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Casual Friday

BY BILL FREEHLING

Date published: 2/8/2008

BY BILL FREEHLING

We've all heard of dressing down for work on occasion. In fact, the name of this column honors the weekly Friday tradition.

But on Monday, some people will be celebrating a "holiday" that takes "casual" to the next level.

Monday is the sixth annual Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day.

Kristie Tamsevicius started the holiday in February 2003 as a way "to celebrate the freedom and innovation of mom entrepreneurs," according to the Web site she co-founded, webmomz.com.

The site says it was also a way for Tamsevicius to get publicity for her home-based-business book "I Love My Life: A Mom's Guide to Working from Home."

Webmomz.com makes the following statement about the attire chosen to represent Monday's "holiday":

"Bathrobes aren't just for lounging around anymore. In fact, they've become the emblem of freedom for a growing class of entrepreneurs--work-from-home moms. These determined professionals have shrugged off their tailored suits and heels in search of a comfortable work/life balance."

Webmomz.com, founded in August 2002 by Tamsevicius and Michelle Floyd, tries to offer ideas and support to women and mothers. It's geared toward those who want to stay at home with their children while remaining active in the work force.

According to the site, Monday's "holiday" has been celebrated in past years by people in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland in addition to the U.S.

For more on the day: businessinyourbathrobeday .com.

Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com

Date published: 2/8/2008