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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Autism Support Corner, Inc., a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3), organization, provides a line of local resources to families affected by the autism spectrum disorder. The mission is to work together with the community and schools to provide a better knowledge and understanding of autism.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of every month
Contact: Jeanette Orr
ascrh@yahoo.com
912-445-0233

*Child care is available upon RSVP

Earth Day Wheelie and Post Wheelie Dealie Party
Where: Forsyth Park (Bull and Park) to Blowin’ Smoke (514 MLK)
When: Sat 4/23, 4pm
Why: Fun, sustainable trasnportation and recreation.

http://bicyclecampaign.org/

No time to make sure your little is getting enough exercise? JumpBunch – an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India – is offering a 10 week session beginning on April 13 through June 15.

The class will be at 10:30 AM Wednesdays at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA. Cost for the 10 weeks: $65 (10 percent military discount)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. The goal is to build confidence and coordination.

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations

JumpBunch offers a FREE Introductory class to daycares, MOPS groups and Church organizations

Some of the fun sports JumpBunch offers: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games. Best of all, equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

“Like” JumpBunch of Greater Savannah on on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected and be updated about new classes.

Questions? Please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah triplet mom Amber McHargue  knows firsthand the importance of March of Dimes, which helps give premature babies a chance by funding research and providing resources.

Which is why Amber and her trio will be helping out at a March of Dimes bake sale Thurs. April 14 at Memorial Health University Medical Center. Memorial’s NICU’s March for Babies team is sponsoring the bake sale with all proceeds going to March for Babies.

Amber & Dove McHargue  got involved the March of Dimes after their triplet boys were born 8 weeks prematurely four and a half years ago.

The Savannah March of Dimes bake sale will be held this week through Thurs from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM dates in the cafeteria alcove. Items for sale include homemade goodies, donated store items, purple bracelets, cook books and some Beanie Babies.

Savannah’s March of Dimes’ March for Babies 6 mile walk is April 30 2011 at Daffin Park on E. Victory Drive, Savannah, 31405
Registration Time: 8 AM. Start Time: 9 AM

For more info, click here.

This week’s SouthernMamas.com e-letter is sponsored by SouthernMamas.com advertiser Photographer Nicole Williams of Memories for Keepsake, Photography by Nicole.

Book and reserve your newborn session with Nicole before May 1, 2011 to receive a $100 print credit. Mention you read about Memories for Keepsake, Photography by Nicole on SouthernMamas.com to receive the print credit.  More info here.  

To book a session, contact Nicole Williams 912.596.0832 or email info@memoriesforkeepsake.com . Click here to see more examples of Nicole’s extraordinary work.

Looking fo a great deal on a quality Savannah soccer camps?

Savannah Celtic FC has camps taking place in June 2011 for TOP level players as well as camps for beginning players. The camps to develop the skills of the very best players as well as other options for players just getting involved in soccer.

The Striker/GoalKeeper camp: GK/Striker June 13- June 17 at the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex in Savannah is for more experienced players looking to hone skills specifically for striking a ball properly and for goalkeeping. The annual camp improves shooting and goalkeeping techniques. For more info, click here.

The Summer Soccer Skills Unlimited camp:  June 20-24 is a skill-building camp for players just building the foundation to their soccer playing careers. Check the Savannah Celtic Website for more details the next few weeks. This camp is designed for beginning level players to hone their skills. Camp will be held INDOORS at SuperGoose Sports.

To register or for more info, call (912) 495-9996 or email mattpritch@gmail.com. Be sure to tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you.

The public is invited to the New Covenant Church and Preschool Community Easter Carnival. Will include egg hunts, games, prizes, food, and more. FREE!

Your child is unique & their style should reflect that. La Dee Da Children’s Boutique in Rincon offers fun, fashionable & unique apparel, footwear, dancewear, gifts, furniture, bedding & accessories only a short drive from Savannah, Pooler and Richmond Hill.

La Dee Da also offers a flexible & affordable layaway plan to make your shopping experience simple and convenient. A children’s lounge keeps the little ones busy so you can shop in peace & at ease.

Apparel and Shoes: Kate Mack, Biscotti, Haute Baby, le top, Twirls & Twigs, Petit Ami, Carriage Boutique, Mud pie, Baby Legs, Kalencom, Isobella & Chloe, Best of Chums, Mom and Me, Lito, Little Me, RuffleButts, See Kai Run, Rileyroos and more.

Furniture and Bedding: Lusso, Angel Line, Glenna Jean, Trend Lab, Zutano, and Kidsline

Dancewear: Main Street

Coming Soon: Bailey Boys, Cybex, Innobaby, Caramelo, LaMour, Angel, The Happy Closet and Luigi

Join La Dee Da’s Royalty Club and earn La Dee “Da-llars” toward future purchases. For every $50 you spend, earn $10.

APRIL EVENTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH from 10am – 3pm
The Easter Bunny is coming! Have your child’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Gypsy Light photography will offer pictures to take home with you for order in picture packages at fantastic prices.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 beginning at 10am
Erik Johnson, Silhouette artist, will creat beautiful and timeless creations, perfect for moms and grand moms for Mother’s Day, by appointment. Please call 912.295.5470 for appointment times and information

Mention SouthernMamas.com and receive 25% off any regularly priced item through April 23rd. La Dee Da….Precious Things for Little Ones. La Dee Da looks forward to serving you & your child.

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique, 107 Waterford Court, Rincon, GA 31326, 912.295.5470, www.LaDeeDeKids.com Click here and “like” La Dee Da Children’s Boutique on Facebook. La Dee Da is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Erik Johnson, Silhouette artist, will create beautiful and timeless creations, perfect for moms and grand moms for Mother’s Day, by appointment. Please call 912.295.5470 for appointment times and information

While shopping at La Dee Da, mention SouthernMamas.com and recieve 25% off any regularly priced item through April 23rd.

www.LaDeeDeKids.com
912.295.5470

Blu Owl Photography – a SouthernMamas.com sponsor – has a hot deal currently spotlighted on Half Price Savannah: $62 photo session (regular cost $125) and 10 4″x 6″ proof prints.

Buy now and schedule your session anytime through October 2011. The deal will only be spotlighted on Half Price Savannah for a few days. Click here for details.

Blu Owl Photographers Heather Shiver & Siobhan Egan have a knack for producing crisp family and children portraits that have a refreshingly natural style and bring an editorial, stylized flair to their couples’ shoots. Fresh, fun shots that capture those soft, special moments. See more of their work here.

Blu Owl Photography, Savannah, GA 31401, 912-656-4023, www.bluowlphotoblog.com  . Contact Blu Owl Photography to schedule a session and take advantage of this deal anytime between now and October 12, 2011.

Several SouthernMamas.com readers have asked for information on Savannah-area soccer camps for summer 2011.

So we’re happy to tell you about JEREMY AVEN ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP, which will be June 13 – June 17 2011 on Whitemarsh Island. The camp includes five days of great technical instruction working on juggling, dribbling, passing, shooting, finishing, and much more. All training is conducted by full time staff coaches from Savannah Soccer Academy. For ages 7 and older.

LOCATION
Islands YMCA, 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, 31410 on Whitemarsh Island
TIMES
FULL DAY
9 AM – 4 PM
½ DAY
9 AM – 12 PM
COST
*FULL DAY CAMP (M/T/W/TH/F)
$250.00
Ages 7 and older only
**½ DAY CAMP (M/T/W/TH/F)
$125.00
*Cost includes camp shirt and ball.
**Cost includes camp shirt.

REGISTER ONLINE AT www.jaacademy.com . Click on Camps.

ALL PLAYERS WILL NEED:
• CLEATS AND INDOOR/TENNIS SHOES
• WATER BOTTLE & BALL
• SNACK (1/2 DAY) LUNCH (FULL DAY)
• APPROPRIATE CLOTHING FOR OUTDOOR WEATHER

For more info or to register, click here. JA Academy Summer Camp is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Registration is under way at many Savannah-area preschools for the 2011-12 school year. Click here for a list of our readers’ picks for local preschools.

Veritas Academy at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah will have a preview morning and information session Wed. April 23 8:30-9:30AM. For more info on Veritas, call 912-238-1222 or visit www.veritassavannah.org.

Finding summer activities for kids 2 and younger can be tough.

But the good news is that many local preschools offer “camps” for toddlers including First Presbyterian Preschool in Ardsley Park. (Camp registration is under way. Click here for more info.)

Another interesting option: Summer Toddler Art at Georgia State Railroad Museum (Roundhouse Railroad Museum) in Savannah.

The eight-week long sessions run July 15- Sept. 2 2011. For children 2 and younger. Friday mornings at 10am*. $100 for the 8-week session or $12.50 per class. Ages 2 and under. Pre-registration required. Call 912-651-6823 x3 or email info@chsgeorgia.org *Class on July 29 will be held at 2pm. www.chsgeorgia.org

For Summer Camps 2011 options for older children in Savannah, click here.

Performance Initiatives is now accepting participants for the following classes:

Contact Kerri Goodrich (912) 507-7106 or performanceinitiatives_kg@comcast.net. Or visit www.performanceinitiatives.org  to learn more about youth programs

Adult Classes:
M-W-F open/co-ed 7:30am-8:30am Boot Camp taught by Crossfit certified trainers

M-W-F 8:30-9:30am Women’s Only Boot Camp

Th-8:30-9:30 Coed/Open Boot Camp

M & F 6pm-7:15pm Kickboxing

Cost:
Kickboxing-$50/members or $70 for non-members
Morning Boot Camp Adult classes-$55/mth for members, $80/mth for non-members

Youth Programs:
After school programs M-F 3pm-6pm (ages 6+ )offering tutoring, fitness, athletic training, art, life skills classes
Includes a teen/adult Jiu Jitsu Class Mondays 6:30pm-8pm
$20 a month individual / $35 a month for a family
Youth Taekwondo Classes:
T & Th 6pm-7pm
Cost $35 monthly for members / $65 monthly for non-members

UPDATE: The winner is Michelle Shryock! Congratulations!

In April, a SouthernMamas reader will win her choice of either Footmates or  Tsukihoshi children’s shoe that’s in stock at Petite Feet , Savannah’s shoe boutique for children.

To enter to win, just visit the Petite Feet Facebook page by clicking here. “Like” the page. Then write your answer to this question on the Petite Feet Facebook wall: what local April event/spring tradition are you most looking forward to taking part in? (Get some ideas here. )Not into Facebook? You can enter to win by answering below this post! (Click on Comments)

Deadline to enter to win is Midnight April 30. We’ll announce the winner here in May.

Congratulations to SouthernMamas.com Kelly Tucker, who won the March SouthernMamas.com giveaway from Petite Feet!

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 St., Savannah, 31405, 912.349.4292, email michael@petitefeetsavannah.com;  Petite Feet is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com

Storytime for preschoolers ages 3-5 will be held at Bluffton Public Library Mondays at 6:30 PM and Tuesdays at 10 AM this winter/spring. Stories, songs, fingerplays, snacks and other related activities. Each session is approximately 35-40 minutes long. Parents or caregivers must register their child at the circulation desk. Call for more info: 419-358-5016.
Weekly Themes
April 25 & 26: Guinea Pig Party – Children may bring in Zhu Zhu pets or other stuffed animal.

www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org/node/139

Forsyth Farmers’ Market Fall Field Day in connection with “ Bring it Home”
Times: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Dates: Nov 17, 2012
Location: Forsyth Park
Admission: Free
Website: forsythfarmersmarket.com/

Forsyth Farmers Market Bring It Home Event: Fall Field Day! Learn how to prepare a healthy recipe from Theo of Cafe Florie, participate in field day games like sack race and freeze tag, and have fun while learning about local farmers and foods!

Bring It Home creates the opportunity for community members to “bring home” knowledge of healthy living, including the selection and preparation of nutritious foods and physical activity. Come early! The first 25 folks who complete the scavenger hunt will win $5 tokens for shopping at the market.

Fresh, regionally grown food and food products sold by the farmers
9 AM-1 PM Saturdays @ South End of Forsyth Park (Between the basketball and tennis courts)
Email: forsythfarmersmarket@gmail.com
More info here: www.forsythfarmersmarket.org

For more local Farmers’ Markets, click here,