ASK THE BARONESS

 

“I’m Every Woman” should be Baroness Monica von Neumann’s theme song.  She is a model, wife, businesswoman, tastemaker, interior decorator, and high-powered philanthropist.  She oversees a multi-faceted estate and international business operation but continues her fundraising efforts for the likes of Cedar Sinai’s preeminent neurosurgeon, Dr. Keith Black’s work and Inner City Arts through an involvement with the Pacific Design Center as a guest designer.  She took some time our of her glam schedule to impart tips on being a diva.

 

With so much on your plate, what’s your favorite time-saver?

Internet shopping! Always use the web to stock regular items and household staples.  The Internet is also the best place to find those unique, hard to find items without running all over town, wasting gas and time.  Another trick to finding cool but obscure products is to use the country extension when doing your research like .fr, .gr, etc.  However, do take time to squeeze the melons in the produce section.  Everything else is fair game. 

 

How does the Baroness relax? What can we all do just to slow down?

Try a “staycation.” Even a jetsetter wants to stay put sometimes.  Be your own “concierge” and set an amazing weekend itinerary for you and your family.  Start by shopping on Thursdays – get all your food from the gourmet deli, pick up new DVDs and lay out all the loungewear for the couple of days.  No street clothes allowed! Add the luxe, spa details or amenities that any fine hotel would have – fresh flowers, aromatherapy candles, brand new fluffy white towels, high-thread count sheets, and champagne.  Over the weekend, get some sun, take a bubble bath, read the latest French Vogue and London newspaper, and by all means, don’t answer the phone (unless your children are staying elsewhere)!

 

We all get tired of footing the bill.  When do we just say no and not pay?

Believe it or not this happens to me a lot!  This may sound harsh but my advice is to embarrass the person with whom this situation has become chronic. Be jovial but put them on the spot.  It may challenge your friendship but they will likely not recreate the situation and the relationship should grow as a result. If you invite a guest to dinner, the proper etiquette is for you to pay.  If they invite you, they pay.  If your friend tries to invite others, then offer to reschedule your date for another time – don’t commit to a dinner party!  Many of us are too quick to take care of a dinner check but take pause.

 

For more tips, visit www.baronessmonicavonneumann.com or watch for her recurring “Luxaholics” segment on Extra TV.

 

 

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York

Close to 200 designers unveiled their newest collection for Spring 2009 at the semi-annual Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in the Big Apple.  Photographer Chervine Dalaeli captured some exclusive highlights for IndulgeMagazine.