GLIDE INTO THE SEASON SMOOTHLY-HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday, Well-Being Comments Off

holiday survival

The holidays, why typically a time of joy for many, it can be a time of sadness for some, whether it is your favorite Starbucks drink now being served in the signature red festive cup, or holiday decorations in all the store windows, the season is here. It is easy to get caught up in the hype, the pressure to buy this or that, every day there is some promotion going on, first call, anniversary sale, last call, online promo etc.. Then there are the invitations or lack of invitations, the extra rich food, your workout goes cray cray, and by January everything is snug just in time for the gym promotions and New Year resolutions, it is the same cycle year after year.

No, I’m not the scrooge, I absolutely love the holidays, you just have to balance, and do what is best for you and your family, and not get overwhelmed. Stay focused and celebrate in a manner that suits your life and those that are important. Figure out what the holiday looks like for you and don’t get pulled in by what others are doing. If your family dynamics have changed, newly divorced, newly married, happily single, new baby, recent passing of a family member, kids away, different sides of your family to deal with, etc. figure out what you want to do instead of trying to please all the parties that be…

This holiday is the first one we will not be all together. Reggie and I are going to Italy to visit Reggie ll and Amani is working in New York-so it will be a different holiday for my family.

Gigi’s Holiday Survival Guide

1. Stay healthy-make a commitment to stay on your workout program, if you are not exercising START NOW.

2. Eat and be Merry-Have a “eating plan” to balance the extra parties, if you have an event, eat light during the day,make good choices so you won’t be sorry later.

3. Hydrate- Hydrate, especially if you indulge in libations, between the change in the weather, “heat” and air conditioning, all of these things wreck havoc on your face.

4. Holiday Frocks- Shop your closet and see what works or can be repurposed before running out and buying another “party dress”.

5. Gifting-make some DIY gifts, ie. food items, crafts, or giving of yourself ie. offer babysitting or prepare a meal-get creative.

6. Budget-keep an eye on the bottom line-be wary of filling up the cart at the big stores ie. Costco, Sam’s etc..

7. Decor- use what you have…many years ago I got into the trap of buying decorations every year to the tune of now having a storage that desperately needs to be emptied and shut down. I now collect a few ornaments when I travel and reuse my tried and true.

8. Kids- keep the kids grounded and have them do something to give back-voluteer at a food bank etc.

9. Create- Some special traditions for you and your family-

10. YOU- Don’t forget to schedule your “ME” time, whether it is beauty appointments, massage, spa, special workout–just remember at this time of year it is easy to neglect your own needs..

Obligations- let some go- Do you really have to go to that? You may have to say “no” sometimes. And most of all have fun and make memories and record them with your camera-so you can look back and smile.

Happy Thursday,

xoxo,

Gigi

“Main” Tree last year

RANDOM-NESS

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Gigi in Shopping, Web 2 Comments

Do you ever wonder why some people do the things they do? Especially when it is not something positive, or uplifting, almost as if they purpose to make life difficult and go out of their way to be hurtful to others. I find this phenomenon prevalent in groups of women, perhaps it is the hormones mixing together that creates an atmosphere of animosity. At my age my patience is not like it used to be, maybe because I know the value of living each day to the fullest and that there is so much in this world that I want to conquer that I don’t have time for craziness. I listen and I observe and wonder what is going on with that pour soul that they are exuding so much anger. I just want to take all of them and throw them in a hot yoga class, so they can sweat together and see that we really are so much alike, when you take away the barriers and melt down the layers and become vulnerable and reveal our hearts to each other.

O.K. enough of that…some fun stuff I discovered …

Holla Doormat

Is this not cute…Available at Nordstrom for 50.00

Every year I send out holiday cards, this year will be my 24th. I am always looking for a new card, the last few years I have been ordering from minted, and since they send me a repeat customer discount card I think I will be ordering from them again. They have interesting designs, good turn around and excellent service. I will be referring clients to them this season as well.

minted foil holiday cards

I do yoga in spurts, I need to be more consistant, but sometimes stuff happens, but I’m back on the wagon and I just splurged and ordered a new mat, how could I resist…

Love these

Available at anthropologie. 98.00

Speaking of anthropologie, I got the cutest “work” boot ever, when I am shooting I need to be comfortable, especially if I am out on location, I’m not the tennis shoe outside the gym type of girl, so when I found this boot online I was thrilled. It reminded me of one I liked by Valentino that was over the top–so this rustic version is perfect and was priced just right compared to the Valentino.

my boots 195.00

Valentino 1795.00

My other good bargain of the week a friend told me about the Trina Turk outlet in Alhambra–never new about this gem. I scored beautiful silk slips for my photo sessions for 10.00 each, I love the softness of sexy slips in my pics, everyone can wear these and they photograph so nicely. I also scored a beautiful Missoni inspired dress that I love for 80.00. Trina Turk Outlet 3025 West Mission Road Alhambra, 91803 626 872-0020 Trina Turk.

my slips…

pretty missoni “like” dress 80.00

And lastly a sort of sad story about the oldest woman to do the NY marathon, who died the next day with her tennis shoes still on…she was 84 years old, and said she wanted to die running…another example of do what makes you happy. read it here.

gigi

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

Xoxo,

Gigi

QUOTE

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, Quotes 1 Comment

QUOTE

This is true is so many ways…it can be applied to everything from physical possessions, to relationships, to habits, the list goes on and on. At my age I finally get this, you can try and change some things, and may even have some success, but ultimately you have to be willing to edit with vengeance. You have to be able to look at your goals and question what is blocking you from obtaining them…usually it is something obvious or something we fear.

I remember when I decided to go back to school and finish my degree I had major blocks. I knew I had to complete my degree, the thought of my children asking me one day “why do I have to go to school–you didn’t finish” was daunting. Reggie was in grade school and Amani was is middle school when I decided to return. I had to “subtract” the crazy blocks I had in order to “add” this educational piece to my life, and trust me it was not easy to humble myself and go back to the same school I started at 25 years ago in my 40’s. It was even more interesting because some of the administrators at the university were students I started with the first time I went there. Some of our friends had children that were attending my school.

The other big block was that when I was there the first time, I did not do well academically, lets just say I was asked to leave. So one random day I threw my pride out the window, and drove out to U.C. Riverside, and walked into the dean’s office and said, “I went here a long time ago and I want to come back and finish my degree.” of course the dean said that was great, that was before she pulled the “microfiche” yes I went there before computers…heheheh She looked at my grades and said “hmmmmm It is going to be difficult for you, because you are going to have to make up a lot of work, but I am going to sign off and give you a special admit”. So here I was starting my school 25 years later on “academic probation”.

I had to juggle my kids, their activities, my home, and doing my school work, because I had it in my head that I had to finish before Amani finished high school, so I had to go full time, oh and the school was an hour away. The quarters zoomed by, soon I was not on probation, I made friends with some of the young students, became a confidante of some of my professors, most were my age, and renewed friendships with staff who I attended school with the first time.

Looking back, I graduated in 2006, I was glad I was able to return, glad my children could learn by seeing me pull all nighters, not let my school work interfere with their life or our family dynamics and keep it moving. So friends, look inside and figure out what is blocking your success–and subtract. I’m always working on something, adding subtracting at any given moment, right now it is balancing my photography business and finding my rhythm of shooting, processing my work and still having my weekends to do “me” – I had to quickly subtract the thought of doing weddings, cause I know it is important for me and my life style to have my weekends for my family.

Gigi’s Graduation 2006 at 47

Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

The Society of Curly Girls

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Gigi in Hair 6 Comments

Gigi

17 years ago I “out grew” my long chemically relaxed tresses. For 25 years I was a slave to hair that practically shouted that I ascribed to the traditional image of “black beauty”, long straight, wind blown flowing hair, that revealed no trace of its kinky roots, sequestered the moment that rebellious new growth started to appear by a “standing” appointment that was never ever missed–it was as important as paying the mortgage. It told you I could walk in the San Francisco fog or jump into the sea, the only consequence was my processed locks would just lie limp, flat and close to my head no hint of any volume. It told you that I came about during a time when the “pressing comb” was considered a barbaric method of straightening, and a revlon relaxer would give you hair that could be blow dried with a round brush, just like my caucasian sisters–somehow making this method “better”.

Fast forward, I now rock my full, unpredictable kinky sometimes curly, highlighted, low porosity, WnG, deva cut, coconut oiled, pine-appled at night, satin pillow case only, “do” 99% of the time. No longer regulated as the casual summer hair style, the one that was not wore at black tie functions, due to subconscious thoughts, like–hmmmm this is a conservative group, better wear “it” straight, big kinky hair might offend somebody or cause to much attention or I’m going to wear it straight for the holidays- we are taking family pictures.

Gigi @ 54 napptural attending an event

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

Saturday I attended a meet up hosted by LA Curly Girls, a group founded by Lydia Boyd a few years ago. A private facebook group, where curlies can exchange information, and learn more about “being natural” and attend meet ups throughout the year . It was empowering to socialize with a group of women embracing their natural hair, there were so many different textures, lengths, colors, curl patterns, all uniquely beautiful. It was especially refreshing to see young women with natural hair that were not sporting long hair weaves. I’m not here to critique the “wearing a weave” movement, I get it, it is just another approach to hair as well, my problem is women who never ever wear their own hair, almost as if they have developed a disdain for their own hair.

LA Curly Girls Meetup

so much pretty hair

the popular product swap

Curly girls

I know it is not easy to change, historically we are so jacked up about our “hair”, there have been books written on this topic. It is important to have a good support system when you are transitioning to sporting a “natural” style. There are so many more options than when I started my journey 17 years ago, back then there was Quidad, Bedhead and Paul Mitchell the conditioner, now every line has a natural curly hair product line. I recall dealing with so many comments that well meaning friends and family would say to me…here are the top 10–

1. “You need to get a relaxer a few times a year-so your hair can contiue grow” hairstylist

2. “Are you “mad” why aren’t you getting your hair “done?” confused husband

3. “Everything OK? Things must be tight, you stopped getting your hair done.” concerned friend

4. “Don’t mention my “relaxer” it’s our secret-my husband does not know I get my hair permed” confused friend

5. “Your hair would be so long and pretty if you straightened it” frenemy

6.”She has a husband…you can’t afford to be going around with your hair like that-not if you want to meet someone.” friend’s mom

7. “I know somebody who could do your “type” of hair.” non-black co-worker

8. “Never go to long between your relaxers, because with your features no one would know you even had a relaxer-you could pass for a girl from the islands, just don’t let the edges come in” hairstylist

9. “Don’t EVER cut your hair, because you would just be “a regular black girl” like Oprah” hairstylist

10. “Does your husband like your hair like that?” frenemy

bonus 11. “You should get your hair “done” for the party” friend

Yes. I dealt with lots of critical comments, but I have never looked back. Being “natural” does not mean perfect hair days, I certainly have my share of bad hair days, nor does it mean effortless care–natural hair is work, but I am still happy to be part of this natural society of goddesses all over world.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Miss Jessie’s “set days”

see “bad hair day”

press n curl

50 Things to do to have more Romance in your life

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Gigi in Thoughts, Well-Being 2 Comments

Gigi & Reggie

1. wear pretty lingerie-get rid of ugly t-shirts or better yet sleep in the nude.

2. wear dresses more often.

3. watch Casablanca

4. Light candles-just because, and always have a scented one too

5. walk around in these.

6. Listen to this.

http://youtu.be/0EeWOA1Engk

7. keep a fresh rose on your night stand.

8. make your bed with pretty linens

9. make something organic and raw.

10. love yourself and the skin you are in-forget about what you weigh

11. Take a cooking class and become passionate about preparing good food.

12. take a photography workshop and learn to see the world with your lens

13. visit South Africa and go on safari

14. Stay at Four Seasons Koh Samui

15. light a fire and snuggle up

16. write a love letter on pretty paper, scent it and mail it to your beloved

17. Go to Paris

18. Go to Italy

19. move to the beach

20. go to Brazil

21. Drive to Carmel

22. Go to Napa and stay at Auberge du Soleil

23. Take a long bath, listen to some music- keep adding warm water-and add a few candles for good measure

24. wear your favorite perfume to bed- my two favs are Tom Ford Black Orchid and Bond # 9 Nuits de Noho

25. have lunch in an outdoor cafe

26. go to the beach more often

27. go listen to some jazz in a small club

28. Go see live theater

29. Send a sexy text-maybe a picture too.

30. keep things fresh-it gets stale, only if you let it…

31. cut off all electronic devices for an evening

32. prepare a meal from scratch

33. go on a picnic with a basket and a blanket

34. Sleep in–really late

35. learn to love the sound of snoring

36. make your own floral arrangement

37. Take the scenic route

38. stop rushing

39. daydream

40.decide to embrace life and all its lushiness

41. get a massage together

42. go to Costa Rica and stay in the rainforest

43. laugh at funny you tubes

44. take a Sunday afternoon nap together

45. Write a list of all the things you love about your beloved

46. Take a dance class together

47. read love poems together

48. Always date…

49. don’t forget to smile…and always forgive.

50. remember Romance never goes out of style…

Happy Friday-make is a romantic one…

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi @ 54

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

Halloween

At time to dress up and be something else. Why do we love it so much? Halloween is a billion dollar industry, it is amazing to see how many homes are decorated in various levels of spooky themes.

wow

over the top

hmmmmm

Dressing up gives us a chance to be something else for a moment, live out a fantasy and have fun, tap into that alter ego that is lurking within all of us. My thought is to take a little halloween and apply it daily–it is OK to step into a fantasy and experiment with being someone else for a moment. There are no rules that say you have to be the same everyday. Pick up a color extension and clip it in your hair, dress a little outside your comfort zone and see what it feels like. Be a clown and laugh, or dress up like a video vixen and blast some music and dance or twerk around-heheheh..

Be a chameleon and try to tap into a different part of you. And those of you who are mommies and daddies, encourage your little ones to be creative and play “dress up”. I always had a trunk of clothes and accessories for my kids when they were little to play with, Amani had a “Belle” dress from Beauty and Beast, that she wore until it turned into a Cinderella dress.

Ellen dressed as Nicki Minaj

Now this was crazy…Ellen dressed as Nicke Minaj-so funny.

Happy Halloween,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Quote

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

quote

The short story-control your stress it will wreck havoc on your face. Meditate, get adequate sleep, eat a clean diet , exercise, hydrate and make sure your inner circle is filled with like minded souls who uplift you. Slowly eliminate negative thoughts, it is not easy and you cannot control everything, but start with the little things and slowly begin to “shut it down” and replace it with positive thoughts. I’m not a medical professional, but I know stress is related to disease and does not help existing conditions. So my friends if you are already there and “happy” is your middle name carry on, if not do something today to change your situation-go outside side and walk for a few minutes, take a moment and stretch, read some prose to lift your spirits, basically take time to tap into your inner self and block out all the interference you may be dealing with.

Happy Wednesday!

XOXO,

GIGI

Haute Halloween-Trick or Treat

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

Halloween

I’m not a big Halloween person, when the kids were little we would go to the carnival at their school and of course we would do the costume thing. We live in an area where we get 1 or 2 tricker or treaters, and by the time I think about decorating for halloween it has come and gone. Last year we went to a costume party at the museum and had a blast, this year we have no plans as of yet. Since I love fashion, I decided to browse around for some items that could be “halloween-ish” and would make perfect “treats”…

Alexander-Mcqueen skull knuckle clutch 1895.00

Love this little skull knuckle clutch available at Saks Fifth Avenue for a little piece of change.

Charlotte Oympia velvet black cat pump 685.00

Of course I am a cat lover…and these are too cute. Available at Neiman Marcus.

skeleton body suit 29.00

Interesting skeleton body suit from Urban Outfitters.

delfina-delettrez tourmaline earrings 750.00

Love these earrings…

fringe bodycon dress 80.00

Very Morticia of the Addams Family…available at Topshop

charlotte-olympia nocturnal 1100.00

not for me, but for someone who likes purple…

charlotte-olympia batty transparent clutch

Another ghoulish clutch…

Happy Tuesday

Xoxo,

Gigi

Reggie and Gigi

halloween ball last year….

LIVE TO BE 100 ?

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Gigi in Aging 2 Comments

Today I read this article, that appeared on my facebook news feed, it was about this vibrant 90 year-old lady. Of course I was impressed, being on the other side of 50, you pay attention to articles on the aging process, antioxidants, powerful skin creams, hormone changes and such. Phyllis Sues, the woman featured in the article is extremely active, she practices yoga, dances the tango, and took up the circus trapeze in her 80’s. She is always learning something and challenging herself to do something new, doing some yoga poses that I can’t do yet. While it would be nice to live a long life, and possibly reach the ripe old age of 100, I would want to be healthy and vibrant like this 90 years young lady.

Phyllis Sues age 90

For the most part I live an active life style, occasionally I go on binges where I become fixated on an activity and become obsessed, like yoga, spinning, bootcamp or training for a tri, and sometimes I take a little unintentional hiatus-not good at my age. 3 weeks ago I got my mojo back working out almost daily, and of course like always I feel great. I’ve been doing bootcamp, hiking and working with a trainer. I took a yoga class this weekend, and realized that it is a critical part of my well being, and it took being away for a moment to see how much my body and my mind missed my practice. My yoga teacher said something that stuck in my head, “We are always comparing/competing–stop it!” with that I did my best, not beating myself up for being so “tight” and feeling as though I lost all the gains I had made in my yoga practice.

What is your workout routine? How do you stay motivated? When you really think about it, there is no excuse, the benefits are life saving and although sometimes it is difficult to be consistent all the time- you just have to do it! A few more golden warriors.

75 year-old Ernestine Shepherd

Rae Kline 83 years-old

95 year-old Ida Keeling

Also stumbled upon this cute video–“Worry About Yourself

Happy Monday-Stay warm my southern cali Peeps…

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi @ 54

PERFECTION

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, Uncategorized, Well-Being 2 Comments

perfection

We all have the desire to be perfect, to be our best. I have found in my years of wisdom, that you can spend so much time on the quest to be perfect that you become paralyzed. The fear of not “being good enough” is a block that can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes I question myself and think “Am I Driven?”. When I was in school I was a good student, but I was not at the top of the class, I admired the “bright” ones from afar, never with envy, for some how I knew I would be okay.

I know there are numerous photographers that are established, have been working for years in the business, I see their work, clients and sometimes I wonder will I even be half as good as some of them. Knowing that I could easily be discouraged and give up, but instead I go forward and work at being the best that I can with the knowledge that I have amassed.

GiGi

With social media we are privy to others- we see their comings and goings and sometimes we can’t help but to question our own existence. It is easy to think based on postings that someone else’s life is “perfect”, instead of remembering that every one for the most part has an online image that sometimes is very different from their life at home.

With my family, I have taught my children to do their best, and don’t worry about what every one else is doing. We live in a society where our children are being tutored, coached, groomed to be the best, no longer left to chance. Parents are doing whatever to get the coveted spot at a prestigious university. I sometimes question is it really for the child… I tell my kids to follow your passion, success will come if you are passionate about your career, enjoy life, cherish your school years and think outside the box.

Gigi & Family

My son is doing his junior year of high school in Italy, he is fluent in italian now, I had a few well meaning people tell me that he should have gone to Spain and learned spanish something that he could use when he returned. My thought was he is an artist and wanted to spend time in Italy and I know this experience will be life changing for him. I am blessed that we could support his participation in the school year aboard program.

Reggie

So my friends, work on being the best you can be, and don’t worry about what the next person is doing, there will always be someone better, richer, prettier, skinnier, etc. the list goes on and on. So with that I need to work on learning some photoshop- HAPPY FRIDAY!

xoxo,

Gigi

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