Try wearing her a bit earlier in the day, like for one of her naps, and see if that makes a difference. It did for us - A carrier sleep at 9am made the witching hour at 5pm soooo much easier to bear. And usually got a better day nap too.

"It's never to early to start dinner" was the best advice I ever got. I meal plan, I start prep early, or whenever it's quiet, and then spend 5-9pm pretty much on the couch.