LIFE

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Gigi in Quotes, Uncategorized 2 Comments

Today is the first day of the rest of

your life! Forget about yesterday and

the day before–Go forward with

purpose.

rain check

Gigi is working a a big photography project that is due today. I will be back with a delicious post tomorrow.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide 2 Comments

Reggie and I both have large families so that can mean lots of gifts, so I always try and find thoughtful gifts that are interesting and affordable.

go anywhere speakers mp3 22.99

I could use this on location to help my clients relax, or at a private picnic in the park or at the beach. The speaker is the same size as a phone. Available at RH.

wooden train 20.94

I love old-fashioned toys. Children love using their imaginations when given an opportunity. Get it here.

glitter nail polish 14.00

Perfect for the holidays glitter polish available at Nordstrom, btw love that Nordstrom will wrap this little gem for you.

luggage scale 12.49

I can’t tell you how many times I have been on the sidewalk adjusting my luggage because it was over weight. Available at RH.

Wanderlust Candles 25.00

Candles are always nice, these are named after cities ie. Paris, New York, London etc. the scents are connected to the place so you can have a stacation in your place. Get them here.

Tee from the Gap 19.99

Can never have to many of these. They come in numerous colors, great for layers. Gap.

stationary set Carolina Herrera Target 19.99

I still like to write personal notes. This would make a nice gift-from the Target/Neiman collection.

nudo garlic olive oil 11.99

I received a collection of this olive oil as a present a few years ago and have been using ever since. Love it!

holiday candy cane glasses 6@$24

I love holiday dishes and use them the entire month of December. I am always adding to my collection. These are at World Market. They also have a martini and a shot glass.

Another option for reasonable gifts is to give a service that you provide, ie. babysitting, prepare a meal, massage, movie tickets, workout with someone, a nice hike, pick up from the airport, etc..

Hope these gifts help you with some of your selections.

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s List 2012: Gadget Lovers

Searching

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Gigi in Quotes, Uncategorized, Well-Being Comments Off

Better to start up a thousand wrong roads that to spend your life going nowhere because you know the way~Robert Brault

Each one of us is searching for something. May it be a job, home, relationship, new outfit, body, happiness, a destination, approval, sanity, youth, or maybe you are just searching for your keys. Searching is a part of our lives, part of the journey that keeps us moving forward with a purpose.

Right now I’m searching for balance in my life. I tend to have to many things going on at the same time, which makes it difficult to complete projects. Everyday is a “search” day for me, either a workout, a photography project, a meal to prepare, a pair of shoes I’ve misplaced, the book project, and always a dreaded piece of lost “paper”, either a receipt, bill, coupon, invitation, statement, etc..

Searching is a critical part of achieveing our goals, whether it’s a personal goal or professional, we start with a search of some sort.

Google

If only it was as simple as “googling” a topic and finding a million hits, our life search would be so easy. Some searches are more difficult than others, like those of us who may be searching for “youth” which is slipping away so quickly compared to some who may be searching for directions. Regardless of what you are searching for, I came up with this list they may help you on your quest.

1. Don’t believe or be discouraged by the “haters”.

2. Take the time and make a list of the steps needed for your search.

3. The future is yours it has not be revealed, therefore anything is possible.

4. Yes. You can “search” for happiness-change your existing state, figure out how to move forward, get rid of the negative things in your life.

5. This is your search, not anyone else-you are on your own timeline.

6. Let your search lead you to the “best” you.

7. Be an example and help others with their search.

Never mind searching for who you are. Search for the person you aspire to be.~Robert Brault

Always loved this song.

searching…

What are you searching for?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s Meanderings Around the Web #5

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Gigi in Web Comments Off

gigismeanderings

Just a little of this and little of that from around the web.

Confession-my friends and I back in college memorized many of Richard Pryor’s jokes. Happy Birthday Richard Pryor.

I love LBD’s…Check out this selection, I think I need to add to mine.

Many years ago Reggie and I did this. I’m going to do it again this holiday-the fragrance is incredible.

I love dinner parties, but could they soon become a relic from the past? What do you think about this piece?

This is amazing!

http://youtu.be/5KguVmYnRqk

Last night went to the movies and saw SkyFall–loved it. This would make a nice gift for a Bond fan.

I am really getting into instagram. This is something I am going to do.

Always looking for something interesting to see.

This is nice. I still enjoy snail mail.

Do these scream holiday or what?

Happy Monday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Happy Weekend

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Gigi in photography Comments Off

Today was an incredibly busy day. I had to teach myself Adobe Lightroom, a photo editing program, so I could finish some pictures for a few clients. I started photography school in September, something I have always wanted to pursue. Taking pictures was something I have always enjoyed, there is something magical about finding the light and combining that with your subject and creating beautiful images. I am a Nikon person, but I love my canon powershot and my i phone. Here are a few pics from my hike, that I took with my i phone–admiring the light…

Have a Happy Weekend!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Like Fine Wine, Better With Age?

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Gigi in Aging, Beauty, Well-Being 2 Comments

Fabulous Tina Turner 73 years young

This jaw dropping image of 73 years young, Tina Turner popped up on my facebook news feed a few days ago on her birthday, November 26. I have always been a Tina Turner fan, gone to numerous live performances and always left the show in awe of her energy, beauty, attitude and of course her famous legs. Seeing this picture I thought “wow” Tina is 20 years older than me and she looks great! I don’t hide my age, all 53 years are posted all over the internet for the world to see. Aging can be all consuming in this youth worshipping society, but the fact is we cannot do anything to stop the process. My approach so far has been holistic, watching my diet, exercising as much as possible, having a glass a wine sometimes and even chocolate. I dabble in lots of creams for my skin, this habit started many years ago when my mom was a Mary Kay consultant and I was her assistant at the wise old age of 12. Some days though, I look in the mirror and I am reminded that yes, I am getting older, but with that I am more confident, wiser, and stronger. At this point I still rock heels that are probably 2 inches to high, wear dresses that more than skim my body, and have an ipod full of music that would impress some of the 20-somethings. It’s a state of mind that I think makes all the difference in how you navigate this road of aging, follow the signs, but don’t be afraid to go over the speed limit, make an illegal u turn here and there, and park in the red zone.

What’s your approach to aging?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s List 2012: Gadget Lovers

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide Comments Off

Here are some picks for the gadget lovers on your list…or maybe a gift for you.

I retrofone i phone dock 200.00

I absolutely love this i phone dock, I think because it reminds me of the phones I grew up with. Get it here.

Nutri Bullet 119.00

This would come in handy for whipping up a quick smoothie in the morning. My daughter would love this. check it out here.

i phone Book Charger

I really like this. I hate clutter on my nightstand. Get it here.

TIKKA PLUS 2 29.95

This is perfect for night hikes or working on the electronic equipment in the TV cabinet, I could use this when I have to reboot my cable to get my internet up. TIKKA PLUS2

MiFi 2200 Network Extender 99.00

How many times have you been waiting in the airport and paid to join a network for 14.95? This little gadget would pay for itself very quickly. MiFi 2200 Network Extender

Altec lansing iM227 Orbit Speaker

This would come in handy for a workout in the park with a friend, I could take this on a photo shoot, at the beach etc. Get one here. for 24.99

Gorilla Torch

Another handy item, how many times have you been outside and needed some light…you can wrap the legs on a tree, or a fence, get one here.

Polaroid Camera 159.99

This would be a fun little toy, especially at a party. Polaroid.

Rabbit Electric Wine Opener

Another good party item. Electric wine opener.

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Quotes I Love

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Gigi in Inspiration, Quotes Comments Off

Some of my favorite Quotes…

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel”

–Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

“You know, you can steel your heart against any kind of trouble, any kind of horror.

But the simple act of kindness from a complete stranger will unstitch you.”

–Chris Abani

Chris Abani

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a

prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.”

–Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra

Xoxo,

Gigi

LA Links 61st Cotillion One Moment In Time 2012

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Gigi in Events Comments Off

Being a romantic at heart, growing up, I wanted to be a debutante and a have a big wedding with all the trimmings; big white billowy gown, elegant reception, beautiful flowers and an exotic honeymoon. Neither happened for me, and I have been attending and celebrating these events with friends and family ever since. Debutante balls have been around for about 400 years, traditionally held to introduce young ladies from upper crust families to society ie. other upper crust families. Some might ask with multiple social networking websites, facebook, etc. is there even a need for cotillions? My daughter was a debutante in 2008 and it was an unforgettable experience for both of us. The girls are required to do community service, etiquette classes, social skills, college admissions preparation, financial management, and most of all meet other young ladies that they will form life long friendships with.

Friday evening, November 23rd, 15 young ladies curtsied, at the Beverly Regent Hotel, walking arm-in-arm with a father, grandfather, or uncle. An evening steeped in tradition, over 500 friends and family members were in attendance at this grand affair. We were there to support our friends, Vincent and Allison Conard and their beautiful daughter Charis. This year was the 61st Cotillion presented by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Links, and the Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust. The proceeds from the ball are used to support community non-profit organizations, and scholarships.

Debutante Charis and Gigi

Debutante Charis was a the belle of the ball. I have watched her blossom into a beautiful young woman.

Allison and Vincent Conard

Allison and Vincent, proud parents on this special evening, I love Allison’s navy gown so elegant. The father/daughter waltz was so beautiful. I captured what I could on my little point and shoot camera.

Grand Ballroom

The ballroom was filled with admiring friends and family, these young ladies are truly special.

Place Setting

Floral Arrangements

The ballroom was filled with flowers, the tables were set and everyone was dressed black tie, a nice affair to start off the holiday season. Here is another clip of the Debutante/Escort waltz.

Debutante Charis and Escort Edmon Porter (son of Keith and Karen Porter)

Gigi & Reggie

Debutante Amani (Gigi’s daughter) 2008

While a cotillion may not be for everyone, I still sit at the edge of my chair in awe at this elegant tradition that is still going on in 2012. To see these young ladies dressed in these ball gowns prancing around glowing, knowing that this “moment in time” is truly theirs.

What do you think about cotillions? Were you a debutante? Is your daughter going to be a debutante?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Harlem Debutante Ball, Renaissance Ballroom 1950′s (photos)

Black Friday

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Gigi in Shopping 1 Comment

Black Friday

Once upon a time I used to brave the sales day after Thanksgiving, it was a tradition. This was before there were sales every other day, before there were outlets, and the day after sales really made sense. Now Black Friday is a day for me to enjoy being at home with my family without the intensity of the large Thanksgiving celebration. If you are braving the crowds for that special deal, I hope you find what you are looking for, but come back home and do something more low key.

Have a gratitude filled weekend.

Xoxo,

Gigi

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