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:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com

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

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com

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

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com

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:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com

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:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com

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:

• The state of your home is synonymous with how you treat yourself.
• It’s important to define what productivity means for you specifically.
• Designate each room / area of the house for certain activities.
• The value and fulfillment of your actions is more important than being busy.
• Re-evaluate your hobbies and how to increase joy in them.
• Make doing the boring things easier by pairing with enjoyable activities.
• You can do DIY seasonal projects to enhance your home and creativity.

RELATED EPISODES:

Episode # 98 - How To Embrace Hygge and Make Your Home The Ultimate Cozy Vibe

Episode # 156 - Home Health, Clutter Clearing and Space Alchemy with Ansley Emerson

MENTIONS:

App Blocker - ScreenZen

Organize Your Days With Astrology - Blog Post

Binaural Beats Focus and Create Playlist

LoFi Coffee Beats Playlist

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS:

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial!

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 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 hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.com