Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Can You Be Cleaner than Them All?

Mirrors and windows can be frustrating to clean. Many times after cleaning, mirrors and windows will still have streaks, specks, dirt or a fog of cleaning chemicals left on it. There are several different cleaning strategies that can leave a surface streak-free and sparkling until the next cleaning.

There is an assumption that you have to use a commercial glass cleaner to get the job done, but in fact you can combine white distilled vinegar with 1 quart of warm water to clean both mirrors and windows.

Depending on the number and height of windows, it may be necessary to obtain a professional window cleaning service to get the job done. Interior window cleaning will be easier for those reachable areas where dogs may put their noses and children their fingerprints. Exterior window cleaning requires taking off the screen and in some cases using the hose to rinse away any excess dirt.

Clean the surface first to remove any heavy dirt or marks. Use plain water to do the pre-cleaning. Newspapers can be used as a cleaning cloth as long as they are not of soy-based ink. You can also use a microfiber cloth, coffee filters or a diaper to obtain a streak-free, lint-free result. Use a squeegee for best results on windows.


http://www.MartaPerrone.com

Crossing Boundaries with the Housekeeper

One of the things I teach in my "career development" class weekly to the various housekeepers and nannies is that once you cross that line with your employer, you will find yourself in a position where you no longer can maintain a professional relationship. To keep things in good order, it is important to create and maintain lines of respect in any employment situation. There is this tremendous gray definition of what families describe as "being part of the family". Does this mean that the nanny gets the same benefits as other members of the family? The likelihood is that she is considered to be part of the family until she does something that is unacceptable. So what might that be??? Ok, here are some examples:

*Asking for a cash advance
*Borrowing clothes and jewelry (shame on Schwarzenegger's Housekeeper)
*Forming opinions and imposing them
*Making political and religious statements
*Taking something without asking (even if you think you deserve it)
*Undermining parental decisions
*Taking advantage of breaks, vacation or time off
*Talking about the family to others
*Assuming a role that isn't yours to take (mistress included)
*Showing any form of disrespect

Now on the other hand, there are plenty of household employers who ALSO cross the line. Yes, they are just as culpable and often do it to such a level that it is even more embarrassing and shameful. After all, as employers, they are supposed to know better. Here are those examples:

*Yelling, using obscenities and making a household worker feel belittled
*Not adhering to an employment agreement for things promised
*Underpaying for a job that demands more for its effort
*Thinking that gifts of unneeded items is like giving a "bonus"
*Exposing themselves and thinking that their 'nudist' way of life is acceptable in their home (yes this did happen)
*Deducting wages for room and board when the employee only lives there 5 days (not permanent residence)
*Having sex because "you are rich and powerful" and the housekeeper is not (Dominique Strauss-Kahn as an example)

Shame, shame on all of you. If you want self-respect as an employee, demand it and do not succumb to the darkness of others. If you are an employer, there is a line that cannot be crossed unless you want to find yourself in an ugly lawsuit. As the employee, crossing the line simply can get you fired and in a situation that may prevent future employment.

Summer Sweat Circles

Ahh the heat has arrived and with it comes sweat circles. Yes, those ugly sweat circles on our shirts, blouses and dresses that cause embarrassment and tend to ruin our clothes.

Brian Johnson – Director at the Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute tells us that the aluminum-based antiperspirant is the “biggest culprit” for stains left behind on the shirts and blouses. The manufacturers of antiperspirants say that there many other factors that need to be taken into consideration and that they can’t figure out what is the main cause. Their main concern is to eliminate wetness; dropping the levels of aluminum would not make their consumers any drier. So what are people doing? Believe it or not, they are actually going for prescriptions, Botox injections and the removal of sweat glands through surgery and laser procedures to alleviate the problem. Brian Johnson recommends that you wash, rather than dry-clean shirts that have yellow stains. “The Stains are water based so they need water to get them out. Furthermore, wash an item as soon as possible after perspiring. Use detergent or a stain remover with oxygen bleach.

Here are some products in the market made for this problem: PitStop is a stain remover to fight yellow stains; Beconfident are adhesive underarm shields made of a cotton blend to keep wetness from reaching the fabric.

http://www.MartaPerrone.com

Housekeeper's Voice

The news is flooded with reports regarding laws, unions, and potential changes to protect domestic workers.It began in New York city with the Domestic Workers United Bill of Rights for domestic workers that passed in November 2010. They fought long and hard to impose on household employers guidelines as it relates to benefits, hours and wages, medical insurance and other protections commonly provided to other professions. However, they were unsuccessful in obtaining ALL their wish list. In preparation for this, they did study after study in the household industry interviewing housekeepers and nannies all over the State of New York to get their story. All this served to support their cause.

In Los Angeles,the struggle continues as local legislators seek the passage of the California Bill to ensure that live/in domestic workers would have the right to sleep at least five hours each night and have access to employer's kitchens to cook their own food. Advocates say that because those rights are specific to live/in caregivers, "they must be enshrined in domestic worker-specific law." Lolita Andrada Lledo, associate director of Philipino Workers Center in Los Angeles explains that the ability to cook their own food is essential for caregivers, rather than being limited to what food the elderly and ill patients are able to eat.

Regarding the right to sleep, Lledo comments that in-home workers are often denied sleep entirely, especially when caring for stroke victims and elders with dementia or Alzheimer's who have round-the-clock needs. Their hope is to put in place a law that demands there be a shift of 12 hours for each caregiver, giving the other a chance to rest.

There were other speakers who stressed the need to pass this bill to ensure domestic workers have the legal recourse for harassment and violence in the workplace.

Housekeepers all over the world are abused in various cultures ss evidenced by the many news reports. The United States has always been the frontrunner for all change. It appears domestic workers' voice will be heard as they reap the benefits of this great democracy.

http://www.martaperrone.com

Too Busy to Clean

Time is of the essence, but who has it these days. Unless you can afford full time help to clean up after you and every child and pet in the family, a mess is soon to follow unless of course you make it a routine. Here are some housekeeping tips to keep things running smoothly in spite of your busy schedule.

Beds – When you wake up, open up your bed and pull the sheets up and away from the bed. Open the doors or windows and get fresh air into the room. Ventilate the room for 20 minutes, stretch out the bottom sheet and then proceed to make the bed. While you are there, pick up any glasses or bottles of water, newspapers, tissues, etc.

Dusting – Get some good microfiber cloths and have them handy to use whenever you run the vacuum or sweep the floor. A good wipe down takes only a minute. Lift up the accessories and wipe on all sides of every surface.

Laundry – Clothes can pile up especially when you have children. If your hampers are full on a daily basis, try putting a load in every morning just as you wake up and perhaps are exercising and/or getting the children up and ready for school. Change the wash to the dryer (or line-dry your items) before you leave the house. If you have an extra 15 minutes, then take the things out of the dryer and lay them out flat and/or line dry. When you get home from work, you can fold and put everything away. Designate 1 day per week for the dry cleaners and 1 day per week to either wash/launder the sheets and towels.

Floors – Whether you have carpets or floors throughout the house, they have to be vacuumed or swept at least 1-3 times per week depending on how they look. Kitchen floors should be swept daily after meals and other floors in rooms can be done as needed, but no less than once per week. A quick sweep or run of the vacuum can be done in 5 minutes. Quickly put an attachment on the vacuum to collect dust from the baseboards. Choose a different room to vacuum/sweep each morning or while dinner is on the stove.

Bathrooms – A good deep cleaning of a bathroom can only be accomplished when you have at least 30 minutes in the day. You may need to address this on a Saturday or Sunday. In between, you can do the following to keep things orderly: take the trash out daily, wipe down the mirror if you see any smudges, use a squeegee in the shower, use a toilet bowl brush in the toilet, have a handy cleaning towel available under the sink to dry up the sink and polish the faucets daily. When you use the towels (hand, bath or shower), always fold/hang them neatly.

Kitchen – While making a meal, always clean up during the cooking process. This will make it easier for you after everyone has finished eating. Always clear the sink of dishes; loading and turning on the dishwasher in the evening. Clean off the kitchen table and sweep beneath and around the kitchen after every meal. Give a good wipe to the stovetop and counters. Run the garbage disposal and take out the trash. This may seem time-consuming – so you might have to enlist the help of a spouse and/or older child.

Family Room – This room is frequently used in many homes. In the evening when everyone is ready to retire, just take a moment to fluff up the pillows on the couch, put glassware or dishware from snacks and drinks away, put away DVDs, throw away newspapers, put toys back in their respective place and leave the room looking fresh and clean for the morning.

Cleaning 101 – Always put things back where they belong and as you found them. When you pass by a room and see something out of place, take a second to make it look right. Stay on top of your laundry, dusting, vacuuming and trash removal; daily attention is needed. Develop an eye for detail and organization.

The key to keeping things in order when you have a busy schedule with not a moment to spare is to do things in a timely manner and as part of a routine. Incorporating these clean up routines into your schedule can be just as natural as brushing your teeth after a meal.

http://www.TheProfessionalHousekeeper.com

Balancing Life when the Baby Arrives

Love and marriage...love and marriage! The bliss of that wedding day when the spotlight is on you. Recently being a bride for as of August 2010, the day was quite different than when 23 years ago as babies entered the relationship. There is no question that the dynamics change from romance and courtship to full attention to the care and development of a child. Working parents face another challenge of finding help for their child, functioning at work after sleepless nights, constant concern for the baby on almost a moment to moment basis. It isn't hard to imagine that there is very little time for yourself, let alone each other.

According to data from Relationship Research Institute in Seattle, conflict between parents will increase within the first 3 years of the child's birth as sex and adult conversation decrease and distance between the two is formed.

Here are some of the issues:

1) Dividing household and baby functions - who is going to be responsible for what? It isn't any different than when hiring a nanny, staff of housekeepers and other household workers. Everyone has to have a clear idea of their responsibilities. Make a list, agree to it and don't get it done.

2) Chemical changes occur in mothers through hormonal changes, nursing, and postpartum depression. These physical changes must be addressed with help from professionals.

3) Women, in particular, tend to throw themselves into the children and forget about their husbands who also need attention. Let's face it, men do not like to be ignored.

4) Attention to your own bodies and good health tend to falter behind your constant focus on the children. Everyone looks fairly fit on their wedding day with great efforts to fit into that dress and suit....but then the weight goes on and time for exercise diminishes. Not just for our spouse, but first and foremost for ourselves, it is never a good idea to let yourself go. Exercise and good eating habits is a way of life that should become routine. It isn't always easy incorporating this; however, maintaining ourselves in good shape and health is important to any relationship.

5) Finances seem to be more of a concern in any marriage, but certainly the expense of a child can exacerbate that discussion. Allocating sufficient funds for clothing, education and well-being of a child is something that needs planning and discussion.

There are numerous people out there that can counsel you through this process. These trained professionals teach you how to discuss a problem without forming criticism, maintain a healthy sexual appetite, and financially plan your lives so that money issues don't tear you apart.

The percentages of marriages that fail is greater with those who have children than childless. That in itself tells you that children are the result of issues between parents that can create a breakdown in communication, intimacy and overall friendship.

It is all about balance - your children, health, physical appearance, intimacy, finances, work and your spouse!


http://www.martaperrone.com

Hotels Going Green at the Expense of Hygiene

Room hygiene at hotels is becoming an issue as the world contemplates "going green" and the economy at hand. Some hotels are asking you not to throw the towels on the floor and try to use them for a more few days instead. This could also mean anything from not replacing shampoo and soap until bottles are almost empty to washing towels every other day to "not changing sheets for every new guest." Well, that is going a bit too far. A new TV ad by the Hampton Inn chain implies that other hotels are not changing sheets for new guests. Hidden cameras have also confirmed that bedspreads are not being washed regularly. The assumption is that this is not happening at a major hotel chain. However, if you plan on staying at an inn, motel or small chain of hotels, you just might end up sleeping on someone's sheets. Oy!!

http://www.martaperrone.com

Nannies Beware: Cribs can be Dangerous

It has been a known fact for years that cribs can be dangerous for babies; in 2 months (June)we will have new construction standards for cribs. This is terrific news, but the only problem is that these rules do not cover the risk of bedding, mobiles and other toys to infants under 1 year of age. About 2,500 babies die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) each year. This figure is down from 4,000 in 1992 partly because more parents are putting babies on their backs to sleep. With regard to the bumpers, parents don't want an empty looking crib, but if these bumpers are not tied securely, it can pose a serious problem to the baby. The new crib standards are as follows: dropdown sides are completely prohibited, stronger slats, mattress supports and hardware are required. Tags with code 16 CFR1219 for full-size cribs and 16 CFR1220 for compact size cribs will indicate that the crib meets the new standards. Child care centers, churches, motels and other public accommodations have until December 2012 to make sure their cribs meet the new standards.

What is most interesting is that statistics show that the safest sleeping arrangement is to have the baby sleep the first 6 months in a bassinet or crib in the parents'room. The experts report that the theory is that the baby and parents subconsciously synchronize their breathing which keeps the baby's breathing regular.

Information like this is provided in The Professional Housekeeper training program for nannies and housekeepers.

http://www.martaperrone.com

The Professional Housekeeper Training Seminar NYC

The Professional Housekeeper Training NYC

Just back from NYC where we had our first east coast The Professional Housekeeper training seminar. The room was filled; from housekeepers just starting out to those with 20 years experience, from cleaning service owners to butlers and estate managers.

The day began with Allison Julian of Domestic Workers United giving us a brief history of DWU and an overview of the recent changes in New York law as it pertains to domestic workers.

With the vast array of experience in the room, the engagement was tremendous with everyone offering tips, suggestions, and sound advice on everything from cleaning issues to solving problems in the workplace.

http://www.martaperrone.com
http://www.TheProfessionalHousekeeper.com

What is overwhelmingly clear is that people working in the private service industry welcome the opportunity to have continued education.

Most gratifying to me is that with each The Professional Housekeeper training I know lives have been touched and livelihoods have been improved.

Health Insurance Tax Credit for Nannies

The Best Nanny Newsletter recently reported how a nanny needed to get insurance desperately and did not know how to approach her employer. Tom Breedlove of Breedlove & Associates was a big help. Apparently by going to Health Reform In Action web site you can find the most affordable individual health insurance in your state. The next step would be to get your employer to send in the health insurance premiums. This cost is then considered not taxable income. Is is better to have an employer send the premiums to obtain lower taxable income than to add the health insurance to the end of the year medical expense deduction. The employer eventually benefits with tax credit. Small employers who contribute to their employer's health insurance are entitled to a tax credit. So in addition to being non-taxable form of compensation, health insurance contributions made by a nanny employer turn into tax credits.

Nannies and housekeepers are less aware of how they could obtain health insurance without costing them or their employer too much money. Their employers usually do not consider providing this benefit to their nannies or housekeepers. Since providing benefits to domestic workers is not mandatory, it is rarely discussed. In New York, the Domestic Workers United organization was instrumental in establish laws to support domestic workers. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights reforms New York State law to guarantee basic work standards and protections for the nannies, caregivers and housekeepers who keep New York families functioning. The Bill of Rights was signed by Governor Patterson on August 31, 2010 and went into effect November 29, 2010.

As it relates to "Health Benefits", the guidelines are that Employers should pay or contribute to employees' health care. This arrangement should be mutually agreed upon. Their contention is that housekeepers and nannies are particularly vulnerable due to their exposure to toxic cleaning products and also illness, and that for this reason, employers of domestic workers must provide medical insurance for the employee.

http://www.martaperrone.com

Mistakes Household Employers make with Domestic Workers

1 Household Employers consider hiring household workers who have been
either referred by word of mouth or from a job listing service
or newspaper do not do the due diligence on every employee to ensure that they know everything there is to know about the domestic worker before offering a position.

2. Employers hire the domestic employee and bank on the fact
that the references stated that this individual was “wonderful”. They assume that the employee knows how everything and does not need household training.

Big Mistake – every single new employee must be trained in how to do things in the house “your way” to ensure starting on the right foot from the beginning. The
amount of household and nanny training and input you provide in the beginning has a direct relationship with the successful outcome of that employee.


3. Employers fail to get an Employer/Employee Agreement in place
in place where all the requirements and household duties
of the position as well as the benefits, salary and other details
are very clear so that everyone knows what to expect from each other.


4 Employers leave their children in the hands of a new employee without observing carefully how the employee handles the children. What is necessary is that the first few weeks of hiring someone, the parent(s) are available to make sure that the
employee’s ways of handling the baby, disciplining the children, playing with the children and overall care is in sync with the views and choices made by the parents.


5. Employers get overly friendly with the household help making many allowances to the point where they have now crossed the boundaries and find themselves in a
position where they no longer have an employee relationship. The employer is uncomfortable giving direction to the nanny and/or housekeeper.



6. Employers veer from the labor code and overwork their employees (never providing breaks) especially in a live/in situation; ultimately, making the fatal mistake of “burning out” their employee who has no other recourse but to terminate.

7. Employers think that because the employee isn’t a US Citizen and perhaps only a resident of the state, that this does not give the employee the right to
celebrate what the employer regards as “American” holidays. So the employer elects not to provide any holidays. Meanwhile, although many states do not make
it mandatory to provide holidays to domestic workers, it is still common for household employers to give the major 6 holidays to domestic workers.

8. Employers think that domestic workers are “independent contractors” when in fact the majority of domestics do not qualify as independent contractors
unless they have a cleaning service company and come to one’s home with supplies and cleaning equipment.Otherwise, domestics who earn a certain amount
per calendar quarter must be placed on payroll as employees of the employer.

9. Employers think that because they are generous andgive their nannies and housekeepers clothes and other unwanted and used items from their home constitutes as payment for perhaps extra hours worked. A gift is a gift and every hour an employee works should be compensated with pay.


10. Employers forget to have review sessions periodically so that the employee and employer can equally voice their concerns and problems-on-the-job.
Instead these problems fester and become serious issues that cannot be easily solved resulting in a termination.

Domestic workers which include nannies, housekeepers, companions to the elderly, household managers, cooks and estate managers should receive proper training, benefits, a household manual, an employment agreement and periodic review sessions to maintain a long term mutually-satisfying employer/employee relationship.

http://www.MartaPerrone.com

How to Find a Nanny Job

The climate is still a bit gloomy when it comes to job hunting, but your spirit and energy is most needed at this time. If you are a nanny looking for work, this is the time to consider your skills and education in the field. The nannies who are getting hired amongst the many seeking employment are presenting themselves as follows:

*Child Development training - courses taken and certificates received
*Experience with all ranges of children from newborn to school age.
*At least 3-5 reference letters illustrating work experience
*A professional looking resume
*Excellent "clean" driving record
*CPR and First Aid training
*TB Tested along w/ medical testing that is of concern for babies
*Flu Shot
*RIE Method training
*An understanding of how to work with an autistic child
*General housekeeping skills
*Good basic cooking skills to make healthy meals for children
*Pleasant, nurturing, outgoing personality
*Strong communication skills
*Sense of professionalism: reliable, punctual, responsible

If you are seeking employment as a Nanny, consider these qualifications and how you measure against your competition. Get your portfolio together and present yourself as a professional, educated and experienced nanny. You will soon find success!

http://www.martaperrone.com
http://TheProfessionalNanny.net

A Nanny Runs a Household

When we think of hiring a nanny to care for a child, it may seem that the responsibility is solely "child-related"; however, if you were to break down the day step by step, you would see that a nanny does so much more.

*Wake up the children and get them dressed
*Get lunches ready for school
*Get breakfast ready and clean the kitchen
*Drive the the children to school
*Stop to do a few errands for the household
*Plan dinner for the children/family and do grocery shopping
*Organize and clean children's rooms and make beds
*Organize and clean children's bathrooms
*Do children's laundry from sorting, washing, hand-washing to drying and ironing
*Accept packages, supervise repairs and other workers as needed
*Keep a list of needed items for children and/or home
*Pick up children from school and to after-school activities
*Bring children home and provide a snack
*Help children with homework
*Begin to prepare dinner
*Assist with bath and preparation for bed
*Prepare children's clothes for next day

In all of these responsibilities, there is a need for a nanny to know how to do many things such as:

*Organize closets, drawers and rooms
*Clean a bedroom, kitchen and bath
*Launder clothes
*Cook basic healthy meals
*Make Lists and do grocery shopping
*Drive
*Tutor
*Manage activities such as household repairs
*Multi-task and have a good sense of time management
*Maintain a sense of security for the home and children
*Handle emergencies as they relate to the home and children

With working parents, a nanny is in full charge not only managing the children from every aspect but also running the household.

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Is a Nanny Really Part of the Family

Frequently a nanny will come to me confused and upset that she just doesn't know how to act on an interview. "Each time I go to an interview, I am getting turned down for one reason or another and I just don't know what I am doing wrong. It is either a family that wants me to become "part of the family" or it is someone that wants me to have more distance and be slightly less personable and more reserved. Some families want me to be talkative and outgoing while others seem to want a more quiet disposition. What is the magic formula? How should I act on an interview?"

My response is as follows: When you are seeking a job for this kind of position where you are working in someone's home closely with the parents, it is a touchy situation. You walk a fine line between being "part of the family" and demonstrating a more "professional conduct". The first thing you must always do is be yourself and then find a way to make necessary adjustments so that you are "professional at all times". It is necessary to be pleasant and engaging, but not to necessarily say "I want to be part of the family." Maybe the family isn't interested in having that relationship with you. This isn't your family, it is your employer and ultimately that is the relationship you both want to have together. One where you both are respectful and do not cross any boundaries. You want to be able to ask your employer for direction and constructive criticism and be in a position where you can also ask your employer to abide by what has been stipulated in your employment agreement.

For a better understanding of protocol on the job and while interviewing for household positions, you can read more in "The Professional Housekeeper" Career guides.

http://www.martaperrone.com

Domestic Estate Managers Association DEMA

January 26th, the Domestic Estate Managers Association hosted their first ever DEMA Townhall Meeting in Los Angeles California. This was another first for the Private Service Community! The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for members and the industry to have a candid discussion about Domestic Placement, the challenges that exist today and the future of the industry. The panelists provided more insight on these topics in hopes to create better communication between everyone related to the industry during a question and answer forum.

The four participating Domestic Placement Agencies were Charles MacPherson Associates, Distinguished Domestic Services, The Help Company and Precise Home Management. Mr. MacPherson gave the opening remarks and kicked off the event with a Bang! Amongst the ninety attendees were sixty-five Private Service Professionals and over a dozen Placement Agencies.

To view videos of the event please visit the DEMA Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Domestic-Estate-Managers-Association/92315277423

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 provide continuing education and raise industry standards. You can join via this link: http://domesticmanagers.com/joinh.php and gain access to local meetings, educational materials, webinars and a network of individuals striving to make a difference in the industry.

You can view more more information at www.domesticmanagers.com.

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Housekeeping Jobs: How to Interview

Interviewing for a Housekeeping Position requires more than one interview to cover all the necessary topics and make the impression you need to make to get that job.

First Interview

*The initial impression is the most important when you meet anyone. An employer will look at the clock to see if the candidate arrived on time. There should be little to no excuse for arriving late. We have enough resources to find addresses between the internet, GPS/navigation in our cars and phones to prevent us from getting lost. We even know the time that it will take from destination to destination, so there shouldn't be any lateness due to not knowing how long it would take to get there. Traffic is another great excuse, but if you are traveling during the peak hours of traffic, then the candidate should allow for extra time. This all makes logical sense. Bottom line, it is better to be early and wait outside for your designated hour to step to the door, then to be late with excuses.

*Dressing appropriately for an interview means that you wear clothes that fit the role you are seeking. A nanny/housekeeper should be professional looking with black pants or skirt and a white blouse or shirt, closed toe shoes, little to no jewelry, perfume, aftershave or make-up, nails short, well-manicured and clean and hair pulled up or back away from the face. Anything short of this will not leave the proper impression on an interview.

*Bring the proper identification and portfolio that represents your qualifications, references and certifications. Arrive with a 3-hole binder that has everything in it to show your background and why you are qualified for the position. On a first interview, you may make copies of these items to leave with the employer (less your ID) or you may wait until the employer shows interest with a follow-up interview or call.

*Be pleasant, engaging and focused. The candidate must put on her/his best attitude and personality to warm up the chemistry with the employer. Even if you are nervous, you must snap out of it, breathe deeply and put your best foot forward. Listen carefully to the questions and have your own list of questions about the job, the children, the house and the responsibilities. The first interview is not about the benefits and salary; you should first focus on the job and what is required of you. Ask sufficient amount of questions to understand the schedule, expectations and needs.

*Meet the family members, especially the children if the job requires childcare. Engage with the animals and see if you and everyone will get along. Obviously, a good relationship takes some cultivation, but you want to at least meet everyone and get a feel for each member of the family.

*Express your interest, or not, in the job so the prospective employer knows where you stand. Ask when the employer plans to make a decision. If you really like the job, offer to leave your information.

Second Interview

This is when you might be one of several candidates that the employer has narrowed down. Now you really need to step up to the plate and do your best to keep the employer's attention. All of the first interview requirements are the same, but now is when you should be discussing the nitty-gritty issues.

*Cover the responsibilities carefully: Be fully aware of what is required in terms of childcare, housekeeping, cooking, driving, errands, etc. Take notes and show a true interest in noting everything. Ask if the employer will provide you a household manual in order to know what is required day to day.

*Discuss the schedule, need for flexibility and overtime: What is the earliest and latest hour you are needed and will you be required to work nights or weekends.

*Discuss the salary: How you will be paid. Preferably it will be through payroll. Discuss the gross versus net salary so that everyone is clear of what you are being paid per hour, per week and per year. Also discuss whether you will be paid weekly or bi-weekly or monthly.

*Discuss the benefits: Find out if they are providing vacation time, sick days, holidays, personal days and/or medical and dental insurance. In most states, there are no mandatory laws for providing these holidays. Recently in New York, the law for domestic workers has changed providing greater benefits. Check your state to see what is standard. Check with other workers in the area to see what the industry seems to be providing in your part of town.

*Discuss what will happen when the family travels: Will you be paid for the time off or not. Find out if they travel frequently and need you to go with them. Are the trips international requiring a passport or domestic only.

*Discuss issues with the family members that are important: Find out their philosophies for raising the children, methods of discipline for the children, how to handle an emergency, what is the best way to contact everyone. Find out if there is anything that you need to know before starting a job.

*Discuss cooking needs: What does the family like, how extensive do you need to know how to cook. Perhaps, they are expecting a better cook than you are comfortable providing. You may need to learn more and improve those skills. Get some recipes down so that you can begin practicing those dishes.

*Discuss when the family actually plans on hiring someone: Will they make a final decision soon so that you know exactly when to expect an answer.

Once you have been selected for the position, come back for the final meeting to get all of these particulars in an Employment Agreement so that there are no misunderstandings.

http://www.martaperrone.com

Domestic Estate Managers Association DEMA

Calling all Private Service Professionals!

Please join the Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA) in Los Angeles on Wednesday January 26th for a free chapter meeting! This meeting is an industry first featuring a round table discussion with Domestic Placement Agencies to discuss the state of the industry and answer questions regarding placements. Space is limited so I highly encourage you to register for this event as soon as possible.

Please visit the website below for more information and to register.

Should you have any additional questions please email Matthew Haack at info@domesticmanagers.com.

Los Angeles Wednesday January 26th


http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qkpel7cab&oeidk=a07e384ow2h9221fa30

How to Maintain your Housekeeping Job

For the last several years, economic times have been a bit strange and job opportunities working as a housekeeper are simply not what they used to be in better days. This brings to mind how important it is for those doing housekeeping to find ways to maintain a good relationship with our employers so that we do not lose our jobs. This year alone, I saw 2 individuals who were well-paid lose their jobs for simply crossing boundaries and not maintaining a professional relationship. This was heart-breaking for me and disturbing for their employers. Here are some thoughts on how to avoid such problems.

Crossing Boundaries refers to many things within an employment relationship. Here are a few examples and some suggestions on how to have a better working relationship.

a) Forming unnecessary opinions about personal, religious, and political views. These are subjects that should be kept private. It is also advisable to not be over-bearing on your personal choices in for example child-rearing. If a mother chooses to "not breastfeed", this is a personal decision and completely up to the mother. Showing disdain to the mother will only make her feel bad and uncomfortable with her decision.


b) Gossiping about the family's lifestyle to others such as household workers. What your boss does in the house is private and should remain there. Telling others of your perception or observation, whether it is true of false is harmful and disrespectful. It truly isn't your place as an employee to discuss the family's activities unless the cause for concern is serious, in which case, you might consider leaving the job and notifying the authorities.


c) Taking advantage as it relates to time and responsibilities. If you are entrusted with a list of duties that you agree to perform for the salary provided, it is your job to fulfill every duty to the best of your ability and to arrive on time and work the hours agreed to. Employers are also capable of taking advantage and should realize that this could cause an employee to quit.


d) Forgetfulness and Lack of Attention to Details - It is not easy to remember everything that you must do, but that is why man invented "paper and pen" so that you could utilize both to record anything and everything necessary. I recommend that all employees form a "household working manual" describing everything that is required by the employer. This can be something that is updated on a regular basis. You can review this daily, weekly and even monthly as needed to stay on top of your job. A great way to be sure that no one is forgetting important details regarding employment, it is suggested that an employment agreement be in place.

e)Review Sessions - It is mandatory that problems and issues do not fester between the employer and employee. Decide on how often is best for you to sit down together and discuss anything that might be of concern. This is a great time to get a performance evaluation to ensure that everyone is happy.

Every attempt while on the job to keep an open line of communication and stay on top of your responsibilities will help you maintain the job you worked so hard to get.

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Professional Housekeeping Training - Improve Your Skills Now

Our housekeeping classes are filling with eager students who want to improve their skills in every aspect of the home. Our Professional Housekeeper Training Seminar teaches:

*Cleaning a home from top to bottom
*How to use proper cleaning products and tools for each surface
*How to do laundry like a professional "Laundress"
*How to Organize every room, cabinet, drawer and closet
*How to set a table and serve properly
*Basic Cooking Skills
*Basic Childcare and Child Safety
*Emergency Procedures and Home Safety

This one day seminar is perfect for anyone seeking a career in become a Professional Housekeeper. With the passing of an exam, you can receive a Training Completion Certificate to add to your resume.

Call us now to save your space and register for our upcoming Seminar on January 15th.

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Housekeeping: A Job that Comes Natural to You

If you are experienced in fields that have nothing to do with Housekeeping, it may be difficult to get someone to take you seriously. Experienced housekeepers are having a hard enough time finding work when people are tightening their budget. To add to the pool of candidates are those who can't find work in their own fields. In reviewing a resume, you may ask, "What makes you qualified to do this kind of work?" The response might be, "Doing housekeeping is something that comes natural to me." Great, that could mean many things. You like to clean and know how to do it reasonably well. You know how to make a bed and keep things tidy. You know how to put in a load of laundry. But does this make you a "professional housekeeper"?

It takes so much more to know how to clean properly and call yourself a professional in the field. You need to understand cleaning products and tools and how to use each one for various surfaces. You need to know how to clean from top to bottom, getting into crevices and cleaning areas that most people ignore. You need to understand how to be a perfect laundress: sorting, washing, folding, drying every item perfectly. You need to know how to organize drawers, closets, cabinets. You need to know how to set a table and serve properly. You need to know how to cook basic healthy meals for children and/or the entire family. You need to know how to do CPR and First Aid in case of an emergency. You need to know how manage your time and work efficiently. You need to know how to manage other household personnel and supervise staff members.

Bottom line, is that being a housekeeper requires many skills that may or may not come natural to you. A trained housekeeper with good experience and references is most likely to be employed firsthand. This is not just a job, it is a profession. Get trained and see how improving your skills will help you get employed.


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Housekeeping: Comfy Comforters on the Out

The comforter as most things worth having started its history in Europe. In the 1700s the French came up with this year-round bed cover that didn't gain popularity in the US until the 20th century. This is when a bed began getting complicated as it took a good 10 minutes to make a bed with all its 14 pillows, quilt, blanket, sheets, bed skirt and comforter. A bed began with all of these components to give it a look that was inviting and "comfy". Now, decades later, down critics see this look as being "lumpy and untidy". Nathan Turner who is in interior designer and shop owner proposes to keep things simple and super-tailored with just 2 pillows. This look still requires a good housekeeper and laundress to make the sheets look crisp and perhaps a few lessons from The Professional Housekeeper to learn how to tuck things perfectly and smoothly.

Truthfully, the new look while clean and simple, is not for me. I like taking the time to put those 14 pillows on the bed along with a quilt and comforter to create a look that is yearning and makes me want to flop into it every time. I want to have fluffy down around me to keep me warm on those cool nights and love the fact you can change your down with a light weight one for Summer months so that you can enjoy the coziness and texture without being overheated. It may mean hiring a housekeeper to help me lay those 14 pillows and put the comforter into the duvet cover. Either way, rest assure, down comforters are not going anywhere but on my bed.

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What If Automated Cleaners Replace Housekeepers

What would you think if all housework could be completed simply by an automated system made to work magic completely on its own? Let's enter that world for one minute to see what it would bring us.

*First of all, we would not worry about whether the housekeeper arrived on time, because time only relates to the moment we program our automated cleaner to work. Just like a coffee maker, you could simply set it up the night before.

*No need to argue with your housekeeper as to why she/he is not accurately doing the job...well, you could argue, but no one will be answering. Eventually, your family member will be wondering about these screaming matches you are having with the automated cleaner.

*You won't need to negotiate prices and salary increase,nor vacation time, nor over time, because the automated housekeeper simply doesn't care about those things.

*It won't be necessary to replace the housekeeper when she/he has personal issues or is ill, because the automated cleaner is always available and never says "I can't be there for you".

Well, sounds good to me so far. There are just a few problems with this robot that is here ready, willing and able to replace the human housekeeper.

Does it pick up the newspaper and make you coffee in the morning?
Does it greet you with warmth and ask you if you would like breakfast?
Does it help you get the kids ready and off to school?
Does it strip the beds, organize the rooms and start the laundry?
Does it clean every room from top to bottom?
Does it put fresh flowers in vases around the house?
Does it grocery shop, make dinner and set the table?
Does it organize your closets, drawers and cabinets?
Does it get into the crevices and corners of every room and clean thoroughly?
Does it fluff up pillows, straighten rugs and pictures and attend to every detail?
Does it leave a home sparkling clean?

Well, until it does, I suppose the good ole fashion "human housekeeper" will have to do.

Baby Obesity Through Cow's Milk

Formula from cow's milk may actually cause more weight gain. A study done at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadephia assigned 32 mothers to give their babies a formula based on cow's milk and asked 24 mothers to feed their babies another formula with a smaller and pre-digested proteins that are easier for babies to digest. These formulas are called "Protein Hydrolysate Formulas (PHF)". They have 35% more protein and more free amino acids than cow's milk formulas.

After 2 1/2 to 3 months, the babies that had the cow's milk had higher weight per length and weight per age than babies on PHF even with all the babies starting solid food at the same time. The researchers surmise that the reason for less weight gain is the "free amino acids in PHF do a better job of stimulating receptors in the mouth and gut that signal to the brain that the stomach is full and it's time to to stop eating.

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