Next to I love you, do you know what our three favorite words are? Forget about it. Whether spoken by a spouse to dry our tears, by a boss to lighten our load, or even by the plumber who did some extra work at no charge, it’s a sweet thing to hear. It means our responsibilities just got a tad fewer.
If you’re like most busy women, your to-do list is longer than your supermarket receipt. So here are some things you can check off right now. Think of it as our gift to you. Go ahead, forget about it.
Getting an oil change every 3,000 miles: Experts now agree that it’s smarter and more economical to follow the advice in your car’s manual, which usually recommends oil changes at 5,000- to 7,500-mile intervals. That means fewer visits to the garage for you, less sludge for the environment, and, ultimately, more money in your pocket.
Paying bills: We better clarify this. Just about every business now offers an electronic payment option. To save yourself time, hassle, and stamps, sign up for all of them. If you don’t want companies accessing your bank account, then supply a credit-card number so you can still review charges and have someone to mediate disputes.
Putting in a new dryer sheet with every load: Okay, this isn’t exactly a huge time suck, but every bit helps. Instead of individual dryer sheets, Bounce now makes a dispenser (called the Bounce® Dryer Bar) that sticks to the inside of your dryer and automatically freshens for about 2-4 months. Stick one in and forget about it!
Agonizing over big problems: New research has found that our brains are much more active during daydreaming states than previously thought. Specifically, the areas responsible for complex problem solving keep cranking even though we’re unaware of it. In fact, letting your mind wander may actually bring on those a-ha moments.
Standing in customer-service lines at airports: If your flight has been canceled or delayed, immediately call the airline’s 800 number. Whoever answers will not only have more up-to-date info than the harried person behind the desk, but she’ll also be able to rebook you quicker. Always carry a list of airline 800 numbers in your purse when you travel.
Showering: That’s right, you heard us. The reason your skin feels so dry and you’re considering buying moisturizer in bulk is probably because you’re simply showering too much. Stick with once per day (or even every other) so your body’s natural oils can work their anti-aging magic. Hey, it works for French women!
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
