Gigi’s Meandering Around the Web #13

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Gigi in Thoughts, Web Comments Off

Lately, I have found myself incredibly busy never enough hours in the day to complete my various tasks. I can’t blame it on my kids, since both of them are gone right now, but I wake up early, go to bed late and still have a host of unfinished projects. So I am writing that to say while I was researching tidbits for this post, I was especially interested in “time saving” strategies that I stumbled upon.

Busy

House Pad a new app that is coming out which will keep notes on what needs to be done in your home, and it will store images of closets etc. on how things should be arranged and help you keep track of your household stuff, there has been so many times I am looking for something and I don’t recall where I stored the item, so this would be like having a personal butler.

Interesting quote from Mark Zuckerberg sister’s book “Dot Complicated”--“Re-post unto others as you would have them re-post unto you.” I love this little piece of social media etiquette advice, it is so easy to repost something of our friends and family and share it, but be polite and ask first.

book

Opinion VS Confrontational

Sometimes your opinion can be viewed as confrontational, at my age or shall I say post “50” I have let the truth guide me along with honest opinions, which made me realize, based on some reactions, some people don’t want the truth and take offense. My first 40 or so years I was the queen of sugar coating advice, in fear of losing friendships, or upsetting someone. Now I find that I don’t have time anymore for that approach, and that in the long run honesty builds stronger relationships that don’t suffer from resentment that builds up when you have tap danced around issues.

Yes. I want a personal shopper…Thefind.com scours more than 1/2 million online merchants to help find your item at the best price. I’m going to try this out and will keep you posted.

The find

cute basket

love this from crate and barrel.

This is interesting, you too can have a personal chef like the celebrities, hire a food specialist from Kitchit.com for your next event. Menus start at 25 per person, you select the chef based on various profiles and come up with a menu, they accommodate different diets and you enjoy your time with your guests, perfect for the holidays.

rent a chef

While you’re at it, why not rent something fabulous to wear from renttherunway.com, and you are all set. This company rents designer items, the cost includes dry cleaning and the return shipping, perhaps for that next black tie event that you just want to look fab for a minute. Prices started at 25 on up with designer dresses such as Herve Leger 150 btw these sell for 1500 so for the right occasion this could be a nice option.

rent a dress…

nice…love herve leger

And lastly I love this storage closet system from Pottery barn: I can always use more shoe storage space…

shoe storage

So let me get back to my lists and get “busy”.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Quote BE HAPPY!

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Gigi in Quotes, Thoughts, Well-Being Comments Off

quote

In my 54 years on the planet, I have let happiness guide me for the most part. Going over my life, the times when I have not let happiness guide me-those were my darkest moments. It is not the “grand” things that bring me joy, it is those little ones, the ones that we take for granted. Last week I adopted 2 adult siamese cats, I was not looking to adopt at all. It all began a about a month ago I met a woman named Jill who was in Paper Source (yes I have a paper fetish) with her lovely Roswell who was on a leash, I had never seen a cat on a leash that was as happy as this one. So of course I started chatting with Roswell’s mom Jill and she told me about an organization called Siamese Rescue that she was a member of, and how they are always looking for families to adopt and the rest is history. These two kitties bring me so much joy, I can’t even describe how these two fur balls along with my resident cat Tiny make me so happy.

Roswell

My Babies…

I am passionate about my photography. I was always the point and shoot camera person, always giving friends pictures in the “old” days, always documenting events. I started taking classes with my departed brother 14 years ago, but did not finish the course- it was not my time, my brother however finished the program and worked as a professional photographer until his untimely death. I knew I needed to pick up the baton and continue his legacy and pursue something that I always dreamed of doing. I have become a hunter of light, always noticing how light is landing on an object, wondering what that light would look illuminating someones hair or the curve of a body forming a pretty silhouette. Being “happy” doing my craft keeps me in a state of perfecting my work, always trying to be better each session, learning everything I can and shooting every day.

Gigi

When I go over my long life and I reflect on the moments when I was not happy, times when I was trying to be something I was not…trying to be what I thought others wanted me to be…those were dark moments. Moments not wasted necessarily, but times that contributed to the woman I am today. I remember feeling bad for dropping out of college, dating guys who would say crazy things like “If only you had a degree, you seem so smart” or “I really like you, but I envision myself being with a college graduate”. It took me a long time to realize that those same guys who were putting me down had their own insecurities and putting me down somehow made them feel better. Of course years later I returned to school and finished my degree, I realized I was still the same person, that the degree was just a piece a paper and it did not represent happiness or success.

Gigi’s Graduation 2006

Another key to happiness is finding some source of joy in life no matter what is going on, something that brings a smile on your face. Don’t focus on the negativity, shut it down, align yourself with positivity, it may be something as simple as escaping in a good book, or taking a walk, practicing yoga- just do something. Be true to yourself and learn to LOVE who you are and all your idiosyncrasies. Remember those you judge you based on your “truth” have their own demons. You can’t change where you come from, the color of your skin, choices you have made-but none of those things have to define you, the world is out there waiting for you to make your mark to make a difference. So start today or continue-to get your HAPPY on…Enjoy your Wednesday!

My Current (yes it changes) Top 10 HAPPY THINGS

1. Photography-speicifically shooting women 35+ and making them feel beautiful-like an A-lister

2. good gourmet vegan food-either at a restaurant or something I prepared & entertaining whether a friend for tea or a club meeting…

3. cut fragrant roses from my garden- have you noticed that store bought roses have no scent…

4. international fashion magazines & foreign films

5. korean spas-something about a strong lady wearing a black bra and panty scrubbing me until my skin is like a newborn baby

6. deeply discounted beautiful designer shoes- that can makes my heart skip a beat

7. my natural kinky curly hair – i have embraced it and all its wild ways and have never looked back to my creamy crack days

8. my 3 kitty children-their love is divine

9. travel- whether it is around the world, or to a new neighborhood

10. Friends-old and new-past and current- what would I do without my village?

YES!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Maryland 48 Hours Turn Around

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Gigi in Travel, Weekend Observations 1 Comment

Gigi & Reggie

48 hour turn around trips, are my favorite. If you stay with friends or family it is just enough time to not wear out your welcome, the perfect amount of time when I am hosting a houseguest as well. We stayed in Maryland with Reggie’s sister and her family in their new home, they recently moved there via Huntsville Alabama. First thing I noticed about the subdivision was the amount of land, each home was on an acre, and deer were everywhere.

sister-n-laws “brick house”

Gigi & sister-n-laws

The cost of real estate is so much more reasonable here than in southern Cal, we went to a few open houses, and I was amazed at what $600,000 gets in Maryland, 4500 plus square feet, an acre, finished basement and enough storage to put all the storage facilities in LA out of business.

Maryland Real Estate

Finished Basement

Love this finished basement space…I could work with this.

stalking model homes

For a moment we did the math and figured out if we sold our home, and the business, we could move to Maryland, buy a really nice home for cash, Reggie could work part time or teach, I could do photography and we would have plenty of time to travel-you never know what is in the future for you infinite possibilities.

We had great meals, my sister-n-law is a vegetarian and her husband is raw vegan, they prepared a delicious spread for us, the raw vegan pizza was to die for!

Vegan Spread

The primary reason for our trip was to attend our friends Buni and Mal daughter’s wedding. Buni is from D.C. and her daughter decided it was important to have the east coast family present even though they live in LA. It was a lovely eclectic event so “Courtney”, the wedding took place at the American Visionary Art Museum, the reception was a lounge setting that was warm and inviting. I love the shift of all the older adult children of my friends getting married now.

Gigi & Buni

lovely couple

Gigi’s tips for 48 hour getaways

Jet Blue

1. Red eye flights are not the best, but if you must try and arrange for an early check in, or better yet stay with a family so you can go right to bed.

2. If you don’t have a way to upgrade your flight, opt for the “more” leg room seats, especially on the cross country flights, so worth it…

3. Take a nice tote filled with a big pashmina, slippers, your electronic devices, coconut oil, a few magazines and a nice small handbag as well.

4. If you want to go to any “hotspot” resataurants or shows make reservations ahead of time and get tickets to shows etc. do your research so you can take advantage of your 48 hours.

5. Rent a car! Do not have peeps pick you up and chauffer you around.

6. Send a thank you and a little gift to your host…I love ordering something online that is personal and unique.

7. Be a gracious guest.

8. Pack carefully, make sure everything you take has more than one purpose. I took my faux animal fur coat and threw it over everything.

9. Cherish the moments, with family and friends and don’t forget to laugh.

Next short trip Nawlins in November

gigi & reggie

Xoxo,

Gigi

12 Years a Slave

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Gigi in Movies 4 Comments

Sorry I have been MIA for the past week, so much going on, I adopted 2 full grown siamese cats, returned from a fast 48 hour DC trip, started a new workout routine, and had a few photo sessions. But I’m BACK!

Fur babies

So Friday nite we decided to have a movie “date” and go see the just released 12 Years a Slave directed by Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofar (Dirty Pretty Things) another favorite film of mine, in the lead role of Solomon Northup a free man of color that was kidnapped and sold into slavery.

Director Steve McQueen

Based on a true story, 12 Years a Slave takes place in the 1800’s and chronicles Solomon Northup’s experience being held captive as a slave for 12 years in New Orleans. This film is not Django Unchained, or Roots, it is a realistic painful depiction that does not sugar coat the american slavery experience, and what it must have been like. Although difficult at times to watch, it is an important film that should be seen by everyone. Steve McQueen and screenwriter John Ridley do an excellent job in portraying the brutality of slavery, showing a history that still haunts African-Americans today. The story is amazing considering that Solomon was able to escape after 12 years, and write a memoir about his experience, I know there were countless people that were not as fortunate as him.

The cinematography captures the heat of the south, you can see and feel the humidity. The whippings that take place are filmed in such a way that you “feel it”, the emotions and expressions are so raw. Lupita Nyong’o plays Patsey the victim of the master’s affection, as a woman it is heart wrenching what she has to endure. I can’t imagine this film not making to the oscars for best picture, I will be seeing this one again.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Lupita Nyong’o

It is hard to believe that slavery was not that long ago, I can’t even imagine being a “slave”, but I know my great-great-great grandparents on my mother’s side in Mississippi were slaves on some plantation and on my father’s side I know they were from president John Tyler’s plantation in Richmond Virginia, my grandmother was proud to say she was a descendant of president Tyler (a hint of what slavery did to people that you would be proud of this…). When President Tyler was in office he was criticized by abolitionists for allegedly having children with slaves and selling them so I know there is truth to this story my grandmother aways told.

So take the time to go see this film and let me know your thoughts.

XOXO,

Gigi

Traveling…

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Gigi in Events, Travel 3 Comments

Courtney and Glendon

Wedding

Busy weekend…packing for a 6am flight, leaving our family’s home at 3 in order to make it to the airport on time. The wedding was beautiful and the rain disappeared just in time. There was plenty of toasting, good things to nibble, music to bounce to, and family and friends all celebrating the marriage of Courtney and Glendon.
The ceremony was held at the American visionary art museum, the couple and the wedding party stood on the stairs surrounded by all the guests as they exchanged their vows.

Invitation

Buni,the mother of the bride and I met 17 years ago when I joined the Pasadena showcase house group.

href=”http://www.gigismeanderings.com/traveling/image-3/” rel=”attachment wp-att-5689″> Gigi and Buni[/caption]
When your friends children start getting married you realize that time really is zooming by and lately we have been receiving a few of these. I find it interesting to see the new families merging together, knowing that we are not in control of the partners our children meet and fall in love with.
The reception was elegant and laid back chic, the atmosphere was sexy lounge with soft seating and two large tables for the families. Tray passed appetizers were non-stop, combined with food stations with an assortment of delicious nibbles, with plenty for us vegans to choose from. The cake was simple modern and tasty.
Two things I learned from this wedding:
1. I have no desire to be a wedding photographer-although I had my camera with me, I was respectful of the hired photographers, I don’t know how they do it with everyone taking pictures with their phones.

Gigi

2. Not sure if I want to have a 25th wedding celebration-weddings are wonderful, but they are work, maybe we will go away and celebrate, or maybe have something small.

Wedding Day july 23, 1989 1 week before 30

This is my first time posting from my iPad so forgive me if the format is a little funky, the text editor appeared to be a little off. I will post pics tomorrow, so until then cheers…

Toast

Xoxo
Gigi

THE WEEKEND…

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Comments Off

The White House

With Friday evening plans of a red eye flight to Washington DC, catching up on my book club selection, Men We Reaped, by Jesmyn Ward, recapping the weeks events, the weekend then becomes a whirlwind visiting Reggie’s family and attending a dear friend of mine, daughter’s wedding. And while the weekend will zoom by, my photographer hat will be worn as I capture special moments from the weekend. Of course I have waited to the last minute to pack, having no clue what I will wear to the wedding. So today will be spent running around putting everything together.

I’m at the age where lots of my friends children are getting married, this is the fifth one this year. I have always loved weddings and am looking forward to seeing all the details come together. This past week my friend Denise’s beautiful daughter got married at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, I met Monica when she was in elementary school, time really does fly by.

Monica’s Wedding

But before all the fun of the weekend begins here is a cute video of what not to do at a wedding, btw I can really appreciate this…

Thank you again readers for stopping by GGM.

Have a wonderful weekend, and until Monday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

I See All My “ALL”

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being 1 Comment

Many times we see what we want to see. I see me with all my shit. I see me the one who is not on facebook, instagram, pinterest, or twitter-the me that also has fears, sadness, and doubts. I’m an ordinary wife, mother, sister, daughter, and a friend to many, with the same concerns of others. Thoughts about my future, worries about my children, and of course the crazy world we live in at these challenging times are thoughts, that at times consume me.

The family

For me the key is balance. Taking care of my soul, my physical self and my mental well being are important. Addressing what hurts me, praising what brings me joy, and always willing to admit when I am wrong-these are must-dos in my life.

Being selfish-taking personal time for me, meditation, yoga, nourishing my body with nutrient foods, plenty of sleep and plenty of laughter.

meditation

Yoga

Basically living as authentically as I can…helping others, encouraging, believing in someone else and “playing it forward”. Having an open mind and a “no judgement” attitude have served me well, I know sometimes it can be easy to come to some conclusion about someone, but you really don’t know where that person is coming from, what baggage they are carrying on their shoulders.

Believing in me, having faith that dreams do come true, and working hard on my goals, always knowing that with persistence good things will happen.

And lastly LOVING MYSELF on any given day, including the extra 10 pounds, and the bad hair days…

loving myself

So my friends, reveal some of those layers and dig deep- you may be surprised at what you may find.

Happy Thursday,

XOXO,

Gigi

MAKEUP- A COVER UP?

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Gigi in Beauty Comments Off

As far back as I can remember I have always loved makeup. Sneaking in my sisters makeup bag, opening the little Mary Quant compacts, and dabbing my finger into the brightly colored pigments was pure magic to a 7 year-old. A few years later to my delight my mother became a Mary Kay lady, and I was her assistant, happy to carry the pink suitcase full of creams and powders. As a teen that’s when I discovered the department store makeup counter, and I have been an addict ever since, routinely updating my “face” with a new lip or another mascara promising even longer lashes. I even offer a beauty photo session in my business, 54 Couture where we have a professional make up artist as part of the experience, so when I came across this piece yesterday it was certainly thought provoking.

Here is the image, that sparked the debate.

Before and After

Some comments were adamantly against makeup, feeling that it contributes to “normal” girls feeling ugly, and some felt it shows the power of makeup and the art of applying it skillfully to enhance ones features. Read the thread here.

For my work, professionally applied makeup, combined with beautiful lighting, the correct lens and of course the “eye” of the photographer can transform and give every woman that A-lister photo session experience, which at the end of the day is just plain fun, and so far the clients have loved the experience and have gone out after the shoot.

Personally I love it, especially for special occasions. I’m not the person that wakes up looking for my “face” before I go outside, nor do I wear makeup to the gym, but I do love glam-ing it up for an event or having a nice “day” look when I’m out and about. I find it no different than hair color, or shaving ones legs, it is just another part of the grooming process that is a personal choice.

gigi before & after

Love this…

True

What do you think about makeup? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Kicking Stones…

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, My Life, Well-Being 4 Comments

Big Stone…

For me the inspiration for a post usually begins with something that I observed, read, heard, experienced or felt. Today I was thinking about milestones and how easy it is to get caught up in when certain events should happen in our lives. How you feel like a loser if you have missed some “stones” or stumbled on a few or maybe you are just starting to creep up on a one or two. There is always that someone who is doing more, has a thriving career, perfect kids, etc., but the truth is we have to accept where we are and know for whatever reason that is our plan for the moment.

For me two years ago I did not know at the ripe young age of 54, I would be launching a photography business, one where many photographers my age are well established, some world renowned, while I am just mastering really understanding my complex camera and my flashes. Instead of harping on the “I have so much catching up in my field” syndrome, it is easier for me to evaluate what I have to offer, for example I am an expert on photographing women over the age of 40, I know that demographic very well or that I bring to my business a brain that has scoured magazines for the past 40 years and so many beautiful images are permanently imprinted in my brain.

I have learned to be at peace with my life and where I am and accept that there will be adversity, and as painful as it is everyone is not going to embrace you or support your choices, some may even criticize you and ask you questions such as “Are you doing that as a hobby” or ” really…someone going to pay you for that” and that is OK-it will make you a stronger person.

So where ever you are start jumping over those stones or better yet put on a pair of steel toed boots and start kicking them out of the way…

Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Photographer Gigi

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

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