UltimateMama recently surprised her children with heart shaped omelets for breakfast with her new Norpro nonstick pancake/egg rings. The result you ask? Nothing short of utter amazement with lots of laughs from her kids. Worth it! Whether you are celebrating the start/end of the school year, birthdays, summer camp send off, academic/athletic achievements, holidays, or really anything, your child will love starting the day with egg (or pancake) hearts for breakfast!
Finding Childcare in Summer Months
By Kristen J. Duca
06-26-19 June 2019 NY Family Finding Childcare in Summer Months article by Kristen
With summer right around the corner, it is not too early to think about childcare alternatives, especially considering your busy life doesn’t end with the school year.
Nannies and sitters need breaks too, but parent need not fret. Sometimes a little vacation is good for all – the family appreciates the childcare provider more, and the provider realizes her strong bond with the family. Work, social obligations, and activities never stop, so when your child’s caretaker needs a well-deserved break from your family, you need to be prepared with arranging back up childcare.
Respect your childcare provider and let her know far in advance (if possible) when you will be on vacation or taking a day off and do not need her to work. Ask her to give you the same courtesy of advance notice regarding the days she needs off. Remember, you and your childcare provider are a team, and if backup child care is necessary, you need to be prepared.
Some families work with their childcare providers to coordinate vacation schedules, so either limited, or no backup, childcare is needed. Of course, this may be ideal, but not practical in every situation.
Your first thoughts may be “nobody is around” in the summer months, but take a step back, breathe, and tap into your network (that which you have been building since your child was born).
There are myriad childcare options in the summer months for your family to ponder together. These examples below are creative solutions to your summertime childcare needs that will enable your family to continue your routine in a safe, efficient, and seamless manner without disruption.
1 Family members. You may not have wanted to hit up grandma or grandpa or your child’s favorite aunt during the school year, but summertime is a great season to reach out for extra help from those who share your genes. Keep in mind that is it okay to ask family members for help with your child. But be aware of what assistance you are asking for, and make sure it is reasonable. If a family member does not feel comfortable accepting monetary compensation from you, then find another way to express your gratitude – possibly with gift cards, event tickets, restaurant certificates, and so on.
2 School teachers. Many are looking for extra cash during the summer months and are more than happy to see your children outside the formal classroom setting. Your child will beam when their beloved teacher enters your home. Many times school teachers have flexible summer schedules that enable them to be “on call” for families when babysitting requests arise.
3 Camp counselors. These workers who are typically high school or college aged may be able to help with your child during pre-camp drop-off and post-camp pick-up hours. Parents usually structure the time a camp counselor spends with their child by suggesting or putting out a few different play-based activities or projects for them to work on together. Most formal camp programs have already vetted the counselors who work with the children, but it doesn’t hurt to further check into their credentials, training, and backgrounds, before you reach out to them as possible caretakers for your child.
4 Nannies of friends. Take advantage of your friends who leave town in the summer months by offering their nannies an opportunity to make additional money by working extra hours with your family. Be clear upfront about what you expect the nanny to accomplish each day with your child, as it may vary from what your friend has them do. Typically, a nanny’s responsibilities may include assisting your child with feeding or grooming, as well as transporting them to classes, parties, day camps, social functions, and appointments.
Just remember, thinking about your summertime childcare needs starts with you, and it is never too early to plan for your family. A multitude of summertime childcare possibilities exist for you to consider. You are in the driver’s seat and can choose the path that best fits your family’s needs and remain sane in the process.
Kristen Duca and her husband are the parents of two girls in New York City. She has worked in the financial services industry for more than two decades. Duca is the author of “Ultimate Nanny: How to Find, Interview, and Manage the Most Important Person You Will Ever Hire – Your Child’s Nanny” available on amazon.com. She blogs at ultimatemama.com.
New York Family magazine June 2019 (published)
06-26-19 June 2019 NY Family Finding Childcare in Summer Months article by Kristen
https://www.nyparenting.com/assets/print/queens/2019_06_qf.pdf
UltimateMama and her girls enjoy hosting friends for brunch or dinner parties throughout the year. Some of these events are “fancy parties” with many guests so UltimateMama organizes seating charts as well as creates beautiful tablescapes with festive and fun placemats, runners, mis-matched china, and elegant water goblets.
UltimateMama finds a great way to use deeply discounted gift tags purchased during January post-holiday clearance sales is to turn them into name cards for place settings. Just take a colored Sharpie (gold is a favorite) or a calligraphy pen and write your guest’s name on the front of the name tag and place it above their dinner plate or on a folded napkin on their dinner place. You can leave the inside blank or write a quick note thanking them for their attendance. Elegant and efficient!
UltimateMama and her family are heading to Cleveland and Detroit this Easter weekend so the Easter Bunny will visit Michigan. As usual, UltimateMama will be packing only two carry on suitcases for her family of four so the Easter basket contents must be compact. In an attempt not to overdue it on the chocolate or candy front, UltimateMama spent the past few months buying a variety of fun items and accessories for her tween girls. They will be thrilled to see these “treats” in their Easter baskets on Sunday morning. Contents include:
–Lindt Chocolate Carrots (4 pack so 2 for each girl purchased at CVS on the Upper East Side for around $4.99)
–Glossier’s new Mango Balm Dotcom flavor as well as Glossier’s Mint Balm Dotcom flavor (purchased in Soho – New York City for around $12 each)
–Brandy Melville hair scrunchies (purchased in Soho – New York City for $3 each)
–LeSportsac ID card case with key ring (purchased in Honolulu, Hawaii for between $15-$20 each)
–Essie nail polish which UltimateMama can’t wait to borrow (purchased at CVS on the Upper East Side for around $8 each)
–Lanikai body mist and lotion set (purchased in Honolulu, Hawaii for under $10 per set)
–Oh K! Caviar face mask (purchased at Twist in Southampton, New York for $8 each)
UltimateMama loves to set aside reading time each evening with her girls. Whether it is 10 minutes or 1 hour it is nice for everyone to gather on the couch with their own book for some reading, rest, and relaxation before bedtime. A few of UltimateMama’s favorite book series for girls who are 10, 11, 12, and 13 years old as follows:
Ava and Pip is book one in a clever series by Carol Weston
The Lemonade War is book one in an entrepreneurial series by Jacqueline Davies
The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer is book one in the fantastic Land of Stories series
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainaini is book one in a fairy tale journey series
The Selection by Kiera Cass is book one in a fairy tale series for older, middle school girls (more mature content so be advised)
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass is book one in the Willow Falls series
It’s Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder is book one in her cupcake series
Upside Down Magic is book one in a series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins
11 Before 12 by Lisa Greenwald is book one in her friendship list series
Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordon is book one in the Percy Jackson series
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is book one in a trilogy for older kids due to mature content that includes violence
UltimateMama loves quick and easy dinner choices for kids on busy nights. Rather than ordering take out or grabbing fast food, UltimateMama prefers to do a little pre-planning at the beginning of the week to ensure the appropriate groceries are purchased and ready in a pinch!
UltimateMama’s girls are big fans of grilled sourdough cheese sandwiches with pre-made tomato basil soup. An ideal meal for any time of year. For an extra protein kick just add ham or honey turkey to the sandwiches. Add some carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers or tomatoes, and red grapes to complete your quick and easy meal. All you need is the following:
-Sourdough bread (Bread Alone for example)
-Medium cheddar cheese (buy pre-sliced for convenience)
-Butter (for stovetop grilling)
-Your favorite soup (like Tomato Basil)
UltimateMama and her family have a constant flow of guests around the holidays and always keep 5 inexpensive wines (all under $25) on hand for the adults. Here are 3 bottles of red and 2 bottles of white (or pink considering one is rose) that are perfect for entertaining or gifting:
1. Cantina Zaccagnini 2015 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (red). You can spot it at any wine store as it is the wine with the stick attached to it! Around $18 but one can find it on sale for less. Product of Italy.
2. Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon Vintners Blend California 2015 (red). Amazing with brie cheese and table water crackers. Around $9.99. Product of California.
3. 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (red). Goes with anything from burgers to filet mignon to lobster rolls. Around $9.99 to $14.99. Product of Columbia Valley.
4. Whispering Angel Rose 2017 (rose). UltimateMama’s favorite wine to gift all year long as well as a staple in her refrigerator. Around $19.99. Product of France.
5. Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre 2016 (white). This classy selection is always a crowd pleaser if your crowd prefers something white and light. Around $21.99. Product of France.
Over the weekend, UltimateMama and her two children had a nice one hour shopping trip to stock up on holiday goods and craft supplies at Michaels. Killing time as it rained on Long Island was quite easy as UltimateMama challenged her family to come up with a gorgeous holiday tablescape that was pleasing for all ages and works for either a dining or side table. Mission accomplished with the 70% off doorbuster promotions at Michaels. Best of all the total cost was under $25! The breakdown:
Potted red poinsettia with gold foil (artificial): $6 (from $20)
Metallic garland: $3.60 (from $12)
Small champagne tabletop sisal tree: $6 (from $20)
Large champagne tabletop sisal tree: $7.50 (from $25)
Total cost: $23.10
Happy Holidays!
Was it on our bucket list? Of course! So, UltimateMama and her family took a quick (relatively at under 5 1/2 hours from NYC) flight to Iceland.
Day 1
After landing, UltimateMama picked up the rental car and headed directly to the Blue Lagoon for an 8 AM spa appointment against the volcanic landscape. One must book visits in advance. UltimateMama and her family were treated to the “Comfort” package which included: entrance fee, silica mud masks, use of towels, and one drink per person. Remember to take your disposable/water cameras for some fun pictures!
Next, UltimateMama drove approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to start the Golden Circle Tour!
First stop was Thingvellir National Park to see the Everyman’s Gorge between 2 continents-America and Europe as well as the Law Rock.
Second stop after a 50-60 minute drive was to the Geysir Geothermal Field to see Strokker. UltimateMama and her group grabbed some pizza and did some souvenir shopping at the visitor’s center.
Third stop was a 10 minute drive to Gullfoss Falls to see the breathtaking waterfall.
Next was a 50 minute drive (in the pouring rain/sleet) to the Kerid Crater.
Finally, after a 45 minute drive UltimateMama and her family made it to lodging at the Hotel Ranga which offers outdoor hot tubs, delicious cuisine, and fabulous Northern Lights displays (if one is lucky and we were)!
Day 2
The Lava Centre, which was only a 5 minute drive from the hotel, offered a glimpse at Iceland’s active volcanoes.
Next, a 15-20 drive to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall enabled us to be fully encircled by a fabulous wonder.
Don’t miss views of Eyjafjallojokull, a glacier volcano that caused panic to air travel in 2010.
After a 10 minute dive one will reach Skogafoss Waterfall and most likely see a rainbow.
Another 10-15 minute drive takes one to Solheimajokull Glacier which is easily accessible to all. UltimateMama and her family really enjoyed walking on/around it. Be careful!
One can’t miss the black sand beach of Reynisfjara on Iceland’s South Coast, next to a fishing village called Vik, which is only another 25-30 minute drive. The basalt stacks are extraordinary!
Day 3
A one hour tour of the Lava Tunnel is worth one’s time if one wants to see layers of volcanic eruption.
Ægissíðufoss waterfall is a majestic site and close to Hotel Ranga too!
Day 4
Spend the day in Reykjavik before heading to the airport for departure.
UltimateMama had the honor of attending the opening of Chaos Theory Presents Flashpoint: An Intersection of History, Perseverance, and Joy curated by Joyce Varvatos with Alexandra Hayden. The powerfully visual show is at 112 Hampton Road in Sag Harbor, New York from July 28 until September 2, 2018. Integrating pieces from various artists in different disciplines the exhibit features works by Francesca DiMattio, Friends with You, Dan Life, Susan Tepper, Do Ho Suh, Raul de Nieves, Kim Hyung Dae, Zeus, Lucy Winton, Friends with You/Daniel Jacobs collaboration, Ouattera Watts, Derrick Adams, and Leo Villareal.
The show blends the idea that chaos and order are not always opposed. The end result is a remarkable mix of the two that all will enjoy. Bravo ladies!
