25 October 2011

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I have been following the Celebrity Apprentice since the show launched, mainly because my good friend Andrew Morello won the very first season.

I have really enjoyed watching the show and believe it to be entertaining and educating.  Some parts were a little bit corny and over done, but for the most part it was worth watching.

Morello invited me to the filming of the final episode, which will air tonight, I brought some of my girls along with me and we were also accompanied by the world's best Business, Motivational coach and Corporate Warrior - Jacob Galea - blessed to be in his presence that evening if you don't know him you better get to know him.

Therese Hanna, 
Jacob Galea Angel & Friend
Upon arrival at the beautifully located, Taronga Zoo Function Centre we all rallied outside and networked.

Therese Hanna, Angel & Friend

Jacob Galea, Angel, Andrew Morello,
Therese Hanna






As we entered the first part of the venue, we were greeted with a huge camera and lights.  My girls and I were the first to walk in.

As I walked in I saw one of my idols from way back and now friend, Deni Hines first so gave her a big hug!

We then walked to the front of the room and drank champagne and nibbled on some sort of pork canape until the show started.

The Project - to create a television ad campaign for Mr Bouris' Yellow Brick Road.

The first campaign was created by 2 Celebrity finalists Jesinta Campbell and Shane Crawford; they also brought back Deni Hines and Didier Cohen to help them out.

We spoke to Jesinta an she was just lovely and looked absolutely stunning  in the most amazingly beautiful sparkly number! Deni made us laugh and Didier was a bit of a snob - waiving from afar - maybe he was shy.

I found their presentation to be quite wholesome and nice.  I really liked their television commercial because it featured a multi-cultural husband and wife couple and Deni Hines sang the hook.

We were then ushered out to the second presentation room but had to wait outside on the balcony, until they were ready to film, we soaked up the views.


The Second campaign was created by Julia Morris and Jason Coleman; they also brought Max Markson and Polly back to help out.

Not sure what Polly did, but the entire event and campaign came together well.
Upon entering the room we walked in under a rainbow of yellow balloons and followed the yellow carpet to our tables, we were presented with a yellow Mango Daiquiri and a yellow rose - I love all this - in my world presentation is everything and I am guessing Max gave it the wow factor!

 

Jason Coleman would have to be one of the best presenters and public speakers and I have told him this several occasions.

Julia Morris is just so funny, she had us in stiches - Make sure you check out her red sparkly shoes - Dorothy! ;) The two of them together in their presentation fed off eachother and were just brilliant!

Their commercial was humorous and effective - "Every Step of the Way".

It was a great night, the room was filled with colourful characters and thanks to Andrew we got to say a quick hello to Mr Bouris, although he was in a rush to leave.

On our way out we each got given a yellow "Yellow Brick Road" chocolate cup cake - delicious and that stayed in my mind for quite some time!
Salvatore Coco & Jacob Galea
Angel, Morello, Therese Hanna
The reality series, if nothing else was seriously entertaining and of course a huge plug for the Bouris empire.  I am looking forward to watching the final challenge tonight.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Angel
xxx








17 October 2011

Boutique Shopping

I  am avid shopper and I am referring to shopping for clothes, shoes, belts, bags, accessories, most woman's obsessions.

My mother refers to me on a regular basis as "Imelda Marcos" for my extensive shoe collection - she thinks I'm crazy! Well I am.

Angels Shoes
Angels Shoes
Imelda's Shoes
        
My friends frequently shop in my room as there are so many items to choose from and you never know what you will find, hats, bags, shoes, unique accessories - I'm an addict!

As I have slowly become woman, I have veered away from mainstream shopping malls and stores and venture more into boutiques!  Now-a-days (is that even a word?) when I am out pounding the streets I am always looking for cute boutiques with unique or one-off pieces and also a good bargain!

Unique pieces are so important to me that when I walk into a store I spend at least 20 minutes trawling through each item on the racks in search of that special item - the one that nobody has or that nobody will wear! ;)

Since working in retail I don't believe in paying full price for anything, some of you may think I am cheap but I prefer to call it astute.  Everytime I ask for a discount, I normally get it. (Try it)  Even if it is 10%, I am happy that they looked after me.  It really it works in their favour, because I ALWAYS go back and I spread the word amongst my girlfriends and family. (Not about the discount but about the store :) ).

I have taken so many of my people into so many boutiques over the years.

Sydney, has so many hidden exclusive stores that stock items in lesser quantities so that you can be sure when you walk down the street you will not see someone else wearing your pretty dress.

I wish I could showcase them all but herein lies a few of my most loved... Places I frequent located in my favourite part of Sydney.

 - 190 Harris St, Pyrmont NSW - Website



Stocking fun, fresh current fashion - Party dresses, Silky Kaftans, jeans, shorts, skirts, sexy shoes, fabulous accessories you name it they have it!  All at the most reasonable prices!

Leading lady Sandradee certainly has a great sense of style and  a great eye for fashion! She knows what a young funky woman wants.

Not too mention her warm welcoming persona.  If she is in the store when you walk in she will make you feel comfortable with words of welcome and with her beautiful smile!

I feel at home when I shop in St Frock.  Sandradee has definitely rubbed off on all the girls that work there as they provide very good service and make you feel like you are shopping in your own wardrobe - no pressure, just pleasure!

The layout of the store is really cool and warm and Sandradee leaves little special notes everywhere.. it's just so cool! :)



NB: I chose the ANGEL bag! ;))

For those of you that can't make it in you can shop online here - ST FROCK or on their website (above).

Check out this cool vid of St Frocks first birthday celebration! (Courtesy of my friends at UNSEEN TV).   See if you can spot me! :) What a fun night it was - thanks Sandradee! ;)


Head on down to St Frock ladies! You'll be smiling all the way home! ;)

 - 125 Harris Street Pyrmont - Website

Another little local icon I love and which co-incidently I used to work at many moons ago is City Flair!

Located right in the heart of the historic Pyrmont precint 1km from the heart of Sydney this store sure is a little gem.
On arrival at City Flair you need to appreciate the beautiful baronial style building which houses it, it happens to be one of Pyrmont's heritage listings and rightfully so.  Please also take note of the logo crown's, appropriately placed in the frosted windows.
Not only do they specialise in clothing for the 'mature' woman and some rare jewellery and accessories, City Flair is a place where you can find specialised gifts, clothes and accessories for your little bambinos and some very useful items for parents.



The beautiful owner Leanne, one of the loveliest people I know, loves her little boutique and takes pride in the presentation of the store and is always there to help you.

One of the great things about City Flair is that they support Australian designers.

If you can't make it in and need a birthday, kris kringle or any other gift in a hurry you can also shop online just click the link above.  They also gift wrap with the most beautiful wrapping paper.

At City Flair - they aim to please and every customer leaves satisfied. ;)
2 other stores I shop at:

Moss - 7 Union Street Pyrmont

Located in the heart of union square Cute dresses, jackets, tops and jeans. Ask for Jade, she's a sweetie. ;)

 - 197 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW - WEBSITE



Frou Frou stock woman's clothing and shoes and they make their own unique jewellery.



I LOVE boutique shopping!





I'M JUST DANCING YA'LL!

One of my great passions in life is dancing.

I have been dancing infront of the mirror for most of my life, before I go out I practice my moves and when I need a pick me up I bump the music and dance infront of the mirror.

Dancing frees my spirit and allows me to unwind and unleash an amazing energy.

I am a primarily a freestyler - but for the last 6 weeks I have taken up Samba classes for 2 reasons; 1. I love the Samba dance it's sexy, sensous and gives a great workout and 2. It is a huge part of the Brazilian culture, (a culture which I love and want to learn more about).

After taking the beginner course I have learnt Samba basics and I have been briefly educated on some background to Brazilian dance.

It's a wonderful culture which music and dance plays a huge part in!

I am hoping to continue onto the intermediate level and become better at Samba, so I hope to learn more these wonderful people - Rhythm Brazil.

I also love hip hop, r & b and old skool dancing.



South Africans have natural beat! We feel the rhythmn and get down to it!
My parents attended South African dances and when we were old enough we started attending and everyone in the room danced all night.



We also had many family parties were we would play the best music all night and dance to it.

Last Christmas was spent at my parents house I danced the entire day in their longeroom, (sometimes on my own because no-one could keep up with me :) ) it felt so good.    The moment I sat down which was 10pm at night I fell asleep!

 
Dancing excites my soul it makes me smile on the inside

I am surrounded in friends who are professional dancers and they are all so amazingly talented, my younger sister is also a dancer.  She is slowly building her name for herself in the Sydney dancing scene, she already performed on many stages and at many events, and she is only 16 years old.  She is gifted enough to pick up a routine within a couple of minutes of being taught. 
You can follow her career here - THE MAX FACTOR.

I wish it was that easy for me.  I find it hard to pick up let alone remember a whole routine but we surprised The Max Factor and gave it a go on her 16th birthday it was so much fun!



The Max Factor dances with a group called SAEA BANYANA.

These girls are nothing short of fierce!

These ladies take dance to a whole other level showcasing their natural beauty and using their creativity and culture to deliver outstanding performances.

SAEA' stands for South Africa, Ethiopia and Angola the beautiful countries that the girls represent. 'BANYANA' from Nguni meaning the girls.

Not just dancers these woman are creatives, professionals, entrepreneurs and mothers. Through their performances they encourage women to be strong, independent and unafraid of their inner power.

Whilst also bringing awareness to a thriving African culture in Australia these ladies are combining their creativity with their dance moves to inspire young woman.

They inspire me!  Just check this video out!

You will feel the power in their work.

Follow them or take a class - SAEA BANYANA

The AMAZINGLY talented  BEYONCE ALWAYS makes me DANCE!

I'll be honest I did not like this song UNTIL I saw this video clip!!! The "UHOH" dance (well that's what I call it) is still a worldwide hit!!



And this song - well!




MOST DANCE MOVES originated in THE MOTHERLAND... (Well that's what I believe anyway) :)




Here are some places I love to dance in Sydney when I head out on the town:

THURSDAY NIGHT
Sol Lounge Bar - 239 Oxford Street DARLINGHURST
Free Entry, Free Pizza, Cheap drinks



My friends and I go there every so often on a Thursday night to dance! We run a night called "THERAPY THURSDAYZ!

We are trying to bring back the old skool as there is no where you can go these days to hear good old school Soul, R & B, Motown music.  So at Therapy we play it and we DANCE!

We do the bus stop, the electric slide, the sister slither, the soul train, someone says, the switch dance and we get down LOW!!!

It goes a little something like this...


And this...


I also love this venue because of the ICONIC artists painted on the walls - Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Alicia, Usher, Ray Charles, Jill Scott & many more. 

We happily just re-arrange the furniture to create our dancefloor and we order pizza which everyone can eat and I even have my own "leopard print" glass which remains in the bar... ;) 

One thing THERAPY THURSDAYZ at Sol Lounge is not short of is beautiful exotic woman and they all know how to shake their bootae's!

Talk about bringing the culture - it's a place where you go, meet great people and get some dance therapy.

There is no other venue or night like this in Sydney!

Don't come go to Sol Lounge if you are not prepared to DANCE!




FRIDAY NIGHT
Marble Bar - 488 George Street Sydney
Free Entry

There is nothing like dancing to the beats of LIVE instruments!

In Sydney there is only one place that you can go EVERY Friday night to catch a great R & B, Soul band live and that is of course at the Marble Bar where you will hear the outstanding vocals of Miss Lady Lyric, Miguel and their bretheren together they are BROWN SUGAR.

I frequent at this joint on a Friday night just to hear Lady Lyric belt some classic tunes and to dance to the best old school tracks delivered by the one and only DJ TREY - the boy has SOUL!

Nothing beats live music and Brown Sugar sure know how to deliver with an array of talented musos on rotation including Michael Dolce, Deni De Filippo & Darryl Beaton. At Marble Bar every Friday, expect nothing but good music that you can sing along too whilst shaking it on the dance floor - "All Night Long, All night!" 




SATURDAY NIGHT
HOUSESOLUTION at Zeta Bar - Hilton Hotel, 488 George Street Sydney
Cover Charge: Just $20

Another place I like to dance on a Saturday night is at Housesolution at Zeta Bar.

This night is run by one of Sydney's best promoters - RIB - Robert Ian Bonnick - everybody knows him and everybody loves him!

When you arrive at entrance to ZETA RIB is there to greet you with a smile and a BIG hug! But only until MIDNIGHT then the only place you will find RIB is on the dancefloor and boy can the man dance!

RIB lets loose with some FUNKY moves! You need to make the circle bigger people because when RIB is on the floor he uses every body part possible to make sure the beat resonates from his SOUL!

HOUSESOLUTION is one of the better nights in Sydney where the music is HOT thanks to one talented DJ ANTONIO ZAMBERELLI mixing some phat house tracks with some amazing tribal beats and the people are beautiful people.

The venue itself exudes class and you pay for it at the bar with pricy but exquisite cocktails.

At HOUSESOLUTION you can dress to impress or to express!

I love shaking my culo on the floor HOUSESOLUTION!

Give RIB a hug on the way through & Don't forget to DANCE!

Check out the pics!



I just LOVE to dance!

For more info on where to go and dance and to hear some classic old school tracks you can check out SYDNEY'S GOT SOUL .

Tell me about your favourite places to dance!

 Angel