jackie: We will be heading outdoors for class starting in May!

Erika: So soon! That is great news! Is there anything else you want to tell us about your business or yourself?

Jackie: Your first Stroller Strides class is free. So often we hear, why would I pay to just walk around with the stroller. Come to a class and you will get it! Stroller Strides is much more than just a walk- each class has elements of targeted strength training to get you stronger for your role as mom and the interaction and socialization that both you and your child get are priceless. It takes a village and we would love for you to come be a part of ours.

Erika: I did get to visit a class and I will tell you it is more than that! The instructor was very motivated to get the women moving and targeted specific fitness goals too! The kids had fun watching mom or one little boy was munching on a cookie while his mom was working out! What a great class!

Classes move outdoors in May and join us on Friday, May 8th for a special Mother’s Day class where Just Peachy Photography will be taking a mini-photo of moms with their little ones after class!

Jackie is giving away a Free Month to the Stroller Strides class to one local mom! All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter and use the form below to enter. Giveaway will end on Friday, April 30th at midnight!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just Peachy Photography will announce the winner shortly after the contest ends and winners will be notified. All entries will be verified and the winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen. And a slideshow of images from the Stroller Strides class I visit in Arlington Heights this February:

If you haven’t seen Just Peachy Photography’s new Welcome Video yet, head over and check it out here. It will give you an idea of what a session is like with Erika Williams from Just Peachy Photography.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2015 Palatine, IL -Palatine Illinois Event Photographer

♥ 4.9.2015 ♥

Since the weather was in the ’30’s last year for St. Patrick’s Day, my family didn’t go to the annual event but luckily this year we made it there! The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the crowds were out and everyone was wearing green! It truly was the perfect day for the parade! Of course since it was sunny and close to noon when these photos were taken, I didn’t get as many as I would have liked from my viewpoint. Next year I might find a spot that is a little more shaded but regardless it was a great time by all in my family. Palatine always has a great parade!

If you didn’t get a chance to see my last post a few years ago you can see it here. It seems that the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day parade was quite a bit shorter than the 2013 but still a lot of fun!

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This three legged dog even participated in the St. Patrick’s Day fun! He was all decked out in green and keeping up with the rest of the parade! St. Patrick

Here is a little slideshow of images from the parade. Enjoy!

 

 

First Birthday Bunny Boy-Roselle Illinois Children’s Small Event Photographer

♥ 4.8.2015 ♥

It is such a joy to have families return after a few years for a portrait session or event! I love how they always think I won’t remember them but I always do. My clients just make a special mark in my heart and I truly love to see how their children have grown. I know it isn’t always possible to hire a professional photographer for every special event in their lives but I always like to make sure they know that I am honored to be there when they can and be trusted to photograph their special memories.

First birthday parties are one of my favorite small events to photograph because there are usually many children there, the adults love to interact with the guest of honor, usually there is an adorable theme for the party and lots of details to get images of and one year old’s are just too cute! They are still babies and not quite toddlers. Some are still crawling, many are taking their first steps and a few a cruising all over the place already! There never is a dull moment at a first year party and I just love to be a part of them.

It was a pleasure to see the K Family again after I had photographed their first son’s first birthday party a few years ago. It was also great to see that their family had grown! Their new son, A, was just as cute as could be and such a good eater! Also, I just could not get enough of that hair! You will see what I mean in the photos below! Thanks K Family for trusting me yet again with your precious memories and I hope you enjoy your photographs for years to come!

Some of my favorite photographs from A’s Easter themed first birthday party can be seen below! Enjoy!

Roselle Illinois First Birthday Party PhotographsApolloBday32815_-014 copyApolloBday32815_-026 copyApolloBday32815_-090 copyApolloBday32815_-091 copyApolloBday32815_-146 copyApolloBday32815_-207 copyApolloBday32815_-265 copyIf you would like to hire Just Peachy Photography for your own special event coming up, you can visit our Small Events Page for more information or contact Erika here, [email protected] or by calling 847-302-1783.

The Storybook Mom–Mom Around Town Chicago Area

♥ 3.13.2015 ♥

 

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Welcome back to our Mom Around Town Blog Series! Today I’m here to introduce a special entertainer, The Storybook Mom, who specializes in children’s storytelling! Check out her interview below and remember to read our last post from the Chicago Swim School here if you haven’t read it already!

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Owners Name: Nili Yelin

Business Name: The Storybook Mom

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instragram

Year Established: 2000

Location: Chicago and surrounding areas

Nili Yelin The Storybook Mom

Interview with Nili, The Storybook Mom:

Erika: What services does your business provide?

Nili: Interactive storytelling for kids of all ages.

Erika: I agree with you, Nili, with “all ages” because you put a lot of humor that adults can appreciate in your storytelling and the adults are enjoying it just as much! How does your business benefit the families in the Chicago area?

Nili: I hope to share my love and passion for literature, words, picture books and families through my performances and bring families together to share time in an old fashion way with a new twist! I perform and teach the families how to perform a story and let loose and be silly. Everyone benefits from some quiet and loud time and to focus on the same thing at the same time.

Erika: I think it is important to make storytelling fun and I just love your silly approach. My kids loved your performances! How did you get the idea to start your business?

Nili: I brought my own children when they were little to many storytimes and found them boring and listless and thought with my background in acting I could bring stories to life and also entertain the grownups at the same time. Being a mom is hard work and taking care of kids all day is the hardest work so since I had also spent years in comedy and improv it was a way to be funny, live in the moment and share some good laughs too with grownups.

Erika: What did you do before you started your business?

Nili: I acted in theatre, film, tv and did voiceover for commercials. I worked at Saturday Night Live for 10 years and at MTV for 5 years in New York City. I was a stand up comedian for years and stopped when I had kids. I was too tired to stay up late and would joke that I wish I could do comedy in the daytime and sit down. So I created “sit down stand up” for families.

Erika: That had to be so much fun! I was always a huge fan of Saturday Night Live and I imagine that was an amazing experience. Love the idea of the “sit down stand up” too! How funny! Can you share one memorable story from an experience you had related to your business?

Nili: I host the Chicago Tribune Printer’s Row Lit Fest Kids Stage every year and a couple of years ago Peter Yarrow, from Peter, Paul and Mary was a guest. He told me that he watched the way I worked with the audience and that he loved the feeling of joy and community that I created and hearing that from a childhood idol was incredible. So now I like to call my area at the Fest my own “Bookstock”, where peace and love and books abound.

Erika: You are too funny, Nili! I also LOVE to read and my kids do too! I also love the name “Bookstock!” Is there anything else you would like to tell us that is new for your business in 2015?

Nili: I have been working on a picture book series of my own for the last two years, researching, traveling, meeting some amazing collaborators and artists and am close to having the first in the series done and ready to go to my book agent. I have been inspired by a Broadway show from my childhood and have sought out the creators and producers of the original work and have listened to the music and researched the show every day for the past two years. I love adapting and performing stories and am now doing more original writing on my own. I perform stories 5-10 times a week and have been for almost 15 years so I know picture books in my soul and heart.

Erika: That is amazing and I’m sure it will be incredible! I look forward to seeing the completed project! Are there any upcoming events or promotions that you would like to share?

Nili: I will be hosting The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest Kids Stage once again Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th, a Storytelling at Ribfest on June 13th, hosting Wilmette Summerfest Kids Stage on Saturday, July 11th and have weekly storytimes year round!

Erika: I knew you were busy but it sounds like the Summer will keep you going for sure! Those sound like fun events! Is there anything else you want to tell us about your business or yourself?

Nili: I plan to branch out nationwide in the next couple of years, continue writing, have a storytime app called “5 Little Somethin’ Somethin’s” at Apple Store and maybe do some grown up comedy again once my son graduates High School next year and I don’t have to get up at 6am . I am planning on writing a one woman show called “I Could Have Been Famous But I Had to Carpool” based on my acting and comedy career.

Erika: Those sound like great goals and I can’t wait to hear more about that show! Thank you SO much for taking the time to do this interview with me. I always taking my kids to your performances when you are in my area and they just talk about it for weeks after! They always remember your name due to your introduction (I won’t spoil it because the readers will have to see for yourselves).

Here are some more pictures of The Storybook Mom in action! All of the kids had a lot of fun and I love the interaction that Nili has with her fans! The kids all got to learn how to take a bow at the end of the performance and all received stamps on their hands. My youngest son was most impressed by the cookies she shared with all of the children (and parents) as well. The Storybook Mom is offering any of our readers a special deal too so check below! Make sure you leave a message for Just Peachy Photography or The Storybook Mom about the post below!

If you mention “Just Peachy Photography”, when you book your next birthday party/event with The Storybook Mom, you will receive a $25 discount!

The Storybook Mom Chicago The Storybook Mom ChicagoStorybookMom_12414-045 copyStorybookMom_12414-071 copyAnd just a few more in this fun slideshow! Make sure you check out her next show!

5th Year in Business Celebration Giveaway-Chicago Area Newborn and Family Photographer

♥ 3.9.2015 ♥

happy-5-birthday1Did I mention that we celebrated our 5th year in business! Well with all of the excitement this year and horrible weather, I never got a chance to announce it or share with all of you!

I’m holding a small giveaway to celebrate our 5th Year in Business! There will be 3 prizes!

First Prize: A Free Petite Session with Just Peachy Photography which includes a 20-30 minute session within 10 miles of Palatine, IL. This is an outdoor session ONLY and includes up to 3 people. $15 for each additional subject. You will get up to 10 edited images to choose from and will be gifted 3 digital images both in color and black and white with full print release (available to download through our website). All additional prints and products are 25% off the regular prices.

Second Prize: A $5 Amazon Gift Card! (electronically delivered)

Third Prize: Chuggington Let’s Ride the Rails DVD

So how do you enter?

Fill out this short form with a few questions and your contact information. If you like us on Facebook, you get an extra entry. If you like us on Instagram, you get another extra entry. If you share on any social media platform and tag us (not valid without tagging us), you can get another extra entry.

Contest ends March 31st and winners will be announced shortly after! All entries will be verified. Giveaway for Chicago and Surrounding suburbs residents ONLY!

If you haven’t seen our updated events and specials page, make sure you see the mini session events we’ve added and “Think Ahead” specials! We have an event in April called “All That Glitters is Gold” and a Spring Blossoms Mini Session Event in May!

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