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
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December Calendar |
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 |
 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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Tips on Tipping |
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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