Okay, maybe calling what we do "miracles" is
pushing it a bit. But if you're one of our many satisfied clients this
holiday season, you might just think we ARE miracle workers! We know
you're stressed, and we know you have tons to do and no time.
So, are you ready to ask for help yet? There's no
weakness in admitting you can't do it ALL yourself. Do what you love,
outsource the rest. That's why we're here.
As always, it
is our goal to provide useful information and tips to help you keep
your life in balance, and to be on call for you when you need help.
Ellen Lovelace, Founder and President
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December
Calendar
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4 (through
the 12th) Hanukkah
The first
night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is tonight. Lasting 8
days and nights, the holiday celebrates ancient triumphs of Jewish
heroes. Actually not a major Jewish holiday, it has become one due to
its proximity to Christmas.
22
Winter Solstice
The first day
of winter. Today we're the farthest from the sun, the daylight is
shortest, and the sun has its lowest arc in the sky of the year. Look
on the bright side, the days only get longer from here!
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
26
(through January 1) Kwanzaa
Based on
harvest celebrations practiced in various African cultures, Kwanzaa is
a spiritual and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life,
with no ties to any religion. It is a week of focus on traditional
values: family, self-improvement, and community.
31
New Year's Eve
Have fun,
celebrate, be wistful, be rowdy. Just don't drink and drive!
Have other
dates this month that are important to you: birthdays, anniversaries,
etc.? Visit our Forget
Me Not page on our website to learn how QCS can make sure no
important date ever goes forgotten again.
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Keep Fido and
Fluffy Safe
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In a sad footnote to a season otherwise full of
joy, the holidays are a time of real dangers that result in harm to
scores of pets. Here are some steps you can take to keep everyone safe
and sound this holiday season.
*Chocolate can be
potentially poisonous. In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the
more toxic it is. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven
times more toxic theobromine as milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, and
seizures can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 1/4 ounce of
baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.
*Don't give pets leftovers and
keep them out of the garbage. Poultry bones can splinter and cause
blockages. Greasy, spicy and fatty foods can cause stomach upset or
pancreatitis.
*Place unattended alcoholic
drinks where pets cannot reach them, as alcohol can be fatal.
*Keep aluminum foil and
cellophane candy wrappers away from pets to avoid a major cause
of intestinal blockage.
*Be careful with holiday
floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used and all varieties,
including Tiger, Asian, and Stargazer, can cause kidney failure in
cats.
*Mistletoe and holly berries
can be potentially toxic and cause cardiovascular problems. Poinsettias
are actually very low in toxicity but can casue vomiting.
*Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which
can cause stomach upset, mouth sores, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cover your tree stand tightly with skirting.
*Decorations such as ribbons or tinsel can cause intestinal
obstruction. This is a very common problem, particularly with cats.
Please
have an enjoyable and safe holiday season!
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Each
year do you struggle to decide what's the "right" amount to
tip or gift to people in your life? Here's some handy advice:
Assistant:
Gift of $50 or more, separate from any bonus. Value should reflect your
position and how long the assistant has been with you.
Babysitter:
Cash or a gift equal to 1 or 2 nights' pay. A handmade gift from your
child is a lovely addition.
Dogwalker:
Tip or gift equal to one week's service. Maybe a down vest to take the
chill off morning walks?
Building
staff: $20 to $100 each. $50 is the average given to doormen. Tip
according to how much they do for you personally, it's ok to have favorites.
Hairstylist/salon
staff: Tip or gift equal to one visit if you're a regular client.
Cleaner/gardener:
Tip equal to the cost of one service or week.
Letter
carrier: Not expected, but if you have a relationship with a courier
you see often, a small gift card of $20 or less. Note that the USPS and
FedEx don't allow cash tips to couriers.
Trainer/massage
therapist: Tip or gift equal to the cost of one session, if it's
someone you see regularly. If you take group classes, no need to tip.
Teacher:
Handwritten thank you note or small gift of less than $25.
In
general, stay away from perfume and other highly personalized items.
Avoid rich fattening foods that can be unwelcome. And always take the
time to add a card with a neutral, non-religious holiday message.
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You Can Do THAT For Me?!
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As we talk about the work we
do, invariably folks are stunned to find out about some recent task we
handled. So, each month we'll tell you about something interesting
we've done. It might also spark an idea for how we can help YOU!
Did you vow last holiday season to start early and
finish your '07 shopping in July, only to find you have a huge
list left and it's already December? Is the thought of going to the mall
causing sharp pains in your neck from the stress? We understand and are here to ask for
your list.
You heard (read) us right! We are here to not only take
your shopping list away from you, but can wrap and ship your gifts as
well. You can relax knowing that
the gifts you intended to get everyone months ago are being hunted for,
beautifully wrapped, and will be delivered back to you. Or, we
can stand in line at the post office to ship to the intended recipients.
All you have to do is make a phone call and a list. Call us now, we have a team standing
by, but are "first come, first served". We look forward to
helping you to truly enjoy the holiday season this year!!!
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