Carolien thinks she should cut back
Whether it's ten to midnight, pouring rain from the sky, or scorching hot in the Netherlands: we always have something to complain about. Because no matter how wonderful the forecasts looked on my weather app, I've quietly taken back that joyful shout. It's so stuffy that I can stand under the shower three times a day, our bedroom measures 32 degrees, and as if that wasn't enough: I sneeze on average ten times an hour from hay fever. Yep, despite the summer temperatures, I'm doing my complaining song. But don't get me wrong: I also enjoy the city that comes completely to life and everyone moves their lives outside. It would just be nice if we could shave off a few degrees. Oh yes, and filter some pollen out of the air, thank you. But then... Then I really have nothing more to complain about.
Last week I made a small confession on Insta: I'm completely drained from all the coffees, juices, lunches and snacks that I consume in Amsterdam. It's also so tempting to ‘just try that new place’ or ‘quickly grab a juice’ in a city like this, but I feel that I should and can cut back. There are those structured people who dutifully turn on their juicer every morning, pull the thermos from the cupboard, and create delicious things for on the go, but how do you make everything a bit fun to take along? I received this fantastic tip from several ladies: the lunchboxes from Boho-Tiffin. I immediately ordered a set and almost jumped for joy when my package arrived: where were you during my high school years? This would have saved me so many greasy pizza rolls. So now I'm really excited to fill this beautiful box every morning. But I do need to pull some books by Rens Kroes from the shelf, because such a banana bread with fresh fruit looks so cozy here.
I can proudly say that I have the household pretty much in order, but there is one thing I still can't get a grip on: wonderfully scented laundry. I know very well what the problem is: I stuff that machine full, hoping to do one less load. But then the detergent can't do its job at all, and everything comes out smelling musty... So when I received the invite for the launch of the Robijn Deluxe collection at the 10 Days store (one of my favorite brands), I immediately clicked RSVP. The scents linger subtly on your clothes for a day: I need that. Since today, I can also check off the laundry, because a combination of the wonderful scents and an extra cap ensures that the laundry comes out of that full machine smelling like flowers.
If you haven't made any plans for this summer and would like to celebrate a vacation in your own country with the kids: this is the place you want to go. Wake up with a view of the zebras or lions, playgrounds and a swimming pool within walking distance, lovely walks through the forest, and nearby animal park Beekse Bergen, Speelland, and the Efteling. The Safari Resort Beekse Bergen is the perfect place to experience a week of adventures. In fact: I proposed this same plan to Jon, so we can go on safari in our own country for a week. Believe me: the difference with a safari abroad is hardly noticeable, and it saves a lot of budget and travel time.
