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Greetings!
As we head back to school and into Fall, Hurricane Katrina and
its devastating effects weigh heavily on our minds and hearts. In my
house, the tragedy has really hit close to home: my husband's entire
family is on the Gulf Coast. Many lost their homes, but all are
safe. My husband proposed to me on Biloxi Beach. In 1996, we had our
wedding in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It is hard to believe
that such a beautiful treasure may be lost to history.
This month, even though it may be a very busy time for you,
please make room in your schedule and your hearts for the victims of
the hurricane. We're providing you with some great ideas as to how
you can get involved.
With our newsletter, 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. We'd love to hear what you would like to
see in upcoming issues.
With a lump in my throat,
Ellen Lovelace, Owner
| September Calendar |
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5 Labor Day
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of
the labor movement and is dedicated to the achievements of
American workers. It is a tribute to the contributions workers
make to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our
country. (source: Department of Labor) Ironic, isn't it, that
now it's a huge shopping day, when workers have to work
instead of celebrating!
11 Patriot Day
Remember the brave victims of September 11, 2001, on this
day. The flag is flown at half-staff, and there is a national
moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time. This day
represents the greatness of America, be sure to commemorate it
in your own way.
17 Citizenship Day/Constitution Day
Observes the anniversary of the US Constitution being
signed in 1787. President Harry Truman established the day to
give recognition to new American Citizens, with celebrations
to impress the privileges and responsibilities of U.S.
citizenship. Truly, did you know September was such a
patriotic month?!
21 Autumn Equinox
Fall arrives at 6:14 p.m. Eastern time. Have you forgotten
exactly why leaves change color? Click
here!
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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| Purify Your Body: Go Organic! |
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Our food today contains a long list of additives,
preservatives, pesticides, and chemicals-- many of which have
as-yet unknown long-term effects on the human body. What's the
best way to have peace of mind for you and your family? Go
organic!
A study released last week showed that children who were
fed an organic diet showed immediate and dramatic drops in
their blood levels of pesticides. Concentrations of two
organophosphate pesticides — malathion and chlorpyrifos —
declined substantially in the bodies of elementary school-age
children during a five-day period when organic foods were
substituted for conventional foods. Learn more about the study
here.
September is Organic Harvest Month, a time to integrate
these terrific foods into your life. One great way to
celebrate is to visit your local farmers' market for
pesticide-free fruits and veggies. Due to increasing demand,
mainstream grocery stores are also carrying more organic
products, and prices are becoming more reasonable.
How can you tell if produce at your local store is organic?
Check the sticker! You know those annoying stickers you have
to peel off your peaches once you get them home? Well,
conventionally-grown (non- organic) produce all starts with
the number 4. Organic produce has a 9 in front of the 4. And
genetically-modified produce has an 8 in front of the 4. (For
example, conventional bananas would be 4011, organic bananas
would be 94011, and genetically-modified bananas would be
84011.)
If good food is important for you and your family, do a
little research and find out who in your area is providing
non-toxic food, and support the stores that sell it. If you
just can't find the time to get to the farmer's market, or you
want help in tracking down the best organic products for your
family, call QCS. We'll find everything you need and have you
on your way to better health in no time!
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| Take Our Holiday Poll, Win Free Services! |
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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?
- Shopping for presents?
- Spending time with family?
- Decorating/throwing parties?
- Traveling?
- So much materialism, so little meaning?
- 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!
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In a Time of Great Need, Show How Much You
Care |
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Hurricane Katrina may prove to be the largest disaster,
natural or man-made, ever to strike in the history of the U.S.
Hundreds of thousands are without power, thousands are
homeless, at least hundreds are dead. There are urgent,
critical needs that must be met.
The best way you can help is to contribute money-- even the
smallest amounts help--so that agencies can best coordinate
relief. Cash means that items can be bought nearby,
eliminating the extra costs of transporting items from far
away. If you can, diversify your giving. For example, give
some money for immediate relief, some to feed the hungry, some
for rebuilding of homes, and some to help the thousands of
abandoned animals.
The American
Red Cross provides shelter, food, and counseling. They
also maintain databases of people, working to reunite
displaced families as quickly as possible.
America's
Second Harvest , the Nation's Foodbank Network, provides
hunger relief. Each dollar donated can provide 15 meals.
The
Humane Society of the United States has teams on-site
rescuing animals left behind and channeling them to shelters
nationwide. The Humane Society was on-site providing aid days
before the federal government arrived.
If you have time but not money, volunteers are needed
nationwide. Contact your local Red Cross to find out how you
can help. Volunteering to answer their phones frees up
resources that can go to helping the victims directly. Also
contact your local humane society, as shelters that receive
animals from the disaster zone will need help.
Be creative, think about ways to get your kids involved and
raise money. How about a bake sale or "lemon aid" stand this
weekend? Perhaps you can organize a food or blood drive? There
are many ways for young people to get involved and help the
needy.
Finally, if nothing else, show your support for those who
have lost so much. Instead of a yellow ribbon, head to the
crafts store for small amounts of purple, green, and gold
ribbons--the colors of Mardi Gras. Pin them on to show your
support for New Orleans! Remember, the smallest donation or
gesture is a step on the road to rebuilding.
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