5 Cinco de Mayo

El cinco de mayo ("Fifth of May" in Spanish) is a Mexican national holiday, commemorating the victory of Mexican forces over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This day has come to equal Mexico's Independence Day (September 16) in significance. Planning a fiesta this month? Let QCS make sure it's a smashing success. We can help with all your party planning needs, yearround!

14 Mother's Day

Mother's Day began in England in the 1600s, as "Mothering Sunday," when moms were honored with cake and a day off. In 1914 it was made a U.S. holiday by President Wilson. Let your mom know how much she means to you this year. QCS can be sure she has the perfect gift waiting for her on her special day.

29 Memorial Day

Memorial Day is meant to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Keep in mind that it's more than a 3-day weekend, it's a chance to remember and give thanks to our fallen servicepeople. Why not attend a parade this year? QCS can help you find a weekend getaway that will include plenty of patriotic opportunities.

May is Teacher Appreciation Month. Need ideas for something special for a fabulous teacher? Call us, we've got great ways to say thanks!

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.

Are you one of the many Americans receiving a refund? The Internal Revenue Service estimates that the average American will receive $2,171 in refunded taxes this year. Now comes the fun part: how to spend that money! Here are some ideas that you may not have considered:

1. Pick up a new sport. Have you always wanted to learn to ride a horse, mountain climb or windsurf? Hire a professional instructor and prepare to be known as the adventuresome one in your office.

2. Head to a destination spa such as the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in Wine Country or LaCosta Resort and Spa near San Diego to have yourself pampered for a weekend or a full week.

3. Are you a golfer? How about treating yourself and your 3 closest friends to a round at Pebble Beach? If your return is larger, head to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

4. Hire a yacht and have a private dinner party on the San Francisco Bay for you and your closest friends.

5. Pamper your spirit and donate to the charity of your choice. It’s a great feeling to know you are making a difference in someone’s life.

6. Have your QCS Concierge secure a true fantasy excursion like attending an A-list awards show or the opportunity to fly a military jet. You would be surprised--your childhood dream is actually within reach.

7. Want to get in shape? Hire a personal trainer for some one on one instruction to meet your goal.

8. Buy a summer VIP package to the concert venue nearest you. You never know, you may really enjoy a band you hadn't imagined you could like.

Spending your refund check can actually be more rewarding than depositing it into the bank. Live a little and you may just feel younger in the process. Ask QCS for other great ideas, or for help implementing your ideal indulgence.

Summer is on its way. The days are getting longer and warmer, and we are all getting a touch of spring fever. Are there graduations, proms, and pool parties in your future? With a little creativity, you can make your next event something that everyone talks about for months to come. So you can’t afford to have 50 Cent or Mariah Carey perform? Don’t worry. There are plenty of ideas that can be enjoyed by all and will be hard to beat.

1. Theme: Survivor, Lost, Hawaiian Luau, Las Vegas, Nautical, Race Day, etc. There are hundreds to choose from.

2. Invitations: Be creative! Use a giant playing card for your Las Vegas themed party, a Checkered flag for the race themed event, or plastic leis for your Hawaiian themed BBQ.

3. Decorations: you can turn your back yard into many fitting “themes” by adding tiki torches or hanging lights. Centerpieces can also set the correct mood.

4. Favors: Personalized candy bar wrappers and silk screened tee-shirts make great favors. For your adult party, perhaps personalized water bottles or a bottle of wine.

5. Games: Come up with 2 or 3 to play, such as Karaoke Idol, Limbo, Carnival Games, or Frisbee Golf.

If you need assistance due to lack of time, or lack of creativity, your QCS Concierge is always available to assist you. Make this Summer's party the best event possible.