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

Weekend

Weekend Meanderings: Palm Desert

Posted on by Gigi in Weekend, Weekend Observations Comments Off on Weekend Meanderings: Palm Desert

We spent the weekend at our timeshare in Palm Desert. We decided to check out the land of cactus and sun and use the remaining days on our account so we would not lose the credit. These time shares can be such a pain at times with all the rules and restrictions. The weather was perfect, the Westin property was nice , not plush at all, but all the basics were covered. One of the things I love about living in California, is that you can drive an hour in any direction and be in a totally different climate.

Westin desert willow

Westin desert willow

I arrived a day before Reggie, so I took advantage of the “me” time and made a pit stop out to the Cabazon outlet mall and that evening met up with a couple of girlfriends who were staying at the Ritz Carlton for dinner. My excursion to the outlets was interesting, I’m at a point in my life where I have accumulated a lot of things and really, for my current life style I don’t need much so I don’t get excited about shopping like I used to, so that being said I walked the mall for a little pre-holiday shopping. I saw a lot of stuff, some of it nice, some of old and none of it really cheap. A few more designers have joined the outlet mall bandwagon, Valentino , Calypso, Frette, Gucci child, Rag and Bone, Moncler ski wear. I did pick up a nice Dolce Gabbana animal print dress and a few pieces from Allsaints store, but that was it.

dolce gabbana dress

dolce gabbana dress

Being out in the desert I was surrounded by retired people, I could not help but to think about what “retirement” looks like for me. I know how old I am, but I don’t feel like I am close to retiring any time soon, perhaps it is because I have for the most part always worked for myself and never put in time at a company where I could “retire” from. I could see the allure of the desert, especially for golfers, which we are not, it is pretty, my alma mater, UCR has a campus out there and there are health facilities everywhere. There are lots of shops and restaurants with lots of mature people working in them, yoga studios, Costco, Whole foods, Nordstrom Rack, a Bentley dealership and even an Apple store. Maybe a second home out there would be nice, considering it is only an hour away, but I don’t see us out there anytime soon on a permanent basis, I’m not even sure we would like living in a community with all mature peeps…

pretty arrangement

pretty arrangement at the newly reopened Ritz Carlton

Saturday we had a marathon driving day. Reggie had to see a patient that he did surgery on Friday, and we had a party to go to in Tarzana. Although it was a lot of driving I have no regrets, the party was for the Indian New Year celebration Diwali, festival of lights which is celebrated in autumn. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. The food was delicious, Bollywood music, dancing, the decor was beautiful, and every one had a good time. It was nice going to a house party, it seems that people don’t entertain at their homes to often so it was a treat going and my friend Jasmine and her husband were lovely hosts.

Gigi at Diwali Party

Gigi at Diwali Party

Always with my camera

Always with my camera

girlie girl table with henna tattos, nose rings, bracelets etc.

girlie girl table with henna tattos, nose rings, bracelets etc.

After driving back to the desert, we slept in, thank goodness for black out shades, I need to get those in my bedroom. After a late breakfast, we decided to do the tourist thing and go to the tram. Reggie insisted that he took me there when we were dating, he said he took all his “dates” there, I assured him that I had never been there–EVER. If you have not been go- it reminded me of the tram in South Africa that we took up to Table Mountain.

So 27 years later we had our tram date.

Tram date

Tram date

 

How was your weekend? I hope you had a good one as well.

Happy Monday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi in Palm Desert

Gigi in Palm Desert

 

 

 

 


Weekend Meanderings…

Posted on by Gigi in Weekend Observations Comments Off on Weekend Meanderings…

This weekend was a welcome break from a stressful week, I was looking forward to a low key weekend, if there is even such a thing in my world. Halloween started out wet, and I’m not talking about the much needed rain we got, there is a leak in my garage that had flooded one car stall. I called our plumber right away, and of course as luck would have it,  we need a “leak specialist” to come out and locate the pipe that is broken and of course that person is not available until Monday morning, hence no running water for the weekend. So instead of moving out for the weekend, we decided we would go to the gym and use the bathroom there. Thank goodness for gym memberships.

My son finished his early decision college apps! I was happy to give up the credit card numbers in exchange for pressing submit before the November 1 deadline. Now the waiting begins. It is an exciting time for our family.

So moving into Halloween evening, we decided to go to dinner, since we have no running water so I made a reservation at a place I had been wanting to try, Alma. I had read lots of reviews, in 2013 they were voted one of the top new restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit magazine, so I was excited to finally go, and they have a prix fixe vegetarian menu. So we ventured out of our safety zone of our regular DTLA spots. BIG MISTAKE- Big Expensive mistake- I should have know when I was able to get a table on a Friday night on the same day that something was up. I don’t like to bash anybody or any place, but this was not a connect for us. ;(. It was the kind of meal, that you have and you wonder “hmmmmmm what was the chef thinking?” And talk about SMALL portions…

Reggie at Alma

Reggie at Alma

itty bitty salad

itty bitty salad

not sure what this was...

not sure what this was…

itty bitty carrot something...

itty bitty carrot something…

Perhaps it was an off night, but so sorry- we won’t be going back.

Saturday I went to my film class that I am so enjoying. I have a lot to learn and it is confusing for me, the concept of movement instead of stills, is coming slowly. I made my first short tonight and I mean short 35 seconds and you all are going to be the first to see it…the premiere right here on Gigi’s Meanderings. It is about wanting to take a “shower” when you have no running water and you don’t want to go out again…

Saturday evening we had our first “gala” of the holiday season. It was a nice event for a good cause. We have a lot of doctor friends that are from Sri Lanka, and they raise money so they can help with the medical services in Sri Lanka. There are so many famers dying from kidney disease, due to the pesticides  that are used in the fields-so horrific. So many things in our environment that are causing so many diseases all over the world. The event was held at the Skirball Cultural Center.

Sira Lander

Sri Lanka Medical Association fundraiser gala

Gigi

Gigi

Husband

Husband

beautiful flowers

beautiful flowers

When the time was right, we exited and made it to a late showing of “Gone Girl” and it was really really good. We are reading the book for my book club, so I know we will have a lively discussion about this one. Yes. I went to the movie in my gown, but I guess since was Halloween weekend, no one even noticed. So the movie was over about 1:30 we came home to an electrical outage, so now no water or electricity, nothing to do but go to sleep.

Sunday I woke up to power, but no internet, I needed to work, so I camped out at my local Starbucks. We headed out to Riverside to visit my Mom and I am happy to report she is doing well. God is GOOD.

I am looking forward to a productive week, so many things I want to do and complete before 2014 is behind us.

Happy Monday!

XOXO,

GIGI

 

 


Maryland 48 Hours Turn Around

Posted on by Gigi in Travel, Weekend Observations 1 Comment

 

Gigi & Reggie

Gigi & Reggie

48 hour turn around trips, are my favorite. If you stay with friends or family it is just enough time to not wear out your welcome, the perfect amount of time when I am hosting a houseguest as well. We stayed in Maryland with Reggie’s sister and her family in their new home, they recently moved there via Huntsville Alabama. First thing I noticed about the subdivision was the amount of land, each home was on an acre, and deer were everywhere.

sister-n-laws "brick house"

sister-n-laws “brick house”

Gigi & sister-n-laws

Gigi & sister-n-laws

 

The cost of real estate is so much more reasonable here than in southern Cal, we went to a few open houses, and I was amazed at what $600,000 gets in Maryland, 4500 plus square feet, an acre, finished basement and enough storage to put all the storage facilities in LA out of business.

Maryland Real Estate

Maryland Real Estate

 

Finished Basement

Finished Basement

Love this finished basement space…I could work with this.

stalking model homes

stalking model homes

 

For a moment we did the math and figured out if we sold our home, and the business, we could move to Maryland, buy a really nice home for cash, Reggie could work part time or teach, I could do photography and we would have plenty of time to travel-you never know what is in the future for you infinite possibilities.

We had great meals, my sister-n-law is a vegetarian and her husband is raw vegan, they prepared a delicious spread for us, the raw vegan pizza was to die for!

Vegan Spread

Vegan Spread

The primary reason for our trip was to attend our friends Buni and Mal daughter’s wedding. Buni is from D.C. and her daughter decided it was important to have the east coast family present even though they live in LA. It was a lovely eclectic event so “Courtney”, the wedding took place at the American Visionary Art  Museum, the reception was a lounge setting that was warm and inviting. I love the shift of all the older adult children of my friends getting married now.

Gigi & Buni

Gigi & Buni

lovely couple

lovely couple

 

Gigi’s tips for 48 hour getaways

Jet Blue

Jet Blue

1. Red eye flights are not the best, but if you must try and arrange for an early check in, or better yet stay with a family so you can go right to bed.

2. If you don’t have a way to upgrade your flight, opt for the “more” leg room seats, especially on the cross country flights, so worth it…

3. Take a nice tote filled with a big pashmina, slippers, your electronic devices, coconut oil, a few magazines and a nice small handbag as well.

4. If you want to go to any “hotspot” resataurants or shows make reservations ahead of time and get tickets to shows etc. do your research so you can take advantage of your 48 hours.

5. Rent a car! Do not have peeps pick you up and chauffer you around.

6. Send a thank you and a little gift to your host…I love ordering something online that is personal and unique.

7. Be a gracious guest.

8. Pack carefully, make sure everything you take has more than one purpose. I took my faux animal fur coat and threw it over everything.

9. Cherish the moments, with family and friends and don’t forget to laugh.

Next short trip Nawlins in November

gigi & reggie

gigi & reggie

Xoxo,

Gigi

 

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Weekend Observations… Mother of George

Posted on by Gigi in My Life, Weekend, Weekend Observations 4 Comments

This past weekend was incredibly busy. Between working on my “business” and my typical tendency to cram to many things into a day–I am worn out! Part of my problem is that I love life and I try to live each day to the fullest, never wanting to miss out on anything. Sunday was my marathon day, first I had a shoot with a beautiful family, the weather was perfect, the park was not busy, the children were adorable, my cohort Elsy was phenomenal, my BFF Blaine was stylist extraordinaire, my hubby provided refreshments,we finished on time and the the family was still smiling. Here’s a sneak peak.

The Girls

The Girls

That should have been enough, the rest of the afternoon should have been spent relaxing, instead of just beginning. Next stop downtown LA to a trunk show by Wunmi, her line is aptly called WOW WOW, the colorful collection brightly patterned dresses, pants and tops, was a sensory overload. I wanted everything, but it was a little after 3 and we had tickets for a movie at 4 in Santa Monica, so I knew I did not have time to try on anything, but Wunmi told me this was the last day of the show and she was going back to NY, so I just went on my instinct and bought a dress that can be worn 4 ways. I love that all the fabrics are fair trade and hand dyed, which gives each garment a unique look.

WOW WOW

WOW WOW

my "wow wow" dress

my “wow wow” dress

 

With 30 minutes to spare we were on our way to Santa Monica to see Mother of George a film that is only playing at The Royal Laemmle. You all know I love Kerry Washington, Morris Chestnut, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassestt just to name a few, but this film had no actors I recognized and I was awe struck. The cinematography is beautiful, the colors and the lighting are a story within the story. The opening wedding scene is an elegant ceremony saturated with vibrant color and music. It is the story of a Nigerian couple Adenike and Ayodele living in Brooklyn, who are unable to conceive and the pressures that come along with that from the family in particular the husband’s mother, this could be anyones story. I remember after I had Amani it took us six years to get pregnant with Reggie and well meaning friends and family would innocently ask us when are we having another baby, not knowing we were desperately trying. This film poses the question, how far would you go to have a baby? This is a must see film filled with spectacular imagery, although you will have to go out of your way to see this one it is well worth it, matter of fact I am going to see it again with Reggie. I wish there were more films like this, where you really feel the emotions of the characters.

After the screening there was a Q and A with the producer who also played the brother of the main character in the film, Anthony Okungbowa, that was really insightful of what goes on behind the scenes and the challenges of getting a film like this made.

Gigi & Producer

Gigi & Producer Anthony Okungbowa

Blaine & Producer

Blaine

Ok by now I should be going home, but instead back downtown for a dinner reservation at one of my favorite restaurants, Baco Mercat. So back on the freeway and we zoom downtown for a nice dinner, btw we had not eaten all day, so we were beyond hungry. Reggie meets us there and to our surprise my other BFF Denise walks in with her family, so of course we are delighted at this unplanned reunion.

BACO ladies...

BACO ladies…

 

Finally on the way home, exhausted, but I am determined to write my post, one of my list items-write my blog daily and be consistent. So it is 1:15AM  friends and I’m not quite finished yet. I hope your weekend was productive and interesting as well. I’m looking forward to a productive week and getting a lot done.

Happy Monday

XOXO,

GIGI

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WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on by Gigi in American Life, Weekend Observations 4 Comments
Jack & Jill Teens Long Beach

Jack & Jill Teens Long Beach

Phoenix Arizona record breaking temperatures ie. 118 degrees + 250 or so teens, at a regional conference for 4 days = a lot of fun & sleepless nights.

Jack and Jill 75 years

Jack and Jill 75 years

 

We attended the annual Far West Region Jack and Jill teen conference held this year at Arizona State. Reggie and I along with a few other moms from our chapter were chaperones. I have been a member of Jack & Jill, since Reggie was 2. Jack and Jill is an African-American nationwide family organization that was founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938. The organization was formed during the depression, an extremely segregated time in our country. The  focus was creating an environment for African-American children to stimulate social, cultural, educational and civic programs. Jack and Jill celebrated 75 years and is still going strong with 220 chapters with over 30,000 members nationwide.

Plenary Session

Plenary Session

Some may question is there still a need for Jack and Jill? Times are different now, we even have President Barack Obama! We live in a suburb, where my children were always one of a few African-American families in their school and neighborhood, I wanted them to be exposed to other children who looked like them.  I wanted my daughter to not feel like a “show N tell” exhibit every time she changed her hair from braids, to a press and curl or a natural hair style.  There are many groups like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, National Charity League, Assistance League, etc., we participate in these organizations as well.

Reggie & Reggie

Reggie & Reggie

If I had any doubt about the validity of Jack & Jill, I can recall an incidence when my son was about 10, and I was picking him up from my neighbor/girlfriend, who is also African-American. The three of us were standing outside in broad daylight about 4 in the afternoon, when a car drove by and the occupants shouted “Niggers”, I felt so awful and helpless when I looked down at my son. Or when prom time came around and everyone was pairing up to go, and no one asked my daughter, all I had to do was pick up the phone and call one of my Jack & Jill sisters and my daughter had an escort. I have met some of my lifelong friends in Jack & Jill. We all strive to raise our children to be leaders in our society, and to make a difference in this world.

Let’s Work, Let’s Play, Let’s Live Together…

Senior Charis

Senior Charis

We are so proud of our senior Charis, btw she recently completed her Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout and has completed over 500 community service hours.

Wearing our interrupted "White"

Wearing our uninterrupted “White”

Yes some of our “rules” are 75 years old, but it is nice to see everyone dressed for a change. Matter of fact on the drive back home we could not just speed by the outlet in cabazon, so of course I was thrilled to find a pair a white Prada pumps…

Prada Pumps

Prada Pumps

Hope you had a good weekend and stayed cool.

 

Xoxo,

GIGI

 

 

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WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on by Gigi in Weekend Observations 2 Comments

 

Gigi

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

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

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

Baco Mercat

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

DTLA

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

murals

Love the art vibe of downtown.

my sister and fam

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

dtla

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and HAPPY MONDAY!

XOXO,

GIGI

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS__SAMPSONVILLE

Posted on by Gigi in Family, Weekend Observations 7 Comments

 

Mom & Dad Sampson 88 years young...

Mom & Dad Sampson
88 years young…

I get it now, why people love family reunions. We celebrated my husband’s parents 70th anniversary, family members traveled near and far for this joyous occasion. The festivities took place in a small town in northern California  that we affectionally call Sampsonville, the real name is Kelseyville, population 3000, three hours north east of San Francisco, nestled above the wine country. Reggie’s brother Alan and his family moved there about 20 years ago, he started a medical practice there, and soon other family members followed and settled in the area, including their parents via New York.

The weekend was jam-packed, starting with a welcome dinner friday evening at Alan and Kathy’s home. Kathy is a fabulous entertainer, and can host a large group as well as any professional caterer, and she owns a cute antique store in the town called Traditions. This is just a few of the 800+ images from the weekend…

Alan & Kathy's

Alan & Kathy’s

The honored couple

The couple of the moment!

Amani & cousin Brittany young ingenues...

Granddaughters Amani & Brittany 

Aron &

Grandson Aron & his sweetie…

love the view...

love the view…

Saturday the family a had a special church service full of “Sampson” music and a special acknowledgement of the parents 70th year anniversary.

Our Queen Mary Helen Sampson

Our Queen Mary Helen Sampson

Sonya gracing us with her music

Sonya gracing us with her music

just sweet

just sweet

Granddaughter Stacy and the great grands

Granddaughter Stacy and the great grands

Beverly...

Beverly…family friend

 

Bethany Sampson

Bethany and the girls

children's story

children’s story

Dad Sampson & his brother

Dad Sampson & his brother

so many friends...

so many friends…

Saturday evening the 70th anniversary celebration honoring the parents was held at the Armory in Lakeport. If we were to make it to 70 years I would be a 100 and Reggie would be 108! I don’t foresee this in our future, so to witness this it was truly special.

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Weekend Observations

Posted on by Gigi in Weekend Observations Comments Off on Weekend Observations
Gigi & kids

Gigi & kids

My family is a complete unit this weekend, I am cherishing the time for these moments will be rare for the upcoming year. My son will be doing his junior year of high school abroad in Italy with SYA.

SYA

SYA

We can visit him but he will not be able to come home, the program is a total immersion and SYA wants the students to come away fluent in italian.

 

Amani

Amani

My daughter is a “New Yorker” and is working a “real” job and taking science courses to strengthen her medical school application. I was always told that my family would grow up fast and to savior every day, and did it zoom by. Of course this weekend, our first together since Christmas, Amani heads out to Santa Barbara, and my son is with friends every waking moment, but I was able to corral them together for an evening.

At the last minute I got tickets from Gold Star, a great source for discounted tics, for August Wilson’s, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by Phylicia Rashad. The cast was phenomenal, I am glad we were able to catch this production on the closing night at the Mark Taper. I have seen all of the August Wilson plays and I am still mesmerized as if I am seeing it for the first time.

 

Saturday night was a real treat, we went with friends to the Hollywood Bowl to see Andrea Bocelli, what a voice, an incredible evening under the stars. A surprise appearance by Fantasia, she did a wonderful rendition of Summertime. I love concerts at the bowl, so magical, and for me it signifies the beginning of the summer season. It does not even matter who is performing, it makes for a nice evening and I always see other friends, so it becomes a reunion of sorts.

Molly & Gigi

Molly & Gigi

Reggie picked up some goodies from Joan’s on Third, and Molly & Lamar brought a variety of treats from Olives so combined we had a complete feast.

Joan's On Third

Joan’s On Third

Still chipping away at Photoshop, I like the vibe of Julia Dean, and may take another class or two there this summer. Photoshop being a left brain program, I am slowly wrapping my right brain around it and a least getting a basic understanding of the program.

juliadeanheader

As time goes by, I am constantly reminded of the importance of family, it is difficult at times to arrange these gatherings, flights are never cheap any more, but I am delighted when we are all together. Sometimes we disagree, but at the end of the day we are always there for each other, and will go through whatever to support and help make their dreams realities.

Hope you had a good weekend as well.

Xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

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WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on 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:

Tyler-5-24-13-58-2 Tyler-5-24-13-143-2 Tyler-5-24-13-98

 

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.

memorial weekend13'-14 memorial weekend13'-28

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

FHCC beautiful course

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

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

Love the Art district

Gigi DTLA

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

Reggie

memorial weekend13'-73

 

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

NM Sale research

photo-21

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

A.O.C.

A.O.C.

Gigi @ 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

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

 

 

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WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on by Gigi in Weekend Observations Comments Off on WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

This was an incredibly busy weekend, so many events, I really had to juggle. My Saturday started off at an graduation, my friend Rosetta finished law school. We met when our girls were in preschool and I recall back then she was interested in law. I was so excited and happy for her, being a person who returned to school as an adult, I know it is not an easy feat to balance everything while being a full time student.

Rosetta J.D.

Rosetta J.D.

Rosetta won the Deans award and finished her program in 3 years. I have had quite a few friends that have returned to school and started new careers. It truly is never too late.

Gigi & Rosetta

Gigi & Rosetta

Rosetta and I many years ago trained for a marathon and raised money for TEAM in Training. We did the Maui marathon together along with our husbands.

Gigi's Graduation 2006

Gigi’s Graduation 2006

Here I am at my “late” graduation from U.C.Riverside. I went back to school and finished my degree MANY years later. It was not easy going to school with students who were close to my daughters age, but I’m so glad I went back and finished my degree.  I will always continue to learn something…

Speaking of school, my next stop was at my elementary school reunion. I remember moving to California from New Jersey, it was a big adjustment, my parents had divorced, and we moved to a new place, and I started school at St. Albert, a catholic school in Compton. It was the first time I had ever seen an African-American nun, I was convinced that there was no such thing coming from a racist area in New Jersey. These friends were a big part of my life, so I could not miss this reunion.

St. Albert School

St. Albert School

Gigi, Lynn & Anna

Gigi, Lynn & Anna

We were all little 12 year-olds running around, now we are all grown up and that period of our lives is behind us, just a faint memory.

ANNA

ANNA

We were best friends…we shared so much and at the time we both were going through so much. Countless sleep overs, note writing, puppy love, and sharing our deep dark secrets, Anna and I had a lot of good times. It was nice to see her after 30+ years.

Gigi & Anna

Gigi & Anna

Next stop LA Curly Girl International Natural Hair Meet UP Day. I have been on my natural “hair” journey for about 15 years, what that translates to that I made a decision to stop chemically straightening my hair. It was truly a journey, one that I have never looked back on. Since I started embracing my natural hair I have watched an entire movement start, there are numerous products, hair blogs, video how to blogs, books and meet ups. I attended my first such event, and it was wonderful. I was in AWE of all the variations of “natural” hair do’s all so beautiful. One of the highlights of the evening was when I won the “Wash N Go” contest! It was a fun evening and I am looking forward to the next one. Here is a snippet of the evenings festivities featuring CurlyKimmyStar a popular vlogger.

Sunday Jack & Jill Induction Ceremony. I have been a member of Jack & Jill for about 16 years. The organization is full of tradition, some of which date back to 1938 when the organization was founded.

Rubys

 

Jack & Jill

Jack & Jill

Finally the weekend ended with a date with my Sweetie…at our new favorite restaurant Baco Mercat.

GIGI at Baco Mercat

GIGI at Baco Mercat

Well I am glad this weekend has come to a close. I am looking forward to next weekend being a bit more leisurely. Hope you had a good weekend as well.

XOXO,

Gigi

 

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