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https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-the-Length-of-Time-Your-Baby-Sleeps | How to Increase the Length of Time Your Baby Sleeps | If you want to increase the length of time your baby sleeps, watch for when they show signs of tiredness throughout the day, like rubbing their eyes and yawning, so you can get them down for a nap quickly. It may seem counterintuitive, but when your baby gets plenty of sleep during the day, it prevents them from feeling overtired and unable to fall asleep at night. You can also feed your baby every hour in the couple of hours before bedtime and then once right before bed. That way they'll sleep longer as their food will need longer to digest. Additionally, you can give your baby a pacifier so they settle into bed and fall asleep faster. | Get lots of exercise. Adults who are busy and active throughout the day expend more energy, and consequently tend to sleep better at night, and the same is true of babies. While babies are too young for most activities, you can encourage wakefulness during the day by talking to your baby, singing to your baby, and stimulating your baby with sounds, visual aids, and play. Spend some time outside. There are several reasons why getting outside with your baby is important, and one of them is that fresh air can clean out the lungs. It can also increase oxygen intake, and this will help your baby sleep more soundly. Another reason to get outside is that exposure to natural light will help your baby's internal clock regulate itself faster, meaning she'll adjust faster to sleeping through the night. If you can't get outside for play and activities, open the windows to allow some fresh air inside. Promote daytime naps. While it may seem counterintuitive, making sure your baby gets enough sleep during the day will actually help her sleep better at night. The reason for this is that babies do need quite a bit of sleep each day, and restricting their daytime sleep will make them overtired, which will make it harder for them to fall asleep at night. To promote daytime sleep, you may have to use motion to help your baby nap. This could include using a swing or carrier, a car ride, or rocking. Know the signs of tiredness. Recognize and look for signs of sleepiness throughout the day, and when you spot them, get your baby down for a nap as soon as possible! Again, this will ensure she gets enough sleep during the day, and isn't overtired when it comes time to go down for the night. Signs of tiredness include: Rubbing the eyes and tugging on the ears Becoming whiny and tearful Blank staring, stillness, and quietness Yawning and stretching Fill her belly. The sleep and wake patterns of babies and newborns are governed by hunger, feeding, and digestion. Therefore, the fuller your baby is when she goes to sleep at night, the longer her food will take to digest, and the longer she'll sleep. In the couple hours leading up to bedtime, start cluster feeding your baby by feeding her every hour, and then once again right before bed. Have a regular and quiet bedtime routine. Around 12 weeks, babies can begin to develop a regular circadian rhythm that's dictated by the cycle of night and day. This means early on in life, your baby can start getting used to a bedtime routine that will signal sleep is coming soon. You can start with a bedtime routine around three months, and aim for between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Soothing bedtime activities include a bath, cuddles, reading, and quiet music or singing. Allow her to put herself to sleep. To help teach your baby how to soothe herself to sleep at bedtime and during the night, put her down in her crib or bed when she's drowsy but still awake. Lay her down on her back, and make sure the area is free of pillows, blankets, toys, and other objects. You can start allowing your baby to put herself to sleep around six to eight weeks of age. Use a pacifier. A pacifier could help your baby settle quicker and fall asleep faster, and there's also evidence suggesting that pacifiers can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). You may have to stop using the pacifier, however, if the baby wakes and can't get back to sleep when she drops it. Manage pain if she's teething. One of the worst culprits for a baby's disrupted sleep is the intense pain caused by teething. To help soothe her gums, try a gum massage with your finger, or talk to a doctor or pharmacist about an infant analgesic. Babies generally start teething between six and 10 months. Signs of teething include low grade fever, drooling, and red, swollen gums. Keep out the light. As your baby adjusts to a night and day cycle, her body's hormones will become sensitive to light and dark. The same way that adults need darkness at night to produce melatonin and sleep properly, so too is your baby's body developing this same need. Keep your baby's room as dark as possible when it's time to sleep, and only use minimal lighting if you need to tend to her in the night. This will prevent her from waking fully, and will make it easier to get her back to sleep. During the day, don't try to darken the house when your baby naps, or her body could become confused. Keep the room at the right temperature. Babies who are put to sleep in rooms that are too warm may overheat quickly and not sleep well. Keep her room around 70 F (21 C) to promote a sound sleep. Don’t stimulate her during the night. It may be inevitable that your baby wakes during the night, especially if she's still feeding every couple hours. However, you can make it easier to get her back to sleep by not rousing her into a wakeful state. When you go into her room at night, keep the lights dim, make as little noise as possible, don't make eye contact, and use calm movements and a quiet voice. Give her a few minutes to go back to sleep on her own. When your baby does stir in the night, allow her to put herself back to sleep, if possible. Instead of rushing in when she stirs, wait a few moments before going to her. This will hopefully teach her to soothe herself back to sleep, which will be a useful ability throughout her entire life. You can start doing this with your baby once she's four to five months. If she doesn't settle herself after a couple minutes, then go to her. For babies who are six months and older, one method you can try is called the Ferber method. When your baby cries, go to her, give her a gentle pat, and then leave. Even if she continues to cry, wait five minutes before checking on her again and giving her another pat. Leave again, and next time wait 10 minutes before going to her. Continue increasing the amount of time between visits by five minutes. Try sleeping close to your baby. On the other end of the spectrum from Ferber's self-soothing method is the attachment parenting style, where parents use physical closeness to bond and promote sleep. While many experts do not recommend co-sleeping (sleeping in the same bed) for safety reasons, you can keep your baby's crib in the same room as yours. Along with helping you and baby bond, this will also ensure you're available immediately throughout the night, which could help your baby from becoming too awake if she needs something. Address possible causes of nighttime waking. If your baby is waking often in the night, there may be issues you can address that will make her more comfortable and keep her asleep longer. These could include: Wet diapers. If your baby wakes often because of a wet diaper, try a more absorbent nighttime diaper. Sleepwear that's not comfortable. Allergies, dyes, and scratchy fabrics can all make babies uncomfortable, and this could stop yours from sleeping soundly. Try natural fibers like undyed cotton if you suspect this problem. Environmental irritants, such as dust, smoke, baby powder, and perfume can all cause congestion in a baby's sensitive breathing passages. Make sure your baby's room is clean and free of common irritants (such as plants, feathers, wool), if she often wakes with a stuffy nose. Know how to deal with sleep regressions. Sleep regressions are periods when a sleep-trained baby or toddler begins to wake frequently in the night again. These regressions can last anywhere from one to four weeks, and they often occur around four months, between eight and 12 months, at the 18-month mark, and the final one around two years of age. To manage sleep regressions, try: Providing extra food during the day or, rarely, at night. Sleep regressions can often be caused by growth spurts, during which time your baby's body needs extra fuel. Offering extra physical comfort, such as a few extra cuddles, pats, or kisses as your baby is getting ready for bed, or as your baby tries to get back to sleep in the night. Getting your baby to bed at an earlier hour. Because sleep regressions disrupt normal sleep patterns, they can cause your baby to become overtired, and this makes sleep even more elusive. Talk to your baby's pediatrician if you have concerns. If your baby continues to have a hard time falling or staying asleep, then you should talk to your baby's pediatrician. Ongoing sleep problems may be a sign of a different problem that will need to be addressed to help your baby sleep more. | Get lots of exercise. Spend some time outside. Promote daytime naps. Know the signs of tiredness. Fill her belly. Have a regular and quiet bedtime routine. Allow her to put herself to sleep. Use a pacifier. Manage pain if she's teething. Keep out the light. Keep the room at the right temperature. Don’t stimulate her during the night. Give her a few minutes to go back to sleep on her own. Try sleeping close to your baby. Address possible causes of nighttime waking. Know how to deal with sleep regressions. Talk to your baby's pediatrician if you have concerns. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Role-Play-With-Your-Lover-or-Spouse | How to Role Play With Your Lover or Spouse | Role playing with your partner can be a great way to spice up the bedroom and explore your fantasies. Brainstorm ideas with your partner to find a scenario that you both like. You might want to role play characters from your favorite movies or generic roles like police officer and prisoner, flight attendant and pilot, or doctor and patient. Alternatively, you can try different scenarios like pretending you're meeting and hooking up for the first time. Talk about any boundaries you have first so you don't need to break character later on. Then, get your costumes or just use your imagination to assume your roles. Don't worry about acting well. Just have fun and enjoy being with your partner in a different scenario. | Share your erotic fantasies with your partner. Try lying in bed one night and ask your partner to share one of their sexual fantasies with you. Then, you can share yours. This is an excellent way to broach the subject of role playing and can be a sexy experience for both of you. If the thought of mentioning role playing to your partner in a face-to-face conversation is completely terrifying, then send your lover an email or text that details your erotic fantasy. Pretend you have never met before. If this is your first time role playing with your partner, it is a good idea to keep it simple. Do not choose an elaborate role that requires a lot of “acting.” Instead, you could pretend that you are strangers who are meeting for the first time. Meet at a restaurant for dinner and then head to a hotel afterwards for a night of role playing fun! Play with power dynamics. Choose roles that allow you to incorporate different power dynamics. This type of sexual role play is a common turn on for many people. For example, you could try Professor/Student, Doctor/Patient, or Police Officer/Criminal roles. In these types of scenarios you can incorporate mild punishment for any "naughty" behaviour. Choose roles based on your favourite characters. Some people like to borrow ideas from their favourite fiction or television shows. These roles often require more elaborate costumes, but can be a lot of fun to play around with. Try acting out a sexy scene from Game of Thrones, or create your own erotic spin on stories like Harry Potter, Twilight, or any superhero movie. Discuss why this role turns you on. Once you have decided on the roles you want to play, it is important that you and your partner discuss exactly what it is about this scenario that turns you both on. This will help to ensure that the fantasy plays out the way you want. For instance, a lot of people may have a student/teacher fantasy, but some people may be into a punishment scenario that involves rulers and spankings, while other people might be into plaid skirts and forbidden affairs. Set your limits. Before you and your partner get lost in character, it is important that you both know what you are comfortable doing. This is especially true if you are playing with a punishment scenario. For example, you may find that a light spank turns you on, but choking is off the table. Alternatively, anal sex or certain sex toys may be off limits for you. Have an open and honest conversation with your partner. If you are shy about discussing these details in person, you could establish the rules electronically via email or text. Establish a safe word. In order to ensure, that things don't get carried away while role playing, you and your lover should establish a safe word prior to beginning. When this word is spoken it will bring the role play to a halt and signals that someone is uncomfortable with the situation. Choose a word that is not likely to come up naturally during the role play scenario. Try costumes. Costumes can make it easier for you to get into character and may make your role play more authentic. Depending on the type of role play you will be engaging in, your costumes could range from sexy lingerie to more elaborate doctor and nurse outfits. It is best to keep it simple in the beginning. For example, you could wear a wig, or experiment with your make-up. Alternatively, you could grow or shave your facial hair, or wear an outfit that is not your traditional style. A small physical change can make you feel like someone different and will help you get lost in your character. Add props. Certain props can also help you get into character while acting out your role. For instance, if you are pretending to go to a massage parlour, you could try lighting candles and playing soothing music. Alternatively, if you want to act out a police officer fantasy, you could use a pair of handcuffs. Pick a suitable location. The location can also help to set the mood. Try booking a hotel room for the night if you want to pretend that you and your partner are complete strangers just meeting for the first time. You may also feel more comfortable acting out a role if you are not in a familiar place. Alternatively, if you are trying a more elaborate role, you may want to use your own home so that you can decorate or include props to help set the scene. Don’t put too much pressure on your acting. Remember, no one is judging your acting. You are likely going to be nervous in the beginning. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Try and stick with a role that you are familiar with so that the dialogue will come easily. For example, if you have worked as a nurse in the past, you may feel more comfortable role playing as a health care professional. If you are confident in your acting ability, you could try a more elaborate role and talk with an accent. Acknowledge awkward moments and move on. When role playing for the first time, you are apt to break character and laugh a few times. This is okay and you should not let one slip up ruin the experience. Instead, laugh a little and then continue with the scenario. This nervous laughter will likely go away quite quickly. Take it slow and don’t rush. You will likely find that with role playing the planning and anticipation can be just as sexy as the actual event. Enjoy the process and take things slowly. | Share your erotic fantasies with your partner. Pretend you have never met before. Play with power dynamics. Choose roles based on your favourite characters. Discuss why this role turns you on. Set your limits. Establish a safe word. Try costumes. Add props. Pick a suitable location. Don’t put too much pressure on your acting. Acknowledge awkward moments and move on. Take it slow and don’t rush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pocahontas-Costume | How to Make a Pocahontas Costume | For a two-piece Pocahontas costume, find an earthy-colored oversized t-shirt long enough to be a dress. To start, cut off the sleeves in a halter shape and cut off the bottom seam of the shirt in one long strip to tie around your waist as a belt. Cut the bottom of the dress into a fringe, and use the leftover sleeve fabric to make strips of fringe for your neckline. Complete your Pocahontas look with a wooden beaded necklace, and a bracelet or armband if you like. To look even more like Pocahontas, wear a long, flowing dark wig. | Find an earthy-colored material. Choose one made of cotton or other light plant matter, such as hemp or linen. Make sure you have enough material to create a dress for your shape and height. You'll probably want a lighter or darker brown for an accent color, too. This will be at your waistline and as fringe on the top and bottom. Be less concerned with the texture of this accent color -- but for your dress, make sure it won't irritate your skin. Make a Pocahontas style dress (see the photo for the shape). Basic patterns can be found online or at any fabric supply store. What's more, you can pick a pattern that you think will look best for your body type. Don't forget to include the strips at the base of the costume and at the top half of the costume. To create the fringe, just cut strips in a wide layer of fabric and attach to the top and bottom seam. Attach a cotton material belt. A thin rope would also work. Anything that is earthy and doesn't scream factory-made will do the job. Buy two lengths of faux-suede material. Pick any shade of brown you like. If you don't know how much to buy, consult an expert at the fabric store. An average sized female will need around 2 yards (1.8 m). Fold one piece of your material in half. One of the edges where it's folded over will be your head hole. Fold over that corner. Cut your poncho to the desired length; remember to account for slits that will become fringe. This will depend on your height and your coverage preferences. Cut the neck area. Turn your material inside out before you begin cutting. Cut across the corner you previously folded over. Sew the open edge, creating a poncho-like shape. The other side is folded and doesn't need to be sewn. Turn it right side out again. Cut the fringes. If you're not comfortable eyeballing it (or don't have a lined sewing mat), turn it inside out and mark lines down the sides with a ruler and pen. The fringes can be any length, but they should be about 1" (2.5 cm) wide and evenly spaced. For a grown woman, fringes almost a foot long are appropriate if using a full torso-covering poncho. Grab a second piece of material for your skirt. Use a skirt you have in your closet already for a rough pattern. The amount of material you need will depend on how long you want your skirt to be. Cut out your skirt material. An asymmetrical edge is the quintessential Pocahontas look. Aim for around the mid-thigh and end around the knee. But again: remember to leave length for the fringe! Pocahontas' booty was not hanging out. Sew the edges about 2/3 of the way down, depending on your skirt length. This is because you'll be cutting away at the material anyway for the fringe. You won't need an entire seam sewn. Cut the fringe. You'll want fringe that looks similar to the one on your poncho. Use strips of similar width and length. They do not have to be perfect -- in fact, imperfect fringe may look better and not so geometrical. Use an extra piece of fabric as a belt to keep the skirt up, if need be. The poncho should cover up the top of the skirt, so if you have an awkward issue, it can be easily remedied. If you have more material left over, cut fringes into it and stick it into your shoes or boots! Footwear? Check! Purchase a tan t-shirt that's much, much, much too big for you. You'll need extra length for the skirt, too. This will be your entire outfit, so go for length in addition to diameter. Cut off the sleeves from the armpit to the neckline. But you need the collar, so don't touch it! That's going to be how your shirt stays on. This will be easy if you spread the shirt over a flat surface. Also cut off the bottom 1/3 of the shirt. Eyeball how long you want the top and skirt. If you want a longer skirt, cut a longer bottom piece. Account for your butt and hips -- they'll make a long-looking skirt into a short one. Two tan shirts are always an option. They're pretty cheap and can be found at most craft supply stores. Cut off the bottom seam of the shirt. This will be your belt, so don't mess with it too much -- you are using it later. Cut one slice into the loop, forming a long strip. About 1" (2.5 cm) from the edge of your skirt, start cutting tiny slits for the belt to be inserted into. They should be 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) apart and only big enough so the belt can go through the holes. Thread your belt through these loops. You may start at the center, side, or back, depending on where you want your bow. Double knot the ends for securing. Cut the sleeves into fringe. Take 1" (2.5 cm) wide sections and cut off strips of fabric. You should have a bunch of loops of fabric (and no semblance of a sleeve) once you're finished. Cut into all of them creating a handful of strips of brown fabric. When the edges curl in, don't fret: you want them to. This outfit is about the right imperfections. Cut double mini slits into the bottom edge of your skirt. This will be what anchors the fringe. A double mini slit is basically two mini slits very close to each other with a very narrow strip of fabric in between. You're going to lace the fringe you just made into these slits. Start about 1" (2.5 cm) from the bottom edge of your skirt. Each set of two slits should be about 1" away from each other. Once you've laced all the fringe into the slits, double knot them, securing them to your skirt. Make slits in the back of your shirt. They should be about 3" (7.5 cm) across at the top and get bigger as the material gets wider. Start about 2-3" (5-7.5 cm) away from the neckline. Cut one giant slice through the back of your slits so you have a whole bunch of pieces to tie together. Go right through the center so all your eventual knots line up. Add fringe to the bottom of your shirt. Use the same method as you used with the skirt. If your neckline is looking a little bare, add fringe to it too, cutting double mini slits and using any extra fringe you have from the remaining sleeve. If your neckline is looking too t-shirt-like, take two pieces of fringe and tie them each in a bow on the left and right sides of the front of your necklace. This will create more of a square shape and do away with the t-shirt vibe. Have someone else tie up the back of your shirt. They'll be able to contour it to the shape of your body. Wear bronzer on your cheeks to give yourself a tanned look. Don't go too overboard -- Pocahontas certainly wasn't orange. If your skin is pale, go for a sunkissed look with blushes and bronzers. Wear a wooden beaded necklace. If you made it yourself , all the better! Check out images of Pocahontas online if you want to imitate the Disney character. Hers was blue with a white pendant. The necklace is a good opportunity to add color to your costume. Consider armbands and bracelets as well, but don't go overboard. Pick one or two accessories. Less is more here. Find a long flowing dark wig at a costume hire store or similar outlet. If you'd like to make it more manageable, braid it into one or two long braids. Pocahontas doesn't have to have dark hair, but it is the traditional look. If you have long hair already, you may want to invest in a swimming cap to keep your tresses from sneaking out and putting a damper on your completed look. Braid a headband. Use the same material you used to make your outfit. Cut three long strands and braid them together, starting with the end knotted. Braid enough to wrap around your head, but leave loose ends to dangle. You can then attach beads or feathers to the hanging ends to spice up your outfit. Just tie at the base of your head and then again at the bottom of the strands. | Find an earthy-colored material. Make a Pocahontas style dress (see the photo for the shape). Attach a cotton material belt. Buy two lengths of faux-suede material. Fold one piece of your material in half. Cut the neck area. Cut the fringes. Grab a second piece of material for your skirt. Cut out your skirt material. Cut the fringe. Purchase a tan t-shirt that's much, much, much too big for you. Cut off the sleeves from the armpit to the neckline. Cut off the bottom seam of the shirt. Cut the sleeves into fringe. Cut double mini slits into the bottom edge of your skirt. Make slits in the back of your shirt. Add fringe to the bottom of your shirt. Wear bronzer on your cheeks to give yourself a tanned look. Wear a wooden beaded necklace. Find a long flowing dark wig at a costume hire store or similar outlet. Braid a headband. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Plaid | How to Wear Plaid | If you're going to wear plaid, be sure to wear only one piece at a time, and avoid crisscrossing lines, which can be overwhelming or "busy" to look at. Next, pair your plaid with solid colors like white, black, or grey, since they go with many different colors and don't clash with the complicated patterns of plaid. Alternatively, try matching plaid with one color that's similar to another color in your outfit, such as jeans that are a shade similar to the blue in your plaid shirt. | Wear one plaid piece of clothing at a time. Plaid comes in many different colors and styles. However, its crisscrossing lines mean it's almost always fairly attention-grabbing. This means pairing multiple pieces of plaid clothing with each other can be overwhelming or "busy" to look at. There's one exception to this rule. If you have one plaid accessory (like a scarf, purse, hat, pair of shades, etc.) that's designed to match your main plaid piece, you can usually get away with wearing both together. When in doubt, pair your plaid with neutral solids. This is a great "go-to" style choice when you're trying to add plaid to your wardrobe. Solid colors offer simple contrast to the complicated interwoven patterns of plaid. On top of this, neutral tones are versatile in terms of which plaid patterns they can pair with. Not every plaid shirt will pair with bright yellow chinos, for instance, but most will pair with a simple pair of jeans or khakis quite nicely. Neutral colors include: White, black, khaki, muted blue denim, grey, and most browns and beiges. Match one color in the plaid with other colored clothes you wear. You don't always have to wear plaid with neutral tones. However, if you want to wear plaid with colored clothes, try to pick a plaid piece with one color that is close to the other color in your outfit. For example, if you're wearing a set of bright blue jeans, you might wear a plaid shirt that includes a few stripes that are a similar shade of blue. The colors don't have to match exactly — light blue can go with dark blue and so on. Pick an appropriate color for the occasion. Today, clothing sellers offer plaid garments in a huge variety of colors and shades. This means that you have lots of freedom when it comes to assembling your outfit. As long as you're following the color-matching rules above, there aren't any strict rules here, but a few general suggestions are below. Brighter, more flowery shades tend to be best for casual events and warmer months. Darker, more muted shades tend to be more formal and more appropriate for colder weather. For example, you would probably not wear pink plaid to a job interview, but navy blue plaid might work well. Intricately-stitched patterns can give an upscale, intellectual vibe, especially when paired with a smart jacket and nice shoes. Simple, bright-colored plaids give a very rugged, blue-collar impression. For example, Paul Bunyan and other "traditional" lumberjacks are often depicted in bright red and black plaid shirts. Pick a comfortable fabric for the season. Plaid is the name of the pattern (not the material) so you can find plaid items in a variety of materials. In general, you'll want to find something that's just right for the weather outside — not too hot, not too cold. A few seasonal suggestions are below: Spring: Light cotton or flannel shirts, umbrellas, stockings, hats, shoes. Summer: Light cotton shirts (tied around waist when hot), skirts, shorts, jumpers, tees. Autumn: Heavier flannel shirts, rain boots, trench coats, hats. Winter: Heavy flannel shirts, jackets, boots, scarves. Pick a print pattern and size that compliments your outfit. Not all plaids are created equal. Though all plaids use the famous crisscross pattern, a huge variety of colors, styles, and sizes are available. Choose a plaid that's proportionate to your figure, and consider a smaller print if you're wearing a full suit of plaid.. A few pattern suggestions are listed below: Tartan: Large, old-fashioned looking pattern. Usually dark green background with navy blue, yellow, and red crisscrosses. Good for scarves, blankets. Tattersall: Small, tight, square patterns. Thin lines of color on a neutral background. Looks very clean and modern. Works well for semi-casual dress shirts. Madras: Wide, colorful striped pattern. Usually incorporates bright, "flowery" colors. Good for flowing garments like dresses or loose flannel shirts. Gingham: Two-color "checkerboard" pattern. Thick, regular stripes. Works well for a retro, folksy look. Don't forget plaid accessories. Your outfit is more than your top and bottom garments. Wearing plaid accessories is a great way to give a burst of color to outfits that are dying to look a little more vibrant. However, remember that it's not a good idea to wear more than one piece of plaid at once unless the pieces match exactly. Possible plaid accessories include: hats, scarves, stockings, socks, purses, backpacks, shades, neckties, bowties, handkerchiefs, and much more. Try a loose or fitted flannel shirt. Women's flannel shirts can offer a wide range of fashion possibilities depending on how they fit and how you wear them. Pick the style that gives the impression you want to broadcast to the world! See below: Loose plaid shirts tend to appear more "rugged" and casual. Try pairing one with a band T-shirt or an old tank top for a grungy sense of style. You can even wear men's shirts and let the tails hang below the waist for a "boyfriend" look. Fitted plaid shirts and blouses tend to appear more "put-together" and professional. These are great for a semi-casual look at the home or the office. Tie a flannel around your waist for a splash of color. Love your plaid shirt but can't figure out how to work it into your outfit? There's no rule that says you have to wear it as a shirt. Try tying it around your waist as a sash or belt to add a line of bright color to your outfit that attracts attention to your waist. As an alternative, you can tie your shirt in a loop and wear it diagonally across your chest or tie the sleeves around your neck like a sweater. Pair with Capri pants for casual chic. This easy look is fantastic as an "anywhere" outfit. Pair it with a set of a clean (yet casual) shoes like flats for a touch of refinement or try sneakers for spunky style. You may want to keep jewelry and flashy accessories to a minimum with this outfit. These sorts of additions can clash with the casual aims of the rest of your clothes. Dress things up with leggings and accessories. It's also easy to use plaid to give the opposite impression. Try wearing a fitted plaid tunic or dress over a pair of dark leggings. Then, wrap a scarf or belt around your waist and add a few gold accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, for a touch of class. Finish it off with a pair of fashionable heeled boots. You'll have red carpet style on a fraction of the budget. Use a plaid skirt for a "schoolgirl" look. No one's too old for this playful yet traditional outfit. Start by picking a plaid skirt with muted colors like navy blue, forest, green, or a neutral color. Then, pair it with a plain white button-down shirt for simple elegance. Wear a pair of black knee-high socks and throw on some simple black flats to complete the look. Spice things up with plaid accessories. Women have tons of awesome options when it comes to plaid accessories. Look for a plaid handbag, scarf, or belt at your favorite outlet. Then, for maximum impact, add the accessory to a simple plaid-free outfit that only uses solid prints like to a white t-shirt and jeans. The contrast between the accessory and the rest of your clothes will naturally make it an eye-catcher. Some famous labels, like Burberry, offer iconic plaid patterns on their accessories. These are great, but you don't have to spend lots of money to get this look. The visual contrast is what's important, not the price tag. Use traditional plaids for a lumberjack look. When it comes to plaid fashion for men, the idea of "ruggedness" is a popular one. To get this rugged, masculine look, pick a long-sleeved flannel shirt in traditional colors, like red and black or gray and black. Wear it with your most comfortable jeans and a pair of hiking boots. That's all you need! White or black tees are the perfect undershirts for this no-frills outfit. You can even try showing off a hairy chest by wearing a tank top — if you're going for the lumberjack look, you might as well flaunt it! Think about the scale of the plaid. If you're a larger person, you can wear a larger plaid, but if you have a smaller frame, you'll probably need a smaller plaid. Use light-colored plaid shirts for lighthearted charm. Brighter plaids aren't just for women. Bright plaid flannels go good with a tee shirt and jeans or shorts for a casual beach-bum look. Alternatively, pair a bright plaid dress shirt with a pair of khakis or grey dress pants for a bold, semi-formal outfit. Sport a pair of plaid shorts. Depending on their fit, a pair of plaid shorts can have a wide range of effects. Try picking either a baggy or fitted pair of shorts depending on the situation. See below: Baggy plaid shorts usually give a more casual, relaxed impression. Pair with a fitted tee or a solid dress shirt for best results. Fitted plaid shorts usually give a slightly classier impression. They're still more casual than pants, but they're more connected to "upper-crust" sports activities like golf. Try pairing with a solid-color polo. Try a plaid tie. Sometimes a small amount of tie in the right place can make a big impression. If you only want a subtle hint of plaid in your outfit, put on a plaid print tie the next time you wear a suit. The pattern will liven up your style without looking too tacky or overdone. Both neck ties and bow ties work well. However, plaid ties aren't usually appropriate for especially formal events. Be sure to use a subdued, solid-color shirt under the tie. Patterned shirts can make your upper body look very "busy" when paired with a complicated plaid tie. Use a very subdued pattern for plaid suits. Using plaid patterns for suits is do-able, but only if the plaid pattern is a subtle one. Opt for a smaller print in a more subdued color if you want to wear a plaid suit. In addition, look for a suit with very thin, subtle stitching and neutral colors to play things safe. As a general rule, if a plaid suit looks like a solid color suit until you get close to it, it's probably safe. Never go plaid-on-plaid. This is worth repeating. One of the very worst things you can do with plaid is to wear lots of it. The best plaid outfits generally have one prominent plaid item. Outfits that do use multiple plaid items generally have them matching exactly and use neutral tones to keep the plaid from overwhelming the outfit, but even this is a difficult feat to pull off. Pairing two different kinds of plaid in the same outfit is almost always a bad idea. With the complex, interlocking patterns of the plaid and the many colors involved, it's almost impossible to get the two items to match. Even if you do, the effect can be overwhelming. Avoid plaid for formal events. Though it isn't always outright informal , plaid isn't usually considered especially dignified. There are usually much better choices for dressing respectfully. Unless you've been given special dress code instructions, it's better to stick to a suit, tuxedo, dress, or gown for events like weddings, funerals, and so on. A good rule of thumb is this: if the event is something you feel like you need to wear a suit or dress for , don't wear plaid (even if it's part of your suit or dress). Don't pair plaid with eye-grabbing colors. For the same reason that it's a bad idea to wear multiple different kinds of plaid, you won't usually want to wear plaid along with bright colors (either prints or solid colors). For instance, pairing plaid with neon-colored fabric is sure to make your outfit an over-complicated eyesore. Remember: neutral tones are your friends when it comes to plaid. Don't feel like you have to buy plaid new. One of the best things about plaid is that it's easy to get great-looking plaid prints for cheap at thrift stores. Plaid gets a somewhat appealing "weathered" look as it ages. This makes a plaid shirt that was once intended as semi-formal wear or work clothing, for instance, perfect for a "grungy" ensemble in a few decades' time. Save money on your next shopping trip by visiting a second hand store and digging around for these sorts of plaid bargains. Don't wear plaid pants unless you're supremely confident. For reasons that are difficult to define, bold plaid pants often look bizarre and distracting even when a shirt of the same print would not. While haute couture fashion models may be able to pull off plaid pants, 99% of the world's population can't, so you'll probably want to steer clear. | Wear one plaid piece of clothing at a time. When in doubt, pair your plaid with neutral solids. Match one color in the plaid with other colored clothes you wear. Pick an appropriate color for the occasion. Pick a comfortable fabric for the season. Pick a print pattern and size that compliments your outfit. Don't forget plaid accessories. Try a loose or fitted flannel shirt. Tie a flannel around your waist for a splash of color. Pair with Capri pants for casual chic. Dress things up with leggings and accessories. Use a plaid skirt for a "schoolgirl" look. Spice things up with plaid accessories. Use traditional plaids for a lumberjack look. Use light-colored plaid shirts for lighthearted charm. Sport a pair of plaid shorts. Try a plaid tie. Use a very subdued pattern for plaid suits. Never go plaid-on-plaid. Avoid plaid for formal events. Don't pair plaid with eye-grabbing colors. Don't feel like you have to buy plaid new. Don't wear plaid pants unless you're supremely confident. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Deep-Relaxation | How to Do Deep Relaxation | To do deep relaxation at home, start by finding a quiet, comfortable spot where you won't be disturbed. To begin relaxing, practice mindful breathing by becoming aware of the sensations in your body as you inhale and exhale. From there, try moving onto other deep relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, a method in which you slowly tense your muscles and then release that tension to relax. To relax your mind, try mindful meditation by closing your eyes and focusing on one symbol, such as a candle flame or meaningful phrase. | Understand stress and relaxation. During times of stress, the body is flooded with chemicals that produce a “fight or flight” response. This response is very helpful when you are facing real danger, but modern life can lead to near-constant stress (and the body's response), which can contribute to a host of physical and emotional maladies. In direct contrast to the “fight or flight” response, the body's “relaxation response” is a state of deep rest (but not necessarily sleepiness). When this response kicks in, a person's heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may reduce, blood flow can increase, the muscles will relax, and the body may be more capable of healing. Define deep relaxation. There is no single, standard definition for this concept, nor single guide for a standard technique. The various forms of deep relaxation do, however, share some similar qualities. Deep relaxation is sometimes known as “mindful breathing,” because the various techniques associated with the term tend to emphasize a focus on purposeful, slow, calm breathing as a starting point. Exerting awareness and control over one's breathing is essential to practically every form of deep relaxation. Deep relaxation can also be called “yoga nidra,” and a focus on controlled body movements is common to most techniques associated with the concept. Yoga novices should not be worried, however, because deep relaxation emphasizes simple, easy movements. Consider the benefits. As mentioned, relaxation helps to counteract the effects of stress on physical, mental, and emotional levels. A bout of deep relaxation is akin to hitting the body's reset button, helping to restore a chemical balance and return respiration, blood flow, and heart rate to normal levels. It may not be quite right to say that deep relaxation heals the body, but it does create an environment which is more conducive to healing. On an emotional level, deep relaxation tends to replace anger, fear, and frustration with improved mood, concentration, and confidence. Set the scene. With some practice, variations on deep relaxation techniques can be utilized in just about any situation where you can turn your focus inward, such as on the bus ride to work or at your desk. Ideally, however, and especially when starting out, you want to find a calm, comfortable environment with minimal distractions. When possible, choose a room where you will not be disturbed for at least 15-20 minutes. Find a room that is not too warm or stuffy. Most techniques are suited to lying down on the floor, on a comfortable mat or blanket. You can usually also do them while seated in a comfortable chair. Beware becoming too comfortable, however, or your deep relaxation time can easily become nap time. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in, when possible. You can also try to enhance the serenity level by utilizing soft music or soothing scents, but that is your choice. Master “mindful breathing. ” The term mindful breathing is sometimes synonymous with deep relaxation itself, because being able to focus on each breath going in and out is at the heart of every deep relaxation technique. Get comfortable with mindful breathing before you attempt to move into additional deep relaxation techniques. Lie on the floor (preferably), or sit in a comfortable chair. Place your arms to your sides. Be aware of your body's contact with the floor (or chair). Let your body “sink” into it. Become aware of your breathing, in and out. Focus on your abdomen filling and emptying, moving up and down. Feel your tension leave with each exhaled breath. Give “progressive muscle relaxation” a try. While many techniques can be considered deep relaxation, this may be the most common one associated with the term. It involves tensing and releasing muscles individually and systematically throughout your body. Begin with your “mindful breathing” positioning and technique. Once you are sufficiently relaxed and focused, bring your awareness to your right foot. Focus on how it feels for a moment, then tense the muscle for several seconds, as tightly as you can do without pain. Release the tension, and feel your stress exiting with the release. Remain in this relaxed state for a moment before moving on to the next body area. One typical body coverage pattern is as follows: right, then left foot; right, then left calf; right, then left thigh; hips and buttocks; stomach; chest; back; right arm and hand; left arm and hand; neck and shoulders; and face. Focus on tensing and releasing only the intended muscles in the intended order. It will take some practice. If tensing and holding muscles is painful for you because of a medical condition or otherwise, you should consider the alternative techniques described in this article. Consider “body scan meditation” as an alternative. If tensing and releasing muscle groups causes you pain or discomfort, you can instead employ an alternative form of deep relaxation. Body scan meditation shares the focus on individual sections of the body, but without the muscle flexing. Follow the steps for progressive muscle relaxation, but focus your attention on each body area without the muscle tensing and releasing. Feel the tension leaving that part of your body as part of your mindful breathing and deep focus. It is best to follow a set pattern throughout your entire body, but you can also guide your awareness back to areas that may need additional focus. When you've completed your body scan, bring your awareness back to your entire body. You want to feel almost as though you are floating. Focus once more on your breathing, and slowly sit and stand up when you are ready. Think about “mindful meditation. ” Deep relaxation is in many ways a meditative process, and it can include elements normally associated with meditation, such as the use of a mantra. Focusing on a word or phrase, or alternatively your body sensations, your senses, or your emotions, may be your key to deep relaxation. Find a quiet environment and a comfortable seated or reclined position. You want to be able to focus deeply, but not fall asleep. Find your focal point. It can be something you see or sense, such as a candle flame or the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, or an image or memory you create, such as a tranquil lake or the meaningful word or phrase you choose as your mantra. Don't be distressed or distracted if other words or images pop into your head as you meditate. Don't try to actively fight them or force them out; instead, focus your energies on returning to your focal point. Meditation isn't just about becoming "enlightened." It's about getting a handle on yourself and learning to control your mind and attention. Look into visualization techniques. Similar in many respects to mindful meditation, visualization methods rely on deep focus on a single mental image. Usually, though, the particular goal with visualization is to locate and picture your “restful place.” You want to try to engage all your senses with your restful place. If it is a pristine beach, try to smell the salt water, feel the breeze, and hear the crashing waves, in addition to visualizing the scene. Visualization can be self-directed, but many people find guided visualization more effective. In this method, a therapist, coach, or a recording guide you into your restful place. For some people, this guidance permits them to let go, enter their restful place, and experience relaxation more completely. | Understand stress and relaxation. Define deep relaxation. Consider the benefits. Set the scene. Master “mindful breathing. Give “progressive muscle relaxation” a try. Consider “body scan meditation” as an alternative. Think about “mindful meditation. Look into visualization techniques. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Eyeglasses-with-Anti%E2%80%90Glare-Lenses | How to Clean Eyeglasses with Anti‐Glare Lenses | If your eyeglasses have anti-glare lenses, you'll need to take special care when cleaning them. The best way to clean your lenses is to rinse them with lukewarm water. Then, put a small amount of dish soap on each lens and gently rub it in with your fingertips. Lather the dish soap on your lenses for several seconds before rinsing away the suds. Finally, gently shake off any excess water and use a microfiber towel or soft, lint-free cloth to completely dry them. | Use dish soap, warm water, and your fingertips. According to the American Optometric Association, using clean fingertips, warm water, and dish soap is the preferred way to clean your eyeglasses. Before you start the cleaning process, have a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel handy to dry your lenses after you've washed them. Avoid dish soaps that contain lotions or harsh solvent chemicals, like ammonia or alcohol. You should never touch your anti-glare lenses without wetting with them first. You'll be using your fingertips to clean your lenses, so wash away any lotion, dirt, oil, and other grime from your hands prior to cleaning your glasses. Don't touch your lenses with unwashed hands. Rinse the lenses with water. Run your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm tap water. Flowing water will wash away debris that could damage lenses. Don't use hot water, as too much heat will ruin the anti-glare coating. Apply a small amount of dish soap to each lens. Dab a drop of mild dish soap, such as Dawn original, onto each lens. Gently rub and lather for several seconds with your fingertips in soft, circular motions across each side of the lenses. Make sure to get into nooks and crannies, to clean the earpieces, and to remove oils and any other buildup from the nose pads. Rinse away the suds. Hold your glasses under a stream of lukewarm water once again. Wash away the soap suds from both sides of the lenses, frames, and all other parts. Inspect your eyewear carefully to make sure all of the soap has been removed, as any left on will cause smearing. Shake off excess water and wipe dry. Gently shake off any excess moisture, taking care not to bend the frame or earpieces. Use a microfiber towel or soft, lint-free cloth to completely dry them. Avoid using towels that have served other purposes or have been stored in the kitchen. These will have likely picked up grease, dust, or cooking oil residue that'll smear or scratch your lenses. Don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering your eyeglass cloths. These substances can smear or leave residue on your lenses. Clean your glasses every morning. Developing a normal cleaning routine will prevent debris, oil, and dirt from building up. Daily cleaning makes your eyewear easier to maintain and extend their lifespan. Further, cleaning your eyewear from lenses to earpieces regularly will prevent them from becoming discolored and lower the risk of eye infection. Keep clothes or towels designated for eyeglasses. Use specific towels or cloths for cleaning your glasses, and don't use them for other purposes. Clean them every few days to make sure they're not harboring any particles that could damage your lenses or anti-glare coating. Keep cloths handy when you're on the go, but make sure to use them in tandem with tap water or a generous amount of spray cleaner. Keeping cloths with you when you're away from home will reduce the temptation to use napkins or other paper products, which don't work very well and can leave small particles that might cause fine scratches. Use spray eyewear cleaner on the go. Keep a spray cleaning solution approved for anti-glare lenses for when you're on the go and don't have access to tap water and dish soap. Use plenty of the solution on your lenses before you do any wiping. Really soaking them will remove dust and dirt particles. Keep a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel handy to wipe your glasses after spraying them down with solution. Check the label or verify that the solution is anti-glare approved with your optometrist You could make your own spray eyeglass cleaner as well. Wet your glasses when cleaning them. Never wipe your glasses when they're dry. Even if they're invisible to you, tiny dust and dirt particles are present on your lenses, and dry wiping will scratch them. Once your glasses are scratched, there's nothing you can do to buff them out. It's especially important to avoid dry wiping anti-glare lenses. Scratches are more obvious on anti-glare eyewear because they block out almost all light reflection, which helps to hide tiny scratches on eyeglass lenses. Stay away from solvents. While ammonia (like Windex), vinegar, alcohol, and other solvents can be used on windows and stemware, keep them far away from your anti-glare eyeglasses. These cleaners can wear away or damage your anti-glare coating. Check with your eye doctor to make absolutely sure your eyewear cleaning solution is mild enough for your anti-glare lenses. Store your glasses carefully. Keep your glasses away from hot or cold temperature extremes. The heating and cooling can cause the anti-glare coating to warp and crack because it expands and contracts at a different rate than the lens. Don't leave them out on the dashboard of your car. Always keep them in a case when you're not wearing them, especially when toting them in a bag or purse. Try not to leave them out on your sink or vanity, since splatters from products like hairspray, perfume or cologne, and other cosmetics can damage or strip the anti-glare layer. Don’t huff and wipe. Most people are guilty of exhaling on their lenses and wiping them off on their shirt. Your clothes are full of tiny bits of dirt, oil, cologne or perfume, and other damaging chemicals and particles. Further, the fabric itself can be abrasive for eyewear lenses, whether or not they're coated with an anti-glare layer. Don’t spit shine. It's important not to be tempted to use saliva to wipe your glasses. Even if it seems quick and easy, saliva won't get rid of the small particles that can scratch your lenses. Further, using saliva not only doesn't work well, but there's a slight risk that the bacteria in your mouth could cause eye infections, so be sure to practice good hygiene and avoid spit shining. | Use dish soap, warm water, and your fingertips. Rinse the lenses with water. Apply a small amount of dish soap to each lens. Rinse away the suds. Shake off excess water and wipe dry. Clean your glasses every morning. Keep clothes or towels designated for eyeglasses. Use spray eyewear cleaner on the go. Wet your glasses when cleaning them. Stay away from solvents. Store your glasses carefully. Don’t huff and wipe. Don’t spit shine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Baptism | How to Plan a Baptism | To plan a baptism, you'll need to decide on the details of your service and how to include friends and family members. Talk to your priest or minister to arrange the details of the service. These could include things like the prayers, hymns, or items of clothing to be worn. You'll also need to choose friends or family members to be godparents for the person being baptized. Their main goal is to provide spiritual guidance throughout the person's life. Send invitations to relatives and friends several months ahead of time so they can make plans to attend. Send your invitations by post so the formality of the baptism is clear. | Locate prospective churches. Depending on whether or not you belong to a specific congregation, you may need to find a church in which to arrange the ceremony. You may also want to host the baptism in a different, grander church than your usual congregation and can visit different locations to help you narrow down your choices. Visit possible locations or congregations where you might want to hold the baptism. Consider factors such as how the congregation's style and beliefs fit in with yours, as well as if the size can accommodate the number of people you want to attend. Find a church at least a few months in advance so you can get to know the congregation and it can get to know you. Contact the church’s clergy. Once you've located at least one possible church in which to hold the baptism, schedule a meeting with the priest or minister. She can give you a better idea of any requirements the church may have for baptism or other traditions the congregation celebrates for baptisms. Make a list of any expectations and wishes you have for the baptism. Discuss these with the clergy to see if they are possible at the church. Ask any questions you may have that arise from the conversation. You may want to ask about any expectation the church has of you or the person being baptized, such as attendance in or helping with services. Ask if there are any classes, examinations, or training you require before you can be baptized. For example, the Catholic Church requires education in the Catholic faith before being baptized as an adult. Schedule the baptism. After successfully deciding on your baptism venue, schedule the baptism with the church and clergy member who you would like to perform the ceremony. Consider special dates such as Easter or Christmas for the baptism, which may make the event more special or could make it easier for out of town guests to attend. Schedule the date at least four weeks in advance. Suggest several different dates to help ensure you get the church and clergy member you want for the baptism. Coordinate dates with loved ones if you absolutely want them to attend, especially godparents or sponsors. Choose godparents or sponsors. Some churches require that you choose godparents or sponsors for a baptism, or you may just want to have them to help guide the person being baptized. Choose a godfather and godmother or sponsor from among your family, friends, or other loved ones. In most cases, godparents provide spiritual support and nurturing to a child, while a sponsor can guide a child or an adult being baptized. However, in the Catholic Church, adults can also have one or two godparents. Many churches will require that a godparent or sponsor be baptized and active members of a church. Consider factors such as your relationships to the godparents or sponsors and their potential commitment to guiding the person in the faith or even being there if something should happen to the parents. Make several possible godparent or sponsor choices in case your first choice declines. Ask the prospective godparents or sponsors if they are willing to act in this capacity. Respect the person's decision if she chooses to not be a godparent or sponsor. Compose a guest list. You'll likely want people to attend the ceremony and a celebration afterward. Make a list of definitive and possible guests who you would like to share in the baptism. Discuss the list with your spouse, the godparents, or anyone else taking part in the ceremony. Decide how many people you want to attend, including if it is adult-only or something for children as well. For example, if you decide to include children, you may want child supervisors or activities to keep them busy. Make sure the number of guests you want to invite can fit into the church and any party venue. Send out invitations. Depending on the formality of the baptism, you may want to send out invitations or simply inform guests of the event. Make sure to send out the invitations or information at least three to four weeks in advance of the baptism to ensure that people can put it on or rearrange their schedules. Include RSVP cards so you can get a head count on the ceremony and for any celebration you are hosting, especially if you are serving food. Inform guests of any gift policy you may have. For example, you can write “no gifts, please” on the invitation if you just want people to enjoy the ceremony and celebration. Let your guests know if children may attend and if you've included supervisors or activities for young guests. Consider incorporating traditions. Baptisms can be a special time to honor family and faith traditions. Incorporate any elements you may want into the ceremony to help make it more personalized and special. You may want to choose a special christening gown or say a specific prayer. Discuss incorporating the traditions with your clergy member, who can help you plan where best to use them. Hire a photographer. Depending on the size and formality of the baptism, you may want to hire a photographer, a caterer, or even transportation. These elements may help the day run more smoothly and be more enjoyable for you. Confirm with the church that photos are allowed within it. Meet with a photographer if you want professional photos. You can also ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the day. Confirm details. A few days before the baptism, call the church and any other venues to confirm details and any numbers. This can ensure that everything is ready and in place on baptism day. Have contingency plans if anything should fall through such as the church or clergy member. Book a venue. You may want to host a reception or meal following the baptism to celebrate the day. The church may have facilities or you can book a different venue to celebrate. Consider factors such as how many guests you're inviting as well as the audience, especially if children are attending. The venue should be able to comfortably accommodate every person. Find a location near the church so that you and your guests, including the clergy member, can easily and quickly attend the celebration. Select the menu. Decide on what type of food and beverage you'd like serve at the celebration. Keep the menu compatible with the formality of the baptism service and age of the baptized person as possible. Decide on specific foods and if you want to have a buffet or sit-down meal. You may want to consider serving something like lamb, which many Christians associate with Jesus. If children are attending, you may want a mix of adult- and child-friendly foods. Make sure to have options for children if any are attending. Chicken fingers, burgers, and fries are good options for kids. Decide if you want to include alcohol in the day's events or you prefer to keep it an alcohol-free party. Meet with the restaurant or venue staff, or caterers. Staff members may be able to help you find the best options for the type of celebration you want. You may want to hire a separate baker to make a special celebratory cake. Give guests different options for food such as vegetarian, meat, or fish selections. Arrange for transportation. You may want to offer your guests transportation between the church and party venue. This can help keep the group together and avoid people getting lost. Meet with local transportation companies and ask about buses or limousines. Local schools may also be available to hire. Ask guests to ride with one another or designate certain guests to drive others. Accommodate for children. If your child is being baptized or you're an adult including children in your baptism, make accommodations for them. You'll need food that children can eat and may want to come up with some fun activities for them to do doing the service or meal. Ask the church if you can hire someone to look after children in their nursery. Speak with the caterer or restaurant about offering foods that children will eat. Find age appropriate games and activities for your child guests. For example, you could have a treasure hunt or board games and set them up on a table for your guests. Consider hiring a separate supervisor or babysitter for child guests. This can allow everyone to enjoy the service and celebration without worrying about children causing trouble. Decorate the venue. No matter if you are staying at the church, going home, or meeting at a restaurant, add some embellishments to the venue. Anything from flowers to small trinkets or even party favors can make the day feel more special and help you and your guests remember it. Meet with a florist and discuss options. You may want to have elaborate arrangements or keep it simple. Make sure to ask the church and venue if and what type of decorations they allow. Buy decorations at party supply stores. You can often find religious-themed murals or trinkets that can help jazz up a table. Give your guests a favor by which to remember the day. Magnets or a small box of candies with the date are options you may want to consider. Finalize your plans. At the same time you confirm details for the baptism ceremony, finalize and confirm details with your venues and any distributors such as caterers or transport services. This can help ensure that you don't encounter any last minute or unexpected glitches or cancellations. Have a list of venues, caterers, bakers, or transportation services on hand in case of an emergency. Ask friends or family members to help you out if you need it. | Locate prospective churches. Contact the church’s clergy. Schedule the baptism. Choose godparents or sponsors. Compose a guest list. Send out invitations. Consider incorporating traditions. Hire a photographer. Confirm details. Book a venue. Select the menu. Arrange for transportation. Accommodate for children. Decorate the venue. Finalize your plans. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Conserve-Fossil-Fuels | How to Conserve Fossil Fuels | To conserve fossil fuels, reduce your use of plastic items and recycle or repurpose the plastic items you do use. You can easily conserve energy by replacing the incandescent light bulbs in your home with energy-efficient LED bulbs and by turning off lights and small appliances when you're not using them. Eco-friendly transportation alternatives like riding your bike, using public transit, and carpooling can also help you reduce your carbon footprint! | Reduce your use of plastic. Unless it's marked “compostable,” plastic is made from petroleum. It can linger in the environment for hundreds of years and never break down completely, polluting the soil and groundwater. When plastics are not disposed of properly, they kill animals who mistake them for food. You can help to prevent this from happening by: Buying or making reusable bags. Leave a couple in your car/on your bike for shopping. Tuck a small one into your purse for unplanned trips to the grocery store. Asking your local grocery store to replace plastic bags with recycled paper bags or cardboard boxes. Even “biodegradable” plastic bags can end up in landfills, where they don't break down properly. This makes them just as dangerous as regular plastic. Reuse plastic containers to store food. Make sure the resin identification code (the number inside the recycling arrows) is 2 or 5. You can usually find these codes on the bottom of the containers. Plastics with these codes are generally safe to be reused for storing food. Any other number is either unsafe or not durable enough for reuse. If your plastic is not considered to be food-safe, you can recycle it or reuse it for arts and crafts. For example, plastic tubs are great for storing water to rinse paintbrushes with. Refuse plastic as often as possible. Take the time to examine product packaging when you go shopping. Avoid goods packaged in plastic (including polystyrene) whenever possible. If your grocery store sells products in bulk, take advantage of it and fill up using your own containers. If you have a choice between paper or plastic bags, stick with paper. Of course, it would be even better if you brought your own bags. Some restaurants and take-out places will allow you to bring your own food containers. Ask ahead of time if this is possible. Buy locally. Food and other household goods often travel in fossil fuel-powered vehicles over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from their points of origin to store shelves. A great way to accomplish this is by: Buying food from your local farmer's market. Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Growing your own food. Recycle what you can’t reduce or reuse. Making new containers and paper products uses more fossil fuels than recycling old ones. Check online for the guidelines of your local recycling center. Search for what they will and won't recycle. Check their sorting requirements, as well. For example, most recycling plants won't recycle tissues, wax paper, or polystyrene. Unless they offer single-stream recycling, you'll likely have to separate paper, plastics, glass, and metals. In some cities, recycling plants pay money for aluminum cans. Search online to see if your city offers this service. If it does, look for what kinds of aluminum cans are accepted. For example, some centers accept beverage cans but not pet food cans. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Opt for compact fluorescent (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These options use an average of 75 percent less electricity (usually sourced from coal). They also last much longer (5 to 20 years), saving you lots of money in the long run. CFLs and LEDs are brighter than incandescent bulbs. If you're sensitive to bright lights, look into fitting your lamps with darker lamp shades. For ceiling fixtures, consider installing LED-compatible dimmers. Reduce lighting use. Each time you turn a light on, you use up energy. Unfortunately, many people have a habit of turning on lights they don't actually need. By reducing your use of lighting, you will not only help conserve energy, but also save on electricity bills. Keep the lights off in rooms that you are not currently using. On sunny days, open the curtains for some free solar lighting. Consider switching to timers or motion sensors if you need lights on in unused areas for security or safety reasons. This is great for garden pathways. Use dimmers and less lighting later at night to help your body get ready for sleep. Switch to smaller, energy-efficient lights. If you're reading or sewing, use a desk lamp rather than a ceiling lamp. Unplug small appliances and electronics. Even if your coffee maker or computer is switched off, it's still consuming energy as long as it is still plugged into the wall. Unplug these devices when not in use. If you have multiple electronics in, consider using a power strip. This way, you can simply turn the strip off to cut the power. Turn down the heat and air conditioner. Central air often uses coal-based electricity. Central heating often uses oil or natural gas. Adjusting the temperature just one or two degrees can help to conserve resources. To maximize your comfort, dress warmly and use thick blankets during colder weather. When it's hot outside, close the blinds on east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Insulate your home with weather stripping, caulk, and eco-friendly insulation. This will prevent cold winter air and hot summer air from making your home uncomfortable. Ditch the clothes dryer. Most clothes dryers are electricity hogs. You can solve this problem by opting to air dry your laundry. On hot sunny days, hang your laundry outside to dry. If it's cool and/or rainy (or if you're drying your undergarments), dry your clothes indoors on drying racks. Your clothes will take slightly longer to dry, but the planet and your wallet will thank you. Clothes dryers can be rough on clothing. By switching to air drying, you may find that your clothes last longer. Use cooler water. Do this when you're showering, washing dishes, or doing the laundry. Cool or cold water reduces fossil fuel consumption by about 90 percent. In the washing machine, it also preserves your clothes longer than hot water does. Don't worry about germs surviving in cool water. As long as you're using soap, you'll still kill germs. Power up with renewables. In many locations, the prices of solar and wind energy are competitive with fossil fuels. Although many national governments in Europe and North America have ended subsidies, some local governments still provide tax breaks for solar panels and/or wind turbines. Check with your city or state/provincial government to see if they offer these incentives. Solar panels come in a variety of sizes for rooftops and yards. If you prefer wind power, you can build or buy a turbine small enough for your backyard. If you're an apartment/condo dweller or if you rent your home, look into buying offsets. Check online for power companies that match your energy consumption with clean power. You can stay with your current utility company, and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. Choose zero-carbon transportation. Try cycling or walking to your destination. These are the most eco-friendly means of transportation because they don't use fossil fuels. Find bike lanes/cycleways wherever possible. They're safer than dealing with vehicles and getting hit in the face with their emissions. If your community doesn't have bike lanes/cycleways, contact your city council and campaign for them to be added. Remember to practice good safety habits. If you are traveling in a dark area, have a reflector on you so that cars and other vehicles can see you. Use public transportation. Cities are increasingly using clean energy for their mass transit systems. However, even systems that still use fossil fuels can carry many passengers at once. In most cases, each passenger equals a vehicle that's not consuming fossil fuels. If your city doesn't have mass transit, try to organize a carpool or vanpool in your neighborhood. This can reduce fossil fuel consumption by taking up to 15 vehicles off the road. Don’t let your car idle. Unless you're in traffic, turn off your engine if you don't plan to move for 10 seconds or more. Idling wastes fuel, increases smog, and endangers people with respiratory conditions. In a growing number of cities, it's also illegal and can cost you a hefty fine. Look into hybrid or electric cars. Depending on where you live, you could greatly reduce fossil-fuel emissions with these options. Electric vehicles (EVs) run entirely on electricity. Hybrid vehicles use gas-powered engines as a backup after the battery loses its charge. Plug-in hybrids are charged by plugging them into a wall, while traditional hybrids are charged by an on-board generator. If you live in a location that relies on coal-based electricity, you'll still be using fossil fuels when you charge your car. However, you can reduce your impact by charging overnight when the grid is under less pressure. Reduce your number of flights. Planes burn jet fuel at high altitudes, which causes chemical reactions that worsen climate change. Make a list of the places you absolutely must visit by plane, and stick with those. For example, a trip for business or an important family occasion is important. On the other hand, flying off to an exotic island on a whim isn't all that crucial. For business trips, ask your employer if you can telecommute instead of flying. The company will save money on airfare, and you'll cut back on your carbon footprint. If you have family members who live thousands of miles away, download video chat software like Skype. If your relatives also have it installed on their computers, you can talk for hours “face-to-face” without spending money or burning fossil fuels. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Educate them on the benefits of recycling, conserving energy, and eco-friendly transportation options. Appeal to their concerns as parents, older siblings, or aunts/uncles. If they don't consider themselves environmentalists, ask them to take these measures so that the children in their lives will have a decent future. A great way to spread information is by going door-to-door. If you want to hand out pamphlets, make sure that you use recycled paper. Consider hosting a meeting or presentation at a community center so that you can educate a bunch of people at once. Contact your elected officials. It only takes two minutes to send an email to your state and national representatives, but why stop there? Attend town hall, city council, and school board meetings to voice your concerns in public. Ask your senator/representative/MP why they voted to expand oil drilling. Tell your city council you'd like to see a bus or light rail system. Ask your school board to adopt an anti-idling policy on school grounds. If you are still a kid, consider talking to your school principal or student council. They may find solutions for saving energy and paper. Join the divestment movement. Search online for organizations urging corporations to divest (remove their money) from pipelines and other fossil-fuel projects. This includes banks, credit card companies, and boards overseeing pensions. For example, if your bank or credit card company funds these projects, tell them you will do business with more responsible companies if they don't divest. | Reduce your use of plastic. Reuse plastic containers to store food. Refuse plastic as often as possible. Buy locally. Recycle what you can’t reduce or reuse. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Reduce lighting use. Unplug small appliances and electronics. Turn down the heat and air conditioner. Ditch the clothes dryer. Use cooler water. Power up with renewables. Choose zero-carbon transportation. Use public transportation. Don’t let your car idle. Look into hybrid or electric cars. Reduce your number of flights. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Contact your elected officials. Join the divestment movement. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Durable-Dog-Toys | How to Find Durable Dog Toys | To find durable dog toys, look for ones that are made out of hard rubber, like Kong toys, which are fairly chew-resistant. Alternatively you can try purchasing toys made of hard nylon, like squeaky footballs, which are also pretty tough. If your dog likes playing tug-o-war, you might also consider buying a rope toy, which can usually withstand plenty of chewing. Whatever toy you choose, just make sure it doesn't have any soft, stuffed components, which aren't durable and can be a choking hazard to your dog. | Look for toys made out of hard rubber. Durable toys tend to be made out of harder materials, like nylon or a hard rubber. However, durable does not always mean indestructible. Even some very durable toys can be torn apart, especially if you have a larger dog with a strong bite. Solid rubber dog toys are typically the toughest and most durable. You want to find a rubber that is hard but still has some flexibility to it. Kong toys are very popular and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and there are a number of other toy brands that are designed for use with dogs that love to chew. Buy toys made out of hard nylon. Reinforced nylon is another material that makes toys more durable. Often, you'll find toys that combine rubber with nylon fibers to make them even stronger. Check the tags of toys to see whether they use reinforced nylon in conjunction with rubber. There are toys that are only made out of nylon, though these are often harder to find than toys that are made out of both rubber and nylon, or just rubber. Look at durable rope toys. Many dogs enjoy playing with rope toys, especially for games like tug of war. The fibrous materials of the rope, which are usually nylon or some other synthetic fiber, are strong enough to withstand a lot of chewing. Generally, rope toys with more threads are stronger. Rope toys can also be cleaned fairly easily. The fibrous materials are also good for cleaning your dog's teeth. Avoid soft toys. Soft fabric toys are fine for less aggressive chewers, but are not durable enough for stronger dogs. Soft, plush toys are also filled with stuffing that can be harmful to your dog if they swallow it. Soft toys are not durable and will be easily destroyed by any dog who enjoys chewing. Some soft toys are marketed as more durable, especially those that have multiple layers of fabric. However, they are still not as durable as rubber or nylon toys. Take your dog to the store, if possible. One great way to make sure that you choose a toy that you'll dog will love is to take them with you to the store. Most pet stores allow dogs, as long as they are on a leash, to come into the store with you. Take your pup with you to the store and show them a few different options. Let them choose which toy they're most interested in. You can also ask the store's staff for their recommendations on durable toys that the store carries. At the store, look for a few of the options on your list. Get them off the shelf and hold them out to your dog to sniff and inspect. Choose whichever one they seem the most interested in. Buy from brands you trust. It's best to buy from name brands, especially those made in Europe or North America. These toys are more likely to be safer than toys that are imported in bulk from China or Mexico where safety standards aren't as stringently regulated. While these toys might be more expensive, they are much higher in quality and are made of safer materials. Buying from brands that you already are familiar with is a good choice. You can ask your veterinarian for toy recommendations. You can also ask friends or family members about the toys they use, especially if they have dogs roughly the same size as yours. Do not purchase toys that look like household items. Avoid any toys that are shaped like kid's toys, shoes, and other household items. Your dog will come to associate the shape of their toy with the items in your household and see them as other toys. This encourages bad behaviors, like chewing on shoes. Your dog, especially if they are young, may not be able to differentiate their toy with your child's toys so it's easier to just avoid any similar shapes. Examine toys for any removable or dangerous parts. Safety should be your top priority when it comes to choosing new toys. Many dogs that are vigorous chewers will become fixated on nibbling or ripping parts of their toys. Assume that any small or easily broken piece of a toy will be ripped off and swallowed. The exception to this is a rope toy. Loose fibers that your dog might swallow are easily passed and don't pose a health risk. Read the toy's label. This toy is going to be in your dog's mouth frequently so it's very important to make sure that the toy is made of a non-toxic material. Each dog toy should have a label that describes the material that the toy is made out of. Keep in mind that hard rubber and nylon are typically the most durable materials. The toy must also non-toxic. Avoid toys made out of latex, since this material may also contain lead. Keep an eye out for any toxic heavy metals, like cadmium, lead, or chromium. These can lead to serious health problems. Avoid any toys that are treated with fire retardants or stain guards, since these may contain formaldehyde. Pass on toys with squeakers. Many dogs love toys with squeakers in them since it appeals to their prey instincts. Unfortunately, some dogs become fixated on discovering the source of the squeaking and pull out the squeakers from their toys. Squeaky toys are usually not a good option for dogs that need durable chew toys. The squeaker can be swallowed or choked on, which is a serious health hazard. Look for toys that are the right size. You want to find a toy that is the appropriate size for your dog. For instance, a tennis ball is too large for a Chihuahua while it is too small for a Great Dane. You want to find toys that your dog can fit in their mouths that do not pose a choking risk. Toys that are too small for your dog can be swallowed and pose a choking risk. Read reviews. Unfortunately, dog toys aren't regulated like human toys are. That means that there aren't any federal agencies that regulate how dog toys are made and whether they are safe. When there is a problem with a dog toy, it's up to the manufacturer to issue a recall, which they may or may not do. Search online for reviews of specific dog toy brands to see whether other consumers have had problems with the toys. Many American toy manufacturers meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for lead in children's toys. Not all manufacturers meet these standards, but a CPSC seal can help you assess a toy's safety. | Look for toys made out of hard rubber. Buy toys made out of hard nylon. Look at durable rope toys. Avoid soft toys. Take your dog to the store, if possible. Buy from brands you trust. Do not purchase toys that look like household items. Examine toys for any removable or dangerous parts. Read the toy's label. Pass on toys with squeakers. Look for toys that are the right size. Read reviews. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Alfredo-Sauce | How to Make Alfredo Sauce | To start a basic Alfredo sauce, melt 1 stick of butter over medium-low heat. Then, stir 8 ounces of heavy cream and 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese into the butter, heating the mixture until it's simmering. When heating the sauce, refrain from turning up the heat, which can cause the sauce to burn. After a few small bubbles begin to form, add salt and pepper to taste. If your sauce is too thick you can add some water to thin it. Finally, pour the sauce over your pasta and serve! | Melt butter on the stove. Use a standard saucepan over medium-low heat. Your goal with this sauce should be to gently bring it to a warm temperature and a smooth consistency. Low, slow cooking is best. This can take patience. Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir the mixture as you add the ingredients to keep them from burning or sticking. Continue stirring to combine. If you can, use fresh-grated Parmesan. The taste difference is noticeable compared to using pre-grated cheese. Fresh cheese also tends to be less vulnerable to "seizing." See below for an explanation. Heat until simmering. Wait until the sauce reaches a gentle boil. Just a few small bubbles will be forming. At this point, start gently stirring until it becomes noticeably thicker. This is usually about eight minutes. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat. Turn it down if you notice your sauce boiling rapidly. Not only can this burn your ingredients and produce an unpleasant bitter taste — it can also make your cheese "seize". When cheese is heated too quickly, the proteins in the cheese coil up rather than separating gently. This separates the fat and moisture from the cheese, leaving an unpleasantly hard product that refuses to melt. Add salt and pepper to taste. The sauce is ready to season when it's at a pleasantly thick consistency. You can add whatever seasonings you want, but plain old salt and pepper work great on their own. Stir to mix evenly after adding. A few shakes or pinches of each seasoning should do the trick. If you're worried about adding too much, try adding just a single pinch, stirring, and tasting the sauce. Repeat until you're satisfied! Optionally, use the pasta water to thin the sauce. If you saved the water from the pasta pot, you can use it to thin out a sauce that is too thick and rich. The water retains some of the flavor of the pasta, giving the sauce a nice "bready" flavor while thinning it. If you accidentally add too much water, just simmer it a little longer to thicken it again. Serve! When the sauce tastes just how you like it, it's ready to serve. Spoon steaming portions over your favorite pasta. The recipe in this section should serve about six. Alternatively, try using it to lend creamy flavor to your favorite meat and vegetable dishes, including chicken, shrimp, broccoli, and much more. This sauce's mild flavor is highly versatile, so you can use it for almost any entrée. Try adding a few cloves of garlic. Garlic's pungent, savory taste is the perfect accompaniment to creamy Alfredo perfection. As you melt the butter, mince a clove of garlic or two. Then, cook them on their own in the butter for about a minute before adding the rest of the ingredients. This brings out their natural flavor and aroma. Leave the garlic in the sauce as you serve it. Try adding white wine. The sweet, slightly acidic taste of most white wines adds a refined dimension to simple Alfredo recipes. Slowly mix in about 1/3 of a cup of wine just before you add the salt and pepper to the recipe. You may find that you need to simmer the sauce slightly longer to re-thicken it after adding the wine. Most white wines will work well. The crisp, fresh taste of Chardonnay, for instance, will elevate the dish's smoothness. Avoid dessert wines like moscato, as these will be overpoweringly sweet. Try adding a twist of lemon for a citrus twist. The acidic flavor of lemon juice "cuts" the fat of the alfredo sauce. The interaction between the flavors can be tangy but mouth-watering. To add this citrus flavor to your sauce, halve a lemon while you're waiting for the sauce to come to a simmer. Use a fine grater or microplane to zest the peel into a small pile. Once the sauce has thickened, add the zest. Then, squeeze the juice from the lemon half in. Stir to combine. You may want to squeeze the lemon into the sauce through a strainer to prevent any seeds from falling in. Try adding a small pinch of nutmeg. Nutmeg may not be the first spice you'd think of that would fit well in a creamy alfredo sauce. However, in small quantities the spice can add a savory, pleasantly aromatic quality to the dish. Try stirring in a very small pinch of nutmeg (no more than 1/4 teaspoon) when you add the Parmesan cheese. If you like the effect you get, you can keep adding more in tiny increments. Use yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie sauce. Alfredo sauce tastes great, but one look at the ingredients list will reveal that it's calorie-dense and loaded with fat. Try substituting an equal amount of your favorite low-fat plain yogurt for the cream in the normal recipe. Greek style yogurt is also OK. The dish will still be rich, but not as rich. The yogurt will also give the recipe a slightly "tangier" taste (similar to a Stroganoff sauce). Some prefer this. You may want to add about a tablespoon of flour to the recipe at the same time as you add the yogurt. Yogurt can curdle when exposed to high heats, but flour tends to prevent this. Try using only butter and cheese for a traditional variation. The earliest versions of the modern Alfredo sauce used only two ingredients: cheese and butter. When melted and combined, these form a smooth, rich, golden mixture that coats the pasta evenly. This version of the sauce is simple but hearty and delicious If you're looking to experiment with old-fashioned flavors, try leaving out the cream, water, and seasonings from the recipe above. You also may want to double the amounts of cheese and butter you use to get a similar amount of sauce. For a more authentic taste, use fresh, unsalted butter. Before refrigeration, salt was added to butter so that it would keep longer. When people wanted to make a great recipe, they would use unsalted butter, which had to be fresh because it wouldn't keep for very long. | Melt butter on the stove. Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat until simmering. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, use the pasta water to thin the sauce. Serve! Try adding a few cloves of garlic. Try adding white wine. Try adding a twist of lemon for a citrus twist. Try adding a small pinch of nutmeg. Use yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie sauce. Try using only butter and cheese for a traditional variation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Trading-Cards | How to Make Your Own Trading Cards | To make your own trading cards, start by creating the artwork for your cards and scanning it into your computer. Then, open a word processor like Microsoft Word on your computer and insert a rectangle shape into the document. Next, drag the dimensions of the rectangle until it's about 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. Once you've made this template, open the artwork you scanned and drag it onto the rectangle. Below the artwork, add a name and description to complete the card. Finally, print the cards on thick paper and cut them out with scissors. | Make cards for your own Trading Card Game. Trading card games like Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh! are popular, but it can be even more fun to create your own game. You can invent your own characters, give them powers, and write your own rules. Making your own Trading Card Game is a phenomenal way to use your creativity and will give you and your friends a fun new game to play. Trading cards typically have unique character names, and includes details such as the character's powers, skills, strengths, any any other information you'd like to include. Create your own baseball cards. Trading baseball cards has been a fun pastime for many years, but what if you don't have access to baseball trading cards? Whether you can't afford baseball cards, or can't find them in your town, making your own baseball cards is a fun alternative and fairly easy to do. Get a few of your friends involved to have fun with your baseball trading cards. Baseball cards typically include the player's name, their statistics, team history (where they played in college and high school), and a few fun facts. Use photos of family and friends to make personalized trading cards. Making personalized trading cards with friends or family is a fun way to connect with the people you love and can make great gifts for the holidays. Print out your favorite photos of family members (you can even include pets if you'd like) or use yearbook photos with a group of school friends. You can add whatever information you'd like to on these cards, but you should usually include the person's name, occupation or major, maybe their favorite food and color, and a couple fun facts. This is the most personal of all trading cards, so have fun with it! Gather your materials. To make your own trading cards, you're going to need paper, a pencil, markers, and scissors. Other materials, such as stickers or photos, can be used if you want to use those as your artwork. Choose a paper with a thick consistency. Index cards, construction paper, or thick card stock paper are all good options. You want your playing cards to be sturdy so that they last longer and appear to be more professional. Choose bright colored markers to give your trading cards a vibrant look. Cut out your cards. Typical trading cards are 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, but you don't have to make your cards that size. Whichever size you want your trading cards to be, cut your paper so that all of the cards are as even as possible. Use a ruler to draw guide lines on your paper. This will make cutting your cards much easier. Trace a trading card you already have (Pokemon, baseball card, etc.) multiple times until you've filled up your paper with outlines, and carefully cut each card out. This will help your cards be uniform in size. Using small index cards as your trading cards is a great option that requires no cutting. Although index cards are slightly larger than typical trading cards, choosing this option will require less work and give you completely even cards to play with. Add your artwork. Your artwork will depend on whether you're making a trading card game, baseball cards, or personalized trading cards. Create a unique character on each trading card if your making a Trading Card Game. Draw each character in pencil first so that you're able to fix any mistakes you may make. Once you're satisfied with your drawing, trace and color in your character with marker to give it a polished, colorful look. If you are uncomfortable with drawing, use stickers as the images for your characters. Find stickers that you like and simply stick them in the center of your trading cards where the artwork would typically go. If you're making baseball cards, it's best to print out photos of the players you're putting on the cards. Then, tape or glue them to the card. If you're making personalized trading cards, print out pictures of your friends and family to tape or glue to your cards. You can also use wallet sized class photos if you're making the cards for a group of friends at school. Be sure to leave room on the top and bottom of your card to write in details about your person or character. Add details to your trading cards. Each person / character should have a name as well as details about them. The information you choose to include is entirely up to you. Write your character / person's name at the top of each card using legible handwriting. Make the name bold with a marker so that it stands out. List the details about the character / person under the image. This is where you'd add the character's powers, skill level, etc., the baseball players stats, team history, etc., of the person's favorite food and color. Use a thin marker or very dark pen so that these details are easy to read. Finish your cards. This step is optional, but if you'd like to preserve your cards and make them last longer, consider laminating them. You can do this by getting a laminating machine, or taking your cards into a specialty shop to get them laminated. Use a computer that has a word processor or editing software. Microsoft Word, Pages, Photoshop, or any other program that will allow you to create shapes, insert images, and make text boxes will work. Word processors like Microsoft Word and Pages are user friendly and very simple to use, whereas Photoshop is a bit more advanced. Use whatever program you are most comfortable with. Your computer should also have access to a printer. If you don't have access to a printer, you can pay to have your trading cards printed at any store with printing services, such as FedEx Office. Create the artwork for your cards. The type of artwork you use will depend on the type of trading cards you're making. Create a folder on your computer to store your images in. Using this folder, save your artwork or photos to set them to the side while you create your card template. Drawing your own artwork is a great option if you want to create a unique trading card game. You should draw your characters in pencil, and color them in with marker to give them a finished look. Once you've drawn your characters, you'll either scan your images into your computer using a scanner printer, or take a photo of each character and upload the photos to your computer. (If you choose to take photos, make sure you have bright lighting with no shadows). Using photos of your friends, family, or even pets for your characters is a great way to make a personalized trading card game. Simply upload pictures of each person you want to be a character to your computer. Download photos of your favorite baseball players to you computer to make your own baseball cards. Crop your photos / artwork into square shaped images. This will make adding them to your templates much easier. Design the template for your cards. Open up your chosen computer software and create a new document / project. We will pretend we are using Pages since it is a simple software. Using Microsoft Word will be extremely similar, but the buttons / commands may be named slightly differently. Click "Insert Shape" to insert a rectangle into your document. Drag the dimensions of your rectangle so that it is the size of your desired trading card. As you drag your rectangle, the size measurements will appear. Typical trading cards are roughly 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. For size reference, you can hold a trading card or playing card up to your computer screen, and drag your rectangle's dimensions so that it is the same size as that card. Be sure your document is zoomed in to 150% for accuracy if you use this method. Give your rectangle shape a thick border for you to cut around. Once you've created the shape of your card, it is time to insert text boxes for your character / person's name and details. Add a thin text box along the top of your card, and type in your character / person's name. Next, add a slightly larger text box along the bottom of your card. This will be where you list your character / person's details. Use a legible font so that the name and details are easy to read. You should now have an open square area in the middle of your card, this is where the image / artwork of your character will go. Add your artwork to your templates. Remember the artwork or photos that you set aside from earlier? Now it's time to add them to your template. Open the folder where your images are saved, and drag your first character / person onto your template. You can drag the dimensions of the image so that it fits into the square space that you've left open. Now, your card should have a name, an image, and a description. Create a full sheet of templates and make each one an individual person / character. Copy and paste your template so that you can make multiple cards out of one sheet of paper. If you've done a standard card size, your card template should fit on one sheet 9 times. If you've done a larger card size, put 4-6 card templates on one sheet. To copy and paste your entire template (the rectangle shape and the text boxes together), click "Edit" in the upper left hand corner, then click "Select All," and finally do your copy and paste. Add the names and details for each of your characters into your templates so that each card is for a different character / person. Drag the image for each character / person into the templates, and resize accordingly. Once you've done this for each card template, you should have a sheet full of individual trading cards ready to print. Print your new trading cards. Use thicker paper to give your cards the proper consistency. This type of paper can be bought at any office supply store. If you're unable to print at home, save your documents to a flash drive / thumb drive and bring them into your local printing store. Be sure to select a thicker paper for your print job. Finish your cards. Once your cards have been printed, cut them out! Cut slowly and carefully along the edges of your borders. If you choose to get your cards laminated, you can buy a laminating machine or take your cards into specialty shop to be laminated. | Make cards for your own Trading Card Game. Create your own baseball cards. Use photos of family and friends to make personalized trading cards. Gather your materials. Cut out your cards. Add your artwork. Add details to your trading cards. Finish your cards. Use a computer that has a word processor or editing software. Create the artwork for your cards. Design the template for your cards. Add your artwork to your templates. Create a full sheet of templates and make each one an individual person / character. Print your new trading cards. Finish your cards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps | How to Replace Single Wrap Vinyl Straps | If the vinyl straps on your outdoor furniture have become worn, you can replace them with a few simple tools. You'll need new vinyl straps and rivets to attach them to the frame. To remove the old straps, just cut them with scissors or a sharp blade. To calculate the length of your new straps, measure the length between each side of the frame, multiply it by 0.85 and add 1 inch. Once you've bought your new straps, you'll need to cut them to length, punch a hole half an inch from each end with a drill or leather punch, and trim the corners from each side of the straps. Then, heat your straps in a large pot of boiling water for 2 minutes to soften them. After that, wrap each strap around the frame and hammer the rivets into the holes. | Remove the old straps. Using a pair of scissors, cut off all the old straps and fasteners. Clean the chair frame at this time. Measure the frame. With a cloth measuring tape, take the hole-to-hole measurement. Wrap the measuring tape around the frame as if it were a strap. Calculate the strap length. Take the hole-to-hole measurement and multiply it by.85 (85%). Then add one inch. This number will be your cut length. For example: Hole to hole measurement = 22" Hole-to-hole measurement x.8" = 17.6" Add one inch. Cut length: 18.6". Cut the vinyl straps. Using scissors and a measuring tape, cut the desired number of straps at the cut length. Drill or punch holes for rivets. Using a leather punch or and electric drill with a 3/16" bit, carefully drill a hole in the center of the strap, 1/2" from the end of the strap. Make sure to drill a hole on both ends. Trim the corners. Once all straps are cut and drilled, trim off the corners of both sides of every strap. Heat the vinyl strap. This is done to soften it. There are at least two possible ways to achieve this satisfactorily: Use boiling water to heat it. Using a hot plate or other heat source, boil a large pot of water. Once the water has come to a boil, insert several straps. Reduce the heat so the water remains hot but not boiling. Allow the straps to stay in the water at least two minutes, although leaving them in longer will not hurt them. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid19313-v4-728px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet1.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>"} Use a heat gun. Move the heat gun around frequently; do not allow it to rest at one place. Thirty seconds of moving it around the strap and it should be heated enough to use. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/aid19313-v4-728px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-8Bullet2.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>"} Insert the fastener. From here on, gloves are recommended to be worn as the straps can be very hot coming out of the water or after heating under the heat gun. Remove one strap with a pair of tongs and dry it with a towel, or simply lift up the hot heated strap with the tongs. Insert rivets into both ends of the strap. Attach the fastener to the frame. While the strap is still hot, approach the frame from underneath. Push the rivet into the hole in the frame and bring the strap around the outside of the frame. If the rivet is difficult to insert, use a rubber mallet or hammer to tap it in. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-10Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/aid19313-v4-728px-Replace-Single-Wrap-Vinyl-Straps-Step-10Bullet1.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>"} Pull the strap. Using one hand to detain the chair, grab the end of the strap with the other. Stretch the strap evenly and steadily over top the opposite side of the chair. Wrap the strap. Using heavy thumb pressure, hold the vinyl in place and attach the rivet to the frame with the other hand. Release thumb pressure and the strap will contract as it cools. Repeat for each strap requiring fixing. When it's all done, the chair is ready to sit on again. | Remove the old straps. Clean the chair frame at this time. Measure the frame. Calculate the strap length. Cut the vinyl straps. Drill or punch holes for rivets. Trim the corners. Heat the vinyl strap. Insert the fastener. Attach the fastener to the frame. Pull the strap. Wrap the strap. Repeat for each strap requiring fixing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ankle-Bracelets | How to Make Ankle Bracelets | To make an ankle bracelet, start by measuring your ankle with a tape measure. Then, cut out 3 different colored strings that are 6 inches longer than your ankle measurement. Once you've cut the strings, tie them together about an inch from the end so you have room to fasten your bracelet when it's done. Weigh the knot-end down with a paper weight or clamp it in a binder or clipboard to keep it still. After you've secured the strings, hold 2 of them straight, wrap the 3rd string around them, and knot it through itself. Repeat this 10-15 times with the same thread. Next, repeat the process with a different colored string and switch colors every 10-15 knots to make a pattern. When the pattern stretches far enough to fit around your ankle, tie the ends together with a double knot and cut away the leftover string to finish your bracelet. | Gather your materials. To make your ankle bracelet, you will need string. You can use one color, or an assortment. You'll need three pieces of string for this type of ankle bracelet. You can find the string at craft stores. When picking out the colors, be sure to choose a set that either means something to the person you're making the ankle bracelet for or simply goes well together. Colorful string Scissors Tape-measure Safety pin or tape Measure your ankle. Using your tape measure, tape around the spot on your ankle where you want your ankle bracelet to sit. Next, add 6 inches (15.2 cm) to this measurement. This gives you plenty of room to tie the ankle bracelet. Cut your string here. Tie a knot. Tie all three of your strings together in one knot at the end. Leave an inch above the knot so that you can tie it again after you complete your ankle bracelet. Anchor your string. Use tape or a safety pin to anchor your string. Attaching it to something steady will make it much easier to work with. You can attach it to anything that will hold it still. The leg of your pants A binder The table A pillow Start your staircase. With your strings anchored, knot at the side, grab hold of two strings. Hold these straight and wrap your third string around these two and pull it into a knot. You'll be able to see the knot on the side of the string. Using this same thread, repeat this step 10-15 times. Be sure to hold your two center strings as straight and tight as possible. This will make tying the knots easier because it will keep them out of the way of your staircase. Switch colors. It's just that easy—pick your next color string after you've reached the length you want for the first one. Hold the other two straight and use your new color to tie a knot around them. Repeat this for 10-15 knots. Continue this staircase for the length of your ankle. If you notice that a knot isn't sitting correctly, you can easily undo it. However, this gets more and more difficult because your staircase gets tighter as you go; so pay attention and catch the mistake early. Test the length. Once you have approximately 4 extra inches of string, test the length of your ankle bracelet. If it is not yet long enough, continue your staircase and check again after you complete a color. Tie and cut. Now that your ankle bracelet is long enough, tie it around your ankle, or the ankle of the person you're giving it to. Use a strong knot and cut the excess string away. Measure your string. One piece will most likely be too weak to hold beads, using two or three strings will lengthen the lifetime of your beaded ankle bracelet. Cut your string at your ankle length. Find the center of your ankle bracelet. Do this by taking all three pieces of your string and lining them up. Now fold them in half. Mark this spot with a pen. Thread your center bead. Choose which bead you want in the center of your ankle bracelet and slide it onto the string. Move it down to the point that you just marked and tie knots on either side of it. This is now your center bead. Beads can represent your outfit, mood, or personality. Choose beads that convey the message that you want. Use a toothpick. In order to slide the rest of your beads onto your ankle bracelet, fold your string over a toothpick. This will be thin enough for your beads to fit over, but strong enough to keep your string from fraying at the ends. Measure ½” from your center bead. Using your tape measure, mark ½” away from your center bead in both directions. Tie a knot at this spot and slide your next bead onto your ankle bracelet. Knot it again after the bead is in place. Continue beading. Keep measuring ½” from each bead and fill your ankle bracelet with evenly spaced beads. Be sure to knot each one on both sides of the bead so that they stay where you want them. Test the length. Once you have beaded your ankle bracelet until there is approximately 2” of thread left on each side, test the length around your ankle. If you want to add one, or you need to take one off, now is the time for those adjustments. Use a clasp. For a beaded ankle bracelet, it is smart to use a clasp because the beads are heavier than just the string. A lobster clasp is the best for an ankle bracelet and is easily tied onto each side. You don't necessarily have to use a clasp, but it extend the life of your beaded ankle bracelet if you do. | Gather your materials. Measure your ankle. Tie a knot. Anchor your string. Start your staircase. Switch colors. Test the length. Tie and cut. Measure your string. Find the center of your ankle bracelet. Thread your center bead. Use a toothpick. Measure ½” from your center bead. Continue beading. Test the length. Use a clasp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Capture-Joie-De-Vivre | How to Capture Joie De Vivre | To capture joie de vivre, or the joy of living, try to look for joy in the little things you encounter, like the first sip of your morning coffee or the way the sky looks when the sun is setting. Also, if your life is busy and hectic, try to slow down and focus on the present moment since it's hard to be joyful when you're constantly distracted. Additionally, embrace life by pursuing your hobbies and learning new things whenever you get the chance, which will build your confidence and help you feel more content. | Acknowledge joy, or the joy of living. There is no need to over-analyze joy; to do so is to unnecessarily complicate it. Joy is simply about realizing that the moment you're in right now is special, wondrous, and beautiful. So rejoice (joy) in the things that life has given to you to enjoy, and do just that... enjoy them. Moments of joy can be found in just about anything, including the mundane. Share the sight of something special such as a rainbow with another person, enjoy a spontaneous hug from a child, watch the joy in a pet's enthusiasm at your return home, savor the burble of the coffee maker in the morning, relish the moment you get to curl up with a new book by a favorite author, and feel sheer happiness when someone you love says your name. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/11380-1b1.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-1b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/11380-1b1.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-1b1.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>"} Slow down. A frantic, hectic, and over-scheduled life has little time for joy because joy and busy are uneasy partners; while a certain amount of being busy is healthy and fulfilling, being too busy all the time leaves little room for joy. Be careful not to be so busy that being occupied is all about self-importance; that is simply missing the point of life. Triage all crises. If it's financial, it's only money and being alive is more important than trying to keep up. If that comes from debt, consider long term lifestyle changes that will reduce your everyday financial burden to the point where you can begin to pay off your bills - but always budget a small proportion of your money for unplanned pleasures. Even if the only shopping you do is for groceries, reserving 10% of the grocery budget for impulse items and making the decision on the spot between various treats that are on sale make a tight budget sustainable in a way that absolute self-denial isn't. You can make room for pleasure in any and every necessary expense - and if you're not getting pleasure out of spending that money, then why pour more into that at all? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/11380-2b1.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-2b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/11380-2b1.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-2b1.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>"} If the crises and chronic trouble are emotional, examine your relationships. Choose to spend more time with the people who leave you feeling joyful, warm, loving and appreciated, spend less time with people who are sour, bitter, ruthlessly competitive or disruptive. Budget your social time reasonably and remember that is a matter of choice. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/11380-2b2.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-2b2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/11380-2b2.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-2b2.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>"} If the crises and chronic trouble are physical, find joy in what you have in reach, in any moment of relief. Pay attention to the days your health isn't as bad as usual or you can manage to do a little more than before. Count your successes no matter how small and treat anything else as failed trials that taught you something, if only that certain types of weather are better for sleeping it off than trying to do anything productive. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/11380-2b3.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-2b3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/11380-2b3.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-2b3.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>"} Joie de vivre is about both recognizing special moments , and giving yourself the time to savor them when they occur, as well as giving yourself the space to process or reflect on special moments in your life. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/11380-2b4.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-2b4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/11380-2b4.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-2b4.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>"} Accept and revel in the fact that you're not perfect. No one even agrees on what "perfect" is - the same person can be obnoxiously crazy to some people and fun-crazy life of the party to others. Most of us are disgruntled and obsessed with real (and some imagined) negative aspects of our lives which tend to dominate our outlook and mar the happiness we'd otherwise find in simple things. It helps to remember that however perfect appearances may be, all of us, without exception, have some low points and flaws to us. They are often also our strengths and sometimes the reverse of what you think you are. A neat freak who constantly worries about being sloppy is still a neat freak in everyone else's eyes. Everyone has problems even if they're not visible; some of us are just more clever at hiding them than others (and possibly even from ourselves). Being either consciously or unwittingly influenced by feeling that attractiveness and perfection is something we buy by way of fitness training, grooming products, clothing, or other external symbols of getting "there" leads us to never feel joy, only a relentless urge to acquire, achieve, and accumulate well beyond what we find fulfilling. Accept that nobody is perfect, and you don't have to be either. No one is ever rich enough, thin enough or "good enough" to that competitive outlook. What would happen to your morale if every time someone criticized you, you gave it the kind of doubt that you're used to giving compliments, but every time someone gave you a compliment, you assumed it was true the way people usually do anything critical? Both are as likely to be true or untrue, but the compliments leave you feeling better and likelier to return them in kind. Give them often, they don't cost you anything. Just as it isn't possible to buy a new self, it isn't possible to buy joy. See the wonder in people and find miracles and joy in everyday things. We get used to things and people being the way they are; all this "taking for granted" keeps on doing circles around us, causing us to lose sight of the wonders in our life: our health, our strengths, our family, our achievements , our hobbies, and the beautiful world around us. When infusing life with joie de vivre, see the familiar with new eyes. Take time to notice more around you and to remind yourself how miraculous everything truly is. There are beautiful small wildflowers growing between the cracks of every sidewalk. There is always the sky in its ever-changing panoply. There's cracks in paint that look like clowns or elephants. Pay attention to these things and give them a smile, you'll notice them more often. Even more if you point them out to friends. When this seems hard, repeat Einstein's quote to yourself: There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Feel adequate. Always tell yourself that you can do it and that you will make it. All those people holding you back? They're in your head, not in your physical way. When you believe them, you make it possible for them to keep you down. If you think that there are people who have all the character, lifestyle , and objects you'd like to have, your joie de vivre will plummet because you're longing for something others have and you're telling yourself you only deserve these if you match up. The thing is – you already do match up – and what's more, if you persist in always finding the joy in life, you'll surpass those people who "have it all" but are miserable. Hold your head high, flaunt your personal assets; be proud of what you have already accomplished and the person you are. Put aside the ego and embrace the community of relationships around you. Take the first step to build and sustain relationships - send that birthday card, be the one to plan a reunion or send a conciliatory e-mail to someone long lost to you. When you come right down to it, for most of us, if we go down memory lane, our fondest and most touching memories involve people and relationships – not objects, not crises, not "perfect moments". Being too busy is just an excuse; losing touch with that special high school friend or a kind teacher who has affected you profoundly is a loss of joy. Regain the joy by getting back in touch again; it will be well worth it to genuinely surrender yourself to love, friends, and life. Sometimes things may not work out; at least you tried and your sense of joy won't be diminished because you did your best. You are a winner for that, and as the cliché says, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. If you meet someone new who you think is cool, don't be afraid to speak up and get to know them. Making new friends in a new situation such as a job or after relocation is a skill - it can be learned and enriches life as much as tracking down lost relationships. Do they love cats? Do they like the same kind of coffee you do? Is that someone wearing your favorite band on a T-shirt in the dog park? When you notice someone who seems cool, strike up a conversation on what you can see you have in common and see where it goes from there. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/11380-6b2.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-6b2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/11380-6b2.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-6b2.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>"} Rediscover your wit. Not the biting sarcastic self who feels defensive, superior and backed into a corner. Rather, the wit of intelligent, amusing discussions peppered with jokes, perceptive observations, and humor. Wit will strengthen your impact on others and it will help to lighten up tense occasions. It is a certain way of injecting more joie de vivre into your life. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself. Such flexibility will ensure that you don't turn brittle and break all too easily when people point out your less finer points. By acknowledging your weaknesses with humor, you disable any potential critic because you got there first and treated it with amused joy. Think about something that happened to you in the past that has left a sour impression in your memory. Now, try hard to find the funny side to it. Keep trying until you find something. And practice this habit frequently so that you can start to break down some of the icky memories and turn them into funny moments. Comedian Christopher Titus said it best: "I want to hear your pain. I really do. Just put it in joke form." Make eye contact with people and smile more often. Look into another's eyes with love and curiosity. If you've long since lost touch with anything other than deadlines and pressing appointments, and feel that people only let you down, learning to look at people with trust and openness can take time but do persevere because it'll turn your world around 360 degrees. After a while it will become a natural part of your personality and even the forced smile will turn genuine. One way to do this is to stop looking at trust and openness as "all or nothing." Anyone you don't know could be fun to be around. Everything after that is exploring in small steps and stages of getting to know them, to find out how close you want to be with them. It may be no more than "Good morning" as you pass each other at work or could grow into the best friendship of your life - contrary to myth, those don't always happen only in high school or college. You won't know who's which until you've known them long enough. Some people might not smile back or look you in the eyes with kindness or thoughtfulness – and that's okay. Let it go and pay more attention to someone else who's responding more, you don't know if that's the day they got the divorce papers or they're walking around with a tooth abscess. It's about your genuine intent and not about them validating you. One day you will clash smiles with a mischievous cherubic child or a toothy old man with eyes that speak of eternal wisdom and kindness and you will be gripped with a sense of profound human bonding which will rock your world. Make time for yourself. Do something that makes you feel alive and just plain happy. Even if you're the busiest soccer mom in town, a high flyer salesman, or juggling two jobs to make ends meet, time for yourself is vital. You and your happiness are important. Get in touch with yourself even if it's just one hour every week. Fly a kite, get working on that old unfinished project at the back of your closet or go get tickets for the play that you've always wanted to see. Don't feel guilty , you're worth the indulgence - lose yourself in the moment and forget about schedules and budgets. Your family will appreciate the good mood that you'll be in later. If you're happy, they will be a lot better off than if you're sacrificing everything for them with multiple sighs and total emotional exhaustion. Be consistent about keeping fit. There's no need to aim to be a world class athlete or to have the body of a Las Vegas show girl. Most of us feel better about ourselves and are more confident when we incorporate some form of exercise routine in our lives. Consistency is key and amount is not. Try to combine it with things you enjoy - nature walking, martial arts , or belly dancing. Don't have the time? Even sit-ups or Pilates for 10 minutes three times a week can change your life. Don't think so? Then you haven't yet tried. Bump up your joy factor with regular physical engagement. Check out some good work-out DVDs from your local library; if you borrow them and hate them, you can keep borrowing until you find one you do like! If you don't like calisthenics, then find some other activity that's physical like bird watching, outdoor painting, vigorous dancing, skateboarding, live action role playing... don't waste your time and body energy on something that isn't a pleasure in itself. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/11380-10b1.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-10b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/11380-10b1.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-10b1.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>"} If you're physically disabled and can't do any or most of the traditional sports and physical activities, be creative and find ways to enjoy yourself that are within your range. Jogging might be out of it but a slow stroll using your cane or a ramble outdoors in a power chair are a lot better than just laying around frustrated. Build up gradually and stop if it hurts, especially if you've got back trouble. As a previous non-exerciser, you may feel lousy starting physical activities but start gradually and build up. Ultimately, the adrenalin rush will reward you with joy aplenty. Get lots of fresh air, regularly. Even if all you do is stand in it and inhale and exhale deeply , fresh air is good for you, it enlivens you, and is an important part of being healthy. Breathe in the fresh air and breathe in joie de vivre. If you live in a polluted urban environment where that's in short supply, try to get out of town once in a while to get some fresh air that's a lot cleaner. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/11380-10b4.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-10b4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/11380-10b4.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-10b4.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>"} Learn something new. Extend yourself beyond the known every few months; the initial awkwardness is good for you and it soon turns to joy as you begin to master something totally new to you. Make time to try something you've always admired and wanted to be able to do. And remember – you don't need to become an expert in it; just being a part of the learning process will re-energize you. That exotic new language you wish you knew or that glamorous world of Latin dance that you wish you were a part of - this is the time to participate and find new joys. You do not need to have some mysterious society-gifted Talent to take up painting, drawing, dancing, singing, music, novel-writing, stand up comedy, poetry (either writing it or reciting it), amateur theatre or anything else in the arts. You'll start off as a raw beginner making the same goofy mistakes as any beginner, punctuated with occasional flashes of brilliance. The more you savor and appreciate those moments you get it right, the more you'll practice and the more often they'll come. At some point in taking it up just for fun, people who barely know you will start going on and on about how Talented you are. Don't deny it when they do, just smile and tell them you were a late bloomer. Talent is enjoying what you're doing so much that you can stand the practice before you get good at it! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/11380-11b1.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-11b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/11380-11b1.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-11b1.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>"} Put more music into your life. Get some new CDs or downloads, or take a voice or musical instrument lesson. For most human beings, music stirs the soul and if the music is good enough, it can even catapult us to throes of ecstasy. Music eases the tension of daily life, such as during a traffic jam, breaking the monotony of everyday cooking, or doing your chores. Listen to music that makes your heart sing. You don't have to be good at music to enjoy it. Have you always been told that you're tone-deaf? Don't worry – besides the fact that those poor souls probably do not know how to live and be happy, it really does not matter! Love music your way. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/11380-12b1.jpg\/v4-460px-11380-12b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/11380-12b1.jpg\/aid11380-v4-728px-11380-12b1.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>"} If music doesn't do it for you, try to find a type of music that does move you. There is such a wide variety - you just might discover one you like if you look. Like many things, music is also an acquired interest and yet when you find something that strikes a chord, it could be life changing for you. Sort out what it is you like about the songs you do and what you don't like about the ones you don't. You might surprise yourself if it's not the same as the usual genre categories. Some people care about lyrics and what they mean. Some people just don't like fast music or slow music, or don't like a certain beat or certain instruments no matter what the category is. When you know your tastes it'll be easier to find the music you like. Do not be embarrassed at liking the music you do. If you groove to the rock of the sixties instead of anything later, get those vintage collections and check out the stacks of old vinyl in used music stores. If you love horror movie sound tracks, get into those and don't worry about whether other people think you're creepy for it. Remember, there's just as many interesting people who love your music out there as people who hate it, think of your musical tastes as a way to find people you think of as cool. Surround yourself with beauty. Beauty penetrates your inner realm, so looking your best, keeping your home space beautiful, and making your workspace brighter all have an impact on your inner feelings. Take pride in your appearance no matter what shape or size you are. Appearances aren't even appearances - dress to express what you believe and define who you are socially and people will assume you're built like that archetype. Flaunt your positives and hold your head high. Even if all you have is five minutes to get ready before heading out into the world, you can organize and teach yourself to maximize the time to look better. Same goes for your home. Living in a place that inspires you puts you in a better frame of mind. There is nothing vain about it when you're doing it for yourself. Seek beauty in your environment. When renting an apartment, look at the façade of the building. Do you think it's cool? Is it quirky and unique, does it have character and stand out as a place you'd like to live? Look out the windows as you're judging your new place to live. Do you have a view? Do you like the view? These things are worth far more than you can imagine in day to day happiness. Seek out museums on their free days, go to free concerts in the park, look for beauty and culture wherever you are on the socio-economic scale. Take walks in historic areas where you live, go enjoy the tourist attractions. Visit the zoo and spend time with the animals you find the most beautiful. Surf virtual museums online and study the history of art, find areas of art history and culture that interest you. Just appreciating these things can bring much greater happiness in life. Have fun. Trite? In this case, absolutely not! Having fun makes total sense when you're aiming to bring joie de vivre into your life. Having fun means you're happy , and fun to be with. It's also good for you; a good laugh is similar to an internal workout with the end result that you're flooded with feel-good chemicals. In turn, these chemicals boost your immune system , which leaves you feeling a whole lot better. Have a good laugh. Try some laughter yoga. Play with children. Children know how to have fun innately. And if you happen to meet a sad child, make it your mission to show this child how to have fun! If you don't actually like children, go find some fun loving adults and do childish things with them rather than taking care of actual kids who need care and have defensive parents who get scared of that loony adult stranger with the crayons. It's okay to let out your inner child among other people's inner children, it can even be a lot more fun since you're too big for the schoolyard bullies to get at you now. Play some games in the park with your friends. Have picnic and dress up like Alice from Wonderland or other favorite story characters. Head down to the beach and wriggle your bare feet right down into the wet sand. Do it again, and again, and again. Shout out to the world "I am wonderful! I am free!" | Acknowledge joy, or the joy of living. Slow down. Accept and revel in the fact that you're not perfect. See the wonder in people and find miracles and joy in everyday things. Feel adequate. Put aside the ego and embrace the community of relationships around you. Rediscover your wit. Make eye contact with people and smile more often. Make time for yourself. Be consistent about keeping fit. Learn something new. Put more music into your life. Surround yourself with beauty. Have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Hang-a-Speed-Bag | How to Hang a Speed Bag | To hang a wall-mounted speed bag, start by finding a flat area of your wall that's higher than eye level. Then, make marks on the wall indicating where the unit's support bars will go. When you're ready to mount the device, hold the unit's support bars up to these marks and fix them to the wall using screws. Check that the bars are secure, then attach your speed bag mounting plate to them. Finally, hang your speed bag on the swivel hook located underneath the mounting plate. | Purchase a wall-mounted speed bag unit. These units typically come with an inflatable speed bag, a bag mounting plate, and a number of sturdy poles you'll use to attach it to the wall. Try to find a unit that is adjustable so that you can raise or lower the bag mounting plate without tearing down the entire device. Look for wall-mounted speed bag units at fitness supply and sporting goods stores. Personal speed bag units typically cost between $50 and $250, depending on the quality of the mounts. Find a high place on the wall to put your speed bag. Look for a flat, unimpeded area of your wall that you can hang the speed bag unit from. Your wall should be tall enough that you can hang the unit above eye level without any issues; for the best results, place the unit between.5 and 1 ft (0.15 and 0.30 m) above your head. Since you'll be working out in this spot, make sure the area surrounding the wall is easily accessible and free of debris. As an example, if you're 6 ft (1.8 m) tall, hang the unit so the mounting plate sits between 6.5 and 7 ft (2.0 and 2.1 m) off the ground. Though drywall may work fine for light speed bag units, make sure to hang heavy models from a wood or concrete wall. Make marks on the wall where your unit’s support bars will go. Lay your speed bag unit out on the ground as if it were fully assembled. Then, find the distance between each of your unit's support bars using a tape measure. After recording this information, make a pencil mark on the wall indicating where 1 of your support bars will go, then use your measurements to make additional marks representing the rest of the bars. If you're attaching your unit to drywall, use a stud finder to locate the thick wooden beams inside your wall. Make your marks over these spots to ensure the unit has enough support. Mount wood boards over the marked spots for additional support. Instead of attaching your speed bag unit to the wall itself, consider mounting a series of 1 by 4 in (2.5 by 10.2 cm) light lumber boards over the areas you marked. This will give your unit additional support, making it less likely to come off the wall. If necessary, recreate your original marks on top of the wooden boards. Attach your support bars to the wall. If necessary, pre-drill holes into your marked spots that are the same size as your support bars' fasteners. Then, hold 1 of your support bars up to the wall and line it up over the marked spots. Use a level to make sure the bar is straight, then attach it to the wall using screws or similar fasteners. Repeat this process with each support bar. To make sure the support bars are secure, tug on them with your fingers. If they move, tighten the fasteners some more. For lighter models, drywall anchors and similar fasteners should be more than sufficient. Connect your speed bag mounting plate to the support bars. Lift up your unit's bag mounting plate and slide the attached beams into the newly installed support bars. Depending on your specific model, you may need to hold these beams in place with screws or similar fasteners. If your mounting plate will not slide in correctly, you may need to realign the support bars. Hang your speed bag on the mounting plate’s swivel hook. If not already attached, screw the included swivel hook onto your unit's mounting plate. Then, connect your speed bag's top loop to the bottom of the swivel hook. If properly assembled, the belly of your speed bag should sit at about eye level. Purchase a punching bag stand that includes a speed bag mount. With a few rare exceptions, most stores do not sell dedicated speed bag stands. Instead, you'll need to buy a traditional punching bag stand that comes with a speed bag mounting plate and swivel hook. You can find punching bag stands at sporting goods and fitness supply stores. Depending on their quality, most punching bag stands cost between $100 and $300. For a cheaper solution, try building a bag stand at home. Assemble your stand by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Every punching bag stand is different, meaning there's no single, unified set-up procedure for all of them. Because of this, you'll need to follow the manufacturer's included instructions to make sure everything gets assembled properly. Your unit's instruction booklet should explain how to set up the device's support legs and speed bag mounting plate. If it does not, contact the manufacturer for assistance. Hang your speed bag on the stand at eye level. Once it's fully assembled, attach your speed bag's top loop to the swivel hook located underneath the bag mounting plate. If necessary, adjust your stand so the bottom of the speed bag sits at about eye level. Unlike many wall-mounted speed bag units, almost all bag stands come with built-in adjustment options. Place weights on the stand before use if necessary. Many consumer-level punching bag stands become top-heavy once you hook a bag onto them. If your unit falls into this category, make sure to hold down the device's legs with sand bags or similar weighty objects. This will keep the stand from falling over during use. Hold your arms in front of the bag at all times. When using your speed bag, make sure to hold your arms up so that your fists are directly in front of the bag and your elbows are parallel to it. Not only will this protect your face from injury, but it will also help you build endurance by forcing you to keep your arms up. Punch the bag using small, ovular motions. To hit your speed bag properly, do not use straight punches or jabs like you would in a fight. Instead, move your fists in small, ovular motions so that the furthest point of each oval hits the bag. Remember: speed bags are about rhythm and stamina, not power, so you don't have to hit the bag hard. When first starting out, hit the speed bag using the back side of your fist. Once you gain experience, feel free to switch to the front side. Hit the bag on specific, rhythmic beats. After punching the bag, count how many times it slaps against the mounting plate. To create a solid fighting rhythm, you should send your fist out again on an odd beat. When you first start practicing, try punching after every 5 slaps. Once you feel comfortable, try lowering the number to 3 slaps or even just 1. | Purchase a wall-mounted speed bag unit. Find a high place on the wall to put your speed bag. Make marks on the wall where your unit’s support bars will go. Mount wood boards over the marked spots for additional support. Attach your support bars to the wall. Connect your speed bag mounting plate to the support bars. Hang your speed bag on the mounting plate’s swivel hook. Purchase a punching bag stand that includes a speed bag mount. Assemble your stand by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Hang your speed bag on the stand at eye level. Place weights on the stand before use if necessary. Hold your arms in front of the bag at all times. Punch the bag using small, ovular motions. Hit the bag on specific, rhythmic beats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Athlete | How to Be a Good Athlete | No matter what sport you play, the first step to being a good athlete is to take care of your body. To do so, make sure you're drinking between 10 to 15 cups of water per day and sleeping around 8 hours per night. Additionally, you should consume high-energy foods such as lean chicken, whole-grain rice, and vegetables prior to working out. When you're finished exercising, focus on eating foods high in protein and carbohydrates which will restore your energy, like yoghurt and granola. | Work with a coach. You probably know your body and physical skills fairly well, but it is always good to have an outside perspective. Coaches can help you set reachable goals, stay focused on achieving them, and find ways to help you improve if you fall short. There are a variety of coaches that can work with conditioning, technique, and any other aspect of your athleticism and skill level. Another great advantage of coaches is their work on planning your exercises and drills. With a coach, you only need to be concerned with showing up to your session on time, while your coach will have the equipment and schedule ready for you to work on. Create an individual program. In order to improve your athleticism, you should focus on improving your particular weaknesses. Practicing with the team is important, but you'll also want to make sure you set aside time to improve your skills. Mixing up your routine is also a good way to improve your overall performance and decrease the risk of injury. Talk to your coach or trainer about ways to work on your specific weaknesses and develop all facets of your game. Show up on time. When you are practicing, whether by yourself or with a team, your coach or trainer has a time set aside to work with you. Maximize your time by making sure you are there when it is time to begin. That usually means that if your practice starts at a certain time, say 9:00 am, you should be dressed and ready to go then, not just arriving. Keep focused when you practice. It can be easy to let your mind wander when you are doing drills and exercises. It is important, though, that you stay focused on what you are doing. Cool down after exercising. Once you have finished a workout or practice session, take some time to give your body a physical cooldown period. Some low-intensity movements and stretches are good to help restore your muscles and process metabolic waste. It's also a good way to relax mentally after an intense practice or game. Find a sport you are passionate about. If you want to become a great athlete, the best thing you can do is to find something that really matters to you. This can be a sport that you enjoy playing and practicing, like soccer or basketball, something that will help you get through the tougher days. Plus, if you enjoy what you are doing, you'll be less stressed, which helps you recover better from practices and injuries. Make your sport a priority. If being a good athlete is important to you, then improving needs to take up a lot of your time. You may not be talented or skilled enough to be a professional, but by making sure that you regularly have time blocked out for practicing and playing, you will be able to show regular improvement. Keep a positive attitude. Being an athlete is an opportunity to compete against others and be successful in something. Focus on the great things you can do, which will allow you to pursue excellence, not perfection. Set goals. When you start a practice or workout regimen, give yourself something to work towards. Great athletes are able to set goals for both the short and long term that are realistic and achievable. Part of improving as an athlete is your ability not only to set goals, but regularly achieve them. Setting performance goals. These are goals for achieving specific milestones while playing. They can involve scoring a certain number of points, or reaching another statistical marker, like reducing the time it takes you do run a certain distance. These goals should be easily tracked so you can see how close you are to achieving them. Setting habit goals. These are goals meant to change the way you play, focusing on your process rather than results. These can be things like making sure your head is up while making a pass, or going to bed at a certain time. Envision success. Preparing your mind for what you want and what it will be like when you get it is an important part of being a successful athlete. Elite athletes spend time visualizing their success before it happens. This can help them calm down before a competition, thinking about how good it will feel to accomplish their goals, rather than being nervous about not being able to achieve them. One way to help is to identify and focus on successes you've already had. Think about your greatest accomplishments, and how it felt to achieve them. This will help prevent you from dwelling on mistakes and errors, as that is a sure way to repeat them. Be humble. Great athletes don't just take care of their bodies and develop their skills. They also respect the others involved in their sport, including their opponents. A good athlete will be able to control his or her emotions, not getting too angry when things go wrong. Not only will this help in dealing with coaches and supporters, but also in overcoming difficult opponents, or other things that can hurt an athlete's self-confidence. Stay hydrated. Whatever level of work you are doing, it is important that you get the right amount of water before, during, and after your physical activity. If you aren't properly hydrated, your body can't perform properly, and you'll feel fatigue, cramps, and dizziness, if not something worse like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The American Council on Exercise has recommendations for drinking water before, during, and after your exercise. Drink 17 to 20 fluid ounces (500 to 590 mL) of water 2 to 3 hours before you start, then 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) 20 to 30 minutes before or during warm-up. While exercising, drink 7 to 10 fluid ounces (210 to 300 mL) every 10 to 20 minutes. After finishing, make sure to drink 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) no more than 30 minutes later. If the weather is particularly hot, or the workout especially intense, feel free to increase the amount of water slightly. When working out, sports drinks can be helpful to maintaining hydration and energy. Look for drinks that are high in carbohydrates and electrolytes, as these will help you maintain your energy. Get proper nutrition. Eating right will help give you the nutrients necessary to grow muscle and maintain your energy throughout practice or a game. A good athlete will also be able to vary his or her diet before and after exercising to derive the best benefits from food. The specifics of your diet will change depending on the kind of sport you play and how much training you do, so don't be afraid to consult with a coach, nutritionist, or doctor to get the best diet for you. Before you work out, you need to consume foods that will help give you the energy to get through. These can be simple meals with lean proteins like chicken, vegetables, and whole-grain rice. If you need something quick, look for easily digestible carbohydrates, such as half a banana or a carb-heavy energy bar. After exercising, your goal should be recovery. You want more foods with protein and carbohydrates to help restore your energy. Foods like milk, which contain both, are particularly good. You can also consume things like trail mix with nuts or yogurt and granola to help the recovery process. Get enough sleep. Sleep can play a major role in consistent and strong athletic performance. Sleeping helps to regenerate your energy and strength after exercising, which lets you be at your best the next day for the next practice or game. Regular sleep will also keep your stress levels lower. This will help helping you remain calm and focused during competition. 8 hours of sleep is generally ideal, but you can always give yourself a little more or less depending on your personal needs and habits. If you're going through a period of increased training, or a tough stretch in your schedule, don't be afraid to add a little more sleep to your routine. An extra nap during the day can give you a little extra boost of energy as you go along. | Work with a coach. Create an individual program. Show up on time. Keep focused when you practice. Cool down after exercising. Find a sport you are passionate about. Make your sport a priority. Keep a positive attitude. Set goals. Envision success. Be humble. Stay hydrated. Get proper nutrition. Get enough sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Politics | How to Understand Politics | You can better understand politics by staying informed and keeping an open mind. To stay informed, try to consume your news from multiple, legitimate news sources to get a more complete picture of the issues and seek out opinions from various sources who have opposing viewpoints. You can also read introductory texts on your country's government to learn the basic structure and how it operates. Another way you can understand politics is to put yourself to the test by asking yourself what you know about a certain candidate or political issue. Then, take time to get up to speed on any areas where you don't know enough to form a political opinion. | Check reliable websites for information on your country’s system. If you want to know who your elected representative is, what powers your president or prime minister has, or who's allowed to vote, you might want to start by browsing your government's websites. For information on a specific topic, like “how does a bill become law,” use a search engine and focus on sites operated by governmental, educational, charitable, or civic-minded groups. You can, for instance, get a very quick rundown on the Australian system of government on the Oxfam Australia website. Read textbooks, key political texts, and books on political history. Visit your local library, head to a local bookseller or college bookstore, or shop online for introductory texts on your country's government. You might think it's odd to buy a textbook on American government, for instance, it you're not taking a class in it, but this can be a great way to cover the basics quickly. Read key texts from your nation's political history—in the U.S., for instance, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and so on. Book-length collections with annotations and introductory/explanatory essays may prove especially helpful. Take a class on civics, government, or introductory politics. If a civics class is required or optional in your high school, take the class—and pay attention! You can always find courses on politics in college, but even if you're not in school, you may be able to at least sit in on an introductory course on politics at a nearby community college. You can also find open, free online courses on politics with some quick internet searching. Contact individuals in your government. Many people think of writing a letter or sending an email to their elected officials only when they have a complaint or specifically support a piece of legislation. But, it's also perfectly acceptable to ask questions about their role in governance and how the larger system works. You might be sent some helpful reading materials, or even invited for a quick meeting or tour! If you're looking to contact a member of the Scottish Parliament , for instance, you can use wikiHow to find info on how to get in touch and the best way to format your communication. Write government officials respectfully, but also get to your point quickly and clearly. This will make it much more likely that you'll receive a useful reply. Get involved in politics. Perhaps the best way to truly understand your government is to become actively engaged with it. If there's a candidate you support, volunteer for their campaign. If you're undecided, go to debates or open forums and ask questions. Although national politics usually takes center stage, local politics often has a greater immediate impact on the lives of people in your community. Consider becoming more actively engaged locally, or even running for office yourself! Read and watch political news reports. There are more ways to access and consume political news than ever before. You can read a local newspaper or watch your local evening news. You can check-in regularly with websites from recognizable news organizations. You can also have alerts sent right to your phone so the news finds you! Today, the issue isn't as much about the availability of political news as it is the quality of the news. Try to consume news from multiple, reputable news sources to get a fuller picture of the issues and reduce your likelihood of falling for "fake news." Consider the issues from multiple points of view. Along with getting your news from several reliable sources, it's helpful to evaluate political debates by honestly examining the issue from different perspectives. For any contentious political topic—taxes, gun control, healthcare, etc.—seek out opinions from various sources and angles in order to be better informed overall. Even if you already think you know where you stand on an issue, it's never a bad idea to step into the other side's shoes. You'll either strengthen your own stance or find valid reasons to question it. Many political scientists like to think of politics (when functioning properly) as a marketplace where different ideas and interests are offered and a general “equilibrium” of compromise occurs. Reality may not often meet this ideal, but becoming more informed certainly can't hurt in reaching it. Consider the influences on your political views. Do you hold a political perspective because your parents or friends do, because you believe it benefits you economically, or because you think it is best for the globe at large? We all have political influences and even biases, so they're nothing to be ashamed of. However, by taking the time to critically examine your political views—or even lack of political views—you'll become more knowledgeable about your own politics and the larger political scene. Put yourself to the test when you vote or get involved. Many representative democracies around the world are based on the ideal that all citizens should have an equal voice and vote. This is meant to be true even if some voters are under-informed or even misinformed when they go to the ballot box. It's left up to you, the individual citizen, to make sure you're a knowledgeable voter. Before you vote or get active in politics, take the time to ask yourself what you know about the candidate or issues at hand. If you feel like your knowledge comes up short, take the time to get yourself up to speed so you can be an informed contributor. Consider why politics can be so polarizing. It's common wisdom that you shouldn't bring up politics or religion at dinner parties, since they tend to elicit strong opinions and disagreements. Politics strikes right at the core of your individual worldview, on topics like the proper structuring of society, individual rights and responsibilities, and the power of government over your life. So it shouldn't be surprising that people get worked up or even angry discussing politics. Because it's now much easier to express opinions more widely, it may seem that politics is “angrier” than ever before. But, even if it is, you shouldn't throw up your hands and say you want nothing to do with it. Instead, become more informed and involved and be part of the solution. Evaluate how global forces and changes impact politics on all levels. It can be easier to perceive how major geopolitical events, like World War II or the fall of the Soviet Union, cause ripple effects on international, national, and even local levels of politics. However, you should also consider the lasting political impacts of long-term global forces, such as the spread of internet access, economic globalization, and climate change. For instance, economic globalization has improved the lives of millions, but also caused some to feel “left out” or “left behind.” This can lead to resentments that might fuel support for “outside the box” political candidates or populist and/or nationalist views. So, to better understand current politics, take some time to consider the larger changes happening in the world around you. Think about how you view the role of government. Do you believe that government can solve problems, or that it just causes them? Do you want more from your government, but want to pay less to it? Being uncertain or even a bit contradictory about your views on government is normal. But taking the time to read, observe, learn, and get involved in politics will help you develop your own clarified perspective on what your government can and should do. Do a bit of research and reading to familiarize yourself with some of the classics of political and economic theory—for example, Adam Smith on capitalism and Karl Marx on communism, or Alexis de Tocqueville's “Democracy in America.” But also stay in tune with current events and your own experiences, and how these shape your views on government. | Check reliable websites for information on your country’s system. Read textbooks, key political texts, and books on political history. Take a class on civics, government, or introductory politics. Contact individuals in your government. Get involved in politics. Read and watch political news reports. Consider the issues from multiple points of view. Consider the influences on your political views. Put yourself to the test when you vote or get involved. Consider why politics can be so polarizing. Evaluate how global forces and changes impact politics on all levels. Think about how you view the role of government. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Your-Dog-Healthy-Attention | How to Give Your Dog Healthy Attention | To give your dog healthy attention, try and schedule 30 to 60 minutes of playtime a day, such as walking or playing fetch, to strengthen your bond. Try to be gentle and loving with your affection, instead of making loud noises or being rough, to help your dog feel calm and safe. If it shows you affection at convenient times, like after eating or before bed, cuddle and pet it so it knows you enjoy the intimacy. On the other hand, you should discourage your dog from jumping up by telling it to sit, since it will think this is okay with other people. | Be gentle and loving. Any attention you give your dog should always be gentle and loving. This can cultivate a sense of security and stability in your dog and strengthen your bond. Praise your dog while giving it attention such as petting or playtime. Use the dog's name to reinforce your message. For example, “What a fine and good dog you are, Leo! Gimme a shake. Good boy, you're such a smart dog!” Avoid yelling or using loud tones when giving your dog attention. This could cause your dog to be fearful or anxious and may undermine the healthy attention you provide. Schedule daily playtime. Dogs are pack animals that are not made to spend a lot of time alone. In addition, humans first bred dogs to work. Because of these factors, dogs naturally crave play that simulates work. Enjoying daily playtime with your dog can ensure that your dog gets enough exercise while strengthening your bond through healthy attention. Schedule at least 30 to 60 minutes of play with your dog every day. This could be an activity you do together such as running, walking, fetching, catching a Frisbee or ball, or visiting a local dog park. Put yourself at your dog’s level. Make yourself more accessible when giving your dog attention. Sitting or lying on the floor can promote relaxation and bonding as well as build trust. Sitting on the sofa or in a chair can also get your dog to comfortably approach you. Reciprocate your dog’s affection. Your dog may show you affection during playtime or other instances, such as after meals. Show your dog that you enjoy its attention by reciprocating its actions. Ways your dog may show its affection for you include: Cuddling with you after eating. Cuddling back is a healthy form of attention and love. Sleeping with you. You can let your dog lay next to you in bed or in its own bed in the room. Approaching you and wagging its tail when you come home. Saying “It's great to see you, too, Elsa,” followed by petting or a hug gives your dog the attention and love it missed while you were away. Sitting with you in your office while you work or “helping” as you prepare dinner. Incorporating your dog into these daily activities is a great way to show attention and affection. Go for regular walks. Play is one of the best ways to give your dog healthy attention. Regular brisk walks are a feel-good activity that not only strengthen your bond through attention, but also fulfill your dog's need to travel and explore. Aim to walk briskly for 30 to 40 minutes at least once a day and ideally two. This can ensure your dog's brain releases feel-good hormones. Play fetch with your dog. Dogs love chasing and retrieving objects. Throw toys across a room or outdoor space for your dog to chase and fetch. This can ensure your dog gets plenty of healthy attention during the day. Use items such as medium to large balls or toys on rope. Make sure no item is too small that your dog could swallow it, such as a ping pong or tennis ball. Get your dog's attention before throwing the toy so that it can anticipate where to run. Try faking out your dog by moving one hand in a throwing motion and then saying her name as you toss the toy in the opposite direction. Use an exciting voice and give your dog lots of encouragement and praise as you play. For example, “Fetch that ball, Spike! Whoa, you caught it! Great job! Now bring it back to me for another go.” Have a tug of war. Grabbing and pulling things is a natural canine urge. Taking the time to have a tug of war with your dog provides it healthy attention while also showing affection. Use a piece of soft and comfortable material to play tug of war. This could be an old clean rag or a soft piece of rope. Even a piece of bungee material makes a great pull toy. The material should be between one and three feet long. Do the pounce and shake. Much like cats, dogs also enjoy pouncing and shaking objects. This mimics hunting, which is one of their natural instincts. Giving your dog a squeaky toy on which to pounce and then shake can provide enjoyment. Make sure you praise your dog during pounce and shake play to let it know you're paying attention. Offer your dog a chew toy. Some dogs may get bored with play or being petted. If this happens, give the dog a bone—or chew toy. This not only shows your dog attention and love, but also provides entertainment that engages the mouth. Chew toys can also improve a dog's dental health. Get a chew toy made from either natural materials or nylon. You can also offer natural chew toys such as beef bones, rawhide bones, and non-rawhide chews made from vegetables and chicken. Consider a chew toy that cleans your dog's teeth. Supply toys when you’re gone. It can be difficult to leave your dog at home, but you might need to work or attend school. This can bore your dog from lack of attention and activity. Providing your dog toys can help it beat the boredom and “give” it attention until you get home. Some objects to occupy your dog include: Hard rubber toys for chewing and carrying around. Rope toys. Balls. “Busy box” toys with hiding places for snacks. Soft, stuffed and/or squeaky toys. Dirty laundry that smells like you. Reward play with treats. As you give your dog attention, remember to praise and reward it. A small treat, such as a bit of kibble, provides extra attention while letting the dog know hat you enjoy its company. Rewards can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Give your dog attention at appropriate times. There are times when dogs want or need alone time and shouldn't be disturbed. This includes when it is eating or aggressive. Giving your dog attention at the right times can ensure that it is not only healthy, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Share love and attention when your dog is in a calm-submissive state. Good times to do this are after your dog has eaten or exercised, changed an unwanted behavior, or responded to a rule or command. Use discretion in giving your dog attention if it is whining, begging, or barking. Investigate the cause of the behavior and proceed accordingly. For example, if your dog is barking because it saw a stranger in the yard, offer it some comfort by saying, “It's ok, Todd, it was just a person dropping off a package.” Avoid showing affection if your dog is fearful, anxious, dominant, possessive, aggressive, or breaking a rule. Establish yourself as pack leader. Dogs in the wild live in the social order of their pack. Your dog will look to you as the leader of its pack. Establishing your dominance can ensure your dog is loved, trained, and lively without being spoiled or uncontrollable. Failing to step into the alpha role may signal to your dog that it is the alpha. This can lead to uncontrollable behaviors such as eating off the table, jumping on others, or an inability to be alone. You can establish yourself as the alpha in your home by: Interacting with your dog as if you own it, not in a timid manner. Offering praise quickly and warmly. Reprimanding it fairly and quickly then move on. Making your dog obey on the first command. Giving and denying permission. Being a model of confidence and authority to your dog. Stick to mostly dog food. Many human foods such as chips, raw meat, onions, and chocolate can be toxic for dogs. Beyond this, feeding your dog table scraps can lead to undesirable behaviors such as begging or not wanting to eat dog food. Providing dog food and an occasional human treat can help you avoid unhealthy attention and further establish you as pack leader. Recognize that an occasional scrap of human food is fine. However, this should be only once in a great while and as praise for something, and shouldn't be given from the table. Choose dog friendly treats such as steamed or baked potatoes, plain rice, oatmeal, bits of cooked chicken or turkey, or finely chopped or steamed unseasoned vegetables. Discourage jumping. Dogs greet each other with nose-to-nose contact. When your dog sees you or guests, it likely wants to give a warm greeting in the same way. However, this can be a dangerous behavior that injures you or your guests, especially if they are children and/or frail adults. Train your dog to do a preferred behavior, such as sitting, to greet and get attention from you and others. Give your dog the “ sit” command anytime it stands up to greet others. Don't give the dog any attention until it stays seated. Ask your guests to help with the training. Tell them to turn and walk away if your dog isn't sitting when they arrive. Then repeat, “Sit!” to your dog and let your guests approach it again. Prevent separation anxiety. Dogs are social animals that live in packs in the wild. As a result, leaving your dog alone can result in separation anxiety, which is common. But separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing, whining, scratching, and defecation. Preventing separation anxiety is key to avoiding unhealthy attention and bad behavior in your dog. You can prevent separation anxiety by: Not making a fuss about leaving or returning. Leaving recently worn clothing that smells like you with your dog. Establishing a word with your dog that lets it know you'll be back. Confining the dog loosely in a room or crate that simulates a den. Providing busy toys for distraction. | Be gentle and loving. Schedule daily playtime. Put yourself at your dog’s level. Reciprocate your dog’s affection. Go for regular walks. Play fetch with your dog. Have a tug of war. Do the pounce and shake. Offer your dog a chew toy. Supply toys when you’re gone. Reward play with treats. Give your dog attention at appropriate times. Establish yourself as pack leader. Stick to mostly dog food. Discourage jumping. Prevent separation anxiety. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cutoff-Shirt | How to Make a Cutoff Shirt | If you want to make a cutoff shirt, fold a T-shirt in half lengthwise and so the sleeves are perfectly lined up. Use a marker to draw a dotted line where you want the new armholes to be, but remember, you can always cut more, but you can't add it back if you cut too far. When you know where you want your sleeves to be, carefully cut off the sleeves along the dotted line you drew. Try not to make jagged cuts, but if you do, go back and trim them carefully with the scissors. When you're finished cutting, gently tug on the new armholes to curl the fabric. | Gather your materials. Making a cutoff shirt is easy, and no sewing is required. To make a cutoff t-shirt, you will need: T-shirt Scissors Chalk or pen Fold the shirt in half. It is important for your cutoff t-shirt's sleeves to be even, or you may end up looking lopsided. To ensure that your armholes are even when you cut them, start by folding the shirt in half lengthwise. Make sure that the sleeves are matching up. Mark where you want the new armholes to end. Next, locate the place on the shirt where you want the new armholes to begin and end, then mark the shirt in these places. You can also mark how far in you want the sleeves to go. However, keep in mind that the deep into the shirt you cut, the more of your chest will be visible. Try marking just above, beside, and below the current sleeve to guide you as you cut the sleeves off. Remember that you can always make the armholes larger if desired, but you cannot make them smaller after you cut them. Cut the sleeves off. Once you are happy with the placement of your sleeves, you can cut off the old sleeves. Cut along the points you marked in a slightly curving line. Try to avoid making any jagged edges as you cut. If you do end up with a jagged edge, you can always cut in a little more. Tug the armholes gently to curl the fabric. After you have cut off the sleeves, give the new armholes a gentle tug. This will curl the t-shirt fabric around the new edges you have created and soften the look a little bit. After this, your cutoff t-shirt is ready to wear. Make larger armholes. The wider you make the armholes, the more of your body will be visible from the side. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider how large you want to make your armholes. Try a small cut and see how it looks on you before cutting too far down. You can always cut more, but you cannot put the fabric back after you cut it. For example, if you cut your armholes down to the middle of the shirt, then your ribs and the side of your abs will be visible. Don't cut down too far if you are not comfortable showing off these muscles. Cut out the neckline. You can simply cut around the neckline to widen it a little, or cut way outside of the neckline to widen it a lot. If you prefer a deep v-neck shirt, then you can also cut a V shape out of the front of the shirt. Try cutting close to the neckline and see how that looks first. The more of the neckline you cut, the more of your chest, back, and shoulders will be visible. Trim off the hem. Trimming off the hem is more for a uniform appearance than anything else, but cutting off the hem can shorten the length of the shirt by a little or a lot. Try cutting off the hem close to the seam at first to give the bottom of the shirt the same curved appearance as the arm holes. Then, give the hem a gentle tug to curl it up like the sleeves. If desired, you can trim the hem more to make it shorter. | Gather your materials. Fold the shirt in half. Mark where you want the new armholes to end. Cut the sleeves off. Tug the armholes gently to curl the fabric. Make larger armholes. Cut out the neckline. Trim off the hem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring | How to Wear a Claddagh Ring | To wear a claddagh ring if you're dating someone, put it on the ring finger of your right hand with the heart pointing toward the center of your hand. Alternatively, point the heart toward the end of your finger if you're not currently in a relationship, but are open to the idea. You can also use a claddagh ring as an engagement ring by wearing it on your left hand, with the heart pointing toward the end of your finger. Once you're married, turn the ring around and wear it with the heart pointing toward the center of your hand. | Wear the ring on the ring finger of your right hand. Before you get married, the ring should be worn on your right hand, rather than your left. Wearing it on your ring finger shows that you're romantically inclined, but have not yet found the person you are going to marry. Wear the ring with the heart facing out to show that you're single. The heart should point toward the end of your finger, rather than into the center of your hand, and the crown should point inward. This shows the world that you're open to finding love, and that your heart is available to give to another person. Wear the ring with the heart facing in to show that you're dating. When you've found someone special and made a commitment to date them, turn the ring around so that the heart points toward the center of your hand. This shows that your heart is currently unavailable. Leave the ring on your right ring finger, though, since you are still unmarried. Wear the ring on the ring finger of your left hand. Wearing a ring on this finger is a traditional symbol of engagement or marriage in many cultures, and Irish culture adopts this as well. When you wear a Claddagh on your left ring finger, it's a sign that you've found the one you'll be spending the rest of your life with. Wear the ring with the heart facing out to show that you're engaged. Before you say your vows, you can use the ring as an engagement ring. Facing the heart out shows that you're committed, but you still haven't tied the knot. Wear the ring with the heart facing in to show that you're married. Many Irish people wear the Claddagh ring as a wedding ring. The heart faces in to show that you are in a permanent relationship and that your heart has been captured. The ring is reversed during the wedding ceremony. Wear the ring to display your heritage. Many Irish people wear Claddagh rings as a symbol of their Irish heritage, rather than as a way to display their romantic status. Claddagh rings may be worn on any finger and may be turned in either direction, whichever is most comfortable for the person wearing the ring. They don't have to be worn to indicate a romantic status, and can be worn on the left ring finger without a relationship or engagement or a marriage. Some people wear Claddagh rings on necklace chains, rather than on their fingers. Claddagh rings may also be worn on bracelets, or kept in the pocket as a charm. Wear the ring to remember someone special. Claddagh rings make meaningful gifts for friends and relatives, whether or not romance is involved in the equation. If you received a Claddagh ring as a gift and would prefer not to wear it to show your romantic status, it's just fine to wear it however you choose. | Wear the ring on the ring finger of your right hand. Wear the ring with the heart facing out to show that you're single. Wear the ring with the heart facing in to show that you're dating. Wear the ring on the ring finger of your left hand. Wear the ring with the heart facing out to show that you're engaged. Wear the ring with the heart facing in to show that you're married. Wear the ring to display your heritage. Wear the ring to remember someone special. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Acupressure-Points-for-Foot-Pain | How to Use Acupressure Points for Foot Pain | The best way to use acupressure points for foot pain depends on what part of your foot hurts. To treat heel pain, use the pressing and reducing techniques to manipulate the Kidney Meridian points and the Bladder Meridian points. If the pain is in your ankle, manipulate the Illuminated Sea and Qiuxu points. Also, manipulate the High Mountains and Calm Sea points to relieve ankle pain. | Obtain Acupressure charts. These charts show the exact location of the points described below and unless you are very familiar with acupuncture points, you'll need the charts to locate the correct pressure points in your body. Check the following website for free acupuncture charts: Chiro.org Qi-journal.com Practice the two different techniques of acupressure. Acupressure points are manipulated in two different ways: by either pressing (reinforcing) or reducing them. Pressing technique: Use your fingers or something blunt (such as a pencil eraser at the end of a pencil) to press the particular point between 30 seconds to two minutes. Shorter pressures can be used and even a few seconds can provide relief. Reducing technique: Place your finger over a point and turn a finger in counter-clockwise direction for one to two minutes. Use enough pressure to feel the pressure but not too much (you should not feel pain). For each acupuncture point mentioned below, use one or both of the techniques mentioned above from 30 seconds to two minutes per point (unless directed otherwise). Manipulate the Kidney Meridian points. These are located on the bottom of the foot. Consult the acupuncture charts to find these points in your body and manipulate one or several of the following points: Fuliu KI-7 (on the front, inner side of the achilles tendon) and Jiaoxin KI-8 (the front, inner side of the rounded border of the shinbone, above the ankle) points. Apply pressure to these two points at the same time. Dazhong KI-4 (behind and under the medial malleolus, or the bony knob on the inner side of your ankle) and Shuiquan KI-5 (on the inner side of the heel, in a depression below but in front of KI-4) points. Yongquan KI-1 (on the sole of the foot) together with the Liver Meridian point Taichong LV-3 (on back of the foot). Applying acupressure to these two points helps treat tendons and ligaments. Manipulate the Bladder Meridian points. These acupuncture points are indicated for diseases in the lower limbs as well as in the head, neck, eyes, back, groin. Manipulate the following two points: Weizhong BL-54 (at the very top of your hamstring, closer to the inner part of the back of your leg) and Chengshan BL-57 (below the calf muscle) points. Stimulate the local and adjacent points at the site of injury. The Shimian M-LE 5, located at the center of the heel, is a local point that acts as the target zone of the plantar fascia and its attachment to the heel bone. Apply acupressure for 30 seconds to 2 minutes to the Shimian M-LE 5. Use acupressure points to release endorphins. Activating pressure points relieves pain and relaxes muscular tension releasing endorphins. These endorphins are similar to morphine in the way of numbing the pain. By applying pressure to the Liver Meridian LV-3 and Gall Bladder Meridian GB- 41 points, you can enable your body to produce its own natural painkillers. In Chinese medicine, the liver is an energy organ and when someone has liver imbalances they are more susceptible to tendon inflammation and continuous stress injury. Taichong LV-3 is located on the top of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones. Zulinqi GB-41 is also on the top of the foot between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Relieve pain by pressing your fingers firmly and steadily on the two points for two minutes. Breathe deeply while you do this. Manipulate the “Illuminated Sea“ point. This pressure point (also known KI-6) can be found on the inner side of the ankle, one thumb width below the anklebone. This will help relieve swollen and stiff ankles. Place your thumbs one centimeter away from the ankle. Apply pressure with both thumbs on both pressure points simultaneously. Engage the “Qiuxu” point. This acupressure point (also known as GB-40) is located in the large hollow directly in front of the outer anklebone. Manipulating this point relieves ankle problems including sprains, swelling and sciatic pain. Press this point with a finger or pencil for one to two minutes, alternating every 60 seconds between light and firm pressure. Eventually you can work up to five to 10 minutes of pressure. You can use fingers, knuckles, side of the hand, an eraser on a pencil, etc. to apply pressure. If using your hands, you should change hands every minute or so to avoid being fatigued. Manipulate the “High Mountains” point. This point (also known as BL-60) is located in the hollow between the outer anklebone and the Achilles tendon. This can help with swollen feet, ankle pain, thigh pain, arthritis in the foot joints, lower back pain, and increase blood flow. Place your thumb on the point between the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Press this point for five minutes by releasing the pressure after every thirty seconds for a few seconds. Repeat two or three times at night every day for faster relief. This point is contraindicated during pregnancy. Try working the “Calm Sleep” point. This point (also known as BL-62) is the first indentation directly below the outer anklebone. It is one-third the distance from the outer anklebone to the bottom of the heel. This will help relieve heel pain , ankle pain, insomnia, and general foot aches. Apply the reducing technique to this point for one to 2 minutes. Repeat everyday if needed. | Obtain Acupressure charts. Practice the two different techniques of acupressure. Manipulate the Kidney Meridian points. Manipulate the Bladder Meridian points. Stimulate the local and adjacent points at the site of injury. Use acupressure points to release endorphins. Manipulate the “Illuminated Sea“ point. Engage the “Qiuxu” point. Manipulate the “High Mountains” point. Try working the “Calm Sleep” point. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Positive-Impact-on-the-Lives-of-Others | How to Make a Positive Impact on the Lives of Others | There are many things you can do to make a positive impact on other people's lives. Donate whatever time or money you can to your community, friends, and family. For example, when you go grocery shopping, buy some extra products and donate them to a food bank. Or, if someone behind you in the line seems in a hurry, let them go in front of you. If you have some extra free time, volunteer at a local shelter or food bank. If you're still in school or college, organize a fundraiser to support a local cause. | Find your own joy. If you want to try to make others happy, then you'll need to start with yourself. What makes you happy? What brings you joy? Thinking about these questions will help you start to figure out how you can spread happiness to others. Make a list of the times you've been happiest in your life. It may help for you to go through a photo-book for this. Pay attention to the photos where you look happiest or at peace: What were you doing then? Who were you with? Do you still manage to find time to engage in these activities? If not, try to make it a priority to set time aside for you to do things that truly make you feel happy. Even if you don't have the time to go on long off-trail runs every weekend like you used to, for example, perhaps you can manage to fit in a jog around your local park once or twice or week. You may be surprised at how quickly you start to perk up after returning to the activity you once loved so much. Get your life in order. It's hard to help others effectively if your own life is a mess. If you really want to make a positive impact on the world, you'll be better at it if you aren't too distracted by your own problems. Maybe you'd like to help people who are unemployed find meaningful work that provides them with a steady income. If you struggle to keep a job, though, you won't be able to offer much in the way of advice, and you certainly won't be taken seriously. However, you shouldn't give up on this goal just because you haven't (yet!) held down one good-paying job for a long stretch of time. Indeed, once you manage to figure things out, you'll be in an excellent position to help others who are in positions like yours. You will truly be able to understand their situation and will be able to offer solid, proven advice once you manage to overcome your own obstacles. Aim for improving your own life, not perfecting it. While one of the first steps towards helping others is helping yourself, be careful not to put off the start of your new plan for too long. You will never be perfectly happy, perfectly content, perfecting employed, etc. If you wait for the time to be perfect (and for you to be perfect) before you begin to try to make your mark on the world, you'll never get started. Maybe you aren't yet in a position to be a career counselor, but perhaps you can work to provide people who are homeless with interview outfits. Identify your skills and talents. If you're trying to figure out how you can make a positive impact on the world, you should know as much about yourself as possible. How would you answer the question “What are you really good at?” For example, are you a meticulous organizer? Are you a natural at public speaking? Are you a skilled reader and writer? Do you know how to program computers? Are you a soccer star? Think broadly when answering these questions, and don't rule out anything that seems silly or frivolous. For example, maybe you're really good at doing complicated nail art, which you think is a useless hobby. However, nursing homes and retirement communities often look for volunteers to provide residents with manicures. Think about how you work best. Just as you should know what you're good at, you should think about the type of environment you work best in. Answering the following practical questions can help you figure out where and how to help others. Do you thrive in an outdoor setting? Do you avoid the elements at all costs, and thus prefer an office-setting? Are you perhaps a bit of recluse, and so prefer to work remotely? Be honest about what you truly enjoy. Beyond knowing what you are good at doing, you should also think about whether or not you enjoy doing what you're good at. To be able to consistently help others, you want to avoid boredom and burn-out. Doing what you are both good at and enjoy can help protect against this. For example, you may be a great writer, and if so, this could serve you well in your quest to help others. However, if you hate writing, then there's little chance that you'll be able to sustain a commitment to teaching others to write. Surely there are other things you're also good at that you enjoy a bit more. Identify the causes that are important to you. As your plan begins to take shape, you should think about what your passions are. What causes move you? Are you an animal-lover who would rather interact with non-human creatures than people? Are you a strong advocate of women's rights? Are you passionate about school reform? Try to identify the causes that either warm your heart or get your blood boiling. Either way, you'll know that you've chosen to commit yourself to something that matters to you. Decide how much time you can devote to helping others. Outline all of your current time commitments (work, school, family, etc.) in order to identify open windows of time that you can devote to volunteering or doing good deeds. Be careful not to make overly ambitious promises about the amount of time you can devote to volunteering or working for others. For example, if you promise the local shelter that you can help them out fifteen hours a week, they'll depend upon you being there, but after a few weeks you may be burnt out. You need to allow yourself some downtime. You should, however, make helping others an actual priority that gets written into your schedule and that you take as seriously as any other commitment like work. Identify ways that you can help right now. In this noble quest to positively impact the world, it's easy to always look far down the road and overlook the opportunities you have to help others right now. Think about how you can improve someone's life today. You may be very busy and think you don't have much time to spare, but you can still find little ways to help others. For example, you can set your alarm just a few minutes earlier than normal and scrape the ice off your neighbor's car before you head off to work. If you're in school, you can offer to organize a study group before a big exam or offer to share notes with your classmate who has been out with the flu for two weeks. Look for the little ways to help. Make a resolution to perform good deeds every day. The best way to do this is to look for little ways to spread joy and/or help others. For example: Hold doors open for the people, making sure to do it with a welcoming smile. Let someone who looks to be in a hurry move in front of you while waiting at the grocery store. Buy a pack of diapers for the new parents across the street (even if you don't know them). Spend a few minutes cutting coupons from the newspaper so that you can pick up some extra groceries, and then donate them to your local food pantry. Sincerely ask those who serve you (your waiters and waitresses, check-out clerks, gas station attendants, etc.) how they are doing. Even though these are fairly small gestures, they can still have a big impact on others. Look to the future. You'll continue to find ways to make positive changes in others' lives on a daily basis, no matter how small. However, don't forget to think bigger and longer-term as well. For example, do you want to be a philanthropist or work for a non-profit someday? Would you like to work for Doctors Without Borders? Do you want to make sure that all children have (beyond) adequate learning materials at school? Depending upon your longer-term goals, you may need to spend some of your time now developing and sharpening your skills and acquiring the requisite knowledge. This might mean that you'll need to enroll in particular course of study, obtain an internship or even change career paths. As a result, some of the time you have open to volunteer right now will be reduced, but you'll be making yourself into a better instrument for the world in the long-run. Count your blessings. Think about what you appreciate in your life, and then think about ways that you can spread those good things to others. For example, are you in a fulfilling career today because of the educational advantages you had as a child? If so, then perhaps a good way for you to both express your gratitude and help others would be to focus on helping school children get the books they need. Alternatively, you could volunteer to tutor a couple of times a week in an economically disadvantaged school district. The basic idea is to identify the ways in which you've been helped or blessed and in turn find ways to pay it forward to others. | Find your own joy. Get your life in order. Aim for improving your own life, not perfecting it. Identify your skills and talents. Think about how you work best. Be honest about what you truly enjoy. Identify the causes that are important to you. Decide how much time you can devote to helping others. Identify ways that you can help right now. Look for the little ways to help. Look to the future. Count your blessings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Melt-Brass | How to Melt Brass | Before you melt brass, make sure to research the process thoroughly on metalworking sites like IForgelron.com to ensure you set up your furnace correctly. Additionally, protect yourself with safety gear such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, a face mask, and a heat-safe apron. Next, preheat your molds and skimmer spoon, and place a crucible in your furnace. Then, light up your furnace and wait 20 minutes before adding the brass into the crucible. After the brass melts, skim off the top layer with your skimming spoon and pour the molten brass into the molds. | Seek advice specific to your goals. While this article gives you good general instructions for melting brass, there are many factors to consider when setting up a furnace. Seek advice online or from foundry workers to find a furnace setup suitable for your budget, the volume of metal you plan to melt, and all types of metal you might want to use it for. Popular metalworking forums online include IForgeIron. The hobbyists and professionals there should be able to advise you. Prepare a metal melting furnace. Melting brass requires a great deal of preparation, and a special furnace that can heat the brass rapidly before too much of the component metals oxidize. Purchase a metal melting furnace that can reach 2,000ºF (1,100ºC), constructed from a refractory material that can withstand this heat. Most brass will melt at temperatures as low as 1,650ºF (900ºC), but a higher maximum temperature will give you a margin of error, and make the brass easier to pour. Select a furnace large enough to hold the crucible and brass you intend to melt. Consider the fuel you will be using. Waste oil is a free fuel source, but the furnace may be more expensive. Propane furnaces are cleaner, but require you to keep purchasing more fuel. Solid fuel furnaces may be cheapest to purchase, or make yourself, but require significant fuel expense and cleanup if used frequently. Separate out your brass items for melting. You may already have brass items ready for melting, but if you want more raw material, thrift stores and yard sales are often treasure troves. Failing that, you can try contacting local scrap yards. Remove the brass from other materials, especially non-metallic objects such as glass, plastic, paper, and cloth. Clean the brass. Wash the brass with soapy water to remove surface contaminants such as oils and excess oxidation prior to performing the melt. If the brass is lacquered, remove the lacquer with acetone, lacquer thinner, or paint stripper. Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated area while removing lacquer, especially if using paint stripper. Acquire a crucible. A crucible holds the molten metal while it is in the furnace. For brass alloys, a graphite crucible may be the best option owing to its durability and ability to be heated quickly. Crucibles made from other materials are available, but make sure they can withstand the high temperature required. Before using a new graphite crucible, heat it to 200ºF (95ºC) for 20 minutes and let cool. This removes excess moisture that can cause spattering. Each crucible should only be used for one alloy. If you also plan to melt aluminum, iron, or other metals, they will each need their own crucible. Gather miscellaneous materials. You'll need tongs, a skimming spoon, and a pouring shank to handle the metal. Steel tongs are used to grip the crucible and place it in or out of the furnace. A steel skimming spoon is used to remove dross from the surface of the metal before pouring. Finally, a pouring shank is needed to hold the crucible in place and allow you to tilt it for pouring. If you are able to weld, you may fabricate these tools yourself from scrap. Optionally, purchase a pyrometer for measuring high temperatures, to make it easier to determine when the brass is ready to pour. Place your furnace in a well-ventilated area. An outdoor area is almost a necessity for melting brass, as the creation of toxic fumes is almost impossible to avoid. An open garage or similar structure may be a good option. Even when melting other metals, make sure your furnace has sufficient ventilation. Furnaces require a great deal of air, and may produce carbon dioxide and other gases, depending on the fuel source. Add a box of dry sand. Even apparently dry materials, especially concrete, can contain trapped moisture. If a drop of molten metal comes into contact with moisture, the liquid will transform into steam and rapidly expand, spraying the molten metal with force. To avoid this scenario, place a box of dry sand near the furnace, and always carry and pour molten metal above this sand. Gather ingot molds. The easiest way to handle molten brass is to pour it into metal ingot molds. Casting the brass into more complex shapes takes considerably more preparation. Look up information on sand casting or foam inclusion casting if you are interested in casting machine parts or artwork. Find expert supervision for these processes if possible, as success rate can be low for beginners. Wear heat-safe gloves, apron, and boots. Accept that melting metal in your backyard is a hobby that will probably lead to the occasional accident. This doesn't have to be a big deal, as long as you don't skimp on protection. Leather gloves, leather boots, and a heat-resistant apron should protect you from most minor incidents. These are often available as welding safety equipment. Wear cotton or wool clothing. Wear long sleeves and long pants underneath your protective gear, to prevent molten metal drops from landing on your bare skin. Cotton and wool tend to extinguish themselves quickly. Avoid synthetic materials, which can burn for a long time or melt to your skin. Protect your face and eyes. Wear a protective welding mask or helmet to guard your face from drops of molten metal whenever you handle the hot metal. Put on a welding mask with dark lenses any time you cast metal to protect your eyes from overexposure to UV light. Consider a respirator. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes with other metals added. Zinc has a relatively low boiling point (1,665ºF = 907ºC), which is often reached before the brass is fully melted. This causes the zinc to burn, producing a white smoke that can cause temporary flu-like symptoms when inhaled. Other materials such as lead may also be present, which can cause long-term damage after repeated exposure. A respirator rated for metal fume (P100 particulates) should protect you from these dangers. Children are at higher risk of lead poisoning than adults, and should be kept well away from the furnace while it is in use. Remove clutter from the area. All flammable and wet materials should be removed from the area, as these can cause fires and steam explosions when drops of molten metal hit them. Keep your workspace clear of all nonessential tools and objects, to give yourself a clear path between the furnace and the molds. Know where the nearest source of water is. Don't keep moisture to close to your furnace, but do have a source of cold, running water in the same general area, or at least a large bucket of cold water. If you are burned, immediately immerse the affected area in water, without pausing to remove clothing. Heat your molds and skimmer spoon. Preheat the metal molds to a temperature above 212ºF (100ºC) to remove all moisture, or the molten metal will spatter when poured. Remove them from the heat and place them on dry sand. Preheating your skimmer spoon is also recommended, for the same reason. Place your crucible in your furnace. Position the crucible into your furnace. In solid-fuel furnaces, charcoal is often packed around the crucible, but follow the instructions for your furnace model or type of home-built furnace. Light the furnace. Follow the instructions that came with your furnace, or follow the advice of experienced hobbyists if you built your own backyard furnace. Usually, this involves adding solid fuel or turning on the gas, then lighting it with a torch. Fill your crucible with brass. After 10–30 minutes, add the pieces of brass to your crucible, handling them gently to avoid damaging the crucible. Waiting until the furnace is partially heated may help heat the brass rapidly, giving less time for the zinc in the alloy to separate and burn off. Keep the furnace going until the brass is completely melted. The amount of time this takes will vary greatly with the strength of the furnace. If you have a pyrometer for measuring high temperature, keep in mind that most brass will be fully molten at about 1,700ºF (930ºC), but this can vary by about 50ºF (a difference of 27ºC) depending on the type of brass. If you do not have a pyrometer, move on to the next step once the metal is glowing orange to orange yellow, or when the color becomes almost invisible in daylight. Remember to avoid any smoke that emerges from the furnace, and to wear safety equipment while nearby. While heating metal slightly above the melting point makes it easier to pour, overheating can cause its own problems, such as oxidization. Judging when the metal is ready to pour becomes easier with practice. Skim the dross off the brass. Use your steel skimming spoon to remove the top layer of discolored or oxidized dross from the brass, and deposit this waste onto dry sand. This will also give you a sense of whether the brass is fully melted, but try not to stir the brass or extend the spoon deep into the metal. Stirring too much can mix air and gas into the metal, which can cause defects. Note that some other metals, such as aluminum, create gases on their own, and require stirring to release these. Pour the molten brass into molds. Lift the crucible out of the furnace with steel tongs, and deposit it into the ring of the pouring shank. Use the shank and tongs to lift the crucible and pour it carefully into the molds. Some spill is likely to occur, which is why the molds are kept over dry sand to minimize spatter. You may now fill the crucible with more brass, or turn off your furnace and wait for everything to cool down. The furnace may take many hours to cool, but the ingots should be ready to handle well before that. | Seek advice specific to your goals. Prepare a metal melting furnace. Separate out your brass items for melting. Clean the brass. Acquire a crucible. Gather miscellaneous materials. Place your furnace in a well-ventilated area. Add a box of dry sand. Gather ingot molds. Wear heat-safe gloves, apron, and boots. Wear cotton or wool clothing. Protect your face and eyes. Consider a respirator. Remove clutter from the area. Know where the nearest source of water is. Heat your molds and skimmer spoon. Place your crucible in your furnace. Light the furnace. Fill your crucible with brass. Keep the furnace going until the brass is completely melted. Skim the dross off the brass. Pour the molten brass into molds. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-in-Love | How to Stay in Love | To stay in love, spend a little time each day catching up. You can also schedule weekly or monthly date nights to do the types of things you did when you first met, like going to a museum or out dancing. While spending time together is important, you should also give each other space to explore your own interests and goals, which will make you appreciate the time you have together even more. You'll also want to make sure to tell your partner what you appreciate about them, and even surprise them with gifts to show them that you're thinking about them. When conflicts arise, listen to each other and accept responsibility for your part in the problem to show your partner that you're a team and can compromise. | Anticipate the end of the “honeymoon phase. " It is natural to be enamored with someone the first few months you are dating, feeling like nothing could ever come between you. Just keep in mind that this feeling does not last forever. After the initial feelings of lust have worn off, you may have to work a bit more to keep your relationship going strong. Keep in mind that the end of the honeymoon phase is not a bad thing, but rather an important step in your relationship. Now is the time you get to know your partner better and cultivate a long-lasting, loving relationship. Give each other space. It is important to spend time away from your partner in order to have time for your own interests and goals. Spending too much time together can cause problems in a relationship. If you spend every waking moment with your partner, then you may not appreciate the time that you have together as much. Make sure to plan activities apart and retain your independence as you continue your relationship. Try setting aside a night or day each week where you both do something on your own or with friends. Spend time together. Although it is important to have some time away from your partner now and then, spending time together is also very important. Make sure that you set aside a little time each day to catch up, perhaps over your morning coffee, over dinner, or during an evening walk. Make time to do things together like you did when you first started dating. For example, you can plan a movie night, a hiking trip, or a visit to a local museum. Appreciate each other. Love may fade in a relationship if one or both partners do not feel appreciated. Make sure that you tell your partner what you appreciate about him or her on a regular basis. Be specific and make sure that the things you mention are about your partner, not about you. If you appreciate your partner on a regular basis, it is more likely that you will also be appreciated in return. For example, you might tell your partner that you appreciate what a good listener he is or that you appreciate the way that she always has something positive to say when you get home from work. Work on establishing trust. In order to ensure a lasting love, you need to be trustworthy and be able to trust your partner in return. Building trust requires you and your partner to be vulnerable with each other, keep promises, and keep the lines of communication open. Each time that you trust your partner to take care of something for you or to keep his or her word, you are providing a chance for your partner to follow through and earn more trust from you. For example, if your partner is responsible for paying the electric bill each month, don't constantly remind him or her to do so. Trust that your partner will pay the bill. If he/she does, then you can feel more comfortable trusting your partner with bigger things. Share things with your partner. As your relationship progresses, you can build a deeper bond by sharing things with your partner that you haven't yet told them. Tell your partner about your fears, hopes, and dreams for the future and ask about theirs as well. Be considerate of the things your partner shares with you, even if they seem unlikely or do not appeal to you. Take care of yourself. Physical attraction is not everything in a relationship, but it is important that you look good and feel healthy in order to be your best. Make sure that you are taking care of your basic needs, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and grooming, so that you will look and feel good when you spend time with your partner.. View each other as a team. Loving couples refer to their partners as their “other half” for a reason: they work together. You should feel comfortable chasing your dreams and helping your partner realize his or her dreams. Working on projects together, like starting a garden or redecorating the house, teaches you to respect and trust each other while fostering a loving attitude. Listen to your partner when he or she wants to discuss something or needs your support. Make sure that your partner knows that you are on his or her side and that you want to offer your support in any way that you can. Accept responsibility for your role in conflicts. In every relationship, conflicts will arise and you will need to find ways to work through them. One of the best things you can do to deal with conflicts is to know when you are at fault (or at least a little at fault) and try to find a way to compromise with your partner. Taking responsibility for your role in the conflicts that arise in your relationship will help to make it easier to find areas for compromise. For example, if you and your partner are having an argument about the best way to use your tax refund, consider whether you are part of the cause of this conflict. Have you fully considered your partner's perspective? Why don't you agree with him/her? What might be a good compromise that could help resolve the conflict? Forgive your lover for their flaws. No one is perfect, but people often forget this about the ones they love. Your partner is going to make mistakes and hurt your feelings sometimes. While it may be difficult to forgive them, it is something that you need to learn how to do in order to maintain a loving relationship. To avoid developing animosity in your relationship, accept that your partner is not perfect and forgive them when they are wrong. Remember, you have to be willing to give forgiveness to get forgiveness, and you are going to make your share of mistakes too. Be willing to make sacrifices for each other. When you love someone, your life becomes joined with theirs. Things you did when you were single become harder, and you need to think about your partner's feelings when considering your plans. You can't always do exactly what you want to do when you are in a relationship, so you have to get used to sacrificing for each other now and then. For example, if you and your partner both want to see a different movie on your date night, one of you may have to sacrifice and say, “Okay, let's see the one you want to see this week.” Then the next time there is a conflict of choice, the partner who sacrificed last time should get to choose. You may encounter bigger sacrifices at some point in your relationship as well. For example, if you are offered a job in another state, your partner would have to decide if he or she is willing to sacrifice his or her job, friends, etc. to enable you to take that job. Accept your partner’s quirks. As you get to know someone, you find out new little things about them that you may find strange. Everyone has different preferences and habits, and you cannot expect your partner to do everything just like you do. Do your best to accept and appreciate their quirks instead of trying to change them. If something your partner does truly bothers you or causes you anxiety, then you need to talk to your partner about it. Avoid putting your complaint into critical terms or demanding your partner to change. Instead, say how the behavior makes you feel and ask if there is anything that your partner thinks might help to solve the problem. For example, try saying, “When you leave your dirty clothes on the floor it makes me feel frustrated and anxious. Is there anything we could do to make it easier to put clothes in the hamper?” Plan a vacation together. Even if you can't afford a vacation right now, sitting down for a few hours and discussing your dream vacation will help you to reconnect. It will also provide you both with something to look forward to and daydream about. If you get to take the vacation someday, it will be extra special because of all of the time you spent planning it together. If you never get a chance to take the vacation together, you will still have many happy memories of planning the vacation. Create traditions. Having shared traditions is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Brainstorm with your partner to create some traditions that will strengthen your bond. You can look forward to these traditions and create new ones as your relationship continues to progress. Many traditions evolve over time as a result of your mutual likes and dislikes. For example, you might both enjoy watching the Oscars and start a tradition of having an Oscar watching party where you both dress up and present each other with an award. Create moments together. Make a conscious effort to do things together. Even if your schedules are tight, make sure that you set aside some time to spend together every week. You can cook a meal together, go shopping together, or watch a movie. Try to have a date every week to stay connected. Spice up your life in the bedroom. Things can become boring between couples that have been together for a long time, but you can always do things to spice up your sex life. If you are willing to try something new, you can reinvigorate your sex life and breathe passion into the relationship. Be open and honest about your desires – you should always talk with your partner before trying something new. Show how much you love someone with gifts, surprises, or adventures. It is too easy to take someone for granted when you've been with them for years, but you need to take the time to acknowledge how much your partner matters to you. Bring flowers home from work, bake a cake just because, or buy those new shoes your lover has been eyeing. Showing that you think about your partner even when you are not together is a fantastic way to keep your love alive. Remember that you cannot buy someone's love. Any gifts you buy should be thoughtful, not just expensive. | Anticipate the end of the “honeymoon phase. Give each other space. Spend time together. Appreciate each other. Work on establishing trust. Share things with your partner. Take care of yourself. View each other as a team. Accept responsibility for your role in conflicts. Forgive your lover for their flaws. Be willing to make sacrifices for each other. Accept your partner’s quirks. Plan a vacation together. Create traditions. Create moments together. Spice up your life in the bedroom. Show how much you love someone with gifts, surprises, or adventures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Portosystemic-Shunts-in-Yorkshire-Terriers | How to Diagnose Portosystemic Shunts in Yorkshire Terriers | To diagnose portosystemic shunts in Yorkshire terriers, look out for a puppy that appears weedy or underweight, since slow growth is a common symptom. You should also note whether the puppy walks in circles or stares into space, which are signs of the neurological problems associated with the disease. If your puppies are under the age of 1, you should be particularly vigilant, since this is when symptoms usually appear. After you've spotted any of these symptoms, take your puppy to the vet for tests to rule out other possible causes, like a severe heart murmur or kidney problems. Your vet may also perform a blood test to diagnose a portosystemic shunt. | Be on the lookout for slow growth. A puppy with a PSS often grows less quickly and is of a smaller stance than its healthy littermates. The puppy may be poorly muscled and generally look 'weedy' and underweight. However, it can be difficult for an owner to recognize the puppy is stunted if it is an only dog. Keep an eye out for the neurological signs of the disease. But more serious than this, the dog can develop neurological signs. The neurological signs are due to toxic metabolites acting on the brain. In the same way that alcohol can make people drunk and their coordination suffers, the dog with a PSS may stagger and have poor coordination. Some dogs walk in circles or sit staring into space. Others may 'head press,' which means they sit in a corner and literally push their head against the wall. Other symptoms include seizures and disorientation. These signs may be worse a short time after eating and may wax and wane over the course of the day, with the dog being more alert at some times than others. Assess any additional symptoms. Some dogs also show gastrointestinal signs and may have diarrhea. They may also drool heavily after eating and their vacancy or disorientation worsens. If any of these signs sound familiar then you should get your puppy seen by a vet. Be vigilant about looking for the symptoms in young puppies. Most commonly, signs start to develop before the dog's first birthday. There are a number of variable factors which can influence when the dog shows signs and how severe the symptoms are. These variables are the size of the shunt and the type of diet. The larger the shunt the less blood flows through the liver. High protein diets produce more of the toxic waste products of digestion, and more severe clinical signs. Understand what is going on with a portosystemic shunt. A puppy in the womb derives nutrition from the mother's blood via the placenta. Thus, the fetus' liver does not need to function in the same way as an adult dog's liver does. With PSS, the liver does not switch to normal operation once the puppy is born. In the womb, the fetus has a blood vessel that bypasses the liver, thus taking it out of the circuit. The name of this bypass vessel is a portosystemic shunt, or PSS. When a normal puppy is born, this bypass vessel closes down and blood is re-routed through the liver, which then starts its work of detoxing the blood. In dogs with a clinical PSS, the bypass vessel remains open, so blood circulates around the liver rather than through it. This means the liver is not given the opportunity to cleanse the blood of natural toxins that occur as a result of digestion. Take your dog to its veterinarian. The vet will perform a thorough clinical examination to rule out other problems, such as a severe heart murmur, which could cause weakness and disorientation. The next step is screening blood tests, again to rule out kidney problems and other conditions which could affect the puppies growth and mentation. Screening bloods won't definitively diagnose a PSS but certain changes on the panel can point in that direction. The vet may choose to run an addition blood test looking at blood ammonia levels, since these are often elevated in dogs with a PSS. In addition, the vet may run a bile acid stimulation test (BAST). This test compares the levels of bile salts in the blood before and after eating. The pattern of response to eating (the levels of bile acids are high both before and after) can point strongly towards a shunt. Discuss the need for further testing with the veterinarian. If the vet is suspicious of a PSS then more detailed imaging is necessary to confirm the condition. This is essential if surgical correction is being considered, as the surgeon needs to know where the shunt is in order to plan surgery. If you do not intend to correct a potential problem with surgery, then the cost of these tests may not be worth the information you can get from them. These imaging techniques are quite specialized and your dog may need referral to a specialist center in order to access the equipment and expertise necessary. Each center has their own preferences but the options include: An ultrasound scan by a specialist: Shunts are difficult to visualize using ultrasound but experienced scanners can use the doppler flow of the blood to check for a shunt. This technique has the advantage of being non invasive so no surgical procedure is necessary to reach a diagnosis. Scintigraphy: This involves giving the dog an enema of a radioactive substance. The distribution of that substance is measured with a special scanner, and the amounts in the heart and the liver compared (it will be much lower in the liver). Portogram: Blood vessels don't show up well on x-ray but this technique involves a contrast agent injected into a major blood vessel so that the passage of the contrast can be followed on x-ray. This gives a clear 'map' of the blood vessels and highlights the shunt. The disadvantage is the patient needs an anesthetic in order to inject the contrast (a small surgical incision may be made into the abdomen) and to take the pictures. MRI or CT scan: These can give a 3D image of the abdominal content including the shunt if present. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. Once a diagnosis is made, the decision is made about treatment. Surgery is successful in most cases, although a second operation is needed in a small percentage of cases. However, the procedure is expensive and requires specialist care and postoperative nursing. The alternative is to manage the patient with a low protein diet and medications that lower the levels of toxins in the blood. This is not a cure and patients may still have flare ups of clinical signs and are likely to lead shortened lives. | Be on the lookout for slow growth. Keep an eye out for the neurological signs of the disease. Assess any additional symptoms. Be vigilant about looking for the symptoms in young puppies. Understand what is going on with a portosystemic shunt. Take your dog to its veterinarian. Discuss the need for further testing with the veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-the-Dealership-Logo-from-a-Vehicle | How to Remove the Dealership Logo from a Vehicle | To remove a dealership logo from your car using heat, start by cleaning the logo sticker and the area around it with car-safe soap and water. Then, hold a blow dryer a few inches away from the logo sticker, and turn it on high. Move it from side to side across the logo until it becomes slightly tacky or wiggles under your finger. Slide a plastic card under the logo if it's a sticker, which will help to scrape it off. If the logo is a badge, work a piece of fishing line behind the plastic to cut through the adhesive. | Clean the logo and the area around it with soap and water. Be sure to rinse the area first, then use a car wash specific soap to scrub the dealership logo and surrounding area before rinsing it off again. Dirt or grime could create tiny scratches in the paint as you work the logo off of the car. Be sure to clean an area that's at least a few inches bigger around than the logo is itself. Use a hair dryer to warm up the logo. Run the hair dryer over the logo from side to side for a few minutes while on its hottest setting. Whether the dealership logo on your vehicle is a decal or a badge, the adhesive used to secure it will soften as its warmed up. Keep heating the logo until a decal becomes slightly tacky to the touch or a badge can wiggle slightly under your finger. Be very careful if you use an industrial heat gun instead of a hair dryer. Heating up the paint too much could create a haze in the clear coat. Use a plastic card to scrape under the corner of a decal. With the dealership logo still warm, pick a corner and press your plastic credit card or scraper under the edge. If the logo is on a window, you can use a razor blade, but do not use one if the logo is applied to paint. A razer blade can damage the paint and even ruin the paint's seal, leading to rust. If you have trouble getting under the corner of the badge, try coming at it from a different angle. Cut through the adhesive on a badge with fishing line. If your dealership logo is a plastic badge, the easiest way to remove it may be to wrap both ends of a piece of fishing line around your fingers, then working the line through the glue beneath the badge. Work the line back and forth by pulling it with each hand as you slide through the adhesive beneath the badge. If the line gets stuck, use the hair dryer to warm up the adhesive again. Scrape decals or adhesive away slowly. Whether the dealership logo is a decal or a badge, it may come apart as you scrape at it. Work slowly, applying pressure to the edge of the card or scraper to keep it as flat against the vehicle as possible as you press into the logo. A badge will need to have all the of adhesive holding the plastic in place separated. Then you may need to repeat the process to remove the last bits of adhesive that remain. A decal will need to be scraped off entirely. Reheat the logo as necessary. If it's taking you a little time to scrape the logo off of the vehicle, it may begin to cool, allowing the adhesive to re-harden. Avoid this by using the hair dryer to heat it up again every few minutes as you work. If you feel the adhesive start to give you more resistance, heat it up again. If you've heated the logo up enough, most can be removed without reheating again. Use your fingers to remove large portions of the logo. As you scrape beneath the logo, enough material may become loose for you to just grab it with your fingers and pull it away. With decals, it's best to peel the logo off, but with badges, you can just pull it off as you scrape. Badge style logos may break as you remove them. Use adhesive remover on any leftover glue. If the dealership logo was a plastic badge secured with glue, it may come off and leave an adhesive residue behind. Spray on an adhesive remover, then use a rag to wipe it and the leftover adhesive away. Read the directions on the adhesive remover before applying it to the vehicle. You can buy adhesive remover at any auto parts or hardware store. Use a stripe off wheel on particularly stuck on adhesive. If some of the adhesive on the car is proving too difficult to remove, you can use a “stripe off wheel” attached to a power drill to safely remove the adhesive without damaging your paint. Simply attach the wheel like any other drill bit and then lightly touch it to the adhesive with the drill spinning. Use both horizontal and vertical movements with the wheel to remove any remaining bits of adhesive. If your drill has adjustable settings, set it to spin at fewer than 4,000 RPMs for best results. You can buy stripe off wheels at most hardware or auto parts stores. Wash the area where the logo used to be. Once the dealership logo has been completely removed, wash the area with soap and water to remove any debris leftover from the logo as well as any adhesive remover that may still be on the paint. Adhesive remover can ruin your paint if left on too long. Make sure you don't leave any bits of decal or adhesive at all on the paint or else you'll be waxing over it. Apply a fresh coat of wax where the logo used to be. Because dealership logos are applied after the vehicle leaves the factory, the clear coat beneath the logo should be intact, but the combination of scraping and adhesive remover has likely removed all of the wax on the paint. Apply a thin layer of wax using the supplied applicator in a swirling motion. You may want to wax the entire vehicle to keep the paint looking uniform. Be sure to wax your vehicle in the shade, as direct sunlight can bake it onto the paint. Wait for the wax to dry before buffing it off with a chamois cloth. It may take several minutes for the wax to dry entirely, but you'll know when it begins to turn white or grey. Touch the wax gently with your finger; if it comes off under light pressure, it's ready to be buffed off with the cloth. Use a clean cloth to ensure dirt or grime already on the cloth doesn't scratch the newly applied wax or the paint underneath. Buff the wax off in a circular motion for best results. | Clean the logo and the area around it with soap and water. Use a hair dryer to warm up the logo. Use a plastic card to scrape under the corner of a decal. Cut through the adhesive on a badge with fishing line. Scrape decals or adhesive away slowly. Reheat the logo as necessary. Use your fingers to remove large portions of the logo. Use adhesive remover on any leftover glue. Use a stripe off wheel on particularly stuck on adhesive. Wash the area where the logo used to be. Apply a fresh coat of wax where the logo used to be. Wait for the wax to dry before buffing it off with a chamois cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-With-a-Convection-Toaster-Oven | How to Cook With a Convection Toaster Oven | Before cooking with a convection toaster oven, it's important to realize that cooking times and temperatures will be much faster and lower than in a conventional oven. This reduction in time and temperature is because a fan circulates the heat around the food more quickly. Most baking recipes suggest lowering the temperature by 20-25 degrees and reducing the cooking time by ⅓ of the original recipe. As for what to cook your food in, try pans with low or no sides and don't cover your food with foil or a lid. This will allow proper air flow. | Know what a convection oven is. A traditional oven has heating elements on top and bottom of the oven. A convection oven differs by having a fan in addition to the heating elements. The fan continuously circulates air through the oven as the food cooks. This process of blowing hot air over the food as it cooks makes the food cook more evenly. Traditional ovens can leave your food uneven in some places, or cause you to have to switch racks. Realize that cooking times and temperatures are reduced in a convection oven. Convection ovens cook your food much faster and at a lower temperature than in a conventional oven. The reason for this is that the fan circulates the heat around the food more quickly, so the food cooks in a shorter amount of time and more evenly. Know the benefits of a convection toaster oven. In addition to cooking faster and at a lower temperature, convection toaster ovens have other benefits. Toaster ovens are smaller, which take up less space in your kitchen. This might be important if you live in a small apartment or are cramped for space. They also release less heat into your home, which can be a benefit during the summer when turning on the oven can significantly increase the heat in your home. Now, convection settings are available in toaster ovens instead of just larger ovens. This gives you the convenience of a toaster oven, with the benefits of a convection oven. The heat in your home is reduced, while you save time and energy costs by the shorter, more efficient convection setting and the use of a smaller appliance. Lower the temperature for a convection oven. Because the air circulates around the food, the temperature should be lowered from a traditional recipe when cooking with a convection oven. Most baking recipes suggest lowering the temperature by 20-25 degrees when cooking in a convection oven. Reduce the cooking time. Since convection ovens cook much faster, reduce the time you would use for a conventional oven. Start by reducing the time by 1/3 of the original recipe. You can use a convection calculator to get a more precise estimate if you can't find a recipe geared towards a convection oven. Use the correct pans. Since convection ovens cook just a bit differently, you want to use different pans to maximize the benefits of your convection toaster oven. Use cookie sheets with no sides. Make sure your baking and roasting pans have low sides. This helps the airflow reach your food. Rimless, non-insulated pans lined with parchment paper work well for cookies. Place the baking tray on the rack that is under the rack the food is on to catch drip. This allows airflow to reach the food while still catching the drip. Don't cover your food. When cooking in a convection oven, don't cover your food. Since airflow is part of the cooking process when using a convection oven, covering the food blocks this flow. Refrain from covering your food with foil or a top. Check your food as it cooks. Just like with a conventional oven, keep an eye on your food as it cooks in a convection toaster oven. Check it about 3/4 of the way through, or 10 minutes before it should be finished. This will help you make sure you don't overcook and undercook food in the toaster oven. Know which foods cook best in a convection toaster oven. You can cook most foods in a convection oven, but some foods work better than others. A convection oven cooks drier than a conventional oven, which can sometimes be more humid and steamier. Because of this, these foods work best in a convection oven: Meat. Because of the dry heat, meat is roasted much better in a convection oven. The process can give you perfect, crackling skin but a moist inside. Pies and cookies. Cookies will end up brown and uniform, while pastries will be flaky and fluffy. Cakes and bread don't do as well because of the dry heat; they could end up dry instead of moist. Know that most recipes can be converted. Once you understand what a convection oven is, cooking with one is relatively simple. Just about every recipe can be adapted. Just remember the above steps: lower the temperature, shorten the cook time, keep an eye on it, and lower the sides of your pan. Everything else - the ingredients, the preparation of the dish - is just like a traditional recipe. | Know what a convection oven is. Realize that cooking times and temperatures are reduced in a convection oven. Know the benefits of a convection toaster oven. Lower the temperature for a convection oven. Reduce the cooking time. Use the correct pans. Don't cover your food. Check your food as it cooks. Know which foods cook best in a convection toaster oven. Know that most recipes can be converted. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Kiwi-Has-Gone-Bad | How to Tell if a Kiwi Has Gone Bad | To tell if a kiwi has gone bad, examine it for mold, dryness, or mushy spots. Look closely at the kiwi for patches of brown or green mold, which might appear fuzzy with flecks of white on the skin or pulp of the fruit. Since kiwis are so small, it's best to throw them away rather than try to cut off the moldy part and eat the remaining fruit. Another way to tell if your kiwi is bad is to see if the skin looks shriveled or dry or if there's little or no juice in the pulp. Alternatively, if the kiwi has patches that look wet or mushy, especially on the skin, it's likely a sign that the kiwi is spoiled. | Check the skin and pulp for mold. Pick up the kiwi and look at it closely for patches of brown or green mold. The mold may appear fuzzy, with flecks of white on the skin or pulp of the fruit. There may be patches of mold all over the kiwi or on just one area. Because kiwis are so small, it's best to throw away moldy ones rather than try to cut off the mold and eat the non-moldy area. Notice if the skin or pulp looks dry. Notice if the skin of the kiwi looks shriveled and dry. The pulp may also look dull and dry, with little to no juice in the pulp. These are signs that kiwi may have gone bad. Check the kiwi for mushy patches. You can also examine the kiwi for any parts that look wet or mushy, especially on the skin. This may be a sign that the kiwi is spoiled. Sniff the kiwi for an acidic smell. Kiwis that have gone bad will have an off, slightly acidic smell. Sniff the kiwi's skin and pulp to determine if it has an unpleasant smell. If so, it has likely spoiled. A fresh kiwi will smell citrusy and light, with a touch of sweetness. Squeeze the kiwi to see if it is hard or mushy. Use your fingers to gently squeeze the kiwi. If it is very hard to the touch, it was likely underripe when you got it and may need more time to ripen, or it may just be bad. If the kiwi is very mushy to the touch, it has gone bad. If the kiwi is very hard, you can try ripening it on your kitchen counter next to a banana or apple for a few days to see if it softens and ripens. Touch the pulp to see if it is dry. Use your finger to carefully press on the pulp in the kiwi. If it is dry to the touch, the kiwi has likely gone bad. If the kiwi is soft to the touch and appears juicy, it might be okay to eat as long as it does not smell bad or have mold on it. Buy kiwis when they are in season. Most kiwis are imported from New Zealand or Chile, and their growing season is May to November. Look for kiwis at your local grocery store during this time to ensure you buy the best kiwis possible. Buying kiwis in season will ensure they are ripe and juicy. Kiwis sold from December to April were likely picked before they were ripe and will not ripen properly when you bring them home. Leave an unripe kiwi on the counter next to bananas or apples. Bananas and apples are high in ethylene, so they accelerate the ripening of any fruits they are close to. You can put a kiwi and a banana together in a paper bag to speed up ripening, or simply place the kiwi next to a banana or an apple in a fruit bowl on your counter. You can also leave kiwis next to tomatoes, apricots, figs, cantaloupe, avocados, pears, and peaches to help them ripen faster. Put a ripe kiwi in the fridge to keep it fresh. Once the kiwi feels soft to the touch and smells fragrant, you can put it in the fridge to slow down its ripening process. If you have a ripe kiwi that is cut in half, wrap it in plastic or foil and put it in the fridge. You can also store cut kiwi in an airtight plastic container in the fridge. Ripe kiwis usually last three to four days in the refrigerator. | Check the skin and pulp for mold. Notice if the skin or pulp looks dry. Check the kiwi for mushy patches. Sniff the kiwi for an acidic smell. Squeeze the kiwi to see if it is hard or mushy. Touch the pulp to see if it is dry. Buy kiwis when they are in season. Leave an unripe kiwi on the counter next to bananas or apples. Put a ripe kiwi in the fridge to keep it fresh. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-Dust-Mites | How to Know if You Have Dust Mites | If you think you have dust mites, look out for allergic reactions like hay fever, cough, runny nose, or sinus pain. In infants, symptoms show up as infantile eczema and children will rub their noses if they're having a reaction to dust mites. To determine for sure if you have dust mites, purchase a test kit, which is a plastic filter that is inserted into the dust collector of your vacuum. With the filter in place, gather samples by vacuuming 4 letter-sized areas for 30 seconds. Once you have your samples, add the testing liquid and use the included dropper to apply 5 drops to the test strip. After 10 minutes, look at the strip and compare the pink line that shows up to the indicator. | Obtain a compound microscope with 10x magnification. Any microscope will do, but a compound microscope is the best kind for observing microscopic, transparent specimens, such as dust mites. You can buy a compound microscope online or from a retailer that sells them to schools, hospitals, and research organizations. You can also acquire a cheap microscope with a 10x magnification lens from a toy store, hobby store, or thrift store. You need to use at least 10x magnification when viewing dust mites under a microscope. Collect samples of dust and put them on a slide. Using a clear piece of tape, pick up clumps of dust from surfaces such as shelves or the floor. Put the tape on the slide under the lens of the microscope with the power set to at least 10x magnification. Dust mites are 0.3 millimetres (0.012 in) in size, so they can't be seen with the naked eye. Use a lint-free, microfiber cloth to handle the slide to avoid getting fingerprints on the glass. Carry the slide between your thumb and forefinger by its sides rather than by the top and bottom. Put the slide under the stage clips. The stage is located at the front of the microscope under the objective lenses. It's a flat, square platform with metal clips on it for holding slides. Gently lift the clips and close them over each end of the slide to hold it in place. Don't force the slides under the clips, as they are fragile and can be easily broken. Plug in the microscope to turn on its light. A power switch on the bottom controls the light. Use the dimmer switch by pushing it forward and backward to adjust the lighting. Adjust the light intensity to low with the dimmer switch at the bottom right of the microscope. When you turn the microscope on, increase the light intensity to a level that isn't too bright or too low. A ring-like object called the diaphragm lets you control the amount of light that reaches the specimen. You can rotate this with your hand to adjust the amount of light under the specimen. It's located under the stage. Rotate the nosepiece to the 10x power objective. You can rotate it by simply turning it with your fingers. This is the level at which dust mites can be seen. If the dust mites are still out of focus, increase the power objective until you see them clearly. Look for clear, oval-shaped arachnids with rigid bodies. They have long hairs along the edges of their bodies and short hairs all over their bodies. They don't have eyes or antennae. Under a microscope, you'll see dust mites crawling all over one another. Dust mites' mouths resemble heads. Buy a home dust mite test kit. You can buy a testing kit online. Some testing kits require you to collect the sample and send it to a lab for results. Some kits allow you to test a sample at home yourself using a solution on a test strip. The test strip has line indicators to represent the levels of allergens present in your home. Testing for dust mites is a good idea if all preventive measures have not improved your allergy symptoms. Insert the plastic filter in the dust collector. Dust mite home-testing kits come with a dust collecting container that attaches to a vacuum cleaner's hose. The filter traps dust samples inside the dust collector while you vacuum. Indoor allergen test kits are useful for testing air quality if you have breathing issues at home. Attach the dust collector to your vacuum hose. If the collector doesn't fit on the hose, use the adapter that comes with the testing kit. You can attach the adapter to the hose, and then attach the collector to the adapter. To make sure the collector is secure, turn the vacuum on and place your hand over the opening of the nozzle to feel for suction. Vacuum 4 separate sections in the spot you’re testing. Each of these 4 areas should be the size of a letter-sized page of paper. Vacuum each section for 30 seconds each to collect an adequate sample of dust to test. This comes to 2 minutes total. You can test carpet, bedding, curtains, dusty shelves, and so on. The heaviest concentration of dust mites can be found in fibers, so carpets and mattresses are the best place to test. Turn the vacuum off and remove the dust collector. Leave the filter inside the dust collector when you remove it. The filter needs to remain inside, because you'll be testing it with a solution that comes with the kit. Don't put your hand down inside the container to touch the filter, especially if you have allergies to dust mites. Insert the bottom cap into the base of the collector. These kits come with bottom caps to seal the bottoms of the dust collectors, because you'll be putting testing fluid in it. The collector serves as a container for the indoor contaminant. Add the testing liquid, shake the container, then let it rest for 4 minutes. Dust mite testing kits come with testing a solution that you pour directly into the dust collector with the filter inside. The solution mixes with the dust to detect mites. Once the liquid is in the dust collector, press the top cap on the top opening, and shake for 1 minute. Leave the solution and dust to set for 4 minutes. Letting it set allows the dust and solution to blend together, so it will give accurate results on the test strip. Apply the 5 drops to the sample well on the test strip. Using the dropper that comes in the test kit, suck some of the solution and dust from the collector. It should take 10 minutes for the test strip to show results. Results will appear as pink and red lines on the test strip. The test strip has a C and a T symbol under which the pink lines will appear. C means control, and T means test. The T mark is where the results of the test show up. The control, or C, shows what all the different shades of pink mean. Look at the test strip for pink lines after 10 minutes. A red or pink line will appear under the T mark. Compare the color of that line with the high, medium or low indicators shown under the control, or C, symbol. If the line is pinkish red or dark red, mite levels are medium to high. If the line is light pink or invisible, that means mites are undetectable or very low. Test other rooms if you have high dust mite levels. The kit will come with 2 tests, so you can use the second one in another room. If you checked a carpet in the living room, check the carpet or sheets in a bedroom. To test other areas, repeat this process with the second kit. Identify symptoms such as hay fever, cough, runny nose, or sinus pain. Proteins in dust mite feces cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. You can react from inhaling them or from contact with your skin. Symptoms may also manifest as watery eyes, asthma, and sneezing. Symptoms in infants can show up as infantile eczema. Children will frequently rub their noses upwards if they're reacting to dust mites. Other visible symptoms include frequent awakening, postnasal drip, blue-colored skin under the eyes, an itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat. Get a skin prick test to determine your sensitivity to allergens. You can get these tests done at an allergy specialist, but you need a referral from your primary care doctor to see an allergist. When you get a skin prick or scratch test, the nurse will poke or scratch your skin with a tiny needle containing a small sample of an allergen. If you are allergic to dust mites, a small, itchy wheal will appear on the test site. A wheal is a red bump that resembles a mosquito bite or hive. It takes about 20 minutes for wheals to appear after pricking or scratching the skin. The larger the wheal is, the more likely you are to be allergic to the substance. Get a specific IgE blood test if the skin test shows no signs of allergies. If you have allergy symptoms, skin tests won't always show symptoms, especially if you're taking allergy medicine. In an IgE test, a nurse will take a sample of your blood, which is sent to a lab for testing. To test the blood, lab technicians will add allergens to it to see if your blood produces antibodies to attack them. They test the amount of antibodies your blood produces to fight the allergens. This will indicate whether you are allergic to dust mites. To get a specific IgE blood test, your doctor will either do it in their office or send you to a lab to have your blood drawn. A positive blood test to an allergen doesn't mean an allergen caused your symptoms. That's why you should have a full checkup to rule out anything else. Take antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids treat dust mite allergies, but these medications act in different ways. For example, corticosteroids treat inflammation in your nose caused by allergens. Antihistamines block histamine to reduce allergy symptoms, and you take them orally. When over-the-counter medicines fail to work, your allergist may recommend immunotherapy to strengthen your immune system against allergens. You can also limit your exposure to dust by regularly vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, using mite-proof covers for your bedding, and washing your clothes weekly. Use a HEPA air filter to clean the air in the bedroom of the allergic individual. Another option is to have just wood flooring throughout your home, rather than carpets. Dust mites prefer fabric over wood or tile. | Obtain a compound microscope with 10x magnification. Collect samples of dust and put them on a slide. Put the slide under the stage clips. Plug in the microscope to turn on its light. Rotate the nosepiece to the 10x power objective. Look for clear, oval-shaped arachnids with rigid bodies. Buy a home dust mite test kit. Insert the plastic filter in the dust collector. Attach the dust collector to your vacuum hose. Vacuum 4 separate sections in the spot you’re testing. Turn the vacuum off and remove the dust collector. Insert the bottom cap into the base of the collector. Add the testing liquid, shake the container, then let it rest for 4 minutes. Apply the 5 drops to the sample well on the test strip. Look at the test strip for pink lines after 10 minutes. Test other rooms if you have high dust mite levels. Identify symptoms such as hay fever, cough, runny nose, or sinus pain. Get a skin prick test to determine your sensitivity to allergens. Get a specific IgE blood test if the skin test shows no signs of allergies. Take antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat allergy symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-and-Feel-Good-Naked-(for-Guys) | How to Look and Feel Good Naked (for Guys) | It's natural to feel a little self-conscious when you're naked, but with the right attitude and healthy habits, you can make yourself feel more confident about your body. Whenever you take all of your clothes off, focus on your positive attributes to make yourself feel good. For example, if you have strong legs or large biceps, admire them and use them as motivation to improve areas that you aren't as proud of. Give yourself goals to improve those other areas, such as focusing on your diet to reduce belly fat or aiming to do more weight lifting to increase your muscle mass. You can also fight the presence of dirt and pimples on your skin so you look better when you're naked. Use gentle cleansers to attack body acne and change your bed sheets often to keep your skin cleaner. | Get naked. That means take off everything. The only way you are going to be truly comfortable facing down your doubts and concerns about being naked is to face them head-on. It shouldn't be with other people, as the first step is making sure that you are comfortable being naked. Make sure you are somewhere with a mirror that will let you examine your whole body, especially those parts you can't see directly. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend naked as well. You don't need to turn into a nudist right away, just slowly spend more time without your clothes on. You'll probably find that you get more comfortable. Focus on your positive attributes. To feel good naked, you need to highlight the areas you feel good about. Focusing on the areas you like can help you build self-confidence , and give you the motivation to improve the rest. There are a lot of parts to your body, which means plenty of options to find something positive. Maybe you have nice strong legs, a chiseled back, or you're particularly proud of your “package.” Whatever you decide on, that's a great start to remembering that there are parts of you worth loving. If you are having trouble, don't think about a list of items. Start with one part of you that you think looks good, even if you can see it when you aren't naked. Maybe you have a good smile or strong hands. Challenge negative thoughts about your body. Certain forms of negative thinking can damage your self-esteem. This will prevent you from accepting your body the way it is, and can even prevent you from doing things to improve it. Recognize if you are thinking this way, and challenge yourself to think differently. There are several common types of negative thinking that can affect the way you look at yourself. All-or-nothing. You probably don't see chiseled abs and perfectly toned muscles when naked. These are all things you can change and improve. Not having them doesn't mean you can't get them. Filtering. Dwelling on negative parts of your body while ignoring those parts you like can make you more insecure about having your clothes off. This is why it is important to find something you like about your body. And there is always something to praise. Negative self-talk. Don't turn your criticism of your negative aspects into a reflection of your self-worth. There is a substantive difference between telling yourself “My gut is too big, I should try to lose some weight,” and “I'm fat because I can't make myself exercise enough.” When you criticize yourself, look for things you can do to improve them as well. Identify things to improve. It's important to feel confident in your own skin (and nothing but your skin), but that doesn't mean things are perfect. Give yourself some goals to work on, to help keep you focused not just on looking and feeling good, but making sure you stay that way. Set small, simple goals that you can easily track, which will let you clearly see your progress and success. This is especially important for physical goals, like improving your physique or changing the style of your hair, as these are easy to track visually. You should also consider mental goals, like resolving to focus more on the positive aspects of your body. Something simple like giving one positive comment about your body every morning can improve your mood and confidence while naked. Practice good hygiene. Regular maintenance is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall appearance. It may take some effort to get into a regular schedule of good habits, but it will pay off big overall. Bathe regularly. Take a bath or shower regularly to make sure you are getting your hair and body free of dirt, oil, and perspiration. Use soap and warm water, rinse all the lather off before finishing, then pat yourself dry for a clean finish. Get rid of body odor. In addition to keeping clean, especially those areas that get sweaty and dirty like armpits, use deodorant or cologne. Subtle, mild, or no-fragrance deodorants are good for masking your body's less flattering odors. Complement this by using a cologne that subtly enhances your natural scents. You'll only need to dab on small amounts, so no need for sprays that coat you in a cloud of scent. Take care of other parts of your body. Some parts of you will need more specific care. Your nails and teeth require a little extra work, but can give you a nice boost to looking and feeling good. Trim fingernails and toenails regularly. Trimming them once every week or so should be enough to keep them from getting too long. File after cutting for a smoother finish that looks nicer, and avoids sharp edges that can catch on clothing, or other people. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth twice daily and floss once a day. Consider rinsing with mouthwash as well to improve your breath. If you want further improvements to the appearance of your teeth, discuss whitening or straightening with a dentist. Take good care of your skin. Clear, healthy looking skin is a very attractive quality. Make sure you know what kind of skin you have to find the best products to take care of any issues that arise. Regular bathing will help remove the dirt and grease that cause blemishes and other imperfections on your skin. Make sure you get into those sweaty areas too. Protect yourself from the sun. The sun can easily damage your skin if you aren't careful, and even if you don't get skin cancer, sunburn is painful and embarrassing to see. Avoid being outside during peak hours (10 am to 2 pm), wear clothing that covers your body, and lather up with sunscreen. For clearer skin, look for a variety of colors in fruits and vegetables. This includes carrots, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, and blueberries. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are good, and you can't go wrong adding nuts and seeds to your diet. Attack body acne. Fight the presence of dirt and pimples across your body, not just your face. Regular bathing to clean your body off is good prevention, as is making sure you do so after working out to clean the sweat off your body. If you already have body acne, use gentle cleansers rather than the tougher astringents used on your face. Change and clean your bed sheets regularly. When you roll around in the sheets, you wind up leaving your own dirt and dead skin. Regular cleaning of your sheets will help prevent you from sleeping in your own filth, which keeps it off of your skin. Maintain a healthy weight. Every person's body is a little different, and your ideal weight will be in a range determined by your height, health, and activity level. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate weight for your circumstances. Related to your weight is the presence of fat or flab in certain parts of your body. Pinpoint those specific areas that make you uncomfortable. Create a fitness plan that will target those areas. To help control your weight, you will need to keep an eye on your calorie intake. If you are trying to lose weight, don't reduce calories too much. You do need energy to exercise and keep up with your life. If you are trying to lose weight, look for plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These options will help provide fewer calories, and are healthier options that will give you the energy to stay active. Build muscle. Having muscle tone and definition aren't the only ways to look good, but they certainly can improve the look of your body. If you want to build muscle, exercise and diet will get you there. Choose the areas you want to improve. Specific exercises can be done to tone any part of the body. For abs, try crunches or other core-intensive workouts. To tone arms, try push-ups, pull-ups and weightlifting. Just like a weight-loss plan, you'll want to choose a workout routine that meets your goals. Just remember to stretch before any exercise. You'll want your diet to include proteins, which help build muscle. Meats like ground beef, chicken, and eggs all pack a good protein punch. If you aren't a big meat-eater, other foods like almonds and cottage cheese are also high in proteins. Drink plenty of water. You'll want about 13 cups worth every day. Water helps keep your skin clear, will keep you from eating heavily at meals, and keep you hydrated for workouts. Use confident body language. Without clothes to distract, or send a particular message, the way you carry yourself is vitally important to being comfortable and confident in your own skin. Even if you aren't feeling confident, faking it can help trick yourself into feeling more confident. Have good posture. Stand or sit up straight to make yourself appear taller. Keep your chin up and shoulders relaxed for a confident pose. These are good tips when dressed, too, but even more important when it is harder to hide yourself with clothing. Smile. A friendly face can project confidence in yourself, which is always more attractive to the other person. Look forward and maintain eye contact. This can create a strong connection with your partner. Additionally, it will subconsciously force them to look at your eyes rather than other parts of your body. If you're still a bit nervous about being naked around another person, this can help keep their eyes from wandering too much. Keep your body hair trim. You may be comfortable letting your body hair grow wild, but your partner may disagree. Long, unkempt body hair can be unpleasant to look at, and another person will probably like touching it even less. Besides, if you want your partner to touch you, it should be skin, not hair, that gets grabbed. Armpit hair. This is a common part of your body for sweat, and trimming it can reduce sweating. It's better not to shave it all off, but keep it trim and don't allow it to grow too wild. Chest hair. If you are an athlete, this can be a reasonable part of your body to keep clean of hair. Shave slowly, and use an electric razor to get rid of any remaining stubble. You may also consider waxing. Otherwise, an electric trimmer can help you maintain a masculine look (if that's what you are going for). Back hair is generally considered less attractive. If you don't like having it, this is a good part of your body to have waxed, as it can hurt less. Plus, it's hard to shave a part of your body you can't easily see. Genital hair. Like your chest and armpits, it is unusual for a man to be perfectly clean down there, unless you are an athlete looking for an aerodynamic edge. Use an electric razor to keep your hair trim and tame. This will cut down on sweat and odors, and can make you look bigger. Make the room more comfortable. Your comfort isn't just about confidence. A little effort on the environment will make both of you more comfortable without clothes, and can really help to set the mood. Get the room temperature right. There are a number of factors that go into determining the most comfortable temperature, which is usually matter of personal preference. If you are naked, though, you may want the room temperature to be slightly higher than usual, since you won't be wearing any clothing. Colder temperatures reduce blood flow, causing parts to retract into your body for warmth, which makes them smaller. Keep the lights dim. If you and your partner still aren't completely comfortable naked with one another, low lighting can help hide a few things. Plus, it can create a more romantic atmosphere, if that's what you are going for. If you are really daring, and not worried about setting off the fire alarm, consider candles instead of your lamps. Deodorize your room. You've focused on your body odor, but you don't want your room to smell too. Keeping the room clean and avoiding clutter is always a good way to reduce odors. A quick spray with some basic fragrance should be enough to cover any unusual smells, especially on short notice. Laugh. There will always be some insecurity when you have your clothes off, which is probably also true for anyone with you. Lighten the mood with a joke, or try to find something humorous in your situation. Laughing will make you both feel more comfortable, and laughing together helps create a greater connection between the two of you. Let your partner touch you. This doesn't need to be while you are naked. Feeling someone else's hands touching you can remind you that you aren't just the image you see in the mirror. Someone else touching you helps you feel attractive, like someone worth touching. If you are in a relationship, let your significant other touch you. It doesn't need to be erotic. A nice shoulder rub or a hug will let you know your partner finds you attractive. If you are single, or don't have anyone that you would let touch you, getting a massage is a great way to find an outside pair of hands. Plus, you'll probably feel more relaxed afterwards. | Get naked. Focus on your positive attributes. Challenge negative thoughts about your body. Identify things to improve. Practice good hygiene. Take care of other parts of your body. Take good care of your skin. Attack body acne. Maintain a healthy weight. Build muscle. Drink plenty of water. Use confident body language. Keep your body hair trim. Make the room more comfortable. Laugh. Let your partner touch you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Hoover-Carpet-Cleaner | How to Use a Hoover Carpet Cleaner | To use a hoover carpet cleaner, first move all of the furniture out of the area that you want to clean, and vacuum the area thoroughly. Then, fill the water tank of the Hoover with hot tap water and add carpet cleaning solution to the solution compartment. With the Hoover in position on your carpet, squeeze the trigger on its handle to release cleaning solution as you push it forward and backward slowly over the same small section. Once that section is wet, move the cleaner forward and back over the same area without pulling the trigger to extract the remaining dirt and dirty water from your carpet. After repeating this process over the entire carpet, empty out the dirty water tank to keep your Hoover working properly. | Purchase a carpet cleaning solution that matches your needs. Hoover has different types of carpet cleaning solutions for different uses. Some are recommended for certain cleaner models. You can choose a solution that treats pet stains and odors, one that removes tough food stains, or one for general cleaning. You may use a different brand of carpet solution, but Hoover suggests using their brand for the most effective cleaning. Move all of the furniture out of the area. Make sure you're able to leave the room without walking on your freshly cleaned floor later. If you can't move all of your furniture, clear half the room and clean it first. You'll replace the furniture on that half when it's dry, then clean the other half. If you can't move a piece of furniture, wrap its legs in plastic wrap. This will keep it dry and prevent wood stain or finish from bleeding into your wet carpet. Tie up long drapes in a loose knot so the ends don't drag on the wet carpet. Vacuum the area thoroughly before you using your carpet cleaner. Use a regular vacuum, since a Hoover carpet cleaner can't be used as a dry vacuum cleaner. A regular vacuum will lift hair, dirt, and small pieces of debris from your carpet before the carpet cleaner does its job. If you need to pretreat stains with a special solution, do this after vacuuming. Follow the stain treament's instructions and leave enough time for it to work before you clean your carpets. Set up your carpet cleaner on a tile floor in case of spills. While you fill and dispose of the water in the tank, liquid might spill. Keeping it on a tile or linoleum floor will make spills easier to clean up. Don't set up your cleaner on hardwood floors, which could get damaged by water and detergent spills. Fill the water tank with hot tap water. All Hoover carpet cleaners have a clean water tank and dirty water tank. Remove the clean water tank at the top by pressing on the lock on the handle. Unscrew the cap to the water compartment and fill the tank up to the fill line with water. Add cleaning solution to the solution compartment or water tank. Depending on your Hoover brand model, you'll measure cleaning solution into a cap placed into the water tank, or into a separate solution compartment. Follow your cleaning solution's instructions for how much solution to use. The Hoover Power Scrub Elite, Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe and Hoover Max Extract have separate cleaning solution compartments. The Hoover SmartWash+, Hoover PowerDash, and Hoover SteamVac all use a measuring cap that pours solution directly into the water tank. Replace the filled tank. Set the bottom edge of the full water tank onto the carpet cleaner first, then lean it back towards the handle. It should snap into place. Make sure the edge of the water tank is locked in and lined up properly with its base to avoid leaks. Step on the pedal to lower the handle. Set your carpet cleaner to the “Wash” setting if your cleaner has multiple settings for washing and rinsing. Make sure you're in an area furthest away from your exit, so you can work towards it without stepping on clean carpet when you leave. Turn the cleaner on. Squeeze the trigger as you push the cleaner forward slowly. This releases cleaning solution and is called a “wet stroke.” Move more slowly than you would while vacuuming, and cover a small 1 foot (0.30 m) area first. Pull the cleaner back over the same spot while squeezing the trigger. This is the second wet stroke, which allows the cleaner to lift dirt and debris stuck in your carpet. If you have a really stubborn stain, do one more wet stroke forward and one more backward. Push it forward and back without pressing the trigger to finish this area. These “dry strokes” will extract the remaining dirt and dirty water from your carpet. Move the cleaner forward over the same area and back again, until you see very little water being sucked into the dirty water tank. Always end wet strokes with two dry strokes. Begin a new row by overlapping your cleaner onto the previous row. Overlapping your cleaner by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) will prevent dirty streaks between clean rows of carpet. Repeat this process until the entire area is completed, using two wet strokes and two dry strokes to clean each section. Refill your clean water tank with water and cleaning solution as needed. Empty the dirty water tank to keep your cleaner working. If you begin to lose suction, or the cleaner begins to make a different sound, the dirty water tank may be full. To detach the dirty water tank, press down on the handle or latch at the top. Empty it and rinse it out once in the sink before replacing it. Switch your cleaner to the "Rinse" setting if your carpet cleaner has one. Some cleaner models have a “Rinse” setting separate from the “Wash.” If your model does, switch it to "Rinse." You don't need to refill the clean water tank if your cleaner has this setting. Refill your clean water tank with warm water if you don't have a "Rinse" setting. Instead of using the "Rinse" setting, you can also refill the tank with clean warm water for the rinsing step. Detach the tank and empty it in your sink. Rinse it out a few times before filling it with warm water. Replace the tank. Rinse by repeating the wet and dry stroke method. Go over your carpet again using 2 wet and 2 dry strokes. This step removes the cleaning solution from your carpet since you're only using water, or you've switched to the “Rinse” setting on your model. Allow 2 to 3 hours for your carpet to dry completely. You can cut down on drying time by using a large fan pointed at the carpet. Make sure your carpet is totally dry before walking on it or replacing furniture. Walking on it or moving furniture around too early may dirty it again. | Purchase a carpet cleaning solution that matches your needs. Move all of the furniture out of the area. Vacuum the area thoroughly before you using your carpet cleaner. Set up your carpet cleaner on a tile floor in case of spills. Fill the water tank with hot tap water. Add cleaning solution to the solution compartment or water tank. Replace the filled tank. Step on the pedal to lower the handle. Squeeze the trigger as you push the cleaner forward slowly. Pull the cleaner back over the same spot while squeezing the trigger. Push it forward and back without pressing the trigger to finish this area. Begin a new row by overlapping your cleaner onto the previous row. Empty the dirty water tank to keep your cleaner working. Switch your cleaner to the "Rinse" setting if your carpet cleaner has one. Refill your clean water tank with warm water if you don't have a "Rinse" setting. Rinse by repeating the wet and dry stroke method. Allow 2 to 3 hours for your carpet to dry completely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Husky | How to Care for a Husky | To care for a husky, give it at least 30-60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, like going on long walks, playing at the dog park, or going swimming. However, never exercise your husky when it's hot outside since huskies can overheat easily. Instead, exercise your dog early in the morning or late in the evening during hotter times of the year. In addition to regular exercise, make sure you give your husky high-quality dog food and brush its fur at least once a week. | Socialize your Husky puppy. Socialization teaches your puppy how to interact properly with various aspects of his environment (e.g., people, other dogs), which will help him grow into a confident and well-mannered adult dog. Allow your puppy to spend time around different people and experience various sights and sounds. Puppy kindergarten class is a great way to teach your Husky puppy how to interact with other dogs. Enroll your puppy Husky in puppy kindergarten when he is four to five months old. Other than puppy kindergarten, you can socialize your puppy by exposing him to different situations in his environment, such as the sounds of passing cars and honking horns. You can also invite your friends over to help him become comfortable with new people. Taking your puppy to a park is another good way to expose him to different people, sights, and sounds. Observe your puppy as he explores his new world. If he appears frightened or wary of certain experiences, do not continue to expose him to those situations. Enroll your adult Husky in an obedience training class. By nature, Huskies are very independent and intelligent dogs. However, they can also be stubborn, which can make training difficult. Obedience classes are ideal for training your Husky. Enroll your Husky in a "junior" obedience class when she is 4 months old and follow up with adult training around 12 months. For a well-behaved dog, it is imperative you begin training your Husky at a young age. Be aware that your Husky may use her intelligence to differentiate between training class and home — she may perform the training exercises perfectly in class, then misbehave when she gets home. Frustrating as this may be, continue to practice and reinforce her training at home. your Husky. Crate train This is particularly important if you have a Husky puppy. Crate training will help the housetraining process go more smoothly—he will not want to urinate or defecate where he sleeps. In addition, crate training will turn his crate into a safe space to go if your Husky feels scared or needs to rest. Your Husky's crate is not a place of punishment. Sending him to his crate when he misbehaves may cause your Husky to develop a negative association with his crate. your Husky. Leash train If you let your Husky off her leash, she will likely dash away from you to go for a good run or happily pursue something far away. She may love you as her owner, but, if given the chance, her love of running and chasing (and maybe even her predatory instincts) may take over. Because of this, leash training your Husky is essential. Leash training will also prevent your Husky from pulling on the leash. If she begins to pull, you can either stand still and call her back to you or smoothly and immediately walk in the opposite direction of the pull. Do not jerk or pull back on the leash — this may encourage your Husky to pull even harder. Do not use a retractable leash — this could cause your Husky to pull even more, since pulling will let her go further. If you have a puppy, let her sniff and "explore" her leash and collar in the house before you try walking her outside. Obedience training classes can help you leash train your Husky. Establish that you are your Husky’s leader. Huskies are pack animals and expect to have a clear leader of the pack. Your Husky should see you as his leader. A good way to establish this leadership is to make him wait to eat. By controlling when he eats, your Husky will see you as the sole source of his food and resources, and thus his leader. Another way to establish your leadership with your Husky is to lead during your walks with him. By taking the lead, you are confidently showing him that he is to follow you, rather than the other way around. Do not be surprised if your Husky occasionally tries to become the leader of the pack. If he does, remember to be firm and consistent with your leadership. Do not establish your leadership through bullying or hitting your dog. Your Husky is unlikely to trust and respect you as his leader if you try to establish your leadership through physical intimidation. Exercise with your Husky on a daily basis. Huskies are working dogs, with their origins in Siberia where they pulled heavy sleds over long distances. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Huskies require daily, vigorous exercise (at least 30 to 60 minutes) to release pent-up energy. Long walks are a great way to exercise your Husky. To encourage your Husky's "working dog" side (and if you are feeling adventurous), tie her leash to a bicycle or wheelbarrow and let her pull you. Do not attempt this if she is not well trained. Playing fetch and going hiking with your Husky are other good ways to exercise her. If you live by the water, you can take your Husky swimming. Be mindful that Huskies are very energetic dogs, and are almost always ready to play and exercise. Make sure you have the energy to keep up with her! Secure your yard to prevent escape. Huskies are master escape artists. If you let your Husky exercise in the backyard, prevent his escape by enclosing your yard with a six-foot fence. This may not be enough, however — your Husky's love of digging may lead him to try to dig his way out of your yard. To prevent a '"digging" escape, have your fence sunk at least several inches into the ground. You could even place concrete or strong mesh wiring at the base of the fence to prevent digging. Contact a fencing company to reconfigure your fence such that your Husky cannot dig his way out. If your Husky has managed to dig some holes, you can fill them with cinder blocks to discourage further digging. Always supervise your Husky when he is out in the yard. Although your Husky loves the outdoors, leaving him in the backyard unattended will probably make him feel lonely and bored, which could lead to destructive digging. Find a playmate for your Husky. Huskies are very social animals. Your Husky would love to have another dog with whom she can play and exercise. An ideal playmate will be a dog that is about the same size as your Husky and can keep up with her. Allow your Husky to meet other dogs so that she can choose a playmate. Do not exercise your Husky in hot weather. Huskies have a double coat, which makes them best suited for cold climates. This does not necessarily mean that you should not own a Husky if you live in a warm climate — you will just need to use more caution when playing and exercising with him during the warmer months of the year. If you live in a warmer climate, exercise your Husky only in the early morning when it is not too hot outside. Your Husky could overheat if he is outside for too long during the heat of the summer. Try to keep him inside during the hottest part of the day. Entertain your Husky. Your Husky is very intelligent, and will need mental stimulation to keep her happily busy and entertained. Kong toys are especially good for Huskies: they are durable and mentally challenge your Husky to figure out how to get the food out. Fill the Kong toy with your Husky's favorite treats. Be mindful that Huskies can be very destructive. Choose durable chew toys that will keep your Husky busy, but cannot be easily destroyed. Other than toys, teaching your Husky various tricks (e.g., playing dead , playing fetch ) will provide her with plenty of mental stimulation. Feed your Husky high-quality dog food. Huskies were originally bred to survive on a small amount of food. Therefore, your Husky will not need to eat a lot of calories to be healthy and have the energy to play and exercise. Feed your Husky either once or twice daily and avoid exercise for at least 90 minutes after eating. Your Husky may need more or less food, depending on such factors as her size, age, and health status. If you have a Husky puppy, begin by feeding her three times a day — early morning, early afternoon, and evening. When she is three to four months old, she will likely cut herself back to twice-daily meals. Human food and canned food may cause your Husky to become a finicky eater and/or develop diarrhea. If you purchased your Husky from a breeder, he or she can recommend dog foods for your Husky to eat. You can also ask your veterinarian and other Husky owners for food recommendations. Brush your Husky’s coat. By nature, Huskies are very clean dogs. They have little to no dog odor and groom themselves frequently, so you will not need to do much extra grooming. However, Huskies do shed quite a bit, particularly during the spring and fall when they blow their coats (complete shedding of the undercoat). The "blowing coat" period lasts for at least three weeks. Brush your Husky with a slicker brush at least once a week throughout the year to remove dead hair and keep his coat fresh and shiny. Slicker brushes are available at your local pet store. Do not shave your Husky's coat in the summer. You may think that shaving his coat will help cool him off, but you are actually removing his protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Bathe your Husky. Since Huskies do an excellent job of keeping themselves so clean, they rarely need baths. You will probably need to bathe your Husky only once a year. If you are not able to bathe your Husky on your own, you may prefer to take her to a dog groomer. Trim your Husky’s nails. Your Husky's nails should be trimmed once every one to two weeks. If your Husky's energy and size make it difficult for you to trim his nails on your own, schedule a nail-trimming appointment with your veterinarian. Keep in mind that he may keep his nails naturally trimmed down with his exercise and play. Brush your Husky’s teeth. If you can manage it, brush your Husky's teeth at least two to three times a week. You can purchase veterinarian-approved toothpaste through your veterinarian. Brushing your dog's teeth will not only keep her breath fresh, but will also prevent plaque and tartar buildup, both of which can lead to serious dental and systemic diseases. Consider talking with your veterinarian for extra guidance on brushing your Husky's teeth. If you are not able to brush your dog's teeth, you can schedule a dental cleaning with your veterinarian. However, this requires general anesthesia and can be very expensive. | Socialize your Husky puppy. Enroll your adult Husky in an obedience training class. your Husky. your Husky. Establish that you are your Husky’s leader. Exercise with your Husky on a daily basis. Secure your yard to prevent escape. Find a playmate for your Husky. Do not exercise your Husky in hot weather. Entertain your Husky. Feed your Husky high-quality dog food. Brush your Husky’s coat. Bathe your Husky. Trim your Husky’s nails. Brush your Husky’s teeth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Timid-Dog | How to Train a Timid Dog | Before you can train a timid dog, you'll need to work on building up its trust and confidence. To do this, be patient and give your dog plenty of time and space to get used to you. As your dog is warming up to you, establish your authority by being calm and assertive with it. Avoid rewarding timid behaviors by making a fuss whenever it gets scared. To help build your dog's confidence, introduce it to new experiences slowly and reward it whenever it deals with a new situation successfully. For example, you might give your dog a treat and some praise when it gets brave enough to approach you on its own. Once your dog masters a skill or gets used to an experience, introduce it to something new. | Earn your dog's trust. Your dog will not obey you if he doesn't trust you. To instill trust, you must show the dog that when something scary happens, it is going to be okay. Be patient. Give your dog space, and your dog will come on its own. Establish yourself as the alpha. Never confuse empathy with allowing your dog to be dominant. Your dog doesn't determine what happens. You do. You must establish yourself as the alpha, which that means that your calmness and assertiveness are the keys to unlocking your dog's happier, more obedient self. When something scary happens, you need to project a calm and assertive energy. Don't reward timidness or fear. Dogs can sense your energy. If your dog becomes afraid or scared, and you instantly begin petting him and making a fuss over him, you are now rewarding that undesirable behavior. Too much compassion can harm your dog's development even more. Build confidence, not dominance. Your dog needs to be confident while still realizing that you are the alpha in this relationship. Remember: confidence is not dominance. To build this kind of confidence, you must introduce the dog to new situations where he can observe and learn from other confident dogs and people without feeling threatened. This can take the form of obedience training, obstacle courses, or breed-specific skills training. Start off small and ensure that your dog achieves small successes. Each of these small successes builds self-confidence, helping manifest a more confident and happy dog. To do this, the dog has to experience many new situations every day. Even just walking down a busy street can help expose your dog to new activities that will help desensitize him to the world. Remain calm and assertive throughout the process. If your dog senses that you are anxious or reacting negatively to his fear, it will only perpetuate his fear. Never deal with a timid dog when you are feeling short-tempered or distracted. Any dog, especially one that has such low self-esteem, is extremely sensitive to what you do. Give your dog treats. Hold a few dog treats in your hand and give him a few treats when he comes near you. This will teach him that you don't want to hurt him and that being with his owners is rewarding. Praying your dog by saying "Good boy!" can eventually take over for treats. Your dog will learn to admire you, and showing that you appreciate him goes a long way. Look for treats that are healthy, made without the use of any preservatives. Make sure that they're grain-free, and that they contain meat. Gradually introduce your dog to more and more experiences. Once your dog has started building a little bit of self-confidence by mastering new stimuli, you must ensure that he doesn't plateau or grow bored. New experiences are key. Whether there is a fair in town, or you take your dog to a new dog park, mastering unfamiliar stimuli is potentially the most important way for your dog to make progress. Over time, each success will build your dog's confidence. Be patient. Eventually, this integration with the world can lead to a significantly less timid dog, one who can appreciate his surroundings without fear clouding his behavior. Devote yourself to helping your dog. Your dog deserves the best version of you and you cannot be the best version of yourself if you are not prepared to have a calm, assertive mindset every time you work with your dog. Never give up on your dog. There is always hope. You may even find that as you help your dog achieve a calmer and happier state of mind, you ease your own mind. Get a leash. A leash is essential since an unleashed shy dog will evade you as soon as he gets the chance. Getting a leash clipped onto a shy dog is a feat in itself. You may have to climb under the table or wherever the shy dog is hiding and reach gently to hook the leash without looking the dog in the eye. Pet the dog under the chin and speak brightly, without making eye contact, once you've clipped the leash. Get up and walk confidently away, saying "come!" happily while holding the leash. Do not look at him, but look forward. Pull your timid dog gently along behind you. Try coaxing him out with the promise of a treat. Don't even try working on any commands until your shy dog will follow you around without dragging on the leash. Once he's following you reliably, reach to pet him without making eye contact, and reward with plenty of treats. Discipline with words, not with violence. This is especially important with timid dogs. Never hit or hurt an animal to indicate bad behavior. Instead, use sharp sounds like "Hey!" or "No." Reinforce good behavior as much possible. Praise your dog with a relaxed, soothing tone, much like the voice you'd use to calm a crying baby. Make sure to have plenty of training treats on hand, and to give him lots of encouragement when he does the right thing. Train your dog to pee outside. This is best taught right away. Once your dog is comfortable with you being near him and touching him, you can begin the training process. If your dog still pees in the house, yelling at him might affect his trust for you. Instead of yelling, watch your dog all the time so that you can catch him peeing in the house. As soon as he starts peeing, pick him up and bring him outside so he can continue to do his business there. Give him a treat every time that he pees outside, or continues to pee outside. Give your dog plenty of time outside, especially if he is a larger dog. Give him time to pick his own spot to relieve himself. If you have a much larger dog and you can't pick him up, take the dog out more often. If you catch the dog peeing in the house, give a firm No, but do not yell. Lead the dog outside and reward the dog for continuing outside. Use another dog as an example. If you already own a confident dog, this can smooth the training process. A shy dog will mimic a confident dog. Take them both out into an enclosed yard or living room, and bring lots of treats. Sit on the ground, and call your confident dog over by saying "come." Reward with a treat. You may need to bring your timid dog out on a leash. You may need to gently drag him. The important thing is you establish a comfortable, low-pressure dynamic. Let your timid dog get used to sharing a space with both you and the more confident dog. If your shy dog even takes a few steps toward you, reward him by throwing a treat toward him. Gradually throw the treats closer and closer to you, until the dog will come all the way to you! Sitting on the ground makes you less scary, and the dog will be more likely to want to approach you. With a very shy dog, you may have to lay flat on the ground! Train your dog not to bite. Remember that you should never get angry or violent with your dog. Your timid dog will lose his trust for you if you hit him even once. If you catch him biting your clothes, hands, toes, or anything you're holding, grab his snout and rebuke him with a firm No." {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Train-a-Timid-Dog-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Train-a-Timid-Dog-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Train-a-Timid-Dog-Step-11.jpg\/aid5630932-v4-728px-Train-a-Timid-Dog-Step-11.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 hold on for too long–just enough that he gets the message. Don't grab too tight, and do not hurt the dog. You don't want him to feel threatened, you only want him to stop biting you. Remember that biting is natural for dogs. If your dog is biting you, it doesn't mean that he doesn't like you. Do not be offended. Try to understand where your dog is coming from. Be stern, but patient. Speak directly to your dog, in a commanding voice: "Max, sit." If he sits, reward him with a treat. If he does not sit, repeat the command firmly without elevating your voice or losing your composure until he sits. When you are just beginning to train, you may need to show your dog that you want him to sit. Give the command, then push on his rear just enough that he relaxes and sits. Reward and repeat. Teach your dog more complex commands. As your dog becomes more comfortable interacting with you, your household, and the outside world, you can begin to train the dog to sit, come, stay, roll over, and beyond. Base your training on a reward system. Keep your dog thinking that what he is doing is good and that you are pleased with his behavior. It's much easier to train your dog to behave well than to punish for behaving poorly. Dogs don't respond to punishment, but they do respond to treats! Consider bringing your dog to obedience school. A structured, rewarding learning environment can help some dogs progress much more quickly. Consider visiting obedience-training tutorial websites. Look for YouTube tutorials. Some experienced dog trainers have posted step-by-step videos or instructions on how to teach your dog various tricks. | Earn your dog's trust. Establish yourself as the alpha. Build confidence, not dominance. Give your dog treats. Gradually introduce your dog to more and more experiences. Devote yourself to helping your dog. Get a leash. Discipline with words, not with violence. Train your dog to pee outside. Use another dog as an example. Train your dog not to bite. Be stern, but patient. Teach your dog more complex commands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Gonorrhea | How to Treat Gonorrhea | To treat gonorrhea, it's important that you visit a doctor or health clinic for medical treatment since untreated gonorrhea won't go away on its own and can lead to serious complications. Your doctor will likely do a urine test and confirmatory testing to determine if you have gonorrhea. If you do, they'll give you an injection, usually in your shoulder muscle, to treat the gonorrhea. They'll also give you a one-time dose of Azithromycin or a 7-day course of Doxycycline to cure the infection. | Remember that any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. If you have had sex recently, you could be infected. In the United States, however, the highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans. Learn the symptoms of Gonorrhea that present in males. They include burning or pain when urinating, blood tinged urine, discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green in color), swollen or painful tip of penis that is red in color, and tender or swollen testicles. In addition, frequent urination and sore throat can also be symptoms. Learn the symptoms that present in females. Symptoms in women can be very mild. They can be mistaken for another type of infection. The only way to differentiate bacteria is by doing serological tests (specific antibody detection) and cultures (taking a sample of the infected area and see what organism grows). Symptoms in women include: vaginal discharge (can have a yeast smell at times), burning/pain when urinating, increased urination, sore throat, painful sexual intercourse, fever, and severe pain in the lower abdomen if the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes. Look for symptoms of gonorrhea. Symptoms may appear within 2 to 10 days of infection, or as late as 30 days after infection in males.. Most do not exhibit any signs or symptoms; up to 20% of infected males and up to 80% of infected females have no presentation. Signs and symptoms can be very non-specific, so if you suspect you have gonorrhea at all, contact your doctor. Know that gonorrhea requires medical treatment. If left untreated, it can cause numerous serious health problems, including chronic pain and infertility in both men and women. Eventually, untreated gonorrhea can be spread to the blood and joints, which can be a life-threatening condition. On the other hand, gonorrhea that is treated will by cured by antibiotics and the symptoms will go away. Don't avoid treatment and think the infection will just go away. Without treatment, gonorrhea will cause serious health problems. Both males and females can experience a condition known as disseminated gonorrhea. The bacteria has entered the bloodstream and spread to the skin and joints. This leads to fevers, maculopapular skin rash (tiny raised painful circular lesions from the neck down), and severe joint pains. Complications of gonorrhea for women include inflammation of the fallopian tubes leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (sever lower abdominal pain). This can lead to severe scars within the area causing future pregnancy complications and infertility. In addition, a untreated inflamed pelvis can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus). In males, a condition called epididymitis can develop leading to pain behind the testes and eventually infertility. Understand that untreated gonorrhea can increase your chances of HIV infection. Gonorrhea contains proteins that allow HIV to replicate itself quicker, increasing the likelihood of passing along HIV. Those who are negative for HIV but have gonorrhea are five times more likely to acquire the virus. Do not engage in sexual activity till the you are cured of the symptoms, as you may pass it along to someone else. Advise your sexual partners for evaluation and treatment since gonorrhea can go undetected without symptoms at first. Visit your nearest health clinic or your doctor's office. Explain your history and complaints. Your doctor or nurse may ask the following questions: When did you have sex last? Did you perform oral, anal, or vaginal sex? How many partners do you have? Do you use protection? Gonorrhea is a sexual transmitted disease that can spread through sexual activity. The more sexual active partners the higher the risk. Drink some water before going to the office. Your doctor will take a urine sample to see any white blood cells (immune cells), blood, or hints of infection in the urine. If you are female, a urine pregnancy test may be performed. Confirmatory testing will always be performed. This is an infection that is required by law to be reported to the health department and the CDC. Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. When gonorrhea is diagnosed, doctors also normally treat as if chlamydia is there as well, as there is a high rate of co-infection. These two bacteria are very common sexually transmitted diseases and can lead to similar symptoms. Your doctor will provide treatment for both. The healthcare provider will clean the area (usually shoulder muscle) with an alcohol swab and Inject a 250mg dose intramuscularly of ceftriaxone to treat the gonorrhea. This medication is part of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and prevents growth of the gonorrhea cell wall. In addition your doctor will prescribe you, or give you, a one time dose of 1 gram Azithromycin. A 7 day course of 100mg Doxycycline twice a day can be substituted for the azithromycin to treat for chlamydia. Both these drugs prevent important enzymes and structural components of gonorrhea from being formed by interrupting protein synthesis. | Remember that any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. Learn the symptoms of Gonorrhea that present in males. Learn the symptoms that present in females. Look for symptoms of gonorrhea. Know that gonorrhea requires medical treatment. Don't avoid treatment and think the infection will just go away. Understand that untreated gonorrhea can increase your chances of HIV infection. Visit your nearest health clinic or your doctor's office. Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sleep-Paralysis | How to Stop Sleep Paralysis | Suffering from sleep paralysis can be a frightening experience, but you can try to stop it in the moment by focusing all your attention on wiggling your toes or making a fist. This can be effective, since getting your extremities to move even a little bit might be enough to break the paralysis. As you try to break free from your paralysis, remind yourself that this feeling is only temporary and you'll be okay. If you share your bed with someone, ask them to shake you awake if you ever start breathing heavily or irregularly. To stop sleep paralysis from happening in the first place, try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night, since getting more quality sleep can help keep sleep paralysis away. | Try to relax. Sleep paralysis can be terrifying, and you may feel the need to fight against it, especially if you feel as though you are being held down. But the best thing you can do is to try and relax. If you feel like you are being held down, don't try to push against the force — allow yourself to be pushed. This may help you wake up or slip into a dream. Try memorizing a statement like, “I am in sleep paralysis, a natural condition, and I am in no danger.” Repeat the affirmation if sleep paralysis occurs while going to sleep or waking up. Understand that you are okay. Understanding sleep paralysis may help you to relax when it occurs — if you know and understand what is happening, and that it is only temporary, it may be easier for you to relax when it happens. Sleep paralysis can be a sign of a rare condition called narcolepsy, but it is usually not indicative of a serious disorder. When you are asleep you experience something called "atonia," which is your brain keeping your body still and relaxed (possibly so you don't act out what is happening in your dream and injure yourself or others.) Sleep paralysis is when you are aware of is state. Scientists believe sleep paralysis may occur when you do not smoothly transition out of REM sleep. You may experience hallucinations, including thinking someone is in the room with you or holding you down. Remind yourself that these are just hallucinations, and a normal part of sleep paralysis, and you are not in danger. Wiggle your toes, scrunching your face, or making a fist. Some people may be able to break the paralysis by moving an extremity. Try focusing all your attention on your toes or fingers and try to wiggle them or make a fist. Another method is to try scrunching up your face as though you just smelled something foul. Repeat these actions several times and you may be able to wake yourself up Talk to your partner. If you share a bed with someone, talk to him about what you are experiencing. He may be able to help you wake up from an episode of sleep paralysis. If your partner notices you breathing heavily and irregularly, ask him to shake you awake. This may or may not work — your partner may end up just waking you from normal sleep, but it's worth a try. Most people cannot speak while experiencing sleep paralysis, but talk to your partner about signaling him when you are having an episode. If you focus on your throat you may be able to whisper "Help" or cough, which can signal your partner to wake you up. Increase your sleep time. Getting more sleep may help to stop sleep paralysis, so try to increase the amount of time that you sleep each night. Adults should try to get between six to eight hours of sleep per night, but you may need more. For example, if you are currently getting around six hours of sleep per night and you are having sleep paralysis as a result, then try to go to bed about an hour earlier so that you are getting seven hours of sleep per night. Seven hours is the minimum amount of sleep adults should get every night — you should aim for seven to nine hours if possible. Go to bed at the same time every night. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking at the same time every morning can also improve your sleep quality and quantity. Make sure that you keep this bedtime and waking time even on the weekends. For example, if you normally go to bed at 11:00pm on weeknights, and wake up at about 6:30am, then maintain this schedule during the weekend as well. Create a bedtime routine and stick with it. Having a regular bedtime routine can help to make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you do not have a sleep routine, then create one that will be easy to stick to. For example, your routine might consist of brushing your teeth, washing your face, putting on pajamas, reading for 20 minutes, and then climbing into bed for the night. Choose a routine that works for you. If you can't fall asleep right away, don't struggle. Just get out of bed and re-do part of your routine. For example, you could get out of bed, read for another 20 minutes, and then climb into bed again. Make sure that your bed and bedroom are comfortable. A comfortable mattress, soft bedding and pillows, and a pleasant, uncluttered space can make falling and staying asleep much easier. Your bedroom should also be dark, cool, and quiet. If your bedroom is messy or if your bed is uncomfortable, then work on turning it into a more pleasant space. For example, you might buy some new sheets, de-clutter your bedroom, or invest in a new mattress. If you live in a bright, noisy neighborhood, consider getting some light and noise blocking curtains to put up in your bedroom. Use your bed for sleep and sexual activity only. Do not do anything else in your bed or it may disrupt your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, which makes sleep paralysis more likely. Do not watch TV, use your laptop or other devices, or even read in your bed. Stop eating about two hours before bed. Eating within two hours of going to bed can disrupt your sleep, which may increase your risk of sleep paralysis. If you usually have a bedtime snack, then schedule it for about two hours before you go to bed each night. Exercise earlier in the day. Strenuous exercise done late in the day can make it harder to get to sleep, so try to schedule your workouts for earlier in the day, such as in the morning or afternoon. If you need to exercise in the evening, stick to low-impact exercises, such as walking, light weight training, and stretching exercises. Limit or avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Caffeine can keep you awake if you drink it too late in the day. Try to limit or even avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola in the afternoon and evening. For example, if you normally have a cup of coffee at about 4:00pm, try drinking a cup of half decaf coffee or a cup of green tea instead. Relax before you go to bed. Taking time to relax before bed may also help to prevent sleep paralysis and promote better sleep. There are many different relaxations techniques that you can use. Some good options include: progressive muscle relaxation deep breathing a bath yoga or gentle stretching exercises calm music Talk to your doctor before trying herbal supplements. Many people equate "natural" with "safe," but this is not always the case. It is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying supplements, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking or can aggravate existing medical conditions. Your pharmacist can also recommend reputable brands for supplements — they are not regulated by the FDA, so the supplements may not actually contain what is advertised. Your pharmacist should know which brands are the best. Take valerian root. Valerian root is a mild sedative that may help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You can find valerian root supplements in drug stores and health food stores, but make sure that you check with your doctor before using valerian root. Valerian root can interact with some medications, such as fexofenadine, alprazolam, and lorazepam. A common dosage is 400 to 900 mg taken about two hours before bedtime for up to 28 days. Try passionflower. Passionflower may help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. You can find passionflower in drug stores and health food stores, but check with your doctor before using. Passionflower can lower blood pressure, so if you take blood pressure medications, talk to your physician first. Do not use passionflower if you are pregnant because it may induce uterine contractions. Try taking one 90 mg passionflower tablet per day. Sip some chamomile tea. Chamomile reduces anxiety and it may even improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Try drinking a cup or two of chamomile tea before you go to sleep each night. To brew a cup of chamomile tea, just pour about 8 ounces of boiling water over a chamomile teabag in a mug. Let the tea brew for about five minutes and then remove the teabag. Allow the tea to cool a bit before drinking. Chamomile can interact with a number of prescription medications, so check with your doctor first if you are taking any medications. For example, chamomile may interact with sedatives, blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications. Consider lemon balm. Lemon balm can also reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Lemon balm is even more effective is taken with chamomile or valerian root, so you may consider combining these herbs. Check with your doctor before using. Do not use lemon balm if you have an overactive thyroid or if you are pregnant. You can take lemon balm as a 300 to 500 mg capsule up to three times per day. Massage lavender essential oil into your hands and wrists. Even taking a few moments to massage some soothing lavender oil into your hands and wrists may calm you down and help you get a better night sleep. Try combining a few drops of lavender essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil. Then, massage the mixture into your hands and wrists and inhale deeply as you do so. Make an appointment to see your doctor if sleep paralysis continues. If getting more sleep and taking steps to improve the quality of your sleep does not help, then you may need to see your doctor for treatment. Keep in mind that sleep paralysis may be a symptom of a bigger problem, such as narcolepsy. Discuss taking tricyclic antidepressants with your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant, such as clomipramine, to treat sleep paralysis. Tricyclic antidepressants can change your brain chemistry and prevent sleep paralysis by increasing your rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Ask your doctor about this option as well as the potential risks and side effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants. Side effects may include: Dry mouth Constipation Problems urinating Sweating Blurry vision Drowsiness Signs of an overdose include sedation, seizures, hypotension, and arrhythmia, which can can be fatal Talk to your doctor about taking melatonin. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that our bodies make naturally, but some people do not produce enough. Melatonin is available without a prescription, but you should check with your doctor before taking this medicine. Start with very low doses of melatonin, especially if you are elderly. Only 0.1–0.3 mg per day should help you sleep. If you cannot find a dose this low, try cutting pills in half or quarters. Ask about side effects of your other medications. If you are taking any medications, then check with your doctor to see if they might be responsible for your sleep paralysis. Some medications can cause sleep disturbances, so reducing your dosage or trying another medication option might also get rid of your sleep paralysis. | Try to relax. Understand that you are okay. Wiggle your toes, scrunching your face, or making a fist. Talk to your partner. Increase your sleep time. Go to bed at the same time every night. Create a bedtime routine and stick with it. Make sure that your bed and bedroom are comfortable. Use your bed for sleep and sexual activity only. Stop eating about two hours before bed. Exercise earlier in the day. Limit or avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Relax before you go to bed. Talk to your doctor before trying herbal supplements. Take valerian root. Try passionflower. Sip some chamomile tea. Consider lemon balm. Massage lavender essential oil into your hands and wrists. Make an appointment to see your doctor if sleep paralysis continues. Discuss taking tricyclic antidepressants with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about taking melatonin. Ask about side effects of your other medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Leaky-Aquarium | How to Repair a Leaky Aquarium | To repair a leaky aquarium, start by draining the water low enough to clean and dry the area around the leak. Next, remove any old sealant with a razor blade scraper, clean the area with a cloth dampened with acetone, and dry with a paper towel. Then, apply a bead of non-toxic, 100% silicone sealant and smooth it out over the leak. After that, allow the sealant to dry for 24-48 hours. Finally, fill the tank up to the seam with water and wait a few hours to see if it leaks. If it doesn't leak, fill it the rest of the way to ensure the leak is fixed. | Drain some water from the aquarium. Drain the water low enough to allow room to clean and dry the area around the leak. You can use a cup, bucket, or other container to remove the water. If the leak is at the bottom of the aquarium, you will need to remove all water and aquarium rocks from the tank. If the leak is very low in the tank, you may have to move the fish and aquatic plants into a temporary container or other aquarium while repairs are made. Keep in mind that the sealant you seal the leak with will have to cure before refilling the tank, so plan accordingly to keep your fish and plants healthy. Remove the old sealant. Scrape away the old sealant around the leaking area with a razor blade scraper. You want to make sure to remove silicone from the leaking area but you don't want to remove the silicone from between the glass panes. The means that you are just removing the silicone bead on the inside corner of the tank. If you didn't drain the entire aquarium because the leak in high up on the walls of the aquarium, be careful not to allow any of the old sealant to drop in the tank. Silicone sometimes does not bond well with old silicone. You may end up having to remove a lot of the silicone on the inside of the tank and then resealing all the seams at one time. If you are already draining, drying, and scraping silicone, you might as well do the whole thing. Clean the area. Wipe the area with a clean cloth dampened with acetone. This will remove any residue and other foreign material from the leak area. Dry with a paper towel and allow to completely air dry, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Having a clean area will assure that the new silicone that you apply will hold to the glass and you will not end up with another leak in the near future. Apply nontoxic 100% silicone sealant to the leak area. Run a bead of silicone along the leak area using a caulking gun. Then smooth that bead out, with a damp finger or a caulking tool, so that the silicone is smoothed out and it completely covers the seam that leaked. Check with a professional aquarium supply for recommended repair products. Make sure that if you use silicone, it is labeled "nontoxic" and "100% silicone". Also make sure that the silicone sealant has NO fungicide in it and is a High Modulus product. You may be tempted to try and repair the leak from the outside of the tank, but usually the repair is more effective if made on the inside. A repair on the inside will hold better, since water pressure will "tighten" the seal pressing the silicone against the glass. If it is applied on the outside, the water pushes the silicone away from the glass. Allow the sealant to dry. Silicone needs to dry and cure for a minimum of 24 hours. If you are applying it in a cool and dry environment, you may need to wait closer to 48 hours. This time will allow it to set completely, assuring that it attaches properly to the glass and does not leak. You may use a heat lamp or other portable heat source to help cure the sealant, but do not heat above 110 degrees (F). Inspect for leaks. Refill the tank enough so that there is some water in contact with the repaired seam. Wait a few hours and then fill the tank even further and then look for leaks. Finally, fill the tank all the way and then look for leaks. Take a close look at the area that was leaking and wait awhile to make sure that the water pressure inside the tank doesn't reopen the leak. Try taping a paper towel to the outside of the tank where the leak was and leaving it there for an hour or so. If the towel remains dry, your leak is fixed. Keep towels and a bucket nearby, in case of continued leaking. This will allow you to quickly remove the water from the aquarium once again. Set the tank back up. If you have removed everything from the tank, including gravel, fish, and plants, you will need to replace them when you are confident the leak is repaired. Begin with the gravel and then add other objects on the aquarium floor. Add any chemicals to the water that are needed and then return any plants and fish back into the tank. This is a really good time to make sure everything you put back in the tank is thoroughly cleaned before you put them back. Pay attention to the water level in your aquarium. In some cases, you will first spot a leak in your aquarium by noticing that the water level is dropping. While there is always some evaporation in fish tanks, any noticeable level drop could be due to a leak. If you have a severe leak, the location will likely be very evident and you will be able to find the source from a quick glance around the tank. Look around the aquarium for wetness. If the leak is not obvious, you may first suspect one if there is unexplained water around the outside of your tank. Even a small amount of unexplained dampness could signal a problem. If you have changed a filter, added items into your tank, or otherwise interacted with the tank recently, water outside of the aquarium may be due to your activities. Try drying it up and then keeping an eye out for additional water pooling up. If the water returns, then you have a leak. Inspect the tank for the leak location. If you suspect there is a leak, but its location is not evident, then you will need to do a bit of investigating. Look for metal corners that appear to be separated from the glass, and for sealant protruding in the corners. These are tell tale signs that the aquarium has a problem. Also, feel around the edges. If you feel water, move upward from that location, until the surface feels dry. The furthest spot towards the top of the tank that is wet is likely to be the leaking area. Mark the location of the leak. If you find the location of the leak, or you have an area where you suspect the leak is, you should mark that area with a felt tip pen. This will allow you to keep track of the area once your tank is empty and you begin repairs. Most felt tip pen marks can be easily removed with glass cleaner after you finish your repairs. Know what leaks cannot be repaired at home. Leaks along the seams of your aquarium are relatively easy to fix because they are usually caused by a failure in the silicone, and silicone can be easily replaced. However, if the leak is due to a cracked side or bottom of your tank, that is not as easy to repair. Replacing a whole piece of glass will take a lot more time, expertise, and energy. Basically, replacing a glass panel of an aquarium will likely require the skills of a professional. If one of the sides or the bottom of your tank has cracked, it is likely that the whole aquarium will fail. A crack in the glass will spread due to the pressure of the water and once it spreads far enough, the glass panel will collapse. | Drain some water from the aquarium. Remove the old sealant. Clean the area. Apply nontoxic 100% silicone sealant to the leak area. Allow the sealant to dry. Inspect for leaks. Set the tank back up. Pay attention to the water level in your aquarium. Look around the aquarium for wetness. Inspect the tank for the leak location. Mark the location of the leak. Know what leaks cannot be repaired at home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Bathroom-Cabinets | How to Organize Bathroom Cabinets | To organize your bathroom cabinets, start by taking everything out of your cabinets and laying it all out in front of you. Then, throw away any empty bottles, any products you don't use, or anything that's expired or moldy. Once you've narrowed your bathroom down to things that you actually use, organize everything by category. Put all your dental hygiene supplies together, all your makeup together, all your facial care together, and so on, then put everything from the same category together in a clear plastic bin. | Remove all items from your counters and cabinets. Place them in a single pile. This will give you a general idea of the volume and inventory of items in the cabinets. Throw away items you're positive you don't need as you go. Discard or donate unused or old items. Throw any old, unused, or expired items into a trash bag. Keep an eye out for empty product containers or products that may have mildew forming, such as old shampoo and perfume bottles. Try and find things that you can do away with, including items that may still be in good condition, but you rarely or never use. Give away these items to people who can use them. Keep all of your essentials, like toothbrushes and hand soap, on the counter while you clean. If you can't find willing friends to take your old items, drop them off at a local charity. Group the items you want to keep by category. The categories may differ depending on the variety of products that you own, but some examples are: Facial skin care Body care Bath Hair care Makeup Medicines Oral care Nail care Shaving Perfumes Obtain clear storage containers that will fit in your cabinets. Measure the space in your cabinets and the space that your items will take up in containers. This way, when you go shopping you can be sure that your items will fit into the containers, and the containers will fit in the cabinets. Container types may include plastic baskets, clear plastic containers with lids, or wicker baskets. You can also look for other kinds of containers around your home that you can re-purpose and use in your bathroom, such as metal cans, magazine holders, and see-through plastic orange juice containers. Fill each container with like items. For the items that you need to grab easily when you're on-the-go, see-through containers come in handy. Use lidded containers for smaller items that tend to create a clutter. Open-top containers are best for items like toothbrushes that fit vertically into containers (they don't have to be see-though). Your local department store should have plenty of see-though container selection to choose from. Stick to acrylic plastic containers. Glass works too, but limit them to holding items you won't need in a hurry to minimize the chances of them breaking. Label each container based on its category. Once you begin segregating your products, you're going to need labels to distinguish them. Adhesive labels work best for solid plastic, metal, or glass containers. Standard tag labels work best for wicker baskets Remove drawers for easy access to toiletries. If your bathroom has a vanity-style base cabinet, remove the fronts to create open shelves. Now, you can fill up the space with trays, baskets, or plastic containers that provide easier access to your toiletries. Label the containers to make things easier to find. Purchase labels and tag each container with different categories, like "Hair Spray," "Bath and Shower," and "Scrubs and Sponges." Insert a pullout shelf underneath your bathroom sink. Purchase a two-tiered rollout shelf from a local home hardware store. The region under your sink often turns into a cluttered mess, but a pullout shelf can really help you make the most of the space by giving it some organization. Try and find one with a narrow top shelf so that it easily glides by the plumbing. A wide bottom shelf is ideal because it leaves room for tall items like brushes, straighteners, and cleaning products. Purchase some adhesive lights to light up every corner. Hang a magnetic knife holder and adhesive containers onto the door. A knife holder can help you use your cabinet door to maximize space by providing room for bobby pins and metal nail tools. Apply adhesives (such as command strips) to the back of the knife holder and stick it to one side of the cabinet door. Stick your adhesive containers on the other side of the door and use them to hold smaller items like makeup and nail polish. Be careful if you attach scissors and trimmers onto your magnet holder, especially when you're opening the cabinet door. Divide your smaller items into a party dip tray for organization. Place the trays into your drawers next to your towels and other small items. This is a cheap and simple way to get your lotions, lips balms, and other small essentials organized—even just one try per drawer is enough to make a difference. Put a liner on the bottom of the drawer if you want to spice things up. For example, a herringbone liner makes a great match for a white party dip tray. Experiment with different kinds of colors and combinations. Place a spinning turntable into your deep cabinets for easy access. Also known as a Lazy Susan, these can make hard-to-reach items more accessible. Place some glass jars onto the turntable and label them with their contents. Cotton swabs, bath salts, cleaning wipes, and other products that come in bulk amounts are ideal for jars. Cut out labels from a decal sheet and spell out the categories using adhesive letters. Conceal utilitarian items using wicker baskets for better aesthetic. Although these containers work for any kind of product, they're ideal for items that you don't want to display, like extra tissue paper stock. You can label each one by fixing paper tag labels to each basket with string. Install an extra curtain rod for towels. Position it under your current curtain rod and give yourself 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of space in-between. This is a prefect way avoid wet towels cluttering up your bathroom. Mount the towel bar behind the curtain so that your towels can drip-dry into the tub. | Remove all items from your counters and cabinets. Discard or donate unused or old items. Group the items you want to keep by category. Obtain clear storage containers that will fit in your cabinets. Fill each container with like items. Label each container based on its category. Remove drawers for easy access to toiletries. Insert a pullout shelf underneath your bathroom sink. Hang a magnetic knife holder and adhesive containers onto the door. Divide your smaller items into a party dip tray for organization. Place a spinning turntable into your deep cabinets for easy access. Conceal utilitarian items using wicker baskets for better aesthetic. Install an extra curtain rod for towels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-a-Keloid | How to Heal a Keloid | To heal a keloid, try applying vitamin E oil or cream to the area twice daily for 2-3 months, which can help shrink the scar. You can also wear a silicon gel sheet over the keloid for 10 hours per day for several months to reduce its size and appearance. Alternatively, you can apply a topical scar ointment to your keloid to help it fade. If at-home remedies aren't enough, talk to your doctor, who may recommend cortisone injections, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. | Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections. A series of cortisone injections administered to the keloid every four to eight weeks by a doctor can usually shrink the size of the keloid and make it flatter. However, sometimes they can cause the keloid to become darker in color. Interferon is another kind of injection that is being studied for the treatment of keloids, and may be an option for you. Consider cryotherapy for your keloid. Cryotherapy is a very effective treatment for keloids, and can shrink them significantly. In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied to the keloid to freeze away the excess cells. Cryotherapy only takes a few minutes and can usually be done in your doctor's office. Several treatments spaced several weeks apart may be needed to fully remove the keloid. Ask your dermatologist about laser therapy. Laser therapies for keloids are relatively new and have not been studied as much as other treatment options, but they show promise of minimizing or healing keloids. Different kinds of laser treatments work better on different skin types, and on different types of keloids. Ask your dermatologist if she thinks laser treatment might be right for you. Consider having your keloid scar surgically removed. Doctors are reluctant to remove keloids surgically, because there is a high chance of additional scar tissue forming at the site. However, in some cases it may be helpful or necessary. If you have a keloid surgically removed, be sure to follow all of the after-care instructions carefully to prevent a new keloid from forming. Talk to your doctor about radiation therapy. It sounds extreme, but radiation has been effectively used for over a century to treat keloids, often in combination with surgery or other treatments. Despite concerns over an increase in cancer risk, a recent study indicates that radiation remains a safe option if appropriate precautions (protecting cancer-prone tissues) are made. Radiation treatments are usually outpatient procedures performed at your local hospital under the care of a trained radiologist. Use care when attempting at-home remedies for keloids. Safe remedies to shrink keloids include pressure (silicon pads) and the application of healing substances. Do not try to physically remove or shrink a keloid yourself by cutting, sanding, constricting it with string or rubber bands, or using any other method that traumatizes the skin. Not only are you likely to see additional scar tissue form at the site, you can also put yourself at serious risk for infection. Apply Vitamin E to the keloid. Vitamin E has been shown to help scars heal, prevent keloids, and may help shrink existing keloids. Apply Vitamin E oil or cream to the scar twice daily, morning and night for 2-3 months. Vitamin E oil can be bought in health food stores, and many major grocery stores. You can also purchase Vitamin E capsules, and cut them open and squeeze the oil onto the scar. Each capsule should be good for a few applications. Use silicon gel sheets to treat existing keloids, and prevent new ones from forming. Silicon gel sheets or "scar sheets" are self-adhesive, reusable sheets that are applied to an injury site to prevent scars, or on existing scars and keloids to reduce their size and appearance. Silicon sheets should be worn over the injury site or on the existing keloid for at least 10 hours per day for several months. Silicon gel sheets are sold under names such as "ScarAway," and can be bought at most pharmacies and many online retailers. Use a topical scar ointment to heal a keloid. There are a number of new topical treatments for healing scars that may visibly diminish keloids. The active ingredient in many of these treatments is silicone. Look for a product labeled "scar cream" or "scar gel" and apply as directed. Understand the importance of prevention. The best way to deal with keloids is to avoid getting them in the first place. People who already have keloids, or who are very prone to getting them, can take special precautions with skin injuries to prevent keloid scares from forming. Take care of skin injuries to prevent infection and scarring. Pay attention to even minor skin injuries, and make sure that any wounds are thoroughly cleaned. Apply an antibiotic cream and bandage to any open wounds, and change the bandage frequently. Wear loose clothing over the injury site that will not irritate the skin further. The silicon gel sheets mentioned above work well to prevent keloids from forming. Avoid trauma to your skin if you are prone to forming keloids. Piercings and even tattoos can lead to keloids in some individuals. If you have developed keloids in the past, or have a family history of keloids in your family, you may want to avoid piercings and tattoos, or consult with a dermatologist before proceeding. Learn how keloids form. Keloids are raised scars that can form anywhere on the body where the skin has been injured. They form when the body creates excess collagen (a kind of scar tissue) at the injury site. The skin injury may be large and obvious, like a surgery incision or burn, or small like a bug bite or pimple. Keloids usually begin to develop around three months after the original injury, and can continue to grow for weeks or even months. Ear piercings and tattoos can lead to keloids in some people. Usually keloids form on the chest, shoulders, and upper back. Learn what a keloid looks like. Keloids are usually raised and rubbery in appearance, with a smooth, shiny surface. The shape of the keloid usually follows the shape of the injury, but over time keloids can grow beyond the original injury site. Keloids can vary in color from silvery to flesh-tone to red or dark brown. Keloids are generally not painful, but can cause an itching or burning sensation for some people. While keloids aren't dangerous, it is important to have them looked at by a doctor to make sure they aren't a more serious skin condition. Know if you are at risk for developing keloids. Some people are more likely than others to develop keloids, and if you have had one keloid scar appear, you are likely to develop more in the future. If you know you are at risk, you may want to take special care of skin injuries to prevent keloids from forming. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop keloids. People younger than 30 are at a higher risk, especially teenagers experiencing puberty. Pregnant women are more likely to develop keloids. People with a history of keloids in their family are also at a higher risk. Have a suspected keloid examined by a doctor. It is very important to have a suspected keloid examined by a doctor to make sure that it is not something more serious. In some cases, the doctor may be able to visually diagnose the keloid. In others, the doctor may wish to take a biopsy of the tissue and have it screened to rule out cancer. Most effective treatments for keloids are done under a doctor's care, and early treatment is often the key to success. A skin biopsy is a simple procedure, in which the doctor removes a small sample of skin tissue and sends it to a lab to be analyzed under a microscope. It can often be done in the doctor's office at the time of your visit. | Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections. Consider cryotherapy for your keloid. Ask your dermatologist about laser therapy. Consider having your keloid scar surgically removed. Talk to your doctor about radiation therapy. Use care when attempting at-home remedies for keloids. Apply Vitamin E to the keloid. Use silicon gel sheets to treat existing keloids, and prevent new ones from forming. Use a topical scar ointment to heal a keloid. Understand the importance of prevention. Take care of skin injuries to prevent infection and scarring. Avoid trauma to your skin if you are prone to forming keloids. Learn how keloids form. Learn what a keloid looks like. Know if you are at risk for developing keloids. Have a suspected keloid examined by a doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Photojournalist | How to Become a Photojournalist | To become a photojournalist, start by researching the works of other photojournalists so you can see what it takes to capture photos of developing stories, events, and people. Then, practice taking pictures every day, even if it's only with your smartphone camera. Once you can get professional equipment, build an online portfolio, uploading the best images you take each week. You may also want to consider getting a college degree in photojournalism to make yourself more marketable to future employers. | Research famous photojournalism. First, learn what photojournalism is, what it involves, and what successful photojournalism looks like. Photojournalists get out in the world and take pictures of developing stories, events, and people. To be a photojournalist, you must be knowledgeable about photography and have a good eye for capturing moments. Some famous photojournalists to look into are Philip Jones Griffiths for his portrayal of the Vietnam War, Dorothea Lange for her covering of the Great Depression, and Margaret Bourke-White for her portrayal of WWII. A few modern photojournalists to look into are Lynsey Addario, Tim Hetherington, and Corey Arnold. Study photography. It is important to learn about and excel at photography. You can learn about photography by studying it on your own, with educational books and articles, online, with YouTube and other free classes, or by signing up for photography classes at your local college. You don't have to have an expensive, fancy camera at first, though you will need it eventually. Anything that can capture a picture, even a smartphone, is okay to start practicing photography with. Practice everyday. Take walks around your town or attend events where you can practice photographing people and stories. Get all of the necessary equipment. Eventually, you will need all of the necessary equipment to become a photojournalist. You don't need to purchase the equipment until you have learned a bit about photojournalism and photography and are sure that this is the career that you want to pursue. The type of equipment you will need to invest in are a quality digital camera, a computer, and photo editing software (like Photoshop). All of this equipment can cost thousands of dollars. Plan ahead of time and save up before purchasing equipment. You can look into renting cameras and laptops if you can't purchase them right now. If you are in school, see if your school loans out equipment and allows you to download software for free. Learn how to examine prints and copy images. Learn how to scrutinize and criticize images from your camera. At this point, you should know a little bit about photography. After you take pictures, look at them and see which ones work and which ones don't. Ask yourself why some pictures are successful while others aren't. It could be the composition, lighting, and subject that are right or wrong. This is very important to be a photojournalist and you must know how to do this. Ask other photographers and/or photojournalists to give you feedback on your photos. If you don't know any personally, upload your photos to internet photos and ask for feedback. Watermark your photos so that they don't get stolen, though. Build a portfolio. Once you have taken enough pictures, begin building a portfolio. You should be taking around 500-1000 photos a week. A portfolio should comprise of your very best work. Try to put together a portfolio with a range of subject matter, compositions, and coloring. Create a digital portfolio that can be accessed online and a print portfolio that can be carried with you. A few free online portfolio sites are Behance, Coroflot, and DROPR. The portfolio should have pictures of anything you think the boss/manager would like to see (e.g.; children playing, car traffic, cookouts, etc.) Get your education. A ceremonial education is often required for a good photojournalism position, and even if not, a degree strengthens your resume. An education can help you grow as a photojournalist, learn to problem solve, and learn to take criticism. Once you have built up a portfolio, apply to a college for a photojournalism degree. Your photos will speak for themselves. A degree is not always necessary if you take outstanding photos. If you can't go to a two or four year university, consider taking some courses at a community college. Connect with other photojournalists. If you go to school, make connections with every photojournalist you meet. Get involved with school's newspaper, and offer to take pictures for any newsletters, websites, or yearbooks. After you have left school, do your best to connect with photojournalists. Research and attend meet-ups in your area. Reach out to photojournalists that you find inspiring. Just as it is with many careers, photojournalism is sometimes about who you know. Making lasting connections can only benefit you. Look for internships. Internships are the best way to gain experience and build your resume. It's far more likely that you will be able to land a job if you've had an internship. If you're in school, ask professors for recommendations and advice about where to apply. Look up internships on the internet and apply to as many as possible. Keep in mind that most internships pay little to nothing and are very competitive, especially for larger magazines and newspapers. Learn about freelance business. Choosing to be a freelancer is more and more common, especially with the rise of social media. A freelancer signs contracts to either do one job for a company, or work for a company for a specified amount of time or projects. Photography itself, especially as an independent art form, is primarily freelance. Learn how to market yourself and make connections. A solid network foundation will attract more work. It is helpful to learn about business if you are considering freelance work. You can look up information online about it, or take a class at your local community college. Get a placement with a magazine or newspaper company. Eventually, aim to work at a magazine or newspaper (if you don't want to stick with freelance). A secure job with a magazine or newspaper is a photojournalist's dream. Consider the type of work you do before applying to jobs. Is your work better-suited for a magazine like National Geographic, or would it be better for a newspaper like The New York Times? It may take a lot of applications to secure a job, but don't give up. If you don't have luck getting a job with a bigger newspaper of magazines, start small by applying to local magazines and newspapers for positions. Get out in the world. Go to as many events as possible. Takes walks or transportation systems around cities. Notice the life and moments that happen. Meet people, talk to them, and ask questions. Get used to being outside of your home for long hours. Ask people for permission if you plan to use a photograph you've taken of them. Get fit. It is also helpful to fit. Being a photojournalist is very tough and rough work. It is not only just taking pictures. You have to be on your feet and you have to be able to support big equipment, as you have to move around a lot in different locations. Keep a notepad with you. Take notes about what you see out in the world. When taking pictures, document the time, place, people, feeling, and area. It is important to know when and where the photo was taken, as well as knowing what was happening. You can use that information to give to writers, or to make up your own captions. Writing captions is an important part of journalism. Practice writing them along with your photography. Invest in stories. Instead of looking for photos that look cool or pretty, focus on the people. Focus on their stories. Photojournalism isn't just about the art form of photography--it's about capturing a story. Train yourself to notice when the right moment to take a picture that will capture the story is. Focus on capturing an angle to the story that is unique. Sometimes, you may have to take photos of people in difficult situations. Decide on your moral code when it comes to taking pictures at difficult moments. Create a website. It is important to create a website for yourself, especially in today's society. Some websites allow you to make a free website, but it is better to eventually buy your own domain name. Domain names aren't all that expensive, especially if you catch the provider during a sale. On the website, provide an “about me,” portfolio, and information about how to get in contact with you. Some webs hosting companies that you can make your own website on are Squarespace, Wix, and GoDaddy. Showcase yourself on social media. Displaying your work on social media is absolutely necessary. Never shield your work like a piece of fine art--it prevents you from business. You should, however, protect your work with watermarks and copyrighting. Join social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. LinkedIn is another helpful website to join, as it aims to connect professionals. Consistently upload your work to social media sites. Make posts a few times a day. Follow other photojournalists in hopes of them following you back. | Research famous photojournalism. Study photography. Get all of the necessary equipment. Learn how to examine prints and copy images. Build a portfolio. Get your education. Connect with other photojournalists. Look for internships. Learn about freelance business. Get a placement with a magazine or newspaper company. Get out in the world. Get fit. Keep a notepad with you. Invest in stories. Create a website. Showcase yourself on social media. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gap-a-Spark-Plug | How to Gap a Spark Plug | A spark plug gap is the distance between the end of the electrode and the base of the spark plug. If your spark plugs aren't properly gapped, your engine may not burn fuel properly. Since every make and model requires a different gap size, start by looking in the owner's manual for your vehicle to find the required gap size, or pull the information up online. Then, grab a gauge tool, and slide the recessed lip under the electrode sticking out from the base of the spark plug. Rotate the disc until you feel a firm resistance and check the measurement next to the lip. If the gap matches your required size, you're good to install it in your vehicle. If the gap is too small, pull the body of the plug away from the disc with the electrode hanging on the lip to gently force the gap open and re-measure it. If the gap is too big, use the broad side of the gap tool to push the electrode down and make the gap smaller. Continue re-measuring and making minor adjustments until the gap in the spark plug matches your manufacturer's recommended gap size. | Learn your vehicle's gap specifications. Whether you're shopping for new plugs, you just bought new plugs that you want to check before installing , or you want to check the function of your current set of spark plugs, you need to learn the appropriate gap between the two electrodes on the end of each plug. Each vehicle's measurement will be different, though most are generally somewhere between 0.028-.06 inch. You can either look in your owner's manual or go to the auto parts store and have them look it up for you. Modified engines require smaller gap settings to account for the amount of power you're putting through the engine. General rule of thumb: the more power, the smaller the gap. Select an appropriate gap tool. There are several varieties of tools used to measure the gaps of spark plugs, some of which are more appropriate for more modern plugs, which sometimes feature delicate precious metals. Most measuring tools will also feature a flat edge typically used for bending the bottom electrode on the spark plug to adjust the gap slightly. A coin-style gap measure is usually the cheapest option, and works by running the edge of the "coin" through the gap until you reach a point where it stops. The edge is marked like a ruler, designating the thickness of the edge at that point. This is a good tool for older plugs you want to check the efficacy of, but can also inadvertently widen the gaps as you use it. A wire coin gap works essentially the same way as the regular coin-style gap, but features different wire measures of varying lengths on the edge around the coin. A blade-style feeler gauge is an effective and versatile tool. Built like a pocket-knife, this gauge features different blades of varying widths, some with wire on the end and some without, placed in the gap to check the spacing of the electrodes. You can also use multiple blades to measure larger gaps. These are effective to use while adjusting. Clean the spark plug. If you've just pulled it out of the box, it should be in pretty good shape, but if you're checking a plug that you've been using in your car it's a good idea to clean it off a little with a clean cloth. Spark plugs can build up some whitish soot on the contact points, so you'll want to make sure they're somewhat clean to get the most accurate reading. You can use a little bit of quick-drying (90%) alcohol on the contact points to clean them off if they're especially dirty. Lots of build-up or any blackening on the contact points might be a sign of a plug that's outlasted its prime, however. If they're especially dirty, you might consider buying new ones. Measure the gap by passing the tool through the electrodes. Place the appropriate blade or wire on your gap tool between the electrode tips of the plug, or pass the coin through the electrodes to determine the measurement. Determine if the gap needs adjusting. If the tool passes through the gap without touching the electrodes at the appropriate measure, your gap is too wide. If you can't fit it between the electrodes, the gap is too small and needs to be widened some. If it fits closely to the specified measurement, you're safe to install the spark plug. Most spark plugs and iridium plugs manufactured today don't need to be gapped prior to installing them. If you've got a custom modified engine, though, you might be interested in checking or installing plugs at a different spacing. Adjust them accordingly. Use the tool to adjust the bottom electrode. When you hold the spark plug with the electrodes facing the floor, you'll want to bend the bottom one very gently either in toward the other electrode if you want to narrow the gap, or out, if you want to increase the gap slightly. Never bend more than a few (.02) fractions of an inch. It won't take much pressure, so be very careful. Spark plugs can be quite delicate, and any fracturing can cause misfires. If you're having trouble using the tool to adjust the gap, consider bending it in using a flat surface like a table to apply some very gentle pressure on the electrode to adjust it. Re-measure the gap and adjust accordingly. Be very careful not to contact the electrode in the center of the plug and damage the core. If it breaks or shorts you'll need to toss it and buy a new one. Be very gentle. Snapping off the electrode will waste your efforts, and it doesn't take much to do so. Use only a small amount of pressure to bend the electrode and only bend it a little bit. | Learn your vehicle's gap specifications. Select an appropriate gap tool. Clean the spark plug. Measure the gap by passing the tool through the electrodes. Determine if the gap needs adjusting. Use the tool to adjust the bottom electrode. Re-measure the gap and adjust accordingly. Be very gentle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Skin-Bleach | How to Make Natural Skin Bleach | To make a natural skin bleach, mix together orange juice and turmeric powder. Apply this to your skin for 20-30 minutes daily. You can also mash a papaya and mix it with lemon juice to create a paste that will cleanse and lighten your skin. Leave it on your skin for 20-30 minutes at least once a week. Alternatively, rub plain yogurt onto your skin, let it sit for a few minutes, and repeat this once a day for three weeks. | Apply yogurt to your skin. Yogurt contains many natural ingredients that are good for the skin. It also contains lactic acid which contains bleaching properties. Simply rub yogurt onto your skin, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. To notice a change in your skin's complexion apply this technique once a day for several weeks. Use plain yogurt. Create an orange solution. Oranges contain vitamin C, which is one of the most important ingredients for your skin. They also contain citric acid, a natural bleaching property. For an effective solution mix two tablespoons of orange juice with a pinch of ground turmeric powder. Apply to your skin and let it set in for 20-30 minutes, then wash it off. Do this daily for increased results. Use papayas. Papayas are regularly used in beauty products and can naturally lighten your skin. Simply eating papayas will release the powerful cleansing properties to your skin. For a stronger cream: Mash a ripe papaya and mix it with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage the ointment to your skin and leave it settle for 20-30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Do this at least once a week for noticeable results. Use cucumbers. Cucumbers contain collagen, which makes your skin supple and firm. These features are said to enhance a lighter skin tone. A popular treatment at spas is to place cucumber slices onto your eyes to lighten and cleanse the pores around your eyes. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice and a 1/2 cup of cucumber juice together to create topical ointment to lighten your skin. Apply to your skin 10-15 minutes on a daily basis. Exfoliate your skin using oatmeal. Exfoliating your skin encourages the growth of new skin cells by scrubbing it with an abrasive cleanser. This will improve your skin tone by renewing the old skin cells. Create the following mixture: Mix 1/2 cup of plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup of tomato juice. Apply to your skin and let it soak for 20 minutes, and then wash it off using cold water. When scrubbing the mixture off, be sure to scrub gently so the oatmeal can properly exfoliate your skin. Apply licorice root extract. Licorice is an Ayurvedic medicine, which helps many skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and is an effective skin lightening agent. You should be able to find this in various health stores. Apply a thin layer onto your skin using a cotton ball before going to bed. Then wash off the applied areas in the morning. Use almond oil. Almond oil contains various skin lightening ingredients like unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, minerals and vitamins E, B6, B2, and PP. Heat the oil before applying by boiling water and place the oil in a steel bowl on top of the water. Don't let the oil get too hot before applying. Massage the warmed oil onto your skin for about 10-15 minutes a day for best results. Use mulberry extract. Mulberry extract will help lighten your skin by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Be sure to dilute the extract before applying to your skin. Simply mix 3-6 drops of liquid mulberry extract to your favorite lotion and apply to your skin. Use this combination onto your skin twice a day for lighter skin. Use Aloe Vera. Aloe contains a compound called aloesin, which also helps inhibit tyrosinase activity. The application of aloe vera will provide your skin with a smooth, soft, and brighter skin tone. Open up raw leaves of aloe with a knife to extract the beneficial gel inside. You could also purchase aloe vera gel, if you don't want to manually extract the gel. Apply to your skin up to four times a day for about 15 days. After this time period, reduce the amount you apply to your skin. Create of kojic acid cream. Kojic acid is a natural derivative of mushrooms and other types of fungus. This became a popular whitening technique that originated in Japan. It is another way of inhibiting the tyrosinase activity, which helps lighten the skin naturally. Wash your face before application. Mix kojic acid with favorite type of lotion. Be sure not to use too much kojic acid in your mixture. Follow the recommended use on the packaging. It is very important that you do not go over the recommended amount because it can become toxic. Apply to your skin up to twice a day. There is a possibility of this solution to cause skin irritation. Test the mixture on a small patch of skin before using a larger application. If you have cuts or open wounds, do not apply this solution. Use Indian gooseberry. Indian gooseberry is another plant that contains a lot of natural vitamin C. You can either find raw Indian gooseberry, which could be difficult depending on where you are, or you can purchase an extract from a health store. You can either consume it orally, in the form of a pill, or apply as a topical cream. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging if you buy an extract. Create a gram flour mask. This is a popular skin lightening method that's been used for centuries in Asia. Gram flour acts as a natural exfoliate, which helps promote the growth of new skin cells. Mix these ingredients in a bowl: 1 tablespoon of gram flower or chickpea flower, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of milk cream, and 2-5 drops of lemon juice. Stir the ingredients till they congeal into a paste. Apply the mask to your skin and wait 10-15 minutes, or until it dries completely. Wash off the paste with lukewarm water afterwards. For best results repeat this process daily for about a month. | Apply yogurt to your skin. Create an orange solution. Use papayas. Use cucumbers. Exfoliate your skin using oatmeal. Apply licorice root extract. Use almond oil. Use mulberry extract. Use Aloe Vera. Create of kojic acid cream. Use Indian gooseberry. Create a gram flour mask. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Relationship-Problems | How to Solve Relationship Problems | The best way to solve relationship problems is by improving communication. You can start by scheduling time for you and your loved one to just sit down and talk. For example, you could spend a few minutes in the morning to tell each other about your daily plans. When you think you're ready to move onto discussing the relationship, try to have your conversations in a public place to keep things civil. | Schedule time to just talk. When problems start, communication often breaks down and you may notice that you and your partner do not talk as much as you used to. To start improving your communication again, try making little appointments to chat about little things. For example, you could set aside 15 minutes per morning to sit and tell each other about your plans for the day. Or, you could give your partner a call on his or her lunch break to check in and see how your partner's day is going. Scheduling time to talk about relationship problems can be useful as well. By setting a time limit for discussing your problem, you may reduce some of the tension in your relationship and get closer to a solution. For example, you could decide to discuss a specific problem from 7-8pm. Keep these conversations as light as possible and avoid discussing anything that might upset your partner during this time. The goal is to get a rapport going again. Of course, if your partner is having a bad day or is feeling stressed about something, listen and be supportive and encouraging. Discuss problems in a public place. If you and your partner are prone to shouting at each other during arguments, try going to a public place to discuss problem topics. Got to a library, a coffee shop, or the mall to talk through the issue. The knowledge that you may cause a scene if you yell at each other should help you to keep your voices down and have a more civil conversation. Work on active listening skills. Problems may also arise in relationships if a partner feels like he or she is not being heard. To eliminate this potential problem, practice active listening skills when your partner is talking to you. Make eye contact with your partner when he or she is talking. Do not look away, look at your phone, or anywhere else when your partner is talking to you. Give your partner your full attention. Nod your head and indicate your interest with neutral statements, such as “yes,” “I see,” and “go on.” Rephrase what your partner has just said to make sure that you have understood him or her. Stick to “I” statements. Making “you” statements may cause your partner to feel as though you are assigning blame. This can lead to defensiveness and even a fight. Therefore, it is important to use “I” statements to let your partner know what is bothering you. For example, instead of saying, “You never make the bed in the morning,” say, “I would really appreciate it if you could make the bed if you get up after I do.” Express your appreciation for each other. Feeling unappreciated can cause problems in a relationship as well. That is why it is so important to remember to say things like “thank you” and “I appreciate you” as often as possible. For example, if your partner often loads the dishwasher after dinner and tidies up the kitchen, let him or her know that you value these activities. Say something like, “I just want to say thank you for keeping our kitchen so clean and nice. I appreciate that so much.” Think before you speak. Sometimes an argument may get heated and you may find yourself saying or wanting to say things that are meant to make your partner feel bad about him or herself rather than to solve your problems. If you feel the urge to say something hurtful to your partner, take a moment to stop and think about what the problem is and what you could say to move closer to a solution. For example, instead of calling your partner a mean name or insulting him or her in some other way, identify what you want him or her to do. Allow your partner to finish speaking before you respond. Interrupting your partner before he or she has finished speaking is also a common cause of problems. If you often interrupt your partner, try to end this habit and allow your partner to finish speaking before you say anything. Doing so will help your partner to feel heard and give you a chance to learn what his or her complaint is all about. Apologize if you are at fault. Sometimes you will need to apologize in order to move forward with your partner. Try to be honest with yourself and determine if you are at fault and if you need to apologize. If you make an apology, make sure that it is sincere, specific, and expresses what you plan to do to make things right. For example, you might say something like, “I am sorry for not calling you to tell you that I was going to be late. I will try to be more thoughtful in the future.” Identify the problem. The first step in solving a specific relationship problem is to figure out what the problem really is. For example, if you and your partner have been arguing a lot lately, try to pinpoint the reason why. It may be different for each of you. For example, you may feel that your partner is not helping out around the house as much as he or she should be, and your partner may feel like you are too demanding. Take some time to think about what is bothering you and have your partner do the same. Express your needs. Once you have identified the problem, you will need to express how you feel to your partner. When you do so, make sure that you use “I” statements to express your feelings and avoid blaming your partner for the way that you feel. For example, you might say, “I have been feeling overwhelmed by the housework and I could use some more help from you.” Your partner might say something like, “I have been feeling overwhelmed as well because of my work schedule and I feel like you don't appreciate how hard I work.” Acknowledge your partner’s feelings. Acknowledging that you have heard your partner and that you understand how he or she feels is a good way to move forward. Avoid getting defensive because this will only lead to an argument and deepening resentment. Instead, let your partner know that you hear and understand. For example, you might say something like, “Okay, I hear what you are saying. I did not realize that you felt that way.” Do not get defensive even if your partner responds to you with a defensive claim, such as “You are always nagging me and you never appreciate how hard I work.” Acknowledge your partner's feelings and move on. Make a plan with your partner. Once you have expressed yourselves and acknowledged each other's feelings, you and your partner will need to come up with a plan to cut down on the frequency of disagreements and the amount of time spent arguing. Try to reach a compromise with your partner so that both of you feel like your needs are being met. For example, if your partner has been feeling unappreciated, then you can promise to acknowledge his or her efforts more often. You might also make it a rule that you will not ask you partner to do anything until he or she has had a chance to unwind a bit. Your partner might then promise you that he or she will be more consistent with certain household chores. Keep your promises. Once you and your partner have come up with a plan to resolve your issues, make sure that you keep your promises. Otherwise, you may end up in the same place as you were before. For example, if you promised to take out the garbage every night after dinner, make sure that you do so. Otherwise, your partner may start to feel resentful and begin lapsing on his or her promises as well. Be prepared to repeat these steps. For relationships to work, each partner needs to work on the relationship consistently. Productive, assertive, open, trusting, and respectful communications and using problem solving skills can help in resolving relationship issues. A relationship is always a work in progress, and new challenges will arise. Work with your partner to maintain a healthy, supportive relationship. Start a date night. Set aside one night per week or at least once per month as a date night for you and your partner. Go out to dinner, see a movie, go for a hike or bike ride, or do whatever you like to do together. Having regular date nights will help to improve your intimacy levels and help to keep things fun as well. Go away together for a weekend. An occasional weekend getaway is a great way to improve intimacy in a relationship. Try to set aside two weekends per year to get away from your normal routines and just spend some quality time together. You don't need to go far to get away. Try visiting a nearby city for a couple of nights. Go out to a nice dinner, see a play, or visit some museums together. Hold hands, hug, and kiss. Physical contact is crucial to maintaining a positive relationship and it can also help to relieve stress. Sex is a great way to maintain a physical bond, but casual physical contact can provide benefits as well. For example, you can hold your partner's hand while watching a movie, give your partner a kiss before you leave for work, or hug your partner before you go to bed each night. Give each other space. Having time apart is a good way to keep a relationship fresh and healthy. Make sure that you maintain friendships and other interests so that you do not rely too heavily on your partner. It is important to have a life of your own as well as with your partner. Set aside some time each week to indulge in your own interests and spend time with your friends. For example, you might have a girl's or guy's night out once per week, take a class by yourself, or join a special interest group on your own. Try new things with your partner. To keep growing your relationship, taking up a new hobby together or doing something that is totally new for both of you is a great way to strengthen your bond. Choose something that you both want to do, but that neither one of you has tried before. For example, you could take a gourmet cooking class together, join a local hiking club, or try to learn a new language together. Consider couples therapy. If you still cannot resolve your relationship problems despite your best efforts, then couples therapy may be the best option. Sometime communication can become so forced and resentment may be so intense that professional help is required. Find a therapist who specializes in couples counseling to get best possible help for you and your partner. | Schedule time to just talk. Discuss problems in a public place. Work on active listening skills. Stick to “I” statements. Express your appreciation for each other. Think before you speak. Allow your partner to finish speaking before you respond. Apologize if you are at fault. Identify the problem. Express your needs. Acknowledge your partner’s feelings. Make a plan with your partner. Keep your promises. Be prepared to repeat these steps. Start a date night. Go away together for a weekend. Hold hands, hug, and kiss. Give each other space. Try new things with your partner. Consider couples therapy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roll-Fondant | How to Roll Fondant | Before you roll fondant, sprinkle a flat surface with icing sugar to prevent it from sticking. Then, knead the fondant for between 5-8 minutes, or until it's smooth. Next, roll the fondant into a thick, even disk with a rolling pin, taking care to apply steady pressure so the fondant rolls evenly. You should aim to make the disk as thick as a piece of cardstock if you're planning to cover a cake with it. If you're trying to make a circle, turn the fondant 90 degrees every few rolls and roll it out away from you. | Work on a clean, flat surface. In many cases this will be your counter top. A marble or wooden chopping board works well if your counter is irregular in shape or has trenches in it from grouting. Irregularities in your counter can make your fondant irregular when rolling. Depending on the amount of fondant you're working with, you might only need a small area to work in. Generally, you'll need at least enough space to accommodate a rolling pin. Remove jewelry and change into suitable clothing. Fondant can get stuck to your rings or the space between your finger and ring, creating both a mess and interfering with the rolling process. Clothing with many stray fibers or hanging sleeves can transfer threads and lint to your fondant. If you plan on wearing an apron, check it for stray threads before tying it snugly around yourself to prevent it from draping onto the fondant. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature. Take your fondant ball out of your refrigerator if you have stored it there and allow it to sit on your work area until it has reached room temperature. If you've wrapped your fondant in plastic wrap, remove this now. To prevent your fondant from prematurely sticking to your work area, you may want to leave the bottom covered by plastic wrap. Depending on your climate, the time it takes for your fondant to reach room temperature can vary. In most cases, 15 minutes to a half hour should be sufficient. You may want to remove your fondant from the refrigerator before you begin preparing your work area. This way, you can prep while waiting for the fondant to reach room temperature. Sprinkle your work surface with icing/confectioners sugar. Powder the area you'll be rolling your fondant on with a thin layer of confectioners sugar. This will stop the fondant from sticking to the surface on which you are trying to roll it out. You should also dust your fondant working tools, like your rolling pin, in the sugar. In most cases, you should only need enough sugar to create a thin coating on your tools and work area. Fondant is very sticky. Especially in warm or moist climates, you may find you need to use a considerable amount of sugar on your work area and fondant working tools. If you don't have confectioners sugar available to you, you can use corn starch as a substitute. Knead your fondant. The kneading action and heat of your hands helps the fondant become smooth in consistency and pliable. Before you knead, you'll want to coat your hands with confectioners sugar or corn starch to prevent the fondant from sticking to yourself. If you are working with white colored fondant and need to add food coloring to it, you should do so during the kneading process. You may want to use plastic gloves to prevent your hands from being stained. If using several different colors, portion out your fondant in the quantity you believe necessary and knead the coloring into each portion separately. The motion for kneading fondant is very similar to that of kneading dough. However, the fondant will in most cases be heavier and thicker. Generally, you can expect to knead your fondant for about five to eight minutes before it reaches the correct consistency. Place the fondant on your prepared work area. Your fondant should be now at room temperature and your work area coated with either sugar or corn starch to prevent sticking. Put your fondant atop your prepared work area. Roll your fondant into a thick, even disk. Take your rolling pin and place it on your fondant ball. Remember, you want your pin to be sugared or corn starched beforehand to prevent sticking. Roll back and forth continuously to flatten the fondant. Use gentle but firm pressure, and take your time to ensure evenness in the rolled fondant. When you are finished rolling your fondant, if you're still waiting for your cake to finish, you can prevent your fondant from drying out by covering it in a thin layer of shortening. If you're trying to roll your fondant into a large circular shape to cover a large cake, try turning the circle every few rolls. Rotate about 90 degrees each time, the roll the fondant outwards, away from yourself. Stop rolling when you reach your desired thickness. How thick you want your fondant is going to depend on what you are using it for. An even fondant covering for a simple cake can be rolled fairly thin, which will make it easier to drape over the cake. If you plan on molding the fondant into flowers, characters, shapes, or designs, thicker fondant might be best. Fondant that is ½" (1¼ cm) thick can be useful for molding characters, flowers, and three dimensional designs. When layering the outside of a cake with fondant, a thick coating of fondant can be overpoweringly sweet. In this case, you may want to roll your fondant until it is the thickness of cardboard or thick card stock. Rolling your fondant too thin can to make it tear easily. This will make it difficult to transfer to your cake. It may take some trial and error before you find the perfect thickness for your fondant design. Transfer your fondant to your cake. If you are draping a sheet of fondant to entirely cover a cake, it can be transferred easily by placing the rolling pin on the fondant and winding the fondant around the pin. Then take the pin and fondant to your cake and gently unroll it atop the cake. You may notice that your fondant is slightly irregular in places. This is fairly common. Even a steady, well-practiced hand at fondant isn't perfect. You can use a palette knife or butter knife to smooth your fondant, if needed. Alternatively, you can pick up the rolled fondant gently with your hands and drape it on top of your cake. You may want to coat your hands first in confectioners sugar/corn start to prevent sticking, or wear plastic gloves. Trim your fondant. Now that your fondant is rolled and applied to your cake, you'll need to trim off extra bits so it is uniform and neat. For precision trimming, you may want to use a clean utility knife for this purpose, or a very sharp paring knife. Apply a crumb coat to your cake for a smooth finish. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting on the surface of your cake that prevents crumb build up. Crumbs beneath the surface of your fondant can give it a lumpy or irregular appearance. Use a spatula or offset spatula to spread a thin, uniform layer of icing on your cake. White icing works well as a crumb coat for most kinds of fondant. Dark colored icing can sometimes show through lighter colored fondant. Flip fondant to hide cracks. The sugar in your fondant can sometimes crack, causing your cake to look less polished. When this happens, flip your fondant and inspect the other side. In many cases, the cracks will only appear on one side of the fondant. If there are cracks on both sides, gently rub solid vegetable shortening in a circular motion over the afflicted area. This should fuse the fondant back together. Avoid using water to revitalize or repair fondant. Water will cause the sugar to break down. Soften dry fondant when smoothing. Getting your fondant to look just right can take time. When you are smoothing your fondant, you may notice that some parts harden and become brittle. Use a smoother to gently rub solid vegetable shortening on the dry fondant in a circular motion to revitalize the fondant. Attempting to shape or smooth dry fondant can result in it breaking. When smoothing, you may want to use a special tool called a fondant smoother. This will help smooth the fondant with less risk of it tearing. | Work on a clean, flat surface. Remove jewelry and change into suitable clothing. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature. Sprinkle your work surface with icing/confectioners sugar. Knead your fondant. Place the fondant on your prepared work area. Roll your fondant into a thick, even disk. Stop rolling when you reach your desired thickness. Transfer your fondant to your cake. Trim your fondant. Apply a crumb coat to your cake for a smooth finish. Flip fondant to hide cracks. Soften dry fondant when smoothing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Jello-Mold | How to Make a Jello Mold | To make a jello mold, start by choosing a mold shape, like a bundt pan, and selecting around 5 gelatin packets. Next, boil 1 and a quarter cups of water, then pour in a gelatin packet and mix until the powder has dissolved. Pour your mixture into a bowl, then, if you want a multi-colored mold, repeat the process with other colors. Once your mixtures have cooled to room temperature, pour one layer into the mold, then place it into the refrigerator for 20 minutes before adding another layer. Finish by refrigerating overnight. | Purchase your mold shape. Traditionally, Bundt pans are used to achieve an attractive circular shape. Purchase a non-stick Bundt pan for best results. Opt for a silicone Jello mold. They are available for purchase on the Internet in holiday shapes, like hearts, Christmas trees and roses. Purchase as many boxes of Jello as colors you would like to be layered in your mold. You will need about five boxes of Jello to fill a standard Bundt pan. You will need one and one-fourth cups of boiling water and a bowl for each color of gelatin. Boil your water. Mix one packet of gelatin with one and one-fourth cup of boiling water. Mix thoroughly with a metal spoon until it has completely dissolved. Note that this is less water than indicated on the packet, which will make a firmer mold. Repeat with remaining colors of Jello in separate bowls. The number of Jello packets needed will depend greatly on the size of your Bundt pan or mold. Buy extra packets to ensure you have enough. Allow your mixtures of Jello to cool to room temperature. Clear a space in your refrigerator for the next step. Add two tbsp. (30ml) of sour cream for each color you want to be opaque. Whisk the sour cream into the gelatin. Add a can of crushed pineapple or other canned fruit to the Jello mixture. Stir well to mix it uniformly. Pour your cooled Jello into the mold if you want it to be a uniform color. Place it in the refrigerator overnight before removing. Spray the metal or silicone mold with cooking spray. Pour one mixed bowl of gelatin into the bottom of your pan or mold. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Remove it when the top is just starting to set and leaves a tight edge against the side of the pan. Spoon the next color onto the top of the last color. Try a sour cream layer for a big contrast. Place the gelatin in the refrigerator again for at least 20 minutes to let the second layer set. Remove the gelatin mold. Spoon in the next layer and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Repeat spooning and refrigerating until you have used the last of your Jello mixtures. Place it in the refrigerator to set overnight. Wash your hands. Dry them. Loosen the edges of the Jello against the pan by pressing your finger lightly against the edges. If you are using a Bundt pan, also loosen the center circle. Find a platter that is flat. It should be several inches bigger in all directions than your Bundt pan or silicone mold. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Immerse the gelatin mold in the bowl of warm water to loosen the edges. Be careful not to get water inside the pan. Remove it after 15 seconds. Dry off the outside of the pan or silicone mold. Place the platter face down on the top of the Jello pan or mold. Hold the top of the platter and the top of the mold firmly together between your thumbs and fingers. Flip the mold so that the platter is face up. You should feel the Jello release from the mold. If it doesn't release from the pan, flip it back over and stick it in the warm water for a few more seconds before trying again. Serve the Jello mold by cutting it into slices. Finished. | Purchase your mold shape. Opt for a silicone Jello mold. Purchase as many boxes of Jello as colors you would like to be layered in your mold. Boil your water. Repeat with remaining colors of Jello in separate bowls. Allow your mixtures of Jello to cool to room temperature. Add two tbsp. Add a can of crushed pineapple or other canned fruit to the Jello mixture. Pour your cooled Jello into the mold if you want it to be a uniform color. Spray the metal or silicone mold with cooking spray. Pour one mixed bowl of gelatin into the bottom of your pan or mold. Spoon the next color onto the top of the last color. Remove the gelatin mold. Place it in the refrigerator to set overnight. Wash your hands. Loosen the edges of the Jello against the pan by pressing your finger lightly against the edges. Find a platter that is flat. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Immerse the gelatin mold in the bowl of warm water to loosen the edges. Remove it after 15 seconds. Place the platter face down on the top of the Jello pan or mold. Flip the mold so that the platter is face up. Serve the Jello mold by cutting it into slices. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Dry-Hair | How to Fix Dry Hair | To fix dry hair, try shampooing your hair less often since shampoo strips your hair of natural oils and makes it dryer. When you do wash your hair, only shampoo the roots so you're not drying out the ends. Also, wash your hair in cold water since hot water allows the moisture in your hair to escape. Then, after you shower, apply a leave-in conditioner to help lock in moisture and hydrate your hair. | Wash your hair less often. Try to go an extra day without washing your hair in order to keep the natural oils in your hair and prevent dryness. If your scalp tends to get oily quickly, try applying dry shampoo to only your roots on the days that you don't wash your hair. For example, if you usually wash your hair daily, wash it every other day instead. Wash just your roots. Apply a small amount of shampoo to your fingertips and massage it into your scalp from your hairline. Purposefully avoid the length of your hair. When you rinse your shampoo out, it will cleanse the length of your hair without overdrying it. Wash your hair in cold water. While washing your hair in hot water can be relaxing, it also removes too much of the oil from your hair and allows moisture to escape the hair shaft. This can result in frizzy, dry, brittle hair. Stick with cold water so that your hair stays as hydrated and moisturized as possible. If you don't like the idea of washing your hair in cold water, washing it in lukewarm instead of hot water should decrease dryness some. Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are made for dry hair. When you're shopping for shampoos and conditioners, go for products that say “moisturizing” or “replenishing,” and that help with dry or damaged hair. More specifically, look for oil-based products that are free of alcohols and sulfates and also have low pHs. While you should stay away from most alcohols, “fatty” alcohols are the exception. Products that contain cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, or stearyl alcohol shouldn't significantly dry out your hair. Stay away from heavily fragranced hair products, as they can contribute to dryness. Apply a leave-in conditioner after you shower. Leave-in conditioners contain humectants, which help to draw moisture to your hair. After you wash and condition your hair, gently wring out excess moisture with your hands. Squirt a dime-size dollop of leave-in conditioner into your hand. Apply it to the length of your hair while it's still wet and avoid applying it to your root area. Do a weekly hair mask to keep your hair hydrated. There are many different kinds of hair masks that you can purchase and use, but those that focus on hydration and rejuvenation are likely the most beneficial for dry hair. Once a week just after you've shampooed your hair, put your hair into a ponytail and apply the mask only to the ponytail. Then, twist it into a bun and cover your head with a shower cap. Leave the shower cap on for 15 minutes and then rinse your hair. Some beneficial ingredients to look for when you're choosing a mask include: Argan oil Truffle extract White caviar extract Artichoke leaf extract Jasmine flower extract Lychee extract Edelweiss flower extract Meadowfoam seed Brush your hair with a boar bristle brush. Brushing your hair when it's wet with a comb or a regular brush can cause it to become frizzy as it dries. Instead, flip your head over when your hair is dry and use a boar bristle brush to detangle your hair. This will help to distribute the natural oils on your scalp to the rest of your hair. Use ionic thermal heat styling tools. Ionic heat styling tools encourage hydration by injecting negative ions into your hair. When your hair is wet, it is positively charged. An ionic hair dryer, for example, will help your hair to soak in moisture instead of pulling moisture out of your hair. Use heat styling tools only on completely dry hair. Make sure that your hair is 100% dry before you use a curling iron or straightener, in order to avoid burning and damaging your hair. It's best to let your hair air dry completely, but if you're in a hurry, blowing it dry before you use styling tools is much better than styling it when it's still damp. Stay away from wet-to-dry styling tools. Although they claim to be designed to style and dry your hair at the same time, they'll likely still damage and dry out your hair. Use heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools. Heat styling tools, such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers, can have a drying effect on hair. To keep your tools from drying your hair out, apply a heat protectant spray to the length of your hair beforehand. This will also keep your hair shiny and minimize frizziness. Turn down the temperature on your heat styling tools. If your hair is dry, it's best to avoid heat styling tools, such as flat irons, as much as possible. If you just can't stay away, turn the heat down to minimize the damage done to your hair. Use your heat styling products on the lowest setting. There are also many ways that you can straighten your hair without using heat. Try using a straightening hair mask or sleeping with jumbo rollers in your hair at night. If you want curls, consider swapping your curling iron for rollers. They have a similar effect and are less damaging. Consider wearing your hair in a messy bun, a tight ballerina bun, or a french braid from time to time instead of using heat styling tools. Take a break from dyeing your hair. Dyeing your hair can be extremely damaging, and can make it look weak and dry. If you're wanting to fix your dry hair, you'll need to take a step back from dyeing it to give it some time to become healthy again. If you can't stay away from the hair dye, consider talking to your stylist about ammonia-free and demi-permanent dye formulas that aren't as harsh on your hair. Stay away from harsh bleaches while you restore your hair's health. Try a coconut oil hair mask. Coconut oil does a good job of hydrating dry, frizzy hair. Brush out your hair and let it dry completely. Put a couple scoops of organic virgin coconut oil into a bowl and melt it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Then, apply the oil to 4 in (10 cm) sections of your hair and comb through them until all of your hair is covered. Twist your hair into a topknot and put a shower cap on. After 45 minutes, rinse the oil out. Use this mask on your hair weekly for best results. If your hair is very damaged, it may be a good idea to apply the hair mask right before shampooing your hair each time. Do an olive oil treatment. Olive oil contains fats that can treat, protect, and improve the overall health of your hair. Put ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl and then microwave it for 15-30 seconds. Massage the oil into your scalp with your fingers and then rub it down into the length of your hair until your hair is completely saturated. Then, wear a shower cap for 45 minutes. Take the cap off and shampoo and rinse out your hair. Make sure to hold the back of your hand just above the oil to see it it's too hot before you stick your fingers in it. If it's not warm enough after 15-30 seconds, put it back in the microwave for 10-second increments until it's warm, but not hot. Apply this mask weekly to get the best results. Try a butter treatment. Butter contains fats that can make your hair shinier and smoother, and also prevent breakage. Melt 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of unsalted organic butter and then apply it to your hair from roots to tips. Put a shower cap on and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then, shampoo your hair and rinse it out. Do a conditioning egg treatment. Put 2 organic egg yolks in 1 bowl and the whites in another bowl. Beat the whites thoroughly and add a splash of water to the bowl of yolks. Mix the yolks together with the whites. Shampoo your hair, rinse it out, and then apply the egg mixture evenly to your hair. Keep it on your hair for about 10 minutes and then use cold water to rinse it out. Do this conditioning treatment monthly for best results. | Wash your hair less often. Wash just your roots. Wash your hair in cold water. Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are made for dry hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner after you shower. Do a weekly hair mask to keep your hair hydrated. Brush your hair with a boar bristle brush. Use ionic thermal heat styling tools. Use heat styling tools only on completely dry hair. Use heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools. Turn down the temperature on your heat styling tools. Take a break from dyeing your hair. Try a coconut oil hair mask. Do an olive oil treatment. Try a butter treatment. Do a conditioning egg treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Friend-Feel-Better-After-a-Death | How to Make a Friend Feel Better After a Death | Your friend is probably feeling sad and a little lost if they're dealing with a death, but you can help them by being patient and letting them know you're there for them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and remember that it could take your friend months or even years to process their feelings. You should try reaching out to your friend to talk, since people who are grieving often withdraw and feel isolated. You could say something like, “I'm so sorry. Please let me know if there's anything you need from me.” Even if they don't ask for help directly, you can still do nice things for them to make their life easier, like bringing them their favorite meal or going grocery shopping for them. | Reach out to them frequently but simply. Most people who are experiencing grief don't want or need grand gestures or bold proclamations of support. Instead, they just need lots of small but clear reminders that you're there for them. Get in touch with them at least as frequently as you did before the death and in similar ways—calling, texting, etc. Make brief affirmations of your presence, availability, and compassion. For example, you might text or email: “Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you. Please get in touch whenever you'd like—I'm here for you.” Or, you might call and say: “Hi, Diane. I wanted to check in to see how you're doing today. In can't imagine how difficult things must be for you right now.” Make yourself available when they need a friend. Whenever it's possible for you to be there for them—to listen, to be a shoulder to cry on, to help with the groceries, etc.—clearly state that you're available. If you're willing and able to have them call or text you 24/7, say so: “Call me anytime you need me—and I mean anytime. 3 PM on a Wednesday, 3 AM on a Sunday, whenever.” It may not be feasible for you to be “on call” 24/7, and that's okay. If possible, see if you can arrange with others in your friend group to provide full coverage. You may even want to set up an “SOS” system—let the grieving person know that if they send out a simple “SOS” text, someone will respond, no matter the time. Offer to do specific things instead of asking if you can help in general. It's very tempting to offer your help generically: “If there's anything I can do, please let me know.” Instead of putting the burden on them, however, clearly state things that you can do and that you know will be helpful. For instance: “Can I bring my kids over to help me rake up the leaves for you?” Or: “I'd like to bring you over dinner twice per week. If that's okay, which days would you prefer?” If they decline your specific offer, then you can make a more general one: “Okay. Is there something else in particular that you'd like help with? If there isn't right now, you can always call me if something does come up.” Let them grieve in their own way instead of making assumptions. Grief is a very individualized process. Don't try to predict the path it will take, and don't presume that there's a “right” or “wrong” way to experience it. Show your love and support by sticking with your friend during the ups, downs, and in-betweens of their grieving process. For example, if you're friends with a couple who has lost a child, don't expect them to have the same grief processes. Accept the validity of each person's grief and do your best to be supportive in each case. You've probably heard of the “5 stages of grief,” but that theory was originally intended for people facing their own death, and has been largely debunked as a way to describe the grief process of a loved one. Ask how they are and be ready to listen unconditionally. Never ask a grieving friend “How are you doing?” if you're not prepared to hear them out with your full attention. Asking how they are feeling is one of the simplest yet most essential things you can say when someone passes away , but you have to really mean it for it to be helpful. They may want to talk about their feelings for 20 minutes, they may not want to say much of anything, or they may just want a hug and a shoulder to cry on. Follow their lead and give them what they need. Aim for a compassionate tone and caring look on your face when you ask something like, “Hey, Steve. How are you today?” Acknowledge their feelings without limits or judgment. Even if you've experienced the death of a loved one yourself, you don't know exactly how your friend feels. Their grief is not the same as your grief, and the timing and process of their path won't be the same as yours. Avoid saying that you know how they feel, and especially avoid telling them how they should feel. For instance, don't say the following: “I know how you feel. When my father died, I was a wreck at first. But you'll start to feel a little better in a couple months.” Instead, say something like this: “I can't imagine how hard this is for you. My father's death was one of the toughest times of my life. My only advice is to take whatever time you need to process your feelings.” Follow their lead in talking about the deceased loved one. Your friend may prefer using terms like “passed away” and “is no longer with us,” or those terms may really bother them and they'll just want to say things like “died” and “dead.” Listen for the type of phrasing they prefer and use it when you speak about the deceased person. Use the deceased person's name or family title (like “your Dad”) frequently when talking about them. For instance, instead of, “I can't imagine how much this loss hurts,” say, “I can't imagine how much Dan's death must hurt.” Your grieving friend may want to talk about their loved one all the time, or they may rarely want to do so. Here again, follow their lead. Don’t try to say things to “make” them feel better. There are no magic words that can take away your friend's pain. Instead of trying too hard to find ways that might make them feel better, focus on offering words of compassion, care, and love. Avoid temptations like the following: Saying that the person is “in a better place” or that “at least their pain is gone,” even if your friend shares your religious or spiritual perspective. They may feel like you're de-legitimizing the grief they feel. Saying things like, “at least you still have your sister,” “you'll find someone new someday,” or, “you're still young and have plenty of time to have another child.” Don't try to minimize the loss they feel by qualifying it. Saying anything along the lines of the following: “You really need to get over this.” You simply cannot cajole or command someone out of their grief. Keep checking in beyond the initial aftermath of the death. Practically every friend, acquaintance, co-worker, and so on will offer their sympathies during the days and weeks following the death. Within a month or so, however, most of them will probably feel like it's time to move on. As a true friend, though, keep offering your support for as long as it's needed. There's no blueprint for how long you should check in and offer your support. Keep at it for as long as it feels like your friend needs it, and never completely stop doing it. After all, your friend's grief will never completely stop. Yes, it's a big commitment. But so is being a true friend. Identify “trigger” days and situations so you can be extra supportive. Certain days, like the deceased's birthday, their favorite holidays, and the anniversary of their death, are likely to trigger surges in your friend's grief. Anticipate these days and be even more compassionate, caring, and helpful when your friend really needs you to be. Depending on how your friend's loved one died, things like visiting a hospital, passing a bad accident scene, or hearing about a violent incident on the news may trigger surges of grief. Your friend may prefer distractions—for instance, going to lunch and a movie with you—on their trigger days, they may want to reminisce and talk about the deceased person, or both. Encourage grief counseling months or even years after their loss. Grief leaves a permanent scar, even after the obvious signs of it have largely vanished. Going to grief counseling shortly after losing a loved one is often very helpful, and so is continuing counseling for years afterward—or even starting it for the first time well after the loss. Don't say something like the following: “You really need to go to grief counseling to help you get over this.” Instead, be compassionate and supportive: “I've heard that grief counseling can be really helpful. I'd be happy to look into some options for you, and I can also drive you to the sessions if you'd like.” Accept their new reality and build a new friendship with them. Your friend will be the same person in some ways and a different person in others after experiencing the death of a loved one. Things will never go back exactly to the way they used to be. Instead, work on building a new relationship with them based on their life after loss. Look at it as an opportunity to become an even more caring and compassionate friend. In some cases, your friendship may decline or you may drift apart completely. Focus on being a good friend with every opportunity you get, but accept the path that your relationship takes. Sometimes, being a good friend means letting go of your friendship. | Reach out to them frequently but simply. Make yourself available when they need a friend. Offer to do specific things instead of asking if you can help in general. Let them grieve in their own way instead of making assumptions. Ask how they are and be ready to listen unconditionally. Acknowledge their feelings without limits or judgment. Follow their lead in talking about the deceased loved one. Don’t try to say things to “make” them feel better. Keep checking in beyond the initial aftermath of the death. Identify “trigger” days and situations so you can be extra supportive. Encourage grief counseling months or even years after their loss. Accept their new reality and build a new friendship with them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Cookies | How to Make Homemade Cookies | If you want to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl, then cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Add your eggs and vanilla to the wet ingredients, then stir in the flour mixture with a long-handled spoon. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet, leaving the cookies spaced about an inch apart. Bake the cookies in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, then let them cool for 5 minutes and enjoy! | Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix and sift the dry ingredients. Put the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl and whisk them together. Cream the butter and sugars in a separate bowl. Place them in a large bowl and use a hand mixer to beat them together until the butter and sugars are fully combined and the mixture has turned light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Keep beating the mixture until the eggs and vanilla are completely blended in. Stir in the flour mixture. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the dry ingredients in with the wet; keep stirring until you can't see any white specks of flour. Mix in the chocolate chips. Pour them into the bowl and use the spoon to mix them in with the batter. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to scoop even amounts of batter onto a baking sheet. Space them an inch or two apart so they'll have room to spread while baking. To keep the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, you can line it with parchment paper before placing the cookies on it. For perfectly even cookies, use a 1/8 measuring cup to scoop the batter. Bake the cookies. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and the edges look slightly crisp. Remove the cookies from the oven to cool. Place them on a cooling rack or move them to a plate and let them cool until they aren't too hot to eat. Finished. Enjoy! Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the dry ingredients. Place the flour and baking soda in a bowl. Whisk until they are fully combined. Cream the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Place the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a bowl and beat until the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the flour mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the batter until you can no longer see the specks of white flour. Drop the cookies onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to place even amounts of cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Space them an inch or two apart to allow the cookies room to spread. Flatten the cookies. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press the cookies flat. Sprinkle the cookies with sugar. This will give the cookies a sweet, crunchy finish. Bake the cookies. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until the tops turn slightly golden. Let the cookies cool. Remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack or a plate. Let them cool for a minute or two before eating. Decorate the cookies. Sugar cookies are fun to decorate with glaze or icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter to make them look festive. Boil the milk and sugar. Place them in a saucepan. Put the saucepan on the stove and turn the burner to medium high. Let the milk and sugar come to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat. Add the vanilla, peanut butter and salt. Pour the ingredients into the saucepan and stir them in until they're completely incorporated. You can add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to make chocolate peanut butter cookies. Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter Stir in the oatmeal. Scoop the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to scoop the batter in even amounts onto a baking sheet. Let the cookies cool for 15 minutes. As they cool, they'll harden slightly. When you can pick them up without them falling apart, they're ready to eat. Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator. Save some treats for later by storing them in the fridge, which will keep them from melting and falling apart. Mix the dry ingredients. Put the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves in a bowl. Use a whisk to stir the ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugars in a separate bowl. Place them in a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer to beat the ingredients until they become light and fluffy. Add the remaining wet ingredients. Place the egg, vanilla, and molasses in the bowl with the butter and sugars. Beat the wet ingredients until they are fully combined. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spoon to stir the batter until you no longer see specks of white flour. Form the batter into a ball and chill it. Use your hands to form it into a ball shape, then place it on a sheet of plastic wrap and pull up the edges to completely wrap the dough ball. Put it in the refrigerator and chill for 1/2 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the dough. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and put it on a floured work surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Cut the dough. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough, then place the unbaked cookies on a baking sheet as you go. Bake the cookies. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven before the edges brown. Let the cookies cool. Place them on a cooling rack or a plate and let them cool for a minute before eating. Make homemade biscotti. This Italian cookie is usually served with espresso or red wine. Make snickerdoodles. This riff on the sugar cookie combines the delectable flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Make oatmeal cookies. These hearty cookies make a great after school snack. Make double chocolate cookies. There's nothing like two types of chocolate in the same cookie to satisfy your cravings. Make thumbprint cookies. They're a combination of buttery shortbread and sweet jam. Make lemon drop cookies. These little bursts of sunshine are a perfect treat for afternoon tea. | Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix and sift the dry ingredients. Cream the butter and sugars in a separate bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet. Bake the cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven to cool. Finished. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the dry ingredients. Cream the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Drop the cookies onto a baking sheet. Flatten the cookies. Sprinkle the cookies with sugar. Bake the cookies. Let the cookies cool. Decorate the cookies. Boil the milk and sugar. Add the vanilla, peanut butter and salt. Stir in the oatmeal. Scoop the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the cookies cool for 15 minutes. Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator. Mix the dry ingredients. Cream the butter and sugars in a separate bowl. Add the remaining wet ingredients. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Form the batter into a ball and chill it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the dough. Cut the dough. Bake the cookies. Let the cookies cool. Make homemade biscotti. Make snickerdoodles. Make oatmeal cookies. Make double chocolate cookies. Make thumbprint cookies. Make lemon drop cookies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fishtail-Braid | How to Make a Fishtail Braid | To make a fishtail braid, first separate your hair into two equal sections, and bring both sections to the same side of your head. Grip each section with one hand. Then, use your index finger to separate a small section of hair on the outer edge of one of the bigger sections. Pass the small section over and into the opposite bigger section. Now, take a small section of hair on the outer edge of the other big section and pass it over and into the opposite bigger section Continue separating small sections of your hair and passing them over into the opposite bigger section until you've braided to the ends of your hair. Finally, use a hair tie to hold the end of your fishtail braid in place. | Divide your hair into 2 even sections. You will have a left piece and a right piece. Take a thin strand of hair from the left section. Gather it from the outside. It should be no thicker than 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Pull the thin strand up and across the left section. Move it towards the right 1. Tuck the thin strand under the right section. It will now become part of the right section. Tug gently on the 2 sections to tighten them. Move your hands up as far as they can go. The tighter you make your braid, the better; you can always tousle it for a messier look later. Take a thin strand from the right section. Gather it from the outside of the section, and make it no thicker than 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Pull the thin strand up and across the right section. Move it towards the left section. Tuck it under the left section. It is now part of the left section. Keep alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair. Leave at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of your hair unbraided so that you can tie it off. Try to use thinner strands the further down you go on your braid. This will help make your braid look more even; your hair becomes naturally thinner towards the ends. Wrap a hair tie around the end of your hair. If you want, you can take a strand of hair, and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it. Secure the strand with a bobby pin. Create a tousled braid by rubbing it between your hands. You may want to skip this if your hair has lots of layers; it may end up loosening and getting tousled on its own. Gather up a section of hair at the crown of your head. Try to keep it at eye level or higher. Make it as centered as you can. Split the section into 2 halves. You will have a left half and a right half. Pull up a thin strand from the left side of your head. Try to gather it from your hairline. Make the strand thin, and no larger than 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Pull the thin strand across the left section and towards the right. Tuck the thin strand under the right section. It will be a part of the right section from now on. Pull a thin strand of hair from the right side of your head. Make sure that this strand is the same distance from the center of your head as the strand you pulled from the left side. Again, make sure that it is no thicker than 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Pull it across the right section and towards the left. Tuck the thin strand under the left section. It will be a part of the left section from now on. Pull up a new center section. This section should be equal in size to the first section you pulled up. Fold it across to the left side as you did with the first center section. Keep alternating sides until you reach the base of your head. At this point, you can tie your hair off, or keep braiding it. Continue braiding your hair in the fishtail fashion. Try to keep the braid as tight and smooth as possible. You can always tussle it up later. Tie the braid off towards the end. When you have about 1 in (2.5 cm) left of hair, tie the braid off using a hair tie. Create a messy fishtail braid by gently tugging on the edges. Keep in mind that if you have lots of layers in your hair, the braid will become messy on its own. Find some thin hair elastics that match your hair color. You can also use clear ones if you can't find any that match your hair. You will be making several topsy-turvy ponytails, right after the other, so make sure that you have enough. This braid will work best on longer hair. It may not work very well on hair that is shorter than the upper arm. Pull your hair into a low ponytail. Try to make the ponytail as close to the base of your head as possible, but don't make it too tight. Create a topsy-turvy ponytail. Start by slipping your pointer and middle fingers through your hair, right above the elastic. Split your fingers apart, creating a hole. Pull the ponytail over the elastic and down through the hole. Tug gently and smooth down your hair. Tie another elastic around your hair a few inches down from the first 1. If you have thin or fine hair, tie the elastic closer to the first 1. If you have thick hair, tie it a little bit further away. Create another topsy-turvy ponytail. Slip your fingers through your hair, just above the elastic, and make another hole. Pull the tail down through the hole. Keep doing this until you have only a few inches of your hair left. Tie your hair off with a hair tie. Consider hiding the elastics. You can do this by gently tugging on strands of hair to fluff them out a little. You can also wrap colored bits of ribbon or string around the elastics. Add some colorful beads for a boho or festival look. Make a side fishtail braid. Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail, and pulling it either to the left or right of your neck. Tie it off with a clear elastic. Fishtail braid your hair as usual and tie it off. Snip the clear elastic off when you are done. Try making a topsy-turvy ponytail before you start doing the fishtail braid. Start with a low ponytail. Slip your fingers up through your hair, right between the nape and the elastic. Pull the ponytail down through the hole. Once you have flipped your ponytail, start fishtail braiding as usual. Try poking a flower or 2 into the hole of the topsy-turvy for a cute, boho look. Use a clip or barrette to cover up the hair tie. You can also tie a ribbon over the hair tie in a bow. This can help make your braid more interesting and complete your outfit. Roll your braid into a bun at the nape of your neck. Keep it in place with a few bobby pins. This will be especially effective if you have really long hair. Add some colored hair extensions before you start braiding your hair. This will give your braid a spark of color, and make it look more interesting. Fold a single clip in extension over the base of your ponytail and then work it into the braid. | Divide your hair into 2 even sections. Take a thin strand of hair from the left section. Pull the thin strand up and across the left section. Tuck the thin strand under the right section. Tug gently on the 2 sections to tighten them. Take a thin strand from the right section. Pull the thin strand up and across the right section. Tuck it under the left section. Keep alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair. Wrap a hair tie around the end of your hair. Create a tousled braid by rubbing it between your hands. Gather up a section of hair at the crown of your head. Split the section into 2 halves. Pull up a thin strand from the left side of your head. Pull the thin strand across the left section and towards the right. Tuck the thin strand under the right section. Pull a thin strand of hair from the right side of your head. Pull it across the right section and towards the left. Tuck the thin strand under the left section. Pull up a new center section. Keep alternating sides until you reach the base of your head. Continue braiding your hair in the fishtail fashion. Tie the braid off towards the end. Create a messy fishtail braid by gently tugging on the edges. Find some thin hair elastics that match your hair color. Pull your hair into a low ponytail. Create a topsy-turvy ponytail. Tie another elastic around your hair a few inches down from the first 1. Create another topsy-turvy ponytail. Keep doing this until you have only a few inches of your hair left. Consider hiding the elastics. Make a side fishtail braid. Try making a topsy-turvy ponytail before you start doing the fishtail braid. Use a clip or barrette to cover up the hair tie. Roll your braid into a bun at the nape of your neck. Add some colored hair extensions before you start braiding your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Interpret-a-Dream-Involving-Cats | How to Interpret a Dream Involving Cats | Cats can represent a wide range of things in your dream. A wild or feral cat in your dream can mean that a neighbor is threatening you. If a cat bites you, this may mean that you've lost something important. Cats can also represent creativity or a free spirit. You should also consider the cat's behavior in your dream to help figure out what it means. For example, if the cat was playing, this could mean that you want to have more fun in your life. Cats can also represent bad luck in some situations. However, it's not true that you'll experience bad luck just because you saw a black cat in your dream. | Recall the feeling you had while dreaming. The feeling you had about the cat in your dream may tell you more about what the cat meant than any dream dictionary. Were you happy to see the cat? Did the cat fill you with fear? Consider why this feeling might have come up for you. To better understand your feeling about the cat in your dream, think about other dream elements you might remember. For example, if you remember drowning, then being rescued by a cat, you might be filled with surprise and gratitude. This might mean that help comes from unexpected places or people. Was the cat familiar to you, in the dream? Whether or not you recognize the cat from your waking life, you may experience a sense of familiarity to the cat in your dream. Perhaps the cat is a symbol of safety. If the cat was causing you to feel afraid, perhaps there is something in your life that's causing you fear or worry. For example, if the cat was attacking you, this might suggest that you're feeling attacked by some circumstance of your life. Remember that every element in a dream is important. Think about the location of the cat in your dream. Was the cat outside, like a feral cat, or inside, like a domestic pet? What other elements surrounded the cat? For example, a cat outside on a moonlit night might also include the dream symbols of a full moon, a dark house, a rustle of dry leaves underfoot, an owl, a cold breeze, etc. Dreams are emotional, not rational. Perhaps your cat was swimming underwater, quite happily (and unrealistically!) Don't worry if your dream doesn't make sense. As you write about every element, think about how you feel about it. The dream came from your subconscious, and you are the best interpreter of what your dream means. Understand that dreams are subjective. Because dreams are created from your subconscious mind, they are deeply personal to your nature and experience. A cat in your dream will not be the same as a cat in anyone else's dream. Many people believe that a cat in dream is a personal symbol, unique to you. Consider what cats mean to you, specifically. Are you allergic to cats? Did you have a cat in your childhood? If there is any unique meaning that you connect to cats, it's likely that this meaning will be part of your dream interpretation. Remember that the goal of dream interpretation is to better understand yourself. Dreams are unlikely to be functional predictors of the future, to provide lucky lottery numbers, or to give you the answer to an algebra problem. Think about your dream cat characteristics. Some dream interpreters feel that aspects of the dreamer are found within every element of the dream. The cat in the dream may symbolize you, or parts of you. Think about what characteristics you and the cat might share in common. Did the cat in your dream appear unique in any way? Did the circumstances in which the cat appeared feel familiar? Or was the situation novel or unlikely? Dreaming makes the connection between the dreamer's conscious and unconscious mind. Feelings, thoughts, and ideas found in the dreamer's unconscious mind can surface through dream imagery and symbols. Consider traditional meaning of cats in dreams. Cats are ancient dream images, symbolizing intuition, femininity, softness, an independent spirit, creativity, power, misfortune, vulnerability, bad luck, and deceitfulness. Whatever you can recall about the cat within your dream will also help you understand its meaning. If the cat in your dream was playful, perhaps you may desire to be a little more light-hearted in your life. If your dream cat was aggressive, perhaps you're experiencing some difficulty with the more feminine side of your nature. If you've lost your cat in your dreams, it might be a sign that you're not as independent as you'd like to be. The health of the cat in your dreams is also a clue to its meaning. For example, if the cat in your dreams is sickly, this might mean that you're not paying enough attention to your intuition. By being overly rational, you've allowed the intuitive part of your nature become weak. Learn about possible alternative interpretations. Dreaming about a wild, or feral, cat may mean that a neighbor could be dangerous to you (or that this is something that you fear). A cat who bites you in your dream might mean the loss of something important to you. While cats are generally a symbol of independence, a dream about a kitten often reflects vulnerability and the need to be taken care of. Dream images can be simple, or they can be complex. When you're interpreting what the cat in your dream might mean, allow yourself to be open to a wide range of possible interpretations. Don't worry about seeing a black cat in your dreams. Despite the black cat being a common symbol of bad luck, seeing a black cat in your dreams doesn't have any particular bad luck attached. More important to the interpretation of your dream are the way you feel about the cat, how you treat it, and how it treats you. In the past, any cat appearing in a dream was generally considered to be bad luck. This has changed, however, as cultures became more comfortable with mystical topics. Cats often represent sexuality and women. When a woman dreams about a cat, she may be dreaming about her own sexual power. A man dreaming about a cat may be symbolizing sexual fulfillment, or his own intuitive nature. Remember that you're the best expert on your dream. If the cat in your dreams carries a meaning for you, it doesn't matter what any dream dictionary says. As you can see, dream dictionaries carry a wide range of possible interpretation. As you become more skilled at remembering your dreams, and thinking deeply about each element within the dream, you will learn to interpret what your dreams mean for you. Notice if you see a pattern in your dreams. Do certain elements recur on a regular basis? Do you notice that you often dream about a certain cat, or different cats? Your observations on your dreams should include who, what, when, where and why. Always ask yourself: how did I feel about this? Write down your dreams. Most dream experts recommend to keep a dream journal. A dream journal is a notebook kept beside your bed with a pen or pencil nearby. As soon as you wake up, immediately reach for pen and paper to write down everything you remember about your most recent dream. Try to write down any dream you have, no matter how difficult it may be to remember clearly. Include as many details as you can, no matter how strange or random. List colors, location, characters, sounds, emotions and objects. Each element has a possible meaning. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. No one else is likely to read this - it's just for you. If using an app on your phone or tablet is easier for you, consider keeping your dream journal here. The main thing is to have it very close to your bed, so that it's there as you wake up. Note your feelings about each dream. The feelings that you experience in your dreams are not symbolic, but real feelings. Most people suppress negative emotions during the day, but these emotions will appear in dreams. Learn to notice your feelings about every element within your dream in order to better interpret its meaning. Feelings expressed in dreams can help you better deal with depression, guilt, and other difficult emotions in your waking life. The most common emotions found in dreams are fear and anxiety, followed by anger and sadness. Learn to recognize recurring images in your dreams. Over time you may start to notice similar themes and patterns emerging from otherwise dissimilar dreams. For example, if you keep finding yourself dreaming about stressful situations, even though the elements might be very different, it's important to look at the ways this stressful situation might be manifesting itself in your life. There are apps, such as Dream Professor, that provide instant analysis of your dream elements. These apps focus on the pattern of images and words in a dream, rather than trying to read the plot or recognize individual symbols. Think about all elements of your dream. When you've written down your dream, go back to sleep. Later, when you're fully awake, revisit your dream journal and read through your notes for meaning. Each dream is a mine of metaphorical meaning that you can interpret in multiple ways. Many experts suggest that the dreamer avoid thinking of a dream in literal terms. For example, a dream about skydiving doesn't usually mean that the person is likely to jump out of a plane. Sometimes an element of a dream is not a metaphor, but simply a way that the person processes information. For example, people who spent most of their lives before color television also dream in black and white. Learn more about dream interpretation. Some analytical therapists incorporate dream analysis into their therapy practice. If this appeals to you, consider learning more about dream interpretation, or finding a therapist who uses this approach. There are many dream dictionaries available online or in bookstores. These are interesting and entertaining, but genuine dream analysis is more subtle and complex than these books may suggest. Dream interpretation was a standard part of psychoanalytic models of both Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Jung's understanding of archetypes found in dreams shaped generations of scholars and psychologists. | Recall the feeling you had while dreaming. Remember that every element in a dream is important. Understand that dreams are subjective. Think about your dream cat characteristics. Consider traditional meaning of cats in dreams. Learn about possible alternative interpretations. Don't worry about seeing a black cat in your dreams. Remember that you're the best expert on your dream. Write down your dreams. Note your feelings about each dream. Learn to recognize recurring images in your dreams. Think about all elements of your dream. Learn more about dream interpretation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Toy-Cat | How to Make a Toy Cat | To make a toy cat, first print out a free pattern online and trace it onto sewing-pattern paper. Once you've drawn your pattern, cut it out and pin it to a piece of fabric that's folded in half. Using sharp sewing scissors, carefully cut out the pattern from the fabric. In order for your seams to look neat, arrange the fabric so that it's inside out and pin the pieces together along the edges. Sew the fabric together and leave 1 side open. To have smooth seams, use scissors to notch the edges, but take care not to cut the stitches you've made. Turn the pattern back inside out through the hole you've left, and then fill it with stuffing through this same hole. Once the toy is stuffed, sew the opening closed by hand. | Pick out or design a pattern depending on what kind of cat you’d like. There are a lot of websites that offer free patterns that you could download for your toy cat. But if you have an idea in mind of what you'd like it to look like, try making your own sewing pattern. If you do this, make sure to factor in seam allowances and duplicate pieces (like for ears and limbs). You could also familiarize yourself with a similar stuffed animal pattern to help give yourself some guidance if you've never created a pattern before. Some toy cats are made of a single shape and don't have arms and legs that you can move. Others have separate arms, legs, head, tail, and even ears. Keep in mind that the more pieces your pattern has, the more complex it will be to make. If you've never made a stuffed animal before, you may want to opt for a simpler pattern. If you already have a toy cat that you love, you could copy its pattern and use that for your project. Draw or trace the pattern onto sewing-pattern paper. There are lots of different kinds of paper you can use: tracing paper, baking paper, brown wrapping paper, or even parcel paper. Place the pattern on top of the paper, and use a pencil to draw the outline. If you're designing the pattern by hand, take your time to get the proportions of the cat right. Tracing the sewing pattern lets you make any adjustments you'd like to. Also, using the right kind of paper will make it easier to work with the fabric later on. A lot of sewing-pattern papers are very thin and easy to see through, and they also are more flexible than other kinds of paper. If you're using a pattern with separate pieces, mark down what each piece is so you don't get confused later on. Cut out the pattern carefully. Use a pair of sharp sewing scissors and be careful to trim neatly so there aren't any ragged edges left when you're done. If you have a fabric rotary cutter and cutting mat, that could make the process a bit faster, but be careful with the rotary cutter so you don't accidentally hurt yourself—they are very sharp! Most likely, you can just discard the scraps of paper that are left over. But if there are any larger sections, set them aside to use on future projects. Pin the pattern to a piece of fabric that is folded in half and cut it out. Folding the fabric in half ensures that the 2 sides of your cat will be equal, and at this stage, it doesn't matter if it's folded right-sides together or sight-sides out. Place sewing pins along the edge of the pattern every 2 inches (5.1 cm) or so, making sure that their ends don't extend out past the edge of the pattern. Use your sharp sewing scissors to carefully cut out the pattern from the fabric. Once the fabric is cut out, you can remove the pins and put the pattern away somewhere for safekeeping. Repeat this step for each part of your pattern. If you just have a body for your cat, you'll only need to do this once. But the arms, legs, tail, and ears will need to be cut out separately, too. Keep in mind that many pieces, like legs, arms, and ears, will actually need to be cut out twice, since you'll need 2 of each thing. Arrange the fabric so it’s inside out and pin along its edges. You'll sew the majority of your toy cat while it's inside out, which will make the seams look much neater once you finally pull it right-side out. Use your sewing pins all along the edges of the fabric, taking care to make sure the edges are lining up neatly. The great thing about making your own toy cat is that you can choose whatever kind and color of fabric you like! Solid colors like brown, gray, black, or tan may look more like a traditional cat; or, you could have fun picking out patterned fabric to make a cat that is a little more unique to you. You'll need to leave 1 section open at the end, about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long, through which you can turn the cat right-side out and stuff it with batting. Keep in mind where you'd like that section to be so you don't accidentally sew the entire thing shut. Use a sewing machine to sew the fabric together, leaving 1 side open. At this time, you just need to sew the like pieces together; don't worry about connecting the separate limbs to the body. Use your machine's triple stitch option, which should look like 3 vertical dashed lines. This will provide a lot of extra reinforcement and should help prolong the life of your cat. Choose a short stitch length. Leave yourself about a ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) hem. If you don't have a sewing machine, you could definitely stitch together your cat manually. It will take a little longer, but it could be fun to do everything by hand. The exact stitch length might vary based on the type of fabric you use. For example, lightweight fabrics can have a longer stitch length than heavier fabrics. After the fabric is sewn together, you can go ahead and remove the sewing pins. Notch the edges using pinking shears to create smoother seams. The notching will help ensure that the seams will lie flat and won't bunch up once you turn the fabric inside out. Simply go around the edges with your pinking shears and trim away the excess fabric. Be careful to not get too close to the stitches, though! Each notch should stop about 1 centimetre (0.39 in) before the stitches. If you don't have pinking shears, you can use a regular pair of scissors to cut out triangles all around the edges of the fabric for the same effect. It'll just take a little longer, but the ending result should be the same. the seams to prepare to turn the pattern back inside out. Iron This isn't absolutely necessary, but it does create smoother seams, which in turn can make your cat look a little nicer. Run your iron over the entire piece of fabric, paying special attention to the sewn edges. Let the fabric cool down completely before you move on to the next step. When you pull the fabric right-side out, the ironed seams will make it less likely that the fabric will pucker or be misshapen anywhere along the edges. Pull the fabric through the hole so that the pattern is on the outside. Do this as gently as you can; though if you used a thick and close enough stitch, your material should really be secured together nicely. This is an exciting moment when you can really start to see your cat taking shape. If there are thin arms, legs, or a tail, you may need to use something like a bodkin or even a safety pin to get them turned right-side out. Stuff the cat with batting or fiberfill until it is plush and firm. For the best results, stuff just a small handful of filling at a time to prevent any weird bunches from forming. It may take longer, but your toy cat will look more even when it's finished. Push the stuffing to the furthest part of the cat first to make sure it gets filled completely—you don't want a toy cat with a full belly and a floppy head! To get the stuffing into hard-to-reach areas, use a wooden skewer or chopsticks to push it into place. If you chose a pattern that has arms, legs, or fillable ears, add extra stuffing to these sections. They need to be really full so they aren't floppy! Sew the opening closed by hand once the cat is stuffed. Fold over the raw edges so that they come together inside the seam. Use a hand-quilting thread for a thicker option that will hold up against the wear and tear that your new cat will endure. Make your stitches as close together as possible, and once you reach the end, go back over your stitches to reinforce any areas that might have been too far apart. Continue stuffing the cat if you find it needs more fluff as you're doing the closing stitches. Just use the chopsticks or wooden skewers to gently shove more filling in as needed. Attach the separate limbs and add any embellishments you want. Depending on your pattern, you may now be left with a cat's body separate from its arms, legs, and tail. If this is the case, go ahead and stitch them into place by hand with your needle and hand-quilting thread to finish assembling the cat. You may also want to do something like create eyes out of buttons or add felt to the ears for a special touch. Don't be afraid to really reinforce those ending stitches to make sure the limbs will all stay in place. Your pattern may have called for the limbs to be sewn into the body earlier. if that is the case, you don't need to worry about attaching them at this point. Sewing them into the body does create a stronger connection, but you can make your toy cat through either method. Care for your cat by keeping it clean and repairing it when necessary. If you do need to wash your cat, put it into a mesh laundry bag and wash it in cool water on the gentle cycle, then hang it up to dry. If you notice loose threads or sections that need to be sewn together again, take a moment to fix your cat to keep it in the best condition possible. Of course, don't forget to play with your toy cat, too! After all, that's what you made it for. | Pick out or design a pattern depending on what kind of cat you’d like. Draw or trace the pattern onto sewing-pattern paper. Cut out the pattern carefully. Pin the pattern to a piece of fabric that is folded in half and cut it out. Arrange the fabric so it’s inside out and pin along its edges. Use a sewing machine to sew the fabric together, leaving 1 side open. Notch the edges using pinking shears to create smoother seams. the seams to prepare to turn the pattern back inside out. Pull the fabric through the hole so that the pattern is on the outside. Stuff the cat with batting or fiberfill until it is plush and firm. Sew the opening closed by hand once the cat is stuffed. Attach the separate limbs and add any embellishments you want. Care for your cat by keeping it clean and repairing it when necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Chinese-Fast | How to Learn Chinese Fast | To learn Chinese fast, listen to Chinese songs and radio stations to pick up on common words and phrases. You can also try watching Chinese movies and TV shows, which will help you learn new vocabulary words and proper pronunciation. There are also apps you can download on your phone to help you practice Chinese on the go, like Skitter, FluentU, and Chinese Pod. | Decide if you are going to learn Cantonese or Mandarin. Mandarin is spoken the most in mainland China so it may be a good option if you are planning a trip to China or want to be able to speak to mainlanders. Cantonese is spoken more in North America so it may be ideal if you want to communicate with Chinese people in Canada or the United States. Mandarin is also often used in business transactions between China and North America so if you plan to do business with Chinese companies, it may be more practical for you to learn. There are many other dialects of Chinese but Mandarin and Cantonese are the two most commonly spoken. Study the 4 tones in Mandarin. Chinese is a tonal language, which means it uses pronunciation to create meaning. The same word, said in a different tone, can mean something else. Learning the tones is best done by listening to how they sound and repeating the tones as much as you can. Making mistakes where you say a word with the wrong tone is common, and part of the learning process. You will need to practice and master the tones to speak Mandarin properly. Mandarin has 4 tones: Tone 1: Level Tone 2: Rising Tone 3: Departing Tone 4: Entering/stop-final Learn the 6 tones in Cantonese. Cantonese is a bit more complicated when it comes to tones, as it has 2 more than Mandarin. You will need to adjust the pitch of your voice to match the correct tone so you are speaking Cantonese properly. The tones in Cantonese are: Tone 1: High Tone 2: Rising Tone 3: Mid Tone 4: Low-mid to low Tone 5: Low to low-mid Tone 6: Low-mid Practice basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye. ” Start with basic conversational Chinese so you can get familiar with the language. Look up the Mandarin or Cantonese words for greetings like “hello” or “welcome.” Make sure you know how to say “thank you,” “goodbye,” and “how are you?” For example, in Mandarin, the word for “hello” is “ni hao” for a casual conversation and “nin hao” for a formal conversation, such as with a boss or business associate. In Cantonese, “hello” is “Neih hou.” Focus on learning nouns and verbs. Rather than try to learn vocabulary or a long list of terms, try to learn basic nouns and verbs instead. Nouns like “I,” “we,” “she,” “he,” and “they” are good building blocks for simple sentences. Verbs like “go,” “walk,” “run,” “visit,” and “meet” will be useful in many conversations and help you speak full sentences in Chinese quickly. For example, you may learn a simple sentence like “I visit Beijing” by learning how to say “I” “visit” and “Beijing” and putting the words together to form the sentence. Start by learning to put together sentences that are 3-4 words long. Over time, you can add on words to learn longer sentences. Learn how to count in Chinese. Start by learning how to count from 1-50 in Mandarin or Cantonese. Listen to the pronunciation of the numbers using an audiobook or an audio tool. Note how to write each number using Chinese characters and Pinyin. Once you master 1-50, challenge yourself to learn 50-100 and beyond. You can find a list of numbers in Mandarin on Omniglot.com: https://www.omniglot.com/language/numbers/chinese.htm. You can find a list of numbers in Cantonese on Omniglot.com: https://www.omniglot.com/language/numbers/cantonese.htm. Practice writing in Pinyin. Pinyin is a system devised to write Chinese characters using phonetic spelling. It can be a helpful way to learn how to write in Chinese without having to study the thousands of characters in the language. The Pinyin for words will be based on the tones in the word. You will need to study the tones and Pinyin at the same time. You can write in pinyin on your computer by adjusting the settings on your Mac or PC. Typing Pinyin to others can help you become more familiar with the system. Learn simplified Chinese characters. Simplified characters were designed to make writing Chinese more accessible. These characters require fewer strokes and are usually easier to learn than traditional characters. Start by studying simplified characters that are only 1-2 strokes. Then, learn more complicated terms that have 3-4 strokes. Get a book on simplified Chinese characters and start with the 1-2 stroke ones. Practice writing them and memorize the word or phrase they represent. Then, attempt more complicated characters once you have gotten the hang of basic ones. Use flashcards with images and Pinyin. Create flashcards with the Pinyin on one side and an image of the object or person it represents on the other side. Practice with the flashcards so you can memorize the correct Pinyin for the object or person. Say the Chinese word or phrase aloud so you can remember it. Quiz yourself with the flashcards or ask a friend to quiz you. Add more challenging words and phrases to the flashcards as your Chinese improves. Listen to Chinese radio stations. Chinese music and songs are another great audio resource you can use to improve your Chinese fast. Tune in to Chinese radio stations and keep it on in the background so you can sing along to Chinese words and phrases. Listen to the lyrics in the songs to get better at your pronunciation and tones. You can also find CDs or music online by Chinese artists and listen to it to help you learn the language. Watch Chinese movies and television shows. Set aside time once a day to watch a movie in Chinese or a television show. Listen to how the words are spoken in conversation. Note the tones used as well as the phrasing. Stick to watching one television show at a time. Watch movies featuring the same actors or actresses so their dialogue becomes familiar to you. Try watching a Chinese anime for simple dialogue and vocabulary. Challenge yourself to watch a Chinese soap opera or a movie with a lot of dialogue for more difficult conversations. Look for Chinese movies and television shows at your local library or online. Use a Chinese language app. There are many apps you can download onto your smartphone, tablet, or computer to help you improve your pronunciation and tones. Look for apps that focus on basic nouns and verbs or getting better at Pinyin. Use the app during your study sessions to look up the pronunciation of a word and improve your tones when you are practicing conversational Chinese. You can also use apps to help you learn how to write Chinese characters. Apps like Skitter, FluentU, Chinese Pod, and The Chairman's Bao are all good options. Go to Chinese restaurants and order in Chinese. Improve your conversational Chinese by trying to order your food and drink in Chinese at a local Chinese restaurant or cafe. Make sure the waiter speaks Mandarin or Cantonese, depending on which one you are learning. Greet the waiter in Chinese and put in your order, describing items on the menu in Chinese. You can also ask for the bill in Chinese and thank the waiter for their service. Keep in mind you may make a mistake when you try to order in Chinese. Accept this and push on, as you will then learn from your mistakes and order correctly next time. Make a Chinese friend and speak Chinese with them. Contact a language school near you to see if they have any Chinese students who would be willing to practice with you. Post an advertisement online for a native Chinese speaker you can practice your Chinese with. Ask friends if they have any Chinese friends who would be willing to talk to you in conversational Chinese. When you find a Chinese friend to practice with, make weekly dates with them where you get together and speak in Chinese only. Get a Chinese language tutor. The tutor can help you improve your basic Chinese speaking skills and do exercises with you to expand your vocabulary. They can also correct you when you make mistakes and give you feedback on your progress. Look for a Chinese language tutor at a local language school or through an online tutoring service. You can also search for a Chinese language tutor at your local university or college, especially if they have a Chinese language studies program. | Decide if you are going to learn Cantonese or Mandarin. Study the 4 tones in Mandarin. Learn the 6 tones in Cantonese. Practice basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye. Focus on learning nouns and verbs. Learn how to count in Chinese. Practice writing in Pinyin. Learn simplified Chinese characters. Use flashcards with images and Pinyin. Listen to Chinese radio stations. Watch Chinese movies and television shows. Use a Chinese language app. Go to Chinese restaurants and order in Chinese. Make a Chinese friend and speak Chinese with them. Get a Chinese language tutor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Smoothies-with-Frozen-Fruit | How to Make Smoothies with Frozen Fruit | To make smoothies with frozen fruit, start by mixing half-and-half, lime juice, and plain or flavored yogurt in a blender. Next, add frozen pineapple, mandarin oranges, and frozen banana or mango. Then, blend the smoothie on high for up to 1 minute, until the frozen fruit is completely smooth and combined. Pour the smoothie into 2 tall serving glasses and garnish with a little toasted coconut, if desired. | Pour the half-and-half, lime juice, and yogurt in a blender. Measure 1 cup (240 ml) of half-and-half, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lime or lemon juice, and 3/4 cup (190 g) of yogurt into a 5-cup (1.2 liter) blender. For the richest smoothie, use Greek yogurt. Use your favorite yogurt flavor or keep it plain, if you want a smoothie that's a little tart. Add the frozen pineapple, mandarin oranges, and frozen banana or mango. Put 2 cups (490 g) of frozen pineapple chunks into the blender. Open an 11-ounce (305 g) can of mandarin orange segments and drain them. Discard the liquid and add the orange segments to the blender. Add 1 frozen sliced banana or mango. Blend the smoothie on HIGH for up to 1 minute. Put the lid on the blender and turn it on to completely blend the tropical fruit smoothie. Depending on how strong your blender is, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally. Blend the smoothie until the frozen fruits are smooth. Pour and serve the creamy tropical fruit smoothies. Remove the lid from the blender and pour the smoothie into 2 tall serving glasses. If you want to garnish the smoothies, sprinkle a little toasted coconut over them before serving. Avoid storing the smoothies because they'll separate as they sit. Put the vegan milk into the blender and add the chia and ground ginger. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of almond, soy, or hemp milk into a blender. For a little flavor and crunch, add 1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) of chia seeds and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground ginger. If you want to use fresh ginger instead of dried ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of grated ginger root. Add the frozen banana, fruits, and coconut oil. Put 1 frozen sliced banana into the blender along with 1 cup (150 g) of frozen fruit and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil. Use any combination of your favorite frozen fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, pineapple, and papaya. Blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Cover the blender and turn it on to HIGH. Blend the smoothie until the frozen fruit is completely smooth and combined. Pour the smoothie into a serving glass and drink it immediately. The smoothie will separate as it sits, so avoid making it in advance. Blend the frozen banana, fruit, and yogurt for 1 minute. Put 1 sliced frozen banana in a blender and add 1 cup (150 g) of your favorite frozen fruit mix. Scoop in tablespoons (30 g) of yogurt and put the lid on the blender. Blend the ingredients until they're smooth and thick. You can use any mix of fruits such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. Add the oats, nuts, and liquid. Remove the lid and add 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats and 1/2 cup (65 g) of mixed nuts. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, soy milk, or apple juice. Use a combination of your favorite nuts such as almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, or pecans. Blend the smoothie for 1 minute. Put the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients until they're completely smooth. If you want a thinner smoother, pour in another 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, soy milk, or apple juice and blend the smoothie again. Pour the smoothies into glasses and drizzle them with honey, if desired. Divide the smoothie mixture between 2 tall serving glasses. If you want to make the smoothies sweeter, drizzle a little honey over the tops just before you serve them. Avoid storing the smoothies because they'll separate. Put the milk and yogurt into the blender. Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of fat-free milk into the bottom of the blender and scoop ½ cup (125 g) of fat-free plain yogurt on top. If you want to use flavored yogurt instead, leave out the honey because the smoothie will be sweet enough. Add the peanut butter, frozen banana, honey, and ice cubes. Measure and add 2 tablespoons (32 g) of creamy natural unsalted peanut butter to the blender. Add ¼ of a frozen sliced banana and 1 tablespoon (21 g) of honey. Put 4 ice cubes on top. Blend the smoothie for 1 minute and serve it. Put the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients until they're totally smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the blender occasionally. Pour the low-fat protein smoothie into a serving glass and enjoy it immediately. The smoothie will separate as it sits, so blend it right before you want to drink it. Pour the coffee, milk, and honey into the blender. Measure 1/2 cup (120 ml) of iced coffee concentrate or 3/4 cup (180 g) of chilled regular coffee into your blender. Add 1/4 cup (60 g) of milk, soy milk, or almond milk along with 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey, if you want the smoothie to be sweeter. Add the almond butter, frozen fruit, and chocolate protein powder. Spoon 1 tablespoon (16 g) of almond butter into the blender along with 6 tablespoons (66 g) of chocolate protein powder. Add 1 cup (230 g) of frozen raspberries and 1/2 of a sliced frozen banana. Cover and blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Put the lid on the blender and turn it to HIGH. Blend the smoothie until the fruits are blended and the smoothie is thick. Serve the mocha berry almond smoothie. Remove the lid from the blender and pour the smoothie into a serving glass. Sprinkle a little cocoa powder over the top or garnish it with a fresh raspberry. Serve the smoothie before it begins to separate. | Pour the half-and-half, lime juice, and yogurt in a blender. Add the frozen pineapple, mandarin oranges, and frozen banana or mango. Blend the smoothie on HIGH for up to 1 minute. Pour and serve the creamy tropical fruit smoothies. Put the vegan milk into the blender and add the chia and ground ginger. Add the frozen banana, fruits, and coconut oil. Blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Blend the frozen banana, fruit, and yogurt for 1 minute. Add the oats, nuts, and liquid. Blend the smoothie for 1 minute. Pour the smoothies into glasses and drizzle them with honey, if desired. Put the milk and yogurt into the blender. Add the peanut butter, frozen banana, honey, and ice cubes. Blend the smoothie for 1 minute and serve it. Pour the coffee, milk, and honey into the blender. Add the almond butter, frozen fruit, and chocolate protein powder. Cover and blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Serve the mocha berry almond smoothie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-Skin-Types | How to Know Skin Types | To know skin types, start by learning the differences between dry and oily skin. Dry skin will often be red, dull, or rough. Alternatively, oily skin looks shiny, has large pores, and is prone to frequent breakouts. If you have both types of skin in different areas of your face, you have combination skin and will have to treat those areas separately. | Notice dry patches. You may have dry skin in some places if it is red, wrinkly, dull, and rough. If you have dry skin, you will probably not be able to see your pores in that area. It may even look scaly or itch. If your skin is vulnerable to drying, you can protect it by: Avoiding long, hot showers. 10 to 15 minutes in water that is comfortable, but not too hot is fine. Do not shower more than once per day. Using gentle soaps. Avoid strongly perfumed soaps. Don't scrub hard when you wash. This will strip the natural oils from your skin. Using moisturizer after showering. You may find that you need to apply it in the morning and at night. Heating your home moderately. If the air in your home tends to be very dry, try using a humidifier to keep it moist. Protecting your skin from harsh chemicals. This may mean that you need to wear gloves when washing dishes, using strong soaps, or cleaning chemicals. Protecting your skin from harsh weather. This includes wind, sunshine, and hot and cold temperatures. All can contribute to drying out your skin. Cover up as much as you can and wear sunscreen, even when it is cold, but sunny. Recognize oily skin. You may have oily skin if it looks shiny, has large visible pores, and is prone to breaking out in blackheads and pimples. If you have oily skin, you may be able to improve it by: Using only beauty products which are labeled as noncomedogenic. This means that they have been tested and demonstrated not to clog pores. This is particularly important if you wear makeup. Not popping, picking or squeezing pimples and blackheads. This will make them worse and irritate the skin around them. It can cause scarring. Washing after you exercise or do any activity which causes you to sweat. But don't wash more than two times per day. Using gentle soaps that won't irritate your skin. Evaluate whether you have combination skin. This is very common. Many people have skin that is oily in some places, like the nose, and dry in others. Areas that are often prone to drying include the backs of the hands, elbows, and limbs. If this is the case, you may need to tailor your skin care routine to the skin in each area. Oily patches may be shiny and prone to forming blackheads. On oily skin you should let any pimples and blackheads heal and wash twice a day with gentle soap. Use only products that are labeled as noncomedogenic. Dry patches may be red, rough, scaly, and itchy. Use moisturizer regularly on dry patches. Protect your skin from extreme temperatures, wind, and harsh chemicals. Enjoy normal skin if you have it. Younger people are more likely to have normal skin. You likely have normal skin if: You rarely get pimples or blackheads. Your pores are not enlarged or easily noticeable. Your skin does not have dry, flaky, itchy, red patches. Your skin looks healthy, has an even color, and is elastic. Take care of your skin regardless of what skin type you have. These tips will help you maintain healthy, vibrant skin. They should work for all skin types and all ages. Wash away oils, dead skin, and dirt daily with a gentle cleanser. This will protect your skin from getting clogged pores and forming pimples. It will also remove irritants that you might have come in contact with during the day. Don't sleep in your make up. It can cause dryness and breakouts. Combat wrinkles by using a moisturizer each day that contains sunscreen in it. This will protect your skin from sun damage. Don't smoke. Smoking will make your skin look older, more wrinkled and less healthy. If you already smoke, quitting will improve your skin quality. Score your eye color. Lighter eyes often go together with lighter skin types. Determine your score based on your eye color: 0. Light blue, gray, or green eyes. 1. Blue, gray or green. 2. Hazel or light brown. 3. Dark brown. 4. Very dark brown. Rate your hair color. For this you should consider your natural hair color when you were a young adult and before you started to get gray hair. Measure your hair color as follows: 0. Red, strawberry blonde or light blonde. 1. Blonde. 2. Dark blonde, sandy brown, to light brown. 3. Dark brown. 4. Black. Rank your skin color. Consider your skin color before you have tanned. In general darker skin tones will tan better and be less vulnerable to sun damage. 0. Very white. 1. Pale or fair skinned. 2. Fair, beige, or golden colored. 3. Olive or light brown. 4. Dark brown to black. Evaluate your freckles. Lighter skinned people tend to have more freckles. Freckles are small darker brown spots on your skin. They often appear after your skin is exposed to sunlight. They are frequently about 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. Consider how many you have on areas of your skin that are protected from exposure to sunlight. 0. A lot. 1. Some. 2. Only a couple. 3. Very few. 4. No freckles. Consider whether you burn. Evaluate whether your skin tends to tan when exposed to sunlight or whether you are more likely to burn, turn red, or blister. Give yourself the following scores: 0. Only burns. Your skin turns red, burns, blisters, and peels. 1. Usually burns. You usually burn, blister, and peel. 2. Light burns. You burn somewhat, but not usually very severely. 3. Infrequently burns. You do not burn often. 4. No burning. Your skin does not burn. Think back on whether you tan. In general, the more people burn, the less they tan and vice versa. Give yourself the following scores according to how well you tan. 0. No tanning. 1. Almost never tans. 2. Sometimes tans. 3. Usually tans. 4. Always tans. Rank how well you tan. In general people with darker skin tend to tan more easily and more deeply than people with very pale skin. Determine where you are on the following scale: 0. No tanning. 1. Light tanning. You get slightly browner. 2. Tans. You get noticeably browner. 3. Deep tanning. You get much browner. 4. Your skin is dark to start with, but you also get darker. Score how your face reacts to sun exposure. Some people are more sensitive and they burn or get freckles very easily, while other people do not. Score your reaction to sunlight on your face as follows: 0. You are very sensitive. You burn and freckle even when you are not out in the sunshine for very long. 1. You are sensitive to the sun. Your face burns and freckles easily. 2. You are not very sensitive and do not burn or freckle easily. 3. You are resistant to sun damage. You can be out in the sun often without noticing any effects. 4. You have never noticed any tendency to burn or freckle even after long exposures to strong sunlight. Watch out for skin damage if you have Type 1. People with Type 1 skin will have a combined score of 0-6 for all of the questions above. They have very light skin and burn extremely easily. To protect yourself you should: Wear a strong sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 whenever you go out. Using a stronger sunscreen would be even better. Be sure to put it on at all times, not just in the summer or at the beach. Consider using a moisturizer that has a sunscreen in it each morning. Minimize your exposure to the sun by wearing long sleeves and long pants and hats. You can still get burned even when it is cloudy. Get screened for skin cancer at least once a year. You have a high risk for cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Every few weeks you should examine your skin for growths or moles that are getting bigger or changing shape. If you spot anything, go to a dermatologist immediately. Take care of your skin if you have Type 2. If you scored between 7 and 12, you have Type 2 skin. People with Type 2 skin are slightly less vulnerable to skin damage than Type 1, but they still burn easily and need to be diligent about wearing sunscreen. You should: Wear sunscreen when you go outside. This includes both sunny and cloudy days. The easiest way to do this is to use a moisturizer that has a sunscreen in it. To be effective it should offer a minimum of SPF 30 protection. Covering up as much as possible with light long sleeves, hats, and long pants will help as well. Go to the dermatologist at least once a year to have your freckles, moles, and any other spots examined. You also have a high risk for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Check your skin yourself every month and call your dermatologist if you notice any spots that are growing or changing. Avoid deep burns if you have Type 3 skin. If you scored between 13 and 18, you have Type 3 skin. People with Type 3 have more natural skin pigmentation than Types 1 and 2, but they still often sustain sun damage. You can minimize your risks by: Wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 each day and avoiding direct sunlight during the hours when the sun is the strongest. This means staying indoors or staying in the shade as much as possible between 10 am and 4 pm. If you cannot do that because you work outside, use sunscreen and also wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and a wide brimmed hat. Go to the dermatologist each year to get checked for skin cancers. People with Type 3 are also vulnerable to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Check your skin yourself each month to make sure you have no spots that are growing or changing shape. Don’t tan too deeply if you have Type 4 skin. If you scored between 19 and 24, you have Type 4 skin. This means you usually tan and rarely burn. However, this does not mean that your skin cannot get damaged. You should still protect yourself: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater each day and avoid the strongest rays of the sun. Stay in the shade as much as you can during the middle of the day. Check your skin for growths each months and have a professional exam once per year. While you have a lower risk for skin cancers, you can still get them. Monitor your skin for signs of damage even if you have Type 5. If you scored between 25 and 30, you have Type 5 skin. This means that you are unlikely to burn even when your skin absorbs sunlight and sustains damage. You should protect yourself by: Wearing a light sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher each day. This will protect you from damaging ultraviolet rays. In particular, try to stay out the direct sunlight during the middle of the day when the rays are the strongest. Watch for signs of acral lentiginous melanoma. This type of cancer occurs more frequently in people with darker skin. It is particularly dangerous because it often occurs in areas that do not get high exposure to sunlight. This means that people often don't recognize it until it is advanced. If you notice growths on your palms, the bottoms of your feet, or your mucous membranes, call your dermatologist right away. Examine yourself monthly and always go for a yearly exam. Protect yourself even if you have Type 6. If you scored 31 or higher, you have Type 5 skin. This means that you don't burn, even when you are out in strong sunlight. You are still vulnerable to skin cancers and need to protect yourself. Using a mild sunscreen of 15 or higher will protect you from some of the worst rays. You can also avoid spending a long time outside in the sun during the middle of the day. Recognize acral lentiginous melanoma. People with very dark skin can get these melanomas in areas where they are less likely to be recognized soon enough. They often occur on mucous membranes, the soles of the feet, or the hands. Don't skip your yearly dermatologist appointment and be diligent about examining your skin each month for odd growths. | Notice dry patches. Recognize oily skin. Evaluate whether you have combination skin. Enjoy normal skin if you have it. Take care of your skin regardless of what skin type you have. Score your eye color. Rate your hair color. Rank your skin color. Evaluate your freckles. Consider whether you burn. Think back on whether you tan. Rank how well you tan. Score how your face reacts to sun exposure. Watch out for skin damage if you have Type 1. Take care of your skin if you have Type 2. Avoid deep burns if you have Type 3 skin. Don’t tan too deeply if you have Type 4 skin. Monitor your skin for signs of damage even if you have Type 5. Protect yourself even if you have Type 6. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Anime-Story | How to Create an Anime Story | To create an anime story, start by coming up with the main characters and deciding what you want their goals to be. Write short summaries to flesh out their characteristics and backstories. Then brainstorm the plot, and make sure you come up with something original! When you have your idea, create an outline that nails down the major plot points, then start writing! Draft the text first, then do the illustrations. Once you're done, do a final read-through to make sure it all works. | Create characters. The first thing that you'll want to do is to create your main characters. These characters should have a definitive set of characteristics and should have some backstory. Write a summary of each character. Things you might ask yourself when designing characters include: What does the character look like? What is the character's name? What type of personality does the character have? Where is the character from? Does the character have any special powers or abilities? Is the character a hero or a villain? What is the nature of the character's relationships with other characters? For example, you might choose to write a story about a young boy named Charles who has light brown skin, dark brown eyes, and a wiry body. Perhaps Charles is an orphan who is smart, streetwise, and funny. Charles, who lives in a foster home in Boston with his gray cat, Charcoal, is the hero of the story. Think about what you want your characters to achieve. Each character should have a goal. When you know what the goals of your main characters are, your storyline will reflect this and will read smoothly. Without solid goals, characters seem adrift or pointless to the story. Remember that the characters' goals are what drive the action of the story and what compel them to do the things they do. Our character, Charles and his cat, Charcoal, want to be adopted into a loving family. This is the goal that motivates all of the actions that Charles and Charcoal undertake. Make your characters interesting or memorable. Create characters who are original and complex. There are several ways to achieve this goal: Put your characters into opposition with the natural progression of the story Let your characters wander off the path of least resistance Put your characters into conflicts or dangerous situations Let your characters struggle, and in turn, let them learn from their struggles Introduce characters who are emotional or messy Give your characters plenty of action to undertake Create characters who are contradictions of themselves. For example, Charles has a meet and greet with a potential adopter, but he gets anxiety and runs away from his foster home with Charcoal. By running away, Charles doesn't get to meet the adopter and prolongs his time in foster care, which puts his goals in opposition with the plot. His action also creates tension and conflict between characters because the foster family is worried about Charles and they are out with the police looking for him. Brainstorm an original plot. Write down some ideas for building a storyline. You may want to bounce your ideas off of your friends or family in order to get some suggestions for the storyline if you are feeling stuck. While you're creating your plot, remember that you can find inspiration in the simplest idea. When you are creating the plot you will want to figure out: What type of story do you want to tell? How do you want to tell the story? Where will the story take place? What is the main conflict? In this example, we want to tell the story of how Charles and Charcoal find their forever home. We plan to tell the story in a linear fashion and the story will take place in Boston. The main conflict in our story is finding an adopter who works well with Charles. Outline or plan the story. You'll need to map out the entire story with major plot points before you begin writing details. This allows you to see how the character arcs and plot points will play out and it will display any major plot holes that exist before you begin writing. When writing your plot outline remember: Create a sense of urgency at the opening of your story. Introduce all of your minor characters at the same time to avoid confusion or lengthy introductions. Once everything has settled, introduce something new, whether it's a conflict or a new relationship. Allow your characters to struggle to resolve their conflicts. When your characters solve the main problem, allow them to celebrate their victory. Perhaps our story begins with Charles and Charcoal running away from the foster home to abate Charles's anxiety over meeting the potential adopter. Charles and Charcoal have an adventure along the way, but they are eventually found by a police officer and returned to the foster home. The adopter thinks that Charles is too much trouble and chooses not to adopt him, but the police officer who found Charles shows interest in Charles. The police officer stops by often to talk with Charles and they eventually become friends. The police officer ends up adopting Charles and everyone lives happily ever after. Write your story. Once you have completed the story outline, which is the backbone of your story, you are ready to begin writing the entire story. This is where the details of the story are fully fleshed out and the dialogue is written. You will likely need to write several drafts of your story before you are happy with it. Create the text for your storyboard. This is where you begin to lay out your story in spatial terms. Write the captions below each panel, and identify who is speaking and what they are saying. Storyboards usually contain: Action Important information Dialogue Begin the visual layout process. When the text for the storyboards has been completed, start filling in the empty storyboard panels with your illustrations of each scene. Try to show the action you want to depict through these images. Remember that anime images are usually hand drawn. Read through your storyboard for consistency. After you've finished illustrating your panels, read through your storyboard to make sure that the action, dialogue, and illustrations you've created align properly to tell your story. If you find any plot holes or missing dialogue, be sure to edit your storyboard to fill in the gaps. Share your completed storyboard. Your friends and family will make a great audience for your work. Be sure to share your storyboard with them and be proud of your accomplishment. | Create characters. Think about what you want your characters to achieve. Make your characters interesting or memorable. Brainstorm an original plot. Outline or plan the story. Write your story. Create the text for your storyboard. Begin the visual layout process. Read through your storyboard for consistency. Share your completed storyboard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Laminator | How to Use a Laminator | To use a laminator, trim the paper item you want to laminate down to the desired shape and sandwich it inside a laminating pouch. Next, turn the laminator on and wait for it to heat up, adjusting the temperature as needed based on the thickness of the pouch. Then, feed the folded edge of the pouch into the rolling part of the machine and let it pull the pouch through until it comes out on the other side. Finally, let the melted pouch cool before trimming around the edges of the laminated item. | Choose a pouch small enough to fit in the laminator. Lamination pouches come in a variety of sizes. When choosing a size, make sure it's small enough to fit in your machine. That means that the folded side of the pouch needs to be smaller than the area you feed the pouch into. However, ensure your paper can fit completely inside the pouch. If your project is small, try using a smaller sheet so you don't waste part of the pouch. Select a thicker pouch for added durability. Pouches range in thickness from 3 millimeters to 14 millimeters. The thicker pouches provide more protection. However, always check the directions for your machine, as many machines cannot handle very thick pouches. Most machines will handle pouches in the 3-5 millimeter thickness. Trim the paper to the shape you want it. If you want to cut out the white around an object on the paper, it's best to do it before you laminate it. Cut carefully around the edges until you're happy with how it looks. Lay the paper in the laminating pouch. A laminating pouch is 2 sheets held together by 1 folded edge. Open the pouch up and place the edge of the paper up against the inside of the folded edge. On the other edges, make sure to leave a little space between the edge of the paper and the edge of the pouch for the laminator to seal the edges. Close the pouch. Don't cut the pouch before inserting it in the machine, as that can cause jams. Space multiple small pieces out in a pouch, if necessary. If you have multiple pieces, carefully space them out inside the pouch, leaving a bit of room between them. You will need to be able to cut between them and still have a bit of laminated edge around each piece. Some laminators warn against using multiple pieces in 1 pouch, so read your instruction booklet to find out more about your machine before attempting this. Turn the laminator on and wait for it to heat up. The laminator may heat up in as little as 30 seconds, but it can take as long as 10-15 minutes with larger machines. Typically, the laminator will have an indicator light to tell you when it's warmed up. Laminators use heat to activate the glue in the lamination pouches, so you must wait for it to get warm! Adjust the temperature based on the thickness of the pouch. You need more heat for a thicker pouch. Check the chart that came with your laminator to see what temperature you need to use with the pouch thickness you've chosen. Change the temperature to match. If you have a fancy laminator, it may adjust the temperature on its own. Alternatively, if you have a cheaper laminator, you may not have heat settings, and the laminator may only handle thinner pouches. Some machines only have 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter options. Match the speed to the thickness of the pouch. More expensive laminators may allow you to change how fast the pouch goes through the laminator. Typically, pick a lower speed for a thicker pouch, but check the chart that came with the laminator to see the best speed for the thickness you chose. The laminator automatically grabs the pouch and feeds it through the machine, and the speed is how fast the machine does that. Cheaper laminators will likely not have this option, which is another reason you may only be able to use thicker pouches with these. Place the folded edge of the pouch into the rolling part of the machine. Carefully pick up the pouch, trying not to move the papers inside around. Feed the edge into the slot in the machine between the rollers. Don't force it in. It will grab the edge and roll it through itself. Feed the pouch in as straight as you can. If you put it in at an angle, you may end up crumpling it. Some machines have guides along the edge to help you. Wait until the pouch has gone completely through the machine. This will take a minute or two, so be patient. Don't try to force it through the machine faster, as you'll likely cause a jam. Let the page cool before trimming it. The page will come out hot from the laminator, so let it sit for a minute or two. Then, trim around the edges of your paper. Typically, the seal will hold a bit better if you leave a little of the plain lamination around the outer edge of the paper. Laminate 2 sheets of paper together for an easy way to create a 2-sided project. Instead of printing on both sides of a piece of paper, which can lead to ink bleed through, print it on 2 separate sheets. Line up the sheets back-to-back in the pouch, and laminate that way. You'll end up with a 2-sided sheet! When trimming this paper, make sure to leave a little of the lamination around the outside of the sheet. If you trim it right up to the edge, the sheets will come apart. In some cases, that may be what you want; you get 2 sheets that are just laminated on the front, which can save you money if don't need to laminate the back. Use a basic filing folder to move a pouch with several paper pieces. If you're afraid your pieces will move around, place the open end of the pouch in the folder. Leave about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of the sheet out of the folder on the folded edge end. Pick up the folder and pouch together. Use the folder to hold the pieces in place while you guide the folded edge into the machine. Keep holding the folder in place, but let the page slip down into the machine. Don't allow the folder to go through the machine. Use the release button if your paper jams. Sometimes, the pouch may crinkle, leading to a jam. If it does, try not to let it feed through the whole machine. Press the "release" button on the machine to pull out the paper. Some machines may require that you turn the power off before removing the jammed paper so always check your instruction manual. This can happen if you accidentally put it in at an angle, for instance. | Choose a pouch small enough to fit in the laminator. Select a thicker pouch for added durability. Trim the paper to the shape you want it. Lay the paper in the laminating pouch. Space multiple small pieces out in a pouch, if necessary. Turn the laminator on and wait for it to heat up. Adjust the temperature based on the thickness of the pouch. Match the speed to the thickness of the pouch. Place the folded edge of the pouch into the rolling part of the machine. Wait until the pouch has gone completely through the machine. Let the page cool before trimming it. Laminate 2 sheets of paper together for an easy way to create a 2-sided project. Use a basic filing folder to move a pouch with several paper pieces. Use the release button if your paper jams. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Trip-with-Friends | How to Plan a Trip with Friends | If you want to plan a trip with friends, start by agreeing on dates that suit everyone in the group and a budget that everyone can afford. Then, choose a destination to suit your group, like a road trip for a small group that gets on well or a beach holiday for a larger, relaxed group. You'll also want to designate 1-2 people in your group to organize an itinerary, including travel and accommodation, as this will ensure bookings are made more quickly. When the details are confirmed, email them to everyone in the group so they're aware of the details. | Choose friends you get along well with. You'll be spending a lot of time with your travel companions, so think of people who have similar general travel habits and are flexible and relaxed. If you enjoy trips with lots of walking or hiking, but your friend would rather lounge by a pool all day, consider how much you'll both be willing to compromise and if it's worth it to invite them or not. Also consider whether a friend is an early riser or prefers to go to sleep late, and how high-maintenance they tend to be. Decide on a date. Ask your friends when they can take time off from school or work. Narrow down preferences to a date and timespan that works for the most people. The larger your group is, the harder it will be to find a time that works for all of you. Be patient and flexible, and compromise when you can. If one or two people simply aren't available, tell them that you're sorry it didn't work out for this trip and that you'll let them know when you're planning your next holiday with friends. Discuss a budget early on. Ask your friends to be open about how much you're each willing to pay for the trip, between travel, accommodation, food and entertainment costs. You'll plan your itinerary around these loose budget constraints. For example, you could say, “I know it's awkward, but we should talk about a budget before we start planning everything. I know I'd like to keep the full cost of the trip under $2,000, if we can!” If it starts getting too expensive for any of your friends, let them know that you understand if they're not able to splurge for this trip, and that you're excited to travel with them at a time that's better for them. Travel abroad with a smaller group of adventurous friends. If you want to get lost in foreign cities and experience a new culture, try booking a trip to a foreign country. Since you're traveling farther, it's best to go with a group that's small and easy to keep together, no more than three or four people. Choose friends who aren't afraid to try new things and who won't be too grumpy in the face of jet lag or long days of walking. Go on a beach trip with a more relaxed group. If you know your friends would rather lounge by the beach or at a resort than go walking all over a city, a trip to a tropical destination might be the best choice. This is a great choice for a larger group of five people or more, because there's something for everyone and the group can easily split up if some of the group can lay in the sun all day, while more active friends can rent jet skis or go snorkeling. Choose a road trip for a small group that gets along well. You'll save on airfare and make great memories as you explore back roads and small town attractions. You'll be sharing a car together for at least a few days, so make sure that this group really meshes well together. You want friends who won't mind stopping for bathroom breaks or pulling off to see a roadside attraction. Ask your friends to take turns driving, so one person isn't behind the wheel the whole time. Head for a big city with a group that loves excitement and sightseeing. An adventurous but not necessarily outdoorsy group might be well-suited for a trip to a city, where you can eat well, explore museums and attractions and check out the nightlife. This could be ideal for groups both small and large. Decide if the itinerary will be planned by one person or everyone. Some people may not want to be part of the planning process now that the major decisions have been made, so give them that option. Decide as a group to designate one or two people as the planners, especially for groups larger than four people. Use online documents to share ideas as you create the itinerary, and send out a final version when it's all done. Find accommodations. For an easygoing group on a tight budget, hostels may be a good choice, as they're less private than hotels but quite a bit cheaper. A group that's more high-maintenance might be better off sharing rooms at a hotel. For a large group, consider renting a full house or apartment. Let your group know early on if you'll be sharing rooms, so they can choose roommates and work out any issues. Plan transportation. Buy plane tickets early to avoid higher prices. Use public transportation if your group is small enough to keep together. Consider renting a car if you're traveling with small children or a larger group. Decide on daytime and nighttime activities. Research popular attractions in your destination and share them with your group. Ask everyone to tell the planners one or two things they definitely want to do. This will allow everyone's voice to be heard and ensures that the planners don't have to make all the hard decisions. If some activities are similar, like boating and snorkeling, try to merge them. For example, you can rent a boat for the day and bring snorkeling equipment for those who want to swim. Factor in downtime. No matter how adventurous and energetic your group is, and no matter how much you want to cram into your trip, you won't be able to enjoy yourselves if you're tired and cranky. Plan frequent food stops and set aside time to go back to your rooms for a quick nap if the group is getting tired. Plan for downtime in the afternoon, especially after lunch when the group may be full and sleepy or as a quick pick-me-up before dinner. Provide options for solo trips or splitting up. No matter how tight-knit your group is, chances are everyone will want some time to themselves at some point. Give everyone a bit of free time every day, even if it's just an hour before dinner to take a nap, shower, or get some shopping done. Depending on your group, you may want to dedicate half or even a whole day to solo exploring. Plan a meetup spot and time, especially if you're in a foreign country where not everyone has phone service. Find food options. Ask your friends if they have any dietary restrictions and what their general preferences are. Research restaurants online or in travel guides and write down a couple possibilities for each day. Remind your friends that you won't be able to accommodate everyone at every restaurant. If your group has widely varying tastes, compromise: choose a burger place one night, and go out for sushi the next. Not everyone will get their favorite food every night, but they'll be happier to compromise knowing that their voice was heard. Email out departure information. Make sure everyone has the date and time of your departure in writing, so they don't miss a flight or a train. If you're traveling by plane, ask the group to get to the airport a few hours early and set up a meeting point so your trip starts off stress-free. Remind your group to bring any IDs necessary for traveling. If you're going abroad, you'll need your passport. If you're staying in the country, make sure to bring your driver's license or another government-issued ID card. Pack consistently across your group. Ask that everyone keeps their luggage to just one carry-on if you want to save time at the airport or space in the car. It's fine to bring bigger luggage, but remind your group that they'll have to carry all their own bags. Share luggage space and items like toothpaste, shampoo or camping tents. Communicate about clothing and weather. Tell your friends if you've planned a fancy dinner that they'll need to wear nice clothes to, or if you'll be going to places that require a dress code, such as some churches. Let them know if they'll need swimsuits. Research the weather of your destination and send it to your friends ahead of time so everyone can plan their clothing appropriately. Deal with currency exchange if you’re going abroad. Send out currency information and exchange rates well ahead of time so your friends can order currency at the bank. Make sure everyone has cash on them in case some establishments don't accept credit cards, and research the country's tipping expectations as well. | Choose friends you get along well with. Decide on a date. Discuss a budget early on. Travel abroad with a smaller group of adventurous friends. Go on a beach trip with a more relaxed group. Choose a road trip for a small group that gets along well. Head for a big city with a group that loves excitement and sightseeing. Decide if the itinerary will be planned by one person or everyone. Find accommodations. Plan transportation. Decide on daytime and nighttime activities. Factor in downtime. Provide options for solo trips or splitting up. Find food options. Email out departure information. Pack consistently across your group. Communicate about clothing and weather. Deal with currency exchange if you’re going abroad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Timex-Batteries | How to Change Timex Batteries | If your Timex watch has stopped working, try changing the battery. First, remove the strap so you can unscrew the small screws on the side of the watch. Next, remove the back of the watch and set it aside carefully with the screws. Use a small knife to lever the battery out, then replace it with a new one. Finish by reassembling your watch. If your watch doesn't have screws, locate the thin slot on the back of your watch and insert a thin tool, like a knife, into it to pry it open. Place the watch face down on a soft cloth to protect it, then lift out the battery with your knife. Finally, insert the new battery before reassembling your watch. | Slide out the strap. If your watch is buckled, unbuckle it. Then, slide the strap out of the slots on the side of the watch. Set the strap aside for now. Unscrew the screws. Use a small screwdriver, specifically designed for watches, to unscrew all the small screws on the side of the watch. Make sure to set the screws in a safe place. As they are small, they're easy to misplace. Some drugstores sell screwdrivers you can use on watches. You can also buy one online. Remove the back of the watch. Once the screws are removed, you can use your fingers to remove the back of the watch. Simply lift the back off the watch and set it aside somewhere safe for now. Replace the battery. Use a small knife or a similar tool to pry the battery out of the watch. Batteries are not stuck in tightly, so it should come out easily with minimal force. Put a new battery in the old battery's place. Reassemble the watch. Place the back of the watch back in place. Use your screwdriver to screw the screws back in place. Then, slide the strap back on. Your watch is now ready to use again. Remove the strap. If your watch is buckled, unbuckle it and slide off the strap. It's easy to do. Just slip the strap out of the slots on either side of the watch. Set the strap aside for now. Push the crown into the case. The crown refers to the tiny knob on the corner of the watch, used to wind the watch and set it to the right time. If the crown is not already pushed in all the way, push it into the watch before taking apart the watch head. Locate the slot on the case back. Turn the watch head on its side and look closely along the edges. You should notice a tiny slot somewhere along the edge of the watch. You insert a thin tool into this slot to pry off the back of the watch. Hold the watch face down on a soft cloth. A soft cloth protects the glass on the watch. Use one hand to place the watch face down on the cloth, securing the edges of the watch with your fingers. Press the watch firmly onto the cloth. Pry off the back of the watch using a knife. Use the tip of a sharp knife. Insert the tip into the slot you located earlier. Use the knife to gently push the back of the watch upward until you hear a popping noise. The back of the watch should then pop off, so it can be easily removed and set aside for now. Pry out the battery with your knife. A watch battery is a round, metallic disc found in the center of the watch. The battery should come out easily. Simply insert the tip of the knife along the edge of the battery and pry it out. You do not need to use a lot of force, as the battery is only loosely inserted in the watch and pops out easily. Add the new battery. Take your replacement battery out of its case. Press it into the center of the watch until you hear a small snapping noise. This means the battery is in place. Place the watch on the floor. Set your watch face down on the floor. If your floor does not have carpeting, place a piece of cardboard under the watch. Put the back of the watch back in place. Reassemble the watch. Take a bottle cap and set it on the back of the watch. Gently press down on the bottle cap using your foot until you hear a snapping noise. This means the watch back has snapped back into place and you can now put your strap back on the watch. It's very important you only use gentle weight when pressing down with your foot. If you use your full body weight, you'll break the watch. Read your instruction manual first. You should always read your instruction's manual first, if you still have it. It may give you some tips and tricks on how to effectively remove the battery. It may also include some precautions, such as not using certain types of tools or materials on the watch. Wear goggles while removing a watch's battery. No matter how gentle you are with your watch, there's always a chance the glass will break. Wear a pair of safety goggles while you work to prevent accidents. Make sure you have the right type of battery. Watch batteries have letters and numbers written on them, indicating the battery type. When picking a replacement battery, get a battery with the same code. If you get the wrong battery, your watch will not work. If you still have your instruction's manual, that should tell you the battery type as well. Be gentle with your watch. Watches are very delicate and can be expensive to replace. Go very slowly when using your tools and always use light, gentle motions. This reduces the risk of damage. | Slide out the strap. Unscrew the screws. Remove the back of the watch. Replace the battery. Reassemble the watch. Remove the strap. Push the crown into the case. Locate the slot on the case back. Hold the watch face down on a soft cloth. Pry off the back of the watch using a knife. Pry out the battery with your knife. Add the new battery. Place the watch on the floor. Reassemble the watch. Read your instruction manual first. Wear goggles while removing a watch's battery. Make sure you have the right type of battery. Be gentle with your watch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wake-Up-Without-an-Alarm-Clock | How to Wake Up Without an Alarm Clock | If you need to wake up without an alarm clock, leave your curtains slightly open when you go to bed so your body responds to the morning light. Additionally, try to leave your bedroom window open so that you hear morning noises, such as increased levels of traffic or passing trains. Practice these techniques on a weekend so you're not risking being late for work. Alternatively, if you're concerned about abandoning your alarm clock straight away, change your alarm to a quieter or more natural sound, like birds singing. | Define your current sleep pattern. Your circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that influence your physical and mental behaviors. In addition to controlling your natural sleep cycle, they also influence your body's hormone production, body temperature and feelings of hunger. When you wake up feeling groggy in the morning or when you wake up in the middle of the night, you have most likely disrupted your natural circadian rhythm. The different, interacting circadian rhythms in your body are ultimately all controlled by a "master clock" known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus; is located in the hypothalamus of the brain. Keep a sleep diary. Before you abandon your alarm clock, you need to fully understand your current sleep patterns. For at least one week, note the time when you go to sleep and the time when you wake up. Studies have shown that, as the work week progresses, many people will go to sleep at a later hour while still having to wake up at the same time, resulting in a chronic loss of sleep. You should aim to correct this naturally by always going to sleep and waking up at the same time. Disruptions in circadian rhythms occur when your biological clock does not align with your social clock; sleep specialists have called this phenomenon social jet lag. It can lead to serious health problems such as obesity and inflammatory diseases. The CDC recommends that adults receive 7-8 hours of sleep each night and teens receive 9-10 hours of sleep. Spend time outside. Your circadian rhythms are partly determined by your exposure to light and darkness. If you leave for work very early in the morning before sunrise and don't see the sun again for the rest of the day, this might be disrupting your body's natural tempo for sleep. If your work schedule forces you to leave for work and return home in the dark, try to take a brief walk outside during the day so you can be exposed to daylight. If you cannot take a walk during work, try to work near a bright window, or spend your breaks by a window so you can get exposure to daylight. Practice on weekends and holidays. If you have a strict work schedule, you might not want to risk suddenly waking up without any assistance, especially if you are not getting the recommended 7-10 hours of sleep a night. Instead, try waking up without an alarm clock on the weekends. You might have to sacrifice sleeping in later on the weekends. If you have an extended period of time off for a vacation or a holiday, this is also an ideal time to adjust to life without an alarm clock. Switch to a softer alarm sound. You might currently wake up with a loud, clanging alarm that sounds like a jarring buzzer. Instead, consider an alarm that sounds more natural, such as the sounds of a forest or a rainstorm. If you live on a busy street, you might also want to find an alarm that mimics the sounds of the environment around you, like passing traffic. Use an alarm clock as opposed to your mobile phone for your alarm. By looking at your phone's screen just before you got to sleep, you are delaying your body's release of melatonin, a hormone necessary for keeping your circadian rhythms on schedule. Put any phones or tablets away and keep them out of reach should you wake up in the middle of the night. If you have to rely on your phone or tablet for your alarm, set the alarm a few hours before your bedtime so you are not tempted to look at the screen in bed. Abandon the snooze button. If you currently are using the snooze button when you wake up, you should stop. When you use the snooze button to continually stop and start your sleep cycle, you are fragmenting your circadian rhythms. When your sleep cycle is frequently disrupted, this creates a condition called sleep inertia. Sleep inertia can have very negative effects on the body and leave you at risk for developing conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Prepare your sleeping environment. Once you have practiced waking up without an alarm clock and after you have set an established sleep pattern, you can try waking up without an alarm on a more regular basis. Arranging your bedroom to work with your circadian rhythms is a key step in this process. You should keep your curtains slightly open so your body will adjust to the light of morning; avoid using black out curtains. Remember that the sun rises in the east; in the northern hemisphere, a south-facing orientation will receive more sunlight, and in the southern hemisphere a north-facing orientation will get more, but unless you are trying to wake up when the sun is high in the sky, you will still want to face to the east to catch the sun when it rises. If you need to get up before the sun rises, putting the lights in your room on a timer can also help, as this may not seem as disruptive as an alarm clock. Open your room to sounds. If you have been using a white noise machine to block out the sounds of trains or street traffic, then you should stop using this (or use one that has a timer, so it stops before morning). If the weather permits, keep your window slightly open so you will hear sounds in the morning that will help wake you up. Maintain an exercise schedule. Multiple studies have show that regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep, especially for people struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders. You should aim for 30-40 minutes of aerobic exercise, 3-4 times per week. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as going for a walk, a hike, running, swimming or playing a game of soccer or basketball. Nourish your body with healthy food. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat, and highly processed grains. Instead, consume a diet primarily made of lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, whole grains and minimal fat. Eating a heavy, rich meal close to bedtime might also disrupt your sleep because it will take more energy to digest. Consider consuming foods rich in tryptophan, like milk, eggs, bananas or nuts. Tryptophan has been shown to help induce sleep. Beware of caffeine, even in unlikely sources. You probably already know that drinking a large cup of coffee before bedtime will likely lead to delayed and disrupted sleep. But many over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and cold medicines also contain caffeine. Make sure to check the ingredients in your medicine before you take them when you go to sleep. Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. Create peaceful and comfortable sleeping conditions. If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, consider taking a few minutes to meditate to clear your mind for sleep. You might consider playing some soft, relaxing music while you practice guided breathing to lull you into sleep. You can learn more at our guide to meditating for sleep here: How to Meditate to Get to Sleep Maintain a comfortable temperature while you sleep. You might be tempted to pile on many blankets during the winter, or blast the air conditioning in the dead of summer, but consider at which temperature you normally fall asleep. If you turn your heat down at night and have a timer on your thermostat, you can set the heat to come back on about an hour before you want to wake up. Assuming you were at a comfortable sleeping temperature all night, this should prompt you to awaken. You can also use temperature in conjunction with light, since sunlight hitting your bed directly will warm you up. The ideal temperature for good sleep is generally between 60-67 degrees F (15.5-19.5 degrees C). | Define your current sleep pattern. Keep a sleep diary. Spend time outside. Practice on weekends and holidays. Switch to a softer alarm sound. Use an alarm clock as opposed to your mobile phone for your alarm. Abandon the snooze button. Prepare your sleeping environment. Open your room to sounds. Maintain an exercise schedule. Nourish your body with healthy food. Beware of caffeine, even in unlikely sources. Create peaceful and comfortable sleeping conditions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Sore-Throat-Fast-and-Naturally | How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Fast and Naturally | While most sore throats will go away in a few days naturally, there are a few things you can do at home to speed up the process. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to your water to help soothe and coat your throat. Soups and broths can also help reduce infection, so drink plenty of both to keep your sore throat from developing into a full-blown illness. Another way to treat your sore throat is with gargling. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Then, gargle the solution for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this every hour to help reduce the swelling in your throat. To kill bacteria, try adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of warm water and gargle with it 2 to 3 times a day. | Use a humidifier. Dry air will only make your sore throat worse with every breath you take. To help keep your throat moisturized and soothed, try to raise the moisture levels in the air. This is especially important if you live in a dry environment. Clean your humidifier every week to prevent bacteria or mold from growing in it. If your throat feels particularly scratchy, try taking a hot shower and spending time in the steamy bathroom. Gargle with saltwater. Add about 1 teaspoon of either table salt or sea salt to 8 oz. of warm water and stir to dissolve the salt. Gargle with the solution for about 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat once every hour. The salt reduces the swelling by drawing out the water in the swollen tissues. Eat soft foods that won't irritate your throat. Choose items like applesauce, rice, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, oatmeal, smoothies, and well-cooked beans and legumes. Cold foods and drinks like ice pops and frozen yogurt can also soothe your throat. Avoid spicy foods like chicken wings, pepperoni pizza, or anything with hot peppery, curry, or garlic. Avoid hard or sticky foods that might be hard to swallow. Examples include peanut butter, dry bread, toast or crackers, raw vegetables or fruits, and dry cereals. Chew your food well. Cut your food into small pieces with a fork and knife before putting it in your mouth. Make sure to chew it enough to break it down before swallowing. Chewing and letting saliva moisten the food will make it easier for you to swallow. You might also use a food processor to puree foods for easier swallowing. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water prevents dehydration and keeps your throat moist to reduce discomfort. Most people prefer room-temperature water when they have a sore throat. If cold or hot water makes you feel better, though, drink that instead. Try adding a teaspoon of honey to the water. Honey has antibacterial properties and can help soothe and coat the throat. Have lots of soups and broths. The old tales of treating colds with chicken soup are true! The liquid can help prevent a sinus infection while also soothing your throat, minimizing coughing, and keeping you hydrated. Enjoy herbal tea. Herbal teas that contain licorice root, sage, ginger root, thyme, oregano, and marshmallow root can soothe your throat and help you relax. They may also help combat bacterial infections due to their antiseptic properties. Start by brewing a cup of your favorite tea and adding 1 tsp (5 g) of a beneficial herb for a soothing effect. Have 3-5 cups per day for the best results. Add some honey or lemon to your tea for flavor. Get immediate care for difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe symptoms. These are emergency symptoms that require medical attention. Call your doctor for a same-day appointment, or visit an urgent care center or emergency room for treatment. Severe symptoms include the following: A sore throat that lasts longer than a week or seems severe Difficulty swallowing Difficulty breathing Difficulty in opening your mouth Pain in your jaw joint Joint pain, especially new pains Earache Rash Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C) Blood in your saliva or phlegm Frequently recurring sore throats A lump or mass in your neck Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks See a doctor if your symptoms persist or you may have an infection. Normally, your sore throat will start to improve within a week. However, your sore throat may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. If the infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help you recover. Call your doctor if you notice the following symptoms: Fever Chills Coughing Runny nose Sneezing Body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Get a simple physical exam at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will look at your throat, feel your neck to check for swollen glands, listen to your breathing, and ask you about your symptoms. Then, they may take a throat swab to see if your sore throat is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Although the throat swab shouldn't cause you any pain, it may cause some discomfort if it triggers your gag reflex. After the throat swab is tested, your doctor will prescribe the best treatment. The doctor may also order a CBC (complete blood count) to check for an infection, or they may test you for allergies. Take antibiotics for a bacterial infection, as directed. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection. The medicine will help your immune system fight off the infection so you can feel better faster. Make sure you take all of the medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better early. Otherwise, your symptoms may return. Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort from a viral infection. Unfortunately, there's no medication for a viral infection. However, you can take pain relievers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with pain or discomfort. Always take these medications as directed on the label, and check with your doctor first. Over the counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Never give aspirin to a child under the age of 16, as it may cause Reye's Syndrome. | Use a humidifier. Gargle with saltwater. Eat soft foods that won't irritate your throat. Chew your food well. Drink plenty of water. Have lots of soups and broths. Enjoy herbal tea. Get immediate care for difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe symptoms. See a doctor if your symptoms persist or you may have an infection. Get a simple physical exam at your doctor’s office. Take antibiotics for a bacterial infection, as directed. Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort from a viral infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Healthy-Strawberry-Banana-Smoothie | How to Make a Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie | To make a healthy strawberry banana smoothie, blend 1 sliced banana, 10 ounces of sliced, frozen strawberries, and 1/2 cup of low-fat milk. You can also add cooked oatmeal to give your smoothie a creamy texture, as well as other healthy ingredients like chia seeds, honey, and coconut water. If you want to add some protein to your smoothie, blend 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with the rest of the ingredients. | Consider preparing your ingredients the night before. It is better to use fresh, frozen fruit for these recipes instead of ice. The ice will only dilute the smoothie, making it less flavorful. Using frozen fruit in your smoothie will result in a smoothie that is still thick and cold, but it won't make it watery. Cut the strawberries. Start off by laying the strawberries on their sides. Using a sharp knife, slice the tops off. Then, set them down on the sliced side. Cut them straight down, creating two half-cones. If the recipe calls for frozen strawberries, cut the strawberries the night before, scoop the slices into a plastic, re-sealable bag, and toss them into the freezer. Peel and slice the banana. Cut the banana into ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) thick slices. If the recipe calls for frozen bananas, cut the banana the night before, place the slices into a plastic, re-sealable bag, and toss them into the freezer. Consider cooking your oatmeal the night before. Using raw, oatmeal in your smoothie will not harm you, but cooked oatmeal will give your smoothie a more creamy texture. Cook it the night before so that it has time to cool down before you add it to the smoothie. Measure out your milk and divide it into two separate cups. You won't be pouring your milk in all at once. Instead, you will be pouring in half of your milk first, then adding the rest of your ingredients. The rest of the milk will go into the blender at the very end. This helps blend things more evenly in your smoothie. Consider gathering some extra ingredients. Strawberries and bananas are healthy enough themselves, but you can give your smoothie an additional boost by adding other ingredients, such as cacao powder, chia seeds, and wheat grass. Refer to the section in this article on customizing your smoothie with extra ingredients for more suggestions. Pull out your blender and plug it in. If you do not have a blender, you can use a food processor instead. Pour half of your milk into the blender. Save the rest of your milk for the very end. Add the dry ingredients. If the recipe you are using calls for dry ingredients, such as flax seed and oatmeal, pour them in now. If you cooked your oatmeal the night before, you can add it in at this point as well. Add the peanut butter. If you wish to add a little protein to your smoothie, you can add in one tablespoon of peanut butter. If you do not like peanut butter or are allergic to it, but still want a sweet-tasting smoothie, opt for 1 tablespoon of honey instead. Add the fresh and frozen fruit. Do not worry if the fruit is not evenly-sliced. It will get all blended together. The frozen fruit will not only help thicken your smoothie, but keep it cool as well. Pour in the rest of the milk. Take the remaining milk, and pour it over the fruit. Blend until smooth. Put the lid onto the blender, and turn the blender on. Start at a low speed, then progress to a higher speed. If the ingredients are clumping up on the sides of the blender, they probably aren't blending properly. Simply stop the blender and open the lid. Stir the ingredients inside with a spatula, making sure to knock any clumps of fruit off the sides of the mixing container. Replace the lid and turn the blender back on. Pour into a cup. Once everything has blended, stop the blender, take off the lid, and pour everything into a tall glass. You can use a spatula to help guide everything into the cup. Be sure to scrape any smoothie off the sides of the mixing container so that nothing goes to waste. Consider adding more ingredients to your smoothie. There are certain items you can add to your smoothie to make it even healthier. This section will give you are few tips and ideas. Wake up and stay healthy with a teaspoon of cacao powder. It is full of antioxidants, which help you stay healthy and prevent you from getting sick. It is also rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium. Give a burst of energy with a teaspoon of chia seeds. Chia seeds not only help thicken up a smoothie, but they also have plenty of protein and trace minerals. Go tropical with coconut water. If you want to water down your smoothie without sacrificing flavor, add a splash of coconut water. Not only will it give you a tropical twist, but it is also good for hydration. It also contains potassium and electrolytes. Improve health and digestion with a teaspoon of ground flax seed. Flax seed is a fiber, which is good for digestive health and helping relieve constipation. It can also help reduce heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol. Help digestion issues with a kick of ginger. A pinch of raw, grated ginger will help ease digestive issues, such as stomachaches and heartburn. It will also help ease the pain associated with menstrual cramps. Sweeten with a tablespoon of honey. If your smoothie isn't sweet enough for you, pass the sugar and reach for the honey instead. It is just as sweet, but has the antioxidants that sugar does not! Go green with kale. Add 1 to 2 cups (75 to 150 grams) of kale to your smoothie for additional health benefits. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, kale is great for fighting off disease and boosting the immune system. It also helps prevent cancer and diabetes. (It will also turn your smoothie an exciting green color!) Make a more filling smoothie with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Oatmeal is good for making you feel filler with fewer calories. They also have plenty of fiber and protein. Lastly, they also have the ability to absorb excess fat. Add a kick of flavor with a pinch of spices. Baking spices, such as cardamom and cinnamon will add some extra flavor and sweetness to your smoothie, but they won't load on the calories like sugar will. Make a super-smoothie with some wheat grass. Wheat grass is filled with amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It gives you energy, boosts your immune system, and helps detoxify the body. | Consider preparing your ingredients the night before. Cut the strawberries. Peel and slice the banana. Consider cooking your oatmeal the night before. Measure out your milk and divide it into two separate cups. Consider gathering some extra ingredients. Pull out your blender and plug it in. Pour half of your milk into the blender. Add the dry ingredients. Add the peanut butter. Add the fresh and frozen fruit. Pour in the rest of the milk. Blend until smooth. Pour into a cup. Consider adding more ingredients to your smoothie. Wake up and stay healthy with a teaspoon of cacao powder. Give a burst of energy with a teaspoon of chia seeds. Go tropical with coconut water. Improve health and digestion with a teaspoon of ground flax seed. Help digestion issues with a kick of ginger. Sweeten with a tablespoon of honey. Go green with kale. Make a more filling smoothie with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Add a kick of flavor with a pinch of spices. Make a super-smoothie with some wheat grass. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Emergency-Kit-for-Teenage-Girls | How to Make an Emergency Kit for Teenage Girls | To create an emergency kit for teenage girls, choose a roomy bag with handles and pockets. Then, add enough emergency money for a ride home or a missed lunch, including coins for phone calls or fares. Next, create a list of medicines, allergies, and emergency contacts to put inside your bag. Follow this list to pack your medications, headache capsules, and feminine hygiene products. Also add a sewing kit and stain wipes for fixing any mishaps. If you want to cover disaster events, use a larger bag and add a flashlight, toiletries, chargers, water bottle, snacks, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. | Select a bag for your emergency supplies. Choose a bag that's large enough to fit all your supplies, and preferably something that has a strap or handles for easy transportation. You'll probably be bringing this kit with you everywhere, so make sure the bag is comfortable to carry and suitable to your taste. Consider a bag with a few separate compartments and pockets to make it easier to organize your kit. A small backpack, a large makeup case, purse, or tote bag would all work well for your emergency kit. Have emergency money ready. No matter where you go, who you're with, or what you're doing, you should always have at least $10 to $20 in emergency money on you at all times, as well as some change. On top of having some money in your wallet, keep extra emergency money in your kit, preferably in a secure or secret zippered pocket. Change can be used at a payphone in case your cell phone dies, for an emergency snack from the vending machine, or to buy a pad or tampon from the bathroom dispenser. Even just $10 can be enough to get you out of a jam, whether you need a meal, cab fare, or anything else. Compile a list of your medications and allergies. Make a list of all the medications you take on a daily basis and write down your known allergies. This is in case there is a medical emergency and a doctor or nurse needs this information. Keep a copy of the list in your emergency kit. Update this copy whenever needed. Assemble the medications you need throughout the day. Keep the medications together in a separate case or pocket. Don't forget the medications you don't take every day but need in case of emergencies; this could include: Epinephrine injectors. Emergency inhalers. Antihistamines. Insulin shots. Eye drops. Pack emergency feminine hygiene products. Always have enough supplies on you for at least a few hours of protection. Pack whatever product you prefer, such as pads, liners, tampons, or a menstrual cup. Consider keeping an extra pair of underwear on you as well. These supplies are just as important even if your period hasn't started yet. Instead of being caught off guard, you'll be ready if it comes when you aren't home. Select a larger bag. To be prepared for a larger emergency or disaster, you'll need a larger bag than you did for your everyday kit. This is the type of thing you can keep in your locker or ready to go in your closet at home. You can even have two or three of these lying around, such as one at school and one at home. Don't forget to keep emergency money in your ready-for-anything emergency kit as well as your everyday kit. Pick out smaller cases to organize your kit. Even if your emergency kit bag has pockets and compartments, it's still a good idea to organize the contents of your kit to make everything easier to find. After all, the last thing you need during an emergency is the added stress of not being able to find something you need! Makeup cases will work well for organizing your kit. Consider color coding your individual cases based on their contents. For instance, you could keep medical supplies in a reddish colored container because of the association with the Red Cross. Opt for cases that have zippers so that you can keep your kit neat, tidy, and separated. You will probably need between four and seven smaller cases, depending on how you want to organize your kit. It's also a good idea to have a hard-shell case for sewing items. Pack water and a snack in your kit. Whether you just need an afternoon pick-me-up or forgot to eat breakfast, having a bottle of water and non-perishable snack in your emergency kit could come in handy at any time. A good snack could be a granola bar, dried fruit bar, crackers, bag of nuts, or anything else that will last for a few months. Keep spare eyewear and eye care supplies. If you wear glasses, it's always a good idea to have a spare pair in your emergency kit in case you lose or break your main pair. Similarly, if you wear contact lenses, always keep a spare contact case and extra solution with you. Create a mini first-aid case. This can be used to treat cuts, scrapes, minor injuries, and unexpected headaches, cramps, and other mild pain problems. These items should all be kept together in a separate case. Your first-aid kit can include: Tweezers to remove splinters. Adhesive bandages for small cuts and scrapes. Hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes to clean cuts. Throat lozenges and cough drops. A travel-sized bottle of pain relievers. These can go in the first-aid kit or with the medication supplies. Tissues for wiping, cleaning, blowing your nose, and everything else tissues are great for! Prepare a change of clothes. It's always a good idea to have a spare change of clothes on you in case of spills, rain, unexpected periods, or rips and tears. It doesn't have to be your fanciest outfit, but one day you might be glad you've got an extra T-shirt with you. Don't forget about: Underwear in a re-sealable plastic bag (the bag is for the dirty pair). A bra or sports bra. Socks. A T-shirt, tank top, or blouse. Spare pants or shorts. Assemble a travel toiletries case. Any drug store will have a variety of miniature toiletries you can use to supply your emergency case, including deodorant toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, soap, and gum or mints. You may just need these to freshen up between classes or meetings, but during a disaster, keeping clean can also prevent disease and infections. Put together a mini cosmetics case. You don't need all your cosmetics in your mini case, but just a few things for emergency use in case of a last-minute date or job interview, or a hair or makeup mishap. Keep a few bobby pins, a comb, and hair ties in your kit, some hand cream or body lotion, lip balm, a small mirror, and some select makeup items. What constitutes emergency makeup will be determined by your cosmetics preferences, but it could be: Foundation and a compact. Mascara or eyeliner. Lipstick, gloss, or lipliner. Blush or eyeshadow. Assemble a travel sewing kit. This is for if you lose a button, split a seam, break a strap, or experience some other wardrobe malfunction. A basic sewing kit needs pins and safety pins, a sewing needle, black and white thread, one or two generic buttons, double-sided tape (for quick fixes), and a pair of mini or collapsible scissors. You can also include a mini stain remover to treat spills and stains. Keep these items in a hard-shell case so you don't stab or prick yourself with pins and scissors. Make up a travel writing kit. You never know when you might need an actual pen and paper to leave a note or jot down a brilliant idea, so keep a small pad of paper, pen, and pencil in your emergency kit (ink can dry out, so keep a pencil as well). Throw in a few paper clips too, which in a pinch can serve hundreds of purposes, such as a: Makeshift hair barrette Bra strap holder Zipper pull. Locate a second phone charger. Having a mobile phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency, but only if it has enough battery life to connect you to the outside world. A spare phone charger for your emergency kit is a worthwhile investment that means you'll always be able to reach people if you're in need. Ask friends or family if they have compatible chargers lying around from old phones they don't use any more. | Select a bag for your emergency supplies. Have emergency money ready. Compile a list of your medications and allergies. Assemble the medications you need throughout the day. Pack emergency feminine hygiene products. Select a larger bag. Pick out smaller cases to organize your kit. Pack water and a snack in your kit. Keep spare eyewear and eye care supplies. Create a mini first-aid case. Prepare a change of clothes. Assemble a travel toiletries case. Put together a mini cosmetics case. Assemble a travel sewing kit. Make up a travel writing kit. Locate a second phone charger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Green-Beans | How to Make Green Beans | To make green beans, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, and adding salt. Then, trim the ends off the green beans, and add them to the boiling water. Cook the beans for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they're cooked but still crisp. Next, drain the beans, and cover them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Finally, remove the beans from the water and serve with salt and pepper. Alternatively, sauté the beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes, then serve. | Bring a pot of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add salt to the water once it begins to boil. Trim the stems of the green beans and place them into the pot of gently boiling water. Leave the green beans in the pot for 4 or 5 minutes, until they are cooked but still crisp. Drain the green beans and cover them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Serve with salt, pepper and any other seasonings or herbs and spices that you like. Green beans will be bright green and crunchy. Place whole green beans that have been rinsed and trimmed of their stems into a steamer. Cover the green beans and steam for about 20 minutes. Remove the green beans from the heat. They should be tender but still maintain some crispness. Heat olive oil in a sautee pan over medium heat. Add a little butter to the oil for extra flavor and if you do not mind the additional fat and calories. Add green beans to the pan. You can use fresh, frozen or canned green beans when sautèing them, but you may find best results with fresh green beans. Toss the beans in the oil as they cook. Season beans with salt, pepper and anything else you like such as garlic or red pepper flakes. Remove from heat after about 5 minutes and serve while hot. Place fresh, frozen or canned green beans in a pot over low heat. Add your favorite liquid to the pot. You can use water, wine, broth or something like stewed tomatoes to provide the necessary liquid and additional flavor to the beans. Allow the beans to cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. They will be soft and ready to serve right from the pot. Start with frozen or canned green beans. Fresh green beans are better prepared using one of the other methods, and they will take longer to cook in the microwave. Place the green beans in a microwave safe bowl. Follow the instructions on the package or the can. Microwave on high for as long as the package recommends, usually between 2 and 5 minutes. You may need to let them sit in the microwave for 1 minute before serving. | Bring a pot of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add salt to the water once it begins to boil. Trim the stems of the green beans and place them into the pot of gently boiling water. Leave the green beans in the pot for 4 or 5 minutes, until they are cooked but still crisp. Drain the green beans and cover them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Serve with salt, pepper and any other seasonings or herbs and spices that you like. Place whole green beans that have been rinsed and trimmed of their stems into a steamer. Cover the green beans and steam for about 20 minutes. Remove the green beans from the heat. Heat olive oil in a sautee pan over medium heat. Add green beans to the pan. Toss the beans in the oil as they cook. Season beans with salt, pepper and anything else you like such as garlic or red pepper flakes. Remove from heat after about 5 minutes and serve while hot. Place fresh, frozen or canned green beans in a pot over low heat. Add your favorite liquid to the pot. Allow the beans to cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. Start with frozen or canned green beans. Place the green beans in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for as long as the package recommends, usually between 2 and 5 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car | How to Diagnose a Slipping Clutch in Your Car | To diagnose a slipping clutch in your car, monitor your car for common signs that something is wrong with the clutch, like changes in engine speed without noticeable acceleration, changes in the height of the clutch pedal when engaging it, and difficulty pulling a load. You may also smell something burning underneath the hood of your car. Additionally, try pushing down on the clutch pedal to see how quickly it disengages. If it disengages before you press it down 1-2 inches, it may be slipping. | Be aware of your clutch's action. Although a clutch/pressure plate system wears gradually over time, eventually the clutch's performance may become noticeably diminished, and by paying close attention to how it engages, slippage should be apparent to a competent driver. Here are some simple signs to watch for: Change in engine speed without noticeable acceleration. If you rev your engine and the car hesitates before accelerating, it can mean your clutch isn't delivering the boost in RPM through the transmission to the drive wheels. Change in the clutch pedal height where the driver feels the clutch begin to engage. Change in perceived engine power when pulling a load. A slipping clutch reduces the amount of power delivered to the drive wheels. Notice if you smell something burning coming from under the hood. This may be the result of an oil leak or even damaged electrical wiring (both serious, but not clutch-related issues), but it can also be a sign of a slipping clutch. Push down on the clutch pedal. Your clutch may need to be replaced if it takes only a little of the pedal movement to disengage it. There should be an inch or two (2 to 4 cm) of free movement of the pedal before the clutch starts to disengage. If it disengages sooner, this is an indicator that your clutch is not riding (i.e., is not partially disengaged) when the pedal is not depressed. Check the clutch fluid level. Check the clutch fluid reservoir, which is located near the brake master cylinder. The reservoir should either be filled to the top, or somewhere between the minimum and maximum lines shown on the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the reservoir. Some vehicles use the brake master cylinder for the clutch. If this is the case, make sure there is brake fluid in the master cylinder. Take the car for a drive. See if it takes more RPMs from the engine to achieve a certain speed. This can also be an indicator your car needs a clutch replacement. While driving down the road in 3rd gear, put the car in 2nd gear, then let out the clutch. If the RPMs of the engine don't immediately go up, it may be time to replace the clutch. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1152671-v4-728px-Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet1-Version-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>"} Another way to establish if your clutch needs repair is to test it in a parking lot. Drive with the car in 3rd or 4th gear and, with your foot still on the accelerator, push the clutch in and release it. It should immediately come down in RPM. If the RPMs do not come down when you release, that means your clutch is worn out and slipping. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet2-Version-4.jpg\/aid1152671-v4-728px-Diagnose-a-Slipping-Clutch-in-Your-Car-Step-5Bullet2-Version-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>"} | Be aware of your clutch's action. Notice if you smell something burning coming from under the hood. Push down on the clutch pedal. Check the clutch fluid level. Take the car for a drive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Sugar-Scrub | How to Use Sugar Scrub | To use a sugar scrub, first take a 5 to 10 minute shower, which will soften your skin and make it easier to exfoliate. After you shower, massage the scrub into your skin using gentle, circular motions. For extra smooth skin, let the scrub sit on your body for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water. The scrub will cleanse your skin, so you don't need to use soap after rinsing it off. Since your skin may be a bit sensitive after the scrub, gently pat yourself dry with a towel so you don't irritate it. Once you're dry, apply a light lotion or body oil to keep your newly exfoliated skin moisturized. | Look for a scrub with fine particles. A coarse sugar scrub can irritate and even tear sensitive skin. Smaller sugar granules are gentler and less abrasive. Brown sugar is one of the softest sugars and works well on your face and body. Turbinado sugar (also known as raw sugar) tends to have larger particles so if you see it as an ingredient, be aware that it's a rougher scrub. Pick a hydrating scrub if you have very dry skin. While sugar is naturally a humectant (meaning it locks in moisture), some scrubs are more moisturizing than others. Choose one with skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut or avocado oil, glycerin, or essential oils if your skin is prone to dehydration. Select a scent based on aromatherapy properties. Look for scrubs that include essential oils to match your needs. For example, if you're stressed out, a lavender scent is calming. And if you're feeling fatigued, lemon or peppermint scents are energizing. Other popular aromatherapy scents include eucalyptus for clearing your sinuses, patchouli for soothing anxiety, and rosemary for increasing concentration. Make your own sugar scrub if you're on a budget. Using basic ingredients from your pantry like olive oil, honey, and brown sugar, you can DIY a sugar scrub at home. Whipping up your own sugar scrub means you can control exactly what goes in it, thus avoiding any chemicals or additives that could be harmful to you or the environment. Wet your skin. Warm water will soften your skin and prepare it for exfoliation. A good rule of thumb is to soak in the tub or stand under the shower for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin scrubbing. Water that's too hot can dry out your skin. The optimal temperature for your skin is a lukewarm temperature below 105 °F (41 °C) (if your skin is turning red, it's too hot!). If you're going to shave your legs, do so before using the sugar scrub to avoid stinging and irritation. Wash your skin before you scrub to remove sweat, dirt, and makeup. Otherwise scrubbing could push it further into the skin. Massage the scrub into your skin. With gentle pressure, rub the sugar scrub into your skin in a circular motion using the pads of your fingers. This not only sloughs off dead skin, it also boosts circulation and stimulates the production of collagen in your body, a protein that helps fight wrinkles and keeps skin looking young. Start at the top of your body and work down. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously as it could damage your skin. Rinse with warm water. There's no need to use shower gel or soap following your scrub. For extra hydration and smoother skin, let the scrub sit on your body for a couple of minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Dry off. Gently use a towel to pat your body completely dry. Finish with lotion or body oil. Once you're dry, apply lotion or body oil to moisturize your newly exfoliated skin. Do this immediately after drying off while your pores are still open and able to absorb the moisturizer easier and faster. Have a jar or extra virgin coconut oil laying around? It can double as a cheap yet effective moisturizer thanks to its high level of saturated fats. Only use it if you aren't prone to breaking out. Always apply sunscreen after exfoliating as your skin is more vulnerable. Use one that's SPF 30 or higher and has broad-spectrum protection. Repeat once or twice a week. Sugar scrubs shouldn't be part of your daily beauty routine. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin so aim to use a sugar scrub no more than three times per week at most. Don't use a sugar scrub on skin that's sunburned or highly sensitive. You should also avoid it after any type of medical or cosmetic surgery or after a chemical peel - in both instances, your body is trying to recover from what is essentially a trauma and any harsh scrubbing could prevent proper healing. | Look for a scrub with fine particles. Pick a hydrating scrub if you have very dry skin. Select a scent based on aromatherapy properties. Make your own sugar scrub if you're on a budget. Wet your skin. Massage the scrub into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Dry off. Finish with lotion or body oil. Repeat once or twice a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Uber-Without-a-Credit-Card | How to Use Uber Without a Credit Card | You can use Uber without a credit card by paying with your PayPal account. Launch the Uber app, tap “Payments” in the menu, then select “PayPal” as your method of payment. If you'd like to pay with a digital wallet, select “Apple Pay” or “Android Pay” as your method of payment after launching the Uber app. In some areas, you can even pay for your Uber with cash -- just make sure "Cash" is listed as an option on the method of payment screen! | Make sure Uber accepts PayPal in your location. You can use your PayPal account to sign up for and ride with Uber as long as it is available in your country. PayPal allows you to use your bank account to pay for your Uber rides, so there's no need for a credit card. Sign up for a PayPal account. To use PayPal as a payment method with Uber, you must have a valid PayPal account with a linked payment method. See How to Use PayPal to Transfer Money for help signing up with PayPal and linking your bank account. Linking your bank account will take a few days because your bank account will need to be verified. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Now you'll register for Uber (if you haven't yet). If you are already an Uber member, just launch the app, tap “Payments” in the menu, and select “PayPal” as your method of payment. Tap “Register” and enter your personal information as requested. Type your name, e-mail address, phone number, and a password to protect your account. Tap “Next” when you’re ready to continue. A text message containing a confirmation code will be sent to the mobile phone number you provided. Tap “PayPal” on the “Add Payment” screen. The app wil automatically attempt to connect with your PayPal account. Enter your password, and then tap “Agree. ” This will connect your PayPal account with Uber. Choose a vehicle. Use the slider at the bottom of the map to select a type of Uber vehicle. For a description of each Uber vehicle type, see How to Pick the Correct Uber Type. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Here you will find the ETA (estimated time of arrival), maximum party size, and minimum fare. Get a fare estimate. On the details screen, tap “Get Fare Estimate.” Here, enter the address of your destination and tap it in the search results. Once you have viewed the fare, tap your phone's back button to return to the map. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Enter your destination address the same way you entered your current location. Tap “Request” to book your ride. In a few moments, you will see the driver's name, license plate number, and a short description of the vehicle. Head to the pickup location you specified and wait for your driver. The app will keep you up to date on how far away your driver is from your pickup location. When the ride is complete, the total amount will be deducted from your primary payment method in PayPal. Make sure your phone is compatible with Apple Pay or Android Pay. Apple Pay and Android Pay are mobile wallet services for iPhone and Android users (respectively). Using one of these services makes it possible to use Uber without having to provide a credit card. Apple Pay: You must have at least an iPhone 6 to use Apple Pay in apps like Uber. Android Pay: You'll need at least KitKat 4.4 and NFC support. The best way to find out if Android Pay will work on your phone is to install the app from the Play Store. If your phone does not support Android Pay, you will see a message that says the app is not supported. These services technically require the use of a credit or debit card to work, but you will not have to provide a card number directly to Uber. If you do not have access to a credit or debit card at all, try a different method. Link your cards with Apple Pay or Android Pay. Before you can use a digital wallet to pay for your ride, you'll need to link a card to your account. See How to Use Android Pay or How to Set Up Apple Pay for instructions on setting up your mobile wallet. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Now you'll register for Uber (if you haven't yet). If you are already an Uber member, just launch the app, tap “Payments” in the menu, and select “Apple Pay” or “Android Pay” as your method of payment. Tap “Register” and enter your personal information as requested. Type your name, e-mail address, phone number, and a password to protect your account. Tap “Next” when you’re ready to continue. A text message containing a confirmation code will be sent to the mobile phone number you provided. Tap “Apple Pay” or “Android Pay” on the “Add Payment” screen. The app wil automatically attempt to connect with your mobile wallet. Choose a vehicle. Use the slider at the bottom of the map to select a type of Uber vehicle. For a description of each Uber vehicle type, see How to Pick the Correct Uber Type. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Here you'll find the ETA (estimated time of arrival), maximum party size, and minimum fare. Get a fare estimate. On the details screen, tap “Get Fare Estimate.” Here, enter the address of your destination and tap it in the search results. Once you've viewed the fare, tap your phone's back button to return to the map. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Enter your destination address the same way you entered your current location. Tap “Request” to book your ride. In a few moments, you'll see the driver's name, license plate number, and a short description of the vehicle. Head to the pickup location you specified and wait for your driver. The app will keep you up to date on how far away your driver is from your pickup location. When the ride is complete, the total amount will be deducted from the card you have on file with Apple Pay or Android Pay. Find out if Uber accepts cash in your area. As of 2015, Uber has begun accepting cash in some cities in Asia and Africa. It is currently not possible to pay for your Uber with cash in North America or Europe. To find out if cash is accepted in your city: Visit https://www.uber.com/cities/ and select your city from the list. Scroll down to the “Riding with Uber.” The accepted payment options in your location are described in this paragraph. Install the Uber app on your mobile phone. If cash is accepted in your location, you can sign up for an Uber account without having to enter credit card information. Find the Uber app in the App Store (iPhone) or the Play Store (Android), then tap “Get” or “Install.” If you are already an Uber member, you don't need to re-register. Just launch the app, set your pickup location, and select “Cash” as your method of payment. Launch the Uber app and tap “Register. ” Now you will create your new Uber account. Enter your name, e-mail address, phone number, and a password to protect your account. Tap “Next” when you're ready to continue. A text message containing a confirmation code will be sent to the mobile phone number you provided. Tap “Cash” on the “Add Payment” Screen. This sets your default payment to the cash option. Type the confirmation code you received via text to verify your account. If you do not see a prompt to enter the code, it will show up before you book your first ride. Set your pickup location. Type your current address into the search box or drag the map around to position the pin on your precise location. Choose a vehicle. Use the slider at the bottom of the map to select a type of Uber vehicle. For a description of each Uber vehicle type, see How to Pick the Correct Uber Type. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Here you'll find the ETA (estimated time of arrival), maximum party size, and minimum fare. Get a fare estimate. On the details screen, tap “Get Fare Estimate.” Here, enter the address of your destination and tap it in the search results. You must have enough money in cash to cover the high-end of the estimated fare to request this ride. Once you've viewed the fare, tap your phone's back button to return to the map. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Enter your destination address the same way you entered your current location. Tap “Request” to book your ride. In a few moments, you'll see the driver's name, license plate number, and a short description of the vehicle. Head to the pickup location you specified and waited for your driver. The app will keep you up to date on how far away your driver is from your pickup location. When the ride is complete, pay your driver with cash. You will be unable to specify a different form of payment after the trip has begun, so you must have enough cash to cover the trip. Look for a Visa or Mastercard logo on your debit card. If your bank provides you with a card that has a Visa or Mastercard logo, it should work with Uber even if it is not an actual credit card. Get a prepaid debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo. If you do not have a bank-issued debit card, you may be able to use a Visa or Mastercard-branded prepaid debit card. There are many varieties of prepaid cards available in different locations. Check a reputable department store (like Target or Walmart) or pharmacy (Walgreens or Rite-Aid) for options. Call the card’s issuing bank if you receive an error. If you receive an error signing up for Uber with your debit card (either prepaid or provided by your bank), call the support number listed on the back of the card and let them know you are trying to book a ride with Uber. The bank may need to manually authorize Uber charges. Link your debit card to Uber. If you haven't yet registered with Uber, you can skip this step. Sign into your Uber account, then tap “Payment” in the main menu. Tap the “Add New Payment” icon (a credit card with a plus sign) and enter the credit card number and verification information as requested. Tap “Add Payment” when you are finished. Choose a vehicle. Use the slider at the bottom of the map to select a type of Uber vehicle. For a description of each Uber vehicle type, see How to Pick the Correct Uber Type. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Here you'll find the ETA (estimated time of arrival), maximum party size, and minimum fare. Get a fare estimate. On the details screen, tap “Get Fare Estimate.” Here, enter the address of your destination and tap it in the search results. Make sure you have enough money on your debit card to cover the trip. Once you've viewed the fare, tap your phone's back button to return to the map. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Enter your destination address the same way you entered your current location. Tap “Request” to book your ride. In a few moments, you'll see the driver's name, license plate number, and a short description of the vehicle. Head to the pickup location you specified and wait for your driver. The app will keep you up to date on how far away your driver is from your pickup location. When the ride is complete, the total amount will be deducted from your debit card. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Uber users who live in India have the option to use Paytm Wallet or Airtel Money instead of a credit card. If you live anywhere other than India, this method will not work for you. If you are already an Uber member, you don't need to re-register. Just launch the app, tap “Payments” in the menu, and select “Add a Prepaid Wallet” as your method of payment. At that point, select either “Paytm” or “Airtel Money.” If you don't have an account, you will be walked through the setup process. Launch the Uber app and tap “Register. ” Now you will create your new Uber account. Enter your name, e-mail address, phone number, and a password to protect your account. Tap “Next” when you're ready to continue. A text message containing a confirmation code will be sent to the mobile phone number you provided. Tap “Add a Prepaid Wallet,” then select your option. Whether you select PayTM or Airtel Money, the next steps will be very similar. The app will check to see if there's already a Paytm or Airtel Money account linked with the current phone number. If no account is found, a new account will automatically be created. Tap “OK” to continue. Check your SMS text messages for a One Time Password (OTP). Whether or not you already have a Paytm or Airtel account, you will receive a text message from the service that contains an OTP. If you already have an account, the OTP will also be sent to the email address you have on file. Type the confirmation code from the SMS message into OTP field. The Uber app should now be open to a screen that says “Please enter the One Time Password (OTP).” Type the confirmation code into the blank, then tap “Verify.” Use your available funds or add money to your account. After verifying your account, you will arrive at a screen that displays your current balance. If you want to use the amount that is listed in the balance field, tap “Use” at the top right corner of the screen. To add funds, tap “Add Money.” You will have the option to connect a credit card, debit card, or bank account to your account. Type the confirmation code you received via text (from Uber—not the Paytm or Airtel OTP) to verify your account. If you do not see a prompt to enter the code, it will show up before you book your first ride. Set your pickup location. Type your current address into the search box or drag the map around to position the pin on your precise location. Choose a vehicle. Use the slider at the bottom of the map to select a type of Uber vehicle. For a description of each Uber vehicle type, see How to Pick the Correct Uber Type. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Here you'll find the ETA (estimated time of arrival), maximum party size, and minimum fare. Get a fare estimate. On the details screen, tap “Get Fare Estimate.” Here, enter the address of your destination and tap it in the search results. You must have enough money in your Paytm or Airtel account to cover the cost of your ride. Once you've viewed the fare, tap your phone's back button to return to the map. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Enter your destination address the same way you entered your current location. Tap “Request” to book your ride. In a few moments, you'll see the driver's name, license plate number, and a short description of the vehicle. Head to the pickup location you specified and wait for your driver. The app will keep you up to date on how far away your driver is from your pickup location. When the ride is complete, the total amount will be deducted from your Paytm or Airtel account, depending on which service you use. | Make sure Uber accepts PayPal in your location. Sign up for a PayPal account. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Tap “Register” and enter your personal information as requested. Tap “Next” when you’re ready to continue. Tap “PayPal” on the “Add Payment” screen. Enter your password, and then tap “Agree. Choose a vehicle. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Get a fare estimate. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Tap “Request” to book your ride. Make sure your phone is compatible with Apple Pay or Android Pay. Link your cards with Apple Pay or Android Pay. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Tap “Register” and enter your personal information as requested. Tap “Next” when you’re ready to continue. Tap “Apple Pay” or “Android Pay” on the “Add Payment” screen. Choose a vehicle. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Get a fare estimate. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Tap “Request” to book your ride. Find out if Uber accepts cash in your area. Install the Uber app on your mobile phone. Launch the Uber app and tap “Register. Tap “Cash” on the “Add Payment” Screen. Type the confirmation code you received via text to verify your account. Set your pickup location. Choose a vehicle. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Get a fare estimate. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Tap “Request” to book your ride. Look for a Visa or Mastercard logo on your debit card. Get a prepaid debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo. Call the card’s issuing bank if you receive an error. Link your debit card to Uber. Choose a vehicle. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Get a fare estimate. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Tap “Request” to book your ride. Launch the Uber app on your mobile phone. Launch the Uber app and tap “Register. Tap “Add a Prepaid Wallet,” then select your option. Check your SMS text messages for a One Time Password (OTP). Type the confirmation code from the SMS message into OTP field. Use your available funds or add money to your account. Type the confirmation code you received via text (from Uber—not the Paytm or Airtel OTP) to verify your account. Set your pickup location. Choose a vehicle. Tap the car icon on the slider to view details about the ride. Get a fare estimate. Tap “Set Pickup Location,” then select your destination. Tap “Request” to book your ride. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Turtle-Environment | How to Make a Turtle Environment | To make a turtle environment, start by choosing an enclosure large enough for your type of turtle, with a screen cover on top to let in fresh air. Next, install a heat lamp over the enclosure along with a thermometer so you can make sure the temperature stays between 80 and 85 degrees. Then, use things like plants, rocks, driftwood, and ramps from your local pet store to create surfaces for your turtle to rest on when it comes out of the water. Finally, install a water heater, filter, and sulfa block before adding water to the enclosure. | Choose an enclosure for your turtle. Turtles need an enclosure that is appropriate for their size. The enclosure should be big enough that they have lots of room to swim, soak up heat from their heat bulb, and move about the enclosure in general. Do some research to see how big your turtle can get. A turtle whose carapace (the top shell) is eight inches in diameter will need to have a 75-gallon enclosure to itself, with an additional 20 gallons for each additional turtle. Use a fresh air screen cover to secure the top of your turtle's enclosure. Provide a heat lamp. Turtles are reptiles that require a heat source to regulate their body temperature, so you need to provide a heat lamp for this purpose. Install a thermometer to ensure the temperature in the basking area beneath the heat lamp's bulb stays between 80 and 85 degrees fahrenheit. Heat lamps are UVA-spectrum lights, which should be used in the basking area, but your turtle also requires UVB light—install both types of light and put them on a timer to mimic patterns of the sun, adjusting for different seasons. Follow all the instructions for the installation of the heat lamp for safety. Determine how much water is needed in the tank. How much water the enclosure needs depends on whether your turtle is aquatic, semi-aquatic, or land-dwelling (tortoise). Aquatic turtles should have a habitat that is 75% water, while semi-aquatic turtles should have an enclosure that is 50% water. Tortoises are land-dwelling, but they still need water for soaking—25% of the habitat can be water, provided it is very shallow, as tortoises can drown. Be sure to research the species of turtle or tortoise you have to find out the specific habitat requirements for water. You'll need a water heater to regulate the temperature of the water to 78 degrees fahrenheit, though the temperature may vary slightly between species. You'll also need a filter to keep your turtle's water clean. A dissolvable sulfa block will treat water and help keep your turtle healthy and disease-free. Non-chlorinated water is best for your tank. Decide on the plants and basking surfaces you want to use. Plants may be desirable to keep the habitat looking natural and give the turtle some security. Basking surfaces can be purchased at pet stores. These may include manufactured ramps that the turtle can climb onto from out of the water or driftwood or rocks gathered from outside. You may use artificial or real plants, but some turtles may attempt to eat fake plants. If this happens, the artificial plants should be swapped for real plants, provided the plants you choose are not poisonous to the species of turtle you have. Be sure the rocks and/or driftwood are clean and dry before placing them into the enclosure. Substrate—gravel or sand—is not necessary and may make cleaning the enclosure more difficult. Clean your enclosure. Whether the enclosure you have decided to use is new or used, you should ensure it is clean. Use an aquarium-safe sponge (available at pet stores) to clean the cage using pure water only. Do not use any chemicals to wash the enclosure. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads because they may scratch glass, allowing for and algae contamination. Add any plants you choose to use. Like substrate, plants are not necessary for the enclosure. However, if you intend to use plants in the enclosure—whether real or artificial—set them up after substrate, if used. Live plants in the water may boost oxygen levels for the turtle while he or she is in the water. Be sure that any plants you choose are not poisonous to the species of turtle you have, and replace the artificial plants with real ones if the turtle tries to eat them. Install the ramp. Install the turtle ramp or "turtle dock" to the basking area at this point. This may be a ramp purchased at a pet store or rocks or some driftwood positioned to allow a basking area outside the water. Keep in mind that the basking area will be directly under the heat lamp, so position it according to where you want the heat lamp to be installed. Add the water heater, filter, and sulfa block. Before adding the water, install the water heater according to the instructions. Next, assemble and install the water filtration system. Finally, add your dissolvable sulfa block, which will condition the water and help keep your turtle healthy. Be sure the water heater is fully submerged once you add the water. Use a filtration system that is meant to handle double the capacity of your aquarium to help with the efficiency of the filter. Add the water. Once you have completed the above steps, add the water to the enclosure and activate the water heater and filtration system. Avoid using chlorinated water or tap water. Allow the water to sit for 24 hours to allow water to dechlorinate. Dechlorination can also be achieved with a commercially available additive. Vitamin supplements that can be added to the water can also help keep your turtle healthy. Install the fresh air screen lid and light(s). Place the fresh air screen lid on the top of the enclosure after completing the above steps. Above the fresh air screen, install the UVA and UVB lights. Some lights are available that are both UVA- and UVB-spectrum. Make sure the lights are on a timer to mimic daylight hours and positioned above the basking area you have created. Remember to set up the lights safely to prevent accidents. Allow the aquarium to run for 24 hours and introduce your turtle(s). Before introducing the turtle(s), allow the aquarium filtration system and heater to run for 24 hours. This also allows time for you to ensure the timer on your lights is working properly. After 24 hours, gently place your turtle(s) in the basking area and replace the fresh air lid and lights. The turtle should be left alone to explore his or her new home. Add lots of food options for the turtle to discover and eat. Turtles are omnivores, though some may be strictly vegan. Research your turtle's species to be sure what foods are appropriate. Greens, vegetables, fruits, flowers, worms, snails, insects, and cooked meats may be appropriate. Some prepared foods are available at pet stores that will meet much of the turtle's dietary needs. Turtles may require a calcium supplement if their diet is not varied. Many are available at pet stores. | Choose an enclosure for your turtle. Provide a heat lamp. Determine how much water is needed in the tank. Decide on the plants and basking surfaces you want to use. Clean your enclosure. Add any plants you choose to use. Install the ramp. Add the water heater, filter, and sulfa block. Add the water. Install the fresh air screen lid and light(s). Allow the aquarium to run for 24 hours and introduce your turtle(s). Add lots of food options for the turtle to discover and eat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend | How to Forget Your Ex Girlfriend | To forget your ex-girlfriend, know that it's going to take time, but eventually you'll get to the point where you're able to move on. In the meantime, try your best to avoid all contact with your ex since seeing or communicating with her will only make it harder to forget her. You can distract yourself by picking up a few hobbies, teaching yourself new skills, and doing things that you've always wanted to do but didn't have time for when you had a girlfriend. Additionally, make an effort to spend more time with your friends and family since you'll be less likely to think about your ex if you're off having fun with other people. | Add to your life experience. Take care of yourself by pursuing the experiences you've always wanted to have. Aside from obvious (and expensive) activities like road trips and skydiving, don't forget to indulge the more mundane things, as well: visiting every park in the city, seeing what happens to a penny left on the railroad tracks, singing karaoke, finding the oldest headstone in the local cemetery. A penny on the railroad tracks won't derail a train, in case you're worried. Embrace your hobbies and interests. Fill your free time with steady progress and small victories instead of stewing in your sadness and anger. Use the lists you made of your dreams, interests, and talents as a guide. If you ever used to daydream about fixing up a car, writing a book, or making your own wine from scratch, now is the best time to try those longer-term projects. If you don't have any short-term hobbies to fill in the space between projects, why not pick up some from your childhood? Nobody's around to think less of you for working on a model kit, filling in a coin collection, or trying to beat a difficult video game. Set a daily routine. To make the most of your time, it helps to have a schedule you can stick to. Start with a regular bedtime and a regular waking time every morning, and then roughly plan out your weekday routine. Be sure to make time for hygiene, exercise, chores, and meals. Load up your days off with plenty of personal time. Don't be too strict when scheduling your life, or you might get upset when things disrupt your plans. Instead, have a basic idea of how long each part of your day should take, and a regular order to those parts. Anything more is counterproductive. Set strict boundaries. Make a conscious, sustained effort to maintain a bubble around yourself that your ex can't pass into. If you're still in contact, make it clear to her that you're breaking off contact so you can take the time you need to heal. Tell her not to call or text you, since you won't respond. There's no need to be rude or insulting when you tell her this. Being polite but distant is a better approach, as it demonstrates that you aren't doing it just to get a rise out of her. If she asks how long this change will be in effect, tell her it will take as long as it takes. There's no way to put a strict date on when you'll be able to be around her without feeling upset again. Sometimes it's only for a month or two; in rare cases, it could be for the rest of your life. Be true to your word. Don't call, text, e-mail, or write her back if she contacts you, unless you have a life-and-death reason for doing so. It will hurt when she realizes she can't lean on you anymore, but she'll be better off for it in the long run. Change your schedule. If you possibly can, try to make adjustments to your schedule so that you avoid having to see each other any more than necessary. If you work together, ask your scheduling manager if you can change your weekly schedule. You don't need to tell him or her about the breakup; just ask for different shifts. If you have classes together, be civil in class, but ask the teacher if there's any way you can move your seat to be farther from where she sits. Explain things to your mutual friends. They'll have heard her side of the story by now, but that's not terribly important. What matters is briefly explaining how you feel to the friends that you both share. Ask them to be careful about not inviting you over when your ex is there, and vice versa. Don't ask your friends to choose one of you or otherwise “pick a side.” It's petty, cruel, and unfair to them. If they like both you and your ex-girlfriend, that's their business. Socialize with your friends more. One of the toughest parts of being single is feeling lonely again after having someone around to spend time with whenever you wanted. Soften the blow by spending more time out with your other friends. Even though you and your ex might share many of the same friends (depending on how long you were together, and how close you were), there's no reason you can't see them without her around. Invite them out with you and spend time forging closer bonds with them. By taking the initiative instead of waiting to be invited out, you'll show your friends you still care about them. Additionally, you'll have a greater amount of control over where you go and what you do together, which should help minimize the chances of running into your ex or anything that reminds you of her. Remember, there's no harm in asking them to avoid getting both you and your ex together at parties and such. Just be civil, and don't ask them to take sides. Try calling up people you haven't seen as much lately. They'll appreciate hearing from you, and you're not likely to run into your ex-girlfriend around friends you didn't hang out with together. Be open to meeting new friends. No matter your age or social disposition, if you have the time to go do things with your friends, chances are good that you'll meet more people sooner or later. Be engaging and friendly with them, and you may very well end up making all kinds of new connections. Aside from giving you more chances to get away from your solitude and be around others, it's also a big ego boost to remind yourself that people like you even in the absence of your ex-girlfriend, and that you can still meet people and make friends without her there. Give yourself time. It's a terrible thing to go through a rough breakup. It would be nice if there was some way to force yourself to pick up and move on at the drop of a hat, but that's just not how people work. Like it or not, you're going to need time to heal. This guide can only help guide the healing and hasten it somewhat. It can't reduce the time you'll need beyond a certain amount. Use your personal space. Maybe you own a home; maybe you only have half a bedroom to call your own. Whatever the case, find times and places where you can be alone with your thoughts, and let them come naturally. When you have personal space, you have no restrictions on your thoughts. Knowing you have a place where you can be totally honest with yourself will help you cope with your anger and sadness in other areas of your life. If you don't have any useful space at home, try visiting a nearby park or schoolyard at a time when few other people are using it. Find an out-of-the-way corner and stay there for a while. If your personal space reminds you of your ex-girlfriend, rearrange it. Take down and hide anything that reminds you of your time together, and give the whole area a fresh look by moving furniture, changing decorations, or donating/selling extra stuff. Consider meditation during your personal time, to help you sort things out in your head. There are various meditation methods; the most basic is to sit and breathe evenly, focusing on the physical sensation of your own body, until your thoughts become clearer and less overwhelming. Resist the temptation to call. Especially after longer-term relationships, the urge to get back in touch with your ex can be overwhelming. Do your very best to resist it; it will only make things worse in the long run. Try keeping a tally of all the times you start to get in touch with your ex-girlfriend. The act of keeping track will remind you to stop. If your ex is the one getting in touch with you, things become more complicated. It's best to avoid her as much as possible, if you can. Try to explain to her that you need more time to get over her. If she still cares at all, she'll do her best to respect your wishes. If she doesn't seem to be respecting your request, don't be too angry with her. It usually means she is suffering almost as much as you are, and simply lacks your self-discipline. Write down your thoughts and emotions. Write as much or as little as you want, but write something. Often, you'll find that when you start writing, you won't be able to stop quickly. Don't worry about the quality of your writing. Grammar, word choice, and other such things don't matter one bit. Once you've written out a whole diatribe, burn it or tear it into pieces and dump it. This act of “sending away” what you wrote is a very powerful psychological coping tool. Don't send, or plan to send, any of your writing to your ex – not even a letter. Any movement you make towards her, even in bitterness or frustration, is a step in the wrong direction. Remember, you're trying to cut the ties that bind, not tangle them. Write down your hopes and interests. Whenever you're feeling self-possessed enough that you don't need to vent in your writing, try listing your talents, hobbies, interests, ambitions, and dreams. You'll be reminded of how much else there is in your life aside from your ex. Organize these items however you want. Try ordered lists, or just draw a big web of connected ideas. Every time you hit on something that really excites or interests you, take special note of it. You have the time and freedom to pursue these things again, now that you're single. Talk to a confidant. If you're lucky enough to have one, a trusted confidant can be a great way to unload some of your emotional burden. If you don't have a person you can trust who will sit and listen to you, consider paying for a few sessions with a counselor. Be absolutely sure your confidant is someone you can trust. You're very vulnerable right now, and one casual word from him or her to the wrong person could come back around and hurt you. Make it clear that you want this to stay strictly between the two of you. Give yourself a few minutes to get started. You'll feel embarrassed and silly at first, but if you talk for a couple of minutes and see that your confidant isn't judging or ignoring you, the words will start coming faster than you can keep up. Be proud of yourself. Look around your life – you've got a full schedule, interesting hobbies, good friends, and maybe even a long-term project to work on. You've taken time to keep yourself balanced and work out your emotions, and you've acted firmly but ethically in dealing with the ties that bound you and your ex-girlfriend together. In short, you've taken a jumbled pile of feelings, thoughts, and hopes, and built yourself something beautiful with it. Be proud. Maintain your distance. If you're really beginning to feel good about yourself again, you should feel less and less of a need to contact your ex. Don't try to show her up or rub your new life in her face; she won't care, and you'll look like a jackass. Your achievements should be their own reward. Keep moving forward. It's a great feeling to finally be enjoying life again, but that's no excuse to stop improving it. Your life will only get better if you keep putting time and effort into making it better; if you don't, you'll end up languishing. Don't think of happiness as a peak to be attained before calling it a day and heading back down; think of it as a prize to be won and carried with you on the rest of your journey. Assess your growth. Now that you're truly over your ex-girlfriend enough that you don't look at everything through breakup-colored glasses, you're probably beginning to notice other women again. This is the perfect time to think back on your past relationship one more time, and realize how you've grown. Examine how your values have shifted. Having gone through a breakup with one type of woman, you probably have a good idea of the things you didn't like about her personality. This means you're probably eying women who have a different personality in that regard, which in turn means that you've learned from your past – a sure sign of personal growth. Realize that you know yourself better than ever before. You've looked into your own heart and sought to understand it. You've tallied your interests and goals, and made new friends without anyone there to affect your presence. In short, you know yourself now in a way that you didn't before. You're more poised, more possessed, and more confident as a result. Think about anything you spend your time on now that your ex would have scorned, laughed at, or not understood. You won't be hiding that part of yourself from the next girl who comes along – and she'll like you more for your forthrightness and unselfconscious attitude. Meet someone new. Once you've gotten to the point that you can go a week without getting upset about your breakup, the time has come to put yourself out on the dating market again, if you feel like it. Spending time with someone new can help distract you from thinking about your ex. Remember, if you're looking for a rebound, or the first willing woman who comes along, you're probably not over your ex quite yet. You shouldn't need a girlfriend to validate yourself. Put your best foot forward. You've learned a lot from getting through your breakup, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that you've also learned a lot from the time you spent with your ex-girlfriend, too: Once you've truly accepted your breakup, you'll find that your last relationship was a goldmine of useful information for wooing your next crush. Here are a few of the basic things that should come more naturally to you than ever before when trying to pick up a date: Good hygiene gets you past the first gate. Maintain it religiously. Smile and be animated when you talk to your crush. Take pride in your own life. Women like a man who seems complete even without a companion. Be witty. A quick wit will charm the pants off a woman who's interested enough to pay attention to you – sometimes quite literally. Be good company. Don't be self-conscious in the company of other men; instead, be outgoing and enthusiastic. Show that you have nothing to be afraid of. Don't jump in too quickly. In purely physical terms, if you and a date hit it off, however fast you want to go is entirely your business, but emotionally speaking, it's important that you ease into your next relationship. Ending a relationship always stings a little, but short relationships sting less if you've managed to keep a clear head. If you find yourself thinking things like “she might be the one ,” or constantly talking about her to everyone within earshot, you're probably in too deep – especially if it's only been a few weeks or months. Take a step back and make sure you're actually happy with yourself in general, and not just with the fact that you've managed to get a new girlfriend. Girlfriends aren't just tools for validating your life. On the other hand, don't be afraid of commitment. If you've been dating a girl for a couple of months and you're beginning to feel more attached to her, don't hide it from her – or yourself. There's nothing unusual about it. | Add to your life experience. Embrace your hobbies and interests. Set a daily routine. Set strict boundaries. Change your schedule. Explain things to your mutual friends. Socialize with your friends more. Be open to meeting new friends. Give yourself time. Use your personal space. Resist the temptation to call. Write down your thoughts and emotions. Write down your hopes and interests. Talk to a confidant. Be proud of yourself. Maintain your distance. Keep moving forward. Assess your growth. Meet someone new. Don't jump in too quickly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Town-of-Salem | How to Play Town of Salem | To play Town of Salem, start by visiting blankmediagames.com and clicking on “Register” to sign up for an account. Then, below the “Home” link, click on your avatar to change its appearance and customize its name. Next, click “Play” and choose which mode you want to play in, such as "Ranked," Rapid," or "Vigilantics." Alternatively, choose “Create a Party” and invite other people so you can play with friends. | Search "Town of Salem" using your search engine. Alternatively, go to blankmediagames.com. Click on the link. Click "Register". Fill out the information as required. Verify your email address if you want to receive a bonus. Go to the Town of Salem website. Log in using your chosen username and password. Click on your avatar's head on the left below "Home. " Click your avatar to change your appearance. Click the text box above your character to change your name. #* This can be changed before every game when you get to the "Name Choosing" part. Click on the building behind your character to change the house. Click on the map to change the look of the town. Click the "No Pet" to change your pet. These can be bought in the Shop after you get coins for playing the game. Click on the hung person on the right to change the death animation. Click on the picture of the bearded man on the right to change your icon in the lobby menu. You have to donate to do this. Click on the man on the sign to go to "Customization Settings". Click "Save" to save your choices. Click the role card next to the bug at the top. Scroll through the wiki page to find out all about the different roles in the game. Click the treasure chest on the left. Click each category to browse through the shop items. Click "Buy" underneath the items to buy them with in-game coins. Click the treasure chest again to get rid of the Shop screen. Look for purchase discounts. If a pop-up shows up, it is a Town of Salem purchase discount. They are available for a short amount of time! If you don't want to buy this, close it with the [X] button. If you do happen to want to buy this, then press the [BUY NOW] button. It will give you directions for what to do next. Click the medal icon below the treasure chest on the left. Click each role to see what achievements there are for each one. Click "Play". Click "Classic". Click "Join Queue". Wait for the queue timer to run out. Once it does, click join. Click "Play". Click "(BETA) Ranked". (Note: must have played at least 50 games to unlock ranked mode) Click "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. If you don't click the accept button within 10 seconds of its appearance, you will be taken off of the game queue. Click "Play". Click "Custom". Click "Join Lobby". Play the role of the host: Choose roles on the right menu. (Mandatory: Godfather) Click "Start" when there are enough people and you have filled out the chart. Make a name at the next screen. Play when you are not hosting. If you are not the host: Wait for the game to start. Request roles by typing in chat. At the next screen, type a name to use during the game. Click "Play", then "All Any". Click "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start when there are enough people in the lobby, as the host does not pick the roles. The roles are random. Make a name on the next screen. Click "Play", "Rapid Mode", and "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. In this mode, the discussion and night phases are faster. Click "Play", "Vigilantics", and "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. This game mode has only witches and vigilantes. Click the "Friends" button at the bottom right corner. Click "Add Friend". Type in your friend's username
Click the plus button. Click "Play". Click "Create a Party". Click "Invite" to add people to the party. Wait for them to accept. Click the mode you want to play in the top right corner. Click "Start". Click the social media icons to go to Blank Media Games' social media. The messages above "Follow Us" are the latest tweets from Blank Media Games. Change your settings. Click the gear at the top of the screen to go to "Settings". Click "Chat Filter" to filter out the swear words if preferred. Click "Save" to save changes. Report a bug. Click the bug icon next to the gear. On the forum, log in and make a thread about the bug. Get help. Click the question mark icon next to the role card. Read the threads on the forum. Get notifications. When you get a notification, click the "Notifications" button at the bottom right corner. If it is an invite to play a game, click either "Join" or "Ignore". | Search "Town of Salem" using your search engine. Click "Register". Fill out the information as required. Go to the Town of Salem website. Log in using your chosen username and password. Click on your avatar's head on the left below "Home. Click your avatar to change your appearance. Click the text box above your character to change your name. Click on the building behind your character to change the house. Click on the map to change the look of the town. Click the "No Pet" to change your pet. Click on the hung person on the right to change the death animation. Click on the picture of the bearded man on the right to change your icon in the lobby menu. Click on the man on the sign to go to "Customization Settings". Click "Save" to save your choices. Click the role card next to the bug at the top. Scroll through the wiki page to find out all about the different roles in the game. Click the treasure chest on the left. Click each category to browse through the shop items. Click "Buy" underneath the items to buy them with in-game coins. Click the treasure chest again to get rid of the Shop screen. Look for purchase discounts. Click the medal icon below the treasure chest on the left. Click each role to see what achievements there are for each one. Click "Play". Click "Classic". Click "Join Queue". Wait for the queue timer to run out. Click "Play". Click "(BETA) Ranked". Click "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. Click "Play". Click "Custom". Click "Join Lobby". Play the role of the host: Play when you are not hosting. Click "Play", then "All Any". Click "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start when there are enough people in the lobby, as the host does not pick the roles. Make a name on the next screen. Click "Play", "Rapid Mode", and "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. Click "Play", "Vigilantics", and "Join Lobby". Wait for the game to start. Click the "Friends" button at the bottom right corner. Click "Add Friend". Type in your friend's username
Click the plus button. Click "Play". Click "Create a Party". Click "Invite" to add people to the party. Wait for them to accept. Click the mode you want to play in the top right corner. Click "Start". Click the social media icons to go to Blank Media Games' social media. Change your settings. Report a bug. Get help. Get notifications. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Diagnose-and-Treat-Gingivitis-in-Cats | How to Diagnose and Treat Gingivitis in Cats | To diagnose and treat gingivitis in your cat, look for symptoms such as redness and swelling in its gums. Additionally, see if your cat is pawing at its face or refusing to eat, which may indicate that its gums are hurting. In order to confirm that your cat has gingivitis, take it to the vet for a dental exam. Then, follow your vet's recommended treatment plan, which may include a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar or surgery if the gingivitis is at an advanced stage. | Look at their gums. To check your cat's gums, sit down with the cat. Tip their head back, and part their lips with a finger so that you can see their gums. Typically, gingivitis will cause redness and swelling around the gum line. You may also notice some plaque build-up on their teeth. This will appear as a yellowish discoloration on the tooth itself. The cat may not like having their gums inspected. If they struggle, let them go, and try again later. While you look at their teeth, you can soothe your cat by petting and talking to them. If the swelling appears severe, there is severe tartar (a hard brown material on teeth), or there is a very bad odor, see a vet immediately. Your cat may have a later stage of gingivitis, or it may be periodontitis. Check for bad breath. Bad breath is usually one of the first signs of gingivitis. Smell your cat's breath. If it smells foul or bad, it may be a sign that there is something wrong with their teeth, gums, or mouth. Make an appointment with a vet. Look for signs that the cat might in be pain. Gingivitis can cause soreness in the cat's mouth, but the cat may not show many signs that they are in pain. Watch to see if the cat is frequently pawing at their face. If their gums hurt, they may also be refusing to eat hard foods or dry kibble. These are signs that something might be wrong. Determine if your cat is at increased risk. All cats can develop gingivitis. That said, there are certain factors that may increase their risk. If these apply to your cat, you may want to visit your vet for more frequent dental cleanings. Older cats or cats with crowded teeth may develop gingivitis more easily than other cats. Cats with diabetes, feline leukemia (FeLV), or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may be at higher risk of developing gingivitis. Some purebred cats, such as Abyssinians, Siamese, Maine Coons, Persians, and Somalis, may be at higher risk, although all breeds can get gingivitis. If you suspect your cat has gingivitis, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Gingivitis can cause resorptive lesions, which cause damage to the structure of the cat's teeth. Request that the vet does an oral exam. When you visit the vet, let them know that you want them to do an oral dental exam on your cat. They will need to put your cat under general anesthesia so that they can examine the cat's entire mouth. During this exam, they will look at the cat's teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. Your vet may also do a dental cleaning during this visit. This includes removing any plaque or tartar that has appeared on your cat's teeth. They will then polish and clean the cat's teeth. If your cat has gingivitis, your vet will recommend a daily cleaning for you to do at home. Unless your cat has an infection, this will be the primary step that you take to reduce and reverse gingivitis. If your cat's gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, surgery or other medical procedures may be necessary. For a full dental exam to take place, your vet will need to put your cat under anesthesia. The risks for this are minimal, but about 1 in 100,000 cats may experience side effects, such as swelling, a slowed heart rate, vomiting, anaphylactic shock, or death. Ask your vet if your cat should change their diet. Your cat's diet may be able to help prevent or treat gingivitis. Ask your vet if their current diet is acceptable or if they should be put on a special dental diet food. Some brands of cat food contain anti-plaque ingredients. These may be available at your local pet store. You may be able to find cat treats that help prevent tartar build-up. Ask your vet for recommendations. Your vet may also be able to recommend supplements, which may be added to your cat's water. Return for dental check-ups. Your cat should have a dental cleaning and exam at least once a year. Even if your cat was not diagnosed with gingivitis, this is an important step towards preventing gingivitis from developing. If your cat has gingivitis, periodontitis, or another dental issue, you may be asked in come in every six months for a check-up. Find a cat-friendly toothpaste. Cats cannot use the same toothpaste as humans do, as fluoride is dangerous to cats, which will swallow the toothpaste. You will need to find a cat-friendly toothpaste. Look for ones that have a flavor that might appeal to your cat, such as chicken or fish. These can bought from your local pet store or even from your vet. Cat toothpastes often contain ingredients like chlorhexidine, hexametaphosphate, or zinc gluconate. Human toothpastes have ingredients, such as detergents and fluoride, that can harm your cat if they swallow it. Fluoride is toxic to cats. Use a feline toothbrush. There are special feline toothbrushes that are small enough to fit in cat's mouths. These are safer to use on cats than human toothbrushes. They can purchased at a pet store. Do not use a human toothbrush on a cat. Another option are finger brushes. These slide over your finger so that you can use your finger to clean the cat's teeth. Some cats may prefer finger brushes. If you are having difficulty using a feline toothbrush with your cat, you might try a finger brush instead. Introduce the cat to the toothpaste. If your cat is not used to having their teeth touched or brushed, you should start introducing them to brushing very slowly. Start by putting a little bit of the toothpaste on your finger, and let them lick it off. After about a week or two, start rubbing a little bit on the cat's front teeth. Once the cat is used to this, you can start brushing normally. If the cat doesn't like the toothpaste, try a different flavor. The cat may resist at first. If they struggle or try to bite you, stop and try again another day. Brush their teeth once a day. Daily brushing is best to maintain good oral hygiene. It will help reverse the symptoms of gingivitis, and it can prevent future problems from developing. Put a little bit of the toothpaste on the brush, and brush the outside surface of the cat's entire set of teeth. You may want to move rather quickly, as your cat may not stay still for long. Spend a few seconds moving the brush around each tooth before moving on to the next one. Use a mouth rinse. In addition to brushing, mouth rinses can reduce tartar build-up on your cat's teeth. These usually contain chlorhexidine. Some cats do not like the taste of this while others do not mind it. If the solution is a gel or liquid, you can squeeze it into the cat's mouth. If it comes in a spray bottle, however, you can just spray it in their mouth. Be sure to read the instructions to make sure that you are giving the cat the right dose. Mix a cleaning additive into your cat’s water. You can add a liquid solution to your cat's water dish. These may be called “dental water” or “liquid tartar remover.” While the dosage might vary from brand to brand, typically you will add a small amount of the additive to about a quart of water per day. As your cat drinks from their bowl, this will help keep their teeth clean. | Look at their gums. Check for bad breath. Look for signs that the cat might in be pain. Determine if your cat is at increased risk. Request that the vet does an oral exam. Ask your vet if your cat should change their diet. Return for dental check-ups. Find a cat-friendly toothpaste. Use a feline toothbrush. Introduce the cat to the toothpaste. Brush their teeth once a day. Use a mouth rinse. Mix a cleaning additive into your cat’s water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Long-School-Bus-Trip | How to Survive a Long School Bus Trip | To survive a long school bus trip, first make sure you sit by your best friend or someone you get along with really well since you'll be sitting with them for a long time. Together, you can play counting games, start a rock-paper-scissors contest, or sing your favorite songs. For more fun, try waving at the people in passing cars to see what their reaction is and if they wave back! In quieter moments on the trip, play with your smartphone, iPod, or whatever else you may have brought with you. | Get all permission slips and money turned in. You don't want to miss the trip! If your school is having meetings that will provide more information about the trip, attend them. If it's after or before school, see if you can have your parent(s) attend the meetings with you. Make sure that you know what you can and can not take on the trip. Sometimes, schools have lists to say whether you can or cannot bring something. They will usually give you a list of what to bring or what you cannot bring. Check your school's website for information on the trip or read the permission slip. Check the weather for your destination(s) for the day(s) which you will be there. Try using www.weatherbug.com, www.accuweather.com, or any other weather website applicable to your location. Pack your bag(s). Include chargers, cell phones, iPods, money, stationery, books, etc. Try packing a small pillow or pillow pet and a small blanket (fleece maybe?). Sometimes your school gives you a list of necessary items so remember to pack those. Remember not to pack things that can't be replaced or hold personal value to anyone in case you lose, forget, or have it stolen. If you do, put a lock on your bag so no one can steal your stuff. If you're going to go swimming, remember to bring goggles, a towel, and your bathing suit. Other things you could bring are fuzzy socks, a portable DVD player, drawing material, cards, and anything else you think you may need! Keep in mind that your school might not allow electronics so check with your school's policy and ask your supervisors first. Fully charge all electronics that are coming with you and pack batteries and headphones. Don't forget the snacks and drinks! Eat a light meal right before the trip, then use the bathroom and take a shower. Put on fresh, clean clothes. And if you're a girl, do your hair and makeup. Leave for school/wherever you are meeting. Don't forget anything! Wear clean underwear. No one wants to be in an accident in unclean underwear. Try to get a lot of sleep the night before or take naps before the trip. You want to start fresh on your trip and have loads of energy. Arrive at your school (or wherever you're boarding your bus) at least 20 minutes early. This way you can get a good seat with your friends and beat the crowd while getting on the bus. Plus once you get there you won't have to rush or be scared that you'll miss the bus! Sit with your best friend or someone you get along with very well. You will be sitting with them for quite a while (you could always switch seats with other friends while at a rest stop). Put your backpack or whatever use in the luggage rack above your seat or give it to them to pack in the storage compartment. If you brought a "Bus bag" then put it in the seat with you. Play your DS, iPod, cell phone, or whatever else you brought with you. Or talk to your friends. If the trip leaves in the evening (overnight ride) then you can sleep too. Eat/drink any snacks you brought. Once you get to a rest stop text/call your parents and let them know what's up. Sometimes the bus will even have television so you will spend a lot of time watching it. Play counting games. As you go on the trip, lots of stuff can go past you. You can count red cars, bicycles, hefty lorries, or you can also play an alphabet game where you try to find all the letters of the alphabet on billboards, shop signs, or license plates. Start a rock-paper-scissors contest. Anyone can participate and the winner could get some free snacks. Sing your favorite songs. Even better, sing it with your friend(s)! Even have a singing contest! Talk to your friends if you can't use electronics or eat snacks. If they're asleep or unable to talk to you, a good idea is to look out the window or talk to other friends in front, behind, or across the aisle from you. Text your friends or play games together. You can play hangman, tic tac toe, MASH or any other travel games. Bring compact/travel games such as cards. If you're really lucky your bus will have a TV and a DVD player on it so you can watch a video. Most schools rent buses with luggage racks, very nice spacious seats, and TVs with DVD players. Keep repeating the relevant steps from earlier until you get to the next rest stop. If you ran out of snacks or forgot to pack some, then go into the rest stop and buy some from the vending machines. Use the bathroom when you need it. Remember to take some pictures of your friends and scenery to remember it by! Try to hurry so you don't miss the bus! Try to alternate what you do. If you and your friend both have a DS then ask to borrow a game/trade one for a while. Try to take pictures of your friends or maybe trade iPods with one of your friends for a change in music. Eat some snacks, drink some drinks, and talk to people! Make a new friend! Maybe that shy, but sweet girl, who's a total nerd? Don't judge! You may have a lot in common! If it is an overnight trip but you can't seem to fall asleep then put earphones on and snuggle up in a blanket and fall asleep. Wave at the people in cars passing and see what their reaction is. Sometimes people will wave back at you or maybe they will wave first! | Get all permission slips and money turned in. Make sure that you know what you can and can not take on the trip. Check your school's website for information on the trip or read the permission slip. Pack your bag(s). Fully charge all electronics that are coming with you and pack batteries and headphones. Eat a light meal right before the trip, then use the bathroom and take a shower. Try to get a lot of sleep the night before or take naps before the trip. Arrive at your school (or wherever you're boarding your bus) at least 20 minutes early. Sit with your best friend or someone you get along with very well. Play your DS, iPod, cell phone, or whatever else you brought with you. Play counting games. Start a rock-paper-scissors contest. Sing your favorite songs. Talk to your friends if you can't use electronics or eat snacks. Text your friends or play games together. Keep repeating the relevant steps from earlier until you get to the next rest stop. Try to alternate what you do. Eat some snacks, drink some drinks, and talk to people! Wave at the people in cars passing and see what their reaction is. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Propagate-Baby-Spider-Plants | How to Propagate Baby Spider Plants | To propagate baby spider plants, use gardening shears to clip the baby spider plants off the flower shoots on the mother plant. If any of the baby plants don't have roots, put them in a container with water so the bottoms of the plants are submerged in the water. Wait for roots to form on the plants before you pot them. Once your baby spider plants have roots, pot them in a moisture-retaining soil and water them thoroughly. | Cut the baby spider plants at the stems connecting them to the flower shoot. The flower shoots are the long shoots that all the baby spider plants are growing off. If you're having trouble finding the baby spider plants, look for the miniature versions of a full-grown spider plant that are growing on the mother plant. Each baby spider plant you propagate will grow into a full-size spider plant. Examine the baby spider plants to see if they have roots. If they do, the roots will be located underneath the base of the baby plants. The baby spider plants need to have roots before they can be propagated. Place any baby spider plants without roots in a container with water. You'll need to wait for their roots to grow in before you can propagate them in soil. Fill the container with just enough water to cover the root area of the baby spider plants. You may need to lean the plants against the side of the container so the leaves aren't submerged in water. Leave the plants in the container until their roots appear, which could take a few weeks. Place the container somewhere that gets indirect sunlight. If your baby spider plants already have roots, you can skip this step. Fill a small pot with a moisture-retaining soil for each baby spider plant. Baby spider plants can grow in a wide variety of soil types, but a moisture-retaining soil is the best choice. Look for soils that contain peat, pine bark, vermiculite, or perlite. Use a pot that has drainage holes on the bottom. Plant each baby spider plant in its own pot. Dig a shallow hole in the center of the potting soil in each pot and place the roots of the baby spider plants in the holes. Fill in the holes and gently pack the surrounding soil down so the baby spider plants remain upright. Water the baby spider plants immediately until water drains out of their pots. When you're finished watering them, dump the excess water out of the potting trays. That way the baby spider plants won't be sitting in water, which can cause root rot. Keep the soil moist until you see new growth. Baby spider plants need a lot of moisture until their roots get established. Check their soil daily and water them if the soil is beginning to dry out. Once you notice new growth on your baby spider plants, start letting the soil dry out in between waterings. | Cut the baby spider plants at the stems connecting them to the flower shoot. Examine the baby spider plants to see if they have roots. Place any baby spider plants without roots in a container with water. Fill a small pot with a moisture-retaining soil for each baby spider plant. Plant each baby spider plant in its own pot. Water the baby spider plants immediately until water drains out of their pots. Keep the soil moist until you see new growth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Parasitic-Battery-Drain | How to Find a Parasitic Battery Drain | If you need to find a parasitic battery drain, turn off all of the vehicle's electrical components, engage the emergency brake, and remove the key from the ignition. Next, use a vehicle battery charger to charge the battery to 100%. Then, unbolt the negative cable from the battery terminal with a wrench and attach a digital multimeter to the negative battery cable and terminal. Once the multimeter is hooked up, locate the fuse box under the hood and use a fuse puller to remove the fuses one at a time. After you pull a fuse, check the multimeter to see if the reading changes. If it doesn't change or only drops a few milliamps, replace the fuse and move on to the next one. When pulling a fuse causes the multimeter reading to drop significantly, you've found the electrical circuit that's creating the parasitic draw! | Unplug all devices from your vehicle and make sure no electrical components are on. Turn off the radio, heat or A/C, lights, windshield wipers, etc. and close your glovebox and lighted mirror covers. Engage the emergency brake, turn your vehicle off, and remove the key from the ignition if you haven't already. Then, close all of the doors and the trunk or back hatch so that none of the circuits are activated. Be sure to remove any cables that may be plugged into your vehicle, like a GPS unit or phone charger, as well. Charge your battery fully. In order to accurately detect the parasitic draw, you need to begin with a fully-charged battery. Pop the hood and locate your vehicle's battery. Use a vehicle battery charger to charge the battery to 100%. Many car batteries are 12.6 volts. You can check the power with a multimeter to ensure the battery is fully charged. If your battery is old or damaged or isn't reading 12.6 volts when fully charged, you may want to replace it before moving on. Remove the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal. Find the negative cable, which will be marked with a minus sign (-) and may have a black cover over it. Remove the cover, if applicable, and use a wrench to unbolt the negative cable from the terminal. Be sure to use the negative, not the positive, cable to test for the draw to prevent electrical shorts! Generally, a 10-mm open-ended wrench is the tool you'll need to remove the cable. Set up a digital multimeter. The multimeter has both a black wire and a red wire attached to it as well as several different input slots. Connect the black wire to the "com" (common ground) input and plug the red wire into the highest amp input (usually 20A). Set the dial on the multimeter to measure amps. Choose a digital meter than can read up to 20 amps and down to 200 milliamps. Attach the multimeter to the negative battery cable and terminal. Place the red lead through the metal circle at the end of the negative battery cable. Touch the black lead to the negative battery terminal. You can use plastic clamps to secure the leads in place so your hands are free and the meter continues to operate. Note that you have a parasitic draw if the reading is more than 50 milliamps. There are a few things that constantly draw power in a vehicle, such as the clock on the radio, so it's normal to have a reading between 20 and 50 milliamps. If your reading is higher than that, it means there's a draw and something is using too much power. Pull out the fuses one at a time while watching the multimeter reading. Locate the fuse box under the hood. Use a fuse puller to remove the fuses, starting with the ones with the smallest amp ratings and working toward the ones with the highest amp ratings. After you pull a fuse, check the multimeter to see if the reading changes. If it doesn't, replace the fuse and move onto the next one. Once you've worked through all of the fuses in the fuse box under the hood, check the fuses in the fuse box(es) under the dash. It's best if you have a friend help you with this so one person can pull fuses while the other person watches the reading on the multimeter. If you don't have anyone to help, prop the meter against the windshield so you can read it from inside the vehicle. Stop when pulling a fuse makes the reading drop significantly. Removing a fuse may cause the multimeter reading to drop a few milliamps, which is normal. What you're looking for is a significant drop, such as if the reading goes from 3.03 amps to 0.03 amps. When this happens, you've found the electrical circuit that's creating the parasitic draw! Find out what’s running on the affected circuit. Consult the chart on the fuse box and/or the owners' manual to find out what components are powered by the fuse that's causing the drain. You can also check the wiring diagram for the particular circuit to help you narrow down the problem. Usually, you can find digital copies of the manual and wiring diagrams online. Check each device or component on that circuit. Replace the fuse and disconnect each lamp, heater, or electrical device one at a time. Flip all of the switches that correspond to the components as well. Watch for the reading on the multimeter to drop to find out which component is causing the drain. For instance, say the offending fuse controls the power antenna as well as the radio. Unplug the radio and see if the draw goes away. If it doesn't, unplug the antenna and watch for the reading on the multimeter to drop. Repair the component causing the draw, disconnect the multimeter, and reconnect the battery. The repair process will vary widely depending on what the problem is, so if you're not sure how to fix the component, hire a certified mechanic to make the repair or replacement. If you can make the repair yourself, check it by ensuring the reading on the multimeter is less than 50 milliamps. Once you're done, disconnect the multimeter and reconnect the battery cable. You may be able to simply flip a switch into the "off" position to eliminate the draw, or you might be facing a more complex problem, such as an issue with a wiring harness. | Unplug all devices from your vehicle and make sure no electrical components are on. Charge your battery fully. Remove the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal. Set up a digital multimeter. Attach the multimeter to the negative battery cable and terminal. Note that you have a parasitic draw if the reading is more than 50 milliamps. Pull out the fuses one at a time while watching the multimeter reading. Stop when pulling a fuse makes the reading drop significantly. Find out what’s running on the affected circuit. Check each device or component on that circuit. Repair the component causing the draw, disconnect the multimeter, and reconnect the battery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Werewolf-(Party-Game) | How to Play Werewolf (Party Game) | To play the party game Werewolf, you'll need a pack of the game cards and at least seven players. Choose one player to be the moderator for each round. To begin, get the same amount of cards as there are players, and include a Seer, a Doctor, and two Werewolf cards in your selection. Deal the cards out to the players face down so that each player only knows their own role. To start the game, have everyone close their eyes and drum their hands on their knees. The moderator keeps their eyes open and gives directions. The two werewolves then open their eyes while everyone else keep their eyes closed, and silently decide on the villager to kill. The Doctor can then open their eyes and silently pick a person to save, without knowing who the werewolves chose to kill. The Seer is then allowed to open their eyes and silently guess a player that might be a werewolf. The moderator takes note of each guess and then everybody then opens their eyes and votes on who the werewolf was. | Assemble at least 7 players. Werewolf is meant to be played with a large group of people. Gather up a minimum of 7 players and have them sit in a line on the ground or at a table so they can drum during the night phase. An odd number of players is best, but it isn't mandatory for a game. Choose a moderator for each game. The moderator does not play in the round but is responsible for keeping the game flowing smoothly. They will shuffle and deal the cards and will know the role of each player. It's their job to walk the rest of the players through the phases of the game. Take turns being the moderator in several games of Werewolf. If there are a large number of players, the moderator can use a notebook to write down the role of each player and who has been killed to keep track of the game. Select the number of cards that there are players. The cards represent the role that the player will take during each game of Werewolf. Count the number of players and choose enough cards from the Werewolf deck so each player gets 1. Set aside the remaining deck of cards. Include Seer, Doctor, and Werewolf cards in your selection. All of the players have a role in the game, but the Seer, Doctor, and werewolves have special functions and keep the game interesting. It's important that you have a proper cast of characters so the game can proceed smoothly. There must always be 1 Seer, 1 Doctor, and 2 werewolves. The remaining cards should be villagers. Swap 1 villager for an additional werewolf for games of 16 or more players. Add wild cards to make the game more intriguing, if desired. You can choose to include the wild cards that are included with the Werewolf deck to add additional roles to the game. You can also use them to replace a missing card, if necessary. Replace a villager card with a Drunk, Witch, or Alpha Werewolf card to add an extra element to the game. The Drunk behaves like a regular villager throughout the game, but they can only communicate with gestures or noises. If they talk at all, they automatically die. Other characters, like the werewolves, can pretend to be the Drunk as a strategy. The Witch also behaves like a villager throughout the game, except they have the ability to use 1 healing potion and 1 poison at any point during the game. When the Witch is added, the moderator will wake them up separately during the night round and allow them to poison or bring 1 player back to life. The Alpha Werewolf behaves like a normal werewolf, but they must say the word “Werewolf” at least 1 time during the day round. This will become difficult because other players may actively avoid saying the word in order to identify the Alpha Werewolf. If they don't say the word during the day round, they automatically die. Shuffle the cards and deal them out face down. After you've pulled the appropriate number of cards and characters from the deck, shuffle them up well. Then deal them out so that each player gets 1. Each player should look at their card, but they must keep their role a secret from the other players. Tell all of the players to close their eyes. The first phase of a game of Werewolf is the night round. After the cards have been dealt to the players, the moderator announces the beginning of the night phase by saying, “Close your eyes.” If any player opens their eyes or cheats, then they are out of the game. Slap your knees or table to cover up the noise. The game of Werewolf is set up so that the players don't know what role the other players have. To further add to the mystery, have each player drum on their knees or the table to muffle any sounds coming from other players. Try to have the players drum in rhythm together to make the sound louder. Each player should keep their eyes closed when it isn't their turn. Have the werewolves choose who they want to kill. While the players are drumming their hands, the moderator says, “Werewolves, open your eyes.” The werewolves then open their eyes and point to who they want to kill. The 2 werewolves must agree on 1 villager. The werewolves should keep drumming while they decide so the other players don't suspect them. When the werewolves make a decision and agree on a victim, the moderator takes note of who is being killed and says, “Werewolves, close your eyes.” Allow the Doctor to save 1 person. With the other players continuing to drum, the moderator says, “Doctor who would you like to heal?” The person with the Doctor card then opens their eyes and chooses 1 person that will survive if the werewolves decide to kill them. The moderator takes note of who they select and the Doctor closes their eyes again. The Doctor can choose to save themselves if they want. The Doctor should not know who the werewolves chose to kill. If someone was chosen to be killed by the werewolves and the Doctor chose to save them, the moderator will say, “Someone has been saved,” at the beginning of the day round. Let the Seer try to identify a werewolf. After the Doctor has made his choice and the players are drumming with their eyes closed, the moderator says, “Seer, open your eyes. Seer, pick someone to ask about.” The person with the Seer card then opens their eyes and points at 1 player that they think might be a werewolf. The moderator uses a silent gesture to let them know if they have identified a werewolf. The Seer then closes their eyes. The moderator can give a thumbs up or shake their head to let the Seer know if they guessed correctly. In some versions of the game, such as One Night: Ultimate Werewolf, the Seer is allowed to view the card of the player of their choice instead of simply identifying whether a player is a werewolf or not. Make sure you play as silently as possible so the Seer isn't identified to the werewolves. The Seer can only make 1 guess per game. Allow the Witch to poison or heal 1 person if they want. If you're playing a game with the Witch card, the moderator will say, “The Witch comes awake.” The moderator then says, “The Witch brings someone back to life,” then they say, “The Witch poisons someone.” During either statement, the Witch player can point to 1 person to either poison or bring back to life. Even if the Witch is killed, the moderator will make the announcement every round to keep the Witch's identity a secret. The Witch can only use each potion 1 time, but they can use it whenever they want to. End the night round and identify who was killed. Once werewolves, Doctor, and Seer have made their choices, the moderator says, “Everybody open your eyes, it's daytime.” The moderator then tells the person who was killed that they are out of the game. The player returns their card and does not reveal their identity. Have fun role playing the event! The moderator can make up a story about how the player was killed. In addition, the player who was killed can perform dramatic death throes. An alternative rule you can use is to have the person killed reveal their character to the rest of the players. Have each of the players introduce themselves. The day phase begins by having each player take a turn talking about themselves in the character of a villager. The werewolf, Doctor, and Seer players are trying to deceive the others into believing that they are normal villagers. Role playing is a big part of the game, so have fun with it! For example, when it's your turn, you could say something like, “Hi, I'm Chris, the local blacksmith. I've got a bunch of pitchforks sharpened and ready to hunt werewolves!” Take a vote on which player to kill. After each of the players has introduced themselves, they need to discuss who they believe is a werewolf. The players can say whatever they want. They can promise, swear, lie, try to conceal something, or tell wild stories about who they are. The moderator then takes a vote, and the player that the majority of players believe is a werewolf is killed. That player is now out of the game. Though there does not have to be a limit, to keep the game moving, set a 5-minute time limit for the day phase to force the other players to make a decision as to who they want to kill off. If the village runs out of time or they can't reach a majority vote, then the round ends, nobody is killed, and the opportunity to potentially kill a werewolf is missed. Begin the night round again and play until there is a winner. After the players vote on who they want to kill, that person is out of the game and the next cycle begins. The players close their eyes and drum on their knees or table. The werewolves choose who they want to kill, the Doctor picks 1 person to save, and the Seer tries to find out if 1 person is a werewolf. The game continues until there is a clear winner. If both werewolves are killed, then the villagers win the game. The werewolves win the game if they kill enough villagers to make the numbers even. So if there are 2 werewolves, then they win if there are 2 villagers remaining. | Assemble at least 7 players. Choose a moderator for each game. Select the number of cards that there are players. Include Seer, Doctor, and Werewolf cards in your selection. Add wild cards to make the game more intriguing, if desired. Shuffle the cards and deal them out face down. Tell all of the players to close their eyes. Slap your knees or table to cover up the noise. Have the werewolves choose who they want to kill. Allow the Doctor to save 1 person. Let the Seer try to identify a werewolf. Allow the Witch to poison or heal 1 person if they want. End the night round and identify who was killed. Have each of the players introduce themselves. Take a vote on which player to kill. Begin the night round again and play until there is a winner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sanitize-a-Public-Toilet | How to Sanitize a Public Toilet | To sanitize a public toilet, start by looking around for lightweight wax paper toilet seat covers or automatic plastic seat covers, which many public restrooms provide. If you expect to be traveling or using a lot of public restrooms, you may want to consider carrying antibacterial wipes or travel-sized disinfectant spray with you. You can quickly wipe the seat with the wipes, or spray it liberally with disinfectant and wipe the surface before sitting on it. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you leave the bathroom! | Use a toilet seat cover. Public restrooms may have toilet seat covers made of lightweight wax paper that you can place on the seat. Use these covers to create a barrier between your skin and the toilet seat, which may help you from coming in contact with bacteria. These covers are usually on the wall of the restroom or in holders in each bathroom stall. If there is any material on the seat, or it is wet, wipe it off with some toilet paper before you place the cover on the toilet. Place the cover with the center tab hanging down into the water so that it flushes away after use. Consider carrying a personal single-use toilet seat cover for situations when no cover is available. Use automatic plastic seat covers. Some public restrooms now have automatic plastic seat covers that seal the toilet each time it is flushed. These will automatically create a barrier between your skin and the seat and don't require you to touch the toilet in any way. Consider resealing the toilet twice if you notice any material in the toilet. Some studies show that water from the flushing toilet may spray the plastic cover, making it less hygienic. Make a toilet seat cover with toilet paper. Some public restrooms don't offer toilet seat covers. If this is the case, you can easily make one out of toilet paper. This will create a barrier between your skin and the seat and may help protect you from any bacteria lingering on surfaces. Place a single or double layer of toilet paper around the toilet seat. Flush the paper cover so that it isn't on the seat for the next user. Wipe the seat clean with toilet paper. Use some toilet paper to wipe the toilet seat until it is clean and dry. This will create a dry surface for you and may help remove some bacteria and germs on the toilet seat. You can use plain toilet paper, or you could wet the paper with some water and a little soap. If you carry hand sanitizer, you can also use toilet paper to wipe a few squirts of hand sanitizer over the toilet seat before use. Carry disinfecting wipes with you. Use flushable disinfectant wipes wipe surfaces in a public restroom from the seat to the toilet and door handle. These wipes may help prevent you from coming into contact with bacteria and germs. Many companies offer travel size packages of disinfecting wipes that you can easily carry in personal bags. Make sure the disinfecting wipe is safe for contact with skin. Wipe the seat with some toilet paper after disinfecting to dry it. To prevent clogging the toilet, check the label on sanitary wipe packages before flushing. Use more than one wipe if necessary. Carry small alcohol wipes. Carry alcohol wipes, which are effective at killing bacteria and germs, if you like. They are inconspicuous and may be gentler on skin than a disinfecting wipe. Wipe the seat thoroughly and dispose of the alcohol wipe in the trash. Allow the seat to dry before use. You can get alcohol wipes at most drug stores or grocery stores. Carry a travel-sized disinfectant spray bottle. Many cleaning product lines offer disinfectant sprays that can be transferred to a travel-size spray bottle for easy use in public restrooms. These sprays may help prevent you from coming into contact with bacteria and germs. Apply the spray liberally and allow it to sit on the seat for as long as the directions recommend. Wipe the seat with clean toilet paper after spraying sanitizer solution. Squat over the toilet seat. If a public restroom is unsanitary and there are no covers or disinfectants available, you can squat over the toilet. This will keep you from coming into contact with the seat. Make sure to keep your underwear from coming into contact with the seat. Use a stall with covered toilet paper. One way to help ensure you come into less contact with bacteria in a public restroom is to seek out a stall with toilet paper that is either mostly or completely covered in a metal or plastic holder. This may help protect against splattering toilet water and bacteria or germs. If the toilet paper is not covered in any way, use any tissues you might have or paper that is as far off the floor as possible. Flush the toilet with a covered hand or your shoe. The handle is usually the most unsanitary part of a toilet. Many public restrooms now have automatically flushing toilets, but some still require manual flushing. Covering the handle with toilet paper or your shoe may keep you from coming in contact with bacteria and germs when flushing manually. You can use either a new seat cover or some toilet paper to touch the handle when flushing. Sanitize your hands. A recent study showed that contaminated hands and fingers could easily transmit bacteria and germs from restrooms. Washing your hands properly or using hand sanitizer after using the bathroom will help protect you from viruses and bacteria. The proper way to wash your hands is to lather for at least 20 seconds and rinse under warm, running water. Use a hand sanitizer either after washing, or if there isn't any soap available. Dry your hands with paper towels when available. Some studies have shown that air dryers may spread around more bacteria. Don’t touch the door when leaving the restroom. The restroom door can also harbor harmful bacteria and germs, in particular, if people who don't wash their hands touch it. Use a piece of paper or your elbow to touch the door when leaving the restroom. This may help keep you from coming in contact with bacteria and germs. Also avoid touching hand dryer buttons and sink handles as much as possible for this same reason. Ask the facility staff to clean the toilet. Many public toilets are regularly cleaned with strong disinfectants. If the restroom is unsanitary, request that a staff member cleans the toilet and stall before you use it. If you regularly use the public restroom, check the cleaning schedule if you can. Try to time your trips to occur immediately after scheduled cleaning visits. | Use a toilet seat cover. Use automatic plastic seat covers. Make a toilet seat cover with toilet paper. Wipe the seat clean with toilet paper. Carry disinfecting wipes with you. Carry small alcohol wipes. Carry a travel-sized disinfectant spray bottle. Squat over the toilet seat. Use a stall with covered toilet paper. Flush the toilet with a covered hand or your shoe. Sanitize your hands. Don’t touch the door when leaving the restroom. Ask the facility staff to clean the toilet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Sagittarius | How to Date a Sagittarius | Dating a Sagittarius can be a lot of fun if you indulge their adventurous and energetic side. Sagittarius people generally love to explore new places, try new things, and be in nature. Be prepared for lots of trips and new experiences. However, on the flip side, they can get bored and restless if they sit around doing the same thing. Sagittarius partners can also seem emotionless because they don't like expressing their feelings, but try not to take this personally, and be patient with them. You can easily win their affection by spending quality time together and treating them to spontaneous dates, like a home-cooked meal or tickets to their favorite show. | Realize they need to feel free. Sagittarius people are all about exploring, wandering, learning, and seeking adventure. This part of their personality doesn't go away in relationships! If they feel confined in your relationship, they will hightail it outta there faster than you even realize what's going on. This isn't necessarily a bad thing so long as you can comfortably accommodate them! Some people will not be okay with a lover they can't attach themselves at the hip to. If this is you, you'll probably be better off dating a different sign! This is a factor that the quintessential Sagittarius person will not budge on. Know that they can get bored easily. If you have your eye on a Sagittarius person, you've probably noticed that they're not ones much for a monotonous routine. This can be from food to hobbies to people. It doesn't mean they're cheaters, but it does mean they're usually not ones much for serious relationships. They're all about the chase! However, relationships are far from boring -- if your relationship is multidimensional, your Sagittarius will be kept content. Getting a Sagittarius to be fully and openly devoted to you may be difficult. They generally don't wear their hearts on their sleeves. But if you two are very compatible, they'll know it. And you will too -- they'll be sticking around for the long haul. Understand their outspokenness. Some of the more sensitive signs may see the logoff penchant for telling it like it is to be rude and lacking tact. That's not what the Sagittarius is intending to do! They simply don't see the value in not being open and truthful. They're not being malicious. It's simply a symptom of their individualized character that they need to express. So the next time your Sagittarius says your perfume or cologne is too strong, don't take it personally. They're just saying what's on their mind -- once they've said it, they're onto the next. It doesn't phase them, so don't let it phase you. Know they are nature enthusiasts. In general, Sagittarius people love the outdoors. If this is part of your personality, too, great! You can both go exploring the wonderful world together. Get them outside and they'll feel in their element. Deal with their lack of emotions. Sagittarius people are usually viewed as quite stoic and unemotional. It doesn't mean they don't have them, they're just not keen on expressing them. They prefer to stay optimistic and energized about life -- being bogged down by worry or fear isn't how they roll; they don't see the reason to waste their energy. Quite frankly, we could all learn a bit from Sagittarius! This can be very, very intimidating at times, especially when you're falling in love with them. You'll have all these emotions swirling around that you're dying to express and you're getting a blank stare in return. Don't take it too personally. If they didn't care about you, they wouldn't be sticking around. Be a bit elusive and mysterious. Sagittarians are all about the thrill of the chase. If you can keep up the chase even once they've nabbed your heart, they'll be yours forever. Don't be a completely open book. Let them pry a little. They love it. This is not to say to avoid answering their texts and to be purposefully vague -- that stuff is just annoying. But do operate on your own wavelength. Make sure you have a part of your life that is very much so your own. Having your own self is super sexy to the traditional Sagittarius. Take it slow. You risk losing your Sagittarius person when it becomes all hearts, flowers, and candy. There's no more exploration and adventure in the relationship when it hits this stage. So take it slow. Don't jump in with two feet on the third date. Explore every inch of each other in personality and body over time. The flame burns longer the slower the wax melts. The Sagittarius will not be meeting your parents in the first couple of months. They will not be moving in anytime soon. So don't ask. They may run for the hills, thinking you're on a bullet train to Chapel Town. Be flirtatious. When you're talking to your Sagittarius, remember that they love the thrill of the chase. Just because you're already dating doesn't mean that the chase has gone away! Keep on flirting with them so they remember that rush. It'll help you remember it, too! The Sagittarius appreciates openness and honesty. You're obviously digging' on your Sagittarius, so it's appropriate to act how you feel! When you're yourself and you two are communicating, it will go a lot smoother for the both of you, Sagittarius or not! Go out and have fun with your Sagittarius. That's what they're looking for in a relationship after all! Do little things that keep life entertaining. Check out an independent film, go sing a karaoke duet at the top of your lungs, paint pottery, play laser tag, do things that get you together and laughing. The Sagittarius person believes that life should be fun and is optimistic about this pursuit. Hopefully it'll rub off! A stereotypical Sagittarius will not be the type that wants to sit and stare into your eyes, reciting you love poems. They'd much rather hold your hand as you pass through a waterfall. When you first start dating, keep it light and fun. They'll love you all the more for it. Pay attention to your look. Though this won't go for 100% of Sagittarius people, generally they prefer their significant other to be well-groomed, smelling great, and looking like they dressed with the lights on. So when it's date time, nix the yoga pants and ponytail and throw on the boots and perfume/cologne. You don't need to look like you walked off the runway, but do look like you took a minute to think about your wardrobe! Generally speaking once more, most Sagittarius prefer their females feminine and their males masculine. So if you're a girl, don't hesitate to don that dress and heels; men, date night means dress shoes and a blazer (and you'll probably pick up the bill). Plan a trip. Sagittarians love to travel. That's probably pretty clear by this point! After you and your Sag have established a firm connection (and only after), plan a trip. It could just be a day at the beach or it could be a getaway to exotic ville. Whatever it is, your Sagittarius will probably be down. Make sure it matches the level of your relationship. If you've been dating for two weeks, don't book a week-long stay at a bed and breakfast in the countryside of northern France. Small trips -- amusement park? Biking or hiking trip? -- are exciting, too. Be clever. Bimbos and dunces need not apply to date the Sagittarius. You have to be clever in order to keep up with them! Keeping things exciting and coming up with ideas will be the main challenge in dating them, so put on your specs and get to romancing. Sagittarius is a sign that definitely appreciates the mind. Stay up-to-date about current events and pop culture. The Sagittarius loves to laugh and think. Ideally, you'll both be doing that for each other. Don't expect change. Sagittarius is his or her own person. This is a fact that will not go away. If you're dating them and thinking, "They'll be more open and emotional in the future," you're probably wrong. They have no problem with how they are and will be resistant to any molding of them you want to do. If you don't like them as they are now, get out! This is who they are, like it or not. Again, it's important to view these qualities as good. How great to be the person you're comfortable with! So many of us wish we could change -- it takes a great deal of confidence to be so sure of yourself you never want to be any different. Admire this quality in your Sag -- don't resent it. Be your own person. Just like the Sag wants to be his/her own person, they want to date someone that's like that too! If you're following them around wherever they go, taking on their hobbies and interests, your mysteriousness and self go away. They'll get bored. So whatever got you them in the first place, keep it. They're not interested in another version of themselves. It's really easy to lose yourself in another person, especially when you're beyond infatuated. Resist! Don't compromise your values and belief system for them -- they won't do you the favor, so why should you?! Surprise your Sag. They love adventure and trying new things. To avoid their penchant for boredom, keep the little surprises coming. Whether it's a home-cooked meal or two tickets to their favorite show, get thoughtful and clever. They'll be amazed at your ability to keep them happy. Make sure to surprise them in different ways. Sending a bouquet of flowers five days in a row isn't exactly surprising. One day send flowers and take the next day off. There's something to be said for mixing it up, too! Don't cling on too tight. Remember how we talked about Sagittarians needing to be free? Yep. Even when your relationship is solidified it's important not to be too clingy. So the next time you're at a party, wander to the other side of the room. This isn't a display of your relationship hitting the skids -- it's a sign that your relationship is strong enough to be apart for an hour! Your Sag won't be clinging onto you too tightly, either. Again, this is fine. This is to be expected. It's not a lack of a display of affection -- it's just a display of their personality. Rest assured that if your Sag is thinking something (positive or negative), they'll let you know! Seek adventure. This is important in your relationship and just for you. The Sagittarius loves dating someone who's just as open to exploring as they are. So take a wine tasting class, a DJing course -- even if it's by yourself! Adding facets to your personality (even if they're facets you don't share) will make you more interesting. There is no limit to adventure here. S/He is just as likely to try a new coffee flavor as they are to book an impromptu trip to the Siberian Desert. Seek it with them and you'll be a match made in heaven. Deepen your relationship. The fact that Sagittarians are adventure-seekers who seem to thwart emotion may make you throw up your hands in the air like you wish you didn't care. Obviously they can and have been pinned down thousands of times over, so there's no need to worry! Connections can't be ignored -- if you and your Sag feel that spark, your Sag won't be denying it, commitment issues or not! Look for hints that your Sag is ready to commit. Are they depending on you more than anyone else? Do they go out of their way to make sure you're happy? Do the surprises and adventure just keep on coming? If so, then you might be ready to take it to the next level. Who's the archer now? | Realize they need to feel free. Know that they can get bored easily. Understand their outspokenness. Know they are nature enthusiasts. Deal with their lack of emotions. Be a bit elusive and mysterious. Take it slow. Be flirtatious. Go out and have fun with your Sagittarius. Pay attention to your look. Plan a trip. Be clever. Don't expect change. Be your own person. Don't cling on too tight. Seek adventure. Deepen your relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Rabbit%27s-Fur-Clean-and-Untangled | How to Keep Your Rabbit's Fur Clean and Untangled | To keep your rabbit's fur clean and untangled, regularly spot-clean it by keeping an eye on problem areas like its backside, tail, feet, and belly. Since you should never fully bathe your rabbit in water, opt instead to clean any dirty spots you find with alcohol-free, hypoallergenic baby wipes. For a deeper clean, find a baby cornstarch powder that doesn't contain talc or talcum powder, which can harm rabbits, and work a little bit of it into your rabbit's dirty fur with your hands until you can brush the debris away. If you notice your rabbit's fur has matted at all, you can break the mat apart by combing it out in tiny sections with a mat splitter or by hiring a groomer to shave it off. | Identify any soiled areas. Spot-cleaning your rabbit is the recommended method for keeping its coat clean. The first thing you'll need to do is identify any areas of its coat that are dirty. In general, a rabbit's problem areas are their backside, tail, feet, and belly because these are all places they may be unable to reach easily on their own. Look for dirt, food, and feces stains, as well as wet spots, which are often urine. Hold your rabbit so its problem areas are easily reached. Once you have identified any soiled spots on your rabbit's coat, place your rabbit in a position that is both comfortable for them and that makes it easy for you to reach the soiled areas. Most of the time, you will need to position your rabbit on its back. To do so, either hold your rabbit belly-up in one arm or sit on the floor with your legs outstretched and lay your bunny belly-up on top of your legs. Make sure you are able to hold your rabbit securely in whichever position you choose. If the soiled area is on your bunny's back or sides, you can simply lay a towel out on the floor or a large table and sit your rabbit on its feet to clean its fur. Ensure your rabbit's back is cushioned and its neck and back are supported in whichever position you put it. This will help prevent any injuries. Remove stains with a baby wipe. Now that you have your rabbit in a position that lets you easily access the stains on its fur, gently rub the fur and skin with a baby wipe to remove any dirt, food, feces, or urine. After you have targeted all the soiled areas, give your rabbit an all-over wipe-down with a clean wipe. Look for baby wipes that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypo-allergenic. In addition, choose one that contains aloe and Vitamin E. These will be gentle on your rabbit's sensitive skin. Apply baby cornstarch powder. You may not be able to remove dried-on messes, like mud or your rabbit's droppings, by spot-cleaning with a baby wipe. Giving your rabbit a dry bath can help take care of these stubborn, dried-on messes. The first step in giving your rabbit a dry bath is to sprinkle baby cornstarch powder liberally over these areas. Do not use a baby powder that contains talc, or talcum powder. This can be harmful to rabbits. Work the powder around the soiled area. Use your fingers to work the powder around the soiled area, into the fur and down to the skin. Coating these messes with powder should allow them to break free from the fur and slide off. Slide the debris out of the fur. Use your fingers to gently pull down on the dried debris, removing it from your rabbit's coat. Rabbit skin is surprisingly delicate, so keep your hand pressed against your rabbit's skin at the top of the soiled area to keep from tearing it. For especially stubborn messes, use a fine-toothed comb to gently work the debris out of the fur after you've applied the cornstarch powder. To do so, start at the top of the stain (closest to the skin) and lightly tease the dirt away from the skin. Place your hand on your rabbit's skin to keep from pulling too hard. Pat the powdered areas. Use your hand to pat down the powdered areas to remove any remaining cornstarch. In addition, use a hand-held vacuum to vacuum the air around your bunny to remove any powder from the air and keep your bunny from ingesting it. You can also use a soft wash cloth or microfiber cloth to clean any remaining powder from your rabbit. Fill the sink. If your bunny is particularly soiled, you can give it a “butt bath.” This is a wet bath that focuses mostly on their backside and belly (if needed). Wet baths can be very stressful for rabbits, however, so do this only in situations where spot-cleaning and a dry bath didn't work. First, fill a clean bathroom or kitchen sink with approximately 2 ½ inches of warm water. It may be helpful to use a sink that has a hose attachment for rinsing. You can also use a small kitty litter tub, a baby bath, or even a slanted paint pan. Use whichever works best for you and your rabbit. Place a non-slip mat on the bottom of your sink, tub, or pan. This will help keep your rabbit from slipping on the smooth, wet surface. Mix shampoo into the water. Next, add a tablespoon of rabbit-safe shampoo to your water and mix it well. Rabbits have extremely sensitive skin so using a shampoo made specifically for bunnies is important. Hold your rabbit. Wrap one arm around your bunny, underneath its elbows, and hold it firmly so that its head and shoulders are pressed against your chest. Use your other hand to hold underneath your rabbit's back legs. It is important that you are gentle, but firm when holding your bunny. You need to make sure it isn't able to twist or wiggle too much. Pay attention to its actions to make sure you're not hurting it. Place your rabbit’s hind legs in the bath. Lower your bunny's hind end into the sink until its back feet touch the bottom. At this point you can remove your hand from underneath its back legs. Work shampoo through your rabbit’s fur. Use one hand to gently rub your bunny's hind end and belly with the soapy water. Work the shampoo through its fur and down to the skin. Do not wet above your rabbits belly unless absolutely necessary, as this will be extra stressful for it. If your bunny is especially dirty, you may have to drain and refill your sink with fresh soapy water a few times to get them completely clean. Drain your sink. Once the soiled areas of your rabbit are clean, drain the soapy water from your sink and rinse any residual shampoo from it. Fill your sink with clean water. Next, fill your sink with clean, warm water to rinse the shampoo from your rabbit's fur. Lower your bunny into the clean water. At this point, lower your rabbit's back end into the clean water. Use your hand to gently rub its fur in order to remove the shampoo from it. You may have to empty and refill your sink multiple times to get all of the shampoo residue out of your pet's fur. Do this until the water remains clean and shampoo-free. You can also use a small hose to rinse the shampoo from your rabbit's fur. Dry your rabbit. Lift your rabbit out of the bath and place them on a towel or other soft surface where it will have some traction. Using your hands, gently wring the water out of your rabbit's fur as best you can. Gently pat or rub your rabbit with a towel to get additional water out of its coat. Be very gentle when wringing the water from your rabbit's fur and when using a towel to dry it. Pulling or rubbing too hard can damage your rabbit's skin. Microfiber towels are a good choice for drying your rabbit. They are softer and more absorbent than most other towels. Use a hairdryer to finish drying. Finish drying your rabbit's fur with a hairdryer. Use the dryer on a medium-warm setting, never hot. Hold the blow dryer at least six inches away from your rabbit at all times and try to keep your hand near where you are blowing the heat to further monitor the temperature. You can use a fine-toothed comb to separate the fur while you're drying it to speed up the drying process. Brush your rabbit every two to three days. Like cats, rabbits lick themselves to self-clean. However, unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit so any hairballs your rabbit ingests will stay in its stomach, blocking the stomach exit and causing serious health issues. Brushing your rabbit regularly can help cut down on the amount of loose fur it ingests, in addition to keeping its fur mat-free. Short-haired rabbits need to be brushed every three days to prevent hairballs and tangles in their fur. Long-haired rabbits should be brushed every day. Use a bristle-brush instead of a metal-toothed brush, as this will be gentler on your rabbit's skin. Look for a brush made specifically for rabbits. You can follow up brushing with a rubber grooming tool or another hand-held finishing tool to help get any additional loose hairs. A damp washcloth will also work to remove loose hairs. How much your rabbit needs brushed depends on their breed. As a general rule, the longer the hair, the more often you need to brush. Brush your rabbit daily when it is shedding. Rabbits shed approximately every three months. During this time, you'll generally need to brush your short-haired rabbit once a day and your long-haired rabbit multiple times a day. The rate at which rabbits shed varies. Some rabbits will shed their coats over several weeks, while others shed it all within a few days. Pay attention to the shedding patterns of your rabbit and adjust how often you brush them accordingly. For example, rabbits that shed over the course of several weeks may need brushed only once a day, but rabbits that shed over a few days need to be brushed multiple times per day. Trim your rabbit’s fur as needed. Short-haired rabbits don't usually need their fur trimmed, but long-haired rabbits often do. If you have a long-haired rabbit, it is a good idea to keep its hair trimmed to one inch in length. This will help prevent mats and cut down on shedding. Don't trim the hair around your rabbit's feet. Doing so can cause your rabbit to get sores from a lack of padding. It is suggested that you keep the fur on your long-haired rabbit's belly and between its legs trimmed short or even shaved. This hair is especially vulnerable to mats and tangles. You can use either scissors or electric small animal clippers to trim your rabbit's hair. Be very careful, however, because rabbits' skin is very delicate and you can easily cause a serious injury if you cut them with the scissors or clippers. It is best to have someone help you hold your rabbit still if you choose to trim its fur. If you are trimming its belly, between its legs, or its backside, have one person hold the rabbit straight up and down with its back pressed against the person's chest. They should have one hand placed under the front legs and the other holding the back legs to prevent the rabbit from kicking and hurting itself. Break the mat apart. If your rabbit has a mat in its fur, you'll first want to try and work the mat out using a mat splitter or mat rake. Use these tools to carefully separate the mat, combing it out a tiny section at a time. Press your hand on top of the skin at the top of the mat to keep from tearing your rabbit's skin. It may take you several sessions to get the mat out. Be patient and gentle to keep from hurting your bunny. Shave off difficult mats. If you're dealing with an especially difficult mat, you may have to shave your rabbit in order to remove it. The most difficult mats to remove are sheet mats, or those that form a solid block in your rabbit's coat. If you encounter a mat like this, shaving may be your only option. To shave your rabbit, purchase a good pair of clippers that will allow you to have enough control to get into tight spaces. Ask your veterinarian or groomer for recommendations on a good pair of clippers. Go to a professional groomer. Because of the delicate nature of your rabbit's skin, it might be a good idea to take your bunny to a professional groomer in order to remove any stubborn mats. They will have the right tools and knowledge to get the mats out without cutting or irritating your rabbit's skin. | Identify any soiled areas. Hold your rabbit so its problem areas are easily reached. Remove stains with a baby wipe. Apply baby cornstarch powder. Work the powder around the soiled area. Slide the debris out of the fur. Pat the powdered areas. Fill the sink. Mix shampoo into the water. Hold your rabbit. Place your rabbit’s hind legs in the bath. Work shampoo through your rabbit’s fur. Drain your sink. Fill your sink with clean water. Lower your bunny into the clean water. Dry your rabbit. Use a hairdryer to finish drying. Brush your rabbit every two to three days. Brush your rabbit daily when it is shedding. Trim your rabbit’s fur as needed. Break the mat apart. Shave off difficult mats. Go to a professional groomer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-a-Butterfly-Bush | How to Prune a Butterfly Bush | To prune a butterfly bush, start by identifying what kind of butterfly bush you have. If you have a buddleia davidii, which has dark purple flowers, prune it back 6 to 12 inches in early spring or late fall. Alternatively, if you have a buddleia alternifolia, which has light purple flowers, prune it in mid to late summer to about ⅓ its size. You should also pick or cut the flowers that have died while the plant is still flowering, and remove spent blooms at the end of the season. | Wait for the right time of year to prune. There are two types of butterfly bushes: Buddleia davidii and Buddleia alternifolia. Buddleia davidii is a deciduous shrub with dark purple flowers that blooms June through September. This butterfly bush is classified as an invasive plant is some parts of the United States. You can check if it's an invasive species in your state by visiting https://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious. Prune your Buddleia davidii in early spring or late winter. Pruning is best done before new growth starts in the spring. In climates with cold winters, the plant will most likely die back completely. Buddleia alternifolia (Alternate leaf butterfly bush) is a deciduous shrub with light purple flowers in the spring. Buddleia alternifolia should be pruned in mid to late summer, right after it has bloomed. This kind of butterfly bush blooms on stems from the previous year, so cutting it to the ground each year is not an option. Look for any dieback. Dieback is caused by harsh winters or disease. In this case, a particularly cold winter could cause dieback in your butterfly bush. When a plant dies back, the tips of the leaves or roots begin to die, slowly leading to a reverse death that ends in the death of the whole plant. Dieback is common in butterfly bushes in colder climates--butterfly bushes often dieback all the way to their roots in very cold winters. However, this does not mean that they cannot be saved--that's what pruning is for. Butterfly bushes are late to break dormancy, meaning that you don't need to check for any winter damage as the plant may still just be dormant. Prune your butterfly bush. How you prune your butterfly bush will depend on which type of bush you're growing. If you have a Buddleia davidii, prune it with a hard cut. Because they do often dieback in the winter, this type of butterfly bush can handle intense pruning--and often requires it. Even if your butterfly bush doesn't dieback during winter, prune 6”-12” above the ground in late winter to ensure proper growth the following spring. If you have a Buddleia alternifolia, prune your bush back hard to about ⅓ of its size immediately after it flowers in the early summer. Follow the shape of the shrub when pruning. If your butterfly bush is in the back of a garden up against a fence and you want it to grow tall, cut it back to about two feet so that the plant will produce higher growing (and thus flowering) stems. You will then be able to plant lower growing plants near the butterfly bush while still being able to see the flowers of the butterfly bush. Dead-head the spent blooms while the plant is flowering. This means that you should pick or cut the flowers that have died while the bush continues to bloom. Spent blooms will start to turn brown and will look very wilted. Cut the dead blooms back to where they attach to the stem. Doing this will ensure that your bush produce new flower buds longer into the blooming season than they would if the bush was left unattended. Remove spent blooms at the end of the season. At the end of the season, you should dead-head all of the now finished blooms. This will help the plant along when creating buds for the next year. It will also limit the butterfly bush's chances of self-seeding and thus taking over your entire garden. | Wait for the right time of year to prune. Look for any dieback. Prune your butterfly bush. Dead-head the spent blooms while the plant is flowering. Remove spent blooms at the end of the season. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Lubricate-a-Sliding-Glass-Door | How to Clean and Lubricate a Sliding Glass Door | To quickly clean and lubricate a sliding glass door, start by vacuuming 1 side of track while the door is still closed. Then, slide the door all the way open, vacuum the other side, and scrape out the dirt and debris inside the track using a flat blade screwdriver. Afterwards, vacuum the loosened dirt, and use an old rag to apply non-stick lubricant to both sides of the track. Finally, slide the door open and shut several times to spread the lubricant over the entire track. | Remove drapes, blinds or any other window furnishings from your door. Grasp each end of the door. Push the door up so that the wheels on the bottom of the door clear the track. You may have to use a screwdriver to loosen the level screws for the bottom wheels in order to get them to clear the bottom threshold. Keep pushing the door upward. Pull it towards you at the same time until it clears the door opening. Place the door on two sawhorses so that you can clean the track wheels. Use a wire brush to loosen the hair and dirt from the wheels. Vacuum the debris from the wheels and the entire bottom and top of the door. Apply a non-stick silicone lubricant to the wheels. Test the rollers to be sure that they are clear of all debris and are moving freely. Vacuum the door track. Wipe out the door track with a wet rag. Apply some of the lubricant to the tracks in the door opening before you replace the door. Lift the door from the sawhorses. Position the top of the door inside the top track of the door opening. Push the door up so that the bottom rollers clear the bottom threshold. Let the rollers drop into the bottom track. If you have loosened any screws, retighten them once the door is completely back in its track to make sure the door is plumb. Slide the door back and forth until it is sliding smoothly. Thoroughly vacuum the track to your door while it is still closed. Slide the door all the way open so that you can access the other side of the track. Scrape out the dirt and debris from the track using a flat blade screwdriver. Vacuum the loosened dirt using an attachment with a narrow tip. Use an old rag to apply generous amounts of a non-stick lubricant to both tracks of the sliding door. Slide the door open and shut several times so that the entire track gets lubricated. You may have to open and shut the door for several minutes before it slides smoothly. | Remove drapes, blinds or any other window furnishings from your door. Grasp each end of the door. Keep pushing the door upward. Place the door on two sawhorses so that you can clean the track wheels. Use a wire brush to loosen the hair and dirt from the wheels. Vacuum the debris from the wheels and the entire bottom and top of the door. Apply a non-stick silicone lubricant to the wheels. Test the rollers to be sure that they are clear of all debris and are moving freely. Vacuum the door track. Wipe out the door track with a wet rag. Apply some of the lubricant to the tracks in the door opening before you replace the door. Lift the door from the sawhorses. Push the door up so that the bottom rollers clear the bottom threshold. Let the rollers drop into the bottom track. Slide the door back and forth until it is sliding smoothly. Thoroughly vacuum the track to your door while it is still closed. Slide the door all the way open so that you can access the other side of the track. Scrape out the dirt and debris from the track using a flat blade screwdriver. Vacuum the loosened dirt using an attachment with a narrow tip. Use an old rag to apply generous amounts of a non-stick lubricant to both tracks of the sliding door. Slide the door open and shut several times so that the entire track gets lubricated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breathe-Deeply | How to Breathe Deeply | To breathe deeply, start by slowly inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds. After you've inhaled, hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then, exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat these steps 4 times, or until you feel calmer. | Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Let the air completely fill your lungs. Resist the urge to exhale quickly before you've fully inhaled. It definitely takes some practice, since most of us are in the habit of taking quick, shallow breaths instead of long, deep ones. Focus on breathing in as much as you can through your nose, which has tiny hairs that filter out dust and toxins so they can't reach your lungs. As we go about our days, we often breathe in a quick, shallow way without being conscious we are doing so. Daily stresses distract us from being aware or mindful of the way we are breathing. Deep breathing will help you be more mindful of your body. Feel the air enter your lungs and fill them up. When you're concentrating on taking a deep breath, your worries are pushed aside for the time being. Let your stomach expand. As you draw in a deep breath, let your stomach expand by an inch or two. The air should travel all the way to your diaphragm, causing your belly to round out as it fills. If you watch a baby sleep, you see that babies belly-breathe naturally. Their stomachs, not their chests, rise and fall with each breath. As adults, we get conditioned to take shallow breaths instead of belly breaths. When we hold in our emotions, we tend to suck in our stomachs, tensing up rather than relaxing when we breathe. When you learn how to breathe properly, this tension goes away. Lay down, stand, or sit upright as you breathe. It's more difficult to draw in a full breath if you're in a slouched position. Place one hand on your belly, and the other on your chest, as you inhale. You can tell you're breathing deeply and properly if the hand on your belly rises out further than the one on your chest as you inhale. Exhale fully. Let out your breath slowly through your nose. As you breath out, pull in your belly toward your spine. Exhale all of the breath in your lungs. After you exhale, take in another deep breath through your nose and continue breathing deeply. Try to exhale for twice as long as you inhale, and fully expel the air. Try breathing deeply five times in a row. Inhaling and exhaling counts as 1 time. This immediately calms you down by slowing your heart rate and blood pressure, as well as distracting your mind from stressful thoughts. Get in a comfortable position and practice deep breathing correctly 5 times in a row. Remember that your stomach should expand an inch or so from your body, further than your chest expands. Once you get the hang of deep breathing, try doing it 10 or 20 times in a row. Notice how your body begins to feel as you flood it with oxygen. Perform this technique anytime, anywhere. Now that you know how to breathe deeply, use the technique as an immediate stress reducer when feeling uptight or worried. You can perform this deep breathing privately in quiet place. You can just as easily take five deep breaths while sitting at your desk, riding the subway or even talking on the phone. Use this tool to calm yourself down when and where you need to. Each time you notice yourself taking short, shallow breaths, switch to deep ones. You'll immediately start feeling less frenzied and more in control. The more you practice deep breathing, the more natural it will feel. After all, as a baby you breathed deeply with each breath you took. Count to four as you inhale slowly. As you take in air through your nose, count from one to four, making sure not to rush. This counting exercise will help you regulate your breaths and concentrate on breathing deeply. Remember to let your belly move outward and breathe from your diaphragm. This breathing exercise acts as a kind of sedative. Whenever you're feeling particularly stressed out or in need a quick way to calm down, find a quiet place to practice 4-7-8 breathing. You can also use this breathing exercise to help you fall asleep. Hold your breath for seven seconds. Relax and hold it, not breathing in or out, as you wait for seven seconds. You can count in your head or use a watch. Exhale for eight seconds. Slowly let the air out through your mouth as you count to eight. Timing your exhale will help you make sure that it's about twice as long as your inhale, which is optimal for deep breathing. As you exhale, pull your stomach in to help expel as much air as you can. Repeat for a total of four breaths. Breathe in again, hold it, and exhale completely. Remember to count every time so that the 4-7-8 ratio always stays the same. After four breaths, you should feel a sense of calm. Repeat the exercise for several more breaths if needed. Sit in an upright position. Sit in a straight-backed chair, and hold your spine erect. This is the correct starting position for a breathing exercise called the Bellows technique, a combination of deep breathing and rapid breathing. Since it is meant to help you get energized, so it's better to do it sitting than lying down. Start by taking several deep, full breaths. Inhale slowly and fully, then exhale slowly and fully. Repeat at least four times, so that you're completely relaxed. Breath in and out of your nose quickly for 15 seconds. Keep your mouth closed and breath in and out of your nose as fast as you can, taking quick but deep breaths. The breaths should still be diaphragm breaths, but you want to breathe in and out as fast as you can. It might help to put your hand on your stomach to make sure it's rising and falling as you breathe. It can be easy to do the bellows exercise without engaging your diaphragm as much as you should. Keep your head, neck, and shoulders still as your belly moves in and out. Do another round of 20 breaths. After a short break, use the exact same technique to take 20 breaths. Breathe in and out through your nose, making sure you're taking breaths from your diaphragm. Do a third round of 30 breaths. This is the last set of breaths. Breathe in and out through your nose, making sure you're taking breaths from your diaphragm. Rest for a moment and move on with your day. You should feel fully energized and ready to perform at a high level for the rest of the day. Since the bellows technique is so energizing, it's best not to do it before going to bed at night. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy during the process of trying this technique, stop immediately. If you want to try again later, do fewer breaths and work your way up to a complete round of bellows. Pregnant women, people with panic disorder, and people who experience seizures should not perform this exercise. | Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Let your stomach expand. Exhale fully. Try breathing deeply five times in a row. Perform this technique anytime, anywhere. Count to four as you inhale slowly. Hold your breath for seven seconds. Exhale for eight seconds. Repeat for a total of four breaths. Sit in an upright position. Start by taking several deep, full breaths. Breath in and out of your nose quickly for 15 seconds. Do another round of 20 breaths. Do a third round of 30 breaths. Rest for a moment and move on with your day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Crab | How to Catch a Crab | To catch a crab, gather equipment, such as a crab pot, dip net, crabbing gloves, a culling stick, and a container to store the crabs in. Use bait such as chicken necks or frozen fish in the pot to attract the crabs, and choose a tidal salt-water area to place your pot. Wait for low tide, and place the pot at least 20 feet into the water, leaving it overnight. To ensure that the pot doesn't move, anchor it in place and tie a buoy to the top with your name and phone number on it. Remove the crabs from the pot the next day and place them on ice to enjoy! | Collect the appropriate crabbing equipment. Crabbers who use a crab pot tend to have a dip net (or scrap net) for scooping errant crabs, thick crabbing gloves, a crab pot, a culling stick (to help remove the crabs from the net), and a container for storing the caught crabs. The crab pot is a large square trap that is made out of wire (typically some sort of chicken wire). There are entrances (called "throats") where the crabs enter the trap to get the bait, which is constructed so they can't access it. The crabs then get trapped in the pot and you draw the pot back up to the surface with your new bounty. Depending on the area you're in you 'll have to figure whether you need a lightweight pot or a heavier one. For example: in the Puget Sound area, most areas support lightweight crab pots just fine, but a few areas, because of tidal currents and strong wave action, require heavier pots. If you're sport fishing, you typically don't want to use the commercial crab pots which are typically 75-150 lbs. (the pots sportsmen use tend to be 10 to 20 lbs. The culling stick helps to remove the crabs from the net or pot. You can make one yourself by cutting a 5 inch (12.7 cm) notch in a piece of wood. For the storage container, it is good to use a wooden bushel basket, but you can also use a cooler to store them. Mostly you just want to make sure that you keep the crabs alive until it is time to eat them and storing them in the appropriate container with ice. Leave the ice in the bag in the container and put the crabs on top of it. This will make them easier to handle when the time comes to cook them. Get the right bait. There are tons of different kinds of bait that professional and sport crabbers use. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for you, but chicken necks are a popular one, because they are scrap meat and crabs do seem to love them. You can use frozen fish, because it typically decomposes faster than fresh fish, which better attracts crabs. While crabs will eat basically any uncooked meat, you could also try some of the types commercial crabbers swear by: eel (this is one of the best ones according to commercial crabbers, but the price as risen because it is a delicacy in Europe and Asia); bull lip (durable, inexpensive, and crabs seem to love it); Menhaden, a type of forage fish, is great frozen, but decomposes very quickly, so if you're leaving the pots out for a while, you would want to use fresh Menhaden. Be aware of restrictions in your area. Every area has different restrictions for how many crabs you can have, what kind of a license you need, the size limit for crabs, where you can crab and when you can crab. Go to your local marina and talk to the harbormaster, or your local department for Fish and Game. There are certain types of crabs that you'll be looking to catch and certain ones you'll need to throw back if you get them in your crab pot. Again, this will be entirely dependent on your area. For example: if you're crabbing on the East coast of the United States, you'll probably be crabbing for Blue Claw Crabs. If you catch a green crab or a spider crab, you'll need to release it, as those types of crabs aren't edible. There also tend to be laws in place protecting crabs with egg sacs, since these need to keep repopulating the crab population. If you catch a crab with an egg sac, make sure you release it. Get rid of any dead crabs that you catch. You don't know how long they've been dead, so you don't want to eat them. Stick to keeping your crabs alive until it's time to put them in the pot. Pick the right place. You aren't going to want to head out to any old body of water and dump and crab pot in there. There are specific places where crabs are more plentiful. Crabs are found in salt water, not fresh water, especially in tidal water. This type of water can include bays, inlets, the ocean, and saltwater marshes. Again, the problem comes in with different crabbing areas and different kinds of crabs. Depending on what you're trying to catch, you'll put your pot at a different place or depth. For example: a lot of people crab off piers, because crabs often pop up around underwater structures. A good rule of thumb to remember is that crab pots generally need to be set between 20 to 150 feet (6.1 to 45.7 m) in the water, below the lowest tide line (this way the pot doesn't come out of the water when the tide goes out). Leave the pot out overnight. The reason most pots are left overnight is that crabs are nocturnal and that's the time when they're wandering around and looking for food. You have to make sure that you've properly marked your pot so that you can find it again and so that no boats run into the line. You will probably want to anchor your buoy somehow, so that it stays more or less in the same place. Attach the anchor about 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) beneath the buoy, which keeps the line submerged, making it less likely that it will be cut off by a boat propeller. People usually use a brick or a metal bar as an anchor. Many of the rules dictate that the marker buoy has to be red and white in color and have your name and address and a telephone number. Only one person's name should appear on the buoy. Remove the crabs from the pot. Once you've left the trap out overnight, it's time to check the pot for crabs. Usually you want to pull up a trap evenly, but that is more important with crab rings, so that the crabs don't slide out. Remove the crab from the trap. Hold the crab properly once you've gotten the trap to the water's surface. Grab the crab by the back legs so that it won't pinch you. Place the live crabs in the container on the ice. They'll keep until you make it back to shore. It's best to eat the crabs within 24 hours. Know when and where to use the trotline. Using a trotline can take some effort and time, but it can yield a good bounty of crabs. A trotline is basically just a line that is anchored between two buoys and set with bait. The crabs get a hold of the bait and then you draw up the line. A good time to set a trotline is a still morning after a hot, muggy night, because the crabs tend to be running. Mornings are good to remove the trotline, because the crabs are more sluggish and less likely to release the line when you draw it up. The best places to set a trotline is parallel to the shore, where the bottom drops away. Typically this happens between 5 and 12 feet deep. Some people maintain that you should run your trotline over a shell bottom. Collect your equipment. Trotlining, which can yield a lot of crabs if done correctly, does require a boat. You can't set a trotline off a dock, for instance. So before you collect the rest of the equipment make sure that you have access to boat, first. You can get the different equipment online or at the marina where you'll be crabbing. You'll need to get at two buoys and 5 lines (between 20 and 100 feet): a main line, 2 lines to attach to the buoys and 2 to attach to the anchors. For the line, there are different kinds. Decide between a yellow ¼ inch poly line or a leaded line, although some people consider the ⁄ 32 inch (0.4 cm) nylon to be the best material for the main line. The poly line is less expensive, thinner, and it floats. However, it can be uncomfortable to pull up and has to be weighted so that it rests beneath the surface and doesn't get tangled up with your line. The leaded line is more expensive, but are easy to pull, coil easily, and sink on their own. Make sure that the buoys are marked with your name and address. The buoys make it so that boats are less likely to cut through your line. You'll want a main anchor (about 15 lbs) and an anchor for the down current end (about 5 lbs). This will keep the line from moving out of position and will allow you to find your line again. You'll also need 2 lengths of chain to weight down your line, unless you're using a leaded line. The dip net helps you to collect the crabs as you draw the line out of the water. It can take a bit of practice to scoop them up and deposit them in the cooler, but the more you do it the easier it will become. The prop stick is attached to your boat. You attach the line to the prop stick when you're running the line (pulling it out of the water). This will make the line come up more smoothly and not knock off the crabs. Along with this you'll need a gaff or hook to pull up the line from the bottom. You'll also need snoods and clips for hooking the bait to the main line. Snoods (also called trots) are 6 inch (15.2 cm) dropper lines with attached bait that you attach to the main line with the 3 inch (7.6 cm) stainless steel mini-clips. Prepare the line. Tie the bait onto the line using the snoods and the mini-clips. You'll do this every 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) on the main line. The line needs to be weighted at the bottom on both ends with chain. You can use 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) of galvanized chain. The weights will be connected to the buoys by a line, so you can draw up the line when it's time to check it. Take the 4 smaller lengths of rope (they should be about 20 feet). Attach 1 of these ropes to an anchor, attach the rope to the buoy. Take the second 20 foot (6.1 m) rope and attach it to the same buoy and attach a length of chain to the other end of it. Attach your main line to the chain. Do the same for the other side. Salted eel is considered to be the best bait. Cut it into 3 inch (7.6 cm) pieces, ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. Chicken necks or bull lips (also cut 1/2 by 3 inches) work pretty well too. Drop the line. This may sound simple, but it's difficult to focus on dropping the line and working the boat. You may need a buddy along with you to help handle the boat. You also want to make sure that you aren't dropping your line around other crabbers dropping their lines, since there is a good chance they'll get tangled up together. Drop the first weight and buoy. As the tide and the wind carry you, unspool the line, adding snoods and bait as you go. When you get to the end of your line, place the second buoy and drop the second anchor. Work your line with the wind and the tide, because it is difficult to run the line even without the boat being pushed all over the place. You'll want to let the boat drift as you're dropping the line, because that way it will follow the currents and you can focus on the line itself. Pull up the line. Once you've finished dropping the line, take your boat back to the start and use your hook to catch and slowly bring the main line to the surface of the water. Slip the line over your roller (that is mounted to the boat). Let line rise from the water at about a 30 to 40 degree angle and keep it taut. You'll net the crabs in the water as they come up to the surface. Be as quick as you can, because crabs tend to release the bait when they break the surface. It's often best to have 2 people, 1 to work the line and the other to net the crabs. Try to avoid casting your shadow onto the line, as that can cause the crabs to spook and drop off the line. Drop the line again and repeat the process. You can repeat this process several times in a morning, if you're quick about it. Once you've done the first go around, drop the line once more and make sure that you've got all the bait that you need on the line. Wait a bit once the line is set and then go through pulling it up again. Store the equipment properly. Once you're finished trolling for crab you want to make sure that you're storing your equipment properly, otherwise you won't get as many uses out of it. Different people swear by different storage methods, including putting the trotline in the freezer, but you should ask the manufacturer of your trotline, how best to store it. One of the main ways to store a trotline and any still-attached bait in a "pickle," a strong brine solution, that will help preserve it. Make this solution with 4 lbs of salt for every 5 gallons (18.9 L). A 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket stores about 750-feet of 5/32-inch trotline. The consistency will be right when a raw potato or egg floats on the surface. Chicken necks need to be stored in a refrigerator (preferably an old one and not the main one). Collect your equipment. Handling for crab is a lot easier than the other methods in this article and there are fewer things you need. Basically, all you need is a dip net, a line or string long enough to reach the bottom of the water, and bait. You can handline from a boat or off a dock, so you'll need to consider that when you get your line. Sometimes you have to weight the end of your line so that it sinks to the bottom. For bait, chicken necks, eel, or fish work well. Just attach a piece to your line before you sink it. Tie the line down. You'll want to tie the line down and wait a bit so that the crabs have a chance to find the bait and get attached. You'll feel when the crab has crabbed onto the bait. Draw the line up slowly. You don't want to spook the crab so that it lets go. The bigger the crab the more likely it will be to spook and drop off, so go carefully. When it gets near the surface, scoop it up in your net. Pay attention to whether there is a current or tide, make sure that you place the net so that if the crab lets go it'll end up in your net and not swept away. Put the crab in a cooler. Make sure that you have ice in there so that the crab gets sluggish and easier to manage. Avoid picking them up with your bare hands. Kitchen tongs or specialized crab tongs work find here. Go to a beach. Most beaches around the world have a type of beach crab that you can find along the shore. They vary in color, from the typically dark green common shore crab in England to the invasive Asian shore crab that has spread from its natural (and non-invasive) habitat in Asia to the east coast of the United States. While you can find these crabs on most beaches, the rockier ones tend to be better for finding them, as the crabs like to hide under the rocks. Make sure you bring along a pail and small trowel or gloves. You don't really want to pick up the crabs with your bare hands, because they can pinch you, even the little crabs. Find a large rock. The really small shore crabs can hide under little rocks, or burrow into the sand, but the best places to find them are under larger rocks. They like to hide under these rocks and when you turn the rock over, they tend to go scurrying into the protection of the sand. For example, the shore crabs of the Pacific Northwest, in the United States, (called Hemigrapsus nudus and H. oregonensis) can be easily found beneath rocks. They range from smaller than a fingertip to the size of a half-dollar. You can also often find Hermit crabs on rocky shorelines. Look in tide pools and beneath rocks. Check out any tide pools. This is where the crabs tend to collect to feed and move around. Tide pools are great places to find all kinds of marine life, including shore crabs. If you find a tide pool and you don't see anything at first, keep watching. There's always something going on a tide pool. Pick up the crab and put it in your bucket. Put a little bit of wet sand in your bucket so that the crab doesn't dry out. You can watch it burrowing around in the sand and scuttling side to side, in the manner that crabs move. This is an especially fun activity to do with children at the beach. Handle the crabs gently, especially the small crabs. They do have hard shells, but they are still delicate to human handling. Put the crab back. Don't take crabs home as pets. Most places have laws and rules against removing the wildlife, which are so important to maintaining a thriving ecosystem. The little crabs that you find on the shoreline aren't worth eating. You should especially leave a crab alone if you see that it has eggs attached. These are the females who are waiting for their eggs to hatch and shouldn't be disturbed. | Collect the appropriate crabbing equipment. Get the right bait. Be aware of restrictions in your area. Pick the right place. Leave the pot out overnight. Remove the crabs from the pot. Know when and where to use the trotline. Collect your equipment. Prepare the line. Drop the line. Pull up the line. Drop the line again and repeat the process. Store the equipment properly. Collect your equipment. Tie the line down. Draw the line up slowly. Put the crab in a cooler. Go to a beach. Find a large rock. Check out any tide pools. Pick up the crab and put it in your bucket. Put the crab back. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Leyland-Cypress | How to Plant Leyland Cypress | To plant Leyland cypress, wait until about 6 weeks before the first frost of the season and then choose an outdoor area with well-draining soil and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Then, remove the plant from its original container and dig a hole that's twice the size as its root bundle. Next, loosen the soil around the roots and place the plant into the hole so the top of the root bundle is about 1/4 inch below the ground surface. Finally, fill in the hole, pack the soil firmly around the roots, and water your plant thoroughly. | Find an area that provides 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Anything less is not considered full sunlight. Keep in mind that the 6 hours of sunlight does not have to be continuous. Partial sunlight is 4 to 6 hours and — although it probably won't kill the tree — is not ideal. Shade can decrease your tree's vigor, which can lead to thinning and heightened disease susceptibility. Full sunlight isn't as important in the tree's later years, as mature trees will usually grow tall enough to avoid being shaded by other plants and trees. Plant your trees in the proper plant hardiness zones. Leyland Cypress trees can thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 to 10, which comprises of temperatures between −5 to 35 °F (−21 to 2 °C). A map of USDA plant hardiness zones can be viewed here: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/. Check soil pH using your pH tester. Leyland Cypress can grow in various soil types, although optimal pH is between 5.0 to 8.0. If your pH is outside of this range, you can add limestone, sulfur, or aluminum sulfate to adjust it. For low-magnesium soils, use dolomitic limestone to raise pH. If your soil is high in magnesium, use calcitic limestone to raise its pH. Regular sulfur additions can gradually decrease pH over time, although its effectiveness depends on temperature, moisture, and bacterial presence. Aluminum sulfate additions can decrease pH instantly. However, this immediate action can make it difficult to control the extent of the pH reduction. Dig a hole and fill it with water to test soil drainage. Leyland Cypress should be planted in a well-drained location. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) across and deep. Fill it with water and see how long it takes to drain. Anything 1 hour or more indicates poor soil drainage. The addition of organic matter such as manure, peat moss, or compost, can improve soil drainage. Choose a location that places trees at least 5 feet (1.5 m) apart. Leyland Cypress trees can grow to be fairly wide at the base. Always make sure to give your trees plenty of space from your home, as well as other trees and shrubs. Divide your desired height by 4 if you're creating a staggered row. Many people use Leyland Cypress trees to create screens or hedges. In this case, decide on the height of the screen and divide it by 4. For example, a row of trees 20 feet (6.1 m) high, keep each tree approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) apart. If your trees are too close, weaker trees will become smothered by the larger ones. Plant Leyland Cypress trees when they are dormant. The best time to plant Leyland Cypress trees is in fall when they are dormant. Around 6 weeks prior to the first frost, usually mid-fall, is the best time to plant. Although this is not essential, it will increase the tree's chances of survival. Planting trees outside of the dormancy period can place them under unnecessary stress. Particularly in the spring, when providing them with the amount of water necessary for growth is difficult. Remove the Leyland Cypress plant from its original container. Tap the container on the outside the loosen the edges of the soil. Carefully slide your tree from the container, taking care to keep the soil around the roots intact and prevent the separation of roots from the tree. If your tree becomes root-bound, use a knife to cut an "X" along the root ball's bottom. Follow this by making four cuts vertically along the root ball's sides. Assess the plant's root bundle to determine the size of its hole. Use a measuring tape to get a rough idea of how big the root ball is in terms of length and height. Afterwards, return the plant to the container or set it aside until you're ready to plant. Dig a hole approximately twice the size of the plant's root bundle. Use a shovel to dig a hole that's about twice the size of the root bundle to accommodate the plant's growing root system. Use a garden fork to loosen the sides of the hole, but not so much that the sides begin to collapse. Pull up any grass and weeds in and around the hole. Put on gardening gloves and remove any weeds that you see. You can use a trowel or knife to loosen the soil around the weeds and cut into their roots to prevent them from growing back. Place your grass and weeds into a bucket to prevent them from spreading seeds. Sprinkling salt onto the bottom of weed plants can help kill them over time. Use your hands to loosen the soil around the roots. Gently brush off soil around the root balls. Avoid damaging the roots, as this will cause the plant stress during transplanting. You're always going to damage some roots even if you're careful. Just try to minimize damage as much as possible. Loosen the soil in the region around your planting location with a tiller. Use a tiller to loosen the soil in a 6 feet (72 in) diameter around the hole location. This will ensure that your plant's roots have enough space to spread out. Adding organic matter like peat moss, compost, or leaf mold can help loosen the soil. Improper root growth is one of the main causes of Leyland Cypress death. Place the plant into the hole. When placing your tree into the hole, make sure that the top of the root bundle will be approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) below the ground surface. Pack topsoil around the roots firmly. Firmly pack scoops of topsoil around the roots until they are covered and the plant's crown is right above the soil line. Good quality topsoil will provide the right combination of nutrients for healthy plant growth and proper water retention. Water the tree until the soil is moist to the touch. Always water immediately after planting while the soil is loose. Press the soil down gently after watering to circulate the water through the soil. Apply starter fertilizer at the time of planting. Giving your freshly planted tree fertilizer is a great boost. Afterwards, don't fertilize it until 3 months following planting. Fertilizing earlier will promote the growth of the top at the expense of root system growth. Use an 8, 9, 12, or 14-month slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen until the tree has developed a proper root system that can support increased top growth. Root system growth is essential for long-term survival. Stake the tree to secure it from bending in the wind. Place 3 to 4 metal or wooden stakes around the base of the tree approximately 2 feet (24 in) away and tie each of them to the tree using string. Securing your tree to stakes keeps it from bending in the wind. Water your tree with 1 gallon (3.8 L) per foot of height weekly. Plan for approximately 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per foot of height each week. Use your best judgment—if the soil is becoming soggy, decrease the amount of water you use. Leyland Cypress' need adequate water—even during the fall, their evergreen foliage typically lose water. Water regularly for the 2 to 3 months following planting. After this period, the tree will have a well-developed root system and won't need as much watering. Monitor soil moisture by creating a small gap. Use your shovel to create a gap 4 inches (10 cm) deep near the base of your tree. To determine moisture, feel the soil in the gap—if it's dry, water your tree. Fertilize your tree well in approximately 3 months. Once the root system has been established, you can fertilize your tree again. This will speed the growth of your tree and help it to flourish. Prune your Leyland Cypress using garden pruners. Begin pruning your tree when it reaches 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in height. Only prune the sides, and take care not to remove more than 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of growth. If you want your tree to stop increasing in height, cut its central upright stem as well as its outside branches. Apply fungicide every 7 to 10 days after pruning. Regular fungicide application for at least 6 weeks after shearing will minimize the chances of fungal infection. This is important because shearing temporarily reduces food production, which weakens the tree. Watch out for yellow or brown foliage, which are signs of canker diseases. The most common are Seiridium canker and Botryosphaeria canker, both of which create yellow or brown foliage. Avoid excessive watering and cut any twigs that show signs of cankering. Keep an eye out for dark and decayed roots, which are signs of root rot diseases. Although not common, root rot diseases are dangerous. Once a tree is infected, there is no way to cure it. Any infected trees, including their stumps, should be removed completely. Remove female bagworms during early spring and winter. Keep an eye out for female bagworms, which carry egg-containing bags that can reach up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) when complete. Adult females do not have legs or wings, are yellow in color, and have an appearance akin to a maggot. Bags should either be destroyed or placed into a 5 gallons (19 L) container. This allows any helpful parasites to escape the bags while keeping bagworm larvae contained. Pests can also be treated with a mild insecticidal soap or spray. | Find an area that provides 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant your trees in the proper plant hardiness zones. Check soil pH using your pH tester. Dig a hole and fill it with water to test soil drainage. Choose a location that places trees at least 5 feet (1.5 m) apart. Divide your desired height by 4 if you're creating a staggered row. Plant Leyland Cypress trees when they are dormant. Remove the Leyland Cypress plant from its original container. Assess the plant's root bundle to determine the size of its hole. Dig a hole approximately twice the size of the plant's root bundle. Pull up any grass and weeds in and around the hole. Use your hands to loosen the soil around the roots. Loosen the soil in the region around your planting location with a tiller. Place the plant into the hole. Pack topsoil around the roots firmly. Water the tree until the soil is moist to the touch. Apply starter fertilizer at the time of planting. Stake the tree to secure it from bending in the wind. Water your tree with 1 gallon (3.8 L) per foot of height weekly. Monitor soil moisture by creating a small gap. Fertilize your tree well in approximately 3 months. Prune your Leyland Cypress using garden pruners. Apply fungicide every 7 to 10 days after pruning. Watch out for yellow or brown foliage, which are signs of canker diseases. Keep an eye out for dark and decayed roots, which are signs of root rot diseases. Remove female bagworms during early spring and winter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sprint-100-Meters | How to Sprint 100 Meters | To sprint 100 meters for a race, be sure to train beforehand to get yourself ready. Practice using foot blocks and getting into the proper starting stance so you can burst into action with plenty of momentum. Use a timer while you're training and work toward clocking a faster sprint time during each session. Get plenty of sleep the night before the race, have a good breakfast, and don't forget to warm up before the race begins! | Train for the race. In order to get in shape to compete in the 100m, you've got to do some general training beforehand. You need to improve your overall cardiovascular system and do a little endurance training. Generally, you need to improve your overall athleticism. Consider: Implementing a weight training regimen to get yourself in shape. Run distance twice a week to improve your general cardio ability. Make sure to rest 2-3 days in between long-distance runs. Set a goal. You should set yourself a goal for the time you want to make on the 100m. Don't set anything way too ambitious, you don't need to make your mark as a world class athlete just yet. Set something reasonable and something that you would be proud of. A good time for a top competitor is 10 seconds. A good time for a very good high school runner is 12-13 seconds Usually women are about 1 second slower than men. A decent goal to start with might be 15 to 17 seconds. Get your foot blocks to practice your starting stance. Running the 100m requires you starting in a certain stance so that you can propel yourself with maximum force and momentum forward. In order to do this, many coaches and professionals recommend and use foot blocks that are designed for your feet and legs to start in the best position to build momentum. When you get your foot blocks, practice your starting stance: Your front foot will be about two feet from the starting line. Your back foot will be at a toe-to-heel footing in relation to your front foot. Your body will be leaning forward toward the starting line. Your arms will be spread shoulder-width apart from each other. Your hands will be touching the starting line with your index finger and thumb extended onto the line. Practice your starting position. Fundamentally, your starting stance and starting technique can cause you to win or lose the sprint. Not only is sprinting more intense, it demands the use of more muscle groups than running, and requires technique so that you can harness your energy and power forward on the field. You need to practice your technique, relying on your starting stance, so that you can build the most momentum going into the race. To start the 100m: Your back leg, which starts off extended, will take the first quick step and come forward. Your front leg will then quickly move forward and propel you forward. Your hips will extend and catapult you upward and ahead. Run practice sprints. After you've done some work improving your general shape and set a goal for your 100m, you should begin running some practice sprints. Practicing sprinting will be the only way you'll actually improve your score. But remember: You should see some improvement after 2-3 weeks. Run practice sprints 3 to 5 times a week. Don't over practice, your body needs time to rest. Time yourself every time you run. Get an appropriate amount of sleep the night before. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the race. Depending on your age and sex, you'll need between 8 and 9 hours of sleep. After all, being well-rested for the race is fundamental to successfully competing and doing your best. Go to sleep early, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare the morning before the race. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before. Drinking can cause dehydration, interfere with your sleep, and disrupt your energy balances. Don't oversleep or sleep too much. This might make you tired and groggy. Eat a good breakfast before the race. While some professional athletes are cavalier about what they eat before a big race, you should eat a well-balanced meal the morning before your run. Don't overeat, and don't eat too many sweets or carbohydrates. After all, you want to make sure that your body has everything you need to power through the race without crashing. A vegetable omelet might be a good option. A bowl of cereal with fruit is a good option. Have a glass of orange juice or cranberry juice with your meal. Warm up before the race. Before the race, you want to make sure your body is warmed up. Without warming up, your body will be doing a “cold start” and you might lose precious seconds or cramp up suddenly. One way to warm up is to do a slow jog for 10-20 minutes before the sprint. But don't wear yourself out, make sure there is plenty of time for you to recover before the sprint. Drink plenty of water. Water will keep you hydrated before the race. Nothing's worse than getting thirsty after 50m and having to slow down. To avoid this, drink plenty of water. Be careful not to drink too much; don't drink more than a bottle. After you've had a drink, wait about five minutes before running. If you don't, you could feel sick halfway through the race. If you've been feeling dehydrated, make sure you start drinking water at least 1 day before the race. Get a good start. The 100m is one of those events where the start often determines the finish. If everyone else shoots off and you stumble, you probably won't catch up. Getting a good start, then, will give you what you need to both finish decently and to get a good time. Make sure that you get a good kick off of the starting blocks. If you're not using blocks, spring off of your front foot. Once you're moving, power with your arms and cut through the air. Do the same with your legs. Straighten up during the run. Because you start with your back hunched, you will continue to run that way unless you straighten up. Not straightening up will both slow you down and might lead you to fall down and potentially hurt yourself. Make sure to: Lift up your head about thirty to forty meters into the race. In other words, you should be straight before the second third of the track. Don't look like a pole though, you'll create more air resistance that way. Keep some form of streamlined shape, just not too streamlined. Power through the middle part of the race. In the middle of the race (fifty to seventy-five metres), most people will start to lose their speed. This is because you spent too much of it getting a good start. To have an advantage over all the other runners, keep powering through. If you ever feel tired, look at the finish line. You'll see that it's really not that far away. Keep powering through all the way to the end, don't slow down until you've crossed the line. Lunge toward the finish. To shave a tiny bit more time off of your final score, lunge towards the end. As you get better at running the 100m event, you'll get better at judging where and when to lunge. To do the lunge, wait until you've nearly crossed the line. With all the energy you have left, throw your chest towards the finish line. The judges usually stop the stopwatch when your chest passes the line, not head. That's why you want to throw it forward. Avoid common problems. There are a number of common issues that trouble many sprinters. If you work to remedy these problems, chances are you'll shave crucial seconds off your time and be a much better sprinter. Make sure to: Work on your coordination. Oftentimes, many runners will begin to lose their coordination and control of their body as they reach their highest speeds after about 50 meters. Work to control your posture, keep your feet flat, and your shin perpendicular to the ground when it touches. Make sure to harness your power and force in a focused manner after the start. Many runners have a problem keeping their running focused at the start of the sprint. Don't panic and just run feverishly -- stay focused on your upright form as you move forward. Don't lunge too soon. If you lunge too soon, chances are you will fall short and lose precious time. The best way to avoid this common mistake is to just practice over and over again. Take more steps when you sprint. The more steps you take, the faster you'll go. Instead of taking long strides, focus on taking shorter steps as you sprint so your speed increases. Angle your torso forward. The more your torso is angled forward, the faster you'll run. Even leaning forward an extra 2 degrees can have a big impact on how fast you travel. Lift your knee up less on your first step. The less you lift up your knee at the beginning of your sprint, the faster you'll go. Practice keeping your knee down as much as possible and see if your speed increases. | Train for the race. Set a goal. Get your foot blocks to practice your starting stance. Practice your starting position. Run practice sprints. Get an appropriate amount of sleep the night before. Eat a good breakfast before the race. Warm up before the race. Drink plenty of water. Get a good start. Straighten up during the run. Power through the middle part of the race. Lunge toward the finish. Avoid common problems. Take more steps when you sprint. Angle your torso forward. Lift your knee up less on your first step. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pet-a-Kitten | How to Pet a Kitten | To pet a kitten, start by getting down on the ground so you're at the kitten's level, which will make you seem less intimidating. Then, hold out your hand and let the kitten smell you before you try to pet it. If the kitten remains calm, slowly reach out and pet it gently. Focus on petting its chin, ears, tail, and cheeks since cats enjoy being pet in these places the most. If the kitten seems scared or distressed, stop petting it and give it some space. | Sit down. When you are first letting your kitten get used to you, it's best to get down to her level when you want to interact. Birds of prey are natural enemies of felines, so cats will instinctively fear anything looming over them. When you want to play and pet your cat, sit down on a chair, couch, or on the floor to make yourself seem less menacing. If it's comfortable, you can even lie down on the ground. You can use treats or toys to get her attention, but try to let the cat come to you. Let the kitten smell your hand. Especially if you're dealing with a shy, semi-feral, or unsocialized kitten, allow the cat to smell you before touching her. Once she approaches, hold your hand out toward her and let her smell you. As long as the cat is calm and not scared, slowly and gently reach out and pet her. Start by petting the areas that cats use most often to mark their scents. Many cats enjoy being pet in these areas, which include the base of the chin, ears, and tail, as well as the cheeks. Pet her chin. As the kitten becomes accustomed to you and gets used to you petting her, you'll come to learn her favorite spots where she likes to be pet. Many cats, however, liked being rubbed under the chin. After your kitten approaches and smells your hand, slowly move your hand below her chin and use the back of your hand or your fingertips to rub and scratch under her chin and where the jaw and skull connect. Scratch her cheeks. After a moment of petting her chin, slowly move your hand slightly up to rub the kitten's cheeks just behind her whiskers. If the kitten rotates her head and pushes her face into your hand, this is a sign that she enjoys your petting. Rub around her ears. While some cats don't like having their ears touched, many do like having their heads scratched at the base of the ears, behind and between the ears, and the area between the ears and eyes. Slowly move your hand from her chin to her cheeks to her ears, petting and gently scratching her face as you move between these areas. Rub the base of her tail. The haunches, which are the buttocks and thigh area, is a favorite petting spot for many cats. Gently rub around the base of her tail. You'll know she enjoys it if she lowers herself down on her front legs and raises her back end into the air! Stroke her back. Place your hand gently on top of the kitten's head and gently stroke her back all the way to her tail. Some cats don't mind being pet in the opposite direction (from the tail toward the head), but some hate this, so start with the head-to-tail direction first. Once your cat is used to being pet, you can rub her chin, cheeks, and around her ears, and then stroke your hand down her back to her tail, where you can rub her haunches. Practice being gentle. Kittens are delicate creatures and it can be easy to injure them by accident, by being too rough or dropping them. Don't squeeze the kitten, hold her too tightly, or grab her tail or ears. When you hold her, place one hand behind her front legs and use the other to support her backside. Older children must be taught how to handle the kitten gently and how to hold her properly, and they should never be allowed to grab the kitten by her scruff. Children under five shouldn't be allowed to handle kittens at all, because they may not understand the difference between gentle and rough touching. Stop if the cat is distressed. Kittens and cats show distress, fear, and anxiety in many ways, and if your kitten exhibits any of those, you should stop petting her and leave her to calm down. Signs of fear and anger include: Hissing, growling, and spitting Ears that are turned back, sideways, or flat against the head An arched back Fur standing on end Pet her daily. As long as your kitten is over five days old, she should be gently handled and pet every day to get used to being touched. This will help her bond with you and get her used to the smell of humans. Socializing kittens and getting them used to being touched is most important during the first seven weeks of their lives (minus the first week or two). Let other people pet her too. As long as they're people you trust to be kind and gentle, get your kitten used to as many people as possible by letting friends and family pet her too. This socialization will increase the chances that she'll develop into a loving and friendly adult cat. Get her used to you touching her paws. Many cats don't like having their paws touched, but working your kitten up to this will help her learn to enjoy being pet, and will make clipping her nails much easier. Start by gently rubbing your kitten's chest between her two front legs, and slowly move your hand down one of her legs until you're touching her paw. Go back to her chest and repeat with the other leg. When you've done this, reward her with a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her paws until your kitten becomes accustomed to having them touched. Be sure to reward her with treats. Work your way to touching the ears. Start by scratching the back of her head around her ears. Then with one finger, gently stroke one of her ears and go back to scratching her head. Repeat with the other ear and reward her with a treat. Each time you do this, gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her ear, until it's no longer an issue. When you're getting her used to this, don't forget to reward her with treats. Brush her weekly. Use a small brush or one that's designed for cats. Brush in the direction that her fur grows (brush from head to tail) for a few minutes each week. Not only will this get her used to being touched in different ways, but it will also help to reduce shedding and fur balls. | Sit down. Let the kitten smell your hand. Pet her chin. Scratch her cheeks. Rub around her ears. Rub the base of her tail. Stroke her back. Practice being gentle. Stop if the cat is distressed. Pet her daily. Let other people pet her too. Get her used to you touching her paws. Work your way to touching the ears. Brush her weekly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Text-Conversation-with-a-Girl | How to Start a Text Conversation with a Girl | To start a text conversation with a girl, include a question in your message so you're not just saying “Hi,” which can be awkward to respond to. For example, try something like, “Hi, what was the English homework for tomorrow?”. You could also try referring to something you both have in common, like by writing, “It was crazy running into you in Starbucks today.” Additionally, add a smiley face to some of your messages, which can be flirty but is also light-hearted enough not to be taken in the wrong way. If you know that she likes a particular band or TV show, ask her about it as your conversation develops, since this will show her that you pay attention to her opinions. When you feel ready, send her a message to arrange a date or meet-up, since you'll get to know her a lot better by talking face-to-face. | Get her phone number. Try to get it from her yourself; it can be a little awkward to get a text from someone if you have no idea how they got it. An easy way is to mention a funny video or photo and tell her, “I'll text you the link/photo. Wait, I don't have your phone number! Can I get that from you?” Be casual and don't make it a big deal, and she's more likely to feel comfortable giving it to you. If you need a little more help getting her phone number, check out How to Get a Girl's Phone Number. If she doesn't want to give you her phone number, don't try to get it from somewhere or someone else. This is simply a matter of respecting her boundaries. Maybe wait to ask her again until you know her a little better in person. Say hi — but don’t just say hi. A simple “hi” is hard to respond to, and can come off as lazy or boring. Ask a question, or even just ask her how she's doing. Questions are great because there is an expected response to keep the conversation going. If you ask her what the English homework is, she can respond with the answer and you can ask another clarifying question, keeping the conversation moving.... as opposed to if you just say “hey,” and she has no idea how to respond. Open-ended questions are usually better than simple “yes-or-no” questions because there's more you can say. For example, “Do you like comedy movies?” will likely garner a one-word response, whereas “What kind of movies do you like?” will probably get a longer, more specific response and make it easier to continue the conversation. Say something timely and relevant. If you're trying to break the ice for the first time, it is important that she doesn't feel like your text is coming out of the blue with no reason or motivation behind it. Talk about something that you both share in common or that affects both of you. For example, if there is a school function going on that night, you can ask “Are you going to that game/play/dance tonight?” You could even ask if she wants to come along with you (or with you and a group of friends, if you're feeling a little shy about jumping in on that first date). You could also make small talk about some experience you've both had, like saying "It was so crazy running into you at Starbucks today!" or "Can you believe how Mr. Smith yelled at that student in English class today?" Talk about her interests. If you know she likes a specific band, TV show, or movie, ask her about it! Ask her what she thought of the most recent episode, or if she has any song recommendations for that band. This will show her that you take enough interest to care about her opinions and remember her likes and dislikes. These topics are especially great because people can be really passionate about their favorite bands or shows. They love talking about them, watching them, and learning more about them. It can be really exciting to meet someone who shares the same interest. If you disagree over something, don't freak out! A little playful debate over “Which Beatles Song Is The Best” can help you two get to know each other, as well as be funny and enjoyable. Just don't insult her or say something mean in the process. Use smiley faces! Smiley faces can be fun and flirty, but are also innocent enough that it won't come off as too bold or forward. Just throw in a smiley face, and she'll notice ;) If you're really unsure how to use a smiley face, start by just tacking one on at the end of a text, like “Have you seen the new episode of 'New Girl'? It was really good :)” In general, winky faces are more suggestive and used with flirty texts and double-entendres. Don't use a winky face where you'll normally see a smiley face because it might seem misplaced or even confusing. Try not to overdo it with the emoticons, as that can be confusing and off-putting. Keep going! Now that your conversation has started off on the right foot, make sure it keeps going just as well! Check out How to Text Message Someone You Like if you need some more ideas. When you're ready, you can advance to the next level by using your text messages to set up a real live in person get-together-- whether it's a date, casual meet-up, or group get-together. Texting is fun, but talking in person is the way to take a relationship to the next level. Stop texting her if she's not into it. If she doesn't seem interested (i.e., taking forever to respond, responding rarely, or sending trite, one-word texts), you should consider not texting her; if she directly asks you to stop, stop. If she doesn't want to talk to you, you're wasting your time. Find some other cute girl to text. If you keep texting her and she's asked you to stop, that could be considered harassment or stalking. Call or talk in person if you have something important to say. While texting is a great way to get to know someone casually or to break the ice with a new person, there are many conversations that are just not appropriate for texting. These include: Asking her out. If you want to ask someone out, do it face to face or over the phone, but don't do it over text unless it's very casual and insignificant. Breaking up. If you want to end a relationship with someone, do them the courtesy of talking to them about it in person or on the phone, but don't use a text to do your dirty work. It's lazy and immature. Offering comfort or advice for serious problems. If she's recently lost a relative that she was close to, or if she's experiencing some very difficult personal problems, texting can be a great place holder or way to say "I will call you later to talk about this." But don't let texting stand in for personal interaction during difficult times. Your friends need to hear your voice to know that you are there for them. When in doubt, ask yourself if the topic is very important or meaningful, or if the topic is casual or laid back. Text messages inevitably come across as less important and/or more casual than phone calls or person-to-person conversations, so if you want someone to take you seriously or know that what you have to say means a lot to you, then avoid texting. Be smart about what you text. Remember that texting creates a written and sometimes photographic record that you cannot delete. Never text anything that you wouldn't want to get into the wrong hands, whether because the recipient forwarded or shared the message or because her phone was stolen or lost. Don't sext or text nude images of yourself unless you are over age 18 and the recipient has consented to receive it. Distributing a sexually explicit image of a minor is a felony, even if the minor is yourself, and asking for another minor to send sexually explicit texts is also a felony. Sending unsolicited naked pics can result in criminal charges of harassment. Never send requests for or discussions of illegal activities, as a phone text record can be admissible in court proceedings. It is not smart to use texting as a way to vent about your boss, mother, teacher, or anybody else that you would not want to see the text message. While you might trust the intended recipient of the text to not tell anyone, you can't control what happens if the phone gets stolen or lost or if one of her friends snoops or sees her messages inadvertently. | Get her phone number. Say hi — but don’t just say hi. Say something timely and relevant. Talk about her interests. Use smiley faces! Keep going! Stop texting her if she's not into it. Call or talk in person if you have something important to say. Be smart about what you text. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Punctual | How to Be Punctual | To be punctual, aim to be 15 minutes early so that you'll still be on time even with some unexpected interruptions. Additionally, anticipate delays before they happen by checking the weather and traffic as soon as you wake up, filling your car with gas the night before, and having a backup plan if you're depending on others for your ride. You should also overestimate travel time by 10-15 minutes to account for such things as train crossings, school bus stops, or detours. If you still find that you're consistently late, then you may have to change some of your habits, like hitting snooze or stopping for coffee. | Have everything ready the night before. If you're not sure why you seem to chronically late, take a look at what happens before you leave the house. You probably set aside a certain amount of time to get ready to go, and end up scrambling to get through a checklist of tasks before you can leave. If you have everything ready to go well in advance, though, you won't have a bunch of hurdles standing between you and getting where you need to go. Every single night, go through the following routine so that you'll have a lot less to do in the morning: Lay out the clothes you're going to wear. Complete any tasks you might normally leave for the morning, like writing emails or printing out documents. Pack up your bag or briefcase with everything you'll need the next day. Have everything ready so you can make a quick breakfast, or eliminate the need for morning cooking altogether by making some overnight oats. Keep your essentials near the door. Many people who are often late spend too much time searching around for their keys, cell phone, charger or wallet. If you keep all of your essential items in the same drawer or tray near the door, they'll be waiting there for you when it's time to leave. If you tend to walk in the door and leave your keys on the counter, your wallet in the bedroom, and your phone on the kitchen table, you'll spend too much extra time looking for everything when you could be on your way. Every once in a while, you'll probably forget an important item and have to go back to retrieve it, making you even later. Instead, the moment you walk in the door, empty your pockets of all your essential items and put them in the same place every time. If you keep everything in your purse, put that in the same spot in your house every time, too. Create a staging area near the door. As you go about your daily routine around the house and think of items that you will need for your next trip, take the time to set them in the staging area. If you get in the habit of doing this, everything will be ready to go and you will not have to do the mental inventory countdown each time you are ready to go. You can go even further and put the items in your car as you think of them. Anticipate delays before they happen. Are you full of excuses that seem legitimate? Traffic was bad. Or, The train got delayed. Worse, I had to stop and get gas. If you thought ahead and anticipated these everyday delays, they wouldn't be making you late all the time. You can even try to group activities together to save time, such as brushing your teeth while showering, to free up more time for potential delays. Anticipate that these things are going to happen fairly often. Being on a stalled subway car is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Leave early enough to overcome unanticipated delays and still get there on time. Avoid completely unnecessary delays like stopping for gas. Fill your car the night before. Make sure your subway pass is loaded with plenty of fare, and eat at home, instead of stopping at the fast food drive-through for breakfast and waiting in line. Check traffic and the weather when you first wake up to see if anything might hold you up, and leave early enough to make up for any anticipated extra travel time. Remember, too, that the possibility of delays in bad weather is high. Leave a sufficient time buffer to absorb the worst typical delay. In cold weather allow an extra five or ten minutes to clear frost, snow, and ice from your vehicle. You could even use an app to help you best plan the fastest and easiest route each day. If you ride a bus, know the route, have your fare, and keep cab money on hand in case of emergency. If you are depending on another person for a ride—have a plan B! Commit yourself to being 15 minutes early for everything. If you have to be to work at 8:00, don't even tell yourself you can walk in the door right on the dot. Instead, say to yourself, "I have to be at work at 7:45." If you do this, you will be on time even with little unforeseen interruptions. You will be on time even if you encounter a traffic jam. And on those rare times that you actually show up 15 minutes early; you will get kudos for being an enthusiastic employee. If you can't stand waiting, have something you can read in short segments almost everywhere you go. This makes it easy to be early, since in the 10-15 minutes you have before an appointment/event, you can get a few pages of reading done. It'll feel like you're getting something done (and you are) while you are waiting. Overestimate the time it'll take to get there. If you tend to have everything ready to go in the morning, and you show up late even when you don't experience delays, you might be underestimating the amount of time it takes to get where you're going. Optimistic thinkers tend to shave off a few minutes, hoping they'll be able to get places faster. Unfortunately, all it does is make them late! Be realistic when you're planning your commutes, and punctuality will follow. Sometimes, it's hard to know exactly how long it will take to get somewhere. If you're preparing for an important meeting, like an interview, you might want to drive the route or do the train commute in advance of the meeting day. Time your trip so you'll know what time you need to leave the house. Don't forget to add 15 minutes to the overall trip time to account for delays. If you figure it'll take 40 minutes to get to your meeting site, leave 55 minutes early just in case something trips you up. Get up the second your alarm goes off. Don't hit the snooze button, linger in bed, and watch TV at the very start of your day. You probably didn't factor in an extra 10 or 15 minutes in bed when you planned out what time you'd need to wake up in the morning in order to get to your scheduled events on time. By getting up late you are setting a pattern of lateness for the rest of the day. Those extra minutes in bed will add up and push everything else back, so get up as quickly as you can. Place your clock on the other side of the room to help force yourself to get out of bed. This gets you up and moving, and makes it impossible to hit the snooze button. Try stretching, splashing your face with water, and brushing your teeth right away to wake your body up more quickly. If you can't get out of bed on time, you may be going to bed too late. Go to sleep earlier to see if that helps. This makes it a lot easier to get up on time and helps you stay on task during the day. Unless you know otherwise, assume you need eight hours of sleep every night. Re-examine how long your daily tasks really take. For example, you might be under the impression that you take a 15-minute shower, assuming that starting at 6:30 you can leave at 6:45. But, what about the time you spend before and after the actual shower? It's quite possible you really spend 20 or even 30 minutes in the bathroom, and that's why you can never leave by 6:45. So, think about the things you do every day, and try to keep an estimate of how long it takes you. Time yourself a few days in a row to see how long it actual takes you to perform certain tasks. Use a stopwatch and record the times over the course of a week, then average the times so you'll have an accurate indication of how much time to plan for each activity. See where you often waste the most time. What do you get caught up doing that prevents you from getting out the door? "Time sinkholes," like getting distracted while checking emails, spending too long curling your hair, or stopping at a coffee shop on the way to work are often unnoticed by us, and can throw off daily planning. When you discover a sinkhole, try to change your habits around the activity to make it faster. For example, standing up while quickly checking your emails makes it hard to lose an hour randomly surfing the web. Change the time on your watch. Set the time 5 minutes earlier than the actual time. This means you should always be at least 5 minutes early for an event or meeting. Make a note of where you should be in regards to time. For instance, if you have to leave your house at 8 for work, tell yourself, "It's 7:20, I should be getting in the shower." "It's 7:35, I should be brushing my teeth." This will help keep you on track. It is useful to think up a morning schedule to get used to this habit. Consider printing out a schedule you can reference throughout the morning. Post it up in your bedroom, office, kitchen, and other places where you'll be sure to see it. Don't overbook yourself. Maybe you're often late because you schedule back-to-back appointments without leaving enough time in between to move from place to place. Examine your schedule and make sure each activity is buffered by several minutes before and after so you can spend that time traveling, resting, eating, and doing other things you need to do between appointments. Surround yourself with timepieces. If you tend to space out and forget what time it is, you probably need more clocks in your life. If you don't like wearing a watch, have your cellphone on hand at all times. Wall clocks are attention-grabbers that help people stay on task, too. Make sure all your clocks are set to the same time, so you don't get confused. Utilize timers, alarms and reminders throughout the day as well. For example, you might want to set your phone to vibrate or ring when you have 10 minutes to go before your next class or meeting. Some people intentionally set their clocks several minutes fast in order to trick themselves into getting to places early. You could try this to see if it works for you, but many people find that they just mentally adjust their concept of what time it is to account for the extra minutes, and they end up late anyway. Knowing what time it really is will help you stay grounded and punctual. Acknowledge that you have a hard time being punctual. If you have a chronic problem with punctuality, you might be prone to making a lot of excuses. Some of them might be valid, like if you're late to a meeting because you had a flat tire, or a winter storm stalled traffic for an hour. But if it seems like you're constantly trying to explain away your tardiness, it's time to own up to your problem. As with any problem, you cannot fix it if you're in denial that it's a problem at all. If you're not sure whether your issue is chronic, ask your friends and family to tell you honestly whether they consider you a punctual person. If punctuality is truly an issue for you, you won't have been able to hide it from them. Check to see if your tardiness is the result of passive aggression. Being late can be a form of resentment at having to be a certain place to do a certain thing. If you think this is the case, try to change your events around, or otherwise practice accepting that which you can't change. Don't be too hard on yourself if you have trouble being punctual, though. According to a study conducted in San Francisco, 20 percent of the US population has the same issue. Notice how being late affects others. You probably really want to be on time, and when you're late, you feel genuinely sorry for inconveniencing others. But if you're late again and again, people will feel that your behavior is inconsiderate. Being late puts other people in the position of having to wait for you. It's seen as a statement that you value your time more than you value theirs, even if you really don't feel that way. Think of how you feel when someone else is the one who's late for a meeting. Do you appreciate having to sit alone in a restaurant while you wait for your friend to show up half an hour late? Be kind to people that are late while also telling them how you feel. Eventually, being late all the time will erode people's faith in your reliability, creating a negative impression that could eventually extend to matters other than punctuality. Get your adrenaline rush in other ways. Do you feel a little buzzed when you're rushing to beat the clock? It's like a game, and if you can get there before the timer runs out, you win. However, this exhilarating habit can have bad consequences when you lose your gamble with time too often. If you like the rush of adrenaline you feel when you're down to the wire, stop putting your appointments on the line and try to get it some other way, like by playing timed computer games, taking up track and field sports, or — if you really like the rush — parachuting from a plane. Make punctuality one of your core values. It doesn't seem as meaningful as honesty or integrity, but punctuality is intimately tied to these important values. When you say you're going to be somewhere at a certain time, and you don't show up, what does that say about you? When it happens over and over, might it affect others' impression of your integrity, or cause them to think twice about what you say? Try to take punctuality as seriously as you take other values you strive to uphold. If you care more about being punctual, you'll start being more punctual. Examine the areas in which you're more likely to be flippant about punctuality. If there are certain people you don't bother meeting on time, or a certain class you always come to 15 minutes late, it's possible that the people and the class just aren't that important to you. Try to spend your time doing things you care about doing, and do them with intention. Show up on time and be all in. When you care about what you're doing, and you're living with integrity, it feels right to get there on time. Enjoy the rewards of being a punctual person. After a few weeks of rearranging your habits and thought patterns so you can be more punctual, it won't feel as difficult — and you'll start reaping the rewards of being the sort of person who's never late. Here are a few examples of the benefits you'll experience: You'll be much less stressed out on a daily basis, and you won't have to make excuses and apologize all the time. You'll probably experience a professional boost, since you'll no longer be late for work. Your personal life will be uplifted as people begin to see you as a reliable person and trust you more. Being habitually punctual tends to have the effect of actually allowing you to be late from time to time, since people will start giving you the benefit of the doubt. | Have everything ready the night before. Keep your essentials near the door. Create a staging area near the door. Anticipate delays before they happen. Commit yourself to being 15 minutes early for everything. Overestimate the time it'll take to get there. Get up the second your alarm goes off. Re-examine how long your daily tasks really take. See where you often waste the most time. Change the time on your watch. Make a note of where you should be in regards to time. Don't overbook yourself. Surround yourself with timepieces. Acknowledge that you have a hard time being punctual. Notice how being late affects others. Get your adrenaline rush in other ways. Make punctuality one of your core values. Enjoy the rewards of being a punctual person. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Nasal-Congestion | How to Clear Nasal Congestion | If you need to clear nasal congestion, apply a warm compress to your face, take a hot, steamy shower, or use a humidifier to loosen up the mucus. Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines are easy options that can help with sniffling, sneezing, and sinus pressure. You can also try irrigating your nasal passages with a neti pot, which may offer some quick, much-needed relief from your sinus symptoms without the use of medications. | Blow your nose. The easiest way to clear congestion is to force the mucus out through the nose. Carry a package of tissues or several handkerchiefs with you as you go about your day. Eat something spicy. Ever had too much wasabi, and feel it go straight to the nose? That's because spicy foods thin out mucus and clear up congestion, albeit mostly temporarily. For severe congestion, try eating: Hot peppers, such as jalapeno, habanero or serrano pepper Horseradish or wasabi Spicy ginger Fenugreek Onion and garlic Dab on some mentholated salve. A vapor rub containing menthol will temporarily clear congestion and allow you to breathe more easily for an hour or two. Rub a bit of salve on the skin between your upper lip and your nose and allow the vapors to work their magic. Stay vertical. Propping yourself up at night with pillows, or resisting the temptation to be horizontal, may help ease congestion and make it easier to breathe. It won't clear congestion, but it will aid in breathing and make you more comfortable. Massage your sinuses. Relieve congestion the old-fashioned way — without any medicine or stimulants, just you and your fingers. Self-massaging is easy to do and effective. Here are three massages that you can do at home, at work, or in public. Take both index fingers and place them on either side of the eye cavity, just above the nose but just below the brow. In outward circles, start massaging the sinuses around your nose with your fingers. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds. Take both index fingers and place them right below your eyes. Again, using outward circles, massage the sinuses around your eyes using your fingers. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds. Finally, take your thumbs and place them on either cheekbone. Massage your cheekbone in outward circles using your thumbs. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the massage again, or until your sinuses are adequately relieved. Use a warm compress on your face. Soak a clean towel in warm water and wring it out until the towel is damp, but not wet. Sit down and place the towel over your face for a few minutes. The warm compress may help relieve discomfort and open up nasal passages. If you don't want to use a wet towel, try resting a warm water bottle against your sinuses. Fill a water bottle with hot but not boiling water. Wrap it in towels, and place it against your nose, cheeks, and forehead. Take a hot shower. The warm steam will pass through your lungs and into your nasal passage, loosening up mucus and relieving congestion. Use a steam treatment to loosen the mucus. When you have time for more than a hot shower, create a steam treatment to relieve congestion. Steam treatments have been a staple of sick, congested people the world over for centuries. Bring 3 cups of water to boil. When it has come to a boil, remove the water from the stovetop. Let some chamomile tea steep in the water while it is cooling (optional). When the steam is cool enough to pass over your hand without burning it, pour the water or tea into a bowl. Being mindful of the warm steam, place your face over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in deeply. If you cannot breathe in through your nose at first, breathe in through your mouth. Hydrate! Drink water or juice as much as possible. For quick relief from congestion, drink 6-8 cups of water. This helps build up the immune system and shrink swollen nasal passages. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers (and steam in general) are recommended as a treatment for congestion because dry air irritates the membranes in the sinus, causing the symptoms to be more pronounced. Therefore, wet air is recommended by many doctors. If you don't have, or don't want to buy, an actual humidifier, you can build a rudimentary one yourself using commonplace items around your home. Boil enough water to fit in a large pan, remove from the heat, and place the hot water in a safe part of your room. The steam coming from the water will humidify the room. Repeat as necessary. When using a humidifier, a little goes a long way. You don't want conditions to get so damp that your room becomes a tropical jungle. A little moisture in the air, just enough to turn it a bit moist, is all you need. Make your own nasal saline solution. Salt water can serve as an unmedicated saline solution. Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of water, stirring to dissolve. With an eye dropper, deposit a few drops of the saline solution into one nostril while your head is tilted back. Blow the solution out of your nostril and repeat in the opposite nostril. If you don't want to make your own, you can buy a saline solution at pharmacies and convenience stores. Irrigate your nasal passage by using a neti pot. For some, nasal irrigation may bring quick relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications. The neti pot works by thinning out mucus and flushing it out of the nasal passage. All neti pots come with their own set of instructions that should be followed. Typically, however, one first prepares an irrigating solution made up of 16 ounces lukewarm (and sterile) water, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Fill your neti pot with the saline solution. Tilt your head at a 45-degree angle and bring the tip of the neti pot to your top nostril. The saline solution will go into one nostril, travel through your nasal cavity, and come out of the other nostril. If the solution drips into your mouth, just spit it out. Blow your nose and repeat the process on the other side. How often should you irrigate with a neti pot? People suffering from severe sinus problems or allergies found relief irrigating daily. Once symptoms get better, the recommended usage is three times per week. In some parts of the world, water may be contaminated with naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that, if inhaled through the nose, can cause a usually fatal brain infection. The CDC recommends boiling water for at least one minute (three minutes at higher elevations) before using it in a neti pot rinse solution, or buying sterile water from a store. Exercise. Although it's the last thing you want to do, moving around helps your body refresh. An easy way to clear congestion fast is to do twenty push ups, only breathing through your nose. Your brain knows it's in need of more air, so it will help to stop nasal swelling and thin mucus levels. Bathe in essential oils. Certain essential oils help loosen mucus and clear the sinuses. Fill the bathtub with warm water and add ten drops of eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, or tea tree oil. Rest in the bathtub until your nasal passages are clear and breathing becomes easier. Sleep. While it might seem overrated, take off from work or school to stay home and sleep all day. This gives your body time to heal and begin fighting your cold. If you have trouble sleeping because of congestion, try medication, Breathe Right strips, or breathe through your mouth. (Use chapstick if you breathe through your mouth because it could dry out your lips.) Get calm. Stress slows the immune system down. The more stressed out you are, the longer it will take to clear out your sinuses. Use an over-the-counter decongestant. Decongestants can be purchased at your local drugstore. They come in several different varieties: Decongestant sprays, such as naphazoline (Privine), oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan, Duramist), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall). Pill form, such as phenylephrine (Lusonal, Sudafed PE, Sudogest PE) and pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed, Sudogest). Do not take a decongestant spray for more than three days, as it may worsen symptoms. In addition, do not take oral decongestants for more than seven days without conferring with your doctor. Follow all instructions on over-the-counter decongestants. Talk to your doctor first if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, prostate issues, diabetes, thyroid problems, or heart disease or if you are pregnant. Use an antihistamine. Antihistamines, along with other allergy medicines, are beneficial in relieving some congestion. Opt for antihistamines that also contain a decongestant so that you can treat sniffling and sneezing along with mucus and sinus pressure. Try these natural antihistamines for organic variety: Stinging nettle. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle, which is known for its ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces. Coldsfoot may be effective as a natural antihistamine. Europeans have a long history of using the plant to cure skin conditions. The leaves can either be ground up into a paste or coltsfoot extract can be ingested in pill form. Basil may also work as a natural antihistamine. Heat a couple of sprigs of basil leaves up under some steam and breathe steam in. Basil may help reassure the body that the histamines it's sending out can be reduced. If you have high blood pressure, cardiac disease, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid disease, or prostate problems, or if you are pregnant, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use antihistamines. Be ready to answer several basic questions. Nasal congestion has a host of potential causes, and you won't get good treatment without honest answers. Some potential questions your doctor will ask include: Amount of time congested. If longer than seven days, see a doctor immediately. Color of mucus Other symptoms, including aches, fever, coughing, etc. Any known allergies. Whether or not you smoke. Expect the first line of defense to be antibiotics and prescription drugs. Most nasal congestion is a symptom of a cold or other infection. Accordingly, most doctors will start with drugs to fight the infection off. Be sure to tell the doctor if you take any other drugs or medication regularly. Ask about somnoplasty to cure some chronic cases of congestion. This easy, 15-minute procedure clears up obstructions in your nose. It uses heat to open up your sinuses and clear blockage. You will be put under local anesthetic and will likely be out the door within an hour. While you will have hot needles in both nostrils, most patients hardly feel a thing. There will be congestion for the first 1-2 weeks as you heal. If the procedure does not work, it can be repeated several weeks later. This is usually performed by an ENT doctor in their office, not at the hospital. Understand that your doctor will only recommend surgery in extreme cases. If you have a major infection or blockage, you might need endoscopic sinus surgery. A rigid camera will be placed up your nose, which is used to guide a surgeon trying to remove diseased areas or opening up natural cavities. Surgery is almost always outpatient. You will return home that day. Pain is minimal, and you should feel as good as new within a week or less. Revisions are occasionally necessary, though the success rate is high. Ask about laser turbinate surgery (LTS) for minimally invasive, extra-quick decongestion. Turbinates are the structures in your nose that cause congestion. Using CO2 or KTP lasers, they are shrunk down within 20 minutes. There is no packing needed and you can return to work the same day. You may have light congestion for a week before everything clears up. You will have mild local anesthetic -- no needles needed. The drawback of LTS is the expense. It may not be offered at all clinics. | Blow your nose. Eat something spicy. Dab on some mentholated salve. Stay vertical. Massage your sinuses. Use a warm compress on your face. Take a hot shower. Use a steam treatment to loosen the mucus. Hydrate! Use a humidifier. Make your own nasal saline solution. Irrigate your nasal passage by using a neti pot. Exercise. Bathe in essential oils. Sleep. Get calm. Use an over-the-counter decongestant. Use an antihistamine. Be ready to answer several basic questions. Expect the first line of defense to be antibiotics and prescription drugs. Ask about somnoplasty to cure some chronic cases of congestion. Understand that your doctor will only recommend surgery in extreme cases. Ask about laser turbinate surgery (LTS) for minimally invasive, extra-quick decongestion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-Hip-Pain | How to Sleep with Hip Pain | Getting a good night's sleep with hip can be difficult, but you can keep yourself from tossing and turning by finding the right position and developing a healthy sleep routine. To reduce the pressure on your hip as you sleep, draw your knees up toward your body as you sleep on your side and place a pillow between your legs. Doing this will help keep your hips, pelvis, and spine better aligned. If it doesn't feel better immediately, don't give up! Try experimenting with the placement of the pillow until you're sleeping better. In addition to positioning yourself, consider switching to a firm mattress for extra support. To make yourself fall asleep sooner, spend a few hours before bed unwinding by lowering the lights, playing ambient music, or taking a warm shower. | Favor your side. It's quite normal to toss and turn in the quest to find a comfortable position in bed. Some doctors recommend favoring your side if you have a painful hip. Obviously, make sure to avoid the bad side. Draw your knees up toward your body. Place a pillow between your legs, too, if you're sleeping on your side. This will keep your hips, pelvis, and spine better aligned. If you don't see any difference in your pain right away, don't give up. You may need to experiment with the height of the pillow to find the best height for your hips. Lean back on a pillow or blanket. While the best position is on your side with legs bent in and a pillow for support, you can tweak this position slightly if it makes your hip pain worse. Just take a pillow and place it under the small of your back and then, remaining on your side, lean back on the pillow. This will relieve the pressure from your hips. This position can be useful for pregnant women, who tend to develop hip pain in the third trimester as connective tissue relaxes and stretches to prepare for birth. They can also use a pillow to support their abdomen. A rolled up a blanket will support the small of your back, as well. Alternate by sleeping on your back. Some studies suggest that always sleeping on the same side can, over time, lead to muscle imbalance and pain. Switch things up by rolling all the way onto your back. Sleeping on your back is actually the healthiest position, as it distributes your weight evenly and reduces pressure points. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this position can be very stressful on the neck. Use a pillow to support your neck when sleeping on your back. Also, consider putting a pillow under your thighs to better support your hips in this position. Place a pad under the joint. Use extra bedding if you simply can't avoid rolling onto your bad hip. Try a thin pillow or even an extra blanket to give the joint protection while you sleep, and to relieve pressure on it. Place the blanket or pad under your bad hip while on your back. You might also try wearing thick pajamas or sweatpants to bed, or, in a pinch, wrapping a bandage around your waist. Pick a firm mattress. A good mattress is your foundation. It will align your body and give you support where you need it most – in this case, the hips. Talk with your doctor or orthopedic specialist about what kind of mattress will give you the best support and sleep. In general, you'll need more support from your mattress. A firm mattress should provide this better than a softer kind, but make sure that it's not too hard. Add a foam pad to the top of the mattress, too, to increase support and distribute your weight more evenly. Avoid mattresses with internal metal springs. These inner springs create pressure points, especially for side-sleepers and for joints like the hip. Instead, try a memory foam mattress, which will more even distribute your body weight. Maintain a good sleep schedule. Losing sleep with hip pain is no fun. You'll be better off if you make the most of the sleep you do get, though. Practice good sleep hygiene. Get into a healthy sleep schedule and maximize your rest, aiming for ideally 7 to 9 hours per night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This rhythm is key. In fact, try to maintain your normal wakeup time even if you have a late night or sleep poorly. Create a restful bedroom environment. Make sure your bed is comfortable and that the room is quiet, cool, and dark. Relax in the evening. Starting a few hours before your bed time, start to unwind. Take a warm shower, for example, lower the lights, read a book, or play light or ambient music. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Also, turn off electronic devices – backlit screens can actually disrupt your sleep patterns. Avoid sleep aids. A few days in a row of pained and disrupted sleep can be stressful as well as tiring. You might even consider a sleep aid. Resist the temptation to get to sleep artificially, however, as pills and other sleep aids can have bad side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol as a sleep aid, for one. Alcohol may help you fall asleep more quickly, but it disrupts your body's normal sleep patterns and can make you feel groggy and fatigued in the morning. Minimize your use of over-the-counter sleep aids, too. Many are habit-forming, meaning you'll need a higher dosage over time and can have trouble falling asleep without them in the future. Some also cause you to feel groggy and foggy-headed when you wake up. Only take sleep aids for short periods. When using them, always give yourself time for a full night's sleep. Ice your hip before going to bed. Sometimes, hip pain can be caused by an increase in swelling of the bursa, which is the fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints. If you have been diagnosed with any sort of inflammatory condition, you may want to place an ice pack on your hip for 20 minutes before going to bed. Make sure that you wrap the ice pack with a paper towel or other thin cloth. Do not place the ice pack directly on your skin or you will be at risk of frostbite. Make sure to give your skin a break every 20 minutes as well and allow it to return to its normal temperature before using the ice pack again. Do regular low-impact exercise. When a joint hurts, we want to use it as little as we can to minimize pain and discomfort. In fact, you probably need to keep using your hip. Inactivity with a condition like arthritis can reduce the joint's range of motion, increase stiffness, and aggravate pain. Plus, the exercise should help you to sleep. Have your doctor confirm that it's safe to exercise your hip, first of all. Try motion exercises, gently moving your hip through its full range. Walking, low-speed bicycling, and swimming can also be helpful. Try to exercise most days, aiming for a total of about 150 minutes per week. Split up the exercise into 10 minute spurts if movement is uncomfortable. An important effect of exercise is that it can help you to maintain a healthy weight or to lose weight, both of which will ease pressure and stress on your hips. Get a massage. Sometimes, hip pain can be caused by sore and tight muscles around the hip joint. Having a couple of sessions with a massage therapist may help to relieve this tension. Start off with 30 minute massage sessions to start getting some relief. Keep in mind that it may take three to five sessions to feel a difference. If your hip pain increases at night after getting a massage, make sure that you tell your therapist at the next visit. Rest and relieve pain. The idea of exercise is to gently work the hip – don't overdo it or engage in exercise that's hard on the joint. Rest the joint when not doing low impact exercises. You can also manage pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Avoid repeated bending of the hip or putting direct pressure on the joint. Try not to sleep on your bad side, as said, and also avoid prolonged sitting. Ice the joint with wrapped ice cubes or a package of frozen vegetables if it becomes inflamed or painful. Or, alternatively, you can use a heat treatment like taking a warm shower. Consider an over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen, which will relieve pain but also has properties to reduce swelling and inflammation. Talk to a doctor about long-term pain relief. You hip pain might be passing. However, it might be a chronic condition caused by osteoarthritis or another medical problem. Talk to your doctor about pain solutions if the problem is chronic. She'll be able to advise you on a course of action depending on the condition. Ask about injections. Your doctor may be able to give you a steroid or cortisone injection to temporarily reduce joint inflammation and pain. Consider physical therapy. Ask your doctor about therapy programs that can help strengthen the hip joint, increase flexibility, and maintain its range of motion. You might also be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery. This is a non-invasive procedure that allows surgeons to explore your joint for problems and to repair damaged cartilage. | Favor your side. Lean back on a pillow or blanket. Alternate by sleeping on your back. Place a pad under the joint. Pick a firm mattress. Maintain a good sleep schedule. Avoid sleep aids. Ice your hip before going to bed. Do regular low-impact exercise. Get a massage. Rest and relieve pain. Talk to a doctor about long-term pain relief. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Career-in-Information-Technology | How to Start a Career in Information Technology | If you love using computers and solving puzzles, a career in information technology might be for you! You can expand and develop your IT skills by learning to solve your own problems and work independently. Reach out to professionals in the field to see if they can help you get started or give you pointers. When you're ready, search online for “IT certification programs near me” and sign up for one you like. Pair your certification with a bachelor's degree in IT to really stand out! | Decide if you’re suited to IT. You may be inclined towards information technology work, even if you haven't given it much thought before. If you have a computer and use it for more than just homework, games, chatting with friends and casually browsing the web, then you may have the right stuff for the job. IT work involves a lot of puzzles and experimentation. This makes it great for folks who like making connections and solving problems. People who want to go into IT should be able to work independently. This means that you must be able to solve problems on your own, and able to push yourself to improve. Identify your passions and work with them. IT is a large field, so it's worth it to focus on sectors that reflect what you love. For instance, if you love computer games, focus on that! Look into “IT computer gaming careers” and you might learn about Its field you never knew existed, from game testing to writing game software to gaming customer support. Focus based on your work style. You may love computer games, but that doesn't mean you're suited to every gaming job. Your personality shapes your talents as much as your passion does. There are hundreds of IT job descriptions out there, but most of them fall into three categories: consultant, project manager, and developer. The one which suits you most will depend on your personality. Look into consulting if you've ever dreamed of having your own advice column. Consultants work independently and dish out advice and expertise to multiple entities; the best consultants are friendly, patient, and helpful. If you're good at getting organized and inspiring people, consider being a project manager. Not all project managers are as rigid as Darth Vader. Successful ones are energetic, focused, and good at seeing the big picture. If you're bursting with ideas, look into being a developer. These workers are the creative side of IT: they invent new strategies and fix their own mistakes. Get to know the right people. Many IT gurus love to assist people. If you're just dipping your toes into the world of IT, investigate to see if you have someone in your friendly or professional network who can tell you about the basics of your chosen field. There's nothing wrong with networking, so don't be shy about asking questions. Find a role model. If you know someone with your dream job, it's especially important to talk to them! Meet for coffee and ask them about their career arc. What kind of education do they have? What do they know now that they wish they'd known before? If you don't know your career role model personally, that's fine too. Try looking at the LinkedIn pages of folks with jobs you admire. What sorts of experiences have they racked up? What do they emphasize about themselves? Evaluate your existing degrees and certifications. A bachelor's degree in IT is helpful for entry level jobs, but it's not absolutely mandatory. Some employers will accept a bachelor's degree in a related field (like computer science) or an unrelated field (like history). You might even be able to swing an entry-level position with no bachelor's at all. However, many if not most IT positions prefer some sort of higher educational experience. Review your self-taught skills. The more education you get in the field, the better your income will probably be in the long run. Still, don't discount the importance of skills you've learned outside the classroom. Think about projects you've worked on (like designing, watching videos, a website or a game). What role did you play in them? Were your creative or organizational powers challenged? Find out if any of these skills are certifiable. Certification is often as easy as paying a fee and taking a test; if you're already so comfortable with something that you feel confident about taking an exam in it, go ahead and get certified. Identify your availability. Are you just starting undergrad, or are you a stay-at-home parent? The amount of time you have to devote to your It training and education will shape what you are able to do and how much you can do. However, if you're not able to set aside 40 hours a week to learn about It, don't despair; remote and part-time opportunities may be just what you need. Search for educational opportunities. Based on your desired career path, current educational and professional experience, and amount of free time, look into different schools to figure out which suits you best. Don't forget to determine what the entry requirements are for each field of study. Make a spreadsheet to keep you on track. Include time commitment, commute, and financial aid, as well as certification. Don't go into debt for a higher-education degree. Reputable online programs, trade schools, and financial aid can help you manage the cost of your schooling. Know that there is no single educational path to an IT career. It's a broad field, and your education may take anywhere from a few months to four years to complete. For instance, to be a systems analyst, you may need a bachelors degree, but for help desk work, you may only need experience or an associates degree. Look into professional certifications. Even without a college degree, an MCSE or A+ certification can gain you significant credibility. For most certifications, you'll study and review a certain narrow subject, then sign up for an online exam. There is usually a fee, but the exams are often quick and can be done in your home. Figure out the best certifications by researching which ones are popular in your country and field, and stay updated! As you might expect in a tech field, certifications emerge, update, and become obsolete every year. Consider getting certified in a popular programming language, like Java. Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification has been around since the 80s (with updates, of course). It's one of the most broadly applicable certifications around, so it's good for generalists. Database certification will also serve you well, since all sorts of businesses use them to organize their information. Oracle offers several database certifications at different levels. Don't assume your educational degree will be enough. Certifications can net you an 8-16% pay increase. Not only that, but they make you look committed to learning and growth, which is attractive to employers. Get an internship in a reputable IT department. Good grades are nice, but work experience is even better. If you get a feel for what it's like to work for a reputable company, you'll build a network and learn a great deal about IT workplace norms. Also, many of IT internships are paid, which is a nice bonus. Talk to professors or professional acquaintances to make internship connections. Make your resume as great as possible. Even if you don't have a ton of work experience, a clearly-written and focused resume which highlights your strengths can help you snag that internship. Apply for internships at a range of companies, from tiny to well-known. You might be intimidated by the idea of interning at Google, but remember that someone has to fill the internship spots there. Why shouldn't that person be you? Form a resume. Even if you already created a resume to nab an internship, give it a refresh before you apply for a full-time job. Resumes adhere to strict guidelines, but if you work within those parameters, they can say a lot about you. Write in clear, accessible language, and don't be afraid to show yourself in a positive light. Include relevant work experience and accomplishments. In many cases, customer service is relevant, even if it doesn't directly pertain to IT. Emphasize your certifications and education, too. Know you'll have to tweak your resume based on the jobs you're applying to. Stay flexible. Post your resume on job search and networking sites like Monster and LinkedIn. Apply with a broad focus. You don't need to apply to every single IT job in a hundred-mile radius, but don't waste time looking for the perfect job either. Read job descriptions thoroughly, and give your time to any that pique your interest and seem to mesh well with your skills and experience. Take time on your cover letter. Your resume shows a lot about your history of accomplishments, but your cover letter shows off your personality. There isn't as much structure to a cover letter, but in general, you'll want it written in businesslike language, focused on you and the job you want, and carefully edited and proofread. Tailor the letter to the job. Mention details of the job description, and why they match up to your skills and talents. Emphasize the good qualities and things you've accomplished that might not be visible on your resume. For instance, if you've done relevant volunteer work as the webmaster of your church's website, you can expand on it and explain its relevance to the job you're applying for. Interview smart. If your cover letter and resume are up to scratch, you may be invited in for your first IT interview. Interviews in any field can be stressful, but with a little preparation, you'll be able to breathe a lot easier. Focus on doing your homework before so you can concentrate on seeming confident in the interview. Practice your answers to questions the night before. You won't be able to predict everything you're going to be asked, but know your chief strengths and weaknesses, your relevant experience, and how to describe yourself in a minute or less. Show up on time and dress neatly. IT workers are famous for a casual aesthetic, but you still want to look like you pay attention to detail. Remember that you're interviewing the company, too. Ask questions about the culture and expectations. Some examples are “What is the last person with this position up to now?” and “Do people in this position work in teams, or independently, more often?” Keep honing your skills. IT is constantly changing, and once you have a job, you should continue growing along with the field. Keep up with evolving applications, hardware, and software that you'll need to utilize. Blogs and IT publications can be useful resources to find out what's new, and so can your coworkers and professional network.< Consider getting additional certifications outside of work, either to broaden your scope at your job or make you better at your current specialty. Keep your ears open about professional development opportunities offered within your company. | Decide if you’re suited to IT. Identify your passions and work with them. Focus based on your work style. Get to know the right people. Evaluate your existing degrees and certifications. Review your self-taught skills. Identify your availability. Search for educational opportunities. Look into professional certifications. Get an internship in a reputable IT department. Form a resume. Apply with a broad focus. Take time on your cover letter. Interview smart. Keep honing your skills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bandana | How to Make a Bandana | If you want to make your own bandana, cut out a piece of cloth that's about 2 square feet. Choose a durable fabric that will feel comfortable against your skin, like cotton muslin, and avoid wearing colors that may be associated with gang activity in your area. If you like, you can add a 2-inch seam around the bandana by folding the fabric and stitching it in place. This will keep the fabric from fraying. | Obtain a large piece of cloth. Your cloth should be 2' by 2' (61 cm by 61 cm) or larger. You can choose whatever kind of fabric you prefer, though cotton muslin is an affordable option that will hold up well to wear and tear. Try to avoid fabrics that might be itchy against your skin. When choosing a pre-patterned material, select one you think would look good as a bandana, like a paisley design, a checked pattern, a skull and crossbones theme, and so on. In some parts of the world, wearing a certain color bandana can be associated with a local gang. For example, blue and red bandannas are tied to gangs in the US city of Los Angeles. It can be dangerous to accidentally identify yourself with a gang, so be wary of this when choosing a bandana color or pattern. Sketch out a square on the cloth. You may want to use a straight edge, like a ruler or meter stick, but you can also follow straight lines in pre-patterned material. Your square should be about 2' (61 cm) long on each side, though you can make it larger or smaller according to your size. It may be easiest for you to start your square in the corner of your material. This way, less of the cloth ends up as scraps. A felt-tip pen will show up more easily than pencil markings. A clear line will make it easier for you to cut your material in a straight line. A washable fabric marker is also a good choice for sketching out your square. When you wash your finished bandana, any stray marks will wash out. The sketch doesn't have to be perfect, but straight lines will result in your bandana being regular in shape and polished in appearance. It's best to make your bandana larger than too small. It's much easier to trim fabric off than it is to add fabric on. Cut your square free of the material. If you're using a material mostly made up of cotton, it may be easiest to make the first cut with a pair of sharp scissors or fabric scissors. Since cotton rips fairly easily, you may be able to rip it along the rest of it along the line you have drawn. If you are unsure of the blend of fabric used in your material, to prevent waste, you may want to use your scissors to completely cut your square free. Even with pure cotton fabrics, sometimes the tear will not be clean. If you are working with a limited amount of fabric, using scissors may be the safest bet. Try your bandana on. At this point, you may want to try on your bandana to see how it fits. If it is too large, you can trim it down, but you should keep in mind that you'll likely lose ½" - 2" (1¼ - 5 cm) of fabric to hemming. Hemming your bandana will keep it from fraying at the edges. An unhemmed raw edge can fray easily. Determine the width of your hem. A larger hem will be easiest to work with, but will create a wide doubled fold along the edge of your fabric. For your bandana, you may want to start with a medium hem, which is usually about 2" (5 cm) in length. This will be folded under the cloth and stitched down to prevent fraying. A hem can be any size you choose. You may find you like the extra thickness of the folded cloth around the edges of a longer hem, or a narrow, short hem. Fold and press your hem. You'll want your cloth to be crisp and straight when stitching to prevent a crooked hem, so you'll need to iron the cloth you fold. For a medium hem, fold ½" (1¼ cm) of cloth beneath your fabric and press it with an iron. Then fold another 1½" (3.8 cm) of cloth in the same fashion and press it again. For larger hems, first fold and press ¾" (1.9 cm) of cloth under your fabric. Follow this with a 1¼" (3.2 cm) under fold of fabric and press again. Small hems can be made by first folding ¼" (.64 cm) of your edge under your fabric and pressing. Then fold under another ¼" (.64 cm) and press again. Pin your folded hem in place. Make sure your now double folded edge is straight and neat. You may need to adjust the fabric and repress it to correct crookedness. Once your soon to be hemmed edge is aligned, pin the fabric so it stays in place when you are sewing. You may want to use a straight edge, like a ruler or meter stick, to check the evenness of your folded edge. Sew your hem. The easiest way of doing this is with a sewing machine , but if this isn't an option a needle and thread work just as well. Thread your needle and poke it through all the layers of your folded over fabric from the fabric's reverse side so the knot is hidden. Then feed the needle back and forth through the back and front of your fabric along your folded over edge at regular intervals. When you reach the end, tie off your thread with a knot. When you thread your needle, double the thread so that your stitching holds up to wear and tear better. A very professional looking stitch you might want to use is called a slip stitch. This kind of stitch will be invisible once you're finished, though it may take some practice before you get the hang of it. You may also want to check out how to hem to learn the finer points of hemming. If hemming with a needle and thread seems a little daunting, you could try using iron on hem tape. This can be found at most craft and sewing stores, or at general retailers like Walmart and Target. Show off your homemade bandana. There are many different ways you can wear your new bandana. Experiment to see which one suits your style best. Two popular styles you might consider: Wear your bandana around your neck so that it hangs in a triangular shape at the base of your neck. Fold your bandana into a long, narrow strip. Then wrap the strip around your head and tie it at the back to wear it like a headband. Choose prime decorating locations. Depending on how you choose to wear your bandana, the best location for your decorations will vary. For example, if you plan on wearing your bandana along your neck in a triangular shape, you'll likely want your design with its bottom pointed towards the corner and located in the corner of the fabric. It may help to put on your bandana and take a look at it in a mirror. Then you can mark the fabric with a pencil or washable fabric marker on the spot that best presents your decoration. Iron or sew on patches. A patch is a great way of representing your favorite bands, games, sports teams, and more. Some of these are heat activated and can be attached to your bandana with an iron, while others may require stitching to be held in place. Your local fabric store may be a good place to look for patches, but for specific designs, an online retailer might provide the best selection. Some fabrics or blends may not be safe to iron. Be sure to check the fabric information before attempting to iron on a patch. Use wash-safe fabric paint to make designs. By using fabric paint, you can create designs that are unique and significant to you. In some cases, you may need painting supplies, like a brush and water, but some fabric paints come in marker applicators. Many general retailers, art retailers, and craft stores have assorted fabric paints you can choose from. Be sure you choose one that won't come out in the wash! You may want to use a fabric stencil so that your finished painted designs look more professional. Draw designs with wash-safe fabric markers. Fabric markers may be a little more familiar and easy to use than paint, especially if you don't have much painting experience. For the best finished product, you may want to first draw your design in a washable fabric marker, then follow this with your wash-safe markers. Depending on your fabric, you may also be able to use a pencil to sketch out your designs before using a more permanent medium. Allow your designs time to dry, if applicable. For best results, you should always follow the directions on the products you use for decorating your bandana. Fabric paints and markers may need some time to dry before washing, or may have special washing instructions. | Obtain a large piece of cloth. Sketch out a square on the cloth. Cut your square free of the material. Try your bandana on. Determine the width of your hem. Fold and press your hem. Pin your folded hem in place. Sew your hem. Show off your homemade bandana. Choose prime decorating locations. Iron or sew on patches. Use wash-safe fabric paint to make designs. Draw designs with wash-safe fabric markers. Allow your designs time to dry, if applicable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Your-Trust-Issues | How to Fix Your Trust Issues | While it may seem very tough to overcome your trust issues, the best way to do it is by talking to your partner about them and making a plan to move forward. Explain to your partner what is causing your trust issues so they can understand what you're going through. As you talk, use “I” statements to avoid assigning blame for how you feel. For example, you might say, “I was cheated on in a previous relationship, and it's making it hard for me to trust you.” Be sure to be honest and open with your partner all the time, since good communication often goes a long way in fixing trust issues. If you want to stop these issues from affecting you over the long run, work with your partner to establish what you need to trust them. You may want them to call you whenever they're going to be out late, or insist on monogamy in your relationship. | Identify the source. In order to overcome your trust issues, you need to figure out why they are occurring. Trust is developed when a person shows that they can be counted on. Humans first start to develop trust in infancy and the toddler years. If you experienced neglect or abandonment in early childhood, these experiences can contribute to you having trust issues later in life. In addition, relationships can also influence your ability to trust. If you have been cheated on , lied to, or deceived by someone you care about, this could be the source behind your mistrust. Talk to the person using “I” statements. Once you identify the person(s) who were instrumental in your developing trust issues, you should attempt to talk to them about it. Be candid with your partner about how you feel. This allows you and your partner to collaborate on a workable solution to your trust issues. Tailor your words with “I” statements to minimize blaming the other person. You might say, “I was cheated on in a previous relationship and it's making it really hard for me to trust you.” These statements can help emphasize that the other person is not to blame for your trust issues but that you do have certain needs. Explain what you need. Opening the door to discuss your trust issues is only half of the equation. You will need to sit down with your partner and come up with an action plan. You can start this off by being clear about your needs. For instance, if you know secrets contribute to why you are mistrustful, make a pact with your partner to not keep secrets from each other. Say something like “I get really insecure when you keep secrets from me. Can we agree to not leave one another in the dark about things that are happening in our lives?” Early in the relationship, tell your partner that you may ask them open and direct questions instead of hiding your thoughts. These questions may include things such as "What do you need to be happy in a relationship?" or "How do you feel about meeting my friends?" Let them know that you want clear and honest answers to these questions. Find closure for current relationships. If your current partner or loved one hurt you, you will need to find closure from that incident in order to move forward in the relationship. There are various ways to gain closure to rebuild existing relationships. One way to move on is by writing a letter about the betrayal. Use the letter to explain what happened, how it hurt you, and how it is affecting you today. If the person is still in your life, you can read the letter to them and request an apology. If not, you can simply burn the letter or tear it to pieces to symbolize the situation no longer having any power over your life. Recognize shared humanity in the people who hurt you in the past. If past relationships are influencing your ability to trust today, you need to learn to let go of those hurts. Another way to gain closure is by recognizing that all people make mistakes. This can be hard, but try to rationalize that all people hurt their loved ones at some point. The person who hurt you in the past was only human. You can learn to accept this truth so you can move on from the situation. This can be helpful for getting closure from people who are no longer in your life such as exes or deceased family members. Improve communication. The most effective way to overcome trust issues is to communicate. Most often, mistrust develops because one partner seems like a mystery to the other. When you and your partner are open and honest with one another, the fears and anxieties are alleviated and trust can be restored. Have the courage to say what you mean. If a situation with your partner makes you uncomfortable, use your voice. You might say, “It makes me worried that this guy is texting you so late at night.” An innocent situation can get blown out of proportion in your mind simply because you don't speak up. Offer feedback. Another aspect of communication is reflecting on your progress. Let your partner know how you think things are going to reinforce good habits. For example, you might say, “I really appreciate how you called to let me know you would be out late. It really gave me a peace of mind.” Set and respect personal boundaries. Just as you want to be able to trust your partner, they also need to be able to live fully without unreasonable constraints on their behavior. Boundary-setting allows both you and your partner to express your wants, needs, and limitations for the relationship. A healthy relationship also requires that these limitations be acknowledged and respected by both partners. For instance, you might express a need to be monogamous with your partner and share what that means. You might say, “Cheating is becoming emotionally attached to another, having physical intimacy (i.e. touching, kissing, or having sex), or feeling the need to hide a relationship from me.” On the other hand, your partner might express the boundary of being able to have multiple social media profiles with the allowance that you are granted access to them if you desire. Challenge negative thought patterns. A critical inner voice can do just as much damage as lies and deceit. If you are trying to fix your trust issues, you will need to identify and reframe negative thoughts that contribute to your insecurities. Reality testing is a great way to challenge these thought patterns. Consider, for example, that your partner gets a phone call and steps out of the room to take it. You think, “He needs to take the phone call in private. It must be another girl. I knew he was cheating on me.” This can quickly lead down a catastrophic path. Instead, use reality testing to see what evidence there is that your partner is cheating. Have you seen other clues? Is this a constant behavior? Think about other reasons your partner may need to leave the room. Is he hard of hearing? Has he been waiting on an important call from work? Is the background noisy in the environment? Try to fully examine all aspects of a situation to look at it realistically rather than jumping to a negative conclusion. Take a risk. You may not want to hear it, but falling in love and staying in love involves some degree of risk. And, risk is largely associated with emotional vulnerability. While you don't want to think of your relationship as a dice-roll, you should consider that a small measure of faith—in your partner and your bond—is necessary for the relationship to last. You won't be able to spend every minute of every day with your partner. You won't be able to track every phone call or text message. Nor should you want to. You will feel the greatest security and satisfaction in your relationship from the belief that time apart from each other adds value to the relationship rather than subtracting from it. Confide in a friend. Sometimes, sharing your deepest fears with a close friend can provide the relief and reality check needed to recognize whether your worries are logical or far-fetched. As you work on your trust issues, select one friend whom you can count on to be candid with you and keep your confidences. You might say, “Carla got home really late last night from work. I was worried. What do you think I should do?” Hopefully, your friend can help alleviate your concerns, or steer you to take action if your worries are warranted. See a therapist for trust issues. In some cases, no amount of security in the relationship can help overcome deep-seated insecurities that you have about yourself. If communicating with your partner and setting boundaries doesn't help, you may need to see a professional. A mental health therapist can help you get to the bottom of your mistrust, give you strategies to exercise greater vulnerability in your relationships, and work with you to challenge critical thought patterns. Share your story in a support group. Another way to heal from past hurts and learn practical tips on rebuilding trust is by sharing your story and hearing the stories of others. Relationship support groups can be a wonderful outlet to express some of your concerns and have others who have dealt with trust issues help you through them. Talk to your therapist about referring you to a local support group relating to trust in relationships. It may also be helpful for your partner to join you at the support groups. Attending may help them to gain greater insight into your fears and develop coping skills to handle your insecurities. Unload your worries in a journal. Similar to having a friend to share your worries, writing down your fears into a journal can serve as a handy tool in overcoming trust issues. Putting pen to paper allows you to go through the process of unloading irrational fears and also offers an outlet for you to challenge these worries with reality-testing. Journaling can help you reduce tension and stress associated with your trust issues, identify common patterns affecting your relationships, and serve as a problem-solving tool as you work with a therapist. | Identify the source. Talk to the person using “I” statements. Explain what you need. Find closure for current relationships. Recognize shared humanity in the people who hurt you in the past. Improve communication. Set and respect personal boundaries. Challenge negative thought patterns. Take a risk. Confide in a friend. See a therapist for trust issues. Share your story in a support group. Unload your worries in a journal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-Without-Exercising | How to Lose Weight Without Exercising | If you want to lose weight without exercising, you have to modify your diet so your body expends more calories than it takes in. Your diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Keep track of how many calories you eat every day, and try to cut about 500-750 calories from your diet per day to lose 1-2 pounds a week. However, do not consume less than 1200 calories daily or you'll be at risk for nutrient deficiencies. | Count calories. Weight loss programs usually require you to modify your total calorie intake. Counting calories and being aware of how much you eat can help you lose weight. In general, you'll want to cut out about 500–750 calories daily to lose about one to two pounds weekly. Figure out how many calories you can cut from your daily diet by first calculating the number of calories you should take in each day. Do this by searching online for a calorie calculator, then inputting your weight, height, age and activity level in order to calculate your recommended caloric intake. Each person is different, so it's best to get your own, personalized number. Do not consume less than 1200 calories daily. A diet that's too low in calories puts you at risk for nutrient deficiencies as you cannot eat enough food to meet your daily requirements for most vitamins, minerals, and protein. Be aware that your weight is a balancing act. Calorie intake is only a part of the equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs (carbohydrates) or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off; but when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages, and increasing calories burned through physical activity. Write yourself a meal plan. If you are not exercising to burn calories, you must trim them from your diet in order to lose weight. Writing out a meal plan can help you plot out all your meals and snacks and make sure they fit into your pre-determined calorie range. In addition, be sure to use strategies to help yourself feel more full. Spend some time writing out all your meals, snacks, and beverages for a few days or a week. Allot a certain caloric amount for each meal. For example: 300-calorie breakfast, two 500-calorie bigger meals, and one to two 100-calorie snacks. This may help you choose what foods to eat for meals and snacks throughout the day. Include foods from all five food groups most days. Review your meal plan to make sure you're getting adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy. Having all your meals and snacks planned in advance may keep you from making poor nutrition choices when you're in a rush. Keep snacks conveniently located and ready in your fridge, car, backpack or purse. Eat a balanced diet. A diet that is calorie controlled and includes all five food groups is a good foundation for healthy weight loss. You should include all of the following most days: Fruits and vegetables. These foods are dense, filling, low-calorie and low-fat. Not only are fruits and veggies great for your waistline; they have copious amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that you need for long-term health. Aim to make 1/2 of your meals fruits and/or vegetables. Lean protein. Foods like poultry, eggs, pork, lean beef, legumes, dairy products, and tofu are great sources of lean protein. Protein will help keep you satisfied longer and may curb hunger cravings. Aim to include 3-4 oz of protein at each meal — this is about the size of a deck of cards. 100% whole grains. Foods that are whole grains are high in fiber and some vitamins and minerals. Quinoa, oats, brown rice, millet, and 100% whole wheat pasta and bread are examples of whole grains to include in your diet. Limit your grains to about 1/2 cup or 1 oz per meal. Snack healthy. Including one to two low-calorie snacks is appropriate when you're trying to lose weight. Many times a snack will help support your weight loss. Snacking may be appropriate when there is more than five or six hours between your meals. Sometimes, going for long periods of time without eating may make it harder for you to stick to your planned meal or portion sizes as you may be overly hungry. Most snacks included in a weight loss plan should be calorie controlled. Aim to keep snacks between 100-200 calories. Healthy snacks include: 1/4 cup of nuts, one individual greek yogurt, a hard boiled egg or celery and peanut butter. Choose healthier cooking techniques. Don't sabotage your good intentions with poor preparation methods. Cooking methods that use a lot of oil, butter, or other high-fat sauces or seasonings may cause your weight loss to plateau or slow. Try cooking methods that use little to no added fat. Try: steaming, grilling, braising, roasting and poaching/boiling. Switch to extra virgin olive oil or canola oil. When substituted for saturated fats (like butter), these healthy monounsaturated fats can help to improve blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing risk for heart disease and obesity. Avoid cooking techniques such as deep fat frying or pan frying. Also avoid cooking methods that use a lot of butter, oil, or margarine. Drink adequate amounts of fluids. Staying well-hydrated is also essential to weight loss. Many times, thirst can feel similar to hunger and trigger you to eat. Drinking enough fluid can help prevent this mistake and promote weight loss. Aim for about 64 oz or about eight glasses of clear, sugar-free liquids each day. This is a general recommendation, but is a good place to start. Fluids that will count toward your daily goal include: water, sugar-free flavored waters, plain tea, and coffee without cream or sugar. Ditch alcohol and sugary beverages. Both alcoholic beverages and sugary beverages contain large amounts of calories that may work against your weight loss plan. Ideally, completely pass these up as long as you desire continued weight loss. Sugary beverages to avoid include: regular soda, sweetened tea, sweetened coffee drinks, sports drinks and juices. At the maximum, women should consume one glass or less of alcohol daily and men should consume two or less daily. Again, if continued weight loss is desired, alcohol should be avoided. Weigh yourself once or twice a week. Monitoring your progress is important when you're losing weight. Stepping on the scale regularly can help you see how effective your diet program is going and whether or not you need to make any changes. Remember, safe weight loss is about one to two pounds per week. Be patient with your progress. You're more likely to sustain slow and steady weight loss in the long-term. For the most accurate pattern of results, it's best to weigh yourself at the same time of day, on the same day of the week and in the same clothes (or choose to go without clothes). If your weight loss has plateaued or you've begun to gain weight, recheck your meal plans and food journals and see if you can cut out any more calories to help weight loss. Find a support group. Having friends, family members or co-workers supporting you through your weight loss plan may help you continue to lose weight and maintain it long-term. Build a support group to help you stay on track. See if others you know also want to lose weight. Many times people find it easier to tackle weight loss together as a group. You can also try finding online support groups or support groups that meet in person on a weekly or monthly basis. Get support by working with a registered dietitian; he/she can customize your meal plan and provide on-going support. Reward yourself. Having a motivating and enticing reward at the end of your weight loss goals can help push you through to the end. Set up something exciting for yourself as you meet your goals. Ideas to try include: Buying yourself new shoes or clothes. Treating yourself to a round of golf or other favorite sport. Getting a massage or other spa treatment. Avoid food-related rewards, as these can trigger old habits that might not be conducive to weight loss. Start a food journal. Journaling your meals, snacks and drinks can help motivate you to stay on track. Also, people who journal typically lose more weight and keep it off longer compared to those who do not track their food. You can either purchase a journal or download a food journal app. Try to track as many days as you can. Again, you're more likely to stay on track and stick with your meal plan the more often you record your foods. Keep track of your food journal. This may be a good resource to evaluate how well your diet is going and how effective it is for weight loss. Get adequate rest. Sleeping seven to nine hours each night is recommended for general health and wellness. However, adequate sleep is also important for weight loss. Studies show that people who sleep less than six or seven hours nightly or have poor sleep weigh more than those who get adequate rest. Go to bed earlier. If you have to get up early, try to get in bed earlier to help increase your total sleep time. To make sure you have a sound and undisturbed sleep, remove all electronics — like your phone, tablet device or computer — from your bedroom. Practice good sleep hygiene to ensure you get the most out of your sleep. Increase your baseline physical activity. Baseline activity is activity that you already do everyday — walking up stairs, walking to and from your car, and doing daily chores. This type of activity does not burn a lot of calories, but can help support your weight loss. Although it's very possible to lose weight without going to the gym or working out regularly, there are definitely benefits of being moderately active. Even by simply increasing baseline activity, you may notice more weight loss, improved mood, or increased energy. Try to increase your baseline activity each day. This can include parking further away from where you work or are shopping, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing during commercial breaks, or delivering messages to co-workers in person instead of by email. Encourage social gatherings that are a bit more active. Frisbee, golf, swimming, or a simple picnic in the park with friends are activities that will get you moving (and get you fresh air). If weather is an issue, do something indoors like dancing. | Count calories. Be aware that your weight is a balancing act. Write yourself a meal plan. Eat a balanced diet. Snack healthy. Choose healthier cooking techniques. Drink adequate amounts of fluids. Ditch alcohol and sugary beverages. Weigh yourself once or twice a week. Find a support group. Reward yourself. Start a food journal. Get adequate rest. Increase your baseline physical activity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-Whether-You%27re-Insensitive | How to Know Whether You're Insensitive | While it can be difficult to tell if you're insensitive or not, you can try paying close attention to your emotional reactions and to how others engage with you to get a better sense of yourself. A main trait of insensitive people is a lack of empathy, which can make them come off as cold or uncaring. When you're with others, ask yourself if you try to understand their point of view or pick up on their emotions or if you simply don't care. You can also note how people respond to you since they'll often be put off by insensitive people. If people tend to make excuses to leave when you're around or avoid asking you for help or advice, then they may see you as insensitive. Other signs that you may be insensitive include talking about topics that obviously bore others, getting annoyed if someone doesn't understand a topic you're explaining, judging others for their mistakes, or being overly blunt or critical of others. | Ask yourself, "Do I really care? " One of the main traits of insensitive people is a lack of empathy. While empathy exists in varying degrees, and some people are simply more sensitive than others, having very little empathy can make you come off as cold or uncaring. There are two types of empathy: cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. Cognitive empathy involves the ability to logically understand someone else's perspective by seeing things from their point of view. You may not have a strong emotional reaction to another person's perspective, but you will at least understand it to a degree. Emotional empathy involves being able to pick up on the emotions of others. If someone gets bad news, for example, you will feel sad. Consider whether you possess either types of empathy. Do you try to understand another person's point of view when they're explaining something to you? Do you make a conscious effort to ask questions, understand information, and listen? When another person is sad or frustrated, do you experience the same emotions? Can you easily pick up on how a person is feeling? If a friend or co-worker looked upset, would you feel compelled to ask them what's wrong? Oftentimes, insensitive people are simply not tuned in to the needs and emotions of others. Consider how often you actively try to understand the perspective of another person. If you spend the bulk of your time thinking about yourself, you may be insensitive. Monitor how people respond to you. People tend to be put off by insensitive people. You can often tell if you're insensitive by observing how others tend to respond to you. When you're in a social situation, do people initiate conversation with you? If you're the one usually starting a conversation, people might be wary to talk to you because of the way you're coming off. Do people want to remain engaged in conversation with you or do people tend to make excuses to leave? Do people tend to laugh at your jokes? Oftentimes, insensitive people make jokes that come off the wrong way to others. If people do not laugh, or only offer quiet and somewhat uncomfortable laughter, you may be insensitive. Do people seek you out when they're in need? If you're an insensitive person, others might be wary to ask for your help and open up to you about their problems. If you're consistently the last person in a group to hear about, say, a friend's divorce or a family member's job loss, it may be because you consistently say the wrong things in these situations. This is a sign of insensitivity. Has anyone ever outright told you you're insensitive? While it might seem obvious, many people disregard such criticisms as the result of the hypersensitivity of others. However, if someone's made the point to call you out on your behavior, or if multiple people have, you may be insensitive. Consider how you behave. Insensitive behaviors vary from person to person. However, certain identifiable behaviors are generally considered rude or crass. You may be an insensitive person if you've ever engaged in any of the following: Talking about a topic that bores others or that others do not understand. For example, going on about the details of your PhD if you know others in the room have no understanding of the subject matter. Sharing opinions at inappropriate times, such as complaining loudly about the obesity epidemic in front of a co-worker you know is struggling with his weight. Bringing up topics inappropriate for the audience or group, such as telling stories of recreational drug use in front of your significant other's parents. Getting annoyed if someone does not understand a topic you're explaining. Passing judgments on others for their mistakes or circumstances without considering their background or personal struggles. Being rude and demanding to serving staff at restaurants. Being too blunt or critical of others. For example, if you dislike an item of clothing on someone you might say, "You look fat in that" rather than avoiding commenting altogether or offering more tactful advice, like, "I think a different color would flatter your features more." Practice reading other people's emotions. You may struggle to identify the physical cues that are signs of different emotions, but all humans are born with this ability. Just like any other skill, if you take the time to practice reading people's emotions, you will get better at it. Observe people in a crowded place (like a mall, nightclub, or park) and try to identify how they are feeling. Try using context, body language, and expressions to figure out who is feeling shy, stressed, excited, and so on. Read up on body language, especially facial expressions, and how it corresponds to different emotions. Sadness, for instance, is characterized by drooping eyelids, a slight pulling down of the lip corners, and a raised inner brow. Put on a soap opera and try to identify the emotions the actors are portraying. Use context clues, facial expressions, and body language. Mute the television so you can't get clues from the dialogue. Once you feel you've got it down, move on to more subtle dramas in which the actors use nuanced expressions to convey emotion. Learn to show concern. You may come off as insensitive because showing emotion makes you feel uncomfortable an awkward. Instead of saying something that might sound stilted or insincere when you see someone is upset, you remain quiet. Accept that it might sound forced when you offer condolences to your friend, "I'm so sorry to hear that...", but know that it will become more natural if you push through and keep trying. Understand the necessity of emotions. To you, sadness may seem pointless, illogical, and self-indulgent. You may wonder why the person doesn't just think through the issue and figure out how to make it better. But emotions are an essential part of decision making, as is logic. Emotions can motivate you to change your life, as emotional discomfort is often an impetus to get out of a rut. Emotions are essential to making connections and healthy, successful social interactions. Remember that emotions are simply part of being human. Even if you don't understand them or think they're pointless, be aware that most people don't feel that way. Sometimes it's okay to fake it. You may not understand why someone is upset or overjoyed, but playing along a little bit is sometimes the most sensitive thing you can do. You may not personally feel any joy that your coworker is going to be an aunt, but it shouldn't cost you much to congratulate her and smile. Become aware of your own emotions. Feelings may cause you discomfort or confusion, or you may have been taught to hide and suppress your emotions, or maybe you only listen to the logical side of your brain. For whatever reason, you may have cut yourself off from your own feelings, which can make it difficult to feel empathy. If you are suppressing your emotions to cope with trauma or you are prone to anxiety attacks, you may need a counselor or therapist to help you work through those feelings. Begin asking yourself, "How am I feeling right now?" throughout the day. Stopping and checking in with yourself can help you begin to identify feelings as they come up. Identify any devices you use to avoid your emotions, such as: distracting yourself with video games or watching television, focusing only on work, drinking or using other substances, over-intellectualizing the situation, or making jokes about it. Allow yourself to feel the emotion. When you're in a safe, private place, don't suppress your feelings. Allow the emotion to come and try to observe how your body reacts. Making note of these physical changes (like that your eyebrows furrow and your lips narrow when you feel angry) can help you identify the emotions when the reoccur – both in yourself and in other people. Learn the symptoms of narcissism. Narcissistic personality disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which people have an unrealistic sense of self importance and tend to lack empathy. Narcissistic personality disorder is relatively rare with prevalence ranging from 0% to 6.2% in community samples. Of those diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, 50-75% are male. The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include a large sense of self importance, the need for recognition or admiration, the need to exaggerate achievements or talents, being envious of others or believing others envy you, and expecting special favors from those around you. People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to think of the world solely in terms of themselves and their own needs. Basic criticism or setbacks can cause major episodes of depression in those suffering narcissistic personality disorder. This is, in fact, often what first prompts those suffering from the disorder to seek help. However, you do not have to wait that long. If you're worried you may show symptoms of narcissism, make an appointment with a therapist. Consider autism, including Asperger Syndrome. Autistic people often have difficulty understanding social cues and figuring out how to respond. They tend to be straightforward and honest, which can accidentally come off as insensitive. You may be autistic if you care deeply about others' feelings, and hate to see them get upset, but are called insensitive. The "insensitivity" in many autistic people is called by cluelessness, overwhelm, and misunderstanding, not by lack of caring. Other autism symptoms include strong emotions, stimming (unusual fidgeting), dislike of eye contact, sluggishness, passionate special interests, need for routine, and general clumsiness.. While autism is often identified in childhood, it is possible for symptoms to be looked over or hidden, and some people are not diagnosed until teen or adult years. Talk to a therapist if you think you have symptoms of autism. Read about various personality disorders. Many personality disorders cause insensitivity to others. Personality disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause long-term behavioral and thinking patterns that are unhealthy. While nearly all personality disorders can cause some degree of insensitivity, the following are most often associated with a lack of empathy: Antisocial personality disorder, which involves an inability to distinguish right from wrong, hostility, aggression, violence, a lack of longterm relationships, unnecessary risk taking behavior, and a sense of superiority. Borderline personality disorder, which involves difficulty regulating emotions or thoughts, frequently engaging in impulsive and reckless behaviors, and an inability to maintain stable relationships longterm. Schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders are defined by a lack of social relations, delusional thought patterns, and excessive social anxiety. See a therapist, if necessary. If you feel you may be suffering from any of the above disorders, talk over your concerns with a professional therapist or psychiatrist. While many online questionnaires can tell you if you display symptoms of certain disorders, only a professional can diagnose your properly. You can find a therapist by going through your insurance to see what clinics and doctors are covered under you plan. You can also ask for a referral from your regular physician. If you're a college student, your school might provide free counseling. | Ask yourself, "Do I really care? Monitor how people respond to you. Consider how you behave. Practice reading other people's emotions. Learn to show concern. Understand the necessity of emotions. Become aware of your own emotions. Learn the symptoms of narcissism. Consider autism, including Asperger Syndrome. Read about various personality disorders. See a therapist, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Treat-Low-Blood-Sugar | How to Treat Low Blood Sugar | To treat low blood sugar, eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, like half a banana, a tablespoon of honey, or 5 dextrose glucose tablets. Then, wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. If the reading isn't above 100 mg/d, repeat the process. Once your blood sugar stabilizes, eat a small snack or light meal that contains complex carbs, protein, and fat. If you're trying to help someone with low blood sugar and they pass out, locate their glucagon kit so you can administer an injection. If you're unable to administer the injection, call emergency services immediately. | Eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates include sugars that are easily broken down by your body, as opposed to starches or fibers. You only need 15-20 grams to quickly raise your blood sugar. Great options include: 3 BD glucose tablets 5 dextrose glucose tablets 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) of honey 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of raisins 2 Lemon Heads 7 Pixy Stix 4 Starbursts 15 Skittles 8 Sweet Tarts 15 grapes ½ a banana 1 small apple or orange. Wait 15 minutes, then check your sugar. Use your normal method of checking your sugar to see if your levels have returned to normal. Your blood sugar should be above 100 mg/dl. If it isn't, repeat the process. Eat another serving of simple carbs if your sugar is still low. If your sugar was still under 70 mg/dl (4.0 mmol/l), eat another serving of 15-20 grams of simple sugar. Wait another 15 minutes, then check your blood sugar. Most people will have stabilized after one or two sugar cycles; however, continue the process until your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dl (4.0 mmol/l). Be careful to not overeat, as this could cause your blood sugar to rapidly spike. Eat a small snack or your next meal. When your sugar is stable, you need to eat a snack if your meal is more than one hour away. If you were planning to eat within an hour, just wait until your next meal. Otherwise, have a small, healthy snack that contains complex carbs as well as protein and fat to stabilize your blood sugar. While your snack should not be a simple sugar, it should contain complex carbohydrates. For example, eat a sandwich with meat, lettuce, and tomato as a meal. For a snack, you could try a low carb protein bar. Check with your doctor. If you are experiencing low blood sugar often, talk to your doctor to see if you need any adjustments to your diet or medications. Since low blood sugar is a normal occurrence in diabetics, it needs to be regularly monitored, especially in juvenile diabetics. See if the person is responsive. If the person is responsive, then you can give them 15-20 grams of quick carbohydrates. If they have passed out due to low sugar, then you cannot give them sugar via food and drink. If they have a glucagon kit, you can administer an injection. If you are unable to administer the injection, call emergency services immediately. Do not try to give someone food and drink if they are unconscious. This could cause them to choke. Never inject insulin when a person has low blood sugar. That could put a person in a coma, which may lead to death. if there is no glucagon kit. Call emergency services If you can't locate the glucagon kit or can't figure out how to use it, call emergency services immediately. If they do have a glucagon kit, administer it and care for the person before calling for medical services, or have someone else call while you administer the kit. Get their glucagon kit. Glucagon kits are only available by prescription, so you'll only be able to use it if the person has one. The glucagon will help with the release of glucose in the bloodstream, bringing blood sugar levels back up. Their glucagon kit might be in their bag, purse, or pockets. Make sure to search thoroughly but quickly. It should always be in a red, plastic container. Inject the glucagon into their buttock, arm, or thigh muscle. Follow the instructions that are included with the kit to make sure that you inject it correctly. The muscles of the buttock, arm, and thigh are the best locations for the injection. Choose the easiest to reach injection spot, unless otherwise directed by the instructions. Help the person as they wake up. Keep the person stable, and don't let them injure themselves as they wake up. Turn them on their side in case they vomit. Provide them with a bucket or trash can if necessary. Feed the person 15-20 grams of simple carbohydrates. This is so that their liver does not suck the glucose back in, dropping the levels down again. Good options include 4 oz of regular juice or soda, half a banana, or a packet of sugar dissolved in orange juice. Remind the person to contact their doctor. When a person receives glucagon, they need to follow up with a medical professional quickly. They will also need a prescription for a new glucagon kit in case they pass out again in the future. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to manage your blood sugar. What you're eating, the medicines you take, and any exercise that you do can all affect your blood sugar. Your doctor will be able to help you plan how to avoid drops in your sugar. Ask about new exercise routines. Check with your doctor before changing your diet. Ask about any vitamins or supplements you want to take before you try them. Stick to your meal plan. The meal plan provided by your doctor or dietitian is your best option for maintaining your blood sugar. Don't add new foods or change what they've given you. If you want to sometimes deviate from the plan, talk to your doctor or dietitian in advance about how to do it safely. Take your medications as instructed. If you're on medication for diabetes, make sure you take it in the correct amounts and at the times directed. These medications will help keep your blood sugar from getting too high, but if you use them incorrectly they could cause your sugar to drop too low. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Eating several small meals throughout the day rather than three big meals can help you keep your blood sugar steady. Choose balanced meals that are on your meal plan. Eating several small meals is helpful for people who have reactive hypoglycemia, which occurs when your blood sugar drops because your body releases too much insulin after meals. Healthy meals are low carb, with higher levels of protein and fats. For example, eat a salad with grilled chicken or a half sandwich with a cup of soup. Check your blood sugar throughout the day. Stay on top of your numbers so that you know where you stand. This will allow you to eat a snack before your sugar gets low, or take insulin if your sugar is unexpectedly high. Carry your testing kit everywhere. Test before and after your planned meals. Try to keep your meals and checks as consistent as possible. Make sure your meter and meter supplies are accurate, have not expired, and are still of good use. Make regular appointments with your endocrinologist and stick to the action plan you create with your doctor. | Eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Wait 15 minutes, then check your sugar. Eat another serving of simple carbs if your sugar is still low. Eat a small snack or your next meal. Check with your doctor. See if the person is responsive. if there is no glucagon kit. Get their glucagon kit. Inject the glucagon into their buttock, arm, or thigh muscle. Help the person as they wake up. Feed the person 15-20 grams of simple carbohydrates. Remind the person to contact their doctor. Talk to your doctor. Stick to your meal plan. Take your medications as instructed. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Check your blood sugar throughout the day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Metal-Song | How to Write a Metal Song | If you want to write your own metal song but you're not sure where to begin, start by playing around on the guitar until you come up with a riff or melody that you like. Then, build the song's structure by adding the beats for the drums and bass. Next, write your lyrics, making sure to keep them simple with interesting imagery and metaphors. Consider, for example, the use of extended metaphor in Anomalistic Offerings by Suffocation, “The pain is unbearable, but you continue making the incision/ with drill in hand, you find the seed of the demon inside.” | Start with either a melody or a riff. There's no surefire way to start writing a song, but most people start with either a guitar riff or a vocal melody. Starting with a melody usually involves playing around with some chords on the guitar and singing over it until you find a melody you like. This can be the start of either the verse or the chorus of your song. Starting with a riff usually involves working on the guitar until you come up with a good metal riff, something that's both catchy and driving. Build the song's structure. A metal song, like rock and pop, is usually made up of a combination of verse, chorus, and bridge, with an optional intro and outro. You'll need to work with your rhythm guitarist to create a structure based around the original riff or melody you came up with. Create a chord progression for your verse and chorus, and decide if the song needs a bridge. The basic song structure of rock and metal songs goes: intro, verse, chorus, verse, solo, chorus, chorus, outro. Add drums and bass. After your song has a basic structure, it's time to add drums and bass. There isn't really any trick to this, other than jamming through the song with your drummer, rhythm guitarist, and bassist until your drummer and bassist have a sense of the song and what kind of beats and bass lines will work in each part. Metal bass tends to follow the chord structure closely, valuing rhythm over melody. But you aren't limited to that. Experiment with bass lines that follow the vocals, follow the lead, or do something completely different, but complementary. Add lead guitar optionally. If you've got a lead guitarists, now is the time to add some lead guitar melodies to your song. It's best to try to find guitar melodies that compliment the vocal melody, and don't get in the way of it. Write the lyrics. Metal music deals with a wide variety of topics when it comes to lyrics. You can write about just about any subject. A good general rule of thumb for writing metal lyrics is to keep the themes simple, and the imagery and metaphors interesting. Consider, for example, this verse by Vastum, “Our depths of joy in this saturation / In our polymorphously perverse constitution / The dissolution of our grief comes in libidinal death and the grace of mourning”. It deals with simple themes of sexuality, but uses verbose and unusual language. Consider the interesting use of extended metaphor in the song Anomalistic Offerings by Suffocation, "The pain is unbearable, but you continue making the incision / With drill in hand, you find the seed of the demon inside / Blood spews over the walls as you drill deeper," in which cranial surgery is a metaphor for battling inner demons. Practice the song and work out the details. Once you've got all the parts of your song in place, the structure, the melodies, the riffs, the drums, and bass, it's time to start practicing. Work on the song until the band is tight together. As you play the song, listen for places you can make improvements. Talk over your ideas about the song with the band and change it as you all see fit. Record the band playing the song so you can listen to it more closely. That way you can spend time analyzing the individual aspects of the song on your own time. Consider whether to make a band before or after you start writing. You can write songs without a band, but it's harder, especially for metal. Metal has a lot going on in it instrumentally, so you'll likely find writing it on your own difficult. But you can at least start the song before forming the band. And if you're multi-instrumental, meaning you have some skill with all the instruments in a metal band, you can even write the whole thing yourself if you want to. If you want to write the song by yourself before forming a band, you'll need access to drums, a guitar, a bass, and recording equipment, at least a microphone and a computer. Then you just follow the song composing steps one by one, recording each part before moving on to the next. If you want to start writing a song before forming a band, you can write just the rhythm guitar and vocal melody of the song. That will give the song a solid base that can be built upon once you've got some bandmates. Decide on what instruments you want. Before you form a band, you need to decide how many members you want, and what instruments everyone will play. Usually metal bands consist of a drummer, as bassist, a vocalist (who may also play guitar/bass) and two guitarists, one as rhythm and the other as lead. Most bands follow this type of line up but you don't have to have this. You could have one guitarist or no bassist for example. It's up to you. Look for band members. There are a number of ways to find people to be in your band. The easiest and often most effective way is to join with people you're already friends with, who have musical skill and instruments. Another way to find band members is to place an ad on a site like craigslist. Make a posting explaining your mission to form a band, what kind of music you want to play, and what roles you're looking to fill. Find people who have a similar vision. There are certain characteristics you need to look for when recruiting and members. Your fellow members need to have similar tastes in music, not identical, but similar. You also need to find people who have similar levels of skill, otherwise you might have one member who holds back the rest. It's also important that everyone in the band gets along with each other. If there's some serious personality clashing in your band, it won't last very long. Pinpoint type of metal you want to play. There's a wide range of sub genres within the metal genre, so it's best to pin point your style before you start. You can choose anything from black metal to grind core. Make sure all of your band members agree on a style. Some popular metal sub-genres include: Death metal, which is characterized by down-tuned guitars playing fast, intricate rhythms along with growled vocals and dark subject matter. Power metal, which is characterized by fast tempos, melodic harmonies, and clean vocals. Black metal, which is characterized by cold atmospheres, satanic imagery, and raspy, harsh vocals. Listen to a lot of your preferred genre. It's going to be hard to write songs in a particular style without being very familiar with that style. It's likely you've already listened to plenty of music in the style you're interested in, but it will help greatly if you expand your knowledge and try to find more artists who play in that style. The more familiar you are with the conventions and particulars of a certain style, the easier it will be to start writing good metal songs. Study music theory. While no formal music education is required to write a good metal song, knowledge of music theory can only help you. You can research online to find resources for learning about the basics of music theory. | Start with either a melody or a riff. Build the song's structure. Add drums and bass. Add lead guitar optionally. Write the lyrics. Practice the song and work out the details. Consider whether to make a band before or after you start writing. Decide on what instruments you want. Look for band members. Find people who have a similar vision. Pinpoint type of metal you want to play. Listen to a lot of your preferred genre. Study music theory. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Someone-to-Swim | How to Teach Someone to Swim | To teach someone to swim, help the person get comfortable in the water by staying relaxed and giving them floaties to hold on to at the shallow end. You can also hold your hand under their stomach so they can practice the arm stroke while staying buoyant. Next, have the person hold onto the edge of the pool as they practice how to kick. Once they feel confident, encourage them to lift their feet off the bottom in the shallow end while they hold your hand. Additionally, get the learner to swim short distances in the shallow end by standing a few steps away from them. | Consider your qualifications. Ideally, a person should be instructed by a certified swim teacher, preferably a lifeguard or monitored by a lifeguard. But swimming can certainly be taught by ordinary people. The person teaching should be a strong, confident swimmer, have the skills to teach the various skills, and the patience needed in any teaching situation. If you have anxiety about swimming, you are also likely to pass on your fears to your student no matter how well-meaning you are. You may not remember how you learned to swim. Typically swimming is taught to young children, so you may not remember how exactly you were taught years ago. Or you may not remember certain parts. Be aware that some past practices should not be used. Some teaching strategies are counterproductive and should be avoided. "Sink or Swim"/ "Viking swim lesson", in other words, having a person forcibly put (such as tossed by an adult) into deep water. The driving idea behind this lesson is that the person will struggle and be afraid, but will overcome this fear and learn quickly that it is possible to get to the side. Typically, this just re-enforces a person's reluctance to get in the water, and builds distrust in you as an instructor; he or she will be unlikely to swim for pleasure and thus not become a good swimmer. At worst, the person can drown. Using the term "Drown-Proofing". Being able to swim does not mean a person cannot drown. Many water-related deaths were by people who could swim competently. This is an outdated and misleading term. Demand a perfect float or dive. Some swimming programs demanded students pass skills such as floating or diving. While both of these skills compliment swimming and teach good skills, one can be a great swimmer while not mastering them. If the goal is to teach swimming, keep the focus on swimming. A very skinny and/or muscular person may not be able to float well, but swim just fine. Many Olympic-level swimmers do not float well. Diving demands a certain form, and a few people have real trouble with elements such as keeping the legs together. But for everyday swimming, or in an emergency, this really is unlikely to matter. Get comfortable around water. If a person cannot swim, it is natural that there will likely be a lot of anxiety over getting into the water, much less swim. Gently introduce the learner to being in the water, starting in the shallow end of the pool. The older the swimmer, the greater their reluctance will likely be; therefore, while it's important to practice this step for all swimmers, it is especially important when teaching an adult to swim. Do not rush the person into being more comfortable in the water. You will not be able to teach anything about propulsion, floating, breath control, or any other aspect of swimming unless the person feels confident enough to relax and explore. Take small steps. For someone very afraid of the water, just getting three steps into the pool may be a huge achievement. Do what he or she is comfortable with, then take it just one bit further at a time. You may want to hold your student's hand (as long as it is a small individual) to make them feel less anxious. Very young students wearing flotation devices are fine to have swim in deeper water as long as you are comfortable in this area. Since a toddler cannot touch the bottom in the shallow end, it is just as "dangerous" as the deep end. In fact, this approach avoids making "the deep end" a forbidden, hazardous place for a student--which can be an anxiety about swimming for novice students. Let your student hold onto you until he/she is ready. Instead of you deciding when to let go, let your student decide. This can help build trust in you. Take a playful approach. A relaxed, joyful approach helps ease anxiety and increase curiosity and risk-taking. It is also often a positive distraction. For example: Provide colorful floating toys for children to reach for in the water. This helps children learn to stretch out the arms (rather than contract defensively) and feel water is a fun environment for exploration and play. An adult may be anxious standing in the water away from the pool wall. However, tossing a beach ball back and forth acts as a focus--away from feeling anxiety at being away from the safety of the wall and building a feeling of relaxation, fun, and safety. Use buoyancy aids sparingly. Although flotation aids can be helpful in building skills and confidence, they can become a crutch. Do not use "arm floaties". These devices easily come off, and restrict arm movements. Swimming requires a lot of arm movement, so these inflatables are highly discouraged. They also give children a false understanding of the physics of being in water. Kickboards are very useful in teaching swimming. They allow for just enough flotation to the arms to isolate the kick. And although they float, students cannot use them entirely as a support. "Bubbles" are often useful. They help the student float a bit more, and encourages a horizontal position in the water. As the swimmer becomes more confident, the amount of flotation can be reduced until no longer needed. Build confidence, but not recklessness. Your job as a swim instructor is to build on a novice's confidence. This means finding where he/she is, and gradually add skills. You may also need to know a student's limits. A student who is not confident in treading water for more than a few seconds should probably not go in the deep end for very long if at all. A student who can swim freestyle for 100 yards competently may be ready for recreational swim at the pool, but not ready to do a triathlon. Practice the arm movements. Sit on the side of the pool, next to the learner. Demonstrate how to do the arm movements of a very simple stroke which you will be doing properly later. He/she should copy you, and you should correct any mistakes he/she makes. Keep repeating these steps until he does the stroke properly. To help him/her practice this put your hand under their stomach to keep them buoyant. Practice kicking using the side of the pool. Get the learner to hold onto the side with his/her arms, and kick with his/her legs. Give him/her guidance as to how to kick correctly, so that he/she can feel confident when he/she finally starts to swim. It may be easier for the learner to do this on his/her back so that he/she can see his/her legs as he/she is doing it. Get the learner to lift their feet off the ground in the middle of the shallow end. This is a big step for some people, without a side to hold on to, and so it may take a bit of time. Again, the general advice is to hold the learner's hand, and give him/her a buoyancy aid. He/she should try treading water - you should demonstrate this again if he/she doesn't know how it works. Take the first steps to swimming. Get him/her to swim short distances in the shallow end of the pool, in a simple stroke which he/she feels comfortable with. Don't push the learner to do too much at the moment - this will probably be the first few strokes of his/her life. Swim widths of the pool with the learner. This may not happen immediately. In fact, it will probably take many learning sessions to get to this stage. Make sure to support him/her both physically and mentally - this will be hard for him/her. Get the learner to try out different strokes. This will help him/her decide which one he/she likes best. Get him/her to swim a width of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and any other easy-to-hard stroke you can think of. Don't put too much pressure on the learner. Make it fun for the student so that he/she will want to learn more. Journey into the Deep End. Typically, a novice swimmer has learned to not go to into deep water. "The Deep End" becomes a place of fear and anxiety. However, a competent swimmer needs to be able to swim where he or she cannot simply stop and touch the bottom. Also, to learn skills such as diving, one cannot stay in the shallow end. Do not bring students in the deep end un-supported until he or she can swim about a pool length without stopping to touch the bottom. Physically being able to swim without stopping is a requirement for the deep end. Some students will routinely stop and put a foot down to assure that they are in shallow water, even if they can physically swim the distance. Either way, the student must be confident and strong enough to handle not simply being able to stop. Your student can simply hold on to the side of the pool and pull themselves along. It may take a few goes to get to the other end of the pool. Lead the way, showing that it is safe, and go a little bit further each time. Try visiting with a lifejacket or other flotation devices. Cruising through the deep end wearing flotation devices will help build confidence. Doing things like jumping into the area with a life jacket will help the learner feel that this isn't such a forbidden zone, but more like just another part of the pool. Swim into the deep end. When the learner is prepared to do this, which may not be for quite a long time, you should carefully ease him/her into the deep end. To start with, you should stay close to the side and make sure that the learner feels secure. Eventually, he/she will be able to swim on his/her own, and that is a job well done. Jump into the deep end and swim across. Once the learner is comfortable with swimming from the shallow end to the deep end, the next step is jumping in to the pool at the deep end. At first, the learner should get used to jumping in and then holding onto the wall. Then, once jumping in is no longer a challenge for them, he/she should be encouraged to try jumping in and swimming across. At this point, the learner has achieved a basic grasp of how to swim. It's important to save jumping in until the learner is comfortable with the deep end, because it can be dangerous to jump in at the shallow end, where he/she could hit the bottom and hurt themselves. | Consider your qualifications. Be aware that some past practices should not be used. Get comfortable around water. Take a playful approach. Use buoyancy aids sparingly. Build confidence, but not recklessness. Practice the arm movements. Practice kicking using the side of the pool. Get the learner to lift their feet off the ground in the middle of the shallow end. Take the first steps to swimming. Swim widths of the pool with the learner. Get the learner to try out different strokes. Journey into the Deep End. Swim into the deep end. Jump into the deep end and swim across. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Veterans | How to Help Veterans | To help veterans, try volunteering at a local veterans community center, hospital, or home-building organization like Building Homes for Heroes. You can also donate money, clothing, hygiene products, and non-perishable food items to an emergency shelter that helps veterans. Also, consider giving to a nonprofit organization that works with veterans, like Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, and U.S. Vets. | Thank a veteran. When you meet with a veteran you know, or you meet a veteran for the first time, offer a heartfelt word of thanks. You'd be surprised how far a simple “thank you” can go. A number of veterans never hear it. A simple word of support shows them that they are noticed and appreciated. Remember holidays that honor veterans. Show your appreciation for veterans on these days. Holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day are popular for honoring those who have served in the military, but there are other lesser-known dates--some that correspond to particular service positions--that you may not be aware of. Here are just a few: Vietnam Veterans Day honors those who served during the Vietnam War. Silver Star Service Banner Day honors wounded service personnel. Armed Forces Day honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were captured or imprisoned during their service. Gold Star Wives Day honors those who lost loved ones in the line of duty. Pick up a veteran’s tab. The next time you see a veteran waiting in line to pay for their drink or meal, offer to buy it for them, or do it anonymously. Anyone would appreciate the gift of having their coffee, dinner, gas, prescription, or even groceries paid for. Listen to and share their stories. Many veterans' stories will go unheard or untold. Lending an ear to a veteran in your neighborhood can be a good showing of community support. Organizations like The Veterans History Project collect stories and archive them in the Library of Congress. Offer to interview a veteran so that their story can reach a wider audience. Write a letter to a veteran. Writing a heartfelt letter to a veteran is a good way to show your appreciation and is one of the most cherished contributions. This is an especially good option if you don't know any veterans in your immediate area. Organizations like Operation Gratitude will help put you in touch with those who could use your support. They will also allow you to put together and send care packages. Give a veteran a ride. Many veterans with disabilities incurred during their time in service can't drive and are in need of help getting from place to place. Ask them if they need a ride to the supermarket or to an appointment, for example. If you can offer a ride, but don't know a veteran, contact The Department of Veterans Affairs (DAV) Transportation Network and they will pair you with someone. Foster or train a companion or service animal. Many veterans are in need of companion or service animals to cope with physical and mental disabilities. You can help foster or train service animals that will help reduce veterans' physical and mental stress. Reach out to organizations like Pets for Vets to find out how you can help pair veterans with therapy animals. Contact a group like Patriot PAWS to volunteer raising service dogs for disabled veterans. You can also support military working dogs by purchasing pet food and treats from companies that donate money to assist the dogs after they retire. Deliver meals or groceries to a veteran. Some veterans have trouble performing everyday activities like shopping for groceries or making meals. They may be unable to drive or navigate a store. Help them out by volunteering to deliver food. If you can't schedule time to deliver food to veterans, you can point them to grocery or meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels or the various transportation services provided by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. Join or start a community support organization for veterans. Government financial support can only go so far, so many veterans rely on help from community-based centers. Check if there's one in your area; if not, consider starting one. Try raising funds through already established community organizations you are a part of, like your church, school, or civic/business group. Try expanding your reach by advertising your cause to local media outlets. Ask local businesses if they will donate to your cause or match contributions. Volunteer at a hospital. Spend a few hours visiting wounded and recovering veterans. VA hospitals often welcome volunteers to help out with recreational activities, or just to provide companionship. Volunteer to help build homes. Organizations like Building Homes for Heroes help build or modify homes for wounded veterans. The houses are given to veterans and their families at no cost. You don't need to know how to build a house. They'll also need help with painting, carpentry, plumbing, wiring, and other services that complete a house. Organize or volunteer for a Stand Down event. Stand Down events are organized by volunteers who spend 2-3 days providing homeless veterans access to healthcare, hygiene services, food, and clothing, as well as housing, employment, and counseling referrals. You can apply for grant funds with which to organize a Stand Down event in your city through the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a list of upcoming Stand Down events in areas across the U.S. Support emergency shelters in your area. You can donate money, but shelters are also always in need of clothing, personal hygiene products, or non-perishable food items. Look for things that you no longer have a use for or have too many of and consider donating them to veterans in need. Donate your old electronics. Some organizations, like Cell Phones for Soldiers or Veterans Advantage Recycle and Reward program, will refurbish your old, unused electronics to raise funds for veterans or provide them with better access to updated technology. Give to a non-profit charitable organization. Charitable organizations can't support services for veterans in need without monetary donations. There are many organizations who will gladly accept your contribution. Here are some of the most well-known ones: Disabled American Veterans: This organization provides guides disabled veterans toward resources such as disability assistance, pensions, and job programs. Wounded Warrior Project: They provide wounded veterans with rehabilitation and career counseling. U.S. Vets: This organization provides veterans with the mental and practical tools they need to reintegrate into society following their service. | Thank a veteran. Remember holidays that honor veterans. Pick up a veteran’s tab. Listen to and share their stories. Write a letter to a veteran. Give a veteran a ride. Foster or train a companion or service animal. Deliver meals or groceries to a veteran. Join or start a community support organization for veterans. Volunteer at a hospital. Volunteer to help build homes. Organize or volunteer for a Stand Down event. Support emergency shelters in your area. Donate your old electronics. Give to a non-profit charitable organization. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lace-Shoes | How to Lace Shoes | To lace your shoes using the criss-cross method, start by placing your shoe in front of you with the toe facing away from you. Thread your lace through the two eyelets closest to the toe of the shoe, and pull until the lace is an even length on both sides. Then, take the right end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the left side. Next, take the left end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the right side. Repeat this pattern until there are no more empty eyelets. If your heels slip a lot in your shoes, use the heel-locking lacing method instead. Follow all the steps for the criss-cross method until the last pair of eyelets. Then, instead of crossing each lace to the other side, thread the laces over and through the eyelets directly below them. Take the left lace and pull it through the loop you just created with the right lace. Take the right lace and pull it through the loop you created with the left lace. Finally, finish tying your shoes as you normally would! | Put a shoe in front of you with the toe facing away from you. Starting from the two frontmost opposite facing holes, insert each end of the shoelace from the inside. Make sure both sides of the remaining laces are equal. Working in a diagonal direction, insert the right end of the shoelace into the next left hole (from the top). Alternate method: You can insert the lace pointing from the front of the shoe inward (instead of going from the inside pointing outward), to give a more neat appearance. Insert the left end of the shoelace into the next right hole. Continue working your way down until you reach the ends. Make a bow (as below). Place one end of the shoelace through the top right hole (the toe end) and the other end through the left hole on the bottom (near the beginning of the shoe). The left hole should have a short length of lace left; only enough to tie the lace at the end. Using the right end, insert it in the opposite hole in a straight line. Bring it out from the bottom, and insert it (from the bottom again) through the next hole. Continue moving it horizontally across the holes until you reach the last hole. Tie your two remaining ends in a bow (see below). Lace your shoes using the criss-cross method, stopping before the last hole. Take the lace on one side, and put it into the hole on the same side. Do the same for the other lace. Insert the left lace through the loop you have now created on the right. Repeat for the other lace. Tie your shoes as you would normally, and enjoy your slip-free heels! Place one end of the shoelace through the first hole, inside step (i.e. , the left hole nearest the heel on a right shoe) and pull through to leave about 6 inches (15.2 cm) of lace outside. Pass it under and up through the second outer hole. Pass it straight over and down through second inside step hole. Pass it under and up through the fifth inside step hole. Pass it straight over and down through the fifth outside hole. Pass it under and up through the fourth outside hole. Pass it straight over and down through the fourth inside hole. Pass it under and up through the third inside hole. Pass it straight over and down through the third outside hole. Pass it under and up through the first outside hole. If you end up with more lace on side than the other, fold the extra length of the longer lace in half, put the folded end together with the end of the shorter lace, reverse the procedure to feed lace back to bring both laces to the same length. Tie your two remaining ends in a bow (see below). The lace is run straight across the bottom and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally upwards on the outside and fed in through the third-higher set of eyelets up the shoe (skip past two sets of eyelets). Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally downwards on the outside and fed in through the third-lower set of eyelets down the shoe (skip past two sets of eyelets). Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally upwards on the outside, then fed under the sides to emerge through the top set of eyelets (skip past two sets of eyelets). Hold both ends of the lace straight. Place the right end over the left, then bring the left above the right and through the loop. Pull both ends tight. Take hold of the right lace and form a loop, placing your finger in between to hold it. Bring the left lace over the right, and underneath it in a circular motion. Then bring the left lace through the small loop. Pull tight. Your shoes are now tied! | Put a shoe in front of you with the toe facing away from you. Working in a diagonal direction, insert the right end of the shoelace into the next left hole (from the top). Insert the left end of the shoelace into the next right hole. Continue working your way down until you reach the ends. Make a bow (as below). Place one end of the shoelace through the top right hole (the toe end) and the other end through the left hole on the bottom (near the beginning of the shoe). Using the right end, insert it in the opposite hole in a straight line. Bring it out from the bottom, and insert it (from the bottom again) through the next hole. Continue moving it horizontally across the holes until you reach the last hole. Tie your two remaining ends in a bow (see below). Lace your shoes using the criss-cross method, stopping before the last hole. Take the lace on one side, and put it into the hole on the same side. Insert the left lace through the loop you have now created on the right. Repeat for the other lace. Tie your shoes as you would normally, and enjoy your slip-free heels! Place one end of the shoelace through the first hole, inside step (i.e. Pass it under and up through the second outer hole. Pass it straight over and down through second inside step hole. Pass it under and up through the fifth inside step hole. Pass it straight over and down through the fifth outside hole. Pass it under and up through the fourth outside hole. Pass it straight over and down through the fourth inside hole. Pass it under and up through the third inside hole. Pass it straight over and down through the third outside hole. Pass it under and up through the first outside hole. If you end up with more lace on side than the other, fold the extra length of the longer lace in half, put the folded end together with the end of the shorter lace, reverse the procedure to feed lace back to bring both laces to the same length. Tie your two remaining ends in a bow (see below). The lace is run straight across the bottom and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally upwards on the outside and fed in through the third-higher set of eyelets up the shoe (skip past two sets of eyelets). Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally downwards on the outside and fed in through the third-lower set of eyelets down the shoe (skip past two sets of eyelets). Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe. The ends are crossed over each other, run diagonally upwards on the outside, then fed under the sides to emerge through the top set of eyelets (skip past two sets of eyelets). Hold both ends of the lace straight. Take hold of the right lace and form a loop, placing your finger in between to hold it. Then bring the left lace through the small loop. Your shoes are now tied! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Enamel-Paint | How to Remove Enamel Paint | If you've gotten enamel paint on your skin, fabric, or a hard surface, you can remove it with some household cleaners. To get enamel paint off of your skin, mix equal parts cooking oil and baking soda and gently rub it onto your skin. If you don't have any baking soda, mix dish soap with the cooking oil instead. Then, rinse the cleaner off with water. To get paint out of fabric, first scrape any wet paint off with a butter knife. Then, dab the fabric with a sponge and warm soapy water and rinse it off. If you've gotten paint on a hard surface, use a razor blade to scrape it off. You can also use sandpaper to get paint out of wooden surfaces. | Apply a cooking oil and baking soda mixture to your skin. Get a small bowl and mix together cooking oil and baking soda in a 50-50 ratio. Then, dip a washcloth into the mixture and rub it against your skin gently. Try to rub at a slight angle and continue until the paint begins to flake away or your skin gets irritated. You can also use olive or coconut oil for this mixture instead. If the paint is dried on, using a toothbrush to apply the mixture and scrub might be more effective. Rub a cooking oil and dish soap mixture onto your skin. In a small bowl, mix together 50-50 dish soap and cooking oil. Then, pour this mixture on to the painted spot. Allow it to soak in for a minute before rubbing the area until it lathers. The soap will help to break down the paint's oils. Rinse off the area with water when you are done. Work cooking oil into your hair to remove paint. It's easy to get a few drops of enamel paint in your hair when working on a project. To get rid of this paint, place a few drops of cooking oil on to your fingertips. Massage this oil into each part of your hair that has paint on it. Wash your hair and watch the paint rinse away. If you have a lot of paint in your hair, then you may need to apply more cooking oil and place part of your hair in plastic wrap before rinsing. Act quickly if you are working with fabric. When enamel paint dries on fabric, it bonds with the fibers and becomes much more difficult to remove. If you can't get to work on removing the paint right away, then place a damp towel on the area. This will at least keep the paint wet until you can remove it. Soak up any paint before working with fabric. Place the fabric on a hard surface. Gently swipe the edge of a butter knife or spoon against the fabric, going with the grain. This should pick up some of the stain. Then, blot at the paint with a clean rag to pick up any more excess. If the paint has dried, you can also use a knife's blunt edge to flake it away. Be very careful when using a blunt edge to remove paint from a fabric or you may damage the threads. If you see any loosening threads, stop right away. Saturate the painted area of fabric with laundry detergent. Smooth the fabric out on a hard surface. Place a thin board directly underneath the paint stain, so it won't soak through. Use a toothbrush to apply a coating of detergent to the stain. Let the detergent soak for 5 minutes. Then, scrub the stain gently with a toothbrush. After the stain begins to lift, wash the fabric as the tag suggests. Or, you can soak it in water for 12 hours. Rinse the fabric by hand with soap and water. Mix a 50-50 solution of warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Soak up the mixture with a clean sponge and then sit this sponge on top of the stain. Lightly press the sponge against the stain until the paint begins to lift. Use a razor blade to peel up paint on hard surfaces. Position the razor blade so that it is almost flat against the surface. Then, press down slowly and move the edge of the blade against the painted area. Continue sliding the blade back and forth until the paint begins to separate and peel. Be very careful handling a razor blade or you might cut yourself. Never place your fingers or hand in front of the blade. Check after each stroke to ensure that you are not scratching the surface with the blade. Sand away the paint if you are working with wood. Get a medium-grade sandpaper and sand over the painted areas. Sand in small overlapping circles to get the most paint off. Apply gentle, but consistent pressure. If you are worried about damaging the wood, use an even finer grade paper and check for marks as you go along. Wipe vinegar onto painted glass. Create a 50-50 white vinegar and water mixture. Place this mixture in the microwave and heat it until it is just warm. Then, wet down the edge of a rag and rub it against the painted glass area. Continue rubbing in circles until you see the paint start to peel up. Make sure to place the mixture into a microwave-safe container. Use thinner to remove paint from brushes. Empty and rinse out an old glass jar. Pour about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of paint thinner into the jar. Then, when you are finished painting, set your brush inside the jar and move it around. Watch as the paint begins to fall off the bristles. Remove the brush and wipe it off with a junk towel. When you are done cleaning your brushes, you can put a lid on the jar and use it again after another project. Sealed paint thinner will last for months. Make sure to purchase and use a thinner designed for enamel or oil-based paints. Warm up the painted area with a heat gun. Purchase a heat gun at your local hardware or home improvement store. These guns work by sending hot air against a surface. Read the instructions that came with your gun and practice holding it before plugging it in. Then, plug it in and aim the hot air against the painted surface. Wait until the paint heats up and use a scraper to pull it away. Be very careful when handling or using a heat gun, as you can burn yourself severely. Heat and peel the paint away in small sections, so that you don't need to heat the same section up multiple times. Make sure that the surface that you are heating up won't be damaged by the high temperature. For example, most plastic surfaces will melt when exposed to a heat gun. Take the proper safety precautions. When you remove enamel paint, it may release irritating dust into the air. Wear a safety mask or gloves to minimize irritation to your skin and lungs. If you suspect that the paint contains lead, then contact your local environmental agency for removal advice. Read the paint label for instructions. Some enamel paints tell you right on the package how to best handle removal. Particular enamel paints are even designed to be more like acrylics and can be removed with water. Before you start on the removal process, check on the package or contact the manufacturer for tips. Do a test spot. Whether you are removing enamel paint from wood, glass, or fabric, it never hurts to test your methods in an inconspicuous spot first. If you plan to use a tool, such as a spoon, scrape it lightly against an unaffected area to see what happens. If you are going to apply a solution, put a few drops on the surface and watch for damage. | Apply a cooking oil and baking soda mixture to your skin. Rub a cooking oil and dish soap mixture onto your skin. Work cooking oil into your hair to remove paint. Act quickly if you are working with fabric. Soak up any paint before working with fabric. Saturate the painted area of fabric with laundry detergent. Rinse the fabric by hand with soap and water. Use a razor blade to peel up paint on hard surfaces. Sand away the paint if you are working with wood. Wipe vinegar onto painted glass. Use thinner to remove paint from brushes. Warm up the painted area with a heat gun. Take the proper safety precautions. Read the paint label for instructions. Do a test spot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Love-Letter | How to Write a Love Letter | To write a love letter, choose a nice piece of paper or stationary to show that you took your time with the letter. As you begin writing, start with an intimate opening, like “To My Dearest” or “To My Lovely.” After you address your beloved, tell them why you're writing the letter. For example, you might write “I've been thinking a lot about how much I love you, and I want you to know that I cherish you.” In the body of the letter, share memories or stories that show your love and appreciation. Then, talk about your future together before ending your letter with a positive statement that describes how you feel, like “I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” | Set the mood. Go somewhere private and shut the door. Try to remove as many distractions as possible, including noise, disruptive electronics and interruptions. Create an ambiance that inspires you with candlelight or music. Maybe there is a song that reminds you of the person you love. Find that song and play it while you think. You can also bring a picture of your love with you to look at. Reflect on your feelings. We all have moments where we feel very deeply about the ones we love. Conjure up that feeling—a moment when all your attention was focused on that one person, and you were completely immersed and lost in your love. Experience the physical and emotional feelings of that moment as deeply as you can. Be sure to jot down a description about your feelings and any words that come to mind to describe the way you feel. Think about the person you love. You fell in love with him or her for a reason. There was something about them that first attracted you and something that helped you fall in love and kept you there. They have special attributes, such as looks, personality, character, temperament, humor or strengths that you want them to know you appreciate. Tell him or her all the things you love about them and how you value who they are and what they do for you. Think about what your significant other is to you? Your best friend? Your soul mate? Make a list of everything you appreciate and adore about your partner. Now create sentences with your list. “I love how soft your hands feel in mine,” or “I love the way you look at me and let me know everything will be all right,” or perhaps, “Your smile and easy laughter can make my whole day.” Don't just focus on physical characteristics. This can make the letter feel shallow and incomplete. You don't want to completely avoid physical attraction in your letter either, though, because then it can feel a little too platonic. Love letters are meant to be tastefully sensual and respectful—not necessarily erotic. Use memories to guide you. You have probably shared many special moments with your lover. You have a history with your significant other that only you two share. The memories of those experiences enrich your relationship. Think about the story of when you two first met or felt sparks fly. There was a moment in time when you knew you wanted to be with that person. Write down that story and everything you remember about it—from the clothing they were wearing to the place it happened and how nervous or confident you felt about approaching them. Think about the future. Your relationship has a past but it also has a future that you want to encourage in your love letter. If you're apart, describe all the things you want to do together when you're reunited. If you're committed, discuss some goals, dreams and fantasies you have about your future life together. Write it all down. Consider if it was your last day on earth. Many love letters have made their rounds from soldiers at the battlefront throughout history. It can give you some perspective to think about what you would say if there might not be a tomorrow. Make every word count, and don't be shy. Write a rough draft. Don't worry so much about grammar and spelling at this point. The message is what matters, and once you get that down you can go over the letter and fix any errors. Your letter is a confession of sorts on how you feel, and right now you want to focus on being completely honest and open about how you feel and why. Take your time and don't rush. If this is the first love letter you have ever written, then keep that in mind. There is a learning curve for everything, so accept that you may have some difficulties or make mistakes. Use your own voice to express how you feel. Don't imitate the way someone else writes or speaks. You want this message to be uniquely yours and to reach your partner the way only you can. It must be sincere and reflect the real you on paper. Keep your partner in mind as you write your letter as well as the level of your relationship. Declaring your love to someone for the first time will probably be a little different on paper than writing a letter to your wife of 20 years. Remember to state your love somewhere in the letter. A simple "I love you" works just fine. Start at the beginning. Tell your beloved why you are writing the letter. You want to be clear that this is a love letter right away. Think about what led you to decide to write the letter. You can say something like, “I've been thinking a lot lately how much I love you, and I want you to know how much I cherish you.” Don't insult your lover or depreciate yourself or your feelings in the letter. Be confident about how you feel and what you are saying to avoid confusion. Write the body. This is where your memories, stories and all the things you appreciate about your partner will come in handy. Tell your lover what you love about them, why you love them, how they make you feel and remind them of a story that is unique to your relationship. Tell him or her how your life has changed for the better, and how your life would be incomplete without them in it. The goal of the love letter is to express very deep feelings that you have a hard time conveying in person. Take this opportunity to say more than you usually say and to take it to a deeper level. Use the ideas you jotted down earlier to guide you. If you don't write poetry, consider including a poem from a favorite poet or a quote that expresses more of what you're trying to say. Always give the writer credit to avoid looking like you tried to steal it and trick your partner into believing it was yours. If you want to be cheesy, go ahead. Just be authentic, and if your partner loves you, he or she will love your letter too. Be positive. Everything you are writing is probably going to be saved. Avoid bringing up negative things in the letter as much as possible. Don't be critical or indecisive either. This is your chance to tell your love how great they make you feel and how awesome your life is with them in it, not to go over your mistakes or rehash bad history. A good way to keep your letter positive is to talk about how you feel right now. Yes, you want to go over those special stories about how you fell in love but you also want to be sure your partner knows that you still feel strongly for them or even more so. Try something like, “Now, a decade later, I still get butterflies when you smile at me,” or "I love you more now than I ever have before." Reiterate your commitment. Talk about the future you hope to have together. Remind them how important your relationship is and how long you want it to last. Tell them your level of commitment, and if nothing will stand in the way of your love, faithfulness and devotion, let them know. Describe what forever means to you and what it looks like with your partner in it. Close your letter. You want to end your love letter positively. You can end with a statement that briefly describes how you feel about your love. You can write something like, “I hope to dream of you tonight,” or “I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” Choose nice paper or stationery. Give the person something pretty they can touch, feel, and, if you're lucky, tuck into their pillow at night. It's best to write on paper that has either a simple (such as white), calming (for example, cream), or sensual (such as flesh-toned) color. Selecting high-quality paper will add a nice touch and show how much care went into writing your letter. If you don't have any stationery, a piece of plain or notebook paper will do fine as well. The message is definitely more important than the type of paper you write on. You can make regular paper look old or even make your own paper if you want to do something fun. Use either a black or brown ink to keep the writing grounded and classy-looking. Avoid “teacher colors” like blue, green, and red that will make it look like you're marking up a homework assignment. Use an intimate salutation. Address the person as “beloved,” “dearest,” “beautiful,” “most cherished,” or, if appropriate, a pet name. If you are already in a romantic relationship, you can say “my” (for example, “To My Dearest ____”), but don't do this if you're using the letter to confess your feelings—it could come across as presumptuous and territorial. Instead, use something more detached like “To The Lovely ____,” for example. Date the letter. Date your love letter (month, day, year). This is a memento of your love that will be treasured for years to come. The date is important, and will help bring your love back to the moment he or she received the love letter from you. It is bound to be read over and over again, so be okay with some phrases from this time in your life that you put in the letter being quoted to you later. Rewrite your love letter. Use your draft letter to create your final letter. Make sure there aren't any smears or marks on the paper and that your handwriting is legible. Penmanship is important here so take your time writing, and try to make each letter as neat as possible. You want your love to be able to read and enjoy looking at your love letter. Sign the letter. This is your final goodbye. Suitable sign offs include “Yours,” “Yours Forever,” “XOXO,” “Kisses,” “All My Love,” and “Love Always.” If applicable, include a pet name, inside joke or even a reply to a long-unanswered question to make it more personal. If you want to be a bit more romantic, try a simple but passionate farewell. "With undying love" or "Forever yours" can work well. Add a personal touch. You can include something special with the letter as an extra token of your love. This may be flower petals, a favorite teabag, even perfume or cologne sprayed on the paper. You can also trace a hand on the back of the letter or leave a lipstick kiss on the paper. Put the letter in an envelope. Fold the letter with the text on the inside, and place it in an addressed envelope. You can choose an envelope that matches your stationery for a beautiful effect. If you want, you can make the envelope or even fold the note itself into an envelope. Alternatively, roll the letter up like a scroll and tie it closed with a piece of nice ribbon or string. A romantic stamp, such as the Garden Bouquet stamp, can add a lovely embellishment to your envelope. If you want to, put the stamp upside down, which customarily means, "I love you." Surprise your love. Mail your letter through Special Delivery if you really want to get your loved one's attention. Surprise can enhance the message and make the experience more emotional and memorable for your significant other. You can also choose to hide the letter under a pillow, in a drawer or bring it in on a plate with dinner or breakfast. You may want to wait a little while before you send out your letter. After you have finished, put it away and check it before it is time to send it out. Look for errors and make sure there is nothing that you will regret later in there. Then send it out, and be prepared for a passionate response to your labor of love. Write other love letters. Don't make this a one-time event. Make a habit of writing love letters to the person you care about for birthdays, anniversaries, time spent apart, time spent together or no particular reason at all. The more you do, the easier love letters will be to write and the more meaningful they'll become. | Set the mood. Reflect on your feelings. Think about the person you love. Use memories to guide you. Think about the future. Consider if it was your last day on earth. Write a rough draft. Start at the beginning. Write the body. Be positive. Reiterate your commitment. Close your letter. Choose nice paper or stationery. Use an intimate salutation. Date the letter. Rewrite your love letter. Sign the letter. Add a personal touch. Put the letter in an envelope. Surprise your love. Write other love letters. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Pet-Friendly-Vacation | How to Have a Pet Friendly Vacation | To plan a pet friendly vacation, start by finding a hotel that allows pets, and calling them ahead of time to check their rates and policies. Then, if you're traveling by plane, call your airline to see if your pet can ride in the cabin with you, or if it needs to ride in the cargo hold. Additionally, plan vacation activities that include your pet, since it won't be happy being left behind at the hotel the entire time. For example, look for hiking trails, pet-friendly beaches, or downtown areas where you can go for a stroll with your dog. | Take your pet to the vet for a checkup before you go. You need to be sure your pet can handle the stresses of your vacation trip. Your animal companion will be experiencing changes to its routine as well as the physical challenges of traveling, so you need to verify with your vet that your pet is up for it before you go. This is especially important if you plan on taking your pet on a long trip. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current. While you are at the vet, get your pet's vaccinations up to date. It's a good idea to have a current health certificate to take along with you. This is more important if you are traveling internationally. If you are traveling between the US and Canada, you will need a copy of your pet's rabies certificate. If your pet is due for rabies vaccination within six months of your trip, discuss early re-vaccination with your vet in order to avoid potential issues with customs officials. Equip your pet with a collar that has an ID tag attached. The risk of your pet getting lost increases while traveling and this collar could save you both a lot of grief. Make sure the ID tag has your phone number listed on it. Consider adding the contact information for a friend or family member back home. Should you and your pet be separated, having this information may make the difference between your pet being lost and you and your pet being reunited quickly. Check with your airline, if you are flying with your pet, for their rules. Each airline is different. Don't assume anything. Some will let your pet, if it is small enough, ride in a carrier under your seat. But if it has to ride in the cargo hold, you will need to take proper precautions for your pet's safety. You'll need to make sure you have a carrier for your pet that meets airline regulations regarding size and weight whether you take your pet in the cabin with you or put them in the cargo hold. Secure your pet in the car. If travelling by car, be sure to secure your pet during the trip. This is for everyone's safety. Animals are unpredictable and a pet that is free to roam an automobile is a high risk of causing an accident or escaping from the vehicle. This means strapping your dog into the seat with the seatbelt by its harness or securing your cat's carrier with a seatbelt. Make sure your hotel allows pets. If you are staying a hotel or some other kind of overnight resort, you'll need to make sure they allow pets. Call ahead of time to check that the place you're staying will allow you to bring your pet. There are also some online resources that provide listings of pet friendly hotels. Have vet information on hand. Bring along the phone number of your local vet and any health records you have. If anything happens, you'll probably need to know what vaccinations and shots your pet has already had. You should also try to find out the number ahead of time for a vet or animal hospital near your vacation destination in case of an emergency. Remember to bring all of your pet supplies. You'll obviously need to care for your pet while they are on vacation with you. Bring all of the necessities with you. This includes food, water, food and water dishes, treats, your pet's bed (if they need one), harness, leash, and any necessary medications. If you are going on a long trip, bring enough pet food to last a couple of days in your luggage. That will give you enough time to find a pet store in your vacation destination to buy a larger supply. And then you won't have to haul a big bag with you, especially if you are flying. If you are traveling with a cat, remember that it will need a litter box as soon as you reach your new destination. Bring a small, disposable baking dish in your luggage and a small bag of cat litter. You can use this as a makeshift litter box for a day or so while you look for a pet store when you arrive. Bring some toys for your pet. Bring a couple of your pet's favorite toys with you so they will feel more at home at the new place and also have something to entertain themselves with, especially when you are gone. This will help your pet settle in more quickly. Bring a chew toy or a rope toy that you can use to play with your dog. Or bring a little catnip toy for your cat. Spend time with your pet. The stress of traveling can be difficult for your pet to deal with, so try to spend as much time with them as possible while you are on your trip. This will comfort your pet and reassure them that everything is okay. Spending time with your pet will help them feel safe and secure in their new surroundings. Choose pet friendly activities. If you're taking your pet with you on a trip, you don't want to just leave them in the hotel the entire time. Your pet will likely be unhappy if it is left alone in a strange place all day long while you're out enjoying your vacation. Try to plan activities that your pet can participate in – like going to the beach, hiking, or taking a stroll through town. | Take your pet to the vet for a checkup before you go. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current. Equip your pet with a collar that has an ID tag attached. Check with your airline, if you are flying with your pet, for their rules. Secure your pet in the car. Make sure your hotel allows pets. Have vet information on hand. Remember to bring all of your pet supplies. Bring some toys for your pet. Spend time with your pet. Choose pet friendly activities. |
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