The Empty Nest Kitchen

By: Christine Van Bloem
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © 2024 The Empty Nest Kitchen
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Episodes
  • Adventures in a Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life on the Road with Meredith McAdam
    Nov 5 2024

    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 helping those in the LGBTQ community. Meredith offers insights and advice for those considering a similar lifestyle and the joys of exploring new places every week.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
    01:01 Meredith's Unique Living Situation
    03:20 Life in a Fifth Wheel
    07:14 Travel Adventures and Destinations
    09:45 Challenges and Practicalities of RV Living
    15:45 Community and Social Aspects
    16:34 Embracing the Freedom of Downsizing
    17:55 Cooking Adventures in a Tiny Home
    18:58 Travel Plans and Reservations
    20:26 Living the Vineyard Life
    20:59 A Career in Therapy
    22:55 Supporting the LGBTQ Community
    23:50 Balancing Work and Adventure
    26:11 Empowering Women to Seek What They Want
    27:35 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

    Find Meredith McAdam at https://www.fredericktherapy.org

    • Follow Christine Van Bloem on Instagram @theemptynestkitchen and on Facebook @emptynestkitchen
    • Learn more about Menopause Meal Plans
    • Sign up for my FREE 10 Essential Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen



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    30 mins
  • How to Start a Supper Club
    Oct 29 2024

    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 Clubs

    00:54 The Birth of Our Supper Club

    03:29 Key Considerations for Starting a Supper Club

    07:23 Organizing and Hosting Supper Club Events

    09:21 Different Approaches to Hosting a Supper Club

    10:12 Setting Up Your Supper Club

    11:13 Hostess Gifts: Yay or Nay?

    12:05 Managing Food Portions and Leftovers

    13:39 Alcohol Considerations for Your Supper Club

    15:50 Final Thoughts and Invitations

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    18 mins
  • Vintage Vibes with Mindy Cawley of Vintage MC
    Oct 22 2024

    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,' bring light and joy during the winter. The conversation touches on balancing business and family life, the humor of family involvement, and the bittersweet aspects of dealing with empty nest syndrome. Mindy shares her gift for staying ahead of trends, the strong support in her community, and the joy of connecting with customers through her love for vintage and retro decor.

    00:00 Introduction and Menopause Meal Plan Info
    00:57 Meet Mindy Cawley from Vintage MC
    01:21 The Story Behind Vintage MC
    02:07 Expanding the Vintage Shop
    03:19 Trends and Popular Items
    13:03 The Charm of Downtown Frederick
    14:24 Support for Local Businesses
    16:35 Main Street Programs and Grants
    21:34 Upcoming Trends and Holiday Plans
    24:10 Winter Fundraising with Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
    24:28 Decorating Boats for Charity
    25:49 The Dancing Queen 2.0 Project
    26:11 Holiday Preparations and Hustling for Donations
    26:38 The Challenges and Joys of Small Business Ownership
    27:38 Creative Fundraising Ideas
    37:12 Reflections on Empty Nest Life
    43:10 Favorite Local Eateries
    44:35 Where to Find Mindy and Vintage MC

    • Follow Christine Van Bloem on Instagram @theemptynestkitchen and on Facebook @emptynestkitchen
    • Learn more about Menopause Meal Plans
    • Sign up for my FREE 10 Essential Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen
    • Check out Vintage MC!
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    47 mins

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