Nesting January February 2011

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Romantic Getawayspage 6

Your Time Offpage 18

Cover Contestpage 24

2 Nesting • January/February 2011 nestingmagazine.com

Publisher’s Letter

We’ve survived the holidays and now it’s time to make those New

Year’s resolutions. You know the kind: “I will exercise.” “I will stick to a diet.” “I will clean the kitchen junk drawer.” As a mother of two, I know that sticking to such household and personal goals can be impossible. So, this year, why not try a different approach? This year, why not make a resolution to have more fun and do more for yourself? On page 18, local author Melissa Stanton reminds us that your “time off” from motherhood is important for everyone in your family. On page 14, in a section we’re calling Mother’s Helpers, Jenn Morson explores the importance of

vein health and gives us some options for keeping our mommy legs healthy and beautiful. On page 6, Brooke Balderson suggests nearby getaway destinations for couples. (Remember, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.) Lastly, in a new feature called Feet on the Street, junior writer Lucy O’Brien shares some fun ideas for winter family outings. While you’re focused on fun, consider how cool it would be to have your children featured on the cover of Nesting. See page 24 for details. Happy New Year!

Kim O’Brien

Here’s to the New Year, and You!


Getaways Built for TwoEscape the cold by warming up with your special someone.

Take Care of Your VeinsAttractive legs are healthy legs.

Your Time Off Really Needs to Be Time OffEvery busy mom deserves the chance to be “off duty.”

Feet on the StreetCheck out these hot spots for cool winter fun.

Nesting Support

6

14

18

30

26

Nesting R

Publisher Kim O’Brien

Creative Director Molly Zlokovitz Design

mollyzdesign.com

Contributors Brooke Balderson, Jenn Morson

Melissa Stanton

Account Executive Casey Alls

Stephanie Nevin

Distribution Manager Kernan Bussiere

Editorial Consultant Cory Place Communications coryplacecommunications.com

Advertising Design Consultant Jennifer Goodman, JGoGraphics

jgographics.com

Published bimonthly by Feather Publishing

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

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: 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 financial 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 PeluraTwo friends enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at

Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

Contents


With the holidays over

and a near constant

cover of clouds, cold and

gloomy weather taking their

place, it’s a great time

for you and your partner

to hit the road.

By Brooke Balderson

These weekend getaways will leave you and your spouse feeling relaxed and rejuvenated – without the cost and hassles of air travel.

Continued on page 9

2GetawaysBuiltFor

2

GEtAwAy 1 - ChoColAtE lovErs (or Just lovErs) unitEThe Spa at Hotel Hershey (chocolatespa.com) in Hershey, Penn., features dozens of chocolate-infused services to help smooth, tone, scrub and soak away the winter blues. A few examples from the service menu include a whipped cocoa bath, a chocolate fondue bath, a chocolate bean polish and the chocolate sugar scrub. While visiting the spa stay at the hotel hershey for uninterrupted luxury or, to save a few dollars (to spend on spa services, of course), try the nearby hershey lodge.

GEtAwAy 2 - lEisurE-lovErs wElCoMELife just seems to move at a little slower pace on the Eastern Shore, which is exactly why St. Michaels is such a great place to escape to over a wintry weekend. the inn at Perry Cabin (perrycabin.com) features antiques and fireplaces throughout the colonial manor house. Relax with a good book or bundle-up to see the beautiful sights of St. Michaels on a romantic walk, guided tour or bicycle built for two. While at the Inn don’t forget to visit the Linden Spa, named after the large trees that stand on the resort’s grounds. The spa offers a variety of services that focus on pampering, rejuvenation and wellness. Fine dining can be found at the resort or at a number of great restaurants in town.

GEtAwAy 3- nAturE AnD nurturEWith its beautiful 2,000-acre Pennsylvanian setting, 36 holes of golf, equestrian center, skiing and fine restaurants, the nemacolin woodlands resort and spa (nemacolin.com) is

Continued from page 6

Continued on the next page


a hard place not to visit. And if you still want more, this place even offers treatments and services for your dog. Overnight packages feature lodging options that range from luxurious hotel rooms to cabins to townhouses to RVs. This varied getaway destination is only three hours from Annapolis.

GEtAwAy 4 - hot AnD historiCRun from the cold weather and head straight for the hot springs of the homestead (thehomestead.com) in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. This grand resort, which opened its doors to guests in 1766, offers a dose of southern charm and is a National Historic

Continued from previous page

With the inevitability of

another stuck-in-the-house-

trying to-entertain-the-kids

snow day, now’s the perfect

time to make your escape

and enjoy a little quality time

with your special someone.

nestingmagazine.com January/February 2011 • Nesting 11

Landmark. Among the newest offerings are the cooking classes, where guests learn from the resort’s gourmet chefs. There’s also horseback riding, archery, paintball and off-road adventures. If these activities sound more like work than play, relax at the spa or take a soak in the mineral spring waters.

GEtAwAy 5- ArtistiC EsCAPEIf you’ve ever admired a stained-glass window or marveled at the beautiful colors on a stained-glass wall hanging, the Chestnut Cove B&B (zekiahglass.com) might be the perfect getaway for you. Located in Farnham, in Virginia’s Northern Neck, guests at this cozy, peaceful inn learn how to create stained-glass art from Bob and Barney Harris, the owners and makers of Zekiah Glass. The husband and wife team make guests feel

welcome with a homemade breakfast and lunch. Stay in one of Chestnut Cove’s homey rooms and spend the weekend in a quaint waterfront setting, eating good food and designing, creating and taking home stained-glass art of your creation. Just Go! you Know you wAnt toAfter researching the perfect “something for everyone” kind of places for romantic weekend getaways, these five destinations easily made the top of Nesting’s list. With the inevitability of another stuck-in-the-house-trying-to-entertain-the-kids snow day, now’s the perfect time to make your escape and enjoy a little quality time with your special someone. N

Brooke Balderson is an Annapolis-based teacher and freelance writer.


TakeCare

ofYourVeins


Spider veins, varicose veins, phlebitis. Each is an unattractive and potentially painful condition

that affects women twice as often as men, in large part due to pregnancy and childbirth. The good news is that vein repair procedures are relatively non-invasive and are often covered by insurance. According to surgeon Jonathan Calure, M.D., of Maryland Vein Professionals in Columbia, the typical cause of poor vein health is venous insufficiency. “Instead of directing blood up to the heart, leg veins below the skin surface don’t function properly, and the venous blood drops back toward the foot, which causes bulging, or varicose veins,” he explains. “It’s a very common condition.” And, nowadays, vein problems are fairly simple conditions to treat. In the past, invasive “vein stripping” procedures were the norm. Today, surgeons including Dr. Calure utilize a technique called VNUS Closure, in which an ultrasound-guided catheter is placed inside the damaged vein. Radio frequencies are delivered to the vein, which shrinks from the heat. Although the total treatment time is about 90 minutes and is done under local anesthesia, each vein takes just minutes to repair. Dr. Calure says his patients often relax and watch a video while the

Nice looking legs are important to your health, not just your vanity.by Jenn Morson

Veins Continued on the next page

MothEr’s hElPErs


treatment is conducted and are usually up and about after one hour. Another common vein treatment is schlerotherapy. However, because that procedure and other skin surface treatments are considered cosmetic, they are not covered by insurance. Patients report that the mild discomfort and average $300 pricetag pales in comparison to the great results. (Before and after pictures of vein treatment patients can be seen at mdveinprofessionals.com.) Venous insufficiency has both aesthetic and health implications. “If untreated, venous insufficiency can cause aching, throbbing, swelling, and restless legs,” says Dr. Calure. “It can lead to such serious complications as phlebitis, blood clots, and even ulceration.” Donna MacDonald, a Nesting reader, underwent VNUS Closure vein repair treatment after the birth of her daughter, as well as hereditary factors, led to varicose veins. “It wasn’t painful at all, just a slight stinging feeling, less than a bee sting,” she says, adding that the only


“If untreated, venous

insufficiency can cause

aching, throbbing, swelling,

and restless legs,” says Dr.

Calure. “It can lead to such

serious complications

as phlebitis, blood clots,

and even ulceration.”


inconvenience was needing to wear support hose for 10 days after the procedure. MacDonald feels her vein repair procedure was well worth having. In fact, she’s thinking about going back

for treatments on veins that have newly appeared. N

Freelance writer Jenn Morson lives in Crofton and is expecting her third child.

Time


By Melissa stanton

It’s rare and challenging enough for a mother to

get time to herself away from her kids. (And by

“time to herself” I don’t mean going to work or

the grocery store.) Since your freedom to go out for

the night or away with your husband, friends, or on

your own is so precious, your time off shouldn’t be

spoiled by the person left in charge in your place.

So, as much as possible, protect yourself from the

spouse, sitter or relative who is caring your child(ren),

but then calls during your time away to ask simple —

dare I say stupid — questions, such as . . .

ReallyYour Time Off

Time



OffNeeds to Be



• “Where should I throw away a stinky diaper?”

• “Can you get on the phone and say hello to the kids?”

• “The kids are bored. What should I do with them now?”

• “No one wants the dinner you left. What else

can I feed them?”

• “When will you be home? (Even

though you provided that information

before you left the house!)

• “Can’t you come home early?”

To head off such questions:

• As you walk out your front door, don’t hedge with comments such as, “Call me if you have any questions.”

• Ensure that the person in charge has everything that he or she will need in order to care for the children, and make sure your surrogate is capable enough to be able to improvise when required.

• Speaking of which, you need to allow your “stand-in” to do his or her own thing with the kids. Your mom, sitter or partner isn’t you, and she or he can’t be expected to do everything exactly the way you would.

Now if, despite your great preparations and positive attitude, your stand-in does call while you are out, don’t reward him or her by answering any non-urgent questions. (e.g. “The baby won’t nap. What should I do?”) Gently, but firmly, tell your partner, sitter or beloved relative that you have complete trust in him/her, and that you’re sure he or she will figure it out. You can remind the caregiver that you are happy to be called if a child is

Continued on page 23

Since your freedom to go out

for the night or away with

your husband, friends, or

on your own is so precious,

your time off shouldn’t be

spoiled by the person left

in charge in your place.

Nesting4 1 0 . 9 2 3 . 2 3 1 0 • f e a t h e r p u b l i s h i n g @ g m a i l . c o m

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“Coming in March/April

Nesting Green Living Guide”

The Green Living Issue

Natural Homes page 6

Good Gardening page 16

Clean Energy page 30

Plus: 5 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician page 20

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bleeding and on the way to the hospital. Remember, you work hard on a daily basis taking care of your little ones. Your few hours, or even day or days away from home shouldn’t require that you exhaust yourself with preparations before your departure. Nor should your respite result in you having to put your house back together after your return. Make sure your husband or partner understands that your time off is for you to recuperate from your daily life, and not from the crazed days leading up to your absence. The renewed you must not be depleted on Day One by cleaning the messes and solving the problems created while you were away. After all, the energy you gain from your much-deserved break will be needed once you return to your routine. N

Melissa Stanton is an Annapolis-area mother of three and author of The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide: Field-tested strategies for staying smart, sane, and connected while caring for your kids (Seal Press/Perseus Books).

Continued from page 21

Your few hours, or even day

or days away from home

shouldn’t require that

you exhaust yourself with

preparations before your

departure. Nor should your

respite result in you having

to put your house back in

order after your return.


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: Tuesday, March 15Some 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 fit 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 you a Nesting family?If so, we’re looking for

cover models!

Nesting

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

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

Nesting Support

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 Group

Location: 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.BWMC Tate Center 1st floor 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-profit 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.HOLMOMS,Website: holisticmoms.org

International CesareanAwareness Network (ICAN)Non-profit organization working toimprove maternal-child health bypreventing unnecessary cesareans,

providing support for cesarean recovery,and promoting Vaginal Birth AfterCesarean (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

Tot’s Line for Anne Arundel CountyFree information, advice andreferrals for parents and caregiversPhone: 877.817.TOTS N

Continued from the previous page

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 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 terrific resource [with] plenty of practical advice.”— Washington Parent

Nesting Support


Hot Spots for Cool Winter FunBy Lucy O’Brien, age 8

The holidays are over and every day we get a little bit more daylight. You don’t have sit around waiting for spring in order to spend time outdoors. You can do it now!

Quiet Water’s Park (410-222-1711) in Annapolis has a great outdoor skating rink for kids of all ages. Odenton’s Piney Orchard Ice Rink (410-672-7013) and the nearby Bowie Ice Arena (301-809-3090) offer indoor skating year round. Skating is easy to learn. Little kids can use a cone for support, and boys who want to look like those cool hockey players on TV can lean on a hockey stick to keep from falling down.

Ski Liberty (717-642-8282) in Carroll Valley, Penn., is an easy drive from our area, and since the resort has snowmaking machines, if it’s cold, they’re open! Skiing is a great family activity. No matter your age or ability,

there’s a slope, a friendly instructor, and a ski package to fit your family.

Snow tubing is a fun activity for people who don’t want to ski. Just take the magic carpet ride to the top of the slope, plop down your tube and off you go! You can take a friend and double the fun on your tube, or go all by yourself. Moms and Dads who don’t want to go tubing can relax at the outdoor picnic tables and keep an eye on their kids while enjoying a hot cocoa and snacks. Snow tubing is available in Pennsylvania at Ski Liberty and Ski Roundtop (717-432-9361), and at West Virginia’s, Snowshoe Mountain (877-441-4386).

If all this sounds like fun to you, get your Feet on the Street and go! N

Lucy O’Brien loves winter sports. She was assisted in writing this article by Nesting publisher Kim O’Brien (aka: her mom).

Feet on the Street

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Nesting January February 2011