Kristen Grach loves well-made, beautiful jewelry.

But after the Savannah mother-of-three sold her upscale maternity boutique, Expectations, she had little reason to don her jewelry every day. Then she discovered wearing jewelry and getting dressed in something more than a tee and jeans – even just to go drop the kids off at school – helped her feel better, more put-together and as though she could conquer the world.

Now as an advisor for Lia Sophia jewelry, Kristen gets a chance to share her love for fun and fabulous jewelry, while earning a little spending money and setting her own hours.

You can either place jewelry orders individually with Kristen or host a jewelry party (and receive amazing hostess benefits such as your choice of any catalog item under $100 or, during February, add $100 of jewelry to your order for only $19). See the jewelry here and check out the hostess benefits here.

February is Double Up time: purchase two items at full price and you can add two items for half price. When you purchase three items at full price, you can add three items for half price. And so on and so on. Even better, your half-priced items can be your HIGHEST priced items.

The jewelry comes with a lifetime guarantee. Contact Kristen by clicking here and schedule your show today.

Now that the application process is under way for the funded (i.e. FREE) Georgia Pre-K program (Feb. 2-March 16),  SouthernMamas.com is receiving scores of questions about how the pre-K lottery system works. We’re trying to figure it out, too.

Children 4-years-old prior to or on Sept. 1, 2009 are eligible for free pre-K in Georgia. You can only apply to TWO different schools and your first choice must be the school in your public school attendance zone – which is a real downer for those of us in a designated zone with a less than desirable elementary school.

SouthernMamas reader Jennifer Rodgers emails:  Where can I get a list of the designated attendance zone?

Answer: Click on this school locator and put in your address. If you have any questions, call the Savannah-Chatham School’s pre-K program director LaWanda Ransom @ 912. 395.1154 or 912. 395.5635 or email her @ lawanda.ransom@sccpss.com

Private schools also offer the free pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School and Candler’s The Children’s House.

The lottery is held @ the school sites @ 10 am March 18. You can attend the lottery drawing to see if your child gets in to the pre-K program of your choice or wait to be notified in writing of acceptance or waiting list status during the week of March 23.

For more info, read past posts on this subject here and here

Wild Dill is our latest crush.

Organic. Free-trade. Sweat-shop free. Natural. And this handmade car is on sale for $19.

Feel as though you’re out of touch with your children or are missing too much of their childhood?

Jodie Randisi says her book, “201 Things to Do When Your Children say I’M BORED!”, can help. Randisi will be among the writers, storytellers, spoken-word performers and children’s book illustrators in the family activities tented venue @ the 2009 Savannah Book Festival. Check out her Web site here.

The book festival is free and open to the public, this Saturday, Feb. 7.
The kid-friendly part of the festival is in Telfair Square from 10 am-3 pm and includes children’s book author Charlotte Sauers (click here to read about her book), singer-songwriter Caroline Aiken, singer-author Ysaye M. Barnwell, The Spitfire Poetry Book and more.

For a schedule of the performers, click here.

Of course, the book festival also has lots of stuff for adults – such as six literary venues with more than 40 authors speaking to audiences throughout the day; book signings after each author presentation, book sales; food vendors from local restaurants; exhibitors, including a local authors marketplace.

Introducing a new, regular feature @ SouthernMamas. Every now and then, we’ll turn the spotlight on a children’s book you should check out. And we’ll throw in a few links so you can find the book at your local library branch.

This week’s pick: Some Dogs Do, by Jez Alborough, who serves up a catchy rhyming tale of a world where some dogs do fly and little pups are encouraged to believe.

“All dogs walk and jump and run,
but dogs don’t fly – it can’t be done.
“But I did,” said Sid. “I did.”

Click here to search and see where Some Dogs Do is available to check out @ Live Oak library branches and here to see where it’s available @ Beaufort County libraries.

We’d love suggestions from readers about their favorite library finds for kids. Email anne@southernmamas.com or comment below.

A reminder about a new storytime in town.

It’s @ The Roundhouse Railroad Museum @ 601 W. Harris St. in downtown Savannah, starting Wednesday, Feb. 11 10 – 11 am. In the Kids Zone Baggage Car. For ages 2-5.

The theme for that week is “Will You Be My Valentine?” Cost : $4 per child, plus adult admission.

Reservations are required. Call 912.651.6823 or email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org.

The event kicks off  a special once-a-month story and craft time @ The Roundhouse Railroad Museum. Click here upcoming storytime themes and dates.

Attention new and pregnant moms!
This week, local photographer and SouthernMamas sponsor Nicole Williams of Memories for Keepsake Photography by Nicole is giving away THREE newborn photo session packages. The three giveaway packages will include :
1 8×10
2 5×7’s
1 set of wallets
a set of mommy cards
25 custom announcements
and a mini album of your session

The only stipulation is the baby must be less than 3 weeks of age. These packages can be redeemed anywhere from now through August 2009, so whether you are newly pregnant, about to deliver or just home from the hospital, you should enter this contest! Here’s how:

Here are the rules:

To enter to win, email your name and the correct answer to the following question to anne@southernmamas.com. Nicole helps capture childhood moments. She knows how quickly those moments pass as a mom of how many children? Hint: Visit her Web site and click on More Info, then click on About Me.

To book a session with Nicole Williams, call 912.596.0832 or email memoriesforkeepsake@comcast.net

This upcoming Sunday Feb. 8 is Super Museum Sunday. On this special day you can take your whole family to participating museums and historic sites FOR FREE. For a list of participating museums and venues, click here.

During Super Museum Sunday, The Coastal Heritage Society will offer FREE rides on its newly-completed passenger car at The Roundhouse Railroad Museum

The train rides will take place every half-hour from noon-4 pm. Admission to the museum will be free as well. The car will be hauled behind a historic diesel locomotive. Also featured are blacksmith demos as well as children’s activities including storytimes in the museum’s special kids’ cars.

The Roundhouse is across from the Savannah History Museum/Visitors Center on Louisville Road west of the intersection of MLK, Jr. Blvd. 912.651.6823.

For a details on events offered at other venues during Super Museum Sunday, check back Friday on SouthernMamas.com.

Are you concerned about complications associated with c-sections? This new study here details some of the risks, including breathing and feeding problems and infections.

Many moms who undergo c-sections want vaginal births after a c-section (also known as VBAC), but are denied that option. I write about c-sections vs. VBACs in my Sunday column this week in the Accent section of the Savannah Morning News. Read it here.

Whereas VBACs were briefly popular a few years ago, increasing from 3 percent to 28 percent from 1981 and 1996, now the trend is more toward “once a cesarean, always a cesarean.” More and more doctors have banned VBACs. One of the few local practices that still offers VBACs when appropriate is Provident OB/GYN Associates.

To find out more about the risky rise of c-sections nationally, visit the Georgia chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network here.

Check out the outfits from Lemon Loves Lime designer line. Lots of descriptions come to mind – whimsical, fun, and above all, available now at @ Island Child in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Is. or via the Island Child online store here. 1.888.705.5437 or 843.686.5437.

Island Child is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com

Interested in sending your child to St. Andrew’s School?

The independent college preparatory school on Wilmington Island has several open house dates for Pre-K 3 through Grade 12 including:
Tues., Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.
Fri. Jan. 16 at 12 noon
Mon., Jan. 26 at 9 a.m.
Wed., Jan. 28 at 12 noon
Thurs., Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.

Call 897.4941 to reserve your spot or for more information. To find out more about the school, click here.

You know you want professional portrait or wedding shots that incorporate the beauty of Savannah and the Lowcountry.

But you don’t know where to begin to find that perfect backdrop. Photographer and Savannah native Stacy Martinez does.

Stacy Martinez Photography specializes in wedding and portrait photography.  She’s hip to the ends and outs of this area and perfect back alleys and side streets to make for lasting and timeless photographs.

SMP’s portfolio also includes military – families and deploying or returning troops – commercial, headshots, any type of event, beach and pet photography.

Stuffy and posed she is not. Stacy’s style is candid, photojournalism with natural lighting so gorgeous it bounces off her clients beautiful smiles. She is also a photojournalist for the Coastal Family Magazine and The Business Report & Journal.

Check out her reasonable prices.
On Location session: $75
Beach session: $100
Clients can own the copyrights (images on CD) for $100
Or order prints for prices starting at $2 for a 4×6 .
You can view your images in your own private password protected gallery and order the prints or the CD from the Stacy Martinez Photography Web site.

For even more proof that Stacy does quality work, take a look at some of the examples of her work posted above or visit her blog by clicking here. Set up an appointment by calling 912.308.1427 or email stacy.martinez@comcast.net.

Looking for a better job? Or trying to rejoin the workforce after staying home with the kids?
The job market is fiercely competitive right now.
So if your resume isn’t the absolute best it can be, then you will not get a second look from the company of your choice.
Check out our newest sponsor – Premier Resumes Online– which specializes in creating professional and customized resumes and cover letters for job seekers in all industries, in all professions, and at every career level.
Owned and operated locally, Premier Resumes Online creates resumes that capture the interest of recruiters.
Owner Katie Gohn finds this work immensely rewarding. After all, she gets to see you immediately gain confidence in yourself after seeing on paper the wealth of experience you have to offer a company.
Click here for prices on obtaining the essential tool in landing interviews for the “right” positions.
And get the job you deserve.

Welcome to all the new SouthernMamas readers who found us over the holidays and signed up to subscribe to our popular weekly newsletter.

Please support the businesses listed under the sponsors column on the right side of this site. These for-profit businesses help make SouthernMamas possible and we are so grateful for their support.

So when you have online shopping to do, are looking for a photographer or travel agent, need a clown for birthday parties or help on home repairs,  or just want to give your resume a facelift, please click on our sponsors’ ads to the right. Because the more readers support them, the more our sponsors will support us.

Thank you. And thank you for spreading the word about SouthernMamas.

The good news is I still write a Sunday column “Hart to Heart” for the Savannah Morning News Accent section.

The bad news is they are cutting my column back from once a week to every other week. Very depressing and confidence-shattering. But that’s the state of print journalism today – budget cuts and lay offs.

I will continue to use this Web site to promote my columns when they run on the first and third Sunday of each month. Feel free to share story ideas and comments on what you’d like my column to focus on in the future. I get mixed messages on whether readers want more personal stories or more issue-oriented stories. My last two columns have offered a little of each.

Last week, I shared the humorous birth story of our precious new daughter, Francie, who arrived as an early Christmas gift for our family and a 40th birthday gift for me. You can read the column here. (The photo posted above is of Francie looking a little perplexed by her big brother as he tries to explain fingers and hands to her.)

This Sunday’s topic is a bit more controversial: breast feeding in public. I, personally, am often too shy to breast feed in public,  but support mothers who do 100 percent. You can read the column here. It’s about a breast feeding feud prompted by Facebook banning some breast-feeding photos on the basis of being obscene. Do you think breast-feeding photos are obscene? Please share your opinion in the comment section below.

 Thanks to savvy SouthernMamas reader Lia Hyatt for sharing this tip: Oatland Island Wildlife Center will not cancel their regular Toddler Tuesdays story, craft and animal visitor program after all. The good news was announced @ this past week’s Toddler Tuesday.

Last month, organizers had said  there are no plans to continue the popular program this year because of budget cuts. The wildlife center receives funds from money-strapped Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

We’re thrilled the program is expected to start up again mid-January. Click here for upcoming updates on when it will start.

What a great reason to become a member of Oatland Island, especially now that membership rates have been lowered. It now costs $35 for a family of six, compared to the previous price of $60. Click here for membership info and here for rates.

My mom says I’m her sugarplum.
My mom says I’m her lamb.
My mom says I’m completely perfect
Just the way I am.
My mom says I’m a super-special wonderful terrific little guy.
My mom just had another baby.
Why?
-Judith Viorst

I thought we had the whole “how-to-help-older-sibling-adjust-to-new-baby thing” covered. But four days into being a big brother, my 2-year-old is having a rough time. Not with his baby sister, whom he loves to kiss, hug and coo over. But with ME, his once constant companion who now isn’t so constant. Last night, he summed up his feelings by swinging this statement at me several (painful) times “I don’t like Mama.”

So I’m in search of ways to help with the adjustment – starting with finding children’s books. We often read Ezra Jack Keats “Peter’s Chair,” about a boy learning to accept his new baby sister. My son loves it. Here are some others I plan to check out:

“Duck at the Door” by Jackie Urbanovic
What happens when a duck knocks at your door and wants to stay with you all winter? Young readers who bemoan the presence of a new sibling may relate to the other pets in the house, who initially are frustrated by Duck but grow to love him.

“Baby on the Way” by Dr. William Sears, author and baby care expert. Gives older siblings a realistic view of what to expect once baby has arrived and helps them sort through feelings they may be experiencing as they wait. Supposed to be especially helpful for those parents who practice attachment parenting.

“Nobody asked me if I wanted a baby sister” by Martha Alexander. A jealous big brother tries to give away his new baby sister to several people in the neighborhood.

“I used to be the baby” by Robin Ballard. A young boy with a new sibling is always there when his mother needs a helping hand and is happy about having a new brother. Deep down inside, though, he misses being a baby and all the baby perks.

“I’m a big brother” or “I’m a big sister” by Joanna Cole

“She come bringing me that little baby girl” by Eloise Greenfield.

Please comment below if you have other suggestions.

Dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood learning difficulties.

But help is available. The Reading Quest Learning Center in Pooler – a new sponsor of SouthernMamas – specializes in dyslexia and non-medication programs for ADD/ADHD. Recently, Reading Quest also added a program for autism.

Lesa Hall, who holds a B.S. in Education and has 15 years of teaching experience, founded Reading Quest Learning Center in May 2006. She uses the Davis Dyslexia Correction Program that addresses the learning styles of children and adults with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD.

The center’s philosophy is that dyslexia is not a disease, defect, or malformation of the brain, but a highly creative thought process and a special way of reacting to confusion.

The goal of Reading Quest’s 5-day intensive/one-on-one dyslexia program – which is also open to adults – is for the student to acquire the basic tools of literacy including:
-The ability to recognize and correct disorientations at will
-The ability to focus attention
-The knowledge of how to eliminate confusions in words and symbols
-Increased self-confidence and ability in reading writing math or physical skills

Reading Quest is offering a free consultation and assessment with a 10 percent discount off the program fee.

Read more about Reading Quest’ s dyslexia sessions by clicking here; by calling 912.330.8577 or emailing lesa@readingquestga.com.

The center’s new autism program is for children 8 and older as well as adults. Non-verbal students are accepted. For more info on the one-on-one, 4 to 5 week autism sessions, click here. Call 912.330.8577 to schedule a free presentation of the program.

The Junior League of Savannah is giving away two pairs of tickets to two SouthernMamas subscribers for this Friday’s thrift sale @ the Savannah Civic Center.

You can find appliances, electronics, children’s clothing and toys, home and holiday decor, books, accessories, house wares,
linens, furniture and more. Recently, two new sections have been added to the sale: New Boutique, featuring new-in-the-box merchandise; and Gift Shop, featuring high quality items such as crystal, china, jewelry, and designer goods.

To be eligible to win, email your name to anne@southernmamas.com by 9 pm Wednesday. We’ll pick two names at random and announce the two winners here Thursday. Winners will be able to pick up their free tickets Friday at the Savannah Civic Center box office.

The Junior League of Savannah Thrift Sale is 10 am-2 pm Fri. Oct. 3 to Sat. Oct. 4 @ the Savannah Civic Center. Entry is $5 on Fri. and $3 on Sat. Tickets at the Civic Center Box Office or 912.651.6556.

All proceeds benefit the Junior League of Savannah’s community projects.

Children under 2 are admitted free. No strollers or carts are permitted. Items sold on Saturday are half-price. All sales are cash only. Parking is free.

This year, you can enjoy first picks from the floor, hors d’oeuvres, auction items and cash bar @ the Thrift Sale Preview Cocktail Party and Auction Thurs. Oct. 2 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Cost is $35 limited availability. (This giveaway doesn’t apply to the preview party tickets). Live and silent auctions includes such items as art, jewelry, designer clothing and gift certificates to top spas, golf courses and restaurants. Tickets for the Preview Cocktail Party and Auction are available by clicking here.

Here’s a giveaway you can really use this time of year.

Local photographer and SouthernMamas sponsor Nicole Williams is giving away a FREE Christmas photo package, one 8×10 and two 5×7’s.

Yes, it really is time to start thinking about that time of the year again. Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to stay ahead on things than to get your Christmas portraits done early.

To be eligible to win, email the correct answer to the following question to anne@southernmamas.com. What is the very meaningful three-word phrase at the top of Nicole’s blog? Hint: click here.

Be sure to email the answer by the 9 pm Thurs. Oct. 2. Don’t forget to tell us your name. We’ll pick a name at random and announce the winner Friday on SouthernMamas.com.
Nicole Williams is a new local photographer and to kick off her first Christmas in business she also is offering SouthernMamas subscribers 30 percent off of package or a la carte pricing now through Dec. 1 2008. Her slots will fill quickly, so make sure you book your session early.

The first SouthernMamas fan who books a holiday session will receive a FREE set of 25 (5×7 size) custom Christmas cards for friends and family.

Nicole specializes in studio or on location portraiture. By booking a session with her, you’ll be certain to have priceless gifts for friends and family this year. One example of her work is included here. View more by clicking here

Get to know a little bit about Nicole’s work and family by staying up to date on her blog, which includes fun contests and portrait giveaways.

You are going to love this giveaway. Two SouthernMamas subscribers will win FOUR FREE TICKETS each to
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey.

The show is playing @ the Savannah Civic Center Nov. 5-9. Ticket sales are already under way here. The two winners will each receive four free vouchers, which can be used for one of any of the shows.

The show invites children to join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a journey into the magical worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan, and Lilo & Stitch. From Ariel’s enchanting undersea kingdom to Never Land with Peter Pan and his sassy fairy friend Tinker Bell, you child is sure to be captivated by the music, beauty and laughter in a journey so magical. You, too, may never want to go home.

To be eligible to win this giveaway, comment below on your all-time favorite Disney character or movie. Just click on comments and start writing. Be sure to comment by the 9 pm Thurs. Oct. 2. Don’t forget to tell us your name. We’ll pick a name at random and announce the winner Friday on SouthernMamas.com.

You have to be a SouthernMamas subscriber to participate. Subscribing is free. Click here to do so.

We gripe a little on SouthernMamas about how tough it can be for some to lose that baby weight.

But just imagine if you had roughly 350 pounds to drop or risk serious health consequences, i.e. death. And you decided to try to lose the weight on national TV.

Meet longtime Savannah resident and 500-pound Ruby Gettinger who is doing just that. Ruby is the subject of my column today in the Accent section of the Savannah Morning News. Read the column here.

Ruby will be the star of an upcoming reality series on the Style Network that documents her struggle to become a fit, healthy person. Ruby’s been overweight since she was 8 years old.

As a society, we tend to have little sympathy for people who are obese. But I predict viewers – thin and fat – will fall in love with Ruby and her quirky sense of humor after the reality show “Ruby” premieres Nov. 9. And we’ll all be rooting for Ruby.

OK. Here’s our chance to spark our kids’ interest in playing a string instrument.

Savannah’s “MusicAlive!” string quintet will have classical music programs for children next month @ branches of the Live Oak Public Libraries. Children will learn about the musical genius of Amadeus Mozart and his music.

There will also be a string instrument “petting zoo” after the program when children will be allowed to touch the instruments.

The FREE performances are recommended for children of all ages. Here’s the schedule for the MusicAlive! events:

Tues., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. @ West Chatham Branch Library
Tues., Oct. 14, 4 p.m. @ Islands Branch Library
Wed., Oct. 15, 10 a.m. @ WW Law Branch Library
Wed., Oct. 15, 4 p.m. @ Oglethorpe Mall Branch Library

Call your local branch for more info. Click here for branch phone numbers and addresses. Sponsored by Live Oak Public Libraries Foundation and the Savannah Friends of Music.

Elizabeth VonWaldner!

Congratulations, Elizabeth. She wins a gift package of nutritious treats teeming with Bellybar’s delicious, all-natural snacks for women before, during and after pregnancy – bars, chews, shakes and more.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Look for another giveaway from a different business to be announced here Monday.