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Why Slowing Down in the New Year Is Actually Natural and Avoids Burnout Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Ep 260: In this episode, Allison and Ceara share about the importance of reflecting and evaluating on the previous year before jumping into new goals. We highlight our personal desire to find the balance between starting the year in a restful and restorative way, but also setting your north star for the year to capitalize on the new year energy. We share tangible ways you can reflect, organize and plan the upcoming months such as categorizing with the 8 dimensions of wellness or creating a ‘school curriculum.’

In the catch up segment, we both share updates of our Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Ceara spent the week in Charlotte with her siblings and parents. They played a lot of games that were a huge hit with the group. Allison’s mom and sister came to The Netherlands so they got to meet baby Hayes.

TAKEAWAYS:

Slowing down in January is aligned with nature, not a sign of laziness.
Refining and narrowing down your goals can avoid burnout.
Reflection before goal-setting creates clarity.
Starting the year with intention rather than pressure.
Use frameworks like the 8 dimensions of wellness to evaluate.
Creating a “personal curriculum” can organize priorities in a fun way.
Slower pacing often fosters creativity, clarity, and deeper insight.
Doing less sometimes leads to more.
The quieter start of the year allows space for emotional processing.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 100 - 100 Ways To Improve Your Life

Episode # 108 - Self-Care Series: 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Episode # 117 - How the ‘8 Dimensions of Wellness Series’ Changed Our Lives

Episode # 244 - How to Make Your Own Personal Curriculum

MENTIONS:

Ceara’s Family Game Suggestions - Wavelength, Scattegories, JackBox, We’re Not Really Strangers Family Edition, Karaoke Machine, Pickleball

Allison’s Family Outing - Alpaca Eco Farm

DIY 2026 Goal Punch Cards - Video on TikTok

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How to Actually Learn From Your Mistakes (and Not Repeat Them) Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Ep 259: With the holidays and travel, we’re sharing a replay this week — an episode all about failure, reflection, and learning from your mistakes. Thank you for being here, and we’ll be back next week with something new!

Original Airdate: January 10, 2025 // In this episode, we wanted to share the importance of reflection, analyzing data, shortcomings, failures and mistakes in order to set better, more aligned and more realistic goals in the year ahead. We emphasize how crucial it is to be accountable and honest with ourselves, loved ones and community.

TAKEAWAYS:

Reflecting on the past year is crucial before setting new goals.
Acknowledging failures is a necessary part of growth.
Setting realistic goals can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
Learning from your own and other’s past experiences.
Setting realistic goals can lead to more sustainable progress.
Small wins build confidence and encourage continued effort.
Listening to one's instincts is vital in decision-making.
Community feedback is important in shaping future initiatives.

MENTIONS:

Post with Life-Changing Websites: View on Lemon8

Free Custom White Noise Generator: asoftmurmur.com

Free Recipe Generator: supercook.com

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New Mom Updates + How to Create Meaningful Gatherings With Friends Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Ep 258: In this new intro, Allison reflects on the holidays and what this season has been like as a brand-new mom. She opens up about creating family traditions, the emotional side of bonding with her baby Hayes, and what breastfeeding and early motherhood have really been like for her.

Starting at the 10-minute mark, this episode transitions into a replay of Episode 221 (originally aired April 9, 2025), while Allison and Ceara are off for the holidays.

Allison and Ceara also catch up and talk about creative ways to bring people together — from being a thoughtful host or guest to planning meaningful, budget-friendly gatherings that feel special without being stressful. We share favorite events we’ve hosted, loved, or are dreaming up for the future, along with simple touches that make people feel cared for.

TAKEAWAYS:

It's important to consider the purpose of a gathering.
Establishing a theme can enhance the experience.
Guest dynamics matter, especially in smaller groups.
Low-key hangouts can be just as meaningful as planned events.
Bringing a thoughtful gift shows appreciation to the host.
Offering to bring something can help the host.
Fresh bread or gourmet treats are great gift ideas.
Helping clean up shows appreciation for the host.
Communication about arrival times is crucial.
Hosts should greet guests and provide guidance.
Setting expectations can ease social anxiety.
Having a clear end time can help manage gatherings.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep 61: How To Plan A Trip: Choosing A Destination, Finding Hidden Gems, and More

Ep 102: Hobbies: Why They’re Important, Our Favorite Hobbies and Ideas to Try

Ep 129: How to Make (and Maintain) Friendships

Ep 130: Finding Aligned Friends and Activities To Do Together

Ep 135: Navigating Friendship Growing Pains and Moving Forward Together

Ep 136: Is It Time To Close A Friendship Chapter (WWYBD?!)

MENTIONS:

Allison’s Yoga Mat - Oko Living (Code ‘allisonwetig’ 10% off)

@Talliia on TikTok Movie Night

Our Favorite Chocolates: Hu Kitchen

Allison Post on Lemon 8 of “Fun Holidays“ by Season

Ceara Game App Rec - Flamingo

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

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Raw and Honest Birth Story: 42 Weeks, Surrender and Welcoming 9.77 lb Baby Boy Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Ep 257: In this episode, Allison shares her birth story with baby Hayes who arrived earthside on Sunday December 14th at 11:21pm in Haarlem, Netherlands. She had originally planned for a home birth but had to transfer to the hospital’s care due to going to 42 weeks. She candidly shares how she had to continuously alter her birth plan to ensure a safe and healthy arrival.

At the end of the episode, Allison and Ceara touch on breastfeeding, the first 48 hours postpartum, DIY baby registry and initial thoughts of parenthood. This episode is for anyone who’s pregnant, postpartum, curious about birth, or simply navigating a season where life asks you to loosen your grip and trust what’s unfolding.

TAKEAWAYS:

Things will rarely go as planned with labor
Flexibility can be just as important as preparation
Pregnancy and birth are full-body experiences: physical, emotional, mental, and deeply spiritual
Giving birth abroad brings unique challenges, but also profound moments of perspective, presence, and resilience

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 230 - Exciting Life Updates: Gender Reveal Party, Moving to Europe, and 48 Hours in Vegas

Episode # 231 - Embracing Adulthood: Letting Go, Finding Joy in the Mundane and Alleviating Stress To Improve Quality of Life

Episode # 240 - She Said YES! Sunset Proposal Story, Ring Details + A Wild Week in LA

MENTIONS:

DIY Baby Registry - On Allison’s Website

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

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How to Think Like a Marketer: Trends, Tactics & How to Stop Falling for Bad Products with Bea Doheny Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Ep 256: In this week’s episode, Ceara sits down with her longtime friend and marketing expert Bea Doheny, for a fun and super eye-opening conversation about the current marketing landscape, trends we’re noticing, and how to think like a marketer. Even if you don’t work in marketing, this episode is packed with insights that will help you shop smarter, understand why brands do what they do, and become a more intentional consumer overall.

They rewind to their college days, talk about how far they’ve come in their careers, and unpack the biggest shifts happening in the marketing world right now. From the rise of AI, to TikTok Shop taking over everyone’s carts, to why in-person events and real community are having a comeback, this episode is packed with things that make you rethink the way you shop.

Bea also shares a behind-the-scenes look at working at Makeup by Mario during the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, what makes a product truly worth buying, and why personalization is becoming non-negotiable.

If you love shopping, branding, or just want to understand the psychology behind what’s actually influencing you, this episode is for you.

TAKEAWAYS:

Marketing has evolved fast — and consumers are getting smarter right alongside it.
After years online, people are craving real-life experiences again, and brands are following suit.
TikTok Shop is no longer a trend; it’s the new storefront.
Holiday shopping is shifting toward curation, personalization, and thoughtful gifting.
The brands that win in 2026 will be the ones that stay authentic and genuinely human.
Community is becoming one of the most powerful marketing tools a business can build.
A true friend supports your growth and evolution — inside and outside your career.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 170 - BTS of A Celebrity Social Media Manager Julia Broome

Episode # 82 - Manifesting Your Dream Job and Living a Passionate Life with Hannia Zavala

MENTIONS:

Bea Doheny - IG

Astronobeads - IG

Rakuten - Ceara’s Referral Link

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Holiday Drinking Pressure, Dry January and Reflecting On Your Relationship with Alcohol Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Ep 255: In this solo episode, Allison encourages listeners to explore their own relationships with alcohol by offering insights, personal reflection questions and strategies for mindful consumption. She shares some highs and lows of her journey with alcohol over the last 15 years and reminds listeners that a path of sobriety isn’t typically linear. She emphasizes the importance of having self-love, patience, grace, compassion and understanding for yourself along the way.

In the catch up segment, Allison shares that she is recording on her actual due date, but baby is still cozied inside. Her mom and sister came to visit, so she spent the week showing them her day-to-day life in The Netherlands with activities such as biking around, yoga, pilates, going to the market, her favorite local cafes, and the library.

TAKEAWAYS:

Allison celebrates her due date while reflecting on her pregnancy.
Her thoughts on sobriety and its relevance during the holiday season.
The duality of multiple experiences being true, related to drinking.
The importance of community support in sobriety.
The emotional and spiritual benefits of abstaining from alcohol.
Suggestions for navigating social situations without drinking.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 29 - An Honest Conversation About Drinking (Part One)

Episode # 81 - An Honest Conversation About Drinking: Part Two

Episode # 99 - Exploring A Sober Curious Lifestyle with Jordan Grainger

Episode # 122 - An Honest Conversation About Drinking: Part Three

Episode # 148 - Seasons of Sobriety with Amber Michele + BTS Publishing Her First Book

MENTIONS:

Allison’s Amazon Storefront - N/A Beverages

Book Rec - The Mountain Is You

Book Rec - Stash: My Life In Hiding

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Answering Your Q’s! Starting A Business, Career Pivots, SAHM or Work and Being Underpaid (WWYBD?!) Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Ep 254: In this episode, Allison and Ceara answer listener submitted questions. You can submit questions any time via our website, and then we pull questions to fit a specific theme.

In the catch up segment, we talk about Allison getting a special visitor… McKenna (Ceara’s sister)! McKenna is married to a Dutch man whose parents are from the exact same city (Haarlem) that Allison lives in. Such a small world. Allison is also eager for her sister and mom to arrive in The Netherlands for Thanksgiving and for her baby’s birth. We also share some of our upcoming Christmas plans. Allison is excited about high tea with alpacas. Ceara is taking a quick trip to NYC in early December to see the rockettes with her grandma, then all her family will be getting together for the actual holiday.

After our catch up, we answer and talk through all of the questions below.

TAKEAWAYS:

It’s culturally appropriate to know some Dutch if you are a resident.
Business ownership and freelancing are emotional self-development journeys.
Working for yourself can offer flexibility, but there’s certainly other challenges.
You shouldn’t stay at a job just because you feel guilty quitting.
Being a SAHM mom could be incredibly rewarding, and temporary.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

How long are you planning to stay in Haarlem Allison? And why do you have to learn Dutch? Everyone knows English!
What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business or even independently free lance as a career?
When did you know it was time to pivot & change your business?
I’m overworked and underpaid but I’ve only been at the company for a year. Should I put in my two weeks notice?
I’m a new mom and went back to work but I’m struggling being away from my daughter. I know my husband wishes I would quit but I’ve always worked since I was 14.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 138 - Italy Destination Wedding + Euro Summer Debrief w/ McKenna Rip

MENTIONS:

High Tea with Alpacas - Video on Tiktok

Submit your WWYBD Question - On Our Website

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

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Planning A Trip Around The Globe, European Fashion and Final Baby Prep Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Ep 253: In this episode, Allison and Ceara share recent life updates. Ceara is preparing for a four part back to back trip, both work and pleasure. She will be going to the Dominican Republic for a hotel collaboration, then she’s off to Saudi Arabia for a production, then a short solo trip in Qatar, and finally visiting her brother in Thailand.

Allison reflects on the highs and lows of operating a business remotely. Even though she enjoys the flexibility, she misses getting to do things in person like talk to customers, merchandise, decorate and have something to leave the house for daily. These feelings have led her to consider opening a community-based business here in The Netherlands to keep their visa.

TAKEAWAYS:

Ceara is planning a four part trip from the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia.
Ceara booked her first business class ticket with points.
Maximizing points can lead to luxurious travel experiences.
Allison misses going to her store on a daily basis.
Allison explores ideas around opening a business in The Netherlands.
The architecture in Europe allows for aesthetic fashion photography.
Allison is cleared with the hospital and midwives to have a home birth.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 127 - How To Get Paid to Travel w/ Julie Valentina, Travel Filmmaker

Episode # 142 - Netherlands: Community, Cycling and Contrasts to America

Episode # 230 - Exciting Life Updates: Gender Reveal Party, Moving to Europe, and 48 Hours in Vegas

Episode # 243 - NYC Recap (Djerf Avenue Pop Up, U.S. Open, Travel Drama) and European Roadtrip Through The Alps

MENTIONS:

Ceara’s American Express - Referral Link

Allison’s CapitalOne Venture X - Referral Link

More Life Updates / Candid Convos - Join Patreon

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

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How To Figure Out Where To Live and Tips For Moving To A New City or Country Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Ep 252: In this episode, Allison and Ceara discuss the essential steps to take when considering a move, emphasizing the importance of identifying personal preferences and lifestyle goals. We frequently get asked questions about where to move and how to find the courage to try a new place, so we decided to dedicate an entire episode to the topic.

In the catch up segment, Ceara shares about the second half of her Costa Rica work trip. She embraced all the ocean activities like shell hunting, tidepooling, and snorkeling. Allison is 37+ weeks pregnant so she’s in the final preparation stage and is so eager to meet the baby. Her and Clay are leaning into baby moon activities like attending a concert in Amsterdam of one of their favorite artists and going on a road-trip to Gouda for the famous cheese market.

TAKEAWAYS:

The first step in moving is to identify your current core values.
Visit places in the eyes of a local before you move there.
There will never be a perfect time to move so don’t wait to take the leap.
Start decluttering and getting rid of things at least 1-2 months early.
Ensure you’re not running away but instead seeking opportunities.
Prepare a substantial financial safety net as there will be unexpected costs.
It will take time emotionally to adjust to a new place so give it time.
Try to integrate into the local community as soon as you can.
It’s okay to feel homesick and miss the comforts of home.
Moving to a new place can be both really hard and rewarding.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 93 - Moving To A New City: Making Friends, Choosing Where to Live, and More

Episode # 165 - Making Friends in a New City + Social Wellness with Lindsay Hornecker

Episode # 173 - Lessons Learned Living Abroad for 10 Years: Visas, Language Barriers and Letting Go with Faith Mabry

Episode # 180 - WWYBD?! Moving, Relationship Uncertainty and Protecting Your Peace

Episode # 181 - How To Network, Be A Good Communicator and Leverage Social Media

MENTIONS:

Website That Shows Transportation Scores - WalkScores.com

Website That Shows Affordability and Location Efficiency - H+T Index

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

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SOCIAL LINKS:

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Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

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Tips For Increasing Productivity At Home (Work, School, Creative, Play) Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Ep 251: In this episode, Allison and Ceara discuss various strategies for increasing productivity at home, especially during the colder months. We share tips for managing time effectively, the importance of creating designated spaces for different activities, and personal examples. We also touch on redefining productivity, managing screen time, and exploring hobbies to enhance well-being and creativity.

In the catch up segment, Ceara shares about her trip to Costa Rica including highlights of a freediving class, looking for shells and staying at a beautiful hotel. Allison is in her final month of pregnancy so she’s continuing to prepare for birth, managing her workload and getting organized.

TAKEAWAYS: