Welcome

Welcome! We're 3 generations of women who said farewell to sunny Southern California and waved 'hi y'all' to sultry South Carolina. We love helping other women in need. I'm not saying you are needy! But don't you love getting tips from women who know something more than you in specific areas?

My daughter, Jacquie, is a certified nutritionist and I'm learning some easy steps to becoming healthier as the days--and years--go by. She owns and works at Life Wellness Center in Lexington, SC with her husband of 25 years, Dr. Thomas Blake.

My 22-year-old granddaughter, Destiny, is a make-up artist with MAC Cosmetics in Columbia, SC. She is teaching me simple ways to add a little glitter to my life ... and don't we all need some glitter now and then? She loves her Zumba classes and playing with her two labs.

And me? Well, through the years--sixty-eight at this writing--I've gleaned from some marvelous mentors and learned from the hard knocks of life how to fulfill the dreams that God has placed in me. I'm a writer, and I recently published my first novel, Lady and the Sea, based on my life story. (you can visit my website at www.sharonleaf.com and order my two novels at www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Friday, April 12, 2013

Spring break


Stay tuned!  We shall return, just taking a short Spring break!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

"Natural Allergy Remedy Tips" from Jacquie

Jacquie's Garden
Spring is in the air, and so is the pollen which so many people are allergic to! Allergies are no fun, they make our nose run, eyes water and itchy, and can cause sinus infections. Here are a few tips, tricks and natural remedies for this allergy season.

1) Hold one massive spring cleaning session, then stick to a regular cleaning schedule based on what works for you and how bad your symptoms are.

2) Use a vacuum cleaner once a week that has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or a double -filter bag.

3) As part as your regular cleaning schedule, use a damp rag and a mold cleaning cleaner to wipe down wood or metal surfaces that accumulate dust.

4) Regularly wash all linens in hot water.

5) Clear out all dust collecting clutter! Not only is spring cleaning a perfect way to organize your space but your nose will thank you as well!

6) Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen and mold outside. Also take off your shoes before coming in the house.

Natural Remedies to Try
Local Honey: Right before you go to bed, consume 1 teaspoon of honey mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, or try chewing a piece of honeycomb from a local bee farm or farmer's market.

Neti Pots: Flush sinuses and keep them clear with this small teapot-shaped vessel. Pick one up at your local health foods store or Whole Foods; opt for the ceramic one.  Be sure to always use distilled, sterilized, or previously boiled water.

Bee pollen: the natural supplement produced by bees, available at health food stores, has been known to improve symptoms. Try to start taking before allergy season is in full swing to build up a tolerance before maintaining a daily intake.

I personally take a natural supplement called Sinutol (we sell it at our Wellness Center) It works great at keeping your sinus lubricated with essential oils like eucalyptus . Many of our patients have seen a decrease in their sinus and allergy problems.

Also, breathing through your nose helps; it is  your body's built-in air filter before the air you are breathing hits your lungs. Breathing through your mouth sends the air straight down to your lungs with no filtering out some of the junk in the air.

So try some of these tips and go outside and enjoy the Spring!

Health and blessings!

Jacquie's garden
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com