This post has been sponsored by Store Brand Formula. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
I am not going to sit here and try to pretend that I have this whole parenting thing figured out...because I definitely don't. But after working at a day care, being a nanny for over five years, and a parent for almost eight, I like to think I have a few cards up my sleeves that I like to call "Mom Life Hacks".
1. Order Your Groceries Online with Click List or InstaCart. My favorite mom life hack is Kroger's Click List. Walmart has a similar service, but basically you order your groceries on the app and then you just pick them up. You don't have to go inside or even get out of your car. And some days, especially when you have a baby, a service like this is a blessing. I wish they had this when my kiddos were babies. InstaCart is where someone does all your shopping for you and then delivers it to your house! I WISH this was available in my area.
2. Subscribe and Save with Amazon. Amazon is amazing. I use my Amazon Prime like it's going out of style. Subscribe their diapers and wipes can not only save you money because the discount offered when you do, but then you never have to worry about running out of diapers.
3. Meal Prep. Whether you get that burst of energy from nesting or the one night you feel like cooking once baby is here, get ahead of the game and meal prep. What I mean by that is, when you are making dinner, double the recipe and put half in a tin foil pan then freeze it.
4. Teach Your Children Chores. This is not only a great way to start them young into understanding that there are "chores" that every adult has to do to take care of themselves, but it also helps alleviate some of the work load. PLUS you are not your child's maid. Regardless of what you do for a living, nobody has time for that. Print off a good chore chart and teach them young to take care of themselves.
5. Keep a Calendar. I keep one on my phone, an agenda that I write in, and a dry erase board so everyone can see what's going on. If you think life is busy with a baby, just wait until the get into school and extra curricular activities. I will forget if I don't write it down. So any invitation we receive gets written and I color code each child to make it easy to read.
6. Take Time for Yourself. You need time for yourself, whether that is relaxing in bubble bath, reading a good book, or whatever else makes you happy and helps you unwind. It's all about balance. I understand sometimes finding a minute to yourself can be hard. I take turns with my partner, but maybe you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who is willing to help out. Please find your balance because if you don't take care of you then who will?
7. Buy Store Brand. It's okay to buy store brand diapers, wipes, and formula. Not only do you save money, but they are usually made by the same company who makes the name brand! I started liking Store Brand Formula when I was a nanny. Store Brand Formula is nutritionally comparable to nationally advertised brands but costs up to 50% less. It’s called formula for a reason. Infant formula is regulated by the FDA, which means that all ingredients need to meet specific standards- that means that all formula brands contain comparable essential nutrients to make sure baby stays healthy and receives nutrients to grow.
One Nanny to Mommy reader will receive a $25 VISA e-Gift Card! Entry is simple, just follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter below. Open US only, must be 18+ to enter. Winner chosen via Random.org through Rafflecopter. All winning entries are verified. Please follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our current giveaways. Good luck!
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MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations. This post has been sponsored by Store Brand Formula. All thoughts and reviews are my own.. All thoughts and reviews are my own. All thoughts are my own. This contest will run thorough November 30, 2018 at 11:59 EST. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Nanny to Mommy and not to Facebook. Please note that Nanny to Mommy and other participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.
A really helpful tip is to use an online grocery delivery service! Walmart and Target are now offering it as well.
ReplyDelete6. self care is so important, the best tip that's often overlooked
ReplyDeleteI go to bed usually when my kids go to bed because a good nights rest is important.
ReplyDeleteSchool morning can be hectic to I make sure the kids have their backpacks packed and by the door the night before so they are easy to grab on the way out the door.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this can count as a hack but I lay out the kids' clothes the night before so it's one thing I don't have to worry about in the morning.
ReplyDeleteTake time for you in the midst of chaos.
ReplyDeletemia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
I utilize the meal prep hack by cooking every Sunday in quantity and that way I can just heat up food during the week.
ReplyDeleteMy best mom hacks areto let the little things go. If you dont you'll be done in before breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI do all of these tips. Except take time for myself, I need to do that more!
ReplyDeleteI can't really think of anything besides the ones already mentioned!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Ordering my groceries is definitely a hack for me.
ReplyDeleteOne hack that has saved me -- using my phone to take photos of important papers like packing lists and project instructions for my kids' school assignments. I always lose the papers.
Dont be afraid to ask for help!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mom but I do have some hacks for myself, lol I will set out the next day's clothing, the night before. I also make a list of what I need to do the next day, the day before. I continue to add to this list as the day goes on, so I don't forget anything.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom hack is - notes. I have them all over. On my phone, notes on the calendar, on my counter, everywhere. They keep me going.
ReplyDeleteSet important reminders on your phone because things can get hectic at times. It is also nice to pick out clothes the night before and put part of the lunches together ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteI'm the Mom who needs to read all the other Mom hacks! :)
ReplyDeletekdraebellamy(at)yahoo(dot)com
If I had kids, I would certainly use my Kroger Click List more often. So easy to use.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
I always do all the meal prep for the week on Saturday or Sunday so that dinner can be on the table in 45 minutes or less.
ReplyDeleteI prepare the night before and keep a calendar.
ReplyDeleteLet people help! You cannot do it all!
ReplyDeleteLighten up, and make a plan. It's gonna be okay.
ReplyDelete