Here’s a terrific family entertainment event with an historical flair: the Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight 2013 program in Savannah during the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight @ Davenport House Museum, 324 E. State Street, Savannah, 31401
December 26 -30, 2013
TIME: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $9 adults in advance, $11 at the door; $6 children in advance, $8 at the door

Program Length: The experience will take approximately 60 minutes. No admissions after 8 p.m.

About the Program: Glistening by candlelight, the Federal-style home welcomes visitors to an experience emphasizing the end-of-year celebrations of early 19th century Savannahians, including the Davenport household, who lived in the fine brick home on Columbia Square. Light refreshments, music and skilled interpreters, who show visitors through the home, are among the highlights of the presentation.

The experience requires that guests be able to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in the candlelit rooms.

Contact information or to make a reservation: 912-236-8097, info@davenporthousemuseum.org , www.davenporthousemuseum.org

Reservations: Encouraged

New or amplified this year:
– Recreating a girl’s accidental discovery of Clement Moore’s brand new poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.”
– Dancing demonstration at the end of the evening – four dances – March, Pavane, Quadrille and “The Delightful Dance”

Davenport House Museum, 324 E. State Street, Savannah, 31401, 912-236-8097, info@davenporthousemuseum.org , www.davenporthousemuseum.org

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Holidays 2013 in Savannah & the Lowcountry with kids: The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights; Savannah’s Lighted Parade; December Nights, Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens; The Nutcracker in Savannah & much more in the SouthernMamas.com Ultimate Holiday Guide.

Kid-friendly holiday events will be added throughout November so be sure to check out the guide today here & keep coming back through 2013.

Details on kid-friendly events in Savannah & the Lowcountry here.

The City of Savannah is offering a number of special parking incentives for downtown holiday shoppers beginning Thanksgiving.
• Three hours of free parking will be available in City Parking Garages every Thursday and Friday now through Dec. 27. This incentive is not offered during times when garages are charging special event rates.

• City of Savannah Parking Smart Cards can be purchased for 50% off their face value through the end of the year. Parking Smart Cards are like gift cards that can be used at any “pay and display” and “pay by space” parking meter in Savannah, and can be purchased in denominations of $25, $50, $75 or $100. They can be purchased at Mobility and Parking Services Office at 100 East Bryan St. (ground level of the Bryan Street Parking Garage) or by calling (912) 651-6470.

For more information, go to savannahga.gov/parking .

Photography by Julie Anne has relocated to Richmond Hill to a new spacious studio space.

The grand opening will be December 7 so come out and enjoy refreshments and check out the new studio.

If you book your session before December 7, you will receive a $50 discount on your session!

This includes newborns and weddings. These make great Christmas presents! Especially for Grandmas and Grandpas! We also have gift certificates available for a discounted price if purchased before or on the grand opening.

For more information, visit www.photographybyjulieanne.com, email at Julie@photographybyjulieanne.com or stop by the Facebook page here. 

December Nights & Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah (formerly called Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens)

Thursdays through Sundays, 6-9 PM
November 29 through December 22 and
Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2013

For the third year, the historic farm buildings and gardens are lit with over 150,000 lights in this festive evening event. Music and sweet treats add to the holiday experience. This is the Christmas walking-tour event in Savannah that so many describe as “magical and pretty.”

COST: $5/person, infants (ages 2 & younger) free.

December Nights & Holiday Lights encompasses at least six acres around the historic core of farm buildings and gardens. Enjoy 150,000+ sparkling lights on select evenings between Thanksgiving Friday and Christmas Eve.

Embark on a self-guided leisurely walking tour through differently themed garden areas. Our Holiday Lights experience is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Please, no pets during this special event.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen offers a chance to purchase hot drinks and holiday goodies. Spirited music fills the air, sometimes with live carolers, choirs or orchestra concerts.

Organizers are auditioning performance troupes (carolers, madrigals, musicians, choirs, specialty acts, etc.) to feature for the 2013 December Nights & Holiday Lights. Please contact the Special Events Planner, Ms. Liz Lubrani, by email or call the office at (912) 921-5460.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31419, www.coastalgeorgiabg.org

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE: Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be closed Tuesday, November 26, due to the forecast for heavy rain. The lights will shine again from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, November 27.

Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition – now featuring longer hours – as Aflac presents the 26th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Beginning Friday, November 22 through the end of December, the Zoo will illuminate one hour earlier, at 5:00pm each evening, with more than one million twinkling lights and countless animated images.

Please note: Since the Zoo will remain open as the lights start to shine, guests parked on the Zoo side (Greystone Blvd.) will not have to exit and re-enter the park for the nighttime event. Parking for Lights will be available at the main Zoo entrance only.

The ornate festival will again feature family favorites including the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, a 20-foot Christmas tree grooving to the rhythm of popular seasonal tunes. Songs from the tree resonate throughout the Zoo’s Palmetto Plaza, where you’ll also find the cozy Jingle Bell Bonfire, a popular spot for toasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa.

On the nights leading up to Christmas Eve, kids off all ages are invited to visit with Santa Claus at Santa’s Village. Santa will be greeting guests from 6-9 PM each evening. Riverbanks also is the only place in town where it snows every night.

In addition, a few of the Zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open during Lights including Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm.

Lights Before Christmas will take place each evening from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, November 22 to December 30. Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Admission

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. To avoid long lines on the nights of the event, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online at www.riverbanks.org .

All Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate; guest passes are not accepted.

For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org  or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo

FOR SAVANNAH AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Welcome our newest advertiser, Kidz Korner Dentistry in Pooler, the unique dental practice of Dr. Shana Herring.

Kidz Korner Dentistry provides quality dentistry to children and adolescents.

We’re excited to tell you more about Kidz Korner Dentistry & Dr. Herring in the near future. More details here.

Kidz Korner, 143 Canal St., Suite 400, Pooler 31322, 912.748.2303, www.kidzkornerinpooler.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013, 5:30-10:30 p.m.

It’s a WINTER WONDERLAND, a shimmering night aglow with holiday lights, feasting, and song at Dunham Farms in Sunbury, Ga.

The Holiday Festival of Lights and Music Illumination Night is a yearly event with jazz and holiday music, hay wagon rides, a scrumptious holiday dinner and more! All festival proceeds support non-profit Seabrook Village, its educational programs and historic buildings.

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Reservations close Thursday, December 12th at noon. Children 8 years and up are joyously welcomed to share the true spirit of the holiday season. Please specify veggie option if needed.

Dunham Farms, www.DunhamFarms.com , 912.880.4500, 5836 Islands Hwy., Sunbury, Georgia 31320

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Where can you see a giant African tortoise, a blue and gold macaw, a cockatoo and meet a magician/television star in downtown Savannah? The Magic Puppet Toys and Gifts at 212 Broughton Street, just west of Barnard Street.

The Magic Puppet has smart games and toys for kids of every age and the most animals and fun per square foot anywhere downtown. The store is the brainchild of Magic Marc Dunston.

Magic Marc appears all over Savannah and the world. He has been on Seasame Street, the Super Bowl, and is the host and executive producer of the Magic Marc show. Come by for an incredible selection of Playmobil, Lego, and all sorts of smart toys. Bring your kids to see the rabbits, parrots, giant tortoise, hamster, etc., etc. etc.

Free Beautiful Gift Wrapping!

Print the coupon above and bring it in for $10 off any purchase of $50 or more.

“Like” The Magic Puppet on Facebook here to stay connected.

The Magic Puppet, http://www.magicpuppettoys.com/, 212 W. Broughton St., Savannah, 31401, email:  tel: 912-234-2007 The Magic Puppet Toys & Gifts is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Featuring over 700 displays and two million lights, the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charlesto, S.C. is a cherished holiday tradition for many families throughout Charleston, S.C. and beyond. From November 8 – December 31, James Island County Park comes alive with illumination, and is a great place to capture the magic of the holiday season.

The Holiday Festival of Lights has been recognized around the country and the world. It was featured as the only U.S. event in Moscow’s Festival of Festivals, Coastal Living recognized it as “One of the Top 10 Holiday Celebrations,” the American Bus Association ranked it as “One of the Top 100 Events in the Nation,” and it was most recently named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.

More Than Lights…
More than just a driving tour, the Holiday Festival of Lights invites you to park your cars and explore all that is offered:
Magnificent sculpture made from over 50 tons of sand
An up-close look at the lights on the holiday train
Mouth-watering treats from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
Handmade gingerbread houses
Giant greeting cards created by local students
Victorian carousel

Where:
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412.
Hours & Admission
The Holiday Festival of Lights is open 7 days a week from November 8 – December 31. Festival hours and admission vary. Learn more here.
Questions?
Email Park & Program Services or call (843) 795-4386.

Holiday Festival of Lights Fireworks Finale
9 PM Tues. Dec. 31

FOR SAVANNAH AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Handmade Happiness for the Holidays! You’re invited to the Merry Art Market at Savannah’s Clay Spot pottery studio.

Give pottery, metalsmithed jewelry, turned wood, fibers, or stainglass, all made by local artist this holiday season. Join Savannah’s Clay Spot for 3 wonderful Sat.’s and get all you shopping done in one spot.

Three Events Saturdays Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec.14
10:00am-4:00pm
At Savannah’s Clay Spot
1304 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401

The Merry Art Market is a wonderful way to get handmade arts and crafts to give this holiday season. Meet and greet the artist, and purchase Pottery, silversmithed jewelry, turned wood, fibers, stained glass, and so much more!

Contact: Lisa Bradley, lisa@savannahsclayspot.com , 912-509-4647

Check out photos of gifts you can buy by “liking” Savannah’s Clay Spot on Facebook here.

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com , 1305 Barnard St. Savannah,  31401, tel 912-509-4647 Savannah’s Clay Spot is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Huge variety of brand new cloth diapers are now available at Life is Full of Blessings, a children’s consignment boutique on Wilmington Island near Savannah offering family-friendly customer service and a fun, loving atmosphere.

Check out the Life is Full of Blessings cloth diaper photo album and all the adorable cloth diaper prints by clicking here! This series of diapers are “Goodnight Heavy Wetters” and are wonderful at keeping your baby dry. Life is Full of Blessings plans to continue stocking a wide variety of cloth diapers at affordable prices.

Life is Full of Blessings children’s consignment boutique, 212 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, 31410 tel. (912) 247-2624, https://www.facebook.com/Savannahsfavoritekidstore  Life is Full of Blessings is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Thanksgiving Field Day 2013 @ Fort Pulaski, Savannah

11/30/2013
10AM to 3:30 PM
Fee: $5 Entrance Fee
Contact Name: Gloria Lee (912) 786-5787 ext 104

Fort Pulaski will commemorate the 151st anniversary of the Grand Thanksgiving Fete and Festival of 1862. The event will recreate the field day offered by the 48th New York Infantry to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in Fort Pulaski.

The original event, held in 1862, gave the Union garrison of Fort Pulaski a respite from the constant vigilance which they maintained throughout their year-long residence on Cockspur Island.  Of the day’s events, one soldier commented, “The day was …a memorable one, contrasting as it did so severely with the events which placed us there and continued to disturb the country.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in foot races, sack races, and wheelbarrow races.  Amusements of the day will include guided tours of the fort and historic weapons demonstrations.

The event will also be an opportunity to try on clothing of the Civil War era.  All are encouraged to participate in the “burlesque dress parade”.  There will be clothing for men, women, and children, as well as accessories for the proper period look.

Schedule of Events
10:00                           Guided Fort Tour
11:00                           Foot Race (public competition)
11:15                           Sack Race (public competition)
11:45                           Wheelbarrow Race (public competition)
12:30                           Cannon Firing Demonstration
1:00                             Guided Fort Tour
2:00                             Foot Race (public competition)
2:15                             Sack Race (public competition)
2:45 Wheelbarrow Race (public competition)
3:30                             Cannon Firing Demonstration

11:00 – 3:00                Burlesque Dress Parade
Dress in the fort’s Civil War garb.

JUNIOR PARK RANGERS

When you take kids to tour national parks, you never know how much they are getting out of the visit. Especially for those of us moms who aren’t exactly history experts.

Which is why you need to pick up the Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor centers of national parks you visit. The Junior Ranger program kids engage more during the visits.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

Various national parks that have Junior Ranger programs include:
*Fort Pulaski National Monument, on U.S. 80 en route to Tybee Island. Info on the Fort Pulaski Junior Program here.
*Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fopu and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS.

You are determined to come in under budget this holiday shopping season.

Which is why you need to check out the huge $1 clothing sale this Sat. Nov. 23 @ Life is Full of Blessings, a children’s consignment boutique on Wilmington Island near Savannah offering family-friendly customer service and a fun, loving atmosphere.

The store is pulling new clothing sizes for Saturday’s $1 clothing sale. Several thousand pieces will be pulled for this weekend.

It has been 4 years this coming January since  Life is Full of Blessings first opened and they have a lot of inventory to pull to de-clutter the store and make room for new. Many great finds, so come check it out  Life is Full of Blessings this Saturday. Sale starts at 9 am at Life Is Full Of Blessings Children’s Clothing.

About Life is Full of Blessings

Inside the Life is Full of Blessings store, you’ll find everything from new to gently-loved clothing, school uniforms, new brands of cloth diapers and children’s furnishings, even boutique hair bows. You name it and you will see it in this store!

Life if Full of Blessings has a variety of items coming in and going out on a daily basis, so it is always exciting as a customer to see what new items have come in.

They offer three forms for consignor reimbursement: Cash, store credit or consignment. Designed to make resale easy for moms, this boutique accepts items of any season any time. Learn more by liking Life is Full of Blessings on Facebook here.

Life is Full of Blessings children’s consignment boutique, 212 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, 31410 tel. (912) 247-2624, https://www.facebook.com/Savannahsfavoritekidstore Life is Full of Blessings is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to a FREE Holiday Technology Shopping Presentation for Parents at St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island.

7 PM Thurs. Dec. 12 Bell Hall Media Center at St. Andrew’s School
Parent Presentation on Best Technologies for Families
Free of Charge & Open to the Public
897.4941

National technology expert, Katie Koestner, is “coming to town” and you can be sure that good boys and girls will delight and benefit from what she has to teach us. Bring your gift ideas and technology questions, and get ready add to your list.

Update your knowledge on what’s developmentally appropriate for children of all ages when it comes to iPads, iPhones and Internet access.

Meet the Presenter: Katie Koestner

Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine and is the subject of an HBO Movie. She has lectured at over 2500 institutions throughout North America, including Harvard, Princeton, Wharton, Stanford, the Pentagon, Phillips Academy, Vanguard, the Girl Scouts of America, and the US Departments of Justice, Defense and Education. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN, MTV, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Later Today, Entertainment Tonight, as well as dozens of other national news programs. She is the author of over 100 books, articles, blogs, and chapters on internet safety and healthy relationship issues. Katie is the architect of federal student safety legislation. On the topic of Cyber-Safety and Cyber-Smarts, Ms. Koestner’s witty, fast-paced programs are packed with all the essentials. Katie’s humor and stories keep her audiences engaged. Her clear instruction distills complicated information into manageable morsels.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Sun Dec. 1 2013
Crab Shack’s 4th Annual Boat Parade
7 PM
Departing from The Crab Shack
Crab Shack’s 4th Annual Boat Parade is being held on Sunday, December 1st. All the boats will be decked out in Festive Christmas Lights and will get you in the Holiday Spirit as they slowly cruise by. Boats depart Crab Shack docks around 7pm and awards will be presented out upon their return!
Call 912-786-7009 or email stephanie@thecrabshack.com for more information or to register

Fri Dec. 6 2013
LIGHTS ON FOR TYBEE Christmas Tree Lighting
6:30-9 PM
Tybrisa / Strand
The Island is in full holiday swing beginning Thanksgiving Day and this special night is when Residents and Guests gather for the annual lighting of the Tybee Christmas Tree, enjoy the choirs and dance student performances. Complementary refreshments and extended store hours throughout downtown.

Sat. Dec. 7 2013
Christmas Parade
1 PM
Tybee Island Christmas Parade Everyone loves a parade especially during the holidays! The parade begins at 1:00pm from the 14th Street parking lot (behind Ocean Plaza) and travels up Tybrisa to Butler Avenue then to the Tybee Gym where children will have photo time with Santa! The Tybee YMCA will have surprises for all to enjoy at the gym.

Sat. December 21, 2013
Toure’ de Lights Bike Ride
5 PM Bike line-up and awards ceremony
6:30 PM Toure de Lights Parade
7th Annual Tybee Island Toure’ de Lights Bike Ride
Light up your bikes, tinsel up the handrails and cruise the island for a night of holiday fun! The Toure’ de Lights ride will begin and end at A-J’s Dockside. There will be a bike decorating contest with awards for the best bike decor! Registration fee is $15 and children ride free. All event proceeds benefit the Rising TYde Community Food Pantry.
WHERE: A-J’s Dockside Restaurant 1315 Chatham Avenue Tybee Island, Georgia
COST: $15 entry fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Rising TYde Community Food Pantry.
CONTACT: 912-786-4801

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Perfect gift suggestion for teachers, friends, coaches, neighbors:  Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah Gift Cards, which are now available at Uncle Maddio’s at Abercorn & Mall Blvd.

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah also has a private banquet room and catering for all your holiday needs.

Live music @ Uncle Maddio’s, Savannah

Fri. evening Nov. 22: Nashville recording artist Coty James.

Black Friday Nov. 29: Nashville recording artist Amy Taylor also Pink Heals to fight Cancer. The big pink fire truck will be @ Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah. Kids are allowed to climb in it. Also: Red Hare Brewing Company Marietta , Ga Tap Takeover

Kids’ Make-Your-Own Pizza Birthday Parties

Have your child’s next birthday party in the private banquet room at Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah.

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with friends … and pizza, drinks, desserts and party favors? Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah has a private room perfect for make-your-own pizza parties. Kids can flip the dough in the air, spread on the sauce and put on their favorite toppings.

Contact Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Savannah for details and pricing. Call (912) 777-4479 or email abercorn@unclemaddios.com,

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint, 7805 Abercorn Street #2, Savannah, 31406, (912) 777-4479 email abercorn@unclemaddios.com, On Facebook here. Uncle Maddio’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Ft. Pulaski Candle Lantern Tours
Dec. 13-14, 2013

Fort Pulaski commemorates the Confederate Nog party of 1861 each year during the holiday season. The long-lived Savannah tradition provides night-time tours of the historic fort by candlelight and oil lamps.

The original party, held at Christmas time in 1861, gave the Confederate garrison at Fort Pulaski a respite from the tension of impending battle. The fort casemates, armed with cannons, were decorated with holiday garlands. As one soldier commented, tables groaned under the weight of fine delicacies sent down from the city. With song and good cheer, the men celebrated a light-hearted moment as the dark clouds of war gathered over Savannah.

Guests will have the unique experience of a guided tour for the fort by moonlight. Hot cider and cookies, music, caroling and night-time weapons firings will allow guests to re-live the festive occasion.

Advance reservations are required for this year’s event. The fort begins taking reservations in November. Reservations can be made in person or by phone at 912-786-5787, extension 109. The cost of the program is $5 per adult. Children 15 and under are free, but reservations must also be made for children. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/fopu  or call (912) 786-5787.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

We know a lot of our readers are amateur photographers with a lot of artistic talent, but searching for know-how when it comes to the nuts and bolts of photography! Which is why we’re thrilled to tell you about this giveaway:  One free seat at the January 11 2014 Moms with Cameras workshop in Savannah 

This class is perfect for you moms and dads who desire better family snapshots!

To enter to win, click here. Deadline to enter is Dec. 7 2013.

Not interested in the giveaway, but want to sign up for the class? Register for the class by clicking here.

Moms with Cameras class – January 11, 2014

Is your fancy digital camera still in full auto – just like it was when you first took it out of the box? Why not sign up for our beginner’s photography class and learn how to get more from your camera and take better pictures! This class is PERFECT for mom and dads who desire better family snapshots! The class will cover:

-10 Tips for Taking Better Photos and how to get your kids to cooperate
-How to get off auto mode
-Training Wheels
-How your lighting matters
-Using your Camera’s Basic Settings
-Lens Overview
-Practice shooting indoors and out

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
-snacks
-cheat sheet for your camera bag
-swag bag
-Printed notes covering the lessons taught so that you can continue to practice and refine your skills at home
-A private Facebook group to stay connected and help each other learn even after class is over
-FUN!

WHAT’S REQUIRED:
-DSLR camera OR point and shoot camera
-camera manual
-pen and paper (in case I say something mind blowing and you want to remember it)
-any extra lens you may have

The three and a half hour group class is $135 per person (with an option to pay only half down). Class size is limited to 7 students so everyone will have an opportunity to ask specific questions. Reserve your spot today!

Interested in a private individual class? The private one-on-one photography class is a great way for a you to get help with your specific camera. We’ll cover the basics of what goes into an exposure, go over the features of your camera, and suggest when to use certain features of your camera to allow you to take better pictures. We’ll also cover the differences between different lenses and which lens is best during different circumstances. A three hour class at your home is $250.

If you would like more information or have any questions please call 912.826.4447 or email jillanes@shumanphoto.com

Register for the Jan. 11 class by clicking here.

Also please check out their professional work here.

Jillane Tucker, Shuman Fine Art Photography.com, email jillanes@shumanphoto.com, 912.826.4447 http://www.shumanfineartphotography.com/ Shuman Fine Art Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Holidays 2013 in Savannah & the Lowcountry with kids: The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights; Savannah’s Lighted Parade; December Nights, Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens; The Nutcracker in Savannah & much more in the SouthernMamas.com Ultimate Holiday Guide.

Kid-friendly holiday events will be added throughout November so be sure to check out the guide today here & keep coming back through 2013.

Details on kid-friendly events in Savannah & the Lowcountry here.

Bring your budding Mozart to Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra’s Fall Concert conducted by Neil Casey.

Fall Concert with The Atlantic Chamber Orchestra
Lyric Youth Orchestra AND Debut Strings & Lyric Strings Ensembles
@ AASU Fine Arts Auditorium
11935 Abercorn Street at Science Drive
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
6:30 PM

Adults $10.00
All students FREE

Tickets: available at the door

More info on Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra here.

Music Instrument Lessons

Hoping your child falls in love with a musical instrument this year?

For information on musical lessons, check with Beth Bevars, ensemble manager for Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra. She can email you a list of local musical instrument teachers, their specialties, locations, contact info, lesson tips etc. Email Beth at savaayo@yahoo.com .

Beth offers lots of great tips about getting your child started with a musical instrument in my Q&A column with her here.

One tip Beth suggests is exposing your child to live music, which is all the more reason to check out the fall concert, 11/26 mentioned above.

FOR MORE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN THE SAVANNAH AREA, CLICK HERE.

You’re invited to the 2013 Hilton Head Island Winter Wonder Festival, Saturday, December 7 from 4-8pm at Shelter Cove Community Park.

Start off your holiday season with a fun filled afternoon of southern winter activities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Admission $10 for ages 2-15, parents come in free.

Children’s activities include: Winter Hayride, Carnival Games, Moon Bounces, Petting Zoo, Face Painting and Arts and Crafts. If you have an elf costume, wear it! If not, all the children will have a chance to make an elf costume and dress like an elf for the parade that begins at 4:45 p.m., with the Annual Golden Candy Cane hunt to follow at 5:30 p.m.

Concessions sold separately. All the proceeds of this event benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children’s Scholarship Fund. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of Winter Wonder Fun!

For more information please call us at (843) 681-7273 or visit our website at www.islandreccenter.org. You can also “like” Hilton Head Recreation Center on Facebook for daily and weekly updates at https://www.facebook.com/HiltonHeadIslandRecreationAssociation

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.