Lifestyle

Millennial Moms Reveal What Actually Saves Them Time

by Suzanne McKenzie

Remember when Mick Jagger sang “Time Is On My Side?” Yeah, we do too, and even after all these years, we still can't relate. All too often, time can feel like a limited resource. There never seems to be enough of it, and what we do have feels like it's depleting faster than the North American honey bee population.

This struggle is especially real for new Millennial moms, whose schedules tend to torpedo out of control the moment their little bundle of joy makes an appearance.

Here's the good news, though: With a little creativity, some planning ahead and a dash of modern technology, it's possible to make small changes guaranteed to save you some of that precious time (not to mention sanity) in the long run.

Here are some tips and tricks that Millennial moms swear by.

1. Embrace the undone beauty look (it's hot right now, we promise).

From runway models to beauty bloggers to social media celebs, bushy brows and grown out roots (we'll call it “ombre”) seem to be everywhere. So cancel your monthly salon appointment and jump on the au naturel train — you'll save yourself time and money, not to mention up your cool factor by taking after the it-girls of the moment.

2. Try your hand at meal prepping.

Those colorful arrays of stocked Tupperware containers aren't just for bodybuilders on Instagram. Hit up the farmer's market on Sunday to stock up on organic fruits and veggies for the week (also an adorable family photo op!) and make some big batch recipes like stews and stir-fries to stock your freezer for those days when you just can't.

3. Skip the daily washes and join the dry-shampoo fan club.

You've heard it before: Dry shampoo is more than a product — it's a way of life. It allows you to go one, two, or even three days (depending on hair type) between washes by reviving dirty roots and keeping hair looking fresh. Just use Batiste Dry Shampoo the next time you need to quickly spruce up your look, and you'll be out the door in no time.

4. Make ironing obsolete and use steam to banish wrinkles.

Unless you're a fictionalized housewife circa 1950, you probably don't have time to slave over a hot iron, pressing your clothes to perfection. Instead, hang wrinkled garments in the bathroom when you luck out and find time to take a hot shower. Let the steam do the work for you — you deserve it.

5. Start shopping online for home and baby essentials.

Eliminate those notorious store meltdowns (your kid's AND your own) by setting up recurring deliveries for the necessities you'll need restocked on a regular basis, like diapers and toilet paper. Buying in bulk will also save you cash, which you can put in your wine fund. Note: If you're a new mom who doesn't have a wine fund, it's time to set one up.

6. Seek out multitasking makeup.

Streamline your morning routine by choosing a foundation that moisturizes AND includes an SPF. It'll mean fewer products that you have to slather on after those sleepless nights, as well as healthy and protected skin as you take on your day.

7. Keep your mind sharp and your hands free with audiobooks.

Demanding infants and jam-packed schedules don't have to mean the end of your intellectual pursuits. Load up your smartphone with your favorite genre of book and listen in the car or when you're up for those 3 am feedings. Podcasts also provide excellent hands-free entertainment when you just can't bring yourself to watch another episode of The Wiggles.

8. Treat yourself to gel manicures/pedicures.

Loathe the look of naked nails but no longer have the time for weekly appointments? Spring for gel mani/pedis — they generally last for two weeks or longer, and gel is way more difficult to chip than normal polish. Perfect for a hands-on mom.

9. Ditch the diaper bag in favor of a chic, multi-purpose tote.

Nothing screams “I've given up” like a plastic-y diaper bag covered in farm animal print. Instead, opt for an oversized leather carry-all from your favorite brand. Choose one that can go from a play date to a work meeting to a night out, and you'll avoid the bag lady look while also saving yourself some running around time in the process.

10. Start swiping your baby's bath products.

It doesn't count as stealing if you're the one who bought it in the first place, right? Baby wipes and baby oil both make top-notch makeup removers, and generally contain way fewer chemicals than adult products, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Save yourself a trip to the drugstore and teach your kid how to share.

11. Switch up your exercise preferences to fit into your new routine.

Getting into stroller-friendly workouts like jogging or good old-fashioned walking will save you the time (not to mention money!) that it takes to coordinate childcare while you sweat. Not a fan of the great outdoors? Sign your child up for swim lessons or kids' classes at the local gym, and rest easy knowing that they're gaining valuable skills while you murder that spin class.