Bree Trott wins a family four pack of tickets to CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE!, which will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23. Congratulations

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by having your kids  complete this sentence “A good mother is someone who ….?  Great responses in the comments section under the initial giveaway post and on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page.

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June are now for sale. For more info, click here. Order online by clicking here.

Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade will be 6 PM Fri. May 21.

The parade celebrates the beginning of summer and includes playful water-play for all ages between floats and spectators lined up along Butler Avenue. Spectators arm themselves with bucket, squirt guns and other water spraying weapons.

For more information call (800) 868-2322 or click here

Below is a guest post by Marsha Woelber, a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Marsha does occasional posts on SouthernMamas about  becoming financially savvy.  To read her previous posts, click here.

What is a Coverdell ESA?

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) came about in 2001 to give parents more options for their children’s education. Similar to an IRA, a Coverdell ESA allows individuals to set aside up to $2,000 per year (2010) tax-deferred in an account earmarked for education. As long as you are using the money for qualified expenses, withdrawals are tax-free.

The big benefit of using a Coverdell ESA is that you can use the money in the account for elementary and secondary education expenses (including private school tuition). This is unlike a 529 plan, where the funds must be for higher education.

Many Savannah parents utilize both types of plans to enjoy the tax treatment for K-12 expenses (Coverdell), and the higher contribution limits of a 529 plan.

What is changing in 2011? Unless Congress extends current limits, maximum annual contributions into a Coverdell will fall to only $500 (from $2000) after 2010. More bad news: K-12 expenses will no longer qualify. Any amounts accumulated at the higher contribution limit can remain in the accounts, but you will have to pay tax on the investment gains in any amounts you withdraw for K – 12 expenses after Dec. 31, 2010.

What should I do with my Coverdell ESA(s)? If you can’t spend the money in your Coverdell prior to Jan. 1, 2011, it is probably best to roll it into a 529 plan. Technically, you must take the money out of the Coverdell and put an equal or larger amount into a 529 plan in the same year.

A 529 does not provide any tax advantages for K-12 expenses, but it does allow tax-deferred savings for college. For more information on 529 plans, please see my previous SouthernMamas article by clicking here. Be sure to contact a tax or financial advisor to help you move your funds from a Coverdell to a 529 plan to potentially avoid any negative tax consequences.

Marsha Woelber is a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. She can be reached @ marsha@iissav.com or 912-650-2852. The opinions in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Please talk to your tax advisor before executing any strategy.

This week, a SouthernMamas subscriber will win a family four pack of tickets to CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE!, which will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23.

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June go on sale at 10 AM Mon. April 26. For more info, click here. Order online by clicking here.

Children 1 Year and Up are required to have a ticket.

THREE SHOWS:
Tues. June 22 @ 7 PM
Wed. June 23 @ 10:30 AM
Wed. June 23 @ 7 PM

TICKET PRICES ALL DAYS
$15.00 – $50.00

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is the new can’t miss live stage musical that will delight your whole family! Curious George is the inquisitive and loveable little monkey who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Live on stage in his World Premiere musical tour, Curious George swings and flips his way through a fun-filled story that takes the audience from home to Rome.

Katie, Lucy and Ella Marchese

With broader prenatal genetic testing, the number of children with Down syndrome could radically decrease. Earlier this month, I had the chance to talk to local parents who hope that doesn’t happen.

Molly and Joe Marchese of Springfield are parents of three beloved and beautiful daughters (pictured here), including a 4-year-old with Down syndrome, Ella, who has enriched their lives in countless ways. The Marcheses are among those families who have become Down syndrome advocates in the face of broader prenatal testing to prevent the genetic condition.

The Marcheses are the focus of my newspaper column today. Read it by clicking here.

The Marcheses, along with other members of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, are working to help parents dealing with a definitive prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis and invite prospective parents of babies with Down syndrome to monthly support group meetings.

Contact the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society by clicking here or email jmarchese@LDSSGA.org

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June don’t officially go on sale until Mon. April 26.

But SouthernMamas readers can order CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! tickets online from now through Sunday (April 25) by using the code: GEWW

This is an exclusive offer that won’t be valid once tickets go on sale next week. Order online by clicking here.

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23.

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is the new can’t miss live stage musical that will delight your whole family! Curious George is the inquisitive and loveable little monkey who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Live on stage in his World Premiere musical tour, Curious George swings and flips his way through a fun-filled story that takes the audience from home to Rome.

Laugh out loud, tap your toes, sing and dance along as you follow Curious George on his quest to win the Golden Meatball Contest.

Children 1 Year and Up are required to have a ticket.

THREE SHOWS:
Tues. June 22 @ 7 PM
Wed. June 23 @ 10:30 AM
Wed. June 23 @ 7 PM

TICKET PRICES ALL DAYS
$15.00 – $50.00

Amy Estees and Molly Taylor will win two tickets each to “Beauty and the Beast” presented by The Children’s Ballet Theatre of the Academy of Dance.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

The ballet will be Sat. May 8 at the Savannah Civic Center. There will be two shows, one at 3 PM and one at 6 pm.

You can order Beauty and the Beast tickets one of three ways:
-Call 921-2190 Mon-Fri 2-6 PM; Sat. 11 AM-2 PM
-Email aodsav@gmail.com
-Or purchase tickets at the Savannah Civic Center Box office

The price is $30 adults; $20 kids, senior and military; $15 tickets for groups of ten or more so you can pull your friends together to go for a discount. All tickets are general admission.

Upset about what your child eats at school? Here’s a chance to voice your opinions about your child’s school meals and school partnerships with fast-food restaurants.

The public is invited to a free Community Health Forum, 6-8 PM at Savannah Civic Center.

Healthy Savannah will join with local co-hosts St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Memorial Medical Center, Savannah State University, Junior League of Savannah, A Phillip Randolph Institute, GeoVista Credit Union and 100 Black Men of Savannah to sponsor this first Community Health Forum.

Healthy Savannah is working on several issues including getting junk food out of public schools. Find out more here.

Here’s a great FREE way to check out the brand new stage and bandshell at Forsyth Park.

The St. Andrew’s School Spring Concert at Forsyth Park will be 5:30-8:30 PM Mon. May 3. The public’s invited to this free spring concert at the park’s new bandshell. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music. The program features students in grades 3 through 12 and includes string, chorus and band students. Musical selections include pop, jazz and classic pieces.

Parents and teachers are invited to an Autism 101 full-day conference featuring seven speakers who will provide information that educates, enables and empowers families and professionals caring for children on the spectrum

The Autism 101 Conference will be 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Fri. April 30 at Armstrong Center for Professional & Continuing Education, 13040 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31409 (across the street from the Savannah Mall)

Speakers include Dr. Renee Tocco, coordinator of Hope for Autism. She promotes a vitalistic healthcare approach and is dedicated to educating the public about non-invasive, natural healthcare.
Other speakers will be:
-Dr. Stephen A. Ranicki of Ranicki Chiropractic and The Mindspring Center
-Parent to Parent of Georgia to provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Special Education process. Both parents and professionals will learn great tips and rules of this process during the presentation.
-Samual Crossley of Mass Mutual Financial Group about the financial implications of raising a child on the spectrum.
-Dana Lee on the benefits of music therapy
-Lynn Adams, Author of “Parenting on the Spectrum: A Survival Guide”
-LeAnne Geoghagen, a 19-year old student, will give her personal perspective of dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome

For questions about the conference, contact Jennifer McGee at The Matthew Reardon Center jennifermcgee4@comcast.net, (912) 355-9098

For more info on local autism resources, visit the SouthernMamas Autism/Asperger’s Resource Guide for Savannah/Bluffton by clicking here.

This week, two SouthernMamas readers will win two tickets each to “Beauty and the Beast” presented by The Children’s Ballet Theatre of the Academy of Dance.

The ballet will be Sat. May 8 at the Savannah Civic Center. There will be two shows, one at 3 PM and one at 6 pm.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? You can order Beauty and the Beast tickets one of three ways:
-Call 921-2190 Mon-Fri 2-6 PM; Sat. 11 AM-2 PM
-Email aodsav@gmail.com
-Or purchase tickets at the Savannah Civic Center Box office

The price is $30 adults; $20 kids, senior and military; $15 tickets for groups of ten or more so you can pull your friends together to go for a discount. All tickets are general admission.

Christy Lynes wins this week’s SouthernMamas giveaway!

Christy wins  a boy’s seersucker lime birthday cupcake shortall  from Classic Kids , which offers custom-made children’s clothing and accessories for any time of the year.

At Classic Kids trunk shows, you can see all of Classic Kids designs or even design you own ClassicKids outfit.Become a fan of Classic Kids on Facebook and you will be updated on new designs and fabrics and catch monthly specials and giveaways. Orders can also be placed through the Classic Kids Web site or you can find Classic Kids at La Dee Da in Rincon

 Island Playground, an indoor playground featuring inflatable fun & creative play for kids, will host a special night for moms in May.

The FREE MOMS’ NIGHT OUT EXPO to honor all moms will be 5:30-8:30 PM Thurs. May 6 at the playground. Grab all your girlfriends and enjoy FREE admission for all moms, FREE gifts and samples, FREE massages, FREE facials, FREE manicures, FREE makeovers, FREE margaritas, a raffle to benefit the Boys & Girls Club with a chance to win fabulous prizes, and special event-night discounts from Island Playground and other local businesses.

For more information contact Island Playground at (843) 837-8383 or click here.

 Island Playground, 1538 Fording Island Rd, Suite 104, Bluffton, S.C. near the HHI bridge on the Bluffton side (843) 837-8383

Watching all that golf during the Masters inspired you to start dressing your future Mickelson like a little pro.

So check out the new line Fore! Axel and Hudson at Island Child. Think country club meets California cool. Sizes range from infant through size 8.

Fore Axel & Hudson is an eco-friendly brand. Most pieces are made from ultra-soft and sustainable bamboo/spandex.

Island Child owner Steve Powell says Fore Axel & Hudson is perfect for the “golf” lifestyle here in the Lowcountry and it is a great look for boys even if they are not into golf.

The Island Child store is in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Is. You can also order clothes on The Island Child  Web site . Or call 1.888.705.5437 or 843.686.5437.

 SouthernMamas reader Monica Patel emails that the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is well worth the visit. The drive is about 1.5 hours.  Indoor exhibits are geared more towards young elementary-school-aged kids, but Monica’s 3.5 year-old loved the turtle rehabilitation area and turtle hospital, where he got to watch one of the turtles being given a multivitamin and another turtle get rubbed with ointment, to undo some of the damage caused by the recent cold weather.  She writes the staff there is very friendly and willing to answer questions.

Thanks for the recommendation, Monica!

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center  introduces you and your children to Georgia’s turtles with hands-on activities, games, crafts, and outdoor exploration.

Find out the various methods sea turtle biologists use to follow sea turtles as they migrate from the beach to the ocean. And how you too can follow sea turtles online.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island. Cost: $6 for adults (13+ years); $5 for Seniors (65+ years); $4 for children (4-12 years); FREE for children 3 and under. $5 for Active Duty Military Personnel, Students and Teachers (ID required). For more info, call 912.635.4444 or click here. Stay savvy with the happenings at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center via the center’s blog.

A big thank you to SouthernMamas readers who agreed to share their stories about their children’s imaginary friends for my newspaper column on the subject. 

You can read the column about children’s pretend playmates by clicking here. 

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it when readers are willing to be interviewed for my various freelance articles. Thanks so much!

LA DEE DA upsale children’s consignment boutique and KRISTIN PATE PHOTOGRAPHY are proudly hosting a BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST.

Photos will be taken by Kristin Pate this Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17 at “La Dee Da”, located in the heart of Rincon, Georgia.

Please call 912.295.5470 to schedule your FREE photo session!

There will be two age divisions – 3 months – 24 months and ages 2-4. Prizes include gift certificates to La Dee Da and a free photo session with Photography by Kristin.

Winners will be featured in our fall print ads. Sign your child up today!

La Dee Da upscale children’s consignment boutique , 912-295-5470. Tues- Fri 9:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm. Proud retailers of Mudpie, Petit Ami, Rileyroo’s, Jewelry by Lorena and The Fizzy Baker. Hwy 21 North, Rincon. Located in Burns Station next to the Bank of America and across from The Curiosity Shoppe

Classic Kids is giving away this adorable boy’s seersucker lime birthday cupcake shortall pictured here (size 12-month) to a lucky SouthernMamas reader.

Here are the rules on how to win this week-long contest.

Classic Kids offers custom made children’s clothing and accessories for any time of the year. At Classic Kids trunk shows, you can see all of Classic Kids designs or even design you own ClassicKids outfit.

Become a fan of Classic Kids on Facebook and you will be updated on our new designs and fabrics and catch our monthly specials and giveaways.

Orders can also be placed through the Classic Kids Web site or you can find Classic Kids at La Dee Da in Rincon.

April is here and Petite Feet – Savannah’s newest children shoe store and a SouthernMamas sponsor – is celebrating by giving away your choice of a pair of Lilli Kelly children’s shoes or sandals in stock at Petite Feet.

The winner gets to pick out the free Lilli Kelly shoe for your child while visiting Petite Feet, located at  5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix with easy in-and-out parking.

Here are the rules on how to win this month-long contest.

To enter to win,tell us what you like best about April by commenting below this post (Just click on comments).  Also, please tell us your name. Or comment on the SouthernMamas Facebook page here. Please become a Facebook fan of SouthernMamas.

 Shopping at Petite Feet  is a relaxed and enjoyable experience, thanks largely to the fact that it’s a child-friendly store with a comfortable atmosphere.  Puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. 

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for brands and information

Diane Dodd wins a complete exterior house pressure wash (valued at $300) from  All American Pressure Cleaning.

The wash includes the removal of all mold, mildew and other surface pollutants utilizing All American’s exclusive low-pressure, soft-wash process and Mildew Preventative Treatment.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by sharing photos your homes on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page . 

Don’t forget: All American Pressure Cleaning is extending a 10 percent discount to all SouthernMamas readers as well as a free sidewalk cleaning for all House Washes scheduled before May 15.

The Savannah Coastal Puppetry Guild is bringing a wonderful puppeteer from Missouri who is playing At the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta for a month to come to the Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St.

PAUL MESNER PUPPETS will perform The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf (used with permission of Jon Scieszka) on Tues. April 13. The 1 PM show is FREE and must have reservations (call 912-660-3255). The 4 PM show is $5.

For more info, call 912-660-3255.

In this revealing no-squealing adaptation of the popular book written by Jon Scieszka’s and illustrated by Lane Smith, A. Wolf has a chance to tell his side of the story. He only wanted a cup of sugar and he did have a cold. For years we have only known this story from the pigs point of view. Mr. A. Wolf tells all about what really happened to those three little houses made of straw, sticks and bricks and the three pigs who lived in them.

Sponsored by grants from the Grassroots Arts Program, (City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs) & The Arts Ashore Legacy Fund (Savannah Community

You are invited to Just for Baby & More at 7701 Waters Avenue this Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM to let artist Beth Pray capture a timeless treasure of your children in a hand cut silhouette.

With five years experience at Walt Disney World and 19 total, Beth cuts black acid free paper into an exact likeness of her subject. Beth will mount them and place them on a 5×7 mat. The silhouette is then placed in a quality black oval frame making it a great Mother’s or Grandmother’s Day gift or a nice picture to hang in your own home.

The process only takes two minutes or less (and don’t worry your children don’t have to sit still) and only costs $22.

Call (912) 355-4455 to reserve your time slot or email casey@justforbaby.net.

Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave., 912-355-4455, www.justforbaby.net.

You want to dress your darling daughter in clothes that are fun to buy, easy to wear and that celebrate the fleeting joy of childhood.

Which is why you and your DD are going to swoon over Cheeky Banana’s colorful fabrics and original applique and embroidery designs.

 Cheeky Banana designs and manufactures girls’ clothing in sizes 2-12.

SouthernMamas can receive free shipping and 20 percent off new, non-sale items. Just enter this discount code: southernmamas. This special discount is good through April 30.

Cheeky Banana strives for a classic look that has a stylish feel and fit, clothes that are nice enough to wear to church, but comfy enough for a playdate.

Their clothing is made in the USA and CPSIA compliant. Most pant/skirt styles include adjustable waistbands. Think premium 100 percent cotton prints as well as stretch cotton sateens and twills.

Cheeky Banana, LLC is the realization of a long-time dream by founder Lesley Fleming. Having enjoyed sewing for over 30 years, friends often asked her to make special outfits for their child.

With two children of her own and a busy job in marketing, this became increasingly difficult to do. Finally, Lesley made the decision to create a line of children’s clothes. And we’re so glad she did!

Cheeky Banana, www.cheekybanana.com, 919-610-6943

 Babysitters & Nannies  – which pairs families with child care providers for babysitting, part-time nanny or live-in nanny jobs – will offer an April discount to SouthernMamas readers: $50 off a yearly babysitting membership and $100 off  a nanny placement service.

Babysitters & Nannies serves Savannah, Tybee Is., Wilmington Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, Charleston and surroundng areas. Babysitters & Nannies has an arsenal of vetted candidates who are CPR certified and have undergone DMV checks and extensive criminal records checks.

After you pay a membership fee that comes out to less than $1 a day (and even less with the April discount), you can request a babysitter 24 hours-a-day via phone, email or by filling out a Babysitter Request Form through the Babysitters & Nannies website.

Make sure you mention SouthernMamas sent you to receive your April discount.

Also, school will be out sooner than you think and Babysitters & Nannies has summer nannies for elementary kids who are out of school.

Babysitters & Nannies, Owner/Operator Jenna Lucas, Phone: 843-384-4317; Fax: 843-757-8294 email info@babysittersandnannies.com  or jenna@babysittersandnannies.com ; www.babysittersandnannies.com, 6 Victory Point Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910