Recipe for happiness

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

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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

I love Vitamin D

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Gigi in Aging Comments Off

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First and foremost I’m not a doctor, but I am interested in anything I can do to enhance my well being. I truly believe we have a lot of control based on what we chose to put in our bodies and how active we keep ourselves. So that being said I switched doctors this year-something I should have sone years ago and my new doctor and I see eye to eye. She is an M.D., but believes as I do we are in control more than society would like us to believe. So one of the things, there are quite a few that she has me doing, is taking a vitamin D supplement. Yes. We do get vitamin from the sun, but I am careful with my sun exposure considering that one of the side effects I have from menopause is melasma which gets worse in the sun.

So I am taking vitamin D drops 5000 iu daily. I feel so much better, not sure if it is the vitamin D or, the gluten free diet, or consistent workouts or all the above. But anyway I want to stress the importance of Vitamin D, so if you are not taking it, run to the store and get some NOW!

Benefits of Vitamin D

1. Aids in preventing Breast Cancer

With two family members with breast cancer, anything I can do as a preventive measure, I’m going to incorporate. JoEllen Welsh, a researcher with the State University of New York, has studied the effects of vitamin D for 25 years. She believes vitamin D may be just as powerful as the most modern anti-cancer drugs.

“What happens is that vitamin D enters the cells and triggers the cell death process. It’s similar to what we see when we treat cells with Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.”

2. Stronger Bones

You need vitamin D so your calcium can be absorbed which is needed for strong bones. Having osteoporosis this is very important for me.

3. Immune Support

Good for your immune system-keeping infections down

4. Avoiding PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome

This is a leading cause of infertility and low levels of vitamin D have been associated with this condition.

So friends, do your own research, test your vitamin D levels to see where you are, most people are deficient unless you are a lifeguard or work outdoors.

Happy Monday,

Xoxo

Gigi

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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

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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Posted on January 28, 2015 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

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I connected with this quote. It is easy to focus on yesterday and the day before, especially if it is something negative, I have been guilty of this on many occasions. Does it really help? No. If anything those feelings come up to the surface again and put a damper on the current day. Each day is opportunity to embrace something new, go forward and keep it moving. Spending time on yesterday takes away from new experiences and memories you could be creating. Of course it is okay to share something the key is to know when to let it go. I’m still learning this…

On another note I read about something that uber is doing today in Los Angeles…puppy bowl. Sponsored by Animal Planet every year around the same time as the Super Bowl, Uber and Animal Planet coordinated to provide the puppies, most which are available for adoption from local animal shelters. Between the hours of 11 and 3 you can order a uber to come to your office and bring puppies for you and your staff to play with for 15 minutes. The cost is 30.00 which goes to the local animal shelters. If I had an office in LA I know what I would be doing this afternoon…

Happy Wednesday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

Turn the HAPPY Dial up to MAX!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being 8 Comments

I don’t like to keep putting this kind of info into the universe, but I feel like this is one of those messages that come out of nowhere when you are watching a really good show and the screen goes blank – “we interrupt this program etc….”. Yesterday I was still numb, today my regular post was hijacked-

Believe it or not but on Wednesday, another sister was diagnosed with f-ing CANCER. I can’t even explain how I feel–TOO Much for my little family.

So this is what my family tree is looking like about now…

cancer tree

Oh, I almost forgot my other sister had a car accident on Wednesday to add to the already horrific news. She is OK, but her car is jacked up.

So yes, I’m a little nervous, but I just keep it moving, living each day to the fullest. Do I worry? Of course… Do I freak out going to the Doctor? Yes. Do I have panic attacks waiting for test results? Yes. CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? NO.

So this is my approach “BUMP UP THE HAPPY DIAL ALL THE WAY…TO THE MAX!”

No time for madness, anger, cray cray’s, crazy, stupidity, envy, jealousy, negativity, meanies, haters, basically no time for bull shit on any level.

Just looking for the “good” and doing the best I can each day, and lifting others up to the best of my ability…

Parked my car next to a field of flowers that were in the parking lot…made me happy…

field of flowers in the parking lot

So Friends embrace today and find little bits of happiness in random places…

Happy Friday,

XOXO.

GIGI

Gigis Meanderings Around the Web #14

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Gigi in Web Comments Off

Yesterday was a nonstop marathon of a day…starting at 6:00 am ending at 11:30pm, driving from OC, to Pasadena, to Hollywood, to LA and finally back home. So needless to say I was and am exhausted, but wanted to share a few tidbits.

Will be incorporating a few of these routines “12 quiet rituals of enormously successful humans“.

Yes I am a fashion buff I can’t even imagine having an interview with Anna Wintour never mind what to wear…

Love this Quote…I admit I am guilty of hoarding stuff and sometimes buying to many unnecessary things ie. the big packs of velvet hangers at TJ Maxx. I constantly need reminders to keep me on point.

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Loving this man’s voice:

Another quote that I love…

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This is a post from my friend’s daughter Kara Brown via Jezebel “most Poignant photo of Michelle Obama”.

Well I wish I had more time but my “boss” is waiting… XOXO, GIGI

What Could You Give Up?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

If given a choice what could you give up? Your hair? Breasts? Complexion? Lashes” Brows? Figure? Self confidence? Faith? Integrity? All of the above?

Breasts

Hair

lashes & brows

figure

I asked myself that question yesterday. Most of us love our “physical self” we abide by the mantra “love yourself”, but what happens when the “self” is confronted with change? How do you continue to love as opposed to hating “self”? The body that betrayed you, and now is becoming a fragment of your previous self.

Tears Streaming

-nausea most likely

-day 14 – 17 hair gone

– white count down

-can’t have intercourse at this time

-metallic taste

-numb feeling

-once every 3 weeks

-everyday for 6 weeks

-the pill for 10 years

-no more babies

-early menopause

-don’t get pneumonia

-ANY QUESTIONS

Change is frightening. There is a lot I don’t know about, but what I do know is how to live. I do know how to shut down the petty bull shit and keep moving. I do know how to let stuff out and be vulnerable. I do know how to forgive and admit mistakes.

I embrace 100% of me, and it is the inner most parts that I would not want to give up. The exterior “pretty” parts are not ours to keep, they are fading each decade regardless of what you do to desperatly hold on to them…it is part of the life cycle. Those inner parts however, your soul and heart are what enables you to confront adversity and find strength to deal with whatever blocks your path, if you give up your soul, and faith you are jacked. The external markings can be replaced, bought, rejuvenated, but the soul-less person is lost-

So my friends happy Friday..

“Stay calm and carry on”!

Xoxo,

Gigi

LADY LIKE TEARS

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being 5 Comments

tears

Yesterday my heart was at a loss of words, so my tears had to represent. They were the silent tears, not accompanied by the “ugly face” these were the ones that effortlessly slide down your face leaving make-up in tack. Lady like tears, the kind you could lightly dab with a tissue. I’m amazed at the human sprit and the hidden strength that exists in all of us, when confronted with adversity. To witness someone I love faced with a catastrophic illness with all its ugliness, I was in awe of my sister’s calmness and grace.

Although we are all here in the world of the living for just a moment, I think when faced with our impending mortality it can be debilitating. I’m at the age where shit is starting to happen to those I care about. It seems as if everybody I know has been affected by this M-F—ker who goes by the name of cancer. It is rampant in this country, and your have to wonder the why.

Is it stress? Diet? Inflammation? Genes? Environmental?

I guess if we knew the answer, that would be half the problem. I’ve seen it come after everyone from the most health conscientious, to those who live day by day with reckless abandonment.

Yesterday I realized we are just simple shells, and that these shells can be deconstructed, but as long as we can keep our “soul” in tack we will be OK. Our bodies can be manipulated, carved, cut, enhanced, banded, tucked, filled, but it is that inner core that is most important–the part that needs the most care.

My faith and the prayers of others blessed my family and I know everything is going to be fine. The events of this week, are yet another reminder of what is really important? Not being so dogmatic and judgmental. Guiding your life with love, and forgiveness. Acceptance of those who may differ from you in their beliefs. And most of all taking TIME FOR SELF and being the BEST VERSION OF YOU that you can be…

Happy Thursday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

tears

RANDOM

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, Quotes, Well-Being 7 Comments

I feel as though I am playing catch up, from the weekend, the late nights are catching up with me, and it is times like this that I feel all my 54 years. Fall is here, Scandal will be back on Thursday, and there are not enough hours in the day to do all the tasks I need to do before the year ends. I have a little bit of traveling in the next few months: DC, New Orleans, NYC and Italy. I have learned to pace myself and do what I can do each day and always make time for simple pleasures, such as taking a long bath with fragrant oils, having tea ie. brewing loose tea leaves, teapot, china tea cup etc., a little piece of chocolate basically finding pleasure in something every day. Came across this quote and really like what it says, our environment and the things we choose to surround ourselves with is so important and contributes to our well being.

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Love this, after 25 years of living in the same place I have accumulated a lot of items, some which are not useful or beautiful and I am slowly editing or repurposing them. I no longer have the need to hold on to everything, freeing the clutter enables me to think clearly and focus, and speaking of focus I finally have a logo for my business and I am happy to have “it” debut here:

my logo…

Thanks to my friend Kim Jones owner of Kgrafix Creative Design, (949 500-0090) for her patience and understanding me, when I could not find the words to explain what I wanted the logo to look like.

October 1 is the perfect day to start a fall workout plan, I like to switch up what I do, to keep it interesting and challenging my body. I need to bump up my cardio so i’m looking for something fun to add to the mix, maybe revisit bootcamp. Do you like to change your workout? Or do you have a tried and true plan that you stick to?

Reinvent

So friends, do something pleasurable today and if needed start editing things that no longer serve you…

Xoxo,

Gigi

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