Howdy, associates! Right now I’m sharing the place I’ve been and why I’ve largely been away from long-form content material in 2025. It was a transformative 12 months for my household, crammed with immense challenges and even larger adjustments.
In case you weren’t conscious, I work full-time exterior of running a blog. I prioritize the work that pays my payments, and I weblog for the love of it. My weblog has by no means been my major supply of revenue; possible as a result of I’ve by no means been within the “grifting” I see from so many influencers these days. It’s been “attention-grabbing” to look at what number of creators have pivoted to particular spiritual or political personas on-line merely to maximise their revenue.
Please notice, this isn’t to say all influencers are unhealthy or are grifters. However I’ve vastly in the reduction of on who I watch and belief.
My quick checklist at the moment contains:
and some different small creators on Instagram.
This submit displays my private expertise and isn’t supposed as authorized or immigration recommendation. Every thing talked about under bought by me and all opinions are my very own.
The Seek for a New Residence: New Zealand and Scotland
The 12 months began with Dave and me attending a piece conference in New Orleans, which was a fantastic success for our firm. Instantly after, Dave took me on the holiday of my desires: six weeks in New Zealand. Whereas there, we balanced touring that stunning nation with exploring enterprise enlargement and job alternatives. Sadly, the funds for a enterprise enlargement didn’t align, and I didn’t discover a position that will facilitate our relocation.
See the Vivienne Westwood Artwork Exhibit at Te Papa Museum in Wellington New Zealand.
Subsequent, we turned our sights towards Scotland. I went so far as opening an organization there and assembly with immigration attorneys and Scottish Migration Providers. They have been extremely welcoming and guaranteed us we have been wished. Our proposal for Scotland was distinctive, providing us a “first-mover’s benefit” in an untapped area of interest. Finally, nevertheless, the UK Residence Workplace in London denied our visas. Fairly than spend time combating the federal government or interesting, we determined to maneuver on.
Progress Circles
Carri from Progress Circles was the lynchpin of our complete transfer. We initially employed her to assist us open our Scottish firm, and she or he later turned instrumental in our relocation to the Netherlands. She remodeled an extended, convoluted, and extremely anxious course of into one thing much more manageable. If you’re contemplating relocating to the UK or Europe, I extremely advocate reaching out to her. We’re so grateful for her experience and assist!
Why Scotland or New Zealand?
The rationale Dave and I initially explored each Scotland and New Zealand is that we have already got established buddy networks in each international locations. Having that present social assist would have made it a lot simpler to combine and develop our native communities. We imagine that constant social interplay is essential for psychological well being, and transferring to a spot the place we already had “roots” felt like the neatest path ahead on the time.
Pivoting to the Netherlands
We have been heartbroken to search out our pathways to Scotland closed, particularly since we obtained the denial the exact same day we listed our residence on the market. Nonetheless, we remained decided to develop our enterprise and shortly pivoted to the Netherlands.
Dave and I had really explored transferring to the Netherlands again in 2019 and 2020. Due to the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), we realized it was financially viable to open a enterprise and relocate there. As soon as we made the choice, we managed to drag off a whole worldwide transfer in underneath six weeks.
We’re Glad to be Dutch!
One of many major causes we’re so completely happy to have moved to the Netherlands is its egalitarian society. Dutch tradition deeply values particular person opinions and maintains a refreshingly flat hierarchy in each social {and professional} life. Additionally it is a spot with a proud legacy of inclusivity; the Netherlands was the primary nation on the earth to legalize same-sex marriage, reflecting a long-standing dedication to equality. Mixed with the truth that it’s an extremely secure nation, it really appears like the proper place for us to construct our future.
See the Iris van Herpen Sculpting the Senses Artwork Exhibit in Rotterdam.
DAFT Treaty
We employed an organization referred to as Cardon to help us with the DAFT Visa and transferring right here. They have been glorious with all issues associated to the visa. I might advocate them in case you are seeking to transfer to the Netherlands utilizing the DAFT Visa.
The Logistics of an Worldwide Transfer
That month and a half was a blur of promoting our residence, hiring worldwide movers, and coordinating a secure journey for Nyx and Amaya. We offered or donated 95% of our belongings somewhat than delivery them; wanting again, I might have gotten rid of much more if I’d had the time.
Florida Realtor Knowledgeable
I extremely advocate Lindsey Griffin for her experience as a Florida realtor and assist with promoting our residence. Lindsey dealt with a really tough negotiation with a belief fund purchaser that took three months to finalize. Since we already had moved in another country, Lindsey stepped up and cared for our residence as if it have been her personal throughout the delay. Her dedication gave us complete peace of thoughts and turned a sophisticated sale into a beautiful expertise.
Shifting Firm Blues
Sadly, the transferring firm we employed was horrible. They lied about their packing course of and insisted that if we packed something ourselves, it wouldn’t be insurable. I really want we had ignored them and packed our personal issues anyway. They chucked a number of sentimental artwork items into packing containers with none wrapping. My make-up was handled with the identical lack of care, regardless of their assurances on a video name that each piece can be protected. To prime it off, they misplaced a number of gadgets, together with all of my oracle and tarot playing cards (and their companion books) and a few of my purses.
On a optimistic notice, they did make sure that the gadgets we designated as priceless, like my grandmother’s curio cupboard and mirror, arrived safely.
Shifting the Fur-Infants
The corporate that dealt with Nyx and Amaya’s transfer did a a lot better job, although it wasn’t with out its stresses. Each canines have been absolutely vaccinated and wholesome once they left. Nonetheless, after being held in a “canine resort” ready for Dutch authorities clearance, they each contracted a extreme case of kennel cough.
It was heartbreaking to see them so sick. I needed to take them to the vet instantly for a 10-day course of antibiotics. Moreover, the flight was traumatic for Nyx; she has turn out to be very reactive for the reason that transfer, although we’re working arduous to assist her really feel secure and comfy in her new surroundings. Whereas the stress of flying performed a component, I believe they have been saved close to a sick animal throughout their keep.
Amsterdam
We’re at the moment settling into a stunning residence with a backyard simply exterior of Amsterdam. After dwelling in Florida for 21 years, the transition to a rustic with world-class mass transit has been unimaginable. At any time when attainable, we go for the practice or metro as an alternative of driving. As a lot of you realize, I like to stroll. Previous to my surgical procedures in 2023 and 2024, I used to be in the perfect form of my life strolling 5 miles a day, and we’re doing loads of that right here. We additionally plan to purchase bikes quickly so we are able to absolutely embrace the native life-style.
Biking tradition within the Netherlands is very large and actually spectacular. I significantly love the cargo bikes designed to hold pets. We’re planning to get one so Nyx and Amaya can be part of us on our rides! It’s additionally refreshing to see how dog-friendly this nation is; canines are welcomed in lots of shops and are allowed on all types of public transport.
One other side we love is the nation’s deep funding in electrical automobiles and renewable vitality. It’s frequent to see photo voltaic panels on rooftops, huge photo voltaic fields with sheep grazing close by to maintain the grass down, and wind generators dotting the panorama. I like dwelling in a spot that actively prioritizes the surroundings and works so arduous to cut back air pollution. It makes me completely happy to dwell someplace that cares concerning the surroundings and science.
Studying the Language (and the Mindset)
Whereas we’re nonetheless within the early levels of studying the Dutch language, one of many first phrases we’ve embraced is: “Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg.” This interprets to “Simply act regular, that’s loopy sufficient.” It’s a beautiful reflection of the native mindset; it encourages authenticity and being true to your self with out the necessity for pretense or displaying off. It’s a philosophy that actually resonates with us as we settle into our new life right here.
We’ve been requested by fairly a number of folks: “Why hassle studying Dutch when virtually everybody right here speaks English fluently?” For us, the reply is straightforward. We wish to really combine into Dutch society somewhat than simply dwelling on its floor. We imagine that studying the language is the important gateway to understanding the tradition and historical past of our new residence on a deeper degree. Most significantly, it would enable us to construct extra significant, genuine relationships with the folks we meet in our each day lives.
What about Make-up?
I nonetheless love make-up and am obsessive about it! Primarily, I’ve been obsessive about the manufacturers Bellabeautebar (code CORDELIA), Black Moon, Haus Labs, and Kaleidos. I’ve been carrying BBB Darkish Dreamscape and Morally Gray nonstop since I arrived right here. The Haus Labs Le Monster Lip Crayons have been my go-to for lips together with Black Moon’s Liquid Lipsticks. Sure I nonetheless love a matte liquid lip! Kaleidos Moon Cruiser and Star Surfer have given me a stunning glow and so they’re such versatile highlighters. The 2 blushes I’ve been utilizing are Em Cosmetics Seraph and Baroque. They offer me probably the most beautiful glow.
You’ll find Bellabeautebar at their web site or Monolith Store EU, in case you’re within the EU like I’m now. Monolith Store EU additionally carries Black Moon and Kaleidos.
Different manufacturers they carry embrace Adept Cosmetics, Mix Bunny Cosmetics, Artitude, Clionadh, Chokehold, Cosmic Brushes, Davini, Dieverune, Fantasy Cosmetica, Electrum, Glamlite, Glisten, Glaminatrix, Gourmandegirls, Karla Cosmetics, Klarity, Kryptein, MBA, Narimi, Merely Posh, Singe Magnificence, Depraved Widow Magnificence, What’s Up Magnificence, Dede Signature, Query Magnificence, and Kaima Cosmetics.
My Bellabeautebar Palettes:
BBB simply got here out with Pinky Promise, an all pink palette. It’s beautiful, however I really feel that as a result of I have already got Lifeless Roses and Primary Witch, I’ve acquired my pinks lined. That mentioned, the Crystallize palette is asking my identify.
Kaleidos
I’ve been on a 3 month no purchase (and I’ve been on a low purchase since 2019), however I’d break the no purchase quickly to attempt some new issues from Kaleidos that I’ve had my eye on. Primarily, Prismelt and Cheat Code for lips, and Lunaria and Scarlet Striker eye pencils.
Singe Magnificence
Singe Magnificence has a palette and blushes that I’m fascinated with! The primary releases have been too heat for my style.
The brand new blush shades popping out are:
- Likeable Litchi – cool-toned mauve pink
- Fearless Fig – lilac purple
- Pretentious Plum – deep purple
- Elegant Cloudberry – golden brown
I’m fascinated with Likeable Litchi, Pretentious Plum, and Fearless Fig.
The brand new Eyeshadow palette is known as Succulent Dew and it’s so fairly! These new gadgets launch on Friday 23 January 2026.
I’ve but to attempt a make-up product from Singe, however my Singe eyeshadow brushes got here within the small package that I full of me for my transfer and I take advantage of each time I apply eyeshadow. They’re nice brushes and I like them.
What about Style?
I’m nonetheless obsessive about BlackMilk! I put on BlackMilk each day and it brings me pleasure. They’re an Australian clothes model. On that notice, up to now when folks have guessed our nationality, they’ve thought Australian, German, or United Kingdom. They by no means guess American, which surprises me.
Last Ideas
So, there you’ve it! As you’ll be able to see, I spent the vast majority of 2025 targeted on increasing our enterprise and navigating our transfer to a brand new nation. I’ve dreamt of dwelling overseas since I used to be 12 years previous, a need that solely intensified after 2012. I’m extremely grateful that Dave and I are so in sync; having his full assist made this huge transition attainable. In actual fact, after we had been right here for less than every week, Dave advised me he wished we had been capable of transfer right here even sooner.
For those who’re occupied with transferring to the Netherlands, I might advocate testing the DAFT Visa, as that’s the simplest way for People to maneuver to the Netherlands.
Extra to See
