My bestfriend and I have a traveling book (sort of like the traveling pants in that book/movie). It’s The Maid Manual which gives so many helpful tips on how to train and manage maid/s in a household.
I lived with my aunt while I was studying and she didn’t want to have any stay-in maids so we would just have someone come in to clean so I didn’t learn much about how to handle having a maid. Normally Filipinas will just ask their moms for advice when they get married but I am far away from family and it’s not so easy to do this. This book not only has helpful tips on how to clean and cook (simple recipes in the back), but also discusses topics like how to find a maid, what to watch out for during interviews, how to discuss remuneration, how to train one,and how to handle letting go of one. This book has been a great practical resource for me. Also please note that I have a Filipina maid so this book will not apply if you have an Indonesian maid because of the cultural differences.
Thanks so much Jenn for getting me my own copy! Yaaaaaay! This is the best gift ever PLUS the book on cleaning, organizing and decorating. I LOVE it. Thank you!!!
I loved her cute card and message too. I am so happy that I have a best-friend for whom the art of writing beautiful gift cards and thank you notes is not lost. I must say that I am remiss in this DiploWife duty… but it helps having a best friend that inspires me to be better. =)
What great gifts! I never knew such books existed. I made my own household help guide. I should have just bought this =) Can I just hire the writer to train the household staff and organize for me? =) Hehehe
OMG you did! *bow* you are amazing! Holy cow! I totally wish the same thing as you… perhaps that can be our business in the future? 😉
P.S. I’d love to see your own household help guide!
I have the Martha Stewart Home Keeping Hand Book, which I haven’t finished reading (at all). I don’t think it has the “maid” section, but I am sure not all tips in the book are doable in Indonesia!
The structure of the houses, climate, and lifestyle are different!
How interesting, huh? Different countries, different house keeping.
On another note, I love what your dear friend wrote about “your domestic diva empire!”
Hello starlestarlet, thanks for dropping by. Yes it’s so interesting, when I talk to my Filipino friends here who have Indonesian maids. It’s a different way of handling things all together. But one thing I know is the Indonesian cooks are crazy talented. They can cook with whatever’s available – iron chef style! And Indonesian cooking sounds simple but the effort that goes into it is amazing. However I had to bring a Filipina maid because we have a dog. So I’m really glad that I have this book that is tailored to managing one. I wonder if they have that for Indonesian staff as well? =)
LOL! Yeah I love what she said too! Hmmmm… you never know right?!? Right now my empire consists of a 2 blogs, a 2 BR flat and my only subject is my help, oh and must not forget DiploDog. LOL!