Wonderland

I think I hear choirs of Angels singing... do you?

This week I felt like I was transported smack dab into my very own version of "Alice In Wonderland". However in this new and improved version it's not about a girl named Alice who eats some magic mushrooms and goes into a hole in the ground. In this version it's about a Greek Blonde Girl who is obsessed with sneakers who gets to take trip to see behind the curtain to see the Wizard in the wide world of sneakers.

Most people who know me know a few things about me. I love fitness and working out, therefore I love sneakers. So anyone who knows anything about me knows these few things, I love sneakers, coffee (Dunkin Donuts my favorite), chocolate, animals, and Vitamin Water Zero ("Go Go" flavor thank you very much). Where most women collect high heels, this girl collects sneakers. Honestly in my humble Greek opinion a girl (or guy) can just never have too many. They keep your feet happy, like flip flops. I mean really.... who wants to walk around in a pointy hard to walk in, hard high shoe all dang day long? Not me!

So in my closet at any given moment you will find a vast array of sneakers. Yes they are called sneakers (even though my former manager Mr. Bricks likes to call them "tennis shoes") I bet he likes to wear his "tennis shoes" with his white skinny jeans from the 80's, gosh that's a scary thought. OK so back to Wonderland... Besides being a recording artist, I'm also an actor. Which has led to doing some pretty cool promotions, product launches and events. Sometimes when companies are launching a new product line they like to hire people to go out and talk to people about the product. People who are outgoing, friendly and are comfortable talking to people (or who have the gift to gab per say). In this case Greek Girl was hired to be a "Sneaker Ambassador" for Merrell. Just saying that makes me giddy. Who better to go around yapping my big Fat Greek Yap trap about a new line than yours truly?.. I know, perfect right!

Can you pic the Greek Girl out of this lineup?

So before they let us lose to go out and make the clients aware of the new line, it's benefits, and what it's all about, they flew all of us "Sneaker Ambassadors" to Minneapolis MN to learn about Merrell's New "All Out" line. Merrell is a fantastic company with a history of quality shoes that outlast and out perform for decades. One of their tag lines is: "Performance + Innovation - It's in our History... and our Future." Knowing what I know now after seeing behind the curtain, I think it's perfect.

"Barefoot Running" became very popular after the book "Born to Run" written by Christopher McDougall was published back in May of 2009. In 2011 Merrell had a huge launch of it's Barefoot Running shoe. Barefoot simply means zero angle. Most Traditional running shoes have an 12-15 mm drop. Drop meaning the angle of the heel above the forefoot. Although it allows for lots of cushioning it can end up causing improper heel strike (meaning your heel is not hitting the ground under your hips where it is supposed to). The idea behind Merrell's Barefoot Running sneaker was to let your feet follow their natural instincts. Connect your feet to the terrain (protected by a Vibram sole), realign your gait, improve posture, and strengthen the muscles in your feet and legs. In other words let your body do what comes naturally. Merrell's Barefoot Collection also includes a thin EVA cushion to protect, and two impact zones. As Barefoot Running grew and people did it for longer, Barefoot become less important to consumers. They wanted a little more cushion, but still wanted a connection to the earth...

Thus the NEW "All Out" line was born. The "All Out" is a blend between a Barefoot and a Traditional Running shoe. The "All Out" line of sneakers all have a 6mm drop. Which allows for a little more cushion than the Barefoot running shoe with a Zero drop. The idea of the line is: Activate, Impact Protection, and Animal Like Agility. Activate your body's most efficient natural form with Merrell's flexible underfoot wrap shaped around the arch to create a continuous, flexible contact for increased mobility, flexibility and efficiency. Impact Protection made of their ultra flexible "UniFly" impact absorption system to provide a soft landing, disperse impact and allow for a stable take off. The perfect balance of feel and protection so you can go further, faster and longer. The Animal Like Agility comes from the "MSelect Grip" outsole. It's circular design allows for each lug to move independetly providing muti-directional control and surface area. Add to this Merrell's unique Fit Features in this line of a stitched in footbed and "Omni fit Lacing System" which provide a precise glove like fit.... and you might just have a miracle.

Seriously though if all that is not technical enough for you, well you might just belong at Nasa. If you're like me and you just love to run, and or you love sneakers... you really should check out the new "All Out" line of kicks! They come in three versions, one for road the "All Out Fuse", one for road and trail the "All Out Rush", and a hiker called the "All Out Blaze" which comes in low, mid and high ankle heights. They all come in super fun colors and trust me your feet will thank you. I have been wearing mine and I can definitely say it's been like a walk in wonderland. Keeping my tootsies happy while I'm in the process of working on NEW Music that I can't wait to share!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

My New Guilty Pleasure

Meet Simon Cowell of the Dating World.

Okay let it be known, Bravo TV has finally done something I give not just one, but two thumbs up to!!  That's right you guessed it, Millionaire Matchmaker... Plop me in front of the TV with a Vitamin Water Zero, a Ghirardelli Chocolate caramel square, and a bag of Orville Redden-backer (light of course) and this Greek Girl is good to go!  Even better a Millionaire Matchmaker marathon :D

Now, I know I have some explaining to do as I'm always talking about things that are insignificant being pushed as news, and lets not forget all of the "brain-numbing" empty TV - hello Kardashians and Jersey Shore.  But at least with this show we have found our female version of Simon Cowell.  Just like Simon this girl does not have a filter and sometimes that is just what people need. Besides, she's actually trying to "do" something good for people.  Though her methods may seem a bit unorthodox to some, she is doing a good thing by helping people to find love, and everyone needs to be loved.

So let me introduce you to Patti Stanger.  She is funny, smart and doesn't hold anything back.  She says it like it is and calls it as she sees it.  This woman really knows what she is doing.  It is really funny to watch people who seem to "have it all" yet are unable to find love come to her for advice, and then most of the time not listen to her.  You have to wonder about these people...  They come to her willing to pay to meet someone and hopefully fall in love, yet they in most cases do not have any intention of listening to her. Now on the flip-side, people who "do" listen to her actually have great results that do in many cases turn into lasting relationships, and true love.

Now if you haven't seen the show, here is how it goes. First she starts by interviewing the client by asking them about their past relationships/dating, etc. What are their likes, dislikes, celebrity crushes, etc. Then she either sets up a mixer full of people she thinks are perfect and also sometimes a test person, the kind of person the client usually dates and it never works out with... and it is hilarious to watch these clients go for the "test person" Patti has planted.  It cracks me up to see the little caption at the end of each episode where it says they never went out again, or never called back, etc. Let's put it this way, it's kind of like survivor meets The Bachelor in one episode.

Here are some of Patti's tips to guys for those not in the "know":

1. Coffee - is cheap. (guess i'm a cheap date then) ;D 

2. A drink - is an audition.

3. Lunch - is a date.

4. Dinner - now that is romance.

If you think you are going to sweep that girl off her feet, you better tune in, even if it's in the dark and you draw the blinds so your neighbor doesn't know you are watching Bravo, it's worth it.  You might just learn a thing or two.

Heres to you finding your perfect match.  Just remember, "Whatever you do on your first date sets the precedent for the rest of the relationship" - Patti.

Love, Blessings & Music,
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Love at First Sight

Hello I am Ava Aston and I am addicted to Vitamin Water.

It all started one day as I was walking through the hot New York City streets on my way to a Law & Order audition.  My throat was parched and I had just realized I left my bottled water in my car that I just parked 3 blocks away.  Like any other blonde-greek girl I was running late and had to decide, do I go back or brave the heat? But knowing how important it was to me to be hydrated I had to do something.  Then I noticed one of the most amazing signs of my life.  It read, "Vitamin Water".

Hello???  As you all know, vitamins are like one of the most amazing things God has ever made and I am stuck on them like white on rice. So the thought of vitamins infused into my water was like a no-brainer.  So I stormed into the store, not sure what to expect as I raced past a screaming kid begging for candy and an old man scratching his lottery ticket.  Then I arrived.  I felt a cool chill flow over my skin as I peired through the frosted glass at what would soon become my now favorite beverage of choice.

The glass door squeaked open.  Time began to slow down.  A breeze from the back of the cooler wafted my sweat laiden brow.  I reached in and took hold of the cold plastic bottle.  Then without skipping a beat as I let the door slam closed I twisted the cap and poured the sweet Vitamin water aka nectar from the Greek Gods across my lips and down my throat.  And yes, I let out an audible sigh of relief. "aaaahhhh"!  It was love at first gulp.

So I strode up to the register passing anyone in my way.  I handed the clerk a half empty bottle of Vitamin Water.  He looked at me like I was deranged.  It was either he didn't know why I was buying a half-empty bottle or that I looked like one of those girls in a Clairol commercial where you have your own luminous glow and a perfect grin as your hair flows arbitrarily around for no explainable reason.  So I slapped the $5 bill on the counter, accepted my change and raced out the door.

The rest of the day was a blur but I was in love and I was hooked.  The only problem was it was the only thing I wanted to drink.  This sent my head spinning.  So I had to do something to avoid paying $2 for each bottle.  This sent the Greek girl on a hunt that turned up a goldmine solution.  I found a local distributor who agreed to sell it to me for $.80 per bottle if I bought 10 cases or more.  So, I did.  Now because I am a little Greek Girl I didn't want to go alone, so I hauled mom along for the ride (just in case), because no one messes with my mom.

We arrived at the distributor out in the middle of nowhere in my Volkswagon.  The Vendor was looking at me like I had a hole in my head.  I told him I had a hole in my heart and that only Vitamin Water would fill it.  By the way, I don't think it's a coincidence that two of my favorite things in the world both share the same initials, "VW".  Just sayin'

This is a never-before-seen image revealing my secret stash. Sssshhhh!!! Don't tell anyone!!!

Since then I have continued to hunt out deals.  I also must add, that I have since switched exclusively to Vitamin Water Zero.  Even though, they have to date not broguht my absolute FAVORITE flavor in the world "Energy" to the Zero line yet... It was so bad at one time I literally traveled with a case in my suitcase wherever I went.  This was in case I couldn't buy it at my destination.  Then one time I actually bought 20 cases before moving to Los Angeles and loading up the back of my Penske truck with them.  That is a story for another day.  Trust me you want hear that one.  Until then, drink up my friends! Drink up & get your glow on!

Love, Blessings & Music,
Ava xo

www.avaaston.com

Green M&M's

Who doesn't like green M&M's anyway? She's so cute.

So we have all heard about some nightmare "ryders" for the latest rock act or diva to hit the stage.  You know with all their silly demands like, "I must have green m&m's or everything but green m&m's."  Or one of my favorites, "I have to have organic white lotus' in three locations of the room."  Then you have the others that require Pop Tarts and a toaster to be available.  But of all the crazy ones I have heard is something about how the limo driver cannot look at so-and-so in the rearview mirror or even make eye-contact.

My question is, "are you serious?"

Note to rockstars: Hello people, we are all "people" and therefore your need to be difficult is just plain silly.  I'm just sayin'.  Sure it's nice to be on tour and have some perks.  But there is a line between having some nice or special stuff you need to put on a good show... then there is the need to be totally and utterly ridiculous.

The obvious question is that there must be something that must go into the Greek Blonde Girls dressing room and her ryder.  Well yes of course there are, but they won't break the bank, put someone out in the rain or cause some media tabloid conspiracy.  That is of course unless you think my obsession with coffee is a kin to a drug habit, then ok I'll give you that :)

So I decided to list my demands in no particular order of importance (whatever randomly comes into my greek noggin):

1. Vitamin Water Zero / Go-Go and Glow flavors allowed.

2. Ghiradelli caramel squares and/or Peanut M&M's (all colors allowed no discrimination here).

3. An outlet near the mirror so I can blowdry my hair. (nothing worse than seeing me trying to find an outlet before  a show.)

4. A door on the bathroom stall - even if I am the only one who is in the dressing room.

5. A soft bed for my Pekingese to snuggle up on, (must be big enough for at least 2 of them).

6. A mirror, so I can put my makeup on before I hit the stage. (I'm a big girl I can do my own makeup thank you very much, that is unless it's really important).

7. Coffee.  Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds or even 8 O'Clock coffee will do, as long as it's hot and fresh I am good to go. (you can't exactly import diner coffee all the time, just sayin.)

8. Wireless access - self explanatory. (of course I have to write my next day's blog and tweet about all my muckery.)

9. Zone Bars.  They're my favorite snack and are perfectly balanced to keep you in the "zone" for 3 hours.  Perfect before a show.  I eat them all the time and they come in Yummo flavors.

10. A pillow and blanket to rest my head in case Mr. Bricks gets long winded and puts me to sleep about his stories from days of old.

So there you have it.  The Greek Girls top 10 items for the Ryder.  So when I come to your town to do a show you will know just how I roll.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Blessings,
Ava xo

You Don't Have to Like What I Like

Paula Abdul's  Opposites Attract

When you are in your own home and you don't even know the person across the dinner table from you, you can chalk it up to "opposites attracts", or hello, you just invited a stalker for dinner. Let's hope it's because opposites attracts and you and your soul mate are having a Mars vs Venus moment.

However, this is not just a romantic issue, because even many of your BFF's and close co-workers can be totally opposite than you, and not like what you like, yet there still could be a good working relationship or friendship built upon the differences with that person.

Take my manager Mr. Bricks (Take him please, SFX: rim shot) Thank you, thank you, thank your very much. I will be here on this blog all week. (SFX: rim shot) Tonight you have a choice between fish or chicken and I recommend the fish. (SFX: rim shot) Don't forget to tip your waiters and waitresses.....Seriously, Mr. Bricks and I are polar opposites, yet somehow we stumble along in our business relationship just fine.

Here are some examples:

Ava's Favorite Beverage:  Vitamin Water Zero

Mr. Bricks' Favorite Beverage: Diet Coke

Ava's Snack of Choice:  Zone Bars

Mr. Bricks' Snack of Choice: Slim Jim's Sausage Sticks

Music on Ava's Ipod: Goo Goo Dolls, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkston, U2

Music on Mr. Bricks' iPod:  Disco

Ava's Favorite Workout Trainers: Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, Brett Hoebel, Tony Horton

Mr. Bricks' Favorite Workout Trainer: Ronald McDonald

Ava's Favorite Chain Restaurant: Panera

Mr. Bricks' Favorite Chain Restaurant: McDonald's  (tied with Wendy's, Arby's, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell, Subway, Quiznos, Zaks, White Castle,   Popeye's Chicken, Dominos

Ava's Favorite Phrases: "Muckery", "Good Gravy" and "What's wrong with your noggin?"

Mr. Bricks' Favorite Phrases: "Do fries come with that?" and "Can I Supersize the meal please"

Ava's Favorite iPhone App:  iTunes App, Doggies Mamas App

Mr. Bricks' Favorite iPhone App:  None. Rotary dial phones don't  have apps

In my fan mail I get all sorts of muckery sent to me. Clearly, I am thrilled with each and every person who takes the time to write to me, but I can tell from what some fans wrote and send that they sometimes like very different things than me, and perhaps my music is the only thing we might have in common.  That is OK with me. You don't have to like what I like. I enjoy learning about different places and different things. This whole learning thing is pretty cool. It keeps my noggin free of cobwebs.

Blessings,

Ava

xox