|
|
 Holiday Edition, 2010 |
| A Message From Kathy | |
Happy holidays! It's hard to believe that December is already here and Christmas is right around the corner! I love the cold weather that calls for warm sweaters and boots, fires in the fireplace and especially hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.
Because closet space is limited, we go through the exercise of rotating the spring/summer wardrobe with the fall/winter wardrobe, moving some things up high and making others more accessible. It's a great time to cull through clothing, shoes and accessories and decide what to keep, what is outgrown, what to give away, and anything still needed. We ask our kids to go through the same exercise with toys, books, and miscellaneous junk that piles up through the year in their various play areas. Knowing that Christmas means an influx of new "stuff", it's a perfect opportunity to pare down and make some room.
Mom's Best Friend has wonderful temporary personal assistants and "holiday elves" that love to organize and help with these sometimes painful tasks and who have less personal attachment to the things we would never miss if permanently gone from sight! Our holiday helpers can also assist with gift wrapping, addressing and preparing holiday cards to be mailed, picking up gift cards, dropping off client gifts, shopping, errand running, and much more. We also have traveling nannies that can accompany your family on that vacation, giving you some down time for you while your wonderful nanny is doing some fun excursions with the kids! Additionally, we can help with your holiday parties, do onsite special events childcare, or help with serving at your seasonal soiree! Don't forget to book early for New Year's Eve! Let us know how MBF can best help and support your family this holiday season! Sincerely, Kathy Dupuy, President |
| Tax Tips from Breedlove and Associates | | 
Q: I hired a nanny this year and I'm beginning to feel anxious about my year-end requirements. What exactly needs to be prepared and filed?
A:It's good to be thinking ahead, because there are a few deadlines in the New Year that household employers must be aware of. And as we all know, once the holidays hit, January is just around the corner. To help you get your ducks in a row before the holiday season completely sets in, we've put together a list of deadlines you should be aware of if you had a household employee this year (and paid that individual at least $1,700 in wages).
January 15: 1040-ES #4 due to the IRS
January 31: Q4 state return due
January 31: Form W-2 due to your employee
February 28: SSA filings due (March 31 if E-filed)
April 15: Schedule H due (filed with Form 1040)
Once these requirements are handled, you can take advantage of the childcare tax breaks on your 2010 tax return. Capitalizing on the Dependent Care Account and/or Childcare Tax Credit, you'll likely find that most - if not all - of your employer tax costs will be offset by your tax breaks. For a quick estimate of your costs and tax breaks, visit our Employer Budget Calculator (or give us a call and we'll walk you through it).
In the meantime, it's a good idea to begin gathering proof of expenses (i.e., your nanny's paystubs; your receipts from Mom's Best Friend, etc.).
If you have any questions about the year-end deadlines, or maximizing your tax savings, please feel free to give us a call at 1-888-273-3356.
|
|
Special Offers for MBF Clients
Holiday Sitter Special
Use MBF Caregivers for your holiday party childcare. We can transform a simple room into an instant play area for children where we can provide sitters and fun crafts and activities. 2 sitters can watch 8 children for an all inclusive fee of $290 for up to 5 hours. (Packages can be adjusted according to the number of children) Book now for $10 off agency fees.
Use code: HOL1231A
Don't forget about booking early for New Year's Eve!
 Holiday Nanny Special |
| |
Receive $200 off a full-time nanny placement fee if job closes before December 31st! For more information, please email Laura Patterson at laura.patterson@mbfagency.com or call 512-646-1041. |
| Ask the Expert | |
Q: We are traveling over the holidays and won't need our nanny to come with us - do we still pay her?
A: YES! Ask yourself this question: in my profession, do I expect my boss to pay me when he/she goes out of town? Of course! It's important that you view your nanny as a professional caregiver and her chosen vocation, caring for your children, as a professional career choice, and make decisions accordingly. Hopefully, you will not even encounter this question because issues like this have been clearly outlined in your work agreement (especially if you used Mom's Best Friend to place your nanny).
However, if ambiguity exists around this issue and it has not been clearly communicated in advance, I would suggest that you open up an honest dialogue around the subject. Some families ask that their nannies attempt to coordinate at least a portion of their vacation time (typically only if full-time and have vacation pay) around the family's vacation time, perhaps one week on the same schedule and another week of her own choosing (assuming the standard two weeks of paid vacation).
If this is not a viable option, consider asking your nanny to take the time while you are away to house/pet sit and potentially do some home organization. When the house is empty, security is a big concern particularly over the holidays, and your nanny's simple presence there can provide a real peace of mind. The Thanksgiving holidays are a great time to begin getting out the Christmas decorations and beautifying your home, and post Christmas is a great time to put it all back into storage. Furthermore, rotating the kids' wardrobes, organizing (and purging some old) toys, putting pictures in albums, culling through kids' schoolwork and artwork, scheduling needed home maintenance like carpet cleaning or car maintenance, and managing other household projects can make wise use of the extra time your nanny has available. So take advantage of that quiet time which rarely exists in a busy household to enlist your nanny's help in making major headway on that unending to do list! Kathy Dupuy, President |
| Organizing Tips From the Clutter Diet | |
I just got a postcard in the mail for 30% off my entire purchase at one of my favorite stores. Now, I am not a power-shopper type of gal, but I do know a good deal when I see one.
So it made me think about how you turn "Shop 'til you drop" into "Shop 'til you...STOP." How do you stop yourself from getting into a shopping frenzy and buying more than you need?
We teach in our online program that getting organized is about Prevention, Reduction, and Maintenance-- just like losing weight. Prevention is the first line of defense! You have to stop eating donuts if you want to lose some body pounds, and you have to stop bringing unneeded stuff over the threshold of your house if you want to lose Clutter-PoundsŪ.
Here are some great ways to STOP:
-
Use our Clutter Prevention Wallet Sleeves. We have on these sleeves the five questions you should ask before buying anything-- and your favorite debit or credit card gets stored inside. You cannot avoid it when shopping! These are a free printable download when you get our weekly "Just a Bite" newsletter here: www.clutterdiet.com/freetips -
Arm yourself with knowledge about sales ploys and how they affect you. Is a two-for-one deal really any good if you didn't need two in the first place (or even one)? Is the sale that brought you in the door causing you to buy something else while you're there that wasn't on sale? Before getting swept up in a frenzy, remember that the store is pushing your mental buttons. Don't go on autopilot! Keep your wits. -
Carry a calculator. Many smartphones have calculators built in, so you may already have one in your purse or pocket. If you don't have one, at least do a rough estimate in your head of what your savings actually will be and ask, "Is it worth it?" Is saving on the name brand going to still get you a deal compared to buying the generic or house brand of the identical item? -
Shop like a hunter, not a gatherer. We recommend that when organizing your closet, you make a list of the missing pieces of your wardrobe. Maybe there's that one blouse you've never had quite the right scarf for, or vice versa, or you need a belt, or you need a new pair of wool pants. If you bring the list with you, you'll shop in a more targeted way, instead of just browsing around aimlessly. -
Control your "clutter cravings." Are you a "shoe person?" Or do you like going to garage sales? Don't go alone into the clutter calorie equivalent of going to Krispy Kreme... bring a friend to talk you down, or bring cash with you to limit your spending.
Get comfortable with the concept of "enough." Resist the urge to "collect them all" or get one in every color!
|
| MBF Superstars | | |
Featured Austin Long-term Nanny: Thelma T.
 We are so lucky at MBF to have Thelma as one of our nannies! She is a very qualified nanny manager, who is well educated, well traveled and has years of experience working with children. Thelma has worked with triplet infants and is a mother and grandmother. She also has lots of experience as a household manager, chef, and has even owned her own restaurant. She has a hearing impaired daughter and has been thoroughly trained in oral communication methods for the hearing impaired and has completed many other child development trainings. In her free time she enjoys baking and home decorating. Featured Austin Temporary Nanny: Michele M.
Michele is a wonderful addition to our temporary team in Austin and has been with us since March 2009. She was a Special Education teacher, but stopped teaching to raise her four children. She has two sons and two daughters ages 17 to 25. Michele has also been a Bible study leader for the past 16 years. Her hobbies include reading,hiking,swimming and bike riding. She loves being outdoors! Michele is a highly requested caregiver, with one family saying "Michelle shows so much kindness, compassion, devotion, dedication, single-minded focus on the task at hand, attentiveness, creativity, imagination and joyful. I would recommend her for any family!" |
| iDevice Tips from Cardinal Umbrella | | |
It's here! The holidays are just around the corner and we are busy scampering for gifts, baking goodies, and attending galas! We are at the mall, the airport, the bakery accomplishing tasks at record speed. But while we are checking things off our to-do lists, our children are tagging along quickly becoming tired, bored and agitated.
What do we do to help our youngsters survive happily while we finish that "one more chore"? In the past, we have made promises of a treat, a toy, or games played later. We have threatened time out, no dessert, and no TV privileges. Yet today we are enveloped by the 21st century and the quick fix is even quicker and quite easier. Moms and dads are reaching for their iphones, ipads, and itouches. Many children even have their own. A simple touch and instant entertainment is at hand.
Problem? No. We all need that magical something when we are harried and looking for temporary behavior modifiers. We live in the 21st century. Our children are being shaped by it! So how do we stay informed and safely guide our children through the electronic world?
- Know your child. Just because your child's friend has an itouch or can play with his mom's iphone at will, does not mean your child is ready for the responsibility. Some four year olds will play responsibly with the iphone; some will throw it in the toilet.
- Be comfortable with your choices. Just as every child is different, every family is different, too. Stay true to yourself and the role you want from electronic devices in your family.
- Set expectations and review the process. Before handing your little darling that idevice, be sure your child knows what is expected. Be specific. Set boundaries of time and electronic activities involved, then remember to return to the table after the system has been tested. Talk with your child. Are the time expectations and applications reasonable, safe, and fun?
- Teach your children how to use your device. When your child first learns to ride a bike, you teach them how to balance, how to pedal, and how to get back on. The same is true for electronic toys. Teach them the basics. How to get to their game and how to follow the rules. Then, lay out your rules for safe, responsible use. (Where does the iphone need to go once I am done?)
- Pay attention. Remember, you are the adult and you are ultimately responsible not only for the safekeeping of the device itself but for the well being of your child. Know what apps are being used and try them yourself. Are they appropriate for each member of your family?
- Do not let the iDevice become a crutch. During crunch time it is easy to allow more screen time. It is simply easier to get things done when your children are occupied. However, relying on the device every time you are waiting breeds a child who will rely on it just as much.
- Maintain balance. Like all aspects of life, balance is the key. Providing opportunities for our children to use idevices is crucial for their development in the 21st century. Yet, it is equally important that they are given opportunities to be active, social, and imaginative.
The holiday hubbub will come and go. Twenty-first century learning and iDevices are here to stay. Remain true to yourself and your goals. Set limits. Be informed and attentive. Create a healthy balance of activity, technology, and character. You will survive the holiday season and your child will become a happy, successful participant in today's global community.
To learn more about what Cardinal Umbrella can offer your family and your school, visit www.cardinalumbrella.com; or contact Laura at laurawagner@cardinalumbrella.com or Shannon at shannonsherwood@cardinalumbrella.com. |
| What Clients are Saying | |
I just wanted to provide feedback on our experience with your service Saturday evening. We could not have been more pleased with our babysitter. She was calm and self-assured and gained my confidence immediately. My son was comfortable and took to her right away, leading her around by her hand to show her his playthings. I felt completely at ease while my husband and I were away enjoying some much needed time together. We are already planning our next date night.
--Monique, Sitter Service Client |
| Client Corner | | |
MBF likes family-friendly local businesses. Here are a few we want to share with you! As an MBF client, you will receive a discount on these great services.
YOUTH SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING
We believe kids should have a blast playing sports. Whatever their age or competitive level, Sport Speed training helps kids build the
foundation of strength, balance and speed they need to get the most of out of their athletic potential and to avoid common sports injuries.
Running form, safe deceleration, jumping and landing, and joint mobility and core strength are a part of every session.
Run or jump on over to our website for more information.
WE TRAIN ADULTS TOO!
For the sport of life, or that next 5K. The Sport Speed Women's Running program, coached by Ironman veteran Kristen Turner, meets Monday mornings for instruction, commiseration and a great group workout. A weekly running program is also provided to keep you on course the rest of the week. Get the skinny on this program here.
*Mom's Best Friend clients can receive a $50 credit toward Sport Speed services by emailing nate@sportspeedaustin.com with "MBF Sport Speed Discount" in the Subject line.
Stretch-n-Grow
Stretch-n-Grow is the world's largest network of children's fitness professionals. Our objective is to improve the level of fitness in children and teach them the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the perils of inactivity. We offer fun, fast-paced, themed classes in schools all around the world. Our curriculum, written by pediatricians and youth fitness specialists covers nutrition, health, wellness and safety.
 Children also learn their muscles and bones. Can you say "gluteus maximus"? Your child can if they are one of our STARS! Stretch-N-Grow is so much more than just movement! Ask your child's school if they offer SNG. For more information go to www.snghillcountry.com.
What's for Dinner?
The Casserole Queens know what it's like to be a busy mom. Managing a full time job on top of dealing with the kids, making sure the house doesn't look like a warzone, loving your husband, and taking care of Beethoven, Garfield, and all the other goofy pets.
Sometimes it's hard finding those extra hours at night to make a warm, home cooked meal for the family. Don't worry, the Casserole Queens have got your back! Instead of ordering a quick and unhealthy delivery pizza, why not pop a delicious Casserole Queen's Casserole in your oven and wait only forty minutes to receive a meal that would give Grandma a run for her money!
Stop letting dinner be one more thing you have to worry about and order a delicious Casserole Queen's casserole right now so you can enjoy the finer things in life: family, food, and fun.
Get 10% off your next purchase
Promo code: CQTEN
Expires Jan. 31st 2011
Visit their website today!
|
| Follow Mom's Best Friend | | |
Stay in touch with MBF, join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter today!
Read about promotions, exclusive offers, and fun things going on in Austin.This past month we have had holiday specials and weekend deals! You will also learn about exclusive offers for our fans only.
|
|
|
|
|
