WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations 2 Comments

Gigi

This past weekend was low key. I was content to do little. My son visited friends, Reggie did his elaborate workout routine, and I relaxed and dabbled in photography related tasks. I spent some time focusing on the future and what that looks like for us. Our family dynamic is constantly changing both in our immediate and extended families. In the process of jotting down a few notes, I thought about while it is good to plan for the future, it is even more important to “live” in the present as well. What are you doing on a daily basis to “live”? My family at times, get impatience with me, I will see something out the window while driving, and want to stop to investigate, observing my surroundings is important to me. A few things that peaked my interest this weekend.

yoga at the Grove

Went to the Apple store at the Grove and stumbled upon yoga in the middle of the shopping center. How cool is that? Another reason to keep a mat in the car.

food truck

While I never see food trucks in my area, I love that they are all over LA. Saw this one and loved the name…this is how I feel a lot “me so hungry”.

Baco Mercat

We are becoming regulars at this place, Baco Mercat. I am in love with the warm eggplant salad.

DTLA

I know I keep saying this, but I love downtown LA, happy that restaurants are opening and most of all that we can get there in less than 30 minutes.

murals

Love the art vibe of downtown.

my sister and family

Had a shoot with my sister and her family, once again the wildlife is out to get me, first rattlesnake and now attack of the wasps, yes I was stung for the first time.

Oh one more thing that has me jazzed, I have a new app called “my fitness pal”. I love it, you record your workouts and what your eat…yes scary to look down and see it on your screen, but perfect for keeping you on point. Oh and it is FREE! My Fitness Pal check it out.

dtla

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and HAPPY MONDAY!

XOXO,

GIGI

WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Gigi in Weekend Observations 1 Comment

I love three day weekends, especially quiet ones with no obligations. I feel as though the extra day off allows me to tackle a few projects that are in desperate need of a little TLC. Friday started off with a fabulous photo shoot with Lyric Jackson, a classmate of my son’s from elementary school. Lyric and Reggie became fast friends in the 6th grade, which meant Lyric’s mom and I became friends. Some of my closest friends are byproducts of my children’s selections of their friends. Lyric’s mom was a big inspiration to me as far as starting my blog, she has a phenomenal blog, www.girlsbestfriendandcoblog.com that has been up in running for a few years which is no easy feat. She stays on top of the latest beauty and fashion comings and goings and you can view some of Lyric’s vlogs. Check it out here. A few of my favorites pics from the session:

Our neighbor Dr. Woods hosted a surprise brunch for his wife Debbie. The Woods moved to our area a little over ten years ago, both MD’s, so of course Reggie was happy to have someone to talk shop with. They have adorable twin second grade girls, who I am dying to photograph. The surprise was a success! He told all of the guests various different times from 1 hour to 2 hours before the actual time, so needless to say everyone was there for the surprise.

We are not golfers, but I love the beauty of the course…Friendly Hills is so beautiful.

FHCC beautiful course

Debbie’s 96 year-old mother was the life of the party. A good time was had by all.

Debbie’s 96 year-old mommy-so sweet

We found ourselves Downtown LA again, it is becoming our new stomping ground, so much to see in the arts district. Of course we grabbed a bite at our new fav Baco Mercat and Reggie got a treat at the Pie Hole before returning home.

Love the Art district

Gigi DTLA

It is time to do a little housekeeping around our property. We lost our gardener about 8 months ago and now have a “mow and blow” person, so everything is overgrown and in need of cutting back, pruning, and a little facelift. Reggie started trimming back some of the trees, so we will do a little each week and until then enjoy the greenery.

Reggie

Another trip back into the city, I admit I am a sucker for a sale, so we leave the house at 4:15 to head to the westside which is about 45 minutes away, to pop in Neiman’s knowing that they close at 6. A lot of damage can be done in 30 minutes…

NM Sale research

Dinner at our old standby A.O.C..

A.O.C.

And then a visit with Michelle, Michael and adorable Morgan…dropping off some prints and planning our next photo shoot for baby girl Morgan who will be turning 1 in July.

Michelle & Morgan

Finally home…only to receive a call that our next door neighbor passed away, another reminder that life is so short. This is a quote I discovered that is so apropos:

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do It Now.”

Manuscript found in Accra Paulo Coelho

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

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