London column of duda does...

'The Ultimate Father's Day Gift'

2011-06-04T16:06:00.001+01:00

£280 buys the Dad in your life 3 hours with a Private PA to sort out all those jobs on the 'to do list' that just never get done & a 3 hour 'Wardrobe Detox' identifying the clothes which work and how to improve his image.

This can be booked by end July and redeemed within 6 months.

If you prefer to buy just one service the cost will be £115 for PA & £190 for Wardrobe.

Please contact anna@annagriffithsstylist.co.uk & duda@dudadoes.co.uk

Best of...

2011-06-01T20:48:00.004+01:00

I know, I know - I am running late with my new blog design. But guess what, we at duda does need sometimes an extra pair of hands too and so we have found some help to keep our promise and welcome you to our new interactive blog this summer. We are nearly there!

That of course didn't stop me to share some exciting news with you. Please read on & enjoy in few London gems I discovered amongst professional services...

Do you remember that scene from the Sex and the City film where Carrie decides what to take and what to ditch from her sacred closet? Well I do! Reality is - we don't all have friends who will come around with some bubbles and whom we trust with out clothes. But luckily we in London do have Anna Griffiths - a personal stylist with more than just style to discuss. Anna brings knowledge and an amazing positive vibe when approaching people - I could't imagine a better person to get some professional yet friendly advice and opinion on those bits and bobs that are waiting in our closets for a review & just get a confidence boost in re-styling and organising my wardrobe.

Have a look at Anna's website and give yourself a little treat you deserve.

My second lady on the list is Claire. Claire Portis is a life coach whom I confidently suggest to my clients, contacts and friends. I might even book myself in!Her newsletter is out and about and can now be in your inbox every 2 weeks with free advice. Furthermore, Claire would love to hear from you on topics that matter most to you so that your word helps shaping her service. How great is that?

Have a look and enjoy!

"Hello World I'm Coming To Get You"
Simple steps to taking control in your life and unlocking your full potential.
The FREE Advice & inspiration you actually want in your inbox.
I’d really appreciate it if you could follow the link and sign up or perhaps pass the link on to friends family or colleagues you think might enjoy some free advice, tools, tips and inspiration straight to their inbox .

If you click through to www.iwishicaniwill.com and fill in name and email address the rest should take care of itself.

BIG BIG THANK YOU

Claire

Claire Portis
iWISH, iCAN, iWILL
Think, Feel and Act More Positively

www.iwishicaniwill.com
claire@iwishicaniwill.com

And finally - a service that I found difficult to find, purely because so many claim to be VIP but tend to be unreliable, is a chauffeur service in London.

Well, I finally got Darren on my books at HCD . From Luxury, VIP, Weddings to Airport, Business and even Sight seeing services, HCD has proved as a true premium service with a great eye to detail, taking the extra mile. Do not miss out on this, have a look at their website and don't think twice when booking a driver.

I wish you all a great entrance to the summer. Relax, enjoy and as always, if you get stuck, give us a shout!

We are happy to help!

duda does...blossom!

2011-04-25T13:51:00.007+01:00

With each spring arriving, there is always a new beginning - so it says, or at least this is how I personally feel. And it's exciting!

Throughout March and April I worked very hard, together, with my team behind the curtains on new designed brochures, many new ideas and exquisite offers for our current and potential clients.

Amongst newborn ideas, my blog is one of them! As a huge fan and user of Mac, I couldn't help and resist to explore the creative and super organised possibilities for a blog makeover!

So hopefully by next time, you will be able to read and follow ideas, opinions and so much more on many interesting topics related to Lifestyle Pa & management (and of course, my beloved London ;-) in a completely new reading ambient.

It will be enhanced with new offers, a newsletter, many tips for each of you and some lovely pressies.

Then there were a lot of new faces coming into my life too during these months, some of which I am sooo lucky to work with when my clients need their services, then there are some friends I get to see when work is calling for help ;-) and then there are some wonderful new clients... and so - yes! duda does...blossom!

Ah, isn't spring truly exciting? Get out there and get reminded how wonderful life is.

You can easily leave the boring 'to-do' lists to me. I happily spend my sunny days on them.

Lots of love wherever you are. xx

De-clutter your life!

2011-03-27T13:33:00.007+01:00

Spring is finally here. Although a little more of a sunshine wouldn't go amiss...

Everyone is talking about getting the clutter out of our way, take out spring/summer clothes, balcony chairs and do something about charity donations with things we do not need any more.

From my experience, de clutter isn't that easy, and it is certainly not about things we own and cannot let go of, its roots lie much deeper and pretty close to the philosophy of 'letting go' in general, not only material stuff.

Whether or not you agree with this fact is, of course, up to you. And what exactly will you do with the fact if you agree is as well - up to you. Your life, your control, your decisions.

duda does... can support you in your decision making when it comes to a genuine de-clutter in your life.

By this, I don't mean the 'one off session' at spring time all magazines are funnily enough cluttered with.

I am talking about getting support with your time management. De-clutter your life and live!

You don't have to be rich, famous or work 16 hours a day to realise that you don't have time for everything you would like to do.

Everyone needs support with some things, at one point in our lives, even myself. There are too many little tasks that we postpone to deal with, usually on an ongoing basis, that it has to accumulate itself as stress somewhere. I dare to say, it is our subconscious or even conscious that makes us feel unsatisfied, guilty and stressed in a long run.

We live in a busy world, at least here in London we do. We have families to run, holidays to plan, dinners to organise, nannies to search for, be up to date with fashion and styled for our job roles. We have to be on top of many things that matter to us and our dearest, yet a day still has only 24 hours like in the old times - that fact unfortunately is not up to date, following our lifestyle.

But people like me are making a difference in helping you with anything you don't have time for...and organising everything that matters to you! Remember no job too small or too big!

Have a wonderful week ahead everyone. And give us a ring when in need.

For more info www.dudadoes.co.uk

Duda xx

duda does...spread the word!

2011-03-05T09:36:00.008Z

I ended February feeling thankful for being able to work with so many great people and exceptional professionals in their jobs.

And so this post goes to acknowledge their work and service which I would highly recommend at any time.

AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE: Everyone who knows me also knows that customer service is my weak point and can drive me potty. It just has to be genuine, professional and make us feel good. Simple in theory but practice seems to be a nightmare lately.

There are 2 services that completely won me over:

Karen at Enchanted Childcare. I worked with many renowned and overly expensive nanny agencies throughout London, it was the worst nightmare, my clients and I spent more time and money working with them than without them. Until I found Karen. We found the perfect nanny within 2 weeks, the process ran smoothly, with care yet not pushy. Reasonable price, checked nannies (for a change) and a great place to turn to when it comes down to your kids. I will never look further for my clients. Thank you Karen!

Claudia at Claudia Fallah's Century. To book an appointment for the latest skin treatment on the market with a well renowned skin guru like Claudia Fallah, one would expect the expected - not being able to get booked in. But with Claudia, I should have expected the unexpected! Truth to be said, appointments are booked out up until summer!!! But Claudia made a tremendous effort to find time for my client and not only that, it was fantastic - great location in Marylebone village, great price, best treatments, it has been relaxing and fun. I might book myself in one day soon :-)

GREAT ART: A designer, an artist, sculptor, engineer and a free thinker...this is how Oliver Haddon describes himself. I met Oliver last year and since then I have been witnessing amazing work he creates so much so that I have introduced him to my clients. His work speaks for itself, however the way Oliver approaches my clients in defining their likes and dislikes , furthermore how he manages to bring art out of them is something not many people find time or interest to do. Nor do they have the skill for it. But Oliver does. And it is an honour to work with him.

PS I already have my favourite piece of art and it's called 'Time'. If you are curious, contact Oliver (http://www.oliverhaddon.co.uk/index.htm) or myself for more info.

GOOD CAUSE: For all my fashion lovers and also charity aware readers, please visit Vivienne Westwood's Comic relief collection . Couple of years ago I got myself the Beatles version from Stella McCartney, I think this year I will definitely go for Shakespeare. Liberty has also joined in with their Canvas bags and scarves.

Also for my friends abroad, anyone who wishes to purchase but faces issues with delivery, contact me on duda@dudadoes.co.uk or Facebook. I can easily arrange.

BRILLIANT PHOTO SHOOT: Iva Juros Carruthers, a photographer I seem to constantly go back to, despite the fact of so many great photographers I could have worked with.

Iva has travelled the globe, discovered beautiful places and met amazing personalities. At least that is what I see in her photos. Her work just speaks to me and it is very much alive.

When it came to arranging a photo shoot weekend for duda does... PR campaign, Iva was without doubt the only option. She is currently working hard on the last touch of her work for me and I couldn't be more grateful. A true professional, lovely artist and a good friend for more than 15 years... Iva, thank you. Lots of love xx

PS And we both share our love for Bob Dylan's songs ;-)

Of course, there are many great contacts I have established so if you look for good service, from a handyman to a lawyer, a cheap collection of vintage tea cups to Hermes Birkin bags, a quality hostel to Claridge's suites - then give us a ring!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Duda xx

www.dudadoes.co.uk

Girls talk!

2011-02-10T21:26:00.004Z

With few sunny days lately it feels as if we can finally drop those heavy winter bags filled with layers and layers of coping with too much clothes, too much cold, overly expensive Xmas season...

I don't know about you but I somehow look forward to every sunshine in the next coming season.

Even the river where I live nearby is ready for yet another spring.

I say: 'It is time to wake up!' Lift your spirits, smile, go out and say hello to people.

Old friends and the new ones who are somewhere just around the corner...

As a member of the exclusive women's entrepreneurial club B hive in Covent garden I have been given a lovely opportunity to talk about benefits of having a lifestyle manager or a private PA.

Good to talk what we do but also to meet new people. True spring of minds!

I am looking forward together with Jess, my wonderful assistant, to introduce duda does... to women out there who struggle with time instead of enjoying it, simply because there is little awareness of devoted pair of hands and a passionate heart who just makes things disappear from your to-do lists.

Below an introduction to B hive's event for you who would love to come along. It is free and you are all more than welcome to network and succeed.

Duda xx

Events @ B.Hive

14-18^th February 2011

LUNCHTIME IN THE LOUNGE

TIME CHANGE - DAILY FROM 12PM UNTIL 1PM

Everyone welcome – members and non members

Monday 14th February: TBC

Tuesday 15th February: Hiring a private PA who supports you in managing your lifestyle shouldn't be seen as a luxury or for rich and famous only. Duda does... - bespoke lifestyle management/private PA is excited about introducing this much needed yet deserved service to overly busy entrepreneurial women, with particular focus on all B hive members. Find out what it feels like having your own private PA and get free in-sight secrets on 'how to have things done', gain free time and lower stress caused by to do lists. Membership discounts will be offered. For more information or contact please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.dudadoes.co.uk" \o "http://www.dudadoes.co.uk/" www.dudadoes.co.uk.'

Wednesday 16th February: TBC

Thursday 17th February: Bambo Onigbanjo from Platinum Integrations will be talking about the tricks to getting funding for your project – including where to look, what to include in your plan, how to deal with objections and much more. Bambo has helped all types of businesses secure funding – from Start-ups to larger businesses and; from £20k to £5m+. She is has relationships with banks, angel networks, VC funds and grant providers. For more info about Bambo and her company – see HYPERLINK "http://www.platinumintegrations.com/" \o "http://www.platinumintegrations.com/" www.platinumintegrations.com.

Friday 18th February: Bridget Minamore a spoken word artist and performance poet will be coming to B.Hive to share some of her work. More information about Bridget can be found here: HYPERLINK "http://bridgetminamore.blogspot.com/" \o "http://bridgetminamore.blogspot.com/" http://bridgetminamore.blogspot.com/

Contact Jade on HYPERLINK "mailto:jade@bhive.co" jade@bhive.co if you require more information or want to take part and hold one of your own sessions.

NETWORKING BREAKFASTS

EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 9AM UNTIL 10.30AM

Guests are welcome to attend

NETWORKING TEAS

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 4PM UNTIL 6PM

January jazz instead of blues

2011-01-06T19:52:00.003Z

A very happy 2011 to everyone! I wish you all a very good year!

Not much to say after Christmas holidays, except don't allow to get caught in the cliche of January blues. Try jazz instead - look for positive ways to enhance your daily routine, go for a jogging in the morning, think about a lovely new refreshment in your house, a clear up in your cupboards, re arranging some of your rooms, try and do some de- clutter after too much shopping and gifts, maybe a visit to a charity shop wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Treat yourself with a lovely bath in the evenings and think about the new year with a smile on your face. How many surprises will there be, who are you going to meet, what can you achieve and learn...
Don't overload yourself with fast diets and depression about low budget in January. Everything passes, life is a circle of perpetual change. So embrace each day, people on your way and be prepared for new discoveries, challenges and dare to do things.

And for anything you get stuck with, duda does will help out as usual.

Lots of love xx

Xmas (s)HOP(p)ING

2010-12-05T20:01:00.005Z

Yes Xmas time is fast approaching, this year again I am afraid.
This post is for those who are dreading every minute of preparation, shopping and involvement in the festive spirited events ahead.

On top of snow here in London, another wave of recession hitting harder, temperatures never lower, or at least as far as I remember... this year's Xmas is notable on people's faces. I couldn't help not to notice grumpy, nervous people in shops, tubes, offices, cars.

Stress is visible, from the outside they hit us from all angles to spend money we don't have, to compare ourselves to those who have, to buy pressies we find useless only for the sake of it, to cook meals dreading yet another diet from January on next year.
Sales everywhere, magazines all about festive glam dresses...
From the inside, we ask ourselves why don't we or do we care, who do we have to spend Xmas with, what are our relationships like.
No wonder we end up grumpy and depressed, according to so many statistics. We even openly admit it.

I have only two suggestions this year, and it goes down these lines:

1. For you who don't care about Xmas or New Year's eve, for you who genuinely couldn't care less about dates from 24th Dec- 1st Jan - stay as you are and you will not be included in the grumpy queues for the turkey meal... Lucky you!
Tip: Make sure you buy enough food and booze as nothing is open on Xmas day and make sure your plans are made from Boxing day onward as no traffic is running on Xmas day as well. Enjoy!

2. For you who care about Xmas or New Year's eve, for you who genuinely couldn't care more about dates from 24th Dec- 1st Jan - change!
Here is the list of little things to keep in mind:

Keep practical and create a shopping list for pressies, dine and wine
Book any restaurant you had in mind if not already (Last call really!)
Book any time slots for food delivery if not already (Last call too!)
Use your lunch time at work and time after work to get 2 pressies each day - break down that stress and dread of 5 hours Xmas shopping.
Allow the staff at shops to wrap them for you although you think it is not needed - trust me you will remember this tip on Xmas Eve when you'll be tired and in need for an extra glass of wine!
Whatever happens, take 3 deep breaths, the world will still keep on moving, there is no such thing as perfection! No perfect pressies, no perfect family, no perfect Xmas tree and no perfect Xmas pudding. Just who we are and what we made out of it.
Keep happy for caring and hoping for the best in people around you. When everyone goes to bed, sit next to your nicely decorated Xmas tree, unwind, reflect on all your achievements in 2010 and all the lessons you might have overcome and prepare for another year of surprises!

And if anyone gets stuck in any way...duda does adores Xmas for all the right and wrong reasons and is happy being at hand 24/7.

Give us a shout if you need any help: 07904858999

Lots of love!
Duda xx

Food for thoughts!

2010-11-16T21:04:00.004Z

Last couple of weeks I gave a lot of thoughts to food and the experience of good hospitality! In some countries hospitality comes first, in others it is the food that counts, here in London it is the pace of life that sometimes stands in the way to get both.

I had the privilege to visit Dubai and be welcomed in a very warm way. I also had the chance to notice that during dinner the manager would come out and make sure everything was alright with the food.
I was really impressed with that. The manner they would approach the table was discreet, professional and honest. The Lebanese food I got addicted to, was divine.

Then I stopped at Wagamama's the other day which we all like for the occasional healthy meal no one has time to cook anymore. Four times in 20 minutes I was asked if feverything was OK. Which someone might find fine, but I certainly don't. The reason being - they don't care. I am always interrupted in the middle of a conversation, they always seem to be more interested in the feedback being written down for their customer satisfaction research than if I really liked it and I always have the feeling I am being pushed to eat fast, talk fast and leave even faster.

None of the mentioned places are fine dining. The prices are comparable too. And we are all busy, but we mustn't get too busy to relax and exhale. Or not to be allowed to by bad and hectic service.

Now, the point here is how to get the balance right. With so many restaurants and customer services in London, including my own work for my clients I believe it comes down to personality how one set up their place and business. That creates the culture in general.
I met one succesfull person in the restaurant business this week and when I asked what his biggest talent was, the answer was hospitality! Deserves a big smile!

duda does deals with a lot of bad customer service on behalf of clients and it becomes increasingly annoying. One of the main reasons why I started duda does was my desire for honest hospitality and professional customer service.
I was treated badly twice on Virgin Atlantic, since then I fly with BA no matter how much I admire Richard Branson.

Each one of us deserves to eat nicely when we go out, we also deserve to be allowed to enjoy the experience in total, the ambient and also we need to take responsibilty how we treat our customer and clients.

Funny how a trip to the Middle East, a nice meal with friends and meeting a succesfull person with a talent for hospitality can be so refreshing.
It is good to be reminded that at the end of the day my clients get the best and I get the best too - seeing them happy and relaxed.

PS Many thanks to Kika and Wissam for a lovely welcome in Dubai!

Piles and piles of...stress!

2010-10-30T15:09:00.003+01:00

The time is running like a wild horse impossible to get tamed. Desires flow into our lives, together with duties. We want more, we need more, we care more for others, we want to do it right...

When is the time for ourselves?
Is it the occasional SPA break that will make us feel relaxed in the long run, or a holiday that yet again takes too much of our time to even pack ourselves for and the other half perhaps, not to mention time to organise it all?
Can we completely delete from our brain cells piles and piles of unopened, un-filed mail, bit and pieces of clutter in those few corners of our homes?

What about your wish list of 'things I wish have done without postponing so it doesn't pop up in to my head when I am trying to focus on the final chapter of my beach book!

All those piles of mail, piles of paper, piles of thoughts what has been done and what hasn't and why hasn't it simply are - piles of stress!

And in situations where we feel trapped in a vicious circle, trying to beat ourselves up with the acceptance of a modern speed of life and saying everyone is busy, there is a shift going on.
There are more and more people realising that in the same way they seek support form a cleaner once a week, or the gardener or delivery from Waitrose, they can ask for help to organise things swiftly, without much stress, for a good value of price, in particular long term seen.

'There is no job too small (or big) to call a private PA to help out. Whether it is opening mail once a month, complain to rude customer service or finding you the best present for your child as you had no time.
Simply put - have you had a tiny little mouse in your big house, it would drive you mad. Wouldn't it?'

Well, I might be able to sort out the mouse situation, but am certainly more intrigued by your piles of stress ;))!

Lots of love & call me for any questions

Duda x
duda does
www.dudadoes.co.uk

Facts, stats & girls!

2010-10-04T15:50:00.003+01:00

Living in a city where there are not enough hours in a single day, do you ever feel like the chase against time is constantly overwhelming? According to certain statistics nearly 15 years ago (1997), 39 hours a week were devoted to childcare, housework or shopping. Can you imagine how significantly that number must have increased since?

Working for hours on end, taking care of your family and yet wanting some time for yourself; it seems like mission impossible. That's why duda does... is here to make it possible!
Back in 2009, I have decided to do things my way, and to use my passion, skills, knowledge and personality to give back time to people deprived of it.

Five years ago, various surveys proved that 67% of business people would hire a personal assistant over a life coach to help complete their daily tasks.
Recent studies have shown that stress for both the employees and a probable cause for concern for the employers might be provoked by the fact that over 70% of employees take care of personal responsibilities while at work. Oops...
Can we enjoy our jobs and how can we find time for our personal life?

My extensive list of services will help find your time when and where you need it!

My main client base have so far been single male entrepreneurs with some exception to the rule. However, trends are shifting and I have decided to follow suit, therefore joining Lynne Frank's women exclusive club, B.Hive, in Covent Garden. It is thrilling to see how women can connect.

duda does...' next goal and excitement is to raise awareness amongst modern women about the affordable support and most importantly, one they well deserve; whether they are domestic goddesses, single mothers or high profile individuals with long hour jobs.

Please talk to me on duda@dudadoes.co.uk for any ideas.

Duda xx

De-clutter and breathe!

2010-09-18T16:58:00.004+01:00

I can feel it in the air. I see it on people's face.
The summer's gone. Holidays are over.

From experience so far, most of us do our inner and outer de-cluttter with spring coming and summer leaving.
This is yet another summer leaving but what about the stuff that's cluttering our homes?
Do you have time for it? No.
Well, that's fine. duda does...have time!
Do you find it easy to decide what's for ditching, charity or keeping? Not at all.
Well, that's fine too. duda does...decides with patience and respect. It's not painful anymore to let go of things.
Now, do you have the desire to donate things you don't need to those who might need them? Yes. And that's great!
And how do you feel about doing it and organising it all by yourself?
You feel de-motivated and you wait for the spring and maybe another autumn.
Some of us tend to wait from one home move to another...

When we start thinking about a task like organising de-clutter we start actually planning the process, even before we start packing stuff. And so, we give our brain signal for a start.
Accordingly to research, by postponing a started task we are not allowing our brain to get a break. It is programmed in a way that, although we are not aware, it is up and running until the task has been completed. By postponing it, we actually live with the underlying stress. And if I start with the consequences of stress, we might not be finished with this read until Monday! And it's only Saturday today!

duda does...is organising a small campaign for her clients and those who might find it of interest to organise and sort out the whole de-clutter project with great pleasure. De-clutter is something my clients dread the most - but for me it sounds like music to my ears when I hear the words: 'Please just do it!'
I not only take away the stress, I give back the space of your homes and the time for you to unwind. Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter.

I also organise the transport to chosen charity shops or a charity of your choice with a transport free of charge. And most importantly - free of hustle!
This campaign will do something good for more people than just my clients and myself. It will do something good for people in need too.
And as far as you are concerned - your brain will say 'thank you', your home will shine and you can breathe again!

PS For spreading the word discounts are available.

Your Duda
07904858999
www.dudadoes.co.uk

FANCY some NEWS?

2010-09-06T15:17:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone.

This is Pia, Duda's PR writing, and for the first time at that, so be kind! I would just like to draw your attention to this year's Fashion's Night Out, the second installment of a hugely successful global event launched last year by American issue of Vogue. Alongside exclusive discounts, designer and celebrity appearances as well as exhibitions, DJ-ing gigs and charity events, it’s an all-round shopping bonanza so be there on September 8! Log on to http://fashions-night-out.vogue.co.uk/ to find out more.

In the meantime, we got invited and will join

J O S E P H

at 23 Old Bond Street tel: 020 76293713

COME AND JOIN US

VOGUE

FASHION’S

NIGHT OUT

08/09/10

FROM 7PM

LIVE ACOUSTIC ACTS: CHARLI XCX & SEYE

DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND PHOTO STUDIO

DJS:

VALENTINE FILLOL-CORDIER

ELLIE SHEPHERD

SARA GILMOUR

BEN BRIDGEWATER

ADWOA ABOAH

ASSISI JACKSON

ESME HODSOLL

FULL A/W 2010 COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE

BALMAIN, MARY KATRANTZOU, GOLDEN GOOSE, RICK OWENS,

LGB, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, IF SIX WAS NINE, ISABEL MARANT,

HANNI Y, PROENZA SCHOULER, FORTE FORTE,

ALEXANDER WANG, ALC, MISSONI, RIKA, RAQUEL ALLEGRA,

BOY BAND OF OUTSIDERS, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, VPL, GIANVITO ROSSI

MENS

JOSEPH OWN LABEL

DESIGNERS:

DIOR HOMME, NEIL BARRETT

FIORENTINI + BAKER, GOLDEN GOOSE

7 FOR ALL MANKIND

1st birthday of duda does...

2010-08-26T23:17:00.008+01:00

If someone would ask me 'What would you put on your blog for your business anniversary, I would probably say:;That's a difficult one, ask me something else!'
Well today-it is my 1st anniversary of a business I have feared, I have embraced and I enjoy doing and developing each day I wake up. That is an achievement for itself.
I remember, when I only started, deciding on testimonials of my clients as one of the common marketing tools of today, but you know what? It is cheesy.
I can put all the personal testimonials of my clients on this blog and my website, but I choose not to.
I know what they feel, what I contribute to, what I can improve on and most of all, they do too.
Loyalty with duda does goes always both directions. Another achievement?

I will eternally be grateful to my very first client, who was difficult to handle and therefore I confirmed why I love working for overly busy people, whom I admired as a person and a business person and who allowed me to push the limits...
I would also like to thank all my other clients who recognised the benefits of my business and therefore are recommending me tirelessly and those who are joining each month. My special thanks go to Mike Theobald.

I am very proud today to have established an awareness that might lead to a bigger awareness in this ever more fast paced madness of life we so much seem to like living. But do we really?

I am proud to be who I am and therefore to offer a complete package of change for people's lives.
I am simply proud, together with my clients and friends, of duda does...the girl who does things no one has time for. Because she understands....

To my sisters Jay and Vesna, and my brother Hrvoje - all my love and respect forever.
And to Mike Tims who has been there before anyone else knew, for the support of my concept...always grateful. Thank you.

Cheers for now...until next year!

Your Duda

Let's move!

2010-08-13T17:03:00.005+01:00

If someone were to ask you, what is the best time to move homes, you would probably think for a while and come out with one possible answer only. Never!
And you would be absolutely right! According to many studies, moving homes comes after the divorce experience as the most stresfull life event.

I pride myself in saying that duda does... started with exactly such an assignment! I gave my everything back then and will always be grateful for the trust. The success came gradually yet naturally.
Today, moving homes is one of the most precious experience for our clients, but for myself too.
I have been moving quite a lot internationally and within London.
So the 'been there, know it' attitude helps. But it is not enough in the main goal of duda does...
It is the understanding, calmness under tremendous pressure and almost soothing, yet discreet reassurance that everything will be fine, for exactly those whose stress it is. And it's our clients'!

duda does... is again undertaking a home move project. And this time starts with a property search again! Thank god for our exclusive relationship with one of the top London property agencies!
For those who have never hired us -we are not a removal company. We are your home PA and if you need us to move your home from one place to another, that is what we will do.

It goes somewhat like this: I see what you'd liked me to do and advise you on what needs to be done. And then duda does it for you!
Everything is taken care of- from removal companies, de-clutter, storage and charity donations, cancelling and setting up utility bills, cleaners, handling handovers, negotiating with landlords, decorating...we won't forget the parking suspension space for the removal van either;))

Now, your job as a client looks somewhat like this: ' Duda, how is everything going?'

I will update you in the way and as often as you'd like me to do. Each person deals with this sort of stress differently, and so my liasion with you is unique. What you need is what you get!

We show respect and care for both the house you are moving out of and your new home, which we make up and running and as warm as possible from the first day. Plus your favourite bunch of flowers with some chilled wine too! But, hey, it is not the end yet...
Our 24/7 rescue service kicks in there. We won't desert you until you've completely settled in.

Then we go to catch up on some sleep with a smile on our face because as I said at the beginning, it is our privilege to assist you with starting a new home life!

Great classy savings!

2010-08-13T16:58:00.002+01:00

Fact - recession hit us, feeling - it seem to become an over used term after the last couple of years.
There have been two ways of dealing with it ; quite a lot of people are avoiding to look at it and acknowledge the fact that we have to reconsider our values and consumer hunger, whereas some tend to dwell on it like there is no other excuse.
Yes it has been tough and guess what - it still is! But what we can do is to become more self aware, maybe try and find that special sparkle of modesty when we have to decide if 2 or 3 pairs of shoes would be a little too much. One thing we don't have to do is lose our style! Together with our smile, of course!

There are great savings going on which even my high profile clients would welcome. They tend to be the more realistic spirit of wealth, called entrepreneurs. Many of them unfortunately lack time and simply do not get to deals like that. From my experience, everyone likes them as it's well deserved.
That's why I like to advise on this topic, whether we are buying that classy table at Selfridges, or London's favourite bedlinen from The White Company together with that gorgeous silky rug from the Rug company...

At duda does...we use our trading network with established top quality service and shops throughout London and even globally to make it easier and to get great value for money.

And on top of all this, we always keep an eye on 'must-read' books such as Love is not enough.
It is especially written by a female expert for female class. Have a happy read and let me have your thoughts!

Duda

Hello!

2010-07-17T15:59:00.004+01:00

The time has finally come and duda does...London column again!

For those who have read my blog in the past - I am so excited to welcome you back. I can't wait to interact with all of you around the globe and in the city.
It will be a different journey this time and I will share many insight stories & secrets of this city through the eyes of my niche business of duda does...

For you who I have the pleasure to say hello to for the first time - this blog is created to share experience, opinions, information and above all ideas on a busy life in London and how to make it less stressed

duda does...lifestyle PA & management has been founded in 2009. It supports many busy entrepreneurs, business owners, busy families and career-driven professionals deprived of their free time. So I am here to organise anything that is in their way to enjoy their private time.

From 'to do lists' , home admin, mail opening, de-clutter, house & staff management, private dinners, social diary, travel arrangements to personal shopping - you name it, I'll do it!

Have a look at my website , join my fan page on Facebook or contact me directly any time!

Speak to you soon!

Duda