An Ordinary Day...

Wednesday, April 12th started off as an ordinary day. The alarm sounded off at 6:00 a.m. like it always did. Reggie did his work day morning ritual, showering, grooming, selecting a suit and accessorizing with the perfect accents for Read more

Why are some people mean?

Why are some people mean? I'm not talking about a little mean, but bazaar, go out of their way to be mean. Recently I've encountered a few mean people, I remind myself that these situations will make me a stronger Read more

Maldives

Our last trip of 2016 was to the Maldives. Last year was one full of excursions, We traveled to Cameroon, Paris, Bali, Hawaii, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Lake Tahoe, Atlanta, Napa, San Francisco, Dubai, and I must say Read more

Quote

It's okay to venture out of your comfort zone... Lately I've been doing it quite often. This weekend is going to be one of renewal, my personal Super Bowl. What are your plans? I will be working today and tomorrow. Happy Read more

Do you enjoy yourself?

Both of my kids are in New York, my son is in school in the Hudson Valley and my daughter is living in Brooklyn and working. So we are officially empty nesters, and have been so for a while Read more

life changes

Change

Posted on by Gigi in My Life Comments Off on Change
Gigi

Gigi

Being on the planet for more than half a century there have been people I have come in contact with that have inspired me and encouraged me to grow as an individual. Some of them are still in my life and some are not.

Change is a part of life and our growth as human beings. It is not always comfortable, matter of fact it can be painful at times. Part of this life journey is getting places we want to go. Setting goals and having a vision is only one part, you have to execute and follow through. Recently everyday I have been writing my elevate and execute tasks down in a notebook and it has really helped my productivity- like writing my blog daily again.

Figure out who you are and focus on your talents, no matter what your age is or where you are in your life journey it is never to late to explore another path. Limit your time with those individuals who feel they are superior to you the ones who you would like approval from, but sometimes these are the ones that will never see you as “good enough”.  I have run into photographers in my short career that love telling me how much I don’t know… I limit my interaction with those types in exchange for those photographers who are willing to share and inspire me.

As this month is rapidly coming to an end, I am embracing some changes in my personal and business life. I’m excited and will be sharing changes here as they develop.

Who or what  inspires you?

Btw if you are looking for a great book to read this summer check out the book my club is reading here.

Those of you that really know me – know that I am a cat woman- check these dolce gabbana cat-ture dresses out…and yes I would wear one of these-lol

IMG_1699-0.png IMG_1700-0.png

cat dresses

cat dresses

Happy Monday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

 


In pursuit of Perfect

Posted on by Gigi in My Life 4 Comments
Gigi

Gigi

I used to want it “all”. You know the perfect house, husband, kids, career, invites to all the best parties, and of course a thin body with all the latest designer frocks. While nothing is really wrong with wanting those things it contributes to a sort of deterioration , when the milestones aren’t reached or the perfect story starts to fall apart. Out of nowhere some unforeseen unpredicted situation will arise and everything will come tumbling down.

2015 was a year of highlights, I successfully made it through the rigorous college application process, the acceptances arrived, a beautiful graduation party, fall family trip to New York for the dorm move in, side trip to one of the best outlet malls- life was good. Thanksgiving came and everything changed-

My son did not return to school due to a host of complications and mishaps. My little perfect story had a glitch, that I did not see coming. At first I felt it was my mistake somehow, my cross to bear, like I was responsible for this puzzle piece  that was lost. How would I explain that my prep school, year abroad in Italy, artist, son was not returning to college- he was taking an unplanned gap year?

Well the holidays have come and gone, we are all adjusting and regrouping. It is a time of discovery, learning that my son is quite a chef and perhaps a culinary career my be an option he is researching.

I am constantly reminded that life is not predictable and that you have to just go with it and make the most of any situation…and always look for the silver lining.

Reggie Creation-

Reggie Creation-

Reggie

Reggie

Happy Friday. I am looking forward to a solo weekend of indulgent me time. My husband is traveling to Florida for a conference and my son is going to Santa Barbara.

Xoxo,

Gigi

 


What I would tell a younger “ME”…

Posted on by Gigi in My Life 1 Comment

I keep seeing this you tube campaign encouraging people to make a video stating what they would tell a younger “self ” so I started thinking what would I tell a younger “Me”.

24 year old GIGI

24 year old GIGI

1. Explore- Be fearless. Get out of your comfort zone.

2. Be Happy- You’re young-take advantage of it while you can!

3. Be You – Don’t try to be something that you are not. btw trust me it does not work.

4. Stop comparing yourself to others. ie. there is always someone richer, skinnier, younger, taller, shorter etc.

5. Follow your passion- so you don’t have to finally do it when you are 50 plus.

6. It’s normal for your heart to be broken, so it can get stronger and bigger, so when the right one comes along you will be able to handle all the “right” love.

7. Take risks- you can afford to while you are young.

8. Travel. This is the time while you have no real responsibility ie. kids…

9. Nurture friendships and let go of the one-sided ones- cause they are not going to change…remember friends are the family members you choose, so be wise.

10. Trust.

11. Forgive.

12. Save money.

13. Develop a vegan-veggie lifestyle and exercise daily.

14. Be authentic

15. Read everything.

16. Work on goals and don’t get distracted…ie. “putting college on the back burner and then look up and years have gone by”

17. Have mentors you trust and admire. Surround yourself with friends of different ages, you can learn a lot…

18. Be the best version of you at all times.

19. Embrace and love yourself- love your body – love your hair- love everything about yourself, even what you perceive to be flaws.

20. Accept your family for who they are…

and lastly…

21. Have faith in God – believe in some higher power.

What would you tell a younger “you”? Please share…

Happy Friday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

self portrait #3

self portrait #3


QUOTE

Posted on by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off on QUOTE
QUOTE

QUOTE

At 55 years young I have finally learned this. I purpose to live each day to its fullest, staying in the moment. I can’t worry about the what “I shoulda coulda woulda done”…I apply this to all areas of my life, it is so easy to get caught up in the past. Are there things I would of done differently? Probably…but I can’t worry about that…If I would have started my photography career earlier, I doubt if I would have a business focusing exclusively on women. Everything happens for a reason.

Photographer Gigi

Photographer Gigi

My son will be a senior this year and we are working on the dreaded college search application process, I am just exhaling on this journey, not focusing on why his GPA is not higher, or SAT score stronger, I know I have a good kid and there are colleges that would love to have him.

Little Reggie

Little Reggie

I find joy in the simple things like my garden, and being an active observer throughout my day always having the flexibility to stop for a moment and “see” something that I could have easily missed. The beauty of being my age is you are reminded frequently about how delicate life is, hence more the reason to focus on what in happening NOW.

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

As James Brown said- “I don’t care, about your past, I just want, our love to last”.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

GIGI


Rejection is the New Acceptance…

Posted on by Gigi in Quotes, Uncategorized 3 Comments
quote

quote

This took me a long time to learn and receive. Rejection whether professional, from a friend, a club, a lover, a client, or any type of relationship can be painful, at the time it is difficult to be open to see what is “around the corner”. I believe that some things or persons are only meant to be in your life for a season, and you have to be able to accept the good and know that these situations contribute to making you the person you are today.

As I reflect on my own life experiences I certainly have had my ration of rejection, everything from the boyfriend that I thought the world revolved around to the weird “job” that was going nowhere. I had so many weird jobs, even got fired from a couple, that I knew early on that I had to work for myself. I have had friendships that ended, but after the pain of the perceived loss was gone, I could focus on all the good that came from the relationship and how I am “me’ because of bits and pieces that I gained or learned.

My daughter Amani, is working on becoming an applicant for medical school, I am constantly telling her to be open to all possibilities, don’t focus on “if I don’t get in”…Reggie will be a senior and I am telling him the same thing, you can only go to one college so you really only need one acceptance and that you will get. For me and my business if everyone wanted me to photograph them I would not have the time, I shoot an average of one client per week, which if I worked every week, which I don’t, that would be about 50 people, so with that limited number, I don’t worry about why is that person not booking a session with me…which allows me to really focus on each client and really get to know them and give them a special unique experience, instead of a “formula” shoot.

So my friends embrace your day including any rejection you may have and know something better is waiting for you!

XOXO, GIGI

Gigi

Gigi

 


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