FEAR. What are you afraid of?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being 2 Comments

FEAR, I’m not talking about fear of the rattlesnake I ran into a few days ago during a shoot, or fear when my husband had his stroke or open ocean water swimming, or skiing a black diamond run for the first time, I’m talking about fear that stops you from being successful, fear that keeps you from believing in yourself, loving yourself or staying in a toxic relationship for fear of being alone. The fear that cannot be readily identified, which makes it that more difficult to conquer, the kind that comes in disguise as self doubt.

skiing

ocean swimming

I have always liked taking pictures, documenting life as it zooms by. I’m at a point in my life where I am pursuing a career in photography and it is SCARY! Last quarter Apple sold 37 million i phones, literally everyone is a photographer or videographer. The “fear brain” sometimes tells me that “Nobody is going to hire you” “Really? you think someone is going to PAY you?” “Matter of fact you are not that GOOD” “And you are to OLD” “Photographers your age have been in the game for over 20 years” Regardless, I keep moving forward, and I am determined to make this happen on some level.

Photographer Gigi

Fear can keep you down, confuse you, and make you suspicious of others. I find that when I practice yoga regularly I am able to combat those fearful thoughts that creep up and try to derail my plan. For some it may be running, or doing some other activity that takes you away from it all for an hour or so. Keeping my body alkaline really helps me keep balanced I do this by having a green juice daily and as much fresh fruits and veggies, it really helps.

My Fear Plan

1. Passion can over come FEAR. Be Passionate about something or someone or both.

2. Master whatever it is you are doing and you will develop confidence, which will taper those “fear” feelings. btw I shoot everyday…so that my camera is now an extension of me, I am more comfortable with my craft.

3. Surround yourself with like minds, positive individuals that encourage and inspire you.

4. Do what you LOVE, don’t be afraid or let “FEAR” get in the way.

5. TRY something new-Remember this is your life that is going by, don’t just sit there and watch “it” jump in there and GRAB it and don’t let go, cause there is no replay button!

XOXO,

GIGI

WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations 1 Comment

I love three day weekends, especially quiet ones with no obligations. I feel as though the extra day off allows me to tackle a few projects that are in desperate need of a little TLC. Friday started off with a fabulous photo shoot with Lyric Jackson, a classmate of my son’s from elementary school. Lyric and Reggie became fast friends in the 6th grade, which meant Lyric’s mom and I became friends. Some of my closest friends are byproducts of my children’s selections of their friends. Lyric’s mom was a big inspiration to me as far as starting my blog, she has a phenomenal blog, www.girlsbestfriendandcoblog.com that has been up in running for a few years which is no easy feat. She stays on top of the latest beauty and fashion comings and goings and you can view some of Lyric’s vlogs. Check it out here. A few of my favorites pics from the session:

Our neighbor Dr. Woods hosted a surprise brunch for his wife Debbie. The Woods moved to our area a little over ten years ago, both MD’s, so of course Reggie was happy to have someone to talk shop with. They have adorable twin second grade girls, who I am dying to photograph. The surprise was a success! He told all of the guests various different times from 1 hour to 2 hours before the actual time, so needless to say everyone was there for the surprise.

We are not golfers, but I love the beauty of the course…Friendly Hills is so beautiful.

FHCC beautiful course

Debbie’s 96 year-old mother was the life of the party. A good time was had by all.

Debbie’s 96 year-old mommy-so sweet

We found ourselves Downtown LA again, it is becoming our new stomping ground, so much to see in the arts district. Of course we grabbed a bite at our new fav Baco Mercat and Reggie got a treat at the Pie Hole before returning home.

Love the Art district

Gigi DTLA

It is time to do a little housekeeping around our property. We lost our gardener about 8 months ago and now have a “mow and blow” person, so everything is overgrown and in need of cutting back, pruning, and a little facelift. Reggie started trimming back some of the trees, so we will do a little each week and until then enjoy the greenery.

Reggie

Another trip back into the city, I admit I am a sucker for a sale, so we leave the house at 4:15 to head to the westside which is about 45 minutes away, to pop in Neiman’s knowing that they close at 6. A lot of damage can be done in 30 minutes…

NM Sale research

Dinner at our old standby A.O.C..

A.O.C.

And then a visit with Michelle, Michael and adorable Morgan…dropping off some prints and planning our next photo shoot for baby girl Morgan who will be turning 1 in July.

Michelle & Morgan

Finally home…only to receive a call that our next door neighbor passed away, another reminder that life is so short. This is a quote I discovered that is so apropos:

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do It Now.”

Manuscript found in Accra Paulo Coelho

Xoxo,

GIGI

MEMORIAL DAY

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Gigi in Fashion, Holiday Comments Off

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day–Remembering the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country.

Growing up, Memorial Day kicked off the summer season with a Barbecue. It also signified the first day “white” was wore again, after being retired the previous Labor Day, this was drilled into my head growing up. Well of course all of those rules are now passe’, especially in sunny California, where white is worn year round. But there still are some rules that should be followed when wearing “white” nonetheless. White jeans are everywhere, however DO make sure they are “thick” enough to cover your imperfections, because as with any light colored bottom you will see things that you don’t want to see like “dimples”, cellulite, lady parts, panty lines etc. Take the time to try on a variety of white jeans until you find the right ones for your body.

Not Your Daughters Jeans
104.00

Rag and Bone 209.00

J. Crew 125.00

Nordstrum 44.70

J Brand 218.00

J Brand seems to fit my body well, so I am always on a lookout for these at the discount stores ie. Tj Maxx, Nordstrom Rack etc..

7 for all Mankind

Love these…

Have an enjoyable day off celebrating with your loved ones. We have nothing planned and I am looking forward to catching up on a lot of loose ends, like working in our garden and getting a few more bags ready for Goodwill.

Xoxo,

Gigi

SIXTH DECADE

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Gigi in Aging 6 Comments

1st Decade baby Gigi

YES. I am in the sixth decade of my life. I know, I’m 50 + years old, 53 to be exact, but I don’t “feel” like a “middle aged” person. I don’t think my friends and I are our mothers “50”, but then again perhaps our mothers felt the same way when they were “50” compared to their mothers. We live in a society that is youth driven. I have friends who have shared with me how challenging it is to get hired, everything is submitted online and once the application is reviewed, few interviews are scheduled more than likely do to age.

not our mama’s 50…

50 today does not necessarily mean “old age”, for me it means being more confident, not afraid to make mistakes, free to be me, and willing to take a risks. If you missed some stuff in the first 50 years, this is the time to make up and do whatever it is you may want to do. No more excuses…

The physicality of 50 + is more work-plain and simple you have to “keep it moving” no quick fixes. Engage your body daily or else you will slide down the “middle age spread body” of no return. Granted your body will not be like a 22 year old, but you can be a rockin’ 50 something. Your diet is important too, maybe you skated by in your 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s but trust me the 50’s are unforgiving and don’t even talk about menopause… You have to figure out what works for you and like everything else moderation is key. I prefer a vegan diet with as much RAW and a little red wine, that works for me and my lifestyle. I juice most days and drink gallons of water, hydration is so important to keep everything running smooth.

Gone are the arkaic rules of “middle age” like “cut your hair”, “no minis” , “no bikinis” etc. my thoughts on this if you have the conviction to pull it off, go for it! Wear a tight dress? Why not. 4-5 inch heels? as long as you can walk in them. You also have to bump up the maintenance a notch or 2 maybe even 3. Unless you are ready to embrace 50 shades of grey-color your hair. Wear some make-up, no I’m not talking about full on Vegas show girl, but take the time to put on a little lip gloss, mascara, and concealer, it does make a difference. No matter what your style is, take a moment to pull yourself together, look in the mirror before you step out, even if you are going to your local grocery store. And lastly get plenty of SLEEP.

Although 50 is not the 50 of our parents, the decade birthdays can be a source of uncertainly. We can’t help comparing ourselves to our peers, wondering if we are where we should be on our life journey. For me once I turned 50, my attitude was “I am who I am, I can’t be who you want me to be” and of course when you stop trying to “be” for everyone else your life and relationships will make the necessary edits.

My life by the decade birthdays:

10–Could not wait to be a teen

Gigi @ 14

20–Can’t wait to be “21”

Gigi @ 25

30–Wanted to be married and have a family (btw married 1 week shy of my 30th birthday)

Gigi @ 29

40–I have arrived. I finally get it now.

Gigi @ 40

50–“I am who I am” I’ve embraced my authentic self–not afraid of risks, and no judgement

Gigi @ big “50”

53 soon to be 54– Figuring out the next step in this thing called life. Looking at what the next 5 years looks like-accepting each moment and savoring it, not worrying about the past, and taking delight in planning for the future.

GIGI at 53

What is your favorite decade? Do you ever feel “old”? Do you share your age, freely?

XOXO,

Gigi

Some famous ladies in my “golden girls” club…

Michelle @ 49

THE SCENT OF A WOMAN…

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Gigi in Beauty 3 Comments

My Scents

As far back as I can remember I have always loved perfume, my first memory is a big bottle of Jean Nate that sat on a shelf on the back of the toilet.

Jean Nate

My older sister loved Chanel #5, which had a special place on her dresser. I would sneak and a dab a little behind my ear, imitating the starlets in the movies.

CHANEL

Tinkerbell was my first fragrance, all I remember about it was a blond fairy on the label and how I kept the box on my dresser only wearing it on special occasions.

Tinkerbell

Fast forward to my teen years, at the time the popular fragrances were Charlie, Love’s Babysoft, Hypnotique and Lauren, of course I did not want any of those, I saved my money from my $3.00 per hour job and bought a bottle of Joy by Jean Patou, I think it cost me about $85.00. Why? Because I read somewhere that it was made of really rare flowers and was considered one the the best perfumes at that time. So silly me spent about a week of wages on this perfume, and then to make matters worse I rarely wore it and then it went “bad”.

JOY by Jean Patou

Moving on to my 20’s I wore Anais Anais, YSL Opium, Bijan and of course who can forget Georgio? Those were the days before text messages, email, or twitter, I would write letters to BF’s and scent them with perfume, so romantic. Does anyone write “old school” love letters any more? I even remember getting a letter from a fellow that was saturated with Grey Flannel. Those were the days.

On my wedding day I wore Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs l’ original, my matron of honor Blaine gifted me with this fragrance at my bridal shower.

Wedding Day Fragrance

Early in my marriage my husband not realizing that I was a fragrance snob gifted me with a few fragrances from our local drug store. I recall giving the “fake smile” and reminding myself that it is the thought that counts, until one day I just told him that the perfumes I like are not available at our local drug stores or in our little town. Sorry. So he decided he would take perfume off his gift list and move on to something else. I went through quite a few phases , Coco Mademoiselle, Fracas, Donna Karen Cashmere, Dior Poison, Prada, bvlgari to name a few of my favorites over the years. Always dousing myself with something, not feeling complete until dabbed or sprayed my body.

Now I have settled on a few signature scents, not really keeping up with new ones any more, almost like I have finally settled on a few signature scents that I am happy with. I switch up with the seasons to keep it interesting, and these are the ones that are in my current rotation.

WINTER : Tom Ford Black Orchid- a luxurious, alluring, sensual fragrance- a combination of black orchids and spices. Love this one.

Black Orchid

SPRING : Bond Noho Nuit- “unapologetic, contemporary, fruity-floral, skin scent sexy avant-garde” I love this scent, I always get compliments when I wear it.

Bond Noho Nuit

SUMMER : Creed Virgin Island Water -fresh, citrus, caribbean, coconut, lime, hibiscus,ginger, ylang-ylang, sugar cane & rum. This scent reminds me of the islands when I wear it.

Creed Virgin Island Water

FALL : Serge Lutens Nuit de cellophane- jasmine, carnation, lily, warmed by lush milky almond, sandalwood & sweet honey. I discovered this scent about 5 years ago and have been wearing it ever since.

Serge Lutens

“Another way to take up more space is with perfume. I really love wearing perfume.”

Andy Warhol

I concur…

Do you have a signature scent?

Xoxo,

GIGI

SCANDAL KERRY WASHINGTON

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Gigi in Girl Crush 4 Comments

Kerry on Elle Magazine

My girl crush…Kerry Washington. Yes! I love Scandal. I love seeing an African-American woman in a leading role on prime time, I can’t remember the last time. Now that the finale has aired I thought I’d take a moment to meander through Kerry’s fabulous fashion moments. Although her style is different from mine, I love and appreciate her muted “Olivia Pope” look and her personal style. She is one tight 36 year-old, 5’4″ bundle of sass and she is always on point. Every pic of her is fabulous, I can’t find one bad one. I love her hair, especially in the retro shoot she did. I don’t know how I am going to make it through the summer…I guess I can buy the season and watch it again.

A few years back I sent Reggie to my favorite detox spa We Care out in Palm desert for a weekend. I know we normally are always together, but We Care is an experience best had alone, as I said it is a “detox” spa and you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom…but any way getting back to the story as luck would have it Kerry Washington and her boyfriend at the time were there as well. We Care is an intimate spa with only a few guests each weekend, there is a common area where everyone gathers to get water, juice and soup, there is no restaurant, you are on a supervised fast. So Reggie being Reggie says to Kerry “Do I know you?”and of course she says “NO”, but by the end of the weekend she told him she was an actor, of course this was pre-Scandal. He said she was very personable and he was so flattered when he told her how old he was and she told him “Black don’t Crack”.

Kerry Washington

retro Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

Kerry

WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations Comments Off

This was an incredibly busy weekend, so many events, I really had to juggle. My Saturday started off at an graduation, my friend Rosetta finished law school. We met when our girls were in preschool and I recall back then she was interested in law. I was so excited and happy for her, being a person who returned to school as an adult, I know it is not an easy feat to balance everything while being a full time student.

Rosetta J.D.

Rosetta won the Deans award and finished her program in 3 years. I have had quite a few friends that have returned to school and started new careers. It truly is never too late.

Gigi & Rosetta

Rosetta and I many years ago trained for a marathon and raised money for TEAM in Training. We did the Maui marathon together along with our husbands.

Gigi’s Graduation 2006

Here I am at my “late” graduation from U.C.Riverside. I went back to school and finished my degree MANY years later. It was not easy going to school with students who were close to my daughters age, but I’m so glad I went back and finished my degree. I will always continue to learn something…

Speaking of school, my next stop was at my elementary school reunion. I remember moving to California from New Jersey, it was a big adjustment, my parents had divorced, and we moved to a new place, and I started school at St. Albert, a catholic school in Compton. It was the first time I had ever seen an African-American nun, I was convinced that there was no such thing coming from a racist area in New Jersey. These friends were a big part of my life, so I could not miss this reunion.

St. Albert School

Gigi, Lynn & Anna

We were all little 12 year-olds running around, now we are all grown up and that period of our lives is behind us, just a faint memory.

ANNA

We were best friends…we shared so much and at the time we both were going through so much. Countless sleep overs, note writing, puppy love, and sharing our deep dark secrets, Anna and I had a lot of good times. It was nice to see her after 30+ years.

Gigi & Anna

Next stop LA Curly Girl International Natural Hair Meet UP Day. I have been on my natural “hair” journey for about 15 years, what that translates to that I made a decision to stop chemically straightening my hair. It was truly a journey, one that I have never looked back on. Since I started embracing my natural hair I have watched an entire movement start, there are numerous products, hair blogs, video how to blogs, books and meet ups. I attended my first such event, and it was wonderful. I was in AWE of all the variations of “natural” hair do’s all so beautiful. One of the highlights of the evening was when I won the “Wash N Go” contest! It was a fun evening and I am looking forward to the next one. Here is a snippet of the evenings festivities featuring CurlyKimmyStar a popular vlogger.

Sunday Jack & Jill Induction Ceremony. I have been a member of Jack & Jill for about 16 years. The organization is full of tradition, some of which date back to 1938 when the organization was founded.

Jack & Jill

Finally the weekend ended with a date with my Sweetie…at our new favorite restaurant Baco Mercat.

GIGI at Baco Mercat

Well I am glad this weekend has come to a close. I am looking forward to next weekend being a bit more leisurely. Hope you had a good weekend as well.

XOXO,

Gigi

Weekend Observations

NOTES on FRIENDSHIPS and OTHER SITUATIONS

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Gigi in friendship, Thoughts, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Friends

I used to think commonality was the key to a lasting friendship. I believed that some how “like” interests were a sort of permabond adhesive that nothing could dissolve. Granted many times similar interests are what attract us to another person but being able to reveal your true self with no judgement is really important for longevity. Relationships are so complex and those that stand the test of time don’t happen magically.

In my many years on the planet I have had my ration of break ups, and they are never easy, especially if you are the break-up-ee as opposed to the break-up-or. All breakups are difficult whether it is a lover, husband, friend, or sometimes even a family member. No one likes to feel rejected, and most of the time regardless of the reason someone walks away feeling this way.

shoe friends…

I will soon celebrate 24 years of marriage on July 23, I have been married long enough to witness many divorces, engagements, marriages, long term dating situations, 2nd, 3rd, 4th marriages, a few “love at first sight”, online dating unions, some successful blind dates, and some awful breakups. For me time was always the best healer of a broken heart, moving forward and remembering the good experiences that brought you together, instead of focusing on the negative factors and trying to figure out the “why”. My marriage is constantly shifting, every 5 or so years our family dynamic changes, a child goes away to school, a child comes back home, career change, financial problems, extended family situations, health challenges, menopause, man-o-pause, any given period some challenge presents itself and we have to work together to find a solution.

GIGI FEED BODY & SOUL

I read this piece “Break Ups” on Cindy Fernandez’s blog. In the piece there is a passage by Oriah Mountain Dreamer that really spoke to me. The author says:

“I want to know if you have touched the center of your sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it. “

Read the entire piece here.

I have so much admiration for Cindy, whom I met a couple of years ago, she changed my yoga “relationship”, transformed it from an occasional workout to a lifestyle. I was enlightnened, humbled, inspired and most of all challenged, all at the same time. I always left her class in a state of pure bliss, “open to infinite possibilities”. I miss her so much. My yoga journey is still in its infancy stage, I enjoy my tiny breakthroughs here and there.

She has since relocated to San Francisco, spreading her yoga love all over the bay area, check out her schedule here.

What’s your take on friendships? Breakups?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Why Friendships Are the New Marriage

Weekend Observations

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations 1 Comment

Mother’s Day weekend was a complicated, logistical nightmare. Everyone and their “mother” must of been driving somewhere, of course at the same moment we were traveling to our destination. I was being whisked away to an unknown place, the only clue I was given is that I had been there before. We picked up Reggie in Carpinteria, and continued north to Santa Barbara to my surprise brunch at San Ysidro Ranch.

San Ysidro Ranch

Love the bouganvillea. We had come to this resort over 20 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to come again.

Stonehill

Reggie & Reggie

beautiful salad

The freshest food ever…

butterfly

lavender?

This pic is for my friend Gabrielle…you could do this???

Reggie & the Orchids

I love orchids. SantaBarbara has numerous orchid growers, which means good selection and good deals. I was in orchid heaven. We stopped at Gallup & Stribling orchids farm.

Orchids

I selected 8 orchids and $80 later I was a happy Mother. Gallup & Stibling orchid. 3450 Via Real Carpinteria 805 684 1998

Succulents

Next we went to Seaside Gardens to pick up some succulents. I want to do some containers, my yard could use a little facelift.

Gigi-Happy Mother

Another delightful weekend…Hope you had a good weekend as well.

XOXO,

GIGI

Orchid Care Guide for All Types

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday, Mother's Comments Off

Brunches will be filled, flowers delivered, perfumes sprayed, trinkets opened, baubles given, to Mothers being honored for Mother’s Day all over the country. Mothers have so many roles and duties within the family. We are responsible for the physical, psychological and social development of others. We are the therapists, accountants, domestic housekeepers, chefs, gardeners, drivers, C.E.O.s, C.F.O.s, nurses, companions, teachers, fashion consultants, photographers, hair stylists, mediators, IT person, decorators, party planners, spiritual leaders, bakers, confidants, writers, tutors, and lovers. We mothers are everything for so many, and most of the time we do it graciously with a smile. So celebrate the mothers in your life this weekend and let them know how much you appreciate the sacrifices they have made for you.