Would you like to hear a story? Excellent - So would I. I am The Story Seeker. Traveling to the four corners of the world and through the wheel of time, I seek out the stories that remind us who we are and encourage us to become whom we are meant to be. I invite you to settle in, put your listening ears on, and let your imagination reawaken as I tell you a story... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Storyteller, Dawn Cromwell, is a gifted performing s ...
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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 l ...
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Finding Financial Confidence with Jane Helm of Money Mentor Group
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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…
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Adventures in a Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life on the Road with Meredith McAdam
29:40
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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 t…
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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…
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Vintage Vibes with Mindy Cawley of Vintage MC
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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 Down…
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Holistic Wellness Strategies with Dawn McGee
30:14
30:14
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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 …
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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 e…
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The Secrets of EVOO with Sharon Streb of Olive & Basket
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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 senso…
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Culinary Medicine and the Magical Mediterranean Diet: A Journey Towards Menopause Wellness
25:21
25:21
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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,…
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Creating a Life Sabbatical with Elizabeth Cromwell
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33:55
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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 pl…
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Get Into Reformer Pilates with Dawn Conine
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38:30
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Exploring Pilates with Dawn Conine This 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 persona…
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Let's Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Mentorship with Sandy Dubay of PPR Strategies
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45:13
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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, a…
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Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Summer (Season Finale)
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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 gu…
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Travel Beyond the Guidebook with Beth Schillaci
41:37
41:37
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Find Christine at: FB: @emptynestkitchen IG: @TheEmptyNestKitchen Web: EmptyNestKitchen.com Linked In: @christinevanbloem 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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Getting Out of Your Own Way with LauraAura
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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…
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Finding the Flavor in Low-Sodium Cooking with Chef Danielle Turner of SaltSanity.com
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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…
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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 e…
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Finding the Funny with Laura Stark of That's What She Said
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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…
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My Heart Attack Story: The Importance of Heart Health Awareness for the Mid-Life Woman
29:57
29:57
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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 underscores the importance of listening to one's body and advocating for proper medical attention. Despite …
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Your New Favorite Summer Wine & Cocktail (with a Naughty Name)
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10:53
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Looking to up your wine IQ by trying something new this summer? This crisp, white wine is a relative of Sauvignon Blanc and though it can be a little spendy, it's a tasty option for warmer weather. And while we're talking wine, let's bring what is sure to be the cocktail of the summer into the mix too! Fruity with a hint of vanilla and a racy name,…
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Kitchen Must-Haves with Marien Hornyak of The Kitchenette
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34:28
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In this episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen, host Christine Van Bloem delves into the world of tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen with special guest Marien Hornyak, owner of The Kitchenette in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. Get ready to discover the latest must-have gadgets and hear insights from Marien, who is also known as the @TheBlindKitchenLady on …
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Managing Menopause Holistically with Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways
29:08
29:08
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Christine Van Bloem and Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways have a lively discussion about navigating menopause and holistic health practices, with a focus on empowerment and self-advocacy. The conversation delves into Kristin's journey transitioning from nursing to holistic nursing, menopause experiences, and empowering women to become their own …
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Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is Calling
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Podcast Show Notes: Episode 7 - Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is Calling Welcome back to another episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen! Today, we're delving into the world of found treasures with my guest, Amy Benton, the founder of Paris is Calling. Amy is here to share her passion for discovering hidden gems and bringing the charm and vi…
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Puff the Magic Pastry: Working with Puff Pastry
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Working with puff pastry is a breeze if you know the tips and tricks to get you from freezer to oven in puffy, crispy, flaky goodness. This week we're talking all things puff pastry, from how's it's made to techniques that insure puffy success. We'll even talk about how to make the most of frozen puff to turn it into a delightful dinner or delectab…
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Bakery Life with Deb King, Deb's Artisan Bakehouse
40:21
40:21
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This week Deb King from Deb's Artisan Bakehouse and I are talking pastries, why food IS love if you're the cook, and how her terrific bakery got started. If you've ever wondered how she creates a menu or what it's like to have a menu full of choices and options every week, this episode is the one for you. Follow Christine Van Bloem on Instagram @th…
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Mastering Handmade Pasta with Laurie Boucher, Pastapreneur
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42:01
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Laurie Boucher calls herself a Pastapreneur, but I call her the Pasta Queen. Laurie's dedication to all things pasta on her Instagram account, @BaltimoreHomeCook, will leave you not only hungry, but ready to make your own pasta! A former attorney, Laurie has jumped into pasta-making full steam ahead. You can find her delicious hand-formed pasta at …
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Tinned fish is all the rage, and a great way to spend some time with friends and neighbors, or even for a quick dinner for one or two. Here's you'll find info on getting started in your own tinned fish era, with places to shop for the highest quality product, the accompaniments you'll want to include, and even a few extras to add on your board. Plu…
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Thrive in Midlife with Heather Tydings of Own Your Evolution
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34:17
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This week I'm talking with Heather Tydings, the owner of Own Your Evolution. Heather is a practicing psychotherapist and life coach. Listen as we jam out on empty nest women, mental wellness, food, fun, and travel. A travel loving foodie, Heather is also a lifetime vegetarian, triple Capricorn, mama bear, wife, friend, and celebrator of all good th…
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We're talking salt today! Don't know the difference between table and kosher, or Morton's or Diamond Crystal? I'm here to help! 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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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 KitchenBy Christine
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Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, by Russell and Lillian Hoban
24:20
24:20
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Emmet Otter and his Ma face a hard Christmas, with no way to buy the presents they so dearly wish to give. But, a talent competition offers hope of prize money. Contains the song, “When The River Meets The Sea,” written by Paul Williams for the Jim Henson special.
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A young boy is forced to sell his best friend; but no one is interested in buying a small donkey who is too old to work.
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The Jungle Book - 02 Mowgli's Brothers, Part 2
9:28
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This is one of my all-time favorite books, "The Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling. In Part 2 (of 4) of the first chapter, Mowgli's Brothers, Mowgli is presented before the pack to determine if he will be accepted.
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The Jungle Book - 01 Mowgli's Brothers, Part 1
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This is one of my all-time favorite books, "The Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling. In Part 1 (of 4) of the first chapter, Mowgli's Brothers, Father and Mother Wolf adopt a man cub, saving him from the tiger, Shere Kahn.
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To see a high-definition version of this video on YouTube, Click Here. (http://youtu.be/wisnVMcFtSM) “I am the Mom who chased the bear out of Boy Scout camp.” Whenever anyone asks me to name something interesting about myself, that’s what I’m able to tell them. It’s one of the defining life events I’m most proud of. But upon further reflection, I d…
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I share a little of my off-beat Irish heritage in this story, along with a song, "The Sick Note," originally written by Pat Cooksey and performed by The Dubliners. This performance was given for the Littleton Chapter of Spellbinders volunteer storytellers. An HD version of this video can be seen on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/664DNZDj65Y For more o…
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A small green caterpillar never imagines the world might contain anything beyond his simple cabbage leaf. Then one day, a beautiful butterfly lays her eggs on the leaf, and his small world suddenly changes.
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They Called Her Molly Pitcher, by Anne Rockwell
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19:49
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Molly Hays was a heroine of the Revolutionary War. During the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse on June 28, 1778, Molly carried water through the danger and din of the battlefield to the Colonial troops, fighting in +100 degree heat against a larger and better trained British army. When her husband was wounded, she assumed responsibility for firing his…
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