Do you enjoy yourself?

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

my best friend

Both of my kids are in New York, my son is in school in the Hudson Valley and my daughter is living in Brooklyn and working. So we are officially empty nesters, and have been so for a while now. My husband works long hours, so I have a lot of alone time. I am busy with my photography, but I still have those quiet moments of solitude.

As I mature, I am starting to find a peace with these alone moments with just myself. I have a lot of friends that I love dearly, but I don’t find myself doing the hours on the phone chatting about this and that as often as I used too. I don’t need to have the TV on looking at the latest series, or getting depressed looking at CNN, I’m happy just with myself and listening to my inner soul.

When you think about it, you’ve know yourself the longest of any relationship you have been in, and we have a tendency to neglect ourselves the most. When you are in love with yourself, you know you will always have your back, you will take care of you, and YOU understand you better than anybody else. I hope this is making sense…but you get what I’m trying to say.

I’m my own best friend, the one that is always there to listen, the one that is accepting of me just the way I am, the one that I can be real with all the time no judgement ever. The one that is always dependable and never lets me down.

I’m also the one that knows when I am full of BS, the one that knows when I’m not on my A game. The one who will call me out and give me the side eye. The one that will tell you that you can do the impossible when you want to give up. I love her!

Do you enjoy your own company?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Are you Vulnerable?

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being 2 Comments

GIGI

Are you vulnerable? Or do you keep a wall up like the one that Donald Trump wants to build? Yes, it is scary at times to open up to another human being. Of course there is the risk of being hurt, but if you don’t open up it is difficult to have real intimacy with another person.

In the beginning of a new relationship , we are all the “best version” of ourselves, but after a while it becomes difficult to maintain that facade. You have to let go of the BS and let “you” really be you…not the pretend you.

At my age, I have a lot of friends and acquaintances, some that I am really close with and some that I am superficially close with. I started analyzing what makes a close relationship versus the superficially close ones, you know the kind that you go through the motions of a “close” relationship, but you really have no depth with the person.

I came to the conclusion it is not the length of time, nor the frequency of visits, or how often you talk with the person. For me it came down to trust, and being comfortable with another person at your darkest moments. Those individuals that you could share anything with and you know it is not going to be held against you at a later date. Those friends that you can let loose with, and just be real.

Being vulnerable is not something that can happen overnight. It takes time to give in and let the wall down especially if it has been up for a long time. My personality has always been open, perhaps at times to0 open, it has come back in negative ways on a few occasions.

I’m fortunate to be married to a person that I can say anything to without any fear or consequence. There are a few women in my life that are my “ride or die” chicks, the kind that have your back, I don’t know what I would do if I had no confidants in my life, it would be lonely.

Are you vulnerable? To have someone you can confide in? Are you superficial because of things that have happened to you in the past? Please share I’d like to know.

Have a beautiful weekend- I have nice weekend planned that will end with a portrait session on Sunday.

XOXO,

GIGI

Recipe for happiness

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

quote

This quote moved me… Sometimes you have to listen to that little voice on the inside. It is easy in this world we live in to concentrate on our exterior, making sure it looks real good to everyone. Giving the illusion that everything is okay, when it is crumbling apart on the inside.

Life is full of ups and downs. The daily comings and goings can take its toll on the best of us. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling down when in the big scheme of things, my disappointments are not that serious, compared to some. For example a few days ago a Facebook friend shared that their 7 week old baby suddenly passed away, although I have never met this person I was instantly sad at the thought of losing a baby. My issue of the day quickly disappeared.

We are responsible for our own happiness. I know that is easier said than done. The truth is I have my down days too, sometimes more often than I’d like to admit, but I also have some tactics to help navigate those times as well.

My recipe for happiness.

1.Surround yourself with positivity.

2.Wake up and embrace the day, leaving yesterday in the past.

3.Unfriend, unfollow, hang up on, negativity.

4.Accept people for who they are…and limit the interaction with those that do not have your best interest. see #3

5.Yoga- for me my practice helps me to stay grounded…find something that works for you.

6.Laughing even when you should not be…

7.Go out and find your joy.

8.Spend time with your loved one- or someone that makes you feel special.

9.Have people in your life, that will accept you for you- the ones you can be your authentic self- no faking the funk.

10.Indulge in something decadent- occasionally – don’t be that person that can never let loose…the ones that are always uptight because they are concentrating on the exterior a little to much.

What is your recipe for happiness? I’d love to know…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi 2017

Back to Practice

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

yogis

I’m back on the mat and I’m starting to regain my balance. Over the years I have had an off and on again relationship with yoga. Once I’m at the studio, everything is fine, it’s my happy place, its the getting there that sometimes can be a challenge, especially with vinyasa hot yoga the practice that I like. Doing hot yoga, I have to drive a little ways to the studio, I have to shower, address the hair, get out of my soaking wet clothes, its a lot of steps to incorporate my practice in my life. It helps having a husband who will go with me a couple of time a week, he sees the benefits as well.

yogis

Why do I like yoga? Of course as I get older, I want to remain flexible. I like the challenge of the flow, doing or attempting to do the postures. I like the feeling of being drenched midway through the class. I like the rhythm of my breath as I inhale and exhale.

Gigi yoga

But more than the physical practice I like the spirituality, the self reflection I get from my practice. I am able to tap into my authentic self, stuff that would normally annoy me doesn’t when I am practicing on a regular basis. I’m honest. I’m able to see things differently, rise above the craziness, and pay attention to what really matters.

My practice is not about getting into a complex pretzel poses, or headstands, it is about being good enough for me- listening to my body everyday I get on my mat. Not having any judgement and most importantly allowing me to be present for others.

Do you practice yoga? What brings you peace?

Love these mats

Namaste,

XOXO,

Gigi

Meditation- I Get It!

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

Gigi

3 weeks ago a facebook friend tagged me in a post suggesting that we all sign up for the Oprah-Deepak 21 day free meditation. Prior to that the only meditation I had done was a moment here and there in yoga class. Let me tell you, I had no clue, the power of meditation, it is life changing. Yes, for the most part I am a happy go lucky kinda girl, but meditation forced me to go deep inside and deal with the minuscule shit that can really hold you back, the stuff in your subconscious that feeds you negative thoughts.

For those of you who might be like I was a few weeks ago- clueless, let me explain how it works. Every morning I logged into the site and each day there was a new message and mantra. The recording was for 20 minutes, beginning with Oprah speaking for a few minutes, followed by Deepak explaining the mantra, the lesson of the day ending with the guided meditation.

At first I was a little distracted, not realizing how much “noise” is in our lives, little things, like I would hear the little ding when I got a text, so I turned my phone off, or someone working outside, I had to learn to quite my mind and find peace and shut everything else out.

I was forced to take 30 quiet minutes for myself, where I thought about success in a different way, it helped me to understand the behavior of others and accept they are working from the best place they can. 30 minutes that made the rest of my day pleasant, nothing really upset anymore, like a veil of calmness had come over me. I know this sounds crazy, but I am able to focus and think with clarity. Things I once perceived as a challenge now seem obtainable, I have a new sense that everything is possible if you believe in yourself.

I will continue to meditate and work on “self” and understanding this powerful body /mind connection.

Do you meditate? If so what has your experience been?

Happy Friday, have a wonderful weekend. We will be going to Santa Barbara to see my son before he goes to prom…

Xoxo,

Gigi

What Scares You?

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Gigi in My Life, Well-Being Comments Off

I have this journal that contains a year’s worth of “fear” prompts. One of the prompts “list things that scare you” …I had to think about this since there is a part of me that thinks I am fearless. So after digging deep inside, this is my “scared to death – bone chilling” list.

scared of heights…

1. Fear of heights. This one is twofold, there is something about looking over the edge that really frightens me, but I can ski and I’m not afraid of those edges. I’m afraid of flying in small planes, and the one time I did I was in Costa Rica and I had a panic attack and had to use the bathroom, of course this plane was so small there was no bathroom so the pilot just landed in a field so I could go…talk about SCARED…

needles

2. All things medical. Yes. I know I am married to a doctor, but I am scared of needles, blood tests, hospitals, exams etc. and my worst medical fear is the big “C”. Almost all of my family has been attacked by cancer, so I can’t help but to think about being diagnosed myself.

false teeth

3. I’m scared of losing my teeth…so regardless of number 2, I am at the dentist twice a year, never ever missing an appointment. I think this fear came from seeing older relatives removing their teeth and putting them in a glass of water, and I remember being really afraid, wondering what happened to their teeth, but knowing I could not ask.

scorpions

4. Scorpions- a few years ago one was in my bed! I almost had a heart attack. Yes. Creepy crawlers freak me out. I remember when we traveled to Costa Rica I thought it would be nice to stay at a Eco resort- WRONG it was full of all kinds of exotic insects…all over the place.

5. Snakes, no explanation needed. I have had run ins in my neighborhood with snakes on a few occasions.

6. Not “aging” per se, but looking really old- and not in a graceful way. So I’m trying to balance what works and hopefully recognizing what does not. And unless I get over fear number 2, I may not be able to take advantage of the modern anti-aging treatments.

7. Losing my husband and /or my children. Recently I have witnessed close friends and family experiencing this loss and I don’t know how you ever work through the grief.

What scares you? I’m curious.

Happy Tuesday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Listen to your Spirit…

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Gigi in Quotes, Well-Being Comments Off

“You can either waltz boldly onto the floor of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall and recede in the shadows of fear and self-doubt.”

-OPRAH

Came across this quote and thought about how it took me a while to listen to my spirit. It was not necessarily fear or self-doubt, but a need to comply with some imaginary image that I created in my mind. I spent a lot of time exploring and trying to figure out what was my true purpose on this planet. I had the mother/wife thing under control, but it was the other part of me that needed to be discovered.

I remember many years ago, hmmm like 30 years, wanting to work at IBM, because I thought having a career in the corporate world would make me “important” and as silly as it may sound I thought working there would make me more attractive to potential mates. I observed the way IBM-ers looked and went out and bought a nice navy suit, a blouse with a bow at the neck, low heeled pumps, and stud earrings, I pulled my hair back, a little makeup and after a few interviews I was hired. It was a horrible fit, because my spirit was not there, no matter how hard I tried. So needless to say after a few close calls ie. almost getting fired, I resigned and started a brownie business with a friend.

Soon I realized I was most happy working for myself, even if I did not make a lot of money. My spirit needed the freedom to create and follow my passion. Now at 55 I am an up and coming photographer and I am thrilled everyday with my work. So it is NEVER to late to listen to that inner voice and see where it leads you- you may be pleasantly surprised.

GiGi in Thailand

A few days ago, Oscar De La Renta, passed away, at the age of 82. I don’t own any of his dresses, even on sale they were always out of my league, but I always admired them and how beautifully they were constructed. Here are a few of my favorite ladies sporting Oscar De La Renta…

First Lady Michelle

Beyonce

Iman

Kerry

Lupita

Halle

Happy Thursday-

Xoxo,

Gigi

ON Bodies and Other Things

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Gigi in Beauty, Well-Being Comments Off

Breaking the 55 speed limit, has its bumps in the road- not that I’m obsessed with my body, but yes I do want to be fit and healthy and if a side benefit is a toned physique I’ll take that. So I’m on top of my workout game, which is keeping me sore on most days. Working out in a high intensity class where you are the eldest in the room will take a toll on you, but I’m doing it. I just want to keep the middle age spread at a distance, I don’t want to come face to face with it, at least not at this point, I still like body conscious clothes and want to rock them for a bit more.

So as I’m limping around this weekend, I came across this photography project called 4th trimester bodies, which is a collection of images of women and their small babies showcasing their bodies. The images are so real and raw, these mothers and their post birth soft bodies are beautiful. I started thinking about the standard of “body beauty” that women are judged by and who sets that. Like why am working my butt off to have flat abs, some sort of waist and a tight ass…all of which may be mission impossible anyway.

In my own business, I photograph a lot of women and most no matter what size or age they are will immediately zoom in on their bodies and ask if something can be tweaked with a little photoshop. I remember when I was younger, a lot younger in my 20’s I thought I was the “bomb”, now I get 20 something year-old gorgeous girls that want images photoshopped, but I guess we are living in a world where celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, and Bey are photoshopping instagram pics, so everyone has a warped sense of reality.

Then there are the diets, the juice cleanse, paleo diet, atkins, master cleanse, gluten free, HCG 500 calorie and countless others, all of which work if you follow them, it is when you go back to eating “normal” that all the weight returns sometimes even more than what you started with and now a jacked metabolism where you look at a cookie and gain weight. I personally love good food to much, which is my problem, and could never stick with any plan long term, especially the low calorie ones, where the weight comes off so fast and the consequence is a sunken in face, not good for my age demographic. So the trade off fat butt and full face or skinny butt and sunken face…I chose the first one.

So friends as difficult as it is, lets work toward acceptance and stop the self loathing–cause at the end of the day there is always going to be some one thinner, younger, tighter body etc. just be the best version of you. So I will work on loving my golden age body, and the bumps and lumps that I have earned over the half century it has been on the planet. I’ll do my workouts for my overall well being, BTW nothing feels better than a good sweaty workout- and I’ll take any cosmetic gains as well.

Happy Monday

Xoxo Gigi

Gigi @ 55

Gigi’s Meanderings around the Web #15

Always look for the Rainbow

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being 3 Comments

quote

It has been an emotionally charged week. My mom’s surgery was a success. Remember to LIVE each day and always look for the good, and don’t focus on the negative. As difficult as it is dealing with my family members and the challenges with these horrific diseases it has brought us closer together as a family.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I will be back to normal next week with my posts.

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

Xoxo,

Gigi

What does real strength look like?

SUPERFOODS

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

When your family is in a serious battle with this gangsta that goes by the name of “cancer”, your radar is up- reading, listening, talking, and becoming informed. So the other day I received this mailer from City of Hope that had some good info about the science of superfoods. We all know about them, but it is always good to see modern medicine making the connection as well.

I really believe that diet is so so important, and we have to take control of what goes in our bodies. Preventive care or if you are currently dealing with a health issue, it does not matter just make good choices and be in control of your diet. Eat as clean as possible, focus on foods in their natural form, ie. organic and fresh…say no to pre-made processed food – its crazy.

With my family history, ie. mom-cancer dad-cancer 3 siblings out of 5 cancer- so the odds are not in my favor- I HAVE TO DO all that I can and hope for the best-

So the latest via City of Hope:

English: A pack of blueberries from a organic farm co-op program. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BLUEBERRIES

Fight triple-negative breast cancer, city of hope labs discovered the blueberry extract has been found to inhibit the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer- and one that is common in african-american women. I love adding blueberries to smoothies or just snacking on them.

English: Close-up of Pomegranates on a table. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

POMEGRANATES

Researchers have identified six natural compounds in pomegranates that may prevent breast cancer growth. I planted a pomegranate tree a few years ago, I love them, it is so easy to add a hand full to a salad.

English: Cinnamon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CINNAMON

Scientists found that cinnamon extract interferes with a tumor’s growth by blocking its ability to form blood vessels. I use “pumpkin pie spice” in my smoothies and even in my tea, an old friend taught me that trick many years ago, I even sprinkle it on apples- so good.

button mushrooms

MUSHROOMS

Fight breast cancer and prostate cancer. City of Hope scientists were among the first to discover that white button mushrooms can help block hormones that cause breast cancer to grow and spread. They are also studying these same hormone-blocking effects for prostate cancer. Another easy thing to add to salads or quickly stir fry with other veggies.

Gigi & Mom

Today I am with my mom for a second surgery. We are claiming that all of this will be over soon and looking forward to what the future has for all of us.

Xoxo,

Gigi

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