40 Days Junk Food Free

Lent is a time for sacrifice. Many people give up something like chocolate, snacking, sleeping in, ice cream, cookies, etc. However, I, Sapphire, have taken it to the next level. I am giving up junk food for 40 days.

Junk food includes, soda, candy, chocolate, cake, ice cream, French fries, crackers, cookies, pudding, frosting, chips and so on. I admit. It is a big challenge especially with my sister, Andrea's birthday in the middle of lent!

If I am ever hungry, I look in the pantry, select an item and ask myself, is this junk food? If my answer is yes, then I put it back. It is hard having to turn down junk food that is offered. However, this experience is making me a much stronger and healthier person. Even if you are not Christian, you should try it!

Sport Decisions

As humans we need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercising helps you to be happy because you release Endorphin (happy hormones.) Playing sports play a huge roll in your happiness, health and life span.

Here are a list of the top 5 sports to try. 

5. Basketball 

As a basketball player, you have to be extremely quick. There is a lot of running in this sport which is very healthy for your heart. There is both upper and lower body strength. 

4. Tennis 

Tennis is a good sport to get into because you don't need a team to play, just a friend. You use your arms to swing the racket and lots of quick foot movements. 

3. Cross County 

Cross county is also great because it involves a lot of endurance and stamina. You only need yourself and  a competitor to play. 

2. Soccer 

Personally, my favorite sport is soccer. You feel so open and free when you play. There is a lot of quickness and endurance in this spectacular sport! You can kick the ball around by yourself, or, you can get some friends together to play 5 on 5 or 6 on 6. 

1. Swimming

This sport you only need yourself and a pool. You are using almost every single muscle in your body. If you can choose between swimming or running, choose swimming because you are exercising your core, leg and arm muscles. 

There are of course many other sports to consider!
 

Remember: Always try out for school sports. Even if you don't want to because you many regret it later. For example, I was having second thoughts about trying out for my school basketball team. I tried out and it turns out it was a fantastic experience. Trust me and try out!

 

Beautiful Skin in Days

Nowadays, it looks like everybody has beautiful skin. Why is that? The answer is Photoshop and makeup. Do you want healthy, natural-looking skin that glows? Follow these simple steps to achieve that super skin.

1. Wash
Gently wet your face with warm water. Find a skin cleanser that is right for you. I recommend Cetaphil because it works for almost any skin type. Gently apply and scrub face. Rise with warm water and dry. Remember to wash every day. (Best to do it in the shower.)

2. Apply Lotion, Ointment or Cream
It is always important to hydrate your skin. I highly recommend Egyptian Magic because it hydrates, replenishes and beautifies your skin. I also recommend Cetaphil Lotion because it hydrates almost any skin type. Apply moderately. (Use lotion after washing because your pores are open and ready for lotion!)

3. In the Meantime...
While your skin is being treated by products, you can speed up the process by exercising, eating right and drinking water. Exercising is a great way to make you happy and make all of you healthy. Including your skin. Eating right is the most important. You are what you eat, they always say. Eating healthy will make you healthy. Drinking water helps to replenish your body and to make new skin cells grow. If you want to grow out your hair as well, drink water.

4. Time to Hit the Hay
Sleep. Something our body needs for survival. It not only helps us physically, but also mentally. We need at least 8 hours of sleep each day. It is always better to sleep more. When we sleep, our bodies grow, loose weight and replenish. Sleep is also when your skin repairs itself. For best skin results, SLEEP!

Spring Cleaning

We have all heard it. Spring cleaning. But what does it really mean? Dusting under sofas, sterilizing carpets? I think of it as a time to redecorate, or, if you want to go big, call it restyle.

Redecorating is changing up decorations and maybe even the color theme of the room. Restyling is getting new furniture and a new look, in my eyes. If you don't want to go as light as redecorating, or as big as restyling, her are some helpful hints and secrets of a spring friendly room.

1. Tones are Key
My favorite color is a rosy pink. However, I don't want the color of my walls to be pink. I stuck with a plain beige wall color and spruced up the room with pink, black and white accents. If my new favorite color in 4 years is blue, all I need to do is change the decorations and comforter.

It is always important to go light, then add dark accents. A dark room feels small and crowded, a light colored room makes the room seem open, fresh, crisp and clean. Adding decorations like antiques, flowers, vases and other decorative pieces add beauty to a room for less!

2. Yard Sales, Thrift Shop Galore
Always be on the lookout for yard sale signs. You never know what you will find. If you come across a sofa and you like the shape but not the color, don't ditch it! Simply reupholster it! Reupholstering is where you provide different types of furniture with a new covering. You can do it yourself  by buying fabric or have someone else do it for you, just bring your desired fabric. You can do the same with thrift shops!

3. Trending Colors of Spring 2015

Using decorations cooler tones with splashes of warm tones will guarantee you the perfect room. For more information, visit http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11

For help redecorating or restyling your room, please email me at sapphireficklonni@gmail.com or leave me a comment!