Split (3)

train · 35.8k rows

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.

url stringlengths 27 124	title stringlengths 10 107	summary stringlengths 15 6.15k	article stringlengths 0 117k	step_headers stringlengths 0 5.75k
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Stainless-Steel-with-Vinegar	How to Clean Stainless Steel with Vinegar	To clean stainless steel with vinegar, start by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and misting your solution onto your stainless steel items. If your stainless steel is particularly dirty, you can use undiluted vinegar instead. Then, let the vinegar sit for 10 seconds before scrubbing the stainless steel with a paper towel or a microfiber cloth. Finally, make sure to work with the grain of the steel to avoid streaking.	Choose your vinegar. You can use any type of vinegar to clean your stainless steel. This includes white and apple cider vinegar. You can also opt for specially-formulated cleaning vinegar. This is a bit stronger than white or apple cider vinegar, but may work better on tough stains. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Pour one part vinegar and one part distilled water in a clean spray bottle. Use undiluted vinegar for heavy staining or marks. This can ensure you evenly coat your stainless steel for cleaning without oversaturating it. Tap water can leave stains on your stainless steel. Mist your stainless steel item. Spray the mixture or undiluted vinegar on your stainless steel. Use a gentle mist to start so you clear away most stains. After wiping, you can spray on more vinegar for stubborn stains. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar onto a microfiber cloth if you don't want to spray your stainless steel. Wipe off the vinegar. Let vinegar sit for 10 seconds or longer for tough stains before wiping it off. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off excess the vinegar. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the stainless steel to prevent streaking. You can use paper towels, microfiber cloths, and even an old piece of clothing to wipe off vinegar. Make sure they are clean and lint-free to prevent streaking. Concentrate additional spray on tough stains. If your first round of cleaning with vinegar didn't clear away every stain, repeat the procedure. Train the spray on tough stains, allowing the vinegar to sit for a minute. Rub gently until the stain comes out. Consult product manuals. Some stainless steel items may require special cleaning procedures. Read the owner's manual to find out if you can use vinegar on the stainless steel. You can also call the manufacturer to ask if vinegar is safe to clean stainless steel. Use clean, lint-free cloths. Clean your stainless steel with clean, lint-free cloths. Use a separate cloth each for the vinegar and oil. This can clean your stainless steel without scratching it or rubbing around any grimes. The following types of cloth are lint-free and can work on your stainless steel: Paper towels Microfiber cloths Scrub with a gentle sponge. Stainless steel is delicate and can scratch easily. If you have stubborn stains, use a nylon scrubbing sponge or old toothbrush to remove them. Rub with gentle pressure to prevent scratching of your stainless steel. Avoid abrasive cleaning materials. Despite its name, stainless steel can stain. Steer clear of the following things when cleaning your stainless steel to prevent further staining or scratching: Hard water, which can leave brown stains Steel wool Steel brushes Wipe with the grain. Every stainless steel product has a grain running through it. The grain runs either horizontally or vertically. Examine your stainless steel to find the way the product grain runs. Each time you clean with vinegar or wipe with oil, make sure you're following the stainless steel's individual grain.	Choose your vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist your stainless steel item. Wipe off the vinegar. Concentrate additional spray on tough stains. Consult product manuals. Use clean, lint-free cloths. Scrub with a gentle sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaning materials. Wipe with the grain.
https://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Core	How to Strengthen Your Core	The best way to strengthen your core is by doing core-targeted exercises. In a lying position, start by stretching with segmented rotations with your knees pulled up to your stomach, rotating only your abdominal muscles. Then, lay on your stomach and do a “Superman” flex, elevating your arms and legs while keeping the rest of your body on the ground. In a standing position, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees pointed forward. Do a series of squats and lunges to work out your abdomen and legs.	Engage your transversus abdominis during every workout. In order to get the most out of your core-strengthening regimen, take a moment to find the transversus abdominis (your deepest core muscle). Once you've found it, you'll want to keep that muscle contracted and tight throughout the course of your workout. Force yourself to take a deep cough. You should feel a muscle in your abs contract, which is the transversus abdominis. The transversus abdominis runs deep in your core and extends from your belly button to your rib cage. Now that you've found the transversus abdominis, practice flexing and tightening the muscle. Engage your transversus abdominis every time you work on your core, no matter which routine or muscle group you're focusing on. Stretch with segmental rotations. Segmental rotations (rotating your core along the spine) can help work a variety of core muscle groups with relatively little strain. Begin by lying flat on your back, then bend your knees and pull your feet as close to your buttocks as you can comfortably get them. Keep your shoulders pinned to the floor, and focus on only moving your lower body. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly drop both knees towards the floor on 1 side. Only go as far as you comfortably can - you should feel a strong stretching sensation, but it should not hurt. Hold the position for 3 breaths, then return to the starting position. Switch your knees to the other side, hold for 3 breaths, and repeat. Do a superman flex. The superman focuses on working your lower back's core muscles. Start out by lying flat on your stomach. Slide a rolled up towel or a small throw pillow under your hips to help support your back. If you'd like, you can also put a folded towel under your face to help support your head. Tighten up your abdominal muscles and lift 1 arm at a time, holding each arm elevated in the air for 3 breaths. Then switch to the other arm and repeat. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift 1 leg at a time, holding each leg for 3 breaths. Then switch to the other leg and repeat. If you prefer, you can stretch out both of your arms and legs at the same time and hold this for 30 seconds. However, if you're just starting out you may want to focus on 1 limb at a time to develop a proper routine. Lift into a bridge position. The bridge works several muscle groups in your core, making it a highly-effective exercise. Begin by lying on your back and bending your knees. Plant your feet right in front of your buttocks as though you were about to do a sit up and keep your back as neutral as possible (not arched, but not pressed down either). Tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your hips off the floor. They should now be aligned with your knees and shoulders in a straight downward line pointing towards the floor. Hold the position for 3 breaths, then return to the starting position and repeat. Try plank exercises. Planks are a great exercise for building strength in your core. Start by lying on your stomach and lifting up onto your forearms and the tips of your toes. If you can't get onto your toes you can balance your weight on your knees and your forearms. Keep your forearms and knees or toes on the floor and try to squeeze your elbows and knees towards one another. Keep your abdominal muscles tight and your shoulders lined up straight above your elbows. Make sure your neck and spine are in a neutral position. You should be looking down at the floor and your back should not be arched or bent at all. While in position, tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold the position for 3 breaths, then return to your starting position and repeat. Switch to a side plank. The side plank is similar to a regular plank, except it works the core muscles that line your sides instead of your abdominal muscles. Start out lying on your side and balance yourself on either the forearm or hand on that side of your body (whichever you're more comfortable with). Make sure your shoulder is above your elbow and aligned with your hips and knees. Tighten your abdominal muscles while you're in position and hold it for 3 deep breaths. Then switch to the other side, rest, and repeat. Practice side bends. Side bends can work your abdominals as well as your back and side core muscles when properly executed. If you feel capable, you can do side bends with a barbell (but don't add any weights). Otherwise, you can just use a broom or some other long, straight stick. Tighten up your abdominal muscles and stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your toes pointed forward and sling the broom (or barbell) across your shoulders. While holding the broom/barbell with both hands a little past your shoulders, lean to 1 side as far as you can comfortably go. Keep your feet planted on the ground throughout the workout. Hold the side bend for 3 breaths, then return to your starting position. Bend to the other side, hold for 3 breaths, and repeat. Try to complete 2 or 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps each. Do squats. Squats are a great way to strengthen your core muscles in your abdomen and your back. Start out by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed forward. Make sure your knees are also pointed forward, and slowly bend your knees while simultaneously bending forward at the waist. Tighten your abdominal muscles as you dip into a squat. Extend your arms slightly forward, but don't overextend them (aim for your hands to be about 1 to 1.5 feet (0.30 to 0.46 m) out in front of your face). Do not bend your back. It's important that you keep your back in a neutral position (not rigid, but not arched either). Keep your chest lifted and your shoulders down and drawn back as you squat. Make sure your knees don't extend past your toes. Hold each squat for 3 breaths, then return to your starting position. Aim for 2 to 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps. Perform lunges. Lunges will help you build core strength while also working your leg muscles. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed forward. Keep your arms at your sides and make sure you have enough room in front of you and behind you so you can take a huge step forward or backwards without bumping into anything. Tighten your abdominal muscles as you bend one knee and extend the other leg behind you. Let your back leg and ankle bend as though you were going to kneel directly onto the floor with your toes planted behind you. Your front knee should be aligned with your ankle. Your back knee should be bent enough that a straight line forms from your shoulder to your hip to your back knee. Do not lean forward. Try to keep your upper body as straight as possible. Hold the lunge for 3 breaths, then stand back up. Switch to the other side and repeat. Try to do 2 to 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps each. If you have joint problems, hip, knee, ankle foot, or spine issues, reduce the number of reps. Instead, hold the position a little longer when you want to increase the intensity. Perform weight shifts. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Try to distribute your weight evenly across both feet, then shift all of your weight to 1 foot and lift the other foot off the ground. Hold this position for 30 seconds, or as long as you can comfortably maintain your balance. Return to standing with both feet on the floor, then switch sides. Try a single-leg balance. Single-leg balances build off of weight shifts and help further develop your balance and core strength. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart, and distribute your weight evenly across both of your feet. Put your hands on your hips and lift one leg up, then bend your knee and draw that leg back behind you. Hold this position for 30 seconds, or as long as you can comfortably maintain your balance. Then return to standing with both feet on the floor and switch sides. Take a balance and core-strengthening class. There are many classes that can help improve both balance and core strength. Tai chi focuses on balance and controlled movement. Yoga combines breathing, balance, meditation, and stretching to work a broad range of muscle groups, including your core. You can find classes at your local gym, yoga studio, community center, or community college. Try a few different types of classes and see which one(s) you enjoy the most. Use a balance board. There are a few different types of balance boards (also called wobble boards) that can help you work your abdominal muscles. The most common balance boards are rocker boards, which move back and forth, and spherical-based boards, which move evenly in all directions. You can use a balance board while sitting, kneeling, or standing. Some common balance board activities include: Side-to-side rock — Keep your feet firmly on the board and move your body from side to side while maintaining your balance. Backwards and forwards rock — Sit, kneel, or stand on the board and slowly rock from front to back while maintaining your balance. Circular movements — Sit, kneel, or stand on the board and slowly rotate around in controlled circular patterns. Work your abdominal muscles with a fitness ball. Fitness balls can help you engage in core-strengthening positions that might otherwise be uncomfortable or difficult. Choose a ball that's big enough that you can sit on the ball and still keep your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles for each exercise and aim to do 5 repetitions each, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as you build strength. Some common fitness ball exercises for your abs include: Abdominal crunches — Keep your feet hip-width apart and your back straight as you sit on the ball. Cross your arms, lean back as far as you comfortably can until you feel your abs tighten, then hold the position for 3 breaths. Abdominal ball raise — Lie on your back with your legs on either side of the ball. Lift the ball by squeezing it between your lower legs, pull your belly button down towards your spine, and hold the ball above you for 3 breaths. Give your abs a workout with a medicine ball. Medicine balls are commonly used for strengthening core muscles. Remember to tighten your abdominal muscles as you engage in these exercises. If you're just starting out and haven't built up a lot of core strength, it's best to start out slow and easy: begin doing 1 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions each, then increase the number of repetitions and/or the number of sets as you get stronger. Kneel on both knees with your body in an upright position and the medicine ball held at your chest. Do a controlled fall forward and chest press the ball out of your hands and towards a wall in front of you as you drop. Once you've dropped to your hands, do a kneeling push up. Then return to your starting position and repeat the entire process. Use a fitness ball to work your sides. The same fitness ball you used to work your abs can also be used to strengthen the side muscles of your core. As always, tighten your abdominal muscles every time you work out, and start out with at least 5 repetitions on each side. Lie on one side with the ball between your legs and lift your upper body off the floor, resting your weight on your forearm. Lift your legs off the floor, keeping the ball between them, and hold for 3 breaths. Return to your starting position and switch sides. If you are a beginner, start with your head down, resting in the crook of your elbow. This way, there is less chance of a back injury or herniated disk. Exercise your sides with a medicine ball. You can also use a medicine ball to work the side muscles in your core. Remember to engage your core as you perform these exercises, and start out with 1 to 3 sets consisting of 8 to 10 repetitions until you build up your strength. Single-leg chops — Stand on one foot and extend your arms up and to the side you're standing on. Bring the medicine ball down and across your front in a chopping motion (towards your opposite foot) and switch which foot is in the air and which is on the ground as you swing, then alternate sides. Figure 8's — Hold the medicine ball above one shoulder and bring the ball down in a chopping motion towards your other foot (like in the single-leg chops). Stand back straight and raise the ball over your other shoulder, then chop towards the opposite foot, forming a figure-8 shape with the complete motion. Twists — Stand with your feet hip-width apart and firmly planted, holding the medicine ball with your arms slightly bent. Swing the ball over one hip while twisting your upper body all the way around to the other side, then switch back in the opposite direction.	Engage your transversus abdominis during every workout. Stretch with segmental rotations. Do a superman flex. Lift into a bridge position. Try plank exercises. Switch to a side plank. Practice side bends. Do squats. Perform lunges. Perform weight shifts. Try a single-leg balance. Take a balance and core-strengthening class. Use a balance board. Work your abdominal muscles with a fitness ball. Give your abs a workout with a medicine ball. Use a fitness ball to work your sides. Exercise your sides with a medicine ball.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Lower-Back-Pain	How to Treat Lower Back Pain	To treat lower back pain, place cold packs, like gel packs or frozen veggies, on your lower back for 10 minutes every hour. You can also use heat to treat lower back pain, like a warm bath with Epsom salts or an herbal bag. Just heat the herbal bag in the microwave and apply it to your lower back for 20 minutes. If home treatments aren't helping, you can try alternative treatments like acupuncture and lower back massages to loosen your strained muscles.	Rest and be patient. The spine is a complex and congested collection of joints, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Thus, there are many structures that can create pain if you move the wrong way, experience trauma or over-stress the area. However, lower back pain (even when severe) can fade away quickly without treatment — often within a few days. This is because the body has a powerful ability to heal and most back pain is due to being a little "out of whack" instead of damaged. Be patient if you feel lower back pain, stop any aggravating activities and see if it fades away on its own. Complete bed rest is no longer recommended for most types of lower back pain. The medical consensus is that at least some light exercise (walking, stair climbing) is helpful for lumbar pain because it stimulates blood flow and can help "loosen" or "unjam" any irritated spinal joints or nerves. If your lower back pain is caused from exercising at the gym, then maybe you're working out too hard or with bad form — ask a personal trainer for advice. If your lower back pain is work related, speak to your boss about changing to lighter work duties or altering your work area — a cushioned mat for underneath your feet or a chair with lumbar support, for examples. Use cold therapy for acute low back pain. While you're resting your lower back and being patient for a few days, consider applying cold therapy. Applying ice or frozen gel packs to any acute (sudden or new) musculoskeletal injury is effective because it numbs the pain and reduces inflammation. Crushed ice, ice cubes, cold gel packs or a bag of frozen veggies should be applied to the most painful area of your low back for between 10 – 15 minutes every hour, until the discomfort starts to fade away. Once improved, reduce the frequency to three times per day. Always wrap anything frozen in a thin cloth before applying it to your lower back in order to prevent frostbite or skin irritation. Compressing the cold therapy against your lower back with an elastic bandage or support can also help prevent inflammation from building up. Remember that cold therapy is usually not appropriate for chronic (long term) back pain because it can aggravate symptoms — moist heat often provides more relief. Apply moist heat to chronic lower back pain. If your low back pain is chronic and has bothered you on and off for many months or years, then applying moist heat is likely better because it promotes blood flow and relaxes tight muscles and other soft tissues. A good source of moist heat is microwavable herbal bags, especially the ones infused with relaxing aromatherapy, such as lavender. Put the bag in the microwave for a couple of minutes, then apply it to your lower back while sitting or lying down for about 20 minutes. Cover the bag with a towel to insulate it and prevent heat loss too quickly. As an alternative, soak your lower back in a warm Epsom salt bath for at least 20 minutes a few times a day until your symptoms fade away. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which relaxes muscles and reduces swelling. Don't make your bath water too hot so that it scalds you and remember to keep well hydrated — warm salt baths pull fluid from your skin and can dehydrate you. Applying moist heat or soaking in a warm salt bath is usually not recommended for acute back pain because it increases blood flow and tends to promote inflammation. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications. OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin can be effective short-term solutions for acute lower back pain because they reduce inflammation and pain. On the other hand, chronic lower back pain may be better served by taking OTC painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), because they alter the way your brain perceives pain. NSAIDs can be harmful to your stomach and kidneys if taken in large doses or for long periods of time (more than a few months), so be cautious and read labels carefully. Acetaminophen is not so hard on your stomach and kidneys, but it can damage your liver, so don't overdo it. Another way of relieving low back pain, but without the risk of stomach, kidney or liver irritation, is applying a cream or gel that contains NSAIDs, acetaminophen or natural analgesics such as menthol and capsaicin. Change your sleeping position. Your sleeping position and/or sleeping environment may be contributing to or causing your lower back pain. For example, sleeping on your stomach can cause too much of an arch in your low back, which compresses and irritates spinal joints and nerves. The best sleeping positions for your lower back are the recumbent position (on your side similar to the fetal position with your hips and knees bent) and the supine position (on your back with your legs elevated by a pillow). Both of these positions take pressure off your lower back joints and reduces the chances of irritation / pain. Changing your sleeping environment usually means making sure what you sleep on is supportive for your spine. In general, beds that are too soft tend to promote back pain, whereas firmer orthopedic beds tend to reduce the incidence of lower back pain. Everyone is a little different, so a good way to judge your bed is if you're waking up sore or not. If you wake up sore, then your sleeping position/environment is an aggravating factor. If you're more sore at the end of the day, then it's likely your job/activities/exercising is to blame. Keep in mind that most foam and spring mattresses only last about 10 years with constant use, although it depends on your weight. Rotate and flip your mattress on a regular basis (every time you wash your sheets) to increase its longevity. Improve your posture. Too much slouching while you sit and stand can increase the strain on your low back and lead to irritation or pain. Improving your posture can help reduce back strain and relieve existing back aches. In fact, improving your posture can also help prevent recurrence of lower back pain. However, improving your posture is a difficult task that requires daily effort and dedication. Strengthening your core muscles is a good strategy to help improve your posture. Core muscles are those in your low back, lower abdomen and pelvis — they all connect to your spine and/or pelvis in some way to help hold your body upright. To maintain good posture while standing: stand with your weight distributed over both feet and avoid locking your knees. Tighten your stomach and buttock muscles to keep your back straight. Wear supportive shoes and alleviate muscle fatigue by periodically resting one foot on a footstool. To maintain good posture while sitting: choose a firm chair, preferably one with armrests. Keep your upper back straight, but your shoulders relaxed. A small cushion placed behind your lower back can help maintain the natural curve of your lower back. Keep your feet flat on the floor, using a footstool if necessary. It can be helpful to set an alarm on your phone or use an app to remind you throughout the day to check and correct your posture. Make sure you are using safe lifting techniques. Though there is some disagreement about the best way to lift, as it varies depending on the circumstances, but there are a few basic rules you should try to follow. Test the weight of the load so you are not surprised by and unexpectedly heavy or shifting load. If the load is too heavy, ask for help. Stand as close to the load as possible before lifting, and keep it as close to your body as you can when you are carrying. Do not twist, stretch, or turn at the waist — if you need to turn, do so with your entire body. Appropriate lifting posture may include a squat lift (bending at the knees and hips while keeping your back straight), a stoop lift (keeping your legs straight while bending your back), or a freestyle lift (a semi-squat that allows you to rest the load on your thighs). Make an appointment with a chiropractor. Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the spine and other joints. They are trained to treat back problems in natural ways, such as with manual spinal manipulation. Manual manipulation, also called a spinal adjustment, is used to unjam or reposition spinal joints that are slightly misaligned, which triggers inflammation and sharp pain. A single spinal adjustment can sometimes significantly relieve your lower back pain, but usually it takes three to five treatments to really feel much better. Keep in mind that your health insurance may not cover chiropractic care. Chiropractors also use therapies meant more for muscle strains and ligament sprains, which may be more appropriate for your lower back issue. Electronic muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound and TENS treatments are examples of such therapies. Tractioning or stretching your spine with an inversion table can also help lower back pain. Some chiropractors use inversion tables, which allows you to recline your upper body and enlist the help of gravity to decompress your spine. Get a lower back massage. As noted above, not all lower back injuries are joint related. Many are related to muscle pulls or strains. A pulled muscle happens when the small muscle fibers tear, which causes pain, inflammation and muscle guarding or spasms. Thus, a deep tissue massage can be great for mild-to-moderate strains because it calms muscle spasms, reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation. Start with a 30 minute massage from a licensed massage therapist, focusing on your lower lumbar spine and pelvis. A single 30-minute massage session may be enough to soothe your lower back pain, but it often takes a few more sessions to see significant results. For chronic back pain, consider increasing your sessions to an hour and include some mid back and/or leg work also. Drink lots of purified water after any massage in order to flush out inflammatory by-products from your body. Failure to do so might lead to muscle soreness, a headache or some mild nausea. As an alternative to a professional massage, place a tennis ball underneath your low back and roll on it slowly for 15 minutes a few times daily until the pain fades away. Try some acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that involves sticking thin needles into specific points within your skin in efforts to reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture for lower back pain can be very helpful, especially if it's done when your symptoms are acute (fairly new). Acupuncture apparently works by triggering the release of many substances, including endorphins and serotonin, which act to eliminate the sensation of pain. There is some research evidence that acupuncture really helps chronic lower back pain, but your results may vary. Acupuncture points that provide back pain relief are not all located close to where you feel the pain — some are in distant areas, such as your hand. Acupuncture is now practiced by many health professionals — whoever you choose should be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) attempts to identify your negative thoughts and beliefs, and then replaces them with more positive ones. More specifically, a CBT approach to treating back pain would focus on how you respond to or perceive your pain symptoms. CBT has shown to help reduce stress and chronic back pain in many people. CBT can be a "last resort" treatment choice for low back pain when nothing else seems to be helpful. Consult your family physician, psychologist or insurance company representative for the names of CBT practitioners in your area. Consider interviewing a couple of them before you decide on which one to proceed with. Make an appointment with your doctor. If patience, basic home care and alternative therapies are not real helpful in alleviating your lower back pain, then make an appointment with your doctor. They will examine you to see if your pain is caused by a serious spinal issue: herniated spinal disc, entrapped (pinched) nerve, bone infection (osteomyelitis), osteoporosis, stress fracture, advanced arthritis or cancer. For pain control, your doctor can prescribe stronger NSAIDs or painkillers. X-rays, bone scans, MRI, CT scans and nerve conductance studies are all methods of viewing and diagnosing spinal problems. You may also be sent for a blood test in order to see if you have rheumatoid arthritis or a spinal infection (osteomyelitis or meningitis). You may ultimately be referred to a medical specialist (orthopedist, neurologist, rheumatologist) to better figure out your lower back problem. Get a physical therapy referral. If your lower back pain is chronic (bothering you for many months or years) and related to weak muscles, bad posture and/or degenerative conditions ("wear and tear" osteoarthritis), you should consider spinal rehabilitation therapy — you'll likely need a referral from your doctor. A physiotherapist can teach you specific stretches and strengthening exercises for your lower lumbar spine, which can relieve pain with time. Physical therapy is usually recommended 3x per week for 4-8 weeks to make a significant impact on chronic lower back issues. For spinal rehabilitation, physiotherapists tend to use a variety of exercise balls, weighted medicine balls, elastic tension bands, electronic muscle stimulation and/or therapeutic ultrasound devices. Effective strengthening exercises that you can do on your own for your lower back muscles include: swimming, rowing, certain yoga positions and back extensions. Try myofascial trigger point therapy. Your back pain may be related to muscle injury or strain at a trigger point, which can lead to referred pain, or pain that extends to another area. So, though you may be experiencing pain in your lower back, the trigger point may be located elsewhere on your body. Locate a practitioner who is trained to identify and treat myofascial pain. He may use a variety of techniques to release the trigger point. Consider a steroid injection for your pain. If stronger prescription drugs and/or back rehabilitation don't prove effective, then an injection of corticosteroid medicine into the joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments of your low can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, and allow better movement. Corticosteroids are based on natural human hormones, which have strong and quick-acting anti-inflammatory properties. The most common ones used by doctors are called prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone. Your family doctor will likely refer you to a back specialist (orthopedist) for the injection if she thinks it will help. Potential side effects of getting steroid injections include: local infection, excessive bleeding, tendon weakening, muscle atrophy, nerve irritation / damage, and reduced immune system function. Pain relief from steroid injections can last anywhere from a few weeks to many months. Doctors don't like to give more than two injections per year. If corticosteroid injections don't give much relief for your lower back pain, then an operation (there's many different surgical procedures) should be explored with your doctor as a last resort.	Rest and be patient. Use cold therapy for acute low back pain. Apply moist heat to chronic lower back pain. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Change your sleeping position. Improve your posture. Make sure you are using safe lifting techniques. Make an appointment with a chiropractor. Get a lower back massage. Try some acupuncture therapy. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy. Make an appointment with your doctor. Get a physical therapy referral. Try myofascial trigger point therapy. Consider a steroid injection for your pain.
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Scaring-Your-Guinea-Pig	How to Avoid Scaring Your Guinea Pig	To avoid scaring your guinea pig, approach it from the front when picking it up so you don't surprise it. You can also make a whistling or humming noise each time so that it knows you're approaching. If you have other pets in the house, keep the door closed to your guinea pig's room, so they don't disturb it. Also, try to keep the room as quiet as possible. For example, don't keep phones or alarm clocks in the room that might unsettle your guinea pig with loud noises.	Approach it from the front. If you come at your guinea pig from the side, you'll likely surprise it and may scare it into running away or hiding. Walking towards your pig's cage in an obvious way and staying towards the front of the cage lets your pig watch all of your actions in advance. Crouch down. Lower yourself down to cage level before pulling out your guinea pig. If you are playing with your pig on the ground, try laying down next to it instead of standing over it. Guinea pigs are naturally prey animals and are more likely to hide if something or someone is overhead. It also helps to talk slowly and gently to your guinea pig each time that you handle it. They will come to associate your voice with caring and safety. Let them come to you. Practice making the same quiet whistling or humming noise each time that you first approach your guinea pig. It will learn this noise and will start to approach you on its own. Keep practicing until your pig comes to you right away. Adding in a small treat, like a piece of apple, after your pig successfully listens to your call can help with the training and bonding process. Lift with both hands. Slide one hand under your guinea pig's chest and place it just behind its front legs and feet. Put your other hand into a cupping position and place it under your pig's hindquarters. Test your grip slightly to make sure it's secure and then lift upwards. Pull your hands and the pig close to your chest as you stand up and walk. If the guinea pig is not used to being handled, start by sitting on the floor and placing the guinea pig in your lap. Being close to the floor helps the pig feel safe, whereas being high in the air is alarming to it. If you notice that your pig is struggling a lot, try lowering yourself closer to the ground. This lessens the possibility of an injury if you accidently drop your pig mid-struggle. Limit each holding session to around 10-15 minutes. This will lessen the possibility that your pig will urinate on you. If you're worried that your guinea pig may scratch you, try holding it in a towel. This helps the guinea pig feel safer. Return it to the cage carefully. Test your grip on your guinea pig and slowly lower yourself toward the ground and cage. Place your pig inside the cage, but don't let it go right away. Instead, hold it just over the floor of the cage for a few seconds or until it stops struggling. Then, place it down and let it run off. If you do this over a few weeks it will make your guinea pig easier to handle. Lure your pig out of a hiding spot. If your guinea pig refuses to leave a hiding place in its cage, your best bet is to lure it out with food. Place a few cucumber slices in a food dish just out of reach of the hiding area. Then, wait until your pig steps out. If one hiding spot is an ongoing problem, you might want to just take it out of the cage. Be patient when catching an escapee. If your pig is on the loose in your home or even outside, you'll want to act fast and close up any escape routes right away. Remove any possible hiding places, such as empty boxes on the floor. Place a dish of treats, like apple slice, out in the middle of the space. Remember to move slowly and methodically when trying to capture your pig. You don't want to accidentally step on it or squeeze it too tightly when you finally grab it. Guinea pigs can get easily injured by a small amount of force. Monitor all interactions with children. Due to their enthusiasm and excitement, very small children can easily scare or injure guinea pigs by handling them roughly, speaking too loudly, or moving too quickly. A great way to teach other people, including little kids, how to interact with your pet is to offer to hold your pig while they pet it. Add hiding spaces into the cage. Everyone just likes to escape sometimes and your guinea pig is no different. Place a few short PVC pipes in the cage that your guinea pig can use as a tunnel or place for a nap. Wooden ramps or small buildings are often enjoyed by pigs as well and can become makeshift hutches. Get a companion pig. Guinea pigs are naturally social and enjoy living with others. Try to create a same-sex or young-old pairing to reduce the odds of fighting. You can expect some squabbling as they create a social hierarchy, but once they do your pig will likely be happier and less skittish with their partner and you. If you need to place a male with a female, seriously consider going to your vet to get the male neutered to prevent pregnancy. Keep them away from rabbits, dogs, and cats. Other domestic pets are not generally suitable companions for guinea pigs. They may view your pig as prey and even frighten your pig by chasing it. Some animals, like rabbits, may also show signs of territoriality or aggression when in contact with your guinea pig. If you own a cat, you'll probably need to keep your guinea pig in an off-limits room. Cats can reach through or over wire cages and snag guinea pigs. Keep your pig in a peaceful environment. Guinea pigs love schedules and predictability. It's best if they are in a room where the noises are predictable and relatively quiet. Ringing phones, door slams, or alarm sounds can all shock or scare most guinea pigs. Watch your pig to see how they react to certain sounds and plan where you'll put its cage accordingly. Just like with many dogs, guinea pigs can be scared by fireworks or other loud noises at unexpected times. Come up with a plan to keep your guinea pig calm during these events. It may involve muffling the sound with other soothing noises, like soft music. Spend time cuddling. Cradle your guinea pig to your chest and softly hum or rock back and forth. Lay down next to your pig on the ground and rub its back and head. Socializing with your guinea pig makes it less likely that it will be scared of you. Watch your pig's body language to determine when it has had enough. Head tossing and biting are both signs of overstimulation. Pay attention to where your pig does and doesn't want to be touched. Most guinea pigs don't want to be rubbed on the tummy area. Pay close attention to its noises. A squeal or whistle usually translates into excitement about food or play. A purr that is low in tone usually means relaxation, whereas a high-pitched purr expresses agitation. A squeak, shriek, or hiss is an aggressive gesture and lets you know that your pig is stressed. Talk to your guinea pig throughout the day. Tell it what you are doing as you change its water and bedding. Describe the food that you are feeding your pig as you place the bowl in the cage. Always use soft and gentle tones. Never raise your voice or yell. If you have two or more guinea pigs, try to interact equally with each one to prevent jealously. Play with appropriate, safe toys. Look for toys that are solid and without little pieces that can break off. Make sure that they are smooth on the sides and without sharp edges. Cut down PVC pipes and blocks of word are go-to guinea pig toys. Your pig will also enjoy many cat toys that squeak or contain bells. Replace any toys that show signs of wear right away. Always be kind and gentle. Never approach your guinea pigs if you are angry or in a particularly bad mood. You'll likely frighten your pets and make them less likely to trust you. Instead, keep your temper under control around your pigs and constantly check that you are handling them gently and without too much pressure.	Approach it from the front. Crouch down. Let them come to you. Lift with both hands. Return it to the cage carefully. Lure your pig out of a hiding spot. Be patient when catching an escapee. Monitor all interactions with children. Add hiding spaces into the cage. Get a companion pig. Keep them away from rabbits, dogs, and cats. Keep your pig in a peaceful environment. Spend time cuddling. Pay close attention to its noises. Talk to your guinea pig throughout the day. Play with appropriate, safe toys. Always be kind and gentle.
https://www.wikihow.life/Keep-Feet-Clean	How to Keep Feet Clean	To keep your feet clean, wash your feet every day, and dry them completely afterward to avoid the growth of bacteria or fungus. Next, replenish natural oils by applying moisturizer to your feet and between your toes. To prevent a fungal infection, keep your socks clean by adding disinfectant when washing them, and make sure to change them daily. Finally, rotate your shoes regularly or sprinkle the insoles with baking soda to prevent odor, and air them out every night to keep them clean and smelling fresh.	Wash your feet every day. Bathe your feet every day in soap and water. Just letting the shower water splash on them isn't good enough. Lather them thoroughly with soap and scrub them with a loofah. Make sure to clean the entire part of your foot, not just your toes. Avoid soaking your feet as this can diminish natural oils your feet need to stay hydrated and healthy. Dry your feet completely. Be sure to dry your feet completely when you're done in the shower. Don't neglect areas commonly forgotten, like between the toes. You should refrain from putting on shoes or socks until your feet are dry. Leftover moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes odor and can potentially lead to fungus. Moisturize your feet. Moisturizing your feet can help keep healthy oils replenished. Invest in a foot cream, which you can purchase online or at most department stores, and use that to moisturize your feet. Make sure to moisturize everywhere, including between your toes. Remove rough spots and callouses. If you notice very rough spots or callouses that do not improve with a moisturizer, use a pumice stone to rub away the rough skin. You simply rub the pumice stone against these areas to remove dead skin. You can purchase a pumice stone at most department stores or online. Avoid walking barefoot. Unless you're indoors at your own home, avoid walking barefoot. Walking barefoot in strange areas, especially outdoors, can expose your feet to a lot of bacteria. Keep your shoes on at all times when you're not at home. Change your socks daily. Do not wear the same pair of socks two days in a row. Socks absorb a lot of sweat and moisture, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to fungus. Sweaty socks also tend to produce a strong odor. Disinfect your socks when washing them. When washing your socks, add a liquid disinfectant during the rinse cycle on your washing machine. You can buy a disinfectant online or at a local department store. The package should tell you how much to use. If you're washing pantyhose, soak your pantyhose in a disinfectant before putting them in the washing machine. Wear sweat-absorbing socks. The less moisture your feet are exposed to, the better. Less moisture reduces your risk for developing a fungal infection. When purchasing socks, look for socks that are sweat absorbing to keep moisture minimal. This is especially important for socks you wear during athletic activities. Use an anti-fungal spray or powder. Use a disinfectant spray or powder to kill bacteria in your shoes. These sprays or powders are sprinkled on your feet and inside your shoes. This helps kill bacteria and fungus, keeping your feet clean and odor free. Wear flip-flops in public showers. If you end up showering in public somewhere like the gym, make sure to put on a pair of flip-flops in the shower. These will protect your feet from any lingering bacteria on the shower floor. Choose shoes that lift you feet off the ground. Choose shoes that have a little lift to them, especially if you're wearing sandals. Shoes that are slightly higher above the ground can help protect your feet from dirt and germs on the street. However, keep in mind wearing uncomfortable shoes is bad for your overall foot health. If a shoe has a very high arch that causes discomfort, choose a different shoe. Select breathable materials. Shoes made from breathable materials will absorb sweat. This keeps your feet cleaner and less smelly. As moisture can lead to fungus, it can also help prevent fungal infections. Breathable materials include things like cork, leather, and rubber. Dry out your shoes overnight. Shoes become wet during the day from exposure to moisture outside and sweat from your feet. At night, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area so they can air out. This will keep your shoes cleaner and make them smell fresher. This is especially important if you intend to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Rotate your shoes regularly. If you wear the same shoes every day, they can get pretty smelly! This can also make your feet smell bad. Let your shoes dry out for a couple of days before wearing them again. This is especially important for shoes you wear for athletic activities, like running or going to the gym. Throw out old shoes. Shoes do not last indefinitely and holding on to old shoes is unsanitary. Shoes can harbor bacteria that causes fungus. If your shoes are becoming old and tattered, throw them out. Shoes can be washed or sprayed with cleaning solutions and anti-fungal sprays, but worn down shoes that are many years old are best discarded. This is especially important if you had a nail infection in the past. Shoes that you wore during a fungal infection may reinfect your feet if worn again.	Wash your feet every day. Dry your feet completely. Moisturize your feet. Remove rough spots and callouses. Avoid walking barefoot. Change your socks daily. Disinfect your socks when washing them. Wear sweat-absorbing socks. Use an anti-fungal spray or powder. Wear flip-flops in public showers. Choose shoes that lift you feet off the ground. Select breathable materials. Dry out your shoes overnight. Rotate your shoes regularly. Throw out old shoes.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bunting	How to Make Bunting	To make bunting, start by drawing an 8-inch equilateral triangle on a piece of paper and cutting it out for a template. Then, choose some fabric for your bunting and pin the corners of the paper template to a straight edge of it. Once the template is secure, cut around it using pinking shears, repeating the process down the straight edge of the fabric until you've cut out your desired number of flags. Finally, arrange the fabric triangles along some binding tape and straight stitch to sew the tape to the flags.	Draw an 8 in (20 cm) equilateral triangle on a piece of paper. This will be the template you use to create each triangle for the bunting. Use a thicker piece of paper for the template, like cardstock or even cardboard, if you want the template to be sturdier. If you have a different size triangle in mind, make the template to fit that vision. You can make the template triangles as large or as small as you like. Maybe you want narrow triangles so the long points move freely in the wind, or maybe you want to alternate between small and large equilateral triangles to create depth. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out the template. Carefully and slowly, cut the triangle out when using scissors. Since this triangle will be your template, any wobbles or divots within the straight lines of the pattern will show up in each triangle you trace. If you have a paper cutter, use that to cut clean, straight lines. Select a flag design that will complement the occasion or setting. Liven up your bunting by choosing a handful of colors or a distinct pattern. Break up flags with busy patterns, like stripes or floral designs, with complementary solid-colored flags. Make the bunting the focal point of the setting by having each flag be a different color covered in glitter. If this is a permanent bunting for your room, play off some of the colors or textures that already exist within the room. Maybe purple and silver are prominent colors in your room. Incorporate different shades of those colors into the bunting, and add some silver glitter to make it pop. Bunting for a baby shower could be calming tones like a mix pastel blue, green, pink, and yellow. Alternate the color of the flags, and maybe even make some of the flags with white polka dots to add contrasting texture. Select a material that fits the setting and your timeframe. Think about whether or not the setting for the bunting is inside or outside, and determine how much time you want or have to spend creating it. Fabric bunting can be used both inside and outside but may take a while to put together if you have never sewn before. Paper bunting is easy to assemble, but won't withstand rainy weather if hung outside. Pin each corner of the template to a straight edge on your fabric. Working across your fabric from one side to the other will reduce fabric waste, and will allow you to make more triangles. This is less important if you are using small pieces of fabric, like tea towels. Make sure that the edges of the fabric are straight when using them as a guide for the template; otherwise, you will end up with wobbly looking flags. For uneven edges, pin the template away from the edge or trim the edges to straighten them. If you have a large piece of fabric, fold the fabric in half before pinning the template to it. This will allow you to save time by cutting 2 flags at once. The amount of the fabric you use can vary greatly depending on how large your template is and how many flags you want to make. Ideally, make your template first and decide approximately how many triangles you want to make before purchasing the fabric. Those measurements will help you determine how much fabric you will need. Choose a simple fabric like a cotton-polyester blend for making the bunting. Silks or other fancy blends may be difficult to sew. Using fabrics that have a print or color on both sides instead of just one side will also save you a lot of time while sewing. Cut around the template using pinking shears. The saw-toothed edges of the pinking shears will keep the cut edges of your fabric from fraying. Purchase these online or at a local craft or fabric store. Instead of pinking shears, use fabric scissors that have a straight edge or a rotary cutter. Keep the fabric taut, and cut it slowly to keep the edges from tearing or fraying. If you decide to use a rotary cutter, place a board underneath the fabric so you do not damage the surface you are working on. Repeat the process until you have a desired number of flags. The flags can be close together or spread out, so the number of flags you need to make greatly depends on the look you want to achieve. Start by making 6 to 10 flags. After you arrange them, you can always cut out more. Cut double the amount of triangles for fabrics with single-sided designs. Not all fabrics have a given pattern or color on both sides. To keep the bunting uniform, you will need to stitch together 2 triangles to create a single flag. This way, the pattern or color will visible on both sides. So if you wanted 6 flags, you will need to cut 12 triangles, and stitch them together in pairs. To do this, layer and pin 2 triangles together so that the pattern is facing inwards. Use a straight stitch to sew 2 of the triangle sides together. If you are not using an equilateral triangle, this would be the 2 longer sides. Accomplish this by using a sewing machine or a needle and a thread. Leave approximately a ⁄ 5 in (0.51 cm) seam around the flag. Remove the pins and then push the point of the flag through the unstitched side so that the pattern is right-side out. Press the flag down until it is smooth. Don't worry about stitching the final side to the triangle, as it will be covered with bias binding tape. Repeat this process until all of your flags are completed. Arrange the flags along the bias binding tape so they are evenly spaced. Place the first flag at least 16 in (41 cm) in from the end of the tape—this will be one of the ends used to hang the bunting. Then have fun playing with the spacing of the flags. The flags can be close together so the points are touching, or drastically spread apart. Once you place the last flag, leave another 16 in (41 cm) of excess tape on the end before you cut it. If you can't decide on a measurement, aim to have at least 5 in (13 cm) of space between each flag. It is easier to arrange and adjust the spacing of the flags on the tape before you cut it. This way, you have the option to increase or decrease the spacing without worrying about the length of the tape. If you had to stitch your flags, place the unsewn end of the flag along the tape. This will later hide and seal the open end of the flag. Fold the binding tape over each flag and secure it down with pins. Crease the fold with your fingernail or the edge of a ruler as you place the pins. This will create a crisp line and work out any visible bumps between the layers of fabric. Use a straight stitch to sew the binding tape to the flags. Stitch this by hand, or run it through a sewing machine. Remove the pins as you stitch the binding tape over each of flags. This way the pins don't fall out as you handle the rest of the bunting. Hang the bunting as is or add additional decorations to each triangle. For a minimalistic or everyday look, hang the bunting as is. The colors and subtle patterns will make a nice decoration for any room. If the bunting is for a celebration, add shapes or letters to each of the triangles. Consider spelling out someone's name on the bunting, or display a simple message like, “Happy Birthday!” or “Welcome Home!” Fold a piece of paper in half to create a crease that will support the string. Any color or detailing on the paper should be visible on the outside. Press in the crease with your fingernail or the edge of a ruler. When folded, the piece of paper should still be able to support the size of the template you made. To do this, choose a piece of paper that's at least double the size of your flag template. To save yourself some time, make the size of your flag fit an existing paper size. For example, a standard piece of scrapbook paper that is 12 by 12 in (30 by 30 cm) will make 2 equilateral triangles that are 6 in (15 cm) around. Making your template for a 6 in (15 cm) triangle will eliminate a lot of tedious measuring later on. If you want to reuse your paper bunting for different events, use a thick paper like cardstock or scrapbook paper. Thicker paper won't crease or tear as easily as printer or construction paper. Place your template against the folded edge of the paper and trace it. Make light pencil marks that can be easily erased. If you are worried that the pencil will not erase well, refold the paper so that the design is facing inward before tracing the template. Depending on the size of the paper and the size of your template, you may garner 2 flags from each page. Repeat this process until you have traced a desired amount of flags. Cut out the traced triangles but make sure not to cut the folded edge. Use scissors or a paper cutter to do this. If you use scissors, be careful to not deviate from the stenciled line, as divots and curved lines will be visible on your bunting when you display it. Slip the flags over the string and leave some space between each flag. Hang the folded crease over the string so the pattern or color is visible on both sides. Have fun playing with the spacing between the flags. Spread the flags far apart from each other, or place them close together. Once you decide on a distance, use a ruler to make the spaces even. In order to hang your bunting, leave about 16 in (41 cm) of excess string on each end before cutting it. Place 2 glue dots inside each flag to secure them to the string. Put 1 glue dot in the center of the crease and 1 at the point of the triangle. Stick the glue dot along the crease so that it overlaps the string. Then carefully press the triangle closed to secure it. The glue dot on the string will keep the triangle from falling off or sliding. Instead of glue dots, you can also double-stick tape. Repeat this process until all of your flags are secured and sealed. Decorate the flags with letters and shapes to further personalize it. Consider adding someone's name or a personalized message onto the bunting. This is a great detail to add if you are using your bunting for a holiday or celebration. If you want a minimalistic look or if you chose a paper with a fun pattern and don't want to cover it up, hang the bunting as is.	Draw an 8 in (20 cm) equilateral triangle on a piece of paper. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out the template. Select a flag design that will complement the occasion or setting. Select a material that fits the setting and your timeframe. Pin each corner of the template to a straight edge on your fabric. Cut around the template using pinking shears. Repeat the process until you have a desired number of flags. Cut double the amount of triangles for fabrics with single-sided designs. Arrange the flags along the bias binding tape so they are evenly spaced. Fold the binding tape over each flag and secure it down with pins. Use a straight stitch to sew the binding tape to the flags. Hang the bunting as is or add additional decorations to each triangle. Fold a piece of paper in half to create a crease that will support the string. Place your template against the folded edge of the paper and trace it. Cut out the traced triangles but make sure not to cut the folded edge. Slip the flags over the string and leave some space between each flag. Place 2 glue dots inside each flag to secure them to the string. Decorate the flags with letters and shapes to further personalize it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music	How to Read Piano Sheet Music	To read piano sheet music, start by looking all the way to the left of the lines to see what clef is there. If it's a treble clef, which looks like an ampersand, the notes on the lines from the bottom up are E, G, B, D, and F, and the notes in the spaces from the bottom up are F, A, C, and E. If it's a bass clef, which looks like a backward "c," the notes on the lines from the bottom up are G, B, D, F, and A, and the notes in the spaces from the bottom up are A, C, E, and G.	Recognize lines and spaces. When you look at sheet music, you will see five lines with four spaces between them. These are collectively called the staff. Both the lines and the spaces are used as locations for notes, and where on those notes fall determines the pitch of the note. What pitch is assigned to the line or space is determined by the clef, discussed below. Lines and spaces can also be created above and below the normal five by drawing short lines as needed to indicate the note. Recognize clefs. Clefs are different shapes, located at the very beginning of a music staff, which tell you what pitches are on what line or space of the staff. They are usually recognizable because they are large and cover all five lines. Although several clefs exist, you will only need to know two for reading piano music: A treble clef or G-clef is the clef or symbol you will usually see associated with music, so it should look familiar. It looks vaguely similar to an ampersand (or “&” symbol). The lines, from the bottom up to the top, indicate the following pitches: E,G,B,D, and F. The spaces, from the bottom up to the top, indicate the following pitches: F, A, C, and E. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-459px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","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>"} A bass clef or F-clef looks a little like a backward c with two dots behind the arc. The lines, from the bottom up to the top, indicate the following pitches: G,B,D, F, and A. The spaces, from the bottom up to the top, indicate the following pitches: A, C, E, and G. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-459px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","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>"} Recognize key signature. The key signature tells you which notes get changed. The whole or normal pitches are labeled with letters (ABCDEFG), but there are also half-steps between those notes which are indicated with either a # (sharp) or a b (flat). The sharps and flats located at the beginning of the staff show the key signature and the lines or space on which they fall indicate that any note which falls in that place is played with either that sharp or flat. Extra sharps and flats can always be placed within the music as well and will be placed next to the note they alter. Sharp means the pitch goes up, while b means the pitch goes down. The sharp of one note is the same as the flat of the next note up. Sharps and flats are indicated by the black keys on your piano. This is discussed below. Recognize the time signature. The time signature, indicated by two numbers at the beginning of the staff, tell you how many beats a note gets. The bottom number indicates what type of note gets one beat (which number corresponds to which note is indicated below) and the top number indicates how many of those are in one measure (or section of music). Recognize measures. When you look at the staff, you will see occasional vertical lines drawn through the horizontal lines of the staff. The space between these lines is called the measure. Think of the measure as a musical sentence, and the line as the period at the end of that sentence (though it does not mean you should pause before starting the next). Measures help break up the music and work with the time signature to tell you how many beats to give to a note. Recognize parts of a note. Notes consist of several parts. Like the lines and circles that make up the written English language, the lines and circle of the notes change how that note functions in its musical sentence. Understand the parts of notes in order to understand how they sound. The head is the round part of the note. It can look like an open circle or a closed dot. The location of the head indicates what pitch the note should be. The stem is the line which it attached to the head. It can point up or down, it does not affect the music (it is only determined by where on the lines the note is located). The flag is the little tail which you may see coming from the end of the stem. There can be one flag or two. Recognize the types of notes. There are several common types of notes which are made by changing different things about the parts that make up a note. There are also rests, which indicate that no sound is played for a certain period of time. Here is a list of the most common notes: A Whole Note: A whole note is indicated by an open head with no stem. These are indicated with a 1 in the time signature. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet1.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>"} A Half Note: A half note is indicated by an open head with a stem. These are indicated with a 2 in the time signature. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet2.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>"} A Quarter Note: A quarter note is indicated by a closed head with a stem. These are indicated with a 4 in the time signature. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet3.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>"} An Eighth Note: An eighth note is indicated by a closed head with a stem and one flag.These are indicated with an 8 in the time signature. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet4.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet4.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>"} A Sixteenth Note: A sixteenth note is indicated by a closed head with a stem and two flags. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet5.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet5.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet5.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>"} Joined Notes: Eighth and sixteenth notes can be joined together by turning the flags into a bar which spans between them. These are indicated with a 16 in the time signature. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet6.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet6.jpg\/aid1133120-v4-728px-Read-Piano-Sheet-Music-Step-7Bullet6.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>"} Recognize rests. There is no elegant way to put it: quarter rests look like a squiggle. Eighth rests look like a diagonal line with one tail, while sixteenth rests have two tails. Whole rests look like a bar in the upper half of the middle space, while half rests are in the lower portion. Recognize left hand and right hand lines. When you look at piano sheet music, you will see that there are two staffs which are attached at the beginning of each line and at the measures. These two lines indicate which hand plays which notes. The upper staff indicates the notes played with the right hand and the lower staff indicates which notes are played with the left. Recognize the pitches on your piano. Each key, both white and black, represents a particular pitch and like the repeated pattern of the keys, the pitches also repeat. Look at your piano and you will see two black keys close together and then three black keys close together. Starting with the first of the two keys and moving to the very next key (including white notes) the pitches are: C#/Db , D, D#/Eb , E, F, F#/Gb , G, G#/Ab , A, A#/Bb , B, and C. The bolded text indicates a black key. Labeling the keys while you learn may be helpful. Use the pedals when indicated. You may see pedals at your feet if using a proper piano, rather than a keyboard. The left pedal is called the “soft” pedal, the middle pedal is called the “sostenuto” pedal, and the right pedal is called the “sustain” or “damper” pedal. When to use the most common pedal, the sustain pedal, is indicated on the sheet music: The sustain pedal should be pressed when the word “Ped.” is written below a note and released when you see a star. Alternatively, you may see horizontal, vertical, or angled lines together. A horizontal line means to press the pedal, an angle means a brief release, and a vertical line means to release the pedal. Read the lines of music. Reading music is just like reading a language. Think of the staff as the sentence and the notes as the letters. Put your knowledge of the staff together with your knowledge of the notes and begin to play the music that you see on the page. You won't be very good at first but you will get better and better as you get more experience. Go slowly. When first learning to play piano, play slowly. Over time you hands will get used to the movements and it will be easier to play without looking at your hands constantly. Play songs very slowly until you are comfortable and ready to speed it up. Practice. Reading and playing music smoothly and correctly takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. If it was an easy skill to pick up, people wouldn't be so impressed when you're good at it! Practice every day and get help when you can. A music teacher at your school may be able to help you learn to play the piano. You can also ask members of your community, such as people at your church, if they'd be willing to help you. If you really struggle, consider taking a class. These classes don't need to be expensive. Many piano students at your local university will offer discounted lessons and local community centers will sometimes offer cheap courses.	Recognize lines and spaces. Recognize clefs. Recognize key signature. Recognize the time signature. Recognize measures. Recognize parts of a note. Recognize the types of notes. Recognize rests. Recognize left hand and right hand lines. Recognize the pitches on your piano. Use the pedals when indicated. Read the lines of music. Go slowly. Practice.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Hydrogen-Peroxide-Burn	How to Treat a Hydrogen Peroxide Burn	To treat a hydrogen peroxide burn on your skin, try washing the affected area with cold water to reduce irritation. If you've been exposed to a household product, run the burn under a faucet for 15 minutes. However, if you've been exposed to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, like hair bleaching products, take a cold shower. Then, wash the area with a mild soap and apply an anti-bacterial ointment to prevent infection. If you experience unusual symptoms within 24 hours, like redness or leaking puss, contact a doctor immediately. Remember that industrial products containing hydrogen peroxide can cause severe burns. If you've been exposed to an industrial grade of hydrogen peroxide, seek medical attention straight away.	Determine the product’s concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Knowing the strength of the hydrogen peroxide solution will help you decide the best course of treatment, whether the burn affects the skin, eye, or digestive system. The container's label will note its contents' concentration. Most household hydrogen peroxide solutions are about 3% hydrogen peroxide and 97% water. These can cause minor irritation to the skin, eyes, or digestive system, stinging, and/or whitening of the skin, but can almost always be treated by simply flushing the area with cool water. Products that bleach hair can contain between 6 and 10% hydrogen peroxide, and can be more harmful than standard household solutions. Industrial solutions contain between 35 and 90% hydrogen peroxide. These can cause chemical burns that require immediate emergency care. You may notice blistering on the skin. Call emergency services immediately to treat exposures to industrial hydrogen peroxide. Remove any clothing soaked with hydrogen peroxide. Free the burned or irritated area from contaminated clothing as soon as possible, especially when exposed to higher concentrations. Take off any clothes, jewelry, or other accessories that might have been splashed or soaked. Place the clothing in plastic bags if the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is 10% or higher. Flush the area with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Hold the affected area under cool running water to rinse away the solution and ease pain. Flushing under a faucet will effectively treat small patches of skin exposed to household concentrations. Take a cool shower to flush larger patches of contaminated skin or areas exposed to a higher concentration. If you can't flush the area, try holding a cool compress against your skin to relieve the pain. Wash the area gently and apply an ointment or gel. Chemical burns that result from hydrogen peroxide exposure can be treated like thermal burns. Continue to flush with cool water until pain starts to subside, use a mild soap to gently wash the area, and apply an antibacterial ointment. Avoid scrubbing or breaking any small blisters that develop. Consider applying an aloe vera gel to ease discomfort. Contact a doctor if you experience unusual symptoms within 24 hours. Within a day of exposure, look for signs including worsening redness, irritation, and pus or discharge from the burn. Seek a follow-up examination if you experience any of these symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, contact the medical professional who treated your wound, or visit a local clinic for a follow-up examination. Remove your contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses and can easily remove them, do so immediately. Once they're out, begin flushing your eyes. If you have trouble taking your lenses out, get help from someone you trust nearby or a responding medical professional. Flush your eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your hands well to ensure they're free of hydrogen peroxide solution. Cup them under running cool water and continuously flush your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes. Try taking a cool shower to flush your eyes if you have difficulty doing so with a faucet and sink. You can also try flushing your eyes with a.9 % saline solution. If you have a bottle of saline solution on hand, check its label to find out its concentration. Test your vision and look for corneal damage. Once your eyes have recovered from the water or saline flush your eyes, make sure your vision isn't impaired in any way. Seek medical attention if you experience any unusual blurriness or obstructions in your visual field. Have someone check your eyes for surface abrasions or deformities, and seek emergency care if you show these or any other signs of damage. Consult a doctor immediately. If your eyes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide at any concentration, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you were exposed to a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, you should contact emergency services immediately as it can rapidly cause cornea burns. If you experience changes in your vision or have signs of abrasion or damage, have someone take you to an emergency room. Follow up with an appointment with your ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, if you have one. Ensure the victim is breathing and has a pulse. Ingesting a large amount or high concentration of hydrogen peroxide can cause difficulty breathing. If a victim loses consciousness and exhibits shallow breathing, a weak pulse, or no breathing or pulse, you (or someone CPR certified) should administer CPR and call emergency services immediately. Even if the victim can breathe and CPR isn't required, emergency personnel may still offer a respiratory mask to someone who's ingested hydrogen peroxide, especially at higher concentrations. Call emergency services. You'll require emergency assistance if the victim has ingested large amounts of household hydrogen peroxide or a high concentration solution. You can call emergency services or your local poison control center. If you live in the United States, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222. Be prepared to describe the victim's age, weight, and condition. Tell the emergency operator the name of the product ingested and solution strength. Let them know the time and amount that they swallowed. Drink a glass of water or milk. Drinking 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mL) of water or milk may effectively treat ingestion of a small amount of household hydrogen peroxide. For cases involving larger amounts or higher concentrations, you should still drink water or milk, but be sure to contact emergency services as soon as possible. Try gargling repeatedly with cool water if your mouth is the only affected area. Avoid inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal. While hydrogen peroxide can cause vomiting, you should not induce it if the victim is not vomiting already. You should also avoid using activated charcoal, as it will have no effect on ingested hydrogen peroxide. If your case is severe enough for hospitalization, medical professionals will administer an endoscopy to examine your digestive tract. Activated charcoal will interfere with this examination.	Determine the product’s concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Remove any clothing soaked with hydrogen peroxide. Flush the area with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Wash the area gently and apply an ointment or gel. Contact a doctor if you experience unusual symptoms within 24 hours. Remove your contact lenses. Flush your eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Test your vision and look for corneal damage. Consult a doctor immediately. Ensure the victim is breathing and has a pulse. Call emergency services. Drink a glass of water or milk. Avoid inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal.
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Cardiac-Disease-in-Senior-Dogs	How to Diagnose Cardiac Disease in Senior Dogs	To diagnose cardiac disease in senior dogs, check your dog for common symptoms of the condition, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and needing more frequent rest during exercising. You can also check its pulse to see if it is rapid and weak, which is a sign of cardiac disease. If your dog has one of these symptoms, visit a vet as soon as possible so they can listen to your dog's heartbeat and take x-rays in order to make a proper diagnosis.	Take note of coughing. Coughing is usually the first noticeable sign of cardiac disease in dogs. When the heart isn't working properly, fluid may build up in the lungs, causing coughing. Also, a diseased heart may enlarge and put pressure on the windpipe, triggering coughing. Your senior dog may have a dry, hacking cough if it has cardiac disease. Observe breathing challenges. With cardiac disease, blood can get backed up in the lung's blood vessels. This can increase the pressure inside these vessels, causing small amounts of fluid to leak out of the vessels and into the airways. This fluid buildup in the airways can make breathing difficult. If your senior dog has cardiac disease, it may start breathing rapidly or having difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing would be indicated by increased efforts to inhale and/or exhale. Detect difficulty with exercising. Blood coming from the heart carries oxygen, which the muscles and organs need to work efficiently. If your dog has cardiac disease, that oxygen-rich blood coming from the heart can't get to the rest of the body very well. Therefore, during exercise, your dog's muscles won't get enough oxygen, causing your dog to tire out more quickly. Your dog may be able to exercise for only a few minutes before needing to rest. After a while, your dog may not want to exercise at all because it won't have enough energy. Check your dog’s pulse. Your dog's pulse is what you feel when you place your fingers on one of your dog's major arteries (blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart). In a dog with a healthy heart, the pulse will feel strong (but not bounding) and steady. However, if your dog has cardiac disease, its pulse may be rapid and weak. With cardiac disease, the heart may beat faster to try to get blood out to the rest of the body. However, the blood flow will not be very good, leading to a weak pulse. Look for signs of heart failure. Heart failure is not a disease by itself. Rather, it is the final stage of heart disease, when the heart can no longer meet the body's blood circulation needs. Signs of heart failure include blue or purple gums, a decreased appetite, weight loss, and an enlarged belly. The gums would be blue or purple because they are not receiving enough oxygen from the blood. An enlarged belly would be due to a large accumulation of fluid. Take your dog to the vet. Sometimes, cardiac disease in dogs develops for years before any symptoms of the disease become noticeable. If you start seeing signs of cardiac disease in your dog, the disease may already be fairly advanced. Do not delay in taking your dog to the vet. During your appointment, provide your vet with some history of your dog's symptoms: What symptoms you've noticed When you first noticed the symptoms If the symptoms have gotten worse Have your vet listen to your dog’s heart. In addition to performing a regular physical exam, your vet will pay extra attention to your dog's heart. With a stethoscope, your vet will listen to your dog's heart to detect heart murmurs, which are abnormal heart beats. In senior dogs, a heart murmur usually occurs when the heart's valves, which control blood flow through the heart's chambers, aren't working properly. Your vet will also be able to hear if your dog's heart beat is too fast or too slow. Allow your vet to take chest x-rays. To make a diagnosis of cardiac disease, your vet will also need to look at your dog's heart. An easy way to do this is with a chest x-ray. A chest x-ray will also allow your vet to see the size and shape of your dog's heart, as well as evaluate your dog's lungs. For one type of cardiac disease in dogs, called dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's chambers get bigger and the heart's muscles get weaker. Your vet would be able to see this enlargement on an x-ray. If your dog has advanced cardiac disease in which the airways have a buildup of fluids, your vet would be able to see this change in the lungs on an x-ray. Agree to a heart ultrasound. A heart ultrasound is called an echocardiogram. This procedure allows your vet to see your dog's heart as it beats. This will help your vet determine which heart valves are not working properly, as well as get a 'real time' view of the heart's size and shape. Mitral valve disease is the most common type of cardiac disease that vets see. The mitral valve controls blood flow from the left atrium (top chamber) to the left ventricle (lower chamber). The tricuspid valve, which controls blood flow from the right atrium to right ventricle, can also stop working properly. Let your vet perform an electrocardiogram. The heart has electrical activity that helps control how blood flows through and out of the heart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity. When performing the ECG, your vet will be able to: Analyze the heart rhythm Detect abnormalities with the heart rhythm Potentially determine if your dog's heart is enlarged Discuss the need for a blood sample. A blood test called pro-BNP can sometimes be helpful in diagnosing cardiac disease in dogs. BNP is a protein found in the heart ventricles. It helps regulate blood pressure. Increased levels of BNP can indicate cardiac disease. This blood test may not be necessary if your vet can diagnose cardiac disease using the other diagnostic tests.	Take note of coughing. Observe breathing challenges. Detect difficulty with exercising. Check your dog’s pulse. Look for signs of heart failure. Take your dog to the vet. Have your vet listen to your dog’s heart. Allow your vet to take chest x-rays. Agree to a heart ultrasound. Let your vet perform an electrocardiogram. Discuss the need for a blood sample.
https://www.wikihow.com/Muck-out-a-Stall-With-Shavings	How to Muck out a Stall With Shavings	To muck out a stall with shavings, remove your pony from the stall before you get started so it doesn't get in the way. Once you're ready to start, lift large piles of manure into a wheelbarrow using a pitchfork. You should also rake up all wet shavings with the pitchfork so you can dispose of them. Afterwards, pick up scoops of clean shavings and shake them to sort out any manure flakes. When you're done with the shavings, remove any hay that's covered in dust or manure, and add fresh hay and water. Finish by flattening out the shavings on the floor and returning your horse to the stall.	Take the horse out of the stall. Tie him up or put him in an empty stall or exercise area while you are working. A stall is a small place and you will need room to use your tools. Choose your tools. You'll need need a manure rake, also called a manure fork: not the four-pronged fork used toss hay, but one with many prongs close together to prevent spills. Bring along a flat-tipped shovel for the shavings. Finally, grab a large muck bucket with a wide mouth for easy filling, or a wheelbarrow. A plastic shovel is lighter, making the job less work. For more room, keep the manure (muck) bucket or wheelbarrow outside the stall, as long as it does not impede the flow of horse traffic and become a hazard. Check for problems. Take a minute to look around for anything that can cause a problem. Has a bucket been over turned? Can the horse reach the salt block? Has a nail worked its way out of a board? Is there anything laying around that should not have been left in the stall? Fix these problems before you start cleaning. You can also check on the horse's health. Has he been drinking the usual amount of water, and did he eat his hay? Was he hot and sweating when he came out of the stall? Limping? Remove obvious piles of manure. Using a pitchfork, lift any large manure piles into your wheelbarrow. You can gently shake the pitchfork or toss it, similar to a chef tossing a pan, to sift the clean shavings back onto the floor of the stall. Try not to take too many shavings, since they cost money. For large piles, and wet piles especially, take care not to damage your fork. Only take part of the manure pile per scoop, starting at the top or sides. Slide the prongs forward until the manure is resting closer to the base of the prongs, where the weight has less leverage. The manure should be well formed greenish-brown lumps of digested matter. If they are liquid "cow pies," there could be a diet or medical issue. Rake up and remove wet shavings. There might be just one or two clear wet spots which are dark in color, or maybe the whole stall is one big stirred-up darkish mess. Dig all the way down to the floor of your stall to make sure you got it all, since the urine usually covers a much wider area than the surface darkening suggests. Rake back the shavings from the sides and corners to check for places you might have missed. You can use the back or side of the fork to push the bottom layer of wet shavings into a pile for scooping. Be liberal when taking out wet shavings. Ammonia smell from urine can contribute to lung problems such as heaves, and standing in wet muck can give your horse foot problems such as thrush. Leave the wet floor uncovered to dry while you continue cleaning out other wet areas. Take note of each horse's "favorite spots." Geldings tend to urinate in the center of the stall while mares tend to urinate along the sides. Sort out manure flakes from clean shavings. There are several methods of doing this. Some people like to pull all of the shavings into a pile in the middle of the stall and sift it out one scoop at a time, shaking clean shavings onto the sides and tossing out manure. Other people like to toss a mixed scoop of shavings at the wall, so that the manure pieces roll out and separate themselves. Or you can just shake the fork like a tambourine or use the "chef's toss" to sort it. Again, be sure to sift all the way down to the floor so you don't miss any buried pieces. Manure can give your horse thrush, and host fly and parasite larvae. Sometimes old shavings will start getting darker colored, but remain dry and odorless. You can remove these to make your stall look crisp and fresh. Alternatively, move them to the horse's usual urine area so they can absorb the urine instead of the cleaner, fresher shavings. Replace any shavings with mold or significant amounts of dust. Change the hay and water hay. Remove any hay that is dusty, mostly stems, or covered in shavings, urine, or manure. Add new hay and water if necessary. Clear shaving away in a small area around the hay and the water bucket. This prevents the horse from inhaling or eating shavings, and minimizes the amount of shavings ruined due to spilled water. Deodorize (optional). Hydrated lime or baking soda will remove odors from wet patches on the floor. Sprinkle a little over them and let sit for at least a few minutes. Sweep up the lime or baking soda and drop it in the dirty muck bucket or wheelbarrow. Use this sparingly, as it can irritate the horse's skin. The longer you wait, the more moisture it will absorb. Level out the shavings. Spread the shavings around using your rake or shovel. Add a fresh layer on top if necessary, and use the back of your fork to make it extra smooth. A good thick bed of shavings should be about 2 inches (5 cm) over a rubber mat, as much as 8 inches (20 cm) over a dirt floor, or as much as 14 inches (36 cm) over cement. If your horse keeps parts of the stall clean, pile shavings up higher on the sides, where the horse likes to lie. Be careful not to kick the shavings. If floating in the air, they may irritate your lungs or the horse's. Return the horse to the stall. Check the stall one more time for any problems. Bring your tools out of the stall, and bring the horse back in. Step out of the stall, making sure the doors are well locked behind you. Compost the waste. Deposit the waste in a proper compost pile. Make sure this is a place outside and away from humans and other animals. Let it break down and act as fertilizer, to use on crops or to sell. Make sure it breaks down to a well-rotted mixture before you use it as fertilizer. If the horse is sick, be sure to rinse your tools with a bleach and water mixture. Take special care to haul the shavings far away from the rest of the horses.	Take the horse out of the stall. Choose your tools. Check for problems. Remove obvious piles of manure. Rake up and remove wet shavings. Sort out manure flakes from clean shavings. Change the hay and water hay. Deodorize (optional). Level out the shavings. Return the horse to the stall. Compost the waste.
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Grill-Pan	How to Clean a Grill Pan	To clean a cast iron grill pan, you'll need to clear away any grease and food, then reseason the pan. Start by pouring any excess grease into a container or into the trash. Don't pour grease down the drain since it can clog your pipes. Once the grease is gone, add some hot water and salt to the pan, and scrub it with a scrub brush to remove caked-on gunk. Use a scrub brush to rub the salt mixture into the pan. Then, rinse off the salt mixture with hot water and pat the pan dry with a towel, which will prevent rusting. Once it's dry, use a paper towel to rub a little cooking oil into the pan to reestablish the seasoning.	Pour off any excess grease. While the grease is still warm, pour it off into another container or the trash. Don't pour grease down the drain, as it can lead to clogs. Getting rid of the grease first will make it easier to clean. You can even wipe down the pan with a paper towel, being careful not to burn your fingers. Make a paste of hot water and salt. To clean off the gunk, add a bit of hot water to a small handful of salt in the pan. Kosher salt works well because of the big flakes. Spread it out across the pan using a scrubber brush. You can use soap on some grill pans, but doing so may strip off some the seasoning you've created on your pan. Scrub the pan down. Using a nylon brush, rub the salt mixture into the pan. The salt mixture should take off any big clumps of grease or food debris. You may need to apply more salt if your pan is especially dirty or rinse out the salt and start again. Rinse and dry. Rinse the salt out of the pan using hot water. Use your scrubbing brush to make sure it's rinsed out well. Pat the pan dry, or set it back on the stove on a low heat to air dry. It should be thoroughly dry to prevent rusting. Reestablish the seasoning. Seasoning is the layer of oil you build up on a cast iron pan that acts as a nonstick coating. Once it's dry, rub a bit of cooking oil into the pan to reestablish the seasoning. Remove any excess oil. Pour off the grease. Like cast iron, your nonstick grill will be easier to clean if you pour off the grease first. Throw it in the trash or another container (to throw away later). Grease shouldn't go down the drain because it can cause clogs. Scrub the grill pan with a nylon scrubber. Use warm water with dishwashing soap to clean your grill pan. Make sure to only use plastic or nylon brushes and scrubbers. You can also use a dishrag. Scrub it down, and then rinse it clean. Because the surface is nonstick, you should be able to clean it fairly easily this way most of the time. Some people suggest letting it cool first before using water, as the heat difference may damage the surface. Soak it to loosen stuck-on bits. If you're having a hard time getting your grill pan clean, try submerging the cooking surface in warm water with dishwashing soap. Leave it to sit for at least 30 minutes, though overnight may be more effective. Use a nylon scrubber to clean the grill pan once it's been soaked. Boil vinegar for oil residue. If your nonstick pan has a residue on it, vinegar may be able to help. Pour boiling water with a 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of vinegar on top of the grill pan. If possible, let it sit with the vinegar on it. The oil should slide off the pan, and then you can clean it normally. Skip the dishwasher. Both cast iron and nonstick skillets are not dishwasher friendly. A cast iron pan may rust in the dishwasher, as it can be stripped of its protective seasoning. While some nonstick skillets can go in the dishwasher, it will wear down the nonstick coating more quickly. Avoid metal utensils on nonstick pans. Metal utensils can scratch the surface of a nonstick pan. Instead of metal, use plastic, wood, or silicone with your grill pans to help the coating last longer. However, metal is fine to use on cast iron. Don't use steel scrubbers. When washing your grill pan, you may be tempted to reach for steel wool to clean the pan more thoroughly. However, like metal utensils, steel wool can damage the coating on your grill pan, both cast iron and nonstick varieties. Stick to nylon scrubbers. Avoid acidic foods on cast iron in the beginning. It takes a little time to build up a true seasoning on your cast iron skillets. While you're still building it, don't cook acidic foods like tomatoes or beans in your cast iron skillet. Once you have a good, non-stick surface on your surface, acidic foods are fine. Don't use high heat with nonstick pans. While cast iron grill pans can take high heat, most nonstick grill pans aren't meant to go to high temperatures. If you want to cook something on a high temperature, stick to an outside grill or a cast iron grill pan. Finished.	Pour off any excess grease. Make a paste of hot water and salt. Scrub the pan down. Rinse and dry. Reestablish the seasoning. Pour off the grease. Scrub the grill pan with a nylon scrubber. Soak it to loosen stuck-on bits. Boil vinegar for oil residue. Skip the dishwasher. Avoid metal utensils on nonstick pans. Don't use steel scrubbers. Avoid acidic foods on cast iron in the beginning. Don't use high heat with nonstick pans. Finished.
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Vegemite	How to Enjoy Vegemite	Vegemite can be delicious when used properly and in moderation. You'll probably never want to eat Vegemite by itself, since the flavor is too strong on its own. Instead, try adding a little bit of Vegemite to your favorite savory dishes. You could add it to a grilled cheese, buttered toast, an egg sandwich, or pizza. Start with a very small amount of Vegemite, then you can add a little more if you'd like.	Don't eat it plain. Although it may be common practice when trying a condiment to taste just a bit on your finger or on a spoon, doing so with Vegemite will likely result in you never wanting to eat it again. Vegemite is meant to be used as a condiment or a seasoning, not as a stand-alone food. This is part of why it has such a strong taste, because it's meant to add flavor to other foods. Use it sparingly. This is the most important thing to remember. Vegemite has a strong taste and it can be pretty unpalatable at first. To enjoy your first taste or to acquire the taste over time, be sure to start off with a toasted bread that has a nice serve of butter and very small amount of vegemite (about the size of a pea to begin with). Because it is so strong, a little bit will go a long way in adding taste. If you overdo it when first trying it out, you may cause yourself to not want to try it again. Vegemite is like any other seasoning or condiment, too much of it will overpower the food you're putting it on and probably ruin it. Go with just a little at first and then add slowly if you feel your food needs more. Experiment with it. If you begin to enjoy the taste or you want to enjoy it more, don't be afraid to try adding it to dishes that you already like. Think of it as any other seasoning and experiment with using it. The worst that can happen is you find out it isn't good on certain things, but if you are lucky you might stumble upon a great combination that you wouldn't have thought of before. Still remember the rule of using it sparingly. Don't add a big spoonful to the pot of stew you cooked for the family dinner because if it is too much or doesn't add the right flavor, you'll be out of luck. Pair Vegemite with salty foods. Vegemite is salty and savory, so it pairs best with other salty foods. Don't mix it with something sweet. It mixes well with beef and chicken dishes. Spread lightly on buttered toast. If you often eat toast for breakfast but you get tired of the blandness of butter alone, or you want a salty alternative to jam, Vegemite is a great alternative. It complements the blandness of butter very well while adding a rich, salty taste. Make cheese and Vegemite sandwiches. This is another Australian favorite that is great for packing in lunch or adding as a side to your dinner. Spread a thin layer of Vegemite on your bread and lay a slice of your favorite cheese on top of that. Cheddar cheese pairs well. Cream cheese and Parmesan are both good options too. You can also make a grilled cheese in this same way. Be sure to butter the outside of the bread before grilling. Add variation to the sandwich by adding slices of tomato and avocado. Pair Vegemite with eggs. Make scrambled eggs as you usually would. Toast and split an English muffin and spread a thin layer of Vegemite on the muffin. Place scrambled eggs on top and finish with a sprinkle of cheese. Make knock-off Big Mac sauce. McDonald's Big Mac sandwich has long been a favorite of people worldwide, and it turns out that Vegemite can actually be a great component in homemade big mac sauce. The basic recipe is to combine 1 teaspoon grated onion, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Vegemite, and 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric. Mix well with a wooden spoon or whisk and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let it set. Make Vegemite pizza. Spread 1 tablespoon of Vegemite on large pre-made pizza dough. Top with thinly sliced ham, chopped onion, and grated cheese, enough to cover the whole pizza. Pour 2 lightly beaten eggs over the whole pizza. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, until egg is thoroughly cooked and pizza appears golden all over. Make a ham, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. With two pieces of white bread, lightly spread cream cheese on one piece and a thin spread of Vegemite on the other. Place ham, lettuce and tomato between the slices and complete the sandwich.	Don't eat it plain. Use it sparingly. Experiment with it. Pair Vegemite with salty foods. Spread lightly on buttered toast. Make cheese and Vegemite sandwiches. Pair Vegemite with eggs. Make knock-off Big Mac sauce. Make Vegemite pizza. Make a ham, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Skirt-in-the-Winter	How to Wear a Skirt in the Winter	To wear a skirt in the winter, opt for longer skirts made of thick fabrics to keep your legs warm or go with a shorter skirt and wear leggings or tights underneath it. You can also wear knee-high boots to keep your exposed legs warm. Try to pair your skirt with a chic sweater or a cute jacket so that you don't get cold. Don't forget warm accessories like scarves, gloves, and knit caps to complete your look!	Try a long skirt. Winter is a great time for wearing longer skirts. They provide more warmth than shorter skirts, and they can still be fashionable. You can even go for an ankle-length skirt. Pick out a skirt that extends somewhere between your mid-calf and the top of your foot, a few inches above your ankle. Longer skirts will keep you warmer, but a skirt that's too long will drag on the ground, getting wet and muddy. Choose skirts made with warm fabric. Shorter skirts are not going to provide much warmth. However, if you choose a fabric like wool, you are going to get a bit more warmth out of them. Denim, suede, and velvet can also offer more warmth. After that, you'll just need to pair them with something warm, such as leggings and a sweater. Choose a knee-length skirt for flexibility. A knee-length skirt offers a bit of warmth (though not as much as a full-length skirt). In addition, you can wear it in a variety of situations.Knee-length skirts can be made to look professional, trendy, or flirty, depending on how you accessorize them. For instance, a pencil skirt paired with a button-up shirt and suit jacket can look professional, while a pencil skirt paired with a fancy top can serve for an evening out. Subvert expectations with a mini skirt. Use a mini-skirt to create a chic look. Mini-skirts in winter seem to defy common sense. As a result, wearing one gives your style an edgy twist. Matching the skirt with suitable leg coverings will keep you both warm and fashionable. For instance, try a mini-skirt with patterned leggings and an oversized sweater. Double up on skirts. This advice may sound a little odd. However, layering skirts can provide you with extra warmth and look fashionable at the same time. Try a longer flowing skirt under a slightly shorter (less flowing) skirt, for instance, and it can be like having a petticoat on. Try a button-up dress with out any ruffles, and throw it over a ruffled skirt. Just button a few buttons at the top of the dress. Don a pair of knee-high boots. If your look demands a shorter skirt, knee-high boots may be just what you need to stay warm. Try a pair in leather to amp up the fashion level. You could also try suede for a softer look. If you want something a bit more daring, try a pair of thigh-high boots. Put on ankle-high shoes. Ankle-high boots are an obvious choice for winter. They can be fun, fashionable, and warm. You don't have to stick to boots, though. For a little whimsy, try a pair of ankle-high sneakers. It's warm, plus you'll get great traction. Almost any length skirt will look great with ankle-high boots. Try a pencil skirt, for instance, or even a full-length skirt. Wear leggings or stockings. Leggings and stockings add warmth, and they can make a fashion statement at the same time. Most are made of cotton, polyester blends, or spandex. They come in a variety of colors, so choose one that works well with your skirt. Black, brown, and other muted neutrals are safe options for most skirts, but you may consider choosing a bolder color or pattern to give your outfit a bit of pizzazz. For instance, try a pair of tartan leggings under a red mini skirt for a bold look. For something more neutral, throw a pair of tan stockings on under a full-length skirt. Throw on a pair of slim pants. While this look isn't for everyone, a pair of pants underneath your skirt can add warmth and be fashion-forward at the same time. Try a slim pair of pants in a neutral color. Some fashionistas even advise a skirt over a pair of wide-legged jeans. Try a pair of skinny jeans underneath a red calf-length skirt. Throw a sweater on top. A chic sweater on top can be just the right note to make an outfit. Plus, it has the added bonus of keeping you warm. You can also layer a long-sleeved shirt under a sweater vest for a different look. You can even pair an oversized sweater with a short skirt. Make your jacket part of the outfit. You need your jacket when you're out and about, but don't worry, you can just incorporate it. For instance, a long jacket belted over a long skirt can be quite chic. For a short skirt, you can go short or long with your jacket, depending on the look you want. Don't forget the warm accessories. Add a chic scarf for extra warmth and a splash of color. Also, don't forget gloves. A sleek pair of leather or suede gloves goes with most looks. Add a knit cap on top, and you've got a recipe for winter warmth with sleek style. For instance, you could pair a tight-fitting sweater with suede gloves, a big chunky scarf, and a matching knit hat.	Try a long skirt. Choose skirts made with warm fabric. Choose a knee-length skirt for flexibility. Subvert expectations with a mini skirt. Double up on skirts. Don a pair of knee-high boots. Put on ankle-high shoes. Wear leggings or stockings. Throw on a pair of slim pants. Throw a sweater on top. Make your jacket part of the outfit. Don't forget the warm accessories.
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Yourself-a-Scalp-Massage	How to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage	To give yourself a scalp massage, start by running your hands through your hair while applying downward pressure with your fingers. Move your fingers in small circles as you press down on your scalp. When you're ready, move your hands in the opposite direction and gradually work down to the sides of your scalp. Finish your massage by gently rubbing around your ears.	Find a relaxing place to sit. Choose a comfortable chair with a solid back that can support your weight. Put your phone on silent and minimize background noises. You may even want to dim the lights a bit. If you find music relaxing, put something on, but set it to low volume. Consider choosing an instrumental playlist, or a collection of soothing nature sounds. You'll likely be sleepy and relaxed after the massage. Consider doing it two or three times per week before you go to bed. Run your hands through your hair from front to back. Use the tips of your fingers and move in a straight motion. Apply downward pressure, paying careful attention to all the little bumps and indents in your scalp. Use a healthy amount of pressure, but don't push so hard that you feel pain or discomfort. Make sure your hair isn't pulled back into a ponytail or bun before you begin. You may even want to brush through it quickly to avoid snagging your hands on tangles. Use circular motions from front to back. Move from front to back again. This time, use the tips of your fingers to make small circles as you make your way across your scalp. Maintain the same gentle but steady level of pressure. Reverse the direction. Move from the back of your head to the front. Repeat both the straight and circular motions. You should start at the bottom of your hairline and come forward to the crown. Repeat the movements from the sides. Now, it's time to cover the sides of your scalp. Start on the left at the front. Move straight up and down, then repeat in circles. Move to the base of your head on the left side. Repeat for the right side, doing both the front and back halves of your scalp. Place your hands on your scalp and move your arms. Spread your fingers and make your hands into C's. Place your hands on the sides of your head. Your thumbs should be just above your ears. Move your arms forward and back, keeping your fingers in place on your scalp. You should feel your scalp moving forward and backward a bit when you move your arms. Tug gently on a ponytail if you can make one. Gather your hair into a ponytail. Flex your fingers on the gathered bit of hair, then tug on it very gently. If you have shorter hair, you can also take a small section of hair in your hands, twist it gently, and tug. Repeat this on different sections around your scalp. Rub your ears to finish up. Lift your hands up so they're right behind your ears. Use your thumbs and the tips of your fingers to make gentle circles around your ear. Pay special attention to your ear lobes. This is a nice, relaxing way to conclude your scalp massage. Choose an essential oil. Essential oils can relax your mind and body with their scent. You can also pick specific oils that may help with various hair care needs. Lavender oil is good for moisturizing dry scalps. Rosemary oil minimizes greasiness in hair. Chamomile oil is a soothing option that's also good for itchiness. Tea tree oil is the best remedy for dandruff, although lemon oil may help as well. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect and may stimulate hair growth. Choose a carrier oil. You shouldn't put undiluted essential oils directly on your scalp. Instead, add 8-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice to about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (28 g) of your chosen carrier. Coconut oil is great for combatting dandruff and creating a generally healthier scalp. Castor oil may help thicken your hair. Jojoba oil is a light moisturizer. Olive oil works well in combination with lavender or rosemary essential oils. Pour the oil mixture on the crown of your head. Use about half of the mixture at this stage. Keep your head tipped back slightly when you pour to avoid having the oil drip into your eyes. Rub your hands across your scalp. Move from front to back and rub your hands through your hair in straight motions. Repeat with circular motions. These motions should spread the oil over the entire surface of your scalp. Focus primarily on your scalp rather than your hair at this stage. Bend forward and pour oil on the back of your head. Tip your head forward until your head touches your chin. Pour the rest of the mixture at the base of your hairline on the back of your head. Use your hands to spread it forward. Massage your whole head. Now that you've got enough oil on your scalp, take the time to really massage it in. Go from front to back and back to front. Do both sides of your head. Use both straight and circular motions. Pay special attention to spots that feel tense or tight. You can also spend a little extra time very gently massaging your temples. Rub the oil into your hair from root to tip. Once you've covered your scalp, move on to your hair. Gently rub the oil into your hair. Move from the root all the way out to the tips of each strand. Leave the oil in for at least twenty minutes. To get the full benefits of the oil, leave it in for at least twenty minutes and up to overnight. You can wrap your hair up in a towel to keep it from getting all over the place. To really get the spa effect, put your towel in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up. If you leave the oil in overnight, put a towel over your pillow to keep it from getting messy. If your head starts to heat up uncomfortably or you feel pain, wash the oil out right away. You shouldn't experience any discomfort during this treatment. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Once you're ready to remove the oil, take a shower. Cleanse your hair thoroughly with your normal hair products. Give yourself a bonus scalp massage for a few minutes while you're doing so. No need to wait for the next morning to wash your skin. If you get any oil on your face, wash that right away. You don't want the oil to sit on your skin overnight. Be sure to also wash your hands right after you've finished the massage.	Find a relaxing place to sit. Run your hands through your hair from front to back. Use circular motions from front to back. Reverse the direction. Repeat the movements from the sides. Place your hands on your scalp and move your arms. Tug gently on a ponytail if you can make one. Rub your ears to finish up. Choose an essential oil. Choose a carrier oil. Pour the oil mixture on the crown of your head. Rub your hands across your scalp. Bend forward and pour oil on the back of your head. Massage your whole head. Rub the oil into your hair from root to tip. Leave the oil in for at least twenty minutes. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Pet-Mouse-from-Sneezing	How to Stop Your Pet Mouse from Sneezing	To stop your pet mouse from sneezing, make sure you're using paper-based, dust-free bedding in its cage since bedding made from wood shavings can give your mouse allergies. If your mouse is still sneezing a couple of weeks after you've replaced its bedding, take it to a vet so they can check if it has a respiratory illness. If the vet finds this to be the case, they'll most likely prescribe you antibiotics that you can give to your mouse to handle the infection. Remember to clean your mouse's cage every week by replacing the bedding and cleaning all surfaces to keep your mouse healthy.	Identify additional symptoms of a respiratory infection. If your mouse's sneezing is a symptom of a respiratory infection then it may have other symptoms as well. These can include a runny nose and congested breathing. To check for a runny nose, look for moisture under your mouse's nose. To check for congested breathing you will need to get your mouse close to your ear and listen to its breathing. Congestion in the lungs can make the mouse's breathing loud and rattly. Look for behaviors associated with illness. When a mouse is fighting off some sort of illness it can become lethargic and it may have less interest in eating. If you notice one or both of these symptoms, and your mouse is sneezing a lot, then your mouse is likely ill. Keep track of how much your mouse eats on a regular basis so that you will be able to more easily notice if it begins to eat less. Eliminate possible allergens. Try eliminating possible allergens from your mouse's cage to see is that is causing your mouse's sneezing. In most cases of an allergy, the mouse is allergic to its bedding. This means that when you are eliminating possible allergens you should clean the mouse's cage out and replace its bedding. Use a bedding that is paper based and dust free. In a pinch you can simply use shredded up paper on the floor of your mouse's cage. Bedding that is made of wood shavings is likely the cause of your mouse's allergies. In particular, cedar shavings are known to increase the likelihood of respiratory illness. If your mouse was allergic to its bedding then the sneezing should clear up in a week or two after the bedding is replaced. Get a veterinary assessment. If your mouse is repeatedly sneezing and you suspect that it has a respiratory illness, then you should have it checked out by a veterinarian. Keep track of your mouse's symptoms and how long they have been occurring so that you can tell your veterinarian this information. It can be difficult to find a veterinarian that is experienced with treating rodents. Call around to veterinary offices in your area to see if any have experience with mice. Even if they do not, you can ask them for suggestions about veterinary practices that do. Give your mouse antibiotics. If your veterinarian thinks that your mouse has a respiratory infection they are likely to prescribe antibiotics. These are usually given orally, either just in liquid form or added into the mouse's food. Antibiotics cannot eliminate all respiratory infections. However, even with those they do not eliminate, they can assist the mouse's immune system to keep the infection under control. Keep your mouse's cage clean. Keeping your mouse's cage clean can help your mouse fight off any illness that it has. Eliminating bacteria and viruses in your mouse's environment will help it's immune system to focus on eliminating the infection in its respiratory system. Doing a weekly cleaning is important for your mouse's health, whether it has a respiratory illness or not. When cleaning out your mouse's cage, replace all the bedding and clean all surfaces thoroughly.	Identify additional symptoms of a respiratory infection. Look for behaviors associated with illness. Eliminate possible allergens. Get a veterinary assessment. Give your mouse antibiotics. Keep your mouse's cage clean.
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Tie-Clip	How to Wear a Tie Clip	To wear a tie clip properly, start by locating the area between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt for the correct placement. After finding the right spot, open the clip and slide it over the front and back of your tie, as well as the strip of fabric on your shirt where the buttons are. Next, check that the clip is perpendicular to your tie and laying flat against your shirt with no bunching or puckering. If you need to adjust the clip, make sure to unclip it first to avoid stretching and damaging your shirt and tie.	Match the tie clip to the outfit. A metal tie clip in plain silver or gold is generally a safe, stylish choice. You may opt for a colored, textured, or embellished clip to add a little panache to your look. Consider how the clip could influence your outfit: a pattered clip can make a plain outfit more interesting, while a simple metal clip may tone down a busy-looking tie. Try to match the clip to the metal details of your outfit—a watch, jacket buttons, cufflinks, belt buckle. If you don't have any metal to match (maybe you are skipping the jacket, so no buttons or cufflinks), go with silver. It compliments just about every outfit and complexion. Keep the occasion in mind as well. A loud tie clip probably isn't appropriate for a sombre event like a funeral. Tie clips should not be worn with a vest, waistcoat, or buttoned cardigan. These items of clothing already hold your tie in place, making a clip redundant. Choose the type of clip (slide clasp or pinch clasp) based on the weight and width of the tie. A pinch clasp will ensure everything stays securely in place, but may cause a skinny or lightweight tie to wrinkle, and it may not lie flat against your shirt. Instead, opt for a slide clasp to keep your skinny tie smooth and flat. With wider and heavier ties, a pinch clasp will work best. Select a clip that is between 1/2 - 3/4 the width of your tie. Never wear a tie clip that is longer than the width of your tie. It's considered a major fashion faux pas. This is one of the only real "rules" when it comes to accessorizing with a tie clip. A traditional tie is about 3-3 1/2 inches at its widest point. Look for a tie clip that is about 1 3/4 inches long. A classic skinny tie is usually between 2-2 1/2 inches wide. Your tie clip should be between 1 1/2 -1 3/4 inches. Super skinny ties are between 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inches wide. Choose a clip no longer than 1 1/4 inches long. Try holding the clip against your tie where it falls at the third or fourth button of your shirt. If it looks too long, you'll need a different clip. For a retro look, you can get away with a tie clip that is the exact width of your tie, but no longer. Open the clip (if it's a pinch tie clip) and slide both the front and back of your tie, plus the placket of your shirt into the clip. (The placket is the strip of fabric that you button through). All three should be sandwiched together in the clip. Make sure the tie is actually clipped to your shirt. The purpose of the tie clip is to keep your tie securely in place, so if you just slide the tie through the clip and don't anchor it to anything, your tie will still flap freely and get in your way. Clip the tie between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, or around the middle or bottom of your sternum. Placement is the other "rule" of wearing a tie clip—too high makes the tie clip useless (your tie will still flop around or fall in your soup when you lean forward), too low looks awkward or hides the clip behind your jacket. When adjusting the tie clip, make sure that it is un-clipped, so as not to stretch and damage the material of the tie and the dress shirt. Check that the tie clip is perpendicular to your tie. It should always be straight across, not angled up or down. If necessary, adjust your tie so that it lies flat against your shirt with no bunching or puckering. Add a little flair by blousing the top of your tie. Take the top half of your tie and pull it up slightly, so that it's not pulled tight against your chest. It should puff up and forward slightly. This adds some depth and personality to your look, and may make the tie feel less constricting.	Match the tie clip to the outfit. Choose the type of clip (slide clasp or pinch clasp) based on the weight and width of the tie. Select a clip that is between 1/2 - 3/4 the width of your tie. Open the clip (if it's a pinch tie clip) and slide both the front and back of your tie, plus the placket of your shirt into the clip. Clip the tie between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, or around the middle or bottom of your sternum. Add a little flair by blousing the top of your tie.
https://www.wikihow.com/Calm-Yourself-During-an-Anxiety-Attack	How to Calm Yourself During an Anxiety Attack	To quickly calm yourself during an anxiety attack, think about five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you can taste. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply until you feel more calm and relaxed.	Do a grounding exercise to refocus your attention. Grounding is a quick and simple method of taking your mind off your anxiety and instead focusing on your present surroundings. As soon as you start to feel the symptoms of an anxiety attack, stop and concentrate on what you can feel, see, smell, hear, or even taste in that moment. Try holding a small object, such as a set of keys or a stress ball, and turning it over in your hand. Pay attention to the weight of it and how it feels against your fingers. If you have a cold drink on hand, take a slow sip. Pay attention to how the cup or bottle feels in your hands and the sensation of the drink in your mouth as you swallow it. You might also find it helpful to mentally review who you are and what you're doing in the here and now. For example, say to yourself, “I'm Christine. I'm 22 years old, and I'm sitting in my living room. I just got home from work.” Over time, grounding yourself with mindfulness exercises like these can help you manage stress and anxiety more easily as they arise. Breathe deeply to help yourself relax. If you're having a panic attack, chances are you're beginning to hyperventilate. Even if you're not, breathing deeply can help to reduce your stress and provide oxygen to your brain to help you focus. When you feel panic coming on, pause and slow down your breathing. Take a slow, steady breath in through your nose, allowing yourself to feel the air going into your chest and belly. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat that a few times until you find yourself back in a steady state. If you can, lie down or sit up straight with one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Feel your belly expand as you slowly breathe in, then use your abdominal muscles to slowly push the breath out. You may find it helpful to slowly count to 5 each time you breathe in or out. Try to deliberately relax your tongue on the lower palette of your mouth as you exhale. This can help your body feel more relaxed. Focus on your thoughts and feelings. During a panic attack, your thoughts may feel jumbled up. You are likely feeling many sensations at once, which contributes to the sense of “overload.” Stopping to think about what is actually going on in your body and mind can help the sensations feel more manageable. Sit quietly and try to mentally describe your feelings and thoughts, without judgment. For example, you might notice: “My heart is beating very fast. My hands feel sweaty. I'm afraid I'm going to faint.” Remind yourself that these symptoms are the product of anxiety. Avoid telling yourself that you have to “control” the symptoms—this can make the panic worse. Instead, tell yourself that these symptoms are temporary and will pass. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. This is a process of slowly going through your body and tensing and relaxing each muscle group. It accomplishes 2 goals, by forcing you to concentrate on something other than your fear while simultaneously relaxing your muscles. Start with the muscles in your face, and then work your way down until you've relaxed all the muscles in your body. Tense each muscle group for 5-10 seconds, and then release the pressure. You can do this for the same muscle group multiple times, but doing it once should suffice. Major muscle groups that you can tense and relax include your jaw, mouth (by going from a frown to a relaxed state), arms, hands, stomach, buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet. Acknowledge your anxiety. Although you want to reduce the anxiety you feel, don't try to ignore it. Ignoring or repressing emotions can make them more powerful and more fear-inducing. Acknowledge that you are afraid, and that there is nothing “wrong” or “bad” about you for feeling that way. You might find it helpful to write down how you are feeling or discuss your feelings of anxiety with a friend. Try to challenge and replace unrealistic thoughts. This is a process by which you stop your anxiety-producing thoughts and replace them with thoughts of something that brings you happiness or peace. This can help you avoid rumination, that broken-record thought cycle where you can't seem to stop obsessing about something. You can also ask yourself some questions. Is the thing you are afraid of a true and present danger? Realize that you are experiencing fear, but that you are not in danger. Taking the danger out of the situation will help you to relax a bit. Try saying something like, "I'm okay, I'm safe" out loud to yourself. For example, perhaps you're having anxiety about an upcoming plane flight and you can't stop thinking about what might happen should you crash. Focus yourself by saying “Stop” to yourself, either out loud or in your head. Next, replace this thought with something calming and positive, like a thought about your vacation with your best friends and how much joy they bring you. You can also try replacing the thought with something more realistic, such as, “It's extremely unlikely that the plane will crash. Flying is one of the safest forms of travel.” It can take a lot of repetition for this technique to work, so be patient and kind with yourself. Use guided imagery to help you unwind. Using guided imagery can help you relax and reduce your experience of anxiety. Think of a place in which you feel at peace and relaxed; this could be your home, a favorite vacation spot, or being held by a loved one. As you think of this place, continue adding sensory details to the scene, so that you are focusing your entire mind on imagining it. Think about what you can see, smell, touch, hear, and taste in your safe place. Feel free to do this with your eyes closed or open, although closing your eyes may make the process easier. When you feel anxiety coming on, visualize your safe place. Imagine yourself relaxed and calm in the spot you have prepared. Once you feel more relaxed, you can come back out of the visualization. Write down your feelings to make them more manageable. If you are prone to panic attacks or feelings of anxiety, keep a diary in which you can write entries explaining your feelings. Write what you feel, what you're afraid of, what your thoughts and beliefs are about that fear, and how intense the experience is. Writing it down will help you to focus your thoughts, and reading over your entry or looking back can help you to better handle your anxiety. You may notice at first that it feels like you don't have anything to say. Keep trying to examine the situations that trigger anxiety. Once you practice slowing down and thinking about the situations, you will be able to pick out thoughts and feelings that may have helped boost your anxiety. Practice self-compassion as you write your entries. Avoid judging yourself or your thoughts. Remember: you can't necessarily control what thoughts or feelings show up, and they are not inherently “good” or “bad.” You can only control your reactions to those thoughts and feelings. Take care of your body so you can feel your best. Taking care of your physical health will help you take care of your mental health, too. Healthy exercise and diet habits will not “cure” anxiety, but they can help you manage it. You can improve your physical and emotional wellbeing by: Exercising. Getting your body active, especially through aerobic exercise, releases endorphins that are responsible for increasing your feelings of peace and happiness. Eating a balanced diet. There is no “magic food” that will cure or prevent anxiety. However, avoiding processed and high-sugar foods can help, as can eating plenty of lean protein, complex carbohydrates like whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoiding stimulants. Stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, can make you feel jittery and tense, and they can worsen existing anxiety. Some people mistakenly believe that smoking will calm their nerves, but this is not true. Nicotine dependence can increase feelings of stress and anxiety when you don't get enough of it, and smoking is incredibly bad for your health. Take positive action to avoid dwelling on your thoughts. Sitting and ruminating over your anxiety will worsen your state and make it harder to overcome your panic. Distract your mind and body by performing a task, such as cleaning, drawing, or calling a friend—anything that will keep you busy. Preferably, do something that you enjoy as a hobby. Try a warm bath or shower. Studies show that the sensation of physical warmth has a soothing, relaxing effect on many people. Try adding a few drops of lemon balm, bergamot, jasmine, or lavender oil to your bath. These essential oils have a calming effect. If you can pinpoint what's causing your anxiety, try to do something that will directly relieve your anxiety. For example, if you're worrying about an upcoming test, take a few minutes to review your notes. This will help you feel more in control of the situation. Use music therapy to help you relax. Create a playlist of songs that you listen to help you relax or that make you feel happy. Then, if or when you experience anxiety, you can listen to the music to help calm you. Use noise-cancelling headphones when possible to help you to concentrate on the music. As you listen, focus on different parts that are being played, the sound, and the lyrics if there are any. This will help to focus your mind away from your fear. Try to listen to music with slow beats (about 60 beats per minute) and relaxing lyrics (or no lyrics at all). Music with faster beats or angry lyrics may stress you out further. Get help from a friend. If you are in the throes of anxiety and can't seem to get out, call a friend or family member for help. Have them distract you from your panic and analyze your fear so that you can overcome your feelings of stress. If you are prone to panic attacks, coach a friend in the different means of treating them so that they are well versed should you call for help. For example, you might ask them to hold your hand during a panic attack and reassure you that what you are feeling is not dangerous. See a therapist if your anxiety is severe or long-lasting. If you have severe panic attacks over an extended period of time, visit a mental health professional for therapy and advice. You may have panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, both of which can be treated by a trained professional. One of the most common and effective treatments for anxiety disorders is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on teaching you to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In some cases, your physician or psychiatrist may prescribe an anxiety-controlling medication if other treatments aren't helping enough. Medication usually works best when combined with counseling and lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor for advice or a referral. In some communities it can be hard to find a licensed mental health professional, especially if you're on a low income or have a restrictive insurance plan. If you're struggling with anxiety and seeing a therapist immediately isn't an option, talk to your doctor. While most medical doctors cannot offer psychotherapy—the exception being psychiatrists—they can usually diagnose some issues, such as anxiety and depression, and prescribe medications. They can also recommend supplements or lifestyle changes that might help. If you're not sure whether the symptoms you're experiencing are really anxiety, ask your doctor to examine you and rule out physical causes. Family doctors can also provide referrals to mental health providers in your area. Look for community clinics if you can’t afford therapy. If therapy is too costly for you, look in your community for low-cost options. There are several types of options that you may find. A federally funded health center may offer mental health treatment. You can search for a center here. Ask therapists about sliding scales. Some therapists and clinics will offer a “sliding fee scale,” meaning that your fee is based on your income. Many colleges and universities offer mental health services. Sometimes these are reserved for students, but some larger universities may also offer community clinics where mental health students in training can provide services under professional supervision. These clinics tend to be quite inexpensive. Check for physical symptoms. Identifying panic attacks is very important. Panic attacks can happen to anyone, but they are far more common for people who have panic disorder, an anxiety disorder characterized by frequent attacks of intense fear and anxiety. They can be triggered by just about any situation, not only dangerous or threatening ones. Physical symptoms of a panic attack include: Chest pain. This is generally localized to one area of your chest, rather than radiating across the left side of your body as with a heart attack. Dizziness or faintness A sensation of choking or not being able to get enough air Nausea or vomiting. Vomiting is less likely with panic attacks than with heart attacks. Numbness or tingling sensations Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Sweating, clammy skin, or hot flashes Trembling or shaking During severe panic attacks, your hands or feet may cramp up or even become temporarily paralyzed. This symptom is thought to be caused by hyperventilation. Look for feelings of dread or fear. In addition to physical symptoms, panic attacks are generally accompanied by mental or emotional symptoms. These may include: Intense feelings of fear Fear of dying Fear of losing control Sense of doom Sense of detachment Sense of unreality Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack. The symptoms of a panic attack and a heart attack overlap in some areas. If you are in any doubt whether you are having a panic attack or a heart attack, call for emergency medical help. The symptoms of a heart attack include: Chest pain. In heart attacks, this often feels like a sense of pressure, fullness, or squeezing. It usually lasts more than a few minutes. Pain in the upper body. The pain may radiate to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach area in a heart attack. Shortness of breath. This may happen before you experience chest pain. Anxiety. You may feel fear or doom suddenly. Dizziness or faintness Sweating Nausea or vomiting. Heart attacks are more likely to cause vomiting than panic attacks. Distinguish between normal anxiety and a panic disorder. Everyone has feelings of stress, or even intense anxiety, from time to time. However, for most people, this anxiety is triggered by an event or situation, such as taking a big test or making a significant decision. This anxiety usually disappears when the situation is resolved. People with anxiety disorders have a sense of anxiety more frequently and more consistently than others. People with panic disorder experience frequent, severe panic attacks. A panic attack usually reaches its height within 10 minutes, although some symptoms may last longer. Feelings of more generalized stress or anxiety may last longer but feel less intense. A panic attack does not require a specific trigger. It may seem to come out of nowhere.	Do a grounding exercise to refocus your attention. Breathe deeply to help yourself relax. Focus on your thoughts and feelings. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. Acknowledge your anxiety. Try to challenge and replace unrealistic thoughts. Use guided imagery to help you unwind. Write down your feelings to make them more manageable. Take care of your body so you can feel your best. Take positive action to avoid dwelling on your thoughts. Use music therapy to help you relax. Get help from a friend. See a therapist if your anxiety is severe or long-lasting. Talk to your doctor for advice or a referral. Look for community clinics if you can’t afford therapy. Check for physical symptoms. Look for feelings of dread or fear. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack. Distinguish between normal anxiety and a panic disorder.
https://www.wikihow.com/Defer-Student-Loans	How to Defer Student Loans	If you want to defer your student loans, call your loan provider or visit their website to begin the process. Then, fill out your loan provider's application for deferment and provide any necessary documentation. For example, you may need to provide proof of unemployment or proof that you have a low income, which might include check stubs or welfare benefits. As another option, if you're currently enrolled in school, visit your college or university's financial aid department for help beginning the process.	Understand that deferment is temporary. If you are struggling to make payments on your student loans, you need to recognize that deferment is only a short-term solution. Your loans are not “forgiven,” and you will have to resume making your payments once your designated deferment period is over. Deferment is best for temporary hardships, like losing a job or working through graduate school. If your financial situation is more long-term, you may want to apply for an income-based repayment plan instead. Remember that interest will accrue/accumulate on your unsubsidized loans. During a deferment, the government will cover (not charge) interest on your subsidized loans, but if you have unsubsidized loans (including PLUS loans) interest will be calculated and added to your loan balance. You don't have to pay that interest during the deferment period, but ultimately, you'll pay it and more over time. Any interest unpaid during the deferment period will be capitalized (added to your balance), which will result in higher interest payments in the future. You may not be required to pay interest on your loan if you have one of the following loan types: Federal Perkins Loan. Direct Subsidized Loan Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. If you are unsure how much of your loan balance is unsubsidized, visit the National Student Loan Data System.. This site will give you a complete breakdown of all your federal student loans, and you'll be able to see which are subsidized and which are unsubsidized. Meet the requirements for an “in school” deferment. While you are enrolled at least half time in college, graduate school, or professional school, you qualify for a deferment. This deferment will last until you graduate, quit the program, or drop below half-time enrollment. Half-time enrollment requirements vary by institution. Check with your school to make sure that you qualify. Inquire about graduate fellowship, internship, and training programs that may also meet the requirements for a deferment. Check with your loan servicer for details. Qualify for deferment based upon income. If you are unemployed or have a part-time job but cannot find full-time work, you can apply to defer your student loan payments until you find adequate employment. If you are experiencing serious financial hardship for other reasons, you may also qualify – check with your lender for specific details. In general, you will be required to show some kind of documentation to qualify for this kind of deferment. The maximum deferment time period is three years. After that, you will again be required to make payments – whether your financial picture has improved or not. Know additional situations that may qualify you for a deferment. The Department of Education offers deferments to borrowers in a few other specific situations. These include: Active-duty military service during a war or national emergency. National Guard service, if you are called to active duty during a war or national emergency. Peace Corps service. Admission to a full-time rehabilitation program for the disabled. Continue making your payments during the application process. You are required to make payments until your application is approved; so do not stop just because you think you meet the eligibility requirements. When you receive notice that your deferment has been approved, you can stop making payments for the time period specified. If you are planning to apply for a deferment, contact your loan servicer immediately. This way, if you have to miss payments before your application is accepted, the servicer will know why. Call your loan servicer. Deferment requests must be directed to your loan servicer, not to the Department of Education. It's a good idea to start by contacting the servicer, talking to a representative, and determining: Whether you actually meet the eligibility criteria for a deferment. What documentation you are required to provide as proof. How long the approval process will take. How long your deferment will last. Contact your financial aid office if you are seeking an in-school deferment or attempting to defer a Perkins loan. In addition to calling your loan servicer, it is sometimes necessary to communicate with your financial aid office. If you need a deferment because you are going back to school, your program's financial aid office will need to confirm your enrollment with your loan servicer, so it's important to check in and find out what forms you may need to submit. Perkins loans are administered by individual schools; so if you are trying to defer a Perkins loan for any reason, you'll need to contact your financial aid office to find out what your school's requirements are. Provide any necessary documentation. Depending on your particular loan servicer and your specific circumstances, you may need to prove your eligibility for a deferment. This may include the following: If you are claiming unemployment, you may either need to show that you are being paid for a part-time job (show a paycheck, for example) or that you are receiving unemployment checks from the government. If you are claiming financial hardship, you will need to document your low income (you might show proof that you are receiving public assistance). If you are serving in the military or the Peace Corps, you will need to show proof of service. Comply with any other requirements. Your loan servicer may want you to complete application forms and sign them. Make sure you complete whatever process the servicer has in place for deferments. Let your lender know that you are struggling to make your payments. In general, lenders do not want you to go into default. If you inform them of your situation, you may be able to get some help. For example, you may qualify for a consolidation loan, which could reduce your payments by combining two are more loans into one. Contact your loan servicer immediately if you will be late or are unable to make your payments. The more payments you miss before contacting the servicer, the more difficult the problem will become. Don't let the situation get out of hand if you can possibly help it. Look into forbearance. If you do not qualify for a deferment, you may be able to get a forbearance instead. Like deferment, forbearance allows you to stop making payments temporarily; however, it's less advantageous because interest continues to accrue whether your loans are subsidized or not and because forbearance lasts for a maximum of one year. Check with your loan servicer if you meet any of the following criteria: Serving a full-time medical or dental internship. 20% or more of your monthly income is the lowest payment for which you qualify. You teach in a school and subject that qualifies for the teacher loan forgiveness program. You are serving in AmeriCorps or a similar volunteer service organization. Always look into getting a deferment before trying to get forbearance. Change your payment plan. If you don't qualify for deferment or forbearance, you may, at least, be able to lower your payments. Contact your loan servicer to make sure that you are enrolled in the best payment plan for your needs. Persist to find out about applying for any income-based payment plan. Be sure to ask your loan servicer specifically for any repayment plans you hope you might qualify to receive. Get detailed information and how to apply, since some lenders will not tell you about these benefits otherwise. Discharge your loans through bankruptcy. Your final option, if you really can't make your student loan payments, is to file for bankruptcy. However, there is no guarantee that your student loans will be discharged during these proceedings. It is very difficult to prove in court that your student loans are imposing enough of a hardship that they need to be forgiven. You may have a better chance of succeeding in this if you hire a good bankruptcy lawyer. Your chances of success improve if you have excessively high medical bills or a condition that will prevent you from earning income for the foreseeable future.	Understand that deferment is temporary. Remember that interest will accrue/accumulate on your unsubsidized loans. Meet the requirements for an “in school” deferment. Qualify for deferment based upon income. Know additional situations that may qualify you for a deferment. Continue making your payments during the application process. Call your loan servicer. Contact your financial aid office if you are seeking an in-school deferment or attempting to defer a Perkins loan. Provide any necessary documentation. Comply with any other requirements. Let your lender know that you are struggling to make your payments. Look into forbearance. Change your payment plan. Discharge your loans through bankruptcy.
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-What-You-See	How to Draw What You See	To draw what you see, start by taking a few minutes to carefully observe your subject so you're familiar with all of its shapes, shadows, and highlights. Then, do a light sketch of your entire subject. Don't worry about erasing anything at this point. Just try to get a general outline down on the page. As you're sketching, hold your pencil out in front of you and use it to measure your subject so it's easier to get the proportions right. For example, if a flower pot you're drawing is half the height of your pencil, and the flower in the pot is the same height as your pencil, then you know the flower is twice as tall as the pot. When you're finished with your light sketch, go back in and darken the lines, adjusting the proportions as necessary. Finally, shade in your drawing.	Get comfortable. You can't draw well if you are sitting cross-legged on a pile of sharp rocks! If you prepared for this, you may have a comfy, portable chair. This is so you don't tire of crouching or standing. Use an actual pencil to draw. Do not use a mechanical pencil. It may seem easier, but it's better if you use a graphite pencil (not only is it easier to control, it also doesn't limit your range of motion,and it doesn't leave dents in the paper). A dull pencil is the worst to draw with, so bring along sharpeners. Don't use an eraser at first. You won't need it for the original sketching because it is meant to be quick and very light. The lines you create at first will be barely visible! Look carefully at the scene or object you want to draw. Visually take a picture of it. Try to absorb every detail into your brain. Spend about 3-4 minutes doing this. Remember the general rule: objects higher up on the plane (closer to the sky) are generally smaller and farther away than objects lower, which are closer to you. Objects that are far away are less clear and have softer edges as though they are foggy. You'll notice some artists stick their pencil out in the air between their eye and their subject - this is to measure objects. Hold your arm out straight with pencil in hand. Move your thumb to take a measurement from the end of the pencil to your thumb. If a person in your scene measures 1/2 the length of your pencil, and the height of a park bench measures 1/4, then make the bench in your drawing half the height of the person. Sketch the entire scene lightly, keeping the above rules in mind. Sketch so lightly that you can barely see the pencil marks, and only spend about 5 minutes drawing the entire scene. Don't worry if everything doesn't look right the first time. This is why you drew lightly. Don't start drawing a tiny portion of your scene and work on that part for a long time. Draw everything at once - otherwise, every part of the drawing will look like it's the wrong size in relation to everything else. Once you are happy with the general scene you sketched even though it is not perfect, fill in slightly darker lines. You can use these lines to be more careful and correct the first lines. If you mess up, erase the first line. Don't get too dark, or you won't be able to completely erase the lines! Sketch general shapes; a person's head is an oval, a rock that is resting on the ground should have a flattened bottom, an animal can be drawn with a series of ovals, circles, and hot-dog shapes. Trees are all different - but careful not to make all the trunks and limbs perfectly straight. Even the limbs of a pine tree swoop down slightly and then curve back out to match the horizon line. If you are drawing geometric shapes like buildings or mechanical objects, you will want a ruler and some templates. (See the list below) Shade what is not completely drenched in light: use soft line, or crisscrosses, or whatever way you feel comfortable making darker areas. If anything is white or yellow in your scene, don't draw it! Let the paper be the lightest areas. Color should be used sparingly with pencil drawings, because the lead is sensitive and will smear easily across the page. Colored pencils or markers will make this worse. Painting, however, is an option - you can completely paint over your drawing and use the drawing as a template. Although it is best to photo-copy it first so you can still see your original drawing.	Get comfortable. Use an actual pencil to draw. Don't use an eraser at first. Look carefully at the scene or object you want to draw. Remember the general rule: You'll notice some artists stick their pencil out in the air between their eye and their subject - this is to measure objects. Hold your arm out straight with pencil in hand. Sketch the entire scene lightly, keeping the above rules in mind. Don't worry if everything doesn't look right the first time. Don't start drawing a tiny portion of your scene and work on that part for a long time. Once you are happy with the general scene you sketched even though it is not perfect, fill in slightly darker lines. Sketch general shapes; a person's head is an oval, a rock that is resting on the ground should have a flattened bottom, an animal can be drawn with a series of ovals, circles, and hot-dog shapes. If you are drawing geometric shapes like buildings or mechanical objects, you will want a ruler and some templates. Shade what is not completely drenched in light: Color should be used sparingly with pencil drawings, because the lead is sensitive and will smear easily across the page.
https://www.wikihow.com/Walk-in-High-Heels	How to Walk in High Heels	If you're not used to walking in high heels, take small, slow steps, and don't bend your knees any more than you normally would. Put your heel to the ground first, then roll smoothly forward onto your toes. Once your weight is on the balls of your feet, shift forward as if you were walking on your tip toes, and push forward for the next step. Keep your ab muscles engaged and push your shoulders back to keep your posture straight. You can get more comfortable in your shoes by wearing them around the house for a day before you wear them out in public.	Take smaller steps. Walking in the highest heels isn't like the walking you learned to do when you were a child, so you have to do a few things that might feel counterintuitive: Take small, slow steps, making sure not to bend your knees any more than you normally would. You'll notice that high heels tend to shorten your stride a bit. The taller the heel, the shorter the stride ends up being. Don't try to fight this by taking bigger steps—stick with small, dainty steps which will make your walk look more natural and help you to feel more comfortable. Walk from heel to toe. Aim to walk as normally as possible in your high heels. When walking in flats, you don't walk on the balls of your feet or put your whole foot down at once, do you? So don't do either of these things in heels. Put your heel to the ground first, followed smoothly by your toes. Then, once your weight is on the balls of your feet, shift your weight forward as if you're walking on your tip toes, and push forward for the next step. Improve your posture. Wearing heeled shoes shifts your centre of gravity, and your lower back arches in order to compensate if you don't maintain excellent posture. Imagine there is a piece of invisible string holding your head upright—your head should be in line with your spine and your chin should be parallel with the floor. Avoid looking down when walking in high heels! Put your shoulders back and down and keep your arms relaxed at your sides. Swing your arms slightly as you walk for balance. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged, sucking your belly button towards your spine. This will help your stand up straighter while also making your look thinner. Bend your knees slightly, they should never be locked when walking in heels. Keep your legs close together as you walk and point your toes directly ahead. Imagine walking along an invisible line. Catwalk models will often cross one foot slightly in front of the other to give their hips more sway. A lot of women wear high heels to look sexy, so adding a little shimmy to your walk is a good thing. The best way to achieve a sway while walking in high heels is to pretend that you're walking down an imaginary straight line or tight rope. One foot should come down directly in front of the other, with your toes pointing straight ahead. This walk will take a little extra practice to master, but the results will be worth it. Have a look at some videos of catwalk models to see how the professionals do it, then try to emulate what you see. Be aware that catwalk models tend to exaggerate their walk, so you may want to tone it down a little for real life! Practice wearing your heels around the house. Wear your heels for a day around the house before you wear them out. This will not only allow you to get used to wearing them, but it will also create scuffs on the bottom so that they're less slippery. Make sure you practice doing all the things you would normally do while walking, such as: walking, stopping, pivoting, and turning around. Break in your heels. If you fail to break in your heels before your first time wearing them, you'll be destined for blisters. Breaking in your heels is important as it removes stiffness from the shoes and helps mold them to the shape of your feet. Wearing your shoes around at home should be enough to break them in, but you can also try: Exposing your heels to different surfaces: You will likely need to walk on tiled floors, carpets and slippery, wooden floors at some point in your high heel wearing, so try to master them all. If you're planning on wearing your heels to a nightclub or a party where you know you're going to want to boogie down, then dance to the beat of your own drummer in the privacy of your home until you're comfortable shaking things up in your heels. Take extra care when walking down stairs. Place your entire foot on each step as you come down the steps, but only place the ball of your foot on each step as you go up. Hold onto that railing gracefully, just in case. Wear your heels outdoors. Walking in heels indoors is very different to walking in them outdoors. Without the soft cushioning of carpet, or the flat, even indoor surface of linoleum or wood, walking in heels can be ten times more difficult. Even minor surface flaws in tarmac or cracks in the pavement will present difficulties, so try walking up and down outside your house a few times, taking great care to avoid uneven surfaces. A good place to practice after you've gotten the hang of it in your house is to wear your heels to the supermarket. Use your cart for balance! Practice standing in heels. Not only do you need to learn how to walk in heels, but you should also be aware of how to stand in heels. It may sound simple, but many women just don't know what to do with their feet when posing for pictures or standing around chatting at an event. This is where having comfortable shoes becomes very important, as you don't want to spend your evening shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. To stand correctly in heels, stand with the heel of one foot touching the middle of the other foot, while cocked at an angle from it. Put your weight on the toe of the foot in back, and as soon as that foot gets tired, switch feet so that your weight is on the other foot. Use cushions and insoles. Add cushioning wherever there's a lot of pressure and/or friction. There are cushions made in various shapes and from different materials that you can stick on the inside of your shoe for more comfortable walking, thus preventing bunions and blisters. If your shoes are slightly too big and you find them slipping off your heel, get some insoles which can make the shoes smaller by half a size, while also adding comfort value. Use these innovative items generously—there's really no need for discomfort! Give your feet a break. When wearing high heels, the best advice you can take to prevent pain is just to sit down whenever possible! This will give your feet a break and will stop any pain or discomfort from building, keeping your feet fresh. Remember to cross your legs, sitting up straight and stretching out your legs from the waist down. This is also a great opportunity to show off your fabulous shoes! Avoid taking your heels off. When you take high heels off, your feet tend to swell. If you're constantly taking your shoes off and then putting them back on, it will become progressively more painful. Wear strappy, platformed shoes. Shoes with straps that fasten securely around your foot and ankle are more comfortable to wear as they prevent your foot from slipping around too much inside the shoe, reducing friction and pain. Platform shoes give you all the benefits of extra height, without the discomfort of feeling like you're standing on your tip toes. Your foot is more parallel to the ground in a platform shoe, making them a great option for nights on the dance floor! Don't wear high heels too often. High heels look fabulous, but they will have more of an effect and give you extra "oomph!" when you save them for special occasions. If you wear them too often, blisters, and bunions are more likely to form and you will also put pressure on your lower back. Your feet (and the rest of your body) need some time to recover. If you need to wear heels everyday for work, try wearing varying heights. This prevents too much pressure or friction from concentrating on one particular spot and keeps your feet feeling fresh. Shop wisely. Not all high heels are created equal and the ability to walk well in high heels relies heavily on choosing the right ones. Always go shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen from walking and at their biggest. Pick shoes that are suited to the shape of your foot—making sure the shoe is wider than your bare foot. Always try both shoes on in the store and take a walk around—if you don't find them comfortable immediately, then you probably never will. Start small and work your way up. It's probably not a good idea to choose a pair of 4 inch (10.2 cm) stilettos if you're not used to walking in heels—it's better to work your way up, increasing the height as you get used to how they feel. There are many different types of heels to choose from, varying in height, thickness, and shape. Training your feet by starting out with small heels will allow your ankles to develop the strength they need to walk safely and gracefully in high heels. Begin with a shoe that has a low heel of about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm). Try to go for wider heels (rather than skinny spikes) as these will provide more balance. Closed in shoes can also be easier to walk in than strappy sandals as they provide plenty of support over your foot and around the heel and ankle. High heeled wedges are the easiest high shoes to walk in, as the heel is fully attached to the sole of the shoe, giving you increased balance and comfort. These are a great option if you want the height of a high heel, but don't feel ready for a stiletto. Wear the mother of all heels. Stiletto heels are also referred to as "spike heels" and include anything with a heel above 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm). These are the final step in your high heel training—once you've mastered walking in these, you'll be ready to take on the world! Get the right size. Choosing the right size shoe is absolutely essential when buying high heels. Be aware that different brands of shoes may be sized quite differently, so you might be a 7 in one brand, but an 8 in another. As a result, you should always, always try your shoes on before buying. When in doubt, always go for shoes that are slightly too big rather than slightly too small. You can always make big shoes smaller by adding insoles and cushions, but your can't make small shoes bigger. Shoes that are too small will be terribly uncomfortable and you'll probably regret buying them. Remember to have your feet sized regularly, as your shoe size can change over time, especially as you get older. Your feet tend to get longer and wider as your arches begin to fall.	Take smaller steps. Walk from heel to toe. Improve your posture. Imagine walking along an invisible line. Practice wearing your heels around the house. Break in your heels. Wear your heels outdoors. Practice standing in heels. Use cushions and insoles. Give your feet a break. Wear strappy, platformed shoes. Don't wear high heels too often. Shop wisely. Start small and work your way up. Get the right size.
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Mango-Tree	How to Grow a Mango Tree	To grow a mango tree from a seed, remove the pit from the mango, then use a steel wool pad to scrub all of the fruit fibers and hairs from the pit. Leave the mango pit in a cool, dry spot overnight, then carefully pry open the pit with a sharp knife and remove the seed, which looks like a large lima bean. Plant the seed concave-side down under 1 inch of soil during late spring or early summer, and allow it to germinate for 1-3 weeks, then move it to its permanent outside location. Water your tree 1-2 times a week for the first year, and fertilize the tree once a month for the first year.	Determine if you have a suitable environment. Although mangoes don't require much maintenance once planted, they do have particular circumstances under which they must grow. Mangoes thrive best in high heat, and can handle both humid/swampy or arid areas. Most mangoes are grown near the equator, and in the United States they are primarily grown in Florida. If you live in an area that has average temperatures of 80–100 °F (27–38 °C) and cool winters that don't freeze, you'll likely be able to grow mangoes. Rainfall for your area should not exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm) per year. Select an area to grow your mango tree. Mangoes can be grown in pots or in spacious areas outside. They prefer lots of heat and direct sunlight, meaning that they don't grow well indoors (although they can be brought in a pot for the winter). The size of each mango tree varies depending on what species it is, but they can get quite large, exceeding heights of 10–15 feet (3.0–4.6 m). Therefore, choose an area that will give your tree plenty of space to thrive without being shaded by other larger trees. Choose a variety of mango to plant. There are many different types of mangoes on the market, but only a few grow well in specific areas. Visit a local nursery to find out which ones grow best in your area. Mangoes can be grown in one of two ways: via the seed of a mango, or from a grafted sapling. Mango seeds typically take eight years to produce fruit. Grafted saplings take three to five years to produce fruit and are nearly guaranteed a good harvest. If you choose to plant from a seed, choose a mango from a tree you know grows successfully in your area; taking one from a store-bought mango probably won't provide you with a tree. Grafted saplings will only reach about half the size of a tree grown from seed. The trees produced from seeds tend to be much stronger and hardier, but they may not be as reliable when it comes to fruit-bearing. If you're testing the environmental limits with your mango growing, there are a few species that are able to grow in slightly cooler and wetter conditions than the aforementioned recommendation. Get your soil ready. Mangoes thrive in loose, sandy soil that drains water easily. Check the pH of your soil to see if it is in an adequate acidity range; the trees will grow best in soil that has a pH of 4.5 – 7 (acidic). Incorporate peat moss into your soil on a yearly basis in order to keep the acidity high. Avoid using chemical fertilizers or any product that contains salt, as these will hinder the growth of your mango tree. Prepare the soil so that it is tilled about three feet deep, as this will give plenty of space for the roots to spread. Know when to plant. Mango trees should typically be planted in late spring or the beginning of summer when it is a combination of rainy/sunny weather. The planting season will depend on the species, so check your local nursery to find out when yours should be planted. Some varieties, such as the Beverly and Keitt don't need to be planted until August/September. Select a large, ripe polyembryonic mango. If you live in an area that grows mangoes, visit local orchards to select a fruit. If you don't have access to a healthy mango tree, visit a local grocer or farmer's market to select a fruit. Ask the salesperson for help in choosing a fruit that is polyembryonic. Polyembryonic seeds will produce clones of the parent tree. A polyembryonic seed should come from the fruit of a tree that thrives in your area. This way, you have a good idea of exactly the type of fruit you are getting — it should taste identical to the fruit of the parent tree. Remove and clean the pit. Eat the mango, or remove all existing fruit, until the fibrous pit is exposed. Clean the pit with a scrub brush, or steel wool pad, until all hairs have been removed. Be careful not to scrub away at the outer coating of the pit, and only to remove the fruit fibers that are still attached. Prepare the pit for planting. Dry the pit overnight in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Open the pit with a sharp knife, as you would shuck an oyster, being careful not to cut too deeply and damage the enclosed seed. Pry the pit open and remove the seed, which resembles a large lima bean. Germinate the seed. Place the seed about an inch deep, and concave side down, in a container full of quality potting soil. Dampen the soil and store the container in a warm, shaded area until the seed sprouts. This process usually takes one to three weeks. Plant the seed. At this point, your seed is ready to be planted in its permanent location. If you plan to have it outside, try to plant it directly outside rather than putting it in a plant and transplanting it, as that way you won't have to worry about hardening it off or it going into soil shock. Dig the hole for planting. In your selected plot location, use a shovel to dig a hole that is two to four times the size of the rootball of your mango plant. If you're planting in area that already has grass, remove the grass in an area a further 2 feet (0.6 m) around the plot space to make room for the tree. Mix a bit of compost (no more than a 50/50 mixture) with the soil you've dug up which will be replaced around the roots. Plant the tree. Remove the sapling from the container or place your seed in the hole. The base of the tree/sprout should be level with or slightly above the ground. Replace the soil you've dug out by filling in the hole around the tree and lightly tamping it. Mango trees grow best in loose soil, so avoid applying too much pressure to the plot as you refill the hole. Fertilize the tree. Wait until you see some growth from the tree before you begin fertilizing the tree. After that, you can fertilize your mango tree once a month for the first year. Use a non-chemical fertilizer — a fertilizer with a 6-6-6-2 mix should be good. You can dissolve the fertilizer in a bit of warm water for application, and keep the solution on hand for your monthly use. Water your mango tree. Mango trees don't like a ton of water, but the first week watering should be slightly above average. Water the new tree every other day for the first week, and then water it only once or twice a week for the first year. If there are five or more days of little to no rainfall, then you should water your young mango tree (under 3 years old) once a week until the dry period ends. Keep weeds at bay. Weeds can become a serious problem around your mango trees if not dealt with on a regular basis. Make sure to weed regularly, removing any plants that sprout up near the trunk of the tree. Add a thick layer of mulch around the tree to help trap in moisture and prevent weed growth as well. You can add a bit of compost to the mulch as well to help supply the tree with added nutrients. Prune your tree when necessary. The goal of pruning is to allow for as much space for branches to form, as the fruit will develop at the end of the branches (known as terminal flowers). Cut branches 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the trunk if there is too much crowding near the center, typically after the last fruit of the season (in the fall). You can prune your tree to limit its outward growth as well, by simply cutting off branches that are too tall or wide. If you have questions about your specific mango tree, visit a local nursery and check in for tips there. Harvest your mangoes. Because mangoes vary in color, shape, and size from species to species, you can't tell if the fruit is ripe until you cut it open. You can get a general sense depending on how soft and fragrant it is, but should use a knife to sample the fruit. When the meat is yellow through to the core, it is ready to eat. If it is still very white and hard, then wait one to two weeks before testing it again. If you do pick your fruit early, you can ripen it by keeping it in a paper bag in room temperature for a few days. A nice alternative if you have picked them early is to make a salad by julienning them and making a green mango salad that goes well with fish dishes.	Determine if you have a suitable environment. Select an area to grow your mango tree. Choose a variety of mango to plant. Get your soil ready. Know when to plant. Select a large, ripe polyembryonic mango. Remove and clean the pit. Prepare the pit for planting. Germinate the seed. Plant the seed. Dig the hole for planting. Plant the tree. Fertilize the tree. Water your mango tree. Keep weeds at bay. Prune your tree when necessary. Harvest your mangoes.
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-a-Kiwi	How to Eat a Kiwi	To eat a kiwi, start by cutting the stem end off with a knife. Then, bite into the kiwi and eat it like you would an apple or a peach. If you don't like the skin, use a spoon to scoop the fruit out from inside of the kiwi. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin so you're left with just the fruit.	Trim the ends. Before you dig in, check the outside of your kiwi. Note that most of the skin's surface is a fuzzy brown, with a raised bumpy pit at the top, which is where it grew from its vine. This is the only inedible part of the kiwi, so either trim it off or eat it around it. Test for ripeness. To test kiwi, gently press it in your hands. If the flesh yields under the skin, it's ready to eat. If it still feels hard, let it sit at room temperature until it softens. Expect underripe kiwi to taste too tart to really be enjoyed. Eat it skin and all. Take the easiest approach and take sink your teeth right into it, as you would with an apple or peach. Enjoy the contrast in textures between the tougher skin and the soft flesh within. Reap the kiwi's full nutritional value, since the skin contains a large part of its fiber, mineral, and vitamin content, as well as antioxidants and flavonoids. However: As with all produce, be aware that the outside may have traces of pesticides used in farming. Wash it under cold water while gently scrubbing the skin with your fingertips to remove trace chemicals. Organic kiwi reduces the risk of ingesting pesticides, but should still be washed in order to remove any dirt or other chemicals that it may have come into contact with by chance. Spoon it out. If you don't like fruit skins, simply chop the kiwi in half. Treat each half as a readymade bowl and spoon yourself out some bite-size chunks. Alternatively: Slice off both ends, where the kiwi was attached to its vine, and hold the kiwi in one hand. With your other hand, insert the tip of your spoon between the flesh and skin along your cut. Press the spoon deeper into the flesh and twist the kiwi around in your hand. Remove the flesh and cut it into slices. Use a vegetable peeler. Peel the skin off as you would with a potato. Once you're done, eat the flesh as it is or slice it up into bite-size bits. However, keep in mind that: You should still wash the skin before peeling. Even though you won't be eating it, your vegetable peeler may transfer dirt and chemicals from the skin to the flesh as you go along. Remember to trim off the ends. Whether you decide to peel your kiwis for your smoothies is up to you. Either way, don't forget to trim off the ends where they were plucked from their vines. Remember that this part is inedible, so discard before using. Pair kiwis with strawberries. Chop up two kiwis and place them in a blender. Add one cup (152 g) of strawberries and two cups (60 g) of a leafy green, like spinach. Pour in a half cup (118 ml) of water and blend until smooth. Try kiwis with banana and avocado. Chop up two kiwis and one banana and throw them in your blender. Slice off a quarter of an avocado and add that to the other fruit. Add two cups (60 g) of leafy greens and a half cup (118 ml) of water, then blend until smooth. Go with an apple-carrot combo. Chop up two kiwis as well as one whole apple and one whole carrot. Throw them in the blender along with two cups (60 g) of leafy greens. Pour in a half cup (118 ml) of water. Blend until smooth. Make it minty. Chop up two kiwis and one banana and transfer to your blender. Add two cups (60 g) of leafy greens, plus four mint leaves. Blend with a half cup (118 ml) of water until smooth. Prep your oven and baking sheet. First, set your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). While that preheats, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. On the paper, trace a circle roughly nine inches (23 cm) in diameter. Make your meringue. Crack your eggs and remove the yolks. Add the whites to a large mixing bowl and beat them. Add one tablespoon of sugar and mix it in as you continue to beat your egg whites, then repeat until you've added all your sugar. Once the mixture turns thick and glossy, fold in your vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Fill the circle, then bake. Use a spoon to transfer the meringue to the circle that you traced on your parchment paper. To start, keep the bulk of it toward the center. Once all the meringue has been transferred, use your spoon to spread the meringue from the center out toward the edges. Continue to do so until the edges are higher than the center. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for one hour. Top your meringue. Once the meringue has finished baking, transfer it to a wire rack to cool off. While it does, beat your heavy cream in a small mixing bowl until it turns into stiff little peaks on the surface. Peel and slice your kiwi as evenly as possible. Once the meringue has cooled, transfer it to a serving plate, fill the center with your whipped cream, arrange your kiwi slices on top, and serve.	Trim the ends. Test for ripeness. Eat it skin and all. Spoon it out. Use a vegetable peeler. Remember to trim off the ends. Pair kiwis with strawberries. Try kiwis with banana and avocado. Go with an apple-carrot combo. Make it minty. Prep your oven and baking sheet. Make your meringue. Fill the circle, then bake. Top your meringue.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Silicone-Mold	How to Make a Silicone Mold	You can use silicone and liquid soap to make a silicone mold. Fill a bowl with room temperature water. Using one part soap to 10 parts water, mix in your soap until it dissolves. Next squeeze some construction silicone into the water and knead it underwater, until it is no longer sticky. Pull the silicone out of the water and form the putty into a thick disk by rolling and flattening it. Now press the desired item into the silicone and let the disk harden over the next several hours. Pull the item out of the mold, and you are done.	Fill a bowl with water. The water should be about room temperature—not too warm and not too cold. It should be deep enough for you to stick your hand into. Stir some liquid soap into the water. You can use just about any type of liquid soap, including: body wash, dish soap, and hand soap. Keep stirring until the soap has completely dissolved and no streaks remain. Plan on using about 1 part soap to 10 parts water. You can also add liquid glycerin. The glycerin will react with the silicone and cause it to clump together. Squeeze some construction silicone into the water. Purchase a tube of pure silicone from the home improvement store; make sure it is not the quick-set kind. Squeeze enough of the silicone into the bowl to cover your desired item with. Construction silicone may also be labeled as silicone caulk. If your tube of silicone did not come with a syringe, you will need to purchase a caulking gun, insert the tube, cut the end off, then poke a hole in the tip. Knead the silicone while it is submerged. Put on a pair of plastic gloves, and reach into the water. Grab the silicone with your fist and squish it together. Knead it until it is no longer sticky while keeping it under the water. This will take about 5 minutes. Form the putty into a thick disk. Begin by rolling the putty into a ball between your palms. Press it against a flat surface, and lightly push down on it. It still needs to be thicker than the item you will be molding. If the silicone is sticky, coat your hands and work surface with a thin layer of your liquid soap. Press your desired item into the silicone. Make sure that you are pressing the item with the design side face-down into the putty. Gently press the edges of the mold against the item so that no gaps remain. Let the silicone harden. Silicone will never turn rock-solid; it will always remain flexible. Simply wait a few hours for the silicone to turn rigid enough so that you can still flex it, but no longer dent it. Pull the item out of the mold. Take the mold by the edges, and bend it backwards and away from the item. The item should loosen or pop out on its own. Tilt the mold upside-side to tip the item out. Use the mold. Fill the mold with clay, then pull the clay out, and let it dry. You can also try to use resin in this mold as well, but let it cure and harden first. Squeeze out some construction silicone into a dish. Buy a tube of pure silicone from a home improvement store; it usually comes in a syringe-like container. Squeeze some of the silicone out into a disposable dish. You will need enough to cover whatever you wish to mold. You may also find construction silicone labeled as silicone caulk. Make sure that it is not the quick-set type. If the silicone did not come with a syringe, you will need to get a caulking gun first. Insert the tube into the gun, cut the end off, then poke a hole in the tip. Pour in twice as much cornstarch. If you can't find any cornstarch, try cornflour or potato starch instead. Keep the box handy; you might need to use more. If you want a more colorful mold, add a few drops of acrylic paint. This will not make the mold any more or less effective. Put on a pair of plastic gloves and knead the two together. Keep kneading until the silicone and cornstarch come together and form a putty. It may be dry and crumbly at first, but keep kneading. If it is too sticky, add some more cornstarch into it. You may have some cornstarch leftover in your dish; this is fine. The silicone will have picked up all the cornstarch it needed. Roll the silicone into a disk. Start by rolling the silicone putty into a ball between your palms. Next, place it on a smooth surface, and gently press down on it to flatten it slightly. It still needs to be thicker than the item you wish to mold. Press the item you wish to mold into the putty. Make sure that you are pressing it design-side-down into the mold, and that the back is visible. Use your fingers to push the edges of the mold against the item; you do not want to see any gaps. Wait for the silicone to cure. This will only take about 20 minutes or so. You are ready for the next step when the mold is rigid. It should still be flexible, but you should not be able to dent it or form it. De-mold your object. Hold the silicone mold by the edges, and gently bend it back and away from your item. Flip the mold over to pop the item out. If you need to, use your fingers to pry the item out. Use the mold. You can push pieces of wet clay into them, then pull them out and let them dry. You can also pour resin into the mold, let the resin cure, then pop it out as well. De-mold any castings the same way you de-molded your initial object. Purchase a mold-making silicone kit. You can find these in stores specializing in casting and mold-making supplies. You can also sometimes find these in a well-stocked arts and crafts store. Most kits will contain two containers labeled "Part A" and "Part B." Sometimes, you have to purchase them separately. Do not mix the silicone yet. Cut the bottom out of a plastic food container. Find a cheap, plastic food container made from thin plastic. Use a craft blade to cut out the bottom. Don't worry about how neat or jagged it is; this will eventually be the top of your mold. Choose a container that is a little larger than the object you want to make a mold of. Place overlapping strips of tape over the top of the box. Remove the lid from the container. Cut several long strips of packaging tape, and lay them across the top. Overlap strip by about ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters). Leave a couple inches/centimeters of tape hanging over all sides of the container. Run your finger along the rim to create a tight seal. Make sure that there are no gaps, or the silicone will pour out. Fold the edges of the tape over the sides of the container. Once you fill the container with silicone, there is a small chance that some may leak out from under the tape. This will kept prevent the silicone from leaking out all the way and ruining your work surface. Set the item(s) you wish to mold into the container. Place the container onto a flat, stable surface with the cut/open side facing up. Place your items into the box, and press them against the tape. Do not let the items touch the side of the container or each other. Also, make sure that the design portion of your item is facing up, and the back is pressed against the tape. Flat-backed items work the best for this. Wipe the items clean beforehand, if necessary. Measure out your silicone according to the manufacturer's instructions. You will always have mix Part A and Part B together. Some types of silicone are supposed to be measured by volume, while others need to be measured by weight. Read the instructions that came with your silicone closely, then measure them accordingly. Pour the silicone into the cup included with your kit. If your kit did not come with a cup, pour the silicone into a plastic, disposable cup. You need enough silicone to cover your items by ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters). Stir the two parts until the color is consistent. You can do this with a skewer, a popsicle stick, or even a plastic fork, spoon, or knife. Keep stirring until the color is even, and no streaks or swirls remain. Pour the silicone into the container. Use your stirring utensil to help scrape out any excess silicone so that you don't waste any. The silicone should cover the top of your item by at least ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters). If you make it too thin, the silicone mold may rip. Let the silicone cure. How long this takes depends on the type brand you are using. Some brands are ready to use in a few hours, while others need to be left overnight. Refer to the instructions that came with your silicone kit for more specific curing times. Do not touch or move the mold during this time. De-mold the silicone. Once the silicone has cured and turned rigid, peel the tape away from the box. Gently slide the silicone mold out. You may notice thin "feathers" if silicone around your mold. If these bug you, trim them off with a pair of scissors or a craft blade. De-mold the items. The items you placed into the box will be stuck inside the silicone. Gently bend the silicone back to pop the items out. It is a little like remolding ice cubes from an ice cube tray. Use the mold. You can now fill the cavities with resin, clay, or even chocolate (if the silicone was food grade). If you used clay, you can pop the pieces out while the clay is still wet. If you used resin, however, you must allow the resin to cure completely before removing it.	Fill a bowl with water. Stir some liquid soap into the water. Squeeze some construction silicone into the water. Knead the silicone while it is submerged. Form the putty into a thick disk. Press your desired item into the silicone. Let the silicone harden. Pull the item out of the mold. Use the mold. Squeeze out some construction silicone into a dish. Pour in twice as much cornstarch. Put on a pair of plastic gloves and knead the two together. Roll the silicone into a disk. Press the item you wish to mold into the putty. Wait for the silicone to cure. De-mold your object. Use the mold. Purchase a mold-making silicone kit. Cut the bottom out of a plastic food container. Place overlapping strips of tape over the top of the box. Fold the edges of the tape over the sides of the container. Set the item(s) you wish to mold into the container. Measure out your silicone according to the manufacturer's instructions. Stir the two parts until the color is consistent. Pour the silicone into the container. Let the silicone cure. De-mold the silicone. De-mold the items. Use the mold.
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-a-Player	How to Play a Player	If you want to play a player, you first need to make him want you by being hard to get. At first, completely ignore the player whenever he is in the same room as you, acting like you're uninterested in him. After a while, slowly acknowledge him, but let him see you having fun with other guys so he'll get jealous. Once you notice that he's desperately trying to get your attention, indulge him to keep him hooked. The best way to do this is to call or text him once in a while but being slow to respond whenever he reaches out first. Whenever he's at the peak of his affection for you, tell him you're not interested and cut off all communication permanently.	Ignore him at first. If you want to play a player, you have to get his attention. Do you get his attention by fawning all over him, running your hands through this hair, and telling him how hot he is? Absolutely not. To play a player, you have to start off by completely ignoring him -- be an ice queen if you have to. If he walks into a room and tries to charm you and your girls, look away, stare into your drink, or barely say hi before you check your phone or disappear to the girl's room. He'll notice you precisely because you didn't notice him. Players expect to be worshipped by every woman around, and he'll wonder why his magic didn't work on you. You don't have to be outright rude to him. Just look completely uninterested, like you have better things to do than to talk to him. But that doesn't mean you should insult him or call him names, either. Slowly acknowledge him. After a while, whether it's a few weeks later at the same party or a few hours later at the same bar, you can start to open up a bit. You should let him know you see him, but just enough to make him curious and to want to get to know you and win you over. You can do this by introducing yourself, repeating his name when he introduces himself, or by smiling at him from across the room. Don't let him make you laugh, ask you to dance, or lavish you with complements. If he insists on buying you a drink, you can let him, but don't let it be an excuse for him to spend the night trying to charm you. Take the drink, thank him, and walk away. Let him see you having fun with your girls. Now that you've got his attention and have shown some minimal interest in him, you need to remind him that you have better things to do than to be with him. Let him see you having a good time with your girls by laughing it up with them, hitting up the dance floor with them, or just having a general good time without him. You can do this anywhere, not just out at a bar. If the player is in your school or someone from town, let him see you having fun with your girls no matter what you're doing, whether it's eating lunch or going shopping. Just make one thing clear: you do not need him. Let him see you having a good time with other guys. To reinforce the idea that you don't really need the player in your life, let him see you hanging out with other guys. Whether you're hanging out with your guy friends or if another guy is showing interest in you, you should let him see that every guy wants some of your time and that you like all of the attention -- as long as it's not from him. Just by chatting or laughing with other guys, you'll be showing him that you don't need him. You don't have to grind with another guy on the dance floor to show that he's not needed. Don't look over at the player to make sure that he sees you having a great time. He shouldn't even consider that you're trying to get his attention by ignoring him. Flirt a little bit. Once you've acknowledged the guy only to mostly ignore him with your girlfriends and other guys in your life, it's time to reel him back in again. After you think you've driven him crazy enough, it's time to have a quick, flirtatious conversation where you let him fawn all over you and show him that you may be interested. Play it cool. Don't flatter him. Just let him know that you like talking to him. Keep things light and fun. That'll make him want to talk to you more. Tease him a little bit. Don't let him take himself too seriously or think he's all that. Be immune to his charms. Let him see that while you like flirting with him, you're not going to fall for his usual lady-killing tactics. You can make fun of him, call him Romeo, or refer to the pack of girls behind him as his girlfriends. This will only drive him crazy and make him want to prove how different he is. If you don't let him charm you or flatter you, he'll only become more persistent. That's exactly what he wants. Be mysterious. Now that you've played hard to get, it's time to continue to be elusive while making the player want you. The first thing you should do to make him really want you is to be mysterious. Don't open up too much or talk about your past, your hopes for the future, or your biggest fears. Instead, make him guess what's really on your mind and speak in hints and innuendos instead of being honest. If you have to leave, don't tell him where you're going. Let him guess. Make him figure out who you really are, from what you love to do to how many siblings you have. Let him do all of the work instead of doling out all of the information for him. Don't keep him up to date about your schedule. If you're busy over the weekend, you're busy over the weekend. You don't have to tell him it's because you're celebrating your Aunt Mary's 50th birthday. Be fun. Part of the reason players play girls is because they're tired of girls who drag them down, fall in love, or want them to do serious boyfriend-like things like go to the grocery store or let you cook a never-ending meal for them. Well, if you want to make a player want you, you can't drag him down. You should be fun, spontaneous, and up for anything, whether it's a trip to the beach or a nice run through a rain shower. Always keep things light and fresh. Remember, you're trying to play this guy, not marry him. Talk about the fun things you'll do that day or that week -- stick to the present. This player won't be in your future. Laugh, don't cry. This is not the person who should see your insecurities or the things that upset you. Make him jealous. Even though you're spending more time with the player, you shouldn't make him think that he has your heart. If you run into another guy you know, don't be shy about flirting with the other guy. And if you're going out with another guy, tell the player about it like it's no big deal. If he knows there are other guys in your life, he'll want you even more because he'll have the need to compete for you. If you really want to make him jealous, you can even pretend that you're meeting another guy when you're not. If another guy calls you when you're with the player, don't be afraid to answer. Be fun and flirty as you talk to the guy who called you. Don't be jealous. If you really want to drive the player crazy, then you should show no signs of caring if you see him with another woman or if he gets a text from another woman. Players thrive from having multiple women compete over them, or from the rush of trying to juggle a few women without any of them knowing. If you act like you couldn't care less if he sees another girl, he'll only want to make you more jealous. To gain the power to play a player, you have to stand out to him. It's likely that every other girl in his life has been jealous. This is why you'll be different. If someone calls or texts him, don't say, "Who's that?" Look bored or uninterested as he talks into the phone. If you see another girl he knows, be extra nice to her. Show him that you don't view her as competition. Limit your communication. Players are used to girls who text or call them all the time and don't give them any time to themselves. Well, that's where you'll diverge from the pack. You can call him or text him once in a while, but let him do the majority of the communicating. If he reaches out to you, don't respond right away like you have nothing better to do than to sit by the phone and wait for his call. Don't waste time stalking his Facebook profile. Go online to do your own thing. If you know he's out, leave him alone. Don't text him or call him or he'll think you're obsessing over him. If he knows you're out and he texts you, don't get back to him until the next day. Let him worry about what you were up to while he was away. Maintain your independence. Maintaining your independence is a larger part of limiting your communication. You should have your own busy life, your own friends, and even some other guys to date while you're seeing the player. Don't make your schedule revolve around his; make him shift his plans around to see you. If he cancels on you, don't let him reschedule for the next day. Tell him you're "booked" for the next few days. Make him feel like he really missed out by flaking on you, and he won't do it again. When you're with him, talk about your other friends or the fun things you do that don't involve him. Let him see that you have a life outside of worshipping him. Beat him at his own game (optional). If you really want to play a player, then you have to be a player. Make him think that you like him while juggling him with two or three other guys. Flatter him and make him feel special while knowing that everything you say is meaningless. You should only do this if you really want to play the player or to get back at him for some reason. Changing your lifestyle this extremely can get a bit exhausting. Have him eating out of your hand. Once you've tantalized the player enough and have remained mysterious, sexy, and independent, he should be eating out of your hand. He may even be obsessed with the idea that he has to win you over or that he'll be some kind of a failure if you're always immune to his charms. When he's eating out of your hand, you'll know it. He'll be calling you all the time, complimenting you, acting jealous whenever another guy or other plans come up, or he'll just want to spend all of his time with you. The look in his eyes will tell you all you need to know. If he was shifty-eyed or distracted in the beginning, but now he stares at you like you're a true wonder, then you've got him where you want him. Know when it's time to say goodbye. Before you cut him loose, you should get him at the peak of his affection for you -- if you cut him loose too early, it won't mean as much to him, but if you cut him loose too late, he may have given up on you. You should say goodbye at the peak of his affections for you, or when you get even the slightest inkling that he's growing bored with you. You can also say goodbye just because you're getting tired of playing him. It's a tough job. If he starts getting really attached and even tells you he loves you -- and actually sounds like he means it -- then you should cut him loose immediately. If you wait too long to say goodbye, you may also begin to fall for him, so don't forget to protect your heart. Cut him loose. Once you've decided it's time to say goodbye, you should cut off all contact with the player. You don't have to be honest about why -- you can tell him that you got sick of him, that you've got better things to do, or that you're just not into him. Don't make a big production of it or take him out to dinner to end things -- just take a few minutes to tell him how you feel at a time that's reasonably convenient for both of you. Or if you really want to hurt him or get him back, just let him catch you out with another guy. When he sees you, don't even look surprised or like you've been caught. That will hurt him even more and he'll get the picture. Have no mercy. Once you've cut the player loose, your decision is final. There's no turning back -- you won't hang out with him again, return his calls, or even grab coffee with him because you feel sorry for him. Remind yourself why you played him in the first place. Either he really hurt you or another friend, or you just realized that he's the kind of guy who doesn't respect women. If he doesn't respect women, then why should you respect him? If you give in and do see him again, he'll quickly lose respect for you. If he's a true player, he'll only want you if you don't really want him all that much. Once you've played a player, you'll be better at recognizing them in the future. Watch out for these cagey guys and protect your heart as you move forward in your love life. Remain humble. Don't let this accomplishment get to your head; although it does add an extreme boost to your confidence (you might start to think that you can get any guy you want or feel that you're "playing" some guys when they only look at you as a friend)the tables can turn quick if you get caught up (with other dudes). They might know the game a little better than you do.	Ignore him at first. Slowly acknowledge him. Let him see you having fun with your girls. Let him see you having a good time with other guys. Flirt a little bit. Be immune to his charms. Be mysterious. Be fun. Make him jealous. Don't be jealous. Limit your communication. Maintain your independence. Beat him at his own game (optional). Have him eating out of your hand. Know when it's time to say goodbye. Cut him loose. Have no mercy.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Costume-Armor	How to Make Costume Armor	To make costume armor, start by measuring the head, waist, chest, arms, and legs of the person who'll be wearing the armor. Next, transfer your measurements to an armor template to create your patterns, then trace the patterns on pieces of craft foam. Once you cut the pieces out, sketch designs on them to give the armor an embossed look. Then, heat and mold the shapes to fit the contours of your body. Finally, reinforce the armor by gluing gauzy fabric over the inside panels of the joined pieces.	Sketch the armor design. Focus on the basic shapes (their size, and connections for adjoining pieces) rather than the color or detail, which can be dealt with later. Decide where and how individual pieces will overlap so that they can be connected and flexible. Simplify the structure where possible to avoid juggling lots of pieces and having to connect them in too many places (which will weaken it). You can also look online for ready-made patterns for armor, some of which you will even be able to print out. Here is a list of some common pieces of armor you will likely want to sketch: Helmet Breastplate Pauldrons or shoulder pieces Shield Gorget or neck protector. Arm pieces such as rerebrace, vambraces, and gauntlets. Leg pieces such as cuisses, poleyn, and greaves. Take measurements. Measure the head size, height, waist size, arm and leg length, and any other needed measurements for the person that will be wearing the armor. These measurements will help determine the necessary dimensions that you will need to make the helmet, breastplate, shoulder armor, or any other miscellaneous coverings. Though these won't be your primary means of sizing the armor, they will be useful to reference whenever you're making a cut, connection, or alteration that you can't accurately test. Transfer your measurements to an armor template (pattern). The fastest way to do this is to have a friend hold pieces of flexible, sturdy paper (such as poster board) against you and draw each piece of the design individually, creating a rough outline that you could then modify as necessary. A more accurate method would be to make a form (or a mannequin) to build the paper template around. Finalize the template. Make sure all the pieces have been accounted for and adjust their sizes or proportions as necessary. Whenever you have matching pieces (e.g.: two shin plates, gauntlets, etc.), choose the nicer version and scrap the other one; that way, you can use the nice one as the pattern for the other to keep your armor symmetrical. When you're happy with your pieces, clean up and smooth out the lines, label both your original sketch and the corresponding pieces (making note of any that will be duplicated), and cut all the shapes. Transfer the template to craft foam. Trace each piece to the craft foam with a ball-point pen (which will glide smoothly over the material without snagging or tearing). Making duplicates of pieces where necessary. Label the undersides and then cut the shapes out. To make very large pieces, you may need to patch two pieces of foam together. Preferably, attach the pieces where it is inconspicuous, or can be integrated into the design. For example, creating a seam down the center of a breastplate. You can use a number of other materials to create your costume armor, such as cardboard, Wonderflex or anything else that suits your means. The same steps can be applied to any material. To make your foam go further, trace large pieces first and then fit the smaller ones in around them. “Emboss” the armor if necessary. Lightly sketch the designs with a ball-point pen or a dull knife and when you're happy, go over them several times while pressing hard to engrave them into the foam. It's much easier to draw on the foam while it's flat and not yet assembled. Just be sure not to tear the materials. Shape and contour the craft foam to your body. Since it's flexible, this will simply be a matter of gluing it into curves in many places. In some places, however, you will want to mold the foam into shapes that hold on their own. This is done by holding the foam near a steady, safe heat source (such as a heat gun or stove) to soften it and then manually bending it over another object such as a liter bottle or rolling pin. You will only have a few seconds to do this, so work quickly. It's best to test your technique on a few scrap pieces beforehand so that you learn how to heat the foam without causing it to scorch, shrink, or bubble. If you want you can also try using a hair dryer on high heat or an iron to heat the foam. If you don't have a heat source you can try wrapping the armor around a rounded object for a couple days to create the desired curves. You can create arm or leg pieces around a Pringles can and use a rubber band to hold them in place. Glue the craft foam together wherever the pieces were designed to overlap. White school glue is fine for this. In some cases (ex. in places with lots of overlap or dramatic curves), it will make sense to do this after the pieces have already been heat-molded to keep from putting undue strain on the material. However, when you're dealing with pieces that require minimal molding or don't overlap in a way that constricts their movement too much, you might want to glue them together before molding them. Reinforce and stiffen the armor. Flip joined pieces over, paint them with glue, and smooth a gauzy fabric (ex. cotton crinkle gaze or cheesecloth) over them, making sure to work into creases and curves with a pointed edge. After it dries, cut away the excess and apply one more coat of glue. Work in sections. If you are dealing with lots of pieces, you might have to assemble a number of them just to make one section of one part of the armor. Think about where it makes the most sense to join subsections together before connecting them to make larger pieces. Leave openings. Since the foam is flexible, you will have quite a bit of leeway with this: a well-placed seam that you can force your way into and out of would be no problem for craft foam. For traditional-style armor, however, you will want to mimic the way that real armor is assembled by connecting various pieces with leather or fabric straps that you can untie/unbuckle as necessary. Decide how to attach the armor to your body. Unless you've made a full, one-piece suit, you will likely have to attach separate sections differently. Wearing a tight-fitting outfit underneath the armor and attaching Velcro to a number of places as anchor points would work well provided that you line everything up correctly. You might, for example, stick double-sided Velcro to the necessary parts of your under-outfit. Press the armor onto these points in front of a mirror until the look right. Then more firmly attach each Velcro half to its respective part of the ensemble using thread or a strong glue to hold the pieces in place. Apply raised designs if necessary. If you embossed a design into your armor, simply draw over it with fabric paint from a squirt-tube to create a raised design. You might have to do this more than once to make it more visible. Since the results will be thick, allow this to dry overnight. Seal the foam. Since the foam is spongy, you will need to seal it before applying any glue. One suggested mixture is 1 part school glue or Sobo glue, 1 part flexible fabric glue, and 2 parts water. Apply and dry thin coats until sealant no longer forms holes where air bubbles from the foam pop through. This may take as many as 7 or 8 coats, but because the layers are thin, the dry time shouldn't be unbearable. Don't allow debris to stick to the glue or it will produce bumps in the armor. Paint over the back of the armor with acrylic paint if necessary. If the armor sticks out in places (leaving the underside exposed), painting the back will give it a more professional look. Paint the front of the armor. Because the foam will bend and move with your body, ordinary paints will crack. On a piece of scrap foam, experiment with flexible craft paints (ex. fabric paint) to see what will work for your design. Be sure to apply the paint evenly to prevent streaking and work it into and cracks or crevices. Give the armor a weathered look. This can be done by brushing dark acrylic paint (ex. a mixture of black and green for a tarnished copper look) over your armor and wiping most of it away before it dries so that hints of it remain in the cracks.	Sketch the armor design. Take measurements. Transfer your measurements to an armor template (pattern). Finalize the template. Transfer the template to craft foam. “Emboss” the armor if necessary. Shape and contour the craft foam to your body. Glue the craft foam together wherever the pieces were designed to overlap. Reinforce and stiffen the armor. Work in sections. Leave openings. Decide how to attach the armor to your body. Apply raised designs if necessary. Seal the foam. Paint over the back of the armor with acrylic paint if necessary. Paint the front of the armor. Give the armor a weathered look.
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Product-Description	How to Write a Product Description	To write a product description, try to sum up the product in a few concise sentences rather than getting into too much detail, since readers might skip it if it's too long. However, make sure you provide some specifics about your product to capture the reader's attention. If you have a lot of information to present, put it into bullet points to save on space. Additionally, keep in mind that many users read descriptions on a phone, so your description and any images should fit on one screen.	Think about your target audience. Who are you targeting with this product description? That's a vital question to ask. If your potential buyers identify with a particular group or culture, they're more likely to buy a product that also identifies with that group or culture. Think about who you're trying to target with your product description. Common characteristics to consider when trying to determine the target audience include age, gender, income level, buying habits, occupation, marital status, family status, location, education level, ethnic group, political affiliations, hobbies, and interests. If the company for which you are writing the description has an online presence, there are tools you can use to identify their demographic, such as Google Analytics. This can help you gather information on the type of person who frequents the company's website. The company sales team may also be able to provide you with this information. Say you're selling a new brand of flavored coffee for a local shop. The kinds of consumers who crave flavored coffee might be professionals or family-oriented people who prioritize taste over coffee purity or origin. Try to connect your coffee to the target customer's lifestyle. Business people will relate to someone enjoying a coffee before a busy day of work or as a break. Family-oriented people will respond to descriptions of someone enjoying coffee with their spouse or as their children get ready for school. Connect the product's features to its benefits. Consumers generally go for products that provide them specific benefits. When writing a product description, ask yourself, "What would a customer gain from my product?" Ultimately, consumers want to buy something that has an inherent benefit to them. Make a list of the features of your product. From there, try to link these features to a benefit for customers. This will help you get a sense of what to focus on as you write your description. For the coffee example, try connecting the coffee's origin, tasting notes, caffeine content, or another quality of the coffee to its benefits (good flavor, a pleasant drinking experience, caffeine boost, feeling of helping a community/farmers, etc.). Find a way to stress your product's exceptional flavor. Why specifically is your ideal customer seeking flavored coffee? What's wrong with existing flavored and unflavored coffees? Jot down sensory images. Specifics are important when selling a product. If you can create sensory details, your readers will feel like they're experiencing the product secondhand. This may make them more likely to purchase it. Try to describe the experience of enjoying your product, using as many senses and images as possible. Returning to the flavored coffee example, try to imagine waking up to a pot of vanilla flavored coffee. What smells would you experience? What sights? How does the smell of a vanilla birthday cake make a person feel? You could write something like, "Imagine waking up to a subtle vanilla scent wafting into your bedroom, then sitting down to enjoy a cup of coffee with the sweet taste of a childhood birthday cake. Revel in the memories of grade school parties as you take a sip of the silky, creamy flavor of our coffee." Here, you create an experience for your reader. The reader imagines waking up, smelling coffee, tasting coffee, and having that coffee spark pleasant memories. Make a list of descriptive words. You do not want to use average words to describe your product. Vivid language can really make your product sound great to potential buyers. Avoid neutral or common words when describing your product. To start brainstorming, make a list of words that remind you of your product and find ways to make these words pop. Imagine that the coffee from the previous example is flavored like birthday cake. The first words that may come to mind may be things like sweet, tasty, and flavorful. Are there any ways you can make those words more specific? What kind of cake does the coffee taste like? Maybe it has a vanilla flavor. Instead of using terms like "sweet" and "tasty," you could find something more specific. For example, you could say the coffee has a "silky, creamy vanilla flavor." Start with a great opening. Consumers are bombarded with many ads every day. When writing a product description, you have a limited amount of time to get a consumer's attention. Use that time wisely. It is essential that you lead with a statement or question that grabs the reader's attention. Try appealing to the senses right away. In the coffee example, you could say something like, "Wake up in the morning to the subtle scent of rich and creamy vanilla." You can also ask your readers to imagine. For example, say something like, "Imagine there was a coffee that tasted as good as your favorite desserts." You can also try to appeal to the reader's identity initially. Try something like, "When you're drinking a cup of coffee, do you still get that same level of joy you felt when you started to drink coffee?" Use the proper tone. Tone is important when it comes to product descriptions. Different readers will respond to different tones. As you write, make sure you adopt a tone appropriate for the audience at hand. Think about your company's brand. Are you trying to come off as cheeky, fun, and a little sarcastic to appeal to a certain audience? Or are you a more serious business trying to attract customers who are also quite serious? The tone of any coffee advertisement could be one of lighthearted enjoyment, describing the pleasure or life improvement brought by the flavor and caffeine in the coffee. However, a more serious coffee company could focus on bean quality, origin, having a high caffeine content, or being ready quickly for the busy professional. Cover the product quickly and vividly. Remember, you want to cover the product as fast as you can. Readers may scroll by if a product is long and wordy. Strive for a few brief and vivid sentences over lengthy descriptions. Things like bullet points can be particularly helpful, if you're able to use them. For example, instead of saying, "Our coffee has a smooth, creamy vanilla flavor that will make your house smell like a birthday party" you could break down these sentiments into a series of bullet points: "Silky smooth vanilla flavor!", "Fills your house with the scent of a birthday party!", "Instant relaxation first thing in the morning!" Keep length in mind. Many people read ads on a mobile phone these days. You want to make sure the bulk of your product description, if not all of it, will show up on a mobile phone screen. Short and simple is more memorable than long and complicated. You should also keep images in mind. If this description is being posted alongside an image, the image will take up space on the phone's screen as well. Do not just account for the text. Snip out stock phrases. You want to be unique in your description. Advertising is a competitive world and it's vital to stand out. As you read over the description you wrote, cut out any phrases that sound cliche. When you're reading your description, imagine how you would feel reading it as a consumer. If there are any phrases that make you think, "Yeah, yeah, that's what everyone says," these are phrases to cut out. Think of ways you can rewrite cliche or stock phrases to make them more unique to your product. For example, you may find a phrase like "high quality" in your description of your coffee. High quality is a largely meaningless term, as everyone wants buyers to believe their products are quality. What does high quality mean for this product and how can you convey that? For the coffee example, "high quality" would be best swapped out for words like, "organic" or "locally grown." These are the traits your target audience associates with quality. Add keywords. A good product description only works if it can reach readers. If your product is more likely to show up on a Google search engine, it's far more likely to sell. Make sure you use keywords that a consumer looking for this type of product will search for online. Do some research on search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure you are choosing keywords that will drive shoppers to your product. Keywords can sometimes be self-explanatory. If you're selling formal dress shoes, your customers will search for this; however, if you're selling an accessory to another product, keywords can be trickier. Think about what the product will be used for, and work that use into the description. For example, a wine rack should be called a "wine rack" specifically and not a "rack." Some products have different names. For example, soft drinks are referred to differently in different parts of the country. If you're selling a soft drink dispenser to be used in restaurants, you may want to add a small blurb on the bottom saying something like, "Also known as a pop dispenser, soda dispenser, or a coke dispenser." Do not overuse keywords, however, as this can make your description sound clunky. Rewrite the statement a few times. Revision is important when it comes to a product description. You'll want to write a few different drafts until you hit a statement that works. Play around with words and structure. Swap non-specific words for words that pack a bigger punch. You can also switch the order of sentences to make the ad read smoother. Get rid of unnecessarily long sentences by cutting out unneeded words. Have a friend or family member read over the statement. Ask them to give you an honest assessment of whether it makes them want to buy the product. Proofread. You do not want to send a product description into the world if it contains errors. Before submitting your description, proofread carefully. Print out the statement as this makes it easier to catch errors. Take a break from the description for a day or so, as you'll be more likely to catch errors after gaining some space. Have a friend read over the description as well.	Think about your target audience. Connect the product's features to its benefits. Jot down sensory images. Make a list of descriptive words. Start with a great opening. Use the proper tone. Cover the product quickly and vividly. Keep length in mind. Snip out stock phrases. Add keywords. Rewrite the statement a few times. Proofread.
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-over-a-Crush-on-Your-Coworker	How to Get over a Crush on Your Coworker	To get over a crush on your coworker, start by thinking of the downsides, like workplace gossip or the relationship not working. When you're at work, try distracting yourself by focusing solely on your tasks. If you think about them outside of work, hang out with more people, take up a hobby, or start a home project to distract yourself. If these don't work, set boundaries with the person, like deciding not to talk to them unless other people are around.	Check company policy. If your company discourages or prohibits personal relationships among coworkers, and you don't want to endanger your job, remind yourself of your priorities. You will probably decide that the crush is not worth risking your job. Review your company's workplace rules (perhaps available from your human resources department, if applicable) regarding personal relationships. Seeing the ramifications of having a romance in the works place spelled out might be enough motivation for you to put an end to the crush. There may also be legal ramifications of having a workplace romance, depending on laws regulating sexual harassment in your area. Keep in mind the risks of workplace gossip. If you dwell on a crush, and others at your workplace find out, gossip can spread. This can be the case even if you only talk about the crush, and don't act on it. Gossip can give you a reputation for being unprofessional, and it can also lower your productivity and workplace morale. If you are worried about these risks, it may be best to not discuss your crush at work or with coworkers outside of your workplace. Keep in mind the social risks of acting on a workplace crush. If you act on a crush you have on a coworker, there can be serious social ramifications, whether or not the crush reciprocates. Recognizing the risks of these can be enough to end your crush. Potential problems include: Being rejected by your crush Lingering awkwardness if your crush does not reciprocate, or, if he or she does at first, but the relationship ultimately does not work out Pressuring your crush to reciprocate if you are in a superior position in the workplace Loss of credibility among your coworkers, who may perceive you as acting unprofessionally or giving special treatment to your crush Think about the implications of a relationship not working out. Even if you feel like you want to act on a crush, it is worth thinking about all possible outcomes, for better or worse. It is possible that the relationship could work out long-term, but if it does not: The relationship might succeed at first, but then fall apart. If the relationship does not succeed, or eventually falls apart, you will have to deal with seeing the crush at work, possibly being promoted, etc. This can create a great deal of stress. If the relationship does not work out, and you or the crush feels pressure to resign from your workplace, this will create many more problems. Talk to a friend about the situation. Letting someone else know about your dilemma can relieve some of the pressure of having a crush you don't want to act on. In addition to providing the support of a sympathetic ear, your friend might also have advice to give. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone at your workplace about your crush, or if you are worried about workplace gossip spreading, you can talk to a non-work friend. Increase your non-work social interaction. You may have developed a crush at work if you haven't had enough opportunities to find romantic interests outside of work. If you have been working too much or avoiding social interaction outside of work, then make yourself set aside time to hang out with non-work friends or go and do some activities you enjoy. Look for opportunities to meet people outside of work, as this may take your interests away from your workplace crush. Focus on positive distractions. Crushes often hold our attention because we let it happen. If you turn your mind to other things, however, it will be easier to get over the crush and move on. At work, focus your mind on your tasks, and having professional interactions with your coworkers. Even some things as simple as taking time to decorate your office, caring for a potted plant at your desk, or listening to your favorite music while you work can provide positive distractions from your crush. Outside of work, you can keep yourself from dwelling on your crush by focusing on other things you've been meaning to getting around to. Working out more at the gym, spending more time with a hobby, even cleaning your home (if you've been putting it off) can serve as positive distractions. Separate fantasy from reality. A crush signifies attraction, but can also get wrapped up in the fantasy of what life would be like if you were to get together with your crush. Separating the fantasies from the feelings of attraction might help you put a crush into perspective. Fantasy is past and future oriented. Reality is present oriented. Focus on the life you are living right this moment instead of the life you wish you had. Realize that you don’t always have to act on your feelings. It is possible to have feelings for someone, including a coworker, without ever acting on them. If you are sure that you can keep your work life and love life separated, you might be able to deal with having a crush on a coworker by admitting the reality of your feelings while also declaring to yourself that you won't act on them. Sometimes, having a workplace crush can even be beneficial. For instance, it might make you dress better, work harder, or participate more in your company. Remember that the grass isn’t always greener. Sometimes, having a crush is mostly fantasy. Maybe it seems like you would love to act on a crush, but in reality, it is only that the crush is unavailable or forbidden that causes the allure. Perhaps you can get over your crush simply by reminding yourself that you are happy where you are in life now, and that acting on the crush wouldn't really be a dream come true. Set boundaries. If you are determined not to engage in workplace romance (to avoid jeopardizing your job, or for any other reason), then devise rules to deter any crushes you may have. For instance, you might decide to only interact with your crush when there are other people around, since this will help prevent you from stepping over your boundary. Oftentimes, setting boundaries makes it easier to get rid of stress and runaway emotions. Give yourself time. Don't expect to necessarily get over a crush immediately. Let yourself have enough time to work through your feelings, and decide how you want to move on. Don't beat yourself up if it takes a little while to get over your crush.	Check company policy. Keep in mind the risks of workplace gossip. Keep in mind the social risks of acting on a workplace crush. Think about the implications of a relationship not working out. Talk to a friend about the situation. Increase your non-work social interaction. Focus on positive distractions. Separate fantasy from reality. Realize that you don’t always have to act on your feelings. Remember that the grass isn’t always greener. Set boundaries. Give yourself time.
https://www.wikihow.life/Have-Younger-Looking-Skin	How to Have Younger Looking Skin	If your goal is to have younger looking skin, establish a daily skincare routine that involves applying cleanser, moisturizer, and 30 SPF sunscreen to prolong the health of your skin. Also, get in the practice of eating foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, like berries and almonds, since they can reduce aging and signs of stress. Exfoliating once or twice a week and using anti-aging products, like retinoid creams and serums, can also create younger looking skin.	Exercise regularly. Exercise doesn't just trim your waistline and tone your muscles, it also promotes healthier skin. Physical activity increases your blood flow. Blood cells bring vital nutrients and oxygen to working cells and remove waste. Skin cells benefit from the exchange. Blood cells bring oxygen and nutrients necessary for collagen production to skin cells and carry away free radicals. Working out firms and cleanses your skin from the inside. Manage your stress. When you feel stressed or anxious, it ages your skin. Experiencing persistent stress and anxiety leads to the production of cortisol, an inflammatory hormone that breaks down collagen. Cortisol also causes redness, irritation, and breakouts. To combat stress, set aside time to relax. Yoga, progressive relaxation, and deep breathing exercises are excellent ways to quell your nerves and lower your stress levels. To combat the negative side effects of stress on your skin, increase your consumption of antioxidants. Eat blueberries, oranges, and leafy greens. Get a good night’s sleep. In order for your body to function at its optimal level, you must get enough sleep. When you deprive yourself of sleep, your body prioritizes the functions it performs in an effort to conserve energy. Maintaining healthy, vibrant skin is not an essential function. An adequate night's sleep consists of between 6 to 10 hours of slumber. If you struggle to fall asleep, put away your phone, increase your exercise, and or add relaxing elements, such as a hot bath, to your nightly routine. Eat a well-balanced diet. The food you eat impacts the health of your skin. Sweet, salty, fatty, and processed foods break down collagen and elastin, which causes skin to sag, wrinkle, and dry. Increase your consumption of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to reduce swelling, decrease your risk of breakouts, and increase your skin's vibrance and elasticity. Eat whole grains instead of processed grains. Instead of candy, eat sweet in-season berries that are rich in antioxidants. Replace fatty cuts of meat with salmon, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Opt for handful of almonds, which are rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, instead of a bag of chips. Remain hydrated throughout the day. When you fail to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day, your organs can not function properly. Skin is the body's largest organ, but it is often the last organ to receive water. If your skin does not remain hydrated, it will become dry, flaky, irritated, and tight. Medical professionals that the amount of water people need to consume is not universal. Instead of 8 glasses of water per day, doctors now recommend drinking between ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound each day. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol ages the skin. As a result of smoking, the collagen in your skin breaks down and overtime the amount of collagen you produce significantly decreases. When collagen breaks down and is not replaced, wrinkles form. Smoking also restricts circulation, which prevents your skin cells from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. Alcohol dehydrates the skin. When you drink an alcoholic beverage, drink plenty of water along with it. Apply SPF daily and limit your exposure to the sun. Protecting your skin from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays will prolong the health of your skin. As little as 10 minutes of exposure to UVA rays each day can alter and age your skin. Apply sunscreen, ideally SPF 30, every day. When you are outside for extended periods of time, reapply your sun tan lotion. Consider wearing protective clothing when you are outdoors. Cover your arms, chests, legs, and scalp. Cleanse your face. Washing your face once or twice a day unclogs your pores of dirt, bacteria, oils, and products. Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser in the morning and before bed. By removing the top layer of grime, you reduce your risk of breakouts and skin irritation. As you age your oil production decreases. As a result, washing your face twice a day may dry out your skin. Instead, cleanse with warm water in the morning and wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser before bed. Moisturize your skin. In addition to hydrating your skin, moisturizers also serve as a layer of protection. Lotions replenish dry, flaky skin. They seal in your skin's natural moisture and provide an additional layer of protection from the elements. Moisturize in the morning, evening, after washing your face, and after showering. Instead of a lotion or cream, try coconut oil. Don't forget to moisturize your neck. If you have dry skin, avoid products that contain alcohol. If you have oily skin, avoid oil based products. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Removing the top layers of skin with an exfoliant promotes cell renewal and collagen production. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week—during the spring and summer you may wish to increase the number of times you exfoliate each week. There are several types of exfoliants to choose from: Rotating brushes deeply cleanse your face, while removing layers of dead skin and unclogging pores. Damp washcloths gently exfoliate the skin and can be used daily. Chemical exfoliants rely on acids, such as salicylic acid, and enzymes to remove dead layers of skin. Use once per week. Applying body scrubs by hand in a circular motion provides you with control over the exfoliation process. You can increase or decrease the pressure as your see fit. Use anti-aging products. Retinoids, a derivative of vitamin A, help to reduce the visible effects of aging. These products increase the speed at which cells turn over and stimulate the increased production of collagen. While the most effective retinoid creams and serums require a prescription, lower-strength varieties are available over the counter. Initially, apply one, pea-sized drop to your face every three nights. Gradually reduce the time in between applications as you build up your tolerance. Fill in lines and wrinkles. Licensed dermatologists can provide you with non-surgical treatments for wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging or thinning skin. These treatments include Botox and and cosmetic fillers. When injected into your forehead, Botox, a purified form of the botulinum toxin, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.by temporarily unclenching muscles that cause crow's feet, laugh lines, and wrinkles. The shots take a few minutes and are relatively painless. Cosmetic fillers enhance the tissues that lay underneath your problem areas. They fill in wrinkles and even out folds. Types of fillers include collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fat from your thigh. Remove outer layers of skin. Instead of exfoliating once or twice a week, visit your dermatologist for a chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment. When administering a chemical peel, dermatologists will apply an acid solution to your face. The process takes 15 minutes. Following the treatment, the top layers of your skin will peel off, leaving you with fresh, healthy looking skin. Microdermabrasion, also known as the “power peel,” exfoliates the skin with small crystals. This non-surgical treatment can reduce the appearance of brown spots, scars, and fine lines, as well as treat damaged caused by the sun. Stimulate collagen production. If you have creepy, saggy skin, consider undergoing a thermage treatment. Your dermatologist will use a device that emits radio-frequency energy to stimulate collagen production, which in turn firms your skin. This is a painful treatment, but you usually only need to undergo one to see results. Revive your inner skin. Instead of exfoliating the top layers of your skin, consult with your dermatologist about targeting the lower layers of skin. You may choose from two treatments: a nonablative laser or an Intense Pulse Light (IPL). An IPL emits short pulses of light into your dermis, the lowest layer of skin. As it heats the dermis, it produces collagen. It also destroys cells and promotes cell renewal. This treatment also reduces the appearance of blemishes. Nonablative lasers treat the lower layers of skin, which significantly reduces your recovery time. This treatment stimulates collagen production, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also evens out your skin tone.	Exercise regularly. Manage your stress. Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a well-balanced diet. Remain hydrated throughout the day. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol. Apply SPF daily and limit your exposure to the sun. Cleanse your face. Moisturize your skin. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Applying body scrubs by hand in a circular motion provides you with control over the exfoliation process. Use anti-aging products. Fill in lines and wrinkles. Remove outer layers of skin. Stimulate collagen production. Revive your inner skin.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Melasma	How to Treat Melasma	If you have melasma, a chronic condition that causes discoloration on your face, try using over-the-counter hydroquinone cream, which is a medicated ointment you can apply to lighten your skin pigmentation. Additionally, you can look for a non-prescription cream with cysteamine, which is an antioxidant that can prevent depigmentation. You can also try a cream with kojic acid or melaplex, which are both skin brighteners. If your over-the-counter cream isn't working, you may want to visit a physician to get a prescription for stronger hydroquinone cream. As an alternative to medication, you can get a professional procedure like a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion to remove the top layer of skin affected by melasma.	See your primary care physician. Talk to your primary care physician about any hormonal medication changes and creams you can try for melasma before going to see a dermatologist. Treatment for melasma may be considered elective and it may not be covered by your insurance. Find out the costs of any treatments and procedures before you schedule them. Stop taking medications that could be to blame. Certain medications, like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can affect your hormones and induce melasma. Talk to your doctor about stopping these medications. Even though pregnancy is the condition most commonly associated with melasma, melasma has also been known to occur with medications and conditions that impact your hormones. Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy are the next two most common causes of melasma, after pregnancy. You can stop use or try switching to a different product to determine if your melasma will fade naturally afterward. Alter your hormone replacement therapy. Often, it is impossible to stop a hormone replacement therapy. Consider why you are on hormone replacement therapy to determine if you may be able to stop or adjust the dosage. However, there are ways that you can change your therapy so that it is less likely to cause melasma. Consult with your doctor before making any changes. Begin taking hormone replacements at night. If you take the hormone replacement in the morning, it will be at its peak potency when the sun is out, maximizing the risk of melasma. Shifting your regimen to the night can help alleviate the problem. Creams and patches might be slightly less inclined to cause melasma than oral versions of the treatment. Ask your doctor to administer the lowest dose feasible. Ask your doctor for a prescription hydroquinone cream. While some treatments containing this ingredient can be purchased over-the-counter, your dermatologist or primary care physician can prescribe a stronger version that will be more effective at lightening the skin. Hydroquinone comes as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. It works by blocking the natural chemical process in your skin responsible for creating melanin, and since melanin produces dark skin pigmentation, the amount of dark pigmentation related to melasma will also be reduced. Prescription hydroquinone typically has a concentration of 4 percent. Concentrations of hydroquinone higher than 4 percent are unlikely to be prescribed in the United States and can be dangerous. They can cause ochronosis, a permanent form of skin discoloration. Talk to your doctor about a second skin lightener. While hydroquinone is used as a first treatment in many cases, your dermatologist might be willing to prescribe a secondary skin lightener that can help enhance the effect. Tretinoins and corticosteroids are among the most frequently used secondary treatments. Both are used to speed up the body's process of shedding and replacing skin cells. Some dermatologists may even prescribe "triple creams," which contain tretinoin, a corticosteroid, and hydroquinone in one formula. Other options include azelaic acid or kojic acid, which slow down the production of skin-darkening pigment. Get a chemical peel. A chemical peel is a procedure that uses glycolic acid or another similar chemical abrasive to peel the melasma-affected top layer of skin away. The liquid chemical is applied to the skin, creating a mild chemical burn. As the burned layers peel off, they leave behind fresh, melasma-free skin. This will not, however, prevent melasma if you have not treated underlying hormonal imbalances. While glycolic acid is one of the most common options used, another common option is trichloroacetic acid, which is a compound similar to vinegar. Peels done with this chemical can be slightly more painful afterward, however, but they may present a good option for severe cases of melasma. Discuss microdermabrasion and dermabrasion. During these treatments, the top layer of skin is gradually stripped away, leaving clean, melasma-free skin in its place. Both dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are medical procedures that essentially "sand off" the surface layer of skin using abrasive materials. During microdermabrasion, fine crystals are vacuumed across the skin. These crystals are abrasive enough to forcibly strip away dead skin cells, thereby lifting away the affected skin. You can usually get about five procedures done, each two to four weeks apart. You may also opt for a maintenance treatment that every four to eight weeks if the underlying cause of your melasma has not been treated. Be careful with lasers. While some laser treatments might be able to help strip away the skin affected by melasma, some can worsen the mask. Only get a laser treatment if it is administered by a credentialed professional. Look for a restorative or fractional dual laser that only targets pigmentation on the surface of the skin Fractional laser treatments tend to be expensive and may cost $1000 or more. Keep in mind that you will probably need three to four treatments over the course of three to six months. Try treatment with platelet-rich plasma. For this treatment plasma that has been enriched to encourage recovery is injected into the body. It is an experimental recovery, still not well understood. Early evidence, however, suggests that it might not only be able to treat melasma, but even help prevent against its recurrence. Protect your skin from the sun. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen and take other measures to protect your skin from the sun. Doing so can prevent an outbreak of melasma and may reduce the risk of current melasma getting worse. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you anticipate being out in the sun. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and consider getting one with added nutrients, like zinc, to benefit your skin. You could try “double” sun screening, as well. Layer an SPF 15 sunscreen on beneath an SPF 30 sunscreen for even more protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses to provide your face with additional protection. If your melasma is especially bad, you might also want to consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. Try to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Calm down. Stress can worsen hormonal imbalances, and if a hormonal imbalance is the cause of your melasma, finding ways to stress less can help treat your melasma. If you have difficulty relaxing, try techniques like meditation or yoga. If these do not work for you or do not appeal to you, simply make time for more things you enjoy—whether that includes walks through the park, reading, or taking a bubble bath. Look for an over-the-counter hydroquinone cream. These medicated ointments lighten the skin, causing melasma outbursts to fade. Hydroquinone comes as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. It works by blocking the natural chemical process in your skin responsible for creating melanin, and since melanin produces dark skin pigmentation, the amount of dark pigmentation related to melasma will also be reduced. There are even hydroquinone creams that contain a little sunblock, so if you want to protect your skin while treating it for melasma, these options provide an all-in-one opportunity for you to do so. Nonprescription hydroquinone creams usually have a concentration of 2 percent or less. Try a cream containing cysteamine. Naturally present in human body cells, cysteamine is safe and proven to treat melasma. Cysteamine, is the natural product of L-cysteine metabolism in the human body. It acts as an intrinsic antioxidant and is known for its protective role against ionizing radiation and as an antimutagenic agent. Cysteamine acts via the inhibition of melanin synthesis to produce depigmentation. Use a cream containing kojic acid or melaplex. Both ingredients are skin brighteners, but they tend to be less harsh and less of an irritant than hydroquinone. These ingredients slow down the production of skin-darkening pigmentation in your skin. As a result, new skin cells being produced will be less dark, making it more difficult for melasma to set in. Take tretinoin. This is a type of vitamin A that increases the rate at which your skin sheds dead cells. This can help patches of melasma fade faster. Note, however, that this alone may not cure your melasma if the underlying cause has not also been remedied. The affected skin will shed quicker, but that will have no impact if your new skill cells are all affected. Try paper mulberry. This plant grows as a small tree or shrub, and while it has many non-medical uses, the extract or products containing the extract can be used orally and topically to treat melasma, as long as you follow the instructions provided on the product. Experiment with other holistic treatments. Other ingredients that have been known to help when applied topically include bearberry, watercress, mandelic acid, lactic acid, lemon peel extract, apple cider vinegar, and Vitamin C. These are all capable of relaxing pigment-producing compounds in your skin without completely nullifying them and causing irritation or sensitivity to light. Wait it out. If your melasma has been induced by pregnancy, it will pass when the pregnancy is over. However, it will be more likely to occur in subsequent pregnancies. Cases of melasma not caused by pregnancy can last longer and might require more active intervention to treat.	See your primary care physician. Stop taking medications that could be to blame. Alter your hormone replacement therapy. Ask your doctor for a prescription hydroquinone cream. Talk to your doctor about a second skin lightener. Get a chemical peel. Discuss microdermabrasion and dermabrasion. Be careful with lasers. Try treatment with platelet-rich plasma. Protect your skin from the sun. Calm down. Look for an over-the-counter hydroquinone cream. Try a cream containing cysteamine. Use a cream containing kojic acid or melaplex. Take tretinoin. Try paper mulberry. Experiment with other holistic treatments. Wait it out.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Fudge	How to Make Chocolate Fudge	To make chocolate fudge, start by melting chocolate and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring the mixture continuously. Then, mix icing sugar, salt, and vanilla into the melted chocolate, and pour the mixture into a pan lined with wax paper. Next, refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours, or until it's fully set. Finally, cut the fudge into 1-inch squares before serving it.	Heat the condensed milk and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Just place the chocolate squares into the pan and pour the condensed milk over them. Heating the ingredients over low heat will allow them to combine without thickening too much. As the pan heats up, stir the ingredients together using a wooden spoon. You can also use chocolate chips instead of chocolate squares, if you prefer. Continue stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly melted together and you've created a nice, even mixture. You should insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. It's done when the temperature reaches 240°F (115°C). Add the icing sugar, salt, and vanilla. Now, add the remaining ingredients to the melted mixture and stir them together until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The stirred product should be rich and creamy, not chunky. Once the mixture has reached its desired temperature and everything is mixed together, you can remove it from the heat. Pour the ingredients into an 8-inch (20 cm) pan lined with wax paper. Once the ingredients are combined, you should pour them into a pan as carefully as you can. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. This will give the chocolate fudge enough time to set. Serve. Just cut the fudge into 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) squares and serve it. It's tasty enough to be enjoyed on its own, though you can always have it with a glass of milk or even a cup of vanilla ice cream. Mix the milk, sugar, and marshmallows together in a saucepan. Heavy saucepans work best for this recipe. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until you've made a rich, creamy mixture. You should insert a candy thermometer into the mixture so you can monitor the temperature carefully. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the temperature is 240°F (115°C). As you cook it, make sure to stir it often. When the mixture is close to reaching the desired temperature, you should be stirring it constantly. Prepare the pan for the mixture. You can prepare the pan while the mixture is cooking, though you have to take care to continue stirring it in the process. Better yet, you can prepare the pan in advance so you don't have to worry about it while your precious chocolate is cooking. Here is all you have to do: Line a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeter) pan with foil. Spray it with non-stick cooking pray. Combine the butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a bowl or glass. The bowl should be made of metal. If you use a glass, make sure it's large enough to fit the ingredients with some room for stirring left over. Pour the cooked marshmallow mixture over the chocolate chip mixture. Once the marshmallow mixture is as hot as it needs to be, pour it over the chocolate chip mixture. Combine the ingredients. Now, you should use either a hand held electric mixer, a heavy-duty mixer, or a whisk to beat the ingredients together. Make sure you're beating the ingredients over low speed and that you continue to mix them until the chocolate is thoroughly melted. The ingredients should be fully combined, instead of chunky or uneven. If you'd like to add additional ingredients, such as walnuts, pecans, peppermint marshmallows, white chocolate chunks, or anything else that suits your fancy, the time to do it is now. Pour the mixture into the pan. Carefully tip the bowl toward the pan and release the mixture into the pan in an even fashion. You may have to move the bowl back and forth slightly as you pour out the ingredients and to tilt the pan back and forth until you've distributed them in an even layer. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Give it at least an hour to fully harden. You can also let it sit there overnight, if you like, but you may be tempted to eat your tasty treat much sooner than that. Serve. Just cut your creamy chocolate fudge into 1" (2.5 cm) squares and serve it as it is. You can put it on a plate for presentation or just eat it from the pan, if you need to satisfy your craving immediately. This recipe makes a whopping 117 squares of fudge! That's more than enough for you and your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and teachers. Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. This will keep the fudge from thickening too fast. Add the coconut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix the ingredients well using a whisk or a handheld or an electric mixer. Continue mixing the ingredients together until the coconut cream has melted. If you have trouble finding coconut butter at the store, you can make it yourself. All you need to make it are 2 cups of shredded coconut and a food processor. Just place it in the food processor for 15-20 minutes and you're good to go. Stir the honey into the coconut mixture. Continue stirring the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Raw honey works best. Prepare a pan for the mixture. You can prepare the pan while you're heating the ingredients or even before you've started cooking. Just line an 8 inch (20 centimeter) pan with foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Pour the fudge into the pan. Make sure to pour it in evenly so the fudge is well distributed. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Give the dairy-free fudge at least 4 hours to set and then you're good to go. Serve. Remove the fudge from the fridge, cut it into 1 or 2 inch (2.5 or 5 centimeter) squares, and it's ready to eat.	Heat the condensed milk and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Add the icing sugar, salt, and vanilla. Pour the ingredients into an 8-inch (20 cm) pan lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Serve. Mix the milk, sugar, and marshmallows together in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the temperature is 240°F (115°C). Prepare the pan for the mixture. Combine the butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a bowl or glass. Pour the cooked marshmallow mixture over the chocolate chip mixture. Combine the ingredients. Pour the mixture into the pan. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve. Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the coconut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sea salt. Stir the honey into the coconut mixture. Prepare a pan for the mixture. Pour the fudge into the pan. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve.
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Yourself-at-a-Job-Interview	How to Introduce Yourself at a Job Interview	When you go into a job interview, walk in confidently with your shoulders back and your chin up, and make eye contact with the interviewer. Be sure to give them a firm handshake and smile as you say "Hello" to them. Introduce yourself by saying your name, a fun fact about yourself, and some information about your professional career and accomplishments. If you have a degree, mention that, as well as your skills, such as communication, research, or technical skills. Try to limit your introduction to 3-5 sentences, and practice before the interview if you're nervous!	Review your application materials. Reread your cover letter and resume to remind yourself of what you have already foregrounded on paper. Highlight items that you would like to mention specifically or summarize in your introduction. Review the job posting. Identify the most important skills that the employer is looking for and make notes of these so that you can incorporate them into your introduction. Mentioning these things will remind employers of why they selected your resume and it will help intensify their sense that you are a good fit for the job. Think about what they might want to hear about you. Be honest and be yourself, but there is nothing wrong with highlighting the aspects of your professional experience that your potential employers will be most interested in. Thinking about what your potential employer will want to hear will also help you to decide what to leave out or minimize in your introduction. Ask yourself some questions. To develop your introduction and figure out what you should include, ask yourself some questions. Who are you? Why do you want to work for this company? What skills and professional experiences do you have that qualify you to work here? What do you hope to accomplish in your career? Write out your answers to these questions and use them to help craft your introduction. You might start with something like, "I recently graduated from ____ with a degree in ____" If you have any honors, slip those into this opening line as well. If you are a seasoned professional, you might try "I have been working as a ____ for ___ years." You could also provide a little personal information in your introduction, such as "I am an avid ____ musician and music lover." After your opening, talk about your skills. Say something like, "I excel at ____ and ____." And then, offer an example of a project you worked on that demonstrates your skills in this area. Finally, mention your career goals and offer a transition into the conversation about how you might work on those goals within the company. Say "My goal is to ____ and I am excited to discuss how your company might offer me opportunities to ____." Decide on an attention grabbing way to start your introduction. Get creative and think of a way to start your introduction that will help your interviewers remember you. Choose something that fits who you are. For example, if you love to read you might start by saying that you identify with a famous literary character and then explain why by listing your skills. Or if you are extremely tech savvy and want to highlight that aspect of your skill set, you might begin by mentioning what comes up when you Google yourself and use then provide more details about yourself and your skill set. Write out your introduction. To make sure that you will remember all of your key points, turn your notes into a paragraph long (3-5 sentences) introduction. Write your introduction out exactly how you plan to say it. Start by providing basic details about yourself (who are you?), then move into details about your professional skills and experiences, and then finish by briefly stating your major career goals. This last part is especially important because it is your opportunity to tell your interviewer why you'd be a good fit for the job without saying it so explicitly. See what you can simplify and/or clarify. Revise your introduction paragraph to see what might need simplification or clarification. Your introduction should be concise, yet thorough. Remember, your potential employer is not looking for a ten minute presentation about you, just a quick overview of who you are. Read your introduction out loud several times. Reading your introduction out loud will help you to prepare to introduce yourself as well as check for any minor inconsistencies or things you forgot to mention. Memorize the key points of your introduction. While you do not need to memorize what you have written word-for-word, you should at least memorize your key points and the order in which you want to give them. Rehearse your introduction until it sounds natural and conversational. Practice make perfect! Practice giving your introduction several times until it does not sound rehearsed anymore. You may also want to enlist the help of a friend to listen to you and provide feedback on how your introduction sounds. Consider making a video recording of yourself giving the introduction. Even though it might make you feel a little odd to watch yourself, you will benefit from hearing what you sound like and seeing how you look when you are giving your introduction. Make a cheat sheet of your main talking points. Write down your main talking points on an index card and keep it with you so that you can easily refresh your memory before an interview. Having this card with you will help you to feel more secure as well, since you can always glance down at the card if you get nervous. Relax. Take a deep breath and head to the interview. You've prepared extremely well for the introduction part of the interview, so you can rest easy that you are set up to make a great first impression. But keep in mind that even if you are a bit nervous, it's okay. It will only show your potential employer that you really want the job. Walk into the interview confidently. Don't hesitate or stand around when your interviewer invites you in. Simply walk confidently into the room and sit across from your interviewer unless he/she directs you to do otherwise. While you are sitting, do not fidget with your hands or shake your leg. Fidgeting sends a clear message to your potential employer that you are nervous. Shake your interviewer’s hand. Make sure your handshake is firm (but not hand crushing) and keep it short. Two or three shakes is sufficient. Also, try to warm up and dry your hands before the interview so that your interview is not shocked by freezing cold or sweaty hands. Smile and be pleasant when you first meet your interviewer. Your interviewer may want to engage in a bit of small talk before the interview begins. Just smile and be yourself. Don't worry about discussing your skills until the interview officially begins. Make eye contact with your interviewer. Even if you are very nervous, making and keeping eye contact with your interviewer will make you seem more confident. Don't stare, but look your interviewer in the eyes when he/she is talking to you. Looking around the room or looking down are obvious signs that you are nervous. Introduce yourself right away. When your interviewer asks you to introduce yourself, don't hesitate. While it is fine to pause when your interviewer asks other more difficult questions or to collect your thoughts while providing an answer, pausing during the “tell me about yourself” portion of an interview is a bad idea. Pausing during this early stage of the interview process may give your interviewer the impression that you are unprepared or that you simply don't know your strengths very well. Stick to your talking points. Don't ramble or add onto the introduction that you so carefully crafted before your interview. You may end up sounding repetitive or nervous if you talk for too long. Just say what you have planned and rehearsed and then stop talking. Your interviewer will ask you if he/she wants to know more or if you need to clarify something. Stay positive. Even if you feel like your introduction didn't sound as good as when you practice at home, keep in mind that you have been offered an interview because you are qualified for the job. Don't beat yourself up for something small you did or said, focus on what you did well instead.	Review your application materials. Review the job posting. Think about what they might want to hear about you. Ask yourself some questions. Decide on an attention grabbing way to start your introduction. Write out your introduction. See what you can simplify and/or clarify. Read your introduction out loud several times. Memorize the key points of your introduction. Rehearse your introduction until it sounds natural and conversational. Consider making a video recording of yourself giving the introduction. Make a cheat sheet of your main talking points. Relax. Walk into the interview confidently. Shake your interviewer’s hand. Smile and be pleasant when you first meet your interviewer. Make eye contact with your interviewer. Introduce yourself right away. Stick to your talking points. Stay positive.
https://www.wikihow.com/Prewash-Fabric	How to Prewash Fabric	Before you prewash fabric, make sure to read the label to determine whether the fabric can go in your washer or if it needs to be dry-cleaned. For example, cotton and polyester can be washed at home, while silk and wool cannot. If the fabric is safe for machine washing, sort it by color to avoid running or bleeding. Then, put the clothes in the washer with 1/4 your usual amount of detergent and run the machine using cold water on the delicate cycle.	Check the fabric type. Some fabrics can be prewashed at home using a regular washer and dryer. These include cotton , nylon, polyester, acrylic, and micro-fiber. Others should be taken to a dry cleaner for prewashing, including wool, silk, rayon, and acetate. Separate your fabrics by color. Lights and darks should be washed separately. If you have several colors, it's best to divide them and do a load for each. Sort these before you begin. Color test your fabric. This is helpful if you want to see if your fabrics will bleed or run when washed. Take a piece of the fabric you want to test and let it sit for 30 minutes in a bowl of cool soapy water. If the water is colored after 30 minutes then the fabric will need to be washed by itself or not used. You can also use a fabric color fixative to keep colors from running. Follow package instructions for use. Place cut pieces in a bag before washing. If you have strips or other cut pieces, you should place them into a lingerie bag before washing. This will help keep them from unraveling in the washer. You can also serge or zig zag stitch any cut pieces before washing, but this can be time consuming. Set your washer to a cool, gentle cycle. Set your machine's temperature to “cool” or "cold" and use the delicate cycle. If your washer has a “hand wash” setting, this is even better. Add one-fourth the normal amount of a mild soap. You can use mild laundry detergent, or a special quilt soap like Quiltwash or Orvus. Don't use much detergent, however. One-fourth the amount you would normally use will be sufficient. Do not use fabric softener. Prewashing fabric prepares it for your projects. Fabric softeners, however, will change the texture of the cloth, making it harder to work with when you begin sewing. Shake the fabric when the load is done. Once the washer is done, immediately take the fabric out. While it's still damp, vigorously shake the fabric flat to remove wrinkles. This will be prevent creasing as the fabric dries. Tumble dry the fabric. Place the damp fabric in the dryer. Use low heat and a gentle or delicate cycle, if available. Remove the fabric from the dryer. Do this just after the dryer cycle ends. Lay the fabric flat and let it cool. If you leave the fabric wrinkled in the dryer after the cycle is over, it will form creases. You can also take the fabric out before the dryer cycle ends and let it hang dry to finish, if you prefer. Take the fabric out just before the cycle is done, alternatively. This is another way to ensure that the fabric does not wrinkle or form creases. Take the fabric out of the dryer while it is still slightly damp. Then use an iron to press the fabric and finish drying it. Don't bother ironing the fabric if you're not going to use it right away, however, since storing it will cause creases.	Check the fabric type. Separate your fabrics by color. Color test your fabric. Place cut pieces in a bag before washing. Set your washer to a cool, gentle cycle. Add one-fourth the normal amount of a mild soap. Do not use fabric softener. Shake the fabric when the load is done. Tumble dry the fabric. Remove the fabric from the dryer. Take the fabric out just before the cycle is done, alternatively.
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Full-Scholarship	How to Get a Full Scholarship	To get a full ride scholarship, show universities you are a well-rounded and dedicated student by maintaining as close to a 4.0 GPA as you can, and by doing lots of extracurricular activities. Then, write a personal statement that shows your interests, goals, and personality, and tailor it for every institution you apply to. Don't be afraid to highlight your disadvantages in that statement, since doing that will show them how hard you have worked to get where you are. Remember: you can always keep looking for new scholarships, even after starting classes.	Apply to your top schools in state first. There are two major ways to get a big scholarship to attend school as an undergraduate: winning a scholarship from the school itself, or winning a private or federal scholarship that can be used at any school. Both varieties of scholarship are typically given for a combination of demonstrable financial need and excellence in achievement. To start narrowing it down, think about nearby schools that will value in-state applicants. Typically, but not in all cases, state schools offer more full scholarships to in-state applicants with fewer criteria that need checked off to apply. In other words, the only criteria to apply needs to be that you're a resident of the state in which you're applying, in many cases. Because the rent covered by the full scholarship is a lesser amount, more of these scholarships are sometimes offered. Smaller, more expensive private schools out of state typically offer the fewest scholarship options. Getting a big scholarship will have more to do with how well the application board thinks you'll fit in with their mission for the university, meaning that you'll stand a better chance of big scholarships at schools where you think you'll fit in. Find out what financial aid options your top schools offer. The scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages that each school offers will vary based on a number of factors, including the school's endowment, the enrollment numbers in a given year, and their focus on attracting specific varieties of students. Each school will offer a limited number of scholarships to students based on merit and other factors. Typically, you can learn everything you'll need to know on the website of the university to which you're applying by clicking on "Financial Aid" and selecting "Scholarships." Most schools will separate the scholarships available to in-state, out-of-state, and international students, so you can find the scholarships available to you. Fill out the financial aid application at each school. To apply for scholarships at a university, you don't need to apply for individual scholarships separately, but you do need to mark on your financial aid application that you'd like to be considered. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the universal template for applying for aid in the United States, and it's typically due around the same time as the general admission application, and will come with a variety of other supplementary materials to determine what financial aid to offer you. This includes loans, scholarships, and grants, including the Pell Grant. To start the process, you'll usually need to register on the FAFSA website and receive a PIN number to get started entering your information. You can access FAFSA here. After starting an account, you'll need to fill out your financial information regarding income, savings, investments, and other holdings, or provide this basic information about your parents if you're applying to college as a dependent. The application process will help you determine whether or not you're a dependent. Demonstrate financial need. Full scholarships are primarily offered to in-state applicants who wouldn't be able to pay for college otherwise, with some being offered to exceptional students and athletes variously, depending on the institution. On your FAFSA application, then, it's important that you demonstrate a lack of the essential funds and holdings that would make you able to pay for your education otherwise, and for your application to be as strong as possible in demonstrating your potential to succeed at the school you choose. For most students, applying for FAFSA as a dependent means that you won't qualify for any full scholarships offered by the university that are offered on a need basis. If you're up in the air about how to apply, it might be smarter to apply as an emancipated or an independent student. Cast a wide net. You should be applying to a variety of schools, the financial aid packages at each, and looking for private and federal ways to pay for your schooling on top of university scholarships. For the most part, paying for college is like a patchwork, you'll be accounting for it from a variety of different places, meaning that you'll want to give yourself the most possible options. Apply to be a Gates Millennium Scholar, if you are a member of a racial minority. Established by Bill and Melinda Gates, this scholarship offers a certain number of students of African-American, Asian and Pacific Islander-American, Hispanic-American, and American Indian descent full scholarships to the school of their choice. To apply, you must be recommended by a teacher and fill out an application here. You'll need to do this after having applied to and been accepted to a school, as well as applying for the FAFSA. Ron Brown Scholars are available specifically to students of African-American decent, between 10 and 20 each application year. This foundation provides $10,000 scholarships on a renewable basis, meaning that the total scholarship can be worth up to $40,000 dollars over the course of a four-year degree. Apply for a Davidson scholarship by demonstrating your excellence in a field. By completing a project in science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, or a miscellaneous category called "Outside the Box," students under the age of 18 can qualify for a scholarship anywhere between $10,000 as a Davidson Fellow and $50,000 dollars as a Davidson Fellow Laureate for use at the school of their choice. You can apply here. Apply for science scholarships.The Intel Science Talent Search is a science and technology competition to which you can apply for your same research materials. To apply, you'll need to answer some essay questions, provide a recommendation from a teacher, as well as a transcript. Then you'll fill out the application online and upload your research reports and other materials. Many of the same students are finalists for both of these competitions, making them an excellent resource for students with an excellent mind for research and an interest in science. Take the pre-SAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. This is the easiest scholarship to apply for outside of the university. By signing up for and scoring highly on the pre-SAT, you'll automatically be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, which are awarded to students who demonstrate excellence. Maintain an exceptionally high grade-point average. To qualify for a full scholarship, whether you're applying for money from private foundations or applying to university scholarships, you need to demonstrate your excellence first by maintaining good grades. Most scholarships have a cut-off somewhere around 3.3 or 3.5 GPA, but you'll probably need more like a 4.0 to really stand out. Focus on keeping your grades very high. Get involved in lots of extracurricular activities. When considering scholarship applicants, boards are looking specifically for well-rounded students with dynamic presences and personalities. In addition to academics, joining an extracurricular organization can help to demonstrate that you're a serious and dedicated student. Formal organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) or Future Farmers of America (FFA) will demonstrate your commitment to a particular field, while also offering networking privileges and insider info on securing scholarships and applying. Take small steps by joining clubs and school organizations early on in your high school career and becoming a president or officer by the end of your time in high school. Being a part of athletics, bands, and other types of extracurricular activities can be an excellent way of standing out. Write an excellent personal statement. Well before your scholarship applications and college applications are due, you should start crafting a personal statement that you can use to apply for colleges, and tailor to specific scholarships as needed. The personal statement should introduce you to the organization by articulating your interests, your goals, and your personality. Many people use the personal statement to describe an obstacle overcome or a challenge met. Don't use your personal statement to list things that can be easily found on your resume. Instead, use the personal statement to highlight your goals and your personal connection to those achievements and events. Where do you want to go from here? The personal statement should address that question primarily. Revise your personal statement every time you submit it. You shouldn't use a single blanket statement that you send everywhere, instead choosing to do a little bit of digging and make your personal statement specific to the institution to which you're applying. How does your mission fit in with this school? With this scholarship organization? Personal statements aren't the best time to start experimenting with form. You don't need to write an experimental meta-short-story full of $20 vocab words to try to trick the admissions board into thinking they've got a genius on their hands. Write with concision. Use the thesaurus sparingly. Highlight your disadvantages. So you didn't go to a prestigious prep school. So you didn't enjoy reading in school when you were younger. So your parents haven't been to college. These aren't things to hide on your application, these are things to highlight. Scholarships are most often awarded to students who've faced an uphill battle, not students who've been handed a silver spoon. Don't worry about whether or not your application will look prestigious, make it true to you and your experience. Join ROTC. ROTC stands for Reserved Officers' Training Corps. The Navy, Air Force, and the Army all have programs in place at a variety of universities to train commissioned officers who will serve actively following graduation, in exchange for money toward college. Full and partial scholarships are available through ROTC programs. To join, sign up for the ROTC Basic Course in school, or you can take it before school starts in the summer. Your success in this course will qualify you for ROTC. In some high schools, you can join Junior ROTC to help prepare you and give you a better chance of being accepted into the program. Research the options available at your school if you think this option might be right for you. The Coast Guard offers a similar training program called CSPI. Offered at fewer schools (primarily coastal universities), this can be another good option for qualified candidates. Secure an athletic scholarship. If you're a very talented athlete, lots of teams offer free tuition in exchange for committing your talents to the team. If you're a talented athlete, get in touch with the coaches at schools you're interested in and see if you can get in for a workout or a tryout to get a sense of your chances. Many different schools and sports offer scholarships to players, starting in the junior and senior year of high school. You may start getting interest from schools who'll be in touch and scouting you as a potential player. If you haven't been in touch with any interested schools by the time of your senior year, though, you probably need to make other plans. It's important to understand that most full-ride scholarships are reserved for sports that bring lots of revenue into the school, mostly men's football and basketball. Other sports do offer scholarships, some substantial, but many fewer full scholarships. If you're a softball player, for example, going to school for free may be difficult. Computer-science students should consider the Microsoft University. If you're already a college student studying computer-science, Microsoft University offers free tuition to students looking to transfer and get trained in a slightly different, more innovative way. This can be an excellent but competitive way of getting trained, and all but guarantees you a high-paying job on the other side of your degree. Exhaust your federal loan options. If scholarship opportunities don't pan out, you'll need to pay for as much of tuition as you can by exhausting your federal loan options. These offer competitive interest rates, compared to private loans, and are easy to defer until after college. It's in your incentive to pay them off quickly to avoid accruing extra interest, but it's also easy to win deferments in the short term while you complete your degree and post-graduate degrees and seek gainful employment. . Consider taking out private loans Federal loans often won't cover the whole package, which can put some student families in a tight spot, making private loans a necessary supplement. Fortunately, you can often work to consolidate these loans after college, and defer the payments until you're finished with school. If you've got no way to pay for school otherwise, these are reliable and readily available options for students in need. You may have to get your parents to help cosign for these loans, unless you have a credit history that's significant, depending on the lending institution. Sallie Mae, in particular, caters to students, helping to take out loans to help pay for college. Consider a 529 savings plan to invest money for college. Much like a 401k, a 529 savings plan allows you to invest a certain amount of money with a financial advisor, attempting to make school money with mutual funds. Each state handles 529 plans differently, but nearly every state has a plan in place to allow students to save tax-free money for college. Work for it. Work study programs are available that allow you to work on campus in some capacity, in exchange for a break on tuition, or pay that you can then put toward tuition. Work-study will be a part of financial aid that you'll qualify for if you can demonstrate need, but you'll still need to find campus jobs and apply for them to get this variety of aid. If you don't qualify for financial aid, get an off-campus job to make money and put it toward your tuition payments, as much as possible on top of loans. Keep looking until the last minute. Don't stop looking for scholarship opportunities and seeking out different options when you get in campus. Most students will have already enrolled and started classes before becoming aware of different university-specific funding options and scholarships available. Talk to a financial advisor in the registrar's office at your school to stay updated on new scholarships and options for paying for school. Don't give up.	Apply to your top schools in state first. Find out what financial aid options your top schools offer. Fill out the financial aid application at each school. Demonstrate financial need. Cast a wide net. Apply to be a Gates Millennium Scholar, if you are a member of a racial minority. Apply for a Davidson scholarship by demonstrating your excellence in a field. Apply for science scholarships.The Intel Science Talent Search is a science and technology competition to which you can apply for your same research materials. Take the pre-SAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Maintain an exceptionally high grade-point average. Get involved in lots of extracurricular activities. Write an excellent personal statement. Highlight your disadvantages. Join ROTC. Secure an athletic scholarship. Computer-science students should consider the Microsoft University. Exhaust your federal loan options. . Consider a 529 savings plan to invest money for college. Work for it. Keep looking until the last minute.
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Oak-Cabinets	How to Paint Oak Cabinets	You can get your oak cabinets prepped and painted in around 1-3 weeks. Before you do any painting, you'll want to clean your cabinets thoroughly, unscrew all of the doors and drawers from the hinges, and sand everything to smooth it out. Then, prime the cabinets with an oil-based primer, let it dry for 24 hours, sand the surface lightly, and apply a second coat of primer. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly. Once the 2nd coat of primer is dry, apply 2-3 coats of latex paint, allowing each coat to dry for 24 hours. After the last coat, wait 5 days for the cabinets to fully cure before reinstalling the doors and drawers.	Remove a cabinet door and take it to a hardware store with a paint counter. Oak is porous, and if the pores were not filled during construction, your paint job may look pock marked. It is a good idea to check with a professional to see what paint, primer or sandpaper is specifically necessary for your oak cabinets. Collect latex paint swatches at the hardware store to help you choose your color. Ask the hardware clerk for a high-quality paint that is formulated for kitchen cabinets. Low quality paints can result in drawers and doors that get stuck after reinstallation. If you want to replace the hardware in your doors, take the old pulls and hinges to the hardware store, so you can be sure you are buying the right measurements. New cabinet hardware is often made in different sizes than older hardware. Scrub the surface of the cabinets with a strong detergent mixed with water and a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry with clean towels. The detergent you use should be identified as a grease-cutting detergent. If the cabinets are extremely old or dirty, you should use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to cut the grease on your cabinets. This is an industrial strength cleaner that should be used with extreme caution. You can use 1/2 cup of TSP mixed with 2 gallons (7.5 l) of water. Make sure to ventilate the area well and rinse thoroughly before drying. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1640184-v4-728px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-3Bullet1.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>"} Set up a well-ventilated workshop where you can store your cabinet doors and drawers as you prep and paint them and wait for them to cure. A garage works well for this purpose. Cover the garage floor with drop cloths and bring in sawhorses. Remove all doors and drawers from your cabinets with a screwdriver. Write the location of the cabinet on a piece of blue tape and stick it in the inside of the door or drawer to help you reinstall correctly. Place the drawers and door fronts in your workshop. Store the hardware in small plastic bags to ensure you don't lose anything during the removal process. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid1640184-v4-728px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-5Bullet1.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>"} Apply wood filler to holes with a putty knife, if you are planning on changing the configuration of your cabinet hardware from door pulls to knobs. Place a piece of painter's tape behind the hole, to keep the putty from spilling out of the other end. Allow it to dry and then lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Tape the inside edges of the cabinets and the outside edges of the counters. Cover the floor and appliance surfaces with drop cloths or newspaper. Tape them down at the edges. Sand the surface of all the surfaces you plan to paint with 220-grit sandpaper. Spend extra time making sure it is sanded, if the oak has a thick polyurethane coating. Sweep off the dust and wipe the surfaces with tack cloth. Prime the surface of the cabinets with an oil-based primer. Apply 1 coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours. If the hardware store professional told you that your oak surface has not been filled, you will need to use an extra thick primer. For best results, rent a paint sprayer from a hardware store to apply primer and paint to the doors and drawers. Otherwise, use small foam rollers for the cabinet surfaces that remain in the house. If you don't have a paint sprayer, use a foam roller on the doors and an angled brush to get into the smaller spaces. It is not recommended that you use a brush to do all the surfaces. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-9Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/aid1640184-v4-728px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-9Bullet1.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>"} Sand the surface of the primed oak lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe it with a tack cloth. Apply a second coat of primer, and wait 24 hours before painting again. Apply a coat of latex paint with a paint sprayer to doors and drawers. Apply the paint with a small foam roller to cabinet ends inside the house. Allow the coat to dry for 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by the paint's label. Apply 1 to 3 more coats of latex paint. This amount will depend upon how well the paint covers your current finish. Allow the last coat to dry and cure for at least 5 days. Some people wait up to 2 weeks to ensure the paint is well-cured and will not stick. If you plan to paint the inside of your doors, wait 5 days before turning them and repeating the primer and paint procedure. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/aid1640184-v4-728px-Paint-Oak-Cabinets-Step-13Bullet1.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>"} Reinstall your drawers and doors with the original or new hardware. Remove painter's tape carefully along the edges of the cabinets and other surfaces. Dispose of drop cloths. Clean your paint rollers and brushes thoroughly.	Remove a cabinet door and take it to a hardware store with a paint counter. Collect latex paint swatches at the hardware store to help you choose your color. Scrub the surface of the cabinets with a strong detergent mixed with water and a sponge. Set up a well-ventilated workshop where you can store your cabinet doors and drawers as you prep and paint them and wait for them to cure. Remove all doors and drawers from your cabinets with a screwdriver. Apply wood filler to holes with a putty knife, if you are planning on changing the configuration of your cabinet hardware from door pulls to knobs. Tape the inside edges of the cabinets and the outside edges of the counters. Sand the surface of all the surfaces you plan to paint with 220-grit sandpaper. Prime the surface of the cabinets with an oil-based primer. Sand the surface of the primed oak lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of latex paint with a paint sprayer to doors and drawers. Apply 1 to 3 more coats of latex paint. Allow the last coat to dry and cure for at least 5 days. Reinstall your drawers and doors with the original or new hardware. Remove painter's tape carefully along the edges of the cabinets and other surfaces.
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-over-Someone-Who-You-Know-You-Can%27t-Date	How to Get over Someone Who You Know You Can't Date	Liking someone who you can't date can be tough, but by reducing your contact with them and focusing on your own life, you can start to get over them. Unfollow the person from social media and avoid contacting them so you can get some distance and perspective. If you have to interact with them, keep your conversations brief and impersonal. That way, you'll start to view them as just another person again. While you're getting over them, distract yourself with the things you enjoy, like hobbies or hanging out with friends. If you find yourself feeling down about the person, try listing the things you don't like about them. This will help remind you that they're only human and you're not missing much.	Remove the person from your social media contacts. It's nearly impossible to get over someone you have to see constantly, even if it's just pictures of them on social media. What can also make the situation worse is if you see posts about them with a romantic interest. You can stop torturing yourself by not having to look at them on your social media accounts. You can unfriend or stop following the person so you don't have to see their pictures or posts. If you don't want the person to know you aren't seeing their posts anymore, you can simply unfollow them, which allows you to remain friends but doesn't put their posts in your newsfeeds. Delete the person from your phone (if you have one). Having the person's number in your phone is too tempting. You may feel the constant need to call or text, particularly if you've had a few drinks. To resist reaching out, remove them as a contact. You may also want to block them from contacting you. It may seem harsh, but you likely won't be able to get over the person if you continue to interact with them. Resist spending time with them whenever possible. If you're friends with the person you can't date, you may still have to interact with them because of your situation. Doing so, however, is likely extremely difficult and can make getting over them even harder. Refrain from attending events with them, and decline any invites you receive from them. This may make the person confused, particularly if they aren't aware of how you feel, but it's what you need to do to move on. If the person is aware of how you feel, you can tell them the reason why you can't spend time with them. For instance, you could say, “You know I enjoy spending time with you, but it's too hard for me to be around you right now. I hate to do this, but I'm not going to be able to hang out with you until I get my feelings under control.” It may be difficult for them to understand right now, but they may eventually get your reasons. Communicate with the person only when necessary. If this person is a coworker or other acquaintance that you can't completely detach from, try your best to limit interaction as much as possible. If you and this person don't work closely together, it may be as simple as avoiding areas where they hang out. If you do work closely with this person, you might consider asking your boss for a reassignment or seeing if you could switch to a new project with a different team. All in all, just make sure you don't let your emotional connection to the person interfere with your professionalism. Stay cordial, but don't go out of your want to connect with them. Don’t give into temptation. If you had a relationship with the person, it may seem like a good idea to engage in physical contact with them, particularly if that was the basis of your relationship. Although this is tempting because you like the person, doing so will only make things harder for you. You will likely become more attached to the person if you spend time with them in this way. Plus, sex adds a whole host of other potential problems into the picture. If you have decided not to be with them, don't be with them in any way. Avoid idealizing the person. When you really like someone, you tend to focus on their positives. This is particularly the case when you can't have them. But this isn't reality: everyone has flaws and it would be good for you to think about them instead of what you like about the person. Make a list of why the relationship wouldn't work. Also, write down what you don't particularly like about the person. Refer back to it when you're feeling down about not being able to be with the person. Accept that you can’t be with them. If you can't be together because the other person doesn't want to, simply accept that there's nothing you can do about it. No matter what you say or do, the person is still likely going to feel the same way. Stop getting your hopes up and torturing yourself by trying to convince them otherwise. It may also help to be frank with yourself. You might say, "Get a grip, Samantha. You can't date Peter because he's married. He's off-limits." Otherwise, if the person can't see how valuable you are, then they don't deserve you. Remember to tell yourself this at times when you are feeling low. Practice self-compassion. Having self-love right now is key to moving on. Do things that make you feel strong and empowered. Focus on nurturing yourself, such as with positive affirmations , pampering, and doing other activities that you enjoy. For example, if you have a favorite hobby, then setting aside time each day or a few times per week to do that would be a good way to practice self-compassion. Self-love and compassion may also translate to taking it easy on yourself. Be okay with less-than-perfect work performance. Allow yourself a night off to binge-watch TV shows or movies. Call a friend to let them know you're feeling low. It may be wise to seek the help of a therapist if you are struggling with self-esteem problems. The therapist may be able to encourage you to see just how valuable you are and this may help you to move on. Take up a new hobby to keep yourself busy. Sitting around and thinking about this person constantly is not only unproductive, but could make you extremely depressed. Instead, use your energy to take up a new hobby. Keeping your body and mind occupied is key right now to stop yourself from dwelling on this sad aspect of your life. If you can't find a hobby you enjoy doing, go online to look for opportunities to have fun. For example, you could join a club, start exercising, travel, or do anything you've always wanted to do. There's no better time than now to start focusing on you. Look for someone else to start moving on. It may be hard to imagine yourself with anyone except for this person, but doing so is a good idea. Finding someone else to spend time with can help you realize that there is someone out there who understands what a catch you are. It can also make you stop thinking about this person who is unattainable. You could join an online dating site, or ask your friends and family to connect you with someone. You may also be able to connect with someone at your church, school, or job. You may be surprised at how many people you've looked over because you are only focusing on the person you couldn't have. Visualize your next significant other. Think about the traits of the next person you want to have a relationship with. Be honest and true to yourself about what you really want. Doing this may prevent you from getting into the same situation you are in now. Don't settle for anything less than what you really want. You may be tempted to get over this person, but falling for someone who isn't what you want may not make you fully happy, and you deserve to be happy. Get encouragement and support from others. Talking about how you feel is vital to your mental health. Bottling up your emotions and feelings may seem like a good idea at first, but you'll never feel better holding onto your anger, hurt, bitterness, and even grief. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about how you feel, and you'll heal much faster. You may even want to join a support group or speak to a counselor about your situation. They may be able to offer you ideas on how to move on and can give your self-confidence a boost so that you can meet the person you were meant to.	Remove the person from your social media contacts. Delete the person from your phone (if you have one). Resist spending time with them whenever possible. Communicate with the person only when necessary. Don’t give into temptation. Avoid idealizing the person. Accept that you can’t be with them. Practice self-compassion. Take up a new hobby to keep yourself busy. Look for someone else to start moving on. Visualize your next significant other. Get encouragement and support from others.
https://www.wikihow.com/Polish-Jewelry	How to Polish Jewelry	To polish silver jewelry, start by rinsing it in warm water, drying it with a soft cloth, and using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub it with silver cleaner. Alternatively, if you're polishing gold jewelry, soak it in warm water and dishwashing soap for 15 minutes. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry. If the jewelry is still dingy, mix water and ammonia, submerge the jewelry in the mixture for 1 minute, and rinse with warm water.	Rinse the silver in warm water. Quickly rinse the silver jewelry in warm, but not hot water. If you're cleaning several pieces of jewelry, make sure to rinse each piece of jewelry individually. Inspect each piece of jewelry after rinsing to make sure nothing has fallen off or been damaged during the rinsing process. Dry with a soft cloth. Once you have rinsed the jewelry, then rub a soft chamois jeweler's cloth over the surfaces to polish and shine. Rub the cloth in a gentle, circular motion over the jewelry. Make sure all of the moisture has been dried after you have finished drying and polishing. Use a silver-cleaning fluid. If rinsing and polishing hasn't produced a satisfactory result, then use a silver-cleaning fluid. Apply the silver cleaner with a soft toothbrush and scrub gently. Finish polishing with a chamois cloth. A chamois cloth can be purchased at a jewelry store or online. You can also choose to use a silver-cleaning cloth rather than a fluid. Goddard's Silver Dip is an example of a silver-cleaning fluid, and it is available at drugstores and supermarkets. Keep cleaning to a minimum. Make sure to remove silver jewelry before getting into in chlorinated swimming pools or hot tubs. Exposure to air and light tarnishes silver. Avoid wearing silver rings when you will be using your hands for projects, like gardening. Especially avoid wearing your silver when you will be coming into contact with cleaning products and products that contain sulfur, like mayonnaise. Always keep your pieces in a cloth jewelry bag when not in use. Put on your silver as a finishing touch to your outfit. Don't use hairspray, cosmetics, or other hair products after putting jewelry on. Soak in warm water and dishwashing soap. Create a mixture of two cups of warm water and only a few drops of a mild dishwashing soap. Put the gold jewelry into the water. Allow it to soak for fifteen minutes. Joy is an example of a mild dishwashing soap. You can also use water and dishwashing soap to polish gold filled jewelry. Scrub with a soft toothbrush. Once the gold has soaked for fifteen minutes, remove it from the water. Take a soft toothbrush and gently scrub in small, circular motions. Do not scrub too hard or use too hard of a brush or you may damage the gold. Rinse in warm water. After you have scrubbed the gold, rinse it in warm water. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any leftover mixture. Once it has been rinsed, use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry. Then, store it in your jewelry box or other safe location with care to avoid future damage. Submerge the gold in a mixture of water and ammonia. Try this method if the warm water and soap did not clean your gold jewelry as well as you desired. Using ammonia is a powerful cleaning method that should be conducted carefully. Mix 6 parts water with 1 part ammonia in a bowl. Submerge the gold jewelry in the mixture for no longer than one minute. Leaving the jewelry in for any longer could damage the gold. Rinse thoroughly with water. Only use this method occasionally for heavy cleaning. Using this method too often could result in discolored and damaged jewelry. Ask a jeweler if you're unsure that your jewelry can handle the ammonia. Pure gold doesn't actually tarnish, but other metals commonly found in gold jewelry can, like silver, nickel, and copper. Find out what other metals are in your gold jewelry so you know the best way to polish it. Examine for loose prongs. Grime and dirt is sometimes the only thing holding a stone in place, especially if it is an older piece of jewelry. Use care when scrubbing and always polish while holding directly over a towel, never over a sink or floor. If a piece of the jewelry is loose, take it to a jeweler to be fixed before cleaning it on your own. Create a mixture of warm water and ammonia for diamonds. Pour one cup of warm water and ¼ cup of ammonia into a bowl. Do not put the diamonds in the mixture directly. Instead, take a soft toothbrush toothbrush and dip it into the mixture. Mix warm water and soap for gemstones like rubies and sapphires. To clean other gemstones, like rubies and sapphires, use two cups of water and a few drops of dish soap or detergent. Put the jewelry into the mixture. Allow the jewelry to soak for twenty minutes before removing. You can also use baby shampoo in place of soap or detergent. Scrub with a soft toothbrush. Begin gently scrubbing the diamonds with the toothbrush that has been dipped into the mixture. Along with cleaning the main parts of the jewelry, make sure to to get into the small areas and setting as well. If you are cleaning diamonds with a platinum setting, this mixture with ammonia will clean the setting as well as the diamonds. Use a soft toothbrush that will not be used again for any other purpose outside of cleaning. Rinse with warm water. Rinse the jewelry under or in warm water when you have finished scrubbing. If you're cleaning multiple pieces of jewelry, rinse each piece individually. Then, lay the diamonds or gemstones on a tissue to dry. Store them in a safe place once they have finished drying.. Clean with a commercial jewelry cleaner. If the jewelry doesn't come out as polished as you'd like it be, you can purchase a commercial jewelry cleaner. A cleaner can be purchased online or at a jewelry store. Make sure to ask a jeweler if your jewelry can withstand a commercial cleaner before using it. The directions for using a commercial jewelry cleaner depends on the type of cleaner you have. Read the instructions carefully before use. Create a mixture. Use one cup of water and a few drops of shampoo. Any type of shampoo is fine to use. Pour the shampoo and water into a bowl and stir using a spoon or other utensil.. Go over the pearls with a makeup brush. Don't dip the pearls directly into the mixture. Instead, use a small and clean makeup brush. Dip the makeup brush into the mixture. Go over each pearl with the makeup brush. Make sure to clean every part of the pearl, even the part near the setting. Rinse the pearls with a damp cloth. Use a damp cloth that has been wrung dry. Gently rub the pearls with the damp cloth to rinse the mixture off. Allow the pearls to dry on the soft, dry cloth they were originally laid out on. Practice preventative cleaning measures. Pearls are fragile and easily damaged by harsh cleaning methods. Always put on your pearl jewelry after applying makeup and aerosol products. Clean immediately after perspiring and being in smoky environments. Mix baby shampoo and water. Do not use a commercial jewelry cleaner on costumer jewelry because the solution is usually too harsh. Instead, mix one drop of baby shampoo into one cup of water. Stir the mixture together with a spin or other utensil. Don't put vinegar or any other acidic ingredient into the mixture. Use a soft toothbrush or Q-Tip. Dip a soft toothbrush or Q-Tip into the mixture. Gently scrub over the surface of the jewelry. Make sure to clean the hard-to-reach spots and small areas. You may want to use a toothbrush for the larger areas, and a Q-Tip for the smaller areas. Rinse in cold water. After you are done scrubbing, rinse the solution off of the jewelry in cold water. Do not use warm water because it can loosen the glue. Make sure all of the mixture is rinsed off and then dry the jewelry with a towel or microfiber cloth. Dry with a hairdryer. Use a hair dryer to make sure that the jewelry is completely dry. Any leftover moisture can cause rust. Make sure to use the cool setting. A warmer or hot setting can cause the piece to warp or glue to melt. Store in plastic bags. Keep each piece of costume jewelry in its own zipper plastic bag. Be sure that all oxygen is removed from the bag before storing it. Keeping the jewelry from being exposed to oxygen will keep it shinier for longer between cleanings. You can also purchase a velvet-lined jewelry box that has a lid instead of using plastic bags. Or, you can store the plastic box inside of the jewelry box.	Rinse the silver in warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. Use a silver-cleaning fluid. Keep cleaning to a minimum. Soak in warm water and dishwashing soap. Scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in warm water. Submerge the gold in a mixture of water and ammonia. Examine for loose prongs. Create a mixture of warm water and ammonia for diamonds. Mix warm water and soap for gemstones like rubies and sapphires. Scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. Clean with a commercial jewelry cleaner. Create a mixture. Go over the pearls with a makeup brush. Rinse the pearls with a damp cloth. Practice preventative cleaning measures. Mix baby shampoo and water. Use a soft toothbrush or Q-Tip. Rinse in cold water. Dry with a hairdryer. Store in plastic bags.
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Kanken	How to Wash a Kanken	To wash your Kanken backpack, all you'll need to do is scrub it with soapy water. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with a bowl of warm water. Soak a clean cloth or sponge in the water and wipe your bag to remove any marks or stains. For tough stains, use a soft brush or toothbrush. Make sure you get inside all of the corners and pockets. When you've finished cleaning your backpack, hang it somewhere out of direct sunlight to air dry. Check that it's completely dry before returning your things.	Empty the backpack. Remove all items from the bag and check the pockets; sometimes small items can be missed. Shake the backpack upside down over a rubbish bin or an old newspaper page so small particles can fall out. You can also use a handheld vacuum to get rid of any loose dirt particles and crumbs. If any items are dirty, use this opportunity to clean them as you don't want to put dirty items back into your bag once you've washed it. Check the backpack material. Take note of all the marks and stains on the backpack, both on the inside and the outside, so you have a general idea of where to focus your cleaning efforts. Keep the backpack fully unzipped and the pockets open. Make the washing liquid. Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and mix in a mild detergent. A few drops of detergent will be enough. Mix the liquid well until bubbles form. Water at a temperature between 98 °F (37 °C) and 105 °F (41 °C) is usually considered as lukewarm. Without a thermometer, you can check the temperature of the water by running it over your wrist. If the water feels a little warmer than your body temperature, you're good to go. Mild detergents include dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo. Wipe the bag with a cloth or sponge. Dip the cloth or soft side of the sponge into the washing mixture. Gently wipe to remove light marks or stains. Continue to wet the cloth or sponge as you go. Replace the water when it gets too dirty. Kånken backpacks have a large opening for the main compartment. You won't need to turn them inside out to clean the inside. Scrub tough stains with a soft brush. A toothbrush can also be quite handy to scrub tougher stains or hard to reach spots such as inside corners and small pockets. Hang the backpack to dry. Once cleaned to your satisfaction, hang the backpack in an area out of direct sunlight and allow it to air dry. Colours may fade if the bag is left in strong sunlight. Check that the bag is completely dry before use. Items such as paper and electronics can be damaged by moisture.	Empty the backpack. Check the backpack material. Make the washing liquid. Wipe the bag with a cloth or sponge. Scrub tough stains with a soft brush. Hang the backpack to dry.
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Gym-Shoes	How to Wash Gym Shoes	One way to wash gym shoes is by using the washing machine. First, remove the insoles and shoe laces, and wipe any dirt off of the outside of the shoe. If you want to wash the shoe laces, you can place them in a mesh bag in the washing machine to prevent them from getting damaged. Then, spray a stain remover on large stains, and place the shoes in the washing machine with towels or other sturdy linens. Use liquid detergent and choose a gentle cycle with cold water. Allow the shoes to air dry before replacing the insole and shoe laces.	Take out the insoles the night before you wash the shoes. Take out your insoles and put them in a box filled with baking soda, because chances are the insides of your gym shoes don't smell great. It's best that they sit overnight, so take out the insoles the night before you want to wash your shoes. Wipe off any excess dirt. Especially if your shoes are very dirty, use an old rag to wipe down the filth before putting them in the wash. This will help prevent gross dirt and grass from collecting in your washer. If the dirt's really crusted on, bang those shoes up against each other outside. Remove the shoelaces. Because dirt tends to collect around the eyelets of your shoes, you should always remove the shoelaces before washing. This way they'll be exposed more freely for cleaning during the wash cycle. Place shoelaces in mesh bag. Put the shoelaces into a mesh bag so they won't get tangled up. You can then throw this mesh bag in the washing machine. These mesh bags are often used for washing women's delicates and are found in the laundry aisle of a home goods store. Pretreat bad stains with stain remover. If your shoes have any heavily soiled areas, pretreat them with a laundry product, such as Shout. Simply spray the product on the stained area before you throw the shoes in the wash. Check if the shoes are machine washable. Before you wash your gym shoes, be sure that the material that they are made of is appropriate for washing. If not, you might ruin the shoes by adding water. Leather is an example of material that needs extra care. If your gym shoes are leather, you should clean them by hand. Put the shoes in the washer with other linens. To give your shoes more support in the wash, fill the washer with old towels or other linens that you don't mind being exposed to your dirty shoes. This will be a more gentle environment for your shoes. This will also cut down on the amount of clunking you hear during the wash cycle. Put in liquid detergent. You can use the normal amount of detergent that you would use for any load the size of the one you've included your gym shoes in. However, you should always use liquid detergent. Powdered detergent may stick to the inside of your shoes. Using more detergent than necessary will not make your shoes cleaner. It'll just leave soap residue on your shoes that'll make them stiff. Choose the gentle cycle and cold water. The gentle cycle won't spin your shoes around as much, so it will reduce how banged around they get. Using cold water, instead of hot, will prevent any shrinkage of your shoes. Remove the shoes and laces from the washer. After the wash cycle has ended, immediately remove your shoes so they don't become moldy. Allow your shoes and shoelaces to air dry. You should never put your shoes into the dryer, since the exposure to heat can lead to misshapen shoes or cause the glue that keeps your shoes together to disintegrate. Instead, leave your shoes and shoelaces out in an open space to air dry. Leave your shoes outside overnight to dry. However, you can set your shoes in front of a dehumidifier, air vent, or fan to help them dry more quickly in a few hours. Don't put shoes in direct sunlight as this may cause them to shrink and not fit correctly. Insert newspaper into the shoes to keep their shape. If you're concerned about your shoes losing their shape, ball up newspaper and stuff it inside the shoes. The newspaper will also soak up the moisture and help your shoes dry faster. Brush the baking soda off your insoles. Remove your insoles from the baking soda they've been soaking in during the washing and drying of your shoes. Shake off the insoles and then brush off any remaining baking soda with a soft-bristled brush. Re-lace your shoelaces and re-insert your insoles. After your shoes have completely dried, put your shoelaces and insoles back into your shoes. You'll be good to go with newly cleaned shoes!	Take out the insoles the night before you wash the shoes. Wipe off any excess dirt. Remove the shoelaces. Place shoelaces in mesh bag. Pretreat bad stains with stain remover. Check if the shoes are machine washable. Put the shoes in the washer with other linens. Put in liquid detergent. Choose the gentle cycle and cold water. Remove the shoes and laces from the washer. Allow your shoes and shoelaces to air dry. Insert newspaper into the shoes to keep their shape. Brush the baking soda off your insoles. Re-lace your shoelaces and re-insert your insoles.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Perfumed-Body-Mist	How to Make Perfumed Body Mist	To make perfumed body mist, start by stirring 10 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol with 1/2 tablespoon of your favorite essential oil until they are evenly blended. In a separate container, mix 4 tablespoons of distilled water with 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Next, combine the 2 mixtures together and slowly stir the ingredients for about 60 seconds. Then, pour the body mist into an 8 ounce spray bottle and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks to allow the scent to fully develop.	Gather your ingredients. While there are many variations on the theme, most DIY perfume mists are made of the same four basic ingredients – essential oil(s), alcohol, distilled water and glycerin. These botanical blends are all-natural, unlike most store-bought perfumes and colognes, which are made of synthetic ingredients. To make 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) (1 cup) of perfume mist, you will need: 10 tablespoons of alcohol; ½ tablespoon of essential oil(s); 4 tablespoons of distilled water; ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Blend the alcohol and essential oil together. Using a clean container and spoon, slowly stir the alcohol and essential oil(s) of your choice together. Gently swirl the ingredients around about 20 times with your spoon until they are evenly mixed together. Both rubbing alcohol and vodka are acceptable choices for this recipe. However, rubbing alcohol will have a strong alcohol scent that many people dislike, whereas vodka is much more neutral. If you'd prefer not to use any form of alcohol (which some people find too harsh or drying), you can substitute with witch hazel instead. The essential oils used are a completely personal choice. You can use one that you particularly love by itself, or use several to create different scents and customized blends. Use a separate container to mix the glycerin and water. Using clean instruments, mix these two ingredients together. You don't need to whisk them vigorously – about 15-20 swirls around with your spoon will get the job done. The vegetable glycerin can even be omitted if you wish. However, since it acts as a binding agent for the ingredients, it is recommended that you use it if at all possible. Glycerin also moisturizes and allows the perfume mist to last much longer on your skin. If you do omit it, you will still end up with a great smelling end product, but the scent will fade fairly quickly. You can also substitute vegetable oil, jojoba oil or even olive oil for the glycerin. These oils act as binders and carriers, just as glycerin does. Distilled water is the most recommended choice, but filtered and mineral water will also work. For an even longer lasting scent, substitute rose water or orange flower water for the distilled water. These substances will enhance the scent and nourish your skin. Combine the two mixtures together. Bring the two separate mixes together by either combining them using an entirely new container, or you can pour the contents of one into the other. Stir the ingredients together slowly for about 60 seconds until they are mixed together well. Pour the blend into an 8 ounce spray bottle. Use a funnel if this makes it easier for you to transmit the fluid into a glass or plastic spray bottle. The spray bottle you choose can be new or used, that's up to you. If you are re-purposing a used bottle, sterilize it first so that you have a completely clean vessel for your blend. Dark containers are the best choice, since even minimal exposure to light can diminish your scent. Plastic bottles hold diluted essential oils, such as your perfume mist, very well. However, never store undiluted essential oils in plastic containers, since the potent oils can damage and deteriorate plastic. Store the mist in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. During this interval the blend's ingredients will meld and it will allow the scent to fully develop. Take the bottle out every day and shake it a few times to encourage the recipe to blend. After the two weeks pass, your perfume mist is ready to use! Keep your mist in a cool and dark environment. To preserve the integrity and shelf life of your perfume mist, keep it away from extreme temperatures. Don't store it in your bathroom, since the heat and humidity will break down its molecular structure. Don't store it near a window or expose it to sunlight, which will degrade the blend. Hot, humid atmospheres like bathrooms can also encourage bacteria to grow inside your bottle, which is a potential health risk. Make sure your bottle is airtight and keep the cap on it at all times when it's not in use. The alcohol in your mist will evaporate quickly when exposed to air and your mixture will dry up more quickly. Gather your ingredients. There are many different formulas and variations you can use to make this hair perfume mist, but all of them feature three basic ingredients – pure vanilla extract, essential oil(s) and rosewater. Most commercially made products are made with artificial fragrances and harmful chemicals, but this botanical recipe is all-natural, smells great and provides health benefits. To make 4 fluid ounces (120 ml) (1/2 cup) of this hair perfume mist, you will need: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract; 20-25 drops of essential oil(s); 4 ounces of rosewater; One 4 oz spray bottle (glass or plastic). Mix the vanilla extract and essential oils together. Measure out these ingredients and put them directly into the 4 ounce spray bottle. Gently swirl the spray bottle around so that the vanilla extract and essential oils blend together. 15-20 swirls will get the job done. Use any combination of essential oils that you wish. However, if you're stumped and unsure which ones to use, try this successful blend: 3 drops patchouli, 4 drops ylang ylang, 3 drops rosemary, 4 drops cedarwood, 5 drops lavender, 4 drops grapefruit, and 4 drops bergamot. Feel free to adjust the number of drops to your liking and omit any oils that you dislike. Make sure you end up using 20-25 drops of essential oil total. Pour the rosewater directly into the spray bottle. Fill the spray bottle up almost all the way to the brim, stopping about an inch before the brim. Screw the nozzle back on tightly and recap the spray bottle. Shake the bottle for about 60 seconds until the ingredients are blended well. Your hair perfume mist is now ready to use! The spray bottle you use can be new or used, that's up to you. If you are re-purposing a used bottle, be sure to clean and disinfect it thoroughly first. Dark bottles are the best choice, since even minimal exposure to light can diminish your scent. Spray the mist on towel-dried hair. Style as usual for gorgeously scented locks. This spritz is also great for reviving hair that hasn't been washed for 2 or 3 days. Spray a little onto your hair to freshen it up. Store the hair perfume mist in the refrigerator. This will preserve the integrity and shelf life of your hair perfume mist. After using it, try to put it immediately back in the fridge. Make sure your bottle is airtight and keep the cap on it at all times when it's not in use. Select oils based on scent group. When using essential oils for perfumery, the best place to start is with scent groups. The major scent groups are floral, woodsy, earthy, citrusy, oriental and spicy. Oils that are in the same scent group usually blend very well together. The most popular and easy to find essential oils for each scent group are: Floral scent group: lavender, rose, neroli and jasmine. Woodsy scent group: pine and cedarwood. Earthy scent group: oakmoss, vetiver and patchouli. Citrusy scent group: orange, lemon and grapefruit. Spicy scent group: clove and cinnamon. Oriental scent group: ginger and patchouli. Mix lavender, jasmine and neroli to create a floral perfume mist. To make 8 ounces (1 cup) of perfume mist, you will need ½ tablespoon of essential oils. This is approximately 110 drops. To make a floral perfume mist using the formula already presented, try this recipe: 40 drops lavender essential oil; 35 drops neroli essential oil; 35 drops jasmine essential oil; 10 tablespoons of alcohol; 4 tablespoons of distilled water; ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Experiment with your own modifications. Once you get the hang of it, get creative and try your own experiments with different proportions of the essential oils. For example, you could modify the above formula to be a lavender-heavy scent that only includes 2 oils from the scent group – lavender and neroli. Adjust the lavender amount to be 70 drops. Adjust the neroli amount to be 40 drops. This amounts to 110 drops total, which is what the recipe calls for. Follow the rest of the formula and you'll have an altogether new floral scent. Mix oakmoss, vetiver and patchouli to create an earthy perfume mist. The original formula remains the same, but this time the scent group is woodsy. Once you get the hang of it, experiment with the proportions, just like you did with the floral group. To get you started, try this recipe to create a woodsy perfume mist: 50 drops oakmoss essential oil; 40 drops patchouli essential oil; 20 drops vetiver essential oil; 10 tablespoons of alcohol; 4 tablespoons of distilled water; ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Mix floral and citrusy oils together for a layered blend. Some scent groups mix well with other scent groups. Floral and citrusy oils are two scent groups that generally mix well together. Using the same formula as before, create an energizing citrusy floral mist by modifying it with a lavender oil and grapefruit oil blend: 85 drops lavender essential oil; 25 drops grapefruit essential oil; 10 tablespoons of alcohol; 4 tablespoons of distilled water; ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Mix more than one layered blend for a unique scent. Aside from floral and citrusy, there are many other scent groups that compliment each other and mix well together. Use the same formula as before and reference this general guideline to get you started mixing across scent groups: Florals blend well with oils from the spicy, citrusy and woodsy scent groups. Oriental oils blend well with oils from the floral and citrusy scent groups. Woodsy oils usually blend well with all scent groups. Experiment! By trying different the oils, mixing across scent groups and modifying proportions, the possibilities are almost limitless. Determine your therapeutic goal(s). Essential oils smell amazing in your perfume mist, but they also provide a variety of mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. Cultures all over the world have been using them for thousands of years for these purposes. When choosing essential oils for your perfume mist, give therapeutic edge to the blend by addressing specific physical and mental health issues. The act of inhaling different essential oils offers a wide range of psychological and physical benefits known as aromatherapy. Inhalation and topical application of particular essential oils can provide medicinal benefits with additional health, hygiene and beauty advantages. Select essential oils for aromatherapy. An array of mental and emotional reactions can be triggered through the act of inhaling particular essential oil scents. You can choose a single oil or combine the oils to experience a combination of positive effects. Aromatherapy is a vast subject, but there are some commonly chosen oils for therapeutic uses. Roman chamomile essential oil has fragrance properties that are soothing and can reduce stress. Clary sage essential oil has fragrance properties that can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Neroli essential oil has a rich scent with antidepressant effects. It can also relieve stress. Patchouli essential oil has fragrance properties that can help ease depression. Lavender essential oil has fragrance properties that can promote calmness and relaxation. Lemon essential oil has an uplifting scent that can ease depression and boost energy. Opt for essential oils with medicinal purposes. The naturally occurring chemicals in essential oils can offer medicinal and healing benefits when applied topically to the skin and when inhaled into the lungs. The range of essential oils with medicinal benefits is wide, but not all of these particular oils make great ingredients for a perfume mist because some of them don't smell especially pleasant. Luckily, there are plenty of oils that both smell great and provide medicinal value. Roman chamomile essential oil acts as an antispasmodic and sedative; it also provides anti-inflammatory properties and can ease insomnia/promote sleep. Lavender essential oil can relieve headache and migraine pain. It can be applied topically to soothe minor skin irritations and ease insomnia/promote sleep. Clary sage essential oil can relieve menstrual cramps and labor pain. It's also considered to be an aphrodisiac. Neroli essential oil has antispasmodic properties and can be helpful during pregnancy/delivery. Neroli can also ease postpartum depression. Patchouli essential oil is soothing to the nervous system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus essential oil provides antibacterial benefits and can soothe muscle aches. Through inhalation, eucalyptus oil can both clear the sinuses and boost the immune system. Exercise caution when using essential oils. Because they are so highly concentrated, essential oils can have negative side effects if used improperly. Consult a doctor before using them if you are pregnant, nursing or have immune deficiencies. If you have sensitive skin, always do a skin patch test before using essential oils topically. Essential oils are far too potent to be applied directly to the skin without diluting them first. Some of them can irritate the skin. Use the highest grade essential oils that you can find. Check their bottles and packaging for key phrases like “pure grade”, “aromatherapy grade”, “certified organic” and “therapeutic grade.”	Gather your ingredients. Blend the alcohol and essential oil together. Use a separate container to mix the glycerin and water. Combine the two mixtures together. Pour the blend into an 8 ounce spray bottle. Store the mist in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Keep your mist in a cool and dark environment. Gather your ingredients. Mix the vanilla extract and essential oils together. Pour the rosewater directly into the spray bottle. Spray the mist on towel-dried hair. Store the hair perfume mist in the refrigerator. Select oils based on scent group. Mix lavender, jasmine and neroli to create a floral perfume mist. Experiment with your own modifications. Mix oakmoss, vetiver and patchouli to create an earthy perfume mist. Mix floral and citrusy oils together for a layered blend. Mix more than one layered blend for a unique scent. Determine your therapeutic goal(s). Select essential oils for aromatherapy. Opt for essential oils with medicinal purposes. Exercise caution when using essential oils.
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-More-Confident-Around-Horses	How to Become More Confident Around Horses	To become more confident around a horse, approach it calmly from the side, since it may not see you and become startled if you approach it head on. When you reach it, put one hand gently on the base of its neck and pet in the direction of its hair, since this will teach it that you're not a threat. Another way to increase your confidence is to feed your horse a treat like a carrot or some apple slices, since this will help you feel more at ease around it. Remember to keep your palm flat as you offer the food to prevent your horse biting your fingers. If there's an experienced trainer around, ask if you can help them groom the horse to help increase your confidence.	Watch horses from afar. Though there are exceptions, most horses are fairly calm and docile when left to themselves. Watching a herd of horses feed in a field a short distance away from you can make them seem much less intimidating than they might otherwise. Once you're comfortable with this, you can gradually start interacting with horses close up. Use this opportunity to observe horse body language. Note the way they move their heads, ears, and rears when they interact with each other. For example, a horse that's upset will often pin its ears back (move them so that they lay flat against its head). Approach horses calmly from an angle. Horses are remarkably good at sensing when people are nervous. If you approach the animal when you are calm, cool, and collected, the horse will probably stay this way too. Make sure a horse can see you coming; they're most comfortable when humans don't take them by surprise. Move towards the horse's front shoulder, staying out of the small blind spot in front of the horse's nose. Use slow but purposeful movements. Try not to hesitate as you approach. If he moves away from you, move with him, continuing toward him. Don't stop until his feet are still. Offer the horse affection. When you reach the horse's shoulder, make sure it can see you, then gently lay one hand on the base of its neck. Offer a few gentle words of greeting and encouragement as you pet it. If the horse moves away, approach its shoulder again and repeat. Eventually, it will learn you are not a threat (and you will learn that it is not a threat!). Pet in the direction of the hair. Going against the grain can be uncomfortable for horses. Groom the horse. Helping an experienced trainer do basic tasks like grooming is a good way to gain respect for the care that goes into raising horses, while also improving your confidence around them. Ask a horse professional for a chance to help with washing, brushing, or another grooming task to build up your confidence. Feed the horse. This is a fun activity that can make the horse feel more at ease around you (and vice versa). While you can buy treats for this, most horses will be just as happy with things like hay, carrots, and apple slices. Offer the horse the treat by holding it away from your body, about a foot or so in front of its nose. If the horse doesn't seem to want it, don't thrust it into her face. Keep your palm flat as you offer the food to the horse. This keeps the horse from biting one of your fingers by accident. Get the horse to respect you by using a lead rope. If you're not familiar with horses, get a professional to help you secure a lead rope to the horse. With a grip on your lead rope (12-15 feet of rope is a good length), take a step away from the horse and look at his hindquarters. Lean in and begin to swing the end of the rope in a circular pattern to tell him you want him to move his hindquarters away from you. Stop the moment he reacts, and turn away with no more threat in your posture. This teaches the horse to submit to your commands, and can help him become more docile around you. If he does not move after a couple of swings of the rope end, swing it so that it hits his hindquarters firmly. Continue repeating this exercise until he respects your requests as soon as you look at his hindquarters and lean in. Stay in a horse's "safe zones. " If you're worried about getting hurt by a horse, it's helpful to know that a horse will have a very hard time harming you if you watch where you are. Staying arm's length from the horse's front shoulder is a good general policy. Here, it's difficult for the horse to kick you, rear up, or bite (which, of course, is unlikely anyway). Ask to be paired with a beginner-friendly horse. While most horses at training centers that accept beginners will be perfectly safe, the owners may be able to recommend you a horse that is especially calm or docile. This can help you build up your confidence. It's much easier to relax around a horse that you know is very unlikely to cause any trouble. Tack up the horse before you get on. "Tack" is a term used for the equipment used to ride the horse (i.e. saddle, reins, etc.). Learning to put this on is an important horse-riding skill, but it's also a valuable opportunity to gain confidence working closely with a horse. See our tacking guide for specific instructions. Get a professional to help you if it's your first time. Get the horse to submit to your rein commands. This will improve your confidence by helping you feel more in control. Mount the horse and pull one rein to your thigh until his nose touches your leg. The very moment you feel him submit (by taking the pressure off the rein himself), let the rein go slack again. Do this consistently and he will learn to be very flexible to your commands with a very light touch on the rein. Do this on both sides multiple times before you ask him to move forward at a walk. This is practicing your "one rein stop" — basically the emergency brake anytime you get in trouble. Walk before working up to a trot or canter. Once you know you can stop the horse, have a steady walk around and make sure you are comfortable in the saddle. Don't feel pressured to start trotting, cantering, or anything else — just walk as long as necessary to feel completely confident. When you're comfortable walking, work with the trainer or professional to gradually ramp up to a canter or trot. Increasing your speed in stages will help you get accustomed. Practice the one rein stop described above at a walk, then at a trot and canter. You need to practice it as much as he does. It needs to be a reflexive move that you do without thinking as soon as any trouble starts. To learn to think like this, you need to practice it.	Watch horses from afar. Approach horses calmly from an angle. Offer the horse affection. Groom the horse. Feed the horse. Get the horse to respect you by using a lead rope. Stay in a horse's "safe zones. Ask to be paired with a beginner-friendly horse. Tack up the horse before you get on. Get the horse to submit to your rein commands. Walk before working up to a trot or canter.