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https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Flaxseed-Oil | How to Make Flaxseed Oil | Flaxseed oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and has a variety of potential health benefits like reducing inflammation and treating skin conditions. To make your own flaxseed oil at home, you'll need whole flax seeds. First, boil 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Then, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds and cook them on medium heat for about 8 minutes. You'll know it's done when the water becomes thick and glossy. At that point, turn off the heat, leave the oil to cool for 20 to 30 minutes, then pour it into an airtight container. Store the flaxseed oil in the fridge for up to 10 days. | Set up the press. To make flaxseed oil, you can use a hot oil press or a cold oil press. Hot presses are usually freestanding machines that you must turn on and allow to heat up before you can use them. Cold oil presses are usually attachments that connect to a juicer. Turn on or attach your press according to the manufacturer's instructions. A hot press usually produces more oil because the heat helps soften the seeds to make it easier to extract the oil. It also makes the process go more quickly. You should usually allow a hot press to heat up for at least 10 minutes. A cold press usually requires more time to produce oil. However, it often leads to a better-tasting oil with more nutrients. Add the seeds to the machine’s funnel. You can use any amount of flaxseeds based on how much oil you need. However, if you're making oil for the first time, it's best to start with a small amount to get used to the process. A pound (454 g) is usually a good amount to start with. Place the seeds in the hot press's hopper or the cold press's feed compartment. Crank or turn on the machine to extract the oil. Some hot presses only require pressing a button to start the extraction. However, others require hand cranking to produce the oil. With a cold press attachment, you'll need to simply turn on the juicer to start the extraction process. Consult the manufacturer's guide for the press or press attachment to ensure that you know how to use it. Make sure that you have a container or collection cup set up beneath the extractor's spout so you don't lose any oil. Process the seeds according to the type of extractor you're using. The amount of time necessary to process all of the seeds depends on the amount and the type of extractor you're using. For 1 pound (454 g) of seeds in a hot press, it will usually take 5 to 10 minutes. With a cold press, it may take up to a half hour. Cap the container of oil. When you're finished extracting the oil, turn off your extractor. If you collected the oil in a collection cup, use a funnel to transfer it to an airtight container. Close the container, making sure that it's tightly sealed. Let the oil sit for a few days. There may be sediment in the oil that you'll want to separate out. If you allow it to sit for 2 to 3 days, the sediment will settle at the bottom so it's easier to siphon off the oil. If your extractor is equipped with a sieve or filter, most or all of the sediment will already be removed so this step may be unnecessary. You may still want to let the oil sit, though, to be sure that all of the sediment is removed. Filter off the oil and discard the sediment. After a few days, open the oil and pour it through a sieve into a second airtight container. Close the container, and store it in a cool, dry location. It should stay fresh for up to 2 years. If you don't have a sieve, you can usually just pour off the oil from the top of the container because all of the sediment will be at the bottom. Boil the water. Add 2 cups (473 ml) of water to a small saucepan, and place it on the stove. Heat it on high until it comes to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the seeds and lower the heat. Once the oil is boiling, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) of whole flax seeds into the water. Reduce the stove's heat to medium-low, and let the seeds cook. Continue to cook the seeds for about 8 minutes until the mixture thickens. With the pan uncovered and the heat on medium-low, let the seeds boil in the water. The water should become thick and glossy, and you may also notice streaks that look somewhat like egg whites when the oil is ready. Allow the mixture to cool. When the seeds are finished cooking, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Let it cool on the countertop for 20 to 30 minutes. There's no need to strain the seeds from the mixture after it's cooled. They will actually break down during the cooking process, so they soften and release their oils. However, if you prefer to remove the seeds, you can run the oil through a sieve after it's cooled. Transfer it to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. When the oil is cool enough to handle, pour it into an airtight container. Close it securely, and place it in the refrigerator for storage. It should stay fresh for up to a week and half. | Set up the press. Add the seeds to the machine’s funnel. Crank or turn on the machine to extract the oil. Process the seeds according to the type of extractor you're using. Cap the container of oil. Let the oil sit for a few days. Filter off the oil and discard the sediment. Boil the water. Add the seeds and lower the heat. Continue to cook the seeds for about 8 minutes until the mixture thickens. Allow the mixture to cool. Transfer it to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Cowhide-Leather | How to Clean Cowhide Leather | To clean dirt and stains from tanned cowhide leather, start by brushing away the dirt and dust with a soft scrub brush. Next, fill 1 bowl with warm water, and a separate bowl with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Dip a cloth into the soapy solution, and gently scrub a small section of the leather in a circular motion. Then, dip a clean cloth into the bowl with warm water, and wipe the scrubbed area clean. Continue scrubbing and wiping the item in small sections, then air dry the leather in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. | Brush away dirt and dust. Use a soft brush like a toothbrush or a soft scrub brush. Gently brush your cowhide leather to remove dirt and dust before cleaning. Pour a cup (240 ml) of warm water into two separate bowls. One bowl will be used for cleaning, while the other will be used for rinsing. Additionally, set two to three cloths aside for cleaning and rinsing. Add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of dish soap to one of the bowls. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until a soapy solution forms. This bowl will be used for cleaning the leather. Scrub and rinse small sections of leather. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution and squeeze out any excess water. Working in small sections, gently scrub the leather in a circular motion. Then dip a clean, dry cloth into the bowl of warm water. Squeeze out any excess water. Gently wipe the section clean with the damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing the leather with soap all at once before rinsing the entire piece. Instead, work on small sections at a time. Use a clean side of the cloth for each new section. Since dirty cloths can stain leather, use a clean side of the cloth every time you work on a new section. Additionally, use a new cloth once you run out of clean sections on the first cloth. Air dry the leather. Place the leather in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Alternatively, place it outside under a covered area like a porch to air dry. Avoid placing the leather in direct sunlight to air dry. Apply a conditioner once the leather is nearly dry. Dip a clean cloth into the leather conditioner. Rub a light coating of conditioner over the entire surface of the leather. You can purchase leather conditioners online, or from your local shoe repair store or discount retailer. Use a handheld vacuum to remove dirt and dust. Vacuum the leather in the direction of the hair growth. If you do not have a handheld vacuum, then use a wire brush to remove dirt and dust. Gently brush the leather in the direction of the hair growth until all of the dirt and dust are removed. If you are cleaning a cowhide area rug, then simply shake the rug outside to remove dust and dirt. Try to avoid using a regular vacuum with rotating brushes. The rotating brushes may pull the hair out of the cowhide. Pour ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of dish soap into a bowl. Mix in one cup (240 ml) of warm water. Mix the ingredients together until a soapy solution forms. Blot the leather. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution. Squeeze out any excess water. Working on small sections at a time, gently blot the leather with the cloth. To reach dirt at the base of the hairs, gently rub the leather. Continue to blot the leather with the cloth. As you blot the leather, re-dip the cloth into the soapy solution as it becomes dry. Use a clean section of the cloth each time you re-dip it. Rinse the leather with clean water. Once the leather is clean, fill a bowl with warm water. Dip a clean, dry cloth into the bowl. Squeeze out any excess water. Blot the sections you cleaned until all of the soap is removed. Dry and brush the cowhide leather. Let the leather air dry. Avoid using a blow dryer to speed up the drying process. Once the cowhide is dry, use a soft brush to brush the hair. Additionally, do not place the cowhide in the sun to air dry either. The sun may bleach the leather. | Brush away dirt and dust. Pour a cup (240 ml) of warm water into two separate bowls. Add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of dish soap to one of the bowls. Scrub and rinse small sections of leather. Use a clean side of the cloth for each new section. Air dry the leather. Apply a conditioner once the leather is nearly dry. Use a handheld vacuum to remove dirt and dust. Pour ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of dish soap into a bowl. Blot the leather. Continue to blot the leather with the cloth. Rinse the leather with clean water. Dry and brush the cowhide leather. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Peonies | How to Plant Peonies | To plant peonies, start by digging a hole that is 12 inches deep in rich, well-draining soil. For herbaceous peonies, place a clump of peony tubers in the hole with the long roots pointed downward and the buds no more than 2 inches from the surface. For tree peonies, plant each with the ridged bulge on the rootstock 4 to 6 inches below the surface. Then, give the newly planted tubers a thorough watering to help the soil settle around them and keep the soil moist. | Plant in autumn. Peonies thrive best when planted in autumn, before the first hard frost. Peonies may be planted in the spring, but these plants tend to grow more slowly, and may not bloom for a year or two. Choose a location that receives six to eight hours of sunlight each day. If this is not available, peonies can still grow in areas with less sunlight, but their growth and bloom will be reduced. Peonies grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, corresponding to minimum winter temperatures of -40 to +15ºF (-40 to -9.4ºC). If you are in Zone 8 or higher, peonies may benefit from afternoon shade, with full sunlight in the morning. Space the peonies about three feet (0.9 meters) apart. Plan to keep each clump of peony tubers three feet (0.9 m.) apart. They are often used in flower beds, but keep them at away from trees and bushes, as woody root systems can compete with peonies for nutrients. Keeping peonies spaced apart and clearing weeds to allow for air circulation is important for avoiding fungal infections. Tree peony varieties will do better with four ft. (1.2 m) of space between them. If you are not sure what type of peony you have, see the planting peonies section below. Avoid areas where peonies were previously planted. Peonies may develop problems if planted in areas where other peonies were previously grown. It is possible this is due to reduced soil nutrients, in which case the advice in the planting section below may compensate for this effect. There may be some risk of a surviving fungal infection as well, however, so plant at your own risk. Provide shelter from strong winds. This is mostly a concern for tree peonies, which grow into small shrubs that can snap in the wind. However, if you are an area with unusually strong winds, plant any variety of peony in the shelter of a wall or fence. A large tree can also provide shelter, but should be located at least 10 ft. (3 m.) away so the roots do not compete with the peony. Identify your peony type. Peonies come in two varieties: herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. Herbaceous peonies are typically sold as root clumps, and grow into herb-like, green-stemmed flowers. Tree peonies usually have wooden stems attached to the root clump, and grow into woody-stemmed shrubs. Tree peonies also have a ridged bulge on the root with a different bark texture, where one variety of tree peony has been grafted onto another to combine the best qualities of each. You may follow these instructions for either variety, but be prepared to plant them at different depths: Herbaceous peonies grow when the top bud is planted at a depth of 2 inches (5 cm). Tree peonies grow best when the graft is planted at a depth of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with at least a tip of the top stem above the soil. If your soil needs enriching, dig a hole 12–18 inches (30–46 centimeters) deep and equally wide. Peonies do not need to be planted this deep, but unless your flowerbed is already full of rich soil to this depth, a hole this deep is recommended so you can prepare rich, fertile soil for the deep peony roots that will develop after planting. A wide hole at least 18 in. (46 cm) across is recommended for the same reason. If your soil is rich, well-draining, and at least 18 in. (46 cm) deep, skip to the step "Plant the peony clump," below. Add rich, well-draining soil to the bottom. Add 2–4 inches (5–10 centimeters) of dark compost, well-aged manure, or pine bark to the bottom of the hole. If your soil is slow-draining or poor in nutrients, make a 50/50 mix of this organic material and your garden soil, and keep it to one side to fill the hole later. To test soil drainage, dig a one ft (0.3 meters) hole and fill it with water. Wait until it drains, then fill the hole a second time. Measure how much it has drained after one hour, or measure after fifteen minutes and multiply by four to find the hourly drainage. Well-draining soil suitable for peonies should drain between 1 and 6 inches (2.5–15 cm) per hour. Add fertilizer and other soil additions (optional). To speed up the peony growth, you may add ¼ cup (60 mL) balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Some gardeners also mix in ½ cup (120 mL) bone meal or superphosphate for additional nutrients. If pH testing reveals that your soil is acidic (below 6.0 pH), add a couple handfuls of lime to balance this out. Fill most of the hole with packed, rich soil . Now that the extra-rich soil for the peonies' future roots has been prepared, fill most of the hole with well-draining, organic soil, leaving a few inches (several centimeters) of space at the top. The compost or other material you used to fill the bottom of the hole can be mixed with an equal amount of ordinary garden soil, then used for this purpose. Press the soil with your shovel as you fill it, tamping it down firmly. Plant herbaceous peonies so the buds are 2 in. (5 cm) from the surface. Place the clump of peony tubers in the hole, with the small buds or "eyes" pointed upward, and the long roots pointed downward. The buds should be no more than 2 in. (5 cm) from the surface, or the plant may fail to emerge. Continue adding soil around the peony until the soil is level, tamping down gently to remove air pockets that can dry the plant out. Early-blooming varieties, especially in warm climates, may grow better if planted only 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep, so they can emerge early in the growing season. Plant tree peonies so the graft is 4–6 in. (10–15 cm) below the surface. Tree peonies, with wooden stems attached to the root clumps, are sold with a stem grafted onto the roots. Find the ridged bulge on the rootstock where the stem and roots have been joined together, and plant the peonies so this bulge is 4–6 in. (10–15 cm) below the soil surface. Water thoroughly. Give the newly planted tubers a thorough watering to help the soil settle around them. Until the first frost, or until the plants emerge if planting in spring, keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Mulch only during winter. Two to four in. (5–10 cm) of mulch, or a plastic mulch covering, can protect the peonies from winter frosts. However, this mulch should be removed after the last frost in spring, or the peonies may fail to break through this additional barrier. You do not need to water while the plants are dormant during winter. Water sparingly. Peonies are hardy, drought-tolerant plants, and only need about an inch (2.5 cm) of water a week during the summer. Increase the watering only if the peonies are dry and withered. Fertilize sparingly. Fertilizer is optional, but you may apply a low nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 mix, or organic compost material, no more than once every few years. Apply this in a circle around the peonies, but not directly at the base of the plant. Different peony-growing guides give considerably varied information on fertilization. A conservative instruction is given here, because peonies will grow fine without fertilizer and can develop weak stems weak stems and fewer flowers if fertilizer is overused. If the stems become too weak to hold up the flowers, consider a gardener's tripod with a metal ring for supporting the stems. Create a support for the peonies if necessary. Large plants or varieties with especially large flowers will benefit from caging. A three legged-wire peony cage or a grid-like wire support will work well. Create the support in the spring. Leave ants on the peonies. Ants are commonly found eating nectar from peony flowers, but this rarely causes harm to the plant. Peonies are resistant to most pests, but if you see an infection of other insects or fungus developing, seek advice from a local gardener or botanist who knows about pests in your regions. Most peony diseases are caused by moist conditions. Remove dead flowers. Cut off dead flowers as soon as they fade. If you leave them on the plant, seeds will develop, which takes considerable nutrients out of the plant. Immediate deadheading will allow for stronger growth and a prolonged bloom. Remove the leaves from tree peonies in autumn . If your peonies have grown into a shrub with woody stems, they are tree peonies. Remove the leaves in autumn, as cold weather and frosts begin. Leave the bare, wooden stems in place, as new flowers will grow from these next year. If the bare stems have holes bored into them, this may be a sign of pests. Contact a gardener or botanist in your area, familiar with local pest control. Cut herbaceous peonies to ground level in autumn. Peonies are long-lasting perennials, so the roots will survive for many years but the flowers will grow, bloom, and die each spring. When the green stems of herbaceous peonies become brown and dead at the end of spring, cut the plant back to ground level. You may wait until the first heavy frost to do this. Warning: do not dispose of your dead peonies in the compost heap, as they may carry fungal infections that can spread to other plants this way. Burn them or throw them away instead. | Plant in autumn. Choose a location that receives six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Space the peonies about three feet (0.9 meters) apart. Avoid areas where peonies were previously planted. Provide shelter from strong winds. Identify your peony type. If your soil needs enriching, dig a hole 12–18 inches (30–46 centimeters) deep and equally wide. Add rich, well-draining soil to the bottom. Add fertilizer and other soil additions (optional). Fill most of the hole with packed, rich soil Plant herbaceous peonies so the buds are 2 in. Plant tree peonies so the graft is 4–6 in. Water thoroughly. Mulch only during winter. Water sparingly. Fertilize sparingly. Create a support for the peonies if necessary. Leave ants on the peonies. Remove dead flowers. Remove the leaves from tree peonies in autumn . Cut herbaceous peonies to ground level in autumn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-TN-Visa-to-Work-in-the-United-States | How to Get a TN Visa to Work in the United States | The easiest way to get a TN Visa to work in the U.S. is to find a job that's NAFTA-approved with a fixed term of 3 years or less. Ensure that you have the necessary education and experience, and that you can prove it with documentation. Bring all required documents, including your offer letter and passport, with you to the port of entry. | Find a US job with a fixed term of 3 years or less. To apply for a TN visa, you must have an offer letter which includes a start date and end date such that the period of employment or contract is for 3 years or less. If you will handle the TN visa application yourself without the US company's assistance, request the US company to include in the offer letter that you will be responsible for the TN visa application. Otherwise, the US company will undertake the TN visa handling. In fact, the employer is called the “Petitioner” and you, the employee, are called the “Beneficiary.” Although a TN visa holder status has a maximum period of 3 years, it may be renewed indefinitely. Caution: TN status is temporary and US Customs will ask you questions to determine your intent to work and live in the US is temporary and not permanent. Determine if the job is an acceptable TN occupation. The job must be one of the professions in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA. A list of acceptable occupations can be found at http://www.nafsa.org/_/file/_/amresource/8cfr2146.htm. Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for the TN occupation. You must prove that you qualify for the Minimum Education Requirements or Alternative Credentials of the TN occupation for which you are applying. For most TN occupations, this means you must have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura degree in a field related to the occupation, although some only require 5 years of relevant work experience. Employer supporting documents or alternatively you may provide the information from the US company website or from their HR department. The US company support letter should explain two main things: Company description – the letter should explain the employer's business, including the number of employees, basic financials, and any other pertinent information. Job description – the letter should include the detailed job description. Gather your documents. Bring the following documents with you to the port of entry. An example of a port of entry will be major Canadian airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. Like other Canadian travellers to the US, you will go through US Customs. When asked for your purpose of travel or your destination, you will state that you are applying for a TN visa (if your dependents like wife and children are accompanying you to the US, you should state that your dependents are applying for TD visas which are visas for dependents of TN visa holders. If your dependents are following you to the US at a later date, you should accompany them and inform US Customs that you would like to apply for their TD visas). Normally, the US Customs Officer will direct you to a secondary inspection area where another US Customs Officer will be able to spend more time to review your documents and ask you questions. The time involved is about an hour but if there are other people ahead of you, the wait time will be longer. Normally, being at the airport 3 hours before your flight to the US is sufficient but you can choose to be there even earlier. Most TN visa approvals are for those travelling to the US and their job starts on the same day or the following day. If you require significantly more time to be in the US in advance of the start date of your US job, it is recommended that the US company handles your TN visa application or you get a Canadian or US lawyer experienced in TN visa applications to handle your matter. Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of your circumstance, you should work with the US company and/or your Canadian or US lawyer. In most cases, if the US company is very familiar with TN visa processing then your issues will be minimized. However, if the US company does not want to deal with sponsoring workers and you want the job, then you will need to be self-sufficient wherein you inform the US company that all you need is an offer letter stating a start date and an end date so that the period of work is 3 years or less and that you will be responsible for the TN visa. Note that if you choose to be solely responsible for your TN visa application then be very professional, diligent, meticulous, organized and plan ahead.: Offer letter Valid passport (the passport's expiration date is highly recommended to be at least 6 months longer than the fixed term work contract in the US) Employment supporting documentation per step 4 above University confirmation letter and copies of your educational degree(s) and transcript(s) Professional association confirmation letter of professional license(s) and current standing Resume Past employment verification such as offer letters, job descriptions, contracts Optional but recommended documents you can produce showing you have not or do not want to sever permanent ties in Canada such as ownership of Canadian real estate, investments (including RRSP and non RRSP), vehicles, etc (note you want to assure US Customs of your true intent of temporary interest in the US to improve your skills and/or experience and that you do not have dual intent wherein you will want to try to permanently live and work in the US while you are on a TN Visa) TN visa application at US Customs is routine and has been around since 1994. Be professional, truthful, calm, and prepared for the questions with supporting documents per all of the above and the US Customs officer will approve your TN and/or TD (for dependents) visa applications in an hour. Have US dollars available to pay for your TN visa which is U$50 for the application and U$6 for the I-94 issued (beginning in 2014, your TN visa is approved and recorded online by the US Customs officer you will be dealing with. In the past, you would have been issued an I-94 stub piece of paper. Now, you will be given documents on how to retrieve your online I-94 information which you can use for personal reference that your TN visa was approved). You will pay an additional U$6 for each dependent of yours. For your dependents, they will be applying for TD visas. The documents you need for your spouse are passport, birth certificate, and wedding certificate. The documents you need for your children under 21 years of age are passports and birth certificates. If your child is 21 years old or older, then he or she is ineligible. Your Canadian passport will be stamped / written on by US Customs that is TN Visa approved with your job title and the end date of your TN visa. US Social Security Number (SSN) and US Driver's License. Bring your Canadian passport and also a hardcopy of your I-94 form (which was entered by US Customs so you can print it out subsequently for your US Social Security Number (SSN) and for US Driver's License) and apply by going to the nearest Social Security Administration office and also the nearest DMV. Within 10 days, you will receive a letter with your SSN card. The driver's license approval is dependent on your driving skills and experience. Dependents ITIN not SSN. Your spouse and children won't be able to work in the US as TD visa holders. They are not TN visa holders. Your spouse and children won't get US Social Security Numbers (SSN). Instead, you should go with them to the nearest IRS office and apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Your dependents will use their ITIN instead of a SSN when opening bank accounts, registering in school, being part of your health insurance dependents, and your income tax dependents. Dependents US Driver's License. Same process as yours to obtain their licenses. Submit your Application at a Port of Entry. Canadian citizens do not need a TN visa stamped in their passports. Rather, Canadians can apply directly at a port of entry. Bring your application packet with you and tell the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officer you are applying for admission in TN status. The officer will review your application and will decide whether to admit you into the United States in TN status. You may be taken to “secondary inspection” where a separate officer will review your application. Pay the $56 processing fee. This fee is comprised of the $50 visa fee and the $6 I-94 card fee. Make an appointment with a US Consulate or Embassy. Mexican citizens must have a TN visa to enter the US and therefore, must apply at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad. It is recommended that Mexican citizens apply in Mexico since officers in those consulates are more aware of the TN visa regulations and procedures. Pay the application fee and complete the application form. Appointments can be made online through the department of state website or by phone. To be issued an appointment, complete and submit Form DS-160 online. The application fee is $190 and can be paid online. | Find a US job with a fixed term of 3 years or less. Determine if the job is an acceptable TN occupation. Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for the TN occupation. Employer supporting documents or alternatively you may provide the information from the US company website or from their HR department. Gather your documents. Submit your Application at a Port of Entry. Pay the $56 processing fee. Make an appointment with a US Consulate or Embassy. Pay the application fee and complete the application form. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Deep-Scrape | How to Treat a Deep Scrape | To treat a deep scrape, rinse the wound with clean, lukewarm water so you can remove any debris that may have gotten inside of it. When all the debris is gone, apply solid pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Once your scrape has stopped bleeding, rinse the wound again and then clean it with an antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide. Next, put a thin layer of antibiotic cream like Neosporin on the scrape and apply a bandage or gauze to prevent infection. If your scrape won't stop bleeding, seek medical attention as soon as possible. | Differentiate the wound. Sometimes, a scrape and a laceration can appear similar. Before you treat a scrape, you need to make sure you have one. This is important because lacerations, or cuts, require sutures or glue for treatment. A scrape is a shallow skin abrasion that is over a portion of the skin. If you have a wound that is over 1 centimeter (0.39 in) deep, you should seek medical help to treat the wound and stitch it up. Wash your hands. Before you take care of your wound, you need to make sure you have clean hands. As long as your wound is not bleeding excessively, take the time to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. If the deep scrape is on your hands, try not to get the soap on the wound because it will hurt. Rinse with water. After you decide it is a scrape, you need to rinse it with water. Run water over the wound to remove any debris that may have gotten into it when you were injured. The water should be lukewarm. Continuously pour water over it for a few minutes at a time. In between, check to make sure there is not more debris in the wound. If you are not in a place where there is a clean and available water source, remove the obvious debris by brushing it away with a cloth. If you notice excessive bleeding, rinse for as little time as possible to remove the debris. Then, move on to the next step. Apply pressure. Once any large debris or matter is removed, you need to stop the bleeding. To do this, take a clean cloth, towel, or gauze and cover the wound. Apply solid pressure to the wound. If you only have a used shirt or dirty cloth, don't worry too much. Your wound is already dirty because it hasn't been disinfected, so don't worry too much about infection at this point. Just focus on stopping the bleeding. Once you begin applying pressure, refrain from checking on the wound for at least seven to 10 minutes. If you stop applying pressure too soon, the blood clot will not form and bleeding will begin again. If you have waited seven to 10 minutes and your wound has stopped bleeding, your wound can now be cleaned. Seek medical attention. If your compression cloth becomes soaked with blood or if there is any noted squirting blood flow, seek medical attention immediately. This means that your wound is severe and needs more advanced help that can only be received at the doctor. This may happen with large scrapes, such as road rashes or scrapes of a excessive length. There are also some health factors that may require you to go to the hospital if you get a deep enough wound. You should go to the hospital right away if you have blood or bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, and poor immunity. A deep scrape could put you in danger when combined with other health conditions that you have. Remove stuck in debris. There are some pieces of debris that may be lodged in the skin that did not come out with rinsing, especially with scrapes. Once the bleeding has stopped, look at the wound for extra debris in the skin. If you see any debris, use tweezers to gently remove any excessive particles from the wound. If the debris will not come out, see your doctor to have it removed. Do not dig the tweezers into the wound. You don't want to injure yourself further. If there is no debris, you can move on to the next step. Clean the wound with antiseptic. Once the bleeding has stopped, you need to run warm water over your wound again to rinse away the blood. Next, pour an antiseptic wash over the wound such as alcohol, peroxide, or providone-Iodine solution. You can also soak gauze in the solution and rub it over the wound gently to clean it out. This may sting, so brace yourself for the possible pain. Pat dry the wound with sterile gauze or a clean towel. This process may disrupt the clot on your wound and it may ooze or begin bleeding again. This is normal and does not indicate a more serious wound since you were able to stop it at one point. Apply antibiotic cream to the scrape. Even if you think you have removed all of the dirt and debris, there is still a chance that your wound could become infected. Because of this, applying some antibiotic cream to the wound is always a good idea. This ointment will also keep your scrape moist so it won't crack and get worse when you move around. A thin layer of ointment, or antibiotic powder, covering the area of the wound should be enough. Neosporin, Polysporin and Bacitracin are the three of the most common products used. You can use hydrogen peroxide to initially clean the wound but it should not be used in the long run because it can do damage to the tissue in and around your wound. Bandage the wound. Once you have added ointment, you need to bandage your wound. Take gauze or large bandage and cover your wound. Take medical tape and cover each of the edges. This will help keep out debris, germs, and other particulates. If your scrape isn't too large, you may be able to use a large band-aid instead of gauze. These supplies can be found in most drug stores and pharmacies. If the wound is over a flexible joint, rolled gauze may be more easily managed. You can make it more easily secured with this kind of gauze on the wound and it will be less likely to fall off. Change the dressing. Redress your wound two to three times a day. Taking the bandage off allows the wound to be cleaned and give fresh bandages, and it allows you to take a look at the wound and check to see if any infection is occurring. Do not leave a dressing on for more than 24 hours. You should change the bandages any time they get wet or dirty, as dirty bandages can lead to your scrape becoming infected. Watch for signs of infection. Despite your efforts to keep the scrape clean, you may still get an infection. This will depend on the size of the scrape as well as other factors such as your age, overall health, and any conditions such as diabetes and obesity. These can also affect your healing time as well. Signs of infection to look for are redness around the wound or on the edges, especially if expands in area from one day to the next. It may also start draining or ooze pus from the wound. If you notice that you develop a fever as well, you may also have an infection. Go to a doctor. If you think your wound might be infected or if the bleeding will not stop after applying pressure, you need to seek medical attention. If you have had the wound for awhile and have noticed that it has gotten infected, you should also go see a doctor. Letting an infection linger can actually lead to blood poisoning and other life-threatening situations. If you have a fever or your skin is feverish around the wound, go to the hospital. If your scrape is leaking yellow or greenish discharge, go to a hospital. If you notice bright yellow or black colorations around your wound, go to the hospital. Get a tetanus shot. If your wound has become infected, you will most likely be given a tetanus shot to combat the infection. Tetanus shots are normally given every 10 years, but if your wound is deep enough, your doctor may recommend that you get one of these shots. You should get the shot as soon as possible after the injury to ensure that you do not develop tetanus. Take antibiotics. If your scrape is deep or badly infected, you will most likely be given antibiotics to take to combat or prevent further infection. The antibiotic you are most likely to receive is erythromycin. If your doctor suspects a MRSA infection, you will probably take something much stronger. Follow your doctor's instructions when it comes to taking the medication. You will most likely be prescribed 250mg, four times per day for five to seven days. The medicine should be taken half an hour to two hours before meals for maximum absorption into the body. You may also be prescribed painkillers depending on how painful your wound is. | Differentiate the wound. Wash your hands. Rinse with water. Apply pressure. Seek medical attention. Remove stuck in debris. Clean the wound with antiseptic. Apply antibiotic cream to the scrape. Bandage the wound. Change the dressing. Watch for signs of infection. Go to a doctor. Get a tetanus shot. Take antibiotics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Verify-the-Purity-of-Honey | How to Verify the Purity of Honey | To verify the purity of honey, add a spoonful of the honey to a cup of warm water. If the honey dissolves in the water, it means it's been mixed with sugar syrup. To test if the honey has been diluted with water, pour some of the honey onto a paper towel. If the paper towel absorbs the honey or if you notice a wet mark on the paper towel, it's a sign that the honey contains water. If you're shopping for honey and you're not able to test it beforehand, check the ingredients list on the label to see if there's anything listed other than honey. | Know your region's honey purity laws. Some countries or regional governments issue honey standards that require the mention of added substances. Others do not have laws relating to honey purity, or may release voluntary guidelines with no ability to enforce them. Try to find honey purity laws in your area so you know how much faith to put in honey labels in your local grocery store. Any product sold in the European Union as honey must be free of additives by law, including antibiotics used to treat bees for disease. Any honey with defects seriously affecting the taste must be sold as "baker's honey" intended for use in processed foods. The United States government does not test for honey purity, and allows trace amounts of antibiotics. A USDA logo does not mean the honey is pure. Florida is the only U.S. state that requires honey to display all additives as long as it is both manufactured and sold within Florida. Beware substances sold under a different name, such as "honey blends" or "honey products," which do not fall under this law. Check the label, but don't take it for granted. Check around the brand name or logo in addition to the ingredient list to check for "additives" or "added flavors." Pure honey should only have one ingredient: honey. However, even if no other ingredients are listed, the manufacturer may not be telling the truth. Taste the honey if a sample is offered. Tasting is not an accurate way to test for additives, but if taste is your main concern, it could be all you need to make a decision. Note that a "weird" taste does not necessarily mean the honey isn't pure. There are many varieties of honey made from the nectar of different flowers, saps, or even the secretions of sap-eating insects. Each of these produces different flavors, and even the honey of one beehive can vary from year to year as they collect nectar from different sources. Most sellers will not allow you to open a jar before purchasing. Ask whether you can taste a sample, but do not insist if one is not available. Understand that these tests are not 100% accurate. Honey's wonderful, delicious variety works against you when you're trying to find a simple test. Different types of pure honey can cover a large range of density, flammability, and other characteristics. While the following tests are based on true principles, in practice your results may be inconclusive. Try several of these tests to see if the honey fails or passes consistently. In many cases, you can get nothing more than a good guess. Add a spoonful of liquid honey to warm water. Add a spoonful of honey to a glass of warm water, stirring slowly or not at all. If the honey has been mixed with certain kinds of sugar syrup, it will dissolve in the water. Most pure honeys, and unfortunately some adulterated honeys as well, will stick together and sink as a solid lump, or remain stuck as a lump on the spoon. Note that pure or adulterated honey is also sold in creamed (evenly crystallized) form or solid honeycomb form. These will always be difficult to dissolve, whether or not the honey is pure. Set fire to a cotton pad or candle wick dipped in honey. This test only checks for added water in the honey, which may prevent the honey from burning. Dip a cotton pad or the cotton wick of a candle into a bit of the honey, and shake off the excess. Attempt to light the cotton pad or wick. If it burns easily, then it probably has no added water, but may or may not have other substances added. If it refuses to burn or makes a cracking sound instead, water may have been added. Drop honey on blotting paper or a paper towel. If honey has been diluted with water, it may be absorbed or leave a wet mark on an absorbent material such as blotting paper. Pure honey should not be absorbed, but unfortunately neither will honey diluted with most sugar syrups. Don't let ants make your decision for you. Ants are interested in anything sweet and nutritious. Ants will eat honey, colored corn syrup, and anything in between. Realize that mixing honey and alcohol is not a useful test. Some sources claim that mixing impure honey into methylated spirits or other alcohol will dissolve it and make the solution milky, while pure honey will stay undissolved at the bottom. Other sources claim the exact opposite! This myth dates back at least to 1893, and was not accepted by professional beekeepers even then. Be skeptical about claims of pure honey turning one direction or forming shapes. There are several myths around the internet about only pure honey turning clockwise when poured, or only pure honey forming hexagons when left on a plate and covered with water. There is no scientific evidence that impure honey will behave differently in these situations. Test additional claims yourself. There are many anecdotes floating around about different ways you can test honey for purity, and many of them have not been scientifically tested. If you think something sounds plausible, try testing a jar of honey you think is pure. Then mix it with agave syrup, sugar syrup, or some other added sugar and perform the same test. If you consistently get different results with the diluted syrup than with the pure honey, the test might be useful. Keep in mind that no one household test can detect every possible additive in honey, however. | Know your region's honey purity laws. Check the label, but don't take it for granted. Taste the honey if a sample is offered. Understand that these tests are not 100% accurate. Add a spoonful of liquid honey to warm water. Set fire to a cotton pad or candle wick dipped in honey. Drop honey on blotting paper or a paper towel. Don't let ants make your decision for you. Realize that mixing honey and alcohol is not a useful test. Be skeptical about claims of pure honey turning one direction or forming shapes. Test additional claims yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Glass-Windshield | How to Clean a Glass Windshield | If you want to clean your glass windshield, park your car in the shade so the cleaner doesn't evaporate as quickly. Then, lift the windshield wipers and spray half of the windshield with glass cleaner or white vinegar. If you're cleaning the inside of your windshield, spray your cleaner or vinegar onto a cloth. Then, use a cloth to wipe the cleaner in straight, vertical motions, and then wipe it off again in straight, horizontal motions. Repeat the process on the other side. | Lift the windshield wipers up. Before spraying any glass cleaner, ensure that the area beneath them gets cleaned as well. Leave them in the “up” position for the duration of the cleaning process. Spray half the windshield with diluted glass cleaner. You could choose to spray either the left or right side first. Spray in such a way that you cover the broadest possible area of that portion of the windshield which you intend to wipe first. Two or three squirts of cleaner is usually enough. If your windshield is very large, use four or five squirts of glass cleaner, as needed. Always dilute glass cleaner with water, like 1 ounce of cleaner per 1 gallon of water. Wipe the glass clean with straight vertical wipes. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your windshield. Hold the cloth and extend your arm to the upper center of the windshield and bring it straight down along the central vertical line of your windshield. Return your hand to the top of the windshield but slightly towards the side of the windshield you're standing on. Wipe another vertical line down parallel to the first. Continue to wipe the windshield in this way, moving progressively closer to the side of the windshield you're located on, until it has been completely wiped. If you have a hard time leaning over the front of your vehicle to access the central areas of your windshield, use a step-stool to gain some height. Wipe the glass clean with straight horizontal wipes. When you've completed a vertically-oriented wipe-down, begin a horizontally-oriented wipe-down. Starting again at the upper center of the windshield, drag the microfiber towel straight out toward the edge of the windshield you're standing on. Then, wipe another, parallel row toward the same edge, beginning just below the first row. Continue in this manner until the half of the windshield you chose to start on is completely cleaned. Repeat the process on the other side. Once finished with one side of the windshield, repeat the process to clean the other half. For instance, if you began by wiping horizontal and vertical lines on the right side of the vehicle, move to the left side in order to complete the cleaning process. This ensures the entire windshield gets clean. If you need to go over a certain spot more than once, wipe over it with a straight back-and-forth motion. Do not clean using circular motions as if you're buffing the surface. This action could leave streaks. Buff the windshield. While the first wipe-down was intended to clean the glass cleaner off the windshield and remove excess grime, buffing the windshield is essentially moving your hand in a circular motion. Exchange the towel you used to wipe off the glass cleaner with a clean one. Depending on the size of your windshield, you might need several clean microfiber towels. Move your hand in a tight circular motion around the surface of the windshield. Start on one side of the vehicle, then move to the other side to ensure the entire surface of the windshield gets buffed. Your windshield should sparkle like a fresh-cut diamond. Place some microfiber towels on your dashboard. This will prevent drips on the dash. You could use the same towels you used to buff and clean the exterior of the windshield in order to avoid going through your towels too quickly. Spray some glass cleaner on your scrub pad. Spray a few additional squirts of cleaner on half the windshield. Starting in the upper-right corner of the passenger's side, move the scrub pad down the windshield in parallel rows, working your way to the left (driver's) side. You'll have to stop after cleaning the first half of the windshield to apply glass cleaner to the driver's side. Remain in the passenger seat or lean into the car from the passenger's side door to avoid bumping or leaning on the steering wheel while cleaning. Avoid using water to clean the inside of your windshield since it will leave streaks. If your vehicle has leather or vinyl interior, an oily residue can build up on the windshield over time. In that case, use a product specifically designed to remove oily buildup. Continue scrubbing on the driver’s side. Just as you did on the passenger's side of the windshield, move the scrub pad from top to bottom until the entire surface of the interior windshield has been scrubbed clean. When you're finished, use a dry microfiber towel to go over the entire surface of the windshield to ensure you didn't leave any cleaning liquid. Move your hand around the entire surface of the windshield in a small, tight circle. Choose the right glass cleaner. Avoid glass cleaners with ammonia as it can damage tinted windows. Almost all household glass cleaners contain ammonia. Look for a glass cleaner which is labelled “safe for tinted windows” if you have tinted windows. These are readily available at auto stores. Plain water is a great windshield cleaner. However, it does not contain the same compounds as commercial glass cleaner, and is somewhat less effective. If you want to use water as a glass cleaner, you should definitely use it in conjunction with a microfiber towel to ensure your windshield is scrubbed clean. Keep in mind that ammonia is very harmful to a variety of materials. Ammonia can also be hazardous to your health, so be wary of using it in the interior of your car. Plan your windshield cleaning. Cleaning the windshield should be the last thing you do when cleaning or detailing your vehicle. If you're applying wax or polish, or repainting your vehicle, ensure you do it before you begin cleaning your windshield. Otherwise, you might end up getting a bit of polish or other undesirable substance on your windshield after it has already been cleaned. If you're cleaning the car's interior windows, do them before cleaning your windshield from the inside so as to avoid getting the cleaning agents on your clean windshield. Choose the right place to clean your windshield. If your vehicle is parked out in the sun, your glass cleaner might evaporate before you get to scrub it off. Park your car beneath a shady tree or in your garage before beginning a windshield cleaning. Choose the right towel to clean your windshield. Obtain a high-quality microfiber towel to clean your windshield. Ensure it has a weight of at least 300 GSM. These towels can hold up to eight times their weight in water and are gentle on the smooth finish of your windshield. Further, they prevent scratches by inducing electrostatic attraction in the particulates affixed to your windshield. The matter is thus lifted from, rather than dragged across, your windshield. Microfiber towels are readily available at your local auto store. Locate your windshield wiper lever. The windshield wiper lever is a long lever, straight or angled, located to the right of the steering column. If you have trouble locating your wiper lever, consult your vehicle maintenance guide or contact the vehicle's manufacturer. Pull the windshield wiper lever toward you. When you pull the windshield wiper straight back and away from the steering column, two parallel streams of windshield wiper fluid should eject onto the windshield. If your windshield wiper fluid does not come out when you pull the windshield wiper lever, or if it only comes out in a weak stream, check the level by opening your hood and locating the wiper fluid tank. Refill it if necessary. If your windshield wipers do not work, bring your automobile to your local car repair shop and get them fitted with new wipers. You could also try to find the right windshield wipers yourself, but make sure to check your vehicle's maintenance guide beforehand so you get the right length. Release the windshield wiper lever. When you think the windshield has received enough wiper fluid and has been scrubbed adequately by the windshield wipers, release the lever to stop the cleaning process. If your windshield wiper fluid leaves streaks or smears behind, consider refilling it with a different variety after exhausting the current supply. Alternately, you might consider investing in a new pair of wipers. Consult the staff at your local auto care shop for advice pertaining to your vehicle. Windshield wiper blades should be changed regularly every 2 to 3 years. If there is some buildup on the wiper blade itself, try wiping the blade down with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Obtain a 3 or 3.5 ounce bar of detailing clay. Detailing clay (or glass cleaning clay) is an elastic compound which can capture grit and grime lodged within a crevice and pull it out. If your car's windshield has any dings in it, dirt can accumulate within. Even if there are no visible indentations, the fine particulate matter which has accumulated across the surface of your windshield can be removed with detailing clay. Obtain detailing clay at your local auto care shop. Each detailing clay has specific directions for use. Carefully read the package and follow the directions. Mist the windshield with water. Next, apply an automotive lubricant to the windshield. This liquid combination will help the clay glide across the surface of the windshield. The amount of each you'll need depends on the size of your vehicle. A bus will require a good deal more water and lubricant that a small car. Grip the detailing clay lengthwise in your hand. Grip it in the manner you would a bar of soap. Keep your middle and index fingers on top of the clay, your thumb on one side and your remaining fingers on the opposite side. Move the detailing clay through the lubricant/water you've applied to the windshield. The clay should glide back and forth smoothly across the wet glass. Position the clay on the windshield. Reach over the windshield and place the clay in the center. The clay should be placed in the center bottom of the windshield where it meets the hood. Move the detailing clay across the windshield. Bring the detailing clay from the base of the windshield to the top where it meets the roof. When you've completed one vertical line, place the clay at the bottom of the windshield again, but in a location slightly closer to you. Draw a second vertical line up from the windshield to the roof of the vehicle. The second line should be parallel to the first. Continue to drag the clay across the surface of the windshield in straight, vertical lines, moving the rows gradually closer to you. Clean any grit you encounter. When you feel the clay slow or stick in its motion across the windshield, you'll know it has encountered some grit or grime on the windshield. Move to the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process. Start again by placing the clay on the the bottom center of the windshield. Move the clay up in a straight vertical line toward the roof of the vehicle. After completing a vertical line, bring the clay back down to the base of the windshield. Position it at a point slightly closer to you, but directly next to the location you originally moved the clay from. Continue moving the clay up the length of the windshield in straight vertical lines, gradually bringing the clay closer to you. Wipe the glass clean when finished. Take a microfiber towel in one hand and move it across the windshield in broad, circular motions. This will remove any excess clay which may still be attached. You can choose to use either the same hand or a different hand on the two different halves of the windshield. | Lift the windshield wipers up. Spray half the windshield with diluted glass cleaner. Wipe the glass clean with straight vertical wipes. Wipe the glass clean with straight horizontal wipes. Repeat the process on the other side. Buff the windshield. Place some microfiber towels on your dashboard. Spray some glass cleaner on your scrub pad. Continue scrubbing on the driver’s side. Choose the right glass cleaner. Plan your windshield cleaning. Choose the right place to clean your windshield. Choose the right towel to clean your windshield. Locate your windshield wiper lever. Pull the windshield wiper lever toward you. Release the windshield wiper lever. Obtain a 3 or 3.5 ounce bar of detailing clay. Mist the windshield with water. Grip the detailing clay lengthwise in your hand. Position the clay on the windshield. Move the detailing clay across the windshield. Clean any grit you encounter. Move to the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process. Wipe the glass clean when finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Air-Out-a-Mattress | How to Air Out a Mattress | Airing out your mattress regularly can get rid of allergens and germs that get trapped in the fabric. Start by pulling off all the bed linens so the mattress is exposed. Open as many windows as you can and allow the sun to shine on the mattress through the window since this will naturally kill bacteria. Vacuum your mattress to remove any additional dust. You can also air out your mattress outside. Take it out on a sunny, dry day and let it sit in the sun for 3-4 hours. Just make sure to take it inside before it gets dark or your mattress could get damp and moldy. | Pull off all the bed linen and let the mattress breathe. Remove all clothing, sheets and even pillows from the mattress so that it is completely open to the air. If possible, open all windows and allow the sun to shine on the mattress through the window. When the sun shines on the mattress, it will naturally purge it of many germs and bacteria. This is the ideal time to wash your sheets and other bedding as necessary. A recommended washing time is weekly for sheets and pillowcases and quarterly for blankets and heavier bedding items. Wash the mattress cover monthly to quarterly, depending on how dirty it appears. Vacuum the mattress. With the mattress exposed to the fresh air, run your vacuum over the mattress to gather any dust which may have accumulated on it. You need not vacuum every time you air the mattress, but a weekly or monthly vacuuming will help to remove dust and dust mites. With the mattress vacuumed, air will more easily flow over and through the mattress, and you will reduce the amount of time needed to air it. Get a friend to help lift the mattress. You will be unable to easily maneuver your mattress outside yourself. In order to get it through your house and outside, enlist the aid of an able-bodied friend. Air the mattress outdoors as often as you have time for, but aim for once or twice a year. Get help moving it to a dry, clean spot outdoors. Make sure it is a sunny out, whether it's winter or summer. Leave the mattress in the sun to air for at least 3-4 hours. Leaving it out for 6 hours or more is preferable. Don't leave the mattress out in the evening air or it will become damp. Return it to the bedroom before the sun disappears. Ensure the weather is pleasant. If you want to expose the mattress to sunlight as well as fresh air, you'll need to wait for a sunny, warm day. Spring through fall is the best time to find a day free of rain or excessive cold. If the weather is unpleasant, you do have the option of airing the mattress indoors, but the ideal, of course, is to air it out-of-doors. Choose a good time of day. You should try to let your mattress breathe for at least one hour before replacing the bedding. Airing the mattress in the morning is often the preferred time because the average morning routine before going to work takes about an hour. This way, you can shower and breakfast at the same time your mattress is being aired, and replace it just before heading out the door. If you work late, you might be too tired to strip the bedding and pillows from the mattress just to let it air. Late in the evening, the only thing you'll want to do with a bed is sleep on it! Air your mattress when it is new. Mattresses often have a residual odor that lingers on them due to the manufacturing and packaging process. In order to minimize or eliminate this odor, the first thing you should do after stripping off its protective plastic wrapping is to let it air. While normally mattresses should air for just an hour or two, new mattresses should air for a full 24 hours because off-gassing will occur during that entire first day. Clean other bedroom components. When you air your mattress, you have to remove – at the very least -- the sheets, blankets, and pillows from the bed. If airing the mattress outside, you could remove the bed skirt easily, too. You might consider laundering these things since you'll be removing them from the bed anyhow, and if you don't, they'll just be strewn haphazardly about your bedroom, crowding your bedroom walking space. Decide where to air your mattress. If you live in a relatively rural environment with lots of critters like mice and raccoons, you don't want them making your new mattress into their home. Worse, they could mark it as their territory with urine or feces. In such an environment, air your mattress in doors. In an urban area, you might lack space and be obligated to air your mattress indoors as well. If you live in the suburbs, though, you'll be able to air your mattress outside. Your backyard is the best place to air the mattress out. You could also lean it against a wall on a clean porch. Urbanist's whose homes have an upper-story balcony which can accommodate the mattress could consider setting it up there if they want to air it outside. Choose a good environment in which to air the mattress. You can air the mattress outside or inside. If airing inside, all you have to do after stripping the bed of linens is to open the window(s). For added purification, introduce plants into the bedroom. Plants purify the air naturally and will ensure the air your mattress is exposed to is as fresh as can be. If airing outside, ensure the spot you're setting the mattress on is free of puddles or wetness, and will not be exposed to dripping water or precipitation. Find a place which is clean and dry for the mattress to stand. You should try to lean the mattress against a wall or vertical beam, either on its end or on its side. In this way, the maximum amount of area possible will be exposed to the air. If airing outside, find a place where the sun can touch the mattress as well. If necessary, place a tarp between the mattress and the ground. A wet mattress will encourage mold. | Pull off all the bed linen and let the mattress breathe. Vacuum the mattress. Get a friend to help lift the mattress. Leave the mattress in the sun to air for at least 3-4 hours. Ensure the weather is pleasant. Choose a good time of day. Air your mattress when it is new. Clean other bedroom components. Decide where to air your mattress. Choose a good environment in which to air the mattress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Multiple-Sclerosis | How to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis | Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, but you can get close to an answer by considering the early warning signs, such as blurred vision, clumsiness, problems thinking, loss of balance, numbness, chronic fatigue, and weakness in extremities. Often, these symptoms arise between the ages of 20 and 40. If you suspect you may have MS, schedule a blood test to rule out other causes of your ailments. A spinal tap may be your next test as it can show abnormalities in white blood cells or proteins that indicate disease. In conjunction with these tests, an MRI is one of the best tools to get a clear diagnosis for MS. | Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Let them know you suspect you may have multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as why. While it's all well and good to try to diagnose MS on your own, the detailed and difficult diagnosis makes it hard for even licensed professionals to achieve certainty. Keep in mind that it may take a long time to receive an MS diagnosis because your doctor will want to rule out other conditions that may cause your symptoms. This might feel frustrating, but it's the best way for your doctor to ensure you get the best treatment possible. Look for the early symptoms of MS. Many people with MS experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. If you come across any of the following symptoms, write them down for you doctor to use in ruling out other possible medical conditions: Blurred or double vision Clumsiness or coordination problems Thinking problems Loss of balance Numbness and tingling Weakness in an arm or leg Know that symptoms of MS manifest in different ways for different patients. No two cases of MS present in the same way. To this end, you may have: One symptom followed by a respite for months or even years before the symptom presents itself again or a new symptom presents. One or several symptoms in close proximity to one another, with the symptom(s) becoming worse within weeks or months. Look for the most common symptoms of MS. Many people with MS share similar symptoms, but the condition can present in different ways. Your doctor will want to know which symptoms you have so they can consider possible causes and give you proper treatment. These symptoms include: Feeling pins and needles, but also numbness, itching, burning, or stabbing Bowel and bladder problems, like constipation, frequent urination, suddenly urgent urination, problems emptying the bladder fully, and the need to urinate at night Muscle weakness or spasms, resulting in difficulty walking. Dizziness or lightheadedness Fatigue no matter how much you sleep Decreased sex drive Thinking problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty retrieving memory, and low attention span Shaking or tremors, making it difficult to do some everyday activities like holding a cup Speech problems in the later stages of MS, such as long gaps between a string of words, slurred speech, or intensely nasal speech Eye problems, usually affecting only one eye, in the later stages of MS Vision loss due to optic neuritis , an inflammation of the optic nerve. Plan for blood tests that bring your doctor closer to a diagnosis of MS. This happens by ruling out other potential diseases that could be causing the symptoms. Inflammatory diseases, infections and chemical imbalances can result in similar symptoms, providing a red flag but also a false alarm. On top of this, many of these disorders can be effectively treated through medication and other treatments. Schedule a spinal tap with your doctor. Although a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, can be uncomfortable, it is an essential step in diagnosing MS. This test involves the removal of a small sample of fluid from the spinal canal that is taken for analysis in a laboratory. The spinal tap is often a component in how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, because the fluid may show abnormalities in white blood cells or proteins that may indicate a malfunction of the body's immune system and the presence of the disease. This test may also rule out other diseases and infections. You may feel discomfort when the doctor administers a numbing agent to the area, but you shouldn't feel the procedure itself. In order to prepare for a lumbar puncture: Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications or herbal remedies than may thin out your blood. Empty your bladder. Sign a consent form and possibly a medical test information form.v Prepare for an MRI through your healthcare provider or local health care facility. This test, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to create an image of the brain and spinal cord. This test can be helpful in making a multiple sclerosis diagnosis because it often shows abnormalities or damage in these areas that can indicate the presence of the disease. An MRI is considered one of the best tests used to diagnose multiple sclerosis to date, although a diagnosis of MS is impossible to make using an MRI alone. That's because patients can still register a normal MRI and still have MS. Ask your doctor about an evoked potential test. As doctors are learning more about how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, this test is providing additional information to get an accurate determination of the disease. The procedure is painless and involves the use of visual or electrical stimuli to measure the electrical signals your body sends to your brain. Your doctor will refer you to a neurologist to have your test results interpreted. Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Once all of the tests are completed, your doctor will determine a diagnosis. If they make a diagnosis of MS, they'll then discuss your treatment options for managing the condition. This involves learning to effectively manage symptoms and slow the disease progression. While there is no cure for MS, many people are able to slow its progression and reduce how much the symptoms affect their life. Talk to your healthcare team about what you can expect from your condition. | Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Look for the early symptoms of MS. Know that symptoms of MS manifest in different ways for different patients. Look for the most common symptoms of MS. Plan for blood tests that bring your doctor closer to a diagnosis of MS. Schedule a spinal tap with your doctor. Prepare for an MRI through your healthcare provider or local health care facility. Ask your doctor about an evoked potential test. Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wakeskate | How to Wakeskate | To wake skate, start by sitting in the water with your heels on the wakeboard and holding the rope attached to the boat. As the boat gains speed, allow it to pull you up until you're standing on the board with your knees bent. Then, turn yourself so the board is parallel to the boat. As you turn, straighten your legs and keep your arms straight in front of you. Next, lean your weight to one side to steer the board out of the wake for a smoother ride. | Use the speed of the boat or jet ski to pull you up onto the board. The theory of wakeskating is not incredibly difficult to understand, but putting it into practice is much harder. You start in the water with your heels on the top of the board and the board perpendicular to the back of the boat. Holding onto a rope attached the boat, let the boat pull you behind it until you have enough speed to stand up on the board. Once your stand, you pivot your feet so that the front of the board faces the boat, and you're off. Getting up is almost identical to a getting up on a wakeboard. Sit in the water with the board by your feet. Before you tell the boat to get moving, get comfortable in this seated position. Your butt should be the lowest point, with your lifejacket keeping your head and torso above the water. The board will be perpendicular to the boat. If you are right-footed, the front of the board faces to the right. This is also known as "goofy" stance, or "goofy-footed." If you are left-footed, the front of the board faces to the left. This is a standard, or regular, stance. Place your heels on the board close to the edge. Your toes will be near the center of the board. Keep your heels on the board so that you could push down on them and flip the far edge of the board towards you if you wanted to. There will be 2-4 inches between the edge of the board and you heels. Get the boat moving slowly until the line is tense. This will "push" the board up to your feet so that your entire sole is on the board. The pressure of the water will keep the board on your feet. Bend your knees and keep the line in front of your body. Bend your knees about halfway, like you were preparing to jump off the board. Your arms will be straight in front of you so that your hands are ahead of your knees. Think of performing a squat (without weight) -- your knees are bent, your butt is down, and your arms are strong. Let the boat pull you up as it gains speed. This takes some practice, but once you get a feel for the balance it is actually not too difficult. Once the board is comfortably on your feet and the line is taut, slowly stand up on the board. With your knees relaxed, keep your hands out in front and unbend your knees as you let the boat pull you to a standing position. The boat should be going 13-16mph. Don't lock your knees -- they should still be slightly bent as you stand up in an athletic position. Turn the board so that your dominant foot is towards the boat. Put pressure on your back foot (the left, if you are right-footed/goofy rider) to turn the board so that it is parallel to the boat. Keep your chest up, arms straight, and feet staggered to start riding. If you are right footed, your right foot is in front and slightly to the right of your back foot. Once you're up, the basic body positioning is similar to snowboarding or skateboarding: Knees slightly bent. Equal weight on both feet. Handle at waist height. Chest "tall," not hunched over or leaning back. Put pressure on your feet to move the board around. "Pushing" down with your feet causes the board to accelerate or decelerate. Push on your front foot to move forward and on your back foot to slow down, but only as much as the rope will allow. Lean into the edges to turn. You want to ensure your chest is always over your toes, and you are utilizing your heel and toe edges to do the turning. Lean the way you want to turn-- if you are right footed and want to go right, lean into your heels. You are dipping a bit of the boards edge into the water in order to turn. Turn out of the wake for smoother skating. The wake is the triangular surf behind the boat's engine, and it is often bumpy to ride behind. Turn your board out of the wake for the smooth waters on the sides, especially if you plan on trying out some "flat water" tricks. Be ready for a bump at the edge of the wake. While it can take some getting used to, having a solid core and slightly bent knees will work wonders. Use the edge of the wake like a ramp to get some air. Once you're comfortable turning it is time to get some air. Get outside of the wake then turn quickly back towards it. Put light pressure on your back foot to push the nose in the air and keep your knees bent as you hit the wake, popping you into the air. Slightly extend your legs so that you can bend your knees on the landing, much like you would after jumping off a high ledge. Pull the rope in 2-3 inches to keep it tight as you start the jump. Perform a simple ollie, or jump, in the water. The form is the same for jumping on a skateboard, but it is still simple even if you've never skated. Get to some flat water either in the center of the wake or on the outside. Put pressure on your back foot so that the front sticks up out of the water, then use both feet to hop up, sucking the board up with you. The board should follow. Your feet will need to be back a bit so that the back foot is near the end of the board. Try out some skateboarding tricks. The mechanics of wakeskating are similar to skateboarding, so anyone with a background on a board can transition easily into the burgeoning watersport. Some tricks to try out include: Riding one-handed. Spinning 180 or 360 degrees. Kickflip. Pop Shovit. Know that boards are made of wood or plastic foam (composite) materials. The traditional wakeskate board is made of pressed wood just like a skateboard. Recent interest in the sport has led to more high-tech designs that use a plastic foam core. Wooden boards tend to react more like skateboards and respond well to tricks, whereas composite boards float a little lighter and feel like wakeboards. Composite boards tend to last longer and are usually more expensive. Choose the right size for your weight and skill level. Board size is always measured in inches, and the size you buy depends on you as a skater. Lighter boards move slower but respond well to tricks, while bigger boards have more buoyancy and speed through the water. 39-41 inches: Riders who weigh 90-170lbs, beginners and intermediates. 42-43 inches: Riders who weigh 150-200lbs, intermediate riders. 44-46 inches: Riders who weigh more than 180lbs, advanced riders. Get a foam top board if you want to ride barefoot. While they have slightly less control than a grip-tape board, foam-topped boards are great for beginners. You can wear shoes with them as well, but many people find it easier to learn barefoot because they can feel the boards movement better. Get fins on your board for greater stability. The only issue is that fins make it more difficult to break the surface of the water and get air. Still, fins are good for beginners or those who want to focus on speed and comfortable riding. Many boards come with removable fins, allowing you to adapt your board to your riding style or skill level. Invest in a good pair of shoes. Wakeskaters have a wide variety of shoes to choose from, as most regular athletic shoes will work just fine. Many wakeskaters prefer normal skateboard shoes because they are designed to interact with the surface of the board for grip and stability. Wakeskate specific shoes, however, have drainage channels and quick-drying material for added comfort on the board. Unless you're planning to do tricks, jumps and other stunts you can use regular athletic shoes or skateboarding shoes. Get a light, foam-topped board with fins if you are just starting out. These boards are more forgiving to ride, have added stability, and can be ridden with shoes or barefoot. Talk to the staff at your watersports shop about finding the correct size for you if you have any questions, but know that you do not need a "perfect" board to get riding. With a little practice and the right board for your weight you will be up in no time. | Use the speed of the boat or jet ski to pull you up onto the board. Sit in the water with the board by your feet. Place your heels on the board close to the edge. Get the boat moving slowly until the line is tense. Bend your knees and keep the line in front of your body. Let the boat pull you up as it gains speed. Turn the board so that your dominant foot is towards the boat. Keep your chest up, arms straight, and feet staggered to start riding. Put pressure on your feet to move the board around. Lean into the edges to turn. Turn out of the wake for smoother skating. Use the edge of the wake like a ramp to get some air. Perform a simple ollie, or jump, in the water. Try out some skateboarding tricks. Know that boards are made of wood or plastic foam (composite) materials. Choose the right size for your weight and skill level. Get a foam top board if you want to ride barefoot. Get fins on your board for greater stability. Invest in a good pair of shoes. Get a light, foam-topped board with fins if you are just starting out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dismount-a-Horse | How to Dismount a Horse | To dismount from a horse with an English or Western saddle, wait until the horse is completely still and calm. Hold the reins loosely in your left hand, then use that hand to grip the horse's mane. Grip the saddle pommel or front edge with your right hand, then remove your right foot from the stirrup and pivot your right foot over the horse's rear. Be careful not to kick the horse when you do this. Lower your right foot to the ground and remove your left foot from the saddle. | Make sure the horse is still and calm. Never dismount until the horse has stopped moving completely. If the horse is spooked or inexperienced, calm it before dismounting. Pat it gently and speak to it in a soft tone of voice until it becomes still. Shift your weight around slightly while you calm the horse, so it won't be surprised when you move to dismount. Hold the reins and mane in your left hand. Move both reins to your left hand. Keep holding them for the duration of the dismount, but take care to give them some slack and not to yank them suddenly. While holding the reins, grip the horse's mane. This will help stabilize you, and will not hurt the horse. Most horses are trained for dismounts on the left side, and may spook if you try to dismount on the right. Remove your right foot from the stirrup. Stand up in the stirrups, gripping the saddle pommel with your right hand for balance if necessary. Tip your right toe down to remove your foot from the right stirrup. Continue immediately to the next step, turning it into one fluid motion. If you are using an English saddle without a raised pommel, grip the front by curling your fingers under the front edge of the saddle instead. Also, you may be more familiar with the term "iron" in place of "stirrup." Pivot your right foot over the horse's rear. Learn your body forward over the front of the saddle, and bring your free right foot well up and over the rear of the horse, onto the left side. Be careful not to kick the horse's rear while you do so, as this can cause the horse to spook and start moving. As you complete the motion with your right foot, you can move your right hand to grip the saddle's cantle (raised rear portion) for balance. While you may use your foot in the left stirrup for balance, do not push outward while you pivot. This could pull the horse and start it moving. Finish dismounting (one foot). There are two common ways to complete the dismount, each described in this section. To dismount on one foot, simply lower your right foot to the ground, keeping your left foot in the stirrup and your hands on the pommel and cantle (front and rear) of the saddle. Flex your knee slightly as you land to absorb the impact, make sure the horse is not moving, then use your right hand to lift your left foot out of the stirrup. You must be tall enough to reach the stirrup with your left foot from the ground. If you are not, you'll need to dismount onto a raised platform, or use the "both feet" method below. If you feel the horse start to move as you dismount, you can "bounce" up from the ground as you land and back into the saddle, to avoid falling. If you are not strong or experienced enough to do this, this method can lead to a dangerous situation. Finish dismounting (both feet). Alternatively, complete the dismount by pushing your left foot gently out of the stirrup as well, then sliding along the horse's belly to the ground. Complete this motion fluidly, without pausing, and flex your knees as you land. This dismount method can be performed from any height, and also carries no risk of getting your foot caught in the stirrup of a moving horse. Do not flail or shake your leg to get it out of the stirrup, as this could spook the horse. Instead, gently push against it, or pull up with your arms, to raise yourself higher, and lift your foot out. Lead the horse. Since you have held onto the reins this entire time, it is now easy to walk the horse from the ground. Before moving, put the stirrups up to prevent them knocking against the horse or getting caught on obstacles. Request assistance from sidesaddle. If you are riding sidesaddle, with both legs on one side of the horse, ask someone to help lift you down. Jumping down on your own often causes your clothing to snag on the tack, and makes it difficult to keep hold of the reins. Hop down from bareback. If riding bareback, one option is to bring your right foot over the horse's neck. Be careful not to hit your horse's neck as you do so, or it could easily spook. Once both feet are on the left side, hop down to the ground. Do not attempt this from a saddle, as it is too easy to snare yourself in the tack. Slide down from bareback instead. Another bareback dismounting method is very similar to the dismount for western or english saddles. Swing your right leg clear over the horse's rump, then slide down the belly onto the ground. Since you have no saddle to hold onto, you will need to perform this motion quickly and fluidly to avoid unbalancing yourself. | Make sure the horse is still and calm. Hold the reins and mane in your left hand. Remove your right foot from the stirrup. Pivot your right foot over the horse's rear. Finish dismounting (one foot). Finish dismounting (both feet). Lead the horse. Request assistance from sidesaddle. Hop down from bareback. Slide down from bareback instead. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Oh-Hell-(Card-Game) | How to Play Oh Hell (Card Game) | The objective of the card game Oh Hell is to earn points by taking the exact number of tricks per round that you initially guessed you would. The game is best played with 4-6 players. To begin each hand, an equal number of cards is dealt to each player. You should not deal out all the cards since you need a few remaining cards each round. For a 4 player game, you could start with 12 cards per person while for a 6 player game you could start with 8 per person. The top card from the remaining deck is flipped over, with the suit of the card becoming the trump suit. After studying their cards, each player says the number of tricks they believe they'll win that round. Write down each person's bet for reference. Then, the player to the left of the dealer plays a card, which will be the leading suit. Play proceeds around the circle with all subsequent players following suit, meaning they play a card of the same suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades) as the person who led the round. To take a trick, you must play the highest value card of the round. Aces are worth the most and 2's the least. If a player does not have any cards of the suit that led, they can play a card of a different suit. Cards of the trump suit automatically beat cards of any other suit. For example, if the first card played in a round was a 10 of hearts, each subsequent player must play a heart. If a player does not have hearts in their hand, they may play a card of any suit. You cannot win the trick if you play a different suit from the one that led unless you play a card of the trump suit. If the trump suit is clubs, a club will be beat any hearts played in the round regardless of their value. If more than one person plays a club, the player with the highest club wins the trick. The player who wins the trick leads the next trick. The round ends when players have no more cards in their hand. Players are awarded 1 point for each trick they win during a round plus 10 points if they won exactly the number of tricks they bid. The person to the left of the dealer becomes the new dealer for the next round, deals the cards, and flips up the top card from the remaining deck to choose the new trump suit. Each successive round is played with one card less per hand than the previous round. The final round is played with one card. After the last round, the player with the most cumulative points wins. | Learn the following rules and order of the game: Each round, the dealer deals a certain number of cards (from a full deck, jokers removed) to all the players, including himself. One card is dealt in the first round, two in the second, three in the third, etc. After dealing, the dealer takes the remaining deck and cuts it. The suit of the card he draws becomes trump (see below) for that round. Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, players begin to bid how many tricks they can take. A player may bid any number between zero and the number of cards dealt that round. The dealer records the bids on a score sheet. When it comes his turn to bid, he may not bid so that the sum of the bids of all the players is exactly equal to the number of cards dealt. If the sum of the bids is exactly equal to the number of cards, there is a chance that there will be no loser. The player to the left of the dealer plays first. All subsequent players must follow suit (see below). The player who wins the trick leads the next hand, if there is one. Once all cards have been played, the dealer tallies up the score. If a player takes the exact number of tricks he bid, he receives 10 points, plus the number he bid. For example, if Jane bid 0 and took 0 and Ricardo bid 5 and took 5, Jane's score would be 10 and Ricardo's would be 15. If a player takes any other number of tricks, he receives no points. For example, of Hilda bid 3 but took 2, and Naomi bid 1 but took 3, both would receive a score of 0. The player to the left of the dealer deals the next round. One more card is dealt. The game continues until the cards can no longer be divided equally among all the players, or until someone reaches a score of 100. | Learn the following rules and order of the game: After dealing, the dealer takes the remaining deck and cuts it. Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, players begin to bid how many tricks they can take. The player to the left of the dealer plays first. Once all cards have been played, the dealer tallies up the score. The player to the left of the dealer deals the next round. The game continues until the cards can no longer be divided equally among all the players, or until someone reaches a score of 100. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Your-Wife%27s-Birthday | How to Celebrate Your Wife's Birthday | There are various ways to celebrate your wife's birthday, so the first thing you should do is to consider what kind of celebration she might like for her birthday, like a surprise party or a low-key dinner. Kick off the day by making her breakfast in bed with all of her favorite foods. Then, if she loves being around her family and friends, throwing her a party and inviting everyone is a great option. Your wife might prefer some relaxation on her birthday, and you can give that to her by treating her to a spa day or booking a romantic vacation. | Plan a surprise party to celebrate with all of her friends and family. Send out invitations a month in advance of the party, and remind attendees not to say anything to the birthday queen. Then, lead your wife there on the day of the part under the guise of going somewhere else, and have her family and friends jump out and surprise her when you arrive! Be sure to stress the importance of keeping it a secret on the invitation. If you know someone is a bad secret keeper, talk to them in person or on the phone about ways they can avoid your spouse before the party. Some people don't like surprises. If you're thinking of planning a surprise party, ask your wife how she feels about them well in advance. If she says no, respect her wishes. Invite her family and friends for a low-key birthday dinner. If your wife isn't enthusiastic about her birthday, a small birthday dinner might be the best way to celebrate. Invite her family and 3-4 of her closest friends to go to a nice restaurant. If you're on a tighter budget, have dinner at your house for everyone. Make your wife's favorite party foods so she can celebrate with her friends while saving money. If you want to mix it up, you can even invite them to brunch on her birthday. That gives you the rest of the day to celebrate and do more birthday activities. Take her to dinner and have a night out for two to celebrate alone. This is a great gift idea if your wife asks to just spend time with you for her birthday. Plan a night of drinks, dinner, and dancing, or a fancy dinner and a show. Your wife will remember this birthday for years to come! If you still want to invite her friends to celebrate, ask them to meet you at the bar after dinner for a couple of drinks and some dancing. Pamper her with a spa day if she never takes time for herself. Visit local spas and ask if they offer special packages for a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure, and book the services for a day that your wife is free. Present the gift to her by giving her a brochure for the spa with a heartfelt note. If you're not sure what kind of services she'd like, purchase a gift certificate and let her schedule the spa day for herself. That way, she can pick exactly what she wants to pamper herself with. Take her on a vacation for a major milestone birthday. Many women dream of taking some time off for their birthday, and if you can make it happen, you definitely should. Milestone birthdays like 30, 40, 50, and 60 are all great opportunities to take a trip together to somewhere you've never been. You can either tell her in advance or surprise her, but just remember that planning a surprise trip is much more difficult. Be sure to call her work and let them know that you're planning a surprise trip for the week of her birthday so she doesn't get in trouble for calling off. Take her to a concert or festival if she loves music. If your wife is a music lover or you bonded over a specific artist or band, buy her tickets to go see them. The concert doesn't have to be on the day of her birthday, but it's definitely helpful if it is. If your wife loves classical music, take her to see the local symphony. Most large cities have a symphony that plays different shows throughout the week, so it won't be hard to get tickets on her birthday. Get her a piece of meaningful jewelry to commemorate her birthday. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are all great gifts for your wife's birthday. They don't have to be expensive, but the jewelry that you buy should match her personal style. If you need some inspiration, look at the kind of jewelry that she wears each day. That will help you narrow down your search to a specific type of jewelry that she'll actually use. A great piece of jewelry for a birthday gift is anything with her birthstone in it. Looking for a specific stone will help narrow your search and the gift will be personalized to her. Send her a birthday bouquet. Flowers are a great way to show your wife that you care and that she's special! If you know her favorite flower, have the flower company deliver a bouquet of them to her work, school, or house. You can pick a large bouquet as her main gift or a smaller one as a little gift to start her day with a smile. If you don't know her favorite flower, choose a bouquet of seasonal flowers like daisies in the summer or tulips in the spring. Buy her a gift that is useful for one of her hobbies. If your wife has a specific interest, like makeup, gardening, video games, or reading, buy her something for her hobby that she doesn't already have. Keep an eye out for unique and special items throughout the year that she could use. Take a look at her collection already to see what she already has and make sure you don't buy her a duplicate. If you're not sure what she already has, you can get a gift card to a store that specializes in her hobby so she can pick her gift. Make her breakfast in bed to start the day on a good note. Wake up early and sneak out of bed to prepare her favorite breakfast items. Then, arrange them neatly on a tray with a cup of coffee or glass of orange juice. You can even place a birthday card or flower on the tray for an added surprise. This a particularly great gift if your wife has to work on the day of her birthday. She'll be happy all day thinking about her awesome birthday breakfast. Create a photobook of memories to remind her of her awesome life. For this gift, consult her friends and family to get pictures from her past. Focus on the different stages of her life, like childhood, young adulthood, and eventually all of the adventures that you two have had together. Compile them into a photo book and present it to her on her birthday. You can even include notes from her friends and family about their memories of different events. For example, ask her parents to tell the story of the day she was born, or get her best friend to write about how they met. Give her a “coupon book” of special tasks related to your relationship. This is a unique and fun way to give your wife passes to do what she wants throughout the year, not just on her birthday! Make them yourself, and think about things you know she would enjoy, like a week of not doing the dishes, or a complaint-free chick flick movie marathon. You can buy coupon books like these at some stores, but it's definitely more heartfelt when you make them yourself. All you have to do is fold some pieces of paper in half, staple them together, and write your “coupons” on the pages. | Plan a surprise party to celebrate with all of her friends and family. Invite her family and friends for a low-key birthday dinner. Take her to dinner and have a night out for two to celebrate alone. Pamper her with a spa day if she never takes time for herself. Take her on a vacation for a major milestone birthday. Take her to a concert or festival if she loves music. Get her a piece of meaningful jewelry to commemorate her birthday. Send her a birthday bouquet. Buy her a gift that is useful for one of her hobbies. Make her breakfast in bed to start the day on a good note. Create a photobook of memories to remind her of her awesome life. Give her a “coupon book” of special tasks related to your relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Oven | How to Use an Oven | Before you use a gas oven, thoroughly read through the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with all of the components and any special features your oven may have. Since gas ovens tend to fluctuate in temperature, use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature during the cooking process. If you want whatever you're cooking to be more browned on top, move it to the top tray of the oven. If you want the food to be crisper, turn up the temperature. | Figure out the basics of your oven. Before you start attempting to use your gas oven, or any oven, read over any instruction manuals you have. This will inform you of the basics of how to turn the oven on and off as well how to move the racks and other aspects of how your oven works. Every oven comes with racks. Before using your oven, experiment with taking them in and out of the oven. Depending on what you're cooking, you may have to adjust the oven racks. It's a good idea to get a sense of how to do so. Figure out how to turn the oven on and set the temperature. Usually, you have to turn a knob near the front of the oven to do so. You can then turn the knob to the appropriate heat setting. Some ovens give off a signal, such as light going on and off or a noise being made, indicating when the oven is adequately heated. Use an oven thermometer. Gas ovens tend to fluctuate in temperature. Even if you set the oven for a specific temperature, the heat may rise or fall unexpectedly during the cooking process. Therefore, use an oven thermometer to measure temperature. You may need to turn the heat slightly up or slightly down during the cooking process. Use the oven light to monitor the oven's temperature. Opening the oven too often during the cooking process can cause the temperature to drop suddenly. Rotate your trays while cooking. Heat tends to fluctuate in a gas oven. Some spots will become hotter or colder during the cooking process. Therefore, it can help to occasionally open the oven and rotate your baking trays a few degrees to ensure things cook evenly. Cakes, breads, and muffin trays should be rotated 90 degrees halfway through cooking. If you're using more than one rack to bake something like cookies, switch the top and bottom trays as well. Casserole dishes should be rotated slightly multiple times during the cooking process. Place a baking stone on your oven's floor. A baking stone can be used to cook things like baked goods and pizzas. However, it can also help regulate temperature in a gas oven. It can help radiate temperature upward in a more even fashion. Place it on the bottom of your oven or on the lowest rack when you're not using it. Then, place whatever you're cooking just above the baking stone to help it cook more evenly. Move items higher up for browner tops. It can sometimes be hard to get things like pies to brown on the top in a gas oven. It can help to move dishes you need to brown to the top tray. This will allow them to brown faster. Turn up the temperature for added crispiness. Gas ovens tend to be more humid, which can affect crispiness. Things like roasted potatoes may not get crisp as easily in a gas oven. It can help to turn the oven temperature up about 25 degrees hotter than the recipe calls for. This will result in a crispier final product. Do not use dark metal cookware. You should never use dark metals in a gas oven. In a gas oven, heat comes from the bottom of the oven. Dark metal cookware will absorb heat faster, which can result in the bottoms of dishes become brown or burnt. Instead of dark metal cookware, opt for light-colored metal, glass, or silicone. Familiarize yourself with the basics. Make sure you read your oven's manual for the basics of using an electric oven. This should show you how to turn the oven on and off and how to do things like move the racks up and down in the oven. Make sure you know how to set the temperature. Electronic ovens usually allow you to punch in the temperature electronically and will then give an indication when the oven is ready. A light on your oven may go on or off or it may make a noise to indicate it's heated. Give your oven extra time to preheat. Start preheating your oven while you begin preparing foods and baked goods if you're using an electronic oven. Gas ovens tend to heat quickly, but electric ovens need more time to reach the proper temperature. You should use an oven thermometer to make sure your electric oven is at the right temperature. Bake items in the middle oven rack. Unless a recipe specifies an item should be placed on the upper or lower oven rack, always use the middle rack with an electric oven. This is the spot where the heat will be least likely to fluctuate during the cooking process. This will make your food cook more evenly throughout. Add steam when necessary. Electric ovens tend to be fairly dry. Oftentimes, this can delay bread and other similar foods from rising. If you're struggling to make something like a pizza crust or loaf of bread rise, try adding a little steam to your electronic oven. You can pour a cup of hot water into a pan and then set it at the bottom of the oven. You can also open the oven a crack and use a spray bottle to spritz some water into the oven. Select the right bakeware for what you're cooking. You can use a diverse range of bakeware in an electric oven. However, different bakeware will yield different results. Make sure to use the right bakeware for what you're cooking. If you want browning around the sides and bottoms of your foods, go for metal bakeware. If you want to decrease browning, go for glass or silicone products. Take advantage of the self cleaning option. If your oven has a self cleaning option, that's usually the best way to get the job done. Your oven's instruction manual should indicate how to use the self cleaning option. Usually, the oven will lock and self clean for about two hours. After the oven finishes self cleaning, you simply wipe off any debris with a paper towel. Remove and clean your oven racks. If your oven does not have a self cleaning option, you will need to clean it manually. To start, remove the oven racks and clean them. Lay a towel down on the bottom of your bathtub and fill the tub with hot water. Add half a cup of powder dishwasher detergent and swish it around into the water. Let the racks soak for about four hours. Then, wipe off any gunk and stains with a non-abrasive scrub brush. Rinse the racks completely and then allow them to air dry. Coat your oven in baking soda and water. Mix baking soda and water until you form a workable paste. Then, use a cloth or sponge to coat the inside of your oven with your paste. Make sure to get the sides, bottom, and top of your oven. Add vinegar and scrub off the baking soda. Pour vinegar over the baking soda and water mixture. Allow the vinegar to sit on until it begins to fizzle lightly. This should happen fairly quickly. This helps loosen dirt and debris, allowing you to easily clean your oven. Once the vinegar is fizzling, use a sponge to scrub down the top, bottom, and sides of an oven. Scrub until you remove all loose dirt and debris. When you're done, use a paper towel to remove any lingering baking soda, water, and loose dirt and bits of food. Place the oven racks back in the oven. After you've cleaned out the interior of the oven, place your oven racks back in place. Your oven should now be clean and ready to use. | Figure out the basics of your oven. Use an oven thermometer. Rotate your trays while cooking. Place a baking stone on your oven's floor. Move items higher up for browner tops. Turn up the temperature for added crispiness. Do not use dark metal cookware. Familiarize yourself with the basics. Give your oven extra time to preheat. Bake items in the middle oven rack. Add steam when necessary. Select the right bakeware for what you're cooking. Take advantage of the self cleaning option. Remove and clean your oven racks. Coat your oven in baking soda and water. Add vinegar and scrub off the baking soda. Place the oven racks back in the oven. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Orajel | How to Apply Orajel | Orajel is a topical anesthetic that helps numb pain on your body or inside your mouth. Never use Orajel on broken or cut skin, since this can cause irritation and lead to infection. Squeeze a small amount onto your finger or a sterile gauze pad and dab it into your painful area. Make sure you wash your hands before and after applying Orajel to get rid of any bacteria. Follow the label for dosing, and never exceed 4 applications a day. If you miss a dose, apply Orajel as soon as you remember or wait for your next dose. If you get have an allergic reaction to Orajel with hives, breathing issues, or facial swelling, seek emergency medical care. | Make sure your skin is not broken. Don't use Orajel on broken skin, as it could cause irritation. Also, your wound could be at risk for an infection, and Orajel shouldn't be used on infected skin. If your skin is broken, use a product approved for use on open wounds. Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Most people over the age of 2 can use Orajel 3-4 times a day. Apply a thin layer to the area you're treating. Use as little product as possible. You can also check with your doctor to determine the proper dosage. Wash your hands before you use Orajel. Start with clean hands so that you don't introduce germs and bacteria into the product. Use mild soap and warm water to cleanse your hands. It's especially important to wash your hands if you're applying the product with your fingers. Put a small amount of Orajel on your finger or a sterile gauze pad. Don't apply the product directly onto your skin, even if it comes in a spray. Instead, use your fingers or gauze to apply it. You can squeeze or spray the Orajel directly onto your applicator. You can also use a clean cotton swab for application. If you're using a throat spray, you can spray it directly onto your throat. Dab the product onto the area you’re treating. Use slow, gentle movements to limit pain caused by your application. Continue dabbing the product onto the site until you've created a thin layer of Orajel. If you didn't apply enough product to your fingers or the gauze, it's okay to apply more. It's a good idea to wash your hands or get a clean piece of gauze for your second application. Wash your hands after applying it to remove any excess product. The ointment can soak into your skin, so you might accidentally absorb too much product if you don't wash your hands. This increases your risk of developing side effects, which can become serious. Soap and warm water will remove the excess Orajel if you wash your hands immediately. Take a missed dose as soon as you remember or wait for the next dose. In most cases, it's best to go ahead and take your missed dose. However, don't take 2 doses back to back. If it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed. If you missed a dose because you weren't experiencing pain, it's a good idea to reduce the number of times you're applying it. Use as little of the medication as possible. Watch for common side effects, such as mild stinging and redness. Common side effects of Orajel include mild irritation, itching, redness, tenderness, and dry, flaking skin at the application site. These usually go away. However, severe side effects can occur, such as severe burning or stinging, swelling, warm skin, redness, oozing, or infection. If any of these side effects occur, stop using the product immediately and seek medical care. Check the label for more information about side effects. Seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic reaction. These include hives, breathing issues, and swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat. This is a serious medical condition. Similarly, seek medical attention if you have signs of methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder that Orajel can cause. Symptoms include headache, tiredness, confusion, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or pale, blue, or gray skin, lips, or nails. Talk to your doctor before using Orajel. Although Orajel is sold over-the-counter, it's still a medication. It isn't right for everyone, and your doctor is the best resource for determining if it's right for you. Make sure you tell them about other medications you're taking. Follow all of your doctor's instructions. Avoid giving Orajel or Baby Orajel to children under age 2. It's tempting to turn to Orajel to help your baby cope with teething discomfort, but it's best to stick to other methods recommended by your doctor. Orajel's active ingredient is benzocaine, which can cause a dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia in young babies. Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen your organs and tissues receive from your blood. Talk to your doctor before giving anything to your baby, especially over-the-counter medication. Use your Orajel no more than 4 times a day. Only apply the Orajel if you truly need it, such as when you're experiencing pain. Using it too much can increase your risk of side effects, such as methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen distributed throughout your body. Check the expiration date on your Orajel. You should not use expired medication, so it's important to always check that your product is still good. If it's expired, throw it out and get a new container. The expiration date should be printed on the tube or spray bottle. If you can't find it, it's best to purchase a new one. Read the label before using the Orajel. The packaging contains valuable information about how and when to apply the product. Additionally, it provides cautionary information for you to consider. Always read and follow the instructions on the label. Don't use more Orajel than is recommended. Similarly, don't use it to treat any condition not listed on the label. Avoid using Orajel on open wounds or burns unless told to by a doctor. The ointment is not safe for broken skin or severe irritation, such as burned or inflamed skin. It can worsen your skin irritation if you use the ointment incorrectly. Orajel shouldn't be used when an infection may be present, and an open wound or burn increases your risk of infection. Don't eat or drink for 1 hour after applying it to your mouth. Eating or drinking could cause you to wash the Orajel down your throat. Not only will this limit its usefulness in numbing your pain, it also causes you to ingest the product, which can be harmful. Don't even drink water. You can resume eating or drinking after an hour. Use caution if you smoke or have a heart or breathing condition. Breathing conditions include asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Having heart or lung issues increases your risk of developing a negative reaction to the Orajel. This makes you more likely to experience side effects. It's best to avoid using it unless your doctor says it's okay. Store your Orajel out of reach of children and pets. Put it in a cool, dry place that's hard for them to access. For example, keep it on a high shelf in your medicine cabinet. The product can be dangerous if it's improperly ingested. You might also keep it in a secure first aid kit. Treat minor pain on your skin or around your nails. As long as your skin isn't broken, you can treat minor skin or nail issues. This might include random nerve pain, such as in your hands. For example, you might use Orajel on an ingrown nail or toenail. Relieve pain from bee or wasp stings. Stings are a common source of pain or discomfort. Luckily, Orajel can help numb away that pain! Just make sure you don't have an open wound. Make sure you remove the stinger before applying the product to a bee sting. Apply it inside your mouth for nerve pain, cold sores, or throat irritation. You can use a small amount of Orajel in your mouth for toothaches, gum pain, cheek sores, etc. Use as little ointment as possible. For throat irritation, it's best to use a spray, lozenge, or mouth rinse. Use Orajel on your vagina to relieve irritation. It's safe to use Orajel on your vagina. However, it's best to only do so if you know you aren't allergic to the product. Apply as little product as necessary to get relief. Put the cream on your anal area for hemorrhoids and other irritation. Orajel is a common treatment for hemorrhoids, as it can numb away the pain. You can also use it to relieve other pain around your rectum. If you want to treat rectal pain, you might look for a benzocaine suppository instead of applying Orajel. | Make sure your skin is not broken. Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Wash your hands before you use Orajel. Put a small amount of Orajel on your finger or a sterile gauze pad. Dab the product onto the area you’re treating. Wash your hands after applying it to remove any excess product. Take a missed dose as soon as you remember or wait for the next dose. Watch for common side effects, such as mild stinging and redness. Seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor before using Orajel. Avoid giving Orajel or Baby Orajel to children under age 2. Use your Orajel no more than 4 times a day. Check the expiration date on your Orajel. Read the label before using the Orajel. Avoid using Orajel on open wounds or burns unless told to by a doctor. Don't eat or drink for 1 hour after applying it to your mouth. Use caution if you smoke or have a heart or breathing condition. Store your Orajel out of reach of children and pets. Treat minor pain on your skin or around your nails. Relieve pain from bee or wasp stings. Apply it inside your mouth for nerve pain, cold sores, or throat irritation. Use Orajel on your vagina to relieve irritation. Put the cream on your anal area for hemorrhoids and other irritation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-a-Pencil-Skirt | How to Sew a Pencil Skirt | To sew a pencil skirt, start by measuring the circumference of your waist, hips, and legs using a fabric tape measure. Add 5/8 inch to 2 inches to the measurements for seam allowances, then purchase enough fabric to create your skirt based on your measurements. Next, measure and cut out the skirt pieces from the fabric. Then, sew the back and front pieces together, hem the edges, and add a zipper in the back to complete your skirt! | Gather your materials. Here is a list of items you will need: About one yard of fabric Sewing machine or sewing needles and thread Zipper Fabric scissors Clear protractor Ruler Fabric tape measure Paper Pencil Take your measurements with a fabric tape measure. The trick to a perfect pencil skirt is making sure you have all the right measurements to ensure a good fit. The four main measurements you need are your waist, hip, leg circumference and total length. Your natural waist is the smallest part of your torso. Your hip measurement needs to be taken around the widest part of your butt. Measure around your legs where you want the pencil skirt to end. This can be either just above the knees or right below the knees for a traditional pencil skirt style. Measure the length starting from your natural waist and down to the point you want the skirt to end. Add extra room in your measurements. While you want to have accurate measurements, you need to add room for the seam allowance and give yourself enough room to walk and sit. A pencil skirt will have three seams that each require 5/8" for the seam allowance. In addition, you will want to add about 1/2" to 3/4" ease at the waistline, and about 2" to 2 3/4" wearing ease at the hips. Decide upon the fabric. The fabric is completely up to you. You can choose cotton, wool, polyester, or any material you would like to create your skirt. Just be sure that you understand the washing instructions of each fabric so that you can properly care for your skirt. Inspect the fabric you want to use to see how much give the material has. This will give you a better idea of how it will wear and fit on your body. Divide your measurements in half and put them onto the paper. This will help guide the shape of your skirt. Cut out two even pieces for the front and back. Keep the front piece of fabric as one piece, and then cut the back piece in half down the middle. Use a pencil to write out your measurements, and use a ruler to accurately place the measurements. Make the vent. For the back, you will need to add a vent extension to provide you room to move your legs and walk. Add 1 1/4 inches to the bottom back edges of both back pieces where the slit will start and end. At the top of that extension, make a 45 degree angle that cuts up and back. To help you cut evenly, use a clear protractor. Cut out your measurements. Once you have the proper measurements for the front and back pieces, cut them out, and use them to cut your fabric. Be sure to use sharp fabric scissors. Sew your back and front pieces together. Turn the fabric inside-out, and then sew about 5/8" inward along the sides of the skirt. Hem the vent and edges. You can decide to press the center back of the seam above the vent to the left or right side when you begin sewing the seam closed. When you get to the top of your skirt, don't sew it completely closed. Instead, baste the top where the zipper will go by using larger "temporary" stitches that will hold the fabric in place. These stitches can more easily be removed when needed. Add a zipper. Most pencil skirts will have a better fit if they have a zipper. Place the zipper at the back of your skirt in the center. Sew on the zipper around the seam while it is still basted closed. After you sew on the zipper, you will be able to remove the larger stitches. Hem your skirt. Flip the bottom up by about 1", and tuck it inside the fabric so it is hidden. Sew the top of your skirt closed by also tucking it in about 1" inside the fabric. Make sure you do not sew closed your bottom slit or top zipper when finishing the hemlines. Flip your skirt right-side up. After you are finished, feel free to go back and make adjustments to the length or size if you feel the skirt is too small or too big. It is easy to take a skirt in, but letting a skirt out can be tricky. If you need more room, use a seam ripper to undo your seam lines, and sew closer to the edge. | Gather your materials. Take your measurements with a fabric tape measure. Add extra room in your measurements. Decide upon the fabric. Divide your measurements in half and put them onto the paper. Make the vent. Cut out your measurements. Sew your back and front pieces together. Hem the vent and edges. Add a zipper. Hem your skirt. Flip your skirt right-side up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-and-Treat-Recluse-(Fiddleback)-Spider-Bites | How to Identify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider Bites | If you're bitten by a fiddleback spider, seek medical treatment as soon as possible, since these bites can be fatal, especially to children. Recluse, or fiddleback, spider bites look like small red marks at first that might get itchy and swollen. Soon after, a small white blister will probably appear and the tissue around the bite will go hard. If you spot the spider, it will be tan all over with a violin-shaped marking on its back. If you can't get to a doctor for a few hours, clean the bite area with a mild soap and warm water. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the bite for 10 minutes to help reduce swelling. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. | Find the spider that bit you, if possible. If you can, try to trap the spider that bite you to determine if it is a recluse spider. You can also try to remember the appearance of the spider that bite you. A recluse spider is tan all over, with legs attached to the upper part of its body. You don't have to catch the spider. Even taking a picture of the spider with your phone can help the medical professionals to identify the spider and treat you. This spider gets its nickname, "fiddleback", because of the unique violin-shaped marking on the back of the upper body part. The lower body part doesn't have any markings. A recluse spider has three pairs of eyes across the violin-shaped marking, rather than the two rows of four eyes that most U.S. spiders have. Recognize the symptoms of a brown recluse bite. When you are first bitten, you may not feel anything. Within hours of the bite, you may feel mild burning or irritation in or around the bite wound. You may also have the following symptoms: Severe swelling and pain at the bite site. A blister may develop that is blue in the center and ringed by redness, like a bull's eye. The blister may then burst, and the area will enlarge into an ulcer that extends deep into the tissue. A pimple-like lesion with yellow or green pus. A rash around the bite site that itches. Your urine may appear dark in color. You may also experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or joint pain. Like other spider bites, a recluse (fiddleback) spider bite will leave a small red mark. Unlike other spider bites, soon after the bite, a small white blister will appear and the tissue around the bite will become hard. The bite will then turn into a lesion that is blue-gray or blue-white, with ragged edges surrounded by redness. If left untreated, the skin around the recluse spider bite can become gangrenous, and develop into a large open wound. Understand where these spiders are often found. Brown recluse spiders like dark, sheltered areas, like under porches, in woodpiles, basements, closets, and under sinks. Consider if you were in any of these areas when you were bitten. Though the brown recluse spider can be found all over the United States, it is commonly found in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama; most of Mississippi, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Tennessee and Kentucky; the southern portions of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana; northern Georgia and eastern Texas. Try to see a doctor the same day you received the bite. If possible, bring the spider who bite you in to the doctor's office. Identification of the spider will help your doctor diagnose you properly. You can proceed with home care treatment once you are bitten. But you should try to see a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible after you are bitten as the bite could be serious or fatal. Clean the bite area with soap and rinse with water. Use a clean cloth and dip it in mild soap and room temperature water. Clean the bite area in small circular motions. Reduce swelling by placing a cool compress over the bite. Wrap ice in a clean towel or put ice in a plastic bag and then wrap it in a clean washcloth or towel. Place the compress over the bite for 10 minutes and then take it off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process in 10 minute intervals. If the person who is bitten has circulatory problems, reduce the time the compress is on the bite site. Elevate the bite area. This will slow the spread of the venom from the bite site to the rest of your body and reduce any swelling of the bite area. Wrap a compression bandage above the bite to reduce pain and swelling. If you do not have an actual compression bandage, tying any cloth above the bite site can slow down the spread of the venom. Raise the arm, hand, leg or foot with the bite above your heart by propping it up on a pillow. Make sure the bandage is snug, but is not cutting off your circulation. Do not apply heat to the area. This will only accelerate the tissue destruction around the bite and increase swelling and pain. You should also never attempt to remove the spider venom with a suction device or cut out the affected tissue. Avoid applying any steroid creams to the bite area, such as hydrocortisone cream. Take over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen or naproxen will help reduce the swelling and pain.. You can also take an antihistamine to alleviate any itchiness around the bite area. Talk to your doctor about medical treatment for the bite. At your doctor's appointment, or in emergency care, confirm the bite is a recluse spider bite and allow the doctor to treat the bite. After the initial evaluation, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments: A Tetanus immunization shot. Antibiotics, if there are signs of infection in the wound. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, to help with itchiness. Pain medications. Follow up with the doctor in three to four days. Schedule a follow up appointment with the doctor to confirm you do not have any infections or complications due to the recluse spider bite. It's important to monitor your recovery so the bite does not get worse or become infected. If there is damaged tissue around the bite, talk to your doctor about having it surgically removed. | Find the spider that bit you, if possible. Recognize the symptoms of a brown recluse bite. Understand where these spiders are often found. Try to see a doctor the same day you received the bite. Clean the bite area with soap and rinse with water. Reduce swelling by placing a cool compress over the bite. Elevate the bite area. Do not apply heat to the area. Take over-the-counter pain medications. Talk to your doctor about medical treatment for the bite. Follow up with the doctor in three to four days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Peel-a-Potato | How to Peel a Potato | To peel a potato, hold the potato in one hand and a potato peeler in the other hand. Starting at the base of the potato, press down with the peeler and scrape it across the skin, peeling away from your body. Rotate the potato, then peel another strip away next to the first one. If the potato is bumpy or uneven, you may have to go over the same spot more than once to get all of the peel off. Use the peeler or a sharp knife to remove any dark spots from the inside of the potato. Rinse the potato with cold water when you're finished. | Hold the potato in one hand and the peeler in your other hand. Stand at the sink or over the garbage before you go to peel your potato. This way you don't end up with bits of potato skin all over your kitchen. There are two generic "shapes" potato peelers; here's how to hold each one: If you have a standard long potato peeler, hold it like a paint roller, with your thumb balancing it in your fingers, but still away from the blade. If you have a Y-shaped potato peeler, hold it like a pencil. This way is more efficient, and you're less likely to hurt yourself. It should be resting between your middle finger and thumb (of your dominant hand), with your pointer finger holding it in position. Starting at the base of the potato, slowly peel the skin off away from you. Imagine drawing a line with the peeler going away from you, with your elbow pointing out, away from your body. Start at the base and try to make one swift motion all the way up the potato. Ideally, you should be peeling off the skin in strips. This goes for both shapes of potato peelers, even the y-shaped ones. Though it's possible grandma held it differently and drew it into her, this way you'll find results in a much cleaner potato. Some potatoes are a bit fussier than others and the skin will come off in chunks – especially if the potato isn't smooth and round. Pay special attention to these areas to get every last bit off; they'll need extra work (and a slower peel, lest you hurt yourself). Rotate the potato and continue the peeling process. As you get one side done, rotate it in your hand, developing a rhythm of peeling and rotating, peeling and rotating. Don't worry about peeling the top and bottom just yet. This isn't a speed contest; go as slowly and patiently as you have to to avoid hurting yourself or taking off the good parts of the potato. Going slowly at first can help you perfect your technique for later, too. Peel through any dark spots. You may find that as you expose the inside of the potato, you see dark spots. This is pretty normal – few potatoes are perfect. Focus on this area and keep peeling until you've peeled away the dark layers entirely. Sometimes the dark “meat” of the potato goes pretty deep (this is often called an "eye"). If this is the case, cut out the area with a knife or the edge of your peeler. The potato won't be perfectly round, but it'll still be good to eat. Continue the process with the top and bottom of the potato. This part is sort of like shaving your knees – maneuver the peeler around the curves as best you can, going back to those teeny spots you inevitably end up missing. Rinse with cold water when finished. Your potatoes are then clean and ready to be prepared. Place your potatoes in a large pot with plenty of water. You want a pot that's large enough for your potatoes to be well covered with water and not to be too cramped. Aim for at least 1 or 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) of water on top of the potatoes. If you’d like, score your potatoes. You may find that the skin comes off easier (or at the very least, is easier to grip) with the potatoes scored. Just make a line into the skin (only about ¼ inch deep (.6 cm) around the center of the potato, like an equator. Don't make the cut too deep; it just needs to go past the layer of skin. Try to cut every potato evenly so each one cooks evenly, too. Bring it to a boil for about 15 minutes. A good-size pot with 6 or 7 potatoes will take around 15 minutes to cook through. You'll need more or less time depending on how many you're dealing with. When you think they're done, pierce one with a fork – if it punctures the skin and then slides right in, you're good to go. Don't even worry about draining the pot just yet – move right onto the next step so the potatoes' heat is preserved. When they’re cooked through, immerse them one by one in ice cold water for 5-10 seconds. Have a bowl of ice water ready for when your potatoes are done. With your tongs (do not touch the potatoes directly), grab each potato and put it in the bowl of ice cold water. They don't need to be left in there for too long to cool down – 5 -10 seconds is plenty. With each potato, you may need to add an ice cube or two to the water; the heat of the potato will likely have transferred. Peel off the skin. Here's the magic: with just your fingers applying pressure to the skin, it will come right off, like a tablecloth. If you've scored the potato, place your thumbs on this line and pull toward the end of the potato, leaving a skinless potato in your wake. Dispose of the skin one by one in the garbage (or in a designated bowl next to you), to keep the bowl of ice water clean and as cold as possible. | Hold the potato in one hand and the peeler in your other hand. Starting at the base of the potato, slowly peel the skin off away from you. Rotate the potato and continue the peeling process. Peel through any dark spots. Continue the process with the top and bottom of the potato. Place your potatoes in a large pot with plenty of water. If you’d like, score your potatoes. Bring it to a boil for about 15 minutes. When they’re cooked through, immerse them one by one in ice cold water for 5-10 seconds. Peel off the skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Annoying-People | How to Cope With Annoying People | If you want to cope with annoying people who make your day worse, try maintaining your composure and avoiding conflict. Dealing with annoying people can be difficult, so take a deep breath whenever they get on your nerves to help control your emotions. Avoid the temptation to yell at them, since this will only make you more upset and give them the attention they might want. To keep yourself from getting in those situations, set boundaries with the annoying person by limiting your time around them as much as possible. At times when you can't avoid them, try to detach from the moment and focus on something else until they are gone. | Take a deep breath and stay calm. Though you may find it difficult to handle being around an annoying person, you should strive to maintain your composure and stay calm. Getting angry, upset, or frustrated may only ruin your day and have no real effect on how that person is behaving. Rather than let your emotions get the best of you, try to take deep breaths and remain calm. You may try doing deep breathing exercises, where you close your eyes and inhale deeply in your nose from your diaphragm, followed by a deep exhale out your nose. You may do deep breathing a few times to calm down and block out the annoying person. Do not react to them. Though you may be tempted to yell or curse at the person who is annoying you, reacting to them will only upset you and give the person the attention they may be seeking. Instead you should focus on tuning out what they are saying and try not to react to them. Coping through non-reaction can be a good way to get used to the annoying person and not them get to you. You may try repeating a word in your mind to help you not react to the person. This word may be “compassion” or “acceptance”. Try saying the word in your mind over and over until it becomes a mantra for you to lean on. Try to empathize with the person. To help maintain your composure, it may help to try to view a situation or issue from the person's point of view. Put yourself in their shoes for a second and consider why or how they may have become so annoying. Be empathetic toward the person and show them some compassion. Doing this may help you remain calm and composed around them. For example, perhaps the person who is always pointing out the negatives of every situation did not have a very happy childhood and tends to see only the worst possible outcomes. Or maybe the family member who is often too happy and excited about everything is in fact lonely and isolated in their social life, leading them to try to always project a sense of happiness. Prepare some stock lines to say to the person. When you encounter this person, you may be so frustrated that you end up saying something that hurts his or her feelings. To prevent this from happening, try to develop a few stock lines that you can use to either engage with the person or end the conversation. ”Hmm, I'm glad you mentioned that because…” “That's interesting. I don't know the first thing about that!” “It was nice to see you, but I have to run!” “I'm sorry. I don't have time to talk right now. Maybe some other time.” Take good care of yourself. If you are hungry, tired, or stressed, then you might find it harder to maintain your composure around someone who annoys you. Make sure that you are practicing good self-care to increase your chances of being able to maintain your composure. Some things you can do to ensure good self-care include: Getting enough sleep. Eating healthy foods. Exercising regularly. Making time to relax. Set boundaries. If you find it difficult to be around the annoying person often, you may need to set boundaries so you do not end up getting too emotionally involved. Setting boundaries for yourself is an important coping mechanism and will ensure you are not put in situations where you might come into conflict with the person. You may try to limit the amount of time you spend with the person, such as only chatting to them briefly in the morning at work and leaving the office for lunch. Or you may only answer their calls or texts when you have free time rather than answering them right away. You may also try to remain calm and detached when they speak to in meetings or social situations where you cannot excuse yourself. Doing this can set up personal boundaries for you to help you cope with the person's irritating nature. For example, if the annoying person starts talking too loudly at a family dinner, you may try to stay detached and focus on something else in your mind. This will allow you to block out the person and stay calm. Try to remain positive. You should also focus on the positive when you are around the person and try not to let their mood dampen yours. Being positive and proactive, rather than angry and reactive may discourage the person from trying to annoy you or bother you. One way you can appear positive is by maintaining open body language. This means maintaining eye contact with the person and nodding to show them you are not fazed by them. You should also keep your arms relaxed and by your sides. Avoid responding to the person with a passive aggressive comment or a snide remark. Instead, say something simple and polite like, “Thank you for sharing that with me” or “Sounds great.” Stay away from the person. If you are unable to handle being around the annoying person, despite trying to remain positive, you may want to avoid being around the person. Keep your distance and look for ways to avoid spending time with the person. Sometimes the best way to cope is to separate yourself from the person and take some time away from them. You may try to keep your distance for a set period of time so that you have some space away from the person. Maybe you skip a family get together to take a small break from hanging out with the person. Or maybe you try to choose assignments at work that do not involve the person so you can have some space away from them. Identify what the issue is. You may end up having to confront the annoying person and try to work together on ways to address any issues you are having with them. Before you confront the person, you should sit down and try to identify what annoys you so much about the person. You may ask yourself, “What does the person do that annoys me so much?” or “What is it about this person that I find irritating?” You may then able to address the issue once you are aware of what it is. For example, you may be annoyed by the fact that your co-worker always comes into meetings late and appears disorganized in front of clients. You may then realize that you are annoyed by her behavior overall and how unprofessional she is acting. Another example might be that you are annoyed with how your family member always talks about themselves and ignores the problems of others. You may realize that you are annoyed by him because he is not considerate of others. Discuss the issue with the person. If you would like to confront the person, you should do so one on one in a private, quiet area. You may ask the person if you can speak to them privately after work or call them and ask to talk to them in private. Try to speak to them in person, if possible. Always use “I” statements and avoid placing blame or accusing the person. For example, "I feel" or "I think." You may start the discussion by saying, “Listen, I need to let you know that I am feeling annoyed at your behavior.” You may then expand your thoughts and be honest about why you are annoyed by the person. You may say, “I feel as though your tardiness to meetings and your disorganization is reflecting badly on our team and the company as a whole. I am concerned that you are coming across as unprofessional to clients.” Or, you may say to your family member, "I feel as though you are not being considerate of others and are only focusing on your needs. I am concerned that you are not being as aware of others and their issues as you could be." Come up with solutions together. You should try to work with the person to come up with possible solutions or adjustments they can make to their behavior. It may be difficult for the person to hear your feedback but they may end feeling bad about their behavior and be willing to try to adjust or change. You should ask them directly, “What can I do to support you better?” or “How can I help you improve?” Show them you want to collaborate and work together to address the issue. Get support. It may be hard for the person to hear your feedback and they may end up getting upset or angry at you when you confront them. You should be prepared for the conversation to get a little heated. You may want to reach out to a superior at work, such as a Human Resources representative, a close friend or another family member, and ask them to support you if the conversation gets too intense. You should try to enlist support leading up to the conversation with the person who annoys you as well, as your co-workers or friends may be able to give you suggestions on how to address the issue. Make sure you do not gossip or trash talk to person with people in their workspace, their friend group or in your family, as this could just make the problem worse. Instead, try to talk about them respectfully with others and solicit advice on how to best handle the situation. | Take a deep breath and stay calm. Do not react to them. Try to empathize with the person. Prepare some stock lines to say to the person. Take good care of yourself. Set boundaries. Try to remain positive. Stay away from the person. Identify what the issue is. Discuss the issue with the person. Come up with solutions together. Get support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-an-Injured-Eye-on-a-Horse | How to Protect an Injured Eye on a Horse | To protect your horse's injured eye, place an eye patch or fly mask over it so dirt and debris don't get inside it. Just be careful when you're putting it on that you don't touch your horse's eye, since you could end up making the injury worse. If you haven't already, it's a good idea to have a vet examine your horse's eye. In most cases, the injury can be treated with saline solution and anti-inflammatory medication. However, in serious cases, your horse may need to be monitored or have surgery done on its eye. | Put a fly mask on the horse. You can protect the injured eye by putting a fly mask on the horse so dust and debris cannot get into the eye. A fly mask is a mask made for horses with two round protective patches, one for each eye. You can find fly masks at horse supply stores or online. To put the fly mask on the horse, have your horse to lower their head a few feet from the ground. Speak softly to your horse as you slide the fly mask onto their head, making sure the straps are secure around their chin. Make sure that the mask fits well, so that the horse can't rub it off or get a hoof caught in it. Fly masks will keep bugs and dust out of an injured eye, but they won't stop the horse from rubbing its eye against things, which can make the injury worse. Try placing an eye patch on the horse. You can also protect the injured eye by putting a protective patch on your horse's eye. You may look for a protective eye patch made for horses at your local horse supply store or online. When you put on the eye patch, make sure it sits right above your horse's injured eye. It should be flush to the area, as you do not want dust or debris to get into your horse's injured eye. Avoid touching or irritating the eye. When you put on any protective masks or patches on your horse's injured eye, make sure you do not touch the eye directly with your hand or any other objects. This can irritate the injury and make it worse. Do not put anything in the eye, such as medications or eye drops, without consulting with your vet first. Even if you think the eye injury is minor, it is a good idea to do home care on it and then take your horse to the vet for a check up. Getting a diagnosis from the vet will ensure your horse is not in any serious medical danger and that the eye is treated properly. Be very careful with steroids. Putting steroids into an eye that has a defect or ulcer can cause the eye to get much worse, requiring many weeks of medication. Applying anti-inflammatories to the eye before seeing the vet may mask some of the pain, but it will also prevent the vet from getting a clear view of the injury. Let the vet examine the horse’s eye. You should consider an eye injury a true emergency and get the horse to a vet as soon as possible. An eye injury in a horse can get worse very quickly and you do not want to put your horse at risk of blindness or losing the eye. You may bring your horse to the vet or have your vet do a house call. Try to have your horse examined by your vet as soon as you notice the eye injury. During the exam, the vet may sedate your horse so they can get a better look at your horse's injured eye. They may also perform nerve blocks around your horse's eye so the eye stays open during the exam. Your vet may look for an obvious obstructions in your horse's eye, from splinters to ulcers. Try to find a dark, clean area with minimal draft before the vet arrives and where he can work. The darker the area, the better – this will help the vet see clearly into the injured eye. Get a diagnosis from the vet. Your vet may be able to provide a clear diagnosis of your horse's issue just by doing a physical exam of the eye. They may also need to run additional tests on the eye. You should discuss the diagnosis with your vet to determine how you can treat the issue. Common eye injuries in horses include a foreign body in the eye, a corneal ulcer, an eyelid laceration, or orbital fractures, often caused by getting kicked by another horse. The position of horses' eyes – on the upper outside portion of the head – means that eye injuries are very common, as they are not well protected and vulnerable. Discuss your treatment options. Your vet should outline the treatment options available for your horse's injury. Follow your vet's instruction and allow your horse to be treated right away so the eye issue does not get worse. Most eye injuries can be treated with a saline solution flush and anti-inflammatory medication. If your horse has an eyelid laceration, your vet may suture it up and apply antibiotics to prevent an infection. Your horse may need medication applied every 2 to 3 hours through a lavage system. This can be a lot of work for owners and your vet may recommend that the horse stay in a hospital, where the injury can be monitored and treated on time. In rare cases, your horse may require eye surgery. This is often the case if a corneal ulcer becomes severe or if an orbital fracture is very severe. Check your horse’s eyes regularly. To prevent eye injuries from developing, you should get in the habit of checking your horse's eyes on a regular basis. You may do a quick eye exam every morning, being careful not to touch or irritate your horse's eyes. Make sure your horse's eyes do not appear to red, inflamed, or runny, as these could all be signs of an eye issue. Make your horse wear protective head gear. You can also prevent eye injuries by getting your horse used to wearing protective head gear, such as a fly mask. Having your horse wear a fly mask can ensure dirt, debris, and other objects do not get into their eyes. You may also make sure your horse wears a fly mask in situations that could lead to eye injuries, such as dusty or dirty areas or aggressive horses that could end up kicking or hitting your horse's head. You can also find foam padding for your horse to wear while traveling in a trailer. This will protect its head and eyes. Schedule regular check-ups with your vet. To keep your horse healthy and safe from eye issues, you should have regular check-ups with your horse's vet. You may have monthly check ups with your vet or a check-up scheduled for every few months. As part of the exam, you vet should examine your horse's eyes to confirm there are no issues or injuries. | Put a fly mask on the horse. Try placing an eye patch on the horse. Avoid touching or irritating the eye. Let the vet examine the horse’s eye. Get a diagnosis from the vet. Discuss your treatment options. Check your horse’s eyes regularly. Make your horse wear protective head gear. Schedule regular check-ups with your vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-Like-Hermione-Granger | How to Study Like Hermione Granger | Hermione Granger is both an inspiring witch and an inspiring student, and if you want to study like her, you'll need to learn to be organized and disciplined. To keep track of all your assignments, use a planner, and take notes of everything you need to get done. It's helpful to set up a good study area, like a large desk or table, so you don't get distracted as you work. You can even get a quill and a pot of ink to pretend you're Hermione. When you're studying, give yourself small goals and rewards to keep yourself motivated. For instance, you could tell yourself after 30 minutes of math study you're allowed to have a piece of chocolate. Hermione often studied in the Gryffindor common room, so don't be afraid to study around other people to keep things more interesting. | Set up a good studying area. A large desk and maybe a bookshelf is required. Have a decent quill and a lot of ink (for Muggles, don't let your pens run out––buy extra). Make sure you have all the materials (e.g. pens, pencils, paper, highlighters) that you may require to complete your study ready and near by so that you can avoid interruptions during your study time and not have to get up every time you need something. Use different books for every subject so you do not get confused. If you want to get super organised, you can colour code your books. This can be done by having a certain colour for each of your classes/subjects, and purchasing a folder and book in that classes' specific colour. (e.g. Red for maths, yellow for English, blue for Science). Make planners. Hermione makes planners. Homework planners may seem nerdy, but you're trying to be Hermione Granger, the class Know-it-all. So if you don't want to do this step, it's completely your choice. But remember, the real Hermione wouldn't have taken offense to anything. (Apart from the first time she was called a Mudblood but we can live with that, because not everyone is made of solid rock.) To make a homework planner, grab a suitable lined book. Use a non-removable stickiness charm, or hot glue, and decorate the inside. Also, put a spell on it so it shouts out quotes at you whenever you open it or write quotes inside (that's what Hermione did for Ron and Harry in the books.) But make sure you can use these spells properly before attempting; if you haven't got a clue as a Muggle, you will have to use ink or coloured pen for the quotes and glue in some cool decorations that make it seem like a "charmed" book. Take notes of everything. This means that when it does come time to study, you have all the information you need in front of you. Use notation forms that are useful for you; don't copy other forms unless you actually find them useful. It is often best to develop your own highlighting methods, your own shorthand, and your own summarizing techniques. Ask yourself questions on what you are reading. Doing this will indicate whether or not you understood what you have read. Read the passage or paragraphs. Brainstorm a few questions based on what you read. Read the passage or paragraph once more and answer the questions. Give yourself goals or rewards for studying if you don't like it. For example: "After doing 30 minutes of math's study, I am allowed to have a small square of chocolate." It is also good to include physical movement breaks as a reward; for example, after 1-hour study, allow yourself a five-minute walk or stretch before coming back to the books. If you really don't like the subjects, write Potions instead of Science or maybe Maths to Arithmancy. Have fun while you're studying. While this may be hard a lot of the time, try to inject enjoyment into some of the studying. If something really interests you, learn more about it in your own way and become more knowledgeable in it so that you can wow the teacher. Listen to some music. Hermione doesn't do this, but it can help you to study if you're so inclined. You could listen to all sorts of genres, like Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop Rock, etc... Whatever floats your boat. However usually music with no lyrics works the best so that you are not getting distracted by what is being sung in the song. Study with others. Hermione often studied in the Gryffindor common room with the other Gryffindors. The library is another place where you are communally linked in silence; it's quite a nice thing to not be alone when studying; you can share the agony around. To make studying more interesting, maybe try doing it with a friend but a friend with whom you won't get distracted. Study groups may help also. Study a lot of the time but don't forget to sleep! Sleep will not only make you look good and feel refreshed but will also boost your concentration level. Study for weeks in advance. If you know you have a test at the end of the year, then ask the teacher what you need to do to get the highest grade (or level for you Muggles) and then study all of the time until you are certain this is correct. Make sure to this for all of your lessons. | Set up a good studying area. Use different books for every subject so you do not get confused. Make planners. Take notes of everything. Ask yourself questions on what you are reading. Give yourself goals or rewards for studying if you don't like it. If you really don't like the subjects, write Potions instead of Science or maybe Maths to Arithmancy. Have fun while you're studying. Listen to some music. Study with others. Study a lot of the time but don't forget to sleep! Study for weeks in advance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards | How to Collect Pokémon Cards | If you want to collect Pokemon cards, try buying a pack to get started. Buy a theme deck of cards, which usually contains 60, if you want to use your collection to play the game. Alternatively, buy in bulk online for a cheaper option. Bear in mind though that buying in bulk usually means you get lots of low value cards. Once you've got some cards, start trading to improve your collection. Stick to swapping 1 card for another, since trading lots of cards for 1 good card will quickly deplete your collection. If you want to get higher value cards, trade in stages. For example, trade a card for 1 that's slightly better, then trade that card with someone else for another that's slightly better, and so on. Keep hold of duplicate cards, since they're great for trading with other people. You can identify rare cards by looking for a black or white star in the bottom right hand corner. | Decide what kind of cards you want to collect and for what purpose. Trading cards often have dual purposes and for Pokémon cards, you can either collect the cards for the fun of hunting them down or you can collect them so you can play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. If you only want to collect and display cards, you have the freedom to go in any direction with the kinds of cards you want. You can collect based off of Pokémon types, card values, sets, or any category you can think of. Have a target list of what you want to collect. Some people exclusively try to collect rare or special cards while others are looking for certain types of Pokémon or want to catch them all. Being more specific with your list can help narrow down your search among the 700+ Pokémon that currently exist. As you start out, keep in mind that there are different rarities for cards. 'Rarity' is a term used to determine how hard a card is to find and the rarity is marked on the bottom right of the card with a symbol: Easier to find cards include common (black circle mark), uncommon (black diamond), or rare (black star). Harder to find cards are either holofoil rare (black star with holographic art), ultra rare (white star), or secret rare (rarity symbol with a serial number). Some of the most sought-after cards are either full art (cards with only art), EX ('EX' is next to the Pokémon name), or reverse holos (holographic sheen is on everything but the art). These cards are limited edition and can be worth a lot of money in mint condition. Research what kind of cards are currently in print. It's easier to start collecting the most recent printing of cards because they are more widely and readily available. Pokémon cards are released in sets when they are printed by the manufacturers but the sets are spread out across the world in separate packs of cards, such as starter or booster packs. Many people aim for collecting a whole set; there are generally 102 different cards per set. Be aware, sets can also have expansion packs that extend the list of cards you will need to complete that particular set. It is easier to collect a set while it's in print. The older a set is or if it goes out of print, the more difficult it will be to find those cards and they will often become more expensive as well. Buy in bulk. Vendors online as well as places like flea markets and hobby stores will often have options to buy cards in bulk. You can purchase a large amount at a discounted price and usually save money on shipping as well. One downside to bulk purchases is that you may not find anything of high value. But sometimes there's a rare card hiding among a few hundred common ones. The hunt for valuable cards is part of the advantage and allure for buying in bulk. Buy strategically. If you want to play the card game, you may want to focus on finding certain Pokémon or trainers and building a strong team to challenge other collectors. Pokémon cards can be usually be bought in boxed sets of themed decks, booster packs, and tins. A theme deck will generally have 60 cards but will be more expensive overall. It's a great way to get your collection for playing started because it will give you a wide range of Pokémon, energy cards, trainer and item cards, as well as a decent mix of different card rarities. Booster packs will have about 10 cards in the newer expansions (and around 11 in older ones) and can cost as little as $3 or $4. Tins serve a similar purpose and are a great way to expand your collection. Keep a ratio of 1 to 1 when trading cards. Trading cards with people you play against is a great way to find new cards out in the "wild" and you can negotiate trades to expand your team of Pokémon. This maintains that fair deals and no one is being taken advantage of within the trade. Some people make the mistake of trading several of their cards for one rare one they have their eye on and instead end up trading several cards of value for just one good card. Trading uneven amounts of cards is a quick way to lose large chunks of your collection and it's best to swap one at a time. Hold on to duplicates for later use. Some people might think that duplicates aren't of any use and just take up space. Instead, think of duplicates as opportunities to trade with other collectors whether in person or online to expand your collection. It's very likely that another collector will have multiples of a card you want and vice versa, so you can swap cards with each other without taking a card from your overall set. Having duplicates can also be beneficial when building a deck and having back-ups when playing the card game. Trade in baby steps. The best way to go from owning a low value card to a high value one is to trade up gradually. Start by trading a card for another that is just slightly more valuable than the one you started with. Then, continue to trade that card for a slightly more valuable one each time you trade it. This is also a great way to obtain rare cards without going bankrupt. Selling cards is an option, but trading doesn't require any monetary transactions and you can still end up with a great card. Pick your method of organization. Organization should be based on your own preferences such as whether you want to be able to pull out certain Pokémon types for battles or want to keep them in numerical order so you can know what's missing in the set you're collecting. There are several ways to categorize Pokémon cards including: Type (i.e. grass, ground, fighting, water, fire) Set (i.e. guardians rising, roaring skies, jungle, ex sandstorm) Evolution (basic, stage 1, stage 2, mega, break) Pokédex number- each Pokémon is assigned a number in the master list of Pokémon. (Bulbasaur is #001, Emolga is #587 and Oranguru is #765, for example.) Rarity. (i.e. common, uncommon, rare) Use groups and subgroups when organizing your cards. You can combine different organizational methods by layering them. For example, you can have a group of all water type Pokémon and then as a subgroup, they are arranged by rarity, going from most rare to the most common card type. It's helpful to keep a master list somewhere easy to find, like the front pocket of a binder, so that you can reference it and locate a card within a group or subgroup quickly. Sort through your cards periodically to make sure that you're maintaining the system you have in place. As you accumulate cards, you want to make sure that you stay organized so that you know where to find a card when you need it. Label makers are a great way to mark your binders and tins with the groups and subgroups you have chosen. Also, have a separate space for duplicates or similar cards so that your main collection doesn't become cluttered. Invest in supplies to help organize and also protect your card collection. There are several options for storing and preserving your cards. A 3-ring binder can hold sheets of page protectors with special pockets for trading cards. The clear plastic is a great way to display your cards with easy access so you can organize the cards as you collect more. Another option is to buy individual sleeves or toploaders to hold separate cards that can then all be stored in a box or tin. Sleeves help protect from scratches and toploaders are a stiffer plastic sleeve that prevents cards from bending. You can buy binders at office supply stores or online and sheets and sleeves can be found at any hobby store. To cut down on costs, buy in bulk to save money in the long run. Protect your cards from the elements. Since the cards are made from paper, they are susceptible to becoming damaged and this will decrease their value. Keep your cards safe from these possible risks so that you don't have to worry about losing parts of your collection. Additionally, store your cards in a cool, dry place such as a closet or plastic bin. Avoid rubber bands for holding cards together since the bands can bend the cards and compromise the card structure. Wear and tear from handling the cards Water damage Smoke damage Food and drink stains Sunlight and fading from light exposure Double up on protecting your cards. As you continue to collect, you'll start to accumulate some valuable cards, such as holographic or rare cards. Put those cards into a sleeve and then put them in a top loader. A binder is good for easy access to your cards, especially if you use them for battling other collectors, but using both a sleeve and toploader will prevent extra dust, water, and handling from ruining your special cards. Buy from upstanding retailers. Pokémon cards can be found at major stores such as Walmart and Target, as well as hobby stores, comic book and video game stores, and online stores or sites such as Ebay. When buying in bulk online, check the reviews for a website to make sure the seller is reputable. bulk Inspect the card for irregularities. Pokémon cards have intricate details and fakes can be easy to spot if you know what to look for. A genuine card will have several distinct characteristics: An accent on the 'e' in 'Pokémon.' The accent needs to be present on both the back and front of the card as well as within any text on the card. Reasonable HP and attack numbers. Fakes will sometimes have ridiculously high stats. Font sizes are uniform and a Pokémon's attacks will be in bolded font. No spelling errors. Copyright and trademark symbols will be visible. Real cards will not have grainy or fuzzy images or raised textures on the card. The energy symbol on a real card will not take up the entire circle it is in. Fake cards have an almost "bolded" symbol in the bottom right-hand corner. Hold the card up to a bright light. Fake cards are often made from a flimsier material than the usual lightweight, cardboard type of paper. When holding the card to the light, if the card is translucent or the back image is visible, then you have a fake card. | Decide what kind of cards you want to collect and for what purpose. Have a target list of what you want to collect. Research what kind of cards are currently in print. Buy in bulk. Buy strategically. Keep a ratio of 1 to 1 when trading cards. Hold on to duplicates for later use. Trade in baby steps. Pick your method of organization. Use groups and subgroups when organizing your cards. Sort through your cards periodically to make sure that you're maintaining the system you have in place. Invest in supplies to help organize and also protect your card collection. Protect your cards from the elements. Double up on protecting your cards. Buy from upstanding retailers. Inspect the card for irregularities. Hold the card up to a bright light. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Frost-Glass | How to Frost Glass | Before frosting glass, scrub it to remove all the dust and dirt from the glass and dry it thoroughly. Next, use painter's tape to outline the border of the area you're frosting so that the spray doesn't get on anything else. Shake a can of frosting spray for 2 minutes so that the contents are completely incorporated, then spray it onto the glass with large back and forth strokes. Once the surface is covered, allow it to dry for 10 minutes before applying a second coat. Finally, spray an acrylic sealer over the frosted glass to protect the surface from moisture and dirt. | Wash the window thoroughly. Scrub to remove all dust and debris from the surface. After washing, dry the window completely. Make sure there is no paper or fabric left behind on the surface or else this will affect the final appearance of the frosted glass. Tape a border along the inside of the window frame, using painter's tape. This border will be the portion of window you don't want frosted. Blue painter's tape. Painter's tape is specifically designed to endure wet applications. It has a weak adhesive allowing it to be easily removed. For windows with lattice work or muntin bars (strips of wood between the glass), cover the wood with tape. If the 1-in. painter's tape width isn't a thick enough border, lay another piece alongside it. Use a tape measure to ensure that borders are symmetrical; uneven borders look bad. If your window does not have a frame, simply tape along the outside edges until you have created a border. Cover the interior walls of the work area with masking paper or plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape to hold it in place. Don't leave any openings or gaps where the spray could enter. When working indoors, open doors and windows and turn on fans to help circulate fresh air. Consider wearing a particle mask to protect your nose and mouth. The spray fumes are hazardous to your health. Take the window outside, if possible. This ensures a healthy work space and decreases the likelihood of "overspray," and frosting spray drifting onto other objects. Shake the frosting spray can for the suggested length, usually 1-2 minutes. Find frosting spray at craft and home improvement stores. While shaking the can, you should hear the small ball inside begin to rattle. Test spray on a small piece of cardboard. If it sprays correctly, prepare to frost your glass. If it is not spraying at a steady rate, continue shaking and testing in 1 minute intervals. Spray the window using large, back and forth motions to cover the surface evenly. Hold the frosting can at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) from from the window's surface to avoid splotches and runs. Apply a light coating at first. It is easier to go back and add a second or third layer to even out the frosting, but it is difficult to remove gloppy or runny patches. Expect 5-10 minutes for the frosting to become visible on the glass. Apply a second coat of frosting after your first coat has completely dried. Use the same back-and-forth motion to create a smooth frosted surface. If necessary, apply a third or fourth layer of frosting until you get the desired effect. Follow the spray can's directions regarding the wait time required between coats. Spray acrylic sealer onto the frosted window after it has completely dried. If you are satisfied with the appearance of the frosting, apply sealer. Acrylic sealers protect glass from the elements such as moisture and dirt. The protective gloss coating is often permanent. If you are unhappy with the frosted surface after the sealant has already dried, you will need to scrape it off with a razor blade. Remove the painter's tape carefully from the glass after the frosting has dried. Peel slowly to avoid accidentally removing the frosting. If you worked indoors, remove the painter's tape cautiously. This will prevent removal of paint from the walls. Use mineral spirits to clean any overspray from your hands and other objects. Do not use mineral spirits to clean items with paint or nice finishes, as this could damage the quality. Remove the door from its hinges and lay it on plastic bags. Face the door so that the surfaces you intend to frost are facing up. A garage or backyard patio are ideal areas to frost glass. This will prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes and limit the amount of accidental spray. Clean the window surfaces with a cloth and window cleaner. Any residue left on the window will appear in your frosting and will not look as professional. Even if there is no dirt or residue on your windows, you should still wipe it down to ensure that it is dry. Frosting will not adhere well to windows that are moist or oily. Place painter's tape around the outside edges of each window pane. One tape edge should always be against the muntins (wooden frames separating panes). Since individual window panes are typically small on glass paneled doors, stay within the 1-inch margin of the painter's tape. Using too big of borders will allow more light in but will also reduce the surface area of the frosting. Cover the door frame and the individual muntins with tape. The only visible parts of the door should be the glass surfaces. Be sure to overlap tape strips and press firmly to avoid penetration of overspray to the wood. Shake the spray can for 1-2 minutes. Though each can's label advises a specific time, the spray generally requires just a couple of minutes for preparation. Spray some frosting onto something clear, like a piece of plastic, before applying to your window. Make sure that the nozzle sprays steadily and evenly. This will ensure that your frosted glass is smooth and consistent. Spray the glass with a slow, sweeping motion. Hold the spray can about 1 foot (0.3 m) from the surface so that the coat is light and even. Pay attention to the pressure you put on the nozzle, as this will affect how much and how quickly frosting is sprayed. Try to apply enough pressure to spray a steady stream, and do so in short bursts. This will help you apply a light coat that can be sprayed over with another light coat, if necessary. Let the first coat completely dry before spraying on a second coat. Apply each successive coat with the lightest possible amount, even if you have to spray on a third or fourth layer. Gradually applying frosting will limit areas with heavy paint and blemishes. Remove the tape from the door frame, muntins, and glass. Be sure that the frosting has dried first before removing the tape, as this could damage the outline. The drying process typically takes about 5 minutes, though you should allow an extra few minutes just to be certain. Also take into account how many layers you've applied and how heavy, as these factors will also affect drying time. If you are still uncertain about whether or not the paint has dried, leave it for half an hour in which the paint should most likely be dried by then. Avoid touching the frosted area to test its wetness. This will create a smudge in the frosting and will require more layers to repair it. Cover the area of the window you want to frost with a large sheet of paper. Attach it with a removable type of tape, such as painter's tape or masking tape. Sketch the design you want to create with a pencil. Keep in mind that complex designs will be difficult to create with frosting spray, though it is possible with a lot of time and patience. Remove the sketched paper from the window and lay it on a flat, scratch resistant surface. Use a razor knife to cut out the design, making sure to leave the outline intact. Keep in mind when cutting that you are creating a large stencil so you will want an inverted image. Clean the glass thoroughly with ammonia cleaner and a lint free cloth. This will prevent any dirt smudges or flakes from appearing in your design. If your window has a filmy coating, clean it with vinegar first in order to strip away the oils. Window frosting spray will not stick to a window that is oily. Attach the stencil to the window using the removable tape. Make sure it is positioned exactly where you want the design to be. Tape around the perimeter of the stencil to create a strong hold. If the stencil should slip when the window frosting spray is drying, it will cause the image to smear. Spray the exposed window under the stencil with the frosting spray. The closer you are to the glass, the thicker and darker the frosting will be. If you are using multiple colors in the design, spray the colors one at a time and allow each one to dry before spraying the next color. Allow the frosted design to dry thoroughly before removing the stencil. You can speed up the drying process by directing a fan at the window, making sure it is on the low setting to prevent the stencil from shifting. Remove the stencil when the image is completely dry. Slowly peel off the tape while holding the stencil in place to prevent it from sliding across the image. Lift the stencil off the glass in a fluid motion. | Wash the window thoroughly. Tape a border along the inside of the window frame, using painter's tape. Cover the interior walls of the work area with masking paper or plastic sheeting. Shake the frosting spray can for the suggested length, usually 1-2 minutes. Spray the window using large, back and forth motions to cover the surface evenly. Apply a second coat of frosting after your first coat has completely dried. Spray acrylic sealer onto the frosted window after it has completely dried. Remove the painter's tape carefully from the glass after the frosting has dried. Remove the door from its hinges and lay it on plastic bags. Clean the window surfaces with a cloth and window cleaner. Place painter's tape around the outside edges of each window pane. Cover the door frame and the individual muntins with tape. Shake the spray can for 1-2 minutes. Spray the glass with a slow, sweeping motion. Remove the tape from the door frame, muntins, and glass. Cover the area of the window you want to frost with a large sheet of paper. Sketch the design you want to create with a pencil. Remove the sketched paper from the window and lay it on a flat, scratch resistant surface. Clean the glass thoroughly with ammonia cleaner and a lint free cloth. Attach the stencil to the window using the removable tape. Spray the exposed window under the stencil with the frosting spray. Allow the frosted design to dry thoroughly before removing the stencil. Remove the stencil when the image is completely dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Text-Your-Crush-and-Start-a-Conversation | How to Text Your Crush and Start a Conversation | Talking to your crush can be a little scary, but texting is a casual, low-pressure way to start a conversation. Before you send your first text, spend some time thinking about what you want to say or what you want to get out of the conversation. For example, maybe you just want to make small talk, or you might be hoping to ask your crush out! When you're ready to start chatting, start with something simple and casual, like “Hey, how's it going?” or “What are you up to?” To figure out whether the conversation is going well, pay attention to the way your crush responds. For example, if they send back friendly, chatty texts, they're probably enjoying talking to you! Questions are also a good sign that they're interested in keeping the conversation going. If you get a lot of very brief responses, like “yeah” or “ok,” they may not feel like talking. If you're not getting a friendly vibe, sign off with something casual, like “Okay, catch you later!” | Get your crush's phone number. The best time to do this is when you're in the middle of a really great conversation. Drop the request in really casually and make it seem really low pressure. Say something simple, like "Hey, why don't we trade cell numbers? The moment after a phone number exchange can be a little awkward. Make sure that you don't miss a beat. Keep the conversation flowing so that the number exchange seems completely natural. Have a plan! Before you send your first message have a plan of what you are going to say or what you want to achieve by the end of the conversation. Send your first text. A simple "What's up (name)?" or "What are you up to?" is a good conversation starter. If your crush replies that they're watching television, listening to music or playing a game, reply by asking about what they're watching, listening to or playing. Whatever your crush says, you want to be ready with a follow-up question to keep the conversation flowing. Your crush may say something along the lines of, "I'm doing my homework." In reply, you can say something like "We got loads, didn't we? Mine took ages to finish!" Or if your crush doesn't go to your school you could say, "Oh poor you! Ha, did you get a lot?" Tell your crush what you're up to as well. When your crush texts you letting you know what he or she is doing, send a reply like, "That's cool. I'm just checking Facebook" or whatever else you're actually doing at the time. Observe how your crush acts. Look for clues in the conversation to see whether the person is enjoying texting back and forth, whether the person has had enough of the conversation or whether you're ready to step it up and ask your crush on a date. If the answers to your texts are really short or clipped, then you should probably text back something like, "Okay, catch you later," or "See you later alligator." (Cute texting move)Don't read too much into it. The person could be really busy or in a bad mood. Just make sure that you don't make yourself look desperate or needy by trying to push a conversation when it isn't happening. When your crush responds by asking you questions, like "What are you doing?" then you know that he or she wants to keep talking. Just let the conversation flow naturally. However, make sure they are the one to end the conversation. Be talkative and forward. Look for chances to take it to the next level. If the conversation starts to get intense or veers to really personal subjects, or if your crush starts to confide in you about a problem, then you can say, "Why don't you call me so that we can talk? I want to get together sometime, maybe." Be bold. If you know the time is right, ask your crush on a date. If they reject there are plenty of fish in the sea! Text your crush and ask, "What did you think of school today? " If the reply is something like "Okay, I guess" or "Pretty normal," you could ask what they thought of the homework, the science experiment you did, the geography project you've been assigned, the book report due in next week or the exams that are coming up soon. Use holidays and celebrations as conversation starters. If you're texting your crush just before Christmas or right before their birthday, then ask your crush about the plans they have for celebrating. If you're texting the person just after a holiday, send a text that says, "Hey, did you have a good birthday? Get anything special?" Learn about holidays that you don't celebrate. For example, if your crush celebrates Hanukkah while you celebrate Christmas, ask questions to learn what their holiday is about. Text your crush around New Year's Day and ask if the person made any New Year's resolutions. Share your resolutions back. Ask questions about their family. Your crush could be complaining about a sibling, or maybe your crush has an older sibling who is headed off to college. If you have siblings yourself, say something like, "I can relate to the problems you're having with your sister. My sister drives me crazy." You can also ask questions about parents or even about pets. Talk to your crush about their hobbies. If your crush is on the tennis team, ask how their latest match went. If your crush has other interests like band, school newspaper or academic extracurriculars, then ask what he or she has been up to lately in some of these activities. Has your crush recently been in a competition of some sort? Was the person on a winning quiz bowl team or did he or she get a part in the school play? Text the person to say "Congratulations." Text something sympathetic. Maybe your crush had a bad exam grade, lost an important game or experienced something really sad, like the death of a pet or family member. Send the person a text saying something like, "I'm so sorry to hear what happened. How are you holding up?" Take your time. With a text, you have 160 characters to send a great message. You don't have to reply to your crush's text instantaneously. Deliver a response after you've had some time to think about it. Avoid racking up phone charges. Make sure that you have an unlimited texting plan or that you are tracking the number of texts that you send carefully. You don't want you or your parents to get a nasty surprise when the cell phone bill arrives. Skip the abbreviations. Abbreviations can make you look shallow and flighty. Save the abbreviations for your BFFs and use complete sentences and capitalization when you text your crush. Use emoticons with caution. Smilies or sad faces are okay, but you need to be pretty certain that your crush likes you back before using a flirty emoticon. Definitely be at least 99% sure that they like you before using a love emoticon. Make sure your crush starts the conversation at some point. Don't text them too often. Texting once or twice a week is good enough. You don't want to look desperate. | Get your crush's phone number. Have a plan! Send your first text. Observe how your crush acts. Text your crush and ask, "What did you think of school today? Use holidays and celebrations as conversation starters. Ask questions about their family. Talk to your crush about their hobbies. Text something sympathetic. Take your time. Avoid racking up phone charges. Skip the abbreviations. Use emoticons with caution. Make sure your crush starts the conversation at some point. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tickle-Your-Boyfriend | How to Tickle Your Boyfriend | Tickling your boyfriend can be a fun, playful way to get closer to him The next time you see him, smile and try to get a bit closer to him. You might kiss him for a couple of minutes or cuddle with him so he doesn't suspect anything. Then, slide your fingers under his arms and wiggle your fingers gently in his armpits. Or, run your fingers up and down his sides. You might also trick him by tickling his armpits when he stretches. Make sure your boyfriend is enjoying the tickling and don't tickle him more than 15-20 seconds since that might be too much for him. | Determine if it's the right time and place. Sometimes it can be tricky to know if tickling will be viewed as cute and playful or annoying and inappropriate. Consider your location (if you are in public, he might not appreciate giggling madly in front of a bunch of people), and his current mood. If you've just been fighting or he's angry, now might not be a good time to poke and prod him. Listen to what he's saying. If he's confiding in you that he's heartbroken over his dog's death, he probably needs a hug more than he needs tickle torture. Wait until you're somewhere relatively private and have room to wrestle a little and not injure yourselves. Make sure he's not holding a hot beverage or something that might injure him or you when you catch him by surprise. Don't try to tickle him when he's playing video games or absorbed in something that is really important to him (even if you are annoyed that he's not paying attention to you). This is when tickling is just annoying, not fun. If you two are joking around and he's in a good mood, he probably won't mind a little tickle. Figure out if he's ticklish. Your tickle attack will fail if it turns out your boyfriend isn't even ticklish. Do a little exploring first to figure out where he's most ticklish. The most vulnerable spots on the body are also the most ticklish Poke him in his side, just above his hip or in his ribs and see if he giggles. Give him a hug and "accidentally" tickle his armpit. This is one of the more ticklish spots on most people. If he's laying down with his shoes off, gently run your toes along the bottom of his feet and notice his reaction. Kiss him gently on the neck and exhale through your nose so the air hits his ear. See if he gets goosebumps on his neck. Make sure your nails aren't too sharp. Sharp nails might be good for tickling if you plan to just graze them over his skin (like on the underside of his feet or the back of his neck). But if you plan to really get into a tickle war, sharp nails may become painful. Sit next to your boyfriend on the couch, bed, or ground. Smile and get close to him, maybe cuddling or kissing him a little so he doesn't suspect anything. Slide your fingers under his arms and wiggle your fingers in his armpits. Move your fingers like you are typing rapidly or as though you are gently scratching a dog behind its ears. The key is to use a fairly light touch--if you use too much pressure tickling can quickly become unpleasant and even painful. Try and get him to stretch his arms above his head so he is fully exposed for an attack. Stretch first and he may instinctively copy you. Or say something like, "who wants ice cream?!" and raise your hand. He'll probably do the same (unless he hates ice cream). If he's laying down you can straddle him so he can't escape and he's more vulnerable. Run your fingers up and down his sides. Think of your hands as little crawling, scurrying spiders. He will probably try to stop you by pressing his arms against his sides. People will automatically try to defend themselves by limiting your access to vulnerable areas. Tickle the bottom of his feet while he's busy defending his upper body. His feet will be vulnerable, so grab one foot in one hand and use the other hand to tickle his foot. Be careful that you don't get kicked. He may begin to jerk his legs away from you and kick you in his struggle to escape. Finish by sweetly nuzzling his neck and alternating between giving him little kisses and blowing on the skin. This will tickle him, too, but it's a nice way to show him that this was all in fun. Don't tickle for too long and stop if it seems like he's really not enjoying himself. Some people really hate being tickled and, even though they are laughing, it will make them really angry. If he tells you he's not in the mood, starts yelling, or starts thrashing and kicking, you should stop. Don't tickle him for more than 15-20 seconds. If he says he's laughing so hard he's going to pee in his pants, believe him and stop tickling. Be prepared for retaliation. It's unlikely your tickling will go unanswered, so if you are dishing it out, you better be ready to take it. When you stop tickling your boyfriend, pull your arms tightly against your body so he can't access your armpits. Tickling can be a very flirtatious action, and it's likely that, during or after the struggle, someone will initiate making out or fooling around. | Determine if it's the right time and place. Figure out if he's ticklish. Make sure your nails aren't too sharp. Sit next to your boyfriend on the couch, bed, or ground. Slide your fingers under his arms and wiggle your fingers in his armpits. Run your fingers up and down his sides. Tickle the bottom of his feet while he's busy defending his upper body. Finish by sweetly nuzzling his neck and alternating between giving him little kisses and blowing on the skin. Don't tickle for too long and stop if it seems like he's really not enjoying himself. Be prepared for retaliation. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Chlamydia | How to Prevent Chlamydia | To prevent chlamydia, always use protection when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you share sex toys, make sure you sterilize them between uses or cover them with a latex or polyurethane condom for each user. Also, avoid douching since it can make you more vulnerable to infections like chlamydia. You should also get regular checks for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you're not using protection, have many partners, are under 25, or are pregnant. | Abstain from or limit sexual activity. The only sure-fire way to avoid getting chlamydia is to not have sex. Chlamydia is transmitted during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The more people you have sexual contact with, the more likely you are to come in contact with someone who has chlamydia. If someone is infected with chlamydia, the bacteria will be in their semen or vaginal fluids even if they are not symptomatic. This means that it may also be possible to catch the infection if you get infected bodily fluids on your hands and then transfer it to your genitals or inside your body. Use condoms. Condoms won't completely eliminate your risk, but they will greatly reduce it. However, the condoms must be latex or polyurethane. Put the condom on correctly. Pinch the tip of the condom and hold it while you unroll the condom over the entire length of the penis. There should be space at the tip to catch semen during ejaculation. After sex, remove the condom carefully to avoid spilling the semen. If you perform oral sex on a woman, use a dental dam. This is a small piece of latex which will greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission. You can also use a split open male condom for this purpose. To avoid infection, you must also use condoms during anal sex. Put on a condom or dam as soon as sexual activity starts. If the condom breaks during sex, your risk of infection increases. Use sex toys safely. If you share toys, you can spread chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases. In order to prevent this, the toys must be: Sterilized between users. Or covered with a new latex or polyurethane condom for each user. Don’t douche. Douching disrupts the natural, healthy bacterial community in the vagina and may make women more vulnerable to infections. Douching will not prevent pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Get regular checks for sexually transmitted diseases. This is particularly important if you are not using protection, have many partners, are younger than 25, or are pregnant. The prevalence of chlamydia is highest in young people. It is estimated that 1:20 sexually active females under the age of 25 has chlamydia. If you are at high risk, your doctor may suggest yearly screening. Pregnant women can pass chlamydia to their children during childbirth, so it is important for pregnant women to get tested, especially if she or her partner might be infected. Chlamydia can usually be detected through a urine test or a swab test. For women the cervix is swabbed, for men, the urethra or anus. Recognize how chlamydia is not transmitted. You will not catch chlamydia by: Kissing Sharing towels Sitting on a toilet seat Identify symptoms of chlamydia. Not everyone gets symptoms, but if you do, it may start about a month after you are exposed. Symptoms include: Pain or burning when urinating Abdominal pain A discharge coming from the vagina, penis, or rectum Women may experience pain or bleeding after sex or between periods. Men may have pain in their testicles. Heavier bleeding during menstruation Your symptoms may stop after a while. This does not mean the infection is gone. Avoid serious complications. If you think you might have been exposed to chlamydia, get tested. If it goes untreated, it can lead to fertility problems for both men and women and increase the risk of acquiring HIV. Both sexes can get sexually acquired reactive arthritis from chlamydia. This is a painful inflammation of the joints, eyes and/or urethra. Most people's symptoms go away after a few months, but this does not mean that the chlamydia is gone. Men can get chlamydia infections in their testicles and in the passages through which the sperm travels. This can reduce fertility. Women can get chlamydia in the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, causing pain and fertility problems. This can be a cause of pelvic inflammatory disease and can increase the risk of life threatening ectopic pregnancy in the future. Chlamydia can also be dangerous for unborn babies. It increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. If it is transmitted from the mother to the baby during birth, the child may get it as a lung or eye infection. Go to a doctor to get treatment if you think you might have chlamydia. Chlamydia can be very effectively treated with antibiotics. Over 95% of people who follow through with their treatment get rid of the infection. Your doctor may prescribe azithromycin, doxycycline, or erythromycin. Take the whole course of antibiotics to make sure the infection is fully wiped out. Don't have sex, even with a condom, until both you and any possibly infected partners have finished the treatment. If you had a one-day course of antibiotics, you may still need to wait a week to be sure you have fully cleared the infection. Get retested after finishing the treatment if your symptoms don't go away, you didn't take the medications as instructed, you had sex before you finished the treatment, or you are pregnant. | Abstain from or limit sexual activity. Use condoms. Use sex toys safely. Don’t douche. Get regular checks for sexually transmitted diseases. Recognize how chlamydia is not transmitted. Identify symptoms of chlamydia. Avoid serious complications. Go to a doctor to get treatment if you think you might have chlamydia. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-to-Start-Being-Active | How to Help Your Child to Start Being Active | To encourage your child to be more active, start by incorporating more physical activity in their daily routine, like going to the park. You could also try walking your child to school rather than driving. If your child loves video games, encourage them to play games that require movement, like dancing games or tennis. Along with games, create an exercise routine with them, which may include running or jogging. Alternatively, enroll them in community activities, like dance classes or yoga. | Walk your child to school. Suggest that you and children walk to school instead of driving each day if this is an option for you. This will help get them off to an active start every morning. Not only is this great for the environment and for alleviating traffic congestion during the rush to and from school, it is also a great wake-up exercise and an opportunity for children to make friends. You could also encourage your children to ride their bikes to school. Build on their interest in in-home entertainment. There is no reason why you cannot develop an activity that is based on your child's television or computer game interests. For example, if your child loves Disney Princesses why not work together to write a little play to act out about that very subject? There are many other ways to do this, you just need to apply a little imagination to get them away from the television. If your child loves playing video games, encourage them to play games that involve movement – like dancing video games, bowling video games, tennis video games, or other types of video games that promote movement and activity. Alternatively, if you allow your child to watch television, you could tell them to do something active during the commercial breaks (like jumping jacks or running in place). Encourage responsibility for pets. If you have a dog, talk to your child about what dogs love to do and what makes them happy. This includes things like going for walks and chasing balls. This could be a very simple and rewarding way to get your child into the open air as well as the opportunity for some quality family time. It doesn't even need to be a dog. Cleaning out the fish tank can easily be re-defined from a routine chore to something that your child is doing to make the fish happy. Do aerobic activities. Aerobic exercises are important for an active lifestyle because they make your heart and lungs work harder than they normally do when you are being less active. This will help your child build endurance and it helps your child's body deliver oxygen to its cells more efficiently. Kids should get around 60 minutes of aerobic activity per day. Some examples of aerobic exercises include: Swimming Running Skating or skateboarding Dancing Riding bikes Engage in muscle-strengthening activities. Building up muscle is crucial for children because their bodies are developing and they need muscles to perform everyday activities. Having strong muscles will help them live longer, healthier lives. This type of exercise should be done at least three times per week. Some examples of muscle-strengthening activities include: Push-ups, sit-ups, or pull-ups Gymnastics Climbing Encourage bone-strengthening exercises. Strong bones are necessary for the general health and well-being of your child. Strong bones allow children to grow and get taller. This type of exercise should be done at least three times per week. Some examples of bone-strengthening activities include: Running Jumping rope Playing basketball, volleyball, or tennis Skipping Understand your child. There might be real underlying psychological reasons that may explain why your child is not active rather than just “laziness.” Talk to your child about why it's important to be active in life and try to find out if there is a reason they have been avoiding active behaviors. Make sure your child is physically healthy enough for exercise. Check with your child's doctor if you have concerns about your child's health that may affect his or her ability to be active. It could also be that your child does not feel they can participate in sports or other pursuits because of a perceived lack of skill, embarrassment, or they are being bullied. That needs to be addressed before you can begin to encourage your child to be more active. Establish a regular routine. If exercise is a regular part of your weekly routine, your child will learn to incorporate it into their life as well. Your child will accept that active exercise will be expected of them on a regular basis. For example, if your child knows that every Saturday morning the family takes a trip to the park and several evenings a week you will go on walks together, they will be less likely to protest. Engage in energetic activities. If you are active yourself, your message is more likely to have an impact on your child. It doesn't need to be anything high energy. It could be going for a walk, doing some DIY, any pursuit that sees you spend less time on the couch. Limit your own time in front of the television. If you are wanting your child to become more active, telling them this with the television constantly blaring is going to dilute any attempt you might try to make. Don’t force your child into an activity they don’t enjoy. Make the decision to be active about your child and their desires, not about what you want. You should try not force your child to do something they will actively hate just because you think they should do it. This will only have a negative effect on them and in some cases make them more determined to play their computer games. Encouragement through understanding your child's interests has to be central to what you are trying to achieve. Only that way will your child begin to understand that they want to do a given activity for themselves and not to please you. Take advantage of activities in your community. Perceived “laziness” could, in some cases, be explained by your child simply not knowing what activities are available for them to do. They may need some guidance or suggestions as to what active events they can participate in. Let your child know what activities are available to them so that they can make a decision about what activity they would like to participate in. Of course, not all families have the same financial situation, which could limit opportunities for recreation. If you can't afford to pay for sports classes for your child, try to take advantage of programs in your community. Your local city council or local authority will usually have a program of free events that you can show your child. However, having too many opportunities to participate in may cause confusion and lead to inactivity in your child. In these cases you may need to talk to your child to help them tease out what it is they would most like to do. Keep it fun. Children are more likely to be active if they enjoy the activity. Try to incorporate fun into your active lifestyle by introducing games and other exciting elements to keep them engaged and interested in the activities. Playing sports, going on walks, going to the park, and engaging in active games with your children (instead of leaving them to play on their own) are great ways to keep the activities fun. Make sure that you are encouraging your child to have some play time outside whenever the weather is nice enough for it. | Walk your child to school. Build on their interest in in-home entertainment. Encourage responsibility for pets. Do aerobic activities. Engage in muscle-strengthening activities. Encourage bone-strengthening exercises. Understand your child. Establish a regular routine. Engage in energetic activities. Limit your own time in front of the television. Don’t force your child into an activity they don’t enjoy. Take advantage of activities in your community. Keep it fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chard | How to Cook Chard | To cook chard by sautéing, start by heating a pan over medium heat, then add olive oil, and minced garlic or onion, if desired. Next, add the chard and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, then cook for 3 minutes or until the leaves are dark green and tender. Serve the chard plain, or seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Alternatively, use the chard in recipes for soups, stews, and salads. | Boil water. Steaming is one of the most common methods of cooking chard and other leafy green vegetables. Start by bringing a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Salt raises the boiling temperature of the water, helping the chard to cook faster when you put it in. Placing a lid over your pot will help it boil faster. Put your chard in a steamer basket. Prepping the chard will depend on the type and age of the chard. Once it is ready, place the prepared chard in your steamer basket. This basket will be fitting on top of your pot of boiling water. If you separated the leaves and stems of your chard because the stems were thick, only insert the stems for now. If this is the case, you'll lift the lid and insert the leaves after 1-2 minutes of the stems steaming. Place your steamer basket. Remove the lid from your pot, place your steamer basket down in its place, and then place your lid on top of the steamer basket. You need to make sure that the lid covers the steamer basket in order to keep the steam in. Steam the chard. Steam the chard for 3-5 minutes. The exact cooking time varies. In most cases, thick, old chard is tougher and will take longer. Young and tender chard may take as little as three minutes to start to wilt and grow soft. Remove the steamer basket. Take the lid off of the steamer basket and place it to the side. Turn off the heat and withdraw the steamer basket from the pot. Allow any excess water to drain off. Season the chard to taste. At this point the chard is cooked and ready. It can be used in a recipe or seasoned and served. There are many different ways to season chard. A popular and simple method involves lightly dashing with lemon and olive oil or salad dressing. Heat a pan. You'll start by heating a pan over medium heat. Both nonstick pans and stainless steel pans work fine for this. Add oil. Add several tablespoons worth of olive oil to the pan. If the oil gets super smoky, your pan is too hot. If you want a slightly tastier and less healthy variation, you can use butter instead of the oil. If you wish to add minced garlic or onion to the dish for flavor, now would be the time as well. Add the chard. Place your prepared chard in the pan. You can pile it up high, even into a mound. When the chard cooks it will lose a lot of volume and fit in the pan. Add as much as you can fit without spilling. Make sure that your chard is dry before you put it in the pan. The water on wet chard will cause splatter when it makes contact with the oil. Sauté the chard. You will saute the chard for a total of 6-8 minutes. Start by cooking the chard for about 2 to 3 minutes, then gently stir and rearrange the leaves so that the top leaves move to the bottom of the pan. As the leaves cook, they will start to wilt, soften, and darken. Finish cooking. As it cooks, the chard will turn dark green. It will also lose a lot of volume. The chard is done when it is tender and soft but not mushy. Once your chard is done, remove it from heat and turn off the stove. Serve the chard or add it to a recipe.Chard can be added to soups, stews, salads, and many other recipes. However, if you wish to serve plain sauteed chard, you can add a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes. This is especially tasty if you sauteed using butter and garlic. Boil water. Bring a large (3qt or more) pot of water to a boil. Salting the water will help raise the boiling temperature. While the water is boiling, make sure that the tough bottoms of your chard stems are removed. Add the chard. Once the water has reached a rapid boil, add your prepared chard leaves. Do not put a lid on top of the pot, you are boiling the chard rather than steaming it. Boil for three minutes. Cook the chard in boiling water for three minutes. You can stir or press the chard down to make sure that it cooks evenly. It should cook down and turn dark green when it is about ready. Strain the chard. Use a colander to strain and press out excess water from the chard. There should be a fair amount of excess water so be sure to do this thoroughly. Serve the chard or add it to a recipe. Chard has dozens of uses in various recipes, but if you are planning to serve the chard on its own, be sure to serve it quickly. It is best when warm and fresh. Toss it with butter, lemon, parmesan cheese, or whatever other spices you wanted to use and serve it while it is still hot. Choose fresh, healthy chard. There are multiple varieties of chard, but unless you want it to be bitter and tough you want young chard. Look for firm, crinkly, smaller, deep red or green leaves with no brown spots or holes. Stems should be firm, but not too thick. Smaller leaves provide a sweeter, less bitter taste. All chard is fairly similar, but ruby and rhubarb chard generally have a stronger flavor. Wash the chard. Even if your chard is pre-washed you should wash it again. You may want to wash it multiple times if it came from a Farmer's Market. This is easiest when done in a sink or large bowl of water. Drain and dry the chard. Drain the water and try to pat the chard dry. You can also dry the washed chard with a salad spinner. It is important for the chard to be dry, especially if you sautee it! Trim the chard. Unless you chard has especially narrow stems and ribs (the white or red vein running through the middle) you will need to trim your chard. You can easily cut the ribs out if you fold the chard in half. Separate the leaves and the stems. While many people discard the stems and ribs, they can be used if you desire. You just need to start cooking them separately. The stems and ribs take longer to cook as they are naturally tougher and more bitter. | Boil water. Put your chard in a steamer basket. Place your steamer basket. Steam the chard. Remove the steamer basket. Season the chard to taste. Heat a pan. Add oil. Add the chard. Sauté the chard. Finish cooking. Serve the chard or add it to a recipe.Chard can be added to soups, stews, salads, and many other recipes. Boil water. Add the chard. Boil for three minutes. Strain the chard. Serve the chard or add it to a recipe. Choose fresh, healthy chard. Wash the chard. Drain and dry the chard. Trim the chard. Separate the leaves and the stems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Painlessly-Remove-a-Splinter | How to Painlessly Remove a Splinter | To painlessly remove a splinter, try using a piece of tape. Just press the tape on your skin where the splinter is, and pull it off in the opposite direction of the splinter. You can also use craft glue to remove a splinter. First, apply a small amount of craft glue to your skin around the splinter. Leave the glue to dry and harden. Then, peel the glue slowly off your skin. The glue should stick to the splinter and pull it out. If you can't see your splinter, try examining it under a magnifying glass. This will help you see exactly where it is and how deep it goes. You can also soak the area in white vinegar for 15-30 minutes to help the splinter come to the surface before using tape or glue. | Examine the splinter. Use a magnifying glass to examine the splinter. Check how deep it is under your skin. Run the splinter under warm water in the faucet and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Use tape to gently pull the splinter out. This works best for a splinter that is sticking out of your skin. Tear off a small piece of scotch tape or duct tape and place it on the affected area. Pull the tape off in the opposite direction of the splinter. If the splinter appears to be tilted to the right, for example, you would pull the tape off towards the left. Make sure the area around the splinter is dry and that the tape is clean. Tape that is old and covered with debris could cause an infection. Try using glue to get the splinter out. Apply craft glue on the splinter and the skin surrounding the splinter. Let the glue dry and harden. Once the glue is dry, peel it slowly off the skin. The splinter should stick to the glue and come out without any painful digging. Make sure you use a very mild, non-toxic glue, like one used in classrooms, rather than super glue or wood glue. These glues can cause even more damage to your skin when you try to pull the splinter out. Apply baking soda to get the splinter out. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Start with about 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water, or enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area of the splinter and cover it with a band-aid. Let the band-aid and tape sit for about 24 hours. Peel off the band-aid and look for the splinter, removing it with a pair of tweezers. The baking soda paste can make it easier for you to spot the splinter. It can also make the splinter easier to remove. Use ichthammol ointment to remove the splinter. Ichthammol ointment can be found at your local drugstore or pharmacy. It works much like the baking soda. Apply the ointment to affected area of the splinter. Let it sit for around 24 hours, covering it with a band-aid. Remove the band-aid. The splinter should then naturally come out. When you use the ichthammol ointment, you will not need to pull the splinter out with tweezers. The ointment should encourage the splinter to come to the surface on its own. You can also use hydrogen peroxide instead of the ichthammol ointment. Apply epsom salts to the splinter. Put epsom salt on the bandage section of a band-aid and wrap it over the splinter. The salt should slowly encourage the splinter to come out of your skin. Repeat this process every day until the splinter falls out. Try a warm milk and bread mixture. You can try to remove the splinter using natural products found in your kitchen, such as warm milk and bread. Start by placing the milk in a small kettle and put it on the stove. Heat the milk until it is warm but still cool enough to be applied to the skin. Pour the milk into a heat-proof bowl. Place a few pieces of bread in the bowl and let them sit for a few minutes, soaking up the milk. Apply the moistened bread pieces to the splinter area and put it under a band-aid or piece of gauze. Leave the pieces on your skin for as long as possible and then remove them. Hopefully the splinter is drawn out by the warm milk and bread mixture. Soak the area in white vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and can shrink the skin around the splinter. This may help the splinter to come to the surface. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this method. Pour a half cup of vinegar in a bowl and soak the area with the splinter in the vinegar. Check to see if the splinter emerges after 10 to 15 minutes. The vinegar will need a little while to work, sometimes as long as 30 minutes. If this method does not work the first time, soak the area in some warm water and then try again. Keep in mind vinegar can sting if there are any open wounds around the splinter. Be careful when using vinegar around any cuts or wounds on your skin. Remove the splinter with a banana peel. This method uses the inside of a banana peel. The moisture in the peel will help to work the splinter up and out. Cut out a small square from a banana peel. Place the banana peel on the affected area and cover it with a band-aid. Let the banana peel sit on the affected area overnight. The peel should cause the splinter to rise to the surface of your skin. In many cases the splinter will stick to the actual peel itself. Use an egg to help get rid of the splinter. You can use an egg to help get rid of a splinter, using the paper-like membrane in the shell of the egg. Start by cracking open an egg. Then, remove the yolk. Inside the shell, you should notice a paper-like membrane. Place a piece of the inside of the shell on your splinter and then secure it with a band aid. Leave the band aid on overnight. The membrane in the shell will go inside your splinter and encourage it to emerge from your skin. In the morning, you can remove the band aid. The splinter should come up and out on its own. Apply potato slices. This method uses the moisture of the inside of a white potato to encourage the splinter to come out on its own. Make sure the potato is fresh and free of mold, as you will be applying it directly to your skin. Cut the potato into small pieces or slices. Apply the slices to the area with the splinter using gauze or a band-aid to keep the slices in place. Let the potato piece sit for an hour at first, checking it regularly. For deeper and larger splinters it may take as long as overnight to fully remove the splinter. In the morning, remove the potato, and the splinter should come out easily. | Examine the splinter. Use tape to gently pull the splinter out. Try using glue to get the splinter out. Apply baking soda to get the splinter out. Use ichthammol ointment to remove the splinter. Apply epsom salts to the splinter. Try a warm milk and bread mixture. Soak the area in white vinegar. Remove the splinter with a banana peel. Use an egg to help get rid of the splinter. Apply potato slices. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Blister-Pain | How to Relieve Blister Pain | Blisters can be painful and itchy sometimes, but fortunately, there are some easy ways you can reduce the pain at home. Try applying a cool, damp rag to your blister for a few minutes. This will help reduce the pain and inflammation. If you have a blood blister, apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to it for 15 minutes every hour until the pain subsides. You can also apply a damp green tea bag to your blister to help with pain and itching. If your blister pops, apply an antibiotic ointment or some aloe vera to it to help prevent infection. Keep it covered with an adhesive bandage until it's healed. | Remove the source of the blister. Most blisters will heal on their own if the source of the blister or the causative agent is removed or eliminated. As soon as you see the beginnings of a blister, take away the cause immediately if possible. For example, remove uncomfortable shoes or clothing that might be causing the blister. If you are blistering from cold or heat, remove your body from the source of the temperature. If you are out in the sun, go indoors immediately or cover yourself with clothing. Protect the blister. To help relieve the pain of the blister, and start healing it, you should protect it. Use a moleskin pad or other bandage to cover and protect a blister. Protecting the blister is extremely important if the blister is on a weight-bearing area, like your foot. You can cut a cushioning bandage into a donut shape to help cushion the area while leaving the blister untouched. Though you want to cover the blister when you are going to put weight or other objects against it, leave the blister open to the air as much as possible. For example, when you are at home, uncover the blister. Soak the blister. Try soaking the blister if it is bothering you. You can soak the blister in cool water every few hours, especially if it is painful or itchy. Place a rag in cold water, twist out all the water, then place it on the blister for a calming affect. Use an ice pack. Blood blisters are painful and should be left alone to heal. To help reduce the pain, you can apply an ice pack to them immediately after they appear. Keep the ice pack on the blood blister for five to 15 minutes every hour until the pain is reduced. You can use a bag of frozen vegetables if you don't have an ice pack. Wrap the ice pack in a towel. Never apply ice directly onto any blister. Apply antibiotic ointment. If your blister has popped, apply some antibiotic ointment. This helps heal the blister and prevent infection. Make sure to cover with gauze or a bandage. You can use a triple antibiotic cream, like neomycin or bacitracin. You can also an ointment such as Vaseline. Stop using any ointment that causes a rash. Generally, you only apply ointments and creams to blisters that have popped to help reduce infection and boost the healing process. Use aloe vera gel. To help a blister heal, apply aloe vera gel instead of antibiotic ointment. After applying the gel, cover the blister with a bandage. Make sure to use aloe vera gel from a plant. Aloe vera gel that you buy contains extra ingredients that can dry out the skin or irritate and burn. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory and promotes healing. Try green tea. The antioxidants in green tea may help boost the healing of a blister. Soak a bag of green tea with warm water and then let it cool. Apply the wet tea bag to the blister. This helps to reduce pain and itching, along with helping prevent infection and swelling. Green tea bags may be helpful in reducing pain and irritation caused by cold sores. Put the green tea bag into the refrigerator to add a bonus soothing element. Apply vitamin E. Vitamin E may help boost the healing of a blister. Get a vitamin E capsule and break it open. You can apply the gel inside directly onto the blister. You can also mix the vitamin E with calendula oil, which is traditionally used to help heal wounds. Just mix equal amounts of vitamin E and calendula oil. Allow the blister to drain naturally. It is best to allow the blister to drain on its own. That means you should refrain from popping it on your own. If the blister roof is still in tact, try to keep it that way by not putting any extra pressure on it that might cause it to pop. The blister roof helps protect against infection. Use a cotton ball dipped in witch hazel to reduce the swelling of the blister instead of popping it. You may want to cover the blister with a bandage just in case it pops, like if you are wearing shoes with a foot blister. Pop a blister carefully. If you choose to pop and drain the blister to reduce the pain, make sure you do it properly. This helps reduce the risk of infection. Make sure if you do pop the blister that you keep the blister roof intact because it helps protect the skin underneath. Wash your hands and the blister before you begin. Start by wiping down a needle with rubbing alcohol. Then, gently puncture the side of the blister. Try to get the needle close to the edge if possible. Carefully push the fluid out toward the puncture. Remember, try to keep the blister roof intact as much as possible. Use a gauze pad to collect the fluid as it oozes from the blister. Wash the blister with soap and water afterwards. Cover the blister properly. After you have popped and drained the blister, you should cover it with a bandage. This helps protect it from getting infected. Before you apply the gauze, you can apply an antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to the blister. You can add a teaspoon of honey because honey has antibiotic properties and can speed healing. When you place a bandage, make sure the bandage has a “tent” to minimize contact of the bandage with the blister. To do this, leave a bit of space between the blister and the bandage. Try to pull it up so it stays over the skin without touching it. Change the bandage daily. Make sure to keep the bandage dry. Learn the causes of blisters. Blisters occur when something rubs against the skin and irritates it. There are a number of causes for blisters. These include: Friction: This is generally intense friction over a short period of time. Corns and calluses develop from longer-term rubbing. Burns: Any source of intense heat from flames, steam, the sun, or hot surfaces can result in a blister Cold: Blisters can result from intense cold. Irritants or Allergens: The reaction of the skin to various chemical irritants or allergens can result in blistering. Drug reactions: There are a wide variety of drugs which can cause skin reactions, including blisters. Diseases and Infections: There are autoimmune diseases where the immune system reacts against components of the skin that can result in blisters. These all require medical attention. These disorders include pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Infections with viruses, such as chickenpox, shingles, and cold sores, or bacteria can also result in blistering Genetics: Certain rare genetic disorders result in widespread blistering. Insect bites: Some insect and spider bites result in blisters. Know when to see a doctor. Most blisters are minor and will go away on their own. However, there are a few reasons why you should go to the doctor with a blister. Go to the doctor if your blister is infected. The blister will have yellow or green pus in it if it is infected. It may also be extremely painful, red, and hot. See your doctor if the blisters are causing you severe pain. Get checked out by a doctor if your blisters keep coming back. You should also get checked out if your blisters are in odd places, like eyelids and your mouth. See your doctor if severe blisters are received from sunburns, burns, scalds, or allergic reactions. Prevent blisters from occurring. You should try to prevent any blisters from happening in the first place. To help prevent blisters on your feet, only wear properly fitting shoes or socks, shoes, and insoles marketed to help prevent blisters. You may also consider moisture-wicking socks. Place moleskin on places in your shoes to rub against your skin or put powder inside your shoes to absorb moisture. Wear gloves to help prevent blisters from working or when handling cold or hot objects. | Remove the source of the blister. Protect the blister. Soak the blister. Use an ice pack. Apply antibiotic ointment. Use aloe vera gel. Try green tea. Apply vitamin E. Allow the blister to drain naturally. Pop a blister carefully. Cover the blister properly. Learn the causes of blisters. Know when to see a doctor. Prevent blisters from occurring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-With-an-Irish-Accent | How to Speak With an Irish Accent | If you want to speak with an Irish accent, pronounce your vowels softly in every word. For example, instead of saying "How are you?" you would say "ha-ware-ya?" When you talk, make sure your consonants are more pronounced and harder, but drop the "g" sound at the end of verbs. In conversation, speak quickly and clearly, and throw in everyday Irish slang, like "Cheers," "lad," and "c'mere." | Soften your vowels. Many people, especially Americans, tend to harden their vowels. For example, Americans pronounce the letter A, "ay"; those with an Irish accent would pronounce it "ah" or "aw." Be very conscious of this in every word, but especially those vowels that come in the middle. The standard, "How are you?" should be pronounced, "Ha-ware-ya?" The "au" (in "how") and "oo" (in "you") of the Generalized American accent are not differentiated between. The sound in "night," "like," and "I," is pronounced similar to "oi," as in "oil." Think of "Ireland" as "Oireland." While very similar to "oi," it's not the exact same. Turn the 'o' into more of a schwa. The diphthong does not exist in American English and is similar to a compounded, "Uh, I..." The schwa sound (the sound of a caveman grunt), as in "strut," varies from dialect to dialect. In the Local accent, the vowel sounds more like "foot," and in the New Dublin accent (popular among youth), it sounds more like "bit." The epsilon (as in "end") is pronounced like the vowel in "ash." "Any" becomes "Annie." There are many different Irish dialects with numerous slight variations. Certain rules may not apply to certain dialects. Harden your consonants. As a general rule, Americans have gotten lazy in their speech. "Ladder" and "latter" are pronounced the same in the US, but not to an Irishman. Give each consonant its due (with the exception of the next rule!). As a beginning sound, /d/ often sounds like /d͡ʒ/ or the sound that a J makes in most variants of English. That is, "due" will sound like "Jew." As its unvoiced partner, "t" becomes "ch." "Tube" sounds like "choob." There is a distinction between words like "wine" and "whine." Words with "wh" begin with an initial "h" sound; try expelling a bit of breath before the word -- the result should be something akin to "hwine." Some Irish accents turn "think" and "that" into "tink" and "dat," respectively. Try "trowing" it into your speech sporadically. Drop your G's. English is full of words that end in -ing, but you wouldn't hear an Irishman admitting it, at least not in a natural context. Whether you're muttering verbs or gerunds, cut it out. "Morning" becomes "mornin." "Walking" becomes "walkin," and so on and so forth. This stays true in all contexts. In Local Dublin, a poorer dialect, final sounds are eliminated entirely: "sound" becomes "soun," for example. Be very rhotic. For most American English speakers, this is not a problem. But if your dialect is non-rhotic (drops word-final or inter-vocalic R ; "park" sounds like "pack"), be conscious of pronouncing every "r" -- be it beginning, middle, or end. Speakers of both American and British English will need to put their 'r' more forward in their mouths than they are used to. Experiment placing your tongue further forward and higher in your mouth while saying words with an 'r' in the middle or end. Speak quickly but clearly. An Irishman will not be caught saying, "coulda, woulda, shoulda." Each sound (unless dropped via a phonemic process) should be given attention. Your tongue and lips will be getting a workout. If you do have pauses, use "em" to fill them. Stay away from "uh" or "um"; "em" should be your filler. If you can throw this in naturally and without thinking, your Irishness will be upped ten-fold. It's used all the time -- so when you're thinking of how to pronounce something, you know how to fill the silence. Repeat the verb in yes/no questions. Often yes/no questions are straightforward and to the point -- as a result, we answer "yes" or "no." Seems pretty logical, right? Nope. That's not how it works in the land of Saints and Scholars. When asked, repeat the noun and verb. For example, "Are you going to Jane's party tonight?" --"I am." "Does Ireland have unicorns?" --"It doesn't." Use the 'after' construction. The after perfect (AFP), which is one of the most characteristic features of Irish English, has given rise to a certain amount of debate and a great deal of confusion. It is used to denote recency in two situations: In between the two verbs of the past continuous (again, denotes a recent action): 'Why did you go to the shop?' -- "I was after running-out of potatoes." (Do not confuse it with the English use of "seeking" or "searching for". You are not "after buying potatoes" - otherwise you wouldn't be going to the shop). In between the two verbs of the present continuous (used as an exclamation): "I'm after performing on the West End!" Utilize idioms and colloquialisms. The Irish accent is full of words and phrases unfamiliar to other dialects of English. No one else may know what you're talking about, but sacrifices must be made to be authentic. Soon you'll be cod acting like a bucklepper! Cheers : Not only is this used while clinking glasses, it's used in normal conversation, and consistently. It can be used to thank people and to say hello and goodbye. Work it in often; the Irish certainly do. Lad : This term describes any male, though usually it's reserved for ones you're closer to. "Lads" can refer to a group of males and females, for the record. C'mere : Literally, this is the same in any other dialect -- "come here." But in Irish English, it's an opener that means, "listen" or even just "hey," to grab your attention. To begin any innocuous sentence, start it with "C'mere." Right : This sort of serves as an alternative to "c'mere." It's multi-purpose and mainly serves to clarify. As in, "Right, we're meeting at 7 o'clock by the watch tower then?" Most British colloquialisms are also acceptable. Avoid "Top of the mornin' to ya!" and "Blarney!" unless you want to be that guy. Think lyrically. The Irish accent is generally thought of as more 'musical' than American English. It has a definite lilt to it that isn't seen in other variations of the Lingua Franca. Practice phrases a bit more 'sing-songy' than you would in your native dialect. A good place to start is slightly higher than your natural tone. Get a little lower in the middle of the phrase, and then move back up slightly. Irishmen use some words that are unfamiliar to most Americans. Runners : Runners usually refers to Jogging shoes, or Tennis Shoes. Jumper : Jumper is really plain and simple; a sweater. Yoke : This one is kind of confusing. Yoke is like when you are trying to say what something is, but you don't know the word for it. ex.: "You know the yoke that you use to clean the dust off the stand?" It kind of means something like Thingamajig, or Thingamabob. However it also is a colloquialism for Ecstasy tablets. Boot : This simply refers to the trunk of a car. "Put the food in the boot." Footpath : A sidewalk. Ride : A very attractive person of either sex. Gum Boil/ Mouth Ulcer : A canker sore. Listen to Irish accents. Look on YouTube and watch movies and interviews for good examples of what you're trying to emulate. However, beware of impersonators out there -- and there are plenty. Brad Pitt, Richard Gere, and Tom Cruise are not good examples. Stick to true native speakers; RTÉ is a safe place to start. It is important to note that the northern counties have a quite different accent [look up the Ulster dialect]. Visit Ireland. In the same respect you never truly master a foreign language if you don't live in the country, you will never master an accent if you don't live among the people. If you go for vacation, do your best to feel out the local flavor. Go to small restaurants and listen to those around you. Make small talk with the vendors on the streets. Hire a native tour guide to show you around. Make your exposure as 24/7 as possible. Buy a book. Just as there are American and British English dictionaries, there are Irish dictionaries, too. What's more, resources abound when it comes to sources on colloquialisms and idiosyncrasies of the accent. Invest your time and money into this endeavor if you truly want your accent to shine. If a dictionary seems a bit much and would just rest on your shelf gathering dust, buy a phrase book. The idioms and figures of speech will help you get into the emerald zone. | Soften your vowels. Harden your consonants. Drop your G's. Be very rhotic. Speak quickly but clearly. Repeat the verb in yes/no questions. Use the 'after' construction. Utilize idioms and colloquialisms. Think lyrically. Irishmen use some words that are unfamiliar to most Americans. Listen to Irish accents. Visit Ireland. Buy a book. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toast-Sunflower-Seeds | How to Toast Sunflower Seeds | To toast sunflower seeds in the microwave, spread the seeds out in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Next, drizzle the oil or melted butter over the seeds and stir them with a fork. Then, microwave the seeds for 1 minute, stir them, and cook them for another minute. Continue cooking the seeds in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the seeds are lightly browned. | Spread the sunflowers seeds out in a microwave-safe dish. A microwave-safe pie plate works well, but any microwave-safe dish that is large enough to allow you to spread the seeds out on a single layer will work. Make sure the seeds are spread out evenly to prevent any from burning. Add the oil to the seeds. Drizzle the oil or melted butter over the seeds. Stir the seeds with a fork, making sure that all the seeds are coated in the oil. The oil adds flavor to the seeds and helps the seeds brown. Microwave, uncovered, for 1 minute. If you feel the need to cover the seeds to prevent oil splatters, only cover the seeds loosely with a paper towel. Stir and continue cooking. After the first minute passes, stir the seeds with a fork. Gently shake the dish to spread out the seeds and return them to a single even layer. Continue cooking the seeds for another minute. Continue cooking the seeds in 1 minute intervals. After each minute, stir and check the seeds once more. The sunflower seeds are done once they appear lightly browned. This could take anywhere from 2 to 4 minutes total. Heat the coconut oil. Pour the oil into an 8-inch (20-cm) skillet and heat the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Continue heating until the oil has melted and coated the bottom of the pan smoothly. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the sunflower seeds and salt. Add the seeds to the hot coconut oil, but only do so after removing the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the seeds with salt, to taste, and stir the seeds with a fork to coat them evenly in the salt and oil. Return the skillet to the stovetop. Keep the heat set to medium and stir the sunflower seeds constantly to prevent them from burning. Turn the heat down to low once the seeds start browning. As soon as the seeds begin to show any color, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring them constantly until the majority of the seeds are a light to medium brown, or until they are toasted according to your preference. Pour the sunflower seeds directly into a dry frying pan. The flavor provided by oil or butter is not necessary for this method of preparation since you will get plenty of flavor from the soy sauce. Oil and other fats also help the seeds to brown or toast evenly, but even toasting can still be achieved without the use of fat as long as you are vigilant enough. Heat the seeds on the stovetop over medium-high to high heat. Move the seeds around constantly with a fork. In addition to stirring the seeds, you should also give the skillet a gentle shake once or twice to help keep the seeds moving. Remove from heat as soon as the seeds begin browning. The seeds will begin to look light golden brown and may even begin to steam or smell burnt. Stir the seeds in the hot skillet. While the pan is removed from the stovetop, stir the seeds to continue the browning process. If the seeds have stopped browning but you still need to toast a few more, briefly return the pan to the heat, keeping it there just long enough to apply a little extra heat. The entire toasting process should only take a couple of minutes. Add the soy sauce. Once the seeds are toasted to a light or medium brown, add the soy sauce to the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir the seeds to coat them in the soy sauce. Keep the skillet on the heat, stirring the seeds continually, until the sauce has completely coated the seeds and the remaining liquid has evaporated. Let the seeds cool. Remove the coated seeds from the heat and immediately transfer them over to a plate to cool. Enjoy at room temperature. The seeds are too hot and too sticky to eat straight from the stovetop, but after cooling, they should separate without much difficulty. | Spread the sunflowers seeds out in a microwave-safe dish. Add the oil to the seeds. Microwave, uncovered, for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking. Continue cooking the seeds in 1 minute intervals. Heat the coconut oil. Add the sunflower seeds and salt. Return the skillet to the stovetop. Turn the heat down to low once the seeds start browning. Pour the sunflower seeds directly into a dry frying pan. Heat the seeds on the stovetop over medium-high to high heat. Remove from heat as soon as the seeds begin browning. Stir the seeds in the hot skillet. Add the soy sauce. Let the seeds cool. Enjoy at room temperature. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Your-Speech-Anxiety | How to Reduce Your Speech Anxiety | To overcome your speech anxiety, start by choosing a topic that interests you when possible, and build confidence by researching your subject matter more than you think you should. Then, practice your speech out loud in front of a mirror or tape your speech to see how it sounds. Gain of the situation by learning important details like how much time you have to present your speech, and how long you have to prepare it to set yourself up for success. | Write down reasons why you’re anxious. Having a clear understanding of your anxiety will help you reduce it. Jot down a few reasons why you feel nervous about your speech. Try to dig into specific reasons. For example, if you write down that you're worried that you'll look stupid in front of a crowd, think about why you think you'll look stupid. Is it because you worry that your information is wrong? Once you know this, you can spend more time researching and learning your topic. Quiet your inner critic. When you think negative thoughts about yourself and your performance, your anxiety will grow. If you don't have confidence in yourself, you may think, how will your audience have confidence in you? When you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop yourself. Replace it with a positive thought. For example, you might think, “I'll forget my entire speech. I don't know what I'm doing.” Stop this thought and replace it with, “I know my topic. I've done lots of research. Plus, I will have my speech written down and I can look at it when I need to. And if I stumble over a few places, that's okay.” Know that you’re not alone. The fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia. About 80% of the population gets anxious about speaking in public. This group feels nervous, has clammy hands, has a racing heartbeat, and feels jittery. Know that it's perfectly normal to feel this way before a speech. While it can be an uncomfortable experience, know that you will get through it. And each time you give a speech, you'll get more accustomed to the experience. Find out the guidelines for your speech. We tend to fear things that are out of our control. Though you cannot control every aspect of your presentation, you can reduce speech anxiety by controlling the situation as much as possible. If you are asked to give a speech, find out the expectations of the organizer. For example, are you giving a speech on a particular topic, or do you get to choose your topic? How long is the speech supposed to last? How long do you have to prepare the speech? Knowing these elements from the very beginning will help reduce your anxiety. Get to know your topic. The more you know your topic, the less nervous you will feel when you talk about it in front of others. Choose something about which you are passionate to address in your speech. If you do not get to choose the topic, at least try to find an angle that interests you and which you know something about. Research more than you think you should. Not everything you learn will end up in your speech, but it builds your confidence in the subject matter. Get to know your audience beforehand. Be sure to know who your audience is. This is key because you will tailor your speech to this audience. For example, you will give a different speech to experts than the speech you'd give to novices. Write a speech that suits you. Use language in your speech that fits your speaking style. Try not to adopt a way of speaking that isn't natural or comfortable, as your discomfort in the style of the speech will likely come across in your delivery. Have a well-prepared speech. The more prepared you are, the less anxiety you will feel. Have the entire speech written out beforehand. Find appropriate illustrations and examples for your audience. Create effective and professional-looking presentation aids to accompany your speech. Have a back-up plan. Consider what you will do if your presentation aids do not work due to equipment malfunction or power outage. For example, print out a copy of your slides to refer to should your slide show not work. Decide how you will fill the time if your video does not work. Get familiar with your presentation venue. When you know where your presentation will take place, you can envision yourself giving your speech. Check out the room where you're going to be presenting. Get a feel for the size of the audience. Know where the restrooms and water fountains are. Ask about your presentation time slot. Figure out when you're giving your speech. Will you be the only speaker, or will there be several speakers? Are you going first, last, or in the middle? If you are given a choice, determine what time of day you'd prefer your speech. Do you tend to operate better in the morning or in the late afternoon? Figure out your tech needs. If you're planning to use audio or visual aids in your presentation, find out if the venue can accommodate them. Communicate presentation preferences to the organization. For example, if you prefer using a hand-held microphone over a headset, tell them. Other things to consider are using a stool, having a podium or table, and having your slides show up on a small monitor for you to use so you do not have to read off the big screen. Work these details out with the organization, instructor, or other representative before the day of your speech. Test audio and visual aids beforehand. If your presentation aid doesn't work during your actual presentation, you will feel heightened anxiety. Try to prevent this by testing your aids in advance. Rehearse your speech on your own. We tend to be nervous about things that are unfamiliar to us. Take the time to practice. You do not need to memorize your speech word for word, but you do need to familiarize yourself with your main points, introduction, transitions, conclusion, and examples. At first, practice alone. This will give you a chance to iron out any uneven spots in your speech. Read it out loud. Get used to hearing yourself. Test the wording and make sure you are comfortable with it. Then practice in front of the mirror or videotape yourself so you can see your gestures and facial expressions. Focus on the introduction. If you start your speech off well, your speech anxiety will drop considerably. Then you will likely feel more comfortable throughout the rest of your presentation. Although you don't need to memorize the speech, be very familiar with how your speech begins. This will allow you to start the speech confidently and with authority. Practice in front of others. Find friends, colleagues, or family members who are willing to listen to your speech. Ask them to provide suggestions. This will give you the chance to become more familiar with speaking in front of an audience. Consider it a test run for speech day. Practice in your speech venue. If it's possible, practice in the room where you will actually present your speech. Take note of how the room is set up. Find out what the acoustics sound like as you speak. Stand at the podium or front of the room and get comfortable here. This is, after all, where you'll be presenting from. Get a good night’s sleep. Having a full night's rest before you present your speech will ensure that you are clear-minded and not tired when you present. Get 7-8 hours of sleep to ensure you are well-rested. Eat well. Eat a healthy breakfast to give you energy for your speech. You may not be able to eat much if you are nervous, but you should try to eat something. A banana, yogurt or granola bar is good for a nervous stomach. Dress appropriately for the presentation. When you are giving a presentation, you should dress for the occasion. Typically, you should dress nicely for a formal presentation. Wear something that makes you feel confident yet comfortable. If you are too uncomfortable, you might spend too much of your attention on how your feet hurt or your neck is itchy. If you're unsure of the dress code, ask the organizers. Shoot for more formal over less formal clothing. Take deep breaths. Breathing deeply can help calm your mind, slow your heart rate, and relax your muscles. Try the 4-7-8 method: Inhale through your nose for a count of 4. Then hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale out your mouth for a count of 8. Try meditation. Meditation is a great way to slow down your mind and be present in the moment. This will help reduce your anxiety over your speech by bringing you away from your anxious anticipation. You will instead focus on what is happening in this precise moment. Try this simple method of meditation: Find a comfortable seat or bed in a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed. Relax your body and close your eyes. Start breathing deeply, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four. Focus your mind on your breath. When your mind begins to wander, acknowledge the thought and let it go. Return your focus to your breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. Try this meditation for 10 minutes every day to reduce overall anxiety. Make sure to meditate the morning of your speech. Use visualization exercises. Visualizing that you are a successful public speaker will help you when you are actually doing it. Run through your speech and imagine how the audience might react at different points. Think about different reactions, such as anger, laughter, awe, applause. Take deep breaths as you imagine each of these reactions. Go for a walk before your speech. Get your blood and oxygen pumping a little bit by taking a short walk or getting other exercise the morning of your speech. You will burn off some of your stress with the exercise. It will also give your mind a chance to focus on something else for a bit. Stay away from caffeine. Caffeine can contribute to jittery feelings, exacerbating your anxiety. Your usual cup of coffee in the morning might not make a big difference. But when you're already feeling anxious, coffee or caffeinated soda can add fuel to the fire. Instead, try a calming herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint. Read your anxiety as excitement. Instead of thinking how nervous you are, think of these feelings as excitement. You are excited about giving this speech and having the opportunity to share your thoughts and expertise on a topic. During your speech, use your nerves to energize your gestures and body movement. Try to keep it natural, however. Don't pace around, but it's okay to walk a bit if you feel comfortable doing so. Speak confidently. Fear of public speaking is one of the most common phobias, but many of these people hide their nerves well enough that the audience isn't aware of their anxieties. Don't tell the audience that you're nervous or anxious. If the audience perceives you as confident and positive, you will feel more confident and positive. Find friendly faces in the audience. Though many people think making eye contact will make their anxiety worse, it can actually reduce it. Simply find some friendly faces in the crowd and imagine that you are having a conversation with them. Allow their smiles to encourage you throughout the speech. Let go of mistakes. Do not get hung up on mistakes. You may mispronounce something or stumble over some words, but do not let that bother you. Most people in the audience will not even notice. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake. | Write down reasons why you’re anxious. Quiet your inner critic. Know that you’re not alone. Find out the guidelines for your speech. Get to know your topic. Get to know your audience beforehand. Write a speech that suits you. Have a well-prepared speech. Get familiar with your presentation venue. Ask about your presentation time slot. Figure out your tech needs. Rehearse your speech on your own. Focus on the introduction. Practice in front of others. Practice in your speech venue. Get a good night’s sleep. Eat well. Dress appropriately for the presentation. Take deep breaths. Try meditation. Use visualization exercises. Go for a walk before your speech. Stay away from caffeine. Read your anxiety as excitement. Speak confidently. Find friendly faces in the audience. Let go of mistakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Panty-Lines | How to Avoid Panty Lines | To avoid panty lines, start by choosing underwear that is not too tight, because it will dig into your skin and make panty lines more obvious. Alternatively, try wearing a thong or boy shorts, since these styles don't cut across your butt and create a visible seam. You can also try wearing shapewear under your clothes to not only hide panty lines, but also mask any unwanted bulges. If your pants are especially tight, consider not wearing any underwear at all, but make sure you wash your pants any time you do this to prevent infection. | Make sure they fit. The most important thing is to purchase panties that fit! Make sure they are not too tight, or else they will dig in to your skin and cause unsightly panty lines. At the same time, if you choose underwear that is too loose, it can easily wrinkle up inside your clothes, showing wrinkles and bumps. If the elastic is cutting into your skin and feels restrictive, your underwear is too tight. If there is any excess fabric hanging down or you feel like your underwear isn't supporting your butt at all, it's probably too big. Consider thongs. Thongs simply don't have the lines to show, making them the ideal panty line-free choice. While they may not be the most comfortable underwear, they are a good option when you are wearing especially tight clothing. Be sure to check out the rear view when you sit or squat, as these positions tend to expose part of the thong if you're wearing low-cut pants. If you're concerned about your thong showing when you squat, be sure to wear high-waisted pants and skirts or shirts that extend lower than the waistline of your bottoms. G-strings have even less fabric than thongs, so they're the best choice for minimizing panty lines. Keep in mind that thongs are much less comfortable if they are too tight, so get one that fits properly. Try boy shorts. For those who hate thongs, there is another alternative! Boy shorts provide full coverage, and because they do not cut across your butt, they offer a much more seamless look than most bikini-style underwear. You need to be more cautious with boy shorts than you do with thongs because they do not completely eliminate the possibility of a visible panty line. It's a good idea to test them out with your favorite pair of form-fitting pants. You can find boy shorts in many different materials. Choose one that you find comfortable and that has invisible or very minimal seams. Make sure your boy shorts fit snugly, but don't cut into your skin. Look for seamless panties. Most major lingerie brands have a line of seamless panties, so there are plenty of different styles to choose from. Many of these styles have laser cut edges, which are very thin edges that do not leave a visible panty line. Elastic and spandex panties are very good for a seamless look. Unfortunately, cotton panties, which are the best for feminine health because of their breathability, are typically not seamless because the fabric is too thick. Take care with color. Match your underwear to your skin tone when wearing light-colored clothing. Flesh-colored underwear blends in with your skin, leaving invisible panty lines, even if your pants are a bit see-through. Go commando. If you're brave enough to do this, simply don't wear underwear. This is the only way to know that there are no panty lines whatsoever. Going commando is best when wearing pants. Always wear underwear with skirts and dresses. Be sure to wash your pants after each use when going commando to prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Some workout pants are actually made with special linings so that they can be worn without underwear. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, you can also go "faux commando" by ordering disposable cotton patches that adhere to the inside of your pants, allowing you the freedom of no underwear without any discomfort. Try shapewear. If you want a totally smooth look without wearing a thong or skipping the panties altogether, consider wearing shapewear under your clothes. These undergarments typically extend to your mid thigh, so there will not be a panty line. They also suck in unwanted bulges, and they're available in a variety of styles for different body types and different outfits. You can wear panties under your shapewear or not, depending on your personal preferences. If you just want to smooth out your butt, upper thighs, and/or lower stomach, you can buy panty-style shapewear. For more coverage, you can opt for a pant-style that extends further down your legs or a bodysuit-style that covers your upper body (except your chest) as well. Shapewear should not be used to attempt to fit into a smaller size of clothing. If it feels overly restrictive or you begin to experience numbness or tingling, your shapewear is too tight. Wear tights. If shapewear isn't for you, you may be able to get the same benefits from a pair of tights or pantyhose. Wear a pair under your pants or with a skirt for a smooth look. As with shapewear, you do not need to wear underwear under your tights or pantyhose if you don't want to. The choice is up to you. You can buy high-waisted styles if you want some coverage over your stomach, although tights will never give you as much control as shapewear. Consider a slip. If you're wearing a skirt or dress, consider wearing a slip or half slip underneath. This old-school accessory can help you achieve the seamless look you want. A full slip covers your entire torso and the upper parts of your legs, and is meant to be worn with a dress. A half slip covers only your butt and upper legs, and is meant to be worn with a skirt. Many slips contain some lycra, which helps shape your body and prevents the garment from bunching. If you are looking for a little extra control, you can also find shapewear in slip styles. Try to match the color of your slip to your dress or skirt as much as possible. This will make the slip less visible if it ever peeks out from under your clothes. Make sure your slip is always shorter than any slits in your dress or skirt. Avoid slips with lace details, as this may show through your clothing. To avoid static cling between your slip and your garment, try gently pulling each item through a wire hanger before you put it on. Avoid skin-clinging clothing. Extremely tight clothing will always bring out a panty line if there is one to bring out. If you don't feel comfortable going commando or wearing a thong, but you don't want panty lines, avoid wearing super clingy pants and skirts. Leggings are especially likely to show panty lines. If you want to wear them with regular panties, consider wearing a tunic-length shirt with them. The shirt will cover your butt, so you won't have to worry about whether or not your panty lines are visible through your leggings. If you love to wear skirts, consider wearing a loose-fitting style that will not show panty lines as much. For example, instead of wearing a tight pencil skirt, wear an A-line skirt. Choose thicker fabrics. Pants and skirts made from thick, textured fabrics are much less likely to show panty lines than silky, clingy fabrics. If you don't want to have to worry about panty lines, choose fabrics like denim and tweed over fabrics like jersey and silk. Rear pockets add extra fabric to the seat of your pants, so they may also help hide panty lines. Keep in mind that not all denim is created equal. Some is much thicker, while some is thinner and stretchier. Opt for thicker, less clingy styles if you are trying to avoid panty lines. Opt for prints. Prints are better at disguising panty lines than solid colors, so if you want to wear some tight leggings or yoga pants with your regular undies, you may want to choose a patterned pair. Remember that prints will not eliminate panty lines; they will only help disguise them. It's a good idea to check for panty lines in the mirror before you go out. Steer clear of see-through pants. You definitely have to put a lot of thought into choosing the right underwear when you are wearing pants that are even remotely see-through. If you don't want to have to worry about it, avoid wearing any bottoms that may show more than you want. White pants are common culprits, so always make sure you can't see your underwear through them before you buy them. Leggings and yoga pants can also be see-through, so make sure you buy a pair that is thick and opaque. | Make sure they fit. Consider thongs. Try boy shorts. Look for seamless panties. Take care with color. Go commando. Try shapewear. Wear tights. Consider a slip. Avoid skin-clinging clothing. Choose thicker fabrics. Opt for prints. Steer clear of see-through pants. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Control-Rosacea | How to Control Rosacea | To control rosacea, wash the affected area with gentle cleansers that have a neutral pH, such as Dove or Cetaphil, and lukewarm water to avoid irritating your skin. Afterwards, use a moisturizer with metronidazole in it to soothe rosacea and prevent flare-ups. Additionally, protect your skin from the elements by wearing a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 in the summer and putting on a scarf or face mask in the winter. If you have a flare-up, try taking probiotics in a pill form or applying it as a topical cream to help clear your skin. | Avoid triggers. Doctors are unsure of what causes rosacea, but they do know that certain factors can trigger or make rosacea worse. In many cases, triggers of rosacea increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. Avoid some of the following things that may exacerbate your rosacea: Hot foods and drinks Spicy foods Alcoholic beverages Sunlight Stress, embarrassment, or anger Vigorous exercise or activity Hot baths, showers, and saunas Drugs such as corticosteroids and blood pressure medication Wind Cold weather Humidity Certain cosmetics and skin-care products Protect your skin. Exposing your skin to the elements can cause flare-ups or make ongoing rosacea worse. Protecting it against sun, wind, and the cold may minimize flare-ups and help you control your rosacea. Wear a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a minimum SPF 30. Make sure to reapply often. Keep your skin cool by staying out of the direct sun, using fans, and being in air-conditioned rooms during the summer. Put on a scarf or face mask in the winter to protect against the wind and cold. Sun protection that contains barrier protection silicones, like dimethicone and cyclomethicone, are preferred over alcohol-based formulations. Wash with gentle cleansers. Wash your face and any areas prone to rosacea with a gentle cleanser. This can not only prevent flare-ups but may also minimize the risk of breakouts or infection by clearing bacteria from your skin. Use with a gentle cleanser that has a neutral pH such as Dove or Cetaphil. Look for products that are fragrance-free and allergy tested. Note that “hypoallergenic” is not the same as “allergy tested,” which is what you should buy. Wash with your fingertips and avoid using a washcloth or sponge, which can irritate your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water to prevent flushing and stripping your skin of oils and irritating it. Blot your skin dry to avoid irritating it. Consider doing a skin patch test before using a product to make sure that you don't have a reaction to it. Avoid harsh, mechanical scrubbing. Non-detergent cleaners, beauty bars, mild cleansing bars, and liquid facial cleansers are recommended. You should avoid topical products that may irritate the skin such as toners, astringents, and chemical exfoliating agents. Moisturize your skin. Doctors believe that moisturizing your skin not only can help create a barrier to prevent flare-ups but also soothe rosacea. Apply a skin-specific moisturizer to your skin after washing it. Ask your dermatologist to prescribe or suggest a moisturizer for you. There are many products on the market now specifically formulated for people with rosacea. Wait up to 10 minutes after washing your skin or a medical treatment to apply your moisturizer. This may minimize burning or stinging. Apply frequently. Emollients help repair the barrier function of the skin and may be useful in rosacea. In one study, constant application of moisturizer with metronidazole helped ease the symptoms of skin sensitivity. Consider using a moisturizer that has a broad-spectrum sunscreen in it. Products with multiple functions can minimize the risk of flare-ups. Watch for products with known irritants. Some studies have shown that certain ingredients in products you use on your skin can trigger flare-ups or irritate your skin. Reading product labels for these ingredients can help you prevent flare-ups. Watch for: Alcohol Witch hazel Fragrance Menthol Peppermint Eucalyptus oil Exfoliating agents Keep your fingers and hands away from your skin. Touching or rubbing your skin can irritate it and cause flare-ups. Make a conscious effort to not touch your face or any other areas of skin that are prone to rosacea. Avoid picking or popping any rosacea lesions that resemble acne. Be careful to not rest your hands on your face or chin. See your doctor. If you are having bad flare-ups, can't control breakouts, or aren't sure if you have rosacea, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can suggest a treatment that works for the specific variant of the disease you have. The four types of rosacea are: Erythematotelangiectatic, which presents as flushing and persistent facial redness or visible blood vessels. Papulopustular, which presents as persistent facial redness and bumps and pimples resembling acne. Phymatous rosacea, which presents as skin thickening and enlargement, often around the nose of men. Ocular, which presents in the eyes as a watery or bloodshot appearance, sensations of foreign body, burning or stinging, dryness, itching, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Put an emollient cream on your skin. There is some evidence that a prescription emollient cream can help repair skin that suffers from rosacea. Use one of these creams in addition to your moisturizer to help control and prevent flare-ups. Read product labels for ingredients that include emollients. Examples of emollients are glycerol stearate, lanolin, soy sterol, and sunflower seed oil. Take medication. Many people will need medication and to avoid triggers to control their rosacea. Taking or applying prescription medication can help control inflammation and any infection that may result from a flare-up of most types of rosacea. Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics. These are often creams, lotions, or gels that control inflammation. Wait ½ hour after washing your face to minimize a burning sensation. Antibiotic pills may be slightly more effective, but also come with more side effects. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that has been helpful in treating rosacea, in particular any papules or pustules. Acne drugs. Many doctors may prescribe isotretinoin, a drug usually for severe cystic acne, to help clear up acne-like flare-ups of rosacea. Avoid isotretinoin if you are pregnant because it can cause birth defects. Skin irritation is a possible side effect of using acne drugs like topical retinoids. Undergo surgery. In some cases, such as if you experience thickening of the skin or enlarged blood vessels, it may be necessary to control your rosacea with surgery. Consider this option if conventional treatments don't control your rosacea. Get dermabrasion to remove thickened skin. Reduce the visibility of blood vessels and thickened skin or tissue buildup with laser or electrosurgery. Discuss other surgical options with your doctor such as cryosurgery, radiofrequency ablation, and skin grafting if you are not comfortable with laser or electrosurgery. Try probiotics. Early research has shown that use of probiotics can help clear your skin of rosacea. Try either a topical cream or an oral probiotic to help manage and prevent flare-ups. Apply a probiotic cream, cleanser or mask. Any of these products can shield, calm, and protect your skin from flare-ups. Take oral probiotics, which are sold as daily supplements containing Lactobacilli and/or Bifidobacterium. You can buy probiotic products at most pharmacies and health food stores. Go with yogurt. There is also some evidence that yogurt may help control your rosacea. Try eating yogurt with live bacteria cultures daily, or using Greek yogurt as a mask. Make sure your yogurt has live cultures by reading the label. Only these yogurt products may help your rosacea. Put a Greek yogurt mask on your skin. There is currently no formal research on the efficacy of Greek yogurt masks, but some doctors have reported their patients having success with this home remedy. Yogurt masks have the benefit of moisturizing your skin, which may also calm and soothe your rosacea. Keep your skin moisturized. Many doctors believe that keeping your skin moisturized is a key component to dealing with rosacea. Make sure you moisturize your skin even during flare-ups to help them heal and minimize your risk for further breakouts. Use an unscented and allergy-free moisturizer during flare-ups to avoid irritating your skin. Putting moisturizer on every day helps to build a moisture barrier that protects your skin from triggers and irritants. Take a supplement. There is also no medical evidence that supplements can control rosacea, but you may want to try one in addition to another treatment. Consider taking: A supplement with a gamma-linolenic acid, such as evening primrose oil or black currant oil. Take 500 mg twice a day and be aware that it can take at least six weeks to see results. Herbal supplements containing ginger or turmeric. You can also add these in their natural form to food. Consider other alternative therapies. There is some evidence that other alternative therapies may help control rosacea flare-ups and prevent breakouts. Consider these alternative options and discuss them with your doctor before using them. You might try: Colloidal silver Emu oil Laurelwood Oregano oil Vitamin K A diet of anti-inflammatory foods | Avoid triggers. Protect your skin. Wash with gentle cleansers. Moisturize your skin. Watch for products with known irritants. Keep your fingers and hands away from your skin. See your doctor. Put an emollient cream on your skin. Take medication. Undergo surgery. Try probiotics. Go with yogurt. Keep your skin moisturized. Take a supplement. Consider other alternative therapies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Leeches | How to Kill Leeches | To kill leeches, pour salt over them after removing them from your skin. If you want to get rid of leeches in your yard or pond, make a trap by putting a piece of raw meat in a can with a sealable lid, and punching holes in the lid. Next, tie a string around the can and submerge it into the body of water where you suspect there are leeches. Finally, check your trap daily and dispose of any leeches you find in the can. | Try to detach the leech’s suckers. Locate the leech's oral sucker on the anterior (thinner end). Place your finger or fingernail on the skin next to this, and gently slide it underneath. Push to the side to detach the leech. Repeat this step at the posterior end sucker, then flick the leech off of your body. Push the leech away as you detach it, because it will try to reattach itself to your body. Make sure to start with the thinner, anterior end, which is actually the leech's “head.” Dispose of the leech away from the water after you have detached it. You can pour salt on the leech to ensure it is killed, but do this only after you have safely removed it. Wait for the leech to fall off. Once the leech has had enough blood, it should fall off on its own, typically after about twenty minutes. If you cannot remove the leech safely, you may have to leave it and wait until it stops feeding. While this can be unsettling, the leech should not cause you any pain or serious injury. Dispose of the leech after it falls off. You can pour salt on the leech to ensure it is killed, but do this only after it detaches itself from your body. Stop any bleeding. Leeches have anticoagulant enzymes that cause blood to flow freely. If the bite area continues to bleed after you remove the leech (or after it falls off), apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops. Clean the wound to prevent infection. Leeches can leave a small wound where they were attached to your body. Clean this wound using warm water and a mild soap. Afterwards, apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream and bandage. In the event that the wound becomes infected, see a doctor. Do not try to simply rip the leech off. Leeches are very flexible and difficult to grasp, and even if you are successful at grabbing one and pulling it off your body, this may make things worse. In ripping it away, parts of the leech's jaws may remain in your body, which can cause an infection. Do not try to burn or poison the leech to cause it to detach. Many traditional remedies for removing leeches involve putting a match or flame to the leech's body, or pouring salt, alcohol, vinegar, or other things on the leech. While this will likely cause the leech to detach itself from your body, it may regurgitate the contents of its stomach back into the bite wound as it detaches. This can cause an infection. See a doctor if necessary. If leeches are attached to sensitive areas, such as on your eye, or in an orifice such as your nasal cavity, vagina, or penis, you should see a doctor for professional help. Doctors are trained in the use of special techniques and equipment to remove leeches, and will be able to treat any infections or complications that arise. You should also see a doctor if, after removing a leech on your own, you notice signs of infection, irritation, or other unusual symptoms. Signs of infection can include redness, swelling, or pus at the site of the wound, as well as general pain and fever. Set a trap. Take a metal can with a reclosable lid, such as a large coffee can, and punch small holes in this lid. Put raw meat inside the can, close the lid, and tie a string around the can. Place this in shallow parts of water where you suspect leeches live, and they will be attracted to and enter the can. You can then pull the can out of the water and dispose of the leeches. Leeches are most active during warm months. Lay your trap, check it daily during warm periods, and dispose of any caught leeches. Repeat this until few or no leeches appear in the trap. The exact size of the holes you should punch in the can lid will depend on the species of leech. If no leeches are being caught in your trap, try a larger or smaller hole size until it works. Attract ducks to the leech-infested area. Ducks may feed on leeches, which can help to keep their populations low. If you attract ducks using duck feed, however, this can increase levels of phosphorus in water and contribute to algae growth. Species of duck known to consume leeches include: Ring-necked duck (Aythya collars) Wood duck (Aix sponsa) Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) Maintain populations of bluegill and largemouth bass fish. These fish are natural predators of leeches and will help to control their population. This method will only work for enclosed, private waters like ponds. Control aquatic vegetation and debris. An overabundance of vegetation and organic debris in ponds and lakes is thought to contribute to the growth of leech populations. If possible, keep vegetation to about ten percent of a pond's surface area. Remove or control any excess vegetation to help combat leech infestation. Methods include: Minimizing the feeding of fish and ducks. Their waste provides nutrients that increase the growth of aquatic vegetation. Manually removing vegetation from the water. It is best to remove the whole plant, roots and all. Make sure to discard the plants out of the water so that the debris does not nourish future plant growth. Dredging or deepening the body of water. The greater depth will make it harder for plants to root. Lowering the water level. Shallower water during cold and freezing times will make it more difficult for plants to establish. Lining the bottom of the body of water. Plastic sheeting or mineral layers at the bottom of the water can discourage aquatic vegetation. Introducing herbivores. A wide variety of ducks, geese, turtles, insects, snails, crayfish, and fish will eat aquatic vegetation and therefore reduce its growth. The Chinese grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is thought to be a particularly good choice for this method. Using aquatic herbicides. Common choices include: Chelated Copper Compounds, Fluridone (Sonar), 2,4-D, Glyphosate (Rodeo, Pondmaster), Diquat, and Endothall (Aquathol, Hydrothol). These may have a range of side effects, including fish kills. They may also need to be applied over and over again, because the vegetation that is killed decomposes in the water and contributes to future vegetation growth. Carefully follow all directions provided with herbicides, and contact your local county extension agent before introducing any species that may be considered invasive. Use chemical control methods. Copper sulfate pentahydrate is used to control leech populations. The recommended dose is 5 ppm. This approach, however, will kill everything in the water, including fish and other creatures. Thus, this method should be used only in enclosed, fish-less waters. Copper sulfate pentahydrate is toxic and must be handled properly. Follow all safety and usage guidelines provided with the product. | Try to detach the leech’s suckers. Wait for the leech to fall off. Stop any bleeding. Clean the wound to prevent infection. Do not try to simply rip the leech off. Do not try to burn or poison the leech to cause it to detach. See a doctor if necessary. Set a trap. Attract ducks to the leech-infested area. Maintain populations of bluegill and largemouth bass fish. Control aquatic vegetation and debris. Use chemical control methods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chinese-Green-Tea | How to Make Chinese Green Tea | To make your own Chinese green tea, place 5 to 10 grams of tea leaves into a tea pot. Then, add in some hot water. Make sure that the water is around 80 to 90°F. When you're finished, wait 3 to 5 minutes, then serve! | Put 5-10 grams of tea leaves in the tea pot. Add not-quite-boiling (80-90°) water. Wait 3 - 5 minutes, then serve. You will get a few cups of fresh tea for yourself. Add 20 - 30 grams of tea leaves into the tea pot. Add not-quite-boiling (80-90°) water. Wait 3 - 5 minutes and then pour to serve for yourself or guest. | Put 5-10 grams of tea leaves in the tea pot. Add not-quite-boiling (80-90°) water. Wait 3 - 5 minutes, then serve. Add 20 - 30 grams of tea leaves into the tea pot. Add not-quite-boiling (80-90°) water. Wait 3 - 5 minutes and then pour to serve for yourself or guest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boost-Self%E2%80%90Esteem-in-Adults-with-ADHD | How to Boost Self‐Esteem in Adults with ADHD | To boost your self-esteem as an adult with ADHD, try picking up a new hobby or teaching yourself a new skill, which is a great way to distract yourself from negative thinking and start to feel better about yourself. Additionally, try making a list of all your talents and positive attributes to remind yourself that you're a competent, worthy person. If you're struggling to come up with ideas, ask close friends or family members to help you brainstorm. It might feel awkward to ask, but if you explain what it's for, your loved ones will likely be very happy to help you. Then, once you have that list, review it at least once a week so you don't forget the aspects and qualities that make you special. And, if you think of something new, just add it to the list! You can also boost your self-esteem by replacing negative thoughts with positive self-talk. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I can't remember anything. I'm such a failure," replace that thought with something like, "I made a mistake, but I'm human. I'm proud of myself for trying." | Start journaling. One way to boost your self-esteem is to use a journal to express your feelings, encourage yourself, and keep track of successes and challenges with your ADHD. You can also use journaling as a quiet activity to help calm yourself in the evenings or to organize your day in the mornings. When you find negative self-thoughts creeping into your mind, write about it in your journal. Write about what happened, how you feel about it, and how you feel about yourself. Also, brainstorm ways you can feel better about yourself and write those ideas in your journal as well. Use your journal as a place to keep your list of reasons to believe in yourself or your tally of successes. Explore new interests. When you have adult ADHD, you may find that you have many interests. Taking the time to explore those interests can help boost your self-esteem. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and talents or improve skills you already have which can boost your confidence. It will also give you the chance to set goals for something and achieve them, which will help you feel better about yourself. Make a list of your interests. For example, you could list comic books, interior decorating, playing the guitar, app development, and gardening. Pick an activity that you want to focus on or try. Picking only one can help you stay focused on that activity and enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed by everything you are doing. Use your strengths to encourage yourself. Some adults with ADHD have had experiences that may have left them feeling incompetent, frustrated, or like a failure. These feelings lower your self-esteem and you don't have to give into them. Reminding yourself that are competent and that you can succeed is one way that you can boost your self-esteem. Figure out what your strengths are and use them. Make a list of all of the things that you are a good at or are learning to do. For example, you might list, typing, singing, listening, public speaking, judo, and gaming. Review your list on a regular basis. At least once a week look at your list or read it out loud to remind yourself that you have a number of reasons to believe in yourself. Start keeping track of how many times you do something right. It doesn't matter if it's something big, like acing a test, or something small, like paying attention for 15 minutes during your meeting. Use positive self-talk. When you have ADHD you may find that you say things to yourself like “I'm so stupid,” “How could I be so forgetful,” or “I never do anything right.” You've probably heard enough critical comments like this from others in your life already and negative self-talk like this lowers your self-esteem. Start using positive self-talk with yourself to balance the negative and boost your self-esteem. Look in the mirror each day and give yourself a compliment. For example, you might say to yourself, “I'm a great person whether I have ADHD or not.” Replace negative thoughts. For instance, if you're thinking, “I can't remember anything! I'm such a failure,” stop yourself. Try thinking, “I made a mistake, but I'm human. I did the right thing by admitting it. That makes me proud of myself.” Make sure that you surround yourself with positive people as well. Being around critical people will only bring you down. Determine your priorities. When you have ADHD as an adult, you may find that you over-extend, over-schedule, and over-commit yourself. You may spread yourself too thin, without taking enough time to address your physical, emotional, or mental needs. Slow down and boost your self-esteem by living a confident lifestyle, making yourself a priority, and doing things to make you feel good about yourself. Make a list of your responsibilities and obligations. Include family/relationship obligations, school, work, and social responsibilities. You may need to eliminate some things from your life in order to manage your ADHD. For example for a while you may need to choose between being on your community basketball team or the soccer team instead of doing both. Make time to do things, like journaling, that can help you manage your ADHD and help improve your self-esteem. However, also make sure that you have plenty of time for sleep and idle time because these are crucial for people with ADHD. Make healthy choices. Taking care of yourself can help you manage your ADHD as well as live a more confident lifestyle. You will boost your self-esteem, be more focused, have better memory, and feel better about yourself if you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, and getting physical activity. Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep each night. Try things like meditating, reading, or journaling to relax yourself before bedtime. Eat nutritious meals and snacks. Make sure you include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy choices in your food selections. For instance, try oatmeal topped with fresh fruit for breakfast. Physical activity is a great way to cope with ADHD. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment that boosts your self-esteem. Join a sports team or start walking, yoga, or swimming on a regular basis. Many people also find that exercising in the morning helps them to have a more productive day. Avoid procrastination. Whether you have ADHD or not, it can be easy to procrastinate on things you need to do. But this can cause you to miss deadlines, which can have negative consequences and make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, make an effort to start on your responsibilities as soon as possible. Be sure to give yourself more time than you think you will need to complete a task as well because there will be times when you are not very productive. Being on time and meeting your deadlines will boost your self-esteem. If you find yourself putting off something that you should be starting, remind yourself, “Starting this on time will make me feel better about myself in the end.” If you need to, put up reminders like “Get started” or “Don't put it off” where you can see them on a regular basis. Use a planner or calendar. One of the best things you can do to manage your ADHD and live a more confident lifestyle is to get organized. Using a planner, agenda, or calendar can help you keep track of appointments, deadlines, and other important dates. This can help boost your self-esteem as you find yourself in the right place at the right time doing the right thing more often. Use the planner or calendar on your electronic device. This way you can have your schedule handy at all times to review or edit. Having a large planner or calendar on your wall can also be helpful because it will serve as a constant visual cue. Make reminders a few hours (or days) before to make sure that you don't miss anything. If you're using your electronic device you can set alarms as well. Ask your doctor about treatment options. There are several treatment options, including medication management, therapy, behavioral coaching, or other options which can help you handle your ADHD. Your health care provider can provide you with information about your options, provide recommends or references, and provide treatment to help you manage your ADHD. You might ask your doctor, “What treatment options are available for me? Will any of them help boost my self-esteem?” Your physician can also refer you to support groups, online forums, and other professionals that can help you manage your ADHD and improve your self-esteem. If you are feeling especially bad about yourself, ask your physician about mental health care. For instance, you might say, “I've been feeling really bad about myself because of my ADHD. Is there help I can get for that?” Join a support group. Being around other adults with ADHD can help boost your self-esteem in several ways. The people there can offer strategies and suggestions to help you find your self-confidence. They can also encourage you when you are feeling less than confident. And they can offer tips and experience to help you manage your ADHD. Ask your healthcare professional for a reference to a support group in your community. You might say, “I'd like to try a support group. Could you recommend one or two in my area?” You can also look into CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD/ADHD) to find out about support groups in your area. If you can't join an in-person support group, consider participating in an online forum or group for adults with ADHD. Create a support team. You can manage adult ADHD and boost your self-esteem if you get support from your family and friends. Let the people close to you know how you are feeling and that you need their help and encouragement. Share your feelings. Telling someone what's going on with you can help you feel better about yourself. You might say to your best friend, “Can I talk to you about how I've been feeling about myself?” Ask for encouragement. It's okay to say, “Could you tell me when I'm doing a good job or do something right? Sometimes all I can see is what I do wrong.” Let them know what specific support you need. For instance, you might tell your brother, “Can you remind me to keep my journal with me?” Develop reasonable standards for yourself. You should always want to do your very best and put effort into what you do. But you should also be realistic in your expectations for yourself. Recognize that you don't have to be perfect or even better than anyone else, but you do have to try your hardest. For example, if you know you have trouble concentrating on long reading passages, don't expect yourself to pay attention to a long reading assignment without taking a break. Tell yourself, “My work doesn't have to be perfect, but it does need to be my best work.” When you set goals and expectations for yourself, make them challenging, but not so difficult that they're unrealistic. Make sure to start out with small goals and expectations and then build up from there. Journaling can help you to keep track of this process. Organize your physical space. Being as organized as possible will help you stay focused, keep up with things you need, manage your time better, and, as a result, feel better about yourself. Get rid of the clutter around you and remove things that distract you from your space. Although it may take some time and effort to get yourself organized, once you do, you can feel good about yourself for doing things that will help you manage your ADHD. Designate a specific place for commonly used items like your keys, glasses, and wallet. For example, you might always put them in a basket by your bed. Invest in cubbies, drawer organizers, hooks, baskets, and other things to help you get organized. Make sure that you have everything you might need, such as snacks, water, coffee, pens, paper, etc. Use color-coding or other techniques to help you organize paperwork and files. Spend time with them. One way that you can support an adult with ADHD and boost their self-esteem is to make time for them. Let them know that you care about them and want them to feel good about themselves by including them in your life and being a part of theirs. Invite them out to do things that might interest them or that they might excel at. For example, you can invite your cousin with ADHD to volunteer with you at the community center. Or, you could invite them to start a workout regimen with you since this will help to manage them condition. Avoid inviting them to do things that involve drinking alcohol or using substances. Take some time and help them get organized. This might mean suggesting a way to organize their files or going by their house and helping them organize their home office. You can also simply express an interest in their goals or therapy directives. Ask them how things are going. Give them positive feedback. One of the best things you can do to boost self-esteem in someone you care about who has ADHD is to let them know that you have faith in them. They probably hear enough negative criticism and self-talk already. Do things that remind them that they are a good person, worthy of love regardless of whether they have ADHD or not. Tell them that you are proud of their effort, their successes, or their determination. You might say, “That was really brave to give your presentation at the meeting. That took a lot of focus and planning!” You don't have to go overboard and tell them “Good job for breathing”, but it does help to frequently remind them that they're doing a good job. Keep in mind that people with ADHD may say or do things impulsively that may hurt your feelings. Try not to take these things personally. Advocate for them. Adults with ADHD may experience lowered self-esteem because of the stigma surrounding this disorder. Remind others that just because someone has ADHD doesn't mean they don't have other talents and skills. Speak up when someone with ADHD is being picked on, teased, or is struggling. For example, if you hear someone say, “He needs to take his meds. Weirdo!” You might say, “There's nothing weird about him. He has ADHD, but he's still a really great guy.” Learn about adult ADHD and share what you have learned with people close to you and in your community. | Start journaling. Explore new interests. Use your strengths to encourage yourself. Use positive self-talk. Determine your priorities. Make healthy choices. Avoid procrastination. Use a planner or calendar. Ask your doctor about treatment options. Join a support group. Create a support team. Develop reasonable standards for yourself. Organize your physical space. Spend time with them. Give them positive feedback. Advocate for them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Baseball-Cards | How to Sell Baseball Cards | To sell baseball cards, start by organizing your cards chronologically since older cards are typically more valuable. Additionally, assess the condition of your cards since flaws decrease their overall worth. If the cards are in good condition, get a soft sleeve for modern cards and a magnetized case for higher end cards. Next, consult a Beckett price guide to get an idea of how much your cards are worth. In order to sell your cards, contact a local buyer or put an ad on Craigslist or eBay. | Organize your cards. To better determine the value of your cards, place them into three different categories. The first category is modern cards, or cards that were produced from the 1970s to the present. Then your next category is post-war cards, or cards produced between 1948 and 1969. Your last category of cards, if you have any of these, is call pre-war cards, or cards produced before WW2. If you find that many of your cards are modern cards, you might not get much money for them. Modern cards were produced at the highest volume, so their value is very small. Take care of your cards. Get soft sleeves for your modern cards. For your higher end cards, use a higher protection like a magnetized case. It is only worth selling cards that have been well cared for. Any flaw in the card's condition can decrease the overall worth of the card. Consult a Beckett price guide. Beckett is a company that tracks down the value of cards for serious card traders. To use their service, write down the baseball card's name, brand and number. This is not the player's number; it's the card's name. You can either use an online edition or find a hard copy to determine a rough estimate. For example, rookie Barry Bonds Topps card ID number is 12. The market has it listed for $12 USD. Determine which cards to sell. For many avid card collectors, many of the cards that are most valuable are also the most sentimental. Decide if certain cards are worth parting with before having them evaluated by a card trader or hobbyist shop. Check the condition of your Mickie Mantle card before departing with it. A card in poor condition may not be worth its sentimental value. Present the card. If you have a few cards that you want to sell individually, you'll need to present the cards in a marketable fashion. Use a magnetic card holder to present the card as a higher end card. Wipe off any loose debris before placing the card in the holder. It is generally recommended to only sell cards individually if they are rare cards. The market usually buys cards in a collection. Contact a local buyer. Any community has a “go-to” vintage cards buyer. Ask around in local sports stores that specialize in memorabilia as opposed to athletic gear. Tell them what type of cards you are trying to sell and ask if they or someone they know might be interested. Get the word out online. Put ads out on Craigslist, eBay or other websites where cards are sold. Newspapers and card collector magazine's classifieds are another possibility. Your best luck may be with eBay since it has an active community who knows what to look for. Be honest in your post. You'll receive more inquiries if you take high quality pictures of the actual cards. Make sure the spotlight is on your cards. If there is a highlighting feature, make use of it. Research and price your individual cards. Look through the online sellers who are also selling exactly the same card and take note of what price they are selling it for. Put the exact price or lower when you sell them, or they will not sell. Search the card's information before letting a dealer evaluate the card. For example, Bo Jackson's 1986 Topps ID number is 50T. The market online has the card worth about $140 USD in good condition. Google search the cards you have. For example, google "Dock Ellis baseball card". You'll find plenty of information and prices online for the exact card you have. Use a local buyer or a card buying company. If you want to avoid the hassle of selling your cards independently, there are services available to help. Many buyers may be suspicious if you do not have a selling history. It is good to research as much as you can before presenting your cards to a buyer. Purchase presentation supplies. A great way to showcase a larger collection of hand selected cards is by organizing them in a binder. Purchase a binder and pocket protection pages. You will be able to find the pocket protectors online or at your local hobby store. Present your cards. Organize your baseball cards by brand and year. Start with the oldest, most valuable cards, and move to the newer, less valuable cards. Research similar collections. Decide what the collection is worth as a whole. You may find it helpful to look for similar collections online, to see what they're charging. Take a moment to jot down every card in the collection in the order you are presenting them in. This will help you understand the worth, and inform the buyers of what exactly they are purchasing. Determine a starting price. Always ask for a price a little higher than what they are really worth. This will open up a negotiation and barter between you and the buyer. Negotiate the best deal you can for your collection. Collect payment before sending your card collection out or having it collected if completing the transaction online. A secure way of paying and receiving payment online is a service like PayPal. | Organize your cards. Take care of your cards. Consult a Beckett price guide. Determine which cards to sell. Present the card. Contact a local buyer. Get the word out online. Research and price your individual cards. Use a local buyer or a card buying company. Purchase presentation supplies. Present your cards. Research similar collections. Determine a starting price. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Haiku-Poem | How to Write a Haiku Poem | To write a haiku poem, write a poem that's 3 lines long and make sure each line has the right number of syllables. Give the first line 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables, and the third line 5 syllables. Haikus are supposed to help people clearly visualize something, so use sensory details by describing how your subject feels, smells, tastes, looks, and sounds. Also, use the present tense when you're writing your haiku. | Go for a walk in nature. Many haikus are inspired by objects in the natural world, such as trees, rocks, mountains, and flowers. To get ideas for your poem, take a walk in a park nearby or go for a hike in the woods. Head to a mountain trail or a body of water like a river, lake, or beach. Spend some time in nature and observe it so you can get ideas for the poem. If you can't go outside for a walk in an area with nature, try looking at nature photographs and art in books or online. Find a particular nature scene or object in nature like a tree or flower that inspires you. Focus on a season or seasonal event. Haikus can also be about a season, such as fall, spring, winter, or summer. You can also focus on a natural event that happens at a certain time of year, such as the blooming of the cherry blossom trees in your neighborhood or the salmon run in the river near your house. Seasonal haikus often focus on a specific detail about the season, naming the season in the poem. Writing about a season can be a fun way for you to describe a particular detail you love about that time of year. Choose a person or object as your subject. Haikus do not all have to be about nature or the seasons. You can also choose a particular person or object as an inspiration for the poem. Maybe you want to write a funny haiku about your dog. Or perhaps you want to write a thoughtful haiku about your childhood toy. Try to only focus on one person or one object in the poem. Haikus are short and you may not have enough space in three lines to write every thought you have about the person or object. Read examples of a haiku. To get a better sense of the genre, read haikus that are well known and considered good examples of the form. You can find examples in books or online. Read haikus that are about nature and other subjects. You may read: Haikus by the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho. Haikus by the Japanese poet Yosa Buson. Haikus by the Japanese poet Tagami Kikusha. Haikus by American poet Richard Wright. Focus on an event in your past or something that is troubling you. Try finding a resemblance to nature or a metaphor that expresses your feelings shortly. An example may look like this: Boom, boom, boom, bam, bam! My head is a battleground With countless outbursts Follow the line and syllable structure of a haiku. Haikus follow a strict form: three lines, with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. That means the first line will have five syllables, the second line will have seven syllables, and the last line will have five syllables. The poem will have a total of seventeen syllables. To count syllables in a word, place your hand under your chin. Then, say the word. Every time your chin touches your hand, this is one syllable. A haiku does not have to rhyme or follow a certain rhythm as long as it adheres to the syllable count. Describe the subject with sensory detail. Haikus are meant to give the reader a brief sense of the subject using the senses. Think about how your subject smells, feels, sounds, tastes, and looks. Describe the subject using your senses so it comes alive for your reader and feels powerful on the page. For example, you may write about the “musky scent of the pine needles” or the “bitter taste of the morning air.” If you are writing a haiku about a particular subject, such as your dog, you may describe the “clacking of its nails on the tile” or the “damp fur of wet dog.” Use concrete images and descriptions. Avoid abstract or vague descriptions. Instead, go for concrete images that are easy for the reader to visualize. Rather than using metaphor or simile, try describing the subject with details that are particular and unique. Avoid wordy descriptions or elaborate language. Try using simple language so you can stick to the syllable count required for a haiku. Do not use cliches, or phrases that have become so familiar they lose their meaning. Instead, go for images and descriptions that feel unique. For example, you may write, “Fall leaves brush the road” or “Dog chases a bright bluebird.” Write the poem in the present tense. Give the haiku immediacy by using the present tense, rather than the past tense. Using the present tense can also make your lines simple and easy to follow. End with a surprising last line. A good haiku will have an ending line that is intriguing and leaves the reader hanging. It may leave the reader with a surprising last image or reflect on the previous two lines in a surprising way. For example, the haiku by Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa has a surprising last line: “Everything I touch/with tenderness, alas/pricks like a bramble.” Read the haiku out loud. Once you have a draft of the haiku done, read it aloud several times. Listen to how the haiku sounds. Make sure each line flows easily into one another and that the lines follow the 5-7-5 syllable count. The haiku should sound natural when read aloud. If you notice any awkward or choppy lines, adjust them so they sound smooth. Replace any words that are too long or complicated. Make sure the haiku sounds pleasant when reading aloud. Show the haiku to others. Get feedback from others about the haiku. Ask friends, family members, and peers what they think of the haiku. Pose questions about whether the haiku embodies a moment in nature or a season. If you wrote a haiku about a particular subject or object, ask others if they think the haiku does a good job of exploring it. Center the haiku on the page when it’s done. Place the haiku in the center of the page and center the lines so it forms a diamond shape. This is how haikus are traditionally formatted. You can also add a short title at the top of the haiku, such as “Autumn” or “Dog.” Avoid long, wordy titles. Many haikus do not have titles. It is not absolutely necessary that you title your haiku poem. | Go for a walk in nature. Focus on a season or seasonal event. Choose a person or object as your subject. Read examples of a haiku. Focus on an event in your past or something that is troubling you. Follow the line and syllable structure of a haiku. Describe the subject with sensory detail. Use concrete images and descriptions. Write the poem in the present tense. End with a surprising last line. Read the haiku out loud. Show the haiku to others. Center the haiku on the page when it’s done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Around-Your-Girlfriend | How to Act Around Your Girlfriend | If you're wondering how to act around your girlfriend, remember to be kind, honest, and affectionate to show her you love her. When you hang out, speak calmly and kindly, like you would to a good friend, to show her respect. Try to be honest with your girlfriend, since lies can create distance in relationships and make you both unhappy. If you upset her, apologize, even if you didn't mean to hurt her, to show that you care about her and want her to be happy. You should also show her affection by holding her hand, hugging her, or kissing her on the cheek to remind her that you love her. If you notice something you like about her, like her hairstyle or the way she laughs, compliment her, which will make her feel special. | Speak to her kindly. Speak to your girlfriend the way you would want to be spoken to by a close friend. Regardless of whether you are sharing a good laugh or arguing, a healthy relationship is always based on mutual respect. Manage your tone of voice. An important part of communicating involves tone of voice. Speaking in a kind tone that lets her know that you care about her is very important. Never call names. Name-calling is an ultimate sign of disrespect. Don't expect your girlfriend to tolerate it. Refrain from cursing. Part of speaking to your girlfriend kindly and treating her with respect is avoiding cursing at or in front of her. Your girlfriend may find cursing very offensive, so err on the side of caution and refrain from doing it. Observe and respect her body language. Body language is key to understanding a person's feelings on a deeper level than they may be expressing verbally. Experts say that about 55% of communication involves body language, so picking up on your girlfriend's nonverbal cues may give you inside information about her feelings. Take her cues. If your girlfriend is enjoying the moment, her body language will likely reflect that feeling. She may be smiling coyly, making consistent and lingering eye contact, or leaning her body in towards you. She will appear relaxed, and her face, body, and feet will be directed toward you. This shows you she is engaged in the moment. Pay attention to these cues to know when you are doing something you should continue doing, whether in an intimate setting or amongst a group of peers. Notice if she is feeling uncomfortable in a situation. If you believe that something is making her uncomfortable, taking her aside and asking her about it can help. If she is indeed uncomfortable, help her remove herself from the situation. If she is feeling a bit nervous, you may see her playing with something in her hands, stroking her hair, touching her neck, or playing with her necklace. These are called “pacifying behaviors.” Watch for them. Treat her as your equal. Just as you should pride yourself in being your own person, so should your girlfriend. You should be proud that she has her own thoughts, opinions, and dreams. Encourage her to share them with you as she chooses. Accept differences in political stance, taste in art or music, and interest in recreational activities. Whether or not they are the same stances and interests as yours, her opinions and tastes matter. Just remind yourself that -- although you'd like to be -- you're really not the authority and arbiter on all things, personal and public. Just think of your differences as part of the "spice of life." Wouldn't it be boring if you two agreed on everything? If you feel like you can't respect her opinions, this might not be the right relationship for you. If you differ on fundamental issues -- a desire for monogamy in the relationship, for instance, or the religious upbringing of your children -- it might be time to reevaluate the relationship. While you should still treat her opinions and feelings with respect, you may realize they are just not compatible with yours. Be honest. Honesty is the cornerstone of all healthy relationships. Being honest with your girlfriend is extremely important right from the beginning. While it is sometimes difficult to be honest, it is always, always the best policy. Keeping a web of lies straight can be quite stressful. Besides, what's the point of maintaining a relationship built on deceit? Be honest from the start. Trust can be very hard to regain once it's broken. Instead of risking being caught in a lie, just be honest from the beginning. A relationship built on lies will never make you truly happy. If you have told a lie, admit it. The best thing you can do is to have your girlfriend hear the truth from you and not from someone else. She will respect you more for your ultimate honesty (once she gets over the shock of being lied to.) She wants to believe you -- and believe in you. Apologize if you make her upset. Apologizing is one of the best ways to show your respect for your girlfriend. It doesn't require a grand gesture, but it must be genuine. Apologize sooner rather than later. The best time to apologize is as soon as you know you were in the wrong. Speak from the heart. Say something like, “I'm really sorry I hurt your feelings. I'll try to do better next time.” This can be as powerful as a dozen roses. It will feel to her like a heavy weight has been lifted from her heart. Don't force your apology. If you don't mean it, don't bother. A fake apology is worse than none at all. Let her know you're thinking about her. As she is your girlfriend, you should be thinking about her. When you do, let her know. A simple text message or phone call if you are apart, or a gentle touch on her back or arm if you are together, are small ways to let her know you care. Try a simple message: “Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you.” A little gesture like this may make her day. Bring up a recent memory. For example: “I can't stop thinking about the time I accidentally dropped all the eggs on the floor and you slipped on them! It's been making me laugh all day.” Begin with a compliment: “Your beautiful smile has been on my mind all day today!” Show her courtesy. Subtle actions can go a long way with your girlfriend. Using your manners and going out of your way to be particularly polite and thoughtful around her will be highly appreciated. However, you should look to reach an agreement about the type of thoughtful behavior that she will appreciate. Talk with your girlfriend early on about which types of traditionally courteous behaviors fit into your lives and which do not. For example, you may want to pull out her chair for her, but she may find this patronizing. Communicating about these behaviors will help avoid any misunderstanding. Here are some suggestions for courteous behaviors she may appreciate: Open the door for her. This move has been appreciated by women for centuries! Walk on the outside of the sidewalk, closest to traffic. This is a quiet sign of protection. Put your arm around her in busy, public places. Offer to pay the bill at dinner. Even if she refuses and asks to split the bill, your offer will not go unnoticed. Introduce her. It might bother her to be standing next to you chatting with a crowd of your friends when none of them knows her name. Make sure the first thing you do is introduce your girlfriend. This will make her feel important to you and let her relax a bit in conversing with your friends. Make her feel special. Whether you are alone, amongst friends, or at a crowded bar of strangers, let her know that she is the one who has your eye and your heart. Make eye contact with her from across the room. Let her know she's the only one on your mind without having to say a single word. A smile always helps. Take her feelings into consideration. For example, when you are making plans, discuss them with her. Make her feel like half of a couple. Compliment her. Whether it's a new outfit, a new haircut, or simply the way her smile lights up the room, tell her you've noticed and approve (even if you don't completely!) Spoil her a little bit. Has she been eyeing a certain scarf at the mall? Buy it for her and give it to her as a “Just Because It's Thursday” present. Thank her when she brings you something, helps you with something, or does something kind for you. A simple "thank you" can mean a lot and will make it more likely she'll go out of her way for you in the future. Better yet, thank her for no reason at all -- just for being herself. An unexpected kindness will warm her heart for days. Get to know her friends. Your girlfriend's friends (and family) probably play a huge part in her life. They will have some influence on her. If you're going to make this relationship work, you will want to try to gain the approval of her close friends of either sex. Show interest in her friends. Ask them the same questions you asked her when you were getting acquainted. A great place to start is asking her friends how they met your girlfriend. Prove she's in good hands. Show her friends that you genuinely care about her, but don't push it too hard. Hold her hand, perhaps, but don't display affection to the point of embarrassing anyone. Speak highly of her. Her friends don't want to see you making fun of her or putting her down. While light jesting can be okay, save that for when you know her group a bit better. For the first few meetings, just be quietly but firmly complimentary. If you can't get along with her crew, minimize your contact with them. Just let her know that you approve of her spending time with them and that you won't feel jealous of them as a result. Surprise her. A surprise can be as big or as small as you want it to be. Something unexpected will make her feel loved and treasured. Here are some simple suggestions: Leave her a note on her bathroom mirror. If you get up for work before she does, leave her a quick “I love you!” note somewhere she'll be sure to notice. This will undoubtedly make her smile, and she'll think about it all day. Send her a card in the mail for no reason. It doesn't have to be a holiday. Getting something in the mail will be a pleasant surprise. Send her flowers. Use a website like www.proflowers.com to choose a bouquet that is perfect for her, and have them delivered to her home or work. You may not care about flowers, but she does. Plan a surprise date. Text her: “See you at 7 at my house”, and have a candlelit home-cooked dinner waiting for her when she walks in the door. She will remember this for the rest of her life. Be affectionate toward her. This doesn't mean you need to engage in periodic, public displays of affection, but it does mean you treat her in a way that you don't treat any other woman. She enjoys feeling special to you. Hold her hand when you go for a walk. This simple and sweet action will show her that you're proud to call her yours. Wrap your arm around her when it's cold. This gesture will show her you care for her and want to take care of her. Kiss her on the cheek. This is a tender move that shows her that you care. Stand up for her. Whether she's in an argument with a friend or having a problem with her boss, take her side. This doesn't mean you need to find her faultless in every situation, but it does mean that you should be a source of support for her, even if later, when things have calmed down, you point out that she might not have been completely right. Plan a date you know she will enjoy. One of the best ways to surprise your girlfriend is to take her to an event or activity she's previously expressed interest in. Not only will this show that you have been listening to her, it will show that you care enough to put effort into planning a date she will love. Here are some examples: If you know she loves music, take her to enjoy a jazz concert in a garden, and pack your own picnic, complete with champagne. You can listen to the music together and cuddle up as the sun goes down. If spaghetti is her favorite food, take her on a date to an Italian cooking class. You'll learn to make pasta while also having a great time getting messy in the kitchen. Does she like beer? Plan a tour at a local brewery that includes tasting the products they turn out. Not only will you get to try some tasty beverages, you'll learn something, too. Is France her favorite country? Plan a “French night” at your apartment. Buy French wine, have fresh croissants and cheese, try your hand at French cuisine, and put on a French playlist with Spotify. Light candles, and pull up a picture of the Eiffel tower on your laptop for effect. Voilà! A perfect evening in Paris. Try a new activity together. Have you always wanted to try wakeboarding but never had the chance? Having a girlfriend is reason enough for trying new activities. If your girlfriend feels like she is your “partner in crime,” she will realize she is an important part of your life. Having the courage to try something new shows her your adventurous side, a trait that many women find highly attractive. Pick a unique activity: think whale watching, bouldering, brewing your own beer, or learning how to shear a sheep! The possibilities are endless. Get out of your comfort zone: dress up for a night and schmooze with the elite at an art show or gallery opening. Don't be afraid to look silly. Even if you aren't an "all-star" at the date activity you've chosen, showing your girlfriend that you have the confidence to try something different can be impressive. Plan to spend time alone and in groups. It will help build and maintain a happy, healthy relationship if you spend time together bonding as a couple without alienating those around you. Some couples practically disappear from their friends' lives once they start dating. That's a mistake. Your girlfriend will appreciate a balance between spending time with you alone, spending time with mutual friends, and spending time with her friends without you. Don't be offended. It's healthy for both of you. Make a dedicated “date night.” Setting aside one day a week as a day that you will spend together (even if it's just an evening) is an important part of any relationship. It is important to show your girlfriend that she is one of your top priorities. Make this night extra special by trying a date idea suggested above. Schedule time with friends. Getting groups of friends together can be challenging, but scheduling a get-together well in advance can help make it happen. Send a Facebook invite or a group text suggesting a meet-up at a favorite restaurant, a local park, or a new bar. Be sure to invite her friends as well as yours. Double (or triple!) date. Planning a night out with another couple can be a fun way to maintain a social life while also spending important time with your girlfriend. Host a party. This is a great way to get all your and your girlfriend's favorite people together in one place at one time. The party can be for a holiday, a big sporting event, a birthday, or “just because.” This is a chance to spend time party-planning and practicing teamwork with your girlfriend. | Speak to her kindly. Observe and respect her body language. Treat her as your equal. Be honest. Apologize if you make her upset. Let her know you're thinking about her. Show her courtesy. Make her feel special. Get to know her friends. Surprise her. Be affectionate toward her. Stand up for her. Plan a date you know she will enjoy. Try a new activity together. Plan to spend time alone and in groups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Canadian-Slang | How to Understand Canadian Slang | To understand Canadian slang, master uniquely Canadian expressions, like “eh?” to ask something like, “That movie was great, eh?” Additionally, work on learning longer phrases, such as “book off work,” which means to take time off from work. You should also study words for uniquely Canadian items, such as “loonie,” for a Canadian one-dollar coin that has a loon on it. Along with learning slang words used by all Canadians, try picking up some regional slang, like “takitish,” which is used by Central Canadians to say “see you later.” | Study expressions that are uniquely Canadian. Some commonly used phrases in Canada don't have obvious counterparts in American and British English. These phrases can be difficult to understand if you've never heard them before. Fortunately, all of these expressions are easy to master with practice. Eh? – Used at the end of a sentence, this expression generally means, “Don't you agree?” That movie was great, eh? Book off work – To take off time from work. I'm going to book off work next week. Write a test – To take a test. I'm writing a test today in English. Study vocabulary that’s unique to Canada. There are many important words that refer to foods and items that are popular among Canadians. If you don't know these words you may have trouble keeping up in a conversation. Poutine – A delicious French-Canadian dish made from French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and gravy. This poutine is amazing! Double-double – A phrase that's said when ordering a coffee with two creams and two sugars. I could really use a double-double right now. Loonie – A Canadian one-dollar coin that has a loon on it. Can you lend me a loonie? Back-bacon – Known in America as “Canadian bacon”or thinly sliced and cured strips of ham. I eat eggs and back-bacon for breakfast every day. Learn words that have American or British English counterparts. These terms are easy to master because they directly translate to an American or British English vocabulary word. Practice using these terms in place of your preferred words in daily conversation. Washroom – Bathroom or toilet. Where's your washroom? Runners – Trainers or sneakers. I wear runners when I exercise. Housecoat – A bathrobe. Where's my housecoat when I need it? Toque – Pronounced “took,” this word refers to a ski cap or wool hat. It's too hot outside for a toque. Learn the regions of Canada. Canada is a large country with a variety of people. Regional slang can be grouped into a few categories: the Atlantic provinces, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, British Columbia, and the Northern Territories. Some expressions don't carry over from province to province. For example, Québec does not speak English and won't have many expressions originating from British Columbia. Learn terms that are unique to the Atlantic Provinces. Also called the “Maritime Provinces,” this region includes Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The local slang has Gaelic, British, Scottish, and French influences. Caper – A person from Cape Breton Island. My boyfriend's a caper. Hollywood North – Another word for Toronto, as this city is located geographically further north than Hollywood in California, and is known for producing films. I'm heading to Hollywood North this weekend for the film festival. The Rock – An endearing term for Newfoundland. I'm going back to the Rock for Christmas. Maritimer – A person from the Atlantic Provinces, not including Newfoundland (Newfoundland joined Canada later and isn't included in this term). Everyone in my extended family is a Maritimer. Pick up phrases that are commonly found in Central Canada. This region includes Québec and Ontario. The local English slang has French and British influences. Furthermore, Québec is the only fully French-speaking province in Canada. However, there are French-speaking people in other provinces such as Ontario. Francophones will find interesting French slang spoken there as well. Serviette – The French word for “napkin,” this word is commonly used by French and English speakers alike. May I have a serviette, please? Jam buster – A jelly-filled doughnut is called in Manitoba and surrounding areas. I'd like a jam buster, please. Takitish – Conversationally used to mean “take it easy,” or “see you later,”. Takitish, John! Lines – Small old country roads, usually dating back to the Colonial era. Which line should I take back to the farm? Study common slang from the Prairie Provinces. Also called “the Prairies,” these provinces include Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. This region is known for its farmland and oil-based economy. Gitch – Also called “gotch,” this expression refers to men or women's underwear. It's laundry day; time to wash my gitch. Kitty-corner – Caddy-corner, or diagonally across from something else. The drugstore is kitty-cornered to the movie theater. Hey – Used instead of “eh” in the Prairies, asking for agreement. That was a great dinner, hey? Bunny-hug – A hooded sweater. I love your new bunny-hug! Learn Canadian slang from the British Columbia. This large province covers the Western border of Canada and has heavy British influences. This province includes the cities of Surrey and Vancouver along with the Fraser Valley region. Squatch – A large, hairy, unkept man. If you don't start shaving and showering more often, you'll look like a squatch. Terminal City – Another name for Vancouver, BC. I'm headed to Terminal City, wish me luck! Whale's Tail – Also called Beaver Tail or Elephant ear, this dessert is made from fried dough, lemon juice, and cinnamon sugar. This Whale's Tail is delicious! Fingered (Insult) – The action of showing the middle finger to someone, common during road-rage incidents. I cut-off a woman by mistake, she fingered me as she sped by." (Do not use this in Eastern Canada, it has a very different meaning.) Study slang from the Northern Territories. This region includes the Nunavut, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. This cold region has unique slang with British, French, and indigenous influences. Masi – Thank you, from the French word “Merci.” Masi! Have a good night. Twofer – Also called two-four, this term refers to a case of 24 beers. Let's pick up a twofer for the party tonight! Mucking down – Shoveling food into your mouth. Stop mucking down and get dressed, we're late! Find a language buddy online. The best way to learn and practice slang is to talk with a native Canadian. There are many online services that are dedicated to helping language learners find native speakers to talk with. Alternatively, you could post on message boards on websites such as Reddit to find a language partner yourself. You may have to pay to find a Canadian language partner. If not, make sure to show your partner that you appreciate their time by sending them a thank-you note. To use these services you will need a computer and a microphone. Watch Canadian movies. Toronto, a Canadian city, is very well known for its film industry. By watching movies made in Canada about Canadians you will be exposed to a lot of Canadian slang. If you're having trouble understanding what the actors are saying, turn on the subtitles while you watch. Watch the same movie several times. This will help you memorize the words you don't know. If you want to develop a Canadian accent, try to say the lines along with the actors on the third or fourth viewing. This will help you sound more Canadian. Read Canadian magazines. Do an online search to find a contemporary Canadian magazine that interests you. If you can't ship the magazine to your house, see if they have an online version you can subscribe to. While these magazines won't contain as much slang as a Canadian movie might, they will help you learn to spell these words. | Study expressions that are uniquely Canadian. Study vocabulary that’s unique to Canada. Learn words that have American or British English counterparts. Learn the regions of Canada. Learn terms that are unique to the Atlantic Provinces. Pick up phrases that are commonly found in Central Canada. Study common slang from the Prairie Provinces. Learn Canadian slang from the British Columbia. Study slang from the Northern Territories. Find a language buddy online. Watch Canadian movies. Read Canadian magazines. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Small-Dogs-from-Birds-of-Prey | How to Protect Small Dogs from Birds of Prey | To protect small dogs from birds of prey, supervise your dog whenever it's outside so you can bring it inside if you see a large bird. Additionally, if you see a bird of prey, pick your dog up immediately and hold it close to you, since most birds will be scared away by humans. During walks, keep your dog on a non-retractable leash, since retractable leashes allow your dog to get further away, making it more vulnerable to predators. You can also try dressing your dog in a Raptor Shield, which is made of a slippery material that birds can't latch onto. | Cover outdoor dog pens or play areas. Build a roof over any areas of your yard where you let your dog play or rest during the day. This will keep birds from being able to see and dive for your dog from above. If you let your dog roam the entire yard, purchase a pet playpen to confine it to one area, and then cover it. If you can't or don't want to build a permanent structure, purchase an open-sided tent and put it up over the playpen. Prune tree branches to eliminate perches. Identify areas of your yard where your dog spends time off the leash (playpen, right outside the door, etc.). Prune back branches on any trees near these areas. This will reduce the number of possible places for birds of prey to perch. Remove bird feeders from your property. Bird feeders attract mice and small birds, which are prey for larger birds. If you see that your neighbors have bird feeders, discuss the threat that birds of prey pose to your dog. Ask if they'll bring the feeders inside, at least while birds are nesting. Set up a scarecrow or fake owl to deter birds of prey. Hawks and owls will be less likely to linger if they think there is a person or another bird of prey hanging out nearby. Make a scarecrow or purchase a realistic owl statue. Move it around every few days so that the birds don't figure out the trick. Supervise your dog whenever it’s outside. Even if you have a covered play area in your yard, never leave your small dog alone outside. Your dog may find a way out of its enclosure and wander out into full view of a bird of prey. Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash during walks. Retractable leashes allow your dog to get too far away from you. Purchase a standard leash that is no more than 6 feet (1.8 m) long. And never let your dog off the leash while outside of your yard, even if you've never seen predators near your home. Keep your dog away from any trees with nests. Be on the lookout for trees, both near your home and along your walk route, where birds of prey have nested. These nests may be up in the branches or inside tree cavities. Don't allow your dog off its leash, even in your yard, if a bird of prey has nested nearby. Wait until the eggs have hatched and the birds have left the nest before you let your dog off the leash outside. In the U.S., birds of prey are federally protected, so do not attempt to disturb or remove an active nest. Purchase a Raptor Shield for your dog to wear outside. A Raptor Shield is like a dog coat that you sling over your dog's back and clip under its stomach. The canvas material makes it impossible for a bird's talons to latch onto your dog's skin and carry it away. Put this on your dog whenever it's outside, particularly if it will be off leash. Pick up your dog as soon as you see a bird of prey. If you happen to see a predator while you're outside, immediately pick up your dog and hold it close to your body. Take it inside, and do not let it back out until you have scared the bird away. Shine a flashlight at owls to scare them away. If you've spotted an owl in your yard at night, find a flashlight with a strong beam and aim it at the owl's eyes. This should scare it enough to send it flying away. Make big arm gestures and loud noises to scare off hawks. Since hawks are federally protected, do not attempt to throw anything at one to scare it away. Instead, once your dog is safe, raise your arms over your head and wave them around. Yell and make loud noises to try to intimidate the bird to fly away. Call your veterinarian if a bird makes contact with your dog. Actual bird attacks on dogs are rare, but if a bird does attempt to pick up your dog, check your pet carefully for injuries. Their talons can puncture skin, or it may drop your dog and injure one or more of its legs. If you see anything questionable in your dog's behavior after an interaction with a bird of prey, immediately call your vet. | Cover outdoor dog pens or play areas. Prune tree branches to eliminate perches. Remove bird feeders from your property. Set up a scarecrow or fake owl to deter birds of prey. Supervise your dog whenever it’s outside. Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash during walks. Keep your dog away from any trees with nests. Purchase a Raptor Shield for your dog to wear outside. Pick up your dog as soon as you see a bird of prey. Shine a flashlight at owls to scare them away. Make big arm gestures and loud noises to scare off hawks. Call your veterinarian if a bird makes contact with your dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-with-Herpes | How to Live with Herpes | To live with genital herpes, it's important to take prescription antiviral medications, which can help heal outbreaks sooner, lessen their severity, and minimize transmission. If you're sexually active, communicate with your partner about the virus and take measures to prevent spreading it, such as abstaining from sex during outbreaks and using latex condoms. To prevent outbreaks and keep your immune system strong, exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, and minimize stress. | Take prescription antiviral medications. Since there is no cure for genital herpes, treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. It's important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as you have symptoms of genital herpes, which may lessen the severity of the virus in the long term. Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may advise taking medication only if you have symptoms or an actual outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present. Communicate with your partner or partners. An important part of living with genital herpes is communicating with your partner or partners about the virus. It's the kind and responsible thing to do and may help avoid problems later. Do not blame your partner for anything. Remember that herpes can remain dormant in your body for years so it can be difficult to tell who infected you. Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks. Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner. Whether the disease is dormant or you are having an outbreak of lesions, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting genital herpes. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to you or your partner. Avoid or limit sexual contact to one person who is infection-free if you can. Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes. Use latex condoms every time you have sex or make genital contact. If you're pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure to let your doctor know so that you don't transmit it to your unborn child. Be aware of social stigmas. Even though sexual politics have progressed, there are often still social stigmas attached to genital herpes. These stigmas can cause you shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing the negative connotations and your own feelings associated with genital herpes can help you move forward and lead a normal life. Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and they may even wonder if anyone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is common and you don't need to feel this way. Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings. Join a support group for genital herpes sufferers. Joining a support group of others who suffer from genital herpes can offer you unconditional support from others who understand what you're experiencing. It can also help you effectively deal with the various aspects of the virus. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. If you see the symptoms of a genital herpes recurrence, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe. The symptoms of an outbreak may include: herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence. Break and clean the blisters. If you have external blisters during an outbreak, break and wash them immediately. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading. Break the blisters in the shower by using clean washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle in your washing machine before using it again. Clean the blisters with rubbing alcohol on the first and second days to kill any virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm soapy water if the alcohol is too painful. Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading. Do not break internal lesions. Consult your doctor if you have an outbreak that is on the inside of your body. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being hygienic will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Making sure that your maintain your overall healthy may reduce the likelihood of recurrences. Some people report that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger their outbreaks. Keep a daily food journal to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks. Make hygiene a priority. Sanitary conditions will promote cleanliness and reduce outbreaks. Showering, changing your clothing, and washing your hands can minimize recurrences or help heal ongoing outbreaks more quickly. Shower at least once daily, and consider taking two showers a day if you are showing symptoms of an outbreak. Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak. Leave the cold sore or blisters alone. If an outbreak of oral herpes, which consists of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, isn't too severe, you can leave it alone and not treat it. Your symptoms may go away within one to two weeks without treatment. Use this option only if you feel well and are not likely to come into contact with anyone. Take prescription antiviral medications. There is no cure for oral herpes and treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream like Penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills but are very expensive. Your doctor may advise using the medication only if you have symptoms or an outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present. Communicate with your partner or partners. An important part of living with oral herpes is communicating with your partner or partners that you have the virus. You can then decide the best ways to manage the virus as a couple. Oral herpes are very common and you shouldn't worry about feeling any stigma with them. Talk to your partner about the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks. Prevent transmission of oral herpes. Whether your oral herpes are dormant or you are having an outbreak of cold sores, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting oral herpes to you or your partner. Avoid skin to skin contact when you have blisters or cold sores. The liquid secreted from the lesions spreads the disease. Don't share items if you have blisters or cold sores. This includes, eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balm, or bedding. Avoid oral sex if you have any cold sores or blisters. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with others. Be aware of possible social stigmas. Even though oral herpes are very common, some people may still experience social stigmas attached to them, which may cause feelings of shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing possible stigmas and your own feelings can help you deal with having oral herpes. You may feel embarrassed when you are first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a completely normal initial reaction. Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. If you see the symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe. The symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may include: itching, burning, or tingling near or on the mouth and lips; sore throat; fever; trouble swallowing; or swollen glands. Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary. Gently wash the blisters. Wash any cold sores as soon as you notice them. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading. Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water and gently wash the blisters. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again. You can put a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine on blisters after you've washed them to relieve pain and itching. Relieve the pain of cold sores. The blisters or cold sores associated with oral herpes are often very painful. There are several different ways to help minimize the pain and discomfort of cold sores. If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort. Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain. Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters. Don't consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits. Prevent blisters and outbreaks. There are certain factors that may contribute to outbreaks of oral herpes. By taking proper precautions, you may help prevent or minimize recurrences. Apply sunblock or lip balm with SPF and/ or zinc oxide to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores from sun exposure. This will also you're your lips moisturized and less likely to have a flare up. Don't share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes. Get regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being relaxed will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak. | Take prescription antiviral medications. Communicate with your partner or partners. Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner. Be aware of social stigmas. Join a support group for genital herpes sufferers. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. Break and clean the blisters. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Make hygiene a priority. Leave the cold sore or blisters alone. Take prescription antiviral medications. Communicate with your partner or partners. Prevent transmission of oral herpes. Be aware of possible social stigmas. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. Gently wash the blisters. Relieve the pain of cold sores. Prevent blisters and outbreaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Memorise-the-Locations-of-Countries-on-a-World-Map | How to Memorise the Locations of Countries on a World Map | To memorize the locations of countries on a world map, start by focusing on 1 continent at a time so you're not overwhelmed. Then, figure out the best way to remember countries you don't easily recognize. For example, try associating a country with a nearby body of water or tying it to a current news story. It may also help to come up with a phrase with the same first letters as the countries, like “Baby Goats Eat Ham, Not Cold Peanuts,” for the South American countries of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. | Use an up-to-date map. Make sure that you are using an up to date map to study. Look for maps on reputable, regularly updated websites online, and print one out if you prefer to study a paper map. Otherwise, consider buying a new map to study at an office supply store, book store, or online. For instance, visit the National geographic website at http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/maps for accurate, up-to-date world maps. Go by continent. To keep from being overwhelmed, focus on only one or two continents at a time while studying. Trying to cover the entire map at once will break up your concentration and make memorization more difficult. If necessary, cover the parts of the map you are not concentrating on to keep your eyes focused. For example, devote each day of the week to studying one of the seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America (including Central America) and South. Prioritize countries you have trouble identifying. Isolate the countries that you have trouble remembering and give them extra attention when studying (e.g. note the other countries and bodies of water surrounding them). Make a list of all of the countries that you make three or more guesses about without getting the right answer. When testing yourself, make a point to identify the countries you have difficulty remembering first, rather than the ones you recognize easily. Quiz yourself alphabetically. To reinforce your knowledge of where countries are located on a world map, quiz yourself alphabetically. Choose a continent and try to name each country in it in alphabetical order. By making the studying process more complex, you will sharpen your focus on the material and challenge yourself more thoroughly. It can also be helpful to have a friend or family member quiz you, which can be more challenging. They don't have to quiz you alphabetically. Instead, they could ask a question like, “Which countries border Laos?” or “What's the southernmost country in South America?” Tie in current events. Use new stories and global current events to contextualize the countries you are trying to place. For instance, look up and memorize countries that are currently in the headlines to get a better sense of the geographical context of those news stories. Alternatively, if there are countries that you are having trouble memorizing on the world map, search them in Google News to get more information about them and create stronger mental associations. Use the method of Loci. Try using the method of Loci, a technique used by Roman orators to remember long speeches, to memorize countries on a world map. Picture the countries of a continent within the framework of a familiar building (e.g. your home or workplace). Imagine memorable things happening in each room, section, or hallway, and assign countries from the map accordingly. Make the narrative memorable enough to stick in your mind and call up the connections you make with the world map. For example, associate countries in Europe with your colleagues' cubicles at work, and imagine an absurd narrative that will help you remember (e.g. remembering Portugal and Spain by picturing a co-worker's cubicle, which has shrunk in size and holds a child-sized desk and chair, located at the corner of another co-worker's cubicle which is large enough to accommodate flamenco dancers. Create a mnemonic device. Mnemonic devices are silly phrases or rhymes that help you remember the order of things. They don't have to make sense, and sometimes if the phrase is really wacky it is easier to remember. Try creating mnemonic devices to remember the order of certain countries from north to south or west to east. For instance, a mnemonic device used to list the countries in South America from north to south is: Baby Goats Eat Ham, Not Cold Peanuts. The phrase provides the first letter of each country (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama). Download geography apps. There are many educational apps available for download that can assist you in memorizing where different countries are on a world map. Using these apps will give you the convenient option of studying on the go whenever the opportunity presents itself (e.g. during a bus ride). Download these free apps to try: Learn World Geography, a free app for the iPhone and iPad that repeats flashcards for optimal memorization TapQuiz Maps World Edition, a free app for iPhone and iPod that can help you master geography by way of a fun quiz game World Map Quiz, a free app for Android that slows you to play a world map game in flag or capital mode Visit educational websites. There are a variety of geography websites available to help you improve your knowledge of world countries in a fun way. Websites offer games, quizzes, and trivia to make memorizing countries on the world map less tedious and more interactive. To learn in a fun way, visit: Seterra Online, a website offering free map quiz games that use outline map exercises for memorization Lizard Point, an educational website offering free quizzes and trivia World Atlas, an interactive website that allows you to explore the world map country by country with detailed visual aids Decorate with wall maps. To build strong visual memories of the world map and the countries on it, try decorating a wall in your home with a large wall map. To make a more interactive map, hang a large map on a cork bulletin board so that you can mark countries with push pins while studying. Look for wall maps (as well as a bulletin board and push pins) at an office supply store, or online. Print out maps to color and study. To memorize countries, print out copies of a world map to color or use for study. Color coding different continents and countries can help to build visual associations, and be a fun, relaxing activity. Blank maps can be useful for studying and quizzing yourself on the location of countries. Visit https://mapchart.net/ to make a free custom world map with your own color choices and descriptions Work on a world map jigsaw puzzle. Working on a jigsaw puzzle exercises several brain functions simultaneously - notably the abilities to reason , sequence, and solve problems. While you are already flexing your brain muscles, capitalize by incorporating your study of the world map into the activity. The prolonged examination of the world map puzzle, in addition to your mind working on an analytical level, will help you retain country locations. Purchase a world map jigsaw puzzle at a toy store, hobby store, or online. | Use an up-to-date map. Go by continent. Prioritize countries you have trouble identifying. Quiz yourself alphabetically. Tie in current events. Use the method of Loci. Create a mnemonic device. Download geography apps. Visit educational websites. Decorate with wall maps. Print out maps to color and study. Work on a world map jigsaw puzzle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Public-Speaking-Skills | How to Improve Public Speaking Skills | If you have a speech coming up, write an outline of the speech that includes your thesis and main points. Record yourself practicing the speech and adjust your speaking speed, volume, or tone as necessary. On the day of the speech, stay hydrated and warm up your voice with diction exercises or tongue twisters. When it's time, smile, introduce yourself, and begin your speech. Make eye contact with the audience and focus on articulating your words clearly. | Learn who your audience is. A lot of stress caused by the fear of speaking in public, whether for a presentation or at a social gathering can be derived from not knowing who you're speaking to. You wonder if you're saying the right thing. If your point is getting across. If you sound intelligent enough. Before engaging in any form of public speaking, learn about your audience. If you are giving a presentation you should be able to do this easily. Think about why you are speaking and where you are speaking. Then go through a checklist. Try to be able to answer as to the size of the audience, age, gender, education (experience and socioeconomic level), religion, friendliness, and if the audience knows about you. You can remember this as an acronym, SAGE RFK. Being able to fill in those blanks will help you form a speech that you will feel comfortable giving. The type of audience will affect how you speak. If you have the chance, interview 3-7 people from the audience. Find out their challenges so you can create teaching points. Ask about their successes so you can highlight them. Doing so will help you build support and trust from the audience during your speech. Alter your outlook. Negative thoughts associated with the task of public speaking can hinder your ability to present the amazing speech and knowledge you have inside you. Instead of letting negative thoughts prevail, turn those thoughts into positive ones. Visualize yourself speaking confidently and the audience responding positively to your speech. Imagine audience members benefiting from your speech, and tell yourself that you are in the right place at the right time. If you feel nervous or scared you probably also have nervous thoughts about what might go wrong. Having such thoughts will alter your voice and your body language negatively. Instead of harboring bad feelings and letting negative thoughts fester, remember to think positively. Positive thoughts will make you excited, allow you to relax, and give you confidence. Instead of thinking about how you wish you didn't have to speak, reframe your thoughts and give yourself a pep talk. You might say to yourself, “Wow! I get to share my knowledge on a subject I'm passionate about with all these wonderful people who want to hear what I have to say!” View the chance to speak as a compliment. And know, that in most cases, the people who are listening to you are there for you. These people want to hear what you have to say. Learn to be comfortable with silence. Silences can feel awkward, especially when you're standing in front of a lot of people who are staring at you and waiting for you to say something. But silences are a chance to breathe and collect your thoughts. Make speaking a choice. It's not something you have to do because you're standing in front of a bunch of people. It's something you choose to do when you're ready. Learning to feel ok with silence will help you take your time when speaking publicly. You don't want to rush your speech. Silences will always feel longer to you than to those not speaking. Just smile and gather yourself but never take too long. If what you speak is good enough, the audience will not mind some silence. Use silence to notice your breathing and stay calm. You can also use silence to let a particular point sink in. If you are speaking and want something you just said to really sink into your audience, silence is a great way to allow that to happen before you move on. Silence is your friend, not your enemy. Identify your speech patterns. Understanding how you speak when you're just having a casual conversation will allow you to improve your public speaking skills. Practice pausing and giving yourself time to collect your thoughts, rather than using filler words to avoid silence. Pay attention to all the filler words you say in any given conversation. These words are the noises and words you say when you are processing your thoughts and don't know what to say next. Words and sounds like “Ah,” “Um,” “Like,” “Er.” Getting more comfortable with silence can help you reduce filler words. We also have default speech settings which have become automatic to us over the course of our lives. For example, if someone sneezes, you might say “Bless you.” These behaviors exist in public speaking as well. Identify what behaviors you have, both verbal and nonverbal. Which ones make you look nervous or not authoritative? Once you identify what your behaviors are you can begin to correct these habits. Perhaps you adjust your glasses when you're nervous. Or pick your fingernails. Maybe you use more filler words. To help you change these habits, learn to be aware of what you're doing in all settings. Even if you're talking to a friend on the phone, be cognizant of what you are doing. When you realize you are doing something, make an effort to stop. Plan appropriately. Spend time putting your speech together so that when you give it, it flows naturally and feels normal to you. Being familiar with the content will greatly reduce stress. Visualize giving your speech, from driving to the location, getting on stage, delivering the speech, and returning home. This can help alleviate your anxiety and alert you of anything you still need to prepare. View your public speaking like a play. If you don't learn your lines you won't be able to act and engage your audience. When an actor doesn't know her lines, the audience is always aware. The more you prepare the less you have to worry about when speaking publicly. If it helps you prepare, create a character. You don't have to be just you. Take on a stage persona. If you're introverted, create a character who is extroverted and play that character when speaking. Plan everything that you can so that when it's time to speak all you have to do is focus on your speech. Not only should you know your speech inside and out, you should plan everything from what you'll eat to what you'll wear. Plan your outfit a day ahead. When it's time to get ready, you don't have to worry. Plan what and when you'll eat. If you know you get nervous and not hungry before speaking, then plan to eat a few hours earlier. Write down an outline for your speech. You don't have to write out your whole speech. But you should have some sort of outline that works for you. While your speech should be pretty much memorized, having an outline will let you reference something to make sure that you're hitting all the points you need to. An outline will help you develop a natural flow to your speech. You won't have to panic if you forget what your next point was because you can look at your outline. You should also include the thesis , or main point, of your speech. Like in an essay paper, having a clear thesis that you will back up is a great help. Your thesis will inform you and your audience of what you will talk about. It will also show the audience that you are prepared and knowledgeable. You may get sidetracked during a speech depending on the forum you're in. Having an outline and really knowing your material will allow you to easily transition and get back on track. Practice your speech and record it. Rehearsing your speech and taking notes on how you speak, the tenor of your voice, body language, and other factors will allow you to speak with confidence. Then watch yourself and take notes on how you sound and look. Make necessary adjustments. Just like for any athlete or artist, practice is a key component to success. When practicing your speech, go a little slow to really digest what you are saying and how you are coming across. When you give your actual speech in public you'll probably have the tendency to speak faster than normal. But practice can help you keep a good tempo. Practicing will also help you memorize and feel prepared. When it's time to speak publicly, you'll know that you could do your speech in your sleep. Practice while you're doing other things, such as the dishes, mowing the lawn, or getting ready. Be sure to practice the middle of your speech multiple times, as this is the part that is most often forgotten. Don't just practice your speech from the beginning; start from the middle and rehearse it through the end a few times to help you lock each part in your memory. Breathe deeply, smile, and stay hydrated. Breathing is a key component in delivering a great speech. Your breath and the oxygen you allow to enter your body will keep you calm and focused. Smiling makes you happy and water keeps you energized. When you smile, you feel better. When you allow yourself to take a moment to breathe you can slow your heart rate and process what you are doing and saying. When we get nervous we often take shorter more shallow breaths. This kind of breathing doesn't allow us to get as much oxygen and can cloud our thoughts. Long, steady breaths will help you keep a clear head and a calm body. Additionally, smile. Smiling triggers endorphins in our brains which make us happy. Make sure to stay hydrated as well. When you're dehydrated you can't think as clearly and can become tired much more easily. Rest well and dress for success. If you know that you're speaking in the morning, plan to get a full night's rest. Then, once you wake up feeling refreshed and energized, put on your outfit which you already planned to wear. Do whatever you need to do that relaxes you and allows you to get a good night's sleep. Exercise, watch a movie, read. Try to get eight hours of sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed. Plan your outfit beforehand so all you have to do is put it on. You should wear something that gives you confidence and makes you feel amazing. Whether it's that great suit that makes you feel like you can take on the world or that classy dress that fits your body perfectly and gives you confidence. Dress well and appropriately, but wear something that you feel great in. When you feel great about how you look, your confidence will soar. Warm up. Before you give your speech you should properly warm up both your voice and your body. To open up your throat and increase the volume and resonance of your voice, stick out your tongue and recite a nursery rhyme. Then, recite the rhyme again normally. Do some stretches to get your body loose so you don't feel and look stiff when speaking. Warm up your vocal chords with some singing drills like moving through your vocal range. Start as low as you can go and then move up through your register to your highest note. Then go back down and repeat. Try a few diction exercises and tongue twisters to warm up your mouth and loosen your jaw. Introduce yourself. Even if you are speaking to people who know you, introducing yourself is a great way to ease into any speech and warm up the audience. Your introduction can be as simple as stating your name and who you are. Explain why you're speaking today. You can also be more casual if the environment allows. Start with a quick anecdote about something that happened to you and relate it to your topic if you can. A story or a joke is a great icebreaker. An introduction is a great way to get the crowd on your side and engaged before you start speaking. It will also help you stay relaxed. You want your audience to feel comfortable around you. Start your speech by making a point or stating your thesis. Then briefly, outline the parts of your speech. Having a thesis to provide the audience will inform everyone on your topic. It will also show the audience that you are prepared. You can then move onto a brief outline of the speech with a transition phrase like, “Today I want to share with you…” This shows that you aren't taking the crowd for granted and informs everyone that there will be an end. Audiences like to know that at some point you'll stop talking. This will keep the audience more engaged, rather than zoning out early. Stating your outline also helps you to go over it one more time before you dive into speech. Engage in eye contact and use good body language. Look your audience in the eye, and use facial and hand expressions. Whatever your topic, remember that your speech isn't boring, and you shouldn't be either. Look your audience members in the eye. Focus on someone and make eye contact for a sentence or two. Doing this shows your audience that you are speaking to the audience, not at the audience. Making eye contact can also help you stay calm. Focusing on one person at a time and treating it like a conversation instead of speaking to a large group might feel more comfortable to you. Your body language is just as important and your words. If you stand still and are stiff, you'll come off as boring and nervous. If you wave your arms too much or move around a lot, you can also look frantic and nervous. Stand straight and remember your nervous habits. Feel free to move around when you transition to a new thought. Walk at a steady pace and mirror your pace with your talking speed. Articulate as you speak. Diction is invaluable with public speaking. You need to be heard. If the audience can't understand you, people will start tuning out quickly. You can even ask something like, “Can everyone hear me?” to ensure that the microphone/sound system is working well. Make sure that you speak slowly and loudly enough so everyone can hear. Don't overdo it, but you should finish each word completely before speaking the next one. Remembering to breathe and allow silences to happen will help you with this. Pay attention to the cadence of your voice. You don't want to be a monotone robot. Feel free to be a little excited or speak a little softer to help convey a certain mood. Embody energy. Your audience will have an energy as will you. If you are nervous, the audience will sense that. Don't follow the energy of the audience, lead it. Your speech and body language should inform the audience of the kind of energy you need for your speech. You're passionate about your topic and know it so well that you get to speak about it. Use that energy to lead the audience. Remember to think positively and smile. This kind of good energetic energy will affect your audience, and as a result, will return to you. Follow your outline. Refer to your outline when you need it. But don't look down and read from it. With all your practicing and engaging the audience, you shouldn't need to look down and read from your outline. But you might want to check it from time to time to make sure you've hit all the important points. If you're speaking at a podium, you can leave your outline there. When speaking, feel free to step away from the podium. You can also use your outline as an anchor spot. This anchor is a safe place you can always go back to. Take a breath, let what you said sink in, and check to make sure you're on track. Have fun. Great public speakers are those who are clearly having fun doing it. You should feel proud that you get to share your knowledge and that people want to hear what you have to say. When you conclude your speech, you might want to summarize your main points and reiterate your thesis. Then, deliver an impactful, thought-provoking, and action-oriented closing statement. Make sure to thank your audience for listening to you and being a great audience. Then ask if anyone has any questions. Before you go into your speech, you may want to write down some questions you've had about your topic, ones you've heard before, or any you think might get asked. Be able to answer these. Answering questions shouldn't be hard since you know your topic so well. If no one asks a question right away, show that you're an experienced speaker by saying that people usually ask a certain question. Then use one of the questions you wrote down. | Learn who your audience is. Alter your outlook. Learn to be comfortable with silence. Identify your speech patterns. Plan appropriately. Write down an outline for your speech. Practice your speech and record it. Breathe deeply, smile, and stay hydrated. Rest well and dress for success. Warm up. Introduce yourself. Start your speech by making a point or stating your thesis. Engage in eye contact and use good body language. Articulate as you speak. Embody energy. Follow your outline. Have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Chrysanthemums | How to Grow Chrysanthemums | To grow chrysanthemums, start by filling a seed tray with potting soil and placing 3 seeds into each cell. Then, sprinkle a fine layer of soil on top of the seeds and use a spray bottle of water to dampen the soil. Next, allow the seeds to germinate in a sunny spot, making sure to keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings are 3 inches tall, carefully transfer them to individual pots so they have more room to grow. After the last frost, move the chrysanthemums outside in their pots or plant them in the ground, and water them at least once a week to keep them healthy. | Pick a spot outside that has access to sun 5-6 hours a day. Choose a spot in your yard that gets sunny — a little bit of shade is okay. Chrysanthemums like the morning sun, so try to place them in a spot that gets sunlight in the earlier hours of the day. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Chrysanthemums don't like being constantly wet, so make sure the soil is able to drain easily and that there's plenty of air circulation. If you're unsure whether or not your soil is able to drain efficiently, dig a hole using a shovel that's roughly 1 foot (30 cm) deep. Fill the hole with water and see if all of the water is able to drain out in under 10 minutes. If it's not, your soil isn't well-drained. Provide the plants with protection from the wind. Chrysanthemums like a mild climate, so if you live somewhere where it's often windy, provide a buffer for your plants. Try spreading a layer of mulch over the soil where the chrysanthemums are planted. The mulch layer doesn't need to be incredibly thick, but it should cover all of the soil completely. You can also plant your chrysanthemums along a fence to help protect them from the wind. Plant your mums 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart. If you're planting more than 1 plant, you'll need to make sure you have enough room for each plant's roots to flourish. Measure your garden or backyard using a measuring tape or yardstick so that you know where to place the chrysanthemums. Purchase seeds from a nursery or gardening store. There's a wide variety of chrysanthemum seeds to choose from, and most cost between $2 and $10 for a pack. The pack should contain anywhere from 50 to 1,000 seeds. Fill seed germination trays with a well-draining potting mix. You can purchase potting soil at a gardening store, or you can make your own. Fill each cell of a seed germination tray almost to the top with the soil. You can purchase well-draining soil and seed germination trays at a gardening or home improvement store. To tell if the soil in your yard has proper drainage, dig a hole that's roughly 12 inches (30 cm) deep and fill it with water. If the water drains from the hole by the time 10 minutes have gone by, the soil is well-draining. Place 2-3 seeds into each cell of the germination tray. It's easiest if you simply pour the seeds into the palm of your hand and use your fingers to gently place the seeds into the soil. Instead of clumping them all together, spread the seeds out so that they're not touching. Sprinkle a fine layer of soil over the seeds. If you've placed the seeds into the soil, you don't need to sprinkle more soil on top. However, if you simply dropped the seeds onto the soil, it's best if you sprinkle a fine layer of additional soil into each cell to make sure the seeds are covered. Use a spray bottle to produce a fine mist over the soil. Fill a small spray bottle with water and spray the tray so that the soil is nice and moist. When you touch the soil, it should be damp but not completely saturated. Press the soil down lightly with your fingers. This will help make sure the seeds have made contact with the soil and aren't just sitting on top where they can be moved by wind or water. Use 2 or 3 fingers to gently flatten the soil with the bottom of your fingers, not the tips. Place the seed tray in a bright, sunny spot. This could be in a windowsill that receives lots of sunlight or outside on a porch (if you're able to monitor the weather closely). The more sunlight the seeds receive, the faster and better they'll germinate. If you'd like, you can place a heating mat under the tray to warm the soil for faster germination. You should start seeing results in 8-10 days. Monitoring the weather if you leave the seeds out on a porch is important in case it happens to rain a lot, gets cold, or isn't sunny outside for several days. Check the soil often to ensure it’s moist. Use a spray bottle to apply a fine mist to the soil if it feels like it's drying out. When the seeds are in sunlight, you should be checking them every day to make sure the soil is damp. Be careful not to oversaturate the soil — it should be moist, not dripping wet. Check the soil more often if you're using a heat mat. Transfer the seeds into separate pots when they’re a few inches high. When the stems grow to roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm), you can move them to separate pots so that their roots have more room to grow. Be very careful when transferring them so as not to damage their delicate roots or stems. It should be time to transfer them after about 6 weeks. Use a small spade or shovel to help remove the plants carefully. Propagate chrysanthemums if you wish to use a cutting. Take a cutting from a chrysanthemum and dip it in rooting hormone mix before planting. This often produces more stable chrysanthemums than growing them from seeds. Plant the chrysanthemums after the danger of frost is over. Transferring your chrysanthemums from a pot into the ground can be a delicate process, so make sure the soil is nice and toiled and there's no danger of cold weather that might damage the plant. Dig a hole that’s twice the size of the roots of the plant. Use a shovel to create a hole for the plant that's the same depth as the pot but twice as wide. This will ensure the chrysanthemums have plenty of room for their roots. Place the chrysanthemum carefully into the hole. Space the chrysanthemums 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart, if applicable. If you're planting several different sections of mums, place them 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart so that the roots have space to grow and spread without overcrowding each other. Cover the roots and empty spaces with fresh soil. There will be space around the roots after you've placed them, so pour soil into these spaces so that the roots are nicely surrounded. Use your hands to pack down the soil a bit so that it's even with the rest of the ground. Spread a fresh top layer of soil over the roots as well, not just on the sides. Water the chrysanthemums at least once a week. Test the soil with your finger to see if it's dry, and if it is, give the plants a nice watering. They don't like wet roots so allow them time to dry out between watering. Feed the mums liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, if desired. This isn't required, but it will help keep the chrysanthemums healthy and growing quickly. You can find a liquid fertilizer at your local gardening or home improvement store. Follow the instructions that come with the liquid fertilizer to know how much and how often to feed the plants. | Pick a spot outside that has access to sun 5-6 hours a day. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Provide the plants with protection from the wind. Plant your mums 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart. Purchase seeds from a nursery or gardening store. Fill seed germination trays with a well-draining potting mix. Place 2-3 seeds into each cell of the germination tray. Sprinkle a fine layer of soil over the seeds. Use a spray bottle to produce a fine mist over the soil. Press the soil down lightly with your fingers. Place the seed tray in a bright, sunny spot. Check the soil often to ensure it’s moist. Transfer the seeds into separate pots when they’re a few inches high. Propagate chrysanthemums if you wish to use a cutting. Plant the chrysanthemums after the danger of frost is over. Dig a hole that’s twice the size of the roots of the plant. Space the chrysanthemums 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart, if applicable. Cover the roots and empty spaces with fresh soil. Water the chrysanthemums at least once a week. Feed the mums liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Megaphone | How to Make a Megaphone | To make a megaphone, start by getting a 30 inch by 30 inch piece of sturdy construction paper or poster board. Next, find the center point of 1 side and make a short arc with a 5 inch radius. Then, make a second arc with a radius of 29 inches. Once you have the 2 arcs, draw a line from both ends of the long arc to the center point, making a cone shape. Cut along these lines to make your template. After the template has been cut out, roll one side over the other and use glue to fasten a 1 inch overlap. | Choose a material. You can make an effective megaphone out of sturdy construction paper. For a more durable version, you can shape it from a cardboard or posterboard. Either way, you can decorate your megaphone when you are finished to make it aesthetically pleasing. Whatever your material, you will need a 30 inches (76 cm) by 30 inches (76 cm) square of it. Find the center point of one side. Choose one side of the square and mark the center of it. This will allow you to measure your megaphone proportionally. You can mark the spot with a marker, or push a pin in the center point. Use a ruler along one edge to measure 15 inches (38 cm) This is the center point for that edge. Since all of the edges are the same, it doesn't matter which one you use. Make a short arc. Make an arc with a 5 inches (13 cm) radius from the center point. This arc will form the narrow end of your megaphone. If done correctly, your arc will start on one side of the center point and end on the other side. You can use a 5 inches (13 cm) string stuck to the center point to make your arc. Put a pencil on the far end of the string and swoop it around the surface of your material. Make a long arc. Your second arc should have a radius of 29 inches (74 cm). You can use a piece of string that is 29 inches (74 cm) long to make the arc. Tape or pin one end of the string to the center point, and attach the other end to a pencil. Swoop the string along the surface of your material to make your long arc. The long arc will make the wide end of your megaphone. Cut the megaphone from the material. Draw a line from both ends of the long arc back the center point. The lines should meet at the center point and make a cone shape. Cut along these lines with scissors. Next, cut along the both arcs. Roll the megaphone. Once the megaphone template has been cut, it is time to shape the template. Start by taking one end of the template and rolling it over the other end. Do not fold or crease the template. Overlap one side. One side of the megaphone should overlap the other side. Create a 1 inch (2.5 cm) overlap to ensure that the megaphone stays together. Without the overlap, the megaphone could easily pull apart. The narrow end of the megaphone will be between 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. Glue or fasten the overlap. Use super glue or hot glue to glue down the overlapping side. If you are using a sturdy material, like cardboard, you can use metal fasteners in place of glue. Either way, make sure that the megaphone cannot unravel. Decorate your megaphone, if desired. Once your megaphone has been cut and shaped, you can make it look good. Use markers or paint to color the megaphone. You can also cut out or draw designs to put on your megaphone. Do not cut the megaphone to make designs. Add a handle. A megaphone handle will help you hold the megaphone, making it more effective. Cut a cardboard roll to roughly 6 inches (15 cm). Tape the role to the bottom of your megaphone. If you have decorated your megaphone, you can decorate the roll to match. Add a mouthpiece. You can cut a tapered mouthpiece from wood or cardboard. Cut or sand the material into the shape and size that you want. The mouthpiece is not necessary, but it can make speaking into the megaphone easier. Once you have finished your megaphone, try it out by speaking into the mouthpiece and hearing your voice amplified. Measure the circumference of the narrow end of your megaphone. You want the mouthpiece to fit inside that circle. For example, if the circumference is 4 inches (10 cm), then you want to make a mouthpiece with a circumference slightly less than 4 inches (10 cm). Finished. | Choose a material. Find the center point of one side. Make a short arc. Make a long arc. Cut the megaphone from the material. Roll the megaphone. Overlap one side. Glue or fasten the overlap. Decorate your megaphone, if desired. Add a handle. Add a mouthpiece. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-an-Ex-You%27re-in-Love-With | How to Get Over an Ex You're in Love With | Getting over any breakup is hard, but it can be especially challenging if you're still in love with your ex. The first and most important step in moving forward is limiting contact with the person so you can get the space you need to get over them. If you don't share children or pets, then try blocking their phone number and email account. You'll also want to unfollow them on social media so you can focus on yourself for a while. This will also help you avoid the temptation to reach out to them. Bumping into your ex at the local bar or cafe can also set you back in your healing, so try to avoid places that they frequent for a while. In addition to limiting contact, give yourself the room to grieve. Try shouting, crying, or any other form of expression that feels right. As you move through these feelings, be patient with yourself. With time, your feelings will lessen and you'll feel more hopeful about the future. | Stop calling, texting, and emailing. You need space from your ex to get over them, so establish a “no contact” rule. You're not doing this to create tension or make the person miss you—you're doing it to give yourself the opportunity to heal and start fresh without them. If cutting contact with your ex is too difficult, get accountability and ask friends to help you stay away. You might also temporarily move your ex's phone number and email addresses to your block list. You can always unblock them once you're in a better place. If you share kids or pets or study/work in the same place as your ex, it may not be possible to totally cut contact. In this case, limit contact to discussions relating to the immediate context only, such as discussing a work project. If your ex wants to stay in touch with you, ask them to respect your desire to cut off contact for a while. If they continue to contact you, consider changing your phone number and email address. Unfollow them on social media until the feelings fade. Checking your ex's feed or seeing them with new people won't help you move on. Stop following them so you can focus on yourself for a while. This also helps you avoid the temptation of reaching out to your ex. You can always re-follow them later. If your mutual friends bring up your ex on social media a lot, consider unfollowing them as well. If your social circles overlap too much, it might help to take a break from social media altogether. Avoid the places they usually frequent. Bumping into your ex at the local bar or cafe may not only make things awkward, but you may even experience a setback in your healing. Try to establish new hangouts that aren't places they go or places you used to visit together. If you do happen to run into your ex, keep the interaction brief. A curt “hi” before ducking out is appropriate. Return, store, or trash relationship memorabilia. Limit ruminating about the breakup or the “happier times” by getting rid of gifts, personal items, and miscellaneous things that make you think of your ex. Mail anything you think they may want back, box away mementos that you'd like to keep, and donate or trash the rest. Removing reminders not only helps you get distance from your ex, but it's also a symbolic way to start fresh with new things and new memories. Move to a new location, if you can. If there's no way to avoid your ex and seeing them all the time is causing you a lot of distress, look into the possibility of putting geographical distance between you and them. Even if moving to a completely new location is not feasible for you, you might be able to find a place that is farther away in the same town. If you run into your ex at work all the time, consider searching for a new job or asking for a transfer to another location. Nurture the dormant parts of you. A cool haircut, an interesting class, an exciting hobby, or a motivating goal can all help you reignite the joy and passion in your life. Think of parts of yourself that were dormant in the relationship and let them come out into the sunshine. For example, if your ex thought your dream of traveling the world was crazy, get started planning that trip you put off. If your ex suggested most of the clothes you wore, build a brand new wardrobe. Shake up your routine. Trying something new can not only take your mind off your ex, but also help you make new friends and learn new things about yourself. Look for new activities that you find fun, exciting, personally fulfilling, or all of the above. For example, you might try: Joining a community organization Volunteering for a cause you care about Joining a recreational sports team Learning a new language Participating in a book club or gaming club Hang out with friends and family. Take advantage of your support network to help you get over your ex. Fill your social calendar with exciting activities, like a night out with your best buds or a fun getaway with your family. If you need to vent, tell the people you care about what you're feeling and offer ways they can help. For instance, you might say, “I could really use a hug right now.” While it can be healthy to vent a bit and get your feelings off your chest, resist the urge to talk about your ex all the time, or to ask people if they know what your ex is up to. Ask your family and friends to gently redirect the conversation if you end up dwelling on your ex too much. Practice self-care. Create a new routine that emphasizes you taking care of and loving yourself. Establish a new reading or writing habit, do relaxation exercises to ease stress, or join a new gym. Relationships are really demanding of your time and energy. Use this time to focus on yourself—without feeling guilty. Date someone new when you’re ready. You may tell yourself “I'll never find anyone like my ex,” but how would you know if you never get back out there? Initially, take the pressure off yourself of finding “the one” and simply focus on meeting new and interesting people. Dating someone else can help you feel attractive and wanted, some things you may have struggled with after the breakup. While casual dating can be fun, be sure not to use it as a bandage for your pain. Only start back dating when you have gotten some degree of closure about the breakup. Before you start dating someone new, take time to assess your own expectations for a relationship and think about what you need from a partner. Avoid trying to numb your feelings. It can be tempting to push away the pain and negative thoughts with junk food, excessive shopping, alcohol, or drugs, but these "quick fixes" won't lead to lasting growth. They'll only set you back further. Instead of engaging in destructive habits to cope with your feelings, do constructive things, like exercising , eating well , and leaning on friends. Give yourself room to grieve. Bottling up your feelings can prevent you from moving forward. Try shouting, crying tears of frustration, or any other form of expression when you're overloaded with emotion. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes along. Try not to judge yourself. Set a deadline to allow yourself time to grieve the relationship properly. This could be 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months; just permit yourself to not be okay for a while. During this time, you might feel anger, confusion, or even relief. Once your grief period has elapsed, try your best to re-engage with your life and the world, even if that's just going to a friend's house for an afternoon. Stop playing into fantasies about your ex. List their bad traits as well as any reasons why the breakup needed to happen. Doing this helps break the mirage that you lost the greatest person ever. It also helps you to maintain some objectivity moving forward. Make a list of the “bad side” to your ex, so you don't only focus on the good. For example, you might list hardships you went through together, such as if they cheated, lied, or failed to support you. Send love and light whenever you think of them. You can't just erase someone you cared about deeply, so don't assume the love for your ex will just disappear. Instead of getting mad at yourself for still caring, channel those feelings positively. Send well wishes to your ex whenever they cross your mind. For example, if you are overcome by memories of your ex, you might say aloud, “I wish him/her a healthy, happy life.” Breathe in deeply, exhale, and continue with your day. Don't beat yourself up if you still love the person long after the breakup. That's okay, but that doesn't mean you should have stayed in a relationship that didn't work. Write a letter to your ex for closure. Go into vivid detail about what led up to the breakup, how you felt, and anything you want to get off your chest. Try to identify the role you played and strive to be forgiving of your ex for their part in things, too. You can mail the finished letter if you want, but you can also set it on fire or tear it to shreds. Making peace with what happened in your relationship can help you move forward. Acceptance can also help you learn important lessons that you won't have to repeat in the future. Be patient. It takes time to move on from someone you love, so try not to be hard on yourself. Simply take things a day at a time. With time, your feelings will start to lessen and you'll feel more positive and hopeful about the future. | Stop calling, texting, and emailing. Unfollow them on social media until the feelings fade. Avoid the places they usually frequent. Return, store, or trash relationship memorabilia. Move to a new location, if you can. Nurture the dormant parts of you. Shake up your routine. Hang out with friends and family. Practice self-care. Date someone new when you’re ready. Avoid trying to numb your feelings. Give yourself room to grieve. Stop playing into fantasies about your ex. Send love and light whenever you think of them. Write a letter to your ex for closure. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Poop-at-Work | How to Poop at Work | To poop at work, look for a restroom that's used less frequently so you're unlikely to be disturbed. You should also avoid taking reading materials into the stall with you, since you'll force others to wait longer. Once you're in the stall, drape some toilet paper over the seat before you do your business if you're worried about others hearing sounds. After you're done, clean up in the stall and wash your hands, since other people need to use it after you. Finally, if you feel the stall smells bad after you're finished, spray some air freshener to cover it up. | Be courteous. Don't talk about other people's bathroom habits. If you happen to recognize someone in the restroom, don't mention it. Don't make jokes at anyone's expense, and don't draw attention to someone in a stall. Avoid conversation. Don't try to talk to someone in the stall next to you. While you may have a great work relationship with someone, they may not want to have a conversation between the stalls. Be considerate of others using the restroom. Don't talk on your cellphone, and don't use the restroom as a chance to catch up with another co-worker. Your conversation could be distracting to someone in a stall. Don't linger. Restrooms can have a lot of traffic, especially if you're in a busy office building. Once you're finished, get out. Don't use the restroom for anything other than its intended use. Avoid using your workplace restroom to shave or cut your toenails. Other people may be waiting on you to leave so they can relieve themselves. Avoid reading materials. When pooping at work, don't take reading materials into the stall with you. If you're nervous about people knowing what you're up to, then holding a newspaper will almost certainly tip them off. Even if you have no problems pooping at work, avoid reading in the stall. You'll take longer, and you may be preventing people who need to use the restroom. Don't use your cellphone in the stall. Find a different restroom. If you have trouble using the restroom at work, try to find a restroom on a different floor. Search for a restroom that is not used as frequently and do your business there. If your workplace only has one restroom, search for a time when there is not as much traffic so you can have some peace and quiet. Muffle the sounds. If you are worried about people hearing you while you're in the stall, drape some toilet paper across the seat before doing your business. The paper will dampen any noises you might make while relieving yourself. Clean up after yourself. Don't make a mess in the stall. Other people have to use the same restroom you do at work, and no one wants to deal with a mess. Be considerate of others and try to be clean in the stall. Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands after using the restroom. Ask for air-fresheners in the stall. If you're embarrassed about the smells that come from the stall, ask your supervisor to buy some spray air freshener for each stall. If you can't convince your supervisor to invest in any air fresheners, you could bring your own from home, or carry a book of matches. Lighting a match can often help eliminate bad smells. Make sure there is enough toilet paper. If you notice the toilet paper in your stall is running low, refill it. If you don't have access to refilling it, let the person who maintains the restroom know that it needs attention. | Be courteous. Avoid conversation. Don't linger. Avoid reading materials. Find a different restroom. Muffle the sounds. Clean up after yourself. Ask for air-fresheners in the stall. Make sure there is enough toilet paper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Queen-Ant | How to Catch a Queen Ant | To catch a queen ant, start by using a spade to dig a 6-inch wide circular trench around the entrance to an ant hill. Next, dig out all the soil containing the ant hill, and put it in large buckets. Then, sort through the buckets of soil using a spoon and remove any regular ants that you find. As you sift through the soil, look for a large ant with a pronounced middle section to identify the queen. | Contact an expert about the best time. Queen ants in existing colonies will venture off to start new colonies during certain times of the year. Local entomologists (people who study insects) or even local pest control companies will likely know the best time of year for you to search for a queen ant venturing off to build a new colony. Day length, temperature, and rainfall are just a few of the variables to take into consideration for your area regarding when a queen will do this. For dryer areas such as the Southwest, it will usually be in the springtime, whereas later summer monsoons may be the ideal time in other regions. Find an area with several active ant colonies. The more ant colonies you check during the correct window of opportunity, the more likely you will be to find a queen ant during her search. A queen is also likely to try to build a colony in an area where other ant colonies already thrive, so look for spots in undeveloped areas with several colonies within a short distance of one another. Look for a queen ant. Queen ants and the males that mate with them don't simply fly out of the mature colony entrance knowing where to go. During the correct window, you might see several queen ants walking around near the entrance to their parent colony. During this period, the queen ants are testing the weather to decide on the right time to start a new colony. Since you're looking for a queen ant, you should know how to differentiate them from the other ants in the colony. At this stage, the queen ant will have wings. However, even after the stage where she pulls off her wings, you can identify her by her much larger size compared to the other ants. This will be most prominent in the thorax, which is the middle section of the ant between the head and the abdomen of the ant. You can also find additional characteristics provided at: How to Identify a Queen Ant If you simply want a queen ant, this is the ideal time to cup one; however, if you want a queen ant in order to start your own ant colony, then you shouldn't do it yet. These still winged queen ants have not yet mated in this step of colony building. Wait until you see a queen ant wandering around erratically. Once a queen mates, she will look for the new colony location. In contrast to the fairly oriented paths of most ants, the queen ant will wander around checking cracks and crevices, changing directions, and generally resembling a lost tourist in a big city. Her erratic behavior simply means she's looking for the ideal spot to begin her new colony. Another sign that a queen ant has already mated is when she has pulled off her wings. Once she picks a general area, she will pull off her wings in order to appear less conspicuous. She will still walk around trying to find the perfect location in her chosen area, though. Handle your new queen ant with care. Once she has pulled off her wings, it's much easier to catch a queen ant, but make sure you handle her gently. If you want to transport your queen ant to make a personal ant farm, a film canister works well. Make sure she gets plenty of water by placing a damp cotton ball inside the canister as well. If you want to build an ant farm, you should also take several scoops of soil from the area where you caught the queen for her to begin nesting in once you have transported her. Use a spade to cut a trench around the ant colony. This method will require more work but less expert timing. Begin by using a spade to cut a 6-8” radius trench around the entrance of the ant hill. Use a large spade to dig out the colony. Once you finish creating the trench, start shoveling out the area inside the trench, which will be comprised of the majority of the ant colony. Shovel the soil into five-gallon buckets. You will need to dig up quite a bit of ground to reach all the various chambers of the colony, so keep two five-gallon buckets on hand and shovel the soil into them. Try to keep the clumps of earth as intact as possible so as not to collapse every tunnel as you dig the colony out. You also want to make sure that you cover each bucket as you will it to stop any queens from potentially escaping. If you use this method on a brand new colony where the queen has just mated and is still digging out her nest, then you won't have to dig very far, and you won't have much to sift through to find her. Telltale signs for this type of brand new colony include a very small entrance hole with a small heap of fresh dirt beside it that hasn't yet been formed into a mound. Follow chambers and tunnels where possible. They can be hard to identify while working quickly, but you should especially follow chambers and tunnels in the soil as you dig out the colony. Keep collecting samples until you see very few ants left in the hole. Sort through the buckets. Once you have collected the colony, you will have to sort through the buckets manually to find the queen. Use a spoon to sift through the dirt and separate ants. You may want to transfer the ants into smaller jars as you separate them and the soil. For obvious reasons, you probably don't want to do this inside your house. Locate the queen. It will be a painstaking process, but you should eventually locate the queen as you go through the colony. If you are unsure of what exactly you are looking for, the queen will be the largest ant in the colony, and her middle section--the thorax--will be especially pronounced. You can consult How to Identify a Queen Ant for more assistance. | Contact an expert about the best time. Find an area with several active ant colonies. Look for a queen ant. Wait until you see a queen ant wandering around erratically. Handle your new queen ant with care. Use a spade to cut a trench around the ant colony. Use a large spade to dig out the colony. Shovel the soil into five-gallon buckets. Follow chambers and tunnels where possible. Sort through the buckets. Locate the queen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Season-Cast-Iron-BBQ-Grills-and-Burners | How to Season Cast Iron BBQ Grills and Burners | To season cast iron BBQ grills and burners, preheat your oven to 275 to 350ºF. Next, wash and dry the grill rack with dish soap to remove any residue. Then, coat the grill rack completely with melted lard, shortening, or vegetable oil and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the grill rack in the oven, let it bake for at least 30 minutes, and remove it so it can cool. Repeat this process 2 more times until the cast iron looks dark brown. | Preheat your regular kitchen oven to 275 to 350ºF (135 to 175ºC). Wash and dry the grill with dish soap to remove any residue from the manufacturer so that it doesn't get baked into your grill rack. If your grill is older, make sure that you remove any residue and crusty bits. Start with a metal scraper and finish with a wire brush. Coat your grill rack completely with melted lard, shortening or vegetable oil. Cover the grill rack with foil. Place the grill rack in the oven. To catch any drippings from the oil or shortening, put a foil-covered cookie sheet under the rack. Let it bake for at least 30 minutes to give the oil time to season the cast iron. Remove the grill rack and let it cool. Repeat this process at least 2 more times until you have a dark finish. Each repetition deepens the seasoning, protects the metal and helps develop that virtually non-stick surface. Reinstall the grill rack on your barbecue. You are now ready for some sweet grilling sensations! Let your grill cool down naturally after you're done with the day's grilling. Never cool it with cold water because you could crack the grill rack. Clean it after it has cooled down. Take the grill rack into the kitchen and wash it with very mild soap and water. Too much soap will strip the seasoning, but you do want to clean oils out so they don't get rancid. Avoid soaking your grill rack in soapy water because you'll strip away the seasoning. Rinse thoroughly. Either dry your grill rack with a paper towel or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. Doing this will allow it to dry out completely between all the joints. Re-coat your grill rack with a little melted lard or shortening after you've cleaned it and turned the burners off. Clean thoroughly. If your grill has become rusty or dirty, and food is sticking to it like superglue, cooking is no fun at all. The solution? It's time to re-season it. Start by giving it a thorough scrubbing with soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse. You want to make sure you get all the soapy residue off, and also check to make sure you got all the crusty bits cleaned as well. If not, repeat step 1. Dry completely. Pop it in the oven for a little bit until it's dry as last year's fruitcake. Re-season. Follow the steps outlined in the Initial Seasoning section, and soon you'll be enjoying your grilling again. | Preheat your regular kitchen oven to 275 to 350ºF (135 to 175ºC). Wash and dry the grill with dish soap to remove any residue from the manufacturer so that it doesn't get baked into your grill rack. Coat your grill rack completely with melted lard, shortening or vegetable oil. Place the grill rack in the oven. Remove the grill rack and let it cool. Reinstall the grill rack on your barbecue. Let your grill cool down naturally after you're done with the day's grilling. Clean it after it has cooled down. Re-coat your grill rack with a little melted lard or shortening after you've cleaned it and turned the burners off. Clean thoroughly. Rinse. Dry completely. Re-season. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Tick-Bites | How to Prevent Tick Bites | To prevent tick bites, wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your arms and legs. You can also tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants so it's harder for ticks to get onto your skin. Also, apply insect repellent to your ears, neck, arms, legs, feet, and clothes before going outside. You should also try to avoid areas with high, dense vegetation since ticks climb on tall grasses and plants in order to come in contact with a host. | Wear the right clothing. Clothing is the first line of defense against ticks. It's important that you choose clothes that both cover your body and show ticks easily if they climb onto you. Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants to protect your arms and legs. Tuck your pants into your socks and tuck your shirt into your pants to prevent ticks from having access to your skin. You can easily detect dark or brown ticks on your clothes if they are light-colored, so always choose lighter colors like khaki or white. Keep long hair tied back. You may also want to cover your head with a light-colored hat. Use insect repellent. Before going outside, apply a generous amount of insect repellent to your ears, neck, arms, legs, and feet. Always read the instructions on the insect repellent before using it. Do not apply DEET over any cuts or wounds and do not put DEET near your mouth or your eyes, as it may act as an irritant. Choose an insect repellent with 20 to 30 percent N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). This ingredient acts as a smell irritant for insects, including ticks. Apply a generous amount of insect repellent to your clothing for further protection from ticks. Treat your clothing with permethrin to further protect yourself against ticks. Choose a product with 0.5 percent permethrin and follow the instructions on the label closely. Repellent with DEET can safely be used on adults and children of any age. Pregnant women and women who are lactating should follow the same recommendations as the general population. Topically applied DEET does not pose hazards to the fetus, regardless of gestational age. In fact, it is advised that pregnant women use an insect repellant to prevent the spread of arboviral infections, such as Zika. Avoid areas with high, dense vegetation. Ticks cannot jump or fly. In order to feed, a tick will climb grass and shrubs in order to come into contact with potential hosts. If you come into contact with leaves, grasses, or plants, there is a chance a tick may brush onto you. Always walk on designated trails that are far from high vegetation areas. When hiking or walking through the woods, stay in the middle of the trail to avoid high grass and overhanging branches. Never sit directly on the ground or on stone walls, as both leave you highly susceptible to a tick bite. Trim or remove high vegetation at home. Ticks thrive in high grass and weeds, usually above ankle height. By trimming bushes and weeds, you can help make your home and the surrounding area tick free. Keep your grass mowed short and remove any leaf litter, brush, and weeds from your property. Store firewood and hang birdfeeders away from your house, as these tend to attract ticks. Build a border around your lawn and any surrounding woods or stone walls. The border should be a flat patch of wood chips, mulch, or gravel at least three feet wide and running the length of your property. Always wear long pants and long sleeves when trimming your lawn or doing yard work and apply insect repellent to your skin and clothes. Ticks flourish in wet/moist areas, so always ensure the area around your home is as dry as possible. Check for ticks as soon as you get home. Because tick bites are painless, you should always inspect your body once you get home from spending time outdoors. A tick must first attach to you and feed on your blood for several hours before an infection occurs, so the sooner you remove them from your body, the better. Search for ticks in hard to reach areas like your back, neck, and scalp, or ask someone to inspect this area for you. Examine the parts of your body that are usually warm and moist, like the groin area and under your armpits. Ticks tend to be drawn to these regions. To inspect hard to reach areas on your own, use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Tick bites look like small red pea-sized spots, usually raised or swollen. As tick bites are painless, they will appear as a small lump with mild irritation on your skin. Wash and dry your clothing. Even if your skin is protected, ticks can still hitch a ride on your clothing. It's imperative that you treat your clothing with insect repellent before going outdoors and use heat to kill any ticks that may have made their way home on your clothes. Check your clothes for ticks before you get home. You can treat clothing with heat to kill any ticks that might have climbed onto you. If your clothes are soiled, use hot water to wash them. Cold and medium-temperature water won't be as effective at killing ticks on your clothes. Regardless of whether you wash your clothes, you should always put your clothing through the dryer. Use the tumble dry setting at high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be on your clothes. Shower after you get home. Shower within two hours of returning home. Standing in hot, running water can help wash away any ticks that were on your body but not yet attached. You can also use your time in the shower to do a more thorough check for ticks on your body. Inspect your pets for ticks. Make it a habit to examine your dog or cat for ticks as soon as they come inside. Any ticks that are not removed can potentially infect your pet, and any ticks on your pet's body can also transfer onto you. Dogs and cats do not show a rash like humans do if they get infected with Lyme disease. Cats are thought to be more resistant to Lyme disease than dogs. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include fatigue, arthritis/joint pain, and fever. Remove and save the tick as soon as you find it. Contact your veterinarian and schedule a physical exam as soon as possible, and bring the tick to show your vet. Gather the necessary supplies. If you find a tick on your body, get a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic. If you do not have an antiseptic solution handy, you can use soap and water. Sterilize the tweezers and any other tools you'll be using. You can do this by dipping them in boiling water or soaking them in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. In a study that evaluated the use of forceps (tweezers) or protected fingers, the application of petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, isopropyl alcohol, or a hot match, it was demonstrated that the forceps were the best option for removal of the tick. In the absence of tweezers use a cloth or paper towel to protect the fingers and remove it that way. Pull the tick straight upward and out. Using heat, oil, or petroleum jelly on a tick will not cause the tick to let go of you, and it may kill the tick with its mouth still in your skin. The only way to safely remove a tick is by using tweezers. If you pull the tick out and it moves around outside of your body, you know you've completely removed it. If the tick is dead when you pull it off, there's a chance the head may have broken off under your skin. Grab the tick's mouth by positioning the tweezers as close to your skin as possible. Do not grab at the tick's abdomen, as the head can break off and lead to an infection. Gently pull the tick straight out until you can see its mouth detach from your skin. Never try to remove the tick by twisting it, as this greatly increases the risk of the head or mouth parts breaking off under your skin. If the tick's head does break off under your skin, you'll need to see a doctor right away. The risk of acquiring Lyme disease increases significantly after the tick's mouth has been attached for 24 to 48 hours. Clean or disinfect the site. Once you've completely removed the tick and ensured that the head is intact, you'll want to clean the site of the bite. Ticks are known pathogen carriers, but you can also get a bacterial infection from an open wound. For this reason, it's best to clean and/or disinfect the site as soon as you've successfully pulled the tick out. Clean the bitten area with cotton balls soaked in the antiseptic solution and let it air dry. If you don't have any antiseptic solution, you can wash the site of the bite thoroughly with soap and clean, running water. Preserve the tick. If you find a tick, it's important to save it so that a doctor can identify and test it. Preserve the tick in a small, sealed sandwich bag, vial, or bottle. If possible, keep the tick alive to make testing for diseases faster and easier. Follow up with your doctor. If you have any issues removing the tick or if you experience any flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Tell your doctor when the bite occurred, where on your body you found the tick, and where you believe you picked up the tick. Most cases of infection from ticks are treated successfully using antibiotics for several weeks. Remove ticks from your pet. If you find ticks on your pet, remove them right away with tweezers. You'll need many of the same tools as you would for a tick on a human: fine-tipped tweezers, a fine toothed comb, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic solution. Follow the same removal procedures as you would for humans, and be sure to preserve the tick to show your vet. Comb your pet's fur with the fine toothed comb to expose its skin. When you locate a tick, grab the tick's mouth using the fine-tipped tweezers. Gently pull the tick straight out until you see its mouth detach from your pet's skin. Preserve the tick in a sealable sandwich bag or a small bottle or vial. Clean the bitten area with cotton balls soaked in the antiseptic solution. If you have difficulty removing ticks from your pet, your vet can help you remove the tick. Be sure to follow up with your vet in case there's any necessary treatment. | Wear the right clothing. Use insect repellent. Avoid areas with high, dense vegetation. Trim or remove high vegetation at home. Check for ticks as soon as you get home. Wash and dry your clothing. Shower after you get home. Inspect your pets for ticks. Gather the necessary supplies. Pull the tick straight upward and out. Clean or disinfect the site. Preserve the tick. Follow up with your doctor. Remove ticks from your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-School-Clean | How to Keep Your School Clean | If you want to keep your school clean, start with small steps you can do yourself, like wiping your feet on a mat as soon as you enter so you don't track in mud and leaves. If you ball up a piece of paper or finish eating a snack, make sure to throw the trash into the wastebasket, and recycle paper, plastic, and cans if your school has a recycling program. You can also help in the classroom or cafeteria by making sure you put things away after you use them and by cleaning off your table or desk before you leave the room. | Wipe your feet on mats before you enter the school building. Dirt, pollen, and leaves can all be tracked in by students' feet, making the floors look dirty. Help keep this from happening by wiping your feet before you come in the door. If your school doesn't have mats, lightly scuff your feet on the sidewalk before you walk inside. Ask your principal about getting mats if your school doesn't have any. Offer to start a fundraiser to pay for the mats if your school doesn't have room in the budget. Throw any trash you see into wastebaskets. It might not seem like a big deal if a candy wrapper falls out of your pocket, but over time, trash and litter can build up to make your school seem messy. If you notice someone else drop something, pick it up and throw it away. If you see a used tissue or something gross on the ground, use a napkin to pick it up so you don't have to touch it with your hands. Encourage your friends to follow your example in picking up trash when they see it. Recycle paper, glass, and plastic. Recycling helps reduce the amount of trash that goes into the landfill, so you're helping the environment and keeping your school clean at the same time. If your school doesn't participate in a recycling program, ask your teachers or your principal about starting one. Put things away after you use them. If you get a book out of a shelf in your classroom or you use a microscope in the science lab, make sure you put it back when you're finished using it. Leaving things lying around leads to cluttered, messy classrooms. Make sure your lunch table is clean before you leave. Don't leave milk cartons, balled-up napkins, or pieces of food on your table. Push in your chairs as you leave the table, and remember to check the floor to make sure you didn't drop anything. Mop up any spills right away. If you spill your drink, clean it up right away. Use paper towels or ask a teacher if there is a mop you can use to clean up your mess. Take care not to damage displays around school. Sometimes teachers might put dioramas, artwork, or science projects around the school to show off their students' hard work. If you see any of these displays, take care not to bump into them or knock them over, since this can lead to a big mess. Ask your school’s administration for permission to organize a cleaning event. Have an event at your school where a group of students, teachers, and even parents can help deep clean your school's campus. Your event can take place over a lunch period, after school, or on a weekend. Visit the office and ask the secretary if you can set up an appointment to talk to the principal about organizing an event. Make notes beforehand about some of the specific things you'd like to accomplish during the event. For instance, you might say, “We'd like to have a group of students come in on a Saturday to pick up trash on the playground and wash windows in the classrooms.” Before your meeting, ask teachers and students to sign a petition showing their support for the event. Gather your cleaning supplies. If your school already has supplies, you may be able to borrow them for your cleaning event. Otherwise, you may need to hold a fundraiser so you can purchase the cleaning supplies you'll need. Depending on what you decide to clean, you'll need: Rubber gloves A bleach cleaner Clothes Trash bags Feather dusters Toilet brushes Gardening supplies Spread the word about the event. If you get permission to host your cleaning day, ask if you can put up flyers publicizing the event. You may also be able to advertise the event during an assembly or morning announcements. Don't underestimate the power of word of mouth. Ask your friends to help you find other students who are interested in signing up. Try saying something like, "Hey, a few of us are getting together on Saturday to clean up around the school. We might even meet up for pizza afterwards. You should come by and help!" Organize students into groups on the day of the event. Have each group be responsible for accomplishing a certain task. This will help ensure that you don't have anyone wandering around aimlessly or cleaning something that someone else has already done. For instance, you might want to have one group cleaning marker off of bathroom walls, while another group could pull weeds and rake around the outside of the school. Focus on cleaning areas that are often ignored. There's no need to spend your cleaning event doing chores that the janitor already does on a regular basis. Make the most of the day by working on things that don't get done often, like cleaning the chairs in the auditorium or dusting the tops of lockers. If you like, you could ask for permission to plant some flowers around campus, like in a flower bed near the school's entrance. Practice safe cleaning practices. As you clean, make sure you carefully read and follow all of the labels on any cleanings supplies. Wear rubber gloves while you're cleaning with chemical like bleach. To avoid getting sick, avoid touching used tissues when you empty waste baskets. Wear disposable gloves or wash your hands with soap and water after you're finished. Start a club to make this a regular event. If the event is a success, consider getting permission to start a club that cleans the school on a regular basis. You might want to meet once a week, every day at lunch, or only once a semester, depending on how much needs to be done and how often your principal will approve it. | Wipe your feet on mats before you enter the school building. Throw any trash you see into wastebaskets. Recycle paper, glass, and plastic. Put things away after you use them. Make sure your lunch table is clean before you leave. Mop up any spills right away. Take care not to damage displays around school. Ask your school’s administration for permission to organize a cleaning event. Gather your cleaning supplies. Spread the word about the event. Organize students into groups on the day of the event. Focus on cleaning areas that are often ignored. Practice safe cleaning practices. Start a club to make this a regular event. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Size-a-Bike | How to Size a Bike | To size a bike, you'll need to take your inseam measurement. Stand with your feet 6 inches apart, then measure from the inside of your foot up to your crotch, where your leg meets your waist. If you are sizing a mountain bike, measure in inches, them multiply your inseam by.67 and subtract 4 inches. This will give you the measurement for the top tube of your bike. If your bike shop measures by seat tube length, multiply your inseam by.185. This number is the recommended distance between your seat and the middle of the crankshaft. | Know that you must buy the right frame for your style of riding. The frame is the metal or carbon-fiber body of the bike, and, unlike the handlebars or seat (known as a "saddle"), it is not adjustable. Thus, buying the proper frame is the most important thing you can do when shopping for a bike. There is a variety of frames available on the market, but the frame shape generally changes based on the type of riding the bike is made for. Know, however, that there are as many different frame configurations as there are bike makers, each with "specialized" functions. However, the general shape of the bike helps determine its function more often than not: Road bikes are most often used by commuters, fitness, and racing fitness riding. The frames are usually large, isosceles (all sides the same length) triangles with a top bar, or top tube, that is parallel to the ground. Racing bikes usually have smaller frames, while touring or commuter bikes often have larger frames. Road bike frame sizes are measured in centimeters. Mountain bikes have a lower center of gravity to keep you on balance riding over roots, rocks, and mud on the trail. The center triangle is more compact, with the top tube sometimes angling down, away from the handlebars. Mountain bike frame sizes are measured in inches. Hybrid bikes combine features of road and mountain bikes. You can use these for both street riding and casual trail riding. These frames are usually measured in centimeters. Cruiser bikes have odd, sideways S-shaped or curved frames that allow you to sit nearly upright while riding. The handlebars are high above the seat and the pedals slightly in front of you so that you comfortably cruise around town. Sometimes called "city bikes" or "commuter bikes," these are made for short distances. Fitting these bikes is less about measurements than pure comfort on a test ride. Kids bikes have smaller frames similar to mountain bikes, helping them keep their balance with a lower center of gravity. They are very adjustable to compensate for quickly growing kids. They are usually measured by wheel size. Take your inseam measurement, the most important bike measurement there is. Stand with your feet 6 inches apart, then measure from the inside of your foot up to your crotch, where your leg meets your waist. Think of the seam on the inside of a pair of jeans. You need to measure the distance from the bottom of your foot to where your seat should be. If you are sizing a mountain bike, measure in inches. If you are sizing a road bike, measure in centimeters. For the most precise measurement: Take a thick, hardcover book and "sit" on the spine as if it was your bike seat. Still standing, measure to the top of the book from the floor. Use your inseam to calculate seat tube length for road bikes. Multiply your inseam measurement, in centimeters, by.67 to get your suggested seat tube (bar reaching from seat to pedals) length. The seat tube is usually, though not always, measured from the top of the tube to the center point of the crankshaft. Know that this measurement is simply a starting point -- you will likely need to make specific adjustments later on. Use your inseam to find the proper length of your top tube for mountain bikers. Multiply your inseam (in inches) by.67, then subtract 4" from the answer to get the length of your top tube. Use the top-tube for your measurement when possible if you are a mountain biker, as seat tube (pedals to seat) measurements are tricky and change from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, if you have a 33 inch inseam, you would need a 17.5" top tube (17.75" tubes are hard to find): 33" x.67 = 21.75" 21.75" - 4" = 17.75 Some mountain bikers prefer to measure by seat tube length, like road bikers. If your bike shop gives frame size by seat tube length, take your inseam and multiply it by.185. The resulting number is the recommended distance between your seat and the middle of the crankshaft, which is the circular piece the pedal rotates on. Use wheel diameter to help purchase children's bikes. Most kid bikes are adjustable, accommodating random growth spurts so you don't need to buy a new bike every year. That said, a child's bike should still fit them so they can put their feet flat on the ground while they're sitting on the saddle. For a child's inseam of 12-17 inches: 12-inch wheels For a child's inseam of 18-22 inches: 16-inch wheels For a child's inseam of 22-25 inches: 20-inch wheels Adjust the seat height to fit your legs before testing a bike frame. The height of the seat is easily modified on a bike to fit you, and the right size frame will feel wrong if the seat isn't high enough. You want to have it raised so that, on the bottom of your pedal stroke (one foot is at the lowest point), your knee is slightly bent, not straight. Have a friend or someone at the bike shop hold the bike in place while you get on. Pedal backward, stopping with one foot at the very bottom of the pedal's rotation, and adjust your seat height so that it is slightly bent. It is very rare that the last person who tested the bike needed the same seat height as you, so you must adjust this before knowing if the frame is the wrong size. Make sure you are not shifting or dropping your hips with each pedal stroke, as this will make your foot drop lower than it should and result in an improper fit. Find the "reach" that is most comfortable for you. There are a lot of measurements out there for finding the proper length between your seat and the handlebars, but they all end with the same advice -- pick one that you're comfortable with. At the end of the day, you'll feel like the reach to the handlebars is right if: You can touch every shifter and brakes comfortably. Your elbows are slightly bent. You can bend from the waist, not the back, to reach down. In general, casual riders will want closer, higher handlebars while racers want a longer reach. Do a stand-over test to see if the bike fits you properly. Straddle the top tube of the bike with your feet shoulder width apart. Grab the stem that connects to the handlebars with one hand and the seat with the other hand. Pull the frame up against your pelvic bone. Have a friend measure the distance between the ground and the wheels. A road bike should only have 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of space between the wheels and ground. If not, then you need a bigger frame. A mountain bike should have 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of space beneath the tires. If it's any more or less, change the frame size. Test out your suggested frame size before buying. Everyone's body is a little different, and the proportions of your arms, legs, and torso might mean you need a different frame to feel comfortable. Use your inseam measurements to get a starting frame size, then go to a local bike shop and test it out. Then test out a size bigger and size smaller. If you are in between sizes that both feel comfortable, think about your riding style: Smaller bikes are generally lighter and a bit more maneuverable. However, this difference is negligible, and you might not be able to adjust the bike a size if you find yourself uncomfortable later on. Many mountain bikers and racers opt for the smaller frame. Larger bikes can make you reach a bit too far, but you can often raise and lower the handlebars to a greater degree, allowing you better customization options if you decide you need a better fit further down the road. Many road bikers chose the larger bike for a more comfortable fit. Use an online sizing guide if you cannot test out bikes. While they are far from perfect, since they cannot possibly account for your unique body type, sizing guides are useful nonetheless for sizing a frame. You can find them online with a quick internet search for "(Mountain/Road/Kids/BMX/etc.) Frame Sizing Guide." Most of them require you to input your height and inseam, as well as your riding style. They then give you a range of frames to try out. Visit a bike shop for a professional sizing session. Most bicycle stores will help you determine the best size for your comfort and needs. They will take measurements for you and let you test out different types of bikes. If you don't want to size your bike yourself, this is a quick and easy option. Remember that your comfort comes first. Everyone is different, so if you don't feel comfortable riding a bike the "should" fit you, you need to get it re-sized. Test a few different frame sizes before buying, and feel free to play with the seat and handlebars until you find your sweet spot. Rent a few bikes before buying so that you can get 2-3 days of riding in. Talk to you local bike staff, even if you might buy a bike online. Let them know about any specific issues you've had and possible reasons. Know that you must adjust the seat and handlebars to truly size a bike. Getting the right frame size is only one part of sizing a bike correctly. Think of sizing measurements as your first draft -- it is the basis for everything that follows, but you need to make finer adjustments to get everything right. Make minor adjustments to your seat height if you feel knee pain. While you should set your seat before you buy a bike, making finer adjustments is crucial to comfortable sizing. Remember to pedal with the balls of your feet and don't swing your hips up and down with each stroke. If you feel pain in the back of your knee when riding, your seat is too high. Lower it 1-2cm. If you feel pain in the front of your knee when riding, your seat is too low. Raise it 1-2cm. Adjust how far forward the seat is to change your distance to the handlebars. Loosen the bolt underneath the back of the seat to move the seat forward or backward several centimeters. Make sure the seat is far enough forward for you for you to reach the handlebars comfortably. If your seat is in the right position, you will be able to stand on the pedals without using the handlebars to pull you up. If you have trouble standing, reaching for the bars, or feel finger numbness, then your seat is too far back. Trouble riding down hills and/or shoulder pain usually means your seat is too far forward. Start with your seat angle leveled evenly with the ground. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the seat is flat, as this ensures even distribution of your weight. While some people believe a seat should be tilted up, a level seat is almost always the best starting point. However, if you experience crotch discomfort, you can try: Women typically tilt the seat down for comfort. Men typically tilt the seat up for comfort. Loosen the bolt on the side of the seat to change the seat angle. You can easily loosen the bolt, change the angle, then tighten again. Some older seats have two small bolts underneath the seat, one in front of the seat post and one behind. You must tighten one side to push that side up while loosening the other, almost like a see-saw. Adjust your handlebars to ride comfortably. You want to ride in a way that's comfortable for you, and that changes from person to person. You want to feel in control of the bike without lower back pain. Most beginner riders want the handlebars to be even with saddle, or 1-2" lower for racers and mountain bikers. Your elbows should be slightly bent and your fingers light on the handlebars -- they could freely play the piano if there was one there. The position of your handlebars is determined by four things: Top Tube Length refers to the length of the bar between your handlebar stem and seat post. These are adjusted to fit the frame, and unless you have a very disproportionate body (torso much larger/smaller than legs) getting a properly sized frame will give you a properly sized top-tube. Stem length is the distance between your top tube and the handlebars. The longer the stem, the further away the bars will be from your seat. Stems run from $15-$150 and are the primary way to adjust your frame to make it fit your torso. Longer stems bend you into a more aerodynamic position while shorter stems lead to a more upright, calmer riding style. Handlebar angle can be changed independently from your stem. To do so, loosen the 4 bolts where the stem meets the handlebars and angle it up or down to your comfort. This is a great way to get an extra 1-3 inches on your handlebar position, which can make a big difference in comfort. Handlebar height may often be changed by adding or removing the metal spacers where your stem meets your frame. To do so, loosen the bolt on the top of the stem and the two that clamp the stem to your frame and remove the handlebars. Then add or remove the spacers accordingly. You can only make minor changes, however, as there is not a lot of room for new spacers. Some older road bikes with quill or threaded stems may allow you to adjust the handlebar height by raising or lowering the stem. | Know that you must buy the right frame for your style of riding. Take your inseam measurement, the most important bike measurement there is. Use your inseam to calculate seat tube length for road bikes. Use your inseam to find the proper length of your top tube for mountain bikers. Use wheel diameter to help purchase children's bikes. Adjust the seat height to fit your legs before testing a bike frame. Find the "reach" that is most comfortable for you. Do a stand-over test to see if the bike fits you properly. Test out your suggested frame size before buying. Use an online sizing guide if you cannot test out bikes. Visit a bike shop for a professional sizing session. Remember that your comfort comes first. Know that you must adjust the seat and handlebars to truly size a bike. Make minor adjustments to your seat height if you feel knee pain. Adjust how far forward the seat is to change your distance to the handlebars. Start with your seat angle leveled evenly with the ground. Adjust your handlebars to ride comfortably. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Feline-Cataracts | How to Diagnose Feline Cataracts | To determine if your cat has cataracts, monitor your cat's eyes for any changes, especially if they develop a slight white color or haze over the lenses. You should also watch your cat's behaviors and take note if it starts squinting or bumping into things around the house because it might be coping with vision loss. If you notice any of these signs, you can help your cat get the care it needs by taking it to the vet for an evaluation. Your cat might also have a number of risk factors that make it more likely for it to develop cataracts, so take extra care if your cat has had a blow to the eye, or has a condition like diabetes, which can cause naturally occurring toxins to build up in the lens of the eye. | Monitor your cat's eyes. You should always pay close attention to any changes in your cat's eyes. Most cataracts for slowly, gradually spreading over the surface of the eye. The earlier you spot it, the more can be done for your cat. If your cat has an illness or injury, the cataract may spread rapidly. If your cat is starting to lose her vision, her other senses will start to adjust in order to compensate. This might make it difficult to see any changes in her sight. But, you should still watch for signs that your cat is struggling to see. Look at your cat's eye color. At first, you may notice a slight white color or haze over the lens of your cat's eye(s). The longer your cat has a cataract, the whiter and denser it will look. Your cat might have a cataract in one or both eyes. Sometimes a cataract will have an intense blue spot in the center of the pupil. The spot might stay small or it can quickly expand to cover the pupil. Watch for milky or cloudy eyes. These changes are an obvious sign of cataracts. Normally, the lens is clear so when you directly look at the pupil, it appears black. This is because you can see straight through to the back of the eye. But, if your cat's lens and pupil look milky or cloudy, she may have cataracts. If you don't see milky or cloudy eyes, but notice that the eye color has changed, you should still have your cat examined by a vet. Look for squinting. If your cat is having trouble with her vision, you may notice her squinting. This symptom shows that she's trying to cope with failing vision. The loss of vision varies from cat to cat. Some cats only have mild vision problems, while others might become completely blind. Pay attention to your cat's behavior. If your cat has severe cataracts, she may lose her vision. You might notice this if she startles more easily, because she doesn't see you approach. Or, she might walk into objects that are put in her path. Your cat might seem clumsier than usual. Your cat may lose confidence and and become withdrawn, because she fears not being able to cope in strange situations or defend herself from other pets. Consider your cat's risk factors. Cataracts can form because of trauma to the eye, like a knock or blow. These can cause inflammation. Naturally occurring toxins can also build up in the lens which makes it turn cloudy white. This usually happens with conditions like diabetes. Cataracts can also be congenital or genetic, affecting your cat from birth. If your cat has another condition or infection that causes inflammation within the eye (like iritis, FeLV, FIV), she is more likely to get cataracts. Take your cat to the veterinarian. If you suspect your cat has cataracts, take her to the vet as soon as you can. Getting an early diagnosis usually means you'll have more treatment options available, like getting surgical therapy. Also, recognizing that your cat has impaired vision can help you take safety precautions. For example, a cat with cataracts should live indoors so she's not bothered by other cats or at risk of getting injured in a road traffic accident. Get your cat's eyes examined. The vet will do a thorough examination before looking at your cat's eyes. Your vet may start by standing back and looking at your cat's eyes in order to get an overall impression. The vet will check to see if the eyes are the same size and whether there's increased eye pressure (a sign of glaucoma). The vet will also take a history of any changes with your cat (like changes in thirst, weight, and behavior). This helps rule out other conditions that can affect vision, like diabetes. Look for red eye in your cat. The veterinarian will use an ophthalmoscope which is a lens with a light on it to examine your cat's eyes. The vet will stand back and shine the bright light in each eye to look for 'red eye.' 'Red eye' is similar to the reflection you get when you take a flash photograph and the flash reflects off the retina. If your cat has 'red eye', this means that the light has passed through the lens and isn't blocked by cataracts. Your cat may be affected by another condition. Look for a shadow on the retina. The veterinarian will also use an ophthalmoscope to look for a shadow on the retina. If your cat has a cataract, it will stop light from passing through the lens. This casts the shadow. The test is used to differentiate between a cataract and a cloudy lens caused by old age. A cloudy lens from old age still lets some light through, unlike cataracts which can blind the cat. Follow the vet's treatment recommendations. If your cat is young or the cataract is very mild, your vet may recommend leaving it alone to see if it improves on its own. If the cataract begins to affect your cat's vision, you may want a specialist vet ophthalmologist to surgically remove the cataract, although this can be expensive. Or, the specialist can use a ultrasonic waves to remove the cataract (phacoemulsion). If your cat is affected by a condition other than cataracts, the vet will treat any underlying eye inflammation before starting treatment for the other health issue (like diabetes). Consider treating your cat's pain. If your cat has cataracts, she may have some discomfort. Ask the veterinarian about giving her anti-inflammatory eye drops. Your vet might also want to give her nutritional supplements if she's developing cataracts because of nutritional deficiencies. If left untreated, the cataracts may cause blindness and pain, at which point the eye might need to be removed. | Monitor your cat's eyes. Look at your cat's eye color. Watch for milky or cloudy eyes. Look for squinting. Pay attention to your cat's behavior. Consider your cat's risk factors. Take your cat to the veterinarian. Get your cat's eyes examined. Look for red eye in your cat. Look for a shadow on the retina. Follow the vet's treatment recommendations. Consider treating your cat's pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Clothing-Measurements-Without-Measuring-Tape | How to Take Clothing Measurements Without Measuring Tape | To take clothing measurements without measuring tape, you can use any flexible material that you have handy, such as string, yarn, a piece of scrap fabric, or a cable. Next, look for an object that you have on hand that has an even, known length, such as a standard piece of printer paper. Then, use the object to mark the measurement increments on the flexible material. Finally, use the marked material to take your measurements. | Look for flexible material. Find a common item in your home that is flexible, meaning that it bends so you can use the length of it to measure curves on your body. Try common materials like string, yarn, a piece of scrap fabric, or a cable. Make sure the material you use isn't precious, as you will be marking it up, cutting it, or otherwise potentially damaging it for use in taking measurements. Try to find an object with a known length. Look for an object that you have on hand that has an even, known length to allow for easy measuring. Depending on the object, you can either use it to directly measure on your body, or to measure the length of another material like string. For instance, a standard American printer paper size is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long. An American dollar bill is 2.5 inches wide by 6 inches long. You can also look up the size written on the bottom of a baking pan, a box, or another object that you can easily find the exact dimensions of. Mark increments on the material. If you don't already know the exact length of the material you're using in place of measuring tape, use a flat ruler to mark increments on it. If you use a material that is long, you can mark off every 6 or 12 inches on it to measure longer lengths of the body, like inseam. On shorter material like a piece of paper or dollar bill, you can simply use it to measure one length at a time, or fold it in halves to measure smaller increments. If you don't have a ruler, you can measure lengths with standard objects like printer paper or a dollar bill. Or, approximate lengths using your hand and arm. The distance from your first knuckle to the end of your fingertip is about 1 inch, the distance across your palm underneath the fingers is about 4 inches, and the distance from elbow to fingertips is about 18 inches. However, these approximations vary on each body. Lay the material on the body for measurement. Place your material across or around the part of the body you want to measure to find its length based on your marks or understanding of the material's length. If your material is too short to span the length of the area, place your finger as precisely as possible where the material ends and begin there with another length of the material, doing this as many times as you have to to reach the full length of the area. If you want to find the length of an area of your body beforehand and then measure it afterward, place it on the area of your body you want to measure and carefully take hold of the material (or even cut it if it is a material like string) where the length of your body ends. Then use a ruler or approximate measurements from your hand to determine the length. Make sure you write down all numbers and label them with the body measurement they correspond to. Measure bust size. Find the size of your or another woman's chest by wrapping your measuring material around the back over your shoulder blades, under the armpits, and across the fullest part of the bust. Ensure that you do not pull whatever material you're using to measure too tightly around the chest. To measure for a bra, bathing suit, or other garment that calls for it, you will use this bust measurement along with the circumference just below the bust to find the cup and band size. Take a waist measurement. Use your measuring material to find the length around your or another woman's torso at its smallest point, which is your natural waist. Find this point by observing where the torso creases when bending side to side, and note that it will fall above the bellybutton and below the ribcage. Note that there is a difference between the natural waist and where the waistband may be worn on pants, skirts, or shorts. When clothing measurements call for a waist size, it refers to the narrowest part of the torso, the natural waist. You may want to take another measurement below the natural waist where you know you will wear a garment. Be sure to exhale and relax, or have the woman you're measuring do so, before you take a waist measurement. The abdomen shouldn't be enlarged with air, sucked in smaller, or otherwise in an unnatural or unrelaxed state. Measure hip size. Wrap your measuring material around your own or another woman's hips at their fullest point to determine hip size. The fullest point of the hips is generally about 8 inches below the natural waist, but of course the distance varies from person to person. Take a few different measurements if you need to ensure that you find the widest point. If you're taking the measurement on yourself, make sure your measuring material is level across your hips and rear end by observing yourself in a mirror. Find the inseam. Take the measurement of the inseam for a pair of pants by measuring along one leg from groin to ankle with the leg remaining straight. This is best done on another person or with help from someone else to take a measurement on you. If you don't have someone to help, you can also measure the inseam on a pair of pants that fits you well. The proper inseam for a pair of pants may vary depending on the style of pants and the height of the heel on the shoe worn with them. Take any other measurements necessary. Use your measuring material to take any other measurements that a sizing chart or clothing pattern calls for. Make sure that you always take a measurement from the fullest part or longest extension of a body part. Measure around the widest part of your arm or thigh, for example, and measure for the length of a sleeve with your arm bent to accommodate movement. It may be helpful to keep a piece of string or elastic tied around the natural waist, as it will be used as an endpoint for other measurements like front waist length, back waist length, and rise. Measure the neck. Use your measuring material on your own neck or the neck of another man to measure the circumference at the base of the neck. The measurement should be taken about an inch below the Adam's Apple. Place a finger underneath your measuring material to accommodate extra room and comfort for a fitted shirt collar. Find a chest measurement. Measure around your own chest or another man's chest by wrapping your measuring material around the back over the shoulder blades, under the armpits, and across the fullest part of the chest. The chest should not be flexed or sunken in but rather comfortable and relaxed, with the measuring material held snugly against the skin while exhaling. Sport coat or suit jacket measurements will also include a letter after the chest size number. A Regular (R) typically fits men 5'7” to 6', while a Long (L) fits 6'1” to 6'3”. Take a sleeve measurement. Measure the length from the shoulder joint to the wrist bone to find the right length for a shirt or jacket sleeve. For a shirt measurement, bend the elbow to accommodate for movement. For a jacket measurement, measure from the outside edge of the shoulder down a straight arm to where you want a jacket sleeve to end. Measure the waist. Take a waist measurement by holding your measuring material around your or another man's torso, just above the bellybutton. Make sure that you are in a relaxed posture and breathing out, not flexing or sucking in the abdomen when taking this measurement, or you are instructing the man you are measuring to do so. Note that you may want to take a measurement at the hip, closer to where a waistband would come to, if you are measuring for trousers. Find the inseam. Measure from crotch to ankle along the inside of one leg to find the inseam on yourself or another man. If you cannot receive help taking this measurement on yourself, find the length on a pair of pants that fit you very well. Typical men's pants sizes list two numbers: the first is the waist measurement and the second is the inseam. Take any other measurements necessary. Find any other measurements that a sizing chart or clothing pattern calls for using your measuring material. Make sure you take measurements from the fullest part of the body where you are measuring. You may need more measurements like wrist size, shoulder width, seat, and shirt/jacket length to fully fit a custom-made suit. | Look for flexible material. Try to find an object with a known length. Mark increments on the material. Lay the material on the body for measurement. Measure bust size. Take a waist measurement. Measure hip size. Find the inseam. Take any other measurements necessary. Measure the neck. Find a chest measurement. Take a sleeve measurement. Measure the waist. Find the inseam. Take any other measurements necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Non-Working-Air-Conditioning-in-a-Car | How to Diagnose a Non Working Air Conditioning in a Car | To diagnose why the air conditioning in your car isn't working, start by turning your car on and setting the AC to full blast. If strange noises are coming from the AC, there could be an issue with the compressor and it may need to be fixed or replaced. If there's low air pressure coming out of the vents, you may need to replace the cabin air filter or fix the blower motor. If the air coming out is warm, the coolant could be leaking or you may need to clean the AC condenser. | Turn the air conditioning on while the car is running. The air conditioner won't run properly unless your engine is running. The best setting for diagnosis is “fresh air” (not recirculated) with the air blowing out of the center vents in the dash and the AC turned on. Start with the fan speed turned to its highest setting. If your car has a “Max AC” setting, select that option. Listen for unusual noises coming from the AC. Noise could indicate that there is a problem with your compressor and that it needs repair or replacing. Feel the air coming out of the vents. You will need to know if the air is cold, room temperature, or hotter than the air around it. Also note if it starts cold but turns warmer, or if it is usually warm but blows cold intermittently. Notice the air pressure. Turn the air pressure to the high and low settings and see if the airflow changes like it normally does. Smell the air coming from the vents. If there are unusual smells, you could have a leak. You may also need to change your cabin air filter. Inspect your car’s fuses. Check your owner's manual for the location of your car's fuse panel, as it may be under the hood, in the trunk, or even in the driver's foot well area. A blown fuse can cause your AC to stop working. Check all of the vents. Be sure that air pressure is coming out of the vents that you have selected. Move the vent selector to see if the air moves to the proper vents. If changing the selected vent does not alter the flow of air, you likely have a blend door problem, which will require replacing the doors inside the dash that determine the direction of the air flow. Blend doors change position when the temperature selection is changed, blocking the flow or permitting the flow of either hot or cold air. Sometimes an AC system with a mode door problem could be working fine, but the air flow is being directed somewhere else, like back out to the engine, instead of into the car. Look at your cabin air filter. Especially if the air coming from your vents smells funny or if you think you have had a slow decrease in pressure for some time, check the air filter. You will be able to see if it has a buildup of dirt or debris on it. It is possible that your cabin air filter is so blocked that it is interfering with your air pressure, and replacing it will be a relatively easy an inexpensive fix to your problem. Your car manual may have instructions on replacing the cabin filter. If it doesn't, try searching online for “replace cabin air filter” followed by the year, make, and model of your car (for example, you might search for “replace cabin air filter for 2006 Toyota Camry”). Check for a blower motor problem. The easiest way to do this is to try turning on your heat. If you have weak air flow when the heat is on as well, your blower motor may have gone out. A blower motor may have a resistor problem if your air only blows on the high setting but will not blow on a lower setting. Unfortunately, mice and other rodents sometimes build homes in car HVAC hoses and can get caught in the blower motor when the car is started. A loud noise (or bad smell) coming when the heat or air are running could be a sign of this problem. Find the front of your AC condenser. It is normally located in front of your radiator. If there are leaves or other dirt or buildup blocking it, remove them and clean the area. Look under the hood at the AC compressor clutch. If your air pressure is normal but the air is hot, you may have a compressor problem. Checking to see if the compressor clutch is engaging is a simple visual inspection. The compressor is usually located towards the front of your engine, just inside the grill of your car. Your car should be running with the AC on to check the compressor clutch. The compressor looks like a small motor with a large wheel on the end. The wheel (which is the compressor clutch) should be spinning. If it is not spinning, you have a problem with your compressor. Check the tension on the belt of the compressor. It should be tight. If it is loose, you need a new compressor belt. Find any coolant system leaks. One of the most common AC temperature problems is low refrigerant. The AC system is closed, so refrigerant should not be lost unless there is a leak. Look for oily residue on or around hoses that attach AC components together. Oily spots may indicate a refrigerant leak. You may consider using an electronic leak detector, which can detect much smaller quantities of refrigerant. There are also some testers that use dye, UV light, and protective glasses to find leaks. If you do find a leak, you will likely need to hire a professional to repair the leak. You will probably need new parts too, as many of the components cannot be repaired or patched. Check for freezing. If your AC blows cold initially but then stops being cold after some use, it could be freezing. Excess air and moisture in the system may lead components to freeze (literally). Freezing can also be caused by an oversaturated receiver/drier or accumulator. Turning the system off for a while and letting it thaw will temporarily solve the problem. If the problem is persistent, you may need your system to be flushed or evacuated with a vacuum pump. | Turn the air conditioning on while the car is running. Listen for unusual noises coming from the AC. Feel the air coming out of the vents. Notice the air pressure. Smell the air coming from the vents. Inspect your car’s fuses. Check all of the vents. Look at your cabin air filter. Check for a blower motor problem. Find the front of your AC condenser. Look under the hood at the AC compressor clutch. Check the tension on the belt of the compressor. Find any coolant system leaks. Check for freezing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Pink-Cheeks | How to Get Pink Cheeks | You can get pink cheeks using natural remedies you may have around the house. For example, you can rub beetroot onto your cheeks to make them pinker. Beetroot contains a natural red dye. You can also mix some grape juice into your face lotion to give it a rosy tint. For a more natural looking glow, rub a small amount of light vegetable oil into each cheek. Another option is to use makeup to make your cheeks pink. Apply a light blush to give them a healthy glow. If your skin is darker or you want your cheeks to stand out more, put on a medium tone blush. | Use beetroot. Don't want to shell out your hard-earned cash on expensive makeup? Try one of these home remedies. You may already have the ingredients in your kitchen (at worst, you may need to make a trip to the grocery store.) For example, beetroot, which is often sold at health food stores, contains a powerful red pigment — in fact, earlier in history, it was used as a dye. Carefully rubbing beetroot on your cheeks can give them a subtle pink hue, though it's important not to over-apply this strong dye. Be gentle when using beetroot, as its natural dyes can easily stain fabrics. Remove beetroot from your cheeks by rubbing with a slice of lemon. Add grape or pomegranate juice to your face rub for color. Mixing just a splash of a red-colored fruit juice (like grape or pomegranate) into your daily facial rub or lotion is one easy way to give your product mild "rosy" properties. Plus, it usually smells great. Add only a small dash of your juice — no more than a teaspoon or so. Using too much can leave you with a watery rub that leaves your cheeks feeling sticky once it dries. Apply vegetable oil to give your cheeks a healthy glow. Mild, non-greasy vegetable oils have long been used to give the skin an attractive natural "glow." In fact, the ancient Romans used olive oil as a sort of skin lotion to make themselves look good after bathing. You can get the same effect today by rubbing a small dot of vegetable oil into each cheek — the natural sheen you get will bring out your cheeks' gorgeous natural complexion. Below are a few oils that are generally safe for this sort of use: Grapeseed oil Olive oil Sunflower oil Apricot kernel oil Note: If you get acne easily, you may want to be cautious with this method, as some greasier oils can clog pores and lead to outbreaks. Use a rose petal rub. If you're looking to pamper yourself, consider a rose petal rub. The natural pigments in the petals will help add color to your cheeks and, if you're using petals from a fragrant rose, they'll have a natural perfuming effect. To make your rose petal rub, combine about half a cup of rose petals with 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of virgin coconut oil (or one of the oils above), and about 20 drops of essential rose oil if you have it. Mix the ingredients, grinding the rose petals into the mixture as you go (a mortar and pestle or food processor can be helpful here.) Gently rub the mixture onto your cheeks after bathing, then rinse off and pat dry. Apply light blush for a subtle glow. Let's face it — sometimes, cheeks just refuse to be cooperative. If you can't get pinker cheeks with the tricks above, try using a little blush to give your cheeks a boost! Start light by adding just a little blush. Remember, you can easily add more, but it can be a pain to remove your blush and start over if you add too much. There's no single "right" type of makeup to use — what looks good on one person may not look good on another. However, if you're a makeup beginner, it's generally a good idea to start with a mild pink blush, which can contain hints of gold or peach if you like. These shades are a good general choice because they complement nearly all skin tones. See our blush article for tips on applying your makeup. Apply medium blush to define your cheeks. The more blush you add, the more noticeable your "rosy cheek" effect will be. If you'd like to bring out your cheeks a little more after applying your first light dusting,feel free to do so, but be wary of applying too much. As a general rule, people with very light skin should be careful about the amount of blush they apply. Because a pale complexion makes makeup more noticeable, it can be easy to use too much blush (though there are plenty of exceptions to this rule.) Apply heavy blush for a bold effect. Applying lots of blush will certainly give you rosy cheeks, but if you don't balance your blush with the rest of your makeup and your outfit, it can easily distract from your natural beauty. Overly-heavy applications of blush can give an artificial, doll-like appearance, especially to people with very light skin. Exfoliate. Many beauty magazines recommend a regular regimen of facial exfoliation to keep your cheeks pink. The reasoning behind this is that exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can give your face a "dull," cold appearance. If you have one, try using an exfoliating cream or rub (preferably one that contains a moisturizer) to clean your face every morning. If you don't, no worries — you can make your own with olive oil and sugar. Give yourself a facial massage. Another trick that beauticians will sometimes recommend for giving yourself pink cheeks is a facial massage. Massages improve circulation and increase blood flow to the area you massage, giving the impression of pinker cheeks. While this solution is a temporary one, it's one that's very quick and easy to do on your own. To give yourself a facial massage, close your eyes, get into a comfortable position, and bring your hands up to your face. Use the tips of your fingers to press into the skin of your face, starting at the top of your forehead and gradually working your way down to your chin. Spend extra time on your cheeks, gently kneading and pressing them to increase blood flow. Exercise! One sure-fire way to get your cheeks nice and red is to simply do a little exercise. It's no secret that activities like playing sports, jogging, lifting weights, and doing calisthenics can make you flushed — generally, the more intense the exercise, the brighter your cheeks will be. Note however, that a regular exercise routine can actually make it harder for you to get rosy cheeks in the long run. If you're able to reduce your blood pressure with steady exercise (which, by the way, is a good thing!), the capillaries in your cheeks responsible for giving you pink cheeks won't fill with blood during exercise as easily. Stay warm. Keeping yourself warm and cozy in cold weather can sometime have the side effect of giving you pink cheeks. When your body temperature is hot, the body automatically redirects blood from the inside of your body to the blood vessels near the surface. This blood causes your cheeks (and likely other parts of your body) to get a reddish or pinkish tinge. Don't go overboard here — wearing a warm coat in winter is a good idea, but deliberately subjecting yourself to uncomfortably high temperatures can be unsafe. Cool off right away if you start to sweat profusely or feel light-headed. Rinse your face with warm water. A nice facial rinse doesn't just feel great — it can also give your cheeks a "splash" of pink! Heating up the skin of your face with warm water causes the body to direct more blood there. This extra blood can make your cheeks a little pinker with very little effort on your part. Try eating a fruit-and-vegetable rich diet. Some sources claim that a diet rich in plant products can encourage rosy cheeks. The logic behind this method is that the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in these foods help the body "stay healthy" and promote good blood flow. In particular, green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, and so on are prized because of their iron content (iron has a natural red hue — it's what makes your blood red.) Try vinegar. Vinegar is a substance that appears in many supposed home remedies. According to this method's supporters, vinegar cleans, rejuvenates, and "detoxifies" the skin. In addition, vinegar is claimed to promote good blood flow. Be sure to rinse your skin after using vinegar to eliminate the unpleasant smell. Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, not balsamic or red wine vinegar. Though the latter two have natural reddish hues, they can leave your skin feeling sticky afterwards. Try a lemon-honey rub. According to some, lemon juice's natural acidic properties make it a great choice for getting your skin looking great. The logic behind these claims is usually that the acid acts as a cleaning, "purifying" agent, leaving the skin feeling (and looking) clear and refreshed. To make a lemon-honey rub, mix a quarter cup of lemon juice with three-quarters cups of sugar and about a tablespoon of honey. Rub the mixture onto your cheeks, allow it to sit for about one minute, then remove it and rinse your face. This rub makes a great exfoliation product as well. Try drinking plenty of water. According to some sites, simply staying well-hydrated can help keep your cheeks rosy. Drinking plenty of water does have several minor health benefits, including making the skin appear slightly more "full" and supple. By this logic, drinking plenty of water can give you an attractive set of cheeks by bringing out their natural shape, which may make them appear rosier. While everyone's needs are different, most health authorities will recommend about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (about two liters total) for optimal health. Try taking vitamins E and C. Though their effectiveness isn't certain, vitamin supplements appear in many, many lists of rosy cheek home remedies. These vitamins are claimed to increase the elasticity and suppleness of the skin, leading to a healthier overall appearance and a natural "glow." Note: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it takes a long time for your body to get rid of. Because of this, it's possible to poison yourself if you take lots of vitamin E supplements (the amount you get from your daily food shouldn't ever be dangerous.) As a very general rule, adults shouldn't take more than 400 IU (International Units) of vitamin E per day — using more than this can cause serious side effects. On the other hand, it's very difficult to take unhealthy amounts of vitamin C because it is water-soluble, which means it's easy for your body to get rid of. | Use beetroot. Add grape or pomegranate juice to your face rub for color. Apply vegetable oil to give your cheeks a healthy glow. Use a rose petal rub. Apply light blush for a subtle glow. Apply medium blush to define your cheeks. Apply heavy blush for a bold effect. Exfoliate. Give yourself a facial massage. Exercise! Stay warm. Rinse your face with warm water. Try eating a fruit-and-vegetable rich diet. Try vinegar. Try a lemon-honey rub. Try drinking plenty of water. Try taking vitamins E and C. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Call-Bingo | How to Call Bingo | Before you call a Bingo game, explain to the players what type of game they're playing, such as 4 corners or the whole board. When you get the letter and number combination from the ball, shout them out several times. If the letter sounds similar to others, say a word that starts with the same letter, like "B for Bingo." Finally, wait 30 seconds before moving on to the next call so the players can mark their boards. | Introduce yourself and the specifics of the game. Before you start calling combinations, tell the audience your name and introduce the game. State how many games will be played and what they'll be playing for, such as four corners, a line, etc. You can give yourself a funny nickname instead of using your real name to liven things up, if desired. Make any rules very clear in the beginning so that people are less likely to get upset about technicalities. For example, after telling the group your name, you could say, "We're going to be playing 2 games. In the first one, your goal is to get 4 corners, and the second one will be for the whole board." Yell out the letter before the number once you get the combination. You'll either pull a ball from the ball spinner, or you'll wait for the combination to appear on an electronic random number generator. State the letter first, followed by the number, such as “B5!” It's helpful to say a word that starts with the letter for letters that sound similar to other letters, such as B and G. For example, if the call is B10, you might say, “B10, B as in Bingo!” Repeat the letter and number combination several times. It's common for people to not hear a new combination the first time you say it, or they might mishear and think it's something else. To get rid of any confusion, repeat the letter and number 3 times, waiting a few seconds in between each reading. Allow 30 seconds between each call to give people enough marking time. People need time to hear the combination, find it on their score sheets, and then mark it. Don't call out a new combination too quickly—wait roughly 30 seconds after you've called out the letter and number for people to prepare for the next call. The 30 seconds refers to the entire time a new call is made—you don't need to wait 30 seconds each time you repeat the combination again for people that might not have heard. Keep calling out the combinations until someone yells bingo. Continue stating the letter and number combinations slowly and clearly. Pay attention to the crowd to see when someone raises their hand or yells, “Bingo!” signifying that they've won. If necessary, check their card to make sure that they have the right combinations marked and truly have bingo. Learn nicknames for the numbers in case you decide to use them. Many bingo players are familiar with funny word associations or nicknames for the bingo numbers. Decide whether your audience would understand and enjoy these nicknames, and use them to make the game more fun and interesting if desired. For example, you might say, “B7, slice of heaven,” or refer to 13 as “Unlucky for some.” You can find a list of bingo nicknames on websites such as Wink Bingo. Go slowly to pronounce the calls clearly. It's common for people to talk faster when speaking in front of a lot of people. Don't rush through each combination—enunciate each letter and number clearly. By speaking more slowly, you'll better ensure that people understand what you're saying. You might consider practicing calling out letters and numbers in front of someone else beforehand so that they can tell you if you're speaking at the right speed. Speak with a loud voice if you don't have a microphone. If you're calling bingo in a busy bar or informal setting, you want everyone to be able to hear you. Speak louder than you normally would if the crowd is large or farther away, and ask people in the back if they can hear you before getting started. If you do have a microphone, you can speak at a normal volume as long as your mouth is close enough to the mic. Speaking loudly and clearly is especially important if your audience is full of seniors who could be hard of hearing. When everyone is getting set up, ask the group, "can everyone hear me clearly?" to know if you need to speak louder or softer. Be confident. If you go up to start calling and are super nervous and timid, the audience is going to question whether you're a good caller. Try to have fun and be relaxed—if you show confidence, the audience will be much more engaged and excited. For example, try speaking enthusiastically and clearly, asking the audience questions like, “Who's ready to win some bingo?” to get them enthusiastic about the game. Keep a drink next to you in case you get thirsty. All of that talking is likely to make your throat dry. Bring a bottle of water with you so that you can take sips as needed, or ask if there are any drinks available at the bingo location. It's best to bring a drink with a lid or cap to avoid spillage. Take your cues from the audience. If you're not sure whether you're calling the next combination too quickly or too slowly, look at the audience to see when they lift their heads up. If your audience looks super calm and relaxed, maybe consider using a more soothing voice than you would with a crowd who's full of energy. It's a good idea to look out at the players after every couple of calls to make sure everyone's engaged and having fun. | Introduce yourself and the specifics of the game. Yell out the letter before the number once you get the combination. Repeat the letter and number combination several times. Allow 30 seconds between each call to give people enough marking time. Keep calling out the combinations until someone yells bingo. Learn nicknames for the numbers in case you decide to use them. Go slowly to pronounce the calls clearly. Speak with a loud voice if you don't have a microphone. Be confident. Keep a drink next to you in case you get thirsty. Take your cues from the audience. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-a-Pear | How to Eat a Pear | To eat a pear, eat it just like you would eat an apple, skin and all. Just make sure you don't eat the core and seeds in the center. If you don't like the way the skin tastes, use a knife to peel the skin off before you eat the pear. You can also cut a pear up into individual slices or chunks with a knife if you don't want to eat the whole thing at once. | Choose your type of pear. Each type of pear has a distinct flavor, color, shape, and season. No one type of pear is superior to the other, so it's up to you to decide which type of pear you want to eat, based on what pears are available to you. Here are some of the most common types of pears: Anjou pears: These are golden green and have a buttery, sweet flavor, are in season from October to May. Asian pears: These are yellow, sort of apple shaped, and taste like a watermelon crossed with a potato. Bartlett pears: These are best when they have turned yellow, but still have green flecks they are summer pears that bruise very easily. These are green when unripe; there are also Red Bartlett pears which are similar except for their color. Bosc pears: These have golden skin and have a spicy, aromatic flavor. Comice pears: These pears are thick-skinned, green, juicy pears. Seckel pears: These pears are small and red and green and are perfect for snacks. Wait for the pear to ripen. Usually, when you buy a pear in a store, it is still hard and not quite ripe, so you will probably have to wait until it is ripened at home. Contrary to popular belief, you should actually start the ripening process by cooling the pears in the fridge first (just 1-2 days for Bartlett pears, but anywhere from 2-6 weeks for Anjou, Bosc, or Comice pears) for optimal effect. Once you remove them from the fridge, you should ripen them at between 65-75 degrees, waiting from 4-10 days for them to reach their full potential. To speed up the process after you take the pears out of the fridge, you can place them in a paper bag or near a ripe apple or banana. Eat the pair out of your hand, skin and all. You can eat pears just like you eat an apple , by holding them and eating around the middle. Pears have cores too, so don't eat too far in (unless you want to)! If you don't like the taste of the pear's skin and find it too bitter or tough, you can carefully remove the skin with a knife first. This will make the pear a bit more juicy and tougher to eat out of your hand, though, so if you want to skin the pear, it may be better to eat them sliced (see the next step). Slice the pear before eating it. You can also chop up a pear before eating it. Before cutting, you might consider peeling the pear, especially if it is thick skinned, to increase the flavor. Remove the skin from the pear, slice it in half, remove the core from each side by scooping it out with a knife, and then cut the pear into slices or chunks as thick or thin as you'd like them to be. Poach the pear. All you need to enjoy a poached pair is some sugar, boiling water, and some vanilla essence. Make pear relish. Make this delicious relish by boiling your pears along with a mixture of cinnamon, all spice, honey, and vinegar in a cheesecloth, and letting them set overnight. Then all you have to do is drain their syrup, boil it, and pour it over the pears. Can the pears and your relish is ready. Make pear pie. All you need to make a delicious pear pie is some pie crust, sugar, flour, pears, butter, a few other key ingredients, and some patience to wait for the tasty pie to bake. Place it in the oven for 10 minutes at 450ºF (232ºC) and then cook it for another 30-40 minutes at 350ºF(176ºC) and you're good to go. . Make Asian Pear salad with pecans To make this tasty salad, you need a variety of ingredients, such as Asian pears, pecans, vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and Gorgonzola cheese. Toss the ingredients together and you're done. Make rhubarb, apple, and pear crisp. To make this tasty dessert, all you need to do is slice your rhubarb stalks, apples, and pears, place them in a baking dish, and cover them with a flaky mixture of butter, oats, and cinnamon. Then place the dish in the oven at 350ºF/180ºC and bake it for 50 minutes. | Choose your type of pear. Wait for the pear to ripen. Eat the pair out of your hand, skin and all. Slice the pear before eating it. Poach the pear. Make pear relish. . Make rhubarb, apple, and pear crisp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Varicose-Veins | How to Prevent Varicose Veins | To prevent varicose veins, try to maintain a healthy weight since being overweight increases your chances of developing them. You can keep your weight down by eating healthy and exercising regularly, which will also strengthen your circulatory system and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Try to keep your legs elevated as much as possible so you're putting less pressure on the veins in your legs. Also, avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time by walking around and stretching every 30 minutes. | Know your risk factors. Some people are more prone to developing varicose veins than others. Knowing the risk factors for developing varicose veins will help you choose healthy lifestyle habits. If you have several risk factors, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor about how to manage your risk. Age. Age is a significant factor in whether you may develop varicose veins. Aging causes your veins to lose some of their elasticity. The valves inside your veins stop functioning as efficiently. This can cause varicose veins to develop. Biological sex. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins. This may be because of the hormonal changes female bodies usually experience, such as menopause and pregnancy. Genetics. If a member of your immediate family has varicose veins, you may be at greater risk for developing them as well. If you were born with weaker vein valves, you are at higher risk of developing varicose veins. Obesity. Being overweight can put a lot of extra pressure on your veins. This can lead to developing varicose veins. Lack of movement. If you stand or sit still for long stretches of time, you may be at greater risk for developing varicose veins. Staying in position for too long puts extra pressure on your veins to pump blood to your heart. Leg trauma. If you have had previous trauma or injuries, such as blood clots, you are at higher risk for developing varicose veins. . Maintain a healthy weight Excess weight will put undue pressure on your legs and circulatory system. If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce this pressure, thereby reducing your risk of varicose veins. Develop healthy eating habits. Avoid foods with high calorie and low nutrition content. Eat a diet that's high in fiber. Some studies suggest a relationship between low-fiber diets and the development of varicose veins. Diets high in fiber also help lower your cholesterol and may reduce blood pressure. Avoid added salt when possible. Reducing your salt intake can help reduce swelling in varicose veins. It may also reduce your body's water retention. Exercise regularly. Walking and jogging improve circulation in the legs, and proper circulation helps ward off the development and worsening of varicose veins. Exercise also reduces overall high blood pressure and strengthens your entire circulatory system. Running is also helpful in preventing the appearance of varicose veins. It improves circulation in your legs. Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to many health problems. Studies have shown that the high blood pressure associated with smoking also helps cause varicose veins. Smoking is also associated with “lower limb venous insufficiency,” where blood does not flow properly and pools into the legs. Avoid taking high-estrogen birth control pills. Long-term use of birth control pills containing high levels of estrogen and progesterone may increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Hormone replacement therapy may have similar effects. Talk with your doctor about the best option for you. Prolonged use of estrogen and progesterone may weaken the valves in your veins and alter circulation in your legs. Birth control that uses lower doses of estrogen is less likely to result in varicose veins or blood clots. Stay out of the sun. In fair-complexioned people, excessive sun exposure can cause spider veins. Exposure to the sun also poses risks such as the possibility of developing skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you always wear sunscreen when outdoors. Stay out of the sun during midday, when the sun is highest. Avoid prolonged standing. Standing in one place for a long time increases venous pressure in the legs and feet. Over time, this pressure weakens the blood vessel walls. This will worsen existing varicose veins and could contribute to the development of new ones. Since prolonged standing is almost unavoidable in some jobs, mitigate the harm by shifting your position as frequently as possible. Try to walk around at least every 30 minutes. Sit properly. Sit up straight and don't cross your legs. Good posture improves circulation, while crossed legs may restrict blood flow to and from the legs. Avoid sitting for long stretches of time without taking a break. Get up every half-hour or so to stretch or walk around. Keep your legs elevated when possible. Relaxing and “putting your feet up” can help reduce your risk of developing varicose veins. Try to raise your legs above your heart for 15 minutes, 3-4 times per day. This will help improve circulation and reduce pressure. When possible, keep your legs elevated when sitting or sleeping. Other options include using an inversion table or elevating the foot of your bed so that your feet are slightly higher than your head when you sleep. Consult with your doctor before trying these methods. Redesign your wardrobe. Improve circulation to your lower body by avoiding tight-fitting clothes. Be especially careful to avoid tight fits around your waist, legs, and groin area. Tight clothing can make existing varicose veins worse, and may increase your risk of developing them. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes instead of high heels. Low-heeled shoes can help tone your calves, which will help your blood move easily through your veins. Make sure your shoes are properly fitted to avoid pinching or tightness. Wear compression stockings. If you're developing varicose veins, try regularly using compression stockings or hose. These can be purchased at medical supply stores or pharmacies and come in a variety of different compressions. Consult with your doctor before buying or wearing compression stockings. Use a tape measure to measure your legs so that you get the right size. Compression stockings should provide firm compression, but shouldn't necessarily feel tight. If you will be flying for a long trip, discuss getting compression hose with your medical adviser. These can help reduce strain on your legs and may be helpful for preventing the worsening of existing varicose veins. Recognize the symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins don't usually cause serious health problems. However, they can cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. You may want your doctor to help you manage your varicose veins, even if they don't pose a health hazard. Common symptoms of varicose veins include: Aches and pain in the legs Throbbing or cramping Feelings of heaviness or swelling in the legs Itchy, irritated, or darkened skin Fidgety or restless legs Know when to seek medical help. While most varicose veins do not pose a serious health threat, sometimes they can lead to issues you should seek medical help for. If you have varicose veins and experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor: Sudden swelling of the leg Redness or warmth around the vein Change in skin thickness or color Bleeding on or around a varicose vein Tender lump in your leg Open sores or ulcers Consider other treatment options. If your at-home changes do not help your varicose veins, you may want to consider other treatments. Consult with your doctor about your options. Sclerotherapy. This is the most common treatment for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemicals into the varicose vein, which causes it to swell and then seal shut. After a few weeks, the vein turns into scar tissue and then fades. This procedure can usually be done right in your doctor's office. Laser surgery. This is a less common technique, because not all skin types and colors can be treated safely this way. It is also usually not effective for veins larger than 3 millimeters (1/10 of an inch). Endovenous techniques. These treatments are designed for deeper or severe varicose veins. They are usually done under local anesthesia in your doctor's office. Surgery. Surgeries are usually reserved to treat very large or very severe varicose veins. Consult with your doctor to consider whether surgical treatments are right for you. | Know your risk factors. . Develop healthy eating habits. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Avoid taking high-estrogen birth control pills. Stay out of the sun. Avoid prolonged standing. Sit properly. Keep your legs elevated when possible. Redesign your wardrobe. Wear compression stockings. Recognize the symptoms of varicose veins. Know when to seek medical help. Consider other treatment options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decide-Who-to-Invite-to-a-Party | How to Decide Who to Invite to a Party | To decide who to invite to a party, first determine how many people you can invite by considering the venue size, the purpose of the celebration, and how much food or alcohol you'll be providing. From there, choose your non-negotiable guests, making sure to consider whether they'll be bringing their partner, family, or any other friends, so you have an accurate final headcount. To fill the remaining room on your guest list, think about who would enjoy the party the most, as well as which people might not get along, so you can avoid potential conflicts. | Determine how many guests you can invite. This will depend on things like the size of the venue, the purpose of the celebration, the amount of food or alcohol you'll be providing, etc. If you're throwing a huge bash, you may be able to invite all your best friends, close friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. You won't need to be extremely particular about the guest list, because the more the merrier. However, you'll have to be pickier if you're planning a small gathering. It's best to determine a range of guests, because there's always a chance that someone will bail on the party last minute, or do the opposite and bring an unexpected plus-one. Figure out a budget for your party, and determine how much each guest will cost you. The venue should provide you with its maximum occupancy, so you can make sure you don't invite too many guests. Consider which type of people would enjoy the party most. It makes for a great party when you invite guests who genuinely enjoy themselves. For example, if you're hosting a soiree at an upscale restaurant, think about your friends who love trying new cuisine or are self-proclaimed “foodies.” If you're hosting a casual backyard cookout, you may want to invite your more low-key, low maintenance friends. You get the idea! This doesn't mean to exclude good friends that may not “fit” the atmosphere you're going for. It can certainly be fun to get them out of their comfort zones. Include information in your invitation about bringing friends. If you know you have plenty of room for all your guests and then some, you can include a line about your party being "the more the merrier!" This will let your invitees know that they are welcome and even encouraged to bring others along with them. Proper party etiquette is that the only people who are explicitly invited are the names on the invitation. If you want your guests to bring dates, children, friends, or whoever, specify! Make a list of the non-negotiable guests. These are people that you absolutely must invite, for whatever reason. These could be your best friends or family members that you couldn't imagine having a party without, or any people that you feel completely obligated to invite. Typically, non-negotiables are people you desperately want at your party or the people that you must invite to avoid tension. Once you've created this list, you can determine how much space you have left to invite others. If you're having an engagement party, your soon-to-be mother-in-law is a non-negotiable. You may not love her, but there is no way you can exclude her. Consider the relationships or “plus-ones” of your non-negotiable guests. This applies to all ages and types of parties. If you're a child hosting a sleepover and you invite your best friend, they may want to bring their other best friend. If you're inviting your favorite co-worker to your dinner party, you should probably expect his new fiancée to join him. These things are important to consider when planning a party both for logistical reasons, such as food, drinks, space, etc., but also for the dynamic and mood of the party as a whole. A party may go more smoothly if everyone feels comfortable, whether they brought a guest or have other friends in attendance. Eliminate any potential conflicting pairs. These are any guests that have problems or bad blood with each other. There may be two people you really want at your birthday party, but it won't be much fun if they're fighting with each other the whole time. This can be a difficult task, but you need to try your best to avoid potential conflicts or awkward situations. Sometimes you just can't eliminate all potential conflict pairs. If there are two people who are at odds that you absolutely must invite, consider planning a larger-sized party where there will be plenty of other people to divert attention and reduce overall tension. If you're planning a smaller party where the two conflicting guests will be in contact with each other, let them both know beforehand. Tell them privately that the other person will be there, and you hope they can respect your desire to have a calm and drama-free party. Invite everyone if you are inviting a majority. In other words, if you are inviting over half of your office or class, you need to invite everyone. Don't alienate a couple of people by inviting everyone else, because it will create an uncomfortable and exclusive atmosphere. Put yourself in their shoes, and give them an invitation if everyone else is getting one. If you are having a smaller party and aren't capable of inviting everyone, invite only a chosen few. That way, the majority of your co-workers or classmates aren't invited and won't take it as a personal affront. Invite people you want to invite. At the end of the day, it is your party and you can invite whoever you want. While there is common etiquette to ensure that people don't feel unnecessarily excluded, you are not obligated to invite anyone you don't want to. If you are comfortable with the tension or repercussion that may result from leaving someone off your guest list, then you should. You will not be able to enjoy your event if you are surrounded by people you don't want to be around. This is a trickier issue if you are co-hosting a party. If your co-host wants someone there that you dislike, or vice versa, you may need to compromise. Use tact and manners when inviting your guests. If you're only inviting a few people at school or work, don't pass out invitations or spread the word there. Sending your invitations via mail or e-mail is a great method. You can send invitations discreetly, and you can also include pertinent information, such as your address, driving directions, dress code, or anything else they may need to know. Send your invitations a couple weeks before a more formal event, and within a week for an informal party. Websites like Paperless Post make it easy to create cute, custom invitations. They offer an entire section of invitations you can create completely for free. Request and follow up for RSVPs. This can be as formal as requesting written RSVPs, or just asking invitees if they plan on attending so you can get a general headcount. Regardless of how you go about doing this, you should figure out who is planning to attend so that you can make sure you are prepared to host everyone. Make sure that when you request RSVPs, you also ask if they intend on bringing a date or friend along with them. Invite reserves if applicable. If many of your invitees are unable to come, you can always send out additional invitations to anyone you may not have considered originally. After you've created your list of non-negotiable guests and their potential dates, create a list of reserve guests. These reserves will get invited if many of your original invitees can't make it. | Determine how many guests you can invite. Consider which type of people would enjoy the party most. Include information in your invitation about bringing friends. Make a list of the non-negotiable guests. Consider the relationships or “plus-ones” of your non-negotiable guests. Eliminate any potential conflicting pairs. Invite everyone if you are inviting a majority. Invite people you want to invite. Use tact and manners when inviting your guests. Request and follow up for RSVPs. Invite reserves if applicable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Personalized-License-Plate-in-Colorado | How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Colorado | To order personalized license plates in Colorado, use the state's DMV website. Click on the “Vehicle services” tab and select “Replace plates.” Then, fill out the form with your personal details. You can make 5 different suggestions for your personalized plate, which can include letters, numbers, spaces, dashes, and periods. You also need to provide an explanation of what each combination means, otherwise your application will be denied. Once you're done, print out the application and mail it to the DMV. If your application is approved, you can pick up your plates from your county's Motor Vehicles office. | Visit the Colorado DMV website. Go to https://mydmv.colorado.gov/ and click on the "Vehicle Services" tab. Then choose "Replace license plates." The process of ordering personalized license plates online takes about 5 minutes. However, you'll have to finish the process by mailing the printed application to the state Department of Revenue. Your vehicle must be registered before you can apply for a personalized plate. If your registration is up for renewal, complete the renewal before you order a personalized plate. List your vehicle registration information on the application. The application requires your name exactly as it appears on your vehicle's registration, as well as the names of any other registered owners of the vehicle. You must also provide your legal address and your mailing address (if it differs from your legal address). After you've provided registration information, check the box that matches the correct type of vehicle you own. Then choose the type of license plate you own. Keep in mind that if you order a specialty plate, you may need to get a certificate first. Choose a personalization that meets state standards. You can provide up to 5 options for your personalized plate. They'll be considered in the order listed and you'll get the first one that meets state standards and isn't already in use. Generally, your personalization must: Include no more than 7 characters (6 for motorcycles). Characters allowed are English capital letters, English numbers other than 0, blank spaces, dashes, and periods. Have at least 5 characters, if your choice has numbers only Have at least 2 characters, if your choice has letters or numbers and letters Not include any of the forbidden combinations listed on the application Not carry an offensive or misleading meaning or connotation Mail your completed application. If you filled out your application on your computer, print it out and sign and date the bottom. You may want to make a copy of the application for your records before you mail it. Send the completed application to Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Unit, P.O. Box 173350, Denver, Colorado 80217-3350. Do not send payment with your application. You only have to pay the fee for your plate if your personalization request is approved. If you requested a specialty plate that requires a certificate before it can be issued, you must include that certificate along with your application. If you fail to include the required certificate, your application will be denied. Wait for your approval letter. If your application is approved, you'll get a letter in the mail telling you what configuration was approved for you and the amount of your fees. You must pay these fees within 21 days of the date on the letter to complete your personalized license plate order. If your application is approved, the approval letter will include information on accepted methods of payment and where to send your payment. Pick up your plates at your county motor vehicles office. After your payment is received, the state DMV will order your plates manufactured. Your manufactured plates will be sent to your county motor vehicles office. You'll get a notice from your county motor vehicles office when your plates are ready to pick up. If you're not sure where the nearest county motor vehicle office is located, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/county-motor-vehicle-offices and scroll down until you see the name of your county. Your county motor vehicles office will hold your plates for 12 months from the day they receive them. However, it's generally in your best interests to make arrangements to pick them up as soon as possible. Some counties allow you to schedule an appointment to pick up your plates. If you have this option available in the county where you live, take advantage of it to decrease your wait time. Choose the type of plate you want from the list of available specialty plates. Colorado offers numerous specialty plates that are printed on demand. This means you don't have to depend on your county motor vehicles office having a certain plate in stock. Simply review the list at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/license-plates. Specialty plates are divided into 4 basic categories: Group special license plates promote particular organizations or causes, such as Boy Scouts of America, or professional sports teams, such as the Colorado Rockies Military license plates promote specific branches of the military as well as military awards and honors Alumni license plates promote colleges and universities in Colorado Other license plates are available depending on the type of vehicle you own or your identity, such as if the vehicle is a collector vehicle or if you work for the government Check the specifications for the plate you want. Not all specialty plates are available for all types of vehicles. Before you decide on a specialty plate, make sure the state makes that plate for the type of vehicle you drive. For example, many plates are not available as motorcycle plates. Some plates, such as collector plates, have very specific requirements for the vehicle. Comply with the requirements for a certificate if necessary. Some specialty plates are available to anyone who wants them and is willing to pay an additional fee for them. However, some require that you make a donation to a particular organization to get a certificate stating that you are eligible to get a plate. Generally, a certificate is only good for one set of plates. If you have several vehicles and want a set of the same specialty plates on all of your vehicles, you'll need to get a separate certificate for each vehicle. Visit your county motor vehicles office to purchase your plates. Once you've decided which specialty plates you want, order it from your county motor vehicles office. Fees will be assessed when you place your order. If you're not sure where to go, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/county-motor-vehicle-offices and scroll down until you see the name of your county. More populous counties have several offices, so you can pick the one that's most convenient for you. Wait to receive your plates in the mail. Your plates will be printed and mailed to you at the address you provided on your application. Expect your plates to be mailed within 5 business days of the date your application is processed by your county motor vehicles office. If a week has passed and you still haven't received your plates, contact your county motor vehicles office for more information. | Visit the Colorado DMV website. List your vehicle registration information on the application. Choose a personalization that meets state standards. Mail your completed application. Wait for your approval letter. Pick up your plates at your county motor vehicles office. Choose the type of plate you want from the list of available specialty plates. Check the specifications for the plate you want. Comply with the requirements for a certificate if necessary. Visit your county motor vehicles office to purchase your plates. Wait to receive your plates in the mail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recharge-the-Air-Conditioner-in-a-Car | How to Recharge the Air Conditioner in a Car | To recharge the air conditioner in your car, first you'll need to repair any leaks in the air conditioning system using a sealant. Then, check the pressure in the system using a pressure gauge hose to make sure it's above 0. If the pressure is below 0, you'll need to have the system repaired by a professional. Finally, turn off your car and add refrigerant, checking the pressure every 10 seconds until you reach the desired pressure. | Spray soapy water onto the air conditioner components to locate leaks. You can use dish soap and tap water. Make sure the whole system is coated so that you won't miss a leak. If there are leaks, you'll see bubbles forming around the leak. Spray bottles are sold at most department stores and online. You can also buy a leak detector kit from your local automotive store or online. Follow the directions for that kit. Watch for bubbles to appear, which indicate a leak. The leak will interact with the soapy water to create foam. If you see just a few bubbles or they take awhile to appear, then your leak is probably small. If you see a lot of foaming, then you probably have a big leak. Big leaks will require a professional repair. Use a recharge kit with a sealant to repair small leaks. You can spend more than $1,000 trying to find and repair a small leak, so it's often better to use a product that contains a sealant. This will help your system hold its recharge longer, as the refrigerant won't leak out as quickly. Look for a product that says its sealant is a conditioner, which won't clog your pipes. A sealant that has a goo texture can cause a clog. Have big leaks fixed by a professional technician. You should not try to fix them yourself, as you could damage the whole system. Not only that, you may leak dangerous chemicals from the car onto the ground. Recharging a system with a big leak is a waste of time and money. It's best to get a professional to fix it. Put on your eye protection and gloves. Refrigerant is very dangerous and can result in injuries. It can cause frostbite if it hits your skin. If you get it in your eyes, it can blind you. Follow all instructions on the label, including additional recommended protective gear. Find the low pressure line port, which will have thicker tubing. There are two ports on your air conditioner. You will add the refrigerant to the low pressure line port, not the high pressure line port. The low pressure line has larger tubing than the high pressure line, making it easy to distinguish between the 2. Sometimes they are labeled with “H” for high and “L” for low. In some vehicles, the low pressure line port will be lower than the high port, but this is not always the case. Most kits have a hookup that only fits onto the low pressure port, making it easier to choose the right port. Remove the port cap by unscrewing it. The cap is the little plastic cover that seals the valve. Once it's off, make sure you put it somewhere safe so that you don't lose it. Hook the pressure gauge hose to the port. Simply click the gauge connector over the open port. You can wiggle it gently to make sure it's attached. If it's loose or comes off, try to attach it again. It's best to select a recharge kit that comes with a pressure gauge. This allows you to easily add more refrigerant without overcharging your air conditioner. Check the reading on the pressure gauge. The gauge will provide a reading in psi. It should have colored zones to indicate if it's in a safe range. Green means good, but your levels could still be lower than necessary to cool your car if it's low in the green zone. Your ideal pressure will be determined once you test the outdoor temperature. You'll do this when you test your system later in the recharge process. Proceed with the recharge if the pressure gauge reading is above 0. A reading of 0 means that there is no refrigerant left in your air conditioner, which will require a repair by a professional technician. Otherwise, you can charge the system yourself using your charging kit. Crank your engine and turn the AC on high cool, high fan. This allows you to check to make sure your parts are working. It's okay if your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air at this time. Your hood should still be up. Make sure the compressor clutch is spinning. The compressor clutch looks like a circle. It may spin fast or slow, depending on how well your system is working, as well as how much refrigerant is present in the system. If it's not spinning, then you can add half a can of refrigerant and check it again. If it's still not spinning, then you'll need to take your car in to a professional technician. Set the refrigerant temperature gauge to the ambient temperature. The gauge will tell you what your refrigerant pressure should be after you complete your recharge. This is your recommended pressure level. As you recharge the air conditioner, you can monitor the pressure on your pressure gauge. It's okay to round up or down to the nearest 5 degrees. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it’s in the white or green zones. The current pressure level should be below the recommended level you just determined, based on the temperature gauge reading that you took. If it's above the recommended level or in the red zone, you need to take your car to a technician because something else is wrong. Do not add more refrigerant if the levels aren't low. This could damage your car. Turn off the vehicle before adding refrigerant. After you finish testing your system, it's best to turn off your system, unless the directions on your charging kit say otherwise. Always follow the directions on your charging kit to ensure that you get the best possible results. Unscrew the trigger from the can to remove the inner cap. The inner cap is what keeps the refrigerant trigger from piercing the can before you're ready to use it. You should see where the can screws into the trigger, as it will have a typical joint. Discard the inner cap. Screw the top back on, which will pierce the top of the can. There will be a metal pin inside the trigger. As you screw the can back on, press hard so that the metal pin pierces the top of the can. You should hear the pressure release inside the can. It will now be ready for use. If the trigger pin doesn't pierce the can, then you won't be able to use the product. In the rare event this happens, you can try removing the trigger and pressing down harder as you replace it again. Shake the can to mix the contents. Vigorously shake it up and down. This will ensure that all of the additives are blended so that you get an even application as you recharge the air conditioner. If the ingredients aren't mixed well, you can experience some clogging as you use the product. Connect the refrigerant to the low pressure line port. You may need to pull back on the edge of the connector to make it fit around the port. Push down until the kit attaches to the port. You can wiggle it gently to make sure it's fully attached. If it feels loose or comes off, try again. Squeeze the trigger on your refrigerant. This will release the refrigerant into your air conditioner. Maintain a firm grip as you hold the can. If your can has a knob instead of a trigger, you should turn the knob until the refrigerant releases into the hose. You should hear it. Move the can back and forth to keep the contents even. This should be a gentle motion so that the ingredients stay mixed. Don't move it too aggressively, however, as you might accidentally pull it free. Check the pressure after 10 seconds of charging. Let go of the trigger and look at the pressure gauge. It's important that you not put too much refrigerant into your air conditioner. If your can has a knob instead of a trigger, then you should turn the knob to close the valve after 10 seconds. You'll probably need to add refrigerant a few times to reach the desired pressure. Take your time, though, so you don't overcharge the system. Overcharging makes your system run ineffectively and can damage it. Repeat until your pressure gauge reaches the correct reading. Squeeze the trigger for 10 seconds at a time. Gently move the can back and forth as you charge the air conditioner. Remember to check the pressure often. Detach the refrigerant connector from the port. You may need to pull up on the collar around the connector to break the seal. Then, remove the connector and place your charging kit in a safe location. If your can has a knob instead of a trigger, turn the knob, closing it tightly, before you detach the connector. For example, you might store it in a cool spot in your garage that is away from heat sources. Replace the port cap on your air conditioner. Screw the cap back onto the left pressure line port. This will prevent debris from getting into your pipes. This is the cap you removed at the beginning and put in a safe place. Test your air conditioner to make sure the air is cold. It should feel cold on your skin. You can check the exact temperature using your temperature gauge. It should be blowing between 38 to 45 °F (3 to 7 °C). If it's still not cold, you'll need to take your car in to get checked by a professional. | Spray soapy water onto the air conditioner components to locate leaks. Watch for bubbles to appear, which indicate a leak. Use a recharge kit with a sealant to repair small leaks. Have big leaks fixed by a professional technician. Put on your eye protection and gloves. Find the low pressure line port, which will have thicker tubing. Remove the port cap by unscrewing it. Hook the pressure gauge hose to the port. Check the reading on the pressure gauge. Proceed with the recharge if the pressure gauge reading is above 0. Crank your engine and turn the AC on high cool, high fan. Make sure the compressor clutch is spinning. Set the refrigerant temperature gauge to the ambient temperature. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it’s in the white or green zones. Turn off the vehicle before adding refrigerant. Unscrew the trigger from the can to remove the inner cap. Screw the top back on, which will pierce the top of the can. Shake the can to mix the contents. Connect the refrigerant to the low pressure line port. Squeeze the trigger on your refrigerant. Move the can back and forth to keep the contents even. Check the pressure after 10 seconds of charging. Repeat until your pressure gauge reaches the correct reading. Detach the refrigerant connector from the port. Replace the port cap on your air conditioner. Test your air conditioner to make sure the air is cold. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Excuse-Yourself-from-Unfinished-Homework | How to Excuse Yourself from Unfinished Homework | To excuse yourself from unfinished homework, try to make your excuse as believable as possible, like saying you were sick last night. If your homework was on a computer, claim your laptop crashed or your files were corrupted. Another thing you can try is handing in an old assignment. Then, do your actual homework before your teacher realizes. When they ask you about it, say that you accidentally handed in the wrong homework, and then give them the homework that was actually due. Even if you think you have a good excuse, your teacher's probably heard it a dozen times before, so consider being honest with them and apologizing for falling behind. For example, say, “I'm sorry, but I wasn't able to finish my homework this week. I had a lot of things to deal with. Is it okay if I turn it in tomorrow?” If you decide to be honest, try to tell your teacher at the beginning of class or even earlier in the day, which will make your excuse more realistic. | Make invented excuses sound as plausible as possible. If your only option seems to be making up a more elaborate excuse—or if you just want to be daring—do so carefully. Many common excuses, like “my dog ate my homework,” are familiar to teachers and they will not believe them. It is difficult to outsmart a teacher who has years of experience working with students and their excuses. Teachers are familiar with many excuses, and can often recognize outlandish ones as untrue. Mutilate your assignment so you teacher can't tell you didn't actually do the work. Turn in the illegible or destroyed assignment, so that you can show your “proof” of your excuse. Crumple and tear a paper assignment. Then you can tell the teacher that it flew out the window and got run over or trampled on. Smear dirt and water on your assignment and claim it fell in a puddle. Make sure to write a few words (bonus points if it relates to the homework assignment) so that it looks believable. Spill something dark (like juice or ink) on the assignment so that it is illegible. Make an excuse based on technological malfunctions. For instance, if you have to save work to a USB drive, you can claim to have a problem with the file. If you are asked to email or otherwise electronically send a homework file, you can “accidentally” send a different assignment, or the “wrong” draft (which could have just your name and the first part of the assignment, for instance). You might even be able to purchase corrupted files. Be aware that your teachers can be tech-savvy and know all of these tricks, so you might have to get creative. Try a less inventive excuses that might still work, like: your homework fell out of your bag, you grabbed the wrong folder at home, you had a funeral to go to. Fake it, when possible. For instance, with math work you can write random figures or answers to make it look like you did the work. This might take a lot of time, however, and if your teacher looks closely you might get caught. Avoid excuses that will backfire on you. For instance, if you tell your teacher that you forgot your homework in your locker, he or she can just ask you to go and get it, and you will be caught. Make it seem like you did the work on time, even if you didn't. If the missed homework is for a class late in the day, you might be able to do the work before school, during another class, or during lunch or a break. You can hand in the wrong assignment—such as one from another class—or an old one from the same class. By the time your teacher notices the mistake, you will be able to complete the real homework, or just turn it in the next day and say you are sorry about the mix-up. Copy answers from a friend so you have something to turn in. Make sure your friend is ok with helping. This also only works for assignments where it is expected that students will have the same or similar answers. In some schools, even copying something like homework can merit a suspension. Remember to evaluate the situation and make a good decision as to whether or not you will copy homework off of a peer. Claim to be sick. Know that in many cases, you'll need a written excuse from a doctor or clinic to prove to your teacher that you had to seek medical care, and weren't able to complete your homework. Ask a parent to write an excuse for you. A dangerous move, you can forge a note from a parent explaining why you couldn't do your homework. If you decide to forge one, be warned that your teacher might know it's a fake. If you are caught, you face punishment from both your parents and teacher. Try being honest. It's best to simply tell the truth, and let your teacher know why you weren't able to complete your homework. A sincere apology can go a long way. You might say something like "I am really sorry, but I got behind on things and wasn't able to finish my homework. Could I be excused just this once? I'll turn it in tomorrow and I won't be late again." Keep things simple and direct, rather than annoying your teacher with long, rambling excuses. Take responsibility for your lack of preparation. Admit that you did not complete the work, and accept blame rather than putting it off on someone or something else. This means saying something like: "I know there's no excuse, and I accept full responsibility. I should have done my work. I'm sorry that I'm not prepared, and it won't happen again." Doing so will display maturity and your teacher might respect your honesty. Think of legitimate reasons why you could not do the work. You will need something more than “I forgot” to convince your teacher. Perhaps you are overworked and stressed (this is especially persuasive at exam time). If circumstances beyond your control, like an illness or death in the family, have prevented you from doing your work, say so. You can also explain that you didn't understand the assignment, or struggled with it, or felt rushed, and needed to give it more time. Remember that your teacher is busy, too. Try to say in advance that you were not able to do your homework. Your teacher is more likely to accept the excuse if you don't spring it on him or her at the last minute. You might also be able to ask for an extension so that you can turn the homework in later. Know your teacher's personality, and how flexible and forgiving he or she is. When you talk to your teacher, look sad, serious, agitated, etc. depending on your excuse. | Make invented excuses sound as plausible as possible. Mutilate your assignment so you teacher can't tell you didn't actually do the work. Make an excuse based on technological malfunctions. Try a less inventive excuses that might still work, like: Fake it, when possible. Avoid excuses that will backfire on you. Make it seem like you did the work on time, even if you didn't. Claim to be sick. Ask a parent to write an excuse for you. Try being honest. Take responsibility for your lack of preparation. Think of legitimate reasons why you could not do the work. Remember that your teacher is busy, too. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Finish-Wood | How to Finish Wood | Before you finish wood, sand it to remove scratches and dents, and wipe it down with a rag to remove dust or debris. Then use a brush to evenly apply 2 coats of whatever stain you choose. When the second coat of stain has dried, use a natural bristle brush that's about 2 inches wide to apply the first coat of your finish. Let it dry completely, sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe away any dust before applying another coat of finish. Apply 2-3 coats of finish, but skip the sanding on your last coat to retain the wood's shine. | Sand down the wood. Wood will have flaws like scratches and dents. Whether marks have come from the machines at the mills, or it has become scratched or gouged during handling, or from wear and tear. Before applying any stain, finishing, or paint, you need to sand down the wood to allow you apply to new materials and prevent the flaws from being highlighted. If the flaws in the wood aren't sanded away, the finish that is applied will only highlight and expose any marks or scratches. Start with sandpaper that has a grit of about 120. In most cases, this will remove any of the flaws without causing worse problems. Always sand with the grain of the wood. Don't sand against the grain. Repeat the sanding process with a progressively finer grain. You want to sand down the wood until you've reached anywhere between 180 and 220-grit. Repeated rounds of sanding will remove the coarse-grit scratches from the previous passes. Inspect the wood to determine whether or not you're satisfied with the surface. You can use a high-intensity light, or wet the wood with paint thinner to magnify any remaining blemishes. If you see blemishes you may need to sand the wood again. However, too much sanding in an area that has a blemish may only make it worse. Be careful to try and get as smooth of a surface as possible. Some areas may just have quirks that can't be completely removed. Wipe down your wood and remove any dust. After you've sanded the wood go over it with a rag to wipe it down and remove any excess material. While you can use any cloth to do this, a tack cloth will pick up the most dust. If you don't wipe down the wood before you apply your stain, you can cause uneven parts and blemishes. Test the color before proceeding with a stain. Apply a small bit of stain to an innocuous part of the wood, such as the underside, or on an extra piece of the same wood. If you are satisfied with the color of the stain you can begin staining the wood. Leaving excess stains on the wood won't affect the color very much, but can leave blotches and an uneven surface. When preparing the stain, always stir the can, never shake it. Apply the stain using a rag or a brush. Apply the stain evenly making sure you don't leave puddles or uneven clumps. Brushes work better than rags and will help you apply the stain more evenly. When you dip the rag or brush in the stain make sure not to let it drip anywhere you don't want it to go. Blend the stain into the wood thoroughly and make sure you are applying it evenly. Go over your brush strokes several times to spread the stain out and create a smooth area. Start by applying the stain in a small area, like a leg or a drawer front, so you can get familiar with the drying time. If a stain dries too quickly, it can be re-liquefied by applying more stain, but this will make the stain darker. Wipe off the excess stain right away. Once you know how long it will take the stain to dry you can begin staining the rest of the piece. If the stain isn't dark enough, you may want to apply several coats. Continue applying the stain, brushing on a wet coat and then wiping away the excess before it dries. Wait until the first coat has dried completely before adding another coat. Always complete one surface at a time. Don't double up the application of your stain on any areas that have been completed because this will cause a color change. Pick a finish for your wood. Water-based finishes are less harmful, non-flammable, and more environmentally friendly than other types of finishes. A clear polyurethane finish will give your wood a nice protected coat. Choose a clear finish that has a level of gloss you want for your wood. If you get a glossy finish, your wood will have more of a sheen or glow than a finish with less gloss. Water-heavy finishes will sometimes swell wood fibers unevenly. Apply these finishes lightly, using several coats. You can also carefully sand off any bristles that appear after the first finish coat. Apply at least two more coats for a thorough, even finish over the first coat, which might be more heavily sanded than usual for a finish coat. Apply a finish to protect the wood from water damage, dirt, or stains. Just like you did with the stain, use a natural bristle brush to apply the stain, going with the grain of the wood, not against it. Stir the stain in the can before applying it. Don't shake the can. Shaking can create air bubbles which will get transferred to your wood. Water-based polyurethane is the best finish for bare wood, as it highlights the features of the wood itself, such as the grain and the natural color. Oil-based polyurethane will increase durability more in combination with a stain. Wiping varnish (oil-based polyurethane thinned 50% with paint thinner) is the best application for stained, decorative pieces. It is easy to apply flawlessly, but will not help a piece withstand wear and tear. Paint the finish onto your wood using a natural bristle brush. You can also use a foam brush that is about 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide. Allow the first coat to cure overnight. You will want to apply several coats of finish to your wood. But allow the first coat to completely dry so that you can lightly sand it down and smooth it out before adding more coats. Sand the finish down once it has dried. Sand the first coat using 280-grit sandpaper, or a finer sandpaper if you don't need to do much evening out. Remove the dust with a tack rag or a vacuum and then apply the second coat. Apply the second coat just like paint. When there are bubbles, remove the bubbles by brushing back over the area to smooth it down. When possible, move with the grain of the wood. On flat surfaces, brush side to side, and front to back. Apply the finish as thinly as possible, and line the brush strokes up in rows so that the finish covers the wood evenly. Sand each subsequent coat. Just as you did with the first coat, you want to lightly sand each subsequent coat once it's cured to remove any dust nibs. Again, remove any dust with a tack rag or vacuum. Repeat the application process two or three times. Once you have a few layers of finish down you can add your final coat of finish. Do not sand the last coat. You don't have to sand down the final coat as sanding will remove the nice shine and finished look. Once it's dry wipe it down with a soft rag to remove any particles. | Sand down the wood. Repeat the sanding process with a progressively finer grain. Inspect the wood to determine whether or not you're satisfied with the surface. Wipe down your wood and remove any dust. Test the color before proceeding with a stain. Apply the stain using a rag or a brush. Start by applying the stain in a small area, like a leg or a drawer front, so you can get familiar with the drying time. Continue applying the stain, brushing on a wet coat and then wiping away the excess before it dries. Pick a finish for your wood. Apply a finish to protect the wood from water damage, dirt, or stains. Paint the finish onto your wood using a natural bristle brush. Sand the finish down once it has dried. Apply the second coat just like paint. Sand each subsequent coat. Repeat the application process two or three times. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Leather-Car-Seats | How to Repair Leather Car Seats | To repair a tear in a leather car seat, purchase a repair kit with a colorant that matches the leather. Slip a piece of backing cloth into the hole. Apply a small amount of glue on the edges of the tear so the leather sticks to the cloth, then allow the glue to dry completely. Use a palette knife to spread layers of leather filler onto the backing cloth, allowing each layer to dry before applying another. Sand down the filler with a fine-grit sanding block, then apply the colorant to the filler. When it dries, cover the area with leather sealant. | Choose a repair kit with colorant that matches the leather. Your best bet is to find a repair kit made by the manufacturer of your car. Otherwise, compare several kits to your upholstery to find the best color match. Clean the seat. Use mild soap and a damp rag to clean the leather. Remove crumbs, dust, dirt, and grime by scrubbing the seat gently. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Trim any ragged edges around the tear. If the edges of the tear curl outward or have threads hanging from them, use a pair of scissors to trim them off. Glue the canvas backing cloth underneath the tear. Slip a piece of backing cloth into the hole and then slide it beneath the tear. Put a small amount of the included glue on the edges of the tear so they stick to the cloth. Allow the glue to dry completely. Build up layers of leather filler. Use a palette knife to spread the leather filler onto the backing cloth between the edges of the tear. Allow each layer to dry before applying another. Keep building up the filler until it slightly overlaps the leather seat. Sand down the filler. Once the filler is completely dry, use a fine-grit sanding block to sand down the top layer. Stop when the filler is even with the rest of the leather. Do your best not to sand too much of the surrounding leather. A sanding block, rather than sand paper, will give you more control over the area. Wipe down the seat with a damp cloth. Use a slightly damp, clean cloth, to remove any dust or debris leftover from the sanding process. Allow the seat to dry before moving on. Apply the colorant to the filler. Use a clean cloth to rub the colorant onto the area where you applied filler. Build up several layers if necessary, allowing each layer to dry fully, until the color matches the rest of the leather. Cover the area with leather sealant. Apply leather sealant with a clean cloth to the area you repaired. This will prevent the colorant from rubbing off. Allow the sealant to dry completely before sitting on the seat. Choose a patch that matches your seat. The leather you choose to patch the seat with should be an exact match, if possible, such as an extra swatch of leather that came with the car or a piece of the upholstery from under the seat near the frame. Otherwise, choose another piece of leather with a similar texture and dye it to match your upholstery. Cut the patch to fit the damaged area. The patch should be slightly larger than the hole or tear so that you can attach it to the good leather around the damage. Use sharp scissors to cut out the patch so the edges are neat. Put wax paper behind the hole or tear. In order to keep the glue from hardening the foam interior of the seat, put a piece of wax paper behind the hole or tear that is larger than the patch. Slip it in one side then push the other side through the hole so it is behind the leather. Attach the patch with leather adhesive. Apply leather adhesive to the edges of the patch. Carefully press the patch over the hole or tear, making sure the patch covers the hole or tear entirely and bonds to the good leather. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Refer to the instructions that came with the leather adhesive to find out how long it takes to cure. Avoid sitting on or placing any objects on the seat until the adhesive is dry. Ensure the liquid leather matches perfectly. You can send a small swatch of the leather (there will be extra underneath the seat) to the liquid leather distributor to find an exact match. Or, provide the color code or name to the distributor to make sure you get the right shade. Liquid leather is a combination filler and adhesive compound that can be purchased online and in many auto parts and upholstery stores. Test the product in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to the rest of the seat. Adjust the color with the provided toner or exchange it for a better match, if necessary. Clean your leather seats. Sweep any any debris or crumbs, then put a small amount of leather cleaner on a soft cloth or rag. Scrub the seats with the cloth to remove dirt and grime. Then, put a mild solvent, like 50% isopropyl alcohol, on a clean rag and wipe down the seats to remove any residue. Allow the seats to dry completely before moving on. Apply diluted liquid leather with a sponge to worn areas. Dilute the liquid leather with water by 30% before rubbing it into cracks and creases. Wipe off the seat with a damp cloth so that the product is removed from the good leather and left in the cracks. Let the liquid leather dry then apply another coat to strengthen the color or build up cracks, if necessary. Add a full-strength coat to the entire seat. Once the worn areas have dried, apply an even coat of liquid leather to the entire seat. This will ensure that the whole seat is the same color and will make repaired areas less noticeable. Condition the leather after it dries. Once the liquid leather has dried completely, you should condition the leather to prevent it from cracking further. Use a leather conditioner and apply it with a soft cloth to the entire seat. Allow it to dry fully before sitting on the seat. Use a sun shade. Direct sunlight is what causes leather seats to fade and crack. Put an expandable sun shade in your windshield to protect the leather from harsh light and heat. Place a sun shade in your windshield any time your car will be exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, such as when your car is parked in the office parking lot during the day. Condition the leather regularly. When leather dries out, it is more likely to crack or tear. Clean the leather seats then apply a leather conditioner to them every 6 months or so. Use a soft cloth and small circular motions to apply the conditioner to the entire seat. Avoid sharp objects. Keys, tools, pocket knives, and other sharp objects can poke holes or create tears in your leather seats. Take care to remove sharp objects from your pockets before getting into the car. Place sharp objects in the trunk or on the floor, or cover your seats with a thick blanket first. | Choose a repair kit with colorant that matches the leather. Clean the seat. Trim any ragged edges around the tear. Glue the canvas backing cloth underneath the tear. Build up layers of leather filler. Sand down the filler. Wipe down the seat with a damp cloth. Apply the colorant to the filler. Cover the area with leather sealant. Choose a patch that matches your seat. Cut the patch to fit the damaged area. Put wax paper behind the hole or tear. Attach the patch with leather adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Ensure the liquid leather matches perfectly. Clean your leather seats. Apply diluted liquid leather with a sponge to worn areas. Add a full-strength coat to the entire seat. Condition the leather after it dries. Use a sun shade. Condition the leather regularly. Avoid sharp objects. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Stainless-Steel-Jewelry | How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry | To clean stainless steel jewelry, start by filling 2 small bowls with warm water and add 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap into 1 of them. Then, dip the corner of a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and rub it along the jewelry. Make sure to rub with the grain, not across it, so you don't scratch your jewelry. If your jewelry has any built-up grime, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub it off. Avoid scrubbing gemstones, or you might scratch them. With your jewelry scrubbed, dip it a few times in the bowl of fresh water to rinse it. Finally, wipe your jewelry with a dry towel until every drop of water is removed. | Fill two small bowls with warm water. One of the bowls will be used for washing the jewelry, while the other one will be used for rinsing it. Make sure that the bowls you are using are large enough to completely submerge the jewelry. Add 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap into the first bowl. If your jewelry is particularly dirty, look for a dish soap that is labeled for fighting grease. Dip the corner of a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth into the soapy water. This is a must for cleaning jewelry, especially if it has any gemstones, as it will prevent scratches. Try to use a microfiber cloth; it is soft, non-abrasive, and lint-free. Rub the cloth along the jewelry. Be sure to go along the grain, not across it. If you rub across the grain lines, you risk scratching your jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub any grime from detailed areas. Again, go with the grain, not across it. Also, be sure to use gentle pressure, and not to scrub too hard. Avoid scrubbing any gemstones, however, or you will risk scratching them. Dip your jewelry in the second bowl of water to rinse it. Gently bob the jewelry up and down to get rid of any soap residue. If necessary, pour the dirty water out, and replace it with fresh water. Keep rinsing the jewelry until there is no soap residue left. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the water. Try to get as much of the water off first as possible. If you leave any water behind, you might get some water spots. If your jewelry has a lot of details in it, wrap it up in the cloth and wait a few minutes. This will give the cloth some time to soak up the excess water. Polish the jewelry, if necessary, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Make sure that the polish you are using is labeled safe for stainless steel. Do not use silver polish, as it will stain your jewelry. When polishing the jewelry, make sure that you are going with the grain, and not across it. Finished. In a small bowl, combine 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to make a paste. How much you use will depend on how big the piece you are trying to clean is. Most jewelry pieces will require 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda, and ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) of water. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture. Aim to get just the tips of the bristles covered. You won't need a lot of the mixture to start cleaning. The toothbrush must have soft bristles, however, or you will risk scratching your jewelry. Toothbrushes meant for babies typically have the softest bristles. Gently scrub your jewelry with the toothbrush. Try to go with the grain, and try not to press too hard. If you go across the grain or scrub too hard, you might scratch the jewelry. Focus on the cracks and crevices, and take care to avoid any set gemstones. Plug the sink, then rinse the jewelry using warm water. You can also fill a bowl with warm water, and dip the jewelry in it until the baking soda comes off. Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft towel. If your pieces has a lot of crevices in it, such as a brooch or a necklace chain, wrap it up in the towel and let it sit for a few minutes. The towel will soak up any excess water. Polish the jewelry, if needed, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Use polish that is labeled safe for stainless steel. Do not use silver polish, as it will stain your jewelry. When polishing the jewelry, make sure to go with the grain, and not across it. Finished. Choose a plain, white toothpaste without silica. Avoid using gel toothpaste, as it lacks that special cleaning powder that regular white toothpaste has. Also, make sure that the toothpaste does not contain any silica, or you will risk scratching your jewelry. Dampen the corner of a soft cloth with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water. You want the cloth to be damp, and not soaking wet. Try to use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber. Squeeze out a small amount of toothpaste onto the cloth. You do not need a lot—less than a pea-sized amount will be more than enough. You can always apply more toothpaste later. Gently run the cloth across the surface of the jewelry. Be sure to go with the grain, and not across it. If you rub the cloth across the grain, you will risk scratching it. Also, take care to avoid any gemstones set into your jewelry; many gemstones are very soft and can be easily scratched by toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach detailed, intricate areas. Run the bristles under warm water, and apply more toothpaste if necessary. Gently scrub the toothpaste across the surface of the jewelry. Make sure that you are going with the grain, and not against it. Take care to avoid touching any gemstones. Plug the sink, and rinse the jewelry off with warm water. If needed, rinse the toothbrush with water, then use it to clean out any residual toothpaste out of nooks and crannies. Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth. This will prevent any water spots. If your jewelry has a lot of details in it, such as a brooch or necklace chain, gently wrap it up in the cloth and wait a few minutes before unwrapping it. This will give the soft cloth time to soak up any excess water. Polish your stainless steel jewelry, if needed, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Make sure that the polish you use is labeled safe for stainless steel. Do not use silver polish, as it will leave stains. When polishing the jewelry, be sure to go with the grain, and not across it. Finished. | Fill two small bowls with warm water. Add 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap into the first bowl. Dip the corner of a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth into the soapy water. Rub the cloth along the jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub any grime from detailed areas. Dip your jewelry in the second bowl of water to rinse it. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the water. Polish the jewelry, if necessary, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Finished. In a small bowl, combine 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to make a paste. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture. Gently scrub your jewelry with the toothbrush. Plug the sink, then rinse the jewelry using warm water. Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft towel. Polish the jewelry, if needed, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Finished. Choose a plain, white toothpaste without silica. Dampen the corner of a soft cloth with warm water. Squeeze out a small amount of toothpaste onto the cloth. Gently run the cloth across the surface of the jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach detailed, intricate areas. Plug the sink, and rinse the jewelry off with warm water. Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth. Polish your stainless steel jewelry, if needed, with jewelry polish or polishing cloth. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Waffle-Iron | How to Clean a Waffle Iron | To clean a waffle iron, start by wiping down the inside of it with a dry paper towel to remove any leftover grease or oil. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to clear off any crumbs. If there's dried batter crusted on the waffle iron, hold a damp cloth over it to soften it so it's easier to wipe away. Once you've loosened the batter, use a rubber spatula to scrape it off. Finally, close the waffle iron. Wipe down the outside with a damp cloth. | Unplug your waffle iron and allow it to cool. Most modern electric waffle irons come with nonstick plates, and they have to be cleaned without immersing the appliance in water. You definitely don't want to burn yourself trying to clean a piping hot waffle iron. Instead, unplug it before enjoying your waffle. By the time you're finished and ready to clean, it should be cool. Remove excess oil with dry paper towel. If you have a nonstick waffle iron, you may not have used any oil. If you did, however, there maybe little puddles of grease. You can dab these up with a dry paper towel. It may be helpful to fold the paper towel into a point, so that you can push it between the ridges of the iron. Brush away large crumbs. Often times, there will be bits of dried batter stuck within the ridges, or even dripping over the sides if you filled the iron generously. Do a once over, brushing away those big pieces with a soft-bristled kitchen brush. It's important that the bristles really are soft, because you don't want to risk scratching the nonstick surface. Loosen the hardened bits with a hot cloth. If there is a lot of batter dried to the iron, it can be extremely annoying to loosen and scrape each one, bit by bit. Instead, soften all the batter up first. Grab a dish towel or rag and soak it with hot water from the sink. Ring it out a bit so that it isn't dripping, but still saturated. Place it on the waffle iron, and close it. Let it sit for a few minutes, so that the heat and moisture from the rag loosens up those pesky crumbs. Remove any remaining batter with a rubber spatula. These rubber kitchen utensils might as well have been made for cleaning a waffle iron, because they're ideal. The rubber won't scratch the surface, and it's thin and malleable enough to get in between the rows of the waffle iron. Once the dried batter has been softened by the wet rag, you should be able to use your rubber spatula to scrape the rest of the batter off. You can also use a sponge to gently remove the loosened batter. Make sure you purchase one that is specifically for nonstick surfaces. Clean the outside of the iron with a damp cloth. Make sure that your cloth is damp, not wet. It's important that you don't accidentally get water into the electrical parts of the iron, which could cause you to get shocked next time you turn it on, or break the iron altogether. Clean everything that has batter on it, or looks dirty. Allow your iron to cool and remove the plates. You can unplug it when you're finished making your waffles, and it can cool while you eat. Remove the plates from the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions, if you still have them. Waffle iron grid plates usually snap out easily. Immerse the plates in warm water. It's probably easiest to do this in your sink, but you can also use a shallow dish of warm water. Don't add any soap to the water. Nonstick plates should never be cleaned with soap because it can cause the nonstick surface to deteriorate. Gently clean the plates with a sponge or brush. Again, it's important to be cognizant of the nonstick surface and use soft cleaning supplies. Use a sponge that is made specifically for nonstick surfaces, or a kitchen brush with soft bristles. You don't want to scratch up the plates while cleaning them. Rinse the waffle grid plates in warm water. Allow the water to remove any remaining crumbs. It's great to turn the plates vertical so that the water can run through the ridges, rinsing spots you may have missed with your sponge, brush, or rag. The dishwasher can be damaging to the nonstick surface of the waffle iron, so this method is the next best thing. Check your manufacturer's instructions to see if your plates can go in the dishwasher or not. Allow the plates to dry and snap them in. Set them on a drying rack or on a dish towel on your counter. If you're in a hurry, you can certainly use a dry cloth or paper towel to dry them more quickly. You want to make sure your plates are completely dry before snapping them back into your iron. Clean the outside of the iron. Use a damp cloth to get the exterior as clean as you got the plates. Be careful to avoid getting water into the electrical parts of the iron, which could damage the iron or result in a shock next time you plug it in. | Unplug your waffle iron and allow it to cool. Remove excess oil with dry paper towel. Brush away large crumbs. Loosen the hardened bits with a hot cloth. Remove any remaining batter with a rubber spatula. Clean the outside of the iron with a damp cloth. Allow your iron to cool and remove the plates. Immerse the plates in warm water. Gently clean the plates with a sponge or brush. Rinse the waffle grid plates in warm water. Allow the plates to dry and snap them in. Clean the outside of the iron. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Weeds | How to Pull Weeds | To pull weeds, start by breaking up the soil where the stem meets the top of the soil bed. Then, grip the bottom of the weed in your hand and pull firmly at a straight angle to remove it by the roots. Alternatively, use a weeding tool to dig into the ground and tear out the root. Once you've finished pulling all the weeds, throw them away in a trash bag or put them in your compost bin. | Choose the right time for the task. Pulling weeds is much easier when the ground is wet, so working soon after a rain will make the job easier. Typically, a good day to weed is one day after a nice rain. Find a pair of gardening gloves. Try to find gardening gloves with some kind of wrist closure such a Velcro band that can be tightened around the wrist. In general, you want to find a pair of gardening gloves that are comfortable and reasonably durable. Use whatever pair of gardening gloves you have in your shed. Any pair will do for weeding, but it is preferable to have a pair with wrist closure. Purchase a new pair of gardening gloves from a home and garden center. Look for a pair that fits your hands and has some design features such as reinforced fingertips, double stitching, and wrist closure. If you're weeding abrasive or pointy weeds, like thistle, get gloves made of leather or another thick material. Pick up your weeding tools. Weeding tools are great if you want to keep your hands clean or if you are weeding in an area that is particularly tough, such as an area with hard soil, a crack in the pavement , or a high concentration of weeds. Weeding tools are also great if you want to save some energy, since using your hands to weed can be quite exhausting. You should go to the shed and pick up the weeding tools you need for your job. If you are weeding in a tightly planted area and will be working on your knees, you will need a short handled weeding tool. If you are weeding a large area of the garden and plan to complete the weeding standing up, you will need a long handled weeding tool. If you do not have the right weeding tools for your job, you may need to visit your local home and garden center to purchase an appropriate weeding tool. If you are buying a new weeding tool, you may want to examine the sharpness of the tool, whether it is made with good materials (for example, a stainless steel blade), and whether or not it will work for the most common weeding tasks in your garden. You should also consider whether you can comfortably grip the tool in your hands. The Japanese farmer's knife is a type of short handled weeding tool that can be used to stab and saw through roots and pull up tough weeds. The Cape Cod weeder is a type of short handled weeding tool that is especially good for weeding in tight spaces of your garden. The radius pro weeder is a long handled weeder that has a circular handle, which is great for people with arthritis or wrist troubles. The weed dragon garden torch cooks your weeds to eliminate them for good. It emits a flame that cooks the weeds and eventually kills them, since they are then unable to take in nutrients. Protect yourself from the sun. You should put on a hat and some sunscreen lotion. Weeding is exhausting work that usually involves exposure to the sun, so you will need to protect your face, neck and any other exposed parts of your body. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. If you have fair skin, you should be using at least SPF 30. The SPF number tells you how well the sunscreen protects you from burning. Choose a sunscreen that has good water or sweat resistance. Weeding is tough work that involves some sweating, so you should make sure your sunscreen can stand up to the job. If you are weeding in a greenhouse or indoors, you can skip this step. Fill up your water bottle. You will need to stay hydrated while weeding, so fill up a water bottle or two. You will need to drink water before, during, and after weeding in order to keep hydrated. Keeping hydrated will prevent heat stroke due to prolonged exposure to the sun while you are gardening. Look for any garden hazards and remove them. If there are hoses left lying about, put them aside so you don't trip on them while weeding. If there are pitchforks lying on the ground, remove them so you don't trip on them. Remove any such hazards so that you can weed in peace. If there is stinging nettle in the area, take a note of where it is located so you can avoid being stung. If there are poisonous snakes in your area, take a look to make sure there aren't any in your garden. On hot days, watch out for snakes in cool and shady areas. In general, snakes will be attracted to any area of your garden that is cool, moist and cavernous. Check to make sure you know where the first aid kit is located in your garden or house, so that you can get it if you get a scrape or cut while weeding. Although weeding is not generally a dangerous activity, it is good to be prepared just in case. Identify the weeds you want to remove. Walk around the garden bed you plan to weed and identify the areas that need to be weeded. While you are surveying the bed, take a close look to identify edible weeds that you may want to keep such as dandelion, amaranth, plantain or lamb's quarters. Once you have an idea of what you want to pull up and what you want to leave, start weeding the bed. Consider whether you want to harvest edible weeds to eat later. Many edible plants are commonly seen as weeds but are great additions to salads and stir fries. For instance, dandelions are commonly seen as a weed but are actually a very tasty vegetable that can be added to salads, stir fries, and soups. You may not have planted these edible plants yourself, but they can be desirable nonetheless. Pull them up and store them in a mason jar in your fridge. Kneel down or stand above the weed you want to remove. If you are using a short handled weeding tool or your hands, kneel down in the bed and get ready to pull up the weed. If you are using a long handled weeding tool, you can position yourself standing directly above the weed you want to remove. Use caution when kneeling. Don't kneel on concrete or rocks without knee pads or some other cushion. Loosen the soil where the stem of the weed meets the top of the garden bed. If you are working in wet soil, it will be quite easy to loosen up this soil. If you are working in dry conditions, you may need to work a little harder to loosen it up. Stab at the soil with your weeding tool and break up any large clumps of soil. Gradually break up the soil around the weed so that you can access the taproot with your hands or weeding tool. Grab the taproot or main root of the weed with your hand or weeding tool. It is important to grab as much of the root as possible, otherwise the weed will simply grow back. Pull up the weed. Using your weeding tool or your hand, pull the weed out of the garden bed. Whether you use your hands or a garden tool is partly a matter of personal preference. For example, some people prefer to wear garden gloves and use a weeding tool in order to keep their hands clean. However, many gardeners enjoy the feeling of getting their hands dirty and are happy to use their hands. Grip the bottom of the weed tightly and pull it sharply out of the ground. Try to pull the whole weed out of the garden in one piece by pulling straight up rather than at an angle, so you don't have to repeat this step. Repeat the process until you have a weed-free garden If you are unsuccessful in pulling up the roots of the weed, you can use your weeding tool to dig a little deeper and pull up any remaining roots. If you have trouble pulling up the taproot, you can use your weeding tool to cut deeper into the root system. Collect the weeds and dispose of them. If you have a compost pile, you can put the weeds in your compost bin. You can use the composted soil next year. If you have a curbside lawn waste program, you can put your weeds in a bag and dispose of them on the appropriate day for lawn waste pickup. If you compost your weeds, avoid putting weeds that can re-root themselves easily into your compost. Throw weeds in the trash if this is a concern. Avoid disposing of your weeds on public lands. Many weeds are invasive species and will have a damaging impact on public parks and conservation areas. Stretch before you start weeding. Fifteen minutes prior to weeding, you should do a stretching routine to loosen up your muscles and prepare your body for the task. Start by doing a lateral stretch to loosen up your back and shoulders, then stand forward and bend to loosen up chest, legs, back and shoulders. You can finish your routine with a goddess pose to loosen up the hips. The lateral stretch is great for your back and shoulders. Standing with your feet together and slightly bent, place your left hand on your hip and extend your right harm overhead. Lean to the left while keeping your body aligned. Then, repeat the stretch on your other side. To complete the forward bend: lean forward over your knees with your arms behind your back and your fingers interlaced. Relax your neck and shoulders. To complete the goddess pose: lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet touching. Allow your knees to lower to the floor. You can put your arms above your head at the same time, with your fingers touching. Sit with your legs bent, parallel and one leg slightly in front of the other. Sit with your back straight. Your legs should be straight in front of you, parallel to one another and slightly bent. Try to anchor your sitting bones into the ground and keep your back perfectly straight. This will help you relax, conserve energy and avoid back pain. If you have bad knees or a bad back, you may prefer to sit on a gardening chair or a gardening stool. Maintain a straight back while weeding from a standing position. If you are weeding with a long handled weeding tool while standing, it is best to bend from the hips instead of the back. This will help you avoid back pain and conserve energy while weeding. Install raised beds to avoid back pain while weeding. If you find you experience a lot of back pain during weeding and other daily gardening tasks, you may consider installing raised beds. A raised garden bed elevates the height of your garden so you don't need to lower your body as much when weeding. Make your own raised garden bed. You can use logs, bricks, branches, cedar, sandbags and other common materials to make your own raised beds. If you are less inclined to do it yourself, you can also purchase a raised garden bed from many home and garden centers. Purchase ergonomic gardening aids to ease back pain. You might consider buying some kneepads or a garden seat to ease the daily task of weeding. There are a wide range of supports such as kneepads, benches, seats and combination kneepads and benches. Look for a support that fits your body and price range. These products range from $35 to $90. | Choose the right time for the task. Find a pair of gardening gloves. Pick up your weeding tools. Protect yourself from the sun. Fill up your water bottle. Look for any garden hazards and remove them. Identify the weeds you want to remove. Kneel down or stand above the weed you want to remove. Loosen the soil where the stem of the weed meets the top of the garden bed. Grab the taproot or main root of the weed with your hand or weeding tool. Pull up the weed. Collect the weeds and dispose of them. Stretch before you start weeding. Sit with your legs bent, parallel and one leg slightly in front of the other. Maintain a straight back while weeding from a standing position. Install raised beds to avoid back pain while weeding. Purchase ergonomic gardening aids to ease back pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Download-Photos-from-Your-iPhone-to-a-Computer | How to Download Photos from Your iPhone to a Computer | To download photos from your iPhone to your computer using the photo app on Windows, start by connecting your phone to your computer. Once you're connected, open iTunes and wait for the “Device” icon to appear. After iTunes recognizes your phone, enter its passcode and press the “Home” button on your iPhone to unlock it. Next, click the “Windows” logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen and click “Photos.” From here, tap “Import” to access the drop-down menu, and click “From a USB device” to prompt your computer to scan your phone for photos and videos. Finally, tap “Import selected” to move your phone's photos onto your computer. | Connect your iPhone to your Windows computer. Plug one end of the iPhone's charging cable into the iPhone's charging port, then plug the USB end into one of your computer's USB ports. If this is the first time connecting your iPhone to the computer, you will need to tap Trust on the iPhone and then enter your iPhone's passcode or TouchID. Open iTunes. Its app icon resembles a multicolored musical note on a white background. In order for a Windows computer to recognize an iPhone, you must open iTunes and allow the phone to connect to it. If you don't have iTunes on your computer, install it before proceeding. If iTunes prompts you to update it, click Download iTunes when prompted. You'll have to restart your computer after the download finishes. Wait for the "Device" icon to appear. This iPhone-shaped icon will appear in the upper-left side of the iTunes Library page. Once you see it appear, you can proceed. It may take several seconds for your iPhone to connect to iTunes. If the Library tab near the top of the iTunes window isn't highlighted, click it to shift to Library view. Unlock your iPhone. Once the "Device" icon appears, enter your passcode (or Touch ID, or Face ID) and press the Home button on your iPhone to unlock it. If prompted, tap Trust on the "Trust this computer?" pop-up before proceeding. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click Photos. You'll usually find this mountain-shaped app icon somewhere in the Start window. If you don't see Photos here, type in photos and then click Photos at the top of the Start window. Click Import. This tab is in the upper-right side of the Photos window. A drop-down menu will appear. Click From a USB device. It's in the drop-down menu. Clicking this will prompt your computer to begin scanning your iPhone for photos and videos to import. If you have more than one USB item plugged in, click your iPhone's name before proceeding. If Photos prompts you that it can't find a USB item, close and re-open Photos and try again. It may take a couple of tries to get your iPhone to show up here. Select photos to transfer onto your computer. All of the photos on your iPhone will initially be selected, but you can click the checkmark in the upper-right side of each photo that you don't want to import to prevent it from importing. You can also click the Unselect all link near the top of the "Select items to import" window to uncheck every photo and then click each photo that you want to import. If you want to delete the photos you're importing from your iPhone after they're added to your computer, click the Import settings link near the bottom of the window, then check the "Delete items from my device after I import them" box and click Done. Click Import selected. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will prompt the photos to begin importing into your computer. Once they're finished, you'll see a notification appear in the lower-right corner of your computer's screen, at which point you can detach your iPhone from your computer. Connect your iPhone to your Mac. Plug one end of the iPhone's charging cable into the iPhone's charging port, then plug the USB end into one of your computer's USB ports. Unlock your iPhone. Enter your passcode (or Touch ID, or Face ID) and press the Home button on your iPhone to unlock it. If prompted, tap Trust on the "Trust this computer?" pop-up before proceeding. Open the Photos app. Click the Photos app icon, which resembles a multicolored pinwheel, in your Mac's Dock. The Photos app may open automatically when you connect your iPhone. Your iPhone's icon should appear in the upper-left corner of the app's window. Select your iPhone. Click your iPhone's name on the left side of the window to select it as the place from which you'll import photos. Select the photos you'd like to download. Do so by clicking on images in the window. Skip this step if you want to import all of the photos that aren't already on your computer. Click Import Selected. It's in the upper-right corner of the window. The number of photos that you selected will appear in this button (e.g., Import 5 Selected ). If you'd like to transfer all the photos on your iPhone that aren't already on your Mac, click Import All New Items. Click Imports. It's on the left side of the window. The photos you just transferred will be listed on this page. Make sure that you have enough space. This method allows you to upload all of your photos to iCloud, at which point you can download them onto any computer with Internet access; however, your iCloud storage must exceed the amount of storage that your photos take up. You start with 5 gigabytes of free storage, but you may need to upgrade your storage before you can store your photos. Open your iPhone's Settings. Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it. Tap your Apple ID. It's the top section in the Settings menu that contains your name and image if you've added one. If you are not signed in, tap Sign in to iPhone , enter your Apple ID and password, then tap Sign In. Tap iCloud. It's in the second section of the menu, near the middle of the screen. Tap Photos. It's near the top of the "APPS USING ICLOUD" section. Tap the white "iCloud Photo Library" switch . It will turn green {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":"46","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}. At this point, your existing Camera Roll photos and videos will be uploaded to your iCloud account as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi. The upload process can take several hours if you have a lot of photos, so be patient. If you'd like to save storage space on your iPhone, tap Optimize iPhone Storage to store smaller versions of photos on your device. Tap the white "My Photo Stream" switch . It will turn green {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":"46","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}. This will ensure that future photos will be uploaded to iCloud whenever you have an Internet connection. Open iCloud on a computer. Go to https://www.icloud.com/ in a browser. Log into iCloud. Enter your Apple ID email address and password, then click →. If you're already logged into iCloud, skip this step. Click Photos. It's a multicolored pinwheel-shaped icon. Click the Photos tab. You'll find this in the upper-left side of the page. Select photos to download. While holding down Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ Command (Mac), click each photo that you want to download. Click the "Download" button . It's the cloud-shaped icon with a downward-facing arrow that's in the top-right side of the page. Doing so will prompt the photos to download onto your computer, though you may be asked to choose a download location first. | Connect your iPhone to your Windows computer. Open iTunes. Wait for the "Device" icon to appear. Unlock your iPhone. Open Start . Click Photos. Click Import. Click From a USB device. Select photos to transfer onto your computer. Click Import selected. Connect your iPhone to your Mac. Unlock your iPhone. Open the Photos app. Select your iPhone. Select the photos you'd like to download. Click Import Selected. Click Imports. Make sure that you have enough space. Open your iPhone's Settings. Tap your Apple ID. Tap iCloud. Tap Photos. Tap the white "iCloud Photo Library" switch . Tap the white "My Photo Stream" switch . Open iCloud on a computer. Log into iCloud. Click Photos. Click the Photos tab. Select photos to download. Click the "Download" button . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Crystals | How to Make Crystals | To make crystals with borax, start by creating your desired shape with pipe cleaners. Next, tie a piece of thread to the shape, cut 3-4 inches of thread off the spool, and tie the loose end around a pencil, chopstick, or skewer. Then, pour boiling water into a wide-mouth glass jar, add borax until a cloudy solution forms, and add 20 drops of food coloring. Place the pipe cleaner in the hot solution and leave it for 8 hours. Finally, remove the pipe cleaner shape from the solution and let the crystal that formed on it dry completely! | Shape 3 pipe cleaners into a circle. Make a long line of pipe cleaners by attaching 3 to each other. Attach them by twisting their ends together. Begin shaping and twisting the pipe cleaners into a circle. Weave the pipe cleaners in and out of the circle to create a secure, round shape. It should look like a miniature woven basket at the end of the process. Twist 1 pipe cleaner into a shape to make an ornament. Make a star, triangle, or flower. Use a cookie cutter to help you shape the pipe cleaner. Place the pipe cleaner around the edge of the cookie cutter. Press it against the edges of the cookie cutter to make the shape. Alternatively, use wooden ornaments instead of pipe cleaners. Use any wooden ornament that you have, like wooden crescents, stars, leaves, Christmas trees, circles, or squares. Tie a piece of thread to the pipe cleaner or ornament. Loop the thread through a section of the pipe cleaner or ornament. Tie a double or triple knot. Cut 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of string from the spool of thread. Then tie the loose end of the string around a pencil, chopstick, skewer, or a butter knife. Boil 1 litre (4.2 c) of water in a pot. Pour the water into a pot. Place the pot on the stove. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait for the water to boil, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour the hot water into a glass beaker, or a wide-mouth mason jar. Add 1.5 to 2 cups (350 to 470 ml) of borax to the water. Mix the borax in the water until a cloudy solution forms. You should see deposits of borax at the bottom of the solution. The goal is to have a dense mixture of borax and water. If the solution isn't cloudy, then add more borax. You can find borax in the cleaning section at your local grocery store or online. Add 20 drops of food coloring to the mixture. Use green, red, purple, blue, orange, or yellow food coloring. Use a spoon to mix the food coloring into the solution. If you want your crystal to have a lighter color, use only 10 to 15 drops of food coloring. If you want it to have a darker color, then use 25 to 30 drops. Place the pipe cleaner coil into the solution. Place the coil in the solution while it is still hot. The coil should be suspended in the solution. Place a piece of cardboard on top to protect the solution from any impurities in the air. If the coil is touching the bottom of the glass beaker or jar, then you will need to cut the string shorter and re-tie it to the pencil. Let the coil set for at least 8 hours. If you want a bigger crystal, then let the coil set overnight. Remove the crystal after it has finished setting. Place it on a dry surface, like a paper plate, to dry. Make sure it is completely dry. Cover the crystal with 1 to 2 coats of clear nail polish. Cut the excess string from the crystal. Cover the entire crystal with nail polish. Let the first coat dry before adding the second coat. The nail polish will protect the crystal from deterioration. Display the crystal on a shelf. Place your crystal on a bookshelf or a fireplace mantle. You could also place it on your bathroom counter. Or, illuminate it with light by placing it on a windowsill in your kitchen or bedroom. Hang your crystal on a wall. Tie a colorful ribbon around your crystal to make a hanging ornament. Hang your crystal on a wall or in a window. Alternatively, place the crystals aside and hang them on your Christmas tree when the season comes. Boil 200 millilitres (0.85 c) of water. Pour the water into a pot and place the pot on a burner. Set the heat to medium. The water should start boiling in 8 to 10 minutes. Once the water starts to boil, pour it into a wide-mouth mason jar or a large, glass measuring cup. Add 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of copper sulfate pentahydrate to the water. Use a spoon to mix the copper sulfate pentahydrate thoroughly in the water. You can purchase copper sulfate pentahydrate online, or from your local hardware store. Let the solution set for 2 to 3 days. This will allow tiny crystals to grow at the bottom of the jar. These crystals will be used to grow larger crystals. Break up the crystals and remove them. Pour the solution out. There will be a solid crystal left at the bottom of the jar. Use a spoon to gently break up the crystal. Pour the crystals out onto a plate. Choose a crystal that is smooth and large. Because copper sulfate is toxic, do not touch it with your bare hands. Put on nylon gloves before touching the crystal. Tie a piece of thread around the crystal. Double or triple the knot. Trim the short end of the string. Then cut the thread loose from the spool. Tie the loose end of the string around a chopstick, skewer, pencil, or butter knife. Boil 1 litre (4.2 c) of water. Pour the water in a pot. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait for the water to boil, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour the water into a glass beaker or a wide-mouth mason jar. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of copper sulfate to the water. Add the copper sulfate to the water while it is still hot. Use a spoon to mix the copper sulfate until a cloudy solution forms. You should see deposits of copper sulfate at the bottom of the jar. Filter the mixture. Place a coffee filter over a wide-mouth mason jar. Pour the solution through the filter. The filter will remove any impurities in the solution. Place the crystal in the solution. Put the jar with the crystal aside in a dark cupboard. Let the crystal set for at least 5 days. The longer you let the crystal set in the solution, the bigger it will grow. You can leave the crystal in the solution for up to a month. Re-filter the solution every 5 days if you are letting the crystal grow for more than 5 days. Lift the crystal out of the jar. Grab onto the pencil or the skewer to lift it out of the jar. Place the crystal on a paper plate to dry. Make sure it is completely dry before coating it with nail polish. Coat the crystal with clear nail polish. Before touching the crystal, put on nylon gloves to protect your hands. Spread 1 to 2 coats of nail polish over the entire crystal. The nail polish will protect the crystal and make it safe for handling without nylon gloves. | Shape 3 pipe cleaners into a circle. Twist 1 pipe cleaner into a shape to make an ornament. Tie a piece of thread to the pipe cleaner or ornament. Boil 1 litre (4.2 c) of water in a pot. Add 1.5 to 2 cups (350 to 470 ml) of borax to the water. Add 20 drops of food coloring to the mixture. Place the pipe cleaner coil into the solution. Let the coil set for at least 8 hours. Remove the crystal after it has finished setting. Cover the crystal with 1 to 2 coats of clear nail polish. Display the crystal on a shelf. Hang your crystal on a wall. Boil 200 millilitres (0.85 c) of water. Add 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of copper sulfate pentahydrate to the water. Let the solution set for 2 to 3 days. Break up the crystals and remove them. Choose a crystal that is smooth and large. Tie a piece of thread around the crystal. Boil 1 litre (4.2 c) of water. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of copper sulfate to the water. Filter the mixture. Place the crystal in the solution. Lift the crystal out of the jar. Coat the crystal with clear nail polish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Blister-Burn | How to Treat a Blister Burn | To treat a blister burn, start by running it under cool water for 10 minutes to soothe the burned skin. Next, apply a thin layer of honey, which has antibiotic and antiseptic properties, to help the burn heal. Then, cover the area with a sterile bandage or some gauze, leaving the covering loose so a blister can form. Finally, change the honey and bandage daily until the burn has healed. | Run cool water over the blister. The first thing you can do to treat a blister burn is to run cool or lukewarm water over the affected area. You can also use a cool bath or press a towel soaked in cool water on the burn. Keep the affected area in the cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure you are using cool water and not cold or ice water. Apply honey to the blister. You can cover the blister burn with a thin layer of honey. Honey has antibiotic and antiseptic properties and has been shown to improve the healing of burns. Gently apply a thin layer over the affected area. Local wild honey is good choice. Another good choice are the medicinal honeys, such as Manuka honey. Cover the blister with a bandage. If you have a blister from a burn, it is recommended that you cover the affected area with a sterile bandage if possible. Leave enough room for blister formation. Make a tent in the bandage or cloth over the burn. This helps prevent the blister from breaking or becoming irritated or infected. If it isn't possible to use a bandage or gauze, use a clean towel or cloth instead. Refrain from using common at-home burn remedies. Many people believe that you should use all sorts of household items as burn remedies. People think you should put butter, egg whites, oil sprays, or ice on burns. Don't put these substances on a blister burn. They can lead to infection or tissue damage. Instead, either use a burn cream or ointment, honey, or skip any type of ointment completely. Avoid popping the blister. You should not break open the blister that forms from a burn, at least for the first three to four days. To aid in keeping the blister in tact, keep it covered. To remove the bandage without breaking the blister, you may have to soak the bandage in warm water. Change the bandage daily, applying either the antibiotic ointment or the honey every time. If the burn blister becomes too painful or has become infected, you can take steps to carefully break the blister. Always wash your hands first, and then clean the area around the blister with alcohol or an iodine solution to kill off any bacteria on the skin. Pierce the skin of the blister at its base, near the bottom of the blister, with a needle that has been sterilized by swabbing it with alcohol. Let the fluid drain out. Use a cotton ball to soak up the fluid or pus. Leave the overlying skin as intact as possible. Take over-the-counter medication. Pain relievers can be helpful for blister burn pain. Even if you have run cool water over the burn and covered it, you may still feel pain or throbbing in the blister. Taking OTC pain meds can help reduce the pain. You may want to start taking them as soon as you get the blister burn instead of waiting for the blister to start hurting. Try ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Make sure to follow the suggested manufacturer's dosage guidelines. Apply burn cream. If you have a blister burn, you can use an antibiotic cream or moisturizing lotion on the burn to help prevent infection. Gently apply a thin layer of cream or lotion. If you are planning on covering the blister burn with gauze or a bandage, do not use a water-based cream. Common burn creams include Bacitracin or Neosporin. You can also use an ointment like petroleum jelly. You may also try aloe vera lotion or gel. Go to the doctor. If the burn blister has become infected, it is strongly recommended that you see a physician. Infections of the skin can be deep and serious conditions. If the blister burn is filled with anything other than a clear fluid, there is a chance it is infected. If you have a fever, have any streaks on the skin around the blister, or the blister is very reddened and swollen, see a physician immediately. These may be signs of an infection. Any young child or elderly person should always be seen for any blister burns to minimize the risk of infections and scarring. Identify the causes of blister burns. Blister burns can occur anywhere on the body. The most common causes of blister burns, also known as second degree burns, are: Touching a hot object Fires Scalding from steam or hot liquids such as cooking oils Electrical burns Chemical burns Determine if you have a first degree burn. Blisters occur whenever you burn your skin. The type of burn you have will depend on the severity of the burn. First degree burns affect the topmost layer of skin and appear reddish and swollen. First degree burns are painful but are considered minor. They do not usually produce blisters, but they may peel. First degree burns are dry, and usually take three to five days to heal. Decide if you have a second degree burn. Second degree burns are the next level of severity. They are considered minor as long as they are less than three inches wide in diameter. Second degree burns affect surface layer and the next few under layers of the skin. Blisters are often common with second degree burns. Second degree burns are painful and often form blisters and are red or pink. They may look swollen or have a pocket of clear, wet liquid. If more severe, a second degree burn can be dry with a reduced level of feeling in the area. If you apply pressure, the skin will not turn white or turn white very slowly. Second degree burns usually heal within two to three weeks. Blistering burns larger than three inches should be seen at an ER or by your physician as soon as possible. If a second degree burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin, a major joint, or the buttocks, see your physician or go to the ER right away. Older individuals and children should be seen at the ER for any second degree burn because complications are more common in these groups. Seek medical attention for any third degree burns. The most severe burns are third degree burns. Third degree burns are considered a major burn because the skin layers are destroyed and should be seen immediately at an ER. These burns affect the deepest part of the skin and cause whitened or blackened skin. The burnt areas may be black or white. They also will be dry and leathery. These burns are often painless at first because the nerves in the skin have been damaged. Count the number of blisters. A single or a few blisters are generally not a serious problem. Unless a singular blister is a severe second degree burn or third degree burn, you can treat it at home. However, if you are getting large numbers of blisters and they appear all over your body, see your physician right away. Many blisters on your body can be a symptom of a serious health concern, such as pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis. | Run cool water over the blister. Apply honey to the blister. Cover the blister with a bandage. Refrain from using common at-home burn remedies. Avoid popping the blister. Take over-the-counter medication. Apply burn cream. Go to the doctor. Identify the causes of blister burns. Determine if you have a first degree burn. Decide if you have a second degree burn. Seek medical attention for any third degree burns. Count the number of blisters. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating | How to Do a Waltz Jump in Figure Skating | Before you try to waltz jump while skating, make sure to perfect the movement while standing still on the ice. Once you've mastered this, perform the waltz jump by pushing with your left leg that is slightly bent. Hold your right leg out straight behind you and then kick forward with your right knee in a motion that is like riding a bike. Then, swing your right leg over, followed right away by your left leg so that you make a half-rotation in the air and begin your landing on your right toe-pick. Make sure to keep your foot straight to avoid injury. | Stand straight on the ice. Stand on your left foot with your right leg behind you in a T stop position. Walk through the jump. Without actually jumping off the ice, skate through the jump so you get comfortable with the motion. Push and glide on your left leg with the left leg being slightly bent and the right bent slightly behind you. Glide on an left outside edge in a curve slightly to the left. Your arms should be straightened behind you. Kick your right leg up. Your right knee should go up in the air in front of you. As you bring your knee up, bring your arms close to your chest. Imagine that you are trying to get on a bike. This is one method of getting comfortable with the feeling of a waltz jump). Swing your right foot over, and immediately bring your left foot over and extend it behind you. Keep in mind that you are not jumping yet, you are just getting the feel of the jump. As you start the take-off, you should be leaving the ice on your left toe-pick so it is the last part of your boot that leaves the ice. Never rise off the ground on a flat blade. Never think of rotation; if you are in the right starting position you will automatically make the half rotation necessary. As you swing your right foot over, you are going to jump with your left foot before the right foot hits the ground. Don't get frustrated if it takes you some time, just keep practicing until you can go pretty high off the ground. If you are stroking forward, do two or three powerful strokes and bend your knees. You're going to jump off the ground, lifting up your right leg, followed closely with your left leg. When you land, be sure to keep your right foot straight. After landing, you should be skating on your right leg with your left leg extended behind you, gliding backwards. If you are doing backwards crossovers, they should be left over right. do three or four of these, and do a forward inside three turn as soon as you turn, jump with your right leg and land. Practice landing. The landing should start on your right toe-pick and should start rolling down to a flat blade on your right foot back outside edge. Never land on a flat blade as this will cause ankle, knee, and hip problems. You should be skating on your right leg with your left leg extended behind you, gliding backwards. When you land, be sure to keep your right foot straight. It will be the first to land, and you obviously do not want to sprain it. You may not feel comfortable doing the jump starting on your left foot and landing on your right. This turns you in an anti-clockwise direction. If you generally turn in a clockwise direction try reversing these instructions and starting on your right foot and then landing on your left. Which ever you choose stick with it and if you try spinning on the ice make sure you're turning in the same direction. It doesn't matter which way you turn but you need to jump and spin the in the same direction. | Stand straight on the ice. Stand on your left foot with your right leg behind you in a T stop position. Walk through the jump. Push and glide on your left leg with the left leg being slightly bent and the right bent slightly behind you. Kick your right leg up. Swing your right foot over, and immediately bring your left foot over and extend it behind you. As you swing your right foot over, you are going to jump with your left foot before the right foot hits the ground. If you are stroking forward, do two or three powerful strokes and bend your knees. If you are doing backwards crossovers, they should be left over right. Practice landing. When you land, be sure to keep your right foot straight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Happy-Wheels | How to Play Happy Wheels | To play Happy Wheels, you'll want to get used to the controls. For example, using the Up arrow key accelerates forward, using the Down arrow puts on the breaks, the Left arrow leans you backwards, and the Right arrow leans you forward. Additionally, if you need to eject yourself from your vehicle, press "Z" and start walking. As you start playing, learn the goal of each level or restart the level by pressing the Tab button. | Visit the Happy Wheels website. Visit Totaljerkface.com to play Happy Wheels in your browser. There are demo versions available on other sites, but this is the only place you can play the full game. Happy Wheels is well-known for its cartoon violence, including exploding body parts and spurting blood. Know what you're getting into. Sign up for an account. This way you can not only play levels, but can also rate them, save replays and even create your own levels for fellow users to play and rate. Get used to the controls. Some other games in which you control movement allows you to accelerate the vehicle using various keys. With Happy Wheels, you use the Up arrow key. The other controls are shown at the bottom of the game window. If these controls are too hard, go to Options-Customise Controls. Here are the default controls: Hold ↑ to accelerate forward. Use ↓ to brake, and keep holding to drive in reverse. ← leans backward, and → leans forward. Use these controls to move over obstacles, when piloting a two-wheeled vehicle. Play a game. Happy Wheels is easy to figure out, and half the fun is watching your character get thrown around the screen as you mash the keyboard. Click Play , select any of the featured levels, and click Play Now!? to begin your first game. If you're more the cautious type, read the instructions below first. Most Happy Wheels levels are designed by users. If you don't enjoy a level, just switch to a different one for a new perspective. Learn the unique character abilities. Space bar, Shift , and Ctrl will each use a special ability determined by the character you selected, or that the level creator selected for you. Here are all 11 of them: Wheelchair Guy — Shift & Ctrl to rotate the jet, space to fire Segway Guy — Space to jump, Shift & Ctrl to change posture Irresponsible Dad or Mom (parent and kid on bike)— Space to brake, Shift & Ctrl to eject individual riders, C to switch camera to child Effective Shopper (woman with shopping cart) — Space to jump Moped Couple — Space for speed boost, Ctrl to brake, Shift to eject woman, C to switch camera to woman Lawnmower Man — Space to jump; can also mow over people and some objects Explorer Guy (in minecart) — Shift and Ctrl to lean, hold Space to attach cart to rails Santa Claus — Space to float, Shift to release elves after they are injured, C to switch camera to elves Pogostick Man — hold Space to charge a larger bounce, Shift & Ctrl to change posture Helicopter Man — Space to release magnet, Shift & Ctrl to raise and lower it Figure out the goal of each level. Some levels are skill-testing obstacle courses filled with wrecking balls, spikes, gravity wells, giant spiders, and landmines. Others push you off a cliff and send you into free fall with cocktail umbrellas and corpses raining down around you. Most have a finish line you can reach, but there's no guarantee. Keep exploring, and have a laugh when you die. Understand how death works. Lost an arm or leg, or all four? Ignore the blood and keep going! Your character only dies once the head or torso is squished or severed. Even then, you get to watch your ragdoll fly around the level. Press tab or the menu button in the lower left to restart the level or exit to the main menu. Press Z to eject. In some levels, you'll need to get out of your vehicle and walk or crawl around. When out of your vehicle, use the arrow keys, Shift and Ctrl to move your arms and legs. Each character works a little differently, but they all usually end up flopping in place like a fish. You can try alternating Shift and Ctrl immediately after you eject to walk, but this is a difficult challenge. Oddly, the easiest character to control while walking is the wheelchair guy. Find more levels. From the main menu, click Browse Levels to get access to non-featured levels. You can sort by most recent, most played, or highest rated, then click the refresh button (the curving arrow) to see the new list. If your friend made a level, search for your friend's Happy Wheels name, or ask for the level's URL and enter it using Load Level from the main menu. Have a go at the featured levels. In order to do this, click 'Play' and you will see a complete list of levels that have been specially chosen by the editors to be showcased and receive extra plays and acknowledgement. Play the levels repetitiously. This way, you will get extra fun when you persistently try and beat the level and get some laughs when the character explodes or loses a few guts! Classic levels include The Combine 2.1, Ultimate Payback!, Car Thief, Speed Bridge and BMX_Park II. Change the blood setting. The gore of the game will only get funnier. Play other players' levels. After a period of time, you will have eventually played all or most of the featured levels. If you have had enough of the featured levels, go back to the menu and click 'Browse Levels' where there are hundreds of thousands more levels uploaded by users. If these levels are good enough, they will be submitted into Featured Levels so you can always go back and check for more. Feel free to rate and save replays if you wish. Rate and save replays. By doing this you can contribute to the Happy Wheels society and eventually be recognised as a full-on Happy Wheels user. To rate a level, press Esc or the Menu button in the bottom left hand corner and click on your preferred rating with 0 = Godawful, 1 = Really Bad, 2 = Meh, 3 = Good, 4 = Pretty Great and 5 being Superb! To save a replay, simply click on Save Replay and add a few comments if you wish. Register with Totaljerkface. You'll need to create a profile in order to save the levels you make, and to share them with others. In the top right corner of the web page, above the game window, click Register and fill out the form. Always check that you are logged in before you make a level, or it will not be saved. Open the Level Editor. This option is available from the main menu. Once open, you can create a level from scratch, or click the editor menu button in the top left and load an existing level to use as a starting point. Use the special tools to build a level quickly. The pane on the left has several types of tools you can select. One easy way to get started is to select the star-shaped "special item" tool, and use the new pane that appears to place building blocks, cannons, a finish line, and many other objects. Adjust objects with the select tool. The cursor-shaped select tool lets you choose an object you've already placed and move it around. The selected object can also be resized, rotated, or have its parameters changed. For example, you can uncheck the "interactive" box on some objects to make them part of the background, instead of an obstacle you can collide with or drive over. If you're not sure what a menu option does, hover your cursor over it and wait for an explanation to appear. Learn advanced techniques. In the Happy Wheels level editor, you can make objects move, connect them into simple machines, or even create events that trigger when the player performs a certain action. The best way to learn is to try everything out for yourself, but here are some tips to get you started: Use the joint tool to connect two objects, or one object to the background. Make sure to select the objects and uncheck the "fixed" button, or they will not swing or move. With an object selected, press C to copy it, then V to create a new copy. Use Shift V to paste it at the exact same spot it was copied. To test your level, press T. During the test run, press F to mark the position of the character in the level editor. This lets you see how far the character can jump or be thrown, so you can place the next platform precisely. Watch Happy Wheels gameplay on YouTube. Sometimes it is even funnier watching famous YouTubers like Tobuscus or PewDiePie playing the game. | Visit the Happy Wheels website. Sign up for an account. Get used to the controls. Play a game. Learn the unique character abilities. Figure out the goal of each level. Understand how death works. Press Z to eject. Find more levels. Have a go at the featured levels. Play the levels repetitiously. Change the blood setting. Play other players' levels. Rate and save replays. Register with Totaljerkface. Open the Level Editor. Use the special tools to build a level quickly. Adjust objects with the select tool. Learn advanced techniques. Watch Happy Wheels gameplay on YouTube. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-the-House-Clean-All-the-Time | How to Keep the House Clean All the Time | To keep your house clean all the time, start by cleaning a little bit every day, but make sure you don't spend an entire day cleaning because it could feel like a huge burden. Do simple tasks first, like vacuuming and wiping counter tops, before moving on to bigger chores that don't have to be done as frequently, such as organizing bookshelves. Create a chore list with every person in the household responsible for a different task. Try to make it fun by playing music or even competing in cleaning races! | Start small. Simple tasks, such as vacuuming the lounge and cleaning the countertops can all make for an easier lifestyle. When you have done a few small tasks, move on to bigger chores. Mowing the lawn, cleaning windows and mirrors, organizing bookshelves, etc. help to keep everything in order. Don't spend an entire day tidying and cleaning. Instead, clean a little bit every day. That way, it won't feel like a huge burden each time. Clean weekly. Don't put it off, or else the mess will be much worse. Set a chore list. If you work for long hours during the day while others stay at home, create a "Chore List." It's like a simple rota: at a certain time of day, one person that stayed at home will do a chore. All chores that need to be done must be done on time, so when you arrive home, the house will be neat and tidy, ready for people to sit down in and watch that new drama on TV. No one person in the household should bear the sole responsibility for cleaning. It is everyone's responsibility to keep it clean. If you are constantly cleaning up after other house members, put an end to this arrangement. Tell them that they are all responsible and that the house always needs cleaning. Dust, vacuum, and organize each room at a time. Don't all rush to your rooms. The whole house needs cleaning, not just the bedrooms. One person can dust, another can vacuum, another can tidy up (for example, neatly arranging the cushions in the living room), another can organize bookshelves, etc. Don't fight over chores. Make it easy for everyone: rotate the chores each week. You may want to keep a record of it all. Elect a family "head. " This person has to check each room in the house to make sure it is clean and tidy. Change the family "head" every month or so. Provide motivation for cleaning. If you have children, reward them for cleaning up. The reward could be going somewhere special, eating a homemade pie, watching a favorite TV show together, etc. Just make it clear that cleaning needs happen before the reward. Then, look forward to that family treat. Make cleaning more fun. Use games, music, and even races to make cleaning fun for everyone, no matter your age. Give yourself a break! Whether it's a shopping spree, a night in front of the television, a walk on the beach, or just a lie in, you need to rest. Do something you enjoy. It could be every night, every weekend, or any time that suits you. Don't buy things that need dusting! | Start small. Don't spend an entire day tidying and cleaning. Clean weekly. Set a chore list. Dust, vacuum, and organize each room at a time. Don't fight over chores. Elect a family "head. Provide motivation for cleaning. Make cleaning more fun. Give yourself a break! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Horse-to-Stop-Biting | How to Teach Your Horse to Stop Biting | To teach your horse to stop biting, give it a quick smack on its muzzle with your palm open, while saying “Stop” in a loud voice. Alternatively, use your thumb and forefinger to twitch your horse between its nostrils, or on its neck. Make sure to respond to any biting immediately, so your horse understands why it's being punished. Then, if it stays back or holds its head still, reward your horse with a soft pat or a rub on the shoulder to let it know you're happy with its behavior. | Establish yourself as the leader. Horses are social creatures, and every herd has an alpha stallion that the other horses follow and won't bite. Your horse biting you may be a sign of disrespect, a way of saying he is in charge instead of you. A good way to establish yourself is to keep his head front and center when you are working around him, including for grooming. If it starts to drift, either away from you or closer to you than you would like, use your hand to push it back where you need it to be for whatever activity you are doing. Pressure on his cheek or neck should get the point across that his head belongs where you want it to be. There are other general ways to make sure your horse respects you. Watch the rest of his body to make sure he is standing where you want him to, and if he is not, push him to move back. If you are riding him, don't let him wander off in directions other than the one you want him to go. If he does that, make him stop, and lead him in your direction, not his. If he is a young colt, or has been allowed to misbehaved in the past, you will probably need to do these things several times for him to get the message. Keep your responses consistent, and he will learn. Watch for aggressive body language. The most common sign for aggression in a horse is for him to pin his ears back. You may also see other signs of nervousness or discomfort with the pinned ears like lowering his head, or stamping his feet. If your horse looks like he is in a bad or aggressive mood, be prepared to reprimand him, or step away so he doesn't have the opportunity to bite. A number of different things can cause aggression in horses. Usually, it is a sign of unease, which come from being in an unfamiliar location, meeting new people or horses, or even boredom. In general, it is best to remove your horse from a situation where he begins acting aggressively. Otherwise, try to keep his day busy and activities varied to prevent boredom and encourage good social behavior with other horses. Don't let your horse groom you. When you brush or groom your horse, he will try to groom you with his mouth in return. If he turns his head to you, stop brushing to let him know that he does not need to reciprocate with you. If he gets aggressive turning his head toward you, use your hand to push him back, and stop brushing until he turns forward again. Don't hand-feed your horse. Because of where their eyes are, horses can't see in front of their mouth. They may use their teeth to get a feel for where they are, and start biting. Hand-feeding like this also lets your horse get too comfortable with his mouth on or near your hands, making a bite too tempting. He is also more likely to become aggressive if someone doesn't give him the food he is expecting. If lots of people interact with your horse (say at a riding barn), and have been hand-feeding him, have them stop immediately. You don't want the horse associating hand-feeding with others. This will make him more likely to bite as he gets frustrated with new people that don't feed him. This is especially true if they are being hand-fed by people who don't know what they are doing. Your horse may go through an aggressive period where he won't understand why he isn't being fed, but that will pass as long as you are consistent with this new treatment. Leave hay in the stable. This is useful for teething horses, so they always have something to chew on. Without it, they will gnaw on the wood in their stables, and be more willing to bite you to deal with the irritating feel. Look for signs of discomfort. Horses sometimes bite as a way to express their irritation at pain or other discomfort. You don't want to punish a horse for expressing pain. Check your horse's equipment, making sure everything fits properly and has been put on correctly, and keep an eye out for injuries. Check your horse's equipment to make sure it fits properly and is the appropriate tightness. This is especially true for tack equipment such as the saddle and bridle. If it is either too tight or too loose, it will not feel right to the horse. Always make sure your gear, especially pieces made from leather, are clean and sturdy. This will prevent irritation to your horse, and make it less likely for you to have an accident from a broken tack. Check your horse's shoes as well. Make sure they are clean, don't have any impediments, and fit properly. If there is an issue, contact your farrier to have the shoes adjusted or reshod. Eye injuries are also a common problem for horses. If your horse is squinting or tearing up, you notice his lids swelling, his corneas becoming opaque, or facial asymmetry (each eye looks different), check with your veterinarian to determine the problem. Give the horse a quick smack on the muzzle. If your horse nips you, quickly strike him with an open palm. This should be a quick smack, almost like a reflexive swat. A big windup or additional screaming and flailing will only confuse your horse. It can be helpful to add a loud “Stop!” or “Knock it off!” to increase the shock for your horse. Adding language can also help train the horse to recognize verbal commands, so that eventually saying “Stop!” will help prevent biting without the physical contact. Alternatively, have a rope nearby. If a colt starts nipping, give him a swish with the rope. This mimics the response he would get from an older horse's tail, reminding the colt who is in charge. If you aren't comfortable striking the horse, you can also use your thumb and forefinger to twitch him between the nostrils on his nose or his neck. It won't hurt him, just give an unpleasant shock that he won't want repeated. Reward good behavior. You want your horse to know that doing the right thing will be rewarded. If he follows your punishment by staying back or holding his head still, give him a soft pat or rub on the shoulder. It can be a good idea to reward your horse immediately after punishing him. This can help reestablish trust, and let him know he is now doing the right thing, that is standing still rather than trying to bite. Always respond quickly. Whatever you do to respond to a bite or attempted bite, make sure it happens immediately. The horse needs to know that the punishment is tied to his biting. If you think you see it coming, that he is moving to bite you, go ahead and act preemptively. This also means responding early in your horse's life. Young colts nip because they don't always know better. If your horse gives you a little nibble, respond as you would if it were a full bite. This can help prevent bad habits from getting worse as your horse gets older. It is never too soon to let your horse know what isn't appropriate, so he can understand the right way to act. | Establish yourself as the leader. Watch for aggressive body language. Don't let your horse groom you. Don't hand-feed your horse. Leave hay in the stable. Look for signs of discomfort. Give the horse a quick smack on the muzzle. Reward good behavior. Always respond quickly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rice-Flour | How to Make Rice Flour | To make rice flour, start by putting 1-2 cups of any kind of rice in a blender. You can use more rice than that, but only blend 1-2 cups at a time so your blender doesn't clog. Next, cover the blender and grind the rice until it has a fine, powdery consistency. When you're finished, transfer your rice flour to an airtight container and store it in a pantry for up to 1 year. | Place 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 ml) of rice in your blender at a time. You don't want to clog up the blender by filling it completely with rice. Smaller amounts will let the blade work more efficiently and grind the rice better. A good rule of thumb to follow is that 1 cup (240 ml) of rice yields about 1 ⁄ 2 cups (350 ml) of rice flour. You can use either white or brown rice, as long as it's raw and uncooked. Cover the blender and grind the rice until it’s a fine powder consistency. Turn the blender on the highest setting to get the best results. The flour should be smooth and there shouldn't be any large chunks. Grinding rice is hard on your blender's blades. If you plan on making a lot of flour, invest in a higher quality blender that's more durable. The finer the flour, the better it will work in baking and other recipes. Transfer the flour to an airtight container and place the lid tightly on it. Any air that leaks into a container that's not properly sealed can cause the flour to spoil faster. Either a plastic or glass container or jar will work. If you use a resealable bag, squeeze out any excess air before you seal the bag. Store the flour in the pantry for up to 1 year until you’re ready to use it. While flour can keep for a very long time, it tends to get musty or stale after 1 year. Throw it away if you see mold or notice a foul scent. To keep track of when the flour needs to be thrown out, use a permanent marker or a sticker label to note the date you should throw it out by. This will be 1 year from the day you made it. If you have different types of flour in your pantry, you may also want to write “rice flour” on the label. Keeping the flour in the refrigerator or the freezer will help the flour last longer. Clean out any leftover coffee grounds from the grinder if necessary. You don't want coffee-flavored rice flour! Use a scrub brush or small spatula to wipe out grounds from around the blades. Never put your fingers near the blades and always unplug the grinder before cleaning it. An old paintbrush or toothbrush can also get into hard-to-reach nooks. Run 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 ml) of rice through the grinder at a time. The coffee grinder will turn the grains of rice into a smooth powder. It's best to grind the rice in small quantities so it doesn't clog or overwork the coffee grinder. If you notice the grinder getting hot, simply unplug it and let it cool down for a few minutes before continuing grinding. You may need to run the rice powder through the grinder a second time if it's still coarse after the first run. Grinders that are older or that have worn blades won't process the rice as efficiently. Pour the powder into an airtight container, sealing it tightly. As you grind the rice, transfer each batch into a plastic or glass container. Once you're finished grinding, place the lid on the container securely to keep the flour fresh. Glass jars with lids or resealable bags will work instead of a container. Store the flour in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Stick the container in the pantry or a cupboard, for example, until you're ready to use it. If you notice a rancid odor, throw it away. If you don't want to forget the flour's “expiration date,” use a permanent marker or a sticker label on the container to write down the date you made the flour. You can also store the flour in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh for longer. Turn the dial to the highest setting, then turn the mill on. On some machines, the highest setting might be labeled as “pastry.” Flip the switch to power on the grain mill once you've adjusted the dial. The settings on the dial control how coarse or fine the flour will be. A lower setting churns out a grittier powder, for instance. Always turn the grinder on prior to adding the rice. Pour the rice into the hopper of the mill to grind it. The hopper will automatically grind the rice as it passes through and will deposit the flour in the attached canister. If necessary, use a spoon or other utensil to push the rice towards the center of the hopper to speed up the grinding. If the flour isn't as fine as you'd like it to be, run it through the hopper again. Turn off the mill after you grind all of the rice. You'll know the grinding process is finished when you hear the mill give off subtle high-pitched sound. Flip the power switch to the off position to stop the mill. You can let the mill run for an extra 5 seconds after it's finished just to make sure no stray pieces of rice are lodged inside. Remove the canister from the mill and pour the flour into a container. The canister should easily detach from the mill. Once you transfer the rice flour into an airtight container, seal the container tightly by pressing firmly on the lid until it snaps or suctions into place. Scrape any excess flour on the sides of canister into the container with a spoon so you don't waste any. Resealable bags are a suitable alternative to a container. Store the flour in the pantry, fridge, or freezer for up to 1 year. After 1 year, you might notice that the flour loses some of its flavor and smells musty. Throw it away sooner if you see mold. Cool, dark spots are best for storing flour. Look for an area that is dry, too. Keeping flour in the fridge or freezer is your safest option to prevent it from spoiling faster. Label the container or bag with a permanent marker or sticker label if you want to remember when it will expire. Write down the contents of the container (“rice flour”) along with the expiration date. | Place 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 ml) of rice in your blender at a time. Cover the blender and grind the rice until it’s a fine powder consistency. Transfer the flour to an airtight container and place the lid tightly on it. Store the flour in the pantry for up to 1 year until you’re ready to use it. Clean out any leftover coffee grounds from the grinder if necessary. Run 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 ml) of rice through the grinder at a time. Pour the powder into an airtight container, sealing it tightly. Store the flour in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Turn the dial to the highest setting, then turn the mill on. Pour the rice into the hopper of the mill to grind it. Turn off the mill after you grind all of the rice. Remove the canister from the mill and pour the flour into a container. Store the flour in the pantry, fridge, or freezer for up to 1 year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes | How to Take Care of Your Clothes | To take care of your clothes, wear an apron when you're cooking so you don't get them soiled or stained. If you do drop or spill things on your clothes, treat the stain immediately by dabbing ice water or seltzer water on it so it doesn't set. Additionally, remove your clothes from the dryer as soon as it stops, and hang them or fold them right away to prevent wrinkles. You should also watch for loose strings or threads on your clothes, and snip them so they don't accidentally pull or snag, which can lead to more pulled-out stitches. | Sort your laundry. This seems intuitive, but it's more difficult than most people think. Sort laundry based on cleaning instructions, type of laundry, and color. Make sure that you are only washing dirty clothes, as unnecessary washing of clean clothes can shorter their life. Set aside any dry-clean only articles of clothing. Group together any delicates or cold-wash only clothing. Group towels and heavy linens. Separate the rest of your clothes into whites and dark or colored groups. Turn T-shirts inside out to prevent the outside from wearing out and fading. This is especially important with graphic tees. Get ready to wash. Now that your clothes are sorted you are almost ready to start washing. Review cleaning instructions for whichever group of laundry you want to begin with. Pre-treat any stained items with a stain removing spray or pen. Add detergent and fabric softener (if desired) to the washing machine. Choose your wash cycle. Some washing machines have various preset cycles. If yours does, select the cycle that applies to your group of clothes. If yours does not, follow cleaning instructions on the tags of your clothes and follow a few guidelines. Delicates and cold-wash only clothing need cold water and a gentle spin cycle. Towels and linens can generally tolerate a warmer temperature and heavy spin cycle. Whites will get cleanest using hot water, making it ideal unless any whites are not pre-shrunk. Hot water can cause some color bleeding for dark or bright colors, so use warm or cold water. Wash your clothes. This step is simple. Close the lid or door and press start! Be sure to observe the wash time - you'll want to dry your laundry quickly after washing it, lest it start to become stale. Know what to do for clothes that cannot be washed at home. Never wash the clothes marked as 'Dry Clean Only' at home, as these delicate clothes/ fabrics may lose their color, shine, texture or embellishments on washing. Ones marked 'Dry Clean First Wash' should be given to professional cleaners the first time. Subsequently, you can wash them, using detergents meant for delicate clothes and tepid/ cold water. Give them to professional and trusted dry cleaners for 'petrol wash'. Ethnic clothes like heavily embroidered Lehengas, delicate sarees and silk kimonos must not be washed/ dry cleaned frequently. Sort your laundry again. When the washing machine is done, you'll need to get ready to dry your laundry. If you plan to use an automatic dryer some items may need to be sorted out. Bras, sports jerseys, and athletic wear are among items that often benefit from manual drying. Decide on your drying method. If you live in a temperate climate with low humidity and available outdoor space, you'll need to decide whether you want to hang your clothes outside or use an automatic dryer. If you live in a less ideal climate or don't have space, you'll need to opt for an automatic dryer. Hanging items to dry prevents them from shrinking. If you have the time, drying in natural sunlight and air is usually best. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and drying outdoors is both eco-friendly and will save you money. Dry your laundry. If you are naturally drying your laundry outdoors, bravo! Simply check on it every few hours. If you are using an automatic dryer you will need to clean the lint filter, add a dryer sheet or two (if desired) and select your drying cycle. Start up the machine and return when it is done. Just like you carefully selected a wash cycle, carefully select a dry cycle that is appropriate for your clothes. Higher heat and a rougher tumble get the job done faster, but are harder on clothes. Remove clothes from the dryer ASAP. If you used an automatic dryer it is important to remove clothes from the dryer immediately. If you dried your clothes naturally there is less of a rush, but you shouldn't leave them out longer than necessary either. Leaving clothes in the dryer for too long can cause them to wrinkle. Clothes are much easier to hang and fold wrinkle-free when they are freshly dried. Hang nicer clothes. You'll want to get nice shirts, dresses, trousers, sweaters, and any other hanging clothes on a hanger and onto the rack. Be sure to use an appropriately sized hanger. If you spot creases in your garments, try smoothing them out by hand. If the clothes are still warm this will often be successful. If smoothing out by hand does not work, consider using a clothes iron. Fold and store the rest of your clothes. Neatly fold and store your clothes. When possible, try to fold along the seams of the garment. It is necessary to fold pants by lining up their seams and creases. If a garment is not amenable to folding, consider gently rolling the garment and storing it to ensure that it does not wrinkle. Don't pack stored clothes too tightly. Care for your stored clothes. If you have clothes that you do not use often - particularly if they are in a closet - consider using pest deterrents like mothballs and dryer sheets to dispel moths. If clothes have been sitting unused for some time air them out rather than washing them again. Washing adds wear and tear to your clothes. While necessary when clothes are dirty, unnecessary washing shortens the life of your garments. Address stains and spills immediately! If you drop or spill an item on your clothes, dab ice water or seltzer immediately so that the stain does not set. Make sure that you dab rather than rub. Before washing spray the area with a stain pre-treatment. Don't clean stains with hot water, as this will set the stain. Try to get to the stain before it dries, while it is still wet. Don't put stained clothes into the dryer as this will make the stain permanent. Redo the stain treatment, then wash the garment again. Be aware that it may not be possible to remove all stains entirely. In this case, fade the stain as much as possible. Wear aprons or old "junk" clothes while cleaning and cooking. Hot sauces, grease, and food can splash and cause damage to clothes. Don't start making your favorite marinara or standing in front of your deep-fryer without an apron on. This also goes for arts and crafts. Many paints can stain clothing, so it would be a good idea to wear old jeans and shirts that you no longer care about. If you don't have any aprons or junk clothing to spare while cooking or cleaning, stick with darker clothes. They don't show dirt or stains as easily as light-colored garments. Snip loose strings and threads. Rather than pulling on them and ruining more stitches, you should snip loose strings and thread as soon as possible. If the seam has already lost too many stitches, consider learning how to stitch or sew , so you can fix the small problem before it becomes a bigger one. When repairing loose stitching, it is often easier to do it by hand. Always match the thread color to the stitching. While it may be tempting to pull on loose threads, this can actually make the problem worse. Always snip the thread off. Take care of pills. Proper washing and drying methods will prevent pills in the first place, but if you already have pilled clothes you can try to fix them yourself, rather than throwing the garment out. You can use a store-bought pilling shaver, but you can also easily remove the bobbles with a pumice stone, a shaving razor, or even a Velcro hair roller. | Sort your laundry. Get ready to wash. Choose your wash cycle. Wash your clothes. Know what to do for clothes that cannot be washed at home. Sort your laundry again. Decide on your drying method. Dry your laundry. Remove clothes from the dryer ASAP. Hang nicer clothes. Fold and store the rest of your clothes. Care for your stored clothes. Address stains and spills immediately! Wear aprons or old "junk" clothes while cleaning and cooking. Snip loose strings and threads. Take care of pills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fall-Asleep-Fast | How to Fall Asleep Fast | To fall asleep fast, try counting your breaths or thinking about something calming and repetitive in your head, like fish swimming down a stream. You can also try muscle relaxing techniques by flexing and loosening your muscles one by one. If that's not helping, try imagining a story in your head until you drift off to sleep. Putting on some light music or white noise might help tune out your thoughts and make it easier to fall asleep. | Try counting while taking slow, deep breaths. Counting sheep is a well-known trick, but you can improve on it by taking deep, controlled breaths as you count. Inhale as you count to 4, hold your breath for a few seconds, then slowly exhale for about 8 seconds. Try to focus only on counting and breathing to clear your mind and slow your heartbeat. Try visualizing relaxing scenery. You could also try other meditative techniques , like visualizing peaceful scenes. Think of a place where you feel completely at ease, like a beach or a relaxing place from your childhood. Focus only on being there, and imagine it with as many sensory details as possible. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Start by breathing in and tensing one muscle group, like your toes. Feel them contract, and, as you exhale and release the contraction, imagine your tension flowing away. Continue to contract and relax the muscles in your legs, abs, chest, arms, and head. As you release each muscle, visualize more and more tension leaving your body. Take a hot soak. You might find it relaxing to take a hot bath or shower before bedtime. In addition, going from a hot bath to a cooler bedroom will lower your body temperature, which helps induce sleep. Make sure the water is above 100 °F (38 °C) for the best results. Water that is too cool won't provide the same benefits as hot water. Hot baths are better for inducing relaxation, but regardless of whether you take a hot bath or shower, make sure that you enjoy the water for at least 20 minutes. Also do it at least one hour before bed to allow your body to cool. A cold bath or shower will cause your body temperature to lower even more drastically, however many people may find the cold water uncomfortable. Read a book. Reading can reduce stress and help your mind to unwind. To avoid getting too excited, go for a book you've already read and steer clear of horror or action books. Remember to pick up an old-fashioned paper book, since electronic devices can keep you from falling asleep. Write in a journal. If you find that your mind simply won't turn off or you struggle with daily stress, try writing in a journal. Write about your day's events and list things that have been causing stress. Getting them out of your head and onto paper can help you let go of them and have an easier time falling asleep. Keep your room dark. Keep lights dim an hour before bedtime, and turn off all overhead lights, night lights, and lamps when you go to bed. Any bright light (not just electronic devices' screens) can trick your body into thinking it's too early in the day for sleep. If you want to read or write before bed, try using a small book light rather than a desktop lamp or overhead light. Bluish light can keep you awake, so go for a bulb that gives off a warm glow. Red light bulbs are a great choice. If you have a bright clock, use the dimmer option to lower the brightness of the screen. Additionally, turn it away from the bed so you won't be tempted to check the time. Minimize distracting noises. If you can, keep noise in and around your room to a minimum at night. For example, if you have an old-fashioned clock that ticks loudly and keeps you awake, replace it with a silent one. If you share your home with anyone else, request that they keep noises like talking, music, or TV shows at a low volume while you are trying to sleep. Cool off your room. Lowering your core body temperature helps induce sleep, so try lowering your thermostat. Setting the temperature between 60° and 70° F (15.5°-21° C) could do the trick. Set it low enough that it feels cooler than room temperature, but not so low that you're shivering. Adjust your pillows to keep your body aligned. Ideally, you want to sleep so that your neck is in a straight line with your hips. Try placing a pillow between your knees to keep your hips in a neutral position. If necessary, buy new pillows if your current ones aren't keeping you comfortable and aligned. Try to sleep on your back or side. These positions are best for your spine and can offer more restful sleep. Sleeping on your back or spine also keeps your airways open, which can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is preventing you from getting a full night's sleep, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a sleep study for you to see if you need a CPAP machine. Try using a white noise machine. It's tough to fall asleep if you live near a busy road or hear other annoying sounds after bedtime. You could get a white noise machine or play recordings of nature sounds, like waves crashing or humpback whales singing. You could also listen to soft, relaxing music, like classical music or contemporary ambient tunes. Try not to fall asleep wearing headphones, since they could slip around and wake you up after you fall asleep. Use a music playing device with speakers instead. Invest in a mattress pad and new sheets. Your sleeping surface might be keeping you from drifting off to sleep. If your mattress is too firm, getting saggy, or pokes you, flip it over or cover it with a foam pad. If you have scratchy or uncomfortable sheets or blankets, get softer ones. If you're on a budget, look online or in outlet stores for high quality products at affordable prices. Look for sheets with a high thread count. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. Read a book in bed if you can't fall asleep. Staying in bed doing nothing when you're having trouble falling asleep can stress you out and keep you wide awake. If you've tried to doze off for about 20 minutes with no luck, try reading a little. Reading in bed can distract you from your thoughts and help you feel drowsy. Read from a print book instead of something with a screen, if you can. The light from electronic screens can keep you awake. Have whole grain or high-carb snack before bed. Foods that are high in carbohydrates can help you feel warm, sleepy and comfortable. Having a heavy meal before bed is no good, but you don't want to go to bed hungry, either. If your growling stomach is keeping you up, try a bowl of low-sugar whole grain cereal, toast with jam or jelly, vanilla wafers, or whole wheat crackers with cheese. Indulge in a warm drink. Sipping on something warm and calming can relax your body and mind. A cup of warm milk or herbal tea are great options. Herbal teas made from chamomile or lavender can be particularly effective sleep aids. Avoid anything with caffeine, and don't drink too much of anything at bedtime. Drinking a lot just before bed could cause you to wake up needing a bathroom break. Take a supplement. Like chamomile tea, a chamomile supplement could help you doze off faster. You could also try valerian root, which is one of the oldest herbal remedies recommended for insomnia. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you take a prescription medication. Try melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness when it gets dark outside. There isn't much known about long-term use of melatonin supplements, but taking one nightly before bed for less than a month is safe. Melatonin can also be found in bananas, oats, pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, and cherries. As with herbal remedies, consult your doctor before taking melatonin supplements. Stick to a regular routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same times every day helps your body to know when it should get tired. Do your best to be in bed by the same time every night and set an alarm for the same time every morning–even on the weekends! Treat your bedroom like a relaxing sanctuary. Avoid doing work or other activities in your room. Treat your room as a strictly sleeping sanctuary to help train yourself to associate it with a good night's sleep. Since it's a sleeping sanctuary, keep your room tidy and inviting. Keep it clean and smelling fresh, and change your sheets every week or two. Use bedclothes that make your bed soft and cozy. Try things like high thread count sheets, down comforters, and memory foam mattress toppers. You can also experiment with using extra pillows. Turn off all electronics an hour before bed. Watching TV or using laptops, cell phones, or tablets can all keep you from falling asleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try removing all electronics with bright screens at least an hour before bed. Besides the bright light from the screens, browsing social media can cause stress and raise anxiety levels. Say no to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, texting, and any other social media outlet at least an hour before bedtime. If you have to look at a screen before bed, use the lowest possible brightness setting. Eat dinner earlier. A heavy meal right before bed can cause a sugar spike, and a digestive system in full gear can keep you from getting comfortable. Try eating dinner at least 3 hours before you go to bed. Avoid spicy foods at dinner time, since these can upset your stomach and raise your body temperature. Some people also experience nightmares or exceptionally vivid dreams after eating spicy foods. Don't work out at night. Avoid working out within 4 hours of heading to bed and switch your workout routine to the morning. Getting exercise during the day is great for your sleeping routine, but evening workouts can keep you from sleeping soundly. Working out at night increases your body temperature, speeds up your heart rate, and stimulates chemicals in your brain that keep you from getting sleepy. Avoid caffeine late in the day. Don't drink caffeine or other stimulants within 6 hours of bedtime. If you've cut caffeine in the evenings but still have trouble falling asleep, consider quitting it altogether. It takes time for your body to process caffeine, so a cup of coffee can still affect your system within 6 hours of drinking it. Try not to nap. When you're totally exhausted and it's been a long day, the most appealing thing to do is to take a nap. However, naps can alter your sleep cycle and make it harder for you to fall asleep at night. If you absolutely must take a nap, try to keep it early in the day and limit it to 20 minutes or less. Talk to your doctor. If difficulty falling asleep is interfering with your ability to function or making you depressed, it's time to schedule a doctor's appointment. If you take any medications, you should also ask to your doctor if they interfere with sleep and if alternatives are available. | Try counting while taking slow, deep breaths. Try visualizing relaxing scenery. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Take a hot soak. Read a book. Write in a journal. Keep your room dark. Minimize distracting noises. Cool off your room. Adjust your pillows to keep your body aligned. Try using a white noise machine. Invest in a mattress pad and new sheets. Read a book in bed if you can't fall asleep. Have whole grain or high-carb snack before bed. Indulge in a warm drink. Take a supplement. Try melatonin. Stick to a regular routine. Treat your bedroom like a relaxing sanctuary. Turn off all electronics an hour before bed. Eat dinner earlier. Don't work out at night. Avoid caffeine late in the day. Try not to nap. Talk to your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Gable-Roof | How to Build a Gable Roof | A gable roof is a simple, symmetrical triangular roof. Putting it together is relatively straight-forward if you have basic carpentry skills and use precise measurements. To build your gable roof, you'll need wooden boards cut into joists, rafters, supports, and a ridge board, in addition to sheathing, felt paper, and shingles. First, you'll need to work out your pitch so you know how long to cut your joists and rafters. Then, fasten ceiling joists on top of the building, add vertical supports to the outer walls, and connect them with a ridge board. Once your ridge board is secure, you can nail the rafters to it. After that, lay plywood sheathing on top, cover it with a layer of felt paper, then fasten your shingles to the sheathing. | Nail 2 boards onto your walls as top plates. Use 8-penny nails to attach the first 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) board to the wall studs. Nail the first boards on top of your wall where you plan to build your roof. When you nail in the second boards, offset the seams of the upper and lower layers by at least 24 in (61 cm). Top plates cannot be less than 2 in (5.1 cm) thick. The top plates need to be at least as wide as your studs. If your studs are wider than 4 in (10 cm), use matching-sized boards as your top plates. Add ceiling joists every 24 in (61 cm) on your top plates. Ceiling joists span between parallel walls for added structural support. Measure 24 in (61 cm) from the ends of one of your top plate and mark each measurement with a pencil. Use construction nails to attach 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) to the top plates so they're on center with your measurements. Make sure the edges are flush with the outside of the top plates. Make your measurements along both walls to ensure your boards will line up. On center means the middle of each joist will be on your measurement. This creates even spacing between your boards. Determine the pitch you want for your roof. Roof pitch or slope is measured in a vertical to horizontal ratio. Most gable roofs have a slope between 3–12 in (7.6–30.5 cm) vertical rise for every 12 in (30 cm) horizontally. Steeper roofs require more materials to build. Cut your rafters to fit your slope. After determining your slope, find the length of your rafters using the Pythagorean Theorem. Hold a framing square so the measurements of your slope line up along the top of your 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards. Make a line with your pencil so you know the angle you need to cut using a handsaw or circular saw. Make all of your rafters at the same time so they're ready to use. If you want an overhang, add extra length to one side of your rafter. Make a seat cut on the end of your rafter so it lays flat on your top plate. Measure about ⁄ 8 inch (22 mm) from the end of your rafter using your framing square. Line up your framing square again to make a triangle with the mark. Cut the small triangle out with a hand saw or circular saw. If you added an overhang, make your seat cut where your rafter would have ended without one. Add vertical supports to the outer walls using 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards. Have a friend help you hold your rafter so the seat cut sits flat in the corner. Measure from the highest point of the rafter to the bottom of your top plate to determine how long you need to make your supports. Cut a support and line it up with the edge of the rafter. Use construction nails to secure it to the outside of the top plates. Place another vertical support 2 in (5.1 cm) apart from the first. Build supports on each gabled side of your roof. Clamp the rafters onto the vertical supports so the edges are flush. Use hand clamps to secure the rafters to each support so they hold in place. Make sure the seat cut lays flush with the top plates. Attach the rafters to your top plates using hurricane clips. Place the hurricane clips so one side is flush with the rafter and the bottom is flush with the top plates. Use 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) nails through the holes in the hurricane clips to secure them in place. Use 2 hurricane clips for each of your 4 end rafters. Hurricane clips can be purchased at your local hardware store. You can also toenail the wood by driving the nail in at an angle through the rafter into the top plates. Use a straight 2 in × 6 in (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) board for your ridge board. Purchase the straightest board that you can find that spans the entire length of your roof. If you can't find one board that's long enough, use multiple. Make sure the seams between boards meet between a set of rafters. The ridge board will form the peak at the top of your roof. Secure the end rafters to the ridge board using 8-penny nails. Line up the top of the ridge board between the supports with the tops of the rafters. Make sure the ridge board sits level so your roof is straight. Use your hammer and nail the rafter in at an angle from the opposite side. Use 3 nails per rafter so they are completely secured. Repeat the process for every other end rafter. Have a friend help support the ridge board while you're nailing it in place. Put rafters in the center of your roof to support the ridge board. Find the ceiling joists closest to the middle of your structure. Attach your rafter to one side of the ceiling joist using construction nails, then hammer nails from the ridge board into the rafter. Repeat the process on the other side so the rafters line up with one another. The center rafters help distribute the weight of the ridge board so it doesn't slouch or bend. Fill in the rest of your rafters on each ceiling joist. Use construction nails to attach the rest of the rafters to the joists and ridge board. Continually check with a level to make sure your roof is straight. Stay consistent with which side of the ceiling joist your attach your rafters. If you don't, your roof won't be supported as well. Put roof sheathing on top of your roof. Use ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) plywood to cover the entire surface of your roof. Place a piece of the plywood on the bottom corner of your roof, making sure the edges are on a rafter beam. Use construction nails 6 in (15 cm) apart to secure the plywood around the outer perimeter and along each support. Offset the seams between the plywood by 24 in (61 cm). Never get on top of your roof if you don't feel comfortable working on it. Hire a professional instead. Cover the sheathing in a layer of felt paper. Use 30 lb (14 kg) felt paper to help protect the wood from condensation. Lay the paper flat across the roof's surface and pound in a construction nail every 24 in (61 cm). When you need to add another piece of paper, overlap the edges by 2 in (5.1 cm). Felt paper can be purchased at your local home repair or construction store. Secure your shingles starting from the bottom. Line your shingles up with the bottom of your roof. Use 3 nails per shingle sheet to secure them to the roof. Work your way up towards the peak of your roof. Make sure the seams between shingles never line up so you have the best protection against water and condensation. If a full shingle sheet doesn't fit on the end of one of your rows, use a utility knife to cut it to the correct size. Place cap shingles on the peak of your roof. Cut the individual shingles from your sheet and place them over the peak of your roof. Attach them to the ridge board using construction nails. Make sure to overlap the shingles by 5 in (13 cm) so they're watertight. | Nail 2 boards onto your walls as top plates. Add ceiling joists every 24 in (61 cm) on your top plates. Determine the pitch you want for your roof. Cut your rafters to fit your slope. Make a seat cut on the end of your rafter so it lays flat on your top plate. Add vertical supports to the outer walls using 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards. Clamp the rafters onto the vertical supports so the edges are flush. Attach the rafters to your top plates using hurricane clips. Use a straight 2 in × 6 in (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) board for your ridge board. Secure the end rafters to the ridge board using 8-penny nails. Put rafters in the center of your roof to support the ridge board. Fill in the rest of your rafters on each ceiling joist. Put roof sheathing on top of your roof. Cover the sheathing in a layer of felt paper. Secure your shingles starting from the bottom. Place cap shingles on the peak of your roof. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Toothpaste | How to Make Toothpaste | To make toothpaste using coconut oil, thoroughly mix together 6 tablespoons of coconut oil, 6 tablespoons of baking soda, a few drops of essential oil, and stevia for sweetness. Store your toothpaste in a glass jar, and remember to keep it in a cool, dry place. When it's time to brush your teeth, simply use a spoon to drop a pea-sized amount onto your toothbrush. | Collect your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need 2/3 cup of baking soda, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 to 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or other essential oil , and filtered water. Sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda) polishes the teeth and eliminates bad breath eliminating acids and creating an alkaline pH. Another great advantage is that it is relatively inexpensive. Salt acts as an abrasive that helps remove plaque. It also causes you to salivate, and saliva is nature's method of protecting teeth. It also provides minerals that help protect your enamel, and this effect is increased when combined with baking soda. The essential oil is for taste. The water is for consistency. Mix together 2/3 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Make sure that the sea salt is mixed thoroughly with the baking soda. When you look closely at the mixture, you should not see clumps of sea salt among the baking soda, but rather the salt should be dispersed so that it is difficult to pick out from the baking soda. This can be accomplished using a fork or whisk, which will help break up any clumps of salt. Leaving big clumps of sea salt can be harmful when brushing, so make sure to mix everything together until it is the same consistency. Add in a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Many people will choose peppermint or spearmint, since it is what they are used to. However, you can try other “flavors” too. Other essential oils commonly used include: lavender, which has shown to provide calming effects when used orally; orange, which has also been shown to reduce anxiety; and eucalyptus, which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. These are all also used in dentistry for similar effects. Begin mixing in the water. Do this a few drops at a time, and stir well after each addition. You can make it as thick or thin as you like, but be aware that if it is too thin it will be difficult to keep it on the brush and it will get diluted faster by the saliva, making it difficult to brush your teeth. Store the toothpaste in a glass jar. Essential oils should be stored in glass containers, so this is especially important if you have chosen to include oil. Store the paste near your toothbrush, out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place. Scoop a bit onto your brush. You can dip your brush right into the paste if you wish, or you can use a small spoon to heap it onto your brush. Experiment with using different amounts. Start with a pea-sized drop, and add more if you don't feel it is enough. Collect your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need equal parts coconut oil and baking soda depending on how much you want to make. For example, you can start with 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and 6 tablespoons of baking soda. Essential oil to taste. Stevia if you wish, to add a bit of sweetness. Coconut oil is believed to be effective against fighting a big cause of tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans, which is a bacterium that lives on sugar and also clings to teeth creating cavities. Coconut oil is supposed to pull all the bacteria away from your teeth, similar to how mouthwash works. Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from a plant of the same name. It has antibacterial properties that are believed to fight against tooth decay. Begin by stirring together the coconut oil and baking soda. Mix them together until the baking soda and oil are thoroughly incorporated. This means that you will have a mixture that is a moist glob of coconut oil and baking soda. For this task, it is probably best to use a whisk, but a fork can work as well. Add a few drops of essential oil at a time. Stir well after each addition, and put a tiny amount on your tongue to taste it. Add Stevia for sweetness, if desired. If you want to make the toothpaste a bit more palatable, add a few drops of Stevia at a time and stir well. Then, repeat the process of tasting a small amount before adding more. It will take at least half an hour for the substance to dissolve completely, so make sure you don't add too much. Stevia is known to be sweeter than processed sugar, so be careful! You don't want your paste to be too sweet! Store the toothpaste in a glass jar. Essential oils should be stored in glass containers, so this is especially important if you have chosen to include oil. Store the paste near your toothbrush, out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place. Scoop a bit onto your brush. You can dip your brush right into the paste if you wish, or you can use a small spoon to heap it directly on the brush. Experiment with using different amounts. Start with a pea-sized drop, and add more if you don't feel it is enough. Collect your ingredients. For this powder, you will only need three parts baking soda, one part salt, and a few drops of essential oil (optional). Be aware that this is a powder, not a paste. If you prefer a paste, choose one of the other recipes, or add a bit of filtered water to the powder. However, also understand that in terms of effectiveness, there is no difference between them. A part can mean whatever amount you want it to mean, what is important is the ratio. For example, if you use 3 tablespoons of baking soda, you will then use 1 tablespoon of salt. If you use 6 tablespoons of baking soda, you will use 2 tablespoons of salt for an increased whitening effect. For a better taste, you can also add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix the baking soda and salt. You can do this by stirring them together or by putting them in a sealable container and then shaking vigorously. The shaking method may be better for making sure the two ingredients are well mixed. Add in essential oil. If you wish to add essential oil for flavor, you can do this now. Add a few drops of your favorite to the powder and stir or shake thoroughly. Store your powder. If you added essential oil, you should store the powder in a glass jar. If you didn't, you can store it in a plastic bag or a plastic or glass container. Either way, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use your powder. You can wet your brush in the sink and then dip it into the powder until you have a generous layer on your brush, or you can do it without water. If you wish to do this, simply put some of the powder on the brush (without wetting it first) or in your mouth and brush normally for two minutes. Experiment with and without water to see which method you prefer. | Collect your ingredients. Mix together 2/3 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Add in a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Begin mixing in the water. Store the toothpaste in a glass jar. Scoop a bit onto your brush. Collect your ingredients. Begin by stirring together the coconut oil and baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oil at a time. Add Stevia for sweetness, if desired. Store the toothpaste in a glass jar. Scoop a bit onto your brush. Collect your ingredients. Mix the baking soda and salt. Add in essential oil. Store your powder. Use your powder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Administer-a-Rabies-Vaccination | How to Administer a Rabies Vaccination | Before you administer a rabies vaccination, wash your hands and put on sterile gloves. Then, fill a clean, 25-gauge needle syringe with 1 dose of the vaccine per the package instructions. Once you've prepared the syringe, wipe the patient's deltoid muscle, which is the rounded muscle on the upper arm, with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to sterilize the injection site. Inject the vaccine into the muscle at a 90-degree angle, then pull out the syringe and apply pressure to the area with a cotton ball to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a few seconds, cover the injection site with a bandage. | Wash your hands before putting on gloves. Use warm water and antibacterial soap to wash your hands. Dry your hands with paper towels, and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. Put on sterile gloves. Prepare the vaccine according to the instructions on the package insert. There are a few brands of rabies vaccine. Most come as a powder that must be mixed with sterile water. The package on the vaccine will indicate how much sterilized water you must mix with the powder. Roll the vial between your hands to gently mix the powder until it appears mostly clear. Always prepare the vaccine immediately before you are about to administer it. Make sure to check the expiration dates on both the powder and the water. If either is expired, do not use it. Gather a clean syringe with a new 25-gauge needle. If you don't have a pre-assembled syringe, attach a new needle to a clean syringe. Do not reuse needles from another vaccination. The size of the needle will depend on the age of the patient. For adults, use a needle that is between 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm). For children over the age of 1, use a 1 inch (2.5 cm) needle. For children under the age of 1, use a needle between ⁄ 8 –1 inch (2.2–2.5 cm). If you are vaccinating multiple people at once, always use a separate syringe and needle for each injection. Fill the syringe with 1 dose of vaccine. Before filling the needle, pull back the plunger to measure the correct dose. Insert the syringe into the vial at a 90-degree angle and press down on the plunger. Flip over the vaccine bottle. Pull back the plunger to fill the syringe. Tap the barrel of the syringe and push gently on the plunger to release any air bubbles. In most cases, one dose of this vaccination is 1 ml of liquid, but depending on the brand of the vaccine and age of the patient, this may vary from 0.5 ml up to 2 ml. Educate the patient about the vaccine before you administer it. Explain the procedure of giving a vaccine. Warn them that there might be some slight redness and swelling at the injection site. Allow the patient to ask any questions. Remind the patient that the vaccine is necessary if bitten by an animal that has a high risk of carrying rabies, such as a raccoon, squirrel, bat, or feral dog. You may want to emphasize that the vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing the development of rabies. Once rabies develops, however, it is nearly almost always fatal. Tell the patient to watch out for side effects after the vaccine, such as confusion, dizziness, diarrhea, seizures, muscle weakness, burning at the injection site, or swelling around the eyes. Advise them to get immediate treatment if they notice these symptoms. Choose an appropriate injection site. For anyone over the age of 1, give the vaccine on the deltoid muscle, which is the rounded muscle on the upper arm near the shoulder. Children under the age of 1 should be injected on the gluteal area on the outer thighs. Make sure that the site is not bruised, wounded, or injured. If one arm is injured, inject the vaccine into the other arm. Never administer the vaccine to an adult on the gluteal area. This may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Wipe the chosen site with cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol. Move from the inner to the outer part of the injection site to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Let the area dry. Inject the vaccine into the muscle at a 90-degree angle. Press down on the plunger with your thumb to release the vaccine. Once you are finished, pull it out, keeping the syringe and needle straight as you do so. Apply pressure to the site with a cotton ball. This will prevent any blood from leaking. Do not rub the area as this may irritate the injection site. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a few seconds, apply an adhesive bandage. Discard the used syringe and needle in a puncture proof container. Do this immediately after giving the vaccine to prevent pricking yourself or the patient. Throw the cotton balls in the trash can. Remove the sterile gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Do this with antibacterial soap and clean water. To avoid infections and transmission of diseases, never reuse needles or syringes. Always use a new set for each vaccination. Give 3 doses over 1 month for a pre-exposure vaccination. After the first dose on day 0, give the second dose on day 7 and the third dose on either day 21 or 28. The pre-exposure prophylaxis is usually given to people who face a high risk of rabies, such as wildlife workers and veterinarians. With the pre-exposure vaccine, a few days difference in timing on the third dose does not matter. Inject 4 doses over 2 weeks to an un-immunized patient after exposure. An un-immunized patient is someone who has not received the pre-exposure vaccine. The first injection is given on day 0. The next injections on days 3, 7, and 14. It is usually given to someone who has been bitten by wildlife or who has come into contact with bats. If there is a visible wound, you may also need to apply human rabies immune globulin to the wound. Consult your practice or hospital's protocol for further information. With the post-exposure vaccination, it is important to stay on track with the timing of the dose. If the patient has a compromised immune system, provide an additional dose on day 28. Give 2 doses over 1 week to an immunized patient after exposure. Even if a patient has received the pre-exposure prophylaxis, they still need a post-exposure vaccination if bitten. Administer the second dose 3-7 days after the first. | Wash your hands before putting on gloves. Prepare the vaccine according to the instructions on the package insert. Gather a clean syringe with a new 25-gauge needle. Fill the syringe with 1 dose of vaccine. Educate the patient about the vaccine before you administer it. Choose an appropriate injection site. Wipe the chosen site with cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol. Inject the vaccine into the muscle at a 90-degree angle. Apply pressure to the site with a cotton ball. Discard the used syringe and needle in a puncture proof container. Remove the sterile gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Give 3 doses over 1 month for a pre-exposure vaccination. Inject 4 doses over 2 weeks to an un-immunized patient after exposure. Give 2 doses over 1 week to an immunized patient after exposure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Crystals-with-Borax | How to Make Crystals with Borax | To make crystals with Borax, start by tying a string to a pencil, popsicle stick, or butter knife. Next, form a pipe cleaner into the shape you want your crystals to be and tie the shape to the string. Then, boil enough water to fill your jar and pour it in. Add Borax to the jar a spoonful at a time until it won't dissolve anymore. Finally, drop the pipe cleaner into the jar and place it somewhere it won't be disturbed. Check back the next day to see your crystals! | Tie string to a pencil, popsicle stick, or butter knife. Tie one end of a string to a long object that will stretch over the top of a drinking glass or jar. Leave one end of the string long, but cut the other side short once you've tied it off. A canning jar works well for this process because it can take a lot of heat. Pick a jar or glass that's fairly tall as the string will hang down into it. Form pipe cleaners into shapes if you'd like to make shaped crystals. Twist the pipe cleaners into any shape you'd like, such as a heart, star, or swirl. One popular shape is a snowflake; to make one, cut a pipe cleaner in thirds, and then twist them together in the middle. Shape the outer pieces into an angular pattern to create the snowflake. You can also just grow crystals on the string, too. Make the shapes small enough to fit in the jar or glass without touching the sides. Tie the shape onto the hanging string. Wrap the string from the pencil around the shape and hold it up to the jar to make sure it's short enough. It can't touch the bottom or the sides. If it's short enough, tie a small knot around the pipe cleaner and cut off the ends. Hang the shape in the drinking glass or jar to make sure it fits. Check that your pipe cleaner hangs so it doesn't touch the sides of the glass. If it touches, adjust it or try making another shape that's smaller. If you're just using a string, cut it so it doesn't hit the bottom of the glass but just hangs down the middle. When you're done, take it back out. Boil enough water to fill the jar. The jar will need to be mostly full, though you won't need to fill it to the very top edge. Pour water into your jar to measure how much you need. Dump the water from the jar into a small pot to heat it. Bring it to a boil and then take it off the heat. You can also use an electric kettle or the microwave to heat the water. Pour the hot water into the jar. Set the jar on a trivet or pot holder to protect the surface below. Carefully add the hot water back to the jar, using a funnel if you need to. Fill the jar most of the way up with the hot water. Be careful pouring the boiling water! It can burn you. Add Borax to the water until no more will dissolve into it. Add a spoonful of Borax to the jar and stir the mixture until it dissolves completely. Add a second spoonful and repeat the process. Keep adding Borax until you see a small pile of powder at the bottom of the jar that won't dissolve. Be careful when handling Borax. Try not to get it on your skin or in your eyes. You'll likely need 3-5 spoonfuls, depending on the size of your glass or jar. Drop the string or pipe cleaner into the jar, using the flat piece to suspend it. Hang the string or pipe cleaner down into the jar, making sure it is completely covered in liquid. Also, check to see it's not touching the sides or the bottom. You may need to work a minute or two to get the pencil or knife balanced on the jar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap. Leave the jar alone to form crystals for at least a night. Place the jar somewhere it won't be disturbed. Jostling the jar could affect the formation of crystals. It helps to cover it with a tea towel or something else to keep it warm, as that will keep it from cooling too fast. Slowing down the cooling process will help you create larger crystals. Check your jar the next morning, and you should see some crystals! If you leave the jar for longer, you may get bigger crystals. However, slowing down the cooling process is more important for making larger crystals. Pour the Borax solution off and rinse your crystals. Once your crystals have formed, it's time to just enjoy them! Run them under running water for just a few seconds to rinse off the cleaning solution. Put the crystals on a paper towel or tea towel to dry. Before displaying them, let them dry off for a few hours. You can also hang them up to dry, but put a towel underneath them to catch the water. Display your crystals on a shelf or hang them in a window or on a Christmas tree. Use colorful pipe cleaners to make your shapes for a pop of color. The crystals that form from clear water are transparent, so the colorful pipe cleaners show underneath. Try a red pipe cleaner for a heart or a blue pipe cleaner for a snowflake. You could use a yellow pipe cleaner to make a star, sun, or flower! You can also combine colors, such as using a green pipe cleaner for a stem of a flower and a pink one for the flower. Add a dash of food coloring when you heat the water for an easy option. Gel food coloring tends to be the most intense, but any food coloring will work. Squeeze 10-15 drops into the water to tint it to a color you like and then make your crystals like you normally would! You can add the food coloring before or after you boil the water. You can also mix the colors to get a tint you like. Add 8-10 drops of green with 4-5 drops of blue to get a blue-green, for instance. Paint your crystals with watercolors for a concentrated effect. Wait until your crystals have grown on your string or pipe cleaner. After rinsing the crystal off, dip a paintbrush into watercolor paint and brush it over the outside of the crystal. Over time, it will draw the color to the center, leaving the outsides clear. | Tie string to a pencil, popsicle stick, or butter knife. Form pipe cleaners into shapes if you'd like to make shaped crystals. Tie the shape onto the hanging string. Hang the shape in the drinking glass or jar to make sure it fits. Boil enough water to fill the jar. Pour the hot water into the jar. Add Borax to the water until no more will dissolve into it. Drop the string or pipe cleaner into the jar, using the flat piece to suspend it. Leave the jar alone to form crystals for at least a night. Pour the Borax solution off and rinse your crystals. Put the crystals on a paper towel or tea towel to dry. Use colorful pipe cleaners to make your shapes for a pop of color. Add a dash of food coloring when you heat the water for an easy option. Paint your crystals with watercolors for a concentrated effect. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Upset-Boyfriend | How to Care for Your Upset Boyfriend | To help comfort your upset boyfriend, first let him talk about what's making him upset and listen intently to what he has to say. If he does not want to open up, let him know that you are available to talk whenever he is ready. When he tells you what has upset him, validate his feelings by letting him know you understand. If talking to him isn't working, show physical affection through a hug or a kiss. | Listen if he wants to talk. If your boyfriend seems upset, one way to help is by giving him room to talk about what's wrong. Getting things off his chest may help him feel better or come to some sort of solution. You might say, “You seem upset, baby. Want to talk about it?” If he wants to talk, practice active listening skills. Don't interrupt or rush in trying to fix the problem. Just hear him out. Validate his feelings. One of the most valuable things you can offer your boyfriend is the sense that you understand or have sympathy for what's happening in his life. Validation simply means that you let him know that what he's feelings is okay and understandable. First, let his words clue you in on how he's feeling. Listen for feeling statements, such as “I don't know what to do” or “I'm devastated.” Then, validate his feelings by saying things like, “Aw, I'm so sorry that happened. It makes sense that you're so confused” or “I completely understand why you feel so crushed.” Be okay with his silence. Even if your boyfriend is typically the outspoken type, he may not immediately want to discuss the situation or his feeling about it. Encourage your boyfriend to talk. However, if he's not ready, don't press the issue. For example, if you ask “Do you want to talk?” and he responds with “no,” you might say, “Okay, that's fine. I'm here if you ever want to.” Don't constantly beg him to tell you what's wrong if he doesn't feel like talking. Give it some time. More than likely, he will open up. Give him space. Don't be surprised if your boyfriend asks for some space to deal with what's going on. Some people prefer to be alone when they're upset. Try not to take it personally—just give him a little time to himself. Let's say your boyfriend had a fight with his dad. If he needs space to think it over, you might say, “I'll give you some time alone, but I'll drop by and check on you later, okay?” If your boyfriend doesn't expressly ask for time alone, then he's probably happy that you're there. Encourage him to get professional help if it doesn't pass. If your boyfriend remains upset for a long period of time, withdraws from his family and friends, or begins to engage in risky behaviors, he may need counseling from a mental health professional. Suggest to him that he attend a therapy session. For example, you might say, "I've noticed you've seemed really down lately. Have you considered talking to a therapist about this?" Tell your boyfriend that you'll help him find a therapist or even take him to the appointment if he needs support. Give him a hug. Physical touch is a great way to show compassion for your boyfriend. If the two of you normally exchange hugs, give him one when he's feeling upset. If hugs aren't common between you, it might be a good idea to ask first. If he's upset because he was passed up for a promotion at work, you might say something like, “Can I give you a hug?” Kiss him. Kisses are yet another way to demonstrate affection for your partner. Plant a kiss on his forehead or cheek to show that you care. Only kiss your partner if this form of intimacy is common in your relationship. If not, ask if it's okay beforehand. Remind him why he’s awesome. If the reason behind your boyfriend's mood negatively impacts his self-worth, remind him why you think he's great. Doing so may pull him out of the sour mood and help him get perspective on negative criticism. For example, if he didn't get a job opportunity, you might say, “They can't see your best qualities, but I can. I believe in you.” If he had a fallout with a friend, you might say, “I know it must have been hard to confront Dan about his lying problem. I'm proud of you.” Tell him why you're grateful to have him in your life. If he starts to cheer up, ask him to come up with a few things that he's grateful for as well. Make a specific suggestion to help. You can come straight out and ask your boyfriend “How can I help?” but, chances are, he may not have a specific request. Instead, think of an active way you can improve things for him, based on what you know about the situation. For example, if your boyfriend is upset about a test grade, you might offer to help him study for the next test. If he's upset because he has too many responsibilities over the weekend, you might take one off his hands, such as doing a chore or running errands. Play his favorite songs. If you're hoping to pull your boyfriend out of a funk, turn on some of his favorite tunes. This might not guarantee that he'll burst out in dance, but it may brighten his mood. You may even tell him why you're playing the music, like “I know you're feeling down about your parent's divorce, so I thought I'd play your favorite song to help cheer you up.” Exercise together. Physical activity stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals in the body called endorphins. These chemicals can help improve your boyfriend's mood. Plus, exercise is a constructive way to distract him from what happened. You might say, “ Work has you super stressed. Why don't we go for a swim to relax a little?” or “Let's take the dog for a walk around the block and talk about it. Okay?” If your boyfriend is angry, exercise can be a positive way to channel negative energy. Treat him to some comfort food. Food may not be the way to your guy's heart, but it may boost his mood. There's a reason you crave comfort food when you're feeling stressed, upset, or sad: some foods activate the reward sensors in the brain. Maybe your boyfriend is down about a poor grade at school. Give him a little pleasure by cooking or ordering out his favorite food. Mac and cheese or pizza won't raise his grade, but it may help him feel better for a while. Comfort food is great every now and then, but be wary of turning to food too often. If your boyfriend has a tendency to overeat, try making a healthier dish instead (or a healthier version of the comfort food). Tell a silly joke. Laughter can ease a variety of troubles, so pull out all the stops to make him giggle. Make up a ridiculous joke of your own or send him funny memes or videos. You might use a joke that relates to his situation, such as "You think your work conditions are terrible? Watch this crazy YouTube compilation. I bet you'll see things differently." Watch his favorite TV show or movie. If you boyfriend has a particular TV series or movie that makes him smile, cuddle up on the couch to watch it—bonus points if it's a comedy. The show or movie can serve as a distraction from his troubles. When the credits roll, he may be feeling better, or, at the very least, ready to talk about what's wrong. | Listen if he wants to talk. Validate his feelings. Be okay with his silence. Give him space. Encourage him to get professional help if it doesn't pass. Give him a hug. Kiss him. Remind him why he’s awesome. Make a specific suggestion to help. Play his favorite songs. Exercise together. Treat him to some comfort food. Tell a silly joke. Watch his favorite TV show or movie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Dog-Smell-Out-of-the-Carpet | How to Get Dog Smell Out of the Carpet | To get dog smell out of your carpet, first vacuum it to remove any hair and dander. Once you've finished vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and leave it to sit. After 2 to 3 hours, vacuum up the baking soda, which will also remove the odors it has absorbed. If you're trying to clean up urine, use paper towels to mop up as much of it as possible. Then, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the affected area of your carpet. After 5 minutes, wipe up the mixture with paper towels. | Vacuum your carpet. The first step to eliminating dog odor from your carpet is to vacuum it thoroughly. Pet dander and hair can easily get embedded in carpet fibers, leaving a lingering smell. Use a full sized vacuum for larger carpeted areas, or a handheld vacuum for throw rugs and small mats. If you don't own a large vacuum cleaner, rent a wet/dry vacuum from a local hardware store. Use the vacuum hose attachment to get into hard-to-reach corners and under furniture. Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Baking soda is a perfect tool for neutralizing odors that may be stuck in your carpet fibers. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over your entire carpet. Let it sit there for 2-3 hours to absorb the smell. If the dog odor is concentrated in one area of the carpet, sprinkle baking soda in that area only to focus your cleaning. Be sure to keep pets away from this area while the baking soda sets in. It is not toxic to dogs but it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Vacuum up the baking soda. After 2-3 hours, vacuum your carpet a second time. This should remove the baking soda along with the odor it has absorbed. Be thorough to make sure you remove all of the baking soda from the carpet. Use a black light to spot dried-up urine stains. If your carpet has a lingering smell of urine, it might be difficult to spot the dried-up stain causing the odor. Purchase a black light flashlight online and shine it over your carpet to spot the soiled section. Apply an odor neutralizer directly to the area to remove the smell. Black lights designed specifically for pet messes are available online or in select pet stores. Blot up fresh urine stains with a clean cloth. Soak up as much urine as you can from the carpet before cleaning it. Use a clean cloth or several paper towels to press down gently on the stain to absorb it. Repeat until you have soaked as much liquid out of the carpet as you can. Make a vinegar-baking soda spray. Mix 2 cups (0.47 L) of white vinegar, 2 cups (0.47 L) warm water, and 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of baking soda in an empty spray bottle. Spray the odor-removing mixture generously onto urine-stained spots on your carpet and let it sit for 5 minutes. Using a clean cloth or several paper towels, gently blot up the liquid. Use a pet-friendly enzyme cleaning spray as an alternative. To remove a lingering odor of pet urine that vinegar and baking soda can't get rid of, look online or in your local pet store for a pet-safe enzyme cleaner. Enzymatic formulas should destroy the bacteria that causes odor, leaving your carpet smelling fresh. Look for a non-toxic spray that is good for carpets, vet approved, and safe for kids and pets. Avoid using a steam cleaner to clean lingering urine stains. Steam cleaners are an excellent way to remove many stains from carpeting, but they can permanently set the odor of urine into a carpet. The heat from the steam may cause the urine protein to bind into the carpet fibers, making it even more difficult to remove. Even if urine stains linger after you target them with other cleaners, it is best to keep steam and other sources of heat away from them. Bathe your dog as often as your veterinarian recommends. A key step to avoiding dog odor in your carpet is keeping your dog as clean as possible. Some dogs require more bathing because of skin conditions, breed specifications, or activity level, while others require less. Ask your veterinarian how often to bathe your pet and stay on target with their recommendation. Outside of regular baths, bathe your dog if its coat gets soiled while playing outside. Use specially designed pet wipes to clean your pet's feet. Your dog can easily transfer dirt and odors to your carpet with its feet. Purchase dog grooming wipes from a pet store or online to freshen your dog's paws after going for a walk or playing outside. Gently pick up each of your dog's paws and wipe them with a disposable cloth. Reward your dog by petting it or giving it treats after you clean its paws so it develops a positive association with the process. Brush your dog regularly. Depending on the specific breed you own, you should be brushing your dog somewhere between every day and every few weeks. Brushing removes pet dander, dust, and dirt from your dog's coat, leaving it healthier and cleaner. In turn, brushing regularly can improve your dog's odor and prevent your pet from shedding on your carpet. Brush your dog on an easy-to-clean surface, like a ceramic floor. Air out the room. Prevent dog odor from settling into your carpet by promoting air circulation in your home. Open doors and windows whenever the weather allows to let fresh air in. A stuffy room will be more likely to hold in odors, which will settle into carpet fibers over time. | Vacuum your carpet. Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda. Use a black light to spot dried-up urine stains. Blot up fresh urine stains with a clean cloth. Make a vinegar-baking soda spray. Use a pet-friendly enzyme cleaning spray as an alternative. Avoid using a steam cleaner to clean lingering urine stains. Bathe your dog as often as your veterinarian recommends. Use specially designed pet wipes to clean your pet's feet. Brush your dog regularly. Air out the room. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-when-You-Feel-Left-Out | How to Cope when You Feel Left Out | If you're feeling left out, try to remember that you're still a fun, interesting person that people would be lucky to spend time with. Instead of dwelling on being left out, try to distract yourself by doing something that you really enjoy, like taking a hot bath and reading a book, going for a walk outside while listening to music, or going shopping. Also, consider talking to the person who left you out and letting them know that it upset you, which can help you feel better and prevent the same thing from happening again in the future. | Understand why being left out hurts. Feeling left out is usually the result of being excluded or rejected by a group of people that you want to like and accept you. You may feel left out because you have been excluded and/or rejected by a group of friends or coworkers. It is normal to feel pain when you are excluded or rejected because we are all in need of social belonging. We are social beings and when our needs are not met, we experience pain and sadness. But just because it's normal to feel pain when you are rejected doesn't make it hurt any less, so it is important to develop strategies for coping with rejection. Recent research has found that your brain processes pain from rejection the same way it would process physical pain, such as having a broken arm. Social rejection can bring on feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, sadness, and jealousy. Researchers have even found that is painful to be rejected by groups we don't like! Remind yourself that rejection is a small part of life. Everyone feels left out from time to time. Unless you've fallen out with, or upset your loved ones somehow, being left out is unlikely to be a regular occurrence. You may take comfort in knowing that the rejection you have just experienced is temporary and that you will not have to feel rejected all of the time. Be realistic. Sometimes we may feel left out when we don't have a good reason to feel this way. In order to determine if you should feel left out, it is important to be realistic about the situation. Being realistic means looking at the situation from all angles. Consider all aspects of the situation including yourself, others involved, and even the environment. To help you be more realistic about the situation, it is helpful to do the following: Look for evidence that you've been left out. Does the evidence support your feelings? Ask yourself if there may have been another reason someone acted in a way that made you feel left out? Maybe they had something else on their mind, or had to get somewhere in a hurry. Is my perception of this situation based on my emotions or on what actually happened? Ask an unbiased person if your estimation of the situation is accurate. Assume the best intentions of others until you have evidence otherwise. Move past the situation. Once you have acknowledged your feelings, try to move past the situation by doing something that will improve your mood. Dwelling on what happened or how it made you feel will not make you feel better; it will make you feel worse. Find something else to focus on right away. For example, you can look for the good in the moment by writing down three things that you are grateful for. Or, you can distract yourself by doing something else that you enjoy. For example: If you feel like you've been stuck at home while your friends are out having fun, do something to spoil yourself. Take a bubble-bath with your favorite scented candles and a book. Take a long walk or a run while listening to music. Go into town and go shopping, or just browse the shops on your own. Whatever you do, make it all about you and making yourself happy. Breathe to calm yourself. Rejection can be very upsetting and you might find yourself feeling worked up or stressed as a result. Research has shown that taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing can reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm. To practice deep breathing, take in a slow deep breath as you count to five. Then, hold the breath as you count to five again. Then, slowly exhale as you count to five. Follow this exercise with two normal paced breaths and then repeat the slow deep breath. You might also try yoga, meditation, or tai chi to help yourself feel calm. Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself after a rejection. Being left out can cause you to feel sad and get down on yourself. Using positive self-talk can help you to combat these negative feelings and feel better after being rejected. After being left out, take a few moments to look at yourself in the mirror and say something encouraging to yourself. You can either say something that you believe about yourself or something that you would like to believe about yourself. Some examples of positive affirmations include: “I am a fun and interesting person.” “I am a good friend.” “People like me.” “People enjoy spending time with me.” Take good care of yourself. Caring for yourself can make you feel loved rather than rejected. This can take many different forms because different people feel cared for by different means. Some examples include cooking yourself a nice meal, taking a long bubble bath, working on a project you love, or watching your favorite movie. You should also make sure that you are taking good care of your body. By taking good care of your body, you are sending your brain signals that you deserve to be taken care of. Make sure that you are devoting enough time to meeting your basic needs for exercise, food, and sleep. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. Eat a balanced diet of healthy whole foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Get 8 hours of sleep per night. Acknowledge your feelings. When we are rejected, we may try to ignore our feelings to avoid feeling the pain. Instead of trying to ignore how you are feeling, allow yourself to feel bad for a little while. If you have been hurt badly and you feel like you need to cry, go ahead. Acknowledging your feelings will help you to move on and cope with the rejection. Take time to identify the reason why you feel left out, how it makes you feel, why it makes you feel that way. For example, “I feel left because my friends went to a party without me over the weekend. I feel betrayed and sad because it makes me think that they don't really like me.” Try writing about how you feel in a journal. If you don't like to write, drawing or playing music to reflect how you feel may also help you to acknowledge your feelings and deal with them. Consider telling someone about what happened. Telling a supportive friend or family member may help you feel better and help you express your emotions. It may also help to reassure you that even though your friends made you feel left out and unwanted, people do care about you. If you decide to talk to someone, make sure to choose someone who is supportive and who will listen to you. Choosing someone who will brush off your feelings or who will not offer good support may make you feel worse. Talk to your friends about your feelings. Another very important means for dealing with situations in which you feel left out by your friends is to tell them how you feel and ask them about their reasons for leaving you out. Let them know that you felt left out by explaining what the occasion was and why you wished they had asked you along or stayed with you at an event. And it's also important to ask your friends politely why the situation occurred as it did. Don't assume they are to blame for leaving you out. Just ask considerate questions that can lead to a fruitful dialog. You might say something like: "I felt really sad when you guys went rollerblading last Saturday and didn't ask me along too. I know I was tired Friday night but I was up for doing things on Saturday and it wasn't until X told me you guys were out there that I knew I'd not been asked to come too. I felt pretty left out. Was there any reason why you didn't think to ask me too?" "I loved the party we went to last week but I felt abandoned when you and X left the conversation. That new guy was not interested in talking to me and when I looked for you two, I couldn't find you anywhere and I felt really left out because I didn't know anyone else. Maybe you didn't realize I wanted to hang out with you and X more than talk to the new guy? Did you realize that I was all alone at the party?" Listen openly to your friends' responses. They may be surprised that you felt left out. They may tell you that your recent illness/recent break-up/visiting relatives/lack of funds/parental control, whatever, was the reason behind their choice not to include you. Use this as an opportunity to set straight any assumptions they may hold that caused them to leave you out. Be honest with yourself. Have you done things to cause your friends to want to leave you out? For instance, have you been demanding, pushy, or thoughtless about their needs lately? Or perhaps you have overcrowded them a little. This may be the reason they left you out in the first place, to find space and peace. If this is the case, own up to it, apologize, and be determined to make changes. Make others feel included. Sometimes the best way to get over feeling left out during a conversation or at an event, it to make others feel welcomed and included. Doing this helps to take the focus off of how uncomfortable or hurt you feel due to the situation, and gives you power to actively change your experience at the event. You can make others feel included by doing the following: Smile and greet others Start conversations Ask questions about people and try to get to know them Be a good listener Be kind and thoughtful Show genuine interest in what others have to say Arrange things to do with your friends. If you think that part of being left out may be due to your own situation (for example, a heavy study schedule, long work hours, home responsibilities, hobby or sports commitments, etc.), then help your friends by making suggestions that fit in with your schedule. Your attempt to make plans and meet them halfway will be appreciated. If your busy schedule has interfered with doing things with your friends, ask a friend to run errands with you or join you in something you do every day, such as going to the gym. Do your best to make plans with your friends, but know when to stop asking. If your friends refuse your suggestions several times, then they might not want to continue the friendship. Don't keep asking if your friends always say no or often back out at the last minute. Decide if you need to make some new friends. In the case where you keep getting left out, you may have to accept that you can't count on these people as friends and have to make some new ones. Make a decision to find people who respect and care about you. While this may be hard, it's a much easier choice than sticking around with people who keep bringing you down and treating you like a doormat. You deserve much better than that. Consider volunteering, joining a club in your area for people who share your interests, and attending local events that interest you. Surrounding yourself with people who share your interests and passions will ensure that the people you meet will have some things in common with you, which can lead to new friendships. | Understand why being left out hurts. Remind yourself that rejection is a small part of life. Be realistic. Move past the situation. Breathe to calm yourself. Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself after a rejection. Take good care of yourself. Acknowledge your feelings. Consider telling someone about what happened. Talk to your friends about your feelings. Listen openly to your friends' responses. Make others feel included. Arrange things to do with your friends. Decide if you need to make some new friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Finance-Company | How to Start a Finance Company | To start a finance company, you'll need to have a solid understanding of finance and accounting. You should also have some previous experience in the finance industry, which will help you make smarter business decisions. Also, keep in mind that starting a finance company can be expensive, and you'll need to secure funding through loans or investors to cover the start-up costs. If you think starting a finance company is right for you, form a corporation or Limited Liability Company and register your business. | Select a finance company specialty. Finance companies tend to specialize in the types of loans they make as well as the customers they serve. The financial, marketing, and operational requirements vary from one specialty to another. Focusing on a single business model is critical to the successful creation and operation of a new company. Private finance companies range from the local mortgage broker who specializes in refinancing or making new loans to homeowners to the factoring companies (factors) that acquire or finance account receivables for small businesses. The decision to pursue a specific finance company specialty should be based upon your interest, your experiences, and the likelihood of success. Many finance companies are founded by former employees of existing companies. For example, former loan officers, underwriters, and broker associates create new mortgage brokerage firms specializing in a specific type of loan (commercial or residential) or working with a single lender. Consider the business specialty that attracted you initially. Why were you attracted to the business? Does the business require substantial start-up and operating capital? Is there an opportunity to create the same business in a new area? Will you be competing with other similar, existing businesses? Confirm the business opportunity. A new finance company must be able to attract clients and produce a profit. As a consequence, it is important to research the expected market space where the business will compete. How big is the market? Who presently serves potential clients? Are prices stable? Is the market limited to a specific geographic area? How do existing companies attract and serve their customers? How do competitors differ in their approach to marketing and service features? Identify your target market, or the specific customers you intend to serve. Explain their needs and how you intend to meet them.}} Describe your area of specialization. For example, if your market research indicates a growing number of small start-up companies needing loans, describe how the financial products and services you offer are strong enough to gain a significant share of that market. Consider the companies already in the competitive space. Are they similar in size or dominated by a single company? Similar market shares may indicate a slow-growing market or the companies' inability to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Identify the business requirements. What are the likely fixed costs to operate the business - office space, equipment, utilities, salaries, and wages? What business processes are necessary for day-to-day operations - marketing, loan officers, underwriters, clerks and accountants? Will potential clients visit a physical office, communicate online, or both? Will you need a financial partner such as a mortgage lender or a bank? Mortgage brokers act as intermediaries between borrowers and lenders, sometimes with discretion up to a dollar limit. Factors typically leverage their own capital by borrowing from larger financial institutions. Crunch the numbers. How much capital is required to open the business? What is the expected revenue per client or transaction? What is break-even sales volume? Before risking your own and other people's capital, you need to ensure that profitability is possible and reasonable, if not likely. Identify your skills. Before starting your new company and, possibly, a new career, it is important to objectively evaluate your skills and personality to determine what steps you need to take to successfully start and manage a finance company. Do you have special training in the finance specialty? Do you understand finance and accounting? Do you work well with people? Are you a leader, who inspires others to follow them, or a manager, who can assess a problem, discern its cause, direct resources to implement a solution? Are you a good salesperson? Do you have any special abilities specifically suited to the finance industry? Assess your emotional strengths and interests. Do you work best alone or with others? Do you find it easy to compromise? Are you patient or demanding with others? Do you make quick, intuitive decisions or do you prefer detailed information and careful analysis before acting? How comfortable are you with risk? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? When you make a mistake, do you beat yourself up or regard it as a learning opportunity and move on? Consider your experience. Have you worked in the finance industry previously? Are you monetarily and professionally successful in your present position? Do you understand marketing, accounting, legal matters, or banking? Have you been responsible for creating new markets or leading sales teams? Determine your financial capacity. Do you have sufficient capital to open the finance company you envision? Do you have assets that can cover your living expenses during a start-up phase? Will your family or friends contribute to the financing of your business? Do you have access to other financial sources - personal loans, venture capital, investment funds, or financial sponsors? Set up your business plan. The Business Plan serves a number of functions. It is a blueprint for building your company in the future, a guide to ensure you remain focused on your efforts, and a detailed description of your company for potential lenders and investors. Begin writing your business plan by including all of the required sections and leaving room to fill them in. The steps in this part should serve as your sections, starting with the business description. Write a business description. Your business plan will lay out a blueprint for your company. The first part of your business, the description, is a summary of the organization and goals of your business. Begin by justifying the need for a new financial company in the industry or target location. You should briefly identify your target market, how you plan to reach them, descriptions of your products and services, and how your company will be organized. Describe the organization and management of your company. Clarify who owns the company. Specify the qualifications of your management team. Create an organizational chart. A comprehensive, well-developed organizational structure can help a financial institution be more successful. The Chief Executive Office leads the "executive suite" of other company officers. The Chief Operating Officer manages the activities of the lending, servicing and insurance and investment units of the company. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include marketing, human resources, employee training, facilities, technology, and the legal department. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company operates within regulatory parameters. This person also monitors the company's financial performance. In smaller companies, executives may fill more than one of these roles simultaneously. Describe your product line. Explain the types of financial products and loans you provide. Emphasize the benefits your products offer to your target customers. Specify the need your product fills in the market. For example, if your target customers are small business owners, describe how the financial products and investments you offer to help them run their businesses. Explain how your business is financed. Determine how much money you need to start your finance company. Specify how much equity you own. State what percentage other investors own in the company. Indicate how you plan to finance your company with leverage (loans), where these loans are coming from, and how the loans will be used in the business. In most cases, equity in the company is used primarily for the company's operations, rather than the source of loans to customers. Secondary lenders provide funds to the finance company that is subsequently loaned to customers; the customers' loans collateralize the lenders' loans to the finance company. This is because profit is made in the spread, or the difference between your cost of acquiring capital and profit from lending it out. Any funding request should indicate how much you need, how you intend to use the money, and the terms of the loan or investment. Document your marketing and sales management strategies. Your marketing strategy should explain how you plan to attract and communicate with both customers and lenders/depositors. It should also show how you plan to grow your company. The sales strategy defines how you will sell your product. Promotional strategies include advertising, public relations, and printed materials. Business growth opportunities not only include building your staff, but also acquiring new businesses or beginning to offer different kinds of products. The sales strategy should include information about the size of your sales force, procedures for sales calls and sales goals. Include financial statements in your business plan. Reviewing the pro forma financial statements you created during your business planning, be sure that your projections are reasonable and conservative. You may also want to cautiously estimate performance over the next two years after that. Include a ratio analysis to document your understanding of financial trends over time and predict future financial performance. Prospective financial data should provide monthly statements for the first year and annual statements for the next two years. Standard financial ratios include Gross profit margin, ROE, Current ratio, Debt to Equity. Ratio and trend analysis data helps you document whether you will be able to continue to serve your customers over time, how well you utilize your assets and manage your liabilities, and whether you have enough cash to meet your obligations. Consider forming a Limited Liability Company. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is similar to a corporation in that it protects its owners from personal liability for debts or actions incurred by the business. However, they have the tax advantages of a sole proprietorship or partnership. A corporation typically files taxes separately from the shareholders. Be aware that corporations pay double federal income tax, meaning taxes are assessed when profit is earned, and then again when it is distributed to shareholders. You should seek legal advice to determine the best structure for your business. Name and register your business. Choose a name that represents your brand and is unique enough to obtain a website address or URL. When choosing a name, check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to make sure you are not infringing on any trademarks. Also, check with your state to see if the name is already in use by another corporation. You will have to register with your state as a corporation. The exact registration process varies by state and type of corporation you decide to form. Since your business name is one of your most important assets, protect it by applying for trademark protection with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Obtain the required operational licenses and permits. Financial institutions acquire these from the state in which they operate. Consult with your State Business License Office to identify the specific license and permit you need. Each state has different requirements for licensing financial institutions. You will need to specify exactly what type of financial institution you are opening, such as an investment company or a licensed lender. You will then furnish the requisite documents and pay any fees. Due to the incredibly complex and constantly-evolving nature of the financial services industry, it is advised that finance companies hire and retain expert legal counsel to guide them through these regulations. Learn about regulations. The two categories of financial regulations in the United States are safety-and-soundness regulation and compliance. Safety-and-soundness regulations protect creditors from losses arising from the insolvency of financial institutions. Compliance regulations aim to protect individuals from unfair dealings or crime from the financial institutions. Financial regulations are carried out by both federal and state agencies. Federal financial regulation agencies include the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the National Credit Union Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). State regulatory agencies may have additional requirements that are even more stringent than those set by the SEC. With the help of your legal counsel, investigate reserve and initial funding requirements for your company. This will determine how much startup money you need. Protect yourself from risk and liabilities with indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance protects you and your employees should someone sue you. Financial institutions should purchase a specific kind of indemnity insurance called Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects the financial company from claims made by clients for inadequate or negligent work. It is often required by government regulatory bodies. Remember, however, that staying in compliance with all regulatory requirements is still your responsibility. Obtain financing. You will need to finance your company according to your business plan, using a combination of equity and debt financing. Initial startup costs will be used for meeting reserve requirements and the building or rental of office spaces. From there, much of the company's operating capital will be lent out to customers. Be aware of Federal and State laws regulating the private solicitation of investors. Adherence to securities laws regarding the information provided to potential investors and the qualifications of the investor will apply in most circumstances. Sources of debt financing include loans from the government and commercial lending institutions. Money borrowed with debt financing must be paid back over a period of time, usually with interest. The Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with banks to offer government loans to business owners. However, these loans can only be used for the purchase of equipment, not lent out to others. The SBA helps lending institutions make long-term loans by guaranteeing a portion of the loan should the business default. Finance companies face the problem of having to raise large amounts of initial funding to be successful. They also often have to deal with a slew of other challenges before they become profitable. Without accounting properly for issues like fraud, it's very easy for a finance company to go out of business. Choose your location. A finance company should make a positive impression on customers. Customers looking for a loan will want to do business in a place that projects a trustworthy and sound image. Take into account the reputation of the neighborhood or of a particular building and how it will appear to customers. Also consider how customers will reach you and the proximity of your competitors. If your target customers are small local businesses, for example, they may not want to drive to a remote location or deal with heavy city traffic to meet with you. If you are not sure, contact your local planning agency to find out if your desired location is zoned for commercial use, especially if you plan to operate out of your home. Leasing commercial office space is expensive. Consider your finances, not only what you can afford, but also other expenses such as renovations and property taxes. In today's connected world, it's also possible to run a finance company online, without a location for physical interaction with customers. While you'll likely still need an office for your employees, not having a retail location can save you some regulatory hassle expense. Hire and retain employees. Write effective job descriptions so employees and applicants understand their role in the company and what your expectations of them are. Compile a compensation package, including required and optional fringe benefits. Compose an employee handbook that communicates company policies, compensation, schedules and standards of conduct. Perform pre-employment background checks to make informed decisions about who you hire. Financial planners and advisors require a specific educational background and are subject to rigorous certification requirements.. Consider obtaining credit reports to show how financially responsible a candidate is. Pay your taxes. Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number. Determine your federal and state tax obligations. State tax obligations include income taxes and employment taxes. All states also require payment of workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance taxes, and some also require payment of disability insurance. Create loan packages for your clients. Decide if you are going to offer revolving or fixed-amount types of credit. Think about your target customers and what kinds of loans they would need. Homeowners and individuals may seek mortgages, auto loans, student loans or personal loans. Entrepreneurs may seek small business loans. Consolidated loans may help customers who are struggling to manage their finances. Recognize that your loan offerings, rates, and terms will need to be constantly reworked with the changing loan market. Some of these items may also be subject to various regulations, so consult your legal counsel before finalizing your offerings. Market your new finance company. Target your marketing efforts towards your chosen niche of clients. Marketing includes networking and advertising, but there are also other ways of letting potential customers know you have set up shop. Become a familiar face in your local business community by attending and speaking at events sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. Publish communications such as a newsletter or e-zine. Participate in social networking on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. | Select a finance company specialty. Confirm the business opportunity. Identify the business requirements. Crunch the numbers. Identify your skills. Assess your emotional strengths and interests. Consider your experience. Determine your financial capacity. Set up your business plan. Write a business description. Describe the organization and management of your company. Describe your product line. Explain how your business is financed. Document your marketing and sales management strategies. Include financial statements in your business plan. Consider forming a Limited Liability Company. Name and register your business. Obtain the required operational licenses and permits. Learn about regulations. Protect yourself from risk and liabilities with indemnity insurance. Obtain financing. Choose your location. Hire and retain employees. Pay your taxes. Create loan packages for your clients. Market your new finance company. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Spaghetti-from-Sticking | How to Keep Spaghetti from Sticking | To keep spaghetti from sticking, make sure you use at least 6 quarts (5 1/2 L) of water for each pound (1/2 kg) of pasta so there's enough room for the pasta to spread out while it cooks. Wait for the water to reach a boil before you add the pasta so the starch on the outside of the noodles doesn't make them stick together. Remember to stir the noodles regularly, especially during the first couple of minutes after you add them to the pot. Rinse the pasta off after you drain it if you aren't planning on eating it right away to remove the starch. | Ensure you have a very large pasta pot. A pasta pot that is seven quarts (6.6l) or larger will allow you to cook a pound of pasta. Cooking with more than enough water also prevents clumping, sticky pasta. Pour five to six quarts (4. 7 to 5.6l) of water into your stockpot for each pound (0.4kg) of spaghetti. Surplus water will also allow the pasta to return to boiling quickly after you add your dry pasta. Using a lot of water is extremely important when cooking long pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccini. The long pasta needs room to move around the pot without sticking to the sides. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Keep-Spaghetti-from-Sticking-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Spaghetti-from-Sticking-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Keep-Spaghetti-from-Sticking-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid4445569-v4-728px-Keep-Spaghetti-from-Sticking-Step-2Bullet1.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>"} Add one tablespoon (18g) of salt to the water as the water comes to a boil. Salted water will flavor the pasta. Don’t add oil to the water. As the oil coats the spaghetti, it prevents the pasta sauce from sticking to the outside surface. Your pasta will be more likely to stick together. Stir your pasta within one to two minutes of adding it to the pot. Use a timer, so that you don't over or undercook your pasta. Keep the cover off the pot, so that it cooks evenly and doesn’t boil over. Test your spaghetti two minutes before the timer rings. It should be firm to the bite, also called “al dente.” Drain the spaghetti immediately when it is ready. When you cook pasta, it releases starch into the water. To stop it from sticking, you need to get rid of that starchy water right away. Don’t rinse your spaghetti. It will make it clump together; starch dries on the pasta and makes it sticky. Toss it with warm sauce immediately after you drain it. Instead of sticking together, the pasta sauce will adhere to the pasta. The result should be a velvety, smooth pasta dish. | Ensure you have a very large pasta pot. Pour five to six quarts (4. Add one tablespoon (18g) of salt to the water as the water comes to a boil. Don’t add oil to the water. Stir your pasta within one to two minutes of adding it to the pot. Keep the cover off the pot, so that it cooks evenly and doesn’t boil over. Test your spaghetti two minutes before the timer rings. Drain the spaghetti immediately when it is ready. Don’t rinse your spaghetti. Toss it with warm sauce immediately after you drain it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-Your-Guardian-Angel | How to Contact Your Guardian Angel | If you want to contact your guardian angel, look for signs that will tell you some of the traits of your angel, like who it protects or its name. When you feel you know your angel, create an altar by covering a small table with a cloth. On top of the cloth, place a candle and an object which reminds you of your angel, such as crystals, herbs, or incense. Next, say a prayer addressing your angel, acknowledging its special powers, and identifying your need. | Read more about guardian angels to strengthen your connection. There is a wealth of knowledge in websites online and in books at your local library. Even though many religions believe in guardian angels, they hold very different opinions about their nature. While most faiths think that angels are a separate kind of being different from humans, others believe that people become angels after they die. Catholics believe that every person is assigned a guardian angel. Muslims think that every believer has two guardian angels, one to go in front and one behind. There are many conflicting views of guardian angels in Judaism. Some scholars assert that people do not have individual guardian angels but that God may send one or many angels to a person at a time of need. Others believe that every mitzvah a person does creates an angel companion. Still others say that an angel called Lailah watches over a person from conception to death. Talk to your parents. If you're very young and not sure which religion your family belongs to, ask your parents for help. Ask them what they believe. Tell them about your attempts at contacting your guardian angel and make sure that they are fine with you doing that. Consult a religious leader. Ask your parents if they will help you meet with a local religious leader to ask him or her about guardian angels. If you're old enough, you can go on your own. If you don't have a regular place of worship, you can try contacting local ones that interest you. Most religious organizations are happy to educate people about their faith when asked, even if you don't believe the same things. Identify your guardian angel. Before you try to contact your angel, make sure that you know who your angel is and what your angel's special powers are. If you are trying to contact a specific angel, then take some time to learn a little more about that angel. To identify your guardian angel, watch for signs. Pay attention to names and symbols that come up a lot. For example, if you notice that the name Michael keeps coming up, then your guardian angel might be Michael. You may also choose an angel to contact based on that angel's associations. For example, Raphael is associated with healing and protection for travelers, so you may want to contact him if you have been dealing with illness or if you are planning a trip. Some people think of their deceased loved ones as their guardian angels. For example, you might identify a grandparent with whom you were close as your guardian angel. Create an altar. Creating an altar might help you to contact your guardian angel by designating a space for spiritual energy. To create an altar, set aside a small space, such as a bookshelf or the top of a dresser. Place a cloth over the area and then add a candle and an object that reminds you of your guardian angel. Some people like to include photos, food, herbs, crystals, incense, and water as part of their altars. Think about the objects, colors, numbers, and other items associated with your angel as you choose items for your altar. Purchase a special candle just for your altar. Only use the candle when you want to communicate with your guardian angel. Place photos of deceased loved ones on your altar if you think of them as your guardian angels. Learn a special prayer. Many people use special prayers to help them make contact with their angels. Some angels have prayers that you can learn and use when you contact your angel. If your angel is not well known, then you may want to consider writing your own prayer to that angel. You can write a prayer by following the basic structure used by other prayers to angels: address your angel acknowledge your angel's special powers identify your needs close your prayer Designate a time to contact your angel. To increase your chances of contacting your guardian angel, you should designate a specific time each day to pray and meditate. Having a daily practice will give your guardian angel more opportunities to contact you. For example, you might start or end each day with five minutes of prayer and meditation near your altar. You can also contact your angel in times of need, but make sure that you make regular contact with your angel as well. Pay attention to what feels like strong intuition, or your "gut. " Some people believe that this is the main way angels communicate with us. If you need to make a tough decision and don't have time to meditate, mentally ask your angel. If an answer pops into your head, your angel may be guiding you. Keep a notebook. Write down whatever you think your angel may be telling you. Record inspirations that may occur during meditation. Memories are easily confused and insights forgotten. Having a clear reminder will help you keep your thoughts organized. Remember that your guardian angel is by your side. The feeling of never being alone and always being protected is the greatest gift an angel can give. Let this knowledge give you the confidence to get you through tough times. Try imagining that your guardian angel is standing right behind you whenever you have to do something that is difficult. Doing so will help to give you strength and remind you that your guardian angel is watching over you. Prepare your space. Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed, such as your bedroom. Turn off any electronic devices that may distract you, such as the television, phone, or computer. Turning off the lights and shutting your blinds will also help. Light a candle. Candles are a great way to focus your attention during meditation. If you have created an angel altar, then you can light the candle on your altar. If you do not have an angel altar, then you can just light a candle and place it on a table in front of you. If you do not want to light a candle, then you can also use a rosary to help focus your attention or listen to some repetitive nature sounds, such as ocean waves or rain sounds. Sit in a position that is comfortable. Meditation requires you to be still for a long time, so make sure that you are comfortable. For example, you may want to sit on a cushion. You can even lie down to meditate, as long as you're sure you won't fall asleep. Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Close your eyes or watch your candle. Try not to think of anything, not even your guardian angel for a few minutes. Focus on keeping your breath steady and slow. If you notice that you have started thinking about something, then take a moment to acknowledge the thought and then refocus on your breathing. Greet your angel. In your mind, say "hello" to your angel. Thank your angel for watching over you. Then, let your angel know about any problems that are bothering you and ask your angel for guidance. If you have learned or prepared a prayer, then take a moment to recite the prayer. You can do this in your head or say the prayer out loud. Listen for your angel's reply. Any sign that your angel is there will most likely be subtle. For example, you may hear a faint noise, see a fleeting image in your mind's eye, notice a sensation of warmth, or get the feeling that someone is in the empty room with you. Some people believe that angels cannot interfere in our lives without being directly asked to. If you're not sure your angel is there, try asking your angel to let you know someone is there. Emerge from your meditation slowly. When you have finished speaking with your angel, say goodbye. You may want to end your meditation with a prayer as well. If your eyes were closed, open them. Then, sit quietly for a minute or two as you let your mind go back to normal. Practice your meditation. Keep in mind that meditation is a difficult skill to master. You probably won't get it right on your first attempt and that is okay. Just keep practicing your meditation and it will become easier. Remember that it is fine to start with just a few minutes of meditation per day and work up to longer periods of meditation as you become more comfortable. | Read more about guardian angels to strengthen your connection. Talk to your parents. Consult a religious leader. Identify your guardian angel. Create an altar. Learn a special prayer. Designate a time to contact your angel. Pay attention to what feels like strong intuition, or your "gut. Keep a notebook. Remember that your guardian angel is by your side. Prepare your space. Light a candle. Sit in a position that is comfortable. Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Greet your angel. Listen for your angel's reply. Emerge from your meditation slowly. Practice your meditation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Zucchini | How to Roast Zucchini | To roast zucchini, start by washing and cutting your zucchini into 1 inch pieces. Next, mix Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, add the zucchini, garlic, and olive oil, and mix until all the pieces are evenly coated. Afterwards, spread the zucchini pieces on a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Finally, cook the zucchini at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 7 minutes. | Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Roasting zucchini at a high temperature will cause the flesh to caramelize and turn golden brown, making the dish especially flavorful. Wash the zucchini. Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin. Use a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean. Cut the zucchini. Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it lengthwise. Turn the zucchini halves and use the knife to cut the halves into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis. When roasting zucchini, it's not necessary to peel away the green skin. The skin will soften as the vegetable roasts, so there's no reason to discard it. If you wish, you can roast entire zucchini halves, or cut them into long strips like dill pickles. Cut them into whatever shape you like. Mix the seasonings. Place the Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt in a bowl and mix them all together. Toss the zucchini in olive oil. Place it in a bowl and pour the olive oil over it, then use tongs to toss the mixture until the zucchini is entirely coated. Season the zucchini. Add the garlic to the bowl. Pour the seasoning mix over the zucchini, then toss again to coat the pieces in spices. Spread the zucchini on a baking sheet. Make sure the pieces aren't overlapping - they should be in one single layer so they cook evenly. Bake the zucchini. Bake for 7 minutes, then open the oven and turn the pieces over. Bake for another 7 minutes, or until the zucchini are golden brown. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wash the zucchini. Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin, using a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean. Cut the zucchini. Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it lengthwise. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis. Spread the zucchini halves on a baking sheet. Arrange them all flesh-side up. Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil. Make sure each one gets an even coat. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper. Put a light sprinkling of each on all the zucchini halves. Distribute the Parmesan among the halves. Put an even amount on top of each of the zucchini halves. If you need more Parmesan, feel free to add it - it won't affect the outcome of the dish. Roast the zucchini. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the zucchini for 10 minutes, or until the Parmesan has turned bubbly and golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve with basil. Place the ribboned basil on top of the zucchini halves to serve. This is great as either a side dish or a light main course. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wash the zucchini. Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin, using a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean. Cut the zucchini. Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into discs that are each about 1–2 inch (2.5–5.1 cm) wide. Discard the two ends of each zucchini. Salt the zucchini. Because they have such high moisture content, it's a good idea to salt the zucchini rounds to draw out some of the moisture. This will keep the final dish nice and crunchy. Lay the zucchini rounds onto a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe the moisture from each piece. Set up the breading station. Beat the egg and have it ready in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter and mix it with the bread crumbs into a separate bowl. Have your baking sheet ready nearby, so you can transfer the breaded rounds directly to it. Bread the zucchini. Slice by slice, dip the zucchini pieces first in the beaten egg, then in the bread crumb bowl. Each side of the slices should be well coated in bread crumbs. Place the coated pieces in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake the zucchini. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the zucchini for 20 minutes, or until the breading is deep golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven. Serve the crunchy zucchini rounds. They're delicious with marinara sauce or balsamic vinegar and olive oil. | Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wash the zucchini. Cut the zucchini. Mix the seasonings. Toss the zucchini in olive oil. Season the zucchini. Spread the zucchini on a baking sheet. Bake the zucchini. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wash the zucchini. Cut the zucchini. Spread the zucchini halves on a baking sheet. Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper. Distribute the Parmesan among the halves. Roast the zucchini. Serve with basil. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wash the zucchini. Cut the zucchini. Salt the zucchini. Set up the breading station. Bread the zucchini. Bake the zucchini. Serve the crunchy zucchini rounds. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Ingrown-Eyelids-in-Dogs | How to Treat Ingrown Eyelids in Dogs | To treat an ingrown eyelid in your dog, watch for common symptoms like squinting, watery eyes, eye discharge, or pawing at its eyes. If you've noticed symptoms of an ingrown eyelid in your dog, take it to the vet for an eye exam and treatment. In addition to examining your dog's eyes, the vet may put a special dye in its eyes to check for underlying issues like abrasions or glaucoma. If your dog does have an ingrown eyelid, you may need to schedule blepharoplasty surgery, which will remove a sliver of skin from directly below and above the eyelid to help it heal. Or, if your dog is still a puppy, the vet may tack its eyelids temporarily instead to help turn the eyelids out.. | Look for squinting. Squinting is an easily recognized sign of eye irritation. Your dog may squint if it feels like there's something in the eye that it can't get out. In this case, the ingrown eyelid is causing the eyelashes to rub directly against the eye. If you can't tell if your dog is squinting, compare the size of your dog's irritated eye to the other one. If they're not the same size, your dog is squinting one. Your dog may just keep the eye closed because it's so uncomfortable. Watch for watery eyes. You may not be able to tell if an ingrown eyelid is irritating your dog's eyes just by looking at the eyes. But you'll probably see your dog's eyes watering excessively if an ingrown eyelid is causing an eyelash to rub against the eye. The dog may blink more to empty the eyes of tears. Larger dogs may also have pus around the outer corners of the eyes. You may also notice tear staining down your dog's cheeks. This suggests your dog's eyes are constantly irritated. Look for your dog rubbing an eye. Your dog may rub at its eye with a paw. Since this may give your dog minor relief, your dog may continually swipe its eye with its paws so you'll need to monitor your dog for eye infection. If your dog develops an eye infection, you'll see yellow-green discharge. Instead of swiping its eye with a paw, your dog may rub its face along the ground. Consider your dog's risk. Dogs that are known for wrinkly faces (like Pekinese, Basset hounds, and pugs) are commonly associated with ingrown eyelids caused by entropion. This is because the weight of the extra skin pushes down on the eyelids which causes them to roll into the eye. Entropion can also occur in any breed. Entropion is often found in: Bulldogs Shi Tzus Boxers Cocker and springer spaniels Dalmatians Labradors Golden retrievers Get your dog examined. If you notice any symptoms of eye irritation, take your dog to the vet. The vet will examine your dog's eyes under magnification to see how well the eyelid sits against the cornea. The vet will also check to see if any hairs are rubbing against the surface of the eye. It's better to take your dog in if you suspect any eye irritation than to wait. When eye conditions like entropion are left untreated, your dog can develop secondary eye problems. Check for secondary eye problems. To rule out secondary eye problems (like a corneal ulcer), the vet will put a special dye into the eye. The vet will also check eye pressure and measure your dog's tear production. These will all alert the vet as to whether or not there are additional eye conditions that need to be treated before treating the ingrown eyelid. These tests are not painful, but the vet may give your dog topical anesthetic drops to keep your dog relaxed and comfortable. Get blepharoplasty surgery. The common treatment for ingrown eyelids is a procedure that removes a sliver of skin from immediately below or above the eyelid. This blepharoplasty treatment should make the eyelid lie flush against the cornea instead of turn in towards it. Some surgeons may recommend doing two small surgeries to remove very small amounts of skin. This prevents the removal of to much skin at once and another surgery can be added if the entropion is still present after the first surgery. Get eyelid tacking if your dog is young. If you have a puppy with ingrown eyelids, the vet may recommend temporarily tacking your dog's eyelids. This is because young dogs who get blepharoplasty may continue growing, requiring another surgery. Instead, with tacking, your dog will get a brief anesthetic in order to put tacking sutures near the eyelid. These will help turn the eyelids out. Once your dog has finished growing, the vet will give another anesthetic and remove the tacking sutures. Then your dog can get a full blepharoplasty. Consider lifting the your dog's skin folds. For dogs with heavy skin folds such as the Shah Pei, basset hound or bloodhound, a full 'face lift' may be needed. This is because the sheer amount of extra skin falls forward into the eyes every time your dog lowers its head. A surgeon will remove excess skin and pull the facial folds backwards. This is a major surgery and is usually only done if blepharoplasty hasn't worked for your dog. Realize that it will significantly change your dog's appearance. Do follow up treatment for corneal ulcers. During the diagnosing exam, the vet will have checked for corneal ulcers. These are caused by repeated rubbing of an eyelash against the cornea. Most shallow corneal ulcers will heal on their own once the ingrown eyelids are treated. If your dog had deeper corneal ulcers, the vet will probably treat with medicated eye drops and surgery (if there's a lot of damage). Your dog may need to be hospitalized for corneal ulcer surgery. Your dog may need up to three weeks for a deep corneal ulcer to heal and will need to keep a patch in place over the eye. Keep your dog in a cone after surgery. The vet will probably recommend putting your dog in an Elizabethan collar or cone until the eyes have healed, usually about 2 weeks after surgery. If your dog also had corneal ulcer surgery, it may have gotten a drain put in place. Follow your vet's recommendations for cleaning and maintaining the drain. Be sure to go to follow up appointments with the vet. This way, the vet can monitor your dog's healing and adjust any medications your dog is taking. | Look for squinting. Watch for watery eyes. Look for your dog rubbing an eye. Consider your dog's risk. Get your dog examined. Check for secondary eye problems. Get blepharoplasty surgery. Get eyelid tacking if your dog is young. Consider lifting the your dog's skin folds. Do follow up treatment for corneal ulcers. Keep your dog in a cone after surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Leopard-Tortoise | How to Care for a Leopard Tortoise | To care for a leopard tortoise, keep it outside in a large habitat that gets a mix of sun and shade. The daytime temperatures should be between 75 and 90 °F, with a 95°F basking spot. The temperature can go down to 60 °F at night. Aim for a habitat that's at least 10 feet by 10 feet with walls that are 18 inches tall. Next, arrange a sunny spot with little or no grass on it for sunbathing, and make sure there are lots of tall grasses and shrubs in other areas for shade and hiding. Then, feed the tortoise a high-fiber diet of grasses and hay and provide a constant supply of clean, fresh water. | Acquire a healthy tortoise from a reputable source. If you know of a reliable, reputable pet store that specializes in reptiles, they may have a healthy tortoise for you. Better yet, contact a well-regarded tortoise breeder and get one directly from them. Don't get a tortoise from an expo or store where many stressed animals are put together, because they can catch diseases in that environment. Avoid tortoises from private sellers, especially if they can't provide you with detailed information on the tortoise's origins and health history. Examine the tortoise's features carefully before buying it. Make sure that its eyes are clean and glossy, not cloudy or filmy. Also, check that the eyes don't have bubbling or frothing and that there is no nasal discharge when you push on the top of the muzzle, because those are signs of respiratory disease. If you can see the fecal droppings, they shouldn't be runny. Get regular vet checkups, ideally with a reptile specialist. General veterinary care is most certainly better than none at all, but look for a vet with lots of experience working with reptiles—or, best of all, tortoises. Take your tortoise in for checkups once per year, or on the schedule recommended by your vet. To find a specialist vet, search online for "reptile specialist veterinarian near me," or (in the U.S.) try the "find a vet" tab at https://arav.org/. If you notice any sudden changes in your tortoise's behavior, or in its feeding or defecating habits, contact your vet for an appointment. Socialize tortoises early, but at their comfort level. When the tortoise is still a baby, begin socializing it by gently picking it up and holding it in the palm of your hand. Do not tap on its shell or yell at it to come out, as this will frighten and stress the tortoise. Instead, let it take cover inside its shell until it is ready to come out on its own accord. As your tortoise grows older and realizes you are its food and care provider, it may become comfortable enough to eat right out of your hand—and it may even let you pet it sometimes. Some tortoises never become comfortable being held or interacting with people, however. If it hides in its enclosure or withdraws into its shell whenever people are around, simply let it be. They're still fun animals to watch! Don't acquire more tortoises than you can handle. Leopard tortoises aren't territorial, so you can keep a mix of several males and females together if you wish—although you'll end up with baby tortoises that way! However, they're also perfectly content in pairs and usually even when living alone. Because of their size, keeping more than 2 tortoises will require a great deal of space—not to mention all the food and supplies! Soak a baby tortoise in warm water 2 or 3 times a week. Warm up water so that it is between 80 to 90 °F (27 to 32 °C). Soak your tortoise for about for about 15 minutes. Soaking your tortoise helps them rehydrate, because they'll drink the water as they soak. Your tortoise may defecate in the water, and if so, just dump the water in the toilet and refresh it. Don't leave water standing in the enclosure for more than a day, because it can get dirty and make your tortoise sick. As your tortoise grows, you can replace the soaking by offering a pan of clean, shallow water once or twice a week for your tortoise to crawl into in addition to their everyday water supply. Keep a leopard tortoise outside whenever the climate permits it. The leopard tortoise is found natively throughout south and east Africa, in dry or semiarid climates with lots of grass. They thrive in areas with a mix of sun and shade and medium humidity. The daytime temperature should be about 80 to 85 °F (27 to 29 °C), with a basking area available of about 95 °F (35 °C). The nighttime temperature shouldn't fall below 75 °F (24 °C). If you can meet these conditions outdoors, your tortoise will be happiest. Leopard tortoises should never be exposed to temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C), and need ample shade and air movement if the temperature is above 95 °F (35 °C). Because of their large size (and the large enclosures they therefore need) and the warm and sunny climate they require, leopard tortoises aren't ideal pets in every climate. While you can keep them indoors permanently, it will take a significant investment of time and money on your part to house them properly. Set up a large outdoor habitat with a mix of sun and shade. Enclose an area that's at least 10 ft × 10 ft (3.0 m × 3.0 m) with solid (non-transparent) walls that are at least 18 in (46 cm) high. Make sure the pen has a sunny spot with little or no grass on it (for sunbathing), and lots of tall grasses and shrubs (for shade and hiding) elsewhere. There should also be a “hide box”—an enclosed area that the tortoise can retreat to for safety and some “alone time.” A doghouse can serve this purpose. Leopard tortoises aren't much of an escape risk if the walls are 18 in (46 cm) high, but the walls should be solid so they can't see outside the pen—tortoises can be easily frightened by what they see out there! Up to 2 adult tortoises can be kept in a 10 ft × 10 ft (3.0 m × 3.0 m) enclosure, but if they are both male it will have to be larger. To figure out minimum sizing for 2 adults, measure their shell lengths, add them together, and then multiply by 4. Set up a large indoor habitat for times when the climate isn't ideal. While a pair of baby leopard tortoises can be kept in a 2 ft × 2 ft (61 cm × 61 cm) terrarium with smooth, 12 in (30 cm) walls, 1-2 adults need, at bare minimum, a 4 ft × 8 ft (1.2 m × 2.4 m) enclosure with 18 in (46 cm) walls. Some tortoise-keepers resort to using an extra-large soaking tub or a rigid kids' pool to make such an enclosure. The indoor enclosure should also have a “hide box”—a cardboard box can be made to serve this purpose. Add 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of hay to the indoor enclosure and clean daily. Ideally, the indoor enclosure will have grass hay on the bottom, with planted grasses for grazing, and dry areas for basking. You can also use a mix of soil and mulch, shredded paper, or newspaper if hay isn't available. Avoid using wood shavings, because they can harm your tortoise's health. Remove any newspaper or hay soiled by droppings or food daily. Replace all the newspaper or hay (and clean the enclosure) weekly. Set up UVB and heat lamps for indoor enclosures. Healthy tortoises require several hours of daily exposure to UVB light. If your leopard tortoise doesn't live outside, you'll need to buy a UVB lamp that puts out a wavelength between 280-320 nm. Plastic, plexiglas, screens, and glass all filter out UVB, so you should get a lamp even if your enclosure is near a window. The bulbs should be within 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of your leopard tortoise, and turned on for 12 hours daily. Be sure to get a UVB that is appropriate for leopard tortoises, such as Reptisun™, Powersun™, or Mega-ray™ UVB. Use red light heat lamps or other heating elements to keep the enclosure between 75 and 90 °F (24 and 32 °C). Measure your UVB output with a meter like the Solarmeter 6.2 or 6.2R, to determine if your bulbs are outputting the right amount of light. Different UVB lights put out different amounts of UVB and types of beams, so make sure you are getting one that's good for leopard tortoises. Check that your heat lamps are putting out the right temperature with a digital temperature gun. Offer a diet of grasses and straw. Leopard tortoises need a high-fiber, high-calcium, low-protein diet, so grasses and straw are the perfect food for them. Timothy, orchard, brome, oat, and meadow grass are all good choices for indoor enclosures. In the outdoor enclosure, let the tortoise graze on palatable weeds and wild plants such as clover, dandelions, and wild grass. In an outdoor enclosure, you might want to plant some grass or alfalfa for the tortoises to eat. Give the tortoise dark leafy greens and veggies a few times a week. Feed adults 2-3 times weekly and hatchlings daily. While grasses and straw should provide 50%-80% of your tortoise's diet, dark, leafy greens like kale and collards are great supplemental choices. You can also offer veggies such as the following, cut into bite-size pieces: carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and bell peppers. Cut-up fruit can be offered as a very rare treat, but less than once a month—the high water content would cause gastrointestinal issues if your tortoise eats fruit too often. Iceberg lettuce has next to no nutritional value and is not an ideal food source for a tortoise. Provide a constant supply of clean, fresh water. Use a sturdy, low-sided water bowl that the tortoise can easily access for drinking. Whether indoors or outdoors, check regularly to make sure there is fresh water in the dish at all times. Empty and clean the bowl daily as well. Younger tortoises in particular may like to bathe in the water dish as well. This is fine—just make sure to keep the dish filled and clean, with shallow enough water to prevent drowning. Give commercial tortoise feed and/or supplements as recommended. Follow your vet's advice about whether commercial tortoise food pellets are a good choice for your pet. The pellets may provide nutrients that are lacking in your tortoise's regular diet, although most tortoises can thrive on a well-balanced grasses-and-hay diet. If you're diluting the pellets with greens and other food items, the diet may become imbalanced, so it's best to talk to the vet to set up the best diet plan for your individual leopard tortoise. Provide supplements only if (and how) recommended by your vet. Due to their rate of growth, a leopard tortoise's demand for calcium and mineral trace elements is high. A calcium-D3 daily supplement might be recommended for juveniles and, less often, adults. | Acquire a healthy tortoise from a reputable source. Examine the tortoise's features carefully before buying it. Get regular vet checkups, ideally with a reptile specialist. Socialize tortoises early, but at their comfort level. Don't acquire more tortoises than you can handle. Soak a baby tortoise in warm water 2 or 3 times a week. Keep a leopard tortoise outside whenever the climate permits it. Set up a large outdoor habitat with a mix of sun and shade. Set up a large indoor habitat for times when the climate isn't ideal. Add 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of hay to the indoor enclosure and clean daily. Set up UVB and heat lamps for indoor enclosures. Offer a diet of grasses and straw. Give the tortoise dark leafy greens and veggies a few times a week. Provide a constant supply of clean, fresh water. Give commercial tortoise feed and/or supplements as recommended. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Closer-to-Your-Boyfriend | How to Get Closer to Your Boyfriend | Getting closer to your boyfriend is all about getting to know him and spending time with him. Hang out with your boyfriend, doing things he enjoys, like watching sports and movies or listening to his favorite music. Once you've been dating a little while, you should also hang out with his friends and family and get to know them better, since they're probably a big part of his life. Don't forget to compliment him and show him that you care about him. Getting close with anyone takes time, so don't worry if things seem to be moving a little slowly at first. | Understand the things your boyfriend does and why he does them. For example, if your boyfriend is into sports, it's most likely because he plans to be good at the sport, he enjoys watching a game, or sports are just fun for him. If he is more of a science boy, aka an adorable nerd, it's most likely because he is smart, or finds it fun when doing math and science. He may also be interested in getting good grades for his future. Watch a game or talk sports with him. Mostly every guy is a sports fan. They love it when a lady watches a game or talks it for a little bit. It's a turn-on. Become good friends with your boyfriend's friends. Also seek to enjoy the things he does. If your BF enjoys certain things, his friends are most likely to be into the same sort of things. They may all be sports fans or be in a math group, for example. Try putting yourself with him and his friends. If you don't like some or all of his friends, learn to be polite and still hang around them without causing tension. You don't have to be best friends with any of them, just tolerant. Talk to your boyfriend. Tell him about your day, and find out about his. If he had a bad day, find a way to cheer him up. You might give him a big hug and let him know that you care about him. Ask him directly rather than assuming things are maturing in the relationship. If you feel that you two are comfortable with each other, there is nothing wrong with asking him flat out if he wants to take the relationship to the next level. This isn't advisable to do in the very beginning of things, as you may want to be certain that he wants to commit to you in a relationship. Break the touching rule, if you know that he would be okay with it. Flirt with him—do playful pushes or pokes, and see how he reacts. If he flirts back, then great. Don't be too persistent, though, or he will probably get annoyed. Offer desirable advice. For example, if you find your boyfriend is writing a song, but he can't find anything to write about, give him some suggestions! Or, if he's planning to draw a picture or write a poem, give him ideas on what to draw, or a topic for a poem to write. However, avoid advising him where it's clear he's not interested in your opinion or meddling in his family and friend relationships. Show your boyfriend that you appreciate him. If he is on a sports team, go to his games. Cheer for him as loudly as you can, so that he knows you are there for him and him only. Make time for activities you both enjoy. For example, if you don't have much to do, you can offer to throw a ball around or play basketball with him. If he's going kayaking, making miniatures or going to a rock wall climbing class, join in. You might find new activities you love, or at least, some activities to be shared together. Spend more time with your boyfriend. Invite him over to your place, or find a way to spend time with him alone or together with close friends. At the same time, respect his personal space. Don't forget that it's perfectly okay for each of you to have time alone and away from each other. Make him feel good about himself. Buy him a present. Compliment him. Joke with him. As you begin to develop more personal bonds with him, he will feel more comfortable around you. Give him reason to trust you. Have faith in your relationship, and don't cheat on him. Have trust in him and his actions—he will take notice. Remember that trust and communication are the most essential parts to a healthy relationship. A lack of trust will most surely bring a relationship to the gutter. Take note of how he treats you. Does he make attempts to make you feel better if you are having a bad day? Does he make you happy, or make you laugh? Does he respect you? If so, you are well on your way to reaching the next step with your boyfriend. | Understand the things your boyfriend does and why he does them. Watch a game or talk sports with him. Become good friends with your boyfriend's friends. Talk to your boyfriend. Ask him directly rather than assuming things are maturing in the relationship. Break the touching rule, if you know that he would be okay with it. Offer desirable advice. Show your boyfriend that you appreciate him. Make time for activities you both enjoy. Spend more time with your boyfriend. Make him feel good about himself. Give him reason to trust you. Take note of how he treats you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rare-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards | How to Get Rare Pokémon Cards | Getting rare Pokemon cards isn't as hard as you might think, especially if you can afford to buy several packs of cards. Look for booster packs of cards, which will always have at least 1 rare card in them. You can also buy promo tins and booster boxes, which contain more rare cards. If you're looking for a specific rare card, you can try buying it online or at a card shop. Alternatively, if one of your friends has the rare card you're looking for, you can try trading them for it. Be prepared to offer 2 or even 3 of your cards in exchange for their rare card if you really want it! You could also challenge your friends to a game and wager some cards on it. | Buy individual packs. Individual packs of cards have a random assortment of card varieties, and typically include a few rare cards. Every booster pack is guaranteed 1 rare card, but may also include more. This includes particularly rare cards, such as holofoil, and “star” rare. The rares you get from booster packs are completely random. You may have to open many, many booster packs to find the one particular rare you want. Purchase promo tins. Promo tins typically come with a few booster packs, as well as a selection of specific rare cards. This can be a great way of achieving a particular rare (along with a few random ones), assuming it's a rare that you want. New Pokémon tins are regularly released as new sets of cards come out. Older tins are not always kept in stock however, so make sure you take advantage of tin releases. Purchase booster boxes. A booster box contains 36 booster packs, though it does not come with a guaranteed ultra rare, like the tins. Buying a box is the most efficient way of obtaining a large amount of cards, and many retailers will offer a small discount for purchasing a box. Note that you will at least receive 36 rare cards by purchasing a box, and usually more than that. However, like buying individual packs, there is no guarantee of receiving a specific card that you desire. Buy from your local card shop. Independent game and card shops will buy and sell “used” Pokémon cards. This is the perfect way to peruse a library of cards and purchase just the individual cards that you want. Particularly rare cards will be quite expensive due to their high demand. Trade in a few cards that you don't want to offset the high price. Check back every week or so – players will always be trading in cards they no longer need. Buy from online retailers. There are a variety of online shops that will sell individual cards – sometimes even fresh from the pack. If you don't have a local shop and have the means to do so, find a reputable website and try building your collection. Make sure you're purchasing from a respectable company. If you are buying cards from an individual seller, such as through eBay, check their reviews and make sure you are purchasing exactly what you want. Online card shops may charge a premium for certain cards, particularly if they open new packs to acquire them. Think of it as a convenience fee, as not everyone is necessarily willing to sell off cards they don't want. Look for cards at yard sales. Yard sales are a great place to find loads of cards. It's not uncommon for someone to get rid of their entire collection this way, whether it's someone who lost interest in the game, or a parent getting rid of a child's old things. Pawn shops are another great place to find a large number of cards. Some people sell their collection to a pawn shop just to get them out of the way. You can find some hidden gems this way, and usually for cheap! Trade with other players. Not every player will want the same cards for their deck. Try finding someone who has a card you need (and they don't want), and see if you can reach a trade agreement. It doesn't have to be card for card. Sometimes trading a few cards for a single rare card is worth the trade. Game lobbies and shops are great places to meet other players, which can open up your trading opportunities. Check online to see what rare cards are available, or for resources that can help you design a deck. Put some cards on the line. Challenge your friends to a friendly game and wager one another's cards! This adds an element of competition to card trading, and can be a good way of amassing additional cards that you can use for further trading. Make sure you don't mind parting with the cards you put on the line. You don't want to wager cards that are important to any of your decks. Keep things friendly! Such bets can get heated, even among friends, so make sure you are on good terms and agreeable with the person you are challenging. Play in local tournaments. The prizes for winning local tournaments includes a large number of cards. This can range from the latest tin, to a box or two of the latest card set. If you're a particularly good player, this can be a great way of getting the game to “pay for itself.” National tournaments tend to award actual money, rather than cards. Take care when entering tournaments. The price of a winning deck can be quite steep, and the skill and dedication required are immense! | Buy individual packs. Purchase promo tins. Purchase booster boxes. Buy from your local card shop. Buy from online retailers. Look for cards at yard sales. Trade with other players. Put some cards on the line. Play in local tournaments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Stress-Ball | How to Make a Stress Ball | To make a stress ball, slip a funnel into the neck of a sturdy balloon. If you want to make a firm stress ball, pour flour, baking soda, or cornstarch into the balloon. If you want your stress ball to be softer, use lentils, split peas, or fine play sand. You can also mix a little rice into your filling if you like. Slowly pour your filling into the funnel, and use a pencil to clear the funnel if it gets clogged. Pinch out any excess air and tie the balloon closed, then snip off any excess rubber from the end of the balloon. | Gather an uninflated balloon. Don't use water balloons, which are too thin and weak for this purpose, and will easily burst. Choose a filling. For a typical palm-sized stress ball, you'll need approximately 160 to 240 grams (5.6 to 8.5 oz) of filling. Any of these will do: For a firm stress ball, use flour, baking soda, or cornstarch (a white powder called cornflour in the Commonwealth). For a looser stress ball, use dry rice lentils, small beans, or split peas, or fine play sand from a hardware store. Mix a small amount of dried rice into flour for something in between. This is also more durable than flour alone. Blow up the balloon slightly (optional). This isn't always necessary but can be useful if the balloon isn't elastic enough to fit the filling. Blow it up to about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) across, then pinch the neck shut without tying it. This is easiest to do with a clip or assistant to hold it closed. This can make the filling process messier if the air escapes while you're filling it. Stick a funnel into the neck. If you do not have a funnel, spoon the filling into a plastic bottle instead, and fit the balloon over the neck. A plastic cup pinched to form a spout will work too, but tends to make a mess. Fill the balloon slowly. For a typical palm-sized ball, you'll want to fill the balloon approximately 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) deep. Pour slowly to avoid clogging the neck of the balloon. If it clogs, use a pencil or spoon handle to clear the opening. Pinch out excess air and tie closed. Remove the balloon from the funnel and let out as much air as you can. Tie the neck of the balloon closed tightly. To release the air, pinch near the neck and separate your finger and thumb slightly. Too wide an opening can blow flour everywhere. Snip off the excess rubber. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut off the dangling end of the balloon. Don't try to cut too close to the knot, or it could come undone. Wrap a small rubber ball in memory foam. You can find the rubber ball from children's toy stores, and memory foam at some fabric stores or specialized online stores. You'll want a piece of memory foam roughly 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 12.5 cm) in size, and anywhere from 1 to 3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) thick. A thicker piece of memory foam will make a softer, more squeezable stress ball. Sew the foam around the rubber ball. Wrap the foam around the rubber ball and sew the memory foam together with needle and thread to enclose the ball completely. Snip off excess memory foam if necessary to make a rough spherical shape. Finish by sewing a sock or piece of thick fabric around the memory foam. An old sock will provide a durable outer covering, but you can use a thick piece of fabric instead. Snip the sock or fabric to make it a tight sphere around the memory foam. Your squeeze ball is now complete. | Gather an uninflated balloon. Choose a filling. Blow up the balloon slightly (optional). Stick a funnel into the neck. Fill the balloon slowly. Pinch out excess air and tie closed. Snip off the excess rubber. Wrap a small rubber ball in memory foam. Sew the foam around the rubber ball. Finish by sewing a sock or piece of thick fabric around the memory foam. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Minecraft-Characters | How to Draw Minecraft Characters | To draw a front-facing Minecraft character, start by drawing a square for the head, and perpendicular lines running downwards for the body. Next, add 2 legs, making one shorter than the other so it looks like they're folded. Then, add a roof to the head and four skewed squares for the break-up of the hands. After that, join the skewed squares with lines to make volumetric hands. Finish by adding details to the character, and coloring in the picture. | Make a small square at the centre of the page for the head. Extend a couple of perpendicular lines from either side of the above made square for the body of the figure. Join a pair of perpendicular legs to the above- one shorter than the other for a folded leg. Add a roof to the box and four skewed squares for the break-up of the hands . Join lines to the above made to make volumetric hands. Detail the Minecraft character. Color the Minecraft character. Create a cube on top centre of the paper for the head-block . Extend a block at the bottom of the above cube for the body of the Minecraft character. Make a couple of blocks perpendicular on either side of the above shape for the arms. Make a couple of blocks at the bottom of the body for the legs in walking motion. Add appropriate details to the figure. Add further details. Color the Minecraft character. | Make a small square at the centre of the page for the head. Extend a couple of perpendicular lines from either side of the above made square for the body of the figure. Add a roof to the box and four skewed squares for the break-up of the hands . Join lines to the above made to make volumetric hands. Detail the Minecraft character. Color the Minecraft character. Create a cube on top centre of the paper for the head-block . Extend a block at the bottom of the above cube for the body of the Minecraft character. Make a couple of blocks perpendicular on either side of the above shape for the arms. Make a couple of blocks at the bottom of the body for the legs in walking motion. Add appropriate details to the figure. Add further details. Color the Minecraft character. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Coin-Ring | How to Make a Coin Ring | To make a coin ring with a mandrel, start by finding a pre-1965 quarter or half-dollar, since your ring will turn out better if you use a big coin with a lot of silver in it. Then, drill a hole through the center of the coin with a 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch drill bit. Next, heat the coin with a blow torch so it's softer and easier to work with before sliding it onto the mandrel. After that, hammer it as you turn the mandrel, flattening the coin on all sides. Finally, remove it from the mandrel, reheat it, and hammer your ring into the desired shape. | Select the coin you want to use for your ring. Coins that are made from silver or gold are best, as coins made from nickel and copper will leave stains on your finger. When you are first starting out with making coin rings, you should practice with smaller coins, such as nickels, dimes, or pennies. This is just to get the hang of the process. Quarters are a highly recommended coin because of their larger size. Look for quarters made prior to 1965, because until that point, quarters were made with 90% silver. Half-dollar coins are also a good option, again because of their size. It is still best to look for half-dollar coins made prior to 1965 due to their high silver makeup. Half-dollars are especially recommended for people with large ring sizes. Gather the materials that you need in your workspace. Be sure to complete the project in a garage or workshop space that you can easily accommodate all of the tools necessary. A silver coin A hammer A vise (This is a tool that can be bolted down to a table or work surface. It has a clamp with a rod that can be turned to open and close the grip onto something, like the coins, in this case. It also has an anvil on the side opposite the tightening rod.) A ring-sizing mandrel (This is a rod that is wider at one end and tapers down to a smaller point. It is used to size rings.) A drill and drill bit (recommended size: 1/8” or 3/16”) A handheld rotary tool (A rotary tool is a small, handheld device with a small rod that sticks out of the tip. Different parts can be added to the tip based on what you want to do, like file something down, polish it, et cetera.) A carbide cutting bit (This is a particular type of bit used for cutting through metal and can be attached to the rotary tool.) Calipers (Similar to a ruler, this is a measuring stick that has moveable arms. The arms are used to measure something, so you expand or narrow them to whatever the object is.) Sandpaper (recommended grit: 200-600) Felt polishing tip and polishing compound Set the coin in the vise. Stand it up on an edge so that you can tap the edges with the hammer. You can secure the coin in the grip of the vise to reduce the risk of hammering a finger or thumb in the upcoming steps. However, you will have to stop very frequently to turn the coin in the vise so that you tap all around it evenly. You can also grip the coin between your index finger and thumb to keep it in a standing position and prevent it from moving. This can be unsafe, as you run the risk of hammering a finger, so take care. Have an adult do this for you, if you are a youth. Tap lightly on the edge of the coin with the hammer. Lightly tapping is an absolutely essential component of this step. Tapping too hard on the edges causes the coin to become warped, and it is extremely hard to repair that mistake. Rotate the coin as you tap, so that you tap all the way around the coin. Try to avoid tapping the same spot on the coin repeatedly, so as to avoid making one edge of the ring too flat. Rotate the coin slightly with every tap. You can gently turn it toward you or away from you as you go. After about 10 minutes of tapping, you should observe that the reeded edge (i.e. the lined edge) has started to flatten. Eventually, those reedings should disappear altogether. Continue tapping lightly with the hammer until the edges are completely flattened and widened. This could take up to two hours, so prepare yourself for this time-consuming process. Eventually, the text on the edge of the coin should start to wrap around what will soon become the inside of the ring. The coin should continue to shrink in diameter while the band of the ring continues to flatten and widen from the tapping. Half-dollar coins take even more time to tap, as they are larger than a quarter, so keep this in mind when you choose your coin. Check for warping as you tap. Despite tapping lightly, it is possible that the coin could start to warp a bit. Be sure to check for warping periodically so that you can correct it early. Lay the coin down flat on the vise. Bend down to the coin's level and check for space between the coin and the surface. You can correct very minor warping with sanding later, or you can try corrective tapping to amend the warp if it is a bit bigger. Determine the necessary ring size. Use your calipers to measure the inside diameter of the coin, but before you go too far with tapping down the edges, be sure you know what ring size you want the coin to become. 14.1 mm = size 3 14.5 mm = size 3 ½ 14.9 mm = size 4 15.3 mm = size 4 ½ 15.7 mm = size 5 16.1 mm = size 5 ½ 16.5 mm = size 6 16.9 mm = size 6 ½ 17.3 mm = size 7 17.7 mm = size 7 ½ 18.1 mm = size 8 18.5 mm = size 8 ½ Decide if you want the band to have a half round. This refers to the outer edges of the band curving down slightly. Stand the coin on the flat surface of the vise again and lean it at about a 75-degree angle. Lightly tap the edges as you did before, except this time, tap them down toward the center of the ring. Remember to rotate as you tap to avoid tapping the same spot consecutively. Flip the coin to its other side and repeat. Check that the curvature is uniform by holding the holding the coin upright and rotating it in your fingers, focusing on the curvature all the way around. Smooth the edges of the coin on sandpaper. Before moving any further in the development, it is important to stop and smooth the outer edges of the coin from any waviness or warping. Use a 200-220 grit sandpaper, and lay it on a flat surface. Then, lay the coin flat on one side on the sandpaper, and gently move it in a circular motion to soften the edges. Avoid taking too much off the edges because you will start to lose some of the text and other features of the coin. Then, flip the coin to its other side and repeat. Put the coin inside the vise grip with a towel or rag around it. The towel protects the edges of the ring from the vise. The coin should be flat, as if it is laid on its side, not standing up. Take care to grip the vise tight enough to hold the coin in place but not so tight as to cause warping. Drill a hole into the center of the coin. Be sure to push all the way through the ring, taking care not to push so hard that the coin slips out of the vise. Use a drill bit size that is compatible with your carbide cutting bit. The suggested sizes are listed in Step 2. Cut out the middle of the coin with a rotary tool and carbide cutting bit. Run the rotary tool at a high speed so that it cuts out the middle smoothly and cleanly. Be very careful with this step and pay much attention while you are doing it. If the cutting bit slips out, it could damage the inside of the ring in the process, causing you to lose some of the coin face and text that make it so unique. Slow the cutting and periodically check the ring size on the mandrel. As you get close to the edges of the ring, slow the rotary tool a bit. Rotate the ring inside the vise to ensure an even circular diameter inside the ring. Occasionally take out the ring and check its size on the ring-sizing mandrel. If you do not have a mandrel, then try it on your own finger. Sand the edge at the half round with sandpaper. By now, there is likely a sharp edge at the transition where the half round starts, so take time to sand it down. Slip the ring over the tip of your index finger and begin sanding the transition at the half round. Start out with 200-220 grit sandpaper and work your way up to about 600 grit sandpaper. The more sanding you do now, with finer grit sandpaper, the less polishing that needs to be done on the band of the ring. Do not sand inside the ring, as you will lose the details of the coin face and text. Stand the ring upright in the vise and secure the grip. This frees up an edge of the ring for polishing without having to hold it. Rub polishing compound on the ring with a paper towel. This prepares you to polish it with the polishing tip. Polish the ring with the felt polishing tip on the rotary tool. Hold the rotary tool so that the sides of the felt polishing tip rub against the ring. Rotate the ring occasionally so that you polish all the way around it. You will have to continue to apply polishing compound as you reach new sections of the ring. Polish until you remove all of the sanding lines and the ring is extremely shiny. Put the ring back in the vise so that it is flat, as it was in Step 11. Now you can polish the inside of the ring. Apply polishing compound inside the ring, and then polish it with the rotary tool and felt polishing tip. Remember to put the grip tight enough to hold the ring but not so tight as to warp it. Polish your ring every couple of months to touch it up. DIY rings are a bit more susceptible to scratches, so taking the time to polish it every couple of months will keep it in good shape. Choose the coin that you want to use for the ring. Small coins, such as pennies and dimes, are not recommended. To get the hang of making a coin ring, it is recommended to practice with smaller coins, such as nickels, dimes, or pennies. Quarters and half-dollar coins are the most recommended coins due to their size. Be sure to find a coin that is made with 90% silver. Usually, these coins were made prior to 1965. Collect the tools that you need to complete the project. Be sure to work in a space where you can use tools, such as a drill, as they can be loud and messy. A silver coin A hammer A ring-sizing mandrel (This is a rod that is wider at one end and tapers down to a smaller point. It is used to size rings.) A drill and drill bit Calipers (Similar to a ruler, this is a measuring stick that has moveable arms. The arms are used to measure something, so you expand or narrow them to whatever the object is.) A blow torch (A blow torch is a canister with a long, thin nozzle coming out of the top of it. When it is turned on, a bright blue, very hot flame comes out of the nozzle.) A couple of scrap pieces of wood Metal tongs Protective gloves and goggles Center the coin on a piece of scrap wood. If you have a standing drill press, you can center the coin below the drill bit. Then, put a second piece of scrap wood carefully on top of the ring. Secure it down with vise grips. Do not move the drill bit from its centered position above the coin. Drill your hole through the scrap wood and the coin. Push the drill all the way down through the secured top board and through the coin. Then, lift the drill bit back out. Recommended drill bit sizes are 1/8” and 3/16”. Verify that your hole is centered in the coin by using calipers. Calipers measure a distance or width, so hold them up to the ring and measure the sides around the hole. It is challenging to recover a coin ring if the hole is off-center. If this is the case, you may need to start over with a new coin. Hold the coin in a pair of metal tongs and heat it with a blow torch. The purpose of this is to make the coin easier to mold and work with. When you are done heating it, the coin may have blackened. It will likely now look like a black washer. Do not touch the coin with your bare hands until it cools. Wear your protective gloves and goggles while you use the blow torch. Slide the coin onto the mandrel. You will use the mandrel to hammer the sides of the coin down, so it will only slide so far onto the mandrel for now. Set the tip of the mandrel on a piece of scrap wood to hold it in place. This reduces the risk of the mandrel moving around or jumping while you hit it. Hammer down the sides of the coin around the mandrel. Turn the mandrel periodically so that you hit all sides of the coin, flattening it against the mandrel. The ring will be slightly warped from this, as the mandrel grows in size from one end to the other. Therefore, one side of the ring will be wider than the other. This will be fixed. This will be tedious and time-consuming. Take care while you hit the coin not to damage or scratch it. Slip the ring off of the mandrel and set it on a piece of scrap wood. Make sure that the smaller side of the ring is down on the wood and the wider side it up. This will make it easier for you to shape that edge down to a normal ring shape. Apply heat periodically and hammer the wide edge down until you achieve the shape you want. The band will thicken as you hammer the wide edge down so that it is flat and the same size as the other side of the ring. This process will push the metal down, which will slightly alter the ring size. Wear the protective gloves and goggles as you heat the ring again. Polish the ring once it has reached the shape and size you desire. You can polish the ring with a soft cloth, or you can use a polishing compound and felt finishing tip on a rotary tool. If you use a rotary tool, secure the ring standing up in a vise. Apply the polishing compound to the available side of the ring and polish. Rotate the ring occasionally so that you polish all the way around it. You will have to continue to apply polishing compound as you reach new sections of the ring. | Select the coin you want to use for your ring. Gather the materials that you need in your workspace. Set the coin in the vise. Tap lightly on the edge of the coin with the hammer. Rotate the coin as you tap, so that you tap all the way around the coin. Continue tapping lightly with the hammer until the edges are completely flattened and widened. Check for warping as you tap. Determine the necessary ring size. Decide if you want the band to have a half round. Smooth the edges of the coin on sandpaper. Put the coin inside the vise grip with a towel or rag around it. Drill a hole into the center of the coin. Cut out the middle of the coin with a rotary tool and carbide cutting bit. Slow the cutting and periodically check the ring size on the mandrel. Sand the edge at the half round with sandpaper. Stand the ring upright in the vise and secure the grip. Polish the ring with the felt polishing tip on the rotary tool. Put the ring back in the vise so that it is flat, as it was in Step 11. Polish your ring every couple of months to touch it up. Choose the coin that you want to use for the ring. Collect the tools that you need to complete the project. Center the coin on a piece of scrap wood. Drill your hole through the scrap wood and the coin. Verify that your hole is centered in the coin by using calipers. Hold the coin in a pair of metal tongs and heat it with a blow torch. Slide the coin onto the mandrel. Hammer down the sides of the coin around the mandrel. Slip the ring off of the mandrel and set it on a piece of scrap wood. Apply heat periodically and hammer the wide edge down until you achieve the shape you want. Polish the ring once it has reached the shape and size you desire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Bohemian-Style | How to Dress Bohemian Style | No matter what your gender is, you can rock a bohemian wardrobe by wearing free and flowy fabrics that have lots of bold colors and patterns. When you're choosing colors and patterns, embrace fun and bright colors, such as vivid red, vibrant orange, or turquoise. Look for fun retro print patterns, tribal designs, and crazy color schemes such as tie-dye and paisley patterns. For flowy fabrics, think breezy and natural to create the bohemian silhouette. For example, go with soft, flowing tops or loose-fitting tunics or jackets. If you can run through a field of flowers comfortably, then it's probably a great bohemian piece. A few examples of bohemian clothing items include slouchy sweaters and cardigans, loose floral dresses, and flared jeans. | Embrace bold colors. The bohemian style is all about having fun with your clothing. If you want to dress as a bohemian, you need to stay away from dull, all neutral outfits. Instead, start wearing pieces in vivid red, vibrant orange, and eye-catching turquoise. If it's fun and bright, it's bohemian. Hunt for pieces with fun patterns. To embrace the bohemian style, remember that patterns are your best friend. Look for retro prints, tribal designs, and whimsical patterns. If you find pieces with fun patterns in crazy colors, even better! Paisley, tie dye, and Suzani patterns are all must-haves for the bohemian wardrobe. Get floral. Any piece of clothing or accessory with flowers on it is perfect to achieve a bohemian look. Embrace florals and don't be afraid to over-do it. If someone calls you a “flower child,” you're doing it right. Bold, colorful, show-stopping flowers are a staple in a bohemian wardrobe. Wear loose-fitting pieces. Think breezy and natural. The bohemian style is all about relaxation, so avoid your skintight shirts or body-hugging dresses. For women, look for billowing dresses and soft, flowing tops. If you can run through a field of flowers comfortably, it's probably a great bohemian piece. For men, look for tunics, loose-fitting jackets and cardigans, and slouchy sweaters. If you do find a piece of clothing that feels bohemian but is a bit fitted, pair it with more gentle, loose-fitting clothing. Buy things oversized. When in doubt, go a size up. When it comes to the bohemian style, there is no such thing as too big, too long, or too billowy. To someone less fashion-forward than yourself, they may think your look is a bit “bag lady” or "hobo," but that's what you're going for. Big, loose, draped, styles are key. Layer, then layer some more. Try a flowy dress over flared jeans, a tunic over pants and boots, or loose cardigan sweaters over anything. Don't be afraid to mix bold colors and patterns, because this style is all about fun and vibrancy. Mix different textures to create interesting outfits, and don't be afraid to put unexpected pieces together. Wear chunky jewelry. Big bracelets, long necklaces, and oversized rings are perfect. Just like your clothing, don't hesitate to layer multiple pieces of jewelry in all sorts of colors and styles. Combine multiple bangles on your wrist in different colors and materials. Layer a few different necklaces. Pop on a large stone ring. Don't worry, cheap, costume jewelry is totally fine. Imagine you're a child playing dress-up. Don't be afraid to do it wrong– just have fun! Throw on a scarf. Like with the rest of your wardrobe, look for scarves in fun prints and bright colors. You can throw them around your neck like you traditionally would, or you can mix it up. Tie it around your head for a more interesting look. Cinch it around your waist to complement a flowing dress. Put it wherever you want! Scarves are a perfect addition to the relaxed bohemian style. Add unique footwear. Strappy sandals, like gladiator sandals, are a must-have in a female bohemian wardrobe. Strappy sandals look great on men too, and Birkenstocks are another comfortable option. If it's too chilly to wear sandals, look for other unique options. Women can wear colorful boots, beaded flats, or anything else that is fun and playful. Men can wear anything from boots to suede lace-up shoes to moccasins. Look for footwear that is interesting yet comfortable, because that's what this style is all about. Look for inspired headwear. For women, a floppy hat is a chic accessory to complete a bohemian outfit. Look for fun, relaxed sun hats to pop on to finish the outfit or simply to cover up a bad hair day. Flower crowns are also very bohemian and very trendy right now. Add one to your look for a creative, feminine touch. For men, anything casual and fun can have a place in a bohemian wardrobe. A great addition to a bohemian closet is a pork pie hat– they can complete any outfit. Let your hair flow. Just like bohemian clothing, bohemian hair is tousled, playful, and flowing. For women, think beachy waves, braids, and loose curls. For men, think slightly tidied bedhead. When it comes to bohemian hairstyles, avoid anything that looks too "perfect" or styled. Embrace the bohemian lifestyle and keep your mind, and your hair, relaxed. | Embrace bold colors. Hunt for pieces with fun patterns. Get floral. Wear loose-fitting pieces. Buy things oversized. Layer, then layer some more. Wear chunky jewelry. Throw on a scarf. Add unique footwear. Look for inspired headwear. Let your hair flow. |
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