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.

ADCAN Saves you Money

Our January 2011 meeting was full of money saving tips that anyone can take advantage of. A few of our members in attendance shared with us these ideas …

Sue Kzros:
Capital One bank: credit card savings with rewards you can combine. Use the points to get a Target gift card for $50 or $100. She is able to do this 2-3 times a year, also apply cash to your payments, travel points and to buy merchandise.
Food: Free samples at Whole Food & Balducci's, Free cookies at Harris Teeter, plus usually plenty of other food samples through out the store: usually the Deli, Bread ad bakery.
Giant: buy groceries for employers at Giant using your shoppers card and use it at Shell gas for .10 off for each gallon of gas.

Debra Santamore:
Savings card for frequently visited stores, free items and discounts. Bed, Bath &
Beyond coupons never expire and you can also use them at Bye Bye Baby.

Kellie Geres:
The Nook at Barnes & Noble: can loan lendable books to friends and family, Friday free downloads, one hour free read time to any book you read in the store. Plenty of books that are free or very cheap just do a search for $0.00. Philadelphia Free Library: borrow free books online.
Redbox: $1 movies if returned the next day.

Paper Back swap Swap paperbacks, hardcover and audio books, also visit sister sites to swap CD’s and DVD’s. Netflix: $8.00 unlimited through your computer, TiVo, cable providers, Wii or play stations.

Suzanne Herrick: 2011 Entertainment Book for the DC area.
Maryland/ Washington, DC
NOVA/ Washington, DC
Other locations available as well.

Alice Shaffer thefinancialnanny@gmail.com & http://www.thefinancialnanny.com/
Facebook: The Financial Nanny Fan Page
Ways to save money via group buying sites, coupons, blogs etc. Full disclosure, I will receive sometimes a monetary amount credit for a site if you use the links below to sign up for them. Also if you have others sign up under you, you will receive that credit as well. This is a great way to get items for less than the “buying” price.

Certifikid http://certifikid.com/r/WKNLjIro2 Certifikid features a single, daily, unbeatable, family value. After your purchase, you can print your Certifikid certificate directly from your online account. Certifikid deals will lead to incredible savings (often 50% or more off the retail price) on family friendly restaurants, play gyms, family entertainment and events, music classes, photo sessions, kids haircuts, baby proofing services, maternity boutiques, birthday party packages, and so much more. $5 per referral. Washington DC and Baltimore locations

Daily Dealster: http://www.dailydealster.com/ref/y3zr5h7w01 Get $10 in Daily Deal Dollars when the friend you invite makes his or her first purchase. Various deals in the community.

Dealon http://www.dealon.com/referrals/40330 The price of each deal is driven by the number of participants. The more people that join in the deal, the lower the price drops until it reaches the target price. The lowest price reached at the end of the day (midnight), is the amount everyone receives - including you. That's why we encourage you to share deals with friends by sending them your personal referral link.If someone purchases their first deal, within 72 hours after clicking your referral link, we'll add $10 to your account - good towards any DealOn purchases! National offerings. Various offerings from restaurants, health, items to salons

DealPulp http://dealpulp.com/?r=financialnanny We offer one spectacular deal a day from Monday to Friday, plus another that’s available all weekend. All of our deals can be redeemed online and nationwide, and once you’ve purchase a deal, it’s yours no matter how many other people buy it. Invite your friends to DealPulp, and not only will we give them a $5 credit to use on the site just for signing up, but we’ll give you a $5 credit once they make their first purchase.

National
Dealradar gathers the deals from the other sites. Lots of daily offers in each category. Save money on dining, spa services, sporting events and other products, services and experiences. The savings are extraordinary – sometimes as much as 90% below normal prices.

Eversave http://eversave.com/share/zYT7 They feature 50%-90% off on restaurants,
spas, local activities and online deals. It is free to get their email, and for each new friend you refer you can earn $12 in Save Rewards to use towards great deals. National deals

Gilt groupe http://www.gilt.com/invite/thefinancialnanny Each time 10 people use your Personal Invitation Link to become a Gilt member, you receive free shipping on your next order. The more members you refer, the more free shipping you earn! Gilt Groupe provides invitation-only access to highly coveted products and experiences at insider prices. Each day, Gilt offers its members a curated selection of merchandise, including apparel, accessories and lifestyle items across the women’s, men’s and children’s categories. In addition, we provide the best in home decor and entertaining essentials, along with luxury travel packages and fantastic offers on local services and experiences. Most sales start at noon ET and last only 36 hours, making Gilt.com an exclusive shopping destination for luxury at up to 70% off.

Groupon: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu1064706 various deals throughout the us and abroad. Earn $10 for every person that makes their first purchase

Ideeli www.ideeli.com/invite/thefinancialnanny get a $25 credit for each friend who buys Invite 10 friends who become ideeli buyers and you get $250 in credits to spend shopping on ideeli. limited-time sales featuring the most sought-after brands across the categories of apparel, accessories, home, beauty, travel and kids. Each event is designed by ideeli editors to offer an exclusive shopping opportunity with new brands featured each day at up to 80% off New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. We also have weekly giveaways. They have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Our members are notified by email, Facebook and Twitter each time a new sale starts.

Jasmere http://www.jasmere.com/r/777777f7?l $10 jasmere dollars when a friend makes their first purchase. The more people buy the deal the cheaper the price.

Jetsetter http://www.jetsetter.com/invite/59766171aadc4xmh66xv Get $25 for signing up. Get $25 in Jetsetter credit when someone you invited makes their first purchase. Exclusive hand-selected vacations including 5-star hotels, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and weekend getaways. Each trip is Jetsetter Verified, which means we have personally visited and certified that the experience meets our standards.

KGBdeals http://40e05b72-ab43-11df-ac32-40400268f4cd.kgbdeals.com/?id=9261 Various local and national deals. When a friend you invite to join kgbdeals buys their first deal, you earn kgbkash - simple! $6 after they make their purchase.

Living social https://livingsocial.com/redeem_invite/14008539-alicem?ref=lnk Great deals. Just had the $20 Amazon gift card for $10. Local company in DC. National deals. After you buy the deal, you'll get a unique link to share. If three people buy the deal using your link, then your deal is free They have an iphone app as well.

Local Ginger: http://www.localginger.com/ Northern Virginia deals no deals for signing up.

Mamapedia Sweet Deals: http://deals.mamapedia.com/?ref_id=71871Invite Friends, Get $10 And 30 Points Plus set up a 5% giving to the school of your choice for each purchase you make.

No More Rack http://www.nomorerack.com/?cr=208143 online shopping destination for those who want quality, brand named apparel and accessories at prices up to 90% off retail. First 5 that sign up through this get a $10 gift card. You get $5 per person that signs up. Shipping is a flat $2. Deals post daily at noon EST. last for 24hrs. Has Friendrack as well where you get items for having 15 or more friends sign up in 30 days.

One Kings Lane www.onekingslane.com/invite/AShaffer $25 credit for each friend that signs up and makes a purchase. At One Kings Lane, we believe that living (and giving) well is more than just a fantasy. That’s why we bring the world's best designer décor and home essentials, entertaining and travel needs, fantastic gift selections and more to our members – at up to 70% off retail.

Plum district https://www.plumdistrict.com/?ref=u762bc865f22 If you're new to the district, they'll give you $5 off your first purchase in the next 7 days. You get $10 Plum Dollars for every friend you refer when they buy their first Plum Deal.Various deals National and local
Restaurant.com purchase food certificates up to 80% off a $25 coupon. Various rules and restrictions. Great for trying new places.

Socialbuy http://www.socialbuy.com/r/11656 SocialBuy is a collective buying site that helps you and your friends try new experiences at extraordinary prices. Every day, we promote an exclusive deal from a local business looking to attract new customers. What's in it for you: 50% to 90% savings on the most exclusive restaurants, events, hotels and spas in your city. You refer a friend to SocialBuy, and they create an account from the link you send them. If they make their first purchase within 30 days, you'll get $10 credited to your account. Various national deals.

Specialicious https://www.specialicious.com/register/referrer/w0kYBMGGRYltTNFNeH3r huge savings at one of your absolute favorite spots to eat, stay or play! Specialicious is brought to you by the same hard-working, NoVA-loving individuals who publishNorthern Virginia Magazine each month Each special is available for purchase for 48 hours unless it's a Friday special which will be available for 72 hours. you will receive a $10 credit (a.k.a. Specialicious money) in your Specialicious account when a friend you invited to Specialicious through your personal invite link makes his/her first purchase within 72 hours of registration.

Tippr http://tippr.com/i/alice.shaffer/l/ You will get great discounts at all kinds of local businesses around town, and everybody that joins today gets a $5.00 credit. Various cities
Twongo https://www.twongo.com/?referrer=23758 $5 for you and friend for them signing up and making their first purchase. Twongo was created from the Chinese term, Tuangou, which translates to team buying or group buying. Every day on Twongo we’ll feature a deal at one of the best dining, shopping, or entertainment venues in your area The more people buy the less it costs.

WTD deals www.sowhatsthedeal.com/ref/alice20835 Get $5 for signing up and $5 when a friend makes their first purchase

Yipit http://yipit.com/washington-dc/ We collect all the great daily deals from 292 services

Zozi: http://www.zozi.com/z/get_credit/16po 10 into your account when a person you invited follows your link and makes a purchase on zozi. Getaways, everyday, vacation and gift deals. Has some unique deals.

National and Local
Coupon blogs
We use coupons http://www.weusecoupons.com/
Deal Seeking Mom http://www.dealseekingmom.com/
Totally target http://www.totallytarget.com/
Groupon Girl http://www.groupongirl.com/
Maven of Savin http://www.mavenofsavin.com/
Hip2save http://www.hip2save.com/
Familyboundmom http://www.familyboundmom.com/
The Frugal Girls http://www.thefrugalgirls.com/
Couponing to Disney http://www.couponingtodisney.com/
My frugal adventures http://www.myfrugaladventures.com/
Surviving the stores http://www.survivingthestores.com/
Southern savers http://www.southernsavers.com/
Redplum: http://www.redplum.com/
Coupons: coupons.com
http://couponprintster.com/

Money sites
Mint.com

Smartypig 1.35% APR on goals. Online savings account. Once you’ve reached a savings goal using SmartyPig, you can receive up to a 14% cash back savings by placing it on a Retailer Gift Card like Amazon, Travelocity or Lowes. You can even divide up your savings among several Retailer Gift Cards, or put only a portion of your saving on a card or cards.How does our Retailer Gift Card program work? Great question. Let’s say you’ve saved $2,000 and want to put those savings onto a Macy’s Retailer Gift Card for some new furniture. When you select this option, SmartyPig will pay you a cash back savings of 11% for an additional $220. That’s the SmartyPig difference!
SmartyPig Prepaid MC: With this exclusive, reloadable card, you will earn up to 10% cash back at more than 9,000 local and regional retailers just by using it to buy the things you already buy everyday like lunch, gas, groceries, and even lattés (national retailers coming in early 2011!). And, since it is a prepaid card, you’ll be paying with the money you already have

Ingdirect

Swagbucks: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/thefinancialnanny 450 swagbucks get you a $5 amazon gift card Ways to get swagbucks daily for clicking on things, answering polls, playing games, and just doing general searches. Plus earn 280 plus swagbucks for daily deals ie groupon etc. Get swagbuck matches from those that sign up under you. Up to 1000 swagbucks. Look under the Earn section. I do not use the toolbar application. I just use swagbucks.com as my search engine instead of google/bing. I type in everything: facebook, gmail, regarding nannies, twitter etc. It gets me points for searching throughout the day.

Great deals:
Amazon moms http://www.amazon.com/ref=gno_logo then type in Amazon Mom : is a free membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers, from the prenatal days through the toddler years, use Amazon to find all the products their family needs. To join, simply sign into your Amazon account and tell us whether you are a Mom, Dad, or other caregivers of a child. By providing information about your family, you can help us personalize offers, e-mails, and product recommendations to help you find exactly what you need at just the right time. Amazon Mom members receive benefits such as 30% off diapers and wipes, FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime, as well as exclusive offers via e-mail. What items count towards the shipping benefit so that I can earn more free months of Prime? • Any Baby product (i.e. anything in the Baby store) counts towards earning additional months of FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime. To be sure, you can always look for the yellow stripe on the product detail page that says “Amazon Mom: Purchase this and other Baby items to extend your Amazon Prime FREE Shipping Benefits"

Email me at thefinancialnanny@gmail.com to let me know what you signed up for/bought from. Also if you want an invite to SmartyPig.

Janinne Gardner:

Online: Once a day email savings.

Restaurant dining gift certificates
http://www.restaurant.com/
Founded in 1999 by CEO Cary Chessick they have about 15,000 restaurants nationwide, on website menus, wine list, chef bios, search & filter according to criteria ad can make a reservation if needed

Gift certificates in $10, $25, $50, $75, or $100

A $25 will usually cost between $10 - $17.50 but the daily email will bring an addition 10%- 90% discount so now your $25 Gift Certificate is $1.00- $7.00 ($1.75- $15.75).

Can be use that day.
must spend $50 in Restaurant (for a $25 certificate)
sometimes not good on Saturday and Sunday (watch the fine print)
Often Dine in only
I do know of a case where they refused to take the certificate, it is your choice to stay or go. As a result the person was given credit on Restaurant.com for another $25 gift certificate of choice that he can use anytime.

They have loyalty incentive & offer discounts, prepaid cards and other promotional products.

Savings.com
http://www.savings.com/
Founded 2007 they have a deal a day called “Pounce or Bounce”
This is a website for coupons for stores on the internet combined into one website.
They have Staff savings that they have picked. They also have a section for Member Savings, this is if you as a member find a great deal you can add it to saving.com


Other On-line savings:
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/
“like” for your favorite manufacturer, they often have give away and free items

Or go directly to the manufacturers website and to “opt in” for the newsletter to get free stuff and discounts. Some Manufacturers have free stuff on Saturday

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ mention your favorite items and manufactures in your tweets and you may get “caught” by them and rewarded.

PlentyofFish.com- Free dating site

Craigslist.com- often free/ reduced clothing or furniture,

Scholorships.com- search for scholarships for any talent or medical condition you may have.

Freecycle.com – lots of stuff by category. Careful you need to use good judgment as to what is real and what is just trying to get you email address. If it is to good to be true…it probably is!

Freesamplesfreebies.com

Quibids.com:
http://www.quibids.com/?refer=3869035

Similar to ebay except that all the items are new, bidder pays to bid (.60 per bid) but if you win the item you will get it for much less, it is worth checking out. They do have a Buy it Now option which includes the money you have spent on the bids. For example you have been bidding on an item and have to go and the auction is still going on. You can opt to buy it now and all the money you spent in the bids now goes to the Buy it now price.

Talenthatch.com
http://www.talenthatch.com/

This is a free website where young people around the world (under age 25) can share their performing arts talent by posting videos of their performances in a special website dedicated specifically to them.

Coupons Online both digital (added to your savings card) and/or printable
You can use store coupons and manufacturer coupons together.

Safeway/ Kroger – digital coupons and print (Just for U)
www.safeway.com/IFL?Grocery/offers-landing-img

Giant – printable only
www.giantfoodstores.com/shareddev/sharedcontent/savings/IC.cfm

Zavers.com
http://www.zavers.com/
This is a digital coupon site for Harris Teeter & Super Fresh and several others not in the DC area. These coupons are added to your savings card and are used when you check out. The website will give you the option of sending a shopping list to your email or cell phone.

Coupons.com- printable, online, savings card, also link to restaurant .com

White House Greetings (card from current president of the US)

Fax: 202-456-2461
Email: www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Address: The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20502

Presidential Greeting for these occasions only:
New baby birth or adoption (request after birth or adoption)
50th, 60th, & 70th plus anniversary
80 years young plus all Americans
70 years young plus for Veterans
Religious and civil wedding (request after wedding)
Retirement of 30 years or more in workforce
Religious milestone
School graduation
Eagle Scout or gold award
Religious leader anniversary 25 year & every 5 after
Religious institution 25, 50, 75 & every 5 years after
School anniversary 100 years
Family reunions 25 years & every 5 years after.
Serious illness
Send them the following information:
full name of requestor
full name of recipient
address of recipient
type of greeting (baby, anniversary, birthday...)
date of occasion
requestors phone number

Time to Test Your Smoke Alarms

We would like to remind you to test your smoke alarms. Remember... a smoke alarm with a dead battery or no battery is the same as having no alarm at all!!!

If your house has 10-year lithium smoke alarms, just take a moment to test your alarms to make sure they're all working correctly.

Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you'll have to maintain it according to manufacturer's instructions. Here are some general guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance from the United States Fire Administration (USFA): http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/index.shtm

Smoke alarms powered by a 9-volt battery:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Replace the batteries at least once a year.
* Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarms powered by a 10-year lithium (or "long life") battery:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Since you can't and shouldn't replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm unit according to manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarms that are hardwired into the home's electrical system:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Replace the backup battery at least once a year.
* Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years.

For more safety tips, visit Safe Start Baby

ADCAN Celebrates 25 Years!

Regarding Nannies has featured ADCAN in recognizing their 25 year milestone. Check out the entire article on how ADCAN has thrived in the DC nanny community and what keeps it going strong.

The Power of Choice

Excerpted with permission by Elizabeth Pantley from Kid Cooperation (New Harbinger, 1996)

Would you like to get your kids to willingly cooperate? Stop the daily battles? Teach your kids valuable life skills? If your answer is Yes! Yes! Yes! then read on . . . There are so many things we must get our children to do and so many things me must stop them from doing! Get up. Get dressed. Don’t dawdle. Do your homework. Eat. It goes on and on. We can get our kids to cooperate and at the same time allow them to learn self discipline and develop good decision making skills. How? By offering choices.

Giving a choice is a very powerful tool that can be used with toddlers through teenagers. This is one skill that every parent should have tattooed on the back of his or her hand as a constant reminder. Parents should use this skill every day, many times a day. Giving children choices is a very effective way to enlist their cooperation because children love having the privilege of choice. It takes the pressure out of your request, and allows a child to feel in control. This makes a child more willing to comply.

Using choice is an effective way to achieve results, and when you get in the habit of offering choices you are doing your children a big favor. As children learn to make simple choices—Milk or juice?—they get the practice required to make bigger choices—Buy two class T-shirts or one sweatshirt?—which gives them the ability as they grow to make more important decisions—Save or spend? Drink beer or soda? Study or fail? Giving children choices allows them to learn to listen to their inner voice. It is a valuable skill that they will carry with them to adulthood.
You should offer choices based on your child’s age and your intent. A toddler can handle two choices, a grade-school child three or four. A teenager can be given general guidelines. Offer choices such that you would be happy with whatever option your child chooses. Otherwise, you’re not being fair. For example, a parent might say, “Either eat your peas or go to your room” but when the child gets up off his chair, the parent yells, “Sit down and eat your dinner, young man!” (So that wasn’t really a choice, was it?)

Here are some ways in which you can use choice:
· Do you want to wear your Big Bird pajamas or your Mickey Mouse pajamas?
· Do you want to do your homework at the kitchen table or the desk?
· Would you rather stop at the gas station or give me the money to fill the tank?
· Do you want to wear your coat, carry it, or put on a sweatshirt?
· Would you prefer to let the dog out in the yard or take him for a walk?
· Do you want to run up to bed or hop like a bunny?
· What do you want to do first, take out the trash or dry the dishes?
· Do you want to watch five more minutes of TV or ten?

A typical problem with choices is the child who makes up his own choice!
For example, A mother in one of my classes reported using this skill with great success at home. It was after dinner and she said to her husband, “Honey, would you like to clean up the dishes or put the kids to bed?” He responded, “Hey! You’re using that choice this in me!” (All the skills presented in my book will work with adults, too.) “Taylor, do you want to put on your pajamas first, or brush your teeth?” To which little Taylor answers, “I want to watch TV.” What to do? Just smile sweetly and say, “That wasn’t one of the choices. What do you want to do first, put on your pajamas or brush your teeth?”

If your child is still reluctant to choose from the options that you offer, then simply ask, “Would you like to choose or shall I choose for you?” If an appropriate answer is not forthcoming then you can say, “I see that you want me to choose for you.” Then follow through. Make your choice and help your child – by leading or carrying him – so that he can cooperate.

Meet Greta Schraer - 2010 INA Nanny of the Year

Meet Greta Schraer …
2010 INA Nanny of the Year
by Kellie Geres, ADCAN president

ADCAN is pleased to introduce you to Greta. A few of us met Greta in October at Nannypalooza, and she is a friend to many. In knowing Greta myself these past couple years, I wanted to learn some new things and share them with you, so read on and share Greta’s story ….

Greta Schraer is a full-time career nanny currently caring for three year old triplet boys. She has worked with children for the past 18 years in the Cincinnati area. She has been a full-time, temporary, part-time and seasonal nanny for many families. Greta has also been a Youth Ministry Administrator mentoring junior and senior high school students through one-on-one and group teaching. Since returning from the 2009 International Nanny Association Conference, Greta started the blog, CincyNanny, to connect the nannies in Cincinnati and share resources and information. CincyNanny now has over 80 nannies involved! The CincyNanny blog continues to grow and be featured outside the Cincinnati area. Greta has also been able to mentor families and nannies through all the issues they face. In May, she was the recipient of the INA Nanny of the Year award for 2010 and received her INA Service Award Pin. Greta has just recently joined the INA Board of Directors as the Membership Committee Chair. In addition to spending time with her husband, Greta teaches Lindy Hop/Swing Dancing. She also volunteers at her church as well as partnering in national and international mission trips. Greta's hobbies include traveling to new cities, cooking new recipes, decorating, writing, and making projects on her Mac computer.

A typical day for Greta …
Each morning I arrive at the house by 7:00. N is always the first awake. He quietly sneaks downstairs then in view he runs and jumps in my lap. We usually check the weather channel or news while I drink my coffee and mentally plan our day. By 8:00 all are up. We keep to a routine as I feel it brings comfort and ease to all of use. The boys know the cues and what to expect. First we go potty, get dressed, and have breakfast. Meals are a great time to teach and talk. Mornings are usually an easier part of the day, so after breakfast I try to get most of the chores done (dishes, laundry, and etc.) as the boys play and help me. By 9:30 we are usually heading out the door for the adventure of the day. The boys love to go to museums, parks, the pool, story time, errands, or school. No matter where we are headed they are excited to ride in my car. I like to use this time out and about in the world to teach and connect with them through songs, experiences, and simple conversations. They are like little sponges and soak up all the city has to offer them. Sometimes we eat lunch out, or have a picnic but most days we come back home. After lunch, the boys play as I clean up, then we all have "clean up time" together. Then comes story time on the couch, where we read about 3 books. Next is quiet time/nap. I use this time to eat, take a break, and finish chores. After quiet time we have snack. In the last hour of our day we play games, color, playdoh, etc. This is usually the wild part of my day; the boys sense the transition coming. Unless staying late, I head home at 5:00. H usually opens my car door and tells me to “Go home, see Doug” then says “Have a good day”. Throughout the day there are always surprises, questions, time outs, encouraging the potty, wrestling, games, the potty, singing, helping, the potty, teaching, and of course more of the potty. I try to carve out time with each boy alone as well as play as a group. Can you tell there is never a dull moment with three year old triplet boys?

Asked how she sees herself inspiring others, Greta says …
The people that I look up to and respect are people not only doing wonderful things for the world, but are also real enough to connect with and learn from. They are people who are humble, honest and desire to grow. As Nanny of the Year, I hope that people realize I am not perfect nor the perfect nanny. There is always more to learn, and I hope that I will inspire others to continue that process. I hope that I will show others that by following your passions you can do great things. We are each unique and therefore have a unique gift to share with our world.


How Greta wants to be remembered …
A few years ago, my Nanny (grandmother) passed away. She and I were extremely close my whole life. When this hard time came... I was thinking, what do I want to be remembered for? I came up with 4 things. Someone who loved God, loved others, was faithful and giving. This is how I want to trend my life, including being a Nanny. I hope that people see me as someone who is passionate about people, children, and is faithful and giving to them and this industry.

Greatest Accomplishment …
As a Nanny, my greatest accomplishment is partnering with my family in caring for the most amazing boys. I have seen so much growth in them over the past three years and I am honored to have been a part of that.

As an individual, my greatest accomplishment five years of marriage to my best friend. While in comparison to others it may not seem like much. However, I grew up in a broken, unhealthy family and longed to do things differently. I am proud that my husband and I share mutual respect and trust. We are committed to do the work a marriage requires. Plus he is pretty cute, funny, and has amazing character.

5 Fun Facts …
I am obsessed with Broadway and got to see Wicked the week after it opened in 2003 with original cast.
I tweet quotes from the boys each day so that I never forget their cutest moments.
I have 52 pairs of shoes in my recently organized closet.
I have swing danced in about 20 cities in the US, and always look up the best venue as I travel.
I have boxes of journals from my youth. I had no idea that I would become someone that writes in the open, rather than alone to herself.

Favorite …
Vacation: Ocean views, clear water, swimming, massage, and margaritas.
Childhood memory: Riding in my Nanny's (grandmother) car, she would always take me on country drives. She sat me on phone books in the front seat. I said my first full sentence to her..."Look, Nanny, a cow, how 'bout that Nanny, how 'bout that?"
Song: Gravity, John Mayer
Food: Mashed potatoes
Book: Philippians (in the Bible)

Finally, if you could have lunch with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be?
I would have lunch with my half-brother that I have never met. I grew up an only child and always wanted a brother. Maybe someday I will come across some more clues that will make this possible.


You can read Greta’s acceptance speech from the INA Conference on her blog, CincyNanny.

Congratulations ADCAN Nannies and Supporters ...

Congratulations to ADCAN Nannies …

Alice Shaffer (15)
Angela Jackson (15)
Kellie Geres (20)
Janinne Gardner (20)
On receiving their 2010 Harriette Grant Service Award Pin

And to ADCAN Supporters ...
Barbara Kline / White House Nannies (25)
Stephanie Breedlove / Breedlove & Associates (15)
Guy Maddalone / GTM Associates (20)

On receiving their INA Service Award Pin
At the 25th Annual INA Conference
May 21, 2010
San Francisco, California