Cooking for The Empty Nest-Bringing joy back to your kitchen!

Beyond Empty Nest

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If you’re new to the empty nest scene, you may be struggling with a surprising time of day…dinner time! 🍽️

Maybe it’s because you’re not used to eating alone. Maybe it’s because you don’t know how to cook for a smaller family unit. Or maybe you’re just not feeling like eating. These are all valid feelings, but it’s important to remember that even something as simple as cooking dinner can bring us joy!

Today’s guest has a fun solution for you! Beyond just salt and pepper, Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen brings a passion for healthy-ish cooking and a dash of creativity to the table, creating a connection in the kitchen where you enjoy exciting, flavorful, and fun experiences. As a teacher, cook, writer, and speaker, as well as a cooking school owner for 15 years, Christine helps you adjust and learn while cooking for your own Empty Nest Kitchen.

In this episode

• [2:23] Christine shares her story of becoming an empty nester and how she turned that experience into something positive.
• [5:55] Christine dives further into the AARP cooking nights and how that works.
• [7:00] Jodi shares her own struggles with cooking for an empty nest and how it was hard for her to get into a new routine.
• [8:09] Valuable tips on how to cook for the empty nest.
• [10:33] We learn that Christine is a heart-attack survivor and why it’s so important for her to eat healthy.
• [13:36] The importance of finding fun and joy in the kitchen again, no matter how you feel.
• [16:35] Jodi talks about a cooking experience with Christine through her Moms Who Dare platform.
• [19:03] Samples of what a new normal could look like for an empty nester.
• [20:28] Changing your routine can positively impact your outlook.
• [22:13] Christine shares a powerful story that occurred during her cooking series and shows the power of connection.
• [25:06] Your Dare for this week!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Christine challenges us to take a cooking class with her!

About Christine Van Bloem

Beyond just salt and pepper, Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen brings a passion for healthy-ish cooking and a dash of creativity to the table, creating connection in the kitchen where you enjoy exciting, flavorful, and fun experiences. As a teacher, cook, writer, and speaker, as well as a cooking school owner for 15 years, Christine helps you adjust and learn while cooking for your own Empty Nest Kitchen.

Connect With Christine Van Bloem

• Website
• Youtube
• Podcast
• Instagram

Resources Referenced in the Episode

• Christine’s Live Online Cooking classes with AARP
• 10 Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen

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