The Empty Nest Kitchen
Welcome to The Empty Nest Kitchen with Christine Van Bloem, where we're finding fun in the kitchen and navigating life after the kids have flown the coop. Join Christine around her kitchen table as we delve into insightful conversations with fellow empty nest women about navigating careers, side hustles, and the joys of food and cooking.
Whether you're embarking on a new chapter or seeking inspiration for your next culinary adventure, tune in for stories, tips, and laughter from women just like you.
Episodes
36 episodes
Simplifying Life with Daily Money Manager Emily Lutz
Have you ever heard of a Daily Money Manager? Meet Emily Lutz, owner of Liberty Paperwork Solutions! Emily shares her journey of becoming a daily money manager, a profession that involves handling clients' administrative chores like bill paymen...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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33:18
Teaching Your Passion: Five Tips to Start a Successful Side Hustle with Recreational Classes
Have you ever considered teaching recreational classes? Whether is cooking, crafting, or even teaching Excel, you'll learn how to identify your zone of genius, research the competition, plan and structure your class, the importance of hospitali...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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23:37
The No Resolution, Resolution
Let's talk New Year's resolutions and why, just maybe, we're ready to say so long sweetheart! In this bite-sized episode, it's time to embrace who we are...the awesomeness that is us. We're leaning into self-love and authenticity, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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7:08
Butter Makes Everything Better
Let's dive into butter—the best ingredient to elevate your baking game. We'll explore why different types of butter vary in price and quality, talk about making your own butter, including cultured butter, and discuss practical tips for using bu...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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17:33
Thriving as a Hyperlocal Blogger with Pam Stultz
In this episode, I'm talking with Pam Stultz from Housewives of Frederick County. Pam shares her journey from starting a fun blog with her twin sister to becoming a content creator focusing on local events, restaurants, and lifestyle topics in ...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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29:25
Thanksgiving at the Cottage
Growing up, our Thanksgiving was truly unique, and in this episode, I'm sharing memorable Thanksgiving traditions at "the cottage". Whether cooking for 40-60 people (or really just washing the dishes), and eating in shifts, we'll talk about Klu...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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16:16
Thanksgiving Traditions: Balancing Classics and Creativity
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 t...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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21:26
Finding Financial Confidence with Jane Helm of Money Mentor Group
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 experien...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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28:01
Adventures in a Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life on the Road with Meredith McAdam
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 acro...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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29:40
How to Start a Supper Club
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-organ...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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18:10
Vintage Vibes with Mindy Cawley of Vintage MC
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. The...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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47:04
Holistic Wellness Strategies with Dawn McGee
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 h...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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30:14
Jennifer Gerlock Pursues It All
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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48:54
The Secrets of EVOO with Sharon Streb of Olive & Basket
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 s...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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41:39
Culinary Medicine and the Magical Mediterranean Diet: A Journey Towards Menopause Wellness
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 importanc...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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25:21
Creating a Life Sabbatical with Elizabeth Cromwell
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 li...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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33:55
Get Into Reformer Pilates with Dawn Conine
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 hi...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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38:30
Let's Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Mentorship with Sandy Dubay of PPR Strategies
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, an...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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45:13
Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Summer (Season Finale)
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 p...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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29:45
Travel Beyond the Guidebook with Beth Schillaci
Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: Emp...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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41:37
Getting Out of Your Own Way with LauraAura
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 emot...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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48:45
Finding the Flavor in Low-Sodium Cooking with Chef Danielle Turner of SaltSanity.com
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 Da...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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51:02
Resilience in Mid-Life with Kelly Beins
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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34:25
Finding the Funny with Laura Stark of That's What She Said
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, b...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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53:45
My Heart Attack Story: The Importance of Heart Health Awareness for the Mid-Life Woman
Christine Van Bloem's journey from surviving a heart attack to thriving today shows resilience and the power of awareness. Through her story, she not only raises awareness about the often overlooked symptoms of heart attacks in women but also u...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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29:57