Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

Mozart, Moby or Miles: Enjoying the music of Piccolo Spoleto with your kids!

by Nicole

I can't even tell you how lucky I am that we decided to launch this site right in the midst of the Spoleto madness! With all of the options offered by Piccolo Spoleto, it can be hard to choose. Fear not! I've done the dirty work for you. (You're welcome.) There are four events this week that look like excellent choices for the short crowd, and three of them are totally free, so get your kids ... Read more >

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top summer sounds for your little surfer dudes

by Nicole

There is a surfboard in my laundry room. I'm not kidding. It's my husband's purchase from last year, after we moved to Charleston and he decided it was time to be cool again. Now we spend weekends at Folly, where he alternates between practicing his pop-up and building sand castles with the kids. If surfer dude equals hot, then what can you say about a surfer dad? I say totally smokin'. My ... Read more >

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expert voices: move, groove and learn in a preschool dance class

by Nicole

Every so often, Being Savvy Charleston will feature guest articles from experts in the community. Today's post was written by Jessica Beran, founder and owner of Dance Moves of Charleston . Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the University of South Carolina and has been teaching dance to children for over 16 years. Her traveling dance studio brings dance instruction to a number ... Read more >

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lunch money!

by Nicole

If, like me, you're really freaking tired of the High School Musical soundtrack and desperate for some children's music that is fun AND smart, have I got a recommendation for you! Lunch Money makes music for kids, but parents might just find themselves listening to it in the car even after the kids are at preschool. Based in Columbia, band members Molly, JP and Jay turn childhood experiences ... Read more >

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weekend events for the whole family: August 16-17, 2008

by Nicole

It's the last weekend before school starts! Time to get out and enjoy! Why leave Fido out of the family fun? The Animal Planet Expo is coming to town on Saturday, bringing with it exotic species, Frisbee-catching dogs, pet adoptions, a kids' zone, and water and misting stations (misting stations!) for your pet. Trot on over to the Ladson Exchange Park Fairgrounds from 10 am - 4pm for some ... Read more >

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family capoeira!

by Nicole

I love the idea of exercising WITH my children, though it's honestly not something that I manage as often as I like. Either I'm at the gym (and they're in the gym childcare) or they're at classes and I'm sitting on my butt watching. We go for family walks, sure, but have you ever walked with a preschooler? It's fun, but hardly exercise . Christopher of Fit Club Charleston wants to make it ... Read more >

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ukuleles and tap shoes -- must be the V Tones!

by Nicole

The band that calls themselves the V Tones doesn't fit into one category. Their MySpace profile says "Jazz/Swing/Hawaiian," which kind of supports my point. It's old-timey. It's upbeat. It's creative and a touch crazy. In other words, it's something the kids totally dig. Anchored by ukulele player and man about town Noodle and singer/tap dancer Eden, the band can contract or expand ... Read more >

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MOJA! African and Caribbean cultural events to enjoy with the kids

by Nicole

The MOJA Festival 2008 opens tomorrow and continues through next weekend, offering you plenty of time and opportunity to explore this celebration of African and Caribbean art with your kids. Here are a few picks of events that seem family-friendly! The street parade begins at 6 pm Friday, September 26 and bangs, shouts, and claps its way down King Street showcasing African drummers, ... Read more >

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savvy reviews: Leapfrog SingAlong Read-Along

by Nicole

I have not failed to notice that my preschool daughter can memorize all the words to a favorite song, yet somehow I doubt that knowing the lyrics to Hannah Montana's latest hit has much educational value. But what if you could capture that natural sing-along ability for the power of good? Good like learning to read good? Leapfrog's new Sing Along Read-Along set is designed to do just that. ... Read more >

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weekend round-up: October 25-26

by Nicole

As you might expect, there are quite a few Halloween-related events going on this weekend! The Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy in Hollywood and the Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride are both this Saturday! Get details at the Halloween calendar posted earlier this week. The Charleston County Public Library is getting it's spook on! Tour a haunted house, hear scary ... Read more >

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weekend events: November 22-23

by Nicole

As is our savvy tradition, this post is brought to you by the letters T G I and F. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your weekend plans in this round-up. First, how about some awesome kid-friendly performances? The Charleston Ballet Theatre performs its second round of How the Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. ... Read more >

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lowcountry holiday traditions

by Nicole

There's nothing like the holiday season in Charleston. I love this time of year -- the chill in the air (just enough to wear a scarf!), the shoppers on King Street, and the full line-up of holiday events for the whole family! This weekend officially kicks off the Christmas welcome in Charleston with a two days of family fun. Join Mayor Joe Riley this Saturday from 4:30 - 6 pm at Marion Square ... Read more >

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give a gift of Charleston!

by Nicole

I don't know about you, but my kids have more than enough stuff. We've got old stuff, new stuff, even stuff to try and contain the stuff. While toys and books certainly have their place in holiday gift giving, I also like to give gifts that will keep giving throughout the year with enriching, fun experiences for the whole family. There are quite a number of options for giving the gift of ... Read more >

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weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn ... Read more >

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Happy Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Hanukkah began yesterday at sunset and will continue for eight days in a festival of light! The Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was only believed to be enough oil to fuel the altar flame for one day, but the flame miraculously burned for eight days. Jewish families celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah each night, ... Read more >

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weekend winter holiday round-up: Dec 19-21

by Nicole

It's the last weekend before Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah this weekend! I hope you are experiencing more joy and less stress this holiday season, and that you've left space in your family's schedule to enjoy some of the great activities happening in the community! Dancing and singing our way into the holidays... Back due to popular demand! The Charleston Ballet is adding some ... Read more >

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