Time to get the kids ready for swim season!

Starfish Swim Lessons in Savannah are offered at Chatham Aquatic Center, Savannah, 7240 Sallie Mood Drive
Savannah, 31406-3991
(912) 652-6793
Each session consists of 8 lessons.
Click here for the February 2016 schedule.

(If you are looking for private swim lessons for your child, we can’t say enough great stuff about swim instructor Theresa Palmer, an independent swim instructor who teaches out of the Chatham Aquatic Center!)

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.

Butterfly Hollow Open March 9 – September 30

Butterfly Hollow at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will feature a lush tropical forest and meadow, flowering plants that provide the nectar for hundreds of native butterflies that may even land on you.

Enjoy fairy houses, garden art, water features and arbors. Butterfly pupae will be on display inside the exhibit, so guests can see the butterfly’s life cycle. As the season progresses, new species will be added.

Professor Wendy Perrywhistle, an expert on butterflies and the fairy world from Eldonshire, England, has posted her journal entries throughout the exhibit to help guests discover the butterflies and the important role they play in our environment. Visitors will also see evidence of gnomes and trolls that will help tell the story about butterflies and the environment they live in.

Butterfly Hollow is open from 9:30 a.m. until a half hour prior to closing each day.

Fees:
Butterfly Hollow tickets can be purchased at Main Camp ticket booths or on the board walk to the entrance of this exhibit.
•$2.00 per person for non-members
•$1.50 per member

Value Tickets including general Zoo Admission, Butterfly Hollow, Stingray Bay, Train and Carousel may be purchased online or at the Zoo’s main entrance.
•$21.95/adults
•$19.95/seniors
•$14.95/children

For more info on Jacksonville Zoo, click here.

This week, win a $25 gift certificate to the  High Cotton Kids upscale spring/summer 2012 consignment event happening this month!  Savannah’s biggest children’s consignment event – High Cotton Kids – is set for February 23-25 2012 at 706 Mall Boulevard, Formerly Seeds of Faith Bookstore!

To enter to win the $25 gift certificate, please “like” High Cotton Kids on Facebook here & then answer this question on their wall “What is your favorite part of spring in Savannah? (activity, tradition, sport etc)? Deadline to enter is noon Sun. Feb. 19. We’ll announce the winner then.

Come shop consignment at it’s finest. High Cotton Kids is THE place to save a lot of money, make a lot of money and have a great time doing both! This spring’s upscale resale shopping event will include high end boutique children’s brand clothing sizes 0-12 and many other items. There will also be a variety of new merchandise from several local retailers. Get ready to rack up on all your favorite children’s brands at a fraction of the retail price! There is something for everybody’s taste and budget from adorable smocked frocks to funky threads to even high cotton play clothes your kids will love to throw on all spring and summer.

Do you want to shop early for the best selection? Come to the Shop for a Cause Presale on Thursday, February 23 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. High Cotton Kids is partnering with The Next Generation at Memorial Health Backus Children’s Hospital to help brighten the day of a child in the hospital. HCK will be collecting gift cards to be used for birthday celebrations and/or end-of- chemotherapy parties. Please bring your gift cards to Target, Walmart or Toys-R-Us and shop one hour early, before the show opens to the public! Minimum amount of $5 is requested and more is greatly appreciated! Monetary Donations of $5 or more will also be accepted at the door as your entry pass. Join The Next Generation now and receive two Preview Party tickets!

Consignor registration is open now through Sunday, February 19th! Clean out and cash in, all consignors keep 65% of your sales! Bring your gently loved children’s items to our consignment marketplace and let HCK do the selling. High Cotton Kids also accepts high end maternity clothing, children’s furniture, art work, baby and nursery necessities (ie. bouncers, exercausers, etc.), strollers, toys, books, dvds and more. For a complete list of items HCK accepts and do not accept, click here

High Cotton Kids thanks it’s sponsors The Monogram Place & Robyn’s Nest , Pediatric Dentistry and JPaige. Stay connected and get updates about the event by liking High Cotton Kids on Facebook here

High Cotton Kids Spring & Summer 2012 Show Hours
Thursday, February 23rd
5:00 – 6:00 pm Shop for a Cause Presale benefiting The Next Generation. Check the details to shop early!
6:00 – 8:00 pm Open to the Public
*Military and Expecting/First Time Moms with Children under 12months of age may register for early entry during the presale by emailing HCK at info@highcottonkids.com .

Friday, February 24th 9:00 am – 3:00pm
Saturday, February 25th 9:00 am – 1:00pm (Select items will be 40% OFF)

High Cotton Kids, 706 Mall Boulevard (formerly Seeds of Faith Christian Bookstore), www.highcottonkids.com , email info@highcottonkids.com High Cotton Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Consign with Kids 2 Kids Consignment seasonal sale at Savannah Mall in March and receive 70% commission.

Kids 2 Kids is partnering with the Salvation Army to help local families. Bring a pack of diapers and wipes and you can shop early. Check out their website  here for details.

Consign more to make more. Consign 100 items and receive 75% commission on all items. Registration is now open. kids2Kids Consignment is taking ALL Seasons of gently used clothing, toys, books, furniture, baby and maternity items. For more information, click here.

Kids 2 Kids seasonal consignment sale is set for March 8-11 2012 at Savannah Mall.

Sale Dates:
Thurs. March 8 3p-7p
Frid. March 9 10a-7p
Sat. March 10 10a-7p
Sun. Mar.11 11a-2p (Select Items will be 40% off)

Want to Shop Early? Volunteer and shop March 8 10a-3p

Drop Off is March 6 & 7.

Kids 2 Kids easy tagging system is NOW available. Click here to Register/ Start Tagging/ or Sign up for Volunteer Shifts.

The advantages to seasonal consignment sales are numerous:
•shoppers find better prices at seasonal consignment sales than at consignment shops
•the variety and quality is better than garage sales
•consignors keep a larger percentage
•it is fun and easy

Kids 2 Kids Consignment Sale, http://kids2kidsconsign.net/, March 8-11 2012, Kids 2 Kids Consignment Sale is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking for another chance to win tickets to this weekend’s Southern Women’s Show Savannah?  Savannah Baby Co.. has two ticket giveaways under way. Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Wed. Feb 15.

Ways to win:

1. Write Savannah Baby Co a review on Google and one person will randomly be selected to win TWO tickets. Reviews must be truthful and written after visiting the store. Must also “like” Savannah Baby Co. on Facebook here.

2. Write some advice to new moms on the Savannah Baby Co. Facebook page and whoever has the most “likes” on their advice by the deadline will receive FIVE tickets. Must also “like” Savannah Baby Co. on Facebook here.

Savannah Baby Co. will be at the Southern Women’s Show Savannah this weekend Feb. 17-19 so stop by and visit their booth!

Savannah Baby Company, 5301 Paulsen at the corner of Paulsen St and 69th in the Medical Arts neighborhood, Monday-Friday, 10-6. Saturday 10-4. 912-480-0212, www.savannahbabyco.com, Savannah Baby Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens pick-your-own strawberry fields will officially open Sat. March 3 2012. There also will be a strawberry breakfast 8-11 AM March 3.

There also will be a strawberry breakfast 8-11 AM March 3 to celebrate the opening of the fields for the season. The fields will be open for picking until noon that day.

Menu: Pancakes with Strawberry preserves, cane syrup, egg and sausage casserole, biscuits, coffee, tea and orange juice

Cost: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 children 10 and younger.

The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

The Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens pick-your-own strawberry fields will officially open Sat. March 3 2012. There also will be a strawberry breakfast 8-11 AM March 3 to celebrate the opening of the fields for the season. The fields will be open for picking until noon that day.

Menu: Pancakes with Strawberry preserves, cane syrup, egg and sausage casserole, biscuits, coffee, tea and orange juice

Cost: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 children 10 and younger.

The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah dental assistant Kathryn Hoyt was named student of the year at Savannah Technical College. Congratulations! She will be representing Savannah as she competes for the title of ambassador for technical schools across Georgia.

Dr. Cara DeLeon of  Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah says Kathryn is “such a dynamic mother of two, wife of an army ranger, full time student and an integral part of our team.”

Read more about the student of the year honor here.

Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah, 310 Eisenhower Dr. Building #6 Savannah, 31406 tel: 912-349-4021 email: Drcara@pds-kids.com , www.pediatricdentistryofsavannah.com Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah’s Women In Business Expo  just made it easier for small business owners like you to participate in the September expo by offering Flex Pay options. Exhibitors can make a payment now & their final payment at a later date.

To accommodate working women in business, you can now split your booth space into two segments with Flex-pay!
Single Booth In full – $350 or Two payments of $175
Double Booth In Full- $500 or Two payments of $250

The Savannah’s Women In Business Expo is going to be held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Downtown Savannah. The expo currently has a one time special offer for the first ten (10) lucky ladies to purchase a booth for a very low price.

Visit the Expo’s Facebook Fan Page here.

The Women in Business Expo is a show for women in all stages of business. Whether it is pre-start, start-up, development and growth, self-employment, women managers and female professionals. The purposes of this expo is to promote awareness and increase women’s entrepreneurism. This expo supports start-up to enable women-owned businesses to develop and grow and promote their product or services.

Savannah’s Women in Business Expo, www.savwomeninbusinessexpo.weebly.com , 912-346-4928, email womeninbusinessexpo@yahoo.com. Savannah’s Women in Business Expo is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

If you’re looking for a way to meet other local moms, check out the MOMS Club of Savannah!

The club – one of 2000 chapters of the MOMS Club across the U.S. – serves all of Chatham & Bryan County, including Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and the Islands. So wherever you may go, you should always be able to find the support and friendship you are seeking from other MOMS just like you!

The Savannah chapter was formed on April 26, 2005 by three moms who were just looking for an excuse to get out of the house! They have since grown to over 50 wonderful MOMS.

They meet 3-4 times a week around Savannah including park days, pool days, library story times, playgroups, craft hour, stroller club, and monthly MOMS Nights Out. Their hope is that you and your children will feel welcome and at home in the MOMS Club of Savannah!!

To receive more information about joining the MOMS Club of Savannah, please include your contact information in your inquiry and email momsclubofsavannahga@hotmail.com .

Get ready to celebrate Irish culture this upcoming weekend Feb. 17-19 at the Savannah Irish Festival at the Savannah Civic Center.

The annual event features traditional Irish music & Irish dancing. Four stages of continuous live entertainment bring fun for the entire family. For event details including a schedule of entertainment on the Children’s Stage & Main Stage, click here.

For more local kid-friendly events, check out the SouthernMamas.com Events Calendar here.

Weekend Event:
Children Under 14 are admitted FREE! A one day ticket for Saturday or Sunday costs $12 and a two day ticket is $16, plus service charges for both from the Civic Center Box Office.

You can purchase tickets the day of the event, or call 912-651-6556 or 800-351-7469, or purchase tickets online from the Savannah Civic Center’s website.

Friday Night Ceili: A $5 donation taken at the door for the Friday night Ceili in the Civic Center’s upstairs ballroom.

The Festival Main Stage and the Festival Pub Stage include some of the top Irish traditional acts and Irish Dancing.

The Children’s Area features bouncehouses, a free arts and crafts area for kids, facepainting, as well as on-going live entertainment geared towards the wee ones on our Children’s Stage!

The Festival Cultural Stage will provide discussions on various topics of Irish History, Irish Literature and Irish Music.

Attendees can also browse the vendor booths and enjoy food prepared by Savannah’s many Irish Organizations.

Children’s Stage Schedule
Saturday
12:00 – 12:45 Irish Dancers of Savannah
1:00 – 1:45 Mr. Magic’s Show
2:00 – 2:45 Na Fidleiri
3:00 – 3:45 Glor na Daire Dancers
4:00 – 4:45 Irish Turtle Races

SUNDAY
12:00 – 12:45 Glor na Daire Dancers
1:00 – 1:45 The Funny Bunny
Magic Show
2:00 – 2:45 Irish Dancers of Savannah
3:00 – 3:45 Silly Dilly the Clown and
Funny Bunny Magic Show

Throughout both festival days Silly Dilly will be roaming the Children’s Area making balloons.

There will be a special princess visit on Saturday.

The Chicken Dance will be at the end of the Sunday Magic Show.

Main Stage Schedule

SATURDAY
10:15 – 11:30 Opening Ceremony with St. Vincent’s Academy Chorale
11:45 – 12:30 Glor na Daire Dancers
12:45 – 1:30 Na Fidleiri
1:45 – 2:30 Morning Star
2:45 – 3:30 Ennis
3:45 – 4:30 Irish Dancers of Savannah
4:45 – 5:30 Harry O’Donoghue
6:00 – 7:00 Seven Nations

SUNDAY
12:00 – 12:45 Irish Dancers of Savannah
1:00 – 1:45 Seamus Kennedy
2:00 – 2:45 Harry O’Donoghue
3:00 – 3:45 Glor na Daire Dancers
4:00 – 4:45 Ennis
5:00 – 6:00 Morning Star and Finale

Southern Women’s Show is returning to February 17-19 to the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

There’s so much for busy moms – from makeovers to pampering to (free) health testing to cooking demos to seminars on balancing life…

Southern Women’s Show brings three days of shopping, fashion shows, celebrity appearances, food sampling, pampering, and more to Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

From savvy shopping to creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips. Plus, you won’t want to miss the trendy fashion shows, celebrity guests & fabulous prizes.

Southern Womens Show, One International Drive, Savannah, 31402, 1.800.849.0248 www.SouthernWomensShow.com Hours: Fri Feb. 17 10 AM-8 PM; Sat Feb. 18 10 AM-7 PM; Sun Feb. 19 11 AM-5 PM

Studio S.P.A.C.E. invites preschoolers ages 4 – 6 to experience the Youth Workshop, Preschool Caterpillar. This educational workshop is Sat. Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Cultural Affairs Department at 9 W. Henry St.

Preschool Caterpillar is inspired by the popular children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. For only $10, preschoolers will create a 3D caterpillar and butterfly utilizing a variety of mediums. Instructor Layla Mayville will instruct students about the lifecycle of a caterpillar to a butterfly.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a wide assortment of food before pupating and emerging as a butterfly. The book also features educational themes that correspond with counting, metamorphosis, and art. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and has been described as one of the greatest childhood classics of all time.

For more information, please call 912-651-6783 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts .

FOR MORE KIDS ART CLASSES OFFERED AT S.P.A.C.E., click here.

About S.P.A.C.E.: S.P.A.C.E. is Savannah’s Place for Art, Culture and Education. Located at 9 West Henry St., Savannah 31401, S.P.A.C.E. houses the offices of the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a public gallery, a 100-seat black box theatre and art and ceramics studios. For more info, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts .

This Preschool Caterpillar Youth Workshop at Studio S.P.A.C.E in Savannah sounds adorable!

Studio S.P.A.C.E. invites preschoolers ages 4 – 6 to experience the Youth Workshop, Preschool Caterpillar. This educational workshop is Sat. Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Cultural Affairs Department at 9 W. Henry St.

Preschool Caterpillar is inspired by the popular children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. For only $10, preschoolers will create a 3D caterpillar and butterfly utilizing a variety of mediums. Instructor Layla Mayville will instruct students about the lifecycle of a caterpillar to a butterfly.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a wide assortment of food before pupating and emerging as a butterfly. The book also features educational themes that correspond with counting, metamorphosis, and art. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and has been described as one of the greatest childhood classics of all time.

For more information, please call 912-651-6783 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts .

FOR MORE KIDS ART CLASSES OFFERED AT S.P.A.C.E., click here.

About S.P.A.C.E.: S.P.A.C.E. is Savannah’s Place for Art, Culture and Education. Located at 9 West Henry St., Savannah 31401, S.P.A.C.E. houses the offices of the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a public gallery, a 100-seat black box theatre and art and ceramics studios. For more info, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts .

Southern Charm Chevy Girls is having an amazing giveaway: a pampered three-night stay at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta plus $400 gas/food & $300 spa services!

To enter, visit the Southern Charm Chevy Girls Facebook page here & click on the “Dare to Compare” tab.  Good luck!

Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center  is offering two free classes to parents with children ages 4 1/5 thru 9 years of age (after school group). Classes are held Friday’s 4:30 to 5:15p.m.

Those parents interested in taking advantage of the promotion need to “like” Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center  Facebook page here & then submitt their RSVP thru the center’s Facebook page.

Promotion ends March 1, 2012.  Parents need to register before March 1 to take advantage of the promotion.

To register, call 912.335.8486. For more info, click here.

 Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road Suite 201, Savannah, 31406. On Facebook here. 912.335.8486, www.bilingualspeechtherapy.net/ Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Fun for the kids on Presidents’ Day Holiday
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents “Dancing Jukebox”
Includes Puppet show and interactive studio tour
11:00 AM
$6.00
Reservations preferred.
912.355.3366
www.puppetpeople.com

Check out these upcoming kids’ shows at The Puppet Place in Savannah:

10 AM Sat. Feb. 11 2012
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents “Little Richard’s Big Adventure- Open to All”
Includes Puppet show, interactive studio tour, and “Mom & Me” Mardi
Gras mask making.
@ The Puppet Place
3119 Furber Ave.
Savannah, Ga 31404
$10.00
Reservations preferred.
912.355.3366
www.puppetpeople.com

11 AM Mon (Presidents’ Day Holiday) Feb. 20 2012
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents
“Dancing Jukebox”
Includes Puppet show and interactive studio tour
11:00 AM
The Puppet Place
3119 Furber Ave.
Savannah, Ga 31404
$6.00
Reservations preferred.
912.355.3366
www.puppetpeople.com

Check out the student performance of “Grease” this upcoming weekend at St. Andrew’s School,

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m.

Open to the public. $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Check out the student performance of “Grease” this upcoming weekend at St. Andrew’s School, on Wilmington Island at 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m.

Open to the public. $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Spend $200 in  La Dee Da Children’s Boutique between now and March 1 2012, and receive a $75 gift certificate to Memories for Keepsake photography with Nicole Williams!

If you haven’t seen Nicole’s amazing work, please visit her site by clicking here .

How does it work? You will receive a customer punch card with your initial purchase at La Dee Da. For every $25. you spend you will receive a punch on your card. Once you have spent $200.00, you will receive a gift certificate to Memories for Keepsake! It is that simple! (Special ends March 1, 2011 and is not valid with any other offers)

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique carries fine children’s apparel, gifts, furnishings and accessories. Bailey Boys, Peaches-n-Cream, Baxter & Beatrice, Mis-tee-v-us, Mudpie, Mayoral, Petit Ami, Lajenn’s, See Kai, run, Rileyroos, 3 Marthas, and Kalencom are just a few of the hundreds of brands we carry. Our boutique is fun, whimsical and child friendly, complete with a playroom to keep the most active little ones busy so you can shop in peace. Stop by today and see why more moms and grand moms choose La Dee Da.

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, For more info call 912.295.5470, visit www.LaDeeDaKids.com. or like the boutique on Facebook here! La Dee Da Children’s Boutique looks forward to serving you and your child. La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

We love Angela Beasley’s Puppet People – a true Savannah treasure. If you haven’t taken your kids to a Puppet People show, now is the time. Check out these upcoming kids’ shows at The Puppet Place in Savannah:

10 AM Sat. Feb. 11 2012
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents “Little Richard’s Big Adventure- Open to All”
Includes Puppet show, interactive studio tour, and “Mom & Me” Mardi
Gras mask making.
@ The Puppet Place
3119 Furber Ave.
Savannah, Ga 31404
$10.00
Reservations preferred.
912.355.3366
www.puppetpeople.com 

11 AM Mon (Presidents’ Day Holiday) Feb. 20 2012
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents
“Dancing Jukebox”
Includes Puppet show and interactive studio tour
11:00 AM
The Puppet Place
3119 Furber Ave.
Savannah, Ga 31404
$6.00
Reservations preferred.
912.355.3366
www.puppetpeople.com

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.