Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Let's Talk About Special needs Children, And Autism, Also, A List Of Toys I sell Including Collector's Beanie Babies!

Today I have a couple of things to talk about.  The most important is how I deal with children that have special needs, and second is some of the products I sell in my little Bronx haircut shop.

Working With Special Needs Children, Autism In Particular 

Over the last few days, I have had many children with special need come into my store.  Children in wheelchairs, children with autism, and children with all kinds of differing abilities.  I am comfortable in all of these situations because I have a genuine feeling of respect for the child, and of course, as I always say, I love what I do. 

For those of you who do not know, I worked in the board of education in NYC in a program for autistic children, so I know many if not all of the possibilities about how your children will react, along with knowing how much the parents of all of my customers want to see their children look good.

We've had some pretty amazing situations in here!  After some kids leave, it looks like a major storm hit. I don't mind...that is what I am here for!

The other day a child came in all the way from Connecticut.  She was autistic, and non verbal.  A beautiful clean well dressed kid, but her parents had not been able to really comb her hair well during the 5 years of her life.  At first glance, when I saw the knot in her hair, I thought I'd have to cut the whole thing out.  It was the size of a grapefruit!  But we gave her a book, and some other toys to play with, and we had her favorite program on in the background, and I worked a ton of my favorite conditioner (Marisol's Melon) into her hair, and slowly started combing and cutting...at one point I almost gave up...but I kept going and we did it!  Her parents were a big help in the whole process. It needed to be done, and it was. It was actually pretty easy, but when we began, we had no idea what to expect! She had never had a haircut before.

My point?  Don't feel uncomfortable, or embarrassed, or worried about your child's reaction, or how your child looks, when you step into my shop.  All of us wonder how we will be received in different circumstances, especially when it comes to our children.  We know we shouldn't, but not one of us hasn't been embarrassed because of something involving our child.  As long as YOU act appropriately to your child during the process, I'll be OK!

No hitting, no choking, and no yelling!  
I don't mean from the child...That's OK. I expect it...I mean from you!


Some Things On Sale In My Shop 

Beanie Babies!!!!  Old ones!  Collectors editions!  I have so many, all previously owned and looking for new homes.  Here is a small sampling of what I have. Bubbles, Huggy, Humphrey, and Millennium.  Antlers, Clover, and Foxy, Checkers,Prince, and Sire.  Lots of McDonald's Beanies in and out of packages, Arod, Ken Griffey Jr., Muhammad Ali!  Mike Tyson!  If you are wondering what I have, or if I still have what you want, give me a call. 718-432-6622.

Jewish Board Games!!!!  Mitzvah Match and Kosherland.


Adorable La Baby Nursery Dolls!!!! Caucasian, African America, and Asian.


MuniPals Subway Trains!!!! I've got the whole line of them.


Loose Train Tracks!!!! They fit with Thomas the Tank Engine, and Brio.


Circle Of Friends Hair Products!!!! Including the great Marisol's Melon leave in conditioner.


Fantastic Anti Lice Products!!!! The Jolis Cheveux brand  from The Lice Treatment Center.


And of course, FANTASTIC CHILDREN'S HAIRCUTS!  I love what I do!


Everybody Is Welcome In My Bronx Hair Salon/Barber Shop...Kids come to me from all over. Manhattan, including around Dyckman Street, Broadway, Seaman ave., Washington Heights, Inwood, Hudson Heights, Upper West Side, NYC, NYS, Tribeca, Bronx, Crosby Ave, Pelham Parkway, Pelham Pkwy, Country Club, Middletown Road, Connecticut, New Jersey, Teaneck...Etc!  


Someplace Special
Haircuts and Toys for Kids
490 west 238th St.
Bronx, NY 10463
718-432-6622
www.someplacespecialforkids.com
http://someplacespecialhaircutsforkids.blogspot.com
http://someplacespecialforkids.shutterfly.com/
Make A Small Loan, Make A Big Difference - Check out http://www.Kiva.org To Learn How!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Ebates And Mr. Rebates, Usually I Write About Dealing With Scared Children! Consider This A Holiday Gift From Me!

MY FAVORITE LINKS
I know that I posted this before, and I rarely re-post, especially so quickly, but with this crummy economy we have, I thought this would be helpful to many of you, so here goes!  Excuse me if you think this is a little spammy...I do not mean to do that, I just want to save you all some money!

First of all, do you guys know about ebates? A fantastic website where you get rebates back from things you would have bought anyway. At this point, I have gotten back over $500 credited directly to my paypal account. Amazing.  I would have bought these things anyway, this just makes it that much more fun!

If you click through this link, you and I will BOTH get a bonus of $5.00  (sometimes they even give $10.00!) (After you make your first purchase!



Another site, Mr. Rebates sometimes has slightly better deals, and sometimes ebates does. I go back and forth between the two.  Either way I make money.

Here is the link for Mr. Rebates, and they also give a bonus for signing up.

You can also click the banner below.

There is no better time than now for holiday shopping, and to start getting rebates back from EVERYTHING you buy!

BOTH sites have every store you'd want to buy from...You'd be crazy not to join both rebate sites and check which has the better deal every time you buy! I just got a 10% rebate from GAP put right into my paypal account!  12% from Sephora!  WHY NOT!

Enjoy yourself while you are shopping, but remember to shop locally too.  The little stores in your own neighborhood are struggling to survive these days. Mom and pop ain't bringing home a whole load of bacon any more so spend some time shopping in your own neighborhood.  We appreciate it!

Mr. Rebates

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Important News About A Contest That Can Bring A New Life To A Worlds Worth Of People , And Save Children From Child Trafficking And A Life Of Forced Labor.

Please help the IOM/USAIM continue to rescue trafficked children!
Click this link and vote for USAIM to win the money they need to continue their good works!




Here is a little about the organization to help you make it your business to vote, taken from the USAIM website. Keep in mind, that the IOM/USAIM saves children and adults all over the world.
Overview
USAIM supports the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Project Trafficked Children of Ghana. This program is fighting to help hundreds of children forcibly taken from their families to work in the fishing villages along Lake Volta in Ghana. Your donations can help reunite them with their families, send them to school, and keep them from once again being caught up in this terrifying net of forced child labor.
 
Trafficked Children in Ghana Project
For the past three years, IOM has rescued hundreds of children. The children were forced to engage in fishing under life-threatening conditions along LakeVolta at Yeji in the Brong Ahafo and Northern Regions of Ghana. This project brought the children back to their families and enrolled them in schools or apprenticeships in their home communities. The process continues by delivering comprehensive rehabilitation, reintegration, and follow-up assistance to these traumatized children.
This project seeks to protect the children from being once again caught up in the net of forced labour. The Project will provide continuous support to rehabilitate, reintegrate, and monitor them for at least one year following their rescue and return to their home communities.

Thank you all so much...this is very near and dear to my heart!


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mr. Eric Peasah Is Coming To NY! Children With Special Needs, A Final Plea About Shopping Locally!


Mr. Eric Peasah of the IOM


I  am very excited right now!  Mr. Eric Peasah will be coming all the way from Ghana to the Bronx to speak about the problems of child trafficking and forced labor of children in Ghana. I am honored that he is coming to see me, as well as coming to see the students of Monroe College who have been so wonderful in fund raising for the organization.

Mr. Peasah works for the I.O.M....International organization for Migration.  A wonderful group that helps people all over the world.  If there is something you can do for these children, and if you are interested in meeting with Mr. Peasah, please get in touch with me.  He will be in NYC in early December, 2009. If you would like to donate, do so here.

Working With Special Needs Children

Those of you who know me, know that there is nothing I think is more important than the feelings of children. That is why I became involved with the IOM, and that is why I do the work I do.  The gratifying work I do with the families of typically developing and special needs children, trying to make those children as comfortable as possible while getting a haircut.

It might seem funny to some that I write about it in such a serious manner, after all, it's only a haircut!  But to some children, it is a major thing.  It is VERY serious!  Some children just hate every second of it.  It might be scary, the feelings might be just a little to intense for them to process.  I get it.  I really do.  The hardest thing for me is not when the child has a hard time, the hardest thing for me is when the parent doesn't get it! When the parent has a hard time! Not if the parent cries too, I understand that, it is hard to see your child so unhappy, but when the parent tries to shame the child into behaving! Your child isn't doing it on purpose!

I do the best I can. There is NOTHING I haven't seen at this point!  If I need to have a tea party first with your child, I will.  If I need to play with trains first or during the haircut with your child, I will.  If I need to stand on my head for your child...well figuratively I will but literally, maybe not!

I have alot of success and many, many kids who have cried before in other shops do not cry here!

Just remember, I do the best I can, which is better than the rest, but I don't guarantee your child won't cry.  That I cannot do. Keep in mind...I've been kicked, punched, spit at, and thrown up on.  I just keep going as fast as I can, IF YOU WANT ME TO, and as carefully as I can without hurting your child.  PLEASE never feel embarrassed. I know what to do, how to do it and most important, what to expect.  When I am done, 99% of the kids act like nothing ever happened.  And they look good too! 

In the past I worked for the board of education in district 75, the district for special needs children, and my shop is wheelchair accessible, everyone is welcome! 


A Final Thought About Small Stores Surviving In this Economy


Keep in mind everyone, that a store cannot live on haircuts alone.

I hesitate to say this, but while I am very busy, and often have to turn away walk-ins, as all of my customers know,  I haven't been able to find a second haircutter that can do this work well and like it. Without a second haircutter, not enough money comes into the shop, so I continue to struggle to keep Someplace Special going.

To survive, I must make income from selling things. But it painful to me when a child comes in and begs for a toy, and their parent says that they are on their way to Toys R Us, so they can't get something now.  You don't have to buy from me, but though it is hard for me to say this, if you do not, once in awhile, I cannot exist.  And that is part of the reason that there are so many empty store fronts on Riverdale Avenue, or any avenue in America.  The internet, the malls, and big stores have taken over.

Little stores cannot get the deals and the low wholesale prices that big stores get.  We do not get tax breaks. We cannot sell millions of items with low mark-ups and expect to pay our rent.  Owners have a hard time making a living wage.

If I don't make some money, how can I expand my inventory and serve you all better?

As time goes by, I have less and less toys, But I do have some nice ones...And I would LOVE to have more!

Please remember to shop locally.  If you do not, at least once in a while, someday, you will have no choice.  And honestly, where will you find someone like me who will sit on the floor with your child and play while they are giving her/him a haircut?

It really is your choice. I love what I do and I do not want to go away.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Someplace Special, Riverdale Food And Restaurants, Riverdale Strength And Fitness Club, Ebates And Mr. Rebates!

Today a more personal blog about the things I like out in cyber-space and in and around the Riverdale area.

FOOD
Ahhh Riverdale!  So much untapped potential here! The food is good, but there is not a big variety especially for lunch! For instance, right now I am sitting here eating a poppyseed bagel with cream cheese that I bought from Riverdale Bagels , it's always great to have a good bagel, and this one is very good! And yesterday I had a wonderful chicken slice from Salvatore's of Soho.  Great Pizza!

But the problem is, that for the last 8 years that I have been in business, for lunch I have eaten bagels, pizza, and more pizza. Sometimes turkey or BLT's from Blue Sky and Blue Bay, and fantastic salads from River City Grill. Oh yea, and more pizza

But I'm a little bored, I need more choices, good choices, healthy choices! So I am looking forward to the opening of the new Greek restaurant that will be opening practically across the street from my store...Greek Express!  I heard they were having trouble with their gas line, but right now it looks like they are back on track and opening soon. I'll keep you posted!

I am also looking forward to the opening of  Jay-Bars...a kind of Zabars in the Bronx.  Keep your fingers crossed, they have been having gas line problems too, from what I have heard.  


EXERCISE
I think you all know that I go to an exercise class! I go to the Riverdale Strength and Fitness Club.  And the trainer, William Harris can be reached at this email address,  and is easy to work with...well, he is easy to work with, but the work isn't easy!.

He is now starting a class for children, for more information, Read this!


MY FAVORITE LINKS
First of all, do you guys know about ebates? A fantastic website where you get rebates back from things you would have bought anyway. At this point, I have gotten back over $500 credited directly to my paypal account. Amazing.  I would have bought these things anyway, this just makes it that much more fun!

If you click through this link, you and I will BOTH get a bonus of $5.00  (sometimes they even give $10.00!)


Another site, Mr. Rebates sometimes has slightly better deals, and sometimes ebates does. I go back and forth between the two.  Either way I make money.

Here is the link for Mr. Rebates, and they also give a bonus for signing up.

There is no better time than now for holiday shopping, and to start getting rebates back from EVERYTHING you buy!

Enjoy yourself while you are shopping, but remember to shop locally too.  The little stores in your own neighborhood are struggling to survive these days. Mom and pop ain't bringing home a whole load of bacon any more so spend some time shopping in your own neighborhood.  We appreciate it!

That being said, remember I have all of the Munipals NYC subway cars, and I can do mail order! Give me a call! 718-432-6622.

If you join my facebook fan page, You can see many of the toys I carry. Please join!
In my next post, I will be listing more cool Riverdale businesses and websites including some great charities I am involved with.  Stay tuned!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bronx Parking, New York Times Article Mentions Someplace Special, Haircuts And Toys For Kids!

I was mentioned in an article this morning in the New York Times

A Bronx Parking Paradise, for a While
Michael M. Grynbaum
Published: October 27, 2009

Of all the tiny tortures that come with driving a car in New York City, perhaps none are more taxing than the ritual of alternate-side-of-the-street parking.
It’s the peaceful morning ruined by an early alarm, the tedium of circling for a space, the despair of spying a tuft of tickets growing from a windshield wiper. But starting on Wednesday, drivers in a portion of the Bronx will be granted a rare reprieve: The city is suspending the rules for six to eight weeks.

The suspension will affect a swath of Riverdale stretching from the Harlem River to West 263rd Street, encompassing the area’s main shopping drags and prime residential streets that peer out to the Palisades. Parts of Kingsbridge and Spuyten Duyvil also will be included.
The reprieve will give the city time to replace 2,200 street signs. The signs will reflect a new policy to clean the area’s streets only once a week instead of twice. The new rules will go into effect in December; until then, Riverdale is a parking paradise.

“It’s a very big deal,” said Tony Perez Cassino, who led an effort by a community board to bring about the changes. “It makes everybody’s life a little bit better.” Privately owned parking spaces in the area can sell for up to $50,000 for prime indoor spots, according to Scott Kriger, a Citi Habitats broker who specializes in Riverdale properties.

So ingrained is the alternate-side ritual in the city’s psyche that George Costanza, on an episode of “Seinfeld,” took a job moving cars from one side of the street to the other. (The result, of course, was bedlam.)

To get the reprieve, Riverdale had to show that 90 percent of its streets were rated “acceptably clean” for three years running. It is only the third time that the city has relaxed the rules. The first two suspensions benefited Brooklyn neighborhoods: Park Slope in 2008 and areas of Fort Greene, Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn this year.

Suzanne Axelbank, owner of Someplace Special Haircuts and Toys for Kids, a children’s salon off Riverdale Avenue, said she would welcome the changes. Her walk to work has been replaced with an unpleasant search for a parking spot since she broke her foot recently. “I parked five or six blocks away, and I had to walk with my broken foot.”

Told of the rule change, Fernando Ferrer, a former candidate for mayor and a 10-year Riverdale resident, feigned surprise: “I’m shocked. Shocked! In an election year?”
Did he suspect some political motivation? “Is the timing fortuitous? Let everyone come to his or her own conclusion,” Mr. Ferrer said. “That’s the beauty of being the incumbent. You can time everything.” He was referring to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who defeated Mr. Ferrer in 2005 and is again seeking re-election.

A spokesman for the Department of Sanitation, which oversees the parking rules, said logistics had determined the timing.
Spaces that fall under other parking restrictions may be cleaned during the rule suspension, city officials said, but in general, the affected streets will go unwashed.

Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, reached by telephone, said that parking was never an issue for him while growing up in Riverdale because he did not have a driver’s license. He said his commute to Horace Mann, a private school in the area, was accomplished on foot. “Downhill on the way there,” he said, “and a hard uphill walk on the way home.”

Monday, October 19, 2009

Holiday Shopping! Munipals Train Sets and Berenguer Dolls, Anti Lice Shampoo, And Shampoo From Circle Of Friends!

Time to start holiday shopping! 
At Someplace Special, we have a full line of New York City subway cars from MUNIPALS, designed to fit on your Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio Tracks...The full NYC shuttle set WITH tracks is now on special for $30.00 originally $39.95! 

We also have a small cute line of dolls from Berenguer...Including adorable Asian and African American dolls, as well as Caucasian.

On another note, we've got the best anti-lice shampoo around from The Lice Treatment Center called Jolis Cheveux...smells like cinnamon!

We also have a new shipment of Circle of Friends shampoos in...Including the fantastic Marisol's Melon leave in conditioner! Wonderful for curly hair, and any hair!


One more thing...join my facebook fan page and see pictures of all of my products!  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Bronx-NY/Someplace-Special-Haircuts-and-Toys-for-Kids/51573983756?ref=ts
And check out all of my websites...THANKS!
 
If you'd like to have something shipped, just let me know!  We accept credit cards and Paypal!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Someplace Special, Haircuts and Toys for Kids. A Children's Beauty Salon, A Children's Barber Shop.

A new customer told me that when she looked on google for  "children's barber shop" or "kid's barber shop" in the Bronx,  Someplace Special, Haircuts and Toys for Kids did not come up.  I know when you look up "children's haircuts bronx" it comes up right away.


In all truth, I never thought of my shop as a barber shop.  Barber shops have a different license than beauty salons. Barbers get barber licenses, and what I have is called a cosmetology license. Do we do alot of the same things?  Absolutely!  But our training is a little different.  In most states, there is a legal distinction between barbers and cosmetologists, with different licensing requirements. These distinctions and requirements vary from state to state. One of the main things is that in New York State, a cosmetology licenses does not allow you to use a straight razor and shave people.


But as far as I can see,  NO ONE learns the skills I have from any training school. Barber or Cosmetology.

I can't imagine a class in "Cutting around the Thomas Table 101"  Or "Haircuts on a moving kiddie ride"  or "Let's play with rolling balls for 10 minutes before we get started."  Let alone, phys ed. classes  to strengthen the knees that I am constantly crawling around on!  And, above all...the most important part of the 20 plus years of on the job training that I have had...ENJOYING the challenge of trying to make a child comfortable and not scared.  That is a psychology class that is never taught at a barber or cosmetology school!


This is the kind of thing I do.  Whatever I need to do, and I love it!

So when you are looking for a place to get your child's hair cut, children's barber shop, or children's hair salon, I hope you will try me out. Someplace Special, Haircuts and Toys for Kids, and join the people who come to me from all over the Bronx, Westchester, Long Island, Orange County, Rockland County, Morris Park, and Manhattan (especially the Inwood, Washington Heights area and Dyckman Street area)

No one is as happy to do what I do as I am!  See you soon!

Monday, September 21, 2009

The Link to St. Gabriel's Contest!

Oyy!  For those of you who subscribe, the link to the St. Gabriel contest did not work on the last version that was sent out . Try this!
http://www.care2.com/schoolcontest/3604373

Vote For St. Gabriel...A Great School In Riverdale, New York

Riverdale is full of wonderful schools, from nursery schools to high schools, and right now, one of our schools is in a contest...St. Gabriel's.  Many of my customer's children attend St. Gabriel and tell me about how wonderful the teachers and staff are. Some have moved their children from other schools and are so happy they made that choice.

Right now, St. Gabe is in a contest to win $20,000. The contest is sponsored by Target.  Let's see if we can get out enough votes to help the children of St. Gabriel's win!

Here are some comments posted on the contest site about St. Gabriel...

"St. Gabriel's School is a wonderful school. The teachers are fantastic. They make learning fun. My children love going to school everyday. I thought my daughter would struggle in school as she is the youngest in the class, however, to my surprise, she is doing fabulously. Thanks to the wonderful teachers, she has an understanding of the work and is doing great. St. Gabriel's is a wonderful academic school and I am confident that my children are receiving the best education possible."

"St. Gabriel School provides an excellent education, preparing students for the demands of high school. Beyond that, the nurturing environment and sense of community set the school apart from others in the area. We love being part of the St. Gabriel School family."

"St. Gabriel school's academics are second to none. My children look forward to going to school every day and are consistently inspired by the superb teachers. The faculty is dedicated and committed to giving their students the tools needed to become successful in high school and college. The principal fosters a nurturing and happy environment where the students feel welcome to express their views. Parents have the peace of mind knowing that their children are being given the best opportunity to succeed in life."

So come on, add your votes to the ones already cast and make St. Gabriel's school a winner...since we all know, it already is a winner!!

Read about St. Gabriel's here...All about St. Gabriel

Vote here...St. Gabriel's...The Best of the Bronx!!

P.S. Even if St. Gabriel does not win the big prize, $500. is given out to a different school randomly every week. That's alot of bucks right there!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Someplace Special Is Now In A Contest From American Express

Hello everyone!
Someplace Special is once again in a contest. This one's pretty big as it is a national contest sponsored by American Express and NBC for small businesses.

I know I've asked before and you've come through. But I'm asking once more for you to vote.

In this case, though, you can only vote once... and... most important... the VOTING ENDS THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13!

That's right, THIS SUNDAY

So I need you to do it right now! In order to qualify Someplace Special needs to get at least 50 votes IMMEDIATELY!

So would you be so kind as to go to this page...
http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=8111

RIGHT NOW!... register on the upper right... and then click the button that says... "Support this Story, Endorse Now" for Someplace Special.

http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=8111

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it... and for this contest... I am only asking for one vote from you so we won't keep bugging you... and please tell your friends!

Thanks so much

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please let me know.
 

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

We Won The Parent's Connect Contest For The Best Children's Haircut Place In NYC!

Just a quick note to tell you that we won the contest for the best Kids Haircut Place in NYC! To all of you who voted for me, THANKS! I have the BEST customers in the world!
More to come...

Friday, August 14, 2009

Keeping In Shape While Cutting Children's Hair In The Bronx.

Cutting hair is a hard job. You have to stand all day long and move your body in some pretty strange positions. It is way more tiring than you can imagine. Yes, haircutting is a very physically demanding job!

Cutting children's hair is even harder. You have to sit on the floor and play WHILE you are cutting hair. You have to walk around following the child WHILE you are cutting hair, and you have to crawl around on your knees WHILE you are cutting hair. I reach, I bend, I stretch, and play with your children WHILE I am cutting their hair. Honestly, when they stay still I get a little mixed up!

Still, with all of this activity, I felt like I wasn't getting enough exercise, so I started walking to work most days which has become a 2 1/2 mile trek at this point. Through rain and snow and heat of summer, you can see me walking up and down the hills of Riverdale making my way to the thing I love most. Cutting children's hair.

But still, I felt like I wasn't getting enough exercise! I need to keep on my toes to work with your kids, so I started a new exercise regimen. I joined a program called Crossfit. I recommend it highly. The leader, Bill, is very good at what he does and knows how to get the best out of everyone who joins. No matter how much I dread going in to do the work, once it starts, and certainly by the time it is over, I feel great.

I just wanted to pass this on! In case you thought that cutting hair is what I do 24/7! Anyone who is interested, especially if you live in the Bronx or Manhattan, should check out Bill's website and try it out!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Back From England, And Ready To Cut Children's Hair. Come On In!

Hey all, I'm back!

I went to sunny old England. Yes, while I was there, and it was raining all of the time over here in NYC, it was sunny and beautiful there. I didn't have to open up my umbrella once!

I took a good look at some interesting hairstyles in London and Liverpool, and at a future date I will be happy to describe them to you, but for now, I have some catching up to do...I have to do a large backlog of haircuts for the people who waited for me to get back from my trip.

Just wanted to let you all know that I am back, and ready to rock!

But please...call to make an appointment...I hate to turn people away....and if you call, I won't have to!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Closed For Renovations

Someplace Special will be closed from July 19th until July 29th for some renovations.
Sorry for any inconvenience! If you need more info, give the shop a call.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Once Again, Time To Vote!

For Haircut
in New York

OK Everyone, we are coming up to the last few days of the Parents Pick awards. Only 6 more days left to vote as I write this, and you can vote every day!

I'm proud to say that after 7 years in business, I have a wonderful relationship with all of my customers, past and present.

Click on the icon above and vote for Someplace Special!
Thanks for your votes!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

I Love A Challenge, And I Do Not Care How Much Your Child Moves During A Haircut, Or If I Have To Do It Sitting On The Floor!

A few things to keep in mind if you come to Someplace Special...

I does not matter to me if your child stays still or moves during the haircut!
Not only have I done a haircut on the moving ride that is outside of the store, but I've come to realize that few children stay still, some just move a bit more (or alot more) than others! I'd rather you NOT tell your child to stay still! I like them to feel natural and comfortable and not like I am a threat.

There is NOTHING I haven't seen or done in the last 15 years of doing children's hair. NOTHING! In my 30 years of haircutting experience, I have learned quite a bit!

I NEVER mind crawling on the floor to get the job done.
I have knees of steel and I see it all as a challenge, and fun! I like a little variety in my day.

I routinely do haircuts while walking around the Thomas the Tank Engine train table. I actually get a kick out of it! It's hard to keep standing in one place all day!

Please do not tell your child to be ashamed of themselves if they cry or get upset during a haircut. Fear cannot be helped. I promise they will get over it, but each child does it at their own pace. Shaming a child makes me sadder than anything, because it makes them sad too.

Some kids who are not afraid might not even realize they are moving. I do not mind at all! I just want to make friends and do a good haircut, and I will do whatever it takes to get it done.

I see each child as an individual, a person to respect.

ALL children, typical and special needs, welcome here!!

And do leave comments! I see people come to this site from all over the world. If you have any questions, or comments, or ideas, or just want to say hi, please do!

One More thing, if you are reading this before July 15th 2009, please vote for me in the Best Haircut Place in New York City contest! You can do it every day!

Thanks!


Friday, May 29, 2009

Children Come To My Shop From All Over. I'd Love To Meet You Too! Lots Of Experience With Children On The Autistic Spectrum.

I am sitting in my little store.
I am surprisingly busy today. I had a cancellation so I have a few moments to write. I was just marvelling at the amount of people who come to me from far away. Washington Heights, Inwood, the Upper West Side, even kids from Soho and Chelsea.

I started out as a small local shop, but as time has gone by, I started seeing customers from Bronxdale, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park and Country Club! I'm easy to get to. Close to the Major Deegan and the Henry Hudson, and close to a few bus and train lines.

I get kids from Queens (quite a few actually) and even a some from Long Island. When someone comes in and says they drove all the way from Orange County, or Rockland, I almost cannot believe it!

I have customers from Scarsdale, Hastings, Ardsley and Irvington. Let's not forget Mount Vernon and of course Yonkers. I could go on and on! If I didn't get a few people from new Rochelle or Teaneck every day, I'd be shocked!

Yes, I even get people from all over New Jersey!

I am humbled and gratified when I see how people come from so far. I try my best to do the best possible work on wiggling, moving children. I always hope to keep them happy, and comfortable. Honestly, I don't even need a child to be still!

But why, I wonder? What is it I can offer that keeps you coming back?

For typically developing children who like haircuts, or the child that hates haircuts, I have tons of energy! Energy to get right down on the floor with them and play. I can often be seen crawling on the floor and clowning around with a child. I always put them first. I have the worn out pants to prove it. If you want a hairdresser without dirty knees, don't come here! I love it! I love it so much when I can make a kid more comfortable. Believe me, there is NOTHING I haven't seen or done in the 30 years I've been doing hair! NOTHING.

If the child feels a bit more comfortable and can sit in a chair ( a regular chair or one that looks like a jeep) I have special toys to keep their attention, along with a TV. I have tons of tapes! I even have video games if they are older! But those are the things you can see, I also have alot of "secret weapons" I use to get a haircut done!

For the child that might have issues, I have energy and I have experience. Alot of experience. I've spent time with kids in wheelchairs, along with having worked in the board of ed. with multiply handicapped children and autistic spectrum children. I know how to deal with children who have sensory processing disorder and I can work with just about any type of child you have. I don't promise or guarantee they will like it, I can only promise that I have the experience to make it as pleasant and as fast as possible. and after I am done, I promise they will look good!

You don't have to feel embarrassed or out of place here! Whatever your child does, it's been done before, whatever your child says to me, it's been said before! But I am proud to say that most of the children who come here leave happy!

And the best part of all, the very best part is that I have developed a wonderful group of customers. People that I would be happy to call my friends!

If you want to call me and ask any questions, please feel free! .

Oh yes, I love what I do...Oh did I already say that?

Special Offer!!!!!!!
This month, June 2009, I have a special offer for medical students from Einstein Hospital. Show me your ID and I will take $5.00 off of the price of a regular haircut!


Just for your info, a list of places that people have come to me from...
Israel (many old customers who come back for visits with family and squeeze in a haircut)
Viginia, Maine, Russia (everytime the family came to New York!), Teaneck, Pelham Parkway, Bergan County, Nyack, Fort Lee, Bronxdale Ave., Flushing, Jackson Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Van Cortlandt Village, Kingsbridge, Scarsdale, Hastings, Ardsley, Irvington, Mount Vernon,Yonkers, NewRochelle, Teaneck, Mamaroneck, Boston, Rockland, Crosby avenue, Williamsbridge road, Middletown road, Orange County, Fieldston, Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester, Riverdale, White Plains, Morris Park, Students at Einstein medical school, and I'll keep adding more! Let me know if I've missed you!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Vote For Someplace Special, Parents Pick For A Haircut In New York!

For Haircut
in New York

Once again, I am asking you to vote for me in a contest! Just click on the above link and vote for me, Someplace Special, Haircuts and Toys for Kids.

On the other hand, it was so nice just to be nominated!

Oh, I forgot to say, you can vote every day until July 15th! Cool!

If you have trouble with the link, try this Parents Pick

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Amalgamated Nursery School Bazaar

Yippie! Today I will be selling toys at the Amalgamated Nursery School Bazaar, something I have always wanted to do since my kids went there so many years ago! Come Join me by the train park on Orloff Avenue!

I will have New York City Subways, train whistles, conductor hats, and some wooden dress up dolls, among some other things from the shop.

See you there!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Lice Control And Prevention from Someplace Special And The Lice Treatment Center

What Happens If You Get Lice???
Don't Panic...The Lice Treatment Center is at your service!

Normally, an owner of a kids haircut place does not like to think about lice. I guess nobody likes to think about lice, but especially in places like mine! Every child who comes into my shop gets a lice check whether they know it or not. Before I start a haircut, I part the hair in the most likely places that lice lay their eggs. I can tell right away what the situation is! If I see eggs, I have to stop the haircut because getting lice is like catching a cold...it's nothing to be embarrassed about, but it spreads quickly!

All of the schools in my area are seeing a tremendous lice breakout, and the parents ask me what they can do to prevent it from happening to their child. I have finally found a product and a company that I can endorse. It is called The Lice Treatment Center and it is full of knowledgeable, friendly, skilled people who want to help you!

If you call them at 1-888-LICE-AWAY (1-888-542-3292) they will be happy to discuss with you what services and products will best meet your families needs.

Their product line, Jolis Cheveux (which means "Pretty Hair") is all natural and organic and made in the USA! And best of all, each product is guaranteed to work! And even better, it makes your hair look beautiful!

The company was founded by two women, Dr. Elin Cohen, a board certified pediatrician, and Elizabeth Solovay, who has been featured on the internet, radio, and has published articles about lice, along with being an adviser to schools and camps.

Not only does the Lice Treatment Center Have wonderful products, it also offers complete lice removal services including in-home and on-site consultations and lice removal by its professional team of lice removal technicians.

And...if you live close enough to my shop, you can stop by and get all the lice removal supplies you will need as soon as you need them.

So the next time you have this itchy problem, don't panic! Call the Lice Treatment Center
at 1-888-LICE-AWAY (1-888-542-3292). They will know what to do!

I plan on having them send someone out to do a talk at the store for parents. Stay tuned!


On A Lighter Note...
We will be selling scrapbooking supplies in the near future. Stay tuned for news on that as well!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

On My Days Off...

When most of us have a day off, we plan on doing something productive and meaningful. Maybe we want to hang out with family, read a book, do some paperwork, clean the house, draw pictures...even meet up with some old friends. On my days off, I usually do a little of this and a little of that. Reading , cleaning, and If I'm lucky, I get a chance to create something, maybe even draw or paint a bit! But this past weekend I started doing something that even I can't believe. I made up a new humor website.

I love creating. That is why I love doing hair. I consider what I do on your child's head a sculpture, and I have always enjoyed doing sculptures. Once someone asked me if I had ever sold any of my artwork, and I thought about it and realized that I sell my artwork every day on your children's heads! Even the way I try and calm a scared child draws on my creativity!

So the other day, on my day off, just for fun, I started working on a new website called www.canyoumakeafunnyface.com. There is still alot more for me to do, but I invite you to come take a look and maybe have a good laugh. I had a few chuckles working on it!

There are videos and photos of children and adults making funny faces, and even some of cats and dogs with funny expressions. There is also alot of chin business (if you don't know what that is, take a look and see!) In the future I hope to keep adding interesting and funny new posts.

I'd love for you to join me and send me photos, drawings, videos, and anything else you might like to share. If I can add them I will. Let's all have a great time with this!

Send any submissions to canyoumakeafunnyface@gmail.com and please join me in the fun!

Can you make a funny face?

Monday, April 20, 2009

How Is Cutting Hair Like Playing A Violin? Practice, Practice, Practice!

Hi All. Just thought I'd check in.

Hope all of you have enjoyed your holidays and have taken advantage of the glorious weather we have been having on and off. Off today, I might add!

I had a few interesting moments the other day and It set me to thinking that cutting hair is like playing a violin. You have to practice often, and have a feel for it, and when it comes to cutting children's hair, even more so.

One adorable little girl, about five years old came in and she was so scared. I used the art of distraction to the utmost. Jumping around, saying silly things, making jokes. You have to have the feel...some children you go slowly to make them comfortable...some children you get goofy to distract them. Sometimes I am wrong...but not often.

I never shut up during her whole haircut, I did that with a girl a few years older a week ago, another beautiful kid. I never stopped talking and dancing around when I did those haircuts. I had them totally distracted, and I got the jobs done. And they both looked good too!

Now for those of you who already know me, don't laugh at the way I toot my own horn! I want to get the word out to the folks who do not know me so they can see that there is an option for their children who have trouble getting a haircut.

I can never guarantee, and maybe there is alot of luck involved, but like the concert violinist, I too practice my skill on a daily basis. 10am till 6pm (I'm flexible if you call ahead,) 5 days a week, Wednesday thru Sunday.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Friday, April 3, 2009

It's Our Birthday!

Hard to believe, but today April 3rd, is the 7th anniversary of Someplace Special, Haircuts and Toys for Kids. I want to thank all of you for your support and friendship over the years.

As you all know, I have tried to make Someplace Special into a place where kids WANT to come and where kids feel comfortable. Where they feel respected and taken care of. A right that every child in this world should have.

In the past, I have had birthday parties in my store with between 200 and 300 people in and out through the course of the day, now my store is much smaller and there is no room for that, so if you are passing by, please join me for a slice of birthday cake (kosher of course).

I couldn't have done this without ALL of you, my customers....past...present...and future.

THANKS!

I may be a bit of a kvetch sometimes, but I am truly a lucky person, and I know it!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Haircuts And Car Washes on Passover

Ahhh, the seasons of hair. Yes hair has seasons. Seasons to be short, seasons to be long, and seasons to look extra neat.

When school starts, you want to look neat, so you pay a visit to the hair salon. Holidays come, time to look good again, so you get a nice trim, change your style, maybe look a bit more mature...a bit more spiffy!

If you like your hair short for the summer, to keep it out of the way, you get a haircut. When it gets warm outside, things tend to get busy in the shop. But maybe you like your hair long for the summer so you can tie it up and forget about it, then the haircuts slow down.

These are the seasons of hair.

So what does that have to do with my title...Haircuts and Car Washes?

Passover
is coming. Time to get haircuts and clear out the chometz. If you'd like more info specifically about what these things mean, click on the links.

See, my shop has a couple of extra seasons that some other shops might not have. Since we are in an Orthodox Jewish area, about 50% of my customers who follow certain traditions, do not get haircuts after Passover starts for a period lasting up to seven weeks. So one extra busy season we have starts about six weeks before Passover. All of a sudden I have a rush of people who want their kid's hair cut so they can schedule the next one right before the holidays. All day every day seems to be busy! I find myself wondering when the children are actually in school! Then suddenly...s l o w...

I start wondering where everyone is! The phone starts ringing, future dates are filling up, but I am sitting down and answering the phone, not scrambling to finish haircuts. I start to wonder. Where is everybody? And then...

BOOM. The place goes crazy! I love it. People are piling in, older men whose barber shops are closed on Sundays start begging me for haircuts, children are laughing and playing with my Thomas the Tank Engine play table. People take their kids out of school to get their haircuts. And I start feeling bad because I can't get to everyone! Last year I worked some days from 9am to 9pm!!!

My point? Call Call! Call me! Don't forget to make an appointment, I don't want to turn you away, I'm here for you! And what does this have to do with car washes? Keep in mind that you might have to spend a long time on line to get your car totally cleaned of chometz at the car wash. You might have to wait quite awhile for the services you need because of the crowds, and you might have to wait a bit in my store, but if you make an appointment, you probably won't have to wait much! I'll try to squeeze you in if you walk in without an appointment but you might have a very long wait. Or even be turned away, and if you call early, I will know to add hours and open the shop on days that I am normally closed.

By the way, if you do not follow these traditions for Passover, please come in for a haircut after Passover! I'll be thrilled to see you (as I am thrilled to see all of my customers anytime).

Haircuts and car washes. It's our busiest time of the year!

Monday, February 2, 2009

My Child Is Afraid Of A Haircut. WHAT Do I Do???




There is not alot of things you can write about in a blog that is primarily about children's haircutting! So I sit here thinking and wondering what it is that my customers and the people all over the world who come to my website would like to hear!

I can see where you all come from, the different cities and countries, and although I do not know specifically who you are, I know what you are interested in hearing about by the things you click on in my blog. One popular item is how to deal with scared children. That's what everyone wants to know! Children who are scared of haircuts. Well, Of course, I have alot of experience with that, but so many factors are involved.

There are many reasons that a child is scared, and PLEASE, keep in mind that other than being a hair care professional, a parent, and an avid reader of psychology books, I am not an expert. I only know what I have seen after 30 years of cutting hair, and I think I have seen almost all there is to see in terms of cutting CHILDREN'S hair. From the parent who is really the scared one to the child who just doesn't want a haircut at the moment. I really have seen alot!

Some children just have an extra dose of self preservation. They are scared of a stranger, scared of being hurt, or just scared of something new. Some children do not like to be touched, maybe they have a sensory issue, or other special needs. Some children, girls or boys, want long hair, and their parent wants it short. I have seen children as young as three have strong preferences about length. Some children are afraid of the hairdryer, or the buzzers, and some children are just afraid of it all.

Over the years I have seen that kindness and respect toward the child go a long way. Patience and playing while getting a haircut works in most cases. Some parents like to spend alot of time discussing the upcoming haircut. If you do, talk about how good you think the haircutter will be, how the haircutter knows just how to do the right thing. Try not to spend too much time mentioning that it won't hurt, as a matter of fact, try not to mention that at all! Sometimes a child has never even considered the possibility of pain until they have heard it. Do not compare me to a doctor. Never even say that I am NOT like the doctor! Don't plant any ideas!

Tell your child that you have had haircuts, that the grandparents have had haircuts, and that you get to pick out a movie to watch, and sit in a red car. Talk about the water bottle and that they might have a great time getting sprayed with it, make it sound like fun! I your child doesn't like getting sprayed, tell them they won't get sprayed! Take their lead! If your child is not impressed by any of that, I am perfectly happy walking around the Thomas the Tank Engine table while doing the haircut! Tell them they have come to play and have a good time!

Some children are better off not discussing the coming haircut too much. It just makes them more anxious. Use your own discretion! But after many years of dealing with my own child, and other's children, my advice is to be careful about validating their feelings too much. Saying over and over again that you know they are scared and that they should be very brave just feeds into a downward spiral of more and more fear! I see it all the time. Distraction is the key!

What REALLY does not work is shaming the child by telling them that they are to big for this behavior, yelling at the child (well I saw it work once in seven years) or choking the child...yes I saw that once too!

For some kids, nothing will make the experience better, but I do know this, there are no children who scream and yell during a haircut because they are bad! Any child that does scream is honestly scared, and any sort of discipline will be meaningless.

Now you have this to decide...Does it really matter if my kids hair is longer than I'd like? MUCH longer than I like? MUCH MUCH longer??? If it doesn't matter, wait a bit. Things do suddenly change.

If it does matter, come to me, I will make it as swift and painless as possible, it might actually turn out to be a pleasant experience, and if not, I promise that someday, your child will suddenly get over it!

There is a reason that people drive miles and miles from all over to come to my little Bronx shop to get haircuts!

Kindness and Respect ARE the keys!