Sunday, May 30, 2010

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Seaside, Oregon Wedding

We had a blast planning this unforgettable, destination wedding in Seaside, Oregon last year.

We can't take credit for the gorgeous setting, salty sea air and panoramic views, but we are proud to say we coordinated the catering, serving staff, DJ, table and chair rentals, cupcakes, clean-up crew, officiant, decorations, (pirate-themed) rehearsal dinner, wedding and more.

Take a look!


Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Seaside, Oregon Wedding


We only assist with a handful of weddings per year. If you are looking for an assistant the day-of, or full-service wedding planning, call us today for a free consultation.

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Seattle Magazine: 61 Ways to Get It Done

We are so excited about Seattle Magazine's March issue!

Sometimes it's easy to identify your needs, but difficult to find the right person to assist. You need your closet cleaned. Is there such a thing as a closet cleaning expert? You need a make-up artist who makes house calls. Where can you find one? Seattle Magazine's "61 Ways to Get It Done" can point you in the right direction.

While the article mentions a West Seattle-based personal assistant, The Conciergerie offers the same, time-saving services on the Eastside.

"Personal Errand Runner
West Seattle-based... personal concierge service, specializes in freeing up time. One call and the dog will be walked, the groceries bought, the duplicate gifts returned and the thank-you notes mailed. Especially attractive are the relocation package, with which all home utilities are set up after your move (no more waiting for the cable guy!), and the new mom package, which can include services such as arranging for meal delivery, running errands and even planning baby's first birthday."

At The Conciergerie, we take care of the things you don't have time to manage and if we can't help, we find someone who can. We also offer referrals to home contractors, real estate agents and landscaping companies as a courtesy to our clients.

We are located on the Eastside and service (mostly)
- Kirkland
- Redmond
- Sammamish
- Bellevue
- Issaquah

Among many other services, we offer house-sitting, errand management and event planning. If you need an extra hand, or a few more hours in the day, contact us today and we'll make it happen.

Seattle Magazine: 61 Ways to Get it Done

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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

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.

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

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.

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Knee Deep in Wedding Season!

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!

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Delegate Your New Year's Resolutions

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.

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What is Your Time Worth?

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Seasonal House-Sitting

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!"

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Decorating for the Holidays

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!

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Radar Lake Events

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.

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Thinking Ahead to Holiday Cards

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.

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More Time With Family

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.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Eating Gluten-Free

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!


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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Relocation Made Easy

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.

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3 Scrapbooking Solutions for Busy People

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!

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Sun... Finally!

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.

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Friday, April 10, 2009

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!

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

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spring Cleaning story in the Redmond Reporter

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.

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Monday, February 9, 2009

Do You Need a Personal Assistant? Take Our Quiz!

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.

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Savory Moment/ Month of Meals

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

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