Christa Wagner

Last year I introduced my Meal Planning Made Easy system and its gotten really good reviews, but a common comment is…. “I still don’t know what to make for dinner.”  I understand getting dinner on the table is a challenge for busy Moms and families so this year I am going to help you get dinner on the table with my “What’s For Dinner?” posts. 

Now, I am not a chef and most of my recipes are just tried and true recipes from chefs or my favorite cookbook.  But that’s half the battle, if I tell you what I’m having for dinner, then you can use these recipes in your own home.   Using the Meal Planning Made Easy system, you can keep track of the recipe your family loves making meal planning easier each week. 

Both my husband and I are feeling a little under the weather so this evening, I am making my very Chicken Noodle Soup that always makes us feel better.   It’s my Mom’s recipe and you will love it.  It’s simple, warm and delicious. 

Chicken Noodle Soup: 

1 large can of chicken stock
Fill can with Water
1 chicken breast
3 stocks sliced celery
3 stocks sliced carrot
Handful of frozen spinach
Handful Rosemarina Rice Pasta or Large Egg Noodles

 Directions:

1. Place stock in large soup pan.  Add water to fill. 
2. Boil chicken in stock and water.
3. Add sliced celery and carrots and boil for 30 minutes. 
4. Remove chicken and cut into small bite size pieces.  Add back to pot.
5. Add spinach, cook for 45 minutes on medium.
6. Add pasta last 15 minutes.  

You can have homemade soup in no time; this is great served with a grilled cheese, a panini sandwich or on it’s own.   If you try it, let me know what you think. 

Vancouver Professional Organizer, Christa Wagner created Meal Planning Made Easy to help busines families and Moms get dinner on the table.  For information go to www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com. 

I love Christmas season.  The time between Thanksgiving and New Year is so much fun, but of course, with the holidays comes a lot of work and preparation. I’m not going to say its easy, because I actually remember starting to cry when I finally got my first Thanksgiving dinner on the table, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It should be fun and relaxing.

We know how challenging it can be to pull off a holiday party or dinner?  So here are a few tips to get you through.  Of course, a glass of wine always helps too! 

• Stick to what you know. This is not the time to whip up a special souffle you’ve never tried before. That is only going to stress you out. We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy system to make meal planning and shopping easier.

• Do as much as you can in advance. If you plan and prepare in advance there’s no reason you can’t be in the living room chatting with everyone else.

• Let guests pitch in. Who said you had to do it all? Let your guests help out. Let them bring the sides, desserts or appetizers. Having just one less thing on your plate can make a huge difference.

• Cut corners where possible. I’m not suggesting to skimp on taste, but do you really have to make homemade bread when we have fresh bread on every corner.

• Delegate to the family. There is so much to do. Cooking, cleaning, setting the table, doing this dishes, chopping, shopping, taking out the garbage, etc.  A holiday is like any other day; get the family involved. Delegate to your family and ask for everyone to contribute to a more organized day.

We want to wish you a very merry holiday season, but also want it to be organized.  For help getting organized this holiday season, contact us at 778.839.5792. Christa Wagner is a professional organizer based in Vancouver, BC.

Breakfast Egg Casserole

Not sure what to make for your guests tomorrow.  Maybe you planned the entire Thanksgiving dinner, but forgot about serving breakfast to the family visiting.  Here is a simple and delicious holiday recipe we make every year. 

• 2 ½ cups croutons
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 1 small can sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• Dash onion powder
• Dash pepper and salt

The evening prior to breakfast, place croutons in greased dish. Sprinkle cheese over croutons. Combine dry ingredients and mushrooms and sit until morning. In the morning, combine eggs with other ingredients. Pour combination over crouton and cheese mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 cup Crisco oil
• 1 can pumpkin pie filling
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Dash cloves or to liking
• Dash pumpkin seasoning and allspice to taste
• Walnuts (optional)

Beat eggs, add oil, water and pie mix. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Bake in greased tins at 350 degrees for one hour.

Bread can freeze.

We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

Hope you’ve been enjoying the recipes & tips I’ve been sharing. Here are a few more good ideas on how to simplify your time in the kitchen:

• Make pumpkin pie one to two days in advance.

• Cut vegetables one day in advance. Store in glass or plastic containers.

• Buy frozen biscuits, serve warm with butter.

• Brie, cheese and crackers and hummus make easy starters with no preparation whatsoever.

• Plan ahead and buy refreshments as you see them. Be sure to consider all guests.

• Consider any vegetarian or special nutritional needs ahead of time.

We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

Before you read this post, be sure you read our Three Weeks Ahead Plan and Two Weeks Ahead Plan to make sure you’ve ready for the one week plan. Now, we are only one week away and it’s time to get serious, but not stressed, because you are so organized. Now, we are only two weeks away and it’s time to get out and get some things done. We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

So one week ahead. Here’s what to do:

• Wash and iron linens: Now I am going to be honest and say I would never iron anything so I use placemats and a runner. Keep this simple. If ironing isn’t important to you, like it is to me, then let it go. I love using Pottery Barn placemats and table runners. This year I bought a red paisley one I can use for many holiday and dinner parties and its gorgeous! Anytime you purchase linens think about how many times you can use them.

• Dig out your turkey roaster and serving platters: For many people these are tucked away in various areas of their home. (You should hire an organizer so they are all in one place, contact us at www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com) Its time to pull them out and clean them for use.

• Clean your stemware, plates and flatware: Maybe you use these everyday and this step isn’t necessary or maybe you’re using china. Take a few minutes to clean your dishware.

We are getting down to the wire and using our plan you will should already have a lot checked off your list. You are doing great. Next week, we will reveal our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving: The Five Days and Under Plan.

For help getting organized this holiday season, contact us at 778.839.5792 or visit our website at www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com. Christa Wagner is a professional organizer based in Vancouver, BC.

I can’t tell you how many times I have made these potatoes and they are always a hit. It’s probably the easiest side-dish I make, yet they tastes rustic and delicious.

I use these potatoes all year long, but especially love them on Thanksgiving because I prefer roasted potatoes to mashed. What makes them great is you roast them primarily on the grill and then transfer them to your turkey roasting pan for the last 10 minutes. Using this method, they cook quickly and evenly on the grill, but they also pick up the flavors and juices from the turkey. It’s a great way to cut corners and not taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 pounds baby red new potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, plus more for grates
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, rosemary or any herb you prefer, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish, if desired
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions:

Heat grill to medium. Fold 4-foot-long sheet of aluminum foil in half to make a double-layer sheet. Place potatoes on the double layer. Add olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and herbs. Form a packet by folding foil over potatoes and crimping edges to seal. Place on grill and cook, turning over once, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and move potatoes from foil to turkey roasting pan for 15 minutes.

Have a glass of wine and enjoy!

We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

I love pumpkin anythink.  This is a quick and easy recipe that is great for kids.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
• 16 gingersnaps

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt & spices, and add nuts.
2. Stir the ice cream and fold in the pumpkin mixture.
3. Place in 8-inch pan and top with crumbled gingersnaps
4. Freeze until firm or serving.

We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

Before you read this post, be sure you read our Three Weeks Ahead Plan to make sure you’ve developed your menu and created your grocery list. Now, we are only two weeks away and it’s time to get out and get some things done. We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

So two weeks ahead. Here’s what to do:

• Order your fresh turkey, or buy your frozen turkey and put it in the freezer: Don’t wait until the last minute when all the turkey’s have been picked over. My preference is a fresh turkey I can pick up the day before, but it really depends what you like. Nonetheless, make sure you have a nice bird.

• Shop for non-perishable items: There is so much you can buy weeks in advance, making the week of so much easier. Purchase pumpkin pie mix,french fried onions, frozen biscuits, etc. Beat the rush and the prices that sometimes increase during the holidays.

• Order or pick up alcohol and other beverages: Drinks often go overlooked and then you’re running for wine at the last minute. Make this trip now before the lines get long.

• Think about seating: This doesn’t have to be formal, but think about where everyone’s going to sit. Do you have to squeeze in a high chair or does someone need extra room. Give this some thought some everyone is comfortable and you have enough seating.

Using our plan, you will have a lot completed and we are two weeks away from Thanksgiving. You are doing great. Next week, we will reveal our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving: The One Week Ahead Plan.

For help getting organized this holiday season, contact us at 778.839.5792 or visit our website at www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com. Christa Wagner is a professional organizer based in Vancouver, BC.

I can hardly wait. Thanksgiving is three ways away. My in-laws are coming and I want to have as much as possible completed prior to their arrival so we can show them everything there is to see in Vancouver and have plenty of time for fun and relaxation.

Of course, with Thanksgiving comes a lot of work and preparation. I’m not going to say its easy, and I have certainly made some mistakes in years past, but I have learned and now I have a plan to make every Thanksgiving relaxed and organized.

So its three weeks ahead and there’s a lot you can do to prepare yourself for the biggest meal of the year. We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy System in conjunction with our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving. This will make the entire week’s meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

So three weeks ahead. Here’s what to do:

• Guest List: Before you do anything, its important to know who’s coming for dinner? How many people will be there? Are they big eaters?

• Create your menu: What will you serve? Are you familiar with this dish? Its important to stick to what you know. This is not the time to whip up a special butter nut souffle you’ve never made before. That is only going to stress you out. Select dishes you are familiar with and confident you can cook well.

• What can you assign to your guests? Who said you had to do it all? Let your guests help out. Let them bring the sides, desserts or appetizers. Having just one less thing on your plate can make a huge difference.

• Special dietary needs. My father-in-law has a sensitive stomach so I need to keep that in mind and confirm he can eat turkey with all the fixings. Make sure you think about allergies and special needs to avoid last minute stress.

• Make a grocery list: Once you have your menu and assigned help from your guests, check your pantry and spices and make a list of all the items you need to purchase. We recommend using our Meal Planning Made Easy system to make grocery shopping easier. Don’t forget drinks for adults and children.

• Set the table? Not literally, but think about what it will look like. Do you have enough linens, plate, serving dishes and flatware? If you’re having 10 people you need to have a place setting for 10 people. Do you need candles or wine glasses. My favorite place to go is Pottery Barn. I love the look and feel of their holiday tables.

• Consider refrigeration: I remember the first Thanksgiving I cooked. I had so much food and thank goodness my neighbor was out of town and I could use her fridge too. Consider if you need a cooler or have one that’s the appropriate size for food and/or drinks. Definitely use coolers for spirits and sodas as they take up a lot of space.

So it’s three weeks out and so important to think about your Thanksgiving event. It is event and one you don’t have to wait until the last minute to plan for. Next week, we will reveal our Guide To A Relaxing And Organized Thanksgiving: The Two Weeks Ahead Plan.

For help getting organized this holiday season, contact us at 778.839.5792 or visit our website at www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com. Christa Wagner is a professional organizer based in Vancouver, BC.

Another great way to simplify your fall is to take advantage of our Meal Planning Made Easy System. These simple, straightforward lists will save you time, money, and stress week after week. Purchase all three and start enjoying family dinners together.