An Ode To My Internet Friends
...who don't know we're friends
I can remember writing the very first LivingBetterWithLess blog post like it was yesterday (ahem, 2012). It was a 6 AM Tumblr ramble longing for a simple life of solitude in a tiny house outside New York City. A simple, self-sufficient, working with my hands, living in rhythm with nature kind of life. That’s always been the dream.
Less predictability. More nature. Less control. More freedom,
Years later, I'm still living in a city, tied to family obligations and running a business that keeps me in front of a screen.
Enter YouTube—a mini-escape from my current reality.
I give you an ode to my internet friends—who don't know we're friends—but who inspire me weekly. Individually and collectively, they remind me of my north star and my ultimate dream of a self-sufficient life.
Martijn Doollard
A masterclass in stillness and intention in the Italian Alps
I stumbled upon Martijn’s channel in November of 2022 and was instantly swept away. I spent that winter consumed by the beauty and meditation of his films. Every frame, every scene, every word stirred something inside me, often bringing me to tears of joy and longing.
His channel has quickly become my favorite place on the internet. Each video is a cinematic wonder and a gentle reminder to slow down and live deliberately. There's a lot of beautiful content on the internet, but something about Martijn's weekly mini-films has righted my ship—reminding me of my north star. His videos have become one of the few constants in my life. Thank you, Sir.
Wild She Goes
Traveler, adventurer, and rambler after my own heart.
I love Mariana’s adventurous spirit. Whether she’s vanlifing through Greece, embarking on a motorbike trip, solo backpacking in the Scottish Highlands, fostering dogs, hunting for sea glass, or rebuilding a stone wall on her property in the Italian mountains—she does it all with a DIY attitude and a smile. Mariana shares her experiences with honesty, wit, and a refreshing sense of freedom. She’s impossible to categorize because she does it all, and to say I’m inspired is an understatement.
Roaming Wild Rosie
Solo-hiker leaves London to renovate a remote old cabin in Sweden, yes, please!
Rosie’s channel captures the essence of solo living and self-discovery. Her off-grid life feels authentic and inviting, and her attention to design and detail in everything she builds is truly captivating. Each video offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, practical tips, personal stories, and mini-adventures (she’s also a solo female hiker). Rosie’s channel is my go-to when I need to escape to a wild, nomadic lifestyle.
Girl In The Woods
"Don’t forget to get outside and get happy"
You may recognize Brooke (and her husband Dave) from seasons 4 & 5 of The HISTORY® Channel’s Alone. What I love about her channel and Dave’s is how approachable they make building, homesteading, and chasing a life in the wilderness. Brooke has inspired a whole new (and old!) generation that it's never too late to do something bold. In her own words:
"I'm a sucker for wild, beautiful landscapes and the flicker of a fire. The outdoors is a powerful force in my life- it heals me, challenges me, calms me, scares me. But most of all I want to share the inspiration of it all. Whether I'm on the top of a mountain watching the sun set, or building a cabin in the wilderness, being outdoors feeds me, and it can do the same for you too."
Hannah Lee Duggan
Ah, to live alone in the woods, build, dance, and travel.
Hannah’s channel is young1 and free. She has two cabin properties in the Upper Midwest and DIYs most everything, figuring it out as she goes. Her spirit is refreshing. On days when I feel bound by my caretaking duties, I enjoy watching her videos and imagining what life could have been like had I pursued my initial LBWL dreams back in the early 2010s.
Project Kamp
Prototyping a sustainable and communal way of living.
What happens when an eco-minded group of friends buys a large plot of land in the middle of Portugal to model an alternative, more environmentally harmonious way of living? Now in their fourth year, they generate all their electricity off-grid, focus on sourcing food locally, and build using as many biodegradable and recycled materials as possible. The best part of Project Kamp is that they document and share everything they do, build, and learn through their research module—available 100% open source—allowing others to replicate and scale it globally.
Flock Finger Lakes
Three friends buy land together with the aim of regenerative living and working communally.
Every Flock video is laid-back, beautifully shot, and showcases the real-time progress of their many projects—all designed to support wildlife and restore ecosystem function, woot woot! I’ve learned so much from Summer’s extensive knowledge of plants, pollinators, and gardening. Sander has an eye for detail and is a master at building. I feel like I’m hanging out with them and learning something new with every episode.
A few honorable mentions ♡
Kristen Dirksen - iykyk
Country Life Vlog (the literal mother of all mothers, Aziza is the GOAT!)
***All images are screenshots from each creator’s corresponding YouTube channels or websites, no copyright intended.
I adore Hannah’s spirit, but I do not condone listening to music in nature. So viewers like me / those with misophonia, please be aware.