10 Time Saving Tips for Moms

Who doesn't need to save time? Moms have so many demands, they especially need to save time. It's easy to waste and goes way too fast.  Save time on the everyday things to enjoy what really matters.

1. Make a list. An ongoing list. Grocery store, ideas, shopping lists, wish list, to do lists, etc. To write it down clears the mind.  It’s fun to use all the great free printables out there to get organized.
2. Be ahead of the game.  What can you do tomorrow to save time today? I often set my coffee pot to start for the next morning.  It’s one less thing to do in the morning. Plan what you’ll do the next day so you don’t waste it away before it even starts. Have permission slips ready, school bags set to go so it’s not a last minute rush.
3. Start out clean. To start a day fresh, clean the night before. I don’t always, but I like it when I do. At least do a quick pick up with everyone in the family picking up their stuff and maybe doing one other small job. It sure makes a difference!
4. Plan your menus. It saves time & money, two things everyone can use more of. You’ll probably eat healthier too. Again, check out all the wonderful blogs out there with meal plans and shopping lists already created for different, interesting and healthy meals that will save you time. Especially freezer meals. Prepare a bunch of meals one day and pull one out and heat it up when you’re in a hurry.
5. Use online banking. We’ve used it for years now and it’s the way to go. Our bank even offers online deposits and I use it every week for my business. Saves me lots of trips to the bank. Set up online transfers, play your bills, check balances and get electronic statements.
6. Get rid of stuff. Stuff you don’t use. Stuff your family has outgrown. Use Craigslist, Freecycle, Ebay, Goodwill, or give it to friends. Clutter keeps you bogged down looking for misplaced items, clouds your head and is just plain frustrating.
7. Mail: take care of it now. Open it up immediately, throw out the trash, file the papers or put it in a bill folder or to do folder. Done. No more piles of mail. I find most if it can go right in the recycle bin as I bring in the mail!
8. Downy Wrinkle Releaser. Seriously. This stuff saves me lots of time. I don’t mind ironing, when I have time which is NEVER.  Sure some things must be ironed but if you need a hem to lay down, a spot smoothed out or a quick job, it’s great. Even pulling a cotton shirt out of the dryer, spray it down and hang it up. You’ll be surprised.Make your own with a small amount of fabric softener and water.
9. Spot clean. Sometimes the whole job doesn’t need to be done. Wipe up small areas of the kitchen floor with a wet paper towel or rag instead of getting out a mop and bucket of hot soapy water. Reality is everything can’t be done right now, exactly perfect. Get the worst of it before it spreads.
10. Go to Starbucks! It definitely saves me time. And it's a treat for any mom. All that caffeine gets me moving and I get lots of work done on a Starbucks morning! Works every time. I love that I can pay with my Blackberry, check my balance/reload my Starbucks card and check for locations all on my phone. Great time saver!

I hope some of these {really common sense} tips are helpful. Check out what's new at Starbucks, including:

Starbucks for Android™ and the Starbucks Card Mobile App for BlackBerry®, iPhone® or iPod® Touch have five core features:

• Pay with your phone: Enjoy the fastest, more convenient way to pay at nearly 9,000 Starbucks locations.  Just download the app, enter your Starbucks Card number, scan and go.
• Manage your card account: Access your Starbucks Card balance directly from your phone.
• Reload your card balance: Use your smartphone to reload your Starbucks Card using any major credit card.
• Check your My Starbucks Rewards status: Find out how close you are to earning your next free drink.
• Find nearby Starbucks stores: Save time by finding a Starbucks store near you.

“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.”

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Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com. Download the Starbucks Card Mobile App Today!

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