Why Labor Day Is Worth Celebrating

Labor Day weekend is much anticipated. Many people look forward to Labor Day weekend because it offers one last extended break to enjoy summer weather. Though summer does not officially end until September is nearly over, for many people Labor Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, marks the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day is more than just one final chance to embrace the relaxed vibe of summer and soak up some rays. In fact, Labor Day boasts a unique history that's worth celebrating for a variety of reasons.

What is Labor Day?

The United States Department of Labor notes that Labor Day is a celebration of American workers that dates back to the 19th century. The day is meant to commemorate the contributions workers in the United States have made to the nation, helping to make it one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.

Who Came Up With The Idea Of Labor Day?

Despite the fact that municipal legislation surrounding Labor Day was initially introduced in the 1880s, debate remains as to just who should be credited with proposing a day to honor American workers. Some records suggest that Peter J. McGuire, who served as general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounded the American Federation of Labor, deserves the credit for Labor Day. However, the Department of Labor notes that many people believe a machinist named Matthew Maguire (no relation to Peter) was the first to propose a holiday honoring workers in 1882. At that time Maguire was serving as secretary of New York's Central Labor Union, which later adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The first Labor Day was ultimately celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans made by the Central Labor Union, which strongly suggests that Maguire does, in fact, deserve the credit for coming up with the holiday.

Why Celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day is worth celebrating because, without the contributions of millions of workers every year, the United States would not be the success story it is and has been for more than 200 years. In addition to the United States, many countries across the globe, including Canada and Australia, have their own versions of Labor Day. Labor Day weekend might now be seen as the unofficial end of summer, but this Labor Day weekend, celebrants and workers should remember that Labor Day also should be a time to reflect on the value of hard work.

Simple Ways to Improve a Kitchen Pantry

People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry. A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly. • Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves. • Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards. • Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity. • Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room.

• Pull out drawers are convenient.

Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space. • Make it accessible. Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home. A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.

Did you know?

The employment outlook for women over the next several years is very good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women predominate in many fields that projections suggest will have considerable openings through 2026. In its job openings projections that estimated openings between 2016 and 2026, the BLS found that 13 of the 20 occupations with the best employment outlook employed more women than men in 2016. Childcare workers, registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides were all professions that were dominated by women, and the BLS anticipated that each profession would have considerable openings through 2026. The field of nursing figures to be especially good to women in the coming years, as the BLS estimated, in its recent "Occupational Outlook Handbook," that employment of registered nurses was projected to grow by 12 percent between 2018 and 2028. Registered nurses, 90 percent of whom are women according to the BLS, figure to benefit greatly from this rosy employment outlook. potatoes and other produce, shelving

Together.

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Home Maintenance Tips to Keep the Outdoors Outside

Even avid nature lovers will agree that not all aspects of the outdoors belong inside one’s home. While bugs, mud and allergens will sneak their way into interior spaces, the steps you take to manage these elements can keep your home more comfortable.

Contain Allergens

Your home should provide a respite from outdoor allergens. Unfortunately, pollen has a tendency to stick to skin, hair, shoes and clothes. Contain allergens by removing outerwear when you get home. If you spent the day in a grassy or forested area, you may also want to change your clothes or even take a shower before sitting on furniture. As far as cleaning is concerned, regularly shake out your welcome mat outside and away from the front door. Also, make a habit of regularly laundering items that touch your eyes, ears and nose most frequently, such as bedding and towels.

Combat Insect Invaders

According to the Smithsonian Institution, there are over 200 million insects for each human on the planet! That’s a lot of critters, and despite your best efforts, some of them are going to enter your home, especially during peak bug season. With the National Pest Management Association’s bug barometer calling for high pest pressure from ants, roaches, mosquitoes and more this season, having a smart way to deal with insect invaders is a good idea. The majority of people are concerned with the ingredients found in conventional bug killer sprays. If that describes you, look for effective solutions made without harsh chemicals. For example, Zevo Insect Killer Sprays with BioSelective Technology work on a broad range of household insects, including ants, roaches, flies, fruit flies, gnats and spiders. The active essential oils in Zevo target nerve receptors vital to insects, not people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Leaving only a light scent of essential oils, Zevo lets you get on with your day after use, and is available online or in-store at Target and Home Depots nationwide. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.

Make Floors Mud-Free

Setting up a mudroom near the entrance of your home can help you combat footprints once and for all. If you don’t like being barefoot or want extra sole support, keep a pair of shoes nearby that you can swap into indoors. Just be sure that this pair never leaves the house. Have a dog? Wipe paws clean when you get home from walks, or better yet, try dog boots, which have the added bonus of

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protecting paws from sharp objects, hot pavement and other road hazards.

Banish Excess Moisture

Too much moisture indoors is bad news. Damp spaces can promote growth and spread of viruses, bacteria and bugs, according to the American Lung Association. To keep your home’s interiors dry, fix up any leaks and keep humidity levels at 50 percent or less by adjusting controls on your air conditioner and/or by running a dehumidifier. The Institute of Medicine cites good ventilation and moisture control as ways to help limit both mold and bug problems. (StatePoint)

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