Stir It Up ... Oven Fried Drumsticks

Oven Fried Drumsticks

Ingredients:

¼ cup vegetable oil

½ cup all-purpose baking mix

1 Tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning (hint below)

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

10 chicken drumsticks

Step by step

Preheat oven to 450*. Pour the vegetable oil evenly over bottom of 15- x 10- x 1 inch baking pan.

Combine the baking mix, paprika, Creole seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well. Pour into a paper bag.

Add the chicken drumsticks, a few at a time, to the bag and shake to coat. Arrange on the prepared baking pan.

Bake chicken, turning once, until juices run clear when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately.

Spice secret… Creole seasoning contains black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano and sometimes thyme and paprika, most of which are found in the other seasonings in this recipe.
If you prefer not to purchase a separate jar of Creole seasoning, slightly increase the amounts of the other seasonings.

This recipe I got off a Great American Home Baking card.

Enjoy!

Debra Phiri

ADCAN nannies attend Nannypalooza 2011

Here's what a few of our members had to say about attending the event ...

I really enjoyed attending the Nannypalooza weekend. It was a great benefit and lots of amazing information for nannies and moms too! I really liked the play workshop. It was great reconnecting with old friends and making new ones too. I am so glad to still be a part of ADCAN! Thank you all for allowing me to stay involved in such a great organization.

I would definitely try and attend another Nannypalooza weekend in the future. I found it overall a great opportunity for all nannies to stay educated and connected to our amazing field.

Thanks!!

Lisa Holzbach Webb

Nannypalooza is always a great conference. Sue Downey and her helpers manage to get a good choice of speakers. One session that helped me was “Learning all about Learning Styles” with Joy Lesnick, Ph.D. She presented three basic learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. The group discussed helping children or students using four scenarios. Suggestions were given for each kind of learner. “Book Chat with Children’s Book Author and Blogger” with Julie Sternberg was also quite enjoyable. I may be biased a bit, because I recently left a long term job, and she wrote a book about a child whose nanny has left. The book is LIKE PICKLE JUICE ON A COOKIE. Julie also read from several children’s books and made some very good suggestions to get kids engaged in reading.

Nannypalooza does a good job educating nannies, but as always the best part for me is the networking. I made some important new contacts with agency owners. I reconnected with nannies from around the country that I know through going to conferences over the years. The conference gives me a great feeling of professionalism. The weekend is uplifting and highly motivating. All nannies should attend whenever possible .

Sue Krzos

Nannypalooza was a lot of fun this year. There were many good choices for workshops. I really enjoyed three workshops. The first being The over Programmed Child: Making Time to Play with Carolyn Stulberg. She enthusiastically discussed how important play time is for children. Later in the day I attended ‘Why Do They Do That?' What We Now Know About Developing Healthy Brains with Linda Lomabdo Ph.D. This unwittingly went hand-in-hand with aforementioned workshop. It discussed why play time, nurturing, and encouraging children are important for a developing brain.

Creative Tools to Teach Kids about Healthy Food with Debra Dennis of HealthyNannies4HealthyKids was the third session I enjoyed. It is important to teach kids to eat healthy. It is just as important for nannies to model this behavior.

And as always I have a blast seeing friends and making new ones!

Angela Jackson

NNRW and ADCAN Brunch ~ September 2011

NNRW and ADCAN Brunch

We had a great time at B. smith’s restaurant on

Sunday September 18^th 2011.

Thank you to all who could make it :

Kellie Geres, Suzanne Herrick, Nidia Cubilla, Melissa Doran, Michele Greene, Joanne Garrelts, Sue Krzos, Angela Jackson, Alice Shaffer, Dominique Jordan, Taylor Augustine and Debra Phiri.

We played a couple of games and had a lot of time to socialize and catch up!

All in all a fantastic way to spend a few hours.

To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you soon at other ADCAN events and meetings...

We missed you.

DEMA ~ Domestic Estate Managers Association

Reprinted with Permission Regarding Nannies

This week, we continue our series on Professional Organizations. Part of being a professional in any industry is being a member of an organization that serves your industry. Teachers, doctors, plumbers, firefighters, police – all have trade associations dedicated to their professions. This industry is fortunate to have three organizations dedicated to serving the professionals of the in-home child care industry. Diverse in services and history, yet united together by the individuals who support and manage these organizations. Regarding Nannies will feature each of these three organizations – APNA, DEMA and INA. We encourage you to get to know these organizations, consider membership in one or more and become involved with those that serve and our industry. The newest association to provide services to our industry is the Domestic Estate Managers Association. We asked Matthew Haack and Michael Wright, co-founders to give us a history lesson of DEMA and share with us the vision for their organization and members.

The Domestic Estate Managers Association is a worldwide educational association for the Private Service Community. DEMA was founded in 2007 and is based out of Southeast Michigan in the United States. The Domestic Estate Managers Association was created to provide a forum for Private Service Professionals and certified service vendors interested in better serving and protecting the best interests of their clients. The fundamental purpose of the association is to raise industry standards. Our members have access to local chapter meetings, educational materials, webinars and a network of individuals striving to make a difference in the industry.

By providing the Private Service Community with invaluable resources to tackle everyday challenges we will help increase job security and empower our members to ensure they protect and preserve the estates they are involved in managing.

In a few short years DEMA is pleased to announce that our membership has grown to over 1,000 members and has expanded into over 41 states and 18 countries! In addition our Service Provider Network is host to companies in 10 states and Canada.

Based in Grosse Pointe, MI, the Domestic Estate Managers Association serves the needs of our membership. Each DEMA Chapter is run by a local, volunteer Board of Directors made up of Private Service Professionals. Our leadership teams are led by the DEMA National President and Vice President. DEMA National is responsible for conducting the business of the association and implementing strategies to achieve the objectives defined by our mission statement. DEMA National sets the strategic focus, aligns staff & volunteers and all of the association's resources to achieve the desired outcomes of our members.

President, Co-Founder

Matthew Haack

Mr. Haack has been the driving force behind the Domestic Estate Managers Association from the start of our inception in early 2007. His vision for raising standards in all lines of service has been the main focus in his passion for serving those in Private Service.

Prior to founding DEMA, Matthew was the General Manager of a high-end cleaning company in Southeast Michigan that exclusively serviced estate homes in which he had many clients that were from Private Service. Previously, he had held multiple executive level management positions in a retail corporate setting. His track record of management has been instrumental in the success of the Domestic Estate Managers Association thus far.

Mr. Haack also served our country in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Northwood University with a degree in Business Management.

Vice President, Co-Founder

Michael Wright

Mr. Wright has served the Domestic Estate Managers Association from the beginning and has overseen the development of systems in order to carry out our member's mission and vision. His joy of connecting people in such an isolated and private industry has been his main passion for serving those in Private Service.

Prior to founding DEMA, Michael was the Director of Marketing and worked alongside Mr. Haack at the same high-end cleaning company in Southeast Michigan. Previously, he had held sales positions in Corporate America and had worked for many years in construction. His past experience in servicing HNW clients in the residential and commercial construction industry has been very valuable in communicating with our membership.

Mr. Wright has also participated in and served on Board of Directors in multiple associations for different professions of management.

The Domestic Estate Managers Association currently has ten local chapters that meet on a monthly basis in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington D.C. These chapters could not operate without the support of our Board of Directors who volunteer their time and efforts in each local area. Each board is made up of different professions within the Private Service Industry.

We have six membership categories: Private Service Professionals, Principals, Service Providers (vendors), Affiliates (typically worldwide and nationwide product and supplier companies), Domestic Placement Agencies and Domestic Schools & Educators. Each has different requirements that can be viewed on our website.

Anyone who serves or maintains a residence can qualify to become a member of DEMA. Our Professional Members will usually have one of/or a combination of these titles: Butler, Caretaker, Domestic Couple, Elder Caregiver, Enlisted Aides, Estate Manager, Household Manager, Houseman, Housekeeper, Major Domo, Nanny, Personal Assistant, Private/Personal Chef, Private Jet Staff , Property Manager and Yacht Crew. Furthermore, anyone who is currently seeking to become a Private Service Professional may join under this membership category.

There are many things that make DEMA unique, but here are a few:

• We CARE & listen to our members. DEMA is in constant communication with them by phone, email and monthly meetings. (Example, DEMA reps call all new members within the first 48 hours after they join to welcome them to the association and see how we might be able to help them)
• We are the only organization for Private Service that is committed to having a platform for our members to network face to face on a monthly basis.
• We encourage all the different people and companies that are involved with PSPs to join and become involved in the association.
• Our character and integrity are second to none.

In a few short years DEMA is pleased to announce that our membership has grown to over 1,000 members and has expanded into over 41 states and 18 countries! In addition our Service Provider Network is host to companies in 10 states and Canada.

The reasons for people to join associations will be different for each person, please visit our website to view membership benefits for each membership category. Here are a few examples that are all focused on giving our members education in many different areas:

Exclusive online resources

• Webinars, Article Library, Video Library, newsletters and surveys

Networking opportunities

• Private Social Network only on our site
• Monthly educational meetings

Conferences and seminars

• DEMA Townhall Meetings that cover a variety of topics.

Support systems

• Online forums
• Private online Groups specific to each membership category
• Career Center with agency member job postings

The new DEMA website launches June 15^th!!! Private Service dues are only $50 per year.

Domestic Estate Managers Association Mission Statement:

DEMA and our members have a mission to develop and provide a transparent platform of consistent standards, continuing education, networking opportunities and an attitude of cooperation in a unique and dynamic profession. All the while, serving and providing services to our Principal Employers to the highest standards available within and outside of this association.

All of our members choose to operate with INTEGRITY, TRUST, CONFIDENTIALTY AND MUTUAL RESPECT as their foundational cornerstones toward service. Furthermore, we are motivated by an attitude of service that is driven by these cornerstones and Professional/ Personal Relationships, Lawful Behavior, Dedication, Continuing Education, Personal Development and Mentorship with each other.

Domestic Estate Managers Association Vision Statement:

By becoming the largest association for Private Service Professionals in the world, our members will be able to leverage our resources to raise industry standards not only in the Domestic/ Private Service Industry, but also the standards for anyone that provides service for the most demanding clients.

Meet Marcia Hall, 2011 INA Nanny of the Year

Featured Nanny … Marcia Hall, 2011 INA Nanny of the Year
By Janinne Gardner

On May 13th the International Nanny Association announced that the 2011 Nanny Of The Year was Marcia Hall. Marcia has been a nanny for almost 15 years since she graduated from the English Nanny & Governess School in 1997 when she was 19 years old.
She says, “I love being a professional nanny because I enjoy the challenge of teaching, nurturing and encouraging children while balancing managing their lives.”

As for why she decided to run for NOTY she says, “I decided to accept the nomination for Nanny of the Year in 2009 because I felt it was one more way to further my career as a nanny. Simply being nominated is a challenge and I like challenges. I accepted the nomination in 2010 and 2011 because I had many people - both nannies, employers past and present as well as other industry professionals telling me that I should go for it again. I was "suckered" into it ;) But honestly it is the greatest honor I think I could ever have as a nanny. I hope to represent the INA and professional nannies everywhere with greatness.”

In addition to the International Nanny Association she is a member of the Northshore Professional Nanny Alliance support group in Milwaukee. They participated in Nannypalooza- Nannies across America in 2010. She is also very involved in her church, Church in the City in Milwaukee, WI. In her church she has volunteered for many child related ministries over the 13 years she has been a member. She also works with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and used to be a part and work for a group on college campuses called Chi Alpha.
She currently works for a family with two children near her home of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a four year old girl and an eight year old boy. She comments, “The four year old loves to talk and is completely ready to start Kindergarten in the fall. The eight year old loves to play outside and spend time with his friends.” In addition to caring for these two wonderful children, she also cares for her own beautiful, energetic and intelligent two year old daughter, Nadia, who goes to work with her every day. She found this position through a local nanny placement agency, Perfect Match Nannies. She has been married for almost five years, they adopted their daughter when she was a day old and currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with their two cats, Sassy Pants & Chowder Head and their dog Allie.

She was born in Wisconsin not far from where she lives now. Her parents have since retired and now live in the northern woods of Wisconsin. “We have lots of fun visiting Grammy and Grandpa B.” Her older brother, Gene, lives in Milwaukee and gets to visit and baby sit Nadia very often.
She likes to organize her house and then re-organize it, she explains, “My husband Scott laughs that just when he figures out where everything in the kitchen, I re-organize it.” She also enjoys scrapbooking, but complains she is very behind. As a child she loved the Anne of Green Gables series and says, “I read and re-read ALL 8 of them. (Not many people know there are 8 in the series.) Lucy M Montgomery also had another series I liked Emily of New Moon. I used to think I was born in the wrong era. These days I read mostly non-fiction – if I ever get to read. A few great ones are Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne and a new one is Love Wins by Rob Bell. I do love listening to the Chronicles of Narnia series on audio. My husband thinks I should know them by heart now.”

She enjoys traveling and has been to some pretty cool places: Alaska, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, England and all over the US. To this she adds, “I would have to say hands down the best vacation I have ever taken was to Costa Rica in 2006. The family I had worked with for eight years just moved there and they invited me to come out and visit them. I spent three weeks there. The first was spent with the family on the west coast of the country, which was breathtaking. I spent a lot of time on the beach that week. The second week I spent on my own in the center of the country visiting volcanoes, raging rivers, natural fed hot springs and zip-lining through the rainforest. The last week of my vacation I spent on the east of the country with my cousin and her little 1 year old boy. They moved to the Caribbean side of the country a few years earlier. It was amazing to see how in just a few short miles the customs, culture and climate could change so dramatically. My husband and I have often talked about going back.”
When asked what makes her angry she replied, “What a loaded question. Unfortunately, way too many things make me angry. The list is long. But the thing that induces anger the most in me is ingratitude. That takes many forms. It is the thing I have the least amount of patience with when it comes to dealing with children but it also greatly angers me when I see it in the world. I see ingratitude when it comes to how we humans see our place in this world and in nature. In how the most fortunate see those that are less fortunate and vice versa. I wish that every person could look at what they have in life every day and realize exactly how much there is to be grateful for. I have this problem just as much as the next person. I have a great ability to not see what I really have and instead want what is just out of my reach. I believe if every person, young and old, could wake every day, look around and see all the amazing things they do have and be thankful for them – the world would be a different place.”

National Nanny Night Out ~ The Help

All area nannies are invited to the movies! Come out Saturday, Aug 13 for the release of The Help.

Metropolitan Nannies will be hosting the local DC Area National Nanny Night Out. Details can be found on their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251798241511988

All are welcome. Come out and meet new nannies and see a great movie!

ADCAN, Juicing and Cacao By Debra Dennis, CHHC, AADP, Indigo Lifestyle Solutions, Inc.

irst things first.
Meeting everyone at this past Sunday's ADCAN gathering was certainly a great pleasure. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Your generous hearts made me feel so welcomed and I thank you all so much for your kind and thoughtful "Thank you" gift card, which will go to good use in the Natural Aisle at my local Giant!

By the way, I did some extensive research on Cacao and Caffeine. You ladies had me worried! Here's some info to chew on. There is a persistent urban legend that Chocolate contains caffeine. It would seem that this rumor is based primarily on a confusion between two similar alkaloids: Caffeine and Theobromine. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Chocolate and it occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have a similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. There are of course, some Chocolate products that have added caffeine, but it does not occur naturally in Chocolate.

This rumor seems to have a life of its own; it won't go away and yet most references to it are references to the urban legend itself! Amusingly, almost all of the Chocolate & caffeine references on the Internet are circular. (Follow the references through a few links sometime -- you often wind up back at the page where you began!!) It is actually quite common to see references that confuse Caffeine and Theobromine. Many people and some semi-scientific sources confuse the two. Stollwerck, for example, says in one place Chocolate contains 1.2% Theobromine and 0.2% Caffeine, but in another place it says just 1.4% Caffeine and doesn't mention Theobromine, which is obviously wrong.

There is no scientific substantiation that Chocolate contains caffeine, and a great deal of evidence that it does not. The Biochemist, (Apr/May 1993, p 15) did chemical composition tests where they specifically distinguished between Caffeine and Theobromine. They found regularly up to 1.3% by weight Theobromine in Chocolate. They also found other pharmacologically active compounds including up to 2.20% Phenylethylamine up to 1.54% Tele- methylhistamine and occasionally up to 5.82% Serotonin. They could not detect any Caffeine at all. (Full results are on the Science Page.) I have yet to see a dependable chemical reference that includes Caffeine in Chocolate. (The Merck Index, 12th Edition says that a very small amount of Caffeine is found in the hulls of the Cacao seeds, the hulls are discarded before processing.)

People seem to assume that caffeine is the only stimulant. Theobromine clearly has stimulant properties, so people reflexively attribute those effects to caffeine -- even though many of the effects are fundamentally different from caffeine. I guess they think it is easier to just say it is caffeine. I believe that many people casually refer to caffeine, when they really mean a whole class of chemicals called xanthines, of which caffeine is but one example. This is roughly equivalent to calling apes, human, because both are primates and humans are the more familiar type primate. Both are primates, but the differences are pretty obvious.

There is a similar confusion with the Andean tea Maté. Like Chocolate, Maté clearly has stimulant properties, which are obviously very different from caffeine's effects; however many people say it contains caffeine simply because it is a stimulant. Yerba Maté contains Mateine, a xanthine even more closely related to Caffeine than Theobromine. It is a simple stereo-isomer of caffeine. Mateine, like Theobromine, is not addictive.

For delicious smoothie recipes, check out Indigo Lifestyle Solutions blog.
Words of Wisdom
Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours. Swedish Proverb
Also check out Healthy Nannies 4 Healthy Kids online at www.healthynannies4healthykids.org.org to learn about this grassroots effort to bring the nanny community together for the health and well-being of not only children, but those who care for them.