Green Giant time saving tips #PlatefullCoOp #Back2School

Disclosure: I participated in this post along with  General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

 As a mom of two kids in sports, it seems that sometimes we are running around more than we are at home, so that means we have a lot of time-saving trips!

So here are a few of my tips to save time on the mundane things, and use that time saved on the kids!

Lunches/Snacks

• Every Sunday night I fill the reusable containers with crackers, dry fruits, nuts, etc.  They  all go into a basket for easy access.  Kids can grab the snack or lunch item they want the night before and through it in their backpack/
• The same goes for fruit and veggies, they are all washed, cut and stored in the fridge for convenience!
•  Lunches are packed the night before and stored in the fridge, once again easy for grab and go in the morning.  More time spent on spelling words and less on packing lunches!

 Clothing

• If there is a sport event the next day, we lay out all the sport equipment/clothing the night before.  There is no frantic running around looking for a cleat or shin guard! 
• School clothes are also laid out the night before too!  No fighting in the morning, just wake up and get dressed!

Groceries/Meals

• I work a full time job outside the home and it is about a 45 minute commute.  I don't want to be spending my evenings or weekends grocery shopping, so I make a list and go on my lunch break.  I pack a couple of coolers with freezer packs in the trunk, but Winter is the best to keep food cold!  I make the list and buy all I need in my hour break.   Saves time away from the family!
• Crockpot meals....need I say more?  
• Pre-made meals, if we have a busy week I will make meals in the evenings after the kids are in bed.  This way they are easy to reheat and have a home cook meal.

Running out of ideas for your family dinner during the busy week? The last thing you want to do is spend time finding new recipes! Green Giant Steamers make it quick and easy to transform hectic weeknights into delicious family dinners. With Green Giant Steamers, all you need is a microwave and in a few minutes you’ll have a whole bag of perfectly cooked vegetables that will transform any of your go-to dishes. Take pasta night for example. Instead of just having red sauce and noodles simply add in our Valley Fresh Steamers Market Blend Vegetables and you’ll have our Spaghetti Veggie Bolognese! A completely new take on a family favorite, just by adding one new ingredient!