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We both went to the Netherlands in the last few weeks and wanted to do a deep dive into the contrasts between the Dutch and American cultures and how we think it impacts our overall health and well-being. A really cool part of traveling is to take inspiration from a place so this episode is not meant to hate on the United States, it’s more about how we are inspired by elements of the Dutch lifestyle and how we can incorporate more of those practices, routines and systems into our lives!

We are also not unique in taking inspiration from the Dutch. The Netherlands' innovative and progressive approach to various societal issues has made it a source of inspiration for countries seeking solutions to common challenges. Its lessons in sustainability, social inclusivity, and urban planning continue to shape global conversations and influence policy decisions in many parts of the world.

The Netherlands' cycling culture is renowned worldwide. Amsterdam, in particular, is often cited as one of the most bike-friendly cities globally. Socially they are open-minded and tolerant. They’re decades ahead of other first-world countries in terms of urban planning and infrastructure. The Netherlands also has a robust social welfare system that includes universal healthcare, unemployment benefits, and other social services. This safety net helps reduce the impact of income inequality.

Americans have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many individuals pursuing their own businesses and startups. The "American Dream" often revolves around the idea of personal success, achievements and financial independence. The concept of self-reliance is deeply ingrained in American culture. Personal privacy is highly valued, and individuals often have a strong desire to protect their personal information and space. Think - blinds closed, privacy fences, gated communities, etc. The United States has one of the highest income inequality levels among developed countries. The wealth gap between the rich and the poor has been widening for decades.

We unpack all of this and more in today’s episode. 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50ALREADYFRIENDS and use code 50alreadyfriends for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit!

This episode is sponsored by Proactiv and their newest skincare innovation, Proactiv Clean. Head to Proactiv.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS to get 20% off!

LINKS:

Untuckit - Ceara’s Video

Allison’s Netherlands PDF - New Wave Travel Guides

St Louis Pumpkin Patch - Eckhert’s Millstadt

Omaha Pumpkin Patch - Vala’s

Human Design Episode #134 

HD Chart Reading with Rebekah - Code ‘alreadyfriends’ for $20 off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

WWYBD is our recurring monthly advice segment, ‘What would your bestie do?’ Submit your questions via our website anytime. Submissions are always anonymous.

We answer -

• What are your tips for budgeting? I’m feeling so overwhelmed with how expensive it is to live these days and would love to hear some ideas on how to have fun free date nights or ways to spend time with friends that aren't just going to a bar or out to eat! 
• How do you save for travel when you have bills?
• How to survive through university, especially time management, any tips? Also what are your best study methods that worked for you?
• Lately I’ve been really overwhelmed with my relationship with my mom. She has always been a little nosy in my personal life (she would read my journals/diaries growing up). Because of that I have always been hesitant to share things with her because now she tends to gossip to others about what I tell her. I know that I need to have a conversation with her about boundaries/privacy but I am just nervous she will get upset or mad at me. Any advice for what to say?

LINKS:

Allison’s Lemon 8 Self-Care Sunday Post

YouTube Videos - Cycling in Europe

AFP Episode with Mikayla Jai on Money Mindset

AFP Episode with Brady on Budgeting

AFP Episode with Erin Confortini

Allison’s Pages - @theomahalocal Instagram and TikTok 

Ceara Book Recommend - Boundaries: When to Say Yes; How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Gaia Provides - 

To get Gaia Provides CBD for your dog, head to GaiaProvides.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS for 20% off your order.

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50ALREADYFRIENDS and use code 50alreadyfriends for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit!

This episode is sponsored by Proactiv and their newest skincare innovation, Proactiv Clean. Head to Proactiv.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS to get 20% off!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

In this episode, we have on entrepreneur, storyteller, and travel content creator Kaylen of @KaylenDoesStuff. In this whirlwind episode, Kaylen details what it was like working remotely in Colombia, getting laid off, her path to becoming a travel content creator, starting her group travel company “Lucky Voyage”, an unforgettable ayahuasca experience, and more. Kaylen's story is a rollercoaster of adventure.

Kaylen also shares how she went from being afraid to fly to becoming a seasoned traveler. She tells us her most outrageous and hilarious travel stories from across the globe, highlighting the lessons she's learned along the way. Prepare to be both entertained and inspired as she serves up a mix of funny stories and invaluable travel advice.

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50ALREADYFRIENDS and use code 50alreadyfriends for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit!

This episode is sponsored by Proactiv and their newest skincare innovation, Proactiv Clean. Head to Proactiv.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS to get 20% off!

LINKS: 

Kaylen’s IG @kaylenmj, TikTok @kaylendoesstuff

Kaylen’s Travel Company Lucky Voyage // (Costa Rica Trip Live Now) 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

In this episode, we dive into everything reading, and more specifically, tips for how to get out of a reading slump. As two gals who used to be avid readers, life happened, and we fell off the bandwagon. More recently, we’ve both fallen back in love with reading and in this episode, we chat about everything from our favorite book genres to the cozy spots that make reading pure bliss.

We cover:

• Our favorite book genres
• Our favorite spots to read and best practices (in a cozy chair, park, hammock, in the sun, leaving our phones inside, etc)
• Our love of library cards and its benefits 
• Thoughts on e-books and audiobooks
• Tips on how to get into reading if you don’t love it or have lost your passion for it
• Clocking books you’ve read on Goodreads
• Our thoughts on not finishing a book if you aren’t vibing
• How to decide if you should buy or borrow a book
• We also take a little convo detour to talk about probiotics and eating fermented foods

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50ALREADYFRIENDS and use code 50alreadyfriends for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit!

This episode is sponsored by Proactiv and their newest skincare innovation, Proactiv Clean. Head to Proactiv.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS to get 20% off!

LINKS:

Allison New Airbnb Listing

Library Apps: Libby App, Hoopla 

Cocoyo Probiotic Yogurt 

The Coconut Cult Probiotic Yogurt 

How Probiotics Work (Article)

Ceara Non-Fiction Recs - Anything by Malcolm Gladwell, Eckhart Tolle

Ceara Thriller Fiction Recs: Verity, It Girl, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Paris Apartment, It Ends With Us 

Allison’s Current Read - Cultured Food In A Jar

Quick Reads to Get Out of A Reading Slump TikTok 

Eartheater by Dolores Reyes - The Fast-Paced Thriller Book that got Ceara out of her reading slump

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

In this episode, Ceara has on her recently married little sister McKenna Rip (R.I.P. to McKenna Kirkpatrick) to talk about her destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy. They also talk about traveling around Europe for three weeks together and their shenanigans around Italy, Czechia, and The Netherlands. 

McKenna dives into what it was really like planning and hosting 50 of her closest friends and family in Italy for a wedding. She talks about how she and Julian decided on having their wedding in Italy, how they picked a venue without having visited beforehand, what a wedding like this costs, and more. 

LINKS:

McKenna’s Instagram 

McKenna’s TikTok Page (has tons of videos on planning her Italy wedding)

Lake Como VRBO w/ Private Dock - TikTok, Link To Book

Lake Como Rental Boat Company 

McKenna’s Videographer Hannah Colburn: IG, TikTok 

McKenna's Wedding Photographer - Anna Mantini

Canal Motorboats - Amsterdam Boat Rental 

Ceara Maid of Honor Speech TikTok 

McKenna and Julian’s Wedding Venue

How to Live Stream on Facebook 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50ALREADYFRIENDS and use code 50alreadyfriends for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

In this episode, Allison is joined by her partner Clay for an honest and introspective conversation about mental well-being, facing insecurities, cultivating more self-awareness and removing the masks we wear to the outer world. We are still very much navigating this territory but wanted to let listeners in on what we have been going through lately. 

We share our transformative journeys hitting rock bottom as a pathway to profound healing and growth. When you can’t get any further down on yourself, the only way to go is up. The path to honoring your highest self is illuminated when you feel your emotions, open up about your struggles and take courageous steps towards embracing all facets of your being. 

Some of the talking points we cover are journaling as a mental health practice, developing a morning routine to help remain more grounded throughout the day, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and what was at the root of our depression. 

If you find yourself struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to be vulnerable with yourself and your loved ones. This requires feminine traits of self-compassion and listening to your intuition. This also requires embracing masculine traits of strength and courage to take action on getting the help you deserve. 

Balancing masculine and feminine energies involves recognizing and integrating both sets of qualities into your life. It's about understanding that everyone possesses elements of both energies, regardless of their gender. Finding equilibrium between them can lead to a more well-rounded and holistic approach to decision-making, relationships, and personal growth.

Mentions:

Stutz Documentary with Jonah Hill on Netflix

Stutz Interview on Armchair Expert

Free Mental Health Screening via Mindwise

Previous Episodes with Clay:

The Reality of Doing 75 Hard

Clean Healthy Living with Clay and Connor

An Honest Conversation About Drinking

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

biBERK Small Business Insurance - Get a Quote online here or call 1-866-757-4487 to talk to an insurance expert. Using that link to purchase your insurance supports our show so thank you in advance! 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

Ep 136: This is the third episode in our friendship series that talks through the different stages we go through with friends. The first part of the series was episode #129 about making and maintaining friends. The second part was last week’s episode #135 about growing pains (definitely listen to that first to see if there’s a way to resolve the conflict or tension if you want to try continuing a friendship before ending it). 

However, if you’ve done everything you can and are feeling unaligned in this relationship - then it might be time to close a friendship chapter. This episode will be your guide to help navigate any similar situations you might be experiencing now or likely will at some point in the future. As changing and ever-evolving humans, it’s only natural that our friendships are going to change as well. 

It’s tough and we’re here right there with you guys. We candidly share some of our experiences that led us to want to discuss this as today’s topic. There’s a lot of practical advice that can be taken away from this conversation such as signs to look out for like growing apart, one-sided friendships, negative influence and a lack of support. We conclude with a list of questions you can ask yourself to help reflect before making any decisions. 

To submit an anonymous WWYBD question, visit this tab on our website.

LINKS:

1404 Booth at Hutchfest Sept 3rd

Ceara’s Away Suitcase

Allison’s Samsonite Freeform Suitcase

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Ending a Friendship via The EveryGirl

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

biBERK Small Business Insurance - Get a Quote online here or call 1-866-757-4487 to talk to an insurance expert. Using that link to purchase your insurance supports our show so thank you in advance! 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

To get Gaia Provides CBD for your dog, head to GaiaProvides.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS for 20% off your order.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

Ep 135: You’re either growing together or you’re growing apart. If you want deep, authentic friendships - growing pains are inevitable. We know you don’t just want to be acquaintances with everyone and flee when the going gets tough so today we unpack why growing pains happen, how to navigate these pressure points and how to repair the situation so you can move forward. 

This was an eye opening self-reflection topic for us as well as we were having a lot of real-time realizations as we were talking it out. We hope this helps you understand, nurture and heal some of the relationships in your current life or somewhere in the future!

MENTIONS:

Our Core Values Episode #121

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

biBERK Small Business Insurance - Get a Quote online here or call 1-866-757-4487 to talk to an insurance expert.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

To get Gaia Provides CBD for your dog, head to GaiaProvides.com and use promo code ALREADYFRIENDS for 20% off your order.

*Using these links to purchase helps support our show so thank you in advance! 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

Ceara and Allison had 1:1 Human Design chart readings with entrepreneur, guide and podcaster Rebekah Joy. We were both absolutely wowed by what we discovered about ourselves in these individual sessions and immediately knew we had to have her on to share about Human Design with our community. 

Rebekah describes Human Design as your unique blueprint, the manual that shows you how to navigate the world with your innate skills and gifts. Her goal is to help others reach their authentic zone of genius. If you work with her individually she will help you reignite the connection with yourself by releasing limiting beliefs, unblocking your fears and uncovering your deepest desires.

In this episode, we share our personal experiences with our chart readings and Rebekah breaks down the fundamental components of Human Design, such as the various energy types, authority centers, and profile numbers. She shares why you might want to get a Human Design chart reading so you can become more in-tune with yourself, learn more about your natural gifts, the way you might perceive the world and how it can empower us to embrace our authentic selves. 

Get $20 Off An Initial Chart Reading w/ Rebekah. Use code 'alreadyfriends' at checkout!

LINKS:

Bowood by Niche (Euro Style Restaurant in St. Louis)

Allison’s AirBnb

Rebekah Joy Instagram

Rebekah’s Podcast - Joy Ride

Get Your Chart via Jenna Zoe

“if you’re chasing something, that means it’s already running away from you. vibrate at the energy of things you want to attract.”

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

biBERK Small Business Insurance - Get a Quote online here or call 1-866-757-4487 to talk to an insurance expert.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

*Using these links to purchase helps support our show so thank you in advance! 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].

In this episode, we share all about our Greek life experiences from recruitment to making friends to living in the house. It’s definitely not for everyone but there are a lot of positives to being in a sorority that we are grateful for to this day. We both think it’s something that you get out what you put in!

We also share a lot of tangible tips for someone who is going through recruitment. We answer all these questions:

• Do you do research on the houses beforehand or should you go in blind?
• How do you maintain conversation?
• How do you stand out?
• What do you wear?
• How do you know which house is best for you?
• What do we wish we knew before we joined?
• How can you make sorority life a great experience?

LINKS:

Friday Morning Swim Club (7am Chicago)

Omaha Riverfront Revitalization

Perennial Homestead Farm Event

Sorority Recruitment Episode 2022

Taking Care of Your Voice

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

biBERK Small Business Insurance - Get a Quote online here or call 1-866-757-4487 to talk to an insurance expert. Using that link to purchase your insurance supports our show so thank you in advance! 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ALREADYFRIENDS and get on your way to being your best self.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5.55 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing! Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected].