quote
It’s okay to venture out of your comfort zone… Lately I’ve been doing it quite often.
Gigi bosslady…
This weekend is going to be one of renewal, my personal Super Bowl. What are your plans? I will be working today and tomorrow.
Happy Friday!
XOXO,
GIGI
I don’t shop as much as I used to- It’s not as if I don’t like “stuff” but after a while it becomes a question of “do I really need that”? My lifestyle dictates a more relaxed look, when shooting I wear all black, I like dressing up on the weekends occasionally, of course I have my gym clothes and yes I still love shoes, but there is really not much else that I need. Maybe it is part of growing up or getting to a point where you love certain items and you don’t mine wearing the same thing over and over.
I was thinking about what were my favorite purchases of 2015 and here is what I came up with in no particular order…
1. Bernardaud Victoire china- This was my china pattern that I registered for when we got married. I never completed my set and now it is discontinued. So I have been finding pieces here and there on eBay and other antique online stores. I have almost completed my set-and yes I’m not waiting to use them.
Bernardaud Victoire
2. Paul Smith glasses- I confess I need reading glasses- either that or print is getting smaller and smaller! Since I have accepted this fact of life, I have graduated from the drug store reading glasses and I now pick out frames that I like and have them made with my prescription.
Paul Smith Glasses
3. Valentino Rock Stud Pumps- I love love love this shoe! I started to get black or nude, but I decided life is short… get pink instead- I have no regrets.
valentino rock stud pumps
4. Color corrector by Bobbi Brown- I love this product- it corrects those little blemishes, in my case discoloration that appeared out of nowhere in the last few years.
Bobbi Brown color corrector
5. Mui Mui cross body bag- this little colorful bag makes me happy. I love having my hands free, it is roomy and can hold quite a bit.
mui mui
mui mui
6. Old fashioned champagne glasses, that I found on One Kings Lane. The gold motif looks like leopard print.
glasses
glasses
7. Cordless vacuum by dyson- I can’t say enough about this little gadget- I am able to stay on top of kitty hair with this powerful little tool.
vacuum
vacuum
8. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanilla- I love this spicy scent for winter. My friend Molly gave me a bottle of this for my birthday, when she noticed I was using a little sample. Love my friends…
Tom Ford
9. Sergio Rossi Black sparkle pump- I wanted a classic timeless evening pump and I found one on sale no less!
Sergio Rossi pump
sergio rossi pump
10. Evening gown that I had made- I always buy off the rack, but this time I decided to have a gown made- Emiliano Moreno designed my gown and it was so nice to put something on that fit perfectly…
my gown
11. Cam-ranger -This gadget allows me to shoot and immediately upload to my computer so I can see the image right away. Really works well for self portraits.
camRanger
12. Sevi towel- I picked this towel up at a craft fair, and it is perfect for drying my hair without creating frizz- it is big enough that I can make a turban-after years of wearing my hair natural I have learned that each step is critical to the end result.
What were your favorite purchases this past year? Do you have any vices? Please share- so I know I’m not the only one…
Happy Tuesday,
Gigi
MAMMOTH
Hope you have a great Martin Luther King weekend planned. I drove to Mammoth with 2 of my ski buddies. The 6 hour drive was smooth, we listened to my 6 hour playlist and chatted about current events, everything was fine until the last 10 miles, when we were welcomed with a bonafide snow storm, no chains on my car, and yes we past right by the chain monkeys- btw bless those guys that do that job. I just drove crazy slow until we made it to the condo.
Another crazy thing that happened, I packed so fast I forgot my long coat! So I guess I will be making do with my ski jackets.
ski wear
So are you taking advantage of the 3 day holiday ? What are your plans?
Xoxo,
Gigi
In our virtual world of facebook, instagram, twitter, snapchat etc. we have more “contact” with friends, family and our cyber peeps, many whom we have never met. Lots of time is spent being a voyeur into the lives of strangers, remote acquaintances and friensmies. We spend time peeking into secret worlds, wondering how our life compares, are we as happy as they are? Most of us present our best “self” on line, including moi…the bad hair days tend to not make it on my feed, nor the pics that we all have when caught in mid speech or chewing…not cute. It’s human nature to want to “see” what others are doing, to snoop on an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfirend’s page, check out their comings and goings.
Between my blog and my business my “friend” list has grown. I don’t know all the mechanics of facebook, for example how which friends show up on my newsfeed, or how I can google something, usually a shoe of some sort and the next thing I know that item shows up on my feed in a sponsored post. I accept most friend requests, especially if I have mutual friends in common. You meet people and quickly add them to your facebook tribe routinely. I have a few facebook friends that I have even met in person. One was a woman named “Gervel” who lives in Maryland, she saw my status update when I was in Maryland this particular day, “Gervel” messaged me and we met and had a lovely time exchanging stories about how we both ended up with the same odd name.
I’ve become close with a few of my facebook friends, sort of a connection like a “penpal” those of you that are old enough might remember those. In this world where we have so many “friends”, what happens when someone DELETES you? How do you feel? Or does it matter, especially if it is someone you don’t know. Or maybe the connection is so remote you may not even know your were deleted. But what if it is someone you know? You may feel hurt, especially if the person is someone in your social circles.
It has happened to me on a few occasions, and I must admit it is an odd feeling, not hurt per se, because someone you really know would probably have a chat with you if there was some conflict. It’s one of those things, where you figure, that a person had an adverse feeling about you that moved them to press “DELETE”. Maybe it was a post, or perhaps you have a religious or political stance that rubbed them the wrong way. Or maybe they just decided “enough of you” delete! Whatever the reason for the omission, life keeps moving forward and it is a reminder to make time for real “face” time with friends and family, don’t let social media replace real visits, there something different about looking into someone eyes seeing their smile and having a conversation.
Happy Monday,
Xoxo,
Gigi
self portrait #3
What are committed to?
I’ve been doing early morning workouts, not because I like getting up at 4:30, but because I’m committed and motivated by this 55 year-old body, that needs constant attention and work. Regardless of if I stay up late which I do often, I still get up and and do my workout.
Gigi breaking the speed limit-55
Over the years I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that success comes along with commitment, true dedication to something you believe in or really want to master. It’s not always easy to be committed, I’ve fallen off the “wagon” numerous times, but what I have learned is that something that I have passion for I can commit to easily. It’s the things that fall in the middle, like I want the results from consistent workouts , but the difficult exercises and early mornings can sometimes take a toll on me.
Marriage is REAL commitment, especially a 25 + year one like mine. For me commitment in a marriage really does mean for better or worse- through financial woes, sickness, menopause, pregnancy, businesses, family drama, attitudes, the list goes on and on with challenges that any long term relationship will confront at sometime or another. Unconditional commitment is the glue that has the ability to hold a couple together when everything else is falling apart, you have to be willing to adjust to change and adapt and keep it moving.
I’m committed to my children, and that’s a big one, cause the two of them can drive me cray cray at times, but I would go to hell and back for them, regardless of criticism I may get from outside observers.
Amani, Gigi & Reggie
I’m committed to being honest, forgiving and being able to admit when I am wrong. Commitment is a big part of who I have “grown ” to be, I’m always working on my inadequacies, we all have them. I’m committed to my well being, the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual- I have to be so I can be there for those that I care for and love.
So, what are you committed to? I’d love to know.
Happy Wednesday.
Xoxo,
Gigi
“Blue”
Most of you know I am a crazy cat lady, leo the lioness, kitty lover. My mother loves cats too, so of course growing up we always had a cat. There’s something special about kitty love, the soft meow, the gentle kneading and those mesmerizing eyes that can melt your heart.
Blue
Blue joined our family July 3, she was discovered under a wooden pallet at the nursery, and once I laid eyes on her, I knew she was coming home with me. Of course I didn’t need another kitty, since I already have 3, but there was something about her that captured my heart. She was so little and I could not stop thinking about what happened to her mother and her little mates, how did she end up at the nursery abandoned.
Blue at the vet
This little multi-colored fur ball has given me so much joy, at a time when it seems as if everyone I care about is being attacked by diseases, life changes, financial woes, layoffs you name it. Somehow this little thing helped me absorb the bad news I was dealing with on a daily basis, perhaps it was her spirit or the way she would run and jump and entertain herself trying to catch a moth for what seemed like hours.
So Cute
It took the other kitties a couple of months to embrace Blue, but once they did, they would all take turns grooming her and running around the house playing “kitty tag”.
Blue under the reformer
A couple of weeks ago I noticed that Blue was not as playful, and seemed as if she was losing weight and overall just not herself, so I made an appointment with the vet last Wednesday, thinking maybe she had worms or was about to go into heat. So after her exam, Dr. To came into the room and told me the worst news, that Blue had F.I.P ( feline infectious peritonitis ). A FATAL disease with no cure or treatment. I am and was devastated. Before I knew it I was crying uncontrollably.
Blue
As painful as it is I have to euthanize Blue this week. I have to do what is best and minimize her pain. I know I have only had her 4 months, but this accelerated path to death caught me off guard. It was yet another reminder of the brief cycle of life, I know the 4 months of her short 6 month life were full of love.
I’m gonna miss my “Blue” kitty…
“Blue” May 2014-Oct 2014
XOXO,
Gigi
Quote
I think this is a “James Brown” quote–
10 days is a long time to be away from your routine. This quote applies to me in so many ways- I’m feeling so frazzled right now, this is when I know I am all of my 55 years, a couple of all nighters and I am done.
Moving on, my son is back in school, I’ll be back to work on Friday, Reggie went back today and I have a couple of days to get my home back together, the animals settled and take advantage of the last days of summer.
Reggie and a classmate
Reggie’s dorm room
I decided I really want to put together some time saving steps in place so that I don’t return from vacation feeling as though I need another one. Simple things like keeping a makeup/toiletry bag ready to go, workout stuff ready, just try and be a little bit more organized. I have a few more trips planned before the end of the year, NYC, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Palm Desert, so if I discover some magical tricks I’ll certainly share them.
kitty menage se troi
Tiny with his new cut
Happy Mid-day Tuesday…
xoxo,
Gigi
Gigi
quote
This took me a long time to learn and receive. Rejection whether professional, from a friend, a club, a lover, a client, or any type of relationship can be painful, at the time it is difficult to be open to see what is “around the corner”. I believe that some things or persons are only meant to be in your life for a season, and you have to be able to accept the good and know that these situations contribute to making you the person you are today.
As I reflect on my own life experiences I certainly have had my ration of rejection, everything from the boyfriend that I thought the world revolved around to the weird “job” that was going nowhere. I had so many weird jobs, even got fired from a couple, that I knew early on that I had to work for myself. I have had friendships that ended, but after the pain of the perceived loss was gone, I could focus on all the good that came from the relationship and how I am “me’ because of bits and pieces that I gained or learned.
My daughter Amani, is working on becoming an applicant for medical school, I am constantly telling her to be open to all possibilities, don’t focus on “if I don’t get in”…Reggie will be a senior and I am telling him the same thing, you can only go to one college so you really only need one acceptance and that you will get. For me and my business if everyone wanted me to photograph them I would not have the time, I shoot an average of one client per week, which if I worked every week, which I don’t, that would be about 50 people, so with that limited number, I don’t worry about why is that person not booking a session with me…which allows me to really focus on each client and really get to know them and give them a special unique experience, instead of a “formula” shoot.
So my friends embrace your day including any rejection you may have and know something better is waiting for you!
XOXO, GIGI
Gigi
perfection
We all have the desire to be perfect, to be our best. I have found in my years of wisdom, that you can spend so much time on the quest to be perfect that you become paralyzed. The fear of not “being good enough” is a block that can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes I question myself and think “Am I Driven?”. When I was in school I was a good student, but I was not at the top of the class, I admired the “bright” ones from afar, never with envy, for some how I knew I would be okay.
I know there are numerous photographers that are established, have been working for years in the business, I see their work, clients and sometimes I wonder will I even be half as good as some of them. Knowing that I could easily be discouraged and give up, but instead I go forward and work at being the best that I can with the knowledge that I have amassed.
GiGi
With social media we are privy to others- we see their comings and goings and sometimes we can’t help but to question our own existence. It is easy to think based on postings that someone else’s life is “perfect”, instead of remembering that every one for the most part has an online image that sometimes is very different from their life at home.
With my family, I have taught my children to do their best, and don’t worry about what every one else is doing. We live in a society where our children are being tutored, coached, groomed to be the best, no longer left to chance. Parents are doing whatever to get the coveted spot at a prestigious university. I sometimes question is it really for the child… I tell my kids to follow your passion, success will come if you are passionate about your career, enjoy life, cherish your school years and think outside the box.
Gigi & Family
My son is doing his junior year of high school in Italy, he is fluent in italian now, I had a few well meaning people tell me that he should have gone to Spain and learned spanish something that he could use when he returned. My thought was he is an artist and wanted to spend time in Italy and I know this experience will be life changing for him. I am blessed that we could support his participation in the school year aboard program.
Reggie
So my friends, work on being the best you can be, and don’t worry about what the next person is doing, there will always be someone better, richer, prettier, skinnier, etc. the list goes on and on. So with that I need to work on learning some photoshop- HAPPY FRIDAY!
xoxo,
Gigi
QUOTE
Came across this quote today and I thought to myself, why not leave a little sparkle wherever you go? I’m a sparkly, glittery sort of girl, always have been as far back as I can remember. I love baubles, glitz , beads, sequins and shine, I’m happy when I’m glowing like a Christmas Tree. So when I read this quote, knowing how happy sparkly things make me–I figured I needed to make sure I leave a trail of sparkle dust wherever I go.
My Sparkle Plan:
Smile-means a lot and does so much more than a frown, the same in all languages.
Embrace– touch is so powerful- give hugs.
Listen– We are always in a rush or connected to our devices (me included) take the time to really listen and look into some ones eyes and actively listen.
Care-let some one know you really care about them and are concerned.
Love…unconditionally don’t judge.
So my friends go out today and sprinkle you sparkle dust…
Xoxo,
Gigi
Moi
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