The family-friendly band Laughing Pizza kicks off their Georgia tour with a concert in Savannah.

Laughing Pizza Family Concert will be at 3 PM Aug. 28, Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., Savannah, 31401

WIN FREE TICKETS! SouthernMamas.com is giving away a family-four pack of tickets. Details here.

Live Fun, Family Concert!
All Ages
A Portion of the proceeds goes to support GPB – Georgia’s PBS station! It’s the kick-off of the Laughing Pizza Georgia Tour!
Details here: http://www.laughingpizza.com/1760

You’re missing the clean gene. No matter how hard you try, your house never has that sparkle and shine you covet.

Which is why you need to contact Saved by the Belles, which offers weekly, bi-weekly and monthly house cleaning services. Saved by the Belles – a local company owned and operated by two sisters – specializes in green cleaning.

In addition to house cleaning, the Belles offer concierge services (errands etc) which can be extremely helpful for expecting and new moms. Select a customized package or gift certificates for a great baby shower or new baby gift. Now that’s a gift every new mom can appreciate.

Service areas include Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Downtown Savannah, Ardsley Park, Midtown. Saved by the Belles does not service The Landings.

Not only do these pros use nontoxic products to scour your home, but every cleaning comes with a personalized touch because all services are completed by Saved by the Belles owners Jessica and Ivey Ortiz.

Call to set up your FREE consultation.

Saved by the Belles Cleaning and Concierge, www.bellesinsavannah.com , email info@bellesinsavannah.com , (912) 373-8616. Saved by the Belles is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Just arrived to Petite Feet  in Savannah, the laced Ked shoe in white and the blue and white saddle. Special back to school discount of 25 % discount on these shoes is offered .

Back to school shoes are arriving daily. Petite Feet   has socks / bows and light weight shorts /bloomers for under uniforms.

Petite Feet bargains: the Summer Clearance Sale is under way. Save 20 to 40 percent off. Back-to-school and fall shoes arriving daily. Details here.

Petite Feet is Savannah’s children’s shoe boutique.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

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

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com , Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor

FREE Storytime at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness  also offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more. For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324
912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

FREE Storytime at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness  also offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more. For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324
912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Here’s great news for parents looking for a fun indoor place where you can get fit or stay fit with your child:

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness just opened in Richmond Hill.

The brand new venue at 2552 US Highway 17 offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more!

Classes begin Mon. Aug. 1. Limited slots remaining. Enroll online here or call 912.756.2828.

For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness also hosts a FREE storytime every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Lifetime Membership Fee waived for those that register on-line July 23-July 30. Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts also offered.

Stay connected and learn more about upcoming events by liking Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook by clicking here.  

SouthernMamas.com often hears from moms who say they wish our area had more indoor play spots, so please support this new kid-and-parent friendly business. Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is also open Saturdays, ideal for work-outside-the-home parents looking for parent-child weekend activities.

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah Celtic FC Early Goals FALL 2011 Season is coming soon.

About Early Goals (Toddler Soccer)
Give your child’s soccer future a kick start and sign up for Savannah’s largest program for the smallest kids. Since 2006, Early Goals has been Savannah’s choice for training future soccer stars. Early Goals is a fun, engaging, action-packed soccer program specifically designed to cater for the youngest players ages 30 months to 4 years old. Coaches will work on simple coordination, ball familiarity, listening skills, teamwork and hopefully plant the seed for a lifetime of soccer enjoyment.

With one session a week, Early Goals is a safe, non-competitive environment which focuses on the fundamentals of the ’beautiful game’. Savannah Celtic ends the season with a scrimmage and selection of fun activities. Every session will be overseen by one of Savannah Celtic’s professional club coaches.

THE FALL SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED @ http://earlygoals.com  on Aug. 1 2011!

Sessions are filled at a first come, first serve basis. Savannah Celtic’s most popular days/times sometimes fill up in less than 24 hours.

Savannah Celtic Early Goals Toddler Soccer, http://earlygoals.com , 912.344.6198, email matt@earlygoals.com. Savannah Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Make plans to take the kids to see Clover the Loggerhead Sea Turtle released into the Atlantic Ocean on Tybee Is. on Aug. 4

Burton 4-H Center will welcome guests all ages to the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion to join in the celebration of Clover’s release. Thanks to a successful fundraising effort netting more than $5,000, Clover will be equipped with a state-of-the-art satellite transmitter, enabling her to be tracked throughout her journey on www.seaturtle.org. The event, which is free and open to the public, will showcase live animals for viewing and a variety of other activities.

1-3 PM Thurs. Aug. 4, 2011
Clover will be released between 2-2:30 PM at Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, 16th and the Strand

Clover hatched from a nest on Tybee Island’s north end on Aug. 13, 2008. Experts at the Burton 4-H Center have raised Clover from a hatchling to her current weight of over 24 pounds

Free kazoo show & free air conditioning!
Kazoos on Vacation is free this Tues. July 26 in celebration of summer. Rick Hubbard’s hit family show of Music, Comedy, and Fun on stage @ ARTworks, where your kids are the stars and kazoos are free! Doors open at 7pm, tickets are usually: adults $10, kids $5. Info & reservations 843-379-2787, www.ArtWorksInBeaufort.org  in Beaufort Town Center!

Christmas in July Craft Bazaar will include over 20 vendors on hand with their original creations. Children s clothing, bows, jewelry, teacher resources and books for children from toddler to teen, ceramics, wood-working, paper crafts, hotdog lunch and a silent auction.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Which is growing faster, your darling child or your credit card bill?

If the answer is both, then you simply cannot afford to miss Coastal Kids Market  Fall 2011 consignment sale, set for Aug. 25-27. The favorite end-of-summer tradition is the spot to hit for boutique bargains in the Savannah area. Coastal Kids Market sells only gently-worn designer items deemed too cute to resist

Designed to make resale easy for moms, Coastal Kids Market ‘s busy mom’s tagging service allows you to consign your children’s outgrown items even if you don’t have time to enter your inventory and tag your items. Let Coastal Kids Market do the work for you. Tagging service consignors receive 50 percent of their items selling price. Email or call Coastal Kids Market to make arrangements for them to pick up your items.

Coastal Kids Market still has some advertising spots available for their coupon books, but this is the last week to sign up as a sponsor and get your ad design in. Deadline: July 29.

Vendor spots are full for this sale. Email Coastal Kids Market if you would like to be put on a waiting list. Click here to contact Coastal Kids Market.

Coastal Kids Market sends a big THANK YOU to their Sailboat Sponsors for the Fall 2011 Sale: DolceMia Clothing, 2 Cutie Patooties and Classic Kids. (all SouthernMamas.com favorites, too!)

Register now to get your first choice of volunteer shifts and drop-off times. Check out the Coastal Kids Market Web site here for info.

Stay connected and get updates about this popular sale by liking Coastal Kids Market on Facebook here.

Coastal Kids Market FALL 2011 SALE DATES
Thurs. Aug. 25, 2011, CHARITY HOUR: 5-6 PM 
Open to Public: 6– 8 pm
Fri. Aug. 26, 2011, 9 am – 5 pm
Sat., Aug. 27, 2011, 9 am – 12 pm
**Select items will be half price on Saturday

Coastal Kids Market, The Shops at Godley Station ~ Pooler Parkway, 107 Grand Central Blvd. Suite 202 (formerly Moonlight Mattress), www.coastalkidsmarket.com Coastal Kids Market is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

When it comes to summer camps, there are those for whom only tulle and tiaras will do.

If your tot falls into the frilly set, check out The Ballet School’s Perfect Princess Camps in Savannah.

Little princesses will receive an introduction to the fundamentals of both movement and classical dance techniques while learning about fun fairytale characters and famous ballet stories.

The tiny Cinderellas and Snow Whites will also have dress-up time and craft time, including decorating their own tu-tus and tiaras. Dancers may bring their favorite princess gown or costume on Monday to use throughout the week at “special dress-up times”.

The camp includes a magical tea party, princess spa and hair day. A photograph will be taken on her majestic throne. On the last day, “A ROYAL INVITATION” is offered for the family of the princess for a fabulous “Runway Show” and a short dance combination will be performed. Don’t forget your cameras!

For ages 3-5.

Perfect Princess Camps: One week sessions beginning June 13th-Aug 12th
June 13-17th
July 5-8th
July 25-29th
August 8-12th            

Times: 9:30 AM-NOON
Fee: $135 per session ( $25 deposit, applied to camp)

For the older set, The Ballet School also offers a Young Dancers Program
For Ages 6-9 years
June 27-July 1
Time: 4-7 PM
Fee: $145 ($50 deposit, applied to camp)

Enrollment is under way for both programs. Register now. Click here for more info.

The Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn St., Suite 8, Savannah, Piccadilly Square, (912) 925-0903 or email theballetschool@comcast.net, www.theballetschoolsav.com The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

 Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a fabulous summer special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD for $400 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 summer 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.

Savannah Autism Conference 2011 Register now for best ticket prices

For more info and to read the line-up of speakers, click here.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
Sun. Aug. 14 | 1:30 PM
Braves vs. Cubs

Join the Atlanta Braves and help raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children and adults with autism may receive a free ticket with the purchase of one Terrace Pavilion ticket. Families are welcome to participate in a pre-game parade around Turner Field. A portion of all proceeds will go to support The Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, Inc. which promotes inclusion in college and adult life for students with disabilities.

ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM GET IN FREE with a paid ticket when you order tickets using the form posted here.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
Sun. Aug. 14 | 1:30 PM
Braves vs. Cubs

Join the Atlanta Braves and help raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children and adults with autism may receive a free ticket with the purchase of one Terrace Pavilion ticket. Families are welcome to participate in a pre-game parade around Turner Field. A portion of all proceeds will go to support The Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, Inc. which promotes inclusion in college and adult life for students with disabilities.

ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM GET IN FREE with a paid ticket when you order tickets using the form above.

If you order tickets off the form above or email or call DAN with the Braves (on the form), The Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund receives credit. That is the ONLY way the scholarship fund receives credit. If emailing, please put Nathan’s Something Special in the header.

Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund is a non-profit that awards scholarship each year to attend college or vocational school to a student in Georgia that has autism or cerebral palsy. Learn more about the Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, INC, by clicking here.

Savannah Autism Conference 2011 Register now for best ticket prices

Sat. Sept. 17, 2011, 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM at Memorial University Med Campus
4700 Waters Ave., Hoskins Center for Biomedical Research
Savannah, GA 31404

Here is the line-up of speakers for the 2011 Savannah Autism Conference:

Lorri Unumb from Autism Speaks
How to Win Friends and Influence Legislators

Dr. Steve Ranicki from Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center
Therapies that Create Lasting Neurologic Change

Katrina Laygo from Something Special Magazine
Bringing the Life to the Lifestyle of the Special Needs Parent

Dr. Toi Curry from The Mindspring Center
Understanding the Evaluation Process: Recommendations, Referrals and Everything in Between

Teresa Heard, RN from Easter Seals
Financial Aid Resources

Dr. Sheryl Kaufman from Educational Journeys
The Power of Language and How it Affects Behavior

Staci Bockmann from My Great Kid Educational Center Building a Strong IEP
Winning for your Child’s Education Rights

Sally Way from Behavior Consultation Services
ABA – What you need to know before starting a program

Jennifer McGee from The Mindspring Center
From Social Skills to Therapy: The Importance of a Counselor’s Role in the Treatment of ASD

To register and purchase tickets, call 912-748-6463, visit www.facebook.com/themindspringcenter  or click here. Please encourage any person touched by autism to attend this conference including your doctors, therapists, teachers and counselors.

The Savannah Children’s Choir will present their End-of-Camp concert.

Tickets, which are $5 at the door, are available beginning at 6:15, and the doors open at 6:30.

The concert, sponsored in part by Atlanta Gas Light and Blue Turtle Bistro, is the culmination of a two-week, full day choral camp experience, and will feature over 70 singers in 2nd to 8th grades, and 20 Mini-choral campers, aged 4-7. This year’s camp is held on the campus of Calvary Day School.

The 2011 Summer Choral Camp theme is “Your Voice is an Instrument”, and classes focus on a capella music, sight singing, music history and theory. The addition of a dance and movement class allows campers to add choreography to some of the pieces they will perform.

Classes are taught by college instructors working on their masters or doctorates in music education or related field, or professionals in the field. Instructor stipends were generously sponsored by Savannah Friends of Music and Turner Ratrie. In addition to daily group choral work and classes, campers enjoy play time and healthy snacks provided by N’Laws Produce, and an End of Camp feast for the campers, sponsored by Lady & Sons Restaurant.

The camp day ends with Daily Enrichment, an afternoon concert or lecture that gives campers a chance to interact with musicians or professionals while building their audience skills. In addition to concerts by Ricardo Ochoa, Jackson Evans, Eric Jones and Donna Ruiz, and a ballroom dancing demonstration by Lisa Clarke, the campers also enjoyed lectures and question and answer sessions with Rebecca Haas, a pediatric speech pathologist, and David Pratt, executive director of the Savannah Philharmonic. The campers, instructors and SCC staff also put on a talent show during afternoon enrichment.

Summer Choral Camp, in addition to being a fun and educational experience for musically-interested children, is the only audition into the Savannah Children’s Choir for the following season.

For more information, go to www.savannahchoir.org or call (912) 228-4758.

Surfers for Autism, a non-profit organization based in South Florida, unites surfers to raise money to assist in autism research and advocacy. The Saturday event, which is open to the public, will include surfing as well as family-friendly activities face painting, live music, games and more. This is the first time the organization has hosted an event outside of the state of Florida.

For more info, visit the Coastal Empire First Annual Surfers for Autism Facebook page here.

Contacts: SFA President Don Ryan SFA Director of Communication Dave Rossman
561-445-7154, surferforautism@live.com 561-315-0407, dsrman747@gmail.com

Children on the autism spectrum spend the day being pushed into waves by expert instructors, and with no fear of mocking or awkward stares, families can let their guard down and enjoy the moment for a change. These days are not just about the children, but also the families that deal with so much stress, frustration and uncertainty on a daily basis. Many families withdraw socially for fear of uncomfortable social situations, and SFA events provide a safe setting where they can just enjoy each other for a day.

SFA events are free for participating families and also serve as fundraisers, and the money is used to fund future events and to assist in furthering research and advocacy. Surfing is not the only attraction, and there are a range of diversions for typical siblings including face-painting, fire trucks, live music, games and much more.

Songs from Putumayo Kids newest CD “Kids World Party” have been the backdrop of our summer and make the perfect global medley to take along on your family vacation roadtrip.

Artists from India to South Africa perform. Of the 12 fun, danceable songs, my kids’ favorites are “Freezedance” by American musicians Tom Freund and Friends; the calypso-influenced “Recess Time” by Trinidadian children’s musician Asheba; and Hawaiian singer Solanna‘s reggae tribute to Willy Wonka in “Oompa Loompa.”

“Kids World Party” is another quality collection from Putumayo Kids, whose Playground and Dreamland series have received honors from Parents’ Choice and other esteemed organizations. Kids World Party also marks the start of a special partnership with Amnesty International. 50c U.S. from the sale of each CD will go to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization in commemoration of its 50th anniversary and in support of its work to promote and protect human rights worldwide.

The CD comes with a multilingual (English, Spanish, French, German) child-friendly booklet that explores how children worldwide celebrate special occasions.

More info here.

Disclaimer: SouthernMamas.com receives free copies of products for review.