Recipe for happiness

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

quote

This quote moved me… Sometimes you have to listen to that little voice on the inside. It is easy in this world we live in to concentrate on our exterior, making sure it looks real good to everyone. Giving the illusion that everything is okay, when it is crumbling apart on the inside.

Life is full of ups and downs. The daily comings and goings can take its toll on the best of us. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling down when in the big scheme of things, my disappointments are not that serious, compared to some. For example a few days ago a Facebook friend shared that their 7 week old baby suddenly passed away, although I have never met this person I was instantly sad at the thought of losing a baby. My issue of the day quickly disappeared.

We are responsible for our own happiness. I know that is easier said than done. The truth is I have my down days too, sometimes more often than I’d like to admit, but I also have some tactics to help navigate those times as well.

My recipe for happiness.

1.Surround yourself with positivity.

2.Wake up and embrace the day, leaving yesterday in the past.

3.Unfriend, unfollow, hang up on, negativity.

4.Accept people for who they are…and limit the interaction with those that do not have your best interest. see #3

5.Yoga- for me my practice helps me to stay grounded…find something that works for you.

6.Laughing even when you should not be…

7.Go out and find your joy.

8.Spend time with your loved one- or someone that makes you feel special.

9.Have people in your life, that will accept you for you- the ones you can be your authentic self- no faking the funk.

10.Indulge in something decadent- occasionally – don’t be that person that can never let loose…the ones that are always uptight because they are concentrating on the exterior a little to much.

What is your recipe for happiness? I’d love to know…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi 2017

Happiness Seeker

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Gigi in My Life 2 Comments

A year ago I was in the throes of my son’s high school graduation, transitioning to being an official empty nester, as my son prepared to depart to upstate New York for college while at the same time juggling my young photography business. I’ve been thinking about time and how we can mark our lives by these little landmarks. Birth. Preschool. High School. College. Career. Marriage. Children. Repeat the cycle with your own kids and add in some unfortunate mishaps such as, death, illness, unemployment, aging parents, addiction, divorce, etc. and you have this thing called life.

I’ve learned that it is those unpredictable moments that keep life interesting- those moments when you feel literally on the edge, those moments where your heart just drops to the ground with no warning, moments where you wonder how will you go on? Like your son coming home after Thanksgiving and not returning to school, or a friend unbeknownst to you is suffering from depression and decides to check out permanently. These moments reinforce how important it is to embrace each day and live your life to the fullest.

Deleting what no longer gives you pleasure and restructuring your life to the best of your ability. Like when my son came home from school I encouraged him to take some cooking classes, which he did and as a result he catered a dinner party for 16 people a few weeks ago, discovering a passion that he did not know he had.

I’ve always been a “happiness seeker”. I don’t function well under duress, matter of fact I shut down totally, rejecting the source of madness. This started a long time ago when I was a child, my mother and father would argue most of the time, loud screaming matches and I remember going into the closet and hiding until it was over. I was also the person, who would walk off a job not knowing how I was going to pay next month rent because I was not “happy” with the situation.

I will always continue to grow as a woman as long as I am on the planet- embracing my passions, regardless of naysayers, willing to take risks, willing to change something that is not working, understanding that failure is a big part of the growth and is a good thing.

Happy Monday! I know it has been a while –

Xoxo,

Gigi

Giving up? Or have you had Enough?

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Gigi in My Life 3 Comments

“There’s a difference between giving up and knowing when you’ve had enough.”

One thing about the 50’s you know when you have had enough. Perhaps it is because you know you are on the other side of that half of a century mark and you know while some people make it to the ripe old age of “100” most of us don’t…

You realize that you are responsible for your life, and your life is the one you have created for yourself…the good the bad and the ugly. If you have been living someone else’s life for the past 50 or so years, you know it is time to at least entertain a change, a little shift in your priorities.

Take that passionate leap and go for whatever- take a chance, especially if you have been consumed with obstacles that have prevented you in the past. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, failure can be a good thing. I have forgotten half the things I failed at, but what I do recall is that I was not afraid to try- and I have a garage full of remnants of past ventures that fell by the wayside.

Surround yourself with those that uplift you- let go of those that bring you down. Find the “right” people who will inspire you to be your best. If there are those in your life that are causing you anxiety, back away or if it is one of those complicated situations figure out a way to make a change. Embrace change and navigate it and know it is for a reason- don’t stay and be stagnant.

The good thing about being on this planet for a long time you have witnessed a lot and hopefully you have learned something. For me I always check my happiness meter and if it starts going in the wrong direction I quickly evaluate and make adjustments quickly. In my past life, I was notorious for ending relationships abruptly, walking off jobs, moving suddenly, all for the pursuit of happiness and sometimes to maintain my sanity.

So, when do you know you have had enough? I’d like to know.

xoxo,

Gigi

Happy Gigi

50 things you should have or do by your 50th

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways 1 Comment

Being a wise old 56 year-old, I was thinking about what are the things that are really important to me at this phase of my life. The do or die list. What are the things that contribute to a quality life after being on the planet a half a century or more. So this is what I came up with for me. In no particular order.

1 A pretty shoe that makes you feel beautiful when you wear it. I have quite a few…

2 A nice watch- Yes we all have our phones, but a timepiece is so elegant and old school.

3 A Pretty signature lipstick- mine is one from Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink, that I love, it is the color of my lips.

4 A favorite “work” outfit. I have quite of few black items that I have picked up for work.(I wear black on shoots.)

PS Couture beauty posse

5 Flowers. Learn to arrange- Have fresh flowers in your Living space. I can pick up fresh flowers anywhere and make them look fabulous.

6 Purchase if you have not already, a piece of original art. It does not have to be from Christie’s.

7 Heirloom jewelry that you can pass down to the next generation.

8 Signature scent. I love Tom Ford Cafe Rose and Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo

tom ford cafe rose

9. Hair you love.

Finished “do”

10. Ability to say “NO”… or even “HELL NO”.

11 A little black dress that you love. or 2 or 3…

12 Robust 401K- a retirement plan

13 Be a risk taker, especially if you have always been the predictable type.

14 Smile more.

15 Celebrate your birthdays in grand style.

16 Make time to read for pleasure.

17 Have a posse of trusted beauty providers i.e. manicurist, facials, waxer, hair stylist, etc. it takes a village at this age.

18 A current passport.

19 Make time for your friends, they are important for your well being.

20 Hydrate- drink water drink water and drink water…works wonders for your complexion.

21 Be supportive take time to listen to others and be as helpful as you can.

22. Don’t give up and go to the “frumpy” lane…work on you style whatever it is…Don’t give up- yes it does take a little longer to pull it together, but allow for the extra time. Get rid of logo track suits etc.

23 Keep up your appearance. see #22.

24 Mentor someone. Give some 20 something year-old the advice you wish someone would have given you…I was fortunate when I was in my 20’s to have a few 40 year-old friends who saved me big time from stupidity.

25 Forgive yourself and others. Being “mad” wrecks havoc on your looks.

26 Be a little selfish and forget what everyone else wants you to be or do.

27.Be proud of your age. It is much more attractive then trying to pretend to be”young”. Everyone can do the math- and when you avoid sharing your age- it is assumed that you are really “old” anyway.

gigi @ 56

28 Do something daily that makes you laugh- even if it is looking at a crazy video on Facebook or You Tube.

29 Be in love or open to falling in love without losing yourself in the process! It is never to late to find yourself,even if you are already lost.

30 BE HAPPY!

Happy Gigi

31 Be content with your body, weight, shoe size, bra size, jean size etc. OR Do something about it other than complain.

32 Have a pocketful of friends that you can depend on…

33 Have command of your well being. Do whatever it takes to be healthy- keep up good habits or start some now.

34 Have nice stationery and write notes and even an occasional letter to someone…we are not the texting generation-

35 Have the ability to bounce back from adversity.

36 Be able to handle rejection of any kind and keep it moving.

37 Good night cream and sun screen.

38 Minimal DRAMA.

39 A Cause you believe in- I love FACE Forward.

40 Have a love affair with your partner-

41 Continue to Dream-

42 Drink good champagne.

champagne

43 Stop living in the past and embrace the future.

44 Strength Train.

45 Travel.

46 Stay interesting.

47 Less is truly more.

48 Set goals for the next decades.

49 learn something new.

50 Don’t be sad- You are alive and you woke up this morning- make the most of each and every day.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

fresh highlights

Not feeling myself…

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Gigi in My Life 2 Comments

pooh…

Yesterday was one of those days that was just off. The morning started with a shower of telemarketers selling services I have no desire for. Everything I needed to do was taking longer than expected, so hence I left late for my LA appointments.

running around sans makeup

Being gone almost 15 days this month has finally caught up with me. I just put up the last of my holiday decor tonight! Crazy, I know- but I could not go into February with 20 nutcrackers on display.

I can’t believe it is the last Friday of the month, time waits for no one…

I’m looking forward to being home this weekend. Working on the never ending house edit – an edit that is starting to give me so much freedom letting go of random things that at one point seemed so critical to my existence. Like today I got rid of a bunch of suits, from my “office working days” suits that were nice of enough to donate to an agency and some perhaps another woman may be blessed as a result.

So my friends I’ve come to the conclusion being overwhelmed is a way of life for me…overscheduling is what I do- I’m in a race to embrace every second of my life and I don’t want to miss anything.

So are you too overwhelmed? Do you have any secret struggles you are dealing with? I do. Please know you are not alone and we will get through this journey.

Sending love and good vibes and vital hugs to anyone who may need one today.

Happy Gigi

xoxo,

Gigi

25 Ways to Simplify your life

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

One of the problems with going to a trade show is that you come back, full of excitement and ready to apply everything you learned. I guess that is the point of going, but in my case it can make my complicated life even more crazy. So that being said, when I get home I am determined to stay on task and not get distracted. 2016 is going to be a year of control and simplification- no distractions.

Gigi

So here are 26 tips on simplifying your life.

Get up 45 minutes earlier, than your normal time and take advantage of having a relaxed morning.
This is a hard one for me, but get 8 hours of sleep. I am working on this one.
Focus on your inner circle and don’t spread yourself to thin.
Fine tune your business- and outsource so you can focus on what you do best.
Pick your battles carefully- is it worth the energy?
Prepare more meals at home.
Find the good in everyone.
Let go of anything that is keeping you down…
Organize…one day I will be done.
Surround yourself with Love.
Take technology breaks- really working on unplugging-
Wear your “fitbit” or other device- my is on my nightstand.
Spend time in your garden- or plant one.
Be Friendly!
Return emails.
Write a letter to someone, who would not ever expect a letter from you.
Be accommodating –
Don’t expect something of others that you are not capable of doing.
Complete tasks.
Slow down.
Exhale.
Move your body daily.
Take a nap.
Read a book- for pleasure- or listen to one during your commute.
Be humble.
Be grateful.

gigi Happy Wednesday! Today is going to be a long travel day.

Xoxo- Gigi

Quote

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Gigi in Quotes, Thoughts 2 Comments

Gigi

“There comes a day when you realize that turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize that there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.” Zayn Malik

I came across this quote the other day and thought about how easy it is to become stagnant in your life, when really we are in control and can make the necessary changes just by turning the page. I’ve been stuck on the parenthood page for a long time, it has been a good part of the book, but the story is far from being over. I’m at a point in my life when some of my friends are now retiring, I’m just beginning a new career.

Retirement seems so far away, and what does that really mean for us? Do we sell our “family” home? Downsize and travel? These are questions that cross my mind. When we traveled to Costa Rica, we looked at properties and fantasized about maybe settling down there, or maybe Hawaii or the caribbean. Of course the thought crosses your mind about grandchildren, and would we want to be far away from them? Decisions, decisions…

What I do know though, is that I want to take the best care of myself so I can be around for retirement, that is why me and my butt go to the gym, and why I try to nourish my body to the best of my ability, I firmly believe you are what you eat. My spiritual well being is important too, I control the stress, block negativity to the best of my ability and surround myself with those that really love and support me.

I have also learned the importance of celebrating often and living each day to the fullest, I know first hand how one day everything can be great and the next day the entire world can come toppling down on you. I know how when things are tough it easy to focus on the “bad”, instead of how can I make the most of this situation and come up with a plan. I know that sometimes you may want to give up, but those are the times you can’t, you have to give it your all. My son last year caused us much grief, but I never gave up on him, so to see him walk across the stage and get his diploma was truly a blessing, yes I know it is only high school, but for a minute we did not know what was going to happen, but we never loss faith.

So friends embrace this weekend and go out and grab some joy you deserve it! Happy Friday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Mission Statement

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Gigi in Thoughts 2 Comments

I’m working on a mission statement, one that sums up my philosophy on life and my personal being, my mantra. It is not as easy as I thought, to come of with a few sentences that really capture me. I’m going to have to flush it out, but this is what I have come up with so far.

To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living a beautiful life.

I will seek out and experience all the pleasures and joys that life has to offer.

As a photographer I will do my best to take the most beautiful portrait you have ever had taken of yourself.

As an artist I want to be authentic and capture the light and tell honest stories with my images.

Family and friends are the core of my existence and I will work at strengthening my relationships and work on having mutual respect.

To be content wherever I am, in my surroundings, knowing that they can change and knowing that the physical location does not define who I am, but being secure with self, finding peace within and always following my heart, which is most important.

I looked up some company mission statements to get some inspiration and here are a few.

NIKE- “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”

Nordstrom- “To provide outstanding service every day, one customer at a time.”

Ritz Carlton- “We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience.”

Maserati- “Build ultra-luxury performance automobiles with timeless Italian style, accommodating bespoke interiors, and effortless, signature sounding power.”

Bobbi Brown makeup- “Empowering women to look like their best selves.”

Whole foods-“Whole foods, whole people, whole planet”

Google- “mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Pantagonia- “Build the best products, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”

Honest Tea- “We embrace the simplicity of tea–water and leaves. for generations, cultures around the world have enjoyed tea grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers and we don’t see any reason to include them in our recipes today.”

Ikea- “our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”

Do you have a mission statement? Please share.

Happy Tuesday.

Xoxo,

Gigi

50 Ways to be Happy…

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Gigi in 50 ways Comments Off

With so much going on in the world, that I cannot control, my personal well being is important. We should all work on having as much happiness in our lives as possible. So I came up with this list of things that make me happy, of course I have sad moments too, but for the most part I work hard at “happy”. I always try to find the good in a situation.

A couple of weeks ago my car stalled on me in Hollywood, my son and his friend were in the car, we were on the way downtown to have lunch and we were starving, it was one of those “missed breakfast kinda days”. It was also a really hot day, and I had just had my car serviced the day before, and paid a lot of money, so I could have instantly gotten “mad” and called the dealer and went off, but instead I just called Automobile club and just wandered around Santa Monica Blvd. for a moment until my car was towed, 2 hours later we were in a loaner car and went and had an early dinner at the beach and continued on with the rest of our day, making the most of the situation.

So here is my list:

1. Chose to be happy. 2. laugh out loud. 3. Eat Green- ie. as many green veggies as possible 4. Smile.

5. Daily gratitude.

6. Forgive and forgive. 7. Look for the good instead of the bad. 8. Shut down negativity 9. Do something daily that makes you happy 10. Exercise. 11. Practice yoga 12. Quit complaining. 13. Have friends you can talk to about anything. 14. Celebrate often

15. Indulge in small pleasures 16. Spontaneous fun. 17. Seek our pleasant experiences. 18. Take up a hobby or revisit an old one. 19. Random acts of kindness. 20. Prepare food for someone 21. Surround yourself with beauty. 22. Meditate. 23. Spend time outside. 24. SLOW DOWN 25. Do what you can, there is always tomorrow. 26. Do “You” 27. Explore new places.

28. Smell something…roses, perfume, candles etc..29. Pet a kitten or a puppy. 30. Tell someone you love them. 31. Read

32. Inspire others 33. Watch the sunset 34. follow your passion 35. Say “no”, its okay. 36. Be romantic. 37. Dream big.

38. Avoid drama. 39. Look on the bright side. 40. Continue to learn. 41. Write. 42. Get enough sleep.

43. Stay hydrated.

44. Love yourself. 45. Face your fears. 46. So something magical. 47. Set an intention everyday.

48. Treat yourself. 49.Love and be loved and never give up on love. 50. Feed your spiritual soul.

What makes you happy? This list came off the top of my head so please add some that I may have missed.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Friday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

self portrait #9.5

My Mantra…

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

Be Happy

This is how I strive to live every day. At 55 I am reminded almost daily of how short life really is and that it takes way to much energy to be angry. Of course I have my moments, but when I do I quickly regroup and question myself “Is this really necessary?”. I find that sometimes you have to be a little selfish, because well meaning friends will share their anger with you on various matters, you want to listen and perhaps give advice, but when the friend wants to constantly share negativity over and over it can become a bit much.

I’m pretty simple and can find happiness is the smallest things, like waking up early and hearing the faint sound of birds chirping, or noticing the way the light comes through a window in the afternoon. I’m happiest when I am able to help someone, especially someone who is not expecting anything. I love hearing success stories and good news.

Embracing where I am in this life and not worrying about what I should be doing or what others feel I should be doing. Loving this complicated aging process and accepting the good the bad and the ugly. And lastly being so thankful for everyday I wake up, and my family is fine, and I know where I am and what time it is, never taking anything for granted.

Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Mimi & moi

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