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

If you want to land on Mars…Dream Big!
Or be a rock ‘n’ roller superstar…Dream Big!
Or find the cure to a rare disease…Dream Big!
Or learn to dance like a chimpanzee…Dream Big!

So sang children’s musician Roger Day at his fun and energtic Saturday concert in Savannah. Roger Day had tots dancing , jumping, doing the limbo, pretending to be yaks while climbing Mt. Everest, counting in Spanish, crooning an ode to a roly-poly and competing to be the world’s slowest turtles. The performance was one of the best kids’ shows this SouthernMama has ever attended in Savannah. A huge thank you to the Savannah Music Festival for bringing such a fabulous children’s performer our way!

To learn more about Roger Day and his music, click here.

Heidi Kain is the second of two winners in this week’s SouthernMamas giveaway: a two-night stay at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

Thanks to everyone who shared your photos of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page .

Heidi wins a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

Chances are Roger Day is the only children’s musician who has written a song that tells kids what to eat to strengthen their brain.

Blueberries are what you chew
If you want to elevate your IQ
Folic acid in whole wheat in bread
Now that’s a smart thing to feed your head

“Brain Food – Eat it Up” is one of the many smart tunes on his new album, “Why Does Gray Matter? And Other Brainy Songs for Kids.” Another highlight is the tune “Left Brain/Right Brain,” in which the left brain (logical) is a string quartet and the right brain (creative) is a Clash-inspired punk rock band.

MY RIGHT BRAIN WANTS TO ROCK THE HOUSE
MY RIGHT BRAIN WANTS TO DRAW AND ILLUSTRATE
My left brain follows the directions
It always starts at “a” goes to “z”
My left brain loves to do my taxes
It fills out every form on Schedule C

Day writes and performs interactive music that encourages children to sing and jump along. The two-time winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award will perform songs from the album in his family show, “Shake Up Your Brain!,” at 12:30 PM Sat. March 27 at the Charles H. Morris Center in Trustees Garden as part of the Savannah Music Festival. Tickets are $10 adults 18 and older, $5 age 6 and older, under 6 free.  Buy tickets by clicking here.

If last Saturday’s Savannah Music Festival children’s concert The Amazing Musical Rescue with RJ & The Upbeats is any indication, the Roger Day concert is sure to be a fun time where kids can be themselves. The performers and Savannah Music Festival ushers couldn’t have been more patient and relaxed when it came to kids – aka my 1-year-old – who couldn’t sit still or stop blaring the show-provided kazoo. The Savannah Music Festival deserves a round of applause for including family, kid-friendly shows in the series. What better way to show gratitude and support than by attending this Saturday’s Roger Day concert.

Among the top most common requests we receive at SouthernMamas is for local preschool recommendations.  So we have created a special SouthernMamas Preschool Page. Click here to access the page.

Email any suggestions for preschools to be included to anne@southernmamas.com.

Among the top most common questions we receive at SouthernMamas are “Are there any local support groups for parents with a child who has autism? and “Are there any local resources for children with autism?”  The answers to both is “Absolutely!”

Such questions usually come from parents who have a child recently diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s, a high-functioning form of autism.

So we have created a special SouthernMamas Autism/Asperger’s Resource Page. Click here to read it and feel free to make suggestions. Email suggested additions to anne@southernmamas.com.

You can’t believe your baby will be entering kindergarten next fall.

And it’s already time to get ready. The Savannah Chatham County Public School System Kindergarten Orientation is this week.

SCCPSS Kindergarten Orientation Kindergarten orientation will be held in all schools throughout SCCPSS on Thursday, 9:30-10:30 AM March 25. Parents and guardians of children who will attend kindergarten next school year are encouraged to attend the orientation at the school their child will be attending in August 2010.

For more information, contact the elementary school site your child will be attending, or call 395-5635 or click here.

Thanks to SouthernMamas reader extraordinaire Kari Hunter for this info.

Artist Carrie Christian

Beginning Sat. April 10, Savannah artist Carrie Christian will host weekend creative art classes at her studio.

Classes for Pre-K/toddler aged children (2-5), run 10:30-11:30 AM. Younger siblings are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent.

Classes for Elementary aged children (6-10), run 1-2 PM.

Carrie’s studio is located at 212 E. 37th St., directly behind Bella Mia (bridal shop), at the corner of 37th and Abercorn Streets. Classes are $9 per child and include all supplies.

Carrie Christian's studio

Classes are pay as you go, but a conformation email or call would be greatly appreciated in regards to space and supply availability. Carrie Christian, T:912.323.0123
Email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Carrie Christian received her MFA in Painting and her BFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and are included among the collections of both the Mobile Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum.

She’s also experienced in Savannah Arts Academy portfolio preparation.

For more information, parent references, and pricing, please contact: Carrie Christian, T:912.323.0123
Email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Can anyone pry chicken nuggets from school lunch menues? Maybe Chef Jamie Oliver, who successfully reformed the school meal system in the United Kingdom.

In the UK, Oliver spearheaded a healthy school lunch campaign that persuaded the government there to allocate more than $400 million for the lunches.  Can he do it here with the new TV series “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution?

Oliver will be on CNN’s Larry King Live at 9 PM Thurs. March 25

Georgia State Park Lodges

Welcome to week No. 2 of the great Spring Break Escape giveaway: two nights at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

SouthernMamas reader Carla Reed won two nights at a lodge of her choice last week. This week could be your turn. Just share a photo of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page and have a chance to win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

One winner will be chosen at the end of this week (March 26). To win, just visit the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page and post a photo of you, your kids or your family doing something fun outside. We’ll pick two winners and announce them here.

Spring Break is a great time for families to get outdoors as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Georgia State Parks & Lodges offer a variety of comfortable hotel-style lodge rooms at affordable prices with their new “Spring Lodge-ical” rates starting at $69 per night. Or, simply head out for the day, parking fees are just $5 per day and there are tons of recreational offerings for the entire family, from hiking and biking trails, to canoeing, kayaking and golf, there is an activity to fit every lifestyle.

Best of all you can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors in style with a comfortable bed and hotel-style amenities. One winner will be chosen per week to win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. And Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga. For Spring Break ideas that don’t break the bank, visit  www.galodges.com or www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge

Participating Georgia State Park Lodges include:

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga.: Only one and a half hours north of Atlanta, The Lodge at Amicalola Falls is a stunning 57-room hideaway, complete with a window-lined restaurant. Whether you want to visit the famous 729-foot cascading falls, go trout fishing or hike the park’s 12 miles of trails through towering forests, there is plenty to discover at Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. 
  

  Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge

•  Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga.: Just north of Atlanta are the sandy beaches of Lake Allatoona and the pine-scented nature trails of Red Top Mountain. At the Lodge at Red Top Mountain, you can choose one of the campsites, a secluded cottage with lakeshore views or a peaceful lodge room. Guests can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails and water sport galore on Lake Alatoona Including boating, fishing, skiing and swimming. There’s also a miniature golf course.

•  
  

  Unicoi State Park Lodge

  Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga.: In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located just two miles from the Alpine Village of Helen, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park is a beautiful setting for all of your family’s needs. Guests can enjoy the park’s 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, lake and trout stream fishing, four lighted tennis courts, softball and volleyball area, picnic facilities, world class mountain bike trail and year-round schedule of activities.

•  
• George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines, Ga.: Head to Southwest Georgia for the pristine forests, championship golf and scenic dining. The Lodge at George T. Bagby is the perfect retreat, whether you choose a room at the lodge or a cottage in the woods. Guests can enjoy plenty of activities on beautiful Lake Walter George, from boat rentals and full-service marina to swimming, fishing, beach volleyball and tennis.

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Carla Reed is the first of two winners in the current SouthernMamas giveaway: a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

Thanks for sharing your photos of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page . You still have a chance to win a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges because we’ll be picking a SECOND WINNER at the end of next week (March 26).

Two SouthernMamas readers will win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

To win, just visit the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page and post a photo of you, your kids or your family doing something fun outside. We’ll pick a second winner and announce her here next week.

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.

Parents-to-be have many exciting decisions to make in preparation for their baby: nursery decor, furniture, registry, baby names and ….life insurance. Insurance confuses most new parents; the terminology, numbers, and flurry of adjectives leave them baffled, even after they purchase a life policy. Below I’ve attempted to give you a basic understanding of why you need insurance, what kinds you can buy, and what to watch out for.

Q: Why do I need life insurance?
A: Life insurance protects the family in the event of death of a key money-earner. Generally, you need one policy for each parent, regardless of whether both parents are working. The premature death of a stay at home Mom can be just as financially devastating as the death of a working father: if the Mom dies, the costs of full-time child care factors into the equation. Life insurance gets more expensive as we age – the idea is to buy your policy when you are young, and “lock-in” cheaper premiums.

Q: How much life insurance coverage do I need?
A: Start here: 5-10x salary + mortgage + other major debts + college tuition for kids. Each situation is unique; make sure you and your financial advisor are thoughtful about this number.

Q: How do I decide what type of insurance to get?
A: This is where it gets tricky. Generally, there are two types of insurance: Term and Whole.
Term insurance works like auto or homeowners coverage: If you die while the policy is active (the ‘term’), the beneficiary gets the amount for which you’re insured. Common policies provide coverage for 10-30 years. Term is useful where the need for life insurance is temporary – like until your mortgage is paid off or your children finish college. This makes sense for most young families because it covers a set period, with affordable premiums. Your term policy can carry the option to convert to a whole life policy, a wise idea for those who want lifelong coverage.
Whole insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit for a guaranteed period of time. The policy’s life is intended to be longer than the lifetime of the insured. Premiums for this type of insurance are higher.

Q: I have a life policy through work, do I need more?

To read the answer to that question and the rest of this guest post in its entirety, click here.
 
Please email/call with questions: Marsha Woelber; marsha@iissav.com, 912-650-2852.

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 voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Krispy Kreme school fund raisers. School spirit night with Pizza Hut. Elementary school carts that hawk Snickers to first graders.

All done in the name of raising money for budget-strapped schools.

The school system has the difficult task of fitting school meals into caloric and fat-content guidelines, but also making those meals appeal to kids. All with a limited budget of a little more than $1 per plate.

Yet, individual elementary schools can hold a Little Caesars School Spirit Night fund raiser or sell snacks, no matter how high the fat and caloric content, to raise money.

What’s your take on fast-food partnerships in elementary schools? And school snack carts that sell candy to students? My Sunday newspaper column on the topic has generated a slew of hate mail from folks who see nothing wrong with elementary schools endorsing fast food. “Don’t blame the obesity problem on fast-food” one reader wrote. So getting kids hooked on eating a school-endorsed meal of nuggets and fries at an early age doesn’t have any effect on the obesity problem? Seriously?

There have to be better ways to raise money. St. Andrew’s, a fast-food free school on Wilmington Island, hosted a successful school benefit last year that was the opposite of fast-food fundraiser: a slow foods dinner with local (non-fast food) restaurants to raise money for an outdoor classroom that will be a place for gardening and ecology. The benefit featured foods by Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, Cha Bella, Local 11 Ten, The Sentient Bean and Thrive.

Schools have been successful in reducing or eliminating soft drinks from cafeterias: Can’t they do the same with fast-food?

Spring is the perfect time to get the family off the couch and enjoying quality time in the great outdoors.

What could be better than spending time at our Georgia State Parks & Lodges?

Share a photo of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page and have a chance to win a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

Two SouthernMamas readers will win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

One winner will be chosen at the end of this week (March 19) and a second winner at the end of next week (March 26). To win, just visit the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page and post a photo of you, your kids or your family doing something fun outside. We’ll pick two winners and announce them here.

Spring Break is a great time for families to get outdoors as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Georgia State Parks & Lodges offer a variety of comfortable hotel-style lodge rooms at affordable prices with their new “Spring Lodge-ical” rates starting at $69 per night. Or, simply head out for the day, parking fees are just $5 per day and there are tons of recreational offerings for the entire family, from hiking and biking trails, to canoeing, kayaking and golf, there is an activity to fit every lifestyle.

Best of all you can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors in style with a comfortable bed and hotel-style amenities. One winner will be chosen per week to win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. And Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga. For Spring Break ideas that don’t break the bank, visit, www.galodges.com or www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Participating Georgia State Park Lodges include:

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga.: Only one and a half hours north of Atlanta, The Lodge at Amicalola Falls is a stunning 57-room hideaway, complete with a window-lined restaurant. Whether you want to visit the famous 729-foot cascading falls, go trout fishing or hike the park’s 12 miles of trails through towering forests, there is plenty to discover at Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks.

• Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga.: Just north of Atlanta are the sandy beaches of Lake Allatoona and the pine-scented nature trails of Red Top Mountain. At the Lodge at Red Top Mountain, you can choose one of the campsites, a secluded cottage with lakeshore views or a peaceful lodge room. Guests can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails and water sport galore on Lake Alatoona Including boating, fishing, skiing and swimming. There’s also a miniature golf course.

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga.: In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located just two miles from the Alpine Village of Helen, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park is a beautiful setting for all of your family’s needs. Guests can enjoy the park’s 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, lake and trout stream fishing, four lighted tennis courts, softball and volleyball area, picnic facilities, world class mountain bike trail and year-round schedule of activities.

• George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines, Ga.: Head to Southwest Georgia for the pristine forests, championship golf and scenic dining. The Lodge at George T. Bagby is the perfect retreat, whether you choose a room at the lodge or a cottage in the woods. Guests can enjoy plenty of activities on beautiful Lake Walter George, from boat rentals and full-service marina to swimming, fishing, beach volleyball and tennis.

• Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.: You can spend your days enjoying golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, boating or fishing at Ocmulgee’s state park and 265-acre lake. At the Lodge at Little Ocmulgee in south central Georgia, you camp out among the trees, choose a cottage or stay at the 60-room lodge. The lodge overlooks the park’s Wallace Adams Golf Course. Located near McRae, the 1,265 acres of high sandhills and pine forests at this middle Georgia park provide a beautiful setting for family getaways.