I Love Scunci "No Slip"

"Long Hair" by William Whitacker

What a corny title for a post, huh? But I do love those "no slip" clips and such by Scunci. While out with Miss T. today in search of the really little, soft pony tail holders for her hair I found a great headband from that same line. So far it has been on my head a whole hour without a headache yet, which is an accomplishment since I'm usually done with a headband in about 20 minutes. Usually the pressure right behind the ears gets to me or the ones that are flexible enough not to do that slip around and make a big mess of my hair instead of making it look nice and neat, which is kind of the point of a headband!

I also picked up a no-slip jaw clip made for thick hair. My hair is not particularly thick but is long enough that it needs to be folded a couple times before putting up in a jaw clip. The no slip part of these products is a rubbery coating or "teeth" on the inside. In the headband this soft rubber is also on the ends which I think is why it has been pain free so far. A downside to some may be that the inside of the headband won't really comb into position as hard plastic or metal teeth would so your hair has to be already as you want it before putting on the headband. I chose the double band style because it seemed that it would not to have as much tension on the curve as a wider band might

Miss T. "helped" pick out her pony holders first as I find it easiest to give littles the job of holding something in a store. One thing in each hand prevents wandering fingers ;) At the supermarket she usually makes sure we don't forget the fruit she is in charge of holding, but I have to first make sure its bagged and knotted shut to prevent her from sampling the merchandise! Her second favorite thing to hold is a cottage cheese or yogurt "drum." Even with just one kiddie with me right now I still find it best to make riding in the carriage a requirement until they are adept with following instructions and/or can be trusted to handle a "job" in the store, such as picking out a veggie.

Boy, I do go off on tangents! :P Anyway, if you need a basic headband or jaw clip those no slip Scunci things are a great way to go. Now, I wish they'd make them in kiddie sizes :) They so have the most slippery hair!

Nanny Contracts

The first things I can say about the nanny work contract is that they are invaluable. It is on my mind right now because mine is nearly up. This doesn't mean I am out the door but rather it is my opportunity to sit down and thoroughly go over how things are working and what is not working.

I use a very detailed contract. It states my pay rate, hours, sick and vacation time, of course, but it also goes over the duties I will fulfill for a family, what I will not do, my style of discipline, what to do in case of an emergency and various other things. Each year those details will change slightly in the way that a home management binder or curriculum changes year to year. I try to formulate new goals with a family. The goal might be to have a little one potty trained or to spend a minimum number of hours per week on preschool skills or physical activity.

When meeting a new family I bring a sample of my contract with me so they can see up front what I am about and I can also see their reactions to my style. I kind of look at my style as Mary Poppins-ish, firm but kind, caring but not a pushover. If you watch the movie (which I love!) she was rather strict with high expectations of both children and parents but soft when the children needed it. I prefer to start out firmer and relax as the situation permits rather than too soft and have an uncontrollable youngster on my hands that needs to be strongly redirected.

Contracts need to be tailored to each nanny and family but if anyone would like a sample please leave a comment and I can email you a copy in Word format. It is a starting point. Not every detail in these contracts may be legally binding and laws vary state to state, so if you are in doubt contact a lawyer!

Itchy Fingers

When I was in high school I was an avid Victoria magazine reader. I loved first going through it and savoring it page by page but then the next order of business was to pull out my trusty scissors to carefully snip away images for decoupage and decorating my journal! Now years later those same issues are collector's items going for good money on eBay.

Believe me, I know this for a fact because I very recently shelled out the cash to purchase a "good year."

Now that I have them in my hand I don't regret it one bit! They are just as lovely as I remember!! This time, however, I am using all my self discipline to resist the temptation of decoupage.

I won't completely despair. My sweet Victoria is coming back soon. This time I may have to order two subscriptions in case the unthinkable should happen again. I will be cutting up at least one set if they come out as full of lovely images again!

Fun Videos

Great retro videos have been springing up all over the net, notably at Homeliving Helper and Charming the Birds from the Trees. Its been a nice way to lighten up my mood and inspire me to feminine pursuits.

One of my favorite feminine pursuits is home cooking. I love to care for others through my cooking. I could never honestly claim to be the world's best cook but I can make a variety of homey things. Stews, roasts, potatoes with gravies, and such lightened up with succulent salads are my mainstays. I am a soup lover but my love, K., is not so soup has been relegated to a side dish or must be accompanied with something freshly baked. This week's days are rather long but tonight I think we will need a warm curry to ward off the chill!