-
Hello, and Welcome To Bright Blue Concierge Services!
I’d like to share a little bit about myself and what type of content I hope to share with you on this page.
First of all…what is Bright Blue Services?
Bright Blue is your full service, individualized personal assistant.
What is a Concierge Service? Well, have you ever wished you had someone to run your errands, plan a vacation, or deal with the logistics of a home remodel? Your one stop shop for all these needs would be an Individual Concierge Service.
We specialize in personalized assistance for multiple needs: household management, lifestyle management, transportation, travel and vacation planning, and so much more! Our goal is to allow you the luxury of being able to take back that time that was always swallowed up while performing these chores, and use it for something you actually WANT to do! Imagine being able to take a vacation and actually ENJOY your vacation time without worrying about what is going on with everything back home. We’ve got your back!
We can handle everything from planning your vacation, arranging travel, making sure you are packing all the essentials, arranging accommodations and rentals at your holiday destination and making sure you have the details and tickets for all the fun things you want to do while you are there. And while you are gone, we have your back at home too…arranging for house and pet sitters, even someone to come in and clean right before you come home so you can come home to a sparkling clean and freshly smelling home!
This is just one example of the multitude of things we can do for you! Some of our more popular services include: Grocery Shopping…including pickup and delivery, Home Organization, Reminder Services, Chef Services, Spa and Massage bookings, and so much more!
Let us turn your to-do list into a DONE list! Contact Bright Blue today!
-
On This Day…
Happy Halloween, everyone! On this day, the streets are filled with spooky creatures, jack-o-lanterns, and candy galore. But did you know that there are other significant historical events that occurred on October 31st? Let’s take a look back at some of the other notable moments in history that happened on this day.
Firstly, on this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation. This was a significant moment in history as it led to the establishment of the Lutheran and Protestant churches, which brought about a major religious shift in Europe.
Secondly, on October 31st, 1864, Nevada officially became the 36th state in the United States of America. Nevada is known for its vast deserts, casinos, and iconic landmarks such as the Hoover Dam and Area 51. The state has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of the United States.
What other events can you think of? Are there any momentous or noteworthy events that occurred on this day in your own life? Here’s a look at a few more:
- 1861: Union General Winfield Scott resigns his commission as Commander of the U.S. Army. The reason he cites is failing health.
- 1863: British troops led by General Duncan Cameron invade Waikato on this day during the Maori Wars.
- 1864: Nevada is admitted to the United States as the 36th Two years later, the state would adopt the motto: “All For Our Country.”
- 1913: The first automobile highway across the U.S.A – the Lincoln Highway – is dedicated on this day.
- 1918: The Austro-Hungarian Empire is dissolved during World War I.
- 1922: Benito Mussolini becomes Italy’s Prime Minister.
- 1926: The last issue of the independent Italian newspaper – Il Mondo – is published on this day. It would then become suppressed by Mussolini’s regime.
- 1941: Mount Rushmore is completed after fourteen years of work on it.
- 1941: The first U.S Navy vessel to be sunk is the USS Reuben James which was torpedoed by a German U-boat around Iceland. More than a hundred United States Navy sailors were killed.
Lastly, on this day in 2000, the last original Peanuts comic strip was published. Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip had been running for nearly fifty years, and its end marked the end of an era for many fans around the world. This one hit home for me because I will always have a deep and abiding love for the entire Peanuts gang…especially Snoopy!
So, while we celebrate Halloween today, let’s also take a moment to acknowledge these other significant events that have occurred on this day in history. It’s always fascinating to look back and reflect on how the past has shaped our present. Happy Halloween!
-
Information Overload Day – October 20, 2023
Happy Information Overload Day! Today is a day dedicated to recognizing the constant barrage of information that we are exposed to on a daily basis. With the advent of technology and the internet, we are now inundated with an endless stream of news articles, social media posts, emails, and text messages. While this abundance of information can be overwhelming, it is also a testament to the incredible advances in communication and technology that have been made in recent years.
Despite the challenges of managing information overload, there are many benefits to having access to so much information. For one, we are now able to stay up-to-date on news and events from around the world in real-time. This has allowed us to be more informed and engaged citizens, and has even led to political and social change in some cases.
Furthermore, the abundance of information available to us has also allowed for increased education and learning opportunities. With online courses, tutorials, and educational videos, we can now learn about almost any subject from the comfort of our own homes.
So, on this Information Overload Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible advancements in communication and technology that have led to this abundance of information. While it may be overwhelming at times, we should be grateful for the opportunities and knowledge that it has brought us.
HISTORY OF INFORMATION OVERLOAD DAY
Information Overload Day was created by analyst Jonathan Spira in 2009 when his research firm, Basex, cited information overload as their “Problem of the Year”. As a way to generate more awareness about the issue, the company held “Information Overload Awareness Day” on August 12.
The Information Overload Research Group (IORG), which was also founded by Spira, joined as a sponsor of the day. During its first observance, the day witnessed 350 workers participate in an online event from more than 30 countries around the world. In 2010, Information Overload Day was moved to October 20 and has continued to be observed on that day since.
According to Encyclopedia.com, information overload has been defined as “excessive flows and amounts of data or information that can lead to detrimental, computational, physical, psychological, and social effects.” When a person is burdened with a large amount of information, it can affect their ability to process issues effectively. The term was first used in 1964 by Bertram Gross, a professor of political science, in his book “The Managing of Organizations”. However, the term didn’t become popular until the release of a book called “Future Shock”, written in 1970 by a writer and futurist called Alvin Toffler.
In the digital era, information is literally at everyone’s fingertips. The immense pressure to churn out new and exciting information, coupled with the vast number of media for its dissemination, is a major cause of information overload. The pressure to know and be known is something we all face on a daily basis. Information Overload Day is a reminder to disconnect and go back to basics.
-
Happy World Food Day!
This is a day where we celebrate the importance of food and the role it plays in our lives. Good food not only nourishes our bodies, but it also brings people together, creates memories, and connects us to different cultures. Today, let’s try a super easy recipe that you can make and share to celebrate this special day: Easy Tuna Salad
It is a simple and delicious dish that you can enjoy as a light lunch or snack. To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread or lettuce leaves for serving
Directions:
- Drain the tuna and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, onion, celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Serve the tuna salad on bread or lettuce leaves.
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also healthy and delicious. Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our health. Additionally, this recipe can be customized to your liking by adding different spices or vegetables.
Remember, food is a celebration of life and culture. Let’s all take some time today to appreciate the food we have and the people who make it possible. Happy World Food Day!
-
Hello World!
Welcome to WordPress! This is your first post. Edit or delete it to take the first step in your blogging journey.
-
Hello, and Welcome!
We hope this is the beginning to a beautiful friendship! We’d like to share a little bit about our company and what type of content we hope to share with you on this page.
First of all, what is Bright Blue Services? Well, have you ever wished you had someone to help you deal with your endless errand list? Everything from picking up the groceries and getting the laundry done, to planning a vacation or dealing with the logistics of a home remodel. We are a full-service Personal Assistant and Concierge company.
We specialize in personalized assistance for multiple needs: household management, lifestyle management, transportation, travel and vacation planning, and so much more! Our goal is to allow you the luxury of being able to take your free time and use it doing something you actually WANT to do! Imagine being able to spend more play time with your kids; or actually ENJOYING your vacation time without worrying about what is going on with everything back home.
We will be utilizing this blog to share our favorite recipes, household cleaning tips, monthly specials, and more. I hope you find these to be of benefit. If you have questions or would like to find out more about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out!!
-
Household Cleaning Tips
On average, we spend nearly 40 minutes a day cleaning our homes. And, with the exception of those who truly find dusting their baseboards and scrubbing their ovens akin to bliss, most people are likely eager to use that time for more enjoyable activities.
Luckily, there’s hope: here are a few house cleaning tricks that will make your home twice as clean in half the time!
- Clean Your Blender With Soap – pour some warm water, a little baking soda, and a little dish soap in your blender and pulse it for a few seconds. Afterward, give it a good rinse or pop it in the dishwasher to get it looking like brand new once again.
- Make Your Sink Fixtures Gleam With Wax Paper – after sanitizing with an antibacterial cleanser, polish those faucets and tap handles with some wax paper. Not only will this help remove water spots, the wax will help prevent future stains, as well.
- Clean Out Your Coffee Maker With Some Vinegar – fill your coffee maker’s reservoir with a few tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with water, run it, and run it once more with only water to ditch any lingering vinegar smell.
- Keep Your Washer Smelling Fresh With Bleach – run it with a combination of hot water and a quart of bleach and opt for the sanitize setting. So long, funky-smelling clothes!
- Skip the Traditional Mop – ditch your traditional mop in favor of a microfiber duster and you’ll make your home cleaner and less contaminated in no time. After you’re done vacuuming, use a bit of cleaner on a single-use or washable microfiber pad to clean your floors, surfaces, and even your electronics with ease—and without getting your hands dirty.
-
Tasty Tuesday – Meal Delivery Services vs Cooking At Home
Let’s face it, when it comes to dinnertime, COVID-19 either helped some of us re-discover our love of cooking at home, or re-affirmed out desire for takeout! Ever wish there was some sort of middle ground…a nice, easy, make at home meal that won’t destroy the kitchen or take hours to prepare?
I made this easy Lemon Shrimp Scampi last week, and not only was it just delish, but it was so easy! No chopping and very little measuring! Thought I would share with you!
Lemon Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Angel Hair Pasta (or Spaghetti noodles)
- 2 tbsp. Butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 lb. of Shrimp (thawed, cannot be frozen)
- 1 tbsp. Garlic Salt
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 Lemon, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or Water
- 2 tbsp. Fresh Parsley
- 6 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water cook angel hair (or spaghetti) pasta according to directions.
- Melt butter (or coconut oil) in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp & garlic salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turns pink, between 2 – 4 minutes. Part way through cooking, add salt & pepper to taste.
- Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth or water. Bring to a simmer. Stir in fresh parsley and parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Toss with angel hair pasta and garnish with more fresh parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
-
Balsamic Steak and Gorgonzola Salad
A deliciously savory and tangy salad. Perfect for those warm days when you want to fire up the grill.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced or sautéed yellow onion
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 6 cup spinach leaves
- 1 corn on the cob, husk removed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling corn
For the Gremolata
- 2 tablespoons basil leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Balsamic Vinagrette
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- Dash of salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a medium size bowl, stir together ingredients for the marinade. Place steaks in a large ziplock bag. Pour marinade over the steaks, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make the gremolata: Combine the basil, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside
- Preheat a cast iron grill pan at medium-high heat or an outdoor grill. Drizzle corn on the cob with 1 tablespoon olive oil and liberally sprinkle salt and pepper. Using tongs place on the heated grill. Cook each side until grill marks form on the corn kernels and they are somewhat softened, about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat when done and let cool. Slice corn kernels off the cob.
- Remove the steak from the fridge. Place on the grill or grill pan. Grill both sides 4-5 minutes for rare to medium rare. Remove steak to a plate and let rest for five minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for vinaigrette.
- Toss together half of the vinaigrette, half of the gremolata, mixed greens, tomatoes, gorgonzola, sliced corn, and onion in a large bowl.
- Lay sliced steak on top of salad. Drizzle steak and salad with gremolata and remaining vinaigrette as desired.
This Salad was a huge hit with the family and only took about 30 minutes to prepare not including marinade time. Depending on the flavor you like you can either use fresh red onion or sautéed yellow onion like we did. We also used stone ground mustard and it added just that extra bite the salad needed. If you try out this recipe let us know how you liked it and anything you may have changed.
-
Tasty Tuesday – Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
It’s Tasty Tuesday here at Bright Blue, and today lets make use of our Instant Pot. They are great for when we are running low on time but still want a delicious meal. The recipe for you today is Instant Pot Mongolian Beef. #instantpot #easydinner
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp powdered ginger or 1 tbsp. freshly minced ginger
- 2 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp. corn starch
Steps
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Add canola oil and beef strips and stir until browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar and pour over the beef. Place the lid on top and seal. Cook on the manual pressure setting for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
- Whisk together the water and corn starch and then quickly whisk into the pot. Press the sauté button again and cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve over rice.