Reflections on Being a Published Author

Don’t we all search for “good reviews” whether in our personal relationships or in business? Well, here is the thrill of MY lifetime and I want to share it with all of you. You all know about my book…well here is an unsolicited review that makes me swell with pride. I hope you enjoy it.

Reflections of a Successful Wallflower by Andrea Michaels - Book review

Reflections of a Successful Wallflower

Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life

By: Andrea Michaels

Published: February 17, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 340 pages
ISBN-10: 1432749099
ISBN-13: 978-1432749095
Publisher: Outskirts Press

"We all have different paths on our personal journeys...and this book will you about mine, filled with search for approval, for recognition, for admiration and self esteem", writes internationally renowned events planner and founder of Extraordinary Events, Andrea Michaels in her inspirational and deeply personal book Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life. The author shares her personal voyage to personal fulfillment, as one intertwined and often indistinguishable, from her very successful business career.

Andrea Michaels describes, not only her Hall of Fame leadership in the events planning industry, but also shines a light on her own personal self doubts and insecurities. In a book that reads like peeking into a very introspective personal diary, the author presents an unvarnished perspective into both her triumphs and failures. As Andrea Michaels makes clear, she learned more from her mistakes than from her successes, and offers insights into the lessons gleaned from her often disappointing moments. As an event planner, the nature of her business required innovation and creativity for success. As a result, Andrea Michaels offers her experiences in utilizing leading edge technology and initiating the use of branding in her industry. At the same time, the author presents an even more important aspect of her company. She lays open her own fears, inner barriers, and self doubts, that she overcomes with aplomb and flair.



Andrea Michaels (photo left) is rightly regarded as a pioneer and leader in her chosen industry of event planning. Her record of creating some of the most memorable and interactive theme driven experiences is a legend in event production. More intriguing than even this tremendous business record, is the the fascinating woman behind the scenes. Andrea Michaels admits openly that she has always been the shy self-confessed wallflower of the book title. Reflecting on her past errors and achievements, the author offers a true gift to her readers. She shares the gift of education in business, and in the life lessons often learned in hard and painful ways. As a woman entrepreneur, Andrea Michaels discovered techniques for circumventing the ubiquitous glass ceilings, and for balancing work and family life. Every chapter is a story in the author's personal quest, and each chapter contains both a lesson on business, and on life itself.

For me, the power of the book is how Andrea Michaels combines both the story of her event planning business, and the tale of her personal journey to empowerment as a woman and as an individual. This is a book that can be read in several ways, witheach one yielding valuable insights for the reader. One method for considering the book is as a guide to achieving success as an entrepreneur. Another approach is to examine the book for ideas in overcoming business obstacles. A third way to peruse the book is the deeper understanding of the personal challenges faced and met head on successfully by the author. A fourth, and most beneficial way to read this fine book is to discover the interplay between Andrea Michaels as a person with her outstanding achievements in her business life.

I highly recommend the idea packed and fascinating book Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life by Andrea Michaels, to anyone seeking a deeply insightful examination of the world of event planning and the amazing woman who made it all possible. Andrea Michaels is a captivating storyteller who will keep your attention from the first page to the very end.

Read the lesson filled and engaging book Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life by Andrea Michaels, and travel along side the author as she lives her business dream, while maintaining a balanced family life. The book packs an emotional punch that helps the lessons stay with you long after the book is over. Andrea Michaels may have been a wallflower, but she was also in the heart of the action. Her story is one well worth reading for anyone.

Quando Caliente El Sol

Rosewood Hotels invited me to experience their new property in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I had heard of it, but never visited. What an experience! Continental Airlines provided the air and believe it or not, every flight was exactly on time. Once there, “experience” described every single second. The hotel did a very smart thing. They allowed us to relax and leisurely explore not only the hotel (yes, spa was a gift to all of our group) but also the town and the surroundings.

So if you don’t know about it, look it up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0qpBVsW7w4)  because it is wondrous. Safe. Clean. Interesting. The art is amazing. Everywhere. And there are ruins (I’m a sucker for history and ancient ruins) nearby that help you understand the area better. So much to see, and to buy (yes, support the local economy is my mantra) and taste. Tequila tastings (even though I don’t drink I made an exception), fine food beautifully presented, blue skies, and wonderful people. And the hotel is gorgeous and gracious with exemplary staff. Look it up on line (www.rosewoodsanmiguel.com/en/index.cfm) Somehow my medications disappeared on one of the flights and the concierge had a replacement for me within an hour of my reporting them missing.

Kind of sad to return home before seeing everything there. And cannot wait to return.

MINI Countryman Wanderlust, Part II

As promised, we’re excited to update you with latest of the MINI Wanderlust events that EE is collaborating on with German event agency, Avantgarde.  This entertainment packed event took place Wednesday, April 15^th at Wright Ranch in the Malibu hills. Read all about it.

To those in the know on the L.A. party circuit, the name Matt Goldman carries a lot of clout. Since 2006, he's been the sole owner and operator of MFG Productions, which specializes in graphic design and event promotion. As a promoter, Mr. Goldman brandishes a colorful sense of mischief, both of which he duly puts to work representing the esoteric cool of clients like Vice Magazine, Mad Decent, and the band Deerhoof.

Matt Goldman, left

A Goldman party is pretty much guaranteed to book the freshest bands and DJs and draw the sexiest, friskiest crowd. School Night, one of MFG's ongoing events series, was named America's Best Party last fall by PAPER Magazine. With good reason: In the past, this impeccably curated run of parties has featured DJ sets by bright and shiny names like Miike Snowe, Florence & The Machine, Van She, The New Pornographers.

True to form, the MINI Countryman Wanderlust shebang is one to make the boys and girls of the Golden State sit up and take notice. Early in the evening, a MINI caravan takes a guest list of local movers and shakers out to a secret location in Malibu. The spot is decked out with slouchey fatboy® beanbag furniture for friendly chilled out loungers. They warm up their dancing shoes to a DJ's tunes, then let the double delight of performances by fast-rising indie poppers Grouplove and freak-folk favorites Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros wash over their mellowed-out, BBQ-glutted souls. 

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Grouplove

Space constraints mean the event has to stay mostly on the DL, so Matt rolls out to the location with mostly just friends in tow; but as an equal opportunity partier, he's also inclined to abide by that age-old adage about more and merrier. Thus he also tweets the deets and so do the bands, reaching out to tuned-in fans located in the L.A. area and giving them the chance to leap aboard this sweetly swinging spring fling. The themes of the night are simple: warm vibes, great music, a sense of adventure.

MINI Countryman Wanderlust

If any of you have wondered about the impact of social media on events, then journey with us as we spend the next few weeks collaborating with Avantgarde and MINI Countryman to produce the Wanderlust campaign. Wanderlust is about escaping the day-to-day and celebrating freedom from the mundane. Pro Surfer Chad Marshall kicked off the first of a series of up to 20 events for this campaign. 

Chad and his friends at the Mollusk Surf Shop ruled the day which started Sunday afternoon as they began their trek toward a great evening full of good surf, good food and great people.  Once everything was packed in the nine MINI Countryman vehicles, they caravanned from Venice beach up the Pacific Coast Highway (surfboards on roofs) to Leo Carillo State Beach, one of the most popular surf spots in Southern California. 

As the sun set, Chad and his buddies got the bon fire going and their boards ready for a wonderful night of surfing.   The MINI’s enabled the group to “Wanderlust freely” as the headlights illuminated the beach and water providing ample light for  the photographer to get great photos of the surfers in action.  After a solid couple of hours “riding the waves,” they finished off the evening with a  barbeque and some great acoustic music around the bonfire.  

EE couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off this campaign and we are excited to share some of the first few photos with you below.  Please keep checking in as we’ll continue to update the blog with more of these captivating MINI Wanderlust events.  You can also go to http://www.minispace.com/wanderlust/ for a more encompassing look at this campaign and http://www.youtube.com/user/MINI to watch short Wanderlust adventures.