“Are they all yours?” and “How do you do it?”
These are two questions I get asked almost daily by anyone and everyone who happens to see me with my eight children.
Raising eight children is no easy task but I do believe that all busy mama’s need simple solutions to help them with daily routines! The more organized we are the less chaotic our life is. So this post is dedicated to letting you in on a few things I do to keep my house of plenty happy and fairly organized!
In the vehicle (aka my 15 seater bus!)
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes for washing the children’s faces and hands if needed – which is almost always.
In the trunk I keep a duffle bag that holds extra clothing for all children – you never know when you might need them!
My ipod so I can hear my music. Okay I confess it’s really to block out the children’s screaming, fighting, constant chatter and baby’s crying.
Cell phone
Bag of emergency snacks (usually reserved for me).
In the house:
With so many young children, toys and clothes end up all over the place so I keep laundry baskets in every room. At the end of the day, each child is assigned a room and they put any toys, clothes, and junk in the baskets. This is also great for quick clean ups when friends call to announce they will be dropping by in a few minutes!
Cubbies – I love them and use them! Each child has their own cubby in our front hall where they put their shoes, mitts, and hats in.
Homework bin – each day after school the children put any homework they have to complete in a special bin. This allows me to keep track of who has to do what, and ensures that it gets done!
Before bed time each child under the age of 10 must pick out their clothes for the next day to save time in the morning.
Kitchen:
The most important tip I can offer to all parents is a go to list of easy to prepare tasty meal solutions. Moms want to serve a meal that they can feel good about and one meal that I love is the great tasting Chef Boyardee “Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet”. Its heartiness and convenience is what makes it one of my most used recipes. My kids love it, it has no preservatives, and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare so what’s not to love?
Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet
Serves: 4
Time to Prepare: approximately 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package (about 450 g) spicy Italian sausage, uncooked
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cans (425 g each) Chef Boyardee® Spaghetti & Meatballs
1/2 can (340 mL) Hunt’s® Thick & Rich Spicy Red Pepper & Chilies Premium Pasta Sauce, or if prefer less sauce, 2 tsp (2 mL) cayenne pepper
Directions:
Spray large frying pan with PAM.
Chop sausage into ½-inch (1-cm) wide rounds and add to frying pan.
Sauté sausage and pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Add cans of Spaghetti & Meatballs, pasta sauce or cayenne pepper. Heat through (about 3 to 4 minutes).
How easy is that? My kids love it, it has no preservatives, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare so what’s not to love? Why not save yourself some time tonight and give it a try! For more great recipes visit Chef Boyardee’s facebook page.
Until next time,
Chantel, momof8crazymonkeys
To enter the contest, simply share which of Chantel’s simple solutions you have used? Comment below for your chance to win a
$200 President’s Choice gift card and a range of
Chef Boyardee products.
The surprise it’s Chef blog series is sponsored by Chef Boyardee. All content is true, based on Chantel’s personal experience.
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.
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The contest closes on December 6, 2011.
Seriously reliable facts and techniques plus straight to the point. For some time, I have toyed with the thought of trying to make one comparable to this as well. I have to say that water storage barrels in conjunction with rain water harvesting methods are very key in today’s society. Sincerely, portable water tanks
I make a list of easy to prepare meals and always keep baby wipes handy in the car, at home and in my bag.
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes for washing the children’s faces and hands if needed – which is almost always
i always habe wipes too
Thank you so much for these tips. Instead of laundry baskets we use decorated boxes (that the kids helped to decorate). Each child (and parent) has a box near the staircase (well now since we are renovating beside the back sliding door). Everything goes in their (from toys, books, ds, backpacks, socks (now I know where the socks went, hahaha) – anything that belongs to that person and not being used goes there and at the end of the day, each person puts them away.
Another great tip was packing extras in the minivan. We are a sporty family (so many times at the ball diamond, it has started to rain and needing rain gear or a change of socks is a must). I now keep a seasonal/ or game change of clothes in the car (the just in case bag that my kids call it). Along with that, a stocked first aid and wipes and toilet paper – yes, those portapotties usually have none), and hand sanitizers (a must).
I always have wipes and snacks in the car!
Laundry bins in every room for toys (never thought of that!). I have bins in every room but it’s for laundry (perhaps urban moms could offer a giveaway with a years worth of laundry service, just saying…).
Always try to do one-pot/pan dinners. Makes cleanup time much easier.
Baby wipes all the wy for me!! In every purse I own, in the car, in backpacks, in the garage and the shed. You name it, there’s a pack of wipes there.
Baby wipes in the washroom, bathroom, cars, in ziploc bags in my purse, etc…. They are awesome for cleaning faces, hands and spills in the car and on the kitchen floor!
I do many I keep wipes in my car for this spills and quick clean ups & there are laundry baskets in every room, I also have a few go to meals which I add to for quick meals..
I keep wipes in my purse and in the car. We also cook up a pound of lean hamburger with a chopped onion, add a large can of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and cook til heated through. Serve with a side salad or veggie tray and some french bread. Everyone loves this – great for camping too!
the wipes , in my car and in my purse
I always carry extra snacks, especially if I’m going to be out for very long with the kids.
We have the wipes in the car … for along time we have been doing this
I always keep baby wipes in my car, they sure do come in handy!
Picking out clothes the night before is a great time-saver.
Laundry baskets in every room! Yep!
Have the kids clothing picked out for the next day.
We have laundry baskets in all the room! I have been doing this for years!
I use baskets in every room for quick clean up, works great!
I keep wipes everywhere! I even have a little pack in my purse! I also keep a bag with extra clothes and snacks at the door to grab whenever we go out!
We always keep wipes in the car and home
I use cubbies, and the wipes in my van, and the spare clothing and snacks.
I use baby wipes in the car and have some in my gym bag for after workouts.
We also try to bring snacks and extra clothes with us when we leave the house …
we always keep wipes in the van and truck as well as in the boat!!
Quick and easy recipes are wonderful for grandmothers and seniors. I am both.
Keeping a pack of baby wipes in the car is a great idea.
box of tissues and bottle of water
I have used the Chef for years, either as a quick meal at lunch or part of a main dinner.
keeping an extra pack of baby wipes and also tissues (you never know when they’re going to have a runny nose)
That recipes sounds delicious and who would have thought that Chef Boyardee was an ingredient?!
One of my simplest solutions is using frozen pastry dough to create tarts, pies and other desserts without the fuss and time required to make fresh dough. The end product is just as yummy, plus convenient.
a single dad needs to have quick easy meals, i like the easy to prepare tasty meal solutions, even making it the night before, healthy and hearty.
I love the laundry basket in everyroom and each child is responsible for their won area, it works great, now just one kid at home but i had five thanks
Wipes in the car and in the house even as my youngest gets older as they are great to have around for those messy hands and face even for Mom to use too.
Duffel bag in the car, especially when the weather changes drastically like it has been lately.
Baby wipes in the car, my purse, the kitchen, the bathroom, the swim bag, the diaper bag. Baby wipes are my friend indeed.
I like the idea of laundry baskets in each room for quick clean-ups.
I haven’t tried any of these yet, but I like the laundry basket idea. Especially the part about assigning rooms, I usually do it myself.
I also have a pack of baby wipes in each vehicle as well as in my purse, diaper bag and in 3 locations in the house.
I am actually famous for always having a pack of baby wipes in both cars!
I keep laundry baskets in most of the rooms with the most clothing traffic. 🙂
have to keep wipes and tissue in the car….even on a short trip you can arrive and somehow the kids have gotten sticky…was it from things they had lost in the backseat and I didn’t find it…who knows…..
The Red Pepper Spicy Sausage was a hit and now will become a family favourite! Thank you! 😀
I always leave a container of baby wipes in the car….must must must.
I make sure that I have a list of to go menus that everyone in the family will enjoy and I keep those staples on hand so that I don’t have to run to the grocery store every night.
I keep wipes in the car. Very handy!
I spend Sunday mornings making food that came be used throughout the week. (eg. lasagna) Then it makes the meals during the week much easier.
I have been keeping a little pack of baby wipes in my car for years.
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes in the car too!
I used laundry baskets to collect all the boys toys and keep the house looking neat. They were inexpensive, easy to clean, easy to organize toys, easy for the boys to dump toys out of to play with and easy for them to throw toys back in atclean-up time.
I work in the community. I need wipes to protect not only myself, but the people I work with!
An extra pack of baby wipes in the car! Perfect for all those on the road emergencies!
Keeping wipes to clean up random messes!
Definitely keep stashes of wipes everywhere. It’s amazing how dirty a 2 year old boy can get!
I like the idea of making the chef boyardee fancier, as my kids would enjoy that.
I also do the laundry basket in everyone’s bedroom as it encourages picking up clothes and also for the kids to decide themselves when they need a wash.
I use her tip on getting clothes picked out the night before. It makes things much less hectic in the morning
Baby wipes in the car and in my bag. It’s winter time which means flu season! We also use hand sanitizer to minimize transmission of viruses.
getting the next days outfits ready the night before saves a ton of time in the am.
We often keep baby wipes in the vehicle. Also hand sanitizer so it’s always available when hand-washing with soap/water is not an option.
I keep extra clothes, too, in a bag in the trunk. Accidents always occur when you are not prepared!
Yes ipod is a good one as listening to MUSIC helps me relax and it blocks out noise and commotion!
In the vehicle – baby wipes in the car
I put a laundry basket in every room too!
Clothes always get folded when dry and put on the steps to carry upstairs. Anyone going upstairs better carry something
I always carry baby wipes around especially in the car, as well as changes of clothes one of the babies gets car sick yuck, so we have learned to always have a change of clothes
Wipes and more wipes, everywhere, with a backpack filled with extra clothes. I’ve been laughed at for being such a stickler for hauling around so much just-in-case stuff for my kids. All that came in handy when my child had thrown up all over himself and his car seat. Not very nice to begin with and certainly not pleasant on a hot summer day 😛
Thanks for the great contest!
The baby wipes in the car has always been useful!!
A laundry basket in every bedroom is a must. If it doesn’t get put in the basket, it doesn’t get washed.
I love the tip about keeping baby wipes in the car. I have wished I had one handy so many times so now I keep a pack in the glove compartment. I’m also going to use the tip of keeping extra clothes in the truck… you just never know when you’re gonna need them.
I like this tip: In the trunk I keep a duffle bag that holds extra clothing for all children – you never know when you might need them! I started this just recently.
a phone in every room – no more mad dashing
Baby wipes in the car seems to be a must for everyone! I have a bag in the car wiht PJ’s and extra cloths just in case! 🙂
Baby wipes in the car and easy to prepare meals. There’s not much time to prepare an elaborate meal after a day at the office.
I always have the baby wipes in the car, in my purse which are in a zip lock bag, love wet wipes they are handy for so many things!!
The easy to prepare meals are great for when you are short on time.
Baby wipes rock!!!! and I love the recipe 🙂
I do the same thing with the extra clothes in the trunk. I always have an extra pair of clothes and there has been times when they have come in handy.
Baby wipes in the car have been used twice since a started keeping them in the glove compartment. I also keep a water bottle filled in the car so that I can moisten the wipes if they dry up between use.
I always keep wipes handy in the car too – and we have a laundry basket in every bedroom as well.
I have baby wipes everywhere-in the truck,in the kitchen, bathroom,laundry room and in living room!! A must have for sure
I definitely have baby wipes and my iPod in the car… the baby wipes are incredibly handy even without kids in the car, I never know when I might eat in the car myself. As for the iPod, I cannot drive in silence, I’d fall asleep if I do.
I like the idea of giving each child their own cubby, just like at schools!
I always have baby wipes in the car
I always have wipes in the car!
Definately laundry baskets in every room is a great idea
My kids had laundry baskets in their rooms
I always add extras to chef.
I KEEP WIPES IN THE CAR AND HAVE LAUNDRY BASKETS IN EVERY ROOM FOR CLOTHES WORKS GREAT FOR US
I keep Baby wipes in the car and my purse! They also come with me when I travel, camp and hike.
I like keeping wipes in my car.
Having baby wipes in the vehicle for quick clean ups
A list for simple meals
Keeping wipes handy in the car and in my purse is convenient for SO many uses.
I tried Chantel’s Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet. It was a bit hit!
I always have wipes in my car, they come in handy.
clean up before bed
I am all for easy meals.. and the Red pepper and Spicy Sausage skillet sounds yummy!
I laways choose both mine and my childrens’ clothes to lay out for easy dressing in the morning. This definately adds some calm as we all get ready to take on a new day!
I get my daughter’s clothes ready the night before, it does save me time in the morning and of course always have baby wipes on hand!
Have tried all these organizational tricks and one night very soon, will try the recipe for Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet. Thanks 🙂
Even grandmothers, like myself, always keep wipes in the car.
handy wipe – a must for every family with kids and a dog! (and even for those sans dogs!)
I have used the laundry baskets in every room! It is a great time saver and easy to pick stuff up! Great if company is coming too and you need to clear a room in a hurry! lol
I always have the baby wipes in the car – handy for so many things!!
My favorite.. one I use ALWAYS!!! Wipes in the vehicle.. we always have whoops.. and not only the kids.. my husband is famous for spilling his coffee… 🙂
definitely wipes in the car!
Yes, wipes in the car of course and spares in the trunk for refils! LOL And I like that quickie recipe Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet! Looks yummy + super fast!
I also add healthy ingredients to pre-packaged meals.
I like to prepare meals that are quick and simple and I am definitely going to prepare the “Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet”.
I keep wipes in the car, in my purse as well as in the first aid kit.
Yep, I keep wipes in the car too (and in my purse). Love the wipes.
It sounds like everyone uses a lot of wipes, lol. In addition to the car, I always keep some wipes in my purse, and I even put one in my daughters lunch kit as she is an especially messy eater:)
I always like to keep baby wipes in the car and at my front door (someone always forget to wash their face before the bus comes). I am a huge fan of keeping crackers or granola bars in the van because I know all to well that as soon as I leave the driveway someone is hungry.
I am actually new to the site and haven’t tried any of the tips yet, but many of them sound great! I am looking forward to reading more!
Wipes!wipes!wipes! in the car, in my purse, in my curling bag!!!Couls for all humans and dogs paws.
Yup, the baby wipes are my standby too. Seriously, my hubby would go crazy if we didn’t always have them on hand. Chocolate bars, hamburgers, fries, chips, ice cream…at some point they’re all in our van and end up all over our kids. Thank goodness the wipes are always handy in the glove compartment, in my purse, pretty much everywhere!
I always have baby wipes in the glove box even though my kids aren’t that little anymore – fries anyone??
I have used Chantel’s simple tip about using cubbies to store and organize mitts, gloves, and scarves etc. It it very simple for everyone to follow the rule of placing and finding their own in their own cubbie. It also helps if you have different colours of cubbies to assign to each member of the family. Thanks, Chantel!
I always keep a bag in the trunck with extra clothing and a blanket and a towel ,,,you never know when you will need it .A hamper or basket in every room makes laundry day so much easier . I try to plan ahead for meals. It is the most challanging parts of my day .trying to please every ones palate
I always have wipes in the car. I search for antiques for my job and they are usually dirty and I can look somewhat presentable after using the wipes.
we, too, keep a duffle bag in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle with extra mitts, toques, scarves and candles/matches, food for emergencies. One time my niece’s son had forgot to bring a jacket with at the farm and guess who had one for him in the vehicle – Me!!
Organization is key!!
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Wipes in the car, they don’t just come in handy to clean up my daughter but sometimes me too.
I use the wipes trick for the car! Especially for myself because I can be a messy girl on long road trips!
I have always kept Baby wipes in the car -I use them too -great when you are sitting in traffic for wiping down the dashboard too! I love your idea of laundry bins -so going to use that one 🙂
I keep handiwipes in the car 🙂
Loved this idea…I will do it myself! ‘keep laundry baskets in every room”
wipes are great in the car but around the kitchen too is a must
I keep wipes in the car – so easy to clean sticky hands and spills
The laundry basket for sure – only problem, I could use about 6 of those in each room! LOL
I always keep baby wipes in my car! They are good for cleaning up anything,coffee spils,messy hands,anything!
Laundry Baskets in every room, makes it so much easier!
always, always have wipes in the vehicle 🙂
I keep the baby wipes in the car, but more for my messy husband than the kids. He’s always the first to spill!
We use Chantel’s tip of keeping of “Cell phone Bag of emergency snacks” in the car. It has saved us many times with tired, hungry kids and errands that took longer than expected, it is so easy to reach into the bag and hand out a healthy snack to tide them over until we get home. Thanks
Wipes. I think everyone above has the same thing! Wipes are such a lifesaver – and they actually do an amazing job at stain removal too. I spilled some of my coffee on my pants and the seat of my car yesterday, and a couple of wipes got the marks out!
Her best tip is also my life saver. I have my “go to” meals that are quick and easy. As well, I went to the dollar store and bought a dozen 8×8 baking tins. I cook 6 lasagna’s or 6 sheppherd’s pies, and keep them in the freezer for thos nights I’m working, so my kids can have a home cooked hot meal
I have a go to list of easy meals 🙂
Havings wipes in your bag and in the car is extremely useful. When you can’t wash your hands, use hand wipes! It is good to try to prevent transmission of bad bacteria.
I have used the baby wipes for several emergencies. Also the kid clean up at the end of the day. It is a great way to teach responsibility that they can carry throughout their life.
So many great tips, thanks. Keep them coming, I can use all the help. I really love the Red Pepper & Spicy Sausage Skillet recipe, I’ll try it tonight. Chef Boyardee and Hunt’s are two of my trusted brands.
Wipes are a must in the car.
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes for washing the children’s faces and hands if needed – which is almost always.
The baby wipes are a must. I have them everywhere…in the kitchen, bedroom, basement and of course, the CAR. Great for mopping up messes of all kinds.
Love baskets for everything! Makes clean-up so easy!
love baby wipes for everything!
Baby wipes in the car is a definate must. Can live without them.
My best tip about making my life easier — get the kids to do it. The kids put their toys away, the kids put their clothes away, the kids make their own breakfast (breakfast foods at their level in the cupboards). My girls are 6 and 4 and do as much as they can to contribute as part of the family. My littlest loves folding socks…and hey, it’s a good math lesson…matching and patterns!
My second best tip — have a bucket for your cleaning supplies. Then each day you can carry that bucket to the room you need cleaned and you have everything you need. This is especially good for bathrooms.
I use the basket method. I believe that if you start organization early in children then it becomes habitt
oh my god, don’t know how u all do it..I just have one kid to deal with
I think that’sa great idea, yes, you always need wipes, but you also need tissues for those runny noses and snacks, kids are always hungry so to save time and money and whiny kids have snacks in car or purse ready at any moment. I also have games for kids to play in car so they never get bored.
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes for washing the children’s faces and hands if needed
As a grandmother of several little ones, I too always have plenty of wipes around the house.
Baby Wipes in the car for sure. Not just for wiping up kids…. This summer we took a road trip with our first EVER brand new car. One quick pit stop to the Golden Arches and a fly-by from a Seagull with the runs resulted in a poop storm all over the inside our car. Thank goodness for baby wipes. We had to use almost the whole box to clean up the mess (ridiculous true story). Every one tried to convince me it was good luck. I am not buying it but I think that I will travel with baby wipes long after my babies no longer need them! You just never know when a poop storm could be heading your way!
Oh cubbies! I love them too!
I take my hat off to you. Organization is key and wet wipes are a necessity.
I keep wipes in the car and the kids each have drawers in the front hall for their hats, mittens, etc.
I keep laundry baskets in every room
We always have wipes in the car, and pack a snack bag.
I have 3 girls. I always have wipes in the truck. My youngest is still in diapers so you never know when you may need to change her. Plus I use the wipes to clean their hands and faces.
Baby wipes in the car. Even though the kids are older this is one habit I continue to adopt.
I like the laundry basket idea. Great way to clean up in a hurry if need be. Also teaches children responsibility to clean there area. Love the other tips as well, i think i will try the cubbies next.
Wipes stashed everywhere and i’m just setting up cubbies for the kids (and the husband). winter makes chaos in our house!
I like to set a few days to cook several dishes then leaving more free time on the off days to do other things
baby wipes are a must
Always have to have baby wipes wherever I go
A Go to list of easy to prepare meal solutions is the tip I definitely use, especially with picky eaters. I find a tried and true nutrious meal and use it regularly.
I always keep baby wipes in the car…but thanks for the other great tips 🙂
Baby wipes in the van for sure!! They come in handy for all kinds of messes!
I carry baby wipes wherever I go. Thank you Chantel.
I always take extra baby wipes along.
i keep baby wipes in the car!
the easy to prepare meal tip I have used!
I made this meal tonight with a few modifications. Added some onion and some frozen corn. Thanks for the great idea!
I always keep wipes. in the car, in the diaper bag, in the stroller, in the kitchen, in the bathroom…even once my kids are out of diapers, wipes will still be a staple in my household.
andrea_hockeygirl@hotmail.com
I use a lot of wipes so keep them very handy!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Easy to prepare meals are a tip I have used.And the laundry basket tip also.
I use the laundry basket solution — even when I’m doing laundry – I toss anything that needs to go upstairs, to avoid unnecessary trips (and the kids do the same). I also put in on the stairs to remind me to bring it up and to sometimes stop the dogs from going upstairs – Scooby, the labradoodle can jump it but our 150 pound great dane, Max – can’t figure out how to get around it yet.
We are grandparents now, but we’ve had wipes in our car for what seems to be eons! lol We never go anywhere without them. We also have extra blankets and a couple of pillows in the trunk for unexpected naps!
ty
I like to prepare easy, delicious and healthy meals
Baggies with wipes are always in the car, in my purse, in each room (in case an accident happens and I need one fast), and in the older one’s backpack. They are so handy!
We always have a laundry basket in all the kids’ rooms so they can learn to put away their own stuff (and put away after the laundry’s done!)
the go to list of easy to make meals that are enjoyed by all is one i use. With 4 girls ranging from 10-8months this is very helpful.
I’m a baby wipes in the car girl too! There is also a bag with some toys, snacks, & extra clothes.
I keep wipes in various strategic places, especially the car.
I use the wipes everywhere. There are some in each room in the house, in each vehicle, in my purse, the kids’ backpacks – you name it, if there’s room, there are wipes in there somewhere.
I keep laundry baskets in every bedroom
The easier the better is my motto.Count me in for quick,easy meals.
I am all for the easy, quick meals!
I, too, use my ipod when travelling with the children.
wipes, wipes, and more wipes! In the car, in my purse, in travel bags, you can never have too many wipes, they come in handy for every situation.
Baby wipes in the vehicle is a great idea, they come in handy in so many ways.
baby wipes and snacks are always in the car and I have a few fast and easy go to meals, gotta love stir fry!
I keep baby wipes in the vehicle also…and a bag in the trunk with extra clothing for the kids and ME! LOL
we definitely keep an extra set of baby wipes in the car
I keep baby wipes in the car even though my kids are out of diapers. They are great for sticky fingers and small spills. I never thought of using laundry baskets for anything other than laundry, but I like the idea of using them for quick clean-ups. I’m going to start using one in the toy room.
I use the laundry baskets to keep track of my kids books.
I always keep snacks in the car, sometimes even on a short jaunt they’re a welcome treat.
I use several of her tips like a laundry basket in every room, cellphone, baby wipes and emergency snacks in the vehicle and I always have Chef Boyardee on hand in the house
karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com
Baby wipes in the car is something I have used and been very thankful that I had them there on may an occassion
Wipes in the car is a must.
Baby wipes in the car. Yup.
Now that pepper and sausage is looking good.
I have used: Before bed time each child must pick out their clothes for the next day to save time in the morning. I always found us running late if this wasn’t done at night. I still do this with my teenager now as she is even slower than when she was in grade school.
I always keep wet wipes in my car and also keep a laundry basket in each room.
I keep laundry baskets in the kids rooms to put away their stuff and also always keep a bag of extra clothes and wipes with me in the car – great tips!
Silvana – About 4 years ago I had 6 children vomitting in the vehicle. Of course I had no towels, no change of clothes – nothing! After that I never again left the house without extra’s of everything:)
Margaret – so glad you liked it!
I keep wet wipes in my purse and car. They are especially useful when travelling.
Aww Lisa no problem! Love being able to help out others when I can – us busy moms need all the tips we can get:)
I always keep an extra pack of baby wipes in my car.
I keep laundry baskets in every bedroom. They are a life saver.
Always carry wipes, they are a life saver
I always keep cans of Chef Boyardee in my pantry. The kids love it and it is great for incorporating into many dishes.
We always have wipes in the van (and wherever else we go)
I’m a true believer in quick and easy meals being a busy mom of two under three I barely have time to make a gourmet meal. I also am a true believer of baby wipes in the car, in my purse, in every bag we carry 🙂
I keep an emergency bag in the trunk, just in case! An, I have wipes everywhere!!!
I always have wipes in the car
We LOVE having laundry baskets in each room! Not only does it make clean up easier, it teaches our kids responsibility! We keep wipes with us AT ALL TIMES. I have been known to hand out wipes to other Mom’s too, lol. I would like to take a minute to thank Chantel for the awesome tip of including Chef Boyardee as an ingredient! Now I need to stock up on Chef Boyardee to see what others meals can be made with it!
I’ve definitely used her suggestion of having a list of quick, easy to prepare meals – a must for a busy and/or working mom.
I also keep wipes and an emergency kit in the car. And of course I often use Chef Boyardee as my “go to” quick meal!
I too have a list of easy to prepare, quick meal solutions…..not because I have such a large family but just because I hate cooking! 😀
Cubbies – they’re useful for everything!
I keep laundry baskets in every room.
In the vehicle article sounds just like me. I believe that being prepared is worth the small effort to have just about everything in my SUV. Unpredictable things like the weather, feeling ill, break down, etc. can happen so having clothing, food, wipes, etc is a must.
My hat goes off to you because as a busy mom of 3 I don’t know how you do it but I must say that being prepared and organized is half the battle. I too always have wipes on hand and extra clothing close by when we are out and about.
I do also plan my meals, make lunches the night before and clothes picked out for the next day…..it all makes for a much happier home.
I carry an extra pack of wipes in my purse and another in the car. The wipes are the cottonelle kind – that way they are flushable and can be used for more than one purpose!
Laundry baskets are the cheapest most useful things to have around. I have several of them.
wipes are great, I always keep them handy!
I always have baby wipes in the car – they are good for kids as well as adults too!
I use laundry baskets to organize toys and clothes in various rooms too
I always use the wipes for messes too, lol!
I tried Chantel’s ‘Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet’ recipe and it tastes amazing and so easy to make. Thanks for the awesome-azing tips! 🙂
We have a laundry basket in every bedroom too! Love the ideas for the Chef Boyardee!
Ok, I too am a busy mom – five kids not eight. Suppers are always a challenge since the busiest time of the day seems to be from 4:30 until 10. Getting a nutritional meal into the children – 14 yrs and up, prior to the evening activities is challenge. Using Chef Boyardee as the starting block for a one pan meal sounds great. Tomorrow I’ll try “Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Skillet” paired with a salad for supper.
have wipes in the vehicle
Carry wipes EVERYWHERE! They are a lifesaver, and lots of other parents ask to borrow them all the time!
always have wipes in the vehicle
I always have kept wet wipes in the car. They are so good for so many reasons.
laundry baskets in every room is a great idea!
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In the vehicle! I always have baby wipes there and snacks and emergency clothes. This actually is a good idea for grannies and grandpas emergency kits when no more kids around…of course the clothes would be of a different size.
I always use handiwipes in the car.
Handy wipes in the car work for me with kids around
Baby wipes in the car and my purse! I could not list how many emergencies they have helped clean up. From baby to teen years you turn around and if it isn’t a little one spilling something it’s a teen ager getting creative with their pen because they are bored!
I use the tip of having baby wipes in the car to wipe sticky fingers with.
My own personal tip is I like to double all meals I cook and put half in the freezer or have a leftovers night the next day. Meals like curry taste even better the next day.
Choosing clothes for the next day has worked well in our household
like many others, i keep baby wipes handy at all times. grimy faces, mucked up boots, a glob of peanut butter on the seat, baby wipes to the rescue every time!
I always carry baby wipes with me. I think most moms of little ones do. I also like to have a change of clothes for the baby too.
I have kept babywipes in everyroom and vehicle we own for 17 yrs since my first son was born. Now with 5 it’s become more useful than ever.
I use Chantal’s tips about organization at home with cubbies for each child and clothes baskets in each room for that quick clean up anytime. Even before we had kids I always had a package of wipes in the car!
I used this tip:
Kitchen: The most important tip I can offer to all parents is a go to list of easy to prepare tasty meal solutions BUT since I don’t have kids, I apply the philosophy to my husband.
wipes wipes wipes in the car…..must always have wipes
I’m all for easy-to-prepare meals. As a single mom with 2 little kids, easy and quick is what I’m looking for!
Laundry baskets in every room! I’ve always done that.
i’m flabberghasted that my chef is an ingredient! i never thought to add other things to it!
i’m a believer in the baby wipes in the car…although i think my hubby uses them more than the kids!