Taking Care of Your Time

 Morning all.  Hope you are all well this morning.  It is a cool and soggy morn here.  We got some rain overnight!  It appears around a 1/2".  It was needed.  The skies are clearing at this point and it isn't going to get too warm today.  It is so refreshing outside.

Yep, that is me!

Your time is important - retired or not.  Just little things can help and keep you a little more organized.

You all know I love baskets for keeping things together around the house.  I use baskets for books, bath accessories, and small kitchen gadgets and even in the pantry for little things.

Another idea is to keep a tray or container with ideas for lunch or treats in the frig.  It keeps those things handy or organized for the kiddos or other family.  There is less waste, and open door searching!

Use a small timer to do chores.  Play 'beat the clock'.  It makes doing chores less stressful, as you do them in smaller time periods.  Maybe 15 minutes - ding, and on to something else.  You can get a lot done in a few minutes.

Keep a calendar with important dates.  I have one in the kitchen - to keep track of birthdays or other important dates.  At the end of the year - get a new one and mark it up with those birthdays and anniversaries!

Screen calls!  I do not answer calls if I do not know the number.  The answering machine picks it up.  If it is important, I will call it back.  Otherwise, I don't have to be bothered with all those 'crank' calls.

Keep a tape measure of some sort in your handbag.  I have a small one I got years ago from a craft store, that is with me always.  Comes in handy when shopping - especially at a thrift store or yard sale.

Keep blank paper in your car.  I always have paper and a pen in the car glove compartment, in case I need to write important info down.  See a wreck - write down a plate number.  See a place you 'need' to visit sometime - write down the name.  Have a great idea while driving - write it down.  I know many have their phones for that - this old-fashioned gal does not!

I keep note paper around the house.  I have some in a drawer by the kitchen phone, I keep note paper in the table next to my couch, and even some in the bedroom.  It is nice to have a paper to jot something down on when needed.  Most of my 'paper' is not paper - but card fronts - cut down, from old cards I have received.  I love recycling them!

Learn to say NO.  You don't have to say yes to everything and everyone.  It can be stressful.  IF you don't want to do something or it cramps your time, NO without explanation is enough.

I keep chain on one line of my clothesline - metal or plastic will work.  It is great to hang laundry with a hanger and not have them blow away!  It is on the hanger, dries nicely, and ready to hang in the closet.  Save a step or two!

Use your crockpot!  It saves using the heated stove or oven, and lets you go about your day while cooking dinner.  You can also wrap bread in foil, place on top of the crockpot lid (turned over) and you will have warm bread for dinner!

Have a designated place for mail, as it comes in.  Nothing gets lost.  Also have a special place to keep receipts and paperwork for newly purchased items or gifts.

Keep a basket of rags or non-paper towels in the kitchen.  You can keep on the counter if you have space or under the sink.  Saves money and recycles (use cut-up old t-shirts and flannel items)

Keep leftovers all on one shelf in the fridge.  They don't get lost that way and are handy to use up.

Goodness, there are so many things that you can do to save your time.  Your time really is valuable.  I always have time available for family and friends, but I do value my private time.  Peace and quiet is a luxury.

Whether others believe it or not - your time is yours and it is valuable.

What are your tips for saving time?  I know you guys have some good ideas.  

Have a super day and weekend.

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He is the happiest, be he peasant or king, who finds peace at home.

Amish Proverb