life·hack (ˈlīfˌhak/) noun: A strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one’s time and daily activities in a more efficient way.

I’ve been a mother 10 short months, but in that time I’ve learned a very important lesson. If there’s an easier way to do something, do it that way. Embrace the life hack.

1. Peanut butter cookies: No time to let butter warm on the counter? No flour? No problem. Combine one cup sugar, one and a half cups peanut butter and an egg. Let stand for a couple minutes, spoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk. (And a bonus — it’s gluten free!)

2. Popcorn: Have you ever looked at the ungodly amount of ingredients on a bag of unpopped popcorn? Let alone how much it costs vs. a bag of kernels? Here’s how we do it at our house. Put half a cup of kernels in a brown paper bag, add two tablespoons of olive oil, fold the top of the bag and hit the “popcorn” button on the microwave. Voila!

3. Vacuum everything. For awhile I was sweeping daily – I have a baby on the move after all. We invested in a good vacuum known for its bare floor feature. and I don’t ever sweep anymore. Life saver. (Yes, I realize gushing about a vacuum is a bit cliche, but seriously, the dog hair is no match for me and that white machine.)

** Want more? Check out the “Domestic Life Hacks” Pinterest board.