Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I wish we had this type of support when my son, Jack was born!  Jessica Alger, a mom of two, and client of Brownstone Nannies, is an expert in helping families make the transition from two to three.

http://www.jessicaalger.com/jessicaalger/?page_id=95

I hope some of the tips offered in this article help you in your relationship with your nanny.  Always remember, direct, regular communication wins out over passive-aggressive behavior, on both sides!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/garden/04nannies.html

I am always so impressed by and proud of the parents I have the opportunity to work with. They are so talented in all of their pursuits, both professional and personal.  It gives me such a sense of accomplishment when I am able to find a nanny to support these parents, who facilitates theirability to pursue their passions and livelihoods.

The Great Remember is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based artist, Lisa Waltuch. Lisa produced her first piece incorporating people’s artifacts into art work while an MFA student in design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). There, she created a woven tapestry for poet Lynore Banchoff that included her prom dress, lace from her trousseau, her wedding set of towels, her son’s bib, and her daughter’s Halloween costume.

Lisa has had a successful career as a San Francisco- and New York-based creative director. All the while, she has pursued her own work as an artist. More recently, she has made many large-scale pieces that are reflective of people’s lives. To see these pieces, go to www.collectingstones.com.

After becoming a mother, Lisa began searching for ways to capture her children’s lives at specific points in time. Thus the idea for The Great Remember was born!

This endeavor has been a labor of love for Lisa, who is herself very nostalgic.  While sharing her early prototypes, Lisa has been gratified to see the heartfelt reaction of parents who view their own children’s belongings transformed into meaningful and permanent pieces of art.

As always, I’m very happy to extol the virtues of my local neighborhood.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009522429956708.html

I will be speaking with Chana Balk, of Babybites Brooklyn, in Williamsburg this Thursday about the pros and cons of nannies and daycare.  For any new parents in the neighborhood, it should be an interesting and informative discussion!

http://brooklyn.babybites.com/brooklyn-events/luncheons/

A piece on NPR earlier this week on the new Nanny Benefit Bill passed in New York State.

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/05/131834127/Nannies-Get-New-Benefits-In-New-York

All families employing, or considering employing, a nanny should be aware that the new Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights was signed into law today in NY State.  It contains provisions on overtime pay, days off, and prevention of harassment.

Some important highlights include:

• Nannies are required to be paid overtime (1.5) for hours over 40 each week (44 for live-in nannies);

• one day of rest in each calendar week (should try to coincide with a worker’s day of worship);
• overtime pay if a worker agrees to work on her day of rest;
• After one year of employment, entitled to 3 paid days off;
• Protection against harassment based on gender, race, national origin, and religion;
• Covers full-time and part-time domestic workers for temporary disability benefits.

It goes into effect in 90 days.

Here is a link to a summary.

I thought this recent article about the would be of interest to many clients of mine who are going through the transition of returning to work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/business/economy/04leonhardt.html

While in New Hampshire over 4th of July, I visited a wonderful shop in Bethlehem, NH that sells all environmentally-friendly building supplies, organic mattresses, and baby gear.  (Happens to be owned by my 3rd-cousin, once-removed – in-law.)  I learned all about the history of Milk Paint.  Fascinating for me, as I’ve been making low- and no-VOC paint choices for my recent home renovation.

I know many other parents are investigating these options when building out space for little ones, so I thought I would share!

http://interiorsgreen.com/