The holiday season seems like an appropriate time to talk about gifts. It is nice to be given a gift, and even better to give gifts. One of our traditions is to wrap our gifts in interesting packages – to disguise what it really is. This post isn’t about gifts to others, but gifts to my future self.

Presents from a few years back. Walt was extremely creative!

What do I mean when I say gifts to my future self? I am talking about those things that make my life easier and less frustrating. This also applies to making Walt’s life easier as well. By thinking ahead and looking at what is happening in the next few days, life can be less stressful.

My work mornings start at 5:20 am – up, take care of the dog, eat something, and get ready for work. I’m out the door by 7 am. I don’t want to get up and discover I am out of deodorant or sandwich meat.

For day to day things, I try to make sure everything is as ready as it can be before I go to bed. Is my work apron in my bag? Is the coffee pot ready to start with the timer? Did I put some more tissues or bandages in my purse?

Saturday Stock up

Every Saturday, I do what I call Saturday stock up. I prefer to purchase larger containers of things like shampoo as it is both more cost-effective and uses less packaging. So, on Saturdays, I refill the shampoo bottles in the shower. I fill the sugar bowl. I check the pepper grinder and the dog’s medication. Do we have enough coffee filters? How about eggs?

I check things like razor blades and toilet paper and put them on the grocery list if they are low. Everything from laundry detergent to prescription meds to potato chips are quickly checked to be sure we aren’t getting low.

Snacks for the week are prepared so that we can quickly grab something to add to our lunch bags. I like to do a variety of items so I can choose what I want each day.

Small granola bars, beef jerky in a couple of flavors, and a variety of nuts.

I put together single serving portions of things like nuts and beef jerky. We reuse the bags several times until they wear out. Sometimes little granola bars or candy bars are in the mix.

Image shows small bags with a variety of dried fruits.

I also do an assortment of dried fruits. Anything from apricots to raisins and everything in between is an option. This weeks options were apricots, dates, pineapple, and figs. Again, I do a single serving in a bag and reuse the bags as long as I can.

Image shows small containers with red lids. One is open and has fruit and nuts in it

I do use some small containers. These last longer than the bags, but take up more room for storage. These small containers hold my typical afternoon snack mix of nuts, dried fruit, and a few candies. It gives me protein and carbs to help me get through the end of my workday and tide me over until dinner.

Menus and meal planning

We have a variety of dishes we like to make, and I try to keep the basic ingredients for our favorites around the house. An assortment of vegetables, some meat, poultry, and fish, rice, beans and so forth make it easy for me to cook most items on my regular list.

I’ve talked about some meal prep that I do in this post, this one, and this one. Having things prepared ahead makes it easier to get dinner when you are getting home from work.

I also like to make a menu over the weekend so that I an add any ingredients I don’t have on hand to the list.

Do you have any things you do to make your life easier by planning ahead?