Newsletter April ’25

A Month that feels In-Between🌱

April is such a strange month, don’t you think? We had Easter, King’s Day, and I even had a wedding of my son and now daughter in law, but somehow, it still feels a little bit in-between. You cannot quite plant your annuals yet; it is still too risky with the possibility of a late frost. But on the other hand, when you are sitting in a sunny spot sheltered from the wind, it already feels like summer. 

Finding purpose after retirement

This time, instead of a summary of my latest blog posts, I wanted to share a bit more about my personal journey with the site. You might wonder, is that even interesting for me? Well, it might be; especially if you are thinking about setting a new goal or finding a fresh sense of purpose after retirement. That is exactly how my blog began: as a search for something meaningful and fulfilling. 

From Blog #1 to Blog #100

This month marked a milestone: my 100th blog post went live. What a journey it has been! When I started in 2020, I knew nothing about WordPress. I began with a free version and slowly learned the ropes. Eventually, I upgraded to a business subscription, and while I was thrilled just to publish one blog per month in the beginning, I now aim for one a week. 

Social Media: My Ongoing Experiment

Social media was the next step. I was already familiar with Facebook, so I created a business page (though that’s still a work in progress). Pinterest started as a personal board but gradually became the main traffic driver for my site, now with over 1,000 followers. Instagram is new for me, and yes, I still struggle, especially when it comes to making videos! On LinkedIn, where I have around 500 connections from my time in the broadcast industry, I notice the most engagement when I post about media-related topics, like my visit to Kootwijk or the Media Museum of Sound & Vision. 

Coming Soon: The Home Makeover Kit

And now, I’m stepping into something new again: the Home Makeover Kit. The first module, a checklist for inspiration and keywords, is ready, and I’ll be sharing it with you in the coming weeks. I’m still figuring out the best way to offer it. My daughter Madeleine and I recently took part in a challenge focused on launching a digital product, and I’m excited to start applying what we learned. 

As I look back on these past five years of learning, growing, and creating, I’m reminded that it’s never too late to start something new (or to dream a little bigger). Whether you’re here for home inspiration, thinking about your own next steps, or simply enjoy following along, I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. 

Always Open to New Things

One of my guiding mottos is: “Always be open to new things.” This mindset has led me to explore tools and platforms that support both creativity and connection. Two examples of that are my curated LTK shop and the thoughtful use of AI in my workflow.

In my LTK shop, you’ll find a collection of handpicked items that reflect the calm, cozy, and timeless style I love. It’s a space where I share pieces that inspire me, from home accessories to small seasonal touches, regularly. 

And yes, I also use AI as part of my creative process. It helps me brainstorm, structure, and fine-tune my writing while keeping my own voice and experiences front and center. If you’re curious, I’ve shared more about this in the FAQ section on my site.

Being open to new things doesn’t mean giving up your personal style, it means staying curious, learning as you go, and embracing tools that make the creative process more enjoyable. (Do I sound a bit like a wise teacher now? Sorry!)

What’s Inspiring You Right Now?

If you’re thinking about your own next step, whether it’s refreshing a space, exploring a new interest, or finding a rhythm after retirement, I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply on the newsletter mail or in the comments below, and let me know what’s inspiring you lately. And keep an eye out: the first part of the Home Makeover Kit will be in your inbox soon! 

Enjoy this time of year!

P.S. If you’re thinking about what’s next or wondering what new passions might be waiting to be discovered, you might enjoy this blog I wrote back in 2020: Discover New Talents After 60 it’s all about staying curious and open to new adventures, no matter your age.

And never forget: “Always be open to new things”