health: Rooibos tea time.

Everyone told me after I lived in England I would learn to like tea.  Sure enough, being asked numerous times, "Tea or Coffee?" eventually I found myself asking for tea.  There is nothing more soothing to me then having a cup of tea.  I especially have fallen in love with Vanilla Rooibos Tea, which I accidently ordered at Starbucks.  What I was surprised to learn were the amazing health benefits of Rooibos ("Red Bush") Tea which hails all the way from South Africa.

• Loaded with antioxidents (benefits your immune system)
• Naturally caffeine free
• Builds strong teeth and bones because of the calcium, manganese, and fluoride
• Relieves stomach cramps
• It is recommended to drink before bed as it helps with insomnia (it's even given to babies suffering from colic!)
• Great for your skin because it contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc (can even help clear acne)

This tea tastes much better than green tea and some studies show it may even be better for you.  You can find Tazo Vanilla Rooibos Tea at Starbucks (I highly recommend a bit of milk and sugar) or simply add 1 tsp vanilla to plain Rooibos which is a bit easier to find in stores.  mmm tea time.

global citizenship: the colonel, my dad

my parents.

Global citizenship is a concept I have always been familiar with.  The importance of giving back, servant hood, and being globally aware are all things my parents have encouraged throughout my entire life.  One of the best examples of a global citizen is my father, LTC Curt Lapham, or "the Colonel" as he is known to many.  He has served 30 years in the United States Army, in 47 countries, internationally knighted twice (the Netherlands and Sweden), 11 years of deployment, 2 years of direct combat, and he even holds his pastoral credentials.  

Working as a full time teacher running the Jackson Area Career Center JROTC program and a university professor in the evenings, he still manages to actively teach and volunteer at our church.  The JROTC program, which started seven years ago, currently has 157 cadets and has earned 4,470 community service hours this year alone.  A lot of the cadets come from broken homes or troubled backgrounds and my dad, a father figure to many, has been able to make a positive impact on numerous lives.  My dad provides the perfect example of being an amazing citizen globally, nationally, and locally.  

"The best way to make a difference in the community is by motivating young people to be great citizens through servant leadership.  In the military I learned how to blow up and destroy things.  The second part of my life I wanted to build things up, what a great thing to build up, young people."  -LTC Lapham

travel: Winchester, England

With Royal Wedding fever driving many Americans to the UK, it is the perfect time to recommend that one of my favorite cities be added to your itinerary.  Winchester is located in southern England in Hampshire county.  It is about an hour by train from London, about two by coach, and where I spent the past year studying.  The ancient capital of England, Winchester has all the character, history, and charm that most tourists hope to find on their British adventure.

The perfect blend of country and city there is so much to do in the city of Winchester...all within walking distance of the train.  Stroll along the River Itchen, visit a ruined castle, see the house where Jane Austen died, visit Winchester Cathedral, do some shopping, have tea at Ginger Two, and enjoy a night out in one of the most charming pubs in England, the Black Boy (where I have spotted non other than Radiohead's lead singer, Thom Yorke).  Pack a picnic and climb St. Catherine's Hill at sunset for the perfect view of the city.  Winchester is not to be missed! Spend the extra $40 by train or $10 by coach from London. visit winchester.co.uk

fashion: step 1

Want to completely change your style?  Step 1:  Stop wearing white socks all the time.  A dashing British friend of mine pointed out to me that most of the world can identify an American by their white socks and tennis shoes (trainers).  Your fashion sense may never develop if you don't make this one simple change.  My mother insists she has to wear her Adidas running shoes at the mall because they are more comfortable and it is true they are better for your feet when walking a lot.  However, try wearing something a little more stylish like Converse All Stars or a cute oxford shoe, comfy- but still cute!  Leave the white socks and tennis shoes for the gym.

and so it began...

I realize that it is a broad range of topics, fashion, travel, health, and global citizenship, but I like to write about things I love or am passionate about.  Whether it is to provide advice, basic tips, or raise awareness about important issues I love to write so here we go...