The “Men- All- Pause”

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Gigi in Aging, menopause, Well-Being 4 Comments

Odds are if you are old enough to remember this song, you are experiencing or have experienced “men-all-pause”. I have been pretty fortunate, my symptoms have been pretty minor. Never ever had a hot flash or a night sweat as of yet, but I have had my moments of unexplainable rage against those that I love and random strangers. My boobs have gotten bigger, and not just from being a little heavier, in my 20’s I struggled to fill an “A” cup, post babies I grew into a 34 B and as of last month, at my bra fitting by a bra fitting specialist no less I am a solid 32D!

my fav bra natori feather bra

My grays are getting a little more aggressive, but I don’t think I can blame that on “men-all-pause”, and wearing my hair “au natural” those grays are buried in a hay stack. My hair is thinner, but considering how thick it was growing up this is a good thing.

Gigi big hair

Now the face. Let’s just say I pay a lot more attention to lotions, potions and all the magical creams I read about. I stop and read the ads about botox, fillers and have even cruised the websites. Right now I still like what I see for the most part, the “character” of me, the “grown and sexy” version. I can wake up and tell by looking in the mirror if I had that extra glass of wine or if I did not have my 64 oz minimum of water the day before.

hydrate always

love this stuff

Now for the body…I’m in a state of emergency. Me and my “butt” are at war! What used to work is not doing nada…The old me always had a little waist, but the “men-all-pause” is trying to snatch it away. The thighs are trying to catch up with the waist, trust me -not good and it is to hot to succumb to the dreaded power underwear ie. spanx, although I do have my stash for those “red carpet” moments. Yes, for the most part I practice a vegan diet, but the nuts, and other delicacies can do their damage too, a calorie is a calorie I’m just saynin’. So I have bumped up the workouts, I’m trying to shock this 54 year-old body, that is about to break the speed limit in a minute into submission. I am doing everything from the “rockin model workout”, “beach body ready”, “stacked”, “tread and shread”, “whipped” pilates, yoga, zumba, swimming, biking, you name it, I’m doing it, cause I ain’t going out like that!

it’s pricy but I love my gym

I’m at peace knowing and accepting that my pre-kidlet 22 year old body is a relic of the past, and I have no desire to be a size “0” or XS, however I do want to be fit and be the best that I can be, and I know I have to get out of my comfort zone and work a lot harder. I can’t worry about if I am the oldest person in the “rockin model” class, or if I can’t rock a bra top and a pair of lulu bootie shorts… I know the benefits of being active are so great and important for this next phase of life. No, it is not easy, my knees and joints don’t recover as fast, for the last couple of weeks I have been in a constant state of feeling as though I am recovering from a car wreck. My advice to the young-nins if you don’t have a good workout routine start and make it part of your lifestyle, if you are a little more mature like me, find something you like and be consistent and if you are already doing it–don’t ever stop, oh and by the way if whatever you are doing is easy, trust me it probably isn’t working.

Now please excuse me and my butt we have a workout to get to…

Happy Tuesday XOXO GIGI

It’s Been a While…

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Gigi in Quotes 11 Comments

Quote

I came across this Maya Angelou quote and thought long and hard about what it meant to me and my life. Yes. Let the truth be told , I was being “reduced” by things that were happening to me. For one I had abandoned my blog, which I love and miss dearly. I had let a host of interferences take over, succumbing to various interruptions. So this evening after everything was quiet, I picked up my pen again.

I’m at an age where all of a sudden I am surrounded by devastating diseases attacking loved ones, numerous deaths, sprinkled with untimely divorces, complicated family dynamics, and a 17 year-old son navigating the college search, all of which were chipping away at me little by little. I stopped and exhaled and decided to take control and reclaim myself and the bits of me that were disappearing, like my blog.

One thing I learned during my hiatus is that life is precious and each day should be cherished. Take care of your physical, mental and spiritual self and surround yourself with those who love and support you. Learn to say “no” to sh– you really don’t want to do. Make time for self, nourish and exercise your body daily, this is how I maintain my sanity.

So let me update you to a little of what I have been doing.

What I’m reading: AMERICANAH by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie-loving it!

Americanah

What I’m excited about: Lupita on the cover of Vogue

Lupita

What I’m watching: my guilty pleasure

orange is the new black

Latest Movie: Chef–Loved it!

What I want to see: Yves Saint Laurent – yes I’m a closet fashionista

Last thing I bought: Lanvin high tops for Amani – of course a steal at the outlet

Lanvin High Top

What I’m enjoying: My first veggie garden- I planted tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, arugula, collards, basil and melons.

my garden

What I’m listening to: Janelle Monae

And my new love Sam Smith

My Work PS Couture:

PS Couture

We have photographed over 50 women this year! I will be posting some of my shoots here very soon.

And lastly I’m happy to be back…

Gigi

XOXO, GIGI

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

love this

I love Valentine’s Day. I’m a true romantic. I love all things pink and red, sparkly & glittery, lacy and black, sweet and chocolaty, roses and orchids, perfumes and creams and of course sexy stilettos. After 24 years of marriage it would be easy to treat Valentine’s Day like any other day. We always surprise each other with something or a destination…I have a little something planned and I am looking forward to celebrating with the one I love.

Gigi & Reggie

Here are a few tips on keeping that Valentine feeling year round–

1. Never ever stop dating.

2. Smile upon greeting one another.

3. Be willing to forgive.

4. Continue to “love” like you did in the beginning…

5. Sacrifice for each other.

6.Be real and authentic

7. Compromise.

8. spend quiet time together.

9. Be a cheerleader for each other…

10. Honesty and consideration.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day…If you are solo do something special for yourself.

XOXO.

Gigi

Time Goes By…

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Gigi in Thoughts Comments Off

My life is full, but I feel as though it is zooming by at the speed of light. Most days there are not enough hours to do everything, always something hanging over my head. There are those never ending projects like going through all my pictures from the pre-digital era or deleting 1,000’s of emails and of course we can’t forget the dreaded garage.

I sometimes think about how I am starting a new career at an age when most of my contemporaries are retiring. No, I won’t get rich from what I am doing, but my work nourishes me, is always challenging and there is never a dull moment.

work

photographer Gigi

It has been a journey discovering my real self. At 54, I know my limitations, the past year I have had many reminders of the importance of living life to the fullest…enjoying every moment. I take time to laugh out loud and find simple pleasures that put a smile on my face. Sometimes I wear my “after 5” duds during the day, just because and wear non-sensible shoes more often than I should.

I find that balance is the key, knowing that on any given day I do all I can without sacraficing “me” , knowing when to take a break and start fresh again . Accepting that it is OK if I don’t make that deadline and “work in progress” is good.

Where are you in your life journey? Do you ascribe to markers of where you should be in life? How do you balance? I’d love to know your secrets.

XOXO,

GIGI

Quote

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

Quote

Quote

Love this quote…no matter what is going on, I always think about, something good is going to come.

Happy Wednesday.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Your Story…

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Gigi in Thoughts 2 Comments

rug pulled out from under you…

Sometimes you can feel as though a rug has been pulled out from under you, and life as you know it is totally different. It could be a relationship, financial, physical or a mental change and your world can suddenly seem upside down. At these times you will challenge your belief system and question the “why”. The older I get I am finding myself a witness to these stark changes that come like a stealth bomber in the night, catching everyone off guard, only to be awaken to mass destruction and the thought of where and how to start over.

stealth bomber

It does not have to be a negative change, the positive ones can wreck havoc as well. a career change, new relationship, relocating, a birth or something as simple as losing weight or changing a hairstyle.

Gigi @ big “50” “straight is for parties…

Week old hair from a WnG

I always have a loosely structured plan, one that can easily be adapted with a moments notice. Case and point when I did my photography program I envisioned myself being this extraordinary “family” photographer. I enjoyed that, but then on a whim I took this course from a woman photographer that specializes in women portraiture, and it was life changing. I realized that I love photographing women, I never get tired of coming up with ways to capture that light within and taking beautiful images that make my clients smile. I love nothing more than having a session with a client who shared that they cannot remember the last time they had a portrait taken.

Sign

I am fortunate to be setting my goals based on my dreams. Goals that are flexible enough that I know it is okay to vary the direction, if need be to make an occasional sharp turn or a detour to see something that may have been missed if I stayed on the main road. Life would not be nearly as interesting if it did not have some false starts, different beginnings, a few scandals, different characters, plots, part 2’s etc..

We all have our story, all of it may not be a page turner, but it is uniquely ours. Who wants the predictable story? Think about your life, your story and be true to yourself and your beliefs.

Dream Big!

Xoxo,

Gigi

photographer Gigi

What Happened To Me?

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Gigi in Thoughts 8 Comments

It has been longer than I care to recall. So much going on, my life has been absolutely crazy! First I injured my left hip flexor on Saturday, January 11th, the same day we received the horrific news that our nephew had been in a fatal car accident. I’m convinced that the emotional impact of the news, combined with something I did while photographing the ladies at my Fresh & Fabulous 2014 event and my “advanced age” all contributed to an immobilizing injury. I was in so much pain I could barely walk and could only wear flip flops or slippers. I was already having nightmares envisioning my shoe collection on ebay and accepting that from here on out I would be regulated to wearing sensible shoes like Easy Spirit or Aerosoles instead of Loubies or Jimmy Choos. My girlfriends were already planning to get me a bling-ed walker heheheh

Zapatos

I was visiting my acupuncturist, Dr Daoshing a few times a week, making turmeric shots, drinking green juice, rubbing all sorts of smelly ointments and icing until my hip was numb. I was determined to heal myself, you see I have this fear of MD’s- I know my husband is one, but I have always been scared of doctors. It stems from a few bad experiences when I was a child, that I have never gotten over yet. The good news is that I’m back, walking and wearing my “medium” heels.

Acupuncture

Next my sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, I cannot begin to share the emotional toll that disease has on a family. The good news is that my sister has an excellent prognosis, and she is dealing with the chemo and the side effects like a true gladiator. I realize that life as you know it can change with the snap of a finger, there is no rhyme or reason most of the time–mess just happens. I always like to find a positive in every situation, and for my family it has brought us closer together, instead of being busy all the time doing whatever, we now make time for each other.

Breasts

breast cancer

And lastly PS Couture, kicked off our Fresh & Fabulous 2014 event. We hosted 20 gorgeous ladies this past month, in small groups transforming them and creating images of “how they dreamed of being photographed”. It was a blast and non-stop fun which also meant non-stop editing. Stay tuned I will be featuring some of the ladies here, these women are not only beautiful but they all have incredible stories–so inspiring.

PS Couture beauty posse

This past weekend my family had a memorial service for our nephew. He will truly be missed. A veil of sadness was heavy, family and friends traveled near and far to support the family at this difficult time. It rained the entire weekend mirroring our tears. 24 is way to early to depart, no parent should have to experience this, but unfortunately I’m finding out it happens more frequent than I realized, everyone seems to have a story of sudden loss.

Andrew Sampson September 17, 1989 – January 11, 2014

Reggie spoke at the services here are a few of the highlights.

So my friends, love your family and friends, have a forgiving open accepting heart, and cherish those special ones in your life.

XOXO,

Gigi

What Could You Give Up?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

If given a choice what could you give up? Your hair? Breasts? Complexion? Lashes” Brows? Figure? Self confidence? Faith? Integrity? All of the above?

Breasts

Hair

lashes & brows

figure

I asked myself that question yesterday. Most of us love our “physical self” we abide by the mantra “love yourself”, but what happens when the “self” is confronted with change? How do you continue to love as opposed to hating “self”? The body that betrayed you, and now is becoming a fragment of your previous self.

Tears Streaming

-nausea most likely

-day 14 – 17 hair gone

– white count down

-can’t have intercourse at this time

-metallic taste

-numb feeling

-once every 3 weeks

-everyday for 6 weeks

-the pill for 10 years

-no more babies

-early menopause

-don’t get pneumonia

-ANY QUESTIONS

Change is frightening. There is a lot I don’t know about, but what I do know is how to live. I do know how to shut down the petty bull shit and keep moving. I do know how to let stuff out and be vulnerable. I do know how to forgive and admit mistakes.

I embrace 100% of me, and it is the inner most parts that I would not want to give up. The exterior “pretty” parts are not ours to keep, they are fading each decade regardless of what you do to desperatly hold on to them…it is part of the life cycle. Those inner parts however, your soul and heart are what enables you to confront adversity and find strength to deal with whatever blocks your path, if you give up your soul, and faith you are jacked. The external markings can be replaced, bought, rejuvenated, but the soul-less person is lost-

So my friends happy Friday..

“Stay calm and carry on”!

Xoxo,

Gigi

2014 Another Year to Welcome

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Gigi in My Life, Quotes, Thoughts, Well-Being Comments Off

Quote

I came across this quote and thought about how everyday could be the “beginning of anything you want”. Most of us end the year reflecting about the previous 12 months and then start the new year off with a host of resolutions, you know the usual suspects, exercise program, lose weight, eat better etc. and then come February, March the backsliding begins.

2014 will be a busy year for me, I’ll be celebrating 25 years of marriage in some manner, my son will be returning from Italy, starting his senior year, and the college application process. My business is starting the year with 3 sold out events, most of my waking moments are spent planning all the details I’m so excited, and of course I will be posting all the details here. On a lesser note, I will be on an emotional roller coaster, being the rock for a family member who is about to embark on the biggest battle of their life. With all of that going on, I still plan to post my musings here, inspired by things that bring me joy, things that inspire me, things that put a smile on my face in even the darkest moments.

gigi’s Black eyed peas

Today I made black eyed peas, a New Year tradition that is said to bring good luck. I modify a recipe from Samuelsson Marcus that I love, it is african/indian inspired preparation and if you like spice, it is simply delicious. All I do is saute in olive oil instead of butter, use veggie stock instead of chicken broth, and I use whatever fresh pepper I can find locally.

Marcus

I do have a few personal goals for 2014

1. Take as many beautiful portraits that I can-many I will be sharing here.

2. Look for that perfect little casita, maybe in the desert, or by the sea or up in the mountains…it is something we have always talked about, but this may be the year to start seriously searching and make it happen.

3. Do another triathlon- sprint of course.

4. Keep calm and carry on…

5. Give back and make a difference whenever I can…

6. Travel , Travel and Travel–Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, Madagascar, and Bali are just a few on my long list of places I hope to see one day.

7. Lastly continue to work on being my authentic self. Remember my journey is just that- my journey, and sometimes my GPS gets twisted, but it always recalculates and gets me going in the right direction again.

Remember this is your BEGINNING…

XOXO,

Gigi

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Gigi in My Life Comments Off

Good Bye 2013.

Tonight we will celebrate the New Year quietly at home. No galas or soirees just the two of us. 2014 will be the year of simplicity, savoring simple moments and embracing life…

I know all to well that tomorrow is not promised. Celebrate with your loved ones.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Xoxo,

Gigi

new year

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