Fun & Famous

CAROLIEN’S FAST LANE LIFE

Yes, another fresh weekday diary from our Carolien. Because you know: she never sits still…

Dozens of pants, beautiful blouses, and lovely dresses are hardly touched in my closet during the winter months; every morning I am tempted again by such a lovely warm sweater and a comfy pair of pants (read: at least made of thick material, so no leather, jeans, or thin fabrics). But to brighten up such an outfit, at least a nice collar or neckline should peek out. However, stuffing a blouse under a tight sweater is not ideal, and it doesn't exactly make your figure look slimmer. Now the ladies of Idiot du Village found their mission in designing the perfect collar for under a sweater, and they have succeeded quite well! The collection consists of countless models, is made from fairtrade cotton, and is also produced in our own country. I can't wait until they expand their collection with more basics…

Meanwhile, we are almost halfway through the recordings for “Bella Donna’s,” while it feels like we just started. From this week on, the real action will begin: horseback riding, skydiving, and illegal street racing are on the agenda. Ah, my job is never boring! That it will be a comedy is sometimes already audible on set, much to the dismay of some crew members… Together with Kiki and Eva, I often get the giggles over the smallest things and then try to say your lines very seriously. But I am sure you will see that lovely atmosphere on screen later. This afternoon I will take a horseback riding lesson and buy thick thermal clothing to jump out of a plane at a few kilometers high… Next week, an extensive report on all the terrifying stunts.

As a child, I always looked forward to the month of December. Not only because literally all the holidays fall in that month (yep, I also have my birthday then…), but also because from the first day of that month, I received an advent calendar as a little girl. Opening a little door every day and finding such a delicious chocolate, what a treat! Now, as a child, I was a huge saver, so my mother often found some of those chocolates in a bag in my closet around June… But opening a little door every day was already half the fun. Now the calendars have become more beautiful every year, and each year I treat myself to a different kind of advent. When I saw the Rituals calendar this year, I was immediately sold. Every day is a surprise what I find behind the door: a mini mascara, travel-sized shampoo, or a massage oil. Today, behind number 7, was a lovely body mist: I can't wait to open a new door tomorrow morning!

I am now going to share a very big secret with you, of which I still wonder if I should make it public… This is the best-kept secret of Amsterdam! If you want to reserve a very special restaurant soon, a trip to Vuurtoreneiland is an absolute must. You may already know the summer edition, but from now on the winter edition is open, and in my opinion, it is the most beautiful and delicious restaurant in Amsterdam for the coming months. Just like with the summer edition, you are picked up by boat, and once you arrive at Vuurtoreneiland, you won't believe what you experience: the bunker has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant with a huge Scandinavian vibe. All dishes are prepared over an open fire and are each amazing. Believe me: this is the kind of place you really want to be.

As soon as the thermometer shows temperatures with only one digit, I dare not go out without a thick coat, scarf, and warm gloves. I keep being amazed when I see people walking down the street in just a leather jacket in these temperatures. Either they are all wearing four layers of thermal clothing, or I am just an extreme cold-baby (and let's just stick with the latter…). But when I saw this beautiful Moves by Minimum leather jacket hanging last week, I started to doubt: the color is perfect for the festive season, it is really winter collection, and if I wear a thick turtleneck underneath, it should work, right? The result: I scored a beautiful new jacket for over my Christmas outfit, but my winter coat will just go over it…