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Interview: DA Poppins

Today I have something very special to share with you. I’m so proud to finally commence a new project on the blog. Because I’m big into community, and sharing the love, and supporting the nanny industry, I’ve been all about getting to know other superstars in the nanny industry. I want to shine a light on them, to highlight them, to let you get to know them, and share with you their magic secrets and tricks of the trade. The Nanny Spotlight at Nanny Shecando is something I’m really passionate about, and I’ve got some fabulous names lined up over the next few months. To get involved, please contact me with subject title nanny spotlight.

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To kick things off, I bring you Nanny Da Poppins. Dana hails from Vancouver, Washington, is a graduate of the prestigious Northwest Nanny institute, blogs at Da Poppins, has over 20 years experience in the industry and is a strong advocate for the benefit of reading and instilling the love for a good book! Be prepared lovely readers, this is a long interview to kick things off. Grab yourself a coffee, and sit down to be immersed in the life of a truly inspirational lady.

Dana – Da Poppins,
Vancouver, Washington
Career Nanny

The books at Kazoodle Toys, Portland. Photo – Da Poppins. Production Hope/NannyShecando.

Tell us a little about your background, what path led you to becoming a nanny?

I babysat in high school, which was really my first exposure since I don’t have younger siblings or cousins. At around age 18 I started to explore the idea of becoming a nanny. I’m a creative person who loves to laugh, and kids are the best kind of people for creativity and laughter.

You graduated from the prestigious Northwest Nanny Institute. What made you choose Northwest Nannies?

I wasn’t ready to study at college. I wasn’t sure who or what I wanted to be. But I loved kids, and I knew I could do well with kids. There is a big difference between being a Nanny and being a babysitter and I needed some training.

What kind of training and support did you receive?

I highly recommend Nanny School. I’ve met graduates from NNI that already had Early Childhood Education degrees and other college degrees but they went to NNI anyway because the school teaches about being a Professional Career Nanny. It’s a 30 week training course that offers everything a Nanny should know, from child Development to career planning. They also offer a unique training and hands on experience Practicum with local families. This, for me was one of the most important parts of the school. I learned so much from the Mom’s I worked with.

For over 20 years NNI has helped me find nanny families who treat me as a professional and do not try to take advantage of my time or my skills, the way I know some families do. I’ve never had a “bad” experience. It’s actually shocking to me when I read about what some nannies put up with. NNI has a screening process in place for families, and their fee weeds out all those who might under value my position.

Are you currently nannying?

I currently care for two little blond headed girls, who I have been with for almost 3 years. But as the girls are now entering full-time school, I know I will be transitioning to fewer hours. I also have a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate, so I also do Elder Care part-time in the evenings. Some of my same principles for being a Nanny still apply, I’m just a care-giver for adults.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Now that the girls are older (three and five), I often drive them to school and classes. A short day may only be four hours. A long day starts at 6:30am and goes until 3:30pm. One girl goes to school until 12:30 so the other child and I do fun things around town until it’s time for pick up. Then it’s off to Ballet class.

How would you describe the style of your work? Do you have a philosophy and approach towards the job of caring for kids?

I’ve never been afraid to be silly, to get dirty or look ridiculous if it is going to make a child laugh. You can imagine how much this helps me relate to kids of all ages. It definitely makes me stand out to parents. Even with babies, I talk, sing, and interact all day long with at least three or four book readings outside of nap-time. I like to plan a daily craft and if it’s a long day, an outing.

What’s your favourite children’s story book and why?

“I wish I could pick just one book. But that’s impossible!” I love classic fairy tales and fables. Some of these retellings have the most beautiful illustrations and many of them are long enough to be good bedtime stories.

I wish current picture books were more like Kipling’s “Just-So” stories. He wasn’t afraid of language and big words. Using them in playful ways that never spoke down to kids, but instead, encouraged them to think big thoughts. Big words and big concepts were his playthings, and he used them like toys in his stories. I love that.

One of my favorite books, “Who’s in Rabbit’s House,” has lines that will be forever stuck in my head. Written by Verna Ardema it is a great picture book for kindergarteners, first and second graders. The story has some repetition, is full of jokes kids get, has a riddle and great illustrations. This book can be made in to a play for kids to perform, or combined with a mask making craft that kids love. Plus, it has an unusual setting that will make youngsters curious about the world.

Right now I am crushing on the recently published “The Grudge Keeper,” by Mara Rockliff. There is something about the style of the illustrations that makes me want to take extra time and study them. The story is not only fun to read, it teaches something without being preachy.

Kids playground at Ester Short Park, Vancouver. Photo – Da Poppins. Prodcution – Hope/NannyShecando.

Free Play Piano at Ester Short Park, Vancouver. Photo – Da Poppins. Production – Hope/NannyShecando.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced working as a nanny?

Most of my challenges happened long ago when I was much younger. My first job was a live-in with a five-year-old girl and a baby boy. In an effort not to become their parents, the family employed a permissive, threat-reward based style of discipline that was difficult to deal with. I was not confident enough to show them a better way. However, the family did not expect me to except the rude treatment either. It was during this period that I really learned how to say things like, “Use your words,” And, “I’m sorry, I can’t understand you when you’re talking like that, could you say that more calmly?”

I’ve been talking about professional development recently, what’s your take on establishing yourself as a career nanny?

I really believe in professional development. I have plans to be a well paid granny nanny. I went to school, had four kids of my own, and then took a little college again, but now I have decided my best course would be to return to school and get a degree in Early Childhood Education or something in that area. I think continuing education is critical, not just to learn new things and revisit old things, but also for my resume. “I would like more of my practical advice backed up with some practical college.”

So you’re a nanny and a mother, and a blogger, and a super crafty person. How do you manage all of that?

I think women can do many things, have many passions, but not all at the same time. When I am working on a craft project or a blog post, I’m not cleaning the house. When I am out with the kids, I’m not folding the laundry. And when I’m at work, well, I’m not at home getting all that other stuff done.

I have to focus on the task in front of me, not all the other things that need to be done at the same time. My kids help and they are getting fairly self-sufficient, and my husband is awesome. He supports me in my job and my crafts by making dinner. Often.

Tell us about the DA Poppins blog.

Years ago my friend started blogging and she was always telling me about the circle of friends. So I tried it out as a way to practice my writing – with the goal of appealing to an audience. I wanted to share life stories and make people laugh. I blog about the things I am passionate about: telling stories, sharing stories, reading stories, children, family life, and scrapbooking.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating content for the blog?

When I’m not posting, I am writing blogs in my head on the way to work. I’m editing how-to’s and humour stories, parenting tips, nanny insights, sharing scrapbook pages and stories about wonderful people I know.

How do you see the blog evolving over the next 12 months?

I joined social media to widen my appeal. I’m working on positioning the “Da Poppins” brand. I want [Dapoppins] to be known as this Nanny insider, Mom, creative person who loves children, and as an advocate for reading aloud and early literacy. I want to push that Dapoppins is parent friendly, but she is also a kid’s best friend.

The Da Poppins blog. Photo – Da Poppins.

You’re a scrapbook enthusiast. Where did that stem from, and what do you usually create?

Thank you so much for asking me this question! Some might think it such a cliché – “Mom Scrapbooker.” But I just enjoy paper and photographs. It really is about telling the personal story for me. I made my first scrapbook when my first son was born and I haven’t been able to stop telling the story! I put a lot of our history in the scrapbooks, the kids lives, and all the paper that generates. I’ve made personal “story books” for the kids. One son loved his so much he proudly took it to show and tell. That just filled my heart so much, that he liked what I was doing for him.

Have you always been interested in arts and craft?

After reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck in high school, I discovered that good writing was art. It was painting landscapes, faces, emotions, and refining them with the English language. I’ve always dreamed of doing that. I just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. There were several moments where I had to stop and savor the brush stroke of her sentences.

I can’t write like that, but I can make a canvas with layers, colour and textures. I can tell a quirky story with scrapbook paper. I can express all my emotion with paper, glue, and scissors and not be limited by my actual skills. Scrapbooking is only as difficult as you want it to be.

What do you do to recharge the batteries and reconnect with your quiet side?

I pour everything I have into work – I am performing, protecting and providing. I must have a good attitude and never lose my patience. This is so very exhausting. Outsiders don’t always see this. I’m paid to have all the answers and to not get angry. Maybe that seems like a high standard to some, but in reality, it is what makes me a professional. It takes a lot of energy to always be performing for my audience of children, maintaining self-control while at the same time staying one step ahead of the little ones I am taking care of.

When I get done for the day, I’m done with talking, sharing, and giving for a moment. I hug the kids, kiss my husband; they go back to what they are doing and I grab some alone time. I power up with prayer time and church time, and as a lazy introvert I recharge with long naps and lots of alone time.

The Vancouver Water Fountain. Fun for kids! Photo – Da Poppins. Production – Hope/NannyShecando.

Food carts in Portland. Photo – Da Poppins. Production – Hope/NannyShecando.

Da Poppins recommends Kazoodles Toy Store for tools of the trade in Oregon. Photo – Da Poppins.

Vancouver Library. Photo – Da Poppins. Production – Hope/NannyShecando.

So you’re based in Vancouver, Washington. What’s your take on it?

Vancouver is 30 minutes from Portland, Oregon. This whole area is filled with indoor and outdoor kid activities – I love it!

The Oregon Zoo, Children’s Museum and Science Museum are all great! Year long families passes are the best buy, and most families I’ve worked with buy them routinely. There are hundreds of parks, water fountains to play in, walks to go on and places to explore. The library system is amazing, with a huge book selection and weekly free activities. Most of the athletic gyms all have great kids programs that teach things like gymnastics, ballet, rock climbing and karate from pre-school to pre-teen.

Where do you shop in your area for tools of the trade?

My favourite places to shop for art is at the Saturday Market or one of the many local Farmers Markets. It’s where I can find some very unusual, whimsical stuff made locally by people just like me. I love that. Kazoodles is a locally owned store that carries tons of games, toys, interactive activates, and books. And of course Powell’s World of Books in Portland, which is packed with interesting stuff (and books).

You’re 80 years old and you are writing yourself a letter titled “Secrets of a life well lived.” What does it say?

“Play everyday, laugh everyday, pray all the time and there is no guilt in a good nap.”
I actually have a post coming up on the blog soon about this! I’ve known some truly interesting and lovely elderly people, my grandparents included, that taught me life can be as fruitful and fun at eighty as it is at twenty. It’s just a different perspective.

What’s the best thing about what you do?

Children. Babies. Laughter.

Biggest piece of advice for new nannies starting out?

Be observant and ask lots of questions. Every family has a ton of unwritten rules and habits that are so familiar to them they don’t even think to explain them to the new nanny, especially if this is their first nanny.

Giraffe at Portland Zoo. Photo – Da Poppins. Productnio – Hope/NannyShecando.

Find Dana & Da Poppins online at Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google + | Blog

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To participate in the nanny spotlight, please contact me. If you’re a rockstar in your field, be it a nanny or sitter, childcare worker, primary teacher, nanny industry expert, nanny agency or children’s author, I want to hear from you!

Good Reads: A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Title: A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee
Age range: 2-6 years
Reading level: Preschool – Year 1

The best sick day ever and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut.

I’ve had several occasions to read A Sick Day for Amos McGee to different children. It has appeared more than once next to the bed in a stack of books as I visit homes as a temporary nanny. Written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated Erin E. Stead this charming little story won best illustrated children books of 2010 award from the New York Times. It also garnered a 2011 Caldecott Medal for illustrations. Since is publishing in 2010 it has appeared on favorite book lists all over the internet.

A Sick Day For Amos McGee is a very calm, low-key book, making it perfect for bedtime. Amos works at the zoo and always takes time out of his day to visit his special friends and share a moment that makes them both happy. As he visits each animal friend, a classic repetition list appears, with sentences sounding the same as the story unfolds.

Interesting words are introduced on each page for younger children, as well as playful sentence structures to keep the reading from sounding monotone. The use of this technique makes Amos McGee feel like a familiar classic. I have to say, it felt like such an “old fashioned” book I had to check to see when it was published. There are no verbal gymnastics required to read this book. The punctuation is clear. The narrative unfolds like a dream.

When Amos gets sick the animals return his kindnesses in the same list form , one after the other until the day is done. There is a lesson in this book, painted in words and pictures that both adults and children will receive. One plot point that stands out strongly is that Amos practices “child directed play”, spending time with each animal in a way that makes each animal feel most loved. When Amos doesn’t come to work one day, the animals all go to visit him, and each share their individual expression of love.

Instead of dominating, the sweetly detailed illustrations add depth and description to every written page, creating a complementary balance between words and pictures. The illustrations are as low-key as the book, soothing yet interesting without fanfare or over stylization. One finds elements of personality in the animals and Amos on each page adding information to the story without adding word count. It’s no wonder that the illustrations blend so well with the writing, as Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead are a husband and wife team.

A Sick Day For Amos McGee is the perfect book for bedtimes and quiet times. If your child seems frustrated by the lack of action, take a moment to pour over the pictures, asking questions about what the child sees, pointing out some of the unique details: the mouse waiting at the tiny bus stop, the activities of the penguins in the penguin pool, and where the red balloon goes at the end of the evening. Interaction with children while reading a book can create a special moment that kids will always remember, changing a seemingly hum-drum story into a beloved childhood classic.

Not only do I take this book along with me in my Nanny bag to work, I would recommend it to parents looking for a great bedtime read.

A Sick Day For Amos McGee is a calm, low-key book, perfect for bedtime. #nannylife #goodreads

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>>> Do you have a book that’s particularly good for bed times and quiet times?

Good Reads: Sick Simon by Dan Krall

Now that the school year has resumed, our precious little ones are once again ensconced in the learning system. Which means they’re also bundled up into the social environment. Which means along with learning to share their toys, their book, their friends, and their favourite play equipment, they also begin to share their germs. And we all know, sickness loves company.

With the school year finding it’s rhythm here in Australia, and with our friends in the north experiencing more snow and cold weather than they know what to do with, our guest contributor Dana (@dapoppins) has reviewed Dan Kralls’ book Sick Simon.

Sick Simon by Dan Krall is a timely read from the author-illustrator of The Great Lollipop Caper, introducing the idea of personal hygiene and invites children to learn how to be health conscious during cold and flu season.

>>> Sick Simon by Dan Krall

Sick Simon is not your typical bed time story. The gooey, pea soup, crud that poor Sick Simon deals with is the main theme of the Dan Krall’s story and his illustrations do a wonderful job of portraying what it feels like to be sick as well as what other people see when we are sick. I’m not sure I would read it at bedtime, but this is a story book worth sharing with the four and up crowd.

Simon loves school so much that he attends classes even when he is sick. But he doesn’t go alone. Virus, Protozoa and bacteria go with him. Simon unwittingly shares these germy buddies everywhere he goes until one day they talk to him!

Simon learns if he wants to get the most out of his day he needs to take care of himself as well as wash his hands, wipe his nose, and use a tissue.

The cartoon style of the book, the pictures of Simon when he is sick as well as the depiction of the germs will give children a reason to start washing their hands and using a tissue. Sometimes it’s hard to explain what a germ is or how germs work, but this Dan Krall book makes it very clear and is a quick, enjoyable read.

Sick Simon Germs Infographic, don't be a sick simon

For more about Sick Simon Dan Krall, and to assist your children understand germs and personal hygiene, visit the Sick Simon website for to win a germ prevention kit, or download a germ busting activity kit for free.

Sick Simon by Dan Krall: it’s the yuck factor that’ll get kids giggling. #bookreview #nannylife

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>>> Are you ready to combat the cold and flu season?

*Sick Simon Dan Krall was not a sponsored post. All reviews are published at our discretion unless otherwise stated.
*Sick Simon infographic credit

A Modern Day Nanny

I have something a little different to share with you today. Because I know I can get a little ho hum with the monotony of routine and normality, I figured I’d mix it up a little. Today I’m excited to introduce the very first guest blog post here at Nanny Shecando. I’m handing the reigns over to a fellow nanny friend to bring you today’s instalment. Did I mention I’m all about promoting the nanny community? Click this link for more details. Marika has some stories to tell and a different perspective to share about the #nannylife.

Marika is an Australian based nanny working for a happening family in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. With three kids under her wing she’s sure got her hands full! Like myself, she fell into this role as a way to escape the dull drums of the typical workforce. And after reading her post, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s safe to say that Marika is loving the change of pace. (Even if the #nannylife does have it’s share of ups and downs). So Marika, over to you!

Hello fellow nannies, babysitters, and au pairs. Or to put it more accurately, fellow referees, taxi drivers, UN peace keeping officials, nurses, paramedics, policeman and dictators. At this point, I’m sure you’re nodding along emphatically to the many titles we carry under the over arching umbrella of a nanny. And whilst we’re on the topic of worldwide recognised terms, I want to point out that they’re not always so accurate. Because sometimes these three main terms simply don’t properly describe the roller coaster ride of melodrama that is the life of a nanny.

Nanny or Babysitter?

Take the word “nanny” . Does the cliché of a stout uniformed lady, complete with thick Scottish or northern English accent pushing an old-fashioned pram around a manicured garden come to mind? Or do you think of Jo frost (aka SuperNanny) who seemingly solves a family’s entire issues within a single episode. She simply throws around her that’s unasseptabool catch-phrase and everything sorts itself out. If only, right!

Although, it’s true that within the first weeks of my current nanny job I was automatically and frequently screaming out unacceptable as a totally involuntary reflex. I’m certain that in a couple of hundred years time anthropologists and geneticists will conclude that the word must be imprinted on the nanny-survival part of our DNA. Please tell me you have a catch phrase you use on the kids too!

What’s more, suffice to say that unless you are looking after a small baby that sleeps like those precious angels in the Johnson & Johnson adverts, there is very little “sitting” in babysitting.

Oh La La, Au Pair!

As for the word “au pair”, it originates from the French term meaning “on par with” or “equal to”. This of course refers to the post WWII societal changes that led to those employed as joint child carers and housekeeps to be considered as part of the family. Yep that’s right, bye bye “The Help”, hello “Mary Poppins”. Except for the fact that in today’s working environment of time-poor 60+ hour working weeks, the term au pair more accurately describes your role as being a substitute parent.

What’s more, this definition is all well and good, except for the fact that in English the word “pair” has an entirely different meaning. In English, it connects to words like harmony, partnership, co-operation and the notion of matching up. If any of this describes your reality, can I please just strangle you in a fit of jealous rage? Or trade places. Either works.

My Nanny Life

So I guess you’re wondering who I am. My name is Marika and I’m a nanny. I’ve been with my current family for almost two years after making a major career change. The family of three kids, aged 6, 8 and 11 is a welcome change from the corporate rat-race and office politics that I’d been dealing with for years. Because I’ll be honest, dealing with kids was more appealing than dealing with immature adults acting like school-yard bullies who’d never surpassed their childhood counterparts. At least with my kids, when you get to the end of your tether you can put a stop to their misbehaviour with one simple yet effective threat. I’m talking about the classic “I’m cancelling x,y x”. Something that normally doesn’t get you anywhere in the workplace, or so I’ve heard.

Which brings me to my next point. Kids have come a long way in terms of brazen emotional manipulation. Putting frogs in pockets and pine cones on seats as a “welcome” hazing to the new nanny? Feigning tears of regret when passive-aggressively called out on it? Amateurs! These days it’s all about the mind games. Now it’s all psychological torture, drama, intrigue, and political double-crossing. And that’s just the car ride home from school.

Another thing, a spoonful of sugar does not make the medicine go down. In fact, a spoonful of sugar leads to another spoonful of sugar. Pretty soon you’ve got a drug like dependence to the entire snack aisle at Coles. Next up, predictable post sugar-rush mood swings, tears and temper tantrums. Fun times. By the way, you know those chocolate stains on the back seat of the car and mutated cheese sticks? Get used to them, they’re there to stay.

But as challenging as this gig is, I wouldn’t trade if for anything else right now. Because honestly, what other job gives you innocently unrehearsed and yet laugh out loud entertainment?

“Does she believe in God?” “I think she does… because every day she’s always screaming OH MY G…” or “She’s broke. That means she has almost no money in her account”. Well hey, at least they’re paying attention to what I’m saying. Or listening to the youngest singing a made up song in the bath, having clearly been taught the story of Easter during his religious studies in class: “Don’t kill Jesus… otherwise they’ll have to call the police…”

At any given moment you can hear fragments of earnest conversation like this (and most times it’s about yourself) that only kids can come up with.

The Take-Away

I think though, my favourite part of the nanny job is the ongoing supply of handcrafted gifts the girls make for me. My jewellery is well stocked care of these bright loom bands from Miss11. And my storage has had a modern update by way of this paper box from Miss9. Whether handmade or a simple sticker from their precious collections, they make me feel loved and special.

Those daily melodramatic dramas? Totally worth it!

Until next time, stay sane my fellow super nannies and parents alike!

What’s your perception of a nanny? Do you think Mary Poppins or Mrs Doubtfire? Have you ever employed a nanny? Oh and Mrs X in the Nanny Diaries sound a little far fetched, not at all!

For further enquiries, suggestions, or to express general expressions of empathy, you can contact Nanny McTreehugger via her name (all one word) at gmail.

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The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review

Title: The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Reading Level: Preschool – 2

The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review

Have you heard recent buzz about a book touted as a “sleeping pill” for young children? The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, written by Swedish psychologist Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin was published this year and has become an amazon.com bestseller. The book has gained worldwide notoriety with articles written about it on the Huffington Post, CBS News, and the Daily Mail. Parents are purchasing and testing out the book “guaranteed” to put children to sleep.

As I picked this slim paperback, I noticed that it’s self published. One of the things that hurts a self-published book is poor quality packaging and illustrations. Although the lack of a professional published appearance hasn’t stopped The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep from becoming a bestseller, it’s a difficult hurdle for me to step over when trying to give a positive review. The pictures help illustrate the story in a cohesive manner, but they are not the quality I generally look for and the book has an overall amateurish, homemade feel.

Here’s 8 tips to selecting good read aloud books.

This story opens with instructions: how to read the bolded words, when to say the child’s name during the reading, when to yawn, and how to create the correct environment for sleep. There is also a warning that anyone hearing the story will feel tired, so don’t read this book to anyone who is driving or operating heavy machinery.

Using the power of suggestion, lots of repetition, and word heavy pages the author taps into some of my favourite components for a great bedtime reading experience.

Many picture books currently being published are simply too short for a good bedtime story. They have one sentence per page, lack complex language, and contain overactive illustrations that actually discourage the use of a child’s imagination by dominating the book.

This book is a return to the days when stories were longer, quieter, and more relaxing. Unfortunately, it’s not really a story book – and completely misses the opportunity to be one. Here’s the low-down on why you should read aloud to your child.

Many picture books published are simply too short for a good bedtime story. #picturebooks

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The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep is not the least bit entertaining or interesting. Roger visits characters like Sleepy Snail, Heavy Eyed Owl and Uncle Yawn who give Roger and the child hearing the book suggestions on how to relax and fall asleep.

These characters have no personality of their own. Every encounter and dialog is meant to coach the child into feeling safe, relaxed and very tired.

I imagine hearing this book is like listening to a “self hypnosis” cassette tape. The author uses the same tools with the goal of achieving a specific end result.

I don’t doubt that this book will put many three and four year old’s to sleep, and if adults pick it up with that intent alone, they will reap the rewards of restful children. Not every child will respond to the repetition and sleepy themes, but those accustomed to bedtime stories will almost certainly be snoring by the end of the book.

If your bedtime reading is all about getting your child to sleep, you might want to pick up a copy. If you expect something more out of your books, give this one a pass. For more good reads, Da Poppins reviews a bunch of books on the site.

The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep – a sleeping pill for children?

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>Tell us, have you tried The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep with your children?

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Dana shares with us this The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review. Dana, Da Poppins, is a professional career nanny based in Vancouver, Washington, a graduate of the prestigious Northwest Nanny Institute and has over 20 years experience in the industry. Dana is a strong advocate for the benefit of reading and children’s literacy, is a talented scrapbooker, and writes the blog Da Poppins.