This post was sponsored by Tai Pei as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I feel like I’m really entering the stage of having two toddlers. I was just looking at pictures from this time last year and Eliza was so tiny! And I remember thinking she was so big! It’s so funny how that happens. But now Eliza is the same age (19 months) Abe was when she was born (WHAT?! WHAT.WERE.WE.THINKING?) and it not a baby at all anymore. And Abe of course all toddler, all the time. He’s 3, after all. Anyway, all this to say that all day, every day, I am badgered by two kids asking for food, pulling my hand to where they want to go, changing their mind every 2 seconds, etc., etc. I can’t catch my breath, most days. It’s not that I’m “busy” per se, just that I have a one year old and a three year old hanging out right next to me (or on top of me) at any given moment. Like right now Eliza literally just climbed on top of me as I was typing this. Kids 😉

Over the last 3 years of being a SAHM, I’ve really started to notice different things that really just make my life easier. There are just small and simple hacks that keep me sane, and I thought I’d share some of them with you today, in case you’re feeling like your drowning a little bit, because I feel that way, and often.

Keep easy and quick (and healthy!) lunches on hand (– for you!).

I hate lunch time (ok, really most meal times these days), any one else? We’re all hungry, I have two little “baby birds” circling my feet asking for all sorts of things, while I’m trying to get their lunches on plates, and once I finally get them all squared away, I have to make my own lunch, and hope that by the time I sit down to eat, they won’t be done and ready to be wiped and begging to get down from the table! Because of this, I like to keep quick and easy meals stocked up so I don’t have to spend a lot of time putting together my lunch. And of course, it’s always a bonus if it’s at least semi-healthy 😉

Frozen entrees are always easy, and I love the Tai Pei brand! Plus, Tai Pei recently came out with a single serve line of frozen entrees, that you microwave right in the container. They’re made with real, quality ingredients (no preservatives or artificial flavors!) and are so delicious. There are a bunch of flavors, which I really appreciate, since I seem to fall into a lunch rut often. So far I’ve tried the two flavors listed above, and have really liked them. They really taste just like I paid for some Asian take-out! I’m excited to try more flavors, too. You can find out where they’re sold near you here.

Utilize a capsule(-like) wardrobe.

Ok, so I don’t actually have a full-blown capsule wardrobe, but I love the idea behind it! In a true capsule, you only have a limited amount of clothing pieces, that you love and that mix and match for potentially endless amounts of outfits. I don’t keep a limited amount (oops) but I HIGHLY recommend curating a closet that you love, with pieces that you can easily pair together. That way you won’t be spending time you don’t have in front of your closet each morning. You’ll have clothing you love, so it only takes a few minutes to pick something out and go! (You can read more here if you’re interested.)

Pack your bag the night before.

I’ve talked about this before, and I’ll keep talking about it, because it’s my #1  tip to any busy mom — or really anyone who needs to get out the door quickly. PACK YOUR BAG THE NIGHT BEFORE. Clean it out, stock it up, and get it all ready to go, so in the morning you don’t have to worry about if you have wipes, or a binky, or enough diapers or snacks. You know you do, because you packed it when you weren’t in a hurry.

Take 5 minutes each morning and write a to-do list.

Now, I have a blog post forthcoming about my whole to-do list and planning routine, but for now, this quick blurb will suffice. Each morning (or the night before) take 5 minutes to write out all the things you’d like to accomplish that day. If you’re anything like me, it can get long – and quickly! So, next, go through and circle the top 3 things you NEED to get done. Maybe it’s grocery shopping, laundry, and getting that package in the mail. Maybe it’s vacuuming, showering, and finally tackling those dirty dishes. Whatever they are, stick those at the top of your to-list. Having a top 3 will keep your stress levels down, and make you feel more productive. Can you do more than your top 3? Absolutely! But start with those 3 things and go from there.

 I hope these tips help you! Being a mom is hard work, but there are always things we can do to help it go a little bit better and smoother. If you’d like to give a Tai Pei meal or two for your busy days, you can save $1.00 on ONE (1) Tai Pei® Entrée (7.9 oz. or larger) or Appetizer using this link. I hope you enjoy it!