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 find that i’m much more happy when i get rid of that pile of paper that i’m sure i need to keep hold of, but i haven’t touched for a month…just junk it connie…course, it helps if i watch an episode of ‘hoarders’…then those papers are almost offensive!
Nothing earth shaattering here – just making menus using the grocery ads for that week, and trying to stock when I find a great sale (like Campbells tomato soup for .25 a can!). I also invested in a pressure cooker and it’s a godsend for preparing good meals fast after a long work day. (please please please pick me for the phone!)
All I need is my little planner for the week…I’ll be as productive as I can get! And doing more with less? I use toothpaste to shine up any dull jewelery. Works like a charm.
When rolling out cookie dough, I put the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap…makes clean up a snap!
I use lemons and salt to clean my wood cutting boards instead of expensive cleaners :)
I find that I am much more productive when I am warm and listening to something. During the winter months I carry my cd player and portable heater into every room I go. Music and warmth do great things for me!
A funny way I have made due with less is by making sure I feed all of my vegetable scraps to my chickens. I found that if I put the scraps in my food processor it makes the peels, ect small enough for them to eat. I also love to garage sale and thrift shop! I am kind of addicted, and I love finding bargans.
Not the most original one but something I think all of us mothers do: bath the kids together to save time and effort! Plus it´s fun for them!
Love love love the tree pops!!!
Thanks!
I’m able to do more laundry in fewer loads with the Color Catchers (Shout sells some, but there are also reusable ones available). I just throw all my clothes into the wash together with a color catcher and go – no sorting and fewer loads.
I’m most productive when I refuse to get on facebook…unfortunately, I’m a college student, so this doesn’t happen often enough!
I’ve recently gotten a do it all phone, and I’m trying my best to keep my calendar, notebook, shopping list, checkbook, to do list, etc. all in the phone. It works so much better and is so much easier than keeping lists/tallies all over the place! Getting into the 21st century finally!
You are so random! You talk about a cupcake carrier then the prize is a phone!
More with less: Simple, hand-made gifts. Hot Chocolate on a Stick with a simple mug for teacher gifts, homemade crayon rolls or appliqued tee shirts for nieces and nephews Christmas gifts. This year, fingers crossed, my kids are both getting a hand-made by me quilt for Christmas.
Thanks to my mother, I’ve found so many uses for white vinegar – such a simple and cheap thing! Not only does it remove the water stains and rings from your vases, but it’s great to run through your carpet cleaner to help pull out those last bit of suds out of the carpet and leaves your room smelling super fresh!
I turn on music when cleaning. It makes the time go faster and drowns out the angry thoughts at everyone else that didn’t clean up their own messes. I also set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and clean until it goes off. It keeps me from getting discouraged after a few minutes of cleaning and keeps it from feeling like the cleaning is never-ending.
I make my husband help me with as much chores around the house as possible. :p
I make a to do list and things need list. Also containerize baking good and label them!
I turn on music while I’m cleaning. I get more done that way.
Get rid of facebook! (And cable…)
A pastry cutter/mixer thingy, the round ones- works great for chopping up hard boiled eggs to make egg salad. Now I’m hungry for eggs salad sammies!
Use an electric fondue pot to keep the chocolate melted when making cake pops-it’s amazing and you don’t have to keep going to the microwave!
I have the cupcake carrier too. I use it for multiple things as well.
a kitchenaid stand mixer helps me be productive!!!! i can let it mix while i do something else! best thing ever!!!
A six-pack bottle holder makes a great car caddy, put kleenexes, water, even a place for trash.
The less procrastinating I do means less work to bring home and the more I can enjoy family and friends when I’m off the clock! Simple but it makes a world of differenece!
When studying for my college classes I have to put on classical music with no words. If I put on my everyday music, I end up dancing and singing in the living room!
Turning off the computer makes me extra productive!
I try to bake most items myself – saves money not time. Doing large batches then freezing them saves time in the long run. Thanks for hosting the fun giveaway.
i have been SLOWLY making a garage sale pile.
even though the weather here in the NW won’t be conducive for one for at least a few more months, by the time that there is a nice sunny day i will have a good stash built up to sell :)
I use old clothing to make new clothing! We are foster parents to infants and I make a lot of their clothing from my husbands and my old clothing, cute little pants from old t-shirts!
I have found that using aluminum foil to wrap my daughters lunch and then put it in the plastic sandwich holder means one less thing to wash.
Also, when baking I use craft stick (tongue depressers) to mix the icing and the icing color.
I cannot do without my kitchenaid. so many attachments for so many uses.
niiice! i’m going to have to try that with my cake carrier!
whenever i need to move (which has been quite often the last couple of years), i use those styrofoam covers that pears and apples sometimes come in to wrap the corners of tables, mirrors, etc. and old magazine pages to wrap dishes so that they don’t break.
More with less…sometimes when money is a bit tight, I bring my two year old to the mall, where they have bouncy games for the kids to play – and it’s totally free. I spend MORE time with my child, and spend LESS money doing it!
Thank y ou!!!
Baby wipes – not only are they good for cleaning babies but they get stains out of everything!
I am most productive when I can get my kids to help out! I usually make a game or race out of who can pick up 10 items the fastest (toys, trash, clothes) or who can get the most picked up in their own room in 10 minutes. For some reason they both do really well when we set out small goals and specific directions… It works much better than a straight “Go Clean Your Room!” Then I reward them with making cupcakes or cookies :)
I bought a ton of cupcake/muffin pans at a yard sale, so I’m never waiting for one batch to finish baking before I can get the next ready to go in the oven.
Hi there
You are the best – what a great opportunity :)
I have found that friends are what keep the world turning.
Without them I would be sooo lost. They keep me productive and always are there when you need something or someone. There is always room for more too as they don’t take up any space at all
Cheers
Catie
I found some nice sturdy, inexpensive gift boxes that fit 20 cupcakes perfectly with a cover! The best way to transport and beautiful package for gift giving.
It could make a nice gift basket filled with smaller gifts for the new Bride, Love to take a kind of big gift and fill it with small useful gifts!
I think this instrument as long as I can be productive :D
I have just been doing with less. (period!) I was a impulse shopper and I have cut most of that out completely. I am refusing to purchase new clothes unless I am replacing an item that is torn or stained and I am getting rid of. I have always been a bargain shopper, but did not buy out of necessity. I have made that my new habit!
To be real productive you should not turn on the computer when you first get up in the morning!! Do your work first and then turn it on for your reward for cleaning!!!
I do a “fridge check” daily to make sure if something is nearing an expiration date, we use it right away. I try not to waste any food.
Mise en Place!! when i take the time to get everything ready and organized I can do so much more, also when i have more things going on I feel more productive, rather than not having much to do and getting lazy
I received this advice from a friend of mine, and it really is a time saver!! When chopping up an onion, tomato, or herb, for one weekend meal– I chop enough for a week!! Then as I am in a rush to make week night meals, I already have most of the ingredients washed, cut, and in zip lock bags!
I’m learning to clean out knick knacks and what not so that there’s less dusting to do!
I’m more productive the more I have to do….but fun stuff Like tyring to figure out these cake pops, not the office type work! YUCK.
This is probably the most common multi-use item but RE-USABLE bags!!! I use them for the grocery store as well as bags to take my lunch in (the smaller ones of course).
Thank you for your awesome giveaways…I put the Cake Pop book on my Christmas list so hopefully Santa will be kind to me this year. =)
To make do with less? Since I don’t have this beautiful carrier, I’ve been “gift wrapping” styrofoam blocks, putting a ribbon around it, and then adorning it with cake pops. A carrier and a centerpiece all in one!
I have taken to using my favorite pair of kitchen sizzors from Pampered Chef as a way to trim my pet’s mats in their fur. It’s very sharp, has a spring action to pop the blades open and has blunt ends so I don;t poke them.
As a mother of 9 (7 still living at home), I learned a long time ago to delegate! Turn on some fun music and everyone jumps right in and helps with their designated jobs. Plus, we have fun doing it!
One of my favorite new uses is taking old pillowcases and turning them into skirts! After doing it for myself and a few friends, we actually turned it into a fundraising /charity opportunity. We have sold them to raise money for a local humane society as well as donating several to local thrift shops and clothing stores that work with the homeless population. It has been so great to see such a fun new use out of such a simple household item!
when the power goes out at home the energy in family time goes up!! Love the cupcake courier, gotta get me one!
I like to make homemade gifts and homemade ingredients whenever possible. I use white vinegar for everything from cleaning to making buttermilk!
I am 16 and I love baking. We never seem to have buttermilk on hand so I figured out that if you use 1/2 plain yogurt and 1/2 water that it makes the perfect consistancy for buttermilk. So if you need 1 cup of buttermilk you use 1/2 cup each of water and plain yogurt. It is a lifesaver! It even works in buttermilk biscuits!
I make and sell cakes from home and it turns out that I can be more productive when I have 3 or 4 orders due in one day/weekned, than when I only have 1 lol…I guess it’s because I’m more driven to get things done when I’m booked, than to be slacking off when I know I have the extra time. I’m just complicated like that ;(
I make and sell cakes from home and it turns out that I can be more productive when I have 3 or 4 orders due in one day/weekned, than when I only have 1 lol…I guess it’s because I’m more driven to get things done when I’m booked, than to be slacking off when I know I have the extra time. I’m just complicated like that ;(
Baking soda and vinegar are pretty much godsends. I just used them to clean out a drain this morning. I also use breastmilk for lots of baby-related things, but you probably aren’t as intereted in that!
I have recently been utilizing the calendar on my phone. Love that it sets off an alarm. Only way I can keep up with all the activities my kids have! :)
I was given two huge cookie sheets from a bakery, of course they do not fit in my oven, but they are fabulous for putting cookies on while they are cooling. Love it!
Those plastic dividers for kitchen utensils work great in my make-up vanity too. Helps keep items from rolling around and getting lost.
I use a clothesline instead of the dryer, when the weather permits. My clothes are crisp, I am being “green” and I save on electricity. Another reason San DIego is a beautiful place to live!
I put labels (made with my label maker) on the top of my spice jars. That way I don’t have to pick each one up to look at the label on the side I can look right down on top of them and grab what I need quickly.
WD40 – one can, many uses. Now I can clean those nasty water spots off my shower doors, fix the squeaks, and get the bugs off of my bumper with one can!!!
hi there – I like to use hair conditioner to shave my legs instead of soap and shavings creams… It leaves my legs soft and silky just like my hair – and the bonus is I always have it around the house and dont have to go out and buy extra products (like shaving creams). I like saving money.
I really really really want that cupcake courier. I’ll have to go look it up and snag myself one. That would definitely make my life easier! :)
As for things that make me more productive, it’s an endless list but this website definitely makes me more productive. Besides that I have a case that fits a few rows of cupcakes, flat bottom, and that certainly makes my life easier as I wait to treat myself to the cupcake courier.
Ziplock bags. Ziplock bags definitely apply. I use them for everything, even non-food items. Definitely helpful :)
i have a similar carrier for cakes, but i’ve never actually used it for carrying cakes…. yet. we normally use it when we bbq. a plate of burgers/hotdogs or any food items fits nicely on the cake carrier & the cover keeps flies away from the food! :-)
Hahaha, me productive?
I found that listening to good classical Dario Marianelli music helps me study tremendously.
ZIPLOC bags! use em for so much from storage to organizing to preserving an extra batch of today’s dinner for next week!
I’ve recently discovered the multitude of uses for my crock pot. It’s not just for chili anymore! Apple butter, falafel, brandied peaches, chai lattes… you can put anything in there :) Of course, when I’m not fussing with the stove I have more time for other activities.
I find that I get more things done when I turn off my phone and turn up the music!!!!!
I use long wooden skewers for lots of things! Cleaning hard to reach places, holding things in place, fishing toys and food out from under the fridge. You name it, the skewer works!
I freeze items in the freezer in meal-ready sizes so when it comes time for 2 chopped onions, or 1 cup of chopped red pepper, I just reach in and grab them. Saves tons of time with meal prep.
Great ideas! I have found great uses for those plastic containers that you get at Bass Pro – supposed to be for lures, etc. I use them to keep my tips separated and organized, luster dusts and paint brushes, sprinkles, etc. And they are SO much cheaper.
I’m learning to make do with lots of stuff, “fix it up, wear it out, make do or do without”. We’re on a very tight budget like lots of people out there & you become very creative when that happens :)
I do all my knitting when watching TV, that way I can work on Christmas gifts and not feel guilty about sitting in front of the TV.
I’ve found my giant wood chopping block to serve lots of uses. Chopping, obviously. Cheese board. Attractive way to keep oils on the counter. Etc. I just love it.
I’ve learned a lot just by reading everyone’s comments! Love that carrier! It has solved my cake pop transportation problem! Thanks! :)
babywipes help me be more productive…clean up messes in a snap with something that smells good and is easy to carry!
So want! Something that makes me more productive……wow…i don’t know! umm….i use a hand mixer to mix the cake with the cream cheese for the cake pops instead of using my hands….does that count? When i make ice cream cakes I do the same thing so the ice cream is super smooth…*sigh* I’m pathetic :-)
Sometimes just saying “no” to some demands of what others want is more productive to me than anything else!!
Love the carrier!!!
I learned this from a Real Simple magazine… use egg shells to clean the bottom of vases. Put the broken egg shells in the vase with some warm soap and water…and then swirl it around!
I use my ricer to drain thawed spinach and crushed pineapple. Gets all the liquid out of them.
Not baking related but…I use the fitted crib sheets that my son no longer needs to cover my larger dog beds. The sheets actually stay put because of the elastic and it saves me time because I can just take the sheets off and on the dog bed easily without the usual wrestling match of zipping and unzipping and trying to get the insides (stuffing) back in the dog bed after washing the cover. If you have ever washed a large dog bed cover, you know what I mean :)Also, If you have any of the waterproof mattress covers for the crib you can use those too underneath of the sheets to protect the dog bed.
when i’m making a cake in someone else’s kitchen I turn a cookie sheet upside down & wrap it in foil & use it as a base for the cake.
I stay away from my computer, It does help.
The best thing I have found is to ask friends for help(or btter yet, just accept their offers!) when taking on a large project! The extra hands make the work easier, and the laugher makes the time fly! :-)
We work at home cooking versus going out. We find it cheaper and much healthier. I use my pizza stone for baking bread and it makes the loaf an artisan like loaf of bread, wonderfully delicious.
I have pledged to use ALL the produce I purchase… veggie’s getting a little limp? Make soup, or throw them in pasta sauce. A few apples left? Make apple sauce….. etc…
Trying very hard not to waste.
I love it! I need one! :)
I use a potato masher to help break up ground beef when browning. Works really fast.
getting up at 5 with hubby and getting as much done before the kids wake up does it for me :)
Just getting off my butt lol Putting on some upbeat music makes me want to be productive, and I do get more things done that way!
I have used the cover of my cake stand as a punch bowl!
I LOVE to use travel CD cases as coupon carriers :) I organize either by store (which I’ll use at which chain) or by product but it’s a great way to keep my purse and pockets clutter free :)
I use my 9×13 cake pan with a lid to transport cupcakes. It’s not quite as ideal as a cupcake carrier, but I can fit about 2 dozen in it, I put them in before I frost them, then use a piping bag to frost them after they’re in there.
I use my calendars to help me stay organized. A small one in my purse, and a large one centralized in the kitchen. I have to update both regularly, if there’s anything added.
To be more productive I make lists, lots of lists. I even put FUN stuff for me on the lists, that way it’s never “all work and no play”
I bake my cakes two days in advance and freeze them that way I would cut down on time when it’s time to decorate them, this way I don’t rush or do sloppy work :)
I’m most productive when finally start a project. I procrastinate like nobody’s business, but then when I finally start, I’m like a train! What finally gets me started, usually turning of the TV :)
Hm, this is going to sound weird but there is this stuff called goo be gone, or something like that. It has specific purposes but it can be used for A TON of things! It’s a great cleaning supply
I’ve found that living without cable is much cheaper and allows me so much more time to do fun things like crochet and bake.
ziploc bags! who can live without them.
i use push pins for everything! not only are they great on bulletin boards for pinning papers and notes, i use them as nails in my walls (so i don’t have to grab a hammer and nail!). i also use them as hooks to hang things, small canvas paintings and my apron in the kitchen! :)
Great Carrier! Now, how do I keep the cake pops from being too top heavy? I guess tape the foam blocks down.
I’m 27 and bought my first cell phone last year, my husband and I shared it until a month ago. We now each have our own and are the only ones who have the number except when used for job interviews and given to people for absolute one time needed use–with the caveat that they NEVER call this number again. Kind of ironic given the give-away! I’d rather have the carrier ;)
Music helps me be more productive, for sure. If I have some sweet beats shimmying me along my house work, I find that I’m more upbeat and less bitter about the task at hand. And homemade jarred cookie mixes as gifts. Saves not only time but some sanity as well ;)
I seem to do my best work when I am in crunch time.
I’m more productive when my six-week-old decides he can sleep when NOT nestled against me (but it’s not nearly as cozy!)
I love my other cupcake holder! It is the best!!
hmmm. I can’t think of much anything original off the top of my head.
ziploc bags!!
Vinegar can get almost anything clean! Laundry stuff and even MOLD! It even keeps clothes brighter!
I’m a list making fiend! I make at least two a day. Right when I get to work, I make a list of all the things I need to do at work. As the day continues I may add to my list, scratch things off.. but I’m also making mental list in my head of the things I need to do when I get off work. When I have a spare minute, I make a list of those things too. Anything I dont get scratched off by the end of the day goes to the top of the list for the next day. Thats how I roll!
Not having my computer for a week forced me to do more productive things and read more!
reading my bible study every night makes me more productive and improves my attitude towards everything :)
Paper plates are great for lots of jobs such as peeling vegetables, painting, crafts etc. around the house and make clean up easy.
Newspaper is not just for reading. I wipe down mirrors & windows. Wrap it around hot dishes when traveling to keep them warm. The comics are great for wrapping presents…
Does anyone use ice trays anymore? I know I don’t. Since the 90s sometime my refrigerators have been equipped with ice makers. But! Now that i have a baby and I have decided to make my own baby food I have discovered that ice trays work really well for freezing homemade baby food cubes. And they are way cheaper that buying the specialty trays for freezing homemade baby food. Score!
I love that carrier! I use cupcake boxes right now, but those get expensive – especially when I just need to transport them to my family!
I use baking soda with a soft cloth to remove baked in stuff from my metal pans without scratching them.
I am more productive when listening to music.
Ziplock bags make my life easier!!! I use them for packing, cooking, and everything in between
I use old milk gallons as watering cans for my plants!!!
I’ve found that when I need to clean, putting an episode of Hoarders on the computer or TV helps me toss out stuff and clean multiple rooms :)
Empty boxes. Pretty ones, I mean, not cardboard shipping boxes. Gift boxes and fancy soap boxes and the like. I use them in my studio to hold buttons and grommets and other small easily-lost things. I had one that was a pull-out style of box, and velcroed ito t the underside of a bookcase shelf that I use as a writing table when I vend at shows, for an easy pull-out drawer to hold pens and my calculator and the like. I LOVE empty boxes, and finding new uses for them!
I recently learned how to make homemade whole wheat flour tortillas! They are surprisingly easy to make, cost a fraction of store-bought and taste WAAAAYYYY better. Plus, there’s nothing in them that I can’t pronounce :o)
Distilled White Vinegar! It’s a miracle product with thousands of uses! I buy some everytime I go to the store!
Sounds like we drink a lot of wine, but I love wine corks…we use them to make wreaths, frames, with my students for their habitat for humanity house building projects (to make furniture) and the best part was they were used as our place card holders and table number holders at our wedding!
Love the carrier : )
I find that I’m most productive when I DON”T have annoying law enforcement shows blaring in the background while I work. I have also discovered that small scraps of cloth left over from sewing projects go a long way towards letting me get other things done – they occupy my girls as they make skirts, capes, beds, blankets, hammocks, even transportation systems for their toys. And they let me get some work done.
I’ve been on a kick of learning to make my own homemade ingredients instead of buying convenience products. I especially love the old vinegar-in-milk-makes-buttermilk trick! I have also recently made my own pumpkin spice mix and my own brown sugar! It’s simple, fun and cost-effective because most of the DIY ingredients are things you already have in your house.
I have learned how to ask for help and delegate research and queries to friends who are not working saving me the time on the phone. Love the carrier I thought the one at Michaels was good but this is better.
I add water to my juices to make them go farther (and they are less calories too!)
After years of buying things while they were on sale and freezing them, only to never know what was in my freezer (and re-buying things for dinner I didn’t need) I keep a pretty, magnetic, memo pad on my refrigerator. Every time something goes in the freezer I jot it on the pad. When we use something, we simply cross it off the list. It lives right next to my grocery list so it’s easy to compare them. It’s saved me a lot of time digging through the freezer as well as a ton of money buying stuff we already have!
I have found that by visiting the crafting blogs, I am able to make inexpensive items to decorate my house, thereby saving my family money and not causing my husband to have a fit!
Can’t live without my calendar… must log all that needs to be done, otherwise I am lost! Not incredibly original, but oh well!
I am most productive when I have company coming. It is amazing how quickly I can accomplish much when on the clock!
Since I spend a lot of time cooking/baking and preparing meals all week, I’ve found that what really helps me concentrate is to make a list at the beginning of the week. I usually go to a farm stand on Sundays, so I pick out vegetables and then make lists of things that can go with multiple items, or ways to combine them. This way I feel better knowing what’s coming up, but know that I can adjust as things come up.
For my son’s 1st birthday I found that I could stretch my budget more when I make all the treats! Thank you Bakerella! The cake pops were a huge hit.
Lemons! I use them for so many things…decorating with lemons in glass vase, sanitizing, keep foods (apples, avocados) from browning, relieve a sore throat by mixing the warm juice with 1 teaspoon of honey, and even brightening my whites!
sorry comment 1656 is a resident of Canada (please don’t hold that against me ;o)). I posted my comment before realizing that I was not eligble to enter.
I chop and prep the day before I cook to I can just be ready to go!
I use clear nail polish on silver jewelry to keep it from rusting or turning your finger blue! very helpful.
My iPad! I’m in love with it!
I have a round cup cake holder and I am going to use it for my cake pops from now on. I have shown so many people your fabulous creation. We all love them. I am even making them for Thanksgiving. The children and adults all love them.
I try to use my lunch breaks to return/pick up books at the library, or make phone calls, or work on my religion class lessons I teach. Also my husband definitely encourages me to be productive and we can get a lot done together. Like putting up our Christmas decorations last night!
Thanks Bakerella!
lawlorlawlor at gmail dot com
Sending EVERYONE out of the house, allows me to be most productive. Go play, all of you! So I can get some work done!
I use my laptop as a heater. Multi-tasking by heating my legs and reading blogs. And usually eating something delicious in the process.
Vinegar! Vinegar is the the most used thing in my kitchen… I bottle acts as glass and surface cleaner, fruit fly catcher, mayonaise tarter-upper, and tons more!
I gave up TV for reading and my kids are following suit!
I use milk bottle caps to teach my kids numbers and alphabets. I write the numbers and alphabets on the cap with permanent marker . Even if they loose it, it is so easy to replace them.
I buy block cheese and grate my own instead of paying the extra $ for pre-shredded cheese. I buy the spray that is multi-purpose instead of having window spray, counter spray, etc.
I’d love to have that cupcake carrier! What a great find!
I’ve been more productive this year by making my multi-tasking skills really kick into high gear!
When I cook or bake I almost always make extra and freeze it. This way if something comes up, or I don’t have time to make dinner, I have a go-to meal or treat that just needs to be thawed.
The nature of my work is very tedius and involves a lot of things to remember. I’ve learned I can only function if I keep 2 to-do lists, 1 overall list, and 1 list of things I have to get done before I leave that day. I have classical music playing on pandora to drowned out any distractions.
Love the carrier…my favorite “multipurpose item” is the silicone ice cube trays that I purchased at an after holiday clearance..
I love to make hard candies and jawbreakers but dont like to break them up by crackin them because of the amount wasted and the sharp edges it leaves on the candies..I use the trays and stuff pops right out..I also love the size for baking mini muffins, brownies and cakes..as and added bonus they have a little design on the bottom so the hard candies are cuter and cakes and such are easy to decorate!!!
At some grocery stores or other locations you can buy the sandwich wrappers like many delis use on their products. They come in packages of 100 for a few dollars. Sometimes they are called basket liners and found in the bbq section of places like Target.
These durable papers can be used to wrap just about any food item that isn’t too moist. I’ve rolled them into cones and filled them with cookies and snack mixes for office treats. The other favorite use around our house is to keep wraps and burritos in shape after being assembled, just roll them in the paper and tuck down the edge as you eat.
Baby wipes are great for getting out stains when they first occur.
Since I have moved to an outport community I make more meals from scratch as it’s more productive on my pocket book :o)
I’m amazed at what we can get done with little money lately….I had left the world of coupons behind when my child was an infant but I have been welcomed back with open arms in the past year as things have gotten tighter :)
…I also get alot of paperwork, studying and reading done when I’m sitting at sports practices with the kids…along with the occassional drivers seat kicked back nap to combat the lack of sleep :)
I love crafting so I make homemade gifts! They allow me to show my creativity plus my friends and family appreciate it more because its more personal!!
Lists, lists and more lists!
Cook with leftovers, makes my family happy and my wallet happy too!
I save the plastic Chinese takeout trays w/plastic lids and use them for our daily lunches of leftovers. It’s my ghetto version of Gladware. They don’t last forever, but I’m using what would have been garbage anyway and are a great size!
I make a list for everything i need to get or do… its much easier i keep to the list and i do not spend money that doesnt need to be spent…
I put a box of powder-free latex gloves in my kitchen. I love using them whenever I’m mixing anything by hand…especially meatloaf…or greasing pans, working with pie crust, etc. Not only do my hands stay grease-free/sticky-free, but it’s really sanitary as well.
White vinegar!! It’s a fantastic cleaning agent and is so much cheaper that buying a ton of chemical cleaners. We’ve got really hard water where I live, so I even use it to clean out the deposits in my coffee pot. Love it!!
Making a to-do list everyday helps me to be more productive so I can get everything done at once and then have a ton of time leftover to relax!
I hung a shoe organizer in my hall closet to house all our extra power cords, electronic accessories, etc.
(PS: I have a cupcake carrier and I LOVE it!)
I use baking soda in many ways, for laundry , for cleaning pots & pans , cleaning the sink & more..
The first time I tried to make my own cake pops, I vastly underestimated the amount of styrofoam I would need for my pumpkin patch. I ran out of space for the pops to dry, so I flipped over a colander and stuck the sticks through the bigger holes. It looked pretty funny, but it definitely made the colander into a handy multi-purpose tool. Pictures of my pumpkin pops here: http://confectional.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/halloween-cake-pops/
I’m checking Amazon now. Thanks for the tip!
I have found that parchment paper is my best friend! I use it in most baking and even on the counter as a base for dough handling and kneeding. It keeps the surfaces underneath nice and clean which makes for easy clean up. What did I ever do without it?
I’m very productive with making lists of what I need to do. If I don’t make lists so I can cross things off, I’m just all over the place!
One of my favorite pro tips… if you have a pan with a lot of gunk after cooking and you don’t want to scrub forever… soak it overnight with DISHWASHER liquid…. preferably the gel kind. In the morning… just rinse it clean. No scrubbing required. Less time standing in the kitchen doing dishes and more time playing with my kids. I hate doing dishes… but love to cook.
Love the giveaway.
I use OLD toothbrush heads on my electric toothbrush to polish and clean my rings. I just squirt hand soap on the toothbrush head turn it on and my ring looks like the day my husband gave it to me :0)
I got rid of my breakmaker and use my stand mixer instead.
I rarely turn on the computer when I’m not working — it’s amazing how much time you can spend in front of this little screen! It’s also amazing how many other things you can accomplish.
I use white vinegar in my dishwasher to make my dishes extra shiny. :)
silly, but fun…I use all my old KOBO candle boxes for organizers for my cupboards, they are darling and all have fun packaging. So it makes my craft cupboard look pretty!
I plan out my meals on the weekends with a detailed and organized shopping list…and coupons of course! I usually buy veggies that are chopped and frozen. This cuts down on prep time and I can get dinner on the table faster. I post my meals on a dry erase board and my son gets to choose what he wants for dinner on a daily basis…love it!
I love to scrapbook but sometimes I get overwhelmed with my supplies. So, occasionally I will choose a few items, and force myself to create just with those supplies. It frees my design process and sometimes make a page come together faster.
I love lists! They always make me more productive and help utilize my time better!
I’m MUCH more productive when I have MORE SLEEP!
and I’d be lost without my calendar on my phone!
I do more with less in my love life…LOL. Therefore, I need that phone.
oh wow music and a carrier is all i need in my kitchen while i do do my most favourite thing(baking) Bakerella you always find good ways to use things
With two kids who are 15 months apart, I find napping while they nap makes for a more efficient mommy when we’re all awake.
used or new dryer sheets in the bathroom trash work great to
deodorize the trash can
freezer food!
…i buy veggies & fruit when in season and on sale, then blanche or wash/chop etc.. before freezer bagging. Everything from rhubarb to onions to peas and pineapple.
I also buy meats on sale or in bulk to save time & $$. I roast/cook only once, then prep into freezer bags for when i need it. Chicken salad sandwiches are so much easier when the chix is already cooked and cubed ;o)
Along the same lines is making double batches, to add one to the freezer. I do this all the time with casseroles and cookie dough!
My house has dozens of windows, so, rather than using Windex or some other chemical-laden, icky glass cleaner, I make a mixture of water, vinegar and a drop of dish detergent and clean my windows with microfiber cloth. No streaks, and I never run out!
I use the Magic Eraser to clean just about anything. When nothing else works, it usually gets the job done!
used or new dryer sheets in the bathroom trash work great to
deodorize
I’m an artist and in the studio when I’m working I have to mix paint, sometimes in larger quantities. Often I reuse cottage cheese or yogurt containers instead of buying new ones – it gets the trash out of my house and it gets me a useful tool without spending money :-)
I know a lot of people do this, but I use ziploc bags instead of pastry bags to pipe frosting onto cupcakes. It’s cheaper and works like a charm.
If I get off the computer it helps my productivity :)
I put reminders on my computer to flag birthdays, appointments, due dates on bills- etc. I get a reminder in my inbox which saves me time and keeps me on track!
I find that if I make my list of things I need to get done the night before, I am off and running (and accomplishing things) as soon as I get up.
I limit my computer time and try to get my 8 hours of sleep each night. I ‘m more productive if I’m not dragging my feet in the morning.
I work part time until 1, but my son stays at daycare until 4. It’s only a few hours, but if it’s just me at home I can get a whole lot more done. Thanks for the giveaway.
I hope to be doing a lot more with less soon by losing weight. I am on my way.
Oh wow bakerella you surley find greatways to use great things
this carrier would surley be in good use in my kitchen.Its way bettre than my normal tupper ware containers :).and i love listening to music while baking as they are both my favourite things.
Everyone is so philosophical here. Heck, my Mr Clean eraser is the best. I do so much more with it, therefore less scrubbing, cleaning or lugging around bottles of stuff.