August is a quiet month, with no major notable holidays. Here instead are some observances for you to have fun with!

3 National Watermelon Day

Ahh, sweet and juicy watermelon. No picnic is complete without eating a big slice, juice running down your chin, and spitting the seeds at your little brother. Watermelon is over 90% water, very low in calories, and full of healthy antioxidants. Don't wait until the big fruit's day to have some!

13 International Left-Handers Day

Celebrate your right to be left-handed! Today is devoted to making right-handed folks understand how it feels for left-handers to live in their world. YOU try using scissors backwards!

20 National Homeless Animals' Day

The International Society for Animal Rights began this day as a way to draw attention to the overwhelming problem of dog and cat overpopulation. Millions of dogs and cats are put to death every year in shelters. There aren't enough homes for them all. Please, please, please have your pet spayed or neutered! Wouldn't today be a great day to adopt a homeless animal from your local shelter?

21 Hawaii Statehood Day

On this date in 1959, Hawaii became our 50th state. Thank you, President Eisenhower! (See our feature article for a great getaway idea.)

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.

If you ask your kids, they'll say it's coming far too soon. If you're the parent, well, you're probably thinking, "It's about time!" Whatever your feelings, it's inevitable: it's almost time to head back to school.

Don't make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to do your back-to-school shopping. Stores are chock-full right now of all the supplies on your kids' lists, and are stocking racks full of school clothes every day. Compile all your kids' lists into one, making separate lists for school supplies, clothes, sports supplies, etc. Then, attack it one store at a time. Don't try to do it all in one day, as you'll just end up exhausted, and will definitely forget something. Remember that kids' attention spans can't handle long days of shopping: one or two stores is the max. And, be sure to treat everyone to milkshakes after the last item of the day is crossed off!

If you just can't find the time to get all those items your kids simply must have, call QCS. We'll track down everything they need and have them all outfitted and ready to go on the first day of school.

The holidays are indeed just around the corner. As we gear up for our busiest season, we'd like to hear from you. What is your biggest source of stress at the holidays?

1. Shopping for presents? 2. Spending time with family? 3. Decorating/throwing parties? 4. Traveling? 5. So much materialism, so little meaning? 6. Those ceaseless holiday carols?

Email your reply and name to info@quicksilverconcierge.com Results will be in a future newsletter. And one lucky entrant will receive a gift certificate for 2 free hours of our services!