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 I have absolutely no fashion sense. We're not talking about Haute Couture here; I mean simple good dressing practices for the average human being. To illustrate: My idea of good fashion is any garment that doesn't pinch, shrink or itch!
In my defense, there were no Fashionistas in my family to learn from and the first 20 years of my career were spent on manufacturing shop floors, in machine shops and running around inventory warehouses where sneakers and jeans were 'de rigueur'.
 During the next 10 years as a consultant, I tried to adopt Einstein's philosophy for dressing - wear only black and white -that way you don't have to think about it. But we live in a Technicolor world and I can tell you that wearing only black and white can ultimately lead to a bleak and boring existence.
 Men have it easy (apologies to the men reading this) especially out here in the Desert. They can wear golf clothes just about anywhere and be comfortably in style but we women do not have that luxury. The ever perplexing question: How does one dress professionally yet comfortably while running in and out of the heat all day?It's quite a conundrum. And then it hit me - I am a firm believer in the philosophy of having the right tools for the job. And 'right tools' means not only the right hammer, paint brush or roasting pan, it also means the  right service necessary to get a given job done properly.
We all have things we're good at and others we don't do so well. In some cases, we may be capable for a given task but are at an age where we'd rather hire the work done than do it ourselves.
When we look for products and services, we should consider the following:
--Is this the right size, fit, color, usage for this product?
--When I need a service, is it local? Insured? Do they provide good customer service?
--Will this product or service make my life easier?
 All of these questions are important and relevant no matter what you're trying to do. We should use products specifically designed for a given task and we should avail ourselves of the experts in their field. In this way we save ourselves time, energy and frustration.
 In my case, I hired an image consultant and she has her work cut out for her. Fortunately, she is immune to whining, complaining, tantrums and tears - all of which may come into play at some point in this transition.
So if you see me and I look good - mentally thank the image consultant. And if you see me and I don't - don't give up on me just yet - I'm a Fashionista in training!
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Executive Errands can make your life easier and make sure you have the right service for any task.
www.executive-errands.com
or call us today at 760.469.2487 |
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Our Favorite Things
Hilles Union 76
It isn't often you see a recommendation for a gas station but there's something unique about Hilles Union 76 located at 40-010 Washington St (corner of Country Club).
 What makes this station special is Jonathon Langley and his automotive repair shop. As anyone with a higher end car can attest, taking one to the dealer for service and repairs can be a costly experience.
Hilles Union 76 offers excellent repairs and service at a fraction of the dealer cost and Jonathon, with his wry sense of humor, is a joy to work with.
They offer all manner of services including routine maintenance, smog checks, repairs and everything in between. As an example of their competitive pricing, their smog checks are at least $10 less than any other posted price we've seen around the Desert.
If you or someone you know is looking for an honest and reliable automotive repair shop, check out Hilles Union 76, 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
East Meets West Catering
Executive Errands helps simplify your life and East Meets West Catering helps simplify the overwhelming number of details involved with hosting an event.
If you like personalized and exemplary Customer Service, then East Meets West's Founder and Executive Chef, Aaron Keifer fits that bill.
Aaron is personally involved in all planning and has produced a variety of gourmet events from 2 people to 2500. Based in Palm Springs, they have catered events from Bel-Air to Boston.
There is no repetition of menus or creative concepts, no boilerplate menus, or pre-set, cookie-cutter options to limit your choices. Memorable, customized events are their specialty.
East Meets West Catering offers gourmet culinary expertise for intimate dinners, personalized weddings, corporate events, social fundraisers and contractual dining, and club services.
They even offer cooking classes for adults and children! As you begin to think about your holiday parties this year, think 'East Meets West Catering'.
Executive Errands is pleased to add East Meets West Catering to our network of licensed and insured Service Providers.
For more information about East Meets West Catering, please contact Aaron at 760.285.2323 or by email at chefaaron02@yahoo.com and of course you can request their services through Executive Errands. | |
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Practical Philosophies
 Do you have a clearly defined life or business philosophy? Hanging in my office for the last 15 years is a framed list of the Entrepreneur's Ten Commandments. It was given to me by my mentor at that time and it is fondly treasured.
The author is unknown, but these ten little bullets speak volumes, encourage flexibility and change, and are the foundation of my personal and professional philosophies. Here they are, with my brief interpretation in [brackets]: 1. Come to work each day willing to be fired - [don't hold back; do your best all the time; give 100%; do 'whatever it takes'] 2. Circumvent any orders aimed at stopping your dreams - [avoid negativity; ignore naysayers; follow your heart and your passion] 3. Do any job needed to make your project work, regardless of your job description - [say 'yes' to new opportunities; become the 'go to' person; the more diversity of experience, the better your value] 4. Find people to help you - [build positive relationships; utilize field experts; participate in relevant organizations] 5. Follow your intuition about the people you choose and work only with the best - [self-explanatory] 6. Work underground as long as you can because publicity triggers the corporate immune system - [keep your ego in check; crystallize and finalize your plans before sharing them with others] 7. Never bet on a race unless you are running in it - [the only person you can control is yourself] 8. Remember it is easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission - [confidently make decisions; admit mistakes freely; be bold; reach for the stars] 9. Be true to your goals, but be realistic about the ways to achieve them - [acknowledge even small victories; think 'tortoise and hare'; utilize action plans] 10. Honor your sponsors - [maintain your integrity; remember your roots; truly appreciate the people who help you along the way]
Together, these ten commandments remind us that opportunities for success are unlimited if we are true to ourselves and the philosophy of our personal and professional lives.
If you haven't yet defined one, adopt these or formulate your own - but be sure to have a solid and well defined philosophy for yourself and your business.
Executive Errands
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Service Provider Spotlight
Preferred Plumbing, Heating & AC
This month we're adding yet another family-owned company to our network and one who has been servicing the Desert for a long time: Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. They've been providing quality service to the Coachella Valley since 1978.
What we like about Preferred is their focus on unique products and quality services. Products like tankless water heaters and the only in-home airconditioning product that both disinfects your home surfaces and kills up to 99.98% of the viruses associated with Swine Flu, Avian Bird Flu and most common colds are two items that may help protect your family from sickness.
With 24/7 emergency availability, Preferred is available for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs. They do both new construction and remodeling as well as biannual services and repairs.
Executive Errands
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Announcements....
It is with great pleasure that we announce a partnership between Albert Association Management and Executive Errands to provide Concierge and Referral services under their Corporate umbrella.
President Lori Albert is committed to making the process of operating and residing in a homeowners association as easy as possible and believes adding Executive Errands Concierge and Referral services not only helps simplify the lives of her Managers and Homeowners, but also enhances the value of their association assessments while supporting the use of local, insured companies at her properties.
We look forward to working with all of the Managers at Albert Association Management and to simplifying lives in their communities.
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Executive Errands just became a member of the Sun City Shadow Hills Merchant's Association. Merchant Association members offer discounts to the Sun City Shadow Hills Community and Executive Errands is pleased to extend a reduction off our non-member rates.
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Three ways to reach us: To better serve our homeowners, we just created a new Customer Service line - the phone number is 760.898.9604. The regular number 760.469.2487 is of course also available as is our 888.777.4771 toll free number. |
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Service Provider Spotlight
Cartwright Termite and Pest Control
Executive Errands coordinates inside access pest control for most of our clients and we are very pleased to add Cartwright Termite and Pest Control to our already expansive network of Service Providers.
 Cartwright is a family-owned company and has been in pest control for over 100 years! Wow, that's quite an accomplishment! They are a full service pest control company; licensed to operate under the Structural Pest Control Board of the State of California (Consumer Affairs) and and they hold licenses in Branch I (Fumigation), Branch II (General Pest Control) and Branch III (Termite).
In addition, Cartwright is licensed by the State of California Department of Agriculture for the purpose of treating plant and tree diseases, weed control, bird control, and wild animal control (trapping).
Whether you need monthly service, one-time bee or wasp removal, rodent protection or a termite inspection, Cartwright is the one to trust.
For more information about Cartwright, please contact Will at 760-346-6767 or email at cartmrbug38@aol.com With one simple call, we can arrange anything you need!
Executive Errands 760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com |
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Where's Mom?
It's that time of year again when adults tune into their inner child and need to be comforted. You know what we mean, aches, pains, sniffles, chills and fever - yes, it's cold and flu season.
If you find yourself stuck in bed feeling awful, we'd like to offer a special 'Mom's Comfort Package'.
Give us a call and we'll bring you a box of tissues, the OTC cold medicine of your choice, some throat lozenges, chapstick, a few trashy tabloids, and some chicken soup (or other comfort food of your choice. If you're really sick, we might even make you a grilled cheese sandwich.
This package takes 1 - 2 hours plus the cost of goodies. When you're feeling under the weather, let us make you feel pampered.
Executive Errands:
not exactly 'Mom' but a close substitute
760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
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Upcoming Events....
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 is 'Playground for the Stars'. This is our third year as Golf Cart Parade Concierge. A seat in the shade near the food and beer garden is just $10. If you'd like to reserve your seat or enter a decorated Golf Cart and join in the fun, please contact Katie Slimko at 760.346.6111 Ext 305
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The Rancho Mirage/Cathedral City Soroptimist Club (of which we are a member) is holding the annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser on November 14th at Desert Island Country Club.
 Fashions are provided by Coldwater Creek and the Master of Ceremonies is CBS2 news senior meteorologist Patrick Evans. Along with lunch and the fashion show, we'll be offering both a raffle and a Live Auction!
Proceeds from this event benefit House of Hope and other Coachella Valley charities.
This event is sure to be one of the most memorable of the Season. Cost to attend is only $45. For more information, www.holidaysinthedesert.com
If you would like to attend this worthy event, please contact Cardinal Ambrose at 760.399.2192 or by email at mcambrose@dc.rr.com
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Ho Ho Holidays!
All of us like our homes to be clean for the holidays and the first holiday we think of is Thanksgiving.
 Anyone who approves a housekeeping quote in October and schedules their home to be cleaned between November 13 and November 24 will receive a free 10-12 pound Turkey!
Yes, you read that right - a free frozen Turkey! Call as soon as you can so we can get you quoted and scheduled and so your home will sparkle for your family and friends festivities.
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One of the most beautiful times in our Desert is the holiday season. The days are gorgeous and at night the palm trees, community gates and homes are lit up everywhere.
 We are offering holiday lighting (installation, maintenance and removal) for front gates, guard shacks, palm trees and homes or any other area you'd like to reflect your holiday sentiments.
And to help make this year extra special, we are offering 10% off all proposals approved in October.
We want to brighten up your holidays - call us to schedule an onsite estimate of your decoration needs.
Executive Errands 760.469.2487
or www.executive-errands.com |
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Service Provider Spotlight
Magical Maids Housekeeping
If you are serious about housekeeping and appreciate attention to detail, then you will love our newest Service Provider, Magical Maids Housekeeping service.
Magical Maids understands what really makes a home sparkle - baseboards, ceiling fans, nooks and crannies - these are all included in their fixed price quote.
No hourly rates, no hidden costs - when they quote your home cleaning, everything is included.
Weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly cleaning packages are all available. Bring some magic into your home - Magical Maids, that is!
For more information about Magical Maids, please contact Marsha at 760-218-3942 or email at magicalmaids1@aol.com
Magical Maids, like all our Service Providers, is licensed, bonded and insured.
With one simple call, Executive Errands can arrange anything you need!
Executive Errands 760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com |
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Relevant Changes...
 You may have already heard, but effective October 24th, it will be mandatory to dial 1 before the 760 area code. This new rule is to insure a continuing supply of phone numbers. All new numbers created after November 21 will have a 442 area code.
To help you remember - Oldsmobile used to make an awesome muscle car called the 442 (and I had a 1970 - alas, wish I still did). And for those of you non-car buffs, 442 was shorthand for 4-speed transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust (who's the gearhead now?)
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 Daylight Standard Time (FALL BACK) occurs at 2 am on Nov 1. If you're like us, you can use an extra hour and this one is free! Savor that extra hour of sleep - don't forget to roll your clocks back!
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 The other day I was outside and saw a single goose flying South across the sky. Now if this was back East, I'd figure Winter was on its way, but here in the Desert and with the temperature on my patio hovering around 100 degrees, the image of that solitary goose seemed out of place.The fact of the matter is, it is October; officially the Fall season according to the Farmer's Almanac and the NFL. Fall is a time for change - the color of leaves, the clock,  heater filters, back to school wear and the end of summer television repeats.
Change is the only constant in our lives. While we don't believe in change for change sake, we do believe that one must have enough flexibility and foresight to embrace new opportunities when they present themselves. And while this is a truism for all aspects of our lives, it is particularly true in business.
Whether you work for someone else or own your own company, one of the biggest mistakes we can make is  to have a vision for greatness and then become so tied to a specific outcome, we fail to recognize new directions and opportunities when they arise.
Someone once said 'the bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you refuse to make the turn'.
As we move forward through Fall and into our Winter season, as we welcome back our seasonal guests, listen to your clients and customers. Really hear what they have to say and see if you don't find a new direction or two that will lead toward positive change and prosperity.
All your are attainable - that is, if you have the right philosophy, a positive attitude and the right outfit to wear!
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 Last month, as you know, I was lamenting the fact I can't see the numbers on raffle tickets. Lo and behold, I received an email that said "Good news. The Palm Springs Chamber mixers now feature single ticket raffles. The number is written very large on a round ticket, and everyone who buys is guaranteed to win one of the prizes. Check it out!" and it was signed 'Don'. I got a huge kick out of receiving this email!! Thank you Don, for taking the time to send it and for making my day!
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 Halloween is my favorite holiday - I love the smell of candles burning inside a pumpkin, the chance to dress up in outrageous costumes, the haunted houses, the little kids at my door - all of it. I especially like great pumpkin carvings so let's have a contest! Send in a photo of yourself with your most creative jack-o-lantern and you could win a $10 Starbucks gift card. The winning entry will be published next month. Deadline for entries is October 30th.
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 This month Executive Errands celebrates our 3rd year in business. It's been a great ride so far so as we begin our 4th year we want to say thank you, so much, to all the people who support us, the Managers who advocate for us, our friends and colleagues who believe in us.
Thank you too for embracing the concept that we can make a difference in your lives and the lives of your homeowners and friends. We love simplifying lives and you allow us to do so.
Happy Halloween!!
Sincerely,
Leslie Spoor 
760.469.2487
Thank you to all the people who take the time each month to send their comments about this newsletter. You are all very kind and we appreciate hearing from you! |
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