Need childcare this summer?

No matter how many children you have, enjoy reliable childcare for just $340 per week with AuPairCare!

Au pair childcare offers you flexibility. The diversity of the au pair selection allows you to choose the au pair with the childcare experience, special skills, interests and personality that will best fit your family’s lifestyle. You set your au pair’s schedule and working hours to meet your needs.

Take a look at AuPairCare’s available au pairs by clicking here:

AuPairCare is the only au pair agency with an A+ rating form the Better Business Bureau cases, au pairs save families money while providing a rich cross-cultural experience. To find out more information about live-in childcare starting at $340 per week call 912.844.8487 or log onto AuPairCare.com. AuPairCare is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

You’ve been meaning to sign up your child for musical instrument lessons. But you wanted to find a Savannah music school that accepts payments per session before committing longterm.

We have the perfect children’s Savannah music school for you. Savannah Musicians Institute offers lessons in piano, voice, violin, electric guitar and bass, drums and percussion, classical guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, woodwinds and brass.

Rates are $20 for a 30 minute lesson. No registration fees. Savannah Musicians Institute is the only school in town that accepts payments per session or monthly. Classes are offered to ages 5 and up. Normal business hours are 3-7 pm Mon – Fri and 10am-6 pm Saturdays. Optional hours are offered per instructor.

Savannah Musicians Institute also specializes in guitar repair and set-up and amplifier and electronics diagnosis and repair.

Savannah Musicians Institute is also perfect for students who are taking music in school and want to keep up with their instrument during the summer so their skills won’t lapse.

Instructors at Savannah Musicians Institute include: Jesse Jordan, Joe Flanders, Jon Willis and Audrey Allgaier. Amp and guitar tech is John Pappas.

“Like” Savannah Musicians Institute on Facebook by clicking here to stay updated on classes and summer workshops. To register for classes or learn more, call (912) 692-8055 or email smisavannah@gmail.com

Savannah Musicians Institute, 7041 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA, 31406. Call (912) 692-8055, email smisavannah@gmail.com On Facebook here. Savannah Musicians Institute is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Swimming days are almost here. Here are some swim classes offered at the Chatham Aquatic Center. Click here for the April 2011 schedule.

Each session consists of 8 lessons

Session Fees
Non-Member:$ 50.00 Member: $38.00
Non-Member Consecutive Session: $45.00 Member Consecutive Session: $33.00
Second Child:$45.00 Second Child: $33.00
Star Babies: $25 Out of county fees: $60

StarBabies (Ages 6 months – 36 months)
The purpose of this course is to build off of the skills and love of the water learned in StarBabies. The course does not teach children to be accomplished swimmers; it does prepare young children for the SeaSprites level of the Starfish Swim School. One parent or trusted caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.

SeaSprites (Ages 3-5)
Designed to meet the needs of pre-schoolers, this class will develop a high comfort in the water, a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swim skills. Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. Approaches teaching skills through creative, fun activities.

SeaStars (Ages 6-8)
Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. The color levels are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging.

SwimStars (Ages 9 & Older)
Students are divided by age group (Ages 9 – 14, Adults) Classes are taught along the same philosophy as SeaStars.

StrokeStars (Any age that meets skill prerequisite)
Swimmers refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and more!

AngelFish
The AngelFish program is designed to meet the needs of your special needs child. These classes are taught along the same philosophy as the Starfish Swim School. The classes will provide necessary teaching adaptations and or adaptive equipment that may be required to make your child as independent and successful in the water as possible. Private lessons are available for children and adults of all ages.

Click here to register for any of the above classes.

StarFun & Fitness Spring Holiday April 2011

Includes swimming lessons; snorkeling; water safety; kayaking; pool games. Consist of three hours of supervised aquatic activities. Parents or caregivers are not required to be present. A great opportunity for parents to drop your children off at the pool.

Sessions held 11 AM-2 PM Mon April 18 through Fri. April 22 at the Chatham Aquatic Center.

Costs
Non-Member Fees
$15 course registration fee
$10 consecutive day discount
$10 2nd child discount
Members
$10 course registration free
$5 consecutive day discount
$5 2nd child discount

Registration deadline: April 14. Contact John Stockel for more info at 912.652.6796.

For more Spring Break 2011 activities, click here.

For more info on children’s swim lessons in Savannah, click here.

Heading to the Jacksonville Zoo or a nearby part of Florida during Spring Break 2011?

These Jacksonville family-friendly activities sound appealing:

Cosmic Concerts at the new planetarium at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History (MOSH)
April 1, 8, 15, 22
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert. Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online here or at the door.
April 1: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., The Beatles at 6 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 7 p.m., and Laser Retro at 8 p.m.
April 8: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Led Zeppelin at 6 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Wall at 8 p.m.
April 15: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Retro at 6 p.m., Laser X at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.
April 22: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 6 p.m., Laser Retro at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.

The planetarium at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History (MOSH) also has these kid-friendly shows:
“Sesame Street’s One World, One Sky”
“The Little Star That Could”
“Earth, Moon & Sun”
All three shows run until May 7, 2011.
For more info as well as more planetarium shows, click here.

Free Movies in the Park at historic Treaty Oak Park on downtown Jacksonville’s Southbank .
Free four-week-long, outdoor movie series held every spring in Jacksonville .
Bring beach blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets. Vendors will also be available on-site.
Movies for 2011 include:
April 8 – Cars (rated G)
April 15 – The Neverending Story (rated PG)
April 29 – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (rated G)
May 6, 2011 – The Wizard of Oz (rated G)
PARKING
Free parking is available in the Suddath garage on Flagler Street across from the Hampton Inn. Garage gates stay open until 12 a.m

Savannah Yoga Center , a SouthernMamas sponsor, offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes. Email: savannahyoga@gmail.com , (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com

Savannah Yoga Center , a SouthernMamas sponsor, offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes. Email: savannahyoga@gmail.com , (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com

Savannah Yoga Center , a SouthernMamas sponsor, offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes. Email: savannahyoga@gmail.com, (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com

Savannah Yoga Center , a SouthernMamas sponsor, offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes. Email: savannahyoga@gmail.com, (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com

sara jane children’s boutique Easter “Eggs”travaganza
The one time of the year it’s okay to put all your eggs in one basket!
Join sara jane’s for “Eggs”traordinary Deals. Crack open an egg and reveal savings up to 50% off*!

Does your little one have what it takes to be the face of sara jane children’s boutique?
sara jane children’s boutique – a SouthernMamas.com sponsor –  has teamed up with Shana Cawley Photography for their very first model casting call to be the face of sara jane children’s boutique. Open to boys and girls ages 9 months- 8 years old. All participants will receive a free professional photograph of your little one and coupon for 25% off*! By appointment only. There will be a winner per age group and all selected receive a prize pack full of goodies- including gift certificates to sara jane children’s boutique! Make your appointment today as space is limited- 912-234-5266 or email sarajanekids@comcast.net. Check out Shana Cawley Photography at www.shanacawleyphotography.com .

Georgia Tech Savannah (GTS) invites prospective students, parents, the general public and media to attend an Open House to learn more about the Georgia Tech application process, take a guided tour of the campus, meet current students and professors and view live lab demonstrations. In addition, visitors can learn more about Georgia Tech Savannah’s summer camp offerings for students in grades 4 -12.

A variety of demonstrations will be performed including one from a team of Electrical and Computer Engineering students who built a Paraplegic Assisted Driving System on a golf cart. Student organizations will be present to field questions and discuss student activities, internship and co-op experiences. In addition, an interactive computer animation workshop about SCRATCH will be held for the younger participants. SCRATCH is a very popular K-12 community outreach activity that is utilized during the summer camps.

For more information or to register for the Georgia Tech Savannah Open House, click here. (912) 966-7922
RSVP: http://savannah.gatech.edu/openhouse
A complete schedule of events and demonstrations will also be posted here.

For more info on Savannah-Chatham Summer Camps 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer Camps 2011 page by clicking here.

Good luck to everyone enduring the nerve-wrecking lottery drawings this week for Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Free Pre-K. And congratulations or condolences to those of you who found out your Pre-K fate at any of today’s lotteries.

I am a little embarrassed to admit I teared up a bit when my son’s name wasn’t among the top 40 called at today’s Charles Ellis lottery (We’re No. 56 out of 98 for 40 slots, so there’s still a slim chance on the waiting list for a coveted spot, right? Right?)

Of course, lottery attendance isn’t mandatory for those of you who applied to a Savannah-Chatham Pre-K Program. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April. But for those who can’t wait until then, here is a schedule of the rest of the week’s lotteries. (Thank you to Mindy Nash for this schedule!)

2011-2012 SCCPSS Pre-K Lottery Drawing Schedules
Whitney Administrative Complex
2 Laura Street, off President’s Extension

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Thunderbolt, Butler, Georgetown
11 AM White Bluff, Spencer, J. G. Smith
12:30 PM Shuman, Port Wentworth, Pooler

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM Windsor High, Howard, Heard
11 AM Gould, Hesse, Gadsden
12:30 PM Garrison, Haven, Bartow

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Southwest, Marshpoint
11 AM: Isle of Hope, Bloomingdale
12:30 PM: East Broad, Godley

Matthew Allan of Keller Williams Realty has a special offer benefitting an extremely important cause.

Matthew will have a button ad on SouthernMamas.com, as well as a recurring banner ad, and will be contributing information about the real estate market to our website. If a SouthernMamas reader contacts Matthew and mentions the ad, and he assists in the purchase or sale of a home, Matthew will donate 10% of his net commission from that transaction to The Next Generation, Benefitting The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center.

Matthew and his wife are the parents of a toddler, and recognize how important it is to have the best health care for our children. The Next Generation is an organization comprised of young professionals, neighbors, parents, and friends throughout Savannah and the Coastal Empire who are interested in donating their time, talents, and financial resources to the patients and families of the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. The Next Generation is committed to:
* Ensuring that children and families of the Coastal Empire and surrounding areas have access to a premier healthcare facility without having to leave Savannah.
* Donating their time and resources to benefit patients and families at our local facility.
* Providing access to healthcare and parenting educational opportunities for their own families and families in our community.

In the next year, The Next Generation plans to:
* Purchase medical equipment on the “wish list” created by hospital staff.
* Provide Birthday and “End of Chemotherapy” celebrations to pediatric patients in the hospital.
* Decorate the three pediatric wings for holidays.
* Conduct educational socials for families in our community.

Matthew’s business as a real estate professional is based on helping families make the right choices about their largest financial investment, their home. His association with The Next Generation and SouthernMamas will work in tandem with that family-first goal.

Matthew has also assured us that if a Southern Mamas reader needs help outside the geographic areas Matthew services, he will provide another agent at Keller Williams Realty who not only specializes in your area, but who will also make the same commitment to giving 10% of their net commission to The Next Generation. Keller Williams Realty is the largest real estate company in Savannah, so whether it’s Matthew or another agent, you will be working with a top professional committed to the community.

For more information, click here. To contact Matthew, email him at Matthew@kw.com or call or text him at 912.401.4663.

UPDATE: Winner is Emily Harper Gray! Congratulations Emily!!

Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends” is coming to Savannah June 21 & 22, 2011.

This week, SouthernMamas.com is giving away a family four pack  of tickets to the show, which will be Savannah Civic Center – Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.

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

Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends. It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 Imagine!” This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination. 

 Tickets go on sale at 10 AM Fri. April 1  at the Savannah Civic Center Box Office, www.etix.com , or call 800-351-7469 or 912-651-6556. More info here.

You are invited to get your tickets today, BEFORE they go on sale to the public. Just use the presale password SUNNY to purchase your tickets by March 31, 2011.

Thirty-One Party at  The Savannah Soap Co. : Style and convenience at an amazingly affordable price.
Come in and learn about Thirty-One with Tracy Jones. Amazing products for your home and closet all personalized and affordable. Come in to get your life organized and look cute while doing it. Lots of specials, free goodies and prizes for all. Bring in your laundry and get a 20% discount as well as 15% off of all products in the store. To see the Thirty-One special for April click here.

To learn more about Tracy and these fun products, click here

Scentsy Party at  The Savannah Soap Co.  Safe Wickless Alternative to Candles
Independent consultant Evelyn Lopez will teach you about these fabulous candles. Scentsy warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing its fragrance time. With no flame, soot, or wick, the Scentsy wickless candle system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 Scentsy fragrances. Bring your laundry in to get your comforters and clothes smelling fresh, as you learn a safe way to make your home smell fresh. Lots of goodies and surprises for all. The Savannah Soap Co. and is a child-friendly environment. All products in the store will be 15% off. Bring your comforter with you and get 20% off. To learn more about Evelyn and these fabulous candles, click here.

Armstrong AMT’s widely popular Outdoor Art Show and Children’s Festival returns. To accommodate the growing number of performances, this year some performances will be held indoors in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

A fun-filled event filled with arts activities for the entire family including kids’ art, music, theatre, and dance activities.

Performers include: Armstrong Jazz Combo, Garrison Elementary and Middle School Dance, Savannah Arts Academy Strings ‘N Things, Garrison Theatre, Bloomington Elementary Chorus, Mallory Pearce puppetry, Windsor Forest High School Band, Savannah Arts Academy Dance Co., and Garrison Chorus.

Artwork of Armstrong faculty, students, and alumni will be available for purchase.
Light refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Would you like to take a vacation where your children can be taken care of while you lounge by the pool and sail the Caribbean?

Clue: It is NOT Disney

Call Edgewood Travel today to find out more!

Call 912-351-0570 or email admin@edgewoodtravel.com. Visit Edgewood Travel at 105 Wheeler Court or at www.edgewoodtravel.com. Edgewood Travel is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

The Savannah Sand Gnats annual Fan Fest is completely free and open to the public.

Features include a Kids’ Zone with a bounce house, speed pitch and the t-ball challenge on the Stadium Plaza – the new permanent home of the Kids Zone. Fan-favorite Gnate T. Gnat and his pal Mr. Magic will entertain on the Plaza. The team will offer behind-the-scenes tours of Historic Grayson Stadium.

Sand Gnats team president John Katz and team vice-president Scott Burton will be behind the grills, offering complimentary hot dogs, Cokes and chips to the first 1,000 attendees.

Fan Fest will be the first opportunity for Season Seat holders, Kids Club members and Silver Sluggers to pick up their tickets and special gift packages. Season Seats, Kids Club and Silver Sluggers memberships will also be available to purchase on Saturday at Fan Fest. The Gnats Kids Club is open to member 12 years old and younger and includes a FREE general admission ticket to every Sand Gnats home game in 2011, a free t-shirt, four tickets to five different Family Friday nights, discounts in the team store and on Sand Gnats baseball camps, along with prizes for attending games, all for just $25.  Print and return the 2011 Kids Club Registration Form available here.

Fan Fest will also feature live baseball with the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD will begin a doubleheader against Webber International at 1 PM. Admission to the twin bill is also free

A Totally Bowlicious trunk show hosted by The Savannah Soap Co. and Christina Atchison. Huge variety of funky, unique, and chic items. Hair bows, flip flops, tutus, hats and so much more. In addition, bring your laundry and save time and money to get it done. Special prize for whom ever has the most laundry and 15% off all products in the store. Come in for that little touch of pizzaz!!! See samples of these fabulous products by clicking here.

Children entertainers will be at various Sand Gnats games including when the 2011 minor league season kicks off April 15:
Kids Eat Free. More info here.
Sand Gnats Kids Club Membership: $25
Membership Benefits Include:
FREE General Admission to ALL Regular Season 2011 Home Games(a $350 value)
FREE Official Kids Club Membership Card
FREE Exclusive Membership T-Shirt
FREE Autograph Sessions with Savannah Sand Gnats Players 4 FREE Tickets to 5 Family Nights
FREE Incentives for attending games
10% discount to Savannah Sand Gnats Baseball Camps
To sign up:
Call the Sand Gnats Front Office at (912) 351-9150
or
Print and return the 2011 Kids Club Registration Form available here.
Membership is open to all children ages 12 and under. For more info, call Ryan Kirwan at (912) 351-9150.

BLOWOUT SALE at  The Savannah Soap Co. ,  a new upscale, green laundromat on the Southside that can save you time and money

ALL baby products in the store will be 20 percent off from now through the end of March. Come in for your lotions, oils, butters, creams, and sprays.

Most The Savannah Soap Co.  baby products are multi-use and work great on children and adults as well.

The Savannah Soap Co., 12324 Largo Dr, Savannah GA 31419, 912.335.1538, email fresh@thesavannahsoapco.com, www.thesavannahsoapco.com   The Savannah Soap Co. is a SouthernMamas sponsor