According to research, people who do not believe in New Year's resolutions have a low self-esteem. They find it nonsense. The truth is that they are often disappointed in their own willpower. Phew, we don't want to be portrayed like that, do we? So, I am completely motivated to start this new year positively (=fantastic self-image) with indeed a number of very good resolutions. Here they are:

• exercise more often (what else is new?)
• never go to bed without removing makeup (= cause of drinking! drink less?)
• buy new pumps a little less often (unless absolutely irresistible)
• put energy into volunteering (maybe together with a friend so we – à la Geer & Goor – can also enjoy ourselves)
• make more time to enjoy ART and CULTURE.

To get ahead of the last mentioned, my partner and I had already given each other a museum year card for Christmas. Now I must confess that what we (my partner and I) understand by culture and the experience of it differs quite a bit in taste. I like to proclaim that FASHION is also art and culture, which somewhat justifies my shopping behavior. This also applies to restaurants with a special decor or an original menu. I combine my shopping-show-city trips to Milan, Paris, London, or New York with at least one upcoming or popular culinary hotspot. Cooking is also culture.

Fortunately, my partner also enjoys a tasty bite and a nice glass of wine. He only shops when necessary (‘it's just what you find necessary, I think). What really excites my partner is MUSIC. Nothing wrong with that, it also falls under art and culture, I hear you think. Indeed, there is absolutely nothing wrong with music itself. But his musical preference concerns opera and concerts with classical music. Sorry, opera works on my laugh muscles (big people in strange clothes producing unnatural sounds) and in the concert hall, I am always overwhelmed by a tickle in my throat (so boring). You understand, in this respect, we are not an ideal match.

When my partner suggested on the morning of January first (cozy in bed) to listen to the traditional Viennese New Year's concert on TV, I spontaneously fell into a minor mood. Damn, over two hours of violins, tubas, and triangles, with the icing on the cake being that ridiculous, supposedly cheerful (think André Rieu) Radetzky march. Just in time, I remembered my list of New Year's Resolutions that was not even 24 hours old, and because I didn't want to be the least willing, I seemingly agreed. Fair is fair, this concert undoubtedly falls under the category of art and culture.

But now here it comes: What do you think? I enjoyed it mega beyond all expectations! This fashionista was optimally catered to in her cultural wishes because while my husband was swooning while listening to the various Strauss pieces, the concert took on a high fashion touch in the form of the accompanying ballet with insane, stunning costumes designed by the one and only, good old lady Vivienne Westwood. During the concert's intermission, we saw the making of the costumes. In short, I enjoyed it. And so the new year began in good harmony and with a successful good resolution.

Now the rest...

Happy New Year