Simple Happy Zen

Hi everyone, here's a little update from me! 🤗🌸 I'm still on my break, but I wanted to check in and say 'hi'.

We've been doing some traveling nearby and just got back from spending a few days in Ghent, Belgium. What a cool city! Absolutely beautiful, such great vibes, and fantastic food. We did a guided boat tour, went up a high tower for an amazing view, explored all the beautiful streets and buildings and tried quite a few vegan restaurants. It was a super fun trip.

And remember when I said I wanted to learn how to bake my own bread? Well, I'm a bread makin' machine now! 😂 So tasty, and surprisingly easy! I'm using the Dutch Oven Bread recipe from Noracooks, if any one of you wants to give it a try. 🤗

The rest of the time I'm reading, going on walks, cleaning and doing some chores, and drawing digital illustrations.

This time off is very precious, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to hit pause. The days are flying by. That said, I do miss you all haha, and I'm looking forward to connecting with you all again.

I did notice that since I stopped working, some exhaustion is coming out. Sometimes your body only gets tired when you slow down and allow it. At first, the tiredness did frustrate me a little sometimes, but I've accepted it now. And I'm now starting to notice the exhaustion is getting less.

I hope you're all doing well. If so, high five! 🖐️ If not really, then big hug. ♥️

More photos and updates over on Patreon!

Sending lots of love your way,
Vera

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6 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,729

Simple Happy Zen

Hi friends! 🍵🌼 I want to share with you that I will be taking a little break. I'm taking 4 weeks off from creating content, which means the first new video that you'll see from me will be posted in the second week of May.

Once a year, I take a little chunk of time off from the channel. In 2024, this was during the month of January. This year, it's the month of April. My hope is that I'll have some nicer weather this time. 😊

Being a fulltime content creator is like a dream come true. In fact, it's more than I ever dreamed of. I certainly didn't expect this to happen when I first started Simple Happy Zen. I'm incredibly grateful for this amazing life, this job, and most of all, this amazing community. I still can't believe it sometimes.

But one pitfall of being a content creator is the danger of always working, or always thinking about work. It can be tricky to find a balance between living your life and creating content. One of the things I find incredibly helpful is to take a little step back every once in a while.

During this time off, I allow myself to think about anything other than work. I don't force myself to be creative and come up with new video topics (something that occupies my mind most of the time normally). I just focus on recharging, resting, doing fun things, and following my heart. Doing whatever feels right, in the moment.

We'll be doing a little bit of traveling close by. But I'm also really excited to dive into some books, do yoga, sleep in, cook, bake bread, see friends, spring clean, and so many other things.

If you'd like to get access to some videos you haven't seen yet while I'm on my break, you can always consider joining us on Patreon. There are 127 videos there that you could catch up on. Click here if you want to join: www.patreon.com/c/SimpleHappyZen

I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for being a part of this community. People often thank me for my content, but the truth is that my content wouldn't be a thing if you all weren't here. You help make it happen. Thank you so much!

I'm sending you a big, huge, giant internet-hug. See you when I'm back!

Vera

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 2,397

Simple Happy Zen

Happy Monday, my friends. 🤗 Hope your week is off to a good start. There's a new video coming here soon!

My first Patreon-only video for the month of March is also up. This new video is all about books! I share an update on all the 14 books I've read recently, and I have some really great recommendations.

Click here to watch it: www.patreon.com/SimpleHappyZen

The second Patreon-only video for March will go up later this week, and that's a "Realistic Week in my Life Vlog". Can't wait to share that one too!

Patreon is another platform where I post two exclusive videos each month. By joining, you will immediately get access to 120+ videos that are already up. Plus, you’re also helping to support the Simple Happy Zen channel.

Patreon is a true win-win. It's a way for you to get extra exclusive content, and it's also a way for me to monetize my work as an independent fulltime creator. The income I make through Patreon helps me to pay for business expenses, and fill up any gaps when my YouTube ad revenue drops. It also allows me to be very selective about which sponsors I accept. Basically, my patrons help the Simple Happy Zen channel to exist.

So if you enjoy my work and are financially able to contribute, I'd love your support. (If not, no worries! I also really appreciate your support on YouTube).

Thank you all so much for being a part of this community! See you soon in a new video. 🤗

Vera

1 month ago | [YT] | 379

Simple Happy Zen

For my upcoming video, I'd love your help! 🌷 What are your assumptions about the Dutch and the Netherlands?

Anything you're wondering about whether it's true or false? Myths, misconceptions, or just ideas about the Dutch people, Dutch culture, or about life in the Netherlands?

Please leave them here in a comment and I'll react to them in a video and explain if they're true or not! 🚲☔🌷

EDIT: The video is finished! You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/40jzPqh6Lv8?si=VTVhe...

Looking forward to it! 🤗

Vera

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 461

Simple Happy Zen

Some things to remember:

🌱 You are not your thoughts. You are the bright blue sky, and your thoughts are the clouds that come and go. Sometimes the sky has a few fluffy clouds here and there. Other times it's so gray and cloudy that you can't even see the blue anymore. But this will pass. There is still a blue sky behind it.

🌱 Tomorrow is a new day. No matter how hard today has been, you can begin anew after a good night's sleep.

🌱 Act as if what you do makes a difference. Because it does. The world needs your positive impact. And there are more people like you out there, who are also trying their best.

🌱 The bravest thing you can do is be yourself and let your guard down. Not everyone is going to like you. But the ones that do, will like you for you.

🌱 Saying 'no' is okay. Saying 'not now' is also okay. And saying 'I need to think about it' works perfectly when you're being put on the spot.

🌱 Don't make life changing decisions when you're tired, hungry or stressed. Eat something filling, get a good night's sleep, and see how you feel about it tomorrow.

🌱 Choose to be optimistic and see the beautiful side of life. It feels better. Keep hoping and dreaming.

Sending love!
Vera

2 months ago | [YT] | 2,005

Simple Happy Zen

Reminder: Just 1 more day to get 20% OFF on my ebook and online courses! My New Year's sale will last until January 29th.

Use code NEWYEAR25 at checkout to get 20% OFF. If you're curious about them, check them out soon and get a discount. 😄

📝 20 Weeks Simplify Your Life course - In Love With Your Life: bit.ly/3QAd5ks
🍵 30 Days of Slow Living course - Unhurried: bit.ly/3qvuFf2
📗 Decluttering ebook: bit.ly/shzebook

The discount can also be applied on multiple products at the same time for even more savings. There's no overlap between the courses, so you can choose any that spark your interest. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments so I can help you out.

(Swipe right on the image to read what's included in all three products.)

Talk again soon!

Much love,
Vera

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3 months ago | [YT] | 91

Simple Happy Zen

🍵 Channel update 🍵

Greetings from the cold and foggy Netherlands! 🤗🌫️ Hope you're all doing well!

I've mentioned this in a recent video, but in case you missed it, I've decided to change my uploading schedule a bit here on YouTube. I'm trying to find a better work-life balance this year, and I've decreased my working hours to about 32 hours/week. I was feeling overworked and out of balance, and luckily I'm starting to feel a lot better now. This pace definitely suits me more.

For the channel, this means there will not be a new video every Saturday. Instead, the videos will be spaced about 1.5 week apart. This also means the uploading days will sometimes be different than what you're used to.

If you want to make sure you won't miss any new uploads from me, you can always subscribe to my free newsletter here: simplehappyzen.com/newsletter/ I always send out a newsletter when there's a new video, and they also contain a little letter with something to reflect on.

There will be a new video again TOMORROW, this Monday! Stay tuned. 😊🌷

Also, my uploading schedule on Patreon will stay the same as always, which is 2 new videos a month. I just posted my 122nd video on there this week! If you'd like to join us on Patreon, you can click here: www.patreon.com/SimpleHappyZen

Sending love,
Vera

P.S. The channel also has a new channel banner! 🥰 What do you think?

3 months ago | [YT] | 1,667

Simple Happy Zen

Remember when I said one of my goals for 2025 was to learn how to make focaccia from scratch? 🍞😁❤️

Also, thank you for your patience while I figure out the pacing for my new upload schedule here on YouTube. There's a new video coming sometime this week! It's going to be a fun one, can't wait to share it with you.

Hope you're all doing well!

Much love,
Vera

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,540

Simple Happy Zen

Happy 2025 everyone! 🤗 Did you know about my big New Year's sale? Use code NEWYEAR25 at checkout to get 20% OFF on my ebook and my online courses.

This sale will last until January 29th. If you'd like to take an extra step to start 2025 off right and do something special for yourself, this could be the perfect time to do it and save 20%. 😄

📝 20 Weeks Simplify Your Life course - In Love With Your Life: bit.ly/3QAd5ks
🍵 30 Days of Slow Living course - Unhurried: bit.ly/3qvuFf2
📗 Decluttering ebook: bit.ly/shzebook

The discount can also be applied on multiple products at the same time for even more savings. There's no overlap between the courses, so you can choose any that spark your interest. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments so I can help you out.

(Swipe right on the image to read what other people had to say.)

Much love,
Vera

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

📗 DECLUTTERING EBOOK - From $15 to $12* (SAVE $3.00)

If you want help with decluttering, home organizing, and finally turning your home into a lovely, relaxing space by tackling your clutter, then I recommend my decluttering ebook.

🍵 30 DAYS OF SLOW LIVING - From $42 to $33.60* (SAVE $8.40)

If you're craving a slower life, where you have time to check in, take breaks, prioritize self care and create moments of peace and relaxation, then my 30 day program is the right choice for you. Through slowing down, you will learn to reconnect with yourself, tend to your needs and stop missing out on all the small and wonderful joys of life.

📝 SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE COURSE - From $97 to $77.60* (SAVE $19.40)

If you feel overwhelmed at times, and you want to change your life by clearing some of the chaos, gain insight into what makes you happy and let go of the things that are no longer serving you, I recommend doing my 20-week simplifying course.

This course goes a lot further than what you can learn from videos. The curriculum covers many aspects of simplifying. It offers in-depth guidance and takes you on a journey of self-discovery. You will learn to make positive changes and transform your life into a life you're in love with.

* Depending on where you live, VAT may be applied at checkout.

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3 months ago | [YT] | 160

Simple Happy Zen

🎄 Happy Holidays to all of you who are celebrating, wherever you are in the world. 🎄

As 2024 is wrapping up, I feel so much gratitude for this amazing community. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of it. I wish you all a wonderful last week of 2024 and I hope you're having a relaxing time.

And if you're in the mood to binge-watch some more of my videos, feel free to check out Patreon! I just dropped a new Tea Time Chat video, where I answer patron's questions about all kinds of things relating to minimalism, HSP and more. It's my 120th video on Patreon, so lots to catch up on if you want. 🍵

Click here for my Patreon: www.patreon.com/SimpleHappyZen

Wishing you all a lovely time filled with tea, coziness and yummy snacks. I can't wait to see what 2025 brings for Simple Happy Zen!

Much love,

Vera

4 months ago | [YT] | 1,283