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Local Trips for Parents and Kids • page 6Don’t Get Burned This Summer • page 14Why Moms Shouldn’t “Spit in the Air” • page 18

Family vacations, fi reworks and days at the beach make summer a wonderful time of year. We packed

this issue of Nesting with great tips for how you can enjoy a safe and fun summer with your family. Lots of people are changing the way they vacation. Many families are going for local day and weekend trips since they’re both easier on the budget and simpler to pull off, especially with small children. On page 6 Jenn Morson gives us day trip ideas that are fun and easy on the wallet. Speaking of easy, on page 14 Brooke Balderson gets the 411 on summer skin care with simple but essential ways to protect yourself and your family from the sun. And on page 18, in an essay titled “Don’t Spit in the Air,” local author

Melissa Stanton (The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide) shares timeless wisdom about, she says, “the need for us all to be a bit easier on one another.” Lastly, when you just can’t stand the heat and need to stay out of the kitchen, this month’s “Check it out” column by Kathryn Hope provides great suggestions for local, family-friendly eateries that kids and parents will love. Have a great summer!

Kim O’Brien

P.S. See page 4 for how you can share a tip with us, and win a (beach) handy tote bag.

2 Nesting • July/August 2010 nestingmagazine.com

Publisher’s Letter

Contents


Win a Nesting bag!

Summer Day-TrippingGet out of town without drivingtoo far or spending too much.

Summer Skin CareDon’t let a dangerous sunburn ruin your family’s fun in the sun.

Don’t Spit in the AirA mother of three explains why it’s so important to cut ourselves and other moms some slack.

10 Handy Uses for a “Chip-Clip”... other than for bags of chips.

Nesting Support

Check it out!Family-friendly restaurants.

6

14

18

22

26 30

Nesting R

PublisherKim O’Brien

Creative DirectorMolly Zlokovitz Design

mollyzdesign.com

Contributors Brooke Balderson, Terry Cooch

Kathryn Hope, Jenn Morson Melissa Stanton

Distribution ManagerKernan Bussiere

Editorial ConsultantCory Place Communicationscoryplacecommunications.com

Advertising Design ConsultantJennifer Goodman, JGoGraphics

jgographics.com

Published bimonthly by Feather Publishing

P.O. Box 613Crownsville, MD 21302

Phone: 410.923.2310

Email: [email protected]

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by Nesting of products or services. The publisher reserves the right toreject 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 anypart of Nesting by any means without

permission is strictly prohibited.

Nesting is a registered trademark of Feather Publishing.

Share your local “Mom Wisdom” in 75 words or less

Recommend a playground, shop, book, mom’s club, destination, etc. Selected tips will appear in a future issue of Nesting, and each winner will receive our environmentally-friendly ChicoBag shopping tote. Email your wise words to [email protected]. (Include your name, town and contact information.)

Cover Photograph by Catherine PeluraPictured: Drake and Scout Mullikin,

ages 5 and 3, with Nicki


As soon as the mercury begins to rise in the

Nesting area, it’s time for Rita’s ice, crab fests,

swimming, and sailing. But once school is out and our

children are home, they’re bored in less time than it takes

for a popsicle to melt. Annual vacations may be enough

to satisfy parents, but kids need more frequent, immediate

fi xes. These day trip suggestions won’t break the

bank or drain your gas tank.*

By Jenn Morson

*For a sense of how far a drive these destinations are, we’re providing mileage from Annapolis (specifi cally, the Westfi eld Annapolis Mall).

SummerSummerSummerDay-Tripping

Continued on page 8

nestingmagazine.com July/August 2010 • Nesting 7

As soon as the mercury begins to rise in the

Nesting area, it’s time for Rita’s ice, crab fests,

swimming, and sailing. But once school is out and our

children are home, they’re bored in less time than it takes

for a popsicle to melt. Annual vacations may be enough

to satisfy parents, but kids need more frequent, immediate

fi xes. These day trip suggestions won’t break the

bank or drain your gas tank.*

SummerSummerSummerDay-Tripping

With waterslides, fountains, waterfalls, a lazy river, and a separate activity pool

for very little ones, the Chesapeake Beach Water Park (chesapeakebeach waterpark.com) will keep your kids fully entertained for the day, and ready for a good night’s sleep. Food and drinks can be purchased at the concession stand, or you can bring your own and eat at tables outside of the park. (Distance: 27 miles south of Annapolis.) If your children love dinosaurs or just nature in general, Calvert Cliffs State Park (dnr.state.md.us) offers several hiking trails, a recycled-tire playground, and even a large area for fossil hunting. Children will be amazed to learn about prehistoric species that lived in our own backyard, and they can keep the fossils they find. Calvert Cliffs is a pet-friendly park, so long as you clean up after your furry family members. (Distance: 50 miles south of Annapolis.) Although slightly farther away, Cunningham Falls State Park (dnr.state.md.us) has so many activities for families that it’s well worth the drive. The waterfall is the largest in Maryland, and it’s accessible to visitors by way of a short path. Although you can’t swim in the falls, there are three designated swimming areas in the park. During the summer, you can also bring a boat or rent one at Hunting Creek Lake. Cunningham Falls also offers a “Scales and Tales” program for groups that teaches important environmental lessons and showcases captive reptiles and birds of prey. This outing is a great way for parents to sneak in a little summer

Continued from page 6


learning. (Distance: 81 miles northwest of Annapolis.) The Plumpton Park Zoo (plumptonparkzoo.org) in Rising Sun is home to 300 animals from more than 80 different species. Kids can learn about monkeys and giraffes as well as alligators and crocodiles in one of the zoo’s many family-focused learning programs. Animal lovers will enjoy The Summer Safari series, which allows participants to touch the smaller animals. (Distance: 73 miles northeast of Annapolis.)

Did you know that you can sail the high seas of the Chesapeake Bay aboard a pirate ship? Pirate Adventures of the Chesapeake (chesapeakepirates.com) offers an interactive, role-playing adventure for kids, complete with buried treasure, pirate nicknames, maps, costumes, and face painting. From start to finish, the crew stays in pirate character as they

Continued on page 11

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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draw kids into the drama of the treasure hunt. The ship is extremely kid-proofed, so parents don’t need to worry too much about a tot going overboard. (Location: In Eastport, adjacent to downtown Annapolis.)

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (gettysburg.com) might appeal to parents for its historical value, but kids will enjoy the sprawling battlefi elds that feature cannons and other artifacts of the Civil War. Located less than two hours from the Annapolis area, Gettysburg is also home to several family-friendly activities. All ages can appreciate the Land of Little Horses Farm Park (landofl ittlehorses.com), a highly interactive attraction that features demonstrations about such activities as goat milking and grooming the little horses. Another plus: children can pet the horses and other farm animals. Another fun stop in Gettysburg is Boyd’s Bear Country (boydsbearcountry.com), which is home to the famous Boyd’s Bears. Attractions include a Bear Museum, a build-your-own bear center, and an “adoption” agency for newborn teddy bear cubs. A unique feature of Bear Country is a fully-decorated station for each holiday. Christmas in July is indeed happening at Boyd’s Bear Country, as well as Halloween, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. (Distance: 80 miles north of Annapolis.) With all of these possibilities within reach, there’s no reason for bored kids and cranky parents. Enjoy all our area has to offer and branch out to nearby adventures. You might have so much fun the summer will fl y by! N

Jenn Morson is a freelance writer. She lives in Crofton and has two children.

Boyd’s Bears. Attractions include a Bear Museum, a build-your-own bear center, and an “adoption” agency for newborn teddy bear cubs. A unique feature of Bear Country is a fully-decorated

nestingmagazine.com

Continued from page 9

MUST-DO’S FOR YOU AND YOUR CREW

SummerSkin CareIt’s the season for spending time outdoors.

But before you do, protect yourself and your

family from the hazards of too much sun.

By Brooke Balderson

DON’T STEP OUTSIDE UNTIL YOU …

Olay Complete All Day UV

Moisture Cream SPF 15

combines the moisturization

you need with a

broad-spectrum sunscreen

to block UV rays.

BeautyPick

1. Moisturize: Choose a light formula that won’t leave your skin feeling bogged down and oily. Using a moisturizer with some sun protection factor (SPF) will give you smooth skin and a sunscreen.


SummerBurt’s Bees Sun

Protecting Lip Balm with

SPF 8 is all-natural, tastes

great and provides a

subtle tint of rosy color.

It smells yummy, too!

BeautyPick

2. Love the lips: Lips chap easily when exposed to sun and heat. During the summer it’s best to choose a lip balm as opposed to a lipstick or lip gloss. While each product can make your lips look good, a balm keeps lips smooth and hydrated. Some lip balms contain an SPF.

The cosmetics line bareMinerals has a great product called Warmth

that provides an all-over glow. Or you can use the Faux-Tan powder,

which kicks it up a notch on the tan-o-meter. The brand’s powder

foundation has a built-in SPF 15. Another must: Flawless Defi nition Waterproof Mascara.

BeautyPick

3. Makeover your make-up: For summer months, keep your make-up routine to an easy few minutes. Switch your heavy foundation to something light, like a mineral-based powder with an SPF. While you’re at it, ditch the blush. Go for a sun-kissed look with a touch of brushed-on bronzer or faux tan. If you’re hitting the beach or pool, waterproof mascara is a must.

Continued on the next page


16 Nesting • July/August 2010 www.nestingmagazine.com

Glynda Cullen, an esthetician and certifi ed massage therapist at Varuna Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa in Annapolis, has a lot of great suggestions for natural skin care.

1. Maintain a healthy skin care routine by cleansing, toning and moisturizing. About toning she says, “Healthy skin is a balance of oil and water, and toner is like a drink of water for your skin. Toning and moisturizing go hand in hand.”

Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday

UV Face and Body Moisturizing

Sun Protection provides a

huge amount of sun protection,

is safe for children as young

as four-months-old and is

water and sweat

resistant.

BeautyPick

4. Slather on the SPF. Look for sunscreens with “broad-spectrum” SPF, which means you’ll be protected from both UVA and UVB sun rays. To ensure that your sunscreen has had ample time to soak in, put it on at least 30 minutes before heading outside—and then reapply often.

5. Put in on! When you can’t keep sunscreen applied or you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period of time, wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses and even long-sleeved shirts or long pants. A tip: darker fabrics block more of the sun’s rays.

EXPERT ADVICEGlynda Cullen, an esthetician and certifi ed massage therapist at Varuna Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa in Annapolis, has a lot of great suggestions for natural skin care.

1.routine by cleansing, toning and moisturizing. About toning she says, “Healthy skin is a balance of oil and water, and toner is like a drink of water

5. Put in on!keep sunscreen applied or you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period of time, wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses and even long-sleeved shirts or long pants. A tip: darker fabrics block more of the sun’s rays.

EXPERT ADVICE

Advertiseyour

businessor

servicein

thenext

Nestingand

reachthousands

ofNestingmoms!

Coming In our July/August issue....

• Family Day Trips

• Summer Skin Solutions

• Kid Friendly Restaurants

For more information:nestingmagazine.com

[email protected]

16 Nesting • Nesting • Nesting July/August 2010

Nesting

Continued from previous page

www.nestingmagazine.com July/August 2010 • Nesting 17

Brooke Balderson is a teacher and freelance writer from Annapolis.

2. Exfoliation is an important step in preparing and maintaining healthy skin. “Whenever skin starts to look dull, exfoliation will give you the extra glow you’re looking for,” advises Cullen.

3. For an SPF, Cullen says, “You don’t need more than an SPF of 30. Once you go over that number, you increase the amount of chemicals in the sunscreen without increasing the amount of protection.”

4. For skin and hair, Cullen suggests the Aveda Sun Care products, specifi cally the Aveda Sun Care Shampoo and the Aveda Sun Care Hair Veil. The shampoo will cleanse away the chlorine and salt left in hair from the pool and ocean. The Aveda Sun Care Hair Veil acts as a sunscreen for your hair. Apply it to your hair, just as you would apply sunscreen to your skin before heading outside. “We invest so much money in getting the proper color and highlights for our hair, we need to take care of protecting it from the sun,” says Cullen.

1. Choose a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection.

2. Apply sunscreen early and often.3. Moisturize your skin, lips and hair.

4. When in doubt, cover up. 5. Enjoy your summer! N

TheTakeaway

18 Nesting • July/August 2010

A few years before we had our first child, my husband and I

were invited to lunch at the suburban home of college friends I’ll call Dan and Patty. When we arrived at around noon after a nearly two-hour, traffic-filled, Sunday drive from New York City, Patty, a stay-at-home mom to the couple’s three children, was still in her pajamas. Dan was mowing the lawn. Their baby

Don’tSpitin theAirWhy it’s so

important to cut

ourselves and other

moms some slack.

By Melissa Stanton

July/August 2010 • Nesting 19

needed a diaper change. The older children, haphazardly dressed in stained clothes, were playing in a toy-strewn living room. This did not look like a family that was expecting guests for lunch, except that they were. Our visit was at Dan and Patty’s urging. Lunch eventually amounted to each of us slapping together a sandwich from the half loaf of white bread and cold cuts Patty scrounged together from the refrigerator. I left that visit hungry, angry (about wasting a day out of my weekend), and disdainful of stay-at-home moms. At the time I was working more than full-time. Patty, I felt, didn’t work. And because she wasn’t employed, I believed that, at the very least, her house should be clean, her kids should be well-groomed, and when we arrived she should have been dressed and had a lunch ready for our visit. In my view, the fact that she didn’t do any of those things meant she was incompetent, and enormously lucky to have found a man willing to support and take care of her. Roughly a decade later, I became (yikes!) a stay-at-home mother of three. My once-impressive meal prep skills had diminished to a small menu of what my kids would eat. Many rooms in my house were toy-strewn. My kids weren’t the most well-groomed.


I had spit in the air and it came back to smack me in the face. Splat! Yuck!I had become Patty. I tell the tale about the visit because – no surprises with this grand observation – it’s easy to judge and criticize and pontificate about shoulds and shouldn’ts. It’s easy to have high standards when we’re not actually the ones having to meet those standards. It’s easy to make assumptions, and even feel superior, when we haven’t walked the walk. Unlike during that visit, I’m now sympathetic to the chaos of caring for a home and small children. I now know very well that women who leave the workforce to raise children are not incompetent or in need of a Prince Charming to support and take care of them. (In fact, it may be that men with stay-at-home wives are the “lucky” ones: they’re lucky to have a partner who is able and willing to provide the full-time, hands-on care of their children and home, and they’re lucky to be able to earn enough for their household to live on one income.) When we lose our sense of empathy, we make snap judgments or demand perfection of others that neither they nor we can achieve. By trying not to “spit in the air” anymore (or at least not as much), I’m more aware of the importance of empathy, and I greatly notice when it’s lacking. For instance, when “Justine,” a woman I’m acquainted with, was pregnant, she considered mothers who didn’t nurse to be bad mothers. Fast-forward to a post-partum Justine suffering from mastitis while her screaming, hungry newborn lost weight. Out came the bottles. A couple of years later, when the arrival of a second baby made using a daycare center too costly and logically cumbersome, the anti-

Continued from the previous page


nanny Justine (“How can anyone leave their baby at home with a stranger?”) hired a nanny. It can be hard to imagine straying from our perfect expectations until reality intrudes upon our fantasies. We may wish for uncomplicated pregnancies, easy births, healthy children, strong family relationships, nice homes and sustainable incomes. Yet any of one us could find ourselves in a situation that requires help and understanding from others to get by. This can involve something of major significance (such as an illness or divorce) or a small day-to-day occurrence: we’ve all recoiled at the seemingly unhinged mom who screams at her child in public. But then, one day, we too snap from our own child’s tantrums and from our frustration at being unable to complete a simple

task without first accommodating our entourage. Experience brings awareness, empathy, and ultimately, wisdom. Life is a journey with many paths, and it’s a game in which the rules change. It’s best to keep an open mind—and not spit in the air. N

Melissa Stanton is the author of The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide: Field-tested Strategies for Staying Smart, Sane, and Connected While Caring for Your Kids (Seal Press, 2008) and a contributor to Courageous Parents, Confident Kids: Letting Go So You Both Can Grow (Spark Press, 2010). Visit her website at RealLifeSupportForMoms.com.

“I had spit in the air and it

came back to smack me in

the face. Splat! Yuck!”


Handy Uses for a “Chip-Clip”… other than for bags of chips

By Terry Cooch

Handy Uses for a “Chip-Clip”other than for bags of chips

By Terry Cooch

1010

101 Hang photographs

Stringing clips together is a cute and inexpensive way to store and display pictures. A vertical line will take up limited space.

2 Organize hair-tiesClip hair-ties together for storage, and so you’ll lose them less often. Personalize the clip to make a colorful, yet practical, party favor.

3 Keep recipes visible Flatten the pages of a cookbook with a large clip, or use a small clip to secure recipe cards to a stable object.

4 Clip gift cards together and give as a present

Attach a variety of gift cards and drop them into a gift bag. Thoughtful gift: done!



5 Display flashcards Posting flashcards on a refrigerator or magnetic door can help children learn on-the-go. The clip makes it easy to display and change the cards.

6 Clip seed packets together

String a ribbon and gift tag through the clip handle’s hole and you have an instant and unique hostess gift.

7 Prevent napkins from blowing away

A chip-clip is a convenient and easy way to keep napkins grounded when eating outdoors. Bonus: The napkins can be pulled from the stack without removing the clip.

8 Decorate with children’s artwork

Glue a long magnetic strip to the back of a large chip-clip and display the artist’s name with pasted-on foam letters.

9 Recycle paperInstead of tossing one-sided letters and school papers into the trash, use the blank side as a makeshift memo pad by clipping the sheets together.

10 Organize couponsGroup coupons together in the clip and attach them to the refrigerator or some other handy spot for grabbing before you shop. N

Mother-of-six Terry Cooch lives in Arnold and owns TLC Home and Organizing (terrycooch.com)

Continued from previous page


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

Check out our appearance

on ABC 2 News at nestingmagazine.com

Nesting

Arundel County Chapter)Phone: 410.867.6854,Email: [email protected]

Isabel’s Gift NICU Support GroupLocation:Center Contact:social worker, 443.481.6114

MIS (Miscarriage, Infant DeathCheck out our appearance

Learn howNesting

got its start

410.923.2310 • [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.BWMC Tate Center 1st fl oor conference room. Contact: Cheryl Gilman 410-353-6834Website: birthcircleaa.org

Annapolis and Glen BurnieFamily Support CenterFree educational programs, parenting and childbirth classes, and developmental assessments. 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.HOLMOMS,Website: holisticmoms.org

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

providing support for cesarean recovery,and promoting Vaginal Birth AfterCesarean (VBAC) Phone: 800.686.ICANWebsite: icanbaltimore.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

Nesting Support

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


Check it out!

1. Eggcellence (near the Staples at 2625 Housley Road, Annapolis, 410.573.9503) has a wonderful staff and delicious menu. You can’t go wrong with grilled cheese or chocolate chip pancakes for the kids. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch.

2. Lures Bar and Grill (1397 Generals Highway, Crownsville, 410.923.1606) serves great sandwiches, an eclectic selection of beer, and a collection of multilayered Smith Island cakes. My children love to dine out on the back patio and look at the artwork inside. Lures is open daily for lunch and dinner.

3. Kyoto Steakhouse (568 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, 410.647.4500) is entertaining and has great food. My children are so mesmerized by the hibachi chef they eat their vegetables without a peep. Kyoto is open seven days a week.

4. The Great Sage (5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville, 443.535.9400) offers an organic vegetarian menu that even an omnivore will enjoy. The restaurant, which is my favorite, can meet different dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free. My family and I recommend the super creamy macaroni and cheese. After you eat, you can visit the fellow “Conscious

Corner” shops Roots Market, The Nest, and Bark,

each of which is dedicated to

natural living. The Great Sage is closed on Mondays. N

Kathryn Hope lives in Crownsville.

Family-Friendly RestaurantsBy Kathryn Hope

It can be diffi cult for a family with children to fi nd a restaurant that has good food, a suitable atmosphere, and a menu from which a household of diners with differing tastes and dietary needs can fi nd what they want to eat. My family of four—me, my husband, daughter, age fi ve, and son, two—has four failsafe restaurants: