Polishing the floors by sliding across them in your fuzzy bunny slippers proved hazardous to your backside. Putting on your face in a speeding taxi — well, it wasn’t pretty. Not all shortcuts work, it turns out. But have a look at some of the time-saving ideas Real Simple readers share this month. They range from the practical to the slightly wacky — like cleaning the shower while you’re still taking one.

This Month’s Winner

Fit and Fun
As a work-at-home mom with two rambunctious small boys, I found it hard to fit exercise into my schedule. One day, as the boys were playing chase, I joined in on the fun. What a workout! Now my exercise regimen consists of things like galloping through the house on a stick pony, doing somersaults in the yard, and knocking off sit-ups or squats during Sesame Street. And all the while I’m spending some quality time with my children.
Amy Montgomery
Charlotte, North Carolina
Amy will receive a copy of the book Real Simple: The Organized Home.

Kitchen Do-Aheads

One day a month, I cook four weeks’ worth of dinners. I freeze each meal individually, so after work my husband and I have dinner already prepared. The portion control has helped us maintain healthy weights, and evenings are free for fun.
Catherine LaCross,
Morrisonville, New York

I put 10 cloves of garlic in a glass bottle with a pouring spout, add my favorite olive oil, and let the garlic macerate for about a week in the refrigerator. Then I use this, instead of peeling and chopping, in recipes that ask for garlic and oil. It keeps as long as the garlic cloves are covered by the oil, but usually a bottle will last me about a month in the refrigerator.
Beatrice Corvitto
Ventnor, New Jersey

I always double my cookie recipes, bake half, and then put the rest on a cookie sheet to freeze. The next day, I pop the frozen cookies into a freezer bag, squeezing the air out, so I’ll always have homemade cookies on hand to bake fresh as a snack for the kids or when company drops in.
Carrie McMaster
Darien, Connecticut

Buying in bulk to save money, I marinate or season several pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in categories (Asian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean), then grill, slice, and freeze them. It takes less than 30 minutes. When I get home from work, I can have stir-fry, enchiladas, quesadillas, pasta with chicken, Greek pitas — the possibilities are endless. I toss the meat in with the vegetables or pasta just long enough to warm it up.
Deirdre Sullivan
Fort Collins, Colorado

I buy prewashed and precut vegetables. That way, there’s no excuse for not eating healthy. I toss baby spinach, carrots, and field-salad mix into a bowl and my salad’s half-done. I just add slivered almonds, dried cranberries, kidney beans, and oil and vinegar.
Amy Ockert
Mountain View, California

I work full-time and have two young kids, so making homemade dinners isn’t easy. My shortcut? I prepare Crock-Pot meals the night before. I gather the ingredients, cover them, and leave them in the cooking bowl to refrigerate. The next morning, I turn on the pot, and dinner is ready when I get home.
Marwa Moustafa
Glendale, California