lystn

We all have those 15 minute gaps in our day where we end up just scrolling social media, but how much better would our days go if we filled up those minutes with tasks that will make meal time go smoother.  Here are 25 ideas how you can use that time. 

1. Read to or play with your kids- Fill that attention bucket for your kids and see if they actually let you make dinner in peace
2. Listen to a podcast, watch a youtube video, or read an article on cooking or kitchen organization-Learning is the key to making a change so using your breaks to learn something new will make your goals seem so much more realistic
3. Organize your spice rack or drawer
4. Throw away expired condiments in your fridge-Because an organized kitchen is a happy kitchen!
5. Submit your grocery order for the week-Yup, in today's day and age with grocery pickup you can literally do your grocery shopping in 15 minutes.
6. Take a fridge, freezer, or pantry inventory-Knowing what you have on hand makes meal planning so much faster
7. Write down your family's favorite dinners-This is another time-saving trick, don't reinvent the wheel, your family will love you for keeping their favorites on rotation
8. Wipe down cupboard doors
9. Clean stovetop or microwave
10. Meal Prep snacks for the week (cut fruits and veggies, fill baby food pouches, make trail mix)
11. Meal prep chicken in slow cooker for the week (try this recipe)
12. Organize your recipes
13. Browse pinterest for new recipes you'd like to try
14. Meditate or take a 15-minute power nap (Sometimes  a break is important, but try putting that phone away for an actual break instead of just a social media one)
15. Plan an upcoming event or party Sometimes I just need something fun to do...if I keep my fun projects on my list, then when I'm perusing pinterest it's with a purpose in mind instead of mindless scrolling.
16. Schedule your upcoming week
17. Make a list of leftovers your family can use up and leave it on the fridge
18. Make a list of available snacks for your kids and put it on the fridge
19. Pre-cook your grains for dinner that night
20. Chop your veggies for dinner that night
21. Measure out ingredients or make any sauces for dinner that night
22. Organize a cupboard or drawer in the kitchen
23. Load or unload your dishwasher
24. Call a friend or family member just to chat-Remember, making time for you will make your whole life run smoother. 
25. Make a dinner time emergency list (things you can make in your sleep with very little effort)