My love affair with traveling started on a cross country road trip when I was about 9. I fell in love with Holiday Inn’s, swimming pools, middle america, and samsonite luggage.
When I have a trip on my calendar this blogger is ready for role play before the TSA agent can say “Remove your shoes, jacket and lap top”. The windy city is my next destination, after two weeks of tropical 85 degree days, it is a little difficult to pack for a chilly weekend. Cold weather, not my favorite, unless I am skiing and dressed in all my gear including hand warmers. Strategic carry on packing is always a challenge for me, every piece must work double duty.
Gigi’s Coat and Boots
I’ll start with my coat which I will wear, and boots, which I will pack, for me it is to hard to take knee high boots off, considering I have a tendency to run late and that step can be the difference between making my flight. Jeans, sweaters, dress for dinner and a good walking shoe so I can explore the city while my husband attends meetings. I couldn’t be more thrilled to visit our President’s town during this exciting time.
I’ve been to Chicago a few times but, never long enough to really explore. When I return I will share my findings in the windy city.
A few weeks ago I attended my 35th High School Reunion from Pius X, a coed catholic high school in Downey. I spent an evening celebrating in a room where only a sprinkling of the faces were familiar. As I sat in the room smiling and exchanging small talk, I wondered why don’t I remember many of these people who I spent four years with? I watched as they laughed, embraced one another, and squealed with delight as they shared familiar stories.
Gigi High School Reunion
I had a few close friends, none that attended the reunion. At one point in the program they called up various clubs, teams, cheerleaders, etc. for photos, I realized that I was in nothing. I did go up when they called for those who were not nominated for anything, no prom queen or homecoming court. I do recall trying out for the cheerleading squad, but I didn’t make the cut. My class had a little over 200 students, there was plenty opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. I was a member of the Umoja club, Pius’s Black Student Union, but I only recognized a few faces in that group.
What I do remember is that I was in an abusive relationship with a psychopath that no one knew about. I was a withdrawn frightened 16 year-old that was fearful of everything. A walking zombie that did just enough work to stay afloat and keep my parents happy. Fast forward 35 years, I am so different from that terrorized girl. I felt the need to return to a part of my life that should have been special, to see those classmates who had no clue who this scared girl was. I realized by going to my reunion that I went to school with some awesome people, I reget that I did not create any fond memories.
Freshman at Pius X
Freddie, Geri & Gigi
Gigi, Robert, Becky & Geri
The Girls
The Guys
Gigi, Geri & Rebecca
Gigi & Classmate
Gigi & Guys
Well I’m sure my class will most likely have a 40th reunion and now that I have “met” some of my classmates, I will put on a cute dress and go again. I have to think that our earlier experiences were for a reason they created the person we are today.
English: Logo of TJ Maxx (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I am always looking for a bargain. TJ Maxx is one of my favorite places to hunt, I always go with an open mind and meander through the store and see what I stumble upon. Today was no different let me share with you some of my discoveries.
Cute Flats for 19.99
I’m a “heel” girl, but sometimes you need a flat to walk around in, these were so cute and reasonable and for the price very cute and similar to than more expensive department store counterparts, like this one from Neiman Marcus by Prada for $470.00.
Prada glitter slipper $470.00
I have always wanted a pair of vibrams, just had not picked a pair up as of yet, but I was surprised to find these there and they fit. In the store they cost about 90.00 these were 39.99. Score!
I have always wanted a pair of these.
Glitter Laptop Bag
I love this glitter laptop bag by Nine West so cute for only 19.99
Laptop Bag
Love this one too…animals are on everything. This one is 19.99.
Wicker Stool 44.00
This was on clearance for 44.00 it will make a nice extra seat in my son’s room and I will also pull it out for an extra outdoor seat when needed.
Garden Stool 39.99
You can never have to many of these, I use them everywhere. This is a good price most are over 100.00.
Cute dress 24.99
This is a cute dress that I would do as a top over leggings with a short leather jacket, or it could work as a holiday dress for a 13-14 year-old.
Lace Dress 24.99
This one is cute too.
dress/top
Would pair this one with leggings too or with a nice strappy sandal.
Black sequin shorts 16.99
I got these for my daughter, I love the look paired with tights and boots.
Green Dessert Stand 12.99
Perfect green that would work for all the upcoming holidays.
dessert Dishes 5.99
I love the concept of small plates, I can think of so many uses for these.
Boot Stands 9.99
This is my favorite purchase Boot Standz- How clever is that? No more falling boots.
Hamper 19.99
I am going to use this for my dry cleaning–so cute.
This is a much needed magazine rack…I have so many and am always looking for a neat way to display them. 19.99
Juicy Couture Tote Bag 79.99
Tote bag can never have to many they always have a nice selection of travel bags and luggage.
Hot yoga towel mat
These are so expensive at the studio around 50.00 this one is 19.99.
Work out Wallet 5.99
Love this…always need somewhere to put keys when on a run.
Leather Jacket 49.99
Leather jacket with distressed finish.
Pleather Jacket 34.99
White jacket 34.99
Gigi in a white pearl finish jacket 34.99 keeper–I will wear this with my white jeans and booties…Love this. Sorry about the blurry pics not supposed to be taking pictures in the store. So take a cruise down to your local TJ Maxx and let me know what you find.
I have been on my natural hair journey for about 14 years. Prior to that I was bound to my revlon mild relaxer like clockwork, I did not even know what my own hair texture was anymore. Now everywhere you look women are embracing their curls. I have watched this natural hair movement explode, from the plethora of curly hair products available, to all the curly girls in the media. To get consistent results with my hair, I do my routine once a week. Big, fluffy, defined hair is my preferred style, which usually happens day two. “Natural” hair takes a lot of TLC and patience. You have to be willing to go with the flow and accept that natural hair has a mind of its own and lots of factors can influence the end result ie. weather, product cocktail, and workouts are just a few things that can dramatically change your “do”. My routine starts the night before with a pre-oil treatment, this week I used ojon oil, sometimes I use olive oil, or coconut oil. My hair is naturally dry and highlights make it even dryer.
My need to do my hair “do”
This is my end of the week “need to do my hair do”. It is still looks dry even though it is saturated with oil.
Week old hair from a WnG
This is what my hair looks like after a week from a Wash and Go. I could revitalize it with water and conditioner, but it is best if I do my ritual. My cut from Devachan is still holding pretty good.
Detangle
The first step I do is detangle my DRY hair with conditioner. I take it in sections and use my fingers to detangle, usually I use an inexpensive conditioner like Suave Coconut, but today I used Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat. I find that after a week of wearing my wash and go my hair is sometimes super tangled.
Detangling Process
As you can see from this picture I have different hair textures, the back is kinky and the front is a looser curl pattern. Once you understand your “head of hair” and what products work on your hair texture, consistent results will be easier to achieve.
Hair detangled with pre-conditioner
This is my hair after detangling with conditioner. This is an important step for me because my hair is a pain to “comb out” and I want to hold on to as many of my strands as possible. Also I try to limit my use of combs or brushes in my hair and just use my fingers most of the time.
Cleansing Step
I now rinse my “detangler” out and cleanse my hair with a no sulfate shampoo, today I used Hair Rules daily cleansing cream. My favorite is Devachan No Poo, but I am all out, I go through a ton of product, most of which I order online.
After cleansing
Now I apply a deep conditioner, today I used Curl Junkie Curl Rehab, I rotate a bunch of different ones, some of my favorites are Carol’s Daughter hair smoothie, and a new one I just picked up Obliphica spiral hair mask. Depending on my time I sit under the dryer / heating cap for 30 minutes, or sit in my steam shower, today it was so hot I just went outside.
Top knot with conditioner
I put my conditioner soaked hair in a top knot which is a good “conditioner do” in case I have to run to the store or something.
Rinse Conditioner
Back in the shower to rinse conditioner out, my final rinse is always cold and I don’t EVER use a towel, I just step out soaking wet.
Final Rinse
Rinsed conditioner out and then I applied a generous amount of Kinky Curly Knot Today. This is a core product for me that I never substitute and it is always in my cabinet.
Apply styling Products
I separate my hair into large sections and apply products to super wet hair, I use a water bottle to make sure my hair stays wet. My combination of products varies by what is in my cabinet. I am always adding new products, since I am easily influenced by what I read on other blogs. Today I used Curl Junkie Smoothing lotion, with a little bit of Curly Q’s Gel-les’c, topped off with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing smoothie. I apply with my fingers making sure to get product from my roots to the ends, making sure to use more product in the back and less to the front.
Diffuse with dryer
My drying method depends on the time of year, where I am going, and what I am wearing. Today I used a diffuser and dried my hair about 70%. If I am in a rush I will use one of my husbands workout shirts, the kind that are designed for absorbing moisture, I carefully wrap my hair with it and keep it on for about 15 minutes and shake my hair out and diffuse for about 5 minutes. When I can I prefer to air dry, which can take half a day sometimes.
Upside down step
I always flip my hair, to avoid the “flat top”. Notice how much product is on my hair, it is sort of white, all the product will be absorbed by the time my hair dries.
Dry do not touch step
My hair still needs to dry. It is important NOT to TOUCH at this point, in order to prevent frizz.
Air Dry
Finished just waiting for it to dry completely. I now can go about my day and just let my hair dry.
Big and Fluffy
Day one hair, as you can see all the product has been absorbed and my hair is light, fluffy and has movement. Tonight I will “pineapple” it (loose scrunchie) and pull all the hair up, and sleep on a satin pillow case. Day two I will spritz with a little water and shake and go. When the weather gets cooler I will do twists outs to avoid wetting my hair midweek. This process takes about an hour and a half to complete from start to finish.
Day 2 Hair
Just added this picture to show how each day is slightly different.
Day 3 during a workout in 85 degree weather
I used a little Jane Carter Solution nourish and shine, and did my “pineapple” at night (all hair on top of my head in a loose scrunchie).
I want to give a special thanks to my husband who took all the pictures today for me…it was not easy and he is not a photographer.
Are you a natural curly, coily, kinky girl? What is your routine?
I’m not sure when this problem started, but I have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. With a daughter living in New York City, I was pinned to the news keeping up with “Sandy”. I couldn’t help thinking about the what if we were hit with a catastrophic event what would I do? What is really important? I have so much clutter it would really be hard for me to find the items that I would even want. That’s a problem. So I decided I would confront this situation.
Exterior
This is the outside of my house. You will be surprised at what lurks inside of the garage. I am ashamed to share with you that I cannot park one car inside because of stuff.
interior
See? Bikes, boxes, furniture projects–never wanting to get ready a chair because I’m going to recover it…
What?
There are so many boxes from when remodeled the kitchen I have no clue what is even in them.
the rafters
The rafters is full of stuff too, more boxes and holiday decorations.
Gym
I did take one car stall and make a gym, and that area stays free of clutter.
So, little by little I am going to clean my garage so I can park a car inside. I also made a list of what would I grab if I had to leave my home quickly:
Not in any particular order:
1. My 3 external hard drives
2. Mac Book Pro
3. Ipad
4. Cameras which stay packed in a backpack
5. Medications (my husband takes some life saving meds that he can’t go without…)
6. Passports
7. My 2 Cats
8.Flashlight if I could find one
9. Water
10. My jewelry–I love my baubles
Ten things that I would hate to leave
1. Boxes of pictures (let’s just say an entire closet full of pictures)
2. My shoes–no need to explain you know I loooove my shoes
What an incredible evening! This was our first adult Halloween party since our “dating period” and that my friends was a looooong time ago. Our Halloween was always spent trick or treating in the neighborhood and or giving out treats. This year however we were treated to tickets to the 9th annual Muse Costume Ball at LACMA which included a sneak peek at the upcoming Stanley Kubrick exhibition. We started our evening with dinner at Ray’s, which was featuring a wicked halloween menu. This was my second time dining there and I love that the menu has a nice selection of farm-to table seasonal fare.
Servers at Ray’s
These two were our servers, dressed as the twins from The Shining.
Gigi & Her Pet Hubby
With only hours to come up with a costume for the ball I decided on my version of a “dominatrix Goddess”. I borrowed a long black cape from my friend Denise, used my black lace full body suit for my base, got a pair of black sequined shorts from TJ Maxx, black corset from my “pole dancing class”, black lace gloves, over the knees black platform boots, a sassy “Rihanna” red wig, and my black fascinator completed the look.
Silverware compartment
Love this. The tables have silverware storage compartment drawers.
Pumpkin Soup
Wickedly delicious apple pumpkin soup.
Ray’s At LACMA
Ray’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Gigi
Everyone was in costume. I was amazed with the things people came up with. These are just a few.
This evening Reggie and I are going to the Muse Costume Ball at LACMA, thanks to my friend Denise. I am scrabbling today to put a costume together for the party. I don’t think I will know anybody there so perhaps I will go all out fantasy mode. I promise to post pics. Halloween in the past consisted of giving out candy and trick or treating with the kids. This will be our first “adult” Halloween party. While meandering around the web looking for inspiration for a costume, I came across these interesting items.
Pumpkin
This hallowed out pumpkin can be used for icing drinks, fall floral arrangement or for serving a nice colorful fall salad, which is what I am going to do for an event this Friday.
Mini Pies
Love these little pumpkin pies, I am going to make mini sweet potato pies with my mom’s recipe.
I have had the good fortune of spending many weekends in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. My daughter attended Cate School, a boarding school in Carpinteria, where my son currently is a sophomore. Carpinteria is a quaint little town 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara and 2 hours north of LA, which makes Carpinteria a perfect weekend get away, especially if you want the perks of Santa Barbara at a fraction of the cost.
Santa Barbara
Carpinteria
Gigi’s Perfect Carpinteria / Santa Barbara Weekend
Friday
Leave early around 8AM and make a pit stop at Camarillo Premium Outlet some of my favorite stores: Neiman Marcus last Call, Saks Fifth, Tory Burch, Restoration Hardware, J. Crew, Barneys, BCBG just to name a few. Stay a couple hours and stop for lunch in Ventura at Mary’s Secret Garden. I love this place, the best smoothies. I always get the raw tostada, but everything is good even if you are not vegan you will enjoy lunch here.
Mary’s Secret Garden
Continue the drive along the coast which is breathtaking. We usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Carpinteria, it is clean, neat, and great for families. Each room is a little suite and rooms are quite reasonable. Other places we have stayed are Montecito Inn, Four Seasons Biltmore, Bacara Resort and Spa, and Fess Parker’s Double Tree. Canary Hotel and Agave Inn are two other places in Santa Barbara that come highly recommended.
Traditional Italian food always good. We have been coming here for years, we had Amani’s graduation dinner here in 2008. Mollie never disappoints. I first discovered Mollie through “O” magazine, Oprah is a big fan of Mollie’s.
Chef Mollie
Jeannines’s Bakery -Good breakfast always crowded with locals.
Jeannine’s Bakery
Arigato Sushi best vegan selection, amazing rolls and good “regular sushi” no reservations and there is always a line but well worth the wait.
Arigato Sushi
Zookers- in Carpinteria, American bistro close to the Holiday Inn
Siam Elephant Thai-family run good home style thai food a favorite of Cate students
Four Seasons Brunch- great for a special occasion beautiful location great food.
What to Do
State Street- the main drag in Santa Barbara great for shopping, eating, and Santa Barbara people watching.
Lotus Garden– Madame Ganna Walska’s private estate now open to the public, reservations a must due to location in a private neighborhood.
Orchid Shopping- Orchids are grown in the area check here for upcoming orchid events and sales.
Wine Country Santa Barbara has a vibrant wine region. You could spend the entire weekend visiting wineries. Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton, and Lompoc have numerous wineries waiting for you. There are tour companies that do day tours for under 100.00 person. Las Brisas Transportation 805 455-6384, Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling 805 686-9490, Wine Canyon Tours, and Santa Barbara Adventure Company 805 884 9283 just to name a few.
Rent Bikes at the beach
McGrath Farm
On the way back stop at the Mcgrath Farms right off the freeway before the outlet exit, always interesting local produce and just in case you forgot something stop make your final stop at the outlet.
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