The Art of Hosting

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Gigi in entertaining, My Life 5 Comments

Gigi

Entertaining is a way of life for me…socializing with friends “face to face” is something that I love doing, hosting meetings, girls by the pool, 54 Couture photo sessions, family gatherings, neighbors, club events, or just a friend for a cup of tea. Reggie is the same way, actually we know we both could have new careers he as a “butler” and moi as an event coordinator/hostess. Don’t get me wrong, I love social media and the modern conveniences of communicating, texting, skype, email, phone meetings, but there is something so giving of yourself, your soul when you take the time to “serve” another person.

We are all so busy that the first thing that seems to drop by the way side in having guests over just “because”. My parents generation entertained at home all the time, during the 50’s and 60’s it was a time in this country when African-Americans could not even go to many restaurants so entertaining at home was the norm. Growing up having lots of family and friends over was a weekly thing, my mom was always in the kitchen preparing something.

This past weekend I hosted an event for Jack & Jill at my home, the party was a potluck where all the members brought something and we had a blast. This year our theme was spanish, so everyone brought tapas, desserts, and of course sangria. My girlfriend Myriam, an exquisite ballroom dancer taught a salsa class, which was so much fun, I made a latin groove playlist, the evening was one of those that made you grateful that you lived in southern Cali.

dessert table

main table

beautiful Myriam doing her thing…

Salsa!

One of the things I like most about having guests, is trying to make something really special, I will drive all over, to pick up special ingredients, items to serve, or a special wine, it is part of the experience of making someone else happy. We went to Surfas in Costa Mesa, for the first time to pick up some treats for the party, it was like the Home Depot of gourmet food and culinary supplies, and there was also a farmers market going on as well which was perfect! I picked up some passion fruit, which is one of my favorite fruits, that I rarely fine in my local market, I just about OD’ed on them.

At Surfas

This store has everything a professional and a novice would need, I will be back soon.

passion friut

Berry good

Love farmers markets.

flowers

Love flowers too…they add that finishing touch.

champagne bar

I like to put “stations” all over my house, to keep guests moving and not having bottleneck areas…this worked quite well. The night was so warm we were able to keep all the doors open and take advantage of the warm evening. I’m already thinking about next years theme…hmmm maybe Bollywood.

Gigi’s Quick Tips for Hosting

1. Make something-even if you just perfect one simple recipe

2. If you must buy something get something special-go to an ethnic restaurant and order something

3. Collect interesting serving pieces- yard sales, close outs, from your travels, etc.

4. Avoid store bought processed items ie. weird stale cookies you know the kind with the decorations on them…have fresh fruit instead

5. Serve nice beverages- make a nice cocktail or juice bring a “nice” bottle of wine- not 2 buck chuck

6. If you do Costco- Plate the items and make them look nice…

7. Presentation- Put some thought into your table- I am always looking in magazines for inspiration

8. Put something on your calendar and INVITE some friends over or just a couple- It does not have to be an event-just because if good enough!

9. Life is Short-Spend time with friends and family-HAVE A PARTY

Happy Monday

XOXO

GIGI

LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Gigi in American Life, Family, My Life 3 Comments

Gigi & Mom

Mothers

My mom will celebrate her 84th birthday on October 16th, it seems like yesterday she was a “young” woman, so different from the thin framed, white-haired lady she is today. Riverside a suburb about 45 minutes from my home is my mother’s hub, We moved there in 1977, the year I graduated from high school.

Unlike me, my mom can count the times on one hand that she has had a professional mani & pedi, she has NEVER colored her hair, obviously I can’t say the same, and I could just about own a nail shop after 30 years of appointments. She prides herself on still being able to fit all her clothes from yesteryear, proud of never being “FAT”. Reminding my sisters and I that she wore her regular clothes six weeks after giving birth.

Her favorite and only travel destination is Hawaii; Europe, Africa, Asia will have to wait to another lifetime. Most restaurants she does not like, always finding something wrong with the food, preferring her own cooking and her american folgers coffee, no cappuccinos for her. Entertaining and preparing food for large groups is her second nature, always finding a reason to have a house full, extending invitations to everyone.

I will celebrate 25 years of marriage next year, I remember vividly when my mom divorced my father in 1968 before “divorce” was fashionable. At 38, with four children in tow, ranging in ages 2-16 she moved cross country from New Jersey to Compton California, with a small savings to start a “new’ life. I was 8, and have no memory of life being difficult, she enrolled me in St. Albert a local catholic school, although on occasion I do recall being called to the office because my mom did not pay the tuition, but I certainly was not the only one. She worked numerous jobs, including being a housekeeper in Brentwood, Westwood, Palos Verdes, etc., I remember going with her sometimes wanting to help at my little age, marveling at these estates saying to myself that one day I too was going to have a big house, as I quietly observed these women giving my mom instruction “Peggy, please don’t forget to do this or that”.

Determination is what I grew up watching, seeing a mother never give up at wanting to provide a life for her children. At 40, four kids and all, she married again and had another baby, way before it was vogue to be 40+ and pregnant. She returned to school in her late 50’s and went on to complete her masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the young age of 64. At 83 she is still ripping and running with the next generation, always at games, dance recitals, etc. never missing any milestones for the grandchildren. She discovered yoga in recent years and does not let anything interfere with her “zen” or her water aerobics.

Whenever I think about something being to hard or difficult, I just think about my mother’s story and keep it moving…

Happy Wednesday

XOXO,

GIGI

SLEEP PATTERNS

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Gigi in My Life, Well-Being Comments Off

pen and pad

I love the quiet of the night, that magical time where all sorts of thoughts and ideas appear, and my pen and I happily transcribe to my trusty legal pad. Yes, I’m old school I love a pen in hand and seeing words on paper, it’s sort of like an electronic reader vs book, I have both but there are times when I want to curl up with a book instead of an electronic device. My husband on the other hand can barely stay up and watch the news, but 4AM he is up and running a 10 miler, or at the gym, or working out with his trainer and I on the other hand am just turning in at 3AM. Considering I don’t have a”place” to be in the morning since I work at home, I catch up sleeping in a bit, but of course the phone starts ringing around 8 and I am the master of answering as though I was wide awake and then quietly falling back into a deep sleep sometimes not remembering who I spoke to.

So the other day i read a piece on the Habits of Supremely Happy People, on the huffington Post and one of the habits was getting plenty of sleep, so I decided I’m going to rewire my brain, and go to bed early and wake up at dawn and start my day, and still have that quiet time that I love. The following are the other items that “contribute” to “supreme” happiness-this list is dead on…

1. Surround themselves with happy people–check. Nothing will take you down quicker than others who are negative, I find that my nature is to “fix” people, but sometimes you have to pull away.

Housewives of ASPEN

2. Smile when they mean it–check. A smile is a cure all.

Gigi

3.Cultivate resilience–check. Keep trying, keep doing, never give up on your dreams.

Quote

4. Try to be happy–check. There are some people you purpose to be mad, I don’t get it.

5. Appreciate simple pleasures–check. Smelling a rose as I leave my house can make my day.

love these roses

6. Devote time to giving–check. Always giving something to someone, trying to make a difference.

7. Lose track of time–check. I’m an expert at this one.

8. Nix the small talk for deeper conversation–check. You have to go there, dig deeper.

9. Spend money on other people–check. Yept.

10. Make a point to listen–check. It is amazing how many people don’t do this one.

11. Look on the bright side–check. Yes, there always is a bright side to everything no matter how bad it seems.

12. Value a good mixtape–check. I LOVE MAKING MIXED CD’S- another part of my sleep problem. Music is so important to me…

13. UNPLUG–Gotta work on this one ie. leave the phone at home sometimes, have rules.

14. Get Spiritual–check

15. Exercise–check. no brainer

Yoga

16. Sleep– Working on this one

17. Laugh–check. I always find the humor in everything…

and lastly

18.Walk the Walk–check. The old “pep in your step” is true…

Walk the Walk

So my friends what are your thoughts? Anything missing? Anything to add? Spread some happiness as you go about your day today.

XOXO,

Gigi

Weekend Observations… Mother of George

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Gigi in My Life, Weekend, Weekend Observations 4 Comments

This past weekend was incredibly busy. Between working on my “business” and my typical tendency to cram to many things into a day–I am worn out! Part of my problem is that I love life and I try to live each day to the fullest, never wanting to miss out on anything. Sunday was my marathon day, first I had a shoot with a beautiful family, the weather was perfect, the park was not busy, the children were adorable, my cohort Elsy was phenomenal, my BFF Blaine was stylist extraordinaire, my hubby provided refreshments,we finished on time and the the family was still smiling. Here’s a sneak peak.

The Girls

That should have been enough, the rest of the afternoon should have been spent relaxing, instead of just beginning. Next stop downtown LA to a trunk show by Wunmi, her line is aptly called WOW WOW, the colorful collection brightly patterned dresses, pants and tops, was a sensory overload. I wanted everything, but it was a little after 3 and we had tickets for a movie at 4 in Santa Monica, so I knew I did not have time to try on anything, but Wunmi told me this was the last day of the show and she was going back to NY, so I just went on my instinct and bought a dress that can be worn 4 ways. I love that all the fabrics are fair trade and hand dyed, which gives each garment a unique look.

WOW WOW

my “wow wow” dress

With 30 minutes to spare we were on our way to Santa Monica to see Mother of George a film that is only playing at The Royal Laemmle. You all know I love Kerry Washington, Morris Chestnut, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassestt just to name a few, but this film had no actors I recognized and I was awe struck. The cinematography is beautiful, the colors and the lighting are a story within the story. The opening wedding scene is an elegant ceremony saturated with vibrant color and music. It is the story of a Nigerian couple Adenike and Ayodele living in Brooklyn, who are unable to conceive and the pressures that come along with that from the family in particular the husband’s mother, this could be anyones story. I remember after I had Amani it took us six years to get pregnant with Reggie and well meaning friends and family would innocently ask us when are we having another baby, not knowing we were desperately trying. This film poses the question, how far would you go to have a baby? This is a must see film filled with spectacular imagery, although you will have to go out of your way to see this one it is well worth it, matter of fact I am going to see it again with Reggie. I wish there were more films like this, where you really feel the emotions of the characters.

After the screening there was a Q and A with the producer who also played the brother of the main character in the film, Anthony Okungbowa, that was really insightful of what goes on behind the scenes and the challenges of getting a film like this made.

Gigi & Producer Anthony Okungbowa

Blaine

Ok by now I should be going home, but instead back downtown for a dinner reservation at one of my favorite restaurants, Baco Mercat. So back on the freeway and we zoom downtown for a nice dinner, btw we had not eaten all day, so we were beyond hungry. Reggie meets us there and to our surprise my other BFF Denise walks in with her family, so of course we are delighted at this unplanned reunion.

BACO ladies…

Finally on the way home, exhausted, but I am determined to write my post, one of my list items-write my blog daily and be consistent. So it is 1:15AM friends and I’m not quite finished yet. I hope your weekend was productive and interesting as well. I’m looking forward to a productive week and getting a lot done.

Happy Monday

XOXO,

GIGI

To Do Lists…

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, My Life, Well-Being 3 Comments

I don’t know about you, but there are so many things I want to do, places I want to go, experiences I want to have-before I am to old or in my case “older”. My daughter Amani turned 23 yesterday, as I looked at her birth announcement that I have framed along with all our yearly holiday photo cards that each year are retired to a permanent montage on the wall, as cliche’ as it sounds ” time really does zoom by”. I am reminded every morning as I glance at my “family” life.

Birth Announcement

The Wall

Everything on my list really is doable-the fantasy things, such as living in a foreign land are just that fantasies, and I don’t focus on the “have it all” list either. For the most part I’m content where I am, not Jones-ing for a new car or a bigger house, or another designer bag, OK maybe a pair of shoes but I’m good where I am. Going to Brazil, Madagascar, Bali, New Zealand are just a few destinations on my long list, I know I will get to those eventually, it is the day to day lists that are sometimes overwhelming. I often feel as though there is not enough hours in the day to do everything, perhaps it is because I am always bombarding my brain with new information, and like my MAC it starts going real slow and of course my friend “time management” is always at my backdoor.

I’m a list writer and before I go to bed I jot down my “to do” list, you know the usual suspects, go to the cleaners, bank, store etc. or clean this up, email and such, those lists I handle pretty well. The list that challenges me is the one that has items like this:

1. kids need to be responsible adults and be able to take care of themselves.

2. We need to be healthy – so we can “see” item 1.

3. keep spiritually grounded

4. don’t let the small shit, get to me…

5. take quality time for those that are important to me–tomorrow is not promised…yeah another cliche-but this year I have learned the hard way

6. continue to take a stand-even if it means fallout

7. have a desaster plan in place – ie. if Reggie’s stroke really would have been bad- What was my plan?

8. keep working on having that “jamming” beach body- never give up

9. apply lotions and potions every night-and when that fails go for the big guns–

10. Every day live a FULL life- take time to do something SPECIAL

Happy Monday and let me start on my lists…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi

Quote

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Gigi in My Life, Quotes 7 Comments

Came across this quote today and it really resonated inside of me, I read it a few times and thought about what these words meant to me…

Quote

We spend so much time trying to be what we think we need to be for others. At 54 years young I am finally living each day as the woman I am meant to be…This did not happen overnight, it was a long journey and the most difficult part was learning to say “NO” and accepting that everybody was not going to like me all the time. Many times being who you are meant to be sometimes means not following the group, being an independent thinker. It can be unsettling, especially if you have spent a lot of time “creating a facade” of yourself.

Sometimes it can be something simple like changing a hairstyle, I remember when I started wearing my hair natural many years ago, many well meaning friends and family had reactions, it was if I somehow let them down by changing my long relaxed tresses. I even had one person say to me “what about your husband?, is he OK with your hair like that?”. Now 10 years later the natural hair movement is booming.

I remember when I started dating my husband, after a few months he wanted to take me to his church, which unbeknownst to me was pretty uptight. On this particular morning he picked me up and I was dressed, but I had on no stockings and a pair of hoop earrings, so on the way to the church he stopped at the mall and told me he had to get something. So we go in the store and he finds stockings, a “little house on the prairie” dress and some little flat shoes and he asked me to put the outfit on, and take off the earrings. He explained that his church was really conservative and I would be more comfortable in that outfit, so I reluctantly changed into my costume and we went to church. I remember feeling really uncomfortable in my “new” outfit, and thinking this is not me, and I cannot transform into this person for him or anybody else, there had to be a happy medium. So of course we talked about it later and I told him that he was attracted to me the way I was and I can’t change into someone else and perhaps he could meet one of the ladies that already have the image he was trying to create. So my friends you know the rest of the story almost 25 years later …

So everyday I strive to be my true self, most days it is effortless and some days not so easy. I find that having transparency frees my mind to be creative, because I’m not fixated on keeping up an illusion, I’m just being me…plenty of flaws included.

Photographer Gigi

XOXO,

GIGI

Travel Transformation-Bangkok

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Gigi in Family, My Life, Travel 4 Comments

Traveling…

The past few weeks have been emotionally charged, the unexpected death of Reggie’s brother Jimmy, complications with my son’s travel visa for Italy, my sister’s hip replacement surgery, combined with the normal challenges of day to day living. Every year we have been fortunate to go on a family holiday. We typically decide on a place, do a little research and travel in August. Last year we went to South Africa, a first for us, it was an incredible trip full of history, beautiful people, and one of the highlights was going on safari. With so many places in the world to go, we always try to pick some place new each year.

Safari Family

Travel is transforming, we leave our comfort zone and step out into the big old world, I love going to a foreign place and observing with my eyes, capturing with my lens and savoring with all my senses what this new place is about. Growing up our travel was mostly visiting other relatives, and an occasional trip to Hawaii, which I loved, because we stayed in a hotel. I have always loved discovering something new, even exploring a neighboring city can be fascinating if you take a moment and walk around like a tourist, you will be surprised with what you might see. This year we decided to go to Thailand, I have always been interested in eastern culture and love thai cooking. We wanted a trip that had city life, sprinkled with salt water in the hair, sand between the toes and some shopping thrown in for good measure. So this morning after putting on my long flight travel uniform-black lululemon yoga pant, tee shirt, my fav calypso black cashmere sweater, and a pair of “worn in” slip on wedges I was ready to go.

fav travel wedge…

I know our family trips together soon may be ending as our children start their own life journey, but I am happy for the ones we will be able to do together.

The family

Japan Air was fabulous, the first leg of the trip was 10 hours. I pre-ordered vegan meals that were really fresh and tasty, of course my son had tradistional meals, and he was pleased as well.

vegan Japan Air Meal

kid-lets fast asleep

A brief layover in Tokyo and then another 7 hours to our finally destination Bangkok. After a short ride to the city we checked into The Peninsula got settled in and of course my body clock is out of wack so I decided to post while everyone else is fast asleep. It is a little after midnight, our room is very elegant, and well appointed with buttons for everything, I’ll take a pics tomorrow.

The Peninsula

We have an early pick up at 5 am to participate in a tradition of feeding the monks and we will go to some of the famous temples. Not sure what the weather will be, it is monsoon season so I know it will be raining at times tomorrow, and the temperature will be about 95, btw read in one of my guides book that Thailand is one of the hottest places on the planet. So I guess I rest my eyes for a moment so I can be fresh for tomorrow.

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

LIFE IS A SERIES OF SNAPSHOTS

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Gigi in American Life, My Life 4 Comments

I’m at an age where my friends parents are advancing in age and starting to have health challenges. This CANCER beast is out of control, touching everyone I know in some way. It certainly makes me appreciate every day my family and I wake up. I try and engage my life in a meaningful manner, stopping to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Alaska sky

Being a photographer I know life is a series of snapshots, images that represent a moment in our lives that will never be repeated. I’m obsessed with documenting life as it flashes by. My son used to get annoyed with me and say “Can’t we just do what we are doing? why do you have to take a picture?”.

For me relationships with my family and friends are so important. I may not have always been the “best friend” or family member, but I am always willing to work things out and apologize and move forward.

Yes, I love some material trappings like pretty shoes, leopard prints, sparkly baubles, and such, but at the end of the day it is the relationships with loved ones that really matter.

A few weeks ago my mother acquired some pictures from her cousin in San Francisco. I’m the default historian in the family and have always loved old photographs. Here are a few snapshots of my ancestors. I’m not sure of the identity of everyone, other than that are family members from my mother’s side. I hope 75 years from now there are families that will be sharing images that I captured through my lens…

my mom circa 1938

This is my mom and her only brother and their aunt who took care of them for a few years. They were living in Mississippi during the Great Depression.

My mother’s grandparents

This is my mom’s grandparents on her father’s side, the Elston family.

cowboy

I’m not sure who this cowboy is, doing a little research-I love this picture.

family

I love the expressions, smiling on pictures is something that came about much later.

mom’s family

Love the hair and the dress.

my mom’s father-my grandfather

My grandfather moved west via Mississippi do to some sort of scandal. He settled in the small town of Oroville in northern California. I would love to know the story of how he and his family migrated to the bay area.

I hope 75 years from now some one is looking at my images sharing moments of a bygone era. I’m excited and looking forward to do family portrait sessions and capturing memories.

Happy weekend,

XOXO,

Gigi

24TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Gigi in My Life, Thoughts 10 Comments

Last week I celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary, unfortunately it was the same day of my brother-n-law Jimmy’s untimely passing. We flew up to Stanford Medical Center to join family in spending our last moments together, showering Jimmy with prayers and song. It was a sad day, one I will never forget, and I pray I never have to experience my own child dying before my eyes.

Wedding Day july 23, 1989

We eloped to the island of Kauai and had a simple ceremony witnessed by my dear friend Blaine and her then husband Bob. The small chapel was filled with strangers that Reggie recruited from the hotel. I was worried that no one was going to be there, so this was his solution, run around the hotel inviting everyone to come to our wedding unbeknown to me of course. This was Reggie’s second marriage and at the time we felt it was best to have a low key ceremony, of course the inner bride is alive and well inside of me and is jones-ing for a 25th wedding vow renewal next year with all the trimmings.

Reggie & Gigi

Fast forward 24 years; we have been blessed with a daughter and a son, we have both lost siblings, survived bankruptcy, abuse from the IRS, stroke, acquired a new office 100 miles away, fishetarian, vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan, a kitchen remodel, plus or minus 15 pounds, reading glasses, interesting family dynamics, marathons, triathlons, the end of the long silky perm era, and oh I can’t forget menopause and we are STILL TOGETHER!

Reggie & Gigi

Our marriage is very similar to training for a triathlon. Swimming, biking, and running are the events you have to somewhat master in order to complete the triathlon, in marriage you also have to participate in all the parts, you can’t pick and choose , and expect to finish the race. There will be some parts you like and some you will loathe. You may at times get discouraged and want to quit, but you know just like that early morning ocean swim, once you get wet you are fine. When your training is consistent, you become stronger, just like in marriage when you are slacking in a few areas you have to work harder or else before you know it you will just settle for mediocracy accepting “whatever” as your norm.

Malibu Tri 2011

Crossing the triathlon finish line, you are overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, the excitement trickles through your entire body, you quickly forget about the hours you put in, the setbacks and injuries. In marriage you have to keep “training” for those peaks, and remember the “dating” phase and DO what you DID then, that made you want to close the deal. The “training” is a lifelong commitment that can be truly rewarding, so if you have been a little lack, dust off those running shoes and go for a spin around the track.

Reggie & Gigi

XOXO,

GIGI

Weekend Observations__sampsonville

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