Top 5 "Savers" for November

 Have you ever had days, or months, or maybe even years where you are so busy you don't even have time to check off your to do list? I have (and I'm starting to think it doesn't slow down, ever). Anyway, in the last few years I've picked up a few tricks that have really helped save time/money so I thought I'd share a few. 

There are several, but I have lots to do during naptime today, so 5 it is :)
 And I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm hoping you guys will share some of your "must have" time/money/energy tips with me!!!! Pretty please!!

5) BREAKFAST is the most important meal of the day. You have to have it. ESPECIALLY if you are nursing!! Even if you are not, it is better for your metabolism (which means weight ladies) and will boost your energy for the rest of the day. Now, I am not saying everything you eat must be a perfectly balanced meal, nor am I saying these shakes are. But I am saying they are cheap, fast, and they get you what you need. I also like Carnation breakfast packets.The point is, sometimes mornings are crazy and taking care of yourself gets last priority. I have had mornings where even downing a shake felt selfish, and it literally took me one minute. Anything longer just wouldn't have happened. I don't use these every morning, but I always have them ready in the fridge. And bonus, my diaper bag is insulated so I can take one on the go for a meal replacement as needed. Its worth it!



4)No More Ironing. EVER. We have an iron, and a mini board, but we don't even own a full size ironing board. Mike is in a dress shirt every day, and while I try to get clothes out of the dry fast I would be lying if I didn't admit there have been days clothes waited in a basket. I'm working on it. 
BUT, all you have to do is give your clothes a good mist with a squirt bottle the night before, shake out (give them a good shake), and hang to dry overnight. Your man will look so sharp (and your don't have to play Cinderella. Who would ever want to play her? Even for Halloween...?)
IF you need a small touch up, on a collar, cuff, or down the front, I use my hair straighter. True story. Works like a charm.  



3)Hair removal. For the record, ARMPITS are the WORST! However, I've had this for 1.5 years and it totally rocks. I only use it every 2-3 weeks and need nothing in between. The first few times you use it you may want to die. I won't sugar coat it, you are ripping your hair out so yeah, it hurts. BUT, its NEVER grown back all the way. And it doesn't hurt at all now. To give you a scale, its more painful than tweezing (because its more at a time), but less painful that a bikini wax (a story for later). Three reasons to use this: 1) You will save time in the shower every day. 2) Saves money on razors and gel, and its rechargeable. 3) You'll be hairless and happy. Ode to Joy.  Just in case you have ever had a moment of impromptu romance and decided against it because you felt the underarm forrest was perhaps a turn off for all- problem solved. 



2)Crock Pot or slow cooker. Your new best friend. The end of the day is when my munchkins are the most likely to be cranky, and that is right when I am trying to clean up and make dinner. Enter, the lifesaving timesaving crockpot. I think I am going to to a whole entry soon on my fastest most favorite dinners. Our latest favorites include chicken cordon bleu, lasagna, stroganoff, and shredded pork. Example: Kids take naps, I fix dinner, and we spend the afternoon at the park having fun (or running errands). We come home, house smells great and Mike walks in to a delicious meal and I'm happy because I am, for once, domestic goddess. And it feels good. And then tastes good
 

1)Hair care. Mike likes long hair. And something  

about my face just looks enormous with short hair. SO, long, wavy, crazy hair it is. But I've changed my routine in the last two years, and my hair is healthier, longer, and softer than ever before. (No, Garnier hasn't called yet, but oh well. As if I have time to be a hair model, emphasis "as if" ;) Anyway the trick is to only wash it every 4-5 days. I used to wash it every other, but that strips your hair of all the healthy oils it needs. It takes a little while to get your hair used to washing it less, but its so worth it. Buy a good shower cap (and by good, I mean the cheapest walmart one will do just fine), and some dry shampoo or baby powder (I've used both and they were equally effective. Baby powder is cheaper and you can get cute little travel sized ones :)  Just wean your hair one day at a time. My hair is used to it now, so I only use baby powder on rare occasion, but at first I used it every 3 days or so to touch up any oily spots. I don't heat style my hair at all in between washings, so total time on my hair is 16 min (8 min to dry, 8 to curl/straighten) every 4 days, or 4 min/day. And my hair is always done. Its not amazing, but its wasn't amazing when I washed it every other day. Some day. Some day I know my bangs will learn to behave and my hair will stop trying to curl. I guess the grass is always greener on someone elses head.

(PS: for long hair, I recommend the Jilbere ceramic mega vent brush. Its as big as your head and will dry your hair in no time, even with a cheapo hair dryer. I've had mine for about 7 years and its still great)