Dank god het is vrijdag

JET VAN NIEUWKERK

Yes, Jet's new book is out. Hammer that extra shelf into your bookcase, because Jet is going to fill it, mark my words. Do you have ‘The book of Jet’ already? Then you can now dive into ‘Tips from Jet’, 100 tips for a happy and healthy life. And that calls for an old-school Thank God it’s Friday.

Jet, your new book, tell us everything…

“In this book, you will find fun and funny tips with a message. Just reading it should already give you a cheerful feeling. I hope it’s relatable, because sometimes it’s just not a big deal if you have a shit day and nothing works or your house is a pigsty. It happens to me too, but with the tips, you get back in balance. You don’t have to follow all hundred, as long as reading it is nice. Or you can use it to give advice to a friend. It’s a light and fun little book. And it says that anything is possible and everything is okay if you need a little support.”

How was your week?

“I had it well arranged for myself. On Sunday, I returned from a yoga week in the sun in Fuerteventura and on Monday was the presentation. I was really completely well-rested, a bit tanned, had tons of energy, and was very confident about everything. I needed to recharge a bit because I was quite tired from 2016.”

How did you celebrate your new book? I heard something really cool buzzing in the editorial office…

“Yes, with a lunch at Villa Nicola for fifteen very nice women who help create a healthy and happy Netherlands. My friend Merel was in the kitchen, she is my cooking friend. I brainstorm with her about recipes and sometimes we dream about a restaurant together. I wanted it to feel like they were at my home; personal and cozy. That suits me. We had lunch and chatted. But it was also very exciting because other people are going to read your book.”

Do you do anything to stay calm?

“Rescue drops, that’s homeopathic stuff. It probably doesn’t really help, but it does in my head. I start the morning with a few drops on my tongue and I repeat that a few times a day. Or I take a few sips of alcohol. I prefer not to do the latter because you never know how it will go. Suddenly being a bit tipsy after three sips is also not the intention. I sit alone for a bit scrolling mindlessly on my phone beforehand. Then the doorbell rings and you just go. You can’t go back. I could enjoy much more now because with my first book everything was way too exciting.’

“Hammer that extra shelf into your bookcase, because Jet is going to fill it, mark my words.‘

And the rest of your week, is it exploding?

“Yes, the work just continues. I can’t take a break, that’s quite intense. And then to Omroep MAX, the radio, doing quite a few interviews; the week is packed. One of my tips is: plan one appointment per day. I’m absolutely not sticking to that now. But it has to be done now, next week is quieter.”

This weekend we all crawl up with your book and a glass by the fireplace. But what’s in your glass and what are you toasting to on Friday?

“After a signing session in Den Bosch, I sit down at the table with my parents, brother, and boyfriend. Together we are going to celebrate my book because I haven’t done that yet. In my glass is red wine because it’s cold outside, and we are eating at my favorite restaurant in Amsterdam.”

What are you doing on Saturday? Are you going to cook and exercise to blow off steam or is it going to be ultra-relaxed?

“I’m going out to dinner with friends in the evening. And during the day? No, I’m not going to play squash because I’m not in the mood for that. Cleaning up the kitchen, which is overflowing. There are things, pots, and herbs everywhere. That’s what I’m going to do, just take it easy.’

And what music are you putting on?

“Actually, I want to say the new CD from The Weeknd, but Ward immediately turns that off, he thinks it’s terrible. So a bit of easy listening R&B bedroom music, I find that very nice.”

Oh yes, do you have a Jettie-proof restaurant for us?

“Everything in moderation is Jettie-proof. I never say you shouldn’t eat something. But I like to go to Pekelhaaring on Van Woustraat. And I want to try Café Caron in the Pijp. When the avocado restaurant opens, I’m definitely going there. With my boyfriend, I find eating at the bar the coziest, at Wilde Zwijnen.”

Sunday, what’s on the agenda?

“My girlfriends, we are going to train for the Dam to Dam run. I’m going to lead the training a bit because for some, five kilometers is the farthest ever. A friend started bouncing at that five kilometers. I’ve given the assignment to buy good running shoes, so they should have those. And afterwards, we’re going to have a nice lunch.”

Suppose earthly matters like time differences and travel times don't exist. What does your ideal weekend look like?

“Well, then I’m definitely going to Paris. There are always terraces, it doesn’t matter what season. Then I’ll crawl under the heat lamp at Café Charlot, open a bottle of Chablis, and have an extensive lunch. That’s it, I don’t need to go anywhere else. It transitions into dinner, just sitting endlessly with my boyfriend. We are very happy there.”

Speaking of tips, what is your ultimate weekend tip for us?

“I’ve heard it’s going to snow. Close windows and doors, turn up the heating, and light the fireplace. In this weather, you need to take good care of yourself. Make a cheese fondue, open the red wine, and invite your friends over. It can be nice and cozy.”

Finally, the weekend is over. What time does your alarm go off on Monday and what is number 1 on that to-do list?

“I work out on Mondays, I like to start the week that way. The alarm goes off at half past seven and at eight o’clock I’m outside in my sports outfit to do a round along the Amstel. And afterwards? Back to the radio.”

Do you want to order ‘Tips from Jet’ à la minute (we understand)? Just click here, because it’s not too strict and definitely not boring.