#101 why I work out-OSTEOPOROSIS

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, Well-Being 2 Comments

Yes! One of the reasons I workout is for my own vanity. I know shallow…I want this 50 plus year old body to still be able to rock the fashion I like and to be able to sport a bikini occasionally and not look ridiculous on the beach. OK enough of that, two years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I was devastated at being told I had this disease I associated with “old people”. I always knew the countless benefits of working out and have been active all my life, but as we age it is even more critical to be as fit as possible, because trust me the body starts trying to break down just like an old car–the maintenance is really important.

My First Tri

I remember when my “no bedside manner” doctor called me on my cell, and told me that I had osteoporosis and I needed to take boniva or take a drug called reclast that is taken once a year by IV infusion. The side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, risk of inflamed esophagus or ulcers, of course the thought of going from being a healthy person to now taking drugs with all these potential side effects was daunting. I felt deceived by my body, osteoporosis is typically found in frail caucasian and asian women, or those who have battled eating disorders, such as anorexia, I have never been frail, white, asian, or small boned, and I have never had an eating disorder or been one to do random “diet” fads that are so popular.

osteoporosis

After doing a lot of my own research, I decided I could not take those drugs, especially when I read lots of information that questions the long term use of the drugs and the long term problems they can cause, but I also did not want to be a “hunchback” old lady or suffer from a broken hip in the future. So I decided to take my own approach and eat and drink as many calcium rich greens, strength train, weight train, and do yoga which some studies show promise with regular practice. I also have a weight vest that I wear when I walk or even around the house. Acupuncture is a regular part of my well being, my doctor has me taking herbs and he treats my joints. Tao of Wellness

Gigi yoga

Osteoporosis– is a disease of the bones that happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall. Find out more about it here. It is diagnosed by a simple bone density test, all women 50 and or those that have a history of osteoporosis should be tested.

So ladies and Gents do your WEIGHT TRAINING! And do your research and stay on top of things and of course the key words are PREVENTATIVE & LIFESTYLE

Happy Friday

gigi bikini

Xoxo,

Gigi

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

Golden Gladiator #1 Rosetta

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, Girl Crush, gladiator, Inspiration, Mother's 5 Comments

I love celebrating women who live life to the fullest, especially women who are of a certain age, that are embracing who they are at every decade never missing a beat. So I am thrilled to present to you my first “golden gladiator” Rosetta.

Rosetta

Rosetta and I met when our girls were in pre-school 20 years ago. Initially it was a friendship based on our little girls, getting them together for their play dates.

They were like siamese twins, so of course our friendship blossomed over time we spent sitting in the park watching the girls and talking about everything. Now those girls are young ladies finished with college and starting their careers. Although we were blessed to be able to focus on our families, we never forgot about who we were as women, outside of our role of full time moms. I sat down with Rosetta and over a cup of tea we chatted about her recent graduation from law school (btw at the top of her class) at the young age of 56.

GIGI: I remember when we met, two things you shared with me: 1. that you were fluent in french and had lived in Paris 2. that you wanted to be a lawyer.

Rosetta: At the age of 15 I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. After graduating from USC I moved to Paris, while there I had a near fatal accident. I moved back to the states to recover. While home I attended a party where I met my husband, we got married started our family, and I put my law school dream on the top shelf.

Rosetta

GIGI: Why did you decide to go to law school now? I remember you went back to school in 2006 and completed your real estate license, and then you got your brokers license and had established your business and were doing quite well.

Rosetta: It was always my plan to get my law degree at some point. My older daughter had graduated from college and my younger daughter had started college so the time was right for me, my husband was supportive of my plan as well.

GIGI: Was it difficult returning to school, considering you were a little more “mature” than the other students? I remember when I returned to school many times I was older than my professors.

Rosetta: Not at all…quite the opposite, I was not “trying to meet someone” so there were no distractions, I was so much more prepared than some of my younger counterparts. I could manage my time- all those years of balancing my family and their lives came in handy. I also stood out in my class, I “dressed everyday” the younger students were very casual and I was focused on my course work.

GIGI: Were there times when you got discouraged?

Rosetta: Yes, every semester I doubted myself. But what kept me going was my husband, morning runs with my running partner Angie, and my support system of 3 women who I met with regularly. I also always had a positive attitude and studied nonstop, basically I did what ever I had to do to do the work.

GIGI: What is your passion? And any advice to those who may be thinking about making a life change, later in life?

Rosetta: My passion is for women and property. Through my real estate business I have seen so many women who are not prepared and as a result they end up in poverty by making uninformed decisions. My advice is to follow your passion whatever it is, and never give up. Do not let your age be a deterrent.

GIGI: Well I know you will make a difference and come up with a plan or a program empowering women you have always been a “giver” as long as I have known you.

Rosetta J.D.

Rosetta I want to share with my followers some of your tips on “keeping it together” you are beautiful inside and out and your body is slamming…

1. Pray everyday

2. I fast 2 days per week

3. I run 2 to 3 times per week (6 miles)

4. 2 days per week I go to the gym and do strength training

5. sit ups, push ups, hydrants 200 per day of each

6. weigh daily

7.watch my diet, but I don’t deprive myself of a treat now and then

8. always purpose to weigh what it says on my license on my birthday

9. Peace

There you have it from gladiator Rosetta…with her plan we would all be ready for “battle”.

Rosetta

Happy Weekend Everybody

XOXO,

GIGI

At My Age…

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, Beauty, Fitness, Well-Being 2 Comments

I’m going to be honest here. We live is a youth obsessed society, everywhere you look there are images of celebrities in the news, on the TV, FB etc., whether an update on Bey’s comings and goings or some Kardashian story, we are bombarded by these images.

Celebs in the news

BEY

Our “norm” of what a person looks like is an overly photoshopped picture that leaves a little remnant of what the person actually looks like in person. Digital images once uploaded and magnified expose any sensitive areas you may have or shall I say did not know you had…

Madonna Before and After

Most days I feel like I am holding on pretty good, considering I’m 5’4″ and 54. I inherited my father’s hair color gene, just a sprinkling of grey strands, which allows me to color my hair about every 5-6 months and wearing a curly “do” hides a multitude of sins.

Photographer Gigi

The body however, is something that needs constant monitoring. No more of the magically tight 20’s, or the taunt 30’s or the firm fine 40’s this is the “betta find your a$$ in a gym 50’s” or else ease on down the middle age spread road. Is there anything really wrong with that? Passing on the baton and settling comfortably in to a pair of spanx and a good bra? No. Not at all-but of course there are other benefits to working out other than the “I don’t like the body that I glanced at in the mirror” reason.

Spanx

And don’t throw in the dreaded “M” work…That blanky-blank will jack a body up until you outsmart it…My theory is that menopause has a timer that tries to tell the world in subtle ways that this body is no longer available for reproducing. Let’s try and plump it up just enough to take away that youthful hourglass figure, just enough so somebody may slip and call you “Ma’am”.

menopause

My car is a 2007 model, which is old by California standards, the moment the service light comes on I am at the dealer, never ever missing an appointment, that is how you have to be with these bodies, diligent. I have to do yoga or I risk stiffening up like the tin man, strength training-a must do especially since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a few years back. Cardio, cardio and more cardio if you want to have some memory of a waistline, and finally the most important one of all-drumroll THE DIET!

Gigi yoga

You have to fine tune what you put in your body and know what works for you. I’m not here to preach the vegan diet, vs raw vegan or vegetarian sermon, because even those can wreck havoc on a body if not followed properly ie. we all have met the obese vegetarian who lives on macaroni and cheese and pizza. The only rule I want to share is “GRREN UP” Saturate your body with as many anti-oxidants as you can stand, from fresh organic produce-you will notice the benefits inside and out especially in your skin. Everyday I have at least one big glass of fresh green juice.

Green Goddess Juice

Of course there are skin care advances and procedures available, but I want to do everything I can holistically before I investigate those options. I know I owe a lot to my diet and protecting myself from our beloved sun.

botox filler injections

So Gigi’s advice to all my pretties:

20’s Have fun, but set up a foundation of being active

Gigi @ 25

30’s “twerk” the diet if you had bad habits in the 20’s, especially if you are starting to have babies

Wedding Day july 23, 1989 1 week before 30

40’s if you don’ get your shit together here, this is like the last hooray-lots can happen in this era

Gigi @ 40

50’s you can still be FAB, but you have to do the work No get our of jail card here, you will go direct to “fifty and frumpy”

50’s Gigi

60’s and beyond KEEP it MOVING and watch the diet, it is a lifetime commintment

The good thing is our bodies are truly amazing, with a lot of effort and hard work you can still get results and reverse the aging clock. Will you ever look 22 again? No, but you can be a damn good looking 50 something year old

So start today by making good choices or bumping it up a notch if you already have a good routine. I’m always trying to do something, whether it is trying a new workout or training for an event, anything to keep my butt moving instead of drooping…

So let’s toast with a green juice and move your body today!

Xoxo,

GIGI

5’4″ and 54 years young

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, My Life 6 Comments

baby Gigi

My life lately, has been one big interruption of sorts. I miss Gigi’s Meanderings when I don’t post, this little refuge that allows me to share my humble life, with all its idiosyncrasies. I feel as though there is not enough hours in the day. I recently celebrated my 54th birthday on July 28th, my motto for this one being “5’4″ and 54”. Last year was “53 and free”, “50 and fabulous” you get the gist, embracing each year instead of hiding my age. In our youth driven society I feel good about my age-do I have regrets? Certainly. Who doesn’t?

Gigi @ 54

On a positive note I am happy to be alive, we all know life as we know it is not forever, but there is still a little work here on earth that I need to do, and a few more places I would like to see. My birthday signifies my personal “New Year” I set resolutions and assess the previous year, and figure out what I could do better.

travel

My “54” list:

Physical Goals

I will continue to lead the healthiest life I can, recommitting to being as physical as possible, nourishing my body with organic fresh food, and reestablishing a strong yoga practice. Oh and finally dropping that annoying 5 pounds that keeps hanging around.

love yoga

Spiritual Goals

I will humble myself and do whatever I can to uplift others and have unconditional love for my family and friends. Continue to work with my various charities and try and make a difference in another person’s life.

Professional Goals

Establish my photography practice and develop my business model of photographing everyday women, creating extrodinary beautiful portraits. Continue to share my thoughts on Gigi’s Meanderings regardless if I have 5 readers, 5,000 or 1,000,000. And oh learn PHOTOSHOP.

Photographer Gigi

Keep stress at bay-which is our worst enemy.

Quote

Live each day as if it were my last-and celebrate just because and sprinkle a love trail where ever I go.

QUOTE

What are your plans for your personal “New year”? Do you cringe at the thought of another birthday? Share your anti-aging techniques…

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

Where Does the Mind Go, When it Decides to Leave?

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, friendship 2 Comments

I have been incredibly busy these past weeks. Between traveling and shotty internet, my blog has suffered-but I’m back. I’ve missed coming to this “place” sharing my thoughts.

You don’t need to be a neurologist to recognize when someone’s “brightness” is slipping away. What I find interesting is the moment it happens cannot be identified. Was it Christmas 2012? Was it the first time keys were misplaced? Was that the beginning? hmmmmm… I’m in trouble!

I’m a girlie girl who loves being pampered, and the older I get the more pampering I need to keep this body running smoothly. My “beauty services” are necessary indulgences, that help maintain my sanity. For the past 18 or so years I have been trekking across town to the Westside once a week to partake in various appointments. Once I find a person I like I am a lifer, a dream client that will be there “rain or shine”.

I remember the first time I went to Jessica Nail Clinic, a friend of mine treated be to a manicure for my birthday. I loved my nails and was happy to find a shop that was into healthy nails and did not do acrylic nails, which were all the rage back then. Leni, my manicurist and I hit it off and I quickly snagged a “standing” appointment and have been going ever since. I developed a unique friendship with Leni, so much more than a client/service provider relationship. We watched our children grow up, shared our proud moments, our daughters graduations, medical school, marriage, grandchildren and our mutual love for Michelle watches. You would be amazed of how well you get to know someone spending an hour a week together year after year. As soon as I sat down she knew if something was wrong with me. We had a secret “eye” language that we would use when snotty rude clients walked in the shop. Leni shared my tears when I lost my brother, went through a pregnancy with me, and my significant birthdays, there were a few sprinkled in during that period. We became each others confidants, even though our worlds outside of the shop did not intersect.

I can’t pinpoint the moment I noticed something different, but slowly I observed this sharp proud Romanian lady slowly start to slip away to some strange space. At first it was little things like “do you want coffee?” I stopped drinking coffee years ago, but every week she would ask. Picking out a color became an ordeal, changing an appointment was almost impossible, thankfully someone would always come to the rescue. The ladies at the shop are like family, most of them came to this country from Romania. I had to pay attention to my manicure and help her keep on task with the various steps. Sometimes I felt as if I could feel her embarrasment for asking me questions over and over. I thought about leaving, and going somewhere else, but I couldn’t, deep inside I knew it was only a matter of time. My manicures suffered, but I could not abandon her at this point, even though I noticed some of her regulars disappeared.

So last week I cruised up to Sunset Plaza, stepped inside and did not see Leni. I was told that she got the “flu” and retired and would not be back. I was overcome with sadness, that quickly deteriated to a waterfall of tears. Leni was only in her early 60’s and just like that gone. Of course I pressed for an explanation and I got it. I was told that her last day at the shop she got so disoriented that she could not find her car, and they had to call her husband. She had been at the shop for over 20 years, all I could think about was no good bye, no farewell celebration, just gone.

My favorite Jessica color is “endure”. I will always remember Leni when I wear this color…

Do you have a special relationship with your hair stylist? Manicurist? Massage therapist?

Xoxo,

Gigi

ANTI-AGING

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Gigi in Aging 2 Comments

For myself, this weekend will be one spent with my mother and son at Grandparents weekend at his school. My in-laws were unable to make it do this this horrific flu, and at 89 you have to be careful. I will take lots of pictures to capture and freeze the moments of my mom and son. I’m at an age where my mom and most of my friends parents are creeping into their 80’s, it is certainly a reminder of the circle of life. I can’t help but to think about the aging process and how will I fare, not just the physicality but my health which is the critical piece. Will my obsession with yoga and a vegan lifestyle really make a difference? Will I let my hair go totally white like my mom’s one day? What will my “80” look like?

Age

This quote pretty much sums up my thoughts on age. While I know I will never be “22” or “35” or “40” again, I can be the best me and embrace whatever that looks like. Will I dabble in cosmetic options ie. botox, fillers etc.? Not sure, I do look and the mirror some days and I sigh, and some times I look in the mirror and think, I’m doing okay.

Botox

While I don’t think there is some secret formula for anti-aging I do think a person’s mindset and attitude has a lot to do with aging. When you start to settle in to the “I’m to old for this or that” or “I used to do that when I was younger” that is when that cross over takes place and you wake up one day and you are suddenly in the state of “OLD”. Continue to explore passions and try new things, browse in “Forever 21” try a new hair do, don’t be afraid to “change up”.

Here are my anti-aging tips:

1. EXERCISE EXERCISE AND EXERCISE! there is no way around this one…if you don’t want things to start shifting in a weird way, exercise is the key. I love yoga for the stretching, relaxation, and since I practice hot yoga the added benefit of a facial. Cardio and weight training are also important and just making each day active, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away and walking, jumping up and down in the house just because.

Yoga

DIET DIET AND DIET is just as important as exercising. I do vegan with as much “raw vegan” as possible, and I juice most days. I buy everything fresh and stay away from processed food. I prefer food in its original state.

fruits and veggies

3. REST REST AND REST yes I have to get my sleep, preferably 8 hours.

4. HYDRATE HYDRATE AND HYDRATE I drink lots and lots of water. I can wake up and look in the mirror and know if I did not drink enough water the day before.

5. SPIRITUALITY-having a faith base in something that keeps you grounded, something that you believe in-this is so important. You need that internal peace that comforts you.

Now for the extras:

1. Creams and such–don’t know if they make a difference but I slather lots on morning and night

2. Sex-do it!

3. Massages-no explanation needed

4. Hair color-even if you are embracing your grey, make it sparkle

5. Passions-keep exploring new things

6. Friendships-relationships are enriching in so many ways…

7. Make-Up- yes it makes a difference

8. Fragrance-oils, perfumes whatever you like.

9. Outfits- that make you feel fabulous.

10. Pretty shoes-not orthopedic and “tennis” shoes are for working out…

11. SMILE-be happy, control your stress, and find the good in everything and everyone…

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

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