Fun & Famous

Carolien's fast lane life

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

1. With this dreadful weather, I don't dare to go out in heels (read: slipping and risking my life on the street). So there's nothing else to do but to get a nice pair of sneakers for this season. I know, I just finished my KonMari method and dumped ten garbage bags full of clothes and shoes, but that's why there's now room for a pair of winterproof sneakers, right? When I tried on these Mason Garments, I was immediately sold: the inside is made of leather, making them feel like slippers, and the print has of course “Carolien written all over it”. Oh well, I'll just schedule another KonMari day next year.

2. One of my favorite actresses is Jennifer Lawrence: she doesn't fit the perfect Hollywood picture at all, swears like a sailor, but despite that, she is just a FANTASTIC actress. I remember after watching ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ that I hoped to one day play a role with just as much passion (small note: Miss Lawrence was 22 springs young when she played this role, so I'm already behind...). So when Beau Monde asked if I would like to participate in a Jennifer Lawrence lookalike shoot, I didn't have to think for a second. Thanks to the fantastic styling and makeup, I saw some comparisons emerging between me and the Oscar-winning actress. I can't wait to admire the final result...

3. Unbeknownst to me, I was woken up on Saturday morning at 6:30 AM with a very special message: my bachelorette was a fact! I had half an hour to shower/get dressed and pack! Marly was waiting downstairs in a taxi that took us to Central Station where the rest of the group was already waiting for us... We were heading for an unforgettable weekend in Paris: from a fantastic sightseeing trip in ‘ugly ducklings’ to eating crêpes in Montmartre, cocktails at Mama Shelter in the evening, and we ended the weekend with, how could it be otherwise, my favorite macarons at Ladurée. This was everything I had dared to dream and more! Can't I just apply for a subscription to such an annual event?

4. The beautiful W Hotel on the Dam has been open for a while now, but last week the hotel got a ‘little’ addition: the opening of X Bank was all about fashion & lifestyle. The entire first floor has been transformed into a true shopping paradise with exclusively Dutch-made products. Of course, my favorite brand Avelon was among them, but also ST. studio, Bas Kosters, and Zenology can be found in this new concept store. At the release party, all fashionable Netherlands was present, and I was amazed at all the beautiful fashion creations. Jon and I had also made quite an effort, if I may say so: of course both in Avelon, including a fake fur hat.

5. I've been a huge fan of coconut yogurt for a while now. I hear many people thinking: yuck, another hype! But believe me, this product is here to stay. More and more places have this dairy-free yogurt on the menu, with CT coffee & coconuts and Zest being my favorites. At home, I always have the Abbot Kinney's variant in the fridge, and now that I've made Jon just as addicted, the yogurt is going through in large quantities weekly... They have now added two new flavors, including this mango variant. Of course, sugar-free and with completely natural pureed mango. Maybe I should just hide these containers in the fridge, otherwise I might have to get new ones tomorrow!