Don’t miss the FREE spring family stargazing & astronomy day @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) on Sat. April 20 in Savannah

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in conjunction with the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association invite you to see a scale model of our solar system, watch our conference center become a portable planetarium, find out how much you would weigh on Mars and how old you would be on Jupiter. Daytime gazing and children’s activities. End the day by watching the 1950’s Sci-Fi flick, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” followed by stargazing on the great lawn.

Free! April 20th from 2pm – 10pm

During the stargazing in the garden, telescopes will be set up for observation. Free & open to the public.

This is a great family event!

Here’s a list of children’s books on astronomy:

“Night Sky Atlas” by Robin Seagell
“Astronomy” by Kristen Lippincott
“Black Holes & Other Space Oddities” by Alex Barnett
“Space” by Simon Holland
“The Solar System: An A-Z Guide” by Christina Wilsdon
“Cosmic Light Shows” by Bobbie Kalman & April Fast
“Find the Constellations” by H.A. Rey
“The Stars: A New Way to See Them” by H.A. Rey

This event is free & open to the public.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Formerly The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens), 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please enter the gate on US Hwy. 17. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

Empower a Mother. Empower a Family. Empower Savannah by Giving in Love.

Stroller Strides® of Savannah and Giving in Love Inc. will be offering an incredible opportunity for you to do just that.

When: Wednesday, April 10th
Time: 9:30 am
Place: J.F. Gregory Park, Richmond Hill
Events: FREE Stroller Barre® Class
FREE Baby Sign Language Class
Raffel Prizes

Stroller Strides® of Savannah will be offering a FREE WEEK of classes to anyone who brings donations in form of new and used items, or cash donations on Wednesday, April 10th. Even if you can’t use the FREE WEEK, you can give it as a gift or donate it to a mom in need.

Can’t attend the event, but still want to donate? Contact Tia Mcmillan at (912) 388-1658 or Natalia Lucero at (910) 987-5943

If you are a local business and are interested in helping/participating in this great cause, please contact Natalia Lucero at (910)987-5943.

What kind of donations ?
Giving in Love, Inc. accepts clothes, diapers, shoes, toys (books, puzzles, etc.), baby gear (strollers, swings, carry pouches, diaper bags, etc). Formula, cereal or jarred baby food.

About Stroller Strides® of Savannah

Stroller Strides® is the nations largest program for every stage of motherhood. Stroller Strides® of Savannah opened its franchise here in Savannah, in 2012. We offer fitness classes for both mom and baby. For more information please visit our website: http://savannah.fit4mom.com  or their facebook page “Stroller Strides of Savannah”. You can also contact Natalia Lucero, franchise owner at natalialucero@fit4mom.com  or (910)987-5943.

About Giving in Love, Inc.

Giving in Love, Inc.’s mission is to enhance the lives of mothers and their children by helping them develop and strengthening their economic and social outlook. As a faith-based organization, our purpose is to serve by helping to lay a foundation wherein the organization can become a supportive agent of change and inspiration. Their vision is to empower women and connect them with the resources they need to make positive social changes in their lives and in the lives of their children with emphasis on faith, hope, and charity. For more information please visit http://www.givinginlove.org/ # or contact Tia Mcmillan at (912)388-1658.

Empower Savannah by Giving in Love.

For more information check out “Stroller Strides of Savannah” on Facebook, email natalialucero@fit4mom.com  or call Natalia Lucero at (910)987-5943.

For more information contact: Natalia Lucero at natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , visit www.strollerstrides.com or facebook Stroller Strides of Savannah at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerStridesOfSavannah. Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Carousel Returns to Savannah Mall. Grand Opening is Saturday, March 23! Festivities include $1 Easter Train rides, The Puppet People strolling characters & face painting, Savannah Balloons, balloon art for kids & more.

Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St.., http://www.savannahmall.com/events Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Carousel Returns to Savannah Mall. Grand Opening is Saturday, March 23! Festivities include $1 Easter Train rides,  The Puppet People strolling characters & face painting, Savannah Balloons, balloon art for kids & more.

Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St.., http://www.savannahmall.com/events Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Petite Feet is giving a lucky SouthernMamas.com reader your choice of a child’s pair of in-stock CHOOZE.

CHOOZE to have a colorful Spring Break!

This month, Petite Feet is giving away one pair of CHOOZE shoes. To enter, “like” Petite Feet on Facebook by clicking here, and share on their wall what creative activities you’re doing with your little ones this Spring Break. Don’t forget to say that SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Deadline to enter to win is March 31 2013! We’ll announce the winner here & on our SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com, Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

SouthernMamas.com discount on Guardian Angels Sitting Service in Savannah. Visit www.Guardianangelssittingservice.com, click book a sitter and fill out form that applies to your sitting needs to reserve your sitter today.

Mention code Smama to receive  $10 off agency booking fee for daily weekly and monthly membership and $50 off annual membership.

Guardian Angels Sitting Service is a local babysitting, pet sitting and elderly sitting referral agency. They are licensed, bonded and insured in multiple locations, from Cape May to Atlantic City NJ and Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Charleston area. Guardian Angels is also located in Savannah.

Guardian Angel babysitters are infant and Child CPR-certified and are background checked. All sitters also provide personal, childcare and employer reference checks. Sitters are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Sign up for a weekly, monthly or annual membership at their Web site by clicking here.

“Like” Guardian Angels Sitting Service on Facebook here. Learn more about how Guardian Angel Sitting Services works on YouTube here.

 Guardian Angels Sitting Service, serving Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Bluffton & beyond, www.guardianangelssittingservice.com/, Toll Free Phone/Fax: 877-470-4277, Local: 843-681-4277, email SCinfo@guardianangelssittingservice.com Guardian Angels Sitting Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

To learn more about Scribble’s art classes for kids in Pooler & Savannah, call 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com .

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, adult art parties. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates . For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to Wingfest 18 presented by Hargray
Saturday, March 23, 2013
11 am – 6 pm
Hilton Head Shelter Cove Community Park

The Island Recreation Association and Hargray are proud to present the 18th annual Wingfest, where over 6,000 lbs of chicken wings will be served. 15 – 20 local restaurants will cook their best wings from 11 am – 6 pm on Saturday, March 23 in a fun-filled, family friendly festive atmosphere. There will be many activities such as a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Custom Audio Video provides a big screen television to watch all the March Madness Basketball. Live music from 107.1’s Brad Wells Band, Deas Guyz and the Good Times Band will play while Adventure Radio will be on hand broadcasting all the excitement.

Back again is the People’s Choice Award! Your vote counts but vote before 4 pm when the voting ends. The professional judging for the best wing starts at 12:00 pm. Admission is $5 with children 10 & under getting in free. All event proceeds go to the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund, “where no child is denied recreation opportunities.”

Potential participating restaurants are Aunt Chilada’s, Casey’s Bar & Grill, Central Church, the Frosty Frog, Hilton Head Brewing Co., Kickin’ Chicken, Montana’s, One Hot Mamas, Parrot Cove Café, Pizza Dal Mare, Reilley’s, the Smokehouse, Street Meet, the Westin HHI and the Wild Wing Cafe. Other food can also be purchased separately.

For more information go to http://www.islandreccenter.org/page.php?ID=208 , call (843)681-7273 or email info@islandreccenter.org

Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your business in front of hundreds at the Savannah’s Women In Business Expo. This event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in the downtown Savannah.

Check out the website at www.SavWomenInBusinessExpo.com  for more great details about how you can participate. Registration deadline is quickly approaching so don’t wait. Join The Success At The Premier Expo Event.

Savannah’s Women In Business Expo Event, 1-877-WIB-EXPO or email womeninbusinessexpo@yahoo.com, www.savwomeninbusinessexpo.com

A women’s support group for infertility and adoption support will meet on Thursday, March 28 2013 @ 6:30 PM. For more information contact Kelly Wiggins @ 912.596.0852 or emptycradle_savannah@hotmail.com

The goal is to provide support and resources for women in the Savannah area struggling with infertility or pursuing/or have been through adoption. Newcomers to the group are welcome to attend.

Kelly Wiggins of Savannah started the group. Read Kelly’s story by clicking here.

This week’s Saved by the Deal: 40% off Sweet Frog frozen yogurt in Savannah

Sweet Frog is offering $10 of the best frozen yogurt for $6. Grab a friend and come visit Sweet Frog in the Harbersham Village and enjoy 14 fabulous flavors, 60 toppings and fast, friendly, courteous staff. Know that you’re getting a great value, supporting charity and getting the best frozen yogurt in Savannah. For every deal purchased $1 goes to Joy Prom, a Savannah night out for youth with developmental disabilities and probably the greatest party of the year.

Enjoy your frozen yogurt any time in March.

View the deal details here.

Sweet Frog Savannah, 4503 Habersham St. Savannah, 31405, 912.201.1304, https://www.savedbythedeal.org/index.php?positionID=2568#

Get ready! Easter is a little early this year: Sunday March 31.

Click here for the SouthernMamas.com list of Easter Egg Hunts in the Savannah/Lowcountry area as well as details about that favorite Savannah springtime tradition, the free chick hatchery where kids can watch chicks emerge from their shells and even hold newborn chicks.

See our list of Easter Egg Hunts & Easter Activities by clicking here. To have your event added to the list, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com . Please put Easter in the subject line.

A women’s support group for infertility and adoption support will meet on Thursday, March 28 2013 @ 6:30 PM.  For more information contact Kelly Wiggins @ 912.596.0852 or emptycradle_savannah@hotmail.com

Baby Sign & Read Classes in Savannah for parents with infant and toddlers from the ages of 0-3 yrs old are now being offered by Giving in Love, Inc.

Sign & Read classes focus on parent-child interactions, communication, and reading.

Parents learn how they can nurture their child’s language, cognitive and social-emotional development through three key areas of communication: talking, reading and signing. There are 6 classes in the first session for $85.

Class options are 10:00am or 10:35am on Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Thursdays beginning April 9 through May 14. The classes are 30 minutes long and will be held at 1900 Abercorn St.

For more information, please call (912) 388-1658 or visit us at www.givinginlove.org. “Like” Giving in Love on Facebook here.

Giving in Love, Inc is a non-profit & a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Savannah Derby Devils women’s roller derby team are counting down to their seventh competitive season starting April 20 with their debut bout at the Savannah Civic Center.

Season tickets are available until April 20 through the Savannah Civic Center Box Office and through Savannahcivic.com. Adult season tickets are $62, including fees. Season ticket holders get twice the derby for the price, including free admission to the SDD’s public scrimmages at SuperGoose Sports and a bonus bout in October at a location to be announced.

The Derby Devils will return to the Savannah Civic Center arena this year with exciting, family-friendly fun. Each event includes two roller derby bouts starting at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., activities and half-time games for kids, raffles benefiting local charities, concessions and cold beer. Some events will include mini-bouts by the SDD’s little sister league, the Savannah Jr. DerbyTaunts.

Adult tickets for single events are $16. Child tickets for ages 3-12 are $2. Children under 3 are free. Discounts are available for purchasing tickets in advance and for seniors, students, military, groups of 10 or more and members of USARS and WFTDA.

Started in 2006, the Savannah Derby Devils include more than 50 female skaters ages 19 to 40-something as well as male and female referees hailing from across the Coastal Empire. Managed, “by the skaters, for the skaters,” the league consists of two teams: The SDD All-Stars and the Hostess City Hellions. The league is an apprentice member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the international governing body for the sport.

The league offers 12-week courses for beginners, recreational scrimmaging for experienced players and two annual bootcamp programs in addition to competitive play. For more information, visit www.savannahderby.com  or www.facebook.com/savannahderbydevils .

2013 Season Schedule

April 20
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs. Greenville Derby Dames (Greenville, SC)
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Tragic City Roller Girls (Birmingham, AL)
May 18
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs Middle Ga. Derby Demons (Macon)
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Gainesville (FL) Roller Rebels

June 15
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs. Atlanta Rollergirls
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Atlanta Rollergirls
July 20
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs. Lowcountry Highrollers (Charleston, SC)
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Lowcountry Highrollers

August 17
5 p.m. “Back-to-School Brawl” Regional Derby Scrimmage
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Texas Rollergirls Hustlers (Austin, TX)
September 21
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs. Chattanooga Roller Girls
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Chattanooga Roller Girls
October 19 (Bonus bout at a location TBA)
5 p.m. Savannah’s Hostess City Hellions vs. Rogue Roller Girls (Fayetteville, NC)
7 p.m. Savannah Derby Devils All-Stars vs. Classic City Rollergirls (Athens, GA)

Public Scrimmages
The SDD will also host a number of Thursday night public scrimmages at SuperGoose Sports. Dates and times will be announced throughout the season.

Home opener for the 2013 Savannah Sand Gnats season is 6:35 PM Thurs. April 4 @ Historic Grayson Stadium. Home games continue Fri. April 5 at 7 pm. Details here.

To see the 2013 schedule, click here.

You’re invited to Wingfest 18 presented by Hargray
Saturday, March 23, 2013
11 am – 6 pm
Hilton Head Shelter Cove Community Park

The Island Recreation Association and Hargray are proud to present the 18th annual Wingfest, where over 6,000 lbs of chicken wings will be served. 15 – 20 local restaurants will cook their best wings from 11 am – 6 pm on Saturday, March 23 in a fun-filled, family friendly festive atmosphere. There will be many activities such as a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Custom Audio Video provides a big screen television to watch all the March Madness Basketball. Live music from 107.1’s Brad Wells Band, Deas Guyz and the Good Times Band will play while Adventure Radio will be on hand broadcasting all the excitement.

Back again is the People’s Choice Award! Your vote counts but vote before 4 pm when the voting ends. The professional judging for the best wing starts at 12:00 pm. Admission is $5 with children 10 & under getting in free. All event proceeds go to the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund, “where no child is denied recreation opportunities.”

More details including location address etc. here.

Here’s a great chance to find some amazing bargains (and unload some of your own unneeded furniture, appliances, electronics & home decor)

The Charles Ellis Annual Rummage Sale is 7 AM-noon Saturday, March 23 2013. The public is welcome to donate Friday evening AND to shop on Saturday!

Clothing will be $5 a bag (all you can fit in the bag). That’s right, $5 for a bag teeming with clothing.

There also will be toys, small appliances, furniture, electronics, baby items, home decor and more treasures at bargain prices.

Do not miss this huge, annual sale @ Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, 220 East 49th St, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Click here for the Facebook event page for this sale.

Join Consumed Church Saturday, March 23rd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for an EPIC Easter Egg Hunt

This event is totally free and will include 10,000 Easter eggs and inflatable slides and bounce houses for all ages as well as face painting and cotton candy! There will be a small fee for hotdogs, chips and drinks. All proceeds will go directly to help fund the mission trip to Haiti this summer.

Consumed Church
388 Longwood Drive
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS , CLICK HERE.

We love this: an Easter Egg Hunt and Doggy Fashion Parade at 3 PM Saturday, March 30 in Savannah.

This FREE event will be at Tiedeman Park (across from Savannah Arts Academy in Ardsley Park)

Come for a fun afternoon of music, games, an egg hunt, and a doggy fashion parade! All dogs are welcome and no need to pre-register to participate, just come on out. TailSpin is offering a $30 gift certificate to the most fashionable dog. The event is sponsored by LifeBridge Church.

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS , CLICK HERE.

Wow. Check out this week’s popular Savedbythedeal deal: The Jump N’ Jacks 50% off deal. $4 Jump Passes, Half Price Laser Tag and $25 for a $50 Game Card. Get yours before they run out @ www.savedbythedeal.org

4 Deals for 50% off = $4 Jump Zone Pass, $30 for 10 Person Laser Tag, $50 for a Basic Party Package or $25 for a $50 Game Card. All Raising money for the YMCA Priceless Gift Campaign in Richmond Hill.

See more here.

Savedbythedeal.org is a daily deal and online coupon site, created to help charities fund raise. The site helps local businesses advertise, but the revenues go to the charities.

Sure, your St. Patrick’s parade outfit is all set. You can wear the same green ensemble donned last year. But there’s no chance your little ones will fit into last year’s Irish togs. Which is why you need to check out the adorable green shoes at Petite Feet , Savannah’s children’s shoe and accessories boutique. These shoes are perfect for St. Patrick’s weekend & spring in Savannah. Petite Feet is also teeming with cute green accessories from hair bows to tights.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com, Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People will do shows for the public during Spring Break 2013, at 10 AM Mon. – Fri. April 1-5. Different shows every day during Spring Break @ Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt. More details coming soon to the the Puppet People Web site here.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Ave, Savannah, GA 31404, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winners are Jennifer Grover & Melanie Barton Edwards!!!

This week, we are giving away three family-four packs of tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters live at the Savannah Civic Center, 7 PM Thurs. March 14 . That means three SouthernMamas.com readers will win!

To enter to win, either follow us on Twitter @usouthernmamas and/or like our Facebook page by clicking here. Then on our FB wall or in a Tweet, tell us your favorite Spring tradition.

This will be a quick giveaway so we can get the tickets to the winners in time for Thursday’s game. Deadline to enter is noon Wed. March 13. We’ll announce the winners here & on the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

Experience the Harlem Globetrotters live at the Savannah Civic Center, 7 PM Thurs. March 14

Discount ticket code: To receive $10 off ALL TICKETS use the discount code BASKET. To purchase tickets, click here.

Harlem Globetrotters are a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.