Here’s a great FREE way to check out the brand new stage and bandshell at Forsyth Park.

The St. Andrew’s School Spring Concert at Forsyth Park will be 5:30-8:30 PM Mon. May 3. The public’s invited to this free spring concert at the park’s new bandshell. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music. The program features students in grades 3 through 12 and includes string, chorus and band students. Musical selections include pop, jazz and classic pieces.

Parents and teachers are invited to an Autism 101 full-day conference featuring seven speakers who will provide information that educates, enables and empowers families and professionals caring for children on the spectrum

The Autism 101 Conference will be 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Fri. April 30 at Armstrong Center for Professional & Continuing Education, 13040 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31409 (across the street from the Savannah Mall)

Speakers include Dr. Renee Tocco, coordinator of Hope for Autism. She promotes a vitalistic healthcare approach and is dedicated to educating the public about non-invasive, natural healthcare.
Other speakers will be:
-Dr. Stephen A. Ranicki of Ranicki Chiropractic and The Mindspring Center
-Parent to Parent of Georgia to provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Special Education process. Both parents and professionals will learn great tips and rules of this process during the presentation.
-Samual Crossley of Mass Mutual Financial Group about the financial implications of raising a child on the spectrum.
-Dana Lee on the benefits of music therapy
-Lynn Adams, Author of “Parenting on the Spectrum: A Survival Guide”
-LeAnne Geoghagen, a 19-year old student, will give her personal perspective of dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome

For questions about the conference, contact Jennifer McGee at The Matthew Reardon Center jennifermcgee4@comcast.net, (912) 355-9098

For more info on local autism resources, visit the SouthernMamas Autism/Asperger’s Resource Guide for Savannah/Bluffton by clicking here.

This week, two SouthernMamas readers will win two tickets each to “Beauty and the Beast” presented by The Children’s Ballet Theatre of the Academy of Dance.

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.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? 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.

Christy Lynes wins this week’s SouthernMamas giveaway!

Christy wins  a boy’s seersucker lime birthday cupcake shortall  from Classic Kids , which offers custom-made children’s clothing and accessories for any time of the year.

At Classic Kids trunk shows, you can see all of Classic Kids designs or even design you own ClassicKids outfit.Become a fan of Classic Kids on Facebook and you will be updated on new designs and fabrics and catch monthly specials and giveaways. Orders can also be placed through the Classic Kids Web site or you can find Classic Kids at La Dee Da in Rincon

 Island Playground, an indoor playground featuring inflatable fun & creative play for kids, will host a special night for moms in May.

The FREE MOMS’ NIGHT OUT EXPO to honor all moms will be 5:30-8:30 PM Thurs. May 6 at the playground. Grab all your girlfriends and enjoy FREE admission for all moms, FREE gifts and samples, FREE massages, FREE facials, FREE manicures, FREE makeovers, FREE margaritas, a raffle to benefit the Boys & Girls Club with a chance to win fabulous prizes, and special event-night discounts from Island Playground and other local businesses.

For more information contact Island Playground at (843) 837-8383 or click here.

 Island Playground, 1538 Fording Island Rd, Suite 104, Bluffton, S.C. near the HHI bridge on the Bluffton side (843) 837-8383

Watching all that golf during the Masters inspired you to start dressing your future Mickelson like a little pro.

So check out the new line Fore! Axel and Hudson at Island Child. 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.

Island Child owner Steve Powell says Fore Axel & Hudson is perfect for the “golf” lifestyle here in the Lowcountry and it is a great look for boys even if they are not into golf.

The Island Child store is in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Is. You can also order clothes on The Island Child  Web site . Or call 1.888.705.5437 or 843.686.5437.

 SouthernMamas reader Monica Patel emails that the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is well worth the visit. The drive is about 1.5 hours.  Indoor exhibits are geared more towards young elementary-school-aged kids, but Monica’s 3.5 year-old loved the turtle rehabilitation area and turtle hospital, where he got to watch one of the turtles being given a multivitamin and another turtle get rubbed with ointment, to undo some of the damage caused by the recent cold weather.  She writes the staff there is very friendly and willing to answer questions.

Thanks for the recommendation, Monica!

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center  introduces you and your children to Georgia’s turtles with hands-on activities, games, crafts, and outdoor exploration.

Find out the various methods sea turtle biologists use to follow sea turtles as they migrate from the beach to the ocean. And how you too can follow sea turtles online.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island. Cost: $6 for adults (13+ years); $5 for Seniors (65+ years); $4 for children (4-12 years); FREE for children 3 and under. $5 for Active Duty Military Personnel, Students and Teachers (ID required). For more info, call 912.635.4444 or click here. Stay savvy with the happenings at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center via the center’s blog.

A big thank you to SouthernMamas readers who agreed to share their stories about their children’s imaginary friends for my newspaper column on the subject. 

You can read the column about children’s pretend playmates by clicking here. 

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it when readers are willing to be interviewed for my various freelance articles. Thanks so much!

LA DEE DA upsale children’s consignment boutique and KRISTIN PATE PHOTOGRAPHY are proudly hosting a BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST.

Photos will be taken by Kristin Pate this Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17 at “La Dee Da”, located in the heart of Rincon, Georgia.

Please call 912.295.5470 to schedule your FREE photo session!

There will be two age divisions – 3 months – 24 months and ages 2-4. Prizes include gift certificates to La Dee Da and a free photo session with Photography by Kristin.

Winners will be featured in our fall print ads. Sign your child up today!

La Dee Da upscale children’s consignment boutique , 912-295-5470. Tues- Fri 9:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm. Proud retailers of Mudpie, Petit Ami, Rileyroo’s, Jewelry by Lorena and The Fizzy Baker. Hwy 21 North, Rincon. Located in Burns Station next to the Bank of America and across from The Curiosity Shoppe

Classic Kids is giving away this adorable boy’s seersucker lime birthday cupcake shortall pictured here (size 12-month) to a lucky SouthernMamas reader.

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

Classic Kids offers custom made children’s clothing and accessories for any time of the year. At Classic Kids trunk shows, you can see all of Classic Kids designs or even design you own ClassicKids outfit.

Become a fan of Classic Kids on Facebook and you will be updated on our new designs and fabrics and catch our monthly specials and giveaways.

Orders can also be placed through the Classic Kids Web site or you can find Classic Kids at La Dee Da in Rincon.

April 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 Lilli Kelly children’s shoes or sandals in stock at Petite Feet.

The winner gets to pick out the free Lilli Kelly 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.

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

To enter to win,tell us what you like best about April by commenting below this post (Just click on comments).  Also, please tell us your name. Or comment on the SouthernMamas Facebook page here. Please become a Facebook fan of SouthernMamas.

 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

Diane Dodd wins a complete exterior house pressure wash (valued at $300) from  All American Pressure Cleaning.

The wash includes the removal of all mold, mildew and other surface pollutants utilizing All American’s exclusive low-pressure, soft-wash process and Mildew Preventative Treatment.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by sharing photos your homes on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page . 

Don’t forget: All American Pressure Cleaning is extending a 10 percent discount to all SouthernMamas readers as well as a free sidewalk cleaning for all House Washes scheduled before May 15.

The Savannah Coastal Puppetry Guild is bringing a wonderful puppeteer from Missouri who is playing At the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta for a month to come to the Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St.

PAUL MESNER PUPPETS will perform The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf (used with permission of Jon Scieszka) on Tues. April 13. The 1 PM show is FREE and must have reservations (call 912-660-3255). The 4 PM show is $5.

For more info, call 912-660-3255.

In this revealing no-squealing adaptation of the popular book written by Jon Scieszka’s and illustrated by Lane Smith, A. Wolf has a chance to tell his side of the story. He only wanted a cup of sugar and he did have a cold. For years we have only known this story from the pigs point of view. Mr. A. Wolf tells all about what really happened to those three little houses made of straw, sticks and bricks and the three pigs who lived in them.

Sponsored by grants from the Grassroots Arts Program, (City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs) & The Arts Ashore Legacy Fund (Savannah Community

You are invited to Just for Baby & More at 7701 Waters Avenue this Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM to let artist Beth Pray capture a timeless treasure of your children in a hand cut silhouette.

With five years experience at Walt Disney World and 19 total, Beth cuts black acid free paper into an exact likeness of her subject. Beth will mount them and place them on a 5×7 mat. The silhouette is then placed in a quality black oval frame making it a great Mother’s or Grandmother’s Day gift or a nice picture to hang in your own home.

The process only takes two minutes or less (and don’t worry your children don’t have to sit still) and only costs $22.

Call (912) 355-4455 to reserve your time slot or email casey@justforbaby.net.

Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave., 912-355-4455, www.justforbaby.net.

You want to dress your darling daughter in clothes that are fun to buy, easy to wear and that celebrate the fleeting joy of childhood.

Which is why you and your DD are going to swoon over Cheeky Banana’s colorful fabrics and original applique and embroidery designs.

 Cheeky Banana designs and manufactures girls’ clothing in sizes 2-12.

SouthernMamas can receive free shipping and 20 percent off new, non-sale items. Just enter this discount code: southernmamas. This special discount is good through April 30.

Cheeky Banana strives for a classic look that has a stylish feel and fit, clothes that are nice enough to wear to church, but comfy enough for a playdate.

Their clothing is made in the USA and CPSIA compliant. Most pant/skirt styles include adjustable waistbands. Think premium 100 percent cotton prints as well as stretch cotton sateens and twills.

Cheeky Banana, LLC is the realization of a long-time dream by founder Lesley Fleming. Having enjoyed sewing for over 30 years, friends often asked her to make special outfits for their child.

With two children of her own and a busy job in marketing, this became increasingly difficult to do. Finally, Lesley made the decision to create a line of children’s clothes. And we’re so glad she did!

Cheeky Banana, www.cheekybanana.com, 919-610-6943

 Babysitters & Nannies  – which pairs families with child care providers for babysitting, part-time nanny or live-in nanny jobs – will offer an April discount to SouthernMamas readers: $50 off a yearly babysitting membership and $100 off  a nanny placement service.

Babysitters & Nannies serves Savannah, Tybee Is., Wilmington Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, Charleston and surroundng areas. Babysitters & Nannies has an arsenal of vetted candidates who are CPR certified and have undergone DMV checks and extensive criminal records checks.

After you pay a membership fee that comes out to less than $1 a day (and even less with the April discount), you can request a babysitter 24 hours-a-day via phone, email or by filling out a Babysitter Request Form through the Babysitters & Nannies website.

Make sure you mention SouthernMamas sent you to receive your April discount.

Also, school will be out sooner than you think and Babysitters & Nannies has summer nannies for elementary kids who are out of school.

Babysitters & Nannies, Owner/Operator Jenna Lucas, Phone: 843-384-4317; Fax: 843-757-8294 email info@babysittersandnannies.com  or jenna@babysittersandnannies.com ; www.babysittersandnannies.com, 6 Victory Point Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910

The Savannah Sand Gnats’ Opening Night at Historic Grayson Statium at 7 PM Thurs. April 8 2010 will include FREE face-painting and balloons for kids as they walk in.

Children’s entertainers will provide the fun. Opening Night game is against the West Virginia Power and includes fireworks after the game.

Fans can purchase tickets in three ways: 1) online by clicking here. 2) by phone at (912) 351-9150; or 3) in-person at Historic Grayson Stadium

Make A Joyful Noise early childhood music classes offers opportunities for families who want to try something new and prefer a shorter time commitment : 6 Saturday sessions April 17 – May 22

9:00 – 9:45 Cycles (3 1/2 – 5 year olds) $131* (parents attend)
9:45 – 10:20 Dance With Me: 18m – 3 1/2 yr olds $107* (parents attend)
10:30 – 11:30 Meadow: 4 1/2 – 6 1/2 year olds $157* parents join the last 10 minutes
11:30 – 12:30 Intro to Keyboard: 6 – 8 year olds $140* parents join the last 10 minutes
*All prices include home materials

Summer camps for Rising 2nd – 8th graders include: Multiple Exposure: Guitar/Piano/Percussion/Computer Music – Can’t decide which instrument to learn? Experience them all!
Summer Sounds: Start your summer singing (and drumming and moving!) in this choral camp.
Sounds of Praise Day Camp Event, June 5 where the day concludes with performing at a local nursing home.
Family Camp: a musical experience for the entire family! Sing, drum, create, folk-dance and more!
Family Music: another music opportunity on Saturdays in June & July.
There is an Around the World camp for 4 – 6 year olds, and an 8-day introductory Music Makers: at the Keyboard class for the older beginner (3rd – 5th grade). 2nd graders and up can explore keyboard and more during Piano Possibilities. There is something for everyone, so join the fun!

Complete descriptions and registration forms can be found online here
Call Vicki at 920-6542 for more information.

All American Pressure Cleaning has proudly been serving the Lowcountry for over 10 years and this week is offering to a Free “Day at the Spa” for your home to one lucky SouthernMamas reader.

Win a complete exterior house wash (valued at $300) which includes the removal of all mold, mildew and other surface pollutants utilizing All American’s exclusive low-pressure, soft-wash process and Mildew Preventative Treatment.

All American Pressure Cleaning is extending a 10 percent discount to all SouthernMamas readers as well as a free sidewalk cleaning for all House Washes scheduled before May 15.

All American Pressure Cleaning has taken pressure washing to the next level, having spent over a decade developing and refining a proprietary soft wash system of exterior cleaning which incorporates custom engineered equipment, eco-friendly cleaners and a highly trained staff providing the most effective and affordable way to bring back the beauty of your property’s exterior. 

Mike Vidan, “The Dean of Clean”, All American Pressure Cleaning, 912-308-8544. For lawn care services, All American Property Maintenance

Lowcountry photographer Cecillia Berger  is offering an ideal April special: a $200 discount off the purchase of a high resolution CD of your full session that includes two file folders, websized for sharing and high res files for printing. Includes all images from your gallery and copyright release. Print to your heart’s content.

Primarily a natural light photographer, Cecillia specializes in custom lifestyle portraiture. She loves capturing , energy, emotion, family connections and children’s true natures in her photographs.

Become a fan of Cecillia B Photography on Facebook to find out about new products and special offers. Just click here. Don’t forget to become a fan because Cecillia B will beannouncing a give away next week and you don’t want to miss it.

To see more examples of her work beyond those posted here, visit the Cecillia B Photography Web site and her blog.

Cecillia B Photography, 843.263.5971 or email CecilliaBPhotography@gmail.com

Emily Sontag wins the March Petite Feet giveaway!! Congratulations. Emily wins her choice of a pair of Tsukihoshi children’s or babies shoe that is stock at Petite Feet.

Petite Feet is Savannah’s newest shoe store for children. Petite Feet’s location at  5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix has easy  in-and-out parking. 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 more brands and information

SouthernMamas reader Beth Nichols Watt wins a free session of Savannah Celtic’s  Early Goals Spring soccer program, which caters to players ages 3-4.

The toddler soccer session runs the week of April 12 through the week of May 17 . Registration costs $50 and includes a 6 week program, practice t-shirt, end of the season finale with a medal and certificate.

Sessions will be held at the Salvation Army fields on the corner of Washington and Bee Rd. (3000 Bee Rd). The Wilmington Island session will be held at Brooks field on Concord Rd. All practices are approx. 30-40 minutes.

Savannah Celtic already offers programs for older children. But also has a this fun, action-packed toddler program for players ages 3-4. There are no games. Instead, coaches work on simple motor skills and ball familiarity.

Enter to win even if you already registered your child. If you win,  Savannah Celtic will give you a refund and your tot will play for free.

Early Goal players will attend one practice session a week. Chose one of the following sessions:

Monday 3 PM @ Wilmington Island
4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17

Tuesdays 9:30 AM @ Salvation Army
4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Tuesdays 5:30 PM @ Salvation Army
4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Thursdays 5:30 PM @ Salvation Army
4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20

To register your toddler for Early Goals, contact Michell Laing  laing2110@gmail.com , call 912.495.9996
or click here.

This week, a lucky SouthernMamas subscriber will win a free session of Savannah Celtic’s  Early Goals Spring soccer program, which caters to players ages 3-4.

The toddler soccer session runs the week of April 12 through the week of May 17 . Normally, registration costs $50. But you can win a free soccer program for your toddler.  Check out the rules below to enter to win:

The $50 registration fee includes a 6 week program, practice t-shirt, end of the season finale with a medal and certificate.

Sessions will be held at the Salvation Army fields on the corner of Washington and Bee Rd. (3000 Bee Rd). The Wilmington Island session will be held at Brooks field on Concord Rd. All practices are approx. 30-40 minutes.

Savannah Celtic already offers programs for older children. But also has a this fun, action-packed toddler program for players ages 3-4. There are no games. Instead, coaches work on simple motor skills and ball familiarity.

Enter to win even if you already registered your child. If you win,  Savannah Celtic will give you a refund and your tot will play for free.

Early Goal players will attend one practice session a week. Chose one of the following sessions:

Monday 3 PM @ Wilmington Island
4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17

Tuesdays 9:30 AM @ Salvation Army
4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Tuesdays 5:30 PM @ Salvation Army
4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

Thursdays 5:30 PM @ Salvation Army
4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20

To register your toddler for Early Goals, contact Michell Laing  laing2110@gmail.com , call 912.495.9996
or click here.

(This is the first Ask the Expert ad. Ask The Expert is a new advertising option with SouthernMamas. For more info, email anne@southernmamas.com)

Q & A with Julie Lanham, owner of “La Dee Da” is an upscale children’s consignment boutique located in the heart of Rincon, Georgia.

What are the benefits of consigning my children’s outgrown items?
Recycling your children’s clothing is good for the planet. Clean out your children’s closets — and earn money too!
Buy what you need by selling items you need no longer use. No shipping costs or waiting for things by mail. We organize, advertise, and sell for you.

Pay less for high quality items; stretch your clothing budget. It’s much easier on you than is the hassle of having another yard sale! Recoup some of the cost you’ve invested in your children. Help those in need! You may donate your unsold items to local charities. Choose to receive your earnings as store credit and save even more on purchases

What’s the average amount consigners make when they consign their items with you?
What a consignor earns may vary. Items that are higher end brands, in excellent condition and in current style sell faster, better and earn more money than those that are not. Consignors, depending on the quantity and quality of the items consigned, can earn a couple of hundred dollars per 90 day agreement.

How do I know what items are appropriate for consignment?
Each consignment shop sets its own acceptance terms, however, the trend in accepting children’s apparel and gear is that all items are in excellent and working condition free of flaws/wrinkles/stains. Items should be in current style and only used a couple years and are not in or have been in a recall status. In reference to what items are accepted varies from shop to shop. Call the shops that you are interested in consigning with and they will tell you exactly what they will or will not accept.

Are there any key types of children’s clothing that sell better than others?

Most shops carry a variety of clothing to suit the needs and tastes of today’s diverse mom’s and grand mom’s. Smocked apparel is an excellent seller and known for its classic style. Cottons, linens and light weight fabrics sell well in the spring and summer while denim and heavier knits sell well in the fall and winter seasons.

 What are the major do’s and don’t’s when consigning children’s clothing?
DO check with your consignment shops to confirm what they accept as well as their terms prior to your initial drop off. This avoids inconvenience and helps you to decide what to consign

DO make sure that your items are in excellent condition, in season and in working order

DO read your consignment agreement thoroughly. DO make sure to choose a shop that is clean, organized and treats your items with care and respect.

DO NOT become disappointed when a shop does not take all of your items. The more selective a shop owner is about their inventory, the better your earning potential.

DO NOT consign items that are outdated or flawed

DO NOT consign your items in a shop that is obviously disorganized or less than clean. This leads to greater opportunity for loss and diminishes earning potential

Please share an insider’s tip that the average person doesn’t know
Most shops have frequent markdowns in order to recycle the daily inventory that streams in. Call shops in advance to ask when and what their sales are.

Any other questions you want to answer for consumers?
Consignment selling and shopping is becoming a popular trend amongst women regardless of social or economic gradients. Many shops carry retail and custom made merchandise in addition to consignments in an effort to meet the many needs of their clientele.

 La Dee Da upscale children’s consignment boutique , 912-295-5470. Tues- Fri 9:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm. Proud retailers of Mudpie, Petit Ami, Rileyroo’s, Jewelry by Lorena and The Fizzy Baker.
Hwy 21 North, Rincon. Located in Burns Station next to the Bank of America and across from The Curiosity Shoppe