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.
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.
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.
*************
He is the happiest, be he peasant or king, who finds peace at home.
Amish Proverb
This post is my jam! So many things that make our life simpler, easier and more efficient. I may cut, paste and print just to have a copy handy. (With your blessing) If I don't have to fuss with something just to complete a simple task, I am a happy girl. Like cutting the dogs' medication in the appropriate dosage all at one time, just reduces the frustration of administering said medication three times a day. My old dogs are healthier than most so I don't begrudge the time to take care of them. Work smarter, not harder.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful day outside. A bit of rain to settle the dust and give the plants a shower...
We are off to Lowes' to get some lumber for a project to help organize things in the garage. Enjoy your day!
Blessing granted! I am all about less work and fuss too. Making several meals at once and freezing for later is a big one for me. Yes indeed, work smarter not harder.
DeleteIt is gorgeous out. I ran errands today - I have put off for ages, and today was the day!
Lots of good ideas, Cheryl. I have a tape measure keyring similar to yours and it sure comes in handy. I also do not answer calls from numbers I don’t recognize. The only time this doesn’t work is if I’m expecting a service person who calls in advance. I use my mobile phone as my only phone and the camera sure comes in handy if I see a sign for a potential service business when I’m driving (stopped at a traffic light) or want to take a photo of a product in a store or at a person’s house. Yesterday I took photos of the showers at my friend’s new house to give me ideas of the tiles.
ReplyDeleteThat little measure tape has come in handy more times than I can mention over the years. They really are handy.
DeleteYes, I do answer if expecting a service person, as they usually use their cell phones when on the way. But that doesn't happen often.
How neat to have actual pictures of someone's bath to use for help of yours. Not just an add or set up photo shoot.
We also got some much needed rain last night. It really freshened things up and washed some of the allergens out of the air.
ReplyDeleteWe picked grapes last evening at my BFF's and I am now processing 30 quarts of grape juice/drink for the family pantry. I "think" this just leaves beets to pickle, carrots to dig and process, and hopefully pears . Of course we still have the salsa making day at some point in October but that is an all hands on deck with the family canning day.
I treasure my quiet private time as I am very much an introvert. It is a blessing to me to have a small circle as too many people around is anxiety/stress producing for me.
JC
The rain really did freshen the air - wasn't a lot of rain - but it sure helped.
DeleteHow neat to have all that juice. So yummy. I love that you have family canning days. that is pretty cool.
I do love private time as well. I do a crowd now and then, but not real relaxed at all in crowds.
I love playing let's see how long this will take me. I use my timer. Also set it in one-hour increments to see how much I have gotten done in the shop.
ReplyDeleteIt can be a fun game - kind of neat making work a game.
DeleteI also treasure quiet time. That's the only downside to have DD visit - she wants to Do Things, Go Places, See People! All very resonable as she lives so far away and visits so seldom, but oh how exhausted I get! She's ready to stay up late and visit with me, so I try my best, and just crash completely after her several weeks here. But a visit that long is the only way to make the plane fare worthwhile. So there it is. ;)
ReplyDeleteMaryB
LOL - well, I guess she has been away - so she will keep you busy! You will get rested afterward. I do hope it is enjoyable for you both. She loves her mommy!
DeleteYour post made me smile Cheryl! I do many of these things, but in a slightly different way. I do rely on my phone a lot. In my notes app, I keep lists of to do items, a grocery list, notes for my blog, and an event list. The Flipp app keeps me up-to-date on the retail flyers, where I can identify specific sale items.
ReplyDeleteWe have been meal planning most of the summer, and I've learned to check the fridge for leftovers before adding other meals to the plan. We do have at least one "leftovers" day a week, but sometimes we miss items.
Now, the tape measure is an item I'm going to add to my purse! Somehow both of my measuring tapes, one I keep in a container in my craft bag, the other in the craft room have disappeared.
Great ideas!
Glad you smiled! I did something good, if nothing else. So many ideas are just common sense and they sure do help us stay even keel.
DeleteI have used that little tape measure so many times. It sure is handy. I have a couple regular ones around the house and garage too - seems they were the gift to give many years ago!!
I am 100% in agreement with you on the tape measure, I have one that came as a free gift so many years ago I have forgotten where it came from and the gold logo lettering rubbed off decades ago. It is such a handy item!!
ReplyDeleteI love all these tips, I’m always thinking about how I can organise myself better because time is one thing I never seem to have enough of. Have a great weekend, Louise
The ad on the other side of the one I have, is for a craft place that closed probably 15+ years ago. It sure has been useful.
DeleteTime gets away from us faster than anything - even money. We all have the same amount of time each day - but we sure do use it differently.
I find grabbing a pen & paper much faster than having to open my phone, click on the notepad icon, type in my thought then erase & retype because of autocorrect.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I need to think about is having some healthy snacks ready to go. I don't really snack much but mom got rushed to the ER a couple days ago in the middle of the night (of course)and I knew I'd likely be there for hours and I wished I'd had some power balls in the freezer. The cafeteria is dreadful. But today I was able to bring food from home and it made a stressful situation more palatable. Because I don't usually need food for such an emergency I think it needs to be something I can freeze.
I'm all about being efficient, simplifying and making things easier especially those mundane tasks I do regularly.
I think I would be the same if I had a fancier phone. I always have a paper and pen close by. Just easy.
DeleteI sure hope all is going to be OK with your mom. That had to be stressful.
I always some kind of fruit on hand and cheese.
A situation like that would make you think more about that.
I like everything to be easier the older I get.
Hope all is OK for you both!!!
I agree about the pen and paper being much quicker when I am at home. When I am out I will often snap pictures and/or send an email to myself
DeleteThanks, Cheryl.
DeleteSome good tips, and I am going to add a small tape measure to my purse now. I have a note pad and pen in each room so I can write down something as I think of it, or someone tells me when I am on the phone. When out I tend to snap pictures of things I see or want.
ReplyDeleteYou will not regret the tape measure! It is great when thrifting and going to yard sales - well any store.
DeleteIt is always nice to be prepared!
I carry a black Sharpie. I have for over 20 years. You wouldn't believe how handy that is!
ReplyDeleteI started when the kids were small so I could label anything they acquired/required at sport practices or competitions. Sometimes I label a canned or bottled drink when there are a bunch of people. Yesterday I left my mom a note on her hospital tray. The Sharpie made big, black letters that I knew she could see.
That is a great idea. I like that. Easy to see, you never know when you need to put your name on something.
DeleteI love this blog post and the meme about the old ways. I’m a list maker too and love to have paper around as well. I do use my phone too, BUT nothing beats a pen and paper.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I am definitely a pen and paper person. I just make lists of all kinds. I always have a notebook next to my couch for ideas.
DeleteGreat helpful post Cheryl...now for the comments!
ReplyDeleteThanks - good to see you stop by. Enjoy!
DeleteI keep a roll of paper towels and spray cleaner in each bathroom sink cabinet. This way I can wipe down the bathroom at anytime, in between deep cleaning. It only takes a few seconds to wipe it down and you aren't running through the house looking for cleaning supplies.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! It sure saves steps and time. It is neat all the little things we can do to make our lives a little easier.
DeleteA number of years ago I started carrying a dedicated notebook with me everywhere that way I can write down anything I need to and know where it is. I'll never use my phone for notes. I guess I'm a bit old school too. Have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI write in notebooks because they are permanent. I am a big one that doesn't really trust tech! Yep, I know I am old fashioned. Don't care.
DeleteI like the idea of carrying one with you.
I'm a list maker. I prioritize the tasks. I've learned not to worry about completing the list in one day; I just move to the next thing. I tackle the "heaviest" tasks first thing in the morning when I have the most energy. Routine helps me manage time, i.e. water plants on Friday; bkft choices on repeat; seasonal to-do list; big grocery shop on 10% off Tuesday. I also plan for transition, i.e. leaving the house at 9AM means I'm walking out the door at that time, not gathering what I need & looking for things at the last minute. Same goes for the prep time & clean-up after a job. Like you said, we all have the same 24 hrs in the day; we just manage it differently.
ReplyDeleteYou listed some good ones! I can't abide being tardy to anything - so if I need to be somewhere at 9AM - everything is laid out the night before, animals fed, and I am out the door with plenty of time to spare.
DeleteI clean my kitchen as I go. Always have - it is just easier to me. I get up to a clean sink every single day - don't want to start the day with a mess. So many good ones.
Thanks
This sounds quirky but I live where it is pretty hot and humid a good part of the year, I will hand wash my jeans, and put them on the hood of my car to dry.
ReplyDeleteI make sure i have rinsed and dried the hood before. My car is light colored and the sun is very hot here and they dry quickly. I use my iPhone for everything. I don’t have a tv nor computer at my house and I am on the computer a lot at work so I don’t usually have a work need for it when I am home. The iPhone has been sufficient. I listen to music on my iPhone, look at videos,
even movies.
I read about a tip years ago that poor
folks in other countries use their phones
to watch movies, and I thought that was a great idea. It has worked for me bc I didn’t really watch tv even when I had one years ago, have not had an tv since 2008, and I no longer have kids at home. I also really enjoy my screened windows I had put in my house in April. I raise the windows without fear of mosquitoes and wasps, and listen to the birds and the breeze causing the tree leaves to make gentle noises. It lulls me to sleep
Cindy in the South
Never would have thought of doing that with the jeans - a good idea.
DeleteI love my laptop and use it every day. I know lots of people watch movies or TV on their phones, yet I cannot imagine it. No way could I want to watch something so small. That is just me.
Cool that you seldom watch things and have no TV. I don't watch a lot, but I do like my TV for certain things.
Oh, screens are wonderful. Love fresh air and no buggers!