Celebrate & Save

It was 3 years ago today that my husband and I said 'I DO'. I cannot believe how fast these years have flown by! It feels like only yesterday we were preparing for the big day!

Dining out is one of our favorite things to do, but we're always looking for ways to keep money in our wallet too. If you've read some of my previous posts, you know that I am a coupon queen and I love to hunt for amazing deals. I wanted to share some great tips for eating well even if you're on a budget.

We began our morning with a wonderful breakfast at one of our favorite little places- Mimi's Cafe. Aside from their great menu, one awesome thing about them is that they will send you e-coupons on your birthday upon signing up for their club. This year's offer was $10 off any $20 purchase. Since my birthday is exactly one week before our anniversary, I still had time to use it. We got to enjoy a fabulous meal and a mimosa for a steal! visit this Mimi's Cafe link to sign up for their club and get free coupons all year round including one for a FREE breakfast upon joining!

We decided to do a double date Anniversary dinner with some close friends in the evening. They have the same Anniversary as us. How cool is that?! We attempted this last year but they had to fly to NY on short notice. Anyway, since we are both signed up with the Texas De Brazil Restaurant club, they too email us both birthday and anniversary coupons in the form of a free dinner. So the four of us headed out and got 2 out of 4 meals for free plus they provided a complimentary glass of champagne to all of us to toast our Wedding Anniversary! If you are not familiar with Texas De Brazil, it is a fabulous Brazilian all-you-can-eat (to die for) antipasto salad bar followed by unlimited cuts of meat-chicken, lamb, pork, flank steak, fillet mignon, etc. They also include some sweet plantains too for dessert and you can always pick up a more elaborate dessert afterwards, although I doubt you'll have room! If you are planning to go, you'll probably want to skip lunch to make room!

Here is where you can sign up for their free club!

For all of you with a birthday coming up soon, another great deal is the free cold stone creamery cup of icecream! That's right, they'll give you a free cup during your birthday week! Here is the link to sign up and get your sweet treat. If you have kids or a spouse, sign them up too so the whole family can enjoy free icecream year round!

I love to share ideas with you all and I'd love to hear some great deals that you've scored at restaurants, eateries, beauty salons, etc. Leave a comment and let us know!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Giving Thank You Cards is Classy

I don't know anyone who doesn't love receiving cards. Whether they are celebratory for a birthday, anniversary or another upcoming event or simply just to say thank you, people love a personal hand-written card. This also couldn't be more true in business!

When someone has gone out of their way to help you, write a recommendation for you or has invited you over for dinner, do remember to thank them. While verbally acknowledging the person is always a must; a nice, unexpected and thoughtful gesture is to write a thank you card and mail it to them. If you do not have their personal address in your database, try to send it to their workplace. If all else fails, an e-mail will suffice but hand written and heartfelt is best.

I was invited to a friend's parent's beach house recently, a woman who I had not known that well at the time, but she wanted us to get to know each other better so my husband and I and another couple joined her. We had a wonderful time at the beach strolling the shore, sharing stories and having some laughs and I felt it necessary to send her a thank you card and also to her parents (it is their personal home) who were wonderful people.

My friend seemed shocked and commented that she really needs to write more thank you notes herself and that her mom is meticulous about it and had always taught her to do the same. She really appreciated the small gesture. It must have been contagious because I received a pretty card right after her birthday gathering just weeks later, for my gift and for attending.

In business, I always make a point of thanking each customer that has worked with our Design Firm as well as the Realtors and our previous clients who refer new clients to us. With email, texting and instant messaging, we've lost the time honored tradition of the written word. I highly encourage you all to write a thank you card to a friend who means a lot to you, your employees, your customers or your spouse. Share with them why you appreciate them and the joy they bring to your life!