Break The Internet

OK we get it... you want everyone in the entire world to see you naked. Duly noted.

Now that some of the dust has settled and almost everyone in the universe has seen Kim Kardashian naked yet again I thought it would be a good time to add my two Greek cents to the controversy. Anyone who has been reading my blog for any amount of time just had to know I would have something to say about this muckery.

First to the people who say Kim Kardashian has absolutely no talent whatsoever and that she is famous for "not being talented", I beg to differ. Mrs. West is extremely talented in keeping her mug or in this case her naked body in the public eye. Thus further driving her fame and income. So to that I have to say she does have a talent, she is a talented business woman.

What I don't understand is why is she and so many others like her today are so fixated on people seeing their naked bodies? Really I just don't get it. I mean private parts, big deal, we all have them. Why on earth are people so obsessed with the entire world seeing them naked anymore? Is nothing sacred?

For that matter why don't we all just run around naked? Everyone from babies to grandpas. It would be a whole lot cheaper not to have to buy clothes and shoes. Heck why not break all the rules and just do everything in public. Like maybe have sex with whatever or whomever we want any time we want. How about just making it the "norm" to go to the bathroom in public while were at it too?

Seriously leads me to wonder where is the line. Why does it keep moving so far, where will it stop, if it stops at all? Makes me very sad for the generation coming up today. My little niece and nephews are growing up in a generation that isn't striving to become Dr.'s, Lawyers, Scientists, Astronauts, to cure Cancer or Ebola... but instead are striving to get the perfect "selfie" and to be "famous". To really make something of their lives, you know by making it into American Idol, Dancing With The Stars or the ultimate sign you have really made it in today's society, to get your own Reality TV show.

Makes me wish Kim Kardashian or someone would actually just break the internet once and for all. That it would be broken so I couldn't even write this blog. No Facebook, no Instagram, no Google. Maybe then people would stop trying to "capture" the perfect moment and start living their moments. Actually get their heads out of their devices and talk to each other again. Or shall I say "learn how" to talk to each other.

Has anyone besides me noticed that the more "connected" we become as a society the less we are communicating? It is happening everywhere you turn, from the workplace to shopping, even eating out. People seem more and more to have a difficult time making eye contact, and they appear to be so wrapped up in their own noggins that they are not even actively participating in what they are doing. Whether it's taking your order at Panera, the person ringing you up at the store, even at places you would think they would be paying attention, like your doctors office. I could sit here and relate over a dozen episodes from just the last two weeks that would make you wonder if someone from the invasion of the body snatchers hadn't kidnapped some peoples brains. Never in my lifetime have I seen people so disengaged in their present activity.

I'm guessing you have seen and experienced similar situations in your own life. Now I know "Change" is supposed to be good and sometimes it is.  Not all change though actually is good. Better, faster, sooner, NOW... The "Now Generation". We're moving so stinking fast that we don't even have time to experience the present moment. For crying out loud this year stores have even moved "Black Friday" up by rolling out the deals two weeks before Thanksgiving. Some stores are going to be open all day on Thanksgiving and I just heard that Kmart will be open for 48 hrs straight... What the heck in the world? How can anyone "Give Thanks" if we are focused on getting to the next deal?

Slow down. Speaking of slowing down, so I'm sitting on the couch Friday night with my husband minding my own business. It's about 6:30pm EST and were eating dinner. I look up to see a commercial for a new cable show. Before I even realize what it is for, smack dab on my TV is a threesome, you read right, a threesome. Two girls and a guy were sitting in a bathtub naked on my TV screen at 6:30pm on a Friday night. I almost dumped my dunkins on my lap. Now if you think your squeaky clean Greek Girl next door was shocked to see that image, just imagine what the little kids who were innocently watching TV at the time must have been thinking. Especially those who do not have solid loving parents to guide them.

Which leads me to a very important question. How is it that the FCC can fine someone for saying the "F" word on TV or the radio, but think it perfectly acceptable to advertise a "Me'nage a' Trois" on cable television at 6:30PM. For that matter why would a network put a show centered around a newly divorced woman with children and her sex life on TV? I mean really... who cares? The writers in Hollyweird really can not come up with anything more interesting to do a new show about? Bueller, hello calling Ferris Bueller.

Personally I would love to see people like Kim Kardashian using their "celebrity" status to sprinkle more positive into the world. Can you imagine if people like her used their finances and influence to set a positive example for kids growing up today? Just let your mind wander on that for a minute. I'm not saying everyone should dress like a church nun and retreat from the world going back into the 1950's.

Imagine how much impact could be made in peoples lives if celebrities actually paid attention to the fact that people are watching them, and they are influencing future generations whether they want to or not. We the people have a choice. Personally I'm  speaking as a Christian who is bothered by what I see in society today. This isn't just for Christians though, this question is to everyone. We have a choice. We can either retreat from the world and pop culture, or we can dig our heels in and decide we are going to impact it in a positive way. Whether that impact is something as simple as buying or not buying or watching things that don't fall in line with your values. Or using your gifts and talents to positively impact the world through business, art, music, and culture. Because if we don't do it, someone else will... Ask yourself honestly, do you like what you see?

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

Do You Want It

My mug has stayed the same for over 14 years from these products - Now you can have them too!

What in the heck in the world kind of a blog title is that Greek Girl? Well... if you read my last blog or have been following my blog then you would know exactly what I'm talking about. ;o) For those who are new sit back relax and read on. Healthy glowing skin, so do you want it?

For those sitting there thinking: Healthy glowing skin, you're a recording artist and actor why are you asking us about skincare?... Let me fill you in. Well first you could just go back and read my last blog "Get Glowing" . The simple answer is yes I am an Independent Recording Artist and an actor. I’m also a confessed skincare junkie and have tried every product the market has to offer. From drugstore brands, to pharmaceutical products, I’ve broken the code and found what really works. People joke and ask how I can be “Aging in reverse”. Often stopped in public by strangers, people ask about my “glowing skin”, some actually whip out a pen and paper to write down what I tell them. My secret, it’s just five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night combined with no nonsense high quality medical grade skincare that delivers results, not broken promises.

I have been busy working on recording my very first Christian Music Album for some time now. I am so excited, in fact I was just in the recording studio last weekend recording vocals on two songs. I'm thrilled to be able to share this new music with people! Not only because it allows me to do what I love more than anything else, sing... but also because it is about helping others. To be able to share my testimony with other people and hopefully help someone else along their journey, that's what it is all about.

I love helping people so when the opportunity came up to brand my own skincare line, even though I was in the middle of recording new music I had to jump! It may seem like a daunting task starting a new business, but I had to do it because for so long people have asked about what I use on my skin, and why I have a healthy glow all the time. I am passionate about health, wellness, and fitness. Why not share my secret and help others at the same time, "Get Glowing" is here to do just that.

Now because I don't have an Estee Lauder or Cindy Crawford budget (if you know what I mean) there will be no infomercials, or stores to visit (not yet anyhow). What there is, a simple online store where you can buy the same products I use on my own mug. The very same products I have been using for over ten years that cause random strangers to ask about that "glow".

How can you get it? Easy just visit www.skinorder.com then enter STORE #: 10959 this is very important, you will not be able to see my store until you enter the store number. (there will also be a link to the store on my main website soon) Once you have entered my store number you will be able to read all about the line and select products. For some this might seem overwhelming, but it's really quite simple. Both men and women should be doing a few easy steps every morning and evening. Yes my products are for both men and women, there are no perfume smells, or girly packaging. It's straight forward no nonsense medical grade, dermatologist developed products that provide remarkable visible results without irritation.

How you can get it!

"Get Glowing" offers a wide range of dermatologist-developed formulas:

Anti-Aging
Anti-Acne
Redness/Sensitivity
Rosacea
Sun Care

Choose individual products by concern or purchase a kit that comes with all the products for your individual needs. I am offering consults either in person for those nearby or via Skype to help select products. The line is board-certified dermatologist developed and been around for over twenty one years. Rest assured once you try these products you will be loving your skin! 

I know there are companies all over trying to get you try this or that. Network marketing lines touting "all natural" organic skincare, or department store lines, infomercials and on and on. The bottom line is this... First "organic" is great to put "in" your body, but it's not strong enough to erase years of lines from a face, it just isn't. Department store lines, most are owned by one of three large companies whose products are full of perfumes and fillers. Even if they do have one or two good ingredients they are not in high enough concentrations to do anything, those companies are spending money on celebrity endorsements and marketing on TV and magazines so you see it everywhere you turn, not on quality ingredients. Infomercials... well my grandma had a saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". If a person thinks they can get an entire regimen of skincare strong enough to give revolutionary results for $29.95 then a repeat recurring charge every sixty days, no offense but I might have a bridge to sell you.

The truth is you get what you pay for, that is true for everything. I'm Greek remember? (which is code for "must buy it on sale", and sale is Greek for "you must buy it now"). So I'm all about getting a good deal and getting the best value for your money. "Get Glowing" skincare is medical grade and it is affordable. The best part, no one is going to bother you to join something, start selling something or re-bill your credit card. You order it when you want it, period. No appointment necessary, you get the products without paying a doctor visit fee and hefty markup.

So what were those simple steps I mentioned above that everyone should be doing morning and night?

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Eye Cream (If you're a woman, eye make up remover first)
4. Serum
5. Moisturizer - One for AM and one for PM (Why two, because they do different things.)

So that's it! Six products in five steps, the secret to getting and keeping healthy glowing skin and I'm offering a "LAUNCH PROMO"!

10% OFF NOW to Nov. 8th with Coupon Code: 70E736AD65C7

GET IT: www.skinorder.com - Enter STORE #: 10959

So what are you waiting for? Try it for yourself and learn to love your skin again! Have a beautiful day!

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

Get Glowing

Yup you read it right... Greek Girl is going to be hocking her very own skin care wares.

As many of you know I have been hard at work in the salt mines writing new music. I am super excited about this project because it is my very first Christian Music album. Sharing these new songs is wonderful because I get to do what I love to do more than anything... sing. The most exciting part for me in this new project though is not so much the singing, but the story behind the songs.

To be able to share my testimony with other people and hopefully help someone else along their journey. All of us are here for a purpose, some of us find it and some of us go around our entire lives still trying to fill that hole in our hearts. The problem is it can only be filled with one thing... God. It can be hard because it is not always easy, and we don't always understand everything that happens to us in our daily lives. These songs are inspired not only by the dark times in my own life, but in the looking to and holding onto the one thing that can see us through anything... our faith. Sometimes in order to grow just like seeds we have to be planted in the dirt. We don't like the dirt, it is dark, it's cold and we feel alone. When the spring comes though we start to grow and then before you know it a beautiful flower is in full bloom. Kind of how we are in our walk with God at times throughout our lives.

So I've been busy working on these new songs, and facilitating the recording thereof working with several talented people. In the meantime an opportunity arose and it was something I just had to do. People have been bugging me to do it for years, so when opportunity knocked I opened the door.

So as you know I am an Independent Recording Artist and Actor. What you might not know is that I grew up the daughter of a cosmetologist, and was always around beauty products. As a teenager I learned the importance of proper skincare and it's effects on aging. The rest as they say is history.

I'm a confessed skincare junkie and have tried every product the market has to offer. From drugstore brands, to pharmaceutical products, I've broken the code and found what really works. People joke and ask how I can be "Aging in reverse". Often stopped in public by strangers, people ask about my "glowing skin", some actually whip out a pen and paper to write down what I tell them. My secret, it's just five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night combined with no nonsense high quality medical grade skincare that delivers results, not broken promises.

The opportunity arose to offer people the same revolutionary skincare I have been using on my own skin for the last fourteen years. Since healthy glowing skin is something I am passionate about, I decided to take the leap and "Get Glowing" was born.

Most people don't have access to products with this level of ingredients without a prescription or a hefty price tag directly from a dermatologist. "Get Glowing" will offer everyone access. I am proud to debut "Ava Aston's Get Glowing Skincare". No gimmicks, no gotcha's, just cutting edge skincare formulations for men and women of all skin types that deliver revolutionary results. So what are you waiting for? Try it for yourself and learn to love your skin again.

The techie minions are also working hard in the salt mines to get the store up on my website. In the coming days you will be able to order it, just visit my website www.avaaston.com for details. While you're there be sure to sign up for the mailing list to stay up to date on the product launch, as well as all music related Greek Girl happenings! In the meantime I hope you have a beautiful blessed day!

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

National Coffee Day

A little taste of my coffee brewing collection.

National Coffee Day... what exactly does that mean? Well for coffee addicts like me that means once a year we get to show up at coffee joints around the country and get a free cup of joe. Seriously though if you didn't know about it, yes there is such a thing as a "National Coffee Day", and yes some chains and local coffee houses are offering a free cup of coffee to celebrate.

Most people who read my blog if they know anything about me (besides the fact that I'm Greek) they know this one thing, I love love love love love coffee. This makes perfect sense of course because we Greek's perfected the art of coffee drinking, along with inventing  drama (acting), politics, and the windex. I laughed out loud when I visited Greece one time and on a tour of a park near the Acropolis the guide told our little group that Greek's invented drama and politics. I was thinking to myself "so that explains why I'm an actor (besides a recording artist) and highly opinionated about politics." 

The art of coffee drinking masterfully blended with drama can be wittnessed at any Greek Diner. I can almost guarantee you that somewhere in there is a table full of Greek's chatting away full of passionate talking and hand gestures. So I guess the genes carried on in Greek Girl because ever since I can remember I have loved coffee. I love the smell of it brewing, I love the taste of it, and the feel of a cup in my hands. No it doesn't help me to write better songs, or remember my lines, I just like it. What can I say? Everyone has something. Besides there have even been studies that suggest it is good for your bones/health so that's a thumbs up in my book.

Now I do have my favorites and it really depends on the day, time or situation as to what kind of coffee I'm in the mood for. My absolute favorite hot coffee ever is Dunkin Donuts. Second is McDonald's, yes they have very good coffee, and the best part is a large is only $1.08 - can't beat that!  My favorite iced coffee is Starbucks. At home I have all kinds of ways to enjoy a good cup of joe, I have a Keurig, where I can brew my Dunkins. There's also a regular drip coffee pot, a french press and one of my personal favorites my Nespresso Espresso Machine. If you've never had a Nespresso I highly suggest finding a store near you and going to get a sample cup. It brews the espresso at the optimun tempature so the taste is always perfect, and they are known for the creme on the top, it's just perfect! Nothing else to be said. Another little treat I got turned onto while visiting  Greece was Nescafe'. Yes I did just say that I like instant coffee. See in Greece it is very popular (so much so that they even sell these at McDonald's there), iced Nescafe'. It's Nescafe' in a large cup, milk, half and half, or both and sweeten to liking. Then you have a Yummoliscious iced cup of happiness!

No matter what your favorite cup of happiness is, today is the day to think about how something so simple can bring a little happiness and smile to your face. Stop by your favorite place to get one and think of all the other coffee lovers out there who love it just as much as you do. I know that participating Dunkin Donuts and McDonald's are offering a free cup, for any other places that are just check online. So raise your cup and happy sipping!

Here's to celebrating hot cups of happiness all day long!

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

The Fourth Verse

Throughout history God has blessed America. It's time for America to bless God.

Yesterday was the 200th Anniversary of the writing of our National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner". Many people these days don't give the lyrics a second thought. There are even some in the media who have totally misinterpreted the lyrics and feel that our National Anthem should be changed.

When I think about where our nation was 200 years ago, in the midst of a war, I am humbled by the words. Not many people remember or even know the true meaning behind the song. We are also in a war of sorts in our Nation today. There is a movement of people who want to take God out of everything and anywhere he might possibly be able to "offend" anyone. Yet they can not see that very act is causing so much chaos and confusion, thus weakening our Nation.

An event took place at churches all across the Nation last night called "Star Spangled Sunday" put on by the Family Research Council. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn the forgotten story about the Great Acts of Faith behind our National Anthem. Yes as much as some people want to wipe "Faith" from our founding and choose to misinterpret our founding documents, America was in fact founded on Christian principals. Our founders were deeply religious men who understood what happens when a Government can give you everything, it can also take away everything, including how you're allowed to worship. They were farmers, clergymen, ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things not in  their own strength, but with help from almighty God. They prayed and believed for divine intervention from the Lord which happened on many occasions. Stories of these miracles of course have been wiped from the history books. The Star Spangled Sunday event offered an eye opening look at the true story and meaning behind the lyrics to the beautiful song that is our National Anthem.

The event was a call to action to Christians across our nation to Stand Up for our religious freedom. A key point of the event was the Fourth Verse of the Anthem that isn't talked about much these days. Reading it knowing the true story of the situations that led the writing of the song, there is no doubt about the Faith of it's author or the meaning. Although not many in government today choose to utilize our Constitution, it is still incredibly unique and what has made America the beacon of hope for people across the globe for generations. People have risked life and limb including my own father to immigrate here. One little word though misinterpreted can make a big difference to people whose agenda it is to remove God and Christianity from society. They can use the misinterpretation as a weapon in a process of a very slow fade. Done over time to dumb down our society to the point where one day you look around and realize how far its gone and wonder how in heck the world did we ever get here. How did we ever let this happen to our nation? The founding documents say Freedom "Of" Religion. However the people who desire to remove Christianity from society twist it to say "From". Little word, big difference in it's meaning.

Our founders were not Muslims, they were Christians. Christians who fled a tyrannical government in England who risked everything to be free to worship God as Christians. They did not want to be forced to have a Government appointed church, Catholic or any other set denomination. Freedom "OF" means freedom to practice whatever denomination one chooses. Yes I know, many people choose to ignore God and want to be free to do whatever they want regardless of the consequences and so they twist a lot of things, including history. The problem is when we Christians turn the other cheek, remain silent and complacent, decades go by and all of a sudden we are living in a modern day war of sorts. Not that much different from the war of 1812 when Francis Scott Key wrote that beautiful song.

We are on the front lines of a war on Christianity. Government and organizations like the ACLU bend over backwards to make sure we do not offend homosexuals and Muslims. While at the same time will not lift a finger to respect the rights of Christians. In fact going out of their way to marginalize and prohibit Christians from exercising their Faith. So far as to even prohibit our Military men and women from sharing their Faith. Really? Think about that for a minute... America is where it is today because of the brave men and women who have stood in harms way in engagement after engagement throughout history; who have relied upon their Faith in God to deliver them. So here we are, government is standing for the rights of everyone except Christians. The question is what will "we" do?

As I watched the event last night so inspired by the passionate speakers, time after time chills ran down my spine as one after another they quoted lines from a song I wrote about this very issue. Ironically I wrote my song right around September 12th, 2009. The day after the very first March on DC, where Americans gathered to Stand Up and send a message to Barack Obama and his minions that "We The People" were not happy with his hope and change. During the War of 1812 the key miracles and God intervention leading to the writing of the song took place September 11th through the 14th.

As the daughter of a man who came to America with $20 in his pocket to live the American dream, I grew up with a reverence and appreciation for the incredible opportunity that is available here in America. Opportunity that does not exist anywhere else on the face of the earth. When I saw hope and change a la Barack Obama my heart was saddened. Sad that millions of people were hypnotized into a state by the media and entertainment figures and blindly led into letting others do their thinking for them. Allowing the government to speak for them and ultimately to speak for the rest of us. By instituting things like government run health care, and so many other actions that are diametrically opposed to the entire concept of our founding principals.

The question is what will we do... the following are some of the lyrics to my song:

"What's going on, I look around, and I don't recognize this place anymore. Foundations crumbling down, when only lies abound. We can not afford to sit back and ignore. 

"Time to Stand Up, Time to Speak Out, We've got to Fight to get it back... This Country's Our's and We're Taking it Back, We The People."

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jut7s68pnpg[/embed]

(Click to read entire lyrics here)

I wrote that song on a cocktail napkin while working my pay the bill job as a bartender at a catering event during Fashion Week in NYC. An environment full of ultra left leaning liberals who were all under the spell of Obama praising the hope and change. After five years have passed it is frightening to see how more eerily true the words become by the day.

The Star Spangled Sunday event was a call to action to Christian Americans to stand up and fight. How do we fight? No we're not all ultra wealthy, or media figures, or talking heads. What we are though is Christians. All of us, the moms, the dads, the firemen, the Pastors, the nurses, the military, ordinary people who do the things that make our country work, we must all stand united. We must start to pay attention like never before. We must support the things throughout pop culture that represent our values especially in film, and music. Because if we don't the mainstream media will continue to produce and promote entertainment that is denigrating our society. Then we must vote our values. The Family Research Council is on the cutting edge of a movement to ensure we have the tools to do just that. They announced two new initiatives to help Christians vote our values. To make an impact to stop this slow fade and fundamental transformation of America. Visit 123vote.com and ipledgesunday2014.com to get involved and learn how you can make a difference!

Remember, if we do not speak up someone else will speak for us. As we have already seen over the last five years, we will not like what they have to say.