The Conciergerie

18 Days Until Valentine's Day... Start Planning!

2010-01-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

We encourage you to shop at local boutiques this Valentine's day.

Go traditional with flowers and chocolate.

Fena Flowers is our unique favorite (they deliver, of course) and for salted caramel chocolates, visit Fran's Chocolates in Old Bellevue.

Have a trendy Valentine's day at The Bravern.

Pair a romantic dress with silky chocolate Trophy Cupcakes (dessert first, of course) and on to dinner at John Howie Steakhouse.

Go under the radar and cozy up at The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland.

You can't go wrong with a chocolate truffle and rose petal turndown. Grab some of the world's best coffee at Zoka in the morning.

And don't forget the baubles!

Keep it simple with pearl earrings or go crazy at Turgeon Raine . (I know Blue Nile isn't a local boutique, but to make the most of your money, it's a good start.)

This post is in no way, a hint to my husband... Truly!

Whatever you do, do not wait until the week before Valentine's day to make dinner reservations.

Knee Deep in Wedding Season!

2010-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

This time of year rolls around and we are reminded of the weddings we were coordinating last year and the year before... the romance, the planning, the (organized) chaos!

All our spring wedding slots are booked and we are so excited to be a part of these amazing events!

We are only accepting one more summer wedding.

Brides, if you are planning the Big Day on your own, but need a hand tying up loose ends, picking up/ dropping off and are coming to the realization that you need a person dedicated to your needs the day of, contact us asap to see if we are the right fit for you.

Congratulations to all you lovebirds out there!

Delegate Your New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-22T16:21:00.001-08:00

Outsmart yourself this January by delegating your pesky New Year's resolutions.

Admittedly, we can't go to the gym or eat better for you, but we can give you more time to do these things for yourself.

We can also help you complete unfinished projects around your home or office.

"I have been trying to get shelving up in our master bedroom closet for a year, but never got around to it," says a client. "I'm enlisting my personal assistant to finish this and get our closet in order."

Another client says, "For years, I have been meaning to get the birthdays and anniversaries of my loved ones onto a calendar and make a file of corresponding greeting cards. That way I can just pull a card and pre-addressed envelope out, sign it and toss it in the mail. It's kind of a process, but once it's done, it will last for years. I'm having my personal assistant manage my greeting card file."

Another busy client confides, "There are a couple errands I have to do every month and I really don't like doing them. I'm going to have my personal assistant run these errands this year and when I call her to set them up, I'll add a few other things I need done. I'm already looking forward to not having to worry about the "small stuff" and getting some time back for myself."

Don't forget about your resolutions by February 1st, conquer them with our help.

What is Your Time Worth?

2009-12-22T15:53:00.001-08:00

You know you're busy, but how much is your time truly worth?

Enter your information into MSN Money's calculator and find out how much an hour of your leisure costs.

Are you thinking of hiring someone to manage your drycleaning, home organizing and errands?
We're ready to help.

Seasonal House-Sitting

2009-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Planning to hit the road for an extended period?

We offer seasonal house-sitting on a weekly basis. We stop in and check on your home or property as often as you see fit. We can check your security alarm, your vehicles, pick up the mail and much more.

As a boutique firm, we offer personalized service. You get the same personal assistant every time you need a hand.

Call today for a free consultation to see if we are the right fit for you.

"...We felt relieved knowing that you were checking on our house while we were Maui last year during the winter storm. We're not afraid of booking our winter getaway this December!"

Decorating for the Holidays

2009-11-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

You love decorating for the holidays. You know what you want done around the house, you just need an extra pair of hands.

We string lights, or finish the Christmas shopping; whatever you need to accomplish your goals.

Call today to schedule your Christmasification!

Radar Lake Events

2009-10-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce our new partnership with Radar Lake Events.

Guests at Radar Lake will now have 24/7 access to their own, personal assistant from The Conciergerie.

Radar Lake

Need a bottle of wine? A surprise party planned? A gourmet dinner delivered? We have you covered.

Radar Lake Events has also partnered with Dupar Catering and Welcome Home Gift Company.

Press release from Radar Lake Events (pasted below).

After 36 years, Radar Events, LLC is excited to announce the opening of Radar Lake to the public.
We invite you to water ski, wakeboard, stay at the cozy log cabin, host a business or social event or say your "I Do's" on over 120 acres of majestic grounds and breathtaking views.
Radar Lake is considered one of the first man-made water sport lakes on the planet. This is where you will discover Radar Lake and its spectacular setting first hand, nestled in the foothills of Redmond, close to the city, yet secluded by nature.
It has been part of hundreds of professional titles, numerous world records, world champions and the world's most legendary ski shapes in modern design.
We invite you to host your event and wakeboard with us where you will find eternal glass waters and solitude.
View more at radarlakeevents.com.

Thinking Ahead to Holiday Cards

2009-10-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

It may seem too soon, but if it's your responsibility to send holiday greeting cards to your family and friends, or on behalf of your business, it's time to start planning.

Custom cards should be ordered by October 31st which will give you, your family members, or your staff time to add their personal greeting and signature.

At The Conciergerie, we manage holiday greeting card projects from start to finish, including a festive postage stamp and dropping them in the mail.

Our favorites are custom cards made by local, independent artists. With a tailor-made image on the front and a custom, printed greeting inside, these cards are remarkably inexpensive and add a touch of originality that you can't get online through a corporate card website.

We also love family photos on Christmas cards. We can offer a hand facilitating your photos. Our photographer meets you at your home or in a local park. You will have a full CD of shots to choose from. Grandma and Grandpa will love fresh photos!

Whether you call us, or look forward to sending out holiday cards yourself, we encourage you to start the process in October.

More Time With Family

2009-10-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

My how time flies!

I measure time by how many new words my 2 1/2 year-old says each day. Seven days ago, she wasn't asking to hear particular songs on my itouch or holding the lid on her teapot while having a tea party. Every morning she looks taller, but every night she still wants to snuggle while we read bedtime stories. I tuck the memory of these little moments away and pull them out like photographs.

This fall, Conciergerie clients have been on the move; making plans, getting ready for vacations, tying up loose ends and even preparing for Christmas. Our personal assistants have been house sitting, running errands, planning parties and much more.

Our aim is to give you more time with your loved ones this fall, so you have the luxury of pulling memories out and sharing them, maybe with a friend, at a coffee shop.

Eating Gluten-Free

2009-05-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

What's all the fuss about gluten-free foods?

Is eating gluten-free a food trend or new recession diet? Is it a preservative like MSG or is specifying gluten-free just a way to customize meals?

Gluten, as I recently learned, is a protein that generates problems for the 1% of people with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder causing fatigue and less desirable symptoms.

Savory Moment, formerly Month of Meals, located in Redmond offers a full line of gluten-free, chef-prepared meals on the go.

All of Savory Moment's meals are 100% customizable to accommodate food preferences and allergies. Meals can be delivered anywhere in Washington and servings average under $7 per person. You can order online through their website and even order holiday meals.

Our clients have ordered from Month of Meals when they are extra-busy, so they always have a heat and eat, gourmet meal in the freezer. Our medium-sized business clients order meals for employees recovering from surgery or after a new baby has arrived. Others rely on Savory Moment for catering small parties in their home.

Additional Gluten-Free Resources:
Garlic Jim's Pizza- Redmond
Davinci's Gluten Free Bakery- Seattle
Gluten Free Registry lists local restaurants helping the cause

If you need help planning a gluten-free event or placing an order at Savory Moment, please let us know!

Relocation Made Easy

2009-05-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Selling your house and moving away? It's one of the most stressful times in your life, but with our help, it doesn't have to be.

Like a well-oiled machine, our staff assists with packing, cleaning and following up with the loose ends that inevitably arise.

We work with Chipman Relocations to move your bulky belongings and safely crate your high-value items.

Regardless of whether it's a local or long distance move, you will feel confident that your possessions will arrive safely in your new home as you prepare for your next adventure in life.

3 Scrapbooking Solutions for Busy People

2009-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Hagen

Sometimes the best way for me to start a scrapbooking project is to clear a space for the task at hand, gather my supplies, pour a cup of coffee and research page layouts.

I find inspiration in the scrapbooking magazines and I'm quickly motivated to dive right in to my project, not just because it's a fun hobby that allows me to be creative, but because I'm always so behind! My two-year-old daughter isn't slowing down and neither are the digital photos taken by her grandparents.

If you are in the same boat, read on to learn about three ways busy people can scrapbook.

There are many scrapbooking resources available, but I have found that Close to my Heart is a great resource for traditional book making and Creative Memories is ideal for Digital Scrapbooking.

1. Use Themed Kits

Close to my Heart produces idea books with layout variations showcasing their huge collection of scrapbooking and stamping supplies. They have made scrapbooking faster and easier by offering themed kits and pre-printed layouts. If you are a beginner, you may be interested in their newly released, hardbound book "Wishes" which gives step-by-step directions for scrapping techniques.

2. Go Digital

If you are looking for a way to manage your own scrapbooking without getting your fingers sticky, you may be interested in Digital Scrapbooking. Creative Memories allows you to use their templates, upload your photos and when you're done, your book is mailed to you. You can make a scrapbook of a family trip and order a copy for everyone, or document a sports team and give the books away as gifts at the end of the season. You save money by not having to buy supplies, and you have a professionally printed and bound book as a result.

3. Delegate it

If you are interested in scrapbooking and need to catch up on an unfinished project, or you have materials, but lack the confidence to make the pages look good, we can help. Our personal assistants do the things you don't have time to do. Call us today to discuss your artistic strategy and creative challenges.

Regardless of your preference for traditional or digital scrapbooking, we can help you get started and more importantly, finished with your memory book!

Sun... Finally!

2009-05-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

With a beautiful Memorial Day weekend behind us and temperatures in the 70's expected this weekend, summer is feeling closer every day.

Kids are finishing up their classes, seniors are graduating and even amidst the current economic climate, everyone can celebrate the free things in life; swimming, sunning, singing, dancing, reading, napping and I'm sure you can think of more.

Several of our clients are planning their summer vacations. Some are staying closer to home by taking overnight trips throughout the San Juans or taking long weekends and 4-day trips. Others are heading to their summer residence and booking flights abroad.

If you are looking for a great vacation destination or a house-sitter, give us a call. We can help you plan your trip, assist with packing and last-minute details. While you're away, we can keep an eye on your house, stopping by weekly or as needed.

Now that your bases are covered, get planning! Here is a Summer Guide published by the Seattle Times.

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!

2009-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Maren and Garrett!

Your wedding was beautiful and we were honored to be a part of it!

Destination Wedding in Seaside, Oregon

Special gift for the bride and mother of the bride from The Conciergerie

Spring Cleaning story in the Redmond Reporter

2009-04-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung! The birds are singing, the trees are blooming and oh yes, it's raining.

Our personal assistants have been busy lately with spring cleaning and home de-cluttering. A clean house is a wonderful thing.

We have been so busy in fact, that the Redmond Reporter included us in a story about de-cluttering.

"Restoring Order to Your Home", a story about spring cleaning was published on Friday, April 3rd.

"Clients request assistance with problem areas and whole house cleanings equally," said Hagen.
"We have seen our fair share of expired food in fridges, but by the time we leave, we can always see the effect that simply having a clean house, fridge, closet or storage shed has on the client. They look happier and relieved. Their inevitable response is, 'I should have done this a lot sooner.'"

She advises people to tackle the most challenging problem first and work toward the easiest.

"I am an organized person by nature," Hagen admitted. "I love sorting, categorizing and merchandising. When I walk into a project, I look around, make a game plan. ... Sometimes we start at one end of the room and make our way to the other side. Other times, we take the largest items out of the picture, which reduces the overall mental picture of the task at hand. Then the smaller stuff is easier to manage."

Click here to read the entire article.

Do You Need a Personal Assistant? Take Our Quiz!

2009-02-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

No pen or paper required. Just answer yes or no.

Hey, Superhero Parents, you know who you are.

1. Are your daily chores and responsibilities keeping you from the things you love?
2. Are you sacrificing everything to be "super mom" or "super dad"?
3. Have you lost clothing at a dry cleaner because you couldn't pick it up before closing?
4. Do you "vacation" at home because you don't trust anyone to care for your pets?
5. Have you decided not to host a special event because you were overwhelmed with the details?
6. Have you recently moved to the Seattle area and need assistance making your house a home?
7. Do you have a family member or co-worker with a new baby?
8. Can you easily think of five tasks that you would pay to have someone else manage?
9. Are you a real estate agent looking for a unique gift for your clients?
10. Do you know someone who "has everything" and could use a personal assistant?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, please call The Conciergerie today to speak with a personal assistant who can assess your needs and get started on your projects.

Savory Moment/ Month of Meals

2009-02-09T00:35:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift?

Redmond residents can look no further than their own back yard. Savory Moment, formerly know as Month of Meals, makes complete heat and eat, gourmet meals.

Here are a few interesting facts about Savory Moment:

They have been in business for over ten years
They have no minimum orders, which means you can order one side or entrees only if you want
You can stop by their kitchen in Redmond to buy pre-made dinners from their fridge
They specialize in healthy, delicious frozen meals
You can view their entire menu and place a complete order online!

We suggest choosing a few fabulous dinners from Savory Moment's website, cooking one up for a romantic dinner at home and surprising your sweetie with a gift certificate from The Conciergerie.

If you don't live in Redmond, but want to try Savory Moment, our personal assistants at The Conciergerie are available to deliver the food to your home or office.

Savory Moment (425) 867-1516

Earthquake? Emergency Kits Available Here

2009-02-09T00:19:00.000-08:00

On January 30th 2009, Seattle shook with a 4.5 earthquake in the early morning.

Few people, if any, felt the tremor, but it still reminds us to be ready for "The Big One."

The Conciergerie offers the unique service of providing customized Emergency Supply kits for your home, office, vehicle and classroom.

King County urges the public to "be ready to survive on your own for a minimum of three days following a disaster. For large disasters, you may not receive any government assistance for up to seven days." (www.3days3ways.org)

When you request your Emergency Supply Kit from The Conciergerie, we consider your location, the number of people in your home or office, any medical concerns and much more.

The vague threat of an earthquake allows us to put disaster preparation off. Think of this service as a once a year insurance plan that could save a life and make you a hero.

Warm on the Inside- Holiday Giving

2008-11-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season there are many charities who provide unique ways to give back to the community and to the world around us, depending on the causes that are most important to you.

When we at The Conciergerie saw these unique ideas, we thought they were too interesting to pass up, so we would like to pass them on to you.

Heifer International www.heifer.org offers many programs to help impoverished families all over the world.One called "gift of chicks" helps families from Cameroon to the Caribbean with a starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks, adding nourishing eggs to their diets.

World Vision www.worldvision.org has over 100 programs from sponsoring a child to meeting basic food and care requirements for the needy.

And if you need help finding a charity to give to, Charity Navigator www.charitynavigator.org lists hundreds of charitable organizations according to their causes and user ratings.

Donating to a worthy cause is a great way for families to come together and learn about the joy of giving, especially at a time when there are so many people in need.

Happy holidays!

Home for the Holidays, or are you?

2008-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year, a time when many of our friends and neighbors are making plans to visit loved ones during the upcoming holiday season.

And while some folks are planning to travel out of town to spread the message of holiday cheer, goodwill and peace, here at The Conciergerie we will be providing peace of mind.

At a time when homes can become vulnerable to theft, fire, and even winter storms, we are happy to provide house monitoring, key holding, and pet sitting services to the people of our hometown community.

After all, peace of mind is one of the best gifts worth giving, and there's no place like home!

Green Gardening

2008-09-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Tell me if this sounds familiar: It's Monday morning and you don't have to be awake for another hour, your alarm clock says so. Yet, you are awake. Why? It's not that you weren't sleeping cozily and comfortably in your bed. It's that *cough-cough-splutter-rrrRRRROOOAAARR* the gas lawn mower in your neighbor's yard is ruining a perfectly good, sound sleep!

Brenna Johnstone, Founder and Head Gardener of The Quiet Gardener, had met with similar problems, morning after morning after morning, but instead of rolling over and stuffing a pillow to her ears, she had an idea. Moving beyond noise issues, she began to wonder when gardening stopped being clean and natural and became another gas-guzzling, pollutant-emitting fact of modern life.

The EPA estimates that gas spills alone from lawn equipment equate to around 17 million gallons a year. Johnstone thought that surely, there is a better way.

Starting with friends and family, she offered her quieter, earth friendly gardening services. Using a combination of electric, battery and shear muscle, she's bringing gardening back to its roots (pun always intended).

One of her customers, Jamie Willis of Redmond, noted that she's "so quiet my husband did not know she was here!" and that meanwhile her neighbor's gardener "blows up a storm." Brenna prefers a broom.

Quietly zipping around town in her tool-packed, hybrid car, she's taking the small steps needed for a cleaner, quieter, healthier world.

Brenna's services include lawn and garden maintenance, weeding, trimming, landscaping, and soil improvement (using all organic amendments). For more information, visit her online.

Christmas Tree Delivery Service

2008-09-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fall is back to school season, but even if no one in your household is heading back to the classroom, you still probably get that fall feeling.

The weather in the Pacific Northwest quickly turns from summer to fall and the milder temperatures urge you to cozy up in a layer of fleece, shop for "school clothes" (or at least a sturdy new pair of weatherproof boots) and you begin to crave your favorite comfort foods. Mmm, homemade macaroni and cheese...

In my family, we start jockeying for hosting rights to Thanksgiving and Christmas. We make tentative plans to travel over long weekends and in late December, to make the most of our paid time off. We are always looking for ways to stretch our family and vacation time despite our mounting responsibilities at home and in the office.

This year, The Conciergerie came up with a time-saving, stress-reducing service that could make your holidays a little brighter. If you are looking for ways to optimize your sugar cookie baking time, you may want to consider our Christmas Tree Delivery service.

You can choose the tree and the tree size; we bring the tree to you, set it up in your home or business and even clean up the mess. After the holidays, we'll take the tree away, discard it responsibly and you won't have to lift a finger.

Check in with our blog this fall for more details. We will be posting the tree delivery dates, service areas and pricing as Christmas nears.

Happy fall!

Tips on Hiring a Gardener or House Cleaner

2008-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

When you consider hiring a housekeeper or gardener, what are the qualities you look for? Good work ethic? Good references? Price? What about insurance?

On the surface, hiring uninsured workers is certainly less expensive, but the repercussions can be costly.
Q. How could hiring an uninsured service provider cost you?
A. If a worker is injured on your property and they are not covered by their own insurance, they can sue you under workman's compensation and your home owner's insurance will not cover the cost. Unless you have a specific workman's compensation coverage added to your own insurance, you as an individual will be held accountable for the suit.

For homeowners who employ several full-time domestic workers, adding workman's compensation may be the best way to go, as it protects against other kinds of suits, such as sexual harassment. For the rest of us, however, it is unreasonably expensive.

The best option is to ask about insurance coverage before hiring any kind of domestic help and employ only those who are covered, even if it means paying a higher rate.

Even the best workers can have accidents. It is better to be safe than... well, you know the rest.

Administrative Office Assistance

2008-09-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

If you have a small business, you know how quickly paperwork can pile up and become misplaced. "Where did that bill go? Did we pay our vendor yet? How many hours did the delivery guy work this month?"

The Conciergerie offers administrative consulting services to create solutions that fit your needs.

We start by reviewing everything that you or your administrative assistant does on a daily basis. How long does it take? What does she enjoy doing? What doesn't she like to do? What types of projects never seem get done? Is anything or anyone preventing her from completing her work, or particular projects? If you could change the office procedures, how would you? What things could run better?

One of our goals is to play to the strengths of everyone in your office. After we get your office organized and you feel comfortable with the new processes, then we'll make recommendations that are aligned with your business goals and restrictions.

Maybe you just need a part-time filing assistant. Perhaps you should hire an accountant or CPA.

We'll work together to maximise your efficiency and create a sustainable administrative process. With professional administrative consulting, you will have a better chance to make money for your business.

Internet Research

2008-09-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

When I mention that staff at The Conciergerie frequently conducts internet research for clients, I get some funny looks."I know how to use the Internet," people invaribly reply.

You also know how to grocery shop, plan a party for your six-year-old and buy airline tickets, but if you have better things to do with your time, lumping these tasks together and calling your personal assistant may be a better option.

We recently had a client who needed to attend a specific training course. She had 24 hours notice and a 48 hour deadline. She was also much too busy at work to find a solution. We quickly researched the training facilities and in under an hour we found the class and had her registered.