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]

Easter!

Posted by Ava Pierce at 11:10 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Partying with an "it" girl

Today's Annoyance: Drunk girls
Mantra of the Day: I never was, nor will be, that girl.

Although in some circles I may be dubbed an ‘IT’ girl, I think that my friend Eddy fits the bill way more than I do. As you know, I have been in London (her hometown) for the past week. We were invited to attend an event for Moet. This being her turf, she felt, let's say….comfortable with her crowd. So what is a girl is to do when your friend goes wild at a party? We were invited as celebrated guests so people noticed we were there, even if they did not know us personally. I had the idea that we should be on our best behavior for that very reason. I guess that kind of thing is seen as hip to some people these days, but I hope that I never fall victim to nauseating trends. Really, vomiting in public is not cute.

I never understood how it became fashionable for young women who come from upstanding families of means to behave like drunken idiots. In my book, that look is not becoming on anyone. I think it’s sad to see what the effect of tragic stars who have public meltdowns will have on the Hillary Clintons of tomorrow. I am getting off my soapbox now, but in the end I have to say that I had a great time even if I did have to play babysitter by the end of the night.

Much Love, Ava

[IMAGE: Courtesy of iStockPhoto.com]

Partying with an "it" girl

Posted by Ava Pierce at 8:28 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Jet setting tips on a budget

Today's Annoyance: The U.S. stock market trading at 6500 points
Mantra of the Day: I will survive…with a little pampering

The past few days, I have been in London visiting my friend Eddy (Edwina), doing the social circuit with her while trying to see some of the sites. Since I have been over here, I thought that I would pass along some tips on jet setting during a recession. I think that everyone is trying to save a few pennies while not sacrificing any fun.

I found this gorgeous hotel in the West End near Marble Arch called The Cumberland – a Guoman Hotel. It is super sleek and modern spot that has fabulous little bar, lounge, restaurant and night club on the property, so if you are feeling lazy, there is still plenty going on. It is also conveniently located a stone’s through away from the Tube stop, all for around one hundred pounds ($150) a night. And remember, getting around town on the subway is always more exotic when you are in another country (and it is not taking you to work!). Plus, if you haven’t taken the London Tube before, it is super clean and easy to navigate.

By the way, the greenback is killing right now, so those traveling with dollars can get a favorable exchange rate. There are some beautiful clothing shops where you can get some items to keep you fashionable the rest of the year. Check out Whistles and Karen Millen for chic little dresses perfect for any occasion. (I love those places!) Well, I don’t want to talk your ear off because I could go on forever. I’ll just catch up with you tomorrow. Cheers!

The Cumberland Hotel - Lobby

[IMAGE: Courtesy of Global Jet Set Media, Inc.]

Jet setting tips on a budget

Posted by Ava Pierce at 8:54 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Eddy goes off the beaten path…to Ethiopia

Today’s Annoyance: The “educated” but stupid

Mantra of the Day: Be grateful for what you have, whatever it is

Eddy just got back from an amazing trip to Ethiopia. I know; you don’t hear that destination everyday, right? But one of her friends decided to have her wedding in her home country and Eddy, like me, can never resist an invitation to…travel. (I’ll bet you thought I was going to say “a wedding”. Gotcha!)

Prior to Eddy’s departure, we were both shocked at the number of people who thought that there were no cars, restaurants or running water in Ethiopia. Granted, it’s one of the poorest countries in the world but how could these so-called “educated” people actually be that dumb? Even if you don’t travel a lot or know anyone from Ethiopia, try reading a book or, dare I say it, surf the Internet to learn something so you don’t insult people and sound like a complete idiot.

It almost goes without saying that Eddy had a good time. (I honestly think the woman could have a good time hanging out in a cardboard box.) Since Ethiopia is one of the few places in the world where the American dollar still has a slight bit of value, she shopped like there was no tomorrow buying gorgeous jewelry and scarves and she got dirt-cheap massages everyday. (There’s also something awesome called a Moroccan bath. Hmmm…sounds interesting.) She even had a custom-designed, traditional Ethiopian dress made at a shop called El Shaddai. It was super-inexpensive, especially in comparison to what a custom-made dress would cost in the U.S.

She did experience a little bit of culture shock though. On the one hand, the poverty was a little bit overwhelming, like nothing she had ever experienced before. There were farm animals herded along main streets and loads of people begging. On the other hand, she was amazed at the beauty and dignity of the people and their exceptionally warm spirit, in spite of what they lacked in basic needs and material possessions. She stayed at the Sheraton Addis and during her nearly two-week stay, she traveled to the hot springs in a resort town called Sodore, which is about a 2-hour drive outside of Addis Ababa.

Eddy’s recount of her trip made me curious about the country and its people; it also made me realize that dignity and respectability have nothing to do with material possessions. No matter what you have, be grateful, damn it!

[IMAGES: Courtesy of Global Jet Set Media, Inc.]

Eddy goes off the beaten path…to Ethiopia

Posted by Ava Pierce at 10:05 PM | Permalink 0 comments

A not-so-“Lucky” life on the French Riviera

Today’s Annoyance: Paparazzi
Mantra of the Day: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Okay, so I have put this off long enough. It’s time that I get real and let you know what is going on in my life. That is what everyone wants to know these days, so I might as well step out in front of the rumors and get the story straight.

I’ve been doing some part-time work with a hedge fund in the south of France. Jeez, I can’t remember the last time that I worked for someone else, but there are a lot of things that were new to me when I got to the Riviera.

Like dating a prince, for instance. There have been rumors flying around about what will happen between me and Jean-Luc (or Lucky, as everyone calls him), like if we will get married, if he is faithful or if I will go back to my Tom (my husband). (Did I mention the fact that I am kinda-sorta married?) It is because of him that my life was thrown into the spotlight overseas.

Everyday, there are pictures of me in the French tabloids saying to that I am doing this and that…because of the dating-a-prince thing. Well, if I am perfectly honest, I don’t really know what they are saying because I don’t speak French. (Note to self: I need to learn French ASAP.)

Anyway, I am moving to Monaco, Monte Carlo! At least, for a month or two with Edwina (or “Eddy” for short), my best grad school friend. She is an ‘IT’ party girl from London and part of the city’s social elite. Her parents have an apartment in Monaco that they don’t use most of the year, so we will hang out there until they decide to come down South. Supposedly, it is harder for the paparazzi to get into the principality and do what they do. I’m not saying that I hate to have my picture taken; that is not the problem. I just have an issue with the shit that they write about me afterwards. Based on these rags, I get regular phone calls from my parents asking me if I am:

A) going through a midlife crisis
B) divorcing my husband
C) pregnant by a playboy
D) beating up random women in night clubs in a jealous rage because my princely boyfriend is cheating on me…again; and/or
E) if I’m doing drugs

I don’t think that my life will ever be the same after having moved to the French Riviera. Then again, I wouldn’t change my life for anything in the world because the bad times made way for the best of times. Whatever. I can’t deal so I am getting out of dodge (New York, that is).

For more on my crazy love life, follow the blog entries labeled "The Chronicles".

Ta ta for now!

A not-so-“Lucky” life on the French Riviera

Posted by Ava Pierce at 9:58 PM | Permalink 0 comments

"Bitch" isn't a four-letter word

Today’s Annoyance: Haters

Mantra of the Day: Today is going to be epic!

Big up to my bitches. Yeah, I said it – I love my bitches. I know that they/we can be a bit catty sometimes, but at the end of the day there is nothing like hanging with your girls. I am back in NYC and my friend Eddy is in town visiting me from London. She is about as urbanized and British as they come, so being in the Big Apple for her is like a fish swimming in water. The past couple of days we have been hanging out at different spots around the city like Fig and Olive in the Meat Packing District and the Soy Luck Club in The Village. Mainly we talk about life, what we are doing and where we are going; nothing too monumental, but at the same time it feels like we are solving all of the world’s problems over tea. Point being, it is so nice to be able to take time to put life into prospective. So often I get caught up in my career, relationships with men, money (and the pursuit of it) that I forget the importance of the people around me. They are my true treasures.

What makes things even better is when you are surrounded by women with strong, powerful spirits. Women that you can’t help but look up to; take Eddy, for example. Not that she has everything in her life figured out yet, but she is so vivacious and bold. She is never afraid to be herself in any situation. On top of that, she is smart, funny and knows how to have a good time. There is nothing quite like being around a person who drives your spirit and challenges you to tackle life head on.

Well, enough of my ramblings for today.

xox

"Bitch" isn't a four-letter word

Posted by Ava Pierce at 6:11 PM | Permalink 0 comments

Dating entanglements

Today’s Annoyance: Playing by the rules
Mantra of the Day: Carpe Diem

Question: When is it okay, or is it okay, to date someone who was previously involved with a friend? For example, if you have a friend who liked a guy and it turned out that the guy liked you instead, is he fair game even though nothing happened between him and the friend but she called him first? Or, what if it is the ex of a friend? How long of a cooling off period do you give before you can get lucky? Or, is he totally off limits for life? Just for the record, I have been on both sides of the coin and know that it is not fun to have something like that happen to you so I always try to be considerate of others. That being said, a girl still has to live her life, right?

So let’s juice things up a bit and let me tell you why I am asking. I mentioned the other day that my friend Eddy is in town visiting for a few days. She has another friend that she knows from college who lives here in the city and is currently hot and heavy with a guy who once had a serious fling with Eddy. The guy and Eddy were clearly never meant to be, but Eddy still feels like her college buddy should have kept her hands off of him since she knew about their storied past before they ever got together. Needless to say, Eddy had no idea that the two were together until she came to NYC. Now Eddy is pissed, seeing red in fact. I think that she is going a bit overboard with this whole thing, but then again, I never knew the proper etiquette in these types of situations to start with.

Either way, I am desperate on this one people, so help me out! Post a comment and let me know what you think.

Peace and love,

Ava

Dating entanglements

Posted by Ava Pierce at 9:55 PM | Permalink 0 comments

The background scoop on Ava Pierce

Today’s Annoyance: Stupid people
Mantra of the Day: Trust your inner bitch.

Fierce, Fabulous & Finance: Huh? These three words may not go together in most contexts, but they describe to a tee our contributing columnist Ava Pierce. She is already a big deal in Europe and it is about time that this name gets dropped more often Stateside so you can learn more about the woman behind the headlines. To introduce readers to Ava’s unique perspective, her best friend, publicist and reformed club kid, Simon Royston, will put her on the hot seat in a way that few would not dare.

Simon Royston ("SR")
So, my darhling Ava, you have lived a more than a lifetime over the course of the past year: a prince, blow ups, money, the Riviera, the paparazzi… Please explain to our readers what has happened.

Ava Pierce ("AP")
Well, sweetie, it is nice to see you, too. I see you waste no time with pleasantries and dive right into the dirt. That is usually how I like to operate too so I can’t hate. So it all started about a year ago when my wildly successful hedge fund blew up and lost more money than I can count. That same day, my husband decided to refer to our marriage as a ‘situation’ that he no longer wanted to be a part of. In response, I moved to the French Riviera (great reaction, right?) in an attempt to get my life back on track but that is when the real drama ensued.

SR: You did go to university while you were out there, no? Or was that just a figment of my imagination. You know us queens sometimes get our jetsetters confused.

AP: Yes, I did decide to go to graduate school not only to learn something but to get the fuck out of New York without seeming like a lunatic. Even a woman in her thirties is allowed to have a fit of irresponsibility, don’t ya think?

SR: Next question: So who is this prince charming of yours? Is he really a prince charming? Or just a toad?

AP: Honestly, I have not decided on my final verdict yet. In the meantime, let’s just say that he is somewhere between the two: more like a princely toad.

SR: What will you being doing next? Is your life still a chaotic mess? And do you plan to stay in the Riviera?

AP: As for my life, it is still chaotic, but less of a mess. I think that I have managed to get myself back on my feet again, moving forward. As for the French Riviera, I think I’ve fallen in love but, as always, I reserve the right to change my mind.

SR: Now that we know the facts, let’s try to get to know the girl. Name five of your favorite things.

AP: Money, men, shopping, being spontaneous, café au laits, and getting my way.

SR: That is six things darling. I thought you were in finance and could count.

AP: You should know better than anyone that you always get more than you bargain for with me…

SR: Touché. What was the singular turning point in your life that transformed you from a boring number cruncher to fiercely fabulously?

AP: Meeting my husband Tom in a café in Paris. He taught me to let loose and not to worry about what other people think and to be more spontaneous. Well, there was also that time that I met you. Life surely has not been boring since then.

SR: If you were to marry your princely toad, what would be your first act as a fierce princess?

AP: To ban Crocs from my kingdom. I don’t understand what people are thinking when they choose to put those things on their feet.

SR: What is your life philosophy?

AP: Keep running, don’t let up, and never let them see you sweat.

SR: Last question, what can people expect from your blog?

AP: I will be bringing the readers on my adventures around the world, introducing them to interesting people that will shed new light on old perspectives. It will be fun; part storytelling, part mental escape, part rant session where I will sound off to the readers, and they can throw their opinions right back at me. Sound good?

SR: Sounds fabulous.

The background scoop on Ava Pierce

Posted by Ava Pierce at 1:36 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Introducing my gorgeous, gay best friends

Today’s Annoyance: Responsibilities

Mantra of the Day: Viva la bella vita! ("Live the good life!")

Sorry, I left you hanging… I didn’t finish telling you about the boys here with me on my Miami trip. To refresh your memory, I came to Miami for New Years Eve with a group of my gay boyfriends, Simon, Sam, Christopher and Stephen.

I love them all equally but I have to say that Simon and I are besties so I might as well start with him. Simon is a celebrity gossip columnist who is also a player on the jet set social scene. Simon has been invited to virtually every international hip or significant social gathering taking place. Sam and I met back in our school days. He was my assistant and confidant when I was running my own hedge fund. He is the one who keeps me sane, focused and grounded. Christopher is a lovely glamour queen with a body so chiseled that he gives David Beckham a run for his money. It goes without saying that, to obtain such a physique without being a professional athlete, he is pretty obsessed with working out. Then, there is the gorgeous Stephen. I wish almost every day that he was playing for our team. He is half Turkish, half Lebanese, with blue eyes like the Mediterranean Sea and a stylish, confident swagger that makes both women and men swoon. Who cares that he is a bit vertically-challenged when he more than makes up for it in so many other ways?

So long story short, we are down here relaxing like it’s what we get paid for. (Unfortunately, none of us have achieved that level of fame yet. We’re working on it though.) Every day, we get up around 10 a.m. and go to the pool (at the Delano where we are staying) to have breakfast and scope out the eye candy. Not long after that we end up falling asleep again, only to be awakened by the hot midday sun and near sunburn status. Then, we go for a dip in the pool, followed by getting dressed to go out on Lincoln Road for a look at the shops, lunch and more boy scouting. Lunch turns into early dinner/ going back to the beach to watch the sunset then getting ready to go out for a night on the town. So far, Simon has hooked us up with a different event every evening that seems to be better than the one before it. The hardest part about the whole trip is finding my boys at the end of a night of laughing, flirting and dancing to go back to the hotel. They are all charismatic in their own way and attract men like a moth to a flame. Well, I guess it is good to be them so I won’t hate.

Needless to say, I am still enjoying myself down here on my New Year vay-cay.

xox

[IMAGE: Courtesy of BusinessWeek.com]

Introducing my gorgeous, gay best friends

Posted by Ava Pierce at 11:59 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Welcome to Ava’s World!

Today’s Annoyance: Dealing with my old life.

Mantra of the Day: You’ve gotta start somewhere.

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited to have the chance to introduce myself to you. My name is Ava Pierce and I have a lot to tell you. I have launched this blog so that I can have a sounding board for random topics and get your advice on things that are going on in my life; plus, I can fill you in on the crazy little world that I live in.

Until recently I ran a hedge fund in New York; that is, until my life imploded. I am married to a guy named Tom who I thought was my prince charming but has turned out to be an incredible asshole. Don’t confuse me for being bitter though, that is far from the case. I have never let the grass grow under my feet, nor have I had the time to sit around and cry over spilt milk. Anyway, a lot of shit happened (let’s just say that I put Tom on hold) and, out of the blue, I moved to the south of France. Yes, I know that is a big jump from point A to point B, but sometimes you have to change your surroundings to make things right.

Along the way, I will introduce you to some of my crazy friends who are sure to make you laugh. Welcome to my world…the perfect place to escape to when you are goofing off at work. Oops, did I say that?

Until my next post…

Peace and love,

Ava

Welcome to Ava’s World!

Posted by Ava Pierce at 1:27 AM | Permalink 0 comments