Workaday Superstar

WORKADAY TIP #25: Save Space And The Environment

This is one of my favorite inventions of 2008.  A little town called Chico, California came up with a fabulous re-usable shopping bag that fits in your purse or pocket!  They are called Chico Bags. 

They come in many different colors and they carry up to 25lbs!  I keep two of them in my purse so when I am picking up groceries or miscellaneous items at Walgreens I can save a tree and use my Chico Bag! 

They are also a great gift idea for a friend or family member.  Companies can also order Chico Bags with their logos on them which serve as a great way to promote their brand while positioning themselves as an environmentally conscious organization.

WORKADAY TIP #24: Stay Skinny With Small Plates

So this isn't necessarily a time saver like most of my tips however this tip will definitely help you keep tabs on your eating.  Rather than using the normal sized dinner plates, use a smaller plate when serving up dinner. 

A smaller plate will force you to take less food and it will also force you to have to get-up in order to take seconds.  That way if you do take that second helping, at least you'll burn a few calories when you go get your second plate!

This will be a good tip for you to adopt as part of your 2009 New Year's resolutions!

WORKADAY TIP #23: Only Use The Bottom Lock

Now, this is probably the most controversial tip I've posted to date.  So I will say right now, use this tip at your own risk.  This works for us because we live in a secure apartment building so you cannot even get to our home until you get through a locked lobby door. 

This is why we only lock our bottom lock and not the deadbolt.  This means that when we are rushing around in the morning, already 5 minutes late to work all we have to do is close the door behind us and the door locks. I don't have to waste time finding my keys in my purse, frantically sifting through my keys to find the right one and then locking the door on my way out.

It's probably only saves 2 minutes everyday but when you are already 5 minutes late, those 2 minutes makes a difference!

WORKADAY TIP #22: Use A Primer And Save

I recently discovered make-up primer which may be one of best cosmetic inventions of all time.  You put primer on before you put on your make-up and it will insure your make-up lasts all day!

So not only will you look fabulous all day long but you will also save time by not having to re-apply before you head out to dinner or happy hour after work.  Also, you'll inevitably save money by not using as much make-up each day so you won't have to replace that blush nearly as often!

Here is a good blog that shows the tricks for how to best apply and use primer:

http://www.beauty-advices.com/how-to-use-and-apply-makeup-primer/

WORKADAY TIP #21: Buy The Good Generics

So I will admit, I generally go for brand names.  This is typically because I believe that the brand name offers a better quality product.  In some cases, this is true. 

I will, however admit that there are many generics that are just as good as their brand name competitors and is a great opportunity to save money!

This is true with certain groceries and most all toiletries. Next time you are at the store, compare the ingredients, you'll be surprised. 

Example:  Dryer Sheets:  Walgreens vs. Bounce

Walgreens you can get two boxes (160 sheets) for $5.00.  Bounce you can get one box (120 sheets) for $6.99! 

With food, my philosophy is if it's an ingredient or something processed, generic will work.  Canned Tomatoes are a good example.  If they are going into Chili I promise no one will know the difference. 

Now you will be able to tell the difference between fresh homemade bread and the wwheat loaf from Safeway so go generic wisely.  The kid's PB & J will probably taste the same but stick to the good stuff for the holiday dinner!