i’d like to introduce… jennifer newell… and a giveaway! | savoy family photographer

Welcome to another installment of “I’d like to introduce…”, where we get a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of some wonderful Sweet Pea Photography clients!  This month I’d like to introduce Jennifer Newell, the co-owner of Bella Bambini (newly relocated to the corner of Neil St. and Kirby Ave. in Champaign), a guest blogger at chambanamoms.com, and a good friend of mine! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek from Jennifer’s recent family photography session, and also take a minute to enter the giveaway…

1) Tell us a little about you and your family…

My husband Ben and I live in Savoy with our two children, Maggie, 3 and Sebastian, 1. I grew up in Urbana (Dick and Lynne Barnes, parents), graduated from Urbana High School and then attended the University of Illinois. Ben and I met at First Christian Church and have been together for the past 10 years. Ben currently serves on the Champaign Police Force and loves leading worship at FCC from time to time.

2) What first inspired you to open Bella Bambini?

When I was in college I had the opportunity to work at Bella Mia Boutique and get to know Carmen Davis Kirby. Carmen, owner of Bella Mia, and I formed a wonderful relationship and she knew about my desire to someday have a children’s boutique. I learned a lot from Carmen about boutiques and running a business. After Maggie was born and I decided not to work “full-time”, Carmen approached me about starting Bella Bambini. The timing was just perfect and we decided to be partners and opened Bella Bambini in May 2008.

3) What do you enjoy most about your work?

Two things are at the top of my list- the buying trips and meeting new people. Buying trips are an amazing part of owning a boutique. I travel to Dallas and Chicago to buy for the upcoming seasons. I get to pick all of my favorite things and outfits that I think others will enjoy and have fun 2-day trip with my mom (or friend- whoever wants to come). The other thing that I love is meeting new people. I’ve met so many great moms and people living in the community.

4) What do you enjoy most about being a mom?

My most favorite moments are just doing the day-to-day things with both kids. I like running errands, going to the library or pool, coloring, going on walks or just snuggling on the couch. I love watching them learn new things and independence. Even when I have difficult days with them- I remind myself how fast it all goes and cherish all of the moments.

5) You have an eye for design and fashion — what tips would you give those of us who are not so fashion-conscious, but still want our kiddos to look super-cute?

I think the key to dressing kids (once they aren’t babies) is finding clothes that they are comfortable in and also show their style. There are so many lines that I LOVE. I love the Daily Tea because it is playwear that can be washed a million times and not wear out. I love Sweet Petunia Twirl Skirts because Maggie can wear them dressed up or down and they are washable and dryable! I love Mimi & Maggie because it looks like clothes I would buy for myself. I love Corky & Company for their unique and gorgeous patterns on winter coats and swimsuits. I could go on and on…… but the bottom line is… kids are cute! I opened Bella Bambini because I wanted a place to get some of the great lines that are only carried in large department stores or bigger cities. We have something for everyone- boys and girls- I hope that when you come in to Bambini you will get the help that you need in order to find it!

6) Describe a day in your life – how do you balance kids and work?

I don’t! I wish I had some magical answer on how I make it all work, but honestly- I’m trying to find that balance every day. When things are going well at the store, things at home may suffer and vice versa. I have a great support system- husband, parents and friends who help A LOT. I’ve found that I’m not the only mom who feels this way and I have a feeling that I will be searching to perfect this the rest of my life.

7) I know your faith is important to you. What Bible verse is your favorite, and why?

My favorite verse seems to change within different seasons of my life. Right now I’m sticking with these two. Each one helps me focus on what’s important and who I want to become.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Jennifer!  And also a BIG thank you for sharing an awesome giveaway… a $30 gift certificate to Bella Bambini!  Here’s how you can enter to win it:

1) post a link that says “check out a sweet Bella Bambini giveaway at http://sweet-pea-photography.com/blog” on your Facebook wall/status or Twitter account, or

2) become a fan or invite your friends to “like” Sweet Pea Photography and/or Bella Bambini on Facebook , or

3) just tell a friend about it!

And then leave a comment here on the Sweet Pea Photography blog to let me know each way you told your friends… then I’ll randomly choose one winner from all the entry comments on the blog received by June 12, 2010 at 11:59pm!! Ready… set… GO!