Last week I was at a birthday dinner and all of a sudden there were only 3 people at the table instead of 20. Those restrooms aren't that big to accommodate such a large number of people, are they? But no, almost the entire birthday group was outside smoking... Now I must say that hardly anyone in my circle of friends smokes and neither Jon nor I are smokers, but since Otis came into our lives, I've become more alert to smoke. Smoking is strictly prohibited in our home and fortunately we now have a beautiful rooftop terrace where guests can indulge. This week the campaign #obaccoFreeGeneration started and I would love to participate in this action, because how nice would it be if all babies and children of today could grow up in a smoke-free environment?

A message from my girlfriend, who always alerts me to the latest trends: “We HAVE to try this.” With a photo of an Oxygen Facial. Now I am generally very sensitive to everything this girlfriend texts me, but upon seeing this treatment, I immediately started googling. The appointment at KNAP Institute was scheduled for that same week upon seeing the list of positive effects: detoxification, rejuvenation, and firming of the skin immediately caught my attention. My whole body has become a bit ‘flabbier’ (or as my husband says: softer) after giving birth, so I seize every opportunity to firm things up again. After the treatment, there was a beautiful glow on my face and everything felt a lot less flabby. Treatment number 3 is now scheduled.

Yesterday our house served as a set location for a shoot with Beau Monde. I can tell you: our house has never looked so spotless. Now I must honestly tell you not to pull open the cabinets, but for the photo everything looked immaculate. That sweet Otis was chirping in his chair all afternoon and watched like a budding director as his parents giggled and posed. After a full afternoon, everything was done, but we were only halfway through the day: we still had a tight evening schedule ahead... Pre-baby, I wouldn't have batted an eye at such a day, but when we got home at eleven o'clock, I couldn't say anything sensible anymore... Maybe it's time to take it down a notch, Mrs. Karthaus-Spoor?

Since the wonderful dinner with Amayzine a few years ago, I have resolved to visit the Concertgebouw more often. But as is often the case with good intentions, I can count the number of visits since that dinner on one hand. So I signed up for the newsletter and booked tickets like crazy when the concert of James Newton Howard appeared in my inbox. I didn't immediately recognize the name either, but this brilliant music composer created the film scores for, among others, The Hunger Games, Fantastic Beasts, and Batman. It remains magical to hear and see such a beautiful orchestra live! Hereby yet another call to myself and to you: if you bike past the Museumplein, take a quick look at the Concertgebouw Agenda.