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Gigi

Why I Tri

Posted on by Gigi in Well-Being 12 Comments

Two years ago, I decided to do a triathlon. What is interesting about this? Well for starters, although I knew how to swim, I had never swam in the ocean. I actually was afraid of swimming in open water. I had done four marathons ten years earlier, even though I detest running. I had biked a few events for fun and had gone on biking vacations. I don’t like doing physical activities that break you down ie. limping to the finish line, finishing but looking torn up, or events that involve mud.

LA Marathon 1998

LA Marathon 1998

So with all of this I decided to become a triathlete.

I was never an athlete. I never played any sports in school. I did take swimming lessons as a kid, but did not recognize that I was a good swimmer and perhaps could have been a competitive swimmer. As an adult I was always active, primarily for vanity reasons. I loved taking classes at the gym, and many years ago I taught aerobics.

I signed up for my first triathlon October of 2010. I trained on my own for three months. I had just celebrated my birthday and wanted to do something that would signify the start of a new year. I wanted a challenge to do something different “for me”. I also wanted to overcome my fear of swimming in the ocean, which I did after I realized that my wetsuit was like a floatation device. On the day of my event I was so nervous. You have to arrive before day light in order to park and set up your stuff, so there is a lot of waiting around until the start of the race. By the time the gun went off and I entered the water there was no looking back, the adrenaline rush is overwhelming, and there in no time to think about anything but moving forward to the next leg of the race.

My First Tri

My First Tri

I have ten weeks before my next triathlon. I am doing the Malibu triathlon on September 16th. No. I have not been training. Between everyone being home, graduation celebrations, a little traveling combined with some laziness I’ve been in a rut of sorts. I did the Malibu Triathlon last year so I know what to expect. The event is a 1/2 mile swim, 18 mile bike ride and a 4 mile run. The training can seem daunting, but once you get into a routine of swimming, biking, and running your body starts to get in the flow again.

Transition Area

Transition Area

Transitioning is a big part of the sport, there is a method to getting out of a wetsuit and jumping on your bike. I have yet to master this part.

Malibu Tri 2011

Malibu Tri 2011

Reggie did the Malibu Triathlon too. It is nice to have a husband or partner to do a triathlon with, there is so much stuff that has to be set up and it is nice to have a “honey do” to help out ie. checking air in the tires, putting bikes on the rack etc.

Malibu Finish

Malibu Finish

My friend and workout partner LaShawn did the triathlon. It was really nice to have someone to train with, my workouts were more regular as a result.

Why I Tri

1. Swim/Run/Bike combo-No time for boredom

2. Weight loss and body sculpting

3. Bragging rights-something interesting to talk about at parties

4. Cute outfits

5. Eat more food

6. Cardio workouts

7. Personal sense of accomplishment

8. Awesome feeling crossing the finish line

Do you Tri? Would you like to Tri? If I can…You can.

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

 

 

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Hey Yoga Girl…

Posted on by Gigi in Well-Being 2 Comments

Since yoga is an important part of my life, even my logo “girl” is in a yoga pose, I thought I’d share a little about my “yoga story”. I’ve had an on again off again affair with yoga for the past 3 years. This  lastest tryst started last November, I went to a class with my friend Teresa, that had live music, an incredible teacher named Cindy, and I fell in love with yoga all over again. Something magical happened that night that had not happened before. Cindy conveyed the yoga teachings in a way that resonated with me in a spiritual way. Prior, I had always thought of yoga as just another workout. The class was mat to mat and the room was steamy hot, I struggled in the class, which was a fast paced vinyasa flow, staying about 2 poses behind. When I left  I felt this sense of well being, I had a glow from within.

November 2011

Magical November Class 2011

During this time, I experienced an epiphany of sorts. I had went for my annual physical and had a bone density test which revealed that I have osteoporosis. I felt like a bomb had been dropped on me, all I could think about was little old bent over ladies. My doctor wanted to put me on drugs for my new found condition right away. I continued to go to yoga, at times crying in class, but due to the sweat factor no one even noticed. Yoga was a place I could go, and for that hour and a half, I was receptive, vulnerable and open to receiving the strength I needed to go forward. At first I agreed to take the medicines, until I did some research and read about the potential side effects of these drugs. In doing so I discovered that there had been some studies on yoga and osteoporosis and that yoga was beneficial for my condition. I believe the universe connected me with yoga for a reason. If we really listen to our bodies closely we will discover what we need to keep them running smoothly.

10 Reasons I love yoga.

1. I sleep really good.

2. A free facial included with each class.

3. Cute yoga pants that keep you “honest”.

4. Stronger-I can do push-ups as a result of so many chaturangas.

5. Flexible-I can stretch my body and I feel “taller”.

6. Connection with my breath-this helps me in all my other workouts.

7. Inner peace-after yoga nothing bothers me anymore. 

8. Problems solved-solutions come to me during class.

9. In touch with my “authentic self”, which enables me to speak my mind-no time for BS.

10. Sharing yoga with my husband and now he is a yogi.

Tadasana Festival

Tadasana Festival

Yoga is now a permanent part of my life, I can practice anywhere. Hopefully you will be fortunate to practice with a teacher who will inspire you and like a parent “raise” you to love the practice and eventually be on your own to practice.  Currently I practice with Cindy Fernandez, Purple Yoga and various other studios around the southland.

Do you practice?

xoxo,

Gigi

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Gigi’s meanderings around the web #2

Posted on by Gigi in entertainment Comments Off on Gigi’s meanderings around the web #2

A little of this and that around the web…

Gigi’s friend Juliana turned her on to this brazilian singer a few years ago, and she has been listening to him ever since. She loves his deep sexy voice. This is one of her favorite summer songs.

Gigi wants you to see this movie right away.

Gigi is going to make her version of this.

Gigi will be watching this 17 year-old girl at the summer olympics in London.

Gigi loves Chaka Khan, she looks fabulous, and she knows her dear friend Raw T’s delicious raw gourmet cuisine is contributing to all that gorgeousness.

Gigi wants to have an arm party.

Gigi wants you to check out this diy activity, and share it with your teens.

Gigi is going to do this.

Gigi knows why there are so many eating disorders, because of stuff like this.

Gigi recommends this for all your travel needs.

Gigi walks away in these. They look Valentino-isque and Gigi loves Valentino.

Enjoy,

Gigi

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The Fruits of My Labor

Posted on by Gigi in My House 2 Comments

 

Peaches

Peaches

Five years ago after much discussion and arguing we landscaped our property. Reggie, my husband felt our yard was fine, and needed nothing more than a quick trip to Home Depot to pick up whatever plants were on sale. I on the other hand had visions of a rose garden, fruit trees, grapevines, berries, flowers, grasses, succulents, and everything else I had clipped from various garden magazines. I eventually won and we now have a peach tree, apricot, fuji apple, guava, avocado, orange, blood orange, meyer lemon, pomegranate, tangerine and  a fig tree.

Fruit Garden

Fruit Garden

It’s summer and I am feeling the anticipation of the first fruit. Today Reggie surprised me with a plate of peaches and blackberries-so yummy.  It does not get any more organic than this- going outside and picking something from your garden and taking that first bite. Living in southern California, I am fortunate to live in a perfect climate where just about anything will grow.

Breakfast

Breakfast

If you already have a fruit garden, think about adding a variety that is not readily available in your local market. I love blood oranges and planted a tree that bears an abundant harvest. You will be amazed at how quickly your tree will reward you with delicious fruit. If you are just starting your garden or if you have limited space, think about planting a dwarf lemon tree in a container. There are so many possibilities, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Blackberries

Blackberries

Orange Tree

Orange Tree

Fuji Apple

Fuji Apples

Pomegrate

Pomegranate

Apricot Tree

Apricots

What are you growing in your garden?

xoxo,

Gigi

 

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May the Fourth be with you

Posted on by Gigi in Holiday Comments Off on May the Fourth be with you

Fourth of July inspiration.

red, white & blue domaine chandon

red, white & blue domaine chandon

Red, White & Blue perfect for Fourth of July toasts, available June 1- September 1 www.chandon.com

YSL navy poppy sandal with red, white & blue heel

Perfect Fourth of July sandal

YSL Navy suede sandal with red, white & blue heel finished with a red poppy, lovely.

Barbie I can be collection

Barbie, I can be collection

Yes. I was addicted to Barbie dolls.

4th of July bag

4th of July bag

Love this Valentino Red clutch, this would be my go to Fourth of July bag

Love This

Love This

Perfect way to serve berries.

Love this

Love this

I’m loving all the colorful jeans this season.

4th of July ball gown

4th of July ball gown

Perfect for a 4th of July ball, Valentino gown.

I used to wear this "do"

I used to wear this “do”

I wore similar styles to this.

Essie aruba blue

Essie aruba blue

Why do red when you could do blue!

Fourth of July Rose

Fourth of July Rose

love this red, white & blue rose.

Have a happy Fourth of July Celebration!

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

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Get your Sparkle on, Fireworks

Posted on by Gigi in entertainment Comments Off on Get your Sparkle on, Fireworks
Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Growing up, Fourth of July, takes me back to cookouts on the beach, riding the waves, making sand castles and ending the afternoon watching fireworks on the beach. The explosions of colors streaking across the sky was the bang that sealed another Fourth of July. Here are some spots to get your “sparkle” on in the city, at the beach or in the valley.

Seaside Lagoon

This is where I watched many a Fourth of July fireworks show. Arrive early to get your space. There will be live music, dancing and entertainment. 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, fireworks start at 9:00.

Spoken Word

California African American Museum CAAM opens at 1 pm, spoken word performance begins at 6, on the outdoor plaza followed by firework display at dusk. 600 State Drive, LA 213 744 7432

Hollywood Bowl

L.A. Philharmonic and Barry Manilow perform patriotic numbers at the beautiful Hollywood bowl, one of my favorite summer spots. The concert starts at 7:30 and the fireworks after sundown. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood Admission $15-$200 Read more


I am Gracious, Grounded, Passionate, and Cool-Cafe Gratitude

Posted on by Gigi in Dining Comments Off on I am Gracious, Grounded, Passionate, and Cool-Cafe Gratitude

Each day I am reminded that a vegan lifestyle is becoming more mainstream. My local Starbucks now carries green juice, not a sugary imposter, but pure cold pressed juice made from identifiable veggies.

Green Juice

Evolution Green Juice

Green Juice

Green Juice

Many restaurants are now offering a large variety of vegetarian options, no longer regulated to a cardboard processed frozen veggie burger. I am amazed at the selection and surprised at how accommodating chefs are with their vegetarian diners, some are even offering vegan, gluten free, and raw vegan items.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude is one of my favorite vegan restaurants. They hail from the bay area, and have made their mark in the city of vegan angels. No matter when I go, there is always a long line of LA peeps waiting for a table or a spot at the communal table. This past week I had the great fortune of dining there twice, each time equally delicious. Cafe Gratitude is 100% organic vegan, specializing in gourmet raw and cooked vegan dishes. The entrees are named for various validations, such as “I am Gracious, I am Grounded, I am Passionate, I am Cool etc., so when you order, it immediately starts the dining experience in a positive light. I am in love with “I am Passionate” a raw living soup made with heirloom tomatoes and strawberries, it sounds like an odd combination, but oh so good.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude

Parking is crazy, there are a few spots in their lot, and the rest is street meter parking with ticket hungry officers lurking waiting to give you a $53.00 parking ticket (I got one because I was not perfectly parked within the lines). Go when you have time to relax, this is not an in and out dining experience. Leave room for desserts, they are incredible. I had “I am awakening key lime pie” which was so light and creamy, full of flavor, you wonder how are these desserts are so decadent, the “real thing” wishes it was this good.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude

639 North Larchmont Blvd.

Los Angeles 90014

323 580-6383

Open daily 10-10

Go do your body a favor and stop by Cafe Gratitude. Venice location opening very soon.

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

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Buttons & Bows- Vintage DTLA

Posted on by Gigi in Shopping Comments Off on Buttons & Bows- Vintage DTLA

Back in the day, I did most of my shopping DTLA in the garment district. I remember walking up and down Los Angeles Street with my mom and sisters, always ending the day at Clifton’s cafeteria. This was before the “alley”, Staples Center, and LA Live. So when I read about Buttons & Bows a luxury resale consignment boutique owned by Monique Dillion Delacroix and Karen Marley (daughter of reggae legend Bob Marley) I figured it was time to revisit and see what was going on in my old stomping ground.

Buttons & Bows

Buttons & Bows

Buttons & Bows-carries an eclectic collection of designer pieces, fabulous jewelry, and shoes. My friend Denise was my compadre for the day. We started flipping through the dresses, when I found a cute flirty Dolce dress that unfortunately was not my size, I passed it to Denise and she graciously accepted and skipped to the dressing room. I then came across a sheer ombre blue and brown Betsey Johnson dress that got my attention.

Gigi & Betsey Johnson Dress

Gigi & Betsey Johnson Dress

Denise & Dolce

Denise & Dolce

Buttons & Bows has an amazing selection of jewelry, really interesting and unusual pieces.

Devon Leigh Necklace

Devon Leigh Necklace

I fell in love with this piece, Devon Leigh is carried in Neiman’s and I got this one for a fraction of what it would have been there. I can’t wait to wear it, the colors are so beautiful, it’s kind of hard to see in this photo, but trust me it is gorgeous.

Devon Leigh Earrings

Devon Leigh Earrings

Earrings

Earrings

Monique and Leah were so helpful, they gave us suggestions on where to eat and other boutiques in the area. Downtown will definitely be a regular stop, the price points are really good and since I am always trying to make room for the “new” Buttons & Bows will be an option for consignment as well.

Leia & Monique

Leah & Monique

Buttons & Bows

111 West 7th Street #R11

Los Angeles

213 622 0648

www.buttonsandbowsla.com

Monday-Saturday 11-6

Stop by Buttons & Bows and tell the ladies, Gigi sent you…

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

 

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Beasts of the Southern Wild

Posted on by Gigi in Movies Comments Off on Beasts of the Southern Wild
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beasts of the Southern Wild

 

Along with the arrival of summer comes the much anticipated summer films. I for one am especially looking forward to the debut of “Beasts of the Southern Wild“. This film is a fantastical tale of one six-year-old girl trying to make sense of the world around her.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Quvenzhane Wallis

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 19:  (L-R) Actress Quvenh...

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 19: (L-R) Actress Quvenhane Wallis and Actor Dwight Henry pose at the ‘Beasts Of The Southern Wild’ photocall during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2012 in Cannes, France. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Inspired by Hurricane Katrina and Louisiana’s landscape, Beasts of the Southern Wild captures the sense of what happens when a community is faced with lost and finds hope regardless. Manohla Davis, from the New York Times calls it possibly the best film to ever premiere at Sundance from the past two decades along with stating that it is “hauntingly beautiful both visually and in the tenderness it shows towards the characters”. Surprisingly the crew is composed nonprofessional actors, making it all the more real. Check out the trailer, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss! It opens June 27 in some locations, find the one closest to you here:

6/27 – Arclight Hollywood, Hollywood, CA
6/27 – The Landmark Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

7/6 – Playhouse Art Cinema, Padasdena, CA
7/6 – Arclight Beach Cities, El Segundo, CA
7/6 – Arclight Sherman Oaks, Sherman Oaks, CA
7/6 – University Town Center, Irvine, CA

7/13 – Claremont Cinema, Claremont, CA
7/13 – Monica Art Cinema, Santa Monica, CA
7/13 – Fallbrook Theatre, West HIlls, CA
7/13 – Westlake Village Art Cinema, Westlake Village, CA

Amani

Amani

 

Guest post by Amani.

 

 

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What are you Passionate about?

Posted on by Gigi in My Life 8 Comments

Came across this article about  passion written by Amy Spencer, in the July/August issue of Health magazine. I was intrigued by this list of five signs that you have found that “special thing”.

  1. You’d do it for free…and, uh, probably do.
  2. You’ve lost track of time while doing it and only noticed when you smelled dinner burning.
  3.  At a party you could talk about it until the hosts are sweeping up at the end of the night.
  4.  You don’t mind if you aren’t good at it…
  5. …but the more you do it , the better you get at it–because you enjoy it so much.

Read the entire article here.

When I read this article I could not help but, reflect on my own life and ask myself what am I passionate about.

Relaxing on the beach

Relaxing on the beach (Photo credit: virtualphotographystudio)

Of course we are passionate about our families and loved ones, but I am referring to what gives your life purpose? My passions have been varied and most have been really simple. I have to be passionate about something, it is what keeps life fulfilling and interesting.

Here is my list of passions past and present. To make the list I have had to stay up all night, do it for free, talk to strangers about it–facebook counts, not necessarily be good at it and eventually get better at it because I keep doing it .

Yoga-I have not been practicing that long, and I am not one of the “gumby” girls in the class, but I love it and I keep going back even though there are days where I feel I am regressing. I get a rush from going to class and I feel at peace when I am done. I know there are asanas I may never do, but the desire or the thought that one day I may keeps me going back for another back bend.

Yoga Class at a Gym Category:Gyms_and_Health_Clubs

Music-In another life I know I was a DJ. I can stay up all night searching for music and listening to random bands. In our living trust I have a provision that states, if something should happen to me and it appears that I am not aware of my surroundings I want to have the latest “ipod” or listening device attached, so that I can listen to music.

ipod shuffle loja online leilao

ipod shuffle loja online leilao (Photo credit: sucelloleiloes)

Shoes-I have always had a facination with shoes, perhaps it is because I had to wear corrective shoes as a child. I can enter a shoe department and feel my heart start to flutter. I love looking at beautiful shoes, wearing them, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than finding a “dream” shoe on the sale rack with an additional mark down. Right when I think I am content and happy with my collection I see something else that makes me drool. This is the current shoe I’m lusting for:

Brian Atwood

Brian Atwood

Traveling-I love going places. It does not have to be an exotic destination, it can be an exit off a freeway that I have never taken.  I love going places near and far. I can enjoy a beach thirty minutes from my house or one around the world. I love planning trips and finding off the beaten path things to do.

Travel Guides

Travel Guides (Photo credit: Vanessa (EY))

Blogging-It’s 3:00 am, no explanation needed. Oh and when I’m not blogging I’m reading other blogs.

English: Monkeys Blogging Español: Simios blog...

English: Monkeys Blogging Español: Simios bloggeando (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Past and reoccuring passions: knitting (I go on binges where I knit nonstop), triathlon-ing (becoming obsessed with everything connected with the sport joining clubs etc.), raw veganism (embarrassing my kids when ordering in non-vegan restaurants), natural hair (always searching for the holy grail of products), photography (the need to take pictures of every and anything), and skiing (planning my winter around snow reports and justifying another jacket).

What are you passonate about? What makes you stay up like a fiend?

xoxo,

Gigi

 

 

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