Kitchen Timer--a Simple Time Management Tool

Time management is a must in today's world. We multi-task, over-book our schedules and run ourselves ragged trying to get everything done on-time and done well.

Kitchen timers are inexpensive, nifty little tools that can minimize effort and maximize results! Take a look at their many uses.

ALARM CLOCK: hate the violent wake-up call that some alarm clocks deliver? The gentler tone of a kitchen timer may be all you need to let you know that it's time to start your day.

Just set the timer the night before for the number of hours later that you want to get up. Then put it on your dresser or, in my case, right on the edge of the bed so that it can easily be turned off when it first sounds.

BAKING: baking a cake, cupcakes, pies and the like most assuredly require the use of a timer. What about multi-process recipes where you have more than one step going on at the same time? Better have two, or even three, timers on hand to keep right on top of things!

CLEANING: We know that timers are great for baking but how about cleaning? Oven cleaning solutions take time to do their work. While you're waiting, just set a timer and go do something else. (How to Clean an Oven)

COOKING: many recipes require timers. How about boiling an egg? It can feel like the longest 10 minutes of your life! After you get the water boiling, set the timer and do something else*---sort the mail perhaps?

HAIR COLORING: when coloring your hair, it is essential to process it according to the directions. Mix and apply the solution to your hair, set the timer for the correct developing period and then relax enjoy reading a good book (or a hub) while you wait.

LAUNDRY: ever suffered from "laundry pile up"? Some of that happens because you forget it after it's put in. Most dryers have timers that ring but not many washers do. So, here's the cure: when you put in that first load of laundry, set a timer to remind you when it's time to put it in the dryer. Keep the process up and before you know it the laundry will all be done!

MEDICATION: if you or a family member has a series of medications to take, it can get confusing. Especially in the case of antibiotics, which work best when taken like clock-work, use a timer to remember that next important dose.

MEETING REMINDERS: do you get absorbed in your work and sometimes run late for meetings? Use a kitchen timer to remind you to drop what you're doing and get moving!

PLUMBING: got a slow drain? Drain cleaners require a certain amount of time--15-45 minutes--to do their job. Set your timer to come back and flush it through with hot running water.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: got a busy work schedule? Keep yourself on task by setting a time to remind you of when to stop one activity and move onto the next. Decluttering and organizing your home? Set boundaries on the time spent--use a kitchen timer.

*Fire Safety Note: even with the use of timer, it is unsafe to leave the room with food cooking on the stove. If you'll be doing something else while your timer tracks your progress, plan on doing it right in the kitchen where the action is.

There are several types of kitchen timers. Mechanical and electronic are two of the most popular types.

Dial Timer: this is the mechanical version. Turn the dial for the amount of time that you want to countdown and it ticks away until the bell finally rings. There are some very cute styles of mechanical timers for kitchen use including those shaped like lady bugs, owls, burgers, cupcakes and farm animals like hens and pigs.

Electronic Timers: These timers are battery-powered and have an analog or digital number display. Enter the amount of time you want to go by until it sounds by pushing buttons on the front. They measure hours, minutes and even seconds. Some versions will sound a one-beep alert 10 minutes before the desired time, two-beeps 5 minutes before and then a continuous beeping at the time you first entered.

Online Countdown Timer: this nifty little website will allow you to set up your own online timer that will ring when the time is up!

Sinea Pies is a freelance writer for a popular parenting magazine and professional blogger who writes about organizing, time management, parent/family, cooking, school, faith and dogs on her website Ducks 'n a Row.You are invited to leave a comment or subscribe to her HubPages RSS feed for regular updates. Click for more:Sinea's profile.

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