From Chaos to Order : Meal Planning for those that HATE Meal Planning!

[@karinjudge7277]

Good ideas Bri :) I buy carrots, celery and onions. Usually a larger amount of each. And usually on sale. Chop all and flash freeze. Bag up individually. Those 3 vegetables are used a lot in many recipes. So when cooking they are easy to grab and throw into soups or casseroles etc. Huge time saver. Also take your ground beef. Fry it all up at once. Drain grease. Let cool. Put into those sandwich bags with the flap. ( they are cheap )Then put all the little bags into a big ziplock bag. ( ziplock bag will remain clean for next batch. So when you need some ground beef it’s all ready to go. You only use your stove one time to cook that meat. You only clean the greasy stove and pan once. It is a huge time saver. Of course you still need fresh meat for grilling etc but for like chili, sloppy joes, veg beef soup and some casseroles it’s a game changer. 🙂Here is another frugal tip. If you make a pot of coffee. And only drink one or two cups. Pour the rest in a jar. Do not throw out. It is still good. Save for a afternoon cup of pick me up. Either heat back up or add creamer and ice. Simple 😊

[@esthers9140]

I have some silicone trays with lids that I put my unused coffee into and freeze, that way if I don't have available coffee already cold I throw them into coffee. It doesn't dilute the flavor like regular ice would. You had really great tips Karin.😊

[@twohomesteads6512]

I like this idea about putting the ground beef in the more economical bags and then putting in the sealable bag so it stays clean.

[@AmberLennox]

Thank you for sharing the great ideas!

[@amyfaith2350]

I do all the above! I call it Jar coffee, or batch coffee. I'm a big batch cooker :)

[@yourstruly9448]

All great tips! 👍

[@foreveryours717]

Awesome video. Can you film your roast recipe/method? Please?

[@kathycagg6531]

“We’re balancing our sanity!” Love it! Bri you are doing so great at presentation! This plan looks brilliantly simple & practical. I’m at a different stage in my life, living alone & with serious health issues that tax my energy & functioning. Even so I think this may just help me. Thank you,Bri!

[@brittanypennington9716]

Such practical and wonderful tips! I feel like I'm going to have to watch this a few times to glean all the wisdom. Thank you so much, Bri!

[@nancycowan6109]

I don’t meal plan as it’s just two of us here. What your video did for me today was to get up and clean out my fridge and freezer. You’re inspirational in a lot of ways, Bri. Thanks for sharing your life with us. ❤️

[@salonisalvi3484]

Your planning is practical,, and you need to be able to get all your work done ,, so what you are doing is perfect and I’m liking it !!

[@akt3079]

I have been overwhelmed for years with all the KZbin meal planning. They are all wonderful just not for me so stuck in a weekly rut. Wow!!! How simplified this is. Your encouragement has been a blessing to me today. ❤

[@evamandelkow9633]

I really love these ideas! Especially being able to direct one of the kids to pick a meal when they are going to make dinner. Love it!

[@lindacano437]

Even at 71, I have learned from you some very good tips. Thank you.

[@debbieblick5403]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how you incorporate teaching into all of your videos. Even though I've known most of what you are teaching at various points in my life, your videos are GREAT refresher courses and reminders for me. You are such an inspiration and always so positive!!! I always feel uplifted after I watch one of your videos! You have a very peaceful and calming effect on me even if you do not feel it personally. When you sit in the sun and take a deep breath, I FEEL IT! And, FYI - you get more done in one day with 7 children, than I do in a week, with no children. I need to take your lead and get off my butt more.

[@KellysGarden]

This is so great! As a dietitian who works with a lot of families with children, I plan on sharing this ❤

[@beverlyhendricks9456]

You are so special Bri. Sweetie if you were not flexible you wouldn’t still be standing and making sure your children are thriving. God bless. Great job.

[@esthers9140]

My slow cooker is my best friend when it comes to meal planning. I love being able to put all the ingredients in the slow cooker turn it on and forget about it until it's done. Especially in the summer months I live where it gets very hot and turning on the oven😅 there are so many easy inexpensive slow cooker recipes on the internet.😊

[@juliewright1895]

I am 55 years old and have worked on figuring out a system most of my adult life. I do almost exactly what you do and I think I just figured it out about three years ago. Lol!! Wish I would’ve figured it out when I was your age, would’ve been so much simpler! It’s a great system! :-)

[@loriburgess1866]

I had to giggle. I’m 64 years old. I’ve been making meals for 44 years. I do go to the store and buy the best priced proteins, vegetables and a grain or starch and fruits. Then I go home, process the vegetables and fruits. Then I imagine the meals. Three meals a day. I actually do what you said not to do and it has been working for over 4 decades now. I realize I’m unusual in this approach. I have never met someone who does it my way. It is a very frugal way to meal plan. I also do not use recipes. Planning and following a recipe stresses me out. I think you are very helpful and encouraging to so many. Thank you for what you do. I have a heart for helping other women gain control over their family’s food. This is so important.

[@shawnakobelka4483]

Making dinner is like art. It’s not supposed to be stressful or “overwhelming “. It’s an act of love and creativity to me. I love to see ideas out there and make them for my family. Maybe because I was a waitress/bartender and now a nurse for 13 years, I’ve always had to multitask and this is not difficult or stressful to me. Some meals you win, some you lose, but you keep trying and you keep cooking! 🥰

[@kristie4890]

Thank you, Bri! This helped me a lot. I would love to see some more of your recipes...taco soup, crock pot meals, etc. Only if you have time to put that together. Thank you so much for sharing! God Bless!

[@homesteadmccoy]

Fabulous advice from a brilliant woman who has cooked thousands of meals.

[@OrganicMommaGA]

When all my boys lived at home, we had themed days that helped me with meal planning and helped the boys know (kind of) what they could expect for supper on any given day. Monday was usually "Italian" (pasta or pizza, typically), Tuesday was "Tex-Mex" (tacos, burritos, chili), Wednesday was Leftovers Casserole (some mixture of leftovers with added rice, veggies, or whatever), Thursday was Kids' Choice (like breakfast items or something THEY made for us), and Friday was Fish. Weekends were much more relaxed, and we kind of "flew by the seat of our pants" with whatever was in the freezer, fridge, or pantry.

[@vickiehyde2081]

I was looking on your website where your t-shirts and hoodies are and I was wondering if you ever thought about aprons

[@esthers9140]

I woke up this morning thinking there should be a video from Bri but I didn't see one, I was disappointed and look😊 can't wait to watch🤗💛

[@AmberLennox]

Can you show how and what you do to use the roast to make a broth? How to use the chicken to make another meal etc. This seems to be 'natural' to many yet I struggle with it.

[@pennywillis8895]

🇦🇺I was a foster parent for over 20 years. Having kids come in that preferred takeaway, we decided to make meals less stressful. We ate lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs or meatloaf a lot. I would blitz veggies to a sauce and add it to bolognaise sauce or other sauces. Especially things like eggplant, mushrooms, onions, zucchini and squash. If they don’t see you blitz the veggies they eat the food without drama. Using oats to bulk up and stretch meat (meatballs or meatloaf) is always good, especially kids with hollow legs. I would make a meatloaf pizza. Divide meatloaf into two, flatten each out into a circle and place half on baking tray. Top with sauce, tomatoes and cheese and anything you would like as in bacon etc and repeat the process. Bake in oven, slice like a pizza into triangle shape pieces and serve. Makes a fun alternative. Something my daughter started for her son was hulk meatloaf. It meatloaf with lots of spinach (the meatloaf is green), cook like normal, at 15 my grandson still loves it.

[@faithbooks7906]

So practical and doable. You are full of wisdom!

[@janesecaraway3995]

You definitely speak the truth!! I meal plan the same way, week after week and have been for many years. I also save by shopping sales to stock my pantry or freezer. I may not need it this week but I will next or the next. I had a Easter ham. Then we had ham and potato soup....the vegetables ham soup. All were delicious and did not get bored with the ham! Meat vegetable and starch is a good healthy plan also! My rule with most all meals. Thanks Bri for sharing! From Montgomery al ❤️ 💕

[@joeyhoney1]

This is so good to know! I roughly do a similar process, and it works so well! Cheers from 🇨🇦Calgary Alberta🇨🇦

[@janw491]

I have a big and growing list of meals to choose from. It works for me

[@cathyhunter362]

Can I just say that I love you Bri ❤! Your enthusiasm and advice are so spot on for many. I am long done having Littles but enjoy you and the friendship that you share over a screen ❤.

[@angelasheppard7197]

Such a good mom

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

Oh my goodness, what an awesome way to meal plan! This makes it so much more simple. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@ginco5203]

That's how I menu plan pretty much. I check fridge and freezers for things that need to be used up, make a list of meals to use those ingredients. If I use something from my pantry, I do add it to my grocery list so that my pantry stays stocked and rotated. I don't specify days and have found I only need 3 meals per week because for the other days we have leftovers because there is only 2 of us. 😊

[@joannemccune1317]

Oh, I would like to know how you make your roast. That would be helpful. Thanks! ☺️💐

[@pamelabillings2464]

Thanks for the kick in the pants to get up and be prepared for dinner time instead of being in a rush at the end! 😅 I am so guilty of not making dinner when I've got burn out. I need to plan those simple meals for those days. Most of the time I enjoy trying new recipes because it makes cooking fun. Great stuff Bri! I appreciate the simplicity.

[@Jport3]

Yes!!! Shop your pantry first it makes total sense! Thank you!!❤

[@lilaholland5764]

This Is how I meal plan as well. Love a list of meals that I know I have everything on hand to make any day I choose 👍

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Hey Bri! Yes, I hate meal planning. I’m listening.

[@sophianeu5464]

Thanks for your practical advice!💞

[@rachelcarter2443]

Beside that list I had a second list with 20 favorite meal ideas. Repeating standard hits become part of a family tradition. I made tortellini soup almost every week when my kids were little. Now they are adults and ask for it when they visit.

[@glennacordill8028]

You are so nice, Bri. I really love coming here for a visit with you. ☺

[@redbarnhomestead7384]

This is my sign to get back to meal planning.:) thanks!

[@cathykillion6544]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jillthomas4926]

Very similar to how I meal plan! I have brain fog really bad sometimes due to medical conditions, and this helps me remember!

[@debbieembury6885]

So agree with you!! I love to cook but some times it gets old and I have to change stuff up When I learned my kids friends don’t sit down together and eat a meal my heart was so sad for them. So much goes on at our table. It should be a happy place

[@commeonfaitsonjardin434]

Great video Bri!!

[@aliciahoffart9989]

hello, thank you for the meal plan help with my busy 3 kid life. i am wondering if i could get your taco soup recipe? thanks Bri

[@johnsyjohnson]

Thanks for the inspiration bri, i really needed this motivation

[@ashleylovepace1941]

Thinking about Art. I hope God blesses and heals him! I went through a horrible depression in my life that led to me losing all belief in God for 8 years. Thank God he drew me back. Little by little.

[@janeschmidt9611]

I love going to the theater to see a movie because I can immerse myself in the experience. There are nowhere near the crowds that there used to be because of Netflix and others. I take my grandsons who enjoy the food and movie when I can and I’m looking forward to taking my three year old granddaughter when she can sit still. Wish there were more movies for children. When I was growing up we had Disney. 😞🥰

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

Thank you.

[@healingacres1748]

So well said Bri!

[@tarabishop8499]

My husband is self employed, therefore, he never gets home at the same time and it can vary by hours. I hate having to plan meals. This was very helpful!!❤❤

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Same, it can be frustrating!

[@terryhenderson424]

Crockpot meals that can hold in the crockpot, prepped casseroles that only need 20-30 minutes in the oven to heat up and meld, salads (flavor infused meat and cheese included) and stew style soup, and those 10 minute wonders like stir fry which take uptomhours to chop and dice the veggies, fish and seafood which cook fast.

[@servantwarrior880]

I cook four meals every day as a home school family of seven. My husband gets home really late as CEO of our business so a lot of time our girls are already in bed. I like to cook him a fresh meal every night so he feels taken care of as well.

[@Mel-vu9ss]

@@servantwarrior880 you are a fabulous wife thinking that way! ❤

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@servantwarrior880 My husband worked two jobs when our older kids were little and now that are grown up they have a hard time with feeling like they never got to see their dad. It would be great if your husband could be home more to spend time with the kids. When we were raising our kids we were just trying to make ends meet. He worked hard at his jobs and I worked hard at home and was frugal. We didn’t realize the implications to our kids until they were grown. We also had church several nights a week, so that was part of it. Live and learn, I guess.

[@christinabryant5725]

That is also how I meal plan and it works great for my family

[@nelliewellie6315]

I used to be really good at meal planning but as life has become super busy I don't have the time to do it at the moment. Instead, I keep everything that we use for our basic meals on hand and add them to my shopping list as we use them so I always have them replenished. This way I can grab whatever I need for that meal and know that I should have all the pantry and freezer ingredients on hand. It may mean a quick trip to the shop to get a couple of fresh ingredients and/or yoghurt etc if I'm making a butter chicken, but the bulk of it is already in my storage. I also have most of the basic fresh ingredients such as carrots, onions, potatoes etc on hand at all times so I can make most meals without any trip to the store. It's the only way I can cope right now but I look forward to getting back to the stage where I can meal plan because it really helped us.

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... Bri nice to see you love watching your videos 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🌱🏡🎥👍👍👍

[@kylerstowe6665]

I like to pick one night a week (least busy night) to double a recipe. We have one for dinner and one for the freezer. Then after a few weeks I start incorporating one premade freezer meal into the week.

[@marystrenke3050]

Excellent idea

[@hearnefamilyhomestead2301]

Thanks Bri! Such great info!!❤

[@kimberlyhill-geiser9283]

I agree looking in the refrigerator and cabinets and get inspiration for dinner.

[@joanneganon7157]

Hey Bri, sounds like you concord the madness of meals 🌞. I found taking a trip to the freezer would give me ideas too. Good job feeding the gang GF ❤. JO JO IN VT 💞

[@nanapapatecumseh1981]

🎉I miss your organic & planning for a large family who will recept your plan ❤

[@yourstruly9448]

Really great meal planning advice!! 👍

[@christelleuys8805]

Bri!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. So inspiring and simple. Lovit. Meal planning is new to me and I really think this video will help a lot!

[@karomaalta4592]

Yes! This is a good way to do it. For me the problem is lunch! Still working on it!

[@christinebodkins1655]

Too funny watching this as I meal plan this week ….. working off what I have too❤ Thanks for new ideas ❤

[@jenthrasher5056]

Best trick to meal planning on my homestead. Buy in bulk, cook in bulk. Then freeze for extra meals. When I make chili, I always end up with 10 bowls, each bowl is 2.5 serving. Plus enough in fridge for teen to eat for lunch a couple days. Lasagna I will make 4 trays, when I freeze it, it's cut into serving and I vax seal each serving usually end up with 20 or more packs in freezer. If I do spaghetti, I make enough homemade sauce for several meals, freeze up several bowls of sauce, then I cook pasta when we need it. Veggie soup, I will cook 2 really large pots, (same ones I use for canning) then boom about 20 bowls go in freezer. Now I have 4 freezers so I have the space to do that. If I don't have the freezer space, I will throw in canning jars and process then for shelf life. I agree, we tend to make a usual meals, so special dinners, more gourmet, I'll do on Friday nights. Saturdays are to busy on the homesteads and Sundays is pizza and hotwings. Pre husband request. Which I'm ok with.

[@angelabull7173]

You're so comforting. Thank you!

[@emeraldwaterlifehomestead2180]

Bro, so thank you. I have a few things I can change to make meal planning easier with your suggestions. ❤

[@marycook9607]

Meal planning for me would be great. ❤❤

[@kathymoore3967]

awesome video, been ding o this for years nothing goes to waste here. Bri you are wonderful.

[@heidiweinert3260]

The garden really requires flexibility too. It is a whole different ballgame when harvest starts coming in.

[@pamelareno-kemp427]

Very helpful. Thank you. ❤

[@kathiemusser6825]

Loved this video! Very informational and flexible for meal planning.

[@Emma-yw6yg]

Thanks Bri. This is really helpful. Love your videos ❤

[@janinesimon6076]

Excellent ideas!

[@melodytallmage532]

Hay bri just know that our family is praying for you and your family I hope some day you get to move back home as a disabled adult I have learned a lot from u after a suffers a tramatic brain injury and the complexity of it know that my children are grown and got family s of there own and Lossing everything including who I was it's taken 10 years to 1keep the faith and learn understand what tbi is how it effects me so this videos are greatfull important to me I thank God I found you and saved ur video you and your beautiful children and teaching them to just simply learn and enjoy life it makes better people in the world

[@marykaystoll9587]

Love this! Thanks for inspiring me this morning.. 😊

[@suebarnard1734]

Thank you!

[@rontiemens2553]

Very simple!

[@dottiegyles1119]

Thanks for sharing. This is encouraging. Good ideas!

[@mother8576]

Thank you Bri this helps a lot

[@mariaboldt5755]

I love this idea, I am struggling some time with wath do make, ❤

[@Wildevis]

Crockpot stews or soups and bolognaise were always my go-to or my kids loved what I called Cowby food = fried onions and baked beans on mash potato with some grilled farmer sausage. I love cooking so meal planning has always been easier for me as I always have these food ideas in my head and comparing to what I have on hand. Chicken pie with roast potatoes, also a favourite and my grown up daughter now makes it my way as well. I do it exactly like you do but it is so much easier now my kids are all grown up but I was also a single mom most of my children's lives and also worked from home, so I always had a few days of meals in my head. I had a dear friend who stayed with me for a year and she said she was amazed that most of the time I made supper in 30 minutes, except for stews and soups, they are better slow cooked. But you must be a lot more creative with so many people in the house all with their own preferences, I really admire how you do it. I also do the meat, veg and starch combo, so also mostly rice, pasta, potato/yellow sweet potato and sometimes for fun make Yorkshire pudding, so easy and fun for the kids. Great with any roasts as well

[@sarawuollet4036]

Hopefully you'll make a video showing how you do your roast and then your taco soup!

[@lindadykes4040]

Hi! Thanks and God bless you and your family ❤️✝️

[@annaking9213]

Nice ideas.

[@biffycotter3121]

Love this so much! Thank you

[@ValdirSilva-sz1ms]

*UM BOM DIA PARA TODOS FIQUEM COM DEUS🙏👏*

[@ValdirSilva-sz1ms]

*VALEU UMA TARDE ABENÇOADA🙏👏*

[@gigitannahill4606]

great information thank you

[@justme-uw6bz]

I don't think I've ever meal planned except for Christmas and Easter, the rest of the time I just open the fridge and pantry to see what's in there then chuck something together, am I lazy!

[@kayashmore4296]

Looks cool

[@gigitannahill4606]

Bri-how many freezers do you have, I just found you, I really missed you during your absence, welcome back and so glad I found you, thanks to the Rhodes!!

[@Kerrin77JIH]

Hi Bri!!! I keep looking for the hoops you use out in the garden. You mentioned that you were going to list them down below but I haven’t found them yet. Could you tell me where I could find them? Everything I am finding looks too short /or they come in pieces. Thanks for the help! I love the idea for meal planning. I’ve been making it way too complex. Your way is much more simple and makes a lot more sense. Thank you!

[@Landtreairfarm]

Hey, Heather here, the hoops are from a local store that doesn't ship. But I've heard that premier one has long fiberglass posts that work

[@gerrymarmee3054]

Its interesting to me that when I was little (I am 69) I don’t remember having organized snacks like we do today. Maybe it is because we were pretty poor, or maybe it is because Mom was just way too busy. I think it is a good thing if the snacks are healthy.

[@jessicamcdade9686]

I do sorta the same thing but for a few weeks I buy my meat in bulk and plan from that so on my fridge list I put beef tips or tenders with 1,2,3.. then X the number when we eat a meal so I know I have 2 more beef tip meals left…

[@aldavis5328]

thanks

[@Susq15]

I should be so disciplined to write it all down. I fall off the meal planning wagon so easily. I cook from cupboards and freezer, but kinda ad hoc...yes, at four thirty in the afternoon.

[@LadysFarm]

❤❤❤

[@salonisalvi3484]

Oh and most importantly we in India believe that it’s important to cook at home,,, being in the kitchen and cooking somehow brings prosperity !!!!!!

[@melodytallmage532]

Hay bri you can make lazy enchiladas you take any frozen bag of frozen burritos iand enchilada sauce and cheese take any baking pan pour a little sauce on bottom of pan layer burrito in pan pour more sauce over them sprinkle cheese over them cool at 375 for 30 min let sit a bit then serve

[@evellynemusso4463]

You are a super human! ❤

[@heidiweinert3260]

A pork roast seasoned flexibly can be bbq on buns one night and carnitas a couple of days later.