• Episode 111 How to Plan a Thanksgiving Potluck Without Losing Your Mind and Sanity
    Nov 21 2024

    Hey, Hey!

    Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean doing it all yourself! In this episode, we’re diving into the ultimate hosting hack: the Thanksgiving potluck. I’ll share my top tips for coordinating dishes without drama, asking guests to bring what they want (or what they can), and making sure the big-ticket items like turkey and stuffing are covered. Plus, we’ll chat about keeping contributions fair, making the day fun and memorable, and why potlucks are my absolute favorite—despite my Macedonian roots where bringing a dish used to be offensive.

    Whether you’re a potluck pro or hosting one for the first time, this episode is packed with laughs, tips, and a plan to make your Thanksgiving stress-free and delicious.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How to ask guests what they’d like to bring without stepping on toes

    • The secret to keeping contributions fair and balanced

    • How to handle no-shows, mishaps, or gaps in the menu

    • Why potlucks are the ultimate way to share the load, the love, and the food

    Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    💌 Become a Meal Planning Insider: Ready to make meal planning easy every week? Get my weekly meal plans delivered straight to your inbox, complete with recipe links! Sign up here: Click to Join.

    👩‍🍳 Join the ‘What’s for Dinner Mamas’ Facebook Group: Connect with other busy moms, share meal ideas, get inspired, and lighten your dinner load. Join the group here: Join Now.

    Let’s Connect:

    If you loved this episode, don’t forget to share it with your friends, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review! Your support means the world to me and helps other moms find their way to easier, stress-free meal planning.

    Until next time, happy planning and happy eating! Bye for now,

    xx Blaga

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    7 mins
  • Episode 110- Weekly Meal Plan and Genius Hack for Busy Moms
    Nov 17 2024

    Hey, Hey!

    Welcome back to Meal Planning for Busy Moms! This week, I’m sharing a brand-new weekly meal plan packed with delicious, easy-to-make recipes that your family will love. We’re talking tacos, salmon, chicken thighs, and more, all using different cooking methods to keep your dinners fresh and exciting.

    Plus, I’m sharing a 30-second genius hack to save you time, money, and stress—perfect for those days when your veggies are looking a little sad.

    And the best part? I’ve got a way for you to get this entire meal plan, complete with recipe links, delivered right to your inbox! Tune in for all the details.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    A full weekly meal plan with a variety of proteins (beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, and pork).

    New recipes that are quick, delicious, and use different cooking methods (stove top, sheet pan, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and one-pot meals).

    How to freeze veggies like a pro to save money and reduce waste.

    How to join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms Insider List to get meal plans and recipe links sent straight to your inbox.

    Weekly Meal Plan:

    1. Monday: Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry (Stove Top)
    2. Tuesday: Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps (Quick Stove Top)
    3. Wednesday: Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
    4. Thursday: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
    5. Friday: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders (Instant Pot)
    6. Saturday: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken (One-Pot)
    7. Sunday: Soupy Sunday – Hearty Lentil and Sausage Soup (Slow Cooker)

    30-Second Genius Hack:

    Before your veggies go bad, chop them up and freeze them! Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze flat, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This hack saves you time, money, and stress while ensuring you always have veggies on hand for quick meals.

    Loved this episode? Want the meal plan and recipe links delivered straight to your inbox? Join my Meal Planning for Busy Moms Insider List!

    Want some "What's for Dinner?" meal inspiration join out Facebook Community here.

    Wanna know more about me? Click here to learn more and connect!

    Thank you for tuning in! Share this episode with a fellow busy mom, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Have a blessed and beautiful week!

    xx Blaga

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    5 mins
  • Episode 109 Meal Planning for the Athlete in Your Family
    Nov 14 2024

    Hey, hey!

    Ready to fuel those busy bodies in your family?

    Whether it’s keeping your young athletes energized for sports or staying on top of your own active lifestyle, this episode is here to help!

    We’re covering easy, balanced meals for before and after workouts, smart snacks to keep everyone going, hydration hacks, and fun ways to make protein and carbs a little more exciting.

    Tune in for tips that make it simple to keep energy up, recovery smooth, and meal planning stress-free!

    So pop in those ear buds and lets do this!

    xx Blaga

    Become an insider and get the weekly recipe links here.

    Contact me: Simply by replying to this email or clicking here.

    Join our "What's for Dinner?" Facebook Community and get meal inspiration here.

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    5 mins
  • Episode 108 Weekly Meal Plan and Breakfast Power Bowls
    Nov 10 2024

    Hey, Hey!

    Welcome back to another episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! This week, we’re serving up a fresh weekly meal plan with family-friendly dinners that will keep your kitchen running smoothly and your taste buds happy.

    Plus, I’m sharing my new go-to breakfast—Power Breakfast Bowls! These bowls are packed with protein, veggies, and all the good stuff to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you’re looking for an easy breakfast that doubles as a healthy lunch for the kids, these bowls are a total game-changer!

    In This Episode:

    A personal story about wanting to boost my protein intake and discovering the magic of big-batch breakfast bowls

    How to make versatile Power Breakfast Bowls with whatever you have in your fridge

    A weekly meal plan full of quick, flavorful, family-approved dinners

    A 30-second genius kitchen hack to keep your fresh herbs from going to waste

    Weekly Meal Plan:

    Monday – Korean Beef Bowls

    Tuesday – Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas

    Wednesday – Vegetable Lo Mein

    Thursday – Chicken Caesar Wraps with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

    Friday – Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans

    Saturday – Cheeseburger Casserole

    Sunday – Beef and Bean Soup

    Ready to take your meal planning to the next level? Join the Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP Founding Members community, launching on the 13th! Founding members get an exclusive rate of $7/month with benefits like done-for-you meal plans, hot-seat sessions, personalized support, and more. Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and join us!

    You can join the waitlist here.

    Thank you for tuning in, Beautiful Mamas! Don’t forget to grab your spot in the VIP community, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

    xx Blaga

    Become an insider and get the weekly recipe links here.

    Contact me: Simply by replying to this email or clicking here.

    Join our Facebook Community here.

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    7 mins
  • Episode 107 Embracing Meal Planning One Step at a Time
    Nov 7 2024

    Hey, hey!

    In this heartfelt episode, I’m diving into what meal planning really is (hint: it’s not about being perfect!).

    I’m sharing some of my favorite simple tips to make dinnertime a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.

    Whether it’s starting small, using what you already have, or adding a little fun with theme nights, this episode is like chatting with a friend who just gets it.

    Plus, there’s exciting news: the VIP founding member launch opens on November 13!

    If you want a spot in hot-seat meal planning sessions, tune in for all the details.

    After reflecting on my one-year podcast anniversary, I created a new hub just for us—a space to connect, share tips, and make meal planning easier together.

    And with the VIP launch coming up, you’ll have a chance to get even more support. Join the VIP waitlist here.

    Join the Conversation:

    Ready to be part of our new community? Head over to the podcast hub to ask questions, share ideas, and keep the conversation going. It’s where we come together, support each other, and make meal planning fun. Thanks for tuning in,

    Have a blessed and beautiful week!

    xx Blaga

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    6 mins
  • Episode 106 Chhers to 1 year! Celebrating Milestones, Community and Meal Planning Magic plus Weekly Meal Plan
    Nov 3 2024

    Hey, hey beautiful Mama,

    Welcome to our 1-Year Anniversary Episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms! 🎉 It’s a special day, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone with YOU—my amazing community of super mamas! Over the past year, we’ve hit 8,000 downloads, shared countless tips, tricks, and meal plans, and built a community that’s all about making dinner time fun, easy, and stress-free. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here with me every step of the way!

    In This Episode:

    We’re taking a look back at some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past year:

    1. Lesson 1: Building a Community Hub 💬 – I’m so thrilled to announce the Meal Planning for Busy Moms Podcast Hub! This is our new space to connect, share, and find everything you need. Forget Facebook’s messy algorithms—this hub has it all, including a keyword search feature to help you find your favorite episodes, recipes, and hacks.

    Join the Hub here: Meal Planning for Busy Moms Podcast Hub

    1. Lesson 2: VIP Membership & Personalized Support 👑 – Some of you have asked for even more support, so I’m launching the Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP Membership! Founding members will get live, one-on-one meal planning support with me, custom grocery lists, and the chance to shape this new community. The founding member rate is just $7/month, so hop on the waitlist to reserve your spot!

    Get on the VIP Waitlist here: VIP Membership Waitlist

    1. Lesson 3: Weekly Insider Emails 📬 – Finally, I’m committing to sending out fun, weekly emails filled with exclusive recipes, 30-second kitchen hacks, and more. Thanks for your patience, and I can’t wait to share these with you!

    Become an Insider and get weekly emails here: Sign Up for Insider Emails

    This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Family-Friendly Meals Under 30 Minutes 🍲

    1. Sloppy Joes – A quick classic the whole family loves!

    1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – Easy, flavorful, and minimal cleanup.

    1. Breakfast for Dinner – Because breakfast always hits the spot.

    1. Big Mac Salad – All the flavors of your favorite burger, minus the guilt.

    1. French Bread Pizza – Fun, customizable, and fast.

    1. Fettuccine Alfredo – Rich, creamy, and ready in minutes.

    1. Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry over Rice – Healthy, colorful, and loaded with veggies.

    P.s. Become an insider to get the recipe links!

    Thank you for making this year unforgettable! Let’s keep the celebration going in the Podcast Hub, and I can’t wait to see you in the next episode. Here’s to more fun, fabulous meal planning ahead! xx Blaga

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    6 mins
  • Episode 105 Happy Halloween- Spooky Good Eats for a Stress-Free Night
    Oct 30 2024

    Hey, Hey,

    In this festive episode, we’re prepping for Halloween night with meals and snacks that will fuel the fun without adding stress. You’ll learn how to balance all those treats with some healthy bites, discover the magic of one-pot Halloween meals, and set your family up for a stress-free night of trick-or-treating!

    What’s Inside:

    • Spooky, Nutritious Snacks to balance out all those sweets – like monster-mouth apples and mummy wraps, fun and kid-approved!
    • One-Pot Meals for a fast, stress-free dinner that’s easy to clean up so you can focus on the fun.
    • Balancing Treats & Protein to keep kids fueled and ready before they hit the candy trail.
    • Prep for November 1st so you’re not stuck cooking the day after a late Halloween night.
    • DIY Halloween Bite Dinners that get the kids involved and excited to eat.

    Plus, I’m inviting YOU to be a part of something special – Meal Planning for Busy Moms VIP! This membership will give you exclusive access to done-for-you meal plans, hot seat sessions, and a VIP community of moms who totally get it. As a founding member, you’ll lock in a special rate of $7/month, so click here to get in touch and let me know you’re interested. 🎉

    What’s Next:

    • Enjoying the Podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your support helps keep the show going and reach more moms who could use a little mealtime magic.
    • 15-Minute Meal Plan Fix: Looking to master meal planning in just 15 minutes a week? Check out the 15-Minute Meal Plan Fix mini-course! It’s quick, effective, and a fantastic way to answer the ‘what’s for dinner?’ question once and for all.
    • Share the Love! If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow mom or friend who could use a hand in the kitchen. Let’s help each other make meal planning fun, fast, and fabulous!

    Don’t Miss Out! Tune in on Sunday for a special episode celebrating our 1-year podcast anniversary with a fresh weekly meal plan packed with family favorites. Wishing you a blessed, beautiful week, and a very Happy Halloween! 👻

    xx Blaga

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    6 mins
  • Episode 104 Weekly Meal Plan and A Vision For Our Meal Planning Community
    Oct 27 2024

    Hey beautiful Mamas!

    This week’s episode of Meal Planning for Busy Moms is all about making dinner time easier, tastier, and totally stress-free with a brand-new weekly meal plan. Plus, I’m sharing something close to my heart – a vision for a community just for us busy moms. Picture a warm, supportive space where we can plan meals together, tackle that ‘what’s for dinner?’ dilemma, and cheer each other on through every kitchen triumph and mishap. Let’s make meal planning feel like a little magic, not another job!

    In This Episode:

    1. A Community Vision: I’m inviting you to imagine a meal-planning home base where we can connect, share, and support each other. Think personalized plans, real-time help, and a true kitchen circle to bring meal planning to life!
    2. Weekly Meal Plan: We’re diving into a lineup of delicious meals designed for busy nights. You’ll get all the recipes, links, and shopping lists you need to keep weeknight dinners easy and flavorful.
    3. Founding Member Invitation: Join me as a founding member in building this community from the ground up. Lock in a rock-bottom rate of $7/month and help shape a hub that’s all about making mealtime easier, faster, and way more fun.

    This Week’s Menu:

    • Monday: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Rice
    • Tuesday: Stove Top Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
    • Wednesday: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries
    • Thursday: Loaded Quinoa Bowls with Chicken and Avocado
    • Friday: Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
    • Saturday: Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
    • Soupy Sunday: Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

    Ready to Join the Community? If this mission speaks to you and you’re ready to be part of a meal-planning tribe that’s all about support, simplicity, and some serious kitchen fun, DM me with “I’m interested,” @blagagoertzen or click the link here to register as a founding member. Let’s make meal-planning magic happen together – who’s with me?

    Thank you for tuning in! I’m so grateful for every one of you! Join me next time as we continue to make mealtime smoother and more joyful. Have a blessed and beautiful week, and see you in the next episode!

    Xx Blaga

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    7 mins