'I've cracked the code for grocery shopping this festive season so you don't have to.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Coles

The world's most boring party trick: you name a day and time, and I can tell you what every single member of my family of five will be doing at that time.

I did tell you it was boring.

Serendipity? Flexibility? Spontaneity? No thank you, I don't have time.

Welcome to life with three kids under eight, where every minute is scheduled, colour-coded and cross-referenced. My phone calendar looks like a game of Tetris designed by someone who's had too much Coke Zero.

But here's the thing about being this busy, especially at the pointy end of the year with Christmas events infiltrating — you get really good at spotting life hacks that actually work. And I've finally cracked it: buying your groceries online.

I became a convert to online shopping about two years ago, just after my third daughter was born, my eldest started big school and we moved house — a busy time even by our family standards.

Image: Supplied.

The idea was that we'd try it for a few months to give us an extra hand. Pretty soon, I knew I'd never want to go back. But then a supermarket opened a mere 100 metres from our door, and so, in a fit of guilt, I cancelled our delivery subscription and committed to shopping in-person.

I spent the next three weeks taking the kids to the supermarket. Cue mini trolleys being raced around corners while I trailed behind, alternating between yelling "slow down" and flashing a shame-faced sorry to every shopper they'd nearly crashed into.

I also tried ducking to the shops around work when I was kid-free. Except I was also exhausted and willpower-free.

It only took my husband doing one in-person shop, and he insisted we reinstate delivery. It's been smoother sailing ever since.

I'm not ashamed to say I've online-shopped around, I love a deal, but I've definitely found the best one: Coles Deliver More, particularly with Christmas looming.

Here's exactly how I make it work.

Start with the delivery time.

Image: Supplied.

Before I even start shopping, I lock in my delivery slot (I like to pick the 1 hour windows), usually during my youngest two's afternoon naps — turning nap time into productive time. With flexible cut-off times, I can order late at night for next morning delivery.

This helps me plan around other commitments I need to tick off the list. Last weekend, I did our entire weekly shop while on the treadmill, using the app. Instead of stressing about groceries after the health admin, everything arrived during nap time.

The mobile-friendly site and app take no time to log in and get started — I've even completed orders during school pickup waiting time.

Control your substitutes.

With Coles Deliver More, you'll get exactly what you order — they promise next-to-no substitutes. But I also recommend setting preferences for individual items, which is perfect for specific dietary needs.

Growing up in a family with diabetes, I always opt for certain sugar-free versions so knowing exactly what will arrive is essential.

Look for the extended shelf-life labels.

With some delivery services, I've been frustrated to find that items arrive and the expiry date is the next day.

With Coles Deliver More, they promise days of life on a range of marked milk, dairy and meat products — if not, you get your money back. Couldn't be a more important note for the Christmas ham.

So, when shopping for fresh items, look for the special icons showing minimum shelf life, like seven days for milk and six days for mince. This feature has revolutionised my Sunday night meal prep for the week ahead.

Break the lunchbox cycle and discover new finds.

Image: Supplied.

One of my favourite things about shopping online is discovering products I'd never spot in-store (probably because I'm too busy yelling "put that down" to actually browse). Coles Deliver More gives you access to an extended range you won't find in your local store — from specialty health foods to baby essentials.

I'll admit, I'm not a fan when I'm the one having the same lunch two days in a row… and I was giving my kids the same lunchbox five days a week. It's just that it's so much easier to buy the same thing every week when you shop online. That's why I love the New Arrivals section. It's like having a personal shopper suggesting fresh ideas (THANK YOU. A November brain needs this).

The verdict.

In a life where I'm juggling three kids' schedules, work deadlines, coming up with creative Christmas gift ideas, and trying to remember if I've watered the indoor plants, finding ways to make things easier isn't just nice — it's necessary.

This isn't about grocery shopping to me anymore; it's about taking back control of my time. And in my world, every minute saved is a minute I can spend doing literally anything else.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check if it's an odd or even week for library bags and whether tomorrow is crazy hair day or crazy sock day. But at least I know the groceries are sorted.

Check out Coles Deliver More to take your time back this festive season.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Coles Deliver More delivers more of what Aussies love. Available in selected areas in NSW and VIC, groceries are sent direct from the warehouse to you. Plus, there's more delivery slots to choose from, and an extended range with more products to enjoy. Order groceries later in the day and still get it when you need - and all with next-to-no substitutes. For an easy Christmas, shop Coles Deliver More.