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 My avatar is uncoordinated. In case you aren't familiar with that word, an avatar is an electronic 'cartoon' of yourself that is used in video games. Normally not a big fan of video games, I just bought a Wii (pronounced 'we') and Wii Fit gaming system and have to admit, I am hooked.
It's surprising how many people either don't know about Wii or think it's just for kids. In fact even assisted living facilities are adding Wii so the elderly can get more exercise. Because we've been having so much fun with it this month, let us share a few of its unique features and benefits.
Wii is based (I suspect) on alien technology - how else do you explain the ability to hold a wireless piece of plastic in your hand or stand on a wireless plastic 'board' and see your every movement mimicked on the television screen? It is quite amazing. Whether it is sports (bowling, boxing, baseball, tennis and golf) or exercise (yoga, step class, strength training, skiing, hula hoops and more), you have to get your couch potato butt UP and actually DO it.
 You can play Wii alone against the computer or you can play with up to three other humans. Like Mr. Potato Head, there are lots of facial 'features' to create an avatar that looks exactly (and uncannily) like your own image. Any kid over 8 has a knack for creating them and my whole family has Wii systems with all of our Mii ('me') avatars so it is easy for us to play together. If you'd like to see the creativity possible for Wii Mii's, check out www.miicharacters.com The possibilities are endless.
 The Wii Fit package encourages healthy lifestyle changes. It calculates how balanced you are, checks your weight and measures your BMI (that pesky little obesity indicator). Then it records it all for you, offers words of encouragement and even gives you two personal trainers with whom to work.
A word of warning: If your BMI indicator classifies you as overweight, your little avatar will plump up (poooof!) right in front of your eyes. Alas, it is a sobering image.
 The Wii Fit system tracks your progress and unlike exercise DVD's, this system never feels like drudgery, appeals to your competitive spirit and offers something other video games don't - the ability to play together as a family. Remember the old 'game nights' where you'd play Yahtzee or Sorry or Monopoly? Remember how  your family would talk and reconnect over some silly board, dice or card game? The Wii system sports package and the Wii Fit both bring our family together to play for hours at a time.
Even better, Game nights are a healthy way to keep a family laughing together. And Wii technology bridges the age gap too so it doesn't matter whether you are 8 or 80, you can still share a bond.
 Often we get so caught up in our daily routines, juggling all the demands of life and work that we sometimes shortchange Family Time. In fact, some studies indicate as little as 20 minutes per day is spent in quality time with our children.
Find ways to delegate some of your chores and make spending more time with your family and friends a priority because at the end of the day, what matters most is not the work you get done, but the quality of life you spend with the people who matter most.
Play at your own risk and one final word of warning: Being good at Wii sports does not  automatically translate to being good at real sports. And if your avatar is uncoordinated (which by now you realize means I am uncoordinated) - don't panic. The more you play, the better you'll get, especially when you have your family and friends cheering you on!
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For more information about Executive Errands or to delegate tasks, please visit our website:
www.executive-errands.com
or call us today at 760.469.2487 |
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Our Favorite Things
The Amazing Kindle
Do you like to read? There is a new way to read books, newspapers, and blogs - it's called the Kindle and it is a remarkable piece of technology. Available in both paperback and hardback sizes, the  Kindle is wireless, weighs less than a pound and requires no monthly fees, service plans or Wi-fi hotspots.
There are already over 300,000 plus Kindle-ready books, newspapers and magazines available. You can download and read first chapters to see if you like a book before you buy it and each Kindle holds over 1,500 books. Boy oh Boy, I would have loved this product when I worked on the road.
If your eyesight is failing, the Kindle offers a 'read to me' feature, reading the books out loud for your listening pleasure. What a  great multi-tasking product! As you know we are always looking for ways to help simplify your life. Now you can listen to your favorite daily newspaper or book while you're doing just about anything like laundry, feeding the baby or preparing your next business report.
The Kindle, available primarily on Amazon.com, one of Our Favorite Things!
["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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Service Provider Spotlight
Dessert Creations
 Let's see... There is a parts list (ingredients), a schematic (measurements) and a blueprint (directions) - yep, baking can be considered a technical process.
We all love homemade goodies, but for most of us, buying, measuring, stirring and baking takes time we can't afford to give up, so instead we run to the grocery store to pick up some pretty, but usually tasteless (and who knows how long it's been sitting there), bakery item. Now there is an alternative - Dessert Creations, our newest Service Provider.
Dessert Creations specializes in delicious cupcakes, cakes, chocolate dipped fruit and fruit platters.
 Because all their desserts are homemade, you can put them on a paper doily and call them your own - shhh no one will ever know!
When only homemade will do, please visit the Dessert Creations website at www.dessert-creations.com or email Executive Errands at info@executive-errands.com and we'll get you connected.
Be sure to mention keyword "EEDC1" to receive a free half dozen cupcakes with your first order.
Executive Errands - your one stop shop for all areas of your life - home care, luxury, convenience and your sweet tooth
760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com | |
| Social Economics
Socioeconomics is the study of the relationship between economic activity and social life.
Part Two of our special Summer series called "Products, Technology and Services that Reflect the Changes in Our Lives" - is on Technology.
 We live in the most unbelievable era. Television was first invented in 1923 and it wasn't until 1953 that a colorized version was commercially available. That's 30 whole years, wow! Since the 50's, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds with the most impressive and significant inventions coming in the last 20 years.
Technology has changed the way we learn, the way we communicate and the way we interact with others. Whether it's our cultural changes driving technological improvements or technology driving our societal changes, one thing is for sure - things are happening at warp speed.
Here, in no priority sequence, are our Top 5:
 1) Internet - as a whole, the Internet has made one of the biggest impacts to civilization since the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. Type in anything - you'll find a site for it. If you're an information junkie with no time or desire to go to the library, Wikipedia.com is a favorite site offering details for just about everything - making any research project simple and fun.  2) Cell Phones, Email and Texting - It seems we've come to expect instantaneous, 24/7 availability to everyone we know, both personally and professionally. Cell phones, email and texting are how we do business. Each of these mediums allows us to work all hours of the day and night whether or not there's someone on the other side of the monitor.  3) On Line Dating - On line dating has finally found its place as an acceptable means to meeting potential mates. With our ever busier lives, on line dating offers a viable alternative. It facilitates screening of potential suitors and increases the volume of connections we can make - all while dressed in our bathrobe.
 4) Networking sites - Another form of instant communication, there are countless networking sites that allow us to keep in touch with family and colleagues right from our keyboard. We can 'talk' online or we can leave messages. If you add in a camera, you can video conference across the country, across the globe or with the room next door.
 5) Video Games & TV - With the exception of the aforementioned benefits of the Wii gaming system, most video games and television programs substitute as high tech babysitters. However more educational video games are being released daily and television is venturing into the realm of internet and telephone communication. And when you're too tired to go out for date night, you can order a recently released movie with the push of a button.
As the rabbit said "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date". Each of these inventions caters to our hurry-up existence, our lack of time and our insatiable desire for instant access to information and communication.
For items 1 - 4 in particular, there seems to be a trend toward a new form of solitude. All of these activites involve interfacing with other people, but never are we in physically the same space as the other person while we're doing them. Not sure what that means for us as a society, but thought it was an interesting correlation.
If you, or someone you know could use more time, let Executive Errands help simplify your life. 760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
| News and Updates and Misc
Executive Errands will be a regular monthly contributor to The Public Record, the Desert's business and public affairs newspaper. Our articles for The Public Record are intended to offer mentoring and motivational support for small business owners. The first article, "Transitioning from Employee to Employer", is scheduled for the August 11th edition.
Subscriptions are $59.95/yr and you get both electronic and hardcopy editions for one low price. If you're interested in staying current with local business, community growth and economic development, we hope you'll choose The Public Record. www.desertpublicrecord.com
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The August edition of the La Quinta Gem newspaper contains an Executive Errands' article about the differences between different types of new business ventures. The La Quinta Gem is provided by the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce www.lqchamber.com
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 Executive Errands is a Lane Sponsor for the Coachella Valley CAI Hula Bowl bowling tournament to be held at the Palm Springs Lanes on August 14th and we are also, in conjunction with Dessert Creations, one of the Dessert Sponsors. Bowling and Sweets - what a Treat!! If you'd like to bowl or just spectate, please contact Wendy Van Messel 760.346.1161 or Cardinal Ambrose at 760.341.0559
The August edition of the Quorum magazine for the Coachella Valley Associations Institute will contain Executive Errands' article about new trends in HOA Approved Vendor Lists.
Executive Errands is a proud member of the CAI (Community Associations Institute) and supports their efforts toward the betterment of not only individual association communities, but the Coachella Valley community as a whole. www.coachellavalleycai.org
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Executive Errands will once again provide the Concierge Service for the box seats at the Palm Desert Golf Cart parade, scheduled for October 25th. This year's theme, just announced, is 'Playground for the Stars'. This is our third year as Golf Cart Parade Concierge. If you'd like to enter a decorated Golf Cart and join in the fun, please contact Katie Slimko at 760.346.6111 Ext 305
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| Technologically Speaking
When it comes to technology, some of us are easily overwhelmed, but Executive Errands is here to ease your fears. We have Service Providers who specialize in all things technical such as:
 --Home Theater - DVR, DVD, VHS, BluRay, Satellite, Cable, wall mount, built-in, table top - just keeping the remotes identified can give you a headache. We can untangle all your cords and keep your system running smoothly
--Computers - email setup, problem resolution, database cleanup or recovery, training, new hardware, diagnostics, server support - our technicians are available for routine maintenance and emergency support
--Solar Heating & Cooling Systems - want to go green and reduce your electric or gas bills but don't  know the ins and outs of government rebates, installation requirements or maintenance? We can help
--Water management - would you like an easy way to turn off the water to your home from inside the house? We can show you how
--Seismic Gas Shut Off valves - give yourself some peace of mind and the next time the ground shudders, you won't have to
Executive Errands network of Service Providers are reliable, quality focused and customer service driven. Each of them are insured. To solve your technical problems, give Executive Errands a call 760.469.2487 or www.executive-errands.com |
Introducing...drum roll please..
 We are pleased to introduce the Executive Errands Signature Cupcake, created especially for us by Dessert Creations. Moist chocolate cake with a mint flavored buttercream frosting topped with an edible logo on a square of Ghiradelli dark chocolate mint candy and a fresh mint leaf for flair. Mmmmmm It is decadent
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Also introducing Cupcake Fridays, beginning August 14th. All orders must be placed by noon on the Wednesday before desired delivery. And local area delivery is FREE. $18/dozen
Aug 14 - Lemon Drop Cupcake with Lemon Buttercream frosting
Aug 21 - Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese frosting
Aug 28 - Happy Birthday with a Twist Cupcake - White cake with a chocolate chip cookie crust, Vanilla Buttercream frosting with Sprinkles on top
Special orders other than Cupcake Fridays are also available. Call Executive Errands at 760.469.2487 or email info@executive-errands.com to place your Cupcake Friday orders today! |
| Planning for the Holiday Season
We know, technically it might seem a little early to be thinking about the holidays, but they will be here before we know it and some plans need to be coordinated now.
Executive Errands offers assistance with all of the following:
--Holiday Decorating - commercial and private, we  can facilitate all of your lighting, wreaths, tree and garland needs.
--Parties, dinners and galas - an intimate dinner for two or two thousand, we have caterers and event planners available to make your next event spectacular and our Personal Concierges are at the ready for RSVP management, hostess assistance, setup and cleanup or just to keep the little ones out from under your feet (children or pets)
 --Transportation - a limousine makes any night out extra special but the holiday bookings fill up fast so if you want a Friday or Saturday night in December or for New Year's Eve, now is the time to get it reserved
--Primping and Prepping - would you like a facial, makeup or hair assistance in the privacy of your home before your big event? Schedule it now
--Gift Baskets - the requests for silent auction and  raffle prizes are already coming in - we have both corporate branded and personalized gift baskets to fit any budget. Contact us to find out how you can receive Season discounts
--EE Gift Certificates - this holiday or "just because", Executive Errands Gift Certificates are the one-size-fits-all gift that doesn't wilt, spoil or add to your waistline. Available in any denomination, 2 hours or more; this season, give the gift of time
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I've been exceptionally blessed this summer to have been able to spend a couple weeks of quality time with my 11 yr old grandson. Together we've had a blast and this old lady has shown him that Wii isn't just for kids. Of course sometimes I have aches and sore muscles the next day, but we don't need to tell him that!
He is truly a great kid and no matter what we've done - from the Segway tour to baking his first batch of 'from scratch' cookies to turning my fingers green (tye dye Tshirt fiasco, don't ask) - we've done it all with a significant amount of laughter.
Mark Twain said "The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter."
 If laughter had an avatar, it would look like a sorcerer's wand because laughter has magical powers. A gentle wave and you get tickled, smiling at a puppy's playful antics or your child's homemade valentine.
A broader sweep and you're laughing at a silly joke or comical incident - maybe you and your significant other mistimed a kiss and banged your noses together (ouch and yet, yes, you're laughing).
Laughter not only feels good, it can also heal sickness, break a tense moment, instill a sense of camaraderie, and turn sadness into joy.
 And if you're lucky enough to be physically touched by the Wand of Laughter, you'll find yourself collapsing into gales of deep, genuine, soul-healing, bellyaching guffaws - like what happens to anyone who sees me on the Wii Fit board, rotating my hips frantically trying to keep about a dozen imaginary hula hoops in the air. ===========================================
If you found yourself laughing at anything in this newsletter,please send send it to someone else who could benefit from a laugh today.
If you use the 'forward email' link above, we'll be able to tell you next month how many extra people we made laugh.
Executive Errands is dedicated to doing whatever we can to reduce your tasks and distractions so that you will have more time for laughter, fun and joy.
Until next month, avoid the heat, eat more cupcakes and make it a point to laugh with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Leslie Spoor 
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Executive Errands and Desert Welcome have partnered to extend our 2 hours Free 'new home buyer' gift certificates exclusively through Desert Welcome's elite Realtor Welcome program. This gift certificate will be Homeowner specific, each one individually personalized to the homeowner from the realtor in order to help make the realtor gift baskets extra special. 