Friday, May 31, 2013

Making the Most of the Farmer's Market

Nicole Brown, Marketing Intern Coordinator

Farmer’s markets mean fresh fruits and vegetables, but that’s not all. Most markets also include family activities, entertainment and more in order to be an enjoyable experience for all.



The Lexington Farmer’s Market is a collection of local farmers selling their goods. It strives to boost the local economy, increase farming sustainability, and provide affordable, quality food to the people of Lexington. The whole family, including pets, is welcome at the Lexington Farmer’s Market!

Even if you aren’t looking to buy, the Farmer’s Market can make for a nice afternoon out. It provides a variety of entertainment options including cooking demonstrations, live music and games for kids. Check the website for specific events!

The market operates five days a week during the summer and fall. Free parking is available at all locations.

Saturdays
  • Cheapside Park (Fifth Third Pavilion)
  • 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Now through November 30
  • The Saturday market at Cheapside Park is considered the most permanent location, and is usually the largest market, offering the most variety.
Sundays
  • Southland Drive
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Now through October 27
Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • South Broadway and East Maxwell
  • 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Now through November 26
Wednesdays
  • Alumni Drive and University Drive (Commonwealth Stadium)
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Now through August 14
Tips:
  • Apart from the fruits and veggies you’d expect, vendors offer prepared foods, sauces, meats, cheeses, dog treats, wines, soaps and more. For a full list of vendors and links to their respective sites, visit this list.
  • Make a meal of it. Plan to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at the market, that way you won’t be shopping on an empty stomach.
  • Ask the vendors for help. They’re very knowledgeable and can help you choose the produce that’s the appropriate ripeness for your planned use, make recipe suggestions and more.
  • Bring cash. Only some vendors will accept credit cards, so cash is your safest bet.
  • Research what foods are in season and plan for what you are going to buy.
  • Pack a cooler in the car so that you can quickly get your items to a safe storing temperature.
  • The market usually operates rain or shine.

For more information, visit the Lexington Farmer’s Market website!

So You Want to Be a Nanny


Nicole Brown, Marketing Intern Coordinator
Melanie Stoeckle, Marketing Intern

As summer swings into full gear, most students already have their jobs set. Some will wait tables, some will work internships and others will choose to nanny. Before diving headfirst into a nanny position, consider the following advice from girls that have nannied before.

As with any job, it’s important to make sure that you find a company, or in this case a family, with whom you fit well. Keep in mind that nannying is usually a larger commitment than just babysitting. Typically, babysitting is for a few hours at a time, on a case-by-case basis. Nannying is a much more full-time position that sometimes involves greater influence in the lives of the kids, based on the sheer amount of time you may spend with them.


However, different families expect different things of their nannies. For example, some may want you to do minor housework, take care of the dog and run errands for the family. Before accepting any position, use the following suggestions to make sure that you have gathered all the necessary information to make sure that your expectations match those of the family.

Pay
  • First and foremost, being a nanny is a lot of responsibility. Make sure that you are happy with the salary that they offer, and remember that legally, they must pay you at least minimum wage and you must claim the income on your taxes.


Schedule
  • Is this a 9-5 job, or are you expected to have evening and weekend availability as well?
  • Will the hours be steady or vary by week?
  • Can you schedule any additional days off?
  • Will it be just you and the kids or will a parent sometimes be there too?


The Kids
  • How many kids are there? Are they boys or girls? How old are they?
    • Keep in mind that younger kids require much more supervision and that the genders of the kids that you watch will greatly affect your experiences. Young boys, for example, can be more prone to physically fighting with their siblings.
  • If there are multiple, do they generally get along? Are there particular problem areas? How should you avoid those?
  • Will they have friends and neighbors over? Are you expected to babysit them as well?


Location
  • Will you travel to their house? Will they drop the kids at yours? Are they open to a mix of both?
  • Driving
  • How much will you be expected to drive?
  • Will you be driving their vehicle or your own?
  • Will you be reimbursed for gas?
  • Do you have a clean driving record? Make sure that the parents are comfortable with your driving their kids.


General Expectations and Responsibilities
  • What additional responsibilities beyond supervising the kids will you have around the house?
  • Do the kids have any limitations, like how much television they can watch?
  • Are there any activities that the kids must complete, like reading every day or standing appointments?
  • Are you expected to plan activities and entertain the kids, or do they already have activities planned?
  • What kind of activities are permitted? Should prior notice of trips (to the pool, park, etc.) be preapproved by the parent?
  • Are there any pets that require your attention?
  • What merits calling the parents and what is acceptable to just relay to them when they get home?
  • Will you serve as essentially the “acting parent” or do decisions always defer to the parents?


Discipline
  • What are you expected to do if a child breaks the rules?
  • Be sure to have a thorough understand of the family’s discipline procedures and to stay consistent.


Food
  • What meals are you expected to make?
  • Do the kids have dietary restrictions or limitations?
  • Will you be expected to bring your own food or can you also eat the food at the house?



Just remember to be professional, but also be yourself when you go to meet the family for an interview. If you are true to yourself, the whole experience will be more comfortable for everybody and can make you more likeable with the parents. The bottom line is that they must feel comfortable leaving their kids with you. 

Even after accepting a nannying position, make sure to properly prepare yourself for the work. Especially if you have not held a long-term childcare position before, you may need to adjust your expectations.

Here are a few things to expect:

Hard work
It’s true that some nannying jobs can come with frequent lounging by the pool, but while you’re working you are never off duty. You’re always responsible for the kids and always have to pay attention to what they are doing. Some days, everything will run smoothly. Other days, everything will just seem to go wrong and you’ll be run ragged very quickly.

Unpredictability
Working with kids means that every day will be different. Expect that sometimes a child will throw a tantrum and that, inevitably, accidents and boo-boos will happen at some point.

Supervising, not parenting
Unless you’ve known and babysat for a family for an extended period of time already, being a nanny means walking a tightrope. Yes, you are caring for the kids, but all final parenting calls fall to the parents. Depending on the family, your level of involvement will differ—just be careful not to overstep your bounds.

Constantly-changing activities
The level to which this is true depends completely on the kids, but it will surely happen sometimes. Kids, especially young ones, move from one activity to another very quickly and often expect you to make their boredom go away. To them, the main thing you are there for their entertainment and to be their playmate.

A rewarding experience
Positively impacting a child’s life can give you a great sense of accomplishment. When they succeed, you’ll be proud. And your fridge may fill up with artwork.

This advice is all based on our personal experiences serving as nannies. You must remember that every family is different, and as such, every nanny experience will also be different. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly investigate before accepting a job. We highly recommend requesting a “trial day,” during which you watch the kids by yourself for at least six hours to get an idea of what a typical day might be like, and then decide if you’re a good fit for the family.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Kentucky Derby Attire


Arielle Parker, Marketing Intern

It’s that time of the year in Kentucky when the air is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener, and the horses are making their debut out on the track. The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner and what better way to showcase your spring look then dressing up for the Derby. When most of us think of the Kentucky Derby fashion we immediately think of eccentric hats and eye-catching attire. From the people partying in the infield to the classy dressed folks upstairs in Millionaire’s Row, Derby fashion has a wide range. Whatever your style is, make sure to dress accordingly depending on where you will be sitting, such as the infield, the clubhouse, grand stand, etc.

Follow our tips and take a look at some of the styles we put together that you could be wearing to the Kentucky Derby.

Women’s Attire:
·      Hat
o   From classy to extreme, wearing a hat at the Derby has been a tradition for years. Hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows, ribbon, and anything in-between.  If you’re not a hat person, try wearing a Fascinator.  A fascinator is a fashionable headpiece that is held in place by a band, clip, pin, or comb.
·      Dress
o   Whether you are sporting a long maxi dress or a knee-length dress, keep in mind to wear something that is bright. If you don’t own anything bright, classy colors, such as navy blue, black, and white are always in style.
·      Jewelry
o   If your hat and dress are over the top, then jewelry should be at a minimum. Keep it simple and springy.
o   If you are wearing a hat and dress which doesn’t have much pattern or emphasis, then wear bright statement jewelry that gives your outfit the pop factor.
·      Accessories
o    Add a clutch, wristlet, or a purse to your outfit to carry your lipstick, pocket mirror, and most importantly betting money. Just like the jewelry, carry something that coordinates with your outfit and doesn’t clash with your statement pieces. Remember to also be aware of the weather conditions.
·      Shoes
o   Open and closed toed heels, wedges, or flats are perfectly acceptable at the Derby. If you plan on walking around the busy crowds make sure to wear something comfortable. Also, wear something that matches your outfit and hat.

Women's Derby Outfit
Women's Kentucky Derby Outfit
Kentucky Derby Women
Men’s Attire:
·      Hats
o   Not only do the women partake in wearing hats at the Derby, but so do the men. Men’s hats can range from something simple to something quite creative. If you choose to be creative with your hat make that the statement of your outfit.
·      Dress Shirt
o   Similar to the women’s attire, men should wear a shirt that is brightly colored. A classic button down dress shirt should complement the rest of your outfit.
·      Pants
o   Men should wear a pair of slacks that not only match the shirt but also grabs attention from afar. Men should either wear slacks that are a solid color that match a suit jacket or a pair that are fun and vibrant. Some colors to consider are: Ocean Blue, Bermuda pink, Key Lime, and Citron.
·      Suit Jacket
o   Sporting a classy suit jacket is a great way to bring the whole outfit together. Whether it is a navy blue, tan, or a light grey jacket, wear something that either matches your slacks or your shirt.
·      Necktie/Bowtie
o   Wearing a patterned neckpiece can turn many heads, but it can also become quite a distraction.  If you are already wearing a pattern either on your jacket or pants then wear a solid color neckpiece. If you are not wearing a pattern anywhere in your attire then find a neckpiece that is fun and colorful.
Men's Kentucky Derby Attire
Men's Derby Outfit
Men's Derby Outfit 2

Aside from the horse races, the Kentucky Derby is a chance for individuals to sport their favorite spring looks. Make sure to be a part of the tradition and wear a hat that is fun and flashy. The focus on the Derby isn’t all about the horses it’s the fashion and pageantry!