10 Tips to Save Time in the Kitchen

By Trisha

My fall schedule is filled with children’s activities, upcoming holidays and the day to day craziness of running a household, so I’m always looking for ways to save time in my day. Since most of my day is spent in the kitchen preparing meals and organizing schedules, I developed these 10 time-saving kitchen tips to help my day run a lot smoother:


 Read my 10 time-saving kitchen tips that I wrote about over at SC Johnson Home Economic blog.  Click here to read them now.

Be sure to leave me  a comment over at SC Johnson

*Each week Trisha Blogs on SC Johnson Family Economics website as a paid writer be sure to read her weekly articles

August Events Which Can Save You Time and Money

August is full of days observed to “be kind” to others, ourselves and our community.

August 2:  National Night Out (nationalnightout.org):

National Night Out celebrates its 28^th year of promoting neighborhood networking and community spirit.  Visit the National Night Out website to find an event in your area.   Get to know your neighbors, and to those striving to make where you live a better, safer place.  Kids and families will enjoy a night out of fun activities.  Explore the organizations which may be of help or assistance to you.  Introduce yourself to your neighbors; friendships, jobs, swaps and new experiences may await you!

August 1-7:  Simplify Your Life Week:

Relax!  You don’t have to simplify your life all in one week….  August is a great month to evaluate how things get done in your home.  Transitioning from summer activities to your “school’s in session” schedule can be stressful.  Just as piles and chaos accumulates slowly, reversing habits towards organization takes time.  Divide your home and daily life into sections, tackling one at a time. You can find free forms and ideas online, on sites such as DonnaYoung.org and organizedhome.com.  Several great books can be found to help you with your problem areas at local libraries.  When home duties and routines are organized, you’ll save time and money.  Plus, everyday motherhood will be far more enjoyable. 

August is National Beach Month and National Parks Month:  “Get Out There”!

Be sure to enjoy the great outdoors in August.  Scavenger hunts, picnics, creative activities, play dates, and daytrips are inexpensive ways to make lasting memories.  Want to become a “Junior Ranger” of our National Parks?  Kids can tour and learn through national parks online:  http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/

August 15 is National Relaxation Day: 

Set aside an appointment or two with yourself to unplug and relax.  Taking time for yourself pays dividends for you and those around you.  Return to your children and your daily life refreshed.   

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and Immunizations Awareness Month:

Preventative visits, talking with your kids about taking care of themselves, and ensuring all of you are up to date with immunizations is time well spent. 

Eye Health:  Activities for kids and information for caregivers:   http://isee.nei.nih.gov/

Immunizations:  CDC has a “Parents Guide to Immunizations”:  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/default.htm

Ready To Begin Our 28 Day Challenge?

Several weeks ago I was thinking about how as moms we can often get overwhelmed with the long to do list and the many un-done projects in our mom world and I thought what if we as moms supported and challenged each other to accomplish one project each day big or small and together we began seeing our to do lists get checked off each day. So, tomorrow we begin checking off our 28 day project list one day at a time. Will you join us?

I made my list and filled it with projects that I could accomplish in a few minutes and ones that might take me several hours to accomplish, I also had to come up with a weeks worth that I could accomplish while traveling this month. I have listed them below to help inspire you to create your own 28 day project list and join me tomorrow.

Trisha's 28 Day Project list:

Small Projects ( ones that will take me 60 minutes or less)
Pick up pictures from photographer that were taken at the Holiday Cotillion
Pick up Santa pictures from Nordstrom
Order new gate opener for car
Take Nate to library to get his own library card

Fix Caleb’s bicycle wheel

Create Dad's Valentine Gift

Take Wedding ring to have fixed

Call about guitar lesson Nate

Book flights / hotel for March Mission trip

Reg SAT

Big Projects ( ones that will take me more then one hour)

Place all badges on Caleb and Nates scout uniforms

Clean out kids lockers ( laundry room)

Clean out kitchen drawers

Clean out kitchen cabinets

File 24/7 MOMS filing into file cabinets

Clean out garage fridge

Move Caleb and Nate into new bedroom

Paint Shelby’s room

Consign boys outgrown clothes

List items on Craig's list and -bay

Sort and organize books

Traveling Projects ( ones I can do while out of town)
Write a letter to our Child that we sponsor with Compassion International
Add phone numbers to cell phone and address book

Search for new dinner recipes to then create a new list of dinners for meal planning

Plan Summer Vacation, camping etc

Clean out 1000 emails

Search online for Bedroom curtains.

Write Thank you cards

Ready to join in the CHALLENGE?

Let's get started? Grab a notebook or sheet of paper and begin writing out 28 projects you would like to complete in February. You can either assign these to particular days in the month or each day choose a project that fits into your day from your list.

My projects will include things such as cleaning out the kitchen drawers, taking a child's bike in for repairs to creating a new list of dinner ideas and even making Dad's Valentine gift this year.

Let's get started making our lists and I'll check back in with you next week as we begin our 28 day project challenge on February 1st.

What will be on your List?

"Plan It" at the "Organize It" Party

Today at the "Organize It" Party we will "Plan It" with more meal time organization. Let's begin with Holly Resnick one of Portland, Oregon's "It MOMS". Watch this quick video clip as Holly shares with us her Meal Time planning strategy. Be sure to get today's TWO party favors and enter our GIFT giveaway.







Today's First FREEbie Party Favor is a FREE Gooseberry Patch Fall Favorites with Sun-Maid® Raisins & Dried Fruit cookbook






When you "Plan It" you not only save money but time read what Aviva Goldfab of the six o'clock scramble has to say about this topic:

SAVE TIME AND MONEY BY GROCERY SHOPPING LESS

By Aviva Goldfarb, Founder the Six O'clock Scramble online meal planning service.

The Scramble emerged from my own experience as a busy parent, trying to get healthy and delicious meals on the table. I found the best way to keep my family fed while keeping my sanity intact was to plan meals in advance, make a grocery list, and shop just once a week, just like my mom used to do. By the end of the week, our ‘fridge is empty and it’s time to start the whole cycle again.

I have found that shopping with a plan reduces impulse buying and wasted food, encourages me to cook, and it may even save money on gas and cut pollution by reducing car trips.

Some people, like my friend Kathryn, like to grocery shop daily and see what ingredients inspire their dinners—if you’re one of them, read no further. But if you want to avoid going to the grocery store any more than necessary, try these tips:

Keep a shopping list attached to the refrigerator (I use a magnetic pad), and update it when you are running low on something—our brains are too full to rely on our memories at the store!
Buy enough milk, fruit, breakfast and lunch supplies and other essentials to last at least a week
Plan at least five dinners in advance (I’d love to help you with that part! Visit our website at http://www.thescramble.com .

All this organization may sound challenging, but I think it’s easier than dragging yourself and the kids to the store any more often than necessary, or trying to throw together dinner without a plan.


Time to open today's GIFT ( giveaway)

The Six O’Clock Scramble® an online dinner planning service.

AS A SUBSCRIBER YOU’LL RECEIVE EACH WEEK:

• Five family-tested, healthy and delicious and quick DINNER RECIPES THAT TAKE 30 MINUTES OR LESS TO PREPARE
• An ORGANIZED GROCERY LIST so you can grocery shop just once per week
• A SEARCHABLE DATABASE where you can customize your weekly dinner plan
• Your own personal RECIPE BOX where you can save your family's favorites 30 minute meals
• A newsletter with USEFUL TIPS for easier mealtimes, snacks and lunches
• NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION for each recipe to help you take charge of your health

WHY THE SCRAMBLE®?

• ELIMINATE THE STRESS OF FAMILY MEAL PLANNING. Each week you will receive recipes and simple instructions for balanced dinners complete with easy side dishes.
• YOUR FAMILY WILL EAT MORE HEALTHY, FRESH AND SEASONAL FOODS. The Scramble emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fruits and vegetables, so your family will enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisines while still enjoying 30 minute meals.
• QUICK, EASY MEALS WITHOUT PROCESSED FOODS OR EXPENSIVE TAKE-OUT. Other convenience meals cut prep time by relying on processed ingredients. Scramble recipes simplify cooking by using fewer than ten nutritious ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.
• THE SCRAMBLE IS FAMILY TESTED. All recipes go through a careful process to be Scramble certified as healthy, delicious and family friendly dinners.
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR WEEKLY PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY’S TASTES AND NEEDS. Picky eaters? Vegetarian? Dietary restrictions? Need Kosher recipes? Swap out any meal with a selection from our large Scramble recipe database. The grocery list is automatically updated with your choices!
• SHOP ONLY ONCE A WEEK. The grocery list is organized by store section. You’ll also waste less food and save money by buying only what you need.
• THE SCRAMBLE CARES about family mealtime, healthy meals for children, supporting local farmers and the environment. We listen to our subscribers and give back to the communities we live in.

But don't just take our word for it! See what the PRESS and SUBSCRIBERS have to say! Or join the conversation on healthy, easy family meals at our SCRAMBLOG.

The Six O'clock Scramble and 24/7 MOMS are giving away a three month subscription to the six o'clock scramble. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list(if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Drawing to be held on February 1, 2009.






We have one more FREEbie Party Favor for you from Living a Better Life http://www.betterbudgeting.com/menuplanner.htm. FREE printable Weekly menu planners and Grocery lists to help you "Plan It"

See you back here at 24/7 MOMS tomorrow for "Control It" .

If you have a MOM organization tip to share email it to us at trisha@247moms.com and we will share it with the 24/7 MOMS.

"Organize It" - Let' s Manage It - Time Savers vs. Time Wasters

Today at the “Organize It” Party we are going to focus on “Manage It” time savers verse time wasters.

When we think of managing our time we have to first determine how we are using our time and what might be our time wasters. Paula Constable shares with us three mistakes that could be stealing your time.

Busyness - Three Mistakes That Might Be Stealing Your Time
Paula Constable Stuff 2b Organized™

Do you feel like you are super-busy, but nothing seems to get done? Does it feel like your "to do" list is a life sentence? Is it just me or does it seem like sometimes we don't feel productive unless we are super-busy? But busyness is not the same as being productive! Consider these three common time-stealing busyness mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.
Failure to Plan

If you go through your day without a general sense of what you would like to accomplish and how you are going to do it, you will spend a lot time asking yourself, "Now, what do I have to do today?" or "What should I do now?" or my favorite, "It's time to pick up the kids already?" A plan gives you a map to your day. Taking time to plan (in the morning or the night before) allows you to group like tasks together, identify priority tasks and the time needed to complete them; it gives you direction for your day.

What time of day are your mental and physical energies high? If possible, use that time for completing your most important projects and tasks. If you have errands or calls to make, group them together and complete them in single blocks of time. Remember, the goal is not to fit in as much as you can. Be sure to schedule some "you time" as well.

Routines are my favorite way to make the most of my time. You might already have some routines in place that you just do because it's habit. For example, Monday used to be my cleaning day because there was no way I was going out of the house on a Monday unless I absolutely had to. As your life changes, so will your routines. Now that my children are a little older, my schedule has adjusted.

Multi-tasking

"What?!" you ask. "Doesn't multi-tasking give me more time and make me more productive?" Not necessarily. Besides adding more stress to your day, multi-tasking can actually make you less productive. Doing two things at once divides your attention and so each task is done with less focus and accuracy; it could take you more time to complete the tasks than if you did them separately.

I'm not saying to stop folding laundry while chatting on the phone. Tasks that are routine and require little thought are great to do while you are say, waiting in the car pool lane, sitting in the waiting room or, on hold with the cable company.

Interruptions

Throughout the day you are exposed to interruptions; it's called life. Phone calls, children needing help, email and unexpected visitors are just a few examples of requests of your time. These requests draw your attention away from the task at hand. Of course some of these interruptions are beyond your control, but there are ways to defend off distractions during a specific period of time which you want to focus.

• Don't answer the phone. If you need to answer, keep the time to a minimum. Just kindly ask the caller if it would be OK if you give them a call later because you are right in the middle of something that needs your attention.
• Let family members know that you will be unavailable during a specified time. OK, I know this is can be a tough one, but give it a try.
• Only check your e-mail during specific times of the day. (Oh this is hard one for me!) This is one interruption that you do have control over.

So, for your homework for the next two weeks: keep a detailed journal of all of your activities. Write down what you do and how long it takes you. That includes errands, phone calls, housework, dinner preparation, etc. By doing this, you will be able to see how you are spending your time. Maybe there are activities that are using up more of your time than you realize. You might discover that with a little rearranging and planning, you will be able to carve out more time for the things you value and enjoy.


Paula Constable
Stuff 2b Organized™, LLC
920.728.1928
“I help families make their daily lives easier and less stressful through organization.”
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Contact me to learn more about my
Paper Organizing for Busy Moms ~ A Virtual Workshop ~Time to open another GIFT ( giveaway)

Making Time for What’s Important Home Study Program: http://www.stuff2borganized.com/events/MakingTime/ ($29 value)


Are you feeling like your days are filled with busyness rather than purpose? Do you feel like you are super-busy, but nothing seems to get done? Does it feel like your “to do” list is a life sentence?

During this home study program, Paula Constable, Organizing Expert for Busy Moms, shares the tools and methods that she teaches her private clients and put into action in her own life and business.

You’ll learn:
• How to zero in on your true priorities
• The 3 most valuable tools to use when you feel overwhelmed and out of control
• What you must do before you set goals
• The top 3 secrets to help manage your time
• My 5 steps to get your time "organized"



Paul Constable and 24/7 MOMS are giving away one Making Time for What’s Important Home Study Program. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below you will be signed up for today's Making Time for What’s Important Home Study Program giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list(if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Drawing to be held on February 1, 2009.





Time Wasters - Time Savers
By: Trisha Novotny trisha@247moms.com

My 24/7 MOM days can be crazy. I am sure they are similar to yours – laundry to fold, lunches to pack, beds to make, errands to run, floors to be mopped, meetings to attend, dinner to cook, children to be taxied, and the list goes on and on… never a dull moment. I realized early on in my mom journey that if I was going to survive I better find some Time Saving solutions to avoid my Time Wasters. Today I want to share 3 of them with you.

Time Saver #1 Save Those Receipts

Time Waster: Are you tired of digging and scrambling for that lost receipt to return the unwanted item? Possibly never finding your receipt and now being left with an item you don't want or need?

Only to become a Time Waster as we search and look for our lost receipt.

Today most of our local stores such as Target and Toys-r-Us make it difficult to return an item without the receipt.


Time Saver: So I have a GREAT way that I keep my zillions of receipts each year organized...with 5 kids it seems receipts can pile up quickly.

My Time Saver solution has been that each year I purchase a Cancelled check file from my local office store. I then file each receipt in alphabetical order.

Now when I have a return to make I can quickly retrieve my receipt and have a No Hassle return.


Time Saver #2 Family Files

Time Waster: Do you find yourself searching for your child's birth certificate, ID cards, passport, Social Security number, savings account register or other important info? How about those gift cards or tickets to an upcoming event or other important items that seem to disappear?

Time Saver: Create a file for each member of your family... Use these files to hold all those items you are constantly searching for. You can even keep up-to-date health records, emergency information, etc. in them. I then place them in a desktop file system so they are quickly accessible. Now with teenagers they, too, can find what they are in need of by going to their own family file.

Time Saver #3 On The Go

Time Waster: Do you find yourself sitting at Dr. Appointments, dance lessons, swim lessons or other waiting situations with nothing to do but watch the clock tick away and your to do list growing?

Time Saver: Use a tote/book bag to take a long those projects, books to read , bills to pay, notes to write or other items on your to do list that you can accomplish while waiting. I also have a tote bag that I place items in that I’d like to read or projects to work on that are NOT time sensitive so that it is always ready to go for those times I have not gotten my to do while waiting bag packed.




Another Party Favor for You:

Ready to get your Family life simplified and save TIME? then get COZI. http://www.cozi.com/

COZI is a free web service that helps families manage crazy schedules, track shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores, stay in communication and share memories—all in one place.

I have now become addicted to COZI. why"? because I can organize my entire family on one web site with these great features

- Family Calendar : All my appointments can now be inone place, color-coded by family member. Plus, i can add the family calendar gadget right to my desktop computer

- Custmizable lists: COZI remembers my grocery list, shopping list, chores and more—so I don't have to. PLUS I can send then right to my cell phone via a text message or to my Husband who might be stopping at the store for me..Oh, Ya this is GREAT

- Reminders and Messages: I can now Send a reminder or quick message right from my Cozi family home page to anyone of my online family members . With teenagers this s a great feature.

- Mobile Phone Access: I can even get my day's schedule, my grocery list, or to-dos sent to any mobile phone.

And so much more....as one 24/7 MOM to another 24/7 MOM I think COZI is going to be my best TIME SAVER in 2009 and it is FREE.

One thing that might interest you IPHONE and windows mobile phone users is Cozi now has a mobile version especially for you. Families can now sign-in and access their Cozi account using their mobile web browsers. They can add and edit shopping lists and view and edit their family calendar using the mobile version of Cozi right from their iPhone. This is a new feature! You can learn more about it here: http://www.cozi.com/Promo-Cozi-Mobile.htm

One last cool thing, Sign up and try Cozi before February 4, 2009 and you could win an in-home organization makeover by Laura Leist of Eliminate Chaos. Bye-bye clutter, hello organized!

Do you have a Time Waster - Time Saver idea to share with the 24/7 MOMS email us at trisha@247moms.com and share your ideas.

See you TOMORROW for more of the "Organize It" Party

The 30 Minute Challenge

Ready to take the 30 minute challenge and accomplish more in your day?

Time Waster: The end of the day arrives, and we wonder "Where did the time go? What happened to all the minutes in my day? What did I accomplish today?" As a MOM, I often have wondered if I will ever accomplish the to-do's, the extra things I'd like to get done aside from my daily kid world, aside from my household chores?

Time Saver: My solution to finding more time to accomplish more to-do’s on my list has been to achieve the 30 minute daily challenge.

First, I had to turn off the TV, limit my internet surfing, time my chatty phone calls to my girlfriends, and stop reading all my junk mail and catalogs.

Second, I had to decide that I was going to take 30 minutes each day and attack the items on my to do list that just seemed to never get checked off. Sometimes that 30 minutes was during my little one's nap time, or at the end of my day before I went to bed, or right after I cleaned up the breakfast dishes and got the kids off to school for the day.

Find what works for you and take 30 minutes each day to accomplish those to-do tasks, from cleaning out a closet, to filing away that pile of papers, to organizing your kitchen pantry, to planning your meals - whatever it is that is on your list you just seem to never accomplish. Take the 30 minute challenge each day and begin feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

* Helpful hint – use a timer and set it for 30 minutes to help you keep track of the time.

Comment and share with the 24/7 MOMS what you have accomplished by taking the 30 minute challenge and you will automatically be entered for your chance to WIN - The GO MOM Home organizer by day runner. Be sure to leave your email address. OR you can email us at trisha@247moms.com ( Drawing to be held June 21st, 2008)

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

Is your brain on overload, and you feel overwhelmed? If you're like me, after 5 kids I have ZERO brain cells left, especially those memory ones. I thoroughly believe that with each baby I delivered they also took part of my brain. I find myself often going about my day forgetting what I was doing, where I need to go, who I needed to call, etc. And, I have many of those moments. I walk into a room and wonder what I needed to do in this room? AHHHH, PLEASE give me my brain back or find a cure for this forgetful MOM syndrome.

Time Waster: Are you filling your brain trying to remember all the TO DO's, TO GO's and TO CALLS? ONLY to have get hit with the forgetful MOM Syndrome?

Time Saver: Become addicted to WRITING it down.

- Create MASTER To Do, To Go and To Call lists for all areas of your life.

- Keep a note pad in your bathroom drawer. Often when I am getting ready in the morning I think of so many things I need to do, so I quickly jot them down, then take it to my desk and transfer to my master lists.

- Keep a note pad in your car. While being the MOM taxi or running my errands it seems I always think of things I need to remember. So, I can easily write them down on my pad of paper, then tear it off and take it to my desk to be placed on my master lists.

- Teach/ask your family members to leave notes for you on your desk or kitchen counter or create a hanging message center. If they need you to make an appointment for them, pick up a new bottle of shampoo, sign them up for a activity, etc. have them writeit down for you. These notes will assist the MOM memory.

- Use DAILY planner sheets to organize your days. I use the daily pages from http://www.thebusywoman.com/. These pages have sections for priorities (To Doʼs), Appointments, To Be called, Chores, Menu, and Notes. Each Sunday I sit down and fill these out so I have in writing what my week will entail. And, keep the forgetful MOM syndrome under control.

Have you experienced the forgetful MOM syndrome? Comment and share with the 24/7 MOMS your TIPS on MOM Memory.

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

It’s Thursday and Time for another Time Waster Time Saver Idea

Time Waster: If I were to choose one area that I waste some of my precious time - it would have to be surfing the internet , I am sure I could justify all of my clicking from blog to blog and web site to web site but in all reality it can SUCK my time up if I am not careful. What is your TIME WASTER? Chatting on the phone for endless amounts of time, those weekly even daily TV shows you can’t pull your self away from or maybe its reading junk mail and skimming thru catalogs that you will never even order out of.

We can easily get caught up in our time waster habit not even realizing how much time we have actually lost..


Time Saver: I have TWO ideas of how to capture back the wasted time we are losing.

1. Set a Timer and limit the amount of time you use on your habit

2. Do TWO things at once – Such as wear a head set while chatting on the phone so you can fold laundry, clean out a drawer or cupboard, cook dinner etc while on the phone. Or While watching TV fold laundry, organize your receipts, clean out your purse etc. - always think what else could I be doing.


What is your time waster ? How do you save time? Comment and share it with the 24/7 MOMS.

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

Step into my office and take a look at my bookcase. You might begin wondering WHY I have rows of binders. They are the secret to my paper organization.

Time Waster: Do you have piles of loose papers such as recipes, magazine ideas, school letters/papers, holiday ideas, house decorating ideas, travel papers, etc.?

Time Saver: Create information binders for the various subjects of the piles of paper that need to be organized.

Some ideas are:

Kid's Binder: Sections for weekly teacher letters, upcoming field trip information, sports team lists, PTA notes, various information papers and letters from your children's activities, school directories , etc.

Christmas Binder: Sections for gift lists, holiday cards you have received and sent, holiday recipes, meal plans, decorating ideas, gift ideas, etc.

Meal Planning Binder: Sections for recipes, meal ideas, meal plan/calendar, shopping lists, coupons, etc.

Home Decorating Binder: Sections for each room of the house, to-do lists, ideas, paint samples, places to shop, etc.

What papers do you need to bring organization to? Create an information binder for them!

Using binders not only organizes your piles of papers, it also creates a simple place to find information you need.

Do you have an information binder? Comment and share your binder ideas with the 24/7 MOMS

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

I have had days and weeks that I look at my calendar and thought, "How did I possibly allow it toget so full of all these To-Do’s and To-Go’s?" Full of appointments, commitments I said YES to, activities my kids need to attend and many other things that filled up my schedule, only to now be completely overwhelmed with how will I do it all? How will I be at three places at once? Then I ask myself, "How do I avoid a repeat of this scenario in my mom world?" Read this week's Time Waster Time Saver for my answer.

Time Waster:
Have you ever drug three kids across a parking lot in the rain, up an elevator, down a hall, and in the door of your doctor's office, only to find out you have arrived a half hour late to your appointment and now have to reschedule? But, you're positive they told you 10:30, not 10:00! Or, maybe your days seem to fill up one by one, and your calendar seems to be out of control, never having any down time, never having time to prepare for the commitments you have made, never enough time for your family or for you?
Time Saver:
1. Use only ONE calendar/planner.
2. Check your calendar/planner daily. I use daily pages to keep track of where I need to go, what I need to do, who I need to call, even what is for dinner that night.
3. Look at the BIG picture – don’t say yes or schedule something on your calendar just because the day is free. Look at your entire week to see how it will affect your week by adding in one more thing.
4. Learn to write BIG in your calendar it will give you the gentle reminder that day is full.
5. Carry your calendar/planer with you so that when in need you can quickly refer to it.
6. Write everything down – do not rely on your memory.
7. Mark off days/time for family, friends and you.
Check out the momAgenda blog post on April 22, 2008 for a chnace to WIN your own momAgenda.

Leave a comment and share your Time Saver Tip with the 24/7 MOMS

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

It’s Thursday, and we meet again for this week's Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays.

What’s for Dinnner?

Time Waster: You hear those words, "What's for Dinner?" You look at the clock, it's 5:00pm, and you begin planning what's for dinner, only to discover you are out of one item for each last minute meal idea you have. Now what? Call Mr. Pizza Delivery for the third time this week?

Time Saver: Plan your meals ahead.

Step 1: Create a master meal list and choose from it as you plan.

Step 2: Plan out your meals for the month according to your calendar - simple or Crock-Pot meals on busy days, big family dinners on nights everyone will be home to eat, etc.

Step3: Inventory what you have on hand, then make a shopping list and shop once or twice a month. This will not only save you time, but money. Also, shop your local warehouse once a month vs.weekly to save money.

Now when it is 5:00pm you will be ready to answer the BIG question, "What's for Dinner?"

Do you have a SIMPLE meal to share with the 24/7 MOMS? Comment and tell us about it.

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

Welcome back to Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays. I am glad we MOM friends keep meeting back here each Thursday for another MOM tip on saving TIME.

How many of you this week have been searching for a LOST or Misplaced phone number or message? Read this weeks Tip to help avoid these situations.



Time Waster: You just know you wrote that phone number somewhere, but you just can’t seem to find it… Did you write it on a napkin, scrap of paper, front of the phone book...???

Oh where, oh where did you write it down? Now your only hope is that they will call back again SOON or you can still trace it back on your caller ID.





Time Saver: Purchase a spiral notebook to use as your phone journal. Write down the messages and cross them off as you return the calls. This gives you a written journal/record so you know where to find your phone messages and an organized system allowing you to quickly see if you have taken care of your calls.


See you next Thursday for another Time Saver tip.

Do you have a Time Saver Tip to share with the 24/7 MOMS?
email me at trisha@247moms.com or leave a comment sharing your tip.

Trisha
http://www.trishanovotny.blogspot.com/

Time Saver Time Waster Thursdays

Welcome back to Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays.

This week I have a simple on the go Time Saver that I have been using even while on vacation this week during our day trips.

Time Waster: Do you find yourself sitting at Dr. Appointments, dance lessons, swim lessons or other waiting situations with nothing to do but watch the clock tick away and your to do list growing?

Time Saver: Use a tote/book bag to take a long those projects, books to read , bills to pay, notes to write or other items on your to do list that you can accomplish while waiting. I also have a tote bag that I place items in that I’d like to read or projects to work on that are NOT time sensitive so that it is always ready to go for those times I have not gotten my to do while waiting bag packed.

How do you save time while on the go as a MOM? Comment and tell us.

See you next Thursday for another Time Waster Time Saver Tip.

Trisha Novotny
www.trishanovotny.blogspot.com

Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

Welcome to the NEW Time Waster Time Saver Thursdays

My 24/7 MOM days can be crazy. I am sure they are similar to yours – laundry to fold, lunches to pack, beds to make, errands to run, floors to be mopped, meetings to attend, dinner to cook, children to be taxied, and the list goes on and on… never a dull moment. I realized early on in my mom journey that if I was going to survive I better find some Time Saving solutions to avoid my Time Wasters.

If you are like me and in need of Time Saver ideas to survive the journey, then meet back here each Thursday for a New Time Waster, Time Saver idea.

Let’s get started with Week #1: Family Files

Time Waster: Do you find yourself searching for your child's birth certificate, ID cards, passport, Social Security number, savings account register or other important info? How about those gift cards or tickets to an upcoming event or other important items that seem to disappear?

Time Saver: Create a file for each member of your family... Use these files to hold all those items you are constantly searching for. You can even keep up-to-date health records, emergency information, etc. in them. I then place them in a desktop file system so they are quickly accessible. Now with teenagers they, too, can find what they are in need of by going to their own family file.

"Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." ~William Penn