No Worries

With a title like that one might think this could be a blog about a sunny beach vacation with some Jimmy Buffet playing in the background and a tropical drink in one's hand. Nope. This is a blog about a very serious topic... the holidays.

Funny how that word can mean different things to different people. For me, it seems like every year they come around faster than I expect. Which in turn causes some people to move into overdrive mode trying to get every little thing done to make sure that the holidays are "perfect". 

Except there is no such thing as"perfect", so now what? For some people without family the holidays are something they want to avoid altogether. For people with large extended families the holidays start practically right after Veterans Day and go nonstop until after New Year. Seems like every year people put their Christmas tree up earlier and earlier. I know people who hardly get any sleep because they are so busy that they run themselves ragged practically making themselves sick trying to do and be everything. So where is the happy medium?

I say the happy medium is you. We are all lights. We all have the ability to either be people lifter's or drags. Opportunities arise each and every day to either build people up or to tear them down. So in this time of year when there are so many extremes all around bombarding us at every turn, from stores to places of employment, we get to choose what we will be in the situations we are faced with.

Every day is a gift whether one has a large extended family with boatloads of holiday activities going on, or for the person living alone without any family. It's a simple choice. It's easy to get wrapped up in making sure everything you want to accomplish get's done and things get marked off the "to do"list. However, I think it's important in the midst of the daily "grind"to be flexible and if everything gets done that's great. On the other hand if every single little thing on that list does not get checked off, not to beat yourself up over it. At the same time, not to be so wrapped up into our own "to do's"that we miss those opportunities where we can be lifters.

My motto is if I see something I "do something". Meaning if I encounter a situation where someone needs something, and I am able to be that something, then I do it. This motto was actually the inspiration for my latest single released to iTunes titled "Don't Walk Away."(Click here to listen on iTunes) Here's a section of the lyrics: 

ARE YOU BUILDING UP OR TEARING DOWN
HEARTS ARE HURTING CAN YOU HEAR THE SOUND
HE SAID WHEN YOU DID IT TO THE LEAST OF THESE
YOU DID IT TO ME

DON’T WALK AWAY, DON’T WALK AWAY
SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU NOW
DON’T WALK AWAY, DON’T WALK AWAY
YOU MIGHT BE THE ANSWER HOW

You get the idea... basically my motto is, if a situation arises and you can do or be that something for someone, I say like the Nike saying goes... "just do it". Which in reading this it might seem like I'm saying to do two opposite things. On the one hand I say don't kill yourself trying to do everything, and then on the other hand I'm saying to do something. Actually it all comes back down to that happy medium again. That's where the no worries mentality comes in.

Let everything roll off like water off of a ducks back. Keeping in mind that every day is a blessing, to count every blessing and when we have the chance, to "be"a blessing to those we encounter. People, animals, whatever the case may be. Not to be so busy that we miss opportunities to be the answer how. If we run into a situation that we can change, don't assume someone else will do it. Just imagine... what a wonderful world it would be.

May your holidays be filled with many many blessings.

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

Beachbody

It's that time again. The official start to summer is just day's away, time to get buff for the beach. Time to break out the Bikini, skinny jeans, tank tops and all the fun clothes made for people with the body of a Greek god or goddess. For some this is what comes to mind when they hear the word "beachbody".

I would like to put a different idea into people's noggins. Yes "beachbody" is a word often associated with the things I mentioned above. However, it is also a company that helps people literally transform their lives for the better. (No this is not a paid review). I just know that this time of year can be stressful with unrealistic images bombarding people on a daily basis. It puts unnecessary pressure on people to be fitter, and it can be confusing to sort through all the information and programs available out there. Many people have injuries that have made physical activity difficult if not impossible sometimes. So, I would like to offer a little insight into my experience as a beachbody customer since 2002.  

It all started with Slim in 6 with Debbie Seibers, a program put out by Beachbody. I've always been active and loved exercise. At the time I had been working out with Tae Bo by Billy Blanks for about a year and I wanted to try something new. So I ordered it and loved it. Then I discovered Tony Horton and the original P90, oh what fun that was.

I have always been fascinated by the fact that people who exercise and eat right look so young. Tony Horton at the time was about forty-four and he looked no where near it. I was thinking wow if this guy looks so young and healthy this program is definitely something I want to try. To this day he still looks nowhere at all near his age, and like one of my other fitness heroes Jack LaLanne, he has continued to defy the norm, giving a new face to what the human body can and should be at a particular age.

Anyway without going off into a novel of my fitness journey over the last fifteen years, the point is that there are always options. Since that time, Beachbody has produced countless programs for nearly all fitness levels. Almost every program has modification options, which makes "excuses" for not putting your health first obsolete.   

I have many fitness heroes, some not even affiliated with Beachbody. I love Jillian Michaels, Jackie Warner, and I also really like the Firm fitness programs. Not every body is the same and even the same body will not always need or like or even be capable of doing the same program forever. Which is why it is important to always stay in the game no matter what is going on with your body. It's not about getting a ripped hard physique (although I'm guessing everyone would like that). It's about being the best possible you that you can be. To get and stay healthy and strong so you can enjoy life to the fullest. 

Injuries happen to the best of us. Slips, falls, work, overuse injuries, accidents, you name it. For me it was two close dated car accidents. People with herniated disks simply should not jump, period. So that takes things like running and plyometrics training off the table. Does that mean you can't exercise? No, it simply means you modify your workout. So for example; if you're doing a workout program like say 21-Day Fix (which is not an extreme program by any means) but there are jumping jacks, etc., what do you do? You modify the jacks, by doing step jacks instead. Almost every program will have a modifier doing the workout so you can see exactly what options are available if you are not able to jump or do the advanced version of a particular move.

There are so many options, walking, yoga, pilates, one workout program I particularly love, love, love, (did I say love) is Piyo created by Chalene Johnson. Piyo combines yoga, and pilates, and gets your heart rate up like crazy. It sculpts, and stretches your body and you feel like a million bucks after a workout. The best part is no jumps, no weights, so it is fantastic when traveling. Which by the way, is a major excuse people use for skipping workouts.

The thing is you can make excuses or you can make results. The choice is up to you. There are super short workouts, even as short as twenty minutes. Everyone has twenty minutes. Endorphins really are God's medicine. Exercise is good for your mood, and really should be something you do every single day, just like brushing your teeth.

So what are you waiting for? Get to that phone, computer, or iPad, and find out what you      like and get started on that beachbody ;o) or shall I say healthy body. One that will carry you into your golden years if you treat it right. Remember the saying... use it or lose it. Happy working out!   

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

Ten Reasons to Move South

Heaven....

I can not possibly be the only person who is wondering to themselves this winter "why do I live in the north again?" I mean one blizzard, maybe two in a winter season is doable. However when we are already far above the average snowfall for the year and it's not even the end of February yet... Meanwhile the Weather Channel can't help themselves from announcing like giddy school kids the next winter storm; one can't help but begin to wonder.

I used to like the change of seasons and honestly didn't mind winter. I like skiing, and even though I can't believe I'm writing this there is something magical about the crunch of the snow under your feet when you wake up in the morning and of course the crisp winter air. Like anything though, too much of something is not a good thing and we have definitely had "too much" snowfall this season if you ask me. Which has got me to thinking... seriously in fact about why I should consider moving south. So if you're like me and are sick and tired of the white stuff, here are the top ten reasons in my Greek noggin to move south.

1. No snow (well you have to move "far enough" south for this to apply as we have seen the south has had plenty of snow this year)

2. No shoveling snow.

3. No dried up dirt, dust and salt on your car, hence ending up on your clothes.

4. No more blinding sun snow glare when you take the fur kids out to potty.

5. Speaking of fur kids, no more having to shovel a spot for them to do their potty in the snow.

6. You can run all year long in the south, if it's too cold... running outdoors not fun.

7. Don't have to buy salt.

8. Don't have to vacuum said salt that gets all over house from outside.

9. No need for a "blanket coat" or Ugg boots.

10. No need to worry about "Vitamin D Deficiency" or coming down with the Winter Blues from lack of sun.

You can always travel "to" the cold or find a meat locker to chill in if you miss it that much. Better to live in the south where you can wear flip flops all year long, get to the beach and sip on iced cups of happiness a la Dunkin Donuts and let the sunshine soak into your bones. OK I'm off to plot my escape to the sunshine. Have a beautiful day!

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

Labor Day Weekend

Looks kind of like what I have in mind...

Did the summer whiz right by or am I just imagining things?  It seems like the mulch episode where I rented a van and scored a bunch of cheap mulch off of craigslist was just a few weeks ago.  Yes I did just say that, don't know what I'm talking about read all about it here.  However it wasn't just a few weeks ago, it was three months ago.

Boy time sure did fly this summer.  Which probably means I spent way too much time working and not enough time enjoying the Sunshine.  Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, I love the fact that I am able to pursue the thing that I Love music and acting.  Living so close to NYC and yet not "in" it if you know what I mean.  Although I will say that huffing it from audition to audition in different parts of the city when it's 95 degrees isn't as fun as say sitting on the beach getting some vitamin D therapy.  Thank goodness there's a Dunkin's on just about every corner to keep me hydrated with iced cups of happiness to beat the heat! 

Well since the last official weekend of Summer is almost upon us it got me to thinking that I better hurry up and get in some fun in the sun before the snow starts flying.  They say it is going to be higher than average snowfall for us here in the Northeast this year... shocking.

So what am I going to do this weekend?  Hit the beach, detail the VW's Jillian Jetta & Joel Jetta, walk the fur-kids, work on some of the new music I have been writing, and relax.  Oh yeah and the best part... my Birthday is coming and that means my yearly specially made Cartman Birthday Cake will be coming from my mom next week, which means Happy Greek Girl!

Hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

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

Withdrawal

Beyond overdue for this!

Withdrawal is Muckery! Don't you hate it when you are just dying to have something that you know you can not have right at this very moment?  No I'm not talking about withdrawal from coffee (dunkin's of course), chocolate, Vitamin Water Zero, or even time with my sneakers...  I'm talking about withdrawal from the beaches of sunny south Florida!

Whatchutalkingabout Greek girl?  Well let me see July is almost over and I have yet to take the yearly road trip to the sunshine state to see family and get some Vitamin D therapy.  Oy Vey, for reals!  Last year we even went two times, but this year has just been too busy to go yet.  Plus having one extra fur-kid in the family makes planning that trip a wee bit harder since "Glama Aston" has to watch all five of them.

So... I was sitting here thinking about all the reasons I know I need to get to South Florida pronto!

1. Because I lost last years tan line just before Hurricane Sandy dropped not one but two trees on our house back in October.

2.  New bathing suit I scored at TJ Maxx that I'm dying to try out!

3. Vitamin D Therapy... the kind of Vitamin D I need doesn't come in a bottle from The Vitamin Shoppe.

4. Everyone goes a lot slower in Florida, which is exactly how Greek Girl rolls!

5. Ice cold beverages are best when there is sand on the outside of the cup, just sayin.

6. Need to test out the new VW Jetta #TDI "Joel Jetta" vs. the old one "Jillian Jetta" to see who gets the better highway mileage. (what, doesn't everyone name their cars)?

7. Bingo withdrawal... Everyone play BINGO with their Nana don't they? 

8. Seafood... HELLO South Florida has some of the best places to dine out right smack dab on the water!

9. To get away from the Obama Health Care Propaganda Tour.  You knew I had to slide that one in there didn't ya? ;D

10. Casino... Nothing beats spending time at the Casino with a bunch of family.  Yes I admit it, I'm addicted to slot machines.  What is more fun though is to watch my nana laughing at me when I win loads of dough.

So there you have it, the top ten reasons I know I need to get my pasty self to south Florida pronto!  I sure hope everyone has had ample fun and sun time so far this year.  If not, get on that before it's snowing again already! 

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

Vacation

On my way to Iced Happiness in the sand...

Many of you know the Greek Girl likes her flip-flops accompanied by a large iced-coffee in my clutches.  What makes it better is when it is in conjunction with a trip somewhere that involves sand between my toes.  Yes, I know what you're thinking, "didn't you just get back from Florida like 2 months ago?" The answer is: Yes.  Yes I did.

What you don't know is that because I was there for business reasons, and ended up rescuing a dog while I was there, then I had to leave a day early to get home in time for an audition...  Unfortunately I did not get enough vitamin D therapy.  So since the 4th of July is right around the corner, what better time to head on back down to Florida, see some family & make up for lost relaxing, right?

Well you may be wondering, what equates to fun in the sun for me? I am going to keep it simple.  By simple I mean: flip flops + bathing suit + iced coffee + sandy beach = Happy Greek Girl!  I am going on vacation, and I don't want to work any harder than I should.  So if you need to find me for the next ten days or so, I will be either in the ocean or lying in the sand, and most likely holding one of my favorite beverages in my little Greek Hands.

Hope you have a fabulous 4th of July, get to spend some quality time with friends & family, see some gorgeous fireworks, and do whatever makes your heart happy!

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

Why Do Old People Expose Themselves

Note to Naked Old People... guidelines for speedo wearing see above.

So my two sisters come into town to visit me over the weekend. Despite the fact that three Greek Girls under one roof is crazy enough, imagine how it is when one of them decides "Hey, we should go to the beach". HELLO... can we say "Muckery Central?..." Sure it's all fun and games until we get there and see an 85 yr. old man in a speedo (and we're not talking about the Jack Lalane type either, and no it wasn't Mr. Bricks ~ Thank you God). This subconsciously leads us all to begin wondering if we look good in a bikini or not? Now of course you can stop asking because yes we do, but it's just a default chip programmed in every girls brain. Greek girls have two of these chips - one for each side.... one for the Baklava and one for the spinach pie - just sayin.

On with the story.... besides the fact that my one sister's psychotic dog, (yes I did say psychotic people, it was actually eating the wall while we were gone) was at home unattended terrorizing my own four fur-kids. Oh to be a fly on the wall at the doggie party... So there we were, sitting there all comfy, blanket down, snacks and iced happiness ready to go, chairs properly positioned to bake ourselves into a golden spender (yes we were wearing sunscreen - no it wasn't olive oil - or made from olive oil extract) and BAM there it goes again. But this time it wasn't a man it was a woman.... wearing a thong bikini old enough to be my grama and lets just say on the very heavy side, she could have been on the senior version of the Biggest Looser ~ just sayin. So just as we blink... we happen to notice that she has not one but two tattoos larger than my head on each side of her butt. No I'm not kidding people. Then comes the highlight of the day: its' a toss up between the super skinny swimmer guy who decides he's gonna take a shower and expose himself in the public sprayer to remove the sand or.... the woman who dove into the water and had both boobs flop out of her top and proceed to act like nothing was wrong. No guys it was not Gisele Bundchen.

Now I'm not saying I don't love old people nor appreciate them, because I do. I adore my yaya and my grama in heaven, and I even sang for nursing homes after classes when I was in high school :D However... What is it about some older people who do not seem to get it that it is not kosher to wear less than Lady Gaga on the beach. I know they say less is more, and this is most often the case, but not so much when you have not kept away father time by taking excellent care of your miracle body like Jack Lalane. Anyone who knows me knows how much I adored the guy and if you are old and you look like that, be my guest wear what you want.

In the words of one of my other fitness hero's Tony Horton "Aging Schmaging, you can get all old and crotchety, or you can be in shape." I donno about you, but I'm going for the latter. Thus my working out like a machine.

Have a blessed day & don't forget the sunblock!

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

Why Old People Go To Florida

As I was growing up I always heard stories of cantankerous New Yorkers who would go to Florida for the winter.  I thought that was silly, who doesn't like a good snow storm now and then? My sisters and I secretly thought it was the hot Florida sunshine that turned the older ladies hair blue.

Well, I was such a naive little Greek girl.

After experiencing the winter that we did in New York this year, I hope I never have to go through something like that again. Buuuurrrrr, I get cold just thinking about it. So to treat myself, I decided to spend my Easter vacation in Florida this year. Maybe just to try to see if I can get that punk look with some blue hair action happening on top of my Blonde coconut.

It didn't take long to convert me. After one week, I decided that when I get old (about Mr. Brick's age) and when I am no longer on tour with my music, I'm going to be a snow bird, and fly south for the winter. 

Like in the video, this has been my social agenda for the entire week:

1. Lace on sneakers - go for run on beach.

2. Swing by Dunkin Donuts for iced coffee (yummo)

3. Chill on beach

4. Send Mr. Bricks a postcard saying, "I bet you wished you were here"  (The thought of Mr. Bricks in a speedo...ok, I just threw up a little in my mouth) Next day repeat steps 1 -4

Blessings,

Ava

xox

I Just Ate Deep Fried Pickles

Yummo. Deep Fried Pickles. My new BFF?

Still in Florida and loving it.

The best part about traveling is being out of your comfort zone. It's good to not get too complacent in life. When you are not in your own home night after night you tend to need to improvise to make things "more like home." Choosing what to eat on this vacay, has certainly  put me out of my comfort zone on a few occasions so far.

I normally make my own meals or have my meals prepared for me exactly the way I want to ensure that it is not loaded with unnecessary sodium and/or fats. Whenever I travel for a length of time like this I always have my secret stash, just in case I need a dose of healthiness.  However a Greek girl can't live on Coffee and Zone Bars alone, so I had to venture out of my comfort zone yesterday and try something new. Deep fried pickles.

At first I wasn't going to even try it because, well it was deep-fried. I was thinking, who do they think I am Mr. Bricks? He will eat anything deep-fried, I eat very little fried food. But at the last-minute I decided to throw caution to the wind and try them. And guess what? They were good. Don't get all excited Mr. Bricks you won't find deep fried pickles on my tour bus anytime soon. But in a social setting if they were being served, I wouldn't pass them up. I couldn't eat too many fried pickles as I still have a few more days I need to look good on the beach in a bikini.

Why is it that we take more chances doing things on vacation than when we are safe and sound in our own house and home towns. There are always pictures being posted on Facebook from people saying they just got back from vacation and look what they did, ate or saw. On the beach I also saw a few people who decided to wear things that I am pretty sure they do not wear in Oklahoma City. My Greek eyeballs are still burned with the image of those two older men in speedos ~ yikes!

I suspect that we all do things outside our comfort zone on vacation just for all of the bragging rights. Because look at me, not only did I eat fried pickles on my Florida vacation, I also bragged about it right here on my blog!

Time to put a little more sun screen on the nose....

Blessings,

Ava

xox

Flip Flops in the Sand

Flip Flops in the Sand Photos Courtesy of Wharman Photostream

I successfully made the migration to Florida for my 2 week vacation. Here is my itinerary:

• Plant my little Greek butt on the beach
• Stick toes in sand
• Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather
• Send "Dear John" postcard to Old Man Winter (it's finally over!!!)
• Send "I bet you wished you were here" postcard to Mr. Bricks
• Edit "Gone" music video to be ready for the April 28th premiere
• Go sneaker shopping

It  was such a long cold winter in New York this year and since I have been working so hard recently I really do not feel guilty about just taking some Ava time. But don't get your pantaloons in a wad, I will still be blogging from the beach. Blogging is not like work for me, I consider it Greek translation. As the words just flow from my noggin I put it down on paper... it's kinda magical, as if I didn't write anything at all - just sayin'. Song writing is like that for me as well, it just flows like butter, well actually  like "smart balance " or real olive oil - that's how I roll. My triglycerides are 33, so I think I'm good.

Blessings,

Ava

xox