# bylouinspiration.com


## Posts

- [US Taxes for Expats: 7 Lessons learned](https://bylouinspiration.com/us-taxes-for-expats-lessons/): Filing US taxes as an expat for the first time? Our 7 lessons on deadlines, interest, bonuses, FBAR and pensions, plus a free printable checklist.
- [How to Setup Utilities when moving to the US](https://bylouinspiration.com/how-to-setup-utilities-when-moving-to-the-us/): If you're preparing for your own move to the US, it isn't straightforward how to setup utilities. Here's what we learned and what we'd do again.
- [10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Moving to the USA: 2.5 Years Later](https://bylouinspiration.com/10-things-we-wish-we-knew-before-moving-to-the-usa-2-5-years-later/): After 2.5 years in Texas, we're sharing the 10 honest lessons we wish we'd known before moving to the USA and starting life abroad.
- [Why We Moved to America (and Why We're Still Here)](https://bylouinspiration.com/why-we-moved-to-america-and-why-were-still-here/): Our story of why we moved to the USA and why we still live here.
- [Making Friends Abroad: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly](https://bylouinspiration.com/making-friends-abroad-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/): When we moved to Houston, I expected to miss family and friends. What I didn't expect was that making friends abroad and building a community would be an ongoing process as people come and go, friendships evolve, and life keeps changing.
- [Career Growth as an Expat: From Job Search Struggles to a Promotion](https://bylouinspiration.com/career-growth-as-an-expat-from-job-search-struggles-to-a-promotion/): After months of job search struggles, I earned a promotion within my first year in the US. An honest story about career growth as an expat mom.
- [How We’re Trying to Raise Our Kids Bilingual in America](https://bylouinspiration.com/how-were-trying-to-raise-our-kids-bilingual-in-america/): A personal reflection on raising bilingual children as a Dutch family living in America. From mixing languages at home to figuring it out as we go, this is what bilingual parenting looks like for us in real life.
- [Two Jobs, Two Kids, One Expat Life: How We Make It Work in Houston](https://bylouinspiration.com/two-jobs-two-kids-one-expat-life-how-we-make-it-work-in-houston/): A real look into our life as working expats in Houston, balancing two careers, young kids and everything in between. Not perfect, but something we are building as we go.
- [A spontaneous long weekend in Tucson with kids](https://bylouinspiration.com/a-spontaneous-long-weekend-in-tucson-with-kids/): A sunny long weekend in Tucson, enjoying a perfect mix of desert hikes, pool time, and more cacti than we’ve ever seen!
- [Daycare in the Netherlands vs USA: 8 Key Differences Every Parent Should Know](https://bylouinspiration.com/daycare-in-the-netherlands-vs-usa-8-key-differences-every-parent-should-know/): Moving from the Netherlands to the United States with kids comes with many adjustments but daycare might be one of the biggest surprises. 
- [Working as an Expat Abroad – 5 Struggles](https://bylouinspiration.com/working-as-an-expat-abroad-5-struggles/): Working abroad as an expat is exciting, inspiring, and something I wouldn’t trade for anything. But it also comes with its own set of struggles, the kind people don’t always talk about. So here they are, honestly and openly.
- [Why we didn't go big in Texas](https://bylouinspiration.com/why-we-didnt-go-big-in-texas/): Moving to Texas often means big houses but we chose apartment living. Here’s why our expat family prioritizes location, simplicity, and lifestyle over space.
- [10 Culture Shocks I Experienced as a Dutch Person Living in America](https://bylouinspiration.com/10-culture-shocks-i-experienced-as-a-dutch-person-living-in-america/): What surprised me most after moving from the Netherlands to the US? A Dutch perspective on tipping culture, healthcare, drive-thrus and American life.
- [San Diego with Kids: A 4-Day Family Getaway (USA)](https://bylouinspiration.com/san-diego-with-kids-a-4-day-family-getaway-usa/): Planning a trip to San Diego with kids? Our 4-day family-friendly itinerary including Coronado Island, San Diego Zoo, biking, beaches and practical travel tips for families.
- [USA Southwest Road Trip with Kids](https://bylouinspiration.com/usa-southwest-road-trip-with-kids/): Planning a USA Southwest road trip with kids? Our family-friendly itinerary through Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon with a toddler and preschooler, plus practical travel tips.
- [Christmas Back Home as an Expat Mom](https://bylouinspiration.com/christmas-back-home-as-an-expat-mom/): What is it like spending Christmas back home as a Dutch expat in the U.S.? Reflections on family, jet lag, planning, and finding balance during the holidays abroad.
- [Healthcare in the US vs Netherlands](https://bylouinspiration.com/healthcare-in-the-us-vs-netherlands/): How does the US healthcare system compare to the Netherlands? An expat mom shares the biggest differences, from employer-based insurance to unexpected medical bills.
- [Birthday Traditions: USA vs Netherlands](https://bylouinspiration.com/birthday-traditions-usa-vs-netherlands/): How does a child’s 4th birthday differ in the USA vs the Netherlands? A Dutch mom in Houston shares the cultural differences in school treats, parties, and traditions.
- [Solo Parenting While Working Full-Time](https://bylouinspiration.com/solo-parenting-while-working-full-time/): Balancing solo parenting and a full-time job? Here’s my experience raising two kids in the U.S. without family nearby, plus practical survival tips that actually help. Solo Parenting in the U.S. Without Family Nearby When I was pregnant with my son, my husband started a new job that required frequent travel. At the time, we were living in Amsterdam. I worked full-time, had family nearby, and with one child, life felt manageable and structured. I actually didn’t mind when he traveled. There were no “your turn” discussions in the middle of the night. I knew I was fully in charge, and […]
- [Job Hunting in the US as a Foreigner](https://bylouinspiration.com/job-hunting-in-the-us-as-a-foreigner/): Moving to the U.S. and looking for a job? Here’s my experience as a Dutch professional navigating the American job market, resume screening, LinkedIn networking, and landing my first role in the U.S.

## Pages

- [Bilingual Starter Pack](https://bylouinspiration.com/bilingual-starter-pack/)
- [Moving Abroad Checklist](https://bylouinspiration.com/moving-abroad-checklist/)
- [Travel](https://bylouinspiration.com/travel/): explore the world together inspiring family travel ideas, practical tips and real stories to help you make the most of every adventure, near or far. OUR TRAVEL STORY TRAVEL OPENS THEIR WORLD AND BRINGS YOU CLOSER TOGETHER From weekend road trips to long-haul adventures, travel as thaught our family to be curious, flexible and grateful. Here you’ll find tips and guides to help you create meaningful experiences wherever you go. plan your next adventure explore topics to inspire your family travels Destinations Family-friendly places around the world. Trip planning Practical tips for planning stress-free trips. Flying with kids Everything you need […]
- [Bilingual](https://bylouinspiration.com/bilingual/): raising bilingual kids with confidence Practical gtips, honest stories and resources to support your child’s language journey wherever you are in the world. OUR BILINGUAL JOURNEY Helping our children grow up with languages and confidence Living abroad opened up a whole new world for our family, including the gif or raising our children with more than one language. Here you’ll find what we’ve learned (and are still learning) about bilingual parenting, from everyday strategies to mindset shifts that make the journey easier and more joyful. what you’ll find here explore topics to support your child’s bilingual journey getting started First steps, […]
- [Living Abroad](https://bylouinspiration.com/living-abroad/): Build a life abroad with confidence Practical guides, honest stories and real-life experience to help your family move, settle and truly feel at home. YOU’RE NOT JUST MOVING you’re building a new life We moved our family to the United States with big dreams and a lot of questions. On this page, I share everything I’ve learned about building a life abroad: the exciting moments, the unexpected challenges, and the practical things I wish someone had told us before we moved. explore topics Where are you in your Journey? moving abroad Planning your move and preparing your family. Settling in The […]
- [Start Here](https://bylouinspiration.com/start-here/): your guide to family life abroad & beyond Whether you’re moving abroad, raising bilingual kids, or dreaming up your next family adventure, you’re in the right place. Explore practical guides, hones stories, and thoughtful resources made for families like yours. Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re moving abroad, raising bilingual children or simply looking for practical inspiration, this page will help you find exactly where to start. What you’ll find here Not perfect parenting. Not picture-perfect expat life. Just honest stories, practical advice and thoughtfully designed resources to help your family build a life abroad. Choose your path No […]
- [My Account](https://bylouinspiration.com/my-account/)
- [Checkout](https://bylouinspiration.com/checkout/)
- [Winkelwagen](https://bylouinspiration.com/winkelwagen/)
- [Shop](https://bylouinspiration.com/shop/)
- [Blogs](https://bylouinspiration.com/blog/)
- [Favorites](https://bylouinspiration.com/favorites/): My favorites Over the years, I’ve found a handful of products that truly make life abroad, motherhood and travel easier. These are items we genuinely use and love. Nothing random, nothing overwhelming, just thoughtfully chosen favorites. Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I tried to save all my favorites on my Chirpyest shopping board. Some of the highlights can be found below. Kids favorites CaNOPY Bath Tub filter Kids oversized hooded bath towel YOTO mini player I love this Bath Tub Filter because it helps […]
- [Contact](https://bylouinspiration.com/contact/)
- [Resources](https://bylouinspiration.com/resources/): resources that make life abroad easier Carefully curated guides, tools and recommendations to support your family every step of the way. What you’ll find here practical resources for international families Guides & Checklists Family-friendly places around the world. Ebooks & Printables Practical tips for planning stress-free trips. Tools Everything you need to know before take-off. Product favorites Ideas to connect, explore and make memories. Recommended reads What to pack (and that to leave behind). What you’ll find here the most favorite resources Bilingual puzzles Playfully learn two languages with the bilingual puzzel collection. Bilingual Flashcards Printables to easily get the flashcards […]
- [About](https://bylouinspiration.com/about/): Hi, I’m Lou I’m a Dutch mother living abroad, balancing corporate life, motherhood, and creativity. By Lou Inspiration started as a personal outlet, a space to reflect, create, and share what I’m learning along the way. Living between cultures has shaped how I see the world, how I raise my children, and how I approach language, identity, and connection. Why I Started This Platform Raising children in a multilingual environment made me realize how powerful language can be. It connects generations, preserves identity, and builds confidence. At the same time, I was looking for creative tools that felt meaningful not overwhelming, […]
- [Home](https://bylouinspiration.com/): Helping families build a life across languages, cultures & borders. Real stories, practical guides and carefully curated resourcesfor families building a life abroad. start exploring Explore stories, practical guides and thoughtfully designed resources for international families. living abroad Build a new life, make friends and feel at home abroad. Raising kids abroad Parenting, bilingual life and family routines across cultures. Family travel Family-friendly itineraries, travel guides and destination tips. Resources Free downloads, practical guides and educational products. Latest STORIES Featured Resources Discover bilingual educational tools and curated favorites I truly love. Can be customized to your languages. Bilingual puzzel Builds vocabulary […]

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