Detox Waters

Water. We all need water. You should be drinking about three liters everyday. That sounds like so much, especially because we don't always drink just water! We like add sugar and flavoring or even carbonation. So here are some different detox water recipes that not only taste good but at the same time flush the harmful toxins out of your body! 

minty:

1. fill a mason jar with water

2. cut thin cucumber slices and add a few 

Photo Courtesy of Diva Wish  

3. mix in a handful of chopped mint leaves

4. add ice cubes and enjoy

classic:

1. fill mason jar with water

2. cut two lemons into thin slices and add

3. add ice cubes and enjoy

berry:

1. fill a mason jar with water

2. add 1/4 cup raspberries

3. add 1/4 cup blueberries

4. add 1/4 cup strawberries

5. add ice cubes and enjoy

lemon & lime:

1. fill a mason jar with water

2. slice 1 lime into thin pieces and add

3. slice 1 lemon into thin pieces and add

4. add ice cubes and enjoy

*For a more flavor refrigerate your drinks for 20-30 minutes before drinking*

Uses:

• Water is just plain good for us, but it mainly helps us flush nasty toxins through our system which makes it easier for our organs like the liver and kidney to do their jobs! 

• Mint leaves add a refreshing flavor to your drink and also helps you digest more effectively. It also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.

• Lemon/Lime helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track. This helps when you have a stomach ache!

• Watermelon/Cucumber helps flush out toxins, it helps the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia which is damaging to cells. 


Making these is so easy! I like bringing these drinks to school and soccer just for a little extra to my water. And you can add whatever fruits you want: pineapple, blueberries, oranges, pomegranate, etc. It's fun to experiment and see what you can make.  Detox waters also help you burn fat depending on what ingredients you using...  Here's another website with even more recipes for you to try: 20 Delicious Detox Waters to Cleanse Your Body and Burn Fat

It's That Time Of The Year Again...

Hey guys so it's getting colder and lots of people are getting sick. I know at my school there are lots of different colds are going around and I've already gotten sick, TWICE! At first I just had a runny nose just like a normal cold and then right when I recovered, I caught another cold with a sore-throat and a nasty cough that lasted for 3 weeks! It sucks. So to help you if you get sick, here are a few tips...

If you have a cold:

• Always tissues with you to blow your nose constantly
• Drink lots of honey and lemon tea
• Sleep as much as possible, your body needs time to recover on its own ****
• Turn a humidifier or a vaporizer on in your room **
• Take a long, hot bath or shower to clear out your nose

If you have a fever:

• Lower the temperature of your room ***

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest 

• Get lots of rest ****
• Eat cold foods like popsicles or ice cream ***
• Drink different herbal teas
• Don't try to exercise

If you have the flu:

• Be sure to stay hydrated, drink lots of water
• Wash your hands frequently
• Eat healthy food
• Use a heating pad for comfort
• Blow your nose often

If you have a sore throat:

• Gargle with warm salt water
• Stay warm, bundle up in blankets
• Drink honey and lemon tea
• Use a humidifier **
• Drink a lot of fluids


It's also super important to remember a few things:
     1. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing to prevent your germs from spreading
     2. Constantly wash your hands to keep yourself safe from other peoples germs
     3. You can stay home for a day or two when you're sick so you don't get anyone else sick
     4. Don't drink out of other peoples water bottles or anything, this spreads germs super fast
     5. Take the medication needed to recover, believe me, I went through a phase where I refused to take any medicine at all, but it's the medicine that helps you recover the most


** A vaporizer or humidifier moistens your nasal passages making it easier to breathe
*** It's important to try to get your body temperature down, inside and out
**** Getting lots of rest allows your body to recover on its own


Getting sick is the worst. It's the time when you sit and ponder your life choices and think about what it was like when you were healthy. I love sitting in my bed and watching Netflix! Getting sick during school is the worst if you have a mom like mine who doesn't let me come home unless I'm throwing up. But if you got lucky with a mom who will be at your school in minutes along with Starbucks and food for you then congrats. I'm jealous.

Seasonal Sensation: Gingerbread Houses

One of my favorite things to make around Christmas time is a gingerbread house. I love being able to decorate it by myself and see how everyone else decorated theirs. Anyways, here's a recipe and some extra tips for decorating!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light molasses
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water

*Preheat oven to 375º F*


Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together. Cream until the mixture is smooth
2. Add the flour and water to make a stiff dough
3. Chill for 30 minutes, or until firm
4. Cut out the following paper patters for your template:
   - 2 rectangles, 3 by 5 inches SIDES OF HOUSE
   - 2 rectangles, 3 by 5 1/2 inches ROOF
   - 2 pieces, 3 in at base, 3 in to roof line, and slated to a peak 5 1/2 in from bottom ENDS

5. Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large, rimless cookie sheet
6. Place your templates on the dough, then with a straight-edge knife cut around the patterns
7. Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes until dough feels firm
8. Take pieces out of oven and place patterns on top of ginger bread again

Picture Courtesy of Love This Pic

9. Trim shapes again, then leave on baking sheet to cool



For Royal Icing:

• 1 pound (3 3/4 cups) powdered sugar
• 1-2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla or lemon juice


Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth and thick enough to be pressed through a pastry bag


Building Your Gingerbread House:

1. Put royal icing into into a pastry bag with writing tip to pipe designs like doors, windows, etc.
2. Let your frosting harden
3. Glue the front, back and sides of the house together using your royal icing
4. Prop up until icing is dry (it should only take a few minutes)
5. Glue the roof on using royal icing and let dry again
6. Decorate how you want using gumdrops, licorice, gum balls, M&M's an etc.
7. Finally, place your house where everyone can see it!


Making gingerbread houses is a fun way to get creative. So make sure you put your own twist on it because that's the point! There are also a lot of different recipes you can look at like Martha Stewarts!

** If you want you can pick the candy off your house once you've had it around long enough but the gingerbread might be too stale to take a bite **
     

All Nighter Study Session Not Working?

During our last week of the quarter, everyone has a final in almost every class. And along with the tests comes a lot of studying. Everyone has their different ways to study but I usually stay up all night the day before a test, and then I study. Not very smart. I know I'm not the only one who does this though, so I found some helpful things to remember during study time.

1. Find a place to study. Not your bed or a couch because it's easier to relax, space-off and fall asleep. So, study at a desk or your kitchen table! Make sure you have everything you need you so don't waste time getting up over and over again.


2. Turn off all distractions. Put your phone on silent, turn off the TV and make sure there aren't a lot of people around you.


3. Flashcards. If you're studying any vocabulary, grab some flashcards and study them whenever you can. If carrying around flashcards doesn't work for you try Quizlet. 


4. Eat healthy snacks while you study. Don't have cookies, chips or soda. Have some fruit and veggies to keep your brain moving.


5. Take breaks every once and a while. No one can study for 2 hours straight and get all the information, so relax and clear your mind. You can go on your phone, go for a walk or watch TV. Your break should only last about 15-20 minutes.

Photo Courtesy Of: Tumblr

I am not a good role model when it comes to studying.... Just remember to study early, don't wait for the night before to study. It's actually been proven that studying the night before results in lower test grades because you might think you know it, but your brain needs more time to sort the information and think about it.

Outfits and Clothing: Fall Essentials

Fall is hear but winter is near! I love this time of year because it's sweater weather, and everyone knows sweater weather is better! I love bundling up when it's cold outside, watching the leaves change color and being able to buy warm drinks at Starbucks. Then the snow comes! Living in Park City, how could you not like the cold weather?! Anyways, here are a few outfits sorted according to your style:

Comfy:

•Aztec Sweater
•Black Leggings or Jeans
• Combat Boots
• Stockings peeking out of your boots

Photo Courtesy of: Fashion Place Face

Simple:

• Flannel
• White or Black cami underneath
• Leggings or Jeans
• Converse


Cute:

•High Waisted Jeans
• Cropped Knit Sweater
• Converse or Combat Boots or Uggs


Laid Back: 

• Oversized Knit Sweater
• Infinity Scarf
• Leggings
• Combat Boots or Uggs or Doc Martens


Girly:

• Skater Skirt
• Crop Top
• Long Cardigan 
• Converse



Which style is most like you? I find myself wearing the laid back look a lot...

There's obviously a lot ways you can change these outfits up, and you might not have everything. IMPROVISE! Make it even more YOU! However, if you were interested in buying any of this stuff, here are some different websites where I like to find my clothes: Pac Sun, and American Eagle  


TIP: When shopping for these things, bring your student ID! A lot of stores offer a 10% discount if you have it with you. And don't be afraid to ask, what's the worst that could happen?

Life Hacks

Often times I find my self in situations that I need a little help with. Thank the Lord for the internet because without it I wouldn't know what to do. Surfing the web looking for ways to help my hair grow, cure a headache and make my phone charge faster is one of my favorite hobbies! I could spend hours looking up useless tricks that I will probably never remember so maybe if I share them with you, you'll be able to remind me!

Photo Courtesy of: Imgur

1. Have a burnt tongue? Sugar can cure it!

2. Putting batteries in the refrigerator overnight, before you use them, will double their lifespan.

3. Paper cut? Use some Chapstick for quick healing!

4. Eating meat and dairy will help you stay tan during the winter.

5. Put dry tea bags in your shoes over night to soak up the stench.

6. Chew gum when you cut onions to avoid crying.

7. If you're embarrassed to buy something, buy a cheap birthday card with it!

8. Putting your phone on airplane mode will make it charge 3x faster.

9. Just refresh Pandora to skip a song without actually using any "skips".

10. Wash your conditioner out with cold water for shinier hair. 

11. Sore throat? Eat marshmallows!

12. Drink pineapple juice to avoid colds.

13. Mosquito bite? Press a hot spoon onto it to avoid itching! (I did this all summer with my bites and it works really well! Just make sure the spoon isn't too hot or you'll blister your skin 😳)

14. Headache? Drink Gatorade or Powerade to stop it!

15. Drinking black tea reduces lung damage.


Like I said, it's hard to remember these but who knows? Maybe that one time you get a sore throat, you remember to eat marshmallows! Let me know if you try any of these, and tell me if they work!

Seasonal Sensations: Popcorn Balls

POPCORN BALLS!!! One of my favorite things to eat and make! You see lots of different variations, but they all have the same basic ingredients. It's up to you to add in what you want to give it a little character! Popcorn balls make a great gift for teachers, bus drivers, friends and neighbors. From when I was six years old, I made these with my mom and sister. It's simple enough to make for a kindergartener to help but fun enough for the whole family!

Picture Courtesy of Martha Stewart 

Ingredients:

• 16 cups popped popcorn

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

• 2 tsp white vinegar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 tbsp salted butter

• 1 cup M&Ms

Directions:

1. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl

2. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper

3. Combine sugar, corn syrup and vinegar in a sauce pan over medium or high heat (stir until sugar dissolves)

4. Cook without stirring for 12-15 minutes, then remove from heat

5. Quickly stir in vanilla and butter until the butter is completely melted

6. Pour mixture over the popcorn and stir it in to completely coat popcorn

7. Let it sit for 3 minutes, stirring every once in a while

8. Form the mixture into 12 balls

------------- this is where I add my own creativity-------------------

9. Press 6-10 M&Ms around each ball to add some color and chocolate flavor

10. Let them cool at room temperature for a while until eating or packaging

You can do so many things to change this recipe up a little bit. For example, because Halloween is coming up in a few weeks, you could all candy corn! http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/10/popcorn-balls/You can also add food coloring at the same time you combine the sugar, corn syrup and vinegar which is cute around christmas time. As one final tip, I like to put the balls in cupcake holders just to make the presentation better, and to make it a little easier to package and eat.

Enjoy!