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March 2011
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Off to See the (colorful) Wizard...
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - The Nest
Absentee Home Care
St. Patrick's Day Recipes!
Housekeeping Special
Spring Fun
Services Spotlight - Painting
Announcement!
Announcements Part Deux
A Tisket A Tasket - We Need Baskets
Save the Date!
Don't Forget!
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Greetings!    

 

Oz MapExecutive Errands provides services to clients in all eight cities from Palm Springs to Indio.  Each of these cities has their own personality and benefits.  When I think of them though, I think of them like a map of OZ, in terms of colors.

 

Since everything is made up of energy, it is totally logical that a city would radiate the combined colors of its citizens and businesses.  But what do these colors mean?

 

Well, the simplest way to understand them is to look at the aura chart to see if the colors I "see" actually define each city.

 

In parapsychology and many forms of spiritual practice, an aura is a field of subtle, luminous radiation surrounding a person or object.  Think of the green glow around the "Emerald City" in the story of OZ. 

 

Emerald CityBefore I tell you the way I view each city, here is one stipulation - the following perceptions are mine and mine alone and are meant to be positive.  No cities were physically harmed in the process of making these interpretations! :-)

 

And by the way, even though I've always envisioned each city in color, this is the first time I've looked up what the colors mean.  So together we are discovering if the colors in my mind accurately define each city...

 

Here are my color(ful) interpretations:

 

Palm Springs (Pink) - loving, artistic, creative, female energy - Palm Springs always reminds me of an artistic community with old Hollywood glamour, theaters and excitement.  There is a feeling of small town camaraderie and sense of excitement when you visit Palm Springs.  To me it seems there are more mom & pop style boutique inns/motels there than there are in other parts of the Desert.  Each of them harken back to a simpler, more intimate and decidedly more personal time.

 

horse of a different colorCathedral City (Blue) - structure, male energy, communication- Cathedral City strikes me as a young adult trying to find its place in the world.  In my mind it is a working man's community.  Unlike Palm Springs for old world glamour or Palm Desert for commerce or Indo for events, what is Cathedral City's specialty?  For now it is building and rebuilding and reinventing itself. I can't wait to see where it ends up.

 

Rancho Mirage (White) - compassionate, spiritual, inspired  - not sure why I see Rancho Mirage in white except that it seems to be an upper end urban community with mature sophisticated people living happily together. White is also associated with the medical industry (white lab coats?) so maybe that plays a part.  However, when I think Rancho Mirage - I think older, established, chic families.

 

Oz signPalm Desert (Green) - new growth, balance, healing - Palm Desert is absolutely the heart of commerce in my mind.  When I think Palm Desert, I think retail business and working class folks.

 

Perhaps that is the El Paseo effect or the mall; I'm not sure, but I think it's much more than that.  While there is shopping all over the Desert, my perception is that Palm Desert has more entrepreneurs and businesses in general.  That may be partly due to the fact Palm Desert is in the middle of the Desert communities and thus businesses like being centralized.  No matter.  To me Palm Desert is business.

 

Indian Wells (Brown) - grounding, down to earth, practical, male energies - This is totally Indian Wells - mature, quiet, settled, elegant. There is definitely an overall male feeling in Indian Wells.  Like Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells is an upper end urban community.  Less families, more prominent couples, if that makes sense.

 

GlindaLa Quinta (Yellow) - mental alertness, analytical thought, happiness, optimism, child-like - Young families, young adults (when I say "young" that could mean anyone under 50 or anyone with a youthful mentality), fun, vacation.  That's what I think when I think La Quinta.  It is a beautiful, light, happy city.  There is great shopping here too, but unlike Palm Desert, many of the businesses here seem to be formula box type stores rather than entrepreneurial.  I always feel happy when I'm in La Quinta.

 

Bermuda Dunes (Red) - determination, change resistant, raw passion - technically not a city, I see Bermuda Dunes as an island of quiet, working class homes with a cool airport for added interest. 

 

oz logoIndio (Orange) - physical pleasure, emotional self-expression, creativity, lacking self-discipline, vitality - if you've ever been to Coachella Fest or Stagecoach, you might agree with the 'lacking self-discipline' characteristic associated with Orange J  But seriously, Indio is alive. Accurately self-appointed as the festival capital of the Desert, there is so much to do and see in Indio. On any given weekend there could be a car show or a fair or music or tamales - something for everyone.

 

 

There you have it:  My color perceptions for each city. Turns out the colors in my mind were fairly on target.  Not exactly OZ, but interesting just the same and you didn't even have to click your ruby slippers together to visit!

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Executive Errands - happily viewing the world in technicolor - we'll simplify your life and help make your dream of carefree living come true www.executive-errands.com  760.469.2487

Our Favorite Things...
 

The Nest

The NestWith reluctance, we tell you that one of our most favorite places in the Desert is The Nest restaurant and bar.  We are reluctant to tell you this because it is so much fun and it is already so packed we're not sure it needs more publicity at this point.

 

Still, in the spirit of sharing, we have to tell you The Nest is a blast!  It has been in the Desert since 1965 and is a favorite among locals.  An older crowd enjoys happy hour but as the evening progresses, the demographics change and truly you'll see all ages enjoying the great music played there.

 

One of the things we especially like is that The Nest is a showcase for local vocal talent.  There is the guy who sounds exactly like Neil Diamond and the one who does Michael Jackson songs and others who sing everything from Frankie Vallei to Gladys Night to Elton John.  We love it!

 

the nest 2We haven't had dinner there yet, but we understand the menu is varied and contains options representing every continent of the World.

 

The Nest is located at 75-188 Highway 111 in beautiful Indian Wells.  They open for dinner.  On Sundays, Happy Hour prices are in effect all night.

 

We hope you'll visit The Nest - one of our favorite places!

 

["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!!!]
Feel at Ease...
Leave Us Your Keys!
 

Key photoIt's that time again - when our seasonal residents are beginning to think about returning to their summer home and thoughts turn to care and maintenance of these, their winter homes.

 

When you entrust your home to someone, it should be a professional, someone who knows how to care for your home, someone who knows what to do in case of an emergency and someone who can be depended upon to show up when they say they will.

 

That's what you get with Executive Errands Absentee Home Care service.  We use our 30+ point checklist for consistency in our weekly checks.  We act on your behalf.  We tend to repairs and routine maintenance to keep your home in tip-top condition.

 

We make sure you have the same person in your home week to week and all activities at your home are visible online via our website.  With affordable plans and competitive prices, we are here at your service.  Executive Errands is not a franchise so we can tailor a plan that suits your specific needs.

 

housekeysFrom the curb to the backyard, we provide all manner of services and monitoring.  Whether you use our pool company or another, we monitor the pool through the summer.  Likewise for gardening services.  Need the AC serviced? The patios pressure washed?  The windows and house cleaned?  What about carpet cleaning?  Or handyman services? Or pest control?

 

We do all that and more so you'll never have to worry about home care again.

 

For more information about our Absentee Home Care services please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 760.469.2487
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
 
Guiness Stew

Guinness Stew 

As an alternative to corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick's Day, why not try a hearty Beef & Irish Stout Stew with Colcannon.  Both are traditional Irish dishes and a delicious way to celebrate!

  

Beef & Irish Stout Stew

 

Ingredients:

  

  • 2 pounds lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups Irish stout beer (such as Guinness�)
  • 2 cups chopped carrot
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Toss the beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dredge the beef in this to coat.

 

Happy St PatsHeat the remaining oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef, and brown on all sides. Add the onions, and garlic. Stir the tomato paste into a small amount of water to dilute; pour into the pan and stir to blend. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

 

Pour 1/2 cup of the beer into the pan, and as it begins to boil, scrape any bits of food from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This adds a lot of flavor to the broth. Pour in the rest of the beer, and add the carrots and thyme. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

 

Colcannon:

 

Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
  • 1/4 cup milk, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

 

Colcannon

Colcannon

About 30 minutes before the stew is ready, make the colcannon: Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.

 

Place the cabbage into a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on High for about 2 1/2 minutes; uncover (watch out for steam) and stir the cabbage. Cover and microwave for about 2 1/2 more minutes, until the cabbage is slightly tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid, and set the cabbage aside, covered.

 

Place the potatoes into a large bowl, and add milk, butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Beat the potatoes with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cabbage, crumbled bacon, and parsley until well combined.

 

To serve, place a scoop of Colcannon onto a plate, make a hollow, and fill with Beef & Irish Stout stew.  YUMMY!

 

Executive Errands at 760.469.2487 or 760.898.9604  www.executive-errands.com 

Housekeeping Special Promotion!
  

 

How would you like to have someone else do your housekeeping?  For the month of March we are offering a two hour introductory clean for new clients at just $79.95!

 

housekeepingThis is a special offer to allow you to try out our housekeeping service.  You have two choices for this two hour special:

 

1.  The housekeepers will do a light housekeeping, dusting, vacuuming and mopping of the whole house

  

2.  You can customize the two hours to attack what is important for you - i.e. clean kitchen and baths only or bedrooms only or focus on problem areas like refrigerators.

 

For either option, you and the housekeepers will decide what is to be accomplished in this two hour period.  Once agreed, they will complete the project even if they go over the allotted time.  How can you lose?

 

Our housekeeping service is licensed, bonded and insured, all English speaking and they do the best job we've ever seen.  They clean all of our residential and commercial projects.

 

For a referral or to schedule your housekeeping introduction, please contact us at [email protected] or 760.469.2487  

Spring Fun - Between Friends
  

Messy ClosetDo you get tired of the clothes in your closet?  Yes, we do too.  Here is a fun and innovative way to refresh your wardrobe without spending any money.

 

Get one (or several) of your friends together and ask them to bring all the clothes they no longer wear.  You take theirs and they take yours.  Voila~ a new wardrobe!

 

It's easier if you go to the home of the person swapping clothes because then they can go through their closet and make several piles.  We did this recently and our piles were: 

 

1. Donate to local charity

2. Trash (don't judge, we all have items we've kept too long)

3. Trade

 

clothesIt's the Trade pile that creates the fun.  My girlfriend and I just did this, taking one day at her house and another at mine, but you could certainly make an afternoon party out of it with several friends, some snacks and a bottle of wine or soft drinks. 

 

It was amazing how much stuff we either never wore or didn't want any longer.

 

In the end, we both ended up with a large amount of 'new' clothes and we had a ball in the process.  AND it was cathartic to get rid of so much clutter (a lot of clothes went to charity).

 

A variation on this theme includes accessory swaps (costume jewelry, belts, handbags and the like).

 

Take the time to go through your closets and drawers - you'll be glad you did!

 
Services Spotlight: Painting 101  

 

Venetian PlasterHave you started planning your spring cleaning and home updates?  If so, we'd like to remind you about our wide array of painting services.  Nothing brightens and freshens a room or home more quickly than a fresh coat of paint!

 

From faux finishes to venetian plaster, from crown molding to baseboards, interior, exterior, residential and commercial - we can satisfy all your painting & finishing needs.

 

Other services include stucco repair and drywall patching, cabinet refacing and altering a wall's finish from smooth to textured or vice versa.  

 

If you have damage from sprinklers hitting the exterior of your home, we can repair it then waterproof those areas to prevent future problems.

 

PaintSometimes color can be intimidating; that's why our painting contractor offers color consultations and color design so your home will perfectly reflect your own mental imagery.

 

Our painting contractor is licensed, bonded and insured and uses the lowest VOC paint products on the market.  Not only is that good for your lungs, it's also good for the planet.

 

We do residential, multi-family home and commercial applications.  Call to schedule an estimate or for a referral.  760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com

 
Announcement!
  
certifiedExecutive Errands President, Leslie Spoor, just attained the Certified Concierge Specialist (CCS) designation from the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management organization (ICLMA).

There are less than 20 CCS certified people in the whole industry.  Obtaining this professional designation is challenging as there are many requirements including:

--You must have a legitimate and properly licensed Concierge business for more than 3 years

--You must complete a minimum of 20 hours of ICLMA authorized continuing education per year

--You must participate in a minimum of 20 hours of community service per year

--You must have at least two client testimonials as to the quality and professionalism of your services

--You must act as a world-wide ambassador for the ICLMA which includes publishing articles about Concierge services, promoting the ICLMA and supporting the industry

ICLMA CCS

760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com

Announcements Part Deux....

Executive Errands FINALLY received its trademark, denoting the words 'Executive Errands' with the double E icon as a protected image.  Hooray!  It's been a long time coming!
  
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We're launching a new advertising campaign, our first real advertising effort in more than four years! We are doing a billboard, a magazine page and some email blasts.
  
Billboard

Our billboard

  
This campaign is designed to promote our Absentee Home Care services for the coming summer.  Nearly all of our existing AHC clients end up using us year 'round for laundry, shopping, home maintenance, personal assistance and other activities.
  
As a true Concierge service we are able to tend to all the needs of our clients and their homes, from end to end.  No matter what is needed, we can get it done.
 
To get your quote for Absentee Home Care or any of our Concierge services, please call 760.469.2487
 
Client testimonials are available on our website at  www.executive-errands.com
 
The first billboard will be up March 7th on Dinah Shore near the Westin.  Be sure to drive by!
  
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Terra LagoTerra Lago, in Indio, just implemented Executive Errands Concierge Services for their community.  A Merit managed property, the BOD there recognized the value of adding Concierge soft services and the way it increased the standard of living in their community.
  
Every call so far from Terra Lago homeowners includes these same seven words: "We're so happy to have this service!".  Thank you Terra Lago - we're happy to provide it for you!
  
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sandpiperSandpiper, in Palm Desert, just implemented Executive Errands Concierge Services for their community.  An Albert Management property, the BOD there also agreed adding Concierge soft services was of benefit to their homeowners.  We're so happy to include Sandpiper in our circle of communities. 
  
  
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If you are a Manager who thinks your Board would like to increase the standard of living in your community (without adding cost or administration for the HOA) please contact us at [email protected] or at 760.469.2487 and we'll provide information for your next Board packet!
An Open Call for..... Baskets!

Are you like me and find yourself hoarding baskets? You know how it is; they come with flowers or gifts and they are so nice you just hate to throw them away only to find they are taking over your closets or garage?

BasketsWell if you'd like to donate them for a good cause, give us a call.  We need baskets for staging charitable events.  Often the charity has collected lots of donated items for their silent or live auctions, but need a way to present them.

That's where baskets come in.  Those donated items can be staged any number of ways in beautiful baskets and containers of all shapes and sizes.

If you have baskets in good condition that you'd like to donate, please call us at 760.469.2487 and we'll arrange for pickup

www.executive-errands.com
Save the Date...
desert derbyThe Palm Desert Soroptimist club is hosting their Dessert Derby on March 16th at the Indian Wells Country Club from 11 am to 2 pm

This is a fun and fantastic event and one not to be missed!  The always enjoyable Patrick Evans, CBS 2 Senior Meteorologist is emcee for this event. 

Enjoy a delicious luncheon, vote for your favorite cake then bid for it and perhaps you'll take a cake, an auction item or maybe you'll win an opportunity drawing.  At just $55, this is a great value with all of the profits going to House of Hope and other local charities.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Connie Cameron 760.345.7299
 
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Soroptimist logoThe Cathedral City - Rancho Mirage Soroptimist
Spring Fling fundraiser is scheduled for April 9, 2011 at the Classic Club in Palm Desert.


 

The club is planning a Boutique Sale event where each member will showcase their particular hobby, talent, craft or business.

Even if you're not a member, you may be able to showcase your special goods along with us.  Just contact us for more information.

house of hopeAs always, the CC-RM Soroptimist club raises funds for House of Hope and other desert charities.

Mark your calendars now and keep an eye out for more information.

If you'd like to attend a club meeting to see if you might like to become a member, please let us know. A really great group of women participate in this club.  

Please call at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487  www.executive-errands.com
Don't Forget...

 

1)  If you enjoy this newsletter, then this is a reminder that all of our newsletters are available at our archive by clicking here: EE Newsletter Archive
  
2)  As always, both client testimonials and newsletter testimonials are available on our website at www.executive-errands.com

 

3)  If you'd like an electronic copy of our Homeowner Reference Brochure, please give us a call at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487
 
4)  Please use the 'Forward' button below when sharing this newsletter with friends and colleagues.  Last month we wrote about a company, someone liked it and sent it to that company's Corporate offices in St. Louis, which then sent it back to the local company! We had no idea until the local company contacted us to say 'thank you'.  We love that the newsletter gets shared with so many people, but we can't track that sharing unless you use the 'Forward' button.  Thank YOU for sharing!!

EE IconHere's a St. Patrick's Day pop quiz:  When you view our logo, what do you see?  Is it a shamrock?  Nope.  Look closely, you will see it:  It's two E's facing each other!  Aaahhh there it is!  Cool, huh?

And since green is my favorite color, choosing the logo color was a no-brainer - besides, subliminally green elicits a feeling of prosperity, wealth, happiness and success.  Color those feelings with the idea of a shamrock... and, well, there is a method to my madness, eh?

Color is a very important influencer and when used properly can really aid your marketing efforts.  Some common ones:  Reds and oranges encourage appetite and hasten people.  That's why most fast food restaurants utilize both of these colors. 

Greens are soothing and suppress appetite so if you want to slow yourself down, paint your dining room or kitchen green.  Likewise blues should be used where you need calm, such as bedrooms or offices.

For a decent overview on the psychology of colors, visit The Psychology of Color

(*note: we have no affiliation with Precision Intermedia or its website and are not promoting their services - we just like their color definitions)

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CValleyI love living in the Desert with its influx of seasonal residents and its perfect weather, the amazing golf courses and the gorgeous mountains.  I love the contrast between the palm trees and the snow caps.  And I love how the energy here is so vibrant and the atmosphere so resort-like.

If I were to walk down a yellow brick road, I would hope it would lead to a community such as we have here.  Not just because I already live here, but because each and every one of our Desert cities brings their own colorful life and joy to our experiences.

 

Dorothy said it best when she said 'there's no place like home' and I would have to agree.  It doesn't take a Wizard to recognize that...

 

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
 

Leslie Spoor, CCS
 
President, Executive Errands
 

760.469.2487 
 
We value our clients' privacy.  Therefore we do not, distribute your email address to anyone, ever.

 
  
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