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April 2014
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Clearing Out Clutter... 
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - PB2
Safety First
Chocolate & Caramel
Money & Time Saving Apps
Summer Projects
Events & News
Summer Projects
Social Media for Business
Concierge Business Solutions Updates
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
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I've been on a mission - one of my colleagues, Montreal Errand Runners (www.montrealrunner.com) calls it the 

TKO - Toss, Keep or Out-the-Door....



After a year and a half in this home, somehow the closets and drawers and cupboards have become
congested with 'stuff'.  And all that stuff makes me feel stressed and suffocated.  Seriously.  I find myself
antsy and tense; in the back of my mind, no matter what else I'm doing, I keep thinking -
clear out the space, clear out the space.....

 

Not my actual closet 

It's maddening.  So a couple weekends ago I tore myself away from the computer and made myself clean out the closet.  It was so cathartic!  In addition to all the bags of stuff for donation , there is space once again in my closet (and my clothes are back arranged by color - don't judge!).

 

The older I get, the more I feel the need to declutter my life.   I want space.  And it seems lately there is an urgent need to create space in my life.  Not sure for what... more clients?  More money?  A relationship?  Who knows?  All I know is I must create the space.

 

Likewise, in business, we also have clutter and it is represented via our calendar as too many appointments and commitments with very little time for a breath in between.   

 

When our schedules are over cluttered, we may feel irritable, suffer a loss of productivity and efficiency, experience feelings of resentment, and find we are living in a constant state of stress.

 

Dr. Richard Swenson, author of Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, suggests creating margin in our appointment 'books'.  He defines margin as "the space that exists between us and our limits.  It is something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations."  

 

Or simply put, margin is the white space between tasks and appointments on our calendars.

 

I understand about margins and consciously try to leave Mondays and Fridays as my 'white space'; planning not to schedule anything into those days unless it is absolutely necessary.  And while it is a rare instance when either day ends up clear, at least the time is available for last minute requests for meetings or paperwork catchup.  

 

Some theories suggest our calendars represent our values and that the way we schedule and use our time reflects the way we live our life.  When looking at it from that perspective, I can see the chaos that threatens to destroy my sanity (teasing!).

 

In all seriousness, too many of us shuffle our own plans around to accommodate the needs of others.  Yes, I know ours is a business dedicated to the needs of others and we are very happy about doing so. 

 

And yet, there is nothing wrong with setting a few boundaries especially if you try to cram too many things in the same day just to accommodate a last minute request. There has to be a balance; otherwise you'll find you've forgotten your own needs. 

 

What are your own priorities?  Can you schedule those in?  Maybe you need more 'me' time.  It is imperative to schedule time for yourself so you can renew your mental batteries.

 

There is a saying that goes something to the effect of, 'there is always enough time to do what you think is important'. And if we're honest with ourselves, we know that is true.    

 

The bottom line is this - YOU decide what is important and YOU get to make your own schedule.  If your days are so full and so cluttered that you feel stressed or find yourself running from one thing to the next; then take a long hard look at how you can add some white space back in. 

 

Put in some margin so when the unexpected happens, you'll have the discretionary time to deal with it.  Consciously strive for a balance between your professional responsibilities and those that bring you joy (in fact, tip the scales a bit so you have more joy!).

 

Not every task on your 'to do' list has to be done by you.... Delegate. Create some margin and declutter your life so you can turn more minutes into quality time whether that is for yourself, with your family or with your friends.  Life is too short not to enjoy it!  Oh, and while you're at it, clean out a closet or two....

 


Executive Errands� - let us help you create balance - delegate at least an hour a week and see how much joy you can bring into your own life... 760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com

 

Our Favorite Things... PB2 

    

We are IN LOVE with this new product, PB2.  It is peanut butter with 85% of the fat calories removed, no GMO, less sugar and no chemicals.  And it is DELICIOUS!

 

Let's compare:

 

Regular peanut butter (an average national brand)

190 calories, 16 g fat, 7 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, 3 g fiber, 0 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 5 Points+

 

PB2 (the one with chocolate added)

45 calories, 1 g fat, 6 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 1 g fiber, 94 mg sodium,  1 g sugar, 1 Points+

 

PB2 is 100% natural and is made by slow roasting high quality peanuts, then pressing out 85% of the fat and oil.  

 

What you're left with is a peanut flavored powder that can be used in smoothies, in yoghurt, or other recipes.  Or it can be reconstituted and used as you would any peanut butter.   

 

Once reconstituted (1 tablespoon of water to 2 tablespoons of PB2) the consistency is exactly the same as regular peanut butter.

 

Oh, did we tell you it is DELICIOUS?

 

PB2 comes in plain peanut butter and one with chocolate added.  We bought the chocolate version by mistake and even though we are not a fan of peanut butter and chocolate combined, it is really quite tasty.

 

In the spirit of full disclosure, regular peanut butter does contain a considerable amount of vitamin E and the label of PB2 does not indicate any vitamin E but it does contain 5 grams of protein.  For the calories saved and the mouth satisfaction of eating peanut butter, I will take PB2 any day of the week over oily regular peanut butter.

 

We found PB2 at Target (very top shelf above all the regular peanut butters) but it may be available in other local stores.  Or, a Google search indicates you can buy it online at Amazon.com, Dr. Vita, GNC or a variety of other locations.

 

PB2 is manufactured by Bell Plantation.  For more info about PB2 or Bell, www.bellplantation.com


PB2 is delicious.... and 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!!!]
Safety First...

 

It is important to make sure you take preventative and proactive measures to protect your home and your family from safety concerns and other issues that can threaten your property as a whole.   

 

 

Here are some things to consider for your home:

 

1.    AC maintenance needs to be done in April and October (or November if the weather hasn't cooled down enough here in the desert) each year to insure proper operation, clean filters (the sand here really makes a mess of filters) and to insure your condensate lines are clear (one of the leading causes of water leaks)


2.  After a long winter season of pool heating, the burners need to be inspected.  Clogged or sooty burners release carbon monoxide.  A quick inspection and cleaning can help prolong the life of your burners and help them burn clean. 
 
Likewise, any gas heaters, fireplaces or fire pits should be similarly checked and cleaned, annually if used heavily; every two-three years if used moderately (or as recommended by the manufacturers).

 

3.    The hard water here in the desert can be particularly troublesome in these areas: 

 

a.    Shower and faucet cartridges (when they get clogged, the showers and faucets start leaking)

 

b.    Dishwashers (hard water will both lessen the effectiveness of the wash cycle, and leave deposits all over dishes and cutlery)

 

c.    Washing machines (can leave clothes dingy)

 

d.    Toilets - even with regular flushing over the summer, you can get hard water rings

 

e.    Misting systems (hard water deposits clog the mister heads)

 

For ultimate prevention against hard water, you can install a whole house water softener system but for short term solutions, consider the following: 

  • For the dishwasher add a softener product, like Lemi-Shine.  Pouring liquid Lemi-shine in the dishwasher's spot free rinse dispenser does a world of good for your dishes and your dishwasher itself. 
  • For the washing machine, Lemi-Shine has a powdered product specifically for washers that can be used to help remove hard water deposits but any good laundry water softener should do (think Calgon or White King)  
  • For the toilets, we clean using a pumice stone or pumice stone-infused sponge with some Kaboom and that usually does the trick
  • For shower and faucets, there isn't much you can do except know that the minute they start leaking, it is often the cartridge which needs to be changed
  • For misters, these can be serviced every year or two. The mister heads are removed, cleaned and reinstalled

4.    The desert is full of bugs and rodents - during the hot summer months, both will seek the cool and dark interior of your homes - especially if your home is empty and quiet during the summertime.  To combat this situation, consider:

 

a.    Have your roof and exterior doors checked for open access points and have them repaired.  Screens over vents and chimneys, and improved thresholds are two common solutions

 

b.    Seal your garage door (also helps lessen dirt and debris blown in from the wind and/or gardener blowers)

 

c.  Have your home checked weekly during any absences, especially during the summer, for water management, to keep activity in your home and to identify any pest intrusion as early as possible

 

These are just a few areas that need to be monitored for your home.  Executive Errands� can assist in all areas.   

 

We can inspect burners, perform AC maintenance, clean the house, seal the garage door, exterior pedestrian doors and roof vents and we, of course, offer Absentee Home Checks during the summer.


For these or any other services, please contact us at Executive Errands� Lifestyle Management services.  760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com 

Chocolate & Caramel...

 

It's a good thing my kids are grown up because
if Pinterest had existed when they were young, I'd want to do all sorts of fun things for every single holiday (and I'd never get anything else done)!

Easter is the 20th so candy and goodies abound.  Here is one of the easiest and yummiest chocolate and caramel recipes EVER. 

Warning!  These Rolo Pretzel Delights are
addicting.You cannot eat just one.... Or two... Or twelve... Danger Will Robinson! Danger!

 

 

Rolo Pretzel Delights

 

Ingredients:

  • Small pretzels 
  • ROLO Chewy Caramels in Milk Chocolate (full sized, NOT minis)
  • Pecan halves

Directions (oven):

Heat oven to 350�F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place one pretzel for each pretzel treat desired on prepared sheet. Top each pretzel with one unwrapped ROLO Chewy Caramel in Milk Chocolate. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until caramel piece begins to soften, but not melt. Remove from oven; top with either pecan half or additional pretzel. Cool completely.

 

Directions (microwave):

Line microwave-safe plate with wax paper.  Place up to 6 pretzels on plate and top each pretzel with one unwrapped ROLO Chewy Caramel in Milk Chocolate. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds or until caramel has softened slightly. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 10 seconds.  Carefully slide parchment paper and pretzels onto countertop. Top with either a pecan half or additional pretzel. Cool completely.

 

Executive Errands� Lifestyle Management services.  760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com 

Money & Time Saving Apps 
 

Need to keep your hands busy?  Instructables tells you how to make things.  With over 100,000 tutorials, you should never run out of things to do or make!  Instructables App - Free on iTunes



Do you fancy yourself a creative movie director?  Vine lets you make short (6 second) looping videos to document life's more hilarious moments.  It's easy (and free) to share your videos on Facebook and Twitter.  Vine is free on iTunes




Not into making things or shooting videos?  Then maybe you're a budding Picasso.  If so, try Over - the app that lets you add text and artwork to your photos.  Now you can make Instagram even more interesting...

Over is available for $1.99 on iTunes


Summer Projects - On your To Do list?  We'll get it done...   

 

It's now time to plan your summer projects.

 

As we hold a California General B Contractor's license (#944447), there is nothing we can't do for you.  We can meet with you to discuss all your projects; work together to define scope and get you a quote so that come summer, we can take care of all your needs and when you return back in the Fall, everything will be done, fresh, clean and ready to enjoy. 

 

Even though you aren't here, we keep you involved every step of the way by sharing pictures of the project as it progresses. 

 

No projects are too big or too small.  Here are some of the projects we've done over the last few summers:

 

--Replaced all shelf liner in the kitchen

--Remodeled kitchens

--Remodeled bathrooms

--Built outdoor kitchens

--Patio remodels/extensions

--Electrical repairs - new lights, outlets, etc

--Handyman work of all types and sizes

--Landscape remodels

--Plumbing work of all types 

--HVAC upgrades (replacements) and repairs

--Replace concrete driveways and walkways with pavers

--Epoxy garage floors

--Sealing garage doors 

--Painting - interior, exterior, accent walls

--New flooring (interior and exterior) - tile (porcelain and    travertine) as well as wood

--New carpeting (also repairs, re-stretching)

--Build and install custom cabinetry - even build Murphy beds

--New window blinds and shutters - and repairs 

--Reface/repaint kitchen cabinets

--Preventative maintenance of all kinds - tile cleaning (interior) Mexican paver cleaning (exterior), remove scale and hard water deposits from pool tile and waterfalls, HVAC maintenance, carpet cleaning, upholstery, etc

 

This list can go on and on.  The point is, no matter what you need, we can take care of it for you over the summer.   

 

Reminder, all our subcontractors are licensed and insured properly for their particular trade (and they name us additionally insured).   

 

www.executive-errands.com  With one single call we can handle, do, or facilitate just about anything you might need.  760.898.9604 

 

Events & News... 

 

On April 12th, we're catering and assisting with the Eggstravaganza Easter party being held at the Terra Lago clubhouse. 

There will be lots of yummy goodies and fun for the children and adults alike!  We can't wait!



On May 1st, we are assisting with this season's finale event at Ironwood - Community Roundup!  This western-themed event is designed to bring all residents and club members together for one last 'yeehaw' before summer. 

To aid in the festivities, we are contributing fresh made on the spot, kettle corn!  We hope it's breezy on the 1st so the smell will bring in lots of homeowners!





On May 12th, we're supporting the CA Desert Association of Realtor's (CDAR) "Dollars for Diplomas" golf tournament.

This golf tournament benefits the CDAR Scholarship Fund and First Tee of the Coachella Valley and is being held at the lovely Palm Valley Country Club. 

The event flier:
The registration flier: Dollars for Diplomas Registration



On May 30th, we are supporting the Women's Council of Realtors 6th Annual Fashion Show,
"Puttin' on the Ritz" to be held at the newly opened Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Early bird tickets are available now for $75 (they will be $125 at the door).  To be a sponsor or for more info, please visit WCR and click on 'view full invitation'.

This is going to be a fabulous event!

760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com
New Law - SB745...   

 

Law SB745 requires that a battery-powered smoke alarm have a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that will last for at least 10 years.

 

Even though the law technically went into effect Jan 1, 2014 the start has been moved to July 1, 2014.  And there is a grace period for compliance until July 1, 2015. This grace period is intended to prevent unused-but-old-fashioned battery-operated smoke detectors from going to waste.

 

If an owner, managing agent, contractor, wholesaler or retailer has an old-fashioned smoke alarm or combination alarm in stock or on order by July 1, 2014, the law won't apply to him or her until July 1, 2015.

 

Being delayed until Jan. 1, 2015, are requirements that:

  • The sale and use of smoke alarms or combination smoke alarms display the date of manufacture.
  • Provide a place on the device where the date of installation can be written.
  • The date of installation be visible to the consumer without removing the alarm from its base or mounting bracket.
  • The alarm contains a hush feature.

If you have the old type of battery-operated smoke detector already installed, you won't need to worry about the new law unless the device is inoperable - or if you pull a permit to do work valued at $1,000 or more. 

 

Also, the law requires that by Jan. 1, 2016, owners of rental properties must install smoke alarms in each bedroom or other sleeping area. These alarms must meet all of the Fire Marshall's requirements reflected above.

 

If you need to change out your smoke alarms, we can assist.  On the bright side, once the new alarms are in place, you should not be disturbed by chirping for at least another 10 years!

 

www.executive-errands.com  760.898.9604  

 

References:  SB745 and the California Apartment Association 

Social Media for Business...

 

 
Executive Errands 
www.facebook.com/executiveerrands 
- each day we post at least one service, helpful hint, charity update or other news.  If you haven't yet visited and 'liked' us, please do so today!

 
 

Concierge Business Solutions™

www.facebook.com/conciergebusinesssolutions
If you haven't yet 'liked' us, please do.  We post regular business, marketing, sales, and networking tips on this page. 
 
760.898.9604
Concierge Business Solutions Updates...

 

 
We now have four (4) Essential Elements™ software systems deployed to licensees around the country and there are three (3) more contracts in review!

We are so excited at the positive reception this software is receiving.  If you don't know, we developed this software to help manage all the data for
Executive Errands� and now we're offering it to other companies to help streamline their processes, save time, and enhance their data integrity.

We do weekly online (and free) demos to share the software functionality with anyone interested in licensing it.  Although most of the interest has been from Lifestyle Management companies like Executive Errands�; Essential Elements™
will also work for any other type of company where hours need to be tracked.

In concert with the software, we also offer small business consulting and already have many clients around the US.  Some of our mentoring and educational offerings include hosting webinars both through the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (www.iclma.org)  and through Concierge Business Solutions
.

We love this end of the business - not only sharing the product that helps keep our clients involved and informed (and our data sound) but also helping other companies solve their business issues.

For more information about
Essential Elements™, to participate in a demo or for consulting services, please contact us at Concierge Business Solutions Info or 760.898.9604

Clutter is a kind of catch 22.  For some people, clutter in their surroundings can overwhelm their subconscious and create clutter in their brains.  For others, clutter in their minds can create a distraction to the point that surroundings are neglected and then their areas may, by default, become cluttered.

 

And for many of us, we can be affected in both directions.  A few years ago, I became overwhelmed with business details and the worry that things would be overlooked.  I was so concerned about forgetting something that my employees needed to do that I actually lost productivity (and sleep).

 

In order to streamline and lessen the risk of overlooking something, we instituted a task management software system that allows us to create and monitor 'to do' lists for our employees.  They too can add and manage their tasks, but the really wonderful thing is the automated visibility to all of it. Voila! Instant decluttering and lots more sleep.

 

It is a fact of life that we must create room for new things to come into our experience.  If your schedule is packed, how can you take advantage of new opportunities?  If your brain is full of nonsense, how can you add more knowledge?  If you work 24/7, how can you make new friends?  And most importantly, if your mind is cluttered, how can you be creative or innovative? 

 

When I cleaned out my closet, it did more for my psyche than just putting my clothes in a logical and color-coordinated sequence - it freed up my spirit.  I felt relieved, lighter, happier and more able to face what came next.

 

It might sound silly, but that little bit of time cleaning out the closet was literally cathartic
- equally as cathartic as putting in a new software system to create visibility to our task lists. 

Oftentimes the decluttering we need to do is emotional and/or spiritual. Make some space in your life and see what happens.  Schedule a day for nothing. Or put in a regular standing appointment for something you do just for you.  Or better yet, go through your home or office, drawer by drawer and give them the TKO.... You'll be glad you did.


  

Note:  All the clothes for donation went to either Desert Best Friend's Closet www.bfcloset.org or Soroptimist House of Hope www.recoveryhouseofhope.org  When you have clothes to donate, consider both these worthy organizations. 


Until next time... 

 

Leslie Spoor, C.C.S
President, Executive Errands& Concierge Business Solutions™
760.898.9604
CL #944447
We value our clients' privacy.  Therefore we do not, distribute your email address to anyone, ever.

Executive Errands is a Registered Trademark of Leslie Spoor  
(our attorney insists we say this)
  
  
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Our Motto...


Any job, big or small.... Do it right or not at all.....   

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