Quote

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

Quote

I love Zora Neale Hurston, and the other day I stumbled across this quote on instagram. This is so powerful…How many of us are silent about painful situations? In my current life I am an open book, at times maybe to open, but I know the silent pretend everything is okay is not good. It’s like the ah ha moment when you here something about someone that is totally unexpected, and the response is “wow, I wish I would have known, maybe I could of helped” this is what I am talking about.

We all know that person who is always smiling, but you sense the smile has no depth, the one who you have a conversation with and you still don’t know anything about them, or the one you have know for 20 plus years who you are no closer with than you are to your local grocery store checker. Some of these peeps are suffering from this pain, that is masquerading in designer clothes, and other trappings that represent a superficial “happiness”.

Personally I’m dealing with the pain of working with my son and this college process. We all want the best for our children, but I know they have to want it as well, I can’t as a mother want it more than he does. I can’t go back and say why did you not do better, all I can do is help him and hope in the future he makes better choices. Now it would be easy to “pretend” that I have this model student…who would know or question?

Keeping pain silent will take a toll on your soul…Let it go. I know it is not easy, especially if the pain has been around for a long time, but trust me your soul will thank you. Personally I’m dealing with the pain of working with my son and this college process. We all want the best for our children, but I know they have to want it as well, I can’t as a mother want it more than he does. I can’t go back and say why did you not do better, all I can do is help him and hope in the future he makes better choices.

Xoxo,

Gigi

ON Bodies and Other Things

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Gigi in Beauty, Well-Being Comments Off

Breaking the 55 speed limit, has its bumps in the road- not that I’m obsessed with my body, but yes I do want to be fit and healthy and if a side benefit is a toned physique I’ll take that. So I’m on top of my workout game, which is keeping me sore on most days. Working out in a high intensity class where you are the eldest in the room will take a toll on you, but I’m doing it. I just want to keep the middle age spread at a distance, I don’t want to come face to face with it, at least not at this point, I still like body conscious clothes and want to rock them for a bit more.

So as I’m limping around this weekend, I came across this photography project called 4th trimester bodies, which is a collection of images of women and their small babies showcasing their bodies. The images are so real and raw, these mothers and their post birth soft bodies are beautiful. I started thinking about the standard of “body beauty” that women are judged by and who sets that. Like why am working my butt off to have flat abs, some sort of waist and a tight ass…all of which may be mission impossible anyway.

In my own business, I photograph a lot of women and most no matter what size or age they are will immediately zoom in on their bodies and ask if something can be tweaked with a little photoshop. I remember when I was younger, a lot younger in my 20’s I thought I was the “bomb”, now I get 20 something year-old gorgeous girls that want images photoshopped, but I guess we are living in a world where celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, and Bey are photoshopping instagram pics, so everyone has a warped sense of reality.

Then there are the diets, the juice cleanse, paleo diet, atkins, master cleanse, gluten free, HCG 500 calorie and countless others, all of which work if you follow them, it is when you go back to eating “normal” that all the weight returns sometimes even more than what you started with and now a jacked metabolism where you look at a cookie and gain weight. I personally love good food to much, which is my problem, and could never stick with any plan long term, especially the low calorie ones, where the weight comes off so fast and the consequence is a sunken in face, not good for my age demographic. So the trade off fat butt and full face or skinny butt and sunken face…I chose the first one.

So friends as difficult as it is, lets work toward acceptance and stop the self loathing–cause at the end of the day there is always going to be some one thinner, younger, tighter body etc. just be the best version of you. So I will work on loving my golden age body, and the bumps and lumps that I have earned over the half century it has been on the planet. I’ll do my workouts for my overall well being, BTW nothing feels better than a good sweaty workout- and I’ll take any cosmetic gains as well.

Happy Monday

Xoxo Gigi

Gigi @ 55

Gigi’s Meanderings around the Web #15

Busy

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Gigi in Thoughts 2 Comments

Busy is a choice . Tired and exhausted, usually is not a choice. Yes, this past week has been crazy, starting Saturday I had a senior shoot in downtown LA in bazillion degree weather. We went to the Bradbury building where we were quickly interrogated about our cameras and asked was this a commercial shoot, so hence no pics were taken at this location with our client, of course permits are $500 which was not in the budget, so we popped over to tired and true Disney Hall.

Disney Hall senior shoot

Bradbury building

Sunday, the 5 hour turn around trip to my son’s school in Santa Barbara, the drive is long but in less than a year, he will be away at college somewhere and the visits will not be as frequent, so I am cherishing these senior year moments and there is a nice outlet on the way and Erewhon market, one of my favorite places to stop for a treat.

Kabucha @ Erewhon

Monday, week 2 of my new “work out” routine, an hour of yoga followed by a crazy boot camp-ish type class called ETC, one in which I am sure I am the oldest person participating and yes it is kicking my BUTT. They put motivational messages up on the wall to keep us encouraged, but by the time I am done I feel so good so it is worth all the pain and suffering. I got a pair of these yoga/barre shoes and I love them…they are on sale here, some how getting dressed in new workout gear makes it a little easier. Am I the only one that feels this way?

my new barre/yoga shoes

Monday night my film class started at UCLA. I have always been intrigued by motion, so when I saw this class, DSLR Video and Motion I had to sign up, so of course I will be showcasing my work here very soon. My teacher Van Ditthavong has done some interesting projects, including making a short film for nokia using a Lumia phone.

Tuesday, a shoot with 3 lovelies. We were doing portfolio shots for a MUA friend, the models were interesting and fun to work with.

natural beauty

fun shoot

MUA doing her work

fellow yogini

cow girl

Wednesday, Back to the “kick ass” class and then dinner in LA with a BFF who I have not seen since June. We met at one of my favorite restaurants Gracias Madre, they have the best vegan mexican food. My BFF surprised me with an Alexis Bittar bracelet…I love them and I am acquiring a nice collection thanks to my generous girlfriends, love arm candy.

Alexis Bittar arm candy

Thursday, another 5 hour turn around trip to Santa Barbara. I met with my son’s college counselor to work on fine tuning his college list, stressful to say the least. Afterwards we with to Montecito, stopped at an orchid farm, there are so many out there and then to Trattoria Mollie for dinner, where my son was able to practice his Italian with the staff.

Reggie and the orchids

In addition to all the above, I still had husband stuff, family stuff, house stuff, edit stuff, club stuff and “Me” stuff.

I’m not sure if I like being this “busy”, that feeling of not enough hours in the day. I yearn for the idleness of no deadlines, no appointments, and nowhere to be except where I want to be…

This weekend I have a beach family shoot, which I am looking forward to, and another 5 hour turn around trip for my son.

Happy Friday, have a wonderful weekend.

Xoxo,

Gigi

BTW here are a few links I meant to share earlier in the week.

I want to do a personal photography project, so I am always looking for inspiration. This is a project on the underground railroad, that a photographer captured.

Interesting article on social media, I’m guilty of this.

Are cornrows mainstream now? Read this.

And lastly…the older I get the more I think I could do something like this.

The Trip to Bountiful

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Gigi in entertainment Comments Off

Trip to Bountiful

First and foremost Cicely Tyson is fabulous! I’m not sure of her age, the NY Times peg her as 88 and some other sources state that she is 80, all I know is that she carries the production for the entire 2 hours whatever her age is. Cicely Tyson sings, dances, and her silent expressions are priceless. Her Tony award winning performance is flawless. Pulitzer Prize winner, Horton Foote’s american masterpiece The Trip to Bountiful, is still a timely piece, the message of home and family and what is really important never goes out of style.

The Trip to Bountiful takes place in 1950’s Texas, Mother Watts (Cicely Tyson) living in a small apartment with her bossy daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Vanessa Williams) and son Ludie (Blair Underwood), Mother Watts is determined to go back to Bountiful, her hometown. Ludie is constantly balancing his mother and wife trying to keep peace. Jessie Mae is the nagging daughter-n-law who is frustrated with Mother Watts and is not afraid to express how annoyed she is with her.

Mother Watts, runs away with her pension check in hand to return to Bountiful. Her journey is delightful and nothing and everything happens on her bus ride to Bountiful.

trip to bountiful

We got very good tickets at the last minute, I was surprised at the amount of empty seats for a world class production like this, even on a Wednesday evening.

Trip to Bountiful at the Ahmanson Theater September 17 – November 2

Go see this one- don’t miss out-

Happy Friday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Zucchini Pasta & Marinara Sauce

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Gigi in Recipes 2 Comments

Zucchini pasta & marinara sauce

On warm days it’s nice to have a salad for dinner, especially when I am on “program” and working on dropping a few pounds. We have been having a nonstop heat wave here in Cali. This is one of my favorite dishes to make- I love pasta but pasta does not love me, so these zucchini noodles are a nice alternative. The recipe is so easy and can be varied to your taste, it is the sort of recipe that lends itself to eyeballing and adjusting your seasoning to your palate.

Equipment needed:

vitamix or high speed blender

spiralizer

spiralizer

Ingredients:

2 or 3 zucchini

2 cups of sun-dried tomatoes, soaked for 2 hours- I soak mine overnight

2 or 3 small heirloom tomatoes- diced

1/4-1/2 cup of chopped red onion

3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

1-2 small garlic cloves chopped

1/4-1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

fresh herbs- basil (I like a lot of basil), oregano, thyme

1-2 tablespoons of agave if needed- I find it depends on the sweetness of my tomatoes

1-2 teaspoons of sea salt

red pepper flakes or a fresh pepper

1. spiralize zucchini and set aside

2. drain all the water and squeeze excess out of sun-dried tomatoes, mix all ingredients in vitamix until smooth, sauce should be thick-taste and adjust flavoring to your liking-

3. arrange noodles on plate and top with sauce and serve!

heirloom tomatoes

sun-dried tomatoes

chili olive oil adds a nice kick

so easy-love this gadgit

“pasta”

Enjoy!

Happy Thursday,

XOXO,

Gigi

What are you willing to give up?

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Gigi in Inspiration 1 Comment

I’m always reading something, online, magazines, a book or the newspaper-I’m old school I still get it delivered daily, I keep my notebook handy and if I come across something interesting I will jot it down, so the other day I came across this quote:

“People who look like they have everything they want are actually the people who are most clear on what they are willing to give up.”

I thought about it for a moment as it relates to my own life and it was so clear. Basically it goes back to being happy with what you have at any given moment, instead of what you don’t have… We live in a suburb outside of LA proper in a little sleepy town, I’m very happy here, although sometimes I hear “hmmmmm I don’t know how you live out there…it is so far” or “I could never do all the driving you all do” Living where we live, was a choice we made, and we are okay with not living in LA proper, or in my case I gave up living at the beach prior to getting married.

Beach House

Do I wish I had a hermes birkin bag? No, I’m happy with my pretty bags that I have accumulated from various sales here and there. Do I have hair envy when I see someone with long straight shiny hair blowing? Hmmmm no, I gave that up when I decided to wear my hair in its natural state. The list goes on and on.

Hermes Birkin

The key is figuring out what you can comfortably give up and still be happy. I love traveling, but being self employed there is only so much time my husband and I can take off, without our businesses suffering, so the romantic notion of living abroad for a month or so, is not in our future, but I can go and see a lot on a 4 day trip. I remember after 9/11 we scored some tickets to London for $200 RT, we left on a Wednesday and returned on a Sunday, spent 3 days there and had a blast.

Life is to short to always look for the negative, or to feel as though the entire world is out to get you. Remember there is always going to be someone who is younger than you , richer than you, skinnier than you etc. but once you exhale and give in to your authentic self, everything else will fall into place. We really are in control, and sometimes when you give up certain things other opportunities will come your way. It may be little things like waking up earlier to exercise to get the fit body your want, or taking an online class to pick up a new skill or maybe fine tuning your “friend” circle to those who really are there for you and you both mutually enhance each others lives.

So what are you willing to give up? I’m curious, we all are so different and what is important to me may not be important to you. Please share…

Happy Wednesday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn. – Gore Vidal

Gigi’s Meanderings around the Web # 16

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Gigi in Web Comments Off

Always wanted to go here, and today I did…had a really good juice.

Central Market

I see why makeup “you tubes” can be addicting…came upon this one, love the look.

Yes. I am condensing stuff, and not shopping as often, appreciating what I have, but I would like pair of these.

Speaking of shopping I love love love a good deal, so of course I was thrilled to score these boots at the Last Call at 70% off, especially since they are in the store at full price.

Being a girl who has always a lot of junk in the trunk, I’m always intrigued with the attention the media spends on “butts” check out this piece on “posteriors”.

Love this look for a Cali fall day.

Cali day look

Saw Choir Boy, by Tarrell McCraney it is a must see. Read about it here.

Equilizer- definitely a “boy” movie, but it was Denzel Washington.

This time I will keep up with my workouts…starting back is so so hard, but if you are wearing a pair of these I’m sure the workout will seem easier.

Love my garden…still have collards, peppers, tomatoes, herbs and squash that is taking over everything.

collards -gigi’s garden

Happy Tuesday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

NATURAL WOMAN

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Gigi in Aging, Beauty 6 Comments

I’ve always loved make-up and glamour, as far back as I can remember, always trying to paint my face. My mom never painted her nails or wore much make-up and has never colored her hair, not sure where I got the glam gene from.

Gigi & Mom

Beauty is so personal and subjective, wearing makeup, is not an attempt to hold on to my youth, but it is something that makes me feel good, I like looking at my painted nails and batting my mascara-ed lashes. Of course I have days where I go out and about “bare-faced”, but that is not the norm. I genuinely like the process of putting on make up, shopping for it and experimenting with new looks and techniques, I’m the customer who will gladly try the new whatever.

True

There are some who feel women should be “natural” ie. no make-up, weave free, let hair grow wherever, let the lines and wrinkles reveal the life of the face, no nail polish, no surgical alterations, no filling, botoxing, or lash extending. There is even a movement in photography going toward non-photoshopped, no make-up images of women. While I don’t like overly photoshopped images ie. faces flattened all the character erased away, I love seeing clients transformed and their natural beauty enhanced.

makeup-no makeup

If a long weave makes you feel fabulous, rock on- same as if sporting a TWA, whatever makes you happy and feel good about yourself. Your beauty choices should reflect you and those that may be critical- oh well.

Rossano Ferretti 310 598-6780

A few days ago, I got my hair colored, I love highlights and have been sporting them for the past 10 or so years. Lisa Oliver, at Rossano Ferretti (345 N Canon Drive Beverly Hills 310 598-6780) has been highlighting my hair for a long time, at least ten years. My grays are starting to become a little more aggressive, but I can still get away with coloring my hair once every 8 months, one benefit of the way I wear my hair it is very “gray” friendly and forgiving.

hair color

Nov 18 1996 Gigi with dark tresses

fresh highlights

Perhaps one day, I will explore my grays in the future, but right now I’m digging this. My grandmother had dark tresses until she departed this earth in her early 90’s, so I will see what feels right for me when the time comes.

What are your thoughts on makeup? Hair color? Do you feel women are bombarded by images in the media, and are pressured to try and achieve a certain level of beauty as a result? For the grown and sexy, as you mature do you feel “glam-ing up is not as important? I’m curious…on what your thoughts are…

Happy Monday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Always look for the Rainbow

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being 3 Comments

quote

It has been an emotionally charged week. My mom’s surgery was a success. Remember to LIVE each day and always look for the good, and don’t focus on the negative. As difficult as it is dealing with my family members and the challenges with these horrific diseases it has brought us closer together as a family.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I will be back to normal next week with my posts.

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

Xoxo,

Gigi

What does real strength look like?

SUPERFOODS

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

When your family is in a serious battle with this gangsta that goes by the name of “cancer”, your radar is up- reading, listening, talking, and becoming informed. So the other day I received this mailer from City of Hope that had some good info about the science of superfoods. We all know about them, but it is always good to see modern medicine making the connection as well.

I really believe that diet is so so important, and we have to take control of what goes in our bodies. Preventive care or if you are currently dealing with a health issue, it does not matter just make good choices and be in control of your diet. Eat as clean as possible, focus on foods in their natural form, ie. organic and fresh…say no to pre-made processed food – its crazy.

With my family history, ie. mom-cancer dad-cancer 3 siblings out of 5 cancer- so the odds are not in my favor- I HAVE TO DO all that I can and hope for the best-

So the latest via City of Hope:

English: A pack of blueberries from a organic farm co-op program. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BLUEBERRIES

Fight triple-negative breast cancer, city of hope labs discovered the blueberry extract has been found to inhibit the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer- and one that is common in african-american women. I love adding blueberries to smoothies or just snacking on them.

English: Close-up of Pomegranates on a table. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

POMEGRANATES

Researchers have identified six natural compounds in pomegranates that may prevent breast cancer growth. I planted a pomegranate tree a few years ago, I love them, it is so easy to add a hand full to a salad.

English: Cinnamon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CINNAMON

Scientists found that cinnamon extract interferes with a tumor’s growth by blocking its ability to form blood vessels. I use “pumpkin pie spice” in my smoothies and even in my tea, an old friend taught me that trick many years ago, I even sprinkle it on apples- so good.

button mushrooms

MUSHROOMS

Fight breast cancer and prostate cancer. City of Hope scientists were among the first to discover that white button mushrooms can help block hormones that cause breast cancer to grow and spread. They are also studying these same hormone-blocking effects for prostate cancer. Another easy thing to add to salads or quickly stir fry with other veggies.

Gigi & Mom

Today I am with my mom for a second surgery. We are claiming that all of this will be over soon and looking forward to what the future has for all of us.

Xoxo,

Gigi

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