The Hills, the Glam, and the Girl Behind the Brush
I’ve always been enchanted by Hollywood glam. Watching The Hills, I fell in love with Lauren Conrad’s signature waves—the effortless, beachy perfection. I decided then and there: That’s going to be my signature hairdo too. So I looked up how to recreate it, and yes, I now own the iconic Hot Tools curling iron because that’s just beauty industry gospel.
During that beauty deep dive, I stumbled upon a makeup tutorial for The Hills-inspired glam—this one by Kandee Johnson—and I was instantly hooked. Her vibrant energy and artistry captivated me.
That spark? It lit a whole new path.
I eventually became a makeup artist myself—and yes, I flew to L.A. to meet Kandee.
Because when something calls your soul, you answer.
Manifesting My Pantry Life—One Mason Jar at a Time
Even in the small kitchen of my Dutch apartment, I’ve carved out a tiny piece of my American dream: a drawer I lovingly call The Breakfast Drawer. It’s filled with mason jars—oats, seeds, protein powder, spices—everything I need for my daily rituals like banana bread, pancakes, or a nourishing breakfast bowl.
It might not be a walk-in pantry (yet), but to me, it feels like one.
This drawer is my daily manifestation—my way of inviting that cozy, abundant, farmhouse-style American pantry life into my present. A little taste of the big dream. A wink to the universe.
The Brand That Travels With Me
I’m a traveler by heart, and when I travel, I do it in style—with Tumi. It’s not just luggage; it’s a lifestyle. Wallets, phone cases, suitcases—it’s all Tumi.
And yes, I used to sell it at the airport—and let me tell you, it flew out the door als warme broodjes (like hotcakes).
My American Soul in Everyday Life
So in what ways am I American? Probably more than I can count. But here’s a little breakdown:
Beauty & Self-Care
- My professional kit is stacked with American beauty brands—from my MAC Züca bag to my Hot Tools curling irons.
- My signature hairstyle? Perfect soft waves, forever inspired by Lauren Conrad.
- Yoga with Adriene—her warm Texas voice feels like a hug.
- Yin Yoga with Kate Amber—my go-to for calming the nervous system.
- Dermalogica—the only skincare that’s ever truly worked for me. I used to import it from the U.S. because my skin literally glowed with joy. My cells knew: this is home.
Home & Kitchen
- I store everything in Mason jars.
- I own a bagel slicer.
- In my spice rack? Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
- Tex-Mex food is my soul fuel, chili con carne is my power dish.
- Pancakes are sacred, especially on slow weekends.
- PB&J is my emotional support snack.
- Banana bread on a rainy day? Always.
- Starbucks used to be my sanctuary—until they dropped the good oatmilk in NL
- Sloppy Joe is my soul comfort foofd.
Fashion & Aesthetic
- My wardrobe is built on Abercrombie & Fitch and Denim & Supply (Ralph Lauren).
- My home is a soft blend of Aztec vibes, orange tones, and cacti.
- Vintage Stars & Stripes pop up everywhere.
Language & Thinking
- I think in English—especially when it comes to feelings.
- When my thoughts go deep, they come out American.
- I journal in English as the emotional frequency hits deeper.
- My online voice has always been in English.
Spiritual & Emotional Landscape
- My soul is married to Arizona.
- The desert frequency lives in my bones.
- I’m a Silva Graduate (Ultramind, by José Silva, from Laredo)
- I’ve done the Duality course by Jeffrey Allen (yep, Arizona again)
Objects & Symbols
- I always carry a dollar bill in my wallet.
- My passport cover? Yep, it’s American.
- My Instagram handle is @Tanistates—a mix of my name and the United States.
- Birthdays and parties? Drinks in Red cups.
Pop Culture & Soundtrack
- Ray LaMontagne plays on slow mornings.
- Lana del Rey floats in twilight.
- Tame Impala bends time in technicolor.
- Mansions on the Moon takes me somewhere between memory and magic.
- Fleetwood Mac on vinyl is my reset button.
Personal Milestones
- I’ve visited the U.S. seven times—each visit deeper than the last.
- Celebrated my birthday in a VIP club + limo in Miami. As one does.
- My proudest moment? Being published in the U.S. on The Wave Forward blog by Aires Tech, sharing my healing journey.
