saved time
I’m away from the computer a bit this week and next, so i thought I’d bring this out of the archives for my new readers…and if you’re a loyal reader from last year thank you! I hope you’ll forgive the re-run 
This post is re-published from July 2008.
You’re smart. I know that. You’ve been reading time saving tips all over the place; heck there are entire sites dedicated to saving time.
You write a grocery list so you aren’t wandering aimlessly around the store – time saved : 10 min.
You organize your home so you know exactly where stuff is when you need it – time saved searching for a pair of scissors: 3 min.
You cook meals in bulk and freeze for later – time saved upwards of 1/2 hour.
So, once you’ve saved all this time what are you doing with it? How do you make the most of those 3 or 10 minute chunks of time when it is easy to let them flitter away. Sometimes, your three year old will smear their pb&j all over the kitchen floor and then that time is used – it’s unavoidable. But there are days, here and there, when everything is running smoothly and you’ve got 5 min to spare. How on earth can you use such a small amount of time towards your creative endeavors? Here are 10 things you can do in 10 min or less.
1) Write down three ideas for future projects – don’t worry about fleshing them out. Just get them down on paper. Next time you go to get creative you won’t be wondering what to do – that part will be done for you.
2) Do a Doodle. Sketching or doodling, even for those of us without a visual bone in our bodies, still loosens up the mind and allows for a connection between thought and action.
3) Read. Take 2 minutes to read your favorite crafty website or blog……..ahem.
4) Set up. Go to your creative space and thread your sewing machine. Lay out your bead supplies. Cast on that first row of knit stitches. Then, when the kids are in bed you’ll be all ready to dive in – and anticipating it too.
5) Shut off. Get comfy and close your eyes. Relax for once wont’cha! You never know what might come if you let your brain breathe.
6) Pack Jr. in the stroller and go for a walk around the block – longer if you have the time. Or even better, go along a river path or woodland walkway. Nature inspires many.
7) Review something you’ve completed in the past that you weren’t quite happy with. Think about what you could do to make it better.
8 ) Start in – depending on what type of artist you are, 10 minutes might be long enough to actually DO something. Cut out some pattern pieces. Embroider that little butterfly motif. Ice your cupcakes.
9) Do some research. Writing a historical story? Find out what they would have cooked for a celebration in 1856. Need to know how to solder something – hit the Google. Five minutes of learning never did anyone harm.
10) Did I say 10? I meant 9, yeah 9 ideas for what to do with your saved time. My time is up. See you later!
photo from ToniVC’s photostream
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I am all about saving time and increasing productivity! Thanks for the post!!
You don’t realize the positive impact you are having on us creative moms. The minute I read this post I went to my fabric stash, chose a piece of material and threaded my machine. Thanks for the push!
thanks for this list. It’s exactly what I need.