Carolien has a new addiction

The moment I smell anything rose, I immediately find myself back in Thailand 16 years ago... That was when I first arrived in Bangkok with my godmother and I didn't know what I was seeing. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, known for its luxurious ambiance and excellent service, including one of the best spas in the world, where I, as a lucky 14-year-old, received a wonderful massage with rose oil from Ren Skincare. Since then, I find myself back on that massage table in my thoughts whenever a whiff of rose passes by. So when I walked into the Away Spa at the W hotel last week and suddenly smelled exactly the same scent, I didn't know how quickly to run to the front desk to inquire. And yes, since a week they sell Ren Skincare! That will quickly create a new memory on the massage table in the Away Spa.

Jon's first Father's Day could of course not go unnoticed. Otis and I were up early in the kitchen for an elaborate breakfast, and dad could count on a whole day of non-stop cuddling with the family. But when Otis took his afternoon nap, Jon just couldn't help but tidy up his play area. Now that the little man pulls himself up on everything, it was time to clean up the playpen and create a new corner including a little desk and chair. In the end, we were so into that tidying vibe that we took on the whole house right away. So much for the Father-chill day, but I couldn't give Jon (with his mild form of OCD) a better Father's Day.

A month ago, there was suddenly a handwritten letter on the doormat. The little C on top of the envelope made my heart race immediately: it feels like I've won the lottery. Chanel is throwing a party for the new store opening and the undersigned has scored an invite. Immediately, I put a big cross in our shared calendar and with slight nerves, I stand in front of my wardrobe on the evening of the event: what on earth am I going to wear? Unfortunately, I don't yet have such an iconic tweed jacket, but at least I have a beautiful Chanel bag on my arm. How was the party? Let's just say: the champagne flowed abundantly and the feet were dancing until the early hours.

I finally found a new addiction that is not catastrophic for my wallet and also works soothingly: cooking from Ottolenghi's books. Now, not all dishes are equally easy and you might spend two and a half hours in the kitchen, but if you want to impress at a dinner, you're in the right place. Plus, a big advantage: many dishes are vegetarian and completely baby-proof. Last weekend, among other things, these delicious sweet potato burgers were on the menu and Otis was an instant fan. A small downside: the amount of garlic in the dishes leads to extremely intense diapers the day after...