51 Ways to Love You #7 - Love the Ones You're With!

I always say my two greatest accomplishments are my sons. I absolutely adore them. Yes, there are times when I'm upset with them...but that quickly ends and I find myself getting teary-eyed when I think of them.

When God blessed me with my sons, I wondered to myself - "Lord what were you thinking...ME a mother of two bouncy boys!" Let me explain, I've always been and still am a girly-girl and to see myself delving into "boy" activities seemed like such a diversion from the true me. It's funny how life works, my sons accept me for who I am (and appreciate my feminine qualms), and like I always tell them...UBU :)

Mother's Day '12 - My husband took this picture while we were sharing a funny story. I love it!

My greatest days are when I'm supporting my sons in their endeavors, or when they're volunteering with A Daughter's Heart or other charity events; and the best times are when we're spending quality time as a family. They know that when me and their father say, "Let's load up the family wagon!" They know we're in for some good times because our family motto is - Have Car Will Travel. Oh how we've had some awesome times.

One of our many family outings :)

So, suggestion #7 on 51 Ways to Love You is to Love the Ones You're With. This is the best secret to bringing a spark of radiance and beauty into your life...I promise :)

Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda

51 Ways to Love You #6: Live Life Beautifully!

Today's suggestion for 51 Ways to Love You represents what life is all about at Blossom and A Daughter's Heart. Regardless of what we're going through...if we could just grasp hold of this simple belief...we will begin to live our lives to the fullest. Wouldn't you agree that life is beautiful?

A rose in bloom...

The laughter of children...

The spirit of a heart that volunteers to a worthy cause...

A beautiful smile...

and going barefoot in the grass...

So wouldn't you agree that...



Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda

51 Ways to Love You #5: Scrub-a-dub-dub

There comes a time in everyones life when your skin needs a good scrubbin'. Oh yes, a perfect way to pamper the skin is to treat it to a nice body polish. The benefits for using natural body scrubs include the aiding of the skin in the exfoliation process, or removal of dead skin cells, and help loosen ingrown hairs, stimulate circulation, and lift away dirt and excess oil. Though salt and sugar scrubs are both equally popular, I tend to prefer sugar scrubs because they have less of a tendency to irritate the skin. In addition, sugar has natural glycolic acid that works on a chemical level to dissolve dead cells and clarify the skin. Follow the recipe below for an all skin type body scrub that you can make at home:

In a bowl combine 1/4 cup plain sugar or sea salt with 1/4 cup warmed olive oil. Stir together. Gently massage onto your body with your hands, wash cloth or mitt using slight pressure. Rinse with warm water, then towel dry. Your skin will look and feel beautiful!

Please note: Do not use the above scrub on your face. It's too harsh and may cause irritation. If you use in the shower, PLEASE BE CAREFUL not to slip, and make sure to clean the shower or tub thoroughly from any remaining oil residue. Also, as always, if you're under the care of a doctor, please check to see if using body scrubs and polishes are OK.


Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda

In Celebration of all Women...

Happy Mother's Day from A Daughter's Heart!

51 Ways to Love You #4: Give Your Skin a Drink

Click HERE and listen to the sound of waves

For many years now, I have placed on my makeup table, an atomizer (natural toner) that I use to refresh my skin and to set my makeup. My favorite brand is La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. I absolutely love the way it gives a natural drink to my sometimes parched skin. During the hot and dry California summer months, I carry my atomizer in my bag for quick pick-me-ups throughout the day. My face loves it!

Natural skin toners have been used for centuries to refresh, pamper and gently scent the skin and air. During my recent visit to my favorite neighborhood day spa - Prism, during a portion of my ultimate facial experience, to help me relax, the esthetician sprayed lavender mist into the steam which then allowed the fragrance to permeate the air and to quench my skin. Heaven :) Next is a list of toner recipes that you can use any time of day or immediately after cleansing to remove traces of cleanser and prepare your skin for moisturizer. Simply apply with a cotton ball, as a splash, or a light mist from an atomizer spray bottle.

Instant Pep-Me-Up: Store your toner in the refrigerator so that on hot summer days, the mist will give your skin an instant chill.

Toner Recipes:
Brew a cup of strong peppermint tea. Chill it, and use it to remove excess oil and shine from your skin. Is also great for conquering a nagging headache.

Brew a cup of strong chamomile tea, chill and use to soften and moisturize. Try this recipe during winter months when skin dehydrates and chaps easily.

For itchy, sensitive skin, pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds. Steep fro 10 minutes. Strain and chill.

Search online for the different benefits of herbs so that you can create your own herbal toners. And as always, if you're under a physicians care, please check before beginning any herbal treatments.

Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda

Glenda On...Looking Back

Image from Crush Cul De Sac

We hear this saying time and time again - "Don't look back. Keep your eyes focused ahead." How many times in my life have I heard this spoken rule? Too many to count. So I ponder this...Is looking back always a bad thing to do? In my opinion, there are times when looking back, isn't all that bad. You can draw from experiences, both good or bad, that may help in a present situation. What's the old saying..."If we forget our past, we're bound to repeat it." Then if we never look back and keep our eyes solely on the future, how then do we prevent ourselves from repeating our past mistakes?

Image from Crush Cul De Sac

The key to experiencing positive results, when looking back at difficult situations, is to see them as learning experiences. In my 46 years of life, I can proudly say that I've been through many difficult times, and also, times of great joy. I have discovered that looking back, often times, reveals the most beautiful details.

Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda

Ruby Award Winner - Glenda Harrison

This past Thursday evening, April 26, 2012, I received the Soroptimist International Ruby Award, representing the Chino Valley. The banquet was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario California, and it was a fabulous event. It was a very humbling experience to be among other women who were also nominated and won for various categories. The entire evening I sat stunned and kept thinking to myself..."I can't believe this is happening to me. Are they sure they have the right Glenda?"

After a delicious dinner, award recipients were called to the stage, where a host read our biography and then one by one, we were escorted to the podium, where we had to say a small speech. Excerpts from my speech:

"I am extremely humbled and surprised beyond belief. But I thank you. As I was waiting to come to the podium, I realized that the Ruby is not only the name of this great award, it is also the birthstone of my beloved mother. It is hard for me to accept this award. So, I want to accept this award in honor of my mother and all the women who find themselves on the cancer journey...they are the true rubies. Thank you."

So there I sit in the photo above with an impressive variety of recognitions and awards from Senator Diane Feinstein, Assembly Members, Members of Congress and County Supervisors; along with a great monetary donation to A Daughter's Heart from the Soroptimist Chino Valley. A donation that will help us continue our mission of Fighting Cancer Beautifully.

Live Life Beautifully,
Glenda