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Gail, a loyal HelloFresh customer, shared with us her story of discovering her passion for cooking and nurturing her hobbies as an empty nester. 

Finding Her Passion

Gail rediscovers her love of horseback riding.

Gail rediscovers her love of horseback riding.

When her two daughters graduated and left the house, Gail and her husband, Dave, took the opportunity to evaluate what hobbies brought them joy and looked to explore new ones as well. “Raising two kids meant that I dedicated the majority of my time to supporting our family and my career as a middle school teacher – which I love – but left me little time to pursue my favorite activities, like mountain biking and horseback riding,” said Gail. In 2018, when Gail found herself with an empty house and more flexibility in her schedule, she rekindled her love for horseback riding, which led her to buy her own horse and explore the world of eventing, a type of English riding competition. The thrill of competing and connecting with her beloved horse has been a source of adventure in her life.

But Gail wanted to explore new opportunities as well. As a teacher for 33 years, she loves learning and expanding new skills. Introduced to HelloFresh by a friend and fellow teacher, Gail was excited to expand her culinary talents with the easy-to-follow meal kit service. HelloFresh provided her with fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes that made cooking enjoyable and stress-free. Gail appreciates the cooking tips and tricks provided in each recipe, which have enhanced her culinary skills and confidence in the kitchen. She and her family have relished the diverse and delicious meals HelloFresh has to offer, creating memorable moments around the dinner table.

Sharing Tips & Tricks

Gail has some tips for the HelloFresh community that she’s come to find useful – “First, set a reminder for yourself on your phone to choose the next week’s meals by Monday, or they’ll be chosen for you. However, if you like to be surprised, that might work for you!” And, “Portion sizes are plenty, even if you’re big eaters. So take the opportunity to plan for leftovers.”   

Gail and her husband spending time together, mountain biking.

Gail and her husband spending time together, mountain biking.

Gail encourages other empty nesters to invest time in rediscovering their shared interests and nurturing their relationship after their children have left home. She believes that planning and making a commitment to spend quality time together are essential to maintaining a strong bond. Whether it’s picking up an old hobby or trying something entirely new, Gail’s story reminds us of the importance of continuous growth and shared experiences in a long-lasting relationship. We’re proud that HelloFresh has been a delightful addition, making mealtime an exciting adventure for her and her loved ones.

Inspired by Gail’s story? Get cooking here today. 

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