Happy Labor Day, Ladies!

In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday. Lots of people view it as the last hurrah of Summer and spend the whole weekend at BBQs, but it’s also a day to celebrate contributions and achievements of hard-working Americans. That usually meant the work of men. I imagine the women didn’t take the day off from doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, teaching their kids and the countless other tasks they had to do on a daily basis. During World War II record numbers of women started working outside the home. “Rosie The Riveter”* (to the left) was part of the U.S. government’s propaganda campaign aimed at luring women into the Munitions Industry.

I’ve had this famous poster for several years now. I love it because it reminds me about the strength of women. Many of us work at home, just like the majority of women pre-WWII, but that’s our choice. We take care of the house and kids, but we also run businesses and work for others in our home offices. I’m more than a Stay At Home Mom. I also promote insurance agencies, babysit and tutor students in math. Then there are the women who are a part of the workforce, who still take care of their families and homes. My friend Amy keeps her house in perfect order, but she also coaches at her kids’ school, cleans houses and does data entry for a lawyer. She’s one of those Super Moms. Neither is better than the other. Both types of women have that do-what-you-gotta attitude and that’s what makes them strong.

So don’t forget to thank the women in your life today for all their hard work. Remember their work doesn’t stop just because it’s Labor Day. The dirty dishes and clothes, hungry mouths and crying babies won’t give her a break. However, you can help lighten her load by pitching in. I know I appreciate all the help my husband does after a long day of work and school. I love it when he helps with the dishes and gives the boys a bath; few things are more romantic. Men, I think this is true for all women.

Happy Labor Day, America!

*Photo Credit: History.com

I Love Email Clubs!

Do you love to eat out, but don’t have room for it in your budget? I suggest you the join email clubs for your favorite restaurants. Many restaurant websites have email lists you can sign up for. They’ll send you emails about special offers, often only available to email club members. Some places will send you thank you gifts, like a coupon for a free dessert or appetizer, just for signing up. You may also receive coupons for free food for your birthday or wedding anniversary.

I receive emails from places like Pei Wei, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Tijuana Flats, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Boston Market, Cold Stone Creamery and Cody’s Original Roadhouse. Signing up is so easy. They usually just ask for your name, address, email and birthday. I get emails about once a week (sometimes less often) from these restaurants alerting me of their special offers, new menu items and events. For example, Pei Wei sent me a Buy One Entrée Get One Free on Mother’s Day. Cold Stone Creamery sent me a coupon for a free small ice cream for my birthday. Boston Market often sends me emails letting me know when my kids can eat for free and so does Cody’s. I’m a stay at home mom and I make just enough money, working from home, to help pay our bills. Most of my family’s meals are made and eaten at home, but it’s nice to let someone else cook from time to time. I’m always looking for ways to stretch a dollar and these email clubs help me do just that. Visit your favorite restaurants’ websites and sign up now!

Facebook and Twitter are great ways to find out about your favorite place’s best deals. Remember, when Starbucks gave free coffee to people who voted and Ben & Jerry’s gave you ice cream? I heard about those from Facebook. Just the other day I learned from Twitter that Starbucks is selling frappuccinos for half price from 3-5 p.m.until May 16th. Hurray for Frappy Hour! Don’t forget to share this secret with your friends and family.