Concerning the lighting of the Shabbat candles - I was told that Spharadi girls must first pronounce the Bracha and then light the candles. I have been taught, mainly by the Chabad organization nearby, to first light the candles and then say the Bracha. Is this Spharadi custom true, and should I adopt it even though I have accustomed myself to perform the Mitzvah the opposite way?

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Spharadim) one must first say the Bracha and then light the candles, like any other Mitzvah (Bracha before action), according to the Rm"a (Ashkenazim) - first light candles and then say the Bracha. You should perform the Mitzvah according to Spharadi custom - first say the Brachca and then light the candles. Rabbi Ro'i Margalit