If you’re planning a trip to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in nearby Columbia, SC this summer, Tuesdays will be your best bet.

On Tues. June 15, Riverbanks will kick off a summer promotion called Toucan Tuesday, where two can come for the price of one…the catch: just bring two cans of food or other non-perishable food items to qualify for the deal. Each week collected food items will be donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank to help feed hungry families in South Carolina.

Buy-one, get-one admission isn’t the only perk you will receive for visiting on a Toucan Tuesday. Riverbanks will also offer $2 ICEEs, to help beat the summer heat, and 2-for-1 specials in the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop.

Toucan Tuesdays will run for 10 consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer and end on August 17. Promotion applies to general admission rates only (Explorer wristbands and memberships not included). Purchase one admission and get the second of equal or lesser value free. Visitor must turn in two canned or other non-perishable food items to receive the discount.

Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Rates, dates and times are subject to change. For the most current information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org

Mark you calendars. Angela Beasely’s Puppet People will perform a children’s puppet show at the Savannah Visitor’s Center on June 26 & July 10.

The show is called “Monkey Bubbles Takes A Train Ride.” There will be two performances on each day – 10 AM & 11 AM. Cost is $6 per person. Mention SouthernMamas to receive a dollar off the admission! First hour of parking is free!

This is a unique opportunity for children as the beloved Puppet People rarely have performances that are open to the public, so this is a great chance to see their No. 1 Family Show!

Also this summer, Puppet People is offering a Special on their Basic Children’s Birthday Party Package. For this summer only, the price is $325 instead of $350. All you have to do is mention you saw this post on Southern Mamas! This is the “Worry-Free” children’s birthday party package because it includes a brief interactive puppet tour, a puppet show, a puppet making craft (which also serves as party favors), a cake table, tablecloths, paper plates, napkins & plastic ware – basically everything except food and invitations! So, all Mom has to worry about is bringing the cake.

Another SouthernMamas deal: mention Southern Mamas, and Puppet People will take $3 dollars off their “Backstage Pass” Tour, which normally costs $15 per person. This private tour includes a full hour one-on-one with Angela Beasley herself!

Angela has been making puppets for over 40 years, and many of her past creations are on display in the Puppet People studios. Puppet People is  also one of only about three companies nationwide that has life-size puppets. Angela made the “family” of about 30 life-size puppets (and all her other puppets) with her own hands. Each puppet has his or her own hilarious personality, which Angela loves to show-off during the tour!

Below is a guest post by Jane Madison, an early childhood education expert and pre-K teacher at Saint Peter the Apostle School on Wilmington Island:

Many parents wonder how to prepare their child for preschool. The answer is,simply, by doing anything that helps your child develop emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

Research shows there are certain times when the brain is becoming wired for specific skills at an optimum level. The development of social and emotional intelligences, motor and vision skills, thinking and reasoning skills and even the foundation skills needed for reading begin at the moment your child is born.

This article will focus on language development. Sound discrimination and vocabulary development, which are two indicators of reading success, begin developing at birth, with the optimum opportunity being 0-24 months. The greatest enhancement of these two skills occurs from 2-7years for sound discrimination and 2-5 years for vocabulary development. (To view the complete chart, go to www.pamschiller.com.

Children learn sounds by hearing them, and develop language by being spoken to. Talk to your child about everything that is going on around you all day long. When he asks questions, answer him. When he asks the same question over and over again try to rephrase your answer, so he hears different vocabulary. Turn the tables on him by saying,”You tell me what it is?” Have conversations with your child and resist the temptation to answer for him when he seems stuck. Forming the words in his mind and then saying them takes time, and letting him go through this process will seal the new vocabulary in his mind.

Also, it is important to stay on top of any infections or fluid build-up in the ears. Children who cannot hear sounds cannot learn them!
Read to your child 15 to 20 minutes every day. This can be at more than one session, but gradually build time as your child learns to sit still longer. Reading helps develop vocabulary, comprehension and gives you and your child more opportunities to converse.

Talking to and reading with your child is an easy way to help him develop some of the skills he will need for school success.

Jane Madison graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching pre-school in Savannah for over 20 years. In addition to teaching, she has worked as a consultant training teachers working in the Georgia State Funded Pre-Kindergarten program as well as presenting workshops at local, state and national Early Childhood conferences. Jane is currently teaching pre-kindergarten at Saint Peter the Apostle School on Wilmington Island. She is married and the mother of two grown children.

We told you earlier about Regal’s free family movies this summer at Savannah Stadium theatres.

SouthernMamas reader Laurie Twibell emails us about another great summer movie special for kids: $1 kids’ movies at 10 AM Tuesdays June 8 to Aug. 10.  Click here for more info.

Carmike’s Summer Kid’s Series also includes popcorn and drink, only a buck each.

We all love our dads. There is nothing more touching than a great Father & Child moment.

If you have a Father & Child Photo that will melt hearts, post it to Levy Jewelers on Facebook between Today and 5 PM Fri. June 11. Click here to visit the Levy Jewelers Facebook page and become a fan while there. Levys will post their favorites to their fans who will then have a voting period through Wednesday June 16 at 5 PM.

The photo with the most LIKES will win a Gentleman’s Sterling Silver and Titanium Bracelet ($175; http://www.levyjewelers.com/).

The winner MUST PICK UP THE BRACELET IN PERSON AT ONE OF LEVY’S THREE SAVANNAH LOCATIONS (Downtown, Oglethorpe Mall, or Savannah Mall).

Levy’s will announce the winning dad on Facebook page on Thurs. June 17.

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.

For more info on tickets for Curious George Live!, 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.

During the summer, you can take your kids to the cinema for selected free screenings at Regal Cinema. Regal Entertainment Group has a nine week long Free Family Festival going on at selected theatres since 1991.

Participated theatres show G and PG rated movies for free on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. Examples of movies include; Hotel for Dogs, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar Escape 2 Africa, and Shrek the Third. Click here for schedule updates.

Here’s a list of free summer movies at Savannah Stadium 10 1132-34 Shawnee Street
912-961-1535

06/22/2010-06/24/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G)
Tale of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)

06/29/2010-07/01/2010 Charlotte’s Web (G)
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Polar Express (G)
Polar Express (G)
Night At The Museum II (PG)
Night At The Museum II (PG)

07/06/2010-07/08/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G)
Wallace and Gromit (G)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)

07/13/2010-07/15/2010 Polar Express (G)
Polar Express (G)
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (PG)
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (PG)

07/20/2010-07/22/2010 Doogal (G)
Doogal (G)
Planet 51 (PG)
Planet 51 (PG)

07/27/2010-07/29/2010 Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G)
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G)
Imagine That (PG)
Imagine That (PG)

08/03/2010-08/05/2010 March Of The Penguins (G)
March Of The Penguins (G)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

08/10/2010-08/12/2010 Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)

08/17/2010-08/19/2010 ARCTIC TALE (G)
ARCTIC TALE (G)

08/17/2010-08/19/2011 Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)

Carrie Christian's studio

Starting Thurs. June 10 from 6:30-8 PM, Savannah artist Carrie Christian will host a weekly craft club called Pretty Pickle’s Craft and Cake Club at her studio: nine classes for $90, which includes all supplies and delicious treats.

Classes will cover a variety of fun crafting techniques, such as jewelry, hair and fashion accessories, sewing and much more.

Schedule Includes:
June 10: CUPCAKES ARE SWEET!
A night dedicated to everything cupcake. Snack on a sampling of cupcakes while creating cupcake inspired crafts. Activities include cupcake “shrinky-dink” earrings and a hand sewn cupcake tote!

Artist Carrie Christian

June 17: COME ON IN AND LET YOUR HAIR DOWN!
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories! Make beautiful, personalized accessories for your hair. Using feathers, beads, buttons, rhinestones, ribbon and more, we will be making headbands, barrettes, and clips to dress up our hair for summer.
June 24: FLOWER POWER!
Tonight’s crafts will all be flower related! Make a thimble “garden” necklace, embellished flower pin, and a fabric flower ring, all
while enjoying flower inspired snacks and goodies!
July 15, 22: CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
Take a break from the heat and enjoy Christmas in July. We will transport ourselves to the holidays with Christmas inspired crafts,
gram cracker “gingerbread” houses, ornaments, and pinecone elves, just to name a few. Christmas in July will end with a Christmas
party, complete with all the trimmings!
July 29: LITTLE IS BEAUTIFUL!
• Celebrating all things mini! Miniatures will be the theme of tonight’s class. Make dazzling, tiny works of art, doll house creations, and other small wonders while nibbling on petite treats.
• Aug. 12: GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS!
Tonight we will make personalized banner “greeting” cards. Send something special to a loved one or just let a friend know you’re
thinking of them with these adorable custom made cards.
• Aug. 19: ORIENTAL NIGHTS!
For our last class we will have an Asian inspired party filled with Asian inspired crafts. Activities include simple
origami, personal felt fortune cookies, and decorating paper lanterns. “Sushi” and other refreshments served.

To sign reserve a spot, contact Carrie Christian
Email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com
Phone: 912.323.0123

SouthernMamas reader Laura Jackson wins a $25 gift certificate to Uppercase Living , which specializes in beautiful vinyl expressions and décor that allow you turn any space into a unique expression of you and your family. Congratulations, Laura!

To view the catalogues, create your own expressions on the MyDesign Suite, and place your online orders, click here.

For information on becoming an Uppercase Living Independent Demonstrator or Hostess, product information, or to purchase a gift certificate, e-mail Savannah Indepedent Demonstrator Jamie Strahm at strahm2010@hotmail.com  or call (913) 526-9123.

Yes, there is a summer art program in Savannah for the pre-K set!

Savannah artist Carrie Christian is now hosting Saturday Pre-K art classes.
10:30-11:30AM
10 classes offered
$9 a class (includes all supplies)
Sign up now!

Lessons are designed to help create a foundation on which your child’s artistic education
will grow and blossom. Students will learn basic concepts such as color, composition, and perspective, while creating drawings, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media projects.

Students will work with a variety of materials, including colored pencils, oil pastels, acrylic, watercolor, and collage.

Dates:
June 12,19,26
July 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21
Please call or email with any questions!

Carrie’s studio is located at 212 E. 37th St., directly behind Bella Mia (bridal shop) at the corner of 37th and Abercorn Streets.
Phone: 912-323-0123
Email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Artist Carrie Christian

Carrie Christian received her MFA in Painting and her BFA in Illustration from Savannah Collage of Art and Design. Her works have been exhibited nationally and internationally.

She was included in the 2007 & 2009 Southern Editions of New American Paintings publication. Her work has been exhibited both in the Mobile Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum in New Orleans and included among many private collections.

Diamonds are used for all kinds of jewelry including rings, necklaces and bracelets and the opportunity to buy jewelry is all around us.

From the serene atmosphere of a high-end jewelry store in Manhattan to online shopping, you can buy and sell diamonds for varying prices and in many different types of settings. The amount you pay for diamonds can vary widely depending on what you are looking for and its overall use.

Some less-expensive diamonds are perfect for young women’s jewelry while other, more pristine examples are great for engagement and anniversary gifts. Large, white diamonds go for thousands while lesser-quality diamonds can be purchased for much less. Although there are certifications, the prices may still vary when speaking of two identical diamonds as some jewelry stores have expensive overhead they must pay for to continue with their business pursuits.

Online diamond retailers can save you money, but you do not get to hold the diamond and it may not be exactly what you want when you receive it. Although not necessarily risky, this inconvenience can be a nuisance to deal with when you are looking for the perfect stone.

The certification will let you know the four most important aspects of the grading process. This will allow you to compare prices and quality of diamonds on an even plateau. Some diamonds may seem like a great deal when only compared by carat or color, when all things are considered, it may be in your best interest to choose another site or diamond that better suits your needs.

A very small, near-colorless diamond may cost two or three times a large, inclusion filled stone. If you don’t care as much about imperfections, but only size, the lesser-quality stone may be the way to go. Online, you can buy diamond jewelry or loose diamonds and due to the technology, you can view the potential gem from many angles and use the information from the certification to make an informed decision.

Elizabeth Cavanaugh wins the May Mother’s Month giveaway from Glow Medical Spa & Beauty Boutique 

Elizabeth wins a Mother’s Day Make-Over. The giveaway includes a free skin consultation with a licensed medical esthetician, a customized facial, a make-up makeover and $100 worth of products. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win! 80-plus participants!!

Glow is located in Governours Square at 415 Eisenhower Drive between Waters Avenue and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Visit Glow’s MedSpa Services page to see the services offered and read all about the cutting-edge cosmetic medical procedures that have made Glow the leading Medical Spa in Savannah- famous for offering the newest and latest beauty services. Glow offers a variety of services including eye lash extensions, microdermabrasion, massage, chemical peels, Botox, Juvederm, laser leg vein treatments, laser facial treatments and more. 912.303.9611

Katie Pynn wins  the May giveaway Petite Feet – Savannah’s newest children shoe store and a SouthernMamas sponsor!

Katie gets to pick out the free Keen 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.

Congratulations! And thanks to everyone who entered.

Forget the traditional tie or grilling apron. Surprise the favorite daddy in your life with a gift no one else can give – – his child’s very own personalized piece of artwork.

Starlight Pottery and Just for Baby & More have teamed up to take the fuss out of shopping for a unique and exciting gift that we all know Daddy will love.

Come by Just Baby and More at 7701 Waters Avenue on Thurs. June 3 from 9:30am-12:30pm; or Fri. June 4 from 1pm-5pm; or Sat. June 5 from 10:00am-12:30pm to work with Starlight Pottery artist Maggie Mulligan to create your child’s one-of a kind gift.

Parents will be able to choose which pottery option they wish to have their child craft. You may choose from picture frames, coffee mugs, plates or platters. Both child-friendly businesses boast customer service and convenience and have worked carefully to keep the prices affordable ($16 – $30), exclude all painting fees and have it fired and ready for pick up in about a week.

So imagine, turning your sweet baby’s footprint into lobsters, a little handprint into a flower and a thumbprint into ladybug. These memories will last forever and make a great gift for daddy’s coffee, his desk or to serve up his best grilled meal. After you have captured those wiggly hands or feet impressions we will have great story time helpers to read with and entertain your little ones while you finish up their exquisite creation!

Please email casey@justforbaby.net or call (912) 355-4455 if you have any questions or would like to RSVP.