You’ve got tons of holiday shopping to do. Why not try to help out a few non-profits while spending on gifts?  Here are ways to shop and do outreach work simultaneously.

The Next Generation and Byrd Cookie Company Give Back During the Holidays: Purchase a select group of gifts from Byrd Cookie Company and Byrd will donate 50% of the profits back to The Next Generation, volunteer organization founded to benefit the patients and families of the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah. Select gifts include a Logo Cookie Tin, a Coffee Tumbler filled with Mocha Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies or the “I Believe” Holiday Cookie Jar filled with an assortment of Byrd’s most popular treats. In addition to fundraising to purchase equipment for the children’s wings of the hospital, The Next Generation membership provides seasonal decorations for the halls of the children’s hospital, end of chemo and birthday parties for patients and pediatric educational opportunities to parents in the community.

Stop by Byrd Cookie Company, 6700 Waters Ave., or order online at www.byrdcookiecompany.com/nextgen and give back to the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. For more information on The Next Generation and volunteer opportunities, go to www.nextgenerationsavannah.com.

Shopping Pass at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: This holiday season, why not buy a gift that keeps on giving? Shop for your family and friends at the Children’s gift shops, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the patients and families being cared for at Children’s. As an added bonus to give your pocket book a little break, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is offering a 25 percent-off coupon to their gift shops this holiday season through Dec. 25. Get into the holiday spirit this season with holiday shopping that helps kids!

2010 Holiday Cards are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Click here.

We often hear from readers who want to do community volunteer work but aren’t sure which charity to pick.

Consider volunteering with Urban Hope, a nonprofit organization located here in Savannah, that provides inner city children an alternative to the streets. Urban Hope is a ministry devoted to children and grounded in Christian love.

Urban Hope changes the lives of children and youth, bringing them a sense of hope and future through spiritual and educational development and life management skills. All Urban Hope programs are provided to the participants free of charge and without regard to their religious beliefs.

Urban Hope is currently seeking passionate volunteers for the after school program and the Board of Directors. Also needed: financial contributions or donations for the program as well as corporate sponsors for Urban Hope’s 2011 fundraisers. Donations can be made through the website, www.urbanhopesavannah.org. For any additional information call Cassie at 912-398-9811 or email urbanhopesav@aol.com

UPDATE: Winners are Raegan Highsmith and Kate Woods!!!!

Hurry. Hurry. We have two family-four packs of Disney on Ice tickets left to give away to two SouthernMamas readers.

We have to do this as a 24-hour giveaway contest because tickets are for the 7:30 PM show this Thurs. Nov. 18 at the Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, email the answer to the following two questions to anne@southernmamas.com. The questions pertain to two new SouthernMamas sponsors. (Hint: The answers can be found in posts below.)
1. What is the name of the new children’s boutique in Sisters Court on 37th Street that is offering SouthernMamas a deal of $20 off a purchase of $200 or more?
2. What is the name of the art studio in Sisters Court on 37th Street that hosts children’s art birthday parties and children art lessons.

Deadline to enter is 3:30 PM tomorrow (Wed. Nov. 17) We’ll announce the two winners here.

Can a children’s boutique be both hip and adorable?

Absolutely! Just check out Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, which opened earlier this month in Savannah. The upscale boutique has a sweet deal for SouthernMamas readers: $20 off a purchase of $200 or more.  Mention you read about Sara Jane Children’s Boutique on SouthernMamas to receive your discount!

The clothing and accessories store is open and will celebrate with an official ribbon cutting celebration 4 PM Fri. Nov. 19 at Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, 202 East 37th St. in Sisters Court. The public is invited to attend and enjoy activities for the kids, food and drinks, GIVEAWAYS and more.

Children’s clothing lines carried include Petunia Pickle Bottom, The Sweeteas, Palm Tree Princess (made in Hawaii), Bailey Boys, Zuccini, Angel Dear, Magnolia Baby and Mud Pie. Offering newborn to size 6 for girls and boys.

Sara Jane is now booking children’s birthday parties and has several adorable themes to choose from. Party-goers can dress up and strut their stuff on the mini diva runway. Every party includes decorations and invitations, craft, snacks, party hostesses, set up and clean up, goody bags, coupons and more! Email sarajanekids@comcast.net for more info.

“Like” the Sara Jane’s Facebook page to stay connected by clicking here. 

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, 202 East 37th St. Savannah, Ga 31401, in the location in Sisters Court formerly occupied by Bella Mia Bridal Shop. Email: sarajanekids@comcast.net, 912-596-9506, Hours 10 AM-6 PM Mon-Fri, 10 AM-5 PM Sat. www.sarajanekids.com

Today we celebrated my son’s 4th birthday with an art party at artist Carrie Christian’s Scribble Art Studio in Savannah.

That’s right. An art party with a roomful of messy mostly preschoolers. Sounds daunting doesn’t it? But art teacher Carrie Christian managed to pull off a perfect, unique, creative event. Carrie had the painting project set up when guests arrived. She designed the project and party decor around my son’s selected theme: wild animals. Carrie could not have been more patient and easy-going with our wee guests, who left eager to return for Carrie’s Saturday preschooler art classes. She was also a champ at dealing with my planning questions and often nebulous guest count.

Other party perks included adorable hand-crafted nametags; a warm and friendly studio atmosphere that was awash in natural light and bedecked with whimsical kids’ art; a giant mural Carrie set up on the floor to keep the guests busy and entertained in between art projects and cake set-up; lots of back-up supplies for those of us moms who can never remember to bring enough trash bags etc.

Each guest left with his or her own canvas painting and craft. Carrie was quick about clearing off the table and making room for cake time, so there was no meltdown-provoking downtime.  After a speedy cake clean-up, kids were hard at work on project No. 2, making animals out of modeling clay to pair with individual barns, silos and wishing wells Carrie made beforehand.

Art birthday parties at Carrie Christian’s Scribble Art Studio are truly an original and fun way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Kids can pick from a list of themes or create their own. Parties run 2 hrs. $150 for up to 10 guests, $5 per additional guest

Carrie’s studio is at 212 E. 37th St., directly behind the new sara jane children’s boutique in hip Sisters Court the corner of 37th and Abercorn Streets. Phone: 912-323-0123. Click here for more info or email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com.

Check out some photos of the party posted here by Ann Van Brimmer.

Thank you, Carrie, for such a special party.

Update: Winner is Tiffany Hoffman! This week, win a family pack of tickets to Dunham Farms’ Festival of Lights and Music at Dunham Farms, Midway, Ga.

The festive family event includes holiday food, music and events like carriage tours, a model railroad display, a jazzy choral concert and a visit from Santa, square dancing, crafts and music reflecting early plantation Christmas. Lights, music and fun.

Festival dates and times
3:30-9:30 PM Sat. Dec 4, 2010 and Sat. Dec. 11, 2010
912.880.4500. For more info, click here.

To enter to win, check out the activities listed on Nov. 15 online e-letter below. Tell us one event you’d like to do this week. Answer by commenting below this post or one our SouthernMamas Facebook.

The family four pack of tickets are good for either Dec. 4 or 11. The package includes 2 adult and 2 child general admission tickets valued at $32. The tickets will be available to the winner as a Will Call package at the gate.

Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 21. We’ll announce the winner here.

Located at 2201 Bull St., near the heart of downtown Savannah, The New Covenant Preschool provides:
• Warm and inviting child-friendly atmosphere
• Enthusiastic, experienced, and engaged teachers
• Developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Enrichment classes in foreign language, music, and movement
• Daily Drop- In Care (subject to availability)

Special Offers:
Receive 50% off Registration (Good thru Nov. 30)
Enjoy 1 Free Trial Day

For more information, call (912) 232-7012, or visit the New Convenant Preschool Website at www.newcovenantpreschool.com
Call today to schedule a tour!

Be sure to schedule an appointment to see Santa at Just for Baby & More  and support a great cause by doing so.

Santa will be at Just for Baby & More , 7701 Waters Ave., for two Saturdays in December: 10 AM-4 PM Saturday Dec. 4th and 11. He’ll be at the children’s store for pictures and to learn everything on your little ones’ wish lists. All proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society.

Avoid the long lines at the mall and take advantage of our convenient parking and complimentary gift wrapping.

Cost:$20 and you will leave Just for Baby & More with two 5×7 prints with Santa, and a special treat for your little one.

Please come welcome Santa and support this wonderful cause. Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy.

$20 Fee Includes
-Visit with Santa
-Donation
-Two 5×7 Prints
by a professional photographer
-Treat for your child

For an additional $10, file of 1 image can be purchased (This will be emailed to you.). Then you can use in a family card or print copies for loved ones.

This year Just for Baby & More is scheduling appointments to ensure that it is quick and easy for you! Please call 912-355-4455 or email Casey@justforbaby.net. Just for Baby & More is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

“Waiting for ‘Superman,” the celebrated pro-charter school documentary about the state of U.S. public education, is playing in Savannah, but not for long.

The film is opened at the Carmike Wynnsong 11, 1150 Shawnee St. last weekend and is only playing this week.

This Thurs. Nov. 11 is the last night that the controversial documentary will be at the theater. Call 912-920-3994 for showtimes.

We’re sorry to hear that this eye-opening movie about an incredibly important issue is only going to be playing in Savannah for less than a week.

Catie Wilkins was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a brain tumor, on her first birthday, Sep. 26, 2003. She endured 11 surgeries, 36 months of chemotherapy, and 30 radiation treatments. The little girl fought hard.

Catie was 4 years old when she died Jan. 19, 2007.

That first Christmas without her – and all the Christmases since – are particularly painful at the Wilkins home in Guyton. Which is what prompted the Wilkins to start the “Elves from Catie” program. Today, almost four years since Catie’s death, elves are given to pediatric cancer patients in hospitals nationwide and over $10,000 has been raised to cure childhood cancer.

You, too, can help by sponsoring an “Elf from Catie.” For $20, an Elf and a book “A Gift from Catie” will be sent to a hospitalized pediatric cancer patient and $5 will be donated to CURE Childhood Cancer.

For more information, go to www.elvesfromcatie.com.

Catie’s mom, Jenny Wilkins, is looking for local groups to take on “Elves from Catie” as a volunteer project. Contact Jenny at jencarrollwilkins@gmail.com.

UPDATE: Winner is Camille Brundage!

Win a family four pack of tickets to the Disney on Ice Princess Classics show at 7:30 PM Thurs. Nov. 18 at the Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, share your plans for the holidays.  Visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide by clicking here and tell us which activity you plan to take part in by commenting below this post or on the SouthernMamas Facebook fan page by clicking here. Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 14. We’ll announce the winner here.

Don’t want to wait for the contest? Order discounted tickets online by using the promo password  “mammas” for $4 off (only for Internet ticket sales) To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics: an amazing journey to the magical lands of Disney classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted French castle, an Arabian palace, and more!

With special guest Tinker Bell, enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White.

See their dreams come true as this royal skating extravaganza brings magic to Savannah!

Thursday, November 18 @ 10 am
Thursday, November 18 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, November 19 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday , November 20 @ 11:30 am
Saturday, November 20 @ 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 20 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 21 @ 2:30 pm

*********Children 2 and Up Must have a Ticket*********

TICKET PRICES: $12 – $40
To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

UPDATE: Winner is Camille Brundage!

It’s here! SouthernMamas Holidays 2010 Fun Guide: Children’s Christmas Activities in Savannah, Bluffton and beyond.

We’ve got it all: Christmas parades, holiday caroling, the Santa Train. Find out when one of Savannah’s downtown squares will be filled with snow and when Skatefest 2010 starts at Savannah Civic Center. Click here and visit our guide frequently this holiday season for updates.

For your convenience, the link to the holiday guide will posted in the column to the right throughout the holiday season. Enjoy! Please share the link with all the local parents you know.

 Just for Baby and More  is joining Second Harvest Food Bank in an effort to collect non-perishable food goods to benefit Savannah people in need.

The Savannah food drive will be Nov. 6-20.

During that time, bring in canned or non-perishable foods to Just for Baby and More  at 7701 Waters Ave. and receive a discount on your next purchase of gifts, clothing, and bedding equal to the weight of your donation (up to 15% off)!

Don’t worry, Just for Baby & More has the scale. When you come by to drop the food off, store staff will weigh it and give you your discount coupon.

This year (appearing in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition being filmed in Savannah) Second Harvest is attempting to collect 150 tons, or 300,000 pounds, of canned goods for low-income families.

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia was established in 1981 as a locally inspired, volunteer-driven non profit food bank. This community-building organization serves twenty-one counties in southeastern Georgia with the mission of feeding hungry people and strengthening communities.

Just for Baby and More  is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Petite Feet now has Georgia boots in stock for kids.

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.

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area: UGG boots for toddlers and kids; Lilly Kelly, Keen, Merrell, Michael Kors, Morgan & Milo, Naturino, Ralph Lauren, Robeez, Roxy, Sanita, See Kai Run, Simple, Sketchers, Sperry Top-Sider, Teva and many more.

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

Petite Feet is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

UPDATE: ERIN HOWELL IS THE WINNER. Congratulations, Erin!

Here’s a surprise midweek giveaway to celebrate the start of November (And to make sure y’all are reading all the interesting posts this week on SouthernMamas.)

Win a family four pack of tickets to the Disney on Ice Princess Classics show at 7:30 PM Thurs. Nov. 18 at the Savannah Civic Center. To enter to win, answer the four questions below. You’ll find the answers in the various posts below this one on the main SouthernMamas page. Email your answers to anne@southernmamas.com. We’ll pick a name and announce it here Sunday.

1. Tell us the name of the Bilingual Speech Pathologist teaching children and toddler Spanish classes in Savannah.

2. Tell us the the full name of the music therapy business now offering sessions in Savannah.

3. Tell us one reason why you’re kids will never forget the Pirate Haus in St. Augustine, Fla.

4. Tell us how much of a discount Memories for Keepsake, Photography by Nicole is offering SouthernMamas.

Email your answers to anne@southernmamas.com. Please don’t comment below and give everyone the answers. Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 7.

Don’t want to wait for the contest? Order your discounts online and use the promo  code “mammas” for $4 off (only for Internet ticket sales) To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics: an amazing journey to the magical lands of Disney classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted French castle, an Arabian palace, and more!

With special guest Tinker Bell, enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White.

See their dreams come true as this royal skating extravaganza brings magic to Savannah!

Thursday, November 18 @ 10 am
Thursday, November 18 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, November 19 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday , November 20 @ 11:30 am
Saturday, November 20 @ 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 20 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 21 @ 2:30 pm

*********Children 2 and Up Must have a Ticket*********

TICKET PRICES: $12 – $40
To order tickets, click here. Select which show you want to attend. Then under “Select Tickets By”, select the listing that reads “Southern Mamas” and use the password “mammas.”

Island Child – an upscale Lowcountry children’s boutique  – now has the Fall/Winter line of Fore! Axel and Hudson , a stylish, sharp, golf-inspired collection for boys consisting of shirts, shorts, pants, caps and accessories.

Think country club meets California cool. Sizes range from infant through size 8.

Fore Axel & Hudson is an eco-friendly brand. Most pieces are made from ultra-soft and sustainable bamboo/spandex. The line is available now at Island Child on Hilton Head Is. and via their online store.

 Island Child is in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Is. You can also order clothes on Island Child  Web site . Or call 1.888.705.5437 or 843.686.5437. Island Child is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com

redbpower – a South Georgia business that offers electrical, sound and video solutions for people and for businesses in Savannah and surrounding areas – is offering SouthernMamas readers a sweet deal: $25 off a service call. Just mention you read about redbpower on SouthernMamas to receive your discount.

redbpower electricians are great at many household task on your to-do list: hanging light fixtures, childproofing outlets (children DO get shocked in traditional outlets), installing ceiling fans, hanging outdoor Christmas lights, outdoor landscape lighting, surveillance. The list goes on.

redbpower electricians are certified in low and high voltage and have an electrical license to work in Georgia and South Carolina.  They are passionate about their jobs and our community! In fact, redbpower won Best Electricians of the Boro 2010. Congratulations redbpower! They’re also a sponsor of SouthernMamas.

redbpower, 117 College Blvd, Statesboro, GA, 30458, 912.871.REDB (7332) On Facebook here.  

Making Melodies Music Therapy is now in Savannah and surrounding areas.

Making Melodies offers quality individual music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive piano and guitar lessons, for children ages newborn to 18 years.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music Therapy can address the following developmental domains:

• communication skills
• academics
• motor skills
• emotional/behavioral development skills
• social skills
• adaptive skills

Making Melodies also offers adaptive guitar and piano lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of specialized population including children with:

• developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities
• learning disabilities

These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar, while increasing self discipline, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.

Sessions are offered in your home, making it extremely convenient and comfortable for you and your child! For more information on how your child can benefit from music therapy, visit www.makingmelodiesmt.com For more info, contact Caitlin Whitaker, MT-BC, via email at makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com or call (912) 293-1161

One look at the amazing portaits by Savannah baby and child photographer Nicole Williams and you can tell she adores taking photos of babies.

So all of you new and expectant mothers will be thrilled to learn that Nicole’s popular photography business – Memories for Keepsake, Photographyby Nicole – is offering SouthernMamas readers a fabulous holiday special: $50 off your portrait session fees from now through Dec. 15.

If you’re pregnant and book your session (date obviously flexible) before Dec. 15, 2010, Memories for Keepsake Photography will honor the $50 off the session fee.

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.

UPDATE: WINNER IS Andrea Ginsberg. Congratulations, Andrea!
This week, win two tickets to the Nutcracker matinee performance Nov. 27 presented by Savannah Danse Theatre at Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St. in downtown Savannah.

To enter to win, share one Thanksgiving tradition you’re really looking forward to this year. Comment under this post by clicking on comments or on the SouthernMamas Facebook page by clicking here. Deadline to enter is Sun. Nov. 7. We’ll announce the winner here.

The Nutcracker in Savannah – Family Show
Saturday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.
Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St.
Presented by Savannah Danse TheaterPrices: $10 General Admission (additional service fees may apply).
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 912-525-5050, at the Savannah Box Office window, 216 E. Broughton St., or at the door 1 hour prior to the event.
This magical ballet is brought to life with a special Savannah flavor from the party scene at the Gingerbread House to flowers waltzing in Forsyth Park and Savannah River Rats trying to spoil it all. This talented cast of Savannah’s dancers and special guest artists along with a special “meet and greet” with your favorite Nutcracker characters, makes this a memorable and heart warming performance. Begin your Holiday Season with Savannah Danse Theatre’s “The Nutcracker in Savannah.”

The Nutcracker in Savannah Featuring the Savannah Philharmonic Orch.
Sat. Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St.
Presented by Savannah Danse Theater Prices: $27 – $50 (additional service fees may apply).
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 912-525-5050, at the Savannah Box Office window, 216 E. Broughton St., or at the door 1 hour prior to the event.
This magical ballet is brought to life with a special Savannah flavor from the party scene at the Gingerbread House to flowers waltzing in Forsyth Park and Savannah River Rats trying to spoil it all. This talented cast of Savannah’s dancers and special guest artists along with the famous Tchaikovsky’s musical score performed by The Savannah Philharmonic, makes this a memorable heart warming performance. Begin your Holiday Season with Savannah Danse Theatre’s “The Nutcracker in Savannah.”

Overpriced, cookie-cutter hotels aren’t your thing. Especially when traveling with the kids. Which is why you need to add the Pirate Haus Inn in St. Augustine to your list of affordable, family-friendly places to visit.

My family stayed in the quirky pirate-themed hostel with private rooms after the Yo Gabba Gabba concert in Jacksonville. Not only are the rooms cheap (and include an all-you-can-eat pirate pancake breakfast), but the place is centrally-located smack dab in the middle of St. Augustine’s Historic District.

Chances are the inn’s communal kitchen, transom windows and high-ceiling hallway will remind you of your college dorm or the youth hostels you stayed in while back-packing around Europe. In other words, this ain’t your posh Westin. But it is the type of place your kids will love.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why Your Kids Will Never Forget the Pirate Haus:

1. Owner is a charming character called Captain Conrad, who is known to periodically don pirate-costumes and engage kids in pirate talk and occasional pretend sword fights. 

2. At check-in, kids are given a stack of age-appropriate pirate bedtime stories to take to their bunk beds.

3. That’s right. We said bunk beds. Kids sleep in bunk beds. Get ready to hear “I call top bunk! the minute you open the room door.

4. Communal TV/computer room is teeming with pirate-themed toys for the tots.

5. Free, all-you-can pirate-themed pancakes for breakfast overlooking St. Augustine Historic district.

6.  Just a short stroll to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (cannon firings), the Black Raven (an authentic pirate ship in St. Augustine) and Project SWING (a city park with a 23,000-square-foot wooden playground featuring a castle, pirate ship, lighthouse, space shuttle) as well as oodles of restaurants and other kid-friendly attractions.

7. Pirates bedeck everything in this place from the stairwell to the shower curtains. The walls are painted with sails, ships, crows nests and more.

8. It’s the perfect place to stay when in town to visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, expected to open later this year, or during any of St. Augustine’s pirate-themed events including the upcoming St. Augustine Pirate Gathering (Nov. 12-14) which will feature blackpowder demos, historical re-enactments, a vendor marketplace and more.

9. Even Disney liked the Pirate Haus, as it was mentioned in Disney’s Family Fun Magazine.

10. While this may not matter to the kids,  rooms also come with free wi-fi and start at $50, which makes mom and dad very happy.

The Pirate Haus Inn, 32 Treasury Street, St. Augustine, FL, (904) 808-1999, www.piratehaus.com

Disclosure: We stayed at The Pirate Haus Inn at no cost for this review

SouthernMamas readers have long asked for Savannah-area Spanish classes for kids. We have it!

Bilingual Speech Pathologist Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP offers these upcoming classes to help your child learn a second language through music and dance:

SPANISH FOR Toddlers:
A fun environment is created where learning takes place naturally. Students learn basic Spanish through music, games, crafts and basic sign language and dance. Classes mainly concentrate on teaching little ones basic Spanish concepts and words through bilingual children’s music. Classes organized into series of 8 classes. Meeting one time weekly for 45 minute sessions. Special Intro price $125 for 8 classes.

SPANISH FOR CHILDREN
This class is geared toward school age children from 5 to 10 years of age. The Risas y Sonrisas music and teaching guides are utilized for increased success. Children are also given handouts and simple homework assignments to practice the Spanish vocabulary.

BABY SIGNS
This 6-week series of “play classes” helps parents & toddlers learn signs through theme-based songs, games &books. Tuition includes Sign,Say & Play ™ Kit for you to keep! Tuition is $135.

Please email Lorena Bradfield for further information, class time and dates at llbradfield@gmail.com

Lorena Luna-Bradfield is a board licensed Speech Language Pathologist specializing in treatment of medically fragile children, as well as toddlers and children with an array of speech and langue delays. Lorena is a native Mexican-American and fully fluent in Spanish. Lorena enjoys working with children and offering Spanish classes through a fun engaging curriculum including music, dance and basic sign language. You can contact Lorena at llbradfield@gmail.com or 956-561-1576 work cell; 106A Oglethopre Professional Court

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. To access this list throughout the school year, visit the Savannah private school open house page, included in the Pages list on the left side of the main page of SouthernMamas.

If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

Put play in your day!

Sign up for YMCA youth basketball with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Ages 6 and under learn fundamentals of the game and skill exercises in Micro-basketball and ages 7-18 learn healthy competition and sportsmanship.

Pricing for members and non-members. With branches in eight nearby communities, you’ll find a YMCA nearby with programs for you and your family. Visit www.YmcaOfCoastalGa.org for more information.