tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58749376389897052752024-02-19T10:13:41.784-05:00Regarding NanniesGlenda Alice KellieDevelopment Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-31971674220758554972010-07-02T02:00:00.000-04:002010-07-02T02:00:02.220-04:00Financial Free Friday: News For Regarding Nannies <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Financial Free Friday: News For Regarding Nannies</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by: Alice Shaffer </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7uAppf51lWQDziDBKiqaiAafjNG4BAFNuaBqVAJGG-VUB1Nlm6jERZE5H_80w3UNmd8YNd7P5QGPNpPQCrZO1AIGTuHMHZU7FMqQbJ6AB-z1AhTEdf5pr2Wd4q42mXHRC1Nxnw4YelWp/s1600/fireworks-40478152.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="529" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7uAppf51lWQDziDBKiqaiAafjNG4BAFNuaBqVAJGG-VUB1Nlm6jERZE5H_80w3UNmd8YNd7P5QGPNpPQCrZO1AIGTuHMHZU7FMqQbJ6AB-z1AhTEdf5pr2Wd4q42mXHRC1Nxnw4YelWp/s320/fireworks-40478152.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">As we head into a long holiday weekend for 4th of July, we at <a href="http://www.regardingnannies.blogspot.com/" linkindex="530">Regarding Nannies</a> also enter into our 2nd year. Last year for 4th of July I was in Virginia Beach putting together our Regarding Nannies blog and sending off things for Glenda and Kellie to proof and look at. This year we are all working hard again for some fantastic things! We can hardly wait till Monday for things to be shared!<br />
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Please join us on Monday July 5, 2010 at <a href="http://www.regardingnannies.com/" linkindex="531">Regarding Nannies</a> as we start the week long birthday celebration of Regarding Nannies as we turn 1. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will have our own version of colorful fireworks, party excitement, gathering of friends, memories to share and new news. You will want to be there daily to see what we have in store. Could you be a winner? Could you be featured on the blog? How will you share in our excitement as we turn 1?<br />
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As we are doing some change overs from Blogger to Wordpress, your email subscriptions possibly might be lost, so your email subscriptions should be fine, but if you don't get the email on Monday, please stop by the blog and re-sign up for email subscriptions. We shouldn't lose anyone, but want to make to sure you know what is going on in case it happens. If you have any questions don't forget you can email us at regardingnannies (at) gmail (dot) com or find us on Twitter at bloggingnannies and facebook!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday at 8am! </span>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-34617351749073400662010-07-01T01:00:00.003-04:002010-07-01T01:00:01.835-04:00Table Talk Thursday: Where You Can Find A Nannypalooza: Nannies Across America Event<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Table Talk Thursday: Where You Can Find A Nannypalooza: Nannies Across America Event</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">by Alice Shaffer</span></strong><br />
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On Monday, Regarding Nannies featured "<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/monday-moxie-nannies-across-america.html">Monday Moxie: Nannies Across America</a>" in which Sue Downey shared with us what the 2010 Nannypalooza will be all about. Many cities are in the works already of planning a wonderful day of learning for professional nannies. These events will be held during the weekend of Sept 18th and 19th, 2010. <br />
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I am sharing with you today, some of the fun events planned already. Many cities are still planning their "Nannies Across America" event. To find out who is planning things please visit the <a href="http://www.nannycredential.org/npeventlist.html">listings of cities</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Florida:</strong></span><br />
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<strong>Name of Group/Person hosting NAA</strong>: Central Florida Nannies<br />
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<div></div><strong>contact name</strong>: Marcia Van de Kieft<br />
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<div></div><strong>contact email:</strong> <a href="mailto:centralfloridanannies@yahoo.com">centralfloridanannies@yahoo.com</a><br />
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<div></div><strong>website</strong>: <a href="http://www.centralfloridanannies.com/">http://www.centralfloridanannies.com/</a><br />
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<div></div><br />
<strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, September 18th, 2010 8am-4:30pm<br />
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<div></div><strong>Location:</strong> Hampton Inn North Orlando 151 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL<br />
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<div></div><strong>Cost:</strong> $20<br />
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<div></div><strong>How to register and deadline:</strong> Details can be found on our website under the "Nannypalooza Orlando" tab. Or, you may email us at <a href="mailto:CentralFloridaNannies@yahoo.com">CentralFloridaNannies@yahoo.com</a> for more info. We accept Credit, Debit, Check & Money Order. (All Credit & Debit transactions will be charged an additional $2 service fee.)<br />
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<div></div><strong>Workshops being held:</strong><br />
<br />
<div></div>We are still working on finalizing our workshop schedule, <br />
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We are having the following workshops:<br />
<ul><li>Presenting Yourself to Families</li>
<li>Taking Care of Nanny</li>
<li>Sign Language to increase communication & literacy</li>
<li>Potty Training Basics</li>
<li>Redirecting Children's Behaviors</li>
</ul><br />
<div><strong> </strong></div><strong>Anything else you want to add:</strong><br />
<br />
<div></div>Our event includes 8 workshops, Breakfast, Lunch and a Social Networking Event for just $20!!! You can't get that kind of fun for so cheap anywhere... and learn at the same time! :) Since our event is being held at a Hampton Inn, we also have a room block (under Nannypalooza Orlando/Central Florida Nannies) for $69/night (includes hot breakfast). So, attendee's can make a weekend get-away out of it. It's going to be a lot of fun!! <br />
<div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Michigan:</span></strong></div><div></div><div><strong>Name of Group/Person hosting NAA:</strong> Michigan Professional Nanny Association <br />
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<strong>contact name</strong>: Tara Lindsay<br />
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<strong>contact email:</strong> <a href="mailto:Tara@michiganpronannies.org">Tara@michiganpronannies.org</a><br />
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<strong>website:</strong> <a href="http://www.michiganpronannies.org/">http://www.michiganpronannies.org/</a><br />
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<strong>Date</strong>: Saturday, September 18, 2010 8:30am-4:30pm<br />
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<strong>Location:</strong> Lahser High School, Bloomfield Hills<br />
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<strong>Cost</strong>: $25<br />
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<strong>How to register and deadline:</strong> Registration opens August 9, 2010 through September 15. Pre-registration before August 9 to <a href="mailto:training@michiganpronannies.org">training@michiganpronannies.org</a><br />
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<strong>Workshops being held:</strong><br />
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*Michigan Mandated Reporter Training<br />
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*Arts and Crafts for the non-artsy nanny<br />
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*Professional Communication Skills: How to successfully navigate problems and troubles with your employers<br />
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*Stop the Meanness, Spread the Kindness: Family conflicts, Sibling rivalry, and social bullying<br />
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*Behavior and Nutrition: How what they eat affects how they act<br />
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*Self Defense for Caregivers<br />
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*Sticky Subjects: Talking to kids of all ages about drugs<br />
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*Ask Another Nanny: Roundtable style solution session<br />
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<strong>Anything else you want to add:</strong><br />
If your industry related business would like to sponsor Nannypalooza Detroit and/or donate items for goodie bags, please contact <a href="mailto:tara@michiganpronannies.org">tara@michiganpronannies.org<span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wisconsin:</span></strong></div><div></div><div><strong>Name of Group/Person hosting NAA</strong>: Northshore Professional Nanny Agency & Northshore Professional Nanny Alliance</div><br />
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<strong>contact name:</strong> Mary Boyle<br />
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<strong>contact email:</strong> <a href="mailto:northshorenanny@gmail.com">northshorenanny@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>website:</strong> <a href="http://www.northshorenanny.org/">http://www.northshorenanny.org/</a> or<a href="http://www.nannyalliance.blogspot.com/"> www.nannyalliance.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, September 18th<br />
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<strong>Location:</strong> Schlitz Audobon Nature Center (SANC) Bayside, WI<br />
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<strong>Cost:</strong> $0<br />
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<strong>How to register and deadline:</strong> RSVP by Aug. 18th to <a href="mailto:northshorenanny@gmail.com">northshorenanny@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Workshops being held:</strong> We will be having several speakers, including: Patti Bailey, Director of the SANC Preschool will be speaking about the importance of nature in child development. Patti's workshop will include a tour of the preschool and outdoor play areas, as well as take-home materials for each participant. Marcia Hall, INA 2x NOTY nominee CPN and Parent Coach will be speaking about Children's Personal Style. Dr. Amy Leventhal, Child Psychologist, will be speaking about Cognitive Discoveries - and more TBA!!<br />
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<strong>Anything else you want to add</strong>: We will be having a raffle, gift bags for each participant, a round-table problem-solving session and an optional dinner in the evening. Also, lunch will be provided and each participant will receive a certificate of participation. We are looking forward to a great conference!!Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-4483707813584259872010-06-30T04:00:00.002-04:002010-06-30T04:00:00.513-04:00Fun with Nature from the Creative Nanny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg8lU7yhVJOghOUkLdRg-F7Ig2C5I6jLm_KPEdhpKbFpZoB5olIJh6Vm3S_5RzwC9KZOEtk7F4DZf-d0t4SJJoY6bIP8UjAwIajRNQ65cIVefc0WFORVoaw13lFBuTgc2cvus1Li50Ztm/s1600/00448490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg8lU7yhVJOghOUkLdRg-F7Ig2C5I6jLm_KPEdhpKbFpZoB5olIJh6Vm3S_5RzwC9KZOEtk7F4DZf-d0t4SJJoY6bIP8UjAwIajRNQ65cIVefc0WFORVoaw13lFBuTgc2cvus1Li50Ztm/s320/00448490.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Summer is in full swing and the little ones are looking for things to do. Get outside and connect with nature. Here are some ideas for learning and appreciating all that nature has to offer - many in your own back yard! <br />
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<em>Baking with seeds</em><br />
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Discuss how plants come from seeds. Open a bean seed and show the tiny plant inside. Explain that there are some seeds that we plant to grow food and other seeds that can be eaten just as they are (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and caraway seeds). <br />
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<em>Make some muffins and top them with seeds.</em><br />
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(Sample recipe – Mix one package of dried yeast with 1 cup warm water. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp sugar together. Add yeast mixture. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface. Break into balls and put into greased muffin tins. Sprinkle with poppy and sesame seeds on top and let the dough rise. Then bake at 350F for twenty minutes).<br />
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<em>Sweet Potato Plant</em><br />
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Fill a small jar 2/3 with water and place a sweet potato (narrow end down) into jar. Secure the potato in place with toothpicks. Place jar in a warm, dark place and add water when necessary. When a stem appears, place the jar in a sunny window and observe the growth occurring each day. Can record the growth in a small book by drawing pictures, pasting cutouts, or colouring in the number of leaves on a sweet potato picture. <br />
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<em><a href="http://creativenanny.blogspot.com/2010/06/fun-with-nature.html">For all the fun filled summer nature ideas, read the entire article at Creative Nanny.</a></em>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-25519196900526625912010-06-29T02:05:00.003-04:002010-06-29T02:05:00.383-04:00Summer Reading for Grown Ups<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Last week we featured books for kids, this week we will feature the grown up books.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Special thanks to</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Angela Jackson, Kristen Kanoski, Andrea Flagg,Becky Kavanagh, Tara Lindsay, Jennifer Gay,April Krause, Beth Taylor and Donna Saunders for the enthusiastic and prompt response to these questions.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We have included links so you can click and buy at Amazon.com</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<b>What is your favorite grown up book that you can read over and over again and never get tired of it.</b></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><b> Angela Jackson:</b><a href="http://amazon.com/Thorn-Birds-Colleen-McCullough/dp/0380444798/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276970862&sr=1-4">The Thorn Birds</a><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><b>Kristen Kanoski:</b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Standing-Rainbow-Ballantine-Readers-Circle/dp/0345452887/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276970929&sr=1-1">Standing in the Rainbow, by Fannie Flagg.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Andrea Flagg:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I love books about anyone overcoming hardships especially surviors of the Holocaust-<br />
So-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Life-Gerda-Weissmann-Klein/dp/0809015803/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276971015&sr=1-1">All but my life</a>- by Gerda Weissmann Klein<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-Lived-Thousand-Years-Holocaust/dp/0689823959/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276971079&sr=1-1">Have Lived A Thousand Years: Growing Up In The Holocaust </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> by~ Livia Bitton-Jackson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Becky Kavanagh:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Anything written by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jane+austin+collection&sprefix=Jane+Austin">Jane Austin</a> . . . I just love her writing! And on that same not anything written by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Fannie+Flagg">Fannie Flagg </a>- again she's amazing! <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tara Lindsay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> I can read <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1444626634">Wuthering</a></st1:placename><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1444626634"> </a><st1:placetype w:st="on"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1444626634">Heights</a></st1:placetype></st1:place><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/dp/1441408428/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276971250&sr=1-1"> </a>forever. I also love Laurie Notaro's non-fiction books (they always crack me up!). "P.S. I love you" by<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cecelia-Ahern/e/B001IOBQMI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_9?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1276971325&sr=1-9"> Cecilia Ahern</a> (which is far, far, far better than the movie could have ever hoped to be), and "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales. <br />
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Jennifer Gay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Grown up books I can read over and over. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=twilight+series&sprefix=Twilight+">Twilight series </a>and anything by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=nicholas+sparks+books&sprefix=Nicholas+Sparks">Nicholas Sparks</a></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1444626659">April Krause:</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mockingbird-Harper-Perennial-Modern-Classics/dp/0061120081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972570&sr=1-1">To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee </a> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Frank-Diary-Young-Girl/dp/067182449X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276971598&sr=1-4">The Diary of Anne Frank</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Beth Taylor:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Probably th<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+babysitters+club+series&sprefix=The+Babysitt">e Babysitters Club series</a>..LOL.</span><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Donna Saunders:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_5?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=julie+garwood+books&sprefix=Julie">anything by Julie Garwood</a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">What are you reading right now?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Angela Jackson:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> Nora Roberts-T<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=+Nora+Roberts&x=20&y=13">he Stanilaski series</a>(this is not available on Amazon right now but we gave you a link to Nora Roberts books)<br />
<b>Kristen Kanoski:</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Turnover-Murder-Hannah-Swensen-Mysteries/dp/0758234899/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972326&sr=1-1">Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke,</a> a super easy read and no thinking required.</span><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Andrea Flagg:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Willis-Diffrent-Strokes-Streets/dp/1439148988/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972386&sr=1-1">Killing Willis by Todd Bridges</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Becky Kavanagh:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Wait-Get-Heaven-Ballantine/dp/0345494881/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972706&sr=1-3">Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tara Lindsay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Right now I am rereading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mockingbird-Harper-Perennial-Modern-Classics/dp/0061120081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972570&sr=1-1">To Kill a Mockingbird</a>" with some friends.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">April Krause:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-Road-Movie-Vintage-Contemporaries/dp/0307454789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972642&sr=1-1">Revolutionary Road</a></st1:address></st1:street> by Richard Yates<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Beth Taylor:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> T<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=he+Yada+Yada+Prayer+Group+Gets+down&x=16&y=19">he Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets down</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Donna Saunders:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Bishop+series+by+Kay+Hooper&x=18&y=20">Bishop series by Kay Hooper</a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">What do you plan to read this summer?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Angela Jackson</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=+Nora+Roberts&x=20&y=13">Nora Roberts</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972909&sr=1-1">The Help</a>, Percy and the Olympians <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Kristen Kanoski: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972909&sr=1-1">The Help</a>, Lovely Bones and The Shack, again<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Andrea Flagg:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> The new Kendra Wilkenson book<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> I love Biographies- and can only read non-fiction.<br />
<b>Becky Kavanagh: </b>Summer is my time to reread all my favorites -<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jane+austin+collection&sprefix"> Emma, Sense and Sensibility</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Fannie+Flagg">Fried Green Tomatoe</a>s . . . you see my obsession?! I indulge in it during the summer. I also try to include a few mysteries just to bring in some variety. HA!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tara Lindsay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> I don't plan ahead much in my reading...I pretty much just go with whatever appeals to me at the moment. I read 4-5 books a week as it is.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
<b>April Krause:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972909&sr=1-1">The Help</a>,T<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Tent-Novel-Anita-Diamant/dp/0312427298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276973211&sr=1-1">he Red Tent Biography of Anne Frank’s step-sister</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <b>Beth Taylor:</b> Pick up the rest of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=yada+yada+prayer+group+series&sprefix=Yada+Y">Yada Yada prayer group series</a> at the library and continue and complete that series<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Donna Saunders:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">whatever catches my eye<br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">One final note : April Krause shared this website with us,<br />
<a href="http://www.shelfari.com/">http://www.shelfari.com/</a><br />
She says it's a great site to keep track of books that you read or want to read.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We hope you enjoyed this feature and that you discovered some books you want to read this summer too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Please share with us, what your favorites are and what you plan to read this summer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Several of our contributors mentions "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276972909&sr=1-1">The Help</a>" I just finished this book and highly recommend it. I absolutely loved it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Don't forget to share your favorite books with us in the comment section!<br />
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</div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-65793352820026579082010-06-28T02:00:00.000-04:002010-06-28T02:00:04.166-04:00Monday Moxie: Nannies Across America<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Nannies Across America<br />By Sue Downey<br /><br />Professional conferences are a great way to sharpen skills, network with others in your profession and rejuvenate yourself in your current job. Conferences can be particularly beneficial for nannies as we work unconnected to our peers and often with little professional support. It is important to recognize that while many nannies have the earning power or supportive families to attend conferences there are still many working nannies who struggle to make ends meet or who do not have families willing to give them funds or time off to develop professionally. These nannies are exactly the people who <b>need</b> this training the most, as they are often just starting out in the profession or are unconnected to resources and professional mentoring. Thus we founded Nannypalooza on the principal that learning and networking can be low cost, high quality and fun!</span><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Nannypalooza has been quite successful in many ways bringing hundreds of nannies together and sharing loads of information. Our cost has always been rock bottom but the conference has always gotten high marks from most of our attendees. However, many nannies still have problems getting to Nannypalooza. There are travel costs, hotel costs, time off work etc.. that pose challenges to working nannies. SO this year we decided to take all that we have learned about putting together the conference and empower local nannies and agencies to put together their own mini conference. Thus the idea of Nannies Across America was born. We decided to partner with National Nanny Recognition Week in order to bring some positive attention to the great work we do. Therefore all the events will take place the weekend of Sept 18th and 19th. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This event promises to be the largest nanny training event ever! And the excitement is growing. We ask coordinators to plan an event that meets the basic Nannypalooza criteria: that it has at least 2 workshops (one professional development, one childcare), that it provide nannies with the opportunity to network and get some personal support, and that it be low cost, inclusive and fun. After meeting these initial requirements, the coordinators can get creative adding additional social components, more workshops and themes to the mix. Some events will be large attracting more than 75 nannies while other events will be smaller depending on the event planner and the nanny community in that particular city. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Our goal is to have events in 25 cities and we are well on our way! Events are already planned in Orlando, Detroit, Seattle, Cincinnati, and many more locations. Just think of it- if only 20 nannies in 25 cities participate then we will have more than 600 nannies gathered virtually together learning, making friends, growing and having fun. What a great thing for our profession. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">More importantly these local events give nannies who are “unconnected” a chance to see what a conference is all about. They can plug into the world of the professional nanny and develop skills and gather resources that will open a new world to them. Gathering like these will provide the first steps for many nannies to gain confidence and skills that will put them on the path to professionalism. And we hope that they will see the benefits of attending conferences and classes and start to look for more opportunities to grow. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And did I mention it will be fun!! How great it will be to take a few hours off and enjoy the company of your local nanny community. How fantastic to share your expertise and ideas with others who really understand! </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">If you are interested in planning an event in your area, or helping out with an event in the works we are looking for you!! It doesn’t take any special skills, just a passion to help out and a sense of adventure. We have plenty of resources and can assist you along the way. And it important to remember that any gathering of any size can make a difference!! There are nannies out there who need these events, whether it be something casual for 20 people, or something more elaborate at a hotel for 100. The important part of Nannies Across America is that everyone is welcome and will come away with some new ideas and new friends! </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We are currently looking for planners in the following areas-<br /><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">any California cities</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Chicago</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Las Vegas</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">New York, New Jersey metro area</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Phoenix</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Houston</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Miami</span></div> <div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">St Louis</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Or many more locations!!! </span></div> <div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">For more info check out the website at <span><a href="http://www.nannycredential.org/Nannypalooza2010.html" target="_blank">Nannies Across America!</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nannycredential.com/" target="_blank">www.nannycredential.<wbr>com</a> </span></div> <div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter';"><span style="font-size: medium;">or the<a href="http://www.nannycredential.org/npeventlist.html"> listing of currently planned events-</a><br /><br />Please check back on July 1 for Table Talk Thursday when we share some more in depth information on the Nannies Across America events already in the works.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-63316363791646033912010-06-26T11:02:00.000-04:002010-06-26T11:02:16.651-04:00Weekend Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Weekend Round UP<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5yvM9x8zo9XUV8U1AvYxhwgsc9VSBSOCac76qF2JBhIoY47Sb9o2XjD9cdKr9euq0EpCEuBsLXjBPV4g2QCWcO3D_JtFnAQAfx1DQ7PYClz-V7NHyRZ4Kx9_ueE9z7jxgmVfX2oRKMqz/s1600/rnbigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5yvM9x8zo9XUV8U1AvYxhwgsc9VSBSOCac76qF2JBhIoY47Sb9o2XjD9cdKr9euq0EpCEuBsLXjBPV4g2QCWcO3D_JtFnAQAfx1DQ7PYClz-V7NHyRZ4Kx9_ueE9z7jxgmVfX2oRKMqz/s200/rnbigger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Here are the links to this weeks articles in case you missed something:<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/9zTjLV">Monday Moxie</a>: The sixth article in Kellie's series: Taking your support group to the next level<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/9t2qRL">Tuesday Tips</a>: Some of our friends favorite children's books and great books you might not have heard about.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/9SYKoQ">Wednesday Creative Nanny</a>: Glenda reminds you of some Simple Car Games you might have forgotten.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/dwVbKv">Thursday Table Talk</a> Christy Ochs shares her experience with learning about "Love and Logic"<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/a5Ybt1">Friday Financial Nanny</a>: Alice shares tips on affordable organics.<br />
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We are coming up on our one year anniversary for Regarding Nannies. We will have lots of excitement the week of July 5th so stay tuned. Be sure to share with us your favorite articles and features from the past year or what you would like to see in the future. We LOVE to hear from you.<br />
Next week we will feature the grown up books that our readers recommend, Kellie will share more themes with us on Creative Nanny Wednesday and on Financial Friday Alice will tell us about Swagbucks!Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-85162174280802190382010-06-25T00:30:00.000-04:002010-06-25T00:30:15.217-04:00Financial Friday: More On Eating Healthy Organics & Affording ThemFinancial Friday: More On Eating Healthy Organics & Affording Them<br />
by Alice Shaffer<br />
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Regarding Nannies covered <a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/05/week-end-roundup.html" linkindex="545">National Food Allergy week </a>back in the beginning of May. I am embarking on a more natural and less processed eating lifestyle. There are so many "organics/gluten free" items on the market, but what really is true "organic/gluten free" items. While researching this I found an awesome blog post addressing buying organic foods and eating healthier for less. We all know that eating healthy can cost more than eating processed foods and fast food. It comes from the blog, <a href="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/" linkindex="546">The Digerati Life</a>. The Digerati Life is a great blog about various finance issues. Make sure to go check it for the other helpful posts on the site. <br />
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<div class="headline_area"> <h1 class="entry-title"><a href="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/how-to-buy-organic-food/" linkindex="547">How to Buy Organic Food and Eat Well for Less Money</a></h1><div class="headline_meta">by <span class="author vcard fn">Guest Blogger</span> on <abbr class="published" title="2010-06-18">June 18, 2010</abbr> | edited by <span class="author">SVB</span></div><div class="headline_meta"><span class="author"> </span> </div></div><strong><em>Great tips on buying organic food at a lower cost.</em></strong><br />
The organic food market has become huge in the past five years. However, some consumers are still very skeptical about the whole “organic” craze because at times it seems like many foods are getting slapped with the organic label only to be charged at a higher price.<br />
“Organic food” can mean a variety of different things depending on what the item is. For instance, it can mean that there are no preservatives or artificial junk in packaged food. It can also mean that dairy products are processed differently. For vegetables and fruits, it can mean that no pesticides or genetic altering is used.<br />
<div class="articleimg"> <img alt="buy organic food" class="outline" src="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/images/buy-organic-food-2.jpg" width="475" /><br />
<small><em>Image from BuyOrganic.com.au</em></small></div><div class="articleimg"><small><em> </em></small></div><div class="articleimg"><small><em> </em></small> </div>After watching the documentary <em>“Food Inc”</em>, I decided to take a closer look at what I am eating including how’s it’s being prepared, how it’s being raised, and where it’s coming from. Meats were my biggest concern, and I now try to buy only organic beef that comes from cows that are naturally raised and grass-fed, chicken that’s raised ethically and with no hormones, and fish that are caught from the wild.<br />
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All of that comes at a premium price and I’m willing to pay it. However, I’ve learned that there are some key ways to <a href="http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-eat-organic-on-a-budget/" linkindex="548">save money when buying organic food</a> and I’d like to share some of those tips to help you eat organically and save money at the same time:<br />
<h3>How to Buy Organic Food and Eat Well for Less Money</h3><strong>1. Look for options at your regular supermarket first.</strong><br />
Whole Foods and other premium supermarkets that are strictly organic are notorious for being about 20% to 30% more expensive than other supermarkets. Many of the other supermarkets stock organic alternatives that may be cheaper than the brands Whole Foods carries. Make sure to check these items out as you may be able to get great deals on organic food.<br />
Even at Whole Foods, there have been a ton of sales lately that make their products a lot more affordable. Make sure to get the coupon booklet when you enter the store. On a side note, Whole Foods also runs some great dinner deals (e.g. in Chicago, every Wednesday they have $8.99 16 inch pizzas including 1 topping made to order).<br />
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<strong>2. Try your local farmer’s market.</strong><br />
I always check out my local farmer’s market for produce, especially for fruits and vegetables that are in season. This is a great option because you’ll get extremely fresh product at great prices. Not only that but you’ll be helping to stimulate your local economy by buying from local farmers and you get to interact with them too.<br />
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<strong>3. Grow your own vegetables in your backyard home garden.</strong><br />
You may not want a <a href="http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2009/05/home-vegetable-garden/" linkindex="549">full-blown home vegetable garden</a> in your backyard but certain spices and vegetables can be grown for relatively cheap and without much daily maintenance. The greatest benefit of growing your own produce is that after the upfront cost of buying the seeds, the rewards are endless as long as you water and take care of the plants. It’s also a fun side project or hobby especially when Springtime rolls around. Learn more about the <a href="http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-save-money-with-a-home-garden/" linkindex="550">benefits of a home garden</a> and how you can save money.<br />
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<strong>4. Join a food co-op.</strong><br />
Joining a food co-op can really help you to save money on meats. Buy in bulk and if you have an extra freezer, freeze the meat and use it for the next month or two. Check out what kind of co-ops are available in your area by a doing a search online. This is a pretty neat concept and works well.<br />
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<strong>5. Choose to buy only organic foods that are most important to you.</strong><br />
My wife and I frequently shop at Whole Foods but only purchase meats and dairy. These foods are most important to us in terms of being ethically raised, farmed, and processed. If you do ALL of your shopping at an organic supermarket, you’ll spend about double on food unless you shop during the right sales and stay disciplined. In our case, we weren’t all that concerned about getting organic granola or organic tortilla chips. So for foods other than meat and dairy, we shop at Publix, a big discount supermarket chain in the Southeast.<br />
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<strong>6. Rethink your meals </strong><br />
Finally, try coming up with meals that use fresh ingredients but can be prepared in large batches. That way you can easily reheat and eat again. Also, try cutting out frozen <a href="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/ready-made-meals-tv-dinners/" linkindex="551">ready made meals and TV dinners</a> like pizzas and other frozen organic foods. These can cost nearly double the price of regular frozen foods, and you wanted to go organic for the health benefits too, right?<br />
My wife and I weren’t perfect when we first started buying organic foods. We started spending about $100 more per month on groceries, and we wrote this off as just the cost of eating better. However, we’ve slowly refined our strategy and started buying at various different vendors which has then allowed us to bring our grocery costs back down to about the same when we were just buying from the local, big supermarket. If you follow some of the tips mentioned in this article and work your own strategy when buying organic, you’ll find that you will start eating better at less cost.<br />
What are your thoughts on going organic? Have you found any effective strategies for spending less while still being able to buy organic?<br />
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<em>Erik Folgate is an editor and blogger for the Money Crashers </em><a href="http://www.moneycrashers.com/" linkindex="552"><em>personal finance blog</em></a><em>. Visit the site for more guidance and tips on saving money, investing, credit and debt, and more. </em>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-28165941624616961652010-06-24T02:48:00.001-04:002010-06-24T02:48:00.417-04:00Thursday Table Talk: A brief overview of "Love and Logic" by Christy Ochs<div class="MsoNormal">Why I LOVE Love and Logic</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/01/catching-up-with-christy.html">Christy Ochs</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last weekend I attended a Love and Logic Seminar, presented by Jim and Charles Fey, and I left there feeling empowered, ready to take on anything that my 3 charges could throw at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you who are unfamiliar, Love and Logic was founded in 1977 by nationally known psychiatrist Foster Cline, M.D. and Charles Fey, a Teacher and parent himself.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is a philosophy of raising and teaching kids which uses “humor, hope and empathy” to build on our relationships with the children we are helping to raise.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The reason that I, as a nanny choose Love and Logic over all of the many techniques I’ve learned over the years is because of two things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Number One</u>: It’s SO easy. Many of the other methods can get so complicated, that I am lost before I even begin. I don’t have time for charts, lists and journals and I have even less faith that they will provide the desired results. Love and Logic teaches words that work right off the tip of your tongue. It teaches parents and caregivers how to hold their kids accountable. In a very simple way it teaches the child to see the adult as the “good guy” and the child’s poor decision as the “bad guy”. It teaches what we, as nannies have always known: the more words we use, the quicker they zone us out. That’s why phrases like “My car leaves at 8:00. Will you be going to school with your clothes on your body, or your clothes in a bag?” always said with a smile, will be much more effective than “You need to get dressed NOW! We can’t be late again. I woke you up in plenty of time, and you have been dawdling over breakfast and now, look at the time…etc…etc…” I’ve actually used the first one, bag in hand ready to put his clothes in, and he really did get this wide eyed look and said “I can’t go to school in my PJ’s!” to which I replied with great empathy “Oh, that’s true. It might be pretty embarrassing. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.” He hasn’t gone to school in his pj’s yet, but I am perfectly willing to follow through should he make the wrong choice, and he knows it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Number Two: </u>It puts the responsibility back on the child, teaching him that we trust him to make the right choices. Each time we do for the child those things which he is capable of doing himself, or protect a child from the consequences of his choices, we are saying “I don’t think you are capable of handling this yourself.” We can turn our children’s mistakes into powerful learning opportunities. For example, give them a reasonable deadline to get their chores done: “Just have the bathroom cleaned up by tomorrow at 3:00.” Avoid lectures or reminders. If they don’t do the chore, do it yourself. This is an opportunity for learning. Then let empathy and consequence do the teaching. “This is such a bummer. I did your chores. Now I don’t have the energy to drive you to your friend’s house.” This is a technique called “The Energy Drain” and it’s very effective. While they are learning, there will almost always be an argument, but don’t participate. “I love you too much to argue.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">Empathy is hard to argue with. Kids respond to empathy. A toddler who is having a meltdown is quickly derailed with very few words: “So sad. Looks like a little bedroom time. You can come out when you can be sweet”. Love and Logic can begin when they are babies. The 10 month old who keeps tossing his bottle off the high chair: “Uh oh! Bottle gone.” And put it away. He will quickly learn that when he hears the words “Uh oh” (which is called the uh-oh song because you say it in a sing-song voice) the consequence will follow quickly. I’ve seen the hand stop in mid-air as I sang Uh oh.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love and Logic teaches us that we should ‘lock in’ our empathy, love and understanding prior to telling kids what the consequences of their actions will be.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel that with any technique, including Love and Logic, we should take from it what we can use. Not every solution will work for every child, but it is so empowering to have the tools ready when I need them.</div><div class="MsoNormal">You can find out more about Love and Logic at <a href="http://www.loveandlogic.com/">www.loveandlogic.com</a> . There are downloadable resources and webinars, FAQ’s and books and tapes you can order which will address almost any issue you may be facing. I also recommend that you attend a Love and Logic workshop if there is one in your area. Hopefully, you will feel like I do – secure in the knowledge that you have the tools and techniques to set real limits, in a loving way by teaching consequences and healthy decision making.<span style="color: #513114; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-79098748370809366212010-06-23T02:16:00.000-04:002010-06-23T02:16:00.467-04:00Creative Nanny Wednesday: Simple Things to do on a Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3EUP2qNfBqW1U7fRreGFB1CPlRfKsr9Fd0jj85Dp7n4S2pggor6gU-yit-d9T-k9litZiMTCf6xt6_mZRREQcwZmK1X5xIofMX1wiYz4DF_vWIH_S1rHOe6T3vObeooLyqM6L0OxhuI/s1600/BGD+Family+Road+Trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3EUP2qNfBqW1U7fRreGFB1CPlRfKsr9Fd0jj85Dp7n4S2pggor6gU-yit-d9T-k9litZiMTCf6xt6_mZRREQcwZmK1X5xIofMX1wiYz4DF_vWIH_S1rHOe6T3vObeooLyqM6L0OxhuI/s320/BGD+Family+Road+Trip.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Car Games</b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It’s that time of year when families load up the kids and head for the beach or the mountains or the lake.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Entertaining children on a road trip requires a little planning ahead, a little organization on your end but the end result provides a happier vacation for everyone.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now I could just tell you to buy a DVD player hook it into the back of your car (one per child) sign up for Redbox and be on your merry way but if I did that it would be too easy and this article would be too short, plus……….in my opinion…..that isn’t fair to your children.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To read the rest of this article, visit the <a href="http://www.thecreativenanny.com/">Creative Nanny</a>.</div></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-58642949018883662942010-06-22T02:44:00.002-04:002010-06-22T02:44:00.608-04:00Tuesday Tips: Great books for kids by Glenda Propst with the help of our Facebook friends.<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Summer is here and it’s a great time to instill in children the joy of reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With that in mind I asked a random group of our Facebook friends the following questions:<br />
What is your favorite childrens book?<br />
What is your favorite childrens book that not many people know about?<br />
What is your favorite grown up book that you can read over and over again and never get tired of it?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">What are you reading right now?<br />
What do you plan to read this summer?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">This week we will feature the answers about childrens books and next week we will feature the grown up books.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Special thanks to</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Angela Jackson, Kristen Kanoski, Andrea Flagg,Becky Kavanagh, Tara Lindsay, Jennifer Gay,April Krause, Beth Taylor and Donna Saunders for the enthusiastic and prompt response to these questions.<br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We have included links so you can click and buy at Amazon.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">What is your favorite children's book? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><b>Angela Jackson</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Green-Eggs-Myself-Beginner-Books/dp/0394800168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966499&sr=1-1">Green Eggs and Ham</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Kristen Kanoski: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">My favorite children's book is a toss up between T<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Tree-40th-Anniversary-Book/dp/0060586753/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966564&sr=1-1">he Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein </a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-House-Virginia-Lee-Burton/dp/0395181569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966613&sr=1-1">The Little House</a>, and of course,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0060775858/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966667&sr=1-1"> Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Andrea Flagg:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It’s a tie between:<br />
<st1:place w:st="on">I<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1606317946">sland</a></st1:place><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Island-Skog-Picture-Puffin/dp/0140546499/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966968&sr=1-1"> of the Skog by Stephen Kellog</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chrysanthemum-Big-Book-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0061119741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966848&sr=1-1">Chrysanthemum by:~ Kevin Henkes</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Both have very colorful illustrations and expressive text mixed together with the exciting story and the good message of not judging others before you get to know them/standing up for yourself all make these two books my favorite.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Becky Kavanagh:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">This is one of those impossible questions - any one of the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Mouse-Cookie-Give/dp/0060245867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967070&sr=1-1"> If You Give A Mouse A Cookie </a>books, any of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Shop-Sandpiper-Book-Nancy/dp/0395706726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967021&sr=1-1">Sheep in a Shop</a> books, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Little-House-Nine-Book-Set/dp/0064400409/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967151&sr=1-1">Little House on the Prairie series,</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Caddie+Woodlawn">Caddie Woodlawn</a>, and so many others I could mention but I'll spare you.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tara Lindsay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> I love to read books with my charges that are written as if being told by the main character...so the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1276967317/ref=sr_gnr_fkmr0?ie=UTF8&node=1000&search-alias=stripbooks&field-keywords=Eloise%20Thompson">Eloise</a> books, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Fancy+Nancy">Fancy Nancy books</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=judith+viorst+alexander+books&sprefix=Judith+Viorst+Ale">Alexander books (by Judith Viorst)</a>, etc. The voices and characters are fun to do! For quieter times or "lesson" oriented books, I love the children's books by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=max+lucado+children%27s+books&sprefix=Max+Lucado">Max Lucado</a>. <br />
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<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Jennifer Gay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> My favorite kids kids book is anything by Kevin Henkes! I love him and his books. I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lillys-Purple-Plastic-Purse-Henkes/dp/0688128971/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276966848&sr=1-3">Lily's Plastic Purse</a> that one is truly great.<br />
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">April Krause:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Fish-Marcus-Pfister-Herbert/dp/1558584412/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967774&sr=1-1">The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister</a><br />
Any <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=beezus+and+ramona+by+beverly+cleary&sprefix=Beezus+and+Ram">Beezus and Ramona books by Beverly Cleary</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(as a reference book I love the book called "<a href="http://.amazon.com/Great-Books-About-Things-Kids/dp/0345441311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967886&sr=1-1">Great Books about Things Kids Love by Kathleen ODean</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Beth Taylor:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> I'd have to say <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-What-You-See/dp/0805047905/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967954&sr=1-2">Brown Bear, Brown Bea</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-What-You-See/dp/0805047905/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276967954&sr=1-2">r by Eric Carle</a>, what do you see!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Donna Saunders:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Woods-Photographic-Fantasy-Connect/dp/0971269262/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968039&sr=1-1">The Stranger in the Woods series by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick </a>- lovely photography and story about nature and the wild animals in our own back yards</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">What is one of your favorite kids books that not many people know about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Angela Jackson:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cloudy-Chance-Meatballs-Judi-Barrett/dp/0689707495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968098&sr=1-1">Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</a> (but now everyone knows of it because of the movie)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Kristen Kanoski:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quiltmakers-Gift-Jeff-Brumbeau/dp/0439309107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968209&sr=1-1">The Quiltmaker's Gift</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/dp/1578563232/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968147&sr=1-1">God Gave Us You</a>.</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Andrea Flagg</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Anything by Julia Donaldson<br />
but specifically~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Room-Broom-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0803726570/ref=pd_sim_b_3">Room on the Broom</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gruffalo-Julia-Donaldson/dp/2862608408/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968345&sr=1-5">Gruffalos Child</a></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Becky Kavanagh</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0688117996/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&qid=1276968415&sr=1-1&condition=used">Hugh Pine by Janwillem van de Wetering</a> - - -(Our link is to the used copies on Amazon) It's a little search to find a copy but totally worth it! It's a delightful and powerful story about a very unique porcupine with some interesting ideas. A chapter book that's sweet, funny and touching. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tara Lindsay: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We read a new book the other day...people may or may not have heard of it... "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barefooted-Bad-Tempered-Baby-Brigade/dp/1582462747/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968539&sr=1-1">The Barefooted Bad Tempered Baby Brigade</a>" by Deborah Diesen. It's a really cute story of babies staging a protest, but ends very sweetly.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Jennifer Gay:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> One of my favorite books people might not know about is this book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Love-You-Through/dp/0439673631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968597&sr=1-1">I Love you Through and Through</a> by Bernadette Roselli Shushak. It is a really sweet short picture book. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">April Krause:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Day-Jimmys-Boa-Ate-Wash/dp/0140546235/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968650&sr=1-1">The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate The Wash by Steven Kellogg</a><br />
(I can recite it in my sleep)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Beth Taylor:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://n.com/Grover-Sleeps-Over-Elizabeth-Winthrop/dp/030729000X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968696&sr=1-1">Grover Sleeps Over</a> (my favorite childhood book!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Donna Saunders:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Nothing-Special-Patrick-McDonnell/dp/0316054410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968753&sr=1-1">The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell</a> tells a story about just how special friendship is, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Bear-Dennis-Haseley/dp/0152002391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968805&sr=1-1">A Story for Bear by Dennis Haseley & Jim LaMarche</a> - a story about a bear who learns to love books</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Glenda Propst:</b> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stand-Back-Elephant-Going-Sneeze/dp/0688093388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276968925&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stand Back Said the Elephant, I'm Going to Sneeze</span></a></span></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-16054727774102327082010-06-21T04:00:00.002-04:002010-06-21T04:00:00.670-04:00Taking Your Nanny Support Group to the Next Level - part 6<em>by Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team </em><br />
<em>President, </em><a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/"><em>ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</em></a> <br />
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<div> </div><strong><em>Promoting Your Group</em></strong> <br />
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<div> </div>There are many effective ways to promote your group. My favorite by far is <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/free.aspx?AID=10287971&PID=3620125&GP=6%2f16%2f2010+9%3a28%3a40+PM">VistaPrint</a>. By using their designs or uploading your own you can create an endless array of exposure for your group. <br />
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Design postcards to mail out announcing special events and meetings. <br />
<br />
Design postcards to give to members to have handy with your group information while at the park as they may run into other nannies on outings. <br />
<br />
Design tote bags with your logo or group name. <br />
<br />
Put your name on pens <br />
<br />
Design business cards to hand out to anyone and everyone – get your name out there. <br />
<br />
Design a banner to hang at meetings and events. Get noticed! <br />
<br />
Design key chains for members to have as a thank you! <br />
<br />
Design mugs, mouse pads, hats, t-shirts, and more and have handy as a giveaway during special events, meetings or as a thank you. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Another venue to check out for promotional items is CafePress. Offering many of the above and more options not on VistaPrint, let your creative juices flow. <br />
<br />
<div> </div><em>Always be looking for ways to cut costs. Here are some of my tips:</em> <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Email your newsletter vs. printing it. Offer printing to those who don’t have email, but consider adding an additional fee if you feel extra costs will be involved not covered by membership fee. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Email renewal notices. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Utilize VistaPrint for business cards, postcards, etc. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Use <a href="http://www.evite.com/">Evite</a> for events <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Consider business membership, outside advertising. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>By cutting costs you are able to put more money back into the organization and meet the needs of your membership. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Finally, I’ve mentioned many resources throughout these six parts. Here is a handy listing for you to refer to as you take your group to the next level. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>If you have any questions on any of these parts or would like to discuss ways to improve your group, feel free to contact me at allthingsnanny (at) gmail (dot) com. <br />
<br />
<div> </div><br />
<div> </div><br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/free.aspx?AID=10287971&PID=3620125&GP=6%2f16%2f2010+9%3a28%3a40+PM">VistaPrint </a><br />
<br />
<div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1261154450"> </a></div><a href="http://www.pdf995.com/">PDF995</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.constantcontact.com/">Constant Contact</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.google.com/">Google </a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo!</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/">Amazon Associate Program</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.efundraising.com/">EFundraising</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">CafePress </a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">Survey Monkey</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://bestnannynewsletter.com/index.htm">Best Nanny Newsletter</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.crayolastore.com/index.asp?.">Crayola Affiliate Program</a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.godaddy.com/">GoDaddy</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.website-by-you.com/">Website By You</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.craigslist.com/">Craigslist</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.meetups.com/">MeetUps </a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook </a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.nannyisland.com/">Nanny Island</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.evite.com/">Evite</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Blogger</a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.wordpress.com/">WordPress </a><br />
<br />
<div> </div><a href="http://www.iseeme.com/">I See Me</a> <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-2452176753676434742010-06-19T09:58:00.000-04:002010-06-19T09:58:32.840-04:00Weekend RoundUpIn case you missed something this week on Regarding Nannies, here are links to our features for the week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-your-nanny-support-group-to-next_14.html">Monday Moxie</a> :Kellie continued her series on taking your support group to the next level with fundraising.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesday-tips-food-journaling-fitdaycom.html">Tuesday Tips</a>: Alice reviewed the online food journal called <a href="http://www.fitday.com/">Fitday</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/creative-nanny-wednesday-recipe-for.html">Wednesday Creative Nanny</a>: We featured an article from the <a href="http://nannytips.blogspot.com/2010/06/recipe-for-playdate-party.html">Michigan Professional Nanny Associatio</a>n about the recipe for a Play date party.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-your-nanny-support-group-to-next_17.html">Thursday Table Tal</a>k: Kellie's 5th article in her series of taking your support group to the next level discussing dues and supporting members.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/financial-friday-independent-contractor.html">Financial Friday</a>: <a href="http://www.breedlove-online.com/">Breedlove and Associates</a> will be writing for us on a regular basis. They approached us at INA and offered to do this. Their first article is information that every new nanny needs to know and every seasoned nanny should already know. <b>What is an independent contractor?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">If you have not signed up to follow our blog, we would love to have you do that!<br />
You can also follow us on Twitter (We are blogging nannies) </span></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">As we approach our 1 year anniversary, we would love to hear from you!<br />
What were your favorite articles this year, and what you would like to see more of next year.</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Next week on Regarding Nannies we will have a list of books for kids and adults that you might want to add to your summer reading list.</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Car Games for kids, and tell you about <a href="http://www.naturessimpleblends.com/">Natures Simple Blends</a> owned by the mother of 4 who just launched her own organic baby food company.</span></span></b></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-46428312417108394952010-06-18T02:00:00.005-04:002010-06-18T02:00:02.599-04:00Financial Friday: Independent Contractor Law<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Independent Contractor Law</b><br />
Compliments of <a href="http://www.breedlove-online.com/" linkindex="50">Breedlove & Associates</a>, written specially for Regarding Nannies</span><br />
<br />
This time of year, we frequently receive questions from both families and nannies about payroll and tax reporting requirements for a summer position. Many families assume that because the position is temporary, they can classify the nanny as an independent contractor and issue her a Form 1099. This assumption is incorrect and can land the family in a lot of trouble. Here’s why:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dTVY0L2ic461Q_Jaat-xAIuHqquJuYe64ykoVpX05_1aNSqG6aL_SqXK6x2hv42b4emATdAZKE_1tRoxWSyN_20ayGjMrb-uc_aXSYF7lilN3oREE-D_WUdvmkcuTAOZCJy0KU87-mGC/s1600/logo-breedlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="51" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dTVY0L2ic461Q_Jaat-xAIuHqquJuYe64ykoVpX05_1aNSqG6aL_SqXK6x2hv42b4emATdAZKE_1tRoxWSyN_20ayGjMrb-uc_aXSYF7lilN3oREE-D_WUdvmkcuTAOZCJy0KU87-mGC/s320/logo-breedlove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To read the rest of the article please visit :</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thefinancialnanny.com/" linkindex="52">The Financial Nanny</a></span></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-52440054215054715092010-06-17T04:00:00.001-04:002010-06-17T04:00:04.399-04:00Taking Your Nanny Support Group to the Next Level - Part 5<em>by Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team </em><br />
<em>President, <a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/">ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</a></em> <br />
<br />
Two questions I hear often from nanny group leaders are … One, should we charge membership dues and Two, should nanny agencies be permitted to be supporting members? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDNrps7tLRLeRd0ywP0RtYTtn8IGFlCQiHf4JKleEEGjYvGVa-LtW5ShGJMODG63K1q4OQQxMpZM-wv8grtira-CznVjHZQ2olh4pgFO464vOSFFj4H5sTVQa5JglEglafCuJx4Iey8fD/s1600/j0406825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDNrps7tLRLeRd0ywP0RtYTtn8IGFlCQiHf4JKleEEGjYvGVa-LtW5ShGJMODG63K1q4OQQxMpZM-wv8grtira-CznVjHZQ2olh4pgFO464vOSFFj4H5sTVQa5JglEglafCuJx4Iey8fD/s200/j0406825.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Charging membership dues will provide you with an income to help cover some of your costs – printing, postage, special events. However, they do not cover all your costs, depending on the size and scope of your group. Ranges of amounts charged by groups across the country are $15-$35 annually. You will need a checking account for your group and you can accept checks, cash and PayPal. <br />
<br />
So what does membership include? <br />
<br />
• Newsletter <br />
<br />
• Membership directory <br />
<br />
• Access to members only events/services <br />
<br />
• Member discounts <br />
<br />
• Voting on membership issues <br />
<br />
• Area benefits – discounts at area stores <br />
<br />
Dues can be determined January – December and pro-rated for new members, but I recommend starting in the month they join and ending one year later. <br />
<br />
You also need to determine levels of membership for nannies. I will use ADCAN as example here. <br />
<br />
<em>Active (Yearly Dues $35)</em><br />
<br />
Requirements:<br />
<br />
1. Currently employed as a professional nanny.<br />
<br />
2. Currently employed as an au pair, in-home child care provider and/or mother's helper.<br />
<br />
<em>Associate (Yearly Dues of $35)</em><br />
<br />
Requirements:<br />
<br />
1. Professional nanny not currently employed as such, or who may be living outside the DC Metro area.<br />
<br />
<em>Agency * (Yearly Dues based upon ads submitted to Newsletter. Available at levels of $75 and $125)</em><br />
<br />
Requirements:<br />
<br />
1. Any agency or industry related businesses that are involved with nannies in the DC metro area.<br />
<br />
<em>Spousal *(Yearly Dues of $15)</em><br />
<br />
Requirements:<br />
<br />
1. Any spouse of any current member.<br />
<br />
<em>Temporary * (Dues of $15)</em> <br />
<br />
Requirements: <br />
<br />
1. A nanny/child care provider in the DC area for four (4) months or less. <br />
<br />
<em>Newsletter Only * (Yearly Dues of $15)</em><br />
<br />
Requirements:<br />
<br />
1. Any person wishing to receive only the bi-monthly newsletter.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Business Memberships / Sponsorships</em></strong> <br />
<br />
Reaching out to the agencies in your area and the industry services will help you reach a broader audience of nannies and interest in your group. <br />
<br />
By offering businesses an opportunity to support your organization you are generating additional funds for operating your group, and in return you can offer the following to businesses: <br />
<br />
• Advertising in newsletter <br />
<br />
• Listing on your website and/or blog <br />
<br />
• Participation in area events – for example, ADCAN will be taking part in a local child care vendor fair, and we will offer to display our business members’ material on our table, as part of their membership with us. <br />
<br />
• Display of their material at meetings on a resource table <br />
<br />
ADCAN also offers to agencies that if they pay for their nannies to be members of the organization, we reduce the annual fee for the nanny membership. <br />
<br />
Businesses are non-voting memberships, are invited to our meetings and ADCAN offers additional sponsorship opportunities such as NNRW brunch and Holiday Party. <br />
<br />
One final consideration, offer advertising to area businesses that caters to children and families. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>The final installation in this series will focus on promotional items, ways to cut costs and a listing of resources to keep you going as you take your group to the next level.</em>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-86639217292088685792010-06-16T02:00:00.002-04:002010-06-16T07:35:47.743-04:00Creative Nanny Wednesday: Recipe For A Playdate Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PpQLPMYlIpzR8f_t6nJRnHywgzCUqjE8zAHF2rMj3RjPSienF_1Iin0v_D2bxPfdhqgRijFDJdlo7BLbfw4MMnWxc1VJ1S32x_d5t0SG_A9VmnOQ0mj3ms6jvJoV_H3VIlNrN3uw/s226/LogoColorTextBelow.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="270" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PpQLPMYlIpzR8f_t6nJRnHywgzCUqjE8zAHF2rMj3RjPSienF_1Iin0v_D2bxPfdhqgRijFDJdlo7BLbfw4MMnWxc1VJ1S32x_d5t0SG_A9VmnOQ0mj3ms6jvJoV_H3VIlNrN3uw/s226/LogoColorTextBelow.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="271" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PpQLPMYlIpzR8f_t6nJRnHywgzCUqjE8zAHF2rMj3RjPSienF_1Iin0v_D2bxPfdhqgRijFDJdlo7BLbfw4MMnWxc1VJ1S32x_d5t0SG_A9VmnOQ0mj3ms6jvJoV_H3VIlNrN3uw/s226/LogoColorTextBelow.jpg" /></a></div><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Creative Nanny Wednesday: Recipe for a Playdate Party!</span></h2><h2 class="date-header" style="font-weight: normal;">Today we are sharing a wonderful blog post by the Michigan Professional Nanny Association on the<a href="http://nannytips.blogspot.com/2010/06/recipe-for-playdate-party.html" linkindex="272"> Recipe for a Playdate Party!</a></h2><h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><div class="post-header"></div>Are your charges counting down the days until summer break begins? Or perhaps they are too little for school and you are gearing up for lots of sun soaked summer fun!<br />
<br />
For the past few summers, our group has had a tradition of summer "playdate parties" that have been a roaring success...so much so that we've carried them into the rest of our year. This summer, we have three such playdate parties planned for our paid members. (as per MPNA policy, events held at private homes are open only to paid MPNA members and specific guests of the hostess).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to read more please visit: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.creativenanny.blogspot.com/" linkindex="273">Creative Nanny</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Recipe For A Playdate Party! </span></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-72397771252566836282010-06-15T02:00:00.001-04:002010-06-15T02:00:03.997-04:00Tuesday Tips: Food Journaling: FitDay.Com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fitday.com/fg/fitday_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" linkindex="54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://www.fitday.com/fg/fitday_logo.gif" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tuesday Tips: Food Journaling: FitDay.Com</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">by Alice Shaffer</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As professional nannies we often keep journals on our charges' day for their parents. These journals include such things as food intake, their moods and activities for the day amongst other things. Have you ever kept a journal about you and your daily food intake, mood and activities? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For several months, I have been on a journey of healthier eating and exercising. I have been working with a personal trainer and a nutritionist in this journey. The main hurdle in healthier eating is to figure out what exactly you are eating and how much. I was told I would need to keep a food journal. I was not super happy about this request. I have always had issues with keeping a journal in the past. The nutritionist recommended a website called <a href="http://www.fitday.com/" linkindex="55">FitDay</a>. This is such an awesome site that I wanted to share it with everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fitday.com/" linkindex="56">FitDay</a> is a great FREE resource for your food journaling, exercising, measurement tracking and feelings/moods. These are just the tip of the iceberg in which FitDay can do. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Pros I have found with FitDay:</span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">It is a free program </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You can enter any food label nutrients and it will calculate your intake-no matter how many servings you have</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">It compares your nutritional intakes with suggested dietary guidelines </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You can input your measurements and it gives you a visual graph/chart of your progress</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You can print off your charts to take with you to the doctor etc</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Journal about your moods and feelings in general</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> Various charts that can be configured to show your fat intakes, calorie averages, weight loss and activity levels, calorie intake planned vs actual etc</span></li>
</ul><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Cons I have found with FitDay:</span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">I had to do some initial adding of foods into the database. This wasn't bad because it took less than 2 minutes per food. This was then in a category called "my customs foods" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some may find the ads distracting and if so you can pay for a premium account for $5.49 a month (this doesn't bother me at all though)</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have found that this is a great for when I have plateaued in my weight loss, had sleepless nights or experience mood changes. I can go back and look at the past few days, weeks or month to see what was going on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to try out <a href="http://www.fitday.com/" linkindex="57">FitDay</a> and track your nutritional, physical and mental activities for the coming month. Let us know how you are doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-88512593269973349022010-06-14T04:00:00.003-04:002010-06-14T04:00:02.951-04:00Taking Your Nanny Support Group to the Next Level - Part 4<em>by Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team </em><br />
<em>President, <a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/">ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</a>.</em> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KEMicbLGG9dXIGu6OKl6oTbPx6GhieAU4H1fQrG94ftJ1auoL6niBgcd7PEBr8LklJmJN7hHVGBTpee2yqLquDbJtkBFN-Z5czzwdzz_GtPxLSXwzks68B9PUbJ_HZK_pOqS4dQAju6N/s1600/piggy+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KEMicbLGG9dXIGu6OKl6oTbPx6GhieAU4H1fQrG94ftJ1auoL6niBgcd7PEBr8LklJmJN7hHVGBTpee2yqLquDbJtkBFN-Z5czzwdzz_GtPxLSXwzks68B9PUbJ_HZK_pOqS4dQAju6N/s320/piggy+bank.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><strong>Fundraising!</strong></span> <br />
<br />
Your group cannot survive on membership fees alone, and if you don’t charge membership fees you’ll be paying out your own pocket. <br />
<br />
At some point you will want to consider a fundraiser. These can be large or small, one-time or ongoing. Discuss with your members what they are interested in participating in, what they are willing to spend, how often they want to be solicited for funds and if they have any special interests in certain products that you could sell. <br />
<br />
There are pluses and minuses to all fundraisers. Be in tune with your membership as to their commitment level. Make sure to have one person who will oversee the event and be prepared for limited involvement from members. <br />
<br />
<strong>Fundraising Options</strong> <br />
<strong><em>One-Time / Periodic</em></strong> <br />
Bake Sale <br />
Garage Sale <br />
Pampered Chef, Usborne Books or other direct sales <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Ongoing </em></strong>– all of the options listed below are free to sign up and simple to implement. These are just a few of the nanny group friendly sites that have affiliate programs. <br />
<br />
• <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> Affiliate Program – one of my favorite and most convenient. Sign up for their affiliate/associate program and funds are directly deposited into your account. ADCAN had special business cards made up via VistaPrint reminding members to utilize Amazon when shopping. This offer can be shared with general public and on your website. Portion of purchase proceeds go directly back to your group. <br />
• <a href="http://www.magfundraising.com/">EFundraising.com</a> – another favorite. Simply place the link on your site and members and visitors can buy new or renew magazine subscriptions and portion of proceeds go directly back to your group. <br />
• <a href="http://www.cj.com/">Commission Junction.com</a> – for this site, you sign up for an account, and then sign up for vendor opportunities that you want to participate in. Examples are VistaPrint, and Crayola. These companies then provide you with your own personalized link and when orders are made through your site/link, you get a portion of the purchase price. <br />
• <a href="http://cafepress.com/">CafePress.com</a> offers you the opportunity to market your group on merchandise and earn money when sales are made from that site. From t-shirts to bumper stickers, buttons and mugs the possibilities are endless. <br />
•<a href="http://www.iseeme.com/"> I See Me</a> offer personalized books and children’s products and gives nanny groups an opportunity to earn funds with their affiliate program. <br />
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The ongoing options above allow for easy accessibility, no organizing or overhead and ongoing promotion of your fundraiser. <br />
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Many of these programs require an <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html">EIN number</a> and a website to participate and a checking account for funds to be deposited into. <br />
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<em>Next up in part 5 – Membership Dues and Business Sponsorships.</em>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-14142636185651325402010-06-12T07:34:00.000-04:002010-06-12T07:34:48.085-04:00Weekend RoundupIn case you missed something on Regarding Nannies this week:<br />
Here is our weekend Round Up<br />
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<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-your-nanny-support-group-to-next_07.html">Monday Moxie</a>: Kellie shares information on setting up a website for your Support Group.<br />
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<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesday-tips-5-tuesday-quick-tips-from.html">Tuesday Tips</a>: Five Quick Tips from the <a href="http://www.cincynanny.com/">Cincy Nanny Blog</a><br />
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<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/creative-nanny-wednesdaystamped-paper.html">Wednesdays Creative Nanny</a>: Nanny Gael Ann and her "creative assistant" shared with us another idea for a Fathers' Day Gift.<br />
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<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-your-nanny-support-group-to-next_10.html">Thursday Table Talk</a>: Kellie continued her series on "Taking your support group to the next level"<br />
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<a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/financial-friday-smartphones-iphones.html">Friday Financial Nanny</a>: Alice updated us on the latest information regarding Smartphones and Iphones.<br />
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Next week on Regarding Nannies: We will have more on "Taking your support group to the next level" plus a website review from Alice and more ideas for Summer theme days.<br />
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Regarding Nannies will be one year old in July and we will have giveaways, updates, changes and big news!<br />
Stay tuned!!!!Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-22459413427782281212010-06-11T02:00:00.000-04:002010-06-11T02:00:03.184-04:00Financial Friday: Smartphones & Iphones<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Financial Friday: Smartphones & Iphones</span></b><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I confess I am a true <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html" linkindex="46">Verizon Wireless </a>customer. I have had my service since 1999 or earlier with them. I love their LG phones. I have the <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html" linkindex="47">eNv3</a> now and love it. I have not gone to the touchscreen lifestyle yet. As many of you know AT&T announced they are getting rid of their <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20100602/0418289655.shtml" linkindex="48">unlimited data plans</a> to new customers and adapting the plans for existing customers.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To read the rest of the article and to find out what kind of savings you can get on a 4g Iphone please visit:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.thefinancialnanny.com/" linkindex="49"><span style="font-size: large;">The Financial Nanny: Financial Friday: Smartphones & Iphones</span></a></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-55575171236203647572010-06-10T04:00:00.002-04:002010-06-10T04:00:03.862-04:00Taking Your Nanny Support Group to the Next Level - part 3<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><em>by Kellie Geres </em></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3KPSlLVuoxv9Ezjfu1tFhdOWQiTpW2qmrdyxTilkLAJlxn82GVUlxHZzl9yYgP1EsYE2F0Ehyphenhyphen9zksPdL6pNho1WK5DT76Kz1_9Hld9gw4pKGBUgttOQGzSpn9kl1COwFxs_PwnZgiPSd/s1600/j0439449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3KPSlLVuoxv9Ezjfu1tFhdOWQiTpW2qmrdyxTilkLAJlxn82GVUlxHZzl9yYgP1EsYE2F0Ehyphenhyphen9zksPdL6pNho1WK5DT76Kz1_9Hld9gw4pKGBUgttOQGzSpn9kl1COwFxs_PwnZgiPSd/s320/j0439449.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><em>Regarding Nannies Development Team </em></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><em>President, </em></span><a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><em>ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</em></span></a><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Newsletters!</span></strong> <br />
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A great tool for any group or business to serve its members or customers. It can consist of a simple one page, double sided mailed out version to multiple pages sent online via PDF. You might even consider an electronic version using a service like <a href="http://www.constantcontact.com/">Constant Contact.</a> <br />
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<strong>Keep in mind …</strong> <br />
If doing a print version, you will have printing, postage, envelope, label costs. <br />
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An email version can be done using a free PDF converter which you can Google and find online, or you can purchase one. You can use a word document format or publisher format and these programs have easy templates for you to choose from. <br />
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<a href="http://www.constantcontact.com/">Constant Contact</a> offers numerous templates, minimal costs but is limited to those with email. Sending to a list of 500 emails can cost $15 a month. <br />
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<strong>A successful newsletter should include</strong>: <br />
President / Vice President / Owner message. Greet your members or clients. Keep them up to date on what you are doing, something meaningful going on in your group and plans for the coming months. <br />
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Main Article(s) – something timely or professionally related. There are many resources available out there on the internet, find them and make sure to get permission to reprint anything you copy from another source. Have members write articles, guest contributors, industry professional and more. Connect with other nanny groups, newsletters, and bloggers and ask them for permission to reprint. I’ve yet to have someone say no to a request. Always provide a link to their site and give full credit to the author and website. <br />
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A Calendar of Events can include birthdays, groups events, holidays, meeting reminders. Calendar formats can be found online as well. <br />
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Featured Nanny is very popular amongst nanny groups. Pick a nanny in your group that you’d like others to know. Don’t let it be just a few sentences of who this person is – this is your opportunity to really get to know this person and introduce her to your group. Ask in depth questions, candid and thought provoking questions to get your subject talking. <br />
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Include photos from events. Let your members know that photos are taken at events and will be used in publications. If anyone does not want to be included, they can opt out of photo opportunities. Be respectful of members’ wishes on this matter. <br />
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What is your group up to? Include committee updates. Have events in the planning? Need help planning a party or event? Get your members involved and publish details in the newsletter. <br />
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Ask Nanny? Offer a question and answer section that members / readers can write in and ask a question and have it answered. You can set up a simple Gmail account so that people can anonymously send in questions and have answered in future issues. <br />
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Don’t forget a disclaimer. You can search Google for simple newsletter disclaimers for the wording, but the will protect you should any matter arise. <br />
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You may also want to consider advertising. I will go into further detail on this in part 5, but advertising will help defer your costs, offer added benefits to businesses and resources to your members and clients. <br />
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Here is a <a href="http://www.adcan.website-by-you.com/f/mayjune10_newsletter.pdf">complimentary look at the newsletter</a> of <a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/">ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</a>. <br />
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A newsletter is a great communication tool, and communication is key in a successful group. Some other forms of communication you might consider for your group are: <br />
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Members Only Yahoo Group – this allows for membership only communications and can help with planning, organizing and implementing events. <br />
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Have dedicated emails for your group. Gmail is a great tool for this. Free and as many as you like. Offer one for newsletter, one for membership, one for events. This way you keep everything organized and only those persons who need access to certain information have access to those emails, and not the entire groups email. <br />
Phone trees are a great tool as well. We all get caught up in emails and facebook and twitter. A phone call does wonder when reaching out to your membership. New members should receive a welcome call. <br />
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Something special going on in the group? Call and let everyone know. Is there a member who isn’t coming to meetings? Call and touch base and see if everything is OK. That personal touch goes a long way in creating relationships with your members and potential members. <br />
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<a href="http://www.evite.com/">Evite </a>is an awesome tool for groups. Manage your events by creating, inviting, RSVP, directions and even refreshments. Simple and free. <br />
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Postcards are one of my favorite tools in communicating with groups. For this, I LOVE <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/free.aspx?AID=10287971&PID=3620125&GP=6%2f9%2f2010+10%3a02%3a34+PM">VistaPrint</a>. 100 FREE postcards and all you pay is shipping. How can you go wrong? Do Save the Dates; group information to pass out at parks, playgrounds, businesses; membership receipts for payment, <a href="http://www.nnrw.org/">National Nanny Recognition Week</a> reminders, and much, much more! <br />
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If you don’t have a blog, consider doing one in conjunction with your website. A blog is a great communication tool. You can post articles and findings from other sites (make sure to give credit), post articles that appear in your newsletter, and much more. <br />
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Have a group page on Facebook. Make it public so that people in the industry and the public can learn about you. Post when you have a meeting, area events and attractions, industry news, national news and points of interest for your members and readers. <br />
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So many opportunities, so many choices. Do your research and see what you are comfortable doing. Two pages or 20, it’s all up to you and what you want to provide. <br />
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Next up … Fundraising!Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-89248933371636167322010-06-09T03:11:00.003-04:002010-06-09T03:11:00.721-04:00Creative Nanny Wednesday:Stamped Paper Cube: Great idea for Fathers Day from Nanny Gael Ann and her "creative assistant"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bI8lJeACAlHyHBocBu6aZXhNNxj4NZFHRDGYnaUBTjoq5NfASHU8SJPE2MpYAB0uqOPEbZW7yzY7NpoRHvjjAsiL0_pzoVuvtZcuuI5vPjga_ZEfIM8vhJ6cpI7KPslNjrplIdwM58Us/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bI8lJeACAlHyHBocBu6aZXhNNxj4NZFHRDGYnaUBTjoq5NfASHU8SJPE2MpYAB0uqOPEbZW7yzY7NpoRHvjjAsiL0_pzoVuvtZcuuI5vPjga_ZEfIM8vhJ6cpI7KPslNjrplIdwM58Us/s200/9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479818703007165026" /></a><br />This stamped Paper Cube is a fun and easy project for Fathers Day.<div><br />For directions on how to make your own go to <a href="http://www.thecreativenanny.com/">www.thecreativenanny.com</a></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-82081285773897141462010-06-08T02:23:00.000-04:002010-06-08T02:23:00.074-04:00Tuesday Tips: 5 Tuesday Quick Tips from the Cincy Nanny: Greta SchraerAs you probably know by now we love the Cincy Nanny blog. Greta always has wonderful words of wisdom and great tips!<br />On todays Tuesday tips we are featuring 5 of our favorite<br />"Quick Tip Tuesdays" from the <a href="http://www.cincynanny.com/">Cincy Nanny blog</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cincynanny.blogspot.com/2010/05/quick-tip-tuesday-ready-plates.html">Ready Plates</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cincynanny.blogspot.com/2010/04/quick-tip-tuesday-sand-bag.html">What to pack in your Sand bag</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cincynanny.blogspot.com/2010/05/quick-tip-tuesday-get-loopy.html">Get Loopy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cincynanny.blogspot.com/2010/05/quick-tip-tuesday-sunscreen-location.html">Sunscreen</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cincynanny.blogspot.com/2010/04/quick-tip-tuesday-un-messy-paint.html">The UN Messy Paint</a>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-64053980775050087392010-06-07T04:00:00.000-04:002010-06-07T04:00:02.597-04:00Taking Your Nanny Support Group to the Next Level - part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xaIlweF4An0pTseq93XoQA0EBg_lnxmxUCD01QCh1fFeCDoQWsFfv74kAA_eHMPua7vIPYyivvfz_lCawel5MEBlqP-XNTPo-eeBh_QLOfKCfZGwZxdA4TlX-CJutRaW0-pSfnL2jA9K/s1600/j0424389.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479690068686781330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xaIlweF4An0pTseq93XoQA0EBg_lnxmxUCD01QCh1fFeCDoQWsFfv74kAA_eHMPua7vIPYyivvfz_lCawel5MEBlqP-XNTPo-eeBh_QLOfKCfZGwZxdA4TlX-CJutRaW0-pSfnL2jA9K/s200/j0424389.jpg" /></a><em>by Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team </em><br /><em>President, <a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/">ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies</a></em><a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/"> </a><br /><br /><strong>Websites!</strong><br /><br />If your group does not have a website, you are at a disadvantage. People turn to the internet to find everything. I can’t remember the last time I let my fingers do the walking in the yellow pages. Having a website will make your group more visible and allow for more opportunities to reach nannies and make your group succeed. An alternative to a website is a blog, which can serve the same purpose.<br /><br /><strong><em>So what should you include on your website?<br /></em></strong>As I work with <a href="http://www.dcareanannies.com/">ADCAN – Association of DC Area Nannies</a>, I am going to use their site for reference, but in no way do you have to do ALL that I discuss, for your site.<br />• A history of your group to give visitors an idea of who, what, why your group exists. Who are your key players, what some of your initial events were and what is the goal of your group is good to include introducing them to your site.<br />• How to become a member and what, if any, levels of membership you have and what they include.<br />• Do you offer a newsletter? Offer a sample and an email they can request a complimentary copy of your next issue.<br />• A Calendar of Events gives readers an opportunity to see what events you do, but where and details. Include address if you can, costs, special instructions, and how to RSVP.<br />• Include a message board that nannies and visitors can participate in and send out requests for play dates, seeking information, ask questions. I would discourage placing job postings on the message boards.<br />• Links are a great way to provide resources to your members and readers, and draw a larger audience to your site. If you find a site that offers great content and serves your community – contact them about doing a reciprocal link. You place their link on your site, they place your link on their site. It’s a win-win for all.<br />• Paid supporters are industry related business and outside advertisers. We will go in-depth on these in part 5.<br />• Contact info should include at minimum an email but can also include a phone and/or mailing address.<br />• If you offer products, memberships, etc., you need to have payment options. PayPal is a great source for this, free to sign up and low cost – they take a small percentage of each purchase price.<br />• Job postings can attract readers to your site as well. You can offer them to your paid business supporters as a benefit of membership, and to families in hopes they refer a nanny to you, once they find a caregiver.<br />• Make sure original content stays original. Consider Copywrite protection at <a href="http://creativecommons.org/">http://creativecommons.org/</a><br /><br />A blog offers some of the above options so do your homework to see what works best for you.<br /><br /><strong><em>Whether website or blog, keep in mind the following …<br /></em></strong>• Keep it simple. Less is more. Don’t get too wordy, too much information so that visitors get lost or lose interest in your site.<br />• Use graphics, photos, clip art to make it appealing.<br />• Keep it user friendly. Make links accessible, make sure links work.<br />• Keep content current so that members and readers keep coming back for more.<br />• Offer a Members Only area. This can include a membership directory accessible online.<br />• Always be looking for new links, resources and fundraising opportunities. I’ll discuss Fundraising in-depth in part 4.<br /><br /><br /><em>A word of caution … Private does not always mean PRIVATE. When working with ADCAN we had a member only – password protected page of our membership directory. This included names, addresses, phone, etc. Doing a routine Google search, our entire directory showed up online. We promptly deleted all identifying information of our members, alerted them to this and changed how we publish our information.<br /></em><br /><strong>Here are some of my favorite resources for websites/blogs:<br /></strong><a href="http://www.godaddy.com/">GoDaddy.com </a><br /><a href="http://www.website-by-you.com/">http://www.website-by-you.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">http://www.vistaprint.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">http://www.blogger.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.wordpress.com/">http://www.wordpress.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.homestead.com/">http://www.homestead.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.weebly.com/">http://www.weebly.com/</a><br /><br /><em>Coming up next in part 3 will be newsletters and communications.</em>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-42096346931368420812010-06-05T09:45:00.007-04:002010-06-05T10:06:49.311-04:00Weekend Round Up!Yee Ha! Finally I am home and can do a weekend round up.<div>Between the INA Conference, work and traveling, the weekend round up slipped away but </div><div>in case you missed a post this week on Regarding Nannies:<br />Here is the weekend Round Up:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/05/monday-moxie-inspirations-from-ina-by.html">Monday Moxie</a>: Greta from <a href="http://www.cincynanny.com/">CincyNanny</a> shared her inspirations from INA</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/travel-tips-for-families-and-children.html">Tuesday Tips</a>: Kellie shared some great ideas for travel with children.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/happy-fathers-day-creative-gifts-dad.html">Wednesdays Creative Nanny</a>: Kellie shared a great idea for a Fathers Day Craft</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-your-nanny-support-group-to-next.html">Thursday Table Talk</a>: Kellie started her series on "Taking your support group to the next level" If you have a group or you just want to start one, this is a don't miss series that will run for 6 articles!.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://regardingnannies.blogspot.com/2010/06/financial-friday-mypoints-bzzagent.html">Financial Nanny Frida</a>y: Carli Litenmouth shared tips on saving money while shopping online.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874937638989705275.post-84751086570354720242010-06-04T02:00:00.000-04:002010-06-04T02:00:03.147-04:00Financial Friday: Mypoints & BZZAgent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ISNBNzfgG9OW0SR8C1Nx51-IcdGivJQAgg2ODUJamkvRdpu9r6yf0FIQzbdKXd_CiYJiApMkc2FzinOpN1j10cp6AAXN-LUcCdLiDzKvKd-ZXBxU8RSZN__VzEQqn_dyzW5c-jDkNXi/s1600/mypoints.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ISNBNzfgG9OW0SR8C1Nx51-IcdGivJQAgg2ODUJamkvRdpu9r6yf0FIQzbdKXd_CiYJiApMkc2FzinOpN1j10cp6AAXN-LUcCdLiDzKvKd-ZXBxU8RSZN__VzEQqn_dyzW5c-jDkNXi/s200/mypoints.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478734124082263378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Financial Friday: MyPoints & BzzAgent</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">by Carli L</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">These days, everyone shops online. If you're going to be buying online, you may as well earn some rewards at the same time.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">To find out how to get some awesome rewards please visit <a href="http://www.thefinancialnanny.com/">The Financial Nanny:</a><br />MyPoints & BzzAgent June 4, 2010<br /></span></div>Development Team of Regarding Nannieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06223332980084230474noreply@blogger.com0