Spring is Springing- HOUSE-SITTING PROMO

I was just out poking around in the yard when I noticed little green buds on many of my plants.

Clear winter days like today make me want to take a picture of the blue sky to remind myself that it still exists above all the grey clouds.

Usually, my husband and I have a vacation planned during these dark days of winter to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (that's our excuse anyway). We're sticking around this winter, so instead of sunning on the beach, I sit in my warm car, let the sun beat down on me through the window and pretend.

As a way to encourage you sun-seekers to go on vacation, I am offering a house-sitting promotion. Get four visits to your house, for the price of three. Please call me for details, as every client & situation are unique. Also, if you refer a friend to me, you will get a $10 coffee card.

A wild bunny just ran across the yard. Spring is springing!

Did you draw the short straw? Delegate your Holiday Party Planning

Sometimes you volunteer, other times someone else, like your spouse or your boss, volunteers on your behalf. "Thanks boss, but I don't have time to organize 200 kids on paint-a-mural day."

If you find yourself over-committed and in need of assistance planning an event, give us a call to see how we can help. From decorating and theme ideas, to sourcing the perfect caterer (even if it's a pizza delivery), we can help make your event as you imagined.

We also work with a cleaning service to clean your home or office before and after the event.

If you have volunteer-fatigue, delegate!

House-Sitting: Is it time to Winterize your Sprinkler System?

I'm watching tall, tall trees bend in the fall wind as pine needles and fire-colored maple leaves confetti the back yard.

In no fear of drought, it's almost time to winterize your sprinkler system if you have one, hide the lawn furniture and brace for a la Nina winter (or so I've heard.)

If you are heading out of town this fall or winter and you need us to keep an eye on your home and take in the mail, send us a smoke signal. We can also arrange landscaping and yard upkeep in your absence.

Happy Anniversary to The Conciergerie!

October marks our 3rd Anniversary here at The Conciergerie and we are very excited to share it with you, our busy, inspirational, energetic clients.

We know we have competition for our services and we realize that you can usually manage your own tasks, but we appreciate having the opportunity to run errands for you, keep an eye on your house when you're out of town and give you more time each day. Thank you for your business!

Looking back to my time as an administrator at Microsoft, I vividly remember how busy everyone on my team was. From business trips and deadlines, to family and other personal commitments, it seemed like everyone needed an extra hand.

In October 2007, I had the opportunity to change my career, allowing me to care for my daughter at home and create a service-based, on-call, personal assistant firm.

For the last three years, I have loved working with people who proactively engage The Conciergerie. Our clients tend to be dynamic and creative; particularly entrepreneurs who must also be this way in their own line of work.

So, thank you to YOU for keeping me inspired to do better for all my clients and focus on the services you need. As always, if I can't solve your problem, I'll find someone who can.

Welcome, Baby!

I admit that I have been hibernating like a bear and nesting like a... well, bird the last couple months in preparation for the birth of my second daughter.

My baby, Opal was born on October 8th and since then, our family has been getting to know her. Relatives and friends have been stopping by to enjoy the "new baby smell" and sneak a peek at her tiny toes.

Thank you to everyone who has sent their well-wishes!

High-Swing of Summer!

Weather-wise, it's been a pretty mild summer here in the Pacific Northwest. We've had some beautiful days, but even now, in early August, the best time of year, the sky is gray in the mornings and the clouds burn off by the afternoon.

On a positive note, we can wear less sunscreen and water the plants a little less too.

As usual, the retail stores foreshadow the upcoming season. Back to School and even Halloween decorations are already prevalent.

Personally, I'm preparing my 3 1/2 year old for her first day of Pre-School. She has a few school clothes and she's ready to hit the books (kid code for finger paint and play at recess). She is also looking forward to becoming a big sister in early October.

The Conciergerie will continue to accept clients who need house-sitting, event planning, errands and research managed. We have a close-knit, dedicated staff ready to give you the personalized attention you need to wrap up your summer and prepare you and your family for fall.

Online Networking

We want to connect with you!

We have recently created an active Facebook account to offer reviews of restaurants and destinations through www.Yelp.com.

To "friend" us, type "Seattle Conciergerie" into the Facebook search bar.

You can also see what we've been reviewing by going directly to TheConciergerie.yelp.com

And of course you can read our "public" Twitter account http://twitter.com/TheConciergerie

Happy Father's Day!

A Smilebox slide show with photos by Christy Trotto Photography

Summer Promotion

Are you planning a summer vacation and need the plants watered a few times while you travel?

Break out the beach towels!

We are offering a free hour of service to any new, house-sitting clients on the Eastside.

Mention this blog post on our website to become eligible.

New, Pared-Down Conciergerie

You may have noticed that our service page has been pared-down a bit. Since opening our doors in October 2007, we have worked hard to learn what our clients need and our listed services are a reflection of this.

You need someone to care for your home while you travel or work abroad.

You need a hand with errands from time to time.

You need help planning and hosting special events.

We are happy to provide these services and focus on the tasks our clients need most. Of course, if you need your concierge to find a pet sitter or contractor, we can still assist. Just let us know what you're looking for and we'll be pleased to manage your mischief.

Professional Handbag Cleaning

While searching for a professional handbag cleaner for a client, I came across some information that might be interesting to my readers.

Typically, high-end purses come with care instructions, but if your purse needs special attention, you may try calling the retail establishment that sold you the bag to see if they offer maintenance.

Nordstrom no longer offers a handbag cleaning service.

Martini Cleaners in Seattle (206) 244-2478 offers this service. They typically charge $60 for a leather purse and $90 for a canvass bag.

You may also find that your local dry cleaner offers a handbag cleaning service, depending on the material in which your bag is made.

Good luck!

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!




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.

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

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.

• 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!

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

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?

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

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

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

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.