How to Make 2017 The Best

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Gigi in Holiday 4 Comments

Gigi 2017

“I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.” – Anais Nin

It’s Tuesday, January 17th and I am posting my first post of the year, actually my first post in a while. I’m cleaning my slate and refocusing my purpose, not making the ubiquitous resolutions, but taking inspiration from the Anais Nin quote as my guide. Making each day matter.

I’m always working on self, constantly pushing myself to be stronger, always striving to be the best version of me that I can be… not always easy. I’m back to my yoga practice, which is a good thing, those couple of hours on the mat makes a difference.

My photography is progressing, I’m growing as an artist, searching for my voice, balancing clients with my personal work. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never be caught up and that’s okay, to be in a continuous state of “work in progress”.

Gigi photographer

So back to the question, How to make 2017 the best?

Start by doing as much good as you can.
Stop doing shit you hate.
Love your body more.
Make time for yourself- be selfish
Forgive and Forget

Gigi Maldives

2017 a year where I slowly peel away little pieces of the life I desire. At my age there is more life behind me than ahead of me… that’s a fact.

Did you make any resolutions ? I’d love to know…

“You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.” -Kate Morton, The forgotten Garden

Xoxo,

Gigi

Happy New Year, I’m Back…

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

Okay. I’m back after my little hiatus. Happy New Year!!! Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

2014 ended with a bang, lots of photo shoots, both kids home for a few weeks, holiday shindigs, Kinky Boots, hubby’s birthday, Selma, sprained ankle, Christmas and the hustle and bustle of life.

holiday 2014

Did you make New Year resolutions? I skipped them this year because they typically are the same ones year after year…”get in shape”, “eat cleaner”, “spend more quality time with friends and family” yada yada yada. I realize I’m always working on these, part of who I am, however I do make goals for the New Year. Most are business related, master artificial light, make more short films and work on some personal projects- like “glorious silver hair” capturing gorgeous women, maybe men too, with silver, grey, and white hair, some sort of book featuring “post 50 women”, a self portrait project, and perhaps even a show.

As far as GGM’s I have a lot of things planned, like sharing more recipes, interesting finds, tidbits of making life more enjoyable and my quirky take on this thing called life. Of course, more images, have to share them some where and an occasional short film.

Lots of happiness to you, its nice to be back! XOXO,

Gigi

Quote

Reggie celebrated 63 years on planet

New’s Years Eve

Shopping

Holiday

kinky boots

Christmas Eve

holiday shindig

mommy & daughter

out with the girls…

Me and Mister…

Labor Day

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Gigi in Holiday 1 Comment

Labor Day

Growing up, Labor Day always signified going back to school and the archaic “fashion” rule of the end of wearing “white”, both are now passe, with schools starting as early as August and “white” is a year around basic in California.

Labor day white

An extra long weekend before the fall season begins, a time to catch a few more moments to relax. My son is back at school, starting his last year of high school, so we are empty nesters once again. End of summer, beginning of fall, a time for me to plan a strong ending to a rocky year. It’s going to be busy, with my son submitting college applications, the normal holiday stuff, and a few photography projects I have in the works. I will HAVE to be incredibly organized!

Gigi @ the beach

What my intentions are for fall:

1. Refresh my workouts–I’m been digging barre classes, and really wanting to focus on workouts that are fun and get results. I know at my age I need to step it up, and constantly change in order to shock my body. I will keep you posted on what is working.

barre class

2. Taking a film class at UCLA, I have always been intrigued by moving images and would like to explore a little.

3. Replant my veggie garden for fall and winter.

4. A few home projects…maybe get a few window treatments and some new linens for my bed.

Elle Decor

5. Fine tune my diet–there is always room for improvement.

6. Work on my photography craft- always seeking beautiful light and backdrops to capture my clients, and making time to create images that make me smile.

6. Lastly, continue to work on minimizing what no longer serves me.

What are your intentions for the FAll?

A quote I stumbled on that really sums it up…

GET RID OF THE TRASH TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE TREASURES: LET THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TAKE CENTER STAGE.

Peter Walsh’

Happy Labor Day Monday,

Xoxo

Gigi

Happy Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Gigi in American Life, Holiday Comments Off

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July!

What I am looking forward to this weekend. Sometime at the beach, visiting my family, some yoga, a bike ride, spending time with our new kitten “Blue”, a tiny bit of work, and some time to do absolutely nothing, oh and watching fireworks. May you have a safe holiday with your family and friends as you get your sparkle on…

XOXO,

GIGI

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

love this

I love Valentine’s Day. I’m a true romantic. I love all things pink and red, sparkly & glittery, lacy and black, sweet and chocolaty, roses and orchids, perfumes and creams and of course sexy stilettos. After 24 years of marriage it would be easy to treat Valentine’s Day like any other day. We always surprise each other with something or a destination…I have a little something planned and I am looking forward to celebrating with the one I love.

Gigi & Reggie

Here are a few tips on keeping that Valentine feeling year round–

1. Never ever stop dating.

2. Smile upon greeting one another.

3. Be willing to forgive.

4. Continue to “love” like you did in the beginning…

5. Sacrifice for each other.

6.Be real and authentic

7. Compromise.

8. spend quiet time together.

9. Be a cheerleader for each other…

10. Honesty and consideration.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day…If you are solo do something special for yourself.

XOXO.

Gigi

Firenze

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday, Italy, Travel 1 Comment

Cafe

Today after another strong cafe to start the day we walked around Viterbo for a bit, my son needed to pick up a few more gifts for his host family. I love the colors of the buildings, faded ocher, rose, and creamy whites so beautiful, the patina is spectacular. Everything has a history, and is not brand spanking new- all color coordinated like many of the communities back home.

Viterbo

market

Once we were done we went to Reggie’s “home” to say goodbye to his family, once we leave we will not be coming back to Viterbo, we return home on Sunday and Reggie continues on to Paris with classmates for the reminder of the break. Part of the School Year Abroad program is independent travel in small groups within Europe, once you are proficient in the language.

I was excited to see Reggie’s home in the daylight. It is a strange feeling my little son living so far away for 9 months, so of course I wanted to see his abode, meet the guard dog that attacks visitors, see the 100 olive trees, the 3 cats, chat with his grandma and see his room again. He has grown so much in so many ways, not the child who I used to drive around all the time, he now goes to school on his own, has made a host of new friends, budgets his money and stays on top of his school work. Even though he goes to boarding school this is really different, when at home I can get to his school in under 2 hours, growing up is mandatory here.

gate to reggie’s Italian home

Reggie’s host mom, sister and grandma

kitty

We arrived in Firenze just before nightfall, thank goodness for GPS. The holiday decor at the 4 seasons is spectacular…

holiday decor

4 seasons holiday decor

We had a nice dinner at a veggie friendly restaurant in the center of town, although I prefer a vegan diet when at home, when I travel, especially to foreign countries I am a little more accommodating, I admire my vegan friends who are able to make things work worldwide. I just try and politely ask for substitutions and pick and choose things that I’m going to be happy with.

really good salad

candle light dinner

Firenze Street

Tomorrow a big surprise for my son, can’t wait– until then Xoxo, Gigi

Gigi & family

GIGI’S LIST

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

holiday

At my age, it’s not baubles and glittery trinkets I desire anymore, nor the bags, well maybe a pair of louboutins occasionally, I crave longevity, well-being, peace and the ability to sprinkle joy wherever I go, leaving a trail of happiness.

This past year presented a few health challenges for my loved ones. I quickly realized how fragile we really are, and how daunting our own mortality is considering how one day can be life changing. Disgusting diseases are a part of life, I wish no one had to suffer, that there was some magic potion that could be a cure all. I try and purpose to follow a clean life style, but I’m not perfect and I know nothing is guaranteed.

This Christmas I will celebrate in a foreign land. For the first time I skipped putting up my holiday decor, it feels a little odd. I realized my ritual of going through my ornaments is what I miss most, I have collected them from our travels over the years and enjoy reliving those moments as I would place them on the tree. The four of us will be celebrating together in Italy making new memories.

I hope your holiday is shaping up nicely. Perhaps you are attending soirees or hosting one of your own. Remember to savor these special times with family and friends.

P.S.

Wear the good “shit” in the daytime–:)

Xoxo,

GIGI

amani & reggie

What Are You Grateful For?

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday 2 Comments

I love Thanksgiving! Growing up my fondest memories are of my mom preparing delicious food all day, I love the “smell” of traditional Thanksgiving dinner, even though many of the items I no longer eat, but the smell is ingrained in my memory and connected to pleasant thoughts. Thanksgiving is a holiday where no gifts are expected, just the company of family and friends.

Our day will cover a lot of miles. I will start off with a workout of sorts, before we embark on our Thanksgiving trek to visit our perspective families. Although I love shopping, I have no desire to go “shopping” at midnight or camp out for electronics. I want to savor the day and spend time with our families, and indulge in tasting tidbits at our various stops. I’m more interested in “shopping” for stronger relationships with my family and friends, spending time listening and strengthening weak bonds.

I am grateful for so much, regardless of what society says I should have or should be or should do…

WHAT I AM GRATEFUL FOR

1. My health- the older I get the more I realize what a blessing good health is.

2. My family- immediate-extended-adopted-and can’t forget my furry four legged ones

3. My home-a safe place to live, mortgage paid, lights, gas and water on

4. Food- organic food in my fridge and clean water-I don’t take this for granted

5. Transportation- a working car, gas to be the road warrior that I am.

6. The ability to forgive-love unconditionally, and admit my wrong doings.

7. the ability to find the good in everyone and be non-judgemental

8. Photography- being able to pursue my passion

9. Being able to be a hunter and gatherer of light and stop and recognize the beauty in everyday things.

10. Smiles and laughter

11. Time to relax and rest

12. Being able to travel and facilitate travel for my children

13. My faith in the world we live in and my personal faith

Happy Thanksgiving!

XOXO,

GIGI

I’ll leave you with a little Thanksgiving eye candy…

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off

This time of year can be challenging, between holiday shindigs, indulgent dining, endless shopping and fraught family gatherings. Sometimes it can be really stressful, here are a few tips on making it through the next few weeks.

HOLIDAY SHINDIGS

Don’t over book, it’s OK to say “NO” there are only a few weekends and you can’t make everything. If you are hosting, plan your evening so you are able to have fun too, plan a menu you can execute effortlessly. Wear something pretty and festive.

INDULGENT DINING

Don’t over do it…and keep your workouts up, this is not the time to slack off, even though you are busy. Make good choices and watch the “drink” calories.

ENDLESS SHOPPING

Don’t get caught up in the hype. There is always a sale. If you are the type of shopper that likes to go to the large retailers for electronics- good luck to ya. I know many stores open at midnight on Thanksgiving, I like to enjoy the evening and not run out for a marathon shopping spree, perhaps its my age :). Focus on gifts that are gorgeous, personal, memorable, a little impractical and slightly indulgent. I love giving fragrant expensive candles, that I find on gilt.com, they are always well priced.

FRAUGHT FAMILY GATHERINGS

I’m convinced that everyone has a little “dysfunction” in their family, and it seems at the holiday “craziness” is magnified. Embrace everyone and their shortcomings and focus on the good in everyone. This year we will be making a few stops for Thanksgiving, if I were hosting I love pretty table settings filled with a little new, old, cheap, antique, expensive and colorful.

pretty

nice

Happy Monday

Xoxo,

Gigi

GLIDE INTO THE SEASON SMOOTHLY-HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday, Well-Being Comments Off

holiday survival

The holidays, why typically a time of joy for many, it can be a time of sadness for some, whether it is your favorite Starbucks drink now being served in the signature red festive cup, or holiday decorations in all the store windows, the season is here. It is easy to get caught up in the hype, the pressure to buy this or that, every day there is some promotion going on, first call, anniversary sale, last call, online promo etc.. Then there are the invitations or lack of invitations, the extra rich food, your workout goes cray cray, and by January everything is snug just in time for the gym promotions and New Year resolutions, it is the same cycle year after year.

No, I’m not the scrooge, I absolutely love the holidays, you just have to balance, and do what is best for you and your family, and not get overwhelmed. Stay focused and celebrate in a manner that suits your life and those that are important. Figure out what the holiday looks like for you and don’t get pulled in by what others are doing. If your family dynamics have changed, newly divorced, newly married, happily single, new baby, recent passing of a family member, kids away, different sides of your family to deal with, etc. figure out what you want to do instead of trying to please all the parties that be…

This holiday is the first one we will not be all together. Reggie and I are going to Italy to visit Reggie ll and Amani is working in New York-so it will be a different holiday for my family.

Gigi’s Holiday Survival Guide

1. Stay healthy-make a commitment to stay on your workout program, if you are not exercising START NOW.

2. Eat and be Merry-Have a “eating plan” to balance the extra parties, if you have an event, eat light during the day,make good choices so you won’t be sorry later.

3. Hydrate- Hydrate, especially if you indulge in libations, between the change in the weather, “heat” and air conditioning, all of these things wreck havoc on your face.

4. Holiday Frocks- Shop your closet and see what works or can be repurposed before running out and buying another “party dress”.

5. Gifting-make some DIY gifts, ie. food items, crafts, or giving of yourself ie. offer babysitting or prepare a meal-get creative.

6. Budget-keep an eye on the bottom line-be wary of filling up the cart at the big stores ie. Costco, Sam’s etc..

7. Decor- use what you have…many years ago I got into the trap of buying decorations every year to the tune of now having a storage that desperately needs to be emptied and shut down. I now collect a few ornaments when I travel and reuse my tried and true.

8. Kids- keep the kids grounded and have them do something to give back-voluteer at a food bank etc.

9. Create- Some special traditions for you and your family-

10. YOU- Don’t forget to schedule your “ME” time, whether it is beauty appointments, massage, spa, special workout–just remember at this time of year it is easy to neglect your own needs..

Obligations- let some go- Do you really have to go to that? You may have to say “no” sometimes. And most of all have fun and make memories and record them with your camera-so you can look back and smile.

Happy Thursday,

xoxo,

Gigi

“Main” Tree last year

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