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

Women of a certain “age”…

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Gigi in Aging 4 Comments

Gigi

Today I was cruising one of my many “private” photography group pages and there was a picture of a striking woman and the post read “still obsessing with this 57 yo ;)”. Various comments followed mostly stating how “good” she looked for her age etc. and then one person wanted to see the SOOC (straight out of camera version) implying that there must have been a lot of photoshop done to the image. The SOOC was posted it was obvious that not much had been done to the pic and this is just how this woman looked. More comments followed, most in amazement of how “good” she looked once again for her age.

Being the 56 year old that I am I was reminded that women of a “certain age” are considered the exception if they still are deemed attractive by the powers that be- the group of judges that determines when a woman’s attractive meter has stopped functioning and she has sadly “lost it”.

So many women are not bound by the constraint of numbers or someone else’s beauty standard. I look in the mirror and I see the reflection of a woman who has lived, spent some time in the sun before sunblock was the de rigueur. A face that has smiled for 50 plus years and has the imprint to prove it.

Most of us are juggling various ages- our biological age and the age of our heart and spirit, which has nothing to do with our years of the planet. The inner age that tells you that you can pull off skinny jeans, a bikini, or start a new career. Having a positive attitude and being kind all contribute to a timeless, ageless beauty that shines from within, the best anti-age serum.

To be 20, 30 or even 40 again would be a curse, because the woman I am the today is the product of all those years in the making.

Xoxo,

Gigi

Age has no reality except in the physical world-

Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Gigi @ 40

55 ways to embrace being 50 plus…

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

A while back I made a 50 ways to age graceful list, but so many of my friends joining the 50 plus ranks, I wanted to do a revised list, now that I have 5 years post under my belt .Yes, 50 is certainly a milestone birthday, especially for women. Aging is not always embraced, but I can certainly tell you the alternative is not good, so no matter where you are in your life journey- celebrate your admission to this elite “golden” club.

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

So here is my new list:

1. At “50” things that you thought were important are not- let it go.

2. Keep up your appearance, this is not the time to stop your grooming.

3. Embrace your age- no one is going to believe you are still in your 20’s anyway.

4. Address your personal shit and handle it…

5. Forget about what is age appropriate and do what feels right.

6. Practice yoga, pilates, etc. you don’t want to get stiff- stay flexible and if you have not been practicing it is never to late to start.

6A. Mediate- just started this and let me tell you it is a game changer…

7. Appreciate the first 50 years and know that those 50 years made you the person you are today.

8. Wear makeup, especially concealer and remember less is more.

9. Walk daily- park far away, whenever you can etc. just get it in…wear one of those tracking devices if you need accountability – I love fitbit.

10. Celebrate every birthday with friends and family and do something special and of course drink champagne-the good stuff.

11. Take a class in something, keep your brain active.

12. Remember “sitting” is the new “smoking” get up and move.

13. Take responsibility for “you”.

14. Learn a new language.

15. Do something different with your hair color, try a new style especially if you have been rocking the same “do” for the past 20 years.

16. Be modest with your face if you decide to go the botox/filler route, you don’t want to start looking odd.

17. Smile more…

18. Travel, even if you have to go solo.

19. Get your sleep- at least 8 hours.

20. Have a few younger friends – you can teach each other a few things.

21. Be charming and gracious.

22. Work at being your best weight.

23. Take care of your skin and continue to wear sunscreen.

24. Start a journal- or perhaps write a memoir.

25. hydrate- Drink a lot of water daily.

26. Wear good lingerie.

27. Get dressed up just because.

28. Set goals for your 50’s and 60’s.

29. Splurge.

30. Be want you want to be, regardless of what others may think…

30A. See whoever you want to see regardless of what others think.

31. Accept the “you” of today, don’t wish for the 20 or 30 year old you- just concentrate on being the best “you” right now.

32. Laugh and find humor in everyday life.

33. Forgive yourself for the past.

34. Volunteer for something you are passionate about.

35. If you are a mother or a grandmother, don’t let that define you.

36. Take more baths.

37. Don’t focus on menopause.

38. Have a love affair with your partner-

39. Arrange flowers.

39A. Listen to music.

40. Use and wear the “good” stuff…nice jewelry , china etc..

41. Strength train.

41A. Dance.

42. Have good posture.

43. Believe that dreams can still come true.

44. Wear sexy pretty shoes, even if they are flat- Don’t give in to sensible shoes…

45. Flaunt your assets. If you have nice legs wear something short.

46. Get out of your comfort zone and do something different.

47. Make your surroundings beautiful.

48. Don’t drink to excess.

49. Get more massages.

50. Explore eastern medicine.

51. Prepare meals with all your heart and soul.

52. Have a spiritual base.

53. Be open to receive love.

54. Respect and spend time with your sister-friends.

55. Live each day to the fullest and don’t take life for granted.

55A. Stay interesting…read. Know what is going on in the world.

Did I miss anything? Let me know any that you have on your list.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

self portrait #10

Quote

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Gigi in Aging 2 Comments

“I don’t like to throw things away, but I also have the ability to end chapters of my life.”

– Helmut Lang

I came across this quote yesterday, I’m getting better at the “throwing things away” but every since the big “5-0” I’ve been able to “end chapters of my life” and keep it moving. Perhaps at the half century mark there is a sense of urgency to do it now or never. I have permission to to stop doing things that don’t enrich my life and to figure out what does work.

Closing chapters in my life allow me to move on to the next book. Some of the past books are best sellers, some are classics some are really bad…and some are unbelievable. All these “books” the good and the bad make up who I am today, I can’t erase this history, or pretend it does not exist. There are lots of characters in these books, some are in all the books and some have mysteriously disappeared.

I’m on a quest to discover the “best” me and let her shine, polishing some rough edges. I’m human and far from perfect, but if I work on “best” I know I will have a lot of “good” that will come to the surface and I’m okay with that. The consistent effort is what I am aiming for, developing habits that keep me on point. I want to be the character in the book that you love and admire, but at the same time you find her interesting, daring, a little racy, unpredictable and not boring at all.

On the physical note, I’ve recommitted to my body, this post half century body needs a lot of care like an old vintage car. Every since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis I have these nightmares of being a hunchbacked lady, so I have become obsessive with my strength training. My workouts are like doctor appointments, I have to go, I can’t reschedule. I don’t want the to be the hunchback heroine in my next book.

Have you closed any chapters? Working on a bestseller? Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo,

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

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

I LOVE YOU- FRIENDS…

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Gigi in My Life Comments Off

quote

In my 54 plus years on the planet, my life has been enriched with a plethora of friends that have had a profound impact on my life. One I have know since 5th grade, one I have met in the past year and others that I have met throughout my adult life. I am the woman I am today because of the phenomenal friends that have been in my life contributing to this crazy, veggie obsessed, light seeking photographer, yogini, real book reader, sometimes obsessive compulsive knitter, chef, swimmer, biker, hiker, dancer, writer–without you all-my life would be so different.

Many of you have shared secrets with me, traveled with me around the world, cried with me and laughed at all my crazy stories, even if you heard them ten times before. Some I chat with daily, sometimes twice a day and others from morning til night, some of you I speak with once every 6 months or so, but regardless we pick up as if it was yesterday. I’ve shared many meals with all of you and shared numerous bottles of champagne. Some of you are “shoe” buds, who are interested in “sole” searching at anytime.

Just as important, I’m happy I’m a friend to many incredible women and in their life as well. We have raised children together, met “new” significant others, shared opinions and differences.

I’m glad you all have embraced me with all of my imperfect parts, my weak moments and my vulnerable ones. I’m not perfect, but you can count on me–I will be there, and if I get “mad” you know it is only for a minute.

I thank all of my friends for making my life complete I love you all…

Tell your friend you love them today…Happy Thursday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

here a just a few of my “friendly” pics…there are so many…

buds

Gigi, Greta & Michelle

Housewives of ASPEN

BACO ladies…

not our mama’s 50…

Our Chariot

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

#101 why I work out-OSTEOPOROSIS

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Gigi in Aging, Well-Being 2 Comments

Yes! One of the reasons I workout is for my own vanity. I know shallow…I want this 50 plus year old body to still be able to rock the fashion I like and to be able to sport a bikini occasionally and not look ridiculous on the beach. OK enough of that, two years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I was devastated at being told I had this disease I associated with “old people”. I always knew the countless benefits of working out and have been active all my life, but as we age it is even more critical to be as fit as possible, because trust me the body starts trying to break down just like an old car–the maintenance is really important.

My First Tri

I remember when my “no bedside manner” doctor called me on my cell, and told me that I had osteoporosis and I needed to take boniva or take a drug called reclast that is taken once a year by IV infusion. The side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, risk of inflamed esophagus or ulcers, of course the thought of going from being a healthy person to now taking drugs with all these potential side effects was daunting. I felt deceived by my body, osteoporosis is typically found in frail caucasian and asian women, or those who have battled eating disorders, such as anorexia, I have never been frail, white, asian, or small boned, and I have never had an eating disorder or been one to do random “diet” fads that are so popular.

osteoporosis

After doing a lot of my own research, I decided I could not take those drugs, especially when I read lots of information that questions the long term use of the drugs and the long term problems they can cause, but I also did not want to be a “hunchback” old lady or suffer from a broken hip in the future. So I decided to take my own approach and eat and drink as many calcium rich greens, strength train, weight train, and do yoga which some studies show promise with regular practice. I also have a weight vest that I wear when I walk or even around the house. Acupuncture is a regular part of my well being, my doctor has me taking herbs and he treats my joints. Tao of Wellness

Gigi yoga

Osteoporosis– is a disease of the bones that happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall. Find out more about it here. It is diagnosed by a simple bone density test, all women 50 and or those that have a history of osteoporosis should be tested.

So ladies and Gents do your WEIGHT TRAINING! And do your research and stay on top of things and of course the key words are PREVENTATIVE & LIFESTYLE

Happy Friday

gigi bikini

Xoxo,

Gigi

1 2 Next »

50 plus year old women

Timelessness

Women of a certain “age”…

55 ways to embrace being 50 plus…

Quote

Sometimes I Really Do Feel Old…

Breaking the Speed Limit- 55

The “Men- All- Pause”

I LOVE YOU- FRIENDS…

50 WAYS TO AGE EFFORTLESSLY, WITH STYLE AND FINESSE

#101 why I work out-OSTEOPOROSIS

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50 plus year old women

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