Time eludes most of us. We never seem to have enough of it. Yet we are all given the same 24 hours each day. Here are twelve strategies to save time and streamline your day to make the most of the 24 hours you are given.

1. Send gift certificates and gift cards for presents. Phone in the order - no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges. This options also helps reduce clutter because the gift recipient is able to purchase exactly what they want, rather than receiving a gift that is never used, but lingers out of obligation to the gift giver.

2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens, two cornerstones of quick, healthy dinners. Add shredded chicken to casseroles, salads, soups, and pastas. At my local grocery, fresh, hot rotisserie chickens are available twice a day.

3. Ask for the earliest appointment. The later in the day you book a doctor's visit, a haircut, or a meeting, the greater the chance it will be delayed.

4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home and in the office. If you have kids you've likely received a birthday invitation on Friday for a party on Saturday, so keep a stash of girl and boy birthday gifts for those last minute birthday party invitations. This strategy saved us loads of time when my kids were younger.

5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your walletor Smart Phone. Better yet, purchase an e-reader like Kindle Wireless e-Reader by Amazon, where you can preview, download and read books totally in electronic format. For movies, grocery stores and McDonald's in most large cities now have Red Box kiosks where you can get a one night rental for $1.

6. Make kits containing supplies that you use all the time(scissors, tape, reading glasses, cleaning supplies) and place in strategic areas of the house (i.e., by a phone, or in a desk or night stand). At least, place a kit on every floor of your home. This will prevent extra trips up and down the stairs for minor projects.

7. Apply for your car license tags onlineand if you live close to toll roads, apply for an electronic tag to quickly go through toll booths.

8. Invest in a wireless handheld e-mail device(such as a BlackBerry). Keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime.

9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank's website and purchase postage stamps online.This one is a huge time and money saver! I haven't purchased postage stamps, checks or envelopes for years!

10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil, wine, or cute notepadsso you don't have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts.

11. Buy movie tickets in advanceat "Triple A" or by using Moviefone or Fandango to avoid wasting time on lines.

12. When cooking, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal.