Our Transfer to the Netherlands

Hi there, pals! Immediately 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 greater adjustments.

In case you weren’t conscious, I work full-time outdoors 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 main supply of revenue; seemingly as a result of I’ve by no means been within the “grifting” I see from so many influencers these days. It’s been “fascinating” to look at what number of creators have pivoted to particular non secular or political personas on-line merely to maximise their revenue.

Please notice, this isn’t to say all influencers are dangerous or are grifters. However I’ve vastly in the reduction of on who I watch and belief.

My brief checklist at the moment consists of:

and some different small creators on Instagram.

This submit displays my private expertise and isn’t supposed as authorized or immigration recommendation. All the pieces talked about under bought by me and all opinions are my very own.

The Seek for a New House: New Zealand and Scotland

The 12 months began with Dave and me attending a piece conference in New Orleans, which was an amazing 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 function 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 Companies. They had been extremely welcoming and warranted us we had been wished. Our proposal for Scotland was distinctive, providing us a “first-mover’s benefit” in an untapped area of interest. In the end, nonetheless, the UK House Workplace in London denied our visas. Reasonably 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 whole transfer. We initially employed her to assist us open our Scottish firm, and she or he later grew to become instrumental in our relocation to the Netherlands. She remodeled a protracted, convoluted, and extremely aggravating course of into one thing way more manageable. In case you are 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 nations. Having that current social assist would have made it a lot simpler to combine and develop our native communities. We consider that constant social interplay is essential for psychological well being, and shifting to a spot the place we already had “roots” felt like the neatest path ahead on the time.

Pivoting to the Netherlands

We had been heartbroken to search out our pathways to Scotland closed, particularly since we acquired the denial the exact same day we listed our house on the market. Nonetheless, we remained decided to develop our enterprise and rapidly pivoted to the Netherlands.

Dave and I had really explored shifting 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 below six weeks.

We’re Blissful to be Dutch!

One of many main causes we’re so joyful 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. It is usually a spot with a proud legacy of inclusivity; the Netherlands was the primary nation on this planet to legalize same-sex marriage, reflecting a long-standing dedication to equality. Mixed with the truth that it’s an extremely protected nation, it actually looks like the precise place for us to construct our future.

See the Iris van Herpen Sculpting the Senses Artwork Exhibit.

DAFT Treaty

We employed an organization referred to as Cardon to help us with the DAFT Visa and shifting right here. They had been wonderful with all issues associated to the visa. I might advocate them in case you are trying 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 house, hiring worldwide movers, and coordinating a protected journey for Nyx and Amaya. We bought or donated 95% of our belongings fairly than transport them; wanting again, I might have gotten rid of much more if I’d had the time.

Florida Realtor Skilled

I extremely advocate Lindsey Griffin for her experience as a Florida realtor and assist with promoting our house. Lindsey dealt with a really difficult 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 house as if it had 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 shifting 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 actually want we had ignored them and packed our personal issues anyway. They chucked a number of sentimental artwork items into bins 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 could be protected. To high it off, they misplaced a number of objects, 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 be sure that the objects 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 had been absolutely vaccinated and wholesome after they left. Nonetheless, after being held in a “canine lodge” 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 into very reactive because the transfer, although we’re working exhausting to assist her really feel protected and cozy in her new setting. Whereas the stress of flying performed an element, I believe they had been saved close to a sick animal throughout their keep.

Amsterdam

We’re at the moment settling into a stunning house with a backyard simply outdoors of Amsterdam. After residing in Florida for 21 years, the transition to a rustic with world-class mass transit has been unimaginable. Each time potential, we go for the prepare or metro as an alternative of driving. As lots of you recognize, I like to stroll. Previous to my surgical procedures in 2023 and 2024, I used to be in one of the best 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 way of life.

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 a 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 facet 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 really like residing in a spot that actively prioritizes the setting and works so exhausting to scale back air pollution.

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 basically resonates with us as we settle into our new life right here.

We’ve been requested by fairly just a few individuals: “Why trouble studying Dutch when nearly everybody right here speaks English fluently?” For us, the reply is straightforward. We wish to actually combine into Dutch society fairly than simply residing on its floor. We consider that studying the language is the important gateway to understanding the tradition and historical past of our new house on a deeper degree. Most significantly, it can enable us to construct extra significant, genuine relationships with the individuals 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 they usually’re such versatile highlighters. The 2 blushes I’ve been utilizing are Em Cosmetics Seraph and Baroque. They provide me essentially the most attractive glow.

You will discover Bellabeautebar at their web site or Monolith Store EU, for those who’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 attractive, however I really feel that as a result of I have already got Lifeless Roses and Fundamental Witch, I’ve received my pinks lined. That stated, the Crystallize palette is asking my title.

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 interested by! The primary releases had 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
• Stylish Cloudberry – golden brown

I’m interested by Likeable Litchi, Pretentious Plum, and Fearless Fig.

The brand new Eyeshadow palette is known as Succulent Dew and it’s so fairly! These new objects 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 filled with me for my journey and I exploit each time I apply eyeshadow. They’re nice brushes and I really like them.

What about Trend?

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, to this point when individuals have guessed our nationality, they’ve thought Australian, German, or United Kingdom. They by no means guess American, which surprises me.

Closing Ideas

So, there you might have it! As you’ll be able to see, I spent nearly all of 2025 targeted on increasing our enterprise and navigating our transfer to a brand new nation. I’ve dreamt of residing 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 potential. Actually, after we had been right here for less than per week, Dave instructed me he wished we had been in a position to transfer right here even sooner.