Timelessness

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Gigi in Aging Comments Off

Timelessness is what I am striving for- age is becoming like a friend that I have a love/hate relationship with. The friend that you really love, the one that will “check” you when you are wrong and “call you out” we all have one. I can’t outsmart my age- it is what it is…I’ve never been interested in guarding it like a top secret pass word protected number (“56” soon to be “57”) shhhhh. I know some like to elude to being a younger age that has past many moons ago, and I get it, there is a lot of age discrimination going on out there especially in the work place.

Some of us grew up with moms that taught us to hide our age, and most of us have been told “never ask a lady her age” because it is not polite. Not polite because? I wonder when that phenomenon started- denying ones age? It is just an arbitrary number that rises once a year, a time that I look forward to celebrating being me and my existence.

Beauty does not have to be defined or constrained by a number- even if we live in a society that gives out expiration dates. Being a photographer I have captured numerous young gorgeous ingenues. I can photograph them at high noon, late night , early morning and they always look beautiful, I on the other hand have to be a little more particular about the light I’m photographed in and that is ok. The important thing is to do what gives you pleasure- explore, never stop learning and continue to be the best version of you.

Celebrate your “good” whether it is your career, fabulous body, personality, family, loving eyes, compassionate spirit, yoga moves, etc. just remember you are your number 1 fan.

Happy Tuesday,

Gigi

Sometimes I Really Do Feel Old…

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Gigi in Aging 1 Comment

Sometimes I really do feel old. It’s not everyday, but sometimes I will glance at my reflection in the mirror and I will see a woman that I don’t recognize. A woman who has hyperpigmentation on a complexion that for 40 plus years was flawless, who now reaches for concealer before venturing outside. A woman who now takes a second glance at those “filler” and botox ads that grace some of her favorite magazines. A woman who has to spend more time at the gym just to maintain some sort of figure that can still fit into her clothes. A woman who sometimes answers the phone and the caller is talking, the voice is familiar, but the woman has no clue who she is speaking to. A woman who is among the oldest in her workout classes, but is still sporting her lululemon.

Yes, age is just a number, but there is no denying this aging thing, it can be brutal and unfair in our youth obsessed society. I don’t wish for a younger “me”, I just don’t want the aches and pains of the older “me”. I want to be the best that I can be, but that is becoming increasingly more difficult. Everything takes more time, gone are the days of quickly pulling myself together and looking like a million bucks. It is a process now with numerous steps and formulas.

The other day of friend of mine made an observation that she noticed that young women who are half our age were sporting the same clothes that we used to wear we we were their age and they are looking like we used to “look”. The cycle just repeats itself all over, I remember wearing crop pants and my mom telling me that she used to wear those when she was my age and they were called peddle pushers and clam diggers. Perhaps that is why the shopping bug is not as exciting, because nothing seems fresh anymore…

Just as I am aging, my hubby is as well, but it seems different for him. His concerns are longevity, maintaining his business and being healthy. His only cosmetic issue is his grey mustache that he regularly colors. It’s nice to be on this “age” ride together and I am fortunate to have a partner that is accepting of me and all my vintage parts. One that I don’t have to explain the constant need for my reading glasses and the panic that sets in when I can’t find them. One I can call on the phone and he will talk to me and is not expecting me to text exclusively.

Starting my family later in life also has its disadvantages, many of my friends have grandchildren already, I think about by the time I have a grandchild I’m really going to be old. But I can’t worry about that right now…just gotta keep doing me and embrace each day to the fullest.

What are your thoughts on the aging process? Please share and tell me I’m not the only one with these feelings.

Happy Friday,

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi

Breaking the Speed Limit- 55

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Gigi in Aging 6 Comments

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

Another birthday – I am 55 years-old today…it feels weird saying that, and I know some ladies still like to treat age like a mystery, but my thought is aging is a part of living and should be celebrated instead of hidden. I feel good and I’m at peace with self. I look in the mirror and I see a woman, wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and a friend to many. I see a woman who has lived, taken risks, did a few things that I’m not proud of, a woman who has laughed and smiled a lot and has the lines to prove it.

Gigi in the mirror

I look back over my life and I have few regrets. Of course hindsight is always clearer and it is easy to think about what you could have done differently. I have grown in so many ways, no longer struggling with self doubt, no more worrying about what others think.

There is something about these “golden” years that are empowering. Perhaps it is the acceptance of my physical self, all 130 plus pounds of me, my kinky curly hair, no longer regulated to the beach, but red carpet events as well, embracing all the changes in my body and focusing on the good parts. After 50 plus years, finally learning what works for my body (stretch is always good), and certainly what doesn’t, even if it is the latest trend. Wearing my high heels, probably more often than I should, getting more of a thrill buying workout wear than regular clothes, and generally just abiding by my own rules and what makes me happy.

Accepting that no matter how many hours I spend in the gym, how “clean” I eat, if I should chose to tweak my face or some body parts, at the end of the day I’m still a middle-aged woman, and if I’m confused at any point, all I have to do is just stand next to a 25 year-old preferably in a bikini. I will continue to work on being the best version of me that I can be, taking care of my mental well being, along with my physical and spiritual self. I will go into this next “birth year” with conviction, bumping the workouts up a notch or 2, really paying attention to what I put into my body, and making sure I take time for me. I will continue to work on giving my children the skills they need so they can thrive in this crazy world we live in, long after I am gone, and being a wife and partner to my husband and the rock he can lean on.

Another thing about breaking the “speed limit” my “to do” list and “to go” list seem more urgent. I want to go to Brazil, Bali and the Montreux Jazz festival, I want to learn another language, work on my photography, host more intimate dinner parties, and of course keep editing what is no longer needed.

I will be departing this evening to the Jack & Jill National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. I will be in touch…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi @ 55

Golden Gladiator # 2 Debbie Young

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Gigi in Aging, gladiator, photography 1 Comment

PS Couture recently had the pleasure of photographing beautiful Debbie Young. One of the highlights of being a photographer is all the wonderful clients we get to work with. I met Debbie about 12 years ago, shortly after she and her family relocated from the east coast, our daughters became fast friends at their first Jack & Jill event. I have always admired Debbie’s timeless beauty and was delighted to have a session with her and Morgan. We sat down with Debbie at her beautiful home and chatted about her philosophy on living the “good” life.

Debbie

On Aging: “I feel so young mentally, age is just a number. Life is to be enjoyed, I feel 25. On Living: “Live life to the fullest! Make other people happy.”

Debbie & Morgan

On Fashion: “I’m a fashionista…a woman’s fashion tells a story, whether sexy, conservative, boho etc. make your style exciting. On The Perfect Weekend: “Good music, on the ocean, a bottle of good champagne, of course with my family and friends”

Debbie

On Advice to a “younger” you: “Positive thinking, exercise, eat well, love myself more” On Music: “My love for music consists of so much Gospel: Tasha Cobbs & Ernest Pugh to Female artists: Ledisi, Elle Varner, Adele, Emeli Sande Male artists: John Legend, Sam Smith, Gregory Porter; Jazz artist: Jonathan Butler, Michael Lington, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright; Classical: up & coming 24 year-old phenomenal soprano, Courtney Johnson just to name a few. While winding down at home I have been listening to The African Heritage’s “Umbulu Lullaby”.

Debbie

On What’s Next: “The best is yet to come! God first, Travel, continue to surround myself with family and friends, my music, love, meditate and positive energy. My life mission as a special education & music teacher: music, the arts are an essential part of our lives, especially our children. The study of music/art, etc. fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding of cultural diversity. Music has been so very beneficial in my instructional programs and teaching strategies in order to accommodate diverse learning styles. I LOVE MUSIC!!!!”

Debbie, owner of “Ms. Debbie’s World of Music” provides music education in various schools in Orange County. She and her husband Larry have been married 29 years and still enjoy spending romantic weekends at the beach. Her daughter Morgan is in grad school at U Penn.

PS Couture

Happy Friday, XOXO, GIGI

Golden Gladiator #1 Rosetta

The “Men- All- Pause”

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Gigi in Aging, menopause, Well-Being 4 Comments

Odds are if you are old enough to remember this song, you are experiencing or have experienced “men-all-pause”. I have been pretty fortunate, my symptoms have been pretty minor. Never ever had a hot flash or a night sweat as of yet, but I have had my moments of unexplainable rage against those that I love and random strangers. My boobs have gotten bigger, and not just from being a little heavier, in my 20’s I struggled to fill an “A” cup, post babies I grew into a 34 B and as of last month, at my bra fitting by a bra fitting specialist no less I am a solid 32D!

my fav bra natori feather bra

My grays are getting a little more aggressive, but I don’t think I can blame that on “men-all-pause”, and wearing my hair “au natural” those grays are buried in a hay stack. My hair is thinner, but considering how thick it was growing up this is a good thing.

Gigi big hair

Now the face. Let’s just say I pay a lot more attention to lotions, potions and all the magical creams I read about. I stop and read the ads about botox, fillers and have even cruised the websites. Right now I still like what I see for the most part, the “character” of me, the “grown and sexy” version. I can wake up and tell by looking in the mirror if I had that extra glass of wine or if I did not have my 64 oz minimum of water the day before.

hydrate always

love this stuff

Now for the body…I’m in a state of emergency. Me and my “butt” are at war! What used to work is not doing nada…The old me always had a little waist, but the “men-all-pause” is trying to snatch it away. The thighs are trying to catch up with the waist, trust me -not good and it is to hot to succumb to the dreaded power underwear ie. spanx, although I do have my stash for those “red carpet” moments. Yes, for the most part I practice a vegan diet, but the nuts, and other delicacies can do their damage too, a calorie is a calorie I’m just saynin’. So I have bumped up the workouts, I’m trying to shock this 54 year-old body, that is about to break the speed limit in a minute into submission. I am doing everything from the “rockin model workout”, “beach body ready”, “stacked”, “tread and shread”, “whipped” pilates, yoga, zumba, swimming, biking, you name it, I’m doing it, cause I ain’t going out like that!

it’s pricy but I love my gym

I’m at peace knowing and accepting that my pre-kidlet 22 year old body is a relic of the past, and I have no desire to be a size “0” or XS, however I do want to be fit and be the best that I can be, and I know I have to get out of my comfort zone and work a lot harder. I can’t worry about if I am the oldest person in the “rockin model” class, or if I can’t rock a bra top and a pair of lulu bootie shorts… I know the benefits of being active are so great and important for this next phase of life. No, it is not easy, my knees and joints don’t recover as fast, for the last couple of weeks I have been in a constant state of feeling as though I am recovering from a car wreck. My advice to the young-nins if you don’t have a good workout routine start and make it part of your lifestyle, if you are a little more mature like me, find something you like and be consistent and if you are already doing it–don’t ever stop, oh and by the way if whatever you are doing is easy, trust me it probably isn’t working.

Now please excuse me and my butt we have a workout to get to…

Happy Tuesday XOXO GIGI

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Gigi in 50 ways 2 Comments

Gigi @ 54

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

1. Celebrate every birthday as if it were a milestone

2. Practice yoga or pilates or both- a flexible spine is a young spine

3. Challenge yourself–never stop learning

4. Stay engaged with LIFE

5. Stop being angry- it’s not worth it in the long run

6. Strength Train ie. weight training-your bones will “thank you”

7. Love and admire your children/grandchildren/nieces/ nephews

8. Have fresh flowers all the time

9. Walk daily

10. Use your “good” stuff ie. crystal, china, silver etc.

11. Be present in the moment- enjoy the duration of the day

12. Be a role model

13. Wear lipstick

14. Be your best “you” today and stop trying to be the “you” of the past

15. Celebrate the good in your life- forget the negative

16. keep the passion with your partner and/ or if solo don’t be afraid of LOVE

17. Menopause- embrace the change

18. Take long baths with fragrant oils

19. Drink good champagne–just because

20. Change your hair if you have been wearing the same “do” for 20 plus years

21. Keep dreaming

22. Continue to shop- but know what works for you- be picky only buy things you LOVE

23. Volunteer- make a difference

24. Have a spiritual base

25. Forgive and Forget

26. Watch your posture

27. Eat clean- preferably a plant based diet with lots of raw organic farm to table produce

28. Invest in a good bed and make your bedroom a retreat

29. Be a creature like no other

30. laugh aloud and find humor in everything

31. Dance

32. Pay attention to your appearance- don’t give into middle age frumpy

33. Watch your weight

34. Don’t fear love- never stop dabbling in it…

35. Make time for friends

36. Wear pretty, sexy non sensible shoes

37. Accept that it is OK that you don’t look 22- embrace whatever age you are and “work it”

38. Sleep get your rest.

39. Don’t be a fool for fashion- have your own style

40. Wear lovely lingerie

41. Douse yourself with perfume

42. Travel

43. Smile

44. Don’t do things to contort your face- you won’t look younger

45. Unleash your blocks, whatever they may be

46. Break the rules on what “blank” age is supposed to be

47. Indulge in whatever your heart desires

48. don’t drink excessively- it never looks good

49. Continue to create and discover new interests

50. FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU!

My weekend is starting early Friday, I will be in New Orleans via a red eye flight tonight.

New Orleans

Happy Thursday

Xoxo,

Gigi

Like Fine Wine, Better With Age?

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Gigi in Aging, Beauty, Well-Being 2 Comments

Fabulous Tina Turner 73 years young

This jaw dropping image of 73 years young, Tina Turner popped up on my facebook news feed a few days ago on her birthday, November 26. I have always been a Tina Turner fan, gone to numerous live performances and always left the show in awe of her energy, beauty, attitude and of course her famous legs. Seeing this picture I thought “wow” Tina is 20 years older than me and she looks great! I don’t hide my age, all 53 years are posted all over the internet for the world to see. Aging can be all consuming in this youth worshipping society, but the fact is we cannot do anything to stop the process. My approach so far has been holistic, watching my diet, exercising as much as possible, having a glass a wine sometimes and even chocolate. I dabble in lots of creams for my skin, this habit started many years ago when my mom was a Mary Kay consultant and I was her assistant at the wise old age of 12. Some days though, I look in the mirror and I am reminded that yes, I am getting older, but with that I am more confident, wiser, and stronger. At this point I still rock heels that are probably 2 inches to high, wear dresses that more than skim my body, and have an ipod full of music that would impress some of the 20-somethings. It’s a state of mind that I think makes all the difference in how you navigate this road of aging, follow the signs, but don’t be afraid to go over the speed limit, make an illegal u turn here and there, and park in the red zone.

What’s your approach to aging?

Xoxo,

Gigi

50 plus beauty

Timelessness

Sometimes I Really Do Feel Old…

Breaking the Speed Limit- 55

Golden Gladiator # 2 Debbie Young

The “Men- All- Pause”

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

Like Fine Wine, Better With Age?

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50 plus beauty

Timelessness

Sometimes I Really Do Feel Old…

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