WHAT'S NEW?

WHY THE DUTCH APPLE PIE IS THE EASIEST HOSTING HACK FOR MOMS

As a mom, especially one living abroad or adjusting to a new culture, you probably know the pressure of trying to “do it all.” Between school drop-offs, work, grocery runs, and laundry piles who has time to plan the perfect get-together? But what if I told you that here in the Netherlands... READ MORE HERE.

TOP TOURIST MISTAKES IN AMSTERDAM (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

You know what they say — traveling teaches you lessons you didn’t know you needed. And guess what? Amsterdam is a great teacher on that!  When I moved here in the Netherlands, I thought I had figured things out. After all, I didn’t come straight from the Philippines... READ MORE HERE.

DUTCH HABITS THAT STILL CONFUSE ME

Moving to The Netherlands has taught me many things -- how to cycle in the rain, survive cold winter temperatures in March, and carry groceries like a supermom while steering a bakfiets cycling home... READ MORE HERE.

WINTER RELFECTIONS 2025

As another year comes to a close and we all cozy up under thick blankets with mugs of tea or hot cocoa, I find myself reflecting not just on the events of 2025... READ MORE HERE. 

FEATURE VIDEOS

A day out at Zaanse Schans: A breath of fresh dutch air!

Open air museums: it's like living history!

Keukenhof: the garden of Europe

Entertain your child's brain: explore Nemo Science museum

Things you need to know about Amsterdam

Three-point border in Europe: Netherlands, Germany and Belgium

Windmills built the Netherlands!

And more!

How to integrate to a new country: Here's 5 ways

Things to know about Amsterdam

Dutch schools 101: A Filipino mom's guide 

And more!

Entertain your childs brain: Explore Nemo Science museum 

Push yourself and dance like no one's watching

Classic game boards for family night

Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany

And more!

My collection of stories and experiences as I journey through life as a Filipino immigrant. READ HERE

Learn the ups & downs of intercultural relationships & challenges of raising Filipino-Dutch children. READ HERE

Going to the Netherlands? Here are must-knows & good-to-knows about Dutch society and its culture. READ HERE.

 About me 

Hello and welcome! I’m Tarah.
 

I grew up in Manila, but most of my adult life has taken me far from home -- from Yanbu to Los Angeles, and now here in Amsterdam with my Filipino-Dutch family. Being an expat -- or an immigrant mom -- comes with its share of challenges, but it's also filled with meaningful, share-worthy moments. With a background in Psychology and later shifted to healthcare, I've gathered plenty of lessons along the way -- both personal and practical.  

I post new blogs every quarter, so feel free to check in each season for reflections and tips. To my fellow Filipinos -- and all expats tuning in -- thank you for being here. I hope you feel at home.