re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

i think i saw this idea on another website, but i love it too much not to share.  

when making up a baby bed, but down a mattress cover and sheet. then cover it with another mattress cover and sheet.  this way, in the middle of the night, you only have to take off the top set in the event of spills.  sounds simple enough, but wow, how much time that will save.

Posted by mrsdjohnston    Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:40 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My bottle warmer comes with a container to measure out the water that needs to be poured into the warmer before putting the bottle in each time. As the bottle is warming, we always refill the container so that next time we don't have to worry about filling it when baby is crying and we can just dump it in the warmer.

Posted by stacinsean    Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:54 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Breastfeed while surfing the internet!

Posted by MRSQUINN    Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:57 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I created an excel spreadsheet with commonly used items that I buy from the grocery store and it's grouped by section of the store.  That way, I don't need to create a whole new list each time I go shopping.  I can just check off the item I need!

Posted by Tweedie    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:01 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Always packing the diaper bag the night before you have to go out. That way you have more time to double-check everything and more time in the morning for all the little emergencies that will inevitably pop up when you're a mom.

Posted by sirena1124    Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:54 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

set your watch 5 minutes ahead that way you always have a little extra wiggle room in case of last minute 'oops'

Posted by SarahBukisi    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:03 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My best timesaving tip is to make a list in advance of what we will need when we are traveling with our kids.  That way when I'm packing and loading the car I cross off items as I pack them.  I tended to over pack in the beginning but the lists help so much with just the right items needed!

Posted by Tropigal    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:15 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

i am a list-a-holic and make them for everything..if we're going on a trip, i begin making the list days ahead of time, so i have plenty of time to remember everything i want to accomplish or bring! i also make a list of everyday things i want to do, so that way when DD is sleeping, i know exactly what i want to do!

Posted by lovelylaura    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:24 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Always repack the diaper bag right away. That way, when you need to head out again, you aren't scrambling to make sure you have everything you need. Also, as soon as my daughter's bottles are clean, we insert new liners and fill them with the appropriate amount of formula. That way, all we have to do is add warm water, and we're ready to go.

Posted by dshah    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:22 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

We have our sons swing hanging under our front porch where our patio is for our walk out basement.  We have the grill out there also.  So we're able to push him the swing as we are grilling dinner.  Works out well.  

Posted by angie12    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:27 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Missed sending your friend a birthday card? Just didn't make it to the store in time? Hate to pick out cards because it takes forever? I have the answer that works for me. I buy birthday cards for everyone's birthday all at once.  Then only one trip is needed and you have the cards on hand to mail when the big birthday comes up. I am never late in mailing cards now that I buy them all early.  

Posted by showteddies    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:30 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

drop kids at grandmas... makes shopping MUCH quicker...

Posted by pielum    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:39 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My best time saving tip happens when I make the grocery list and dinner list on Sundays.  That way every morning before work I know what to take out of the freezer and I already know what I will be making for dinner as soon as I get home.  I don't have any other "mom" tips yet, since I will be a first time mom.  But that's my best time saving tip for being a wife!  :)

Posted by diverco    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:33 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I gave my sister in law a bottle warmer with a car adapter.  It is truly a time saver because it allows you to be on the go without a worry.  It heats up a bottle in under 3 minutes all while you are still moving.  She swears by it and I have it on my registry.

Posted by Heather4200    Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:54 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

When my daughter used bottles, I would fill the bottles up with the right amount of water each night. I would also pre measure the formula and put it in those little containers. This way I didn't have to measure the formula or water the next day. All I had to do was mix it when she needed a bottle. Saved loads of time.

Posted by Heather&Bill    Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:38 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I always pick out DD's clothes the night before so that there isn't a struggle in the morning.  

Posted by Emmasmom30    Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:57 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Try making double/triple portion meals on 1 or 2 days of the week and freeze for quick meals during the week.

Posted by ecline217    Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:33 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I have two tips- one is to make a menu for the week before you go to the store- and list all the groceries you'll need for those dinners and the other meals of the week (in order of the departments of the store). That way you aren't scrambling to figure out dinner every night of the week and you know you have everything you need to make dinner each night.

The other thing I do, is I keep a diaper bag packed for my toddler in my car with extra pull ups, wipes, a diaper or two and a change of chothing. I check it each weekend and re-stock what I need to. I also have a take-n-toss cup in there for eating out at restaurants that don't have lids for their kids cups and a few quiet toys.

Posted by snowbride011004    Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:43 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I have 2 young daughters - 4 and 2 - and each has a hamper in their room for dirty clothes - for awhile I diligently put each girls' clothes in their hampers and then took both downstairs to sort clothes into a light and dark pile.  Now to save time, we use one daughter's hamper (Penny the Pig) for light colored clothes, and we use the other daughter's hamper (Donald the Duck) for dark clothes - makes doing the girls laundry much quicker since the sorting is already done and the girls love the fact that they get to help out as they guess each night where their clothes go!

Posted by hlmaloney    Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:19 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My biggest time saver is wearing my daughter in our sling or wrap while doing the household chores (vacuuming, dusting, dishes, whatever).  Not only do I get the chores done, but the movement puts her to sleep without any fuss.  

And like the previous poster, we keep an emergency diaper bag in each of our cars.  It has saved me more times than I'd like to admit.  

Posted by cateye    Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:12 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

no time to work out to lose that baby weight?  well fret no more.  i do lunges, side bends and twists, squats, and sometimes even crunches while holding my baby.  it gives you that extra wieght or resistance and it almost always puts them to sleep all the while whittling away at your annoying spots! i also do leg lifts while propped up against the wall or something.  be creative...you can thinks of something!

Posted by girl4bruno    Friday, May 16, 2008 1:17 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

bresastfeeding, it is not only good nutrition for baby but I do not have to prep or clean any bottles and it is always available

Posted by smatiritas    Friday, May 16, 2008 1:16 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

bresastfeeding, it is not only good nutrition for baby but I do not have to prep or clean any bottles and it is always available

Posted by smatiritas    Friday, May 16, 2008 1:23 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

When cooking, make a double recipe and freeze one. It only takes a few more minutes for extra chopping, etc, but saves you a lot of time on the day you just can't pull it together to get dinner on the table.

Posted by mjeaustin    Friday, May 16, 2008 7:48 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I watch for the clearance sales after holidays and buy gifts ahead of time for all the kids we have to buy for.  After I get home I immediately put them into gift bags with a card.   That way when it is time to go to the birthday parties I'm ready to go.   I can focus on getting my 2 year old ready without having to fuss over a gift.   I save money this way as an added bonus!!

Posted by bdiamond    Friday, May 16, 2008 9:29 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I keep a container of healthy kids snacks that are single serving in our pantry.  They're on a level that's perfect for my 3 yr old.  When we're busy or I'm feeding our baby he knows that he can go into the pantry and pick out a healthy snack!

Posted by mylesmomma    Friday, May 16, 2008 1:29 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I always refill my diaper bag when we get home from trips out. If I used anything I replentish and am ready to grab and go for the next trip out. It's been a real life saver for those times I have to just grab the bag and get on the road!

Posted by Heatherann2884    Friday, May 16, 2008 1:51 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Prepare extra food at dinner and tweak them for lunchtime leftovers.

Posted by cavalletta    Friday, May 16, 2008 3:18 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Spare diaper bag and toddler bag in each car (plus the one we use each day that we keep by the front door).. All kid snacks are on one shelf and everyday DS gets to pick two snacks to put in his "special box" to have that day if he behaves. Saves time on picking snacks later in the day (amazing how long that can take)... For the wee baby (when she gets here) I usually have the crib fitted with two sheets (sheet...waterproof sheet....sheet) and the diaper changing area is organized to the point where you can change, wipe, clean, throw out, and rock the baby with your eyes closed...

Posted by Wohic    Saturday, May 17, 2008 2:06 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Multi-task whenver possible!

Posted by louiseb130    Saturday, May 17, 2008 2:35 PM

Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I make up snacks and drinks for the kis in the morning and leave them on a shelf in the fridge.

Posted by agordon10    Saturday, May 17, 2008 2:51 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

try to make a calendar of events on a busy day and try to stick to it

Posted by mverno    Saturday, May 17, 2008 7:03 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

cook double on the weekends and eat without cooking on some weekdays

Posted by chromiumman    Saturday, May 17, 2008 8:21 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Keep a to do list and a calendar right by the phone where each family member can check in and leave notes.

Posted by sweepit    Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:27 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I keep a spare emergency bag in the car with the basic supplies (diapers, wipes, change of clothing, receiving blanket, $20, snack). I've used it a couple of times--it feels nice to be prepared. Another good investment is the snack-sized reclosable bags--I use them for snacks and make several to-go packs with a spoon/utensils and napkin.

Posted by Mama Mea    Sunday, May 18, 2008 4:50 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

my timesaver is to put everything out the night before..my mornings are so much easier!

3beez at bellsouth dot net

Posted by floridatraveler    Sunday, May 18, 2008 6:52 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

This sweepstakes has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web's Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!

Posted by sweepsmaster    Sunday, May 18, 2008 9:11 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My best time saver tip is to plan and prepare ahead of time.

Posted by kygirlx2    Sunday, May 18, 2008 11:49 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

make twice as much dinner and freeze half for a meal later

Posted by nor_lou    Sunday, May 18, 2008 11:53 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I "color code" my big calendar at home to keep track of what's going on--red for days bills are due, green for doctor's appointments, purple for birthdays, orange for school events, etc.  It's great because I can look at the week and know what is going on at a glance!

Posted by DavesPrincess    Monday, May 19, 2008 9:15 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

keep a list!  

Posted by anaheim44    Monday, May 19, 2008 12:47 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

For me, making a list is what keeps me timely. When I see how much has to be done, it stops any procrastination and keeps me moving. I like nothing better than checking off something on the list as done!

Posted by bluevioletof2    Monday, May 19, 2008 2:22 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

DD takes a very long time to eat in the morning which only makes getting out of the house that much harder.  I put DD in her high chair for breakfast and then wheel her into the bathroom with me.  She eats her breakfast while I get ready.  

I also prep all her daycare items the night before so all we have to do is grab and go in the morning.  

Another tip is to tag team with DH.  While he gives DD a bath, I clean up her toys and wash her sippy cups.  Then while I read her stories before bed, he cleans up the bathroom.  

Posted by Abrooks    Monday, May 19, 2008 2:55 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I'm still learning time saving tips.  My best tip right now is to hire a cleaning person!

Posted by sarahbethe    Monday, May 19, 2008 6:46 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Since my husband and I both work full-time and our daughter goes to a daycare.  One of the best time saving tips is to use a slow cooker or freezer friendly recipes so when I get home from work it isn't a madhouse for dinner.  It really helps alleviate any stress.

Posted by mtvschultz    Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:49 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Create a rhythm to your chaos.

Posted by Milsby    Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:50 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

This is super silly... but I've been known to check my email wirelessly in the bathroom!

Posted by JuliannaHeiby    Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:01 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

My best time saving tip is to cut up vegetables when you first get them home from the store. When you need a snack then it will take much less time to grab them.

Posted by suzystars9    Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:10 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I get a lot of good blessings when I bought an electric bottle warmer. This saves my husband from heating water on the stove in the middle of the night to warm up frozen breast milk with a crying baby.

Posted by pwhite98270    Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:32 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Having the butcher cut the meat for you is worthwhile time-saving tip.   Also having meat cut into strips makes dinner a snap.  I often make stir fry food when I am in need of a quick dinner.

Posted by Thebakersdozen    Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:02 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I have a rule that says there can not be any dishes lrft on yjr counter or in the sink. They must be put in the dishwasher. At the end of the day I only have to turn it on.

Posted by garrettsambo    Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:29 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I always tried to have a bag ready to go anywhere.  It would contain some snacks, some paper, crayons, coloring books, etc.  As my children grew older, I would add other items age appropriate.  It helped in the hectic times when you need to leave quickly and you are running behind.  Thanks for this opportunity!

Posted by elsmarlouamrman    Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:34 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Get everything ready the night before & use a checklist. That way you don't forget anything and mornings aren't rushed.

Posted by itsmyturn2    Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:56 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I have index cards filled out for things I need to do every day, labeled for time of day (m for morning, a for afternoon, e for evening), then I use them to ensure I do things without taking time to think 'What next?'

Posted by choochoo428    Thursday, May 22, 2008 10:52 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I like to cook a couple batches of something (soup, chili, hotdish, meat dish, etc) so we can eat on the weekend and eat leftovers during the week, he will make salads for us.  Also, when I fold laundry I like to watch shows that I have recorded, then I don't feel guilty and I don't get bored. I have a Barenaked Ladies CD and would love to hear what this new CD is all about! count me in!

Posted by nikkidutchgirl    Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:57 PM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

Take ten minutes at night and pick up the things around the house that never quite made it to their right spots.  It saves so much time the next day when looking for things, and the house is all picked up for you in the morning.  It's even better if you can get DH to use his ten minutes instead of you.

Posted by soon2beWhitty    Friday, May 23, 2008 7:27 AM

re: Barenaked Ladies CD Giveaway!

I am in charge of shopping in the home (much better than cleaning up the dog poop!) so when my husband uses the last of something - he leaves the empty bottle/package on the counter.  he used to just mention in passing- but of course I would forget. We used to keep a list on the fridge that I would have him  write on, but I always forgot the list at home ( i now keep it in my purse.)

Posted by cassidyrhnee    Sunday, May 25, 2008 3:15 PM