Our Transfer to the Netherlands

Hiya, buddies! Right this moment 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 yr for my household, crammed with immense challenges and even greater modifications.

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 major supply of revenue; probably 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 observe what number of creators have pivoted to particular spiritual or political personas on-line merely to maximise their revenue.

Please observe, this isn’t to say all influencers are unhealthy or are grifters. However I’ve tremendously reduce on who I watch and belief.

My quick listing at present contains:

and some different small creators on Instagram.

This publish displays my private expertise and isn’t supposed as authorized or immigration recommendation. Every little thing talked about beneath bought by me and all opinions are my very own.

The Seek for a New House: New Zealand and Scotland

The yr 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 lovely nation with exploring enterprise growth and job alternatives. Sadly, the funds for a enterprise growth 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. In the end, nonetheless, the UK House Workplace in London denied our visas. Quite 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 total transfer. We initially employed her to assist us open our Scottish firm, and he or she later grew to become instrumental in our relocation to the Netherlands. She remodeled a protracted, convoluted, and extremely tense course of into one thing way more manageable. If you’re contemplating relocating to the UK or Europe, I extremely suggest reaching out to her. We’re so grateful for her experience and help!

Why Scotland or New Zealand?

The explanation Dave and I initially explored each Scotland and New Zealand is that we have already got established pal networks in each international locations. Having that present social help 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 acquired 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 Comfortable to be Dutch!

One of many major causes we’re so pleased 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 secure nation, it really seems like the precise 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’d suggest 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 bought or donated 95% of our belongings moderately than transport them; wanting again, I’d have gotten rid of much more if I’d had the time.

Florida Realtor Knowledgeable

I extremely suggest Lindsey Griffin for her experience as a Florida realtor and assist with promoting our residence. Lindsey dealt with a really difficult negotiation with a belief fund purchaser that took three months to finalize. Since we already had moved in a foreign country, Lindsey stepped up and cared for our residence as if it have been her personal through the delay. Her dedication gave us whole peace of thoughts and turned an advanced sale into a beautiful expertise.

Transferring 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 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 could 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 constructive observe, they did make sure that the gadgets we designated as priceless, like my grandmother’s curio cupboard and mirror, arrived safely.

Transferring the Fur-Infants

The corporate that dealt with Nyx and Amaya’s transfer did a significantly better job, although it wasn’t with out its stresses. Each canine have been absolutely vaccinated and wholesome once 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 for the reason that transfer, although we’re working laborious to assist her really feel secure and comfy in her new surroundings. Whereas the stress of flying performed a component, I think they have been saved close to a sick animal throughout their keep.

Amsterdam

We’re at present settling into a stunning residence with a backyard simply outdoors of Amsterdam. After dwelling in Florida for 21 years, the transition to a rustic with world-class mass transit has been unbelievable. Each time potential, we go for the prepare or metro as a substitute of driving. As lots of you realize, 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 notably 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; canine 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 widespread 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 laborious to scale back air pollution. It makes me pleased 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 exhibiting 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 folks: “Why hassle studying Dutch when nearly everybody right here speaks English fluently?” For us, the reply is straightforward. We wish to really combine into Dutch society moderately 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 stage. Most significantly, it’s going to permit us to construct extra significant, genuine relationships with the folks we meet in our day by 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’ll find Bellabeautebar at their web site or Monolith Store EU, when you’re within the EU like I’m now. Monolith Store EU additionally carries Black Moon and Kaleidos.

Different manufacturers they carry embody 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 coated. That mentioned, the Crystallize palette is looking 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 eager about! 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 eager about 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 equipment that I full of me for my transfer and I exploit each time I apply eyeshadow. They’re nice brushes and I like them.

What about Trend?

I’m nonetheless obsessive about BlackMilk! I put on BlackMilk day by day and it brings me pleasure. They’re an Australian clothes model. On that observe, thus far when folks have guessed our nationality, they’ve thought Australian, German, or United Kingdom. They by no means guess American, which surprises me.

Remaining Ideas

So, there you have got it! As you may see, I spent nearly all of 2025 centered 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 help made this huge transition potential. The truth is, after we had been right here for less than every week, Dave informed me he wished we had been capable of transfer right here even sooner.

In case you’re serious about transferring to the Netherlands, I’d suggest testing the DAFT Visa, as that’s the easiest method for Individuals to maneuver to the Netherlands.

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