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| Greetings!
 Are you a list maker or a list hater? I, for one, love lists but that's because I am a planner by nature. And also because making a list is the only way I've found to effectively declutter my mind. If I don't put notes down on paper (electronic or papyrus), I will never rest as I mentally pace non-stop through all the details floating around in my grey matter.
The good news is that I make the lists to clear my mind. The bad news is I can have  a half dozen of them going at the same time and sometimes I never even mark items off. Eventually though, I will run through them all in an attempt to consolidate tasks only to find out most of them got done without too much bother. Yippee!
There is a case to be made for the sense of accomplishment that comes when you physically cross an action item off a list. As a matter of fact, Hyrum Smith, maker of the Franklin Day Planner once said "Getting to check something off your list is like getting morphine, literally. It's been scientifically proven that checking things off lists releases endorphins in your body".
Hmmmm now I don't know if that whole  'scientific' thing is true especially because by its very nature a Day Planner is designed for list making (and thus the quote might be a tiny bit self-serving), but what I do know is that making a list can help you to be proactive, aids in the planning process for a multitude of activities and increases the odds that you won't forget to do something important.
If you find yourself standing in a (figurative) pile of tasks with no idea where to start - MAKE A LIST. You'll quickly find that doing so will force you to refine your thoughts, help you to organize your workload, and keep you on track.
 Lists can also help you to make the best use of your time. If you're feeling creative, do a creative task. If you're feeling brain dead, do a simpler task. And on the off chance that endorphins really do flood your body when you mark an item complete, by all means cross them off! We should always embrace any healthy opportunity to enhance our feeling of well-being!
For more information about Executive Errands,
please visit our website
www.executive-errands.com
or call us today at 760.469.2487 |
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Preventative Maintenance
 Most of us who live here in the Desert, do so part time or, if we live here full time, it's likely we migrated from another, less harsh climate. And even though we know it gets hot here, we sometimes forget that there are Desert-unique damages or accelerated wear for our homes.
Just like our skin needs sunscreen, so too are there things we can do to protect our homes from the ravages of the sun, wind and sand.
Some of these things include:
 Windows should be cleaned at least quarterly because the sun can bake sand and grit into the glass, etching it which then requires costly grinding and polishing in order to restore clarity.
Air Conditioners need to be maintained at least twice yearly not only for filter cleaning or replacement, but also to check for gasket and seal integrity. Condensate lines must be clear and freon levels accurate for the units to run efficiently.
 Skylights, often forgotten because they're basically out of sight, should be checked each season as the glass can crack and seals can fail due to our intense sun exposure. Often leaks won't show up until two (or even three) seasons after the crack first appears.
Plumbing should be upgraded as angle stops and non-stainless steel water lines can crack or fail causing flooding.
Housekeeping should be done at least monthly, even in the summer, as sand can seep into the tiniest of crevices. Regular  housekeeping helps to avoid a major cleaning and helps keep your home fresh.
Executive Errands offers preventative maintenance services through our extensive network of insured Service Providers.
Make your list of preventative maintenance tasks today and call us to get them scheduled. It'll put your mind at ease knowing you're protecting your investment and doing what you can to help keep emergency costs to a minimum.
760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
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Our Favorite Things
Historic Small Towns
 Normally we would promote something local here in the Desert, but with it being Spring and with the heat of Summer right around the corner, we wanted to share one of our most favorite places for a long day trip or a special weekend.
Julian, an old gold mining town nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains about half way (as the crow flies) from here to San Diego is a throwback to a simpler time.
Filled to the brim with old-time shops in old-time buildings, some of which date back to the 1870's, small diners and cafes, antiques galore, beautiful hiking trails, orchards, picnicking - it's the perfect getaway.
To find out more about Julian, its history, accommodations or activities, please visit
["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too. We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here. We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
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| Yikes! It Tax Season
Most of us think we need to hold onto our tax records for at least 7 years, but that's not completely true. Some records may be discarded after as little as 3 years.
 To determine which of your tax records must be saved and which can be discarded, please visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and query for 'How long should I keep records?' for a short and informative article on this topic.
Once you gather up your old tax records, they'll need to be shredded. Did you know Executive Errands offers commercial paper shredding events for your HOA community or business?
Home office shredders are fine for day-to- day paper disposal, but when you have large amounts or if you'd like to offer a 'green' event, then you need a commercial shredding truck and Executive Errands is happy to coordinate this for you. For more information or to schedule your own shredding event, please contact us at 760.469.2487 |
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The Right Person For The Job
When someone calls about one of our services, we always ask 'do you have someone who cares for your home in the Summer'? When the response is 'yes', invariably they add 'my housekeeper (or pool man or neighbor) does it'.
 And every time we hear that response, it makes us shudder. Not because the housekeeper or pool man or the neighbor is irresponsible - on the contrary, we believe people act with the best of intentions.
No, it makes us shudder because we hear horror stories every day of people who come home only to find damages or neglect or things left undone when they rely on these people to care for their home.
Why does this happen? Because even though the housekeeper (or pool man or neighbor) wants to help you out, they aren't really trained in all the things that need to be done during absentee home checks.
Furthermore, they may not feel a sense of commitment to your home because caring for it is not in the regular scope of what they do.
You need the right person for the job and in this case that means engaging a Personal Concierge, someone who is  trained to act on your behalf, a single professional to work with, someone who has access to a wide array of services that will help simplify your life.
Be sure you find a company who is 100% vested in maintaining your home to the same level as you are, one who has a broad network of service offerings, someone who will make sure your home looks lived in and who monitors your existing Service Providers (housekeeping, pool, landscape, pest control etc) to be sure they continue your services uninterrupted during your absence.
Does having a Personal Concierge service mean that every problem will be avoided? Probably not. But because a good company will be in your home every single week, there should be less issues and even when a problem does occur, it will be found at the earliest possible opportunity which should help minimize damages.
 A proper absentee home check is more than just flushing toilets. A Personal Concierge does more than just absentee home checks. When you engage a Personal Concierge, what you're actually getting is a personal assistant on retainer - someone who acts in your best interest and the best interest of your home.
Hire the right person for the job!
Call Executive Errands, a true Personal Concierge company with a 30+ point home checklist, to find out how much easier your life can be!!!!
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Service Provider Spotlight
Since 2007
We're proud to announce the following  loyal Service Providers are now with us for a second year!
--Craig's Landscaping - keeping yards and pools beautiful year round
--Distinctive Flooring - offering high quality hardwoods, carpet, tile, and laminate at reasonable prices
-- Window Expressions - blinds, shutters, and blind repair - maintain your window coverings
--Heaven's Best - our best carpet cleaner! Carpets are dry in one hour
--Love at First Bite - all fresh ingredients make them one of the premier caterers and event planners in the Desert
--Simon's Car/Limo Service - offering 'Night on the Town' and Prom specials - receive an hour free with the purchase of three!
Executive Errands strives to bring you the very best in insured Service Providers. For anything you need, we are just a phone call away.
760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com |
Executive Errands
News & Events
Please join us for the Cathedral City/Rancho  Mirage Soroptimist Spring Fling County Fair.
Friday, April 17 from 5:30 - 9 pm at the home of Carol Fulton, 79070 Via San Clara, La Quinta (in Rancho La Quinta)
Proceeds to benefit our House of Hope charity.
 Entry fee is $10 and includes food and drinks (alcohol included)
Please join us for County Fair games, a bake sale, raffle prizes and the always popular live basket auction! You'll have a great time and help a worthy cause!
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Executive Errands Client Benefits
 In addition to our high quality personalized services, did you know you also receive these other benefits as an Executive Errands member?
1) Ours is a pre-paid service, therefore you receive no bills; only paid invoices for your records - saving you time and energy.
2) If you receive frequent flier miles, all your services can be paid with one credit card - thus helping to maximize the number of air miles you receive.
3) As we provide personal assistance, Executive Errands may well qualify as a tax deductible expense.
4) Each client is assigned a primary Personal Concierge so you have one person to work with, one person in your home.
Executive Errands - going beyond the usual, regular and customary to help free up your life! |
Service Provider Spotlight
Maid to Perfection
Because we get so many requests for housekeeping, it is necessary to have services around the Desert. Our newest housekeeping Service Provider is Maid to Perfection based in Palm Springs.
Maid to Perfection is licensed, bonded and insured and can fulfill your entire house cleaning needs. Their professional, supervised and bilingual maids arrive at your door step fully equipped with all the supplies necessary to make your home shine.
760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com |
Service Provider Spotlight
Screenmobile
One more thing the Desert sun attacks - our screens. Screenmobile is the nation's largest mobile screening company and offers high quality screen products for your home or business.
With over 25 years of experience in the mobile screening industry, they can handle any screen need, as no job is too big or too small.
Screenmobile can even create new living spaces through the use of patio or porch screened enclosures.
For more information please visit
www.executive-errands.com |
Service Provider Spotlight
DeGeare Builders, Inc
DeGeare Builders Inc. is owned and operated by David DeGeare. David has been in the construction industry for over 25 years.
 Fully licensed, bonded and insured, DeGeare Builders specializes in high-end custom remodels, commercial and residential properties. From bath and kitchen remodels, atrium and casita additions, window and door installations - no job is too small. David prides himself on his company's integrity and quality with particular attention to detail and customer satisfaction. For more information please contact David at 760.345.1216 or call Executive Errands at 760.469.2487
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 I used to be the kind of person who could never walk away from the office for vacation without fretting and worrying about what was happening at work. This constant worrying ruined every vacation I ever had.
That is, until I discovered the power of the list. Each year I would clear my entire desk, making one massive list of project statuses, to do items, things to remember - everything necessary to allow me to walk back into that office and pick right back up where I left off.
 I placed that list square in the center of my empty desk and walked out the door without looking back. And you know what? Because mentally I knew everything was there, on that list, I was able to completely and totally forget about work for the duration of my vacation which thrilled my family and allowed me to enjoy our trips in a new and carefree way.
Try it, especially if you're a type-A personality, and discover how really free you can be!
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Thank you for your continued support and for the wonderful feedback we receive each month about this newsletter.
Please forward this newsletter on to your friends, family and colleagues or anyone you  feel might enjoy the information we provide.
Your referrals are the best compliment we receive so thank you for them!
Happy Easter and have a wonderful April!
Leslie Spoor 
760.469.2487 |
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Are you a Realtor? These 2-hr gift certificates are offered to anyone who buys a home. They are addressed to your client specifically and include your name as the person from whom the gift certificate originates. It also includes a 'congratulations on your new home' message.
