EE Logo
June 2011
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Oh, To Get Away....
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - Palm Desert Patch
You Go Play - We'll Get the Work Done
Before Making Travel Plans
Vacation Pakcing Dos and Don'ts
Staycations
Just for Fun - iPad and iPhone Apps
Charitable Updates
Don't Forget
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Greetings!    

 

vacation daysAre you planning a vacation this summer?  When was the last time you took one?  If you are planning to get away, will you take work with you in the form of an iPad, iPhone or laptop?  Or will you 'just say no' to work and truly get away?

In Europe, August is 'holiday' month with many companies shutting down while their employees take the entire month off.  Here in America we're lucky if we take a full long weekend away.

Time away from work is critical to our overall wellbeing.  Most experts agree vacations are necessary to prevent burnout, reduce stress and increase creativity.  Plus, spending leisure time away with loved ones improves relationships and creates memories that last a lifetime.

When my daughters were young - in fact from the time they were 8 & 9 until about 16 - we took what were affectionately called 'rocks and trees' vacations.  Each summer we drove around the Western US visiting National Parks, stopping for 'hysterical' (historical) markers, taking the back roads and wandering from place to place.

travel mapWe rarely made any reservations - we simply decided a direction or at least one specific place to visit, then we headed out.  Some days we drove 500 miles and others it was just a few; distance depended on whether we saw something interesting to stop for.  Many times we got the last motel room in a town and occasionally we had to stay at a budget-breaking high end hotel, but the flexibility and adventure was well worth it.

One year it was Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Monument.  The next it was the Grand Canyon.  Yet another was Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  My daughters have been to the Sequoias, Yosemite, Yellowstone, both the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains and the Tetons.  They've been as high as 12,000 feet elevation and underground in caves. 

They've panned for gold at Sutter's Mill, enjoyed the history of Donner Pass, seen Tucson's Boot Hill, oohed and ahhed at Little Big Horn, seen actual petro glyphs, followed the Oregon Trail and learned about dinosaurs at Dinosaur National Park.

archesThey've enjoyed the beauty of Sedona, Brice, Zion, the Snake River in Idaho, Durango Colorado, seen wild buffalo come up to the car and traveled old Route 66. They've been all over California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota and Montana.

We enjoyed all sorts of Indian culture on our adventures too.  We learned about Hopi's, Navajo's, Pierce, Apache, Comanche and cliff dwellers.  It was amazing!  And the animals - there were prong horn antelope, prairie dogs, javelina, bear, deer, rabbits, moose, snakes, hawks, eagles, armadillos and my favorite, the jackalope.   Ok, so we almost had the girls convinced jackalopes were real!

And you know what?  Those were the absolute best vacations anyone could have.  We laughed and told stories and sang songs and learned about history and nobody had an electronic device to bury their nose into.  One time my eldest got a mild case of altitude sickness and we laughed until we cried.  That's because altitude sickness makes you silly and drunk-acting.  She was about 12 at the time.

That daughter is now 32.  In the last 16 years since we stopped taking 'rocks and trees' vacations, I've only been away on a true vacation three times and two of those were just long weekends.  I think those statistics are true for many of us.  We just don't make 'rest' a priority.

hammockRest is important and we all should make time for it.  Did you know there are studies that indicate that after as little as three days away, physical complaints and recuperative sleep improve dramatically?  And what about the people who forget about work, have a lot of fun and completely relax?  Well it seems those improvements continued for as long as five weeks after the vacation.

I personally was shocked to realize there have been so few and so far between my own vacations - time marches by so quickly.  This year I'm really going to try to plan something, to go somewhere relaxing and 'just say no' to my own workload. 

How about you?  What are your summer plans? Where do you plan to go?  How do you plan to relax this year?

===================================================================

When you're ready to leave for vacation, Executive Errands will monitor and care for your home in your absence - whether you're gone for a long weekend or for several weeks at a time.  www.executive-errands.com  760.469.2487

Our Favorite Things...Palm Desert Patch


PatchDo you want to be 'in the know' on the local happenings around town?  Interested in arts and leisure or looking for a job close to home?

Then sign up for Palm Desert Patch!  A FREE local website all about Palm Desert.  And don't be too quick to stop reading this if you live in a different part of the Desert because there is info here for those of us from all cities.

The thing we love most about Palm Desert Patch is that it is emailed to your inbox each day.  If there is breaking news, you may get a second email, but that happens rarely.  Each morning you can scan to read local news, events and happenings.

If you'll be taking a 'staycation' this year, rather than an away vacation, the events calendar should help you find activities to make your stay more fun!  Palm Desert Patch is fantastic!!

We've checked and so far have not been able to find a 'Patch' for La Quinta or Palm Springs or any of our other desert cities, so if you know of one, please pass it along.  In the meantime, consider signing up for Palm Desert Patch

To sign up, please visit  http://palmdesert.patch.com/news and click on 'get the patch'.  Enter your email address and you're all set!  (note there is no www in the address). 

When you sign up, you should receive the email with a calendar for what's happening for that particular day.  Occasionally, some subscribers may find the email you receive contains the calendar for the day before you receive it, just email Patch and they'll correct it so you receive current info.

Patch Logo2

Palm Desert Patch is always looking for writing contributers and bloggers.  For more information, please contact the owner, Jessica E. Davis, at [email protected] 

You may also follow Palm Desert Patch on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/PalmDesertPatch

Stay 'in the know'!  Try Palm Desert Patch.... 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!!!]
You Go Play... We'll Get the Work Done...

vacationWhile you're away on vacation, Executive Errands can tend to all your home maintenance needs.  Want some remodeling done? We can provide the oversight.  Want deep spring cleaning? We can get it done. Need to get approval by your architecture committee for proposed property enhancements?  Let us help you with the process. 
 
We can help simplify your life by completing your 'to do' list while you're away relaxing and enjoying yourself.  You'll come back to a home that is ready to go!
  

Did you know we can assist you with the following?

  • Roof - inspections, repairs, re-roof
  • Lighting - entire community lighting maps & maintenance
  • Massage - in home, aaahhhh
  • home maint checkRemodeling and new construction
  • Blind and Shutter repair
  • Window cleaning
  • Housekeeping
  • AC maintenance
  • Pool and Landscape maintenance
  • New Draperies and Blinds
  • Cleaning of Draperies and Blinds at your home
  • Installation of Canadian Satellite TV
  • Retractable Awnings, Sail Shade Awnings
  • Custom patio furniture and outdoor kitchen covers
  • Large and small scale remodeling and construction
  • Catering - large and small affairs
  • VHS, 8mm and audio tape conversions to DVD and CD
  • Home theater systems
  • Small wedding or party planning - turnkey programs

 

The list is endless. 

 

licensedNo matter what you might need, no matter how big or small the job, we have licensed, insured and local service providers who provide high quality customer service and who are readily available to support your needs.

 

If you're not here in the Desert over the summer, but want to get quotes or have some of this work performed, we can assist you with that too.  For just $75/year, Executive Errands will hold your keys*

 

That way, when you want or need us to provide occasional access, we'll do so and only bill you concierge time as expended.  No fuss, no muss, no membership fees, no monthly minimums and you have someone local you may call to run errands or provide access to your home. 

 

EE print adYou may even add Executive Errands as the first call for your security system, as long as we have your keys.

 

The next time you add a task to your 'to do' list, think Executive Errands.  We're here for you and we will coordinate, facilitate or refer you to just the right service for your particular need.

 

For more information:  www.executive-errands.com 760.469.2487

 

*Yearly key holding fees allow someone local to have a set of your keys.  All concierge efforts are billed as incurred at non-member rates or the rates in effect for your particular community

Before Making Your Travel Plans...
 
Customs

The heat of our Desert summer is almost upon us and is the primary time when many of us consider travel.  If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need a valid passport.  If you already have one, when was the last time you checked its expiration date?

 

If you're like most people who travel occasionally, it could be years since you last actually looked to see when your passport expires. Turns out, they technically expire every ten years, but if it's less than 15 years old, you should be able to renew it easily.

 

PassportA form is available online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html(again, no www).  This is a secure government website where you can fill out a form, print it, sign it and send in your fees to renew your passport.

 

If this will be the first time you'll be applying for a passport, you can do it at this same site, but be aware that effective April 1st of this year, all birth certificates must include the full name of both birth parents and as always, your birth certificate must be an officially certified copy.

 

In addition, heightened security measures make getting a passport a lengthy process.  In order to avoid expedite fees, apply well in advance to be sure you'll be ready to leave for the vacation of your dreams.

 

Dept SealThis website, published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, also provides information about traveling abroad, what to do in the event of a travel emergency and other helpful travel tips.

 

Whether you travel occasionally or frequently, this is an important website to bookmark.  Have fun this summer and if you need any help making travel arrangements, please contact Executive Errands at www.executive-errand.com or by phone 760.898.9604

Vacation Packing Dos and Don'ts...
 
suitcase layering

Put something soft under the bottom layer too

After travelling every week for ten years, one thing we know how to do for sure is pack a suitcase.  One thing you may not have noticed, is that baggage handlers always transport luggage upside down.  They do this to keep wheels from catching in the conveyor belts.  That means your luggage needs to be packed tightly and with the softest items near the lid. 

Here are some easy tips, tricks and make sure you do (or don't) when packing your luggage for vacation:

 

--When packing clothes, try to stick to a similar color scheme so items can do double duty and it is better to take several light items you can layer for warmth than it is a single bulky item. Also, try to limit shoes to no more than three pairs.  Wear the bulkiest pair on the airplane and pack the other two (sandals, flip flops, evening shoes)

 

suitcase too full--Those plastic space bags you can use to remove air and 'dehydrate' your clothes work great but use them sparingly - they can be extra heavy when packed with too many clothes and may cost you extra in baggage weight fees

 

--Check your cell phone - will it work where you're going? And if so, do you know what the roaming charges are?  It is a waste of typing to tell you to leave it home and enjoy a 'telephone free' vacation, but at least know how much it's going to cost you to ask 'can you hear me now?'

 

--Don't take a lot of liquids.  The TSA doesn't like it and nearly anything you need can be bought at your destination.  If it's just a short trip, then by all means, take the travel sizes, but otherwise get it when you get there.


ziplock--However, when you absolutely must have your own makeup or shampoo or favorite cologne, then put EVERYTHING liquid, gel, or spray into ziplock bags.  If something is too big to fit in a ziplock, then put two on it, one from each end.  Trust us on this.  The first time the lid comes off your hairspray and your entire suitcase is covered in stiff sticky goo (yesss it happens), will be the last time you travel without ziplock baggies. 

 

And in this same vein, always pack bottles or containers with sprayer heads facing toward the center of the suitcase. That way, if the lid does come off, the nozzle won't get pressed against the edge of the suitcase and force it to discharge all its contents (yessss this happens too).

 

--Always pack a rollup or expandable bag.  You're going on vacation.  You're sure to purchase souvenirs and your suitcase won't be able to bring it all back.  An extra bag solves the problem.

 

ship bags--Consider shipping your bags in advance of your arrival.  Airlines have gotten crazy with baggage fees so it may well save you money.  In addition, you should have less worry about loss or theft and you'll get through the airport faster

 

--Always carry medical prescriptions and extra glasses or contacts on board with you.  If your flight is cancelled or delayed after check-in, there will be no access to your bags until you eventually reach your destination - even if you're stuck staying in a hotel overnight before your next flight.

 

--If you're going to a foreign country, educate yourself on their electrical requirements and either take an adapter (if needed) or leave electronics behind. Horrible things can happen without the proper adapters.

 

If you follow these simple dos and don'ts you're packing should be a breeze and your vacation more enjoyable.  And if we can help in anyway - arranging transportation to or from the airport, picking up or shipping luggage, shipping something you forgot - Just give Executive Errands a call.  We're your Concierge Service!  www.executive-errands.com  760.469.2487


Staycations - A Local Vacation

StaycationWe live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, yet sometimes we forget to appreciate it.  While Palm Springs used to be known as the 'it' destination, now Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indio - in fact all our desert cities - are the destinations for many many people.

If you can't get away from the desert this summer, perhaps you'll consider a staycation.  Many of our local hotels offer great summer rates and once you're on property, you will feel like you are away at the most lush tropical location - especially when you enjoy their spa services and fine dining options. 

Some of these great resorts include the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian WellsLa Quinta Resort, Desert Marriott in Palm Desert, the Westin in Rancho Mirage and Rancho Las Palmas Resort also in Rancho Mirage.

Staycation ActivitiesIf you want a more casual experience, The Spring in Desert Hot Springs (click here for website) offers fantastic spa services and the most luxurious natural hot spring pool and jacuzzi we've ever experienced. 

When the weather gets too hot, you might consider some of our other local summer options:

Starry Night Adventures (click here for website) offers nighttime off road jeep trips, moonlight hikes and wildlife tours.  Summer nights around here are fantastic.

The Living Desert now offers Starry Safari overnights where you get to tour the zoo after dark, have a campfire, roast marshmallows and tell stories. They even provide the tents!  (Living Desert web link)

Always a favorite, if you want to get away from the heat during the day, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is fun and exciting (tram website)

For a wet and cooler day, Knotts Soak City is great fun for families and there are often season ticket discounts available (Knotts website)

For more information or if you'd like Executive Errands to help you plan a fantastic Staycation, please call us at760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487 

Just for Fun....

 

If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you probably have a lot of fun finding apps.  We want to spend the next few months sharing great Apps so if you have one, send it to us at [email protected] and we'll share it here.
  
aroundmeFor this month, we're recommending Aroundme - it's an amazing FREE App that offers locations and contact info for all sorts of services around your current location. 
  
This is especially helpful when you're on vacation in an unfamiliar city.  Aroundme tells you the closest gas station, hospitals, supermarkets, theaters - even the weather... just about anything you might want to find.  
  
This App is available for iPhone - we downloaded the iPhone App to the iPad and just used the "x2" button to make it fit the iPad screen.  Thank you Jerry for sharing this App with us!
  
Check out Aroundme  -  Simple. Helpful. Cool.

 

======================================================

 

Gas BuddyOne more App that might prove helpful for your traveling this summer - Gas Buddy.  This FREE App allows you to locate gasoline service stations near you, wherever you are, and will tell you how much the gas costs so you can choose the least expensive option. 
  
It also tells you the distance to each station and provides a map for your convenience. 
  
Never overpay for gas again! Well, don't overpay if there's a less expensive station nearby!
  
Gas Buddy is available for iPhone but is iPad compatible with the x2 feature.  Check out Gas Buddy.... it pays to save!
Charitable Updates...
  
Soroptimist logoThe Cathedral City - Rancho Mirage (CC-RM) Soroptimist Club asks you to mark your calendar for Saturday, November 19th - our 17th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon is slated for that day.

We'll be holding it at the Westin in Rancho Mirage and our theme this year is Winter Wonderland.  We'll be honoring Ms. Lisa Huston of FIND Food Bank for her great work to help end hunger here in the desert.

This promises to be another amazing event and your support is needed to help make it a success.  Please 'save the date'!
  
=====================================================================
  
coobookWe still have several CC-RM cookbooks available.  If you're local to the desert, $20 gets you a beautiful and touching Best for Women cookbook filled with both delicious recipes and inspirational poems about women. 
  
If you'd like one shipped to you, the cost is $25 for the cookbook and to cover shipping, handling and packaging.  Profit from these cookbooks goes to the Soroptimist Service Fund.  Just one more way you can help local charities!
  
Please contact us to order one!  [email protected] or 760.469.2487
  
====================================================================
  
Executive Errands is helping to collect snacks, toiletries and other items desperately needed by our deployed Armed Forces.  There are two ways you can support the troops and this effort:
  
1.  You can collect your own items off the list below, call Executive Errands and we'll pick them up and get them to the shipping point
  
2.  You can donate cash towards this effort and Executive Errands will donate the time to go shopping to fill the list
  
Uncle SamWe have an extremely soft spot for the military and know you do too.  Let's send them a little piece of home.  The deadline for this project is fast approaching.  Please contact us on or before June 14th at 760.469.2487 to pickup your items or to go shopping for you!
  

Here is the list of items the troops need:

  

Baby Wipes, Toilet Paper, Granola Bars, Power Bars, Dried Fruit, Raisin, Nuts, Small Canned Tuna or Chicken, Presweetened Powdered Gatorade, Crystal Light, (individual size) Small Handheld or Travel Size Games, DVD's, CD's, Magazines, Newspaper Comics, Athletic

Socks, Neck Cooler Ties, AA & AAA Batteries, Beef Jerky (Individual snack size) Trail mix, Pop Tarts, Individual Snack Items, Small Jars of Peanut Butter & Jelly, Potato Chips (in cylinder cans), Crossword, Word Search, Sudoku, Puzzle books, Paperback Novels, Stationery Items, Pens, Blank Cards, Lip Balm, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Cotton Swabs, Q-Tips, Pipe Cleaners and Letters of Appreciation!

Don't Forget...

 

EE Icon

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

AntsClarence Day (American Humorist, Writer 1874 - 1935) is quoted as saying "The ant is knowing and wise, but he doesn't know enough to take a vacation".

Our society has become like the ant - head down, trudging along, working, working, ever working.  Somehow we seem to have lost our ability to have fun.  Maybe that statement is too broad and all encompassing but at least within my own sphere of experience, for most of my friends it's all work and no play.  And that includes me.

I often dream of a world where people work (and children go to school) on a 3 month on, 1 month off schedule.  Wouldn't that be heavenly?  Imagine how much more relaxed, happier and energetic people would be.  Instead of parents worrying about what to do with their children during the long summer months and the younger children forgetting most of what they learned the prior year, together as a family they would be able to create memories and strengthen their relationships.

Life is all about choices and the best thing we can do for ourselves is choose to avoid the daily drama (or at least recognize it for what it is - temporary and distracting) and instead, choose to do activities we will remember 10 or 20 years from now.  RelaxIt's all about making relaxation a priority.

As we head into the summer months, I challenge you to take a week and do nothing.  Or if you must do something, go explore ancient architecture or water ski or hike through a beautiful canyon.  Get outdoors.  Take a nap.  Have at least one drink that includes an umbrella and a piece of fruit. Lay in a hammock and read a book (even if the book is on your iPad).  Whatever is relaxing and fun for you - I say go for it.  Make the time.  Not just take it, but MAKE it.  Life is to be lived and enjoyed.  Let's all do more of that.

Have a wonderful June.  Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.  Thank you to my loyal and faithful readers and thank you to all the realtors, clients, friends, and colleagues for all their referrals this year so far.  We are growing like crazy and it's all because of you!

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.

 
  
                                  Find us on Facebook  Logo ICLMA
             

  

 
               Our Motto:  Any job, big or small, do it right or not at all! 

EE Logo