50 things you should have or do by your 50th

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways 1 Comment

Being a wise old 56 year-old, I was thinking about what are the things that are really important to me at this phase of my life. The do or die list. What are the things that contribute to a quality life after being on the planet a half a century or more. So this is what I came up with for me. In no particular order.

1 A pretty shoe that makes you feel beautiful when you wear it. I have quite a few…

2 A nice watch- Yes we all have our phones, but a timepiece is so elegant and old school.

3 A Pretty signature lipstick- mine is one from Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink, that I love, it is the color of my lips.

4 A favorite “work” outfit. I have quite of few black items that I have picked up for work.(I wear black on shoots.)

PS Couture beauty posse

5 Flowers. Learn to arrange- Have fresh flowers in your Living space. I can pick up fresh flowers anywhere and make them look fabulous.

6 Purchase if you have not already, a piece of original art. It does not have to be from Christie’s.

7 Heirloom jewelry that you can pass down to the next generation.

8 Signature scent. I love Tom Ford Cafe Rose and Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo

tom ford cafe rose

9. Hair you love.

Finished “do”

10. Ability to say “NO”… or even “HELL NO”.

11 A little black dress that you love. or 2 or 3…

12 Robust 401K- a retirement plan

13 Be a risk taker, especially if you have always been the predictable type.

14 Smile more.

15 Celebrate your birthdays in grand style.

16 Make time to read for pleasure.

17 Have a posse of trusted beauty providers i.e. manicurist, facials, waxer, hair stylist, etc. it takes a village at this age.

18 A current passport.

19 Make time for your friends, they are important for your well being.

20 Hydrate- drink water drink water and drink water…works wonders for your complexion.

21 Be supportive take time to listen to others and be as helpful as you can.

22. Don’t give up and go to the “frumpy” lane…work on you style whatever it is…Don’t give up- yes it does take a little longer to pull it together, but allow for the extra time. Get rid of logo track suits etc.

23 Keep up your appearance. see #22.

24 Mentor someone. Give some 20 something year-old the advice you wish someone would have given you…I was fortunate when I was in my 20’s to have a few 40 year-old friends who saved me big time from stupidity.

25 Forgive yourself and others. Being “mad” wrecks havoc on your looks.

26 Be a little selfish and forget what everyone else wants you to be or do.

27.Be proud of your age. It is much more attractive then trying to pretend to be”young”. Everyone can do the math- and when you avoid sharing your age- it is assumed that you are really “old” anyway.

gigi @ 56

28 Do something daily that makes you laugh- even if it is looking at a crazy video on Facebook or You Tube.

29 Be in love or open to falling in love without losing yourself in the process! It is never to late to find yourself,even if you are already lost.

30 BE HAPPY!

Happy Gigi

31 Be content with your body, weight, shoe size, bra size, jean size etc. OR Do something about it other than complain.

32 Have a pocketful of friends that you can depend on…

33 Have command of your well being. Do whatever it takes to be healthy- keep up good habits or start some now.

34 Have nice stationery and write notes and even an occasional letter to someone…we are not the texting generation-

35 Have the ability to bounce back from adversity.

36 Be able to handle rejection of any kind and keep it moving.

37 Good night cream and sun screen.

38 Minimal DRAMA.

39 A Cause you believe in- I love FACE Forward.

40 Have a love affair with your partner-

41 Continue to Dream-

42 Drink good champagne.

champagne

43 Stop living in the past and embrace the future.

44 Strength Train.

45 Travel.

46 Stay interesting.

47 Less is truly more.

48 Set goals for the next decades.

49 learn something new.

50 Don’t be sad- You are alive and you woke up this morning- make the most of each and every day.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

fresh highlights

25 Ways to Simplify your life

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

One of the problems with going to a trade show is that you come back, full of excitement and ready to apply everything you learned. I guess that is the point of going, but in my case it can make my complicated life even more crazy. So that being said, when I get home I am determined to stay on task and not get distracted. 2016 is going to be a year of control and simplification- no distractions.

Gigi

So here are 26 tips on simplifying your life.

Get up 45 minutes earlier, than your normal time and take advantage of having a relaxed morning.
This is a hard one for me, but get 8 hours of sleep. I am working on this one.
Focus on your inner circle and don’t spread yourself to thin.
Fine tune your business- and outsource so you can focus on what you do best.
Pick your battles carefully- is it worth the energy?
Prepare more meals at home.
Find the good in everyone.
Let go of anything that is keeping you down…
Organize…one day I will be done.
Surround yourself with Love.
Take technology breaks- really working on unplugging-
Wear your “fitbit” or other device- my is on my nightstand.
Spend time in your garden- or plant one.
Be Friendly!
Return emails.
Write a letter to someone, who would not ever expect a letter from you.
Be accommodating –
Don’t expect something of others that you are not capable of doing.
Complete tasks.
Slow down.
Exhale.
Move your body daily.
Take a nap.
Read a book- for pleasure- or listen to one during your commute.
Be humble.
Be grateful.

gigi Happy Wednesday! Today is going to be a long travel day.

Xoxo- Gigi

50 ways to deal with a crisis

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

If you are on this planet long enough, you will be confronted with a crisis. One that will just appear out of no where, trust me you won’t see it coming, cause if you had you would have blocked it immediately. When in crisis mode initially you may feel as if you are falling apart, everything seems impossible, and there is no way out, trust me there is.

So I compiled a list of “50 things to do in a crisis”…

CRY- as much as you want to, especially in the beginning.
Have at least one person you can trust.
Yoga- lots of it…hip openers are really good.
Have an inner circle that can help you.
PRAY AND PRAY SOME MORE
Take long hikes.
Take long hot baths with bath salts or bubbles.
Educate yourself about your crisis.
Stay busy- keep up your routine.
Get an adult coloring book.
Know that the silent tears will soon dry up.
Take care of yourself.
Accept.
Find something that makes you laugh
Stay engaged-don’t become a recluse
Forgive
Meditate
Grieve- It’s okay- loss is usually part of a crisis.
Don’t focus on “why me?”
Be truthful
Don’t give up.
It will get better
Dig deep and find that inner strength .
Follow your heart.
Embrace your family
Be resilient.
Be Kind.
Don’t abuse your body i.e. self-medicate.
Learn something.
Don’t let yourself go.
Don’t stay in pajamas all day everyday
Seek Professional help.
Keep your routine.
Get massages.
Get some sunshine and fresh air.
Apologize.
Reinvent yourself.
Dress up.
Clean your house- even if you have professionals clean, just do it.
Open a bottle of champagne and sip it through a straw.
Think about the future .
If you have someone in your life cling to them…especially in a crisis.
Smell the roses.
Cook.
Drink exotic teas like my favorite from Harney & Sons “Paris”.
Write a handwritten not on real paper
Call someone on the phone and real conversation.
Find joy in simple pleasures.
Smile.
Love as much as you can…
SLEEP get your REST.

self portrait #10

Have a wonderful Thursday my pretties… I have an incredibly busy day ahead of me. It is my Hubby’s birthday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

55 ways to embrace being 50 plus…

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

A while back I made a 50 ways to age graceful list, but so many of my friends joining the 50 plus ranks, I wanted to do a revised list, now that I have 5 years post under my belt .Yes, 50 is certainly a milestone birthday, especially for women. Aging is not always embraced, but I can certainly tell you the alternative is not good, so no matter where you are in your life journey- celebrate your admission to this elite “golden” club.

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

So here is my new list:

1. At “50” things that you thought were important are not- let it go.

2. Keep up your appearance, this is not the time to stop your grooming.

3. Embrace your age- no one is going to believe you are still in your 20’s anyway.

4. Address your personal shit and handle it…

5. Forget about what is age appropriate and do what feels right.

6. Practice yoga, pilates, etc. you don’t want to get stiff- stay flexible and if you have not been practicing it is never to late to start.

6A. Mediate- just started this and let me tell you it is a game changer…

7. Appreciate the first 50 years and know that those 50 years made you the person you are today.

8. Wear makeup, especially concealer and remember less is more.

9. Walk daily- park far away, whenever you can etc. just get it in…wear one of those tracking devices if you need accountability – I love fitbit.

10. Celebrate every birthday with friends and family and do something special and of course drink champagne-the good stuff.

11. Take a class in something, keep your brain active.

12. Remember “sitting” is the new “smoking” get up and move.

13. Take responsibility for “you”.

14. Learn a new language.

15. Do something different with your hair color, try a new style especially if you have been rocking the same “do” for the past 20 years.

16. Be modest with your face if you decide to go the botox/filler route, you don’t want to start looking odd.

17. Smile more…

18. Travel, even if you have to go solo.

19. Get your sleep- at least 8 hours.

20. Have a few younger friends – you can teach each other a few things.

21. Be charming and gracious.

22. Work at being your best weight.

23. Take care of your skin and continue to wear sunscreen.

24. Start a journal- or perhaps write a memoir.

25. hydrate- Drink a lot of water daily.

26. Wear good lingerie.

27. Get dressed up just because.

28. Set goals for your 50’s and 60’s.

29. Splurge.

30. Be want you want to be, regardless of what others may think…

30A. See whoever you want to see regardless of what others think.

31. Accept the “you” of today, don’t wish for the 20 or 30 year old you- just concentrate on being the best “you” right now.

32. Laugh and find humor in everyday life.

33. Forgive yourself for the past.

34. Volunteer for something you are passionate about.

35. If you are a mother or a grandmother, don’t let that define you.

36. Take more baths.

37. Don’t focus on menopause.

38. Have a love affair with your partner-

39. Arrange flowers.

39A. Listen to music.

40. Use and wear the “good” stuff…nice jewelry , china etc..

41. Strength train.

41A. Dance.

42. Have good posture.

43. Believe that dreams can still come true.

44. Wear sexy pretty shoes, even if they are flat- Don’t give in to sensible shoes…

45. Flaunt your assets. If you have nice legs wear something short.

46. Get out of your comfort zone and do something different.

47. Make your surroundings beautiful.

48. Don’t drink to excess.

49. Get more massages.

50. Explore eastern medicine.

51. Prepare meals with all your heart and soul.

52. Have a spiritual base.

53. Be open to receive love.

54. Respect and spend time with your sister-friends.

55. Live each day to the fullest and don’t take life for granted.

55A. Stay interesting…read. Know what is going on in the world.

Did I miss anything? Let me know any that you have on your list.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

self portrait #10

50 Ways to be Happy…

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

With so much going on in the world, that I cannot control, my personal well being is important. We should all work on having as much happiness in our lives as possible. So I came up with this list of things that make me happy, of course I have sad moments too, but for the most part I work hard at “happy”. I always try to find the good in a situation.

A couple of weeks ago my car stalled on me in Hollywood, my son and his friend were in the car, we were on the way downtown to have lunch and we were starving, it was one of those “missed breakfast kinda days”. It was also a really hot day, and I had just had my car serviced the day before, and paid a lot of money, so I could have instantly gotten “mad” and called the dealer and went off, but instead I just called Automobile club and just wandered around Santa Monica Blvd. for a moment until my car was towed, 2 hours later we were in a loaner car and went and had an early dinner at the beach and continued on with the rest of our day, making the most of the situation.

So here is my list:

1. Chose to be happy. 2. laugh out loud. 3. Eat Green- ie. as many green veggies as possible 4. Smile.

5. Daily gratitude.

6. Forgive and forgive. 7. Look for the good instead of the bad. 8. Shut down negativity 9. Do something daily that makes you happy 10. Exercise. 11. Practice yoga 12. Quit complaining. 13. Have friends you can talk to about anything. 14. Celebrate often

15. Indulge in small pleasures 16. Spontaneous fun. 17. Seek our pleasant experiences. 18. Take up a hobby or revisit an old one. 19. Random acts of kindness. 20. Prepare food for someone 21. Surround yourself with beauty. 22. Meditate. 23. Spend time outside. 24. SLOW DOWN 25. Do what you can, there is always tomorrow. 26. Do “You” 27. Explore new places.

28. Smell something…roses, perfume, candles etc..29. Pet a kitten or a puppy. 30. Tell someone you love them. 31. Read

32. Inspire others 33. Watch the sunset 34. follow your passion 35. Say “no”, its okay. 36. Be romantic. 37. Dream big.

38. Avoid drama. 39. Look on the bright side. 40. Continue to learn. 41. Write. 42. Get enough sleep.

43. Stay hydrated.

44. Love yourself. 45. Face your fears. 46. So something magical. 47. Set an intention everyday.

48. Treat yourself. 49.Love and be loved and never give up on love. 50. Feed your spiritual soul.

What makes you happy? This list came off the top of my head so please add some that I may have missed.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Friday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

self portrait #9.5

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Gigi in 50 ways 2 Comments

Gigi @ 54

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

1. Celebrate every birthday as if it were a milestone

2. Practice yoga or pilates or both- a flexible spine is a young spine

3. Challenge yourself–never stop learning

4. Stay engaged with LIFE

5. Stop being angry- it’s not worth it in the long run

6. Strength Train ie. weight training-your bones will “thank you”

7. Love and admire your children/grandchildren/nieces/ nephews

8. Have fresh flowers all the time

9. Walk daily

10. Use your “good” stuff ie. crystal, china, silver etc.

11. Be present in the moment- enjoy the duration of the day

12. Be a role model

13. Wear lipstick

14. Be your best “you” today and stop trying to be the “you” of the past

15. Celebrate the good in your life- forget the negative

16. keep the passion with your partner and/ or if solo don’t be afraid of LOVE

17. Menopause- embrace the change

18. Take long baths with fragrant oils

19. Drink good champagne–just because

20. Change your hair if you have been wearing the same “do” for 20 plus years

21. Keep dreaming

22. Continue to shop- but know what works for you- be picky only buy things you LOVE

23. Volunteer- make a difference

24. Have a spiritual base

25. Forgive and Forget

26. Watch your posture

27. Eat clean- preferably a plant based diet with lots of raw organic farm to table produce

28. Invest in a good bed and make your bedroom a retreat

29. Be a creature like no other

30. laugh aloud and find humor in everything

31. Dance

32. Pay attention to your appearance- don’t give into middle age frumpy

33. Watch your weight

34. Don’t fear love- never stop dabbling in it…

35. Make time for friends

36. Wear pretty, sexy non sensible shoes

37. Accept that it is OK that you don’t look 22- embrace whatever age you are and “work it”

38. Sleep get your rest.

39. Don’t be a fool for fashion- have your own style

40. Wear lovely lingerie

41. Douse yourself with perfume

42. Travel

43. Smile

44. Don’t do things to contort your face- you won’t look younger

45. Unleash your blocks, whatever they may be

46. Break the rules on what “blank” age is supposed to be

47. Indulge in whatever your heart desires

48. don’t drink excessively- it never looks good

49. Continue to create and discover new interests

50. FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU!

My weekend is starting early Friday, I will be in New Orleans via a red eye flight tonight.

New Orleans

Happy Thursday

Xoxo,

Gigi

50 ways

50 things you should have or do by your 50th

25 Ways to Simplify your life

50 ways to deal with a crisis

55 ways to embrace being 50 plus…

50 Ways to be Happy…

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