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https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Dry-Erase-Erasers | How to Clean Dry Erase Erasers | Dry erase eraser can easily be cleaned using a few household items. Try soaking the erasers in a pan of hot water and a little dish soap for 20 minutes, which should draw the ink out. You can also spray the erasers with a garden hose to remove the ink. Just be sure to do this over a patch of grass so you don't get ink on the sidewalk. If your eraser is extra dirty, scrub a little toothpaste onto it with a wet washcloth before hosing it off. Once your eraser is clean, set it in the sun to dry completely before using it again. | Fill a pan with soapy water. Place about 1 Tablespoon (14.7 ml) of dish soap into a shallow pan about with 1 quart (946 ml) of hot water. Be aware that the ink from the erasers may stain the pan. Soak the erasers. Place the erasers into the pan of hot water and leave them to soak for 20 minutes (or more). Then rinse them under running water until all ink is removed and the water runs clear. Set the erasers in the sun. In order for you to be able to use the dry erasers, they must be completely dry. The best way to effectively dry them out after washing is to set them in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours. Choose a spot where you can make a mess. When you clean your dry erase erasers with a garden hose, you will end up spraying inky-colored water on the ground. So first, choose a location to do your cleaning, ideally on a patch of grass. Spray the erasers with the hose. Bring your dry erase erasers outside, set them on the ground, and spray them with your hose. If your hose has multiple settings, use the most powerful one. The power from the hose spray will penetrate the cracks of the eraser and remove the ink. Continue until the water runs clear. Set the erasers in the sun. Place your dry erasers in direct sunlight and let them sit for 1-2 hours. Do not attempt to use the erasers until they are completely dry. In the meantime, put away your garden hose. Apply toothpaste to your erasers. A gentle, yet slightly abrasive cleanser (like toothpaste) is great for cleaning dry erase erasers. Apply a line of toothpaste to the bottom of each eraser you want to clean. Scrub them with a wet cloth. Using a wet washcloth, scrub the eraser in a circular motion. Try to spread the toothpaste across the whole eraser. Be aware that the ink is likely to stain the washcloth you are using. Rinse them under running water and dry them in the sun. Hold each eraser under warm running water until all ink and toothpaste is removed and the water runs clear. Then set the erasers outside in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours until they are dry. | Fill a pan with soapy water. Soak the erasers. Set the erasers in the sun. Choose a spot where you can make a mess. Spray the erasers with the hose. Set the erasers in the sun. Apply toothpaste to your erasers. Scrub them with a wet cloth. Rinse them under running water and dry them in the sun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Dyson-Filter | How to Clean a Dyson Filter | To clean a Dyson filter, check the manufacturer's manual first to locate the filter and view the cleaning instructions. Unplug the vacuum and open the chamber to pull the filter out. Depending on your model, you may have to press a button to unlock the filter. Pre-soak the filter by placing it into a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Then, run the filter under a steady stream of cold water for 5 minutes, rubbing and squeezing the filter until the water passing through is clear. Tap off the excess water and lay the filter on a towel for 12-24 hours to dry. | Locate your vacuum’s serial number. Look for a sticker on your machine. Write down the first three digits of the serial number shown on the sticker. The sticker may be in one of the following places: on the back behind the hose; at the base between the wheels; behind the bin. If you're having trouble finding the sticker, navigate to http://www.dyson.com/support/findserialnumber.aspx. Select your model on Dyson’s support site. Navigate to http://www.dyson.com/support.aspx. Enter your serial number, if you have it. Otherwise, select the style of your machine. Choose the image and description that matches your machine. Select the topic “Wash the filter.” If you don't see an option for “Wash the filter,” view the user guide instead. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Find out how to remove filter, if needed. Determine which filters you should wash. Check how often to wash them. Determine whether your model's filter requires a pre-soak. Some models, such as the DC07, have a washable filter as well as a post-motor filter that never needs to be washed. Some models, such as the DC24 Multi Floor, have more than one washable filter. Most models' filters require washing every three to six months. However, Dyson 360 robot vacuum's pre-filter should be washed at least every month. Disconnect from any power source. Unplug the vacuum, if applicable. Switch the vacuum to OFF. Never attempt to open your vacuum cleaner when it is switched on or plugged in. Remove the filter. Open the vacuum carefully. Push the filter housing's release button, if your model has one. Separate the filter from its plastic housing, if applicable. Soak the filter, if applicable. Fill a bowl with cold water. Do not add any detergent to the bowl. Submerge the filter and allow it to soak for no less than five minutes. Some cordless models – such as DC35 and DC44 – require a pre-soak. Some upright vacuums, such as DC17, require a pre-soak. Others, such as DC24 Multi Floor, do not. Rinse the filter under cold water. Squeeze the filter gently as you rinse it. Continue rinsing and squeezing for at least five minutes, until the water from the filter runs clear. Some filters may require up to ten rinses until the water runs clear. Tap off the excess water. Shake off the filter over the sink. Tap the filter against your hand or the sink to expel extra droplets of water. Lay the filter in a warm, dry place. Set the filter down horizontally, unless your model's directions instruct otherwise. Never put your filter in a microwave, tumble dryer, or near an open flame. For example, leave your filter outside in the sunshine, or near (not on) a radiator. Allow the filter to dry completely. Leave the filter to air dry as long as needed. Make sure it is entirely dry before putting it back into your machine. Some upright and cordless models – such as DC07, DC15, DC17, and DC24 – should air dry for twelve hours. Some models – such as DC17 (upright) and 360 (robot) – should air dry for twenty-four hours. | Locate your vacuum’s serial number. Select your model on Dyson’s support site. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Disconnect from any power source. Remove the filter. Soak the filter, if applicable. Rinse the filter under cold water. Tap off the excess water. Lay the filter in a warm, dry place. Allow the filter to dry completely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blend-Eyeshadow | How to Blend Eyeshadow | To blend eyeshadow, start by covering your whole eyelid with a base color that goes well with your eye color and skin tone. Then, apply a second, darker eyeshadow color to the crease of your eyelid, starting at the outer corner of your eye and stopping short of the inner corner. Next, grab a new brush, or clean off the brush you used before, and blend out the center of your lid by making small circles across it with the brush. Finally, blend the crease color by moving the brush back and forth across your crease. | Find the crease of your eye. Depending on the shape of your eyelid, you may have a pronounced crease or a subtle one, but everyone has a crease in their eyelid. To find it, close your eyes half-way, then pull lightly up on your lid. Cover the whole lid in your base color. Choose a base color that works well for your eye color and/or skin tone, and dip your brush into it. Swipe the brush across the whole lid, following the crease you found in the previous step for your upper boundary. Don't apply color above the crease — it'll look strange! Choose your second color. A color that's slightly darker than your base shade will work best. This is the color that you'll apply in the crease to create the illusion of shadow and depth. Rub your brush on a towel or paper towel before dipping it into your second shade to prevent getting the first color into the palette for your second color. Apply the second color. Beginning at the outer corner of your eye, run the brush along the crease that you found in the first step. Make sure you apply this color evenly along the crease, but don't bring the color all the way down to the inner corner of your eyelid. Don't worry if there's a stark contrast between the two colors at this point — it should look a little strange at this point. Clean your brush or choose a new one. Because you want to blend together the makeup that's already on your eyelid, not add more makeup to the mix, make rub the brush against a clean cloth or paper towel in order to remove any remaining makeup from the bristles. A towel works a little better because of its rough texture, but paper towels don't require washing. Blend the center of the lid. Beginning once more at the outer corner of the eyelid, make small circles with your brush, moving inward until you've reached the center of your eyelid. Repeat this process from the inner corner of the eye. Although you should not be dragging your base color up into the crease color, you should be mixing the two colors gently with your circular brush motions. Blend the crease color. Move your brush back and forth across the crease of your eye like a windshield wiper, blending the color horizontally. Gradually move the brush downward toward the base color, keeping the brush moving in the same back-and-forth motion. Again, you should be gently drawing the crease color down into your base color, blending them together. Continue both blending processes until you're satisfied. Switch back and forth between blending the base color up with small, circular motions and blending the crease color down with sweeping back-and-forth motions until you can no longer see a stark distinction between the two colors. Don't over-blend, or you'll end up with overly dark, smudgy eyelids. Check your makeup. Especially when you're starting out, you might apply too much makeup and end up looking a little clownish. If you apply too much eye shadow, lightly dab at the excess eye-shadow with a piece of Kleenex or a cotton swab. If you're very unhappy and would like to start over, remove the makeup with makeup wipes or with eye makeup remover and a cotton swab, and begin again with a clean canvas. Always make sure your brushes are clean. This is the most important step for blending eye shadow properly. While you could use anything from your fingers to a tip to blend your eye shadow, clean brushes will result in a flawless blending effect. Spritz your brush with a daily cleanser every time you use it. Just spray it onto the brush and let it dry; this will prevent bacteria from growing in the bristles. Once a week, give your brushes a deep cleaning by using a gentle shampoo on it. Run the brushes under warm water to rinse out leftover makeup. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo or brush cleaner. Swirl your brush around in the water, dabbing it against the bottom of the bowl to separate the bristles. Rinse it under running water, repeating the process until no more makeup-colored water runs off the brush. Gently pat the bristles dry with a cloth or towel, then let them air dry. Choose your colors. For a dramatic, smoky look, you'll need four colors that will be blended together to draw attention to your eyes. Though you can choose specific shades to your liking, you'll need one black shadow, a dark brown shadow, a medium brown, and a highlight color that's fairly close to your natural skin tone. Beyond that, you'll need a fifth color that will serve as the base color for your lid. For the four blending shades, choose matte-finish products that blend more smoothly than shimmery products. Make eyeshadow more pigmented to add to the dramatic look. Apply the dark brown eye shadow. Using a thin, stiff dome brush that's good for buffing and blending, create a diagonal line that goes from the outside corner of the eye to the outside corner of the lid's crease. It should be a very short line. Begin pulling the shadow inward onto the lid, but not further than a quarter of the way across the lid. The color should be darker at the outside edges of your eyelids and fade as it moves inward. You should create a “C” shape on the outside corner of your eyelid — sweeping in a little bit in the crease and at the lash-line. Apply the medium brown eye shadow. Using the same brush, apply the medium brown shadow in a sideways, windshield-wiper motion just above the crease of your eyelid. It should see like you're brushing the bottom of the bone in your eyebrow. Apply and blend the highlight color. The highlight color should not draw a lot of attention to itself, but is used to complement the heavier colors beneath it by providing a contrast. As such, don't go nuts matting it onto your face. Using the same brush, apply it to the area between the medium color and your eyebrow. Use small circular motions to subtly blend it into the medium color below it. You should not be able to see a distinct line between the medium brown and the highlight color. Apply and blend the black shadow. For this color, you need more precision, so use a smaller brush that you used for the three previous shades. Apply the black shadow in exactly the same area and shape as the dark brown shadow you applied first. Because you're using a smaller brush this time, you should be able to see the dark brown color around the edges of the black shadow. Switch back to the larger brush to blend the colors together and soften the effect. Apply more dark brown over top the edges of the black if you need extra help softening the disparity between the colors. Keep buffing the outer corner of your eye in a “C” shape until the two colors have blended together in a natural way. Apply the base color. You can use any color you'd like on the center of your eyelid, but apply the product using a flat brush instead of a stiff dome brush for blending, use a flat brush that's better for packing the powder onto your skin. Apply the powder to the flat side of the brush. Press the flat side onto the eyelid to apply the powder. Don't cover the darker color you applied earlier to the outer edges of your eyes. Blend the colors one last time. Switching back to your dome brush for blending, gently buff the darker outside corner of the eye toward the base color, using small circular motions to blend out the distinct line separating them. Keep blending any parts of the eyelid that seem to have sudden changes in color rather than gradual transitions. Match your eye shadow to your eye color. Choosing the right color of shadow can draw out the beautiful tones in your eyes and really make them pop. Light, cool eyes (blue, gray): use warm colors to contrast against the cool color of your eyes. Don't apply heavy, saturated colors, though, as they might overwhelm your natural coloring. Brown eyes: you have a lot of options, because brown is a neutral color that works well with a variety of shades. You can use tan shades to subtly draw out the color of your eyes, or use dark or bright shades for a striking contrast. Green eyes: purples, pinks, and rusty reds will highlight the beauty of your eye color. Match your shadow to your skin tone. You skin is the canvas for your eye shadow, so you have to make sure that you're choosing shades that will work well with the color of your skin. If you have dark skin, avoid white and ashy shades, as they often seem to go on invisible over dark skin. If the color coming through from your skin below doesn't bring out the best in your shadow, it will look dull and lifeless on your eyes. Opt instead for deep and vibrant shades. Dark skin can hold up to a bold statement like shimmering gold or silver, or deep purple shades. If you have light skin, avoid grays and silvers, as they can draw out a sallow complexion in your skin. Deep, saturated colors might overwhelm your complexion, so avoid those as well. Instead, choose sheer colors that go on light and subtly highlight your eyes. Take the event and time of day into consideration. If you're going to work or running errands during the day, you might look like you've overdone it if you wear dark, heavy colors. During the day, either keep your colors fairly close to your natural skin tone, or use very light applications of colors that draw out your eye color. However, if you're going to a big party or out to a club, go big! Go for dramatic shades that draw attention to your face. Don’t try to match your eye shadow to your outfit. The makeup on your eyelids should be used to enhance your eyes, not your outfit. Matching your eye shadow to your outfit might look too match-y, and will draw attention away from your face to your clothes. You want your eyes to shine through, not your outfit. | Find the crease of your eye. Cover the whole lid in your base color. Choose your second color. Apply the second color. Clean your brush or choose a new one. Blend the center of the lid. Blend the crease color. Continue both blending processes until you're satisfied. Check your makeup. Always make sure your brushes are clean. Choose your colors. Apply the dark brown eye shadow. Apply the medium brown eye shadow. Apply and blend the highlight color. Apply and blend the black shadow. Apply the base color. Blend the colors one last time. Match your eye shadow to your eye color. Match your shadow to your skin tone. Take the event and time of day into consideration. Don’t try to match your eye shadow to your outfit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-the-Water-in-an-Aquarium | How to Test the Water in an Aquarium | To test the water in an aquarium, start by getting a test kit that's designed for the kind of aquarium you have, like a saltwater or freshwater test kit. Then, use a needle-less syringe or pipette to transfer water from your aquarium into the test tube that came with the test kit. Next, follow the directions for your testing kit to add the testing chemicals. Finally, match the color of the water in the test tube to the color chart that came with the kit. | Know the parameters that you need to test in your aquarium. The ideal water quality parameters differ between saltwater, freshwater, reef, and planted or aquascaped aquariums. You will also need to test different parameters based on the type of aquarium that you have. However, all aquariums need to be monitored for pH and alkalinity, which provides pH buffering. For freshwater aquariums, you need to measure ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, and pH. For saltwater aquariums, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, and high level pH are the important parameters. Additionally, you'll need to consistently monitor the salinity of the water. Reef aquariums require calcium, alkalinity, phosphate, and nitrate testing. Ammonia, nitrite, phosphate, alkalinity, and pH are important parameters for planted or aquascaped aquariums. Your tank's alkalinity and pH will determine the carbon dioxide concentration, so it's really important for tanks that have plants or nature elements. Purchase the test kits for your aquarium. Visit your local aquarium supply or pet store to buy your own test kits. Make sure that you know what type of aquarium you have and feel free to ask the sales representatives any questions. You can buy a test kit for each water quality parameter individually or you can purchase a master kit that has all of the required test kits for your type of aquarium. Individual water test kits tend to cost from $5 (USD) to $15 (USD) and master water test kits tend to cost from $25 (USD) to $110 (USD). However, keep in mind that some master kits can cost more. Use a syringe or pipette to take a sample from your aquarium. Dip a needle-less syringe into the aquarium, then pull back on the plunger to pull a water sample into the syringe. Remove the syringe from the water, being careful not to lose your water sample. Immediately transfer the water into the test tube provided in your testing kit. You can purchase a needle-less syringe or pipette online. You may also be able to find 1 at your local aquarium or pet store. They're a great option because they take a precise water sample without contaminating your aquarium. Fill the test kit test tube up to the required level. Insert the tip of your needle-less syringe or pipette into the top of the test tube. Slowly release the water you took from your aquarium into the test tube until it's full. Add the amount of water specified in your test kit. Don't ever put the test tube straight into the aquarium to collect the water. This is because not only is it difficult to measure out the right amount of liquid, but also leftover chemicals from previous tests may mix into the aquarium water. Add the testing solution to the test tube, as directed. Read the directions on your water testing kit to find out how much testing solution to use. Use the exact number of drops required for your test. Before you add the testing solution to the test tube, read the label to check the expiry date. An expired testing solution may give inaccurate results. Follow the directions to mix your testing solution. Each water testing kit has its own directions for mixing the testing solution, which will vary. For instance, you might need to screw a lid onto the test tube and then shake it vigorously to combine the testing solution with the aquarium water. On the other hand, some kits require you to add the testing solution to your aquarium water using a dropper. Then, you'll watch to see if the water changes color. Make sure you read and follow the directions that came with your kit. The process for your testing kit will typically vary depending on what type of aquarium the kit tests. For instance, a saltwater aquarium will typically require a titration test kit, which requires you to drop the testing solution into the test tube. On the other hand, a freshwater kit might have a test tube that you shake to combine the chemicals. Read the results of your test by following your kit's directions. Each kit will have it's own directions for reading the results. For instance, many kits have a color chart that provides your results. To use the color chart, hold your test tube next to it and find the color that matches your result. If your kit doesn't come with a color chart, follow its directions for finding your results. If your kit has a color chart, make sure you read your results in natural lighting. In some cases, artificial lighting can alter the appearance of the color, which might make you read the results incorrectly. Once you have the result, you will know if the water is the ideal level or if you may need to make some adjustments. Test the water quality of the aquarium every day until you get stable readings. When you first set up the aquarium or if you are changing the water, you will need to wait until the water quality parameters are at the right level before you can add the fish. Once you have ideal, consistent readings for your aquarium, test the water quality weekly as part of your cleaning and maintenance routine. Test your tap water weekly to get accurate readings. Both the aquarium water and the tap water need to be tested. Although you may be confident that you know what parameters need to be changed in your tap water to make it suitable for your aquarium, check it regularly to ensure that the water composition hasn't changed. Tap water can vary greatly, so it's important to always check yours. Typically, tap water will be alkaline in pH and will likely contain either chloride or chloramine. Keep in mind that tap water can also be hard or soft, which will greatly effect the water's makeup. Make sure that you also test your tap water for sediment before you add it to the aquarium. If you can see sediment in the water or if the water is red-brown color, wait until the problem is fixed before adding it to your tank. This can happen after large rainstorms or if there has been repair work on the pipes. Maintain a pH of approximately 7.0 – 7.8 to keep your nitrogen cycle stable. Check the ideal pH level for your type of aquarium with your water testing kit. If the pH is too high or too low, you can make adjustments using pH products that are sold at fish or aquarium supply stores. Maintaining an ideal pH is one of the most important parts of having the right water quality in your aquarium. Vary rarely, you may need a slightly lower pH for certain wild fish or to maintain proper levels of carbon dioxide in a planted aquarium. However, this isn't common. Keep the ammonia reading below 0 parts per million (ppm). Ammonia is produced in all aquariums due to fish food breaking down and waste. Higher levels of ammonia can be toxic for the fish in your aquarium. Use products that are specially designed to detoxify ammonia in aquariums to reduce the level of ammonia if necessary. You can purchase these ammonia-reducing products from fish and aquarium supply stores. Use these products when you establish your aquarium and whenever you add or replace the water. Reduce the nitrite level to below 0 ppm. Although nitrite is less harmful to fish than ammonia, it can still present problems in aquariums, particularly for tropical fish. The nitrite level in new aquariums typically begins to rise once the ammonia level starts to decrease. To reduce the amount of nitrite in the aquarium, use a product that detoxifies both ammonia and nitrite. However, if your nitrite levels are very high, change the water. In most cases, you won't have issues with high nitrate levels if you maintain your aquarium and change your water biweekly. When changing the water in an aquarium, never replace the full volume all at once as this can cause the fish to go into shock. Instead, replace 25% to 30% of the water each week. Aim for the nitrate level to be between 10 ppm and 40 ppm. Nitrate is less harmful than ammonia and nitrite for fish, however, it still plays a large role in the overall functioning of your aquarium. Change the water consistently and at scheduled intervals to help reduce the nitrate levels. You want your nitrate levels to be as low as possible. Very high nitrate levels might cause excessive algae growth. | Know the parameters that you need to test in your aquarium. Purchase the test kits for your aquarium. Use a syringe or pipette to take a sample from your aquarium. Fill the test kit test tube up to the required level. Add the testing solution to the test tube, as directed. Follow the directions to mix your testing solution. Read the results of your test by following your kit's directions. Test the water quality of the aquarium every day until you get stable readings. Test your tap water weekly to get accurate readings. Maintain a pH of approximately 7.0 – 7.8 to keep your nitrogen cycle stable. Keep the ammonia reading below 0 parts per million (ppm). Reduce the nitrite level to below 0 ppm. Aim for the nitrate level to be between 10 ppm and 40 ppm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Dragon-Fruit | How to Store Dragon Fruit | To store dragon fruit, leave it unpeeled on your counter for 2-3 days. If you don't think you'll eat it that quickly, put the dragon fruit in a sealable bag or container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For even longer-term storage, cut the fruit up into bite-sized pieces, spread it out on a lined baking sheet, and freeze it overnight. Then, transfer the frozen pieces of fruit to a freezer bag and store them in your freezer for several months. | Don’t peel or cut the dragon fruit before storing it. Peeling or cutting a dragon fruit before you store it will shorten its life significantly. Take it straight from your grocery bag to the storage spot to ensure it stays fresh. Leave your dragon fruit on the counter for 2-3 days. If you're going to be eating the dragon fruit in the next few days, place it on the counter. Dragon fruit will last a couple days simply sitting out, but make sure you don't cut into or peel it beforehand. Keep dragon fruit for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Putting dragon fruit into the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process. Be sure to put the dragon fruit in a sealed container or bag first. It should last 2 weeks or more in the fridge. Dragon fruit can be affected by other foods you might have in your fridge, making the fruit taste differently. To ensure this doesn't happen, make sure the fruit is properly sealed. Place sliced dragon fruit in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you've already cut up your dragon fruit and want to save it, remove the flesh from the peel. Put the dragon fruit into a sealed container or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to keep it fresh. Cut-up dragon fruit will most likely only last a couple of days before going bad, even in a container. To slow down this process, sprinkle lemon juice over the dragon fruit to ensure it stays fresh. Cut the dragon fruit into small pieces before freezing. To store dragon fruit long-term, you'll need to freeze it. Peel the dragon fruit, and then cut it up into small cubes. Place the cubes on a baking sheet. Put the dragon fruit cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or something similar. When placing them, make sure that none of them are touching each other. This will make it easier to remove them once they're frozen. If you don't have a baking sheet, place the dragon fruit on a plate. Remove the frozen fruit with a spatula or other kitchen tool. Freeze the pieces of dragon fruit overnight. To ensure that the dragon fruit cubes are completely frozen, place the tray in the freezer overnight. Make sure that the tray is level so that none of the cubes go sliding around. Transfer the cubes into a sealed container or plastic bag. Once the cubes are frozen, remove them from the lined tray. Place all of the cubes in a sealed container or plastic bag to keep them fresh and protected. Make sure the container or bag holds as little air as possible to ensure fresher fruit. Label the container or bag with the date before putting it in the freezer so that you'll know how long the fruit has been in there. Dragon fruit should last several months in the freezer. Use frozen dragon fruit for puréed foods. Freezing dragon fruit keeps the fruit from going bad, but it also alters the texture and taste slightly. If you want your dragon fruit to keep its firm and fresh texture and taste, you shouldn't freeze it. It's best to use the fruit in smoothies and other puréed foods without letting it defrost first. Frozen dragon fruit will become mushy once it is completely thawed. Check your fruit for a dull color that indicates it's no longer fresh. If you've left the dragon fruit in the fridge or freezer for too long, its color will begin to fade away. If you notice a dull color, cut open your dragon fruit to make sure it's still edible. Check the fruit’s outer layer for split-open cracks. If you notice any cracks or splits in the dragon fruit's skin, the fruit is no longer fresh. Cracks are a sign that the fruit is rotten and damaged. Make sure your fruit isn’t frostbitten if left in the freezer. While a little bit of ice on your fruit is okay, make sure it hasn't been freezer-burned. Frostbitten fruit will be almost entirely white with a different texture, and it might have a bland taste if you eat it. Look for brown fruit flesh. If you can't tell if your dragon fruit is fresh from the outside, cut it open. If its flesh has turned a brown color, it's time to throw it out because it has turned rotten. | Don’t peel or cut the dragon fruit before storing it. Leave your dragon fruit on the counter for 2-3 days. Keep dragon fruit for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Place sliced dragon fruit in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Cut the dragon fruit into small pieces before freezing. Place the cubes on a baking sheet. Freeze the pieces of dragon fruit overnight. Transfer the cubes into a sealed container or plastic bag. Use frozen dragon fruit for puréed foods. Check your fruit for a dull color that indicates it's no longer fresh. Check the fruit’s outer layer for split-open cracks. Make sure your fruit isn’t frostbitten if left in the freezer. Look for brown fruit flesh. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-a-Song | How to Learn a Song | If you need to learn a song, start by listening to the song 3-4 times in a quiet place where you won't be distracted. Pay attention to the lyrics, the melody, the rhythm, and how everything fits together. If you plan to play the song on an instrument, find the key by listening for the one note you can play over every section of the song. It may also help to find the sheet music or guitar tabs for the song if you can read music. | Listen to the song 3-4 times in silence. Don't try to sing or practice along just yet-- you'll be practicing the wrong words and melodies until you know the song well. Listen for the lyrics, the melody, and how the singer reacts to the band or backing track. Learn the song's rhythm. Most music has a consistent pattern of "beats" that keeps the entire band playing at the same time. The easiest way to learn the rhythm of a song is to tap your feet along with the song. Each "tap" is a beat. In modern songs, listening to the kick drum (the deepest sounding drum) is the easiest way find rhythm if you are unsure. Some genres and bands will "play" with rhythm-- changing it mid-song or "hiding" it in other rhythms. This is usually found in jazz or metal, or old song's without consistent beats. Time signatures, like 4/4 or 3/2, are used to write out rhythm. The first number tells you how many beats are in a measure, and the second tells you the length of each beat. 4/4 is the most common, and it means that the song repeats 4 beats of 4 quarter notes (1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, etc). Find the song's key if you play a melody instrument. Any instrument that plays notes and chords is a melody instrument. Often, finding the root note is usually as easy as finding the first note played. The song's key most important part of it's melodic structure, and is the first thing you need to know to figure out a song. To find a song's key, look for the one note that you can play over every section of the song without sounding bad or "out of key." It can help to hum to a song. Our brains are wired to understand melody, and often the first note you will try to hum is the song's key. Find the note on your instrument that matches your humming and you have the key! Learn how to read music. Sheet music is a blueprint for playing a song. If you play an orchestral instrument or a piano, reading music is essential to learning new songs, but all instruments can benefit from written music. Spend some time every day practicing reading music and look up notes or symbols your don't know. Reading music can also help teach music theory, which will help you decipher songs that you can't find music for. Guitars, bass guitars, and drums are often written in "tablature," a simplified way of reading music that tells you where to place your hands or drumsticks instead of what notes to play. Learn the song by ear if you cannot buy or find sheet music. This can be difficult for some songs, but start by finding out what key the song is in and what tempo it is at. Then experiment from there with relevant scales, chords, and rhythms until you feel confident that you know the song. Write down the part as you figure it out so you don't forget anything. Work slowly, writing out 2-3 bars of the song at a time before moving on. Bring songs you are struggling to learn to a teacher or experienced player and see if they know the part or can help learn it. Perform warm up and technical exercises to improve your play. Instrumentalists of all skill levels need to warm up to play their best. Warming up and performing exercises regularly will improve your speed, technique, and knowledge of your instrument. Tune your instrument every time you play so that you learn the correct notes for the song. Try new scales and rhythms in different keys and tempos to prepare for new songs. Take care of your instrument with new strings, reeds, drum heads, etc. so that you get the sound you want. Listen to the song 3-4 times paying specific attention to your instrument. You should be familiar with the entire song, but you need to know your instrument's part like the back of your hand. Search the internet for a copy of the song without any vocals, if applicable. Playing with your music player's equalizer can help isolate your instrument. Pump up the bass, or turn up the treble to hear the drums. For percussionists, add one drum at a time to help you learn the song quickly. The snare drum is often easiest to hear, so learn the whole snare drum rhythm first. Then add the ride cymbal rhythm, then move on to the kick drum, etc. Get the basic rhythm down before trying any wild solos or drum fills. Figure out the song's pattern. Most songs are composed of several bars of music that are repeated many times. Once you know a few "building blocks" of the song you can learn these separately and combine them later. Most parts are either 1,2,4, or 8 bars longs. Different parts of songs (verses, choruses, bridges, solos) often have slightly different parts that repeat. Learn each part individually. Start practicing at a slower tempo, then build up speed. To make sure that you can play the song cleanly and without mistakes, start practicing the song around half the tempo you eventually want to play it. As you get comfortable, speed up your play while practicing. A metronome is an invaluable way to practice your rhythm and work your way up to the right tempo. Play your instrument along with the original song. This let's you hear if you played each part correctly or missed notes. If you can gather some musicians together, play the song with a full band, where can play your instrument without any guidance or support. Improvise new lines over what you've learned. Improvisation is the act of spontaneously composing new parts over an established song, and is the best way to know if you can play a song. By taking inspiration from the song and adding your own spin, you deepen your connection to the song and make it your own. Remember-- you need to stay in the same key and keep the same rhythm. Scales are collections of notes that sound good together and are the basis for melody solos and improvisation. Play around with a scale in the correct key to start improvising. The most common scales in modern music are the major scale and the minor pentatonic. If you keep the same number of beats you can change the speed by doubling or tripping your percussion hits. For example, if a song is in 4/4 (4 beats to a measure), you can play "double time" by playing twice as many notes in the same rhythm, making 8/4. Play around to the original song. If you have a recording of the song, play it in the background while you try to invent new parts over the top of it. Memorize the lyrics using a book or online source. Look up the words to the song if you have any confusion about what you're hearing. Keep singing along with the lyrics in front of you until you feel like you have them memorized, likely five or six times depending on the song. As you get comfortable, close your eyes and sing sections to see if you have them down. Practice good singing habits. While everyone is born with a set vocal "range," taking care of your voice and practicing vocal exercises can make the difference between nailing a song and struggling. And, though everyone has a set range, you need to practice in order to reach that range. to hit every note. Always warm up your voice before singing. Try not to scream or yell during the day, as it strains your vocal chords. Have a reference note on hand if you are having trouble staying in tune. Break down the song into smaller parts. Practice each verse on it's own, perfecting one before moving on to the next. Mastering the hard parts instead of trying to sing the entire song every time will highlight and eliminate mistakes faster. Practice as often as you can. Keep singing the song until you feel comfortable, and don't be afraid to "make it your own" with little changes and personality. try to find an instrumental version of the song so that you can focus solely on your own vocals. If you can, record yourself singing and listen in to find any mistakes. Play a melody instrument, like a guitar or piano, so you can sing without the backing track to guide you. Find your connection to the lyrics. To make a song truly good you need to dive into why the song is important to you. Why did you choose to learn this song, and how do the lyrics affect you? By tapping into these feelings you'll start singing the song with a passion and uniqueness that will make the song shine. Don't over think this -- just keep practicing until you concentrate less on the notes and more on the feelings behind them. Revise the song at least once a week. Regularly sing the song or play the song on a guitar to remember the melody. Lyrics are usually easy to remember but, to remember the melody, strum the guitar or tickle the ivories on the piano. | Listen to the song 3-4 times in silence. Learn the song's rhythm. Some genres and bands will "play" with rhythm-- changing it mid-song or "hiding" it in other rhythms. Find the song's key if you play a melody instrument. Learn how to read music. Learn the song by ear if you cannot buy or find sheet music. Perform warm up and technical exercises to improve your play. Listen to the song 3-4 times paying specific attention to your instrument. For percussionists, add one drum at a time to help you learn the song quickly. Figure out the song's pattern. Start practicing at a slower tempo, then build up speed. Play your instrument along with the original song. Improvise new lines over what you've learned. Memorize the lyrics using a book or online source. Practice good singing habits. Break down the song into smaller parts. Practice as often as you can. Find your connection to the lyrics. Revise the song at least once a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fly-Domestically-With-Your-Dog | How to Fly Domestically With Your Dog | If you need to fly domestically with your dog, add it to your flight when you book your ticket. Small dogs can be taken into the cabin inside of a carrier, but larger dogs will need to be checked. Next, obtain a health certificate from your vet within 30 days of the flight to prove good health and up-to-date vaccinations. For carry-on dogs, get a small carrier that complies with the airline's size requirements. If you're checking your dog, a large carrier is best. | Add your dog to your flight when you book your ticket. When booking your own flight, you should see an option to add a pet to your ticket. Carry-on pets are more expensive to pay for than checked pets, but on average, you should expect to pay at least $100 to bring your dog with you on the plane. Almost all major airlines will allow pets, but call in advance for smaller companies and private flights for their specific regulations. Service animals and therapy animals are treated differently from airline to airline — most will accept a service dog in the cabin at no cost, but be sure to check in advance to learn your airline's specific considerations for service animals. Make sure you bring proof that your dog is a service animal just in case it's requested. Obtain a health certificate from your dog's veterinarian within 30 days of the flight. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old and in good health to be allowed to fly on most airlines. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date, specifically its rabies vaccination. You should receive a health certificate confirming your dog's fitness to travel dated within 30 days of when you plan to travel the flight, and within 60 days of the return flight for round trips. If the plane will be landing in a place with temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) or above 85 °F (29 °C) you will need to get a veterinarian's note that says your dog is fit for extreme weather conditions. Choose a large carrier to check in or a small carrier to store in the cabin. A carrier can only be brought into the cabin of a flight if it fits under the chair in front of you — if it's the same size as a carry-on bag, it is fine to bring into the cabin. A large carrier must be checked in and stored with baggage in the plane. It is recommended for dogs with breathing problems, such as pugs and other snub nose breeds, to travel in the cabin. Ensure there are plenty of ventilation holes in the carrier so air can circulate correctly. Introduce your dog to its carrier many times every day for a month before the trip. Once you have bought a carrier, put your dog inside it for a few minutes every day to get it used to being in there. As you get closer to the date of the flight, keep it in the carrier for longer and longer — keep your dog in the carrier overnight 2 or 3 days before the flight to get it used to being in the kennel for hours at a time. Be sure to give your dog a treat when it begins to get used to the carrier. Consider giving your dog its food and water in the carrier in the weeks leading up to the plane trip. This will get it used to the container and will reduce its anxiety during the flight. Attach identification tags to your dog's carrier and write 'Live Animal' on top. Write your dog's name, its breed, your name, your phone number, and your address on a tag and attach it to the carrier. Then, either with a large permanent marker or pre-made stickers, write 'live animal' on the top of the carrier, so airline staff are aware that it is not empty. It's a good idea to ID chip your dog. That way, it can easily be identified as your dog if it somehow escapes its carrier. Call a day in advance to make sure the airline knows that you will be bringing a dog. Through bureaucratic errors, airlines can sometimes forget that you will be bringing your dog with you on a flight. Call a day or two ahead of time to make sure they are still aware of your dog's reservation and your plans to check it in or bring it in the cabin. Feed your dog exactly 4 hours before getting on the plane. Your dog needs to be fed before the flight, but if you feed it too close to takeoff and it could have an upset stomach in the air. Feed your dog no sooner than 4 hours before the flight, as this allows your dog time to digest its food. If your dog ends up relieving itself before the flight, be sure to clean it up in the carrier — it isn't very nice to make the airport staff deal with it, and if it ends up not being cleaned, it could fly around the carrier in the air. If your dog is particularly prone to stomach issues, it is recommended to feed your dog in the morning before you leave and avoid giving your dog food at the airport altogether. Take your dog for a walk around the airport to reduce its stress. Air travel is very stressful for dogs — take it for a walk around the airport before you check in to relieve some of your dog's energy and anxiety. Many airports have a dog park, so check in advance to see if you can bring your dog there. If the airport does not have a dog park, bring your dog for a walk around the parking lot, or take it for a long walk in the morning before you leave home. Do your best to give your dog a chance to relieve itself just before you put it in the carrier. If you are in a rush and don't have time to walk your dog, try to comfort it as best as you can in the carrier while waiting to take off, but be careful not to over-excite it. Lay puppy pads or another absorbent material on the bottom of the carrier. Your dog will likely need to relieve itself at some point during the flight. Lay a few puppy pads on the bottom of the carrier, or use an absorbent material such as an old blanket you don't mind being soiled. Other good choices for absorbent materials include old clothes and old blankets you don't mind getting a little dirty. Give your dog water as you normally would until you check it in or begin boarding. Give your dog water in a bowl up until you part ways for the flight. Empty the bowl before you board so water doesn't spill during takeoff. If your dog will be in the cabin with you, only give it water once the seatbelt sign has turned off. Consider freezing water in a specialty water dripper in the carrier so your dog is hydrated in the air if your dog will be checked in with baggage. Check your dog in at the designated location. Airlines will have different locations for checking in an animal, but generally, pets are checked in either at the passenger terminal or at air baggage. If you will be bringing your dog in the cabin with you, check it in at the ticket counter at the terminal. Call in advance or check your airline's website to find out its guidelines for checking in a dog. Every airline has slightly different check-in procedures for dogs. Pick up your dog at the cargo terminal upon landing if you checked it in. You should be able to find your pet at the regular baggage pick-up location, but check in advance to see if your airline follows a different procedure. The attendant who picked up your dog at the time of departure will let you know where to pick up your dog. For some flights, there may be a special baggage terminal for animal companions. Check there first, then check the regular baggage location. If all else fails, talk to the airline's claims or information attendants to find out what happened to your dog and where to pick it up at. Examine your dog closely to see if there is anything wrong with it. Once you have landed and picked up your dog, check it closely to see if anything happened to it in flight. Dogs may be thrown by sudden turbulence, may be nauseous from the flight, or in some cases may have been mistreated by airline staff. If there is any damage to your dog, take pictures, and contact the airline and your insurance company directly. Take pictures of your dog before you leave for the flight to show your insurance company or the airline that your dog was healthy before departure and compare your dog's health before and after. Take down the numbers of local vets at the place you land at to be able to quickly treat your dog if it was hurt in the flight. Take your dog for a walk and play with it when you land. Your dog will likely be stressed from being in an enclosed space in a harsh environment away from you. Take your dog for a good walk and play with it outside of the carrier until you are sure that it is a little more relaxed and recovered from the experience. Bring some of its favorite toys to play with, as these will be a reminder of something familiar that will help to bring your dog back to earth, so to say. Change out the puppy pads, feed your dog, and re-fill the water in the carrier. Before you leave for your destination after landing, be sure to change out any soiled absorbent padding, re-fill your dog's water bottle, and give it a little food to settle its stomach. Don't feed it too much, as it may still be a little uneasy after the flight. | Add your dog to your flight when you book your ticket. Obtain a health certificate from your dog's veterinarian within 30 days of the flight. Choose a large carrier to check in or a small carrier to store in the cabin. Introduce your dog to its carrier many times every day for a month before the trip. Attach identification tags to your dog's carrier and write 'Live Animal' on top. Call a day in advance to make sure the airline knows that you will be bringing a dog. Feed your dog exactly 4 hours before getting on the plane. Take your dog for a walk around the airport to reduce its stress. Lay puppy pads or another absorbent material on the bottom of the carrier. Give your dog water as you normally would until you check it in or begin boarding. Check your dog in at the designated location. Pick up your dog at the cargo terminal upon landing if you checked it in. Examine your dog closely to see if there is anything wrong with it. Take your dog for a walk and play with it when you land. Change out the puppy pads, feed your dog, and re-fill the water in the carrier. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Loan | How to Get a Loan | To get a loan, order your credit report from the credit bureau to make sure there are no negatives, including late payments or over-limit balances, as these can put lenders off. If there are any issues, see if you can remedy them. Also obtain your credit score since it can be a good indicator of whether or not you'll be approved. To apply for your loan, pick an institution, such as a bank or credit union. Once you get your loan, make sure to make all payments on time as this will help you with future loans. | Optimize your credit report. Your credit history is the record of your behavior relating to how you borrow money and pay it back. Your credit report is the main determinant in your ability to get a loan. Additionally, your credit report contains information about your employment record; the number of times you applied for getting a loan and with which lenders; collection accounts; and judgments. Three credit bureaus — Equifax, Transunion, and Experian — collect and maintain your credit history information, including account names and numbers, account types, opening/closing dates, credit limits, balances, high balances, monthly payments and late payments. Order a copy of your credit report. You may request one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the credit bureaus. You can contact the credit bureaus on the phone or complete a form online to obtain these reports. It is important to get all three, as some bureaus may report different information than others. Examine your credit report for negatives. This includes late payments, over-limit balances, collections, and judgments. Repair negative issues on your credit report. This may be as simple as reporting an inaccuracy to the credit bureau or may involve paying off a collection or judgment. Get your credit score. In addition to your credit report, getting your credit score is a good idea. Generally, a credit score of 640 or above is considered above average and will not give you problems when applying for a loan. If your score is below 640, you may have a tough time finding a lender that won't charge you a high-interest rate or impose other conditions on your eligibility. Lenders should be able to give you a range of credit scores required for a particular loan. If you fall within that range based on your credit score, you'll know that you, at least, have a chance at being approved for the loan. You'll have a much harder time qualifying for a loan with a range far above your credit score. If you're looking to improve your credit score, you can take certain steps, such as getting a better debt to credit ratio, paying off lingering loans, reducing overall debt and opening multiple lines of (good) credit. Establish a stable source of income. Your income is equally as important to getting a loan as your credit. Not only will you need a current source of income for loan approval, but you will also need a stable history of earning income. Keep a recent pay stub from your job when you go to apply for a loan. It is possible that lenders will want to see proof of income. The more stable the history of income, the better your chances of getting a loan with favorable conditions, such as a low-interest rate. Gather documentation. You will have to prove your ability and willingness to repay a loan to get approved for a loan. You will need to provide supporting evidence of these qualities in the form of a credit report (which the lender can pull), bank statements, pay stubs and/or income tax forms. Collect these documents and store them in a safe place. Have them ready for when you find the perfect loan to apply for. Determine the amount of money you need to borrow. The size of loan you need will help narrow your lender options. Additionally, it is necessary to determine that you can afford the payments on the loan size you need. Research the types of loans. You may opt to apply for either a secured or an unsecured loan, and whichever option you choose will affect how you proceed. You can usually get more money for a secured loan than you can with an unsecured loan. Also, secured loans generally have a lower interest rate than unsecured loans. The better your credit history, the lower the interest rate will be. With a secured loan, some lenders require that you share in the risk of the loan to receive loan approval. This means that you may have to produce collateral, usually in the form of a note (such as a home or automobile title). Mortgages and car loans are examples of secured loans. If you default on a secured loan, the lender has the right to repossess the collateral. For example, if the borrower defaults on payments for a mortgage loan, the lender can place the house in foreclosure and force the borrower to move out. Some common types of secured loans include car loans, boat (and another recreational vehicle) loans, mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. Unsecured loans are generally smaller than secured loans and do not require you to put up collateral to receive the loan approval. Here, if a borrower defaults, the lender can't repossess anything and, instead, must rely on collection efforts. Because no collateral is associated with an unsecured loan, the amount that someone will qualify for is largely based on his or her credit history and income at the time of the application. Additionally, the interest on an unsecured loan is usually higher than the interest on a secured loan. Some examples of unsecured loans include personal loans, personal lines of credit, student loans and credit cards/department store cards. Decide whether you should get a “line of credit,” which can be secured or unsecured. In practice, this type of loan is similar to a credit card: The borrower has a maximum allowable balance, and he/she can borrow up to the maximum amount. He/she does not have to borrow the maximum amount. Monthly payments range from a percentage of the balance with some lines of credit to payments on the interest with others. The borrower can pay more than the monthly minimum and can pay off the whole balance at once. Additionally, some lines of credit come with checks and others can be linked to the borrower's primary bank account. Decide if a small business loan might be right for you. If you are borrowing for your business, you can consider a small business or another business loan. The best place to get a business loan is a bank, because banks usually offer the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms. The key to being approved for a business loan is to show that your business has been profitable in the past and to show that you and your partners have concrete plans for future success. Be very wary of payday lenders. Payday loans offer you personal loans, usually, but not always, for several weeks prior to your paycheck being issued. Unfortunately, because most payday loans are unsecured and many payday lenders engage in predatory tactics, you could be charged from 300 percent up to 750 percent in interest for the life of your loan. This high-interest rate will result in you paying significantly more in interest than you would with another type of loan. For example, you might reasonably expect to pay $14 for a $500 advance on your credit card. Your APR for that advance would be about 6 percent. For a payday loan, however, you can expect to pay $105 for a two week advance of $500, giving you an APR of about 400 percent. Find a lender. There are many different places to get a loan. Explore the following options, taking your loan needs into consideration. Financial institutions are, in most cases, the best place to get a loan. Banks and credit unions may dispense any number of different types of loans, including personal loans, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and small business loans. Getting a loan through a financial institution may require more qualification than other methods, but you have the option of applying for larger loan amounts. Payday advance businesses. These lenders offer a quick and easy loan approval process but, as mentioned above, lend only relatively small amounts and charge very, very high-interest rates. Before using a payday advance loan, rethink whether you really need the loan and if it is worth paying a huge interest rate. Friends and family. You may not have to apply to a business or institution to get a loan. Look at the people you know who may be able to help you out financially in exchange for a formal payback agreement. Pick one loan institution and only apply there to begin with. Applying for a loan can actually hurt your credit score, which can, in turn, hurt your ability to get a loan. This happens because each time you submit a loan application, your lender will check your credit score. Each time your credit score is checked, your credit score can go down. With a lower credit score, you'll have a harder time finding a lender and will get worse rates. The effect on your credit score will not last longer than a couple of months. Try to get an idea of the lender's interest rates before you submit an application. Some lenders offer a pre-approval process that will give you a ballpark estimate of what loan you can get, without the lender pulling your credit report. The lender will ask you to your credit and you need, to be honest, because the estimate the lender gives you will be based on what you tell the lender. Of course, the lender might tell you that you need to submit an application to be given a personalized offer. If this happens, tell the lender you're happy to take your business elsewhere if it can't give you a ballpark figure for interest rates on a loan. If the interest rate is prohibitively high, you do not want to apply in the first place. Apply for a loan. A large part of the process of getting a loan is preparatory; a precursor to the actual application process. Once you establish your ability to repay a loan and decide on a lender, that lender will give you specifics on what documents you need to provide and what kind of paperwork you will have to sign. Wait for the lender to get back to you. The whole process shouldn't take more than five to 10 days before you are either accepted or rejected, depending on how quickly the credit check goes out and the lender's underwriting standards. Be prepared to deal with questions and possibly supply personal information to the lender to help the lender make the correct underwriting decisions. If you do not hear back from the lender within the 10-day time period, you can always call and speak to a person you originally spoke with about the loan application. Pay any necessary origination fees. When you get a personal loan, origination fees are usually tacked on to the principal and any interest you may be expected to pay. Origination fees vary from lender to lender but expect to pay anywhere from 0.5 percent to 5 percent, depending on your creditworthiness. Meet all your payment deadlines. Now that the hard part is over, another hard part begins! You may feel like you're home free after you receive a loan and you can pretty well do as you please. That's not the case. Repaying your loan and staying on track with the lender is very important. Paying on time will help you avoid a downgrade of your credit score. If you want to qualify for a loan in the future, the history of your loans and loan payments will be examined. If the loan still hasn't been paid off well after collection, your credit score will suffer and your ability to get a loan in the future will be negatively affected. Many people think they won't need a loan in the future when, at some point, they will. Don't sabotage your ability to get a loan in the future just because you think you won't need one again or get lazy about repayment. Be proactive if you are having a hard time making your payments. If you begin to have trouble repaying your loan, talk to the lender directly. Have a frank discussion with the lender about your struggle to pay back the loan. Most of the time, lenders are required by law to treat borrowers fairly and with forbearance. Lenders should work with you to develop a repayment plan. It's in their best interest to get back some of the loan instead of none of it. Refinance your loan if you can get a better deal down the line. This is especially important if your initial loan had a very high-interest rate. Refinancing your loan can happen in a variety of ways. One way is that the length of your loan can be adjusted so that your monthly payments are smaller but the amount of time you have to pay those payments is longer. | Optimize your credit report. Get your credit score. Establish a stable source of income. Gather documentation. Determine the amount of money you need to borrow. Research the types of loans. Decide whether you should get a “line of credit,” which can be secured or unsecured. Decide if a small business loan might be right for you. Be very wary of payday lenders. Find a lender. Pick one loan institution and only apply there to begin with. Apply for a loan. Wait for the lender to get back to you. Pay any necessary origination fees. Meet all your payment deadlines. Be proactive if you are having a hard time making your payments. Refinance your loan if you can get a better deal down the line. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Popcorn | How to Eat Popcorn | If you want your popcorn to be more like the movie theater experience, drizzle hot butter on top of it once it's ready. For more flavor, try sprinkling sea salt on top. Alternatively, adding olive oil and grated parmesan cheese can create a savory delight, while drizzling chocolate sauce or caramel over the popcorn is a great way of making a sweet and salty dessert. Of course, you can always eat the popcorn plain to cut calories and enjoy a healthy snack. | Add butter to your popcorn at home or at the movies. If you are at the movies, ask the snack bar employee to butter your popcorn. To make movie theater butter at home, melt 2 sticks of butter, and let it sit for 1-3 minutes. When the butter separates into 3 layers, scoop up the top layer with a spoon or knife, and pour the middle layer over your popcorn. You can throw away the bottom layer of solid butter. You can use about 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of hot butter for 10 cups of popcorn. Sprinkle salt over your popcorn if you want to add a touch of flavor. Once your popcorn is ready, you can add table salt or sea salt if you like salty flavors. Add a little or a lot, depending on your taste preference! You can add salt to your popcorn in addition to other topics, as well. For example, sprinkle salt over your popcorn. Pour olive oil and Parmesan on your popcorn for a savory flavor. After your popcorn is popped, pour it into a bowl, and lightly cover your popcorn with olive oil. You can fill a spoon and pour it in slowly. Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over top, and mix your popcorn together with a spoon. You can also top your popcorn with salt and pepper. The olive oil helps the parmesan stick to your popcorn. Top your popcorn with seasoning for extra taste. You can sprinkle your popcorn with any of your favorite seasonings. Simply pick a spice of your liking, and shake a small amount over your popcorn. You can pour your popcorn into a bowl and mix it up if you'd like. Additionally, many movie theaters offer seasoning options you can shake on top. Try tasty options like chili powder, garlic salt, or nutritional yeast. Drizzle chocolate or caramel over your popcorn for a decadent dessert. If you prefer sweet popcorn, you can melt some chocolate and pour it over top of your popcorn. Lay your popcorn flat on a baking sheet to help evenly spread the chocolate. You can top your popcorn with caramel or peanuts for a delicious addition. Leave your popcorn plain if you want to cut calories. Naked, air-popped popcorn is a diet-friendly snack option. It is high in fiber and rich in B-vitamins. Popcorn is also a gluten-free snack! Say no to butter or seasoning, and your popcorn will only have about 30 calories per serving. Eat your popcorn out of the bag if you're eating it by yourself. If you made popcorn in the microwave, you can simply eat it straight out of the bag it came in or your brown paper bag. Let the bag cool down thoroughly before you open it, and separate the opening at the correct end. Dig in! Store bought microwavable popcorn will have arrows designating which end to open. Pour your popcorn into individual containers if sharing it with others. If you are having a movie night at home, you can scoop your popcorn out of a bowl using smaller containers, such as plastic popcorn holders, small bowls, or plastic cups. This way, everyone in your family has a serving of popcorn and can go back for seconds if they'd like. For instance, this is a good idea if you eat popcorn 1 kernel at a time and your boyfriend eats handfuls at a time. That way you don't have to rush. Dump your popcorn in a large bowl to eat with others. Grab a large bowl from your kitchen to serve your popcorn from. If you used an air popper, you can eat your popcorn straight from the bowl you used. Place the bowl in the middle so everyone can reach. For example, if you are sharing the popcorn while sitting on the couch, place the bowl in the lap of the person in the middle. Make lots of popcorn and store it in plastic bags for on-the-go snacks. If you want a small serving of popcorn, you can pop a bunch using the microwave, stove top, or air popper, and divide it into individual servings. Grab a plastic sandwich bag and place a handful of popcorn in the bag. Fill the bag to your desired amount, and eat it on the go! Alternatively, you can use plastic Tupperware containers. Eat your popcorn 1 at a time to savor the flavor. Eat kernels individually if you want to take your time while eating popcorn. There's no rush! You can do this while you are watching a movie or snacking on popcorn, for example. Devour your popcorn in handfuls if you are a quick eater. Aside from eating popcorn 1 kernel at a time, you can also chow down on handfuls at a time. Scoop up some kernels, and toss them into your mouth! Do this if you are sharing your popcorn. You can take some and pass the bowl or bag to the next person. | Add butter to your popcorn at home or at the movies. Sprinkle salt over your popcorn if you want to add a touch of flavor. Pour olive oil and Parmesan on your popcorn for a savory flavor. Top your popcorn with seasoning for extra taste. Drizzle chocolate or caramel over your popcorn for a decadent dessert. Leave your popcorn plain if you want to cut calories. Eat your popcorn out of the bag if you're eating it by yourself. Pour your popcorn into individual containers if sharing it with others. Dump your popcorn in a large bowl to eat with others. Make lots of popcorn and store it in plastic bags for on-the-go snacks. Eat your popcorn 1 at a time to savor the flavor. Devour your popcorn in handfuls if you are a quick eater. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-to-Say-No | How to Learn to Say No | To learn to say, “no,” create personal boundaries for yourself based on what's important to you, then commit to sticking with them. For example, if you value solitude, set a boundary that you'll only go out once a week and stick to it even if others pressure you to go out. Also, try to remember that it's not your responsibility to please everyone and it's OK if someone gets upset or is disappointed. If you still feel nervous about turning people down, practice saying, “no,” firmly and confidently in the mirror before you talk to them. | Give yourself permission to say no. Many people have a knee-jerk reaction to say "Yes" when they're asked to do someone a favor. Keep in mind, you are never required to say "Yes." It's actually okay to say "No" sometimes. Accept this as you prepare to say "No" to someone. This will help you say "No" with ease. If you never say "No," this can have negative consequences. You can enable someone who relies too much on you for favors. You can also burn out on your own end and lose focus. If you say "No" too often, you may miss out on things that may be good for you. If you're overcommitted doing things you don't want to do, you won't have much time left for yourself. Make time for the things you really enjoy rather than saying "Yes" as a knee-jerk response. If you, say, agreed to help a friend move all weekend, you may have to turn down an invitation to go on a weekend hiking trip with another group of friends. Establish your personal boundaries. It's always easier to say "No" if you have a reason. However, that reason does not have to be concrete. Many people think if they can do something, they should. Your reason for saying "No" can be a simple matter of your own personal boundaries. Think about what boundaries you have, and embrace the fact you're allowed to stay true to them. Consider what you are reasonably able to do, and what you actually enjoy doing. You can say "No" to things that drain you or distract you. You can set specific boundaries regarding what you will and will not agree to do. For example, maybe you value solitude. You can set a boundary that you won't go out two nights each weekend. You can use this boundary as a reason for saying "No." For instance, "I would love to go out with you Saturday, but I have plans Friday. I never go out two nights in a row because I get too tired." You can also set boundaries in regards to personal commitments. You can, for example, have a rule that you only volunteer for two charity events per month if this is reasonable for you given your schedule. Be aware of potential persuasion techniques. People often won't take "No" for an answer. If you say "No" to someone, they may use persuasion techniques to try and change your mind. Be aware of potential persuasion techniques so you can establish a firm offense. People may try to guilt you into doing something to reciprocate a favor. Remember, just because someone did you a favor does not mean you owe them. Friends do not keep score. People may also ask twice. If you say "No" to one thing, they may try to get you to agree to a smaller commitment or favor. Remember to be firm. Keep saying "No." A person may also try to get you to do something by comparing you to other people. They may say another person agreed to help. You are not another person. You do not have to do something simply because someone else did. Practice saying "No. " It may sound silly, but you can actually practice saying "No" alone. Try standing before a mirror and looking at yourself. Practice giving a firm, "No" to someone so you get comfortable with the words. Many people are nervous about saying "No" and may say "Yes" due to anxiety. Practicing can help quell some of this anxiety. Ask for more time before committing. Your knee-jerk response to being asked for a favor may be to say "Yes." Make a habit of not giving an automatic "Yes" all the time. When asked to do something, instead respond with, "I'll think about it" or "Can I get back to you on that? I'd like to, but I might have something scheduled." Saying "I'll think about it" will usually get the person off your back. This will give you time to genuinely consider your response. After agreeing to think something over, you can decide later whether or not you agree. If you decide against doing something, you can give a firm "No" later. For example, a friend asks if you'll watch her cat over the holiday weekend. Say, "I have to look over my schedule. Let me think about it." Start with a compliment or gratitude. While you should be firm when saying "No," you'll also feel better if you're polite. When letting someone down, soften the blow by starting with a compliment. Express gratitude at having been asked or invited. For example, "I'm glad you feel comfortable asking me to watch Bella. It means a lot knowing that you trust me with your cat because I know how much you care about her." Give a clear "No. " After the initial kindness, you can say "No." Be firm here. You want to make it clear you are giving a firm "No" so the person does not press the issue or ask you again. For example, "I just don't really have the time to run back and forth from your place this weekend. I already have a lot of plans with family." Thank and encourage the person. You want to leave things on a good note. You can be firm without being rude or aggressive. Thank the person for thinking of you, and wish them good luck. For example, "Again, I'm glad to know you trust me with Bella. Good luck finding someone else to watch her." Examine any reasons you avoid saying "No. " If you need to learn to say "No," you may avoid it by habit. Think about any underlying reasons you may be uncomfortable turning someone down. This can help you identify how your inability to say "No" may be irrational. Maybe you're a people pleaser by nature. You may not want to upset other people. You may also avoid confrontation. Even a small confrontation may be stressful for you. You may also worry about making people angry. You may irrationally feel people will not like you if you say "No." Keep in mind that you do not need a reason to say “No. ” Some people feel like they have to have a good reason to say no, but this is not the case. If you do not want to do something, then you don't have to do it. Try to remind yourself of this in situations where you can't think of a reason to say no. For example, if a friend invites you to see a concert with him or her and you simply don't like live music, then say so. Try saying, “No thanks. I am not a fan of live music, so I am going to sit this one out.” Or, if someone invites you out on a night when you just don't feel like going anywhere, then try saying, "You know, I really don't feel like coming out tonight, maybe another time." Accept that boundaries are personal and subjective. You need to embrace your own boundaries to work on saying "No." Boundaries are personal, and usually subjective. It's okay if your boundaries are different from someone else's. Be comfortable with your own boundaries and allow yourself to stand by them. Boundaries are a projection of who you are. Therefore, there is no inherent value in boundaries. Your boundaries are not better or worse than another person's. Never compare your boundaries to someone else's. You may, for example, feel guilty that a co-worker is more eager to go to noisy bars for work parties. This is simply off limits to you. Your co-worker may be more extroverted or less shy than you. This is okay. It's okay for you to say "No" to such events, even if others don't, as they violate your personal boundaries. Don't look back after giving an answer. If you tend to ruminate over decisions, this can make saying "No" more difficult. After saying "No," accept your decision and move forward. Focus on how good you feel. If you said "No" to something potentially draining or stressful, you should feel relieved. Prioritize your positive feelings about saying "No." Try to push out feelings of guilt. Understand saying "No" can help you avoid resentment. Saying "Yes" too often could lead to resentment. If you're a people pleaser by nature, you may say "Yes" more frequently than is healthy. If you, for example, agree to help every time a friend needs a favor, you may begin to resent that friend. While you may feel temporarily guilty over saying "No," it's better to deal with momentary guilt than to risk tanking a valuable relationship. Work on building up your self-worth. Part of the reason why some people struggle to say “no” is because they don't feel like their wants and needs are as important as other people's wants and needs. To avoid feeling guilty from saying “no,” try to work on building up your self-worth. Some strategies that you might try include: Writing a list of your strengths. Using positive self-talk to encourage yourself. Exploring your interests and making time for yourself. Avoiding comparing yourself to other people. Setting realistic goals for yourself. | Give yourself permission to say no. Establish your personal boundaries. Be aware of potential persuasion techniques. Practice saying "No. Ask for more time before committing. Start with a compliment or gratitude. Give a clear "No. Thank and encourage the person. Examine any reasons you avoid saying "No. Keep in mind that you do not need a reason to say “No. Accept that boundaries are personal and subjective. Don't look back after giving an answer. Understand saying "No" can help you avoid resentment. Work on building up your self-worth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Popper | How to Make a Paper Popper | To make an origami paper popper, fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise on a horizontal crease, and then unfold it. Next, fold it in half widthwise on a vertical crease and unfold it. Then, fold each corner of the paper inward so the edges line up with the horizontal crease. Now, fold the paper in half on the horizontal line. Once you've completed these steps, fold down the left and right corners to create a diamond. Finally, flip the paper over and fold it in half on the vertical crease to create the popper. | Use an 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) sheet of printer paper. If you don't have printer paper handy, you can also tear a piece of paper out of your notebook. A standard piece of A4 printer paper, 8.5 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm) in size works best, but you can use larger or smaller paper if you wish. Just make sure you are using rectangular paper. Notebook paper will not be as sturdy as printer paper and won't make as loud of a noise, but still works well. The paper doesn't have to be this exact size, but it's a good size to start with as it is easier to fold. Lay the paper flat so the longer sides are on the top and bottom. Fold the bottom fourth of your paper up. Fold about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) of the paper up on a horizontal fold and then apply a crease. Fold the paper away from you, toward the top. Run your finger along the bottom edge to create the crease and keep the fold in place. Fold another 2.5 inches (64 mm) of the paper up. When you're finished, you should have 1 inch (25 mm) of unfolded paper remaining. If you have a little more or less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), that's okay too. Flip your paper over and fold it in half. You want to flip your paper so that the unfolded portion is now on the bottom, closest to you. Then fold the paper in half on a vertical crease. When you make this fold, the folded part, or bar, should be visible again. You will now have a square shape with your folds on the outside. Grab the popper at the back tip of the folded bar on the top of your paper. Find the folded edge of your top bar (the part of the paper you folded up earlier) and pinch it with one hand. Then grab the bottom corner with your other hand. Pull the bar up and out as you push the unfolded portion of paper in and down in the opposite direction. You will now see that you've created two open loops, or pockets, from the folded bar. Pinch the bottom corners of your looped paper. Make sure you’re not pinching any of the unfolded portions of the paper. You shouldn't pinch the paper too hard. Don't hold down the unfolded part in the middle, or you won't be able to snap it. You can think of this as a bit like holding a paper airplane upside-down. Look through the outside of the popper inward. You should have created two almost diamond-shaped air pockets. When you're snapping the popper open, you'll be releasing the unfolded section of paper. Make sure you're not holding the bottom edge of the unfolded paper and that it has freedom to move. For extra noise, you can try to stretch out and open the air pockets a bit to take in as much air as possible. Snap the popper down. Raise your arm and then bring it down like you're cracking a whip or bouncing a ball. The air pockets should whip out, creating a cracking sound. You can snap the paper down on a desk, or just snap it in the air. As you bring your arm down, snap your wrist down as well to give it extra force. Get a piece of 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) printer paper. To make this popper will need a sheet of rectangular paper. Any standard 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) sheet of paper works well. A standard piece of A4 printer paper, 8.5 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm) in size works best, but you can use larger or smaller paper if you wish. Just make sure you are using rectangular paper. You can also use notebook paper. Notebook paper won't be quite as loud because it's not as heavy, but will still work fine. Place your paper on a table so that the longer sides are on the top and bottom. Create creases on the paper to use as guides. Fold the paper in half lengthwise on a horizontal crease then unfold it. Now fold it in half widthwise on a vertical crease and unfold it again. At this point, you should have four creases in your paper, both vertically and horizontally. The creases will look like a cross. Fold each corner of the paper inward. The edge of your folds should line up with the horizontal crease. When you are done with these four folds, there should be two triangles on either side of the paper. Think of folding each corner down like you would for a paper airplane. You will have a vertical, open section of unfolded paper in the middle between your folds. Fold the popper in half to create a trapezoid shape. You now want to fold the paper in half along the horizontal crease. The popper should now look like a trapezoid or a triangle shape with the tip cut off. Fold up the left and right corners. Position your paper so that the longer flat edge is facing down closer to you. Take the bottom two corners on the left and right side and fold upward. Make sure to line the edges up with the vertical crease. This should create two triangular flaps which meet in the center and together make a diamond. Finish your popper. Flip the paper over and fold it in half on the vertical crease. Once you have done this, the popper should be in the shape of a triangle with the two flaps on the outside. Pop your paper popper. Hold the bottom corners of the popper between your thumb and index finger. Raise your arm above your head, and quickly snap it down to create the popping sound. You may need to pull the inner folds of your paper out a little to get the paper to pop the first time if your paper is stiff. Tuck back in the flap that comes out to make the noise again. Use an 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) sheet of printer paper. Lay the paper flat on a table and position so the longer sides are on the top and bottom. A standard piece of A4 printer paper, 8.5 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm) in size works best, but you can use larger or smaller paper if you wish. Just make sure you are using rectangular paper. Regular notebook paper also works well, but may not be as loud as it's thinner than printer paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise on a horizontal crease. Take the bottom edge of your paper and bring it up to meet the top edge. Run your finger along the bottom folded edge to create a crease. Fold the paper in half again. This time, fold your paper in half widthwise on a vertical crease. Take the right edge of your paper and bring it over to meet the left edge. Run your finger along the crease to keep your folds in place. Pinch the two inner flaps on the bottom of your paper with one hand. You will have four flaps of paper on the bottom which were created by your folds. Pinch the two inner flaps. The top of your paper will have two edges created by your folds. On the bottom of your paper, you will see two outer flaps and two inner flaps. Pinch the two outer flaps with your other hand. Pull the inner flaps upward while keeping the outer flaps in place with your other hand. You will now see two loops, or cone shapes, which were created by pushing the inner flaps upward. Keep the inner flaps held in place by pinching the outer flaps toward the middle the paper. Make sure you're not pinching any parts of the inner flaps as the cones you've created will flap out when you throw down your popper and make the noise. Pop your popper. Raise your arm up holding your popper and throw it down like you would if you were cracking a whip or bouncing a ball on the ground. Snap your wrist down as you bring your arm down to help the inner flaps pop out. | Use an 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) sheet of printer paper. Fold the bottom fourth of your paper up. Fold another 2.5 inches (64 mm) of the paper up. Flip your paper over and fold it in half. Grab the popper at the back tip of the folded bar on the top of your paper. Make sure you’re not pinching any of the unfolded portions of the paper. Snap the popper down. Get a piece of 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) printer paper. Create creases on the paper to use as guides. Fold each corner of the paper inward. Fold the popper in half to create a trapezoid shape. Fold up the left and right corners. Finish your popper. Pop your paper popper. Use an 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) sheet of printer paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise on a horizontal crease. Fold the paper in half again. Pinch the two inner flaps on the bottom of your paper with one hand. Pinch the two outer flaps with your other hand. Pop your popper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paraglide | How to Paraglide | Before you can go paragliding on your own, you'll need to fly tandem with a certified instructor. To find a certified instructor, reach out to a qualified paragliding school in your area, and ask to schedule a tandem flight. Then, once you fly tandem with someone else, you'll receive a student rating and be qualified to paraglide by yourself under the supervision of an instructor. From there, you can enroll in courses offered by a certified paragliding school and continue to earn advanced ratings so you can start flying without supervision. | Fly tandem with a certified instructor. The first step towards mastering the sport of paragliding is to fly tandem with a certified instructor. A successful tandem flying experience qualifies you to receive your Student Paragliding P-0 rating. This rating allows you to fly solo under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. To schedule a tandem flight, contact a qualified paragliding school. You do not any prior experience to embark on a tandem flight. Acquire and demonstrate a basic understanding of paragliding. To obtain a P-0 rating, you must demonstrate to your instructor that you have acquired a basic understanding of paragliding equipment, techniques, and skills. These include: Understanding and accepting the risks of tandem paragliding. Understanding the acts of launching, flying, and landing. Understanding the mechanics of brakes and risers. Understanding the deployment of a backup parachute. Demonstrate your ability to listen to and work with your instructor. When flying tandem, it is imperative that you cooperate with your instructor. To obtain a P-0 rating, you must: Follow the instructions and commands of your instructor. Only touch the paraglider in the areas indicated by the instructor. Demonstrate that you understand that you must run with your instructor to launch the paraglider. Attend a basic ground school and pass a written exam. In order to receive a Beginner Paragliding Rating (P-1), you must enroll in a basic ground school. These courses are offered by certified paragliding schools. While attending this school, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to pass a Beginner Paragliding written exam, such as the skills required to assess weather and wind conditions. Demonstrate basic skills and knowledge of the canopy. To obtain a p-1 rating, you must demonstrate your ability to master the canopy, or sail. The skills you must master include: The ability to properly layout a canopy and harness preflight. The ability to launch a canopy under control. The ability to remain connected to the canopy while remaining clear of lines and risers (the points at which the lines attach to the harness) prior to inflation. The ability to deflate, immobilize, disconnect, and remove the canopy. The ability to properly pack, store, and care for the canopy. Launch, fly, and land independently under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. To obtain your P-1 rating, you must also demonstrate your ability to launch, fly, and land a paraglider solo. When launching, your inflation run must be smooth and exhibit your confidence. You must maintain directional control and control of the pendulum. Your transition from running to flying must be smooth. You must complete two flights that exhibit your ability to maintain a constant airspeed, fly smoothly and straight towards a predetermined target, and land safely into the wind. You must complete two flights that exhibit your ability to handle variations in airspeed and land safely into the wind. Receive a P-1 rating. When you have completed all the beginner tasks, you will receive a P-1 rating. This rating permits you to fly under the direct supervision of a certified instructor in winds of 12 MPH or less. Your flights paths must be straight and relatively free of obstructions. Attend at least eight hours of ground school theory courses. To obtain your Novice Paragliding Rating (P-2), you must enroll in a complete at least 8 hours of ground school theory courses. These courses prepare you to take the written Novice exam. In these courses, you will acquire theoretical and practical information on the following subjects: Weather—observing and monitoring local weather. Launches—considering air density, slope, wind factors, and angles of attack. Danger signs—identifying high winds, dust storms, smoke, and shifting wind directions. Landing—considering air density, wind directions, and various approach techniques. Equipment—understanding the importance of packing food, water, and wind instruments. Site orientation—learning how to familiarize yourself with the protocols and layout of a site. Present a log of at least 25 flights. In order to receive your P-2 rating, you must demonstrate that you are capable of lowering your canopy between flights. Your log will serve as proof of your ability to do so. Present your certified instructor with a log of your flights that contains at least 25 separate entries. Demonstrate your mastery of 26 individual skills. To obtain your P-2 rating, you must demonstrate your ability to complete 26 distinct skills. The skills include, but are not limited to: Providing an accurate analysis of general site conditions, flight plans, and potential obstacles. Demonstrate 5 consecutive forward inflations and 5 consecutive backwards inflations. Complete 180° turns in each direction. Complete 5 landings within 25 feet of a predetermined target. Explaining proper canopy maintenance, adapting a flight path, and the rules of traffic. Receive a P-2 rating. Following your completion of all the requirements, you will receive a P-2 rating. This rating permits you to fly without the direct supervision of a certified instructor. However, you must observe strict operating limitations. These limitations include: You must maintain visual contact with the landing zone. You may not fly when base winds exceed 12 MPH. You may not fly when peak gusts exceed 15 MPH. You may not fly when the maximum gust rate reaches 5 MPH within 5 second. Meet the log requirements. To obtain an Intermediate Paragliding Rating (P-3), your long must contain the following: At least 30 logged flying days At least 90 flights At least 20 hours of solo airtime Demonstrate your mastery of paragliding theories and skills. To receive a P-3 rating you must be proficient in several paragliding protocols, theories, and skills. In addition to demonstrating your abilities, you must also pass the Intermediate Paragliding written exam. These theories and skills you must master include, but are not limited to: The ability to analyze and explain the conditions of your site and flight plan. The ability to maintain complete control during inflations of the canopy, launches, and landings. The ability to complete 360° turns in each direction. The ability to vary and control your airspeed at different wind rates. Receive your P-3 rating. After completing all the requirements, you will receive your P-3 rating. This rating signifies that you are capable of assessing sites and determining whether your training has equipped you to fly. This rating still subjects you to adhering to operating limitations, such as avoiding steep turns near the ground. Meet the log requirements. To obtain an Advanced Paragliding Rating (P-4), which permits you to fly technically challenging flights, you must meet the following log requirements: 250 logged flights 5 intermediate level flights at 5 distinct sites, 3 of which must be inland flights At least 80 logged flying days At least three intermediate level 1 hour flights from 2 distinct locations in thermal lift without sustaining ridge lift. At least one intermediate level 1 hour flight in ridge lift without sustaining thermal lift At least 75 hours of logged airtime Flown at least 5 different canopies Demonstrate your mastery of advanced skills. To obtain your P-4 rating, you must pass the Advanced Paragliding written examine and sign waiver assuming the risk for advanced paragliding. You must also exhibit mastery of these advanced skills: The ability to prepare your harness, canopy, and backup reserve parachute. The ability to analyze and report conditions. The ability to create and execute a flight plan. The ability to remain connected to the paraglider while remaining clear of lines and risers. The ability to maintain control over all inflations and launches. The ability to complete smooth and safe landings on your feet. The ability to complete figure 8 turns. The ability to land within 10 feet of a target at least 3 times. The ability to complete and reverse 360° turns at various wind speeds. The ability to collapse the wings up to 50% while maintaining directional control. The ability to prove to an instructor that you are not a risk to spectators, other pilots, or the site. Receive your P-4 rating. After completing all the necessary requirements, you will receive your P-4 rating. This rating signifies that you have the skills and knowledge to assess and fly technically demanding sites. The operating limits for a P-4 pilot include remaining 30 feet away from another glider in smooth air conditions and 100 feet from another glider in turbulent air conditions. | Fly tandem with a certified instructor. Acquire and demonstrate a basic understanding of paragliding. Demonstrate your ability to listen to and work with your instructor. Attend a basic ground school and pass a written exam. Demonstrate basic skills and knowledge of the canopy. Launch, fly, and land independently under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. Receive a P-1 rating. Attend at least eight hours of ground school theory courses. Present a log of at least 25 flights. Demonstrate your mastery of 26 individual skills. Receive a P-2 rating. Meet the log requirements. Demonstrate your mastery of paragliding theories and skills. Receive your P-3 rating. Meet the log requirements. Demonstrate your mastery of advanced skills. The ability to create and execute a flight plan. Receive your P-4 rating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-an-Open-Bottle-of-Red-Wine | How to Store an Open Bottle of Red Wine | To store an open bottle of red wine, seal your bottle and place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 5 days. If you lose the cork, wrap the top of the bottle with plastic and secure it with a rubber band. When storing your open bottle, make sure to keep it upright to limit surface exposure to oxygen, which will spoil the wine faster. Then, before consuming your wine, place the bottle in a lukewarm bowl of water to slowly raise the temperature to around 62 degrees Fahrenheit. | Place your bottle in the fridge promptly. When it comes to storing wine, heat and oxygen are your enemies. Sealing your bottle and placing it in the fridge as soon as you're done drinking is the simplest way to slow down the oxidation process that turns wine into vinegar. While it's common knowledge that red wine should be enjoyed at room temperature, red wine should still be refrigerated after it's been opened. A wine fridge is a great option, too. It'll keep your wine cool enough to slow oxidation, but not as cold as a standard refrigerator. Seal the bottle with plastic wrap and a rubber band if you lost the cork. If you accidentally threw away the cork or screw cap, wrap the top of the bottle with plastic and secure it with a rubber band. You can also invest in inexpensive wine stoppers, which are made of plastic or metal and create an air-tight seal. You can find them online or at wine, liquor, and home goods stores. Store wine in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. The exact storage time depends on the type of wine, but 3 to 5 days is a good general guideline. Even after 5 days, it's worth doing a taste test. While the flavor might be a bit off, many wines are drinkable for at least a week after being opened. Wines with higher tannin levels and acidity will keep longer. A full-bodied, tannic cabernet could last a week without major flavor changes, while a delicate pinot noir could last 1 to 2 days. Organic and older wines can spoil within a day. Place the bottle in lukewarm water to slowly raise its temperature. Most red wines are best enjoyed at temperatures just cooler than room temperature, or around 62 to 66 °F (17 to 19 °C). Rapid temperature changes negatively affect wine, so warm a refrigerated red slowly by submerging the bottom of the bottle in a bowl of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is lukewarm and not hot. Start raising its temperature about 30 minutes before serving it. When you serve it, pour smaller amounts so the wine will warm in the glass faster. Keep the bottle upright to reduce the wine’s surface area. Never keep a bottle of wine on its side after opening. Oxygen spoils wine, so you want to reduce the amount of wine that's exposed to air. Storing a bottle on its side creates a larger surface area, which exposes more wine to oxygen. Pour the wine into a smaller bottle. If you have one handy, pour leftover wine into a small, sealable glass bottle or jar. When a standard bottle of wine is half full, half of its volume contains air. If you store wine in a container half the size of a standard 750 milliliters (25.4 fl oz) bottle, there will be less space for air, which means less oxidation. Use a pump to remove oxygen from bottles of non-sparkling wine. A vacuum pump removes air from a bottle of wine, and is among the most affordable wine preservation tools. Pump systems often include stoppers. Insert the stopper into the bottle, then attach the pump to the stopper to remove oxygen from the bottle. Some wine connoisseurs suggest that vacuum pumps negatively affect aroma and taste. While you might want to finish an aged, expensive wine instead of pumping and storing it, pumping an average bottle of wine probably won't hurt its flavor. Don’t use a pump on sparkling wines. Pumping sparkling reds, such as Lambrusco, or those with slight effervescence, such as vinho verde tinto, can leave you with a flat, disappointing wine. Store any carbonated wines in the fridge, and try to enjoy them within 1 to 3 days. Sparkling reds are best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need for a lukewarm bath. Just remove the bottle from the fridge 20 minutes before serving. Replace the oxygen with an inert gas aerosol. To use an aerosol product, insert the extension tube into the bottle, spray the gas, then quickly replace the cork. Aerosol preservation products replace the oxygen in a bottle with an inert gas, such as argon. Extract wine with a Coravin instead of opening the cork. A Coravin wine extraction system pierces the cork (without actually removing it) so you can pour a small amount of wine, then reseals the cork. It's expensive, so might not be worth the price unless you routinely taste high quality bottles of wine. A Coravin is ideal if you like to regularly taste good wines but don't want to have more than a sip or a glass. The bottle is good as new after the Coravin reseals it, so your expensive aged wine, which spoils quickly, won't go to waste. Insert the stained side into the bottle when you re-cork. Make sure the stained side of the cork faces down like it did when the bottle was unopened. Inserting the cork with the stained side down might take more effort, as the clean side, which faced up when the bottle was sealed, is usually easier to fit into the bottle. However, inserting that end could introduce bacteria and cause your wine to spoil faster. The clean side was exposed during shipping, on the shelf at the store, and in your wine rack or countertop. It's likely to have a higher bacteria count than the stained side, which was sealed within the bottle. Avoid temperatures above 70 °F (21 °C). If you're keeping wine on the countertop or bar during a party, try to keep the ambient temperature below 70 °F (21 °C). Whether they're opened or sealed, avoid storing your bottles by the oven, next to the fridge, or near any appliance that produces heat. You wouldn't want to keep a bottle of red in cold water or ice during a party, so just try to control the ambient temperature. Avoid exposing the bottle to sunlight. Keep opened and sealed bottles of wine away from windows and other sources of sunlight. Sun exposure can hasten oxidation and cause discoloration. Finish a bottle of wine that’s several years old. If you've opened up an 8 year old bottle of wine, you're better off just finishing it. Even when stored in the fridge, a bottle of good, aged wine can spoil in a matter of hours. Organic wines can also turn within a day, so avoid trying to store them for longer periods of time. Find another use for wine that’s turned. Just because a wine doesn't taste good enough to drink doesn't mean you have to toss it, especially if it's been less than a week since you opened the bottle. If a red has only started to lose its vibrant color and doesn't smell moldy or rancid, give it a taste test. If it's just slightly off, find another use for it. You could use it to deglaze a pan of sauteed onions or garlic for a sauce, use it in a stew, or add it to a meat marinade. For best results, your recipe should have lots of flavor. The wine will add an extra note, but the stronger flavors will tone down any sourness. If you don't have an immediate need to cook with borderline wine, pour it into an ice cube try and freeze it. (Don't freeze wine you plan on drinking.) Just toss it if it tastes like vinegar, smells moldy, or looks cloudy. | Place your bottle in the fridge promptly. Seal the bottle with plastic wrap and a rubber band if you lost the cork. Store wine in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Place the bottle in lukewarm water to slowly raise its temperature. Keep the bottle upright to reduce the wine’s surface area. Pour the wine into a smaller bottle. Use a pump to remove oxygen from bottles of non-sparkling wine. Don’t use a pump on sparkling wines. Replace the oxygen with an inert gas aerosol. Extract wine with a Coravin instead of opening the cork. Insert the stained side into the bottle when you re-cork. Avoid temperatures above 70 °F (21 °C). Avoid exposing the bottle to sunlight. Finish a bottle of wine that’s several years old. Find another use for wine that’s turned. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detoxify-Your-Kidneys-Naturally | How to Detoxify Your Kidneys Naturally | To detoxify your kidneys naturally, drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, or enough that your urine is clear and odorless. Additionally, eat lots of fruit, like bananas, grapes and oranges, which are rich in the potassium that helps clear your kidneys. You can also include a cupful of cranberries as part of your daily diet, since cranberries are particularly known for their cleansing properties. If you're looking for alternative medicine detoxifiers, try taking a natural supplement like European barberry, Bear's grape, or gokshura, which may help cleanse your kidneys. | Drink lots and lots of water. The most important thing for a regular kidney detox is to have a high intake of natural, clean water. Having around 8 glasses of water per day (or more if you sweat a lot or are athletic) helps to filter out the accumulated toxins. A good indication that you are getting enough water would be passing clear or pale yellow urine which is not very strong smelling. If the urine is anything deeper than a pale yellow, it means that it is concentrated (which is normal for the first urination of the morning). Passing clear urine is an indication of a clean filtering system. Fluids in the form of colas, coffees, and carbonated drinks are not a good substitute for natural water. Some teas and juices may contain vitamins and minerals that are helpful for your kidneys. However, they may also contain high concentrations of caffeine or sugar, which can be harmful to your kidneys. Remember that water is still the best. Fill up on potassium-rich fruit. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium aid in cleansing the kidneys. Fruits like grapes, sweet limes, oranges, cantaloupes, bananas, kiwis, apricots, and prunes are all rich sources of potassium. Milk and yogurt are also good sources of potassium. Including these fruits in your daily diet helps maintain the level of electrolytes in your blood, which then keeps the kidney functioning at its optimum. A glass of tart cherry juice consumed daily in the morning or afternoon is known to clear the build-up of excess uric acid, a by-product of kidney filtration. One must have a balanced intake of potassium rich food. Excessive intake of potassium can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia, which can prove fatal and cause a cardiac arrest. People who have kidney problems like kidney failure cannot have too much potassium. A healthy person is allowed to have up to 4.7 grams of potassium per day. Eat plenty of cranberries. Cranberries help in cleansing the kidney. Cranberries contain a nutrient called quinine which converts itself into hippuric acid through a series of metabolic changes in the liver. Hippuric acid clears the excess buildup of urea and uric acid in the kidneys. A cupful of cranberries is enough to cleanse the kidney each day. Scientific studies have proven that cranberry is also very useful in treating as preventing urinary tract infections as it has antibacterial properties. Incorporate more barley into your diet. Barley is an excellent grain that is used to cleanse the kidneys. It may also help prevent damage happening in the kidney due to uncontrolled diabetes. Note that barley is not a cure, but it can be used along with other methods to maintain optimum functioning of the kidneys. Barley is a whole grain, and substituting barley flour in place of refined flours is a good way of including barley in your diet. Another way to get more barley is to soak a handful of barley in water at night and drink the same water first thing in the morning. This cleanses and repairs the buildup of kidney toxins. Regular consumption of barley may also help in maintaining the creatinine levels, or bringing them down to normal in the case of diabetics. Keep away from things like alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate. Though scientists still argue about this, the possible list of things to avoid includes alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, nuts, and processed foods. These may be bad for your kidneys, and can also have a negative impact on your overall health. Regardless of whether you're detoxifying or not, it may be a good idea to limit your intake of all these things. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to limit your intake of alcohol, chocolate, or caffeine. Limit your protein intake if your doctor recommends it. If you have kidney disease, eating a high-protein diet may make your condition worse. Unhealthy kidneys have a hard time filtering out the waste your body produces when it metabolizes protein. Ask your doctor if you should limit how much protein you eat to protect your kidneys. For adults with kidney disease such as chronic renal failure, the National Kidney Foundation recommends limiting the daily protein intake to only 0.8 grams (0.028 oz) per 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of body weight. So, for the average 60 kg (130 lb) adult man, only 48 grams (1.7 oz) grams of protein is allowed per day. This is roughly equivalent to only 1 slice of pork chop and 1 slice of cheese! Talk to your doctor about this beforehand. Protein is a very important element of your diet and should not be avoided for most individuals. Stop smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking can increase your blood pressure, which can lead to kidney issues. Smoking also has many other negative health effects, so if you're looking to become healthier and detox your body, giving up the cigarettes can help. Try dandelion. Dandelion is an herb which is used as a food additive in various preparations like salads, dressings, teas, coffees, and chocolates. Dandelion is rich in potassium and has a diuretic-like action, meaning it helps clear away excess water from the body. Hence, it's very useful in increasing the urinary output. As a cleansing agent, taking about 10-15 drops of dandelion mother tincture 3 times a day is useful to detox the kidneys and can be safely continued for up to 6 months. Experiment with uva ursi or bear’s grape. This is an excellent natural supplement for kidney detox. It helps to repair the inflammation and injury caused to the tissues in the kidney as a result of infections or stones. It contains a glycoside known as arbutin which has antimicrobial properties, thereby helping in treating urinary tract infections. It also has a muscle relaxant-like action which helps to bring down the swelling in the urinary tract or muscles. It neutralizes the acidic content of the urine, thereby alleviating the burning pain caused by infections. It is generally safe to take this supplement. However, you should not take it if you are on antipsychotic drugs like lithium. Uva ursi can interfere with the way the body gets rid of lithium. This could lead to a high level of lithium in the blood, which can be toxic or fatal. Consider using gokshura. This is an Ayurvedic supplement which boosts kidney health and is beneficial to those who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections as well as recurrent renal stones. It helps in maintaining the flow of urine and also cools and soothes the urinary membranes, thereby relieving the pain. It also possesses antibiotic properties and may help with bladder infections. A capsule of gokshura can be consumed once or twice a day to maintain renal function. Look into using European barberry. This is an age-old supplement known to flush out renal stones. In homeopathy, a mother tincture prepared from this herb, known as Berberis Vulgaris, may help relieve patients from renal colic. However, the size of the stones should be smaller than the diameter of urethra, otherwise a bigger stone can harm the epithelium of the urethra when it attempts to come out. 10-15 drops of the mother tincture mixed with a little water taken 3 times a day may flush out the stones within a few weeks. See your doctor if you have symptoms of kidney disease. If you're concerned that you might have a problem with your kidneys, it's important to get a medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as: Nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite Fatigue, weakness, or difficulty sleeping Difficulty urinating or a change in how much you urinate Muscle twitches or cramps Difficulty concentrating Swelling in your feet or ankles Itchy skin Chest pain or shortness of breath Seek medical attention if you have kidney pain. Pain in your kidneys could be a sign of kidney stones, an infection, or some other serious complication. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as a persistent, dull pain in your side or in one side of your back, a fever, body aches, fatigue, or nausea and vomiting. Let them know if you've recently had a urinary tract infection. Call emergency services or go to the emergency room if you have severe kidney pain that comes on suddenly, or if you have kidney pain along with blood in your urine. Consult your doctor before making changes to your diet. The dietary needs of people with kidney disease are different from those of people with healthy kidneys. Before you start making changes to your diet, talk to your doctor about the health of your kidneys and find out which foods are safe and beneficial for you. For example, most people can benefit from adding more potassium to their diet, and getting enough potassium may help prevent the development of kidney stones. However, if you have kidney disease, eating foods high in potassium can be harmful. Ask your doctor about taking herbs and supplements. Before taking any dietary or supplement or herb, it's very important to talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Some supplements can interact dangerously with medications, and they can also make your condition worse if you already have kidney disease. Ask your doctor if the supplements you're interested in are likely to be safe or helpful for you. Before trying a supplement, give your doctor a full list of any other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Let them know if you have any other health conditions, since this can also affect which supplements are safe for you. Follow your doctor’s care instructions carefully. If you've been diagnosed with a kidney condition or are at risk of developing one, it's important to work closely with your doctor to make sure your condition is under control. Visit your doctor as often as they recommend for checkups and lab tests, and don't hesitate to call them between appointments if your symptoms change or you have any concerns. Take any medications as directed by your doctor, and carefully follow their recommendations for caring for yourself at home. They may recommend making changes to your diet and lifestyle along with using medical treatments. | Drink lots and lots of water. Fill up on potassium-rich fruit. Eat plenty of cranberries. Incorporate more barley into your diet. Keep away from things like alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate. Limit your protein intake if your doctor recommends it. Stop smoking if you are a smoker. Try dandelion. Experiment with uva ursi or bear’s grape. Consider using gokshura. Look into using European barberry. See your doctor if you have symptoms of kidney disease. Seek medical attention if you have kidney pain. Consult your doctor before making changes to your diet. Ask your doctor about taking herbs and supplements. Follow your doctor’s care instructions carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Movie-in-APA | How to Cite a Movie in APA | To do an in-text citation of a movie in APA, include a parenthetical citation after you mention the movie in the text, unless you mentioned the name of the movie and the director's name, in which case you don't need a citation. To make your parenthetical citation, include the last names of the movie's producers and directors, followed by the year the movie came out. In subsequent citations, you can just list the first name followed by "et al" instead of writing out each name. | Gather information for your citation. As with any APA citation, you will need basic information about the movie you want to cite. Much of this information will be available in the credits of the movie itself. You will need the names of the producers and directors, the year the movie was released, the production company, the studio that released the movie, and the country where the movie was produced. Keep in mind that the studio may change if the film rights are purchased by another company. However, either the original or new studio name would be acceptable to include in the citation. To get this information, you can take notes during the credits of the film, or look the film up on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Provide the last name and first initial of producers and directors. You typically start any APA citation with the last name of the author, since your reference list will be alphabetized by author. For a movie, the producer and director are considered the authors. Put the person's role in parentheses after their name. List producers first, then the director. If there are multiple names, separate them with commas, using an ampersand before the last name. For example: "Magness, G., Siegel-Magness, S. (Producers), & Daniels, L. (Director)." If one person is both producer and director, include both roles in parentheses after their name. For example: "Hitchcock, A. (Producer/Director)." Include the year of production in parentheses. The copyright year, or year the movie was produced, is the next piece of information in your citation. If you watched the movie on DVD, the DVD itself may have a different year of production, but you want the original year for your citation. For example: "Hitchcock, A. (Producer/Director). (1941). Add the title and format of the movie. The title of the movie should be in italics, using sentence-style capitalization. Typically only the first word of the title and any proper names will be capitalized. Include the format in which you viewed the movie in brackets after the title. Use the format "Motion Picture" if you watched the movie in the theater. For example: "Hitchcock, A. (Producer/Director). (1941). Suspicion [Motion Picture]." If you watched the movie on DVD or some other format, include the name of that format instead. For example: "Magness, G., Siegel-Magness, S. (Producers), & Daniels, L. (Director). (2009). Precious [DVD]." List the country and production company. The movie may have been filmed in several different countries, but you want the country of origin – usually the original country where the movie was released. Put a colon after the country, and then list the name of the movie studio that released the movie. For example: "Hitchcock, A. (Producer/Director). (1941). Suspicion [Motion Picture]. United States: Turner." Alternatively, your citation make look like: "Magness, G., Siegel-Magness, S. (Producers), & Daniels, L. (Director). (2009). Precious [DVD]. United States: Lionsgate." If you watched the movie online, type the words "Retrieved from" and provide a direct URL where the movie can be accessed. Provide the last name of producers and directors with the year of production. When you mention a movie in text, you typically want to follow that mention with a parenthetical citation. Use the standard APA author-date format, except that for movies the producers and directors are considered the authors. For example: "(Magness, Siegal-Magness, & Daniels, 2009)." Do not include the words producer or director after the names in parenthetical in-text citations. Use the "et al" abbreviation in subsequent in-text citations. After the first in-text citation, you need only list the first name followed by the Latin abbreviation "et al" and the year of production. An exception is if there are only 2 producers or directors; in this case, list them each time. Also, if the movie has more than 6 producers and directors, only list the first one followed by "et al" for every citation. For example: "(Magness, et al, 2009)." Use a time-stamp to locate specific information. If you want to direct your reader to a specific scene or part of the movie, follow the year of production with a time stamp or range of time stamps. For example: "(Magness, Siegal-Magness, & Daniels, 2009, 1:30:00)." Reflect the format shown in the movie itself, putting zeroes in places where necessary. For example, if a movie's time is reflected in hours, minutes, and seconds, and you're citing something that occurred at the 30-minute mark, you would need a zero for the hours: 0:30:00. You'll have to pause the movie to identify the time when the part you're citing occurs. If you watched the film in a theater, you won't be able to do this, so take notes as best you can. By writing down the time, you can calculate the time stamp with reference to the time the movie started. Omit the in-text citation where unnecessary. You already have a full citation for the movie in your references. If you include enough information in the text that your reader can correctly identify the movie's full citation in your reference list, there's no need for a parenthetical in-text citation. Since your citations start with the producer's and director's names, this generally means you need a parenthetical citation unless you've mentioned the name in your text. For example, the sentence "Hitchcock's film Suspicion is unusually light-hearted but still suspenseful" would not need a parenthetical citation. You have already mentioned the producer and director's name (Hitchcock) along with the name of the film, so your readers will easily be able to find it in your reference list. | Gather information for your citation. Provide the last name and first initial of producers and directors. Include the year of production in parentheses. Add the title and format of the movie. List the country and production company. Provide the last name of producers and directors with the year of production. Use the "et al" abbreviation in subsequent in-text citations. Use a time-stamp to locate specific information. Omit the in-text citation where unnecessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Cat-with-a-Tail-Pull-Injury | How to Treat a Cat with a Tail Pull Injury | If you think your cat might have a tail pull injury, it's important to take it to the vet for treatment as soon as possible. The vet will do a physical exam of your cat, and may also X-ray it or perform blood tests. In most cases, the vet will recommend that you allow the injury to heal on its own. If that's the case, try to limit the cat's activity as it recovers, and help it stay as comfortable as possible by providing it with a soft, quiet place to rest. | Recognize common causes of tail pull injuries. There are many different ways a cat might get a tail pull injury. These include the tail being: Slammed by a door. Stepped on or pulled by a person. Bitten off by another animal. Run over by an automobile or other moving vehicle. Observe physical symptoms. Many cat owners may quickly notice when their cat has a tail pull injury through visual means alone. Looking for the different physical signs of a pull injury can help you get prompt treatment for your cat. Signs of a pull injury may include: A limp tail. A bend or kink in the tail. A paralyzed tail. Watch your cat’s behavior. Some cats may not exhibit any physical symptoms of a tail pull injury. In these cases, there are behavioral symptoms that can indicate a tail pull injury. The most common behavioral symptom is urinary or fecal incontinence, since the tail helps control bladder and bowel function. Additional behavioral signs of a tail pull injury may include: Reduced hopping reactions, which are the legs' reaction to an external stimulus. These may not be immediately visible to you, but a neurological examination of your cat may include testing this reaction. Slower reflexes and lethargy. Careful paw placement. Contact your cat’s vet. If you notice or suspect a tail pull injury in your cat, it's important to get prompt medical attention. Although many tail pull injuries will heal on their own, a vet can provide a definitive diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan for your cat. Call the vet's office or an emergency vet clinic to inform them that your cat has or may have a tail pull injury. Provide any relevant details such as if your cat is howling in pain and not able to control its urinary function. This can ensure you get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Undergo an examination. A cat's tail is important to many bodily functions, including continence and balance. Because of this, your cat's vet will do an extensive exam. The exam may include touching different parts of your cat's body and getting diagnostic tests including X-rays and bloodwork. Tell your vet any specific symptoms you have noticed in your cat. This can help the doctor better assess the injury. Answer any questions that your vet may have about your cat's behavior or physical signs of injury. Allow your vet to perform a complete physical and neurological examination on your cat. This can detect potential related conditions including spinal displacement. Recognize that your vet may perform blood work, a urinalysis, or X-rays on your cat. These can also rule out other conditions that may appear like a pull injury. Let the injury heal by itself. In most cases, a tail pull injury can heal on its own. Most vets will see if the tail pull injury mends on its own before trying more invasive treatments such as surgery or amputation. Make sure your cat gets sufficient rest, which can promote healing. Fix broken tail bones with surgery. If your cat's tail is broken, dislocated or isn't healing well naturally, your doctor may suggest surgery. A surgical procedure to reset any tail bones or vertebrae can help your cat heal more effectively as well as restore feeling and continence. Allow your cat plenty of rest following its surgery. This can promote healing and minimize the risk of infection. Follow your vet's post-op instructions. This will likely include rest, pain medication and a course of antibiotics. Your vet may also prescribe medications stool softeners for constipation or bladder expressing if your cat has no sensation in its urethra. Have the tail amputated. Your cat's tail may be severely broken or there may be related spinal or pelvic damage. This may cause permanent loss of sensory and motor functions. If this is the case, your vet will likely suggest amputating your cat's tail to prevent further injury to the cat's nerves. Amputation won't disable your cat in any way. Be aware that tail amputation due to injury is common for cats. It can take your cat—and you—time to get used to not having a tail, but it is unlikely that the amputation will have a long-term impact on your cat's behavior. Follow your vet's post-op instructions. Even though it is common, amputation is still major surgery. The instructions may include giving your cat pain meds, antibiotics, stool softeners, and how to operate a urinary catheter. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any signs of infection at the amputation site. These may include: bleeding or leakage from the site, swelling, bruising, pale gums, strong body odor, diarrhea, difficulty breathing. Create a cozy environment. It may take up to a month for your cat's tail to heal. Your cat may have low energy and/ or little appetite following a tail pull injury or surgery. Rest is one of the most important components of your cat's recovery. You can help your cat rest and recuperate at home by putting its food and water dishes, bedding, and litter box in a quiet place. Consider making a cozy space in a separate room or crate for your cat. This can help you better observe your cat and its recovery. Place warm blankets in your cat's space. These can invite your cat to rest often. Make sure to provide fresh food and water at least once every day, even if your cat doesn't have much of an appetite. This can minimize the risk of infection. Understand that cats are very clean and sensitive to their litter box.. Provide your cat a clean little box filled with shredded paper instead of litter. This can minimize the risk of infection from litter dust. Limit your cat’s activity. Your cat may have very few symptoms following treatment for a tail pull injury. If this is the case, it's still important that you cat rest for at least a week. Limiting activities such as running, jumping, and playing with you or other pets can help your cat heal and minimize the risk of further injury. Let your cat get mild exercise such as playing with a ball in its rest area or crate. Keep your cat indoors if it goes outside. This can also help prevent further injury, infection, and even attacks by other animals. Aid your cat’s incontinence. Many cats experience urinary and fecal incontinence because due to a lack of sensation from a tail pull injury. This may continue during treatment, but about 60% of cats recover their continence. If your cat has any type of incontinence, provide as much support during this time as possible. In some cases, cats may never regain continence, which may require manual expression or catheterization. Recognize that your cat's vet will let you know the best way to handle the cat's incontinence. Your cat may require manual expression of the bladder by your vet or you at home. The vet may also suggest a cystotomy, or surgical incision, into your cat's bladder to aid urinary incontinence. Give your cat stool softeners as advised by your doctor to aid any constipation. Let your vet know if the incontinence gets worse or doesn't go away. The vet can suggest different or alternative treatments for it. Attend follow-up vet visits. Your cat will likely need to visit its vet on multiple occasions following a tail pull injury or surgery. These appointments determine if healing properly and is in relatively good health. Avoid missing any appointments to ensure your cat's tail and overall health. Schedule follow-up visits as often as your vets suggest or is necessary if your cat is experiencing additional problems with its tail. | Recognize common causes of tail pull injuries. Observe physical symptoms. Watch your cat’s behavior. Contact your cat’s vet. Undergo an examination. Let the injury heal by itself. Fix broken tail bones with surgery. Have the tail amputated. Create a cozy environment. Limit your cat’s activity. Aid your cat’s incontinence. Attend follow-up vet visits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Safe-Houseplants-when-You-Have-a-Cat | How to Choose Safe Houseplants when You Have a Cat | To choose safe houseplants when you have a cat, look for non-toxic plants, such as African violets, orchids, ferns, and spider plants. If you're buying plants from a garden center, it might help to make a list of common non-toxic plants so you can easily find them in the store. Avoid plants that are toxic to your cat, such as Amaryllis, Calla lily, English ivy, Oleander, and Anthurium. You can also consider getting plants that are grown for your cat to eat, such as cut grass, if you don't mind it chewing the leaves. | Research plants before buying them. When you bring plants into your home, it is important to make sure they are not toxic to your cat. Before shopping for a new houseplant, research common plants that are not toxic to cats, so that you can focus on bringing safe plants into your home. If you have your eye on a plant that you are unsure of, take the time to research it before bringing it home. There are extensive lists of toxic and non-toxic plants on the websites of organizations that focus on the humane treatment of animals, such as the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). If you know the name of a plant you are considering buying, simply do an Internet search for the name of the plant and the words "toxic cats." This should give you appropriate results to read through. Know common plants that are not toxic to cats. If you take the time to become familiar with some common plants that are not toxic to cats, you can be more comfortable bringing plants into your home. It is especially helpful if you are gifted a plant, so you know immediately that it won't be hazardous to your cat. Some common houseplants that are safe for cats include: African violets Air plants Orchids Ferns Spider plants Palms Christmas cacti Be aware of common toxic plants. There are some plants that are very toxic to cats and are commonly found in homes. Do an online search and find lists of plants that are toxic to cats. You should avoid bringing these plants into your home and keep your cats away from them. Some common houseplants that are toxic to cats include, but are not limited to: Amaryllis Chrysanthemum Calla lily English ivy Oleander Anthurium Philodendron Spathiphyllum Identify all the plants in your home. If you are bringing a cat into a home that has houseplants, you should make sure that none of your existing houseplants are toxic to cats. This can be hard to do if you are not sure what type of plants you have. Spend some time identifying what you have so that your cat is safe in its new home. Many websites have extensive lists and pictures of houseplants that can help you identify the plants in your home. If you cannot identify a specific plant, you may want to consider rehoming it. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to houseplants and cats. Consider getting plants specifically for your cat. There are some plants that can be grown for cats to chew on and enjoy. If you like having houseplants and you want your cat to have one of its very own, choose cat grass. Cat grass, which is a small grass that many cats love chomping on, is usually a mix of rye, barley, oat, or wheat grass which grows very easily indoors. Growing cat grass in your home can help you to keep your cat out of other houseplants, as it will focus its attention on the grass. Buy plants specifically marked as "cat grass" or get seeds marked as such from your local pet store. This will help ensure that the grass you are growing is safe for cats. You can also grow catnip indoors, however it can cause some cats to get a bit wild. If you want to let your cat have it, grow it for them. Place plants out of reach. If you want to keep your cat from digging in a potted plant or chewing on its leaves, you will need to move it out of reach. While this can be difficult to do with cats, it is possible. One of the best ways to place a plant out of reach is to hang it from the ceiling in an area that doesn't allow the cat to get up to it. You can also place plants on window sills or shelves that the cat cannot access. Plants can be hung from the ceiling relativity easily. You will need to install a hook in the ceiling that can hold the weight of the plant. Then place the plant in a hanging pot which can be hung from the hook. If you are hoping to place a toxic plant out of reach of your cat, remember that they can still drop leaves when they are hung, which can endanger your cat. Move plants that are of special interest. If your cat is obsessed with a particular plant, you will likely need to move it out of the cat's area to keep it undisturbed and alive. If there is an area of your home that your cat doesn't go in, move the plant there. If your cat currently has full reign of your home, you may need to make an area off limits to save your plant. Train your cat to leave plants alone. There are some cats that can be trained to leave plants alone. If you have trained your cat in the past, it's worth a try to keep it out of your houseplants. Training your cat should not involve physically or verbally punishing the cat. Instead, you should use positive reinforcement for good behavior and correction for behavior that you don't want occurring. Use a cat-safe deterrent to keep your cat away from the area. There are several products, including SSSCat, that are undesirable to cats and can keep them away from a specific area. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, then follow the instructions for use on the package. Generally, you will spray the product near an item or area that you don't want your cat to be near. In this case, you can spray the deterrent around the planter to keep your cat away from the plant. Repeat as often as directed on the package. Make sure your plants aren't an injury hazard for your cat. When relocating your plants to keep them away from your cat, make sure that they don't actually pose a new threat to it. It is important to place plants so that they can't fall and cause injury, if the cat does find a way to get to them. For instance, a large floor plant could tip over onto the cat, or a plant could fall onto the cat from a tabletop or shelf if it is not placed in a completely isolated location. It is especially important to think about the physical risk to your cat if it is very interesting in playing with the plants. | Research plants before buying them. Know common plants that are not toxic to cats. Be aware of common toxic plants. Identify all the plants in your home. Consider getting plants specifically for your cat. Place plants out of reach. Move plants that are of special interest. Train your cat to leave plants alone. Use a cat-safe deterrent to keep your cat away from the area. Make sure your plants aren't an injury hazard for your cat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-With-Wet-Hair | How to Sleep With Wet Hair | If you want to sleep with wet hair and wake up with it looking great, try to let it air dry a little or give the underside a quick blast with a blow dryer before you lay down. You can also apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to protect your hair during the night and prevent frizziness. To get long hair out of the way while you sleep, tie it up in a loose bun with a scrunchie or wrap your hair with a silk scarf. | Dry some of your hair before going to bed. If you have some time, give your hair time to air dry, or use a hair dryer to dry the underside of your hair. Partially drying your hair makes it easier for your hair to dry while you sleep, creating a smoother finish. To dry the underside of your hair, turn your head upside down and blast the underside, which is slower to dry. Apply a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair. Use a small amount of leave-in cream or spray to lightly coat your hair and prevent breakage and frizz. The conditioner will prevent your wet hair from getting damaged, and help you wake up to soft, smooth hair. Tie your hair into a bun with a scrunchie. Create a bun high on your head so that you can sleep without pain or distraction. Gently wrap your hair into a loose bun and tie a scrunch, instead of a hair tie, around the bun to hold it in place. Unlike hair ties, scrunchies generally don't leave a crease or dent. Your hair may hold some of the curl of the bun when you take your hair down, especially if you have wavy or curly hair. This can provide volume and a slightly wavy texture! Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel. After gently toweling off your hair, flip your head upside down. Place your microfiber towel over your hair and gently wrap the towel around your head. Secure the towel with a clip, tie, or velcro. You can sleep with the microfiber towel on your head, and fluff your hair in the morning for an effortless, healthy look! Put your favorite styling cream on before wrapping your hair, especially if you have textured hair. You can buy special towels made for wrapping your hair. These often have velcro or buttons to secure the towel. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bandana. Apply your favorite hair product and comb out your hair. Then, secure your silk scarf or bandana around your hair by knotting the ends together. You may want to tie longer hair up into a ponytail or bun before wrapping. Silk wraps are great for eliminating frizz! Use a silk pillowcase to avoid damage. Silk pillowcases create less friction and can therefore help prevent damage to wet hair. To use, simply drape your hair up over your head so that it hangs off the edge of your silk pillowcase. This will allow your hair to air dry while you sleep without creating creases in your hair. This method works better if you have straight hair. If you have curly or wavy hair, you may be able to apply a curl cream and wake up with well-formed curls! Apply a hair cream. Choose leave-in conditioner, detangling spray, shine serum, or styling cream, depending on your preference. You can also use beach spray to enhance your natural texture! Comb your hair to evenly distribute the serum or cream. Combing is essential to prevent product buildup, which can make your hair dull or crunchy in the morning! Braid your hair. Braids are a great way to create a style while you sleep. Depending on what type of braid you choose, you could wake up with beachy waves, crimped hair, or curls. For beachy waves, create one loose braid. For crimped hair, create several small braids all over your hair, similar to cornrows. For curls, try one or two tight French braids that start high on your scalp. Wrap the braid(s) into a loose bun high on your scalp. Make sure your bun is comfortable enough to allow you to sleep well, and secure it with a scrunchie. The bun will help prevent frizzy hair, which can happen if you toss and turn while sleeping. Alternatively, you could cover your braids with a silk scarf. Use foam curlers to set your hair instead of braids. Wrap small sections of your damp hair using the foam curlers. For best results, cover your head with a silk scarf once all of your hair is secured in curlers. In the morning, take out your curlers and gently finger-comb your hair. Limit how much you touch your hair. To protect your curls, spray them with a holding product. Don't use a brush or comb on your hair because this will mess up your curls and make your hair frizzy. Protect your pillow with a waterproof pillowcase. When you sleep with wet hair, the moisture can penetrate your pillow and cause mold and bacteria growth inside the pillow, which could make you sick. Covering your pillow with a waterproof pillowcase will prevent your wet hair from getting your pillow wet. This is especially important if you sleep with wet hair regularly. You can also protect your pillow by opting to wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or scarf. Use a serum or leave-in product to prevent dull, frizzy hair. Sleeping on wet hair can cause your hair shaft to dry bent at the wrong angle, leaving you with dull, frizzy hair. You can avoid this by using a smoothing serum or leave-in, such as a beach spray. Avoid going to bed with wet hair if possible. Regularly sleeping with wet hair can cause mold to grow on your scalp, create dandruff, or even damage to your hair. Try to give yourself a buffer in your nighttime routine, so your hair has some time to dry before bed. | Dry some of your hair before going to bed. Apply a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair. Tie your hair into a bun with a scrunchie. Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bandana. Use a silk pillowcase to avoid damage. Apply a hair cream. Comb your hair to evenly distribute the serum or cream. Braid your hair. Wrap the braid(s) into a loose bun high on your scalp. Use foam curlers to set your hair instead of braids. Protect your pillow with a waterproof pillowcase. Use a serum or leave-in product to prevent dull, frizzy hair. Avoid going to bed with wet hair if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-a-Torn-Dog-ACL-Without-Surgery | How to Heal a Torn Dog ACL Without Surgery | Although a torn ACL usually requires a surgical procedure, you may be able to help your dog heal from an ACL injury without surgery. Try to reduce the dog's body weight by feeding it smaller portions, decreasing its calorie intake by about 60%. Attempt to restrict your dog's activity, especially anything which would put pressure on its injured knee, and ask your veterinarian to recommend NSAIDs to help relieve the dog's pain. Your vet may also recommend prolotherapy or stem cell regenerative therapy to help the dog's ACL heal faster. | Understand when it is safe to forego surgery. Both surgical and non-surgical (conservative) methods can be used to manage an ACL tear. A combination of both methods is usually helpful for the dog. However, the type of therapy recommended varies based on body size, body condition, and severity of lameness of your dog. A dog under 20 kilograms may not be a good candidate for surgical procedures. Heal your dog's torn ACL ligament by reducing its body weight. The ACL is meant to stabilize the leg and provide support during weight bearing activities. High body weight is a risk factor and a leading cause of ACL injury, because of the extra stress placed on the ligament by an overweight body. You can easily accelerate your dog's healing process by reducing the body weight of your dog. Try lowering your dog's body weight with a combination of diet and exercise. To reduce the body weight of your dog, decrease its calorie intake at least 60%. Don't reduce the calorie intake suddenly, but rather feed your dog smaller portions more throughout the whole day. To minimize any digestive upset, try to ease your dog into the new diet gradually. Make sure to monitor the outcome of your weight reducing program regularly. Be sure include regular, but non-vigorous, exercise for your dog. The exercise may include walking or running. In the case of a severe ACL injury with inflammation, exercise should be postponed until after you give your dog some NSAIDs to reduce pain. If your dog has a severely torn ACL, specialized hydrotherapy (walking/swimming in water) is recommended. Please consult with your vet to get an appropriate exercise list based on the clinical condition of your dog. Due to lowered pressure on knee joint, your dog will be able to heal its ligament faster. Attempt to restrict your dog's activity. Full rest and limited activity will give your dog's body the chance to heal. Lower inflammation due to rest will allow the body to heal itself naturally. Some veterinarians advise you totally restrict the activity of your dog, while others advise some limited exercise. You should not allow your dog to jump up to catch a ball or Frisbee or to jump out of a truck or off a porch. You can practice a short-leash walk with your dog only. Try using a towel sling. Sometimes, using a towel as a sling under the hip of your dog to support its weight can be helpful to speed up healing. The towel sling is commercially available, or you can make one easily by using a bath towel or recycled children's jacket in your home. For using a bath towel, you should cut a large bath towel in half and apply it under the lower abdomen of your dog. By applying upward pressure, while holding both ends of the towel, you can help your dog walk. Commercially available athletic bandage can also be used for this purpose. If you use a recycled jacket, you should cut the sleeves so that the jacket fits on your dog's abdomen. Utilize therapeutics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are sometimes helpful to heal the torn ligament. The anti-inflammatory drug will relieve your dog's pain during the observation period. Different groups of NSAIDs are used in ACL treatment. The doses vary depending on pain levels, and your dog's body weight and body condition. Commonly used NSAIDs are oxicam derivatives (Meloxicam). They are used for different types of muscle and skeletal pain. The commonly used doses are: Meloxicam (Trade: Melovet ®-5mg) @ 1ml/25 kg, Firocoxib (Previcox®) @ 2.27mg/lb/day (5mg/kg), Carprofen (Rymadil®) @ 2 mg/lb/day. However, drug availability and legislation may vary in different countries. In general, low doses and short term usage is very safe while higher doses used long term use can cause some side effects. If your dog is suffering from side effects like vomiting, lethargy, depression or diarrhea, stop the drug treatment and consult with a veterinarian. Try rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapy by a trained practitioner may speed the healing of the ACL. This option includes a range of motion and mobilization exercises, aquatic walking, cavaletti walking, and controlled slow leash walking. If the condition is improved, you can gradually introduce stair climbing and sit-to-stand exercises. Aquatic walking or swimming will increase the muscle strength of your dog. You may find some veterinary hospitals that have these facilities, including special tanks and whirlpools for hydrotherapy. Some other practices of physiotherapy can be helpful, including cryotherapy, laser therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Get your dog orthotics. An external orthotics or knee brace can be used to support the joint, but there is a limited amount of research done on the effects of this treatment. The purpose of using an orthopedic brace is to support the joint and ligaments by allowing the relaxation of the injured legs. Braces are often made with hard elastic materials and set up in between the femur and tibia to prevent unwanted movement of knee joint. Dogs that are advanced in age or too young for surgery are often the ideal candidates for an orthopedic brace. Braces can provide an alternative when the surgical treatment is not affordable for the owner. Utilize some physical therapy exercises. Once your dog has regained some amount of mobility and strength, you can try a few light exercises to attempt to rehab the ligaments. These exercises should only be tried once they are approved by a veterinarian, or they could hurt your dog further. Evidence suggests that physical therapy by a trained rehabilitation practitioner can advance your dog's recovery from surgery. However, this evidence does not suggest that physical therapy is a reliable alternative to surgery for most dogs. Sit to stand. On a floor with good footing, ask your dog to sit and tuck the knee as close as possible to the body. Then ask your dog to stand as slowly as possible thus causing it to put weight on the affected leg. Do 5 repetitions 3 times daily. Weight shifting. On a floor with good footing, with your dog in a standing position, rock the pelvis so that weight is forced on the affected leg. Start lightly first and increase force as your dog becomes more comfortable. You can actually apply enough force so that your dog takes small sideways steps to each side. Do 10 repetitions 3 times daily. Unilateral weight bearing. Lift the unaffected limb off the ground. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Move the foot around and put your dog off balance if he/she tries to lean on your hand. Another way to do it is to tape an object (like a pen) under the uninvolved foot to force full weight on involved side – only do with supervision. Circles and figure eights. While on a leash, get your dog on your left side and then walk in tight circles and figure of 8's. This encourages weight bearing on both legs and increases strength and balance. Try prolotherapy to regenerate the ligaments. Prolotherapy, also known as nonsurgical ligament reconstruction, is a medical treatment for chronic pain. “Prolo” is short for proliferation, because the treatment causes the proliferation (growth, formation) of new tissue in areas where it has become weak. A proliferant (substance that promotes tissue rebuilding) is injected into the affected ligaments or tendons causing a localized inflammation which “turns on” the healing process and directly stimulates the growth of new collagen, strengthening damaged and weak ligaments and tendon tissue. Prolotherapy is primarily used to treat joint pain, and has been shown to increase joint ligament strength by 30-40% in humans. Clinical results using prolotherapy in dogs and cats appear to indicate the same response. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger, and more capable of supporting and maintaining normal joint stability, the pain is alleviated. Prolotherapy is a possibility to consider when dealing with a partial tear, particularly if your dog is older or could not undergo anesthesia. Look into stem cell regenerative therapy. Stem cell regenerative therapy is a relatively new treatment. It has been successfully used to treat arthritis and other degenerative conditions in dogs, with very exciting results. However, this therapy does require a minor surgery to harvest the stem cells and anesthesia for both the harvesting and the injection of the stem cells. Know when surgery is necessary. Once a dog is undergoing treatment, most veterinarians recommend a period of 4-5 weeks for observation. After that period, your dog should walk well on its knee, or with a mild limp. If the condition still remains the same, you need to go for a surgical procedure. In most cases, the lightweight dog can recover without surgery, while oftentimes heavy weight dogs can't. It is important to know that even if the symptoms resolve, there might be a chance of developing secondary complications like arthritis. Arthritis is a non-reversible change in the joint, and delayed or partially healed ACL injury can increase its severity. Moreover, your dog will favor another leg to bear the body weight instead of affected leg. It may (in more than 50% of cases) cause the gradual rupture of another ACL. | Understand when it is safe to forego surgery. Heal your dog's torn ACL ligament by reducing its body weight. Attempt to restrict your dog's activity. Try using a towel sling. Utilize therapeutics. Try rehabilitation therapy. Get your dog orthotics. Utilize some physical therapy exercises. Try prolotherapy to regenerate the ligaments. Look into stem cell regenerative therapy. Know when surgery is necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Bird-Is-Sick | How to Know if Your Bird Is Sick | To know if your bird is sick, monitor its droppings for changes in frequency, color, texture, or quantity, which could be a sign that there's something wrong it. You should also keep an eye on how much your bird is eating since a loss of appetite could indicate a health problem. Also, note if your bird seems more lethargic or agitated than usual, which might mean there's an underlying health issue. | Weigh your bird daily. Weigh your bird at the same time every day so that its weight will fluctuate less due to meal times. Declining weight is a significant sign of illness. If your bird's weight drops by 10% or more, you should immediately take your pet to the doctor. While this might seem like too much work, changes in weight are one of the earliest signs of illness, so monitoring weight is often the only way to effectively catch health problems in time for intervention. Alternatively, feel your bird's breast bone. Its chest should be well-rounded and muscular. If you can feel the bone (the keel), your bird has lost too much weight and should be taken to the doctor immediately. Check its droppings. Put plain paper on the bottom of the cage to make it easier to see and monitor droppings. Watch droppings for any change in frequency, color, texture, or quantity. Take your bird to the veterinarian if any change in the nature of your bird's droppings persists for 12 hours or more. Feces naturally varies somewhat in color. However, you should watch for bright red, bright black, and bright green feces. Undigested food in the droppings or hard feces can be a sign of illness. Diarrhea is a sign of bacterial and fungal infections. The bird's feces should have white parts called urates. If the white part is missing from the feces you should take your bird to the vet immediately. Unusually large amounts of urine can indicate an issue with digestion. Be mindful if this continues for an extended period of time. It is also a bad sign when feces is stuck to the tail feathers after your bird goes to the bathroom. Matting of the feathers in the area suggestions diarrhea. Pay attention to how much food your bird eats. If your bird begins to eat less, this could indicate a health issue. Monitor how much food you give you bird and how much is left after a feeding. A sick bird might try to disguise its lack of appetite by picking up food, only to drop it on the floor of the cage. Be mindful of scattered food. Be especially mindful if your bird isn't eating its favorite food. If you believe that it is sick, test its health by feeding it a favorite treat. See how it responds. Look for unhealthy feathers. A bird's feathers should look bright and colorful. Young birds might exhibit some issues with feather care. But mature birds should not have feathers that are torn, misshapen, or discolored. If feathers are torn up, exposing the skin underneath where it is normally hidden, your bird might well have an infection. It is common for the feathers of a sick bird to look duller in color than they otherwise would. Watch for puffed-up feathers. Birds will often puff up their feathers to look bigger when they are cold or asleep. This behavior is normal. However, if your bird has its feathers puffed up through much of the day, something might be wrong. If it is sick, it might also bob its tail up and down as it puffs up its feathers. This could be a sign of nearly anything, birds will puff up their feathers in response to most varieties of illness. Birds puff up their feathers because they are cold. This is likely because their energy is being diverted toward fighting of illness or stress. Puffed-up feathers then, are something like the bird equivalent of a fever. They are the first sign of any illness in your flying friend. Notice its posture. A sick bird will often lean over, instead of sitting up. A healthy bird might not sit up all the way, but will at least sit up partially. Often a bird that is having difficulty sitting up because of poor health with also puff up its feathers. Check its ears. The ears of a healthy bird should not be red or swollen. They should also not produce any liquid discharges or show signs of blockage. A bird's ears are generally not very easily visible, but can be found under its feathers on either side of its head. These symptoms can be a sign of an ear infection, like Otitis externa Watch for growth in the beak. A beak that grows rapidly is indicative of some sort of metabolic problem. Similarly, it is an issue if the beak is changing shape or becoming asymmetrical. The tissue inside the beak should have a light pink color. Be attentive to normal signs of illness. Just as with humans, sneezing and vomiting are generally signs of an underlying illness. Take your bird to the vet if it exhibits these symptoms. Play with your bird daily. Birds are social animals that enjoy time outside. Furthermore, one important sign of illness is lethargy. To monitor whether your bird is sick, you need to see how it responds to physical activity. If you bird seems lethargic or does not respond to stimuli, there might be an underlying issue. When you do play with your bird, make sure that it does not breath heavily afterward. Breathing should appear effortless. It should not be breathing through an open mouth, or exhibit tail bobbing when it inhales. Sometimes your bird will be lethargic because it has not gotten enough rest. If you see that it gets sleep and is still tired afterward, you should be concerned. Be mindful if your bird spends a lot of time at the bottom of the cage. A bird that sits on the bottom of the cage might have balance issues. Watch to see if it seems to mostly be leaning on one of its legs to the exclusion of the other. These can be signs of injury. Watch for changes in personality. Any change in personality could reflect an underlying issue. Watch to see if an otherwise friendly bird no longer wants to socialize, if an active bird seems lethargic, or if a calm bird seems agitated. It is particularly common for a sick bird to become more aggressive with other birds. Watch for increased sleepiness. One sign of dangerous lethargy is increased sleepiness. Be mindful if your bird is sleeping at unusual hours or has its eyes partially closed. How much and when a bird sleeps can vary significantly even within a species. Pet parrots, for example, have very different schedules from one household to another. However, schedules should be consistent. If your bird has begun sleeping during a time of day in which it is normally awake, that is a cause for concern. Listen to your bird. A bird that is sick will be less likely to vocalize or sing than a bird that is healthy. If your bird isn't as talkative as normal, be attentive to its other behavior, because something might be wrong. It is also possible that your bird's voice might begin to sound different if it is sick. | Weigh your bird daily. Check its droppings. Pay attention to how much food your bird eats. Look for unhealthy feathers. Watch for puffed-up feathers. Notice its posture. Check its ears. Watch for growth in the beak. Be attentive to normal signs of illness. Play with your bird daily. Be mindful if your bird spends a lot of time at the bottom of the cage. Watch for changes in personality. Watch for increased sleepiness. Listen to your bird. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Process-Improvement | How to Measure Process Improvement | Measuring your business's process improvement is crucial to its overall performance. You can measure your business's processes using a variety of metrics, depending on your business set up. You can measure the time it takes to complete different steps of the design, manufacturing, or distribution process, or the total cost of the production process. Alternatively, measure customer satisfaction by using surveys, registered complaints, and other forms of feedback. You can also measure the quantity of your products or services produced in a given time period. Make sure you're consistent with how data is gathered across your company and the units they measure it in to help you track your progress over time. | Define what needs to be measured. That is, define what exactly you mean by improvement. Do you want your process to more reliable, faster, more efficient, or better in some other way? This brings clarity to the project. Be sure that your process produces an output that can be measured in some way. For example, a company wanting to improve delivery speed would measure time. A data digitizing company might measure percentage of character errors in batches, or process output. Make your project vocabulary consistent. Be sure to use commonly understood definitions to ensure consistency and accuracy. This guarantees reliability of information that is shared among people from different facilities or locations. Prevent misunderstandings by providing clear definitions of all variables being measured. For example, suppose a company is measuring time in days. Different branches of the same company may define “one day” in different ways. It could mean business days only, any 24 hour period, or the 8-hour work day. These kinds of inconsistencies can be misleading. Define how data is to be collected. Data must be collected in a similar fashion across the company. For example, if one department uses random sampling to collect data, so must all of the others. Otherwise it will be impossible to compare their data. Also, units of measure must be defined. Be sure that units of measure are equal wherever your output is measured. For example, delivery speed could be measured either in minutes or hours, and taking time to convert one to the other would be inefficient. Standardize precision of calculations. This just means that you shouldn't have one department rounding off time to the hour and another specifying time in hours and hundredths of an hour. Otherwise, different levels of detail in the values will confuse the results. Keep in mind that smaller units tend to give more accurate results. For example, all departments must agree how to round off decimals. Choose a primary metric. The primary metric defines the output or goal of the process improvement. For example, an automobile factory might choose number of cars produced per hour. Before a process improvement is introduced, a baseline measurement is taken. At the end of the project, the process is measured again. The amount of improvement is then calculated. Connect your primary metric to a business metric. The business metric measures how an operational improvement achieves one of the company's goals. For example, if the primary metric is to manufacture the product faster, the business metric might be increased profit or reduced fixed costs. There is a cause-and-effect relationship between the primary and the business metrics. It demonstrates why the improvement in the primary metric is good for business. Consider the possibility of unforeseen outcomes. There may be collateral damage caused by the process improvement project. If the primary metric measures what must be improved, there must be another metric, the consequential metric, to measure what must not change. Consequential metric data should be collected before, during and after the project. Of the many possible consequential metrics in a given project, only the top few which impact the quality of outputs should be considered. For example, a company trying to improve delivery speed should not see an increase in damaged products due to sloppy handling. Proportion of damaged products would be the consequential metric in this case. Establish a financial metric. Saving money may not be a company's primary metric. However, companies need to monitor the financial results of improvement processes. This should not be confused with an accounting of the cost of the project. Rather, the financial metric should be a tool for analyzing the financial benefit of the project. Many companies continue to monitor the financial metric for up to one year after the completion of the project. For example, an improvement in manufacturing time may be expected to increase the company's revenues. The company would monitor revenue, along with other factors like profit, from the time the changes were instituted and on to measure how the change in process affected them. Measure time. Process time measures how long it takes to complete the steps of creating a product or service. Other time metrics measure time spent adding value to a project, or how long it takes to respond to a customer's request. Metric calculations may include the percent on time delivery. Reducing process time is a proven strategy for better business. Doing so allows for greater production and delivers the product or service sooner. Consider furniture manufacturing. All things being equal, customers would rather receive their new couch or dining room set sooner rather than later. If you can reduce process time, you improve your chances for repeat orders and new business. Measure costs. Cost metrics assess the total cost of the production process. They also measure operational costs relative to production levels. Cost per transaction measures the cost to produce one unit. Cost savings measures reduction in costs per transaction. Labor savings measures a reduction in labor hours needed to produce the product or service. Cost reduction strategies become important to businesses when revenue starts to decline. For example, when Bank of America experienced a downturn in lending and trading revenue in 2011, they decided to reduce their workforce in order to continue delivering revenues to shareholders. Bank managers and consultants decided to use cost metrics to identify jobs to eliminate that could save the most money without compromising the organization. Measure quality. Quality metrics measure customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction data can be gathered from surveys, registered complaints and other feedback. Quality metrics also assess whether the process creates value for the customer. They also look at the frequency of errors and the need for reworks. The defect rate looks at the percentage of mistakes. The percent complete and accurate rate measures how often no mistakes are made. The healthcare industry relies heavily on quality metrics. Quality improvement must be data-driven. Analysts look at financial and clinical data to identify variations in how health care is delivered by providers. They break down the process and find areas of waste or redundancy in order to create a process that delivers a high-quality clinical outcome. The cost reduction is not valuable unless it increases or maintains the current level of quality provided. The key in quality improvement is to increase efficiency without compromising effectiveness. Efficiency refers to the amount of resources necessary to deliver a product or service. Effectiveness refers to how well the objectives of the product or service have been achieved. Measure output. Output metrics measure the quantity of products or services produced in a given time period. The production goal should align with customer demand. Output metrics also look at backlogs and excess inventory. These should be minimal. Finally, works in progress is measured. This determines the number of products or services in the pipeline. One strategy for increasing output in manufacturing is standardized work. For example, in the automobile industry, auto makers have a standard method for assembling cars. Manufacturers can standardize production processes with the goal of increasing output. Metrics can help to analyze how well a process improves the output for the manufacturer. If more products are produced in a given time with the new standardized process, then it is a success. Measure process complexity. This metric measures how many steps are in the production process. It also looks at how often the process is slowed by changing hands or requiring supervisory approval. The total number of process steps is calculated, along with the number of value-added process steps. These are the steps that make the product or service more valuable. Loop backs, or the number of times a product is sent back to correct errors, is also measured. Companies aim to reduce the complexity in their processes, organization, products and information systems in order to stimulate growth, reduce costs and increase returns. Measuring process complexity helps managers to identify where products or services fully meet customer needs at the lowest cost. It helps to reveal hidden costs in overly complicated processes. It allows companies to identify which products are most profitable, what customers really value and where process bottlenecks are getting in the way of efficiency. | Define what needs to be measured. Make your project vocabulary consistent. Define how data is to be collected. Standardize precision of calculations. Choose a primary metric. Connect your primary metric to a business metric. Consider the possibility of unforeseen outcomes. Establish a financial metric. Measure time. Measure costs. Measure quality. Measure output. Measure process complexity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-Freshwater-Plants | How to Pick Freshwater Plants | To pick freshwater plants for your aquarium, examine the size and shape of your tank. If your tank is tall but has a small water surface area, don't put many floating plants. If your tank is wide but shallow, opt for short-rooted and floating plants. Since gravel substrate is best-suited for most plants, opt for floating plants, moss balls, and anchoring plants if you have a sand substrate or no substrate at all. Once you've chosen your plants, arrange them so taller plants are in the back of the aquarium, with shorter plants in front. | Scrutinize your tank dimensions. Just like for fish, the shape and size of your tank matters. The most important part to look at is the width, length, and height. If your tank is tall but has a small water surface area, don't put many floating plants. If your tank is wide but shallow, short rooted and floating plants are best. The trick is to accommodate plants that can grow to their full potential; you don't want a foot-tall plant growing in a shallow tank! The water capacity is not usually considered for plants, as they do not swim around or create that much waste. Make sure your filter can process the amount of water there as well if your tank is tall, wide or deep. Think about co-existing tankmates. Do you have goldfish, plecos, or other creatures that love eating vegetation? Many standard freshwater fish or invertebrates are plant-friendly, but some aren't. Curious fish love pecking plants as well, so try sturdy plants such as: Marimo moss balls Amazon sword Java fern Anubias Consider your substrate. Many people plant directly onto the substrate, which is usually gravel. Sand is beautiful, but many plants aren't compatible, so it's not always ideal. Generally, try for rooted plants where the majority will be for gravel. If you wish to use pellet fertilizer in the future, gravel is the best. If you have sand or no substrate, floating plants, moss balls, and anchoring plants will work. Anchoring plants include mosses and other ground-creepers. Most small to medium gravel sizes are compatible. However, large pebble-like gravel can be hard for plants to root in. Think about appropriate lighting. Generally 2 to 5 wattage per gallon is good. Standard fluorescent and LED is okay for beginner plants, which don't need much light. Other types of fluorescent bulbs are better. Your lights should come with a label detailing the type of bulb and wattage; check this. LED lights are sensitive to moisture, so use a glass cover. Incandescent bulbs are not recommended because they produce a lot of heat and are not energy-efficient at lighting. Add a source of ammonia to the unpopulated tank. This is to see how efficient your tank is at processing waste. Putting in a pinch of fish flakes works, but using pure ammonia sold as cleaner is quicker. Calculators are available online to check how much ammonia you should be putting in your tank; 3 ppm of ammonia is the best concentration to aim for. Never add ammonia to a tank that already has animals. Adding ammonia to a tank with animals can poison them, so be careful to only add it if it is needed. If your tank has at least 50% of its fish capacity , skip this step. There's a steady source of natural ammonia already! Search for “ammonia concentration calculator” for calculating how much ammonia to add. If you do use cleaning ammonia, make sure it is pure, isn't scented, colored, and doesn't have any additives besides water. Test the water every day for at least a week. In this period of time, don't add any more ammonia. Test for the big three: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. While test tube-style tests can take a long time, they provide more accurate results than test strips. Adding ammonia without testing at this stage might stall your system. Some pet stores will test your water as a customer service for free, so ask the employees what tests they offer. If they only use test strips, it's better to just buy your own test tube kit (which will serve you well in the long run anyway) and test your water yourself. Evaluate the results. If your ammonia, nitrites, or both are still present after this testing time period, it just means you need to let the system naturally cycle for a bit. If your ammonia and nitrites are 0, and nitrates are present, congratulations! Your tank is cycling well. Touch up your system as needed. If your tank isn't up to par, cycle it until ammonia can be quickly neutralized into nitrates. If your tank's ammonia tested fine, you may still need to do a 25% water change to reduce nitrate levels over 20 ppm -- using properly conditioned water. Adding invertebrates like shrimp can help with clearing up dead matter, which in turn means less ammonia for you to worry about. Again, do not add any live animals into tanks with high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Mentally divide your tank into four sections. These sections are the foreground, middle, background , and the less acknowledged water surface. If you imagine slicing your tank lengthwise into three sections, those are the first three sections mentioned. The foreground is the closest section to a viewer. The background is the section farthest from the viewer. The middle is sandwiched between the two. The surface of the water is included because floating plants are commonly used, and do take up their own space. Choose plants based on your desired section for their placement. The background does well with thick, long growth, sort of like a curtain backdrop. The middle is usually reserved for wood and rocks, where a variety of medium-sized plants can be anchored. Since the foreground is the closest to the viewer, delicate and small plants are favored here. Any type of floating plant is good for the surface; it's just up to your own preference. Foreground plants include: Anubias Dwarf hair grass Any carpeting plants Middle distance plants include: Java fern Java moss Dwarf ferns Background plants include: Amazon sword Water sprite Crypts Surface plants include: Duckweed Bladderwort Water lettuce Plan how the plants will coexist. If you want competitive, fast-growing floating plants, those can block light to lower plants, such as moss. Bushy, tall plants also block light in their shade. Picking plants that conflict, such as fast growers that have the potential to block out light to overshadowed plants is not a good idea. Each plant also has different light and fertilizer requirements; just make sure every plant and its place in the tank matches each other's needs to prevent such conflicts. If you're sure you can keep up, you can just prune or transplant the fast-growing plants regularly to ensure enough light reaches all levels of your water. Spacing out plants that block out light is another option to control them. ”Beginner” plants (ferns, moss, swords) usually have the same comfort zone, so consider these if you want multiple plant species co-existing together. Accommodate tankmates’ needs. Most animals aren't picky, but some love shade or protection. Livebearers, which include guppies and mollies, especially need thick protection for fry to hide among. Egg layers would also benefit from their kind of place to nest. Generally, small animals would benefit from cover and concealment. Plants also provide a source of food for some animals. Mix floating and bushy plants to provide cover so fry don't stand-out as well-lit "food" in open areas. Find out how long the plants have been sitting on shelves in the store. Employees or managers will be able to answer this question. This especially pertains to ones kept in containers, which are the most popular. Oftentimes, plants are shipped and sold in sealed containers. While these containers often contain a watery gel for nutrients, the plant inside can exhaust this over time. If the plant has been in the store for over half a year, skip it. If the plants you're interested in are kept in tanks, this freshness step can be skipped. Take a look at the environment the plants are being kept in. If it's in a sealed container, check if there is water condensation on the upper part of the container, and see what source of nutrients is available. Such water condensation means the plant is not dehydrated. And, vital nutrients can be in the form of gel or small fertilizer pellets. If the plants are in tanks, check whether there are dead animals or plants inside. Dead organisms indicate a lack of proper, consistent water care, so skip plants from these tanks. If you see small stray snails crawling near the plant, this is also not a good sign. Their tiny offspring can transfer from your new plant to your tank. Look for plants without unreasonable signs of deterioration. A little is acceptable and normal; a lot is not good. If more than 25% of the plant exhibits these signs, skip buying it. The signs of deterioration include: Brown or black coloration of any part Slimy film present Shredded-looking (note that some plant species are naturally like this) Holes in the leaves Choose snail-free brands. While there are plant-friendly snails sold in pet stores all over, the snails or their eggs hitchhiking in plants are not your friends. They are often small and dark, which makes them difficult to pick them out. When introduced to a nice, warm tank, they can reproduce quickly. Even if you don't see snails themselves on the plants, eggs may be present. If you want to keep your plants intact and hole-free, this step is important, realizing Some snails, especially the plant-harming ones, can reproduce by themselves and don't need a mate. To make sure your plants are snail-free, soak them for about 2 minutes in a chlorine bath of 1 gallon of water mixed with 1 1/2 cup household bleach. Name brands of bleach are sold at about 5.0% chlorine; so you're diluting that to 1/10 strength, 10% household chlorine bleach and 90% water for 0.5% = 1/2% chlorine. The plants best suited for this treatment are tougher, larger-leaved ones. Smaller plants should be soaked not more than 1 minute. Then dip them in a DeChlor solution and rinse them thoroughly with tap water. Repeat rinsing if the plants smell of chlorine. The plants best suited for this treatment are tougher, larger-leaved ones. Smaller plants should be soaked not more than 1 minute. | Scrutinize your tank dimensions. Think about co-existing tankmates. Consider your substrate. Think about appropriate lighting. Add a source of ammonia to the unpopulated tank. Test the water every day for at least a week. Evaluate the results. Touch up your system as needed. Mentally divide your tank into four sections. Choose plants based on your desired section for their placement. Plan how the plants will coexist. Accommodate tankmates’ needs. Find out how long the plants have been sitting on shelves in the store. Take a look at the environment the plants are being kept in. Look for plants without unreasonable signs of deterioration. Choose snail-free brands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Eye-Infection-Naturally | How to Treat an Eye Infection Naturally | An eye infection can be uncomfortable, but fortunately you can treat it naturally, and it should go away in a few days. Apply a warm, damp washcloth to your closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes a day to help reduce any inflammation. You can also use lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. If you normally wear contacts, avoid wearing them until your eye infection clears up. If you have a sty or blepharitis, you should also wash your eyelids daily with soap and water to keep them clean and help them heal. Although you can usually treat your eye infection yourself, make sure you visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out any other complications. | Look for redness, grittiness, or discharge to see if you have pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is usually caused by an infection in the membrane that lines your eyeballs. If you have crusting around your eyelids when you wake up or your eyes look red or pink, you most likely have pink eye. Pink eye is one of the most common eye infections. Wash your hands before touching your eyes. Touching your eyes with dirty hands can make your infection worse or carry germs to your uninfected eye. Try to avoid touching your eyes without washing your hands first. Pink eye is contagious, so you need to wash your hands after touching your eyes to avoid spreading it to others. Apply a warm compress to your closed eyes. Dampen a washcloth with warm water from your sink and wring out the excess. Place the washcloth over your eyes to soothe them and reduce inflammation. Keep the washcloth on until it gets cold, then take it off. Wash each cloth between use to avoid spreading the infection. You can apply a warm compress to your eyes as often as you'd like to throughout the day. Use lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. Lay down on your back and open up 1 eye. Apply 1 to 2 drops of the eye drops into your affected eye and blink until your vision clears up. Although eye drops won't cure your infection, they can help reduce itching and tearing in your affected eye. You can find lubricating eye drops at most drug stores. Eye drops can also wash out any irritants that may be causing your pink eye. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your infection clears up. If you were wearing your contacts before you got the infection, they could be infected with conjunctivitis. Stop wearing your contacts until your eye feels better, and then ask your healthcare provider if you should get rid of your current contacts. You could reinfect your eyes by putting your contact lenses back in. Take an allergy medication if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Pink eye can also be caused by allergens like dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander. If you know you have allergies, try taking an over the counter allergy medication to alleviate your symptoms and get rid of your pink eye. Try using an air filter in your home to avoid getting allergens in your eyes in the future. Look for a tender red bump at the base of your eyelashes. If you notice a small bump that causes pain, redness, and itchiness around your eyelid, you probably have a sty. Styes are caused by an impacted oil gland in your eyelid and usually show up near your lash line. You can also get a sty on the inside of your eyelid underneath your lash line. Wash your eyelid with soap and water. Apply warm water and a gentle face cleanser to a washcloth, then rub your eyelids with it to clean the area. Rinse your eyes with warm water to keep them free of dirt so your sty heals faster. Put a warm washcloth over your eyes. Run a washcloth under warm water from your sink and wring out the excess. Fold the washcloth over itself and then put it over your closed eyes. The warmth of the water can encourage the sty to drain on its own and go away faster. Put a warm compress on your eyes 2 to 3 times a day until your sty heals. Avoid wearing contact lenses. If your sty was caused by bacteria, your contact lenses could be contaminated with it. Wear glasses instead of contacts until your sty heals up, and then ask your healthcare provider if you should replace your contacts. Leave the sty alone until it heals. Although it can be tempting to pop or drain a sty with your fingers, this can make it much worse or even cause an infection. Do your best to leave the sty alone until it goes away on its own. Look for watery, red eyes that are more sensitive to light. Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids on one or both eyes. This inflammation can cause watery, red, itchy, swollen eyes, accompanied by crusted eyelashes when you wake up, sensitivity to light, and more frequent blinking. Wash your eyelids every day. Apply a warm washcloth over your eyes for about 5 minutes to loosen the crust in your eyelashes. Then, use a warm washcloth and mild cleanser to gently wipe away any oil and debris from your eyelids. Use lubricating eye drops. Lay down on your back with your eyes open. Apply 1 to 2 drops of eye drops in each eye, and then blink your eyes until your vision clears. You can use the eye drops to reduce the amount of itchiness and irritation in your eyes. Look for lubricating eye drops at any drug store. Control your dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoo. If you deal with dandruff, it may be contributing to your blepharitis. Pick up an anti-dandruff shampoo to use on your hair to make your blepharitis go away quickly. Dandruff is linked to blepharitis because dandruff on your scalp can lead to dandruff on your eyebrows, which can clog the glands in your eyelids. Increase your intake of omega-3 to prevent blepharitis in the future. Try taking fish oil supplements or eating more salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and walnuts in your daily diet. Omega-3s may help to decrease the symptoms that surround blepharitis, especially if you have rosacea. Look for redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea. It can cause redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision, decreased vision, and sensitivity to light. If you wear contact lenses, you are more prone to bacterial keratitis. Use lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. Lay down on your back with your eyes open. Apply 1 to 2 drops of eye drops into the affected eye, and then blink until your vision clears up. Use these eye drops as often as you want to throughout the day to reduce itchiness and grittiness. Apply a warm compress to reduce itchiness. Run a washcloth under warm water and wring out the excess. Put your head back and place the washcloth over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. Although this won't cure keratitis, it will help reduce the pain and irritation that comes with it. You can use a warm compress as often as you'd like to throughout the day. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes clear up. Keratitis is sometimes caused by wearing your contacts for too long. Until your keratitis is better, wear your glasses instead of contacts. Follow the directions on your package of contact lenses to find out how long you should be wearing them. Get your eyes checked out if you have any eye infection symptoms. If you suspect you have any kind of eye infection, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or your eye doctor. Leaving an eye infection untreated or trying to treat it yourself without knowing what it is can lead to more serious complications. Common symptoms of infection include: Redness that doesn't go away within a week, even with eye drops or other home remedies Yellow, green, or brown discharge Pain, itching, or tenderness in or around your eyes Light sensitivity Changes in vision Fever or general feelings of sickness, especially in combination with eye symptoms See your doctor if you have severe or persistent pain in your eyes. Unexplained eye pain or discomfort that doesn't go away with home treatment in 2 or 3 days can be a symptom of an infection or another serious eye problem. It's especially important to visit your doctor if you have eye pain and you wear contact lenses, have recently had eye surgery, or have a weakened immune system. Call emergency services if: Your eye pain is extremely severe You experience eye pain along with a headache, a fever, or extreme light sensitivity You have eye pain with nausea or vomiting Your eye pain is accompanied by a sudden change in your vision, such as blurriness or halos around lights The eye pain is caused by a chemical splash or a foreign object in your eye You can't move your eye or keep it open The pain is accompanied by swelling around the eye The pain is accompanied by blood or pus Get immediate medical attention for any changes in your vision. Any time your vision suddenly changes, you should go to the emergency department or an urgent care clinic immediately. These could be symptoms of a serious problem with your eye or optic nerve. Look out for symptoms such as: Flashes of light in your field of vision, especially when you move your head. These may look like streaks, flickers, or sparks. New floaters (dark spots or shadows that appear to float around in your field of vision). A dark curtain or “veil” across some or all of your vision. Partial or total loss of vision in one or both eyes. Sudden, unusual light sensitivity. Sudden blurring of your vision or double vision. Go to the doctor if you have an infection and a weak immune system. If you have a medical condition or are taking a medication that might weaken your immune system, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible for any symptoms of an eye infection. They can identify the infection quickly and prescribe a treatment to prevent more serious complications from developing. Common causes of a weakened immune system include conditions like HIV/AIDs, cancer, or genetic immune deficiency disorders. Your immune system may also be weakened by certain medications, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs. Seek treatment if you have an infection with a pre-existing eye condition. Some eye conditions or injuries can put you at greater risk of developing harmful infections. If you have one of these conditions and develop symptoms of an eye infection, see your doctor right away. Examples of conditions that might put you at risk include: Trauma to the eye Abrasion of your cornea Recent eye surgery Health conditions such as diabetes or diseases that suppress your immune system Certain medications, such as topical steroids Wearing contact lenses Take your baby to the doctor if they have symptoms of an eye infection. Infants with eye infections always need a medical evaluation and treatment, especially newborns. These infections can cause serious complications if they aren't treated right away. Call your baby's pediatrician right away if you see symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye. Pink eye symptoms in newborns can have a variety of causes, including blockages in the tear ducts, irritation in the eye, a bacterial or viral infection, or sexually transmitted infections passed on from the mother to the baby at birth (including gonorrhea or chlamydia). Visit the doctor if your symptoms don’t get better with treatment. If you're treating your eye infection appropriately and you don't see any improvement within 1-3 days, it's time to call your doctor. They can re-evaluate your condition and recommend another treatment approach if necessary. Ask your doctor how soon you should follow up if your infection isn't responding to prescribed treatments. Some recommend waiting up to 3 days, while others advise following up if you don't see an improvement in 24 hours. You should also call your doctor right away if your symptoms get worse, new symptoms appear, or your symptoms go away and then return. | Look for redness, grittiness, or discharge to see if you have pink eye. Wash your hands before touching your eyes. Apply a warm compress to your closed eyes. Use lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your infection clears up. Take an allergy medication if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Look for a tender red bump at the base of your eyelashes. Wash your eyelid with soap and water. Put a warm washcloth over your eyes. Avoid wearing contact lenses. Leave the sty alone until it heals. Look for watery, red eyes that are more sensitive to light. Wash your eyelids every day. Use lubricating eye drops. Control your dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoo. Increase your intake of omega-3 to prevent blepharitis in the future. Look for redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Use lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. Apply a warm compress to reduce itchiness. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes clear up. Get your eyes checked out if you have any eye infection symptoms. See your doctor if you have severe or persistent pain in your eyes. Get immediate medical attention for any changes in your vision. Go to the doctor if you have an infection and a weak immune system. Seek treatment if you have an infection with a pre-existing eye condition. Take your baby to the doctor if they have symptoms of an eye infection. Visit the doctor if your symptoms don’t get better with treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Out-if-You-Are-Infatuated | How to Find Out if You Are Infatuated | To find out if you are infatuated, ask yourself if there's someone in your life that you can't stop thinking about. If there is, you might be infatuated with them. Also consider if your thoughts about this person are very romantic and obsessive or cause you dread and anxiety, as these are also signs. Similarly, think about whether you see only the good in that person, as infatuation blinds us to their bad qualities. Additionally, think about whether you fantasize about redefining your life around this person, as this could suggest infatuation. | Think about whether you have persistent and intrusive thoughts about one person. You may be surprised at how often you think about that person. It may be irritating to you and difficult to distract yourself from. If your thoughts are very romantic and obsessive about that person, or if they cause you dread and anxiety inducing feelings of near panic, you may be infatuated. For example, you might say to your friend "I can't stop thinking about this person!" Discover if you have intense swings in emotion. If you have major mood swings depending on how you think the person you like feels about you, you may be infatuated. You may feel utter joy and sheer happiness, if you think the person likes you back. Or, if you don't get enough of a response from them, or you think that the person does not like you back, you can become completely dejected, sad or upset. Also, you switch between the two emotions very quickly. At one moment you entertain the possibility of your feelings being reciprocated, but at the very next moment you hit a wall of fear when you consider something new and decide that the person could not possibly feel the same way about you. Realize that you are fantasizing about an unrealistic future. You imagine that your life from now on will involve this person, and you find yourself redefining your life in the big picture in terms of this new person. If you believe that your bond is forever with someone you have recently started having feeling romantic feelings for, you may be infatuated. Find out you desire one person. A person who is infatuated will typically have romantic feelings for that one person. Additionally, the infatuated person will want to be the only person for the person they desire. Consider whether you have sexual fantasies about that person. In a report, studies showed that 87% of people who were infatuated desired their love object sexually. Having sex, however, was not the main, driving part of the people's desire for the person they were infatuated with. Most often, the people who were infatuated wanted to share an emotional connection with that person above anything else. Discover whether you only see the good in that person. People who are infatuated typically only notice the good things in the person they have feelings for. They also do not seem to notice or care about the negative qualities of that person. They may be able to tell you about the bad qualities of the person they are infatuated with; however, they will not feel very convinced that those qualities are important. This quality of infatuation can become dangerous. Because, you may notice that you are with someone who does not suit you well after the initial infatuation period is over. See the truth about your differences. Often you will start to fall out of this stage of infatuation once you have gone through all of the possibilities of planning a life together and notice the reality of the situation. For example, you know that you want kids and the other person does not want kids. Maybe you thought that you could work through this, but as time goes on you start to see how much more important this is to you than you thought. The things you realize about the person after the infatuation period is over are not always incompatible with who you are or your life. For example, you may realize that even though at first you didn't think that her family living in Hawaii would be a challenge, that it is a real challenge. However, the challenge is worth it to you. Find information about how he/she feels about you. Once you have enough data to know whether or not the person you are infatuated with really loves you or does not love you, you will begin to leave the infatuation stage. Over time, even the most infatuated person will start to pick up on the patterns that they are going through with love/unrequited love. This accumulated experience will help the infatuation period come to an end. Discover most everything about the other person. If you have spent a lot of time together, had enough talks, and done enough things together that you finally feel like you really know him/her, you will likely be coming to the end of your infatuation. Based on what you see, does this person seem like a person who would be well suited for you and who you would be good for? Evaluate the way this person fits into your life. After infatuation, couples can successfully transition into long term, loving, and committed relationships. However, the opposite is also possible. It is possible that you were with someone who was not right for you in the long run, but you were unable to see that because of your feelings of infatuation. Does this person share the same interests, goals, values and lifestyle that you do? Does this person bring out the good side in you? Or was the relationship all about the chemistry that you shared? Decide whether to cut the relationship off or try to make it work. Based on your knowledge, decide whether this relationship is a good choice for your life. If you decide that you want to be with this person, move forward and work to build communication, compassion and work into your relationship so that it lasts. If you decide that this relationship is not right for you, you should break up. Think about how long it has been. Infatuation lasts between 18 months and three years, typically. Infatuation does not generally last longer than that unless it is prolonged by a long-distance relationship or deep insecurity in the person who is infatuated. Off again/on again relationships can also cause the infatuation period to go on for a longer time. Love yourself first. Love and infatuation are two different things. Love involves commitment and compatibility. Before you can find this kind of love, even in someone you are infatuated with, you should learn to love yourself. Loving yourself means that you do not have to look for love or affirmation in someone else to feel good about yourself. You know that you are worth loving. You are not looking for a partner to make you complete, because you are already enough. If you do not love yourself and need to heal from something, you may want to try to sort through it on your own before you get into a serious relationship. Consider seeing a therapist who can teach you how to take steps toward healthy self love. Complement the other person. If you love someone, you work to support their passions and strengths. You also acknowledge and accept the weaknesses of that person. Love does not ignore the other person's flaws, but works to help that person grow and work through their problems. Make sure the other person complements you as well. Before you commit to a long-term relationship, find someone who challenges and brings out the best in you. Act out your love. Real love looks for opportunities to do things for the person they love. The more shared positive experiences and hard work that the people in the relationship can share, the stronger the attachment, security and trust that will be built into that relationship. Do small things for your partner. Wash your partners dishes, leave a note for your partner, or buy them their favorite candy. Do big things for and with your partner. Take off the weekend to do something special together, plan a birthday party for your partner, or take a class together. Do things that require more time, effort and love. Play on a team together. This means that you both are focused on making things work for your relationship. You don't work for your own wants or needs, instead you focus on the good of your shared life. For example, instead of watching your favorite TV show alone, rent a movie and buy popcorn. Spend the evening enjoying each other and having real conversations. | Think about whether you have persistent and intrusive thoughts about one person. Discover if you have intense swings in emotion. Realize that you are fantasizing about an unrealistic future. Find out you desire one person. Consider whether you have sexual fantasies about that person. Discover whether you only see the good in that person. See the truth about your differences. Find information about how he/she feels about you. Discover most everything about the other person. Evaluate the way this person fits into your life. Decide whether to cut the relationship off or try to make it work. Think about how long it has been. Love yourself first. Complement the other person. Act out your love. Play on a team together. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Design-Your-Own-Home | How to Design Your Own Home | To design your own home, start by making a list of your must-have features, like bay windows or a large kitchen. Then, sketch a rough draft of the floor plan that includes all of the features you want. Recreate your rough draft on the computer using a 3-D imaging software like Home Designer Suite. Once you're happy with the design, reach out to an architect so they can help turn your vision into a reality. | Come up with a basic vision. Before you draw a single line, picture what kind of home you would want to live in if money were no object. The earliest stages of the design process are not about building materials or zoning regulations, but about how you define your desires. Chances are, you already have a few images in mind that just need to be fleshed out. Think carefully about the homes you fantasize about. What is it about the way they look that appeals to you? Look through architecture publications. Poring over some domestic architecture photobooks or home design magazines at the bookstore can be a good way to get your wheels turning. You'll get a good overview of current design trends, along with styles that were fashionable in past decades or are just now catching on in other parts of the country. For instance, you might see yourself living in a cozy European-influenced cottage, or gravitate towards something more sleek, modern, and minimalistic. Due to the way tastes constantly evolve, many design styles that have long been considered outdated (such as Art Deco and mid-century modern) are now beginning to make a comeback. Don't feel like you have to limit yourself to a few specific types of architecture just because they're what's fashionable. The winning style is the one that speaks to your personal sensibilities. Tour neighborhoods with houses that spark your imagination. Go for a drive through a few of the subdivisions in your area and scope out the houses there. Forget about whether or not such a home is within your price range for now—you're just mining for ideas that you can borrow when it comes time to begin designing your own home. Take notes on what you like about each property, as well as what you're not so keen on. It's just as important to know what sorts of features you don't want as what you do. Keep an eye out for homes that are up for sale. An open house could present a great opportunity to take a closer look at a particular home inside and out. Take photographs of attractive houses to study later. When you see a home that catches your eye, get your camera out and shoot it from as many angles as you can. You'll be able to take in more of the subtle nuances by examining a picture at your own leisure than you could with a hurried walk-through. Photos also make great reference materials when you get into the specifics of piecing together your own home. Use a dedicated photography camera or HD smartphone camera to take your snaps. That way, more of the key details will be apparent. Make sure you get permission from the homeowner before you go snooping around on their property. Draw up a responsible budget. Instead of starting with the question “how much will it cost to build my dream home just the way I want it,” ask yourself “how much house can I actually afford?” This will help you arrive at a more realistic figure and bring your vision into clearer focus. An articulated budget will be your principal guiding force in the design process moving forward. If it's your first time building a home, it may be helpful to meet with a certified financial planner who can go over the provisions of your budget with you and explain potential curveballs, like sales tax on building materials and whether the cost of the property will be included in your mortgage. Keep a design notebook. Get yourself a sturdy, cloth-bound graph-ruled notebook to record your notes, doodles, and musings in. This simple resource is where your design for your home will finally begin to take shape. You can use its pages to paste photos, tab out calculations, collect contact info for potential contractors, and keep track of other important details associated with the project. Divide the contents of your notebook into sections by room and use colored tabs to mark the pages. That way, you can easily jump back and forth between schematics for different parts of the house. Compiling all of your materials in one place will allow you to work much more efficiently than digging through reams of loose paper to find what you're looking for. Consider your individual needs. Now that you're getting serious about documenting what you want, it's time to zero in on what you need. This is where considerations like space, privacy, and specific building techniques will come into play. You've probably already accounted for many of these factors subconsciously when spitballing ideas, which means it will just be a matter of identifying which of them are non-negotiable. In order to determine the type of living space that's right for you, it may help to outline the number, ages, and relationships of the people who will be sharing it. A cozy two-bedroom cottage might not be big enough if you're planning on starting a family, but a slightly larger Tudor revival-style home could provide the space you need without forcing you to give up on your preferred aesthetic. Make a list of essential features. Under individualized headings for each of the main rooms, start naming the amenities you just have to have. Maybe you're crazy about island kitchen counters, or you've always wanted bay windows or a living room with a comfy reading nook. This is the fun part. Let your imagination run wild and jot down anything and everything that tickles your fancy. Get as specific as you please. The more information you can hand off to your architect or team of contractors, the closer your finished home will be to your original vision. As you move onto drafting a floor plan, you can begin sorting the items on your list based on what's practical, what's affordable, and what makes the most sense. Sketch out a rough floor plan. Block out basic areas first—for example, you might include two bedrooms on one end of the lower level, with the master bed and adjoining bath across the hall. Leave some room in the center of your layout for an open family room or study, then fill in the other end with plots for the kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and other important spaces. To keep your floor plan from getting confusing, focus on completing one level at a time. When you're done with the downstairs, you can move on to plotting the upper floors. Keep you and your family's needs in mind and try to devise a configuration that promotes both comfort and convenience. Use a 3-D imaging software to clean up your floor plan. Programs like Virtual Architect, Room Sketcher, and Home Designer Suite make it easy for homeowners to bring their pen-and-paper designs to life on the screen. Just use the included tools and features to recreate each aspect of your hand-drawn floor plan. You'll then have a polished, precise model to present to your builders. Take your time getting your layout just right. Any mistakes you make during the design phase will cost you nothing. If these mistakes carry over into construction, however, they can quickly eat into your budget. A good virtual home design application will typically run you $50-100. Free versions may also be available online, though these tend to be far less sophisticated, which means you may not have a full range of tools at your disposal. Find a suitable location. Not every style of home will work equally well in a given setting. Though your main task is to conceptualize the broad strokes of how your living space will look, it's also important to gather information about the area where you'll be situated. For example, do you have access to the necessary utilities? Is there a gas station or supermarket within a reasonable distance? How long would your commute to work be? All of these are critical questions that you should ask whenever you view a property. Keep in mind that it will be more difficult to build on hills or rocky, uneven, or heavily wooded terrain due to the additional excavation required. If you have any concerns about how your location might affect the value or comfort of your dream home, write them down and address them with your architect or contractor later. Consult with an architect to discuss your plans. Listen closely as they share their professional input and be receptive to whatever advice they offer. Your part of the design is knowing what you want. It's their job to ensure that your goals for your home are met, and to steer you around common design traps and complications. Some of the considerations your architect will go over with you include structural integrity, local building codes, suitability of the surrounding property, and other practical matters that you wouldn't know to ponder on your own. The average cost of working alongside an architect is roughly $2,000-8,000. If you're paying them on an hourly basis, this translates to a rate of around $60 to $125 per hour. Go over your design with a building team. Once you and your architectural consultant have your floor plans looking the way you want them, your work is done. All that's left to do is hand off your completed designs to the pros. An experienced home architect will help fix you up with a capable general contractor, and together they'll break ground on your future. Be ready to accept last-minute changes of plans in the event that part of your design proves unfeasible. | Come up with a basic vision. Look through architecture publications. Tour neighborhoods with houses that spark your imagination. Take photographs of attractive houses to study later. Draw up a responsible budget. Keep a design notebook. Consider your individual needs. Make a list of essential features. Sketch out a rough floor plan. Use a 3-D imaging software to clean up your floor plan. Find a suitable location. Consult with an architect to discuss your plans. Go over your design with a building team. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Blueberries | How to Clean Blueberries | To clean blueberries, start by taking off all the stems. Then, put the blueberries in a strainer and rinse them under cold water. Give the strainer a few good shakes to make sure all of the blueberries get cleaned off. After you've rinsed the blueberries, pat them dry with a paper towel or dishcloth. | Check for damaged berries and debris by hand. Remove any berries you don't want to eat as well as stems and other debris. Take out any berries with green spots, since the mold on them can spread to other berries. Red berries are unripened and should be removed along with any berries that look wrinkled or crushed. Good blueberries are plump with a deep, dark blue coloring. As you wash the berries, you may find more that feel soft to the touch. Take them out as you go. Load the blueberries into a strainer. A colander also works if you have one. Fill it with as many berries as possible, making sure they won't spill out the top and roll across the floor. Pick out any stems you see loose in the strainer. Rinse the blueberries under cold water. Turn on the cold tap in your sink, but make sure the water stream is very gentle. If the water stream is too strong, it may crush some of the berries. Then, briefly hold the strainer underneath the running water until all the berries are wet. To avoid crushing any of your blueberries, you can also wash them by dipping the strainer in a bowl filled with cold water. Shake the strainer to drain out the water. Move the blueberries around so they aren't soaking in any excess water left in the strainer. If you have your blueberries in a bowl, you can pick the berries up with a strainer and dump out the water. It's important to avoid leaving your blueberries in water for a long time, since this leads to mushy berries that are unpleasant to eat. Remove any moldy or mushy berries left in the batch. Sort through the berries by hand, looking for any signs of damage. The moldy and unripe ones are easy to spot, since they will look green and red, respectively. Also take out any that are crushed or wrinkled. Take out any soft, mushy berries, but don't worry if you miss some. You have another chance when you're washing them. Fill a bowl half-full with cold water. A large mixing bowl or salad spinner is a good choice for this. If you have a lot of berries to wash, you can fill a sink instead. Pour at least 3 cups, or 24 fl oz (710 mL), of cold water into the bowl. Mix 1 part vinegar into the cold water to preserve the blueberries. To ensure the vinegar solution is strong enough to eliminate mold and bacteria, keep it at a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. You can use a bottle of basic white vinegar purchased from a grocer or general store. Your berries may last longer in the fridge after being washed this way. For example, if you poured 3 cups (710 mL) of water into the bowl earlier, add 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar. Instead of vinegar, you can purchase and use a commercial fruit wash from the supermarket. Pour the blueberries into the bowl with the vinegar mixture. Place as many berries in the bowl as you can. If your bowl is too small, set some of the berries aside. You can wash them later without replacing the mixture. Stir the blueberries in the bowl for 1 minute. You can use your hand to swish the berries around in the bowl. Soak them as evenly as possible in the vinegar mixture. You can soak the blueberries for up to 10 minutes to ensure they get cleaned. However, this may cause some of them to go mushy. Drain the water from the bowl. The easiest way to do this is to lift the blueberries out of the bowl with a strainer. You can also dump the bowl's contents into a strainer to ensure the excess water drains. Avoid letting the blueberries sit in the water for very long. Begin drying them immediately. Rinse the berries under cold water. Your blueberries will reek of vinegar at this point. To get rid of the unpleasant smell, run some cold water in your sink. Wash the berries until you can no longer smell the vinegar. Make sure you use a gentle stream of water to avoid crushing the berries. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Arrange the paper towels over a flat surface. The baking sheet will neatly catch any excess water while the paper towels will absorb moisture from the blueberries. If you do not have a baking sheet, you can leave the berries in a bowl or strainer. Simply pat them dry with paper towels. Spread the blueberries in a layer on the baking sheet. Set the blueberries on top of the paper towels. You want them to be in a single, even layer. If you have a lot of blueberries to dry, dry them in multiple batches. Pat the blueberries dry with paper towels. Hold a fresh paper towel over the blueberries. Gently dab the blueberries dry, rolling them around in the paper towel if you can. Replace your paper towel as it becomes saturated. If some blueberries are still left in a bowl or strainer, you may find rolling them around in the paper towel to be easier. Make sure all the moisture is removed so the berries are less likely to soften. | Check for damaged berries and debris by hand. Load the blueberries into a strainer. Rinse the blueberries under cold water. Shake the strainer to drain out the water. Remove any moldy or mushy berries left in the batch. Fill a bowl half-full with cold water. Mix 1 part vinegar into the cold water to preserve the blueberries. Pour the blueberries into the bowl with the vinegar mixture. Stir the blueberries in the bowl for 1 minute. Drain the water from the bowl. Rinse the berries under cold water. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Spread the blueberries in a layer on the baking sheet. Pat the blueberries dry with paper towels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Whiten-Teeth-With-Hydrogen-Peroxide | How to Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide | If you want to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, it's safest to use a commercially-available product like a whitening toothpaste or a gel-filled tray. If you do use household hydrogen peroxide, try swishing with a mixture of at least one part water to one part hydrogen peroxide. You can also make a whitening paste out of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, then dip your toothbrush in the paste and brush as usual. However, you should be aware that this can cause oral sensitivity and abnormalities on your gums. | Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Purchase a whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Brush with the product at least twice daily for at least one month to see results. Buy a product with at least 3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which is the standard amount. Be aware that the more hydrogen peroxide in a product, the likely it is to make your teeth sensitive. Brush your teeth twice a day with the toothpaste. It can take four to six weeks to notice results. Recognize that toothpastes only remove surface stains from activities like drinking or smoking. Consider using another peroxide product in addition to a toothpaste to get deeper stains and have better results. Look for the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance to minimize the risk of using an unsafe product. Place gel-filled trays on your teeth. There is some evidence that gel-filled trays with a 3% hydrogen peroxide gel can significantly whiten teeth. Buy an over-the-counter gel tray or have your dentist prescribe one. Buy either pre-filled trays or trays you fill with a product at your local pharmacy. Be aware that these products will fit most mouths and are not molded to your own teeth. Ask your dentist to mold a tray to your mouth and give you a higher concentration peroxide solution for more optimal results. Leave the tray in your mouth for the time suggested on the packaging. Most trays require application for 30 minutes three times a day for two weeks. Discontinue use if you experience serious sensitivity, though most will stop after the treatment. Talk to you dentist about whether or not you should continue use. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to reduce the risk of getting an unsafe product. Apply whitening strips. Whitening strips are similar to trays but are more flexible and come with the peroxide solution already on the product. Apply whitening strips to your teeth if you want a pre-filled treatment that is flexible and doesn't necessarily touch your gums, which can be sensitive to peroxide. Strips are just as safe as trays and provide better results than just brushing. Whitening strips and other peroxide-based products remove the outer salivary layer from your teeth, and they also remove the stain from underneath that surface. When that's removed from your teeth, it can leave your teeth a little more sensitive until the salivary layer is restored, which takes about 2 days. Consider using strips if you've had gum sensitivity with trays. Simply place the strips below your gum line. Buy whitening strips based on how much you want to whiten your teeth or mouth sensitivity. There are many different products available that offer results such as quicker and deeper whitening or strips for sensitive teeth. Follow all of the packaging directions and discontinue use if you have serious sensitivity. Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help ensure you are getting a safe product. Use a brush-on gel. Some companies offer hydrogen peroxide whiteners that you can brush or paint on your teeth. These products come in different forms such as a pen or bottle of solution with brush. Compare different formats and see which one works best for your needs. For example, you might find it easier to use a pen-like applicator than one that is a brush and bottle of solution. Apply the product before bedtime each night for two weeks. During the treatment period, avoid eating sugary foods and drinking beverages that could potentially stain your teeth, such as coffee. Follow the package instructions and discontinue use if your teeth and/ or gums are very sensitive. Consider a professional bleaching treatment. Dentists offer professionally applied hydrogen peroxide treatments used in conjunction with light or laser. Consider this option if you have very stained teeth or if you prefer to whiten with peroxide under a doctor's supervision. Be aware that dentists will use a hydrogen peroxide solution in the concentration of 25–40%, which is not available over-the-counter. Consider this option if you have sensitive gums — inform your dentist that you have sensitive teeth or gums. Your dentist will protect your gums with a rubber dam or gel before the procedure. Ask your dentist if this is the best option for you. It can be expensive and insurance may not cover the treatment. Be aware of the risks of using hydrogen peroxide. There is conflicting consensus about the use of hydrogen peroxide in non-commercial products to whiten teeth. Using non-tested mixtures with hydrogen peroxide on your teeth can cause oral sensitivity and other abnormalities on your gums. Talk to your dentist before you try whitening your teeth with hydrogen peroxide or any mixtures with it. Be aware that while these natural methods may be less expensive, they could cause damage that is expensive to correct. Recognize that these solutions only clean surface stains and may not be as effective as commercially available hydrogen peroxide products. Make sure to use the lowest concentration hydrogen peroxide possible to help protect your gums and oral cavity. Swish with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. There is some evidence that rinsing with a hydrogen peroxide and water mouthwash can be safe when used over a longer period of time. It may also whiten your teeth and help prevent stains. Swish a mixture in your mouth daily to help whiten your teeth and ward off bacteria. Use 2–3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which you can get at your local pharmacy. Using anything higher in your mouth cavity can be dangerous. Pour 1 cup of the peroxide into a cup and mix it with 1 cup of distilled water. Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute. Spit out the solution when you're finished or if the solutions hurts. Rinse your mouth with water. Avoid swallowing the mouthwash, which could cause health problems. Consider buying a commercially available mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide. Make a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Using a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can whiten your teeth and soothe sore gums. Brush with the paste daily or use it a couple of times a week like a mask. Make sure you're using 2–3.5% hydrogen peroxide. Put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda into a dish. Add a small amount of the peroxide and mix it with the baking soda. Keep adding a small amount of peroxide until you have a thick-ish paste. Brush the paste onto your teeth in small, circular motions for two minutes. You can also apply it with your fingertips to stimulate your gums. Brush with the paste for a couple of minutes or leave it on your teeth for a few minutes for best results. Rinse the solution off of your teeth by swishing with water from the bathroom sink. Rinse the paste off of your teeth. Prevent staining if possible. In addition to using your natural products, avoid anything that might stain your teeth if you can. Brushing or rinsing right after you consume them may help reduce staining. Things that can stain your teeth or make them more prone to staining are: Coffee, tea, red wine White wine and clear sodas, which can make your teeth more prone to staining Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. | Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Place gel-filled trays on your teeth. Apply whitening strips. Use a brush-on gel. Consider a professional bleaching treatment. Be aware of the risks of using hydrogen peroxide. Swish with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Make a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Prevent staining if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-a-Rubber-Band-to-Your-Braces | How to Connect a Rubber Band to Your Braces | To connect a vertical rubber band to your braces, start with the left side of your mouth by wrapping the band around the upper hook, which can be found between your upper canine teeth. Then, hook the band around the two lower hooks by your lower canine and molar teeth to form a triangle. Next, repeat the process on the right side of your mouth. If you have cross elastics, simply connect a rubber band between the button on the inside of your top molars and the button on the outside of your bottom molars. | Get instructions from your orthodontist. When you're prescribed braces and rubber bands, your orthodontist should go over instructions with you. Rubber bands are applied in different ways depending on the structure of your mouth and what issue your orthodontist is trying to correct. You should ask them first about any questions you have regarding your rubber bands. If you are confused about any instructions after leaving the office, call your orthodontist. Learn the different parts of braces. Rubber bands are usually attached to the hooks on braces. Learn the different parts of braces before attempting to use rubber bands. Braces have brackets, triangular structures that are positioned on the front midsection of your teeth. Brackets are attached by archwire, small metal bands between brackets. If you need rubber bands, small hooks or buttons will be strategically placed at various parts of your braces. This is where you'll attach your rubber bands. The number of hooks or buttons you have, and where they are found, depends on the position of your rubber bands. Put in vertical elastics. Vertical elastics are one of the most common forms of rubber bands for braces. They're used to occlude crooked teeth together. With vertical elastics, there will be a total of six hooks. Two hooks will be between your upper canine teeth, which are the pointier teeth found in the corners of your mouth. There will be four hooks in your lower mouth, two between your lower canine teeth on either side of your mouth, and two others on either side near your molars. Molars are the bigger teeth towards the back of your mouth. You will use two rubber bands. On either side of your mouth, wrap the rubber band around the upper hook and lower hooks to form a triangular shape. Figure out how to put in cross elastics. Cross elastics are another common configuration of braces. They are used to correct an overbite. You will only use one rubber band in cross elastics. On the left or right side of your face, there will be a button towards your top molars on the side of your teeth facing your tongue. There will be another button on your bottom molars on the side of your teeth facing away from the tongue. Connect a rubber band between these two buttons, starting with the top button. Apply Class 2 and 3 elastics. Class 2 and 3 elastics are a variation on cross elastics that are used to correct different issues. Class 2 elastics are also used to correct overbites. Your orthodontist might prescribe them over cross elastics depending on your type of overbite. On your upper canine teeth, there will be a hook on the side of your teeth facing away from your tongue. There will be another hook on your lower teeth attached to your first molar. This will also be on the side of the tooth facing away from the tongue. Attach a rubber band from the first hook to the second hook. An overbite has usually another negative part called over jet, which means that there is a space between your lower and upper teeth when you close your mouth. Class 2 elastics are used to correct also the over jet. Class 3 elastics are used to correct an underbite. There will be a hook on your lower canine teeth, on the side of the teeth facing the tongue. There will be another hook on your upper teeth on your first molar, on the side facing the tongue. Wrap a rubber band around these two hooks. Use Front Box Elastics. Front box elastics are used to correct an open bite. That is, when you are unable to fully close your mouth. There will be four hooks, two on top and two on the bottom, found towards your front teeth on the lateral incisors. These are the smaller teeth right between your central incisors, or your big front teeth, and your canines, the sharp teeth on the side. Connect the rubber band between all four hooks, forming a box shape. Understand the necessity of rubber bands. Many people dislike having to wear rubber bands on their teeth; however, your dentist prescribed you rubber bands for a reason. Understand why rubber bands are sometimes necessary. Braces themselves adjust the alignment of teeth to straighten them out. Rubber bands do the work of pulling the jaw forward or backwards in order to line up your teeth correctly so they fit together when you bite down. Rubber bands play an important role in adjusting the muscular reflex of biting in the right position, so wearing them is really important, even if it feels awkward in the beginning. If you have an extensive overbite or underbite, you will probably be prescribed elastics. You should wear them as your dentist instructs and only take them out to brush your teeth. It is also important to check if you have placed your rubber bands in the correct position, as your orthodontist showed you. Take some pictures in the dental office and compare them at home using a mirror. Change your rubber bands three times a day. Unless your orthodontist or dentist instructs otherwise, your rubber bands should be changed three times a day as they lose their elasticity over time. Changing them before bed and after meals can help you stay on schedule. Replace lost or broken rubber bands immediately. In the event a rubber band breaks or falls off during sleep and cannot be found, you need to replace the band immediately. Rubber bands should be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For every day you skip wearing rubber bands, you lose three days of treatment. This can result in you having to wear braces significantly longer than is comfortable. Prepare yourself for sore teeth. It will take your teeth time to adjust to rubber bands. Expect your teeth to be sore for the first few days. The first 24 hours with rubber bands is generally the worst. After awhile, you'll be able to wear your rubber bands nonstop with minimal pain. If the pain is intense, talk to your orthodontist about gradually easing into wearing rubber bands rather than starting off wearing them 24/7. Have backup rubber bands. Orthodontist-prescribed rubber bands generally hold up well, but they do sometimes break or fall off. Always keep backup rubber bands. If you're going out, keep a small bag of backup bands in your pocket or purse. Have fun with colors. Rubber bands come in a variety of colors. As many people feel unattractive when wearing braces, and experimenting with different color rubber bands can be a fun way to make them feel more appealing. Try coordinating colors for special events like holidays. You could use black and orange rubber bands for Halloween, for example. Ask for rubber bands in your favorite color. Some orthodontist offices may make neon or glitter colored rubber bands for teens and preteens. | Get instructions from your orthodontist. Learn the different parts of braces. Put in vertical elastics. Figure out how to put in cross elastics. Apply Class 2 and 3 elastics. Use Front Box Elastics. Understand the necessity of rubber bands. Change your rubber bands three times a day. Replace lost or broken rubber bands immediately. Prepare yourself for sore teeth. Have backup rubber bands. Have fun with colors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-How-Many-Stamps-to-Use | How to Know How Many Stamps to Use | To figure out how many stamps you should use to mail a letter or package, first measure the length and width of your letter or the length, width, and height of your package. Then use a scale to weigh your item. Next, decide whether you want to send your item by Standard, First Class, or Priority Mail. When you have that information, go online and use the USPS postage price calculator. Finally, divide the price you get from the calculator by the price of a regular stamp to figure out how many stamps you need. | Use a Forever stamp for most standard mail items. A single Forever stamp will be enough to send off an item in a commercial envelope measuring 11.5 inches (29 cm) by 5 inches (13 cm) and weighing 1 ounce (28 g) or less. Anything larger will require extra postage, which you can add up using a postage calculator. As of January 2018, the cost of a single Forever stamp is $0.50. Forever stamps are useful for mailing letters, greeting cards, and paper items weighing less than 1 ounce (28 g). To send a standard commercial envelope somewhere outside the United States, you'll need to use a Global Forever stamp. At this time, Global Forever stamps cost $1.15 apiece. Measure envelopes or packages that are larger than standard size. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the length and width of an envelope. For packages and bulkier envelopes, be sure to include the thickness along with the length and width. The overall size of the item will be used to determine the cost of postage. Take exact measurements just to be on the safe side. You can always round them up or down depending on the directions you're given by the postage calculator. Stamps aren't generally used for large packages, which will need to be shipped through the post office rather than being sent through the mail. Weigh your envelope if you’ve included gifts, photos, or other extras. To do this, it will be necessary to use a scale sensitive enough to register the item's weight in ounces or grams. Ordinary kitchen scales will work great for envelopes and small parcels. Heavier packages can be placed on a digital bathroom scale. Most postage calculators will ask you to round up the weight of the item when calculating the price of postage. If you don't have access to a scale, take your item to the post office. They'll be able to weigh and ship it for you. Specify the class of the item you’re mailing. There are 3 standard mail classes—Ground, Priority, and First Class. When deciding which class best suits your needs, consider both the weight of your item and how fast you need it to arrive at its destination. Items sent Ground mail (sometimes referred to as “standard shipping”) typically arrive within 2-8 business days. Ground is most useful for sending large quantities of mail at once, handling oversized packages, and saving money on things that aren't urgent. With Priority Mail, delivery is guaranteed within 1-3 days. To make sending large items more affordable, you have the option of mailing them in a flat rate envelope or box, which costs a fixed rate regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds (32 kg)). First Class mail also usually goes out in 1-3 days, but items are limited to 13 ounces (370 g) in weight. Heavier items will require additional postage. Plug the item’s information into a postage price calculator. In addition to the size, weight, and class of your envelope or package, you'll be asked to enter its destination, the destination's postal code, your postal code, and the time and date of shipment. After submitting your item's info, you'll be shown the mailing cost, which you can then use to figure out how many stamps you'll need. If you live in the US, use the United States Postal Service's (USPS) online postage price calculator by visiting this link: https://postcalc.usps.com/. Put in the item's info as accurately as possible to make sure you're paying the right postage. Divide the postage price by the price of a Forever stamp. The number you get is how many stamps you'll need. If your postage cost comes to $2.32, for example, you would divide 2.32 by 0.50 to get 4.64. Round up for a total of 5 stamps. Don't forget to round up to ensure that you have enough postage, since it's not possible to use a fraction of a stamp. Alternatively, you can purchase special stamps used to make up the difference of extra postage. Additional postage stamps are sold in smaller values, such as 1 cent, 2 cents, 3 cents, 5 cents, and 10 cents. Apply your stamps. Peel the backing off the stamps and press them onto the envelope or package. If possible, position them in the upper righthand corner or somewhere else where they'll be plainly visible to the mail handler. Arrange multiple stamps in 1 or 2 rows, making sure they don't overlap. If you're having trouble applying your stamps properly, take them to the post office and ask for assistance from one of the clerks there. Take items requiring more than 1 stamp to the post office. Overstuffed envelopes, large packages, and anything else that weighs more than 13 ounces (370 g) can't be mailed through a residential mailbox. You'll need to take these items to the post office for shipping. Once you're there, hand off your item directly to one of the employees on duty for processing. Postal clerks can also help you calculate the price of postage and sell you the required number of stamps right there at the post office. In many areas, the postal service will permit you to print out a shipping label and schedule a pickup from home if you'd prefer not to make a trip to the post office. Bring the sealed item to the post office. Make sure that the flap holding the envelope or package closed is secure. Your item should be neatly addressed and free of extraneous information that might confuse the postal employees, such as old shipping labels or unnecessary writing. To save time, take care of stuffing, sealing, and addressing your item before you arrive. If you're running low on supplies, you can also purchase mail accessories like envelopes, mailers, and stamps at the post office. Have your item weighed. Tell one of the employees on duty that you need to know the weight of your item in order to calculate the correct postage. They'll place it on the scale and give you a cost right there on the spot. The mail clerk may also request a few other pieces of information, such as your postal code, where the item is headed, and whether you want to send it Priority Mail or First Class. Priority mail typically arrives faster, but First Class mail is less expensive. Keep in mind, however, that you can only mail items First Class if they weigh 13 ounces (370 g) or less. Apply the required number of stamps to your item. After affixing the stamps to your envelope or package, hand it over to the postal clerk. Since you're already at the post office, you also have the option of simply paying for postage, in which case the clerk will print out and stick on a mailing label noting the item's shipping cost. It will be cheaper to use your own stamps if you brought them along than to pay for postage separately. If you're not sure how to convert your item's postage price to the corresponding number of stamps, or you'd just rather not bother, the postal employee on duty will be happy to help. | Use a Forever stamp for most standard mail items. Measure envelopes or packages that are larger than standard size. Weigh your envelope if you’ve included gifts, photos, or other extras. Specify the class of the item you’re mailing. Plug the item’s information into a postage price calculator. Divide the postage price by the price of a Forever stamp. Apply your stamps. Take items requiring more than 1 stamp to the post office. Bring the sealed item to the post office. Have your item weighed. Apply the required number of stamps to your item. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Kaffir-Lime-Leaves | How to Use Kaffir Lime Leaves | To use Kaffir lime leaves, you can add whole leaves, either dried or fresh, to Asian soups, curries, and rice dishes while they're simmering to impart a distinct flavor. Shred the dried leaves before adding them to fish cakes and be sure to use fresh, tender leaves for salads. Remember that this highly aromatic leaf is mostly used for flavor and is rarely eaten whole in dishes. | Tear the rib from fresh leaves, then add them to your dish. First, fold your fresh kaffir lime leaf in half along the rib, which is the woody part running lengthwise down the leaf. Then, pinch the tip of the rib and pull downward to tear it from the leaf. Once you've removed the rib, toss the remaining leaf pieces into a dish as it's cooking to impart a bright, citrusy flavor. Tearing the leaf helps release some of its fragrance and flavor. You can also crush the leaf to bruise it for a stronger flavor. Fresh kaffir lime leaves can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, curries, and noodle dishes. Remove the whole leaves before you serve the dish. Kaffir lime leaves are fairly tough and difficult to eat. If you put whole kaffir lime leaves into your recipe while it's cooking, make sure to pull them out before you serve the dish. If you prefer, you can leave them in your food, then just eat around them. Slice the leaves finely to include them throughout your dish. If you don't want to remove the leaves from your dish, either cut or tear away the spine from the leaves, then stack the leaf pieces together and roll them tightly in a cylinder. Place the cylinder on a cutting board, then use a small, sharp knife to slice the leaves as thinly as possible. This is great for incorporating the kaffir lime flavor into salads, noodles, or rice dishes, or to use the leaves as a garnish. Store fresh leaves in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. As with any fresh herb, you'll need to refrigerate your fresh leaves to help them retain their color and flavor. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container, then put them in your refrigerator for 14 days, or longer if they still have a firm texture and deep green color. If you don't think you'll use the leaves in time, you can freeze them for up to a year. Just put them in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as you can without crushing the leaves. Then, label the bag and place it in the freezer until you need it. You can defrost the leaves by leaving them at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Simmer dried leaves in your dish to impart their flavor. You can use dried kaffir lime leaves the same way that you would if they were fresh. Fold the leaf in half and pinch the stem, then tear it from the leaf. Drop the leaf in your dish as it's cooking, then pull out the pieces of leaf before you serve the food. Use the same ratio of fresh or dried leaves. For instance, if your recipe calls for 1 fresh kaffir lime leaf, you could use 1 dried leaf, instead. When you're choosing dried kaffir leaves, make sure they still look green. If they look grey, they're too old, although it's okay if they're a little faded. Eat around the dried leaves or remove them before you serve your food. Dried kaffir lime leaves are tough, and they're difficult to chew. If you leave them in the dish, push them to the side of the plate or bowl while you're eating. You can also use a slotted spoon to scoop out the leaves before serving the dish. Sprinkle a pinch of kaffir leaf powder into a dish to add a subtle flavor. You may be able to find dried kaffir lime powder in some well-stocked markets. If you have this, you can take just a pinch of the powder and add it to your dish as it's cooking. The granules of leaves will soften as they cook, so you don't have to worry about removing them from your food. For instance, you might sprinkle in the granules to add a tangy flavor to your stir fry. Pair kaffir lime leaves with other Thai flavors. In the culinary world, there's a common saying: "What grows together goes together." That means that typically, ingredients from the same region or cuisine will complement each other in a dish. Whether you're creating a dish from scratch or you're just looking for a recipe you could incorporate your lime leaves into, try adding the kaffir lime leaves to dishes including ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, chilies, ginger, shallots, and coriander leaves. For instance, you might use kaffir lime leaves in authentic Thai dishes such as Make Tom Yum or Tom Kha, panang, rice noodle salad , or Tod Mun, which is a fried fish cake. Try adding kaffir lime leaves to fish and shellfish dishes. Citrus is a natural complement to fish and seafood, so it only makes sense that the kaffir lime leaf would also pair nicely with these foods. For instance, you might toss in a leaf while you're sauteeing shrimp, or you might sprinkle julienned leaves onto a piece of fish before you grill it. For a healthy, convenient option, try placing a kaffir lime leaf in a foil packet when you're baking frozen tilapia. The tart flavor would also be a nice addition to a dish like steamed clams or steamed fish. Just toss a leaf or two in the water before you bring it to a boil! Add kaffir lime leaves to add a bright citrus flavor to curry. Thai-style curries often use kaffir lime leaves, so if you've been searching for that elusive flavor that would make your homemade curry taste like your favorite take-out, this might be the trick! Just simmer 1 whole leaf in the dish, then either remove the leaf before you serve the curry or just eat around it. This is especially good in a light, refreshing coconut curry. Use the lime leaves to give your rice an extra layer of flavor. When you're simmering rice, add a fresh or dried kaffir lime leaf. The leaf will infuse the rice with tart, herbal notes, which will add extra complexity to any dish. This rice would pair especially well with a fish or seafood soup, like Shrimp in Sour Soup or seafood stew. Add the leaves to a sweet dish to make a citrusy dessert. Kaffir lime leaves don't just have to be used in a savory dish. You can infuse them into milk, cream, butter, or sugar syrup , then mix that into your dessert. However, you can also incorporate the julienned leaves or kaffir lime leaf granules into your dish for a stronger flavor. For instance, you might use julienned kaffir lime leaves as a garnish for a bowl of ice cream, or you could incorporate them into a cheesecake to add a tart, bright flavor. You can also use your infused sugar syrup in drinks, including lemonade, tea, or cocktails. Add a few leaves to your potpourri to add a citrus aroma. If you enjoy making homemade potpourri , consider adding kaffir lime leaves to your next batch! All you have to do is crush the leaves to bruise them to release their fragrant oils. For instance, you might mix dried orange peels, vanilla pods, kaffir lime leaves, and sandalwood to create a rich, bright fragrance. Place the leaves in your bath to add a pleasant scent. A bath that's scented with citrus can be very relaxing, but the bright fragrance can also invigorate your mood. Try dropping 2-3 leaves in the water before you soak in a hot bath. Then, just relax in your bath and enjoy the aroma! You may want to crush the leaves first to allow them to release more of their fragrance. Rub the leaves on your skin as a natural perfume. If you're looking for an all-natural way to freshen up, try crushing or tearing a kaffir lime leaf. Then, rub it on your pulse points, such as at your wrists or the base of your neck. The oils from the leaf will transfer to your skin, leaving behind a subtle, citrusy scent. The scent of kaffir lime leaves may also be effective as a mosquito repellent. Although kaffir lime leaves are not considered to be a skin irritant, if you notice that your skin seems red or itchy after you tried this, rinse the area with cool water and don't apply the leaves to your skin anymore. Tuck the leaves into a wreath to add a pleasant aroma. A scented wreath is a beautiful way to welcome guests to your home. Depending on the style of your wreath, you may be able to tuck the leaves into your wreath without securing them. However, if they won't stay, you can wrap wire around the thinnest part of the leaf, in the middle, then secure the wire to your wreath. | Tear the rib from fresh leaves, then add them to your dish. Remove the whole leaves before you serve the dish. Slice the leaves finely to include them throughout your dish. Store fresh leaves in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Simmer dried leaves in your dish to impart their flavor. Eat around the dried leaves or remove them before you serve your food. Sprinkle a pinch of kaffir leaf powder into a dish to add a subtle flavor. Pair kaffir lime leaves with other Thai flavors. Try adding kaffir lime leaves to fish and shellfish dishes. Add kaffir lime leaves to add a bright citrus flavor to curry. Use the lime leaves to give your rice an extra layer of flavor. Add the leaves to a sweet dish to make a citrusy dessert. Add a few leaves to your potpourri to add a citrus aroma. Place the leaves in your bath to add a pleasant scent. Rub the leaves on your skin as a natural perfume. Tuck the leaves into a wreath to add a pleasant aroma. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Make-Sure-Newborn-Puppies-Receive-Enough-Nutrition | How to Make Sure Newborn Puppies Receive Enough Nutrition | To make sure your newborn puppies get enough nutrition, let them feed off their mother's milk whenever possible since it has the nutrients they need to thrive. If for some reason your puppies aren't able to feed on their mother, give them a milk replacement formula designed specifically for newborn puppies. When you give them this formula, warm it to 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what puppies need to stay healthy. You should also use a bottle that releases milk only 1 to 2 drops at a time so you don't hurt them. Puppies need to eat often, so make sure you feed them 6 to 12 times a day. After they're 4 weeks old, you can transition them to high-quality solid food that's around 30% protein. | Opt for the mother's milk whenever possible. A mother's milk has the nutrients necessary for puppies to thrive. A mother will also be able to feed her puppies enough milk without a lot of intervention. When possible, a mother's milk is always the best option. You should only attempt to bottle or syringe feed if the puppies are orphaned or if the mother rejects the litter. Use only a milk replacer. You should never use cow's milk or goat's milk as a substitute for a mother's milk. You should only use milk replacement formula designed specifically for newborn puppies, which you can buy online or at a vet's office. It's always best to get your formula straight from a vet's office. This way, a vet can recommend a safe formula to meet your puppy's needs. Warm the formula to 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit (37-38 degrees Celsius). You never want to serve a puppy formula that's too warm or too hot. Heat the formula in a clean pan, and use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the formula to make sure it's just right. Check the storage instructions on the formula. You want to make sure you don't leave the formula out too long when cooling it. Figure out the amount of formula your puppy needs. You want to make sure your puppies are getting enough calories for their age and weight. Puppies should be fed six to twelve times a day, with calories divided equally between each feeding. During the first week, puppies need between 60 and 69 calories per pound each day. As they age, that number increases. In the second week, puppies need between 70 and 79 calories per pound a day. In the third week, up that to 80 to 89 calories. Beyond four weeks, puppies need between 90 and 100 calories a day. These ranges are general rules, however. You should consult a veterinarian for precise instructions, especially if your puppies have any specific health risks. Most formula containers have measurement charts on the back, so use this as a resource for determining how much formula to feed the puppies. Feed your puppy carefully. Make sure you're feeding your puppies correctly to avoid injury. You should use a bottle that releases milk very slowly. Milk should come out one to two drops at a time rather than pouring out. Hold your puppy in your lap to feed it. Keep it face down. Holding it on its back is dangerous. Gently guide the puppy's mouth to the nipple and slowly feed it the proper dose of food. Only feed the puppy one to two drops at a time. If you are worried that you may do it wrong, ask a veterinarian or someone who is experienced in bottle feeding a puppy to show you the proper way to feed the dog. Make sure you feed your puppies frequently enough. Puppies should be fed six to 12 times a day. They should be fed every two hours when they're younger. You should also feed them once or twice during the night. Transition puppies to solid food after four weeks. To make sure puppies continue to get adequate nutrition after weaning, introduce solid food at the right time. Most puppies are ready for solid food after four weeks of age. Talk to a vet before weaning your puppies just to make sure it's safe to switch your puppies to solid food. A vet can also recommend a quality puppy chow to keep your puppies healthy. Ask something like, "What type of puppy chow do you recommend for this breed and size?" Separate the mother and puppies gradually. If the mother is still feeding her newborns at the time of weaning, you do not want to make the separation too abrupt. A gradual separation is best for the mother and puppies. At first, start by separating the puppies and mother for a few hours at a time. During this time, give the puppies access to a pan of puppy food. You can start with soft food and move to hard food, but it's okay to start with just hard food. Over time, increase the amount of food and length of separation. It's normal for the puppies to resist at first and there may be some setbacks during the weaning process. Try to accept this without becoming discouraged. Be strict with the rules even if the puppies appear distressed and eventually they will calm down. Feed the puppies healthy food during weaning. Opt for a high quality puppy chow recommended by your veterinarian. Puppy chow should have 25% to 30% protein. A puppy's teeth are still developing during weaning, so water down the puppy chow with warm water. This will make it soggy, allowing the puppy to more easily eat it. Do not get discouraged if your puppies play with their food instead of eating it at first. This is a normal part of the transition and the puppies will eventually learn what their food is for. As a goal, aim to have puppies consuming mainly dry food by seven to eight weeks of age. Feed your puppies the proper amount. You want to make sure your puppies are getting adequate nutrition during the weaning process. Make sure you know how much food puppies should receive during this time. Puppies are unlikely to overeat when they're getting used to their dry food. It's okay to leave dry food out for puppies to peck at until they're nine to twelve months old. At nine to twelves months, most puppies reach their adult weights. Talk to your vet about the proper portions for your puppy based on its size and breed once it reaches this age. Consult with a vet before bottle feeding. Bottle feeding is a difficult task and can be dangerous for your puppy if done incorrectly. In the event your puppies are orphaned, or the mother rejects them, talk to your veterinarian about bottle feeding before attempting to do so on your own. You do not want to put your puppy's health and safety at risk. Make sure a puppy is warm before bottle feeding. If puppies are cold for whatever reason, bottle feeding can actually be deadly. Organs start to close down if a puppy is cold and body feeding can speed up this process. If a puppy seems cold or sick, take it to a vet. Do not hold a puppy upside down during feeding. If held upside down, a puppy can choke during bottle feeding. Always hold a puppy face down on your lap to bottle feed, imitating the natural position it would be in when feeding from its mother. | Opt for the mother's milk whenever possible. Use only a milk replacer. Warm the formula to 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit (37-38 degrees Celsius). Figure out the amount of formula your puppy needs. Feed your puppy carefully. Make sure you feed your puppies frequently enough. Transition puppies to solid food after four weeks. Separate the mother and puppies gradually. Feed the puppies healthy food during weaning. Feed your puppies the proper amount. Consult with a vet before bottle feeding. Make sure a puppy is warm before bottle feeding. Do not hold a puppy upside down during feeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reheat-Fried-Chicken | How to Reheat Fried Chicken | If you want to reheat fried chicken in the oven, put the pieces of meat on a baking tray and cook at 375 degrees F. After the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, check if it's hot, but bear in mind that larger pieces, like breasts, may take a bit longer. To re-fry your chicken instead, add the chicken pieces to hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes. Turn the chicken regularly as it fries, then remove it from the pan when the skin is crispy. | Let the chicken sit out while the oven preheats to 375 degrees. Take your chicken out of the refrigerator and remove it from any container that it's in. Let the pieces sit evenly-spaced on a plate or platter until they come to room temperature — about half an hour. Use this time efficiently by doing any other prep work you need to do. Preheating the oven is a must, but you can also prepare side dishes, set the table, and so on. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Set the chicken pieces on an oven-safe baking sheet. You may want to line the sheet with aluminum foil first for an easier clean-up. It shouldn't be necessary to grease the sheet but this won't hurt your final product. Try to avoid prepping the chicken pieces for the oven before they're room temperature. Cold meat on the inside can interfere with the "crisping" process going on at the outside of the meat that's needed to make fried chicken so delicious. Set the chicken in the oven. Place the pan with the chicken pieces in the oven on the center rack. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Some online sources will recommend spritzing the pieces of chicken with a small amount of water to prevent them from drying out, while others omit this step. Plan for at least 10 minutes of cooking time and as much as half an hour. As you'll see in the next step, cooking times can vary. Check on the chicken pieces frequently. The only difficult part of this reheating method is that different pieces of chicken can heat at different speeds. As a general rule, bigger, thicker pieces (like breasts and thighs) will heat more slowly than smaller pieces (like wings and drumsticks). Since you don't want your smaller pieces to dry out, check them every few minutes after about ten minutes have passed. If they are crispy on the outside and warm all the way through, they're done. One online source lists legs and wings as taking about 15-20 minutes to reheat to perfection and breasts and thighs as taking about 20-25 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and cool. When your chicken pieces have regained a somewhat crispy exterior and are warm all the way to the bone, they're ready to eat. Take them out of the oven and carefully move them to a wire rack to cool for about five to ten minutes before eating. Enjoy! You shouldn't generally need to re-season your chicken — any seasoning in the batter will be preserved. Let the chicken come to room temperature. Another great way to get fried chicken back to a delicious crispy, golden-brown consistency is to simply fry it again. As with the oven method above, you'll want to take your chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit in a safe spot for about half an hour before you start to cook it. Do any required prep work (like setting the table, making side dishes, etc.) while you wait. If you don't let the chicken warm back up, it can affect the frying process. Dropping cold chicken into hot oil will significantly reduce the temperature of the oil for a minute or two, preventing you from giving it a crispy exterior. Heat frying oil in a heavy pan. When your chicken is nearly at room temperature, set a pan on the stove and turn the burner to high. Heavier pans like cast iron skillets and dutch ovens are best as they tend to retain heat well. Add plenty of frying oil to the pan and allow it to heat — you want at least enough that the bottoms of your chicken pieces will be submerged. Don't use olive oil or another oil with a similarly low smoke point, as the smoke can give your chicken a bitter, burnt flavor. Instead, use a high-smoke point oil with a neutral flavor like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. If you have a deep fryer, you may use it for this method, though this equipment is not required. Fry the chicken pieces for several minutes. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil (a set of tongs can help protect from splashes). Fry the pieces in the oil for about two to three minutes, turning regularly. Feel free to adjust the precise cooking time as you wish. Longer cooking times will give you a drier, crispier skin, but cooking for too long will eventually dry out the meat itself. Don't be afraid to check your chicken's texture as it cooks. Remove and allow to drain. When its skin is dry and crispy, the chicken is done. Transfer the pieces one by one to a wire rack set over a pan and allow them to drain. This step is crucial — letting the oil drain out will help get the skin even crispier. It should take about three to five minutes for the chicken to drain completely. Serve and enjoy. Carefully dispose of the excess oil (or reuse it ) after allowing it to cool. Enjoy your chicken as soon as it is cool enough to eat. Don't use the microwave. Microwaves are a quick and convenient way of reheating many foods, but they're terrible for fried chicken. Microwaves do nothing to dry out the soggy skin of cold fried chicken as they cook it. This means that while your final product will be warm, it will generally have a soft, unappealing exterior that simply doesn't compare to the crisp skin of chicken that's been reheated properly. Avoid toaster ovens when possible. In a pinch, when you don't have any other options, you can try using a toaster oven to reheat fried chicken. However, these can often heat chicken unevenly, leaving you with a piece of meat that's hot on the outside and cold on the inside. In addition, many toaster ovens lack the heating power necessary to get that crucial, crispy texture on the outside of the meat. Don't sear the chicken in a skillet. Cooking fried chicken in a skillet that isn't full of frying oil is a bad idea. It's more difficult to evenly heat the irregularly-shaped pieces of fried chicken this way, but even if you do, you risk drying out the meat as its fat leaches into the dry pan. Don't let the chicken cool on a paper towel. A stack of paper towels can seem like a good place to cool reheated fried chicken since they can soak up some of the excess grease. However, doing this will also keep some of the pieces of chicken in direct contact with the hot, steamy mixture of the oil and liquid that's draining out of it. This moisture will rehydrate the delicious skin that you worked to get dry and crispy, undoing your hard work. Finished. | Let the chicken sit out while the oven preheats to 375 degrees. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Set the chicken in the oven. Check on the chicken pieces frequently. Remove the chicken from the oven and cool. Let the chicken come to room temperature. Heat frying oil in a heavy pan. Fry the chicken pieces for several minutes. Remove and allow to drain. Serve and enjoy. Don't use the microwave. Avoid toaster ovens when possible. Don't sear the chicken in a skillet. Don't let the chicken cool on a paper towel. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cupcakes-with-Cake-Mix | How to Make Cupcakes with Cake Mix | To cut down on your prep time, bake cupcakes using boxed cake mix. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Once your batter is ready, you can bake it in the cupcake wells directly, or you can place cupcake liners in the wells first, which will make cleanup easier. Fill the cupcake wells 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the way with batter, which should give you 24 to 30 regular-sized cupcakes. Bake your regular-sized cupcakes for 15 to 20 minutes. If you're making mini cupcakes, then check them after 10 to 15 minutes. When the cupcakes are done, take them out and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes before taking them out of the pan. After an hour, you can frost your cooled cupcakes with a pre-made frosting. | Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (176.67°C). If you are going to be using dark or nonstick baking pans, lower the temperature to 325°F (162.78°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Most cake mixes will also require additional wet ingredients, such as water, oil, and an egg. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with your whisk or spatula while mixing. This will help the batter come out more even. You will also want to "fold" the batter every now and then; this will give you a smoother batter. How much water, oil, and eggs you will need will depend on what brand of cake mix you are using. If you lost the box, try finding the instructions on the company website; they often will have them posted there. Plan on using about 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, ½ cup (120 milliliters) of oil, and 2 to 3 eggs. Choose and prepare a cupcake pan. You can bake the batter in the cupcake wells directly, or you can place cupcake liners into the wells first. The liners are not necessary, but they will make cleaning up easier; they will also make the cupcakes look prettier. You can use a regular, mini, or jumbo sized cupcake pan. If you want to fill the wells with batter directly, you will need to wipe them down using a paper towel soaked with vegetable or canola oil first. Fill the cupcake wells two-thirds to three-fourths of the way with batter. Do not over-fill the cupcake wells. The batter will rise as it bakes. A quick and easy way to fill the cupcake wells is to use a large spoon or an ice cream scooper. A box of cake mix will be enough to make 24 to 30 regular-sized cupcakes. It will make even more mini-sized cupcakes, but fewer of the jumbo-sized ones. Cover and refrigerate any leftover batter. When you are done baking the first batch, let the pan cool for 15 minutes, then fill it with the rest of the batter. You may need to bake this new batch 1 to 2 minutes longer than the first one. Bake the cupcakes depending on pan size. Check the cupcakes for done-ness after the lowest-baking time listed, and bake them longer, if necessary. If you have a convection oven, check the cupcakes after 8 minutes. You can tell when they are done if a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Well-done cupcakes will also "spring" back when touched on the top. Regular-sized cupcakes will need 15 to 20 minutes. Mini cupcakes will need 10 to 15 minutes. Jumbo cupcakes will need 20 to 30 minutes. Take the cupcakes out the oven and let them cool. Let the cupcakes cool for 5 to 10 minutes in the pan first. After that, pop them out, and let them finish cooling on a flat surface. It will take about an hour for them to become completely cool. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool. If they are not completely cool, any icing or frosting you put on will melt and turn runny. Use pre-make frosting for quick and easy decorating. When you open the tub, give the frosting a quick stir with a fork or whisk. This will help make it softer and fluffier. Then, dip the top of each cupcake into the frosting. Give the cupcake a slight twist as you pull it back out. To make your frosting colored, add a few drops of liquid food coloring, and give it a quick stir with a fork or whisk. To make the cupcakes more interesting, dip them into a bowl filled with chopped walnuts, colored sugar, or sprinkles. Mix and match the frosting. Try chocolate frosting on white cupcakes, and white frosting on chocolate cupcakes. Make some homemade buttercream frosting for a rich treat. Beat 3 cups (375 grams) of confectioner's/icing sugar and 1/3 cup (75 grams) of softened butter in an electric mixer until you get a smooth consistency. Add in 1½ teaspoons of vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk. Keep stirring until the frosting is smooth. If it is too thick, add in a little bit more milk. If it is too thin, add some more confectioner's/icing sugar. To make colored buttercream, stir in a few drops of food coloring. You can use a spatula to spread the buttercream on, or an icing bag to pipe it on. Make some glacé icing for a more delicate treat. Sift 10½ ounces (300 grams) of confectioner's/icing sugar into a bowl. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of boiling water, or until you get a smooth, thick texture. Drizzle this over the cupcakes, and let it set. Here are some more ideas for variations: To make colored icing, add 2 to 3 drops of liquid food coloring. To make the icing flavored, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice or lemon juice instead of water. For a hint of chocolaty flavor, add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder into the icing sugar before you add the water. Add some sprinkles or a Maraschino cherry for a burst of color. Try some chocolate-hazelnut spread. Get a tub of chocolate-hazelnut spread, and spread about 1 tablespoon on top of each cupcake. It is great on cupcakes made from yellow cake mixes. Add some toppings. Frosting and icing can make cupcakes look pretty, but it is the toppings that can make them look really colorful. Here are some ideas to get you started: A Maraschino cherry is a classic topping atop white icing. Sprinkles, colored sugar, sugar strands are great for swirled on buttercream frosting. Flower-shaped sugar/candy are dainty, and perfect for spring or girlish cupcakes. Chopped walnuts are great for chocolate frosting. Match the frosting color and decorations to the upcoming holiday, season, or the event. If it is near Saint Patrick's Day, try using green icing. You can also use white frosting and add some green sprinkles instead. If the cupcakes are for a baby shower, use pink frosting if it is a girl, and blue frosting if it is a boy. If it is around spring, try using white icing and flower-shaped sprinkles. If it is around winter, try using blue icing and snowflake-shaped sprinkles. Match the cupcake liners to the cupcakes, the upcoming holiday, or the event. If it is near Valentine's Day, try finding some liners with hearts on them. You can also use pink or red lines. If your cupcakes have a Halloween theme to them, consider using some matching Halloween-themed liners. You can also use orange or black ones. If the cupcakes are for a birthday party, try finding some liners that say "Happy Birthday" on them, or have balloons and streamers printed on them. You can also use liners that match the colors of the party. If it is around spring, try using liners with flowers on them. If it is around winter, try using liners with snowflakes on them. Experiment with different cake mixes. There are more varieties than just white cake mix and chocolate cake mix. Here are some other options: Red-velvet is great when paired with cream cheese frosting. Yellow is great when paired with chocolate frosting. Birthday or Funfetti cake mixes are a basic white or yellow cake, but with sprinkles. Consider adding some food coloring to a white cake mix. Stir the food coloring into the batter before you pour it into the cupcake wells. The more color you use, the brighter/darker your cupcakes will be. You can use either gel, paste, or liquid food coloring, but liquid food coloring will be less intense. Consider matching the color to the upcoming holiday. For example, if it is February, you can make the cupcakes red or pink in honor of Valentine's Day. If it is March, you can make them green in honor of Saint Patrick's Day. Add some fun to a plain white or yellow cake mix with sprinkles. Once you have stirred your batter together, add about ¼ cup (55 grams) of sprinkles into the batter and give it a final stir. Transfer the batter into the cupcake wells. Note that the color from the sprinkles may bleed a little bit into the cupcake itself. You can use more sprinkles if you want. Mix white and chocolate cake mixes for a marbled cupcake. Prepare the two cake mixes separately Pour enough of each one to fill the cupcake wells two-thirds to three-fourths of the way. Give the batters one or two quick stirs with a toothpick before popping the pan into the oven. Add a packet of instant pudding for moist and fluffy cupcakes. Be sure to use the same pudding flavor as the cake mix. For example, if you are using vanilla cake mix, use vanilla pudding; if you are using lemon cake mix, use lemon pudding. Add the pudding into the cake mix before you stir in the wet ingredients. If you are adding chocolate pudding, consider adding some instant coffee as well. This will help intensify the chocolate flavor. Add an extra egg and stir the batter longer to make the cupcakes fluffier. Add 1 more egg than what the box instructs along with the rest of your wet ingredients. Once the batter is blended, stir it for 3 more minutes. | Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (176.67°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Choose and prepare a cupcake pan. Fill the cupcake wells two-thirds to three-fourths of the way with batter. Bake the cupcakes depending on pan size. Take the cupcakes out the oven and let them cool. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool. Use pre-make frosting for quick and easy decorating. Make some homemade buttercream frosting for a rich treat. Make some glacé icing for a more delicate treat. Try some chocolate-hazelnut spread. Add some toppings. Match the frosting color and decorations to the upcoming holiday, season, or the event. Match the cupcake liners to the cupcakes, the upcoming holiday, or the event. Experiment with different cake mixes. Consider adding some food coloring to a white cake mix. Add some fun to a plain white or yellow cake mix with sprinkles. Mix white and chocolate cake mixes for a marbled cupcake. Add a packet of instant pudding for moist and fluffy cupcakes. Add an extra egg and stir the batter longer to make the cupcakes fluffier. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-a-Girl-During-the-Movies-for-Middle-School-Guys | How to Kiss a Girl During the Movies for Middle School Guys | Watching a movie is a great time to get close to a girl you like and kiss her. Try to choose seats away from other people if you can so you'll have a little more privacy. When the movie starts, lean in closer to her, then put your arm around her shoulders or waist if she seems comfortable with it. After a little while, look at her and smile. If she makes eye contact with you a few times and smiles back, try leaning in a little and looking at her lips the next time you make eye contact. If she leans in too, go ahead and kiss her. If she leans back, she might not be ready to kiss you yet, or maybe she just wants to concentrate on the movie. | Make sure you're both ready. Though many people share their first kiss in middle school, many people are also not ready to kiss when they're at this young age. If you're still in middle school, you have to make sure that you're ready and that the girl you're with is also ready to kiss you. If you've started dating and she's hinted that she wants to kiss you or has responded well to your affection, then you're on the right track, but you should try to be as sure as you can before you make a move. Ideally, you should have kissed your girl before the movies to make your movie kiss less awkward. It can be kind of hard to kiss someone for the first time in the dark. Pick the right movie. You should pick a movie that is suitable for kissing. Pick a romantic movie or something lighthearted, so she wouldn't feel weird about kissing you in the middle of the movie. Just make sure you don't pick something that she's been dying to see or she'll be too interested in the movie to take a kissing break. You should also try to pick a movie that won't be too crowded; pick something that's been out for at least a month, so the theatre won't be packed. If you're surrounded by families or other kids, it'll be harder to make a move. Let the girl pick the movie to make her feel special. Ask her if there's something she's really wanted to see. But if she says she really doesn't care, then you can take charge. Make sure you look nice. Shower before you go. Brush your teeth well. Use deodorant and dress nicely. You can also carry mints for later. You don't have to dress to the nines, but let the girl see that you've made an effort to go on a date with her. She'll appreciate that you made the effort and will be more likely to respond favorably. If you dress to see her like you dress for school, then she won't feel very special. Minimize the concessions. Though you can get some popcorn or M&Ms if that's what you both really want, remember that this will make it a little harder to make a move. You'll be less likely to steal a kiss if your fingers are covered in nacho cheese or popcorn butter. If she wants popcorn, of course, then you should order it without being cagey, but if she says she doesn't care, then you can skip out on the treats and focus on the main attraction. Find a private seat. Though the movie theatre is a public place, you should try to find somewhere to sit where you won't be surrounded by too many people. Though it's hard to get true privacy in the movies, you should do the best you can to sit away from large or noisy groups of people. Try to get a seat on one of the sides of the theatre, near the wall, so that you are less likely to disturb people if you try to steal a kiss. Try not to be obvious about it. If your girl asks why you're so picky, just say that you like sitting on the sides of the theatre. Put your arm around her slowly. Just be relaxed and confident. You don't have to do the corny thing where you pretend to yawn and then spread your arm over her shoulder. Just be cool about it. You can be bold and drape your arm around the seat before she sits down, or ease into it after the movie starts. You don't want to assume too much and make the girl uncomfortable by making a move too soon. Feel her out. If she responds well to your touch and affection in general and you've put your arm around her before, then doing so at the movies won't be a big deal. You can even ask her if she's cold; chances are that she will be, because movie theaters are always freezing. This gives you an excuse to put your arm around her. Get closer. As the movie progresses, you should lean in closer to the girl. Do this slowly when the time is right, or during a scary or romantic scene in the movie. After you put your arm around her, move closer to her so that your heads are almost touching. You can stroke her upper arm with the arm that is draped around her, or you can put a hand on her knee. Just find a way to make her feel comfortable and closer to you. This is where those concessions can become a bit of a pain. Make sure you don't accidentally knock over a drink or a box of Milk Duds. If she seems really into her snack, then you may want to wait a bit until she eats her food so she doesn't feel intruded upon when you try to get close to her. Look for signs that she wants to kiss you. If she's constantly glancing at you or looking at your lips, then she probably wants to kiss you. If she seems a little nervous but responds well to your touch, then she may also want to kiss you. If she keeps pulling away when you try to get close, then she may not be ready for kissing. Remember that you're only in middle school, and many girls have not kissed and are not comfortable with doing so at that age. Ease off on the pressure or she'll feel uncomfortable. If she turns to you to make little comments or just when she laughs, then it's another sign that she wants your faces to be closer together. Make a move. When the time is right, go in for a kiss. You can make eye contact, touch her cheek, and then tilt her face toward yours and lean toward her until you lock lips. Your lips should touch each other firmly, but not too firmly. You can kiss her for just a second or two before you pull away. Most middle school girls are not ready for French kissing, so you shouldn't use your tongue unless you are very, very sure that the girl is ready for this, or you both will be in for an unpleasant surprise. After a few seconds, you can try to kiss her again, or sit back and enjoy the movie until you have another opportunity to give her a kiss. Even after you pull away, remain affectionate. Keep an arm around her shoulder or on her knee so she still feels like you're paying attention to her. End on a good note. When the movie is over, squeeze her hand and let her know you had a great time and that you can't wait to see her again. Make sure the girl knows that you like her company more than you like kissing her. Though you're at an age where kissing is one of the most new and exciting things you can do, so is getting to know a girl you really like. If you kiss her just enough without coming on too strong, you'll be buying your movie tickets again before you know it. | Make sure you're both ready. Pick the right movie. Make sure you look nice. Minimize the concessions. Find a private seat. Put your arm around her slowly. Get closer. Look for signs that she wants to kiss you. Make a move. End on a good note. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Carrot-Oil | How to Make Carrot Oil | To make carrot oil, start by peeling and grating 2 carrots. Then, put the grated carrots in a slow cooker and fill the cooker with enough oil to fully cover the carrots. Cover the cooker, set it to low, and let the carrots and oil cook for 24-72 hours. Finally, strain the carrot-infused oil through a cheesecloth and store the oil in a glass jar in the fridge. | Peel and grate the carrots. Wash two carrots and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. You can discard the peels. Grate the carrots against the narrow sides of a box grater to shred the carrots finely. If you don't have organic carrots, try to use homegrown carrots instead. Place the grated carrots in a slow cooker with oil. Get out a small slow cooker that's between one and two quarts (0.9 to 1.9 liters) in size. Transfer the grated carrots into the slow cooker and pour enough oil to cover the carrots. You can use a neutral oil such as olive, coconut, sunflower, or untoasted sesame. For example, if you have a one-quart (0.9 liter) slow cooker, you'll probably need to use about 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) of oil. Heat the oil on low for 24 to 72 hours. Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on to low. Leave the oil to infuse with the carrots for 24 to 72 hours. The oil should start to turn orange as it infuses. If your slow cooker has a warm setting, use that instead of low. Strain the oil through cheesecloth. Turn off the slow cooker and lay a piece of cheesecloth in a strainer. Slowly pour the oil and carrots through the cheesecloth to strain out the solids. You can discard or compost the carrot solids. Store the carrot-infused oil. Transfer the oil to a clean glass jar. Secure a tight fitting lid on top and place the oil in the refrigerator. You can store the oil for six to eight months. Wash and slice the carrots. Get out one bunch of carrots. You should have six to eight fresh carrots. Wash them well to remove any dirt and trim off the green ends. Use a sharp knife to slice them into rounds that are about 1/8-inch (3-mm) thick. You can discard the leafy ends or save them for a different recipe. Blanche the carrot slices for three minutes. Get out a large bowl and fill it with ice water. Set it next to the stove. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add the carrot slices and let them boil for three minutes. Turn off the heat and use a slotted spoon to scoop the carrots directly into the icy water in the bowl next to the stove. Submerging the carrots in the ice water will stop them from cooking and help them keep their bright orange color. Arrange the carrots on a tray and turn on the oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting (about 160 °F (71 °C). Drain the carrots and lay all of the carrot slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Leave space between each carrot slice so air can circulate and dry out the carrots. If you have a dehydrator, place the carrot slices in a single layer on the dehydrator tray. Dehydrate the carrots until they're completely dry. Put the sheet of carrots in the low oven and bake them for 9 to 12 hours or until they're dried. If you're using a dehydrator, dehydrate them at 125 °F (52 °C) for 12 to 24 hours. Place the dried carrots in a blender with olive oil. Cool the dehydrated carrots and put them into a powerful blender or food processor. Pour enough oil in the blender to cover the carrots completely. You may need up to 1/2 cup (120 ml) of oil. Consider using a neutral oil such as olive, coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil. Pulse the carrots with the oil. Put the lid on the blender or food processor and pulse the mixture on and off for about a minute. The carrots should become roughly ground up and the oil should turn a little orange. Pour the carrots and oil into a clean jar. Get out a clean four-ounce (120-ml) glass jar. Transfer the carrot and oil mixture into the jar and seal it shut with a tight fitting lid. Let the carrots and oil rest for four weeks. Place the jar of carrots and oil in a cool, dry place. Leave the carrots to flavor the oil for about four weeks before you begin using the oil. Strain the oil through cheesecloth. Place a piece of cheesecloth in a small, fine mesh strainer. Set the strainer over another small glass jar. Slowly pour the macerated carrot oil through the cheesecloth and discard the solids. You can discard or compost the carrot solids. Store the carrot oil. Fasten a tight fitting lid on the jar and store the oil in the refrigerator. Use the carrot oil within six to eight months. | Peel and grate the carrots. Place the grated carrots in a slow cooker with oil. Heat the oil on low for 24 to 72 hours. Strain the oil through cheesecloth. Store the carrot-infused oil. Wash and slice the carrots. Blanche the carrot slices for three minutes. Arrange the carrots on a tray and turn on the oven. Dehydrate the carrots until they're completely dry. Place the dried carrots in a blender with olive oil. Pulse the carrots with the oil. Pour the carrots and oil into a clean jar. Let the carrots and oil rest for four weeks. Strain the oil through cheesecloth. Store the carrot oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Your-Daughter%27s-First-Period | How to Celebrate Your Daughter's First Period | Some parents want to celebrate their daughter's new stage of life when she gets her first period, and either a period gift box or a party are good ways to do so. If your daughter is shy about getting her period, giving her a gift box to celebrate without making a fuss. Choose an old basket or a small wooden box to hold all of the supplies. Then fill the container with menstrual products, extra underwear, hand sanitizer, and any other items your daughter may need. You can also add fun items to the box, such as her favorite chocolate or candy. If your daughter is excited about getting her period and wants to enjoy the moment with her friends, throw her a party to celebrate. Serve foods at the party that can help to ease menstrual symptoms such as nuts, chocolate, and bananas. If your daughter likes a laugh, you can instead create a period-themed menu for the party and include things like cranberry juice and red velvet cupcakes. | Make a gift box for the celebration. Use an old basket or go to an arts and crafts store to find a small wooden box. Make sure whatever you choose is big enough to hold some goodies. Add embellishments to the box that reflect your daughter's personality and favorite colors. You can go for a quirky tone or something more elegant, depending on your daughter's personality. Your daughter might be the type to make a joke about her first period, or you could have a girl who's going to want a memorable keepsake to get teary over. Put together a kit for her to take to school. In addition to a gift box, your daughter is going to want something to keep her essentials in when she's at school. The kit should be something small that she can fit in her backpack, such as a pencil case. It should also be large enough to fit several pads and other essentials. Don't put the word “period” on it or buy something red. While you might find this cute or funny, your daughter probably won't. Fill the box and kit with the necessary supplies. The purpose of the box and kit is to make your daughter feel ready to handle any situation related to her period. Include all the obvious essentials. If there's room, add other items that you feel are appropriate for your daughter's unique needs. All kits and boxes should have pads, wet wipes or tissues, hand sanitizer, and a cute pair of replacement underwear. Most girls won't start out using tampons. If your daughter is a swimmer, she's an exception. You might also want to add a little booklet of tips to the gift box. For example, you could write a note telling your daughter to keep an extra sweatshirt in her locker just in case she has a leakage emergency. Add some fun items to make her smile. Enough with the serious stuff. This is supposed to be a celebration! Put some chocolate or your daughter's favorite sweet snack in the gift box. Write a card telling her you love her, and that you're always there for her. Go for a sappy card if you're creating an elegant keepsake. If you're striving for a quirkier tone, keep the card light and cute. Personalize the box or kit so it’s just from you. You can buy pre-made period kits online for your daughter. While these are great for getting ideas, it'll mean more to your daughter if she knows you made her a box and kit all on your own. Add items to the kit she feels she needs. Once you've given your daughter her gifts, ask her what she thinks. There may be specific items she wants in the kit to prepare herself at school. Take her to your local pharmacy to finish making the kit together. Ask your daughter what she wants to do to celebrate. Get permission from your daughter before you start planning any events, and offer her some options so she can choose what would be best for her. Keep in mind that the whole point is to make your daughter feel positively about her period. Make any party plans together. Don't get upset if your daughter's ideas for the party are super different from your own. It's her party, and she should be the one who gets to control it. Throw a party if your daughter is social and outgoing. Invite some of her friends over for a slumber party and keep things low-key but fun. Let the girls celebrate in their own way. Having these positive and supportive parties could become a new tradition among your daughter and her close friends! Plan a one-on-one night if your daughter is private. Some girls may cringe at the thought of celebrating her period with her friends (or, even worse, your friends). If that's the case, celebrate with just the two of you. This may mean more to some girls. Plan a period-friendly menu to make her feel better. There are lots of foods that can help your daughter through any tough symptoms that came along with her first period. Nuts, leafy greens, and foods that are high in iron or potassium are all great for keeping her healthy and happy during her cycle. Set out a few bowls of sunflower seeds and walnuts. Drizzle them with a little honey to add some sweetness. Serve a big spinach salad and make a banana bread for dessert. You can also ask your daughter if there are any foods that would satisfy her cravings. Chocolate brownies could be a big hit. Get corny with the menu if your daughter wants a laugh. If a period-themed menu appeals to your daughter's sense of humor, get a little silly with the food and drinks. Plan a menu that celebrates your daughter's period by choosing red foods and drinks, or dishes that symbolize fertility. A sample menu could include mini-quiches (which have lots of eggs in them), spaghetti and red sauce , and red velvet cupcakes. You can also serve cranberry juice or even sparkling pink lemonade. If it's winter, go for the egg nog! Set up a massage train to ease cramps. If you've planned a slumber party for several girls, they're not going to want to rub each other's bellies. But giving each other a nice shoulder and neck rub relaxes tense muscles, and this, too, can help with menstrual cramps. If it's just you and your daughter, you can talk about other ways to ease cramps. This could include showing her how to lightly rub her lower belly, or giving her a heating pad. Spread out talks about puberty over multiple years. Begin talking about your daughter's body as soon as she has questions. This will likely be as soon as she can talk. Have age-appropriate talks spaced out over your daughter's life, instead of one, big “Period Talk.” You can talk to very young children about their body parts, and what various things are for. Provide more details as she gets older, always checking to make sure your daughter understands the information you're giving her. Be prepared with the right supplies. Most girls get their period when they're about 12 or 13, although some girls could get their period when they're 9 or 10. Once your daughter hits these years, stock up on items for her kit. You don't want to make a panicked, late-night pharmacy run with your daughter crying in the backseat. Talk about periods as positive experiences. Avoid calling your period “the Curse,” or anything similarly terrifying. Your daughter should understand that this is something women experience naturally as they grow up. It's an exciting sign that she's growing up. Tell your daughter this definitely isn't something she should be embarrassed about. Explain that all women and girls get their periods. In fact, because periods are part of becoming a mother, the survival of the human race depends on them! Answer your daughter’s questions directly and honestly. Your daughter will probably have lots of questions for you. Some you'll know the answers for, and some you won't. Keep up a comfortable and open tone during this chat, and make sure your daughter knows that no question is a bad one. Common questions might include, “Why am I the first one of my friends to get my period,” “Can I still go swimming,” “How long does it last,” “Why does it happen,” or “Am I normal?” Tell your daughter when she's asked a question you don't have an answer for. Use this as a chance to look for good, reliable answers together. You can go online, search in a book, or call your daughter's doctor. Read a book or watch a video together. Don't just hand your daughter a book or a link to a video and think you're done. She might not read or watch whatever you give her, and then you're leaving her totally unprepared. Explore this stuff together and make it part of an experience that you share with one another. Some good options for books include Lynda Madaras's What's Happening to My Body? and My Body, My Self for Girls by the same author. American Girl also has a line of books called The Care and Keeping of You with good information. Reassure your daughter with personal stories. Your daughter might want to hear all about your embarrassing period stories, as this could make her laugh and feel more comfortable. She may also think this is weird, so let her tell you what she needs from you. Not all parents have had periods, and that's ok! If your daughter wants to talk to someone who's had a period, and that person isn't you, put her in touch with a friend, family member, or doctor. By doing this, you're still giving your daughter the support she needs, and she'll know it came from you. | Make a gift box for the celebration. Put together a kit for her to take to school. Fill the box and kit with the necessary supplies. Add some fun items to make her smile. Personalize the box or kit so it’s just from you. Add items to the kit she feels she needs. Ask your daughter what she wants to do to celebrate. Throw a party if your daughter is social and outgoing. Plan a one-on-one night if your daughter is private. Plan a period-friendly menu to make her feel better. Get corny with the menu if your daughter wants a laugh. Set up a massage train to ease cramps. Spread out talks about puberty over multiple years. Be prepared with the right supplies. Talk about periods as positive experiences. Answer your daughter’s questions directly and honestly. Read a book or watch a video together. Reassure your daughter with personal stories. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Blush | How to Wear Blush | To wear blush, start by choosing a color that's close to the shade your cheeks turn when you're naturally flushed. Then, apply the blush to your cheeks based on your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, apply blush to your cheekbones and blend outwards and upwards. Alternatively, for a long face, put blush on slightly below the apples of your cheeks, but for oval faces put the blush directly on the apples of the cheeks. A heart-shaped face looks best with blush beneath the apples of the cheeks, whereas a square face does best with blush applied straight across the cheeks. | Choose a suitable color for your skin tone. When choosing a blush color, it's important to pick one that matches your natural skin tone. This means that the color you pick should be as close as possible to the color your cheeks turn when you're naturally flushed. Picking a color that doesn't match your skin tone can cause your blush to look unnatural and even garish. A good tip for identifying your natural coloring is to make a tight fist with your hand for about ten seconds. The color that develops across your knuckles is the ideal color for your blush! In general, pale skin tones will work best with light pink which mimics their natural flush. For a more dramatic look, peaches and mochas can work well. Sallower skin tones will do best with orange or reddish-pink blushes which brighten the skin, adding a healthy glow. Dark skin tones can get away with vivid oranges, pinks and reds which add a pop of life and color. Decide on a type of blush. There are many different blush formulas on the market, including powder, cream, gel and liquid. The best option for you will depend on your skin type and personal preference. Powder blush is good for oily to normal skin. It is also good for warmer temperatures, as it will not slide off the face. Cream blush is good for drier skin as it is more hydrating. It also good for older skin, as it will not catch in fine lines and wrinkles like a powder. Liquids and gels are great if you want to achieve a very exact and long-lasting application. Often these products can double up as a matching lip stain! Purchase some applicator brushes/sponges. You don't have to use a brush/sponge if you want you can use your fingers(but a brush would make it neater).Applying your blush will depend on the type of blush you're using: Powder blushes are best applied with an angled blush brush or with a wide-headed loose powder brush. Cream blushes are best applied with your fingers or with a medium-sized flat-topped brush. Liquids and gels are best applied with your fingers or with a synthetic make-up wedge. Choose a well-lit location. It is important to apply your blush in a well-lit location, otherwise you might underestimate how much you've applied. Natural light is best, however a well-lit bathroom or a lighted make-up mirror will do just fine. Apply your primer and foundation first. Your blush should only be applied after primer and foundation. The primer helps to neutralize any redness and will keep your make-up looking fresh for longer, while the foundation evens out skin tone, providing a flawless finish. Apply blush to suit your face shape. Although traditional blush application involves applying blush only to the apples of the cheeks, this advice does not work for everyone. Instead, you should take the shape of your face into account when you apply blush : Round faces: To slim a round face, apply blush to your cheekbones (which you can find by sucking your cheeks in like a fish) and blend outwards and upwards towards the temple. Long faces: To soften a long face, apply blush slightly below the apples of your cheeks (the roundest parts) but don't extend the blush any further. Heart-shaped faces: To balance heart-shaped faces, apply blush beneath the apples of the cheeks and taper off towards the hairline. Square faces: To soften a square-shaped face, apply the blush straight across your cheeks, beginning about an inch away from either side of your nose. Oval faces: Oval faces can get away with just applying blush on the apples of their cheeks, and blending well around the edges. To find the apples of your cheeks, just smile! Use the right technique. The technique you use to apply your blush will vary according to the type of blush and application tool you're using. Powder blush: To apply powder blush , lightly pound the brush into the powder, then tap the handle to remove any excess. Use a swirling motion to lightly apply the powder to your cheeks, Cream blush: To apply cream blush , dab your flat-bottomed brush or fingers into the blush and lightly apply to the areas of your cheeks you wish to color. Then use a swirling motion to blend in the cream, working from the outside towards the center of your cheeks. Liquid or gel: Use your fingers to apply two dots (no more) of the liquid or gel high on your cheek bones, then use your ring finger or a synthetic sponge to work the product into your cheeks using a dabbing motion. Know how much blush to apply. Most people are afraid of going overboard with their blush, so they tend to apply too little. However, you want your blush to be somewhat obvious - it shouldn't just blend into your skin like foundation. Just keep in mind that it's easier to add more blush than it is to take it away. Therefore, you should apply your blush little by little, adding additional layers until the color is just a shade or two past what you think looks natural. If you accidentally apply too much, use a dry washcloth to buff away any excess color. Finish with a layer of translucent powder. To finish the look, get your hands on a translucent powder with a slight sheen. Use a small brush to apply a little of the powder beneath the outer corners of your eyes, then use a swirling motion to blend it into the top edge of the blush. This will highlight your cheekbones and help the blush to appear more natural. Understand the difference between blush and bronzer. Some people are confused about the difference between blush and bronzer and how each of them should be used. Blush is used to add a pop of color and life to your cheeks, mimicking a natural blush, whereas bronzer is used to give a healthy, sun-kissed glow to the entire face. To apply bronzer , use a powder brush to sweep a light layer over all the areas of the face that the sun would naturally touch - the forehead, the cheeks, the chin and the bridge of the nose. Finished. | Choose a suitable color for your skin tone. Decide on a type of blush. Purchase some applicator brushes/sponges. Choose a well-lit location. Apply your primer and foundation first. Apply blush to suit your face shape. Use the right technique. Know how much blush to apply. Finish with a layer of translucent powder. Understand the difference between blush and bronzer. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-a-Girl-to-Hang-Out | How to Ask a Girl to Hang Out | To ask a girl to hang out, keep things casual by inviting her to do something you already plan on doing anyway. For example, you could say "A bunch of us are going to check out this new restaurant tomorrow if you're interested." If you'd rather hang out with her alone, try to think of something you're both interested in that you could do together. For example, you could say to her "I can't wait to go hiking this summer. You like hiking too, right? Maybe we could go together sometime." | Invite her along to things you plan on doing anyway. Be subtle and natural with the girl you want to hang out with by inviting her to activities you were already planning on doing. If you plan on going to a barbeque, ask her if she wants to hang out there. Enjoy yourself regardless of whether she comes along or not. Say, “Hey, I'm going to this cookout tomorrow if you want to stop by.” Say, “A bunch of us are going to try this new restaurant if you want to try it too.” Say "Hello" when you see her. You don't need to make lengthy conversations or stumble over words if you see the girl you want to hang out with in public. A simple “Hey” or “Hello” so she knows you notice her is the perfect way to play it cool. Make eye contact and say “Hey”, when you pass her or you're in the same room. Find an open-ended invitation to gauge her interest. Open-ended invitations don't tie you to a specific time frame or activity and are a great way see how likely a girl is to accept more specific invitations. Keep it brief and don't overthink it. Then, look at the girl's reaction to see how interested she is in hanging out. Plan the invitation around a group activity, if you're still deciding whether you just want to be friends. Say, “Do you wanna grab lunch sometime?” Say, in a group setting “We should all get together soon.” Be cheerful when you try to make plans. People like to hang out with happy people they perceive as fun, because who wants to hang out and not have fun? Smile when you ask the girl you want to hang out with to do something. Talk about positive things and keep the conversation light. Invite her to do something with you and your friends. An easy way to start hanging out with a girl is by introducing her to your existing group of friends. Determine if she has things in common with you and your friends by making chit-chat and asking about her interests. If it seems like everyone shares common ground, invite her along to your next group outing. Say: “We're all going out tonight if you want to join us.” “My friends and I are going to see that new movie. We'd love for you to come too.” “Hey, we're cooking out tomorrow. Do you want to stop by?” Find something you both have in common. Plan something the girl you're interested in likes too, so the more likely it is she'll hang out. Make small talk and be observant when you interact with her to find out about the things she likes. If you both like basketball, invite her and at least 3 to 4 more friends to watch the next big game. Start talking about some of the things you like to do in order to start asking her about what she likes. Say, "I can't wait to get on a boat! Have you been to the lake yet this season?" Say, "My video game skills are hurting. I have to practice. Are you a gamer?" Say, "Soccer is a high-energy sport. Do you like watching it?" Extend an invitation at a convenient place. Whatever girl you want to hang out with will appreciate a venue that is convenient for her to get to. Find out the areas she frequents and ask her to hang out when you're nearby with mutual friends or acquaintances. Ask her what she likes to do on the weekends to get more of an idea of where she hangs out. You can also ask something along these lines: "Midtown has such cool shops and restaurants. Have you been down there?" "Have you been downtown lately? They have some really good bands that play on the weekend." "I went hiking a while back and got so sore. Have you been to the state park south of here?" Make specific plans. Once you've tested to see how interested a girl is in hanging out by making open-ended invitations, you may be ready to make specific plans. Ask her to hang out at a certain time doing a certain activity. Never pressure her to make a decision, but try to make specific plans. Say: “Do you want to go to this concert next weekend?” “How about lunch tomorrow?” “Wanna go to the football game on Wednesday?” Make spur-of-the-moment plans. Trying to make spontaneous plans can seem like added pressure, but since they're so last minute, the sting of rejection may be lessened. It's totally understandable if someone can't drop what they're doing to hang out. Strike up a conversation with the girl you want to hang out with and say something like: “Do you want to grab some coffee?” “Hey, are you hungry? I was about to grab a bite to eat. Do you want to go with?” “The weather is awesome! Let's go for a bike ride!” Give her options for times and activities. If you really want to hang out with a girl, you should make the process as simple for her as possible. She could have a busy schedule, so give her choices on times, days and things-to-do. Tell her about something you'd like to do that sounds cool and talk about different days you could get together. Vary the activities you suggest in case she wants to do one thing more than the other. Say: "This new movie looks so funny. Could you watch it Thursday or Saturday? There's another good movie coming out too, I think." "A street festival is going on next weekend, but I think some food trucks are going to be at the art's district this weekend." "My favorite band is coming to town next month! There's a new sushi spot opening soon too." | Invite her along to things you plan on doing anyway. Say "Hello" when you see her. Find an open-ended invitation to gauge her interest. Be cheerful when you try to make plans. Invite her to do something with you and your friends. Find something you both have in common. Extend an invitation at a convenient place. Make specific plans. Make spur-of-the-moment plans. Give her options for times and activities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Being-Single | How to Enjoy Being Single | To enjoy being single, take advantage of your freedom by going on a spontaneous trip and try to devote more time to developing your friendships. You can also focus on your career, or even change jobs and move to a new city, since you don't have to factor in a partner's situation when making major life decisions. Next, use your free time to learn a new skill or explore something that interests you. Practicing self-care, working on time management skills, and teaching yourself how to be more independent can also be very rewarding! | Define what being single means for you. Regardless of your situation and reason for being single, it's important for you to identify what being single means to you, especially if you do see yourself in a relationship in the future. Practice not always needing another person's validation or understanding. Learn to be comfortable being alone, and practice loving and accepting yourself as a single person. Take a spontaneous trip. Because you don't have to worry about another person's preferences or schedule, you can go where you want, when you want! You can take a day off of work to make a day trip to an unfamiliar city nearby, or perhaps a weekend trip in your own city, to explore freely. Being single also means you get to choose your destination. You don't have to compromise or go somewhere you have no interest in being. The choice is all yours. Live in a tent (or a similarly transient lifestyle). If you've always wanted to live a vagabond's life, now is your chance. After all, being a relationship might interfere with your desire to hop from campsite to campsite, or call the wilderness your home. This option is particularly great if you are young and love to travel. Living in a tent allows you to move about freely, without a house payment or rent, with only a few things to pack up before your next adventure. Change jobs, if you don’t like your current job. Being in a relationship typically requires you to share your decision-making with another person. This can mean that you are stuck in a job you don't love in order to provide security or peace of mind for someone else. If you're single, you just have to make sure you can take care of you, so leave that job you hate behind, and chase a position you'll really love. If you do quit your job, make sure you have another job lined up first: being single and (unintentionally) homeless is not quite as freeing as being single and financially stable. Realize your time is your own. Being in a relationship, while it can be wonderful, means sharing your time and life with another person. Being single, you do not have to worry about letting someone else know if you plan to be out for the evening, or you're off to make a grocery store run in the early morning--or even if you'd like to take a weekend vacation to another city. Having your time all to yourself can be quite empowering. You do not have to fill up your spare time with activities. If being at home, or taking long walks on your own makes you happy, go for it. Having time to yourself means having time to do what you love. Focus on your friendships. Being single doesn't have to mean being free from all relationships. It can also mean that you have more time and energy to put into your existing friendships. If you have a friend in need, you can rush to their aid without checking in with a partner. If your friends want to go on a trip to a music festival, there's no one holding you back. Some studies have found that single people can actually be happier. The key is in making sure you have strong, fulfilling friendships. Remember that your friends are the family you choose. If you don't have supportive, loving friends, make it a goal to find some. Learn how to be on your own. Being on your own can be a wonderful thing. Learn how to take care of yourself properly, such as how to cook and clean for yourself, how to keep your home clean, how to wash laundry, and how to manage your time. All of these skills will be invaluable to you both as a singleton, and as someone in a relationship. This is not an easy task. You might have to start small, by making yourself breakfast each morning, or making a point to iron your work shirts. Taking care of yourself properly means different things to different people. Find what works best for you. Learn a new skill. Take the free time you might otherwise be spending with your significant other and learn a new skill! Whether you sign up for one-on-one singing lessons with a professional, or you hop onto a site such as Skillshare to brush up on graphic design, learning a new skill will keep you busy and enrich your life. Being single is a great time to experiment. If you start learning something new and don't like it, move on to something else. Once you've found your new skill, indulge in it. Practice self care. Providing the basics for yourself is great, but self care is even more important. On top of making sure you are fed, groomed, and clean, you'll need to make sure your “cup” is full. For some, that means taking time every morning to meditate and enjoy a slow cup of tea. For others, that might mean going to the gym four times per week to work on your physique. Self care will look different for everyone. When developing a self care routine, identify what it is that makes you feel complete and relaxed day-to-day. Make that a priority. Make (and meet) your goals. Make goals as a single person, and budget your time to accomplish them. You can make small goals, such as eating at least three meals per week at home, or you can make large goals, such as having a promotion by this time next year. Make goals that matter to you, not anyone else. Doing so will get you further in life and will be far more important in motivating you to achieve your goals. Focus on your career. Take the energy you may have spent on a relationship and pour it into your work. Even if you are not in a job that you hope to make a career of, you can improve your future career prospects by, perhaps, working your way up to manage your store, or building your body to fit the demands of a high-ranking labor position. Reflect on past relationships. Past relationships are great for teaching you about yourself and your future relationships. To prepare yourself for the possibility of a new relationship, identify any areas of your past that may have contributed to your break up. Notice anything you may have done to push your partner away, or actions you may have done to be controlling or manipulative. Search for ways you can improve your behavior as a partner. Don't be afraid to take some time to yourself. You don't need to jump from one relationship to another. Enjoy the in-between times and give yourself time to heal. Work on your flaws. Take some time to reflect on your character, and notice any flaws you might have. Work on those to be a better partner and friend. This can be hard--no one wants to think about their flaws. But identifying and working on them will make you a better person, and will likely even increase your happiness. Perhaps jealousy is a flaw for you. Practice being grateful for what you have. Maybe manipulation comes easy to you. While single, practice saying what you actually mean, and being honest with yourself and others. Evaluate your likes and dislikes. Many people forego their loves in favor of whatever their significant other likes. Take some time to evaluate your likes and dislikes, including your musical taste, your preferences regarding food, drink, and lifestyle, and even what you absolutely require from a relationship or partner. This will make you an invaluable partner, as you will know yourself well, and will not bow down to make other people happy. This is another great time to experiment. Try new foods, music, or movies. Do activities you've never done before. You may discover things you really love. Seek help. If your aversion to your single life is insurmountable or feels too overwhelming to sort out by yourself, seek the help of a counselor or therapist. Although you might feel like you are alone in your struggle with being alone, plenty of people struggle to be both happy and single. A qualified professional can give you strategies to cope with your frustration, and may also be able to provide you with a fresh perspective on your situation. Practice mindfulness. Finally, make some room for gratitude and mindfulness in your life. While single, notice the way food feels against your lips and tongue, notice the sounds you hear as you take your dog for a walk, or tune in to your feelings on a particularly stressful day. Mindfulness helps you know your body and mind thoroughly, so that you can make more concrete decisions, and develop confidence and ease. Mindfulness can be difficult when you are in a relationship, as a lot of your time and attention are diverted. | Define what being single means for you. Take a spontaneous trip. Live in a tent (or a similarly transient lifestyle). Change jobs, if you don’t like your current job. Realize your time is your own. Focus on your friendships. Learn how to be on your own. Learn a new skill. Practice self care. Make (and meet) your goals. Focus on your career. Reflect on past relationships. Work on your flaws. Evaluate your likes and dislikes. Seek help. Practice mindfulness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Feline-Diabetes | How to Spot Feline Diabetes | To spot feline diabetes, start by watching for common symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, eliminating outside of the litter box, changes in appetite, and weight fluctuations. Being overweight or obese is the biggest risk factor for feline diabetes, so be sure to consider your kitty's weight carefully. Also, if your cat is over the age of eight, it may be more prone to developing health issues like diabetes. If your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, it's best to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment options. | Notice if your cat has increased thirst. Diabetic cats aren't able to absorb and use glucose properly, which leads to abnormally high levels of glucose being filtered out through the urine. When this process occurs, extra water is carried out of the body along with the glucose. This means that your cat is losing too much water and will start trying to counter this by increasing their water intake. Watch your cat's water bowl to see if the water levels are decreasing more quickly than usual. You should also be mindful about whether your cat is searching for alternative water sources – like drinking out of the sink, the toilet, or other unusual locations. A diabetic cat will seem to be constantly drinking water. Watch for increased urination. Because the glucose is being carried out with the water and the cat tries to make up for this by drinking more, a diabetic cat will also start urinating much more frequently. Clean your cat's litter box regularly so you can monitor this symptom. Check your cat's litter box for signs of excess urination compared to their regular usage. And be mindful about whether or not your cat starts peeing in other places outside the box. Notice if your cat is using the litter box appropriately. There are many reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box for its bathroom needs (this is called inappropriate elimination). Feline diabetes is one of the major causes of inappropriate elimination. If your cat starts urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, you should take your cat to the vet to make sure it doesn't have feline diabetes or another kind of urinary problem. Inappropriate elimination can also be caused by stress, overcrowding, the location of the litter box, or because the cat thinks the litter box isn't clean enough. Look for a change in appetite. A diabetic cat may have a significant change in appetite. This can take several forms including eating too much or eating way less. So try to notice any change in appetite or eating habits exhibited by your cat. A diabetic cat may feel unwell, which could lead to a loss of appetite. Additionally, a diabetic cat may feel the need to eat more because they aren't getting the glucose that they need from their normal diet. Monitor your cat’s weight. Because the body of a diabetic cat can no longer handle the glucose within it, the cat will tend to lose weight rather quickly. Watch your cat carefully if you notice any weight loss. You can even try weighing the cat at home to regularly monitor your cat's weight. Cat's have such small bodies, relatively, that any noticeable change in weight is cause for concern and should be discussed with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Notice if your cat has a change in gait. Because feline diabetes can often affect the nervous system, some cats who suffer from this disease end up walking differently. Most cats walk on their paws, but diabetic cats often begin walking on their back hocks – this is the part of the leg above the paw that runs up until the first bend in the cat's leg. If your cat is walking with its hocks touching the ground, you should notify your veterinarian immediately. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy. Watch for additional signs. There are still more signs and symptoms that could be present in cats with feline diabetes. Since cats who are affected by this disease aren't able to ingest and digest food in the proper way, they may also suffer from other symptoms as a result. Some of these related symptoms include: Vomiting Weakness Depression Dull, unhealthy coat Watch out for obesity. Just as in human diabetes, the single greatest risk factor for your cat developing feline diabetes is your cat's weight. If your kitty is overweight, its chance of developing diabetes increases exponentially. If your cat is getting dangerously obese, your veterinarian may recommend a weight-control diet to help your cat lose weight and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Monitor older cats. Elderly cats often are more prone to developing diabetes than younger, healthier cats. Watch your older cat for symptoms of feline diabetes to be sure that you catch it in the early stages and are able to treat it properly. Once your cat is about eight years old, they are more prone to developing health issues that could be potentially harmful and need monitoring. Be cautious if your cat has a history of pancreatic disease. Because glucose is processed through the pancreas, a cat with a history of pancreatic problems is already at a greater risk for developing diabetes in their lifetime. It is important to monitor your cat's pancreatic health if your cat has existing problems with its pancreas. Take your cat to regular yearly vet appointments (or more frequently if recommended by your veterinarian) so that your vet can monitor your cat's pancreas and the possibility of developing diabetes. Take your cat to the vet. As soon as you start spotting the signs of feline diabetes, make an appointment with your vet so they can run some tests on your cat. To test for feline diabetes, your vet will most likely take a blood sample to check your cat's blood glucose levels. Your vet will also be able to perform the necessary treatment for any possible side effects of the disease like dehydration. You can Check Cats for Dehydration ahead of time so you have more information to give the vet. If your cat is dehydrated, your vet might recommend switching your cat to wet food since there is more water content in this type of food. In emergency situations, your cat may require an IV for rehydration purposes – administered by your vet. Recognize the different types of feline diabetes. Understanding feline diabetes can be a difficult task but it is important for your cat's health that you learn all you can about it. There are two types of the disease, aptly named Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms for both types are similar, and only a veterinarian can diagnose the difference. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body cannot handle the insulin production that is taking place efficiently. Change your cat’s diet. One thing that is usually advised is that the diet of the cat must change and the weight must be monitored. Complex carbohydrates alongside high fiber content is usually advised and this is to not only ensure that the cat loses weight safely but also to keep a steady level of glucose in the body. A high protein/low carbohydrate diet is usually the best choice for a diabetic cat. Confer with your vet about what kind of food is best for your diabetic cat. Your vet may suggest mixing some wet food into your cat's diet since there is a higher water content in this type of food. Medicate your diabetic cat. Just like human diabetes, the feline kind of the disease can also be treated with injections of insulin as well as orally taken medications. Your veterinarian will discuss medication options with you and help you decide which route is best for your cat. It is very likely that you will have to give your cat daily insulin injections in order to keep your cat healthy. Your vet will demonstrate how to do this and you'll soon be able to do it easily. Keep records. In order to ensure your diabetic cat is receiving the proper treatment, you should keep daily records of their behavior. Your vet may also wish to do regular testing on your cat's urine to check glucose levels. In your daily records, include observations about: Time of insulin injection Amount of insulin injected Amount of water consumed Amount of food consumed Weight of the cat | Notice if your cat has increased thirst. Watch for increased urination. Notice if your cat is using the litter box appropriately. Look for a change in appetite. Monitor your cat’s weight. Notice if your cat has a change in gait. Watch for additional signs. Watch out for obesity. Monitor older cats. Be cautious if your cat has a history of pancreatic disease. Take your cat to the vet. Recognize the different types of feline diabetes. Change your cat’s diet. Medicate your diabetic cat. Keep records. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cinnamon-Toast | How to Make Cinnamon Toast | To make cinnamon toast, put 2 sticks of salted, room-temperature butter into a bowl and break it up with a fork. Next, add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and stir the ingredients thoroughly. Then, spread a thin layer of the cinnamon butter on top of each slice of bread and bake the toast in the oven at 350 °F for 10 minutes. Finally, switch your oven to the broiler setting and broil the toast until it gets golden brown and bubbly. | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Be sure to have a baking sheet ready. You do not need to grease it, but you can cover it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier clean up. Break the butter up with a fork. Place 2 sticks (225 g) of salted, room-temperature butter into a bowl. Press it with the back of a fork until the entire surface is covered with ridges. The cinnamon and sugar will fall into these ridges and make mixing easier. If the butter is cold, cut it into small pieces, then blend it in a mixer or food processor until it is soft. Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour 1 cup (225 g) of white, granulated sugar over the butter. Next, add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a rubber spatula until the texture is consistent. For extra flavor, add ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. If you started with cold butter in a mixer, then continue to use the mixer here. Don't blend it too long, however, or the butter may start to melt. Spread some of your cinnamon butter over each slice of toast. You have enough butter to coat 16 slices of toast. If you aren't making that much at once, just spread about 1 tablespoon (15 g) of butter over each slice that you want to make. Scoop any leftover butter into a jar, then put it into the fridge. Use it by the expiration date or 1 month of the sell date that's printed on the butter's original package. Make sure that you spread the butter evenly across the toast, all the way to the edges. Bake the toast in the oven for 10 minutes. Arrange the toast on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Place the baking sheet into the oven and allow the toast to bake for about 10 minutes. Don't worry if it doesn't look golden brown yet. How much space you leave between the slices doesn't matter, as long as they aren't touching each other or the edges of the baking sheet. Broil the toast until it turns golden brown and the butter bubbles. How long this takes will vary each time, so you will have to watch the toast. As soon as you see the top turn golden brown and bubbly, switch the broiler off and take the toast out of the oven. Turn the oven light on so that you can see what's happening. If your oven doesn't have a window, you can peek at it every 30 seconds or so. You could also leave the oven open a crack and look at the toast that way. Serve the toast. If you prefer a sticky texture, serve the toast while it's still hot; otherwise, allow it to cool to room temperature. Slice the toast in half diagonally, then put it on a plate. For smaller pieces, cut it in half diagonally both ways, like making an X. This will give you 4 triangles. For a more filling treat, serve the toast with some whipped cream, mascarpone, or sliced strawberries. Bring the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water to a boil over high heat. Place ½ cup (115 g) of white, granulated sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, and ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of water into a small saucepan. Set the saucepan on the stove and turn the burner on to high. Wait for the mixture to come to a boil. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, then let it cool. Reduce the heat on the stove to medium-low and let the syrup cook for 5 minutes. Turn the stove off, then set the saucepan aside on a heat-safe surface until it cools to room temperature. You can use all of the syrup to make 4 slices of cinnamon toast, or you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. If you choose to store the sauce, do so in a jar, not a bottle. You will be brushing it onto the toast, not pouring it. Remove the cinnamon sticks with metal tongs after you take the syrup off the stove. Coat each slice of bread on both sides with a thin layer of butter. If you are using all 4 slices of bread, then plan on using 3 tablespoons (45 g) of butter altogether; this will amount to just under 1 teaspoon of butter for each slice. Toast the bread in a pan for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Set a large pan on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Once the pan is hot, place 1 to 2 slices of your buttered bread on it. Heat the bread until it turns golden-brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. For a crisper finish, press down on the bread with the smaller pan. Flip the toast and cook it for another 1½ to 2 minutes. If you want the toast to be a little less sweet, season it with a pinch of salt after you flip it. You don't need to press the toast the second time around. Use a spatula or metal tongs to flip the toast. If you have more toast to cook, wipe the pan clean and cook the rest in the same fashion: 2 to 3 minutes for the first side, and 1½ to 2 minutes for the second. Don't worry if the bread looks underdone. You're not done toasting it yet. Brush 1 side of each piece of toast with your prepared cinnamon syrup. Dip a basting brush into the syrup, then sweep it across the toast. Be sure that you cover the entire piece, from edge-to-edge. You only need to cover 1 side of each slice. Store any leftover syrup in a jar in the fridge. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar in a deep dish. Pour about 3 tablespoons (45 g) of white, granulated sugar into a deep dish. Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, then stir everything together with a fork. Set aside 2 teaspoons of the mixture for serving. The dish needs to be big enough to fit 1 piece of toast. A baking dish or a casserole dish is a great option here. Press the syrup side of the toast into the cinnamon-sugar. You can work 1 slice of toast at a time as you fry it, or you can do all 4 slices of toast at once. If you decide to do all 4 slices of toast at once, set them out on a baking sheet, sugared-side-up so that they are ready to fry. Toast the bread, sugar-side-down, in a buttered pan for 3 to 4 minutes. Melt about ½ to 1 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium, then set the toast, sugar-side-down onto the pan. Press the toast with a smaller pan and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar has melted. If you have more toast to make, wipe the pan clean first. You only need to cook 1 side of the toast this time. Don't flip it. For best results, use a cast iron pan or a nonstick pan, otherwise the toast will stick to the surface as it caramelizes. Sprinkle the toast with the reserved cinnamon sugar, then serve it. Plan on using about 1 teaspoon for each slice. You could even add some powdered sugar. For a more substantial treat, you could add some whipped cream or sliced strawberries! | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Break the butter up with a fork. Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Spread some of your cinnamon butter over each slice of toast. Bake the toast in the oven for 10 minutes. Broil the toast until it turns golden brown and the butter bubbles. Serve the toast. Bring the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water to a boil over high heat. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, then let it cool. Coat each slice of bread on both sides with a thin layer of butter. Toast the bread in a pan for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Flip the toast and cook it for another 1½ to 2 minutes. Brush 1 side of each piece of toast with your prepared cinnamon syrup. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar in a deep dish. Press the syrup side of the toast into the cinnamon-sugar. Toast the bread, sugar-side-down, in a buttered pan for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the toast with the reserved cinnamon sugar, then serve it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Conjunctivitis-in-Dogs | How to Diagnose Conjunctivitis in Dogs | To diagnose conjunctivitis in your dog, watch for common symptoms like red, swollen eyes, discharge from the eyes, sneezing, coughing, and acting lethargic. If your dog has any of these symptoms, you should take it to the vet so they can diagnose it and recommend the best treatment plan. Once the vet determines your dog has conjunctivitis, you may need to give it antibiotic eye drops or medicine to treat the condition. | Look for red eyes. The most common symptom for conjunctivitis is red or bloodshot eyes. This redness affects the white of the eye, but it can also affect the lining of the eyelid or the surface of the third eyelid. Check for swollen eyelids. Since conjunctivitis leads to irritation, the eyelids may be swollen. This can be the eyelids or any other soft tissue of your dog's eyes. It may have a puffy, enlarged appearance. Monitor for any discharge. Another symptom of conjunctivitis is a discharge from the eye. This discharge may appear in different ways. Becuase of the discharge, the eye may have crust around it or stick together completely. It may be clear, which leads to dampness around the eyes. The discharge may contain mucus or pus. This may be yellow-green, or a thick, tacky, and glue-like substance coming from the eye. Watch for squinting. Because conjunctivitis bothers a dog's eyes and causes swelling, your dog may squint or blink a lot. This may be combined with swollen eyelids. Notice if your dog rubs her face. Conjunctivitis causes irritation in the eye. Due to this, your dog may rub her face along the ground to try to relieve it. She may also paw at her eyes often. Be aware of any non-eye related symptoms. Conjunctivitis may present along with other symptoms not present in the eye. These secondary signs include sneezing, feeling lethargic, coughing, sickness, and diarrhea These secondary signs are connected to many other conditions. Therefore, it is imperative that you take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any eye problems. Keep the causes of conjunctivitis in mind. Many people use the term conjunctivitis to mean an eye infection, although infection is only one of several possible causes of inflammation of the eye. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are: Infection General illness, like a respiratory tract infection Trauma to the eye Dry Eye Allergies Irritants Foreign Bodies Autoimmune Disease Eyelid Conformation Take your dog to the vet. If you believe your dog has conjunctivitis, you need to take her to the vet. The vet will be able to diagnose and treat your dog. Provide the vet with a history. When you take your dog to the vet, you should provide him with as much information about your dog as you can. The vet will be alert for things that might have caused the conjunctivitis, like signs of trauma, such as scratches on the skin from trees or a cat fight, the vaccination history, and use of aerosol sprays around the dog. Get a physical exam. The vet will give your dog a thorough physical examination of the eye. This is enough to reach a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. The vet will check to see if the symptoms are due to another illness. He will also be alert for contributing factors, such as hair rubbing on the eye, poor eyelid conformation, and patterns or trends the dog has of recurrent conjunctivitis problems. The vet will look for any foreign objects in the eye and any damage to the parts of the eye. If you dog is squinting or blinking a lot, the vet may have to give her an anesthetic eyedrop to help numb the pain so he can perform the exam. Rule out other issues. The vet will want to rule out other issues it could be. Respiratory tract infections can have conjunctivitis as a side effect, so the vet would want to treat the infection in addition to the conjunctivitis. In rare cases, it might be a more severe problem, like corneal ulcers. The vet checks for this by placing a special orange dye called fluorescein into the eye. This stains damaged tissue on the surface of the cornea green. The vet may also wish to rule out dry eye. Treat conjunctivitis. If no underlying cause is found, the vet will treat the eye against infection. He may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment that will need to be applied to the eyes. In some cases, the vet will also prescribe an oral antibiotic. If the conjunctivitis is due to an underlying condition, like a respiratory tract infection, the vet will prescribe medicine for that. If the patient is not better at the follow up exam five to seven days later, then the vet may swab the eye and send it away for culture. This tells the vet if bacteria are present, and which antibiotics will kill them. If no bacteria are present, then an allergy is more likely and the vet may prescribe steroid drops. In severe cases, an underlying condition, like entropion, may require surgery. Learn how to prevent conjunctivitis. While you can't always monitor what your dog gets in her eye, especially when she's outside, you can still take measures to prevent conjunctivitis. Keeping your dog away from smoke and aerosol sprays, watching her while she plays, and trying to reduce situations where eye trauma might occur can help reduce the risk of your dog getting conjunctivitis. Since conjunctivitis is associated with canine distemper, making sure that your dog has up-to-date vaccinations may lower the risk. | Look for red eyes. Check for swollen eyelids. Monitor for any discharge. Watch for squinting. Notice if your dog rubs her face. Be aware of any non-eye related symptoms. Keep the causes of conjunctivitis in mind. Take your dog to the vet. Provide the vet with a history. Get a physical exam. Rule out other issues. Treat conjunctivitis. Learn how to prevent conjunctivitis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Total-Current | How to Calculate Total Current | To find the total current in both series and parallel circuits, start by calculating the total resistance. For series circuits, the total resistance is equal to resistor 1 plus resistor 2 plus resistor 3 and so forth. For parallel circuits, the inverse of the total resistance is equal to the inverse of resistor 1 plus the inverse of resistor 2 and so forth. Calculate the total voltage of the circuit next. In both series and parallel circuits, the total voltage is equal to the sum of the individual voltages. Once you have worked out the total resistance and voltage, use Ohm's Law to calculate the total current in the circuit. In Ohm's Law, the total current is equal to the total voltage divided by the total resistance. In a series circuit, the current is the same through all of the components in the circuit, whereas in a parallel circuit, the total current is only equal to the individual current in that branch of the circuit. | Familiarize yourself with what current is. Current is the flow of electrically charged carriers like electrons or the flow of charge per unit of time. But what is a charge and what is an electron? An electron is a negatively charged particle. A charge is a property of matter that is used to classify whether a thing is positive or negatively charged. Like magnets, alike charges repel and opposites attract. We can illustrate this by using water. Water is composed of the molecule, H2O – which stands for 2 atoms of Hydrogen and 1 atom of Oxygen bonded together. We know that the oxygen atom and hydrogen atoms make up the molecule, H2O. A flowing body of water is composed of millions and millions of this molecule. We can compare the flowing body of water to the current; the molecule to electron; and the charge to the atoms. Understand what voltage refers to. Voltage is the “force” that drives the current to flow. To best illustrate voltage; we will use the battery as an example. Inside the battery is a series of chemical based reactions which create a buildup of electrons in the positive terminal of the battery. If we now connect a medium (eg a wire) from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the battery, the electron buildup will now move to get away from each other because as we said, alike charges repel. In addition, because of the law of conservation of charge, which states that the net charge of an isolated system should remain constant, the electrons will try to balance the charges by going from the higher concentration of electrons to the lower concentration of electrons or positive terminal to the negative terminal, respectively. This movement causes a potential difference in each of the terminals which we can now call voltage. Know what resistance is. Resistance, on the other hand, is the opposition of certain elements to flow of charge. Resistors are elements with significant resistance. They are placed in certain parts of a circuit to regulate the flow of charge or electrons. If there are no resistors, the electrons are not regulated, the equipment may receive too much charge and it will be damaged or cause a fire due to overcharging. Find the total resistance of the circuit. Imagine a straw you are drinking from. Pinch it several times. What do you notice? The water flowing will be lessened. Those pinches are the resistors. They block the water which is the current. Since the pinches are in a straight line, they are in series. Drawing from this example, the total resistance of resistors in a series is: R(total) = R1 + R2 + R3. Identify the total voltage of the resistor. Most of the time, the total voltage is readily given, but in cases where individual voltages are given, we can use the equation: V(total) = V1 + V2 + V3. But why is this so? Using the straw analogy again, after pinching the straw, what do you expect? You need more effort to get water through the straw. The total effort you are delivering is brought about by the individual force the individual pinches need. The “force” you need is the voltage, because it drives the flow of water or the current. Therefore it is only logical that the total voltage is brought about by adding up the individual voltages across each resistor. Calculate the total current of the system. Using the straw analysis again, even in the presence of pinches, did the amount of water you get change? No. Although the speed at which you are getting the water changes, the amount of water you can drink is fixed. And if you look closer at the amount of water entering and leaving, the pinches are the same because of the fixed speed the water is flowing, therefore, we can say that: I1 = I2 = I3 = I(total) Remember Ohm's law. But it doesn't stop there! Remember we don't have any of this data, so we can use the Ohm's Law which relates voltage, current and resistance: V = IR. Try working with an example. Three resistors, R1 = 10Ω R2=2Ω R3 = 9Ω, are connected in series. A total voltage of 2.5V is applied to the circuit. Compute for the total current of the circuit. First let's compute for the total resistance: R(total) = 10Ω R2 + 2Ω R3 + 9Ω Therefore R(total) = 21Ω Use Ohm's Law for computing the total current: V(total) = I(total) x R(total). I(total) = V(total) / R(total). I(total) = 2.5V / 21Ω. I(total) = 0.1190A. Understand what a parallel circuit is. Like it name, a parallel circuit contains elements that are arranged in a parallel way. This makes use of multiple wiring arrangements creating paths wherein current can travel. Compute for the total voltage. Since we have sorted out the terminologies in a previous section, we can now go directly to the computations. Take for an example a pipe split into two paths with different diameters. For the water to flow into both of the pipes, do you need to use unequal forces in each of the pipes? No. You just need enough force for the water to flow. Therefore, using the analogy that the water is the current and the force is the voltage, we can say that: V(total) = V1 + V2 + V3. Compute for the total resistance. Say you want to regulate the water flowing in the pipes. How will you block the pipes? Do you put just one blockage on each path or do you put multiple blockages arranged consecutively to control the water flow? You would need to do the latter. For resistances, this analogy is the same. Resistors connected in series regulate current far better than those arranged in a parallel way. The equation for the total resistance in a parallel circuit is: 1/R(total) = (1/R1) + (1/R2) + (1/R3). Compute for the total current. Going back to our example, the water flowing from the source to the split path is divided. The same is applicable for current. Since there are multiple paths where charges can flow, it can be said that to be split. The pathways do not necessarily receive equal amounts of charge. It is dependent on the resistances and the materials the elements have in each path. Therefore, the equation of the total current is just the summation of all the currents in all of the paths: I(total) = I1 + I2 + I3. Of course, we can't use this yet because we do not have the individual currents. In this case Ohm's Law can also be used. Try an example. 4 resistors divided into two paths which are connected in parallel. Path 1 contains, R1 = 1Ω R2=2Ω while Path 2 contains, R3 = 0.5Ω R4=1.5Ω. The resistors in each path are connected in series. The voltage applied in path 1 is 3V. Find the total current. Find the total resistance. Since the resistors in each path are connected in series, we will find solve for the total resistance in each path. R(total 1&2) = R1 +R2. R(total 1&2) = 1Ω + 2Ω. R(total 1&2) = 3Ω. R(total 3&4) = R3 + R4. R(total 3&4) = 0.5Ω + 1.5Ω. R(total 3&4) = 2Ω. Plug in the equation for parallel connection. Now, we since the paths are connected in parallel, we will now use the equation for parallel connection (1/R(total)) = (1/R(total 1&2)) + (1/R(total 3&4)). (1/R(total)) = (1/3Ω) + (1/2Ω). (1/R(total)) = ⅚. R(total) = 1.2Ω. Find the total voltage. Now compute for the total voltage. Since the total voltage is equal to all the voltages: V(total) = V1 = 3V. Use Ohm's law to find the total current. Now, we can compute for the total current using Ohm's Law. V(total) = I(total) x R(total). I(total) = V(total)/R(total). I(total) = 3V/1.2Ω. I(total) = 2.5A. | Familiarize yourself with what current is. Understand what voltage refers to. Know what resistance is. Find the total resistance of the circuit. Identify the total voltage of the resistor. Calculate the total current of the system. Remember Ohm's law. Try working with an example. Use Ohm's Law for computing the total current: Understand what a parallel circuit is. Compute for the total voltage. Compute for the total resistance. Compute for the total current. Try an example. Find the total resistance. Plug in the equation for parallel connection. Find the total voltage. Use Ohm's law to find the total current. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Debt-to-Equity-Ratio | How to Calculate Debt to Equity Ratio | To calculate debt to equity ratio, first determine the amount of long-term debt the company owes, which may be in the form of bonds, loans, or lines of credit. Next, figure out how much equity the company has. Finally, express the debt-to-equity as a ratio. You'll want to reduce the 2 values to their lowest common denominator to make this simpler. For example, a company with $1 million in liabilities and $2 million in equity would have a ratio of 1 to 2, or 50 percent. | Access the company's publicly available financial data. Companies that are publicly traded are required to make their financial information available to the general public. There are numerous resources online where you can access the financial statements of publicly traded companies. If you have a brokerage account, that's the best place to start. Almost all online brokerage services allow you to access a company's financials by simply searching for the company based on its stock symbol. If you don't have a brokerage account, you can still access a company's financials online at Yahoo! Finance, or on any investing website, such as MarketWatch, Morningstar, or MSN Money. You can search by industry, company name, or stock symbol to find basic financial information on companies. Determine the amount of long-term debt the company owes. This amount may be in the form of bonds, loans and lines of credit. You can find the company's debt on its balance sheet. The amount of debt is easy to find. It's listed under "Liabilities." The total amount of debt is the same as the company's total liabilities. You don't need to worry about individual line items within the liabilities section. Determine the amount of equity a company has. As with liabilities, this information is located on the balance sheet. The company's equity is usually located on the bottom of the balance sheet. It's called "Owner's Equity" or "Shareholder's Equity." You can ignore the specific line items within the equity section. All you need is the total liabilities. Express debt-to-equity as a ratio by reducing the two values to their lowest common denominator. For example, a company with $1 million in liabilities and $2 million in equity would have a ratio of 1:2. This would indicate $1 of creditor investment for every $2 of shareholder investment. Express debt-to-equity as a percentage by dividing total debt by total equity and multiplying by 100. For example, a company with $1 million in liabilities and $2 million in equity would have a ratio of 50 percent. This would indicate $1 of creditor investment for every $2 of shareholder investment. Compare debt-to-equity ratios. You can compare the debt-to-equity ratio for the company you're researching to that of other companies you're considering. In general, healthy companies have a debt-to-equity ratio close to 1:1, or 100 percent. When there is a 1:1 ratio, it means that creditors and investors have an equal stake in the business assets. A high debt-to-equity-ratio is usually considered more unstable than a low one because it indicates that investors have been unwilling to help fund the business. This may mean that the company was forced to take on additional debt, which it may have trouble paying back. Keep in mind that each industry has different debt-to-equity ratio benchmarks. This is because some industries use more debt financing than others. | Access the company's publicly available financial data. Determine the amount of long-term debt the company owes. Determine the amount of equity a company has. Express debt-to-equity as a ratio by reducing the two values to their lowest common denominator. Express debt-to-equity as a percentage by dividing total debt by total equity and multiplying by 100. Compare debt-to-equity ratios. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Car-Seat-Cover | How to Make a Car Seat Cover | To make a car seat cover, fold a yard of stretchy fabric in half width-wise and pin both layers together 6.5 inches from the fold. Next, measure 13 inches down at a 45° angle from the first pin, mark the spot, and repeat to mark another 45° angle. Cut along the marks and sew the 2 hexagons together. Then, cut out 2 fabric strips, stack them, and sew along the angled ends. Finally, sew the strips to the main piece, match up the side seams, and sew along the edges. | Purchase a yard of stretchy, breathable fabric. A stretchy knit or jersey fabric works well for making a baby car seat cover. This type of fabric will mold itself around the outside of the car seat for a snug fit while still allowing air to flow through the fabric. Jersey fabric and other types of stretch knit fabric will not fray around the edges and do not require hemming. Make sure to pre-wash the fabric to ensure that it won't shrink after you make the car seat cover. Fold the fabric in half width-wise. Take the 2 shortest ends of the fabric and line them up so that the fabric is folded in half. Smooth out the fabric to ensure that there are no bumps. Fold the fabric the same way that it was folded when it came off of the bolt. Insert a pin 6.5 in (17 cm) from the edge of the fold. Line up your ruler with the folded edge so that it is flush with the top of the fabric. Then, insert a pin at the 6.5 in (17 cm) mark. Push the pin through both layers of fabric. Use a clear ruler with angle lines across it to identify where to cut your fabric. You can find this type of ruler at a craft supply store. Measure 13 in (33 cm) down at a 45 degree angle from the first pin. Follow the 45 degree angle line from the first pin down to the bottom of the ruler. Then, insert a pin at the bottom of the 45 degree angle line. Make sure the pin goes through both layers of fabric. Then, measure from the pin with the measuring tape. Angle the measuring tape so that it is going across the second pin. Continue measuring at a 45 degree angle and place a third pin at the point 13 in (33 cm) from the top edge. You may also use a ruler to locate this point if you have a ruler that is long enough. Use the ruler to identify and mark another 45 degree angle. Align the bottom corner of the clear ruler with the last pin you placed. Then, flip the ruler over going towards the bottom edge of the fabric to reverse the direction of the angle lines. Measure 13 in (33 cm) down from the last pin you placed. Use the measuring tape and clear ruler to position the measuring tape at a 45 degree angle from the pin going towards the bottom of the fabric. Place a pin at the 13 in (33 cm) mark. Remember to measure in the opposite direction. This angle should mirror the first one. Cut along the pin marks to create a hexagon and then make a second hexagon. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the fabric going around the outside of the pins. Cut from pin to pin to get the required shape. The finished piece will be a hexagon, which is a 6-sided polygon. Repeat to make a second hexagon in the same dimensions as the first. Pin the 2 pieces with the right (print) sides together. Place the first piece right side up on a flat work surface, such as a table or clean hard floor. Then, place the other piece on top of this piece with the right side facing down. Make sure that the edges of the pieces are even. Locate the top edges of the hexagons and place 3 evenly spaced pins along each of the angled edges. Insert the pins so that they go all the way through both pieces of fabric. Smooth out the fabric pieces to ensure that there are no bumps before you pin them. Position the pins so that they are perpendicular to the edges. This will make it easier to remove them as you sew. Sew a zigzag stitch 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the angled edges. Set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting and then place the end of the first angled edge under the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and apply gentle pressure to begin sewing along the edge. Sew from 1 end of the angled edge to the other. Then, stop the machine and cut the thread. Repeat for the other angled edge. If possible, install a ballpoint or stretch needle before sewing your car seat cover. Otherwise, a universal needle will be fine. Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them or you may damage your sewing machine! Cut out 2 strips that measure 5 by 36 in (13 by 91 cm) each. Measure the fabric to find a section that is 5 by 36 in (13 by 91 cm). Mark on the fabric with chalk in these dimensions. Then, cut along the lines you have drawn. Repeat to create another strip in the same dimensions. Place the 2 strips together and measure 4 in (10 cm) from the end. Stack the strips on top of each other. Then, use your ruler to measure 4 in (10 cm) from the end of the strips. Mark this spot with a piece of chalk. You may also place a pin to mark the spot if you prefer. Use the angled ruler to find a 45 degree angle and cut along this line. Align the angle so that it is going from the chalk mark or pin to the short edge of the strip. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut along the angle you have identified and discard the pieces that you cut off. Repeat this on the opposite end so that the angles will match up when you fold the strip lengthwise. The pieces you cut off the ends of the strips will look like triangles. Sew a zigzag stitch along the angled ends of the strips. Lay the strips so that their right sides are facing each other. Line up the angled ends of both strips. Then, sew a zigzag stitch along each of the angled edges. This will connect the 2 strips in 1 circular piece. Pin the strip and cover together starting at the matching side seams. Flip the cover right side out so that the seams are hidden, and leave the strip inside out so that the seams are visible. Locate the seams on the cover and the strip. Line up 1 seam of the strip with 1 seam of the cover. Position the strip along the outside of the bottom of the cover so that their edges are aligned. Place pins through the strip and cover, starting at the seam. Insert the pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric to make it easier to remove them as you sew. Keep in mind that some types of stretch fabric can be slippery! It might take a few tries to line up the edges just right. Sew a zigzag stitch along the edges of the cover and strip. Position the edge of the cover and strip under the presser foot and lower it. Then, apply gentle pressure to the pedal to sew forward. Sew all the way around the edges of the cover and strip. Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them! Cut the excess thread when you reach the end. Turn the pieces right side out and slip the cover onto your car seat. After you have finished sewing the 2 pieces together, flip the strip over so that the seams are hidden again. Then slip the car seat cover over the car seat so that the edges stretch over the outside of the seat and the opening is positioned over the car seat handle. Always put the car seat cover on after baby is in the car seat, and remove it before you take baby out of the car seat. | Purchase a yard of stretchy, breathable fabric. Fold the fabric in half width-wise. Insert a pin 6.5 in (17 cm) from the edge of the fold. Measure 13 in (33 cm) down at a 45 degree angle from the first pin. Use the ruler to identify and mark another 45 degree angle. Cut along the pin marks to create a hexagon and then make a second hexagon. Pin the 2 pieces with the right (print) sides together. Sew a zigzag stitch 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the angled edges. Cut out 2 strips that measure 5 by 36 in (13 by 91 cm) each. Place the 2 strips together and measure 4 in (10 cm) from the end. Use the angled ruler to find a 45 degree angle and cut along this line. Sew a zigzag stitch along the angled ends of the strips. Pin the strip and cover together starting at the matching side seams. Sew a zigzag stitch along the edges of the cover and strip. Turn the pieces right side out and slip the cover onto your car seat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Extract-Aloe-Vera | How to Extract Aloe Vera | If you want to extract aloe vera gel from a mature plant, choose leaves from around the outside of the plant that are about 8 inches long. Discard the yellow substance that initially drains from the leaf. Cut off the top third and the spines from each leaf, then carefully slice away the skin from the top and bottom of the leaf. You should be left with a slab of clear aloe vera gel. Rinse the gel 2-3 times and store it in a glass or bowl until it's ready for use. | Assess your aloe vera plant. Before you start to harvest any aloe vera gel, you'll want to be sure you're working with a mature plant. A mature and healthy aloe plant is recognizable by its large, green leaves: they should be about 8 inches (20 cm) long. Aloe grows from the center outward, making the outermost leaves the oldest, largest, and richest of the leaves to use. Cut off some aloe vera leaves. Depending on how much aloe vera you need, you will probably not need or want to use an entire aloe vera plant for this. Cut off one of the outermost leaves of an aloe vera plant using a sharp knife at the base of the plant. The leaves do not grow back, but by only cutting a portion of the plant, you will leave the whole of it to continue to grow and produce more aloe vera for you in the future. Be sure that your knife is sharp to cause minimal damage to the plant. Clean off the cut aloe vera. Once you have cut the leaf, a yellow substance will begin to ooze from the cut. In order to keep the plant from making a mess, you'll want to point the leaf vertically, cut end down, into a bowl to allow the substance to continue coming out. Use a pitcher of water and your fingers to clean the leaf from top to bottom, directing the water into the bowl as well. The yellow ooze produced in this step is a sap called aloe latex. It is not the aloe vera gel, which will be clear and thick in appearance, and you do not want it to contaminate your gel because it has laxative properties that may mess up your digestive track. Cut off the top third of the leaves. Because of the thinness of the top, pointed part of the aloe vera leaf, you will waste more time trying to get gel from this portion than is cost effective. Instead, cut this portion off and discard it. You will need to repeat the previous rinsing step for the top portion as it now will also produce yellow ooze. Depending on the size of your aloe vera leaves, you might find it easier to extract the gel by cutting the thick portion of the leaf into additional pieces, either along the leaves' length, width, or both ways. Remove the spines. Before you can get at the gel core of the leaf, you'll need to remove the hard, spine edges on either side of each leaf. Carefully cut them away, remembering to move the knife away from yourself and your hands so as to avoid potentially cutting yourself in the process. Be sure that the aloe vera leaves are also dry before you begin this portion of the cutting as a slippery leaf could lead to potential accidents. Make your cut as close to the spines as possible so that you don't lose a lot of gel in the process. Remove the top and bottom layers. With your leaf laying flat on a cutting board, carefully slice away the skin of the aloe vera leaf. This will be the thin, outer green layer you see. Run your knife between it and the thick, clear gel at the center, and repeat this process for the remaining top layer by flipping it to the bottom. If you would prefer not to use a knife for this step due to the potential for cutting yourself, you can choose to use a fruit peeler instead. Remove and store the gel. At this point, you should have slabs of clear aloe vera gel. If you see any bits of leaf left on them, trim them off, and feel free to cube the gel for easier storage by cutting them with your knife. Be sure to rinse the aloe vera gel itself 2-3 times when you're finished to be sure that it's free of any aloe latex residue. Use a spoon to scrape up any excess gel left over along the skin. Store all of the gel extract you get in a new glass or bowl separate from the water you used to wash the leaves with. | Assess your aloe vera plant. Cut off some aloe vera leaves. Clean off the cut aloe vera. Cut off the top third of the leaves. Remove the spines. Remove the top and bottom layers. Remove and store the gel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Pregnancy-Naturally | How to Avoid Pregnancy Naturally | If you want to avoid pregnancy naturally, you should first understand your body's reproductive cycle so you know when you're fertile. To track your cycle, you need to use a basal thermometer to check your body temperature every morning. You should look for a spike that lasts between 7 and 12 days, which shows when your body is ovulating. Along with monitoring your temperature, you should observe the texture and color of your cervical mucus every day. When you have thin, stretchy mucus, then that means you're extremely fertile and have a high likelihood of getting pregnant. Once you know your fertility window, you can avoid having sex during that time. Remember tracking your cycle isn't an exact science so it's important to be diligent with your monitoring so your natural contraception can be effective. | Buy a basal thermometer so you can get a precise temperature reading. Your basal body temperature is your lowest temperature over a period of 24 hours. Your body experiences a slight rise in temperature just after ovulation, and monitoring your basal body temperature over time can help indicate when your peak fertility window is about to begin. Basal body thermometers look basically the same as regular thermometers, but they give more precise readings. They're available in drugstores and should come with a chart to help you track your temperature every day. A regular thermometer that you might use to check a fever won't give you exact enough measurements to be helpful. A basal body thermometer measures your temperature's changes in small increments. Take your basal body temperature at the same time every morning. The most accurate way to track your temperature is to take it right when you wake up before you get out of bed and start moving around. Keep the thermometer by your bed and make it a habit to take your temperature first thing in the morning. Most basal body thermometers give you the option of taking your temperature in your mouth or your vagina. Usually, taking your vaginal temperature will give you the most accurate reading from day to day. Whichever way you choose, do it the same way every day to ensure your readings are as consistent as possible. Follow the instructions that came with your thermometer. Generally, you'll turn on the thermometer and insert it in your vagina or mouth. When you hear it beep, after about 30-60 seconds, remove the thermometer and check the temperature reading. Make sure to sanitize your thermometer after each use. Either wash it with soap and water or wipe it down with a disinfectant. Track your temperature every day so you can see when it tends to change. Use the calendar that came with your thermometer, or track it in an app on your phone. Make sure to record the date as well as the exact temperature so you have the best data to help you understand your fertility window better. Period Tracker, Flo, Eve, Cycles, Ovia, and other apps help you track your period and give you space to write down other daily details, like your temperature, mood, and other symptoms. Look for a small spike in temperature that lasts 3 days. After you ovulate, your temperature will increase a little bit for about 3-4 days. This is a small change, which is why it's so important to have the most precise temperature readings. Look for an increase of about 0.4-1 degree Fahrenheit (0.7-1.8 degrees Celsius). Chances are, your fertility window has ended. It can take a while to get a good understanding of your basal body temperature, but stick with it! Especially when used along with other tracking methods, it can be a very accurate indicator of fertility so you know when to abstain from sex. Keep track for a minimum of 3 months to understand your body’s pattern. Until you've taken your temperature consistently for a few months, you shouldn't rely on this method for pregnancy prevention. If your cycle is regular, 3 months' worth of data should be enough to help you predict your fertility window in the following months. If your cycle tends to be irregular, you may need to take your temperature for 6 months or more before you can rely on the patterns that emerge. Illness, stress, alcohol, lack of sleep, and other factors can also affect your body temperature. That's why it's a good idea to use this method with other tracking methods to back yourself up in case your temperature pattern is thrown off for some reason. Accurate data is super important to this method. Be consistent with taking your temperature every single day and keeping track of your findings. If you miss a few days each month, it could really throw off your understanding of your body and make it less likely to effectively prevent pregnancy. Avoid sex during your ovulation and fertility window to prevent pregnancy. After 3 or more months of tracking your temperature every day, you can use your findings to try to anticipate when you'll ovulate next. For the most effective results, use your basal temperature along with tracking your cycle and observing your cervical mucus. Interpret the data in this way: Look at your chart and find the day when your regular spike in temperature happens each month. On a calendar, mark the 2 or 3 days before this temperature spike as the days when you're likely to ovulate. Remember, your temperature doesn't increase until 2-3 days after ovulation. Avoid having unprotected sex for at least 5 days before ovulation is supposed to begin, up through ovulation day. Begin checking your cervical mucus once your period has tapered off. Cervical mucus changes in texture, color, and smell throughout your cycle. By checking it every day, you can use the patterns you find to predict when your body is fertile. Though the exact days can differ for each woman, you will tend to ovulate between day 11-21 of your monthly cycle, each cycle starting at day 1 when your period begins. Check your mucus at the same time every morning to test its consistency. Wash your hands first, then gently insert your middle finger into your vagina. You may want to swipe your finger from front to back to check for mucus. After your period, you'll most likely notice that you don't have any discharge and your vagina may be drier than usual. If you're using this method in conjunction with your basal body temperature, try to do them at the same time in the morning so it's easier to keep track of things. Observe your mucus until it begins to get thin and stretchy. Every day as you check your mucus, look at it and press it to your thumb to check its texture. As your hormones fluctuate, the characteristics of the mucus will change, too. During the days following your period, you may have no discharge, then slightly cloudy or creamy discharge. Once it takes on the consistency of egg whites, you'll be at peak-fertility level and have a high chance on getting pregnant. When you're most fertile, the discharge may even stretch between your fingers without breaking. Ovulation occurs on or after the last day this mucus is produced. Keep in mind that you can still get pregnant during the 5 or so days before you ovulate, so even if your discharge doesn't quite have an egg-white texture yet, you are still somewhat fertile. Keep a written record of your mucus so you can track your body’s pattern. Every single day, write down the color and texture of your mucus. If you're also tracking your basal body temperature, use the same calendar so you have all the data in the same place. Don't forget to record the date, too! Here are some examples of detailed entries you might write: 4/22: Mucus is tacky and white. 4/26: Mucus is whitish and runny, like egg whites. 4/31: Period started; heavy flow. Avoid unprotected sex when your mucus changes from tacky to creamy. You're most fertile when your mucus has the consistency of stretchy egg whites, but err on the safe side by avoiding sex for a few days before and after your mucus takes on these qualities. After tracking your patterns for a few months, you'll start to better predict when you'll be fertile each month. If you're tracking your basal body temperature, compare the data. Your mucus will probably turn stretchy and wet several days before your body temperature spikes. Ovulation typically happens between the change in mucus and your temperature spike. Mark the active days of your period on a calendar each month. Most women with regular periods have a cycle that lasts between 26-32 days, although some women may have shorter or longer cycles. Day 1 of your cycle will be the day menstruation starts. Your cycle may vary a little from month to month. Stress, illness, weight loss or gain, and other factors could impact your cycle. Track your period for 8-12 months for the best predictability. Mark each day of your period on your calendar with a dot or a circle or some other way to identify it. At the end of each cycle when your period begins again, count the number of days your cycle lasted. Because each cycle can vary a little bit, it will take a little longer to gather enough data to predict your fertility window. If your period is unpredictable or skips some months, consider seeing your doctor to determine if anything else is going on. Use the monthly patterns to predict when you’ll be fertile. First, take the shortest cycle you've ever tracked. Subtract 18 from the number of days that cycle lasted, and write down that number. Next, take your longest cycle recorded and subtract 11 from that number and write it down. Your fertility window is between those 2 numbers of each cycle. For example: If your shortest cycle was 26 days, 26-18=8. If your longest cycle was 30 days, 30-11=19. This means your fertility window is between the 8th and 19th of each monthly cycle. The 5 days preceding ovulation and the 24 hours of ovulation are your most fertile. Avoid having unprotected sex during your fertile window each month. Especially if you're using only this method, it'll be important that you either abstain from sex or use another form of protection during this time. This method is really best used to help reinforce the patterns you recognize from the other methods. There are too many factors that can affect the length of your cycle for this method to be completely reliable on its own. If you experience irregular periods, this method may not provide useful information. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about birth control. Choosing the right birth control is a big decision, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, your doctor is there to help and you can change your mind whenever you like. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of different birth control options. Don't let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. It's your body, and you get to control how you practice birth control, whether that's with a pill, a shot, contraceptives, natural planning, or some other method. Check with your doctor if you have irregular menstrual cycles. Natural family planning counts on your cycles being regular. If you have irregular cycles, your ovulation day likely varies each month. Talk to your doctor to find out if you need to be concerned about this. They can help you figure out how you can make natural family planning work for you. It's possible that your doctor will recommend a different birth control method if your cycles are very irregular. See your doctor if you notice signs of pregnancy. While natural family planning can help you avoid pregnancy, sometimes it fails. If you accidentally have sex during your fertile window, you may become pregnant. Be aware of the early symptoms of pregnancy and see your doctor immediately if you notice the following signs: Missed period Nausea Vomiting Tender or swollen breasts Increased urination Fatigue Moodiness | Buy a basal thermometer so you can get a precise temperature reading. Take your basal body temperature at the same time every morning. Track your temperature every day so you can see when it tends to change. Look for a small spike in temperature that lasts 3 days. Keep track for a minimum of 3 months to understand your body’s pattern. Avoid sex during your ovulation and fertility window to prevent pregnancy. Begin checking your cervical mucus once your period has tapered off. Check your mucus at the same time every morning to test its consistency. Observe your mucus until it begins to get thin and stretchy. Keep a written record of your mucus so you can track your body’s pattern. Avoid unprotected sex when your mucus changes from tacky to creamy. Mark the active days of your period on a calendar each month. Track your period for 8-12 months for the best predictability. Use the monthly patterns to predict when you’ll be fertile. Avoid having unprotected sex during your fertile window each month. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about birth control. Check with your doctor if you have irregular menstrual cycles. See your doctor if you notice signs of pregnancy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remodel-a-Kitchen | How to Remodel a Kitchen | To remodel a kitchen, start by ordering new cabinets, appliances, and light fixtures since they can take weeks to arrive. In the meantime, have your kitchen inspected to make sure you won't be violating any codes. Then, refinish the walls and install new doors and windows if you'll be adding any. Next, hang up your new cabinets, and set up your new countertops and sink. Finally, install any new flooring you're putting down before moving in your new appliances and installing new light fixtures. | Pick the features you want in your kitchen. Take some time to come up with the ways you want to improve your current kitchen. One of the most important questions is if you have enough space. You may need to add onto your kitchen. After settling on space, pick out the kitchen features you absolutely have to have. For example, your dream kitchen may feature an island cooktop instead of a traditional stove. Save pictures of kitchens you like. Use them to identify features you want in your ideal kitchen. Come up with a preliminary budget. Decide upon a maximum amount of money you're willing to invest in the remodel. As you plan your kitchen, do some research to find out how your plans fit your budget. You can do this by searching for furniture estimates online, visiting furniture showrooms, and talking to designers and contractors. Most of the time, remodeling costs more than you'd expect, so you'll need to alter your plans or budget. The biggest priority is getting the layout and utilities right. Cabinets and countertops are the next part. These will comprise most of your biggest expenses. Don't forget to add in designer and contractor costs. Plan out the kitchen’s floor space. Take the time to draw out your kitchen. Figure out where you'll put your refrigerator and other appliances. Add in the counters and cabinets. A complete sketch shows you how much space you have to work with. You may need to opt for smaller appliances, counters, and cabinets in order to maintain enough free space in the kitchen. Keep in mind where your utility lines are going to be. Electrical outlets, plumbing, and gas lines all affect the arrangement. To save money, have the contractor keep them where they are now. Determine the kitchen’s style. Most likely you have an idea of how you want the kitchen to look. Perhaps you want your kitchen to look modern instead of traditional. It could be all wood, or it could incorporate a color theme. Picking a style means focusing on the overall look of the kitchen rather than its parts. For example, a kitchen with a modern style might have a black, gray, or white color scheme with a lot of reflective surfaces and marble walls. The appliances can be metallic and the furniture can look very sleek and minimal. A cottage kitchen could have checkered light blue or yellow patterns, vintage or white appliances, wood floors, and colorful decorations. For a farmhouse kitchen, wood flooring and furniture works well. The color scheme can include red, yellow, blue or white. Stone and brick appliances can also give a rustic look. A French or Mediterranean kitchen looks very ornate. It can feature warm colors with white or yellow walls and wood cabinets. It might have hand-painted wall tiles, a chandelier, copper pots, or ceramic crafts on display. Get construction plans from a contractor. Even if you plan on building the kitchen yourself, speaking to a designer is a good idea. Kitchen designers and architects can help you finalize your remodeling plans while staying within your budget. Construction contractors provide outlines for structural and utility work. You'll need these plans to apply for building permits. Get contractor estimates. Significant remodels involve a lot of different parts, from electrical wiring to furniture installation. Usually you can get one contractor to do everything you need. Get estimates from at least three companies. Each contractor should talk to you about your design plans and give you an estimate. Use the estimate to figure out if you need to change your plans to stay under budget. Search the contractor's name online to find reviews from other customers. Apply for construction permits. Consult your local government to figure out what permits you need. For most work, you won't need a permit. If your remodeling plan includes building or demolishing walls, window openings, or utility lines, you'll most likely need a permit. Designers, architects, and contractors can take care of this. Arrange living plans during the remodeling. Remodeling takes weeks and can be stressful. You'll have to decide where you're going to live and eat while the construction happens. Move your stove and refrigerator to another room. During the noisiest and dusty days, such as when walls and flooring are demolished, spend the day away from home. The best time for construction is in the summer. During warm weather, you can spend time outside and make food on a grill. Get rid of everything you don’t want to keep. Most of the things in your kitchen can be removed without a contractor's help. If you're handy around the house, pull up the flooring and cabinets. Remove light fixtures and other furniture you don't plan on including in your new kitchen. If you haven't hired a contractor yet, doing this on your own saves you some money. You might want to keep some of the appliances until the new ones come in, or else you could be stuck without a refrigerator or stove for weeks. Order new cabinets, appliances, and light fixtures. These features of your kitchen may take weeks to arrive. Getting stuck in the middle of a remodel is frustrating, so order what you need in advance. You'll need storage space in your garage or house if they arrive before wall and flooring work is complete. Investing in these features can be expensive. Remember that they don't all have to be replaced at the same time. Get the framing, plumbing, and electrical work inspected. Rough-in work is when your utilities are installed but not connected. Before the drywall is installed, hire a building inspector. They'll make sure your home doesn't violate any codes. You or your contractor can fix the violations before they become bigger issues. Finish decorating the walls. After your home passes inspection, the walls need to be finished. You or your contractor will put up new drywall. Later on, when the rest of the construction work is finished, you can prime the walls and paint or put on wood paneling. Install doors and windows. New spaces for windows and doors may need to be cut into the wall. Once the space is finalized, install them along with any trim. It's important to do this now so the cabinets are placed accurately. Place the cabinets on the walls. Hang the wall cabinets first so you have plenty of room to work. Place ground cabinets afterwards according to your floor plan. Cabinets tend to be the most expensive part of a remodel, so avoid brand names or repurpose old ones to save money. Renovating a cabinet can include painting, changing the knobs, or removing the doors. Set up the countertops and sinks. Countertops can also be a significant expense. Granite countertops are beautiful, but laminate countertops are the cheapest option. Once your countertop is set, you or your contractor can install the sink. Stainless steel sinks are the least expensive option, followed by copper, stone, and other options. This part is difficult to do yourself. Countertop slabs are heavy and require specific tools for shaping. Install the flooring. Flooring should only be done after the cabinets and countertops are in place. You'll need to work around them when laying the flooring. Hardwood and linoleum flooring are two of the cheapest options. Other options, such as porcelain tiles and cork, can give your kitchen a unique look. You may install wall-to-wall flooring in the kitchen, but there's not much reason to put it under the cabinets and countertops. It'll impact your budget, yet you'll never see that flooring. Move your appliances into position. Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and other appliances come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pick the ones that are best for your space and budget. Hook them up to the utility lines and celebrate being able to make dinner in your kitchen again. If you want to replace all of your appliances, consider doing it in stages. For instance, start with a new stove, then replace the other appliances as your budget allows it. Install the light fixtures. If new lights are part of the plan, set them up last. Shop around for stylish light fixtures that fit both within your kitchen and your budget. Attach them to the walls and ceiling as needed, then relax and enjoy your beautiful kitchen! Keeping your old light fixtures to save money is okay. Even if you can't afford to install a new light fixture, have the contractors put in the electrical wires during the remodel. | Pick the features you want in your kitchen. Come up with a preliminary budget. Plan out the kitchen’s floor space. Determine the kitchen’s style. Get construction plans from a contractor. Get contractor estimates. Apply for construction permits. Arrange living plans during the remodeling. Get rid of everything you don’t want to keep. Order new cabinets, appliances, and light fixtures. Get the framing, plumbing, and electrical work inspected. Finish decorating the walls. Install doors and windows. Place the cabinets on the walls. Set up the countertops and sinks. Install the flooring. Move your appliances into position. Install the light fixtures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Puppy | How to Prepare for a Puppy | To prepare for a puppy, start by removing anything you don't want to get chewed or scratched, like wires or hazardous products. Then, purchase a bed for the puppy to sleep in and toys for it to chew on, which will help it with its teeth. You'll also want to make sure you have bowls to give the puppy food and water, as well as a good supply of dog food. Additionally, you'll need a collar and leash so you can walk your dog, and a crate for it to sleep in at night. | Create an area in your house just for the puppy. When you first bring your new puppy home, it is a good idea to keep him within the confines of just one or two rooms at first. Common choices include the kitchen, laundry room, or den. This allows your puppy to explore while keeping him safe. It also makes it easier for you to keep track of your puppy and clean up after him. If allowed to wander the house freely, a puppy may feel overwhelmed and confused by all the new scents and sounds. Puppies are more likely to soil an area again after they have an accident in the house, so it is good to keep a close watch on him so that you can take him to go potty when he needs to go. Make your puppy’s area safe. You can puppy-proof the area that you have chosen for your puppy by cleaning it well, removing any wires or other items the puppy may chew, removing ornaments or anything the puppy may bump into or break. Also, make sure that you remove anything from this area you don't want soiled, chewed or scratched. Keep in mind that puppies will chew anything, electrical cables are no exception. Make sure they are out of your puppy's reach. Place all hazardous substances out of your puppy's reach. This includes cleaning products, medications, vitamins, plants, cat litter boxes, tobacco products, garbage, and anything else that your puppy may try to eat. Choose a crate for your puppy. Crate training is a powerful method to train your puppy, but it is not required. If you do decide to crate train your puppy, choose a crate the puppy can stand up, turn around, and lie down with his legs extended. Make sure that there is a soft bed inside the crate as well. The idea of crate training is to teach the puppy that the crate is his safe place, kind of like a wild dog's den. Keep in mind that the crate should never be used as a punishment or a prison. It should be a place where the dog goes willingly for a time-out and where you know he is safe when you aren't with him. Wire crates are ideal because the dog can see everything around him. This helps him to feel more secure. Purchase bedding to help your dog sleep comfortably. Choose bedding that is machine washable and that your puppy can snuggle into. Get at least two sets of bedding. That way one set can be in the wash while the other set is in use. Make sure your puppy is raised slightly off the ground in his bed, so he avoids draughts at floor level. Buy equipment for potty training. Even if you will be taking your puppy outside to a toilet spot, it is also a good idea to provide him with a place to relieve himself indoors in case of an emergency. Puppy pads are useful for this - they are like a large flat, absorbent cloth that you can just throw away. You can also use newspaper but it is slightly less absorbent, so there is a greater chance that you will end up with some urine on the floor. It is also a good idea to get some disposable gloves, a disposable kitchen towel, and some disinfectant spray (enzymatic - not ammonia or bleach based) for cleaning up messes. Some dog trainers also recommend getting a timer, and setting it to go off every half hour. Then, every time the timer goes off, take your puppy out for a toilet break. Select and purchase a high quality food. Make sure that the food you choose for your puppy is formulated for puppies and that it is appropriate for your dog's breed. Talk to your vet about what dog foods have the best quality ingredients for your puppy and ask for recommendations about how much and how often to feed your puppy. Puppies require more frequent feedings than adult dogs. That means that you will have to feed your puppy three meals per day until he reaches 18 weeks. Then you can switch to two meals per day. Provide treats for your puppy as well. Use treats to reinforce your puppy's good behavior. Doing so will also improve your bond with your new puppy. Be consistent with the type of food you feed your puppy. Changing his food overnight can cause severe gastric distress. If you must change him to a new brand, do so gradually. Add about 1/3 of the new food to the old food and increase the amount over the course of a week until you are feeding him only the new food. Keep in mind it is quite difficult to feed a balanced homemade diet to a growing puppy. The balance of calcium and phosphate needs to be exactly right in order to provide for growing bones, and this is difficult for even expert nutritionists to achieve. Remember, wild dogs don't live nearly as long as our pets. Purchase at least two bowls, one for water and the other for food. You will need to have two separate bowls for your puppy's food and water. Choose bowls that are easy to clean and that are dishwasher safe. It is a good idea to choose ceramic or stainless steel bowls because these cannot be damaged by chewing and they have a smooth surface that does not harbor as much bacteria as plastic bowls. Make sure that your puppy always has access to fresh, clean water. Keep the bowl filled and change his water out every day. Give your puppy a substitute for chewing. Puppies have to chew, so always provide something suitable for your puppy to chew on. Make sure that you choose your puppy's chew toys with care because many toys are not safe for an unsupervised puppy. If your puppy chews a hole in a toy and swallows some plastic, this can lead to a serious bowel obstruction. Select toys or chews that are suitable for unsupervised access, such as a KONG toy. These toys are designed to be filled with treats to keep your puppy entertained and give him a chewing outlet. Make sure the toy is large enough that it can't be swallowed whole. If you are trying to decide between two toys, buy the larger one. Buy a collar (or harness) and leash that is sized for your puppy. Usually collars come in x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large. Choose a collar and leash that is appropriate for your dog's size and breed. For example, smaller dog's will require a lightweight leash, while a large dog may require a harness and heavyweight leash. Get a retractable leash for walking and 2–4 foot (0.6–1.2 m) leash for training. Stock up on brushes to groom your puppy. Purchase a soft brush to shine your puppy's coat and a wire or pin brush to eliminate knots and mats. You may also want to get a comb for detail grooming. Teach your puppy to enjoy being brushed and groomed from day one. Doing so will help you to avoid problems when the dog is an adult. Get a dog-safe toothbrush and some dog-safe toothpaste. Dental disease is very common in dogs due to a lack of dental care in most dogs. Introducing your puppy to a dental care at a young age helps him to accept tooth brushing as normal. This way, you can brush your dog's teeth daily and ensure that he has good dental health as he grows. Start getting your puppy used to having your fingers in his mouth by putting some chicken broth or peanut butter on one of your fingers and letting him lick it off. Do this a few times and try to rub a finger on his teeth and gums as you do so. After your puppy gets used to your fingers, start introducing the toothbrush. Try to brush your puppy's teeth once every day for a couple of minutes. Understand that dominating your dog will not work. Dominating the puppy in order to make him behave is regarded as old-fashioned now. The observations of wolf packs which lead to the theory of dominance hierarchy were made on wolves kept in a zoo under artificial and stressful conditions. The conditions forced the wolves to behave in an aggressive, challenging way to one another, but wolves in the wild do not behave this way. Wolves in the wild live as family units and cooperate with each other. Try to think of yourself as a more mature member of the family who will guide your puppy (a new member) to be well-behaved and offer gentle correction whenever he steps out of line. Keep in mind that puppies learn by result. Young puppies love to explore and experiment. Puppies will repeat behaviors that give them pleasure, such as playing with a ball. They will not repeat behaviors that get no response or that are unpleasant (such as disturbing a bee and getting stung). Ignore your puppy if he displays bad behavior and give him lots of praise if he displays good behavior. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when he obeys a command or does something good, like going potty outside. Make sure that you set firm rules and apply them in a consistent way. Consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience training course. An obedience training course will help you to develop some appropriate strategies for responding to your puppy's behavior. It will also give you an opportunity to bond with your puppy and give him a chance to socialize with some other puppies. Check with your local pet store, groomer, or veterinarian to find out about puppy training classes in your area. | Create an area in your house just for the puppy. Make your puppy’s area safe. Choose a crate for your puppy. Purchase bedding to help your dog sleep comfortably. Buy equipment for potty training. Select and purchase a high quality food. Purchase at least two bowls, one for water and the other for food. Give your puppy a substitute for chewing. Buy a collar (or harness) and leash that is sized for your puppy. Stock up on brushes to groom your puppy. Get a dog-safe toothbrush and some dog-safe toothpaste. Understand that dominating your dog will not work. Keep in mind that puppies learn by result. Consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience training course. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-the-Air-Quality-in-Your-Home | How to Test the Air Quality in Your Home | To test the air quality in your home, purchase an air quality monitor to check the levels of dust, allergens, chemical pollutants, and humidity in your home. Additionally, install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor to alert you to high levels of carbon monoxide. If your home's water comes from a well, check for radon contamination twice a year using a radon testing kit from your local home improvement store. In between testing, keep an eye out for signs of poor air quality, like mold or an increase in allergy symptoms. | Purchase an air quality monitor. There are currently quite a few indoor air quality monitors on the market that can effectively detect (and log over time) the quality of air inside your home. These devices typically check PM2.5 levels (tiny dust particles and other allergens in the air that you inhale), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds – like chemical pollutants), temperature, and humidity (for mold). Some of the most reliable air quality monitors on the market are the Foobot, Awair, Speck, and Air Mentor 6 in 1. These devices typically cost between $150-$250 US. Check for signs and symptoms of mold. You can typically tell if there is a mold infestation in your home by using your eyes and your nose. If you smell a musty odor coming from certain parts of your home, and a cleaning doesn't remove the smell, you might want to consider hiring a professional for a mold test. Mold thrives in moist areas like basements and dirty ductwork or drains. You should also look around for visible signs of mold – like growing black spots, water sports, or particularly damp areas in your home. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can be a byproduct of many appliances found in your home (like stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and grills). It can be deadly if inhaled, so it's important to always have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every floor of your home to alert you if there are high levels of CO in your home. Place the carbon monoxide detectors close to your bedrooms so that you'll be more likely to hear the alarm when you are sleeping. Make sure you change the detector batteries regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries once every 6 months or so, though the duration will vary depending on the model. Perform an at-home radon test. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as uranium breaks down. It can be found in the soil and well water, and sometimes it can infiltrate people's homes. The only way to prevent radon contamination is to test for it. You can purchase at-home radon tests from most home improvement stores. Most tests involve a charcoal reading that is done by leaving the sensor material in your home, then collecting it after a given amount of time, and mailing the testing materials to a lab for analysis. Additionally, the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers discounted test kits that you can purchase online at http://sosradon.org/test-kits. Use an air purifier. These machines can be very useful in improving the air quality in your home, especially for those who suffer from allergy problems. Electronic air purifiers/air cleaners are typically the most effective, as they can remove dust particles, mold spores, and other allergens from the air more efficiently than filtered purifiers. Place the air purifier in your bedroom for the best results. This will most likely give you a longer period of exposure to the benefits of the machine (while you're sleeping) than in any other location in your house. Change the air filters every few months. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to change your air filters. You should change the air filters at least once every 90 days for the average family home. However, if you suspect the air quality in your house is poor, you can change them more frequently. If you have a dog or cat in the house, change the air filters every 60 days. If you (or others in your home) have allergies, you should change the air filters every 20-45 days. If you have a washable filter, vacuum it first to remove any big particles. Then, soak the filter for 15 minutes before rinsing it with water. Notice an increase in allergy symptoms. It's easy to attribute allergy sensitivities to the weather or season changes, but it can often be caused by irritants in the air in your home. If you notice a significant rise in your allergy symptoms, it might be time to test the air quality in your house. Some common allergy symptoms include: Coughing Sneezing Watery eyes Nasal congestion Headaches Bloody noses Pay attention to any unusual or new health symptoms. You might think that getting sick is unrelated to the air quality in your home. Often, this is true, but certain contaminants (like asbestos, toxic mold, and other chemicals) can negatively impact your health. This is especially true if you seem to suffer from frequent bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis. Get your home's air quality tested if you notice any of the following symptoms: Dizziness Nausea Rashes Fever Chills Fatigue Monitor any construction in your home and neighborhood. Home construction can impact the quality of air in your home. Whenever there is a renovation or new construction project, the air can be exposed to dust particles, chemicals, and other harmful materials that can collect in your HVAC system and then begin to circulate throughout the entire house. Even construction done by neighbors can negatively impact the air quality of your home, so be sure to keep an eye out for that too. Some building materials, such as paints and paint strippers, can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These chemical fumes can cause unpleasant symptoms, like irritation in your eyes, nose, and throat, as well as more serious health problems, such as liver or kidney damage. Pay a professional to test the air quality in your home. If you suspect that the air quality in your home is poor, you should hire a professional who can test the air quality and give you an informed recommendation. Ask friends, realtors, or construction companies for referrals to a qualified specialist in your area. A professional will be able to test for poor air quality due to: Indoor mold Lead-based paint Dust particles, dust mites, and other allergens Smoke-related air pollution Air fresheners, candles, and incense Household cleaners Combustion particles or gases Hire a radon specialist to test for radon in your home. If you suspect that you have significant levels of radon in your home, you'll need to hire a professional to resolve the issue. You can contact your state or local health department for a list of recommended professionals who can help clear the radon out of your home. You can also use the Environmental Protection Agency's interactive map to find a qualified radon professional in your area: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information Use a professional test if you need an official test result. If you are buying or selling a home, often testing the air for pollutants is a contingency of the loan you will be applying for. This is especially true in regions that have high levels of air pollution due to industry or even natural causes (like the common occurrence of forest fires). In these cases, at-home tests that you complete yourself will not be sufficient. Hire a professional who has experience testing air quality in homes, preferably one who is recommended by your realtor, lender, or home inspector. If you don't have a recommendation for a professional, try to do some online research by reading online reviews from actual customers of various professionals in your areas. You can also check a prospective professional for certifications in the field – such as membership in the Indoor Air Quality Association or the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants. | Purchase an air quality monitor. Check for signs and symptoms of mold. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Perform an at-home radon test. Use an air purifier. Change the air filters every few months. Notice an increase in allergy symptoms. Pay attention to any unusual or new health symptoms. Monitor any construction in your home and neighborhood. Pay a professional to test the air quality in your home. Hire a radon specialist to test for radon in your home. Use a professional test if you need an official test result. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Obsidian-in-Minecraft | How to Make Obsidian in Minecraft | To make obsidian in Minecraft, start by searching for a pool of stationary lava, which are often located in caves or ravines. Once you find a source block of lava, collect it in a bucket crafted from 3 iron ingots. Then, dig a hole where you want the obsidian, but make sure it is at least 2 blocks away from any flammable materials such as wood and grass. Pour the lava into the hole, and use your bucket to gather water to pour over the lava. Once the water touches the lava, it will turn into obsidian that you can mine with a diamond pickaxe. | Find a pool of lava. There is no crafting recipe for obsidian. Instead, any time flowing water hits a stationary lava "source" block, the lava turns into obsidian. You can find stationary lava in the following places: Lava is easiest to find as "lava falls" in caves and ravines. Only the top block is a source block. Lava is very common in the bottom ten layers of the map. Dig down diagonally to avoid falling in it. Rarely, you can find lava lakes on the surface, but never more than about twenty blocks above sea level. Some villages have a single smithy with two blocks of lava, visible from the outside. Collect the lava in buckets. Craft a bucket out of three iron ingots. Use the bucket on the lava to scoop it up. You can only scoop up stationary blocks of lava, not flowing lava. In the computer crafting system, arrange the iron in a "V" shape. Dig a hole where you want the obsidian. Make sure the hole is contained, and that nothing flammable is within two blocks in any direction. Wood, tall grass, and many other objects will catch fire near lava. Pour the lava into the hole. Remember, only stationary (not flowing) lava will turn into obsidian. This means you will need one bucket of lava for every block of obsidian you want to make. Remember, without a diamond pickaxe you cannot mine the obsidian without destroying it. Make sure you want obsidian in that location before you continue. Send water over the lava. Use your now-empty bucket to scoop up water. Bring it to the lava pool you created and place the water above the lava so it flows down onto it. When the flowing water hits the lava, the lava will turn into obsidian. It's a good idea to build a temporary, non-flammable structure around the lava pool to prevent an annoying flood. Obtain a diamond pickaxe. Obsidian is the only block that must be mined using a diamond pickaxe. Any lesser tool will destroy the obsidian if you try to mine it. Locate a lava pool. Dig down almost to the bottom of the map and explore. It shouldn't take long to find a large pool of lava. Since you have a diamond pickax, you can turn the whole pool into obsidian at once, instead of transporting the lava in buckets. Fence off the area. Create a small wall on one side of the pool, leaving room to put down a water block. This will reduce the chances of water pushing you into the lava. Pour water over the lava. Put the water block down inside the fenced area, one level higher than the lava. It should flow down and turn the surface of the lake into obsidian. Test the edge of the obsidian. Stand at the edge and dig one block deep into the obsidian. There might be another layer of lava beneath it. If you're not careful, you may fall into this lava, or the obsidian bock item will fall before you can catch it, and burn up. Direct the water to flow where you mine. If there is lava underneath the obsidian, stand next to the water and mine the obsidian at its edge. The water should rush in as you mine, turning the next layer into obsidian before the lava can cause any damage. Continue to mine as much obsidian as you need, moving the water when necessary. Gather twenty obsidian by other means. It takes ten obsidian to make a Nether portal. Once you have enough for two portals, however, you can use a trick to get infinite obsidian without needing to find lava. Create a Nether portal. If you don't have a portal already, place obsidian blocks in a vertical frame 5 tall x 4 wide. Activate it by using a flint and steel on the lowest obsidian block. This trick may not work if there is another portal close by. The corners of the portal do not have to be obsidian. Travel through the Nether. The Nether is a dangerous place, so prepare yourself if you haven't been before. You'll need the remaining ten obsidian blocks, but you might want to leave them safely behind and explore a safe route first. You'll need to travel a certain minimum distance in a straight, horizontal line (these numbers include a 3-block margin of safety just in case): PC, Pocket Edition, and Console Edition "large" worlds: travel 19 blocks. Console Edition "medium" worlds: travel 25 blocks. Console Edition "classic" worlds (including all PS3 and Xbox 360 worlds): travel 45 blocks. If you have multiple Overworld portals, walk away from their coordinates. This trick will not work if you are too close to an existing portal. Build a second portal. Build this in the Nether and activate it the same way you did the first one. When you walk through it, you should appear in a brand-new portal in the Overworld. If you appear next to a portal you already built, you did not walk far enough in the Nether. Go back to the Nether and break your portal with a diamond pickaxe, then rebuild it somewhere else. Mine the obsidian in the Overworld portal. The portal that just appeared has fourteen obsidian blocks free for the taking. Mine these with a diamond pickaxe. Exit the same Nether portal to spawn a new one. Each time you walk through the Nether portal you just built, a new portal will appear in the Overworld. Mine this for free obsidian. Speed this up if you want a large amount of obsidian: Use a bed to set your spawn near the permanent Overworld portal. Place a chest near the temporary Overworld portal. Stash the obsidian and diamond pickaxe in the chest after mining the portal. Kill yourself to return to spawn. Walk through the Nether again and exit the same portal to create a new one. Build a tunnel between the Nether portals to increase safety. Find the End portal. The End portal leads to the final, most challenging area in Minecraft. Locating it and activating is a long quest involving many Eyes of Ender. Try this only when you're ready to face the fearsome Ender Dragon. If you are on Pocket Edition, the End Portal will only work on infinite (not "Old") worlds running on version 1.0 or later (released December 2016). Mine the End platform. When you travel through the End portal, a platform of 9 obsidian blocks will appear for you to stand on. Mine it with the diamond pickaxe (though you may want to kill that dragon bothering you first). Mine the obsidian pillars. The island with the Ender Dragon has several tall towers with purple crystals atop them. The towers are made entirely of obsidian. Return through the same end portal. You can return to the Overworld either by dying, or by defeating the Ender Dragon and walking through the exit portal that appears. Each time you walk through an End portal, the 9-block obsidian platform will respawn. This makes it one of the fastest ways to get infinitely recurring obsidian. The obsidian pillars do not respawn unless you respawn the dragon. To bring back the dragon, place four ender crystals on top of the exit portal that appeared when the dragon died. | Find a pool of lava. Collect the lava in buckets. Dig a hole where you want the obsidian. Pour the lava into the hole. Send water over the lava. Obtain a diamond pickaxe. Locate a lava pool. Fence off the area. Pour water over the lava. Test the edge of the obsidian. Direct the water to flow where you mine. Gather twenty obsidian by other means. Create a Nether portal. Travel through the Nether. Build a second portal. Mine the obsidian in the Overworld portal. Exit the same Nether portal to spawn a new one. Find the End portal. Mine the End platform. Mine the obsidian pillars. Return through the same end portal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Silage | How to Make Silage | To make silage, cut your crop into swaths with a swather before letting the swaths wilt for half a day. After you've left the crop to wilt, chop it up in a forage harvester and load the harvested crop into your silage truck. Stack your harvested crop into a large pile, then use a tractor to compress it down and get rid of as much oxygen as possible. Once the pile is complete, cover it immediately with polyethylene plastic so it can start fermenting. Use heavy objects, like old tires or hay bales, to hold the plastic sheeting down. You'll need to leave the fodder for at least 2 weeks before using it, which will give it enough time to ferment. | Plan ahead. You will need to know when the right time to start silaging so that you get the crop cut at the right stage for the best feed quality possible. Timing is crucial to get the crop cut at the right stage, harvest soon after, and have someone packing the pit as the loads are coming in. The pit will need to also be covered as soon as possible to avoid losses with spoilage. You must have the right equipment and enough silage plastic available ahead of time so that you are not scrambling and trying to beat a fast-closing window of opportunity to get your crop in. If you have not yet found a site for and installed a concrete bunker, or dug into the ground an open three-sided pit designed for storing silage, you will need to have this arranged and completed well in advance of silage-making season. Or, if you do not have a bunker or pit dug out and prepared for proper ensiling, you need to find a place where you can create a silage pile that is well-drained and easily accessible during times when you need to access it without much trouble. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/482218615_c32fdf70fd_b.jpg\/460px-482218615_c32fdf70fd_b.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/482218615_c32fdf70fd_b.jpg\/728px-482218615_c32fdf70fd_b.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>Details: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external free\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/hackaday\/482218615\/\">https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/hackaday\/482218615\/<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Assess the crop. For most cereal crops, the best time to cut is when they are at the soft-dough stage. The majority of the plant should still be green, but with a bit of yellowish tinge, especially on the heads of the plant. To test crop stage, squeeze a random kernel between your fingers to see how soft it is. At the soft-dough stage you should get a white, soft paste-like substance coming out from the seeds. If it's more liquid than paste, the crop isn't quite ready yet, but getting very close. Corn will be at the same stage when it is ready to be harvested for silage. However, to test if corn is ready, take an ear of corn, tear off the husks and break the cob in half. An old rule of thumb is to look for the "milk line" (the line made where the solid and liquid parts of the kernels divide, and tends to progress from the outer edge of the kernel in towards the cob). This milk line should be half to two-thirds of the way in to the cob (the kernels are 2/3 yellow and 1/3 white, for example). Weeds are a bit of a non-issue with a silage crop. It's being made into feed, not being sold for grain, and the animals aren't going to judge if they find a tiny bit of wild buckwheat in with the rest of the feed. Cut the crop into swaths. Unlike with making haylage , the best machine to use to cut a crop with is a swather, not a hay mower. A windrower may be all right, but when cutting a thicker and taller crop like barley or oats, a swather is built for the heavier tonnage you will be getting off cropland than you would a perennial forage stand, usually. Also, a swather will not shred seeds off of the crop like you may find happen more often with a windrower. It will be a different story with corn and sorghum, or sorghum-sudan grass. This step will not be needed for this type of crop because the swaths will be to large and difficult for a forage harvester to get through. Instead, these crops will be straight-cut, with a header that is suited for large-stemmed crops like corn. Straight-cutting small-cereals like barley and oats for silage is not an issue and an option to consider. With swathing, though, it actually allows the crop to dry down a bit more than if left standing, allowing you to harvest it at a lower moisture than what you would get if harvesting it as a standing crop. Straight-cutting small-cereals like barley and oats for silage is not an issue and an option to consider. With swathing, though, it actually allows the crop to dry down a bit more than if left standing, allowing you to harvest it at a lower moisture than what you would get if harvesting it as a standing crop. Silage should be put up at around 60 to 70% moisture for best preservation activity. A higher moisture silage will be more prone to seepage or freezing, making things difficult for transport. Nutrients are also lost with the seepage, particularly nitrogen that has been broken down by microbes in the silage. Lower moisture may not guarantee the best fermentation activity, particularly if silage is put up at less than 40 to 45% moisture. Allow the swaths to wilt down for about half a day before harvesting. The forage will need to be dried down to about 60 to 70% moisture before chopping for silage. Silage can be put up at higher moisture, but as mentioned above seepage will be an issue. Also, the low temperature fermentation activity can provide a suitable environment for undesirable clostridial bacteria that are prone to cause maladies like listeriosis and botulism. Harvest the crop. Machines called "forage harvesters" like the one in the photo above (which is a "self-propelled" harvester) are used to chop up the swathed forage and feed it out through a long, tall spout that can literally "spit" out the feed at quite a distance. The forage harvester's cutter blades will need to be set at the right setting so that the forage is cut at the right chop-length. For small grains, set the blades so that they are cutting up forage between ⁄ 8 inch (0.95 cm) and ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm). Larger crops like corn and sorghum-sudan should be chopped at lengths from ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) to ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm). Since the forage harvester does not have a storage compartment on it like combine harvesters do, a truck with a silage unit on it, a tractor with a silage wagon, or a large unit designed for collecting silage from the forage harvester–called a "Jiffy wagon"–needs to be used to collect the freshly cut forage. The Jiffy wagon, for example, acts as the storage compartment for the forage harvester. Once full, it can be dumped into a truck as shown in the sequence of photos here. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Daddumpingstage1.jpg\/460px-Daddumpingstage1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Daddumpingstage1.jpg\/722px-Daddumpingstage1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":357,"bigWidth":"722","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Daddumpingstage2.jpg\/460px-Daddumpingstage2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Daddumpingstage2.jpg\/728px-Daddumpingstage2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":324,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"513","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Daddumpingfinalstage.jpg\/460px-Daddumpingfinalstage.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Daddumpingfinalstage.jpg\/728px-Daddumpingfinalstage.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":317,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"502","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Take the freshly chopped forage to the pile or pit. Once the truck or silage wagon is full, the unit will need to be taken to the designated pit or pile area to drop off the load. Make sure the loads are placed as close to each other as possible. When first starting the pile, the first several loads must be place where the pile is going to be. After that they are placed close to the built pile, and dumped in a way that is easy for the person in the "packing unit" to move into a pile; i.e., parallel to the pile, and/or in the same direction the pile will be built up as. An exchange is made between the wagons and/or trucks so that the person operating the forage harvester doesn't need to stop and wait every so often. Once the first truck is full, the harvester stops briefly so that the truck can pull away and the second one moves into position. The first truck returns after dropping its load off to get another load, and so the process repeats. Pack the silage well. The silage pile must be packed very well, and should be packed down during and after each harvesting day. In a large operation where several people are employed, it would be beneficial to have one (a brave one that is not afraid of heights especially) stay behind to operate another tractor or large loader that will continuously gather and pack the pile well. Tractors with dual wheels are recommended to provide the best packing power possible. Packing is what helps encourage fermentation activity and discourages spoilage. The more the pile is packed down, the less pockets of oxygen there are. Oxygen pockets create spoiled feed; aerobic-loving bacteria turn it into a brown to black slimy mess, that often smells like tobacco or burnt caramel. In other words, instead of fermenting the feed (which is producing a significant amount of acid as a means to preserve the feed), the presence of oxygen decomposes it into a substance equivalent to manure. You don't want feed that is messy and gross like manure (think cow poop). If you don't like the look, feel and smell of it, neither will your animals! Silage piles must be longer and wider than they are tall. The higher the pile is built up, the wider the edges will need to be. A concrete bunker will control how wide you can make the pile, though you can pack several feet above, but only so much that the sides are not over-flowing. A rule of thumb for pile-size is larger at the base than the top; no less than 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 m) wide at the top to prevent roll-overs or slippage from machinery; and silage piles should only be 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 m) tall, mainly for farm safety reasons. The best way to tell if you have done a good packing job is when you try to sink your fingers into the pile. If you only get in so far as your second knuckles of your first three fingers, then the pile has been packed very well, and has potential for being good feed in the winter with minimal spoilage. Cover the pile immediately. Use the proper plastic recommended for covering silage. Often recommended and used is polyethylene plastic that may be black on both sides or white on one side and black on the other. The cheaper stuff is all black, but the better quality is the black and white plastic. Use 6 to 10 milliliters (0.34 fl oz) plastic. This can be found at your local farm and ranch supply store. The heavier the plastic, the more effective it is at keeping oxygen out of the pile and reducing wastage with spoiling. The rolls are very heavy. Use a tractor loader with bucket teeth to carry the plastic to the pit so that you can unroll and unfold it. A trick to use is to insert a 6 feet (1.8 m) long, heavy iron bar into the roll (like you would hanging a roll of toilet paper on a toilet-paper holder), and fashion thick wire or heavy chain that hangs on the teeth of the bucket. Hang the bar onto this. Important: White and black plastic must be used so that the white side is facing out, and the black against the fresh silage in the pit. The white side reflects sunlight and reduces excess heating from the sun, whereas the black side keeps heat inside. Trim off extra plastic and use that to cover the edges and sides that the plastic has not covered. Weigh the plastic down well. Use numerous old or recycled tires all over the top part of the pile. Hay bales can also be used to hold down plastic on the sides if the silage pile is not in a bunker. Old tires are much more gentler on the plastic because they do not cause punctures. Punctures are a serious danger of feed spoilage. All sides and all parts of the pile must be covered and held down well so to ensure the pile properly ensiles and spoilage is minimized. Repair any holes immediately. Holes in the plastic can cause massive spoilage problems over time. Spoilage will not be localized, especially if the holes go from a tiny tear to a big rip, especially if wind is a problem. Allow at least 2 weeks to pass before feeding. This will give the feed enough time to ferment and pickle, and develop that fermented sourish smell that is often associated with silaged feeds. If you wish to wait longer, then that's fine too. Take only as much as you need. Only take so much off the face as you need to feed. It may take practice to understand how much of the face to scrape down and gather for feeding, but the mathematics with calculating how much face to remove to feed a certain number of animals per feeding can be done for more accuracy, and to obtain a good pit face for your pile. Good pit faces reduce excessive spoilage or secondary heating. | Plan ahead. Assess the crop. Cut the crop into swaths. Allow the swaths to wilt down for about half a day before harvesting. Harvest the crop. Take the freshly chopped forage to the pile or pit. Pack the silage well. Cover the pile immediately. Weigh the plastic down well. Repair any holes immediately. Allow at least 2 weeks to pass before feeding. Take only as much as you need. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Chalk-Paint | How to Use Chalk Paint | To use chalk paint, try to work indoors since chalk paint adheres better to surfaces at room temperature. If your furniture has rust or a high-gloss finish, sand it with 150-grit or finer sandpaper, which will also help the paint stick to the surface. Afterwards, wash the surface with soapy water and let it dry completely before applying the paint. Use a brush with long, flexible bristles, which will give you longer strokes and allow you to cover more area before you need to reload your brush. You should also apply the paint in one direction only to ensure your strokes are even and consistent. | Work indoors if possible. Chalk paint adheres to surfaces best at room temperature, so working inside is best if you can. If you work outside it might be too hot or too cold for the paint to adhere properly. If the temperature is between 60–80 °F (16–27 °C), it may be safe to work outdoors. Protect your floors. Spread a canvas sheet or tarp on the floor under where you'll be painting. This protects your floor – whether a hard surface or carpet – from paint drips. Do not use any paper products, such as newspaper, as the paint can leak through it. Remove any hardware from the furniture you’re painting. This includes things like handles, knobs, or hinges on furniture or cabinets, and glass or pads. Use plastic baggies to store the hardware you've removed until you're done with the project. That way you don't lose anything and you can get your furniture reassembled more quickly. If the hardware cannot be removed, cover it with painter's tape. Sand rusty or high-gloss surfaces. Chalk paint will adhere to most surfaces without any kind of prep. However, if your furniture has a high-gloss paint or a lot of rust, lightly sanding it can guarantee good paint coverage. Use a 150-grit or finer sandpaper and lightly rough up the surface of the piece you're painting. Apply a water-based primer to untreated wood. This gives the chalk paint something to adhere too, rather than it just soaking into the wood. Apply the primer with a cloth pad, covering the entire surface of the piece in a thin layer, and let it dry according to instructions on the label. Clean the surface with soapy water. You should do this after any pre-treatment dries but before you apply the chalk paint. Drop a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of warm water and use a soft cloth to clean the surface. Rinse it with a cloth dipped in clear water, and then let it dry fully before you paint it. Tape off areas you don’t want painted. This is especially important if you're painting something like a cabinet, since you don't want paint on your counter surface. Place the tape at the very edge of the thing you don't want to paint, creating a barrier between your brush and the surface you don't want painted. Get enough paint. There's nothing worse than starting a project and running out of paint halfway through. One liter of chalk paint can cover about 140 square feet (about 13 square meters). Make sure you measure the surface area you're painting before you buy the paint. Get a brush with long flexible china bristles. This allows the brush to pick up a good amount of paint. It also gives you a longer stroke, which means you can cover more area before you need to reload your brush. Dip the brush into the paint. Only dip the brush about halfway in to the can; you don't want so much paint on the brush that it drips a lot. Tap the brush against the side of the can to remove excess paint. Apply the paint in one direction. For example, if you've decided to paint starting at the left of your piece, always move left to right. When you run out of paint, re-dip the brush, and then start by placing your brush just inside the paint you just applied and continue painting in the same direction. Each stroke should be a consistent size and use the same amount of paint. Pour paint into a paint pan. Don't totally fill the pan, since you'll just have to pour it back in the can if you don't use all of it. Pour enough to cover the roller brush when you place it in the bottom of the pan. Leave part of the pan dry so that you can roll the brush against it before applying. Use a high density foam roller. A high-density roller will soak up a lot of paint without it dripping. For most chalk paint jobs, it's probably best to use a 9 inches (23 cm) mini roller. Dip the roller into the paint in the pan and roll it back and forth until it's coated. Scrape the brush on the grid of the pan. This gets rid of any excess paint on the surface of the roller. Don't scrape the roller brush too hard since this will get rid of most of your paint. Roll on a thin layer of paint. Then roll the brush back in the opposite direction, and once more in the original direction. This gives you good coverage that should cover up any brush lines. Water down the paint if necessary. Not all paint guns can handle chalk paint because it can be a little thick. Add 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) (1 oz) of water to every cup (8 oz) of paint that you use in the paint gun. Operate the gun at high pressure. This is especially necessary if you choose not to water down the paint. Test the gun on a small, out-of-the-way area on your piece of furniture to get used to the pressure. Make sure that you have the right nozzle on the gun. A narrower nozzle will apply a higher stream of pressure. Hold the gun approximately 3 inches (7 cm) away from the furniture. Apply the chalk paint evenly, sweeping your arm back and forth in long, even movements. Apply a second coat as necessary. A second coat of chalk paint is not usually necessary, but it can help cover imperfections. It can also give you a two-tone look if you use a lighter shade or the same shade for the second layer. The bottom layer of paint will show through slightly, altering the color. Let the paint dry. Chalk paint dries relatively quickly, but if possible give it about two hours to dry totally. If you have applied a second coat, give it a full 24 hours to dry. Distress the surface. If you like the matte look of the dried chalk paint, keep it as is. For a more distressed look, use a medium-grit sandpaper and gently rub the surface, especially at the edges. Seal with wax. You can use clear or tinted wax. Gently massage wax into surface of the piece you painted with a soft wax brush. You should use a 500-mL tin of wax for every 3 to 4 liters (0.79 to 1.1 US gal) of paint you used. Work the wax in with the grain of the wood. Let the wax cure for at least 30 minutes or follow the instructions on the label. Buff the wax for a shiny finish. You can do this with a soft, clean cloth. Rub the cured wax surface in small, even circles until the surface shines. Replace the hardware. Once the wax is buffed, you can replace any hardware you removed to paint the piece. Be careful not to overtighten any screws, as this can scrape your paint up. | Work indoors if possible. Protect your floors. Remove any hardware from the furniture you’re painting. Sand rusty or high-gloss surfaces. Apply a water-based primer to untreated wood. Clean the surface with soapy water. Tape off areas you don’t want painted. Get enough paint. Get a brush with long flexible china bristles. Dip the brush into the paint. Apply the paint in one direction. Pour paint into a paint pan. Use a high density foam roller. Scrape the brush on the grid of the pan. Roll on a thin layer of paint. Water down the paint if necessary. Operate the gun at high pressure. Hold the gun approximately 3 inches (7 cm) away from the furniture. Apply a second coat as necessary. Let the paint dry. Distress the surface. Seal with wax. Buff the wax for a shiny finish. Replace the hardware. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Give-an-Insulin-Shot-to-Dogs | How to Give an Insulin Shot to Dogs | To give an insulin shot to a dog, start by removing the cap from the needle and drawing insulin into the syringe. Then, hold the syringe in your dominant hand and use your other hand to pick up a fold of skin on your dog's back or shoulder. Next, push the needle into the skin at a 45 degree angle and depress the plunger on the syringe to inject the insulin. Finally, remove the needle from your dog and dispose of it safely. | Remove the cap on the needle. Start by removing the cap from the needle on the syringe. The syringe should come with a plastic cap to ensure it is sterile. Once you remove the cap, pull the plunger back to the appropriate dose mark on the syringe. Your vet should tell you the dosage required for your dog. Roll the insulin between your hands. Insulin is a suspension, not a solution, so it needs to be mixed before you give it to your dog. Roll the insulin bottle or tube between your hands quickly a few times. Then, turn the bottle upside down to make sure there are no white insulin molecules at the bottom of the bottle. Never shake the insulin as this may break down the insulin molecules. Shaking will also cause the insulin to foam, making it difficult to measure it accurately when you draw it out. If there are still white insulin molecules at the bottom, roll the insulin again until it is mixed. Insulin that has been refrigerated should be left out at room temperature for an hour before it is injected. Cold insulin can be painful when injected. Insert the needle into the insulin bottle. After the insulin has been mixed, pull air up into the syringe by pulling the plunger back. Then insert the needle into the insulin bottle and push the plunger down to inject the air from the syringe into the bottle. Draw out the insulin. Pull the plunger back up to draw out the insulin. Draw out more insulin than you need. Then, inject the excess back into the bottle by pushing down on the plunger. This will remove any air bubbles from the syringe. Always measure the dose at the edge of the plunger, where it is closest to the needle. If you get bubbles in the syringe, flick the syringe with your fingers until the bubbles rise to the top and then simply push the air out of the syringe with the plunger. Give the dog insulin after it has eaten. Always give the dog insulin as it is eating or right after it has eaten. This will ensure the insulin is absorbed properly into its bloodstream. Time the insulin shots for the dog's meal and be ready to give the dog insulin during meal time. You may want to record the time of the injection on a calendar so you can keep track of the insulin you are giving the dog. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. If you are right handed, hold the syringe in your right hand. Then, wrap your left hand around the dog's neck towards its back. This will allow you to then hold the dog still while you inject the insulin. Alternatively, you can ask a friend, partner, or family member to hold the dog from behind with both hands. This will make it easier for you to administer the insulin properly without worrying about your dog moving or shifting around. However, this may not be necessary if the insulin is given while the dog is eating. Pick up a fold on your dog’s back or shoulders. Use your nondominant hand to lift up a fold of skin along your dog's back or shoulders. You can also choose a fold of skin on the sides of the dog's chest or abdomen. Make sure you use a different injection site every time you give the dog insulin. Push the needle into your dog’s skin at a forty-five degree angle. Push the entire needle into the dog's skin. Be careful not to push the needle into your finger. Keep in mind you do not need to sterilize the area with alcohol before you insert the needle. It is not an effective way to remove bacteria and is not necessary. Give the dog the injection. Pull back on the syringe plunger slightly and check that no blood enters the syringe. Then, push the plunger with your thumb to give the dog the injection. If blood enters the syringe, this means the needle is in a blood vessel. Remove the needle and start again at a different injection site. Remove the needle from your dog’s skin. Once the insulin has been injected, remove it from your dog's skin at the same angle. Put the cap back on the needle. Dispose of the syringe properly. All insulin needles are one use only and must be disposed of properly after they have been used. Use a needle clipping and storage device, such as Safe-Clip, or just put the needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant container. Do not simply throw it in the garbage, as this can be a health hazard. Reward your dog. Praise your dog after the injection by scratching its head or giving it a treat. You can also use verbal praise like “Good job” or “Great going.” | Remove the cap on the needle. Roll the insulin between your hands. Insert the needle into the insulin bottle. Draw out the insulin. Give the dog insulin after it has eaten. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. Pick up a fold on your dog’s back or shoulders. Push the needle into your dog’s skin at a forty-five degree angle. Give the dog the injection. Remove the needle from your dog’s skin. Dispose of the syringe properly. Reward your dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms | How to Grow Edible Mushrooms | To grow edible mushrooms, start by purchasing mushroom spawns in an easy-to-grow variety, such as crimini or shiitakes. Then, fill a styrofoam cooler or a terrarium with a substrate suitable for growing mushrooms, like rye meal or saw dust, and leave them in a dark, warm room for 3 weeks. When the roots begin to grow, cover them with 1 inch of potting soil and keep the soil surface slightly damp for another 4 weeks. Once the veil connecting the cap to the stem is lifted, harvest the mushrooms by cutting the base with a sharp knife. | Buy the mushroom spawn of your desired variety. If you're a seasoned mushroom-grower, you can order spores and inoculate your own fruiting cakes, but to get started and ensure a successful fruiting, it's usually best to buy pre-inoculated "spawn," which is usually available in pre-mixed bags. All you need to do to grow mushrooms is to prepare these spawn in a proper growing medium, keep them in a humid, dark location, and wait. If you're going to commit to growing mushrooms, make sure to select a variety that you'll like to eat a lot of. Consider the humble button mushroom. It goes by many names: crimini, button mushroom, white mushroom, table mushroom, but the agaricus bisporus is one of the most popular, versatile, and delicious mushrooms you can grow. Hearty enough to grill but delicate enough for salads and sautées, you can't go wrong with the button. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-2.jpg\/aid1602362-v4-728px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Mushrooms sold as cremini and portobellos (both agaricus bisporus) are essentially white button mushrooms that have been discarded because they lacked the salable whiteness. More recently, as tastes have changed, these once-discarded mushrooms have become more popular, even though they are essentially the same variety. The portobello mushroom is simply an agaricus bisporus allowed to mature slightly, until the cap opens up and plumps. Grow some wine caps. Not as common as the portobello, but similar in texture, flavor, and heartiness, the wine cap stropharia rugosoannulata is a beautiful brownish-red mushroom with a bright white stalk. Just as versatile as the button varieties, the wine cap could be a change of pace in your kitchen. Impress your friends at a dinner party with this seldom-used mushroom plucked straight from your garden. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-3.jpg\/aid1602362-v4-728px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Grow shiitakes. Cultivated for its nutritional properties (shiitake has proven tumor-reducing effects) this Japanese variety is translated "oak mushroom." Grown on logs, the delicious and rich caps of the shiitake mushroom are perfect for soups and stews, as well as a killer mushroom risotto. The stems are somewhat tough to chew when cooked, but are still very useful for flavoring broth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-4.jpg\/aid1602362-v4-728px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Try out some oyster mushrooms. A popular mushroom to pick, the pleurotus ostreatus is commonly known as the oyster mushroom because of its delicate briny taste and oyster-like appearance. Grown on logs like the shiitake, the oyster mushroom is easy to grow and even easier to eat. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-5.jpg\/aid1602362-v4-728px-Grow-Edible-Mushrooms-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Choose a cooler or terrarium with a lid. Styrofoam coolers, plastic terrariums, or even old grow-trays covered with enough wet newspaper can be used to grow mushrooms in the right environment. If you've got a dark basement in which to grow your mushrooms, you don't necessarily need a growing chamber with a lid. Use or build some 6-inch deep trays to grow your mushrooms in. Use an old fishtank or a plastic storage bin for growing mushrooms in drier climates, or if you don't have a basement in which to grow your mushrooms and need to regulate the temperature more readily. Fill your container with medium that is suitable for mushroom growing. You can buy your own pre-mixed beds to grow mushrooms, or make your own. Materials as diverse as manure, rye meal, vermiculite, and sawdust are used successfully for growing different varieties of edible mushrooms, but the basic mix will need to include compost and wood chips. The medium is very important, because mushrooms--unlike plants--can't manufacture their own nutrients and need an appropriate mix of sugars, starches, cellulose, and nitrogen. The kind of substrate you'll want to create for growing your mushrooms depends on the variety you want to grow: A manure-based compost is most appropriate for button varieties. Straw-rich horse manure, aged to the proper pH is appropriate. Many large-scale growers find it easier to make compost from corn fodder, straw, peat moss, tankage, and greensand instead. To prepare a fruiting substrate for morel spawn, mix together 80% small hardwood chips, 10% rice hulls, 5% soybean meal, and 5% sphagnum, then add a little lime to adjust the pH to 7.1 to 7.3. Next, combine 5 parts of this mixture with 2 parts sand and 3 parts potting soil and mix well. "Plant" the mushroom spawn. Plant your spawn about two inches deep in your substrate, several inches spaced from your other plantings. Alternatively, you can sprinkle your growing chamber with your spawn and cover with compost. Keep the chamber at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 21 degrees Celsius. Placing the container in a heated room or in direct sunlight may be used to regulate the heat. It will take about 3 weeks for the roots to spread into the medium. You want to check for the thin, white thread-like mycelium, which serve as the root base of the mushrooms. When you see this spiderweb-like formation happening, place the container in a darkened room or basement, so that the temperature is reduce to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius, and cover the spawn with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of regular potting soil. Spray the soil surface with water to keep it slightly damp. Do this regularly. A wet cloth is also useful for keeping the mushroom and soil damp. If you are keeping the container in a heated indoor space, then spraying everyday is necessary. Maintain cloth and soil dampness and temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, keep an eye out for any problems. You may need to start over if you notice pin-prick dots of black fungus, or if your substrates is over-saturated and slimy. Remove the cloth that your mushroom spawn came in once mushrooms begin to poke out of the soil. Harvest the mushrooms. The mushrooms are ready to be picked when the "veil" connecting the cap to the step of the mushroom is lifted. As soon as you see this happen, the mushrooms are at their optimum ripeness and deliciousness. Pick them. Don't pull them up from the substrate and risk knocking loose other mushrooms. Hold them firmly and twist them out, or use a small knife to cut them off near the base. Picking the mushrooms regularly is important--don't wait. Keeping the ripe mushrooms out of the way allows the flush to continue spreading, leading to a fruitful harvest. Start with hardwood logs and plug spawn. You can buy pre-inoculated logs directly from spawn suppliers, or start with ordinary fresh-cut logs with the bark intact. Oak is ideal, but you can also use other hardwood such as hard maple, hornbeam, ironwood, or sweet gum. Regardless of your choice, the logs should be about 4 feet (1.2 m) long and 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in diameter. If you use your own logs, you'll also need "plug spawn," or cylinders of mushroom spawn specifically for growing in logs. Oyster mushrooms and shiitake are two varieties commonly sold as plug spawn. For best results, cut the logs in late winter or spring. The wood is richer in sugars at this time, so the mushrooms have more to feed on. Inoculate the logs. If you are starting with your own logs, inoculate them within three weeks of cutting to stop the growth of undesirable organisms: If the wood is unusually dry due to a drought or a long storage period after felling (more than one or two months), soak the logs in clean water for a day or two, then let dry completely. Gently clean off all moss, lichens, and other organisms that could compete with your mushrooms. Drill a diamond-shaped pattern of 3–8 inch (7.6–20.3 cm) holes in each log. Use a 5/16th inch (7.9 mm) drill bit and make each hole deep enough to insert the plug spawn. Insert plug spawn with a wax cover. Tap the plug spawn fully into each hole with a hammer, or use the inoculating tool included in some types of plug spawn kits. Knock off any protruding excess spawn, then cover the holes with a thin layer of beeswax or cheese wax to protect the spawn from pests. The wax should be heated just hot enough to melt, but no hotter, to avoid starting a fire. Keep the logs in shade. Avoid wind and sun. You can purchase fruiting blankets to cover the logs with, or find a location with about 60% shade-cover to allow your logs time to fruit. A location near a building or evergreen trees is ideal, since they provide shade year round. Keep the logs moist until mushrooms form. It's important to keep the logs about 50% saturated with water so the spawn can establish itself. For best results, set up a misting system or sprinkler for light misting over a long period of time. You can instead spray heavily with a hose (or rain) for two to three hours twice a week instead, but this may be less reliable. Stop spraying when the mushrooms fruit. Once you see white mycelium reach the ends of the log, start checking regularly for fruiting (the formation of tiny mushroom "pins" that will grow to full size). Stop watering once this happens unless you experience very hot, dry weather. Fruiting takes anywhere from five to twelve months for shiitake mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms may be ready in much less time, but all mushrooms require at least one warm season before fruiting. If you let the fruiting happen naturally, most or all of your mushrooms will be ready in spring and fall. Commercial growers often practice "forced fruiting" in summer and winter, soaking the logs and controlling temperature and humidity for year-round production. Forced fruiting is more difficult and labor-intensive. Harvest the mushrooms. When you see the veil of the mushroom lift away from the stem, it's time to harvest your oysters and your shiitakes. Twist them off or cut them with a knife. You can let the mushrooms grow larger before harvesting, but this will reduce the overall number of harvested mushrooms per log. Start a new harvest in six to eight weeks. After this rest period, your logs will be ready for new spawn. Prepare your mushrooms to eat by brushing them of dirt. You don't need to soak the mushrooms or wash them considerably to get them ready to cook. Use a paper towel to brush any dirt or stray particulate from the mushrooms and trim off the stem ends. Discard the stems of shiitakes completely, or save them for making stocks or stews. Some people disagree on the proper method of cleaning mushrooms. You can get them wet, and getting them wet won't ruin the mushrooms, especially if you're eating them right away, but you don't need to. Make sure there's no large dirty spots on them, and they're fine to eat. Make marinated mushrooms. One of the most simple and delicious ways to prepare and eat your fresh mushrooms is by cooking them quickly in butter and oil and letting them chill overnight to gain flavor. For this recipe, you'll need: A pound of fresh mushrooms, any variety, chopped into quarters or halves a tablespoon of butter three tablespoons of olive oil half an onion, chopped (or shallots, if you prefer) two cloves of garlic, chopped half cup of dry red wine a handful of chopped green herbs, like oregano, thyme, or parsley salt and pepper to taste Heat the butter and a tiny amount of olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat until the butter bubbles. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the mushrooms. Do not stir for a minute or two until you hear them start to sizzle. That means the water is being released. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper and toss them to coat them with the garlic and onions. Continue browning the mushrooms. Add more oil as the liquid cooks off and deglaze the pan with the red wine. Let some of the liquid cook off and add the chopped herbs and seasoning to taste. You can eat it now for a delicious side dish or transfer it to a container to chill overnight. Make a mushroom omelette. Mushrooms and eggs go together well, combining a meaty and substantial substitute to pork. It's perfectly simple and complex at the same time. Experiment with your mushrooms. Cooking mushrooms are versatile and delicious any way you prepare them. Use your imagination and try different combinations. You can make: Mushroom risotto Mushroom pizza Mushroom soup Mushroom stroganoff Stuffed mushrooms Consider drying your mushrooms. If you end up with several pounds of fresh mushrooms, it may be difficult to use them all at once. Consider investing in a food dehydrator to keep your kitchen well stocked with your own produce well into the year. | Buy the mushroom spawn of your desired variety. Choose a cooler or terrarium with a lid. Fill your container with medium that is suitable for mushroom growing. "Plant" the mushroom spawn. Keep the chamber at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 21 degrees Celsius. Spray the soil surface with water to keep it slightly damp. Maintain cloth and soil dampness and temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. Harvest the mushrooms. Start with hardwood logs and plug spawn. Inoculate the logs. Insert plug spawn with a wax cover. Keep the logs in shade. Keep the logs moist until mushrooms form. Stop spraying when the mushrooms fruit. Harvest the mushrooms. Start a new harvest in six to eight weeks. Prepare your mushrooms to eat by brushing them of dirt. Make marinated mushrooms. Make a mushroom omelette. Experiment with your mushrooms. Consider drying your mushrooms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Oxidized-Aluminum | How to Clean Oxidized Aluminum | To clean oxidized aluminum, start by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water before rinsing it clean. Next, dip a half of lemon into some salt and rub it over the oxidized surface, then rinse it off. Alternatively, you can scrub the aluminum with diluted vinegar or cream of tartar to clean off the oxidation and make it shine again. If you're cleaning an aluminum pot, try boiling water and something acidic in it, such as tomato or sliced lemon, to clean the inside of the pot. | Rinse the aluminum surface. Begin the process of cleaning oxidized aluminum by rinsing the aluminum to remove surface dust or debris. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot or pan, rinse the pan under a strong jet of water. If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or house siding, use a damp cloth to wipe the aluminum or a hose to it with water. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If your aluminum looks clean after rinsing with water, move onto cleaning the aluminum with natural cleaners. If it is still looking dirty or there is debris caked up over the oxidation, wash the aluminum surface with hot water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush or scratchy pad. Deep clean the aluminum. To remove stubborn dirt or food buildup on your aluminum, use hot water and a flat edge to scrape buildup off of the surface. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot, place a few inches of water in the bottom, put the pot on the stove, and bring it to a boil for about five minutes. Then take the pot off the stove, wait for the water to cool slightly and use a flat-edge spatula to scrape off the buildup with the water still inside. If you are washing aluminum wheels or siding, soak a cloth in hot water and hold it against the buildup to loosen it, then use a flat spatula to scrape it off. Use vinegar. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot, fill the pot with water, then add 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) for every quart of water. Bring the water and vinegar to a boil and let the boil roll for 15 minutes, then pour out the liquid. You may have to do this process a few times to eliminate all oxidation. If you are cleaning a small aluminum object, bring water and vinegar to a boil inside a pot, then take the pot off the heat and drop the aluminum object inside. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then take it out and rinse it off. If you are cleaning a large aluminum surface, soak a cloth in vinegar, then wipe it across the oxidation. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush, then wipe away the vinegar and lifted oxidation with a damp cloth. Don't use abrasive materials like steel wool or sandpaper to scrub the surface of the aluminum. While this can scrape away oxidation, it also will scratch the surface of the aluminum and make oxidation harder to remove in the future. Use lemon juice. Do the same cleaning process as you did with vinegar, this time with lemon juice. If you are cleaning a small surface, you can also simply rub sliced lemon over the oxidized surface and wipe away. Dip the lemon slice in some salt to add abrasiveness if you are cleaning a particularly tough patch of oxidation. You can find small containers of lemon juice at most grocery stores, which is an easier alternative than individually juicing lemons. Clean with cream of tartar. Use the same methods as you used with lemon and vinegar, this time using cream of tartar to clean off the oxidation. If you are cleaning a large area of oxidation, wet a cloth, apply a small amount of cream of tartar to it and rub the cloth over the surface. Then rub the cream of tartar away with a soft-bristled brush. Cook something acidic. If you are cleaning out an aluminum pot of oxidation, you can simply cook something acidic in it such as tomato, sliced apple, sliced lemon or rhubarb. Place the pot on the stove, add one of these acidic foods and enough water to cover the oxidized areas. Bring the pot to a boil, then take it off the heat and pour everything out. Since the oxidation will come off of the pot, you should not eat the foods you are cooking. Apply aluminum cleaners. There are many cleaners on the market specifically formulated to clean aluminum. After removing as much oxidation as you can by using the methods above, put on gloves and apply the commercial aluminum cleaner according to its packaging. Only use commercial cleaners that are aluminum specific. Many commercial cleaners contain ammonia, trisodium phosphate and other chemicals that can be harmful to aluminum. Use a metal polishing paste. Aside from making a surface shiny, polishing pastes can also clean the surface of aluminum and take off oxidation. Purchase a metal polishing paste that can safely be used on aluminum and refer to its package to apply it to the oxidized area. Apply wax after cleaning. Depending on what kind of aluminum object or surface you are cleaning, you may want to coat it with automotive wax after cleaning to help prevent oxidation in the future. Use wax on surfaces like a car or bicycle wheels, house siding, or outdoor furniture, but don't use it on aluminum pots or kitchenware. | Rinse the aluminum surface. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Deep clean the aluminum. Use vinegar. Use lemon juice. Clean with cream of tartar. Cook something acidic. Apply aluminum cleaners. Use a metal polishing paste. Apply wax after cleaning. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ship-a-Cake | How to Ship a Cake | Shipping a cake may seem tricky, but if you package it properly and make sure it's insulated, you can definitely do it. Start by freezing the cake for 2 days before you ship it so it stays cooler for longer. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an insulated bag or box. Place ice packs in the packaging to help keep the cake cool in transit. You can then place the packaged cake into a new and sturdy cardboard box and fill in any extra space with bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts to minimize movement. Choose 1-2 day shipping so the cake gets to its destination quickly to reduce the amount of time it spends traveling. | Freeze the cake for 2 days before shipping. This will keep the cake fresh as it travels and will prevent the icing from smudging during transport. Place the cake in the freezer so it's level and avoid placing things on top of it as it freezes. When making the cake, avoid using ingredients that may spoil during transport, like cream cheese frosting, custard, or fruits, just in case the cake begins to thaw. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Begin wrapping the frozen cake in plastic wrap, going around all the edges a couple of times. Wrap the plastic wrap in all different directions to ensure it's completely covered. This creates a tight seal so no air can get in, keeping it as fresh as possible. Set the cake in an insulated bag or box with ice packs to keep it cold. Place the wrapped cake in an insulated bag that keeps food cold. Set a few ice packs in the bag around the cake to keep it frozen as well. Once the cake is in the bag, use tape to seal it off so the cold air doesn't escape. If you order frozen foods to be delivered, these often come in insulated bags with ice packs that you can use for the cake, or they can be purchased at a grocery store or big box store. As an alternative to ice packs, consider using dry ice. Wear gloves if you're handling dry ice, as it will burn your skin. Use a container that's tight and fits the cake nicely so it's doesn't move around too much during shipping. Place the cake in a new sturdy cardboard box to ship it. Set the insulated bag with the cake in it in a brand new box the right size for the cake. There doesn't need to be lots of free space around the cake, but the box shouldn't be squishing any part of it. Choose a cardboard box that's sturdy and corrugated to ensure a safe delivery. USPS has free 2-day shipping boxes that come in varying sizes that you can use to ship your cake in. While the box itself is free, you'll pay a flat rate for shipping. Fill in any extra space with bubble wrap or paper. Once the cake is placed in the box, fill in the box so there isn't any space for the cake to move around. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue paper, or even plastic bags to fill in the empty spaces, creating a snug cushioning for the cake. Place the padding on all sides of the cake to protect it. Use packing tape to seal off the edges of the bag and box. After using packing tape to seal off the insulation bag, tape up the box as well. Place the tape on each open edge of the box, creating a fully sealed cooler so no cold air is able to escape. Tape the top, bottom, and each edge of the box using packing tape. Use multiple layers of the tape to create a secure seal. Attach the address and shipping labels to the box. Either hand-write the address on the box to bring to the post office to pay for a shipping label, or do your shipping label online to make the process easier. If you're printing out your shipping label with the address on it, tape the label on using packing tape. Make sure the address and shipping barcode are clearly visible on the box. Write “Fragile” on the box so postal workers know to handle it carefully. Once your box is all taped up and labeled, use a permanent marker to write “Fragile” on the top and sides of the box. You might also label which side is up so that postal workers know to handle the box carefully as well as which side to set it down on. If you have a sticker that says “Fragile,” this would work as well. Choose 1-2 day shipping to ensure your cake gets to its destination quickly. Since you're shipping food, it's important that the cake spends as little time traveling as possible. Choose a shipping option that only takes 1-2 days so that your cake doesn't fully thaw by the time it arrives at its destination. If you choose a flat-rate box from USPS, your cake will arrive in 2 business days. Fast shipping options often include overnight shipping, next-day shipping, or two-day shipping. Send out the cake early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are the best days to ship out your cake to ensure it arrives quickly. If you ship it out on a Thursday or Friday, it's likely that your cake will get stuck over the weekend when things aren't being mailed. If you ship it out on a Wednesday, get to the post office early in the morning to make sure it's sent out that day. Track the cake as it’s being delivered to keep an eye on its progress. Most mail or shipping services will give you a tracking number for your package. Type this number into the service's online tracking system to check exactly where your cake is and when it gets delivered. Consider giving the tracking number to whomever you're shipping the cake to so they can track it as well. | Freeze the cake for 2 days before shipping. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Set the cake in an insulated bag or box with ice packs to keep it cold. Place the cake in a new sturdy cardboard box to ship it. Fill in any extra space with bubble wrap or paper. Use packing tape to seal off the edges of the bag and box. Attach the address and shipping labels to the box. Write “Fragile” on the box so postal workers know to handle it carefully. Choose 1-2 day shipping to ensure your cake gets to its destination quickly. Send out the cake early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Track the cake as it’s being delivered to keep an eye on its progress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Encourage-Big-Kids-to-Wear-Diapers | How to Encourage Big Kids to Wear Diapers | It can be hard to persuade older kids to wear a diaper, but you can make it easier by explaining your reasons to them. Talk to your child in a private place, such as your own home, so they don't get embarrassed. You'll want to explain in easy-to-understand terms why you think they still need diapers. For example, if they struggle with going to the toilet overnight, you might say that wearing a diaper in bed means they don't have to get up to go to the bathroom. It's important to let your kid know you still think they're mature, since they may feel like they're less grown up if they're wearing a diaper. Even if you've decided that they will be wearing a diaper, let them tell you their opinion on the issue so they know that you respect them. | Look up and down the aisles of most supermarkets for the diapers that will fit your child. Often, you may want to get the first pack in secret, or bring the child and make it seem like you'll be getting these diapers for a friends' kids. If the child is still young and less than 40-50 pounds, you may still be able to have them fit into baby diapers. However, others may need bigger diapers meant solely for bedwetters (up to 125 pounds). However, even then, there's still some children past 125 pounds which you'll be pondering using diapers on. Then and only then should you consider looking up most supermarket's hygiene aisles. Once a child reaches a certain age, most children will be resistant (and reluctant) to wearing diapers with graphics on them. While adult-diapers don't come with much more visualizations than two striped lines down and around the core, there may be select ones that have less than that, but those can be sparing to find. Your "big kid" may not be so reluctant to wear styles that are designed to be less noticeable. Look into using cloth diapers for the child. Cloth diapers may be a great replacement for those who might have medical problems with the gels and crystals of a disposable diaper but still provide the necessary absorption the child may still need. Cloth diapers don't crinkle when the child moves around - so little to no sounds are made and it's an all-around great solution to use. If your child doesn't like the sound that a disposable diaper makes when it is being changed or while being worn when walking or moving around, you may want to look into cloth diapering them instead. Most of the popular supermarkets (such as Target and Walmart) sell these designed for babies, there are some online ones that sell cloth diapers with additional features such as easy-open sides or ones that are made for the larger adult market. When buying cloth diaper rubber-pants, keep in mind that your child will need sufficient room in the pant for their diaper to fit and that if it is too tight, it may be too big and may leak. Some Target Stores sell cloth training pants (more often found up the toddler diapers aisle) which may provide some diaper-like help without much worry of leakage with sizes made for the bigger child, but then you'll still need to find rubber pants for the child to protect furniture from the diaper-like wetting they'll probably be doing. Don't single out the Huggies' "Goodnites" disposable bedwetting diapers. Goodnites are a popular alternate to the child who still wets items without much or those who are heavier than your average diaper-wearing child. With many different types and sizes made for children over 38 pounds up to about 125 pounds, Goodnites can often be a crossover diaper used while still being kid-friendly. It's really easy to overlook these diapers when the kids range in ages between eleven or twelve, making this an ideal choice for bigger kids. Pampers' bedwetting diapers - UnderJams - don't have such a weight range and only size up to those smaller than their named competitors from Huggies and shouldn't be considered as an alternative (or at least not for very long). Avoid embarrassing the child when you talk to them about their diapers, or putting them in a spot that makes them feel uncomfortable about talking to you in them. While you'll have ultimate say with the final date to which you should talk to them about the problem, if you try to ask them and they tell you to kindly "cut it out", you may want to back off and talk to them at a more-private location (such as at a home or apartment where they can freely talk to you). Most kids are cool if you talk to them in your own private dwelling (away from prying ears), there will be kids who won't want their siblings to hear, but that will be okay in most cases. Once you explain your reasons to them how wearing diapers later in life will help them in most cases, make their Big Kid diapers become a part of their natural flow of the routine during both the day and night, all while still not making onlookers think something weird is going on with this Big Kid. Make this routine seem like a "normal" part of the child's daily routine and part of normal aging to the child and any of his or her caregivers. Express to them the pros and cons of wearing diapers at their age. You can make them feel confident that their diaper can be their own private bathroom that can be used at any time when other bathrooms are unavailable. But also let them know that having this ability comes with added needs of having their diapers changed more often - even if it's not a good time to do so. While keeping the list rather simple, make the words seem understandable for their verbal usage by their age. But express to them that just because they have been put back into diapers now, doesn't mean they'll be treated like an infant. Explain why you feel that they should wear these diapers. Although most kids won't like voicing their concerns over the diapers, some will want to offer a rebuttal against the use of diapers. You will need to tell them why you feel it's necessary - such as to cure a temporary lack of something that diapering could be offering assistance at helping.Just don't place much worry in the kids' minds as to make them worry that wearing diapers could be the best thing you could be doing for them - all using words that they will understand. Accept a form of rebuttal from your children. They may be a bit less lenient with these diapers at first, but they must be able to accept them as part of their new "normal" routine and the pieces must coincide - together. Parents will need to accept that kids might not find it acceptable at first to use the diapers, but over time they may find it a new way to get the job done and accept a new routine. Let them accept that wearing diapers at night won't have a negative emotion and that if they have to get up to go, they won't have to leave the comfort of their own bed - be it a toddler bed or crib and that their diaper can be their friend instead. Don't encourage toilet-nonuse but let them realize the values these diapers can positively play when they give them back their emotions and return to wearing them again. Make diaper-wearing seem like a positive advantage. This will vary by situation. It might be natural for a child to retrain towards diaper-wearing and recognizing they can just go whenever they feel the need, but for those few who need a little encouragement, tell them what wearing diapers mean when dealing with other activities they like more. Let the child know that they can still tell you if it's okay to let you change their diaper but tell them that you'll still check in with them for their approval. If you can't diaper-change them right away, explain why you can't but that you'll be available soon to help them or have them talk to someone else nearby who can help them now instead. They need to be able to accept your full-fledged faith and encouragement to continue to wear the diaper and help them from feeling babyish while wearing the diaper. While crying is a normal response to a soiled diaper, help the Big Kid understand that it's best not to cry to get your attention, but encourage them to take action to solve their diapers as soon as possible, so as to avoid other medical needs that may arise from poor changes. Tell them that hugs and kisses will still be given as praise for jobs well done in other areas as well as for achieving other goals in their stages of life - both in and out of the diapered regime. Explain that no matter how you viewed them with a diaper a time ago, your view of them now won't change - regardless of their diapered lifestyle. Treat them the same as how you've always treated them, regardless of their age, while still putting the focus on the diaper-changes when necessary. Treat them age-appropriately. Through your visual and verbal cues during a diapering session, make them realize they're still a big kid, even if they need to wear a diaper.. Don't use babyish words and tones with your big kid, unless they are okay with it. Some kids might welcome such treatment, but most will not. Find out what works for your child. Allow them room to express their opinions hearing you out completely on whether they can and want to wear diapers again. However, let them realize that you have the final say and should be attempted for a short period before talking again. Give them the ability to use their own words to express why they like or dislike having the choice to be mandated to wear diapers again. Although some Big Kids will be resistant to change and will want to wear Big Kid underwear at all times, there will be others who will want to be adventurous again and give diapers a second shot. Make the child open up and express their viewpoints on why diapers might or might not be the proper way to deal with the situation at their age level. Make sure you can receive, justify and accept their reasoning. Show them just how easy it will be to wear a diaper as well as to get their diaper changed. You might even be able to have to show them this by getting the diaper on them. Let them understand what's expected of them when they wear a diaper. Let this trial change become the first trial run of their very first diaper in their older age - Big Kid stage. Excite them when they see just how long a change can take when they don't squirm - but expect squirming at first. Explain how good cooperation is essential at getting their needs met when they need them to be during this now-diapered stage. Explain some places how they can cooperate better during a diaper change to make the change be a good thing, while still being relaxing for them and others so it's a pleasure for both of you to have them wear this diaper. Most parents will want to explain to these children that by lying still during the change, having the child help in some areas will help the change become less aggravating and allow you better access to their diapered area and genital region - even if they've known since they were smaller how they had to react. Explain that if they keep moving around, their diaper changes will last much longer and that this may hinder their times to becoming the "Big Kid" they'd want to expect to become. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Wear-a-Diaper-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Diaper-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Wear-a-Diaper-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid5223879-v4-728px-Wear-a-Diaper-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Don't allow them to take off the diaper at first, but to explain how they feel once they have their diaper on for their second trial run. Allow them a quick question and answer session. Explain what you intend to do next, and how you plan on checking in on them when they are wearing their diaper. Agree on the terms of how you are planning to allow them to go out of their house or how their diapers can be hidden from the public or when friends come over (siblings come in), as well as how long you plan to allow them to wear these diapers. If you don't want them forgetting how to use the bathroom (if they have been previously potty-trained), expect to allow them to make trips occasionally to the bathroom, but you might want to have your children deal with using their diapers more at night (but that must be up to you to decide). Make their diapers readily available to them and you in either their bedroom or another nearby room away from guest or sibling eyes, all while taking into account the location of the child's new dressing location for diapers. Keep them out of sight of their siblings and guests who come to visit and that only the child who will need the diaper can oversee their use. Most often located in the child's room, put them where only the child or you can reach them while away from locations where others can reach them as well. If the children are still able to fit on a diaper-changing table, you can put them on a lower shelf for them to grab when they need to bring one to you for their diaper-routine. A diaper-changing table can be a good solution also for a "big kid" as it will give you the best working position to change your child's diaper. However it can be difficult to find a changing table large enough for children above four years in baby stores - but with a foam pad and a stable office table covered with a waterproof tablecloth, these can be custom-made for these Big Kids. Make sure that there is a trash can/laundry-catch basket for dirty diapers and clothes as well as a pile or two of unused ones that can be taken from at any hour of the day. Prepare a fuss-free changing spot that you could be used for diaper-changing times for your child and you to fit. Spots on a carpeted floor in their bedroom or other out-of-sight locations could be used to provide privacy, security, and self-respect to the diaper-wearer to discretely have their diapers changed. | Look up and down the aisles of most supermarkets for the diapers that will fit your child. Look into using cloth diapers for the child. Don't single out the Huggies' "Goodnites" disposable bedwetting diapers. Avoid embarrassing the child when you talk to them about their diapers, or putting them in a spot that makes them feel uncomfortable about talking to you in them. Express to them the pros and cons of wearing diapers at their age. Explain why you feel that they should wear these diapers. Accept a form of rebuttal from your children. Make diaper-wearing seem like a positive advantage. Let the child know that they can still tell you if it's okay to let you change their diaper but tell them that you'll still check in with them for their approval. Tell them that hugs and kisses will still be given as praise for jobs well done in other areas as well as for achieving other goals in their stages of life - both in and out of the diapered regime. Treat them age-appropriately. Allow them room to express their opinions hearing you out completely on whether they can and want to wear diapers again. Show them just how easy it will be to wear a diaper as well as to get their diaper changed. Don't allow them to take off the diaper at first, but to explain how they feel once they have their diaper on for their second trial run. Agree on the terms of how you are planning to allow them to go out of their house or how their diapers can be hidden from the public or when friends come over (siblings come in), as well as how long you plan to allow them to wear these diapers. Make their diapers readily available to them and you in either their bedroom or another nearby room away from guest or sibling eyes, all while taking into account the location of the child's new dressing location for diapers. Prepare a fuss-free changing spot that you could be used for diaper-changing times for your child and you to fit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lace-Skate-Shoes | How to Lace Skate Shoes | Lacing skate shoes properly is important to prevent accidents on your board. If you want to do straight lacing, start by pulling your shoestring down and through the first eyelet. Do the same thing with the opposite eyelet using the other end of the string. Then, string the left side of the shoestring up through the second eyelet, over, and down through the eyelet on the other side. Take the string on the right side, skip the second eyelet, and pull it up through the 3rd eyelet and over to the eyelet on the other side. Continue this pattern until the entire shoe is laced. Then, tie the ends of the laces into knots by the last eyelets so you don't trip on them. If you do it correctly, the laces should appear in straight lines. | Start with the eyelets closest to the toe. Feed the right side of the shoelace down through the lowest right eyelet and feed the left side of the shoelace down through the left eyelet to create a straight line between the two eyelets. Make sure the laces are the same length before moving on. Feed the shoestring through the second eyelets. Take the shoestring on the left side of the shoe and cross it over to feed it down through the second eyelet on the right side of the shoe. Then, take the shoestring on the right side of the shoe and cross it over to feed it down through the second eyelet on the left side of the shoe. You should end up with a straight line between the bottom two eyelets, and an “x” between the second two eyelets. The laces should be coming through the second eyelets towards the inside of the shoe. Repeat lacing in a criss cross fashion. Continue to cross the shoestring end over and feeding them down into the eyelets to lace up the shoe. Stop when you get the last eyelets. Make sure you are always feeding the shoestring down through the eyelets towards the inside of the shoe. Tie off the laces. When you reach the last eyelets, you need to tie off the shoestring to secure it in place. Take the shoestring on the left side of the shoe and make a knot in the string close to the eyelet on the inside of the shoe. Repeat this process with the shoestring on the right side of the shoe. Cut the extra shoestring. After tying secure knots, you can cut off the excess shoestring. Leave about one half to one inch of shoestring after the knot and then cut off the rest. Cutting off the extra shoestring helps prevents the possibility of injury due to laces getting caught in your skateboard. If you don't want to cut your laces, you can tie them in a bow inside your shoe behind the tongue instead. Number the eyelets in your shoes. By giving your eyelets numbers it will help you understand how to straight lace your shoes. Starting with the eyelets closest to the toe of the shoe and the number one, count up the eyelets assigning each pair of holes a number. Lace eyelet number one first. Take one end of the shoestring and put it down into the left eyelet number one, and then take the other end of the shoestring and put it down into the right eyelet number one. You should end up with the shoestring making a straight line through both of the number one eyelets, and the ends of the laces should be on the inside of the shoe. String the left side of the shoestring through eyelets number two. Take the end of the left side of the shoestring and feed it up through the left side eyelet number two. Pull the shoestring across the shoe, and then feed it down through the right side number two eyelet. Now you should have the left side of the shoestring down through eyelet number two on the right side of the shoe, and the right side of the shoestring down through eyelet number one on the right side of the shoe. String the right shoestring through eyelets number three. Take the end of the right side of the shoestring and feed it up through the right side eyelet number three. Pull the shoestring across the shoe, and then feed it down through the left side eyelet number three. String the left shoestring through eyelets number four. Take the end of the left side of the shoestring and feed it up through the right side eyelet number four. Pull the shoestring across the shoe, and then feed it down through the left side eyelet number four. Repeat this type of lacing through the rest of the eyelets. Continue to lace the shoe in this fashion until you reach the second to last eyelet. Both sides of the shoestrings will be lacing in the same direction. The left shoestring will lace the even numbered eyelets, and the right shoestring will lace the odd numbered eyelets. Lace the last eyelet and tie. To lace the last eyelet, feed the shoestring that's on the left side of the shoe up through the last eyelet on the left side. Feed the shoestring that's on the right side of the shoe up through the last eyelet on the right side. Then tie your shoe strings together. The laces should make straight lines between the eyelets of your shoes. Start with the eyelets closest to the toe. Feed the right side of the shoelace up through the lowest right eyelet and feed the left side of the shoelace up through the left eyelet to create a straight line between the two eyelets. Lace the second pair of eyelets. Put the shoelace on the left side of the shoe down through the second eyelet on the left side of the shoe. Put the shoelace on the right side of the shoe down through the second eyelet on the right side of the shoe. You should end up with a horizontal line between the bottom two eyelets, and two vertical lines going from the bottom eyelets to the eyelet right above them. Criss cross the laces to lace the third eyelet. Take the shoelace on the left side of the shoe and bring it across the tongue to feed it up through the third eyelet on the right side of the shoe. Take the shoelace on the right side of the shoe and bring it across to form an "x" on the tongue, and feed it up through the third eyelet on the left side of the shoe. Repeat the two lacing styles to lace up the shoe. Repeat step two to lace the fourth eyelets to make two vertical bars. Then repeat step three to lace the fifth eyelets to make and "x". Continue switching back and forth to lace up all of the eyelets on your shoe. Tie the laces. When you reach the last two eyelets, tie the two laces in a double knot to secure it. | Start with the eyelets closest to the toe. Feed the shoestring through the second eyelets. Repeat lacing in a criss cross fashion. Tie off the laces. Cut the extra shoestring. Number the eyelets in your shoes. Lace eyelet number one first. String the left side of the shoestring through eyelets number two. String the right shoestring through eyelets number three. String the left shoestring through eyelets number four. Repeat this type of lacing through the rest of the eyelets. Lace the last eyelet and tie. Start with the eyelets closest to the toe. Lace the second pair of eyelets. Criss cross the laces to lace the third eyelet. Repeat the two lacing styles to lace up the shoe. Tie the laces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Scabs-on-Your-Face | How to Heal Scabs on Your Face | If you have scabs on your face that you'd like to heal, keep the area clean by washing it twice a day with clean, warm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel. Dab a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream over the scabs, then cover them with a bandage to protect them. Don't scratch or pick at the scabs, and avoid wearing products that contain fragrances or oils on your face while the scabs are healing, as they can cause irritation. | Wash your face with mild soap. Using a light circular motion, wash the scabs on your face with clean, warm water and a gentle cleanser. Then, rinse your face off thoroughly with warm water. Washing your face can boost your skin's moisture and promote healing. It can also clear away bacteria and dirt that may cause infections. Avoid using astringent cleanser or facial scrubs. These can irritate your scabs and surrounding skin and slow down the healing process. Avoid washing any skin that is turning white, which means it's oversaturated. This can cause skin tissue to break, lead to infection, and increase healing time. Pat your face dry. Use a soft, clean towel to gently pat your face dry, using an even lighter touch on your scabs. Gently touch your face with a clean hand to ensure your skin is dry and the scabs slightly damp. Taking care when drying your face and leaving your scabs slightly damp can prevent them from ripping off and promote healing. Cover your scabs with a bandage. Place a sterile non-stick gauze dressing or non-adhesive bandage over the scab. Keeping your scabs covered helps them retain moisture, which helps them heal. A bandage can also minimize the risk of your scabs getting infected. Change the dressings daily or if they are dirty, wet, or damaged. Leave your scabs in place. Avoid the temptation of picking off or itching your scabs. Touching, picking at, and scratching your face can dislodge the scabs and interfere with healing. It can also cause scarring, especially if your scabs come off. Apply a protective cream or ointment. Dab a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream such as Neosporin or Polysporin on your scabs. Do this each time you wash your face or change the scabs over your dressing. Applying these antibiotics products on your scabs can kill lingering bacteria and help maintain moisture. They may also prevent further itching, irritation, or infection. Use a cotton swab or clean finger to apply your cream or ointment choice. Speak to your doctor before putting anything on a scab. Moisturize with care. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing product to your skin. Keeping your face and scabs moisturized can keep them from cracking, ripping, off, or itching. The moisture also promotes healing of your scabs and can soothe any skin irritation. Choose any of the following moisturizing products you're your face and scabs: Petroleum jelly Vitamin E Fragrance- and oil-free moisturizer Aloe vera Tea tree oil Let your skin go au-naturel. Give your skin a break from makeup while you have scabs. Giving your face and scabs a chance to breathe can reduce irritation, keep your scabs intact, and prevent itching. It can also speed up the healing process. Use oil- and fragrance-free cosmetics on your scabs if you don't feel comfortable going without makeup. Watch for infection. Check your face and scabs every day to see if they're healing well. Look for symptoms of a possible infection of your scabs or surrounding skin. Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Persistent redness and pain and swelling Streaks of redness Foul odor Fever of 100°F (37.7°C) or higher for more than 4 hours Pus or thick yellow/green drainage Bleeding that won't stop See your dermatologist or doctor. If your scab isn't healing, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Let them know what home care measures you've tried and how they've helped. Your doctor can figure out why you're scabs may not be healing properly. They can also treat your scabs to help heal them and the surrounding skin. | Wash your face with mild soap. Pat your face dry. Cover your scabs with a bandage. Leave your scabs in place. Apply a protective cream or ointment. Moisturize with care. Let your skin go au-naturel. Watch for infection. See your dermatologist or doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Prepared-for-Natural-Disasters | How to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters | The best way to be prepared for a natural disaster is to fill an emergency pack with clothing, toiletries, medications, money, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Place it in an easily-accessible spot in your house away from sun, heat, and moisture. | Fill out an emergency plan. Create an emergency plan for your family in case of a natural disaster. Include household information, out-of-town contacts, and school, workplace, and childcare contact information and emergency contingencies. Add your evacuation routes and shelter plans as well. Several websites have templates for emergency plans, like https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. Discuss how to prepare and respond to most likely disasters. Consider scenarios for the events that are most likely to happen in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to react to different disasters, including tornadoes , hurricanes , floods , fires , winter storms , and power outages. Pinpoint the safest spots in your home for each type of disaster. For example, make an emergency plan for a flood if you live near a waterway, or an emergency plan for a winter storm if you live in a cold climate. The highest level in your home is the safest place during a flood, while the lowest level is safest during a tornado, for instance. Identify 3 ways to get warnings. Sirens are generally insufficient warnings for natural disasters. However, in case of a power outage, you cannot rely solely on your television or landline phone for warnings, either. Sign up to receive emergency alerts from your local government by text message or email. You should also have a battery-operated AM/FM radio (and extra batteries) on hand as well. Determine the best evacuation routes. Identify all the entries and exits in your home and plan how you will evacuate your home (by car or by foot, for instance). Determine where you will go in the event that you cannot remain in your home or even in your region. Then, map out several routes for getting out of your city and state or region. Be sure to brief all your family members about evacuation strategies and exit plans. It's important to have multiple options in case roadways are damaged during a disaster. Decide how family members will communicate. Come up with a communication plan in case you are separated in the event of a disaster. You may want to provide each member of the family with a prepaid cell phone and charger, for instance. Make a contact card for each member of the family so they have all the phone numbers and addresses they may need. Text messages are more reliable than phone calls during emergencies. Make sure children know how to operate a cell phone and send a text message. Choose multiple meeting spots. In case all of your family members aren't able to reach a designated meeting place, you should have several contingencies. Choose one location in your neighborhood or close to your home as well as one that is located out of town. Plan to meet at the closest location in the event of an emergency, and keep the out-of-town location as a backup in case a disaster prevents you from meeting at the primary location. Run practice drills. It's important to practice what to do in case of a natural disaster, especially if you have children. Each year, you should do a practice drill for each type of disaster that could occur. For example, conduct a home fire drill if you live in an area prone to drought and wildfire. Pack a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water. Choose food items with a long shelf life, such as canned goods and packaged pantry items. Opt for items that don't require refrigeration, but also those that require little cooking in case you don't have power due to a disaster. Store 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per person (and per pet) per day. Don't forget formula and bottles if you have an infant, as well as pet food for any pets. Tap water may be unsafe to drink in the event of a disaster, so be sure to include plenty of purified water in bottles or jugs. Canned soup, tuna, nuts, dried fruit, beef jerky, nut butter, protein bars, cereal, powdered milk, dry pasta, and packaged crackers are good options. Don't forget to pack a can opener, utensils, dishes, waterproof matches, and a camp stove, if possible. At the minimum you should have a 3 day supply of food and water ready, but it's best to store enough for 2 weeks. Include clothing, shoes, and toiletries. Pack a 3-day supply of clothing (including multiple layers), socks, and an extra pair of shoes for each member of the family. Toiletries, like soap, shampoo, feminine products, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant should also be included. Add diapers and wipes if you have small children. Add shelter and safety supplies. Pack emergency blankets, sleeping bags, and a tent or two in case you can't stay in your home. A multipurpose tool (like a knife/file/pliers/screwdriver combo), and a whistle would also be handy to have in your kit. Pack electronics and batteries. Include several flashlights, an AM/FM radio, and extra batteries. You may also want to include a prepaid cell phone with a charger in case your landline or cell phone doesn't work during a natural disaster. Include medicine and a first aid kit. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be included in your kit. Add a basic first aid kit containing instant ice packs, bandages, antiseptic ointment, scissors, tape, a suture kit, and so on. Pack extra glasses or contact lenses and solution, and any other medical supplies that may be needed, like a cane or hearing aids with extra batteries. You may want to include a field medicine handbook as well as a veterinary medicine handbook if you have pets. Add cash, maps, and spare keys. It's a good idea to store some cash in your emergency kit. Add a mix of small and large bills in case the banks or ATMs are closed. You should also include maps of the area as well as a spare house and car key. Store the kit in a cool, dry place. To make sure your food and water last as long as possible, don't store your kit near direct sunlight, excess moisture, or fluctuating temperatures. The ideal temperature range is from 40° to 70° F (4° to 21° C). While bathrooms and kitchens aren't great options, basements and closets will do just fine. You may choose to prepare a second kit and store it in your car, if desired. Put important papers in a fireproof and waterproof lockbox. Important papers could be lost in a natural disaster, so fill the box with copies of each family member's ID as well as birth certificates, passports, deeds, and titles. You could also include insurance paperwork, immunization records, and a copy of your family emergency plan. Add a list of phone numbers and addresses for family members and other important contacts, too. Keep both the box and key in your emergency kit. Alternatively, you can scan important documents and store them on memory stick inside of a waterproof container in your kit. Rotate the items regularly. To ensure the clothes and shoes fit and the food and medicine aren't expired, you should rotate out the items every year or two. Purchase new supplies for your packs and use the existing supplies for your day to day needs. Recognize potentially threatening situations. Watch news and weather reports in your region so that you can be aware of potential disasters in the area. You can also download apps for your smartphone, like Natural Disaster Monitor or Weather Underground, that will alert you of potential disasters near your location. Prepare family members for what may happen. If your family is at risk for exposure to a natural disaster, explain to them what is happening. Review your emergency preparedness plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of a disaster. Make sure you are prepared to either shelter in place or evacuate, if necessary. Track the progress of imminent disasters. Check back with your news station frequently so that you will be aware of changes in weather or conditions that could alter the course of a disaster. Sign up to receive alerts or updates from your local government or weather service so that you will be well informed of what's happening. Evacuate before disaster strikes, if possible. If danger is imminent in your area, evacuate before it strikes. Your local government or authority may order evacuations if a natural disaster is looming, so be sure to follow their instructions. If you aren't able to evacuate, shelter in place until it is safe to leave the area. | Fill out an emergency plan. Discuss how to prepare and respond to most likely disasters. Identify 3 ways to get warnings. Determine the best evacuation routes. Decide how family members will communicate. Choose multiple meeting spots. Run practice drills. Pack a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water. Include clothing, shoes, and toiletries. Add shelter and safety supplies. Pack electronics and batteries. Include medicine and a first aid kit. Add cash, maps, and spare keys. Store the kit in a cool, dry place. Put important papers in a fireproof and waterproof lockbox. Rotate the items regularly. Recognize potentially threatening situations. Prepare family members for what may happen. Track the progress of imminent disasters. Evacuate before disaster strikes, if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hand-Sew-a-Hem | How to Hand Sew a Hem | Before hand sewing your hem, trim excess fabric, then fold the hem with a single fold along the hemline. To start sewing, thread a needle, turn your garment wrong-side out, and make a tiny stitch at the seam line on the wrong side of the hem. Continue stitching your pattern around the hem before knotting the thread when you're done. To hide the tail, pass the needle through the folded hem for an inch, bring it out on the wrong side, and cut away the rest. | Iron the garment you wish to hem. It's important to remove any creases and bumps so that the garment is sitting flat and the hemline you create will be accurate. Measure the hemline. Put on the garment, stand in front of a mirror, and decide where you'd like the new hem to fall. Mark that point with pins or chalk. It may be helpful to have a friend help with this step. In determining the hem length, it's recommended that you wear the shoes that you'll be wearing with the particular garment, as this will ensure the final length is most accurate. Trim the fabric to a suitable length below the chalk or pin line. First, decide how deep you want the hem, then trim the excess fabric. There should be enough fabric to accommodate the hem depth. For example, if you want a 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep hem, leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fabric below the hemline. There must be enough fabric left to be able to turn up the hem, but not too much, or the hem may appear bulky. A one inch (2.5 cm) hem may be recommendable for pants, while 3/4 inch (2 cm) works well for blouses. Fold the hem. For most hems, you can make single fold along the hemline, wrong side to wrong side. The wrong side of the fabric is the "inside" of the garment, the side you don't see. The "right side" is the side you see on the exterior. Use a whipstitch if you don't have a lot of time. This is a quick method, but it's the least durable because the thread is exposed and is easily frayed. On the wrong side of the garment it produces slanted stitches, while on the right side it makes very small, barely visible stitches. Hide your thread knot and bring the thread from the inside through the outside of the hem fold. Moving from right to left (or left to right if you're left-handed), cross over diagonally and pick up a few threads of the fabric above the fold. Keep the needle pointed in the direction in which you're working. Bring the needle back out through the fold and repeat. Try a catch stitch for more elasticity and strength. The catch stitch creates a slight criss-cross effect on the wrong side and small, and nearly-invisible stitches on the right side. Take note: this stitch moves in the opposite direction than you would normally work. Right-handed people will work left to right, while left-handed people will work right to left. Hide the knot by pulling the needle outwards through the fold. Point the needle in the opposite direction from the one in which you're working. Pick up a few threads of the fabric just above the hem and pull through. Now pick up a bit of fabric from the hem and pull through, with the needle still facing in the opposite direction, and repeat. Make a slip stitch hem for near invisibility. This technique makes clean, tiny stitches on both the right and wrong sides for a clean finish. It gets its name from the stitches that slip through the fold of the hem edge. Righties work right to left with the needle pointed left; lefties, left to right with a right-pointing needle. Hide the knot by pulling the needle outwards through hem, right at the very edge of the fabric. In the fabric just above the hem, pick up a few threads and pull the needle through. Reinsert the needle into the edge of the fold, just below where the previous stitch ended. Pull it through the edge of the hem about 1/4 inches (7mm), as if you were pulling it through a tube of fabric, and then outwards. Repeat the first three steps. Make a fell stitch for extra durability. The fell stitch is very strong, but leaves a row of conspicuous diagonal stitches on the right side. If you're dealing with very thick fabric, you can try making the stitches without passing all the way through so the stitches are not visible from the exterior. Righties work right to left with the needle facing left; lefties work left to right with the needle facing right. Hide the knot by passing the needle outward through the upper edge of the hem fold. Pass the needle through the fabric above the hem edge, about 1/4-1/2 inch (6-13 mm) long. Complete the stitch by passing the needle through a few threads of the top of the hem fold. Start your next stitch in the fabric right above the end of the previous one and repeat. Measure and cut your thread. The length you use depends on the circumference of the hem, but it's always better to have too much thread than too little. A good rule of thumb is to use around 18 inches (46 cm), or an arm-length of thread. Use a thread that matches the garment color as closely as possible. Prepare your needle and garment. Thread a small needle and tie a knot at the other end of the thread. Turn your garment wrong-side out. Work with the hemline facing towards you. Start with a tiny stitch at the seam line on the wrong side of the hem. In other words, you're bringing the needle up from behind the upper edge of the hem fold. Do not pass this stitch through to the right side of the garment. It should only go through the hem fold. Make your stitch pattern. Keep stitching around, working from right to left, or left to right. Make small, evenly-spaced stitches. While the thread should not be excessively slack, never pull the stitches tightly. Knot the thread at the end of stitching the hem. Make a small stitch twice in the same place on the edge of the hem fold as your first stitch, but for this last stitch, do not pull the thread all the way through. Pass the needle through the loop twice, then tighten the knot by pulling on the thread. Hide the "tail" of the thread by passing the needle horizontally about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in between the folded hem. Do not pierce all the way through to the right side of the garment. Bring the needle out onto the wrong side and cut away the remaining thread. Try on the garment to test the balance of the hemline. Hopefully it's good to go; otherwise, you will need to adjust by unpicking and resewing any areas that appear uneven. If you've used the quick-and-easy whipstitch to hand hem your item but you want the hem to be more durable, simply use one of the other methods suggested above or machine stitch the hem at a later date. The beauty of the whipstitch method is that it allows for temporary fixes or testing of hem lengths, which can be ideal for travel, fashion shows or shoots, designing, and so on. | Iron the garment you wish to hem. Measure the hemline. Trim the fabric to a suitable length below the chalk or pin line. Fold the hem. Use a whipstitch if you don't have a lot of time. Try a catch stitch for more elasticity and strength. Make a slip stitch hem for near invisibility. Make a fell stitch for extra durability. Measure and cut your thread. Prepare your needle and garment. Start with a tiny stitch at the seam line on the wrong side of the hem. Make your stitch pattern. Knot the thread at the end of stitching the hem. Try on the garment to test the balance of the hemline. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Severe-Headache-After-a-Long-Run | How to Stop a Severe Headache After a Long Run | If you get a headache after running with severe symptoms such as vomiting, a stiff neck, or double vision, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency care. For a milder exercise headache, with symptoms like throbbing pain in your head that starts during or right after you run, try taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller, like naproxen. If you get these headaches regularly when you exercise, talk to your doctor, since they may be able to prescribe a medication that can help. You may also be able to prevent or minimize exercise headaches by warming up before you run and avoiding running when the weather is hot or humid. Another thing to avoid is running at high altitudes. | Recognize the symptoms. Primary exercise headaches are the most common type of exercise headache. It is not known why some people experience primary exercise headaches, although some doctors believe it may have something to do with dilated blood vessels caused by strenuous activity. Common symptoms of primary exercise headaches include: A throbbing pain in one or both sides of the head. Headaches that begin during or immediately after strenuous activity. Symptoms persisting anywhere from five minutes to 48 hours. Treat a primary exercise headache. There are a number of prescription medications available that can help treat primary exercise headaches and their causes. Some people with predictable exercise headaches may be able to take medication before a planned workout, while others who experience erratic or unpredictable exercise headaches may need to take medication on a daily basis. Talk to your doctor if you believe you need a prescription-strength medication to treat primary exercise headaches. Common medications include: Indomethacin — this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) is commonly prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. It may help treat moderate to severe primary exercise headaches. If you are taking indomethacin, talk to your doctor about any other health issues you or your family have experienced. NSAIDs (not including aspirin) have been linked with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Propranolol — this prescription-strength blood pressure medication may help prevent primary exercise headaches in some people. Propranolol alters the body's response to nerve impulses, which may help lessen pain associated with conditions like exercise headaches. Naproxen — this NSAID is commonly used to treat arthritis pain. It has been shown to be effective at treating headache pain in some people. Naproxen is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. If you are taking naproxen, talk to your doctor about any other health issues you or your family have experienced. NSAIDs (not including aspirin) have been linked with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Phenelzine — this prescription-strength medication belongs to the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants. It may help treat the symptoms of exercise headaches in some people. Ergonovine — this prescription-strength medication is typically prescribed to treat hemorrhaging caused by giving birth. Some studies suggest ergonovine may help treat exercise headaches in some people. Prevent future primary exercise headaches. Some research suggests that engaging in warm-up activities prior to strenuous exercise may reduce the incidence of exercise headaches. Though there is no way to ensure that exercise headaches will not return in people susceptible to this condition, doctors believe that certain environmental and medical conditions may put people at greater risk of having recurring symptoms. Factors associated with primary exercise headaches include: Exercising in hot or humid weather. Exercising at a high altitude. Having a family history of migraines or chronic headaches. Recognize the symptoms. The symptoms of a secondary exercise headache are similar to those of a primary exercise headache, but more severe. In addition to the throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, people suffering from secondary exercise headaches may also experience: Vomiting Neck rigidity Double vision Loss of consciousness Symptoms persisting for at least 24 hours, lasting up to several consecutive days Treat a secondary exercise headache. Some of the medications used for primary exercise headaches may relieve symptoms in some people with secondary exercise headaches; however, the exact course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the headaches. Call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden, unexpected exercise headaches, or if you begin experiencing them without any prior history. If you would describe the headache as "the worst headache" of your life, then you need immediate medical attention. Learn the cause of secondary exercise headaches. There are a number of possible conditions that could cause secondary exercise headaches. Talk to your doctor to determine what is causing your symptoms if you believe you may have secondary exercise headaches. The following are all common are all causes of secondary exercise headaches and are serious conditions that require emergency medical attention: Bleeding between the brain and its membranes (subarachnoid hemorrhaging) Blood vessel abnormalities in or near the brain Tumors, both malignant and benign An obstruction blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluids infection Developmental abnormalities in the head, neck, or spine Rehydrate yourself. Insufficient water levels may decrease the pressure inside your arteries, which can then limit how much blood gets into the lining around your brain. This can cause migraines in some people. Any time you exercise, try to drink water while working out, or at least be sure to rehydrate as soon as you get back from your run to help get blood flowing back to your brain. The amount of water you drink depends on how much you exercised and how much you sweat. As a general rule, your urine should be clear or almost clear when you are sufficiently hydrated. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Stay hydrated before exercising to prevent dehydration during your workout. Maintain a healthy diet. Certain nutritional factors have been shown to trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. In general, it's best to avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine if you are prone to exercise headaches or migraines. Avoid processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods if you are prone to migraines, as these foods may cause headaches in some individuals. Do not skip meals if you know you are prone to exercise headaches or migraines. Skipping meals has been shown to cause headaches in some individuals. . Manage hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia, or low sugar levels in the blood, can cause headaches in some individuals. If you have low blood sugar and are experiencing a headache after a run, try bringing your blood sugar up by consuming carbohydrates like: Fruits, including apples and bananas Candies and sweets, in moderation Fruit juice Take NSAIDs for fast relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken for quick pain relief. NSAIDs block a chemical in your body that can cause inflammation and pain. However, try not to take these over-the-counter medications on an empty stomach, as they may cause stomach irritation. Common NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen ( Advil, Midol, Motrin, etc.) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Naproxen (Aleve) Treat the symptoms of exercise headaches. Some common migraine treatment methods may be effective in alleviating pain caused by exercise headaches. Try a hot or cold compress. Applying a hot or cold compress to the head or neck effectively treats migraines in some individuals. Lie down in a dark, quiet room. Some people find massages and small quantities of caffeine helpful in alleviating migraines. Treat rebound headaches. Rebound headaches happen in some people who take prescription and over-the-counter headache medications on a regular basis. The only way to stop rebound headaches from occurring is to restrict your use of pain medication. Headaches will typically get worse after restricting medication use before they get better. Hospitalization or cognitive behavioral therapy may be necessary for some individuals with severe reactions to discontinuing long-term medications. Avoid caffeine if you are experiencing rebound headaches. Caffeine is known to trigger rebound headaches in some people. | Recognize the symptoms. Treat a primary exercise headache. Prevent future primary exercise headaches. Recognize the symptoms. Treat a secondary exercise headache. Learn the cause of secondary exercise headaches. Rehydrate yourself. Maintain a healthy diet. . Take NSAIDs for fast relief. Treat the symptoms of exercise headaches. Treat rebound headaches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Serve-at-a-Dinner-Party | How to Serve at a Dinner Party | To serve at a dinner party, place easy, general dishes like rice, salad, and potatoes on the table so guests can help themselves. Next, plate the delicate food that requires assembly or an artistic presentation in the kitchen. Then, choose one end of the table to start serving at and ask guests to pass the dishes around the table to the left. As the host, always serve yourself last. Finally, remember to keep the courses coming so your guests don't have to wait too long between each one! | Place easy, general dishes on the table for guests to help themselves to. Steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, salad, potatoes, and condiments are some of the things you can usually leave in the middle of the table for guests to help themselves to. This isn't strictly necessary, though. If you prefer to keep things simple, you don't have to leave anything more than salt and pepper on the table. Put complicated, delicate and artistic food on the plates in the kitchen. This is known as "plating-up." Don't expect guests to help themselves to food that requires assembly or is difficult to manage. The only way they'll get to see your creativity is if you put it out on the plate for them before you even get to the dinner table. Keep the rim of the plate clear of sauces, spills, anything; it frames the food. Decide on your serving order. Traditionally it was customary to serve women first (eldest to youngest), then the men (same order). You can do this if you want to keep with tradition and the occasion is quite formal. Otherwise, choose one end of the table and move around it in a clockwise fashion, regardless of the genders of your guests. Pass all dishes from the left. Guests and servers should pass dishes from left. The logic behind this is that most people are right-handed and this allows them them to serve themselves from the dish while it is being held by the passer. Nowadays it is less likely that the passer will continue to hold the dish, but will expect you to take it, so if you are left-handed, it won't be a problem. Place the dish down on your side plate to serve from it. Keep the courses rolling. It isn't a good idea to make guests wait too long between courses. They'll get fidgety, anxious and gossipy about what you're doing. Amaze guests with your knowledge. Don't hesitate to tell them some interesting and brief details about the time-old recipe you've used and why the wine complements the meal so well. On the other hand, do not ever go into details about how the flesh portion of the meal was hunted/killed. This is bad taste and makes some guests very queasy. Leave it for discussion around the fireplace with a like-minded friend after dinner. Clear only two plates at a time, from the right. The host or hired help should clear no more than two plates at a time to avoid bumping guests and interfering with their eating. There is nothing more annoying than the server's elbows in your face when you're just about to take the next bite. Clean plates out of sight. The place for scraping off the leftovers is the kitchen, not the dining table. Preferably the noises should not reach the guests but this is unrealistic for most homes. Just do it as quietly as possible and try not to clank, crack, break or drop the dishes. The last thing you need on top of anything else is a dropped plate to clean up. Remove main course dishes before bringing out dessert. This means all the dishes on the table, the condiments and the side plates. If you haven't already set out the dessert spoons, this is the time to do so. Serve cream, dessert toppings and sugar from the left. Chocolates will have their own method of getting around the table; it has been suspected they have legs... As the cook, or host, always serve yourself last. This is polite and also sensible, since you'll probably be busy anyway with host's duties. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Except for the most formal occasions, it's not unheard of to ask a close friend at the party to help you serve. Don't take advantage of the situation because that guest is there to enjoy himself too but don't hesitate to ask for a quick hand with a simple task that won't risk spills on their clothes. | Place easy, general dishes on the table for guests to help themselves to. Put complicated, delicate and artistic food on the plates in the kitchen. Decide on your serving order. Pass all dishes from the left. Keep the courses rolling. Amaze guests with your knowledge. Clear only two plates at a time, from the right. Clean plates out of sight. Remove main course dishes before bringing out dessert. Serve cream, dessert toppings and sugar from the left. As the cook, or host, always serve yourself last. Don't be afraid to ask for help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Legs-Super-Soft-and-Super-Sexy | How to Make Your Legs Super Soft and Super Sexy | Making your legs look super soft and sexy will take a little bit of time, but you'll feel much more confident afterwards! Let your skin warm up in the shower for a few minutes before shaving, which will soften it and help you get a closer shave. Always apply a shaving cream, since it moisturizes your legs and prevents razor burn. When it comes to shaving, use a shaver with more blades to get a closer shave. After you shower, apply a liberal amount of lotion or body butter to moisturize your skin. Lotions containing almond oil or aloe are great to tackle razor burn, whereas cocoa or shea butters work well with dry skin. You may also want to apply your moisturizer every other day before going to bed, since your skin will absorb the moisture while you sleep, making your legs even softer. | Get in the shower. Give yourself a couple of minutes to rinse off and relax before you break out the razor. You want your skin to have a bit of time to warm and soften up, otherwise you'll risk irritating it. Exfoliate your legs with a body scrub. You can easily make your own sugar scrub with a simple mix of olive oil, sugar, and lemon. Or you can get a bit fancier and make a honey-based scrub. Since honey has antiseptic properties, it will help heal any cuts or nicks that you get while shaving. Other common ingredients include oatmeal, baking soda, and salt, all things that are probably already in your kitchen cabinets. There are plenty of great recipes out there, and once you have a good base, you can tinker with it to suit your needs. Make sure you leave the scrub on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off. You might want to just turn your shower off and soak in the steam while you let the scrub work its magic. Start with a great shaving cream. Not all shaving creams are created equal—but they definitely beat using a bar of soap. Your shaving cream does two things. First, it lubricates your skin so you don't get razor burn. And second, it moisturizes, making your legs feel soft as well smooth. If your shaving cream isn't doing both of those things, try a different kind. If you like being more natural or adventurous, there are alternatives to shaving cream. You can also use conditioner, baby oil, sweet almond oil, and cocoa butter or a similar moisturizing lotion. Just make sure that whatever you use is sufficiently thick and moisturizing. For example, coconut oil is often touted as a skin oil, but it might be too light to prevent razor burn if you use it while shaving. Use a sharp razor with a good number of blades. Razors can be super expensive (and ladies, no matter how cute that pink razor is, you can probably buy the same number of blades for less in the men's section). But if you want to have fabulous-looking legs, you will probably have to fork over a little extra cash for something good. Whether you opt for disposable razors or refills, you want to use a razor with a minimum of three blades, and more is better. Also make sure to replace your razor as soon as it starts to get dull, because you increase your chances of cutting yourself. Shave with the direction of your hair first. When you shave against your hair's natural tendencies, you will get a closer shave. But to reduce irritation, it's a good idea to start by shaving downward. Reapply shaving cream and shave up to finish. This step is optional, but again, it will probably give you a smoother final result. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you might not want to reverse at all. If you don't mind shelling out the money for a wax or are fearless enough to do it yourself, then you might find that it's a good way to stay fabulously hairless longer. Regardless, it's still a great idea to exfoliate a day or two beforehand and moisturize well afterward. Find a moisturizer that meets your skin's needs. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want a heavier moisturizing lotion with cocoa butter or shea butter. Or if you tend to get razor burn, look for a lotion with ingredients like calendula, witch hazel, almond oil, aloe, and tea tree oil, which are all soothing and may be naturally disinfectant. Note that lotions containing alcohol or heavy fragrances may sting if you have nicks or cuts from shaving. Smear a liberal amount of lotion on your legs. Take the time to rub it in thoroughly. You can use this time as an opportunity to give yourself a mini calf massage if you want. Sit back and let your skin absorb the lotion. You've probably had the experience of moisturizing and then trying to throw on a pair of leggings or skinny jeans right afterward. It's tough, because the lotion leaves your skin feeling a bit tacky at first. If you wait a half an hour before trying to don your clothes, it won't be as difficult or uncomfortable. Repeat this process after shaving and either daily or every other day. Make it a regular part of your bedtime routine. While you're sleeping, your skin will drink up the lotion and you'll wake up feeling like a goddess with your incredibly soft legs. Determine which part of your legs you’d like to focus on. The goal is to have sexy, toned legs, but you only have so much time. When you figure out where to focus your efforts, you can maximize your work out. Maybe you like the shape of your calves, but you have heavier thighs. Maybe you think your shorts could use a little more end game. Or maybe you just want an all-over workout. The point is to make it work for you. Choose a selection of toning exercises that work out your target areas. Squats and lunges are the most common leg exercises. They're great because they work out most or all of your major leg muscles and they can be easily customized to target specific areas. You can search for exercises that work a particular area, or you can just look for leg toning exercises and test them out to see where you feel your legs working the most. For example, to give your inner thighs an extra workout, you can squeeze a medicine ball between your legs while squatting. Or to work your calves, you can bring your heels together with toes facing slightly outward, rise up on the balls of your feet, and go into a half squat. Even if you hate squats and lunges, there are other options. For example, bridge position is a good workout for your thighs and butt. Lie on your back on the floor with your hands down by your sides. Bring your knees up and place your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your arms flat for support, use your abs and glutes to slowly peel your butt and lower back off the floor, raising them until your torso creates a straight diagonal line. Hold for a few moments, then slowly lower back down with control. Repeat two more times. You can also make this a little more intense. From the raised position, lift your right leg straight up in the air with your foot flexed. Pulse up and down 10-15 times in this position, then lower your foot and slowly lower down. Repeat on the other side. You can also do this from crab position if you want to get a little arm toning in too, but make sure you pulse from your knee and elbows instead of your waist. Make an awesome workout playlist. Pick some of your favorite, upbeat tunes and throw them together for a little extra inspiration. If you regularly use the same mix of songs, you may even find that it cues your focus and primes you for your workout so that you're ready to go. Set aside time to work out at least five days a week. For your toning exercises, you may not need more than a half an hour. Do give your workout priority status: whether you commit to doing your workout at the same time every day or prefer more flexibility, make sure that you're giving yourself the time you need to reach your goals. Consistency is important here. Set and meet a walking goal for each day. You may want to get a pedometer, or you can use a pedometer app if you have a smartphone. Regardless of how you choose to keep track, set a goal to walk a certain number of steps every day. The extra activity will be great for your health, and it can improve your strength and fitness as well. Go for a hike, a long bike ride, or a run. The toning exercises are strength training, but you should also get in some cardio. These activities will elevate your heart rate and improve your physical fitness. Of course, you'll also be getting in some extra legwork to help you meet your goals. Stretch. Regardless of the activity you're engaged in, make sure that you stretch properly before and after your workout. The point isn't to injure your legs—it's to take them from good to fabulous. | Get in the shower. Exfoliate your legs with a body scrub. Start with a great shaving cream. Use a sharp razor with a good number of blades. Shave with the direction of your hair first. Reapply shaving cream and shave up to finish. Find a moisturizer that meets your skin's needs. Smear a liberal amount of lotion on your legs. Sit back and let your skin absorb the lotion. Repeat this process after shaving and either daily or every other day. Determine which part of your legs you’d like to focus on. Choose a selection of toning exercises that work out your target areas. Make an awesome workout playlist. Set aside time to work out at least five days a week. Set and meet a walking goal for each day. Go for a hike, a long bike ride, or a run. Stretch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Good-Clothes | How to Choose Good Clothes | Choosing good clothes can be tough, but you'll find it a lot easier if you put together a good wardrobe. Choose a few items you can easily mix and match, such as jeans, skirts, and tops. That way, you'll find it easier to dress up for work or dinner, or throw on a more relaxed outfit. You should also look for several things in neutral colors, like black, dark blue, or white, since these colors are easier to work into an outfit. The clothes you choose should not be too large or too tight, because you'll always feel better when you wear things that fit you properly. | Decide which features you would like to emphasize. You can use outfits to make aspects of your appearance look bigger, smaller, more obvious, or less noticeable. Patterns – Clothes with vertical lines will usually make the part of the body they're worn on look thinner. Meanwhile, horizontal stripes will often make that space look wider. Bright, attention grabbing patterns will draw the eye to where they're worn, so if you'd like to emphasize your bust, a patterned shirt is a good strategy. The converse is also true; dark, solid pieces can de-emphasize certain areas of your body, especially when paired with bright patterns. Waist styles – Low-waisted paints can make your body look curvier with a more well-defined waist. Empire waists can help to emphasize your bust. Structured tailoring – Clothing with structured tailoring can be used to emphasize and give shape to any part of your body. Boxy outerwear can make your upper body look bulkier, while shoulder pads can specifically make your shoulders appear wider. Pleated trousers can also make legs look thicker. Types of hemlines – A-line skirts are great for adding curves and making your bottom half look wider. Straight skirts are also good for doing the latter. Tapered skirts have the opposite effect; wear these when trying to de-emphasize your lower body. Fit – In general, baggy clothing will hide definition, while tighter fits will accentuate it. Know your measurements. Whether you're buying clothing off-the-rack or having it tailored, it's best to keep your exact proportions in mind. Use a tape measure and write down the exact numbers. Here are the measurements you should take: Circumference of your head for hat sizing. Upper arm for sleeves. Neck, which is more important in men's clothing. Widest or fullest part of your chest or bust. Natural waistline. Hips for women's clothing. Inseam, which is the distance from your groin to the bottom of your ankle. Make sure your clothing fits. The right fit is the most important part of choosing good clothes. In general, a garment that fits well but is in an unflattering style will look better than a piece with a poor fit in a style meant to flatter your body shape. Clothing that fits should be comfortable and not hinder your movements while not looking too baggy or sloppy. If you're planning on losing weight, don't buy clothes that you assume you'll fit into in a few months. Instead, hold off major purchases until after you make any major changes. Be sure to always hem your pants, especially if you're on the short side. A too-low hem will make you look much shorter. Buy clothing that looks great on you now. If a garment doesn't quite fit now but you think it'll look great once you get in shape for the summer? It's not a good idea to buy it. Shop for your current figure, not the one you think you should have. You don't want to waste money on clothes you might never wear. If a jacket or blazer won't button all the way, it doesn't fit. Try one size up or pick a different one altogether. If you're swamped in a piece of clothing, it doesn't fit. If it hangs off of you, you should pick a different size. Check how clothing looks from behind. This step is crucial in finding flattering clothes that a lot of people skip. A dress or a suit can look like a perfect fit from the front but terrible from behind. If you have a phone with a front-facing camera, take it with you to the dressing room to check how the back of each garment looks on you. See if it looks baggy or too tight. Make sure that it is flattering on you, meaning it's not hugging the wrong curves and that it isn't showing anything it shouldn't. After you check how your potential new garment looks on you from the front, turn around so that your back faces the fitting room mirror. Switch your phone to its front-facing camera mode and hold it in front of you, higher than your shoulder and tilted down slightly. You should be able to see your back's reflection in your phone's screen. If your phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, bring a small hand or compact mirror when you go shopping instead. Don't always follow fashion trends. You may want to keep up with new styles, but if a certain popular look is unflattering on you, don't wear it. Develop your own style and only incorporate trends that fit it well. For example, if you're a skinny guy and ultra-baggy suits are in, don't waste money on this trend. You aren't likely to pull it off as well as other body types. On the other hand, if you're pear-shaped and bulky scarves are trendy, take advantage of the chance to look extra chic. Find colors that work for you. These can be colors that flatter your skin tone, look great together, or are simply your favorites. Choose clothes that match your skin's undertones. People with warm undertones tend to look better with warm colors, while cool colors pair best with cool-toned skin. Make outfits that incorporate complementary colors. These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel: purple with yellow, blue with orange, and red with green. Try to build a wardrobe that includes staples of only one or two neutral colors. Neutrals will make up the foundation of most outfits but don't often look good together. For clothes, these neutrals are considered to be light and dark gray, light and dark brown, navy, and black. Remember that you should wear what makes you happiest. If you have a favorite color that doesn't match your skin tone, then it still "works" for you. Stick with a brand that you like. If you find an item that looks especially great on you right off-the-rack, check out other clothes by the same brand. You're more likely to find something else that looks great on you. While sizes and cuts are often inconsistent between brands, many brands keep their particular sizing the same over time. At the same time, if you find a brand's quality going downhill or if it changes its sizing, start looking elsewhere. Keep in mind that American brands are typically more boxy and baggy compared to European ones. Buy multiple versions of clothing that you like. It's not uncommon for people to buy a few different versions of a particularly great piece. This will let you spice up your wardrobe while sticking with what you know works. For workhorses like skirts and pants, consider buying even a couple identical pieces. This is an especially good idea if you have a lot of difficulty finding comfortable clothing that fits. Pay attention to each item's value. If you can afford to purchase well-made, quality items now, you'll save money in the long run. For example, if a good pair of boots costs twice as much but lasts ten times as long, you'll end up spending much more money over time on ten pairs of cheap boots. While expensive doesn't always equal well-made, well-made clothes are usually more expensive than poorly-made ones. With the exception of breathable summer clothes, a good sign of quality is whether or not a garment is lined. Check the seams before you buy. Make sure they're even and consistent. Poorly-stitched seams are a sign of poor quality. Go for quality over quantity. It's usually better to have a smaller wardrobe made up of well-made clothing than a larger one full of cheap pieces. If you're on a budget, don't forget to check online auctions and second-hand shops. You can often find what you're looking for at a fraction of the retail price. Cover the basics. When picking out pieces, make sure you have solid pieces that you can wear in a variety of scenarios. You want a wardrobe that will take you from work to out to dinner without having too many pieces that are only for one type of occasion. For instance, a nice pair of pants that fits will can be made professional with a nice jacket and a blouse. For slightly dressier dinner, take off the jacket and add a scarf. As another example, a knee length skirt in a solid color is appropriate for work with a solid color on top, but it could also work for brunch with friends if you add few accessories. Pick one or two neutral colors for your workhorse pieces. When it comes to fashion, the basic neutral colors are black, navy blue, browns, grays, and tans. Because neutrals don't tend to go well together in the same outfit, picking and sticking to one or two will help you create more outfits with less pieces. Buy versatile items like skirts, pants, belts, and coats in your chosen neutral(s). White is also technically a neutral color, but it can be paired with other neutrals. Shop with your current wardrobe in mind. Unless you're buying complete outfits at the same time, never buy a piece unless you know what you'll wear it with. Before buying an item, mentally create one or more outfits using it and pieces you already own. Even though you love an item, it just may never fit into your wardrobe if it's not your usual style, which means you won't wear it. Skipping this step can lead to a lot of unworn pieces that just sit in your closet. Get rid of anything you don't wear. The first step of building a wardrobe isn't buying anything; it's streamlining what you already have. Go through your closet and look for pieces you never wear. Eliminating these will make choosing good clothes much easier. You can sell your old clothes online, if you're short on cash. Another option is to give them to charity. You'll even get a credit on your taxes for the donation, if you get a receipt. Some charities will pick up donations, so you don't have to go anywhere. Consider posting them on social media. Many times, your friends will want to claim items you don't want. | Decide which features you would like to emphasize. Know your measurements. Make sure your clothing fits. Buy clothing that looks great on you now. Check how clothing looks from behind. Don't always follow fashion trends. Find colors that work for you. Stick with a brand that you like. Buy multiple versions of clothing that you like. Pay attention to each item's value. Cover the basics. Pick one or two neutral colors for your workhorse pieces. Shop with your current wardrobe in mind. Get rid of anything you don't wear. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-on-a-Wetsuit | How to Put on a Wetsuit | Putting on a wetsuit can be a huge pain, but you can use a few tricks to make it easier. Unzip your wetsuit fully and start at your feet, slowly working your way up. If you or your wetsuit is wet or you're having a hard time moving it, try using conditioner or vegetable oil as a lubricant. As you move up your legs, work out any rolls or ripples, which can cause cold water to pool around you. Once the wetsuit is past your thighs, gently pull it past your hips and up onto your shoulders. You can jump up and down to move your body down into the suit as you get toward the top. Gently pull the suit up your arms and lift it onto your chest. Once you zip your wetsuit, make sure the fit is right by walking around, raising your knees, and rotating your shoulders. The suit should feel snug but not overly constrictive. | Put protective gear on. If desired, put on your protective gear now. This often includes a rashguard or rash suit usually made of Lycra. Of course, some people prefer to only wear their bathing suits, or even nothing at all. Unzip the wetsuit. . You'll want to make sure that the suit is fully unzipped. With most wetsuits, the zipper will go in the back. If there are any hitches or kinks in the zipper, work them out now. Start with your feet and legs. Once you have the wetsuit lined up, pull your wetsuit over your foot and ankle, gradually working it up over the knee one leg at a time. Make sure that any wetsuit padding is properly aligned. There shouldn't be any large wrinkles or folds. Once the wetsuit is up around mid thigh, switch to the other leg. If either you or the wetsuit is wet and you have difficulty pulling it on, consider using plastic bags or socks on your feet. This can make it easier. You can also use conditioner or vegetable oil as a lubricant. Work out rolls and ripples in the wetsuit as you move up your legs. Pull over your hips and torso next. Once the suit is past mid thigh on both legs, gently pull the suit past your hips until the seam is nestled snugly in your crotch. Now pull the suit up over your torso and onto your shoulders. Your crotch shouldn't be pinched, but you shouldn't have any loose fabric or pockets either. It should feel like a firm second skin. You can jump up and down to make sure that the fit is right. Loose pockets will circulate cold water, ruining the purpose of the wetsuit. The wetsuit shouldn't overly constrict movement either. If it feels too tight or like you can't move, take it off and get a bigger size before you waste more time. Insert one arm at a time. Use the same method that you did with your legs. Be careful with fingernails on the fabric. Gently pull the suit up your arms and then lift it onto your chest. Just like it was with your crotch, you'll want the wetsuit to be snug and tight without constricting movement. Seal the deal. If you have a rear-zip wetsuit, have a friend help you zip up. Reaching and trying to zip it yourself can put strain on both the zipper and suit. Lock it up. Your suit should have Velcro fastenings over the zipper and at the neck area. Close these fastenings to prevent the zipper from unzipping and make your suit more watertight. Check the fit. Walk around, raise your knees, rotate your shoulders, bend your arms, and maybe do a few jumps or squats. While you should be able to feel the snugness of the wetsuit, your movement shouldn't be overly constricted. You shouldn't have any big pockets or loose areas either. If your movement is constricted, take the suit off and get a bigger one. If you have large pockets or loose areas, take the suit off and get a smaller one. Finish up. Now that the suit is on and you have confirmed that it is properly sized, you can put your hood on if you are going to be using one. Congrats. Enjoy the water! Unzip. If you were wearing a hood, remove it. Leave it inside out. Have a friend or partner unzip your wetsuit fully if it is a rear-zip wetsuit. Remove the wetsuit from your neck and shoulders. Peel the wetsuit off of your neck and down your shoulders. To get it off of your shoulders it helps to slide a thumb between your shoulder and the wetsuit. Slide out your arms. One at a time, remove your arms from the wetsuit. Be sure to use your fingertips rather than fingernails. Pull each arm fully out of its sleeve, leaving the arms inside out. Pull it down your torso and hips. Peel the suit down your torso like a banana. Then you'll want to pull it past your hips in a single motion. Wiggle if you need to in order to get the wetsuit past your buttocks and out of your crotch. Remove your legs. Roll the wetsuit down your legs. When you get to your ankles, put a hand inside of the wetsuit at the ankle and use it to hold the wetsuit leg open while you slide your foot out. Repeat with the other foot when you are done. Fortunately, taking off a wet wetsuit is far easier than putting one on! Leave the wetsuit inside out so that it can get some fresh air. Leaving the wetsuit inside out is necessary for proper cleaning... especially since a fair amount of the time, you might end up peeing inside your wetsuit. Peeing inside your wetsuit is fairly normal. Not only are you stuck in it for a long time, but the pee can make the wetsuit a lot warmer. Clean the wetsuit. Be sure to rinse the wetsuit down with cold, fresh water. Let the wetsuit hang dry. Never use heat or an automatic dryer to dry it. Heat can cause the rubber of the wetsuit to become brittle. Be sure to clean the wetsuit thoroughly, especially on the inside! | Put protective gear on. Unzip the wetsuit. Start with your feet and legs. Pull over your hips and torso next. Insert one arm at a time. Seal the deal. Lock it up. Check the fit. Finish up. Unzip. Remove the wetsuit from your neck and shoulders. Slide out your arms. Pull it down your torso and hips. Remove your legs. Clean the wetsuit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Notary-in-Pennsylvania | How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania | To become a notary in Pennsylvania, take the state-approved training course online or in a local classroom. Once you finish, get your certificate and submit your notary application within 6 months. Next, the state will review your application and if you're approved, you'll be notified and given a copy of the official notary handbook. Then, study the handbook and pass the notary test. Finally, get sworn in at the Recorder of Deeds office and register your signature at the Prothonotary's office. | Check that you meet the minimum state requirements to be a notary. The Pennsylvania Department of State's website lists all the basic requirements you have to meet in order to be eligible to become a notary. Applicants with misdemeanors are generally approved, though felony or fraud charges may disqualify you from becoming a notary. In general, you need to be at least 18 years of age, be able to read and write English, and be a citizen or permanent resident of the US. Check out a few of the other Pennsylvania-specific requirements: Have a place of employment or be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania. There is no minimum-education requirement for the state of Pennsylvania. You are not eligible to become a notary public if you are a member of the US Congress or a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. Visit https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/default.aspx# for a detailed list of all requirements. Take a state-approved 3-hour training course. There are some classroom courses offered through various providers if you prefer learning that way, but most providers offer online options so you can complete this requirement at your convenience. During this course, you'll learn how to perform your notary duties, what kinds of things you can or cannot notarize, how much you can charge for your services, and other helpful things. Complete this 3-hour course within 6 months of applying to become a notary. Check out https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/Resources/Pages/Education-Providers.aspx for state-approved online courses. Most courses do come at a cost, though the majority of them are less than $50 for the entire 3-hour session. Obtain the certificate of completion from your education course. If you weren't given one right away or if the provider you chose doesn't report directly to the state of Pennsylvania, you'll need to get a copy of your certification of completion to prove that you finished the course. You may be able to access this certificate online, or it may need to be sent to you in the mail, just depending on the provider you used. But because everyone who takes the course needs their certificate, your provider should make it clear how you can obtain your copy. Many companies now offer to include sending that certificate directly to the state for you. Check out what offers are available through the provider you choose. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. This bond protects you and your customers from any mistakes you might make during the course of business. Pennsylvania requires a $10,000 bond for which you'll pay a small premium ($50 to $100 per year). Contact your insurance carrier to see if they offer this product, or check out the state's website for approved providers. Generally, you just have to fill out and sign an application and wait for the paperwork to be processed. Check out https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/Bonding-Requirement.aspx for more information on the bonding requirements in the state of Pennsylvania. You have to obtain and prove that you have this bond within 45 days of getting approved as a notary, and the paperwork can sometimes take a few weeks to come through. Getting it ahead of time will save you some effort in the months to come. Fill out an application and submit your nonrefundable filing fee. You'll fill out sections for your background information, contact information, criminal history, and employment information. When you submit the application, you'll also need to pay a $42 fee. You can access the online application for the state of Pennsylvania at https://www.notaries.pa.gov/Pages/Home.aspx. Look up the name and district number of the state Senator in whose district you reside (or work, if you don't reside in the state of Pennsylvania). Use the “Locate your Senator” tool at https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address. Wait to get approval via email from the state of Pennsylvania. The state has to review and approve your application, verifying you took the 3-hour course and the rest of the information you provided before you can register to take the notary exam. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will get an email from the state with the next steps to register for that exam through the state's vendor, Pearson VUE. The information in the email will direct you to the different locations at which you can take the exam, which is a computer-based test. Take and pass the notary test and pay the exam fee within 6 months. After getting your email of approval, you have 6 months to register for and take the notary exam. The state will provide you with either a physical or digital copy of the official notary handbook, which can be read and studied to help you prepare for the test. There are also practice exams you can take online. Follow the instructions in your approval email to register for your test, and make sure to write down the address for the testing location you choose. There is a $65 exam fee that will need to be paid when you register to take your test. If you don't take the test within 6 months, you will have to retake the 3-hour educational course and submit a new application. You'll also have to pay the $42 filing fee again. Wait to receive the Notice of Appointee letter from the state. It generally takes 4 to 6 weeks before you receive notice that you have been approved as a notary. The notice will be sent to whichever address you included in your application, so either your home address or your work address. It'll also include an official bond and oath form that will have to be completed with 45 days of you receiving your letter. You can check your status online through the same place you submitted your application. Get sworn in at the Recorder of Deeds within 45 days. After you get the Notice of Appointee letter, it's time to take your oath of office. Arrange to do this at the same time that you submit your surety bond paperwork. Go to the court that is in the county where your application address is listed. Call ahead or go online to set an appointment to take your oath of office. There are no extensions possible for this action, so make sure you get it done within the 45-day time limit. Register your signature within 45 days at the Prothonotary’s office. This is most likely going to be at the same location as the Recorder of Deeds office, so you can probably get that done at the same time as your oath. This puts your signature into the system so that your future notarized documents can be verified. Remember, you can't do any notarizing until all of these steps have been completed. Anything done before that time will be invalid. Purchase the remaining notary supplies that you need. Every notary has an individual, customized stamp (also sometimes called a seal), which you can order from a state-approved provider. You'll also need a notary journal, in which you will keep track of all notary services you provide. Check out https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/General%20Information%20and%20Equipment/Pages/Notary-Public-Equipment.aspx for more details. It can take several weeks to receive your stamp. Once it comes in, double-check that all the information is correct. The stamp will have your name, your notary expiration date, your county, and the words “Notary Public” on it. Renew your notary license every 4 years. Every 4 years, complete an additional 3-hour educational course. These can be found online by searching for “Pennsylvania notary continuing education courses.” This is a refresher course to review your duties as a notary, and you'll also learn if any regulations or laws have changed since you were appointed. Once you've done the course, complete a renewal application online at the Department of State's website. Aim to submit your application for reappointment at least 2 to 3 months before your license is set to expire. Visit https://www.notaries.pa.gov/Pages/OnlineApplication.aspx to find the link for the reappointment application. If you apply for renewal after your license expires, you'll have to pass the exam again. 4 years is a long time and it's easy to forget these kinds of things! You should get a letter in the mail reminding you when it's time to renew, but set a reminder in your phone, too, just to be safe. | Check that you meet the minimum state requirements to be a notary. Take a state-approved 3-hour training course. Obtain the certificate of completion from your education course. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. Fill out an application and submit your nonrefundable filing fee. Wait to get approval via email from the state of Pennsylvania. Take and pass the notary test and pay the exam fee within 6 months. Wait to receive the Notice of Appointee letter from the state. Get sworn in at the Recorder of Deeds within 45 days. Register your signature within 45 days at the Prothonotary’s office. Purchase the remaining notary supplies that you need. Renew your notary license every 4 years. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reassure-Someone | How to Reassure Someone | To reassure someone, let them know how much they mean to you, and remind them that you're there for them if they need it. If you're both comfortable with physical affection, you can also give them a hug or gently rub their back to show your support. Listen to their struggles, and remind then that they won't always feel that way by saying something like, “I know this is tough for you, but it will get better.” Additionally, you might also buy them a small gift to reassure them that they are loved and cared for. | Make yourself available to them. When a friend is dealing with anxiety , they can't put off how they're feeling until you're available to help them deal with it. Show that you see them as a priority by pressing “pause” on other things to be there for them. For instance, if a friend says, “I'm freaking out about my upcoming test,” it won't help reassure them if you say “Can we talk about this later?” Instead, make time for them right away—even if for only a few minutes. You might say, “Okay, can you tell me more about what's going on?” In some cases, you don't have to say anything at all. Just sit silently with your friend to help reassure them that they are safe and sound. Be a good listener. Active listening is a great tool that helps strengthen relationships, but it can also help reassure someone who's feeling upset. Oftentimes, when people are troubled, others may only be interested in getting them to calm down. A better route is to hear your loved one out. Make eye contact, turn to face the person, and nod your head encouragingly. Once they've finished talking, restate what they said to be sure you got the right message. Restating might sound like, “If I'm hearing you right, you're saying…” Make them feel understood. It's helpful to show your friend that they're not abnormal for feeling how they feel. You can do this by validating their emotions. Validation is a big part of helping them feel reassured. For instance, if your friend says they're afraid that they have a stalker, you might say, “Wow, I would be frightened if someone was following me, too.” Remind them that they won't always feel this way. Anxiety and fear can get a person hung up in the present moment, making them completely forget that these feelings are temporary. Reassure your friend by reminding them that the feeling will go away. You might even remind them of a time when they got through a similar circumstance. Saying something like, “I know this is tough for you, but it will get better. Remember how tough it was when your dad died. You got through that and you will get through this.” When you do this, remind them that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. You could say, "It makes sense that you feel depressed right now. I know I would. Take as long as you need to work through these feelings." Be patient. Reassurance and urgency don't belong together, which means you can't try to rush your friend into feeling better again. This is hard because we always want the people we care about to be happy and calm, but rushing the situation will only make things worse. An anxious or frightened friend may need you to listen and validate them over and over again before they start to feel better. Be patient and don't try to speed up the process. Offer physical touch, if appropriate. A soft caress or hug is a wonderful gesture for a friend who's feeling anxious or upset. If your relationship involves physical affection, use it now to help reassure them. This gesture doesn't have to be grand or over-the-top. Gently rubbing their back as they tell you what's happening or pulling them in for a quick hug can go a long way. Ask how you can help. This may seem obvious, but ask your loved one if there is anything specific you can do to help them. Don't assume you know how to “fix” the problem. Ask for their guidance. You might say something like, “Is there anything I can do?” If your friend can't think of anything, try to come up with a practical way to help, like helping them make dinner or accompanying them on a walk to get fresh air. Buy them a small gift. Once the immediate stressor has passed, you can help reassure your friend that they are loved and cared for by giving them a small gift. The gift doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be meaningful. For instance, if you have a friend who has panic attacks, you might gift them with stress stones. They can rub these stones in between their fingers to help ground them in the present moment. Put them in front of a mirror. People rarely see themselves through the same lens as the people closest to them. One thoughtful gesture is to help your friend or partner see themselves the way you see them. Walk them in front of a mirror and tell them what you see there. For example, you might say, “Come stand here and look. I want you to see what I see. You are strong, kind, and beautiful.” Help them face a fear. If your friend is afraid of a specific event or activity, a part of reassuring them could be helping them gradually face and overcome the fear. See if they'd like your help overcoming whatever's troubling them. For instance, if your friend fears crowds, you might make a plan to take them to places where there are large groups. They might start by simply looking at pictures of these places. Then, progress to driving to the events, but staying in the car. Slowly, they might work their way up to getting out and standing in the crowd for a short amount of time. If your friend suffers from serious anxiety or a phobia, it's best to leave their treatment to a professional. Encourage your friend to overcome their fears by working with a mental health therapist. Remind them of their positive traits that have helped them in the past. Point out their strengths and what you admire about them, such as their ability to persevere, their creativity, their kindness, or their resilience in the face of adversity. Similarly, you could remind them that these positive traits are more important than what's happening in their life. Say, "I've always admired how you carve your own path and know that you will find your footing this time as well. You always find creative solutions to your problems and work hard to make them a reality." You could also say, "I know it's hard being on probation at work for being honest with that client, but honesty is more important than being on the boss's good side. What if the client had been harmed?" Tell them how much you care. As a loved one, you can do your part in reassuring someone you care about by letting them know what they mean to you. Of course, this won't make their troubles go away, but it will help them feel less alone in facing them. You might say something like, “I love you so much. I'm sorry you're going through this, but I'm here.” Explain how they have made your life better. People suffering from anxiety may only see the world from the perspective of fear, which makes them feel like a burden to the people around them. Your loved one may not know just how valuable they are to you, so tell them. You might say, “I know you probably don't know this, but once I was feeling really down in the dumps. I didn't think I could go on anymore. You randomly called me. Without even knowing, you made my day so much better.” Praise them. Those who feel fear or anxiety may only see their weaknesses. So, your friend doesn't need more criticism, they need reminding of their positive traits. This can help reassure them and empower them to overcome their fears. For instance, if you and a friend who has social anxiety are going to an event, you might say, “Sandra, I really like the color of your dress, and your makeup is flawless.” Or you might praise character traits like, “Gee, Greg, you are such a great listener. I don't know what I would do without you.” Root them on. If your friend is nervous about an upcoming event or activity, do your part to encourage them. Cheer them on by reminding them how great they are and letting them know you believe in their abilities. You might say something like, "I know you're worried about the test, but you shouldn't be. You're a rock star! You know your stuff, so I know you'll knock this test out of the park!" | Make yourself available to them. Be a good listener. Make them feel understood. Remind them that they won't always feel this way. Be patient. Offer physical touch, if appropriate. Ask how you can help. Buy them a small gift. Put them in front of a mirror. Help them face a fear. Remind them of their positive traits that have helped them in the past. Tell them how much you care. Explain how they have made your life better. Praise them. Root them on. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Mice-Naturally | How to Get Rid of Mice Naturally | The easiest way to get rid of mice naturally is to soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near your garage, doorways, and vents. Mice don't like the smell of peppermint, so the cotton balls will keep them away. If peppermint oil fails, buy an organic mice repellant online and spray any places where mice can get into your house. You can also try a live-catch trap to catch the mice and release them into the wild. | Keep your home clean. Many times, mice are drawn into homes on the search for food. If there is nothing to eat, mice will be less likely to stay. Keep all food stored properly in airtight containers or in places that are safe from mouse attack. Apply peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent. The smell is simply too intense for rodents and they will not try to go near it. It also helps to mask the scent of any tasty morsels that have been missed when cleaning. It also gives the house a lovely smell, and is not toxic, unlike many synthetic chemical treatments. You can get peppermint oil in most health food stores and even some major grocery stores. Place a drop or two on a cotton ball. Place a cotton ball under or near your garbage can to deter mice from getting into it. Place the cotton balls in areas where mice are likely to enter your house, by doorways, or heat vents, etc. Peppermint oil cotton balls need to be replaced after 5-7 days, depending upon the quantity of oil you put on it. Try growing peppermint plants near the entryways. You can use the mint in cooking, as well as it serving a deterrent purpose. Use dried snake feces. Visit a local reptile center, zoo, or pet store and ask for some dried snake poo. You can also sometimes find someone who owns a pet snake. Place near entrances and in places where mice seem to go. This will keep mice away. Be sure to keep the feces out of the reach of children and pets. Zap mice with ultrasonic sounds. There are electronic units sold that emit an ultrasonic beeping sound that rodents hate. They should be available at your local home improvement store or online. These work only on a single line of sight, so you need to know the exact path the mice are taking. The units may only work for a short time because mice can become used to them. Use a commercial, organic deterrent. Many companies that specialize in organic garden and home products make mice repellents that are better for the environment than traditional poisons. Many of these products use natural ingredients, such as peppermint, that are known to be disagreeable to mice. They will not kill mice but they should keep them out of areas where the product is applied. These products should be available at your local gardening or home improvement center. If you want a specific product, try doing an online search to see where it is available locally. Get a cat. A house cat can take care of the problem. Cats that spend time outdoors are more likely to hunt to find their own food and may track down that mouse. Just be aware, not all cats have enough energy, interest, or training to hunt mice. Kittens typically have to be taught by the mother to easily become a mouser. Well-fed indoor kitties might just see the mouse as a toy, and grow quickly bored of it after scaring it half witless. Shelters and adoption agencies often do not know if a cat is a good mouse hunter, and generally do not test for this. Sometimes this information is available, but usually not. While many mousers are great pets as well, not all are. "Barn cats" may not be socialized well with humans, although used to hunting mice for food. Even if you do not have a cat, you can use used kitty litter to deter mice. Place tubs of used kitty litter around entrances of the house. The mice will sniff the smell of cat urine and clear off in a jiffy. If you have a large infestation, a cat may not be enough to totally get rid of it. However, once you eliminate the infestation, a cat will probably prevent reinfestation. Put your trash cans far from your home. Mice smell garbage and get attracted to your house. If you keep the cans away from the house, they are less likely to take up residence in your home. Promote the nesting of birds of prey in your yard. Build a shelter box in your garden to attract some onto your property. This may take some time, but it's worth the effort if you can attract a wild mouse eater to your yard. Make sure the shelter box has no nails or safety hazards. A barn owl is the best. A family of barn owls can eat many mice in a night! However, you might attract other types of owls or birds of prey with your nesting box. Find the location where the mice are entering. Sometimes there will be greasy stains, and there will almost always be feces near an entry point. There is also a characteristic odor. Mark the spot with caulk if it was hard to find, so that you can find it again easily. Block up any holes in interior walls. Start with the interior walls, as it's best to leave a way out for the mice. They may leave your home or apartment for easier pickings elsewhere. Use spackle or caulk to seal holes that are relatively small. If you have larger holes that can't be fixed with caulk or spackle, you will need to patch your plaster or drywall. This is a bigger job but important, as a mouse can surely fit through a bigger hole. Make sure baseboards are secured and do not have gaps so that mice can't squeeze out from behind them. If trapped within the walls, mice may chew new holes. This is why it is important to give them a chance to leave before sealing up the exterior entry point. This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of mice, and you won't have to resort to traps or poison. Seal the exterior entry points. The usual recommendation is to fill holes with steel wool. Unfortunately, steel wool rusts and thus is not a permanent solution. Instead, use green kitchen pads, cut to the right size, or copper scouring pads. The pads must be secured to the sides of the hole or the mice will eventually pull them out. Large holes will need to be repaired. Once you are sure that the interior walls are secure, seal any holes on the exterior of your building. You may use plastic scouring pads, but in some cases, walls may need tuck-pointing or other repairs. Check entry points again. After a couple of days, look for evidence of any continuing mouse activity. If there is any, check the holes that you sealed, and look for more holes. Seal as needed. Clean up the area around the entrance. Remove feces and disinfect the area to get rid of the smell. Use a solution of one part bleach and ten parts water to accomplish this. Try a commercial live-catch trap. There are various traps that you might like to try using, all of which allow you to set the mouse free. The most common traps catch the mouse in a box that it can get in but not out of. This is a humane way to catch mice. Once you catch them, you will need to release them at least 1 mile (1.6 km) from your home, perhaps in a heavily wooded area to give them somewhere else to go. Killing or removing rodents alone will not typically solve the problem, nor keep mice gone for long. When animals are killed or removed, more will move in to use available resources. In fact, killing or removing mice can actually result in a temporary spike in the food supply, causing remaining rodents to breed. Still, it is better to reduce the population rather than give up. Create a homemade humane trap. Use a glass bowl and a coin. Invert a large glass bowl with some chocolate stuck to the inside of the bowl. Balance the bowl at an angle with the large coin on the edge, edge to edge. Leave it in an area where you know the mouse roams. The mouse will enter under the bowl and reach up for the chocolate, upsetting the balance. The bowl will fall and trap the mouse underneath. Remove the mouse and place it far away from the house. Lure the mouse into a container it can't get out of. You can set up a 10 gallon (37.9 L) aquarium with food in it. Put the aquarium in a spot that the mouse has been seen in, ideally in a place that blocks the mouse's usual path. Place something next to the aquarium that the mouse can crawl up, like a stack of books. The mouse should try to get the food and jump in to the aquarium. Once inside, the mouse should be trapped by the high walls. Check the trap frequently. Put a top on the aquarium if you find a mouse in there. Release the mouse well away from the house. Throw a towel over the mouse. It will stay under the towel for only a short time, so you need to act quickly. Put an inverted waste-paper basket over the towel. Tuck the exposed bits of towel under the basket so it is in contact with the ground. Slide an LP record or large piece of cardboard under the basket and towel. Carefully turn the basket over the right way, with the cardboard tight against the lip of the basket. Take the whole thing outside and walk (or run!) the basket, mouse, and towel as far from your home as possible. Once you're far from your home, release the mouse. | Keep your home clean. Apply peppermint oil. Use dried snake feces. Zap mice with ultrasonic sounds. Use a commercial, organic deterrent. Get a cat. Put your trash cans far from your home. Promote the nesting of birds of prey in your yard. Find the location where the mice are entering. Block up any holes in interior walls. Seal the exterior entry points. Check entry points again. Try a commercial live-catch trap. Create a homemade humane trap. Lure the mouse into a container it can't get out of. Throw a towel over the mouse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Confront-Someone-Who%27s-Giving-You-the-Silent-Treatment | How to Confront Someone Who's Giving You the Silent Treatment | If someone is giving you the silent treatment, you can confront them by having a calm and honest conversation. Ask them to speak in a private place, like a park bench or quiet coffee shop, so you won't get distracted. As you talk, tell them you value your relationship and express how their silence makes you feel. For example, say "I wanted to figure out what's happening between us because I appreciate your friendship." Make sure to sound calm and in control, since being overly emotional could seem manipulative and only make things worse. Additionally, listen to what they tell you because you may have hurt them recently. If you did, give a genuine apology. | Consider what else is happening in their life. It could be that they're not actually giving you the cold shoulder. Maybe they, or someone they care about, is ill or having personal problems. You won't know for sure until you ask them, but if you notice they seem more withdrawn with other people, too, it might not be the cold shoulder at all. If you notice a really severe personality change and other mutual friends do, too, talk to the person immediately. They could be in a position where they really need help. Keep in mind that they might not even be aware they're giving you the silent treatment. People can withdraw from others for a variety of reasons without realizing it. Determine if this is a pattern. If this isn't the first time they have given you the cold shoulder, ask yourself a few questions. Have they treated you this way before? Was it in response to something you said or did that they didn't like? If so, you might be in a manipulative or controlling relationship. If you are in a manipulative, controlling, or abusive relationship, you might want to see a therapist to discuss the relationship and your place in it. It can also help to share your concerns about your relationship with a trusted friend or family member, who can support you during a difficult time. Practice what you'll say. You want to feel like you said what you needed to say, so plan it ahead of time. It's easy to get nervous or defensive, or to come off the wrong way if you aren't prepared. Close your eyes and imagine you're alone with this person and say out loud what you want to say. Ask to speak in private. If you talk to them in a public place, it's easier for them to change the subject or for the two of you to get interrupted. Instead, ask if you can talk to them somewhere private – maybe an out-of-the-way bench in a park or even a quiet corner of a coffee shop. If you live with the person, ask if you can speak to them somewhere where you'll both be comfortable – like the living room sofa. If they refuse to meet or talk with you, that's a pretty good indication that they're using the silent treatment to manipulate or control you. It's okay at that point to tell them you understand they don't want to talk, and that you'll be walking away from the relationship. Say that you value the relationship. It's important to start here so they know that you're not just trying to start a fight. It starts the conversation by letting them know that you care about them and the relationship and that their behavior has mattered to you. For example, you can say things like, "I've really enjoyed spending time/working with you," or "I'm hoping you can help me figure out what's happening between us, because I appreciate your friendship so much." Ask if you've done something to upset them and let them know you want to make the situation right. Express how their silence makes you feel. This is especially important if you're very close to the person who's giving you the silent treatment. Let them know how it makes you feel, whether that's sad or hurt. But because the silent treatment is often used by people trying to control others, make sure you remain calm and collected as you explain your feelings. You can say something like “Sally, I really love you and I value our friendship, but I feel hurt when you shut me out. I hope we can talk about this and sort it out." Pay attention to your tone. Most people who use the silent treatment on a regular basis do it to get a reaction. If you sound overly hurt or sad, or even desperate to get their friendship back, it gives them incentive to keep using the silent treatment. Instead, do your best to sound calm and in control. For example, instead of saying, “I'm really hurt and I've been losing sleep over it and I'll do anything to get out friendship back,” you can say something like “I feel hurt and sad when you won't talk to me. If you'd like to talk, I'm happy to talk, too.” Listen to what they have to say. This is important whether there is a real reason they're using the silent treatment or if they're doing it to control you. Give them a chance to explain why or how you hurt them (if that's the cause). If they don't seem able to come up with a good answer, that's a good indication that they're manipulating you. For example, if they say something like, “A few weeks ago, we were talking about my job and you said something that really hurt my feelings. I wasn't sure how to deal with it so I've been speaking to you less,” then you have something concrete you can address and apologize for. If, however, they say something like “I asked you to go to dinner with me but you said no because you had to go to your aunt's funeral,” then it's likely they're manipulating you into putting them before anyone and anything else. If they just ignore you or completely change the subject instead of answering your question, they're also likely manipulating you, and it's okay to simply walk away. Improve your communication skills. Better communication skills can help avoid a repeat of the silent treatment if it turns out that a miscommunication caused it in the first place. There are a few simple things you can do to improve your communication skills. Stop and listen to what your friends are saying in a conversation, rather than rushing in to say what you want. Be honest in your conversations. If you don't want to do something, say so. If something bothers you, tell them about it. Pay attention to what they don't say. You can figure out a lot about how a person is feeling by their body language. If they don't make eye contact, seem distracted, or stand with their hands folded, they are likely upset. Try only once. If it seems apparent that they are using the silent treatment to control or manipulate you, don't try again and again to fix things between you. After you have confronted the person who is giving you the silent treatment, you have done everything you can. Now, it is up to the other person to step up and begin communicating with you. If they don't, stop trying to talk to them about it. Instead, live your life as normally as possible. Be willing to walk away. The silent treatment indicates that either they don't want to talk to you or they're trying to control you. In both cases, it's probably best to walk away from the relationship. If the person giving you the silent treatment is someone you work with, you probably can't just walk away. Instead, only interact with that person when it's absolutely necessary. Remain professional and calm, but don't go above and beyond in any way in your interactions with them. | Consider what else is happening in their life. Determine if this is a pattern. Practice what you'll say. Ask to speak in private. Say that you value the relationship. Express how their silence makes you feel. Pay attention to your tone. Listen to what they have to say. Improve your communication skills. Try only once. Be willing to walk away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blanch-Green-Beans | How to Blanch Green Beans | Before you blanch green beans, rinse them thoroughly and snap the ends off of each bean. Bring a pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Fill a bowl full of ice water. Place your green beans into the boiling water a few at a time, letting each batch sit for about 2 minutes. Use tongs to carefully scoop the beans out of the boiling water. Immediately immerse them in the bowl of ice water. Leave the beans in the ice water until they have completely cooled, then wrap them in a paper towel until you are ready to serve them. | Prepare your green beans. Rinse your beans thoroughly with water and snap the ends off of each bean. Only snap about a quarter inch off of the ends. Try to leave as much of the bean intact. Snapping too much off the ends leaves the inside of the bean exposed. This can cause a loss of flavor and crunch when boiling them in water. Salt a large pot of water. Salting is crucial for seasoning the beans as well as preserving their natural taste. Though you do not have to include salt in your water, doing so will help prevent nutrients and flavors from seeping out of your beans. Salted water has a higher density than the water inside the beans. This helps keep most of the taste concealed in your beans rather than having them leak into the boiling water. Salt your water liberally. The general rule of thumb is that blanching water should be "ten times saltier than the sea." If you have trouble judging by taste, simply add a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt for every quart of water in your pot. Salting your beans generously helps maintain that bright green color, which is great if you intend on presenting a colorful dish. It also ensures that the beans will be seasoned evenly. Don't worry about your beans tasting too salty. They will only be in the boiling water briefly and won't soak up as much salt as you think. Place your pot of water on the stove to boil. Make sure the water volume is at least twice as much as the amount of beans you intend to blanch. Though you may be blanching only a few green beans, using a big pot is ideal because it minimizes the length of boiling time. The goal of blanching is to cook the beans as quickly as possible to avoid losing crunch and color. Keep your water at a steady boil. Pay attention to the bubbles in your pot. Small bubbles forming at the edges of the pot are just air bubbles from the water and don't necessarily mean your water is boiling. When big bubbles begin to steadily stream from the bottom of the pot, your water is ready to go. Prepare an ice bath. An ice bath is essential for the second main step of blanching, which is "shocking" your beans in cold water to stop the cooking process. Fill a large bowl with water that is cold or at room temperature. Grab some ice cubes from your freezer and distribute them evenly throughout the water. Avoid preparing your ice bath early in your cooking process. The goal of shocking your beans is to stop the cooking that is still taking place inside the bean. Leaving your ice bath out at room temperature may decrease the effectiveness of shocking your beans. Don't prepare the ice bath after the cooking process. Shocking needs to occur immediately after beans have been boiled so that they do not become overcooked in their own steam. Also avoid preparing an ice bath while your beans boil. Since it is a quick process, you can easily lose track of time and overcook your beans. Place your green beans into the boiling water a few at a time. Let them sit in the water for about 2 minutes. Don't overcrowd your beans. Steadily distributing them will ensure even seasoning and cooking. Taste a green bean a minute or so after boiling. It should taste crisp yet cooked. If your green beans are tender, you have overcooked them. Remove the green beans from the pot. Use tongs or a strainer to carefully scoop them out of the boiling water. Don't feel rushed. Although blanching requires speed, it also requires care. You don't have to scoop out all of your green beans in one go. Place your green beans in the ice bath immediately. As you scoop out the beans from your water, immerse them evenly in the bowl of ice water. Avoid setting your beans down on a surface before shocking them in water. The longer your beans sit, the more they continue to cook. Keep your beans in the ice water until they have cooled down completely. Removing them before they have fully cooled allows cooking to continue from the inside out, which can result in a mushy final product. Also avoid keeping the beans in the ice bath for too long. If you can't feel any more warmth with your fingertips, the beans are likely cooled. Keeping the beans in the water for too long risks making them heavy and soggy. Wrap the green beans in a paper towel. Allow them to fully dry before eating or mixing them with other foods. Pat your green beans while they are inside the paper towel. This will help speed up the drying process. Skipping the drying process risks making the beans soggy and defeating the purpose of blanching, which is to achieve a crispy texture. Blanch your green beans in the microwave. Substitute a casserole dish and microwave for a pot and stove. The steps are generally the same as blanching on the stove with a few minor tweaks. Instead of keeping your green beans whole, chop them into small pieces. Put salt on them directly instead of in the water. Fill a casserole dish with 3 quarts of water. Place two cups of green beans into the dish and cover. Microwave the casserole dish for 5-6 minutes, stopping to stir at least twice throughout the cooking process. Shock and dry the beans as you normally would after boiling. This technique is best for smaller quantities of green beans and for when you may not have access to a pot or stove. Know that microwaving may not be as effective as boiling when trying to achieve crunchier and brighter green beans. Use steam to blanch your green beans. Replace your pot and water with a basket and steam. Use a pot with a tight lid and a steam basket that holds food at least three inches above the pot. Put an inch or two of water in the pot and bring it to a boil. Place your green beans in a single, even layer so that the steam reaches all parts quickly. Cover the pot with the lid and keep the heat on high for about 3-4 minutes. Shock and dry the green beans how you typically would. Steam blanching, while a nice alternative to water blanching, is not as efficient. It takes approximately 1 1/2 times longer to steam blanch green beans than to water blanch them. Using steam is typically advised for specific vegetables, such as broccoli or sweet potatoes. Though you can blanch all vegetables in steam, water blanching green beans is quicker and more effective. Sauté your green beans in a skillet after blanching. Though this is not a substitute for water blanching, it is a nice flavor supplement to your already crispy green beans. After drying your beans, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter and Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds. No exact measurements are required; just add enough oil and butter to fully coat your beans. Add the beans and continue to Sauté until they are coated in butter and heated through. Remove the beans from the skillet and add lemon zest, salt, and pepper. For even greater flavor, mix red pepper flakes and garlic into your butter before sauteing your beans. | Prepare your green beans. Salt a large pot of water. Place your pot of water on the stove to boil. Prepare an ice bath. Place your green beans into the boiling water a few at a time. Remove the green beans from the pot. Place your green beans in the ice bath immediately. Wrap the green beans in a paper towel. Blanch your green beans in the microwave. Use steam to blanch your green beans. Sauté your green beans in a skillet after blanching. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Car-from-Rolling-Back-on-a-Hill | How to Prevent a Car from Rolling Back on a Hill | To prevent a car with manual transmission from rolling back on a hill, come to a complete stop and engage the handbrake. Next, shift into first gear and step on the accelerator pedal until the engine spins at about 3000 RPM. Then, lift the clutch and slowly release the handbrake so that the car begins moving forward slowly. When the sounds of the engine start to fade, continue applying throttle and drive the car up the hill. | Come to a complete stop. When you are on a slope, you need to come to a complete stop using either the brake pedal or the handbrake. This holds true whether you're facing up a slope or down a slope. Some drivers prefer to use the handbrake, because it frees up their right foot to use on the gas pedal when they intend to start driving again. Use hill-start assist, if available. Many manual cars have hill start assist, which will help keep your car from rolling backward when you are stopped on a hill. It will also help when you try to start from a complete stop as well. If you have hill-start assist in your car, it will automatically work so you do not have to press any buttons. Hill-start sensors in the car automatically detect when your vehicle is on an incline. The hill start assist maintains pressure on the brake pedal for a set period of time to help you while you're moving your foot from the brakes to the gas pedal. Hill-start assist does not increase your traction, so if you are in inclement weather or the road is slippery, you may still start to roll backwards. Shift into first gear. When it is time for you to begin moving again, shift into first gear and step on the accelerator pedal. Do not release the handbrake yet. Continue pressing on the accelerator until the engine spins at about 3000 RPM. Lift the clutch to its biting point. At this point, you'll feel the front of the car lift slightly since the clutch is taking on the weight of the car. Slowly release the handbrake. Gradually release the handbrake as you lift the clutch slightly. As the handbrake disengages and releases, the car should begin to move forward. Slowly release the clutch, listening to the engine. When you hear the sounds of the engine start to fade, continue applying more and more throttle. Now, you're able to start driving up the hill again without rolling backwards. Make sure to release the clutch until it is fully engaged. Hold the brake pedal, if no handbrake. If your handbrake doesn't work, use the heel of your right foot to hold down the brake pedal while you use your toes to work the accelerator. You will release the brake pedal instead of the handbrake as you're releasing the clutch. If your handbrake doesn't work, take your car to a mechanic and have it fixed. Relying on the transmission to hold the car causes wear and tear and can have adverse effects on your engine. Keep your foot on brake. If you are waiting for a traffic light to change, continue keeping your foot on the brake to prevent your car from rolling. Holding the brake pedal down will ensure that you're at a complete stop and prevent you from rolling backwards. If you're going to be stopped for a while, you can shift into neutral. Keep your foot on the brake pedal the entire time. Shift into drive. If you have chosen to shift into neutral, you'll now need to shift into drive to move the car forward. You will start to push down on the accelerator pedal as you smoothly release the brake. While you are moving your foot from the brake to the accelerator, you will need to move your foot quickly to prevent your car from rolling back. It is normal for the car to move back a few inches, but you need to be cognizant of any cars or people behind you while you're transitioning. Drive forward. Preventing rolling back in an automatic transition is more straightforward than with a manual transmission. Now that you're ready to start again from your complete stop, you'll have to make the transition smoothly from the brake to the accelerator. Press down about half way on the accelerator, though you will need to step down less if there are other vehicles in front of you. Depending on how steep the hill is, you may need to step harder on the accelerator than you would on a flat road. Parallel park as you normally would. Your car is more likely to roll while you are parking on a hill than it would on a flat surface. Since parallel parking on a slope can be more difficult than parking on a flat surface, you need to be very comfortable parallel parking and be confident in your skills. Turn the wheels. After you park on a slope facing uphill, turn the wheels away from the sidewalk or shoulder. This will rotate your tires, so if your gears disengage, or the emergency brake fails, the car will simply hit the curb instead of rolling down the hill. If you are facing downhill, turn the wheel to the right so the wheels are facing the curb or sidewalk. Shift gears, if you have a manual transmission. For manual transmissions, you will need to shift your car into first gear or reverse once you are in the parking space. Leaving your car in neutral will increase the chances that it will roll backwards or forwards. Put car in park, if you have an automatic transmission. For automatic transmissions, you need to put your car in park after you are in the parking space. Keep your foot on the brake until you have fully engaged the emergency brake and have shifted gears into park. Leaving the gear in drive can damage your transmission. Apply the emergency brake. You can do this with both manual and automatic transmissions. The emergency brake is your best assurance that the car won't roll either forward or backwards when you're parked on a hill. Use a wheel chock. When you are parking on a steep slope, you can use a wheel chock to stabilize your car and prevent it from rolling backward. A wheel chock is an object, usually a block of wood, that you place behind the back wheel of your vehicle. You can purchase wheel chocks online, at auto parts stores, or at major realtors. You can also make your own chocks using wood. If you are parked with the front of the car pointing downhill, place the chock under your front tire. Safely drive away. When you are ready to leave your parking spot and continue your drive, you will need to remove the wheel chock (if you used one) and disengage the emergency brake. When you are pulling out of a parking space while on a hill, you will need to keep your foot on the brake until you are sure that is safe to pull out. Once you are able to pull out, you can transition your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator. You will need to make this a smooth transition, otherwise you risk rolling backwards either into the curb or a vehicle parked behind you. Be sure to check your mirrors before you pull out of your parking space. | Come to a complete stop. Use hill-start assist, if available. Shift into first gear. Lift the clutch to its biting point. Slowly release the handbrake. Slowly release the clutch, listening to the engine. Hold the brake pedal, if no handbrake. Keep your foot on brake. Shift into drive. Drive forward. Parallel park as you normally would. Turn the wheels. Shift gears, if you have a manual transmission. Put car in park, if you have an automatic transmission. Apply the emergency brake. Use a wheel chock. Safely drive away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Or-in-Excel-on-PC-or-Mac | How to Use Or in Excel on PC or Mac | The syntax for the OR function is =OR(logical1, logical2). | Open Excel on your PC or Mac. Here's how: Windows: Click the {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png\/30px-Windowsstart.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} menu, select All Apps , select Microsoft Office , then click Microsoft Excel. macOS: Click the Go menu, click Applications , double-click Microsoft Office , then double-click Microsoft Excel. Click the file you want to edit. If you don't see a list of files, press Control + O , select the file, then click Open. Click an empty cell. This is where you'll type the formula. Enter the OR formula as =OR(logical1, logical2). Here are some examples: To return the word TRUE if value of A1 is greater than 100 OR less than 1000: =OR(A1>100,<1000) The word FALSE will be returned if not true. To return the value of C1 if A1 is greater than 100 OR less than 1000: =IF(OR(A1>100,<1000),C1,"out of range") Notice “out of range” at the end of the formula. In this example, "out of range" will appear in the cell if the test proves false. You can replace this with anything you'd like, or omit it if you just want the word "FALSE." Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. The formula will run and the appropriate result (TRUE, FALSE, a cell value, or a custom string) will appear in the cell. To apply the formula to the remaining cells in the column, hover the cursor over the cell with the formula, then double-click the +. | Open Excel on your PC or Mac. Click the file you want to edit. Click an empty cell. Enter the OR formula as =OR(logical1, logical2). Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Flying-Ants | How to Kill Flying Ants | To kill flying ants, mix liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray the ants with it whenever you see them. You can also try placing some tape sticky-side up near food sources in your home, which will trap the ants when they walk over it. If you know where the flying ants' nest is, try pouring some boiling water or artificial sweetener down the entrance to the nest to kill all of the ants inside. | Use a commercial aerosol. There are a variety of commercial bug poisons you can use against ants of all varieties, and any ant spray should be effective against flying ants. To get to the ants mid-flight, choose an aerosol variety with an easy-to-direct spout. Always follow the label instructions to prevent accidental and potentially hazardous misuse. Never direct aerosol poisons at any other person or animal in your household. Make sure that the poison you use is safe to use indoors if you plan on killing flying ants indoors. Be sure to verify that the aerosol you plan to use is legal in your area. Make a natural peppermint spray. Peppermint oil kills flying ants via suffocation. You can mix peppermint oil with water and dish soap in a spray bottle to create your own natural insecticide spray. Combine one part liquid soap and with two parts water in a spray bottle, then add several drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well to combine. Spray this solution on any flying ants you see, either at rest or in flight. Spray the ants with dish soap. Dish soap alone is effective against flying ants since it sticks to the ants' bodies and dehydrates them, causing death. To make a solution that you can easily use to attack flying ants, dilute the dish soap with water inside a standard spray bottle. Fill a bottle with water and add a few squirts of liquid dish soap. Mix well so that the soap is evenly distributed throughout the water. Spray winged ants in flight or at rest. Lay out some diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth works against ants by causing dehydration and death. Lay a perimeter around potential food sources. If the ant steps into it, its body will be pierced by the small, jagged granules. The ant will eventually die from these wounds. Use food grade diatomaceous earth so that it is safer to use around kids and pets. Sprinkle the DE in any area you expect to find ants. The closer it is to a food source, the better, since flying ants are more likely to land at a spot directly next to the food rather than a spot further away. Do not wet the DE. It should be kept dry so that the sharp granules work as effectively as possible. Since the ants have to cross into the DE directly, there is no guarantee that it will be effective against flying ants, since flying ants might find a way to access the food source without crawling over the DE surrounding it. As a powerful ant killer, though, you may still find DE worth trying. Invest in a bug zapper. An electric bug zapper works well against many different types of flying insects, and flying ants are no exception. Hang the bug zapper in an area you typically catch flying ants in and wait for the device to take care of the problem for you. When hanging bug zappers, place them in open areas that insects can fly into easily. It is also important to place them out of the reach of pets or children. While the electricity produced by the bug zapper is not usually enough to cause any severe harm to larger pets, like dogs and cats, or to most children, the shock produced can still be painful. The bug zapper itself should lure the flying ants toward it. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid using the bug zapper in a potentially hazardous way. Trap ants with tape. Lay a perimeter of tape around potential food sources. When the ants land on the tape, they will get stuck and will be unable to fly away. In order for this to be effective, you need to place the sticky side of the tape up and position it as close to the food source as possible. Flying ants are less likely to land on the tape if it is not directly beside the food source. Since flying ants travel by flying instead of crawling, this treatment is not always the most effective. After all, you cannot guarantee that the flying ants will land on the tape since, technically, there is some chance that they can fly around it. Nonetheless, as a non-toxic, inexpensive option, it may still be worth a try. Track down the nest. In order to get rid of the flying ants for good, you will need to follow them back to the nest of the colony. Killing the colony of ants will provide you with a more permanent solution. Understand that flying ants are only the sexually active forms of an ant species. In other words, they are not a separate species of ant at all. When you find the colony flying ants belong to, it will consist of mostly wingless ants. If you want to kill the flying ants, though, you need to kill the wingless colony those ants come from. Try to follow ants back to the colony by observing them. If you can find the anthill they come from, you can attack the hill directly. If you are unable to find the actual nest, though, you can still attack flying ants at the source by spreading poisons that flying ants and wingless ants can take back to the colony. Use a commercial pesticide. Ant bait and other commercial poisons are effective against flying ants as long as they are labeled for use against ants in general. Look for pesticides that the ants will carry back to the nest since these will do the most damage. Ant baits are among the most effective ant killers, especially when you are dealing with flying ants. The ants take the bait back to the colony, where the queen consumes it and dies. After the queen dies, the rest of the colony soon follows. Ant baits come in the form of gels, granules, and stations. Most are safe for use around pets and children, but nonetheless, you should keep them out of reach when possible. Note that these baits can be sugar-based or protein-based, and different bases will attract different species of ants. If one does not work, try the other. Always follow the instructions carefully to avoid misusing the poison in a potentially dangerous way. Create a trap of borax and sugar. Borax is highly toxic to ants, but if you mix it with something sweet, the ants will not detect the poisonous scent and will carry the sweet-smelling food back to the colony. When the queen and the rest of the colony eat the borax, the ants will die off. Combine equal parts borax and sugar. Slowly add water to the combination, mixing continually, until a paste develops. Spread this paste onto a piece of cardboard and place the cardboard in an area that flying ants are known to linger in. The ants should be drawn to the paste, and if it works correctly, they should take some back to the rest of the colony. Note that borax pastes like this tend to dry out in a few days, so you might need to make more if the first batch does not take care of the probably right away. Be careful when using borax around pets and small children, since it is poisonous to them, as well. Use boiling water. After you find the ant colony, pour boiling water over the anthill. Ants faced directly with the boiling water can be scalded, and the rest will likely move away from the area in response to the new threat and the damage you just inflicted. The water should be more than just a little hot; it needs to be boiling. Boil as much water as you can in a kettle. As soon as the water is ready, remove it from the heat and take it directly to the anthill. Douse the anthill with the water while it is still as hot as possible. Consider placing a flowerpot upside down over the anthill before you boil the ants out. Pour the water onto the anthill through the drain hole at the bottom of the flowerpot. Doing this traps the ants while protecting you against bites and stings issued by any escapees. Set a trap using baking soda and powdered sugar. Baking soda is another material that can kill ants. By mixing it with powdered sugar, you mask the odor and cause flying ants to take it back to the queen and to the nest. The ants that eat it will die. The baking soda reacts with an acidic substance ants naturally carry around inside for the sake of protection. When the baking soda mixes with this acid, a violent reaction develops and kills the ants as a result. Kill the ants with artificial sweetener. Certain types of artificial sweetener are extremely toxic to ants, yet the sweet scent is often enough to lure them in. The artificial sweetener gets carried back to the queen and to the nest, and all the ants that consume it die off. Aspartame, in particular, is known for acting as a neurotoxin to ants. Mix a little artificial sweetener with some apple juice, adding just enough apple juice to form a paste. The ants will eat some of this paste and carry some back to the rest of the colony. Once consumed there, the ant population will dwindle. | Use a commercial aerosol. Make a natural peppermint spray. Spray the ants with dish soap. Lay out some diatomaceous earth. Invest in a bug zapper. Trap ants with tape. Track down the nest. Use a commercial pesticide. Create a trap of borax and sugar. Use boiling water. Set a trap using baking soda and powdered sugar. Kill the ants with artificial sweetener. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Help-a-Senior-Cat-Get-Through-a-Cold-Winter | How to Help a Senior Cat Get Through a Cold Winter | To help your senior cat stay warm during the winter months, place the litter box in a warm area of your home. If that's not an option, put a space heater near the litter box. Your cat will also need warm places to rest during the day, so take advantage of the natural heat of the sun by putting a cat bed or cat tree in a sunny window. Another way to keep your older cat cozy is to purchase a heated cat bed. A regular heated blanket is also a good option, but you'll need to keep it on the lowest setting and turn it off when you're not around to prevent burns and fire hazards. | Place its litter box in a warm room. If you keep your senior cat's litter box in the basement or garage, move it into a warm room indoors during cold winter months. Older cats do not handle the cold as well as younger cats, so forcing them into a cold, damp place to relieve themselves can cause them a great deal of discomfort. To make this transition, it is best to introduce a second litter box in the new location (e.g. in the laundry room or bathroom) and leave the old litter box where it is, to avoid confusion and to let your cat get used to the new option. If you don't have a warm room to put the litter box in, try putting a space heater near the litter box so it's not as chilly. Keep the heat on when you leave. While it might seem like an budget-friendly choice to turn down the heat when you leave for work or go out on the weekend, the colder environment might be unpleasant for your senior cat. Leave the thermostat at a moderately warm temperature, keeping in mind that a senior cat will be far more susceptible to the cold, particularly if it is thin. Make sure that the cat has spots to warm up in if it feels a chill, such as a warm cat bed, fuzzy blanket, or a comfortable cushion placed in a sunny spot. Move furniture into sunny spots. If your senior cat has a favorite piece of furniture to sit or lie on during the day (e.g. a cat bed or favorite chair), move it to a spot that gets a lot of sunlight during the day. Your cat will likely gravitate to sunny spots for warmth during cold months, so moving its preferred resting spot will keep it happy and comfortable through winter. Avoid moving too many things around at once, however, as change can cause stress in senior cats. Make sure your senior cat can still access their favorite furniture after you move it. Buy a heated cat bed. Look online or at your local pet store for a heated bed for your senior cat in the winter. These beds may feature inner heating elements or thermo-reflective material, which uses your cat's body heat to warm the bed. If your cat has a tendency to burrow itself under your blankets or seek closed environments (e.g. hiding under your bed), opt for an A-frame heated cat bed, which will provide warmth and an enclosed shelter for your pet. You can also use a regular heated blanket and turn it into a bed for your cat. Keep it on the lowest setting so it's not too hot for your cat, and never leave it on when you're not at home. Keep your cat indoors. To keep your senior cat safe and healthy during the winter months (and all year round), keep it indoors. Cold weather can cause frostbite and hypothermia in cats, particularly older ones whose immune systems are not as strong as they used to be. Senior cats have a compromised ability to keep their body temperatures from falling below normal, and should be kept indoors in warm, heated temperatures to prevent illness. Make sure that your cat is hydrated. Heating during winter months can cause dryness in the air, which can be especially risky for senior cats who are already prone to dehydration. Get a humidifier for your home, which will raise moisture levels in the air and prevent dry skin and irritation. Make sure to leave out extra water for your cat to drink, preferably in different spots of the house so that your senior cat doesn't have to travel too much to quench its thirst. Monitor its weight. Be sure to monitor your senior cat's weight once a month to maintain an ideal balance. An underweight cat is likely to have difficulty keeping warm, while carrying extra weight might aggravate conditions like arthritis, which plagues many older cats. To get a general idea of what your cat weighs, weigh yourself on your regular scale, then weigh yourself holding your cat, and subtract the difference. If you wish to get a more precise reading, buy a digital scale for babies to weigh your cat. Most house cats should weigh about 10 pounds, but this can vary by breed. Ask your veterinarian what a target weight for your cat should be. Adjust your cat's diet. Protein will help your senior cat keep its coat thick and healthy during the cold months, so adjust its diet accordingly. Feed your cat canned food, which contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates and additives than regular food. You can also supplement your cat's diet with oils containing healthy fatty acids (e.g. fish oil) to fortify and thicken its fur. Ask your veterinarian about the correct dosage of fish oil for your pet, available in capsules that can be given to your cat directly or pierced and squeezed into its food. Keep your cat active. Get specific recommendations from your veterinarian about how frequent and intensive your senior cat's exercise routine should be. Make sure that your cat gets a moderate level of activity every day, which will improve blood circulation to keep your cat warm. Play chasing or hunting games (e.g. throwing a toy mouse for it to catch, or having it chase the red dot from a laser pointer) or purchase puzzle toys from a pet store for your cat to play with at its leisure. If your cat demonstrates signs of fatigue, shortness of breath, or injury, stop the play immediately and contact your vet if it persists. Make sure that your vet has checked your cat for vision and mobility problems before engaging your cat in play, which may be dangerous for an impaired pet. Be gentle when handling your cat. The cold can wreak havoc on the joints of senior cats during winter months, causing pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Be gentle when picking up your cat, placing your hand firmly under its body behind its front legs, and using your other arm to gently cradle its hindquarters as you raise it up. Be equally gentle when cuddling or playing with your cat. | Place its litter box in a warm room. Keep the heat on when you leave. Move furniture into sunny spots. Buy a heated cat bed. Keep your cat indoors. Make sure that your cat is hydrated. Monitor its weight. Adjust your cat's diet. Keep your cat active. Be gentle when handling your cat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Download-the-Uber-App | How to Download the Uber App | To download the Uber app for free, start by opening the App Store if you have an iPhone or the Google Play Store if you have an Android. Then, search for "Uber" using the search bar, and click on the download button once the app appears. Finally, wait for the app to download on your phone before you can use it. | Open the App Store app. Tap Search. This is on the bottom of your screen. Type in "Uber. " Tap "uber. " It should be the first result in the drop-down menu. Tap Get. This should be to the right of "Uber." Make sure the version of Uber you're on is the one developed by "Uber Technologies, Inc." Tap Install. Enter your Apple ID and password. After doing so, your Uber download will begin. Your download may begin without needing your Apple ID credentials. Open the Google Play Store. Tap the magnifying glass icon. Type in "Uber. " Tap Go. Tap "Uber. " Make sure the version you're accessing was developed by "Uber Technologies, Inc." Tap Install. This will be in the top right section of your screen. Tap Accept if prompted. Once you do so, your app download will commence. | Open the App Store app. Tap Search. Type in "Uber. Tap "uber. Tap Get. Tap Install. Enter your Apple ID and password. Open the Google Play Store. Tap the magnifying glass icon. Type in "Uber. Tap Go. Tap "Uber. Tap Install. Tap Accept if prompted. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Two-Beers-Before-Somebody-Drinks-Two-Shots | How to Drink Two Beers Before Somebody Drinks Two Shots | To drink 2 beers before somebody drinks 2 shots, start by betting someone that you can finish 2 beers before they finish 2 shots. Then, tell your opponent that they have to let you finish one of your beers before they can start taking their shots, and establish the rule that you're not allowed to touch your opponent's glass. Next, drink your first beer at a casual pace. When you're done, as your opponent is taking their first shot, cover their second shot with your empty beer glass. Because they can't touch your glass to get to their shot, you'll have all the time you need to finish your second beer. | Find somebody to bet against. The most important thing you'll need for this trick is a competitor who is a good sport. This can potentially be anyone in the bar, but a friend is probably the best choice. However, if you see strangers who look like they can take a joke, go for it. Avoid bothering bikers, surly-looking regulars, or anyone else who looks like they won't react well to losing a bet. Use common sense here. Outline the rules. If the person you choose is up for a challenge, explain the game to them before you start. This part is important — if you don't explain the rules clearly, you'll probably get some angry complaints and a refusal to pay up. The bet works as follows: You will order two beers and your opponent will order two shots. To win, you must drink both beers before your opponent can drink the shots. If anyone isn't drinking, feel free to substitute soda or water for alcohol. Neither person can touch the other's drinks or glasses. Both people must drink only one drink at a time — no touching the second drink until the first is finished. Your opponent must give you a one beer head start. In other words, s/he must wait until you finish your first beer before s/he drinks the first shot. Choose the stakes for the game. These are up to you, but small friendly bets tend to be the most fun. For example, you might try playing for a few dollars. Another good idea is to have the loser buy the winner a drink. Large bets are certainly possible, but these can lead to hurt feelings for the loser. Get your drinks and sit down. Set the two beers in front of you and the shots in front of your opponent. Sit across from each other at a small table so that you can easily reach each other. Get ready to drink! Start drinking. Finish your first glass of beer at a reasonable speed. Your opponent will probably have his or her hands on the first shot, ready to throw it back as soon as you finish. This is exactly what you want. Be ready to act fast as soon as you drink the last drop of beer. Cover your opponent's second shot with the empty beer glass. This is it! After you finish your first drink, your opponent will probably go straight for the first shot. Quickly flip your beer glass and put it upside down over the second shot glass. Savor your second drink and collect your winnings. Since you aren't allowed to touch each others' glasses, your opponent can't get to the second shot. You win. Be ready to defend yourself from accusations of cheating! Remind your opponent that you obeyed the rules of the game: you didn't touch anyone's glass except your own and you drank one beer at a time. | Find somebody to bet against. Outline the rules. Choose the stakes for the game. Get your drinks and sit down. Start drinking. Cover your opponent's second shot with the empty beer glass. Savor your second drink and collect your winnings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bad-Breath-from-Onion-or-Garlic | How to Get Rid of Bad Breath from Onion or Garlic | To get rid of bad breath from onion or garlic, start by adding fresh fruit and bread to your strong-tasting meal, which can help combat the stinky breath that follows. Drinking milk or green tea during and after the meal can also temper the smell of garlic or onion breath. After you finish your meal, try chewing a piece of gum made with spearmint, peppermint or cinnamon oil to tackle foul-smelling oral bacteria. You can also chew on a handful of coffee beans if you need to mask bad breath in a pinch! | Eat fruits. The same properties that cause oxidation in fruits (turning their skin brown when bitten into) also fight off onion and garlic breath. Particularly effective fruits include apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, prunes, grapes, cherries and eggplants. Eat vegetables. Particular vegetables are very effective in fighting the compounds found in onions and garlic, including spinach, lettuce and potatoes. Eat these with an onion- or garlic-heavy meal. Add herbs to your meal. Basil and parsley, in particular, are two of the more effective herbal antidotes to onion and garlic breath. Add these to your meal, or chew parsley afterward. Include bread with your meal. A deficiency in carbohydrates can contribute to bad breath, as well as have other side-effects on your health. Eating bread or other carbohydrate-rich foods will help to combat bad breath. Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, plant chemicals that help to neutralize the sulphur compounds released in onions and garlic. Antioxidants in green tea are also effective in combating bad breath. Have a glass of milk. Milk has been shown to be effective in the fight against garlic breath. Whole milk, in particular, reduces the concentration of foul-smelling compounds in your mouth. Drink acidic beverages with a ph level below 3.6. Lemon, lime, grapefruit and cranberry juices, as well as many soft drinks, help to fight the odor-producing alliinase enzyme found in onions and garlic. Chew gum. A stick of gum after a meal encourages the production of saliva in the mouth, which fights bad breath. Look for gum with natural essential oils. Spearmint, peppermint and cinnamon oils have been shown to tackle foul-smelling bacteria in the mouth. Chew coffee beans. This might be tough to do, but chewing coffee beans and then spitting them out has been known to temper garlic breath. Rubbing coffee beans on your hands (and then washing them) can also help to remove the smell of onion and garlic from your skin. Reduce your consumption of raw and cooked onion/garlic. If other remedies for onion and garlic breath don't seem to work, cutting down on your use of them in meals will prevent bad breath. If you eat garlic for its potential health benefits, you may want to substitute an odorless garlic supplement for raw garlic. Be aware that supplements come in many forms, range significantly in quality, and research into their health benefits and side-effects is ongoing. Brush your teeth. Do this at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each session. Invest in a portable toothbrush and toothpaste if you frequently consume garlic or onion. Floss. Brushing on its own only cleans just over half of the surface of your teeth, and thus it is important to floss, as well. You should ideally be doing this after every meal. Use mouthwash. An antibacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, or cetylpyridinium chloride will help to prevent bad breath. Many brands of mouthwash contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth (a cause of bad breath), so avoid these brands if possible. Use a tongue cleaner. The filaments on your tongue trap tiny particles and bacteria; the major proportion of odor-producing bacteria are found on the tongue. Thus, when you brush your teeth, also clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner or toothbrush. Use a water pick. Using an irrigator or water pick cleans food particles from around and under your gums and between your teeth. If you aren't getting foods out through the methods listed above, they are rotting and festering in your mouth; a water pick will help to remove stubborn food particles. | Eat fruits. Eat vegetables. Add herbs to your meal. Include bread with your meal. Drink green tea. Have a glass of milk. Drink acidic beverages with a ph level below 3.6. Chew gum. Chew coffee beans. Reduce your consumption of raw and cooked onion/garlic. Brush your teeth. Floss. Use mouthwash. Use a tongue cleaner. Use a water pick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money | How to Make Money | To make money quickly, look for odd jobs like dog-walking, yard work, or running errands for elderly neighbors. You can also try selling off old things you don't need anymore, like books, CDs, DVDs, furniture, and clothes. Alternatively, use your talents to make money by selling crafts, taking photos at events, designing web images, or starting a blog about something you love. If you have a car, try driving for a ride sharing company or food delivery service, since you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. For longer-term money-making gigs, consider attending a trade school, community college, or university. | Offer dog walking or start a pet-sitting business. Caring for pets is a great way to earn extra money without spending anything while also getting some fresh air. Advertise your services online through your local classifieds or on a personal website. As another option, you can create an account with a service like Rover. Be sure to let clients know what services you offer before they hire you. For instance, you might specify that you will walk dogs, feed and water all pets, and play with pets. However, you might stipulate that you won't administer medication. Babysit for extra cash if you’re good with children. Talk to people you know to see if they may be in need of a babysitter, and post about your availability as a babysitter on social media often. Additionally, you might create an account on a site like Care.com to attract more clients. It's a good idea to get CPR certified if you want to babysit, as this will make you more marketable to clients and will be safer for the kids. Become a tutor if you’re very knowledgeable in a subject. Check online to see how much tutors make in your area. Next, choose a subject that you know well and pick a grade level that you can easily teach. Advertise yourself as a tutor by posting flyers, posting online, and talking to people you know. For instance, if you have a degree in math, then you might offer to tutor students in algebra or trigonometry. If you have a degree in English, you could help students with writing or grammar. Perform landscaping services. Post flyers and hand out business cards to advertise yourself as a local landscaper. Be specific about the jobs you can perform, like mowing lawns, clearing brush, and manicuring plants. If you're good at gardening, plant flower beds and hedges. Don't offer any services that you don't have experience doing. If you disappoint a client, you may lose a lot of business. Complete errands or tasks for the elderly. Older people often need help with buying groceries, cleaning their home, performing home maintenance, and paying bills. To find clients, contact your local community center or church to find out if anyone needs help. Additionally, you might post an ad in your local classifieds or talk to people you know to find out if they know someone who needs help. For instance, you might spend a few hours each week doing a client's grocery shopping, cleaning their house, and paying their bills. Find odd jobs online for extra cash. Search sites like Craigslist, Fiverr, and Zaarly daily for gigs that you can do. For instance, you might be able to run errands for people, hand out flyers for events, clean up trash, or take care of small home maintenance projects. Always be careful when responding to ads on the internet. If a gig sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make a website or start a blog. Create a website or blog that focuses on your passion, then post something new every day. Try to offer your readers something they can use so that they keep coming back. To generate revenue, post ads on your site, include paid content, or sell subscriptions that allow access to more content. It often takes awhile to make money from a website or blog, and it's very competitive. However, it's possible to earn money this way. Become a freelancer in an area where you have expertise. If you have a skill that's in demand, you can sell your services directly to clients who need them. Advertise your services on a personal website and look for freelancing jobs on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fivrr. Additionally, hand out business cards and encourage happy clients to tell others about your work. Here are some ways you can earn money as a freelancer: Do programming or coding. Design websites. Do graphic design. Write. Edit or proofread. Become a consultant if you have expertise. Complete online surveys for extra cash or gift cards. Online surveys don't pay much, but they can help you earn money in your spare time. If you do a lot of surveys, you can get cash rewards. However, don't pay to sign up with a survey company, as a legit website won't charge you. Here are some survey sites to try: Global Test Market Survey Junkie User Testing Mind Field Online Sell items you aren’t using any more. Your old tools, clothes, DVDs, CDs, video games, records, books, and household items could be worth a few bucks to someone else. Host a yard sale , take your items to a local resale shop, or post the items for sale online. Resale shops often focus on a particular item, such as clothing, books, or video games. Search online for a shop in your area. If you want to sell your items online, try Ebay or Amazon. As another option, sell your items locally through Craigslist or your local classifieds. Flip clothes and accessories from thrift stores or yard sales in online auctions. Look for clothes and accessories that are in good condition, especially items from popular brands. Post your items for sale online through sites like Ebay, Etsy, and Depop. Price them so that you'll make a profit, even after you pay for shipping. It may take time for your items to sell, so be patient. When you first get started, look up the items you plan to resell to get an idea for how much they go for. Then, add in estimated shipping costs, which you can find by visiting your local postal service website. That way, you don't accidentally pay too much for the items. It's helpful to stick to items you know about. For instance, look for items from stores you know, or pick up brands that are easy to recognize. Similarly, you might focus your efforts on products you have some expertise in, like vintage video games or designer purses. Hunt for under-priced used books that you can sell online. Download an app that reads ISBN numbers so you can scan the barcodes on books. This will pull up the book's current price on Amazon so you can see if it's worth trying to resell it. Then, visit used book stores, thrift stores, and garage sales to look for high value books. Post the books for sale online using sites like Amazon or Ebay. You will likely need to scan a lot of books before you find one that's worth reselling, so persistence is key. It's best to keep a low profile as you do this. Try flipping houses if you have experience with making home repairs. As you may know from watching popular home improvement shows, flipping homes involves buying up a lower valued property that needs work, and then fixing it up for resell. To get started, you'll need to have financing either through a bank a partner. Then, you can buy a property that's priced below market value. After you renovate the property, you may be able to sell it for a profit. Flipping houses may look glamorous on TV, but it's actually really difficult, dirty work. If you don't have experience in doing home repairs, then it's probably not a good idea for you to try flipping houses. Sell handmade crafts or jewelry through an online shop or at local events. Use your crafting skills to create products that you can sell. Then, open up an online shop through a site like Etsy. To increase your sales, set up a booth at local events, festivals, and gatherings to sell your products. Some events require you to pay a vendor fee to sale your items, so always inquire about cost before agreeing to have a booth. Become a freelance photographer and sell photos online. If you have a nice DSLR camera and take good photos, do photography sessions or take photos of events, like parties and weddings. As another option, create fine art photos that people may want to hang on their walls, or take stock photos to sell online on sites like iStock Photo, Shutterstock, or Alamy. Before people will hire you as a photographer, you'll need to build a portfolio of your work. To get these photos, you might volunteer your services for free at a few events before you start charging people. If you take artistic or stock photos of people, make sure you get a signed consent form from them before you post the photos for sale. Refinish old furniture from thrift stores, yard sales, or online ads. Sand down the furniture to smooth out the surfaces and buff off some of the old paint or stain. If you want to restain it, use a lacquer or paint thinner to remove the stain. Then, re-stain the piece. If you plan to repaint it, apply a primer and let it dry. Next, apply at least 2 coats of paint, letting each coat dry for at least 24 hours. If necessary, add new hardware to finish the piece. Sell your refurbished pieces on your local classifieds, like Craigslist. As another alternative, you can offer them for sale on handmade sites like Etsy. | Offer dog walking or start a pet-sitting business. Babysit for extra cash if you’re good with children. Become a tutor if you’re very knowledgeable in a subject. Perform landscaping services. Complete errands or tasks for the elderly. Find odd jobs online for extra cash. Make a website or start a blog. Become a freelancer in an area where you have expertise. Complete online surveys for extra cash or gift cards. Sell items you aren’t using any more. Flip clothes and accessories from thrift stores or yard sales in online auctions. Hunt for under-priced used books that you can sell online. Try flipping houses if you have experience with making home repairs. Sell handmade crafts or jewelry through an online shop or at local events. Become a freelance photographer and sell photos online. Refinish old furniture from thrift stores, yard sales, or online ads. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Potassium-Nitrate | How to Make Potassium Nitrate | To safely make potassium nitrate, put on gloves, a gas mask, and goggles, and cut open a cold pack that contains ammonium nitrate. Mix the ammonium nitrate with hot water, and pour the mixture through a coffee filter to purify it. Then, dissolve 56 grams of potassium hydroxide in water, and go outside to mix the potassium solution and purified ammonium nitrate together. Once they're combined, stay outside to boil the solution for 10-20 minutes, and leave the liquid outside to evaporate for 1-2 weeks. | Purchase a cold pack that contains ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate, the active ingredient in many cold packs, is essential for making potassium nitrate. Choose a cold pack that has ammonium nitrate as a primary active ingredient. If you don't have enough ammonium nitrate from the first cold pack, purchase a second one as needed. You can find cold packs containing ammonium nitrate from most pharmacy or health stores. You can also buy pure ammonium nitrate online or from laboratory supply stores. Put on goggles, a gas mask, and a pair of rubber gloves. Making potassium nitrate involves handling substances that can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. To prevent injuries while making this chemical, wear safety goggles, a gas mask, and thick rubber gloves. Cut open the pack and pour out 80 millilitres (2.8 imp fl oz; 2.7 fl oz) of the ammonium nitrate. Use scissors to cut lengthwise along the top of the cold pack. Pour out the contents of the pack into a large measuring bowl marked for millimeters. If you don't have any scissors nearby, you can use a sharp knife instead. Add 70 millilitres (2.5 imp fl oz; 2.4 fl oz) of hot water and stir the mixture. Fill a measuring cup with 70 millilitres (2.5 imp fl oz; 2.4 fl oz) of hot water—hot enough to notice the temperature but not boiling or near-boiling. Pour the hot water into the ammonium nitrate and stir thoroughly with the water. Pour slowly to prevent the solution from splashing up and causing accidental skin irritation. Continue stirring until the ammonium nitrate dissolves completely into the hot water. Purify the ammonium nitrate with a coffee filter. Some cold packs use ammonium nitrate and a mixture of other chemicals that can dilute your final product. To prevent this, place a coffee filter over a separate measuring bowl and pour the ammonium nitrate solution slowly over the empty bowl. When you've finished pouring, discard the coffee filter immediately to prevent it from contaminating the purified solution. Pour 56 grams (2.0 oz) of potassium hydroxide into a measuring bowl. Potassium hydroxide is the second key ingredient to making potassium nitrate. Weigh a clear measuring bowl first and use the “Tare Weight” function if you can to make it easier to measure. Then add 56 grams (2.0 oz) of potassium hydroxide to the bowl to make sure you have a precise amount. You can buy dry potassium hydroxide from many hardware or chemical supply stores. Add 0.5 imp fl oz (0.96 US tbsp) of water in small increments to dissolve the potassium hydroxide. While preparing the potassium hydroxide, add just enough water to dissolve the dry substance. Pour in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of water at a time, stirring thoroughly, and add more if the potassium hydroxide remains dry. The potassium hydroxide should have a thick, smooth texture, like a soup or pudding. Take the potassium hydroxide and ammonium nitrate substances outdoors. Combining these substances can release toxic ammonium gas. Along with wearing a double filter gas mask, take your substances outdoors to prevent serious injuries from the ammonium gas. If you're working in a laboratory, you can also combine the chemicals underneath a fume hood. Combine the 2 solutions slowly. Once you've found a well-ventilated area outdoors, pour the potassium hydroxide solution slowly into the ammonium nitrate. As you do, make sure your gas mask is secure to prevent irritation or serious injuries from the ammonium gas released. Boil the solution over a stove outdoors. Pour the solution in a pot and place it over an outdoor stove. Turn the stove to medium heat and let the solution boil for 20-30 minutes, or until a ring of crystals begins to form around the outside. Keep the gas mask on while boiling the solution, as it will still release toxic ammonium gas. Do not reuse the pot for cooking after preparing ammonium nitrate with it. Leave the ammonium nitrate outdoors to evaporate for 1-2 weeks. Pour the boiled solution into a measuring bowl and place it on a flat surface at least 100 feet (30 m) away from any homes or buildings. Let the ammonium nitrate evaporate for up to 2 weeks, or until all that's left in the measuring bowl is white crystals. Always wear a gas mask while handling liquified ammonium nitrate, and keep other people or animals (especially children and pets) away from the solution while it evaporates. After the ammonium nitrate has evaporated into solid crystals, it will stop releasing ammonium gas. Test the potassium nitrate for reactivity. To make sure you have purified potassium nitrate crystals, mix a small sample of them with an equal amount of granulated sugar. Set the mixture on fire in a controlled area, like a laboratory, using a lighter. If you've created pure potassium nitrate, it should produce purplish flames. Handle the potassium nitrate and lighter with care and in a controlled area to prevent injuries. | Purchase a cold pack that contains ammonium nitrate. Put on goggles, a gas mask, and a pair of rubber gloves. Cut open the pack and pour out 80 millilitres (2.8 imp fl oz; 2.7 fl oz) of the ammonium nitrate. Add 70 millilitres (2.5 imp fl oz; 2.4 fl oz) of hot water and stir the mixture. Purify the ammonium nitrate with a coffee filter. Pour 56 grams (2.0 oz) of potassium hydroxide into a measuring bowl. Add 0.5 imp fl oz (0.96 US tbsp) of water in small increments to dissolve the potassium hydroxide. Take the potassium hydroxide and ammonium nitrate substances outdoors. Combine the 2 solutions slowly. Boil the solution over a stove outdoors. Leave the ammonium nitrate outdoors to evaporate for 1-2 weeks. Test the potassium nitrate for reactivity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Property-Manager | How to Become a Property Manager | If you're thinking about becoming a property manager, start by taking college courses in subjects like management and accounting to learn about good business practices. Additionally, discuss your career goals with your academic adviser, since they'll be able to advise you on what steps to take. After earning a college degree, take the test required by your state to earn a certification in property management. Then, consider joining a property managers' association to make connections with other professionals who may help your future business. | Expand your knowledge base. High school curriculum is not generally designed for specific careers such as property management. Based on your performance and grades in high school, consider whether community college or a four year university are right for you. Your faculty and mentors will also be able to give you tailored advice for beginning a career in property management based on where you live. An added benefit of taking classes in higher education is networking with people either working in or aspiring to property management. After high school, take courses in management, accounting, business administration, law and finance. These courses will give you an introduction to good business practices. Discuss your career goals with an academic adviser. They will be able to advise you on the next steps to take. Different states have different regulations for property management, and your academic adviser will know them. Earn a college degree, if possible. You stand a much higher chance of getting hired as a property manager if you possess a college degree. Even a two-year degree will situate you well for entering the world of property management. Get a certification in property management. Many states require property managers to pass a certification test, so this is an important step. It will also teach require you to learn good property management, business, and accounting skills. Check with the National Property Management Association for whether or not this is required in your state. Consider joining a realtors’ or property managers’ association. This will help you make connections with realtors and other property managers that may help your future business. It is also a good way to increase your knowledge by signing up for seminars and workshops. Look for property management and realty associations in your state as well as nationally. Get your resume out there. Before you have the necessary capital, connections, and experience to invest in your own properties, you need to work in an entry-level job. You will benefit from this by having a supervisor mentor, a steady income, and gaining experience a variety of property management tasks. There are a few paths to go for finding an entry-level job. Contact local real estate companies. It is often too time-consuming for a real estate agent to split his time between selling real estate and managing rental properties. A good property manager is the key to proper management of a realtor's rental properties. Submit your resume highlighting your skills pertaining to property management. Apply as an assistant property manager. Many apartment complexes or government housing facilities utilize assistants. By taking on this role, you learn the ins and outs of the job without being entirely responsible for everything at first. Instead of being the one responsible for collecting rent and late fees, you might act as the contact for maintenance or janitorial services. Consider buying properties down the road. After a few years you may find you are accumulating capital and have the time to devote to taking on extra work. In the long run, managing your own properties would likely result in the largest profit margin. It may also become more work than you bargained for, and new businesses can take many years to get themselves out of debt. Consider the risks and rewards before making any big decisions. Get experience managing others’ properties. An education and the right amount of money are not all the ingredients of a successful property manager. You should get a feel for the everyday life of a property manager by working as one for someone else. This will also expand your network of colleagues in the industry. The more you prepare for your career, the smaller the learning curve later on. Raise capital. Once you have built up some experience and income, find a good time to invest in properties. You will need a considerable amount of money, which will likely have to come from elsewhere. The two best ways to raise this money are by either finding investors or taking a loan. Take a loan. Banks are a good place to look for a loan to buy houses. Some banks even specialize in funding real estate ventures. Gather your credit information and meet with a few banks to see what they are looking for, and what they expect from you. Find investors. Using the connections you made, ask around to see if anyone is interested in investing in a new property manager. When making pitches to potential investors, make sure you name the specifics: what exactly they are investing in, who is involved, exact financial numbers, why you make a good manager. Look for available properties. Besides the financial limitations of new property management, you don't want to stretch yourself too thin while you are still getting off the training wheels. Look into buying 1 or 2 properties and expanding from there, when you feel comfortable. Properties are listed in various places such as the internet, newspapers, or even with your realtors' association. Find renters. Based on the properties you own, some listing methods may be better for finding renters than others. Renters in college towns generally look on the internet first, while families or professionals may check with realtors. Make sure you evaluate their ability to pay rent on time, cleanliness, and credit history before agreeing to rent them the property. If you are renting in the vacation rental industry, it is possible to attract renters through your own website, and/or through advertising your properties on portals such as Booking.com and HomeAway. Depending on the number of properties that you are managing, you can either contact the portals directly and manage your properties through their extra nets, or use the services of a Channel Manager who will coordinate the whole advertising and booking process to save significant time and resources. Keep meticulous financial records. Now that you don't have a boss to report to, all benefits and drawbacks of property management fall on your shoulders. There are many reasons to keep track of your finances, and they are all incredibly important to the well-being of your business. Establish a system and a routine for keeping these records, and stick to it. Tax purposes. Avoid any surprises in future audits by keeping track of your numbers and reporting them accurately to the government. Approaching investors. Knowing specific financial numbers will make it easier for you to give precise presentations to investors, which will impress them. Making wise investments. Only by knowing the success of current and previous properties can you make better investments in the future. Operating costs and expenditures. A large part of your job is maintaining your properties. Keeping track of your finances will help you determine the profit margin for each property. Know state and local laws. You are now solely responsible for making sure that your properties meet the government's codes and regulations. You will likely have learned many of these in previous years, but keep a copy of the codes and regulations handy and make yourself aware of new developments. Not only will this help you keep your properties safe and livable for your tenants, but help you avoid lawsuits and failed inspections. Ensure you know the local laws regarding the non-payment of rent, habitual late payments, and the rules for disruptive tenants and tenants that routinely cause damage. Consider using a software company to help with your property management. There are a growing number of software solutions available in the market, all offering different features and tools. Whether you choose a software provider which is new on the market or one which has years of experience, there is no perfect solution to cover all of your needs. Make a note of the essential, specific requirements for your agency and look on the web for a few software providers which supply the tools you need. Organising a demonstration with the software providers will allow you to ask questions and see how the software will support you run your business, and find out about features and automation tools that will help you reduce the cost and time of management of properties, owners, clients and financial documents, while increasing your revenue and bookings. Demonstrations can take an hour or more, so prioritize which companies are most interesting. Check for reviews of vacation rental software on trusted technology review sites to see what other clients think and find out about their experiences. This will also help you find out about tools which perhaps have not already been covered in the demonstrations. Some vacation rental software companies also include an integrated Channel Manager, which will send your property information directly to global and specialized portals such as Airbnb and HomeAway, to increase the number of bookings that you receive for your properties. Alternatively, there are options to choose a software which links to an external Channel Manager which will provide those services. Maintain your properties. The best property manager is one that prevents future problems with regular maintenance. You should also be responsive to your tenants' maintenance requests. Being prompt and courteous is a great way to keep quality renters in your properties. Keeping your properties maintained will also enable you to find quality renters when someone moves out. | Expand your knowledge base. Get a certification in property management. Consider joining a realtors’ or property managers’ association. Get your resume out there. Contact local real estate companies. Apply as an assistant property manager. Consider buying properties down the road. Get experience managing others’ properties. Raise capital. Look for available properties. Find renters. Keep meticulous financial records. Know state and local laws. Consider using a software company to help with your property management. Maintain your properties. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Someone-You-Don%27t-Like-Them | How to Tell Someone You Don't Like Them | Telling someone you don't like them can be awkward, but it's best to let them know how you feel right away. If the person asks you out, for example, be direct with something like “No, I'm not looking to date right now.” If you dislike someone so much that you don't want their company at all, try your best to be civil and say something like, “Our values are too different, and I don't really have time for new friends” instead of telling them off. To make your point clear, don't engage in chatty conversation with them or agree to plans you don't actually want to join in on. | Be direct. One way to turn someone down is to give them a simple, direct answer to a request for a date or your number. The direct approach can be good because you don't leave them hanging and because you don't leave room for ambivalence, so they can move on to someone else. For example, you could use the line, "I appreciate you asking me, but no thank you." You could also say, "No, I'm not looking to date right now." Be sure to make "no" part of your answer so you are very clear. Go for an indirect answer. If you don't want to flat-out reject someone, you can answer in a roundabout way. One way you can make it more roundabout is to start out with a compliment about the person but still end with a rejection. For instance, you could note, "You seem like a good person, but I don't want to date anyone, so I'm going to say 'no.'" Try an avoidance tactic. Another option is using an avoidance tactic. In other words, you dodge the request by using a decoy of some sort to not respond directly, such as giving a fake number to the person so they don't know you're rejecting them. To give out a fake number, you can just make up a number, but make sure it's not someone else's number. Also, this tactic can backfire if the person tries to call it or sees you again sometime. Another option is to say you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. You can also use a friend as a pretend significant other; however, if you use this tactic, you may drive off other people, which can be a problem if you are trying to meet people. Skip saying "sorry. " By apologizing, you're pointing out that you feel sorry for the person, which can make the rejection that much worse. Plus, you have no reason to apologize. You're simply saying that you choose not to accept their request. Make sure you need to say something. That is, sometimes, it's in your best interest to just stay silent. If telling the person won't help the situation, then you may just want to leave it alone, even if the person does irritate you. For instance, telling a manager you don't like them probably isn't going to be all that helpful to you. Your manager holds power over your career and can make your work life miserable, so telling a manager you don't like them isn't going to be beneficial. You might also get in trouble for insubordination. In addition, you may weigh your options if the person you don't like is a family member or a friend of the family. If you're going to see the person on a regular basis, telling them you don't like them is only going to make those situations more difficult. Similarly, if the person is a mutual friend with other friends, it may make social gatherings more difficult if you tell the person you don't like them. Also, consider whether you're being fair in your dislike. Maybe you took an instant dislike to someone without getting to know them. Try getting to know the person better before making a snap judgment. Keep it civil. No matter how you tell someone you don't want them in your life, try not to cross over into being a jerk. You can tell someone you don't enjoy their company without being mean about it, which can also help you not burn bridges. If you're too brutal, you may have trouble making friends with other people. Word will get around. Don't be abusive or mean when you talk to the person; be as respectful and calm as possible. For instance, saying, "I can't stand to be around you." is pretty mean. Instead, try, "Our values are too different, and I don't really have time for new friends." Don't give the person an "in. " If you simply don't respond to a person's advances towards friendship, they'll eventually get the message. In other words, try not to engage in chatty conversation and don't agree to plans you don't want to join in on. Also, try not to smile at the person. You don't have to frown, but smiling makes you more approachable. This approach can lead to other people seeing you as standoffish or a snob, so be careful. Try a direct approach. While the direct approach can be brutal, it can also establish right off the bat that you don't want to go any further. If you really can't stand the person, it might be better to get it out in the open; however, this can backfire, especially if you use it at work. You could say something like, "I don't think we're compatible as friends, but it was nice to meet you." Be honest with your feelings. If this person appears to want more of a relationship than you are comfortable with, directly tell the person without being judgmental. For instance, perhaps they want a deeper friendship when you just want to stay acquaintances. You might say something like: "I'm sensing you want more friendship from me. That's more than I'm willing to give right now. If you still want to be closer friends with me in a few months, would you be willing to check back in with me then?" Alternatively, you could say, "Thanks for your kind request for friendship. You seem like a wonderful person. I'm just not interested, thanks." Consider your goal. Decide what you want out of the situation, and then make a choice about the best course of action to achieve that goal with the least amount of tension. If you just want to see the person less, then you may not need to tell the person you don't like them. If you want to cut the person out of your life completely, it's probably best to tell them upfront rather than just ignoring them. Ask yourself questions like: What do I hope will happen when I tell this person I don't like them? Do I want them to leave me alone? (Then maybe I should ask for that instead.) Do I want to see them less? (Then maybe I should tell them I can only hangout once a month.) Do I want to hurt this person's feelings? Will I regret hurting their feelings afterward? Be as nice as you can. Even though you're essentially rejecting someone, you shouldn't be a jerk about it. Rather, try to keep the meanness to a minimum, so that you don't leave the person feeling horrible or hopeless. For example, saying, "You're an idiot, and I don't like you," isn't really appropriate. Instead you could say, "I know you'd like to hang out more, but I am not comfortable with that. I feel our beliefs are too different." Treat a friendship like a romantic relationship. If you're trying to tell a close friend that you've grown apart, treat it like you would a romantic relationship. That is, break up with them like you would do with someone you're in a romantic relationship with. Sitting down with them in person is the best, though you can send a letter or email if that's your only option. Establish why you want to stop being friends. Ideally, put the blame on yourself, such as "I'm just not the same person I was, and I think we don't fit together as friends anymore." Another option is asking to take a break. Maybe you just need some space to adjust, although taking a break can also be a way to ease the person into a more permanent break. Avoid the person. While this option may not be the best, it is an option. You can simply stop returning a person's calls or avoid talking to them when you see them. They may eventually get the message that you don't want to be friends with them. People sometimes use this method in an attempt to spare the other person's feelings, but sometimes "ghosting" like this can actually be more confusing and hurtful, and just prolong the inevitable. The person may start to worry about you and may not understand that you're trying to end the relationship, so it's usually best to just be direct if possible. Know that if you avoid the person, you may end up having to be direct in the end. They may ask if something is wrong or if you are mad or avoiding them. Prepare yourself to answer these questions. One way to avoid people in person is to use work as an excuse, such as, "I'd love to chat, but I really need to get back to work." Be realistic. It hurts to reject a person, especially a persistent one, just as it hurts to be rejected. You're not going to get out of this situation without hurting both of your feelings; however, if the friendship is truly a bad fit, it may be time to let it go so you can both create healthier, more productive relationships. | Be direct. Go for an indirect answer. Try an avoidance tactic. Skip saying "sorry. Make sure you need to say something. Keep it civil. Don't give the person an "in. Try a direct approach. Be honest with your feelings. Consider your goal. Be as nice as you can. Treat a friendship like a romantic relationship. Avoid the person. Be realistic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Communicate-with-Animals | How to Communicate with Animals | If you want to learn to communicate with animals, pay close attention to their body language and the vocalizations they make. For instance, if you notice that an animal's eyes are fully open, it's probably feeling alert, but if its eyes are half-shut, it may be feeling drowsy or ill. The more time you spend around an animal, the easier it will be to understand the sounds it makes. You might know right away that a cat is happy if it purrs, but with time, you may be able to tell whether a “meow” means it's hungry or it just wants attention! | Observe how your pet uses his eyes, ears, and face. Animals will use many parts of their bodies to convey various feelings. Being observant to how your pet uses his body can let you know if he's feeling playful, sick, or maybe even angry. For example, your horse's eyes can indicate that he is alert (fully open), drowsy (half open), or having problems with one eye (problem eye stays shut). Your dog may narrow his eyes and stare at you to indicate that is feeling aggressive. He may also avoid eye contact with you to show that he is submissive or showing deference to you. Your cat's ears may go back if he is feeling particularly anxious about something. Dogs and horses will prick their ears up and slightly forward to indicate concentration. Your dog may hold his mouth slightly open, without showing his teeth, to indicate that he is relaxing, cooling off by panting, yet alert. Watch out about showing teeth: Most pets and other animals do not show their teeth to display pleasure, joy or fun. Of course, human beings do. Pets/animals, instead, show their teeth to prepare to fight -- as if to say, "look out, I bite," in fear, threat, anger or fun when serious or playing and wrestling! Look at how your pet uses his legs and tail (if he has one). Just like the eyes, ears, and face, your pet's legs and tail can provide helpful insight about how he's feeling. For example, your horse may slowly flick his tail to swish away flies, but may flick it more quickly to convey anger or annoyance. Similar to horses, cats will flick their tails quickly to indicate anger. When your dog is holding his tail at a position that is either level to, or slightly lower than, his body, he is showing that he is feeling friendly. Your horse can use his legs to buck and show that he is feeling playful. However, bucking could also convey uncertainty. Observe your pet’s posture. Your pet can also communicate with you through the ways in which he positions and moves his body. For example, if your dog suddenly freezes and tenses his body, he could be conveying that he is uncertain about something or possibly preparing to attack. If your horse is walking very stiffly, he may be stressed, nervous, or in pain. If you have a small pocket pet, such as a guinea pig, you may notice that he is particularly fidgety if he is feeling irritable or agitated. If your cat is lying on his back, he may be conveying two different things: relaxation (usually accompanied by a purr) or anger (usually accompanied by a growl). Listen to your horse’s vocalizations. Your horse is capable of making a number of different sounds. Learning how to differentiate these sounds will help you determine how your horse is feeling. He will neigh for several reasons, including acknowledging his presence and expressing anxiety. Other than neighing, he may squeal when he is meeting another horse for the first time. Your horse can also sigh, which can indicate feelings of relief or relaxation. Younger horses (foals, weanlings) may clack their teeth in the presence of older horses so that the older horses do not hurt them. Listen to the sounds that your cat makes. The meow is a very common sound that your cat makes. He will meow for a variety of reasons. For example, he may meow to greet you, indicate that he's hungry or thirsty, or let you know that he objects to something that you are doing. If your cat starts growling or hissing, it would be in your best interest to leave him alone. His growls and hisses indicate that he is very upset about something. You will also hear your cat purr, which usually means that he's feeling relaxed and contented. However, a purr may also be your cat's way to comfort himself. Your cat may howl or yowl if he is in distress, such as if he is stuck somewhere. If he is an older cat and has dementia, he may make these noises when he is disoriented. Listen to your dog’s vocalizations. The common vocalizations of a dog are the bark, growl, and howl. If your dog is feeling aggressive or territorial, his bark will likely be rapid, loud, and high-pitched. On the other hand, a high-pitched bark may also indicate friendliness or playfulness and can be accompanied by yapping or whimpering. Growls are often your dog's way of letting you know to keep your distance. However, they can also be signs of contentment—similar to a cat's purring. Read your dog's overall body language to determine what your dog is trying to say with his growl. Your dog may give a long and sustained howl if he's feeling lonely or suffering from separation anxiety. In addition, he may howl more than usual if he is injured or feeling unwell. Identify your guinea pig’s vocalizations. Guinea pigs tend to be very vocal animals. Your guinea pig will make high-pitched noises, such as squeals or whistles, to indicate that he is excited or anticipating an exciting event (e.g., feeding time, playtime). Such a high-pitched sound is called a 'wheek.' Purrs from your guinea pig can convey several different emotions: contentment (deep, relaxed purr), agitation (high-pitched purr), or fear (short, anxious-sounding purr). Your guinea pig may start chirping to indicate aggression or anger. Give him some space if he chirps when you are playing with him. Talk with your pet. Although your pet may not exactly understand the words that you are saying, he can at least pick up on the tone of your words and your body language when you talk to him. For example, if you speak with him in a stern voice, he might pick up on the fact that you are unhappy with his behavior. Talking to him in an authoritative tone when giving him a command will likely signal to him that he should follow your instruction. Talking with your pet can also help soothe him if he is feeling anxious or fearful. Giving your pet verbal praise when you are training him is also very helpful. Use non-verbal communication with your pet. Your non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is often used in training to teach your pet to do a certain activity. For example, if you are sitting on your horse, you would use your legs and hands to command your horse to turn on the forehand. When you teach your dog to sit, you would actually combine verbal and non-verbal communication (hand signals) to give him the 'sit' command. Getting up and walking away from your cat without saying anything is a way to let him know that you do not approve of his behavior. Be mindful of non-verbal communication that your pet may not like. For instance, your dog may not want you to rub his tummy. If he growls or tries to move away from you, give him some space. Avoid punishing your pet. Verbally or physically punishing your pet is never a good idea. Punishment can make your pet fearful of you and possibly lessen the trust and respect that he has for you. In addition, some species, like cats, do not necessarily make the connection between your punishment and the behavior you are punishing them for. Making the unwanted behavior less desirable and making the correct behavior more desirable often works to dissuade your pet from misbehaving. For example, if your cat is scratching up your furniture , putting double-stick tape on the furniture will make it less desirable for him to scratch on. Sprinkling catnip leaves on the scratching post will make it more desirable for him to scratch on. | Observe how your pet uses his eyes, ears, and face. Watch out about showing teeth: Look at how your pet uses his legs and tail (if he has one). Observe your pet’s posture. Listen to your horse’s vocalizations. Listen to the sounds that your cat makes. Listen to your dog’s vocalizations. Identify your guinea pig’s vocalizations. Talk with your pet. Use non-verbal communication with your pet. Avoid punishing your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Nutritionist | How to Become a Nutritionist | To become a nutritionist, practice motivating people in your life and helping them with their problems since nutritionists often work with patients who need a lot of support and encouragement. Also, take classes that are science and research-based, which are things that you'll deal with a lot as a nutritionist. It's also a good idea to work on your communication skills since you'll need to explain complicated topics in a way that your patients will understand. | Investigate the requirements needed by your state. There are 30 states that require a license and 15 states that require certification (1 requires registration after an accredited course). Generally, the requirements for state licensure and state certification include having a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition or a related area, supervised practice, and passing an exam. If you're curious, the 4 states that currently do not have any licensure requirements are Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and New Jersey. Find an educational program. The accreditation required for a degree in the nutritional science field varies from state to state. Currently, 46 states require an accredited 2 or 4 year degree in nutritional science (either online or campus-based.) Getting your bachelor's in nutrition, institution management, biology, chemistry, and physiology is your best bet. You'll also benefit from business, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and economics courses. Odds are, if your program is a good one, it will touch on all these bases. And if your state is one that requires a license with experience, it's best to pick a program that has a built in internship. Consider an advanced degree in nutritional science. An advanced degree isn't strictly necessary, but a solid understanding of biology, chemistry and health will be a great asset. In addition, the more education you have, the more job opportunities you'll have. If you'd like to continue learning, it's a good idea! If you do complete an advanced degree, you are that much closer to getting certified through the CBNS (Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists). If you take and pass the exam, you will become a Certified Nutrition Specialist. However, this article will outline becoming a Certified Clinical Nutritionist -- a process that doesn't need an advanced degree. Complete the CNCB's coursework requirements. Before you go any further, you need to have the right coursework under your belt. The CNBC (Clinical Nutrition Certification Board) requires three hours in each of the following: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, human biology and biochemistry. Hopefully your undergrad covered that! You can also choose 5 of 8 electives; they are: Introduction to Nutrition, Nutrition and Disease, Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Counseling Strategies, Nutrition II, Nutrition and Supplementation, Herbology and Nutrition and Aging. Get through all the paperwork. In order to get on your merry certified way, you'll need to submit your credential review application and college transcripts to the CNCB. Then you should obtain credential approval from the board and begin your PGSCN course, eventually taking the CCN exam. Take the PGSCN. It's four courses long (14 hours each) and done online -- the only downside is that each course is $1,125. You have 90 days to complete the 4 sessions and they can be done in any order. If you do not have a sufficient amount of applicable coursework to your name, you can still get a Certificate of Completion by taking the 56-hour PGSCN. This, though similarly named, holds less weight than getting certified and does not qualify you to take the CCN -- you need the coursework to do that. Take the CCN exam. Now that you've taken all the courses, the PGSCN, and submitted all your paperwork, you're good to apply to sit for the CNN. It's taken at a testing facility and is 3 hours long. The CCN is $450 currently, but the study guide is available online for free! Quite clearly, these are tests you don't want to have to take twice. You're done -- once you've passed the CCN exam, you're good to go! Apply for state licensure. The procedure for obtaining a license is similar in most states; you gather the documentation you need, get them notarized and submit the application and fee. Find the licensure requirements for your state by visiting the website of the Commission on Dieticians and Nutritionists. If you are ever thinking about moving (or practicing with a long commute), consider getting licensed in another state as well. Unfortunately, just because you're licensed in one does not mean you're licensed in another. Seek and obtain employment. As stated before, nutritionists have a plethora of options when it comes to places of employment. You can work in many settings, including hospitals, cafeterias, nursing homes, government agencies and schools. Some are even self-employed! Nutritionists aren't just advice givers. Though plenty work with patients much like doctors do, they're also government employees and researchers, too. However, the more "scientific" your position, the more education you'll need. Consider specializing. As a nutritionist, you could concentrate on any number of topics. Geriatric care, raising children, care of those with diabetes or other illnesses, etc. However, it's also determined by your environment -- maybe you don't want to work one-on-one at all? Generally speaking, your duties could include some of the following: Working with patients, looking at a their blood chemistry, neurochemistry and other indicators to assess how they are metabolizing food. You will also identify imbalances caused by poor or inadequate nutrition that contribute to disease. Some nutritionists work for government regulatory agencies, ensuring that the manufacturer's nutritional claims about the amount of calories, sodium and vitamins in processed foods correct. Research! The realm of research when it comes to food and nutrition is still growing and will continue to do so. Working at an educational institution will put you on this path, improving how the world views food. Be prepared to participate in on-the-job training. Most nutritionists have to participate in several hundred hours of supervised training. Some degree programs include this hands-on training, but you may have to complete this portion after you graduate in the form of an internship in a medical setting. After this experience and if you've completed the CCN, you may qualify as an RD -- a registered dietician. The qualifications are parallel to those states that require licensure. Develop a bedside manner. Nutritionists have to listen to patients to understand their concerns and their goals. Your medical expertise aside, you will also function as a cheerleader and empathetic listener. Some of your patients may struggle with the program you have outlined; you should be prepared to help them overcome any hurdles they encounter. They're depending on you for their health, after all. Part of a nutritionist's job is to assess a patient's energy level through personal interviews and tests, and give the patient nutritional advice. As such, you will be spending a lot of face-to-face time with your patients. An in-depth assessment using a holistic approach will mean you'll have to know more about your patient than his or her eating habits; you'll need to learn about your patient's lifestyle and goals, their personal problems and fears, their childhood eating habits, and their cultural and taste preferences. Work on your analytical skills. You will have to keep up with the latest developments in nutrition research and be able to interpret scientific studies. Not everyone has the background you do, so you'll need to translate the statistical data into practical applications for your patients. There are new research studies every week about the effects, good and bad, of various foods. These studies are often contradictory. As a trained nutritionist, you will be expected to interpret conflicting health research studies to develop a healthy, sound plan of action for your patients. Get organized. As a nutritionist, you will have many patients, each with different backgrounds and needs. You will need to keep your files organized and easily accessible. And you'll need to remember their names, their families, and their personalities! Even though this job is very science-oriented, it's very people oriented, too. In order to keep your clients on, they'll need to feel as if they are your only client. If you can't remember them from Joe, you're outta luck (and money!). If you are self-employed, this goes double. You'll be handling your own taxes, licenses, and be working as a "company." When April 15th rolls around, you'll be glad you're as organized as you are. Learn how to effectively communicate. You will often have to explain complicated topics in a way that your patients will understand. Simply telling patients that certain foods are good for them is not enough; you should be able to explain the technical aspects of your prescribed nutritional programs. Think of yourself as the bridge between science and your patients -- you need to be able to people-speak and science-speak! After all, the Internet can tell them what to eat and not eat, what to do and what to avoid -- it's you who has to put the personal, doable twist on what can be a very daunting subject. | Investigate the requirements needed by your state. Find an educational program. Consider an advanced degree in nutritional science. Complete the CNCB's coursework requirements. Get through all the paperwork. Take the PGSCN. Take the CCN exam. Apply for state licensure. Seek and obtain employment. Consider specializing. Be prepared to participate in on-the-job training. Develop a bedside manner. Work on your analytical skills. Get organized. Learn how to effectively communicate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Nail-Glue | How to Make Nail Glue | To make nail glue, start by combining 1 cup of PVA glue and about half of a standard-sized bottle of nail polish in a bowl. Use a cotton swab stick to stir the mixture, since you can also use it for applying the glue afterwards. Once the mixture is combined, apply the nail glue to your whole nail if you're using it to attach an artificial nail. Position the artificial nail over your nail and hold it down for 10 seconds to make sure it sticks. If you're trying to repair a nail, paint the glue directly over the split. | Cut the end off a cotton swab stick. Get a cotton swab stick and a pair of sharp scissors. Position the scissors just above 1 end of the cotton swab stick, around where the cotton area begins. Cut the end off and discard it, but make sure to keep the rest of the cotton swab stick. This becomes a stirrer that you use to mix together the nail glue ingredients. Place 1 cup of PVA glue into a bowl. Get an old bowl and a kitchen measuring cup. Measure out the PVA glue into the measuring cup and pour it directly into the bowl. Make sure to scrape the sides of the measuring cup so that you use up all of the glue. You can choose either white or clear glue, as the color doesn't affect how the glue works. Add 1⁄4 fl oz (7.4 ml) of clear nail polish to the bowl. Get a kitchen measuring spoon. Remove the cap on the bottle and pour the clear nail polish into the measuring spoon. Then add the clear nail polish into the bowl with the PVA glue. ⁄ 4 fl oz (7.4 ml) of clear nail polish is approximately half of a standard size bottle. Mix together the ingredients for 2-3 minutes using the cotton swab. Position the cotton swab stick so that the wooden end is in the bowl with the ingredients. Mix the PVA glue and the clear nail polish thoroughly until they are well combined. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl with the cotton swab stick to ensure that all of the ingredients are mixed in properly. Hold the cotton swab stick by the end with the cotton. Apply the nail glue to your whole nail if you are adding an artificial nail. Dip the wooden end where you cut off the cotton into your homemade nail glue to get a small dollop of glue on the stick. Start at your nail cuticle and gently wipe the nail glue over your nail towards the free edge. Use even strokes to apply the glue thoroughly over your whole nail. Avoid using the other end of the cotton swab stick as you may get small pieces of cotton stuck to your nail. Press the artificial nail into the glue for 10 seconds. Position the artificial nail over your real nail and make sure it aligns properly with your nail. Press down on the nail firmly for 10 seconds to help it stick to the glue. Try not to move your hand while you're holding the artificial nail in place, as this could cause it to slip. This ensures that the artificial nail sets in the right spot. Paint the nail glue directly over a split to repair a split nail. If you want to hold together a split or broken nail, then you don't need to apply the nail glue to your whole nail. Simply dip the wooden end of the cotton swab stick into the nail glue mixture and then apply a thin coating over the broken part of your nail. The nail glue won't heal the broken nail, but it will help to hold it together and to prevent it from breaking further. Let the nail glue dry for 10 minutes. Regardless of if you used your homemade nail glue to apply an artificial nail or to fix a broken nail, the glue won't take long to dry properly at all! Rest your hand that has the glue on it on a flat surface. Try not to move your hand while the glue is drying to prevent the artificial nail from moving out of place or to damage the repair. If you used the glue to stick on an artificial nail, press on it gently when you think the glue is dry to check that the nail has set properly. Store leftover nail glue in a clean nail polish bottle to use at a later stage. If you are left with excess homemade nail glue, it doesn't have to go to waste! Take a brand new, empty nail polish bottle and pour the homemade nail glue inside. Then screw the nail polish brush on tightly to secure the bottle and to ensure that the nail glue doesn't dry out. Alternatively, you can clean out an old nail polish bottle by soaking it in nail polish remover and then rinsing the bottle out with water thoroughly. Let the nail polish bottle dry completely before you pour the nail glue inside. Make sure to clean the brush too! Soak your nails in nail polish remover for 45 minutes to remove the glue. It's easy to remove your artificial nails or even just the glue alone! Pour nail polish remover into a bowl and hold your fingers in the bowl. Once the artificial nails have come off and the glue has dissolved, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Make sure that the nail polish remover contains acetone, as this is necessary to dissolve the glue. | Cut the end off a cotton swab stick. Place 1 cup of PVA glue into a bowl. Add 1⁄4 fl oz (7.4 ml) of clear nail polish to the bowl. Mix together the ingredients for 2-3 minutes using the cotton swab. Apply the nail glue to your whole nail if you are adding an artificial nail. Press the artificial nail into the glue for 10 seconds. Paint the nail glue directly over a split to repair a split nail. Let the nail glue dry for 10 minutes. Store leftover nail glue in a clean nail polish bottle to use at a later stage. Soak your nails in nail polish remover for 45 minutes to remove the glue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Friend-to-Someone-Who-Has-Asperger%27s-Syndrome | How to Be a Good Friend to Someone Who Has Asperger's Syndrome | If your friend has Asperger's syndrome, you can help them out by learning about their condition and keeping an open mind. People with Asperger's syndrome often find it harder to communicate than others. You can make things easier for them by speaking clearly, avoiding sarcasm and metaphors, and not giving them too much information at once. Don't take it personally if your friend talks a lot about themselves or doesn't understand how you feel. When you make plans with your friend, try to give them plenty of notice so they can work it into their schedule and prepare for it. Keeping a routine and planning their time helps many people with Asperger's stay calm. Try to avoid loud and busy areas, since they often prefer calmer environments. If you're not sure, ask them where they'd rather go. | Be patient. Patience is important in any relationship, but it may be most important if you are a neurotypical person who wants to be a good friend to an autistic person. Your friend may do some things that confuse or frustrate you, but you have to be willing to make the effort to understand where they're coming from. Keep in mind that all autistic people are different, just as all neurotypical people are different. If you've met one autistic person, all this means is that you've met one autistic person. This means that just because you may have an autistic person in your family, that doesn't mean you can interact with your friend in the same way, or expect them to act similarly or have the same difficulties. Many autistic people say things that are very direct, and your friend may say something that hurts you. Try not to take this personally. They probably had no idea that what they said was hurtful. Let your friend know that what they said upset you, and help them understand better how to communicate in a more tactful and productive way. For example, your friend might say "That shirt makes you look ugly." You can explain that it hurts to be told that, and ask them what they dislike about your shirt. In the future, they can avoid a similar situation by saying something such as "I don't think that's your best color," or "I thought the shirt you wore yesterday was more flattering." Use simple, concrete language. Autistic people tend to understand what you're saying better when you speak in short, active sentences and use specifics. While you should make an effort to do this so you will be better understood, this doesn't necessarily mean you should significantly alter your normal pattern of speech. For example, instead of saying "Hey, do you want to hang out tomorrow?" you might say "I want to spend time with you tomorrow. Would you rather watch a movie or go to the coffee shop?" If you talk to your autistic friend differently from the way you talk to other people, they'll notice and might find it insulting. At the same time, they will appreciate it if you make an effort to communicate effectively with them. If you find that you're frequently having to explain yourself or clarify your statements, try to find out why and make an effort to speak more clearly. Don't condescend to them by speaking slowly, "dumbing down" your vocabulary, talking about them as if they weren't there, or assuming they won't understand anything. This is really insulting, and it will annoy your friend. Avoid sarcasm and figurative speech. Autistic people may not pick up on facial expressions, social cues, or figurative language such as sarcasm. If you notice that your friend seems confused, ask why, and offer to clarify. For many people, friendly teasing is one of the ways they show friendly affection. However, many autistic people may take what you say literally and think you are insulting them or that you no longer want to be their friend. If your friend is a teenager or adult, they likely have learned how to understand some figurative speech. However, it still may take them a minute to realize you didn't mean something literally or that you were saying it in jest. For example, if you say "Oh that's just great" in a sarcastic tone when your friend is telling you about something bad that happened to them, they might take it to mean that you think it was good that something bad happened to them. Rather, speak literally. If your friend is telling you about something bad that happened to them, just say "That's terrible. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Would you like me to help?" If your friend takes something literally that you meant as a joke and is hurt by it, apologize immediately. Don't try to excuse your behavior or blame them for misunderstanding you. Understand the friendship may be one-sided. Autistic people often inadvertently alienate friends because they have difficulty understanding when they need to reach out, or how they should keep in contact with you. Part of being a good friend is understanding that you may have to put forth the bulk of the effort to keep in contact and to do things together. If your friend doesn't get back to you right away, or if weeks go by without you hearing from them, try not to take it personally. Keep in mind that many autistic people will assume that you will contact them if you want to talk to them or hang out with them. If they don't hear from you, they believe you're busy or don't want to do anything with them. For this reason, try to initiate contact on a regular basis. Don't worry if you're the only one in the relationship that ever texts or calls first, or you're the only one who ever makes plans. Express interest and curiosity. Autistic people typically have an intense interest in a particular thing – sometimes even several things simultaneously. These are referred to as "special interests," and are very important to each person. Aspies typically have few friends, so if you've already started a friendship it's likely that friendship revolves around some mutually shared interest. Autistic people often research their special interests extensively and have a vast amount of knowledge on the subject. By asking questions, you can learn a lot from your autistic friend. Autistic people also enjoy talking about their special interests, so you often can use a special interest to kickstart an engaging and stimulating conversation. However, keep in mind that your friend is likely to get so involved in talking about their special interest that they keep monologuing about it long after you've lost interest. Ask questions or steer them to another topic when you feel like you've had enough – autistic people often have trouble reading body language and may not pick up on the fact that you're bored. For example, you might say "I know we were talking about world records, but that reminded me of the World Series. Do you enjoy baseball? Who do you think will win the game tonight?" Ask your friend about sensory sensitivities. Most autistic people have issues with how they perceive things through touch, sight, hearing, smell, or taste. These sensitivities vary widely among individuals, so the best thing to do is ask your friend about theirs. If your friend doesn't enjoy a particular place or activity, this may be because of their sensory sensitivities. For example, someone who is overly sensitive to sounds may not enjoy a loud, busy coffee shop. While you're able to tune out the background noise, they can't filter the sounds in the same way and end up getting overstimulated. Many autistic people who have visual sensitivities have problems with fluorescent lights. This may mean that your autistic friend wouldn't enjoy shopping with you at some department stores or malls. Accept differences even if you don't understand them. Being a good friend means accepting what your autistic friend says about their sensory sensitivities at face value. Even if they have particular sensitivities that make no sense to you, expressing doubt can upset your friend. Think about how you perceive the world through your senses. You likely assumed everyone perceived the world the same as you did until you had a reason to learn otherwise. Autistic people are the same. For example, if you wear glasses or contacts, you likely can remember a time before you were prescribed these aids. You probably thought you could see just fine until a test revealed your vision was impaired. Once you got your glasses, you realized how you were supposed to see the world. Sensory issues are much like this. Your friend may not realize that there's anything "different" about the fact that certain perfumes give them a headache, or they get tense and frustrated when in a room with fluorescent lighting. Sensory issues can be particularly difficult to explain, which means your friend may not be able to explain a problem in a way you can understand, or provide a reason for why a place or activity bothers them. Make accommodations. Sometimes, you may need to make accommodations for your friend's special needs. For example, you may need to eat in a quieter corner of the cafeteria, rather than right in the middle where it's louder and busier. Your friend will be able to tell you what they need to make the environment work for them. It is not rude to ask, for example, "Is there anything I should know about your needs before we go to the concert?" In fact, your friend will appreciate you thinking ahead and wanting to be helpful. Give your friend as much information as you can about the place you're going so they can evaluate the situation and prepare themselves. If you invite your friend over to your home often, you want to make sure it's a place they find safe and comfortable. To be a good friend, display a willingness to change things they find overstimulating or uncomfortable. For example, if there are televisions in several rooms, you may want to close doors so there are not multiple sounds competing for attention. Learn to recognize the signs of overstimulation. When an autistic person goes into overload, they may panic, melt down, curl into a ball, run away, or lose the ability to speak. You can help the autistic person by escorting them to a quiet place, not putting demands on them, and giving them time to recover. Particularly if your friend is a teenager or adult, they've likely learned to identify things they do when they're approaching their limit. Ask them about these signs so you can be on the lookout for them. Keep in mind that sensory overstimulation often is quite painful for your friend. They need to get out of the situation as soon as possible so they can recharge. If you're going to a public place where overstimulation is possible, be on the lookout for a quiet place where the two of you can retreat. Help your friend by leaving with them and making excuses to anyone with whom they were talking so no one takes offense if they have to leave abruptly. Try to treat your friend like any other. Many autistic people have been misunderstood or bullied, and sometimes treating them like a regular friend is what they really want. Sure, it takes a little while to get used to someone's idiosyncrasies, but people do that for each other all the time. If an autistic teenager or adult is participating in social activities, they're trying to interact with others without calling attention to their autism. Be sensitive to this possibility. Make plans in advance. Most autistic people are far from spontaneous. Your friend likely has routines they follow, and if you want to do something with them they need adequate time to prepare for the occasion and work it into their schedule. Giving your friend plenty of advance notice shows that you respect them, and also increases the chances they'll be willing to accompany you to an event or participate in an activity. Your friend will be more likely to do things with you if they are familiar things occurring in familiar locations. Many autistic people are resistant to trying new things or going to different places where they don't know if they will be comfortable. Be specific with the details. Most autistic people don't enjoy surprises, and even if you have the best of intentions your efforts could backfire. Let your friend know if other people are going to be there, particularly if they are other friends or mutual acquaintances. Defend your friend to others. Autistic people frequently are the target of teasing and bullies, particularly when they're younger. Autistic adults may misinterpret friendly teasing from others, especially if it comes from someone they don't know very well. You don't have to draw additional attention to your friend or single them out to stand up for them. You can simply say something like "Hey, I think that was a little over the line," or "I realize you were just joking, but you went too far." Another way to defuse a situation is to point out something good about your friend or about the thing they're being teased about. For example, you might say "I get that you think her interest in comic books is weird, but she won $500 in a comic book trivia contest last year." Respect your friend's privacy. Not all autistic people necessarily want everyone they encounter to know they're autistic. Before you disclose such personal information to someone, make sure your friend is okay with it. Keep in mind that many autistic people have been bullied or teased in the past because they were different. They may be trying to fit in without pointing out their differences, which can make them feel vulnerable. For this reason, when someone tells you they are autistic they are often indicating that they trust you and feel safe with you. There is so much dehumanizing and negative coverage of autism in the media, they couldn't be sure how you might react. Don't make a big deal out of stimming. Many autistic people "stim" (short for self-stimulation). For example, your friend may flap their hands, or fidget with or chew on a necklace or other accessory. Stimming is a natural and healthy response to an environment that can be overwhelming or difficult at times. Sometimes people stim as an attempt to stave off sensory overload. If you notice that your friend is starting to feel overloaded, help them find a quiet place where they can recover immediately. Stimming can also be used in neutral situations, or to express happiness. If this is the case, there's no need to react. Treat it the same way you'd treat someone jumping for joy or scratching an itch. Some people think that this stimming is cute, and will smile or laugh if they see an autistic person doing it. (This is also okay.) Never pin someone down or stop them from stimming. This is really damaging, and you could seriously injure them. Assist your friend in reaching their social goals. Your friend may have particular social skills that they want to improve. If they let you know of anything like this, do what you can to increase their comfort level in that area. For example, you can simulate social situations with your friend in a safe, comfortable environment so they can practice interacting with other people. Since many autistic people rely on scripts to interact in social situations, these simulated practices can help improve their social skills. Keep in mind that if your friend is older, they may have already written off some social situations and decided they don't need them in their life. For example, your friend may have decided that they won't go to any holiday parties. You may be able to encourage them to give something another chance, but generally, you should respect their decision. Ask your friend for resources. Autism is a spectrum. This means that there are many different kinds of autism – as many as there are autistic people. Learning about your friend's autism can help you better understand them. The more you know about autism in general and your friend's in particular, the less you'll feel upset or insulted if your friend happens to do something that you don't consider in keeping with your relationship. Find out what organizations your friend likes, or if there are any particular books they recommend. Your friend will appreciate the fact that you're making an effort to understand something that they consider an important part of their identity. Ask your friend or someone close to them about their autism, their needs and preferences, and the obstacles they've overcome. Keep in mind that autistic people can't always communicate their needs and preferences. Offer to accompany your friend to events at autistic-run organizations, take part in Autism Acceptance Month , and share articles written by autistic people. Keep in mind that many autistic people have gone through abusive therapy, been dehumanized in the media and by medical professionals, or been reduced to a burden and list of symptoms. For this reason, it's important to regularly let your friend know that you care about them and love them for who they are. Treat them with kindness and compassion, just as you would any other friend. | Be patient. Use simple, concrete language. Avoid sarcasm and figurative speech. Understand the friendship may be one-sided. Express interest and curiosity. Ask your friend about sensory sensitivities. Accept differences even if you don't understand them. Make accommodations. Learn to recognize the signs of overstimulation. Try to treat your friend like any other. Make plans in advance. Defend your friend to others. Respect your friend's privacy. Don't make a big deal out of stimming. Assist your friend in reaching their social goals. Ask your friend for resources. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Belts | How to Store Belts | Learning to store your belts properly can help you save a lot of space in your wardrobe and make them easier to find. Group your belts according to color so you can easily find one that works with your outfit. Alternatively, lay your belts face down on a flat surface and roll them up, starting at the end with the buckle. You can then place your rolled up belts in a drawer. If you want to secure them tightly, tie a piece of string around each rolled up belt. You may also want to store them in separate boxes or containers so your collection is more organized. Another option is to hang your belts by the buckle from a belt rack, which usually has several hooks for you to use. | Hang your belt rack on the back of a door or a closet rod. The type of belt rack you have will determine how you hang it. If your belt rack has a hook on the top of it, you can hang it up on your closet rod. If it has brackets, you can hang it on the inside of your closet door. Hang a belt ring hanger on a closet rod. This sort of belt hanger looks like a ring and has a hook at the top that allows you to hang it in your closet. The side of the ring has a tiny opening. Slide the buckle through this opening and around the ring. You can hang multiple belts on this belt hanger. Screw cup hooks into a wooden plank to make your rack. If you don't want to purchase a belt rack, you can create your own with a wooden plank and some cup hooks. Screw the sharp threaded end of the cup hooks into the holes by rotating them clockwise. You can then nail or screw the wooden plank to the closet door or a wall. Make pilot holes in the spots where the cup hooks will go. This will make it easier to screw them in. Hang belts by the buckles on a belt rack. Belt racks have hooks that you can use to hang up your belts. Hang the belt buckle around the hook on the belt rack. You can typically hang multiple belts on each hook when using a belt rack. Coordinate the colors of your belts to stay organized. If you plan on hanging your belts, organizing them by color will help you keep track of them. Grouping your belts by color will help you save time when you need to find a belt quickly. Lay your belt out onto a flat surface. Putting your belt on a table or an ironing board will make it easier to roll up. Lay the belt onto the surface with the front side facing down. Roll up your belt. Start with the buckle and start to roll the belt up, towards the opposite end. Continue rolling it until you roll the entire thing up. Doing this will make it more compact and easier to store. Tie a piece of string around the belts if you want to secure them. Tie a loop around the belts and secure it with a knot at the end. Do this if you're traveling and you don't want them to get unraveled in your bag. Put your rolled up belts in a sock or clothing drawer. Stack the belts side to side to conserve space. Grouping them by color or style will help you find the right belt when you want to wear one. Place the rolled-up belts in separate containers to keep them organized. You can store your belts in baskets, boxes, or small containers. If you like to keep your accessories separated and organized, this is a great option. | Hang your belt rack on the back of a door or a closet rod. Hang a belt ring hanger on a closet rod. Screw cup hooks into a wooden plank to make your rack. Hang belts by the buckles on a belt rack. Coordinate the colors of your belts to stay organized. Lay your belt out onto a flat surface. Roll up your belt. Tie a piece of string around the belts if you want to secure them. Put your rolled up belts in a sock or clothing drawer. Place the rolled-up belts in separate containers to keep them organized. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Miso-Soup | How to Make Miso Soup | To make miso soup, start by heating some fish and seaweed stock, called dashi, over high heat on the stovetop. Then, while that's heating up, soak some dried seaweed in a bowl of water. Next, add some miso paste to a bowl and pour a little bit of the heated dashi over it to melt it before adding the melted miso to the pot with the rest of the dashi. Finally, add small cubes of tofu and the soaked seaweed to the pot and stir everything together before serving. | Heat the dashi. Pour the dashi into a large saucepan or pot, place it on the stove, and turn the heat onto "high". Soak the wakame. Place the seaweed into a small bowl and add water into the bowl, until it covers it well. By doing this, you're expanding the seaweed. Melt the miso by putting it into a cup, and pour a little bit of dashi on it to melt it down. Stir thoroughly until the miso is dissolved. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir. Cut the tofu into 1 centimeter (0.4 in) squares. You may cut it, however you like, bigger or smaller, than 1 cm (depending on your style or likings). Add the tofu pieces to the pan and turn the heat down. Add the wakame to the pan. You do not want this to boil, as the flavors of the dish may impair or distort. Serve the miso soup in bowls. Chop up the spring onions and garnish each bowl before serving. | Heat the dashi. Soak the wakame. Melt the miso Cut the tofu into 1 centimeter (0.4 in) squares. Add the wakame to the pan. Serve the miso soup in bowls. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Kajal | How to Apply Kajal | To apply kajal, make a line from the inside corner of your eye to the outer edge along your upper water line. Pull down on your lower eyelid with your free hand and look up as you draw to make it easier. To soften sharp lines, use an eye smudger or brush. If you'd like a smoky eye look, close your eye and apply a thick line to your upper eyelid. Then, use a brush to smudge the kajal up towards your brow bone. | Pick a kajal pencil for a controlled look. Pencils are the easiest kajal to use, especially for beginners. They are applied like regular eyeliner pencils. They can create thin or tight lines, and they do not wear off as easily. They may not be as good for smoky or smudged looks, however. Pencils are a great choice if you want to edge your water line. You will need to sharpen the pencil occasionally. Get a liquid or gel kajal for a more dramatic look. Liquid and gels create thicker and darker looks. They are easier to blend than kajal pencils, but they may smudge more throughout the day. It is also not a good idea to apply gel or liquid kajal directly to your water line, as it may cause irritation. Some gels and liquids will come with their own wands. If they don't, you will need to get an eyeliner brush to apply them. Choose kajal powders for a traditional look. If you want to create a smoky look, you might consider traditional kajal powders. These powders are good if you want a traditional, dark eye. They will not form straight or perfect lines, but they will give you a thick and bold edging. Kajal powders usually come with an applicator wand. They can also be applied using an eyeliner brush. Find a waterproof formula if you sweat or cry easily. A waterproof formula may help prevent smudging or prevent the kajal from running if your eyes start to water. These formulas are ideal for people who exercise often or for people who have allergies or sensitive eyes. Waterproof versions may be more difficult to wash off, however. You can find waterproof versions of all types of kajal, even traditional powders. Clean the area around your eyes. Clean skin will prevent the kajal from smudging. You can wash your face or use makeup remover to clean off any old makeup or kajal from around your eyes. Draw a line from the inner corner of your upper eyelid. With a sharpened kajal pencil, make a straight line along the lash line from your inner eye to the outer edge. Try to do this in one motion if possible. Pull down your lower lid to line under the eye. Using your ring finger, gently pull down on your lower eyelid while looking up. Start at the inner corner of your eye. Draw the pencil along either the lash line or the water line of your eye. The lash line is the area where your lashes grow. The water line is the rim of the eye between your lashes and the eye. Smudge with your finger or a brush if desired. Many kajal styles require that you smudge the kajal after applying. Using your ring finger or an eye brush, gently blend the kajal upwards towards your brow with small, repeated strokes. Remove excess product. Whether you are working with a powder, liquid, or gel, make sure that there is no extra kajal on the wand or brush. For a powder, tap the wand gently against the bottle. For a liquid or gel, gently wipe the brush against the lid. Hold the wand or brush horizontally. When you apply the kajal, you should always hold the wand or brush sideways so that it is horizontal. The wand should line up against the lash line of your eye. Do not hold the wand vertically. Draw a line from the inner corner along the upper lash line. Start at the inner eye, and draw out the wand along the lash line towards the outer edge of your eye. Use as few strokes as possible; try to do it in one move if possible. Create a straight line along the lower lash line. Pull down the skin under your eye, and press the wand or brush to your inner eye. Gently sweep the brush along the lower lash line (if you are using gel or liquid) or water line (if you are using a powder). Thicken the kajal if desired. For a more dramatic look, you can build upon the base. Use short strokes back and forth along the original base to thicken the line of kajal. Continue until you are satisfied with your look. Edge the water line of your eye for a traditional look. Using the ring finger of your non-dominant hand, gently pull down the skin beneath your lower eyelid until you see the white of your eye. With a pencil or powder, draw a line along the water line of your lower eyelid from the inner corner to the outer edge. Soften sharp lines with an eye smudger. If your kajal look is too sharp or thin, you can carefully smudge both lines by running the tip of an eye smudger brush over them. Start at the inner corner of your eye, and follow the kajal out to the edge of your eye. Create a winged cat-eye. Starting at the inner corner, draw a line along your lash line. Once you reach the outer corner of the upper lash line, draw a short line that tilts upward at a 45-degree angle. For a bolder look, go back over the entire line of kajal, and thicken it using short strokes of the pencil or wand. Smudge the kajal for a smoky eye. Close your eye, and apply a thick line to the upper lid. Take a fluffy eye shadow brush and smudge the kajal upward, working it through the crease and toward the brow bone. To create more of an ombre effect, draw another thin line of kajal over the upper lash line, and blend. | Pick a kajal pencil for a controlled look. Get a liquid or gel kajal for a more dramatic look. Choose kajal powders for a traditional look. Find a waterproof formula if you sweat or cry easily. Clean the area around your eyes. Draw a line from the inner corner of your upper eyelid. Pull down your lower lid to line under the eye. Smudge with your finger or a brush if desired. Remove excess product. Hold the wand or brush horizontally. Draw a line from the inner corner along the upper lash line. Create a straight line along the lower lash line. Thicken the kajal if desired. Edge the water line of your eye for a traditional look. Soften sharp lines with an eye smudger. Create a winged cat-eye. Smudge the kajal for a smoky eye. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Wings | How to Draw Wings | To draw a cartoon wing, start by drawing 2 thin, slightly curved ovals that are connected at one end, which will be the arm of your wing. Then, add 3 rows of overlapping ovals extending off of the arm for the small feathers. Next, sketch 1 row of large, long feathers that curve upward at the top of your wing. Finally, go back in and add the finishing touches, like shading and extra lines, to make your wing more realistic. | Draw two thin, slightly curved ovals as shown. They should look like connected tree branches, or the skeleton of a bat 's arm. Add in faint curves for the feathers. They should be mostly oval-like in shape, overlapping one another but not going beyond three rows or so per wing. Sketch in thinner, larger feathers. These can be as thick or as lengthy as you like, but try to keep even the proportions of these feathers and the feathers from the previous step. Draw details for the feathers. You don't necessarily need to have too many extra lines or spots on your feathers, but the image above will show you how if you want those elements. Outline and color your wing. To create a set, if your character is being viewed from the front rather than the side, simply mirror the drawing you've already done on the other side. And remember, when detailing/coloring, use your imagination! Draw three trapezoids of different sizes and orientations which are connected to each other. This will be the framework for the wings. Draw two straight lines with a space apart and which follow the orientation of the trapezoids – three layers are formed. Draw the feathers for the first layer using simple and rounded curves. Draw the second layer of feather using simple curves and longer than the first layer feathers. Draw the third layer feathers using simple curves. The feathers are longer and more refined. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary lines. Color to your liking with shades of white! Sketch the base line. This is the base of your wing which will determine its length. In this example, we'll be drawing an eagle's wing. Make sure to lightly sketch the base with a pencil, as you'll want to erase it later. Birds with longer wings generally have longer arms and shorter hands, like wandering albatrosses or seagulls. Smaller birds have shorter arms and longer hands, like sparrows or hummingbirds. Draw the first layer of feathers. Do this by sketching a general shape that vaguely follows the wing's base and then fill it in with feathers. Don't forget the skin flap between the forearm and the upper arm. Draw the second layer of feathers. It's similar to drawing the first layer of feathers, but further out. Draw the outer feathers on the wing. This is a tricky step, because the line of feathers isn't consistent as in the other rows of feathers. You can make it easier for yourself to sketch out lines for the feathers before drawing them. Eagle wing feathers look like "fingers" but this doesn't apply to all birds, for example budgerigars. Finish! Clean up the sketch, erase the base, and use however you want! You can use these exact tips for drawing other kinds of wings too, like vultures, crows, parrots, doves, anything. | Draw two thin, slightly curved ovals as shown. Add in faint curves for the feathers. Sketch in thinner, larger feathers. Draw details for the feathers. Outline and color your wing. Draw three trapezoids of different sizes and orientations which are connected to each other. Draw two straight lines with a space apart and which follow the orientation of the trapezoids – three layers are formed. Draw the feathers for the first layer using simple and rounded curves. Draw the second layer of feather using simple curves and longer than the first layer feathers. Draw the third layer feathers using simple curves. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary lines. Color to your liking with shades of white! Sketch the base line. Draw the first layer of feathers. Draw the second layer of feathers. Draw the outer feathers on the wing. Finish! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Dreadlocks | How to Get Rid of Dreadlocks | To get rid of dreadlocks by combing them out, first soak your dreadlocks for 10 minutes in the warmest water you can stand. Then, shampoo your dreadlocks and saturate them with conditioner. Next, hold the lowest ½ an inch of a dreadlock, pick it apart with the tail of your comb, use your fingers and the comb to detangle the hair, and comb it out smooth. Work your way up the dreadlock ½ an inch at a time until you get to your scalp, then move on to the next lock. Be sure to keep your dreadlocks wet and lubricated with conditioner as you work through your hair. | Cut off each dreadlock with scissors. How short you cut the dreadlocks depends on how much hair you wish to retain. Perform this step even if you plan to shave your head, it will make the process a lot easier. If you plan to shave your head, cut the dreads off close to the scalp where the hair is less tangled. If you want to retain a bit of length without too much work, cut the lock off 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) from the scalp. The remaining hair should be relatively easy to untangle and comb out. If you wish to keep more than an inch or two of hair, see the method below for combing out dreadlocks. Wash your scalp and hair thoroughly. If you are not planning to shave your head, you should also condition your remaining hair with a leave-in or hot oil conditioning treatment. This will help moisturize your scalp. Deal with the remaining hair. You can either keep going and shave off the rest of your hair or comb out what is left. Option 1: Shave your head using clippers, or shaving cream and a razor. Be careful not to cut yourself! Go slowly in case you encounter knots or tangles since you don't want to rip your hair out. Option 2: Once the remaining hair has been thoroughly conditioned, comb out the tangles using a sturdy comb and a detangling spray, conditioner, or oil. Start at the tips of your locks, working towards your scalp, and keep your hair damp and moisturized as you work through one section at a time. Style the hair you have left and enjoy your newfound freedom! Head to a stylist to have your remaining hair cut and styled as you like. It is normal for hair that has been in dreadlocks to act up for the first few days, so you might want to wait until it settles down before getting it cut. Block out some time and recruit some helpers. Dreadlock removal is a very time-consuming process. You should plan on it taking a few days if you are going it alone. The more friends you have help, the faster it will go. Many people recommend taking a long weekend, or even a few days off work to complete the process. If you cannot remove your dreadlocks in a single block of time, consider working on just one section at a time, and either braiding the loose hair or disguising it in a ponytail. You can also cover your work-in-progress hair in a head wrap or scarf. Assemble your supplies. There are a number of commercial products that are designed for dreadlock removal, but you can easily assemble a do-it-yourself kit at a local drugstore or salon supply store. A strong comb for each person who will be helping. A metal rat tail comb works best. If you end up using plastic combs, have extras on hand for when they break. Deep-cleaning shampoo. If you have ever used any kind of wax on your dreadlocks, you will need one formulated for wax-removal. Many people swear by baby shampoo as a great residue-remover. 2-4 bottles of conditioner to lubricate the hair and make it easier to untangle. Any conditioner will work, but a specialized detangler, knot removal or "slippery" conditioner will be more efficient. Some people also swear by children's detangler sprays, or even coconut or olive oil. A spray bottle filled with water. Trim the ends of your dreadlocks. If you have not had your dreadlocks for a long time (less than 2 years) you may skip this step, but most people find it helpful to trim at least the bottom ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) from each dreadlock before they begin. The more you cut off, the less combing you have to do! Soak your dreadlocks. It is important that your dreadlocks be saturated with water while you comb them out. Soak your dreadlocks for 10 minutes in the warmest water you can tolerate. You can do this either in the shower or by dunking your head into a sink filled with water. Shampoo your dreadlocks. Thoroughly shampoo your dreadlocks with a deep-cleaning or wax-removal shampoo. Work the shampoo in with your fingertips from your roots to the ends of your locks. Rinse them until there are no more suds in the rinse water. This could take 20 or 30 minutes. Avoid scrubbing your dreads since this will make them difficult to remove. Saturate your dreadlocks with conditioner. Begin at the top of each dreadlock, and work your way to the bottom, using both hands to massage conditioner into the dreads. Add a little extra conditioner to the ends. The dreads should feel slippery from the roots all the way to the ends. If they feel dry, use more conditioner. Untangle the dreadlocks, one at a time. Choose a lock to start on. Begin ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) from the bottom of the lock, and use the tail of your comb to begin picking it apart. Pick some hair loose and then use your fingers and the comb to detangle the strand, and finally comb it out smooth. Once this is done, go up another ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) and repeat the process until you get to your scalp. If you have helpers, have them work on the strands in the back, while you work on the strands up front. A rat tail comb is not the only tool you can use. Some people like to use a regular comb, or even sewing and knitting needles to pick the knots out. Use whatever you have on hand that gets the job done. This process takes a lot of time and patience, so plan some entertainment in the form of music and movies to keep yourself distracted. Pull the hair as little as possible. Treating your dreads roughly could result in breakage or damaged follicles. Your arms, shoulders, and scalp are likely to get very sore in this process. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed to manage the discomfort. Keep your dreadlocks wet and lubricated. Have a spray bottle full of water on hand and make sure the dreadlock you are working on stays wet as you untangle it. You can also add conditioner, either regular or leave-in, as needed either by massaging it in with your hands or using a spray conditioner as you work. Be prepared to comb away a lot of hair. As you detangle and comb your dreadlocks, a lot of hair will pull free, but don't panic! Most of this is hair that you shed naturally a long time ago, not new hair loss. Wash and condition your newly dreadlock-free hair, and enjoy! You will probably need a trim to even out the ends, but wait a few days for the hair to settle down before getting this done. Find a stylist that specializes in dreadlocks and dreadlock removal. Use a search engine to look for a salon in your area online (try search terms: "salon dreadlocks") or ask around for a recommendation. Schedule a consultation. This gives you a chance to meet the stylist, and the stylist a chance to assess your hair and give you an estimate of the time needed and costs involved. Keep in mind that a salon removal will still be very time consuming, and a full dreadlock takedown can cost upwards of $500 USD. Consider getting a few estimates since this is a such a large investment. Book your appointment and enjoy! Treat the appointment like a mini-vacation, and try to have fun. Your pocketbook may sting afterward, but your arms and hair will probably thank you. | Cut off each dreadlock with scissors. Wash your scalp and hair thoroughly. Deal with the remaining hair. Style the hair you have left and enjoy your newfound freedom! Block out some time and recruit some helpers. Assemble your supplies. Trim the ends of your dreadlocks. Soak your dreadlocks. Shampoo your dreadlocks. Saturate your dreadlocks with conditioner. Untangle the dreadlocks, one at a time. Keep your dreadlocks wet and lubricated. Be prepared to comb away a lot of hair. Wash and condition your newly dreadlock-free hair, and enjoy! Find a stylist that specializes in dreadlocks and dreadlock removal. Schedule a consultation. Book your appointment and enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cast-a-Baitcasting-Reel | How to Cast a Baitcasting Reel | To accurately cast a baitcasting reel, reel in your bait until it is only 6 to 12 inches from the tip of the rod. Then, turn the rod so the handle is pointed up and press the spool release button. Next, you'll want to place your thumb at an angle on the spool so you can control the flow of the line. When you're ready to cast the line, bend your casting arm until it is at a right angle, and sweep the rod forward until its tip is at eye level. Once the bait reaches its target, press down with your thumb to stop the line. | Reel in the line. Reel the line in until your bait or lure is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the rod tip. If you have a sinker or bobber attached to the line, it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip instead. Hold the reel properly. Grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb resting over the reel spool. Baitcasting rods are designed the same as spincasting rods, and as with spincasting rods, most fishermen cast with the same hand they retrieve with, so if you prefer to hold the rod behind the reel when you retrieve, you'll need to switch hands when you cast. You may want to rest your thumb at a slight angle on the spool instead of pressing the very flat of it on the line. This will give you more control over the flow of the line during the cast. Turn the rod so the reel handles point up. As with spincasting gear, this lets you use your wrist when you cast. If you cast with your opposite hand, the handles should point down. Press the reel spool release button. Baitcasting reels made since the 1970s have a mechanism to disengage the reel spool from the handles so they don't turn during the cast, allowing for longer casts. The first such models had the button on the side of the reel; most models today feature a release bar behind the spool that you press with your thumb when you rest it on the reel spool. Bend your casting arm. You need to bend your casting arm at the elbow so that the crook of your arm begins to approach a right angle. As you do, raise your rod until its tip goes slightly past vertical. This will give you the correct positioning to send the line out. Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level. This is about 30 degrees above horizontal, or the "10 o'clock" position. As you do so, lift your thumb off the reel spool enough so that the weight of your bait or lure pulls line off the spool as it is propelled toward the target. If you are casting with a long-handled baitcasting rod of the kind used in saltwater fishing, you'll want to use your opposite hand as a fulcrum from which to pivot the rod as you cast. Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. This is similar to pressing the button on a spincasting reel to brake the line; however, not applying your thumb soon enough leads to the spool continuing to turn after your bait hits the water, creating an overrun or "birds nest" that you'll have to straighten out before you can retrieve your lure. Choose a baitcasting reel. Newer models have several features, like the cast control brake and friction cast control, that might be lacking in older models. But the most important thing when choosing a baitcasting reel is to pick one that feels good in your hand and fits your fishing needs. Go to a store that sells baitcasting reels and hold a few. Or, if you prefer the older models, try finding one at an antique shop. Choose appropriate bait. Baitcasting tackle is not suited for casting baits or lures weighing a quarter ounce or less. If you like to take several rods with you when you fish, carry a rod with a spincasting reel for the lighter weight lures and a rod with a baitcasting reel for the heavier lures. Get some protective waders. Fishing waders can offer protection from the cold water you're fishing in, from accidentally snagging your skin with a bad cast (especially while you're learning), or from various cuts and bruises if you accidentally take a tumble. Practice away from water. Practice your casting techniques away from the water as well as on it. Away from the water, replace your bait or lure with a rubber practice plug or metal sinker. Practice in an open area, away from overhead trees. Avoid heavy brush. When you are choosing an area to cast in, pick a place that has minimal brush, especially overhead. Your bait can get easily caught in the branches and this will cost you much precious time to retrieve. It's important to avoid heavy brush or your lure may get stuck when you bring the rod forward to cast. If this happens, the entire spool of line can get tangled (called a bird's nest) and destroyed. Choose an isolated location. It can be dangerous to try baitcasting in a place where too many people are around. You have to constantly make sure no one is behind you or too close to you in order to make sure you don't accidentally snag them with your lure. And being hyper aware of your surroundings takes away some of the relaxing joy of baitcasting anyways. | Reel in the line. Hold the reel properly. Turn the rod so the reel handles point up. Press the reel spool release button. Bend your casting arm. Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level. Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. Choose a baitcasting reel. Choose appropriate bait. Get some protective waders. Practice away from water. Avoid heavy brush. Choose an isolated location. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Diagnose-Prostate-Disease-in-Intact-Male-Dogs | How to Diagnose Prostate Disease in Intact Male Dogs | To diagnose prostate disease in your intact male dog, watch for symptoms of the condition including difficulty relieving itself or blood in your pup's urine. Dogs with prostate disease also commonly have a stiff walking pattern, so take note if your dog is limping or walking slower than usual. If your dog does has any of these symptoms, make sure to see your vet as soon as possible to get a diagnosis. At the vet's office, you'll need to allow the vet to examine your dog's prostate and get a blood count and urinalysis. | Notice if your dog has blood-stained urine or appears constipated. You may notice that when your dog does go to the bathroom, there is blood in their urine. If you're unsure, check your dog's penile tip for drops of blood. Another common symptom of prostate disease in dogs is straining to pass feces. Watch your dog to see if it struggles to relieve itself. These symptoms occur when your dog's prostate becomes so enlarged that it squashes the rectum which lies directly above the prostate, or else the enlarged prostate weeps blood into the urethra (the tube through which the dog urinates). Your dog may struggle to defecate because his enlarged prostate is putting too much pressure on his rectum. Check if your dog has a lack of appetite and a fever. Prostate disease comes in different forms. The commonest has a slow onset and is typified by straining to pass feces, however, if the prostate becomes infected the dog may develop a fever. The commonest form of prostate disease shows few symptoms initially, and then the dog appears constipated or takes a long time to pass feces. If your has an infection in the prostate gland, which is much less common, he may be feverish, seem stiff on the back legs, and not want to eat much or he may not eat at all for several days. This could be a sign he is in pain and needs to be examined for prostate issues by your vet. You should also check your dog's temperature for any signs of fever, as a high temperature is often a sign of a disease or an infection, of which one source of infection could be the prostate. You may use an animal thermometer to take his temperature and confirm it is higher than normal. Know that many dogs have BPH without the owner being aware, and it's only when the prostate is so enlarged it presses on the rectum, that symptoms develops. These dogs are usually well in themselves, but prone to straining. Notice if your dog has a stiff walking pattern. For the more unusual forms of prostate disease, you should also observe your dog's walking pattern and notice if his limbs appear stiff when he walks around. He may limp to one side, walk slower than usual, or have several stiff limbs. Watch your dog walk around your home or yard. If you notice his limbs are stiff and he is not moving as fluidly as he usually does, he may have a prostate issue. Look for any signs of lethargy, depression, or pain. Prostate disease commonly has a slow onset and the dog may be perfectly normal and only start to show signs once the prostate reaches a critical size. However, a dog with prostate infection may also start to appear lethargic and very low energy. He may even appear depressed or sad, with no energy to go for walks or play with you. You may notice your dog does not seem as excited, happy, or outgoing as he usually is. Some dogs with advanced prostate cancer will experience pain in their abdomen area. You may notice that your dog is sensitive to any touching or stroking of his abdominal area due to pain. Share your dog's medical history with your vet. When you bring your dog into the vet, you should give them a thorough summary of your dog's medical history. Note any previous health issues your dog may have had as well as details of when the symptoms of prostate disease started to appear. You may also note any incidents that could have caused the condition or made it worse. For example, you may tell your vet, “My dog stopped eating a few days ago and is very lethargic, with a high fever. He has never been like this before and I am worried he may have prostate infection as he is an older, intact dog.” Let your vet examine your dog's prostate. Your vet will start by doing a full physical exam on your dog, including a close examination of his prostate. They may insert a gloved finger into your dog's rectum to feel their prostate gland. If your dog reacts with pain or the prostate feels larger than usual, your vet may suggest a biopsy of the prostate gland for testing. Your dog may be sedated during the biopsy so he does not feel any pain or discomfort. This is done to assess the size of the prostate, if it is symmetrical, and if it is painful or not. If your dog reacts with pain or the prostate feels larger than usual, your vet may suggest a prostic wash to harvest a sample of cells from the prostate. Biopsy of the prostate gland is tricky as the gland is difficult to access, and so your vet will carefully assess if this is necessary or not. Your dog will be given an anesthetic during the biopsy so he does not feel any pain or discomfort. In some dogs, their prostate may recede too far into their abdominal area to be felt in a physical exam. If this is the case, your vet will suggest an ultrasound on your dog's abdominal area to get a better look at his prostate. Allow your vet to run tests on your dog. Your vet will then run standard laboratory tests on your dog, including getting a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Your vet will need a sample of your dog's urine to run the urinalysis. The urinalysis will help your vet determine if there is blood in his urine, this could be a symptom of prostate disease. Get a treatment plan. Once your vet has completed a physical exam of your dog and ran the necessary tests, they will determine the cause of the issue and suggest a treatment plan. If your dog's prostate disease is due to a hormonal imbalance, your vet may recommend castration or hormone-blocking medication to reduce your dog's symptoms. If your dog's prostate issue is caused by a bacterial infection, your dog will be given antibiotics. If your dog's symptoms are severe and he has a ruptured, abscessed prostate, he may need surgery on his prostate. Your vet will let you know the timeline for the surgery and give your dog antibiotic therapy to stabilize his condition before the surgery can be performed. Ask your dog's veterinarian about treatment options. Treatment options for your dog's prostate disease will depend on his specific diagnosis, so it is important to discuss the options with your dog's veterinarian. There are several different options for medical management prostate disease, such as BPH, including Suprelorin implants (which is a slow release drug injected under the skin which is a reversible form of chemical neutering), Ypozane (a tablet which blocks receptors in the prostate from registering testosterone), and also older hormone therapy injections such as Delvosteron. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so talk with your dog's veterinarian about the treatment options available for your dog. Indeed, surgical desexing may be the most effective long term option. Give your dog the necessary medication. Your vet will recommend a specific dosage of antibiotics for your dog for a set period of time. Make sure you follow your vet's dosage instructions and find ways to give your dog his medication so he can recover successfully. If your dog has been castrated, your dog will likely recover with five to seven days of the surgery. His prostate gland will likely return to a normal size within several weeks. Do not let your dog mate until he has recovered. It is very important that if your dog is not neutered due to his prostate issue, he still abstain from mating with other dogs while he recovers. This is especially important if your dog has prostate disease due to a bacterial infection. Make sure your vet does a prostatic fluid sample to confirm your dog no longer has bacterial prostatitis before you allow him to mate with other dogs. Bring your dog to your vet if his symptoms recur. If you notice your dog is exhibiting symptoms of prostate disease despite the treatment, such as difficulty urinating, lethargy, high fever, and abdominal pain, you should bring him into the vet right away. These may be signs that the disease has not been treated successfully or is recurring and chronic. Depending on your dog's medical situation, your vet may recommend a stronger course of medication or another form of treatment for the prostate issue. | Notice if your dog has blood-stained urine or appears constipated. Check if your dog has a lack of appetite and a fever. Notice if your dog has a stiff walking pattern. Look for any signs of lethargy, depression, or pain. Share your dog's medical history with your vet. Let your vet examine your dog's prostate. Allow your vet to run tests on your dog. Get a treatment plan. Ask your dog's veterinarian about treatment options. Give your dog the necessary medication. Do not let your dog mate until he has recovered. Bring your dog to your vet if his symptoms recur. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tortilla-Strips | How to Make Tortilla Strips | To make your own tortilla strips, brush several tortillas with vegetable oil, then stack the tortillas on top of each other. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to carefully slice the tortillas into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick strips. Spread the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them for 12-15 minutes at 350°F. Once they're finished cooking, sprinkle salt onto the tortilla strips to season them. Let the strips cool, then serve and enjoy! | Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). If you'd like, you can also line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment paper is not absolutely necessary, but it will make cleaning up easier. Brush the tortillas with vegetable oil. Measure out the oil into a small bowl, Then, use a basting brush (or something similar) to brush the oil onto the tortillas. The oil will help the tortillas turn crispy when you bake them. Stack 2 to 3 tortillas on top of each other. If you'd like to make smaller strips, cut the tortillas into quarters. At this time, you can also put the remaining tortillas into stacks as well, so that they will be ready for you. Slice the tortillas into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) thick strips. You can do this using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. These narrow strips are perfect for tossing onto a soup or salad. If you'd like to make something more chip-like that you can eat with salsa (or other dips), cut the tortillas into 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide strips instead. Spread the strips in a single layer on two baking sheets. If you cannot fit all of the strips onto the baking sheets, save them for a separate batch. You don't want the strips to be clumped up or covered, or they won't bake evenly. Bake the strips in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. You can bake them one baking sheet at a time, or you can put both baking sheets into the oven. If you are baking both sheets at the same time, rotate them halfway through baking. This ensures that both sheets get baked the same amount. Season the strips with salt. Once the strips are baked, pull the baking sheets out of the even, and set them down on the counter or stove. Shake some salt onto the strips; how much salt you add is entirely up to you! Let the strips cool on the baking sheet, then serve them. They make great toppings for salads, soups, and beans. You can also serve the wider ones on their own with some dip. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you'd like, you can also line two baking sheets with parchment paper. While not completely necessary, this will allow for easier clean up at the end. In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings briskly with a fork, then set them aside. Put 2 teaspoons of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or ground red pepper into a small bowl. Add a dash of salt, then mix briskly together with a fork. Set the bowl aside. If these seasonings do not appeal to you, here are two other alternate seasonings you can try: Fiesta-Lime: 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt Garlic and Onion: 2 teaspoons chili powder ⅓ teaspoon onion powder ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder ⅓ teaspoon salt ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Stack 2 to 3 tortillas on top of each other. If you'd like to make smaller strips, cut the tortillas into quarters now using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. At this time, you can also stack the remaining tortillas so that they will be all ready for you. Cut the tortillas into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) wide strips. These narrow strips will make perfect garnishes for soups, salads, beans, and other dishes. If you'd like to make more chip-like strips that you can scoop up salsa with, cut them into 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide strips instead. Toss the strips with vegetable oil. Pour the oil into a bowl, and dump the strips in. Gently toss the strips until they are all evenly coated with oil. You can do this using your hands or a pair of salad tongs. Add in your seasoning and toss the strips again. Keep tossing until the strips are evenly coated with seasoning. Spread the strips out in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Make sure that the strips are spread evenly and that they are not clumped together. If any of the strips are covered, they won't bake evenly. Bake the strips for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. You can bake the sheets in the oven one at a time, or you can bake them at the same time. If you are baking both sheets at the same time, rotate them halfway through the baking process. This will ensure that the strips get baked the same amount. Let the strips cool on the baking sheet before serving them. You can toss them over a salad or soup, or serve them alongside some black beans. If you made the wider, chip-like strips, you can serve them with some salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dip. Finished. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Brush the tortillas with vegetable oil. Stack 2 to 3 tortillas on top of each other. Slice the tortillas into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) thick strips. Spread the strips in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake the strips in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Season the strips with salt. Let the strips cool on the baking sheet, then serve them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings briskly with a fork, then set them aside. Stack 2 to 3 tortillas on top of each other. Cut the tortillas into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) wide strips. Toss the strips with vegetable oil. Add in your seasoning and toss the strips again. Spread the strips out in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake the strips for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Let the strips cool on the baking sheet before serving them. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-Dye-a-Shirt | How to Tie Dye a Shirt | To tie dye a shirt, you'll need a white t-shirt, 3 to 4 clothing dyes, 3 to 4 bottles with a drip nozzle, a plastic bag, and some rubber bands. First, bundle up the white t-shirt into a ball and wrap multiple rubber bands around it to secure it. The number of rubber bands you use will determine how many white streaks are in your design. Put on some rubber gloves, and fill the bottles with different colors of clothing dye. Next, place the bundled-up shirt in a large bowl. Squirt the dyes onto different sections of the shirt and let it soak into the fabric. Add specific colors to different sections, or pour the dye randomly depending on how you want your shirt to look. Once the entire shirt is soaked in dye, place it in a sealable plastic bag and close the top. Let the shirt sit overnight. Then, take the shirt out of the bag and rinse it under cold water to remove the excess dye. To set the dye permanently, machine wash the shirt by itself on a delicate cycle without detergent. Finally, let the shirt air dry, and you're done! | Making stripes. Lay your shirt out flat on a table. Roll it from the bottom hem to the neck, so that you end up with a long tube of white shirt. Use string or rubber bands to tie loops around the shirt roll. To create only a few stripes, space out the ties so that there are three or less. For many stripes, use a dozen or more ties around the shirt. Rolling the shirt upwards will create vertical stripes. If you are interested in creating horizontal strips, roll the shirt from left to right (or vice versa), and tie the strings along this direction. Create a spiral. This is the most basic of the tie dye techniques and one of the most popular. To create a spiral on your shirt, first lay it flat on a countertop or table. Then, put your thumb and index finger in the center of the shirt. Begin moving them in a circular motion, spiraling the shirt around the center point. When you have spiraled the entire shirt, use large rubber bands or strings to tie the shirt. You will need to create at least six sections, so use at least three rubber bands or strings over the shirt. It should be roughly round shaped, and have “pie slices” with the addition of the ties. For a more intricate pattern, use more ties. Make sure that there is one center point at which they all cross though. You can create multiple small spirals by spiraling your shirt in multiple smaller sections using the method from above. If your shirt begins to form ridges, flatten them out. Your shirt should be spiraled, but it should stay flat on the table. Create polka dots. Take your shirt, and pinch small sections of fabric between your fingers. Tie a piece of string around the end of the fabric. To create small dots, only leave one-half to one inch of fabric outside of the tie. Larger dots can be made by tying the fabric further down so that a larger section of fabric sticks out. You can create target-shaped dots by adding more pieces of string on the ends of the pieces that have been tied. Adding more ties will create more rings. Try using string that has been dipped in dye before tying it to add an extra ring of color to the outside of your dots. Make rosettes. These are small floral shaped dots spread out around your shirt. To do this, pinch a small section of your shirt together. Transfer the pinched section to one hand, and then pinch another nearby section. Again, transfer this section to your opposite hand. When you have a group of pinched sections, lace them with a string or rubber band. Use multiple strings to create more of a striped/spiraled pattern in your rosette. You can make as many rosettes on your shirt as you have room for. Use more pinches of fabric to create a more detailed rosette. Using only a few will leave a very basic, simple rosette print. Give your shirt a crumpled look. The easiest way to tie dye is to take your shirt and crumple it up however you would like. It should be very messy and rumpled, not neatly rolled or folded. Then, take as many strings and rubber bands as you would like, and wrap them all over the shirt. You can create a pattern with them, but for the most “crumpled” look don't follow any direction. Create pleats. Start at the bottom of your shirt, and fold it upwards in the accordion style. To do that, you should fold a section towards the front, and then take that section and fold it towards the back. Repeat this pattern until the entire shirt has been folded. Tie the shirt in as many times as you would like. This style is similar to creating stripes, so the number of ties you add will determine the number of stripes. Folding the shirt upwards will create vertical pleats. To create horizontal pleats, follow the same directions and fold the shirt from left to right (or vice versa). Create a lightning bolt. This is the most complicated design and requires a lot of folding. It is, however one of the most attractive. Begin by folding the shirt upwards at about chest level and then folding the section back down, creating an N-shape if viewed from the side. Do this again, but lower down. Fold a section about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top of the first fold upwards, and then fold it back down. Repeat this 3-5 times, until your shirt has several layered folds. The layered folds will have an appearance similar to that of an old-fashioned washboard. Turn the shirt diagonally and visually mark a line down the center. Accordion fold from one side to the center, and then turn the shirt and accordion fold from the other side to the center. Tie the shirt in bunches once you have finished all the folding. For a more detailed lightning-bolt shape, use many strings or rubber bands. If you prefer a more basic look, use only 3-4 ties. Set up a work area. Tie dying, or any fabric dying, is a very messy business. To prevent unwanted dye accidents, set up a table with a plastic covering (like a plastic tablecloth or garbage bags) outside or away from any furniture or carpet. Make sure that you have all your supplies gathered with you at your work area, so that you don't have to run around with gloves on or worry about spilling anything in the process of moving things. Consider using a cookie drying rack to elevate your shirt above your workstation, to give you the best access to every angle of it. Be sure that you have extra paper towels or old rags handy to wipe up accidental spills. Soak your shirt. Many dye packages come with a soda ash solution, which helps the dye to bond with the fabric of your shirt. Dissolve the soda ash solution into a bowl of water, and let your shirt soak for around twenty minutes. If your dye did not come with soda ash, you can soak the shirt in lukewarm water. You can also choose to buy soda ash separate from your dye kit at a local craft store. Do not use cold or hot water, as they will make the dyes less effective. If you don't want the dyes to spread very far on the shirt, don't get it wet before adding the color. Dying a damp shirt helps the color to travel further, faster. So, if you want your color to be relatively isolated, dye it while it's dry. Prepare your dyes. Each dye package should come with directions listing specific amounts and proportions of dye to water. If you would rather wing it or don't have your directions, mix your different dyes in bowls of lukewarm water as you like. To create colors that are more pastel or faded, use more water and less dye. To create bright, vibrant colors, use most of the dye in the package and not so much water. Dye your shirt. Keep the dye in the bowls to do a layered dip tie dye, or carefully pour them into spray bottles. To do a dip dye, pick up your shirt and dunk it into the dye in different places. You can soak the whole shirt in a single color, and then dip the shirt (after ringing the initial color out) into other bowls of dye. Using a spray bottle to dye your shirt is easy; simply squirt the dye onto the desired area, layering colors if desired. If you plan on layering colors, always apply your lightest ones first. Applying a light color over a dark one will only muddle them. If you mix complementary colors - colors opposite each other on the color wheel - the places they meet will be a brownish hue. These include orange and blue, yellow and purple, and red and green. Don't feel obligated to dye the entire shirt. You can do a few small sections of tie dye and allow the original shirt color to show through on the rest of the area. Let the dye set. Wrap the shirt up in a plastic grocery bag or saran-wrap to keep it moist. Then, set it aside for 4-6 hours so that the dye has time to react with the cloth. Placing the shirt in a warm area will help the dye to cure faster. Rinse out the dye. Wearing rubber gloves, take the shirt out of the plastic bag and unwrap any string or rubber bands that you used. Then, rinse it with cold water in your sink to remove any excess dye. Be careful not to splash the water too much to avoid dying your clothes or countertops. Wash your shirt. Throw your shirt into your washing machine by itself. Put the wash setting on cold water, and wait for the process to finish. If you want, you can run your wash again with an empty cycle and a bit of soap to get rid of any dye that might have transferred to the inside of the machine. Dry and wear your shirt. You can toss your shirt into the dryer by itself putting the machine on the coolest setting, or simply allow the shirt to hang dry. Then, wear your new shirt around town! Make tie dye cupcakes. Give your favorite baked goods a colorful twist by making them tie-dyed. You can give the batter rainbow hues or create a colorful frosting for the top. Make tie dye paper. This is a great opportunity to make fun paper for crafts and cards. Use the simple process of tie dying on your favorite cardstock or construction paper to create a fun colorful effect. Try tie dying your nails. Your nails will be attracting compliments left and right with a tie dye makeover. Try one of two different methods to create a tie dyed swirl using your favorite nail polish. . Create a tie dye effect in photoshop If you want to add a colorful tie dye to your graphic designs, learn how to create the effect in photoshop. With a few steps, you'll be on your way to adding a rainbow background to all of your handmade graphics. | Making stripes. Create a spiral. Create polka dots. Make rosettes. Give your shirt a crumpled look. Create pleats. Create a lightning bolt. Set up a work area. Soak your shirt. Prepare your dyes. Dye your shirt. Let the dye set. Rinse out the dye. Wash your shirt. Dry and wear your shirt. Make tie dye cupcakes. Make tie dye paper. Try tie dying your nails. . |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Choose-a-Dog-Suitable-for-Senior-Citizens | How to Choose a Dog Suitable for Senior Citizens | To choose a dog suitable for a senior citizen, make sure that the dog's energy level, size, and strength match the senior citizen's so they're able to look after it properly. For example, a good dog for a senior citizen would be a Welsh Corgi, which has moderate energy and a medium build. However, something like a German Shepherd would probably be too big and strong. You should also take into account the space the elderly citizen has in their house, since bigger dogs require more space than most elderly people have. Another thing you should consider is the senior citizen's budget, since smaller dogs often cost less to buy and take care of. | Talk with the senior citizen. When choosing a dog for a senior citizen it is important to discuss what he or she wants in a dog. This pet is for someone else, so their wishes should be central to any choice that you make. Discuss what the person's ideal dog looks like, what they think they can do physically in relation to dog care, and if they have any reservations or concerns about getting a dog. Adopting a dog is a big decision that comes with a lot of responsibilities. This means that you should make sure that the senior citizen is excited and ready to care for a dog. Getting a dog as a surprise for a senior citizen is not a good idea. Match a dog to the senior's mobility level. You need to consider the senior citizen's physical strength and agility when picking out a dog for them. A senior citizen that is active and mobile can probably handle a dog that needs daily walks and play time and is relatively large. However, if the senior citizen does not have a lot of strength and cannot walk very far, you will need to find a dog that will not overwhelm them physically and can get its exercise inside the house. Having realistic expectations of what the senior citizen can and can't do for a dog is very important. Getting a dog that requires too much physical activity for them will set them up for trouble. If the senior citizen has severe medical issues or is at risk for falls, then getting a dog for them may not be the best idea. The dog may put them at an increased risk of falls or injury due to minor scratches from playing with the pet. Calculate the cost. When trying to choose a dog you should also take cost into consideration. If the senior citizen has a limited income and doesn't want to spend very much money on the dog and dog care, then a smaller dog might be a good option. The lower cost of a small dog is due to the fact that a smaller dog costs less to feed. Over its lifetime, feeding a small dog versus a large dog can save you thousands of dollars. However, the cost of grooming can increase the cost of a small dog tremendously. Keep in mind that regardless of size, every dog will need routine veterinary care such as immunizations, blood tests, preventative medications such as heartworm tablets, dental care (especially for small dogs), and possibly even emergency treatment. Select a dog that works in the senior's living situation. Whatever living situation the senior citizen is in, they can probably have a dog. For example, a little dog that is content in a small space will be good for a senior citizen living in a small apartment, while a large, energetic dog will not. If the senior citizen is living in a care facility, such as assisted living, there are usually rules about whether pets are allowed or not. In many cases, there are restrictions limiting the size of dogs allowed in the facility. Develop a plan for the dog if the person passes away. Although it is not pleasant to think about, it is possible that the dog will outlive their senior citizen owner. If this happens, make sure there is a plan in place for who will care for the dog so that the dog does not end up homeless or being cared for by someone who does not want a dog. For example, is there a family member or close friend who is willing and able to care for the dog if the person passes away? Making these arrangements can offer the senior citizen dog owner some peace of mind about the well-being of their dog after they are gone. Research breed energy levels. Depending the senior citizen's physical strength and stamina, you may need a dog with medium to low energy. There are some dogs that truly do need a lot of exercise and this can be too much for a senior citizen to provide. You can find information on dog breed characteristics on the websites of dog appreciation groups, such as the American Kennel Club. Getting a dog that matches the senior citizen's energy and physical activity level is one of the most important considerations you can make. A suitable dog will be a good companion for the senior citizen, not a burden or danger to them. Remember that a dog doesn't have to be just a couch potato or a high-energy tornado. Many dogs, for example the Welsh corgi, have medium energy levels that are great for active senior citizens. Familiarize yourself with breed care requirements. Some dog breeds take more work to care for than others. Factors that can create a lot of work include coat type and length, overall size, and temperament. Along with being cheaper, small dogs are generally easier to care for and to manage physically. This is another reason why smaller dogs, such as toy poodles and Maltese, are generally better for senior citizens. Take the dog's age into consideration. In many cases, older dogs are good matches for older people. They are usually already trained and do not have the energy of a young dog or puppy. Above all, adult and senior dogs just don't take as much energy and patience to care for as puppies do. Very old dogs can have health considerations of their own that can be difficult for senior citizens to manage. A dog with bladder problems or mobility issues, for instance, may or may not be too much for a senior citizen to handle. Look for dogs to adopt. A great place to meet a lot of potential dogs is at a rescue organization. Rescued dogs are great for senior citizens because they are usually adult or senior dogs, they are often already trained, and they can benefit greatly from getting a new home. There are also senior dog adoption programs that can be great for matching senior citizens with dogs that would be appropriate for them. Some of these programs can also assist in the financial cost of adoption and care if the senior citizen who wants a dog is on a fixed income. Meet and evaluate potential dogs. Even if all of your research points you towards a specific breed of dog, you need to assess each dog individually. Every dog is different and you need to meet and spend time with a dog to know if it is right for a senior citizen. Spend some time with the dog and try to judge its temperament. Is the dog calm when meeting new people or when it hears loud noises? Does it have interest in you and want to engage? Assessing its personality and behavior can give you insight into how it would function as a dog for a senior citizen. | Talk with the senior citizen. Match a dog to the senior's mobility level. Calculate the cost. Select a dog that works in the senior's living situation. Develop a plan for the dog if the person passes away. Research breed energy levels. Familiarize yourself with breed care requirements. Take the dog's age into consideration. Look for dogs to adopt. Meet and evaluate potential dogs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Saltwater-Reef-Tank | How to Start a Saltwater Reef Tank | To start a saltwater reef tank, start by picking a tank with the same height and depth, like one that's 18 inches tall and deep, so it's easy to clean and decorate. Then, fill it with dechlorinated water and mix in synthetic sea salt. Next, install powerheads to keep the water moving, a blue light to illuminate the tank, and a filtration system to clean the water. Then, purchase a live rock from an aquarium retailer and allow it to seed for a month in an unlit, filtered tank. After a month, put it in your tank along with sand, corals, and reef-safe fish. | Pick the correct tank size for your fish and background. You should determine the correct size tank by considering your level of experience, as well as the fish you want to keep. Research the tank size requirements for the specific fish and corals you want to keep. Consider your level of experience with the hobby. Pick a tank size that you are comfortable maintaining and that is large enough for the organisms you want to keep. Tanks range in size from nano (20 gallons) to large (300 gallons). If you are a beginner, consider getting a 120 gallon tank. Different kinds of fish require different size tanks, so you should inquire into the correct size tank for the type of fish you want to keep. If you only have space for a tank of four feet or less, you should consider getting fish that can live in smaller tanks, like clownfish, banggai cardinal fish, orchid dottyback, royal gamma or blue green chromis. Pick a tank with as much depth as height. When shopping for a fish tank, try to pick one that has as much depth as it does height. Consider the challenge of cleaning the fish tank when decide on a particular shape. The shape of the tank should also be considered in relation to the style and decoration of the tank, as well as the location of the tank in your home. Avoid tall, narrow tanks. The ratio of surface area to volume can lead to challenges with both cleaning and decorating the tank. A good shape to start with is 48'' by 18'' by 18'' (65 gallons). Find a place for your saltwater reef tank. You should take the size, shape and weight of the tank into consideration. Check to make sure the floor will be able to hold the weight of the tank. Make sure there are electrical outlets in close proximity to the tank. A spot close to a sink is also a good idea. You may need to contact a professional to determine whether your floor can handle the weight of a reef tank. Saltwater reef tanks weigh approximately eight to twelve pounds per gallon. Test for leaks. Put the tank on the tank stand. Fill the tank with water. Look for leaks in the tank. If there are leaks, it is easier to return the tank before you put all of the rocks, corals and fish in it. Once you have tested for leaks, you can empty the tank. Level the tank. Place a level on the top of the tank. Look at the bubble vial on the level. If the bubble is not centered in the vial, you could use some foam shims underneath the tank to get it level. Purchase a synthetic sea salt mix. Unless you live in a coastal area and have access to clean salt water, you will need to make your own. For this purpose, you will need a synthetic sea salt mix. You can purchase synthetic sea salt mix from an aquarium or pet store. Ask the retailer how much sea salt mix you will need for your tank. Fill the tank with clean water and salt mix. You should pour dechlorinated tap water or reverse osmosis water into the tank. Then, put the salt mix into the tank. Stir the salt into the water. Finally, fill the tank all the way to the top with water. If you are not sure how to mix in the salt, check on the back of the package for the directions. Check the specific gravity of the tank. Use your hydrometer to check the specific gravity of the tank. The specific gravity is the weight per unit of liquid compared to water. If you are using a standard hydrometer, place the hydrometer in the water. Read the number on the instrument to determine the specific gravity. A good range for specific gravity is between 1.021 and 1.026. If the gravity is too high, remove some of the tank water and put in some fresh water. If the gravity is too low, add some more salt mix. Keep your tank between 72 and 78 Fahrenheit (22-25 Celsius). Keep your tank below 80 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius). You can use an aquarium heater that allows you to adjust the temperature. In very hot weather, you can cool the water and increase oxygen in the tank by increasing the water movement. Use powerheads to stir the water. Use powerheads and water returns to get water moving in the tank. It is best if the water movement is complex, as opposed to unidirectional. The corals in your tank will depend on the movement of water to breathe and eat, since they are unable to move. Prioritize the blue spectrum when lighting your tank. Purchase and set up the lighting for your fish tank. When choosing lighting, you want to choose lights that have enough blue spectrum light and not too much red or yellow. You also want to make sure the lighting does not overheat your aquarium. It should be strong enough to reach the organisms at the bottom of the tank. You can place the tank somewhere with a few hours of natural light as long as it isn't so much light that the tank experiences overheating. If the tank goes above the normal temperature range for the species in the tank, you will know it is overheating. A good normal range is 76 to 80 Fahrenheit (25-27 Celsius). Set up the filtration system. Start by installing an overflow, which will continuously remove the top surface of water from the tank. Then, consider biological filtration through the use of a trickle filter and/or live rock. Obtain live rock. Live rock helps with the filtration and quality of the water in your aquarium. It consists of all kinds of beneficial bacteria and algae, which will help to filter the water in your aquarium. Live rock is obtained from rubble zones just outside of coral reefs. You can purchase it from aquarium retailers. Avoid purchasing live rock that has live organisms such as sea fans, which indicates that the rock has been plundered from a coral reef illegally. When you purchase live rock, you should find out how it was transported. The better retailers will ship the live rock submerged in water. Seed the live rock. First, remove all of the sponges and algae from the outside of the live rock. Then, place the live rock in an unlit, filtered tank for one month. By seeding the rock in this manner, you can get rid of fouling organisms and encourage the growth of good algae and bacteria. At the end of the month, the live rock will be ready to put in your reef tank. Decorate the aquarium with live rock. Place the live rock directly on the bottom of the tank, rather than ontop of the sand. Arrange the live rock into the patterns and shapes that you desire. Be careful not to put the live rock too close to the walls of the tank, since it will make the tank a lot harder to clean. When arranging the live rock, you should consider water circulation between the rocks. It is best to make loose arrangements with lots of space between the rocks. It is easier to arrange long, flat shaped live rock, which can be easily stacked. The live rock should take up approximately one third of the space in your aquarium. Choose a grain size of between one and two millimeters. If you choose smaller grain sizes, the sand may trap gas. If you choose larger sizes, it can trap detritus. Clean the sand in a five-gallon bucket. Fill a five gallon bucket half way up with sand. Then pour tap water into the bucket. Swirl the bucket around. Pour out the dirty water. Add sand to the tank. Choose either a shallow or a deep bed of sand. A shallow bed is two inches or under, whereas a deep bed is over four inches. Some people prefer the look of a shallow sand bed, but it is up to you. You should avoid a bed that is between two and four inches, since this can lead to algae blooms. You can also mix in some “live” sand, which has beneficial bacteria. Focus on a biotope or area of reef. Before deciding which corals and fish to keep, you should consider the home or “biotope.” When you make a saltwater reef tank, you are basically reproducing a particular biotope, such as a tropical or Atlantic biotope. Once you know the biotope you are recreating in your tank, you can choose the fish and corals that occupy this type of biotope. A biotope is a region that is relatively consistent in environmental conditions and home for particular plants and animals. For instance, you could focus on the tropical western Atlantic reef habitat. This reef habitat can be found in the natural environment, from Northern Brazil all the way up to the Florida Keys. Decide which corals you want to keep. If you are new to saltwater reef tanks, it is best to stick to one type of coral. The type of coral you choose will determine the lighting you need for your tank. You will need to research the particular types of coral you purchase, so that you get the correct lighting set up for that type of coral. For instance, you should choose Power Compact lights for soft corals in a 24-inch deep tank. If you choose large polyp stony corals, you may want to choose HO or VHO fluorescent lights. Avoid putting soft and hard corals in the same tank. Although it is possible to mix soft and hard corals, it is very difficult to accomplish with much success. If you are a beginner or simply want to avoid the risk, it is best to avoid mixing hard and soft corals. Purchase “reef safe” fish and invertebrates. You want to purchase fish that will not harm your coral or, in other words, are “reef safe.” If you go to a fish store, they should have these fish labeled “reef safe.” It is also a good idea to ask friends and hobbyists for advice on a appropriate varieties. If you purchase tangs, you will need a big, long tank. Choose well-behaved, hardy fish for a regular tank. There are plenty of exotic fish available for saltwater reef tanks, but many exotic fish require large tanks and specialized diets. For a regular sized tank (10-55 gallons) and less intensive feeding requirements, choose a hardy, well-behaved, reef safe fish: Banggai cardinalfish Orchid dottyback Royal gamma Blue green chromis Firefish Six line wrasse Clownfish raised in a tank Watchman goby Midas blenny Carpenter's wrasse | Pick the correct tank size for your fish and background. Pick a tank with as much depth as height. Find a place for your saltwater reef tank. Test for leaks. Level the tank. Purchase a synthetic sea salt mix. Fill the tank with clean water and salt mix. Check the specific gravity of the tank. Keep your tank between 72 and 78 Fahrenheit (22-25 Celsius). Use powerheads to stir the water. Prioritize the blue spectrum when lighting your tank. Set up the filtration system. Obtain live rock. Seed the live rock. Decorate the aquarium with live rock. Choose a grain size of between one and two millimeters. Clean the sand in a five-gallon bucket. Add sand to the tank. Focus on a biotope or area of reef. Decide which corals you want to keep. Avoid putting soft and hard corals in the same tank. Purchase “reef safe” fish and invertebrates. Choose well-behaved, hardy fish for a regular tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-National-Delegate-(USA) | How to Be a National Delegate (USA) | A national delegate is someone who represents their state at that party's national convention. To become one in the United States, you'll need to be active in your political party and start supporting a candidate early on in their campaign. Alternatively, you might also run for elected office, since political leaders are sometimes chosen to go to their party's national convention. Well before the primary election, you'll need to spread the word that you're running for a delegate position. You could hand out fliers, talk to people on the street, or organize a public speech to convince people to vote for you. Then, the delegates are decided in the primary election. | Be an active member of your political party. To be a delegate at your party's national convention, it helps to be an active member of your political party. You can do this by staying up to date on the concerns and challenges of your party, volunteering for your party, and voting for party members in your local and state elections. Party workers are often selected as delegates, so you may even want to consider pursuing employment with your party. Start supporting a candidate early. People who are sent to national conventions are often political activists and early supporters of a presidential candidate. Don't wait until the last minute to start supporting someone. Choose a candidate who speaks to you and publicly support the candidate from the beginning of his or her campaign. You might consider doing grassroots campaigning for your chosen candidate, attending the candidate's campaign trail events, or using social media to promote your candidate. Run for a political position. Local political leaders may also be chosen to go to a party's national convention. In fact, many of the people who are chosen to be delegates are elected officials. If you are determined to be a national delegate, then you might need to get involved in local politics. For example, you might consider running for a position on your city council or even run for mayor. Watch for open positions that interest you and that match your skill set and qualifications. Vote in the primaries. Voting in the primaries is an important part of becoming a delegate. Not only does voting in your party's primary election demonstrate your dedication to your party, it will also give you the right to vote at your party's convention. Make sure that you vote in your party's primary on March 1st. If you did not vote in the primaries, then you may still be able to vote at your party's convention by signing an oath of affiliation with your party. Check your party's rules to be sure. Determine if you live in a caucus or primary state. There are two systems used to elect delegates: the caucus system and the primary system. In the caucus system, political parties organize meetings in places like school gyms and community centers where people can gather to discuss and vote on the candidates. In a primary system, voters simply turn up at a polling place and cast their votes for a presidential candidate and delegates. While 13 states and territories still use the caucus system, most states now use a primary system to elect delegates. States and territories that still use a caucus system include: Alaska Hawaii Iowa Kansas Kentucky (Republican only) Maine Nevada North Dakota Washington (Democratic only) Wyoming American Samoa Guam US Virgin Islands Attend your precinct’s caucus. If your state uses a caucus system, then delegates for your precinct will be selected by a public vote at your precinct's caucus. At the caucus, people will gather to discuss the presidential candidates and make arguments for who should represent the party. If you hope to become a delegate for your party, then you will need to attend your precinct's caucus, convince those in attendance to vote for you, and win a delegate position. Precinct caucuses are usually held a few weeks after the primary election, which is towards the end of March. Find out for sure when the caucus will be held in your precinct and make sure that you are in attendance. Apply to be on the ballot in the primary election. If you live in a state that uses the primary system, then you will need to apply to get your name on the ballot as a delegate, promote yourself, and win the election to attend your county convention. Keep in mind that the rules for electing delegates vary from state to state, so it is important to check the requirements for your state well before the election. Introduce yourself to people. Getting to know people and telling them about your efforts for the party will increase your chances of receiving votes. Introduce yourself to people at the caucus or at other events for your political party. You might even call some people who you know will be voting at the caucus or primary election. As you interact with people, make sure that you are being polite, pleasant, and professional. Try saying something like, “Hello. I'm ____ and I am running for a delegate position at the county convention. I have done extensive work for the party, including ________. Can I count on your vote?” Be willing to listen to other delegate candidates as well and offer your support to the other delegates you endorse. You will have the opportunity to vote for yourself and for others. Hand out fliers that detail your work. You may want to start promoting yourself ahead of time to people who will attend the caucus. You can do this by making some fliers that highlight your work and accomplishments. Then, mail out or hand out these fliers to people who will be voting. Make some fliers before the caucus or primary that detail the work you have done for your party and your candidate. On the flier, make sure that you include your name, why you should be chosen as a delegate, what you have done to promote the party's interests, what you have done to support your candidate's campaign, and a line to encourage people to vote for you. If you are not skilled with programs like Microsoft Publisher, then you may want to hire someone to create a professional looking flier for you. Give a great speech. If your state has a caucus system, then you will have the opportunity to give a one minute speech at the caucus meeting. Take time to craft this speech into something that will convince others that you should be chosen as a delegate. Keep in mind that writing a great speech takes time. Start planning your speech a few weeks before the caucus and practice it several times before the event. In your speech, make sure that you: Introduce yourself by name and give information about your job or party position. For example, if you are an elected official, then say so. Explain what you have done to promote the party's interests. State what candidate you support and what you have done to support that candidate's campaign. Request that people vote for you and thank them for listening. Vote for yourself. You are entitled to vote for yourself to be one of the delegates at your party's convention. Make sure that you vote for yourself at the caucus or primary along with anyone else that you want to support. Register for and attend the county convention. If you are elected by your precinct to be a delegate at the county convention, then you will need to attend this convention to be eligible for a spot as a national delegate. This convention will take place on or around May 1st. You can register for this convention by visiting the state website for your party. For example, if you are a democrat living in Texas, then you would need to visit the Texas Democrats website to register for the convention. At the county convention, there will be another vote to select delegates to attend the state convention. Therefore, it is important to continue to promote yourself, just as you did for the caucus election. Talk to other delegates who will be at the convention, continue to be active with your party, and ask for votes. During the county convention, there will be another vote and you will have the opportunity to vote for yourself and others. If you are one of the winners, then you will get to attend your party's state convention. Attend the state convention. The state convention brings together all of the state's county delegates. If you win a spot as a delegate at the state convention, then you are even closer to being nominated as a national delegate. Just keep in mind that only about 10% of the state convention delegates will be sent to the national convention. To increase your chances of being elected as a national delegate, continue to promote yourself as much as possible leading up to and during the state convention. Continue to work hard for your party as well. Get a nomination from someone at the state convention. If you do not get a nomination to attend your state's convention, then you can still be nominated by someone in attendance at that convention. The delegates at the state convention will break into caucuses where they will nominate and vote on additional delegates. You might receive a nomination from someone if you are an active member of your party and you are well-known to other for your efforts to promote your political party. There is also the possibility of being nominated as an at-large delegate. These spots are open to members and non-members of a party's committee, but they are competitive. Hundreds of people may apply for a few dozen spots. To be considered for an at-large delegate position, you will need to fill out an application. Check with your party's committee to get an application. Keep trying. If you don't get a delegate spot the first time around, then keep trying! Becoming a delegate is a lengthy, competitive process. Most of the people who obtain delegate positions are elected officials or party insiders, so it can take many years to gain enough recognition to be chosen. However, if you are determined to break into politics and attend the national convention as a delegate someday, then keep working to achieve your goal. | Be an active member of your political party. Start supporting a candidate early. Run for a political position. Vote in the primaries. Determine if you live in a caucus or primary state. Attend your precinct’s caucus. Apply to be on the ballot in the primary election. Introduce yourself to people. Hand out fliers that detail your work. Give a great speech. Vote for yourself. Register for and attend the county convention. Attend the state convention. Get a nomination from someone at the state convention. Keep trying. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Fame | How to Handle Fame | To deal with fame, try to retain some daily habits like spending time alone and exercising, since these habits will help keep you grounded. You'll also want to maintain a close circle of friends who can support you and offer honest advice when you need it. Additionally, set boundaries so you still have a private life, such as by making clear how long you'll take questions at an event. When addressing fans, stay calm and take a minute to be friendly, since you can end up getting bad press if you're aggressive or rude. | Reflect on the nature of your fame. Since being famous is a sought after position, it can be difficult to really take stock of the ways that fame is affecting you. Wanting to cope with the difficulties and effects of fame is not something to feel guilty about; while being famous is a privilege, it still has pitfalls that should be addressed. Take some time to journal about when your popularity really began to ramp up and how you have changed since that point. Here are some questions to help guide your inquiry: Have you noticed any changes in your close relationships since becoming famous? Have you been accused by others of treating them differently? Are there any notable personality changes that you've undergone? Keep up healthy habits of daily life. If you have just recently become famous, you might be overwhelmed by your new success and visibility. Try to keep up your regular routines, letting them change only when they need to (according to new responsibilities and commitments). Continue using healthy outlets for stress, like spending time alone, eating well, resting, exercising, and keeping up other responsibilities. This will keep you grounded when life feels chaotic. When you are unable to keep up these habits, there is a much higher risk of getting swept up in negative possibilities of fame, like addiction, self-doubt, and wanderlust. Especially if you are young and still in school, let your fame be another element of your life rather than the only thing you focus on. Even if you're excited and gratified about your success, balance in your life will keep you charged and able to be a good role model in the long run. Learn not to take judgment and criticism personally. Perhaps the biggest difficulty with fame is that people will try to see in you whatever they want to see. This means that as a celebrity, you become a person toward whom critics and media voices can launch all sorts of opinions. Accept that people will have radically different opinions on your work and your character, and that this is the just the reality of being famous. Cultivate acceptance by laughing off criticism as part of the game, rather than internalizing it. Keep a tight inner circle. Remember, your inner circle should not just be the people who manage your affairs or who you can boss around. Retain close, mutual friends who nurture you. These real relationships that are not based on your success will be important for keeping you grounded in yourself rather than in your public persona. Fame can put your close relationships to the test, and this is something you should be prepared for. Some people in your life will be very affirmative and excited about your career, and others may end up jealous and competitive for your time. Spend time having one-on-one conversations with your loved ones, explaining to each person your goals, values, and intentions for your relationship during times of your major success. Stick close to the art that got you famous. Becoming famous can be a time-consuming job in itself, so make sure that you don't get lost in its trappings. Instead, try to stay centered on the gifts that earned you recognition. Remember that while you may now be a figure unto yourself, it is these specific contributions that really inspire your fans. If you try to keep up the fame itself rather than, say, your music or your trending makeup tutorials, you will get caught up trying to maintain the thrill of success. Let your work thrill you and your fans and admirers will learn to appreciate these things over and above the work you do for your public image. Hold your ego in check. Your talents are a gift given to you to share with the world. Be proud and enjoy them, but stay grounded. It can become very seductive for the part of us that loves power to see ourselves as inflated compared to others. This attitude can make you treat people poorly without even realizing it. Remember to appreciate all of the opportunities that you get—don't take them for granted! Be ready to give back and help others who can benefit from your experience with fame. One celebrity went so far as to ask a magazine to take pictures of her with no makeup or retouching so that she could show people that the image of perfection is just an image, not a reality. What's more, trying to be a celebrity rather than an artist or actor will make it very difficult to stay close to your evolving artistic vision. Limit your expectations. Our society sets standards for its heroes that are not possible to live up to, and then criticizes and judges them for not maintaining these standards. Remember that you are not flawless, nor do you have to be everything the public expects you to be. Try to maintain your own standards for yourself; these may be quite similar to your standards before you were famous, with the additional acknowledgment of the special responsibilities that fame brings. Especially because many artists are sensitive people, it can be easy to internalize these standards and end up conforming to who others want you to be. If you're an actor, you may encounter the added difficulty of upsetting people by not having the same real-life personality as the character you play. This can be dealt with by addressing how different you are from your character during interviews or on social media. Understand why separating private and public life is difficult. We crave attention, but when we get it, we may feel exposed and vulnerable. While fame brings with it certain freedoms, the ones that come with anonymity may become limited. Just as too much of any one thing can be harmful for you, look at your fame as a lot of a good thing that you need to keep in check. Develop your values. Spend time getting to know yourself by journaling or talking with close friends. This will help you keep self-doubt contained. Being in the public eye will make you hyper conscious of your image and your behavior, and this can often lead to intense insecurity. Some actors have success in therapy. There, you can get a clear, solid foundation to stand on when faced with the difficulties of fame. Knowing your stance on relevant public issues will also be a major asset in interviews. If you have strong values you will never be left with nothing to say if people ask for your opinion. This will leave less room for making a faux pas or saying something that becomes controversial. Set boundaries for yourself. Because of the high demands of fame, you will find yourself needing to say “no” in situations that you are tempted to see through. If you attend an event, for example, make it clear how long you will take questions or whether or not you want people talking to you afterward. By setting the agenda kindly, others will follow suit. This is much better than not making your plans clear and then having to sidestep conversations with eager fans. Remember that you are never obligated to answer questions about your personal life, and some celebrities make it a rule not to. Temper the urge to Google your name. The problem with Googling your name is that you'll get the classic mixed bag of high praise and extreme insults. As humans, we tend to focus on the negative things that people say about us because we're so sensitive to rejection and social exclusion. Google with caution, and whatever you do, don't spend too much time ruminating over negative press. Use social media strategically. If you decide to make social media a big part of your publicity, make sure that everything you post is politically correct. Controversial statements will give people a great reason to discuss your personality and other intimate details of you and your life. Before long, they'll find something you do or say that contradicts your statement and call you a hypocrite. Be aware that this sort of scrutiny is sometimes inevitable with a big social media presence. Date people who are not famous. By dating outside of the pool of celebrities, you can avoid sparking intense gossip and public interest in your personal life. Being in a relationship with someone who's not famous will also help keep you grounded in an outsider's perspective of fame. Alternately, you can make it a point to go to major events on your own. If you are sensitive to the media following your relationships, which can be quite a challenge, try keeping your dating life personal altogether. Understand how others view fame. If you have been famous for a long time or received lots of recognition from a young age, it might be difficult for you to see what other people think about being famous. Try to remember what you thought about celebrities and their lifestyles before you became famous. Knowing this will help you understand how others treat you so that you can respond more gracefully. For example, pre-adolescents reportedly value fame over all other prospects for the future. This means that you have a coveted role for this age group, and have an opportunity to share the realities of your experience with young people who are highly interested. Address fans with calm kindness. It's all too easy to negatively affect your image with just one misstep, harsh word, or thoughtless action. Take a minute or two to be friendly with a fan (or a group of fans); most will be respectful of your private time if you provide some degree of openness when in public. Because of inevitable mixed opinions of you that will pop up, many fans end up pleasantly surprised to find that celebrities they like are actually nice. When you talk to individual fans, don't think about maintaining your image or bolstering your reputation. Try to talk to them with empathy , sharing in the excitement of the moment together. If you are faced with a fan who is younger than you for example, it would not be appropriate to act cool and aloof. When responding to fans in comment sections and on social media, keep your replies brief and cheery. If someone else handles this responsibility for you, make sure that you check in with this person to make sure that they are maintaining a fun, carefree voice. Accept your responsibility. Being famous means recognizing that you have the responsibility to influence people in a serious way. This can be an overwhelming realization, and should not be an excuse to inflate your ego. Just like a comic book hero, responsibility means having respect for the world that you wield influence over. Try not to push your personal agenda--think outside of yourself for things you can do that others will benefit from. Embrace the voice that comes with fame. Use your fame to inspire your fans to speak up about things they care about. Because there are many eyes on you, you can motivate your fans to accomplish things and emphasize the importance of working toward a greater good more generally.Take advantage of your star power to draw attention to causes you feel strongly about. Take, for example, the celebrity couple who sells the rights to photos of their newborn children to donate that money to charity. Even just spreading the word about a charity event in conversation with the press can make a big difference. You can also broach important issues, making talking points out of parts of your life. If someone asks "How are you keeping up with your education and keeping up your YouTube persona at the same time?" or something similar, you have the opportunity to share advice about juggling popularity that could help your peers. Be on the lookout for opportunists. Opportunists are those who seek a relationship or working partnership with you in order to have access to your popularity by association or your financial resources. If someone you don't know asks you to involve him in your fame, and he doesn't seem to be interested in what the work itself is, proceed with caution. Having a strong, responsible hold over your finances will give you a good sense of what sorts of arrangements you can afford to enter into and those you cannot. An awareness of your financial situation can also make it easier to make decision about jobs you want to take and ones you can do without. | Reflect on the nature of your fame. Keep up healthy habits of daily life. Learn not to take judgment and criticism personally. Keep a tight inner circle. Stick close to the art that got you famous. Hold your ego in check. Limit your expectations. Understand why separating private and public life is difficult. Develop your values. Set boundaries for yourself. Temper the urge to Google your name. Use social media strategically. Date people who are not famous. Understand how others view fame. Address fans with calm kindness. Accept your responsibility. Embrace the voice that comes with fame. Be on the lookout for opportunists. |
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