Snow Day Prep
Easter Egg Cleanup
Did your kids add sparkly glitter to their Easter eggs after dyeing? No problem. Pick up all that loose glitter by using a lint roller to get the itty-bitty pieces, which are tough to grab, off the table.
Thank-You Notes
During and after those social times of year—holiday dinner party season, summer cookouts, birthday parties—steal this tip for saying a brief thanks. "I always carry thank-you cards in my car," says mom JJ DiGeronimo. While parked, waiting for the kids to get out of class or sports practice, "I can often get a quick card written to express my gratitude. These always seem appreciated."
Spring Cleaning
You'll still have to tackle the tougher chores, but getting little helping hands on the small tasks will save you much time and hassle. “If your kids are old enough to help, at least age 4 or 5, enlist that manpower!” Clowers says. “Kids love to help wash windows, walls and baseboards. Teach them how to do it, and what you expect from them, and you will have endless help around the house. When switching out last season's clothes, have them help sort. This is also a great learning tool for the younger ones on what is appropriate for the weather.”
The Quick Dinner
There’s a tiny window wedged between school and baseball practice where you have to feed those kids … and here’s how: “With three of my four boys active in sports, and practices or games three or four times a week, dinner will not happen unless I use a Crock-Pot,” says Clowers. “I put it on in the morning, and it’s done before they get home from school. Minimal mess, and lots of great recipes to choose from. My favorite is ‘1-2-3 Chicken.’ Mix a can of cream of mushroom soup with an 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Place 3-4 frozen chicken breasts in the crock-pot, top with your soup-and-cream-cheese mixture, and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Serve over rice.”
Summer Barbecue
“If you’re planning a BBQ, make it a theme party that requires the guests to bring something, like a Mexican theme party with a taco bar,” says Yahne. “Have each guest bring a taco ingredient, like lettuce, meat, cheese and so forth. This will save you time, because you won't have to cook everything yourself. Also, buffet-style BBQs and dinner parties are less work. Guests fix their own meals. You provide the ingredients, and they assemble them.”
Sunscreen Application
Get sunscreen on in a flash, before your kids get a chance to scurry away toward the sand and waves. “Spray sunscreen is the best invention ever,” says Clowers. “Do it as soon as everyone gets out of the car, so the kids can start playing while you have time to set up a spot. Bonus: Sand doesn't stick to it!”
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