Netflix released a new reality TV series recently called My Unorthodox Life. The show follows Julia Haart, who used to be Julia Hendler, around. She grew up religious in a sect of Judaism called Yeshivish. For years, she lived in upstate New York in the hamlet named Monsey with her husband and kids. In her early 40s, she left the community and became not religious. Not only that, but with…
Living abroad or living in a different place than where you grew up can be extremely rewarding. You get to learn about different cultures, tastes unique foods, have new experiences, make new friends and a lot more. But living away from your hometown can also be quite challenging, especially during a pandemic. Many of us haven’t seen our family for a long time. We may be afraid of contracting COVID.…
Please take note that this post may contain affiliate links. When I met my Dutch partner almost four years ago, I had never heard of the Netherlands. All I heard about was Holland and Amsterdam. I am not alone in this thinking. When I visit other countries, even in Europe, saying that I live in the Netherlands confuses the hell out of people. I’ve even resorted to saying that I…
Please take note that this post may contain affiliate links. Baklazhannaya ikra is one of my favorite dishes. The meaning of baklazhannaya ikra is eggplant caviar. It’s weird because the dish doesn’t contain any caviar. I grew up in a Russian family, both parents being from the former soviet union. It wasn’t unusual for us to make this dish at least once a week. It is a relatively cheap dish,…
Please take note this post may contain affiliate links. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not that interested in visiting big cities and famous tourist destinations. You probably want to find the places that the locals go to chill and all the charm that comes with daily living. Famous tourist spots are notorious for being overcrowded and lacking in authenticity. I have been lucky enough to live in the…
Please take note that this post may contain affiliate links. Buying a house in the Netherlands? Is your heart beating out of your chest reading that? Then you’re probably a person trying to buy a house right now in this crazy market. If I am being completely honest, I have never purchased a home. Before I moved here, my Dutch partner already bought a home in the Netherlands. But it…
Please take note this post may contain affiliate links. Snacking is universal. Every country has its own delicious snacks and traditions around them. If you live in the Netherlands or are just visiting, you cannot leave without trying some of the traditional Dutch snacks. Don’t forget to grab a beer while you’re at it. The Netherlands has some incredible ones. If you already read part one of this, you know…
Please take note that this post may contain affiliate links. Kugel is a type of casserole made by Jews for generations. It can be made from either potatoes or noodles. I suspect the reason why it’s so popular is that it tastes good cold or hot. On the holy day of the week, Saturday, Jews are forbidden to light a fire, therefore, they cannot heat up food. Given that people…
Please take note this post may contain affiliate links. The Dutch aren’t known at all for their food. But did you know that they have some pretty great snacks? I have been living in the Netherlands for about 2 ½ years now, and have grown fond of some of the typical snacks people eat here. You can find these snacks at most snack bars, markets and/or grocery stores. This is…
This was my second time making a whole chicken. I have started loving the whole chicken because it’s delicious, versatile and perfect for leftovers. It’s amazing how no matter how many times I make something, the end result always ends up turning out a bit different. I love experimenting with different flavors. I always try to add or subtract an ingredient when making a recipe again. That way I learn…
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