The new Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge invites GPS-toting geocaching explorers to travel trails in search of hidden caches.

Adventure seekers use a GPS unit to find hidden treasures, then share their experiences online. Caches usually contain trinkets that geocachers can keep, replacing them with something else. Some trackable items, called travel bugs, make their way across the country and create a story as they go.

With the new Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge, players download a PassPort by clicking here, find hidden stamps in each cache to spell out the PassPort’s message and collect custom geocoins.

Forty-two state parks have hidden caches with “first to find” prizes of a free night of camping. Three parks also have more elusive “bonus caches.” Players go to www.Geocaching.com to find the GPS coordinates for each hidden box. After their journey, players can talk about the parks and what they found.

Caches are hidden in public-access areas, so treasure hunters will not venture off trails or into remote locations.

The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center invites breast cancer survivors and their caregivers to a free afternoon retreat.

Young Breast Cancer Survivors Retreat
10 AM-2 PM Sat. June 5
Jepson Center for the Arts Auditorium, 207 West York St., downtown Savannah

RSVP by May 28 to Jennifer Currin-McCulloch at 350-7845 or currije1@memorialhealth.com

Speakers include: John Duttenhaver, M.D., a radiation oncologist at the Anderson Cancer Institute, on factors that influence a
healthy survivorship; Christopher Haberman, M.D., medical oncologist at Summit Cancer Care, on genetic aspects of cancer and inherited family cancer syndromes; Susan Lamb, Ph.D., psychologist at Savannah Psychotherapy Center, on relationship dynamics
after cancer and how to open communication and intimacy and regain self-esteem; Whitney Shingler, R.D., clinical dietitian at the Anderson Cancer Institute, on nutrition tips to live healthy and keep cancer from returning.

Free and open to all breast cancer survivors and their caregivers.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Southeast Georgia Cancer Alliance, part of the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

This week,  catch the hair bow bouquet. Win a Totally “Bow”quet from Totally Bowlicious, a cuter-than-cute online store that specializes in fun hair accessories with a touch of whimsy for little girls.

The Totally “Bow”quet has 2 flower clips, a cupcake bow, a bottle cap bow, a preppy stipe bow, a zebra fabric flower clip, and two clippies. These bowquets can be custom made to suit any occasion.

Carol Dean-Toder and Pam Kraft each win a kids’  summer sculpture class at Tiffany Drabek Studio in Savannah.  Congratulations, ladies.

The Sculpture “Handbuilding with Clay” class is Monday-Friday August 2-6, 9:30-10:30 A.M. Kids 4 and older will learn different handbuilding techniques, explore surface design through texture and use colorful glazes. Cost is normally $60, but the fee will be waived for the winners.

Tiffany offers a variety of summer art classes for kids. For more info, by clicking here. The studio location is at 215 East 64th St. Savannah, 31405 Contact: Tiffany Drabek-692-0659, email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com. Discounts for multiple siblings. Tiffany also offers offer pottery parties for all special occasions: birthday parties, bridal parties, team-building office parties, church group activities, etc.

You want the kids to learn at summer camp, but also have fun and be creative.

Which is why you need to check out the summer camp sessions at Starlight Pottery, 7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

At Starlight Pottery Summer Camp, kids make fun and unique projects using pottery, glass, clay, tie dye, and more.

All sessions are Monday-Friday from 10:30am-1:30pm. Cost: $125 per week. For ages 5 and up.

June 14-18
June 28-July 2
July 12-16
July 26-30
August 2-6

To reserve a space for your child, call 303-9599

Starlight Pottery’s studio is a wonderful place to gather as family and friends and create great memories. Conveniently located 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. Bring your Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops, too. Become a fan on Facebook and receive special announcements and offers.

It’s time to get ready for the summer including the pool and the beach.

Just for Baby & More – a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com – wants to help you provide safety in and around the water. With lessons such as: always swim with a buddy and never swim alone. Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located.

The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.

The water safety class will be at Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave., 10:30 AM-noon, Sat. May 22

Cdost is $15 per person and $25 per couple. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Please register by calling Casey at 912-355-4455 or email welshcasey@gmail.com .

First 20 registrants will receive a $15 gift card to the store.

This week, two SouthernMamas subscribers will each win a kids’  summer sculpture class at Tiffany Drabek Studio in Savannah.  The Sculpture “Handbuilding with Clay” class is Monday-Friday August 2-6, 9:30-10:30 A.M. Kids 4 and older will learn different handbuilding techniques, explore surface design through texture and use colorful glazes. Cost is normally $60, but the fee will be waived for the winners.

2010 Summer Clay Class Offerings at Tiffany Drabek Studio, 215 East 64th St.,  Savannah, include:

Pottery(on the Wheel)
Monday-Friday, July 19-23 9-11 A.M. Fee-$120
Kids 7 and older will receive instruction on how to prepare clay for the wheel, center clay and make plates, bowls and cylinders. They will explore with different underglaze applications.

Pottery (on the Wheel)
Monday-Friday, July 26-30 9-11 A.M. Fee – $120
Same description as above class. Students from prior week may continue in this class for more practice/instruction. If both weeks are reserved, there is a $15 discount off the second tuition.

Sculpture; Handbuilding with Clay
Monday-Friday August 2-6, 9:30-10:30 A.M. Fee: $60
Kids 4 and older will learn different handbuilding techniques, explore surface design through texture and use colorful glazes.

The studio location is at 215 East 64th St. Savannah, 31405 Contact: Tiffany Drabek-692-0659, email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com. Discounts for multiple siblings. Tiffany also offers offer pottery parties for all special occasions: birthday parties, bridal parties, team-building office parties, church group activities, etc. Call or email for more details. Photos and more info by clicking here

May is here and Petite Feet – Savannah’s newest children shoe store and a SouthernMamas sponsor – is celebrating by giving away your choice of a pair of Keen children’s water sandals (closed or open toe) in stock at Petite Feet.

The winner gets to pick out the free Keen shoe for your child while visiting Petite Feet, located at  5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix with easy in-and-out parking. To see who won last month’s Petite Feet giveaway, click here.

Here are the rules on how to win this month-long contest.

 Shopping at Petite Feet  is a relaxed and enjoyable experience, thanks largely to the fact that it’s a child-friendly store with a comfortable atmosphere.  Puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. 

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.

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

SouthernMamas subscriber Cathy Hansen wins the Mother’s Day giveaway: a $125 jewelry ensemble from Touchstone Crystal. Congratulations!The giveaway is from Tiffany Bradley, an independent jewelry consultant for Touchstone Crystal, a member of the Swarovski Group. Touchstone Crystal’s concept is simple: a unique and sparkling jewelry party to share with family and friends. Touchstone Crystal is proud to feature CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements, CRYSTALLIZED-Pearls, and ENLIGHTENED-Swarovski Elements.

Now is a great time to host a party or become a member of the Touchstone Crystal family! If you have been looking for a fun way to make new friends, hang out with awesome women and make some extra money, ask for more information on Touchstone’s fabulous business opportunity.

Tiffany is currently reserving dates for in-home parties to feature Touchstone Crystal’s Spring jewelry line. All ladies who reserve a party date for the month of May or June will receive an extra $100 added to their party sales! Contact Tiffany for more details and to reserve your May or June party date while there are still days available.

Join Touchstone Crystal Parties by Tiffany on Facebook and watch for a chance to win a FREE bracelet!

To contact Tiffany, call (912) 414-2859 or email her at tiffany.bradley@windstream.net

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Wondering what makes a good mom? Check out some of the comments of SouthernMamas readers’ kids in my Mother’s Day newspaper column today by clicking here. Thank you to all the moms who agreed to have their kids’ answers used in the article! Read the article here.  

A reminder: the weekly e-letter will be one day late this week as I am out of town visiting my mother. Check back Tuesday for local kid-friendly activities happening this week.

Below is a guest post by Jennifer Johnson, who writes on the topics of Nurse Practitioner Schools. She welcomes your comments at her email: j.johnson19june@gmail.com.

All moms know it can be a challenge getting their little one into bed from time to time. Waking life is just too exciting, and some children—particularly two- and three-year-olds—would rather fight to the death than go to bed. For some parents, this is a constant struggle night after night. To help eliminate the “bedtime battle,” here are some good tips and techniques for getting your little devil in bed asleep like the precious angel you know is in there somewhere!

1.) Establish a routine. Children that are toddlers and older respond very well to consistency. A consistent bedtime should be put in place so they can learn that they go to bed at, say, 8 p.m. every night—no exceptions. If one night they go to bed at 8 p.m. and the next night they go to bed at 9 p.m., they won’t learn the expectations you have for them and will begin to push to stay up later and later.
2.) Turn off all media and get quiet. Young children hate to be left out of the excitement just because they have to go to bed. If you turn off the TV and cut back on any lively chatter and laughter with your spouse, your child won’t feel like they are missing out on something when they go to bed.
3.) Give them a small bit of authority. This doesn’t mean they get to choose when they go to bed, but if your child is resisting bedtime because they want to be the boss, allow them to make small bedtime decisions, like picking out which pajamas to wear or which stuffed animal they want to snuggle.
4.) Turn on a nightlight or small lamp. Many children are afraid of being left alone in the dark. A nightlight makes things less scary. You may want to quietly leave on a kid-friendly CD.
5.) Read to them before bed. This practice not only helps lull them to sleep, but makes bedtime something to look forward to, not dread.
6.) Promise to return. If your child freaks out when you leave the room, tell them you’ll return in 10 minutes to give them an extra hug and kiss if they can lie down quietly the whole time. Many times they’ll be sawing logs before the 10 minutes are even up.
7.) Practice leaving them alone during the day. Go into another room to load the dishwasher or fold laundry, and let your child get comfortable knowing you are in the next room during the day. It will help them be more comfortable without you at night, too.
8.) Keep them active. An active toddler during the afternoon turns into a blissfully sleepy toddler after dinner. Run around with them outside or let them peddle a trike to burn off some excess energy.
9.) Adjust nap time. Children who take too long of naps or naps too late in the day may not want to go to sleep at bedtime. Keep naptime consistent, too.
10.) Encourage them. On those rare nights when bedtime is not a struggle, tell them you are proud they are going to bed on their own like a big boy or girl. Always acknowledge and reward your children during the times they choose to do the right thing.

This guest post is contributed by Jennifer Johnson, who writes on the topics of Nurse Practitioner Schools. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: j.johnson19june@gmail.com.

Your home is your haven, so why not give it a personality and style that expresses who you are? With Uppercase Living’s beautiful vinyl expressions and décor, you can turn any space into a unique expression of you and your family.

As easy to put up as they are to take down, these expressions will bring color, creativity, and comfort into your home, nursery, kitchen, business, or your special event.

And for an even more personalized touch, you can use the online MyDesign Suite, which offers an easy way to create an expression that is all your own.

Something new and exciting that Uppercase Living is now offering: Photo Prints! Upload your photo on MyDesign Suite, and Uppercase Living will make a photo print for you. You can have the entire photo made into a photo print, or you can select something specific and Uppercase Living will create it for you. Better yet, these are removable and repositionable, so you can use them over and over.

What a fun idea for birthday or graduation parties.

Uppercase Living expressions are also ideal for weddings. (Think the wall behind cake table, the guest book table or get-away car.)
Other uses include:

Vehicles
* Children’s sport number
* My Family faces
* Sport silhouettes & objects (soccer ball, baseball player, tennis, golf, dancer, etc.)
* Cause ribbons

Businesses
* Store front windows
* Advertise Sales
* Dressing rooms
* Classrooms

Host an Open House!
Uppercase Living products are not sold in stores, so the best way to tell your family and friends about this fabulous discovery is by hosting an open house. By becoming an Uppercase Living hostess, you can receive free products and half- off catalog items. At your open house, you and your guests will get product ideas and tips, and see how easy it is to apply the expressions and embellishments.

Become an Uppercase Living Independent Demonstrator!
As a leader in the vinyl lettering and décor industry, Uppercase Living offers an exciting opportunity and a chance to dream big. For a low cost of $99, you can start your own business!
Uppercase Living Demonstrators enjoy:
Flexible hours
Increased ability to balance work and family
Incredible earning potential
Travel awards and other incentives
Discounts on Uppercase Living expressions
Sharing an amazing new product that sells itself
Helping others transform their homes
Making new friends

With Uppercase Living being fairly new to Savannah and the surrounding areas, this is the perfect time to join!

To view the catalogues, create your own expressions on the MyDesign Suite, and place your online orders, click here.

For more information on becoming an Independent Demonstrator or Hostess, product information, or to purchase a gift certificate, e-mail Savannah Indepedent Demonstrator Jamie Strahm at strahm2010@hotmail.com  or call (913) 526-9123.

Mothers deserve more than a day to be honored. We should have an entire month,right?

Glow Medical Spa & Beauty Boutique  is helping turn May into Mother’s Month with an incredible month-long giveaway for a lucky SouthernMamas subscriber: a Mother’s Day Make-Over. The giveaway includes a free skin consultation with a licensed medical esthetician, a customized facial, a make-up makeover and $100 worth of products.

Glow is located in Governours Square at 415 Eisenhower Drive between Waters Avenue and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Visit Glow’s MedSpa Services page to see the services offered and read all about the cutting-edge cosmetic medical procedures that have made Glow the leading Medical Spa in Savannah- famous for offering the newest and latest beauty services. Glow offers a variety of services including eye lash extensions, microdermabrasion, massage, chemical peels, Botox, Juvederm, laser leg vein treatments, laser facial treatments and more. 912.303.9611

This week, a SouthernMamas subscriber will win a $125 jewelry ensemble from Touchstone Crystal. It’s the Vegas collection pictured here.

The giveaway is from Tiffany Bradley, an independent jewelry consultant for Touchstone Crystal, a member of the Swarovski Group. Touchstone Crystal’s concept is simple: a unique and sparkling jewelry party to share with family and friends. Touchstone Crystal is proud to feature CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements, CRYSTALLIZED-Pearls, and ENLIGHTENED-Swarovski Elements.

Now is a great time to host a party or become a member of the Touchstone Crystal family! If you have been looking for a fun way to make new friends, hang out with awesome women and make some extra money, ask for more information on Touchstone’s fabulous business opportunity.

Tiffany is currently reserving dates for in-home parties to feature Touchstone Crystal’s Spring jewelry line. All ladies who reserve a party date for the month of May or June will receive an extra $100 added to their party sales! Contact Tiffany for more details and to reserve your May or June party date while there are still days available.

Join Touchstone Crystal Parties by Tiffany on Facebook and watch for a chance to win a FREE bracelet!

To contact Tiffany, call (912) 414-2859 or email her at tiffany.bradley@windstream.net

Kim Pryor wins the April giveaway from Petite Feet – Savannah’s newest children shoe store and a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Kim wins her choice of a pair of Lilli Kelly children’s shoes or sandals while visiting Petite Feet, located at  5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix with easy in-and-out parking. Congratulations Kim!

Attention Lowcountry parents of children with special needs.

Interested in having your child partake in a kids’ yoga therapy class specifically for children with special needs? If so, Jaime Patillo of Little Lights Yoga would love to hear from you. Jaime is looking into teaching such a class, but wants to find out first how much interest exists before starting one.

Email Jaime at Jaime@littlelightsyoga.com . To find out more about Jaime’s work, read Jaime’s blog by clicking here.

Bree Trott wins a family four pack of tickets to CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE!, which will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23. Congratulations

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by having your kids  complete this sentence “A good mother is someone who ….?  Great responses in the comments section under the initial giveaway post and on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page.

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June are now for sale. For more info, click here. Order online by clicking here.

Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade will be 6 PM Fri. May 21.

The parade celebrates the beginning of summer and includes playful water-play for all ages between floats and spectators lined up along Butler Avenue. Spectators arm themselves with bucket, squirt guns and other water spraying weapons.

For more information call (800) 868-2322 or click here

Below is a guest post by Marsha Woelber, a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Marsha does occasional posts on SouthernMamas about  becoming financially savvy.  To read her previous posts, click here.

What is a Coverdell ESA?

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) came about in 2001 to give parents more options for their children’s education. Similar to an IRA, a Coverdell ESA allows individuals to set aside up to $2,000 per year (2010) tax-deferred in an account earmarked for education. As long as you are using the money for qualified expenses, withdrawals are tax-free.

The big benefit of using a Coverdell ESA is that you can use the money in the account for elementary and secondary education expenses (including private school tuition). This is unlike a 529 plan, where the funds must be for higher education.

Many Savannah parents utilize both types of plans to enjoy the tax treatment for K-12 expenses (Coverdell), and the higher contribution limits of a 529 plan.

What is changing in 2011? Unless Congress extends current limits, maximum annual contributions into a Coverdell will fall to only $500 (from $2000) after 2010. More bad news: K-12 expenses will no longer qualify. Any amounts accumulated at the higher contribution limit can remain in the accounts, but you will have to pay tax on the investment gains in any amounts you withdraw for K – 12 expenses after Dec. 31, 2010.

What should I do with my Coverdell ESA(s)? If you can’t spend the money in your Coverdell prior to Jan. 1, 2011, it is probably best to roll it into a 529 plan. Technically, you must take the money out of the Coverdell and put an equal or larger amount into a 529 plan in the same year.

A 529 does not provide any tax advantages for K-12 expenses, but it does allow tax-deferred savings for college. For more information on 529 plans, please see my previous SouthernMamas article by clicking here. Be sure to contact a tax or financial advisor to help you move your funds from a Coverdell to a 529 plan to potentially avoid any negative tax consequences.

Marsha Woelber is a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. She can be reached @ marsha@iissav.com or 912-650-2852. The opinions in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Please talk to your tax advisor before executing any strategy.

This week, a SouthernMamas subscriber will win a family four pack of tickets to CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE!, which will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23.

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June go on sale at 10 AM Mon. April 26. For more info, click here. Order online by clicking here.

Children 1 Year and Up are required to have a ticket.

THREE SHOWS:
Tues. June 22 @ 7 PM
Wed. June 23 @ 10:30 AM
Wed. June 23 @ 7 PM

TICKET PRICES ALL DAYS
$15.00 – $50.00

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is the new can’t miss live stage musical that will delight your whole family! Curious George is the inquisitive and loveable little monkey who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Live on stage in his World Premiere musical tour, Curious George swings and flips his way through a fun-filled story that takes the audience from home to Rome.

Katie, Lucy and Ella Marchese

With broader prenatal genetic testing, the number of children with Down syndrome could radically decrease. Earlier this month, I had the chance to talk to local parents who hope that doesn’t happen.

Molly and Joe Marchese of Springfield are parents of three beloved and beautiful daughters (pictured here), including a 4-year-old with Down syndrome, Ella, who has enriched their lives in countless ways. The Marcheses are among those families who have become Down syndrome advocates in the face of broader prenatal testing to prevent the genetic condition.

The Marcheses are the focus of my newspaper column today. Read it by clicking here.

The Marcheses, along with other members of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, are working to help parents dealing with a definitive prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis and invite prospective parents of babies with Down syndrome to monthly support group meetings.

Contact the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society by clicking here or email jmarchese@LDSSGA.org

Tickets for the CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! show in Savannah in June don’t officially go on sale until Mon. April 26.

But SouthernMamas readers can order CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! tickets online from now through Sunday (April 25) by using the code: GEWW

This is an exclusive offer that won’t be valid once tickets go on sale next week. Order online by clicking here.

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! will be at Savannah Civic Center June 22 & 23.

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is the new can’t miss live stage musical that will delight your whole family! Curious George is the inquisitive and loveable little monkey who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Live on stage in his World Premiere musical tour, Curious George swings and flips his way through a fun-filled story that takes the audience from home to Rome.

Laugh out loud, tap your toes, sing and dance along as you follow Curious George on his quest to win the Golden Meatball Contest.

Children 1 Year and Up are required to have a ticket.

THREE SHOWS:
Tues. June 22 @ 7 PM
Wed. June 23 @ 10:30 AM
Wed. June 23 @ 7 PM

TICKET PRICES ALL DAYS
$15.00 – $50.00

Amy Estees and Molly Taylor will win two tickets each to “Beauty and the Beast” presented by The Children’s Ballet Theatre of the Academy of Dance.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

The ballet will be Sat. May 8 at the Savannah Civic Center. There will be two shows, one at 3 PM and one at 6 pm.

You can order Beauty and the Beast tickets one of three ways:
-Call 921-2190 Mon-Fri 2-6 PM; Sat. 11 AM-2 PM
-Email aodsav@gmail.com
-Or purchase tickets at the Savannah Civic Center Box office

The price is $30 adults; $20 kids, senior and military; $15 tickets for groups of ten or more so you can pull your friends together to go for a discount. All tickets are general admission.

Upset about what your child eats at school? Here’s a chance to voice your opinions about your child’s school meals and school partnerships with fast-food restaurants.

The public is invited to a free Community Health Forum, 6-8 PM at Savannah Civic Center.

Healthy Savannah will join with local co-hosts St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Memorial Medical Center, Savannah State University, Junior League of Savannah, A Phillip Randolph Institute, GeoVista Credit Union and 100 Black Men of Savannah to sponsor this first Community Health Forum.

Healthy Savannah is working on several issues including getting junk food out of public schools. Find out more here.