2014 those Resolutions...

As I awoke this morning January 1st 2014, my thoughts lingered upon the traditional making of New Years Resolutions and what I hope this fresh year would bring to enrich and challange my life, thoughts and beliefs.

• I observed this morning that when I travel I take great pleasure in selecting and packing my travel cosmetics and take more time and effort to pamper my skin and take care of my body, as such my first resolution is to do this every day, take time to take care of my most precious resource; myself.
• My second resolution is to make time to read and learn every day. I will be creating a cosy reading corner in my home dedicated to bookshelves that are heaving with fascinating stories and inspiration.
• My third focus for 2014 is to be more more mindful of the little things in life that make it so beautiful, to give myself time to observe and listen and absorb. to be playful everyday and to be thankful for all the blessings I have been granted.

Mind, Body, Soul...

bis gleich and wishing you a very happy New Year and a prosperous 2014,
Xx
a

New York City: Brooklyn

Where: NYC Brooklyn
When: 27.12.13
Why: New Years Adventure

As per tradition, the H and I boarded a plane in Frankfurt and headed off to explore a different country/city for our new year holidays. 2013/2014 New York City!

Day 1 saw us staying at a friends apartment in Brooklyn and we decided to view Manhattan from this side before venturing over Brooklyn Bridge.

Armed with a sparkly new Samsung digital camera we explored the Dumbo area (Down Under the the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and discovered a multitude of super cool boutiques, bars and restaurants.

My recommendations...

• Retail Vintage Cool - Front General Store (143 Front St. Brooklyn) The ideal location to pick up a fantastic retro leather biker jacket or a pair of funky yet hard wearing boots. 
• Modern Anthology - a mix of menswear, homeware and gifts. A somewhat over zealous collection of  varied items but certainly worth exploring. www.modernanthology.com
• For some local Brooklyn talent do pop into Trunk. I particularly liked Radka Osickova's jewellery, a clever manipulation of wire and rather beautiful. www.trunkbrooklyn.com
• A nice spot for a glass of wine? We picked the 68 Jay St. Bar and weren't disappointed. 
• Essential eating, wander through a desolate landscape of warehouses and stumble into eaterie Vinegar Hill House www.vinegarhillhouse.com make sure you try a Fast Rascal possibly the best cocktail I have ever drunk! (Pear Brandy, Sloe Gin, Ginger and lemon) and the Red Wattle County Chop was perfection.

Enjoy!

Bis Gleich,

a

A Baker's Dozen of Business Startup Tips

When I started this blog I wanted to share some of my journey with you as well as some of my insights into planning, setting up and running your own business. With things moving at a whirlwind pace for the The London Assembly, here are a few tips to get you started...

1. Talk about your business idea to everyone you meet. If you're passionate about it you won't bore them and you won't bore yourself.

2. Research every aspect of your business concept. Everything you learn will aid you even if it's just a "oh I already knew that" confidence boost

3. Read, read and then read a bit more. Why? see above!

4. Get as fit and as healthy as possible. this will make everything else just a little bit easier.

5. Learn to listen, you might just learn something you didn't know you needed to know.

6. Ask for help. The ability to get other people involved in your plans will be beneficial

7. BUT ask the right people the right questions and don't force people to get involved.

8. Take time out to totally switch off. I always come up with the most innovative ideas when I'm going for a walk or taking a bath ;-)

9. Plan, plan and then plan a bit more

10. Be consistant. Once you have defined your vision, your brand and your company values then follow it through with everything you do.

11. Work out what you're best at and become and expert, find out what you're worst at, learn about it and then delegate.

12. Make sure there is someone, indeed preferably a large amount of people who will actually buy into your idea!

and finally... Define your idea, create a vision and then focus on manageable time orientated goals.


Hope you find that helpful? Let me know...

Bis Gleich,
xx
A

Lianne La Havas @Somerset House

Where: Somerset House
Why: Lianne La Havas Live as part of the Summer Series with Amex
When: Saturday 13th July

Lianne la Havas states on her Facebook site: "Nothing like Corinne Bailey Rae or Andreya Triana, but we all have similar hair." Brilliant.. I am always getting asked if I'm whoever is the popular mixed race women of the time so this comment really made me chuckle!

Lianne la Havas live at Somerset House

The gig surpassed excellent. Somerset House at sundown is the perfect environment for her voice and she looked fantastic in a red pvc skirt stopping to pause for a just a moment to wipe the prerequisite talc from her legs! Her voice really is sublime and I urge you, if you haven't got her album or seen her live PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY and GO see!

I was so impressed I'm looking forward to seeing her again at Lovebox next Sunday. (Review to come)

Wiki Facts: Born 23 August 1989 as Lianne Charlotte Barnes is an English folk and soul singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She was nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll Her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? was awarded the title of iTunes Album of The Year 2012.

La Havas was born in London, England to a Greek father and Jamaican mother. She was raised in Tooting and Streatham, spending the majority of her time with her grandparents following her parents' separation as a child. La Havas began singing at seven and cites her parents' diverse musical tastes as having the biggest influence on her music. Her mother played with Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige, and her father, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, taught her the basics of guitar and piano. Lianne wrote her first song at the age of 11, but did not learn to play the guitar until she was 18 years old. Lianne attended Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls in Croydon, where she studied art A-level, and planned to take an art foundation course; however, she left college to pursue a career in music full-time. Although born Lianne Barnes, her stage name is an adaptation derived from her Greek father, Henry Vlahavas's, surname.

Matt Corby Support Act

Matt Corby certainly held his own, another beautiful voice and I expect perhaps next year's headline act!

Bis Gleich,
xx
A

Cos... not just a salad essential.

When: 11.07.13
Where: The Serpentine Gallery
Why: Cos Press Event

I've been enjoying a bit of a love affair of late with Cos! Every time I go in I find something fabulous to add to my wardrobe and with the current sale on, there is simply no stopping me!

Amy Silberzahn at the Cos Press Event

• Cos pleated halter dress
• Reiss Aurelia-Stone encrusted belt
• Kervin Marc Cow hide Bag exclusive to The London Assembly
• Sergio Rossi Wedges

COS, Collection Of Style, is for men and women who want high end design and good quality at an affordable price.They state that they are always exploring their original concept of favouring style over fashion, COS appreciates timeless design that lives beyond the season. Merging traditional methods with new techniques and innovative fabrics, they work hard to create fashion pieces that look and feel at once classic and modern. COS likes functional design crafted from simple ideas.

This summer COS are supporting Park Nights, a series of events, screenings and talks that take place at the 2013 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion. They have commissioned film-maker James Aiken to explore the Pavilion space, and asked the architect Sou Fujimoto to tell the story of the project. http://www.cosstores.com/

"It is a really fundamental question how architecture is different from nature, 

or how architecture could be part of nature, or how they could be merged...

what are the boundaries between nature and artificial things." Sou Fujimoto

Sou Fujimoto's fantastic architectural sculpture at sunddown. (Photo Amy Silberzahn)

Bis Gleich,
xx
A  

Brighton Rocks

Other than being the permanent residence of my beloved sister, Michelle, I love Brighton!

Brighton was the location of my first 'mini break' with my dear Husband. And Brighton was where I would hop on the train from London the moment we had a sunny enough day and escape to sit on the stones gazing out to sea.

Brighton holds so many special memories. It's the place I return to for calm, uncomplicated relaxation.

Blessed with a few weeks holiday in the UK, I am happy making lists of fabulous things to do, wonderful people to see and exhibitions and events to inspire.

This weeks Baker"s Dozen: (in no particular order)

1. Watching Despicable Me 2
2. Designer meeting with the super talented leather creative Kervin Marc www.okmarc.com
3. Watching Lianne La Havas at Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk/music/summer-series-2013
4. The LoveSupreme Jazz Festival, specifically Espanza Spalding
5. A Wire Wrapping Course at The London School of Jewellerywww.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk
6. Visiting The Lowry Art Exhibition at The Tate Britain www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
7. Hanging out at the Belorussian Embassy in Kensington trying to get a holiday Visa so I can go to my friend Anna's wedding in August
8. Playing with my sister's gorgeous Basset Hounds, Stanley & Henry
9. Working on my Happiness Project (Blog to come!)
10. Enjoying brunch at Carluccio and catching up with the super Anisah
11. Organising a reunion for my University Fashion and Marketing BaHons Graduate friends.
12. Watching, "Behind the Candelabra"
13. Making a final London Assembly Logo decision!!!! www.facebook.com/TheLondonAssembly

Come back to see how how I got on!

Bis Gleich
A

A Baker's Dozen: Part 1 Berlin Bucket list

You can't come to Berlin without visiting a few cultural monuments, but to be fair alongside the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate the majority of tourists come to this vibrant city for the plethora of cool bars, pumping clubs and creative inspiration.

This Baker's Dozen, gives my top tips to where it's happening and where the locals think you should be checking out right now.

counting down...  

13.  BravoBarBerlin

Essential location for some drinks and dancing. Fabulous friendly staff and great cocktails. What more do you want? Oh, a cool sign! Translates as "Here is where you shine!"

12. Kosmetiksalon Babette: www.barbette.com
Karl-Marx-Allee 36
The distinctive 1960's Soviet-Era building is basically a rather cool glass box that serves excellent cocktails. if you are looking for a venue to sup some drinks and discuss your creative pursuits then this is an excellent venue. Sleek, modern & terribly hip!


11.Ankerklause: First Thursday Club www.ankerklause.de
Kottbusser Damm 104, Berlin Kreuzberg
Recommended by friends for friends! Cute decor and fun atmosphere, pop in for 1 or 2 but do check it out :-)

10. Berghain & Paranorama Bar www.berghain.de/

Dangerous on a Saturday if you're not the very open minded and liberal sort. Avoid the tourists and go dancing on a Sunday afternoon through to Monday morning! Avoid the sweaty trance kids and head up to the Panorama Bar for more of a house/electro vibe. Be warned this is all about the music so go to dance not pose! And the door staff really are evil and random plus absolutely NO cameras allowed... http://www.guardian.co.uk/music

9. Miss Saigon www.miss-saigon-berlin.de/
Yum! south Vietnamese food with the most hysterical incorrectly translated English menu ever! Food is exceptional and the place constantly packed by locals queueing out the door. Book in advance and settle in for whatever they recommend, it's literally all good! Oooooo but do try the house tea it's gorgeous.


8. Cafe Oliv http://oliv-cafe.de
Pause for thought in Cafe Oliv before you partake in some retail therapy along Neue Schoehauser Strasse, Rosenthaler Strasse and in Hackescher Hoefe. The open sandwiches are delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice spot on and don't miss out on the freshly baked goodies either. They are certainly popular with the cool locals too for a caffeine pep up.

Berlin bucket list countdown part 2 to follow shortly.

bis gleich!

xx
A

Baker's Dozen Series: Part1 Interview with Amy Silberzahn

A Baker's Dozen Series

What: Interview Part 1
Who: Amy Ogundehin-Silberzahn
Where: Currently: Berlin, Germany

It seemed unfair to ask other people to answer questions without trying them out myself first so please find below Part1 of my interview with myself.

Why: Creative Director of The London Assembly Retail and Creative space, Lifestyle blogger, Style and travel enthusiast.

1. Can you sum up your career to date in one/two sentences?

My career to date is an eclectic multitude of creative and business projects, now coming together in concept in Frankfurt, Germany. I have run my own fashion label that sold across London, to Paris and LA, worked in Fashion PR & Magazines, as a Business English Language Trainer, a Sous Chef and as an Investment Banking Team Assistant.

2. Who have been the most influential or inspiring people during your life?

Influential, I guess my family, my sisters are very successful in their careers and I find that very inspiring, I’m immensely proud of their achievements. I ran my first company with huge practical support from my parents and will never forget their constant belief and faith in me and my vision.

Outside of my family, I would say Caroline Baker who was my first proper fashion boss at the Mail on Sunday, You Magazine. She told me to go for it with my own label because I had nothing to lose and I love her for that.

I always have a plan B but that attitude; ‘what’s the worse that could happen’ looked at positively has helped me to try to live in the moment and follow my instincts.

My sisters and I on my civil wedding day

3. What were the last 3 books or films you watched?

A TV series called Fringe with the H – Fringe science is all the really fascinating alternative side of science like telekinesis, teleportation etc. It’s the cause of a few scary dreams but I love how it makes you think about all the weird possibilities the combination of science and imagination can throw up.

Books:  I am currently reading Erotic Stories written by women published by penguin as an antidote to last years 50shades rubbish and I've just started a business book entitled "How to set up & run a fashion label" by Toby Meadows which was a gift from my best friend. I love to read and at the moment am trying to absorb as much business literature as possible!

4. Which three places would you recommend as a must visit and where are you heading next?

Costa Rica

I visited Istanbul last year which was incredible as it is such a vibrant city of youthful energy combined with culture and history. The biggest trips I have made to date were to Costa Rica which was just beautiful and of course Australia oluremi-imerulo.blogspot.de: An-Aussie-Adventure-Parts-1-4 which is a fascinating, huge and diverse country.  Next up I would like to do a long weekend in New York, check out Berlin, revisit Amsterdam and explore Russia.

5. Name the creative and business people that you most admire?

Kaisa Larkas Mossop springs to mine, we went to university together and now she is a wonderful wife and the mother of three beautiful children, a personal trainer, a journalist and successful blogger. http://kaisalarkas.com/ Last year she opened a fashion boutique that just made the Drapers Record top 100 Inspiring Indies list! Impressive, slightly intimidating but definitly inspiring! popthefashionstore.com

6. If you could have something made bespoke just for you, what would it be and who would make it?

I think a beautiful piece of furniture would be pretty amazing, something like an incredible desk that would be used all the time and loved. Not sure by who though, I think it would be great to commission a new design graduate, giving them some funds and encouragement to keep going. It's hard to survive in the creative world.

An example of a beautiful desk- Airia by Herman Miller

come back shortly for part 2 of my interview with myself!