Popular Savannah family portrait photographer LeeAnn Ritch recently took photos my two children, ages 3 & 1, at Tybee’s North Beach.  

Beforehand, I was completely stressed about how my kids would behave. If they would behave.  But a mere two minutes into the session, I could see that LeeAnn had mesmorized them both!

During the photo shoot, my 3-year-old son turned to me and whispered: “Mommy, I don’t want to be a fire-fighter anymore. I want to be a PHOTOGRAPHER.” He is in awe of LeeAnn. So am I.  Here are  few samples of her shots from that beautiful evening that included magical September light, clear moon and sunset.

Not only is LeeAnn Ritch a natural-life aficinado with a knack for turning out unfussy photos that shine, the mother of two is also a pro at relating to children and making photo sessions fun and stress-free. My kids relished being in front of her lens.

LeeAnn Ritch Photography is currently offering a fall special: $300 for a session and CD! (regular $575). Check out some of her work here. LeeAnn Ritch specializes in newborn, baby, child, and family photography.

Click here to book a session. Be sure to mention SouthernMamas to take advantage of the fall special. Try to take advantage of the pre-Daylight savings lighting. 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

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking parents to inspect and secure TVs, furniture and appliances in child-proofing efforts. On average, one child dies every two weeks due to tipovers.

Between 2000 and 2008, CPSC staff received reports of nearly 200 tipover related deaths involving children 8 and younger. Nearly all of these fatalities (93%) involved children 5 and younger.

More than 16,000 children five years old and younger were treated in emergency rooms because of injuries associated with TVs, furniture, and appliance tipovers according to CPSC staff’s most recent estimates from 2006. To read more and to learn how to prevent tip-overs, click here.

This year, the CPSC is intensifying its outreach efforts by partnering with numerous organizations, including clinics and second-hand stores, to disseminate a two minute PSA including a powerful testimonial of a parent who lost her two-year-old in a TV tipover incident and a poster. In addition, consumers will be able to stream a 20 second version of the PSA through October 23, 2010 by texting TVFALL to 878787.

MOSH (Museum of Science and History) in Jacksonville opens a dinosaur exhibit Sat. Sept. 25.

Prehistoric Predators – Sept. 25-Jan. 9 – will feature life-sized animatronic dinosaur models sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

On Oct. 23, the museum’s new Bryan Gooding Planetarium opens.

The new Bryan Gooding Planetarium will offer visitors an experience like no other in our region. Come experience total-immersion entertainment in a 360-degree theater at super-resolution four times better than the best HDTV.

MOSH offers $5 admission every Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through Oct. 17 . Click here for more info.

People often ask Savannah portrait photographer Katie Sharpe “How did you get started?” Her answer will forever and always remain the same: “Lilah.”

Katie always loved of taking pictures. Over the years, her hobby became a passion.

Katie is a mother of four whose youngest daughter Lilah has a rare vision impairment. Lilah gave Katie the courage to attempt her dream. To turn her passion into a reality. Katie is now a popular Savannah  portrait photographer for Weddings, Family, Children, Maternity, Newborns.

Check out more examples of Katie’s high-quality work by clicking here. Stay connected to Katie Sharpe Photography by “liking” her Facebook page by clicking here.

 Katie Sharpe Photography, www.katiesharpphotography.com, 912-224-9362, email: Katie@katiesharpphotography,com 

This week, win a family four pack of tickets to Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin Road Show, which is coming to the Savannah Civic Center on Sun. Oct. 3, 2010.

Here’s how to enter to win. Visit the SouthernMamas Fall Festival/Halloween Fun guide by clicking here or clicking on the Linus and the Great Pumpkin icon under the column on the right side of this site. Then tell us which event or pumpkin patch you plan to visit this fall. Either comment below this post or on the SouthernMamas Facebook fan page. You must subscribe to the SouthernMamas weekly e-letter to be eligible to win. Deadline to enter is Sun. Sept. 26. We’ll announce the winner here.

The Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show has two shows on Oct. 3: 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. For tickets, click here

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest “yee-haw” at a howdown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story!

UPDATE: The winner of the tickets giveaway is Lana Chilton! Congratulations Lana and enjoy the show.

Win a Quite Contrary Baby yoga tee from Savannah Yoga Center  by checking the post farther down on this main page that lists all the local kid-friendly events happening this week. Tell us which one you want to do by commenting below or on the SouthernMamas Facebook page.

Savannah Yoga Center not only offers mommy-and-infant and mommy-and-toddlers yoga classes, the Bull Street yoga center and boutique also now carries Quite Contrary Baby, a new line of yoga inspired clothing for babies that inspire.  SYC’s Mommy-and-me baby yoga classes help itsy-bitsy yogis learn breathing techniques that promote healthy digestion, wellness, and even sleep regulation.

Classes also provide a golden opportunity for mothers and their babies to bond and to receive both physical and spiritual nurturing from practicing yoga and of course, having fun together! Classes are relaxed and informal, with stories and songs as well as yoga. Look for a schedule of SYC’s baby yoga classes in next week’s SouthernMamas e-letter or click here.

UPDATE: Amy Henderson is the winner!

Savannah Yoga Center, 1319 Bull St. Boutique hours are 10 AM-2 PM Mondays – Fridays and also open before and after all yoga classes. (912) 232-2994 or email: kelley (at) savannahyoga (dot) com, www.savannahyoga.com

Bottoms Up , the newest cloth diaper resource in the Savannah area, carries several styles of cloth diapers and accessories. New to cloth diapering? No problem! Bottoms Up specializes in private consultations in your home, or invite some friends and host a diaper show. Hosts get a free gift!

SouthernMamas reader Cindy Dana wins the $25 gift certificate from Bottoms Up. Congratulations Cindy!

Bottoms Up, www.clothbottomsup.com, Contact Michelle Terhune at 912-658-6229 or via email: little_buns@yahoo.com. Visit Bottoms Up on Facebook by clicking here.

Starlight Pottery at 7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive offers tons of kid-friendly, as well as mom-friendly, activities.

First, Starlight Pottery has teamed with Amanda Reed’s Tippy Toes Pottery, famous throughout our area for personalizing pottery – using your child’s footprints, hand prints or finger prints to create a whimsical painting on mugs, plates and more.  The Tippy Toes line is on display at Starlight Pottery and parent’s can bring their children to get handprints and footprints. Amanda will turn them in to the beautiful works of art that she’s known for.

Moms can still book Tippy Toes Parties and receive discounts on pottery. They can even host their event at Starlight Pottery‘s studio.

Starlight Pottery offers Kids Night Out 6-8 PM Sat. Sept. 25. It’s for ages 5 and up. Children will make a Halloween plate. Cost is $25 and that includes pottery painting, pizza, drinks, and games. Yes, this is a drop off event . Parents can use this time for a childfree dinner out. Think date night. 

Starlight Pottery also offers Ladies Night Out 6-8 PM Thurs., Sept. 30. Ladies can get a group of friends together, reserve a table, and bring food and drink to have a fun evening out. It’s a great time to start making gifts. No additional fees, just the price of the pottery that you choose to paint.

Starlight Pottery will do on-site storytimes for preK and Kindergarten classes. Price is $10-$12 per child. Startlight will come to a classroom to read a story and the children paint a piece of pottery related to the story. Or class can come to Starlight Pottery studio for a Storytime Field Trip.

SouthernMamas readers receive a Startlight Pottery discount through Dec. 31 , 2010: Book a birthday party with 8 or more guests and the birthday child paints free (Up to a $15 value).

For more info or to make reservations for a Tippy Toes party, Kids Night Out, or Ladies Night Out , call 912.303.9599.

Starlight Pottery’s paint-your-own-pottery studio is in mid-town Savannah. The studio is in the Eisenhower Shopping Plaza at the intersection of Eisenhower and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Starlight Pottery is a great place to host your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, youth group, ladies group, etc. Become a fan on Facebook and receive special announcements and offers.

The Fall Early Goals season with Savannah Celtic is growing closer.

Now in its 8th season, ’Early Goals’ is a fun, action-packed soccer program specifically designed to cater for the youngest players ages 2 to 4. Coaches will work on simple motor skills, ball familiarity and hopefully plant the seed for a lifetime of enjoyment. The season ends with a scrimmage and selection of fun activities. Every session will be overseen by one of our professional club coaches. Cost: $55 for a 6 week session and includes a ’Hoopie’ T-Shirt. To register, click here.

Schedule
Wed. 5-5:45 PM Sep. 22 to Oct. 27 Salvation Army at 3000 Bee Rd
Tues. 3-3:45 PM Sept. 28 to Nov. 2 St. Andrew’s School
Thurs. 9-9:45 AM Sept. 30 to Nov. 4 Salvation Army at 3000 Bee Rd
Tues. 5-5:45 PM Oct. 5 to Nov. 9 The Landings
Thurs. 10-10:45 AM Oct. 7 to Nov 11 Southbridge Soccer Field
Tues. 9-9:45 AM Oct. 12 to Nov. 16 Wilmington Island Concord Field
Mon. 5:30-6:15 PM Oct. 18 to Nov. 22 Salvation Army at 3000 Bee Rd

La Dee Da children’s boutique is happy to announce their upcoming move and expansion.

La Dee Da will open their doors to the public on Mon. Sept. 20 in the new location in Rincon.

You’ll find hundreds of new items and several new lines to La Dee Da’s inventory to include brands like See Kai Run, Rosalina, Biscotti, Petit Ami, Tommy Tickle, iT! denim, Baby Aspen, Baby Legs, Amercan Collectibles, Taggies, Little Things Mean A Lot christening apparel, Tommy Tickle, Rileyroos, Isobella and Chloe, Kalencom, and so much more!

La Dee Da also carries an entire line of dancewear and Babies Go – lullabies to the music ofartists like Michael, Jackson, Aerosmith and Beyonce! For the classic child or the fashion forward, La Dee Da has something for every taste and style. They’ve added a children’s lounge and many other new and exciting features to the boutique to make La Dee Da a shopping experience like no other!

La Dee Da looks forward to serving you and your child..

La Dee Da will be in The Quarters at Waterford across from Glaze Beauty Boutique and next to Britt’s Dance Company on Hwy 21. Visit www.LaDeeDaKids.com for more information or call 912-295-5470 or find La Dee Da on Facebook! Store hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-3 pm

Dolcemia Clothing is an upscale but AFFORDABLE online boutique where you can find unique and adorable hand-smocked dresses and smocked outfits for babies, girls and boys, monogram dresses and Dolcemia’s newest line of the cutest hand-appliqued knitted outfits for babies.

Dolcemia Clothing offers a variety of fine children’s clothing for certain holidays including smocked Christmas dresses, smocked Thanksgiving dresses, pumpkin set sweater/pants, monogram Christmas dresses, smocked pumpkin dresses and jon-jons.

Dolcemia Clothing takes pride of the quality of all their products and will gladly answer any of your questions. View more examples of the beautiful clothing by clicking here.

In honor of this past weekend’s Grandparents Day, Just for Baby and More at 7701 Waters Ave. Savannah will  increase their normally 15 percent Grandparent discount to 25 percent.   Grandparents are invited to come in, share a story or photograph of their grandchild or grandchildren, enjoy some refreshments in a relaxed environment and get some great deals, free gift wrapping and even shipping options. To receive the discount, just bring in a photo of your grandchild. For more info, call 912-355-4455. FREE and open to the public.

For other activities happening this week in Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is, click here.

Bottoms Up is the newest cloth diaper resource in the Savannah area. This week you can win a $25 gift certificate to Bottoms Up!

Bottoms Up carries several styles of cloth diapers and accessories. New to cloth diapering? No problem! Bottoms Up specializes in private consultations in your home, or invite some friends and host a diaper show. Hosts get a free gift!

To enter to win the $25 gift certificate, visit the Bottoms Up Facebook page by clicking here, “like” the page and write a comment answering this question, “Do you or would you cloth diaper? Why or why not?”

Deadline to enter is Sun. Sept. 19. We’ll announce the winner here.

Bottoms Up, www.clothbottomsup.com, Contact Michelle Terhune at 912-658-6229 or via email: little_buns@yahoo.com. Visit Bottoms Up on Facebook by clicking here.

 Thirty-One celebrates, encourages and rewards women through offering quality products and an outstanding opportunity to become successful business owners. The products are exclusive to Thirty-One, which provides style and convenience at an amazingly affordable price.

From Thirty-One’s key product line, to their “direction” line for teens, or uniquely crafted “31kid” line for children and moms, you will find so many options to fit every personality type and every situation. Thirty-One continues to develop new products built on the idea that products must be stylish, functional, affordable and easy to give as gifts to encourage someone special.

Local Thirty-One consultant Tracy Jones is offering a SouthernMamas special: anyone that books a show in September receives an additional $10 hostess credit towards product at their show! Click here to view the online catalog. Tracy does catalog shows as well as in-home shows.

You’re invited to view a Savannah art show that addresses the experience of making art amongst the chaos of raising young children.

Works by four artist-mothers will be showcased in Four Squared, an exhibition that will be at the City of Savannah’s Gallery S.P.A.C.E. 9 W. Henry St. Sept. 17-Oct. 29, in conjunction with film screening and parent-child ceramics workshop.

The experience of being a mother is what the artists describe as “the push and pull of motherhood, domesticity and creativity.”

The exhibition showcases work by four Savannah artists – Ashley Waldvogel, Atsuko Smith, Linette Dubois and Melinda Schawel.

In conjunction with the exhibition, a special film screening of Who Does She Think She Is? will be presented on Thursday, October 28 at 7 p.m. The film raises important questions about how art is valued in our culture. A discussion with the artists will follow.

A parent-child handbuilding ceramics workshop will also be offered in conjunction with the show. The workshop will meet four consecutive Saturdays beginning October 2 from 9:30-11 AM. Cost:$50. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, 9 W. Henry St. Gallery hours are 9 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday. Free off-street parking is available. For information, contact 912-651-6783 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts.

In2Books Savannah needs 481 volunteer pen pals to help students in 27 Savannah classrooms.

In2Books is an award-winning program that connects students with adult mentors – community members who have agreed to become “Pen Pals.” These generous volunteers provide essential support for the development of our elementary school students’ reading, writing and critical thinking skills, and their direct engagement and assistance in our classrooms is making a substantial difference in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

Visit www.in2bookssavannah.com to sign up. If you have questions, email info@in2bookssavannah.org or find In2Books Savannah on Facebook by clicking here.

The new school year has begun and Moms In Touch International (MITI) groups are already meeting to pray for our children and schools.

Whether your child is 3, 13, 23…, this is an awesome chance to lift them up in prayer with other women and see how God moves. For more info on this non-denominational, Christian opportunity contact: Stacy Cerone at scerPM@comcast.net, 912-228-4270, or visit www.momsintouch.org.

For more info on Savannah-area and Lowcountry moms groups, click here.

Savannah’s Place for Art, Culture and Education (S.P.A.C.E.) is now registering students for its fall visual arts classes and workshops. Day and evening sessions are offered for children, teens and adults in all skill levels. Sessions begin Sept. 20 & Oct. 4 and are held at the Department of Cultural Affairs’ S.P.A.C.E. studios, located at 9 W. Henry St.

Four, six and eight week classes are available, as well as one-day workshops. Fall visual arts sessions include ceramics, fibers, metalsmithing, stained glass and painting. New offerings in jewelry & metalsmithing include courses in chainmaking, custom jewelry mechanisms, clay jewelry, metals & glass, and an open studio.

Class fees include instruction, use of studio space, use of equipment and all materials and tools required. Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Credit cards are accepted. Class schedule and registration forms are available by clicking here or by calling (912) 651-6783.

About S.P.A.C.E.: S.P.A.C.E. is Savannah’s Place for Art, Culture and Education. Located at 9 W. Henry St., 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 information, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts.

Youth Visual Arts Classes
Kid’s Hands on Clay, Ages 6-10
8 weeks
Instructor: Matt Maggioni
Tuesdays, Sept. 21 – Nov. 9, 4-5pm
This class for children offers an exciting introduction to the world of clay. Young students can let their imaginations go wild through fabulous hand-built projects.
$85

Teen Wheel-Throwing, Ages 11-16
8 weeks
Instructor: Matt Maggioni
Wednesdays, Sept. 22 – Nov. 10, 4-5pm
This introductory class will teach young students the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. Students will trim and finish their works of art with a variety of glazes.
$85

Weekend Workshops
Expressionist Landscape Painting for kids, Ages 6-10
Instructor: Layla Cady
Saturday, October 2, 9am-12noon
Children will create very colorful and expressionist landscape paintings inspired by artist David Hockney. Students will learn about this artist and learn how to set up a landscape picture using perspective techniques and then applying paint to canvas. Each child will walk away with a wonderful unique work of art.
$10

EmmAva Photography will be hosting several pint size sessions over the next few months.

Starting on September 11 and 12, EmmAva Photography will be at Bethesda, perfect setting for Christmas card photos. Each mini session is $35 for a 30 minute session.

You will receive 15 pictures on disc with limited copyrights. Additional dates are available.

For more available dates, click here. 

You can find EmmAva Photography on Facebook by clicking here or email EmmAva to book a session.

To book your session, email  EmmAva Photography at EmmAvaPhotography@yahoo.com or call 912.429.7454.

Click here to view more photos by EmmAva Photography, which also is available for newborn, children, family, engagement, bridal shoots and weddings.

The September SouthernMamas giveaway:  a family four pack of tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba! Live: There’s a Party In My City Wed. Oct. 27 at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville!

  Yo Gabba Gabba! Live: There’s a Party In My City is traveling to 60 North American cities this fall.  Joining DJ Lance Rock and his friends will be Biz Markie with “Biz’s Beat of the Day,” and surprise Super Music Friends and Dancey Dancers at every stop. To order tickets, click here. Other nearby spots the tour hits include Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on Oct. 23, Columbia, S.C. on Nov. 2, Tampa, Fla. on Oct. 30, Chattanooga, Tenn. on Oct. 19 and Charlotte, N.C. on Oct. 17. For more cities the tour will visit click here.  Check out the Get Tickets page for a list of the shows.

Need old-fashioned cleaning services for your busy home? Call Ms Frannie!

She has been doing housekeeping services all over Savannah for over 20 years. She is dependable, honest, and always reliable. Ms. Frannie also offers other personal services that can make life easier for you or your loved ones. Whether it is residential or commercial, give Ms Frannie a ring.

You will love her prices and the special touch she can give your house to make it sparkle and shine..

Ms. Frannie’s Services:
Deep Spring Cleaning
Weekly & Bimonthly cleaning
Light cleaning
Ironing
Laundry

Additional Services:
Care for elderly/errands
Plant Care
Dry-Cleaning Drop off/Pickup

Just send Ms Frannie an email and let her know what services you need and she can give you a quote. You can also call her anytime!

Gift certificates also available and make a fantastic gift for the holidays!

Contact:
Email: Savannahhousekeeping@gmail.com
Phone: 912-691-0183

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a Montessori Learning Community serving children 3-years old through the second grade.

The school is growing and will add a grade each year until a full compliment of elementary classrooms is reached. Currently, the school has openings in the 3-year old program, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade. If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or click here.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child.

A new yoga class is being taught in Savannah that is geared toward children with special needs.

The Special Needs Yoga Class will be 4:15-5 PM Thursdays for six weeks at Yoga Me Fit, 7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Cost is $120

The class is for children ages 4 – 8 year olds. For more info, contact Lynn Geddes, 912-308-3410 or email yogamelynn@comcast.net.

Bouncing Angels, a Savannah inflatable play and party center, has new rates that started Sept. 1, 2010.

Here are the new admission fees:
Children 0 to 2 years old: $5 weekdays; $5 holidays and weekends
Children 3 to 5 years old: $6 weekdays; $7 holidays and weekends.
Children 6 to 10 years old: $7 weekdays; $8 holidays and weekends
*Children 11 to12 years old: $8 weekdays; $9 holidays and weekends

Each Parent: $2 weekdays; $2 holidays and weekends. (Parents only pay if playing on the inflatables, not for bringing the kids)

*Bouncing Angels is designed for kids 10 or younger. If older kids want to play, they must behave properly or will be asked to stop using the inflatables or leave the premises

Special Discount: Monthly 1 Child Unlimited Admission Rate: $20. Monthly Unlimited Family Admission Rate: $35

Bouncing Angels inflatable play & party entertainment center is @ the Victory Drive Shopping Center, 2123 E. Victory Drive near Skidaway Road.  Check out the Bouncing Angels Web site here. For more info. call: 912.691.8797.