Fun & Famous

Carolien’s Fast Lane Life

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

. Amsterdammers are used to cycling in all weather conditions. In the past, I was immediately inclined to take a tram or taxi (yes, this was before the Uber era), but nowadays I bundle up well and bravely face the harsh journey. Fortunately, it only drizzled and I arrived only half-soaked at restaurant PARK in Hotel Arena. I hadn't been here for a while, but the hotel has doubled in size with a beautiful entrance through the park (ah, hence the name!). The restaurant looks stunning: you immediately feel like you're in Scandinavian surroundings with lots of greenery and a cozy, sleek interior. And then there's also a menu where you just can't choose what you want to order. Completely blissed out from the lovely evening, we walk to our bikes, only to find that the rain machine has suddenly been turned up to ten... After struggling through the rain for five minutes, I stop at the first tram stop, lock my bike, and wait like a drenched kitten for my tram. Old habits die hard...

In the past, fashion was a lot more straightforward: in the summer, you found airy dresses and many thin fabrics in stores, and for winter, you could choose from a wide collection of thick sweaters, warm pants, and real winter coats. But now that the seasons are shifting a bit and brands are responding to this, I often genuinely don't know which collection I'm looking at: admittedly beautiful items in autumn and winter colors, but made from a fabric that you can sneeze right through. Or such a coat made of semi-thick fabric with two buttons, allowing all the wind to blow straight through... Now, you can't make me happier with the turtleneck trend, so I dare to easily pull those thin fabrics off the rack nowadays. I found this beautiful set from Gestuz and didn't hesitate for a moment: turtleneck underneath, scarf around it, and I'm winter ready!

Now, I'm not a huge drinker, but you can poke me at any time of the day, seven days a week, for a glass of bubbles. And I'm not talking about a nice cava or prosecco, but real champagne. Now, The Breakfast Club on Wibautstraat has been transformed into a unique champagne club for two weekends in the evening. And I'm not just talking about any champagne: you can choose from no less than 18 (!) types of champagne, including Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, and Krug. You understand that I absolutely did not want to miss this invite! So, I got a little preview last week of all the goodies that the Champagne Club has to offer. If you're looking for me this coming weekend? There's a good chance you'll find me with some friends on Wibautstraat, seriously involved in a champagne tasting in search of my favorite bubble... December 15 to 18 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Wibautstraat 56, Amsterdam.

In the meantime, we are officially halfway (or in film terms: ‘over the hill’) with the recordings for ‘Bella Donna's’ and I can hardly believe what we've already filmed! Just in the past two days, I've stood in lingerie by the canal, had a wax treatment, sat in bridal clothing in jail, and rode a horse through the KFC drive-thru. We make quite long days, but sometimes when I look from a distance at what we get to do, I feel so happy: I truly have the best job on earth! Although, we might think differently about that in a few weeks: there's still a real tandem jump on the schedule... To be continued!

Everyone has a quest once in a while for that one specific clothing item: the perfect LBD, men's loafers that still look feminine, or the ideal winter coat. My search for the perfect blue ankle boot has now lasted about two years, but each time without result. Despite the fact that I own a huge shoe collection with literally every type you can think of; I keep missing out when I want to grab a cool pair of blue boots... But the salvation came in the form of an email from Fabienne Chapot. In her new collection, I suddenly saw it: cool, no high heel, the perfect shade of blue, and also finished with silver stars. As if the world were about to end, I pressed ‘order’ at record speed, and a few days later they were there: my new favorite pair of boots! Now I just have to quickly look for a new fashion quest, otherwise life will get very boring...