If you could not tell from my previous posts, I am part of a wonderful community called Social Moms. Todays prompt was one that I enjoy. Time savers! I mean, what mom (or dad) could not use a few good tips on saving some time. We all have such busy lives nowadays, so every little bit helps. Right? I'm a stay at home mom, but I do have a busy life with the kids to keep up with. So time saving cutting corners, but not cutting quality out of my day, is something I strive to do daily.
1. Pack the day before (Notice, I did not say the night before!). If you have a trip at the zoo planned out, or doctors appointments that will keep you out all day or over night, the morning before, plan out a list of everything you need. During the day when you have some down time, start at the top of the list and pack what you'll need. It's not only frustrating when you are trying to run out the door, and still have to grab things and go. It's a time loss too.
2. Buy in bulk. Not only will you save money on the prices of meats and other grocery needs, you'll save gas going back and forth to the grocery store, and you save your precious time. You can spend some quality time with the kids! This leads me onto my next tip...
3. When you are making meals during the week, make extras to freeze or store for later in the week. You can easily freeze pancakes after they have cooled off. You can save chicken that you cooked before to make soups or main dishes for dinners or lunches later in the week. Not only do you save time cooking, you won't be tempted to order take out when you come home and feel tired. (Saving money is always awesome!) Just pop the food in the oven to heat up, and you can quickly make a side dish for dinner too!
4. Online shopping is one of my favorite time savers. No having to load up the kids and diaper bag into the car. No more having to deal with melt downs from tired kids who need a nap desperately. You can find amazing deals online, and you can shop in your pajamas! You don't even have to search extensively for the deals either. There are so many sites that are dedicated to finding you the best deals, and people share what they find.
5. Couponing! It takes a few days to prepare for, before it seems like a time saver. But with a binder, you can quickly flip to the coupons you need, which saves you some time while grocery shopping. You'll save a lot of money, and you can stock up on things that you regularly use around the house. That will prevent you doing the running to the grocery store every week for little things.
6. During the school year, try to grocery shop during school hours. The stores are not as crowded and you can think while you shop. During the summer time, try to go out later in the evening. I love shopping at night since the stores are quiet, and since the stores are stocking at night time, I can usually find everything I need! More perks to this :).
7. Sometimes it is ok to ask for help to get the job done. It's alright to ask if someone will watch your kids for a few hours to get shopping done, or just to simply regroup after a long morning. The job moves along so much faster when you have help, and a friendly face to talk to as you work!
8. Set up a chore chart for the kids. It sets them up for a well rounded life, and it can give mom a break too. It may take mom a few times to help them, but your child is gaining values and responsibility.
9. Take time to relax. The less stressed out parents are, the day moves easier. Spend naptime just sitting on the couch with a fan blowing on you and your eyes closed. Or read and extra book or two at bedtime.
10. Go to sleep at a decent time. Your body needs rest, and setting up a routine for bedtime helps so much. You wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. And no lagging! Thats the best part!!
I hope these tips help you get some time saved through out the day. Every mom needs some time to her self, so why not try to prioritize your time!
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here http://starbucksmobile.socialmoms.com/about
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Let's Go On A Road Trip! Safe Travel/Car Tips
Now that school's getting out for the summer, now's the time to start getting ready for all the road trips to be had! Growing up, I loved jumping in the car and just going places. Throw a dart at a map, and let that be your destination. Is your car up to speed for the trip? Let's talk some tips to keep you safe on the road.
1. Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin. Safelight is just about everywhere, so if you have a chip happen, (which is very common following PennDot here in Pennslyvania), and Safelite comes out to you! So, if you are stopped along at a rest stop, you can call them and they'll come out to you.
2. This is one my husband is guilty of: A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement. I've replaced the windows in our car's before, and its not cheap. I know next time, we'll be calling Safelite.
3. Get a tune up done. Change the oil, make sure all fluid in your car is full on fluids. Get your tires checked. If you keep the recomended amount of air in your tires, you save on gas milage too! Thats music to everybody's ears nowadays with gas prices up by Four dollars a gallon. Plus, you'll want to minamize the wear and tear on your car.
4. Keep a first aid kit in your car. I cant tell you how many times someone has had a skinned knee, and I've run out of bandaids. And that being down at the park. If I'm traveling, I make sure to take a decent amount of first aid supplies for the just in case senarios.
5. Keep bottles of water and snacks in your car if you'll be on the road very long. That way everyone is hydrated, and bellies have something in them. It will save you stopping at every gas station and you will save some cash for your vacation destination.
6. If you have young children riding with you, bring things to keep them occupied. It is hard driving long distances by yourself, let alone with children getting fussy. Play the license plate game. Or even I Spy. There are neat travel games, and little arts and craft type things that are travel friendly. I swear by the Color Wonder packs. That way, you are not distracted by kids flipping out.
7. Take breaks between driving. You need time to rest your eyes, and who knows, maybe check out some cheesy tourist attractions. Get a laugh while you stretch your legs!
8. Map out nearest hospitals, care clinics on your traels. You neer know if you hae to stop at one. And make sure you hae your families insurance cards and a list of all medications that you are currently taking. It is so helpful in the event of an emergancy.
9. No texting or talking on the cell phone while driving. If the conversation is that importent, pull over and do it. You do not need to be distracted and cause an accident. We have been rear ended by someone on their cell phone.
10. Wear your seatbelt. This shouldn't have to be said, but sadly, alot of people do not wear their seatbelts. They save lives!!!
I cannot wait to see everyones travel pictures and hear their stories. Thats half the fun right there, telling someone your great travel adventure. Where do you plan on road tripping at this summer?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click http://safelite.socialmoms.com/about)
1. Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin. Safelight is just about everywhere, so if you have a chip happen, (which is very common following PennDot here in Pennslyvania), and Safelite comes out to you! So, if you are stopped along at a rest stop, you can call them and they'll come out to you.
2. This is one my husband is guilty of: A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement. I've replaced the windows in our car's before, and its not cheap. I know next time, we'll be calling Safelite.
3. Get a tune up done. Change the oil, make sure all fluid in your car is full on fluids. Get your tires checked. If you keep the recomended amount of air in your tires, you save on gas milage too! Thats music to everybody's ears nowadays with gas prices up by Four dollars a gallon. Plus, you'll want to minamize the wear and tear on your car.
4. Keep a first aid kit in your car. I cant tell you how many times someone has had a skinned knee, and I've run out of bandaids. And that being down at the park. If I'm traveling, I make sure to take a decent amount of first aid supplies for the just in case senarios.
5. Keep bottles of water and snacks in your car if you'll be on the road very long. That way everyone is hydrated, and bellies have something in them. It will save you stopping at every gas station and you will save some cash for your vacation destination.
6. If you have young children riding with you, bring things to keep them occupied. It is hard driving long distances by yourself, let alone with children getting fussy. Play the license plate game. Or even I Spy. There are neat travel games, and little arts and craft type things that are travel friendly. I swear by the Color Wonder packs. That way, you are not distracted by kids flipping out.
7. Take breaks between driving. You need time to rest your eyes, and who knows, maybe check out some cheesy tourist attractions. Get a laugh while you stretch your legs!
8. Map out nearest hospitals, care clinics on your traels. You neer know if you hae to stop at one. And make sure you hae your families insurance cards and a list of all medications that you are currently taking. It is so helpful in the event of an emergancy.
9. No texting or talking on the cell phone while driving. If the conversation is that importent, pull over and do it. You do not need to be distracted and cause an accident. We have been rear ended by someone on their cell phone.
10. Wear your seatbelt. This shouldn't have to be said, but sadly, alot of people do not wear their seatbelts. They save lives!!!
I cannot wait to see everyones travel pictures and hear their stories. Thats half the fun right there, telling someone your great travel adventure. Where do you plan on road tripping at this summer?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click http://safelite.socialmoms.com/about)
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