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.
I have a whiteboard in my laundry room. I write to-do lists on it, keep running grocery lists, have clips on it that hold coupons, write notes to my hubby, AND let the kids doodle on it. It’s one of the best multitaskers in my entire house!
I find that when I have a million things to do I can be most productive if I take 30 minutes for myself doing something fun (like bake cupcakes!) before I get started on my tasks.
i use old pringles can to place Christmas cookies in for Christmas gifts. Decorate the cans.
I like to take those sample cereal boxes I get in the mail and cut the top off of an empty one, then I cover it with paper and it’s a stylish pen holder or at Christmas time it can be used as a treat/cake pop holder I just cut the foam down to fit.
I find myself to be more productive with less distractions.
We follow the “Jesus Rule” for Christmas: He got three gifts so you do too. We’ve done this since our oldest was an infant so we have no backlash. It helps us keep focused on the real reason for the season and it also leads to a less cluttered home.
I use a shoe holder and hang it just inside my pantry. It is really useful for packets, spices, etc. Very useful and holds a lot!
I like to plan my meals ahead, and shop accordingly. I also like to make extra of some parts of a meal that I can roll over into another completely different meal.
I re-use things around the house–dryer sheets double as dust rags and cleaned glass jars turn into a great oatmeal bowl!
I found some open-source software for my web-design business that makes me more efficient than the paid software I used to use.
I’ve been using my muffin tins for cooking stuff aside from just muffins. It’s been great for finger foods kind of stuff.
i buy buckets (every size) from the $1 section at Target….they are so handy for storage, in my bathroom everything on the closet shelves are in buckets (like things grouped together)!!
I’ve started making smaller, more manageable to-do lists. I find that i accomplish more when the list seems attainable. Odd, but it works!
i do work better with music even though my mom thinks its impossible :)
i found that turning off my phone/silenting my phone made me a lot more productive and also a lot more personal with people. I would call them or make a date and time to see them.
I think the world is becoming much less personal with all the technology we have these days.
Stay personal!
I keep a “grand central station” in my kitchen where I keep just about anything I need to keep our family (somewhat) organized—-our family calendar, fine-tip sharpies in every color of the rainbow, post-it notes, pens, list pads, etc. I am infatuated with office supplies and containers and anything that can help me keep the 6 of us on time, on schedule, organized, etc!! :)
I got one of those electric candy coating melter-pot things. I love it!! Cake pops in a cinch!! :)
Whenever I realize I don’t have anything to do, I tackle my list of things that need to get done eventually, such as organizing my desk or printing out photos
Im most productive with good music!
An upside down muffin tin is the perfect taco holder. Put the shells in and make the kids tacos and serve them at the table. A great time saver. PERFECT!!
I re-use plastic strawberry containers as take-home containers for baked goods! Not only do I not have to worry about loosing good storage containers but it is another way to reduce-reuse-and recycle!!!
I make Challah on Friday nights for dinner. We use it for Monday’s dinner and do Breakfast for Dinner. Two meals from one delicious loaf. Recently we used a floor pillow that I made, that was not being used anymore, put an old duvet cover on it and my 4 year old is using it as her new big girl bed. This way we don’t have to buy a new mattress yet and we are reusing something that was taking up space (the pillow — did I mention I made the pillow?)
i work next to a pile of cookies–if i accomplish something, i eat one! (or two…)
When I get home from the grocery, I portion out pretzels and other snacks into ziplock baggies. That way I can grab a bag for my daughter as she always decides she needs a snack as we are leaving the house and already running late. It also helps with portion control.
We’ver been saving money by pretending out dining room is a restaurant and taking turns being waiters! Then we turn the lights out and watch a movie in the living room, pretending we’re at the movie theater.
I have found that one post it note only accumulates into 1000, which I then never look at! I now use larger note pads and only one sheet per day to keep myself on track!!
At the end of each month I take inventory of my pantry, fridge and freezer and then plan all dinners for the upcoming month. It saves a lot of money and time standing in front of the open fridge wondering what to cook.
Great giveaway!
Rachael Davis
Post-Its stuck to the side of my desk with lists of what i need to do…I can even pull an item off and take it with me so i remember!
I am most productive when I am around my third grade students! Plus, they make me smile!! :)
I like using old shoe boxes as storage :) and i like to pack my lunch the night before so i dont have to rush as much in the mornings :)
I use scissors to cut my pizza (Don’t worry they are designated as ‘pizza’ scissors).
I, unfortunately, work better in a busy bookstore like Barnes and Noble or Borders, than I do anywhere else. I’m more productive with chaos around me than silence.
I’m productive when I have music I can work and get motivated to!
To get wrinkles out of new curtains I just dry them with a wet cloth. No need to buy wrinkle remover.
Q-Tips are awesome: ears, nails, keyboards, refrigerator gaskets, removing wax so a candle burns stronger. There is no end to their functionality. Don’t know if that follows the assignment, but I love Q-Tips.
I use worn-out toothbrushes for many things: Help clean the lint out of the filter in the dryer, scrubbing corners and intricate places, splatter paint for a decorative effect, auto interior detailing, the list goes on and on…
My new Android phone is SOOO much more useful than I intended. I use it for a planner, a radio, timer for my lunch hour and OH so much more!
Toothbrushes! When we replace our toothbrushes I save the old ones and use them to scrub grout!!
I am most productive with at least household chores, when I am chatting on the phone. But as soon as we hang up I wander to the couch to meet a book or tivo remote. I try to keep calling and chatting with peeps.
I use empty plastic coffee containers (washed ofcourse) to store my cookie cutters in. they stack really nicely on shelves & I use multiple containers it allows me to seperate my cutters by holiday or shapes so its really easy to find what I want with out having to dig through a large amount every time.
I like to use plastic trash bags as stuffing for craft projects. Much cheaper and better than throwing away a hundred bags a week.
A family binder, it keeps everything in one place, sorted, seperated and organized.
I reuse scrap paper from work to let my 5 year old draw and color to his heart’s content. Good for his imagination and good for the environment! Plus I don’t have to buy paper!
Holy wow, that’s handy! My favorite way to get by on less is by making cake stands out of a thrifted plate and candle holder. It’s perfect!
I use butter wrappers for butter my pans instead of using the butter itself..since I’m already putting butter in the recipe, I can put the leftover wrapper to good use.
when i melt candy melts for any kind of chocolate mold or decorative work i always poor the left over chocolate into a candy bar mold and then store it to use in some other project. example if i save a block of chocolate i can make chocolate curls or re-melt it into a new chocolate mold =)
Reading instructions! Had I done that before I started painting, I could have saved myself 4 coats of paint, one $15 jug of paint stripper, and a roll of paper towels. Not to mention the 2 cans of spray paint.
Now I read all instructions to see what jives with what and what doesn’t.
I’ve found a more productive way to do lots of CEUs on different topics through my professional organization- awesome and no added fees! :o)
I found i’m much more productive when the computer is off!! Love this carrier, perfect for daycare deliveries!!
I bake cupcakes and brownies for my students (100 of them!) and I use to use my snapware cupcake container and/or soda boxes (the flat ones from the 6pk). It was such a hassle since they wouldn’t all fit and it was hard to carry all of them into school!
Then one day, I decided to dump my papers out of another plastic box and it worked wonders! I could fit more cupcakes in it AND it was stackable! I then went to target to get more and now I carry all 100 cupcakes in just 4 stackable containers.
If I listen to audiobooks on my ipod, I’ve found I can get all my housework done in much less time. For some reason, mindless jobs like laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the bathroom isn’t such a chore with a book going in my ear!
I use the end of an empty spool of thread instead of the traditional fork criss-cross to make cute flower patterns on top of sugar cookies.
tooth brush for my cello bow hair! it gets all the crap out!
I’m sure people will mention this left and right… but couponing helps me get more for less. I’ve been really bad about it lately, but you can snag some amazing deals!
Empty egg cartons…they work great for holding decorating bags full of icing. I love the cupcake holder!
Popsicle sticks, is there anything you can’t do with them??
:)
I love an egg white seperator!
A martini glass as an earring rack!
I’m trying hard to work on the make do / do without principle (it’s so hard when the Target ad is so tempting every week!!), but one thing I’m doing great on is using recycled paper from work for my kids’ endless art projects. We have a giant pile of printing mistakes and they could care less if one side is printed, as long as I proudly hang it on the wall!
I do more with less by shopping at thrift stores.
INstead of buying the fancy sandwich cutters for my son’s lunches, I use large cookie cutters or just cut them into geometrical shapes & stack them funny. he loves to figure out the puzzle & get a nice surprise as to the shape of his sandwich.
I never really pound out meat, so instead I use my spiked meat pounder to create that criss-cross design you make with forks when making peanut butter cookies.
OK, this may seem really weird, but it is efficient. Sometimes I have too many eggs left after baking, and I just don’t feel like making an omelette for breakfast. I bring out the rice cooker, start the rice cooking, and place the eggs in the pot. They are perfectly hard-boiled when the rice is ready!
When I am out of toothpicks I use my bamboo skewers to check to see if my baked goods are done. :)
Great giveaways, thanks!!
Making traditions for my children is how we do more with less…one is that we do treasure hunts (which don’t cost money) and I try to find fun things around the area that don’t cost money like going to the park.
I have finally gotten my babies eating most of the same food as me… huge time (and though) saver!
on this post and describe something you’ve found to be more productive or some way you do more with less. That’s it.
I have the martha stewart cupcake carrier that is exactly the same but aqua. I’ve used it to carry cinnamon rolls, boxes of cookies, and decorating supplies. I use it for everything to help me move my desserts from one place to another.
I use my fondue pot to keep chocolate melted for me to do cupcake pops. But I think what has helped me the most is I buy the chocolates in bulk and use canisters (with a tight seal) that are for sugar and flour and such and put my different chocolates in them to keep them fresh and always accessible. This is all I can think of off the top of me head. Doesn’t seem all that out of the ordinary, but it sure helps me!
Thanks! Love your site!
ive found the trundle of my bed to be rather storage efficient. no one ever sleeps there, so i removed the mattress and put some extra books in there and some shoe boxes and other such things…as for the mattress, i put it on top of my other mattress. I sleep on a tower of mattresses. and its pretty great.
I’m the most productive when I don’t have the internet! I read too many blogs and go on facebook too much!
My planner keeps me productive, where I need to be, and even doubles as a place to take notes for phone messages!
Grocery shopping: Cut coupons, and I only buy *Kroger* brand items because I get an additional 10% family discount. We don’t eat out, so I cook each meal and adhere to a monthly budget for all expenses.
Activities/Events: I check the paper to find what’s going on for FREE in my area. I’m all about making memories with my daughter but since I’m a single/divorced mother I try to always do more with less ;)
I always try to donate items of my daughters to others less fortunate because I believe what goes around, comes around.
And, I make my own house hold cleaners.
Cleaning the shower, while taking a shower, and I get to stay in there longer!
In a pinch, a non-pigmented lipbalm/salve such as chapstick works wonders on wind-whipped noses and ears of the little ones as well as your fraying cuticles.
Two words, Google Reader! I can read through all my crafty blogs so much quicker now that I use Google Reader, which gives me more time to do whatever else I have on my forever long to-do list.
I have found that retirement is an equal opportunity employer, I do half as much as I used to and have a lot more time to play. Just lucky that the other employee is in agreement :) Simple plans, make for more time and less work.
Egg cartons! I use them in my classroom for different centers, painting, planting, sorting, etc… I use them almost every week with some lesson!
I’m a mom and I do home daycare. I love wipes containers. I always get a new one with each bulk pack of wipes I buy and they’re perfect for crayons and markers, art supplies, and toys with small pieces. And they stack great.
I use Ziploc bags as piping bags!
Well I got an iPod touch for my birthday and instead of using it only for my music I use it to check out the balerella website quite frequently!
when i do royal icing color flow for a project.. i use the left over for random pictures to save for future cake use.
i hate wasting the color flow.
I am most productive on Saturdays- that is the day that I cook for the whole week! So, when I get home from the gym, I just heat my dinners in the microwave! I don’t have the hassle of cooking every night!
I have started using vinegar to clean with… its perfect!
I love Dannon Light and Fit yogurt, and the containiers are so convenient. I use them for crafting with kids (painting, holding things, planting seeds in it and more!!) I don’t have to use my good cups or buy speical ones just for the projects and I always have them around!
In cooking the most dynamic think is Low Sodium Broth. You can cut calories in just about any savory dish. I love it so much.
I love that!!!
I hardly ever empty my wallet so whenever I have a surplus amount of receipts in my wallet, I clean my wallet out and place the receipts in a shoebox in my closet. That way, I can go through what I’ve purchased and make a mental note of which receipts I can keep or throw away when I have more time.
i am more productive at making cake pops the less people i have eating them before the candy coating even dries…
I hated throwing away half-eaten loaves of bread because of mold. I now freeze loaves, croissants, bagels, etc and take what I need out of the freezer the night before – they thaw on the counter overnight in a Ziploc. Come morning, they are soft , fresh and ready for school lunches !
I have used my Kitchen-Aid to make twisted friendship bracelets. And I used to use an old bike tire raised up on a stick as a yarn swift before my dad made me a fancy wooden one for Christmas. Now THAT was ingenious!
My mom and I started doing grocery shopping at Aldi market. More groceries with less money!
Is it horrible that I’d rather have the cake carrier than the phone??? I’ll take the phone, though.
The days after Christmas when all the holiday items are half off or more, I buy my presents for the next year! I buy discount gift wrap, baskets, stockings, cookie plates – whatever I can get my hands on. Then I pack them away til the next year. I make my husband dig them all out the following Christmas, and while everyone else is out fighting the crowds on Christmas Eve, I’m home baking goodies to fill up all of the containers I bought the year before to make inexpensive but meaningful gifts!
I find I am most productive when I listen to music. I can’t remember the last time I washed the dishes or folded the laundry and wasn’t singing and dancing at the same time. I think I get too bored if I can’t sing and dance while doing chores around the house.
I love cupcake papers. I have a big family and at holiday time it’s easier to have things ready for buffet style for the “locusts”. :o) I will make things like Texas sheet cake or Magic Cookie bars and put them on little cupcake papers. They’re easier to grab and nibble than getting a plate and with all the adorable papers out, it makes the table look festive. Works for any kind of party.
I’m definitely more productive when I wake up early and have a good breakfast. : )
I use coconut oil for everything! As a substitute for butter when I bake, for moisturizing my feet and even in my hair. I heat up a few drops of it in my hands and use it to smooth flyaways, it works great for frizzy winter-wind hair and leaves a nice tropical suntan lotion scent that helps me pretend I’m at the beach instead of stuck in snowy traffic!
I picked up two more carriers at costco for $10 each-usually only $20 but I was thrilled!
I my fav less is more is a freshnew blank notebook-it always beats any fancy planner and suits all my creative ideas!
Making a menu for the week and then making my grocery list afterward. This is a tremendous help. Then I don’t have to think of what to make for dinner.
duct tape for modifications to kids wheelchairs at work so they can do adapted sports.
I LOVE making lists so that I can be as productive as possible in the short time I have with 3 small children at home.
I recently got a gift of “how to make stupid sock creatures” kit and when I used up all the socks that came with it, I used some old socks and made beutiful sock creatures! Oh, and I’m most productive when I’m in an empty room where there is nothing to do but work, or lie on the cold, hard floor.
I bought a floor steamer…great thing. Eliminates the mop, pail, chemicals, rinsing. Real nice. Turn up the music and clean the floors…rock on.
I eat small meals on my breaks and on my lunch break I run all my errands. This way I have more free and fun time at home!
I have a special case that I keep all my baking supplies in, it looks a little like a fish tackle box :P but it keeps all my spatulas, colors, and fun stuff in order where I can find it!
Do more with less? Hmm. we don’t go see movies in the theater – and we buy them at the video store when they are 4 for $20. Watch them and then bring them as a hostess gift (yes, used, but noone seems to mind)
Tin Foil. Seriously. For a long time I baked my little heart out without the conveniences of a “modern” kitchen. No electronic mixers of any kind. Only one mixing bowl. And NO pie pans. I made pies EVERY weekend with the help of my pyrex baking dish and some strategically placed tin foil. They looked and (more importantly) tasted great! Thanks tin foil for being a brownie pan, pie pan, and other various kitchen items!
I am most productive in the morning. Get up go and that sets the pace for the day. Slower mornings = slower afternoons.
I am a college student and poor. lol.
One way I make more out of less is using plastic pull-out stackable drawers as dressers and book cases. They’re great for stacking up to the ceiling and filling them with clothes, food, books, anything. :D
My husband’s old t-shirts double as rags for cleaning, once I convince him that there’s just too many holes in them to wear anymore.
I’ve found that the only way I get my endless pile of ironing done is if I indulge in some Hulu watching of tv shows I missed! One guilty pleasure + one needs to be done house task = Not a bad way to pass an hour. :o)
You’re the best Bakerella!
Coconut oil for everything! Face soap, a little for moisturizer, clears up acne, great for any baking, frying. It’s awesome!
I am most productive with music on and all 3 children out of the house :0)
Grocery money has been harder to come by lately, so I have become a master chef at putting together a meal with few groceries..even with two picky eaters in the house! I surprise myself sometimes when I pride myself on planning ahead, but somehow no plan at all works out better for me:)
My key to productivity is multitasking =)
I am more productive when I focus on the important things in life…FAMILY! Otherwise I get caught up in life…and material things though nice really aren’t that important!
Any one dish meal is good for me! Less dishes!
My trick for being productive is making a list and putting on some music and going for it!
Our home computer conked out so we’ve been without internet at home. At first it was a bummer, but I’ve been amazed at how much more time I have to catch up on things each week!
I am most productive when ivhave music on and hear my dogs bark andnless productive with the television!!!!!!!!
Please pick me
Great giveaway! If I am making a cake or cookie that I know my family loves, but involves a lot of prep work, I will measure out two of everything and put one lot in little baggies. Then when I want to make it again I just have to pull them out of the freezer and I am ready to go.
I am most productive when heavily caffeinated.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
WOW!
so would love this phone!
If it can’t be sent to Australia, please pick another winner!
:)
bellatheowl{at}gmail{dot}com
Cookie cutters- we use them for many things. Shaping sandwiches, toast, pancakes- basically any food…including cookies. And for crafts- my 4 year old loves that he can create on his own by tracing.
My mini muffin tin has been used SO much lately. Mini pies, brownie bites, muffins, etc. I have loved it lately!!!!
I have seen tupper ware boxes can be used in place of cake carriers. Use the lid as the base and the “box” as the lid and there you go a cheaper cake carrier. Many shapes and sizes!
In the winter, I find making stuff in the slow cooker to be wonderful, but I’m limited in my ingredients by a) what the family will eat and b) what can stand up to cooking all day without turning to mush. One thing that I do to change up the flavors is using those marinade and spice packets that you can find in the store! You can get totally different flavors just by using, say, herb and wine marinade versus a chicken fajita packet. :)
I discovered that vinegar makes a great fabric softener!
When looking for a recipe for something new, I don’t use my cook books any more. I google it. I have discovered some amazing new ideas by doing this.
I’ve been really into making cutoffs from pants I don’t wear anymore (or are too short). I also compost!
The best thing that helps me is a To Do List – like many others have said. I also keep an on-going grocery list – as soon as I run out of something or remember something I need it, I add it to my list, so when I get to the store, I don’t end up forgetting things.
my blackberry helps me keep on top of emails, facebook, and bakerella postings!
My pink KitchenAid mixer has been the most utilized object in my kitchen this year. I’m whipping up homemade buttercream and cake batter each week with it. BTW, I have a couple of those Cupcake Couriers. They are amazing for transporting cupcakes, but also for displaying and handing them out at childrens’ parties!
No-cook recipes… cut down on my electricity bill by trying out at least 2 no-cook dinner/desert recipes a week!! Just as delicious and a definate money saver!!
I like to make double batches of whatever is for dinner and freeze the rest. That way, when I’m too tired to cook, I just heat up the extra meal and call it good!
A way I do more with less is by couponing! I can get a TON of free/cheap groceries by just using coupons!
I find that if I listen to music by Yiruma on Pandora (which in turn, also plays other classical music), I focus way more on homework or studying. I usually like playing music while studying or doing work, so finding this has totally made my output of work double.
You can also lay cookie pops down flat on each of the three trays in the courier for air tight storage which I have done in the past, even more with less.
Spaghetti… not only can you eat it, but spaghetti that isn’t cooked it great to check to see if cupcakes are done. If they aren’t done just break off the part you used and use the rest again. It’s also nice to use if you want to test one of the back ones. Much longer than tooth picks so you don’t burn your hands. In my cake decorating class we used it to make our flowers on too!
I started using old baby food jars to organize little stuff, but I’ve upgraded to nailing all the lids to a wooden board, fixing the board to the underside of a cabinet, and filling the jars with spices. Now the labels are in a line instead of jockeying for space in my cabinet.
Wooden spoons are the best! I use them for everything, stirring, dipping, scooping! EVERYTHING!
I have that same cupcake carrier, & love it!! Now I am going to use your idea for the cake pops!!! HOW PERFECT!
I mix my chocolate milk half and half with regular milk :)
Carrying a small bag full of random things, it comes handy all the time!
I am most productive if I am on the phone while doing boring jobs. It makes the time pass quicker and is more enjoyable!
I donated half my wardrobe to Salvation Army. Now, I don’t have to spend so much time in the morning to choose my outfit!!
xoxo
kelly
I’m in college and I’ve realized that a set of fake candles has helped out in so many situations. Black outs, birthday cakes, decoration. So simple but helps.
(Sorry, I forgot my name in comment 851)
I am productive with a great selection on my ipod and a good nites rest. Nothing makes me want to atttack a project then a little Disco music!
I’m a list fiend. I love to make them and to cross them off! To be more productive I am constantly emailing myself my lists and highlighting what I’ve done. Thanks!
Chop sticks, I use them for turning tubes and poking the corners of my craft projects. Another of my favorites is steel wool, we use it to start campfires, plug mouse holes, and scrub everything,
I’m in college and I’ve realized that a set of fake candles has helped out in so many situations. Black outs, birthday cakes, decoration. So simple but helps.
I have to have this cake carrier…perfect for a Room Mom!
I’m most productive on Mondays, of all days! Guess my body decided that Monday’s are get into gear days! Turning on my iPod helps too!
I save the measuring syringes that come with kids’ prescription medication. When I am making chocolates, I use the syringes to fill the molds without making a mess.
I’ve found that using a planner totally makes me more productive! And google calendars–they are the best :)
Baby wipes. They take off makeup, clean up cat puke off the carpet, wipe the nasty stuff out of my kids’ ears, quick clean the bathrooms. I don’t think I could survive without them.
I use ziplock bags as make-shift pastry bags.. I fill it up and snip the tip off of the bottom corner. Or you can snip the tip, put a piping tip in, then fill the bag.
When I’m listening to mellow music, like Mumford & Sons or Florence + the Machine, I’m most productive! :)
My Kitchen Aid stand mixer is such a staple—use it all of the time-for so many things!! In fact, I used it to make marshmallows today!! :)
I love post its. Perfect for reminders on the frame of your computer, shopping list stuck to your wallet, directions on the steering wheel and little love notes hidden around the house.
Meal Planning: Each week I take a quick glance through my cupboards and write out meals for the week. I plan crockpot meals on nights we’re busy, leftover meals to keep from wasting. During the busy week I have everything ready to make that meal, I don’t have to spend time thinking of what to make and we save lots of money by only buying what we need when we need it.
I try to reuse anything and everything I can. Glass containers double as holders for beads, buttons, sequins for crafting, really any and everything you can put inside. With a cute ribbon and tag wrapped around them they look pretty cute too. Oh, and I also save the wipie containers that my daughter’s wipes come in. I store loose ribbon and other crafting items inside those, they stack nicely and help keep all my crafting junk organised :) Love this giveaway!
When I’m drawing I use all sides of the paper, covering it in sketches. It saves paper, and I get to draw!
Most productive when I do not watch television. The radio
is inspirational, but the tv draws you in and before you know
it hours have gone by.
I’m new to blogging so I’ve found that the option to post an entry later helps me use my time more efficiently. I can write my posts beforehand and let them post during the day while I am busy! It’s small but great for me!
With my tiny little apartment, we’ve managed to find room for everything. We don’t have much space, but we definitely manage to make room for his &her clothes, baking goods (of course), cooking goods, hunting & gym clothes…etc…
less stuff=less to clean/take care of, etc. simplify!
I love a good sale and always go for the clearance section. I love to stock up on stuff like candles, lotions and gifts and I keep them all organized in a closet for when ever I need them.
Trying to do more with less for me means making up a menu for usually two weeks at a time and only buy the things I need for those meals – and using up what I already have in the pantry/freezer in the process. I’ve found that having a menu planned actually saves $$ at the grocery store – and saves me a little sanity when trying to decide what to fix for dinner!
I’m not sure I understand the question. Some way I do more with less? I guess I do more cleaning with less cleaning supplies because they’re so expensive these days…
I buy the travel size deoderent for 85 cents at Target. I keep it in my purse for those just in case moments when I am in such a hurry I forget to put it on. It has saved my life many times.
I have stopped using any sort of chemical cleanser in my house. From my face to the floor there are no chemicals being used here.
I think that cooking and baking are a great way to do more with less. I find that we save so much money when I just take a couple extra minutes to plan a meal and clip coupons. I love it!!
A computer in front of me while baking is useful for easy access to the recipe, and listening to music or a lecture for grad school…just gotta be careful not to get water on it. Plus if I love a recipe, I just copy and paste it to Word, and Voila…I can edit it later!
I used to have a hamper that I would keep in our bedroom. Then I would pull all the clothes out of it, put in a laundry basket, and carry the dirty clothes to the laundry room. I decided to get rid of the hamper and just keep a laundry basket in my closet for all of our dirty clothes. That’s one less step in doing my least favorite chore.
I use Ziploc bags for storing all kinds of things. Great to keep little pieces together.
When I take a break at work and do some blog surfing, I send an email to my husband at home (he’s a Stay-at-Home-Dad since the day our daughter was born) and I send him links to recipes of foods and desserts that appeal to me. Most of the time when I get home, I find that he’s made that exact dish or dessert for me.
I use cookie cutters for so many things. Even craft projects for my brother.
I think that just being green and recycling/reusing is being more productive; you don’t waste and can gain from it too!
Great household tip {especially if you are a woman always behind on her ironing!}: when your dryer cycle finishes remove each piece that needs ironing while still warm, place on a hanger, spritz down lightly with a water bottle. Let dry for an hour or so. Your wrinkles, yes even those stubborn dryer creases, will magically fall away. This has cut my weekly ironing in half! All I have to press now is hubby’s dress shirts!
Post it notes are the best! you can leave notes for people virtually anywhere, make your todo list on them, book mark a page, tiny reminder notes. The best thing is that they come in different colors and shapes:)
I use dryer sheets for other jobs, like cleaning roasting pans!
I found that my hubby is more useful than he first lead me to believe. With a few tips and a little direction he has been able to pick up the slack around the house when I just can’t do it.
THAT I must say is AMAZING to have around.
I put on good music, it makes chores much more tolerable. I fold laundry while watching TV!
I have found Google Reader to be incredibly effective because it keeps all the wonderful blogs I read in one place. This way I don’t have to go fishing for each website!
I know alot of people already know about the wonders of parchment paper, but some do not!! I bake all of my cookies on parchment… no spray, no nothing. They don’t stick to the pan, and you don’t even have to clean the pan!!
i save mony by doing most of my cookig and baking from scratch.
I’ve found out that I’m definitely more productive at making pretty much anything, when I listen to happy and bubbly music 8D
(seriously, could you imagine baking a good cake when listening to sad music? Nah~)
I save parchment paper and re-use it for the next time I bake!
Something that has multi uses and reasonably cheap is freezer paper! I bought it for my quilting projects and have discovered that it really works for wrapping things for the freezer! I am from the plastic bag generation and who would have thought that you could actually use freezer paper instead? :) Also it’s great for drawer liners or covering the counter when I’m painting small items, etc.
I have started to keep oatmeal canisters and other size cans and wrap them in cute/pretty scrapbook paper, gluing it on with mod podge, and use them to store various things in the kitchen or my son’s crayons etc.. anything! They are useful and decorative at the same time
Love to repurpose baskets, boxes and more for custom sized storage and sorting bins!
I’m most product in the wee hours of the night! I get my best work done when I’m burning the midnight oil!!!
I do more with less by using my Bosch machine to mix everything! I can make 6 loaves of bread by using it, and doing all the clean up while my Bosch does all the kneading! Or I can do 4 batches of oatmeal cookies in it, freeze the dough after it’s been formed, and keep them to pop in the oven whenever I need it!
I’ve recently discovered iBooks. They take up so much less space than the paper variety!
I get more work done at Starbucks than I do at home. Something about all the white noise. :)
yes, the zip lock bags are the best….and parchment paper as well.
My mom’s old cake carrier! I just love it!
I’m a college student, so to be most productive when studying I go to the park and read/write. Being away from all the distractions that are even present at the library.
SOCK MONKEYS!
Pillows out of old T-shirts!
Planners. Planners help everything and books a million has really cute ones you can stash in your purse, so they’re easy to carry around!