Time Saving Tips

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Fuchsia or florals, whether you can really wear a romper suit and how on earth to walk in this season’s surreal heels – there are an awful lot of things to worry about this summer. So we’ve gathered together the best of your time-saving tips to make sure you’re able to stand in front of your wardrobe and ask yourself the most important question: what on earth am I going to wear to work today? Just thank the thousands of multi-tasking women out there who are just like you…

- Featured tip:
- By Carla

- Featured tip:

- Featured tip:

Sort your washing: It may sound ridiculous but it’s a lifesaver to separate dirty washing into four separate baskets: darks, whites, hand washing and dry-cleaning. It means I know exactly when I need to make a trip to the dry-cleaners and I’m never without that essential black-tie dress because it’s got mixed up with my dirty socks.

Wash and go, and go: Forget your old association of dry shampoo with party-hard festival-goers. It’s actually amazing for using in between blow-dries, meaning you can spend an extra 20 minutes in bed rather than styling your hair. I rate Bumble & Bumble’s Hair Powder (in white, blonde, red and brunette) or good old-fashioned Batiste.

Sleep more: Sleep more and look great! Saves lots of time in the bathroom!

The big freeze: once a week a cook a couple of meals and freeze the leftover - so I do not have to cook every night, and can have more "me time"

Dress for success: Decide on your outfits for the coming week on sunday afternoon and hang them in order, no more stress!

Think before you buy!: When you next go shopping make sure that when you buy something that it goes with at least three other items in your wardrobe, you could potentially wear it for three different occasions with adaptations such as shoes, bag, jewellery.

Get your bounce back: To quickly get some bounce and curl into my hair I twist it into a bun on top of my head whilst doing my make up, then when i'm done, shake it out and spray a little hair spray underneath it; quick fix and natural waves.

Morning coffee the night before: I love filter coffee in the morning but never have the time to wait on it. So I make a full pot the night before, when I wake up and stagger into the kitchen I just microwave a cup and its ready instantly.

Shop at home with friends!: going shopping for new clothes and drinks with your mates in one evening- have a clothes party. Invite all the girls round, tell them to bring a bottle of wine and any clothes they want to swop. You can catch up with your mates and swop unwanted clothes at the same time. Great fun and recycling too.

Give up work an: Give up work and retire to a life of luxury - retirement is too good to be left until old age, and you won't believe how much more pampering time you have.

Always be prepared!: to save time and money I peel/prepare/ chop root vegatables and add a tin of tomatoes/salt/pepper and put in a casserole dish and pop in the bottom of the aga for a slow coked stew for when I get back from work. Its healthy and really fabulous and lasts for several days saving time and money and gets better with age.

Order your shoes: If you don't have space to keep all your shoes laid out and on display, the put them either in clear plastic boxes piled on top of one another, or put them in shoe boxes with a photograph of each pair on the outside - so you can always see at a glance what you have to choose from.

Put your diet on freeze: If your on a diet and you have a sweet tooth,keep low fat yogurts in the freezer. they taste just like ice cream but don't contain the calories

Birthdays in advance: I take a list of forthcoming birthdays with me when shopping and buy lots of birthday cards at the same time. I save lots of time and never get caught without a card for that special someone!

dress up!: Make sure you have at least 1 fab dress in your wardrobe for those special occasions & for days when you don't feel so good - saves you thinking what to wear. Not only will it make you feel great but you can show off your super smooth legs!

work on your make up: Save yourself some more beauty sleep by doing your makeup when you get to work! Do your foundation at home (as you can't leave the house without at least looking fresh faced, but save your lippy and mascara and get paid to do it when you get to work!

box up your collection: Invest in clear see through shoe boxes!Keeps shoes clean, fresh and organised ~ avoids knocks ~ reduces old boxes ~ plus you can adore your collection from across the room!

Smile!: Smile! Its an instant mood lifter, is healthy for you & exercises your facial muscles all in one go. A time saver and a half!

John Frieda's: John Frieda's Overnight Repair Formula's a godsend for my unruly hair! Apply before bed, wash in the morning & voila, instantly smoothed locks that behave like 'normal hair'! Save so much taming time!

fake it: Add your fake tan the night before your night out as it will have turned all golden in time for your big night out and lost its smell

Hang up outfits: Hang up outfits in your wardrobe rather than separate so you don't spend ages searching for things that go.

I use P20 once: I use P20 once a day sun protection when I am on holiday - one application in the morning is all it takes, which means I save time spent reapplying cream, dont look greasy, can get in and out of the water as many times as I like, and don have to cut those long lunches short!

perfect jeans: When you find the perfect pair of jeans, buy at least 2 - saves hours hunting to find them again later!

Buy a scarf!: Buy a scarf! The ultimate versatile accessory, hairband, bag decoration, hey maybe even a bra........ well maybe not!

plan your shop: plan your shopping. Helps you avoid buying more than you need, avoids the bad stuff and BOGOF deals. You can be in and out the shops before you know it

Paint your nails: Paint cuticle oil over finger and toe nail polish. It helps to dry it quicker, prevents chipping and keeps the nail beds soft and healthy.

keep your hands soft: Keep some handcream in your car. Easy to have a quick squirt and rub whilst you're at the traffic lights and ensures your hands stay moist and in good condition.

bad hair day!: On a bad hair day, if you haven't time to create your usual, well-groomed look, select some of your favourite fashionable hair accessories to clip or tie hair back. This draws attention away from your less than perfect hair and makes it look like you've made an effort.

baby oil!: Rub baby oil into your skin before getting out of the shower.

Keep a note pad: Keep a note pad on the fridge and write down immediately if you run out of anything or just think of something you need . Then rip off list and take it with you to shops and you'll never forget anything ever again.

TV Spa: Smooth on a refreshing face mask Get on ur Mini trampoline while watchin Eastenders and workout! when its finished jump in the shower ul come out feeling amazin! Fresh face,Toned bod and youv even managed to watch ur fav program,Bliss!

office wear: office wear to night out in one easy step. Wear trendy trousers to work with a blouse and take a going out top with you, then when you finish work change into the other top and you are now ready to go out on the town. Saving valuable time and effort.

Keep it in your glove: Keep a selection of perfume, mascara, blusher, hairbrush, lipgloss etc, in your glove compartment. You never know when you are going to oversleep, and these products will be life savers to apply when you park up at work!

be comfortable: The best time saving tip i can offer is be comfortable in whatever you wear. set your own style and you'll save time being a sheep!

Plan out your outfit: Plan out your outfits for the week at the start of the week and make sure they are all clean and ready to go, so all you have to do it throw them on.

Last task of today: Last task of today? 'To Do' list for tomorrow. Saves loads of time

use comparison websites: I have started to use comparison websites when buying expensive items such as washing machines/camera's etc, they show the cheapest prices and where to buy, you can also buy online... it saves lots of time trapsing around the big superstores trying to get the best deal... leaving me more time to pamper myself!

invest in a wide stretchy belt: I have just invested in a wide stretchy belt - its so fantastic, not only does it suddenly make me two sizes thinner, and jazzed up my tired clothes reinventing them for this season - it saves me time in the morning choosing my outfit because its all i want to wear!

If pushed for time in the morning: If pushed for time in the morning leave your make up until last...put some big sunnies on and wait to do your makeup whilst on the train!

getting ready quickly: getting ready sometimes takes a lot of time. What I do is: have a bath, wash my hair, put conditioner/mask on my hair and face,while they are on I shave, exfoliate etc. Finally I rinse my hair. Instead of blowdrying my hair i put the old fashioned rollers on (big ones for sleek hair, smaller ones for lovely cursl)which saves so much time. Whilst your hair is drying, you can do your make-up, use self tan or even do a bit of ironing!

Save time whilst shopping: Save time whilst shopping and buy things to try on at home - that way you'll really know whether that top goes with the trousers you already have or the jeans suit you fave heels rather than spending ages agonising over your decisions. Simply and quickly return any unwanted items and use the opportunity to spot more fashion bargains.

Organising what to eat: Organising what to eat each night of the week on Sundays- planning and shopping for the food occurs and all I have to do during the week is cook it & enjoy!

pack the new Wilkinson Sword Intuition: If you are packing to go on holiday, and want to save on storage space, then pack the new Wilkinson Sword Intuition Plus Razor. The blade is surrounded by a soapy block which lathers, shaves & moisturises, so you only need to pack one item in your case! I ’ve tried it and it works!

Cur a slice of Lemon or Lime: Cur a slice of Lemon or Lime into quaters, they can then fit into ice cube trays - perfect for a nice summer cocktail! Ice and lemon/lime straight from the freezer.

Go shopping in flat shoes: Go shopping in flat shoes-saves time spent at the Chiropodist later on!

Hang necklaces: Hang necklaces on pretty decorative hooks. They'll look stunning and it'll be easier to see what you have.

Keep cuticle removers: Keep cuticle removers and pumice stone next tot he shower, that way you can have a quick mini pedicure after a shower saving all that 'foot soaking' time!

When making up your bed: When making up your bed use a top sheet under your duvet, you only need to change the sheets and pillowcases and the duvet can last for a few weeks before it needs washing.

paint nails before bed time: paint nails before bed time - no waiting an age to put on your shoes

I always read my Grazia: I always read my Grazia while I am cardio training at the gym. I switch off from the outside world, burn calories and get great style tips all at the same time!

Multi-tasking -: Multi-tasking - 2 tasks at once works for me. Also, get up early to get more done in your waking hours.

Set up on online bank account: Set up on online bank account, it's so quick and easy. You can do all your banking and pay all those bills online which saves time, and if you are like me and have to travel everywhere by car it can save you money aswell!!!!

save time now that I have my daughter: To save time now that I have my daughter, I pick out my outfit and hers the night before - I save at least 15 min! Other time saving tip - during the summer, get your eyelashes tinted. It doesn't cost much, you always look fab, no need to worry about allergies or beach mascara-disasters, and you save time taking makeup off in the evening as well! Costs about £15 and lasts a good 2 months

save a bit of time peeling garlic: If you want to save a bit of time peeling garlic, then soak a few cloves in a bowl of warm water for about ten minutes prior to using and you'll have them peeled in no time!

Elizabeth Arden’s Eight-Hour: If I need a quick make-up refresh before going out for drinks straight from the office, I slick Elizabeth Arden’s Eight-Hour Cream on my lips, eyelids and put a tiny amount on the end of my eyelashes for a groomed, glossy look.

dont have time to go to the gym: I dont have time to go to the gym.So i bought a large exercise ball,which i use instead of a chair infront of the computer.I'm constantly moving around on it giving my bum,tum and legs a good workout throughout the day

Just because it comes in a packet: Just because it comes in a packet or jar doesn’t always make it the quickest option and it’s not normally the healthiest as they contain more salt and sugar than necessary. You can provide some quick and easy, as well as nutritious meals for your family – click here for links to some fantastic pasta sauces. You can also save even more time by making too much and freezing for later.

To quickly get some bounce: To quickly get some bounce and curl into my hair I twist it into a bun on top of my head whilst doing my make up, then when i'm done, shake it out and spray a little hair spray underneath it; quick fix and natural waves.

Keep your re-usable: Keep your re-usable shopping bags in the car. This way, you wont spend ages looking for them before you go, and you'll NEVER forget them! Great for the environment and far saving time!

keep all your daily essentials: keep all your daily essentials e.g keys, phone, car keys, lip gloss in a designated place (drawer, handbag) and put them there every day when you get home to save time looking for them in the morning!

Mix shampoo and conditioner: Mix shampoo and condition to make a two in one when time is short

Always use a top coat: Always use a top coat on your favourite nail vanish colour it lasts for weeks

I always get ready the night before: I always get my clothes/jewellery out for work the night before, saves oodles of time in the morning when I am rushing around and not able to think so straight!!!!

maintain your make-up: I used to take a while doing my morning make-up, as i was short on time i adapted my make up to suit the schedule.In summer, bronzer, all of the face for a glow with lipbalm and mascara, in winter a eyes,lip,face stick.Pronto!!!

manage your day: manage your day into 30 minute slots for both tasks and relaxation time- you'll never waste a minute again!

save time and your skin: save time and your skin on holiday by using AVON skin so soft .Spray on to keep your skin super soft ,and as an added bonus it isone of the best insect reppelent 's you can buy .It moisturises your skin helping maintain your tan and, it smells nice.

use old shoe boxes: use old shoe boxes as drawer dividers to seperate undies, socks, bras etc - or to arrange items by colour - makes stuff easier to find in the mornings

When Im running late...: When Im running late and dont have time to dry and straighten my hair i just pin the front up and scrunch m with some spray & moose. Lifesaver!

Keep a small white board: Keep a small white - board on the kitchen wall. When you are running out of something, write it down. This is easy for family members to add their bits and pieces as well so there is no excuse that they forgot to "tell you" they used the last of the coffee! Useful for leaving messages for each other too.

Keep healthy skin: Keep healthy skin, teeth & hair. Get your 5 a day - buy frozen veg which you can cook in 5 minutes, to save time peeling, chopping & the longer time to cook veg. And it doesn't go off and has more vitamins & minerals than 'fresh' veg.

wash your clothes at 30 degrees: wash your clothes at 30 degrees. It is better for the environment and takes half the time!

Iron nothing: Iron nothing which does not need ironed. Hang shirts etc on hangers to dry so little ironing is needed

Always know what you want: Always know what you're looking for before you start shopping,and draw up a short-list of places likely to stock the item(s)

Go shopping during the sale: Go shopping during end of season sales and buy classic pieces that wont go out of fashion, and put them away.When the season begins the following year, you'll have something new and you'll be prepared for the the change.

Call stores before you shop: Call stores before personally going in, for sought after items to hold/locate.

Sort out your wardrobe: Sort out your wardrobe! Yes really girls, spend a couple of hours making sure that all the clothes hanging up are fabulous, fit you and you really want to wear them. This'll half your time choosing an outfit to feel great in every day.

Itr's got to be Wilkinson: Itr's got to be useing the Wilkinson Intuition Plus so quick and easy. Also not messy cans or foam or bottles of moisturisers so overall works out quicker & cheaper

2 birds with 1 stone: Save time by killing two birds with one stone. Go for 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 products. These multi-taskers save you from searching for multiple products and they remove extra steps.

Buy a cork notice board: Buy a cork noticeboard and use the pins to hang up your necklaces, bracelets and rings so you can find them easier and put them on quicker than if they were jumbled up in a box.

Walk the dog: I wear my fitflops, while listening to a spanish language program on my MP3 player and walking my dog. Getting fit, learning a new language and exercising my dog at the same time.

Got a ladder?: Got a ladder in your tights? Stop it going further by dabbing clear nail varnish at both ends of the run.

sort your wordrobe: This may take a bit of time at first, but will save you SO much time later on.... just sort your wardrobe! im talking jeans, smart trousers, casual trousers, going out tops, work tops etc.... when you look in your wardrobe you will actually be able to find what you want!

My jewellery: My jewellery is always tangled and I can never the item I want to match an outfit. So I decided to store my jewelllery in neat little bags attached to the hanger of the outfit I enjoy wearing it with most. Now I can always find the right accessory!

Send your husband away: Send your husband and kids away for a week on holiday - very little housework:-)

Create and keep: Create and keep your "To Do List" handy. Don’t skip over the difficult items when checking to see what needs completing next.

Apply moisturiser: Apply a light moisturiser before stepping into the bath or shower, and your skin will benefit from the steam. Your skin is ready for make-up right after the bath.

straighten it: After having a shower to get ready for a night out, if you're straightening your hair, make sure that when your hair is half dry from the hairdryer turn the straightners on so when you have finished with the hairdryer the straightners will be ready to use.

If my hair need a little wash...: If my hair needs a little wash to perk it up and i dont have time, i spray it with Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo its a fab way to brighten and liven up your hair long enough to get back later when you have time for some serious pampering!

Save time, money and stress: Save time, money and stress when shopping for clothes. I found it really worthwhile to have a 'colour me beautiful' consultation. Now I shop with ease and confidence, knowing that all my outfits will mix and match without the previous hassle and disappointments. Then you can be as adventurous as you like with styles!

turn trousers into shorts: When you want to turn your trousers, jeans or shorts into turn-up's when the weather gets hotter (and not to mention to show more carefully fuzz-free legs) use your hair straighteners to press the fold securely into place.

utulise time: utulise time on the bus/train to do your make-up giving you time in the morning to have breakfast.

talc it: If your hair is a bit greasy and you dont have time to wash it put some talcum powder on it , give it a brush and watch it shine! this saves loads of time if your in a mad rush!

When working from home: When working from home I make a coffee and at the same time another one goes in a flask - saves me getting sidetracked by housework and also stops me raiding the cupboards - eek!

grow a selection of herbs: grow a selection of herbs on a window ledge or in the garden very handy for adding to recipes, they smell fantastic and if one of them happens to be parsley then chewing will eliminate bad breath

Always carry 'wet-ones': Always carry 'wet-ones' in your handbag. They are great to freshen up and more importantly, they remove any and all spills/stains from your clothes including RED WINE

gel nails: if you have gel nails, try having a coloured gel painted on - lasts for the whole time until nails need doing again and saves time and money on nail varnish.

Now that summer is here: Now that summer is about, one of the things i do, is Hard Boil a dozen eggs, so that i have eggs to the ready to put on my salad or egg and cress sandwich

If you are in a rush: If you are in a rush to get out in the morning, your hair is a bit lack luster but you don't have time to wash it, twist it up into a high bun whilst you are getting ready spray on a little hair spray then when you take it down it will have more bounce!

To save time: To save time waiting for your nail polish to dry, fill a sink with cold wter and leave your havds in for about a min and a half there dry in no time :D