Make a new mix for your iPod before leaving town - those songs will remind you of the memories you created while you were away.
Monday, May 11, 2009
From jet setter to gypsetter
Today's Annoyance: Not getting credit where credit is due
Mantra of the Day: I am the queen of the gypsetters!
As if it's not posh enough to aspire to a jet set life, author Julia Chaplain has described a new class of traveler - the so-called "gypsetter". In her book Gypset Style, Chaplain describes gypsetters as a relatively unknown, exceptionally good-looking group of people who live and work around the globe. They lack the typically stuff attitude that is so often associated with jet setters. Their lives pay homage to the carefree, nomadic style of musicians, designers and artists while enjoying the sophistication of the jet set.
As I learned more about Chaplain's book and this new class of international society, I realized: Oh my god, this book is about ME! Odd that no one called me for a photo shoot. Very odd.
P.S. - To my followers and subscribers, my apologies for the barrage of e-mails over the weekend. I was working on the navigation menu, which you should now see at the top of each page.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of luxist.com]
Mantra of the Day: I am the queen of the gypsetters!
As if it's not posh enough to aspire to a jet set life, author Julia Chaplain has described a new class of traveler - the so-called "gypsetter". In her book Gypset Style, Chaplain describes gypsetters as a relatively unknown, exceptionally good-looking group of people who live and work around the globe. They lack the typically stuff attitude that is so often associated with jet setters. Their lives pay homage to the carefree, nomadic style of musicians, designers and artists while enjoying the sophistication of the jet set.
As I learned more about Chaplain's book and this new class of international society, I realized: Oh my god, this book is about ME! Odd that no one called me for a photo shoot. Very odd.
P.S. - To my followers and subscribers, my apologies for the barrage of e-mails over the weekend. I was working on the navigation menu, which you should now see at the top of each page.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of luxist.com]
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
JSTD: Veer slightly off the beaten path
Standing out from the crowd
Today's Annoyance: Anything that's averageMantra of the Day: Let us not enshrine mediocrity. We must be fabulous...always.
Being average sucks. I mean, isn't the point of many of our day-to-day actions to stand out? Why do people drive flashy cards, get piercings, get good (or bad) grades in school, get tattoos, go to the best universities, wear designer clothes, dress inappropriately, work at the best companies, date/marry the cutest guy/girl, audition for reality TV shows, etc.? It's to stand out from the crowd, of course!
Interestingly, the more we strive to stand out in these ways, the harder it is to stand out. Sometimes, a little creative simplicity goes a long way. Here are 5 things that could definitely make you stand out while you're home or away:
1. Wear a hat. The brighter and bigger, the better. OK, so maybe you don't want to go all Aretha-Franklin-at-the-Presidential-Inauguration flamboyant. But, spring and summer call for cool hats and lots of people don't take advantage of the opportunity. It's time to work the chapeaus, ladies!!
2. Rent a classic car. I got this idea from my fellow bloggers @ Rates to Go who were kind and cool enough to list places around the world to rent the coolest classic cars. How hot would it be to take a drive around town in an awesome classic car like a '57 Chevy or a Jaguar from any year?
3. Rock some cultural attire. During my travels, I have managed to collect some amazing traditional wear - tunics, saris, sarongs, kimonos, etc. On several occasions, I've turned up at a party wearing one of my chic ethnic outfits and easily became the belle of the ball.
4. Go it alone. It's common knowledge that we humans tend to travel in packs, especially women. You'd be surprised at how many more people I meet when I go to events solo. It makes you a bit more approachable for new friends and admirers. Naturally, you want to look your best and be mindful of how much alcohol you consume.
5. Go against the flow. Opt to go for a classic look. Cover your tatts, if possible. Skip the jeans and the whore clothes. (That means, hide your boob and butt cleavage.) That's right. Dress like a lady for once. You'd be surprised at how receptive people will be.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Getty Images]
Thursday, May 7, 2009
JSTD: Get protection
Find out if your insurance policy includes travel and international health coverage. We can’t have our jet setting friends getting sick abroad with no insurance, now can we? And don’t get me started on lost luggage!
Also, be sure to keep a copy of your insurance info in your purse or carry-on luggage.
Making the Band 4: Revisited
Daily Annoyance: The drama is over
Mantra of the day: I am channeling my inner diva.
A month or so ago, I told you of my obsession with P. Diddy's Making the Band 4. At first, it was just a passing fancy while I was home sick from work for a couple of days. It turned into a habit that I am somewhat ashamed to admit to now. Alas, I feel that the only way to come to terms with it is to speak openly and honestly about it to you.
The show went from having some serious cat fights to pure drama that was so juicy, it was hard to keep track of. The only good that I can say that I have learned from all of this is that I too should start channeling my inner diva.
At the end of the day, the chicks got ahead because they were not embarrassed to look out for number one or force others to recognize their worth, professionally and personally. They dudes went through their growing pains too, but in the final episode, it was the women that I was really looking out for.
I only say this because as much as I love being a woman I think that collectively, we sometimes forget our true worth. Whether it be in our relationships, getting the salary we deserve or speaking up for ourselves when it comes to things that we want. So, I leave you today saying to channel your inner diva and know that you are worth it!
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Getty Images]
Mantra of the day: I am channeling my inner diva.
A month or so ago, I told you of my obsession with P. Diddy's Making the Band 4. At first, it was just a passing fancy while I was home sick from work for a couple of days. It turned into a habit that I am somewhat ashamed to admit to now. Alas, I feel that the only way to come to terms with it is to speak openly and honestly about it to you.
The show went from having some serious cat fights to pure drama that was so juicy, it was hard to keep track of. The only good that I can say that I have learned from all of this is that I too should start channeling my inner diva.
At the end of the day, the chicks got ahead because they were not embarrassed to look out for number one or force others to recognize their worth, professionally and personally. They dudes went through their growing pains too, but in the final episode, it was the women that I was really looking out for.
I only say this because as much as I love being a woman I think that collectively, we sometimes forget our true worth. Whether it be in our relationships, getting the salary we deserve or speaking up for ourselves when it comes to things that we want. So, I leave you today saying to channel your inner diva and know that you are worth it!
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Getty Images]
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
JSTD: Save money by using your credit card
Flying footwear
Today's Annoyance: Crazy forms of offense
Mantra of the Day: I love my shoes far too much!
I've been reading a few too many stories lately about people (mostly men, I should say) hurling their shoes at politicians. I get that it's supposed to be an insult; really, I get it. But YOU'RE THROWING YOUR SHOES!
Unsurprisingly, few of these shoe throwers are women. Admittedly, I donate some of my shoes to shelters when they're totally outdated and/or slightly worn but to simply throw them at a human being to express my distaste for them? Nah, ain't gonna happen. Why not hurl some snarky words? Or, here's a thought...throw someone else's shoes. How about those ugly shoes that hit the runway each season and turn into never-ending trends...find a cheap knockoff pair and throw those. Even better, throw a pair of Crocs. But for the love of heaven, just don't throw your good shoes! There has got to be another way to insult someone. Maybe we should just go back to burning people in effigy. Any other ideas?
[IMAGE: Courtesy of FARS News Agency]
Mantra of the Day: I love my shoes far too much!
I've been reading a few too many stories lately about people (mostly men, I should say) hurling their shoes at politicians. I get that it's supposed to be an insult; really, I get it. But YOU'RE THROWING YOUR SHOES!
Unsurprisingly, few of these shoe throwers are women. Admittedly, I donate some of my shoes to shelters when they're totally outdated and/or slightly worn but to simply throw them at a human being to express my distaste for them? Nah, ain't gonna happen. Why not hurl some snarky words? Or, here's a thought...throw someone else's shoes. How about those ugly shoes that hit the runway each season and turn into never-ending trends...find a cheap knockoff pair and throw those. Even better, throw a pair of Crocs. But for the love of heaven, just don't throw your good shoes! There has got to be another way to insult someone. Maybe we should just go back to burning people in effigy. Any other ideas?
[IMAGE: Courtesy of FARS News Agency]
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
JSTD: Make the right spending choices
Set a budget before you go. I know this sounds like blasphemy but until you become a full-scale jet setter, it’s probably not a good idea to spend half a year’s wages on one trip! Just a thought. Spend as little as possible on the airfare (using miles to move up to business or first class, if possible) and get a decent hotel. I don’t know about you but a crappy hotel makes me feel like anything but a jet setter. Finally, have the best dining experiences possible!
A Song for Your Trouble
Daily Annoyance: People thinking they can buy you off
Mantra of the Day: I should have a celebrity boyfriend.
I have a client who seems to take pride in giving me a hard time and putting me through my paces on a daily basis. Instead of rewarding me with additional assets in a disastrous economic market, he decided to try to buy me off with a pair of tickets to the Robin Thicke/Jennifer Hudson concert.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I procured these tickets in either the midst of a re-gifting process or, no one in his office wanted them; so, he figured that he would pass them onto his favorite whipping boy.
Perhaps I have a little crush on the deliciously fabulous Robin Thicke, but I like to think that I don't go that easily in the sales. The concert was a few nights ago and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Even though I was a little pissed off as to how I came to have them, I had to let it all go by the time I heard that stylish, sexy man belt out "Lost Without U". He put on a fantastic show that was full of energy, sensuality and fabulousness.
I recommend that you call up your girlfriends and gay boyfriends immediately and arrange a date to see Robin in concert because you will not be disappointed.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Vibe Magazine]
Mantra of the Day: I should have a celebrity boyfriend.
I have a client who seems to take pride in giving me a hard time and putting me through my paces on a daily basis. Instead of rewarding me with additional assets in a disastrous economic market, he decided to try to buy me off with a pair of tickets to the Robin Thicke/Jennifer Hudson concert.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I procured these tickets in either the midst of a re-gifting process or, no one in his office wanted them; so, he figured that he would pass them onto his favorite whipping boy.
Perhaps I have a little crush on the deliciously fabulous Robin Thicke, but I like to think that I don't go that easily in the sales. The concert was a few nights ago and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Even though I was a little pissed off as to how I came to have them, I had to let it all go by the time I heard that stylish, sexy man belt out "Lost Without U". He put on a fantastic show that was full of energy, sensuality and fabulousness.
I recommend that you call up your girlfriends and gay boyfriends immediately and arrange a date to see Robin in concert because you will not be disappointed.[IMAGE: Courtesy of Vibe Magazine]
Monday, May 4, 2009
JSTD: Oh-so-chic jersey
Ava's Faves: Hotel Grande Bretagne - Athens, Greece
Today’s Annoyance: Narcissists
Mantra of the Day: Greece truly is the cradle of civilization.
Yes, the traffic has been known to suck in
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts]
Friday, May 1, 2009
JSTD: Great help for tourists
Find out what's going on in your favorite cities by going to the local bureau of tourism's website - for example: Monaco Government Tourism Office. This can be a good resource even if you've got friends in the area. The bureau of tourism may also offer free maps, discounts to local shops and events, and they might even have leads on great hotel rates.
The future of personal assistants?
Today's Annoyance: Mail forwarding
Mantra of the Day: If I'm willing to pay for a service, and it's legal, why not?
I've been seriously thinking about getting a P.A. I know the economy sucks and we should be tightening our belts but this would be a good thing because I'd be giving somebody a job and they would have to deal with the crap that I don't have time for. And let's face it, I really don't want to deal with some of my tedious everyday tasks; plus, this stuff adds stress to my life. I'm stressed out enough in my business.
One of the things that I would consider having my P.A. handle is mail and deliveries. What with my travel schedule, I often tend to have my mail held at the post office or forwarded to a different address. I just read an article about an interesting new service offered by Earth Class Mail that will open your mail, scan it and store it online for your review. Services start at $11.95 per month which includes 50 scans. At your request, the company will shred, recycle or forward your mail to you.
Like I said, it sounds interesting, but it can't help me organize my correspondence, travel planning, dry cleaning pickup and delivery, and my ever-increasing schedule of events. Lambent Services, anyone? Maybe they can supply my own personal version of Farnsworth Bentley.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of TV.com]
Mantra of the Day: If I'm willing to pay for a service, and it's legal, why not?
I've been seriously thinking about getting a P.A. I know the economy sucks and we should be tightening our belts but this would be a good thing because I'd be giving somebody a job and they would have to deal with the crap that I don't have time for. And let's face it, I really don't want to deal with some of my tedious everyday tasks; plus, this stuff adds stress to my life. I'm stressed out enough in my business.
One of the things that I would consider having my P.A. handle is mail and deliveries. What with my travel schedule, I often tend to have my mail held at the post office or forwarded to a different address. I just read an article about an interesting new service offered by Earth Class Mail that will open your mail, scan it and store it online for your review. Services start at $11.95 per month which includes 50 scans. At your request, the company will shred, recycle or forward your mail to you.
Like I said, it sounds interesting, but it can't help me organize my correspondence, travel planning, dry cleaning pickup and delivery, and my ever-increasing schedule of events. Lambent Services, anyone? Maybe they can supply my own personal version of Farnsworth Bentley.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of TV.com]
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