Geocaching for Cheap, Outdoor, Family Fun

Geocaching is a great way to enjoy an hour or a whole day outdoors with the family or by yourself, playing treasure hunter in the woods or a suburban mall parking lot. We got into it as a way to get out of the house and explore when E was about 3 months old. If you haven't ever heard of it before, the simple explanation is: it's a high-tech treasure hunting game. You'll need a smart phone at the least, and a hand held GPSr unit is better. Coordinates to a "geocache" are obtained online, on a variety of websites: www.geocaching.com , www.opencaching.us, www.terracaching.com. Once you have a set of coordinates to a "cache", you simply navigate to the cache, find it, sign the logbook contained there, trade trinkets or items if there are some and you want to, and replace it carefully. Then you can log your find on the website where you found the coordinates, or not, too. It's entirely up to you!

Geocaches can be as small as a vitamin capsule (called nanos, and they are TINY) or as large as a deep freezer, though you'll typically find that most are closer to a tupperware sandwich box or a standard size ammo can, re-purposed. Some require clever puzzles or long hikes, and some are easy enough to reach without getting out of your car. They are sprinkled all over, and you may be amazed how many you've passed each day without knowing it. Sneaking and treasure hunting is enough to make anyone feel cool, and it helps that it's a low cost hobby, especially once you have a way to hunt them. A great free android app is c:geo, though keep in mind, using a phone instead of a GPSr can leave you with a larger "margin of error", so search a wider radius before giving up!

Want to know more? Leave a comment and I'm happy to answer questions! This video can clear up a lot of questions as well. 

Let's be friends! (and followers, and subscribers, and...)

WOW! greenberries has a LOT of ways to connect with you online! If you haven't found us everywhere yet, here's an easy cheat sheet on ways to connect with us and stay in the loop on all the good stuff: classes, sales, deals, exclusive fan offers, first updates on all the new stuff going on in store, upcoming events, opportunities to join our team, and much much more. Where are we, besides right here on blogger?

Facebook

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In your inbox, via very  compact and occasional newsletters!

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And if you forget to check the blog for updates, you can get those three times a week by entering your preferred email address into the subscription box over there! -->

Camping with Kids

I think camping is so much more pleasant as the weather's cooling. You don't run as much of a risk  of it being sweltering hot when you want to go to sleep, the bugs calm down *a little bit* and that camp fire is so much more inviting when there's just a bit of a chill in the air. Our family camps a lot, and I get asked all the time how we camped with an infant, and when that infant became a toddler, how we entertained him! Here are a few tips from our own experiences camping with littles.

1. Sleeping arrangements: for a smaller babe, tent floors are not really safe co-sleeping spaces, usually. Depending on the weather and the equipment, maybe, but a collapsible or not so collapsible moses basket style travel bed was perfect for our son. he was used to co-sleeping, so it was not a huge transition, but kept him away from folds and folds of sleeping bag and rolling toward tent sides. Now that he's older, he shares a two man bag with one of us, he'll probably get his own next year.

2. "Daylight Entertainment": Exploring stuff! Dirt! We try to limit our electronic entertainment when we're out camping, so trying to find creative and unplugged activities while the sun shines is fun for us. We do a lot of hiking and geocaching (don't know what that is? Stay tuned for the next outdoor fun post!), but we also like to laze around the camp site. Toddlers do not tend to enjoy "lazing around". A bucket and shovel is great, as is a scavenger hunt either for things you've hidden (12 bouncy balls, or 10 easter eggs, etc.) or things nature has hidden. An old egg carton with pictures of 12 things to find: a pine cone, a smooth stone, a clover, a brown leaf, a flower, etc. is a great scavenger hunt that encourages nature exploration.

3. "Nighttime Entertainment": Glo Sticks. I can't lie, these things are a lifesaver at night and make the changing light in a camp site less spooky, for kids who find that sort of thing spooky. Glow sticks are awesome and inexpensive. They're not as green as my usual attempts, but they are mighty effective, just be sure to take out all the trash with you. If you're in the right region and season, catching glowing bugs can be fun and inspecting them can be awesome, be sure to release them before tucking in for the night. And let's not leave out S'mores!!

What are your tips for camping with little ones and big ones alike?? What are your favorite places to go locally for camping? Share with us in the comments!

 

Model Search

By now, if you follow us on all our social media or have been in the store, you've heard about our fashion show benefit fundraiser in partnership with Healthy Families Howard County and Slayton House! It's coming up soon and we're so excited to have some of our own great greenberries community modeling our upscale consignment, babywearing, and cloth diapering looks. We're still looking for just a few more models for maternity, babywearing, cloth diapering, and boy's fashions. If you're interested in learning more about the commitment, email us at greenberriesVST@gmail.com and we'll send you the information. models will be picked on a "first to commit, first on the list basis", and you can commit to model after reading our model info packet.

If you're not planning on modeling, but don't want to miss out on all the fun, you can buy your discounted advance tickets at greenberries during normal business hours! Pop on in and grab some for a fun evening with the whole family, and let's support HFHC with some funds and love for families getting started!

Classes at greenberries!

Maybe you know all about what greenberries carries in store, and maybe you know all about how awesome it is to consign with us or find that great consignment treasure, and maybe you know how nice it can be to have a one stop shop for maternity, baby, consignment, new, toys, and gifts alike, BUT that's just part of the whole of what greenberries has to offer.

If you haven't been in for one of our classes or checked out the class schedule, you can find a copy of upcoming classes here! If you have been in or know what classes we're offering, you know there's a little something for everyone in our class schedule, whether you're pregnant, have a new baby, an older baby, toddler, or several kids, there's a class in there for you. Classes for birth and postpartum professionals in labor support and babywearing, and classes for parents in cloth diapering, baby commuincation like sign language, potty learning, kindergarten preparedness, yoga, and so many more. Even better, if you've been looking for a class of a specific type and we don't offer it yet, suggest it to us! If we have the interest and the right instructor, we can make it happen! Many of our classes are free or very affordable. We even offer one on one consults with great in-store perks.

Tell us, if you've taken a greenberries class, what was your favorite part? What class would you love to take or would you love for us to add?

Killing Cravings: A Healthier Cherry Limeade

I've been craving what used to be a summer staple for me: Sonic Cherry Limeade. I love that flavor, and it's so refreshing. But I've sworn off most sodas and have been trying to limit my sugar intake. It seems sugar's in EVERYTHING these days and our bodies just don't need to handle that much, so we've been cutting back and cutting down on sugars, which doesn't leave a lot of room for a Texas-size "splurge" of chemicals, syrups, and artificial colors, no matter how badly I want it.

Then that all changed last week when I discovered DRY Soda Company. It started with trying out their vanilla bean variety on a whim, then I thought "this could be the answer to my summer-long craving for cherry limeade I won't feel bad about putting in my body!" I really really REALLY wanted that cherry limeade. So I set out to make one that would be satisfying without being over indulgent. And it was sooooo good. Now I'm here to share it with you!

Ingredients:

1 bottle of DRY Wild Lime Soda (I found mine at the local Harris Teeter)
1 TBS organic lime juice (Juice your own or buy a bottle!)
1 TBS Crofter's Morello Cherry Spread (I love this stuff, and always have it. I get it at MOM's in Jessup)
Ice

Muddle the spread and lime juice in the bottom of a tall glass until they're well mixed. Add about half your soda slowly and stir it gently, then add the remainder. Top off with ice and enjoy!!

Want to see the difference? This is just for a Medium size at Sonic, though I don't ever have that much self-control when I order sodas, sadly. The difference is very impressive, and the cravings have been annihilated!

Style on a dime time!

Another great greenberries summertime find! 
Our summer consignment sale continues! 

Everything that was placed on the racks before 

July is currently on sale now. Sale runs through the

end of this week.  Stop in today!
 
Abercrombie dress $11.10 consignment steal!

White flower hair clip $9.95 new, available at 

greenberries

Mia sandals $7 consignment

Total for look $28.05

Howard County 5K & Fun Run

It is with a happy heart that we announce to you the Howard County 5K & Fun Run!

Stroller Strides of Howard County & Greenberries Consignment Boutique are proud to co-host this amazing event for Maryland families. Proceeds from this event will go to the wonderful non-profit organization, Athletes Serving Athletes.

Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) is a non-profit organization that brings people together to experience the joy, excitement, and thrill of competition. ASA offers innovative athletic training, supportive mentor relationships, and high quality endurance events for athletes living with disabilities. ASA uses athletic activity as a catalyst for personal development---improving physical fitness, increasing self-esteem and empowering challenged youth to meet their highest potential. We inspire all people to give of themselves and live more active lifestyles, pursuing a high quality of life and achievement.

Our run will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Hopewell Park, located at 9200 Rustling Leaf, Columbia, MD 21045, with a course that circles beautiful Lake Elkhorn.

Sign up today at http://www.active.com/running/columbia-md/howard-county-5k-fun-run-2013

There are many sponsorship opportunities for this event. If you or a business you know would like to take part in this beautiful family event, please email us at HoCo5KFunRun@gmail.com.

• Monetary donation in any amount that you wish. This is a community event and we would love any and all community support.
• Items for participant goodie bags (promotional items, coupons, samples, etc).
• Sponsor a specific need such as Amazing Race (bibs & timing chips), Snacks/Beverage at refreshments tent, Half-way water distributor (bring out your employees and their families to help), T-Shirts for participants and screen printing costs, etc.
• Prizes for top finishers (giveaways, gift certificates of any denomination).
• $75 toward event receives company logo on back of event t-shirt. All donations over $75 receive automatic credit with logo on shirt, website and social media page for event.
• Your time and services! Photographers, face-painting, bounce houses, food trucks on site, banner/sign creation, printing services, etc., are all invited!
  
  

To show your support for our event, please email us at HoCo5KFunRun@gmail.com

If you would like more information on the hosts, feel free to visit

www.howardcounty.fit4mom.com

www.greenberriescompany.com

www.athletesservingathletes.org

Please visit our event page at https://www.facebook.com/HoCo5KFunRun

We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your support for happy & healthy families in Howard County! 

Rebozo Workshop for birth pros and expectant couples!

We're so excited to be hosting Gena Kirby, radio host, blogger, rebozo instructor extraordinaire and birth doula, to the store on September 8th to teach a workshop on how to use a rebozo in pregnancy and throughout labor and birth to comfort, calm, support, and soothe.

Expectant couples can learn how to handle different stages of labor with the help of a rebozo and each other to  work together as birth partners. Birth professionals will learn how to better support their clients by using just one tool in their birth bag in so many ways. We're in for a treat as we learn, laugh, and love our way through this amazing workshop. You don't want to miss it!



 Register here! 

Join the facebook event page here! 

Guest Post | 6 Quick and Easy Tips for Taking Silhouette Photos

 1.)  Timing is Important
I typically set up to take my silhouettes about 30 minutes before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky.  I'll start shooting from then until shortly after sunset while the sky is still bright.  Once the sun sets, light disappears fast, so work quickly.


2.)  Expose for the sky, not your subject
Have your camera meter off a spot right next to the sun.  By exposing for the sky rather than your subject, they will be under-exposed, making them a silhouette.  Believe it or not, you do not need a fancy camera to do this!  If using a camera phone, just touch the sky on your screen before taking the picture.  TA-DA!  How cool is that?!


3.)  Get Down Low
When taking silhouettes, I like to see as much of my subject's outline as possible.  I don't like it when the horizon cuts them off.  So, I get down low (I usually lay flat on my stomach) and angle my camera upward.


4.)  Watch for Distracting Elements
The outline of your subject is very important since that's all that is seen in a silhouette.  Pay close attention to how your subject is standing and their angle to the camera.  Does it look like they're missing an arm or is a tree branch poking out of their head?


5.)   Create Visual Interest
Have your subjects do something.  They can hold hands, stick out their arms, jump, or do anything besides stand still with their arms by their side, looking like blobs.

6.)  Make the Sky Pretty
Play around with different editing software to make the sky even more amazing.  I use Adobe Lightroom 3 or Photoshop CS4, but you could use something as simple as PicTapGo on your iPhone (link: http://pictapgo.com/) to make quick edits to your photos.

Jennifer Krafchik, owner of Jennifer K Photography, has been a wife for eight years, a mama for three, and a professional photographer for two. Capturing life through her lens is one of her greatest obsessions and she looks forward to sharing this love with you each month. Keep up with her life as a mama to two little monkeys as well as her latest work and promotions by following her blog and Facebook page.

Certified Babywearing Educator - Training and Certification Course for Birth and Postpartum Professionals

 Greenberries, in Columbia MD is very excited to be hosting
Certified Babywearing Educator - Training and Certification Course for Birth and Postpartum Professionals . We have room for a few more birth and postpartum professionals who would like to become certified. This course will count toward CEUs for Lamaze and DONA organizations, for further details, contact information is below.

This course will prepare the participant to:
*recognize and teach the safe use of the major styles of baby carriers
*move away from seeing the carrier as just another product and focusing on the practice of babywearing.
*understand the history and current application of use, best methods of teaching, the common errors and questions regarding use of each style of carrier.
*understand how baby carriers can be used to help facilitate Kangaroo care, breastfeeding, secure attachment, as well as the mental and physical development of the baby.
*incorporate this new knowledge into your current practice or to begin a new consulting practice.
*understand where the safety issues regarding baby carriers and their use truly arise.
*understand the difference between active learning techniques and true empathetic listening and why it matters.

Learning Objectives:
*recognize any carrier, regardless of brand, and teach proper use for both newborn and older babies.
*troubleshoot positioning and comfort related issues for both wearer and baby, to help ensure a long lasting carrying relationship.
*understand how the baby carrier can help in the establishment and length of the breastfeeding relationship.
*understand how Kangaroo Care can be facilitated by baby carrier use and why Kangaroo care is important to both the full-term/pre-term newborn and parents.
*abilty to each about the true safety concerns around baby carrier use and how to avoid them.
*introduce new parents to the concept of carrying baby without them thinking of it as just another product to add to the registry, but to find one that suits their body and needs.
*identify how to assist someone in discovering what makes a good carry/carrier for themselves.
*understand the babies expectations at birth and how both Kangaroo care and babywearing helps to meet those expectations.
*understand how both Kangaroo care and babywearing helps the new parent to develop confidence and facilitates the secure attachment of baby and parent.

Nitty Gritty:
*This class has pre-work that will need to be completed in advance of the first day of class.
*This class has home-work scheduled for each night of the training.
*This class has scheduled breaks so you may plan for nursing and child interactions.
*We reserve the right to cancel the class up to 10 days in advance, full refunds if we cancel.
*We understand that things come up and that you may need to cancel. If you cancel 2 weeks in advance of class you will get a full refund minus a $25. processing fee. No cancellations within 2 weeks of class, but you may transfer your seat to someone else. There will be a $25 processing fee.
*If you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, you should contact us to schedule a conversation as soon as possible. During the conversation we can discuss the course format, anticipate your needs and explore potential accommodations.

Times:
October 6th 1:30p - 8:30p
October 7th 10a - 6:30p
October 8th 10a - 6:30p
October 9th 10a - 3p

Cost will be approximately $449 per person, and will change based on number of students. Please email Joanna at info@centerforbabywearingstudies.com for further questions.

World Breastfeeding Week 2013

The theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week is "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers".

Knowing your support network is key to surviving the rougher parts of parenting, and, let's all be honest, there are some rough parts! As with any aspect of being a parent, breastfeeding doesn't always come without it's rough patches. greenberries is a breastfeeding friendly business, and a safe and comfortable environment to sit down and nurse your nurslings or learn a good carrier hold for nursing in. What are some of your other local and national resources for breastfeeding?

1. La Leche League: an international organization with support and information, online and in meetings led by experienced Leaders. Find out more about your local groups here!

2. Kellymom.com: Is this normal? What now? Need some facts, have some questions, looking for help on a particular breastfeeding topic? Kellymom.com is a fantastic resource! like a huge collection of FAQ's on breastfeeding, no holds barred.

3. Are you a visual learner? I am! These videos are brilliant. Not only are they very detailed, accurate, and encouraging, they are so easy to learn from. Stanford really comes through in this series of breastfeeding educational videos.

4. In need of human milk for your bottle-fed baby? Pumping mama in need of freezer space? There are SO many resources out there! Human Milk for Human Babies, Eats on Feets, Modern Milksharing are just a FEW of the ways to getting milk to babies who need it.

I know that's just four and there are so many more! Share in the comments some of your favorite resources, and let's keep supporting mamas who feed babies, wherever, whenever, however.