Summertime and the living' is ... easy ... hectic ... crazy ... fun ....

Summer wedding reception 2015

Just checking in to say that the GLITS Gals are alive and well and enjoying the summer.

Destiny is busy with MAC Cosmetics, leading zumba classes at Gold's Gym, and starting up a wonderful business called IsaGenix.  I just started the program on Monday and I already lost four pounds and feel so much more energetic ... that is what this program is supposed to do.  

Jacquie is focusing on her nutrition  passion and is also involved with IsaGenix.  Her and Tom spend a lot of time on the lake fishing and relaxing.  Since Tom bought her a karoake setup, she has hosted summer karaoke parties and they have been a blast!

Rob and I recently returned from a 21-day journey to the flood disaster in Wimberley, Texas.  We bought a vintage motor home and consider it our second home.  We relaxed four days at Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray and we plan to return to our home away from home.

Destiny's 24th Birthday

We hope you are having a sunny summer.  Don't forget to reach out and help someone.  You never know when you might need a helping hand.

Little acts of kindness which we render to each other in every day life, are like flowers by the wayside to the traveler; they serve to gladden the heart and relieve the tedium of life's journey.

htpp:/www.isagenix.com

htpp:/www.sharonleaf.com

htpp:/www.lifewellnesscenter.com

Where have we been? That's a good question. Answer: Living, loving life!

Where have we been? Good question.  Answer: Living, Loving Life!

Winter 2014
Jacquie and Destiny lounging at my house.

Honestly, we forgot we had a blog!  

Not sure anyone reads it anyway. 

But just incase someone out there has missed us, 

we are still alive and well on planet earth 

in South Carolina.

Now for a quick update on the 3-Geration GLITS Gals:

Jacquie is busy with her nutrition business at Life Wellness Center. 

Works out faithfully,

takes her niece shopping and to the movies,

vacationed in the mountains of North Carolina/Tennessee,

traveled with hubby to So-Cal,

and is a smiley 'greeter' at her church,

NewSpring Church/Lexington.

Destiny not only works at Mac Cosmetics,

she now leads several morning work-out classes at the local Gold's Gym.

She took a road trip to Georgia.

She loves hanging with her peeps,

relaxing at home,

and just being 'herself.'

As for me, the third-generation of this motley crew, 

I'm busy writing my next book, Lady on the Run, 

and promoting my published book, Lady and the Sea. 

I traveled to California twice this year and 

I'm planning a road trip to Springfield, Missouri in the Spring, and 

Key West in the Autumn.

The GLITS Gals hope you are pursuing your dreams.

As you walk, jog, or run on your journey,

don't forget those around you whom you love.

A phone call, a visit, a prayer,

makes all the difference in the world

to those who love you.

Until next time ... whenever that may be ...

we wish you oceans of blessings!

The Lord before whom I have walked,

will send His angel with you

to make your journey successful.

Genesis 24:40  NASB

Gone fishin' for the summer...

Jacquie: "Let's get Destiny!"

Sharon:  "Yes! We'll get Destiny!"

We got Destiny!!
"Don't cry, Destiny!
Take it like a man...I mean WO-man!"
(actually, she was crying because her mascara smeared)

We are hoping you are having a sunny-fun summer!  

Sharon trekked through Costa Rica, is swimming an hour every day, and writing in her spare time. Jacquie's fishing with her hubby and eating healthy.

Destiny is working at Mac Cosmetics, working out, yoga-ing, and hangin' out with her friends.

But don't worry, the GLITS Gals shall return!

Celebrating Destiny's Birthday

Don't forget to SMILE!  

You'll look 20 years younger, and 

feel 10 years younger...

...or is it the other way around?

Me, Jacquie, and Destiny
at Jacquie's 48th Birthday Party

Daughter Jacquie had a birthday last week!  When did my sweet little girl become such a lovely, grown woman?  Forty-eight years has flown by.  

We ate cake, we sang karaoke and danced.  We had a blast!

We wish you fun and oceans of blessings!

Spring into Spring!

A California photo (June 2007)

Jacquie, Destinee, and I are celebrating the first day of Spring by drinking our morning smoothies, taking a brisk walk, and splashing our faces with glitter and lots of smiles.  Enjoy your day!

Living their Dreams at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi

WWII ship MS Restoration
Heading to Sochi, Russia 1995

The 3-Generation GLITS Gals love the Winter Olympics!

Jacquie:  I love to watch the dreams of these young people coming true right before my very eyes, via the television.  They have been preparing for years and are now in tip-top shape to fulfill their dreams.  Just to be in Sochi, Russia will be life-changing for each one.  I wish them all the best.  As you and I watch the Olympics, lets not forget to meet our own daily health-goals through eating healthy and exercising.  

Jacquie took skating lessons when she was younger,
Now she skates for fun.

Destiny:  Our American women competing in the Olympics look naturally beautiful.  It must be all the exercise they get preparing for the intense two weeks ahead.  The ice skaters especially have the ability to look glamorous ... gorgeous outfits, lovely hair-do's, and exotic make-up.  You go, girls!  And as you and I watch their dreams unfold, remember to bling up your own dreams!

"You can be glam while exercising"
Destiny in her younger days in Southern California

Sharon:  These Olympics are special to me because in 1995 I sailed from Seattle, WA, to Sochi, Russia on a WWII ship.  Our purpose for being in Sochi was quite different than our Olympians.  You see, we were there to pick up Russian Jews and transport them to Haifa, Israel (free of charge).  Those moments at the dock just before dawn were emotional for the crew, but even more for the Russian Jews who were leaving their homeland to begin a new life in Israel.

Sharon in her cabin on the WWII ship Restoration
She learned that "Less is best" on her 14-months living on board.

The 3-Generation GLITS Gals wish our American team the very best.  We will be rooting them on from the comfort of our homes.  

God bless them all and return them safely home.

www.sharonleaf.com
lifewellnesscentersc.com

A busy month of Super Bowl, The Olympics, & Skating

Ice skating is a great way to exercise ... and fun too!
Downtown Columbia, SC on a cold wintry night

Jacquie:  Winter is here and our first choice is to stay indoors by the fire, wrapped in a cozy blanket, drinking hot cups of coffee or tea.  Believe me, that's one of my favorite pastimes.   At the same time, we need to take some time to head outdoors for a brisk walk, bike ride, or a few times around the ice rink.  And don't forget the indoor gym just down the street.  Whatever your exercise of choice, have fun!

A touch of blush and red lipstick can brighten up our pale winter complexion

Destiny:  The long winter days, the harsh chilling wind can do a number on your skin, so make sure you moisturize daily, and especially at night.  You don't have to spend a lot of money on these creams; the important thing is to REMEMBER to slab that moisturizer on.  And Don't forget to brighten up your pale complexion with a few brush strokes of blush...and voila!  Winter Beautification! 

I love to ice skate and write

Sharon: My Christmas decorations are boxed but my winter decor continues--ice skate tree, ice skates, snowmen, and winter lights--to brighten the gray cold days and cold nights.  I'm being held captive in my office.  I'm preparing for the Writer's Boot Camp Advance next month at The Cove in Asheville, NC.  I finished my 10-page critique and 2-page synopsis for my upcoming book, Lady on the Run.  Next, I will endeavor to complete the homework assignments., plus, work on the manuscript.  Do you have a project that is beckoning you to finish?  Why put it off?  Dive in and find out how rewarding it feels to accomplish something, no matter how big or small your project is.  I cheer you on!  

Whatever you do in word or deed, 

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.  

Colossians 3:17

The 3-Generation-GLITS-Gals wish  you 

a jivin' January!

My daddy bought me a pair of skates
 and took me ice skating every Saturday.
We twirled and danced on the ice.
When I was a little girl

www.sharonleaf.com
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Glam in the New Year...but remember to....

Glam it up!

Destiny says, "Glam in the New Year!" 

Workout!

Jacquie says, "Remember to workout first."  

Journal!

Sharon says, "Make sure you journal; otherwise, believe me, by next year you'll forget what you did on this New Year's Eve."

The GLITS Gals wish you the best year ever in 2014!  It's all about LOVE, friendship, faith, and forgiveness.  Embrace God and He will give you the desires of your heart.

See you next year!

www.sharonleaf.com
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Christmas Glam Time!

GLITS Gals ~ December 2013
Christmas time at the Riverbank Zoo, Columbia, SC

It's Christmas!

We may run, walk, skate, drive, or fly,

but let us never lose sight of 

the Reason for the season,

or miss a chance to see a snowflake on the way.

Sharon:   Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  And the busiest.  In the hustle and bustle of the days ahead, lets not forget the Reason for the Season.  Jesus!  Christmas carols fill the sound waves on the radio and in our local churches.  And of course there's the shopping for family and our special friends.  Take your time shopping.  Choose wisely.  Gifts don't have to have money written all over them.  Let your presents come from your heart.  Jacquie already gave me a little Christmas bag full of little goodies ... a small candle with ice skates, peppermints, dark-chocolat candy bar, peppermint lotion... all yummies she knew I'd savor.  So thoughtful.

Me and Jacquie's mom-in-law playing in the snow
at Riverbank Zoo
December 2013

A few tips for the Christmas season from the GLITS Gals:

Jacquie:  Park a few spaces farther when you go to the busy shopping malls.  Enjoy walking those stores!  Go ahead and eat your favorite holiday food -- just remember to drink your morning smoothie and to drink extra water.

Destiny:  Go ahead!  Add a splash of red to your lips, cheeks, and wardrobe.  And don't forget the glitzy red nail polish.  

Sharon:  Any readers on your Christmas List?  Order a signed copy of my novel, Lady and the Sea, (also available on www.amazon.com and e-books) on my website:  www.sharonleaf.com

The GLITS Gals wish you a very Merry Christmas

and oceans of blessings for the New Year!  

Unto us a child is born

A Savior

Christ the Lord!

Have a GLITS-ee Thanksgiving!

Eat well.  Love well.

Smiles bring sunshine to any gloomy autumn day

We're thankful for the great outdoors!

The GLITS (Girls-Living-In-The-South) Gals want to wish you a happy, thankful Thanksgiving!

As we spend time with family, remember:  Don't judge.   Love. Sprinkled with laughter and lots of glitz!  

Enjoy your feast with family and friends, then go for a nice afternoon walk.  Remember to journal your memories because I guarantee that you won't remember them five years from now ... or even a year from now.  

May God's blessings fill your Thanksgiving holiday!

www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Sharon: 'Get your Autumn Glam on!'

Flying over the Cascade Mountains
October 2013

Summer's over.  Autumn is here.  And with that, our surrounding colors change, from the leaves on the trees to the colors in your wardrobe; from your home decor to the color of your lipsticks.  Our colors turn from summer cool to autumn warm, so look for those burnt oranges, deep chocolates, and flaming reds (Destiny found hers) for your wardrobe, make-up and home decor.

Destiny is busy helping Jacquie
get her GLAM on!

"Open those eyes real big, Mom," Destiny instructs.

A few Autumn TiPs:  

   Pick out what you're going to wear the night before; this will save time when you're dashing around with coffee in hand.

   Make sure you start the day with a healthy smoothy (in one of Jacquie's previous blogs).
 
   Brighten your smile with a burnt orange lipstick.  Oh yeah, don't forget to brush those pearly-whites.  I can apply my make-up in five minutes, so there's no excuse not to add some GLAM to your pretty little face.  The hair?  Well, that's another story, and since I don't like fussing with my hair, I take every short-cut possible.

   Take time to go for a brisk early morning walk, or a leisurely evening stroll.  As the days grow colder and darker, exercising is essential.  Choose something you love to do...well, perhaps like is a better word (the GLITS gals love to zumba once a week together at the local dance studio)

I found my Autumn blouse!

Now, wasn't that fun and easy?  Now, go out and knock em' dead!   Be joyful.  Our joy comes from the Lord, so spend time with Him.  Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Go in peace.
  The presence of the Lord be with you
on  your way.

Judges 18:6 NKJV

  www.sharonleaf.com

Sharon: One Direction or another...

Girls just wanna have fun!
(at One Direction summer movie 2013)

Summer's winding down and a touch of autumn is in the air.  The 3-Generation GLITS Gals are getting into an autumn groove so please have patience.  We'll be bringing you nutrition tips, Diva advise, and encouragement to dream those dreams!

Destiny on the cover of a
So-Cal magazine (2009)

SaSuBe Classes all summer long
(don't let Destiny & Jacquie know that I took this photo!)

www.sharonleaf.com
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Announcement: Gone for the Summer!

Destiny's sun-shiny summer look!

Fun on Lake Murray with Jacquie & Sharon

Gone for the Summer!  

Here's wishing you happy sun-shiny days

and oceans of blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Happy Father's Day!

Jacquie's 'Daddy Robby'

Daddy and me
 2012

It's Your Special Day!  Enjoy!

To our grandfathers, to our brothers,

to our dads, to all others

who make our lives easier, funnier, and wiser.

To our uncles, to our boy-pals, 

Happy Father's Day from the 3-Generation GLITS Gals.

Destiny & her Dad at her high school graduation
2009

www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com
www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Sharon says, "Summer's here! Get down with your bad self!"

Keeping cool in Belize

Summer's here so if we want to stay cool we must shed some of our clothes. Yay!  And perhaps a few pounds.  Bummer.  I've been trying to shed some pounds for months now, with not much success.  I lose ten, gain six.  Lose two, gain one.  So today I made a decision.  Whether I lose or not, I am going to join our Golden Hills Country Club so I can have access to that gorgeous swimming pool.  My plan: to drive our golf cart down the lane, park it, and lounge by the the cool blue sparkling waters all summer long.  In the mornings, at midday, or at twilight.  And while I'm there, I'm going to float on my back, dog paddle, and perhaps swim a few laps.  I refuse to allow these extra pounds keep me from enjoying my sun-filled southern sultry summer days.  

I've already joined my daughter and granddaughter for a night out dancing at the club (a one-hour weekly www.SaSuBe.com dance class.)  All I can say is WOW, what a work-out!  I'm sure that I'm making my Aunt Eunice proud.  Since entering my mid-sixties, I've learned that no matter how much, or how little, we do for our health, the important thing is to keep moving.  Do I hear a big Amen?  Okay, a little one will do.

How about you?  What can you do this summer to get down with your bad self ?  Perhaps walk the dog an extra block?  Park the car a little farther from the Piggly Wiggly Market?  Don't shut me down now ... you know I'm right.  Okay, I can hear someone saying,  'So why don't you walk to the pool instead of drive your cute little golf cart?'  Bummer, again.

Remember, whatever you do, be creative--have fun with it and add a smile to that pretty face--you always look better when you're smiling!

I wish you smooth summer days and may oceans of creativity flood your soul.

Popcorn always looks cool!

Why hasn't anyone asked me to go clubbing?

www.sharonleaf.com

A few tips for Mother's Day from the GLITS Gals

Mother's Day flowers from son, Shawn 2009

The GLITS gals have a few tips for Mother's Day...

Destiny:  Give a 'goody bag' of lotion, cleansing cream, make-up, whatever you think your mom would enjoy.  You can spend a lot, or if you're on a budget like me, take a trip to your local drug store (CVS, Long's).  Give mom something that she would never buy for herself that will bring out the diva in her!

Jacquie:  How about a gift card for a massage?  Whether an hour, or even 30 minutes, your mother will feel like a new woman!

Sharon:  If your mother is a reader, may I suggest LADY and the SEA, a novel based on my true story.  You can purchase my book through Amazon.com, E-books, or go to my website at www.sharonleaf.com.  After reading, look out!  Your mom will be ready to take on the next adventure that comes her way.

Now, after applying her diva make-up and having a soothing massage, good ol' mom will look and feel like a million dollars when she curls up with her new book!

Whatever you can afford, big or small, make sure you give your mother a big hug, or if she lives far away, a phone call will do just fine.  But let's remember ... the most important gift of all is love.

GLITS Gals enjoying an afternoon on Lake Murray

We wish you health and blessings for
 MOTHER'S DAY!!

www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

www.sharonleaf.com

Destiny says, A little blush here, a little eye shadow there ...

Before ...

After!

As my Aunt Eunice says, 

"Make-up covers up a multitude of sins."

It doesn't take much to add a little glamour to your life.  I always like to use my Grama Leaf as an example because she needs all the help she can get ... kidding.  Actually, she enjoys getting glamorized, and Grampa Leaf has no complaints either.

So here we go ... after applying a light foundation, brush on a pink blush on your cheeks to add some life to your face.  Then with the finger of your choice, rub on a white frosted shadow just below your eyebrows and around the outer eye ... both eyes.  And there you are!  

Doesn't life feel more glamorous?  And thanks to you, you will add a splash of glamour to those around you.

Show a little Diva in your life and have a beautified day!

www.maccosmetics.com

Jacquie asks, "Are YOU getting enough sleep?"

Are you getting enough sleep?

I know getting enough sleep is sometimes hard to come by.  Some of us get so wound up it is hard to fall asleep, or because we are busy all day the moment we start to settle down our mind goes racing a mile a minute.  Some of us have the ill fortune of sleeping with someone who snores, or others have children who love to wake up in the middle of the night and climb into bed with you.

In my case, I have a sweet six-month-old Labrador Retriever who feels the need to scratch on our bedroom door around 3am every night to let him out to go potty, which at times turns into a play fest.

At any rate, sleep is a vitally important thing to help us live healthier lives.

Sleep: A Powerful Painkiller

Getting a good night's sleep not only makes you more alert, it also reduces your sensitivity to pain. A study that examined the effects of a good night's sleep said that when participants slept an additional 1.8 hours a night or at least 8-9 hours a night their sensitivity to pain was reduced more than if they had 60mg of codeine, a powerful narcotic painkiller. Additional sleep (or just getting enough of it) can greatly help those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions.

So take a warm bath, drink some chamomile tea, and get to bed early tonight. Sweet dreams.

 Health and blessings!

Lotto & Ricky Bobby: getting healthy while they sleep!

www.lifewellnesscentersc.com

Spring break

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

"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