Tamara Cordero!
Tamara wins a free Gift Account entitling her to send five free cards from SendOut Cards, which allows you to select cards and personalize them with your own message.
Thanks to everyone who entered to win. To inquire about setting up a card account, contact Tina Barefield at 912-897-0010 or cardcentral@comcast.net.
A new Mommy and Me program begins in November @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island.
The educational Mommy and Me programs will be every Tuesday from 8:30-9:15 AM through 2009 for children between the ages of 1 and 4. In January of 2010, the program will be provided on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The first session is Tues. Nov. 3. Must be under 4 years old. Maximum of 15 participants. Cost: $6/child for non-member; $4/child for members. Adults get in free with a paid child. For information, call 912-598-2496, email fish@uga.edu or click here.
It’s great to see another activity in our area for the pre-preschool set. This particular program will include learning techniques that allow for the development of motor skills, understanding of different sizes, shapes, weights, and movements among a variety of marine animals native to Georgia waterways and the ability to identify the difference between fish, crabs, turtles, and invertebrates. The programs will include hands-on experiences with different animals, arts and crafts, a story time, and a game.
Upcoming dates include:
November 3, 10, &; 17, 2009 and December 1, 8,15,& 22, 2009
January 5, 12, 19, &26, 2010 & Thursday January 7, 14,21,& 28, 2010
Thanks to Karin Paquin for telling us about this!
Have you noticed all those misleading “Smart Choice” labels on cereals like Kellogg’s Fruit Loops and “Healthy Choice” labels on General Mills’ Cocoa Puffs?
Cocoa Puffs a healthy choice? Not many parents would fall for that.
Researchers at Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity analyzed the marketing and nutritional content of breakfast cereals and found that kids are a big target for heavy marketing of sugary cereals
Check out the home page of their new report, Cereal FACTS (Food Advertising to Children and Teens Score) The lowest-scoring cereals, nutrition-wise: Kellogg’s Corn Pops – Chocolate Peanut Butter and Quaker’s Cap’n Crunch w/ Crunchberries.
The top-scoring cereal, from a nutritional standpoint: Kashi’s Puffs — 7 Whole Grains Puffs. The cereal most heavily marketed to children: General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Here’s the full report.
The FDA plans to step in and take a closer look at misleading labels and plans to develop a nutritional gold standard for products labeled as “healthy.”
Just for Baby & More offers more than nursery and youth furniture, apparel, gifts and accessories.
The locally-owned and operated store at 7701 Waters Ave. also hosts occassional classes including an infant CPR course in their store 10 AM-2 PM Sat., Nov. 14
If an emergency strikes, your first line of defense is to rely on your abilities to save the life of your child. You need to be prepared. One way you can do this is by getting trained in Infant CPR. For nearly a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through health and safety education and training. Just for Baby & More – a sponsor of SouthernMamas – recognizes this great need to help those with children lead healthier and safer lives.
The class is open to the public. Cost: $35 per person or $60 per couple. Class fee includes instructional manual, supplies, certification card and a light lunch. To participate, email casey@justforbaby.net or call (912)355-4455 to register.
CPR is a simple and very effective lifesaving technique training lay responders to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in infants. Make sure you are familiar with the procedure as you never know when you may need to use it.
Did your child fail to become a genius despite a steady diet of Baby Einstein DVDS and videos?
Now you can get your money back. According to this New York Times article, the Walt Disney Company is offering a $15.99 refund for Baby Einstein videos, up to four per customer. Receipts not required.
The videos have been the subject of complaints and a threatened lawsuit by the advocacy group Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood, which contended that contrary to the company’s early claims that Baby Einstein would enhance child development, watching TV is actually detrimental to children younger than 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics is against children younger than 2 watching any TV.
Here’s the link to the statement on the Baby Einstein Web site about the refund. For full details and an official mail-in certificate, click here.
I initially intended not to have my kids watch any TV until post-2, but failed miserably. However, I use DVDs to entertain while making dinner etc. and never believed Baby Einstein’s pitch that their products would land my kid in the gifted class. Did you? And if so, do you plan to take advantage of the refund and stop using Baby Einstein products?
Volunteers are needed to help single moms enjoy a day of pampering.
On Dec. 12, the Salvation Army will host a “Cinderella Saturday” for single mothers who are currently residing in the organization’s Savannah shelter. For these mothers, things that we take for granted such as a trip to the salon or a new outfit are true luxuries. Their day-to-day concerns are providing food and shelter for their children.
As part of Cinderella Saturday, the mothers will receive a day of pampering, along with a shopping trip to find a perfect everyday outfit. The event will culminate with a fun event at night. Childcare will be provided for them the entire day so that they can truly enjoy one day to themselves.
Hair stylists are needed as well as manicurists and makeup artists willing to donate their services; shops willing to donate outfits; entertainment venues willing to host the kids for an hour of play; and food establishments willing to provide meals for both the children and parents.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating their services or making a financial contribution may contact event chair Amy Pine at amyk215@yahoo.com or 912-659-3050
The Classical Conversations group of Savannah will host open houses – by reservation only – during the next few weeks.
Learn how the Classical Conversations of Savannah community can help equip, encourage, and support parents in their homeschooling endeavors. Open houses start at 9 AM with a short explanation of the Classical Method of Education as well as a brief overview of Classical Conversations. At 9:15 AM, there will be an opening ceremony and dismiss for classes at 9:30 AM. During morning class time, learn and review information from English Grammar, Geography, History, Latin, Science and Math and an entire history timeline from a Biblical perspective. Enjoy watching the class presentations, hands-on science experiments, and Fine Arts sessions of the Foundations programs. Pack a lunch if you would like to eat lunch with the group.
Hear and observe the Essentials program from 1-3pm. This is when 3rd – 6th graders learn grammar, writing and play math games.
Reservations are required to ensure enough space is available. Meet on Tuesdays in Effingham county. The following dates are available for reservation: Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. More dates will be available in 2010.
If you are interested, please contact Kristin Bigalke, Director of CC Savannah, at 912-655-8173 or rkadb004-education@yahoo.com.
When those gift and card giving holidays start to sneak up on you, it only means one thing: time to buy or fish out some cards and get them mailed.
Even just a few personalized holiday cards can take up to an hour to complete, address, stamp and seal for delivery. The process is time consuming and SendOut Cards has noticed.
With SendOut Cards, you choose the card and personalize it with your own message. SendOut Cards does the rest!
This week one lucky SouthernMamas reader will receive a free Gift Account entitling her to send five free cards. To be eligible to win, visit this SendOut Cards website and Send A Free Card. Then click on comments below this post and tell us your favorite card!
Can’t wait for the giveaway? To inquire about setting up a card account, contact Tina Barefield at 912-897-0010 or cardcentral@comcast.net.
Lowcountry photographer Cecillia Berger loves to create emotion that inspires memories when someone views her photographs.
A recently transplanted photographer from San Diego now serving the Beaufort, SC and surrounding Lowcountry areas, Cecillia is considers the world as your studio, with a thousand and one backdrops from which to choose your perfect setting. In the Lowcountry, we are blessed to have a variety of location choices from which you may select; from old buildings, to beautiful parks, forests, and sunny beaches. Or you have your session in the beauty and warmth of your own home.
Mention SouthernMamas when you book your session with Cecillia B Photography and receive 1 sheet of wallets and 1 5×7 print. Become a fan of CecilliaB Photography on Facebook here receive a $20 print credit with your session.
Primarily a natural light photographer, Cecillia specializes in families, maternity, newborn and children’s custom lifestyle portraiture. She loves capturing , energy, emotion, family connections and children’s true natures in her photographs.
The perfect photographer for those of you who want be able to look at pictures and relive happy and fun memories for years to come.
To see more examples of her work beyond those posted here, visit the Cecillia B Photography Web site and her blog.
Cecillia B Photography, 843.263.5971 or email CecilliaBPhotography@gmail.com
Chances are you’ve heard about Cabell Stewart, the Savannah infant who was in need of a heart transplant to survive.
Little Cabell has received a heart and is finally home from Atlanta. Read an update about Cabell in this column “How do you thank someone for saving your child?” and find out how you can help him and his parents, Amy and Brad Stewart.
Their story is an example of the importance of organ donation. But the Stewarts had to endure the agonizing experience of waiting for a miracle for their baby while at the same time knowing another family is going to have to face death for Cabell to live.
If all those pony rides at local fall festivals has your kid hooked on horses, check out Norwood Stables, near Isle of Hope, Savannah.
Norwood stables offers exercise and fun in the great outdoors. Ladies morning riding club $40 per session and children’s riding lessons $160 p/m. Pony rides $35 for 30 minutes up to 3 kids per pony. Call Linda at 663-5288 for more information or click here.
Be sure to tell them SouthernMamas sent you.
Also, according to the Norwood Stables Web site, Norwood also hosts children’s birthday parties. The $200 birthday package includes full use of the picnic area for a two-hour party with two ponies for one hour. Check out the picnic area and available upgrades here.
Trying to figure out the best college savings plan for our children is overwelming. Financial advisor Marsha Woelber, a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, offered to provide helpful information on college saving basics. Check out her guest article below. She can be reached @ marsha@iissav.com or 912-650-2852.
You want to provide your child with every opportunity in the world. Paying for a college education seems so far away, but you can make simple investment decisions today to ease the blow of increasing tuition costs.
There are many options to facilitate college savings; I’ve focused on 529 savings plans, popular due to their tax advantages and flexibility. As you can see below, paying for just one year at even a Public College can be overwhelming. You may not be able to save enough for all four years of tuition, room and board, and other expenses – but you could save enough to give your child the right start.
Common Questions about 529 Savings Plans
Q – What is a 529 Plan?
A – A 529 plan is an investment plan designed to encourage saving for a child’s college expenses. The plans are named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are made in cash and invested; the money can be used to pay for “qualified” college education expenses without incurring any income tax liability on the earnings and/or appreciated value of the assets.
Q – Who can open a 529 account?
A – Anyone. Parents, grandparents, other relatives or family friends can all be account owners with the child as beneficiary. Also note that anyone can contribute to an existing 529 account, no matter who owns it.
Q – How much do I need to invest in a 529 account?
A – Many plans have low initial minimums of $500-$1,000 and can usually be arranged for automatic investments of as little as $50 or $100 a month. Many states do have an upper limit on contributions, typically $200,000 – $250,000.
Q – Who controls the investments in the account?
A – The account owner selects from investment portfolios created by a professional money manager. The most common investment option is an age-based allocation strategy in which the age of the child (# of years until college) determines the specific mix of investments.
Q – Are there tax advantages to enrolling in a 529 Plan?
A – Contributions are not federal tax deductible on your tax return, however, your investments grow tax-deferred, and distributions for “qualified expenses” are federally tax-free. Your own state may offer tax benefits such as deductions; this should be considered prior to enrolling in a 529 plan.
Read the rest of the article by clicking here.
Eliza Brooks! Eliza wins a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!
Thanks to everyone who entered to win by sharing fun child’s birthday party tips. Check out the tips in the comments section below the giveaway annoucement post and on our Facebook page here. Be sure to become a fan of SouthernMamas on Facebook while there.
Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.
Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!
Tickets are on sale now @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469
EmmAva Photography is offering a special Christmas portrait studio sessions just in time for the holiday card season.
The 30-minute sessions for $30 will be 1:30-5:30 PM Nov. 7 and 9:30-2 PM Nov. 14.
To book your session, email EmmAvaPhotography@yahoo.com or call 912.429.7454.
Click here to view more photos by EmmAva Photography, which also is available for newborn, children, family, engagement, bridal shoots and weddings
Historic Grayson Stadium is hosting the 7th annual Sycamore at The Stadium FREE baseball camp for boys and girls ages 8-12.
The two day camp begins Sat. Nov. 14 at 8:30 AM and goes until 1 PM; On Sunday camp will start up at 1:30 PM and end at 4:30 PM. For more info, contact Jason Rockwell: 912-631-0351 Jrockwell23@comcast.net
Elaina Redick, the 4-year-old daughter of Dr. Kimberly Redick, a Rincon dentist, and David Redick, died Sunday. The Richmond Hill child’s daycare/preschool at the Savannah Christian Preparatory School closed Monday and today.
Elaina fell ill with nausea early on Saturday morning. She was taken to Memorial University Medical Center on Saturday and passed away early Sunday afternoon. Doctors have not yet determined the cause.
Local health officials also are hesitant to say H1N1 was the cause.
Does this unspeakable loss make you more concerned about the H1N1 threat, even though this is not a confirmed case of the swine flu? Does it make you want to take advantage of the availability of the H1N1 flu mist vaccine at the Chatham County Health Department?
Novel H1N1 flu has claimed the lives of 86 children in the U.S. since the outbreak began in April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About two-thirds of those deaths have been in children with underlying medical conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. A typical flu season sees about 50-100 pediatric deaths.
What are you doing to keep your young children healthy during this frightening time? Here’s the link to the CDC page on H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
See readers’ responses on our SouthernMamas Facebook page here.
This week a very lucky SouthernMamas reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!
Check out the rules below to enter to win:
Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.
Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!
Tickets are on sale now. For those who can’t wait for the giveway, tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469
Pumpkins? Check. Costumes? Check? Gourd decorations worthy of a Real Simple magazine cover? Check.
A family photographer who specializes in natural light to document how much your children are loving autumn this year? OK, so maybe you need a little help in that area.
Fortunately, SouthernMamas sponsor LeeAnn Ritch Photography is offering a fall special: a photo session, online proofing and a high resolution CD for $250 ( a $575 value)
LeeAnn’s shoots aren’t about poses. Think of her as an invisible observer of your family, recording both the ordinary and the extraordinary (because the ordinary will one day be extraordinary).
So capture your little ones as they are this fall. Before it’s over.
LeeAnn Ritch Photography, 912.308.9327 or email leeann@leeannritchphotography.com
Leave it to moms groups to put the fun in fundraisers.
The very active and popular Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group has two fun fundraisers coming up. By supporting Pooler MOPS, you help the group achieve their mission “Better MOMS make a better world.”
5-8 PM Thurs. Oct. 29. Chick-fil-A Restaurant Raid at the Chick-fil-A on Pooler Parkway. Pooler MOPS will get a percentage of the sales from everyone who fills out a form at the front door. Free face painting, balloons and COSTUME CONTEST (non-scary please).
10 AM-3 PM Sat. Nov. 7. MOPS Holiday Vendor Fair and Silent Auction. Shop for all of your holiday gifts early and support the Pooler MOPS group. Shop from your favorite at-home businesses and local artisans under one roof. A silent auction with lots of items including themed gift baskets and two weekend stays at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Food concessions and activities for the children.
For more moms groups, visit our Moms Group category here.
The slow foods movement is coming to Wilmington Island.
St. Andrew’s School will host a slow foods dinner on Sat. Nov. 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM on the Wilmington Island campus. Proceeds from the dinner will support the school’s green garden, an outdoor classroom promoting whole foods, community service and environmental stewardship.
The goal is to celebrate local cuisine, teach young people gardening skills and enjoy wonderfully prepared foods by Brighter Day, Cha Bella, Local 11 Ten, The Sentient Bean, Thrive and our own St. Andrew’s cookbook crew – First Come, First Served.
For tickets or more information, please call 912.897.4941. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
Laura Numeroff, award-winning author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” is among the many talented guests in this year’s lineup at the 2009 Savannah Children’s Book Festival.
The festival – one of the best local kids’ events – is set for 10 AM-4 PM Sat., Nov. 14 at Forsyth Park in Savannah. This beloved event celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.
The festival will also include dozens of Low Country authors, arts and crafts, food vendors, a variety of entertainment, costumed characters, and much more. The Savannah Children’s Book Festival is presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah.
Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center.
For more information, call 912-652-3689 or click here.
Other guests at the festival include:
David Biedrzycki, “Ace Lacewing”
Bruce Degen, “The Magic School Bus”
Dr. Jean Feldman, “A Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers”
Patrick Jones, “Chasing Taillights”
Doc Neal, “What’s in a Doctor’s Bag?”
Kyle Puttkammer, “Galaxy Man”
Charles R. Smith Jr., “Dance with Me”
Mike Thaler, “Teacher from the Black Lagoon”
John and Danita Thomas, “The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions”
Michael P. White, “The Library Dragon”
Mrs. Rosa, host of “PBS Kids”
Join mothers from around the world during a worldwide day of prayer for children and schools, 9 AM-1 PM
Nov. 14
Moms In Touch International is hosting the Arise! Cry Out! day of prayer at The Sycamore Church, 1914 E. 52nd St., Savannah.
Register now to partake in this worldwide event by clicking here. Contact Stacy Cerone, 912-228-4270, scerPM@comcast.net, for more information.
Alison Zielenbach!
Alison wins a $25 gift certificate to SproutBaby, an online source for organic, affordable baby food and products for eco-conscious parents. SproutBaby sells Sprout Foods, the organic baby chow created by celeb chef (and dad) Tyler Florence.
Thanks to everyone who participated. There’s also another to chance to win big from SproutBaby,
To celebrate SproutBaby.com’s first birthday, the online store is kicking off its new referral program with a $2,500 giveaway.
SproutBaby.com will award one lucky winner a $2,500 cash prize in a random drawing for all customers making purchases between Oct-15 (today) and Dec. 15.
SproutBaby.com is also launching a new referral program for parents and families to earn unlimited cash back for referring their friends, relatives and colleagues. For more information, contest rules and referral program guidelines, please visit: store.sproutbaby.com/birthday and store.sproutbaby.com/referral
Next time you’re in Atlanta, make plans to check out the new Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
Explore life-sized buildings from the Curious George books and TV series, design buildings at the construction site, play mini-golf and more. The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math and engineering, which are woven and layered throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like George – through direct experience and problem solving.
The exhibit runs Oct. 10-Jan. 24, 2010. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Click here for more information. Adults and children older than 2, $12.50.