haircutting in high heels

Dog gone happy

2014-11-06T21:47:00.005-08:00

Last time I wrote some major changes were happening in our lives. Within a 3 year time span, my old pack, Lana, Lola, and Bruno all left with their paw prints forever engraved in my heart, to join each other over the rainbow bridge where they would be cancer free, and jump high without the pain of arthritis, and eat as many bones and treats imaginable. That's the great thing about pain, you never envision getting through it but we do.

In the Dog world "A new pup will lick your tears away." At least I was so busy tending and training to my new family members, Kumo and Val, my tears were mostly of joy and happiness of how simply amazing my brood was becoming. I think Dog owners, including myself tend to take a lot on when adopting. It's like a relationship, you are taking in past baggage, and the good, the bad, and the ugly. My baggage came in 89 lbs of a long haired Shepherd and 2 previous homes. My 65 lb Boxer had one previous home as far as we knew and then later abandoned in the street after being used for her litter. He had aggression issues, she had submission issues. In the dog world I learned that a lot like humans, the Big bad wolf will prey on little red riding hood if she lets him get away with it. With much support from my friends, I sought the professional training and advice of Eran Shine, Anyone with a Breed as high level and energetic as a German Shepherd, I urge you to seek him out. Positive reinforcement and providing a secure environment, along with the proper tools for your pet to flourish and learn is what Eran is all about.

Most of my past dog training with my late Pit bulls and Shepherd Bruno, came from a few group sessions and a few individual with various trainers even Tia Torres the infamous pit bull rescuer, none had ever really left as big an impact on me, or my dogs. This time change came from a new way of thinking. and knowledge I gained from training with Eran. With out realizing it I was creating conflict between myself and my dog by letting Kumo get away with things, for example without even realizing it what I envisioned a lick toward Valentina during certain times at walk or play was not a loving kiss but bullying her on the walk. This had to be absolved between themselves and myself as the moderator. If not corrected quickly in Cesar Millan conversation this would be red flag territory.

Valentina is no longer a target and prey for Kumo. He is no longer running after her like prey and her running away for her life. that behavior has forever changed in my presence. It all begins with recall, not just come, sit, stay, heal, down. Seeing behavior change for the better. with something of value that gets your dogs attention for Kumo it comes in the form of a green tennis ball.

I don't participate in group off leash play with my dogs not because I am antisocial, but because unless both dogs come when I call, then I am asking for trouble. Kumo is almost there, Valentina, my brazen Boxer, not yet. I rejoice in seeing the changes that repetitive training and recycled tennis balls have done to our lives. Valentina is back, feeling secure and in charge at least until I throw the next ball. With much gratitude to all the positive Dog trainers and Authors that make a huge difference in my life training.

I also thank my Westside German Shepherd Rescue peeps for the wonderful hikes with the dogs that makes me a better mom and hopefully brings them to a forever home where they are cherished as much as I do, my beautiful Beasts, Kumo And Valentina.

And I am forever thankful to my beloved Pasadena Humane Society, Where I went in looking for a Shepherd and I came out with a Boxer. Until the next hike!

the honeymoon is over {doggie drama}

2014-04-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I knew the perfect boy was impossible. I have been in honeymoon bliss with my beloved boy that I mentioned here,

The nice thing is I got inspired to give some love back to my garden that was seriously slacking I even put up new solar lighting so I could enjoy the beautiful evening weather while petting my new boy and enjoying a glass of vino! My morning ritual consists of a morning walk with he and Val. I like to save a little special time in the evenings for just he and I on a walk just to get to know each other better.
I have read enough Cesar Millan and Tamar Geller books to know what red flags are in dog behavior. How I missed it on the morning playtime makes me feel like a failed mom who didn't protect her kid in time. The kid happened to be Valentina my boxer dog. I had just started to allow the two time off the lead after a 30 minute walk.We were in an enclosed grassy area on our regular early morning walk. Our big beautiful boy, Bear, Luca, Mio ( we haven't chosen his forever name yet) did well the first day, but I firmly put him back on lead soon after her started barking and playing way too hard and ignoring my commands to stop and come. The second day I let Val have time on her own first as she started her regular revolutions around me or what I like to call hearts around me, hence her name. Suddenly Bear'sleash was out of my hand and he was after her. I never even realized she was hurt until she started running up to me looking up at me, like she needed me. As I regained their leads and we started walking I saw the puncture. I hoped it was just a scratch. My vet told me otherwise.

it's amazing how well, sit and stay work after a long walk!

I haven't given up yet, but I am glad I was encouraged to take the time as a Foster to get to know him before further action. I will give time to heal and follow up with the WSGSR and ask for some help ASAP with his training and behavior. It's funny once you stop humanizing an animal you kind of get your power back. Or maybe he just knows I mean business. Val seems to have forgiven him, I saw her licking his face and ears or maybe she just liked that nice tea tree oil I had just sprayed on him! Yes, Caesar I agree, Dogs have a lot to teach us, especially about living in the moment.

How to master the selfie and I'm too old for braids

2014-04-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back again, I have to say I realize why I stopped blogging, besides life challenges I was facing as seen here. It takes time! I skimmed through my past blogs and it's amazing what a difference a 4 years makes. As much as I love all the pretty pictures some my own and many inspirational, I no longer want or have the desire to have the best pictures but rather the best representation of real life in la vida buena de Gina.
When the weather warms up I like to make changes in my clients and myself as well. One of my favorite gentle reminders is, "What's the use of having long hair if it's always in a ponytail?"
I'm thinking of rocking this look again soon. I've been wearing too many ponytails!

while admiring my new look last year, I accidentally starting video taping myself

I personally am sick of taking selfless and even considered a plus one so he could take pictures of me!

but that didn't work I hate online dating, so I'm still taking selfies

It was obviously a slow day in the salon, see that those little bottles through the mirror?
Some of my all time favorites for braids and even dirty hair. Fresh hair, I favor during dry hair cutting powder puff, adds a little texture for braids and cool up do's,night rider for my cool guys and guys who sport short hair and faux hawks and it smells like lemon Verbena. I'm a sucker for great smelling hair products!

Braids are red hot for Spring as seen here in a previous post.

I'm too old for braids what was I thinking?

no matter how you look at it

highlights always make hair up styled hair look better and brighter

Pink hair don't care another favorite from KM, color bug,

for some fair dust of pink that just washes out.

the great thing about mannequins is you can lighten the heck out of the hair and she'll never complain about hair falling out, not that I work that way!

and then there's hair stitching, but thats another post!

Life happens when you are living

2014-04-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a few years since I last blogged. Looking back at my last post, I reflect on the many challenges I was facing, aging dogs, job change, relationship status, financial hardship. All very difficult life changing difficulties. It's no wonder I needed to take a break. Since then I have lost 3 of my life loves, Lana, Lola and Bruno. My 2 pit bulls, lived 15 lovely years, though never long enough they taught me so much about unconditional love and diversity. My Shepherd, Bruno passed almost a year ago, and I grieved him heartily. A friend once told me, "There are so many canine companions out there that need your love and can take away the heartache." While, I wasn't really ready, then came Valentina, my beautiful Boxer, and just recently Kumo a beautiful long haired Shepherd. Life happens when you are living, you just never know what curve balls it will throw you or what beautiful surprises await. "If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you have always gotten." Another wonderful reminder from a friend. I started changing what I was doing and how I was thinking, mostly fear based, and started living more in the present. A new way of thinking and living life with my two wonderful companions has begun to unfold.
Bare with me while I post, it's been a while, but I will try to do my best, and hopefully keep sharing
again.
my happiest days start with her

her eyes as big as saucers, she gets a lot of love

and the best thing about it all is the love she gives to me

meet our new boy

not him!

but this beautiful boy.

to be continued… Goodnight!

diamonds and dogs {a girls best friend}

2011-07-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

turning my dreams into plans is taking up this girls time lately you can read all about it here

I hope this explains the lack of consistency in my posts

even dreams of travel have been put on hold

when you have a dear best friend you never want to leave when there not feeling their best as I mentioned here

don't think I'm missing out though,

I still like to glam it up

I just bring my best friends along, both of them.

tanishqdiamonds

beauty bootcamp

2011-06-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

beauty bootcamp in braids and summer updo's

That's where I've been, looking this good takes work!

How you doing? You can read more of my bootcamp inspiration on my other post here.

via models.com,fgr

pin me up

2011-06-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Sexy, soft, silhouettes, like this, are timeless and make me want to pin up some hair and watch as a style comes to life

have you noticed red is taking over in the hair color department?

What do you think? Is she better as a redhead or blonde?

I hope you spend some time dreaming, and reading, and doing the things you love this weekend.

Ah the allure of a luxurious bath and some salts to soak my aching feet, it's been a busy day.

glamour, tomandlorenzo,pinterest

rambling around {my summer boots}

2011-06-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

My last post here had a list of possible summer wedges and espadrilles. I found my shoes, and as you can see they are far from an open toe sandal or wedge, but hopefully comfy and definitely stylish behind the chair. You like?
via

decorator dreams

2011-06-09T20:27:00.001-07:00

designer boutique

2011-06-06T23:13:00.001-07:00

welcome to my closet

room with a view

Simply smitten with the new design show

shoe shopping {for summer}

2011-06-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Did these get your attention? Yeah me too.

Today after working in high heels all day my feet ache, what a welcome relief with these lace up espadrilles. The white ones with the bow are super cute and inexpensive.

I changed my mind, I'm all over these charlotte olympia hooker heels, and that other pair make me want to go to the circus.

What about you, found your summer shoe yet?

nytimes

sweat under a circus tent

2011-06-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

could a work out be any better?

and a beautiful view to relax to

these red stripes say party!

what a little moonlight can do

when in rome...

A busy schedule has kept me from my beloved reading so when a much deserved salon break allows me time to read at work, I'll pick up some beauty inspiration from one of my trade magazines. Travel and design inspiration lately, also seems to also be in the pages. Couldn't helped but be mesmerized by the first circus inspired tent theme of the work out room. Spring for me is the beginning of rejoicing in outdoor living throughout sunny So. Cal. summer. With billowy coverings and colorful stripes like these, bring out the sunshine!

richardkeithlangham via splendidsass,luxuryculture

circus tents {when in rome}

2011-06-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

giving back is the new black {hartnell bridal}

2011-06-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

thinking a lot lately how to give back and encourage a green sustainable business.

led me to this lovely lady, Hanna Hartnell she runs her bridal boutique living green

not only has her lifestyle incorporated the healthy habit by preserving the environment through conservancy organizations and planting and caring for more green trees

she even has led her animals in the act of giving back, Biscotti is a registered therapy dog.

now that's something to shake, rattle, and role about!

via hannahartnell

things that light up my life

2011-05-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

it's memorial day, a time for peace, reflection, and gratitude, what does this day mean for you?

my peaceful pup, more on her progress here.

for me it's a day of dreaming and hoping, this chandelier in a downtown loft is lighting up my life right now.

so is the thought of a coke and a smile

and mood boards a source of my artistic inspiration here

loving this home office, complete organization in the midst of chaos

sandykoepke,eateria, bobbibrowne via traditionalhome,melanieacevedo

miami heat {lily aldridge for ocean drive magazine}

2011-05-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

there's more heat in miami than just the basketball team

the cover girl of this month's ocean drive magazine

this cover girl's wholesome look sparked a huge trend, with her shades of ombre′

you can also get a sun kissed hue like hers with these make up tips

I hope you enjoy your weekend with a little sun lit glow. More on this haircut and color here

via oceandrive,vegasmagazine

eye candy {from oribe}

2011-05-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

I wish could have bought that ticket to the recent Oribe Backstage extravaganza in Vegas here

since I couldn't make it, this eye candy collection of hair gives me my sweet fix

You can see more of the editorial here and click on the image to get the full pictorial experience.

who knew pink rollers are making a come back and what they can create is a masterpiece

More of this lovely model Candice on my other post here

via vogue.it

sunday inspiration {green things}

2011-05-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

these boxwood gardens make me yearn for a garden like this so full of green botanicals

also makes me realize I have some work to do, patio furniture that needs refinishing,

plants that need some organic spraying. But for now the Times is wisking me away to New York the closest I can get to Gotham for now.

via newyorktimes

lock me up {tiffany locks}

2011-05-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for jewels, bangles or bracelets at work

come the weekend I just want to play, bring out the bobbles and bling.

Did I ever mention losing my Tiffany key chain, car keys and all? The engraved inscription on the key ring says, "Please return to Tiffany & Co." so you know what I did? I called them to see if they had been returned. no luck there but they turned up in an unexpected place later.

via thedollsfactory

big dreams {in small places}

2011-05-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have always dreamed of having my own intimate space. Just like a favorite boutique hotel, a grand entrance with special attention to exquisite details. Music to set the mood too of course like this. The best part of all a salon that specializes in customer service at it's finest with you as the mane event. A reminder that good things come in smaller packages. What are you dreaming of?

via davidmallesalon,americansalon

starry eyed

2011-05-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

You may know about my favorite Starry eyed tattoo artist, Kat Von D but did you know she now has a new clothing line?

I want a pair of those skin script inspired leggings!

Kat also has her own art gallery, Wonderland where you can see the likes of work like this above from Kevin Llewellyn' who's gothic art reminds me of a cross between Dia De Los Muertos, inspired Calaveras mixed with darkness.

I have always been intrigued by the darkness she displays in many of her tattoos and look yet her softer femininity comes through with a strong attachment to her culture, both Mexican and German. She can also play a bad-ass Beethoven tune.

Girlfriend also has a bitchin make up line at Sephora has some of the best pearlized pigment I've worked with, perfect when you want a little shimmer for that starry eyed look that makes a statement, Just like her tattoos.

via inked

the best pictures are behind the scenes

2011-05-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am simply smitten with this beautiful bride's detail to the best things on her wedding day, like these candid moments on her wedding day.

Can you believe these wedding favors? Candy wrappers capturing moments in her life.

her own collection of chandeliers...so sweet

a tiara as a wedding cake topper

at last..the bride and groom

viakiss&tell,ohhowcharming

Have you captured any special moments lately?

peek a boo beauty {penelope cruz}

2011-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a dose of Penélope Cruz to remind me how beautiful life can be. New mother to baby Leo with Actor Javier Bardem. She is one of the iconic beauty's that has a look I love to mirror. Her hair, her signature, eyeliner so timeless. Another iconic beauty here.

via vogue.mx

bananas for these heels

2011-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

If I could choose a favorite shoe right now Charlotte Olympia's hot heels drive me bananas!

the soles have a sexy platform and a concave cut that is uniquely her own.

colorful and fun

Kind of the way I think hair should be, a style uniquely your own, colorful, and fun!

Speaking of hair, this girl needs to get her roots done. You remember the story about the cobbler in the shoe factory that has holes in his heels?

Sometimes were so busy taking care of everyone else we need to stop and take care of ourselves. Looking forward to some rest and relaxation this weekend how about you?

via charlotteolympia

crowning glory {young royals collection}

2011-05-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Current culture transcends into fashion and hair in this simply smashing young royals collection from the king of the catwalk, Anthony Mascolo of tigi. Can you see the similarities? Click here for more pompous hair and tiara inspired updo's.

via behindthechair