Nesting Magazine

Please takethis issuewith you!

FREE

Generate your own energy • page 6 Plant a green garden • page 14

Take the kids camping • page 30

Generate your own energy • page 6 Plant a green garden page 14

The Green Living Guide

2 Nesting • Spring 2011 nestingmagazine.com

Publisher’s LetterWelcome to Nesting’s2011 Green Living Guide.“Living green” is becoming more mainstream than ever before, with most everyone trying to fi nd innovative ways to save money, conserve energy and create a more sustainable local community. This issue of Nesting features useful information for living green. Local writer Nina Fisher provides detailed, practical advice on renewable energy options for our homes. Professional organizer Terry Cooch suggests ways to get organized, and get your garden started. Avid gardener Kathryn Hope shares seven tips that are sure to make your green thumb greener. And, in closing our issue, junior writer Lucy O’Brien recommends her favorite camping destinations for families. Live green, be well.

Kim O’Brien


Get off the Grid with Homemade EnergyGenerate power in your backyard

Create a Green GardenBeing environmentally-friendly is easier than you think

Your Gardening CampYou’re the camper and camp director

Nesting SupportFeaturing the Holistic Moms Network

Feet on the StreetTake the kids camping

6

14

20

25

30

Nesting R

publisherKim O’Brien

Creative directorMolly Zlokovitz Design

mollyzdesign.com

Contributors Terry Cooch, Nina Fisher

Kathryn Hope

account executiveCassandra Alls

Stephanie Nevin

distribution managerKernan Bussiere

editorial ConsultantCory Place Communicationscoryplacecommunications.com

advertising design ConsultantJennifer Goodman, JGoGraphics

jgographics.com

Published quarterly by Feather Publishing

P.O. Box 613, Crownsville, MD 21302 Phone: 410.923.2310

E-mail: [email protected]: nestingmagazine.com

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by Nesting of

products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or

listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Feather

Publishing assumes no fi nancial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any part of Nesting by any means without permission is strictly prohibited.

Nesting is a registered trademark of Feather Publishing

Cover Photograph by Catherine PeluraJosephine Alls, age 3, and her mom, Cassandra,

at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park.

Contents

Like baking your own bread,

or brewing your own beer, there’s

something intrinsically satisfying

about “making” your own energy.

It feels earthy, and somehow right,

to use the sun to heat your water,

the earth to warm your home, or

the wind to power your appliances.

Using renewable energy sounds

inspiring, and a bit daunting,

but it’s doable. Here’s how

to get started.6 Nesting • Spring 2011 nestingmagazine.com










6 Nesting • • Nesting • Nesting Spring 2011 Get O

ff the G

rid

with

By nina fisher



but it’s doable. Here’s how

gy








nestingmagazine.com



nestingmagazine.comnestingmagazine.com

gy

gy

Hom

em

ade E

nergy

Conserve Before You spend It may seem counterintuitive, but before investing any time or money into renewable energy, cut down on the amount of conventional energy you’re using right now. That’s instant savings in your pocket, immediate benefits to the environment, and less strain on any renewable energy system you end up installing. To lower your energy use it’s useful to conduct a home energy audit, either by learning how to do one yourself (go to the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, energysavers.gov) or by hiring a professional to identify the energy problems in your home. BGE offers a program in which a certified contractor completes a comprehensive energy efficiency audit and identifies the places where your home is wasting energy, losing heat, or working inefficiently. (Depending on the size of your home, the audit typically costs between $200 and $400.) The contractor will recommend improvements — some simple and cheap, others more complicated and expensive — to minimize your energy use and waste. Customers can receive rebates of up to $2,450 through BGE for the audit and implemented improvements, which might include sealing drafts, installing insulation, and upgrading water heating or HVAC units.

Here Comes tHe sun Solar is the option many people think of when contemplating renewable energy. In recent years, solar has leapt from the granola crowd into the mainstream. Although Maryland doesn’t have the level of consistently strong sunshine that’s common in the southwest United States, we have enough sunshine

Continued on the next pagenestingmagazine.com Spring 2011 • Nesting 7


for a variety of solar home systems. Many solar users employ a solar-thermal system to power their hot water supply, which is one of the largest uses of household energy. Solar-thermal systems can slash water heating bills by more than half, and they can pay for themselves in less than eight years. Some systems use solar to heat water that circulates through radiant fl ooring to warm the rooms of a home. Homeowners are increasingly tying their photovoltaic-based solar power systems into the electrical-power grid, which means that any extra power generated at the home can be sold back to the electric company for use by other customers. People who have installed such systems can barely suppress their

enthusiasm as they watch their meters go backwards. In a way, selling sunshine is the ultimate nose-thumbing at your utility company. For people who are thinking about building a new house or addition, incorporating passive solar energy design into the plans will pay off for the life of the home. Passive features include the use of specifi c building materials and strategically placed overhangs and windows. Proper landscaping can also shade homes from strong summer sun while still allowing the sun’s winter rays to warm the house.

warmtH from tHe eartH Most of the time, the ground doesn’t feel all that warm. But, just a few feet beneath the surface, the

TAX INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Continued from the previous page

Some people buy into alternative energy because they feel it’s the right thing to do.

For people who need a bit more sweetening of the pot, federal and state tax incentives can make the difference between staying conventional and going green.

Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Energy has funded the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) as a joint project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The project’s website (dsireusa.org)

offers comprehensive information on federal, state, local and utility tax incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy and promote energy effi cient options. The website also offers information on Energy Star rebates and energy effi cient mortgages and fi nancing.

Regulations and tax incentives are constantly changing, so having the website’s list of current incentives and recent changes helps consumers keep abreast of possible enticements. For example, in 2008 Maryland enacted legislation exempting geothermal and solar

energy equipment from the state sales and use tax. By 2009, legislation expanded the sales tax exemption to include residential wind energy equipment and solar structures that provide energy to the grid.

Adding to the confused morass of incentives are federal laws that offer bonuses for the installation of solar, geothermal, wind and fuel cell systems. Thirty percent tax credits, for example, were extended until December 31, 2016, and a new credit has been instituted for small wind energy systems and geothermal heat pumps.

temperature becomes fairly constant year-round. By using this constant-temperature soil as the exchange medium (as opposed to using air), geothermal heat pumps efficiently cool the air inside the home in summer and warm it in winter. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of a home’s energy use. Since the efficiency of a geothermal heat pump is much higher than that of standard heat pumps, a geothermal heat pump generally uses 25 to 50 percent less energy to operate. Since geothermal pumps effectively control indoor humidity levels, they are particularly good in humid regions. (Maryland definitely qualifies as being in a humid region!) There are four types of geothermal systems, and which one a homeowner should choose depends on both the site’s considerations and costs. Several local firms now specialize in geothermal systems and can provide information and estimates on installing a geothermal pump. Although more expensive than traditional heat pumps, geothermal units cost less to operate, are smaller and quieter, and last for a long time.

Blowing in tHe wind The answer, my friend, for some homeowners, is blowing in the wind. Wind power can be a renewable energy answer for certain homeowners who have fairly specific property characteristics, among them: over an acre of rural land with reasonably strong and consistent winds; space enough for a tall tower; favorable zoning; and monthly electric bills exceeding $150. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a downloadable booklet, Small Wind Electric Systems: A Maryland Consumer’s Guide, that helps consumers decide

Continued on the next page


whether their properties can accommodate wind power. (To find the booklet, visit windpoweringamerica.gov.) For people with properties that meet these specifications, a small wind turbine system can work as a stand-alone unit or be grid-connected, with varying requirements for each. Although initial costs may seem high, operating costs for installed wind turbines are quite low and the “fuel” (wind) is free. Another benefit is that the units produce no greenhouse gas pollutants or emissions. Over the past several years, wind energy has become quite popular and it continues to grow rapidly, although its use in urban and suburban areas remains limited, primarily due to the specific conditions required for wind power success.

Burn, BaBY, Burn Fireplaces and wood stoves were once the mainstays of home heating systems. People stoked the fires before heading off to bed, and counted on the glowing embers to keep the house warm through the night. Nowadays, most fireplaces are more ornamental in nature; they’re used less for heat and more for atmosphere. Our minimal reliance on fireplace heat is actually a good thing since open-masonry fireplaces suck a lot of warm air right out the chimney. Wood and pellet stoves that burn more cleanly, and efficiently minimize the release of harmful emissions, can warm an entire home. Older wood stoves can be upgraded to EPA-certified models that include catalytic combustors that burn fuel more completely and lessen emissions. Inserts for traditional masonry fireplaces can dramatically increase the heating capabilities of these notoriously inefficient structures. A professional should install the


insert since a poorly installed insert won’t work at its optimal level. Pellet stoves have become increasingly popular as an alternate source of heat, in part because they can burn a variety of waste products — such as pelletized wood chips, bark, sawdust, crop waste, and waste papers. Because pellet stoves burn at such high temperatures and are highly efficient, they produce a minimal amount of air pollution. Before purchasing such a stove, however, be sure that a store near your home actually sells pellet fuel.

HYdropower Most people considering alternative energy will choose solar, biofuels, wind, or geothermal systems as these are well-tested and are becoming increasingly available. Other systems do exist, and they may warrant consideration under special circumstances.

For instance, hydroelectric power is generated by damming large rivers that capture energy as the water moves through the dam. Micro-hydropower works in a similar way, but rather than damming the river, a portion of the water flow is diverted to power a turbine and generate electricity. These types of systems won’t prove useful for most homeowners since they require a lot of land – with a river running through it! Before spending money on any new system, consider the unique properties of your home and land, minimize the amount of energy that you are currently using, and research which system or systems best suit your situation. Alternative energy is likely the wave of the future. You might as well start riding the crest now. N

Nina Fisher is an Annapolis-based freelance writer.

GARDENGREEN

nestingmagazine.com Spring 2011 • Nesting 15

By Kathryn Hope

I’m an avid gardener and plantaholic. I’ve worked in plant nurseries, volunteered at Longwood Gardens and completed a year of service with

the Maryland Conservation Corps Watershed Crew. Although I try to incorporate what I’ve learned into my own gardening, I struggle between my desire for an environmentally-friendly garden and wanting to grow every

plant I encounter. (The two needs are frequently at odds with one another.) To resolve my internal confl icts I keep the following strategies in mind:

1) COMPOST KITCHEN SCRAPS AND YARD WASTE

Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfi ll. Garden centers now carry a

WAYS TOCREATE A


GARDENGREEN

nestingmagazine.com Spring 2011 • Nesting Nesting Nesting 15

I’m an avid gardener and plantaholic. I’ve worked in plant nurseries, volunteered at Longwood Gardens and completed a year of service with

the Maryland Conservation Corps Watershed Crew. Although I try to incorporate what I’ve learned into my own gardening, I struggle between my desire for an environmentally-friendly garden and wanting to grow every

plant I encounter. (The two needs are frequently at odds with one another.) To resolve my internal confl icts I keep the following strategies in mind:

1) COMPOST KITCHEN SCRAPS AND YARD WASTE

Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfi ll. Garden centers now carry a

WAYS TOCREATE A


I’m an avid gardener and plant I encounter. (The two needs are

GARDEN

CREATE A

GARDENGREENGREENGARDENGREENGARDEN7 WAYS TO7 WAYS TO

CREATE A7 CREATE A7GARDEN7GARDEN7 CREATE A7 CREATE A7GARDEN7GARDENGREEN7GREENGREEN7GREENGARDENGREENGARDEN7GARDENGREENGARDEN

By Kathryn Hope

Being environmentally-friendly is easier than you think

PH

OTO

BY

CA

TH

ER

INE

PE

LU

RA


variety of compost bins, or contact your county’s department of sanitation and see if it distributes no-cost bins.

2) USE MANUAL LABORLawn and garden tools that require “human power” — as opposed to gas or electricity — are a great way to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Among the tools that fit the bill: pruners, hedge trimmers, push mowers and handsaws.

3) GRASSCYCLECutting your grass high and “letting it lie” has a number of benefits. When grass decomposes it adds nutrients to the soil, and taller grass makes it harder for weeds to grow, which eliminates the need for herbicides and fertilizers. At my house we keep the grass shorter inside of our garden fence, where the

children play, and longer near the road and in our side and rear yards. (Note: For clippings to effectively decompose into the soil they shouldn’t be longer than an inch.)

4) INSTALL RAIN BARRELSWater from rooftops contribute contaminants into our waterways, but collecting that water in a rain barrel and using it over time both hydrates plants and enables them to filter the water before it reaches local tributaries. The most ascetically pleasing rain barrels I know of are the “retired” oak whiskey barrels sold for about $230 each by Rain Barrels of Annapolis (rainbarrelsannapolis.com). The Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center offers plastic rain barrels starting at $80 a piece (arlingtonecho.org).


Continued on page 18


5) PLANT NATIVE GREENERYCultivating native plants that are indigenous to our area helps conserve our region’s native species. And because native plants provide food and shelter for birds and benefi cial insects, they eliminate the need for pesticides. Another plus: Since “natives” require less water and fertilizer than many non-natives, the plants reduce runoff into our waterways. For more information about native plants, visit the Maryland Master Gardeners website at mastergardener.umd.edu.

6) GATHER COMPOSTED MANURE

Plants and earthworms love composted manure, which improves soil structure by increasing the water-holding capacity of sandy soil and improving drainage in denser, clay soil. Many farmers will happily give away their animals’ manure for free if you do the hauling. To fi nd a farmer who’s offering free manure, read your local paper’s classifi ed ads or check the bulletin board at a local feed store.

7) SPREAD MULCHMulch reduces water evaporation from soil by almost 75 percent. The best time to mulch is in the early spring, when the soil is full of water from snow and rain. Mulch also reduces the amount of weeds in a garden, which helps eliminate the need for herbicides. County landfi lls occasionally offer free mulch on a fi rst-come-fi rst-served basis. N

Kathryn Hope comes from a long line of gardeners. She lives in Crownsville and is always looking for creative, environmentally-friendly ways to expand her garden and eliminate her lawn.

Continued from page 16

umd.edu

6) GATHER COMPOSTED MANURE

Plants and earthworms love composted manure, which improves soil structure by increasing the water-holding capacity of sandy soil and improving drainage in denser, clay soil. Many farmers will happily give away their animals’ manure for free if you do the hauling. To fi nd a farmer who’s offering free manure, read your local paper’s classifi ed ads or check the bulletin board at a local feed store.

7) SPREAD MULCHMulch reduces water evaporation from soil by almost 75 percent. The best time to mulch is in the early spring, when the soil is full of water from snow and rain. Mulch also reduces the amount of weeds in a garden, which helps eliminate the need for herbicides. County landfi lls occasionally offer free mulch on a fi rst-come-fi rst-served basis.

Kathryn Hope comes from a long line of gardeners. She lives in Crownsville and is always looking for creative, environmentally-friendly ways to expand her garden and eliminate her lawn.

Advertiseyour

businessor

servicein

thenext

Nestingand

reachthousands

ofNestingmoms!

Coming In our summer issue....• Expanding Your Nest• Making Mom Friends• Au pairs and Nannies

For more information:www.nestingmagazine.com

[email protected]

20 Nesting • Spring 2011 nestingmagazine.comnestingmagazine.comnestingmagazine.com

YOUR WEEK (OR WEEKEND) AT

This camp is in your own yard,and you’re the camper and camp director

CAMPCAMP

YOUR WEEK (OR WEEKEND)YOUR WEEK (OR WEEKEND) AT

CAMPCAMP GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING GARDENING

CAMPCAMPBy terry Cooch

If you enjoy gardening, you deserve the chance to devote an entire week or weekend to something you love. Spend

time outdoors, immerse yourself in what you’re doing, and get into the right mindset for organizing and planting your garden.

plan strategically: Your time at “Gardening Camp” (yes, you’re in your yard but you can pretend you’re away) should not be interrupted. Don’t run household errands. Don’t catch up on work. Don’t volunteer. Call in the chits so your kids are cared for, carpooled or otherwise entertained in ways that don’t involve you.

get yourself ready: After the kids are out the door and the breakfast dishes are done, take a hot shower or bath before you start. Doing so will maximize your output and enjoyment of Gardening Camp. Loosen your muscles. Don’t forget to stretch.

there are no rules at gardening Camp: However, it is good to have an idea of what needs to get done and what you want to get done. Start a checklist. Determine how you will use your time, energy, and money. Or, if you want to wing it, just skip this step and pick up a shovel or head to the garden shop.

You, at the nursery: Stay comfortable. To have less stuff weighing you down, leave your purse locked and hidden in your car. Carry only your keys and

YOUR WEEK (OR WEEKEND) AT

in your yard but you can pretend in your yard but you can pretend you’re away) should not be you’re away) should not be interrupted. Don’t run household interrupted. Don’t run household errands. Don’t catch up on work. errands. Don’t catch up on work. Don’t volunteer. Call in the chits Don’t volunteer. Call in the chits so your kids are cared for, carpooled so your kids are cared for, carpooled or otherwise entertained in ways or otherwise entertained in ways that don’t involve you. that don’t involve you.

Ideserve the chance to devote deserve the chance to devote an entire week or weekend to an entire week or weekend to something you love. Spend something you love. Spend

time outdoors, immerse yourself in time outdoors, immerse yourself in what you’re doing, and get into the what you’re doing, and get into the right mindset for organizing and right mindset for organizing and planting your garden.planting your garden.

Your time at “Gardening Camp” (yes, you’re in your yard but you can pretend

planting your garden.planting your garden.

plan strategically: Your time at “Gardening Camp” (yes, you’re “Gardening Camp” (yes, you’re in your yard but you can pretend in your yard but you can pretend


credit card in your pocket. First, take a stroll around the store to look at all the plants. Linger. Then gather what you love after checking the labels to ensure that you’re buying the right plants for your garden’s location and conditions. Ask questions. Nursery employees like to share their knowledge. Make your purchases and then, if needed, proceed to the next nursery.

dig in! – option #1: Draw up a plan for where you want to locate your new plants. Remove all the weeds, debris and invasive plants in the area. Set out the new plants in predetermined locations. Gather your tools, and then plant, fertilize and water your plants.

dig in! – option #2: Start mindlessly. Pick a garden bed or dig up a new one. Remove the ugly things, plant the pretty ones. Cannibalize other garden beds to fill the spaces that result from your lack of planning. If needed, head back to the nurseries for more plants.

realize your joy: Watering your plants daily provides an opportunity to visit your garden. Look at weeding, pruning and dead-heading as a form of exercise. Now you don’t have to go to the gym! N

Terry Cooch is a professional organizer and owner of TLC Home (terrycooch.com).

Continued from previous page

Start mindlessly.

Pick a garden bed or

dig up a new one.

Remove the ugly things,

plant the pretty ones.



Send us a great picture of your kids — or the whole family.

If selected, you’ll participate in a Nesting photo shoot with Catherine Pelura of KC Photography, and your children or family may be featured

on a future cover of Nesting.

To apply, visit nestingmagazine.com, click on “Cover Contest” and follow

the submission instructions. Be sure to include your name, address,

phone number and the names of everyone in the photo and the ages

of all children pictured.

Please submit only one photograph per family.

Contest deadline: May 1Some rules to consider: A few families will be invited to participate in photo shoots at a time and place to be determined by Nesting. Families will be responsible for their own transportation, wardrobe and grooming. In lieu of payment, participating families will receive a souvenir 8” x 10” portrait, to be chosen by Nesting, and have the option to purchase additional images from Catherine Pelura of KC Photography. Participation in a Nesting photo shoot allows Nesting to use the images as it sees fi t for editorial or marketing purposes but it does not guarantee that your family’s image will be used by Nesting for its cover, interior pages or in a related capacity. Photography releases will need to be signed prior to participating in a Nesting photo shoot.

COVER CONTESTAre youa Nesting family?If so, we’re looking for

cover models!

NestingNestingNestingNestingNesting


Before becoming a mother, I worked for a specialty fashion retailer and traveled quite a bit. I had a great

career and planned on returning to work – but in the middle of my fi rst pregnancy I realized I wanted to start a new career as a stay-at-home mom. As I struggled to fi nd my new identity, I had a hard time fi nding a support system that fi t with my values and lifestyle. I was feeling an overwhelming responsibility to make the world a safe and healthier place for my

new baby, and all children. I looked into several mothers’ groups but always felt like the odd duck. In every conversation

Nesting Support

The HolisticMoms NetworkBy Cassandra alls

Featured Mother’s Helper Group


Groups & Clubs Annapolis AP Moms GroupFor moms who practice attachmentparenting (i.e. co-sleeping, breastfeeding, etc.)Email: [email protected]

Annapolis Hip MamaMeetup GroupWebsite: hipmamameetup.com

Anne Arundel Moms GroupPhone: 410.551.2345

Chesapeake Moms ClubFrom the Bay Bridge to CentrevilleWebsite: chesapeakemomsclub.org

Columbia Area Mothers of MultiplesServing moms in Howard and Carroll counties and the surrounding Baltimore metro area Location: Christ Episcopal Church, Columbia Website: camom.net

DC MetroMommies (AnneArundel County Chapter)Phone: 410.867.6854,Email: [email protected]

Isabel’s Gift NICU Support GroupLocation: Anne Arundel Medical Center Contact: Kari Barcome, NICU social worker, 443.481.6114

MIS (Miscarriage, Infant Deathand Stillbirth) Support Group St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Edgewater Contact: Ann O’Sullivan, R.N., 443.481.6114

Nesting SupportI seemed to be Debbie Downer from Saturday Night Live, warning people about toxic plastics, pesticides, and the health risks of chemical cleaning products, processed food and more. If I started talking about herbs or homeopathy, people looked at me as if I was speaking a different language. I was a new mom, a walking public service announcement and, to many women I met, a green Martian from another planet. While reading a magazine I saw an ad for the Holistic Moms Network (HMN), a national non-profi t organization that connects parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. I checked out the group online and loved what I saw. With a national network of more than 1,500 members, parents in the network communicate, share stories, resources and experiences that help us on our individual paths. The many moms in the community makes different choices, and I value the unconditional support that’s offered, no matter your choice. I founded the network’s Annapolis chapter, the fi rst launched in Maryland, in 2008. Since then chapters have sprouted up in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, Washington D.C. and in several locations in Virginia. To learn more about the Holistic Moms Network, visit holisticmoms.org. N

Cassandra Alls is an Annapolis-based mother of two. She runs the website Holistic Diva (holisticdivaonline.com).


Do you belong to a local club that’s fun anduseful for local moms? If so, tell us about it in 250 words or less. Email Nesting at

[email protected]. Submissions may be considered for publication as space allows.

MOMS Club of AnnapolisWebsite: momsclubannapolis.20m.comEmail: [email protected]

MOMS Club of Pasadena, NWPhone: 410.863.1125Website: momsclubpasadenanw.com

MOMS Club of Severna ParkSupport for mothers in Severna Park, Arnold and MillersvillePhone: 410.544.9778Website: spmomsclub.org

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)Phone: 410.798.1413Website: 4thelorg.org

Professional Moms at Home (PMAH)Serving full- and part-timestay-at-home moms throughoutAnne Arundel CountyWebsite: pmah.net

Subsequent PregnancySupport GroupLocation: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Edgewater Contact: Ann O’Sullivan, R.N., 443.481.6114

Parenting ResourcesAA County Birthing CircleMeets the last Tuesday of the month.Baltimore-Washington Medical Center, Tate Center 1st fl oor conference room. Contact: Cheryl Gilman, 410-353-6834Website: birthcircleaa.org

Annapolis and Glen BurnieFamily Support CenterFree developmental assessments,



parenting and childbirth classes. Child care is offered for parents attending the programs. Phone: 410.269.4478

Better BedRest, Inc.Advocacy, public awareness and volunteer driven non-profi t providing support, resources and information to pregnant women who have been prescribed bedrest by their physicians or midwives Phone: 410.740.7662

Holistic Moms NetworkResource for holistic parents andindividuals interested in becoming onePhone: 877.HOLMOMSWebsite: holisticmoms.org

International CesareanAwareness Network (ICAN)Non-profi t working to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Phone: 800.686.ICANWebsite: tcanbaltimore.org

La Leche LeagueServing Maryland, Delaware and the Washington D.C. metro areaWebsite: lllofmd-de-dc.org

Milk Share-Breast Milk DonationClearinghouse for parents to learn about milk donation and connect with other families Website: newlifemidwifery.com N


The Stay-at-Home Survival GuideField-tested strategies for staying smart, sane, and connected while caring for your kids

“The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide speaks volumes without being preachy, overtly tongue-in-cheek or feeding the ‘Mommy Wars’… There’s support throughout the book that is relative to all aspects of motherhood, whether you are a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), WAHM (work-at-home mom), or a mother re-entering the workforce.” — Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine

“Becoming a stay-at-home mother shifts your entire world, and Melissa Stanton gets it. This intelligent, sensible, hands-on guide will help at-home moms navigate the rocky waters of time, money, self-image, self-esteem, sex, friendship, and everything else.” — Ericka Lutz, author of On the Go With Baby

“Thanks to this book [stay-at-home moms] have somewhere to turn whenever [they’re] feeling a little lonely, under-appreciated, or overwhelmed.” — MomCentral.com

Don’t Stay Home Without It! stayathomesurvivalguide.com

Featured by the Associated Press, The Baltimore Sun, ABC News, TheMotherhood.com and other media.

Available at bookstores and on amazon.com.

By Melissa StantonSeal Press/Perseus Books

“Perfect for ... any mom who has felt she has the best job in the world, and the worst job in the world, all within a two-minute timeframe.”— MamaSpeaks.com

“A terrifi c resource [with] plenty of practical advice.”— Washington Parent

Nesting Support


Feet on the Street

Warmer weather is on its way, and that means it’s almost warm enough to go camping.

I like visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s the perfect place to go for hikes and make yummy s’mores, and it’s only about one movie away from home. Other good things: The park has nice showers and an awesome general store. There are lots of bears, so make sure you follow the rules and don’t leave food or trash – the bears will come looking for you and they aren’t friendly when they’re hungry.

My other favorite place for camping is Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania. My dad took me and my brother there last year. We went with a bunch of his friends. (My mom stayed at home.) There were 17 kids and six dads. It was total fun! The

“Dad Rules” are easy: no crying, no electronics, no getting hurt, and no one gets left behind. Also, older kids are responsible for younger kids, so ask a big kid if you need help. Pennsylvania’s state parks recently won an award from the National Recreation and Park Association for being the best park system in the country!

Pine Grove Furnace has a lake to swim in and a beach. (Like Shenandoah National Park, Pine Grove has really nice showers and a general store.) You can rent rowboats, go fi shing and swimming, have a picnic lunch or buy a cheeseburger and ice cream. You can even hike the Appalachian trail. The park is exactly halfway between Maine and Georgia, and some people walk the whole way! The general store sells quarts of ice cream to long distance hikers. It’s a “thru hiker” tradition to eat the whole thing all at once. There is a log book on the porch at the store, and it’s fun to read the hikers’ stories and see them come through the park after weeks on the trail. Maine to Georgia is a long way to walk.

Camping is fun. Pick a weekend. Make a reservation for a good site (close to the showers). Load up with snacks, and take off! N

Lucy O’Brien is a local third grader and veteran camper. She was assisted in writing this article by Nesting publisher Kim O’Brien (aka: her mom).

Nesting’s column about fun stuff to do with kids, as recommended by a kid!

Enjoy the Greenery, Go CampingLucy O’Brien, age 8

Documents

Nesting Magazine