The intervals of non-cooking are too short to do anything interesting, so I use the time to get other chores done.

I tend to try to go back to the computer/book and use the oven or heating plaque at low-intensity. After my fourth or fifth carbon-coated pan, I've only started to get it right...

Do everything by CC.

I used to think that was an awesome idea, but then I found out banks make businesses pay 1€ out of every sale they make whenever I pay by DC (no CC for me if I can avoid it), and suddenly every time I paid for a 6€ expense with my card, I felt bad about myself... I'm seriously considering going back to cash.

it helps to have a partner who's a professional housekeeper.

I need to research manuals for professional housekeepers: there might be some interesting secrets and tricks there.