Do you want to #AskRichard? – News – Virgin.com

 

No one plays and works as hard as Richard Branson! In his recent #AskRichard column, he reflects on his idea of the perfect day! Sounds like recess to us!

 

Do you want to #AskRichard? – News – Virgin.com.

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Yup, There is a National Doughnut Day

 

Do you prefer glazed, filled or sugared?

 

Well on Friday, June 1st you have permission to try every doughnut under the sun because it’s officially National Doughnut Day! What a great way to show some appreciation to your staff or clients by treating them to a box of doughnuts in honor of this offbeat holiday!

 

We love any reason to celebrate and have a great time, especially when it comes to sugary goodness!

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Playground Chatter with Dr. Micah Parzen, CEO of the San Diego Museum of Man

We are busy getting around town interviewing CEO’s and cool kids for our new web series, Playground Chatter. Yesterday we spent the day with Dr. Micah Parzen, the CEO of the San Diego Museum of Man. How does someone with a very demanding position incorporate recess into his life? Take a look….

 

 

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A Year in the Life Of a Personal Concierge

As the year comes to a close, it allows us time to look back at all the projects we have been involved with over the past year. If you have ever wondered how a personal concierge spends their time, here’s a list of the tasks we performed in 2011. By managing the to-do lists of busy folks, we are able to give them back the gift of time. We are excited that the personal concierge industry continues to grow so we can be of service to even more clients in the coming year!

EVENTS:

• Planned a retirement party for 75 guests
• Planned a 3-day romantic “staycation” for a couple in San Diego
• Created and managed a San Diego Scavenger Hunt for conference attendees
• Coordinated transportation and tours for a Chinese delegation visiting Salk Institute
• Produced a viewing party for Oprah’s Last Show – 300 guests
• Planned a 60^th birthday party for 100 guests
• Managed a variety of non-profit fundraising events
• Produced a high-profile conference for event planners and entrepreneurs – 80 guests
• Coordinated an exclusive Royal Wedding tour to London
• Managed an executive golf outing and VIP tour at Callaway Golf
• Managed a wedding at a private estate

 

TRAVEL:

• Coordinated a cruise in Tahiti
• Coordinated a 10-day trip through Eastern Canada via train
• Coordinated a family cruise in Alaska
• Coordinated a 3-week family excursion to Europe
• Coordinated a 14-day family experience in Mexico
• Coordinated a 2-week trip to Croatia, France & Spain
• Managing the Executive Travel Program for an international medical device company

 

LIFESTYLE:

• Successfully relocated 25 international executive families to San Diego between June and November 2011 – managed home finding your, settling in services and school selection
• Hired a private investigator for a client
• Coordinated a closet organization and delivery of clothing to a consignment store
• Created unique gift baskets for an employee appreciation program
• Designed a VIP concert experience for 20 guests to see Elton John
• Coordinated household services from window washing to carpet cleaning
• Offered holiday support from carving pumpkins to ordering Christmas trees for clients
• Facilitated the ordering and delivery of client appreciation gifts
• Personal shopping for a client’s professional wardrobe
• Created legacy videos for a retirement party & 60^th birthday party
• Gift wrapped holiday gifts

 

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Alaska – Good for Your Mind and Soul

This Summer it seems like everyone is heading to Alaska for their family vacation. I personally know 6 families that have headed North. With the dollar so weak internationally and the negative press (unfortunately) Mexico receives, it seems like Alaska has become the vacation darling in the past 12-months. At the end of June, my parents and I took a 7-day cruise through Alaska, starting in Anchorage / Seward and ending in Vancouver, Canada. I was prepared for the luxuries of the cruise ship – first-class entertainment, unlimited dining options, friendly service and the opportunity to meet new friends. What I was not prepared for, which Alaska more than delivered, was the majestic beauty and jaw-dropping gifts Mother Earth has given us in that part of the world. Alaska’s landscape, in a word, is stunning! I admit I’m a bit more a city dweller than a real rough and tough nature girl. I can appreciate nature and what beauty it offers but I don’t really find myself needing to become “one with nature”. I prefer to become “one” with urban landscapes and the hustle and bustle of city life.  It’s almost as if Alaska scoffed at my pre-conceived notion that nature is only pretty to look at but it doesn’t feed my soul the way European cafes, shopping bazaars and the metro station does. Upon arrival, I think Alaska made note that another one of the “lower 48′s” had arrived and it was challenged again to change yet another mind about the significance of lush landscape, vast terrain and wondrous wildlife.

The natives are quick to tell you that in spite of what Sara Palin says (via Tina Fey’s impersonation on SNL) they cannot see Russia from their porches. However, they are very committed to making sure you know that Alaska is a place they are very proud to call home. I think the reason they can’t see Russia is because Alaska is one frigg’n big state! Alaska really has 2 seasons – Summer (when everyone works 7-days a week and 14 hour days) and the rest of the year. Those that stay beyond the summer season have to navigate the brutality of below freezing temperatures, frozen pipes, and sustaining themselves financially on whatever they made during the “high season.” Imagine only working 4-months out of the year and then basically being forced to hibernate the other 8 months. Although at first glance this seems like a vacation, the truth is living in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. Although they work their hands to the bone in the summer and hope for a survivable winter, true Alaskans would not want it any other way. It’s obvious that Alaska is a way of life.

From the comfort of our luxurious cruise ship, we saw Alaska the easy way. Our ports of call included Seward, Haines / Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Seaward offered us the chance to enjoy a great tour which included dog sled racing at the world-famous Seavey Family Homestead (The Seavey’s are the most prolific Ididarod racing family)  and getting face to face with Exit Glacier in Kenai National Park. From cuddling husky puppies to seeing the vast glacial ice wall, Seward was a highlight of our trip. From Seward, we spent two days at sea, which took us to Glacier Bay. To be a stone’s throw from a glacier and to listen to the explosion as the ice falls into the sea is unforgettable. What I will remember about Glacier Bay are the sounds – crashing  ice, the squawk of sea birds and the howling of the wind – Glacier Bay is nature’s soundtrack.  You are truly at the alter of Mother Nature and you pay reverence by being quiet and still and just taking in the majesty that surrounds you.

Our first port was Haines / Skagway. Haines is a very tiny town made famous in the gold rush era. After exploring Haines (which takes about as long as drinking a cup of coffee), we took the ferry across the bay to Skagway. With a more active Main Street, Skagway offers more in terms of restaurants, shops and jewelry stores (you’ve rarely seen the number of jewelry stores that Alaska offers). Our second port was Juneau – the capital of Alaska. Did you know there are no roads to drive to Juneau? It’s the only capital that you have to either get to by boat or float plane. Juneau offered us the chance to go whale watching. Within 10 minutes of leaving the dock, our Captain informed us that we had a pod of orca just off the bow. For nearly 45 minutes, we watched as 6 orca frolicked and hunted for lunch. We even had an up close encounter when a baby orca even skimmed the side of our boat. The trip also included humpback whale sightings, sea lions and bald eagles flying over head. Juneau also has Mt. Roberts Tram, which offers one of the most amazing views of Alaska. Within 7 minutes, you are transported 3800 feet from the seafront to the mountain tops. We were given the gift of perfect weather that day which made the view even more spectacular.  Our last port was Ketichikan, which is known for the world’s largest rain gauge. That should tell you how much rain they receive each year! Our day in Ketichikan included a local tour and a visit to the Saxman Native Village, which offers insight into the history and cultural significance of totem poles. Our voyage to Vancouver took us through the Inside Passage, a beautiful route that skims tiny islands and provides the opportunity to see marine wildlife.

The natives say that Alaska gets into your soul. After 10-days in the great state, I would have to agree. It literally feels like you are in another world – and not just because you are a long way from home. Alaska is pristine; it’s crisp, it’s pure and it’s life-changing. I found myself in moments of devout gratitude that I was experiencing nature in such a profound way.

Do yourself a favor and put Alaska on your bucket list. If for no other reason than to allow Mother Nature to cleanse your mind and soul!

Here are a few special moments from our trip….

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Vacations 2011: Time Off Improves Productivity, Not Just Reducing Stress

 

Vacations 2011: Time Off Improves Productivity, Not Just Reducing Stress – ABC News.

Clearly this article reminds us that “recess” does a body and mind very good!  Taking time to decompress actually helps our bodies to restore and to lower stress levels.

Are you overdue for a vacation? Even a short weekend getaway is enough to allow for the body to feel restored and the mind to rest!

Next time the bell rings for recess, don’t ignore it! Instead go running out to the playground with full force! Your mind and body will thank you!

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Schwinn’s Magical Bell

As we have been working to rebrand, we have been looking at lots of images related to recess. I love what Schwinn has done with their campaign! Totally takes you back to riding your first bike – remember the freedom, the belly laughs and how your imagination soared with each push of the peddle? That’s exactly what RECESS by The Henley Company is all about!  Kudos to Schwinn for helping us to stroll back down memory lane!!

Schwinn Magical Bell | The Inspiration Room.

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February Family Experience – You are Invited!

You are invited to join us for our

 

FEBRUARY FAMILY EXPERIENCE

at the

San Diego Botanic Garden

Saturday, February 26, 2011

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

There is so much to see, explore and do at the San Diego Botanic Garden!

 

We will enjoy Garden Bingo, a scavenger hunt that will take little explorers all around the Garden. Our families will be able to express themselves with paint, clay and help to create a mural for the Garden art program. Children can pot plants, climb in a tree house and play with boats floating in the stream. Check out and enjoy the beauty of the Butterfly Bed & Breakfast – a new enclosure for caterpillars to eat, rest, and transform into butterflies-all the stages of butterfly metamorphosis. For those really looking to explore, you could help Lucille the Lizard find her friend Leonard, who is hiding somewhere in the Garden!

 

Explore four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. Our diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates giving the visitor a sensation of going from a desert environment to a tropical rainforest, all within 37 acres. The Hamilton Children’s Garden, is the largest interactive children’s garden on the West Coast.

 

Register Now!

Admission includes a picnic lunch at the Hamilton Children’s Garden.

 

$25 – Adults (13 yrs and older)

$18 – Children (3-12 years)

Children 2 and under are free with paid adult

 

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Living the Life Thanks to Lifestyle Villas in Cabo San Lucas

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If you have been following our blog lately, you know that we recently took a trip down south to visit our office in Cabo San Lucas…and by “office” I mean the palapa next to the pool overlooking the ocean! There is certainly nothing like the creativity bolt that you get when your view is the Sea of Cortez, your co-workers for the day are the marine life swimming past and your employee lunch room is a 5-star catered meal poolside. To say that I love my job is an understatement!

The creative masters behind my flawless trip was the amazing team at Lifestyle Villas. When they invited us down to do a site visit and to “experience” their villa offerings I knew I was going to be impressed. I was not prepared to be blown away! Talk about a first class operation! My interaction began several weeks before my trip as my Destination Specialist, Susana, worked with me to ensure a smooth trip. Lifestyle Villas makes it their priority to make sure that your trip exceeds every expectation. Susana made sure that our villa was stocked with the appropriate amenities: tequila, margarita mix, guacamole…you get the hint! It was nice to have the comforts of home, including my beloved Diet Coke, in the refrigerator.

The airport pick-up could not have been smoother. Immediately upon exiting the baggage claim, a Lifestyle Villas representative was on hand. He immediately whisked me to a beautiful SUV and handed me a cold bottle of water. Within 20 minutes, we were safely delivered to our gated estate, Villa Anna-Lei, which is over 6000 sq. feet of beach front loveliness. Villa Anna-Lei is located in the corridor, about half way between San Jose del Cabo and Los Cabos. It is one of the most breathtaking pieces of property in the world. My consumption of the view was only interrupted by the heaping plate of guacamole and salsa that welcomed us into the property. I can easily lose my focus with chips & dips! Our personal concierge, Daniel, was at the house upon our arrival and made our transition easy. Within minutes we had a tour of the house and our luggage was tucked away into the appropriate bedroom. Daniel was on hand throughout the weekend to make sure we had everything we needed. The level of personal assistance that we had far exceeds any 5-star hotel.

Lifestyle Villas went all out to ensure that we had a very VIP treatment. The spa experience we had with Suzanne Morel Mobile Day Spa, followed by dinner by A Matter of Taste, requires their own blogs. I was stunned by the “experience” that both created for us. As an event planner, I feel very jaded about design, decor and good food because I come in contact with so much of it. Most is good; rarely is it remarkable. Both A Matter of Taste and Suzanne Morel are remarkable.

For anyone looking to get away, Cabo is an easy jaunt from Southern California. The flight time is less than 2-hours from San Diego/LA. With a direct flight, you are easily sipping margaritas under perfect sunshine by 2:00 p.m. Cabo is wonderfully safe, exceptionally clean and the level of service in the restaurants, bars and attractions is first-rate. It feels like worlds away from San Diego, while just being a stones throw away.

Muchas gracias Lifestyle Villas for a wonderful weekend! I look forward to the partnership we have established. I have every confidence that you will take care of my clients at the same level you took care of me!

I hope you will enjoy the slide show – the photos don’t really do the property and the experience justice. It was all breathtaking – from beginning to end!

For those looking to do events in Cabo, the go-to team is:

Lifestyle Villas

www.lifestylevillas.net

@lifestylevillas

Festa Fina  - Rentals & Event Design

www.festafina.com

Cabo Floral Studio

www.cabofloralstudio.com

Suzanne Morel Luxury Mobile Day Spa

www.suzannemorel.com

@suzzannemorel

@cabolinens – they also did the linens for the spa/dinner

A Matter of Taste Catering

www.cateringincabo.com

@cateringincabo

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The Ultimate Royal Wedding Experience

We are just days away from announcing the final itinerary for our Royal Wedding Experience. All of the key pieces are falling into place and we are super excited with all of the planning! Our interest list is filling up fast so make sure you get yourself on the list ASAP! The tour will only accommodate 25 attendees in an attempt to keep it super unique and intimate.

A few of the highlights of the trip being finalized include:

• A private tour of the Crown Jewels with The Yeoman Warder (Beefeater)
• A vist to the Royal Warrant luxury boutiques & retailers with a fashion expert
• A day trip to Windsor & Eton College (where Prince William attended school)
• Demonstration on Royal Wedding flowers, bouquets and decorations at a Flower School
• High Tea including a history & etiquette lesson
• Meet & greet with members of the Royal staff
• Public celebration of the Royal Wedding in Hyde Park
• Champagne Toast at the top of the London Eye

We look forward to joining you in London!!

Name(required)

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How many in your party? 1 2 3 4 5 5+

Questions or Comments? We will confirm your place on the priority list upon receipt! (required)

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