I’m Maria, a passionate home cook with a mission to help you create delicious meals on a budget. As a wife and mom of three boys, I know how important it is to make every dollar count without sacrificing taste or quality. With my background in financial analysis and my love for cooking, I’ve developed a unique approach to meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking that will inspire you to save money while still enjoying gourmet meals at home.
The #1 Secret To A Meal Plan That Actually Works
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Are you tired of planning delicious but complicated meals only to find they don’t fit into your busy schedule? Or perhaps you’ve tried thrifty meal plans that your family just won’t eat? Maybe you’ve given up on meal planning altogether, feeling like it's just not for you. There are a million reasons why meal planning hasn't worked for you in the past, and that’s probably because there are a million different ways to do it. With so many gurus and exciting plans online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. Here’s the truth: meal planning is not the same for any two people, and even for one person, it can change from week to week. Life and our schedules are always changing, especially for busy moms! So, what’s the secret to successful meal planning? It’s simple: being realistic. You need to be honest about how much time you have to cook and the type of meals your family will actually eat. Here’s my roadmap to successful meal planning: Step 1: Inventory Your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry Step 2: Shop the First Page of Your Grocery Store Sales Flyer Step 3: Review Your Schedule Step 4: Plan Your Meals So it’s simple, right? Plan meals based around what you have in your pantry, what’s on sale, and your schedule. Oh, and make sure it’s something your family likes and will eat. Sounds like a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, and at first, it might feel like that. But here’s the deal: the only failure is quitting. Just because you didn't get it right before, and maybe you don't get it right this week, doesn't mean you failed. It means you’re trying. Even getting a few meals right will help you save money now! And when you keep trying, it will get easier. You’ll stick to your plan longer and longer, and you’ll learn from your mistakes. If you’re ready to make meal planning easier and more effective, join our Smart Spend Bootcamp. Our next cohort starts today, August 5, 2024 (it's not too late to join!). This is the perfect month to start saving money on groceries with the support of like-minded moms. Plus, you'll get 40 exclusive August recipes, 30 days of slow cooker meals, and 5-ingredient, 15-minute dinners available only to Bootcampers this month! Click [here] to secure your spot and start your journey to stress-free meal planning and grocery savings. Looking forward to seeing you in the bootcamp! Best regards, Maria P.S. Don't forget to always use what you have on hand! |
Meals With Maria
I’m Maria, a passionate home cook with a mission to help you create delicious meals on a budget. As a wife and mom of three boys, I know how important it is to make every dollar count without sacrificing taste or quality. With my background in financial analysis and my love for cooking, I’ve developed a unique approach to meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking that will inspire you to save money while still enjoying gourmet meals at home.
Hi Friend! With the school year in full swing, things are getting busier than ever around here! Sound familiar??? Whether it's soccer practice, swimming lessons, or LEGO club, our weeknights can get a little hectic. But no matter how busy we get, I always try to make sure we sit down to a hot, nutritious meal together as a family. That’s where make-ahead casseroles come in handy for us! Whether I prep them on the weekend, in the morning, or the night before, these casseroles are a lifesaver...
The weekly breakfast grind is real, isn’t it? Every morning, you’re faced with the same question: What’s for breakfast? And it’s not just for you—what about the rest of the household? It’s a simple question that often turns into a daily struggle, even with a stocked fridge. Sometimes, it feels like there’s no answer in sight. Last spring, I decided enough was enough. I took a hard look at our daily routines and made a commitment to make mornings easier for everyone. After months of battling...
To be honest, I tend to scroll the grocery store sales flyers before bed. I really really like them and enjoy them. (total geek, I admit it!) But there was a time when they really stressed me out. I had to find the right balance of need and want when it came to using them properly and to get the best deals. And I get, it's not for everyone, which is why especially on busy weeks, I only pick one store to shop and I really only focus on the first page of the flyer. That's where the best deals...