This post was sponsored by On-Cor. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I’m sure many of you are like me and totally scrambling in that time between when the kids get home from school and when you need to get everybody in the car to run to practice. We’re trying to get homework done, I’m usually still wrapping up work for the day, and let’s not forget I need to feed these children.
The name of the game is multitasking, getting more than one thing done at a time because you can’t JUST make dinner or you’re putting homework off for an hour. On-Cor frozen entrées are making my life soooo easy on these crazy nights. I can pop them into the oven and turn dinner prep into homework time and bang both out at the same time.
On-Cor Frozen Entrèes
I’m sure you’ve seen On-Cor Frozen Entrées in the freezer section of your local grocery store. I picked this On-Cor Lasagna with Meat Sauce up at GIANT Food Stores and you can check out the selection at your GIANT (or other local store, too). They have a bunch, and I thought my family would really like this lasagna, because let’s face it: we like lasagna but I can’t seem to find the time to make this from scratch these days. #soccermomprobs
On-Cor’s mission is to provide quality, multi-serve entrées that your whole family is going to love. This means you put ONE thing in the oven, and boom, dinner is done for everyone. Sometimes on those crazy nights it’s a bit of a free-for-all and everyone is eating something different. What I like about On-Cor is that not only does everyone like it, but I still feel like I’m pulling together a quality family meal (even if I’m feeling frazzled). Their new packaging makes it easy for moms to see exactly what they’re feeding their kids – like real mozzarella cheese and 9 grams of protein in this one! We all come to the table and eat together just as we do when I prep a more intricate meal – and that time together is honestly the important part of dinnertime for me.
These entrées are SO easy to make: You literally take them out of the box, remove the wrap, and pop them in the oven. On-Cor options range from hearty entrées to microwave favorites. The convenience factor for busy moms is priceless, and it has never tasted so delicious. No frills, no fancy. Just really, really good food.
This lasagna cooked for about 45 minutes, and that is when we tackle that to-do list.
Multitasking Hour
My kids are in 3rd and 6th grade and the biggest thing we need to accomplish before sending them out the door to soccer is to get that homework done. I can’t have them coming home from practice exhausted and needing to shower and get to bed, and then dive into homework.
I’m a mom who likes to check homework, not only to see that it’s getting done but to get a feel for what the kids are learning in school. So I need that homework time as much as they do. After I pop the On-Cor into the oven, I have a solid 45 minutes to tackle the area of a trapezoid with my daughter. Dinner prep is now multitasking hour!
What Can You Do In 45 Minutes?
The family that homeworks together stays together. Or something. I choose to spend the time that dinner is in the oven making sure homework is getting done, but I’m getting other things done, too. They don’t need me hovering but I’m close if they get stuck.
I can also fold a load of wash that’s likely been waiting for me all day. I can unload the dishwasher, go through the mail, on and on. All those little things that nag at you on your to-do list, I bet you can cross a bunch of them off.
When that dinner bell rings, homework is DONE and we can all sit together and eat. I put such little effort into this meal, it’s crazy. But look at that – 3 courses, they loved it, and I didn’t spend my whole evening cooking. It’s a total win on “one of those nights”. For your next family meal, head to the freezer aisle of GIANT Food Stores or check out the store locator at www.on-cor.com to pick up one of On-Cor’s entrées.
The Giveaway
The generous folks at On-Cor are sponsoring an awesome giveaway for my readers! One winner will get this prize pack valued at $200! The prize includes:
- (1) Coupon Valid for One Free On-Cor Entrée
- (1) Planner
- (1) Lasagna Spatula
- (1) Oven Mitts
- (1) Timer
- (1) Cast Iron Trivet
- (1) Puzzle or Art Project
- (1) Learning Activity & Pencils
This giveaway is open to US residents ages 18+ only and will end at 11:59pm ET on November 17, 2017. Good luck!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of On-Cor. The opinions and text are all mine.
loflinlove says
I agree that juggling is hard. We use “cook time” to get important stuff done as well. The children work together to help each other and check off the to do list for that day. Thanks for the advice and helpful tips!
Robin Abrams says
We try to keep several Prepared meals in the freezer for those days. We all pitch in to get everything done we need to get done
Jackie says
My solution to get through ‘one of those nights’ with my family is to stay calm. When I start acting stressed, I can see I am passing on the feeling to my daughters.
Cara says
We calm everybody down by cozying up to read a bunch of books!
Marissa M says
Trying to plan things out ahead of time!
shirley emitt says
We try to get the end of day things done while either the oven or crockpot is cooking.
harold says
Just relax and let it go.
Richard Brandt says
If all else fails, bring out the Scrabble board.
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Heather says
When I know it is going to be a busy night, I try and utilize my slow cooker. What better way to get dinner done fast than a one pot slow cooker recipe!
Tim says
My solution to get through those nights is by putting n a movie that the kids want to see. That electronic babysitter usually buys us a couple of hours.
Annette says
I get through one of those nights by reminding myself I can soak in a bubble bath when it’s over.
adriana says
TRying to relax.
Cheryl says
I usually get through ‘one of those nights’ with frozen pizza, but it’s a sure bet if I had On-Cor in the freezer we’d have that instead.
Adrienne Gordon says
We bulk cook meals and microwave them when stressed for time.
Jennifer Boehme says
Lately it’s been ordering out just to get to places on time. So much to do in so little time.
Margaret Smith says
Usually we’ll have grilled cheese or frozen pizza.
beth says
We make frozen pizzas on “those nights.”
Tracy Pryor says
I keep some all ready prepared frozen meals in the freezer. Things that are easy to just put in the oven.
veronica sandberg says
quick and easy meals….plan ahead…my most to go there is taco salad
Monique Rizzo says
Drink some hot tea and relax.
beth shepherd says
I like to keep these awesome meals on hand for a quick and yummy meal. It always helps on the stressfull days
Lisa Weidknecht says
Bubble baths calm down the kids.
amanda whitley says
my solution is to keep spare money around for take out or have some freezer meals ready
Lisa Brown says
I agree with Richard Brandt’s comment. Scrabble board!!
Karen says
We get the tough things done first and normally have a quick and easy meal.
tara darity says
Make a plan and stick with it. Easy dinner for everyone!
ELIZABETH C. says
It depends but sometimes we just order out to save time or we have frozen dinners in the freezer.
Marilyn Nawara says
Get everyone organized and on task — order a pizza and pour a glass of wine.
alice minx says
While I’m making dinner, homework gets to be done. After dinner we all pitch in to get the kitchen clean.. Then hopefully, well have time to relax and watch a little tv and enjoy dessert before bed
Nickole Heim says
I always have easy to make foods on hand and pre made meals in the freezer
Jean Segina says
Unfortunately, pizza night occurs all too frequently. Or frozen shrimp ravioli with asparagus. I look forward to a new idea.
Deb says
I write a list so I realize that it is manageable. Having 10 thing in my head seems overwhelming but a list of 10 things easily marked off is much easier to handle.
Sandy H says
I keep some frozen crock pot meals and throw one of them in the crock pot when its going to be a crazy day.
Christie smiga says
Relax, breathe, and remember that this too shall pass. (A little wine doesn’t hurt either!)
Ashley C says
My solution is to plan for a crock pot meal once a week when you can forsee having one of those days! Then I keep a few yummy things in the freezer for unforseen circumstances!
Kelly D says
My kids love pasta so I keep jarred sauce ready for when we are having a busy night. It is a good, quick meal.
Dana Rodriguez says
I try to get through those nights with a quick, easy and delicious dinner solution so I can unwind.
Char says
I just try to relax, thank you so much for the offer!
Anna75 says
I usually have some one dish frozen meals and use them right from the freezer
Denise B. says
We don’t have any issues. I’m a stay-at-home mom who homeschools. There are no time issues getting everything done.
Christine Labelle says
If I know that one of those nights is coming, I usually bust out the Crock-Pot. If it happens unexpectedly, it is something frozen or pancakes.
Jessica To says
I get thru those evenings by pulling something easy out of the freezer.
Donna DePaolo says
Have a simple, easy dinner with minimal clean-up necessary and then just relax.
Stacie Humphrey says
I always keep a couple of frozen pizzas for busy nights.
Steve Weber says
We usually do leftovers or something quick like a pizza.
Azeem Isaahaque says
We usually just get pizza on those days
Annalisa K says
On one of those nights we snuggle under blankets on the sofa and drink hot cocoa to calm down
Alexandra Y says
I get through those nights with canned soup or pizza.
Carly S says
“Keep calm and carry on” 🙂
jeremy mclaughlin says
Cook crock pot meals, which is very convenient.
maria s says
Do whatever it takes to not go crazy– lol. Sometimes that’s soup for one kid and nuggets for another. I call those the anything goes nights!
Casandra LaMonaca says
Life is crazy busy these days. It’s hard to find time for everything. I remember growing up my mom was a single mom and worked two jobs and On-Cor was always there to the rescue with a quick and delicious meal. I love this time of year because soups, stews and casseroles are always comforting and quick to heat up for leftovers.
Melissa says
Sometimes you just have to put a movie on and order delivery. 🙂
Geoff says
It’s always good to have some leftovers in the freezer for those nights when everyone is too busy to cook.
Danielle says
Order a pizza and call it good
Jenny Scheldberg says
On those nights we like to pull whatever out of the cupboard, plain rice or noodles. Sometimes cereal.
Erica B. says
Just take a few minutes to relax.
Kathy B. says
Take a deep breath (or a hundred), stay calm and promise ice cream for dessert.
Madelyn says
Take deep breaths, cook something easy, and make sure the most important homework gets done first! The rest will fall into place or it won’t, and that’s OK.
pu ye says
We calm everybody down by cozying up to read a bunch of books
Julie Bickham says
I try not to stress out to much on one of those nights! I usually order pizza, get homework done with the kids while we are waiting. I usually have frozen cookie dough on hand and throw a few in the oven to make the night a little bit better.
sylvia says
quick dinners like pizza or subs and movies.
KENNETH OHL says
my wife takes a hot bath and I try and remain calm
Wendy Pesce says
When we know it is going to be one of those nights, we try to get everything accomplished as soon as possible so we can look forward to some relaxing snugglin on the couch with a good movie. having a preplanned meal takes some of the stress out of the air as well
al says
Take out pizza is usually our choice.
Laura Ari says
I use the crock pot to get through one of those nights when I know one is coming. However, on the fly, I make a pull out a no fail tortellini alfredo recipe and dinner is ready in the time it take so boil water.
Sarah Hall says
I take a deep breath and make grilled cheese sandwiches.
Kelly Grant says
ham sandwiches baby!
MaryAnne JK says
make grilled cheese, put on headsets, tell everyone they’ve got to fend for themselves and start binge watching til the world feels normal again
Edye says
We always have pizza or soup! Something pretty easy and still yummy 🙂
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Jen R says
I love having freezer meals available, either store bought like On-Cor or pre made homemade entrees for those nights that are crazy.
nannypanpan says
I get the kids busy helping with dinner or setting table, so they don’t realize dinner is going crazy
Paul says
Routine, organization and a whole lot of music helps us the most. The music helps us concentrate.
Anne Higgins says
We have tried the reverse roll and us parents acted up and allowed the kids to help us get through the whining and fussing. Now the kids realize the importance of going to bed on time, getting through their dinner with a fun discussion of the happenings of the day and planning for the next adventure. We all take our turns to talk about our day. Life is good!
Laurie Nykaza says
I get through ‘one of those nights’ with my family is to plan ahead and use the crock pot to cook with we have 2 one for gf for my son and one for use to use.
Darcy Koch says
On those nights we often have “breakfast” for supper. We’ll have eggs, bacon, toast or muffins, juice, and usually jello for dessert.
carol clark says
i usually make sloppy joes to get the job done quickly and thats it
Kris I. says
I use my crock pot on those nights!
Heather D says
I know that some days I won’t have time or just don’t feel like cooking. I try to plan ahead by having a few items in the freezer that the family likes.
latanya says
we order out and have it delivered
Kara Hunsberger says
Make my families favorite comfort meal and afterwards curl up together and watch a movie.
Kim Pinch says
I take a deep breath, try to stay calm and understand that not everything is going to get done as planned.
britty brannon says
we definitely keep a lot of frozen or already prepared foods handy for those nights!
susan smoaks says
I always have something on hand that can be heated up and eaten when we have one of those nights. this is a great idea.
Jane McGregor says
Order pizza and rent a movie!
Karley Moore says
On those nights we order takeout and take the dog for a short walk in the neighborhood, which usually calms everything down. Thanks for the giveaway!
paige chandler says
We give up and order pizza. UGH
Francine Anchondo says
I usually make dinner in the slowcooker for the busy hectic days.
Julieh says
For one of those nights I keep things as simple as possible with a quickly made meal and try to keep everything relaxed.
Mark Marville says
We go out to eat!
tiffany dayton says
A dinner that that is quick.Then watch a movie .
Samantha Schlyer says
I keep some prepared meals frozen so that way I can just make that happen, or I use my crockpot a lot also.
Jenny Q. says
I try to prepare in advance so that I have extra time on the busy days. Planning a quick meal for a day filled with activities works well for us.
stephanie says
i would say Prepared meals are the best!
Lauren says
I try to keep easy ready to go meals in stock at home.
Jodi Hassel says
My solution to get through ‘one of those nights’ with my family is to stay calm
aaron reck says
I really like grilled cheese with tomato soup that is so good! Loves it!
Stephanie Phelps says
On-Cor Entrée like salsbury steak some rice, green beans and some rolls always gets me through one of those nights as well as a good kids movie on hand to pop in.
Kathy Pease says
I watch lots of organization videos on you tube I find the more organization in your life the smoother everything runs
kris mihalov says
I like to freeze meals when I cook a large amount so I have them ready to go when we are short on time
Rachel E says
Either a frozen meal or fast food
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
I don’t really have any “one of those nights”….but if I did I’d pray for guidance! Thanks and God Bless!
Christian Alejandro says
I either pop something simple in the oven or enlist help. We’re supposed to be a team after all.
Abigail Gibson says
When all else fails, pizza delivery works.
Leah Shumack says
Those are the nights that I use the crockpot for dinner! We also throw in girl scouts or dance or something else plus homework…ugh I think I see my kid for about an hour before it’s shower and bedtime!
kerry p says
some nights, i just put things off until morning. this is preventable by planning out the week on Sunday!
ready to eat, easy meals, like frozen entrees help a lot!!!
Peggy Rydzewski says
everyone jumps in to make something and then we joint to the dishes then we all relax after
Mary Gardner says
I try to keep pre made or store bought meals in the freezer for those nights. If I don’t have anything that sounds good we just order pizza.
Ed says
We discuss the events of the day.
cynthia mahoney says
Pre planning meals the night before leaves a no stress gone when your busy.
Janice Crespo says
I always make sure I have a few meals in the freezer for those days that i just don’t want to be bothered with cooking. On-Cor meals are great. Sometimes when I am making dinner, I will make extra just to freeze it for a simple dinner down the road!
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Judy Gregory says
Everybody gets to eat in their room.
Katie E Smith says
My solution is to take things one at a time :)….and a cup of tea lol!
shiloh summers says
pizza all the time.
krystal wethington says
Quick and easy oven and slow cooker meals less it all less stressful.
Kayla Klontz says
I always take the time to slow down and breathe, sometimes I even count. I like to have some pre prepared casseroles on hand so it’s easier on me on those days.
Kim Myers says
My solution is cook easy meals and involve the kids. If I distract them with cooking, we end up having a good time.
Lynda Roberson says
Love your giveaways! Thanks!
Lilith says
Frozen Pizza or frozen lasagna are essential on those days
Vicki D. says
Sometimes we order delivery. Sometimes I cook frozen dinners. I do whatever is fast, easy, but good.
Kwameshia Carter says
Take about 20 to 30 min for everyone to have some alone time with out electronics .
Laura Emerson says
If I have leftovers I reheat those. If not I like to order pizza.
Carolyn Daley says
Some nights call for a simple dinner that you can heat up in microwave or oven and a good movie to watch to unwind for the evening.
Terry says
I always tried to have a few freezer meals as well as frozen home made soups in the freezer to pull out on the very busy nights.
Jerry Marquardt says
I feel lucky and am thankful for get through one of those nights by handling it with planning, as nothing compares to preparation.
Buddy Garrett says
We usually order from the deli or grab a pizza.
Anita Jude says
Just breathe and take 5 and do what you need to do
Philip Lawrence says
I get through one of those nights by letting each indiviaual have a chance to choose an evening adventure for each week so that everyone gets some imput.
Betty Curran says
I don’t have children at home but sometimes after an exhausting day at work it’s wonderful to have a frozen meal waiting in the freezer.
Janine Hwang says
My solution would be to make things that are semi homemade!
Sand says
I try to pre-plan as much as possible. I double or triple recipes just to have something on hand. But when I don’t have time and we are busy, we order takeout!
Stephanie H. says
Nice share. I just like the homework tips shared here. And quick dinner ideas are also good. It will help me for sure to prepare a quick dinner at night.
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