March 29, 2010

We’ve termed them granolas. You’ve seen ‘em. The crusty Birkenstocks, clothes made from recycled bottles and egg shells, and frizzy product-free hair. Yes. You know you know. But guess what? On so many levels… I’m. that. granola.

I was maybe 16, and I lasted one year as a vegetarian. One year, and then I got hungry. For real. Doing vegetarianism correctly takes creativity, patience and time… none of which I like to expend on cooking. I looooove eating – but I’m more than happy to pass off the preparation. A couple years later, my infrequent but annoying headaches morphed into chronic migraines. I couldn’t go more than two days without experiencing a headache on some level. As most doctors would, a nuerologist tried to put me on drugs. I wasn’t even 18, and their best solution was a daily dose of a pills that listed DEATH as a side effect and messed with MY BRAIN! No, thanks.

So began my journey down naturopathic lane. My parents were determined to get to the root of the symptoms, not just cover them up. A lot changed that year, and then fast forward six. I’ve learned a few things, and I’d love to share some of the more widely applicable remedies, concoctions, and methods with my friends!

I don’t claim to be an expert, but rather a girl who gets it. These blog installments are for fun, cuz this is a big part of who I am! Ms. Crunchy Granola.

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How about a tip to boost today’s introduction?

Since moving to Arizona, my skin has gone in shock from the dry air! For months I’ve been ravaging my legs, scratching and scraping with no end in sight. The wise Italian mother, also chef, back in NY suggested EVOO! Why yes, of course! In the cooking world, EVOO refers to Extra Virgin Olive Oil. So, I whipped out one of the 10 canteens in my pantry (thanks, Babbo), and began slathering away! It’s worked wonders for my skin. Pay attention that it doesn’t get all over your clothes or furniture, but I say give it a whirl!

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XOXO!

  • Mollie:

    I’ve also suffered from migraines for years. Turns out….it’s the way I slept and it messed up my neck. Got a fancy chiropractic pillow and have been going to a chiropractor for near a year now….rarely get migraines! I saw your post on peppermint too. I’ll maybe give that a try next time I do get one!

    Olive Oil is also good for your nails (cuticles), can be used as a conditioner, AND if you use it as a furniture polish makes wood beautiful! What a versatile ingredient!

  • She’s a Natural :: What’s Always in My Bag? « Gina Meola Photography Blog | Arizona-Based International Photographer:

    [...] I would think most ladies carry something sacred with them on most excursions outside the walls of home. A favorite lip gloss, hairband, signature water bottle, creamy hand lotion, or a 3,000 page phone book… you know, something important. My appendage happens to come in a bitsy bottle that makes an appearance more often than not. SO what’s my “must have”? Essential Oils, but of course!! And to be more specific, Young Living Essential Oils. If you’ve spent more than a day with me, you know I’ve experienced chronic migraines for years and years. You’d also know I’m all for natural remedies, as I posted a while back. [...]

  • Babbo:

    You GO Gina Go — awesome post !!!!! Don’t listen to Michael, I am NOT going to get mad. I can’t think of a better place for that olive oil, than on your precious skin. I am glad it’s working ; keep at it. I’m still praying for your vegetarianism — that you’ll see the light once again (and come over to the veggie side) !! LOL. I love you and hoping this works for you!
    Yours always, Babbo

  • Mike:

    Oh my goodness you grease ball… Dad is going to be mad when he says the olive oil he ordered from italy has been used ON YOUR SKIN! WHY DONT YOU COOK WITH IT?!


March 25, 2010

This day ended up being such a treat! My, now, awesome buddy Josh Snyder asked me to tag along for a wedding at the HillCrest Golf Club. The couple was delightful, and listening to Ashley describe her soon-to-be husband made me melt. Fo’ REAL!

Here’s a handful of shots! Cheers to good friends, beautiful unions, and red velvet cake.

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Something blue – and HOT!

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She worked it!

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Love me some cute pumps!

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We got a perfect day. Surprise.

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Minutes after becoming official.

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The lovely Kristin of My Baked Bliss whipped up a delicious creation to perfectly end the evening!

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Josh set up a photobooth, and the fab chefs of the night stepped in for giggles ;-)

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XOXO!

  • Miriam:

    I LOVED you that day and am glad you were there. I found myself surprisingly comfortable with you as a photographer, i loved that the most. I just went through all of your photographs and they are all so great. You are so talented.
    Thanks again.

  • slr lounge:

    Great Dress Shot!

    Love the tree as the background

  • Ashley:

    i love these pictures! Gina, thank you for making me feel even more special on my big day. Beautiful work! :D

  • YBF:

    Outstanding! Crisp, sharp, bright–even the pearls on A’s veil stood at attention.
    Outa’the ballpark, Girl–again! XXOO

  • Josh:

    Amazing job Gina … I had a blast hanging out with you!!

  • lyndsay hyatt-almeida:

    as always, you rocked it! and i’m kinda coveting those BLUE SHOES right now. :)


March 18, 2010

ART.

The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. So says the book of words, defined.

The result of our innermost thoughts, emotions, longings, creativity and character. Incredible. Honest. Unique. Expressing our perception of life, absorbed, and how we wish for it to be. Inspiration. The joys of inspiration. Inspiration – you are soooo lacking right now!

There was a span of about two years where my days were filled with multiple languages and constant travel. Country to country, city to state. Everything was new, fresh, exciting, surreal. The tongues of a hundred nations, the tastes and colors of a thousand… scents of pastries filling small towns, and rumbling train tracks spanned the cities. Experiences felt out of body, and I knew in the moments of utter confusion and unease, this was for me.

I’m in a very different stage in my walk. My inspiration sometimes feels forced, and I miss culture. I feel, boxed? Everything’s the same, overly commercialized, material and fake. If I sound pessimistic, I am. I’m in a stinky funkhole, and need to climb out. I’m thrilled to be in a new city with lots to explore… I dunno… Maybe I’m missing something. but to eat the fresh produce in Italy, drink fine wines in France, chew on the delicacies of Portugal, dance to street music in Spain, sneeze amid the spices in Malaysia, walk the markets of Africa, or wrap myself in the vibrant fabrics of India… these are the moments. The moments when inspiration effortlessly appears. Hanging, as if in the air. I can’t always be traveling, I know, but my heart has been spread across borders, and I’m feeling it.

My beautifully talented friend (or should it be sistafriend), Tina, is planning to return to France for her studies. In honor of such exciting news, I’ve ravaged my discs for ONE good shot from our last trip to Paris together. If only I was a photographer years ago ::sigh::

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I’m in a dry spell. Ugh. Gotta get out of this rut!

  • Alyssa:

    Gina,

    You have come so far in your photography, but as I am beginning to learn that there is so much more to grown in!! You do a fantastic job as a photographer and im sure that you will continue to be that same way. Make your new home like the far away places that you have been! love you

  • Larry Reeves:

    beautiful…really, it is!

  • Babbo:

    Gina, Very beautifully writtn. YOU WERE a photographer even back then. Your eye was being trained to do photography for today. Life is a journey with many experiences. I am sure you will some day return to the places you long to be in. Be patient and enjoy the ride. I love you.

  • Nancy:

    Looks like you were a natural even back then. Beautiful pic. Hoping inspiration makes its way to you again soon. Much love