I need some ideas on how to save time. I can delegate. I know the older kids can help out, and I'm even willing to pay them a fair allowance. Today I'm going to set up a chart with a list of chores to do. Whenever they do one, they get a star, and X amount of stars gets them a certain amount of allowance. Some chores won't be compensated though, because I think kids should learn to help out as part of the family. I'm talking about the "hairy" stuff, like painting a room, cleaning the bathroom, or mowing and raking the front yard.

If anyone can offer any other good ideas, I'd love to hear them. Thanks in advance!

One thing I do is when I am bringing something to another room, I look around to see what I can take out with me, too. For example, if I am taking some clean laundry to my son's room to put away, I'll look for any dirty dishes or laundry to bring downstairs with me.

Also, if I am going out to the store for a few things, I'll sit down and look at the week on my calendar and then make a list of other places I need to go as well. So, I'll stop at the bank, post office and pharmacy, too.

I think by being organized, you can save so much time. How much time have you wasted looking for something? I have a set place for just about everything, so all I have to do is look there, and nothing gets lost, either.

When you cook a meal, make extra for another night. When you make a salad, make more and wrap it up for tomorrow. Baking cakes and cookies can be a plus when you make an extra batch and freeze it for later.

Another big thing: don't save the house cleaning for one day. Set your time for 15 to 30 minutes and see what you can clean in that time. If you do that each day, you will be amazed at how much you can do. It's so much easier to face a small task then a huge one.

I hope these tips help you save time. If I think of any others, I'll post them later.

Have a great day!!