• Episode 127 Weekly Meal & 10-Minute Dinner Hack
    Feb 2 2025

    Hey, hey,

    Welcome to this week’s episode of Weekly Meal Plan & The 10-Minute Dinner Hack! I’m thrilled to bring you another round of quick, healthy, and delectable recipes that are perfect for busy families. Plus, I’ve got a game-changing dinner hack that will save your evenings when you’re just too spent to cook.

    Here’s what’s cooking this week:

    What’s on the Menu?

    • Monday: Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken & Roasted Veggies
    • Tuesday: Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

    Want the full meal plan with all 7 recipes and direct links? Subscribe and become a Meal Plan Insider! You’ll receive the complete meal plan directly to your inbox each week, along with exclusive meal prep hacks and inspiration to keep mealtime smooth and stress-free.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How to whip up a balanced meal in just 10 minutes with our no-fuss dinner hack.
    • Mix-and-match meal components to keep dinner fresh, fast, and flexible.
    • The benefits of pre-planning your meals to save time and reduce stress throughout the week.

    Ready to transform your dinner routine? Don’t miss out! Subscribe now to become a Meal Plan Insider and gain access to all the recipes, weekly meal plans, and exclusive tips to make dinnertime more effortless than ever.

    Let’s tackle dinner together, one simple hack at a time. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you in the next episode!

    Until next time,

    xx Blaga

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    7 mins
  • E126 From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony E2 Simplify Your Life Decluttering Your Schedule and Your Plate
    5 mins
  • Episode 125 Weekly Meal Plan and Lunch Box Savers
    Jan 26 2025

    Hey, hey,

    Welcome to this week’s episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! I’m so excited to share another family-friendly weekly meal plan with you—featuring quick, delicious recipes that make dinnertime a breeze. Plus, I’m throwing in some Lunch Box Life Savers to repurpose leftovers and make packing lunches fun and stress-free.

    Here’s a sneak peek at what’s cooking this week:

    What’s on the Menu?

    Monday: Mini Meatloaves with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

    Tuesday: Taco Quesadillas

    Want the full meal plan with all 7 recipes and direct links? Subscribe and become a Meal Planning Insider! You’ll get the full meal plan delivered straight to your inbox every week, along with exclusive tips, tricks, and inspiration to make your mealtime stress-free.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    How to repurpose dinner leftovers into creative, kid-friendly lunches.

    A fun bento box hack to level up your lunch-packing game.

    Why planning meals that work double-duty saves time and reduces waste.

    Ready to get the entire weekly meal plan? Don’t miss out! Subscribe now to become a Meal Planning Insider and get access to all the recipes, meal plans, and exclusive tips to make dinnertime easier than ever.

    Let’s simplify dinner together, one meal at a time. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

    Until next time,

    xx Blaga

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    4 mins
  • E124 From Meal Planning Pro To Holistic Harmony- Meal planning the Secret Weapon for Reducing Stress
    Jan 22 2025

    Hey, hey!

    Welcome to the very first episode of our new series, From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony!

    In this episode, I’m sharing how meal planning is so much more than just figuring out what’s for dinner—it’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and creating a sense of calm in your daily life.

    We’ll dive into:

    • How meal planning reduces decision fatigue, creates predictability, and saves time
    • Why it’s a game-changer for managing chaos in your week.
    • A quick and easy strategy to create your own “fallback meal plan” for those hectic weeks.

    This is also the start of an exciting new journey for the podcast, where we’ll expand from meal planning to explore strategies for reducing overwhelm, managing stress, and living a calm, holistic life. Don’t worry though—if you’re here for meal planning, I’ve still got you covered with Sunday episodes just for meal plans.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why meal planning is a powerful tool for reducing stress in your life.
    2. The three biggest benefits of meal planning: fewer decisions, more predictability, and saved time.
    3. How to create a “fallback meal plan” to simplify your week when life feels chaotic.

    Call to Action:

    This episode marks the beginning of an exciting new direction for the podcast! While meal planning remains a cornerstone, I’m expanding the focus to include strategies for reducing overwhelm, managing stress, and creating a calm, balanced life.

    Your weekly meal plans will still be here every Sunday, but if you’re ready to explore holistic living and find more joy and calm in your days, tune in every Wednesday for new episodes.

    Have feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at [your email address]. Your input helps me create episodes that serve you best.

    Next Week:

    Next Wednesday, join me for Episode 2: Simplify Your Life: Decluttering Your Schedule and Your Plate. We’ll talk about how cutting out what doesn’t serve you—both on your calendar and in your meals—can bring more clarity and calm to your life.

    Thank you for tuning in, and I’m so excited to go on this new journey with you!

    xx Blaga

    Your Stress-Reducing, Meal-Planning BFF

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    5 mins
  • Episode 123- From Meal Planning to Stress-Free Living: Exciting Changes Ahead
    Jan 19 2025

    Hey there, beautiful Mamas!

    Today’s episode is extra special because I’m inviting you on a new and exciting journey. While meal planning will always be a part of this podcast, I’m expanding our focus to help you reduce overwhelm, manage stress, and create a life filled with calm, balance, and joy.

    Sundays will remain dedicated to your weekly meal plans, but starting this Wednesday, I’ll be sharing new episodes that take a deeper dive into stress reduction and holistic living.

    In this episode, I’m sharing:

    • Why I’m shifting the focus of the podcast and what it means for you.
    • Five-Minute Stress Busters you can use to find calm—even on your busiest days.
    • This week’s meal plan with seven delicious, quick, and healthy recipes to keep your week running smoothly.

    Tune in to learn more about this new chapter and how it can help you create more peace in your life.

    This Week’s Meal Plan:

    1. Monday: Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus and Baby Potatoes (a one-pan wonder for a busy night)
    2. Tuesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables (set it and forget it)

    Want the full meal plan for the week? Sign up for my email list and get all the recipes delivered to your inbox!😉

    5-Minute Stress Busters for Busy Moms:

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing five simple stress busters you can try starting today:

    1. The 5-5-5 Breathing Exercise
    2. The Two-Minute Declutter
    3. Gratitude on the Go
    4. A Fresh Air Reset
    5. Dance It Out

    These quick and effective strategies can help you reset and refocus, no matter how chaotic your day feels.

    What’s Coming Next:

    This Wednesday, I’m kicking off a new series: From Meal Planning Pro to Holistic Harmony. In this five-part series, we’ll explore how meal planning fits into a bigger picture of reducing stress and creating a calmer, more joyful life.

    Here’s what’s coming:

    1. Meal Planning: The Secret Weapon for Reducing Stress
    2. Simplify Your Life: Decluttering Your Schedule and Your Plate
    3. From Dinner Table to Mindfulness: Finding Balance in Everyday Moments
    4. Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind: The Food-Stress Connection
    5. The Bigger Picture: Meal Planning as Part of Holistic Living

    Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

    Let’s Connect:

    I’d love to hear from you! What’s one area of your life where you’d like to feel less chaos and more calm? DM me on Facebook @BlagaGoertzen or email me at blagagoertzen@yahoo.ca—I read every message, and your feedback helps me create content that truly serves you.

    If you’re ready to go beyond meal planning and dive into creating a calmer, more balanced life, tune in on Wednesday for the first episode in our new series. And don’t forget to sign up for my email list to get the full meal plan and all the latest updates.

    Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you back here on Sunday for more meal planning inspiration—and a little dose of calm! Cheers,

    Blaga

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    7 mins
  • Episode 122 Weekly Meal Plan and Seasonal Eats
    Jan 5 2025

    Hey, hey!

    Happy New Year, my fabulous foodies! 🎉 Let’s kick off 2025 with a fresh start and some seriously delicious meals. In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of seasonal cooking—using what’s fresh, tasty, and budget-friendly to create meals your family will love. Plus, I’m sharing a cozy, seasonal weekly meal plan to make dinnertime stress-free. Grab your coffee (or that leftover holiday champagne) and tune in for all the juicy details!

    This Week’s Meal Plan:

    Monday: Butternut Squash Soup with Turkey Sausage – Creamy, comforting, and so easy in the Instant Pot.

    Tuesday: Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Root Veggies – Juicy chicken paired with caramelized veggies for a one-pan win.

    Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew – Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those midweek dinner blues.

    Thursday: Pork Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Snap Peas – A quick, vibrant dish that’s better (and faster!) than takeout.

    Friday: Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Kale – A fancy Friday night dinner made simple.

    Saturday: Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Grilled Chicken – Kid-friendly, creamy, and so much fun to make.

    Sunday: Rustic Vegetable Minestrone Soup – The coziest end to your week, packed with seasonal veggies and flavor.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The secret to making your meals tastier and cheaper with seasonal cooking.
    • How to use simple sauces and spices to elevate your weeknight dinners.
    • Tips for swapping seasonal ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
    • It's a hilarious story about what happens when you buy too much of a good thing.

    Why Listen?

    Whether you’re feeling the post-holiday dinner slump or just want fresh ideas for the New Year, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a whole lot of fun. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

    Call to Action:

    Click play to get all the details, tips, and inspiration! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with your mom squad—it’s the perfect way to start the year together. Hope you enjoy!

    xx Blaga

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    6 mins
  • Episode 121 Weekly Meal Plan & Starting Fresh: Easing into 2025 With What You Have
    Dec 29 2024

    Hey, hey my friend,

    Welome to the final episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms for 2024! This week, we’re saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new with ease and simplicity. I’ll be sharing a pantry-friendly weekly meal plan that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for using what you already have. Plus, I’ll teach you how to reverse-engineer your week—starting with how many meals you actually need and building them around what’s in your pantry and fridge.

    This episode is all about easing into the new year with stress-free meal planning that saves time, money, and your sanity. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s step into 2025 feeling prepared and confident. Happy New Year, friends!

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    How to decide how many meals you actually need for the week.

    The importance of using what you already have to save money and reduce waste.

    Why cooking meals you know and love is the best way to ease into meal planning.

    A pantry-friendly weekly meal plan to inspire your meals this week.

    This Week’s Meal Plan:

    1. Monday: Spaghetti with marinara sauce and garlic bread.
    2. Tuesday: Chicken stir-fry with rice.
    3. Wednesday: Bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa and sour cream.
    4. Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole.
    5. Friday: Baked potato bar with chilii
    6. Saturday: Breakfast-for-dinner with pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
    7. Sunday: Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

    Episode Highlights:

    • The benefits of starting the year with pantry-friendly meals.
    • Tips for reverse-engineering your meal plan to simplify the process.
    • Why planning 3–5 meals is often all you need for a successful week.

    Join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms community for more tips, meal plans, and inspiration.

    Stay connected for exciting new content in 2025!

    Thank you for tuning in to the last episode of the year! I’m so grateful for your support, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you in 2025. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe so you never miss an episode.

    Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals. I’ll see you next year, friends!

    Have a blessed and beautiful week,

    xx Blaga

    P.s. Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more busy moms find us and join the meal-planning fun!

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    5 mins
  • Episode 120 Weekly Meal Plan and Christmas Prep Ideas
    Dec 22 2024

    Hey, hey beautiful Mamas,

    Welcome to a very merry episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! With Christmas just days away, I’ve got a festive and practical weekly meal plan to take you from Christmas Eve all the way through the “in-between” week before New Year’s. Whether you’re planning a traditional Christmas dinner or looking for quick, healthy meals to keep everyone happy and fed, this episode has you covered.

    We’ll also dive into my top tips for managing your holiday meal prep so you can spend more time making memories and less time stressing in the kitchen. And don’t worry—if you still need inspiration for your Christmas menu, I’ll point you to my Thanksgiving episodes packed with ideas for turkey and ham feasts.

    Plus, I’m sharing some exciting news for 2025: starting in the new year, Meal Planning for Busy Moms will streamline to one episode every Sunday, giving you everything you need to master meal planning and tackle the “What’s for dinner?” question with ease.

    This Week’s Meal Plan:

    Monday: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Tuesday (Christmas Eve): Charcuterie Board & Appetizers

    Wednesday (Christmas Day): The Big Feast (Turkey or Ham)

    Thursday: Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries

    Friday: Instant Pot Beef Chili

    Saturday: Build Your Own Pizza (or order takeout)

    Sunday: Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes

    In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

    1. How to plan and prep for a stress-free Christmas dinner.
    2. Tips for making the most of Christmas leftovers.
    3. A festive weekly meal plan to carry you through the week after Christmas.
    4. Why simplifying your menu and delegating tasks is a game-changer.
    5. Exciting updates for the podcast in 2025!

    Get My Book: Meal Prep Made Simple on Amazon by Blaga Goertzen

    Thanksgiving Episodes for Christmas Inspiration:

    Turkey Menu Ideas (Episode from October)

    Ham Menu Ideas (Episode from November)

    Become an Insider: Sign up here to get all recipe links delivered straight to your inbox!

    Join the Community: What’s for Dinner Mama’s Facebook Group

    Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Be sure to join me next Sunday for more meal planning magic as we kick off 2025. Be blessed, my friends!

    xx Blaga

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    7 mins