I’ve shown you guys this Cupcake Courier before. It’s been awhile, but I still love it and I wanted to show you a couple more ways you can enjoy it.
First and foremost, it carries cupcakes.
It can hold 36 cupcakes. Or 24 or 12 or any amount in between. Just remove the stackable trays to suit your need.
Perfect for larger batches of cupcakes or taking them to a holiday party or get together.
And if you remove all three trays…
Then you can use it for cakes. And pretty big ones, too.
But here is the best part. The real reason I have fallen deeper in love with this carrier. It allows me to do much more when it comes to carrying my baked goods.
I am talking specifically about cake pops here. Yep, because the courier is so tall, it triples as a handy dandy cake pop courier, too.
It serves multiple purposes. One… it simply allows you to store them upright without having to wrap them in treat bags.
And two… it allows you to carry them more easily to happy recipients. With or without treat bags.
Here … let me show you what I mean.
Tah dah. Perfectly protected pops. Of course you’ll have to imagine them made for full effect. I just used sticks and styrofoam to illustrate the idea.
If you use 6-inch paper lollipop sticks (8-inch sticks would be too tall) and some styrofoam, it will fit just fine in the base of the courier.
Styrofoam blocks come in many sizes and one of the common sizes is 4 x 12 x 2 inches high. Grab two of them and place them side by side on the base and then make 12 holes in each block. You can then easily carry 24 cake pops. And if you can’t find the styrofoam in that size, then cut down a larger piece of styrofoam to 8 X 12.
Either way it’s a great way to get more out of an already handy product. You can find them on amazon.com.
Hope that helps all you guys that are cake popping and cupcake making… and of course, carrying.
And to celebrate finding ways to do more with less, here’s a fun giveaway.
- This giveaway starts November 15 and goes until November 29, 2010. Time’s Up! Winner Announced below.
- To be entered in the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post and describe something you’ve found to be more productive or some way you do more with less. That’s it.
- One winner will be chosen at random using random.org and announced on this post at the end of the contest period following verification. See complete rules for details.
- The prize is one (1) Windows Phone 7 (all features and details of the phone will be determined by the Sponsor.)
Okay, here’s the winner, chosen at random.
Congratulations Wendy! Have fun with your new phone.
And thank you everyone for so many great ideas to do more with less. You guys are really resourceful. I’m impressed.
This giveaway is brought to you by the new Windows Phone 7. Less tech tired. More tech trendy: Learn about Windows Phone online and see it in person at local T-Mobile stores today.
To have more time, I get on the internet less. I used to immediately sit down at the pc to unwind — now I have to accomplish something before I allow myself to surf.
Turning off the laptop before bedtime gets me into bed sooner so I don’t waste time browsing when I’m tired.
When cooking, my food processor saves me so much time. Throw everything in there, give it a few good pules, and voila – whatever I’m making is done. Definitely a huge time saver!
I’m productive when the TV breaks or when there’s no electricity!
I’ve been making “apothecary jars” by gluing together glass candlestick holders and glass jars from the dollar store. Instant fancy and super cheap!
Lists are my best tool for productivity. If I don’t have to remember what needs doing, but can see it at a glance, I’m sure to get it all done. Also, there’s the added incentive of checking each item off the list when I complete it. :)
I’ve been taking old wool sweaters to make cloth diaper covers for my little boy – way to get more use out of an old sweater you can’t wear anymore :)
I do not function without lists! They help me to stay on track and get things done more efficiently.
I use Rachel Rays idea for using a big bowl on the counter as a garbage bowl. It is actually a big time saver.
I usually buy the deli meat that is prepackaged in small tupperware containers – though the draw back is they are not recyclable in my town. I feel guilty throwing them out, so I use them for multiple things like dog food storage when traveling, and different learning centers that have small word cards in my 5th grade classroom. They are also good for using CLR to soak small parts from the shower head when you don’t want to use bowls you eat or prepare food out of.
The thing I found to be productive in keeping my cake decorating supplies in order is the small tackle boxes – the little plastic see -thu kind, they are perfect for all the tips and couplers!
I’m much more productive when the tv is OFF! When the kids are home it’s constant background noise. Silence is golden! However, good music can get me moving even faster sometimes!
My rasp, it zests, it shaves nutmeg and grates cheese I love it !
I use the old fashioned spring-loaded ice cream scoops to fill my cupcake pans – perfect every time and the trigger releases the batter in a flash!
I don’t have much to add, but I have been making due with less when baking (which is something I love to do). I have had the same old cooking pans and carriers for years, they’re falling apart and kind of embarrassing.
I’m sort of new to blogs, and Google Reader recommended you this morning-I can see why! My favorite ‘do more with less’ is buying mix-it yourself cleaners for the house, and re-using the spray bottles. It’s worked for me for 15 years now, and my house still isn’t as clean as I’d like-but that says more about me than it does about the cleaning products!
I make my own laundry detergent with Borax, Dr Bronner’s soap and washing powder. It saves money and is better for the environment. Plus I use soap without dyes or fragrances, so it is safe for my little guy’s sensitive skin.
Probably silly, but I use my silpat mat to lay anything I’ve dipped in chocolate on to ‘set-up’. It is so easy to get the item off the mat, nothing sticks to it and it is easy to clean.
We also use coffee filters between all of my dishes in my cupboard to keep them from scratching each other………economical, we also use them to put popcorn in while watching TV.
Buying less. Taking time to think if I already have something that would serve the purpose without buying new. Most often the answer is “yes”!
Handmade Christmas gifts. More meaningful, less money involved!
I’ll be able to get more done with less by consolidating my devices when I get a Windows Phone.
the best way for me to be productive is to turn of the computer and set a timer. Clean for 30 minutes, break for 10 (to check email) or I get nothing done!
i always put my clothes in ziploc bags when i put them in a suitcase! makes more room and keeps everything neat and clean!
cool phone i need a new on it be a good birthday present for my self seens its around the conner 12/22 yeahhhh
After I started putting my rarely worn shoes into clear plastic bins, I found that my closet was much more organized :)
The most productive thing I’ve ever done is to get off the internet when doing homework! I’ll disable the wireless so that I don’t get distracted while writing papers. Before I figured that out, I learned to write a 5 page paper in less than an hour. After turning off the wireless, I don’t have to rush things and am able to turn out better papers.
I get more for less when I plan ahead. Like months ahead… by making crafts to put in goody bags for my daughter’s birthday. It’ll be a Harry Potter themed birthday, so I have to start making those paper mache wands pronto!
I am more productive if i let myself procrastinate first, i know it sounds crazy but it works.
instead of using gift bags, I go to places like Marshall’s and buy their reusable bags. The receiver of the gift has a bag that they can use again and again! Easier on the wallet and better for the environment!
I like to clean up as I cook it up for dinner! That way there is less clean up after dinner.
I love baking with whatever stuff I already have on hand, and if I don’t have something, I enjoy the challenge of finding a substitution.
One thing I use to be more productive is my laptop’s calendar. I put all my appontments, due dates and classes on there. It really helps me out since I forget a lot and it has reminders when I have something scheduled!
My calendar on my phone…it has an alarm that reminds me of things to do.
When I’m decorating a cake I freeze the cake scraps (after torting) so I can make cakepops another day : )
I need background, heart pumping, loud music to get me going. My kids and husband know, if they hear my music then I am in a cleaning and rearranging mood :)
For photography I go to JoAnn fabric stores and buy big bolts of home decor fabric for my backdrops instead of buying a $200 “professional” backdrop. Works just the same and is waaaay less expensive :)
My daughter and I are hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life and we are making the tablecloth toppers to save money. We are also making the Gingerbread Center pieces that will be given for door prizes.
It may sound strange, but when I play freecell or spider solitaire I become more productive — honestly! I play the games really quickly and I work in bursts, so a really fast game of freecell and then writing out a paragraph of homework really quickly. (It makes homework go by much more enjoyably as well!)
MAKE LISTS. I can’t tell you how much easier life becomes if you only make a list of everything you need to get/do first ;)
Since starting to make Cake Pops, I have purchased an electric melting pot. This holds the coating to a perfect temperature and allows me to go through the process of dipping the cake balls much faster.
I use the calendar on the phone to sync with the one on my computer! Definitely keeps me organized in my daily life!!
More for les…. Well, one way i reuse the items i already have is to use my old cardboard egg cartons as a fire starter – saves me from having to buy them at much inflated price. I melt down my old candles, add wood shavings (which i have from chopping wood anyway) and poor the mixture into the egg trays. Once cut apart – they work wonders when starting my wood burning stove each day!
To prevent mass spur of the moment grocery shopping (and all the extra spending that goes along with it), I keep a magnetic pad of paper on my fridge right next to my handy dandy magnetic pencil (one with a magnet stuck to it, anyway) and write down everything I’m getting short on or need for an upcoming recipe. Every two weeks I take down my list and make out a grocery list and off I go. Less money spent means more money for fun things, like chocolate chips…mmmm.
Not sure this is what you are looking for, but I never use as much hamburger, chicken (meat in general) as a recipe calls for. It’s simply not necessary and we do just fine. I also don’t use as much laundry detergent as the “box” tells me. (I almost think there is a conspiracy to get us to use more to buy more.)
I know a little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way…..it also makes your day a little brighter!
I know a little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way…..it also makes your day a little brighter!
I’m most productive when the TV, the internet, and my phone are off. The digital age is filled with so many distractions!
I really like to use my iPhone and have the recipe right in front of me when I am cooking, it save some trees along the way!
I just found out that you can return your redbox movies to any location. Here I thought redbox was so awesome because it is only a dollar but come to find out there is so much more!!
Im always productive when it comes down to anything involving my kiddos and home….. I always want my children frd, happy, and clean, and my home as my kids would say, is so clean that we could eat off the hardwood floors! I do more with less distractions such as tv for sure, I rarely even watch tv, I always feel like there is something I could be doing that makes me more happy, and helps my life to run smoother!!! Staying organized!!!!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
Make a list and check it off as you go!!!
Instead of buying lunch, I cook up a huge batch of food on Sundays, parcel them out in old lunch meat tupperware containers, and plop them in the fridge. Each morning, I grab one on the way out, and bam, instant microwavable lunch for cheaper than lunch out.
More, with less.
It’s not very inspired, but I save all of my paper scraps from craft projects for my kiddos to do their own craft projects with. They love it!
I use toothpaste to clean my rings; after i use a cube of butter i save the wrapper to grease pans; I use dryer sheets clean the tops of the washer and dryer after they’ve been used in the dryer. Always trying to come up with multiple uses for things!
I bought a plastic lettuce knife and quikly found out it cuts so much more than lettuce: cakes, pies, lasagna and the list goes one. It’s perfect to bring with a casserole for a potluck! It seriously was the best $1.95 I’ve spent at Crate and Barrel!
My muffin tin.
Cupcakes
Muffins
Meatballs (a la Alton Brown)
Dinner rolls (a la Pioneer woman)
Mini pies (quiche)
So many different things can be made in it
In my classroom I have labels for everything! I have stacks of trays for daily homework labeled by subject, with the day of the week also printed. All my extra activities for students is labeled, including where certain books go in the room. This way, I stay organized, and my students are able to be more self-sufficient and organized themselves!
Just this evening I was baking a cake and couldn’t find a cake tester… a (very clean) metal kabob skewer came to the rescue! And then… I decided to use it to make smores on my range too.
Music or having the TV helps my productivity!
I use ice cube trays to seperate lots of things, jewelry, odds and ends, etc. Nice organizer for little parts! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m most productive when I have all of my “to-do” items on my calendar with reminders. Then I don’t need to waste my time trying to remember what I needed to do, my calendar does the reminding!
I love the KitchenAid Mixer! Before I either used a hand mixer or a whisk. After using the KitchenAid mixer I never want to go back. It makes my life easier allowing me to do several things at the same time.
Love reading the helpful hints. The cupcake carrier looks awesome–have one similar to it that my husband made a 1/4″ plexiglass insert for it so that it can be used as a cake plate and not have the carrier on the table.
Spend less time at work and more time with my family. It has done wonders for my sanity.
I love me some notes & lists…I find that if that if I write things down, I am more productive & I love checking tasks off! :)
I find that having a positive attitude helps me be productive at whatever I am doing. :)
My favorite double use: crush about 10 asprin and mix with a few drops of water to make a paste – use as a facial mask. Works WONDERS!
I put together outfits & iron clothing for my two children each Sunday for the entire week. This saves time from the morning routine and allows them to pick amongst different options.
My crockpot quit working. I have a very small kitchen so now I use my big cast iron pot in a slow oven. Works just as well and I don’t have another appliance to store.
I own my own business “Scribbles Signs” and I paint AFTER everyone is in bed or while they are at school after the house is cleaned. Sometimes I do feel a little rushed but I want to make sure that my family stays my #1 priority. ;0) (It seems to work)
When Scrapbooking or Card making I don’t throw away any of my scraps. Those scraps have saved me at time when I just need a small piece to complete a project. I make faux brads, buttons, ribbon, & whatever else pops in my head when I’m in a pickle.
When I get to make cakes for fun, my inspiration comes from any leftovers I have in the pantry! Then I don’t get stuck with too much excess from other purchases!
Also, I have this cupcake carrier and I LOVE it!
I invested in a several sheets of sealpat (not sure if that’s how you spell it) and have used them EVERY time I bake. They are lifesavers when it comes to things cooking over or taking care of my baking sheets! Love them!!
I’m definitely more productive when I work out, which is why I have to do it every single day… otherwise I feel numb and lazy!
I use my deep cake pans to transport cupcakes…perfect because they don’t slide around and are deep enough to still cover with plastic wrap!
I make my own multi-purpose spray and have saved my sanity when cleaning up animal and 2 kid messes around the house.
Whenever I’m on the train, I read and organze my calendar for my coursework! 40 minutes of dedicated tie everyday on the train really helps me cut down on the work I have to do at home!
I love my food processor! It’s my most versatile kitchen appliance. I use it for everything.
I find that if I plan meals that use similar ingredients but vary, I can make more meal for less money! I challenge myself each week to see how many unique meals I can make from similar ingredients. My record for the cheapest grocery story bill was $30.57! :)
The cupcake trays also look like a great place to dry some gumpaste flowers before you place them on the cupcakes or cake! You can add that to the productive list!
I become a much more productive person when I leave the tv off and turn the radio on.
I go through my and my husbands clothes at the end of every season before bringing out the rest of the clothes–and whatever hasn’t been worn gets put into a bag to go to the Salvation Army. Whatever shoes haven’t been worn and are in good condition, whatever coats haven’t been worn–out the door to people who really can use it. I do the same with my younger child’s clothes–since he’s a boy and doesn’t have hand-me-downs and there isn’t anyone younger than him, I know that everything in his closet that fits him NOW will not fit him next year so I give those clothes away as well.
Can’t really think of something right now, but this came to mind….Use ice cube trays to freeze baby food and then store in zip lock bags.
using frozen veggies to cook instead of fresh! im in college now, so this saves time, money, and i dont have to worry about it going bad :)
I like to use the cupcake courier to carry a couple of pies on the trays.
This is pretty old-fashioned, but I find that lists make me more productive.
To-do, to-pack, to-buy, etc. Lists let me put my goals or priorities in order, so I can get them done accordingly.
I use leftover shoe boxes in drawers to divide the kids socks, underwear, etc. They’re usually just the right height to fit and if they’re too long its a cinch to cut it off and put one side into the other and tape it up! Voila!
I wait to run all my errands on the days BOTH kids are in school (my youngest is in preschool 3 mornings a week). It is AMAZING how much more I can get done when I am solo… no hauling little ones in and out of the car, no meandering through the toy section, no multiple potty breaks. On those mornings I am an errand running ball of fire!!!
I am making cake pops from the cake that is left over after I level my cakes to layer them, and leftover frosting. I always hate wasting that cake that comes off the top, and making a few pops is such a great way to use it up. :)
I’m really more of a more is more type of person… but I like your give-aways :-)
I try to make my own cleaning products to save money. The multipurpose cleaner that I make cleans windows, bathrooms, kitchen, and I use it to “dust” as most all of our furniture is painted.
Study groups! They’re the greatest.
Reduce, reuse, recycle! How about that for doing more with less?
My current oven has been out of commission for months.. scratch that, years! So I’ve been using my conventional oven when it comes to baking.. and because of this I have to do ‘smaller’ portions of everything which means less mess with baking :P
I’m more productive when there is music going. The music will differ depending on what my task is though.
I grow a garden so that I always have fresh produce without running to the store….except now its cold and there’s nothing in it :(
whether I am writing a paper, cleaning the apartment, or just don’t want to hear what my roommates are doing Pandora.com Film Score radio helps me be super productive. It makes boring tasks like putting away laundry or organizing my desk sound exciting and inspirational.
I’ve often used a plastic pie carrier for cupcakes/mini cakes. I have a mold that makes rose-shaped cakes and I sometimes place them on a bed of some kind of candy in my little pie carrier. :)
How do I do more with less? COUPONS! And sales! BOGO is the best acronym in the entire world :)
Im always looking for new ways to reuse the scraps of cake from cut off tops. Cake pops are of course my favorite way to make use of extras but I am constantly experimenting for more. Cake scraps can be recycled into so many different things :)
I ADORE the Christmas tree cake pops! They are precious…I have a hard time just making them round, but I just might have to try those!
When it was my roommate’s birthday, my friends and I wanted to decorate the apartment. Being in college, we didn’t want to spend money so we made strings of origami cranes in different colors and patterns. It turned out really pretty!
i’m always re-purposing things! i use gladware for anything, i use my old sweaters to make sweaters for my dogs. it’s lovely!
I do more with less because we have a small kitchen so I just can;t have everything I want. It does force you to become more creative though!!
I am so much more productive while I am watching or listening to tv/music! I dont know why, but when I am sitting in silence I cant do a thing!
Also, I use socks that I cant find the mate to to dust or do any other household chores! Works great!
When it comes to cleaning Im more productive when I am mad, sad huh?
But on a normal day Im more productive when I am listening to music.. It keeps me in tune with that I am doing..
I am most productive when I give myself 5 quick minutes to enjoy a cup of tea, then I set the timer for 10-15 minutes and just work, work, work!
I love to cook but hate a cluttered kitchen so I really try to stay away from gadgets. Cool but they take up a lot of space.
Everytime my husband and I buy a new appliance or electronic, the first thing we do is take the manuals and warranties and put them into an organized binder. I have found that this helps IMMENSELY when something breaks and you need to contact the company. Having the information somewhere that you can find it easily is a huge help when you don’t have all the time in the world to be digging through drawers!!
My new toaster oven makes dinners so much easier now that I’m working. It can do potatoes, frozen dinners, a whole chicken, kid snacks. It”s amazing and so is that cupcake carrier!!!!
After I am down squeezing the juice out lemon, I throw it in a bowl in the mircowave with a little bit of water and turn it on. After a little bit, you stop it and wipe it down. Your microwave will be clean and lemony.
I’ve found my family drinks more water when I buy a case of water in plastic bottles. But, to be more “green’ we’ve instead bought a water filter system and each have our own reusable bottle to drink from! The kids love having their own bottle and still drink as much water, if not more!
I live with people at the moment and have very little room for my groceries. I have been able to shop and store more groceries in the tiny space i have then they can with all the room they have.
The joy of baking and creating something wonderful to see and good to eat. :)
I get out of my bedroom… WAAAAAAAYYYY too many distractions… I try to do everything. hw/studying/excercises/reading/tv/internet in other rooms of the house… my big comfy bed is waaay too tempting :)
something that is less and does more? hmmm… I would say my ipod :) Before that thing was invented I would carry around a HUGE cd player. Now I just have to slip my little pod into my pocket for tons of hours of enjoyment :)
thanks for the chance.
Barb
I’ve heard so many great things about the new Windows 7 phone! A friend of mine created an app for it before it even came out ; ) Anyways, I’m baking my first cake pop today! It will be a simple red velvet covered in dark chocolate but I’m very excited :D
I become more productive late at night, with the help of tons of coffee and a good tune on my Ipod!
Prime camera lens … they force you to move around and see things differently.
I like to re-purpose items. Our entertainment center was way too big for our living room, and the newer smaller television. I moved it into our kitchen, and it is a great pantry. That sliding shelf for a VCR is just the right size to store the electric griddle, and shelving added to the TV section holds lots of canned goods. I can’t imagine what a wood cabinet would have cost. Re-puposing is my most productive activity.
I use melted chocolate in a ziplock bag to write on cakes and cupcakes. it flows so nicely!
For my wedding we received a kitchen aid mixer…I didn’t even register for it! I use to mix my batters by hand (I know!)…Now I can’t live without it! How did I survive all these years without one, I don’t know! My mixer is my 2nd love :)
Btw, Bakeralla where can I purchase that cupcake courier? I have see the light and desperately want one! I clicked your link but it doesn’t show me where I can purchase one?? Please Help!!!
Silicon molds come in fun shapes they are great for cupcakes, brownies, cookies, candy, jello, ice, crayons and soap. Gotta love those silicon molds!!!
I now use half the amount of dishwashing deteargent than I used to. I add half a lemon upside down through one of the spokes and this gives the load a super clean smell. One half lemon will last me two-three loads.
one of my favorite multi-use items is applesauce! it stands in perfectly for many ingredients in baking that i may be short on, or have forgotten to buy!
I like to get everyone to save me their Dairy Queen cake trays/covers. They come in very handy instead of buying cake boxes, or even for taking cupcakes in!
Vinegar is my go-to tool whether I want to cook, clean, or trap those pesky fruit flies!!
I use vinager to kill the weeds.
I use my cookie cutters for a million things.!
I am most productive when I have music on. It gets me in the cleaning mood or cooking mood. I have to make sure the tv is off though or else nothing would get done ;)
i write EVERYTHING down.
homework, chores, things to google.
or else i’l forget.
it has done wonders
I used to think I could be more productive by always multi-tasking, but I’ve found for somethings, I just need to stop and complete each task as I go. But seeing as I am a mom, I still multi-task alot!
I’ve found that I really don’t need to keep every piece of paper or thing I think I *may* use someday. It’s really cut down on my clutter and saved me a lot of time when I am looking for something of actual importance or just need to go through stuff.
I have found that if I tell myself I have such amount of time to get things done and I do within that time period then I can look at blogs or watch a favorite show. It works great for me.
I’m much more productive when my immediate surroundings are clean. I get homework done when my room is clean, and I can think properly for baking when the kitchen is clean.
I organize everything of mine in shoeboxes. To add a little ambiance, I’ll cover them with leftover wrapping paper or printed paper bags from my favorite clothing stores.
My favorite productivity tool is my laptop. It holds my recipes, papers I’m reading for school, my calendar, my task list, and more!
I freeze everything! pie crusts, pesto, chicken broth, any small thing I can dump into a “big” thing for a recipe later.
Totes – Totes and more storage totes- trying to get clutter out and more productivity in!
I dont’ buy individual bags of anything, I buy or bake large quantities and then use re-usable sandwich sized bags to send snacks with my kids in their lunches. With 4 kids I find this goes a long way!
I find it easier to bake at once a lot of food and freeze it. I do it on everything! dough for cooking, pasta sauce and chopped fruit (for jam, sauces or fruit shake).
I have found heating pads to be useful in many ways. I’m always cold so I use them, even when I’m not sore!
One neat trick that I’ve found helpful is using a rolling pin when filling up a tart pan with a sheet of dough to get clean edges all around. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it looks great!
Cookie sheets and muffin tins are great for sorting lego pieces and keeping them together. And you can transport from room to room with them.
My husband had a pile of old favorite tshirts sitting in the closet for a years…too small to wear, too precious to get rid of…so I cut them up and made a memory quilt out of them! Now I have space in my closet and he gets to enjoy the memories every time he snuggles up with his “new” blanket!
One thing that has helped me tons is saving everything until the cake is delivered–icing, gum paste, fondant, etc. I used to throw away that little bit of gum paste that was left after I did my flowers, only to find out I needed just that much to fix something.
i save all my food scraps (okay, most :) and make stuff: chicken stock, apple and peach jelly, bread pudding or croutons are on the top of my list!
One of my favorite things to do is use small circular artist palettes to allow my fondant and gumpaste flowers to dry. Of course, my children use them for their painting projects-doing more with less :) thanks
I have found that “random acts of kindness” are more productive and I get a kick out of doing them.
The thing I would do more of is shop at Homegoods. The prices are less so I can buy more neat stuff. I got the same exact cupcake carrier at Homegoods, for less and I was able to buy a cute cupcake stand with the money I saved. Isnt that great!
a bulletin board can also function as a place to hang jewelry! :)
I’m most productive when my calendar is BOOKED! The more I have on my plate, the more I do! Having my ipod in also helps:)
I would have to say baking for holiday gifts, saves money and it’s super fun!
I’m most productive when I put on a My Little Pony DVD and the kids get distracted ;)
i always try to make things from scratch to take goodies to people… it is cheaper than going out and having to buy some food someone else made… plus it adds a personal touch :)
Because I travel between areas that differ greatly in elevation I store baking instructions on my phone so my banana bread bakes the same at sea level or at a mile high.
I use a spaghetti to check if the cake is done.
I save sour cream/cottage cheese cartons and use them for storage for my classroom. I also do this with the little containers that strawberries or other berries come in. I’ve saved TONS of money, and it isn’t a big deal when they get ruined or gross because I always have a stock of them!
I can’t find my potato masher so have been using a pastry cutter for mashing as well.
less stuff in our house, makes for a cleaner home!
My purse is relatively small, its about the size of a DVD case. Somehow its become a Marry Poppin’s type bag. At one time I had 4 tank tops, 4 cell phones, a bottle of sunscreen, chapstick, and other random small items inside it. I never expected to be able to carry so much stuff at one time in such a small bag!
I’m sure everyone else does this, but I came to it late and it really has saved me lots of time. I use a Blog Reader. I started with Bloglines. but when they stopped their service I started with Google Reader. It is a wonderful time saver to see at a glance which of my favorite bogs/websites have posted new information. I can even mark the post to refer to later if needed.
Ziploc bags are a life saver!!! and a time saver :)
I use cheap vodka to clean my granite counter tops. No odor, germ-fighting properties, makes them SHINE and it’s a lot cheaper than all those harsh chemicals.
I am more productive when I switch off my computer and get sleep. .
I’ve learned that the smaller your bag is, there is less place to put all of the unnecessary things i always take with me when I travel :)
Menu planning….it takes time, but we eat healier meals and it reduces our grocery bill….not as many random trips to the store! (So it’s a time saver too!)
Try this: put plastic liner – 3 come with it – over cupcake shelf and you can take three layers of brownies, lemon bars … love the comments when walking into a party!
My husband and I split up the household chores based on what we like to do. For instance, I love to do laundry and he likes to wash and dry dishes. Makes us both more productive and leaves time for the things we like to do together.
Since I had a baby, I’ve figured out that my husband does a lot more… cooking, laundry, cleaning – so that I can take care of our baby :)
I am a list maker…don’t know how I would accomplish everything without it…also it helps me prioritize and know when it okay just to relax and do nothing!
I make 4 small loaves of bread instead of one big loaf. That way I can freeze 3 and not worry about part of the loaf going bad if we don’t eat it right away.
I can’t think of the last time I used my Tupperware cake carriers to carry cake. I usually flip them upside down and use the lid to store batches of icing or cookies.
I found using little ziplock baggies for frosting bags is just as easy and I can throw them away when Im done. Theyre cheaper too!
Ansa
I can get amazing things done if I just wait until the kids go to bed! Wow am I efficient then!
I love you prize, I used photo album to organized my cutterbug folders and my die cuts for my crafts. I used Large ziploc bags to organize my cookie cutters by holidays.
Calendars are a huge help. And the Outlook Quickstep is a great shortcut tool that helps me quickly create some of my common tasks, appointments, and emails while on the go. The win phone 7 will be a great mobile tool to aid in this.
I make lists. I am way more productive if I have a list to work off of. And crossing something off the list when I am done feels so good!
Turning off the computer and opening a bottle of Pine Sol makes me productive. Nothing better than a wonderfully clean house. Perfect for baking and inviting friends over to sample!!
I can actually get more done with some good upbeat music than in a quiet home. Also, my KitchenAid has been my best friend for so many things.
I used to pick up the house and do a load of wash every day when I came home from work. Now I put a load of wash in before I go to bed, set my alarm to get up 1 hour earlier, toss it in the dryer when I wake up, and do a quick pick up around the house and lastly, fold the dried laundry. I am much more productive in that hour because I don’t get side tracked knowing I have limited time. When I get home from work the house is tidy and I can do whatever I want with my evening.
As a 1st time mom who’s always on the go I always had to carry a diaper bag along w/ my purse, until my sister -n-law gave me a really great Coach bag that ‘s meant for multi-tasking mama’s like myself. I really couldn’t leave the house w/o it. I keep everything from a change of clothes & a few baby bottles to the latest book that i’m usually reading & whatever else I usually kept in my purse w/o any bulk or problem. This saved my shoulders & time.
So many things to stay organized..I’m known as “Monica” from friends. Two of my favorites 1-I get the most out of my parchment sheets by using one for the baking of cookies, then put them underneath the cookies while decorating for easy clean up. Many times I will still use them to wrap cookies up.
The other thing, is I keep a cardboard box in my laundry room. Every-time my kids outgrow something, I wash it and toss it in the box, then deliver the box to goodwill when it’s full.
My crockpot.Fill it up, turn it on and forget about it.Then I can shop,clean,read or anything else beside cooking.
I use my muffin tin flipped over to make assorted items with pastry puff dough
Toothpicks! They solve many of my problems on the kitchen.
I have a one year rule, if it doesn’t get used in a year it goes…that way I either make a point to use it or I really don’t need it after all!
I’ve found the perfect way to half grapes or small tomatoes….use 2 round take out lids, place grapes on the top of one lid and then cover with the other lid and press down on the lid with one hand. While pressing down run a long knife between the 2 lids and voila, perfectly halved grapes!
what a great idea. I make brownie pops and never had a clear plan on how to transport them. Now if only someone would come up with a box for them so when I get an order from a customer, they can actually pick them up boxed and ready to go.
Cupcake carriers are soo handy and I plan to get one. But before I do that I use a simple trick for transporting cupcakes – I use the cardboard stands used for transporting yoghurts (I pick them up in the local grocery store) – I just have to choose the ones with the right size of the holes. Easy and effective.
I am the most productive when I stay focused.. Eat right,exercise and a little prayer always helps me get more done
I have found that cleaning my dorm everyday makes it seem like i have less work to do everyday!!
I have a carrier like that too, but it can only hold 24. LOVE IT!! it makes life so much easier and keeps my cupcakes looking nice!
To save myself time i just throw my son into the shower with me. He is 19 months. He loves it and allows for a little bit of a sleep in in the mornings before work!!!
That’s a great container! I want to go out and get one… I’ve found that if I work with music on I am more productive.
Those Ziploc bags! They can be used for anything and everything to keep you organized in kitchen and out. They freeze and refrigerate well and make awesome piping bags.
I am most productive, when my husband is not home, and I’m alone… :)
I find I am more productive when I make others help me… Other don’t help me ver often though.
I wake up before my kids do – that way I can accomplish soooo much more! And then it all goes to pot with in an hour or two, after they get up for the day. (sigh)
I also start with my biggest, most annoying task/project first. Like I tell my kids…”Get it over with!”
I make fresh smoothies every morning for the kids. Great way to sneak in old frozen bananas, lots of fruit, and some wheat germ or tofu….Kids love it and it’s easy and Healthy.
I use a damp paper towel under the cutting board to hold it in place during chopping. Quick, easy, and something I already have in the house.