Archive for April, 2011

Free concert in the park, Savannah

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Concert open to the public. St. Andrew’s School invites all to a spring concert on the Forsyth Park band shell. Choral, strings and band students in grades 3 through 12 will perform. The performance is free and all are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic.

First Presbyterian Preschool in Savannah offers a nurturing, challenging Pre-K (Savannah pre-K programs)

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Searching for a nurturing and challenging Pre-K for your child for 2011-12? Stop by to visit First Presbyterian Preschool’s private Pre-K half-day program at 520 Washington Ave. in Ardsley Park.

The Pre-K is open to the community and offers families an educational, warm Christian environment. The school day is from 9 AM-noon. For interested families, an optional Lunch Bunch is offered three days a week from noon-2 PM. Other optional enrichment classes offered after school for an additional charge include: Spanish, soccer, Jump Bunch and art.

Visitors are welcome to visit the school classrooms, meet the teachers and ask questions. Call Ann Anderson, First Presbyterian Preschool Director at 912-351-0609.

In addition to Pre-K, First Presbyterian Preschool also offers a morning program that includes a class for 1-year-olds (walking); a class for 2-year-olds; and a class for 3-year-olds. The school follows the Savannah Chatham School calendar, beginning the day after Labor Day and ending on the last Friday in May. During summer, two three-week “camp” sessions are offered.

Teachers approach learning “developmentally”, offering age-appropriate activities to meet each child’s developmental needs. The school’s comfortable, welcoming environment allows children to gain socialization skills as they work in a combination of large and small manipulatives and participate in Circle Time, a daily story, art, music and outdoor play. First Presbyterian’s associate pastor shares a Bible story weekly.

The First Presbyterian Preschool program boasts a dedicated staff of qualified teachers. Class size is limited to eight. The “Ones” and “Twos” have two teachers each, while the “Threes” and “Pre-K” have one teacher each. Director Ann Anderson is a veteran Early Childhood educator and floats among the four classrooms. Instructors are CPR certified and trained in First Aid.

On a personal note, as a First Presbyterian Preschool parent, I couldn’t be happier with the school, the engaging and energetic teachers and the director Ann Anderson, who greets families at the door each school morning, making children feel welcome and excited about the school day ahead.  The staff, the parents and the children all enjoy being at First Presbyterian Preschool, the true sign of a quality school.  

First Presbyterian Preschool, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah, GA 31405, 912.351.0609, http://savannahfpc.org/pre-school/

Introducing: ZUMBA for kids and adults in Savannah (Things to do in Savannah with kids)

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Join certified teacher and mom, Sara Jo Johnson, for a fast-forwarded fusion of the Zumba program’s moves (salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop and more) and high-octane workout!

Designed to let kids ages 4-12 max out on fun and fitness all at the same time. Safe and effective, kids can’t wait to get into the Zumbatomic groove. Watch their energy and fitness levels soar as they get the groove.

Parents: you get a chance too! Boost your fitness level in a fun and energetic environment while your child (any age) plays music with Ms. Amy of Ms. Amy’s School of Music. (Not available at all classes, but most!!)

Call 912.308.2441 or email Sara at sarajojo@gmail.com  and mention Southern Mamas for a free introductory class! Free classes will be held on June 12 for adults and June 13 for kids. All classes will be held at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Each free trial class will be 45 minutes long— and held at Ms. Amy’s School of Music , 1½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Starting June 20, 5-week sessions will be available for kids. You can sign up for Mondays at 3 or 4:30. Sessions cost $50. Depending on parents’ preferences, a la carte classes may become available for kids. Adult classes will run every Sunday at 2 and 3:30 pm. Adult classes are a la carte and run $10/class.

Free ZUMBA class for children, Savannah

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Join certified teacher and mom, Sara Jo Johnson, for a fast-forwarded fusion of the Zumba program’s moves (salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop and more) and high-octane workout! Call 912.308.2441 or email Sara at sarajojo@gmail.com  and mention Southern Mamas for a free introductory class!

Free ZUMBA classes will be held on June 12 for adults and June 13 for kids. All classes will be held at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Each free trial class will be 45 minutes long— and held at Ms. Amy’s School of Music , 1½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave.

Designed to let kids ages 4-12 max out on fun and fitness all at the same time. Safe and effective, kids can’t wait to get into the Zumbatomic groove. Watch their energy and fitness levels soar as they get the groove.

Parents: you get a chance too! Boost your fitness level in a fun and energetic environment while your child (any age) plays music with Ms. Amy of Ms. Amy’s School of Music. (Not available at all classes, but most!!)

Starting June 20, 5-week sessions will be available for kids. You can sign up for Mondays at 3 or 4:30. Sessions cost $50. Depending on parents’ preferences, a la carte classes may become available for kids. Adult classes will run every Sunday at 2 and 3:30 pm. Adult classes are a la carte and run $10/class.

For more free or discounted children’s summer 2011 activities in the Savannah/Hilton Head Is. area, click here.

Free ZUMBA class for adults, Savannah

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Join certified teacher and mom, Sara Jo Johnson, for a fast-forwarded fusion of the Zumba program’s moves (salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop and more) and high-octane workout! Call 912.308.2441 or email Sara at sarajojo@gmail.com  and mention Southern Mamas for a free introductory class!

Free ZUMBA classes will be held on June 12 for adults and June 13 for kids. All classes will be held at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Each free trial class will be 45 minutes long— and held at Ms. Amy’s School of Music , 1½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave.

Designed to let kids ages 4-12 max out on fun and fitness all at the same time. Safe and effective, kids can’t wait to get into the Zumbatomic groove. Watch their energy and fitness levels soar as they get the groove.

Parents: you get a chance too! Boost your fitness level in a fun and energetic environment while your child (any age) plays music with Ms. Amy of Ms. Amy’s School of Music. (Not available at all classes, but most!!)

Starting June 20, 5-week sessions will be available for kids. You can sign up for Mondays at 3 or 4:30. Sessions cost $50. Depending on parents’ preferences, a la carte classes may become available for kids. Adult classes will run every Sunday at 2 and 3:30 pm. Adult classes are a la carte and run $10/class.

Mother’s Day Sale at Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, Savannah

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Sara Jane’s will have drinks and snacks and special treats to honor moms:
Best friends forever
Mom and Me
Come in together
For a special treat!
Visit sara jane children’s boutique on Sat. May 7 with your child, grandchild or a photo of them in tow and receive 10% off your entire purchase! (some restrictions apply)

sara jane children’s boutique
912-234-5266

Register for Savannah May art classes for toddlers, preschoolers; receive a discount

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Finding the perfect art class with the perfect art teacher for your toddler or preschooler is a challenge.

Which is why we’re thrilled to tell you about art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway, who has a special knack for teaching art to young children. Melissa makes the art classes fun and educational by first reading a different art book for kids each class, then doing art projects based on the book. 

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

Sign up for the May Art Sessions for Children at Melissa’s Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio. Mention SouthernMamas.com to receive a 10 percent discount.

May 2011 Classes
The Scribblin’ Squirrels
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10 – 10:45am
May 7 – May 28

The Paintin’ Pandas
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
May 7 – May 28

Prices
$70 for 4 classes
$37 for 2 classes
$20 for a drop-in

If you sign 2 children up you get 10% off the second child

Art supplies included.
Space is limited. Classes are small in-order to provide individualized attention.
For more information or to sign up, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com  or call 228-424-2415. Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Help available in Savannah and surrounding areas for moms with postpartum depression

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Are you pregnant or new mother?

Are you feeling alone, sad, overwhelmed or angry?

The Mary Telfair Women’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s/Candler and Mental Health America bring you a free line to help you deal with those feelings. Left untreated, postpartum depression can become debilitating.

Contact the Confidential Project Healthy Moms Warmline at 1-800-933-9896 ext. 234 or PHMhelp@mhageorgia.org  .

When you call or email the Project Healthy Moms Warmline, please leave a message, and an experienced registered nurse will respond as soon as possible. She will be able to provide peer support and encouragement and to suggest appropriate resources.

Read my article about local moms dealing with postpartum depression here. A big thank you to the moms who were generous enough to share their experiences with PPD.

What is postpartum depression and anxiety?

• Irrational, intrusive thoughts that seem like they are set on repeat. You may ask, ‘Why did I have that thought?’
• Anxiety is prevalent, including worries or obsession about the baby’s health
• Feeling all the time that you are doing everything wrong
• Depression, characterized by intense sadness, anxiety or despair.
• Tearfulness, insomnia, fatigue, appetite disturbance

The line is not for emergencies. It is considered a postpartum emergency if you are afraid you are going to hurt yourself or your child.

What can you expect when you call?
• The first call you will leave a message and Joanne will get back to you within 24 – 48 hours.
• A mother who has been through postpartum depression and anxiety and survived.
• To begin to understand that you are not alone and that there is help.
• Honest support about the good and the bad parts of being a parent.
• Joanne will have a resource list of local counselors should you want one.

LeeAnn Ritch Photography in Savannah offers spring special

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Thinking about having family portraits shot on the beach or taking advantage of Savannah’s blooming backdrops?

You’re in luck.  Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a fabulous spring special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD for $375 plus tax (Regular cost is $575)!

The Savannah family portrait photographer and mother of two specializes in newborn, baby, child, and family photography. LeeAnn is known for shooting warm, candid portraits like these pictured here.

Check out more of her work by clicking  here.

Click here to book a session. Be sure to mention SouthernMamas to take advantage of the spring special. To follow LeeAnn Ritch’s work and stay updated on her specials, be sure to “like” her Facebook page by clicking here.

 LeeAnn Ritch Photography, 912.308.9327 or email leeann@leeannritchphotography.com , www.leeannritchphotography.com LeeAnn Ritch Photography is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Addy B’s Cakes: Custom Cakes and Treats for Special Occasions in Savannah, Lowcountry

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind cake to make that certain someone, big or small, feel special, then look no further than Addy B’s Cakes , serving Savannah and surrounding areas.

All types of flavors for everyone’s tastes, Addy works with you to make a fun and delicious custom cake for your event. Popular favorites are Strawberries & Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, Caramel Crunch with praline bits from Savannah Candy Kitchen, and Cookies & Cream.

Besides custom cakes, Addy also makes cupcakes, mini cakes, and cake pops. Perfect for celebrating with little ones. Custom cakes and treats can be made to match just about any theme or color!

Receive 10% of your first order with Addy B’s Cakes by mentioning SouthernMamas.com.

Please “Like” Addy B’s Cakes on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected and learn about special deals. For more info about Addy B’s Cakes, click here.

Addy B’s Cakes, call Chef Addy at 513.668.0610 or e-mail info@chefaddy.com  for further information or to arrange a free consultation, www.chefaddy.com . Addy B’s Cakes is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah Summer Music Lessons for Children at Ms. Amy’s School of Music

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Summer Music Lessons

Are you looking for summer activities for your young musician? Would you like to prepare them for the upcoming year of school band? Come see what so many Savannah music students have already discovered: Ms. Amy’s School of Music.

Call 912-659-0993 and mention SouthernMamas.com to schedule a one-time half price private lesson! All band instrument lessons are taught as well as piano, guitar, and voice. This offer expires at the end of May, so don’t delay.

Weekly ensemble sessions
Does your child excel in his/her instrument? Are you looking for a fun and challenging small ensemble for them to play in? If so, join us at Ms. Amy’s every Friday morning starting in June. Call for more information: 912-659-0993.

Parent-and-me preschooler sessions
Do you have a young preschool age student? Come join Ms. Amy’s  Toddler Tunes, Musical Beans, or Music Makers class.  Every Wednesday or Saturday join this wildly popular group parent-and-me classes that are always musical and fun. Join other parents and children to play drums, sing and dance the morning away. Sign up for a 6-week term ($60) and receive 6 classes! Even if they are not consecutive. Call for more information: 912-659-0993.

Hilton Head Is. Seafood Fest

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Seafood samples provided by local restaurants, plus a silent auction, live music, a Kid’s Zone, the Famous Crab Races, an Iron Chef Competition, Bocce Ball Tournament, local artists and more. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center and the Island Recreation Association. (843) 681-7273 or www.davidmcarmines.org  .

Cappy the Clown at Shelter Cove Harbour, Hilton Head Is.

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Harbourfest at Shelter Cove Harbour, 1 Shelter Cove Lane, directly across Highway 278 from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Is., SC, United States, 29928-3587
May 30-Sept. 5 2011
Shannon Tanner, Fireworks, Cappy the Clown All Part of 2011 HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour
HarbourFest offers entertainment seven nights a week; including music, face painting, bouncy houses, balloon animals, sand art, and many more kid-friendly activities. Enjoy hand-made original arts and crafts from local vendors who specialize in jewelry, accessories, pet items, outdoor decorations and much more.
Long-time HarbourFest entertainer and family favorite, Shannon Tanner, will perform two shows at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Memorial Day, May 30, and running through Labor Day, Sept 5. Arts and crafts booths, vendors and children’s activities will be available each night as well. This year, Cappy the Clown joins the show bringing her brand of clown entertainment and magic that is sure to delight all ages. Cappy will be at Shelter Cove 6-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday.
Tuesday night fireworks will light up the sky over the harbour at dusk on, June 14, 21 and 28; July 12, 19 and 26; Aug. 2 and 9; and Monday, July 4 (extended holiday show).
From 5:30 to 9:30 each evening, enjoy nightly entertainment at San Miguel’s and Scott’s Fish Market, two of the many water-front restaurants located within Shelter Cove Harbour
All HarbourFest events are free and open to the public. Events are weather permitting and subject to change. For more information, call 843-686-9098 or visit www.palmettodunes.com

. (843) 686-9098 or www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com .

ArtStart Visual Art Classes for Children, Hilton Head Is.

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

ArtStart visual arts classes for ages 2-5 (accompanied by an adult) Thursdays, 10-11 AM. Pre-registration required. (843) 686-3945 ext. 233 or www.artshhi.com  Classes held in the Disney Art Studio at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

These art classes are designed to help children develop fine motor skills and encourage creativity while creating one-of-a-kind artworks. Students will learn color and shape recognition, how to use art tools, and a variety of  concepts using an array of media and methods.

Cost: $12 per class

Summer classes:   Thursdays June 9, 16, 23, July 14, 28, Aug. 11, 18
                  10-11 a.m. during Summer Session!
Location: Disney Art Studio

ArtStart visual arts classes for children, Hilton Head Is

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

ArtStart visual arts classes for ages 2-5. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. & Thursdays, 2-3 p.m. Pre-registration required.  (843) 686-3945 ext. 233 or www.artshhi.com  .

Sunday Supper in the Strawberry Patch, Savannah

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Traditional Sunday Supper Served with Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, picked from the strawberry field at Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens.
4 PM Farm Tours. Fund raising event also includes silent auction, door prizes, entertainment. $20 donation per person.
To reserve a seat call 912-921-5460. Organized by Friends of Coastal Gardens.
http://www.ugaextension.com/bamboo/

Family Fun Night at The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Family Fun Night will celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a race for the Kids. Kids can use their own hand-made stick horse, which will be the craft of the evening. The event includes picnic dinner, games, entertainment, craft activity, and admission to the museum. FREE to everyone! All Family Fun Nights at The Sandbox are made possible by The Bargain Box. Co-sponsored by Babysitters and Nannies.

Glass Is Always Greener: Drink From An Ecofriendly BottlesUp Glass Water Bottle

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

On this Earth Day 2011, SouthernMamas.com is raising our reusable, eco-friendly glass BottlesUp water bottle in a toast to Kim Smith Rowe!

Kim won this week’s SouthernMamas.com giveaway:   a BottlesUp glass water bottle with the lowest carbon footprint in the industry. Cheers Kim!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by sharing your Earth Day resolutions on the BottlesUp Facebook page .

What better time than Earth Day to ditch your landfill-bound plastic bottle and opt for a sustainable, recycled BottlesUp? Bluffton-based Bottles Up founder and a nationally-acclaimed glass artist Laurel Herter kindly mailed SouthernMamas.com our own BottlesUp for review and we love it. 

The sleek 22-ounce vessel is made with recycled glass and the snap-on cap is from food grade silicone – all sourced and made in North America. You have a choice of four different colors of caps and matching silicone grip rings. We especially appreciate the retro milk bottle lip.

Not only does the glass bottle help you in your goal to stop being environmentally reckless, it also will help you save money by refilling at the tap.  

But our favorite aspect of BottlesUp? Glass means that outside materials such as BPA won’t creep into our water. Now that’s something to toast to on Earth Day. Cheers!

$33.95 at www.bottlesupglass.com  or in specialty retailers. Learn more at www.glassisback.com . Glass is back.

Earth Day Giveaway: BottlesUp, a reusable BPA-free designer glass water bottle

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

In celebration of Earth Day this week, a SouthernMamas.com reader will win BottlesUp, a  reusable “designer” glass water bottle with the lowest carbon footprint in the industry.

Laurel Herter, based in Bluffton, is founder of Bottles Up and a nationally-acclaimed glass artist and the designer of BottlesUp.  The bottles blend art, functionality and environmental responsibility.

To enter to win, “like” the BottlesUp Facebook page by clicking here. After “liking” the page, answer this question on the BottlesUp Facebook Wall: “What’s one thing you’ll do this Earth Day to be more ‘green’?”  (Examples: hang a clothesline, pick up litter, bike ride instead of drive, resolve to USE MORE GLASS and less plastic).

Deadline to enter is noon Fri. April 22. We’ll announce the winner here that Friday. You have to be a SouthernMamas Weekly E-letter subscriber to enter to win. Subscribing is free. Click here to subscribe.

BottlesUp glass water bottles and packaging are 100% sourced in North America. The glass in the reusable water bottles is made from a minimum of 75% post-consumer recycled glass, that is sourced on site in Pavisa, Mexico. Glass is naturally BPA-free and PVC-free. The colorful food-grade silicone grippers and cap are made in Maine. They use minimal packaging that makes the most of recycled materials. You’ll find zero plastic in the product or the packaging – zero, zilch, nada.

The glass water bottle is designed for the modern hand with a slight curviture and rings to be an easy, natural fit. Also, it has a rounded lip, like old-fashioned milk bottles, making it easy to drink from. So, bottles up and enjoy!

$33.95 at www.bottlesupglass.com  or in specialty retailers. Learn more at www.glassisback.com . Glass is back.

Hillis Photography in Savannah Offers Boudoir Mini Marathon Sessions

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

If you’ve ever wanted to give a boudoir session a go, this is the perfect opportunity with Hillis Photography’s mini marathon in Savannah.

Rate is $ 75 includes a 45 min. session with 5 digital portraits fully edited.

Sessions dates: Wednesday May 11: 10:30 AM- 3:30 PM; Saturday May 21: Noon- 6 PM

Come with hair/makeup complete and ready to shoot. If there is enough interest, Hillis Photography can have a hair/makeup professional on site, as well as a airbrush tan specialist.

There is only one stipulation: to receive your boudoir mini at this rate, you must sign a consent form so Hillis Photography may use images for our boudoir gallery online and for their marketing materials.

For questions or to make an appointment, contact Hillis Photo at 912-202-8844 or email admin@hillisphoto.com.

To examples of the amazing work by Savannah photographer Andrea Hillis, click here.

10 Kid-Friendly Lowcountry Places To Check Out During Spring Break

Saturday, April 16th, 2011

Schools out for Spring Break.

Here are 10 kid-friendly places in Savannah and surrounding areas (Statesboro, Hilton Head Is., Jacksonville, Jekyll Is.) to visit during Spring Break 2011. Click here.

Summer & Spring Travel Deals From Edgewood Travel in Savannah

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Are you booking your travel online? Cruises? Hotels? Why not give  Edgewood Travel a call before you book?

Cruises:  Edgewood Travel may offer on board credits (free money to use on the cruise!) , reduced deposits, complimentary shore excursions and more.

Hotels:  Edgewood Travel has preferred rates on a variety of hotels. Call Edgewood first to see if they can get you a reduced rate, breakfast and complimentary upgrades.

Give  Edgewood Travel a call before you confirm that hotel or cruise online! (912)-351-0570 or email mr@edgewoodtravel.com  

Some specials this week include:

  • Get away with your spouse and only pay for one airfare. Sandals has a great promotion where the Companion Flies Free. To either stay at the new Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma or the Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau. Travel dates from April 24 to December 22, but book soon, offer will expire.
  • Have you thought about summer vacation yet? How about the Atlantis? At the Cove and the Reef, they are offering a 4th night free, children stay and eat free PLUS free companion airfare. Offer expires May 9 and subject to availability so don’t delay.
  • For that once in a lifetime trip: Paul Gauguin cruise lines offering 50 % off cruises to Bora Bora-free airfare from Los Angeles AND 3rd passenger free.

To start planning your summer vacation, 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

American Red Cross festival “Paint the Town Red” in Sandfly

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Come to Sandfly to help raise funds for the American Red Cross. The Sandfly community is hosting an all day outdoor event featuring live music, shopping, family fun with Silly Dilly the Clown, Mr. Magic, bouncing slide, games and other entertainment.

Purchase your $20 RED CROSS WRISTBAND and visit the participating businesses for discounts, promotions and give-a-ways throughout the day and throughout the Paint the Town Red Campaign. More info here.

Overflow parking available at Memorial Stadium with trolley service to Sandfly.

Lowcountry graduation gift: Andrea Zahn Photography senior portrait package

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011