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

King of Pop 1958-2009

Posted on by Gigi in entertainment Comments Off on King of Pop 1958-2009

Three years ago today, June 25th, we lost the “King Of Pop”. I was on a caribbean cruise with my brother who was slowly losing his battle with colon cancer.  My brother found out before me and shared the news, I remember being shocked and hit with the reality of the impending death of my brother that I would soon face. It would be the last vacation my extended family and I would take. My brother Howard, transitioned from his life on earth October 13, 2009. Michael Jackson’s untimely death was a reminder of how short our lives really are. Michael we miss you so much.

 

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

xoxo,

Gigi

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A Sly Tribute

Posted on by Gigi in entertainment 2 Comments
Dance to the Music (Sly and the Family Stone a...

Dance to the Music (Sly and the Family Stone album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sly and The Family Stone ‘s “Dance to the Music” always brings back great memories for me. One of the benefits of having an older brother and sister was the exposure to “hip” popular music when I was just an itty-bitty. My sister was in love with Sly and would spin her 45’s and I would jump up and down sometimes making the record skip. There is something about music and how a favorite song can spark a memory.

Tonight was a first for me, I attended the red carpet premiere of “UnSung” Sly and the Family Stone. My friend Michael Ajakwe Jr. produced this phenomenal episode that revealed so many interesting details of Sly’s life and what he has been doing for the past forty years. The episode could have easily been a two hour feature or a least a part one, Sly’s story is so complex. Click Here for a sneak peek of the episode, the footage is incredible.

Unsung Sly and the Family Stone

Unsung Sly and the Family Stone

Michael  also brought “UnSung” Deniece Williams and Ray Parker Jr. to TVone. Executives, cast members, musicians, actors and regular peeps like me walked the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of “UnSung” Sly and the Family Stone.

Gigi & Michael Ajakwe

Gigi & Michael Ajakwe

Novena Carmel "Baby Stone" & Host Karla Gordy Bristol

Novena Carmel “Baby Stone” & Host Karla Gordy Bristol

Novena Carmel, Sly’s youngest child was in attendance, she is also following in the family’s music legacy. Karla Gordy Bristol was our beautiful host for the evening conducting interviews on the red carpet, she even interviewed me!

Gigi & Blaine

Gigi & Blaine

Mingling

Mingling

Gigi, Michael & Blaine

Gigi, Michael & Blaine

UnSung is TVone’s music series that focuses on the stories of talented forgotten R&B, Soul and Gospel artists. Season 6 opens tonight with Sly and the Family Stone at 6:00 PM Pacific time on TVone. Tune in for a history lesson in psychedelic funk.

Whoever we are, we all enjoy listening to music…Do you have a favorite “funk” artist or song?

xoxo,

Gigi

I think it is timely that I leave you with THIS.

 

 

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I Love Chartreuse

Posted on by Gigi in Fashion, Uncategorized 2 Comments
I am loving chartreuse and neon yellow. Shockingly bright shades are showing up everywhere even on nails, this season. These fluorescent numbers are not for everyone, but perhaps  something buttery or lemony paired with a neutral could work for you.
Are you rocking any acid colors this summer? Check out my pinterest board “they call me mellow yellow” for more of my favorites.
xoxo,
Gigi
Gigi

Gigi


Hip Hop at LACMA

Posted on by Gigi in Concerts 4 Comments
LACMA

LACMA

Last night my kids and I arrived at LACMA to an eclectic scene, all walks of life gathered with one common interest hip hop.

The Scene

The Scene

This was not your typical club banger, rather three diverse underground artists performed their own version of hip hop illuminated by Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculpture. Gizzle, Dumbfoundead and headliner Medusa were tonights rappers for the second installment of Through the Mic. “In the world of underground hip hop, Medusa has been called the high Priestess, Godmother, Queen, and Gangsta Goddess.”

Reggie, Gigi & Medusa

Reggie, Gigi & Medusa

The diverse crowd was a mixture of young, old, tatted, pierced, suited, heeled, buzzed, all bopping their heads, and waving their hands in the air to the bass-thumping.

Everyone was there

Everyone was there

While walking to the ladies room, a young lady complimented me on my outfit. Later when we were leaving the restroom the same girl told me that I looked so much like her “Auntie” I then realized that she was my niece! We laughed and caught up, and she quickly scanned the crowd to find her cousins.

Courtney, Amani, Reggie & Gigi

My niece Courtney, Amani, Reggie & Gigi

“Urban Light”

 

At the end of the night we were reminded that hip hop is no longer the kid from the other side of the “tracks” that can’t come over. The night was sold out and I predict the upcoming shows will be as well. So get your tickets early for the July 19th show.

Through the Mic at LACMA Hosted by Co-Curator MURS

Tickets 10.00 for members 15.00 General Admission

Amani, Gigi & Reggie

Amani, Gigi & Reggie

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

 


It’s Summertime and the Reading is Easy…

Posted on by Gigi in Books 4 Comments

It’s Summertime and the reading is easy. Summer is the best time of year for book lovers, whether on the beach, on a long transcontinental flight, the car, or a lounge chair by the pool, we look forward to curling up with a delectable book. I still prefer “real books”, but I have slowly transitioned to a Kindle. I do appriciate the anonymity of reading an e-reader book, one that you may not want your seat mate to see ie. Fifty Shades of Grey, and the ease of traveling without having to carry a stack of books. I still occasionally splurge on beautiful coffee table books and art books. My list is varied and perhaps there is something that will peak your interest.

Why You're Not Married Yet

Why You’re Not Married Yet

“If you’re looking to get married and you’re not, there’s most likely a very good reason: you.”

How to Be Black

How To Be Black

“A hilarious look at the complexities of contemporary racial politics and personal identity.”

Fendi Baguette

Fendi Baguette

“Fendi celebrates the iconic Baguette Bag with the worldwide launch of its dedicated Baguette Book.”

American Tapestry

American Tapestry

“Prodigiously researched, American Tapestry traces the complex and facinating tale of Michelle Obama’s ancestors, a history the First Lady did not even know herself.”

Catcher in the Rye

the Catcher in the Rye

Catcher in the Rye is on my son’s reading list, so I decided he and I could have a little mommy son book club experience.

A Cupboard full of Coats

A Cupboard full of Coats

“Edwards elegantly braids together the lives of three people whose entangled love for the same woman turns sour in this gut-wrenching and gorgeously lyrical debut novel”

Native Guard

Native Guard

New Poet Laureate Natasha Tretheway reflects on the south.

Silver sparrow

Silver sparrow

“Tayari Jones, has chosen an unusual structure to reveal her story of two African-American teenage girls sharing the same father in the same Georgia Town” This is my book club selection for next month.

 

The Age of Miracles

The Age of Miracles

“This haunting and soul-stirring novel about apocalypse is transformative and unforgettable.”

In One Person

In One Person

“A compelling novel of desire, secrecy, and sexual identity, In One Person is a story of unfulfilled love–tormented, funny, and affecting–and an impassioned embrace of our sexual differences.”

What is on your summer reading list?

xoxo,

Gigi

P.S. support indie bookstores.

shop indie bookstores

shop indie bookstores

 

 


What’s in my Ziplock Bag?

Posted on by Gigi in Packing 6 Comments

It’s that time of year, kids are out of school or home from school, time for vacation, whether it is a family trip, or a quick weekend with someone special or a girls weekend away it is that jet-setting time of year. I always try and do carry on luggage, between the astronomical baggage fees, weight restrictions, and the thought of my bag getting lost, that is enough motivation for figuring out the perfect “carry on” wardrobe. The clothing I have covered, it is the ziplock baggie that is causing me grief. This summer I am determined to have the perfect ziplock packed and ready to go with a moments notice. I’m a girl who loves potions and lotions so I need items that can work double time.

These are my absolute musts for my ziplock baggie:

cetaphil cleanser

cetaphil cleanser

1. Cetaphil Facial Cleanser-comes in a travel size and can double for eye make up removal.

sensodyne toothpaste

sensodyne toothpaste

2. Sensodyne toothpaste-My teeth are really sensitive and this really helps.

kinky curly knot today

kinky curly knot today

3. Kinky Curly Knot Today-My holy grail leave in conditioner/detangler, I go through gallons of this.

Mono Tiki Tahiti Tiare

Mono Tiki Tahiti Tiare

4. Moni Tiki Tahiti oil-Love this coconut oil, I use this in my hair, but it can also be used on your body, It has a nice tropical fragrance.

Deva Set It Free

Deva Set It Free

5. Deva Curl Set it Free-This is a good product for revitilizing my curls, and I can add water to the bottle to make it last.

YSL Eye Make-Up Remover

YSL Eye Make-Up Remover

6.YSL Eye Make-up remover-This was a sample size I received in a promotion, now I just refill this 1 oz. bottle.

renova

renova

7.Renova-love my renova cream, I always get a sample when I go to my doctor.

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk

8.Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk-this product is a little heavier and sometimes depending on the weather it is needed.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer

 

9. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer walnut- I love this oil free moisturizer, the color is perfect, sheer but a nice finish.

Johnson's baby oil gel with shea

Johnson’s baby oil gel with shea

10. Johnson’s baby oil gel-love this product. I like to mix it with body cream or lotion to add a glow.

Revive

Rev Vive Repair Cream

 

11.ReVive Cellular Repair Cream-I’m a potion girl, I like to use this one at night.

12. Shower Gel 13.Perfume samples of my favorites, 14.Body cream-currently Jo Malone 15.moisturizer from my dermatologist

 

My Baggie

My Baggie

I have small little containers that I fill with my products, and this is a good source for travel size products, all travel sizes.

I always check my carrier for any luggage restrictions that I may not be aware of, I find things are always changing, and it does not hurt to check TSA.

Do you have travel plans?

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

 

 

 


My St.Lucia Memory, via Jonathan Guy Gladding

Posted on by Gigi in Art, Travel 8 Comments
Jonathan Guy Gladding

Jonathan Guy Gladding

I love everything about traveling; discovering new places, taking pictures, tasting new delights and finding the perfect keepsake to preserve the memory. A great souvenir can remind you of a special moment, an object that will represent your journey, and can be the prompt for a story. I’m not referring to a t-shirt, mug, or a key chain, but something tangible that will become a part of your family history.

Jonathan Guy Gladding

Jonathan Guy Gladding

This past January Reggie and I traveled to St. Lucia with friends to celebrate his birthday. We stayed at Cap Maison a fabulous resort on the island’s north west caribbean coast.

Cap Maison

Cap Maison

 

Cap Maison

Cap Maison

The moment we arrived we were welcomed by Ross, the general manager with a glass of champagne. Kristal arranged all of our excursions and no detail was left undone. The hospitality continued throughout our stay. I could not help but to notice the art collection, which featured the work of many of the local artists. I asked Ross about the art and he graciouly arranged for us to go to a gallery in town. As soon as I walked in I fell in love with Jonathan’s work, so many stunning pieces, each one capturing the spirit of St. Lucia. I knew I wanted a painting to bring home for my memory.

Jonathan

Jonathan Guy  Gladding

The only problem would be which one and will they accept a credit card? I loved the vibrant colors and the way the lighting was captured in the paintings. The expressions of the children mesmerized me, I kept staring at the entire collection trying to narrow it down to one painting, that I knew we could take with us on the plane.

Jonathan

Jonathan Guy Gladding

A little about Jonathan Guy Gladding, he arrived in St. Lucia via New York, July of 1999. He was a peace corp volunteer doing a two year stint in St, Lucia that never ended. Jonathan was inspired by the rich subject matter of the school children. “I had found in St. Lucia what artists have traveled far and near to find-true inspiration”. Check out his online gallery here.

Jonathan

Jonathan Guy Gladding

So this is the one we selected. I loved the rendering of the chalkboard and how if you look closely you can see St.Lucia written in chalk. There are so many details in this piece, my little camera does not do it justice.

My Painting

My Painting

In addition to searching for art when I travel, I also collect holiday ornaments, preferably handcrafted. When we decorate our tree we always reminisce about where a particular ornament came from. Some of the ornaments are funny little knickknacks that my kids picked out, but all of them share a story.

What do you collect when you travel? Why do these souvenirs mean so much to us?

xoxo,

Gigi


Happy Juneteenth!

Posted on by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off on Happy Juneteenth!
Juneteenth

Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth! Today June 19th, celebrates the abolition of slavery in Texas, one of the last states to give in to the Emancipation Proclamation. The significance of this day lies in the enforcement of the law in Texas itself. The news hit Texas two years after it was passed. Ever since the 1980’s it has been known as a national holiday around the country. It is a day to remember the thousands of women, men and children who were offcially freed that day in Texas. So just remember, follow my Mom’s blog so you won’t end up two years late.

Reggie

Reggie


Yes! There is a Vegan Sushi Restaurant.

Posted on by Gigi in Dining 4 Comments

In my pre-vegan life I was a sushi addict, known on a first name basis in all the local sushi bars in my neighborhood. I have been a vegan sometimes raw vegan for over three years now, prompted by a medical scare which resulted in a mercury poisoning diagnosis. I had read about Shojin a japanese vegan, macrobiotic restaurant sometime ago and decided we would begin our Father’s Day celebration there. The only “sushi” I have had is an occasional tired veggie roll consisting of cucumber, avocado, and maybe a piece of asparagus. Shojin has an extensive sushi menu, but I was still skeptical thinking it would be a bunch of weird rolls filled with fake “meat”. I was pleasantly surprised!

Shojin is located in Little Tokyo in a multi-level key center. It is a quaint place filled with colorful art, romantic lighting, piped in Jazzy versions of popular songs, and my favorite detail-baskets under the chairs for purse storage. We started off ordering green tea mint mojitos which were delicious. We also had a pitcher of mint lemon water on our table, which was constantly refilled.

Shojin

Shojin

The menu was full of pictures and descriptions of all the items. Many of the selections are labeled “best one”, “best two” so that guests would know which items are most popular. We ordered appetizers to start our meal, “best one” pumpkin croquette, “best four” spicy rock shiitake tempura, and the apricot kale salad. We cleaned our plates and decided on some rolls. Everything was presented so beautifully.

"Best 1" Dynamite Roll

“Best 1” Dynamite Roll

Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra

All the rolls were full of flavor, there was no need to add soy sauce, wasabi or chili. Even my carnivore son Reggie was happy with the rolls.

Enjoying a Bite

Enjoying a Bite

We will certainly be dining at Shojin again.

Spicy Roll

Spicy Roll

Avocado Roll

Avocado Roll

Shojin is a perfect place to go with friends so that you can order a variety of things to taste. All of the items are also labeled gluten free, onion/garlic free, and raw, which makes ordering easy for any dietary concerns.

Shojin

Shojin

Shojin

333 South Alameda Street, #310

Los Angeles, CA 90013

213 617 0305

Mon.-Thur 5:30-11:00 Fri. 5:30-12:00 Sat. 12:00-12:00 Sun. 12:00-10:00

xoxo

Gigi

 

 

 


Why I Love Traditional Korean Spas

Posted on by Gigi in Spa 8 Comments

Why do I love lying on a massage table butt naked in front of total strangers, while being scrubbed by a matronly Korean lady dressed in a black bra and panty?

Spa

Spa

I have always been a spa diva, whether at a resort hotel spa while on vacation or local day spas i.e. Burke Williams or Glen Ivy, usually for a birthday celebration, Mother’s Day, or a spa day with the girls. I would sit in the lounge listening to the piped in new age music, drinking tea, wearing a fluffy robe, smiling and using my quiet voice, and for the most part having a nice time. My name would be called and the therapist would place his or her hand on my shoulder and escort me back to a dimly lit private room. I would be left alone to disrobe and my masseuse would administer my chosen treatment over my modestly, strategically towel covered body. This was before I discovered Korean spas.

With summer officially around the corner it is time to polish up the body and shed that outer layer of dead skin. Why not try Natura Spa, my favorite Korean spa?

Natura Spa

Natura Spa

My last visit was with my friend Teresa, we celebrate our birthdays at Natura Spa, which is located in the basement of the old I. Magnin building on Wilshire.

Entrance to Natura Spa

Entrance to Natura Spa

We checked in with the receptionist, selected our silver package service a ( 2 and 1/2 hour treatment) for $130.00, and were given our locker keys #13 and #15. During our visit we would be referred to as “Number 13” and “Number 15”. The locker area is small but sufficient, inside each locker there is a plastic tub with a robe and 2 small towels, flip flops are provided as well, but if you are a germophobic you should bring your own these are not new ones.

Locker Room

Locker Room

In the locker room women are in various states of nakedness, there is a no swimsuit policy at Korean spas. You quickly realize that we are more alike than different and that a boob is a boob, and some of us have hair and some of us don’t, some of us are old and a little saggy and some of us are young and perky. There are mostly Korean ladies with a sprinkling of other women, who realize that this is a good deal. Our treatment would cost at least $300 in a western spa.

Spa Area

Spa Area

We enter the spa area which is a sea of lady parts, there is no where to put your robe, no hooks strategically located by the sauna or showers, you realize the robes stay in the plastic tubs and you and whatever you may be insecure about just walk around exposed. There is a really hot jacuzzi, a cold pool, warm pool, steam room and a large dry sauna with a flat screen TV playing Korean soap operas. Low shower heads, about knee high are attached along the perimeter of a large tiled shower area, little stools are in front of the showers and a few women are sitting on stools washing and scrubbing themselves. Again if you are a germophobic you may have a problem with this since everyone is sitting on these stools bare bottom.

After we tried all the pools and saunas, we hear our names “Number 13” and “Number 15”. We go to the scrub area which is adjacent to the spa area, think open floor plan house where you have the kitchen and family room together. Massage tables are set up communal style, bodies are in various states of treatments, some oily, some being massaged, some even being wrapped in foil, so if you are with a friend you may be next to one another on the tables.

Let the scrubbing begin, with something that feels like a brillo pad every inch of your body is scrubbed, no area or crevice is left undone. Out the corner of my eye I could see what appears to be eraser shavings piling up on the table, I’m certain that when I am done I will be a few shades lighter. The scrub is aggressive but not unpleasant, I know the end result will be baby soft, silky skin like a newborn. Next I am throughly rinsed, think automatic car wash and then a seaweed mud is applied all over my body and I am wrapped in a gold foil paper like a sweet potato. Finally I shower the mud off with the assistance of the lady who makes sure none of the mud is left any where on my body. Back to the table for a facial, shampoo, vigorous head massage, deep tissue oil massage, and foot reflexology. I am reduced to a piece of jello. As I get dressed I am amazed at how satiny smooth my skin feels, I understand why they have monthly memberships to the spa.

Spa

Natura Spa 3240 Wilshire Blvd. LA, 90010 213 381-2288

Jjimjillbangs are a popular weekend activity for Korean families. Spas are part of maintenance for Korean women, not an occasional treat. This traditional Korean spa experience may not be for everybody, but it is something you should at least try once.

 

Gigi & Teresa

Gigi & Teresa

xoxo,

Gigi

 


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