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Join me as I share expert tips for hosting a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It can be done! With over 25 years of culinary experience, I've got your back when it comes to sticking to tr…

Join me as I share e…

Join me as I share expert tips for hosting a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It can be done! With over 25 years of culinary experience, I've got your back when it comes to sticking to traditional dishes while finding ways to keep the cooking experience fresh and exciting. You'll find practical advice on planning, delegating tasks, and accommodating dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone leaves the dinner table fat and happy. Tune in for my favorite strategies that balance beloved holiday staples with creative twists, making your Thanksgiving a culinary success!00:00 Introdu…

I'm joined by Jane Helm, founder of Money Mentor Group. We're talking about the taboo surrounding money conversations in many households and Jane's journey from financial struggle to fi…

I'm joined by J…

I'm joined by Jane Helm, founder of Money Mentor Group. We're talking about the taboo surrounding money conversations in many households and Jane's journey from financial struggle to financial confidence. Jane details her nine years of experience helping clients achieve financial calm and confidence, the psychological and emotional aspects of money management, and the importance of understanding both mindset and mechanics in handling finances. We also touch on the challenges of credit card debt, the temptation of modern shopping habits, and tips for empty nesters re-evaluating t…

Join us this week as we delve into the extraordinary life of Meredith McAdam, a psychotherapist who has traded a conventional home for a life on the road. Meredith and her husband live and work from a…

Join us this week as…

Join us this week as we delve into the extraordinary life of Meredith McAdam, a psychotherapist who has traded a conventional home for a life on the road. Meredith and her husband live and work from a 43-foot fifth wheel trailer, traveling across the United States. Meredith shares their journey of transitioning to this unique Lifestyle, including their Travel logistics, day-to-day living in a mobile home, and how they maintain their professional work remotely. We also explore her career as a psychotherapist, the challenges, and rewards of working with diverse clients, and her passion for helpi…

Want to start a supper club? You'll want to know the tips and tricks to make your club a success! In this episode we'll talk about starting and thriving in a supper club, detailing how you c…

Want to start a supp…

Want to start a supper club? You'll want to know the tips and tricks to make your club a success! In this episode we'll talk about starting and thriving in a supper club, detailing how you can enhance their social lives through these well-organized gatherings. From selecting the right mix of attendees, managing group dynamics, deciding event themes, coordinating responsibilities, and handling practical aspects like portions and drink options, this episode gives you all the info you need to start your own awesome supper club. 00:00 Introduction to Supper Clubs00:54 The Birth of Our …

This week, Christine sits down with Mindy Cawley, the owner of Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. They discuss Mindy's journey from farm life to running a successful vintage shop specializing in …

This week, Christine…

This week, Christine sits down with Mindy Cawley, the owner of Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. They discuss Mindy's journey from farm life to running a successful vintage shop specializing in mid-century modern furniture and retro items. They explore the vibrant local support for Small Businesses in Frederick, thanks to initiatives like the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Main Street Program. Mindy highlights the thrill of community events such as the 'Sailing Through the Winter Solstice' fundraiser, where decorated boats, including her own 'Dancing Queen 2.0,&apo…

I'm talking with Dawn McGee, a wellness strategist and nutrition expert, covering a broad spectrum of health and wellness topics. Dawn shares her approach to nutrition, the significance of lifest…

I'm talking wit…

I'm talking with Dawn McGee, a wellness strategist and nutrition expert, covering a broad spectrum of health and wellness topics. Dawn shares her approach to nutrition, the significance of lifestyle transitions, and the holistic management of health through nutrition, movement, hydration, Sleep, and stress. We'll also discuss culinary medicine and the importance of having a strong 'why' and the idea of 1% changes towards lasting health benefits. 00:00 Introduction and Menopause Meal Plans00:57 Guest Introduction: Dawn McGee01:28 Dawn's Role as a Wellness Strategist02:…

In this episode, Christine hosts her friend Jen Gerlock from Pursuit of it All, discussing Jen's recent life transitions. Jen shares her story of leaving a high-pressure job to prioritize her hea…

In this episode, Chr…

In this episode, Christine hosts her friend Jen Gerlock from Pursuit of it All, discussing Jen's recent life transitions. Jen shares her story of leaving a high-pressure job to prioritize her health and personal happiness, and how she now dives deep into new challenges and adventures. We talk about the courage it takes to break free from societal expectations, especially for women in their 50s, and to really live authentically. 00:00 Introduction and Founding Menopause Meal Plans Member Invitation00:46 Welcoming Jen Gerlock02:08 Pursuit of It All: The Journey Begins03:12 Balancing Passion…

I'm talking to Sharon Streb of Olive Basket to explore the intricacies of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, including their production processes and health benefits. Sharon also touches on he…

I'm talking to …

I'm talking to Sharon Streb of Olive Basket to explore the intricacies of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, including their production processes and health benefits. Sharon also touches on her adventure in Italy and her decision to open a store focused on high-quality, small-batch products, many from women-owned companies. We get into the sensory analysis of olive oil, the importance of proper storage, and the specifics of infused oils. You'll find tips on how to use these products in cooking, highlighting a special beurre blanc recipe made with Olive Basket's garden herb v…

In this episode, I'm talking about a culinary medicine class I recently completed, offered by George Washington University and my local community college. The class, designed specifically for foo…

In this episode, I&a…

In this episode, I'm talking about a culinary medicine class I recently completed, offered by George Washington University and my local community college. The class, designed specifically for food service professionals, emphasized the importance of health and Diet, particularly through the lens of the Mediterranean diet. As a heart attack survivor, we get into the deeper dive into the diet's benefits, including its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms. I'll also fill you in on a new offering—Menopause Meal Plans—featuring curated recipes, shopping lists, and a private…

Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and b…

Elizabeth Cromwell c…

Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and becoming an empty nester. Creating her own life sabbatical gave her the structure to travel across Italy, the US, and Martha's Vineyard, among other places, emphasizing the value of decompression, self-discovery, and living into new experiences. Elizabeth provides practical advice for women looking to undertake their own life sabbatical, underlining the importance of being intentional and seek…

Exploring Pilates with Dawn ConineThis week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with R…

Exploring Pilates wi…

Exploring Pilates with Dawn ConineThis week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with Reformer Pilates, touching upon its history, the equipment used, and its benefits for strength, flexibility, and balance. Dawn also shares her personal fitness journey from competitive aerobics to becoming a Pilates instructor. Take a listen!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:42 What is Reformer Pilates?03:31 Benefits of Pilates for All Ages05:08 Levels and Equipment in Pilates09:01 Dawn's…

Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused o…

Kick off season two …

Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused on economic development, workforce development, and tourism. Sandy shares her journey of building her company, the joys and challenges of managing a team, and the importance of mentorship and supporting younger generations. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, tips for aspiring empty nest entrepreneurs, and inspiring stories about the dedication of those working in economic development. A…

Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest da…

Let's talk abou…

Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest day, drop the temperature of the ac to just above polar, make yourself the very tastiest summer snack, and watch really great food movies & tv. Enjoy this guide and get inspired to cook this summer!Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: EmptyNestKitchen.com

Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: EmptyNestKitchen.comLinked In: @christinevanbloem

Find Christine at:FB…

Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: EmptyNestKitchen.comLinked In: @christinevanbloem

After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today…

After navigating a s…

After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today's conversation, where Laura shares the emotional journey of letting go of her team and rediscovering what truly fulfills her. Together, we unpack the resilience and self-reflection required to face major career shifts and how Laura's path led her to become an inspiring coach for women seeking more out of life.Ever wonder how embracing your authentic self could transform your life? We di…

Say hello to Chef Danielle Turner, the mastermind behind Salt Sanity. After her husband's heart issues struck, Danielle took her classic training to a new level by retraining herself to find the …

Say hello to Chef Da…

Say hello to Chef Danielle Turner, the mastermind behind Salt Sanity. After her husband's heart issues struck, Danielle took her classic training to a new level by retraining herself to find the flavor in food without all the salt.Now Danielle is here to teach you through her The Food Lover's Guide to Low Sodium Living (with a 15% special discount for ENK podcast listeners) and Low Sodium YOUniversity, aimed at showing you how to reduce the salt and amp up the flavor. Find Danielle at:FB: @saltsanity1500IG: @saltsanityWeb: SaltSanity.comFind Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @The…

We all go through stuff, especially once mid-life hits. Finding resilience and making the choice between recovering or not can be difficult, but not impossible.This week I'm talking with Kelly Be…

We all go through st…

We all go through stuff, especially once mid-life hits. Finding resilience and making the choice between recovering or not can be difficult, but not impossible.This week I'm talking with Kelly Beins, an occupational therapist who built a business, closed a business, and now is thriving in her career.You'll hear about the mental ups and downs in entrepreneurship and how it's not always as easy as pulling yourself up by the bootstraps. Kelly's humor and willingness to talk about the tough stuff makes this conversation really special.Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: …

What happens when you combine a chatterbox cook with an Improv pro? This week, we're talking about finding the funny with Laura Stark of the improv troupe That's What She Said! The conversat…

What happens when yo…

What happens when you combine a chatterbox cook with an Improv pro? This week, we're talking about finding the funny with Laura Stark of the improv troupe That's What She Said! The conversations bobs and weaves through pronouns, Yoga, bread baking, and why improv for the empty nest ladies is a great (and fun!) idea!You can find tickets to the That's What She Said May 31, 2024 improv performance in Frederick, MD here.Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: EmptyNestKitchen.com