Message from Kathy

This is the time of the year when the families we work with are making summer travel plans (to leave the rain behind!), their children are involved in summer camps, and are otherwise adjusting to two months without the structure of school. It can be a slightly anxious time of year for those of us in the household service industry, but never worry—MBF is here to support you through this fun, if slightly less structured, season.

Now that July 4th is over and we find ourselves heading into the thick of the summer, I’m calling on all nannies to get out of the house for some interactive stimulation! Nanny Playdates are not only a lot of fun, these playdates, which we host throughout the year, also serve an important purpose—they help break feelings of isolation on the job, feelings which too often force good nannies into other lines of work. Much as you may love the children you care for, we understand it’s common to feel like you aren’t spending enough time around adults. In response, we offer events like Nanny Playdates, Nanny Nights Out and educational opportunities to support you and make sure that you’re satisfied in your career for a long time to come.

Have a great summer!

Kathy Dupuy, MBF President

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Announcements

Corporate Nannies Pay Increase
Temporary Nannies who provide backup childcare services to our corporate clients will receive $12/hour effective July 1st. Please contact your Temporary Placement Counselor to join their "short list" of corporate caregivers.

San Antonio Office is Live!
We are very excited to announce that MBF Agency has launched our San Antonio office! We will be bringing the same quality service and caregivers to a fourth major Texas city. So, whether you are visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, the Zoo in Dallas, the Galleria in Houston, or coming to Austin for the SXSW music festival, you can count on MBF Agency to have amazing nannies and sitters. Please pass on the news to any family or friends that you may have in San Antonio or any of our other three local markets.

The new contact information is:

11503 Jones Maltsberger Road, Ste. 292
San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 800.204.2681 (Clients), 210.858.5040 (Candidates)
Fax: 210.858.6406

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- July 19-20, 2007: All MBF Offices will be closedfor an all staff retreat. Our emergency pagers will still be available for the sitter service: Austin 512-775-5437 Houston 281-782-1880 Dallas 972 971 9022

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Job Openings at MBF

We have an excellent full-time internal opportunity for a talented Household Staffing Specialist to start immediately at our corporate headquarters in Austin, TX.

The ideal candidate will enjoy a rewarding, high visibility, high growth position in a fast-paced, supportive work environment. The core responsibilities involve making high-level household staffing placements on a local and national level (including estate managers and couples, household managers, personal chefs, personal assistants, and executive-level housekeepers), as well as handling all permanent placements for our new San Antonio market.

The placement specialist is dedicated to recruiting, screening, processing, and matching qualified candidates with our valued client families as well as serving as an ongoing resource/support. The staffing professional will also work directly with our high-end clientele, monitoring each match carefully through the placement process, and providing troubleshooting and post placement support. Customer Service, Client Care, and Quality assurance are core focuses.

• REQUIREMENTS
  - Demonstrated experience and success in at least one of these areas:

> sales
> recruiting / placement
> high-level household staffing placements (have either placed or been placed as)

• - Polished and professional – a strong communicator, both orally and in writing
  - 4 year Bachelor's Degree from accredited University
  - 3 - 5 years minimum of experience working in an Office Setting
  - Computer and Internet Savvy / Quick Learner
  - Solid Work Ethic: Entrepreneurial, Healthy Sense of Urgency, Positive Attitude
  - Proactive, Strong Organization Skills, Attention to Detail, Efficient Multi-tasking

As you know, Mom's Best Friend / MBF Agency is an exceptional household staffing firm serving families and caregivers for 13 years. We are offering a competitive salary, realistic bonus earning potential, and comprehensive benefits package. Excellent and upbeat team environment. Qualified and interested candidates, apply TODAY for immediate consideration by submitting a brief cover letter and resume to emmelyn.wang@mbfagency.com.

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Ask the Expert

By Tiffany Keeton, Nanny Manager and Nanny Network Organizer

Q:  “My employer has charged me with the task of planning her child’s 3rd birthday party and she wants a face painter. How do I locate and choose an entertainer who is safe, talented, and affordable?"

A: First of all, WOW! How exciting that you, the nanny, get to be involved in this momentous occasion!! Of course, the next thing that comes to mind is, “Yikes! How do I find a GOOD one?!” You know you want to give it your best effort, but this can really be tricky.

Even if you are on a tight schedule (ie: the party is this weekend), it is essential you do your research. Ask your peers…who have your nanny friends (and their employers) hired? How did it go? Tap into your local Nanny Network as there are usually several nannies who have done things for their charges that will help you. Next, use your local city resources such as the Kid’s Directory for a great place to start.

While these are great resources, it is still your responsibility to choose wisely. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s say you hear about a face painter from somewhere and you book her to come out on Saturday. Think about it: this is someone you’ve never met and they are going to be putting paint on your charge’s face. Be sure to ask some very important questions:

- May I see your portfolio?
- May I call your references (preferably people they ’ve worked for in a similar situation and recently)?
- Are the materials you use FDA approved? (One of my friends is a former Chanel make-up artist and professional face-painter and warns that there are only a couple of brands that are FDA approved. This is also important if there is a clown or other entertainer and he/she uses bubbles or other items that may be harmful if accidentally ingested.)
- If they work for a company, they are probably insured through the company, but I ask anyway if they carry liability insurance.
- What is your cancellation policy? If you do not show up for some reason, will I get a refund on my deposit? **Be sure to sign a contract!**

Hiring entertainment can be fun and easy!! Whether you guys want to have a huge slip-n-slide delivered or invite Winnie the Pooh over for tea, these are just some general guidelines. Be savvy and prepared and get ready to throw a shindig like no other!! Your employers will be very impressed by your attention to detail and superb planning.

Party On, Nannies!
Tiffany

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MBF Superstars

Houston Permanent Nanny Marly Marly has been a professional nanny for the past 13 years. She attended, and is certified through, the National Academy of Nannies, Inc. Marly came to MBF Agency with 26 letters of references from families with children of all ages. Marly is very committed, and has worked with numerous families for multiple years.

Houston Temporary Nanny Ashley Ashley is an energetic, dynamic caregiver who has worked for MBF in Austin AND Houston and has been referred to many clients and always requested back! When Ashley is not nannying, she is studying hotel and restaurant management in college and has been a dancer for much of her life. To request Ashley, please contact Lindsey at 713-554-0406.

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Craft Activity

By Lisa Vines, MBF Director of Sales Operations

RAINBOW IN THE SKY (perfect for the weather we've had!)
Have children create a sky scene with a rainbow out of paper and tissue paper

Supplies

• Construction paper (white, gray, yellow)
• Blue construction paper or poster board
• Multi-colored tissue paper
• Glue

Instructions
1. Cut out clouds from white paper, rain drops from gray paper, and lightning bolts from yellow paper
2. Have the child(ren) paste the clouds, rain drops and bolts of lightning onto a piece of blue paper or poster board
3. Cut out strips of multi colored tissue paper and have the child(ren) paste the strips into a rainbow coming from the clouds down to the ground

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