We’ve been told we’re a bit on the crazy side, and here’s just one more reason to see just how crazy we are!

We are giving away an item off our web page, and YOU can be the winner!

Here’s all you do:

Choose the ones you want to do….you don’t need to do them all. (But the more you do, the better your chances!)

1. “Like” our Connie’s Kids Facebook page.

2. ”Like” at least 5 pages on our Connies Kids website. (more is always better!)

3. Post a link to our Connie Kids website on your Facebook page.

4. Suggest our Connies Kids Facebook page to your friends.

5. Make a “Wish List” in our free Gift Registry on our website.

6. Sign up on our Mailing List on our Connie’s Kids website.

7. Subscribe to this blog.

8. Write a review for us on our Yelp page, or our Google directory page.

9. Last , but DEFINITELY not least, post a link, or the URL address here on this blog, or on our Connie’s Kids Facebook wall of the item YOU want to win! Be sure to also post the SIZE, COLOR, and any other necessary info for your item.

10. Be SURE to post everything you do, so we can keep track of your efforts!

11. The winner will be announced as soon as our Connie’s Kids Facebook page hits 2800 fans!

11. HAVE FUN & GOOD LUCK!

 I get asked daily about the best way to coordinate the family, so I decided to share of few of my favorites with you. Hopefully it will inspire you to move forward, and get those great photos you are dreaming of!

Looking for timeless tradition? For the true classic look, try the combination of coordinates from Cotton Blue & Cotton Pink,  in the traditional holiday plaid group.

By sticking with one designer, you will know all your colors will match perfectly, which can sometimes be a problem when combining brands, since you can get different shades of the same color, making the grouping look “off”.

Here is a great example of using different pieces from one brand, Petit Ami,  that will coordinate all ages of your kids.

Going for a more casual look? Using knitwear or even Christmas pajamas, these can be some of the cutest photos of all! Le Top has some great velour coordinates, just perfect for holiday photos!

Or mix & match with styles from Little Me, or even Kissy Kissy!

Going for a more formal portrait? A grouping like this will give you the ultimate in dressy holiday fashion!

Of course, there are hundreds of options, but hopefully this gives you a good jumping off point!

Are you feeling inspired yet? Let me know if this was helpful, and I will add more as we receive more holiday styles in the next few weeks.
And remember to add that extra special touch with all the accessories! Pretty hair bows, ruffled socks, tights and more can add so much to the entire ensemble. Maybe next time we will cover how to best use them!

We have some awesome local photographers, including Knox Studios, Cathy Benton, Barb Spencer,  Ann Easterling, Kimberlin Photography, and many more! Check their pages out & get more inspiring ideas, to make YOUR holiday photos the best you’ve ever had!

Please leave a comment below, or on our Connie’s Kids facebook page! Can’t wait to see all your photos!

Pure Joy! Love him!

This past Sunday was an eye-opening, amazing, and heart-warming day for me. It was my 1st trip to the migrant worker camps on the Eastern Shore, to be a part of the grass-roots local group called “The Got Sole Project”. This group of volunteers amassed over 1000 pairs of shoes, for men, women, & children in just a few weeks, and distributed them to families in need. Laura Contreras-Rowe, the founder, along with Kregg Deurr of K&J Lawn & Garden Service & Denise Kail , have created a wonderful opportunity for us all to give back. Representing Connie’s Kids, I was honored to be a part of bringing some joy to the little children.

I am so proud to be a part of such a big-hearted, generous group. The smiles of the children’s faces crossed all language barriers, and made my heart smile as well. The people were so grateful for the shoes and socks provided from donations, as well as toys, and soccer balls provided by the Virginia Rush soccer league, brought by Nevin Bunnell, and his beautiful and hard-working children.

Ta-Da!

Video of WVEC-TV news coverage with Joe Flanagan

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Enjoy flipping thru the entire catalog & let me know what you love the most!

View this document on Scribd

]]> http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/sneak-peek-at-the-new-fall-willbeth-catalog/feed/ 2 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/got-sole/ http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/got-sole/#comments Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:39:57 +0000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/?p=609 ]]> You make a LIVING by what you

  GET,

You make a LIFE by what you

 GIVE.

Winston Churchill

Click to view slideshow.

You know all those old shoes banging around in the your kid’s closets? Here’s a chance to find a child who really needs them.

Offering faith, hope and love through shoes, THE GOT SOLE PROJECT collects lightly used shoes to be donated to underprivileged families in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.

Here’s how you can help, AND save money at the same time!

Bring your new or gently used children’s shoes to Connie’s Kids by July 27, 2011 and you will receive 25% off your purchase.

This may be used on all regular priced styles, including our NEW arrivals for fall!

All of us at Connie’s Kids are so proud to be a part of this wonderful cause.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many children.

For more information you can visit  THE GOT SOLE PROJECT on facebook!

Special Thanks to Denise Kail for offering us this chance to give back to the community who has supported us for almost 25 years!

If you have any questions please call us at 547-5437, or leave a comment below.

We are asking any local businesses to donate to our raffle for all who participate!
For our first raffle:  We have a generous $200 gift certificate for our 1 hour “Glimpse” portrait session with Studio 757 Photography.
This is good for an “On location” shoot,  thru Dec. 31, 2011. Great for HS Seniors, families, children, couples (in Love) or engagements.
Thanks David!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KIRSTIE LUGO! You have won the $200 Gift Certificate above! Please contact us by Sat to collect your prize! And thank you for your generous donation!

For our second raffle:  Another local business jumps on the bandwagon with a very generous gift for our raffle winners!
The Royal Chocolate has donated a delicious “Chocolate Fondue for Two” package!
Thanks Brenda!

CONGRATULATIONS MAGGIE STOUP!  You have won the “Chocolate Fondue for Two” donated by The Royal Chocolate!  Please contact us by Weds, Aug. 3rd, to claim your prize! Thank you for your donation! 

For our third raffle:  Kregg Deur from K & J Lawn & Garden Service has donated GORGEOUS hanging baskets, that will raffled off individually, so you have even more chances to win! Thanks Kregg! (photos of baskets can be seen on K & J Lawn & Garden Service, or our Connie’s Kids page)

CONGRATULATIONS TO NANCY LINQUIST, BETH ANN ADKINS, & CINDY PERCIAK!  You have each won a beautiful hanging basket donated by K&J Lawn & Garden! Thanks Kregg! Please contact Connie’s Kids within the next 3 days to claim your prize! Thank you all for your donations!

For our fourth raffle: Pink Magnolia Photography  will donate a free 45 min photo session including CD with PRINT release. (For Va Beach & Chesapeake residents only) Thank you! 

CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA PHILLIPS! You have won our 4th raffle prize, the 45 min photo shoot with Pink Magnolia Photography! Please contact them to arrange your sitting!

Please support these local businesses who so generously give back to their community!

]]> http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/got-sole/feed/ 4 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/calling-all-cuties-new-model-search-for-hampton-roads-locals/ http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/calling-all-cuties-new-model-search-for-hampton-roads-locals/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:02:00 +0000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/?p=593 ]]>

Connie’s Kids is at it again! We had such a wonderful experience helping to produce the Willbeth catalog last year, we want to give some more children the opportunity to begin their modeling career!

We are in need of advertising photos to show off our new Fall line,  and  we have partnered with Ann Easterling Photography, who produces beautiful portraits of children of all ages!  We are looking for cheerful, cooperative, spirited boys and girls who love being in front of a camera. We can use ages 6 months to 6 years old.

What is required:
1. After “liking” both Connie’s Kids and Ann Easterling Photography facebook pages, please email 1 or 2 (please no more than 2!) current  jpg photos to both Conikds@aol.com AND anneasterling1@yahoo.com for consideration. It can be a head shot, or full body. It does not have to be a professional photo, but the better quality it is, the better we can see the child for consideration. Please provide child’s name, age, as well as your name, email address, and phone numbers where you can be reached.
2. Once chosen, parents must sign a consent form, releasing the child’s photos to be used for print, internet, and in-store advertisements and promotions by Connie’s Kids, as well as Ann Easterling Photography. (We will not share your child’s photo with any other businesses.)

What you receive:
1. No purchase necessary, but all children selected will be able to purchase the outfit for their shoot at 40% off retail, and will receive a 15% discount on all other purchases made at Connie’s Kids until Dec. 31, 2011.
2. Once the shoot is completed, all models will receive a $20 Gift Card to Connie’s Kids towards any in-stock items.
3. The photo shoot is FREE, but if you wish to purchase all of the photos from the shoot, you will receive them at HALF PRICE, including a CD of all photos. If you wish to purchase individual prints or canvases, you will receive them at 30% off.

All entries must be received no later than June 30, 2011. Selections will be announced in July, with the shoots occurring in late July & early August. Please do not submit your child if they will not be available during that time.

There are so many beautiful children in Hampton Roads, (aren’t ALL children beautiful?), I know it will be nearly impossible to choose just a handful! We will have to make the final selections based on the size clothing arriving that we choose to feature in our fall ads. All children not chosen for this shoot, will be kept on file for future opportunities.

Good Luck to all!

]]> http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/calling-all-cuties-new-model-search-for-hampton-roads-locals/feed/ 4 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 connieskids funday3 beeler8 pate7 waterpark1 http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/kid-of-the-month-for-june-enter-your-child-today/ http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/kid-of-the-month-for-june-enter-your-child-today/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:01:22 +0000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/?p=534 ]]> We had such an awesome contest in May, let’s do it up big again for JUNE!

Greyson Clymer

Who will win the $25 Gift Card to Connie’s Kids?
It could be YOU!

During the month of June,  post photos AND videos of your kids wearing Connie’s Kids clothing on our facebook page!

In trying to comply with facebook contest rules, we are asking you to post your votes here on our blog, OR ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, and ask your friends to do the same. We will still post all rules here from now on. (Just trying to keep it legal!)

Kane Schnabel

 There are more ways than ever to WIN!

Do any or all of the 7 ways listed below to increase your chances to win!

1. Get your friends to “like” our Facebook page, then post who sent them. They can then vote by clicking the “links” tab on the left side of our page,  finding the link to our blog  & vote by commenting on this blog. You can also send them the link to the blog to make it easier.
(post on comments here or our fb page that you did this!)

2. Sign up here to follow our blog, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or our fb page that you did this!)

3.  Place an order online or in-store and receive 10 bonus votes! (post on comments here or on our fb page that you did this!)

4. Share this contest on your wall and receive 3 bonus votes! Use the “Share” button at the end of this post.
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did this!)

5. Post a video of your child wearing Connie’s Kids clothes, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did this!)

6. Write a comment about Connie’s Kids on your facebook wall & tag us, and receive 3  bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did this!)

7. Share this contest on your blog or another blog, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did this!)

Isabella Lopez

To get started, just post your child’s photo or video on our facebook page, or email it to us at Conikds@aol.com, and we will add it for you!

Andrew Hawks

Good Luck to ALL!

Submitted by Marissa Hannah

Christopher Johnson, Jr.

Submitted by Jill Presley Abenir

Lucas Bonilla

Quinyon & Aiyanna Davenport

 

Annabelle Dickherber

]]> http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/kid-of-the-month-for-june-enter-your-child-today/feed/ 6 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 connieskids greyson kaneschnabel isabellalopez andrewhawks Marissa hannah Christopher Johnson, Jr. Jill Presley Abenir Lucas Bonilla aiyanna annabelle http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/something-new-from-connies-kids/ http://connieskids.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/something-new-from-connies-kids/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 16:13:33 +0000 connieskids http://connieskids.wordpress.com/?p=437 ]]>  

Submitted by Kaci Keech

Kid of the Month

Contest for May 2011! 

“Something NEW & different!”

 

 

 
 Who will win the

 

 $50 Gift Certificate

(yes, we said FIFTY!) to

 

Connie’s Kids?

Joy Thomas

During the month of May,  post photos AND videos of your kids wearing Connie’s Kids clothing on our facebook page!

Brynnley Griffin

 There are more ways than ever to WIN!

Caden Uiterwyck

 1. Get your friends to “like” our Facebook page, then vote by “liking” your photo.
(post on comments here or our fb page that you did it!)

Submitted by Kasi Peterson

 2. Sign up here to follow our blog, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or our fb page that you did it!)

Daniel Cress

 3.  Place an order online or in-store and receive 10 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Jillian Smith

 4. Share the contest on your wall and receive 3 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Ava Allen

 5. Post a video of your child wearing Connie’s Kids clothes, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Noah Stinnett

 6. Get your friends to “like” our facebook page & post that YOU sent them, and get 3 bonus votes for EACH new fan!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Bennett Ambrose

  7. Write a comment about Connie’s Kids on your facebook wall & tag us, and receive 3  bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Elle Williams

 8. Share this contest on your blog or another blog, and receive 5 bonus votes!
(post on comments here or on our fb page that you did it!)

Submitted by Diane Stallings

Submitted by Abby Kail

 

 To get started, just post your child’s photo or video on our facebook page, or email it to us at Conikds@aol.com, and we will add it for you! 

Mikaela Quinn

Who will win the

 

$50 Gift Certificate

 

to

 

Connie’s Kids?

 

Samantha Tyrrel

It COULD be YOU!

 

Elyse Staley

  We KNOW you have all those Easter pics, and we can’t WAIT to see them!

Peyton Tipton

Afton Reanee

 

Selah Grace Sutherland

 

 

Greyson Clymer

 

 

Submitted by Colleen Grob

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Pregnant with Jesse, selling from home, 1986.

Today is a very special day for me. Twenty-four years ago today I put my key in the door at Connie’s Kids at 10am, and opened my store for business for the very first time. Words cannot explain the exhilaration I felt that day.

After selling at home parties and out of my own home for two years, I finally had a real store! My heart races even as I type this, because it is still so fresh in my mind. I was making my dream come true. Now was the scary part. I had built it, but would anyone come?

Selling out of my living room before opening store, 1987.

The answer to that is clear, as I am still here, loving what I do every day.

Just when I thought I had it all under control, the internet sprang up, and I had to decide whether to make a web page or not. I HATED computers, they scared me to death, so the answer to that was pretty clear to me. But, my brother, who was much more computer savvy than me insisted, and I went along for the ride, kicking and screaming the entire way. I really believed if I hit the wrong button the world could explode, and I didn’t want that on my shoulders.

Adding the finishing touches before our store opening, 1987.

But as soon as I received my first order for a $12.99 hanky bonnet from someone in Texas, I was hooked. I could not understand how it worked, but I knew I had to get on this train, or it was going to leave without me. I quickly began taking pictures of everything in my store, and uploading them to my site. It went in fits and starts, and many nights I sat crying at the keyboard, not knowing how to make a shopping cart work, or edit a photo properly, or just make my site “findable” on all the search engines. It was totally mind-boggling, and I had more meltdowns than I care to remember, but I kept going.

My daughter Lindsay, first buying assistant!

Just when I felt like I was getting the hang of the internet, along came Damien Smith at Guerilla Social Media, telling me I needed to get on board with yet another modern technology; social media! Good grief, I thought, not another thing I have to learn!

Our Very First Ad, Announcing our Opening!

Through Retail Alliance, I began taking classes to learn the value of having a face book page for my business, and was quickly hooked when I saw the enthusiastic reaction from my customers! I love seeing the children dressed in their Connie’s Kids outfits, and have forged many new friendships through this more casual setting of getting to know my customers on a more personal level, and including them in my decision-making. 

Grand Opening Party, 1987!

There have been many twists and turns along the way, with personal and business setbacks, but Connie’s Kids has not only lasted through it all, but exceeded all the expectations I had back in nineteen eighty-seven.  When I look at these photos of my old living room, it amazes me how we actually lived in that house, with a demanding newborn, and a busy three-year old, but we managed.

It all comes back to knowing in your heart what you are meant to do, and following your passion. I am grateful everyday for the good fortune I have experienced, but mostly the friendships that have been established over the last twenty-four years.  If anyone would have told me back then that we would be honored by winning  ”Best Children’s Shop” every year, and Chesapeake’s “Retailer of the Year” three years in a row, and even asked to help produce a catalog for Willbeth,  I would have laughed!

Who would have guessed when I opened that I would someday be twittering, facebooking, and blogging?  They weren’t even invented back then! I hope to continue to grow, but I just hope there is not another BIG THING coming any time soon!

Winning Chesapeake’s Retailer of the Year!

 

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