Here at The Mom of the Year, it’s all about being a fab parent–countless epic fails included, of course. I’d be lying if I told you I had it figured out–any of it figured out. My go-to strategy generally involves a lot of fumbling about and hoping for the best, but there have been a few things I’ve discovered along the way that do make this whole parenting gig a bit easier. Things like online shopping, one of my favorite life passions. So when Huggies asked me to share a fantastic promo code for shopping at the genius Diapers.com site along with some of my other tips for becoming a super mom (read: feeling like you might actually be rocking this gig once in a while), I was all over it.
Go make your life (a little) easier?:
1) I’m very open about the fact that I hate trying to shop with my kids. Not that endless temper tantrums and wildly flying Goldfish crackers in the aisles of Target aren’t super fun, but…When I figured out that I could do all of my shopping from home AND save my family money by using promo codes, rewards programs and the like, I got very comfortable cozying up in front of my computer and ordering online. This cut the panicked stress of hauling everyone out, leaving us more time for saner things, like running wildly in circles and knocking over block towers while Mommy attempts to wash dishes.
As a mom of two young ones, Diapers.com quickly became one of my favorite sites. Have you been there? They have everything you could need for babes in your life, from strollers to potty-training gear. The shipping is incredibly fast, the prices are sweet and they never close. So when you have the late-night realization that your diaper stash is dangerously low, logging on a making a quick order (before your Mommy brain lets you forget) is easy peasy.
Speaking of diapers, after trying many other brands, we remain sold on Huggies. I’ve learned quality diapers mean less time lost to cleaning up messes. If you’ve got active kiddos like mine, Huggies offers two tiers of diapers for babies on the go (age 4+ months or step size 3 and above): basic Snug and Dry and Little Movers Diapers with these cool features:
• NEW design includes Double Grip Strips that fasten at four points, for a better fit that provides your baby with a hug that lasts.
• The stretchy SnugFit Waistband helps HUGGIES® Little Movers Diapers stay in place.
• Absorbent LEAK LOCK® Technology gives your baby up to 12 hours of leak protection.
• Adorable © Disney designs feature Mickey and Minnie
The best news? By using promo code WOWHUGGIES at checkout, you can save $12 off your first Diapers.com purchase of any Huggies diapers case found HERE. New Diapers.com members also get free shipping on their first order of $49 or more. So go dig into the wonderful world of online shopping and break out the good diapers!
2) Plan ahead. Most Sunday nights I whip out my planner and map out our week. This might seem like yet another task that sucks up even more time, but look ahead–what errands can I group together to save driving time? How much cash will I need for the whole week so I don’t have to run to the ATM 3 separate times? What books do I “need” this month to support my late-night reading addiction? Put them on hold at the library ahead of time and then do one quick swing by the check-out desk to grab them all at once. My planner is a hot mess of notes, lines and dates–but it works.
3) Double-task. Sounds obvious, but do it. Want to catch up with a friend but have a kitchen that needs cleaned up? Turn the speakerphone on loud and then get to work. I like my simple scarf knitting, but I also like my husband. If we’re chatting out on the deck, I’ve got my needles in hand and am clicking away. Not to mention all the Christmas presents I’m making–time and money saved on shopping in December!
4) DIY. Don’t fret, I’m not talking about any ambitious craft projects. For me, this mostly translates into beauty care. I started doing my own waxing at my bathroom sink to save money and then a year ago, I bought a Living Social deal for an at-home gel manicure kit and never looked back. It’s definitely work on my end, but not having to spend my evening or cash at the salon is wonderful. And this is another example of double-tasking: I figure I’m going to watch an hour of TV at some point during my week anyway, why not pretty up my nails while I do it?
5) Do it in bulk. My dog gets a frozen peanut butter-yogurt-baby carrot stuffed Kong every day. This used to take a lot of time, but now I assembly line it up once a week and stash 7 of the filled treats in the freezer at a time. Go the same route for lunches or snack bags that you can pack ahead of time so you can grab them quickly on your way out the door. Birthday cards? I buy literally an entire year’s worth at a time. The store clerks always look at me like I’m insane. That’s okay. Guess who is not scrambling out on last minute runs to the drug store to grab a forgotten card. Or if you find a product you love at a great price? Stock up and boom! Several gifts for the year are done. Slightly neurotic, sure, but I’ll take it if it makes things smoother and easier for my family.
None of these tips are new or earth-shattering, but they have done a lot for me to make some of this mom job easier. What works for you? Any help with being a super mom (or a least occasional moments of feeling like I’m acing something) is always appreciated around these parts. Let me know what helps you save time and stress, and don’t forget to head over to Diapers.com and use that Huggies promo code to save some cash!
****Many thanks to Huggies for sponsoring this post and helping us all feel like rockstar moms saving time and money!****
Latest posts by Meredith (see all)
- 3 Times It Makes Sense To Wear A Tank Top - April 5, 2024
- DIY Flower Bouquets with Kids: A Most Beautiful Tribute - April 4, 2024
- The Women Book Club Discussion - March 8, 2024
Chris Carter says
Gosh, I wish I would have been able to do this when my kiddos were in diapers!! SO COOL!
Meredith says
Scary how easy it is! When you’re a grandma, Chris?? 😉
Darian Benoit says
Oh my gosh you’re tips are super clever! I have to ask, do you have any tips for a new first time mom? I’m 21, and I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy on May 14th of this year! I’m so happy to be a mom but I can never find time to be a wife or perform my home care duties much less even shower! I need a plan to help me stop having to do house work and have my baby screaming in my ears the entire time! Any suggestions?
Meredith says
Darian, congrats on your new little guy! Listen, having a baby is BRUTAL. It will get easier (I promise), but my #1 tip is to just give yourself grace. This will probably not be the time in your life when you house is the cleanest and laundry is always done and folded–and that’s okay! Really, he’s your priority and the other stuff will eventually get done…when you send him off to college?? 😉 Joking aside, my son SCREAMED for 3 mo. straight and I thought I was losing my mind. Just be easy on yourself and know that you are doing a super job. xo.