Picture this: it’s 5:30 PM. The kids are squabbling over who gets the blue plate, your youngest is declaring they’re starving like they haven’t eaten in weeks, and your partner is asking, “Have you seen that permission slip?” Meanwhile, you’re standing at the fridge, staring into its depths, hoping for inspiration to magically strike.

Sound familiar?

Trust me, I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. It’s like dinner-time chaos is its own special kind of tornado, sucking up what’s left of your energy (and sanity) at the end of the day. But what if I told you there’s a way to make that chaos… well, less chaotic?

That’s where meal prep magic comes in.

I have found, during my time as a frugal SAHM of 4, plus as an international homestay parent, that I need to be on the ball when it comes to grocery shopping.

By following these rules on auto pilot I don’t need to add extra thinking to my busy, sensory overloaded weeks, plus I know that I am always getting a good deal and I can feel good about that.