Annie’s Nanny Network

Looking for an opportunity to take a day to recharge, learn from your peers, and stay current in the nanny industry? Consider attending the Nannypalooza conference at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse in Redmond, WA on Saturday, September 18th.

The organizers are currently looking for input from nannies on what topics they would be most interested in hearing about at this year’s conference. Please take a few minutes to take their survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/75WYHP8.

This conference is aimed at helping caregivers address the unique challenges of working in a private home. Admission is only $20 and includes a continental breakfast, boxed lunch, resource packet, networking and fun! Check out their facebook for more information.

The Ronald McDonald House is looking for Nanny volunteers to watch children on Monday evenings starting June 7. The House will be providing therapy sessions to parents with ill children from 6-7:30pm just east of University Village in Seattle. The chlidren will range in age from 2 to 12 years.

If you are interested, please contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Judy Adams at judy@rmhcseattle.org

May’s Nanny of the Month is Becky Jensen! We have consistently received excellent feedback about Becky from her longterm family, as well as the many temporary families who request her. Becky has a demonstrated a wonderful attitude and work ethic.

Becky’s favorite craft activity for kids is making Fruit & Veggie Stamp Cards. Here are instructions:

• Pick a couple pieces of fruit or vegetables (good ones are broccoli, apples, or strawberries).
• Cut the fruit so there is a flat side. Dry the flat side with a paper towel.
• Use folded cardstock and washable ink pads for the cards. Use one color of ink per fruit/vegetable to minimize the mess.
• Press the fruit/vegetable on the ink pad and then press firmly onto the card.
• Let the cards dry and then fill in the inside with a note for a friend or family member!

Congratulations Becky!

 April’s Nanny of the Month is Jessi Schillinger!  Jessi has taken on a valuable leadership role as an event manager at several Annie’s Nannies events. Jessi’s flexibility, organizational skills, and positive attitude have impressed both our agency and our clients!

Jessi’s favorite sunny day activity with kids is to visit the Seattle waterfront and then head over to Pike Place Market so that the kids can pick out the ingredients for their dinner. They then finish the day cooking together and dining outside.

Congratulations Jessi!

Not sure what to do with all those hard-boiled Easter eggs?

Check out this cute idea:

http://eyecandy.nanakaze.net/?p=459

Looking for a natural dye alternative?  Try red cabbage, turmeric, and beets:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/04/how-to-dye-easter-eggs-naturally-without-a-box-onion-skins-beets-cabbage.html

Looking for a fun & creative deviled egg recipe?  Try this one:

Ingredients:

• 12 hard-boiled eggs, cooled, and peeled?
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• Pinch of sweet paprika (to taste)
• 1-2 cups baby greens (optional)
• Your choice of toppings (see Topping Options for ideas)

1. Cut the eggs lengthwise in half. Gently scoop out the yolks and put them in a mixing bowl.

2. Blend the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and vinegar into the yolks. Add the paprika to taste.  Then taste and adjust the mixture (if necessary) by blending in a little more vinegar or paprika

3. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg halves, or you can put the yolk mixture in a gallon-size zip-top plastic bag (good for presentation and making the bunny face), carefully squeezing it into one of the bottom corners. Use scissors to clip a small opening in the corner and squeeze out any air pockets. Squeeze the bag to pipe the yolk filling into the egg cups.

4. Sprinkle or decorate with toppings as desired. Optional – Make a baby greens “nest” on a platter for the deviled eggs.

Topping Options:

• Thinly sliced carrots, beets, bell peppers, or radishes, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs (dill, tarragon, chives, or basil), sliced pitted black olives.
• For the bunny face, cut small bell pepper or carrot slices for ears, use black olives for eyes, a small piece of pimento or tomato for nose, and chives for whiskers.

Here are a few articles to keep abreast of the latest safety concerns and recalls with baby slings in order for you and your employers to stay informed.  Slings have been linked to infant deaths caused by suffocation, mostly with very young and small newborns.  This article from NPR explains more:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124505838

Also, some ‘Infantino’ brand baby slings have been recalled:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/03/one_million_infantino_baby_sli.html