Posts filed under 'mom'
Tiffanie Kinder, the brains behind Wisconsin based Nanny Connections and Babysitter Connections has done it again! She has found new and innovative ways to help working parents, parents who need a break, and parents who are re-entering the workforce.
Nanny Connections itself is based on you, the parent, being able to select from a pool of experienced and qualified pre-screened Nannies that can help you with your children. Just to clarify, this is absolutely not limited to someone who essentially lives with you ala Sound of Music — although you can do that. It can also be that you need a particular time covered here and there . Nanny Connections absolutely helps the family that needs part time help as well!
Babysitter Connections is part of Nanny Connections and is more for the parent that wants someone on call to cover the occasional things that come up in our lives–work, deadlines, fun with a friend, date night— but doesn’t need someone with all of the experience of a Nanny.
Right now, Nanny Connections has two new offerings that really help you get everything covered! “Sick and Emergency Back Up Childcare” and “Oncall Services” from their hand selected pool of qualified Nannies.
First off is “Sick and Emergency Back up Childcare.” This is a fantastic way for companies to help their employees when work needs to be done, but usual childcare plans fall through due to an illness or scheduling conflict. If you own a company or work for a company that you think this may be a useful benefit for, Nanny Connections can help you! Nanny Connections would completely run this aspect of the corporate benefit. The employee utilising the service would pay a small fee while the corporation would cover the rest. Talk about a benefit that goes both ways!
The “On-call Service” is equally fantastic and such a stress reliever for those of us who know what it can be like to have all the pieces fall just right so that you can have childcare coverage when you need it. Buy a membership to Nanny Connections for a year for access to a pre-screened pool of babysitters –then—whammo!— whenever you need a babysitter, Nanny Connections does all the legwork for you. You call and tell them what time-frame(s) you need covered etc and that’s it!! Their skilled coordinators will do the rest! Never again have to wait to accept that all important interview to see if you can find childcare, not be sure if you can make a business dinner or a fun night that has come up! The Yearly Membership Fee: $150.00. Each time you need a nanny, you pay $15.00. You can also forgoe the $150 membership fee and pay $25 each time you need a nanny. Nannies are paid the same day in cash ranging from $10-12 per hour. How fantastic is that? What a lifesaver ! There are so many childcare needs that don’t always come with a lot of time for planning and coordinating to get the time covered!!
Have a Sitter/Nanny? Check.
Mama Jen
April 29th, 2009
Tattling. Nose picking. Noncompliance. Back talk. That’s what’s going on in my house these days. And, well, if I’ve had enough sleep the night before, none of these are too big a deal. But, I’ve also run out of ideas for handling them. Yes, my 2-1/2— and 4-year-old have outwitted me again.
Frankly, sometimes I don’t get why they do what they do. The tattling, for instance. Do you really need to report on every little thing or possible almost-gonna-happen transgression your little brother is doing? Yes, she does. Betsy Brown Braun, author of “Just Tell Me What to Say: Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents,” has filled me in: My daughter needs to make clear to me that she knows the rules, even if her little bro doesn’t. My new response — in lieu of the lengthy explanations I am known to dole out (another Braun tip: Get to the point): “Oh. That’s not something I need to know. I only need to know about emergencies, which are X, Y and Z.”
Braun has just the right amount of humor to stir in with her guide to handling those perplexing moments our kids throw at us. She’s got some good experience to bolster her advice: mom to triplets (!), teacher, preschool director, child development specialist. So, she’s seen it all in terms of kid behavior. Braun broaches other bigger topics, too: Sex, babies, death, divorce, and disasters. But, most simply, the book is reinforcement of the things you always knew, and is just a good reminder for those of us who are taxed and tired, but too weary to look at situations from a new perspective or in need of new techniques for the day-to-day situations and issues. Don’t give in to whining. Don’t argue with them. Tolerate but don’t indulge tantrums (or, as friends of mine like to say, “Don’t negotiate with a terrorist.”). Different ages, different limits. Diversionary tactics.
I also appreciate her suggestions instilling a sense of their own accomplishment into your child — instead of always seeking someone else’s approval; remembering that discipline is about teaching the limits that lead to self-discipline; I also like (need!) the “end of discussion” techniques — I never knew a 4 year old could belabor something so long and attack it from so many angles just get her way — and the compliance without counting techniques.
My husband rolls his eyes at these kinds of reads. And truly, you should take from any parenting book only what works for your family or fits with your philosophies. But, after being home with the kids all day, I often feel I’ve run the gauntlet of my techniques. This book is the breath of fresh air that will keep my from having mommy moments.
— Mama Kate
April 19th, 2009
Fresh off a Sharpie high, after labeling all of my preschooler’s clothing and gear, these landed in my inbox. Label Daddy peel-and-stick stickers would have saved me a little chunk of time, and a little aggravation … maybe it’s just me, but it’s pretty hard to write neat little names, let alone initials, on some of those teeny tiny, shiny, slippery tags.
Two California dads who’ve been through the process came up with this brainstorm. They’ve created a variety of sticker types, which can be personalized with your child’s name. The allergy notes boldy declare your child’s triggers. Shirt tag labels fit those tiny labels I mentioned above, and the shoe labels come laminated for extra durability; in fact, all labels can be laminated to repel dirt, sunscreen, etc. Sport labels are UV resistant.
As an extra cool measure, you can further personalize all your labels with different fonts, icons and colors. And, you can even go the photo route: use an image of your child, instead of name or initials. The labels and stickers safe in the microwave, dishwasher and laundry.
Other labels in the company’s arsenal will help keep you organized, from garbage bin, return address, and spice labels, to small- and medium-sized all-purpose labels.
I think these snazzy little things will help me keep tabs on my kids things — and mine — in the school years ahead.
— Mama Kate
January 27th, 2009
Since retiring from the Mom Appeal blog last year, Jessica has been working to grow the Virtual Assistance practice that she started in 2005. Virtual assistance is a administrative assistance business model where the Virtual Assistant (VA) works with clients remotely from a home based office. She said she loves working from home and doing work she LOVES!
Jessica will be teaching a minicourse at the UW this February and April called “Exploring A Career As A Virtual Assistant” where she will explain the ins and outs of the business, demonstrate various technology commonly used to work remotely and offer tips for taking steps toward starting your own Virtual Assistance practice. Information about the class can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5eexh9
Jessica also writes a weekly newsletter called “The VA Courier” which is geared toward informing people about the Virtual Assistance industry and hopefully sparking an interest with readers to consider the career for themselves. You can sign up to receive the free newsletter at Jessica’s web site: www.jessicamaes.com
Way to go Jessica!!
Mama Jen
December 1st, 2008
Preggers or not, winter is the perfect time for nesting. You know, tackling those old projects that have been hiding in some dark closet corner. Author and uncluttering expert Donna Smallin has filled The One-Minute Organizer with great tips. It’s helped me start whipping things into order.
The book’s design is perfect for busy moms — or busy anyones. Each page offers a tip or two, and some details, but doesn’t overwhelm. Read a snippet over your morning coffee or other sparing peaceful moments of the day, and then schedule a few minutes a day to tackle a project, or a portion of it. Plus, it’s small — tucks into your diaper bag for reading on the run.
It’s organized into two main sections: Getting Organized and Staying Organized. Within each you’ll learn how to clear out clutter, deal with all that paper, arrange spaces, and how to strategize to get things done and keep them in order — including how to organize your to-do lists and schedules. If you need more details, you might check out Smallin’s larger title, Organizing Plain & Simple (hey, she’s also got books on cleaning, and uncluttering your mind and life!).
This book has helped me organized my out-of-control recipe files (for years, hundreds of them were crammed loosely into folders). I actually now use them; before I could never find them in the mess. I know where all the owner’s manuals are, and my closets and drawers are accessible, thanks to Smallin’s suggestions.
The beauty of the book’s premise is that, if you tackle getting organized just one minute at a time, it becomes do-able, not daunting. Whew, it feels good to get it together.
— Mama Kate
November 18th, 2008
Since I’ve got a plethora of family and friends expecting babies (one any minute now, literally! Go Baby Bradford!), I thought I’d share this snippet of info. It seems a good fit, on the opposite end of the spectrum, with my October 31 bra-fitting post (no pun intended).
Nursing mamas: You DEFINITELY will need and want a nursing tank or two. I had three of them and wore them religiously. I recommend the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tanks. They were supportive, didn’t give the uniboob effect, and allowed discreet nursing. Part of the strap unsnaps and pulls down (the other part stays over your shoulder and continues to support your breast), while the shirt part of the tank stays down, so don’t have to yank it up and expose your post-prego belly. There’s a hole ample enough for your nipple to peek through, but small enough that it doesn’t expose your breast.
Most people didn’t even know I was nursing when I was wearing my Glamourmom tanks. My cups ranneth over when I was nursing, but I even felt comfortable enough to wear one as a shirt (instead of just underneath a shirt) on sultry summer days. Speaking of hot summer days, Glamourmom also makes a nursing bra swim tankini.
The tanks come in several colors and patterns, and since my nursing days, Glamourmom has added several other products, including nursing tops, the Transition Nursing Bra Tank (more belly room, so it’s great if you’re still preggers!), and slip dresses.
Mama Kate
November 3rd, 2008
My god. I feel like a new woman. Now that I have a bra that actually fits. As you moms out there know, things change after having kids, from a rib cage that has permanently expanded, to cleavage that’s not so, well, perky. Yeah, I needed a little help.
Enter the two gals at Macy‘s in Madison, WI, who are trained fitters. Libby was my saving grace. Her first knowing comment was, your bra — the well-worn thing I walked into the store in — doesn’t fit. She measured me, then ran out to the floor to pick out a few sizes and styles and quite discreetly and quickly helped me try them on. I was a little self-conscious about that, but you know, I figure she’s seen it all. And probably then some.
I kid you not, the first two bras I tried on were perfect. Perfect! That has never happened, so I didn’t care that they were nearly $60 each. Usually bra shopping ends in a fit of curses, both at the fact that nothing seems to fit just right, and that, ugh, the lighting and mirrors in fitting rooms are so very unkind and lead to instant depression (I didn’t know I had all that cellulite there! Perhaps that’s how they sell all those fancy creams at the beauty counter… “We know what you saw in the mirror… here, try this!”).
Now I feel pert and perky and just right. No digging wires. My back instantly feels better. Lovely. And the fitting was free. Extra lovely.
My best free advice: Don’t wait until things settle in, i.e., you lose a little more baby weight. If you’re done nursing, get a bra that fits — NOW! Buy another properly fitting bra down the road if you plan to shed a few pounds (the fitter told me even 5 pounds could change the fit of a bra). Keep an eye on fitting events at your local department or underthings store. Often, they are for a cause (Wacoal, DKNY Underwear and Donna Karan Intimates teamed up for Fit for the Cure recent fitting events donated $2 for each woman fitted to breast cancer organizations). Or, you may get a special discount or offer: I bought 4 Wacoal bras, and have a 5th coming FREE.
Here are a few more tips I picked up from my fitter:
- You should have 3 bras: 1 for in the drawer, 1 for in the wash, 1 to wear. More, of course, are a bonus.
- Bras last about a year, depending on how many you have, and how you care for them (delicate or hand-wash and line dry are best).
- Don’t wear a bra 2 days in a row — it needs a day to recover it’s shape.
- Forget about white or nude colors. They show up super-bright under white t-shirts. Go for beige/skin tone. And of course, everyone needs a good black bra.
— Mama Kate
October 31st, 2008
“I’m obsessed,” said Natalie Bass the first time I asked her how she finds the awesome fabrics and combinations for OrangyPorangy, her line of metro, retro and cool “fine ladywear.” Bass’s skirts in particular are arty, graphic, sometimes even sweet, but never boring — and as a mom on the run with little time for wardrobe/styling, I don’t want to be the latter if I can help it.
“I look for bold, graphic designs that catch the eye, but are not too busy. I love contrast, which is why I pick a lot of black and white prints. They also go with everything,” says Bass. She unearths her ever-changing array of fabrics everywhere, from antiques and thrift shops to e-bay for vintage patterns, and wholesalers for designer prints. “I look for what I like and what I would wear. My clothing designs are very simple; I let the fabric do most of the work. It makes having style easy. You can pair one of my bold, graphic skirts with a very simple top and a fun pair of shoes — everyone has those in their closet.”
“Most of the prints I pick also tend to have a vintage or retro feel. I love fashion from the ’60s; styles were so simple, yet so bold,” Bass adds. Currently she’s got two skirt lines — Poly, made of reclaimed fabrics “for your wearing pleasure,” and Opal, two-tiered with various fabrics — and Jane dresses, “simple, but never plain.” Frankly, I’d buy her stuff just for the cleverness with which she describes it all.
OrangyPorangy skirts flatter all body types. Really. “I have found that the A-line is a miracle of nature,” says Bass. “It looks good on everyone. It’s really comfortable, too.” While she doesn’t do commissions — wedding dresses, for example — she does do custom work, including making special sizes or lengths. She’s also considering making kids’ skirts.
I love that thanks to the cut and the fabulous prints Bass has chosen, I can wear strappy sandals one day with my skirt, and chunky shoes the next. And, of course, black; Bass tries to craft her skirts so they coordinate with that wardrobe staple.
You can find her skirts at OrangyPorangy.com (hey! free shipping all August long!) and around the country in a few hip boutiques. If you live in Madison, WI, on Farmers’ Market Saturdays you can visit her tent at the top of State Street and try them on for yourself. I dare you to walk away with just one.
The tagline on her fashions is reclaimed, recycled, really cute. And, truly, OrangyPorangy’s skirts make me feel terribly flirty in a modern, no-girlish-”frills” sort of way. Hmmm. I think I’ve found a new obsession, too.
Mama Kate
August 7th, 2008
My husband and I have been spoiled with the most amazing cousin who lived in town and was available to watch and love our daughter when we needed to get out on a date or run errands etc…we were so happy for her graduation and subsequent move out of town, but then there we were…no babysitter to call…
I found a few here and there, but nobody has been reliable, or near like our Anna—those of you with amazing people who watch your children will know what I mean…the bar has been raised!
Now, how do I go about finding this person since my informal searches have left me frustrated and feeling like I will never find one…I’ve come home from a date night only to be up cleaning for two hours after a baking experiment occurred in my kitchen, had no-shows, found my daughter up and running around at 10:30, people who are impossible to reach or inspire a call back from…fun…lots of fun.
Enter Babysitter Connections from Tiffany Kinder, who also runs the phenomenal Nanny Connections . Nanny Connections is a must stop if you are looking to get in touch with outstanding, pre-screened nannies , but I had no idea there was this amazing Babysitter Connections available to those of us who need a sitter, but not a more fully scheduled nanny. By the way, I have met one of the nannies who came from Nanny Connections since she works for my friend. I didn’t know that she was the nanny for a while because I thought she was a family member! That is how unbelievable she is!
So I decided to give Babysitter Connections a whirl!
There is a small fee required to access information on available sitters that includes their reference contact information, picture, personal contact information, background check, wage desired, experience and little bio.
Wooohooo! Unbelievable…I am babysitter shopping!! I have heard back from most of the girls I have emailed this week and will begin some face-to-face meetings tomorrow. I am giddy over the fact that I may have someone I can call, rely upon, and trust with my little one soon. Thank you Babysitter Connections for such a phenomenal service for Wisconsin and what looks like is beginning to reach out farther than that!!
Feel free to take a peek before you sign up. You can see which sitters are in your area and/or are available at a specific time prior to joining. You just don’t have their contact information until you pay the small fee to have access. Helping parents be successful in their sitter hunt??? Now, that has MomAppeal!!!
Whichever you are looking for, Babysitter Connections and Nanny Connections are sure to give you a HUGE leg up!!!!!
Mama Jen
July 24th, 2008
Finding the right nursing chair — ugh, it’s a cunundrum. With decidedly modern taste, I looked high and low to find the right chair. Never did for baby #1; instead, we rocked in a rickety, noisy, rattan number I’d bought right after college. No amount of pillows made it just right comfortwise. And, after my c-section, and then later when great with child #2, it was darn near impossible to get out of. Yeah, there are lots of gliders out there — and they are probably the most comfortable option — but I just could find anything that didn’t scream “traditional.”
If only I’d found Glam Glider (above) by Jennifer Delonge. With a 360-degree swivel and rocking capacity, too. The chair and ottoman come in hip colors (including celery, steele blue, apple green, as well as several more subdued selections). Frankly, I think they’ll fit with any decorating style. Check out the site’s other offerings. The retro-inspired furnishings, kid-size Grace table and stools are just plain fun.
I must tell, you though, that what we did find, right before #2 arrived, was the awesome Storytime Rocker (below, in mocha) and ottoman made by Lawson-Fenning for Nurseryworks. We love it’s solid square aspect and swoop of the wooden legs, and the fact that it’s double-wide — it fits mama/daddy and child, side by side for those long sessions with the Richard Scarry tomes and other faves — and customizable in terms of colors, materials and leg finishes. There’s also a Sleepy Time version, with a higher back that’s perfect for nursing moms, especially during those zombified wee hours of the morning when junior’s at his hungriest and mom’s at her most tired.
Hoping to outfit your nursery in a modernist way? You’ll swoon over some of Nurseryworks other offerings — from cribs and dressers, to bedding and accessories and even super-cool letterpress posters (above) made for for the company by Onethread. Makes me want to have baby #3 just to reoutfit the baby’s room (just kidding, Dear!).
Mama Kate
July 17th, 2008
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