Pasadena Showcase House Of Design 2013

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Gigi in Design Comments Off

I have always loved interior design. As far back as I can remember I have always loved beautiful spaces. I started attending the Showcase House over 20 years ago, it became part of my spring ritual. So of course when I became friends with a member of the organization while attending the interior program at UCLA and she offered to sponsor me I was thrilled. I joined Showcase in 1995 the year I became pregnant with Reggie. Seeing the process from taking possession of the house to its total transformation to a Showcase house is truly amazing. If a person had an unlimited budget you really see all the possibilities of what could be done to a property in a short period of time. Over the years I have been fortunate to meet so many talented designers and work with a few at my own home.

This years home is one that was a Showcase house 13 years ago. It is the Barker estate (Barker furniture) designed by renowned architect Roland Eli Coate, Sr. in 1941. The Monterey Colonial home is a little over 10,000 square feet on 1.79 acres. The color palate is a rich blend of colors inspired by early California. The house closes on May 19th so if you want some inspiration make a trek to Pasadena and make an afternoon taking in the latest in interior design trends.

Showcase 2013

Love this family room, especially the furniture placement.

Kitchen

Love the two islands and the steel countertops.

entry staircase

Love the blue chandelier.

Teen Girl Bedroom

Love the soft color palate.

Master Bath

Love this bathtub…in the center of the room.

Check it out before it closes.

Pasadena Showcase Hours

Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday: 9-3:30 Wednesday, thursday, Friday 9-7:30 Closed Monday

Ticket Prices $35-45

order tickets and for more information www.pasadenashowcase.org

Pasadena Showcase House of Design preview

WEDNESDAY QUOTE

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, Quotes Comments Off

YES!

Do you have days where you feel like this sometimes? Or is it only me? I saw this circulating on facebook and thought about what would it be like to leave my “life” as I know it and go away and never come back. Reggie and I, especially when we travel often think about selling our home, business, and material possessions and setting up a kite surfing shop on a remote beach on the other side of the world. Or maybe a juice bar and a photo booth…or a fitness business, leading bike tours, or organized hikes. Just getting away from the rat race. Since his health scare we really have had that dialogue about what does the next ten years look like for us, twenty? Do we really want to do the same thing forever?

We have met people on our travels that have done this. There was a couple we met when we traveled to the San Juan islands who took an early retirement from their corporate jobs in the bay area, sold everything, bought a little house and started a lavender farm. We met lots of americans in Costa Rica that have set of various businesses, everything from musicians performing at the hotels, to wedding coordinators, to tour operators.

For us that magical place would be somewhere tropical on a beach. A place where little would be needed to live comfortably. A place where fresh food was abundant, the climate was consistent, and days end with beautiful sunsets. Where would that place be for you? Share your fantasy? Maybe we will all end up somewhere together…You never know.

XOXO,

Gigi

Black Sand Beach Costa Rica

Excuse Me Weight, Don’t Go So Quickly

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Gigi in Fitness, Inspiration, Well-Being 3 Comments

Wait, Weight

Don’t go so quickly at least say good bye.

I’ll miss you and never forget you.

Always Love,

MY BODY

Springtime is the time of year that I like to kick start my fitness program- bump it up a bit. The weather is nicer and the Cali version of winter clothes can be put away. Having a July birthday I always make that my goal date to accomplish some measure of change. Sometimes I’ll try a new workout or do a yoga challenge, sign up for a triathlon or just do more of the same but bump up the frequency or the intensity.

Chair Pose

I started doing a lot of yoga before my big “50” birthday and still enjoy it and have made it part of my life.

My First Tri

Did my first triathlon a couple of years ago. Really like the challenge of doing three sports and would like to do another.

LA Marathon 1998

Started running around my big “40” birthday, did 4 marathons and now run occasionally, not my favorite activity, but I know it is good for me.

Although weight loss is not the goal it is always lurking in the shadows, that magic number, whether it is a pre-pregancy weight, or weight before marriage or weight at a certain age-most of us have that number that we like to see at our annual doctor visit. Weight is not usually our friend. We are not happy when it comes around, we try to ignore it but it keeps coming regardless. As I get more mature or older I find that this “weight” tries to come around more often landing in random places. Perhaps it is hormonal, or metabolism changing, not really sure, but as my friend Angie says “We ain’t going out like that!” It is easy to let “weight” be your new friend, to welcome her and be hospitable and let her hang around until she becomes a permanent part of you. As difficult as it may seem you have to kick “weight” out, put her on the street and realize it is not a healthy relationship and she will bring you down.

Do you find “weight” trying to creep up on you? Do you find your body being deceitful and hiding weight? Do you care about the scale or do you only worry if your clothes start fitting a little snug? What is your spring training regime? Or are you one of those year round warriors? Share What strategies work for you keeping weight under control and “checking it at the door” when needed.

I will be keeping you posted in the next few months on my program.

XOXO,

Gigi

WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS…

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations Comments Off

This past weekend was filled with activity. I decided to capture moments that caught my attention with my camera. Doing this helps me to be “quick” with my camera and develop my photojournalistic skills. So my first observation was this man and his puppy. I was watching them for a while and was amazed at how loving he was to this puppy.

Puppy Love

He told me that he recused this puppy from a “crackhead”.

We went to a Photo Show at the convention center.

The Big Photo Show

I found it interesting that at these “photo” shows that they have women posing for the attendees. I wondered what is the purpose and what is one supposed to do with these images? I also wondered where did they find these women and how much did they pay them…

Fela The Musical

Friday night we went to see Fela the Musical with our friends Al & Denise. It was my 3rd time seeing the production, I love Fela. Reggie and I saw Fela at the Greek when we were dating about 25 years ago, but I remember the show like it was yesterday.

Whole Foods Tustin

Love the “resort” feel of this market…Whole Foods is becoming a destination.

Warm Eggplant Salad

We went back to Baco Mercat and had this delicious eggplant salad. When we were leaving we ran into these gentlemen that were blocking the street with their carts…Downtown LA has such a large homeless population, it is unsettling in a way, to leave a “nice” restaurant and a block away you see so many people living on the street. Life is not fair.

Streets of LA

The light coming through the roof at the convention center was beautiful. Everywhere I look I notice light patterns.

Roof At Convention Center

This pit bull was so gentle. I felt as though he was trying to tell me something, like “I know we get a bad rap, but we really are nice dogs”.

Gentle Pit Bull

We went to Orange County so Reggie could pick up his Race number for the Orange County Marathon. Yes, he really did have a stroke a month ago, and he is back to his old routine. They always have “stuff” to buy, and I always come away motivated to start running again. This time the item was these sparkly workout headbands. Tomorrow the running begins!

sparkly headbands

This is the view from the parking lot. I love Cali–everyday spectacular skies.

Beautiful sky

Well my friends hope your weekend was eventful. Love and Light.

Xoxo,

Gigi

MENU Baco Mercat

MENU Baco Mercat

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Gigi in Dining 2 Comments

baco-mercat

Although Reggie and I prefer a vegan diet, we love eating at all kinds of restaurants. We can always make a meal by ordering salads and sides from the menu. Our friends Al and Denise are true foodies, they keep track of who’s who in the culinary world, so I knew we were in for a treat going to Baco Mercat. Tucked away in the old downtown LA bank district with a convenient parking lot right next door, it was a breeze getting there. It is a charming space, rustic and funky combined for a relaxed atmosphere, it was packed not a free table and we were there on a Wednesday night.

Baco Mercat

The menu has a large assortment of veggie dishes-and not the typical potatoes, broccoli, grilled veggie variety, but really unusual combinations of farm fresh produce. I had the best Cauliflower which was caramelized with pine nuts, mint garlic and lebni, out of this world good. Chef Josef Centeno has mastered the shared plate concept which I love, it makes the dining experience so intimate, as if you were at home passing the dishes around. The food is a combination of spanish, moroccan, mediterranean fusion style which all translates to delicious. We had the asparagus and king mushroom which was prepared with tarragon, red endive and snap peas, brussels sprouts prepared “caesar” style, beet salad, sugar snap & pear salad. Reggie and Al had a “baco” which is a sandwich that Jose created out of homemade flatbread, and a bunch of other flavorful stuff tucked inside- all good. He also makes these flatbread pizzas with different toppings that are so light. As far as drinks, they craft all kinds of unique cocktails, homemade sodas and of course wine and beer.

I can’t wait to go again…reservations a must, I don’t think you can just show up and get a table. Check it out soon. http://bacomercat.com/

XOXO,

GIGI

Hours

Monday-Thursday 11:30-2:30 5:30-11:00

Friday & Saturday 11:30-3:00 5:30-Midnight

Sunday 11:30-3:00 5:00-10:00

408 South Main Street LA 213 687 8808

Reggie, Gigi, Al & Denise

Erica’s Picks: Baco Mercat

Things I Learned From My Mother

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Gigi in Mother's 6 Comments

My mother and father early 60’s

There are a lot of posts around the blogosphere about Mother’s Day and what it means, or gift suggestions for that special mom in your life. One that spoke to me was titled “What have you learned from your mom?”. I had never thought about that. There were the obvious things that came to mind such as “learning right from wrong” etc. But I wanted to dig a little deeper and come up with what I really LEARNED from my mother, Peggy (Geraldine).

Not in any particular order:

1. ALWAYS “watch” your weight. “I was wearing my same size a few weeks after I had my babies, I never wanted to be fat. What size are you wearing now?”

2. MARRY a nice man that can provide for the family. “There is nothing somebody broke can do for me. What does he do and where does he live?”

3. LONG hair is important, preferably straight. “Why did you cut your hair like that?” and “Are you ever going to get your hair “done” again?”

4. SEND your coffee back if it is not boiling (that applies to soups, tea and any other liquids) “Excuse me, this coffee is not hot, and I want a fresh cup.”

5. DON’T be a “BED BUNNY” hopping from bed to bed. “Are you seeing someone? Is he your boyfriend? I met someone and got married again and I had 4 kids and was 38 years old. You are almost 30…”

6. GET your degree! “I know you have a business but when are you going to finish your degree?”

7. DON”T buy cheap clothes. “There is nothing I would ever buy in those cheap stores like Walmart, I don’t know how people do that…”

8. IT is important to have a house by any means necessary. “I could not and would not ever live in an apartment.”

9. CLEAN around the back of the toilet and underneath the bowl. “I know how to clean.”

10. USE lay away even if you can’t afford the item. “I wanna put this on lay away, please.”

11. LOOK nice everyday. “I would never go out like that.”

12. LOOKS are important. “What does he look like?”

13. PREPARE fresh food, do not use can or frozen food. “Did you make that from “scratch?”

and lastly…

14. ALWAYS put your kids first. “I always made a way for my kids…matter of fact I did to much for them. My kids never did with out.”

What did you learn from your mom? Please share.

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi’s Meanderings Around the Web #8

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Gigi in Web 1 Comment

My life is finally settling down a bit, and I will be able to post regularly. I am realizing the older I get, the faster time goes by. Tonight we celebrated my husband’s birthday with some dear friends, btw his birthday was January 7 it took almost 5 months to make it happen. I question are we really that busy? I decided moving forward I am going to make time to do the simple nothings that I enjoy ie. make raw vegan ice cream, curl up with a good book, pull out my knitting, work in my garden, work on my blog and just take time and slow way down.

I love perusing around the web checking out interesting tidbits. A little of what I discovered so far this week. I love Luther Vandross and miss him so much. I was amazed when I came across this sweet boy.

http://youtu.be/z39YKTM5VLM

Yes. A public school goes all VEGETARIAN! My husband is 7th Day Adventist and attended Adventist schools which were all vegetarian. This is major. Check it out here.

Do you meditate? I have never sat down formally and done “it”, but I want to start.

Love this bike rack …

Not sure if I would like this, interesting combo though.

Nice teen activity.

Interesting article, especially if you are a parent. “He could be my son”

I’m a Scandal fan, but I know this show is popular as well “Downtown Abby” I may have to check it out.

I am a beauty junkie. I have so many products a person could go in my bathroom and come out with a new identity. I love hair products, skin care, make up etc.. I have been reading about BB creams and CC creams, but after this article perhaps it is not something that would work for me.

One more thing take a moment and think about the things that really matter to you.

XOXO,

GIGI

LIVING A FULL LIFE-Looks like…

Tuesday Quote

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

Came across this quote.

Tuesday Quote

Love this…Reminds me that everyone is operating from a different place, different set of experiences, different perspective, different level of understanding and you have to as difficult as it may be accept that sometimes an individual may do or say something that makes no sense to you, is hurtful to you, remember it is “their level of consciousness” and at that moment it is their best. Once you are able to recognize this…things that may of had a way of getting under your skin won’t have the same effect. You will smile, edit and move on…

XOXO,

GIGI

LIVING A FULL LIFE-Looks like…

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being 7 Comments

I have been crazy busy this past month. Physically, mentally, and emotionally overwhelmed with this crazy thing called life! About a month ago my hubby had a health scare, to be specific a STROKE, the good news is that it was a very mild stroke and everything is fine now. Those of you who know my husband know he is the picture of health, he exercises daily ie. 10 mile runs, basketball, swimming in the ocean, kitesurfing, etc.,- does not and has not ever drank alcohol, follows a vegan diet, drinks lots of water, and still this happened to him. He is the fittest person I know.

Reggie Kitesurfing St. Lucia

I’m at the age where these occurrences are happening more often to my friends and family members. While we all know that we are not going to live forever, it made me question what “LIVING A FULL LIFE ” looks like… Am I living each day to the fullest? Or am I just going through the motions? Am I chasing my passions or putting off my dream to “tomorrow”? Am I making my fantasies my realities? So many thoughts crossed my mind about what living is truly about.

So my friends HERE IS GIGI’S LIST on LIVING A FULL LIFE. Not in any particular order…

1. HEALTH

We have a lot of control in this area. A good diet and plenty exercise are a must! We follow a vegan diet with a lot of raw vegan and lots of water. Hydration is so important. I don’t like going to the doctor, but I go for my annual check-ups, knowing that early detection saves lives. I also go to my eastern medicine doctor and get acupuncture.

Sexy vegan food

2. PASSION

Are you chasing your passion? For me passion is important, it keeps life exciting. Discover a hobby, or revisit an old one. Take the time to learn something new. Right now I am passionate about photography, I have always loved taking pictures but never made the time to really pursue the craft. Now I wake up thinking about it and close my eyes at night thinking about it…

Photographer Gigi

3. AUTHENTIC SELF

Being true to yourself and what you believe in is critical. Surround yourself with those who accept you for who you are. Know that there will be casualties along the way and thats okay. Always strive to “BE THE BEST YOU”. Make a conscious decision to surround yourself with those individuals that you know have your back.

4. LOVING RELATIONSHIPS

If you have a significant other in your life you are blessed, and I don’t mean just on paper…I am fortunate to be married to my best friend. We will celebrate 24 years of marriage in July. Work on loving relationships with friends and family, accept them and their shortcomings, don’t try and remake them. Be a loyal friend and always be willing to forgive and love unconditionally. Negative relationships put a lot of stress on our well being, if you have some of these- who does not, try and figure out if you can “fix” these situations, if not LET IT GO.

Easter Sunday Reggie & Gigi

5. My yoga teacher said “BE CONTENT WITH STILLNESS”

It is okay to do nothing sometimes. Quiet your mind and slow down…Take an hour or two for yourself and do nothing-detach from your electronics. Trust me the world will go on without you.

Yoga

6. KEEP YOUR MIND STIMULATED

Read. Challenge your mind. It is like any other muscle in your body, stop using it and it gets soft and flabby. Learn a new language, go back to school, take a class, do something to excite your brain.

7. TRAVEL

Whether around the world or the next town, take the time to go and explore something new. Yes traveling is expensive, but it is worth the sacrifice. Just get and your car and drive for a couple of hours, explore a new town act like a tourist, you will be surprised at what you might find.

Lioness and her Cubs

8. SECURITY

Take care of your business! Plan for your future…Think about the “WHAT IF” and have a plan in place. I met a woman this past weekend who told me she lost her house a year ago in a fire, and she had to prove to the insurance company what she had, and she did not have documents to support her claim. Although it may be a long way off, think about what “retirement” looks like for you and your family.

9. SPIRITUALITY

Believe and have faith in something. A spiritual base is necessary to keep you grounded. Faith is powerful.

10. CELEBRATE

Party and celebrate life…birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays and just because…just do it–find reasons to get together.

Lastly,

11. HAVE A HEART

Do you ever do something for someone that is totally not expected? Comfort someone? Trust and look for the good in others.

What does “LIVING A GOOD LIFE” look like to you? Please share.

XOXO,

GIGI

EASTER SUNDAY

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday 2 Comments

Easter Sunday Reggie & Gigi

Easter Sunday is a low key holiday for us. We usually go to brunch and celebrate the day quietly. Since the kids have been away at school, their spring break always falls a few weeks before Easter.

Growing up Easter, signified the official beginning of spring. It started with a pilgrimage downtown LA to get an “Easter” dress, a pair of patent leather mary jane style shoes preferably white, with lace trimmed bobby socks of course. The dress was was always a pastel color, and of course no Easter outfit would be complete without a bonnet and gloves. These shopping trips would end at LA’s Landmark cafeteria, Clifton’s a buffet type restaurant that had rows and rows of American fare. We dyed eggs, made Easter baskets filled with those spongy yellow chicks, loads of jelly beans, the old school ones not the tiny gourmet ones, and a chocolate bunny or sometimes a chocolate egg, my mother would get each of us one of these. The day before our kitchen would turn into a salon and my mother would press and curl our hair and make perfect shirley temple ringlets.

Up early dressed in our finery, we went to church, socialized with our friends and came home to a delicious feast. My mother would prepare everything from scratch. We would watch The Ten Commandments, nibble on candy and stay up late since spring break always started the day after Easter.

Reggie and I drove out to Cate and picked up Reggie and went to brunch at Bacara Resort. It was a lovely brunch, with lots of vegan options, but for those who eat everything it was truly a feast. It rained off and on but it was still a beautiful day and drive. Do you celebrate Easter? What did you do?

On another note I love this little tidbit. I do this all the time…

XOXO,

Gigi

A few more pics from our Easter Sunday.