Ava Pierce: The Blog - Lounge. Rant. Find your inner bitch.: April 2009

Thursday, April 30, 2009

JSTD: Speak up

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Learn a new language. At the very least, before you travel to a new country, learn to say "Please", "Thank you", "Do you speak English?" and "Where is the restroom?" in the local language. There are tons of websites and software that can help you learn the basics, including Rosetta Stone and Transparent.

Travel Wish List

Today's Annoyance: That I don't have enough time to visit every place on my wish list in the next six months.
Mantra of the Day: One step at a time.

Recently, I posted a list of my favorite places that I have visited, so I figured that I would follow it up with my travel wish list of places that I'm dying to go to. So, here it is!

1. Rio de Janeiro & Salvador da Bahai, Brazil
2. Hanoi & Saigon, Vietnam
3. Hong Kong, China
4. Bogata & Cartagena, Colombia
5. Agadir, Morocco
6. Seychelles
7. Moscow & St. Petersburg, Russia
8. Qatar
9. Stockholm, Sweden
10. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

I won't bore you with every detail of why I want to go to each of these places, but I thought it worthwhile to gloss over the top five. The point behind my wish list is that I want to hit up some places that are off the beaten path BUT they still offer certain creature comforts from home. It is always nice to get away, but what is the point of going somewhere that is less interesting or nice than where you came from?

It is pretty obvious why I would want to go to Rio, but I've heard that Bahia gives travelers an authentic feel of Brazil that makes you fall in love with the country. Vietnam was never on my list until recently when I saw a special on the Travel Channel about it. It was blazingly beautiful and had more than enough interesting sights to visit, not to mention good shopping, nightlife and spas to keep me busy.

Then, there is Colombia, a place that I have always wanted to take in with my own eyes. I love flowers to add a bit of luxury to my everyday life and Colombia is one of the world's leading producers of flowers. (Did you know that?!) It has captured my attention since I found that out. Plus, it is on the ocean and is culturally rich.

Agadir is a little surfer town in Morocco that is a vacation favorite for locals. Nothing like an exotic beach vacation to feel like you have gotten away from it all.

Let me know what you think of my choices and what you would add to it!

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Artbox Images]

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

JSTD: Be an ambassador

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Make friends internationally, by any means necessary – social media, university connections, etc. It always helps to have a friend in a city that you’re traveling to so that you can find out about the best hotels, restaurants, shopping, and events. Naturally, this should go both ways; if you have a friend, former classmate or co-worker visiting your area, offer to take them out to lunch or show them around town.

Snakes on a plane

Today's Annoyance: Stupid movies imitating life
Mantra of the day: Reality is stranger than fiction.

I know; it was a dumb movie. At least, I should say it was a dumb concept because I was never intrigued enough to find out what happens when snakes get on a plane. Well, that was until I saw this headline on BBC News last week: "Snakes Escape on Qantas Flight". Apparently, four pythons out of 12 that were being transported in the cargo hold of the plane escaped from their carrying cases. Yeah, it is now my worst nightmare, too.

I think I'll be renting that movie after all to find out what to do in just such an emergency. I want to know that at least one person on my flight understands how to resolve a snake situation on a plane, because once they are loose, it’s more than a little difficult to find them again. The plane had to be grounded for a week and fumigated to ensure that they were no longer on there. I don't know if I will ever be able to sleep on a flight again. (sigh) I'm not sure what to make of this but I am so disturbed by it that I had to share it with you guys.
Sweet dreams! Xoxo

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly]

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

JSTD: Attitude counts

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Be nice! I'm always amazed at the number of people who insist on traveling with attitude. You never know who you'll need; plus, it's just nice to...well, be nice. Also, I've been told by many airline and hotel employees that service people are more likely to extend upgrades and better service to people who treat them with kindness.

Summer...It's almost here!

Today's Annoyance: Losing winter weight
Mantra of the Day: I'm a hot and sexy mama who can make the magic happen.

I can see glimmers of summer a little more each day and we all know what that means: trips to the beach, bikinis and vacation photos. These are just some of the wonderful things that the season brings but vacation photos are my biggest fear of all. There are more than a few women who have had nervous breakdowns after seeing images of themselves when they thought they were looking hot and sexy, and really...well...weren't.

I re

fuse to succumb to this, no matter how much winter weight I have managed to pack on and subsequently hide while I was hibernating in layered clothing during the winter months. Even if bikinis are forgiving, pictures in bikinis are relentlessly brutal. So, as of today, I am going on my spring workout plan. A girl has to be fit and gorgeous if she wants to be jetting around and posing with fabulous people. I launch into this mode every year so here are a couple of helpful tips that you may not have tried. For starters, you can find a variety of exercise programs on YouTube if you don't feel like sweating it out in the gym or committing to buy a video. Also, BBC, Epicurious and FoodNetwork have some great healthy recipes for tasty meals that can keep you motivated.

Here's to a kick-ass bikini season!

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Artbox Images]

Monday, April 27, 2009

JSTD: Security speed-through

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Wear minimal accessories to speed through security. Wearing knee-high boots with laces, 50 skinny metal bracelets, or ankle-tie espadrilles will have your fellow travelers wishing you ill and/or planning your death. Although this might seem like common sense, if it really was, the security lines wouldn't be so long at the airport.

Ava's Faves: Top 10 Travel Destinations

Today's Annoyance: That work gets in the way of my travels
Mantra of the Day: Only a few days 'til my next adventure!

As I was daydreaming about my next travel destination today, my mind wandered and I began to think of the most awesome places that I have visited so far. It was tough narrowing down the list but here goes (before I change my mind!):

1. Miami, Florida
2. Monaco
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. Mykonos, Greece
5. Victoria Island, British Columbia
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Loja, Spain
8. San Francisco, California
9. Quebec City, Canada
10. Santorini, Greece

Just so you know, the list is not in any particular order. Later this week, I'll post my list of target destinations for the near future. In the meantime, post a comment and tell me your favorite travel destinations.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Getty Images]

Friday, April 24, 2009

JSTD: Perfect perfume

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Solid perfume is a must. It fits in your purse and will never spill in your bag, making a mess. Plus, it comes in handy for unexpected situations where you need to freshen up in a hurry.

Great Brazil Express

Today's Annoyance: I don't have Samantha Brown's job
Mantra of the Day: Amazon, here I come!

Brazil's first luxury train on a 300-mile journey through the country's eco-heartland. From the sound of it, this definitely passes my preliminary fabulous test. The 7-day journey begins in Curitiba and travels through Morretes, Antonina, Tibagi, Castro, Ponta Grossa, Guarapuava and Iguazu. Along the way, you get to see the Atlantic Rainforest, Vila Velha National Park, Guartelá Canyon and Iguazu Falls. The trip also involves venturing into some of Brazil's smaller cities by luxury bus and a few overnight stays in local hotels.

If that's not something to aspire to, I don't know what is. Check it out at Great Brazil Express. The website is not super attractive but the journey looks like it might be very cool for a bunch of friends. (It might also work well as a romantic adventure with a significant other. Hmmm...)

Has anyone taken this trip yet? If so, let me know what you think. In the meantime, I'll start saving up for it.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of GreatBrazilExpress.com]

Thursday, April 23, 2009

JSTD: Ticket days

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Always buy plane tickets on Tuesday or Wednesday. For some reason, it is the cheapest time to purchase.

Too much information!

Today's Annoyance: Oversharing
Mantra of the Day: Unless I ask, please don't tell me.

Is it just me or do people share way too much information these days? From what I can recall, there used to be a mostly unwritten rule that you should never discuss politics, religion, or finances in public. Times have changed, which I understand. It's bad enough being forced to overhear obnoxiously loud cell phone conversations. Now, technology is further encouraging people to share every facet of their lives with social networking applications like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blogs (like this one!), and photo sharing sites like Flickr and PhotoBucket. As a culture, we have become increasingly accustomed to share every photo, every emotion, changes in financial conditions, relationship status, whatever we eat, drink or think about.

Here's my question: Where's the line? Obviously, it is vastly different for each person but for the love of all that is holy, do I really need to hear about the inner workings of other people's sex lives, bodily functions and financial statements?

Here are my new rules: If I don't ask, you don't tell. If you're on a cell phone, lower your voice! Nine times out of ten, you're too loud. And, you might not want to discuss your husband's vasectomy in public. Sound good? Thanks for your consideration.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of the Society for Handheld Hushing]

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

JSTD: Staving off tummy woes

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

When traveling abroad, eat yogurt every day for a week before your trip to prevent digestive problems when adjusting to local cuisine. It is hard to remain fabulous when you have "tummy issues".

Ava's Faves: Greenopia.com

Today's Annoyance: People who have no regard for our planet
Mantra of the Day: I promise to be a greener citizen of planet Earth.

This is the 39^th anniversary of Earth Day! How are you celebrating? I, for one, am planning to accessorize our planet…by planting some trees. Far more than I “need” a new pair of Harry Winston earrings, the Earth needs more trees. I’m also going to donate some money to Earth Day Network. Aside from this day’s activities, I have already switched to energy-saving light bulbs and I regularly recycle plastic, glass, newspapers and magazines.

I also found this cool website – Greenopia - that provides city guides for eco-friendly businesses and products. They also have a Green Glossary, product ratings, brand ratings, and tips for living a greener life. There’s no excuse not to do our best to protect our planet. Happy Earth Day!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

JSTD: Don't go shirtless

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Always pack a white shirt (t-shirt and/or white button down); they go with everything and are a staple for effortless style.

All the more reason for me to take over the world

Today's Annoyance: Strange laws
Mantra of the Day: When I rule the world, I plan to impose fashion laws.

One of the cool things about traveling is that you learn a lot about a new country, the culture and yourself. In my travels, I have discovered a vast number of strange (dare I say, stupid) laws imposed by local and national governments. Sadly, I can't just point my finger at other countries because we have more than a few stupid laws on record here in the U.S. Here are some of the more interesting laws that I've witnessed:

1. Running out of gas on the Autobahn is illegal. (Germany)
2. In Sweden, prostitution is legal, but it is illegal to use the services of a prostitute.
3. You can be fined up to $100 for driving a dirty car in Moscow.
4. An un-flushed toilet warrants a $100 ticket in Singapore.
5. Drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad in San Salvador.
6. Thailand imposes a $600 fine and/or a jail sentence if you're caught throwing chewed bubblegum on the sidewalk.
7. Birds have the right of way on highways in Utah.
8. In Arkansas, it's illegal to mispronounce the name of the state.
9. No person in the state of Washington may walk around in public if he or she has a common cold.
10. In Tombstone, Arizona, it is illegal for men and women over the age of 18 to have less than one missing tooth visible when smiling.
11. It's illegal to be drunk on trains in Michigan.
12. Rockville, Maryland law forbids swearing on the highways.

Somehow, I'm guessing that some of these laws are hardly enforced. But just to be on the safe side, you might want to check Dumb Laws before your travel.

Monday, April 20, 2009

JSTD: Conquering dirty travels

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Bring an extra large zip lock bag with a dryer sheet tucked inside to store dirty clothes. Trust me, you will thank me later.

How much are YOU worth?

Today's Annoyance: I can't seem to insure any of my body parts
Mantra of the Day: Everything about me is...priceless!

A lot of celebs have insured body parts. Mariah's legs were insured for $1 billion before her tour. Angelina's body for $1 billion. David Beckham's legs and feet for $70 million. $27 million for J Lo's butt. America Ferrara's teeth for $10 million. Tom Jones' chest hair for $7 million. Bruce Springsteen's voice for $6 million. Claudia Schiffer's face for $5 million. Tina Turner's legs for $3.2 million. Heidi Klum's legs for $2.2 million. Keith Richard's finger for $1.6 million. Rihanna's legs insured for $1 million. Dolly Parton's boobs for $600,000.

OK, so how exactly do they come up with the figures for these celeb body parts? I'll bet it's either some dude's guess or some crazy algorithm like the one that they use to generate FICO scores. lol...whatever.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of zimbio.com]

Friday, April 17, 2009

JSTD: Shoe management

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

When packing for a trip, limit yourself to three pairs of shoes: walking shoes, sexy heels and cute flats or sandals. This, of course, depends on your destination, but this combo works in most city and beach settings.

Ava's Faves: Ways to express your inner bitch

Today's Annoyance: Passive people
Mantra of the Day: When you care enough to say what you really think.

I'm a big fan of expressing myself, which I'm sure you've clearly figured out by now. I love to communicate via email, text, and even handwritten notes (an increasingly forgotten option). Suffice it to say that I have stacks of stationery from Papyrus. Since the advent of e-cards years ago, I love to send the occasional greeting for birthdays, holidays and sometimes just to say "Hey!". (Hoops and Yoyo, Maxine and Screaming Banshee are personal faves.)

Nowadays, it's cool because you can find greeting cards in just about any language for nearly any situation. Recently, I found two awesome sites that have cards for some of our least pleasant sentiments. (Awesome!) Nastee Notes carries a line of great cards "for the lil devil inside us". There are cards for when you want to call someone a gold digger, an idiot, a dim bulb, a whore, or a "biatch". They even have cards to say "Kiss my a**" and "Be nice. Stupid." (sigh) Such wonderful sentiments.

Then there's Someecards. It's like Hallmark for the smart ass or thoroughly pissed off. They've got an ecard for just about every occasion possible (and then some!), including holidays, weddings, confessions, breakups, goodbyes, and cries for help. Some of my faves are: "Your footwear is disgraceful."; Haven't heard back so I assume you're busy, flaky or dead."; and "If you ever disappeared while hiking, I'd remain with the search party until it started raining."

Don't they just make you want to send notes to everyone? lol

[IMAGE: Courtesy of NasteeNotes.com]

Thursday, April 16, 2009

JSTD: Bargain Fares

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Whether or not you're rolling in the dough, keep your eyes on travel rates. It doesn't make good sense to spend money unnecessarily, especially when you can find an awesome rate. (If you prefer to throw your money away, find a cheap travel rate and send the savings to me!)

AirfareWatchdog and Sidestep are two of my fave sites to find cheap airfare. You can subscribe to AirfareWatchdog to get a weekly list of cheap fares on flights leaving your local city. Sidestep searches all airline fares and tells you which site has the lowest fare for your preferred travel dates. It saves a lot of foot and guess work.

I love shoes!!

Today's Annoyance: Having to choose between shoes and mortgage payments
Mantra of the Day: I want to be like Imelda!

I make no apologies...I love shoes. You might have picked up on this at some point, but they really are a girl's (second) best friend (after diamonds, of course). Not everyone can afford to buy themselves diamonds whenever their day is not going their way, but somehow or another, we can usually manage to figure out how to fit a shoe purchase into the budget. When I am having one of those days or when I am feeling like a bloated, hairy midget, miraculously a gorgeous pair of shoes always make my feet lok sexy. And, as I like to say, "a girl's gotta start somewhere".

So, here is my latest fab discovery: ShoeDazzle.com. You can subscribe to the website for $39.00 a month and they'll email a selection of shoes that they think you would like based on your personality profile. You choose the pair that you prefer and they'll send them to you in the mail. ShoeDazzle.com is Kim Kardashian's new venture which she launched just last month.

From now on, you no longer have to decide between that pair of boots you have been dreaming about and your car note. What will they think of next?

I just signed up. If anyone else is a member of ShoeDazzle.com, let me know your thoughts.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of ShoeDazzle.com]

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

JSTD: Get a guide

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

When you check into your hotel in a city you've never visited before, ask the concierge to arrange a local private guide. You can see some great hidden gems and you might make a new friend in a new city.

Travel Beauty

Today's Annoyance: That grungy feeling you get after a long flight
Mantra of the Day: I make 6-hour flights look good!

There was an episode of Footballers' Wives where Tanya Turner has a long flight on which she meets a cute guy...yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyhoo, the cool part was where she goes to "freshen up" just before the plane lands. She "de-planes" wearing a totally new outfit, looking like she's ready for an awards show. Are you kidding me? If only! Wouldn't it be cool to do that? (sigh) Until I have the run of my own private jet, I'll have to settle with my usual travel beauty tips, which I'll share with you here:

1. Drink lots of water (no alcoholic beverages because they simply dehydrate you).
2. Hydrate my skin with a moisturizing skin mask.
3. Wear minimal make-up.
4. Use a medicated lip balm to hydrate my lips.
5. Wear clear nail polish (to avoid chipping) and bring a small bottle of acetone and clear nail polish for a touch up later.
6. Take a small container of lotion to keep my hands soft.
7. I know the Europeans make fun of Americans for this but I'd rather err on the safe side...take a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

I'm sure there are other things that I could be doing but so far, these basic steps have kept me from looking and feeling like a scary creature when I de-plane.

Feel free to share your travel beauty secrets.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

JSTD: Double-duty wrap

...for life after the economic downturn (or if you're lucky, sooner!)

Bring a large scarf or Pashmina that can double as a fashionable shawl and a blanket for the plane.

Will winter ever end?

Today's Annoyance: Snow. Brown snow.
Mantra of the Day: In my next life, I will be born in Hawaii.

Okay, guys and girls, it's April. As far as I understand it, it is also Spring. But, for some reason, Mother Nature has yet to get the memo. Unfortunately, I have been stuck working these past few weeks or else I would have been out of dodge by now. Once again, this whole financial crisis/meltdown is getting on my nerves, but what else is new. I think from here on out, I need to make it a habit to be as far south as Florida or as far west as Los Angeles during this funky little transition period, which feels like Mother Nature is PMSing.

Maybe this is not 100% true, but it sure as hell feels like I have been cooped up in my place for months on end, trying to entertain myself, and I'm ready to come out. I'm annoyed as hell and just can't take it anymore. Is anyone else ready to hop on a jet and change the weather with me?

[IMAGE: Courtesy of desktops-wallpapers.com]

Monday, April 13, 2009

JSTD: Etiquette upgrade

...for life after the economic downturn (or sooner, if you're lucky!)

Take an etiquette course, or two. An important part of being a jet setter is socializing so it helps to know which fork to use at the dining table and what to do in most social situations. If you can't find any etiquette courses in your area, read a book or visit the Emily Post Institute, which offers a variety of resources.

Even if you don't become a tried-and-true jet setter, you'll make a much better dinner companion.

Jet setter ≠ Socialite

Today's Annoyance: Mistaken identities
Mantra of the Day: I earned the right to have attitude.

Before I became a globetrotter, I equated the word "jet setter" with socialites and major celebrities. I've come to realize that jet setters don't always make the pages of Town & Country and they're not always super-wealthy. And, I'm totally fine with that.

A few short years ago, I would have never believed that I'd become a jet setter. I have always loved traveling, but aside from studying abroad in college and enjoying a few random trips to Newport Beach, the Hamptons and St. Barth's, I hadn't really flexed my travel muscle much. Now that I have been living overseas off and on for the past few years, nothing will ever clip my wings! I am a woman of the world and I don't need to be in Page Six of the New York Post to feel validated.

Come join the ranks.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Getty Images]

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter!

Today's Annoyance: That chocolate has calories
Mantra of the Day: There is nothing like fresh beginnings.

Another year has passed and the Easter Bunny is visiting us again. I absolutely love this time of year because it gives me every excuse to be a kid again without catching smack from my friends. Stocking the house with Reese's peanut butter cups, Cadbury eggs, and jellybeans is just the beginning. I go to my favorite florist and have stylish mini-Easter baskets made for my closest friends. Then, I take my ten-year-old niece Eliana on an egg hunt, which we follow up with high tea at the Four Seasons.

In reality, I think that the best part of the holiday is that it represents a new beginning. It is around this time of year that New Year's resolutions start to wear off. Maybe the year is not going as stellar as you planned, but you can mentally start over and take control of your current situation. I like to make Easter promises which usually consist of me resolving to treat myself better from here on out because it has a positive effect on all of those around me. This year, I have decided to carve out three hours of "Me" time each week to help maintain my sanity because life tends to move a little faster than I can handle.

Let me know what your Easter promises are - I can always use some fresh ideas!

[IMAGE: Courtesy of thelasvegasadventurer.com]

Friday, April 10, 2009

JSTD: Choose your colors

...for life after the economic downturn (or, if you're lucky, even sooner!)

When packing, choose 2 or 3 colors to wear during your trip so that you can easily mix and match your clothes, stretching your wardrobe while cutting the overall number of pieces you need (or want!) to bring with you.

More recession survival tips

Today's Annoyance: Wastefulness
Mantra of the Day: Let it be known that I am nothing if not resourceful.

OK, so here’s another recession survival tip. Breathe new life into your handbags and shoes! That’s right. Give your accessories a quick makeover and they’ll be nearly good as new. If you’re anything like me, you have a “fix it” pile of handbags, belts and clothing that need a little touch up. (Plus, there are always those things that look a bit worn but you have a hard time letting go of them, especially the more expensive items.) So, fix ‘em, dye ‘em, get creative.

Or, how about renting accessories? I discovered that there are quite a few websites and stores where you can rent designer handbags, sunglasses, jewelry and watches. Check out: Bag, Borrow or Steal; From Bags to Riches; Kiss My Bag; and Rent Me A Handbag. If we can rent video games, cars, and dates for the evening, why not rent a designer handbag or luxury timepiece? Besides, it’s not really conspicuous consumption if it’s a rental, is it?

Peace, love and luxury.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

JSTD: Relax!

...for life after the economic downturn (or, if you're lucky, even sooner!)

Take good care of yourself...find a spa and go there, regularly!

Being a jet setter is not just about jumping on a plane and going away (although it's a pretty good motivator, wouldn't you say?). To fully live and appreciate "the life", you should be relatively stress-free and in good form, whether you're home or away. In short, spa time is a necessity.

A Kreativ Blogger Award...Pour moi?!

(sniff, sniff) OMG! I am nearly without words (key word: nearly). How cool is it that my new blogger buddy , Andi of Misadventures with Andi, passed along this neat- o award?! This is my first award and I'm totally psyched. Thanks, Andi!

Aside from posting this cool award pic on my blog, there are a couple of tasks that come with it. I have to list seven things that I love and then, I have to pass the award on to seven of my favorite blogs. So, here goes.

Seven things that I love:

1. Travel (big surprise, eh?)
2. Food (if it's cooked, I'm there)
3. Life on the French Riviera (there's nothing like it)
4. Shoes, shoes and more shoes (Imelda will envy ME some day soon)
5. Reading (Jeffrey Archer's a fave fiction author...partly because there's always lots of travel involved)
6. Opportunity (I'm a serial entrepreneur!)
7. Chill time with my friends (a nice dinner, some wine and great conversation...simply awesome)

Seven blogs that I think are deserving of the Kreativ Blogger Award:

1. Billionaire Woman (Nathalie's posts inspire)
2. You Look Fab (whether you're stylish or not, Angie can help)
3. The Frisky (just too funny!)
4. Plush Junkie (because Jewels and Jane are all about indulging)
5. The Jet Set Girls (kindred spirits Hope and Anna really know how to jet set)
6. Girlfriendology ('cause Debba's all about getting the girls together)
7. Queen of Relationships (real and hysterical)

Hooray! Time to celebrate!!

Ava's Faves: Threading

Today's Annoyance: Old-school hair removal
Mantra of the Day: I don't remember life before threading.

This ancient form of hair removal is all the rage. I started having my eyebrows threaded several years ago and I simply cannot (and will not) live without it. Previously, I had tried tweezing and waxing; they just don’t compare. From what I’ve been told, threading is way better if you have sensitive skin. Plus, it’s fast and usually not expensive. Be sure to find someone who’s experienced though. Luckily, I’ve noticed more and more threading services offered in beauty salons and spas around major cities. I haven’t found a salon or spa with threading services in the south of France yet; if anyone knows of one, please, please let me know.

I did manage to find a self threading machine - the SunMaita Inc. Threader - but I'm a little hesitant to do it myself. If anyone has tried this, let me know.

[IMAGE: Courtesy of CLTV]

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New Daily Post: Ava's Jet Set Tip of the Day

...for life after the economic downturn (or, if you're lucky, even sooner!).

To celebrate my 3-month blogging anniversary, I’ve decided to add a Jet Set Tip of the Day. This way, you get to learn cool stuff as I slowly but surely embrace my newfound life as a jet setter. (We’re in this together, remember?) I’m also planning to invite some of my friends and fellow bloggers to add their ideas.

If you have a question or suggestion, my soapbox is your soapbox. And until I come up with my own version of the Bat Signal (maybe a shoe or handbag in the sky? Wings, perhaps?), if you want to reach me without posting a comment, e-mail me at ava@avapierce.com.

Here’s your first Jet Set Tip of the Day:

Before your next trip is over, start planning the one after. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? The key to jet setting is constant motion (even if it’s just in your mind for awhile). Your plans might change; it doesn’t matter, as long as the next trip (to wherever) is in the works. Plus, when someone asks you: “Where are you planning to go next?”, you’ve already got your response.

Martha Stewart Wannabe

Today's Annoyance: Feminine role playing
Mantra of the Day: In my next life, I will be a domestic goddess.

Martha Stewart - mogul, icon, domestic goddess. I have so much undying respect for the woman, it is not even funny. As a self-made businesswoman, entrepreneur, or as we say in New York, rich bitch, however you want to say it, she is fierce. I have always hoped that I could turn my business into an empire like she did and become her high finance equivalent. Unfortunately, I don’t think that I will ever have the talents that Martha has when it comes to taking care of a home.

I may have mentioned before that I have two places in my fair city of Manhattan. I have been having a little trouble lately maintaining them both. I have to deal with cleaning them, minor maintenance problems and keep them looking fashionable and fabulous. I was never blessed with Martha’s domestic skills. I imagine that if I were her, all of my household chores would be done in less than an hour and I could take an extra thirty minutes to add some extra special touches by working my magic on an old tissue box or something, turning it into an accessory worthy of Elle Decor. In reality, it takes me all weekend and it still does not look the way I envisioned it. Between this and my last business trip, I think it’s time for me to be jetting off to somewhere new – I’ve had about enough of the mundane for one week. I think that it’s time for a bit of luxury. I guess you will have to wait and see what I come up with. Ta ta for now…. ;o)