Quicksilver Concierge and Errand Service Newsletter
 
December, 2007
 
Greetings!

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.
 
Warm holiday wishes,

Ellen Lovelace, Founder and President

In This Issue
December Calendar
Keep Fido and Fluffy Safe
Tips on Tipping
You Can Do THAT For Me?!
 
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.

Keep Fido and Fluffy Safe
inviteIn 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!

     

Tips on Tipping
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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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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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