Coming Soon: 2-Minute Tip

In 2 days,

2-Minute Tip
will officially begin.

What that means for you:

You will get a tip-of-the-day
in 2 minutes or less...

so you can spend your valuable time
doing the things you love.

Tell your friends and stay tuned
for common sense tips that aren't always that common.

Extra set of keys

Have an extra set of keys for your car and house in a convenient location. When you are running around with your head cut off searching for your keys, just grab the extra set and find them later. Now you'll never need to be late again because of your keys.

Buyer beware

Last Christmas, I was shopping for scotch tape to wrap some gifts. I bought some just a few days before Christmas at Wal-Mart. When I returned a few days after Christmas to return a few things, I noticed that the regular price of the scotch tape I bought had significantly dropped in price.

Beware: stores will charge more for high-demand items during peak seasons. Stock up on tape, ribbon, and wrapping paper during the off-season.

Substitute for Buttermilk

If you ever need buttermilk for a recipe and you don't have it on hand or don't want to run to the store, use vinegar.

Mix 1 Tablespoon vinegar with 1 cup milk for the correct ratio. Then use the amount called for in your recipe. This works great for buttermilk syrup-a favorite.

Keep a stash of gifts on-hand

You will never know when you will need a gift on-the-spot. You might have a wedding to attend, your kids might have a birthday party to go to, or you might be meeting with friends for a holiday get-together.

When you are out shopping at you see good deals, buy them. Keep them in a secret place (in case you need them for your own children). I prefer under the bed. Then when you need a gift, you will save yourself money, hassle and stress as you select a gift from your own collection. Even storing candy bars or little items come in very handy.

Keep a water bottle with you

Whether you are a student, a mom running errands, or a working professional, keep a water bottle with you always. Drinking water throughout the day will help you feel rejuvenated and will help curve those snack cravings. There are plenty of options out there to match your taste and preferences.

Have your photographer take pictures of details

Because there is so much happening on your wedding day, you might not get a chance to see all the details like your cake, flowers, table decorations, gift table, etc. Tell your photographer to take pictures of all of these things so that you can see them for the first time and again and again.

Eat veggies first

At mealtime, eat veggies first. This will ensure that your kids (or you) aren't too full when it comes time for carrots or cauliflower. And, it will motivate your kids to eat them if they know the main dish is coming.

Wedding dinner

Have your wedding dinner/luncheon the night before your wedding day. You will have more time to enjoy the event without being rushed to get from place-to-place.

Get up and move!

Sitting at a computer all day can be tiring. Get up out of your chair to move--even if it is just to the drinking fountain or across the hall. You will be surprised at how much this can give you an extra boost for another hour.

Taking Bridals

When you are getting your Bridals taken, take your fiancee along--tux and all. I know there is some superstition about having the groom see your dress before the big day, but it's worth it. You will have less pressure on your wedding day to get the 'perfect' pictures and you will be able to display your pictures at your luncheon, dinner, or reception.

If you don't have time to scrapbook

Have an archival-safe box for each member of your family. As soon as you get photos printed, sort them in the right box. Then when it comes time to scrapbook, they will already be organized and ready to go!

Cheap children's books

Children's books are expensive. If checking out favorite stories from your local library won't cut it, peruse through the book section at nearby thrift stores.

You can usually find popular titles for much less than you would have to pay for them at a book store. There might be a few bends or small tears, but isn't there a good chance that a brand new one might look this same way after your kids have had it for 10 minutes?

Uses for hotel toiletries

Are you like me and have a pile of random mini bars of soap and shampoo & conditioner bottles from hotel stays? Here are a few tips on how to use them up:

1. Put some in your 72-hour kit. Beauty might not be your first concern during an emergency, but you never know when having a bottle of shampoo and some soap might come in handy.

2. Use the shampoo as women's shaving gel. It's cheaper than real shaving gel and works just as well.

3. Leave them out for guests when they come to stay. There is nothing like walking into the bathroom and realizing that your host has left you a little welcome package.