Stylist JC Davis at Park West Salon in downtown Savannah across from Forsyth Park is offering SouthernMamas readers a great deal just in time  to look fabulous for those holiday parties: $15 off any Hair Cut and Color Service Combination.

JC Davis – a hair stylist for 9 years and American Board Certified Hair Colorist – returns from maternity leave (Congratulations!) on Dec. 7.  She is offering $15 off any Hair Cut and Color Service Combination to Southernmamas.com readers.  Just mention you read about JC Davis on SouthernMamas to receive your discount at the time of service. Offer valid until Feb. 28 2011.  The discount cannot be used with any other discount offers.

JC Davis has training from Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell and Bumble & Bumble. She was with Greener Grass Hair Color and Design for the past 6 ½ years and is pleased to announce her return back to the downtown area at Park West Salon.

JC Davis is offering $15 off any Hair Cut and Color Service Combination to Southernmamas.com readers.  Just mention you read about JC Davis on SouthernMamas to receive your discount at the time of service. Offer good until Feb. 28 2011.

JC Davis is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Stylist JC Davis at Park West Salon is located at 106 West Gwinnett St Suite 1A, 912-349-4856, www.parkwestsalonsavannah.com
or email ccarol_s@yahoo.com

Here’s a fun twist on your annual holiday tradition of checking out downtown Savannah’s decorations: vote for your favorite display in the Modern Holiday window display competition.

In celebration of the Telfair’s exhibition “Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum”, downtown Savannah businesses have designed creative holiday window displays based on a selected reproduction from the Modern Masters exhibition.

Participating stores incorporate the reproduction of artwork, along with their own products, into a creative window display that reflects the holidays and the Modern Masters exhibition.

Check out these downtown store window displays and text your vote for your favorite window display. To vote for your favorite display, text the corresponding number to 22333.

An American Craftsman 219796
Bleubelle 219793
Bicycle Link 219802
Clipper Trading 219801
DC2 219800
Globe Shoe Co. 219795
Grateful Hound 219799
James Gunn 219794
James Hogan 219797
Levy Jewelers 219783
Mason 219798
Oliver Bentleys 219791
Paris Market 219792
Red Clover 219781
Zia 219782

Savannah-area families with children with special needs are invited to a enjoy a Sensory Friendly Santa Experience 9-11:30 AM Sat. Dec. 4, 2010 at Guyton Christian Church, 301 Pine Street (Corner of Third street and Pine in Guyton)

Have your family visit Santa in a sensory friendly environment. Santa has experience with children with special needs and is patient, friendly and kind. Have your picture taken with Santa. Enjoy a Christmas activity and snack. Feel free to bring your own GFCF snack as well. Minimal decorations and low-level Christmas music.

Hosted by the Guyton Christian Church Youth Group. Event is FREE, however, please RSVP by Dec. 1.

Vicki at 661-1418 themimiv@aol.com or Jennifer @ 355-9098 or email jennifermcgee4@comcast.net

The Dog Who Saved Christmas ABCFAM Nov 29, 7:00PM
Christmas In Rockefeller Center 2010 NBC Nov 30, 8:00PM
Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer CBS Nov 30, 8:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) ABC Nov 30, 8:00 PM
It’s A Wonderful Life NBC Nov 30, 9:00PM
Dr. Seuss on the Loose ABCFAM Dec 1, 6:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax ABCFAM Dec 1, 6:30PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 1, 7:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 1, 7:30PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 1, 8:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 1, 10:00PM
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 2, 6:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 2, 7:00PM
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town ABC Dec 2, 8:00PM
Scrooged AMC Dec 2, 8:00PM
The Santa Suit HALMRK Dec 2, 8:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 2, 9:00PM
Scrooged AMC Dec 2, 10:00PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 3, 6:00PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 3, 8:30PM
A Christmas Carol (1938) TCM Dec 4, 9:00AM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 6, 6:00PM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys ABCFAM Dec 6, 7:00PM
Martha Stewart’s Holiday Open House HALMRK Dec 6, 8:00PM
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ABCFAM Dec 6, 8:30PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 7, 6:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too ABCFAM Dec 7, 6:30PM
Mickey’s Christmas Special – TV Premiere ABCFAM Dec 7, 7:00PM
Cranberry Christmas ABCFAM Dec 7, 7:30PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas ABC Dec 7, 8:00PM
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 7, 8:00PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 7, 8:30PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 8, 6:00PM
Miracle on 34th Street ABCFAM Dec 8, 8:30PM
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 9, 6:00PM
The Gruffalo – ABC Family Original Special ABCFAM Dec 9, 7:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 9, 8:00PM
Shrek the Halls ABC Dec 9, 8:00PM
The Santa Incident HALMRK Dec 9, 8:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 9, 9:00PM
A Miser Brothers’ Christmas ABCFAM Dec 9, 10:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 10, 6:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 10, 7:00PM
A Christmas Carol (1938) TCM Dec 10, 8:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 10, 8:00PM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 10, 9:30PM
Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 10, 10:00PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 11, 3:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 11, 5:00PM
Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 11, 7:00PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 11, 8:00 PM
Frosty the Snowman CBS Dec 11, 8:00 PM
Meet Me In St. Louis TCM Dec 11, 8:00PM
An Old-Fashioned Christmas HALMRK Dec 11, 8:00PM
Frosty Returns CBS Dec 11 8:30PM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 11, 9:00PM
The Flight Before Christmas CBS Dec 11, 9:00 PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 11, 10:45PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 11, 11:00PM
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 12, 7:00AM
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 7:30AM
Once Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 8:00AM
Twice Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 10:00AM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 12, 12:00PM
Santa Baby – An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 12, 2:00PM
Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe ABCFAM Dec 12, 4:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 12, 8:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 12, 10:00PM
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 13, 6:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 13, 7:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 14, 6:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? ABCFAM Dec 14, 6:30PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 14, 7:00PM
Puff the Magic Dragon ABCFAM Dec 14, 7:30PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 14, 8:00PM
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown ABC Dec 14, 8:00PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 14, 10:30PM
Disney’s Prep & Landing ABCFAM Dec 15, 6:00PM
Finding Nemo ABCFAM Dec 15, 8:30PM
Finding Nemo ABCFAM Dec 16, 6:00PM
Gift of the Magi HALMRK Dec 16, 8:00PM
The Incredibles ABCFAM Dec 16, 8:30PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas ABC Dec 16, 10:30PM
The Incredibles ABCFAM Dec 17, 6:00PM
Yes, Virginia CBS Dec 17, 8:00PM
WALL-E ABCFAM Dec 17, 8:30PM
Mickey’s Christmas Special ABCFAM Dec 17, 10:30PM
The Little Drummer Boy ABCFAM Dec 18, 7:00AM
The Little Drummer Boy Book II ABCFAM Dec 18, 7:30AM
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:00AM
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:30AM
Pinocchio’s Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 9:00AM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 18, 10:00AM
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 18, 11:00AM
Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July ABCFAM Dec 18, 12:00PM
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 18, 2:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 18, 3:00PM
A Miser Brothers’ Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 4:00PM
Santa Claus’ Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 18, 5:00PM
WALL-E ABCFAM Dec 18, 6:00PM
Toy Story ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 18, 10:00PM
Happy Feet ABCFAM Dec 18, 11:00PM
Winnie The Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 19, 7:00AM
Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish ABCFAM Dec 19, 7:30AM
A Dennis the Menace Christmas ABCFAM Dec 19, 9:30AM
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York ABCFAM Dec 19, 11:30AM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 19, 12:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 19, 4:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 19, 5:00PM
Toy Story ABCFAM Dec 19, 6:00PM
Toy Story 2 ABCFAM Dec 19, 8:00PM
Toy Story 2 ABCFAM Dec 19, 10:00PM
Christmas Do-Over ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:00AM
A Carol Christmas ABCFAM Dec 20, 12:00PM
Snow – An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 20, 2:00PM
Snow 2 Brain Freeze ABCFAM Dec 20, 4:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 20, 6:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 20, 6:30PM
Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:00PM
Disney’s Prep & Landing ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:30PM
Santa Buddies – ABC Family Premiere Event ABCFAM Dec 20, 8:00PM
Santa Buddies ABCFAM Dec 20, 10:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 21, 7:00AM
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too ABCFAM Dec 21, 7:30AM
Santa Baby ABCFAM Dec 21, 8:00AM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 21, 2:00PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 21, 4:00PM
Miracle on 34th Street ABCFAM Dec 21, 6:00PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 21, 8:30PM
The Story of the First Christmas Snow ABCFAM Dec 22, 7:00AM
The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold ABCFAM Dec 22, 7:30:00AM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 22, 10:00PM
Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish ABCFAM Dec 22, 12:00PM
A Dennis the Menace Christmas ABCFAM Dec 22, 2:00PM
Ice Age ABCFAM Dec 22, 4:00PM
Santa Buddies ABCFAM Dec 22, 6:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 22, 8:00PM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 22, 10:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 23, 7:00AM
Ice Age ABCFAM Dec 23, 11:30AM
Happy Feet ABCFAM Dec 23, 1:30PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 23, 4:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 23, 6:30PM
The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:00AM
The Little Drummer Boy ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:00AM
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:30AM
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 11:00AM
Pinocchio’s Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 12:00PM
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 1:00PM
Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July ABCFAM Dec 24, 1:30PM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Island of Misfits Toys ABCFAM Dec 24, 3:30PM
Mickey’s Christmas Special ABCFAM Dec 24, 5:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 24, 5:30PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 24, 6:00PM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 24, 6:00PM
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:00PM
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:30PM
It’s a Wonderful Life NBC Dec 24, 8:00pm
A Christmas Story Marathon begins TBS Dec 24, 8:00pm
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 24, 9:00PM
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 24, 10:00PM

Wildly popular artist and art instructor Carrie Christian is gearing up for Savannah winter art classes for CHILDREN AND ADULTS at Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St., at the corner of 37th St. and Abercorn St. directly behind Sara Jane Children’s Boutique.

To sign up for any of the classes below, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com.

Pre-K Art ClassesSign Up for Winter Pre-K Art Classes!
Starts: Sat. Jan. 8th – Feb. 26, 10:30-11:30
Cost: $80 for 8 classes (includes all supplies)
Lessons are designed to help create a foundation on which your child’s artistic education will grow and blossom!

Scribble Art Studio

Group Art Lessons (ages 5-7)
Limited Availability!
Starts: Fri. Jan. 7th – Feb. 25th, 4:30-5:30
Cost: $160 for 8 lessons (includes all supplies)
Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture are a few techniques we will be exploring! Classes kept small to ensure lots of personal attention!

Adult Watercolor Class
Starts: Thurs. Jan. 6th – Feb. 24th, 7:00-8:30
Cost: $200 for 8 lessons (includes some supplies)
Classes designed for those who have always wanted to explore watercolor painting. This class will begin with the basics and slowly move into more extensive techniques. No experience necessary, Beginners welcome!

To sign up for any of the above classes, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Your kids have been eyeing your neighbor’s backyard PlayNation playset and are asking for one for Christmas.

Don’t panic. You can buy a playset for a discount from a local authorized PlayNation playset dealer: Taylor’s Quality Landscaping Bluffton.

Taylor’s is offering 50 percent off PlayNation playset install, which is a minimum of a $150 value or greater depending on which playset you select. ($300 is the least expensive installation cost). Mention SouthernMamas to receive your discount.

Dec. 6 is the deadline to order a PlayNation play set from Taylor’s to guarantee arrival by Christmas.

PlayNation playsets are designed to provide your children with plenty of activities to stay active, play outside and have fun. Check out the 2010 playsets available at Taylor by clicking here. Taylor’s has a play area with seven demo playsets on display for parents to stop by and see the sets in person and for the kids to try out for themselves. Located at US 278 and SC 170 next to Matthews Marine, Taylor’s playsets are visible from U.S. 278.

Taylor’s Quality Landscape Supply, 36 Cecil Reynolds Rd at US 278 and SC 170, Bluffton, 843-705-2600, www.taylorspinestraw.com

Thanks to a SouthernMamas reader for telling us about Holiday Lights Safari Benefit, an award-winning seasonal attraction in the upstate of South Carolina in Inman near Spartanburg. It’s a mix of wild animals and holiday lights – every kid’s dream.

The Holiday Lights Safari Benefit is a one-of-a-kind event that runs nightly from Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011, (including all holidays). You drive your own vehicle through nearly 100 acres decorated with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday themes, light sculptures, a life-sized Nativity, plus HERDS OF LIVE ANIMALS and much more.

Highlights include the “Enchanted Deer Forest,” where you will encounter herds of free roaming animals. Also included in the Holiday Lights is “The Walk” where you can park, get out of your vehicle, pet and feed many of Hollywild’s friendly animals; gather around the bonfire, roast marshmallows, drink hot-cocoa. There are also pony rides, bottle babies, a giant slide, visits with Santa, photos with Santa’s babies. Santa and his Elf are there every night through Dec. 24

Opening nightly from 6 PM – 9 PM. with extended hours on weekends through December. For more info, click here. Cost: $6 per person. Children younger than 2 are free.

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

UPDATE: Winners are Starr Ritchie and Kirsten Mullis!

This week, two SouthernMamas readers will win THE SCHOLASTIC TREASURY OF 100 STORYBOOK CLASSICS, VOLUME 2. These DVD gift sets are valued at $99.95 each and feature 100 award-winning and classic children’s stories from “Goodnight Moon” to the beloved adventures of Corduroy.

To enter to win, email answers to the two following questions to anne@southernmamas.com. Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 28. We’ll announce the winner here then. The questions are to make sure you’re reading all the SouthernMamas posts.
1. Read the post above entitled “Discounted PlayNation play sets in Savannah/Bluffton” and tell us the name of the Bluffton company selling the PlayNation playsets at a discount?
2. Read the post below entitled “Online e-letter: children’s activities in Savannah/Bluffton for the week of Nov. 22” and tell us one event you’d like to do.

The comprehensive Treasury 17-DVD collection is nearly 20 hours of quality entertainment which together have won more than 115 awards including the prestigious Caldecott Medal. Packed with celebrity narration from stars such as Stockard Channing, Mia Farrow, Cyndi Lauper, John Lithgow and many others, this must-have gift set also features Scholastic’s innovative read-along function that highlights words as they are read, supporting early literacy skills.

The TREASURY features classic stories such as “Bark George”, “Bear Snores On”, “Caps for Sale”, Diary of a Worm”, “The Dot”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, Giggle Giggle Quack”, “Is Your Mama a Llama?”, “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat”, “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day”, “The Night Before Christmas”, “So You Want to Be President”, The Teacher From the Black Lagoon”, “Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin” and many more.

Just returned from the opening Disney on Ice Princess Classics show at the Savannah Civic Center. What a true treat! Of the three Disney on Ice shows, this was my favorite. Loved seeing my kids enjoy firsthand the classics of my youth and seeing the Seven Dwarves on skates belting out “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.”

The first half of the show is devoted to all the major Disney princesses: Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White. Cinderella, her mice and crew are the focus of the second half. Tinker Bell  is there throughout the show as fun narrator of sorts. Don’t worry, Mickey and Minnie are also ever present.

This is a sweet event and you really should catch one of the following shows this weekend.

Fri. Nov. 19 @ 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 20 @ 11:30 am
Sat. Nov. 20 @ 3:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 20 @ 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 21 @ 2:30 pm

Children 2 and Up Must have a Ticket

TICKET PRICES: $12 – $40
To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

The City of Savannah urges motorists heading to the Civic Center Saturday morning for the Disney on Ice Princess Classics to choose your route carefully to avoid conflict with the Savannah State University Homecoming Parade. The Homecoming Parade is scheduled to begin at 9 AM Saturday. The route starts at East Broad and Gwinnett streets. It heads north on East Broad, west on Broughton Street, and south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, ending at Anderson Street. Those streets will be barricaded during the Parade.

Disney on Ice begins at 11:30 AM Saturday, when the Parade is expected to still be going. A good route to the Civic Center is from I-16 to the Montgomery Street Exit. Other routes from the south include Drayton Street, Montgomery Street and Lincoln Street.

Disclosure: We received tickets at no cost for this review.

You’ve got tons of holiday shopping to do. Why not try to help out a few non-profits while spending on gifts?  Here are ways to shop and do outreach work simultaneously.

The Next Generation and Byrd Cookie Company Give Back During the Holidays: Purchase a select group of gifts from Byrd Cookie Company and Byrd will donate 50% of the profits back to The Next Generation, volunteer organization founded to benefit the patients and families of the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah. Select gifts include a Logo Cookie Tin, a Coffee Tumbler filled with Mocha Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies or the “I Believe” Holiday Cookie Jar filled with an assortment of Byrd’s most popular treats. In addition to fundraising to purchase equipment for the children’s wings of the hospital, The Next Generation membership provides seasonal decorations for the halls of the children’s hospital, end of chemo and birthday parties for patients and pediatric educational opportunities to parents in the community.

Stop by Byrd Cookie Company, 6700 Waters Ave., or order online at www.byrdcookiecompany.com/nextgen and give back to the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. For more information on The Next Generation and volunteer opportunities, go to www.nextgenerationsavannah.com.

Shopping Pass at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: This holiday season, why not buy a gift that keeps on giving? Shop for your family and friends at the Children’s gift shops, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the patients and families being cared for at Children’s. As an added bonus to give your pocket book a little break, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is offering a 25 percent-off coupon to their gift shops this holiday season through Dec. 25. Get into the holiday spirit this season with holiday shopping that helps kids!

2010 Holiday Cards are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Click here.

We often hear from readers who want to do community volunteer work but aren’t sure which charity to pick.

Consider volunteering with Urban Hope, a nonprofit organization located here in Savannah, that provides inner city children an alternative to the streets. Urban Hope is a ministry devoted to children and grounded in Christian love.

Urban Hope changes the lives of children and youth, bringing them a sense of hope and future through spiritual and educational development and life management skills. All Urban Hope programs are provided to the participants free of charge and without regard to their religious beliefs.

Urban Hope is currently seeking passionate volunteers for the after school program and the Board of Directors. Also needed: financial contributions or donations for the program as well as corporate sponsors for Urban Hope’s 2011 fundraisers. Donations can be made through the website, www.urbanhopesavannah.org. For any additional information call Cassie at 912-398-9811 or email urbanhopesav@aol.com

UPDATE: Winners are Raegan Highsmith and Kate Woods!!!!

Hurry. Hurry. We have two family-four packs of Disney on Ice tickets left to give away to two SouthernMamas readers.

We have to do this as a 24-hour giveaway contest because tickets are for the 7:30 PM show this Thurs. Nov. 18 at the Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, email the answer to the following two questions to anne@southernmamas.com. The questions pertain to two new SouthernMamas sponsors. (Hint: The answers can be found in posts below.)
1. What is the name of the new children’s boutique in Sisters Court on 37th Street that is offering SouthernMamas a deal of $20 off a purchase of $200 or more?
2. What is the name of the art studio in Sisters Court on 37th Street that hosts children’s art birthday parties and children art lessons.

Deadline to enter is 3:30 PM tomorrow (Wed. Nov. 17) We’ll announce the two winners here.

Can a children’s boutique be both hip and adorable?

Absolutely! Just check out Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, which opened earlier this month in Savannah. The upscale boutique has a sweet deal for SouthernMamas readers: $20 off a purchase of $200 or more.  Mention you read about Sara Jane Children’s Boutique on SouthernMamas to receive your discount!

The clothing and accessories store is open and will celebrate with an official ribbon cutting celebration 4 PM Fri. Nov. 19 at Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, 202 East 37th St. in Sisters Court. The public is invited to attend and enjoy activities for the kids, food and drinks, GIVEAWAYS and more.

Children’s clothing lines carried include Petunia Pickle Bottom, The Sweeteas, Palm Tree Princess (made in Hawaii), Bailey Boys, Zuccini, Angel Dear, Magnolia Baby and Mud Pie. Offering newborn to size 6 for girls and boys.

Sara Jane is now booking children’s birthday parties and has several adorable themes to choose from. Party-goers can dress up and strut their stuff on the mini diva runway. Every party includes decorations and invitations, craft, snacks, party hostesses, set up and clean up, goody bags, coupons and more! Email sarajanekids@comcast.net for more info.

“Like” the Sara Jane’s Facebook page to stay connected by clicking here. 

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, 202 East 37th St. Savannah, Ga 31401, in the location in Sisters Court formerly occupied by Bella Mia Bridal Shop. Email: sarajanekids@comcast.net, 912-596-9506, Hours 10 AM-6 PM Mon-Fri, 10 AM-5 PM Sat. www.sarajanekids.com

Today we celebrated my son’s 4th birthday with an art party at artist Carrie Christian’s Scribble Art Studio in Savannah.

That’s right. An art party with a roomful of messy mostly preschoolers. Sounds daunting doesn’t it? But art teacher Carrie Christian managed to pull off a perfect, unique, creative event. Carrie had the painting project set up when guests arrived. She designed the project and party decor around my son’s selected theme: wild animals. Carrie could not have been more patient and easy-going with our wee guests, who left eager to return for Carrie’s Saturday preschooler art classes. She was also a champ at dealing with my planning questions and often nebulous guest count.

Other party perks included adorable hand-crafted nametags; a warm and friendly studio atmosphere that was awash in natural light and bedecked with whimsical kids’ art; a giant mural Carrie set up on the floor to keep the guests busy and entertained in between art projects and cake set-up; lots of back-up supplies for those of us moms who can never remember to bring enough trash bags etc.

Each guest left with his or her own canvas painting and craft. Carrie was quick about clearing off the table and making room for cake time, so there was no meltdown-provoking downtime.  After a speedy cake clean-up, kids were hard at work on project No. 2, making animals out of modeling clay to pair with individual barns, silos and wishing wells Carrie made beforehand.

Art birthday parties at Carrie Christian’s Scribble Art Studio are truly an original and fun way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Kids can pick from a list of themes or create their own. Parties run 2 hrs. $150 for up to 10 guests, $5 per additional guest

Carrie’s studio is at 212 E. 37th St., directly behind the new sara jane children’s boutique in hip Sisters Court the corner of 37th and Abercorn Streets. Phone: 912-323-0123. Click here for more info or email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com.

Check out some photos of the party posted here by Ann Van Brimmer.

Thank you, Carrie, for such a special party.

Update: Winner is Tiffany Hoffman! This week, win a family pack of tickets to Dunham Farms’ Festival of Lights and Music at Dunham Farms, Midway, Ga.

The festive family event includes holiday food, music and events like carriage tours, a model railroad display, a jazzy choral concert and a visit from Santa, square dancing, crafts and music reflecting early plantation Christmas. Lights, music and fun.

Festival dates and times
3:30-9:30 PM Sat. Dec 4, 2010 and Sat. Dec. 11, 2010
912.880.4500. For more info, click here.

To enter to win, check out the activities listed on Nov. 15 online e-letter below. Tell us one event you’d like to do this week. Answer by commenting below this post or one our SouthernMamas Facebook.

The family four pack of tickets are good for either Dec. 4 or 11. The package includes 2 adult and 2 child general admission tickets valued at $32. The tickets will be available to the winner as a Will Call package at the gate.

Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 21. We’ll announce the winner here.

Located at 2201 Bull St., near the heart of downtown Savannah, The New Covenant Preschool provides:
• Warm and inviting child-friendly atmosphere
• Enthusiastic, experienced, and engaged teachers
• Developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Enrichment classes in foreign language, music, and movement
• Daily Drop- In Care (subject to availability)

Special Offers:
Receive 50% off Registration (Good thru Nov. 30)
Enjoy 1 Free Trial Day

For more information, call (912) 232-7012, or visit the New Convenant Preschool Website at www.newcovenantpreschool.com
Call today to schedule a tour!

Be sure to schedule an appointment to see Santa at Just for Baby & More  and support a great cause by doing so.

Santa will be at Just for Baby & More , 7701 Waters Ave., for two Saturdays in December: 10 AM-4 PM Saturday Dec. 4th and 11. He’ll be at the children’s store for pictures and to learn everything on your little ones’ wish lists. All proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society.

Avoid the long lines at the mall and take advantage of our convenient parking and complimentary gift wrapping.

Cost:$20 and you will leave Just for Baby & More with two 5×7 prints with Santa, and a special treat for your little one.

Please come welcome Santa and support this wonderful cause. Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy.

$20 Fee Includes
-Visit with Santa
-Donation
-Two 5×7 Prints
by a professional photographer
-Treat for your child

For an additional $10, file of 1 image can be purchased (This will be emailed to you.). Then you can use in a family card or print copies for loved ones.

This year Just for Baby & More is scheduling appointments to ensure that it is quick and easy for you! Please call 912-355-4455 or email Casey@justforbaby.net. Just for Baby & More is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

“Waiting for ‘Superman,” the celebrated pro-charter school documentary about the state of U.S. public education, is playing in Savannah, but not for long.

The film is opened at the Carmike Wynnsong 11, 1150 Shawnee St. last weekend and is only playing this week.

This Thurs. Nov. 11 is the last night that the controversial documentary will be at the theater. Call 912-920-3994 for showtimes.

We’re sorry to hear that this eye-opening movie about an incredibly important issue is only going to be playing in Savannah for less than a week.

Catie Wilkins was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a brain tumor, on her first birthday, Sep. 26, 2003. She endured 11 surgeries, 36 months of chemotherapy, and 30 radiation treatments. The little girl fought hard.

Catie was 4 years old when she died Jan. 19, 2007.

That first Christmas without her – and all the Christmases since – are particularly painful at the Wilkins home in Guyton. Which is what prompted the Wilkins to start the “Elves from Catie” program. Today, almost four years since Catie’s death, elves are given to pediatric cancer patients in hospitals nationwide and over $10,000 has been raised to cure childhood cancer.

You, too, can help by sponsoring an “Elf from Catie.” For $20, an Elf and a book “A Gift from Catie” will be sent to a hospitalized pediatric cancer patient and $5 will be donated to CURE Childhood Cancer.

For more information, go to www.elvesfromcatie.com.

Catie’s mom, Jenny Wilkins, is looking for local groups to take on “Elves from Catie” as a volunteer project. Contact Jenny at jencarrollwilkins@gmail.com.

UPDATE: Winner is Camille Brundage!

Win a family four pack of tickets to the Disney on Ice Princess Classics show at 7:30 PM Thurs. Nov. 18 at the Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, share your plans for the holidays.  Visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide by clicking here and tell us which activity you plan to take part in by commenting below this post or on the SouthernMamas Facebook fan page by clicking here. Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 14. We’ll announce the winner here.

Don’t want to wait for the contest? Order discounted tickets online by using the promo password  “mammas” for $4 off (only for Internet ticket sales) To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics: an amazing journey to the magical lands of Disney classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted French castle, an Arabian palace, and more!

With special guest Tinker Bell, enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White.

See their dreams come true as this royal skating extravaganza brings magic to Savannah!

Thursday, November 18 @ 10 am
Thursday, November 18 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, November 19 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday , November 20 @ 11:30 am
Saturday, November 20 @ 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 20 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 21 @ 2:30 pm

*********Children 2 and Up Must have a Ticket*********

TICKET PRICES: $12 – $40
To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

UPDATE: Winner is Camille Brundage!

It’s here! SouthernMamas Holidays 2010 Fun Guide: Children’s Christmas Activities in Savannah, Bluffton and beyond.

We’ve got it all: Christmas parades, holiday caroling, the Santa Train. Find out when one of Savannah’s downtown squares will be filled with snow and when Skatefest 2010 starts at Savannah Civic Center. Click here and visit our guide frequently this holiday season for updates.

For your convenience, the link to the holiday guide will posted in the column to the right throughout the holiday season. Enjoy! Please share the link with all the local parents you know.

 Just for Baby and More  is joining Second Harvest Food Bank in an effort to collect non-perishable food goods to benefit Savannah people in need.

The Savannah food drive will be Nov. 6-20.

During that time, bring in canned or non-perishable foods to Just for Baby and More  at 7701 Waters Ave. and receive a discount on your next purchase of gifts, clothing, and bedding equal to the weight of your donation (up to 15% off)!

Don’t worry, Just for Baby & More has the scale. When you come by to drop the food off, store staff will weigh it and give you your discount coupon.

This year (appearing in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition being filmed in Savannah) Second Harvest is attempting to collect 150 tons, or 300,000 pounds, of canned goods for low-income families.

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia was established in 1981 as a locally inspired, volunteer-driven non profit food bank. This community-building organization serves twenty-one counties in southeastern Georgia with the mission of feeding hungry people and strengthening communities.

Just for Baby and More  is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.