Our Transfer to the Netherlands

Hi there, associates! At this time 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, full of immense challenges and even larger 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; possible as a result of I’ve by no means been within the “grifting” I see from so many influencers recently. 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 word, this isn’t to say all influencers are dangerous or are grifters. However I’ve drastically in the reduction of on who I watch and belief.

My brief record presently consists of:

and some different small creators on Instagram.

This put up displays my private expertise and isn’t meant 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 excellent 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 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 guaranteed us we had been needed. Our proposal for Scotland was distinctive, providing us a “first-mover’s benefit” in an untapped area of interest. Finally, nonetheless, the UK House Workplace in London denied our visas. Relatively than spend time preventing the federal government or interesting, we determined to maneuver on.

Development Circles

Carri from Development 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 reworked a protracted, convoluted, and extremely nerve-racking 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 help!

Why Scotland or New Zealand?

The rationale Dave and I initially explored each Scotland and New Zealand is that we have already got established good friend networks in each nations. 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 had been heartbroken to seek 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 broaden our enterprise and rapidly 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 tug off a complete worldwide transfer in beneath six weeks.

We’re Comfortable to be Dutch!

One of many main causes we’re so blissful 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’s also 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 fitting 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 had been glorious 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 secure journey for Nyx and Amaya. We offered or donated 95% of our belongings moderately 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 a foreign country, Lindsey stepped up and cared for our house as if it had been her personal in the course of the delay. Her dedication gave us complete peace of thoughts and turned an advanced 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 objects, together with all of my oracle and tarot playing cards (and their companion books) and a few of my purses.

On a constructive word, they did make 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 significantly better job, although it wasn’t with out its stresses. Each canine had been absolutely vaccinated and wholesome after 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 cozy in her new surroundings. Whereas the stress of flying performed a component, I believe they had been stored close to a sick animal throughout their keep.

Amsterdam

We’re presently settling into a beautiful house 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 unimaginable. At any time when 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 the very 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 will absolutely embrace the native way of life.

Biking tradition within the Netherlands is huge and truthfully 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; canine 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 autos and renewable power. 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 really like dwelling in a spot that actively prioritizes the surroundings and works so arduous to cut back air pollution. It makes me blissful to dwell someplace that cares in regards to 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 basically resonates with us as we settle into our new life right here.

We’ve been requested by fairly a couple of individuals: “Why hassle studying Dutch when nearly everybody right here speaks English fluently?” For us, the reply is straightforward. We need 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 house on a deeper degree. Most significantly, it is going to 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 beautiful glow they usually’re such versatile highlighters. The 2 blushes I’ve been utilizing are Em Cosmetics Seraph and Baroque. They provide me probably the most attractive glow.

You could find Bellabeautebar at their web site or Monolith Store EU, if you happen to’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 Primary Witch, I’ve obtained 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 would 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 considering! 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
• Elegant Cloudberry – golden brown

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

The brand new Eyeshadow palette 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 equipment that I full of me for my transfer and I exploit each time I apply eyeshadow. They’re nice brushes and I really 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 word, 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.

Remaining Ideas

So, there you’ve got it! As you’ll be able to see, I spent the vast majority 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 outdated, 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 instructed me he wished we had been in a position to transfer right here even sooner.

Should you’re serious about 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